SCT 09/21/2023

Council Directs Arts and Culture Committee to Take On Amphitheater Discussions

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

San Clemente residents will continue exploring the possibilities of establishing an amphitheater in town, but under a new capacity after a unanimous vote from the San Clemente City Council last week.

The council on Thursday, Sept. 14, dissolved the Citizens Amphitheater Committee, which was initially established in August 2022 and had its last of four meetings late last month. The recently established Arts and Culture Committee will now consider the subject of securing an indoor or outdoor performing arts space, with direction from the council to expand to seven members.

An ordinance ratifying the Arts and Culture Committee as a five-member body was passed on Aug. 15 and will be brought back to the council for revision, according to City Clerk Laura Campagnolo.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity,” said now-former committee member Amanda Quintanilla, who also commended the group’s working relationship and the impact of Beaches, Parks & Recreation Department Director Samantha Wylie.

Councilmember Rick Loe er was the first to mention increasing the Arts and Culture Committee’s membership as a way to “combine” the two groups. He added that he’s received contacts from many in the community who are interested in participating on the committee.

“I would just suggest that if we dissolve the amphitheater committee (and) fold it into the Arts and Culture Committee, that we expand the number (of members) to seven,” Loe er said. “It just seems like in that kind of committee, they’re going to need a lot of di erent inputs on a lot of di erent things.”

As evidenced by the item’s unanimous vote, his suggestion received support from his colleagues, with Councilmembers Victor Cabral and Mark Enmeier vocally backing Loe er’s comments.

Enmeier referenced what he perceived to be part of the reasoning behind the amphitheater committee’s creation, which involved the discussion of the San Clemente High School Drama Department’s lack of facilities to match its high level of performance.

“One of the reasons why that isn’t there is because of a bond that wasn’t passed several years ago that would’ve

updated the Triton Center and created that theater facility for them,” he said, encouraging any future iterations of a committee to work closely with the high school regarding development.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock also said he preferred to dissolve the committee, seeing as he felt the group had accomplished its goal. He added that he envisioned the amphitheater at Bella Collina San Clemente, a private golf club that can seat between 500 and 1,000, or the vacant parcel of land near the intersection of Calle Saluda and Avenida La Pata as acceptable possibilities for future use.

In their agenda report, city sta had expressed the amphitheater committee’s concern over whether the open parcel could be used, given Measure V’s requirement of having voters decide to permit rezoning or development of space.

However, City Attorney Elizabeth Mitchell said an amphitheater use is an express exception to Measure V. Knoblock called the concept of a performing arts space a “jewel” that would benefit both public and private organizations.

“I think the concept has merit,” he said. “I think it would provide a real amenity to our community and would be something that would help our cultural reputation.”

The vote followed city o cial Wylie’s time speaking with the council, during which she conveyed the committee’s acceptance of an indoor performance space as an alternative option and the emergence of community groups that would be interested in partnering with the city or renting the space.

Ballet Academy & Movement, the Camino Real Playhouse, and the SCHS drama department were organizations that expressed tentative interest.

Regarding potential spaces, Wylie

said the facilities at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens wouldn’t satisfy a desire for between 150 and 400 seats, and that the Community Center auditorium—which seats 300—would need significant renovations.

The committee saw the Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista as a dream model for San Clemente, she added, but it stopped short of recommending the city build a similar structure because of the financial implications.

Knoblock shot down the committee’s concerns.

“The charge of the amphitheater committee wasn’t to analyze finances but to look at the options for an amphitheater,” he said, adding that the city could pursue private funding for such a project.

Wayne Eggleston, another former committee member, initially brought up Bella Collina as an option for the city while it looks to potentially determine a more permanent solution. He emphasized the need for San Clemente to progress one level at a time and establish itself as a city with a reputation for performing arts before seeking to build a multimillion-dollar performance space.

“We need to have the credibility as a community for performing arts before we can have private funding or city financing or anything of that nature,” said Eggleston.

Mayor Chris Duncan refrained from expressing his opinion on the item. Knoblock motioned for the council to disband the committee and expand the Arts and Culture Committee to seven members, with Cabral seconding the motion.

The application period for the Arts and Culture Committee has been extended to Friday, Sept. 22. Applications can be found at san-clemente. org or by emailing the city clerk at cityclerk@san-clemente.org.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

Zoning Administration

3-4:30 p.m. The city’s Zoning Administration will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, located at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

Beachside Chat

8-9 a.m. Join San Clemente residents and dignitaries for the weekly Beachside Chat, a spirited, town hall forum on community issues led by a slate of rotating hosts. The chats are held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, located at 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. All are welcome.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

Challenging Cancer

10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 26

Public Safety Committee

3-5 p.m. The city’s Public Safety Committee will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, located at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Because I Love You (BILY)

6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person oom the first Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27

Design Review Subcommittee

3-4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Subcommittee will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, located at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Coastal Resiliency Concepts Community

5:30-8 p.m. The city will hold a meeting to provide residents with an opportunity to review conceptual coastal resiliency solutions, related to the ongoing Nature Based Coastal Resiliency Project Feasibility Study, and provide input. The goal of the study is to develop solutions to add and retain sand on San Clemente beaches. Residents can join a mailing list to stay updated on the study by emailing LCP@san-clemente.org.

The San Clemente City Council on Thursday, Sept. 14, unanimously voted to dissolve the Citizens Amphitheater Committee after four meetings, choosing to pursue a new direction for amphitheater discussions.

Photo: File/Keaton Larson

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News Next Door: Ocean Institute Looks to Engage Visitors of All Ages with New Activities, Events

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Like many nonprofits, the Ocean Institute took a financial hit during the COVID-19 pandemic after it canceled its major fundraising events and exhibitions.

Since the pandemic, the nonprofit has looked to bring in more funds to support its marine education, Adopt-A-Class and summer camp programs through new events and activities aimed at engaging visitors of all ages.

During the Dana Point Civic Association’s Co ee Chat on Friday, Sept. 15, Ocean Institute President and CEO Dr. Wendy Leavell shared an update on the marine education and conservation nonprofit’s newest events and activities geared toward visitors of all ages and upcoming changes to the institute’s campus.

Leavell, who started at the Ocean Institute as vice president of education, was named the organization’s president in March 2020.

“In my first, not first 100 days, but first handful of days … I had to cancel the Jazz Fest, which was one of our major fundraisers,” Leavell said Friday. “On March 16, we shut down the organization due to social gathering regulations. On March 18, we were to have our big shark exhibition open with congressional recognition—got the honor of shutting that one down, too.”

In addition to facing the novel pandemic, Leavell also had to manage the “legal, social, emotional landscape,” in the aftermath of the Pilgrim’s sinking.

“So, that was my first two weeks on the job as president,” Leavell said. “It’s been a little bit of a di erent journey.”

Through the pandemic, the Ocean Institute continued its summer camps, masked, distanced and mostly outdoors.

“We knew that folks just needed that feedback loop, that experience,” Leavell said.

After the loss of the iconic Pilgrim, the Ocean Institute worked to raise funds to restore the tall ship, the Spirit of Dana Point

“It’s really the community’s boat, and whatever they want to do will come to be,” Leavell said. “People stepped up right away. We were able to do this amazing restoration. So, you have this beautiful vessel fully ready and opera-

tional again.”

Since the Spirit of Dana Point returned to its slip in the Dana Point Harbor on Sept. 9, 2022, the nonprofit resumed its school field trips aboard the tall ships, as well as public tours and sails.

As the Ocean Institute worked to recover financially following the pandemic, Leavell explained that the nonprofit has launched new events geared to visitors of all ages.

Looking to bring in more of the adult demographic, the nonprofit emphasized its distinguished speaker series.

“I would encourage you, if you think (the Ocean Institute is) just for kids, come to our distinguished speaker series or come on the weekends for our public experiences,” Leavell said. “We’ve introduced more ways for people to participate.”

The speaker series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, takes place on the first Wednesday of the month and features a variety of speakers such as artists, researchers and explorers.

“As far as our educational mission, which is using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire kids to learn; we are rock-solid,” Leavell said. “But then we want to go the next rung out, with all of these di erent community experiences.”

“If you went to the Maritime Fest, it was a record year for us,” Leavell continued. “By doing good, by having fun, people show up, they participate, and that helps support the operations.”

During the 2022 Maritime Festival, the nonprofit launched its inaugural Pirate and Mermaid Ball, a chance for guests to

don costumes and enjoy live music, food and specialty libations.

Throughout the year, visitors can also enjoy whale and marine life tours, tide pool hikes and more. On select weekends in the summer, visitors can also take a night cruise to witness luminous waves caused by bioluminescent plankton.

During the co ee chat, Leavell also announced that the nonprofit is planning some major renovations to its campus.

“We have the barn … that’s used for school programs,” Leavell said. “We’re renovating that for public programs. Public programs, meaning for adults as well. And we’re opening another space within our property that’s usually only permitted for kids. (It) will be added for adults and families.”

“So, there’s a lot you’ll see summer 2024,” Leavell said. “So, I’ll just say, stay tuned to our website.”

Ocean Institute Program Development Manager Kelsey Reimer explained that through the renovations, the nonprofit looks to engage both schools and the public.

Outside of events like the Maritime Festival, the campus’ maritime history barn is primarily used to host classroom field trips and is very school program-oriented, Reimer said. The renovations will add Murphy beds for students sleeping overnight on the Ocean Institute campus and a star ceiling for the nonprofit to use for astronomy talks.

“We’ll be able to have astronomy talks in there, looking at all of the di erent stars, how di erent cultures utilized

celestial navigation,” Reimer said.

“Really making that a space where we still utilize it for school programming—which is our bread and butter, our backbone—but it’s also a space that the public can now go into and learn the same things that we’re teaching these students when they come on our campus,” Reimer continued.

At the back end of the Ocean Institute campus, in a space that’s focused solely on watersheds, the nonprofit looks to create new hands-on activities designed to teach visitors about surf science such as currents, the Coriolis e ect, sand samples and more, Reimer said.

“Our mission is using the ocean as our classroom; we inspire children to learn, but our catchphrase that’s located on our logo is ‘Experience is Teacher,’ ” Reimer said. “So, we really want to help the public deep dive into it just as much as we deep dive school programing into it.”

“So, that’s the goal with each of these spaces is to showcase the information in a way that is digestible for both our school programming … and our public programming,” Reimer continued.

