January 12, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

January 12-18, 2017

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Conservation Group Hosts Beach Cleanup Party PAGE 15 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2

From the Top

San Clemente native, world-class cellist Paul Wiancko to perform at Casa Romantica EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Paul Wiancko, a cellist born and raised in San Clemente, will perform his world-class music at Casa Romantica on Jan. 26. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Youngster Grows, Cuts His Hair for Charity EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

San Clemente High School Dancers Travel to D.C. to Perform EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

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Community Supports Local Surf Pro Jake Davis during Health Battle SURF/PAGE 18

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for an emergency or homeless shelter provider to establish such a location.

City Attorney Scott Smith said he thinks the city’s legal insurer, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, is unlikely to cover the costs because of a provision set by the Attorney General’s office that applies to circumstances such as this.

“The fees had already been awarded with the original judgement, and it was just a question of how much, and so it could have been a lot worse than it was,” Smith said.

The organization that sued the city is the Emergency Shelter Coalition.

The original request was for $1.2 million for the fees, but the judge awarded $482,000 to the coalition’s representatives.

Five things San Clemente should know this week San Clemente Boy Cuts Hair for Charity THE LATEST: It takes a certain presence of mind for a young boy to want to grow his hair out in order to one day donate it to charity.

But Luke Acuna, 9, did just that, growing it past the one-foot length required in order to be salvaged for use in a wig.

An avid baseball fan and fourth-grader at Palisades Elementary in Capistrano Beach, Acuna said he saw a college football player do the same thing and the act inspired him to do it too.

“I hope that kid (who receives the hair) will feel happy and feel that he’s like other kids and doesn’t have to feel like he has cancer,” Luke said.

Luke’s parents have been supporting his cause since he started. His last haircut was in September 2014.

“I thought it was amazing, and I thought it was very big of him and a great idea for someone his age,” his mother, Monica said.

Luke’s father was coaching him in baseball when he told him about the reason why he was growing his hair out. Despite being mistaken as a girl at times by his peers, Luke wanted to follow through with it.

“When he first told me, he was playing baseball, and I said, ‘OK, Luke, it’s time for a haircut,’” said Luke’s father, Sean. “And he told me about why he was (growing out his hair). I was so moved as a parent to see a kid his age to want to do this.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Luke’s hair will be donated to the Wigs for Kids charity. The organization donates wigs to children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment, are burn victims or are suffering from alopecia, a rare form of hair loss. For more information and to find out how to get involved with the program, visit www. wigsforkids.org. —Eric Heinz

San Clemente Garden Tour Set for May 20 THE LATEST: The San Clemente Garden Club’s (SCGC) 2017 Garden Tour is set for Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual self-guided garden tour includes specially selected coastal gardens in San Clemente. The gardens may be visited in any order, and balloons will herald each San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

WHAT’S NEXT: Now that the lawsuit has been determined, those who sued could apply to establish an emergency shelter in the city’s designated areas in Rancho San Clemente Business Park. —EH

Hair stylist Logan Gallegos, left, holds the locks of hair from Luke Acuna, 9, of San Clemente, who donated his hair to Wigs for Kids on Friday, Jan. 6, at Curtis Michaels Hair Salon in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Eric Heinz

location.

Proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the SCGC Scholarship Fund, community horticulture projects, Junior Gardeners and more.

WHAT’S NEXT: Advance tickets are available online for $30 at www.sanclementegardenclub.com through May 19.

Tickets purchased on May 20 at any of the gardens cost $35 each. For more information, call Bette Langford at 949.498.3317 or email at blang41096@aol.com. —Staff

CLUP Approval from Coastal Commission Could Be Delayed a Year THE LATEST: On Friday, Jan. 13, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) is expected to vote to delay the adoption of the city of San Clemente’s proposed Coastal Land Use Program (CLUP) in order to continue studying documents related to the program.

The CLUP is the CCC’s way of giving development application authority to local governments while the CCC retains ultimate authority over developments within the coastal zone, which spans about 1,000 feet inland from the coastline.

“We don’t see a problem with (delaying) it, and it is pretty typical that they do such a thing,” City Manager James Makshanoff wrote. “It will give us some time to work through some of their comments. Staff plans to meet with the CCC staff next week to discuss the process.”

Noaki Schwartz, a spokesperson for the CCC, said the city will not be able to change their application at-will, but the commission’s staff can work with the city to make amendments.

“The commission continues to process coastal development permit applications in the city until there is a fully certified LCP,” Schwartz wrote in an email. “The certified LUP (the old plan) is used as guidance.

Commission staff would check to make sure new proposed projects do not conflict with the proposed new coastal LUP.” WHAT’S NEXT: Groups and people who have outstanding lawsuits against the city’s sober living and short-term rental zoning ordinances may have to wait to see what the final outcome of the CLUP will be. As of right now, the current CLUP will remain in place until the new one is adopted. The new CLUP includes the city’s zoning for sober living and short-term rental residences. We will update this article with the CCC’s vote on Friday. Live streaming of the meeting is available at www.coastal.ca.gov. —EH

City to Pay $480,000 in Attorney Fees for SB 2 Lawsuit THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente has been ordered to pay $480,000 in attorney fees to three legal firms. This follows a previous ruling that San Clemente did not comply with zoning regulations mandated

by Senate Bill 2 to allow for adequate land

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BIS Foundation Aims to Prevent Alcohol, Drug Use

by Kids in South Orange County THE LATEST: A South Orange County organization is working to prevent children from using alcohol and drugs with a two-day program that uses games, music, artwork and more.

The BIS Foundation provides children from 7 to 12 years old and their families a free way to help learn about alcohol and drug prevention, bullying, peer pressure and different pressures that could lead children to use drugs or drink alcohol.

Victoria Morgan, BIS Foundation founder, said the group has been serving children throughout Orange County, but they want to encourage more South Orange County families to participate.

“We want to reach more children and be able to help as many as possible,” Morgan said.

Morgan believes that with the passing of Proposition 64, which allows adults 21 years or older to purchase marijuana, the drug will be more accessible to children.

Morgan said they’ve reached out to organizations in Dana Point and San Clemente, including Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) to get as many kids into the programs as possible.

“Children do have access to other programs, but we try to look at the positives and educate them in a way they understand,” Morgan said. “And they really do get it.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The group’s San Clemente event will run Jan. 21-22 at the Holiday Inn. To register, visit www.biskids.org.

—Kristina Pritchett www.sanclementetimes.com

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NEWS BITES

tion is Thursday, Feb. 23 by 5 p.m. at the Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, by emailing stiversm@san-clemente.org.

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

SCHS Dancers Perform in D.C.

2/4 Names Wayne Eggleston 2016 Honorary Magnificent Bastard At the 2016 USMC Birthday Ball, Wayne Eggleston was named Honorary Magnificent Bastard by the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4).

A plaque given to Eggleston read: “Mr. Wayne Eggleston, Honorary Magnificent Bastard, Thank you for our unwavering support and devotion to your Battalion. You are one Magnificent Bastard! From the Marines and Sailors of 2/4. Semper Fidelis.”

The 2/4’s nickname, “the Magnificent Bastards,” was officially established by Battalion Order 5600.1B on Sept. 24, 1966, while the battalion was deployed to Vietnam.

