February 21, 2014

L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S EF E B R UA RY 2 1 -2 7, 2 0 1 4

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 8

Harbor Inn Fire Likely Caused by Soldering

Work, Authorities Say EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Aging elementary, middle and high school campuses in Dana Point and San Clemente, like Palisades Elementary School, are among several Capistrano Unifi ed School District sites that require moderate to extensive facilities upgrades. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE

Offi cials Act Out Disaster for Camp Pendleton Exercise

DP LIVING/PAGE 13

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

INSIDE: 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Event Guide

SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION Photo by Denielle Conley/DolphinSafari.com

Prioritizing Needs, Finding Fixes

South Orange County schools are dealing with major facility needs

What’s Up With...D A N A P O I N T ’ S T O P 5 H O T T E S T T O P I C S

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON DP

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times February 21-27, 2014 Page 3

DPDana Point

THE LATEST: Although Poche Beach received its first Orange County Health Care Agency water warning of the year last week, members of the San Clemente’s Coastal Advisory Commission believe the city has turned a corner in the fight to keep the waters off the beach clean.

Commissioner Bill Hart said the “light was at the end of the tunnel,” since the city identified sea gulls that frequent the area as the largest source of pollution.

Poche Beach is located on county property within the city limits of Dana Point, but because urban runoff from San Clemente has been a cause of issues in the past, the city has taken a lead role in cleanup efforts.

WHAT’S NEXT: Future courses of action could include sending treated water from the nearby Prima Deshecha watershed into a sewer discharge, rather than allow-ing runoff to collect in a beachside pond, a frequent hang out for birds.

San Clemente will look at its sewer master plan later this year, which could include such a tie-in.

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.danapointtimes.com to read about Poche woes. —Jim Shilander

…Poche Beach Pollution?5

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Bulky Item Cleanup 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Skip a trip to the landfill and drop your bulky items off for free at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern; or Palisades Elementary School, 26462 Via Sacramento in Capistrano Beach. Docu-ment shredding services will be available.

Community Recycling Event 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the Dana Hills High School parking lot, 33333 Golden Lantern. Event will be held rain or shine. Funds collected are distributed to student programs.

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Seasonal produce is on the ticket at this weekly outdoor market at La Plaza Park, located at 34111 La Plaza Street. Call 949.573.5033 to find out about renting a booth.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The five-member body meets at City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. Stay with www.danapointtimes.com for a look at the night’s happenings and upcom-ing discussions.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Preschool and Toddler Story Times10:15 a.m., 11 a.m. Dana Point chil-dren’s librarian Ericka Reeb hosts two story times each Tuesday for preschoolers and toddlers. Call 949.496.5517 for more info.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26

Quarterly Siren Testing Each of the city’s emergency sirens will be acti-vated during this quarterly, two-day system test. Call 949.248.3579 or visit www.danapoint.org/siren for more information.

THE LATEST: Along with funding for the city’s second phase of Town Center Lantern District constriction on Del Prado Avenue, changes to the city’s parking re-quirements have been pegged as a missing piece to the projects’ puzzle.

Tuesday night, the Dana Point City Council directed staff move forward with providing downtown-commercial develop-ers an out, if parking customers on site doesn’t pan out.

Through a series of public meetings and a joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting last month, Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates, the city’s consultant, has presented options for the city’s parking structure that mimics a suburban area rather than a pedestrian-focused downtown corridor.

Consultants reported the city as having a parking surplus, with nearly 55 percent of street spaces being unused during peak hours.

WHAT’S NEXT: Rather than building park-ing structures, the consultants recom-mended the city adopt a management strategy with timed limits, city leases on private lots and an in-lieu fee option for developers.

Council members gave staff the OK to move forward with plans for a $15,000 per space fee, which developers could utilize to meet their parking requirements. All residential parking would still be required on site, but commercial developers could utilize the fee.

This is not a permanent solution to the city’s downtown parking. An overall plan is still in the works and will require California Coastal Commission approval.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay with the Dana Point Times for updates.—AP

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District is asking for the community’s input in their search for the next superintendent.

Parents, students, community members and CUSD employees are invited to par-ticipate in an online survey and two public forums to provide their input on desirable attributes of the next superintendent.

Superintendent Joseph Farley has an-nounced that he will retire on June 30, after four years at the head of the district and a 40-plus-year career as an educator.

WHAT’S NEXT: Community forums are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24 and Tues-day, Feb. 25, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Education Center, 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano.

The online survey can be accessed at http://goo.gl/Q0DQvp.

The search firm will take the public’s input and present that information during the board’s March 12 meeting. The district ex-pects to name a new superintendent in May.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit the district’s web-site at www.capousd.org.—Brian Park

THE LATEST: In addition to widening Interstate 5 between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano to add a high-occupancy vehicle lane, the Orange County Trans-portation Agency is embarking on other projects to reduce congestion, ease traffic flow and improve local roadway safety.

OCTA will sync traffic signals along Antonio and Crown Valley parkways. The project garnered approval from the OC Board of Supervisors, which includes part-

…the Lantern District? …CUSD’s Superintendent Search?

…Traffic Signal Synchronization?

2 3

4

THE LATEST: Investigators are calling the Dana Point Harbor Inn blaze last week “accidental” and likely caused by ongoing construction work, according to an Orange County Fire Authority official.

A vacant building of the two-story motel on Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive caught fire at about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, causing $550,000 in damages. About 85 firefighters responded to the call. The hotel was red-tagged by the city in November after rotted sewage lines were discovered leaking waste water into the ground.

Of the motel’s two buildings, one had been reopened to guests. The sewage problems in the northern building were re-solved and about 30 guests were displaced by the fire, as the city shutoff all utilities. The vacant southern building, where the fire occurred, was still weeks or months away from completion, said city building official Mark Sutton.

That day, plumbers were onsite solder-ing water pipes, said Capt. Steve Concialdi, spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority. Their work is believed to be the fire’s source, Concialdi confirmed.

No injuries were reported, and OCFA crews had the fire contained by 9:07 p.m.

WHAT’S NEXT: Beverly Hills Hospitality Group, developer of the proposed Doheny Hotel, owns the property. If plans for the more than 250-room, five-story hotel gain Planning Commission and City Council approval, the inn, Jack and the Box and vacant storefront on three adjoining lots could be demolished.

FIND OUT MORE: Track breaking news on Twitter @DanaPointTimes.—Andrea Papagianis

…the Dana Point Harbor Inn Fire?

1 nerships with local cities.

WHAT’S NEXT: Work on Crown Valley Parkway will impact 30 traffic signals along 9 miles, from Pacific Coast High-way in Dana Point to Antonio Parkway in Ladera Ranch. New equipment will be installed in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel. That project is underway and is expected to cost $459,000.

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

EYE ON DP


ith Gov. Jerry Brown’s new Local Control Fund-ing Program giving school districts statewide greater authority over funding and budgeting,

districts are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And for the first time in years, the Capistrano Uni-fied School District is discussing what can be done versus what couldn’t or had to be cut.

While returning to a full school calendar and reducing class sizes to previous levels remains at the forefront of discussion, the district is starting to address long-overdue maintenance needs in aging schools in south Orange County, from San Clemente to Aliso Viejo.

One year ago, outgoing Superintendent Joseph Farley said the district’s facilities needs were pushing toward $1 billion, highlighting a multi-year goal to complete upgrades and modernization efforts at several campuses. Needs were more narrowly defined in December as CUSD’s Board of Trustees readdressed a 2009 study by consultant WLC Architects where needed maintenance estimations topped out at more than $822 million across the district.

“The district has acknowledged many of our sites have needs,” district spokesman Marcus Walton said in an email. “Staff is addressing those needs as resources allow.”

While the district has needs everywhere, San Clemente and Dana Point are home to some of the oldest schools in the district, many of which pre-date the district’s forma-tion in 1965. The increasing maintenance costs inherent in older buildings meant the economic downturn affected those buildings more, said Board of Trustees President John Alpay, who represents San Clemente.

“With many of CUSD’s oldest campuses located in the southern portion of the school district, San Clemente and Dana Point based facilities took a disproportionate hit,” Alpay said.

Prioritizing Needs, Finding Fixes

By Andrea Papagianis and Jim ShilanderDana Point Times

South Orange County schools dealing with major facilities needsEight aging schools from San Clemente to Aliso Viejo

were identified by staff as having immediate essentials in need of repair, with costs totaling $13 million.

At San Clemente High School, those needs are estimat-ed at $6.145 million for new roofing, fire alarm upgrades, artificial turf, flooring, painting and other general mainte-nance. For Dana Hills High School the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system needs replacing. Estimates place the project costs at $2.5 million.

Shorecliffs Middle School along with, Las Palmas, Palisades and R.H. Dana elementary schools also made the list, with combined repairs and general updates sitting near the $4 million mark. Those south county schools were all built prior to 1977, with Shorecliffs being the most recent addition.

But with an estimated $44.8 million in available facilities funding, the district has just 5 percent of monies required to cover all its needs. Projects at Dana Hills and San Clemente high schools could soon go out to bid, but until numbers come back, district efforts to identify funding sources are a bit premature.

GAINING MORE CONTROLBrown’s reemphasis on local control during his State

of the State speech in January made his position clear: Educational action should remain at the local level.

“With six million students, there is no way the state can micromanage teaching and learning in all the schools from El Centro to Eureka,” Brown said. “And we should not even try.”

In July, Brown signed sweeping legislation to overhaul the ways California’s public education system is funded, providing one of the biggest changes to K-12 funding in decades.

At the crux of Assembly Bill 97 was the Local Control Funding Program, aimed at providing districts serving higher-needs students—such as lower-income students

(Cont. on page 6)

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Overall District Need: Estimated $822 million

Available Funding: $44.8 million

Hypothetical: If available funds were spread out evenly between all Capistrano Unified School District schools, each school site would have $801,000 available. But the heating and cooling system repair needs at Dana Hills High School are priced at about $2.3 million. Additional-ly, at San Clemente High School, costs for roofing and fire alarm upgrades are estimated at more than $3 million.

Proposed Projects: CUSD has identified eight schools as having priority needs, including elementary, middle and high schools in Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, La-guna Niguel and San Clemente. Many of the south Orange County schools have aging facilities with high-dollar needs.

Dana Hills High School was built in 1973. The school’s heating, cooling and air conditioning system is in need of repair or replacement. Costs to replace the school’s HVAC air handlers, which circulate air throughout

the school’s buildings, are estimated at $2.5 million.

Las Palmas Elementary School is one of the district’s oldest. Originally built in the late 1920s, Las Palmas was demolished and rebuilt in the ’70s. An estimated $400,000 in general upgrades is needed.

