L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S EM AY 1 1 –1 7, 2 0 1 2

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 19

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

Tom Blake: Older Couples Reject the Term ‘Shacking Up’

DP LIVING/PAGE 20

INSIDE:Doheny Blues Festival

Event Guide

Sightings of Rare Basking Shark

ContinueEYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnston. Photo by Andrea Swayne

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Introducing new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnston

Leading the Business Community Forward

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 May 11–17, 2012 Page 3

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR

SATURDAY, MAY 12

Bulky Item Disposal and Recycling Event 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The city is teaming up with waste hauler CR&R to host bulky item cleanup day. Col-lection locations will be at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern and Palisades Elementary, 26462 Via Sacramento. For information about accepted items, call 949.248.3571 or log on to www.danapoint.org. Harbor Underwater Cleanup8 a.m.-noon. Certified volunteer divers

are needed to scour a section of the harbor bottom for lost or discarded items. Divers will be provided with breakfast and a T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit www.dphunderwatercleanup.com or call 949.496.6137.

TUESDAY, MAY 15

City Council Meeting6 p.m. City Council Cham-bers, 33282, Golden Lantern, 949.248.3501, www.danapoint.org

FRIDAY, MAY 18

Civic Association Coffee Chat8:30 a.m. Dana Point Civic Associa-tion presents Coffee Chat on the third Friday of each month at Coffee Im-porters, 34531 Golden Lantern in the harbor. Special guest Jim Rutter of the Ocean Institute will present an update on Institute activities and opportuni-ties. The public is welcome. Free cof-fee will be served, courtesy of Coffee Importers. For more information, call Pat Fairbanks at 949.661.9999.

DPDana Point

THE LATEST: The La Pata Gap Closure Project is about $9 million short of its necessary construction funding, but steps are already being taken to account for the shortfall.

The county will be seeking additional funds from the California Transportation Commission and the Corridor Mobility Im-provement Account and through Measure M2, a countywide transportation tax, said project manager Harry Persaud.

Overall cost for the project is $80 mil-lion—$15 million of which has been spent on the planning and design. According to Persaud, the goal is to begin construction by next spring or as early as the end of the year. The extension is expected to improve traffic in South Orange County.

The proposed construction will extend an existing 1.8-mile portion of La Pata Avenue, south of Ortega Highway, roughly two miles to Calle Saluda in San Clemente.

WHAT’S NEXT: Five regulatory permits are still required before construction can begin.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit http://www.ocpub-licworks.com/pcpw/projects/lapata.aspx. —Brian Park

...the La Pata Extension?

5

THE LATEST: Two recent spottings of basking sharks has excited both locals and researchers.

The basking shark, the second largest fish in the ocean, was seen May 5 at 5:30 p.m. by one of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari boats and in recent days, another seen by Captain Frank Brennan of Dana Wharf Fishing.

Nick Wegner, a researcher with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the National Marine Fisheries Service, said he is part of a study to tag basking sharks in the Pacific Ocean. The creatures are so rare researchers have only been able to tag three in two years, said Wegner, who specializes in fish physiology and behavior.

“It’s a pretty rare species,” he said. “We’re excited when we hear reports of basking sharks.”

Since shortly after World War II, bask-ing sharks were heavily fished and sought for their oil and meat. But their numbers dwindled and they are now a protected species.

“We know virtually nothing about them in the Pacific Ocean,” Wegner said.

He said they are a highly migratory fish, making them difficult to track. One tagged off California waters last year went as far as Hawaii before its tag came off eight months later, Wegner said

WHAT’S NEXT: After a sighting is reported, Wegner and others in his team go out that day or the next to search for the fish.

FIND OUT MORE: Anyone who sees a bask-ing shark is asked to call the fisheries ser-vice’s hotline at 858.334.2884 email basking.shark@noaa.gov. For more information visit www.swfsc.noaa.gov. — Stacie N. Galang

… Basking Sharks? … a House Fire?

... SONGS’ Return to Service?

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THE LATEST: The promotion of Dana Point as a premier destination gained momentum as Agency 51 Advertising launched its program this month.

“I think it’s great,” said City Manager Doug Chotkevys this week. “I’m excited that it’s coming forward at this time. We’re looking forward to all the great work that Agency 51 did.”

This year, the city expects to generate as much as $850,000 through its Tourism Business Improvement District, which is collected from the city’s four resort hotels as a $3 per night fee. California has 55 other districts, including seven in Orange County.

Agency 51, which is being paid with funds generated by the fee, came up with the slogan: Once you look deeper, you’ll see the point. The agency is expected to

THE LATEST: The chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission insisted this week that no restart date for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has yet been set, calling news reports to the contrary “clearly premature.”

“Despite some erroneous reports in the media, there is no NRC timetable for restart of the San Onofre nuclear reactors,

… Marketing Dana Point?4

THE LATEST: A two-alarm blaze caused $800,000 in damage to a Dana Point home in the early morning of Wednesday, May 9.

Firefighters responded to the12:15 a.m. call reporting a fully involved garage fire at 11 Porto Cervo Drive, according to Marc Stone, fire authority spokesman.

Nearly 40 firefighters arrived on scene to find a garage fully engulfed in flames and the occupants of the home all safely outside of the house, he said.

“Firefighters went into attack mode im-mediately and were making good headway on the garage when the battalion chief noticed the blaze had spread to the attic space above the garage,” Stone said. The fire was fully contained within 30 minutes and OCFA was assisted by one engine from the Laguna Beach Fire Department.No injuries were reported.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to Stone, fire in-vestigators classified the blaze as acciden-tal, caused by spontaneous combustion of oily rags. Damage is estimated at $500,000 to the house and $300,000 to the contents.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapoint-times.com for the full story. —Andrea Swayne

promote Dana Point to corporate groups, launch a website, conduct public relations and use social media.

Business leaders received a glimpse of the marketing campaign at the State of the City earlier this month.

WHAT’S NEXT: The website www.mydan-apoint.com will launch May 15.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapoint-times.com for updates. —SNG

which have been shut down over safety issues affecting the steam generators,” said commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko in a statement.

He said power plant owner Southern California Edison had not sent its required written response.

Both reactors at the power plant south of Dana Point have been offline since January. Tubes in the relatively new steam genera-tors have shown early wear, and investiga-tors have worked to determine the cause and propose a solution.

As of this week, 1,317 tubes in both steam generators have been plugged, ac-cording to SCE.

WHAT’S NEXT: The utility company said in a new-release it had used a June start date for planning purposes only and that the date was subject to change.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.sanclement-etimes.com for updates. —SNG

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www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 5

Leading the Business Community Forward

mere month into the job and the new Dana Point Chamber of Com-merce Executive Director Heather

Johnston is settled in, up and running and already putting her mark on the 65-year-old organization.

After navigating through a tumultuous past couple of years—losing two executive directors, one of whom is facing the possi-bility of criminal charges, two support staff members and a dip in membership—cham-ber officials and members seem to agree that Johnston brings with her the promise of a successful future.

“Heather [Johnston] is like a breath of fresh air,” said Kathy McCool, McCool Flowers owner and chamber member. “Like many fellow chamber members I have great confidence in her and look forward to working with her.”

Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Russell Kerr spoke on behalf of the entire board expressing their confidence in choos-ing Johnston to fill the executive director position.

“In Heather’s first month on the job she has gone out of her way to endear herself to the local business community and has done an excellent job of reaching out and meeting people.”

Kerr went on to say that he and fellow board members are particularly pleased with how the timing of her arrival coincided with last week’s State of the City Address.

“As we prepared for our annual State of the City luncheon and learned from Mayor Lara Anderson the direction the city is headed in, we knew we found in Heather a director who could both support and embrace the vision for Dana Point’s future, not just someone who could run a chamber,” Kerr said. “With her extensive marketing, convention, visitors’ bureau and TBID experience the chamber is poised to better support the city vision than we would have been otherwise. She comes with a set of skills and a dynamic personality that fills in the blanks and was just what the board was looking for.”

Kerr also spoke highly of Johnston’s energetic and vivacious personality that he expects will be put to good use as she is charged with continuing, and building on, the chamber’s 65-year tradition.