Wayne Eggleston, center, received the Honorary Magnificent Bastard award from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines at their annual USMC Birthday Ball. Photo: Courtesy

City Offers Zero Percent Loan Program for Home Improvements Homeowners in need of repairs, painting or upgrades to energy-efficient models can now get cost effective loans via the city of San Clemente’s new Housing Rehabilitation Program.

This program offers 0 percent deferred loans up to $25,000 for owner-occupied, single-family homes and $15,000 for mobile homes. These loans do not have to be paid off until the owner sells the home, transfers title, refinances or no longer resides in the home.

Rental property owners are eligible for a 0 percent deferred loan with 50-50 matching funds, which are forgivable over five years. A minimum of 51 percent of renter households must qualify as low income, and rents cannot exceed the fair market values as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Grants of up to $10,000 for owner-occupied homes, or $5,000 for mobile homeowners, are available for health and safety items or handicapped improvements if the household income is 50 percent or below the median income.

If you are interested in this program, call 949.361.6188 or email dobbst-temp@ san-clemente.org to receive an application.

Residents must meet income qualifications.

Sen. Patricia Bates Offers Legislature Fellowships

Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) announced the availability of applications for the 2017-18 California Senate Fellows program.

Sarah Couch was Bates’ 2014-15 fellow and now works as Assemblyman Tom Lackey’s (R-Palmdale) Legislative Director. Alex Khan was Bates’ Senate fellow for 2015-16 and secured a job with the CaliforSan Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

From left, Ally Stay, Raquel Griffith, Jillia Romano and Sophi Cook, stand in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. The dancers performed Stay’s piece “Colors” at the National Art Exhibit Opening Ceremony at the U.S. Department of Education. Photo: Courtesy

nia Department of Finance after his fellowship ended. Abigail Gore currently serves as Bates’ 2016-17 fellow. There are only 18 Senate fellows for 40 senators.

The program provides college graduates an opportunity to become full-time Senate staff at the state capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October. Fellows are assigned to the personal or committee staff of a senator and also participate in academic seminars with senators, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists and state government officials. Responsibilities include researching and analyzing legislation, developing bill proposals, writing speeches and assisting constituents with casework.

Fellows are paid a stipend of $2,627 per month plus health, vision and dental benefits. They earn six units of graduate credit from Sacramento State for the academic portion of the program.

The fellowship is jointly operated by the California State Senate and the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University. Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by Sept. 1 is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major, and individuals with advanced degrees or those in mid-career are encouraged to apply. There will be 18 fellows selected in May after an initial screening of applica-

tions and a subsequent panel interview of finalists.

The deadline for submitting an application is Feb. 13. There are also similar opportunities to be an assembly, executive or judicial fellow. To apply, visit www.csus. edu/calst/senate.

City Seeks Nominations for Outstanding Citizen Each year, the city of San Clemente seeks to honor a community member whose selfless efforts have made San Clemente a more productive and enjoyable place to live, work and play. The city is looking for a person whose contributions have made and/or continue to make a difference in the community. Residents can nominate someone who they think deserves to be recognized. The selected nominee will be named to the city’s Wall of Recognition.

To nominate a person, a non-profit organization or 10 or more residents may submit a one-page letter to the city’s Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department explaining the nominee’s contributions. Last year’s recipient was Robert “Bob” Hayden.

The deadline for submitting a nomina-

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San Clemente High School dancers Ally Stay, Sophi Cook, Raquel Griffith and Jillia Romano recently traveled to Washington D.C, to perform an award-winning PTSA Reflections Dance Choreography piece.

The piece is titled “Colors” and was performed during the National Art Exhibit Opening Ceremony at the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The piece was arranged by Stay and the dance won the competition’s highest award, the National Award of Excellence. It was only one of two art pieces invited to perform in the culmination of the 2015 “Let Your Imagination Fly” competition.

Stay currently trains and performs with the nationally recognized San Clemente High School Dance Team and is a member of the varsity squad.

The vision for Stay’s award-winning dance was a girl without imagination surrounded by other’s who do have imagination.

For more information about the SCHS Dance Team, visit www.schsdanceteam. com or find them on social media at www. facebook.com/schsdanceteam and @schsdance on Instagram.

Friends of the Library to Host Meet the Author’s Luncheon The San Clemente Friends of the Library will host its 17th annual Meet the Authors Luncheon on Feb. 25 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, located at 26772 Avery Parkway. Three authors will be featured, beginning with award-winning author Catriona McPherson, who is best known for her clever Dandy Gilver mystery series set in Scotland, as well as many stand-alone novels.

Alex Espinoza, born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, has written two critically acclaimed novels and many short stories.

“Espinoza is poised to become the Faulkner of his own landscape, that of the Agua Mansa community of inland Southern California,” author Susan Straight said of Espinoza’s Still Water Saints.

The third guest is breakout author Kim Hooper, who has written a debut novel, People Who Knew Me. Jessica Lakso of The Wall Street Journal wrote, “Ms. Hooper captures the intimate details with edgy, dark humor. Written as a series of interwoven flashbacks, People Who Knew Me has a sharp edge of emotional trauma and disappointment.”

Tickets are 60 each. For more information, email scfotl@gmail.com.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Boy Scout Hopes to Enhance Patriot Trail Summit A 14-year-old Boy Scout is looking to change the way hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians enjoy the coastal views atop San Juan Capistrano’s Patriot Hill.

John Boranian, a freshman at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, plans to install a picnic table, benches and public telescope at the peak of the popular Patriot Trail for his Eagle Scout project.

A Life Scout with San Juan’s Boy Scout Troop 724, Boranian said when it came time to choose his Eagle Scout project, he opted to focus on Patriot Hill because “it honors those who have served our country” and “has the most spectacular view overlooking San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and the Pacific Coast.”

During a presentation to the city in November, Boranian said the majority of the project’s estimated cost—$3,500—would come from the $2,500 telescope. The young scout intends to secure funding through a combination of crowdsourcing and donations from local businesses, family and friends.

Boranian estimates the project will take three to five days to complete with the help of four or five scout volunteers.

While the entire commission expressed interest in the proposal, several commissioners voiced concern about the potential for theft and vandalism at the site. Boranian replied that vandalism would be the main issue, as the telescope and table would be cemented in place.

Commissioner Brian Maryott—who was recently elected to the City Council—congratulated Boranian on the well-conceived plan and presentation. Maryott said he understood the vandalism concerns, but also pointed out that it’s possible the site would be respected by visitors.

“I don’t think we should stop doing good things just because we worry about the behavior of others,” he said. “I think we need to have faith and expect good things and good outcomes.”

The Patriot Trail improvements will go before the City Council for approval on Jan. 17. —Allison Jarrell

CAPISTRANO BEACH Local Group to Unveil Dog Park Plans for Pines Park On any given day, a handful of dog owners and their four-legged friends can be seen enjoying the views from Pines Park. Noticing this, a Capistrano Beach group, Capo Cares, has been working on the idea to build a proper dog zone at the park and is ready to unveil their plans to the public.

Capo Cares received a design concept from the Architectural Guild of South Orange County.