Palisades Elementary School wears visible signs of its 50 years with dated buildings and worn roofing. The Capistrano Beach school has $463,000 in immediate needs for general maintenance and painting.

R.H. Dana Elementary School was built in 1969. General facilities upgrades and window replacements have been pegged as needed, bearing a $547,000 price tag.

San Clemente High School has some of the district’s highest dol-lar needs. More than $6.145 mil-lion in upgrades and repairs were identified for this school built in 1965, including roofing, artificial turf, fire alarm upgrades, painting,

flooring, lockers and performing arts center repairs.

Shorecliffs Middle School sits near the Dana Point-San Clemente border needing an es-timated $2.545 million in general upgrades, roofing, flooring and painting. Some of the school’s portable classrooms also need reconstruction and/or repairs. Shorecliffs was built in 1977.

At the beginning of the fiscal year, the district had about $57 million in facilities funds with limited uses. Leaving out spoken-for funds, the district has about $44.9 million available, but Community Facilities District funds can only be used for new facilities at certain schools and other funds have limits on their uses, making the financing of projects difficult. Figures courtesy of the Capistrano Unified School District

South County’s Facilities Needs

Schools across south Orange County are in need of major maintenance and upgrades. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

EYE ON DP(Cont. from page 4)

and non-native English speakers—with increased funding. The law also gives local districts more control on how state funding is spent.

“Instead of prescriptive commands issued from head-quarters here in Sacramento, more general goals have been established for each local school to attain, each in its own way,” Brown said in his speech. “This puts the responsibility where it has to be: in the classroom and at the local district.”

The increased flexibility comes with some stability in funds. In 2012, California voters approved Proposition 30, which allowed increases to both the state sales tax and on incomes greater than $250,000, which were earmarked for education funding. The proposition didn’t increase fund-ing, but rather maintains funds by preventing further cuts to education.

The district is now considering its facility funding op-tions. In a December 11 board presentation, staff suggest-ed trustees consider issuing Certificates of Participation for upfront funding from Talega’s Community Facilities District.

But those funds are limited to new construction at school’s serving the community’s students. The district originally considered Talega’s Mello-Roos funding as a source to mitigate San Clemente’s needs, but a recent refi-nancing of the fund will return an estimated $17 million to taxpayers in the area.

District staff also recommended looking at School Facility Improvement Districts for areas without CFDs. The funding comes from region-specific general obliga-tion bonds that would pay off CFDs, providing funds for higher-needs schools. This option requires an additional viability analysis.

Additionally, district staff indicated that school facility bonds could make it to the 2014 ballot, giving voters the

say into funding facility needs across the state. But with specific-use limitations on various funds, the

district has yet to earmark funds for projects and has not set construction timelines for when work could occur.

GETTING BACK TO BASICSFor CUSD, like many of its educational-counterpart

agencies, 2008’s economic downturn meant severe budget cuts at the district level and steep downfalls in state and federal funding.

“Given the magnitude of these cuts, we witnessed a reduction in the school year, increase in class sizes, steep cuts in teacher and staff compensation and the eviscera-tion of deferred maintenance,” Alpay said.

In 2009, class sizes were up to 31 students in elemen-tary schools. The school year was reduced to 175 days during the 2011-2012 school year, but the district restored two additional days in 2013. Trustees expect to restore a full 180-day school year for 2014-2015. An agreement with the Capistrano Unified Education Association, signed in August, begins to bring down class sizes.

“Next year we will witness an increase in funding, and the trustees have made clear the first priorities will be on reducing class size and restoring the school calendar,” Alpay said. “The level of funding is simply not there to add facilities improvement to the list of immediate priorities; at least not yet.”

“Once funding is available, schools in dire need of facilities upgrades, San Clemente High School being a prominent example, will receive the extra attention they need and deserve,” Alpay said.

At a meeting last year, Alpay discussed the possibility of constructing a new pool at the high school. Alpay sug-gested upgraded facilities could serve as a selling point for parents, who could soon decide between sending their children to San Clemente or San Juan Hills high schools,

once the La Pata gap between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano is connected.

Since Talega residents helped pay for construction at San Juan Hills through a CFD, those students are given attendance priority but currently attend SCHS.

Members of the SCHS arts community have asked the district for a performing arts facility to replace the downtrodden Triton Center. The center is old and is badly in need of repairs. Mainly the ceiling needs fixing to cover a gaping hole.

Walton emphasized that the health and safety of students and staff is always a priority for the district. He added the district had consistently addressed facility is-sues using the resources available during the downturn.

The district estimated building a new theater at SCHS would cost $17.3 million. The number is based on recent construction of a similar facility at Capistrano Valley High School, accounting for subsequent increases in construc-tion costs. New arts facilities at Capo Valley were paid with Mello-Roos funding from Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo, along with grant funds.

Without those sources of funding, SCHS Principal Michael Halt is realistic about what can be done in the immediate future. When he toured the campus during his interview process last year, he understood needed improvements would take some time.

“It was clear the physical condition of the school was going to be a challenge,” Halt said.

However, the school’s staff has continued to make the best of the hand they’ve been dealt, by balancing teachers’ wants and the true needs of the school.

“They’re facing challenges that other teachers don’t have,” Halt said. “But they’re professionals and they’re doing the best job they can.” Halt added he felt confident talks with the district could help address some of San Cle-mente high’s needs. DP Brian Park contributed to this report.

EYE ON DP


NEWS BITESP R O P S , R E C O G N I T I O N S A N D M O R S E L S O F I N F O

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Hills’ Brantlee Griffith Earns Eagle Wings

u Just 2 percent of all Boy Scouts go on to earn scouting’s highest achievement—that of the Eagle. And on Jan. 26, Dana Point’s own Brantlee Griffith joined their ranks by proving he had the character of an Eagle Scout through years of dedicated service to the scouts and his community.

The Eagle Scout honor requires young men to commit to years of outdoor learning, to community service projects and to hold-ing leadership roles within the organization. Griffith, a senior at Dana Hills High School, surpassed the requirements and demon-strated he lives by scouting principals.

To earn the honor, Griffith embarked on a service project to benefit his church communi-ty. He designed and built three unique benches for Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach that had recently removed grass for a low-water, eco-friendly garden.

“I wanted the benches to reflect the community,” Griffith said. “One uses skim-boards for the back of the bench to recog-nize the surf culture, another has a sunburst to show the beautiful sunsets.”

With a team of youth and adult volun-teers, the project took more than 250 hours to complete. Outside of scouts, Griffith is an AP scholar, a varsity member of the

cross country and track teams, viola section leader in the orchestra and president of the Junior Achievement Club.

VFW Honors Deputy, Teacher, Firefighter of Year

to the community. Coppel, a San Clemente native, has served with OCSD for 20 years, with the last 12 being in Dana Point.

Capt. Craig Covey, of the Orange County Fire Authority, was named firefighter of the year. The teacher of the year honor went to Sharon Miller, who also serves as president of the Ladies Auxiliary Post 9934.

Charles Fullwood Performs at Dana Point Art Launch

u Rising star and Mission Viejo-based musician and songwriter Charles Fullwood will perform at The Shed Art Gallery’s monthly Dana Point Art Launch on Thurs-day, Feb. 27.

Enjoy live music, meet-and-greets with featured contemporary artists and sip wine and other refreshments during a fashion show presented by JunQuies Boutique. Event starts at 5 p.m. and runs through 7 p.m., at 24471 Del Prado Ave. in the Coastal Arcadian Center.

The event is free. However, donations will be accepted for The Laguna Beach Friend-ship Shelter, which provides shelter, meals and support services to help people back onto their feet. Send an RSVP email mes-sage to [email protected].

Deputy David Cappel, of Dana Point Police Services, is recognized Tuesday by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and city as deputy of the year. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Hills High School senior Brantlee Griffith earned the Eagle Scout honor after years of service to his com-munity. Here, Griffith is pictured with one of three benches he designed and built for his church. Courtesy photo

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to

[email protected].

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an in-cident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Monday, February 17

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEPacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (10:19 p.m.) A Carl’s Jr. employee reported that a 50-year-old man with dark hair walked into the restaurant and said he was being followed by others with guns. The caller believer the man was hiding a gun under his beige jacket.

COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO

FRAUD REPORTDel Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (9:15 p.m.) A man ran out of Rite Aid after trying to use a “fraudulent gift card.” An employee said he was in his mid-40s, of heavy build and wearing a blue-flannel shirt.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTYCrown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (3:37 p.m.) Authorities received a com-plaint about “loud music or bad karaoke” occurring at the Monarch Coast apart-ment complex.

DISTURBANCEDana Point Harbor Drive, 25300 Block (12:26 p.m.) An unidentified man was chasing people and vehicles near the Dana Point HarborS fuel dock.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONSRobles Drive/Selva Road (10:37 a.m.) A 6-foot-tall man in his 20s was scavenging through trash cans.

TRESPASSING Crown Valley Parkway/Pacific Coast High-way (8:24 a.m.) A caller informed authori-ties of an apparently homeless man, who was carrying a backpack and loitering at the Chevron gas station. When he was asked to leave the 6-foot-tall man instead walked into the store.

SPONSORED BY Dana Point Police Serviceswww.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com

Sunday, February 16

DISTURBANCEPacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (10:09 p.m.) A man wearing an orange shirt and jeans was spotted hitting an ATM machine and chasing pedestrians.

DISTURBANCEDel Obispo Street, 33500 Block (7:48 p.m.) A caller requested help from deputies after a drunken woman screamed that she was going to shoot the caller. The screaming woman was described as being 5 feet tall with curly dirty-blonde hair. No weapons were seen.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (4:31 p.m.) Dispatch received notice of an apparently homeless man sitting in a wheelchair drinking in the parking lot of A’s Burgers and harassing customers.

PETTY THEFT REPORTPacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (4:27 p.m.) A woman left her clothes unat-tended at Sparkling Laundry. When she returned, her laundry was gone.

WELFARE CHECKCamino El Molino, 34400 Block (4:23 p.m.) Officials checked on a resident after a man asked if there was a

“siren testing” that morning. He continued to ramble and express concerns of it being an “underwater sonar siren.” The caller’s mother took the phone from him and also asked about the sirens.

DISTURBANCEPacific Coast Highway, 34600 Block (12:16 p.m.) A drunken 40-year-old man, in a tan shirt and black board shorts, was seen hitting vehicles at the Capistrano Surfside Inn.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEMariana Drive, 33900 Block (4:58 a.m.) A caller informed sheriff’s deputies of two men wearing dark clothing and looking into vehicles. A patrol check was issued for the area.

Wednesday, February 12

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCERitz Pointe Drive/Niguel Road (11:11 p.m.) A resident requested a patrol check after seeing a teenage boy wearing a hooded sweatshirt walking around the neighborhood late at night.

