July 3, 2015

24
YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE July 3–9, 2015 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 27 www.danapointtimes.com EYE ON DP/PAGE 6 BevMo! is a Go as No Further Appeals Filed EYE ON DP/PAGE 3 Sun, Fun and Progress Begun As summer kicks off in Dana Point, the city celebrates milestones, continues traditions The new Del Prado Avenue gateway arch in the Lantern District is but one of the new developments making the summer of 2015 a milestone season for Dana Point. Photo: Alex Paris Groms of the Week: Dana Hills High School Surf Team DP SURF/PAGE 22 Police Chief to Launch Doheny Village Coffee Klatch EYE ON DP/PAGE 3 INSIDE: Special South County Real Estate Guide PAGE 9

description

Dana Point Times

Transcript of July 3, 2015

Page 1: July 3, 2015

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

L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S EJuly 3–9, 2015

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 27

www.danapointtimes.com

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

BevMo! is a Go as No Further Appeals

FiledEYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Sun, Fun and Progress Begun

As summer kicks off in Dana Point, the city celebrates milestones, continues traditions

The new Del Prado Avenue gateway arch in the Lantern District is but one of the new developments making the summer of 2015 a milestone season for Dana Point. Photo: Alex Paris

Groms of the Week: Dana Hills High

School Surf TeamDP SURF/PAGE 22

Police Chief to Launch Doheny Village

Coffee KlatchEYE ON DP/PAGE 3

INSIDE:Special South County Real Estate Guide PAGE 9

Page 2: July 3, 2015
Page 3: July 3, 2015

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON DP

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 3

campers are not allowed in marina lots and will be subject to tow. On July 4 only, golf cart shuttles for boaters and guests will be located near marina lot entrances. Slip rentals do not guarantee a place to park a vehicle, only a boat.

Also on July 4 only, Cove Road will be open throughout the day and then close dur-ing the fireworks show, set to begin at 9 p.m. Personal vehicle access to the Harbor closes at 7:30 p.m. and reopens at approximately 10:30 p.m. Free shuttle service within the Harbor and to and from Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, begins at 8 a.m. and runs through midnight.

WHAT’S NEXT: All services are subject to change, based on conditions.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, contact Dana Point Police Services at 949.248.3550.—Andrea Swayne

Former DP Marina Manager Charged with Embezzlement Forgoes Pretrial HearingTHE LATEST: A man accused of embezzle-ment and misappropriation of funds while employed as a marina manager at Dana Point Harbor, forwent a pretrial hearing Friday.

Brian Cleveland Dunn of Capistrano Beach was arraigned in November 2014 on charges of embezzlement and misap-propriation of public funds while formerly employed as the general manager of Vin-tage Marina Partners, the company hired by Orange County to manage the Embar-cadero Marina at OC Dana Point Harbor.

At the scheduled pretrial hearing Friday, June 26 in Orange County Superior Court, Dunn’s attorney Gary Pohlson requested a

preliminary hearing waiver. Judge Eliza-beth Guerrero Macias granted the request.

According to the Orange County Dis-trict Attorney’s arraignment press release, Dunn was charged with one felony count of misappropriation of public funds, one felony count of grand theft by embezzle-ment and sentence enhancements of aggravated white collar crime, property damage and property loss—charges that carry a maximum sentence of 11 years and four months in state prison.

Dunn pleaded not guilty and has since been out of custody on a $200,000 bond.

Between 2008 and 2012, Dunn allegedly submitted more than $130,000 in falsified invoices to the county for landscaping materials purchased at a 100 percent markup for Harbor projects from Organic Tree Landscaping, a company he started in 2008. Dunn is also accused of making unauthorized purchases of more than $440,000 between 2007 and 2011 with the Vintage Marina Partners company credit card for personal expenses such as travel, clothing and improvements to a vacation home in Hawaii, authorities said.

Following his court appearance on Friday, Dunn declined to comment.

“There is no need for a pretrial hear-ing,” Pohlson said. “We are going to settle this case.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Dunn’s next court appear-ance is set for July 7.—AS

Police Chief to Kick Off Coffee with a CopTHE LATEST: In response to an idea hatched at last month’s informal meeting between Capistrano Beach residents, busi-ness owners and Dana Point Police Ser-vices personnel, residents will soon have the opportunity to share a cup of coffee and conversation weekly with the police chief.

Members of a community group dubbed Capo Cares, Doheny Village area business owners and managers, Chief of Police Lt. Russ Chilton and city deputies met on June 18 at Donut World to discuss ways to mitigate crime and nuisances in the area.

Attendees agreed that better communi-cation between the community and police would be a prudent first step in getting a handle on neighborhood issues. Chilton volunteered to hold a weekly “coffee chat” program to get things moving.

WHAT’S NEXT: Chilton has set the first informal gathering for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at Donut World, 34130 Doheny Park Road in Capistrano Beach. The public is welcome.

“The first part of solving any problem is good communication,” Chilton said. “I am confident that this will open the lines of communication and allow the public to ask

questions and understand why we (Police Services) do what we do and the limita-tions we face. We will start here and begin working toward some common goals.”

Chilton said he hopes to bring guests from the Orange County Sheriff’s Depart-ment to future coffee klatches. He will be extending an invitation to various law enforcement officials such as investiga-tors, vice officers and more.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned for informa-tion on future dates and times.—AS

Pipeline Company Announces Tar Balls Not From Oil Leak THE LATEST: Tar balls washing up on beaches from San Clemente and Dana Point to Gaviota State Park, previously linked to last month’s Refugio oil leak, were found not to be associated with that spill, a June 26 press release from Plains All American Pipeline, L.L.C., the compa-ny that manages the pipeline that caused last month’s spill off the Santa Barbara coast, said.