Toni Nelson, co-founder of Capo Cares, said they love the idea of restoring the area.

“This has been a major goal for our organization, and we are hopeful the community and city will support the concept,” Nelson said in a statement.

On Tuesday afternoon, San Clemente resident Stacey Richards walked her dog, Bentley, and said they go to the park a lot.

“It’s a great place; the dogs get to exercise and socialize, the owners get to know one another,” Richards said. “There are a lot of dog walkers here usually.”

She said a dog zone would be beneficial for the area, especially for the residents who live on the south side of the city.

“There’s the other park, but that’s on the other side of town,” Richards said. “We need to drive to that one; this place is a short distance for us.”

The dog zone would be in the lower bluff portion of the park, which the group says is a “barren state subject to wind and climate erosion for decades.”

A meeting was held Wednesday at Capo Beach Church. Check www.sanclementetimes.com for updates. —Kristina Pritchett

Shultz, seen here, is one of the many dogs that frequent Pines Park, where a dog zone is being proposed.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

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www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

From the Top World-class cellist Paul Wiancko returns to San Clemente for Casa Romantica show

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

P

aul Wiancko started playing cello in his hometown of San Clemente at a young age. Though he was well recognized as a teenager for his talents, becoming a world-class musician took all his focus and energy.

Wiancko now commissions pieces for a variety of artists and media, and he has performed with popular musicians as well as famous string quartets.

Wiancko is returning to San Clemente on Jan. 26 to play a solo recital at Casa Romantica, which will feature chamber music and other classics.

Growing up in San Clemente Wiancko’s father was a local documentary filmmaker and his mother started a Japanese language program at Shorecliffs Middle School and San Clemente High School.

“From my perspective, I think I was maybe the only kid who wasn’t out surfing,” Wiancko said.

In high school, Wiancko said he would practice the cello three to four hours a day.

San Clemente was a nurturing environment for Wiancko, and he said his music teachers helped him tremendously as he honed his skills.

Wiancko began making albums and recording the backing music to videos around San Clemente. He said he would play with rock bands and artists of various other genres while playing improvisational music in Los Angeles.

“I started when I was 5 years old, and at that point it’s sort of a thing your parents tell you to do, but my mom said I was drawn to the cello just by the sound of it,” he said. “She would have chamber music reading parties at our house. As a baby, I would be sleeping and they would play something really dissonant and I would start crying. Sometimes they would play something beautiful by Mozart, and I would be a happy baby.

“She told me I would gravitate toward the cellists who came,” Wiancko continued. “It suited my personality because it was really mellow.”

Wiancko said he knew becoming great on the cello would be a lifelong endeavor when he was 13 years old and, overwhelmed, wanted to quit playing altogether. But after about two weeks, he said he missed it.

“I was fortunate enough that my parents were OK with that,” Wiancko said. “They wanted me to be happy, so I put the cello away. … I had known cello my whole life,

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

Paul Wiancko performs a musical piece on his cello that he composed while visiting San Clemente in December.

Wiancko is traveling through Japan before he will perform at Casa Romantica on Jan. 26. Photo: Eric Heinz

but I wanted to try something different. I just could not bear it any longer. I missed music so much; it’s who I am at this point, so I said I was going to give it all I had.”

Playing in the Big Leagues Wiancko graduated with degrees in cello performance from the University of Southern California and The Colburn School.

He also did a masters class when he was a teenager with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. “He embarrassed me so badly, I’ll never forget it,” Wiancko said. “He told me to focus, and he said, ‘What are you thinking about when you’re playing this passage?’

And I said I didn’t know, like a typical 15-year-old kid. And he said, ‘You see that girl in the front row? Look at her. Look into her eyes.’ As I looked at her I turned bright red and she turned bright red. He then told me, ‘Play this passage while looking at her.’

From my perspective, “I think I was maybe the only kid who wasn’t out surfing. — Paul Wiancko

”

“I thought, ‘Oh, god,’” Wiancko said.

“I had to play this romantic melody while looking at a stranger in the face. Something about telling me that, it worked.”

Wiancko would perform with Ma again later in his career while at USC. He said he’s spoken to him on a few occasions and sees him as a mentor along with other cellists.

Wiancko also played the song “At Last” with Etta James at the Hollywood Bowl.

San Clemente native Paul Wiancko has performed and continues to travel around the world playing the cello. Photo: Eric Heinz

After college and living in Los Angeles, he decided to move to New York to pursue his career. Wiancko said moving to New York broadened his horizons for playing cello, and he played with the Grammy Award-winning group The Harlem Quartet for three seasons. He has also performed with groups on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as well as with Chick Corea, the jazz pianist.

The Thin Line of Excellence Discerning between good and great musicians can be difficult for those who aren’t listening to a certain genre hours at a time for years.

It’s Wiancko’s motivation to always cultivate his playing skills and to develop into a better musician that fuels his career and performances.

“It’s definitely the drive to continue to improve, which can be completely internal or it can be kind of something that comes from the community or your friends and your mentors,” Wiancko said. “I would say

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that living in New York, being surrounded by really fantastic musicians—most of my friends are just out-of-this-world good at music—is really inspiring.

“It really kind of gives you a different way of looking at day-to-day life in the way that if you don’t do something today that is productive, maybe it wasn’t the best day, to have a good day means to accomplish something,” Wiancko said. “Somehow I need to be moving forward, whether that be musically or psychologically. My own personal search of where I belong in the musical world never ceases, which can be tiring at certain points where I feel like I have a typical 9-to-5 job, but (that drive) never stops.”

Wiancko said being productive and contemplative is the “best medicine” to getting over a bad day. If he doesn’t get as much done one day, he tries to double his productivity the next.

“I started composing for the first time in my life after I left The Harlem Quartet, which was a whole other world for me,” Wiancko said.

On his website is a song called “Lift,” which Wiancko wrote and composed. It begins with a complex gathering of notes that shoots out of the first measure and transcends over different rhythm.

“I never went to school for composition, so it was kind of a leap of faith to put aside a full-time gig with The Harlem Quartet,” Wiancko said. “We were on the road maybe 10 months out of the year, and it was kind of a dream job. Their string quartet repertoire is second to none. But I felt since I was a kid this need to create my own music. This took a lot of guts; guts I did not have when I was a younger kid.”

Wiancko said playing in a quartet helped with his inspiration, but he needed to fill a void that wasn’t quite met.

“I had a lot of friends who were amazing composers who helped me out,” he said. “I had a few people ask me to compose, and I knew I had to do a really good job. That was my first major classical work, and while I was writing the piece, my father passed away. So this became a dedication to him and his films. Every movement is like a different scene out of every one of his films.”

He said his opening to the song is his own tribute to classical chamber music, where the beginning tries to get people’s attention before drifting into more harmonic tunes. Wiancko also plays guitar, bass, some blues harmonica, the theremin and a few other instruments.

Visit www.paulwiancko.com to listen to “Lift” and more of his pieces. SC

Paul Wiancko will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Casa Romantica. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. See a short video of Wiancko performing at www.sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community SC Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente Coastal Advisory Committee will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 N. Calle Seville.

