February 11, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

February 11-17, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

San Clemente Surfers Dominate Seaside Reef PAGE 22

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6

‘Full STEAM Ahead’ Las Palmas Elementary aims for annual Jog-A-Thon to finance new classes EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

www.sanclementetimes.com

Students participate in last year’s Jog-A-Thon. This year’s event is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Feb. 26. Photo: Rod Foster

Estrella Plaza Developers Announce Some Shops to Open in April EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Group Says MemorialCare Should Keep ER or Sell EYE ON SC/PAGE 7

SCHS Seniors Recognized at National Signing Day SPORTS/PAGE 17

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pay the bond payments, bad debt contingencies, interest and fees associated with the CFD. It would also require to specify the date the CFD would be paid off, the date the tax would end and how excess funds would be disbursed once the CFD and tax have ended.

In June, the Grand Jury of Orange County published a report that demanded CUSD keep more oversight of their tax districts, have more transparency with how money from the taxes are spent and set clear closeout dates for the duration of the CFD.

Five things San Clemente should know this week Manager’s Report Forecasts Lower Sales Tax for Outlets’ First Year THE LATEST: In a report released by the San Clemente City Manager’s Office last week, the projected sales tax revenue from the Outlets at San Clemente is expected to be about $300,000—down from the budgeted $825,000 the city expected to receive this fiscal year.

But that doesn’t mean things won’t stabilize in the future. City Manager James Makshanoff said there are a few factors that contribute to the early forecast.

“When we set up the budget, we had the idea (the Outlets) were going to open up sooner. The budget was completed in June,” Makshanoff said. “They didn’t open until mid-November, and I would say there was about a six-week delay. And then the number of stores that opened versus what was expected was lower.”

Outlets General Manager Susan Jennrich said business has been steady since the initial opening with holiday weekends bringing in “strong” numbers of visitors.

The project has been planned in two phases, and Jennrich said they are continuing to lease to new businesses with a few expected to open in the coming months.

Outlets officials are also looking at their own financial forecasts, she said.

“What we can say is exactly what the report says, as stores open at the Outlets, revenue will continue to increase,” Jennrich said in an email.

The importance of the tax revenue for the city is directly related to the maintenance of Vista Hermosa Sports Park, which requires about $1 million per year.

The city had been financing the park’s maintenance off the sale of land to a Target a few years ago, but that money is expected to run out this fiscal year.

“I think we’ll be able to work it out in the budget, but we’ll have to find other areas to make it happen for Vista Hermosa Sports Park,” Makshanoff said. “But the whole point (of the report) was just to make sure that everyone’s expectations are on the same page.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Jennrich said the following stores are expected to open in the future: Nautica Factory Store on Wednesday, Feb. San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

WHAT’S NEXT: The bill will have to pass the committee and move forward to the Assembly floor. A hearing date has yet to be scheduled regarding the bill. —EH

The Estrella Plaza project, which will bring in five major retail stores, took an extended effort from the city and business owners to come to fruition. Now, developers have set tentative opening dates. Photo: Eric Heinz

10, Bowl of Heaven in late March, LOFT Outlet in early April, Blaze Pizza this spring, Ruby’s Diner this summer. Kitchen Collection and Le Creuset opening dates are to be determined.

The Outlets will begin phase two as soon as the leases and additional details of phase one are complete. Jennrich said there are no updates as to when the hotel will be planned and submitted to the city, but she said they will provide them when they become available. —Eric Heinz

Estrella Plaza Developers Announce Timeframe for Store Openings THE LATEST: Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties, working in tandem with Burnham USA on the Estrella Plaza project, has announced the timeline for stores to open within the shopping center.

“It currently looks like Sprouts will be open toward the end of April, as will T.J. Maxx, and as far as Alta, Sports Authority and Stein Mart, it looks like they will open in September,” Sue Jagodzinski, a development manager with Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties, said.

The small shops around the center have remained open during construction and continue to operate business as usual.

“It’s been kind of a painful process all along and even during construction,” Jagodzinski said. “Certainly we’re looking forward to having these stores open and stores that serve the community and create some mutually beneficial relationships for everyone.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Jagodzinski said the park-

ing lots around the area should be cleared of construction materials by the middle or end of March, depending on the weather.

“We’re doing our best to work diligently toward completion and we want to get these stores open as soon as possible,” Jagodzinski said. —EH

Assemblyman Bill Brough Introduces Community Financed Districts Bill, Gets Local Support THE LATEST: San Clemente representative Assemblyman Bill Brough’s bill to amend the code relating to Community Funded Districts, a controversial bond method of paying for public infrastructure and buildings, was referred to the assembly’s local Government Committee on Feb. 4. CFDs have been criticized by groups such as the Talega Residents for Fair Taxation, which has been paying off a Mello-Roos tax for the Capistrano Unified School District that’s been around since the 90s. The residents claim they have been overtaxed by the CFD in the past and want to close out the bond as soon as possible. The Talega organization recently sent a letter of support for the bill to Brough’s office.

Under the requirements of the bill, AB 1666, the financial reports would have to include information regarding the original maximum bond amount, the amount collected annually, amount expensed annually, specific projects to be constructed and funded and the amount committed from the CFD, specified list of projects that may be funded by the CFD, amount collected in excess of what is needed to

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San Diego Sheriffs Investigate Murder of Homeless Man THE LATEST: Robert Bretz, 59, was found dead about 1 p.m. on Feb. 4 near the intersection of Cristianitos Road and S. El Camino Real, less than 200 yards outside the San Clemente border, according to San Diego Sheriff’s Department North Coastal Station.

Bretz was found at a nearby homeless encampment and had “obvious signs of trauma to his upper body,” SD Sheriff’s Department Lt. Kenneth Nelson said.

The Medical Examiner’s Office found the cause of death was from blunt force trauma and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.

WHAT’S NEXT: No suspects have been named at this time. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at 858.974.2321 or after hours at 858.565.5200. People can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888.580.8477. The Sheriff’s Department said people with information may be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. —EH

Camino Del Rio Roundabout Design to be Presented to City Council THE LATEST: The design to help alleviate traffic problems area residents believe will be brought on by the opening of Avenida La Pata will be presented to City Council at the Feb. 16 meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT: To view the design, visit www.san-clemente.org under the City Council agenda for Feb. 16. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

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

The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Monday, February 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Quieto, 3200 Block (10:11 p.m.)

A woman was riffling through trash cans, making a lot of noise, leaving trash on the ground and gleaning the recyclables. The caller said this was an “ongoing problem.”

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 500 Block (6:36 p.m.) A man was refusing to pay for items and got into a verbal altercation with employees.

CITIZEN ASSIST Cristianitos Road, 100 Block (4:53 p.m.) A woman driving an older van followed the caller to their home, possibly regarding a road-rage incident.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Weston Rowan Dine Out Locals are asking the community to support San Clemente High School student Weston Rowan in his battle against leukemia. There will be a fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Ballpark Pizza, 831 Via Suerte, No. 101, and 25 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Rowan family to help with medical expenses.

Mayor Robert Baker to Host ‘Meet The Mayor’ Mayor Robert “Bob” Baker will host a “Meet the Mayor” meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Talega Village Center Panera Bread at 802 Avenida Talega, Suite 100, in San Clemente. The public is invited to join the mayor on the outside patio of the restaurant.