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

Introducing new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnston

ON EXPERIENCEJohnston came to the Dana Point Cham-

ber from Discover Torrance, the Torrance visitors’ bureau, a free standing, nonprofit Tourism Business Improvement District.

Discovering the existence of the recent formation of a TBID in Dana Point, and having recent and extensive knowledge of how TBIDs work, was a positive in making the decision to apply for the job, she said.

“In Torrance I worked very closely with the city’s chamber and felt very comfort-able with both entities,” Johnston said. “Honestly I was a bit surprised that Dana Point hadn’t formed a TBID sooner as the city is so dependent on tourism dollars. The fact that Dana Point has done so well without it in the past speaks volumes of the city’s potential moving forward with one. I could see immediately that Dana Point is poised for great things and is the next big destination.”

Torrance is a much larger city and although the TBID experience there was great, Johnston said she missed working with small businesses as she had in her time at the Mammoth ski area and visitors’ bureau between 1996 and 2002. Her time with the bureau under the City of Mam-moth Lakes was spent building their sales and marketing department.

Johnston also worked for the Irvine Company marketing their neighbor-hood retail centers and held a position in the sales and marketing department of Disneyland handling outdoor tourist advertising, corporate and military ticket programs. After being laid off by Disney Johnston did freelance graphic design for the theme park before taking the Torrance job in 2010.

ON A PERSONAL NOTEIn Johnston’s nine years as a resident of

San Clemente she has never been without a lengthy commute and says that ditch-ing the drive and working in a place she knows well and already loves is a big plus.

Johnston lives with her husband of five years Matt McClain, director of marketing and communications at the San Clemente-based Surfrider Foundation corporate headquarters, and their beloved cat Zoe.

The two are both devoted animal lovers who regularly support to the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter and the ASPCA.

Johnston’s leisure time pursuits include stand-up paddling, skiing, a “little bit of surfing,” and Johnston says she is happy to describe herself as an “all around beach bunny.”

“Nothing makes me happier than spend-ing the day lounging on a beach with a good book while my husband surfs,” she said.

Working close to home, she plans on taking up a few new, and previously ne-glected, hobbies.

“I am in the process of figuring out my new camera and want to start taking photography classes soon,” she said. “I’m already seeing ‘the perfect tourism shot’ around every corner and can’t wait to start documenting the natural beauty of Dana Point. And I want to take up gardening again.”

Johnston’s last job with the Torrance visitor’s bureau meant spending most week nights at her father-in-law’s Palos Verdes home and only coming home on the weekends. A fact she said, that led to the total decline of her garden.

Growing up, the youngest of three daughters, of a stay at home mom and a father who worked as a Thrifty Drugstore (now RiteAid) district manager, she moved around a lot.

Every time her father got promoted the family moved, Johnston said. She’s lived all over California, New Mexico and Arizona but San Clemente has become the city she’s called home for the longest.

MOVING FORWARDAs Johnston settles into her new role,

one of the people she credits with helping to make her transition smooth is consul-tant Rose Hancock who has been working on a contract basis at the chamber during the board’s search for a new executive.

“Rose has been great. It’s been so help-ful to have her in the office and her knowl-edge of the city, the chamber and our chamber members has been invaluable. She has done an amazing job keeping the doors open during a time of transition,” Johnston said.

As the TBID concentrates on attracting corporate business and meetings Johnston says she sees the role of the chamber as bridging the gap between their efforts and our task of both promoting local business and letting visitors know what the city has to offer.

The partnership contract between the chamber and the city is a move Johnston says she sees as a gesture of goodwill in promoting local businesses that can only serve to strengthen the relationship between the city and its business com-munity.

“I’m delighted to be a part of it,” she said. “It was such a pleasure to find busi-ness owners who are passionate about the chamber, a city destination on the brink of rising to the next level and a group people who are passionate and committed to helping their community grow.”

The number one priority according to Johnston is to help grow the Dana Point business community and part of that goal will include bringing back some of the best programs of the past.

She says she will focus on giving mem-bers more opportunities to get involved by making sure events are not only fun but also a productive means to increasing business.

Offering more educational programs to keep business people up to date with relevant issues and laws that affect them and ensuring that members are a poised to benefit, enhance and be a part of the city’s future destination marketing efforts are also of top importance.

“It’s my desire for the chamber to be of assistance to the TBID members in their efforts to promote our destination and I want to provide anything we can do to help,” Johnston said.

She also plans to search for additional methods of funding to supplement the chamber’s largest fundraiser, the Turkey Trot.

“It would be nice to diversify our fundraising efforts so that such a large majority of our funding is not coming from just one event,” she said.

From the board members, to the city to the individual members, Johnston said she is overwhelmed by the common desire to make sure the chamber continues to get better and better.

“I really want people to know that bot-tom line this is their chamber, and only by working together will we be able to see it fully realize its potential. I am just here to help them navigate the road to success,” Johnston said. DP

ANew Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnston says she is pleased to be a part of great things to come for the city. Photo by Andrea Swayne

EYE ON DP

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 6

DPSheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALEAll 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 incident 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 Web site.

Sunday, May 6

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKOWN INJURIESPacific Coast Highway/Doheny Park Road (5:29 p.m.) A silver Dodge Charger col-lided with a motorcycle at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Doheny Park. It is unknown whether the motorcy-clist would have to be hospitalized but the caller stated that he was up and moving around after the collision.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCEBowsprit Drive, 25200 Block (5:10 p.m.)A transient was sleeping in the canyon behind a caller’s house.

ASSIST OUTSIDE-AGENCYDana Drive, 25000 Block (12:38 p.m.)Dana Point Harbor Patrol reported a natural gas leak in the harbor. There was no specification on where the leak occurred or where it was coming from.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-VEHICLEAlta Vista Drive/ Blue Lantern (2:14 a.m.)A gold SUV was parked along the street with the driver’s side door ajar. A deputy saw the door open and a man seem-ingly asleep behind the wheel. When the deputy woke him up, the man stated that he was too tired to drive home.

UNKOWN TROUBLERitz Pointe Drive, 0 Block (12:52 a.m.)A caller alerted deputies to screams of “Help” that she heard in the Ritz Point Complex. The caller could not pinpoint where the calls for help were coming from. Deputies responded and discov-ered a 99-year-old woman who fell. Paramedics were sent for.

Saturday, May 5

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYGolden Lantern/La Cresta Drive (7:16 p.m.)A caller thought that there was an apartment fire occurring in the area because he saw smoke rising out of the upper level of a two-story apartment building. Emergency crews responded and found the source of the billowing smoke was a fog machine.

SPONSORED BY Dana Point Police Serviceswww.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com

TRAFFIC HAZARDGolden Lantern /Acapulco Drive (7:07 p.m.)Two teenagers were doing donuts in the Dana Hills High parking lot. The caller thought that the driver was intentionally trying to flip the car over.

TRAFFIC HAZARDPacific Coast Highway/Doheny Park Road (4:28 p.m.) A homeless woman in a grey T-shirt and grey sweat pants was stand-ing on the corner, pointing at drivers as they passed by, causing traffic to slow.

FIREWORK VIOLATIONDoheny Park Road, 34000 Block (4:17 p.m.)Fireworks were being set off in the area next to the Beachwood Mobile Estates.

DISTURBANCEPacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (3:40 a.m.) The driver of a party bus pulled over and called deputies after six drunk-en passengers started fighting.

CITIZEN ASSISTLa Plaza, 34100 Block (12:35 a.m.)A woman said that she lost her $12,000 wedding ring while in a ladies restroom. She said that she took it off and walked away, apparently forgetting about the ring, and when she returned it was gone.

Friday, May 4

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPONPacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (9:30 a.m.) A 34-year-old, unemployed man

assaulted a woman with a glass pipe used for smoking marijuana. The woman was with her dog when the man threw his pipe at her. Although it is unknown what kind of a relationship the two had, the man took the woman’s dog and fled the scene. Deputies tracked him around town as he hid out in various liquor stores and parks. The man was finally apprehended at a Chevron station and remains in custody on $100,000 bail. No specifics were given about the woman’s medical condition.