The pipeline company said chemical fingerprinting conducted by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the University of California Santa Barbara and Zymax Forensics Laboratory identified more than 50 samples between the affected areas as being the result of natural seepage.

On June 22, California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said in a press re-lease that some of the tar balls they tested had matched the contents of the pipeline.

WHAT’S NEXT: Orange County Lifeguards officials in Dana Point said last week that the tar balls have not been a significant enough problem to warrant a cleanup effort. Natural seepage is a known source of periodic tar on Southern California beaches, authorities said. —Eric Heinz/AS

BevMo! is a GoTHE LATEST: Following the Dana Point Planning Commission’s June 8 vote to deny an appeal filed with the city asking that a conditional use permit for a BevMo! store at the southern end of the Lantern District be denied, the project will move forward, as the decision was not appealed to the City Council.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to Community Development Director Ursula Luna-Reyno-sa, because no further appeal was received within the requisite timeframe, the CUP will be issued and the project will move to the construction drawing and building per-mit phase. A time estimate for the comple-tion of the project is not yet available. –AS

What’s Up With...Five things Dana Point should know this week

DPDana Point

July 4 Holiday Parking PlanTHE LATEST: Dana Point Police Services has announced its traffic control plan and the Harbor, its parking plan for July 3 through 5.

In order to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic inside, into and out of the Harbor on July 4, left turns will not be allowed on Dana Point Harbor Drive from Pacific Coast Highway to Baby Beach, with the exception of Embarcadero and Golden Lantern. Access to all other roads will be accessible from eastbound DP Harbor Drive, assuming roads and parking lots are not closed to traffic.

Lot access at Doheny State Beach and Puerto Place will close when lots are full. Those who need access to Puerto Place businesses should call Police Services during road closures.

Deputies will continuously monitor usage of parking lots on the island and when the lots are full, will close the Island Way Bridge at any time between noon and 7:30 p.m. Contact Police Services if the barricade is up, to ask whether access is possible.

From July 3 through July 5 marina parking lots will be staffed and monitored, using discretion to determine the number of guest vehicles admitted. Boaters are advised to ask their guests to use street parking and/or carpool. RVs, trailers and

The weekend of July 3 through July 5 are some of the busiest days of summer at Dana Point Harbor. Special traffic and parking control plans will be put in place to ease congestion and public access. This photo shows some of last year’s crowd enjoying the customary July 4 water fight. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Page 4: July 3, 2015
Page 5: July 3, 2015

Dana Point Times July 3-9, 2015 Page 5

EYE ON DP

www.danapointtimes.com

DP Sheriff’sBlotterAll 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.

Tuesday, June 30

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Pacific Coast High-way/Beach Road (6:34 p.m.) Two men in their early-20s were seen throwing plastic “detour” and “caution” signs into a fire pit and lighting them on fire.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Pacific Coast High-way, 34100 Block (1:58 p.m.) Someone paid with a counterfeit $20 at the Shell gas station.

Sunday, June 28

GRAND THEFT REPORT Ritz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (12:37 p.m.) A woman in a hotel room reported that her purse and $1,500 were stolen.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern/Stonehill Drive (12:45 a.m.) Juveniles were throwing eggs at vehicles on Golden Lantern, south of Stonehill.

Saturday, June 27

PETTY THEFT REPORT Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (11:01 p.m.) An 18- to 20-year-old man was seen running out of an Albertsons grocery store carrying an inflatable pool toy.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (10:32 p.m.) A semi-truck, a U-Haul truck and six vehicles with “For Sale” signs were parked on Stonehill. The

COMPILED BY RYAN SONG

Dr. Matthew Wang, OD is taking over the Dana Point optometry practice of Dr. Diana K. Thein, OD. Photo: Courtesy

caller insisted this is an ongoing issue and wanted the police to cite the vehicles.

ABANDONED VEHICLE La Cresta Drive/Street of the Ruby Lantern (7:56 a.m.) A white van was found parked on La Cresta for over a week.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Forest Hills Court, 0 Block (4:10 a.m.) A woman heard her garage door open at 3 a.m. and then heard someone in her garage. She also reported thumping noises coming from the side of the residence where there are no windows.

Friday, June 26

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Dana Point Harbor Drive (10:20 p.m.) A woman said she was being harassed by a man she described as a “skin head.”

DISTURBANCE Ritz Cove Drive, 0 Block (8:26 p.m.) Two teens were setting off fireworks and throwing them on the bus.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Manzanita Drive, 25200 Block (6:18 p.m.) $130.00 worth of packages was reportedly stolen from a doorstep.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road, 34100 Block (12:30 p.m.) There was a possible credit card fraud at a 76 gas station.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (11:36 a.m.) A homeless man was reportedly refusing to leave Albertsons. He was last seen walking toward Stonehill and may have been involved in a possible petty theft. The informant reviewed tapes to see if the store lost anything.

CITIZEN ASSIST Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24800 Block (11:36 a.m.) A man and his girlfriend walked into a hotel, both claiming that they had “bird mites.” The two wanted police to respond because the

hotel’s front desk staff laughed at them and they both felt it was “against the law.”

BURGLARY REPORT Ritz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (11:27 a.m.) A man discovered that several items were stolen from his hotel room.

Thursday, June 25

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Scenic Drive, 34500 Block (10:38 p.m.) A woman called police when a large white pickup truck pulled into her driveway and the driveway to the left of hers. The woman said she believed the subjects thought no one was home.