949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

SC CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION Noon. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will host an informational meeting with its new membership orientation. Ballpark Pizza, 1231 Puerta Del Sol, Unit 200, San Clemente. 949.492.1131. www.scchamber.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

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

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio.

949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

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.

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. San Clemente Baha’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente.

805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

BILY MEETING 7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

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.

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

were called to three men walking down the middle of the street carrying a trash can and walking up to doors.

Saturday, January 7

COMPILED BY STAFF 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.

DRUNK DRIVING N. El Camino Real/Avenida Pico (11:42 p.m.) Police were called to a report of a drunk driver who was following the caller and trying to start a confrontation. The man was described as driving a gray Dodge truck, and had long brown hair and a goatee.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Ola Vista, 500 Block (11:31 p.m.) A man said two people broke a tenant’s window and left in a silver Toyota Corolla.

Monday, January 9 VANDALISM REPORT Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (12:22 p.m.) Someone kicked a display counter and damaged it.

DISTURBANCE Vina Vial, 3000 Block (10:06 p.m.) Police were called to people in the front yard of a “rehab house” smoking drugs. The caller said the smell was so strong that it was bothering them.

VANDALISM REPORT Avenida Santa Margarita, 300 Block (12:12 p.m.) Someone had spray-painted the residence.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Hidalgo, 600 Block (6:19 a.m.) A caller reported a burned or melted mark on their vehicle’s passenger-side window.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (9:40 p.m.) A patrol check was conducted for a couple who were seen injecting an unknown substance into themselves with needles.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Via Arboleda, 2700 Block (12:17 a.m.) The caller said a loud drill could be heard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Jade, 2500 Block (8 p.m.) Police were called to a man seen running away.

The caller said they could hear a dog barking two houses from where the man was seen.

Sunday, January 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (5:16 p.m.)

People were seen lighting a Christmas tree on fire on the beach.

DISTURBANCE Via Cascadita/Via Montego (4:08 p.m.) Juveniles were seen skateboarding on the roof of the location.

DISTURBANCE Calle Amistad, 100 Block (7:43 p.m.) A woman said a man dressed in a gorilla suit was constantly ringing her doorbell. When she answered the door, the man growled at her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Turqueza, 2400 Block (12:52 p.m.)

A group of juveniles was seen with airsoft rifles.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Plaza Estival, 300 Block (5:25 p.m.) A woman said her neighbor was drunk and was at her door screaming profanities.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Via Pico Plaza, 0 Block (9:41 a.m.) The driver’s-side door to a car was open but no one was inside.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (1:50 a.m.) A “suspicious” informant was slurring their words as they told police a woman was assaulted in front of the bar.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Saluda, 300 Block (9:06 a.m.) A caller reported graffiti on the walls of the men’s restroom.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 300 Block (6:48 a.m.) A person was seen loitering and randomly screaming.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 300 Block (5:40 a.m.) A man was seen talking to himself and rocking back and forth.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Sonrisa, 0 Block (2:38 a.m.) Police were called to the Cabrillo Playhouse for an open door, but the caller did not see anyone in the area.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Sonrisa, 0 Block (2:20 a.m.) Police

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY S. El Camino Real/ Avenida Barcelona (12:43 a.m.)

Orange County Fire Authority called for assistance regarding two palm trees that were engulfed in flames.

Friday, January 6 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Vera Cruz/Calle Sarmentoso (11:35 p.m.) Police were called to five to 10 juveniles who were seen putting glass in the middle of the street and watching vehicles run over it.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Puente, 1100 Block (10:33 p.m.) Police were called to a motorhome after a caller said a man living in it was throwing trash Page 7

into the street and urinating out the door.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Espiritu/Via Villagio (9:58 a.m.)

Police were called to two men trying to open vehicle door handles and shining flashlights into the vehicles. The men were described as in their 20s and carrying skateboards.

PATROL CHECK E. Avenida Palizada/Avenida De La Estrella (6:17 p.m.) Police were called to people throwing eggs at vehicles.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (4:48 p.m.) A man in his 40s was outside screaming and customers of the business said they were afraid to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 500 Block (12:35 p.m.)

The caller said “A bunch of homeless (people were) outside smoking weed.”

Thursday, January 5 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 200 Block (8:45 p.m.)

A man—possibly drunk, on drugs or with mental health issues—was seen dancing in the middle of a crosswalk.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Rocoso, 5900 Block (5:57 p.m.)

Police were called to a man going door to door asking for money for the Veterans Administration without showing credentials.

Wednesday, January 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Del Mar/Ola Vista (11:31 p.m.)

Police were called for a silver Hyundai that was slowly following someone who was walking along the street. The caller said they thought it was suspicious. The driver put on his right blinker and then turned left.

DISTURBANCE Boca De La Playa/Avenida Pico (10:08 p.m.) The caller said some people had set up camp underneath the lifeguard tower.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Cordoba, 300 Block (9:03 p.m.)

A woman said a house she could see was vacant, but there was someone with a flashlight in the bushes on the side of the house.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares/Calle Agua (8:33 p.m.) Police were called to a “vape shop” and movie theater for two juveniles that were allegedly loitering and using “bad language.”

PETTY THEFT REPORT 0 Block, Via Oviendo (7:54 p.m.) A man said his 13-year-old son had a party at the house the day before and a “bunch of items” were stolen.

FOUND PROPERTY Via Cascadita, 2700 Block (4:53 p.m.) A man called and said he found four $100 bills. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: The Bartlett Bulletin by Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

The Homeless Population in Orange County

I

n a county with one of the state’s most expensive housing markets, providing additional resources to help homeless people transition to long-term housing is more critical than ever, as well as addressing the complex social and medical issues that result in chronic homelessness.

To that end, every two years, during the last week of January, a countywide PointIn-Time Count (PIT) takes place to count and survey the homeless population in Orange County. The PIT Count is planned, coordinated and carried out locally to meet Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements for Continuum of Care (CoC) homeless programs.

Locally, the CoC supports the coordinated efforts of 15 nonprofit agencies that provide rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness within our communities.

The PIT Count process is a critical factor in determining the amount of federal funding the county receives to serve the homeless population. It also provides in-

Letters to the Editor STATE OF THE BATALION, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2016 BATTALION COMMANDER LT. BRIAN GREENE

Sgt. Maj. Vargas and I would like to say “thank you” to our adopted city of San Clemente for hosting another outstanding “Welcome Back” party on Dec. 9. The party had everything, including great food, comradery, prizes, Christmas gifts for the children and that amazing San Clemente hospitality that makes our team great. The city officials came out to present our post deployment awards to five deserving Marines and Sailors. They took part in the French Fourragere ceremony as well as our welcoming home celebration for a former Magnificent Bastard, John Hancock, who walked nearly 6,000 miles, visiting over 75 Gold Star families and Marines. On Dec. 12, he concluded a 15 month trek across our great nation honoring the Gold Star families of Marines and Sailors. It also became a healing process for him and those he visited. Our final ceremony ended this year in fashion with our 241st Marine Corps Ball. Upon completion of the ball, the battalion departed on some well-deserved holiday and San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

centers on the morning of the Count. The South County deployment centers will be Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente, and Families Forward in Irvine. To register as a volunteer, please THE BARTLETT visit the project website at BULLETIN www.pointintimeoc.org or

By Lisa Bartlett email pointintime@211oc. org. Additional information on ways to get involved or make a charitable donation is available at www.pointintimeoc.org.