Reimer added that by bringing more visitors to the campus to enjoy all that it has to o er, the nonprofit works to fulfill its mission.

“We want more people to come to OI and to see who we are and what we do, because when we have those people come to OI, it funds our ability to fulfill our mission, which is bringing those schools down and getting those kids seeing the ocean, a lot of them for the first time in their lives,” Reimer said.

ean nstitute resident and C Dr. endy eavell shares an update on a tivities events and renovations at the nonprofit s a pus. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

That’s

During peak wildfire season, when dangerous weather conditions occur, we may call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as a last resort. Because there’s nothing more important to us than keeping you safe. Once the weather improves, we’ll work quickly and safely to restore power to affected communities. Learn more about PSPS at sdge.com/psps.

Council Introduces Ordinance to Streamline City’s Permitting Process

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

An initiative the San Clemente City Council started more than a year ago checked another box toward becoming o cial on Thursday night, Sept. 14, with the council voting to introduce an ordinance meant to expedite noncontroversial development projects in San Clemente.

The council also approved the Planning Commission’s own recommendation to designate itself as the appeal body for Zoning Administrator decisions—a vote Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock expressed his opposition to in the 4-1 decision on the item.

Councilmember Victor Cabral said the sticking point in working to streamline the city’s permitting process lay in a conflict the public faced: residents and contractors doing their own projects want the process to be quicker, while simultaneously desiring a more deliberate system with which to review their neighbors’ potential projects.

“The builder wants (a project) and the neighborhood doesn’t, so how do you get (the review) done quickly?” Cabral asked. “It may not be that those kinds of projects are done quickly, but I would think that having the Planning Commission as an intermediary before us might actually help expedite the process.”

The discussion over the commission’s role was the main factor in Thursday’s meeting, as councilmembers didn’t make any significant changes to the zoning amendments sta had presented to

Coastal Commission

Opens K-12 Art and Poetry Competition; Invites Amateur Photographers to Compete

in Annual Contest

BY BREEANA GREENBERG AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Through January 2024, the California Coastal Commission is inviting kindergarten through 12th-grade students to submit works centered on the state’s

them.

An errata, or a list of corrected errors, concerning items that followed council direction to increase permits for businesses’ special activities or that needed to be “cleaned up” in sta ’s words, was the only addition to the ordinance.

The council also followed sta recommendations to amend the fee schedule and maintain the current permits appeals process and fees for the discretionary review of zoning permits. Applicants will still need to pay $1,447.67 to file an appeal, and members of the public must pay $628.08.

Sta has worked since August 2022 to bring the council’s initiated amendments to “clarify, consolidate and streamline” the permitting process to fruition, including five meetings with the Planning Commission, between January and June 2023, to review the proposed ordinance.

New Commission Chair Cameron Cosgrove spoke about the group’s work during the public-comment period Thursday, highlighting the ordinance’s inclusion of objective standards aimed at reducing subjectivity and mistakes.

“That’s why we were at this for six months,” he said. “As you know, your packet’s over 200 pages. We went through every red line, one by one—and discussed it.”

Cosgrove said the commission supported the zoning amendments and advocated for a second phase. He also explained its rationale behind wanting to become an appeal body, in that in the rare event of someone filing an appeal, the city’s focus should shift from that of streamlining to quality projects.

“Since projects tend to last for decades, we’d rather have a higher quality,” he said.

His stance was backed by Councilmembers Rick Loe er and Mark Enmeier, with the former referencing Deputy coast and ocean for its annual Art and Poetry competition.

Art and poetry submitted must have a California coastal or ocean theme and must be the student’s original work.

Artwork cannot exceed 11-by-17 inches in size and cannot be three-dimensional pieces, photography or art that uses glitter.

A winner in art and poetry will be selected in each grade-level category: K-first grade, second to third grade, fourth to sixth, seventh to ninth, and 10th to 12th. All winning art and poetry and honorable mentions will be part of a traveling exhibit.

Winners will receive a $100 gift certificate to an art supply course or bookstore, depending on the category, and tickets to the Aquarium of the

Community Development Director Adam Atamian’s statement that only one similar appeal had been filed in the past two years.

Given that the Planning Commissioners are subject matter experts who live in the communities that are being debated over, Loe er said, their knowledge would o set any extra time added by the appeal process.

Knoblock, in opposition to designating the commission as an appeal body, spoke of the previous council’s original goal of expediting a “slow and lethargic” review process.

“I don’t think that we’re jeopardizing quality by having a thorough sta review with appeals that come here,” he said. “We can always get experts (such as)

members of the Planning Commission speaking publicly, like we had today.”

Cabral introduced the motion to approve the sta recommendation for the ordinance, including the errata, as well as the updated fee schedule, maintaining the appeals fees and making the Planning Commission the appeals body.

Knoblock asked Cabral for a friendly amendment to the motion, which was to reduce the appeals fee to $100—a Planning Commission recommendation. Cabral declined.

Knoblock then introduced a substitute motion to include the commission’s recommendation for a reduced appeals fee that failed to receive a second, paving the way for Cabral’s motion to succeed in a 4-1 vote. donated by several sponsors.

Pacific. Each winner’s teacher will also receive a $50 gift certificate from Acorn Naturalists.

All prizes are provided in part by donations from Acorn Naturalist, Blick Art Materials and Aquarium of the Pacific. The entry period closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2024. Winners will be announced in April 2024.

Also, amateur photographers have one final weekend to participate in and enter the Coastal Commission’s photography competition that asks prospective entrants to capture California’s marine and coastal wildlife.

The window to submit an entry for the 24th annual California Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Contest closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25. Contestants could win prize packages

To participate, contestants should take photos from a public place on California’s scenic coastline, people along the coast, and the ocean and coastal wildlife that are native to California, according to the Coastal Commission. Entrants may submit up to five images, which can be in either color or black and white.

More information about the photo contest, how to submit and where to check out past winners’ works can be found at coastal.ca.gov/photo/#galleries. For more information on the art and poetry contest guidelines, visit coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry or mail in your entry to the California Coastal Commission at 455 Market Street, Suite 228, San Francisco.

San Clemente residents and contractors should soon see a streamlined permitting process for constructing projects after the City Council introduced a related ordinance Thursday, Sept. 14. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Casa Romantica’s Toast to the Casa Mirrors Its Year of Changes, Perseverance

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The upcoming Toast to the Casa, an annual benefit event for the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, which will be moved to the Casino San Clemente on Sept. 30, already projects to be di erent from previous years.

Since two landslides that occurred at Casa Romantica in April and June forced the large yearly fundraiser o the center’s grounds, new Co-Executive Director Kylie Travis said the preparation process has changed significantly.

“We have to really be careful and plan ahead to make sure everything makes it to the venue and that we’ve thought of everything,” she said. “We have just been doing our preparation even more ahead of time this year to make sure that we’re just remembering every little thing that we need.”

It’s a vastly di erent circumstance than closing the Casa Romantica facility the week of the event in years prior for preparations, Travis added, and being able to quickly grab something they’ve forgotten for the event.

The landslides damaged the facility’s back patio, forcing debris and landscaping to fall to the bottom of the property, which backs onto the Orange County Transportation Authority’s railroad right-of-way.

The two landslides also prompted the OCTA to suspend passenger rail services through the area. In turn, both the OCTA and the City of San Clemente contracted crews to work on stabilizing the slope and readying the right-of-way to resume service.

Work on constructing a protective wall was completed in mid-July, and the City Council authorized $8 million toward continued substantial repairs shortly thereafter.

Travis said the first landslide, on April 27, necessitated the start of an emergency fund campaign to recoup losses.

“Since we do so many private events, and that’s about 30-40% of our income to run our cultural center, we lost about $300,000 to $400,000 in the first 12 weeks after the landslide, instantly, because we had to refund that money,” she said.

The organization needed roughly

$250,000 to replenish its operating costs, an initial fundraising goal that was met by June 30.

Now, Casa Romantica is in the midst of its “Building Hope, Preserving History” campaign. It looks to raise $500,000 by the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with the Toast to the Casa event playing a significant role in the fundraising process.

Once the city finishes its slope stabilization work, the organization will be responsible for replanting landscaping, installing lighting and seating, and other projects concerning the historic property’s appearance.

“We are trying to work with our construction company and engineering company, and they’re working as fast as they can to stabilize the blu s enough to open our main salon before the rains come,” Travis said. “That way, when we have winter weather, we’ll be able to move it inside.”

She added that Casa Romantica will continue to fundraise to pursue its mission of preserving Ole Hanson’s former home and providing cultural programming to the community. It just so happens that they have an additional challenge of needing to physically restore the property, which accentuates the need for San Clemente to consider the Casa Romantica’s importance.

Whether by attending the Toast to the Casa, sponsoring a program or buying general admission tickets or concert tickets, according to Travis, each action makes a di erence.

“Just simply visiting us is an act of support and showing how needed our space is in our community,” she said.

Tickets for the Toast to the Casa are $200, with sponsorships and reserved

seating starting at $1,500. The event, which is scheduled from 5-10 p.m. on Sept. 30, seeks to salute the Golden Age of Hollywood and will feature more than two dozen vendors, plus a live and silent auction, Lizzy and the Triggermen will

perform, in addition to tap dancer Dante Lara and DJ Nomis, with the latter leading a dance party during the event. The Casino San Clemente is located at 140 W. Avenida Pico.

More information about the event can be found at casaromantica.org.

Guests at Casa Romantica’s annual Toast to the Casa fundraiser on Sept. 18, 2021 enjoy live entertainment while sampling international cuisine. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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The ‘New’ Weight Loss Drugs—Friend or Foe, Part 1

Ihave delayed the hot topic of “weight loss” drugs for some time now, as I have tried to figure out how to “feed” this information to you in a useful and intelligent way. Hence, the need for a “Part 1”; I have way too much to communicate.

Next month, I am going to talk about the specific drugs, their costs, how they work, projected outcomes, as well as potential side e ects. It is important to understand the medications and if you should consider them, but this month we talk about the reality.

The bottom line is that these drugs “give the people what they want,” which is an easy path to weight loss. Unfortunately, these medications are not a panacea, meaning that the patient must be participatory, and not a passive observer, to actually lose the weight, improve their health, and most importantly, sustain these outcomes.