Eating Disorder Informational Meeting Bernice Ayer Middle School will host an informative meeting to explore the effects of eating disorder sufferers’ body and mind and will examine the effect of San Clemente Times February 11 -17, 2016

a woman screaming “get off me.” The caller said this has been an ongoing issue.

PROPERTY FOR DESTRUCTION Avenida Del Mar, 100 Block (11:24 a.m.) Police found a large hunting knife.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 3700 Block (6:31 a.m.) A man was going around knocking on doors. A 25-year-old unemployed man was arrested and booked at the Intake Release Center on a $2,500 bail.

Sunday, February 7 DISTURBANCE Avenida Salvador, 700 Block (10:17 p.m.) Police were called to people “blasting music and being loud.” One man was lying on the pavement, daring his friend to drive as close to him as he could without running him over.

TERRORIST THREATS Del Gado Road, 200 Block (8:50 p.m.) A man called police saying he was contacted by his girlfriend’s ex-husband. The caller said the man told him if he “isn’t gone in 10 minutes, (stuff) is going to happen.” The caller said he felt threatened because he knows the ex-husband hit someone in the face with a shovel and may have prior legal issues.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 100 Block (8:43 p.m.) A drunken man was sitting on a park bench and yelling at women.

PATROL CHECK Avenida San Pablo, 700 Block (6:21 p.m.) A caller said a person in a gray sedan pulled out signposts and urinated on the caller’s lawn. The caller said the person also threw bottles at female juveniles.

ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON REPORT Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (7:32 a.m.) A woman said a man had been beaten with a bat and had facial injuries and is missing teeth.

Saturday, February 6 DISTURBANCE Avenida Granada, 400 Block (1:09 p.m.) A man was seen “taking a bath” in a fountain.

Friday, February 5 PETTY THEFT El Camino Real, 200 Block (1:46 p.m.) A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of “public nuisance.”

His bail has been set at $25,500 and he is currently in custody at the Intake Release Center.

Thursday, February 4 WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 2300 Block (7:13 a.m.) A woman was found injured behind the business with two black eyes.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (8:08 p.m.) A caller said they heard

our culture’s rhetoric of body-shame and how it affects self-worth. The meeting takes place Feb. 17 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for parents and their students.

Through this presentation, Elizabeth Szathmary will discuss strategies to challenge shame-based beliefs about the body and help cultivate self-love and compassion. For more information, contact Heather Arnwine at berniceayerptsa@ gmail.com.

Los Angeles Lakers facility in El Segundo on Jan. 30.

The San Clemente Elks Club supported Quinlan with a sponsorship to compete.

Legacy League to Host Oscars at Talega Golf Club

Get CPR, AED and First Aid Certified San Clemente High School’s PTSA will host a CPR/AED/First Aid class from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 20. This class is open to the public for ages 12 and up and is taught by members of “A Hero for Life.” The class is $45 and you may register and pay online at www.schsptsa.org or bring cash or a check payable to SCHS, PTSA to the administration office at SCHS, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. Certification lasts two years.

San Clemente Girl Takes Second at Competition San Clemente’s Elizabeth Quinlan finished second overall in the state of California’s Elks Hoop Shoot competition in the girls 12-to-13-year-old division at the

The new San Clemente Legacy League will host its first fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. Tickets for “Oscars at Talega Golf Club” are $25 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Attendees can choose 2016 Oscars winners (ballots are $5 each or 6 for $20), bid on vintage and faux bling among many silent auction items as well as have fun choosing “Catty Award Winners” for worst in class in several categories.

All proceeds will help build a new teaching kitchen at the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area.

Order tickets online at www.bgcsca.org using PayPal with “Oscars” in the memo line or by check payable to the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area with “Oscars” in the memo line and mailed to 1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente, CA 92672 by Feb. 15. Those who can’t attend but want to donate to the new teaching kitchen project can write “teaching kitchen” in the memo line on PayPal or on their check.

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Community Meetings THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting

6 p.m. The San Clemente Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting conducts its regularly scheduled meeting at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8230, www.san-clemente.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 VALENTINE’S DAY

San Clemente Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday.

Avenida Del Mar. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15 PRESIDENT’S DAY

All City Offices Closed TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Sunrise Rotary

7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega, www.scsunriserotary.com.

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council conducts its regularly scheduled meeting at 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8230, www.san-clemente.org.

San Clemente Toastmasters

7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 805.794.0653, www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Planning Commission Meeting

Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.233.7981, www.sanclementerotary.org.

San Clemente Rotary

Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.233.7981, www.sanclementerotary.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

‘Full STEAM Ahead’

Las Palmas Elementary aims for annual Jog-A-Thon to finance new classes

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or the past seven years, Las Palmas Elementary has hosted atheJog-AThon to fund supplemental programs and materials for its students.

Typically more than 1,000 people attend the Jog-A-Thon—parents, children, Marine families and more—and each completed lap is recorded by volunteers.

This year’s Jog-A-Thon is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the school’s field, 1101 Calle Puente in San Clemente.

Donors can sponsor the event with a flat rate or pay a certain amount for each lap a sponsored runner completes.

Last year the event raised $100,000, which was used to pay for Google Chromebooks, field trips and other supplies. The goal this year is to be able to establish a science, technology, engineering, arts and math (or STEAM) room and to flourish the computer lab.

“Our first year we raised $28,000, and that felt great,” Las Palmas Elementary Principal Kristen Nelson said.

This year’s goal is to bring in at least $70,000—of which the students in past years have raised $45,000 to $50,000, said Heather Borsuk, the president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

Businesses and family donations make up the rest of that. There are incentives for students to reach their fundraising goals, and the classrooms with the highest donations will be treated to various rewards.

“This is the largest fundraiser that we do throughout the year,” Borsuk said. “We are doing a STEAM lab so the students can go in and have tangible lessons to the curriculum. This is really up-and-coming.”

STEAM curricula is complemented by guest speakers who teach students to do more advanced work on computers, such as coding and working on various projects, Borsuk said.

The money also funds music and physical education programs that are not funded by the school district. Borsuk said without the money raised during the Jog-A-Thon, the programs and school field trips could be terminated.

“It’s hard for the teachers to get these kinds of lessons in the classroom because it’s such a big project,” Borsuk said.

Businesses and families sponsor the event, and each sponsoring business gets a sticker to place on their window to show their support and a listing in the school’s business directory.

San Clemente Times February 11 -17, 2016

Confetti rains down on students who participate in last year’s Jog-A-Thon. Photo: Rod Foster

“To be able to raise this kind of money, to be able to subsidize what the school district hasn’t been able to do for years and to stay up with the technology, it provides a huge privilege these kids wouldn’t have,” Jog-A-Thon organizer Colette Foster said.

Many of the children who attend Las Palmas do not have computers at home, Foster said. According to a fact sheet provided by the school, almost half of the school’s students are living at or below Orange County’s poverty threshold—49 percent qualify for free or subsidized lunches, and 40 percent speak English as their second language.

Organizers said providing the STEAM curriculum is a way to keep all students up

our kids don’t have the access at home.”

The members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which helps patrol major events in San Clemente, and parent volunteers donate time on Tuesdays to assist Las Palmas students with homework and lessons. About 100 of the 850 kindergarten through fifth-grade students at Las Palmas are involved in the program.

“There are students who at some point … were not interested in what they were doing in class, and when they brought in the Chromebooks their whole attitude switched,” Borsuk said. “They do these project presentations and they were so into the project it completely reignited their interest in school.”