SUSPICIOUS PEROSN IN VEHICLEDoheny Park Road, 34000 Block (9:22 p.m.) Two drunken men, sitting in a gray Dodge caravan, were urinating from the van and into a parking lot.

u Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and the city of Dana Point recognized out-standing service men and women Tuesday night with their annual deputy, teacher and firefighter of the year honors.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department in-spector David Coppel was named the VFW’s law enforcement officer of the year for excel-lence in the performance and a dedication

Dana Point Times February 21-27, 2014 Page 10 www.danapointtimes.com

San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

DPDana Point

Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 8. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

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SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Catherine Manso, Madison May, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

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PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our read-ers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opin-ion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at [email protected]

Letters to the EditorMISSING PACIFIC COASTHIGHWAY’S TIPU TREES

KENT WELTON, Dana Point

I miss the soft and beautiful tipu trees the city has now removed.

They said the reason was that the roots were hitting the concrete.

I drove around to check and saw only one root next to concrete.

The real reason is they want to put in the expensive to buy, and maintain, non-native palm trees.

This will now give Dana Point the out-of-place, plastic, Florida look and a disturbing mishmash of landscap-ing to go along with the new one-lane “traffic calming” snafus.

hile most midterm elections are generally bland events with minimal voter participation, it

appears the 2014 election cycle is starting to get spicy. Due to term limits, south Orange County will be seeing a turnover in several significant state and county offices, including the 73rd Assembly seat, 38th Senate District and the 5th District Board of Supervisors seat. Consider-ing the recent news of 73rd Assembly candidate, and Rancho Santa Margarita councilman, Jesse Petrilla’s 2001 felony assault with a firearm conviction and Rep. John Campbell’s (R-45th District) retire-ment from Congress, the election season is alive with notable headlines.

To add to the list of interesting elec-tion situations is the case of the Orange County Public Administrator, formerly an elected seat that had been vacant since 2012, when its occupant, John Williams, resigned. This was, in part, due to scath-ing mismanagement charges detailed in two 2009 Grand Jury reports.

In a recent supervisor’s agenda, county staff defined the role of Public Adminis-trator as one that “protects the assets and affairs of deceased residents who, at the time of their death, leave no heirs, no will, no named executor or an executor who is ineligible and whose estates have no per-

son willing to serve as an executor or administrator for whatever reason.”

After William’s resigna-tion, the Board of Super-visors voted to cut the position’s full-time, six-fig-ure salary to a part-time position, earning $30,000

annually, as a step to dissuade potential corruption. Additionally, the supervisors opted to include ballot Measure A in the 2012 general election to turn the seat into an appointed position rather than an elected office every four years. Rejecting the measure, Orange County residents overwhelmingly voted to keep the Office of Public Administrator on the ballot with 60 percent of the vote.

Less than two years later, after several candidates filed to run for the vacant seat in 2014, the Board of Supervisors voted at their Jan. 28 meeting to merge with that of the Public Administrator office with the District Attorney’s. As a subsidiary of the DA’s office, there will be little or no cost savings for taxpayers, as the Public Administrator’s budget will be absorbed by the DA. There will be less transparency for voters with the posi-tion’s accessibility and visibility reduced in the process. While the DA’s office is qualified to manage these cases, it would seem that their efforts should remain de-voted to their mission statement; enhanc-ing public safety and welfare through the enforcement of criminal and civil laws.

Regardless of the Public Administrator office’s tarnished reputation, merging the office with the DA seems to be more of a sideshow than a true solution. The supervisors made some effort to fix the problem in 2012. Measure A appropriately gauged voter opinion that the electorate

retain the right to choose their public ad-ministrator. The requirement that appears to be missing is a professional standard to run for and hold the office of Public Administrator.

For example, in order to stand for Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector candidates must be certified public ac-countants, and the DA must be a licensed attorney.

Considering that the role of Public Administrator relies heavily on probate law, it would have been more appropriate if the board had established a professional standard requiring membership in the California bar to be eligible to hold this office. Prior to the action of the board of supervisors, two qualified licensed attorneys filed to run for the office. Nevertheless, three of the five members of the board voted to merge the Public Administrator office into the DA’s office, effectively preventing these candidates from running and ignoring the message of Measure A.

Evan Chaffee is a lifelong resident of San Juan Capistrano and is currently serving his first term on the city’s Planning Com-mission. He serves as campaign manager for Orange County Supervisor candidate Lisa Bartlett. He is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. DP

The Curious Case of the Public AdministratorDecision to merge position with DA’s office more a ‘sideshow’ than ‘true solution’

GUEST OPINION: Evan Chaffee, San Juan Capistrano Planning Commissioner

W

Evan Chaffee

“The requirement that

appears to be missing is

a professional standard to

run for and hold the office

of Public Administrator.”

—Evan Chaffee

Welcome to the 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

By Lisa Bartlett, Mayor of Dana Point

It is that magical time of year again when the majestic gray whales migrate through the waters off the Dana Point coastline, making the

city a premier location for up close viewing. To celebrate this spectacular yearly oc-currence, we are honored to host the 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.

We begin with the Festival of Whales Parade, through downtown on Pacific Coast Highway, March 1 at 10 a.m. and flow into two weekends, jam packed, with activities and events for the whole family.

I am proud to announce this year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Jay “Sparky” Longley, owner of Rainbow Sandals and the Com-munity Grand Marshal is 2014 Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and longtime parade announcer Gene Burrus.

Attractions include music, art, classic cars and boats, stand-up paddling, foot races, marine exhibitions, environmental education and more. Many of the activities and events are free of charge. Whale ex-cursions are also available, and I encourage you to look into the many opportunities for first hand viewing on the ocean. You just cannot imagine how large and spectacular the gray whales are until they come up next to your ocean vessel, and you are close enough to see how gracefully they navigate through the water.

The festival includes venues throughout the city, providing many opportunities to explore Dana Point. The Harbor, Town Center Lantern District, Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center high on the Headlands overlooking the Harbor, Lantern Bay Park, Doheny State Beach and the Ocean Institute are but a few places we hope you will visit.

Don’t miss the Dana Point Symphony’s third season kick-off performances March 7 and 8 aboard the brig Pilgrim at the Ocean Institute.

Detailed information on events and activities, an area map, schedule and more can be found on the pages of this program or online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink will once again offer an environ-mental- and budget-friendly route to and from the Dana Point Festival of Whales.

Just $10 buys a Metrolink weekend pass, valid for system-wide travel all day Saturday and Sunday. Weekend passes are available for purchase at all Metrolink station ticket machines.

To get to the Festival of Whales from the San Juan Capistrano train station, take OCTA Bus Route 91 south to Dana Point. Bus transfers are

High school is a time for exploring college options, developing new interests and begin-ning to formulate a plan for the future. For art students at Dana Hills High School, the Festival of Whales provides just such an opportunity. It’s an opportunity program organizers hope could give start to budding art careers.

Now, in its third year, a joint program be-tween Festival of Whales organizers and DHHS

free with your Metrolink ticket. Bicyclists, take your wheels with you

onboard one of Metrolink’s specially marked “bicycle cars.” Then from the San Juan station, follow the San Juan Creek bike trail for three miles to Dana Point.

For full bus and train schedules, log on to www.octa.net/whales2014.

OCTA and Metrolink can also help you get great deals at local businesses when you men-tion these offers and present your Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes

gives local teens a chance to design the official logo and to create and display their work among professional artists at the Art in the Park exhibi-tion and sale, held both festival weekends.

The program includes an inspirational field trip whale watching aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel and exploring the Ocean Institute’s brig Pilgrim. Ninety students take photos, sketch and film the experience to serve as inspiration for work they will display at Art in the Park, and for the 2015 logo design contest.

transponder.WHALE WATCHING: Receive a 50 percent

discount at Dana Wharf Whale Watching or the Ocean Institute. For more information and to make reservations call Dana Wharf at 949.496.5794 and the Ocean Institute at 949.496.2274.

HOTEL: The Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive at the Dana Point Harbor, is offering a special $79 rate, single or double occupancy. For reservations, call 949.496.1203.

COFFEE: Buy one premium coffee bever-age at The Coffee Importers and get a second one free. Coffee Importers is located at 34531 Golden Lantern Street, in Mariner’s Village at the Harbor. Offer expires March 31.

APPETIZER: Receive one free appetizer (chef’s choice) at Wind & Sea Restaurant. One per table, with purchase of entrée in the dining room. Offer valid March 1-9. Wind & Sea is located at 34699 Golden Lantern in the Harbor. For reservations, call 949.496.6500.

Festival organizer Penny Elia said, as the program has grown and evolved, students are being provided a new level of guidance as teachers use a curriculum that more closely mimics real-world commissions.

The quality of the student work shows an increasing professionalism and students, includ-ing this year’s logo design winner Sarah Holen, say the experience has piqued an interest in the possibility of pursuing art-related careers.

Holen, a 2013 Dana Hills graduate, is now attending Saddleback College where she plans to finish two years before transferring to a four-year university. Her career interests include business marketing, the automotive industry and art.

“I was really excited to have my art work join that of famous artists, like John Van Hamersveld and Wyland, who have done logos in the past,” Holen said. “Designing a Festival of Whales logo is like being a part of Dana Point’s history.”

The four runners-up are Raechel Grable, Mad-eline McGrath, Sophie Gutteridge and Renee Richardson.

Be sure to stop by Art in the Park to check out the work of our talented local youth.