In the weight-loss world, people clearly understand the concept of being on a diet and restricting calories. Back in the early days of dieting, the ’70s and ’80s brought the diet gurus who focused on cutting calories and did so by removing or adding certain foods and food groups.

Anyone remember the “cabbage soup” or “grapefruit” diets?

We then moved into other controlling diet approaches including the Atkins diet, which limited calories and carbs, and the

Letter to The Editor

DISTRICT VOTING

DONNA VIDRINE, San Clemente

It is important for council transparency, from each councilmember, in each public forum, to talk about their input into this process, how they reached their conclusion, and why they voted on each aspect that comes before council for a decision and vote.

It will build community trust and support for a successful transition to district voting, transparency from each councilmember.

Part of the districting process includes the decision whether to have four districts with an elected mayor or to have five districts with a council-selected rotating mayor. The districting process goes smoother once this decision is made (which is non-binding), because San Clemente can focus on how to draw and select the best four- or five-district map.

State law specifies that a district should share common social and economic interests, including neighborhood activities, school

Scarsdale diet, which focused on curbing calories and fat. And now, we have every iteration of dieting styles with intermittent fasting, keto, time-restricted eating, paleo, vegan, carnivore, flexitarian, Mediterranean and more.

loss.

And now those providers are adding in the new medications on top of this “tool.”

sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US

PUBLISHER

Steve Strickbine

COUSINEAU

FOOD FOR THOUGHT BY GINA

All this being said, I have seen this medication in full e ect in my community, and I am concerned. What I know is that many people have an emotional attachment to food, similar to any other addiction.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Nadine Johnson • 480.898.5645 nadine@timeslocalmedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

At the end of the day, we as a nation are fatter and sicker than ever before. Why, you ask? Blame the multibillion-dollar diet industry, partnered with the influx of inexpensive, readily available, highly palatable foods chock-full with salt, fat and sugar.

Mix that with the countless “nutrition and weight loss” experts at your fingertips via the internet, as well as social media spewing so much noise that we no longer have a clue as to what a “healthy eating pattern” is nor how to put it on one’s plate.

In addition to the latest pills, injectables, potions, and diet approaches, we can’t fail to mention weight loss surgery. The bariatric surgery world actually considers these surgeries a tool that aids in a patient’s weight loss.

When the stomach size is reduced via surgery, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed, weight loss is inevitable. But the surgery also reduces the ability to properly digest and absorb nutrients, which then forces these patients to take supplements to make up for the nutrient

attendance, parks, and election concerns, with the purpose of e ective and fair representation.

Shared demographic characteristics include similar levels of income, education, languages spoken at home and single-family and multifamily housing units. No district should be drawn with race as the predominant factor.

Each district should be drawn with a nearly equal population. District boundaries should be easily identifiable and understandable to San Clemente voters and residents. The purpose and focus of creating a district should be e ective and fair representation.

My ask is that this council determine whether to change to four districts with an elected mayor or to five districts with a council-selected rotating mayor and give direction to our professional consultant to draw draft maps before the next public hearing with either four or five districts.

BEACH PATROL SAGA GREG STOLROW, San Clemente

The idea of a full-time patrol for the Beach Trail and North Beach is a great idea. The execution of this program to date is a failure. Two observations from a recent walk on the

These medications actually calm that call to food (and drink). This allows these patients to have more self-control when it comes to overeating. In some cases, they are able to eat very little, which accelerates their weight loss, but it comes with a price tag called malnutrition.

If you need to lose weight and improve your health, these medications can be the impetus for helping you get there. The caveat will always be to understand the value of instilling a healthy eating pattern that will allow you to propel your health gain and then sustain your weight loss for a lifetime. Otherwise, this is just one more very expensive diet.

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is your local nutrition expert, chef, and fitness professional, with her BS in Nutrition and MS in functional and integrative nutrition. She uses a food-as-medicine approach for weight loss to health gain, and everything in between. Follow her on social media @mamagslifestyle, and check out her website mamagslifestyle.com to learn more about her programs and freebies o ered throughout the year. SC

Beach Trail confirms that grade.

The guards continue to patrol as a team, side by side. The only place they are ever seen is North Beach. The combined age of the two gentlemen out there was approaching 160. Along the bushes at Linda Lane, we observed a tucked-away campsite complete with a sleeping bag and backpack. Hard to miss if you were even slightly paying attention.

The homeless are not gone; they have just moved around to avoid the slow-moving patrol team.

Here is a thought: fire the guards for cause and save the $55,000 a month; create a volunteer patrol of community residents; set shifts of six hours covering the full 24-hour day to walk the whole Beach Trail; expect more from the deputies to manage the inland migration of the transient homeless (these folks are not residents of San Clemente).

Count me in as a volunteer. I will even run the program if nobody else steps up.

I promise that the people of this community will do a better job than what we have now, and we will have $660,000 annually of extra money to spend on things like beach erosion, more deputies and other public safety initiatives.

Who’s with me?

Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS

Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING

Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION

Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

TIMES MEDIA GROUP

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Tom Blake Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

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The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

THURSDAY | SEPT. 21

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S

7 p.m. Live music is featured at this San Clemente lounge known for its entertainment. Greg Richardson and Friends will perform. Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.8255. ivalees.com.

‘PHANTOM’ AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE

7:30 p.m. Watch a performance of Phantom, based on Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, at San Clemente’s local theater, in which a masked “phantom” living underneath the Paris Opera is mesmerized by a female soprano singer and seeks to train her. Tickets are $33. Shows run through Oct. 8. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

FRIDAY | SEPT. 22

CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE: ‘SOMETHING ROTTEN’

7:30 p.m. Watch a live performance of Something Rotten at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater, in which brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom set out to write the world’s very first musical. Showings will continue through Oct. 1. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE

8 p.m. Live music is featured at this Downtown San Clemente restaurant. Classic rock group Mark Alan Wilson Band will perform. BeachFire Bar & Grill, 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.366.3232. beachfire.com.

SATURDAY | SEPT. 23

STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP: CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP

9-11 a.m. Join Stand Up to Trash at Baby

SATURDAY | SEPT. 23: COASTAL CLEANUP DAY AT T-STREET BEACH

8:30 a.m.-noon. Orange County Coastkeeper is hosting an opportunity for community members to contribute to cleaning their local resources. Water, gloves, buckets and spring-handheld trash grabbers will be provided. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are recommended. Each participant must sign a liability waiver, with adults responsible for signing minors’ waivers. T-Street Beach, 339 W. Paseo De Cristobal, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

Beach and the Ocean Institute for a beach cleanup followed by a Lunch and Learn at the Ocean Institute. This month’s theme is California Coastal Cleanup Day, featuring special guest speaker Sabrina Banda from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians. Georgia “Chena” Edmundson will o er face painting for kids. Lunch will be provided. Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION SOUTH OC CHAPTER BEACH CLEANUP

9 a.m.-noon. Join volunteers at Salt Creek Beach on California Coastal Cleanup Day to help clear the beach and waterways of debris. The local Surfrider Foundation chapter will provide materials for the cleanup, light bites and water receptacles for refilling reusable bottles. Salt Creek Beach, 33333 South Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. southoc.surfrider.org.

CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

9 a.m.-noon. Join the City of San Juan Capistrano for the 39th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day at Descanso Park. The cleanup will focus on San Juan and Arroyo Trabuco creeks. The city recommends parking in the lot marked “City Employee Parking” within the orange barricades. Descanso Park, 32506 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html.

J. F. SHEA THERAPEUTIC RIDING

CENTER 45TH ANNUAL BBQ & FAMILY

FAIRE

4 p.m. See the Shea Center transformed for its annual fundraiser featuring carnival games, horseback riding demonstrations, food, entertainment, a live auction and

more. Tickets are available for purchase at sheacenter.org/bbq. Limited tickets are available, and advance reservations are required. The fundraiser supports the Shea Center’s mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The Shea Center, 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.240.8441. sheacenter.org.

SUNDAY | SEPT. 24

SQUISH SQUARES WEAVING

9 a.m.-noon. Fiber artist Meg Spitzer will teach those interested in “flu y roving” to make squish squares, or framed weavings filled with flu and woven in a cross-stitch pattern. All materials will be provided to make a 13-inch-by-13-inch piece. No experience necessary. Tickets are $125. Small Space Art Collective, 210 Calle de Los Molines, Suite C, San Clemente. smallspaceart.com.

WHALE AND MARINE LIFE TOUR

10 a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a 2½-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65-foot research vessel. Professional naturalists on board will introduce attendees to the lifestyles of ocean creatures that frequent the waters o Dana Point through hands-on activities. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

REDO VINTAGE & MAKER’S MARKET

9 a.m.-4 p.m. REDO Vintage & Maker’s Market returns to Dana Point. A portion of Del Prado Avenue will transform into a pedestrian-friendly vintage and artisan market where shoppers can stroll and explore

curated vintage collections and authentic assortments of makers and artisans. Live music on three separate stages, beer gardens, classic cars and a few selected food trucks will make it the perfect afternoon destination. Parking and admission are both free. Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, info@redomarket.com. redomarket.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE

2 p.m. Live music is featured at this Downtown San Clemente restaurant. Contemporary artist John Fullwood will perform. BeachFire Bar & Grill, 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.366.3232. beachfire.com.

MONDAY | SEPT. 25

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Pop artist Dave Mason will perform. Tickets are $68. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

TUESDAY | SEPT. 26

AFFORDABLE PET VACCINE CLINIC

4-5:30 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano o ers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic o ers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing on-site. Pets Plus, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 714.895.8600. vetcarepetclinic.com.

BUBBLES & BITES

6-8 p.m. Join Bar Jane’s first-ever Bubbles & Bites, where guests can enjoy tastes of champagne and sparkling wines while pairing them with bites from the restaurant’s kitchen. A fine wine specialist will be on hand, too, speaking and pouring. Tickets are $30 and spots are limited. Bar Jane, 158 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. bar-jane.com/bubbles-and-bites

WEDNESDAY | SEPT. 27

BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER

1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-your-number game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

Photo: Courtesy of Marta Ortigosa/Pexels

CRIB TO COLLEGE

AN EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES GUIDE GEARED FOR YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Inside:

Lucy Creatives Emphasizes Creativity, Artistry in Music

Lessons

Local Boys & Girls Clubs

Provide Financial Education to Students

+

Campus Connections

Exploring the Lesser-Known Benefits of Attending Community Colleges

Students are able to explore, discover and learn so much and are so well supported here because they have a world of interests, natural talents and exciting paths to pursue. Vigorous academics, expert faculty, boundless opportunities and choices, engaging, vibrant learning environments, leading technology and resources. A spirit of excellence and innovation fuels a transformative experience that nurtures our students’ development, well-being and character, and challenges them to their fullest potential.