The goal for this year’s Jog-A-Thon is to raise $70,000 in order to fund science, technology, engineering, arts and math (or STEAM) classes.

Photo: Eric Heinz

People choose to donate a flat amount of money or pledge to donate a certain amount for each lap a student runs. Photo: Eric Heinz

to par with the fast-paced learning environment that comes with new technology.

Since the introduction of the Chromebooks, Nelson said about half of the lesson plans have been digitalized.

“It’s revolutionized what’s going on (in the classroom),” Nelson said. “The kids who do have computers at home can get on their Google account and send their work to their teacher at night. But a lot of

E Pluribus Unum Before the Jog-A-Thon was created, parents had decided to eliminate most fundraisers at Las Palmas because of the constant solicitation of money from not just Las Palmas but other schools children may be attending, Borsuk said.

“This community didn’t like that feeling of always raising money throughout the year, so it was decided we would do this

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one, big thing,” Nelson said. “This is the only time we’re going to be coming around asking for money.”

Las Palmas has a unique culture compared to other schools in San Clemente and even in the Capistrano Unified School District.

Because so many of the students learn English as a second language, the school has molded its programs for decades in both English and Spanish within its TwoWay Language Immersion Program. Most of the Spanish-speaking families are from Mexico, but there are a few from Central American countries.

“Because of the power of this school … it’s still two languages, but in reality it’s one voice, and we’ve been embracing that,” Claudia Riley, the school’s English Learners’ Advisory Committee representative, said. “We make sure all the kids get help in English and in Spanish.”

Students who graduate from Las Palmas are often exceptionally proficient in both languages by the time they leave, Riley said.

“Especially the Latin community, they have responded very well (to the lesson structure),” Riley said. “We teach our children that every penny counts and all the efforts count to support the school.”

Foster said any additional cultural gaps have been quickly closing in the last few years, as the school has shown the fundraiser pay off.

“Once they see what it does for their kids, that’s what we want the parents to take away from this,” Borsuk said.

To be part of this school’s student body, children must live within the boundaries drawn by the district, and there is a waiting list that fluctuates between 25 to 40 students each year.

“We take neighborhood kids first, siblings second and after that it’s a lottery,” Nelson said. It’s not always exclusive, but “it is a lot of kids who don’t get in, which is a bummer.”

The “true model” of the school, Nelson said, is to admit 50 percent Spanishspeaking families and 50 percent Englishspeaking families.

“I told my parents that it is our school and it’s part of the community,” Riley said.

Riley also works with parents to attend classes with such topics as nutrition and cyber safety. The PTA helps fund these adult education classes.

Las Palmas is one of the oldest schools in San Clemente and will celebrate its 90th anniversary next year. SC

JOG-A-THON This year’s Jog-A-Thon will take place at 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at Las Palmas Elementary School, 1101 Calle Puente in San Clemente. This year’s theme is “Full STEAM Ahead.” Donations to the event are tax-deductible. For more information, call 949.234.5333 or visit www.lpes.capousd. ca.schoolloop.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SOS Seeks Lifeline

Group says MemorialCare should provide ER or sell

BY ERIC HEINZ

S

ince the beginning of the prospect that San Clemente’s Saddleback Memorial Medical Center might discontinue its emergency services, one particular organization has continuously gathered support to keep it open.

In the wake of the upcoming decision by the hospital, the nonprofit Save San Clemente Hospital Foundation, or SOS, has petitioned the hospital to maintain its emergency services.

Four members representing SOS, Dr. Gus Gialamas, a private-practice orthopedic surgeon who works under Saddleback in San Clemente and Mission Hospital; Mike Clark, an ad hoc committee member appointed by the city of San Clemente to examine the hospital’s potential closure; and private-practice physicians Dr. Steve Cullen and Dr. Nick Karahalios, said they would like MemorialCare to either continue to provide the services or sell the land to another medical provider that would.

Followed by the city’s rezoning of the hospital to require the land on which it sits to provide emergency services, hospital officials have said there is nothing that could legally bind them to keeping the campus’ ER open.

MemorialCare officials said they would pursue all legal options to protect their property rights because the zoning ordinance is too restrictive to allow for alternative options to provide health care.

“What’s transpired since this thing began is everyone has said we need emergency medical services here; nobody disagrees with that,” Clark said.

SOS members are also frustrated by what they claim is MemorialCare’s inability to discuss the issues with them. They said there have been few, if any, meetings between the foundation and the San Clemente hospital’s administration.

According to documents administered by the California Attorney General, the Saddleback campus in San Clemente is designated as a “public benefit,” which SOS members said binds them to providing emergency care.

The hospital is a private nonprofit, and according to documents from the MemorialCare website, SOS members also said they think the hospital has not been utilizing its revenue in the most efficient way, citing not enough has been spent on capital and equipment, education, research and community benefit programs.

The members also said many of the

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amenities once provided at the San Clemente campus have been moved to MemorialCare’s Saddleback Laguna Hills campus.

Not only would the hospital’s closure affect immediate services in San Clemente, but Gialamas said it would hamper other hospitals.

“Those hospitals that are now going to take those 2,000 additional patients from San Clemente by ambulance … those patients are going to impact that hospital and all those patients who go to the Mission Viejo hospital,” Gialamas said. “It’s a domino effect in Orange County.”

Gialamas said San Clemente’s hospital was once a trauma center and has provided emergency services since it was built in 1978.

“I think there’s overwhelming support for emergency services, and we were hoping MemorialCare would see that and still be the hero,” he said. “We still think, even to this last minute, they still have an opportunity to be the hero and build a scaled-down hospital.”

MemorialCare’s argument to that has been the inpatient service, which has supported the lion’s share of medical costs, has dwindled to an infeasible census—due to the increase in separate outpatient locations that treat people and send them home rather than at the hospital—and cannot financially and adequately support the emergency services. SOS members said they think enough outpatient surgeries still come through the hospitals.

Cullen said because the hospital has reduced service ability, many of the patients have been transferred to the Laguna Hills campus, and census numbers are counted by discharged patients, not the ones initially admitted.

“We believe they have purposely driven down the census to justify the narrative that they want to sell,” Cullen said, adding it would benefit the hospital to do that in order to advocate creating a substantial outpatient facility.

What makes it difficult to quantify these claims is even though the Saddleback revenue is public record through IRS forms, the foundation is coupled with the Laguna Hills campus and they do not separate the two campuses’ finances, at least not on 990 forms.

Despite the controversy surrounding the hospital, the SOS members commended the hospital’s achievements and accolades. They cited the hospital being named as a top 5 percent facility with excellent physicians as judged by top medical examiners.

“We want MemorialCare to keep doing what they’re doing, but if they can’t keep the emergency services, then we think they should sell to someone who will,” Cullen said.

The SOS website can be found at www.savesanclementehospital.org.

Editor’s note: See Page 8 of the San Clemente Times Feb. 4-10 issue to read a story on MemorialCare’s position on facilitating emergency services in San Clemente. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: View from the Pier by Herman Sillas

We Must Vote With Our Future in Mind

T

he presidential primaries are here, and we are reminded daily. As a political junkie, I love it. My father was active in the union and had meetings in our house to change the union’s leadership. Since politics were always a topic in our home, I thought it would be cool to be a candidate.

My first endeavor was in junior high school. I ran for Student Body President and my opponent was my best buddy, Bobby Bedolla. We both played softball, baseball, touch-football and basketball on the same teams at the local neighborhood playground. I became a candidate because I thought I could change some things. So did Bobby.