HIT AND RUN PARKED CAR Pacific Coast High-way, 34600 Block (10:32 p.m.) The caller’s white van was hit by a red truck. The caller was unable to provide a time frame and suspect information. Police obtained the location via latitude and longitude be-cause the caller was also unable to provide a cross street to PCH.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (9:52 p.m.) A man was inside a business with a stolen cell phone asking employees how to delete information from it.

DISTURBANCE Colegio Drive, 33800 Block (8:01 p.m.) Two men were seen on foot reportedly selling an unknown product in the area.

KEEP THE PEACE Malaga Drive, 33800 Block (5:05 p.m.) A woman was annoyed that her neighbor’s kids were allowed to play on her driveway. This is an ongoing issue, the woman said.

CITIZEN ASSIST Scottys Cove Drive, 33600 Block (11:43 a.m.) At around midnight, a woman was walking on Stonehill when someone jumped out of the bushes and tried to take her purse. The woman said she was too scared to call the police until the time of the call.

Community MeetingsFRIDAY, JULY 3

City Offices Closed in Observance of the July 4 Holiday

SATURDAY, JULY 4

4th of July Extravaganza9 p.m. Fireworks display at the Dana Point Harbor. Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern Street, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 7

City Council Meeting CanceledThe next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club7 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Join members of the volunteer-centered club for breakfast and a meeting each Wednesday at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.monarchbeachrotary.com.

MONDAY, JULY 13

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 14

Veterans’ Assistance1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. The Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 provides free veterans’ assistance on the second Tuesday of every month at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo, 949.275.3142, www.vfwpost9934.org.

ONGOING

Summer Weekend Trolley ServiceNoon-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, through September 7. Trolleys are free and arrive at stops every 15 minutes. See trolley route map at www.danapoint.org. For real-time arrivals, visit the Trolley Tracker at www.dptrolley.com.

Under New Ownership

OPTOMETRIST DR. MATTHEW WANG, OD, FORMERLY THE PRACTICE OF DR. DIANA K. THEIN, OD24692 Del Prado, 949.661.8884

After more than 10 years of serving her patients, Dr. Diana K. Thein, OD has re-tired her position as optometrist and sold her practice to Dr. Matthew Wang, OD.

In a letter to her patients, Dr. Thein praised Dr. Wang and his capabilities, say-

News from Dana Point’s business communityCOMPILED BY RYAN SONG

Business Beat ing “I am confident and enthusiastic that he will provide the highest quality of care that you have come to enjoy in the past.”

When he established his office in Irvine 11 years ago, Dr. Wang made it his goal to equip himself with the latest in eye care technology and will maintain this same dedi-cation to state-of-the-art care in Dana Point.

Dr. Wang earned his doctorate in optometry at the Southern California Col-lege of Optometry and is a part-time staff member at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and Long Beach Comprehensive Health Center where he has gained experience in dealing with more complex eye health issues, he said.

“I’m excited to be able to continue pro-viding eye care (to Dr. Thein’s patients), Wang said, adding that he’s also looking forward to contributing to the overall well-ness of the Dana Point community.

Page 6: July 3, 2015

Dana Point Times July 3-9, 2015 Page 6

EYE ON DP

www.danapointtimes.com

As summer kicks off in Dana Point, the city celebrates milestones, initiates traditions

ummer has kicked off with new addi-tions to the city, designed to enhance the appeal and accessibility of Dana

Point’s shopping, dining and special events offerings.

FREE WEEKEND TROLLEYOn Friday, June 26 the city’s four new

Dana Point PCH Trolleys hit the streets offering free weekend service through the summer.

That night, the first ever Trolley Hop brought crowds of people, using the free transportation to enjoy special discounts offered by area businesses in honor of the event. Spearheaded by a group of area business owners organized as the Dana Point Lantern District Alliance, the Hop attracted enough participation to keep the trollies full throughout the evening, easily eclipsing the 10 boardings per hour required for the pilot trolley program to maintain funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority.

Senator Pat Bates was in attendance to witness the launch of the city’s weekend trolley service as well as the start of a new tradition—The Trolley Hop. The DPLDA sold special commemorative mugs for $10 apiece, to serve as attendees’ ticket to food and drink specials being offered as part of the Hop.

Sun, Fun and Progress Begun

SBY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

Brady Hollingsworth and Tyler Evoniuk consult the Dana Point Times for Dana Point PCH Trolley route in-formation, while on their way to the Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival. Photo: Andrea Swayne

At 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, trolleys were still running at or near capacity. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Trolley Hop participants weren’t the only passengers on day one, Friday, June 26. A number of teens on their way to and from area beaches also hopped on for the free ride. Photo: Andrea Swayne

On Saturday, the public again came out in droves to try out the trolleys. With the Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival on at Sea Terrace Park, trolleys were filled as people headed to the annual event.

Riders from surrounding cities were in abundance on Saturday and the alternative parking choices made possible by the trol-ley routes improved access to the festival and reduced frustration and congestion in the vicinity of the park.

The free trolley service will run Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 6 and on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trolleys make 15 stops along PCH, arriving approximately every 15 minutes and connecting with the La-guna Beach Trolley at the Ritz-Carlton.

In response to feedback from inaugural weekend riders, city officials announced on Wednesday that an additional stop, Stop 13A, will be added at Ruby Lantern between Hobie Surf Shop at La Plaza/Vio-let Lantern (Stop 13) and Stop 14 at Selva Road/Strand Beach North.

For a full map of stops, visit www.danapoint.org. To view a real-time trolley tracker, visit www.dptrolley.com. For tran-sit information, call 949.248.3554.

LANTERN DISTRICT DEL PRADOGATEWAY ARCH

On Wednesday, the new Lantern District gateway arch across the north entrance to Del Prado Avenue was in-stalled, as the next step in upgrades to the downtown district.