Imagine the lifelong impact of what our everyday would mean for your child.

2023

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

For more information and to register, please visit: smesopenhouse.org

Lucy Creatives Emphasizes Creativity, Artistry in Music Lessons

By Shawn Raymundo

At Lucy Creatives, a music and arts school in owntown San Clemente, studio founder and teacher Meagan ade looks to help steer her students musical journeys where they can learn who they are as an artist.

e really focus on creativity, artistry, and how important that is for the children, she says, adding: t s all about developing the artist, and that s kind of what we do here.”

ade explains that while she wants her students to learn how to play the notes of their instruments, such as piano and ukulele, it s important to her that they begin to understand what genre and style of music and art vibe with them.

ith everything we do, we don t want to just teach music, she says. e also want to help them become the artists that they are and they just so freely show as children.

A San Clemente native, ade attended Our Savior s Lutheran School, which emphasi ed music. veryone in the school was in the play, and (in) the musical, everyone sang, like no matter what; and so, my siblings, all of us, we can all sing, and we’re all musical,” she says of her musical upbringing, adding: think it was because we were just like, in that environment from a very young age.”

n about second grade, ade began learning to play the piano, and when she was 7, she got her first guitar which she displays in the classroom and allows her students to play.

ow, all my students play that guitar, so it s very full circle, she says. But, yeah, that s where it all started. ... ve been playing music my whole life and singing, and singing in, like, choir, singing in bands.”

Shortly after ade graduated from anguard University in Costa Mesa with a general music degree focused on voice and piano, she was approached by a handful of moms who had created small learning pods at their homes for their children to continue learning together during the pandemic. hey asked if she would teach the kids music.

hey were able to keep it small and controlled while the kids couldn t be at school. kind of

See CREATIVES on page 5

Crib to College Expert Knowledge

Raising your child from those stages of infancy to the moment they walk across the stage at graduation is a task unlike anything else—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Beyond immediate friends and family, communities o er a wealth of coaches, experts, and mentors who are more than willing to contribute to developing your child in various ways to maximi e their potential.

South County is no di erent. n our latest edition of Crib to College, we ve compiled a catalog of resources for local parents to sift through, concerning topics from after-school activities to alternative methods to attending a four-year university.

e spoke to the founder of Lucy Creatives, a studio in Downtown San Clemente that serves young artists and musicians through a handful of classes.

Along with an expected assortment of programs that can spark students interest in the arts, sports, and S M, the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano alley provides classes to those seeking to understand the nuances and impacts of their future financial decisions.

We also dove into how local community college districts are endeavoring to show their value as low-cost options toward transferring to a four-year university.

he unfortunate reality is that parents workdays don’t end at the same time as their children’s time at school, which can leave them scrambling for safe, enriching ways to occupy their children’s time before going home.

On the bright side, we ve highlighted plenty of fun programs provided by the cities, the school district and local organizations that can satisfy any child’s needs.

Campus Connections:

South Orange County Community College District Shares Lesser-Known Benefits of Attending Community College

By Breeana Greenberg

ommunity colleges o er students an opportunity to continue their educational journey without paying university costs, whether straight out of high school, after a gap year or in mid-career.

hile it s widely known that community college tuition is significantly less expensive than four-year universities, South Orange County Community College District Chief Communications O cer Letitia Clark explained that the district is working to destigmati e the community college experience and spread awareness for the benefits it o ers.

uition at all California community colleges is the same at 45 a unit, Clark explained.

f you re taking a full load, it s usually less than 600 a semester, and so you re probably spending less in a year of tuition than some four-year universities cost per unit, Clark said.

hrough starting their undergraduate education at a community college, students can often complete their degree with little to no debt, Clark noted.

e partner with the four-year universities to ensure that we o er all of the core re uirements, so, essentially, a student not only can but should start with the community colleges to get all their core re uirements, so at least they re saving on just the base level re uirements before you even enter into a specific area or major, Clark said.

ou can take all these core nglish, math, science courses at the community college level and again, at that very competitive tuition rate, and then you can easily transfer, Clark continued. South Orange County community colleges also have robust foundations to raise funds for student scholarships, Clark explained. he scholarships often help students with their tuition once they’ve transferred to a four-year university after attending a community college, Clark said. f you started at community college, you do well, your grades are good and you look into scholarship opportunities, the community college foundations can actually help students get money to transfer to, let’s say, their dream school,” Clark said.

Clark added that community college students have the ability to transfer to top-tier colleges. n fact, it s probably a little easier for students to get in as a transfer student, because, es-

sentially, the line is shorter, Clark said. he line is shorter to get into UCLA or USC as a transfer student than it is as an incoming freshman.”

igh school students can also complete a significant portion of their core re uirements through dual-enrollment programs.

e partner with high schools all over the region to allow high school students to take those core community college courses while they re in high school, so by the time they finish high school, they could have several credits under their belt or if they join a program early enough, they could actually earn their associate s degree before they finish high school, Clark said.

Clark noted that the community college district is working to spread awareness about its educational opportunities available to residents and to eliminate the stigma that community colleges are somehow less than or inferior to a four-year degree.”

Community college is such a great option to start to save money to receive the core re uirements that you need, and we are really working to create a campus environment at all of the community colleges that feels like that college environment, with a lot of activities, clubs, resources,” Clark said.

ou re going to find that, especially in California, there s so much investment made into capital improvements so that it feels good to be on campus, Clark continued.

Community colleges o er resources and support to help their students overcome challenges, Clark said.

t s such a nurturing environment here that if they don t have the study skills, if they don t have peer groups that can help in creating a conducive learning environment there are so many resources to help with child care, with food, with extra money, so that the burden isn t so great that it can’t be overcome,” Clark said.

n addition to costing significantly less to attend a community college, Clark noted that campus administrations have made an e ort to recruit highly skilled faculty through competitive wage and benefit packages.

he classes that people are taking at the community college level, particularly in California, are going to just be very high-level because of the faculty that are teaching them, Clark said.

uring the pandemic, Clark noted that community colleges saw a dip in enrollment however, enrollment data are trending near pre-pandemic numbers.

More than 14,000 students are enrolled at rvine alley College and more than 23,000 enrolled at Saddleback College, Clark said.

ou look around, the parking lots are full, classes are full we re not experiencing the uptick with canceling classes because we don’t have enough enrolled,” Clark said. “We are really seeing a great uptick in enrollment.

CLINICS ARE FILLING UP QUICKLY!

Following the CO -19 pandemic, rvine alley College now has more than 14,000 students enrolled. Photo: Courtesy of the South Orange County Community College District

Saddleback College has more than 23,000 students enrolled following a decrease in enrollment during the CO -19 pandemic. Photo: Courtesy of the South Orange County Community College District

just started teaching had some little curriculum that created, she recalls, later expounding: was just creating these workbooks, because couldn t find any that liked online they weren t pretty, and like everything to be beautiful.

As an artist and musician, ade finds it important that the pages the kids use to learn are both inspiring and beautiful to them.

started creating a workbook, and just using that with the kids as taught them over CO , she says. And then it just spread, like word spread. And here am it just grew and grew and grew until had so many little classes and students that needed a space.

hough ade didn t necessarily plan on becoming a teacher, it was those closest to her who believed she would be great at it and encouraged her on that path.

nterestingly, my parents were always telling me, ou d be a great teacher, you should be a teacher, but didn t really feel like, don t know, didn t know if that was my path, she says, adding: m definitely someone who likes to do multiple things. like to record music, like to play live. also love to teach. like to create the curriculum and like to create the whole thing.

Rather than teach in a traditional classroom setting at a school, though, Wade’s creative drive led her to launch her own music school, Lucy Creatives, at 131 Avenida el Mar, in the spring of 2022. m too creative, and think outside of the box. wouldn t have been able to thrive in that environment, ade says. But here, what love the most love creativity. hat s what drives me. And so get to be creative every day.

Classes o ered at Lucy Creatives include Musical heater ance, Moon Ukulele, Beginner s Piano, Little Creatives and ade s favorite Songwriter s Club.

t s just so inspiring to hear the kids write these songs, and see also their faces light up, and they just are so proud that they wrote a song, ade says. And then their parents are so proud you know, it s just so cool.

As part of ade s outside-the-box thinking, she incorporates art and dance into the musical curriculum. As an example, during the ukulele class, the students will learn the parts of the instrument by coloring on a sheet and designing the “ukulele of their dreams.”

“So, they’re way more invested in learning, because they created their dream ukulele design, and then their brains remember the parts so much easier, and we play games and make it really fun to remember, ade explains.

She utili es the same coloring techni ue to learn songs that they sing together. hey re not going to learn a song in an hour unless it s fun for them. So we do the same thing. hey color this in while we sing the song and listen to the song, and they create their little art, she says, pointing to one of the coloring sheets. hen, by the time they re done coloring, they know the song, and then we go over and play it on ukulele.

verything we do is creative in that way, so that it actually sticks for the kids and they re not just like, ere s the chorus, here s the lyrics, play the song, she says. try to make it a fully immersive experience.

he classes are generally 45 minutes to an hour long. ade keeps the class si es small, to about eight or fewer young students. She notes that about 5 years old is a good time to start learning.

And while ade is the main teacher, she does have a dance teacher and an art specialist who help with the courses, and a few songwriters who come in on a rotating basis to also teach. verything s very creative, and there s a playful approach to a lot of things, which is di erent to a lot of other ways of teaching music, ade says, adding: want them to be inspired and go home and write their own songs.”

More information about Lucy Creatives and signing up for classes can be found at lucycreatives.com and on the studio s nstagram, @LucyCreatives.

Lucy Creatives, a music school in owntown San Clemente, takes a creative approach when it comes to instructing young artists and musicians how to play instruments such as guitar, piano and ukulele, as well as singing and drawing. Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Creatives

A Parent’s Guide to After-School Activities Saved by the Bell:

By Clara Helm

With students back in school this fall, parents often struggle to find activities their child can participate in once the bell rings.

oward that end, the school district, various organi ations and the cities of San Clemente, ana Point and San uan Capistrano all o er extensive after-school programming.