Thursday, May 3

CITIZEN ASSISTCheltam Way, 33400 Block (6:42 p.m.)A caller complained to deputies about her neighbor after he put a basketball hoop in front of her house. The neighbor and his friends were out playing in the street “being loud” according to the caller.

TRESPASSINGDoheny Park Road, 34000 Block (10:39 a.m.) In an ongoing complaint to deputies, the property manager of Donut World called complaining about six day workers who were standing out in front of the business and would not leave. The man-ager stated that this is not the first time he has called to complain about the day workers.

PETTY THEFTPacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (5:11 a.m.) Two 21-year-old twin brothers stole a bottle of wine from a Circle K.

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 Swayne

Boaters and Paddlers to Attempt a Life Jacket World Record

On Saturday, May 19 sailors and paddlers from Westwind Sailing, Mariner Sea Scouts and the Dana Outrigger Club will gather at noon to attempt to set a world record for the most life jackets worn and inflatable life jackets inflated.

The goal is not only to promote the com-fortable and versatile options when it comes to life jackets, but also to educate the public about life jackets and safe boating in general.

“Ready, Set, Wear It!” events like this are being held throughout the U.S. and Canada to kick off National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25.

According to Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, as many as 500 lives could be saved each year if boaters had worn their life jackets.

“It’s so simple. Today’s lifejackets are comfortable, compact and cool. There’s no reason to be a statistic,” said Diane Wenzel, Executive Director of Westwind Sailing. “Our goal is to gather all our constituents and encourage the boating public in Dana Point

to wear their lifejackets.” Westwind Sailing will further its efforts

to promote safe and responsible boating by partnering with the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation to offer free sailing and stand-up paddling clinics during the Dana Point Boat Show, May 31 through June 2. Visit www.danaboatshow.com or visit the foundation’s booth at the boat show to sign up.

For more information, call Westwind Sailing at 949.492.3035 or log on to the following list of related websites: www.wes-twindsailing.com, www.ReadySetWearIt.com, www.dpaquaticfoundation.org, www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com, www.mari-ner936.com and www.danaoutrigger.net.

Summer Sailing Registration Opens Dana West Yacht Club

Dana West Yacht Club is once again host-ing its Junior Summer Sailing Camp for kids ages 8 to 14.

Produced by Dana West Youth Sailing, Inc. with U.S. Sailing certified instructors the program is open to club members as well as the public.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplish-

ments and more. Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your

information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Three sessions will run between June 25 and August 3. Camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The first ses-sion price is $270 (nine days) and Sessions 2 and 3 (both 10-day sessions) are $300 each. DWYC offers a 10 percent family discount for multiple children.

Space is limited. For questions or to regis-ter call Ted Olsen at 714.746.1596.

Still Water at Renaissance to Host Art4Healing Fundraiser

Art & Creativity for Healing will host its annual Palette of Colors event on Saturday, June 9, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Still Water at Renaissance, 24701 Del Prado in Dana Point.

“We are looking forward to celebrating our 10th annual Palette of Colors in Dana Point this year, and grateful for our spon-sors and donors who are making this event possible,” said Laurie Zagon, Founder/Director, Art & Creativity for Healing, Inc. “This year, the proceeds from the event will be used to support the free Art4Healing workshops we provide to military personnel and their families, as well the programs we provide for victims of domestic violence and underprivileged children throughout Orange County through our partnerships with other nonprofit organizations.”

The theme for this year’s event is “Art & Jazz,” and entertainment will be provided by

renowned jazz pianists, Ron Kobayashi, of The Kobayashi Trio.

A group of active duty Marines will be special guests for the evening and students from the Dana Hills High School Art4Heal-ing Club will be volunteering during the event to assist with registration and the live and silent auctions.

Auction items include custom made home accessories and jeans designer Mychael Darwin, artwork created by Art4Healing program participants, a three-night stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel with Cirque du Soleil VIP tickets for two, a private four-course dinner with wine pairing for 10 guests by acclaimed Chef Larry Monaco, a New Orleans jazz and din-ing experience with airfare and a three-night stay at the French Quarter’s Renaissance Pere Marquette, a Corum ladies ROCKET watch with diamond bezel and a one-week stay at Little Blue Cottage by the Sea in Laguna Beach.

Tickets are $125 per person, or $1,250 for tables of 10, and can be purchased by calling 949.367.1902, or through the Art for Healing website at www.art4healing.org .

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 8

San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX Dana Point Times, Vol. 5, Issue 19. 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 2012. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

CEO Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Group Editor, Editor, SC Times> Stacie N. Galang

City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Swayne

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City Reporter> Brian Park

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INTERNSAustin Patrick Reagan

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller

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EDITORSTORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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DPDana Point

Home Port for RomanceALL HANDS, AHOY: By Beverli Jinn

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the Dana Point Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

Don’t misunderstand. I support the Arts & Culture Commission (who-ever they are). Being critical of art

is right up there with criticizing Mom or apple pie. I’m just not gonna go there.

Neither do I have any intention of being critical of Doris Walker. That would hardly get me a chorus of supportive huzzahs. Doris is rightly deserving of all the plaudits sent her way by the Dana Point community.

No, what’s bothering me is that the city has approved a recommendation from the Arts & Culture Commission to construct a Doris Walker tribute at Heritage Park.

“Where?”Has everyone read Doris’s book, Home

Port for Romance? Beginning with cliffs and fossils, Doris tells the story of Dana Point: Indians and explorers and mis-sionaries and traders and developers and surfers and, oh yes, the amazing transfor-mation of a rugged shoreline, Dana Cove, into a beautiful harbor.

Until 1956, the only access to this rocky expanse was Cove Road. In the late ’60s, fl atbed trucks carried thousands of huge boulders down a slightly improved Cove Road to form the jetty. Ace reporter Doris

Walker was there with her camera to record every step of the construction. In 1968, when a second access was constructed connecting the harbor and Coast Highway at the old Dana Villa Motel, she was

there.Still, Heritage Park was only a gleam in

the eye of developers. The cliffs stretched from the Headlands in the west to Doheny State Beach in the east. Somewhere along there, in 1835, Richard Henry Dana and his shipmates hurled hides from the cliffs to the beach below. One hundred fi fty years later, was Heritage Park an area where Doris spent a lot of time? Do today’s visitors gaze at the harbor and the ocean beyond and honor Doris as the person to be given credit for preserving its history? Probably not.

Today, in 2012, Heritage Park is a beauti-ful place to have your wedding. It’s a great place to play Frisbee with your dog. It’s a great place to enjoy a concert. I’ve lived across the street on Old Golden Lantern for eleven years, not knowing that the offi cial name of the lookout itself is the

Heritage Park Compass Point. Well, that makes sense. A large compass rose is a part of the overlook, its presence making it clear to skeptical visitors that they are looking south, not west, as they stand looking down at the harbor.

The proposal that was recently ap-proved by our City Council, however, asked that the name be changed to the Doris Walker Overlook. Of course there should be such an overlook. But why here? This view has already been spoken for!

In 1983, Street of the Golden Lantern, parallel and east of Old Golden Lantern, was extended from PCH to the harbor. East of this new street is Lantern Bay Park, 16 acres of windswept bluff tops with a 270 degree view of curving Capist-rano Bay.

This was a big deal. “A new street,” Doris writes in her book, “Park Lantern, winds up the other side to a massive front lawn for the hotel.”

Now yer talking. Doris herself has picked out the right spot for her overlook.

If you don’t like her choice, however, there are other possible locations that are historically appropriate. The Nature Inter-

pretive Center at the end of Green Lantern is the perfect place. The Center’s loca-tion near the top of Cove Road provides historical records unavailable anywhere else. A visitor interested in knowing more about the history of Dana Point will fi nd this Center the place to visit. There are docents to assist with the information gathering process. There is an open space trail system that allows visitors to ven-ture almost to the edge of the Headlands where they can soak-in the “King of the World” magic.

And, fi nally, there is a plot of land at the top of Cove Road next to the Chart House restaurant. I have no idea who owns this parcel, but if designed properly, it could be the perfect viewpoint from which to take in the panorama of cliffs, marina and ocean beyond.

After all, it was Cove Road that made this all possible.