We spoke to the assembled student body in the auditorium. All I remember was that as I was speaking into the mic, my right foot started stomping on the floor. I mean really stomping. At least I thought it was. I glanced down at my right foot as I spoke and it looked perfectly still.

I couldn’t believe it! My mind told me my right foot was stomping so hard that I

couldn’t hear my voice.

The audience didn’t seem to notice. I hurried my speech in the hope that nobody would see my unruly foot. Would I be able to walk back to my seat without falling?

When my speech ended, THE VIEW FROM THE PIER my foot quit stomping.

By Herman Sillas Bobby won. I still believe I would have won if I hadn’t been betrayed by my right foot, but Bobby and I remained buddies.

Not to be discouraged, I ran for Student Body President in high school. I ran under the title “Honest Herm,” borrowed from “Honest Abe” Lincoln’s campaign. My right foot behaved and I won.

Following my high school presidential victory, I enrolled at UCLA and sought a degree in political science. It didn’t take me long to conclude that the title was deceiving. Politics is not scientific; it is a process by which leaders obtain the power to lead others. In our country, the process is without bloodshed. We call them elections. I won’t bore you with my other losing campaigns as a candidate.

This year we have a variety of candidates for president of this nation. The Republican Party has one female and seven male candidates still standing. The men include a multi-billionaire, a couple of Latino U.S. Senators, both sons of immigrants, an African-American surgeon, a couple of governors and one ex-governor who is the brother and son of former U.S. Presidents. The woman is a former CEO of a major company.

The Democratic Party has two candidates remaining. One is a 74-year-old U.S. Senator who describes himself as a socialist. The other candidate has served as a U.S. Senator and as Secretary of State. She is also the wife of a former U.S. President.

I have followed the debates very carefully trying to decide which candidate to support but missed the last debate because I attended a joint birthday party of two of our grandchildren. Nathan celebrated his 11th birthday and Hannah, his sister, celebrated her 8th birthday. I sat with family members and friends as Nathan and Hannah took turns opening their respective gifts. I smiled as I observed their happiness and joy. Then it hit me: At 82 years old, my vote for president cannot be about me. My vote has to be for my grandchildren’s best interests. They inherit the country we leave them.

I smile as I think about the political analysts after this year’s election. They will analyze the numerous voting blocs by gender, race and age and reach conclusions about each. I bet political analysts won’t know we seniors voted for what we believe is best for our grandchildren. That’s the view from the pier.

Herman Sillas, a San Clemente attorney and resident, may be found most Saturday mornings fishing at the San Clemente Pier.

He may be reached at sillasla@aol.com. SC

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort 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 reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@sanclementetimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Letters to the Editor SC TIMES ARTICLE HELPED MEMBER BACK TO RECOVERY “REVEREND,” Chapter President of Brotherhood of United Bikers Motorcycle Club-San Clemente

It is often expressed that “If I could only help one person…” it would be worth it.

Well, you have. All too often in the 12-step community, people unfortunately “go out” or, as more commonly known, “fall off the wagon.” These instances can have deadly consequences. One member of the 12-step community in San Clemente was recently unable to continue battling his addiction and had gone back to the drink. As he was entering a local liquor store to resupply, he recognized some of the members of the Brotherhood of United Bikers on the cover of the San Clemente Times. This man had been to meetings with us and San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

had once been on a ride with the club.

He stood in front of the store and read the “Ride of a Lifetime” article that Eric Heinz had written. He began to miss the sense of community that being in a 12-step program brings. As a result, he left that morning with a copy of the San Clemente Times and not the bottle. He found a meeting and began his journey again. After attending a meeting frequented by club members and reconnecting with the club, we are planning to ride together once again and he is showing interest in entering the process of becoming a member.

That would have been enough for me to express my gratitude, but in addition thank you for helping to show the community that patch holders are not just a bunch of criminals and thugs. And to anyone else struggling with addiction who love being on two wheels and are looking for a place to belong, please visit www.bubmc.org and contact us. Who knows, maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for and you’ll be a part of the 12-step community and the mc community. See you on the road.

Editor’s note: It is the San Clemente Times Letters to the Editor policy to publish the first and last name as well as city of residence of those who submit letters to us.

However, because “Reverend,” the subject’s nickname, was quoted in the Jan.21 -27 article “Ride of a Lifetime” and anonymity was granted due to the subject matter, we have honored the same trust for this letter.

Page 8

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Tim Trent

(Cont. on page 10)

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso This week’s guest will be Jim Ruehlin, a San Clemente Planning Commissioner, who will update the public on some of the ongoing efforts of the commission.

Beachside Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 6. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano tDispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 8)

HOW ARE SHORT-TERM RENTALS GOOD FOR LOCAL ECONOMY? JOE JANIS, San Clemente, on behalf of Protect Our Neighborhoods

It is amazing to us that proponents of short-term rentals in our San Clemente neighborhoods (including a few members of our Chamber of Commerce) are proclaiming that these short-term renters are vital to our local economy. Our observation of these vacationers is just the opposite. We believe that short-term renters staying in our San Clemente neighborhoods spend spend very little money in our city when compared to long-term renters who live here as city residents.

As advertised, vacation rentals can sleep multiple families and have kitchens that allow vacationers to cook and to eat together.

Vacationers come well supplied with food and all items needed to last them through their vacation.

City residents (including long-term renters) continually support our local restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, service stations, auto repair shops, tire shops, appliance stores, hardware stores, beauty shops, nail salons, retail sales, dentists, doctors, fitness centers, movie theaters, high school boosters, nonprofit organizations and the list goes on and on.

The proliferation of short-term rentals not only has a negative effect on our neighborhoods but also threatens the well-being of our business community, since they are beginning to replace city residents.

The residents of San Clemente are the backbone of our local economy and we take exception to special interest groups trying to convince our city leaders that short-term renters are good for our neighborhoods and our economy.

Joe Janis can be reached at controlvrbo@gmail.com.

WINDSTORM NO WINDFALL FOR SAN CLEMENTE LESLIE BOULLON, San Clemente

For a few days this week the scent of eucalyptus filled the air along with the sound of a chipper grinding on the municipal golf course. It was disheartening to see the windstorm blew down so many trees Sunday night. My husband and I counted eight the next morning; the local grapevine has it at 11. Perhaps the trees were weakened by drought and the winds were indeed fierce, however, it’s also probable not so many need have fallen had they been properly trimmed and laced on a regular basis. A review of past Golf Course Committee minutes shows numerous neighbors addressed concerns over lack of tree maintenance, but budget constraints were cited for lack of action.

Our city trees should be valued as much as we value our beaches. Not only do their canopies provide habitat for wildlife, cleanse the air and mitigate the effects of San Clemente Times February 11 -17, 2016

drought, they also provide equally important aesthetic and psychological benefits.

If we can find the funds to extend the beach trail, replenish sand and beautify alleyways, surely we can find the funds to be better stewards of our urban forests.

COMPELLED UNION DUES INFRINGE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS CHALONE WARMAN, San Clemente

In response to Bill Prestridge’s letter (Rebecca Friedrichs’ Assertions Mislead Union Debate) in the Feb. 4-10 edition of the San Clemente Times, Mr. Prestridge completely misses the point of the Supreme Court case Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association when he falsely states, “This case is about the conservative effort to destroy collective bargaining and union representation.” In truth, it is about individual teachers who object to subsidizing the union’s positions on issues they fervently disagree with. I, too, was a teacher in the Capistrano Unified School District for many years, knowing that my compelled dues—about $1,000 a year— were funding a union that is implacable to any change in the status quo, even if it benefits students.