A host of athletic activities including skateboarding, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, cheerleading and golf classes are available through the three cities recreation departments. Swim lessons are a great way to keep kids busy after school while also learning life-saving skills. n San Clemente, kids can participate in K. .S.S. private swim lessons, and more advanced swimmers can join K. .S.S. Stroke and Conditioning Group Classes.

he lessons for beginners or advanced swimmers run Monday through hursday at the San Clemente A uatics Center from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

For a child who likes to move and groove, dance classes are a great way to get out their after-school energy.

Kids can learn dance fundamentals and proper techni ue in San Clemente s beginner ballet class, suitable for new dancers between the ages of 4 and 6. he classes start at 3:10 p.m. and end at 4 p.m., ideal for after school drop-o .

hey can also participate in ana Point s dance basics class for 6- to 10-year-olds that meets every other hursday from 4-4:45 p.m. n the class, boys and girls can learn body placement, positions, basic turns and jumps.

For kids wanting a more themed after-school dance experience, they can participate in classes such as San Clemente s Pop Star hip-hop classes or San uan Capistrano s beginner and intermediate ballet folklórico classes.

Musically inclined students can participate in beginner and intermediate guitar and ukulele lessons through the cities of San Clemente and ana Point. Kids ages 8 and up can learn simple chords and new songs in the after-school classes.

Another after-school creative outlet can be found in Sandy s Art Studio for Children and eens in San Clemente, which has two classes for kids ages 5 to 10 and one class for kids ages 10 to 15 every uesday.

he art exploration classes, ranging from 1:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. time slots, allow students to explore creative techni ues such as sketching, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, painting on canvas, and more mediums.

Kidcreate Studio in ana Point also o ers weekly art education classes for parents seeking a consistent art program.

here are also many activities that cater to kids speciali ed interests, which challenge them to learn new skills. San Clemente s recreation department o ers after-school computer coding, game design biology, and CPR classes for students.

n partnership with the Capistrano Unified School istrict (CUS ), Saddleback College o ers the Before and After School nrichment (BAS ) Program, which lets students take a variety of onehour classes right after school ends.

he BAS classes are held at CUS elementary schools, and scholarships are available for children who would like to participate in the program.

ith classes ranging from academic chess to writing workshops to Spanish language learning, elementary-aged students can engage in interactive activities before heading to another after-school program or going home.

Parents really appreciate having their children be able to explore the di erent classes,” said Arron Searcy, assistant director of Community ducation at Saddleback College. “Whether it’s a dance class, a Broadway class where they’re doing musicals, a coding class, or a chess class, it gives kids a variety of di erent things to try.”

For busy or working parents who can not pick up their child the moment

See AFTER-SCHOOL on page 7

CASA KIDS IS UNDERWRITTEN BY GLORIA WIDMANN

Paint & Play Classes • Ages 2-5

Tuesdays, September 26 - October 17, 2023 @ 10:15 AM

$50 per session (FREE for Family Household members)

Enjoy painting and drawing activities with your toddler!

Little Folk Club • Ages 3-5

Saturday, October 14, 2023 @ 10:30 AM • Included with admission

Country music artist Victoria Bailey shares songs and stories of American folk music in a special concert just for children aged 3-5 years.

Journeys to the Past • All Ages

Saturday, November 18, 2023 @ 10:30 AM • Included with admission

Jacque Nunez and her family bring to life Native American culture & history.

LEARN MORE

Cookies and Cocoa with Mrs. Claus • All Ages

Saturday, December 9 @ 10:15 AM • $12

Spend the morning getting ready for Christmas with Mrs. Claus!

Go.CasaRomantica.org/Casa-Kids

Saturday, Sept. 30 10am-12pm 11U -12U 12pm-2pm 13U-14U

Sunday, Oct. 1 10am-12pm 11u -12U 12pm-2pm 13U-14U

$35 IBYOUT FEE

Includes a t-shirt and player evaluation for both days

MAKE UP TRYOUT:

Oct. 2 4pm - 6pm

SIGNING DAY: Oct. 3 5pm - 7pm 949vb.com I 949.374.2890 justin@949vb.com

South Orange County entities and organizations including Saddleback Community College o er after-school programming for kids of all ages, from art explorations to homework help, for parents to choose for their child. Photo: Courtesy of Saddleback Community College

Local Boys & Girls Clubs Provide Financial Education to Students

By C. Jayden Smith

As children mature into adolescents and then teenagers who want to go out to restaurants and shop with friends, or who desire to start adulthood on the right financial track, it can be di cult to find time for conversations about managing money at home. For families in South Orange County, local Boys & Girls Clubs provide resources that teach children about how money works, about making sound decisions with money and setting themselves up for future success.

Gabriella Littlejohn, area director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capistrano alley, spoke about the Money Matters: Make t Count program that the national organi ation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has sponsored for nearly 20 years.

e re trying to just kind of prepare them for life after high school and into their young adulthood, with teaching them about how to balance a check, the importance of saving money, (and) how to reach financial goals within your life, Littlejohn said.

Like with other Boys & Girls Clubs, the Capistrano alley club head uartered in San uan Capistrano with branches in Aliso iejo and ancho Santa Margarita has leaned heavily on local experts to contribute to executing Money Matters.

ith one Capistrano alley board member as the C O and owner of a local financial services business, according to Littlejohn, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano alley brought in o cials from said member s company to assist in teaching the youth.

Additionally, Partners Bank of Mission iejo has collaborated in making the information the club presents tangible and digestible, as part of a concerted e ort to help people at various stages of their lives understand important information concerning finances.

t just really is having these people in the field come out working with our kids, answering uestions that they may have, even (for) things that you think might be common sense, said Littlejohn. For a lot of our families, there s a lot of fear around, like, opening a credit card or opening a checking account.”

Outreach is especially important for families whose first language isn t nglish and who may be unfamiliar with available services that can increase their chances for financial prosperity. Littlejohn emphasi ed that all people should be empowered to take control of their own finances, without fear.

he organi ation tries to put on the Money Matters program twice a year, with 90-minute classes.

he focus is on having one summer session. he timing of the other session tends to rotate around the spring, fall and winter, depending on the rollout of other programs.

Littlejohn said Money Matters takes six to eight weeks to complete and is available to ages 11 and up, adding that the organi ation has taken in its fair share of particularly astute fifth-graders.

WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU

he program s in uence from the classrooms at the Capistrano alley clubs and into the community has been through a grassroots form of growth.

e have found that we re most successful (when) we are bringing those teachings to our youth, and then we re sending them home with the information, said Littlejohn. hether it s in their native language, if it s Spanish, if it s nglish, they can then take that tangible information back home with them. So, those soft skills or those new kinds of teachings are then discussed at home.”

She continued, saying that the concept of saving every 10 cents of every dollar you earn can be easy to hear, but actually thinking about saving for the future can be di cult to grasp. hat further places an importance on students going home and discussing their ownership of their finances with their parents.

For a lot of children in their clubs, according to Littlejohn, money isn t often talked about at home. hey re feeling like their situation is, t is what it is, and that they re stuck, when they really have power and control of what that narrative looks like for themselves, for their families, and for the future,” she said.

More information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano alley s programs can be found at bgccapo.com.

AFTER-SCHOOL from page 6

school ends, after-school programs at the school or nearby are a great option.

At ruman Benedict lementary, parents who have students with di erent school-end times can participate in the GAP Program. he program keeps elementary school children engaged and safe during the dismissal gap between elementary and middle school (1:55-3:25 p.m.).

he Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area in San Clemente and Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano alley in San uan Capistrano provide after-school programs until 6:30 p.m. for kids ages 6 to 18.

Many buses from local schools also have stops at the organi ations. he clubs give students a place to complete homework, interact with peers, and be involved in creative activities. hat sets the after-school program apart, said erry ughes, C O of the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, is that it is an inclusive, safe environment that creates lasting connections. hat kids need is relationships with adults who care about them outside of their home, and we build with them these deep and lasting relationships that last a lifetime, not just with their peers, but also the directors and sta who really care about them, said ughes.

At Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, we view each student as unique, so we prioritize a personalized approach to their learning. Low student-to-teacher ratios, coupled with di erentiated instruction, allow our gifted and caring teachers to meet students right where they are — academically, socially, and emotionally. We invite you to visit our campus and learn what the gift of a Fairmont education could mean in the life of your child.

Valued Community Partners

GUEST OPINION ellness & Prevention by Sophii Sandoval

September Is National Suicide Prevention Month

Youth suicide is a growing concern, a ecting millions of families across the world. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2021, suicide was the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.

In our own community, 18% of high school students reported experiencing thoughts of suicide in the past year, according to a California Healthy Kids Survey report from 2021-2022.

The reasons behind these alarming statistics are multifaceted. Issues such as bullying, academic pressure, trauma, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and the stigma surrounding mental health treatment are some of the many contributors to this crisis.

September is Suicide Prevention Awarness Month, and this sets the stage for advocates, mental health professionals, and survivors of suicide nationwide to come together to spread messages of hope and information about how we can create change in our communities.

The first step toward addressing youth suicide is breaking the silence that often surrounds it. Open dialogue, empathy,

and destigmatizing discussions about mental health are crucial in fostering an environment where struggling youths feel comfortable seeking help.

Schools, parents, and communities play a pivotal role in creating this supportive atmosphere. Initiatives such as mental health education programs, peer support groups, and school-based counseling services are essential in encouraging young individuals to share their thoughts and feelings.

Prevention begins with early intervention. Teaching young people coping skills and how to manage emotions is critical. We also can learn how to recognize the signs of distress and depression in young people.

Mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, and a decline in academic performance can all be indicators of mental health issues. You can learn more about signs and symptoms at asfp.org.

It’s crucial that parents, teachers, and friends reach out and o er support when they notice these signs. Encouraging young people to seek professional help can be

a life-saving step. Talking about suicide can feel scary, but you do not have to be a mental health expert to let somebody know you are there for them.

The power of connection cannot be overstated, as one smile, one acknowledgement, one hello, can be enough to show a person going through a di cult time that they are not alone. A young person’s problems likely look very di erent from your own, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot connect with them over the things in their life causing them distress.