According to Brad Fowler, the city’s public works director, the final con-struction bid price for the archway was $396,000 and the arching metal sign, bridging Del Prado still has a few more steps toward completion.

“The archway installation went off with-out a hitch,” Fowler said. “And we have been receiving many positive comments on its appearance.”

The next step in its completion will be the addition of hanging lanterns inside the cupolas atop each pillar. The cement pillars, on either side of the roadway, will then be stuccoed and inlaid with ceramic tile mosaics depicting Woodruff-era his-toric photos. The chosen images include historic Lantern District buildings along with depictions of the city’s namesake R.H. Dana and Woodruff-era posters and brochures. The entire archway will then be fitted with accent lighting.

Completion of the gateway is estimated to wrap up in late August or September, Fowler said, and the full Lantern District project is still on schedule for a late Sep-tember completion. DP

Cranes hoisted the new Lantern District Del Prado gateway arch into place on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Paris

Capistrano Beach residents who attended the inaugu-ral Trolley Hop, caught the trolley at Capo Beach the next day en route to the Food, Wine & Music Festival. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Mayor Carlos Olvera (right) and Senator Pat Bates (second from right) joined DPLDA and Chamber of Commerce board members for a photo at Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar to commemorate the first day of trolley service and the first ever Dana Point Trolley Hop. Photo: Andrea Swayne

“ We had no idea it would be so popular. We are hoping to make this a regular, possibly weekly event. We never expected such as big turnout.”—Cindy Monroe, on the Trolley Hop

“We have just started to come out of the recession and this program comes at a perfect time,” Bates said.

DPLDA organizer and Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar owner Cindy Monroe, agreed wholeheartedly. Although both the recession and the ongoing construction in the Lantern District have been a struggle for downtown businesses, she said, the free summer transportation is one of the reasons she and other business owners are optimistic about the future of the downtown area.

“We had no idea it would be so popular,” Monroe said. “We are hoping to make this a regular, possibly weekly event. We never expected such as big turnout.”

Page 7: July 3, 2015

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

Dana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 7 www.danapointtimes.com

DPDana Point

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide vari-ety 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 refl ect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at [email protected]

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at [email protected] 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 respon-sible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

CITY EDITOR

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 [email protected]

ADVERTISING

PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, [email protected]

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 [email protected]

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

HOW TO REACH US

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 27. 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.thecapistranodis-patch.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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor,City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Swayne

City Editor, SC Times> Eric Heinz

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch> Allison Jarrell

Sports Editor> Steve Breazeale

Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis

ART/DESIGN

Senior Designer> Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTI-MEDIA MARKETINGPICKET FENCE MEDIA

Associate Publisher> Lauralyn Loynes(Dana Point)

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Real Estate Sales Manager> Michele Reddick

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Evan Da Silva, Amanda Huffman, Katherine Nowicki, Jacob Onofrio, Dana Schnell, Alison Shea, Ryan Song, Tim Trent

VOTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAVING OUR HOSPITAL

EDWARD BEYER, San Clemente

All of us are very concerned about losing our hospital (Saddleback Memo-rial Medical Center, Dana Point’s nearest hospital). What is the answer to correct this tragedy? Here, in my opinion, is what caused the hospital’s demise.

In 1986, a Democratic congress, led by Tip O’Neal, passed a federal law called: “Emergency Medical Treatment and Ac-tive Labor Act.”

All hospitals in America must follow this law. It is illegal to demand payment from anyone who enters emergency rooms, if they do not have the ability to pay. A hos-pital cannot even ask for a credit check. It is estimated by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that 55 percent of patients in emergency rooms do not pay. USA Today stated a month ago that community hospitals, out of necessity, are

Letters to the Editor

closing all over America. Our hospital has been losing money for a long time. Most local doctors don’t refer their patients to our hospital but send them elsewhere. When Reagan was governor, he ended up with a surplus because he closed down many of the mental hospitals. These poor people, who are the least able to take care of themselves, end up in emergency rooms, prisons and live on the streets. We never had homeless people until Reagan was governor. One dies almost every night in Los Angeles from homicide, disease, or rape. Last month, a homeless person died just off Pico, here in San Clemente. God help us all! For years, Republicans and Democrats in Washington, including Obama, have done nothing to protect our borders. Emergency room doctors, in many cases, deliver for free, babies from illegal parents, or treat gunshot wounds for nothing. With the Affordable Health Care Act, hospitals have to pay signifi cant tax on the equipment they purchase. This health care act is the kiss of death for all of us. Most politicians are not very smart. Their true skill is to get elected and re-elected. If we are losing our hospital, it is our own fault.

WAVELENGTHS By Jim Kempton

State Confederate Flags: Supporting Heroes or Combatants?

O nce again the subject of Confed-erate fl ags has stoked a divisive debate.

The arguments on both sides seem to have missed the actual function these fl ags fi lled.

Disregard for a moment the fact that these colors were used by a culture bent on continuing to enslave African Ameri-cans. Put aside that they are memorials to brave southern soldiers or that they sym-bolize a way of life that devastated millions of humans by making them chattel.

The larger question is this: Weren’t these fl ags fl own by armies attacking the United States? Weren’t they raised after the bombing of a U.S. Naval port and brandished by assassins of a president? The secessionists express the reason for declaring war on the United States of America was “hostility on the part of the non-slaveholding states to the institution of slavery.”

The justifi cation for displaying rebel ensign on state fl ags is, “We just want to honor the brave men who fought on the side of the South.”