Another false claim—that only a portion of teachers’ compulsory dues supports political action—ignores the reality that “everything that is collectively bargained with the government is within the political sphere,” as stated by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia during last month’s Supreme Court hearing. Since taxpayers fund the results of collective bargaining, all negotiations with public employee unions are political. So I beg to differ with Mr. Prestridge. As long as teachers are forced by contract to pay for the union’s free speech, it follows that Friedrichs v.

California Teachers Association is all about the First Amendment.

WHAT SAN CLEMENTE HOSPITAL AND ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ HAVE IN COMMON DUNCAN MERRITT, San Clemente

In a recently aired episode of “Downton Abbey,” the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) and her granddaughter debated whether it would be good for the village if the local charity hospital was taken over by the government-run county hospital.

The Dowager said, “For years I’ve watched governments take control of our lives, and their argument is always the same: fewer costs, greater efficiency. But the result is the same, too. Less control by the people, more control by the state, until the individual’s own wishes count for nothing. That is what I consider my duty to resist.”

“Mama, we’re not living in 1215,” the granddaughter said. “And the strength of great families like ours is going, that’s just fact.”

“Your great-grandchildren won’t thank you when the state is all-powerful because Page 10

we didn’t fight,” the Dowager said.

I was reminded of our issue in San Clemente over the potential loss of our emergency room, at least partly dictated

by Obamacare and other legislation that puts more emphasis on urgent care outside hospital emergency rooms.

TRADITIONAL LENT HAS HEALTH BENEFITS LOBART IKLE, Laguna Beach

This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter when many Christians abstain from animal foods on Ash Wednesday and Fridays in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry.

But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation and animal abuse. Dozens of medical reports have linked consumption of animal products with elevated risk of heart failure, stroke, cancer and other killer diseases. A 2007 U.N. report named meat production as the largest source of greenhouse gases and water pollution. Undercover investigations have documented farm animals being beaten, caged, crowded, deprived, mutilated and electrically shocked.

Lent offers a superb opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by adopting a meat-free diet for Lent and beyond.

After all, it’s the diet mandated in Genesis 1:29 and observed in the Garden of Eden.

Our supermarket offers a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, as well as the more traditional vegetables, fruits and grains. Entering “vegan recipes” in our favorite search engine offers more products, recipes and transition tips than we can use.

budget. Although we often search the Internet for a particular type of store, when driving down the freeway we depend on signs to find a place to eat, to get coffee, to buy a few groceries. Even locals will notice a place based on its sign and visit it at a later date.

I agree there should be no new signs on long poles reaching up to the freeway.

But zero signs facing the freeway? Does that mean Staples will have to remove the sign over its front door because it can be seen from the freeway?

Why can’t the City Council find some compromise that won’t be so harmful to local businesses?

Editor’s note: Freeway-facing signs and freeway-engaging signs have been defined separately in the city of San Clemente sign ordinance, which can be found at www.sanclemente.org under the Planning Commission’s Jan. 20 meeting agenda.

SIGN ORDINANCE WILL RESTRICT CITY’S MARKETABILITY KERRY SINK,San Clemente

CHRISTY MACBRIDE-HART, San Clemente

Regarding the freeway sign issues in last month’s council discussion is just hard to follow for me. Keeping drivers focused on the road makes perfect sense. What I can’t get past is that someone on council always seems to disagree with the height of any proposed new building sighting.

Someone always says, “It will block the ocean view from the freeway.”

I remember when Rick Skillman had plans for the Ralph’s plaza, but it was deemed too high. Yet a bell tower is there now, exceeding the proposed height. And latest, a multi-use building was put on hold for these exact reasons. Note that it too was planned for a vacant lot across from the new Ralph’s.

In Santa Barbara, you need a smartphone to find your destination and it sucks. This city needs signs to take advantage of the constant delays in freeway traffic to welcome visitors as they pass through our lovely town, and not have to be distracted by their smartphone.

The San Clemente City Council is considering a ban on all signs facing the freeway. A complete ban on these signs seems ludicrous to me in a town that depends on sales tax for a large part of its

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes. com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.

FREEWAY-ENGAGING SIGN ORDINANCE GOES TOO FAR

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

wines from the Loire Valley in France as well as a video presentation of the winery.

There will be more than $300 in prizes.

Tickets are $25. Gift certificates are also available online. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

BLUE LARGO 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

Thursday | 11 MARINE MAMMALS IN SAN CLEMENTE 7 p.m. Ramiro Barbuzano, Jr. from Pacific Marine Mammal Center of Laguna Beach, will discuss the organization’s programs and the Orange County coastline’s marine life. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for general admission. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Friday | 12 COA PRESENTS COMEDY NIGHT FEATURING MARK FITTER 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. $10 entry fee includes dinner and non-alcoholic drinks, sober fun. Childcare provided.

Limited number of tickets available.

Talega Life Church, 1050 Calle Negocio, 949.388.0114, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

BALLROOM BASH—VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY 7:15 p.m. The $10 admission includes a short rumba lesson followed by continuous dancing to recorded music that includes Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, Cha-Cha and other Latin dances as well as soft drinks and delicious refreshments. Plenty of free parking. Singles and couples are welcome.

Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, 32203 Del Obispo, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

FISH DINNER FOR LENT 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Every Friday from Feb. 12 to March 18. Salmon, beer-battered cod, shrimp tacos with all the trimmings and desert. $10 for adults, $7 for children.

Entire family is a maximum of $40. Take out is also available. Our Lady of Fatima Church, 105 N. Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.4101, www.olfchurch.net.

Saturday | 13 SAN CLEMENTE ABOLITIONISTS BAKE SALE 10 a.m. All proceeds will go to the One Million Thumbprints campaign for Mt. Kilimanjaro climber Kim Yim. The bake sale will support women in war conflict zones through the One Million Thumbprints project. People can leave their thumbprint with the organization and Kim will take it with her to the summit on San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

On Stage at the Coach House: Lee Ann Womack

Monday | 15 (PRESIDENTS’ DAY) CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12: JOHN SOLONE SINGS SINATRA AT ADELE’S 7 p.m.-10 p.m. John Solone will perform hits by Frank Sinatra at Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn. Tickets are $5. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

WINTER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Winter After School Club series runs on Tuesdays from Jan. 5 through Feb. 23. After School Club is for children ages 5 and older. A variety of activities are provided, including stories and crafts. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl. org/libloc/sc.

March 8. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 714.206.5053, thecellarsite.com.

Wednesday | 17

FREE WORKSHOPS AT ASANA FIT Varying times. Free classes all day. Classes start at 8 a.m. and the last one is at 4:30 p.m. Health & Nutrition: “I eat healthy, why can’t I lose weight?” with Shana Ekedal at 10:15 a.m. On Sunday, Feb. 14, there will be a donation-based special Valentine’s Day yoga class from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 102 S Ola Vista, San Clemente, 949.492.0110, www.asanafit.com.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER & DANCE 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Entertainment provided by the Street Corner Symphony Band.

Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Reservations required. Dana Point Community/Senior Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3507, www.danapoint.org.