—Andrea Swayne

festivalofwhales.com | Page 3

ALL ABOARDVisit the festival for less with Metrolink and OCTA

ART FROM THE STARTDana Hills High School students get glimpse into professional art careers, create festival art

Courtesy photo

Sarah Holen designed the offi cial logo for this year’s Festival of Whales. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Sarah Holen Raechel Grable Madeline McGrath Sophia Gutteridge Renee Richardson

ARTS AND CULTURE

Art in the Park March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Local artists along with students from Dana Hills High School display a variety of art-work on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. 12 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale March 1, 2, 8, 9; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Art show and sale on the Harbor boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village. Works by many award-winning local artists will be avail-able for purchase. 7

Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast March 7, 8, 9; March 7, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; March 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 9, 9 a.m.-noon. The Dana Point Historical Society hosts the fourth annual volunteer public reading of Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s Two Years Before the Mast at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive. Free. 949.899.0907. 5

Walking Tour of Town Center March 1, 2, 8, 9; 2 p.m. Meet a guide from the Historical Society at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway—at Blue Lantern and PCH—for this historic Town Center tour of buildings, homes and landmarks circa 1924 to 1939. Free. 9

Polynesian Connection March 1; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Hula Connection (Leinani Hula Hui’ana) presents a day of Polynesian culture with music, dance, food and hands-on educa-tional experiences for all ages at Baby Beach. Activities include lei-making, fire knife and hula/Tahitian dancing, poi-ball twirling, air-brush tat-toos, face painting, coconut husking, outrigger canoe demonstrations and more. 15

CAPTAIN DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING AND MORE949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com

Whale Watching March 1, 2, 8, 9; Departure times vary For information about Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, call, check out the website or turn to “Whale Watching Excursions” on page 12. 4

Lily, a Gray Whale Tribute March 1; 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Capt. Dave presents a free tour, whale rescue and research lecture and book signing aboard his new 62-foot catamaran,

a state-of-the-art whale research, rescue and whale watching vessel named Lily. The boat was named after a gray whale, wrapped in gill net, that made national headlines when Capt. Dave and rescue team members disen-tangled her. His rescue work also landed him a television appearance on the “Ellen Degeneres Show.” Attendees will be invited to have some hands-on fun with research and rescue equip-ment. Signed copies of Capt. Dave’s book, Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey, will be available for purchase. 4

Captain Dave’s Carnival March 8; Noon-2 p.m. Drop by Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (near Baby Beach) for free activities and prizes. Kids of all ages will have fun with games, crafts, a bounce house and more. Face painting and animal balloons will be available for a small fee. It’s fun for the whole “pod.” 4

Movie Viewing March 1, 2, 8, 9; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Dolphin Deck for a free viewing of Capt. Dave Anderson’s award-winning documentary Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California. In 1995 Capt. Dave mounted an underwater cam-era and hydrophone on the bow of his boat and began taking his cameras on every trip. It took five years to create the documentary, an experi-ence Capt. Dave says that has forever changed his life. Screenings held every hour. 4

CLASSIC CARS & VINTAGE BOATS

So Cal Woodies March 1, 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Woodie cars from the Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club

will be on display at the grassy areas along the Harbor walkway. 11

Antique & Classic Boat Society March 1, 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Classic vessels from the South-ern California Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be displayed in the water

and on land along the Harbor walkway. 11

Porsche 356 Club March 8; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Southern California chapter of the 356 Club displays classic Porsche models at Waterfall Park on Dana Point Harbor Drive. 14

Whale of a Classic Car Display March 8, 9; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Cal Rod Car Club will display a variety of classics and hot rods, along the Harbor walkway. 11

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING AND MORE949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com

Whale Watching March 1, 2, 8, 9; Departure times vary For information about Dana Wharf Whale Watching, call, check out the website or turn to “Whale Watching Excursions” on page 12. 3

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip March 1, 2, 8, 9; clinic noon-

12:30 p.m., fishing trip 12:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Free dockside fishing clinic followed by a fish-ing trip where kids 12 and under fish for free. Adults are $39, plus

license and equipment. 3

Kids Adventure Expo March 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Inagural event features

hands-on experiences promoting a variety of ocean activities: boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, diving and more. Held at the Dick Simon Yachts parking lot near Dana Wharf. Free. Games and rides offered for a nominal fee. 9

Marine Mammal Lecture Series March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s while marine biologists present recent findings on whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. March 1: Dean Gomersall, California Sea Lions; March 2: Doug Thomp-son, Gray Whales; March 8: Alisa Schulman-Janiger, Gray Whale Cen-sus and Killer Whales; March 9: Todd Mansur, Gray Whale Migration and Blue Whales. Then climb aboard Dana Wharf’s OCean Adventures catamaran for a 2.5-hour whale watching trip at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for seniors and children 3–12, and children 2 and under are free. Lecture only, $5. 13

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Learn from renowned environmental artist Wyland via a dockside video presentation and art lesson aboard Dana Wharf’s OCean Adventures catamaran. Children can enter their art in a contest to win great prizes. $5 per child. Proceeds benefit the Wyland Foundation. 3

DIAMOND DIG

Diamond Dig March 2; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dig for buried treasure at the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Diamond Dig at Baby Beach. Dress as a pirate and get a head start. Cost is $10 per shovel. Last year, toys, bicycles and a diamond necklace were among the booty found. 949.842.0594, www.monarchbeachrotary.com. 15

DOHENY STATE BEACH

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mam-mal Museum March 9; 11a.m.-3p.m. A variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts will be on display at Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center, near the park entrance, for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnifi-cent creatures of the sea. Please alert park staff upon arrival so they can direct you to free, one-hour parking. Free. Rain cancels. 949.496.2704, www.dohenystatebeach.org. 16

Whale of a Beach Cleanup March 8; 9 a.m.-noon. Bring work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach. Meet Park Interpreter Vicki at Lifeguard Headquarters to learn about how you can help maintain precious coastal resources. Free. 16

FOOD

Polynesian Connection Luau March 1; 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Experience the unforgettable sights, smells, sounds and

tastes of beautiful Polynesia with an authentic luau at the OC Sailing & Events Center. Tickets are $50. 949.973.7281, www.hulaconnection.com.

8

Whale of a BBQ March 2; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Delicious

barbecue specialties at affordable prices will be served up adjacent to Baby Beach during Ocean Awareness Day. 15

Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off March 8; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sample a variety of tasty chowders from local restaurants and orga-nizations and then vote for your favorites along the Harbor walkway near Island Way. Cost is $10 to taste every entry. www.fishforlife.org. 11(Cont. on page 6)

Page 4 | festivalofwhales.com

EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

#=Event location. See map on page 8. For more information, see www.festivalofwhales.com.


(Cont. from page 4)

Whale of a Concert BBQ March 9; Noon-5 p.m. Concessions for scrumptious barbecue specialties will be available at the OC Sailing & Event Center adjacent to Baby Beach. A Spirits Garden will be available for those over 21 with a valid ID. 15

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast & Raffle March 2; 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Start your day with a delicious pancake breakfast, raffle prizes and en-tertainment, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room. Adults $6, children under 12 are $3. Show your Grunion Run racing bib for $1 off. 949.275.3142. 8

GRUNION RUN

6th Annual Grunion Run March 2; Registra-tion, 6:30 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; 5K, 8 a.m.; Kids’ 1K, 9 a.m.; Awards, 9:15 a.m. The sixth annual Festival of Whales Grunion Run 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run will take place in Doheny State Beach. This is a fast and flat scenic run/walk. Entry fees are $45 for the 10K, $40 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K. www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com. 16

MERCHANDISE

Festival Logo Merchandise T-shirts and sweat-shirts will be on sale throughout the Harbor during both festival weekends. Merchandise is also available for purchase online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

MICKEY MUÑOZ MONGOOSE CUP STAND-UP PADDLE

Mongoose Cup SUP March 8; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Stand-up paddle with famous surfing icon and legend Mickey Munoz and friends in the fifth annual Mongoose Cup at Dana Cove Park and Baby Beach. Enjoy a great day of fun, SUP clinics and camaraderie. Activities include a Wounded Warrior Project Paddle, Waterman Expo & Paddling Skills Clinics, Sport of Kings Races, Luck of the Draw relays and a delicious barbecue too. Clinics will cover paddling and training techniques, SUP racing skills, water safety, fitness, adventure paddling, SUP yoga and more. 949.276.4431, www.festivalofwhales.com. 15

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Finding Nemo March 1; Dusk/6:30 p.m. Find-ing Nemo will be presented free of charge by

the city of Dana Point’s Community Services and Parks Department at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road. Free popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinner to enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org. 18

MUSIC

Symphony Spectactular March 7, 8; March 7, 7 p.m.; March 8, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony presents Symphony Spectacular aboard the brig Pilgrim, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive at the Ocean Institute. The show is an ocean-themed extravaganza with the symphony, singers, dancers and high-flying aerialist dancers from the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles. Tickets are $25 for adults and children 15 and over. Children under 15 free at Saturday’s matinee. 301.832.0388, www.danapointsymphony.com. 17

Harbor Music Series March 1, 2, 8, 9; Noon-3 p.m. Live music performances in a variety of styles will be presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Dana Wharf courtyard, the grassy area near Harpoon Henry’s and Mariner’s Alley. Free. 10

Ocean Institute Jazz Festival Feb. 28, March 1, 2 Opening night, Feb. 28 kicks off with a wine and appetizer reception and concert. March 1 is the gala evening with a cocktail reception, silent auction, gourmet dinner prepared by chefs from local resorts and a jazz performance. A relaxed lunch and encore performance will be held March 2. All events benefit educational programs at the Ocean Institute. 949.496.2274 ext. 337, www.oijazzfestival.com. 6

Whale of a Concert and BBQ March 9; noon-1 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Bands perform at Baby Beach atop a floating stage. Free. Bring beach chairs, towels and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of musical en-tertainment. Barbecue specialties will be avail-able for purchase, along with a Spirits Garden for those over 21 with a valid ID. 15

OCEAN AWARENESS DAY

Ocean Awareness March 2; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Association presents interactive displays, demonstrations and enter-tainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues. The event is free and located near Baby Beach at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place. 15

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING AND MORE949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org

Whale Watching March 1, 2, 8, 9; Depar-ture times vary. For information about Ocean Institute whale watching, call, check out the website or turn to “Whale Watching Excur-sions” on page 12. 6

World of Whales March 1, 2, 8, 9; March 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and March 8-9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales and explore a variety of fas-cinating phenomena unique to these magnifi-cent animals. There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them and create fun whale-themed crafts. Additional activities in the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center include animal feedings, ROV driving and tide pool touch tanks. Admission price is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for children 3-12, children 2 and under are free.