Memorials to the fallen men are fi ne. Yet gallantry is not an automatic excuse for celebrating an unjust cause. No doubt there were brave Nazi soldiers, coura-

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

geous Korean reds, valiant Viet Cong and tough Taliban fi ghters. Should we have special commemorations and a special fl ag for each of them?

Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama and Georgia incorporate rebel banners used to kill “Yankees” and enslave African Americans. Are battle colors used

to bomb Fort Sumter any different from Pearl Har-bor? Aren’t they the same as a swastika, rising sun or crescent moon of ISIS? Hitler, Tojo, Bin Laden and Jefferson Davis do have one thing in com-mon, they all attacked America.

Invading Rebel regi-ments tried desperately to reach Wash-ington, D.C. and burn it to the ground. Wouldn’t that be classifi ed today as ter-rorism? When U.S. citizens today join an opposing army and take up arms against our country, isn’t it considered treason?

My forefathers died defending the Union—and these festivals, license plates and fl ags celebrate men who bayoneted them. Confederates were responsible for the deaths of over 600,000 Americans.

That’s more than Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Confederate fl ag supporters honor ances-tors who were on the side that assassinated our greatest president. Wouldn’t they be described in today’s terms as traitors? Rebel armies killed loyal Americans so they could keep their slaves. In the process they tried to destroy the home of the free and the brave. Is not fl aunting these symbols a declaration of defi ant disrespect to the brave men who still defend us; a statement of arrogant hubris and an insult to the USA?

As with all righteous American wars, the USA and freedom triumphed. The slave owners lost. The greatest nation on earth was saved. If we are true patriots, isn’t that what we should all celebrate?

Jim Kempton is a writer and 35-year resident of San Clemente. He loves southern food, southern music, southern servicemen, southern hospitality, southern horse races, southern humor and Southern Comfort. But he sees no place for Confederate colors in our state capitals. DP

Heaven bound? We think they’ve arrived. This shot was taken from the rear window of a Dana Point PCH Trolley on Saturday, June 27.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Page 8: July 3, 2015

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNERGETTING OUT

Dana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 8 www.danapointtimes.com

DPDana Point

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

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

Friday | 03SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CARNIVAL5 p.m.-10 p.m. A two-day carnival July 3-4, with thrill rides for children, teens and adults at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. On Saturday, the carnival runs from noon to 10 p.m. For more info, call 949.493.5911 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

MIKE HAMILTON7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Saturday | 04DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET & CRAFT FAIR9 a.m.-2 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Sat-urday. On the first Saturday of the month, hours are extended to include a craft fair. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

The ListWhat’s going on in and around town this week

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHINGTimes vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Wednesday | 08LEARN HULA WITH MATINA2 p.m.-3 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for an afternoon of aloha. Put on your grass skirt and hula to the rhythm with Matina. All ages are welcome. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

Thursday | 09YAPPY HOUR5 p.m.-8 p.m. Follow Fido to happy hour at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Four-legged friends can enjoy biscuits while lapping up chicken, cheese, beef and bacon flavored water. Their human counterparts can purchase burgers, brews and wine. Funds raised will support Canine Compan-ions for Independence, providing service dogs to the disabled and veterans. Also runs on Aug. 13 and Sept. 10. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.

COMPILED BY STAFF

JUSTIN TAYLOR BAND9 p.m.-1 a.m. Live Music at Brio Tuscany Grille, 24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

Sunday | 05RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE8 a.m.-2:15 p.m. One pint can save three lives—donate and make a difference. To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: PAYS. Every donor will receive a free yoga class card and a Lululemon headband. Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala, 34207 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.246.7315, www.pacificashtanga.com.

ART-A-FAIR: LOCALS NIGHT 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Discover 125 artists at this juried fine art festival in Laguna Can-yon. Residents of Dana Point and other south Orange County cities receive free admission after 5 p.m. with ID. Enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday, outdoor cuisine at Tivoli Too! and daily adult art workshops. The festival is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adults $7.50, seniors/military $4.50, children under 12 free. 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.4514, www.art-a-fair.com.

PAPERMOON GYPSYS3 p.m.-6 p.m. Live music every Sunday at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Monday | 06MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theater. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.

COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swal-low’s Inn with happy hour prices. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 07HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop on-board this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watch-ing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

JOHN TROY6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine. 34673 Golden Lanten Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

THE ROUGH RIDERS8 p.m. Hawaii music icons Henry Kapono, John Cruz and Brother Noland perform live at The Coach House. $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.com.

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, JULY 10CAMP PENDLETON HMLA-469 WARRIOR DAY8 a.m.-noon. See Marine helicopters in action and meet members of the HMLA-469 helicopter squadron. Visit Camp Pendleton for “Warrior Day” with air power demonstrations, static displays, tactical vehicles and tours of helicopters and equipment. Suitable for kids of all ages. Limited space available; reserva-tions required. To RSVP, email [email protected].

At the Movies: ‘The Overnight’ an Eye-Openern 1969, Paul Mazursky’s Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice was released right in the middle of the sexual revolution, when

free love was at an all-time high and ta-boos and judgments were temporarily set aside. The film was one of biggest com-edies of the year and pushed the envelope on how much raunchy content could be shown on screen. This summer, Patrick Brice’s sex comedy The Overnight takes on the same theme as Mazursky—but for the modern age, with even more outrageous scenarios and to amusing results.

Two weeks into moving from Seattle and Los Angeles, Alex (Adam Scott) and Emily (Taylor Schilling) are invited over to Kurt’s (Jason Schwartzman) and Charlotte’s (Ju-dith Godrèche) house for dinner following a successful play date with their kids.