Sunday | 14 (VALENTINE’S DAY) WINE TASTING FUNDRAISER AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 3 p.m.-5 p.m. The event will raise funds for the playhouse and feature artisanal

Tuesday | 16

JOY OF LIVING BIBLE STUDY 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. Women of all ages are invited to this interdenominational group that meets Wednesdays through June 1.

A start-up fee of $30 is requested. Free child care is provided. The study includes worship, discussion groups, inspirational talks and monthly luncheons. Talega Life Church, 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.493.1980.

UPCOMING: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 SAN CLEMENTE CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS 6 p.m. The 2015 “Citizen of the Year,” “Business of the Year,” “Educator of the Year” and “Outstanding Lifetime Achievement” award winners have been named.

These awards are bestowed to recipients at the Chamber’s “Annual Meeting of Members, Installation of Officers & Directors and Award Ceremony.”

Tickets are $95 per person. Bella Collina, 200 Avenida La Pata, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Page 12

Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Courtesy

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

ountry music star Lee Ann Womack spent seven years making her newest album, “The Way I’m Livin’.” The record, which has garnered critical acclaim and earned her 2016 Grammy Award nominations for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song, has been worth the wait for Womack.

Working alongside her husband, Frank, and several talented musicians, Womack has put together a new album that features original work and country covers of seminal favorites.

Womack is in the midst of her 2016 tour and will perform at The Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on Feb. 19.

Tickets are $30 and the doors open at 6 p.m.

Womack’s vocals, whether accompanied by a lone guitar or full-piece band, drive the emotion of the tracks on “The Way I’m Livin’,” which cover a wide variety of themes (love, loss) and musical genres (outlaw country, bluegrass). Womack has performed songs that delve into those themes before, but this record seems to present them in a different light.

“I love songs about real, real life,” Womack said. “Roger Miller’s ‘Tomorrow Night in Baltimore,’ that’s about a man obsessed with a stripper … ‘Chances Are’ is (about) the world’s most honest, but hopeful, barfly…

Life is all those things. Maybe we just made it a little grittier than people are used to.”

Womack will perform songs off “The Way I’m Livin’” as well as tracks from her nearly 20-year career.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. SC For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

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

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SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Senior Cyclist Leaves No Carbon Footprint

I

met John Bates in Dana Point in 1990 in the parking lot of the Dana Niguel Bank, which is now the Pacific Western Bank. My deli, Tutor and Spunky’s, and other local restaurants were serving food at an outdoor Chamber of Commerce mixer.

John has always been interested in local transportation. In 1990, he was a commissioner on the Dana Point Traffic Improvement Commission. I recall him telling me that day, “Our first recommendation was to ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 get rid of Caltrans and

By Tom Blake return to two-way traffic on PCH and Del Prado.”

Over the years, John and I have stayed in touch. Recently we met for coffee in the Dana Point Harbor at Coffee Importers.

He is still interested in local transportation but on a more personal level. To get to the Harbor from his San Juan Capistrano home, he rode his bicycle.

I asked him how often he rode. John said, “All of the time. Before I retired 12 years ago, I sold my car and used my bike to commute to my Dana Point office from my home.”

“Have you always been a bike rider?”

I asked.

He said, “I got my first bike at age 8 when my family moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena. That bike was several sizes too large for me. I couldn’t sit on the seat because my feet didn’t reach the pedals, so I rode around all day in a standing position.

“But, I loved the freedom and the extended range that that bike afforded me,” he continued. “I soon learned the

streets of Pasadena, the Rose Bowl, Devil’s Gate Dam, Colorado Boulevard and the Rose Parade. I knew it all and thought it was cool.

“I had several bikes during my youth and graduated from fat balloon-tire cruisers to thin-tire hot racing bikes,” John said.

“I used them all for delivering newspapers and for my basic transportation for years.

However, when I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, I put my bike away for several years.”

John said when he and his wife Judy had children, they got their son and daughter bicycles as soon as the children were able to ride. The family went on riding trips together, including a three-day trip from their Mission Viejo home to San Diego.

John added, “Years later, when my daughter graduated from the University of San Francisco, she and I rode our bikes from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, a 360-mile trip down Highway 1 that took six days. She and I still have occasional half-day rides and always talk about the highlights of our six-day trip together.

“Now that I’m retired, I bought a battery-assisted bicycle and use my bike to get to and from the Mission San Juan Capistrano, where I’m a volunteer docent, and zip around from Mission Viejo to San Clemente and Dana Point for lunch, coffee meetings, shopping and various errands,” he said.

“At age 78, I consider myself very fortunate to still enjoy cycling,” John added.

“My bike is again my basic transportation, and, even after all these years, I still get a thrill from the freedom that riding a bicycle gives me. Once in a while I fall off, but after 70 years of cycling, I’m still in one piece and enjoy every minute on the road.

By riding my bike instead of driving a car, I get valuable exercise and am pleased that I don’t leave a carbon footprint on the environment. However, I will admit that my wife still has her car and sometimes I ride with her.

“And regarding the 1990 Traffic Improvement Commission recommendation about the two-way traffic in Dana Point, it only took 25 years to make it happen, but we were right. It’s much better for all concerned.”

If more people would follow John’s bike-riding example, our cities might start to resemble European cities such as Amsterdam where bicycles outnumber automobiles. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on). To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. SC

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Now Open SC EYE LAB 1311 N. El Camino Real 949.388.6072 Website and Facebook coming soon

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 difficult. Level: Easy San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

Cheryl Cavanna opened SC Eye Lab a few weeks ago with the hopes of making glasses more affordable for her customers. Photo: Eric Heinz

Page 15

John Bates. Photo: Tom Blake PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SCTimes provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SCTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Cheryl Cavanna, owner of SC Eye Lab and a 30-year San Clemente resident, is hoping to make eyewear more affordable for everyone who needs glasses.

“I worked for an optometrist for several years,” Cavanna said. “The thing is, people with the state of California insurance, after the age of 21 (California Care) only pay for exams and not materials, so the cost of eyeglasses is extremely high.”

Cavanna said a basic pair of glasses can run $175-$200, but she makes glasses in her lab for as little as $99 or $49 if the customer already has their own frames.

Behind the scenes, Cavanna chisels the frames using a machine designed to make various prescriptions for polycarbonate or glass lenses.

“The wait time with me is only a day or two, whereas at other locations you may be waiting 10 to 15 days,” she said.

“If I have the lenses, sometimes I can do it in an hour.”

At this time Cavanna is the only person who works at SC Eye Lab. “It was kind of a fluke. My background was in skincare and I worked in restaurants for years, and I really just fell into it and I really love it,” Cavanna said. “I felt that people needed a low cost to get their glasses.”

Although affordability is key, Cavanna does stock higher-end bifocals.

SC Eye Lab will offer a discount of half off prices to people with a military ID or CalOptima card during the month of February. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Signing Day Celebration San Clemente High School holds national signing day ceremony for 24 student-athletes

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

San Clemente High School held a signing day ceremony for 24 student-athletes on Feb. 3.

Photo: Courtesy SCHS

T

he sheer number of students participating in San Clemente High School’s National Letter of Intent signing day ceremony on Feb. 3 was impressive.

Just about every one of the school’s athletic programs was represented by 24 student-athletes, who lined up side-by-side outside in the school’s central pavilion to be recognized by their peers and families.

Although only student-athletes for football, boys soccer, girls soccer and girls water polo could sign their National Letter of Intent on Feb. 3, the school honored other college-bound athletes who signed in the fall.