Members are free. 6

Whale’s Tale Tall Ship Sailing Adventure March 1, 8; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. From “devil fish” to “friendliest whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s

perception of the magnificent gray whale. Join the Ocean

Institute for an exciting tall ship sailing adventure and gain new

insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California coast. Non-member price is $40 for adults and $23 for children 12 and under. Members are $36 for adults and $21 for children. Minimum age to participate is 4. 6

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike March 1, 2, 8, 9; Times are based on tides Take a guided family tide pool hike through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists. Hikes are available on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute. Free with paid admission. 6

PARADE

Festival of Whales Kickoff Parade March 1; 10 a.m. The parade features floats, bands, horses, giant balloons, community organizations and more related to the Festival theme, “Magi-cal Migration.” Parade route runs along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. 1

RUBBER DUCKY DERBY

Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby March 2; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the Dana Point Women’s Club, this fun spin on a traditional rubber ducky race is held at Baby Beach. Duckies can be purchased in advance by calling 949.859.5706 or the day of the event at the DPWC booth at Baby Beach. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. Duckies are $6 each or two for $10; need not be present to win. www.danapointwomensclub.org. 15

SAND SCULPTING

Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition March 2; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. OC Parks presents a competition on the sand at Baby Beach. Teams, from families and friends to hard-core sand sculpting enthusiasts are welcome. Sculpting areas are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Compete in one of five cat-egories: castles, whales and ocean creatures, pirates and ships, woodies and surfboards or patriotic emblems. Judging begins at 2:30 p.m. with awards to follow. Bring buckets and tools. Dyes and stabilizers are not allowed. 15

SAILING AND PADDLING949.492.3035, www.westwindsailing.com

Sailing Rides March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, at the OC Sailing & Event Center, teaches passengers how to sail a Capri 14. Half-hour sessions are $15 per boat, three

people max, ages 5 and up. 8

Stand-Up Paddling Clinics March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-

3 p.m. Join the SUP craze and learn why it’s the fastest growing water sport today. Westwind Sailing hosts 45-minute

on-the-water clinics, on the hour, for ages 12 and

up. Cost is $10 per person and lifejackets will be provided. 8

STREET FAIR

La Plaza Street Fair March 1; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual Street Fair Festival for an unforgettable day of food, games, music and entertainment for the whole family. The carnival-style fair, with vendor booths and a farmers market, begins immediately following the Festival of Whales Parade at La Plaza Park. 949.496.1555. 2

(Cont. from page 4) the city of Dana Point’s Community Services and Parks Department at Lantern Bay Park, OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE RUBBER DUCKY DERBY


The Dana Point Festival of Whales is an ocean-friendly event with many of our

booths, displays and exhibits being very close to water’s edge.

We ask that all our sponsors and exhibitors keep this ocean location top-of-mind and refrain from using

balloons, stickers, tattoos, flyers, single-serving water bottles or other

materials that might find their way to the receiving waters of the Pacific Ocean.

We also ask all of our guests to keep these practices in mind as they spend a glorious day or weekend taking in the beauty of this special location.

Drinking fountains are plentiful for the refilling of water bottles that can be purchased at multiple event locations. Or bring your own and refill throughout the day.

See the event map above for water fountain locations.Please help us keep the Festival of Whales clean and

green for generations to come. Thank you. —Dana Point Festival of Whales

WATER TAXI NEW THIS YEAR Daily service will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the two festival weekends. Service runs between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute for $3 round-trip per person. Tickets may be purchased at Dana Wharf Whale Watch-ing or at the Ocean Institute. Park and then ride this fun new water taxi, taking in all the great sites from the water. Your captain will share interesting facts and features about the Dana Point area and its fascinating history. Ride all day for only $5 per person.

PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE FREE shuttle service will be available every day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended service hours the morning of the parade (March 1) and the afternoon of the Whale of a Concert (March 9). Parking in the Harbor is free, but limited to four hours and is strictly enforced. Parking at Doheny State Beach is $8 for the entire day.

PARADE DAY SHUTTLE (MARCH 1) FREE shuttle service will be available one hour prior to and at the conclusion of the Festival of Whales Parade. Park in the Harbor or Doheny State Beach and then ride to the drop-off location for the northerly parade announcer stand. At the conclusion of the parade, meet at the drop-off location and the shuttle will return you to the Harbor.

STREET FAIR SHUTTLE (MARCH 1) FREE shuttle service will be available from all Harbor locations to the Street Fair from noon to 3 p.m.


GETTING AROUND

Parking

Shuttle Stop

Event

Whale WatchingExcursions/Viewing

Festival Merchandise

Drinking Fountain

Shuttle Route

Parade Route

Shuttle RouteFirst Saturday

FESTIVAL MERCHANDISET-shirts (long and short sleeve) and hooded sweatshirts will be on sale throughout the Harbor during both weekends of the festival.

HELP US KEEP THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES CLEAN AND GREEN

WHALE OF A CONCERT SHUTTLE (MARCH 9) FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM OCTA BUS STOP For those utilizing the OCTA bus stops on Pacific Coast Highway, the festival can be reached by walking down Dana Point Harbor Drive to the Harbor’s Golden Lantern entrance or you can enter Doheny State Beach (direction sign at bus stop near bridge), walk along the green barrier fence, then proceed toward the beach to the marked Festival of Whales shuttle stop. Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.

The Dana Point Festival of Whales is an ocean-friendly event with many of our

balloons, stickers, tattoos, flyers,

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Dana Point Historical Society Public Read-ing of Two Years Before the Mast 8 a.m.-noon. Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariner’s Village

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adven-tures catamaran at Dana Wharf Dock

Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Sailing and Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing at OC Sailing & Event Center

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center

Whale of a Concert on the Water, BBQ and Spirits Garden Noon-5 p.m. Baby Beach

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf courtyard, Harpoon Henry’s grass area, Mariner’s Alley

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern and PCH

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike Time TBA based on tides. Tide pools near Ocean Institute

5

7

12

13

3

11

8

16

15

10

9

6

6

7

12

1

2

11

15

8

13

3

10

3

6

6

4

9

8

6

18

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

12th Annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Ocean Institute

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village


Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m.-Noon. Pacific Coast Highway

Street Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. La Plaza Park

So Cal Woodies and Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Polynesian Connection 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach and Baby Beach Park



Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adven-tures catamaran at Dana Wharf Dock


Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip Noon-5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks

Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Ocean Institute


Lily: a Gray Whale Tribute 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari


Polynesian Luau 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

12th Annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

Movie in the Park: Finding Nemo Dusk. Lantern Bay Park

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SUNDAY, MARCH 2

6th Annual Festival of Whales Grunion Run 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Doheny State Beach

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast and Raffle with Entertainment 8 a.m.-11 a.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Baby Beach

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor Walkway near Mariner’s Village



So Cal Woodies and Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Kids Adventure Expo 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dick Simon Yachts parking lot

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures catamaran at Dana Wharf Dock


Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park

Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Baby Beach

Diamond Dig 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach

Whale of a BBQ 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park




12th Annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Dana Point Historical Society Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

Dana Point Symphony’s Symphony Spectacular 7 p.m. Public pier adjacent to the Ocean Institute

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Dana Point Historical Society Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

5th Annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup & BBQ 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Baby Beach

Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.-noon. Doheny State Beach

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor Walkway near Mariner’s Village


3rd Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Harbor walkway beginning at Island Way


Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Porsche 356 Club Southern California 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Waterfall Park on Dana Point Harbor Drive

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adven-tures catamaran at Dana Wharf dock


Movie Viewing: Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari


Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip Noon-5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf docks

EVENT SCHEDULE

festivalofwhales.com | Page 9

WEEKEND 1 WEEKEND 2

Captain Dave’s Carnival Noon-2 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Lily: A Gray Whale Tribute 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tall Ship Sail-ing Adventure 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Ocean Institute


Dana Point Symphony Presents: Symphony Spectacular 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Public pier adjacent to the Ocean Institute


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By Sean Vogt, Natural Resources Protection Officer, City of Dana Point

Gray whales are known as the great migra-tors. The grays seen during winter off the coast of Dana Point have already traveled nearly 5,000 miles. In the longest migration of any mammal, gray whales travel over 10,000 miles roundtrip from Arctic feeding waters to calving waters in Baja California, Mexico. Many people ask why this species of whale travels so far each year. The answer is simple: female gray whales are fantastic mothers. Gray whale calves have the best chance of survival if they are born in the sheltered lagoons of Baja.

Entering the world in these warmer, more saline waters means calves can stay warm and easily float to the surface to breathe without wasting energy, thus expending more energy building up their blubber for the trip back to the Arctic. In addition, their main predators, orcas (also known as killer whales), are less able to gang up and kill calves while within these shal-low lagoons. If orcas venture too close, adult gray whales can come together and use violent tail slaps to fend them off.

Generally, pregnant gray whales start arriving in Baja by late December, with most of them giving birth in January and February. Since gestation is approximately 12 to 13 months for this mammal, this is also the time that adult, non-pregnant females begin estrus and breed-ing. While it is possible for females to give birth each year, they typically give birth and mate in alternate years. Gray whale breeding behavior is complex, but quite the party, with groups mating during the southward migration and in the Baja lagoons from late November through early February.

Calves are approximately 14 feet in length and weigh a whopping 1,500 pounds at birth. They spend approximately two months nursing. The calves drink up to 50 gallons of milk, which is 53 percent fat, each day, before their mothers leave the protection of the lagoons and escort them to the Bering and Chukchi Seas off the Alaskan coast. During the northward migration, calves continue to nurse, relying on their protec-tive and loving mothers to fend off predators and deliver them safely to their Arctic feeding grounds by June or July.

Mothers slowly wean their young off milk while teaching them how to feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates—mostly shrimp-like crustaceans. Gray whales spend the summer months in the Arctic building up fat reserves by feeding on up to 1 ton of little critters per day.

When fully grown, grays can weigh up to 40 tons and reach lengths of 45 feet. Instead of

teeth, a gray whale’s upper jaw holds numerous overlapping plates of long, stiff hair-like struc-tures called baleen. To feed, the whale sucks in water and sediment from the ocean floor, closes its mouth and forces the water and mud through its baleen, trapping millions of tiny invertebrates. It then uses its 1-ton tongue to break up and swallow its catch.

When days begin to shorten in October, Arctic waters begin to cool and the ice pack increases. This signals the start of yet another southward migration and the natural cycle repeats itself.

Many press releases this winter have touted a dramatic increase in near-shore gray whale sightings this migration season. This December and January, monitors on the Palos Verdes peninsula counted the third-highest number on record since the 1980s. However, large-scale trends and anecdotal evidence actually indicate a decrease in near-shore sightings in southern California since the early 1970s. This is despite a consistent increase in the number of gray whales. The trending movement away from near-shore routes may be a result of natural factors, but more likely is due to increased noise pollution from sonar and boat engines, harass-ment by recreational and commercial vessels and ship strikes near the coast in shallow-water fishing spots and shipping lanes.

Because gray whales are intelligent animals with average life spans similar to humans (up to

80 years), it seems reasonable to hypothesize these creatures communicate with each other and avoid areas where they were previously harassed. Currently, only a fraction of migrating grays actually follow the Southern California shore. Most are too far off shore to see from the mainland—using the Channel Islands as naviga-tional markers—so it would be a shame to force these special few away. The federal government passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, or MMPA, to combat the issues that

could cause many of the approximately 20,000 remaining gray whales to steer clear of a near-shore route.

Amended in 2012, the MMPA is the most re-cent national protective legislation in response to a long history of whaling. The MMPA is a piece of comprehensive legislation designed to protect all marine mammals in the United States, includ-ing otters, manatees, seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales. The MMPA states that “the act of hunting, killing, capture, and/or harassment of any marine mammal; or, the attempt at such” is illegal. Gray whales in the Pacific Ocean are still hunted by humans—mostly legal subsistence hunting by indigenous populations in Russia and the U.S.—and were nearly hunted to extinction by the early 1900s. European and U.S. whalers killed at least 10,000 gray whales between 1840 and 1900 along the west coast of North America. Thankfully, the International Whaling Commission made it an international crime to hunt gray whales (as well as most other whale species) in the 1940s, which is likely the only reason grays still exist on our coast. Atlantic gray whales were not as lucky, as they were likely hunted to extinction by European whalers prior to the end of the 18th century.