Being able to sit with a young person, giving them the space to share their experiences without judgment, or shame, is one of the best gifts we can give to them.

Rather than supporting suicide awareness and prevention for one month per year, we ask that you consider supporting organizations that are providing the services of suicide awareness and prevention all year long.

Every person we lose to suicide is one too many, and the Wellness & Prevention Center is committed to helping as many

people as we can get connected to the services they need. We can be reached at 949.649.9460 and info@wpc-oc.org, or you can call 211 to get connected to health and human services in Orange County.

You do not need to be in a crisis to be deserving of support from a mental health professional.

To anyone who might be struggling, you are loved, you are needed, and most importantly, you are not alone. Please reach out for support. You deserve it.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. Call or text the NAMI OC Warmline, available 24/7, at 714.991.6412. Call 911 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

Sophii Sandoval is a licensed clinical social worker and the Clinical Director at the Wellness & Prevention Center. SC

PLEASE NOTE: n an e ort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists opinions are shared. he opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not re ect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. f you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ sanclementetimes.com.

SOPHII SANDOVAL

GUEST OPINION | South County ROCKS by Anthony Small

Ohana Intro: Thee Sacred Souls

From Friday, Sept. 29, through Oct. 1, Ohana Festival returns to Doheny State Beach, a place host Eddie Vedder himself has referred to as “hallowed ground.”

Vedder caught his first waves at Doheny as a kid, and since 2016, his Ohana Festival has continued to add to the happy history of this treasured location.

The world-class Ohana lineup includes top-billed sets by Vedder, The Killers, Haim, The Chicks, Foo Fighters and Pretenders. The amazingly diverse lineup also includes Father John Misty, Japanese Breakfast, The War on Drugs, Charley Crockett and Thee Sacred Souls, among others.

I highly recommend getting there early each day, so you do not miss artists such as Danielle Ponder, Ayron Jones, The Aquadolls and The Alive. The Storytellers Stage features compelling leaders in environmental, conservation and pro surfing, and The Cove Gallery, curated by Charles Adler, is a must-see.

Get tickets for Friday and Saturday while you can. Sunday’s show is sold out, but updates and ticket info can be found

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Thelma

at ohanafest.com.

I caught up with Thee Sacred Souls, a San Diego trio that will play Ohana on Sunday. Their story is remarkable; the band’s second club date in 2019 led to a record deal with the storied Daptone label via Penrose Records.

Their first singles racked up more than 15 million streams, and their self-titled debut of sweet soul music led to national TV performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and they’ve now played sold-out headlining shows across the U.S., the United Kingdom and Europe.

Thee Sacred Souls’ core lineup features singer Josh Lane, drummer Alex Garcia, and bassist Sal Samano, and they perform live as a seven-piece band, adding guitar, keys, and two backup vocalists.

Produced by Bosco Mann (aka Gabriel Roth, Daptone/Penrose Records founder), their wholly analog record sound evokes smooth ’60s soul along with the grit and groove of early ’70s R&B.

“We get to be innovative and honest and challenge ourselves as artists, but we also dig deep and pay homage to what

helped shape us,” Lane says. “In college, I really got into Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and Curtis Mayfield, but when I met these guys, they introduced me to deeper soul and lowrider stu like Thee Midniters, and that really opened things up.”

Their bittersweet song “Sorrow For Tomorrow” showcases Lane’s range and is all about loss and healing, growth and forgiveness, longing and regret.

“That song is basically permission to cry,” says Lane. “It’s a reminder that it’s OK to be open to pain and not to feel like your emotions are a burden or make you any less of a man.”

Thee Sacred Souls music is modern, soulful and special, because it is honest, and shares a very human vulnerability. That, my friends, is precisely what good art is all about. Listen, and I bet you’ll agree, and catch them at Sunday’s Ohana, if you can. Find more info at theesacredsouls.com.

REDO Vintage & Maker’s Market returns to Dana Point’s Lantern District on Sunday,

Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Besides the more than 150 vendors lining Del Prado, there’ll be incredible music on four stages. It’s an honor to help curate the music, and I’ll also be playing my upcoming album, El Viejo, in its entirety, at noon on the stage near Dana Point Hardware and Jack’s Restaurant. Also scheduled on that stage are Stereosity, Sidney Bowen, Mojave Ghost, and Andrew Lavin. Randall Winvick, Dano Forte, Los Pakalolos, and others will also perform. More info is at redomarket.com and anthonysmallmusic.com.

Anthony Small is Executive Director of Music Preserves Foundation, a City of Dana Point Arts & Culture Ambassador, local musician, and a California Arts Council Individual Artist Legacy Fellow. Small and his family have lived in Dana Point for 25 years. SC

PLEASE NOTE: n an e ort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC 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 re ect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. f you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ sanclementetimes.com.

Say hello to Thelma, a 1-year-old sweetie with a great personality. After raising three strapping male kittens as a single mother, Thelma is ready for a fresh start. She is an easy-going girl and enjoys spending her days birdwatching in a sunny window. Thelma doesn’t mind other cats, but she would do best in a quiet home where she can finally have some “me time.”

If you are interested in adopting Thelma, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@ scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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 di cult. Level: Medium

FROM THE ARCHIVES

See the solution in next week’s issue.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Pictured is an early view of Downtown San Clemente with the Bartlett Building at left, Ole Hanson’s office in the center, and the Hotel San Clemente behind it, under construction. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

ANTHONY SMALL

Lao Tizer Quartet feat. Chieli Minucci

October 5 @ 7 PM • Cocktail Reception 6:15 PM $65 (Members $55)

Great drinks and Jazz music at the Casa!

“Jazz Group of the Year” nominee, The Lao Tizer Quartet feat Chieli Minucci, make their return to the the gorgeous confines of Casa Romantica . The evening will include a cocktail reception with complimentary drinks and appetizers before the concert. Led by pianist, keyboardist, composer and former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, Lao Tizer, the group also features Grammy-nominee and 3x Emmy-winning guitarist, Chieli Minucci, 2022 Rolling Stone

“Bassist of The Year” nominee, Anthony Crawford, and Grammy-winning drum phenom, Gene Coye.

PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice Inviting Bids

WRP SPLITTER BOX REHABILITATION Project No. 14206

1. Notice. Public notice is hereby given that the City of San Clemente (“City”) will receive sealed bids for the following project:

WRP Splitter Box Rehabilitation, Project No. 14206

2. Bid Opening Date. Electronic bids must be submitted prior to 4:00 P.M. on October 18, 2023, on the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal, at which time or therea er bids will be opened and made available online. Bids received a er this time will be considered non-responsive. Prospective bidders must rst register as a vendor and then bid on this project via the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www. san-clemente.org/vendorbids.

3. Project Scope of Work. e Project encompasses the entire process of diverting ow, demolishing existing structures, adjusting piping layouts, performing necessary concrete work, and installing new slide gates within the primary clari er in uent channel. Additionally, it involves replacing access hatches as speci ed in the bid documents.

4. Contract Time: e work must be completed within 120 working days from the date speci ed in the written Notice to Proceed.

5. License and Registration Requirements.

5.1. State License. Pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 3300, the City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid California contractor’s license for the following classi cation: Class “A”. Failure to possess the speci ed license(s) at the time of bid opening shall render the bid as non-responsive and shall act as a bar to award the contract to that non-responsive bidder.

5.2. Department of Industrial Relations Registration. Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to perform public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). No bid will be accepted nor any contract entered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the DIR to perform public work. If awarded a contract, the Bidder and its subcontractors, of any tier, shall maintain active registration with the DIR for the duration of the Project.

5.3. City Business License. Prior to the Notice to Proceed for this contract, the Contractor shall possess a valid City of San Clemente business license.

6. Contract Documents. Bid documents, including instructions to bidders, bidder proposal form,

and speci cations (not including other documents incorporated by reference) may be downloaded, at no cost, from the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente.org/vendorbids. Bidders must rst register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids system to view and download the Contract Documents, to be added to the prospective bidders list, and to receive addendum noti cations when issued.

7. Bid Proposal and Security.

7.1. Bid Proposal Form. No bid will be received unless it is made on a proposal form furnished by the City. Bidders must complete line items information (PlanetBids Line Items Tab), and attach a scanned copy of the paper Bid Form (SECTION 00400), Bid Bond (SECTION 004100), Non-Collusion Declaration (SECTION 00420), Contractor Information and Experience Form (SECTION 00430), List of Subcontractors Form (SECTION 00440), Iran Contracting Act Certi cation (SECTION 00450), Public Works Contractor Registration Certi cation (SECTION 00460) completed and uploaded in the PlanetBids “Attachments” Tab.

7.2. Bid Security. Each bid proposal must be accompanied by security in the form of cash, certi ed check, cashier’s check, or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount. Personal checks or company checks are not acceptable forms of bid security. All certi ed and cashier’s checks must be drawn on a responsible bank doing business in the United States and shall be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bid bonds must be issued by a surety company licensed to do business in the State of California and must be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bids not accompanied by the required bid security will be rejected. For electronic submittal of bids, the original bid security must be received at the City of San Clemente Public Works o ce, 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100, San Clemente, CA 92673 within 24 hours of the bid opening date and time (excluding weekends and holidays). e bid security must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, and the outside of the envelope must read as follows:

OFFICIAL BID SECURITY - DO NOT OPEN

WRP Splitter Box Rehabilitation

Project No. 14206

Bid Opening Date: 4 P.M. on October 18, 2023

e bid security shall serve as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into a contract. Such guarantee shall be forfeited should the bidder to whom the contract is awarded fail to enter into the contract within 15 calendar days a er written noti cation that the contract has been awarded to the successful bidder.

8. Prevailing Wage Requirements.

8.1. General. is project is subject to the prevail-

ing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the work is to be performed for each cra , classi cation or type of worker needed to perform the work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes.

8.2. Rates. Prevailing rates are available online at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR and also available at the City of San Clemente Public Works Department O ce at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673. Each Contractor and Subcontractor must pay no less than the speci ed rates to all workers employed to work on the project. e schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. e rate for holiday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half.

8.3. Compliance Monitoring. Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby noti ed that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Relations. In bidding on this project, it shall be the Bidder’s sole responsibility to evaluate and include the cost of complying with all labor compliance requirements under this contract and applicable law in its bid.

9. Retention. Pursuant to the contract for this project, ve percent (5%) of each progress payment will be retained as security for completion of the balance of the work.

Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of retention amounts from progress payments is permitted pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22300. Refer to the contract for further clari cation.

10. Performance and Payment Bonds. e successful bidder, simultaneously with execution of the contract, will be required to provide Faithful Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Bonds are to be secured from a surety that meets all of the State of California bonding requirements, as de ned in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, and is admitted by the State of California.

11. Pre-Bid Meeting. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held for this bid solicitation at 9 A.M. on Monday, September 25, 2023, in the Building N, at 390 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA. Refer to the Instructions to Bidders section on how to submit any pre-bid questions.

12. Brand Names and Substitution of “Or Equal” Materials. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(b), if the City has made any ndings designating certain materials, products, things, or services by speci c brand or trade name, such ndings and the materials, products, things, or services and their speci c brand or trade names will be set forth in the Special Conditions.

13. Instructions to Bidders. Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions to Bidders, which should be carefully

reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

14.Questions. All questions related to this bid solicitation must be submitted in writing via email to Belgin Cuhadaroglu at cuhadaaroglub@ san-clemente.org no later than October 10, 2023, at 4:00 P.M

THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS, TO AWARD ALL OR ANY INDIVIDUAL PART/ITEM OF THE BID, AND TO WAIVE ANY INFORMALITIES, IRREGULARITIES OR TECHNICAL DEFECTS IN SUCH BIDS OR IN THE BIDDING PROCESS. ANY CONTRACT AWARDED WILL BE LET TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER AS DETERMINED FROM THE BASE BID.

Dated September 14, 2023.

City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673

END OF NOTICE INVITING BIDS

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

PUBLIC HEARING TO SOLICIT INPUT ON COMPOSITION OF DRAFT MAPS AND POTENTIAL SEQUENCE OF ELECTIONS RELATED TO THE TRANSITION FROM ATLARGE TO DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10010 AND GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 34886 EFFECTIVE FOR THE NOVEMBER 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Public Hearing to solicit public input on the composition of dra maps and potential sequence of elections in preparation for the transition from at-large to district-based elections for City Council pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010 and Government Code Section 34886, e ective for the November 2024 General Municipal Election.

Information on this item is on le in the City Clerk’s o ce, located at 910 Calle Negocio, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting Laura Campagnolo, City Clerk and (949) 361-8301 or campagnolol@san-clemente. org. Dra maps are also available on the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/districtelections. If you challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

To allow sta adequate time to con rm so ware compatibility, individuals wishing to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentations at the meeting, must submit the electronic les to the City Clerk by no later than 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Only compatible electronic formats will be permitted to be used on City audio/visual computer equipment. Sta makes no guarantee that such material will be compatible, but will use its best e orts to accommodate the request.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said Public Hearing will be held at the meeting of the City Council on October 3, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing, or provide written communication via email to districtelections@ san-clemente.org, to the City Council to express their opinions related to the content of the dra maps and the proposed sequence of elections .

LAURA CAMPAGNOLO

City Clerk and Ex-O cio

Clerk of the Council

PUBLIC NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA

POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE SE INFORMA

QUE EL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL DE LA CIUDAD DE SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA LLEVARÁ A CABO UNA AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA RELATIVA AL SIGUIENTE ASUNTO:

AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA SOLICITAR OPINIONES SOBRE LA COMPOSICIÓN DE LOS MAPAS PRELIMINARES Y LA POSIBLE SECUENCIA DE LAS ELECCIONES RELACIONADAS CON LA TRANSICIÓN DE ELECCIONES GENERALES A ELECCIONES BASADAS EN DISTRITOS PARA EL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL DE CONFORMIDAD CON LA SECCIÓN 10010 DEL CÓDIGO ELECTORAL Y LA SECCIÓN 34886 DEL CÓDIGO DE GOBIERNO, EN VIGOR PARA LAS ELECCIONES MUNICIPALES GENERALES DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024

Audiencia Pública para solicitar la opinión del público sobre la composición de los mapas preliminares y la posible secuencia de las elecciones en preparación para la transición de elecciones generales a elecciones basadas en distritos para el Concejo Municipal de conformidad con la Sección 10010 del Código Electoral y la Sección 34886 del Código de Gobierno, en vigor para las Elecciones Municipales Generales de noviembre de 2024.

La información sobre este asunto se encuentra archivada en la Secretaría Municipal, ubicada en 910 Calle Negocio, y está a disposición del público para su inspección y comentarios poniéndose en contacto con Laura Campagnolo, Secretaria Municipal y al (949) 361-8301 o en campagnolol@ san-clemente.org . Los mapas preliminares tam-

bién están disponibles en el sitio web de la Ciudad en www.san-clemente.org/districtelections. Si usted recusa este asunto ante la corte, puede estar limitado a plantear únicamente las cuestiones que usted u otra persona planteó en la audiencia pública descrita en este aviso, o en la correspondencia escrita entregada a la Ciudad de San Clemente en, o antes de, la audiencia pública.

Para que el personal disponga de tiempo su ciente para con rmar la compatibilidad de los programas informáticos, las personas que deseen utilizar ayudas visuales electrónicas para complementar sus presentaciones orales en la reunión deberán presentar los archivos electrónicos a la Secretaría Municipal antes de las 12.00 p. m. del día de la reunión. Solamente se permitirá el uso de formatos electrónicos compatibles con los equipos informáticos audiovisuales de la Ciudad. El personal no garantiza que dicho material sea compatible, pero hará todo lo posible por atender la solicitud.

ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que dicha Audiencia Pública se llevará a cabo en la reunión del Concejo Municipal el 3 de octubre de 2023 a las 6:00 p. m. en las Cámaras del Concejo Municipal ubicadas en 910 Calle Negocio, 2º Piso, San Clemente. Se invita a todas las personas interesadas a asistir a dicha audiencia, o a enviar una comunicación escrita por correo electrónico a districtelections@san-clemente.org al Concejo Municipal para expresar sus opiniones relacionadas con el contenido de los mapas preliminares y la secuencia propuesta de las elecciones.

LAURA CAMPAGNOLO

Secretaria Municipal y Secretaria Ex O cio del Concejo

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236669901

e following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAN CLEMENTE DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER

161 AVENIDA VAQUERO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

Full Name of Registrant(s): LA LASER CENTER PC, A PROFESSTIONAL MEDICAL CORPORATION

10884 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SUITE 300 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 is business is conducted by a CA Corporation. e registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: 06/05/2018

LA LASER CENTER PC, A PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CORPORATION/s/ALBA MARTINEZ, MANAGING MEMBER/MANAGER is statement was led with the County Clerk on 08/11/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times, Aug 31, Sep 7, 14, 21, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236669010

e following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HOME HELPERS OF LAGUNA HILLS

21875 WINNEBAGO LN LAKE FOREST, CA 92630

1B. HOME HELPERS OF SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

1C. HOME HELPERS OF ORANGE COAST

Full Name of Registrant(s): ORANGE COAST HOMECARE

21875 WINNEBAGO LN LAKE FOREST, CA 92630

is business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Co.

e registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a ORANGE COAST HOMECARE/s/DWIGHT BROWN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER is statement was led with the County Clerk on 08/01/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236671335

e following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ORCA TECHNOLOGIES

934 CALLE NEGOCIO, SUITE B SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

Full Name of Registrant(s): ORCA TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

934 CALLE NEGOCIO, SUITE B SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

is business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Co..

e registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a ORCA TECHNOLOGIES LLC/s/GARY GEIL, PRESIDENT is statement was led with the County Clerk on 08/31/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times, September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236669260

e following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SUNSPLASH SMILES

806 AVENIDA PICO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

Full Name of Registrant(s): JASON ADAMS

6154 HAY WAGON TRL SPARKS, NV 89436 is business is conducted by an Individual. e registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a

/s/JASON ADAMS is statement was led with the County Clerk on 08/03/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 2023

Case No. 23 FL000889

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JENNIFER WEBB MUNDL and PAUL MUNDL on behalf of JACK MAXWELL MUNDL, a minor led a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

JACK MAXWELL MUNDL

Proposed Name

MAX JACK MUNDL

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must le a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely led, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

a. Date: 01/10/24 Time: 8:30 a.m . Dept: L74 Room: REMOTE. GO TO WWW.OCCOURTS. ORG/DIRECTORY/FAMILY FOR REMOTE/IN PERSON HEARING INFORMATION.

b. e address of the court is: Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 e City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times

Date: 08/30/2023

JUDGE JULIE A. PALAFOX, Supervising Judge, Family Law

Published: San Clemente Times September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 23 FL000801

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Winona Wong Chavez on behalf of Jaden Jah Hong Hernandez-Wong, a minor led a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

JADEN JAH HONG HERNANDEZ-WONG

Proposed Name

JADEN JAH HONG WONG

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must le a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely led, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 11/15/2023 Time: 1:30 p.m . Dept: L74 e address of the court is: Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 e City Drive South, Post O ce Box 14170, Orange, CA 92868. Other: Remote. (To appear

PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/ nd-my-court.htm .)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente

Times

Date: 08/16/2023

JUDGE JULIE A. PALAFOX, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: San Clemente Times September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 23 FL000867

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner

Sergei Mouravyov and Gutyera Vradiy on behalf of Nikita Mouravyov, a minor led a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

NIKITA MOURAVYOV

Proposed Name

NIKITA MOUR

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested

in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must le a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely led, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

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Notice of Hearing

Date: 12/6/2023 Time: 1:30 p.m . Dept: L74 e address of the court is: Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 e City Drive South, Post O ce Box 14170, Orange, CA 92868. Other: Remote. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/ nd-my-court.htm .)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente

Times

Date: 09/01/2023

JUDGE JULIE A. PALAFOX, Judge of the Superior

Court

Published: San Clemente Times September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 2023

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VYING VOLLEYS

Early results shape incredibly tight South Coast League girls volleyball race for defending co-champ Tritons

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

There may not be a more competitive league in any sport all year than South Coast League girls volleyball.

Last season, there was a three-way split for the league championship among San Clemente, San Juan Hills and Aliso Niguel. San Clemente went on to the quarterfinals of CIF-SS Division 2, and Aliso Niguel was the divisional runner-up.

Through two match days this season, the standings are upside-down, and it’s clear that this league will be anyone’s for the taking in a season-long battle of attrition.