Jinn welcomes her readers’ feedback via email at beverlijinn@cox.net. DP

Beverli Jinn

Good News Comes in Threeshese are exciting times at Picket Fence Media World Headquarters, as we are announcing a promotion

and two new hires to the editorial staff.First, the promotion. Stacie Galang,

our city editor for San Clemente and the SC Times, has been named Senior Editor. Since joining the SC Times last January, Stacie has proven herself to be a top-fl ight journalist and tireless worker, not to men-tion a terrifi c team player. In her new role, Stacie will continue to serve as city editor of San Clemente, but will now oversee our newsroom as well, helping direct editorial

Tfor all of our papers and sites. Needless to say, that’s a lot of work, so we needed to add some new players to our team, which we have done in the form of Steve Breazeale and Brian Park.

Steve is our new group sports re-porter — our fi rst fully dedicated sports reporter who will help us deepen our local sports coverage by providing daily Tweets on his Twitter account (southOC-sports), posting daily updates online and expanding our coverage of high school, youth and adult recreation sports. A UCLA graduate, Steve interned with us

a few summers ago, and we were so im-pressed we hired him after he graduated.

Brian also joins us from UCLA, and most recently has been working as a re-porter for a community newspaper group in Fullerton. Brian is our new city reporter for San Juan Capistrano but also will be do-ing feature writing for all three papers and websites — San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch.

Both guys — who join our editorial team with Dana Point City Editor Andrea Swayne — are well-trained in social media and will be helping us take more advan-

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: By Norb Garrett

tage of those resources to help share “news you can use.”

So, please join me and our staff in con-gratulating Stacie while welcoming both Steve and Brian to the team. DP

Steve Breazeale and Brian Park. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

SOAPBOX

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 10

Shock, Disbelief, Sadness

Letters to the Editor

least twice in the past.One of the very first

things that a novice learns is how to be safe on a boat. Learning the names for all the various parts of a boat and the lines is im-portant so that you will un-

derstand how everything works, and why. Learning how the sails harness the wind to drive your boat as fast as it can go takes practice and experience. Once these skills are understood, you are on the way to safe boating, but until you have learned what equipment you should have on board, and how to use it, you are playing with fire.

Speculation is still lingering about what caused the tragedy. Large ships often cannot see smaller boats and the radar reflectors sailors carry often are too small to cast much of a radar shadow. The Coast Guard is still investigating two theories. One is that the Aegean was struck and sunk by a tanker or other large ship. That would seem to make sense of the small

is no evil.” Clean water is just a ruse to disguise

their lack of concern for the Village. The SCWD does not need a dump site to function. The SCWD just does not care about the Village area. It is just that simple. This, of course, will be denied. However, do not listen to what the SCWD says, but watch what they do. Then you will know the true picture of

his title describes the feelings I’ve heard expressed by my many friends who just completed the 65th Annual

N2E (Newport to Ensenada) race at the end of April. As you may have read or seen in the press, for the first time in the race’s history there was a tragedy involving the loss of four lives.

Other misfortunes have happened in this race—collisions, groundings, man overboard incidents (always recovered) along with onboard injuries involving lines, winches and damage from accidental jibes. This year, the whole sailing com-munity is in shock. Everyone is expressing their feelings for the families left behind and wondering how this could happen to veteran sailors.

The primary fact that is so difficult to un-derstand is how this could have happened. One doesn’t just go buy a sailboat and then turn on the engine, back out of the dock, put the sails up and go for a spin. These men were all experienced sailors and the skipper has won his class in this race at

BLIGHT BEYOND DESCRIPTION

CAROLE WELING, Capistrano BeachI read with total dismay the final

paragraph of Beverli Jinn’s column “If Ever or Ever a Wiz There Was…” in the DP Times April 13-19 issue. Where is it written that the South Coast Water Dis-trict cannot be a good neighbor? If this location was in Monarch Beach and not Capistrano Beach there would be income, and a clean presentable site for the public. The current dumping ground that the SCWD supports and encourages would not be tolerated in Monarch Beach, South Laguna Beach or any other area being served by this entity. This despicable 30-acre trash pile is blight beyond descrip-tion for the Village area of Capistrano Beach. Trash, rats, abandoned vehicles and any dump item one can think of is condoned by the Water District.

Why does the SCWD think that the people in the Village area involved should not have the same quality of life freely provided in other parts of the city? SCWD’s quantum of contempt for the Village area is without parallel. Oh, I for-got, profit is first, last and forever at the South Coast Water District. The District debases the Village in the name of profit.

Fortunately for the District, they hold their meetings on Golden Lantern, far enough away not to see or smell the problem. The issue is discussed from a great distance so the board can say, “We see no evil, we hear no evil and thus there

pieces found, as if the boat had been chewed up by propellers. There were several large vessels in the shipping lanes outside of San Diego that night (normal every day) and it’s just part of the race that the crew on watch needs to be aware of and be ready to take evasive action if necessary. Those large boats can’t get out of their own way.

The other theory is that the boat struck the northern part of the Coronado Islands and sank. Every time I have seen photos of a boat that has run aground or been washed ashore as in the case of the recent tragedy in San Francisco, the boat is largely intact, often in large recognizable pieces. We should hear the real story from the Coast Guard in the coming days.

Although I was not on a boat competing in the race this year, I have sailed in the N2E race nine times. Twice on my boat ARCA, three times on Campbell’s Sloop, and four times on Sol Mate. It is a long race, (125 nautical miles) often with very light winds and you have to be almost as

what the SCWD thinks of our Village.

WHAT IS THAT MOTTO? FREUD?

SHER FULLER, Dana PointAs a long time resident and retired

advertising executive with over 20 years experience I feel qualified to comment on the City’s advertising agency, Agency 51, and its pathetic attempt at a motto

T

HARBOR HAPPENINGS: By Barbara Merriman

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the Dana Point Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

good at drifting as you are at sailing. My friends on the Sloop and Sol Mate both raced this year with all-female crews and finished four seconds apart (corrected time). Congratulations to both skippers and crew for a great effort.

The crews from several other boats in the race knew of the tragedy when it happened, but didn’t know the extent of the damage until a few hours later. We will hear the real story when the Coast Guard gathers enough information to come to a conclusion. Usually when a reason is found, there is a lesson to be learned. Regardless of what that conclusion is, it won’t change the fact that we as a sailing community have suffered a tragic loss. So when all the facts are in, and the story is told, use the lesson to help make your boating experience safer and therefore more enjoyable. DP

for Dana Point: “Once you look deeper, you’ll see the point.” Really? Is this the best a paid agency can come up with? What is that, Freud? Does that describe our city?

If this is the type of work Agency 51 puts out, the city got robbed. Hope their contract isn’t locked in for a long time and their work is on a contingency basis. A motto is very important; it must use a few words to describe an entire environ-ment. The people who live here can do a better job of coming up with a motto for our city; me too for that matter.

Let the people decide! Hopefully the motto is only “proposed” because it is so wrong. Please City Council; don’t bur-den us with something so lame. Keep it real: “Dana Point, Whales, Wonders and Smiles.” Let the people who live here suggest our motto. Obviously Agency 51 hasn’t got a clue. We the people should choose our motto. If anyone else agrees please speak out, otherwise we will be strapped with a truly stupid label forever.

Barbara Merriman

To submit a letter to the editor for possible

inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@

danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932

Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA

92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right

to edit reader-submitted letters for length

and is not responsible for the claims made

or the information written by the writers.

The Doheny Blues Festival, produced by Omega Events, celebrates its 15th anniver-sary at Doheny State Beach May 19 and 20. Music fans from around the world attend the festival to enjoy over 20 sets of music on three different stages. From blues to rock to roots, there’s something to suit a wide variety of musical tastes.

Yearscelebrating

on the Beach

Los Lonely BoysLos Lonely Boys tale to date is already the stuff legends are made of. They grew up playing behind their father as kids in cantinas and honky-tonks and moved to Nashville in their teens to try to win a record deal. After returning to their native Texas, where the brothers made their bones on the club scene, the group released their self-titled, double platinum debut and penned the No. 1 radio hit Heaven. Los Lonely Boys continue the legend with their new album, Rockpango, a full-scale Tex-Mex American roots rock party.