In order to be in compliance with the MMPA, the average person simply needs to learn about how these majestic creatures interact with the environment and avoid disrupting their behaviors. For example, boats should travel at a safe speed and never cut in front of a marine mammal’s path of travel or encircle it. The MMPA states that all vessels must observe from a safe distance of at least 300 feet. Whales can be curious and often approach boats. Viewing them in this manner is not illegal, as it is beyond the boater’s control. In this case, place the boat in neutral and enjoy the whale until it is ready to move on. Perhaps the whales will put on a show and leap out of the water, creating an unforget-table moment. For those that do not do well on boats, the conservation areas atop the Dana Point Headlands offer some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants in Orange County.

Sean Vogt has a Master of Science degree from CSU, Fullerton and more than 10 years of experience studying marine biology. As the Natural Resources Protection Officer for the city of Dana Point, Vogt manages the Nature Interpretive Center at the Dana Point Headlands, open-space parks adjacent to the Center for Natural Lands Management Preserve and the Marine Protected Area along the city coastline. With the help of nearly 100 volunteers, Vogt launched citizen-science wildlife monitoring programs late last year, including surveying marine mammals visible from the Headlands.

Sean Vogt, Natural Resources Protection Offi cer for the city of Dana Point. Photo by Andrea Swayne

A gray whale raises its tail fl uke while swimming off the coast of Dana Point. Photo by Debra Kettler

GET TO KNOW THE GREAT MIGRATORSGray whales travel past the Dana Point coast each year as part of their annual 10,000-mile migration


See why Dana Point is the ‘Whale Capital of the West’Most boat excursions are 2-3 hours long. Reservations are recommended.

Expert captains and certified naturalists narrate each excursion, detailing the whales’ movements through their natural migration path. As the originator of whale watching in Orange County, Dana Wharf remains family owned and operated and is exclusively endorsed by world-renowned marine life artist Wyland. Marine Mammal “rain checks” ensure you see a good show of whales or dolphins, or your next trip is free. Excursions depart every hour, on the hour, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during festival weekends. Trips run approximately two hours. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military, children 3-12 years $25 and children under 2 are free. Want a whale of a deal? All 8 a.m. trips are

WHALE WATCHING EXCURSIONS

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Ocean Institute Gray Whale Adventure CruiseMore than just a whale watch, the Ocean

Institute’s Gray Whale Adventure Cruises introduce participants to whales and many other marine animals using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, touch tanks, viewing aquariums and video microscopes. Two viewing levels and a bowsprit stretching out over the water provide visitors with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales, sea lions and other ocean life. Learn about feeding strategies, migration and behavior patterns from the Institute’s experienced and knowledgeable captains and educators. Indulge your inner scientist with this unique opportunity to experience one of the greatest mammal mi-grations on Earth, aboard the Ocean Institute’s 65-foot research vessel R/V Sea Explorer. As

an educational platform the vessel is ideal. This floating lab plays an important part in the nation-ally recognized, nonprofit educational facility’s educational programming. Throughout the year, research conducted aboard the vessel is integrated into the Ocean Institute’s curriculum offered to over 15,000 students annually.

The 2.5-hour cruises are offered at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on festival weekends. Member pricing is $22 for adults and $19 for children 4 to 12 years old. Children must be at least 4 years old to attend. Non-member pricing is $35 for adults and $22 for children. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase. For more information and reserva-tions, call 949.496.2274 or log on to www.ocean-institute.org.

The most unique whale watching trips in the world puts visitors eye-to-eye with dolphins and whales via underwater viewing pods. It feels like swimming with wild dolphins and whales but without getting wet. Capt. Dave’s high-speed, high-tech catamaran Lily comfortably carries only 49 passengers and a smaller, more intimate catamaran carries 20 passengers, so trips are never crowded. Listen in on the sounds of marine mammals below the surface with a research hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist narrates how the animals live. Trips are often led by Capt. Dave Anderson himself, whose award winning film on wild dolphins and whales has drawn people from all over the world to Dana Point.

The fronts of Capt. Dave’s catamarans are low to the water offering an up close view of sea animals. An onboard whale and dolphin micro-museum adds an extra fun and educa-tional opportunity to learn more about marine mammals. Trips are broadcast live on www.whalewatchingtv.com so you can wave to family and friends tuned in online at home. And one of the best perks of the trip is Mrs. Captain Dave’s delicious triple fudge brownies, served as a special treat on the ride back. Mention this article for 10 percent discount. Special offer is good during the Festival of Whales only. Call 949.488.2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com for more information and reservations.

just $15 per person. Marine mammal lecture and whale watching

trip combos are offered both weekends for a one-on-one educational experience with guest marine biologists. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for seniors and children 3-12, and children under 2 are free. Tickets include the lecture and continen-tal breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a 2.5-hour whale watching trip aboard the luxurious 63-foot, state-of-the-art, OCean Adventures catamaran at 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. A specially priced sunset trip with cocktails, wine and beer, runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25. For reservations call 800.979.3370 or 800.590.9994 or log on to www.danawharf.com.


Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfi shing & Whale Watching

Courtesy of Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Courtesy of The Ocean Institute

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

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Dine & Shop DANA POINT HARBOR

Dana Point Times February 21-27, 2014 Page 11 www.danapointtimes.com

3YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

THE LISTA day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

Dana Point

DPDana Point

ECO-APPRENTICES: INFO SESSION 6 p.m-7 p.m. Learn about The Ecology Center’s three-month permaculture design certifi cation course. Free. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan

Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

SATIN BLUES 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

thursday27

Have an event?Send your listing to [email protected]

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS6:30 p.m. Every Monday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

monday 24

FOOD TRUCKS AT SAN CLEMENTE HIGH 5 p.m.-8 p.m. An array of food trucks gathers every Wednesday at San Clemente High School.

Proceeds benefi t the marching band. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.sctritons.com.

BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. Stories in English and Spanish at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

wednesday26

COOKING CLASS: COMFORT FOODS 6:30 p.m. Cooking class with Chef Caro-line Cazaumayou at Antoine’s Café featuring Guinness beef stew with carrots and gorgon-

zola mashed potatoes. Cost $50 each; includes recipes, dinner and a glass of wine. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

tuesday25

CASA ART EXHIBIT10 a.m.-2 p.m. Final day to view Casa Romantica’s exhibit titled “The Mystery of the Ordinary” featuring the work of neo-realist painter/artist

Michael Ward. Admission $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

sunday 23

Eight years ago, a fascinating documentary titled The Rape of Europa chronicled the work of a small platoon of historians and curators who attempted to rescue a num-ber of timeless art being destroyed by the Nazis throughout Europe. The documen-tary received much acclaim. Last year, George Clooney got a surge of inspiration to shoot his own screen adaptation of the story with his usual collaborators, as well as some new ones, in The Monuments Men. The onscreen platoon includes Americans Frank Stokes (Clooney), James Granger (Matt Damon), Richard Campbell (Bill Murray), Walter Garfi eld (John Goodman), Preston Savitz (Bob Balaban), French-man Jean Claude Clermont (Jean Dujardin) and Brit Donald Jeffries (Hugh Bonn-eville), with the help of French rebellion member Claire Simone (Cate Blanchett) to save art history in 1943 France. Taglines for the fi lm hail it as “the greatest heist

of all time.” Audiences might notice that the fi lm is almost like a WWII version of Ocean’s Eleven, but the ensemble seeks art instead of money and Blanchett is the female role instead of Julia Roberts. Many of the actors have collaborated before and seem to have kept their celluloid chemistry intact. But while Clooney’s new biopic is fun and lighthearted, it doesn’t keep us as intrigued as Europa or entertained as Eleven, due to a lack of heart and genuine thrills. —Megan Bianco

‘THE MONUMENTS MEN’ DISPLAYS PLENTYAT THE MOVIES

© 2013 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

ELK COVE WINERY TASTING 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Featured wine tasting at San Clemente Wine Company. Tasting fee includes cheese plate. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar,

San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

SOCSA IMPROV NIGHT 7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts performance in Porthole Theater. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Clive Carroll, acoustic fi nger-style guitar master from the UK performs at the Dana Point Community House. Admission $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

MIKE SCARPIELLO 8 p.m. Dinner and music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

THREE MUSTACHES 8:30 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

WILDFLOWER WALK8 a.m.-11 a.m. Local wildfl ower expert Bob Allen leads an exploration looking for early wildfl owers at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill

Land Conservancy. Admission $5-$10. Call for directions. 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA 2:30 p.m., 8 p.m. The award-winning musical with a love story twist is presented by the South Coast Repertory. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555, www.scr.org.

MIKE WALLACE 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacifi c Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

friday21

saturday22

SOUTH COAST SINGERS AUDITIONS 9 a.m. South Coast Singers is holding spring season auditions in the Dana Hills High School choir room. Call for more details about the audition process. 949.613.7840, www.southcoastsingers.org.

BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Gain hands-on skills at The Ecology Center by making your own cheese. Understand culturing techniques, tools, materials and ingredients. Tickets $20 member, $30 non-members. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Gianna Plaitano holds up her pet guinea pig, Ballet, during last year’s Kids Pet Parade. Photo by Brian Park

EDITOR’S PICK: KID’S PET PARADENoon-5 p.m. The Fiesta Association hosts this annual event and contest at Zoomars Petting Zoo where kids and pets can dress up and join the parade. Entry $3. 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

THE ART OF HEALTHY AGING: THE ACCIDEN-TAL PHOTOGRAPHER 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Exhibit display and lecture with guest speaker Karyn R. Millet at Bowers Museum. Tickets $10. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 877.250.8999, www.bowers.org.

MANDELRING QUARTET: BEETHOVEN-THE LATE GREAT 3 p.m. Concert at Irvine Barclay The-ater. Tickets start at $35. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646, www.thebarclay.org.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS 7 p.m. Singer-songwriter plays The Coach House. Tickets $45. 33157 Camino Capist-rano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

4PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP LIVING

DPDana Point

GUEST OPINION: Reading with Wright by Chris Wright


READING WITH WRIGHT

By Chris Wright

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at [email protected]

By Megan BiancoDana Point Times

Dana Hills High School graduate and young filmmaker Kevin Slee. Courtesy photo

very community has one local who goes off to become famous or very successful. In Southern California,

the chances can be higher given the prox-imity to Hollywood.