IWhat starts out as a friendly welcome

get-together quickly becomes more bizarre, as it appears Kurt and Charlotte want to be “extra close” to the other couple in more than just a friendly manner.

The Overnight is indie filmmaker Brice’s first full-fledged comedy on a resume full of artsy shorts and a horror flick. Through-out his career, he seems to find humor in the most unconventional areas—and this is no exception—with his direction and the bright color schemes making the all-night-er come off as fantasy more than reality.

Scott, Schwartzman and Schilling are perfectly cast as their roles and the quar-tet has a natural chemistry and reaction to Brice’s script. Movie fans should be warned that, although entertaining, the feature is not the best choice to see with a family member or while on a first date. DP

The Overnight. Photo: Courtesy

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

DANA POINT FOURTH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA9 p.m. Catch one of south Orange County’s best fireworks displays from one of Dana Point’s cliff-top parks, the Dana Point Harbor or Doheny State Beach. Tune into KSBR 88.5 FM and look toward the water as the synchronized display is launched. Free shuttle service from Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, to the Harbor begins at 8 a.m. and runs through midnight. Vehicle access to the harbor closes at 7:30 p.m. and reopens at 10:30 p.m. www.danapoint.org.

DANA POINT NATURE TOUR9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This 1.5-mile docent-led walk explores the ecology and natural history of the Headlands area. RSVP required to [email protected] or 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

Page 9: July 3, 2015
Page 10: July 3, 2015

The dazzling azure blue panorama of ocean and sky and white caps dancing on wave tops, provide an exquisite backdrop to this lovely two-story estate that embraces a 180° panoramic coastline and Catalina Island views. Multiple terraces provide the perfect lounging spot to view sunsets, indigo skies and starry nights. This majestic estate resides inside the private gated community of Emerald

Ridge and is just minutes to Dana Point Harbor, Laguna Beach and several world-class resorts.An immaculate home that is graced with every amenity a connoisseur of fi ne craftsmanship would demand. Inside, this spacious two-story fl oor plan spans 3,600 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a bonus room that leads you to an amazing outdoor space with a custom pool and spa area.

22892 Via Orvieto, Dana Point

Page 11: July 3, 2015
Page 12: July 3, 2015
Page 13: July 3, 2015
Page 14: July 3, 2015
Page 15: July 3, 2015
Page 16: July 3, 2015
Page 17: July 3, 2015

IT’S HISTORY By Carlos N.

Olvera

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 17

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide vari-ety 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]

A group of friends enjoy an acro yoga “jam session” organized by Seth Hartley of Dana Point (on the ground at left), Saturday at

Lantern Bay Park. “We’re a developing practice built on trust, companionship and letting your inner child out,” he said. “It brings people together and it’s a lot of fun.” Hartley and friends invite people who are curious about the practice to show up at a gather-ing. Find out more at “OC AcroYoga” on Facebook.

SCENE{ I N DA N A P O I N T }

Henry Mellus. Photo: Courtesy of the Olvera Collection

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITYDP LIVINGDP

Dana Point

GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera

Meet RH Dana’s Crew Mate, Henry MellusI

t is obvious Richard Henry Dana Jr. did not sail alone. He returned to Boston and became a well-known

author, statesman and lawyer, but what of his fellow crewmates? Did they just go to sea to never be heard of again?

Some did. There was the man known as George Ballmer—actually spelled Bellarner—a seaman from Boston, “an active lad and willing seaman.”

He was climbing the main mast with hal-yards around his neck when he fell (Two Years Before the Mast, by R.H. Dana Jr., chapter VI). He did not know how to swim

and with heavy clothing and the extra weight he sank to the bottom. This dramatically affected Dana as he mentioned that his empty bunk in the forecastle was a constant reminder. But let’s review some of the others who just got on the Pilgrim for an experi-

ence, Henry Mellus for example.Born August 4, 1816 in Dorchester,

Mass., Henry Mellus came to the California coast for the first time on the brig Pilgrim as an apprentice to the hide trade business. He was 18 years old and Dana’s classmate at Harvard University. When Pilgrim reached Monterey in 1835, at the request of Alfred Robinson, Mellus was transferred from the ship to become a clerk.

Mr. Robinson, from Boston, was an agent and “supercargo” for Bryant & Stur-gis, who owned the Pilgrim. A supercargo is a person employed by the owner of the cargo aboard as defined by maritime law.

Not unlike Dana’s father who knew the movers and shakers in Boston, many young boys of known families would be placed on board ships to get some experi-

ence and learn of the shipping trade. Mellus was no exception. He returned to Boston in 1837 with Robinson. He again made it to the California coast in 1839 on the California as assistant supercargo making port in San Francisco. He became

a successful merchant and teamed up with William Howard, an old friend from his early teenage years in New England.

In 1845 he formed the company of Mellus & Howard and

ended up buying the failing Hudson Bay Co. just prior to the gold rush. In 1846 he married Anita Johnson of Sonora, Mexico. She was the sister in law to his brother Francis—a California state assembly mem-ber and Los Angeles County Supervisor. Two years later, Mellus left the Bryant & Sturges agency and took his new fam-ily back to Boston. They returned to the California coast in 1850, arriving in Los Angeles. It was then that Howard bought out Mellus’ ownership.

Henry Mellus later became the owner of the Pacific Salt Works in Redondo Beach from the bankrupt company of Johnson & Allanson in 1858. The site of the salt lake is State Historical Landmark No. 373. Mellus then helped open a read-ing room in 1859 on Spring Street in LA.