Gregg AllmanRock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman is both a founding member of one of the big-gest and most important American bands of all time, the Allman Brothers Band, and a critically acclaimed solo talent. A natural artist gifted with a beautifully soulful and distinctive voice as well as brilliant keyboard and guitar expertise, Allman is a legend-ary performer with a career spanning over 30 years. Allman’s brand new Grammy-nominated album, Low Country Blues, marks the legendary artist’s seventh solo recording and fi rst in more than 13 years.

Joan Osborne & The Holmes BrothersJoan Osborne has sold millions of albums and garnered multiple Grammy nominations throughout her critically and commercially acclaimed career. She has sung lead vocals for The Dead (formerly the Grateful Dead) and won a Grammy for her performance in the award-winning fi lm Standing in the Shad-ows of Motown. Osborne’s new album, Bring it on Home, a collection of vintage blues, R&B and soul songs that make up the sev-enth album from the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist. Joan Osborne will be performing with The Holmes Brothers.

“Year 15 is a proud milestone for the festival, so we wanted to deliver a legendary, eclectic lineup for the Doheny fans,” says promoter Rich Sherman. “Gregg Allman rarely performs on the West Coast and Steve Miller’s infl uence on blues-rock music cannot be understated. Plus, both Allman and Miller have recorded blues albums this

year…so the timing is perfect. This is our way of saying thanks to the loyal supporters of our independent festival.”

The Doheny Blues Festival is synonymous with Doheny State Beach. When you think of the festival, you can’t help but recall the picturesque backdrop that it boasts. The festival is proud to call Doheny State Beach its home and couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful backdrop. For the past 15 years, Omega Events has produced festivals at this historic location and continues to imple-ment greening standards to ensure that the California State Park remains pristine.

Doheny’s gentle breakers make it an ideal place for surfi ng and have long been a focal point of the surfi ng counterculture in the 1950s and ’60s. To this day Doheny State Beach receives international acclaim for its whitewashed sandy beaches, popular camp-ing grounds and surrounding trails. Kids of all ages can enjoy year-round interpretive education programs on marine life, water quality and conservation.

See the event schedule for the full lineup of acts.

The term “less is more” gets thrown around a lot. And, while it may apply to many things, events, art or musical composi-tions, generally you won’t hear these words coming from the mouths of music festival fans—especially fans of the annual Doheny Blues Festival.

More is more. When it comes to variety, the very best classic music festival venues out there are generally regarded as an excellent way to see and hear diverse acts on a single ticket. This is a promise that Doheny Blues has been delivering on for 15 years.

Three stages, an international food court, wine lounge, vendor village and a lineup of musicians designed to please concert goers from the most rabid blues fanatics to rock and roll purists, combine to earn Doheny Blues its reputation among great music fes-tivals. The event even hosts a Kidz EcoFest with games, crafts and other fun interactive activities designed to keep young music fans entertained and engaged. And the beautiful seaside festival grounds at Doheny State Beach—only steps from the Pacifi c Ocean—

really doesn’t suck either.The largest of two main stages, the

Doheny Stage, provides a true big ticket concert experience with mesmerizing light-ing displays, plenty of room for the artists to move around and entertain and a giant screen above to make sure even those seated farthest from the stage have a front row view.

A second main stage, the Sailor Jerry Stage, is located at the opposite end of the large grassy fi eld and although a bit smaller, also provides a wide open platform to show-case the talented lineup.

The Backporch stage—the smallest of the three—is arguably the only place where “Less is more” applies, and in a genius way. This stage is the festival’s “up close” acoustic enclave where fans can enjoy a more intimate concert experience. Another plus here—microbrew tastings from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Craft brews and unplugged blues; it doesn’t get much better than that.

With a trio of stages providing a different experience—not only musically, but each with its own vibe—there truly is something for everyone at the Doheny Blues Festival.

—Andrea Swayne

MOREMORE

Crosby, Stills & Nash rock the main stage at the 2010 Doheny Blues Festival. Photo by Andrea Swayne

More than 20 artists on three stages!

Steve Miller BandOne of rock music’s all-time greats, The Steve Miller Band has sold more than 30 million records in a career spanning more than four decades. Following the success of 2010’s No. 1 blues album, BINGO!, which was recently nominated as Blues Rock Album of the Year by the Blues Foundation, The Steve Miller Band returned with yet an-other new offering, Let Your Hair Down. The new album includes the last recordings by the late harmonica virtuoso Norton Buffalo, Miller’s “partner in harmony” for 33 years.

DOHENY STAGE SAILOR JERRY STAGE THE BACKPORCH DOHENY STAGE SAILOR JERRY STAGE THE BACKPORCH

All artists and times are subject to change without notice. The festival is rain-or-shine, no refunds.

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Event Schedule

Trombone Shorty & Orleans AvenueSince the release of their Grammy-nominat-ed 2010 debut album, Backatown, Trom-bone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have grown creatively while winning hordes of new fans performing nonstop on fi ve continents. Their new album, For True, offers substantive proof of their explosive growth, further refi ning the signature sound Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews has dubbed “Supafunkrock”. The band stirs together old-school New Orleans jazz, funk and soul, laced with hard-rock power chords and hip-hop beats.

Buddy GuyBuddy Guy is one of the titans of the blues, straddling traditional and modern forms, as well as musical generations. He’s worked with a variety of artists from Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin’ Wolf to Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Rolling Stones. There are few notable blues fi gures that Guy hasn’t brushed up against. The genre’s most electrifying guitarist, Guy has remained a vital and current musician, mov-ing blues forward without losing sight of its roots. He’s renowned for his raw, blistering vocals and high-voltage guitar playing.

THE COLDCUTS 6:30 p.m.-close. Live music at Zona’s. 647 Camino de Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.940.8845.

CLIVE CARROLL 7:30 p.m. Performance as part of the Lord of the Strings concert series at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $25. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts an evening cruise with a wine tast-ing from The Organic Cellar aboard a luxury catamaran through the Harbor. Cost $49 each. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

ALOHA RADIO 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Island-style rock music at Still Water. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

DIRTY PINTS 10 p.m. Live music at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 19

THE LISTfriday

11

OC DANA POINT HAR-BOR UNDERWATER CLEAN-UP EVENT 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Seeking certi-fied divers to scour a sec-tion of the harbor bottom

for lost or discarded items. Includes breakfast and an event T-shirt. 949.496.6137, www.dphunderwatercleanup.com.

BATTLE OF THE MARIACHIS 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano will host the eighth annual Battle of the Mariachis Festival with live musical entertainment, food and more. Cost $5-$10. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Dana Wharf brings back its music cruise on the Dana Pride with a full bar. Special price in May for only $10 each. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

saturday 12

MOTHER’S DAY WINE EVENT 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Specials and more at SC Wine Com-pany. 2 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AND AFTERNOON SAIL 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ocean Institute hosts a brunch sail onboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point; help raise the sails and steer the ship. Cost $30-$45 each. A second Mother’s Day Sail departs at 2 p.m. for $21.50-$38.50 each. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

MOTHER’S DAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH BUFFET 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Special event for moms at El Adobe de Cap-istrano. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1163, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

WILFAX & BRUNCH 11 a.m. Live music at Still Water plus Sunday brunch for $16.99. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

SUNDAY FUNDAY 2:30 p.m. Live music by Jann Browne at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

sunday 13

WINE CLASS 6:45 p.m.-9:15 p.m. Event at The Cellar featur-ing “The Greatest Hits of Wine.” Cost $89. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

MONDAY NIGHT LAUGHS 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live stand-up comedy at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

monday 14

TOMORROWS ARTISTS TODAY 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica features an exhibition of works by local students, on display through May 31. $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente,

949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

RUBEN GONZALEZ 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

tuesday 15

LOCAL MUSICIAN’S NIGHT 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s debuts a new night of music featuring The Eli Chapman Band. 555 N. El Camino Real,

San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

NICK MATTERA 7 p.m. Live music at Still Water. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

wednesday 16

PAINTING WITH YOUR SOUL 7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents bicultural art as Her-man Sillas explores his Mexican-American heritage through paint. $7. 415 Avenida Granada,