Kevin Slee dreamed of making films throughout his childhood, and at only 24, he is already a steady independent filmmaker and producer. His latest film endeavor, Blake Robbins’ The Sublime and Beautiful, was featured at Park City’s Slamdance Film Festival in January. Add that to working behind the scenes of two big Hollywood features within the last year, Slee is hardly struggling.

Growing up in Laguna Niguel, Slee had big ambitions to be involved in all aspects of movie making.

“I was always telling stories as a kid, beginning with home videos,” Kevin said.

As a student at Niguel Hills Middle School, he was already creating short films with friends and locals across La-guna Niguel, Dana Point and San Clem-ente. Back then, Slee’s films centered on skateboarding and surfing.

By the time he got to Dana Hills High School Slee tried photography, before at-tending film courses at Saddleback Commu-nity College and later a summer residency at Chapman University. The latter would be-come his alma mater for film school. While studying photography, Slee began learning the process of screenwriting as well.

Slee was already working on profes-

Featured Filmmaker: Kevin M. SleeOC native, Dana Hills graduate finds early film industry success

sional motion pictures by the time he was a freshman in college through an intern-ship with David Foster Productions. The experience would land him jobs on the sets of Hollywood movies, which he still makes time for these days. He was a part of the productions of Saving Mr. Banks (2013) and Veronica Mars (2014) as an assistant, and Slee considers the experi-ences “amazing opportunities.”

He has also worked as a producer on three shorts and four feature-length films, including Steven Sprung’s Dispatch, which was shown at the Hollywood Film Festival in 2011; Chris Geukens’ Step 17, which won Best Short Film at the Orange County Film Festival in 2007; and now Sublime and Beautiful shown at Slamdance. Slee also wrote and directed eight of his own features, such as The King of the Jews (2009) and Good Knight (2012).

A native of Orange County, Slee visits his family and friends in Laguna Niguel and Dana Point mostly during the holidays and even made a trip back to Dana Point to film a work during college.

These days, he’s furthering his career in Santa Monica while living in Hollywood.

Kevin said he enjoys all aspects of film-making, whether it is crew work, writing or producing, and he plans on making movies commercially and independently. The young filmmaker believes that “spe-cialty and honesty make a film good.” DP

E

n addition to all the books you hear about because their authors are appear-ing on “The Daily Show with Jon Stew-

art,” “Charlie Rose,” “The Colbert Report,” etc., there are plenty of newer books at the Dana Point Library that might just be for you. Here are some recent ones you might not have heard about and one you can’t stop hearing enough about (at least the movie version):

Nightmare Range: The Collected Sueño and Bascom Short Stories by Martin Limón—Set in the Republic of Korea dur-ing the 1970s, we get a realistic picture of two young, brash sergeants named Sueño and Bascom, who are agents in the Crimi-nal Investigation Division. Limón blends the military culture of the U.S. Army and Korean culture into some startling, sad and funny stories about bar girls, GIs, black marketers, North Korean spies and always the brass. This collection of short stories was published in September 2013 and follows eight separate novels of the duo. Sueño and Bascom are all about following orders when it suits them and they can be relied upon to get into trouble routinely, but usually it’s because they are doing the right thing.

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Phillip Sendker—It’s weird, charming and a beautiful love story that reminds one of Tennyson’s Enoch Arden. The story is set in Burma and involves a father and wealthy New York lawyer who flees his family and disappears. We have two parallel stories being told: the daughter seeking her father in Burma and the story of the father growing up in rural Burma. I’m surprised Oprah hasn’t touted

this book. With all the hoopla over tourism to Myanmar or Burma these days, this is one book to get you into the mood for the trip.

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus

Luttrell with Patrick Robinson—Com-mercials for the Lone Survivor film have inundated the airwaves. But, you must read the book first. It’s a classic moral-ity tale of good and evil. There is a lot of emotion in the book and rants by the author. That aside, the story is told in a compelling manner. It’s just unbeliev-able that Marcus survived to tell the story. It’s a tale of courage, not only of the Navy SEALs but the Afghan villagers who protected him from the Taliban. You get a real appreciation for the train-ing they received and how it prepared them so well. This story is a case study in military ethics and hopefully the movie does the book justice.

Chris Wright is not sure if he lives to read or if he reads to live. He has been a public librarian with the OC Public Libraries since 2006. DP

WHAT AM I GOING TO READ NEXT?

I

SUDOKUby Myles Mellor

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

SOLUTIONSOLUTIONSOLUTIONSOLUTION

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

Fresh library offerings take readers to Myanmar, Korea, Afghanistan and beyond

DP LIVING

ndrew Brunhart, general manager for the South Coast Water District, San Clemente Mayor Tim Brown,

and other officials from southern Orange County became the first key area authority figures to engage in Marine Core Combat Readiness Evaluation at Camp Pendleton on Feb. 8.

MCCRE is a five-day training exercise where U.S. Marines practice protocol and drills in the event of a crisis. The exercise created a staged event, such as an invasion or catastrophe and had Marines rehearse in real time. The simulation began at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 and finished Saturday, Feb. 8, by sunset.

On the last day, Marines helped role-play-ing citizens’ return to a safe and functioning environment. The scenario for Saturday’s ex-ercise was an invasion; the country of “San Diego” invaded “Pendletonia.” Marines had

Prepping for Disaster

By Catherine MansoDana Point Times

Andrew Brunhart (left), general manager for the South Coast Water District, was among a number of Orange County officials who participated in a disaster training exercise at Camp Pendleton. Photo by Catherine Manso

A

to work and cooperate with local authorities, press and civilians.

Brunhart was among a number of of-ficials from Orange County that participated in the weekend training. While playing the role of Pendletonia’s city manager, Brunhart made demands and put pressure on the Marines to help decontaminate the mock village’s water supply. In a major disaster a similar process would go into effect, where Brunhart would activate the SCWD’s emer-

Officials act out disaster for Camp Pendleton training exercise

gency operations.“In a real catastrophe there are several

top priorities: protecting public health and maintaining water quality standards, also maintaining, restoring and establishing water services,” Brunhart said.

Each local official involved had experi-ences in their careers that contributed in assisting with Saturday’s training.

“It was a privilege to assist with the training of those that go in harm’s way,”

Burhart said. “It was heart-warming for me to reinforce what I learned, and it was, as a retired United States Navy Seabee with over 30 years of active service, I was proud to observe the readiness and dedication the United States Marines asserted today.”

This exercise occurs before a battalion is set for deployment and more than 1,000 Marines were involved. The First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment is leaving for Dar-win, Australia in March. DP

5STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS

DPDana Point


Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

The CIF-SS playoffs are offi cially upon us, which means for each Dana Hills win-ter sports team that has advanced to the fi nal tournament, every game from here on out is the most important one of the season. This week’s Dolphin Report will break down the playoff matches that have already taken place and prime you for the games still to be played this week.

For in-game updates and news through-out the playoffs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

BOYS BASKETBALL SET FOR PLAYOFF SHOWDOWN WITH INGLEWOOD The newly minted Sea View League co-champion Dana Hills boys basketball team was awarded a home game in the fi rst round of the CIF-SS Divi-

sion 1AA Championships. The Dolphins (21-5, 7-1 league) will host

Inglewood (15-11, 7-3) on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Inglewood fi nished third in the Ocean

League and has an impressive preseason resume. The Sentinels did not shy away from facing tough opposition, having played games against Chaminade (No. 2 in Division 3A), Redondo Union (No. 1 in Di-vision 2AA) and Gahr (No. 14 in Division

Dana Hills senior center James Taylor will be a key player in the Dolphins boys basketball CIF-SS Cham-pionships run. Photo by Steve Breazeale

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

A yearlong initiative put on by the Dana Hills Honor the Valor fundrais-ing team came to a close on Feb. 13, when football players, fellow students and parent organizers presented the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group with a total of $31,500 in donations. The ceremony was held during lunch break in the quad at Dana Hills High School.

Honor the Valor had been raising funds at city events and football games throughout the year. Commemorative hats and T-shirts, as well as donations, were collected at 22 Dana Point city

events. The Honor the Valor team was also a strong presence at every Dolphins home game. This year, Capistrano

DANA HILLS FOOTBALL HONORS THE VALOR

Toyota donated a car that was raffl ed off under the Friday night lights.

The crowning moment took place Nov. 1, when 70 military veterans took the fi eld following a Dolphins home game and were awarded game-worn jerseys by Dolphins players. Each custom, camoufl aged jersey was adorned with the name of a veteran on the back.

“It was a lot of work but it was so worth it,” said Honor the Valor co-chair Kirsten Stafford. “It’s amaz-ing. Everyone was able to thank the veterans personally. That’s what is so special about it.” —Steve Breazeale

By Steve BreazealeDana Point Times

n a season fi lled with fi rsts, the Capist-rano Coyotes ice hockey team clinched the Anaheim Ducks High School

Hockey League Varsity 2A division on Feb. 10. The newly formed team, which draws players from across the Capistrano Unifi ed School District, accomplished the feat in its fi rst season in the league.

The Coyotes (13-0-1) put up another convincing stat line in a 6-1 victory over Long Beach Prep, which sealed the league title.

Dana Point High School’s Paul Bout-oussov scored fi rst for the Coyotes to give them a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.

It was in the second period where

the Coyotes' signature high-powered offense took off. The team scored four unanswered goals, including another by Boutoussov and contributions from Coo-per Bird, Alec Grollman and Max Kamper. Zach Wollivar netted the Coyotes' fi nal goal in the third period on a feed from Dylan Zanki and Connor Reed. The assist from Reed was his fourth on the night, which put him at the top of the league scoring leaders with 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists).

The Capistrano Coyotes remained the only unbeaten team in regulation and earned the No. 1 seed in the upcoming ADHSHL playoffs. As the top seed, they will have a bye in the fi rst round. Their quarterfi nals match is set for Feb. 28 at Anaheim Ice. They will play the winner of the No. 7 and No. 8 seeded matchup. DP

Capistrano Coyotes Clinch Title in Inaugural Season

I

Cooper Bird celebrates his second period goal in the Capistrano Coyotes 6-1 win over Long Beach Prep. The win clinched the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League varsity 2A division for the Coyotes. Photo by Leslie Bird

From L to R: The VFW’s Bob Fowler, Dana Hills senior Matthew Stafford, VFW post commander Maurice Hansen and Gerry Bill at the Honor the Valor presentation. Photo by Madison May

3AA). All three of those contests resulted in losses for Inglewood.

Inglewood also squared off twice in league against Division 3AA No. 6 Beverly Hills, where they lost by a combined total of nine points.

All indications point to Inglewood com-ing into the playoffs a seasoned group, having already tested themselves against some of the better teams in their area.