Thank you kindly for your generous time and selfless effort in assuring that homeless and at-risk individuals and families in our county receive the care and services they need. SC

formation on how to improve the available resources and approaches to meet the needs of the different populations.

Two years ago, my staff and I were pleased to participate in the 2015 PIT Count. This year, the 2017 Count provides another opportunity for communities to come together to learn about the resources available, gain insights into the plight of people that are currently experiencing homelessness, and make a contribution to the broader solutions to end homelessness in our county.

Because having an accurate and comprehensive Count relies on the participation of hundreds of volunteers, I am inviting you to volunteer for the 2017 Point-In-Time Count on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 4:30-9 a.m. The 2017 Count will be deployed from deployment centers located in each of the five Supervisorial Districts to survey the surrounding neighborhoods for homelessness.

An estimated 1,500 volunteers are needed to work in the field and at deployment

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.

post-deployment leave.

The battalion has been so fortunate to have the outstanding support from our division and regiment upon our return home. Our return was recognized officially when Major General O’Donohue, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, addressed the Marines and Sailors of 2/4 and welcomed the Magnificent Bastards back from deployment. Your Magnificent Bastards touched down in 12 different countries and trained with four different foreign militaries. We could not be prouder of the hard work and dedication they exude on a continual basis.

Over the last two months, the Battalion has promoted over 50 Marines and Sailors.

We have awarded nearly 20 Navy Achievement Medals for outstanding work during their time with 2/4. The New Year will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but I know the battalion is ready for them. This will be my last monthly newsletter as I prepare to turn it over to Lieutenant Colonel Warren Cook. I know he will continue the great legacy of the Magnificent Bastards.

It has been an amazing journey to serve next to your Magnificent Bastards. It has been an honor and privilege that I will cherish forever.

If you would like to see pictures of our training with the 31st MEU and updates on our battalion, please “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/2dbattalion4thmarines.

PET EXCREMENT A PROBLEM IN SAN CLEMENTE GEORGE GREGORY, San Clemente

Recently, what I thought would be a pleasant walk along the beach trail turned into an obstacle trail full of poop from canine owners.

On a short walk from Buena Vista staircase to North Beach, I counted more than 10 piles of poop plus a huge one on the grass at the pool house and more along Los Bolas. Some were in bags so the owner can fling them into the bushes.

I’m not looking for them. I’m avoiding them. One citizen was spotted picking up others’ waste. I think dog-walking rights need to be taken away for these violations.

After all, we don’t let bird poop pile up.

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.

Page 8

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Jan. 13 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso 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.

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@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Victor Carno Debra Holm Tim Trent Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 2. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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able landscape. The workshop is part of an ongoing series. Tree of Life Nursery.

33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

TINKERGARTEN PARENT & ME FREE CLASS 10-11:15 a.m. Stop by the beach for a free trial class with Tinkergarten, where playbased learning enables kids to pick up skills in a new way. San Clemente State Park Campgrounds. 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.412.9889. www.tinkergarten.com/classes/4487

EDITOR’S PICK

SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL MATTRESS FUNDRAISER 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by San Clemente High School for the fourth annual fundraising event, wherein all sizes of mattresses will be available for purchase at a discount.

Purchases benefit the high school’s music program. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.

Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, JAN. 13: LIVE THEATER: ‘KITCHEN WITCHES’ 8 p.m. Combine Martha Stewart and Jerry Springer and you have the rousing, hilarious comedy, Kitchen Witches, which premieres at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Show runs through Feb. 5, and tickets start at $20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 12 SOUTH AFRICAN WINE TASTING 7-9 p.m. Taste a flight of wines from South Africa at Barnoa Wine Bar. The $25 fee includes the wine sampling and light appetizers. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THREE SIGNS OF TROUBLE 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Three Signs of Trouble at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Friday | 13 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE MUSIC: VOODOO GROOVE 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Voodoo Groove at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE MUSIC: JIMI JAMES 8 p.m. Listen to live music by Jimi James at Wind and Sea. 34699 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.windandsearestaurants.com. 949.496.6500.

OCEAN INSTITUTE CANNON BATTLE SAILS 1-4 p.m. Witness the annual mock cannon battle at the Ocean Institute. The Spirit of Dana Point will engage in a pretend fight with visiting tall ships, the Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington. Enjoy blasting

THE DISH

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 6 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts their monthly night of comedy, Second Stage Stand-Up. This month, laugh along with Fritz Coleman, Dana Eagle, Matin Atrushi, Tom Riehl and Ron Ruhman.

Admission is $17.50 and reservations are recommended. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.comedyintheoc.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE BAYOU BROTHERS 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from The Bayou Brothers at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE MUSIC: LEROY 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Leroy at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.

388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Sunday | 15 BEND AND BREW 11:30 a.m. I Heart Yoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente. It’s a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

(Cont. on page 13)

THAI JUAN ON’S RED DEVIL

M

LIVE MUSIC: POUL PEDERSON 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Poul Pederson at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Saturday | 14 SUP YOGA 8 a.m. I Heart Yoga and Westwind Sailing join together to hold stand-up paddleboard yoga. The class is held every second Saturday of the month. $35 with board rental, $25 if you bring your own board. Sign up online, classes fill quickly. Westwind Sailing. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m. Join Tree of Life’s Sam Manning as he gives this practical, easy-to-follow talk about how to remove your lawn to make way for a fresh and more sustain-

WATERCOLOR FOR BEGINNERS WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This two-day painting workshop runs Saturday and Sunday and will teach students how to create a successful watercolor piece. Become a confident watercolorist by learning the tools that will allow you to achieve great drawings, beautiful gradients and more. Cost is $150 per student. San Clemente Art Supply.

1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.

cannons, towering rigging, bustling decks and the magnificence of canvas full of wind. Work with the crew hauling up sail or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular demonstration of skill, knowledge and survival. Tickets are $60 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military and children.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

enus are powerful tools for setting expectations in a restaurant.

Though it may be an esoteric exercise to appreciate the menu as an individual item—instead of as a means to an end (that is, food)—we’re all influenced consciously and subconsciously by the arrangement of photos, text and numbers on any given menu.

So what, then, do we make of “Thai Juan On’s” dish “Red Devil”?

First, Thai Juan On stands out amongst the bevy of pun-filled Thai restaurants in Orange County, as it endearingly doubles— nay, triples down—indicating food type, location and the amount of drinking you’ll do at its excellent bar. And “Red Devil,” the anglicized name for the curry dish masaman nue, inspires at least bravery and at most an order of milk to deal with whatever diabolic spice is involved. (Though no need to worry about the heat—the end of Red Devil’s menu entry reads “COPACETIC!” In short, if you can get past the pun, Thai Juan On is a bastion for imaginative fun.

That imagination, thankfully, extends to

Page 11

the food. In the Red Devil, whose spiciness can be made to taste, chunks of pull-apart beef roast are simmered in a coconut milk red curry, and garnished with chunks of red potatoes, onions and peanuts. It’s an ideal dish for our recent rainy weather, warming the soul with the fattiness of the beef, the richness of the curry and the familiarity of peanut. It’s meat and potatoes dressed up in a story, then dressed down to a casual, palate-pleaser.