San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

RAMMSTEIN 8 p.m. Show at the Honda Center. Tickets start at $49.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

thursday 17

Have an event?Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

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

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monthly art fair in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org

HELLBOUND HAYRIDE 8 p.m. Concert with Graceland Mafia, Cory Voodoo, Knuckle, Space Rocket, Hard Fall, Hearts at The Coach house. Tickets $12. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

PAWS IN THE GARDEN 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Ark of San Juan’s 4th annual fundraiser with a tour of four gardens. Proceeds help The Ark save pets. Information and tickets online. 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

BACKYARD CHICKEN BASICS 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center teaches you how to raise your own chickens. Free. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Live music at Wind and Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

San Clemente

DPDana Point

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

One business in America can certainly stop worrying about the economy: showbusiness. With the 2012 summer blockbuster line-up already beginning, movie studios are sure to make bank with upcoming flicks: Prometheus, Snow White & the Huntsman, Brave, The Amaz-ing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises to name a few. The first of the pack is Paramount and Marvel’s The Avengers. This time, Marvel has produced an extravaganza with its heroes teaming up to save the world. Threatened by Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and an army of demons, peace agency SHIELD calls forth the Avengers: Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). From different back-grounds and with strengths, they must take down evil as a team. On the sidelines, agents Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), Professor Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) keep things in

order. “Buffy” and “Firefly” creator Joss Whedon penned the screenplay and directed this time around. He keeps his trade-mark wit and personal conflict mixed with drama. The characters come across genuine and share true chemistry. Yes, there are six protagonists and 70 percent of film is action, but The Avengers provides fun, comic relief and never gets boring. And isn’t that what we love about summer movies? DP — Megan Bianco

AT THE MOVIES: THE AVENGERS TAKE FLIGHT

Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans in Marvel’s The Avengers. © 2011 MVLFFLLC. TM & © 2011 Marvel

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 20

4PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP LIVING

DPDana Point

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Older Singles who Live Together Reject the Term ‘Shacking Up’

couple of weeks ago, a reporter named Allison Linn at MSNBC.com interviewed me about the increas-

ing number of singles over age 50 who live together without being married. We had a pleasant conversation; Allison is a sweet woman.

Two days later, Allison’s article was pub-lished online with this title: “More older couples shacking up, skipping marriage.”

The first paragraph read: “Shacking up. It’s not just for the kids anymore.”

“Shacking up?” The term surprised me; I hadn’t used it in the interview with Allison. She must have decided the term, which was used by Fleetwood Mac in the January 1977 song, “Go Your Own Way,” would get readers’ attention.

It did. Allison emailed later, “That story got hundreds of thousands of page views.”

My partner Greta was shocked when

rganizers of the 2012 Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling presented by Amgen Breakaway from Cancer hit

record attendance numbers again this year.The 6th annual event on May 6 took

in 877 pre-registered online entries and 152 race day late entries of USA Cycling licensed participants, an all time record according to Russell Ames, executive direc-tor of the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation, the organizers of the DPGP.

“We’re confident the turnout makes this event the largest single-day criterium in the U.S. for the second year in a row,” said Ames.

Kids’ race entries set another Grand Prix record with about 400 youngsters racing in

Column readers offer input on ways to describe their relationships

A the link to Allison’s article appeared on her Facebook page. Greta im-mediately posted: I prefer the term “committed-life relationship.”

Every Friday I send by email a free “Love after 50” newsletter to several hundred subscribers. I told them about Allison’s

article and posed the question, “Are we the shack-up generation?” In the newsletter, I mentioned Greta’s preferred term.

Oh boy, did I get an earful. More than 90 percent of the responses found the term “shacking up” offensive and unacceptable.

Jeanne emailed, “Shacking up may be cool to say, but it takes away from the sanctity of the decision…Choosing to live together is a big deal and should be

four age categories.“The 7- to 8-year olds took the biggest

jump from years past but the 5 and under category still had the most sign-ups,” Ames said. “I think we are witnessing pre-vious year’s DPGP kids’ race participants progressing into older age categories, which simply means, they’re coming back year after year.”

Victory in the Men’s Pro Race was taken, for the second year in a row, by David Huff racing for team Jelly Belly. The Women’s Pro Race was taken by Gil-lian Carleton, a member of the Canadian National Track Team.

Cyclists weren’t the only folks having a great time in the classically beautiful, post-card worthy Dana Point weather. Thou-sands of spectators lined the Town Center route to cheer on both the professional

described and treated as such…”Brenda said, “I think the term is pretty

tacky. It seems disrespectful to me and the committed relationship you have.”

Even Jon, from Washington state, took offense, “The term, which connotes conve-nient sex, is a bit crass and shallow…”

Donna said, “The title is very offensive, insulting even, and judgmental.”

Kathy added, “There’s a huge difference between shacking up with someone and the thoughtful decision to live together to realize one’s dreams, be economically smart and sound with one’s expectations and standards, and be considerate and informed about each other’s life goals and how one can help his/her partner achieve these goals.”

Betty and Charli both preferred Greta’s term: committed-life relationship.

So, no more “shacking up” description

racers of today and of the future.And, led by the Dana Hills High School

drum line, hundreds took part in the traditional Amgen Breakaway from Cancer

for older singles who live together without being married at least not in this column. We may have thought the description was cool when Lindsay Buckingham and Ste-vie Nix belted it out in the 1970s, but not now that we are in our 50s, 60s and 70s.

Henceforth, singles living together will be in a committed-life relationship. After all, we are a dignified group.

To sign up for Tom’s free email newslet-ter, visit www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. To read Allison’s article: http://bit.ly/IfmJkY.

Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating. For dating information: www.FindingLove-After50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP

Walk.Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for

more results and a photo slideshow from the event. DP

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.

Cyclists compete at the 6th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling May 6. Photo by Andrea Swayne

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

O

THE 6TH ANNUAL DANA POINT GRAND PRIX OF CYCLING HITS RECORD NUMBERS

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

BUSINESS DIRECTORYLocals Only

The only directory featuring Dana Point businesses exclusively

Jim Ettinger Design 949.246.022433742 Big Sur St., jimettingerdesign@cox.netNona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.227526901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

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

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com

PLUMBING

Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877beaconprinting@sbcglobal.netPrinting OC 949.388.488827134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

PRINT SHOP

Prudential California Realty, Shirley Tenger www.tengerteam.com 949.487.7700Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 McDaniel Gilmore Group33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 949.248.100734135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

EMBROIDERY

MUSIC INSTRUCTIONKenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.398424731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com

Sunburst Landscaping 949.632.0081www.sunlandscape.webs.com 949.493.3670

LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS

Dana Point Lock & Security 949.496.6919www.danapointlock.com

LOCKSMITH

San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025163 Avenida Victoria, sanclementepreschool@gmail.com

PRESCHOOLS

Patricia Powers 949.496.1900License#0737080, pat.powers@cox.netStatefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.894434080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.netState Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.320034085 Pacific Coast Hwy. #204www.tedbowersox.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

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

ICE CREAM

Fit Club - Boot Camp 949.831.7984www.afitclub.com

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Mobile Salon Malina 949.500.2909www.salonmalina.com The Captain’s Chair 949.496.195720 Monarch Bay Plaza, www.thecaptainschairdp.comParagon Salon 949.489.195534161 Pacific Coast Hwy.