The Dolphins resume is no slouch either. They’ve toppled the likes of Saddleback Valley Christian, Woodbridge and Tustin and came up one win short of sweeping their way through league play.

The Dolphins will rely, as they have done all season, on the play of their four standout seniors. The combination of Jack Sheffi eld, Jack Clendenen, Eric Matheis and James Taylor has been effective and they will need production from all four if they are to advance.

It’s no secret that Dana Hills’ strength lies in their big frontcourt. Teams have continuously thrown extra help to the middle on defense in hopes of bottling up the 6-foot-8-inch Taylor. If the Dolphins

can knock down open jump shots from the fi eld, while mixing in production down low from their big man, they could make another deep run like they did in 2013.

Role players like Graden Yould, who checks in off the bench and occasion-ally gets a starting nod, and designated shooter Parker Romo could be difference makers, especially if Romo gets hot from beyond the 3-point arc.

DOLPHINS GIRLS WATER POLO ADVANCES TO SECOND ROUND OF PLAYOFFS The Dana Hills girls water polo team started off their CIF-SS Division 2 Championship run with a convincing 16-7 win over Roosevelt on Feb. 18 in the fi rst round.

The Dolphins had eight players score goals, including a game-high four-goal effort from Madison Baba.

Dana Hills outscored Roosevelt in every period but the fourth, and took a com-manding 14-4 lead into the fi nal frame.

The Dolphins were set to play Agoura on the road Feb. 20. Results were not available at press time.

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SURF STUFF

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DPDana Point

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ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

ART INSTALLATION

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.132131648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

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WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Call Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or [email protected]

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.777334531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.777334531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

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CAFE - DELI

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Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 949.488.264833971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

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A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464www.atozleakdetection.comChick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com

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POOL SERVICE & REPAIR

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LANDSCAPING

Patricia Powers 949.496.190024551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, [email protected] Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.320034085 Pacifi c Coast Hwy., Ste. 204www.tedbowersox.comStatefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.894434080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net

INSURANCE SERVICES

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.777334531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

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IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488117 Del Gado Road, www.imgs.com

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LIST YOUR BUSINESSIN “LOCALS ONLY”

PSYCHIATRYDr. Robert Dobrin, M.D. 949-707-4757Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry/Behavioral Pediatrics 33971 Selva Rd. Ste, 125

MENS SMALL WETSUIT Mens Rip Curl Wet-suit, short-arm, full suit. New condition. Size small $85. Call or text 949.533.9761.

$159 - QUEEN PILLOWTOP MATTRESS! Brand NEW, brand name, still sealed in the MFRs original factory plastic. Not refurbished, Not used. 949-682-5351

10 PIECE LANE FORMAL MEDITERRANEAN DINING SET. 1970 solid Cherry Wood. Hexagonal pedestal dining table, 2 leaves, six cane-backed chairs. Hutch, China Cabinet, Buffet Server. Sold as a set. $1,900 or best offer. Cannot deliver. Must be picked up. Call MaryLou at (949) 366-2464.

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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITYDP SURF

6


DPDana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’+ Fair

Immediate: A new northwest swell mix continues through the day, getting some reinforcements late. Size holds steady as a modest new south-southwest swell joins in, with generally favorable conditions continu-ing in the morning before a westerly sea-breeze develops in the afternoon. Look for mainly waist-chest high (3-4’) surf to show for the better winter exposures, while select magnets produce occasional slightly larger waves/peaks to shoulder/head high.

Long Range Outlook: A modest to locally fun-zone blend of old northwest swell mix and peaking new south-southwest swell shows through the weekend. Expect the most size at top combo exposures, with peaky shape likely for the beachbreaks. Winds look to remain favorable for the mornings, before onshore flow develops each afternoon. Check out all the details at Surfline.com.

RESULTSWSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, February 15-16, Huntington Beach, Pier. First-place and local finishers only. KEY: SC=San Clemente, DP=Dana Point, CB=Capistrano Beach, SJC=San Juan Capistrano.

MICRO GROM BOYS/GIRLS U9: 1. Hayden Rodgers, La-guna Beach; 2. Bryce Pinkerton, SC; 4. Cannon Carr, SC; 6. Dane Matson, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Noa Dupouy, Mimizan, France; 4. Brayden Burch, SC; 6. Dax McPhil-lips, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 3. Jett Schilling, SC; 4. Kai McPhillips, SC; 6. Hagan Johnson, SC. BOYS U14: 1. Dagan Stagg, Carlsbad; 3. Kade Matson, SC; 4. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC; 6. Curran Dand, SC. BOYS U18: 1. Jay Christenson, San Di-ego; 4. Drew Hemnes, SC. GIRLS U12: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 2. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS U14: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 2. Samantha Sibley, SC; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 5. Cameron Duby, SJC. GIRLS U16: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC. GIRLS U18: 1. Lea Taylor, Indialantic, Fla.; 2. Malia Os-terkamp, SC; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, SC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Ricky Fodor, DP; 4. Jimmy Wynne, SC. JR. LONG-BOARD U18: 1. Nick Anderberg, Encinitas; 2. Kaimana Takayama, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Cameron Duby, SJC; 5. Malia Mauch, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Frankie Seely, Topanga; 2. Emmy Lombard, SC; 3. Teresa O’Connor, SJC; 5. Kyla Kelley, CB. MEN 18-29: 1. Daniel Sanchez, Westminster; 2. Ricky Lovato, SC. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Steve Moore, Encinitas; 6. Jimmy Bray, SC. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Pedro Diaz Rangel, Oceanside. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Dale Baker, SC. OPEN MEN SHORTBOARD: 1. Jarrod Bell, Huntington Beach; 4. Cody Canzoneri, SC; 5. Kei Kobayashi, SC. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 2. Samantha Sibley, SC. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trae Candy, Malibu; 4. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 5. Cody Canzoneri, SC; 6. Eric Skvarna, SJC. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Cameron Duby, SJC; 4. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Terry Gillard, Imperial Beach; 4. Michael Takayama, SC; 5. Eric Rendon, SC. ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Chris Oberle, Los Angeles.

For full results, see www.danapointtimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTSMarch 1-2: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty March 1-2: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Ventura, C Street March 22: SSS, OC Middle School and High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street March 22-23: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and 10, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty March 29-30: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach March 29-30: WSA Champion-ship Tour, Event No. 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach April 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty April 26-27: NSSA Open, Event No. 10, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles May 10-11: WSA West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 15-18: NSSA West Coast Championships, Huntington Beach, Pier May 31-June 1: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Oceanside, Harbor North Jetty (New date) June 13-15: Surfing America USA Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach June 17-21: Surfing America USA Championships, San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles

By Andrea SwayneDana Point Times

ith only two contests left in the Western Surfing Association regular season, the competition

is heating up as surfers scramble for late series points on the hunt for season titles. For many local surfers this end-of-season push has been a boon to their ratings.

Event No. 7 (of nine) played out Feb. 15-16 at the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier in 2- to 4-foot surf. The contest had more than 400 entries in 24 divisions.

With the West Coast Championship around the corner, May 10-11 at Church Beach, competitors need to ensure they have the required five contests to surf in the WCC and/or the necessary seven events to qualify for season titles. But WSA results aren’t the only thing on the line. Surfers are vying for spots in the Surfing America USA Championships in June and for the 18 and under athletes, good results could mean an invitation to the Surfing America Prime series.

“The end of the season is always fun to watch because everyone is really intense

W

The Race is On

Age: 14, Marco Forster Middle SchoolWhen her school surf team needed girl shortboarders, Lily Benjamin, a longboarder since the age of 6, answered the call. “I was definitely up for the challenge,” she said. She is now in eighth grade and in her third year on the team, competing in the Scholastic Surf Series, where she is ranked No. 6. She also surfs in the Christian Surfing Federation and Western Surfing Association. In the WSA rat-ings, she holds down the No. 9 spot in Open Women Longboard, No. 13 in Girls U16 Shortboard and No. 17 in Open Women Shortboard. Lily credits her family, coaches Patrick Derry and Dustin Martnick and shapers the Boehne Bros. for her surfing success. At school, Lily takes an extra period helping as an aide in the special education class taught by her surf coach. “I learn so much from that

class, interacting with the kids and from Mr. Derry,” she said. “It’s mind-blowing. I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s my favorite part of the day.” School is of utmost importance to Lily and she is determined to finish middle school having never earned anything less than straight-As. She is college-bound and although traveling the world as a pro surfer appeals to her, she says it will never take precedence over her education. “I’m not sure about what I want to study in college or do after that, but I’ve definitely thought about a career as a special ed teacher,” Lily said.—Andrea Swayne

GROM OF THE WEEK LILY BENJAMIN

Lily Benjamin. Courtesy photo

WSA end of season competition reaches new heights, locals excel

in the lineup, but on the beach we still see the usual good times and camaraderie,” said Mary Lou Drummy, WSA executive director of the San Clemente-based ama-teur surfing organization. “Even this late we try to keep a nice balance of intensity and good vibes at our events.”

Local surfers occupied more than a third of the podium spots, many taking home trophies in multiple divisions.

Double finalists from San Clemente were Cody Canzoneri (Open Men, Open Men Longboard), Kade Matson (Boys U12, U14), Kei Kobayashi (Boys U16, Open Men) and Kaimana Takayama (Jr. Longboard U18, Open Men Longboard).

Cameron Duby of San Juan Capistrano took home three trophies in Girls U14, U14 Longboard and Open Women Long-board. Triple finalists from San Clemente were: Kirra Pinkerton (Girls U12, U14 and U18), Malia Osterkamp (Girls U16, U18 and Open Women) and Samantha Sibley, who made the finals in Girls U12, U14 and Open Women.

“I’ve improved my mental game a lot and have to keep working on my tech-nique, but I feel pretty good going into the last two contests. I think I have a good shot at some titles,” Sibley said. “There’s

Three local surfers made podium appearances in WSA Girls U14 Shortboard division, Feb. 15-16 at the Huntington Beach Pier. Finalists are (L to R) 1. Alyssa Spencer; 2. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 4. Tiare Thompson; 5. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano and Gabriella Knudson. Photo by Sheri Crummer

Four of the Boys U12 finalists at the Feb. 15-16 WSA event in Huntington Beach are San Clemente residents. Finalists are (L to R) 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 2. Jabe Swiercocki; 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente; 4. Kai McPhillips, San Clemente; 5. Jack Stewart and 6. Hagan Johnson, San Clemente. Photo by Sheri Crummer

really good competition, and the girls in U14 especially keep getting better and bet-ter. It makes me work harder. I really like surfing WSA because in the water, when it’s on, it’s on. But on the beach is where I’ve met some of my very best friends.”

For full schedules, results and ratings, visit www.surfwsa.org. DP

Documents

February 21, 2014