Thai Juan On 31878 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.0332. wwwthaijuanon.com

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 11) CASA KIDS: SWAZZLE PUPPET SHOW 3-4 p.m. Swazzle’s The Tortoise and the Hare is a hilarious, action-packed reimagining of the classic Aesop’s Fable. Children participate in the puppetry show with games that teach important lessons about manners and habits. Admission is free.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

gist Joanne Schwartz. Learn about finding and identifying fungi in Southern California and beyond, as well as about their place in nature. Guests will also hear some tales of fungal folklore. Admission is free, but reserve a spot online. A separate mushroom hunt will be conducted on January 21. Guest House at the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Monday | 16

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

BRIDGE LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bridge lessons will be held for those new to the game as well as those who haven’t played in a while. The lessons span four Mondays in January, and the series costs $60 total. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31261 Rancho Viejo Rd., Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. Contact janedober@gmail.com for registration. www.danaharborbridgecenter.org.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 17 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 9-10:15 a.m. Children ages 2 and 3 and their parents are invited to the Ocean Institute to explore shapes, colors, textures and more with the sea star. Program runs on six successive Tuesdays until Feb. 21. Each session includes exploration, an animal encounter and an activity. Cost is $30 for a single drop-in class and $150 for the full series. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

LECTURE: FUN WITH FUNGI 7-8:30 p.m. Explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycoloSan Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

Wednesday | 18 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE MUSIC: CALAFIA STONES 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Calafia Stones at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 19 LIVE MUSIC: THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from the Kalama Brothers at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to San Clemente Times by going to www.sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

On Stage at the Coach House: The Blind Boys of Alabama

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

e asked Jimmy Carter, a founding member of the Blind Boys of Alabama, what it felt like to earn two Grammy Award nominations 78 years after the group first sang together.

“This is nothing new,” Carter said, laughing. “We’ve got five already. Even if I don’t win, I won’t feel too bad. I would love to get the sixth one though.”

It’s easy to imagine how awards might be of minimal importance in a singing career that started in the Jim Crow era, in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind, and saw the Blind Boys become a vital Photo: Courtesy part of the Civil Rights Movement soundtrack, playing at benefits for Martin Luther King, Jr. and at rallies across the country.

And though times have changed, the Blind Boys’ music hasn’t.

“We haven’t changed our sound,” Carter

said. “When the Blind Boys first started out, we had nothing but an acoustic guitar.

(But) now we have the whole works; we have the bass guitar, lead keyboards, drums… that’s the only thing we’ve changed.”

The group’s message hasn’t been altered much either—the gospel group has always been rooted in Christian identity and is hoping to bring in a wider audience.

“We are a gospel singing group,” Carter said. “We have a message for the people. …

We try to let the people know about Jesus and about God. If we can’t convey that to them, then that song is no good.”

The Blind Boys will take their message and music to the Coach House on Friday, Jan. 27. In the meantime, Carter says the group is working on an album with Amazon that will bring their sound “back to basics”… almost 80 years later.

At the Movies: Scorsese’s Eerie ‘Silence’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M

artin Scorsese’s Catholic upbringing has followed him his whole career.

It is evident from his consideration of becoming a missionary, to his films Mean Streets (1973) and The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), to religious imagery subtly appearing in films of his no matter the genre.

His movie currently in theaters is Silence, based on the Japanese novel by Shusaku Endu. The movie has been a decade in the making as a passion project of the director’s.

In 1640 Japan, Father Ferreira (Liam Neeson) is kidnapped and tortured by local samurai after Christianity has been forbidden despite many successful years of missionary work led by Europeans. Father Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Garupe (Adam Driver) leave Portugal to go on a quest to seek Ferreira’s whereabouts and if he has really turned away from the church, as was rumored. Their guide is a cowardly

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Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

drunk named Kichijiro (Yosuke Kubozuka).

Silence was co-adapted by Scorsese and Jay Cocks, marking their third film together after The Age of Innocence (1993) and Gangs of New York (2002). This is one of the harshest, yet respectful films to ever be made about Catholicism. Focusing on a piece of history that could have been a mess narratively, it is more genuine coming from the auteur. Garfield gives the performance of his career as a priest who feels it’s his duty to spread the word of the lord, while also facing his inner demons of doubt. The lack of score—hence the movie title—is eerie and effective. If you can stomach it, take a look at Scorsese’s latest. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 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@picketfencemedia.com.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

ART GALLERIES

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Integrative Chiropractic

647 Camino de los Mares, Suite 220, 949.616.5470, www.spinalvitality.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

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

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Four weeks in print and online.

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

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

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

SC Rider Supply

PLUMBING

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

A to Z Leak Detection

929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

TERMITES

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

SALONS

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

PET SERVICES/HOUSE SITTING

2-dogswalking.com

Ricky, 949.973.4128 Pet care –Insured & Bonded

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com HELP WANTED LARGE MOVING SALE. FURNITURE INCLUDED! Friday 1/13 and Saturday 1/14 at 8am. 705 Calle Amable, SC 92673 HUGE GARAGE SALE 1024 Las Posas in San Clemente 92673 on Saturday January 14th from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm early birds welcome! I am downsizing and selling off years of accumulated collectibles, vintage china, jewelry, glassware ....

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday.

No phone calls.

HELP WANTED DANA POINT MARINA INN – JOB FAIR The Dana Point Marina Inn is a 136 room community oriented hotel located in the heart of the Dana Point Harbor. Our primary business is local and regional leisure and group travelers. We are experiencing an increase in business and are looking for enthusiastic people to help make the hotel the best place to work and visit.

Current positions openings: • Front desk clerks – Full and part time • Reservation agents – Phone experience helpful • Breakfast room attendants -Monitor and stock breakfast room 6am to 10am • Maintenance – with basic plumbing and electrical knowledge • Painters with some dry wall patching experience • Housekeepers – cleaning guest rooms • Porters and runners – to stock housekeepers • Janitorial services - cleaning public areas pool/lobby and hallways Competitive pay and a great work environment. Expecting applications from January 3rd through January 21, 2017 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629 Se habla Español

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Fire and Rain

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

Meeting Single Seniors in the New Year

San Clemente Beach Conservation Program hosts cleanup with dozens of volunteers

Community involvement goes a long way when it comes to creating new relationships

I

love it when older singles contact me with a question or a comment after reading one of my “On Life and Love After 50” columns in The Capistrano Dispatch, Dana Point Times or San Clemente Times. The readers don’t always agree with what I wrote, but I appreciate them responding.

They often say something like, “I was at my hair salon, or at a shopping mall, or my doctor’s office, or maybe even at a friend’s house and read ON LIFE AND your article.”

LOVE AFTER 50 Which is why, on Dec.

By Tom Blake 30, I was at the Starbucks across from the Mission San Juan Capistrano, discussing the tri-city senior dating scene with Jim, a 69-year-old divorcée. Jim had read an article in The Capistrano Dispatch and thought I might be able to suggest where to meet quality senior women in and around South Orange County.