HAIR SALONS

Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.116524845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com

JEWELER

Green Dump Truck 949.697.4517www.greendumptruck.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Ocean Academy 949.218.4464www.oceanacademy4u.com

JUNIOR WATERMAN PROGRAM

RESTAURANTSBrio Tuscany Grille 949.443.147624050 Camino Del Avion, www.briorestaurant.com

UPHOLSTERY

English Tutoring by Susan 949.481.0481Mathnasium 949.388.655532411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com

TUTORING

Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.229224402 Del PradoJeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.956934118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

SURF SHOPSInfinity Surfboards 949.661.669924382 Del Prado, www.infinitysurf.comJack’s Surfboards 949.276.808034320 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jackssurfboards.com

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.956934118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

WINDOW COVERINGS

Bayside Window Cleaning 949.215.2323www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

WINDOW CLEANING

Ocean Academy 949.218.4464www.oceanacademy4u.com

SURF LESSONS

Sun Salute Yoga Studio 949.371.609724655 La Plaza, Ste. A, www.sunsaluteyoga.com

YOGA

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Island Inspired Pool & Spa 949.547.1000islandinspired@earthlink.net

POOL & SPA SERVICE

Mobile Salon Malina 949.500.2909www.salonmalina.comParagon Salon 949.489.195534161 Pacific Coast Hwy.Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 949.248.859534192 Violet Lantern #2

BEAUTY SALONS

delta G electrical 949.360.9282CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com

ELECTRICAL

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

COFFEE SHOP

Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.810232860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

CATERING

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

CAFE - DELI

Dana Point Dental 949.661.566434080 Golden Lantern, Ste 201, www.danapointdental.com

DENTISTS

Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, www.marykay.com/madams2

COSMETICS

Creative Environments Construction 949.496.3728Design & Build #464468

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL

San Clemente Computer & Network Servicesdaniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

Christian Science Services 949.661.315134102 La Plaza

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Ocean Ranch Chiropractic 949.584.5000Dr. James Slusher & Dr. Ron Berman, 32585 Golden Lantern, Ste. H, www.oceanranchchiropractic.comPacific Waves Family Chiropractic 949.436.2926 & Alternative Healthcare24632 San Juan, Ste. 230, www.pacific-waves.com

CHIROPRACTORS

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles 949.350.4692www.gracorpcoins.com Kevin

COINS

AUTO REPAIRDana Point Auto 949.496.108634342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, Dana Point, Ca 92629

B U S I N E S S • S P O T L I G H TJolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.085534661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.comSmokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.810232860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

Danman’s Music School 949.496.655624699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 23

Submit your classifi ed ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORYSan Clemente

DPDana Point

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!E-mail your garage sale to

classifi eds@danapointtimes.comDEADLINE 5PM MONDAY.

No phone calls please.

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point

area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD

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FOR SALEBEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN!Size eight strapless beaded and seeded with a dark red sash…In box. Bought in Newport. Paid $3,500-. Sell price $500 OBO! Call 949-235-1238 or 949-587-1231

5STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS

DPDana Point

Dolphin Report:S P O R T S N E W S F R O M D A N A H I L L S H I G H S C H O O L

By Steve Breazeale

BASEBALL • The Dolphins (11-16, 3-9 league) lost their fi nal South Coast League game against Capistrano Valley 7-0. Jake Thumm and Nathan Harris were the only Dolphin players to collect hits. Dylan Eisner pitched fi ve innings for the Dolphins and gave up three runs. The Dolphins fi nished their season with a 3-1 victory over Chaminade May 9.

Next 7 days: N/A

SOFTBALL • The Dolphins (8-16, 5-3) pulled off an upset against Sea View League rival San Clemente May 3, defeated the visiting Tritons at home 2-1. Olivia Baltazar had a huge game for the Dolphins, pitching a complete game while knocking in the go ahead run in the bottom of the fi fth inning that put Dana Hills on top.

“The way (Baltazar) threw the off-speed pitches, it kept them off balance the entire game,” Dolphins coach Margo Melendrez said. “She threw (the off-speed) in a lot of two-out, key situations and came up big…She’s got guts.”

The Dolphins got a much needed 9-5 victory over San Juan Hills May 7 that propelled them to a second place fi nish in the Sea View League standings. San Juan Hills had an early 4-2 lead but the Dolphins scored seven runs in three innings to take the lead. Leadoff hitter Haley Heesch went 2-4 with a run scored in the win over the Stallions.

Aliso Niguel was eyeing the second place spot but after losing two games in a row, coupled with the Dolphins winning back-to-back games, they fell to third and Dana Hills captured a solo second place fi nish.

The Dolphins lost to Laguna Hills 5-1 May 9 in their fi nal regular season game.

GOLF • Slayter Shaw fi nished in fourth at the South Coast League Finals May 1-2. The contest was held on San Juan Hills Golf Course, a course that can test a golfer’s mettle. Shaw shot a cumulative 152 (+8) over the two-day event. As a team the Dolphins fi nished fourth overall in the league fi nals.

Next 7 days: N/A

DIVING • Dolphins junior diver Danielle Repper is in prime position to succeed at the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Swimming and Diving Championships after placing fourth in the preliminary rounds May 8. She is heading into Satur-days Finals after posting scores of 555.90 and 344.75. Sophomore Lauren Pierce and junior Nikki Dutton are packed

together near the top and are still within striking distance after fi nishing 11th and 12th, respectively in the prelims. Pierce had scores of 521.75 and 316.80 and Dut-ton posted a 399.25 and a 315.70.

Next 7 days: N/A

BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD • The girls track and fi eld team ran away with the South Coast League title May 4, posting a total team score of 99. The Dolphins’ 99 points beat the next closest opponent, Mission Viejo, by 14. Tori Usgaard had quite the day, winning three individual titles. Usgaard won both the 100-and 300-meter hurdles with times of 15.40 and 45.32, respectively. She also won the long jump, posting a 17-9, beating her next closest opponent by 1 ¼ inches. As a team, the girls fi nished second in the 1600-meter relay with a time of 3:24.76.

The Dolphin boys fi nished fourth after posting a point total of 33. The 800-meter dash is where the Dolphins excelled, placing four runners in the top fi ve. Connor Garcia fi nished second (1:56.19), Jack Morgenson third (1:56.96), Ethan Lawrence fourth (1:57.39) and Andy Werderman fi fth (1:58.90)

As a team the Dolphin boys fi nished second in the 1600 meter relay (3:24.76).

Next 7 days: N/A

BOYS VOLLEYBALL • (See the full story for details on the Dolphins CIF-SS fi rst round matchup against Villa Park.)

The Dolphins pulled off an impressive opening round victory over visiting Villa Park May 8 and they did it without junior middle blocker Bryce Yould. Yould, who suffered an ankle injury last week, is listed day to day and is probable for the Dolphins second round game against Newport Harbor May 10. Yould did lim-ited drills in practice this week and has been in a walking boot since the injury occurred.

Next 7 days: May 10 vs. Newport Har-bor, 7 p.m.

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 24

GAME OF THE WEEK BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Tuesday’s CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoff matchup against Villa Park went about as well as it could have gone for the Dana Hills boys volleyball team.

The Dolphins (9-3) did not make many mistakes, played big at the net and cruised their way through the fi rst round of the playoffs, defeating the Spartans at home in three straight sets, 25-15, 25-9 and 25-17.

The Dolphins will now play the winner of the Newport Harbor/Ventura matchup on Thursday, May 10.

Villa Park looked outmatched from the get-go in both the skills and size depart-ment. With Dolphin senior setter Karch Smith dishing out pinpoint passes, the Dana Hills outside hitters capitalized on their size advantage and ran out to a 15-8 lead midway through the fi rst set.

Smith has played the role of motivator and captain throughout the Dolphins 2011-2012 campaign, according to Coach Oz Simmons, and they needed him. Dana Hills played without junior middle blocker Bryce Yould, an integral member of the team. Yould suffered an ankle injury last week and will be eligible on a day-to-day basis.

Smith, one of the team’s few seniors, responded by taking on the leadership role, his voice rising above the noise in the gym as he called out plays and dictated the tempo.

“We have half seniors and half under-classmen (on the team)… (The Seniors) still want to get things done,” Simmons said. “(Smith) is the team leader out there and he is a good one to have.”

After taking the second set, 25-9, the Dolphins were tested by the Spartans late in the third. A few costly errors let Villa Park creep back in the game and they remained within striking distance.

But a focused run by the Dolphins highlighted by a few thunderous kills from sophomore opposite Christian Hessenauer sealed the game, and the Dolphins won the third and fi nal set, 25-17.

Dana Hills senior pitcher Dylan Eisner threw 42.1 innings for the Dolphins this year, logging a 3-5 record. Courtesy photo

SUMMER IS HERE, TIME TO GET ACTIVESpring is on its way out and summer is coming in. That

means getting out and getting active. Dana Point offers all kinds of activities to lure you away from the couch and out into the world. Here are just a few of the many things you can go do as summer gets underway.