On December 26, 1860, Mellus died during his term as Los Angeles’ eighth mayor. He served from May 9, 1860 until his death. At the time, the population of

Two-month-old Kabuki is a bundle of fun. If he could, he would probably spend every day wrestling with his siblings and chasing after toys. What he wants most of all is for someone to take him home and be his for-ever playmate. Do you have a place in your heart for a cuddly little kitty like Kabuki?

If you would like to know more about Kabuki or any of his kitten friends, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with them at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

Pet of the Week: Kabuki

LA was 4,399. His obituary declared him “one of the pioneers of California.”

While mayor, on October 8, 1860, the telegraph line from Los Angeles to San Francisco was completed and the first message sent from Los Angeles was by Mayor Mellus to the President of the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco.

In Two Years Before the Mast Dana men-tioned that Mellus was not available for work on the sails when they reached the California coast due to the rheumatism in his feet (chapter VIII). When they reached Monterey, Mellus was taken out of the forecastle and made supercargo’s clerk (chapter XIII) since he was well-qualified from prior experience as a clerk in a counting house in Boston. This was made

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

SudokuLast week’s solution:

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

necessary due to his rheumatism (chapter XXX), which made Dana later refer to him as an indifferent sailor.

In Dana’s return to the California coast, he mentions in an 1859 letter to his wife, he had dined with Henry Mellus and his brother Frank. But Dana’s memories of Henry characterized him as “not being successful in commercial life.” Maybe character is judged by the friends you keep.

Carlos N. Olvera is Chairman of the OC Historical Commission and mayor of Dana Point. DP

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Page 18: July 3, 2015

Locals Only Business Listings

LISTLOCALS ONLY

USELOCALS ONLY

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.danapointtimes.com

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email

[email protected]

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio34202 Camino CapistranoCapistrano Beach, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

IMAGES/Creative Solutions117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com

HAULING

Cheapest HaulingCall Robert 949.973.6288

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, [email protected]

State Farm/Ted Bowersox34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE

Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork32840 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. E, 949.584.2462, www.crystalclyde.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style Groom Shop34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.dawgystylegroomshop.net

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS

Dana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 18 www.danapointtimes.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Dream Team Properties, Mike Rosenberg, Broker949.481.1788, www.FindMyOCHome.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Cap-istrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

UPHOLSTERY

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit C, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD

HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 102

or email [email protected]

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Crystal Clyde Intuitive BodyworkNow Open! Are you searching for a passionate and skilled therapist in your area? Schedule a massage during the month of June and re-ceive a complimentary 30 minutes continued to your first session.

949.584.2462www.crystalclyde.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORYSan Clemente

DPDana Point

Page 19: July 3, 2015

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

CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale to classifi [email protected]

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

BUSINESS DIRECTORYSan Clemente

DPDana Point

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 19

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE

SERVICES

HARLEY HANDLE BARSChrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties). Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures. Text or call 949-633-3860 for more info.

VINTAGE SURFBOARD 1985 STEWART/T&C SURFBOARD’ -$200. 949.933.0122

PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $130. 949.533.9761

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

HANDYMAN CHRISFlat screen TV’s installed, anything Electri-cal, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Water-proofi ng, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More.Phone Chris – 949 510 6645

WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARDWood Rot Repair Certifi ed Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris -949 510 6645

Page 20: July 3, 2015

Dana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 20 www.danapointtimes.com

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORESPORTS & OUTDOORSDP

Dana Point

Q&A with professional competitive eater Mary Bowers

Hans Crouse Named to USA Baseball Trials Roster

Bowers Bites into the Competition

D

A

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

ana Hills High School soon-to-be junior Hans Crouse is in the midst of an extended tryout in Cary,

N.C. for a spot on the USA Baseball 18U National Team.

Crouse, a right-handed pitcher, was selected to the 40-man National Team trials roster. The trials began on June 29 and will end July 4. At the end of the week, the trials roster will be cut down to 28 players, who will be invited to Los Angeles for another tryout stage. The field will eventually be narrowed down to 20 players

rchitect, fashion model, entrepre-neur—professional eater. All of these words can be used to de-

scribe Dana Point resident Mary Bowers. As the self-employed operator of her

own company, Eat! Be Mary! Inc., Bowers has made a name for herself in the world of competitive eating, where contestants attempt to chow down as much of one specific food as possible in a given time-frame.

Bowers, who was the first-ever wom-en’s wild card participant in the renowned Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Championship in 2012, is now an established veteran on the competitive eating circuit. She com-peted at the fourth annual World Wing-Eating Championship at Hooters of Long Beach on June 27.

Bowers placed ninth out of 10 competi-tive eaters in the field, downing 49.6 hot wings in 10 minutes. The Dana Point Times spoke with Bowers about her 2015 season and what it takes to be a profes-sional eater.

Dana Point Times: Were you satisfied with your effort at the Hooters contest in Long Beach?

Mary Bowers: I would have liked to eat more, but the fans were extremely supportive and the sponsor was a lot of fun. I walked away from the table with

Dana Hills’ Hans Crouse is competing for a spot on the USA Baseball 18U National Team. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

Dana Point resident Mary Bowers has made a name for herself in the world of competitive eating. Photo: Cory Stierley

Mary Bowers competed at the World Wing-Eating Championships at Hooters in Long Beach on June 27. Photo: Angela Eason

for the final roster.Crouse pitched 1 1/3 innings during a

game at the trials on July 1, allowing three hits and two earned runs.

Crouse pitched 50 2/3 innings for the Dolphins as a sophomore, compiling a 1.80 ERA. Crouse had a 6-1 overall record in 13 appearances, tossed one complete game and allowed two runs or fewer in all but one of his starts. Crouse struck out 54 batters and walked 22.