While he and I were discussing the importance of older singles getting out of the house and becoming involved in activities, I spotted my friend, Ann Ronan, sitting at a window table.

Ann is well known in San Juan Capistrano—she owns San Juan Capistrano Travel, has been a Chamber of Commerce board member since 2012, is a board member of the Friends of the Library, and is also a docent at the Mission.

I introduced Ann to Jim; Ann told him she met her husband, Ted, online nine years ago. Learning that piqued Jim’s interest, as he hadn’t had much luck in the online dating arena.

Ann also said that attending Chamber of Commerce mixers and events in all three South County cities is a great way to meet new people.

Jim enjoys riding his bike and said meeting people along the bike trails isn’t easy, but there is always a chance that he can make some new friends there as well.

By coincidence, later that night, I received an email from a woman named Yoko, who said, “I recently started receiving your weekly online newsletter, and I have to say those newsletters are a ‘hoot.’”

Of course, Yoko’s comment got my attention, so I read further.

She said, “I am 61 and just moved to SJC San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

and am having the time of my life. OC is raining men! I have met so many wonderful people and even though I have finally narrowed my dating to one man, I keep in touch with others as I value their friendships.

“Senior dating is about the attitude. If you grumble and complain all the time, who wants to be around you? Tell those singles out there to be positive, happy, active and volunteer in programs that help those less fortunate than you.”

Yoko’s next comment surprised me: “I’ve discovered great biking trails and hiking is fantastic in OC. ‘Silver Sneakers,’ (the age 65+ exercise group she observes when she is at 24 Hour Fitness) is a blast, and I volunteer in a homeless outreach and a food pantry through my church.

Meetup.com (an online activity website, not a dating site) is also a great place to meet people.

“I belong to Sunset to Sunrise Hikers and there are three to five hikes every day.

The Saturday Hike with Mike along Dana Point Strand and Salt Creek is a great place for a man to meet ladies.”

Yoko even offered to be Jim’s “bike friend” if he wants to road bike (no offroad bike trails for her). I shared Yoko’s comments with Jim. Another great place for seniors to make new acquaintances is in the Emeritus program at Saddleback College. The courses offered there are free to seniors.

Yoko is right. Single seniors hoping to meet other singles just need to get out and involved in our tri-city area as she has done with so much energy and enthusiasm.

Here’s to Yoko, Jim and all the tri-city senior singles in 2017.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.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

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he San Clemente Beach Conservation Program has been making headway with its efforts to increase beach cleanup events and to raise awareness of keeping the ocean clean.

Shon Miller, executive director and founder of the nonprofit, gathered dozens of people on Friday, Jan. 6, who collected more than 30 pounds of trash at San Onofre State Beach and another 40 pounds at Riviera Beach. Participants also picked up trash during The Bluffs 5K/12K run,

A child of one of the participants of the beach cleanup eats a s’more with friends and family members on Friday, Jan. 6, just north of San Clemente Pier.

which was hosted by the San Onofre Parks Foundation and Rock It Racing.

The next beach cleanup for the San Clemente Beach Conservancy Program will take place Jan. 21 at noon at San Onofre State Beach Trail No. 1. And another beach cleanup is scheduled for Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 4) along with another 5K/12K run.

Last month, the program officially adopted San Clemente State Beach as part of a pledge to continue their efforts of ocean protection. SC

Participants of the beach cleanup on Friday, Jan. 6, hosted by the San Clemente Beach Conservation Program, pose for a photo just north of San Clemente Pier.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Last week’s solution:

Page 15

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Q&A with Green Bay Packers OL Kyle Murphy Former SCHS, Stanford standout reflects on rookie season

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

s a member of the Green Bay Packers, San Clemente native Kyle Murphy has enjoyed the last eight weeks of the NFL season. The team has been on a tear and is on a seven-game winning streak, which includes a convincing victory over the New York Giants in the wild-card round of the playoffs on Jan. 8.

In the first 11 weeks of the season, the Packers stumbled their way to a 4-6 record, but they now head into Sunday’s divisional round matchup against the Dallas Cowboys as one of the hottest teams in the league.

Murphy, a rookie offensive lineman who was drafted in the sixth round last year out of Stanford University, has spent the season learning the ropes and carving his own path up the depth charts. The San Clemente Times caught up with Murphy this week to get his thoughts on his first season in the league, what’s next for him, and how he feels the Packers match up with the Cowboys.

San Clemente Times: What was it like to experience your first playoff game as an NFL player?

Kyle Murphy: It was crazy. We’ve had sell-outs at Lambeau Field for the last 50 years so just that atmosphere, when playoffs come around and it’s do or die and there is no tomorrow, that sense of urgency and excitement goes up that much more.

SCT: And that was quite the statement you guys made against a solid defensive team.

KM: It was cool to rematch a team. The Giants have had success since we played them (on Oct. 16) … and they supposedly had the hottest defense over the last couple months of the season. It was intense. We had that slow start, it was kind of a lull, but things got going and it was a hell of a day.

SCT: It’s been an interesting year for the team. You started off slow but are now on a winning streak. What flipped for you guys

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

Kyle Murphy and the Green Bay Packers will take on the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday. Photo: Evan Siegle/Green Bay Packers

along the way?

KM: Starting the season off, we had high expectations … but we had some injuries at key spots and that kind of made us change some things on the fly. It gave us some adversity. … A lot of (media) wrote us off. But we turned it around.

Throughout the year we didn’t really change our process. We were having that funk and a lot of times it’s easy for people to say ‘We need to change this, we need to change that,’ but I think we all had the confidence in each other that eventually things would come together for us, and they did, so everything’s been working ever since.

SCT: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your rookie season?

KM: The biggest thing I learned was just kind of staying the course and trusting the process. Trust that everyone on your team—the coaching staff, the support staff—will get their job done and not worrying so much about the big picture.

SCT: You’re behind some former and current Pro Bowl linemen on the depth chart.

What’s it like working with guys who are the best in the business at what they do?

KM: I’ve learned the importance of being a pro. Those older guys have been in the league for six, seven, eight years that have had success and signed these big contracts. They’re showing up multiple hours in the morning before they need to be there getting the extra treatment, the extra stretching, the extra ice tub in.

We’re really looking at it as, ‘This is my job; this is what I get paid to do.’ At the same time, you have to prepare that way because it will make it that much more fun when you’re prepared, confident and ready to go. It kind of all works together in that way.

SCT: How do you like living and working in Green Bay? KM: The cold was something to get used to (laughs). But it’s a little bit different world out here how people view football. I’ve come to enjoy that every day when I pull into the facility, there are at least five or six people waiting outside the gate area asking for autographs or trying to get a moment with us no matter who you are, whether you’re a big-time player or just a rookie trying to contribute in any way.

Obviously Green Bay isn’t the biggest city in the world and Lambeau is the biggest structure in the area, but I kind of like that small-town lifestyle. There aren’t a ton of things to distract you and everyone is super kind and welcoming. I kind of like this pace of living.

SCT: Thoughts on Sunday’s game?