Here is a list of the 24 Tritons that will continue their careers at the next level:

Baseball: Neil (Andre) Pallante, UCI; Tanner Brubaker, Cal-Baptist Univ.

Swimming: Savannah DuPuis, BYU Water Polo: Amber McCutcheon, San Jose State Univ.; Alaina Cousineau, USC Volleyball: Cali Hoye, Univ. of Iowa; Marie Paris, UC San Diego; Camille Davey, Univ. of Nevada; Aaron Strange, USC Lacrosse: Austin Boyer, Cleveland State Football: Tucker Scott, Univ. of Utah; Donté Harrington, Boise State Univ.; Cole Fotheringham, Univ. of Utah; Kevin Kling, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Diving: Haley Farnsworth, Stanford; Caleb Dixon, USC

Kira Nemeth, who will play soccer for Westmont, waves to the crowd on signing day. Photo: Steve Breazeale

so good. It feels “likeIt feels a weight lifted off our

L to R: A quartet of San Clemente football signees included Donté Harrington, Tucker Scott, Cole Fotheringham and Kevin Kling. Photo: Steve Breazeale

“

The constant support. Even through our peaks and valleys, everyone was there supporting us. That, and the lifelong relationships I’m going to keep with a lot of the guys on the team. We’ve been through a lot more than most guys go through in their high school experience, on and off the field.

It’s not your average high school experience but I feel like it made it that much more unique.

shoulders. All our hard work has led to a bigger thing and it’s really cool. I’m excited to experience something different and experience the Big Ten (Conference) and something new.

”

—Cali Hoye, Iowa-bound volleyball player, on describing the mood of National Signing Day

”

—Donté Harrington, a four-year starter on the Triton football team, on what stands out most about his high school experience

Rowing: Savannah Hapsic, Northeastern Univ.

Soccer: Kenneth Higgings, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Kira Nemeth, Westmont Softball: Melody Forstie, Cal State San Marcos Golf: Isabella Seeburger, Univ. of Santa Clara; Olga Mihalik, College of St. Rose Tennis: Jay Yeam, Claremont McKenna Track and Field: Connor Dunne, Univ. of Colorado SC San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

San Clemente student-athletes took part in a signing day ceremony on Feb. 3. Photo: Courtesy SCHS

Page 17

San Clemente offensive lineman and future member of the Utah football team Tucker Scott throws up a “U” sign on signing day. Photo: Steve Breazeale

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Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Thompson Chiropractic

629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

MORTGAGES

Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

Salon Bamboo

150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

Salon Bleu

207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com

Syrens Hair Parlor

217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

SC Pool & Spa Works

1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

REAL ESTATE

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

SALONS

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

SC Rider Supply

520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

AUTOS FOR SALE MUST SELL!! SEATS SEVEN! NISSAN PATHFINDER 4X4 2009 Silver with black interior.

Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New Bilstein shocks.

K&N air filter. In great shape. $13,000/OBO 949-633-3860

FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH 1,560 S.F. FOR RENT Beautiful view, Senior Community. Shorecliffs Mobile Home Park, SC. $1,900/mo. plus utilities. Available March. No smoking or pets. 949-310-0117 / 949-581-7149

FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size.

Typically made in 2 weeks.

Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available.. We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES ESTATE SALE Saturday Feb. 13 from 8-1 at 2904 Rebano, in north San Clemente. Furniture, glasses, knick knacks, cactus, plants, books, etc.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

CLASSIFIEDS

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

LOST/FOUND HAVE YOU SEEN ME? I went missing in the hills of Talega in San Clemente. My name is Addie, I’m a 4-yearold Airedale terrier. Please call Cristina, 949.933.5461.

REWARD!

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times February 11–17, 2016

Page 19

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report

home a goal in the final minute of stoppage time.

The win over Mission Viejo put the Tritons on top of the standings with one game remaining on the league schedule. San Clemente will travel to play fi fth-place El Toro (6-7-6, 1-4-2) on Feb. 11. The Tritons knocked off the Chargers 2-0 on Jan. 22.

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School winter sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Triton Hoops Grabs a Share of Title Six San Clemente players scored at least eight points against South Coast League rival Aliso Niguel on Feb. 5 as the Triton boys basketball team coasted to a 77-64 wire-to-wire victory. The win earned the Tritons (19-6, 6-1 league) at least a share of the league hardware for a third consecutive year.

If San Clemente is to win the league title outright, they must defeat Dana Hills on Feb. 11. The game will be the final regular season contest of the year for San Clemente. The Tritons edged the Dolphins (9-17, 0-7) 56-45 on Jan. 8. Second-place El Toro (19-7, 6-2) trails San Clemente by one game in the standings.

Against Aliso Niguel, the Tritons showed off their considerable depth, piling up points thanks to six players scoring eight or more points. Three Triton players hit the double-digit mark in scoring, led

by Senior Dillon Waikle’s game-high 14 points. Waikle also pulled in five rebounds and recorded five blocks. Senior guard Gage Shelmidine poured in 14 points, tallied six assists, five rebounds and two steals in the win.

Boys Soccer Jumps to Top of Standings In its second go-around through South Coast League competition, the San Clemente boys soccer team did exactly what it needed to do in order to stay in the hunt for the league title.

The first-place Tritons have not lost a match since Jan. 15 and have compiled a 3-0-1 record in four league matches since.

After earning a tough-luck 1-1 tie with San Juan Hills on Feb. 3, San Clemente (9-9-5, 4-2-1) bounced back with a 1-0 win over Mission Viejo (3-6-3, 3-2-1) on Feb. 5.

Senior forward Barrett Croft scored the decisive goal in the second half to seal the win. Ben Giacobello assisted on the goal.

The San Clemente defense has been stout over the four-match unbeaten streak.

The Tritons have allowed only one goal in four matches, recording three shutouts along the way. San Juan Hills broke the Tritons clean sheet record by heading San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

Page 20

Shutout of Dolphins Earns Girls Soccer Second Place in League The San Clemente girls soccer team ended its run through the South Coast League on a high note by defeating rival Dana Hills 2-0 on Feb. 8. Kira Nemeth and Morgan Farrier each scored a goal and were assisted by Franni Viera and Ellie Winklemann, respectively.

The win ensured a solo second-place finish for the Tritons (12-3-7, 5-1-2), who had a very successful run through the regular season. San Clemente, however, was not able to catch up to top-ranked Aliso Niguel in the league standings.

Seventh-ranked San Clemente will enter the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs as the league’s No. 2 seed. Playoff brackets will be released Feb. 15.

Tritons Water Polo Eyes Playoff Berth The second-place San Clemente girls water polo team was scheduled to play a crucial South Coast League match against third-place Dana Hills on Feb. 10. Results were not available at press time.

The Tritons (17-11, 5-2) held a onematch lead over the Dolphins (14-14, 4-3) in the league standings heading into the match, which made the contest all about league placement and CIF-SS Division 2 playoff seeding. The Tritons and Dolphins could not catch first-place El Toro (18-9, 8-0) in the standings.

San Clemente edged its way past the Dolphins 11-9 in the teams’ first meeting of the season on Jan. 26.

San Clemente built its slim lead over the Dolphins following an 18-2 league victory over Tesoro on Feb. 8.