“I don’t know if the math works to have even more than three (champions),” San Juan Hills coach Jessica Papell said, “but it’s possible.”

San Juan Hills, ranked No. 12 in the combined Division 1 and 2 poll, dropped its league opener to Tesoro in four sets on Sept. 12. Dana Hills, ranked No. 4 in Division 3, won in a sweep at Aliso Niguel on the same day. Dana Hills followed up with a five-set win over Tesoro last Thursday, Sept. 14, and San Juan Hills swept San Clemente, ranked No. 15 in Division 1 and 2, in the Tritons’ league opener last Thursday.

The South Coast League’s three co-champions lost their league openers, and last season’s bottom two teams are the top two teams through the first week of league play this season.

“It’s exciting,” San Clemente coach Casey

Swenson said. “You want our league to be this competitive all of the time. You don’t want to have easy matches. You want every match to be a battle like this. It’s good for the game. It’s good for our area.”

San Clemente hosted Dana Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 19, but results were not available at press time. The Tritons are at Aliso Niguel on Thursday, Sept. 21

Thursday’s matchup between San Juan Hills and San Clemente was the first meeting of any of the South Coast League’s reigning co-champions, and the Stallions made a hard and fast statement over the Tritons in a sweep, 25-11, 25-23, 25-23.

Montana-bound senior Alex Stone led San Juan Hills with 17 kills on a stellar .536 kill rate, and Annie Gilmore recorded 11 kills. Natalie Chapman drove the o ense with 24 assists and five service aces, and Ella Dinnie led the defensive e ort with 13 digs.

San Juan Hills felt as if it blew an opportunity in its league-opening loss to Tesoro, and the Stallions went out for redemption at home against San Clemente. Stone said the team’s mantra was “W.I.N.: What’s Important Now.”

San Juan Hills used that focus to blow away San Clemente in the first set, as the Stallions never trailed and pushed out to an early 10-2 advantage in the 25-11 win.

“I wish we’d come with a little more of that energy and focus right from the start,”

Swenson said, “because once the match settled in, it was a good, hard battle. Both sides were going at it. They took a tough loss on Tuesday, so we knew they were going to be up for it and ready, and they showed us.”

For as much of a buzzsaw San Juan Hills was in the first set, the margin was razor-thin between the Stallions and Tritons in the next two sets.

San Clemente edged out a three-point advantage in the second set before San Juan Hills battled back to tie the match at 18-18. The teams traded the next 10

points to a 23-23 tie, but the Stallions persevered to close the set, 25-23.

After matching points early in the third set, San Juan Hills pushed out on an 11-2 run and looked primed to easily close out the sweep with an 18-11 lead. San Clemente found its own bounceback to tie the set at 22-22 and 23-23, but once again, the Stallions earned the edge for the sweep, 25-23.

The Tritons and Stallions will lock horns again on Oct. 3 at San Clemente High School. SC

San Clemente Pulls Away from Edison, Remains Unbeaten

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

San Clemente’s defense forced two second-half turnovers and played a key role in the Tritons turning a 7-7 halftime score into a 31-7 blowout win over Edison on Friday night, Sept. 16, at Sheue Field.

The Tritons’ o ensive line was the steady force on the other side of the ball, keeping quarterback Dylan Mills clean most of the night and providing room for steady gains with the ball.

Cole Herlean’s seven catches and 77 receiving yards played into Mills’ 13-of-20 night passing for 117 yards; Aiden Rubin led the way rushing with 20 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

Head coach Jaime Ortiz said the o ensive

line was a big part of the Tritons’ second-half surge.

“We knew we’re gonna have to open up the pass game a little bit to get their front o us, and I think we were able to do that,” he said. “Then, of course, Aiden Rubin had another heck of a game, and we were able to control the ball at the line of scrimmage and control the tempo.”

San Clemente (5-0) remains undefeated, and it can boast another performance in which its defense stood out.

The Tritons held Chargers quarterback Save Niumata to 7-of-19 passing for 128 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions. Eighty of those yards came on a deep sideline pass to Mason York in the first quarter, with York cruising in to put Edison on top,

7-0, for its first and only points of the game.

Chargers running back Julius Gillick was the only major headache for San Clemente. Gillick frequently ran through tacklers on his way to a 17-carry, 98-yard performance, but the Tritons managed to stop Edison drives before they were able to capitalize.

“They have some good athletes on the perimeter and a good running back,” Ortiz said of the Chargers. “That’s part of the preseason games, just trying to get better every week.” Edison (1-3) leaned on Gillick while down, 10-7, in the third quarter, during a drive to try to draw even or give the Chargers the lead again.

Instead, the Tritons swarmed the backfield, forcing Gillick to fumble, and Matai Tagoai’i swooped in and took the ball 40

yards to set up San Clemente at the Edison 18-yard-line.

An Edison personal foul got the Tritons even closer, and Rubin evaded defenders on the next play for a 9-yard score to extend the lead to 17-7.

San Clemente followed that by forcing a Charger punt, and the o ense matriculated downfield before Rubin exploded for a 45yard touchdown to seal the deal.

After Riley Kelley’s diving interception, his second of the day, set up the Tritons at the Charger 11, Cole Herlean outjumped two defenders to grab a 14-yard touchdown pass and close out the rout.

San Clemente looks to defend its unbeaten streak at home Friday, Sept. 22, against Murrieta Valley (3-1). SC

San Clemente girls volleyball was one of three co-champions in the South Coast League last season, and early results portend an even tighter race for the league title. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

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HAPPY CALIFORNIA SURFING DAY!

Dana Point Surf Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley share the stoke at Doheny to celebrate California Surfing Day

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Celebrating California Surfing Day on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Dana Point Surf Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley were slated to join forces for an afternoon of fun under the sun at Doheny State Beach.

Sharing the stoke of riding waves with a group of 10- to 16-year-old students who haven’t had much surf time to date, surf club members, including professional surf instructors and certified lifeguards, were scheduled to provide a hugely positive first-time experience for the boys and girls.

The Surf Club’s activities were scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, after the San Clemente Times went to press.

Among the first clubs to join the West Coast Board Riders coalition of surf clubs up and down the California coast, the Dana Point Surf Club embodies the true spirit of community that’s a founding principle of the emerging surf club movement.

“We’ve always tried to emphasize community over competition,” explained Dana Point Surf Club President Eric Diamond. “A lot of us have had the good fortune to grow up at the beach and spend our lives surfing, but not everybody in

GROM OF THE WEEK

COOPER REED

BY JAKE HOWARD

This week, we’d like to say a big aloha to 11-year-old Cooper Reed.

Recently moving to San Clemente from Oahu’s iconic North Shore, Reed landed in town at the right time, as late summer has seen a great run of recent south swell and some nice, warm water—which, hopefully, made the transition from tropical Hawaiian waters to cooler California temps easier for Cooper.

Attending Shorecli s Middle School, he made his first Western Surfing Association final last weekend. Making the trek north to Ventura, he finished with a very

our community has had that opportunity. We want to share it and be inclusive. We want the club to be a force for good that puts service to our community before everything else.”

In 2022, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s “Above and Beyond Gala” recognized the work of the club by honoring Diamond and James Littlejohn, the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, for their community service.

More than 30 volunteers on Wednesday were expected to greet the kids of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley after being picked up after school by the Dana Point Trolley and taken to Doheny Beach so they could get ready for an afternoon in the water.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate California Surfing Day than with this volunteer program. It brings everyone together on the beach to honor our surf legacy here in Dana Point. Plus, by sharing their expertise, our Surf Club members will help to encourage the next generation to experience the thrill of surfing,” said Dana Point Mayor Mike Frost, who was also set to be in attendance on Wednesday afternoon.

“Seeing the beach, feeling the sand

between your toes, and catching a good wave is not a luxury that many can a ord. That is why the relationship between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and these community partners is so important. For many of our youth, it will be the first time they will surf, let alone be at a beach,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley Area Director Gabriella Littlejohn.

Littlejohn added that these events become core memories for the clubs’ youth.

“The confidence they exude standing up for the first time is almost as rewarding as seeing their smiles,” she said. “It truly takes a village, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is fortunate for the village that has continued to support our youth in the community and find ways for them to become who they want to be.”

The Dana Point Surf Club worked closely with the City of Dana Point, Killer Dana Surf Shop, Dana Point Harbor Partners and the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary to turn the vision into a reality.

Big ups to everyone who made it happen. Surfing’s a gift, and to share that gift is what it’s all about. The West Coast Board Riders’ 2023-24 season kicks o this November. Stay tuned for more from the Dana Point Surf Club real soon.

Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for several publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC

SURF FORECAST

respectable fourth-place result in the Under 12 division.

Quickly settling in at local spots including T-Street and Lowers, Cooper can be found rolling down to surf on his e-bike when he’s not doing the school thing.

Cooper is a stylish, explosive goofy-footer. When he’s not dialing in his bottom-top-turn combos, Cooper’s a hammer in an outrigger canoe. Recently taking the steersman’s seat, the grom’s a full-on, all-around waterman.

If you see Cooper around town or in the water, throw him a shaka, give him a wave and let him feel those epic hometown vibes. SC

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Water Temperature: 66-67 Degrees F Water Visibility: San Clemente: 3-5’ Catalina: 15-20’

Thursday: Lingering SSW swell provides modest to locally fun surf. Better breaks are in knee to stomach high surf (2-3’+ faces) while standouts go chest to shoulder high with some head-high waves in the mix (3-4’+ faces, occ. 5’). Shape will favor structured spots (reefs, points, etc.) but there will be some corners at the beachbreaks thanks to a bit of NW swell mixing in. Light wind and clean conditions to start the day before SW trending W onshore wind gradually picks up by midday and into the afternoon, easing some in the evening.

Outlook: SSW swell eases Friday for smaller leftovers compared to what Thursday has to offer. Southern Hemi swell is on the tiny side for the weekend but Tropical Storm Kenneth is expected to contribute some small S/SSW swell on Saturday into Sunday. Nothing significant but there should be enough energy running to keep you on the small wave gear. Clean morning conditions expected with moderate surface bump in the afternoons.

This week, the Dana Point Surf Club and Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley were set to team up to celebrate California Surfing Day and share the gift of wave-riding. Photo: Courtesy of JP Van Swae

Cooper Reed. Courtesy of @_ronincastorino

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