KM: I think our defense will come out to play and try and neutralize (Dallas’) playmakers. We’ve been taking care of the ball well and we’ve been super-efficient with everything. I think if we stay the course, I’ve got the utmost confidence that we’ll be able to get the job done and be able to keep this thing going week by week. SC

Page 16

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Birmingham Leads Tritons to Wild Win over Troy

With his team trailing Troy and with just a handful of seconds remaining on the clock, San Clemente senior Blake Birmingham delivered the heroics on Jan. 6. The Tritons trailed by two when Birmingham drove to the lane and made a shot while getting fouled with just 3.9 seconds remaining. Birmingham made the ensuing free throw, which ensured a 57-56 nonleague victory for the Tritons.

The win put an exclamation point on the end of the nonleague schedule for the Tritons (10-7), who were set to open South Coast League play against Trabuco Hill on Jan. 11. Results were not available at press time.

Girls Hoops Opens League with Win

The San Clemente girls basketball team won its South Coast League opening game against El Toro 49-46 on Jan. 10. The Tritons (11-7) were led by Emma Borie, who scored 16 points, and Shae Waters, who chipped in 12. www.sanclementetimes.com

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San Clemente Times January 12–18, 2017

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Page 17

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Swell of Support

Community rallies around local pro Jake Davis during health battle

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n a scale of one to ten, sometimes the pain is an 800,” confides Jake Davis.

“I can’t comprehend what that is like or how that feels,” I say. Confounded and unsure how to respond, I ask, “What’s that feel like?”

“It feels like my spine is going to explode while I’m being electrocuted,” continues Jake.

If a man’s accomplishments are not measured by his successes, but by how he squares up to adversity, I can’t for the life of me figure out how this strapping young 20-year-old endures. So, I ask him, pointblank, “How do you survive?”

“One day at a time, appreciate the small things. Be as positive as I can. Keep moving,” he answers. “Someday, when I get through this, I want to make as much money as I can and just help people. That’s what this has taught me. Life’s not about material things, it’s about appreciating the time you have with the people around you.

It’s about giving back and service. I could be dead right now. I’ve got a lot of work to do while I’m here.”

In June 2015, Jake was on a surf trip to Costa Rica when he first started experiencing shooting back pains. With the swell pumping, he found himself sidelined with an ailment that had no explanation. Managing his pain the best he could, the rising surf star from Capo Beach kept pushing himself. Releasing video clips online and garnering a fair amount of media attention, much like his older brother, Luke, who’s

Jake Davis received immediate treatment once his rare spinal disorder was diagnosed, and he’s now on a long road to recovery. Photo: Courtesy

also a well-established pro surfer, his career appeared to be on the up and up. But the pain persisted, and in fact, would soon grow much more serious.

In Hawaii for the winter season later that year, he suffered a wipeout that drove him head and neck first into the reef. Immediately he feared he was paralyzed and would never walk again. Miraculously, he was able to carry himself out of the water under his own power. He immediately returned home in severe pain with symptoms that were rapidly growing more and more unbearable.

“He had three separate occasions when a random feeling of electric shock shot through his spine. The jolt went from his neck straight down to his lower back and into his legs. Each time he described the need to stay very still, afraid that, if he moved even slightly, he could become paralyzed,” described Glen Davis, Jake’s father.

For the next three months, Jake and his family struggled to solve the riddle. After meeting with a number of neurosurgeons, undergoing a battery of MRIs, CT scans

and X-rays, the answer remained illusive.

Eventually they lucked into an appointment with world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Bray, who has offices in Newport Beach and Marina Del Rey. After a further examination, Dr. Bray determined Jake was suffering from a rare disorder called Spinal Arteriovenus Malformation (AVM). Dr. Bray promptly cancelled his vacation plans and rushed Jake into emergency surgery to remove a large, throbbing blood vessel

Photo: Courtesy

demonstrative performance at the NSSA Seaside Reef Open, topping the podium in both the Men’s and Junior’s divisions. With conditions ranging from good to victory at sea, he was able to notch his first wins of the NSSA season.

“It feels really good!” said Schilling afterwards, who now finds himself sitting fourth in the 2016-17 NSSA Southwest Junior rankings. He’s knotted at the top with Lowers cohorts Kade Matson, who’s ranked third, and Crosby Colapinto, who’s ranked sixth.

All told, the comp at Seaside was a good one for San Clemente’s surfers. Kirra Pinkerton also swept two divisions, winning the Girl’s and Women’s divisions. Samantha Sibley took second in the Women’s, and wunderkid Cannon Carr finished second in the Mini Groms.

GROM OF THE WEEK

JETT SCHILLING

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he year 2016 ended with a flurry of success for San Clemente’s brightest rising surf stars. Leading the charge was 2016 Grom of the Year, Griffin Colapinto, who headed down under for the WSL World Junior Championships and slid into second place. After a breakthrough showing in Hawaii this winter and his runner-up at the World Championships, he’s giving everyone in the area a lot to be excited about.

But this week, taking Grom of the Week honors is 13-year-old Jett Schilling.

The young stylist wrapped up 2016 with a

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2017

Davis underwent a procedure to relieve pressure from an enlarged blood vessel on his spine.

Photo: Courtesy

Page 18

that had grown between his T1 and T4 vertebrae. It would only be the 33rd such surgery performed by the doctor.

“Dr. Bray is the only one that knew what was going on. Ten years ago there wasn’t even a diagnosis for this, but he discovered it,” says Jake. “There are only two doctors in the country that do the surgery. He’s one of them and there’s one in New York.”

Ten months since the surgery, Jake’s progress remains slow. “I’m figuring it out, but I have a long way to go with the therapy and rehab,” says Jake. “I can’t exercise because anything that stresses my core freaks out my nervous system. It affects my brain in some very serious ways. My short-term memory is shot. I can’t even read or watch TV because of how it affects the nerves in the back of my eyes.”

But true to the surf community’s spirit of taking care of their own, the tribe’s rallying around Jake. “A couple weeks ago I went down for a surf at the Pier and Jake was standing in the water up to his shoulders in trunks,” said friend Shon Miller. “I asked him what he was doing and he said it was the only thing that helped his nerves calm down.

I wasn’t even going to surf that day, but after running into him I knew it all happened for a reason and I had to do something.”

Miller, who’s the founder of San Clemente Beach Conservation, got to work organizing a fundraiser. On Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Hapa J’s in San Clemente, Miller is throwing a Taco Tuesday party for Jake. Proceeds from taco sales and a silent auction featuring surfboards from …Lost, works from local artists, and all kinds of other good stuff are going to help cover Jake’s myriad medical expenses. The family has also set up a fundraising site online to help at www.youcaring.com/jake-davis-542855.

Miller has also set up a fundraiser on his site at www.beachconservation.com.

“You’re just going through life, doing your thing, then something like this happens,” says Jake. “But I’ve learned and grown a lot. If you can hang on, sometimes there’s a silver lining to even the darkest clouds.” SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 55-59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-10’ Fair Thursday: Mid period West swell offers up waistchest high (3-4’) surf with some larger sets at top spots around the more favorable tides. Winds are calm to light onshore in the morning with light onshore flow due to take over in the afternoon.

Outlook: Modest size West swell and some underlying South swell keep most breaks rideable through the upcoming weekend. Winds are a bit of a wildcard but early mornings look to see mostly clean conditions. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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