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports @sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

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SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Cookin’ Up Seaside Excitement Local surfers claim more than 50 percent of the trophies at Seaside Reef Prime

BY ANDREA SWANE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

inter-like waves, summer-like weather and super-athletic talent—in perfect proportions—was the recipe for an exciting and entertaining event at Surfing America Prime event No. 5 at Seaside Reef, Feb. 6 and 7, but in this case, too many cooks didn’t spoil the broth; it took it to new heights. And for San Clemente-based surfers, that meant claiming 11 of 20 podium spots.

The entire field of talented Surfing America Prime surfers made the most of the clean, consistent 3- to 5-foot surf, spicing up their heats with an entertaining mix of committed rail surfing, vertical hacks and aerial maneuvers, in what was arguably the most exciting event of the season, so far.

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 55-58 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 4-8’ Poor-Fair , Catalina: 8-14’ Poor-Fair THURSDAY: Modest WNW swell is due to ease and mainly provide knee-waist high surf for the better exposures of the county, with some chest high sets at winter standouts. Favorable conditions as light offshore wind prevails in the morning, before a light to moderate onshore sea-breeze rises up over the afternoon. Note - big high tide mid morning.

OUTLOOK: New, long period WNW swell builds

Griffin Colapinto of San Clemente turned in the winning performance in Boys U18 at Surfing America Prime event No. 5, Jan. 16-17 at Seaside Reef. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Seaside Reef at Cardiff State Beach was working fabulously, delivering wave after rippable wave during the entirety of the twoday event. Surfers had their choice of long, clean-faced rights and lefts for the entirety of the contest. The only exception came late Saturday, when the tide shut off the rights during the final few hours of the event but left plenty of great lefts for everyone.

Griffin Colapinto bested the field in Boys U18, taking a convincing win over runnerup Jordan Collins (Carlsbad), 15.17 to 12.34.

Fellow San Clementeans Kei Kobayashi took third and Kade Matson came in fourth.

Matson was the lone local in the Boys U16 final, taking the fourth-place finish. In his main division, Boys U14 on Saturday, Matson opted to skip Prime in favor of earning needed points in the National Scholastic Surfing Association event at Salt Creek

Beach in Dana Point. His absence did not affect his standing in that division, as he has already clinched the Boys U14 season title.

Boys U14 top honors went to Jett Schilling, 12.43, followed by Taj Lindblad, 12.07, in second, both from San Clemente.

In Girls U18, Meah Collins of Costa Mesa took the win, followed by second through fourth-place trophies being awarded to San Clementeans Caroline Marks (recent Florida transplant), Samantha Sibley and Kirra Pinkerton, respectively.

Alyssa Spencer (Carlsbad) was the big winner in Girls U16, clinching the season title with her win. Pinkerton was runner-up and Marks finished in fourth.

The date and location of the final event of the six-contest regular season of Surfing America Prime is yet to be determined. SC

in Friday as SSW swell fills in. Fun, peaky surf in the waist to head high zone Friday with bigger surf on Saturday. Wind continues to look favorable through the end of the work week, with light offshore winds in the morning. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

RESULTS Surfing America Prime, Event No. 5, February 6-7, Encinitas, Seaside Reef BOYS U18: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente, 15.17; 2.

Jordan Collins, Carlsbad, 12.34; 3. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente, 11.17; 4. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 9.34.

BOYS U16: 1. Noah Hill, Venice, 16.93; 2. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 14.33; 3. Taro Watanabe, Ventura, 12.44; 4.

Kade Matson, San Clemente, 12.03. BOYS U14: 1. Jett Schilling, San Clemente, 12.43; 2. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente, 12.04; 3. Dimitri Poulos, Ventura, 11.86; 4. Taro Watanabe, Ventura, 7.93. GIRLS U18: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa, 16.16; 2. Caroline Marks, San Clemente, 15.16; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente, 10.90; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 8.93. GIRLS U16: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad, 12.40; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 10.06; 3. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla, 9.50; 4. Caroline Marks, San Clemente, 8.77.

NSSA Open, Event No. 8, February 6-7, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

GROM OF THE WEEK

MICAH ALMIDA

R

ecent Hawaii transplant Micah Almida, 10, has been getting as much surfing experience as possible since moving to San Clemente about five months ago.

Micah has been surfing in National Scholastic Surfing Association Explorer events in Gold Coast, Northwest and Southwest conferences, earning spots in Super Grom division finals. In his main conference, NSSA Southwest, his performances have so far earned him a No. 7 ranking in the field of 18.

He also recently started competing in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour in the Boy’s U12 division.

Micah is happy about his family’s move to San Clemente for the waves and the surf community but also for having more entertainment and cultural opportunities available to him.

“There’s a lot more stuff to experience here,” Micah said. On Kauai it’s one thing— surfing, swimming, ocean, nothing else San Clemente Times February 11 - 17, 2016

Micah Almida. Photo: WSA/Jack McDaniel

really—and there’s so much more to do here.

We’ve been to Hearst Castle, the Nutcracker, plays and stuff, and movies. We had one movie theater on Kauai and it was on the other side of the island and only played older stuff.”

Micah is an independent study, ‘A’ student working on a fourth/fifth grade curriculum.

He is an avid reader and his favorite subject is math. When he grows up he would not only like to be a professional surfer, but also an author or narrator of audio books and podcasts.

“Listening to Audible, I just liked it and thought narrating would be a good thing to do,” Micah said.

Page 22

His other interests include tennis, golf and Legos.

Micah has so far earned sponsorship from Daniel Thompson/Tomo Surfboards, Kung Fu Tonic, Trace, Town and Country and Nezzy Surfboards. He counts his parents as his top sponsors and would like to thank them for their support. He also credits his older brother London for helping his surfing progress.

“He’s supportive—competitively supportive,” Micah said of his brother. “He’s real inclusive and nice. I learn a lot from him. We hang out a lot. We surf together, go everywhere together.”

Micah practices surfing every day, as part of a quest he hopes will eventually earn him paid sponsorship, qualification into the Surfing America Prime series and an opportunity to surf on the U.S.A. Junior Surf Team, on his journey to the pros.

“I’ve been working a lot with Mike Lamm and his coaching has been really helpful,” Micah said. “I also work with Sean Mattison and Kahea Hart. I’m focusing on rail surfing right now. A lot of the time when you’re young you just surf flat, so I’ve been working on getting on my rail and getting vertical.` —Andrea Swayne

MEN: 1. Kairi Noro, Huntington Beach, 13.83; 2. Micky Clarke, Ventura, 11.00; 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 6.69; 4. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 2.30. JUNIORS: 1.

Cole Houshmand, San Clemente, 15.90; 2. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 12.90; 3. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 12.60; 4. Dylan Hord, Huntington Beach, 11.30. BOYS: 1. Levi Slawson, Encinitas, 16.00; 2. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente, 14.77; 3. Patrick O’Connor, San Juan Capistrano, 9.07; 4. Raphael Castro, La Jolla, 6.10. MINI GROMS: 1. Lucas Owston, Oceanside, 18.34; 2. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff, 14.97; 3. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach, 14.10; 4. Dane Matson, San Clemente, 12.93. WOMEN: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad, 18.63; 2. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente, 17.80; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 12.50; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente, 6.90. GIRLS: 1. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente, 14.80; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 12.83; 3. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad, 10.67; 4.

Chiasa Maruyama, Huntington Beach, 6.77.

UPCOMING EVENTS February 13-14: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier February 20: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 4, Oceanside, Pier February 21: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street February 27: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 5, San Clemente, T Street February 27-28: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Ventura, C Street March 5: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier March 6: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier

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