Aliso Niguel’s Blake Sabol is the only other player from Orange County who made the 18U National Team trials roster. DP

new friends, lots of encouragement for my fashion line and new possibilities for the future, so I am happy with the outcome.

DPT: How is a wing eating contest dif-ferent from other contests you compete in? Are there different strategies involved in a wing competition than, say, a hot dog competition?

MB: Every type of food is different in terms of strategy and how the body reacts. Wings are known as a debris food, so the bowl is weighed before and after the contest to determine how much was eaten. Hot dogs are easier to count by unit, so the rules are different. It's interesting to play with food to see what works, how my body responds and what can be improved. There's a lot of experimentation.

DPT: How do you prepare yourself

mentally and physically for competitive eat-ing contests?

MB: The men-tal and physical are much more connected than we are taught to believe. If I think happy thoughts, I feel strong and healthy. If I focus on sadness or anger, my body feels tired and

weak. Competitive eating is like a magnify-ing glass, so the physical and mental con-nections are more intense than what one

would normally experience. But I think it's generally the same for everyone. Thought creates reality, so it's important to stay focused on the things one truly desires.

DPT: What is the one competitive eating category (hot dogs, wings etc…) that you do well in and why?

MB: Hot dogs are close to the heart for me because it's where the magic began. My first contest was a hot dog eating contest and it's a discipline in which I have consistently improved since then.

But my favorite category of food is bur-ritos. My mom has been understandably sad since my dad's passing last fall. She came to the World Burrito Eating Champi-onship in May and watched me compete in person for the first time. It was a surprise. She had no idea I was going to be there.

Afterwards, she told me that the burrito eating contest gave her hope and made her believe there is a future. Sometimes even seemingly small things can make a huge difference. I count the burrito contest as my greatest achievement in competitive eating so far. I wouldn't trade the healing that moment has brought to my family for all of the carnitas in the world.

DPT: How does a competitive eater get better at what they do? What kind of tech-niques or training is involved?

MB: Competitive eating is both an ability and a skill. Much like a talented musician or an award-winning scientist, improving the level of one’s success is a combina-tion of factors. Practice and dedication are important for refining existing strengths.

A balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies helps me to stay nourished. Sunshine and exercise keep me happy and physically strong. Friends and laughter keep me emotionally resilient. Adaptability is important. What works for me one day may not be the best for me the next. I'm always ready to adjust and keep moving toward my goals. DP

Page 21: July 3, 2015
Page 22: July 3, 2015

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Dana Point Times July 3–9, 2015 Page 22 www.danapointtimes.com

DPDana Point SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP SURF

“ I’m feeling very confident. I’m happy for Connor’s win. He and I in the past have had some good juju together … c squared … hopefully we can keep it going for the rest of the season.” —Candice Appleby

Candice Appleby of San Clemente took double wins at the first event of the Stand Up World Series, June 26-28 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Waterman League

andice Appleby of San Clemente has catapulted herself to the top of the ratings in the 2015 Stand Up

World Series by claiming victory in both long distance and sprint SUP races on June 26 through 28, at the tour’s first stop in Barcelona, Spain.

The win earned her a $4,500 prize purse and rating points toward a Waterman League world title.

Fellow USA athlete Connor Baxter of Maui, last year’s world champion, also

Appleby a Stand-up Stand-out in Spain

CBY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

San Clemente’s Candice Appleby Takes Double Wins at SUP World Series Kickoff

Dana Hills High School surf team. Photo: Sheri Crummer

GROMS OF THE WEEK DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL SURF TEAM

he Dana Hills High School surf team wrapped up a great season with a coveted win in the highly competitive

men shortboard division at the Scholastic Surf Series State Championship in May, beating overall team champions San Clem-ente High School.

In the field of 10 schools, the Dana Hills team took second place overall, second in women longboard, equal third in men longboard, women shortboard and coed bodyboard.

In SSS individual state competition, Dana surfers turned in three podium perfor-mances.

Bethany Zelasko and Alison Heinemeyer were runners-up in women shortboard and women longboard, respectively, and Kyle Perez brought home a fifth-place finish in

T

men longboard.In March, the team turned in a second

place finish behind San Clemente at the National Scholastic Surfing Association Interscholastic State Championship varsity competition.

In that event, Zelasko was the winning surfer in women shortboard, Danny Kend-uck took third in men shortboard and Perez took sixth in longboard.

Looking toward next year, assistant coach Tim Sampson said the team’s men shortboard victory at SSS States was a huge accomplishment—and an especially nice victory for head coach Mark Deegan who retired his position at the end of the season—as it is the largest and most com-petitive division and speaks volumes for the team’s future.

Sampson has been promoted to head coach for next year.

“Even though we lost a good number of seniors to graduation, we have a very strong junior class and some very talented sopho-mores coming up next year,” Sampson said. “We are really excited about the upcoming season.” –Andrea Swayne

swept the men’s field. “I’m feeling very confident,” Appleby

said in a post win podium interview. “I’m happy for Connor’s win. He and I in the past have had some good juju together … c squared … hopefully we can keep it going for the rest of the season.”

The remainder of the 2015 Stand Up World Series includes competition in the U.S., Brazil, Japan and other European and Asian cities yet to be announced. For more information, visit www.watermanleague.com. DP

Kade Matson of San Clemente was the Explorer Boys Shortboard runner-up at NSSA Nationals in Huntington Beach. He is also vying for a win in Open Conference competition, through July 3. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

he National Scholastic Surfing Association National competition is underway at the Huntington Beach

Pier, running through July 3. Check back for full results from the competition in next week’s issue of the Dana Point Times.—AS

NSSA Nationals Underway in HBT

Page 23: July 3, 2015
Page 24: July 3, 2015