If you have a child who is between the ages of 13 and 18, get them to the beach. Doheny Beach, that is. In a response to the new addition of sand volleyball to NCAA competition, the American Beach Volleyball Club announced that it will offer training in the sport for kids ages 13 to 18. All skill levels can be accommodated. The summer session will begin soon, so contact the ABVC immediately if your children are interested. Details and applications can be found at www.Americanbeachvolley-ballclub.com

If you’re more the person who enjoys cool air condi-

tioned breezes but still wants to compete and learn something new, why not pingpong?

Head over to the Dana Hills Community Center on Sundays to learn more about the art of table tennis. The recreation

department is offering top notch pingpong instruction every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Former National Champion and USA Table Tennis certifi ed Coach Atilla Malek is the instructor who will guide you to pingpong greatness. Malek will also be conducting tournaments during the summer. To sign up visit www.danapoint.org or call 949.248.3530. —Steve Breazeale

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITYDP SURF

6DPDana Point

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times May 11–17, 2012 Page 26

SURF FORECASTWater Temp: 60-63˚F Water visibility and conditions: Local: 15-20’ Fair; Catalina: 15-25’ FairRemarks: A fun mix of mainly fading Southerly swell, small Northwest windswell, and building new Northwest and Southwest swells prevails on Thursday. Surge is light-moderate. Immediate: Surf size is running 3-4’ for most better breaks on Thursday, with sets to 5’ for top Southern Hemi/combo exposures. Light Southerly winds prevail early, building out of the West-Southwest over the afternoon. New Southwest groundswell and modest Northwest swell-mix prevail on Friday. Good breaks see mainly 2-3’+ waves, with larger peaks for top breaks. Light Southerly morning winds keep conditions fair overall. Keep in mind that morn-ing low tides will be an issue for most breaks. Long range: A fun zone mix of old/fading Southwest and building South-Southwest groundswells prevails through the weekend, mixing with minor Northwest energy. Size for good exposures is running 2-3’, with larger sets for top breaks getting up to 4’ high. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

Age: 11, Capistrano Home SchoolSan Clemente surfer Cole Houshmand is wrapping up this surf season ranked within the Top 10 of two competition series. Ranked No. 9 in NSSA Southwest Open Boys and No. 7 in WSA Boys U12, his WSA West Coast Championship and NSSA Nationals prospects look promising. Cole hopes to do well in both and earn an invitation to the Surfing America USA Championships. In school Cole is doing very well, earning high marks and taking an accelerated course load. His favorite subjects are math and science and he’s proud of the fact that this year he’s managed to earn between 85 and 100 percent on all of his tests. Cole also loves skateboarding and playing midfield and forward for his State Cup-winning

club soccer team United FC. Cole says his secret training weapon is attitude. When Cole tries out a new move in surf-ing he said he does it with the confidence that he will be able to land it. “If you don’t believe in yourself enough to know you can do it, you will psych yourself out with your own negativity.” Cole said. “About a month ago I finally landed my first air reverse. It took some time but I never gave up.” His positive attitude and raw talent make him one of the best up and coming surfers in the area. Cole says he also owes his success to his family. “My parents give me a ton of support,” he said. “They’re very helpful and I really appreciate all of their love and encouragement.” —Andrea Swayne

GROM OF THE WEEK Cole Houshmand

Giant Ride Brings Giant Payday

By Andrea SwayneDana Point Times

an Juan Capistrano-based big wave surfer Nathan Fletcher, 35, was the top prize winner at the 2012 Billa-

bong XXL Global Big Wave Awards May 4 at the Grove Theater in Anaheim.

Fletcher won the coveted Ride of the Year award, and the $50,000 prize that comes with it, for his massive August 27 tube ride at Teahupo’o in Tahiti. The same ride got him nominated for the $5,000 Monster Tube award, which he was presented with as well. A third honor—the Surfline Best Performance award—was also given to Fletcher mak-ing him the first surfer in the history of the Billabong XXL to take three titles in the same year and bringing his total win-nings up to $60,000.

S

Cole Houshmand. Photo by Andrea Swayne

SURF RESULTS

Nike Lowers Pro, May 1-5, San Onofre, Lower Trestles

FINAL: 1. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.67; 2.Glenn Hall (IRL) 10.87. SEMIFINAL 1: Glenn Hall (IRL) 12.60 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.17. SEMIFINAL 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.80 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 8.43. QUARTERFINAL 1: Glenn Hall (IRL) 13.30 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.67. QUARTER-FINAL 2: John John Florence (HAW) 13.20 def. Tanner Gudauskas (San Clemente) 13.00. QUARTERFINAL 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.20 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.03. QUARTERFINAL 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.83 def. Patrick Gudauskas (San Clemente) 13.53.

SSS Orange County Middle School Event No. 5, May 5, Huntington Beach, Golden-west Street

TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, 225; 2. Marco Forster, 175; 3. Bernice Ayer, 171; =4. Niguel Hills, 93.5; =4. Thurston, 88.5; 6. Don Juan Avila, 56; 7. Vista Del Mar, 55. BOYS: 1. Danny Kenduck, Niguel Hills; 2. Conner Dand, Shorecliffs; 3. Drew Hemnes, Bernice Ayer; 4. Connor MacLeod, Niguel Hills; 5. Gavin Cook, Marco Forster; 6. Kai Diamond, Marco Forster. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Jacob At-wood, Shorecliffs; 2. Rio Donaldson, Bernice Ayer; 3. David Levy, Marco Forster; 4. Luke Overin, Bernice Ayer; 5. Noah Atwood, Shorecliffs; 6. Elijah Vinograd, Thurston. GIRLS: 1. Malia Osterkamp, Vista del Mar; 2. Malia Ward, Shorecliffs; 3. Rachael Tilly, Shorecliffs; 4. Maya Harrison, Bernice Ayer; 5. Coco Putnam, Thurston; 6. Lily Benjamin, Marco Forster. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Rachael Tilly, Shorecliffs; 2. Meg Roh, Marco Forster; 3. Maya Harrison, Bernice Ayer; 4. Myah Bradshaw, Marco Forster; 5. Kyla Kelley, Vista Del Mar; 6. Kaelen McKracken, Shorecliffs. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Jaren Harrell, Shorecliffs; 2. Conner Dand, Shore-cliffs; 3. Walker Carvalho, Marco Forster; 4. Shane Kimbrough, Bernice Ayer; 5. Derek Reynolds, Bernice Ayer; 6. Tristan Ray, Marco Forster.

Nathan Fletcher takes top prize at Billabong XXL Awards

Fletcher expressed surprise at the trio of honors saying he didn’t expect to be up for one award, much less three.

“It’s a huge honor. I didn’t expect that out of myself,” said Fletcher at the event. “The wave at Teahupo’o was pure fate. Somehow it just popped up and I was the one who got it. Somehow, I’m not sure, maybe Sion (Sion Milosky was a former award winner who drowned in 2011) gave it to me. I can’t believe it. I guess it is all the result of hard work and I am very ap-preciative of that.”

Greg Long of San Clemente, who was also in the running for Ride of the Year, took third place honors and $1,500 for a gi-ant wave he paddled into May 19 at Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

For full results, photos and videos of all the nominees, log on to www.billabongxxl.com. DP

Nathan Fletcher holds the $50,000 check after winning the Ride of the Year award at the 2012 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards May 4. Photo courtesy Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards

NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 10, May 5-6, Huntington Beach, Pier

Local finishers only. MEN: 3. Griffin Colap-into, San Clemente; 4. Trevor Thornton, San Clemente. JUNIORS: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente. BOYS: 2. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente. MINI GROMS: 3. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 4. Ryan Martin, San Clemente. WOMEN: 2. Tia Blanco, San Clemente. GIRLS: 1. Tia Blanco, San Clem-ente. PERFORMERS OF THE EVENT: Griffin Colapinto. SEASON CHAMPION JUNIORS: Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for full results.

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 12-13: WSA Gatorade West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 17-20: NSSA West Coast Championships, Huntington Beach, Pier May 19-20: SSS Middle School State Cham-pionships, Oceanside Harbor