February 9, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

February 9-15, 2017

YO U

C A N

U S E

‘Knit Wits’ Continue to Make Clothing for USMC Children PAGE 3 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 6

Fresh Take

Freshman high school students receive grant to host health fair EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Sophia Mains, left, and Chloe Kamp, co-presidents of Future Problem Solvers at San Clemente High School, will host the Food, Fitness and Fun Fair from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Marblehead Park. Photo: Eric Heinz

County Water District ‘Urges’ State to End Severe Drought Restrictions EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Los Rios Rock School Teaches Local Kids the Language of Music SC LIVING/PAGE 15

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San Clemente High School Celebrates National Signing Day SPORTS/PAGE 16

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Anette Leinen, a member of the San Clemente Knit Wits, holds up a blanket she’s been working on. She tries to incorporate “USMC Baby” into the patterns. Photo: Eric Heinz

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week San Clemente ‘Knit Wits’ Make Blankets for Camp Pendleton Newborns THE LATEST: There’s a high possibility that a family based at Camp Pendleton has received a blanket for their baby from a group of women in San Clemente.

The women call themselves the San Clemente Knit Wits, known for their knitting skills and being witty, and their goal is to create blankets, hats, booties and more for Marine families who are expecting a child.

The Knit Wits met almost 20 years ago at Ole Hanson Beach Club during pool aerobics class. One of the class members had been involved with taking items to young couples at the base and mentioned Baby Boot Camp.

It all evolved from there, as the Knit Wits went from making the items once a year and only bringing about 20 or so items to visiting four times a year with close to 100 items each time.

WHAT’S NEXT: Twice a month, a small group of 13 gather together in a member’s San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

home. On Tuesday, they met at the San Clemente Villas and had already packed more than 30 sets to take to the base.

Each member of the group brings a different sense of creativity and specialty.

Maureen Wagner, a Capistrano Beach resident, makes hats, and Sam Somerville of San Clemente uses a loom for her items.

“I just started one day and now I can’t stop,” Somerville joked.

She said she can average 10 looms in a week.

Carol Hagdedorn, a Dana Point resident, said everything is washable, which she knows is important being a mother herself. —Kristina Pritchett

County Water District Declares End of Severe Drought THE LATEST: Record precipitation this late fall to winter and swelling reservoirs have convinced the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) board of directors to ask state water officials to end state of emergency water restrictions.

The board unanimously passed a resolution to “urge” the state to lift the restrictions, according to a press release distributed on Monday.

The State Water Resources Control Board, which sets the regulations, is set to vote on Wednesday, Feb. 8, on whether to lift the emergency restrictions put in place by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014. But on the agenda, the staff’s recommendation

to the board is to continue the restrictions another 270 days.

MWDOC officials argued the Sierra Nevada snowpack has measured at 173 percent of normal with an accumulated precipitation of 53.2 inches in Northern California, or 198 percent of normal, which is where most of Southern California’s water comes from, according to the release.

Jonathan Volzke, public information officer for MWDOC, said the data from the Department of Agriculture’s Drought Monitor has convinced board members that there is no longer a need for the emergency restrictions, as the state is no longer categorized as part of the monitor’s most extreme drought level. Volzke said the formula for the map is inclusive of many different drought factors including soil moisture and total rainfall.

Wayne Osborne, president of the MWDOC board of directors, stated in a press release that it is imperative the state lift the restrictions because it erodes credibility of officials when it’s been raining as much as it has the past few months while restrictions continue.

The district stated in its release that it’s important to maintain that credibility as California WaterFix and EcoRestore projects drive more drinking water to Southern California and enhance the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

“MWDOC (board of) directors on Monday cautioned residents to continue being water efficient, even as the emergency (situation)has passed,” the release stated. “Orange County residents continue to use about the same amount of water as they did two decades ago, although the population has increased by more than one million people.”

The city of San Clemente adopted its own water restrictions and tiered water allocation in 2015 and amended them in 2016.

WHAT’S NEXT: Results of the state’s water board vote on whether to lift the emergency regulations were not available at press time.

Editor’s note: Jonathan Volzke is the founder of The Capistrano Dispatch, a division of Picket Fence Media, and was the editor of the publication until 2012.

—Eric Heinz

patios that have been lost,” said Serge Tomassian, the attorney for the homeowners.

The bluffs have been eroded significantly due to the heavy rains the area has experienced over the last two months.

The San Clemente Times compared two photos—one from 2011 and one from Tuesday, Feb. 7, of the bluffs and some erosion and further damage to at least two of the homes is visible, but without proper geologic data, it’s not easy to tell the extent of that damage.

The homeowners settled a lawsuit last year for $10.8 million between the city of San Clemente and Shorecliffs Golf Club to repair the area where the homes were affected, much of which was paid through insurance policies, according to Tomassian.

You can see the photos compared side by side in this article at www.sanclementetimes.com.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city has continued to seek proper permitting in order to execute work on the bluffs and the drainage system, but the latest information from the city was that the processes for those have not yet been completed. —EH

City Council Votes to Further Two Parking Studies THE LATEST: San Clemente City Council voted to continue work on the downtown and North Beach parking studies.

The two studies, presented to the Council on Tuesday, Feb. 7, examine the occupancy consistency of parking in the areas in order to study how to better manage existing spots.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Council approved recommendations for the plans and to establish a master work plan with a parking team that will have a progress report on solving the parking issues downtown.

The plans can be found at www.san-clemente.org under Government and clicking City Council and then Agendas under the Feb. 7 meeting. —EH

San Clemente Day a Go for Late February

Via Ballena Homeowners Worry about Erosion after Rain

THE LATEST: City Council approved on Tuesday that the last Saturday in February will be known as “San Clemente Day,” a day for people of the community to celebrate the city’s history and heritage.

THE LATEST: The attorney for the homeowners affected by a 2011 landslide said he is concerned the bluffs are further eroding, based on information he’s received from geologists and other experts hired to assess the area.

“There’s been more backyards and

WHAT’S NEXT: There are only 16 days until the last Saturday in February, so Council members said they will use this year as a “soft” San Clemente Day to give time to plan for next year’s. What will take place this year is yet to be determined. —EH

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EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

City Asks Motorists to Mind Pedestrian Safety at Pico and Vista Hermosa The city of San Clemente issued a press release last week to remind drivers about pedestrian safety.

“With the ongoing construction along the I-5 and Avenida Pico and Avenida Vista Hermosa interchanges, it is important that motorists respect construction zones and pay attention to signage installed around these projects,” the release stated. “These projects can affect normal traffic patterns and speeds with reduced speed limits enforced. The sidewalks and crosswalks at these interchanges can receive heavy pedestrian use, particularly before and after school.”

The city is asking motorists to look for and be aware of pedestrians and exercise caution when exiting or entering freeway off-ramps or on-ramps. For information about the I-5 construction, visit www.octa.net/I5Pico.

CUSD Appoints Leader of Special Education Services, District Strategic Plan The Capistrano Unified School District announced last week that Janie Hoy has been appointed to the position of Interim Associate Superintendent of the Special Education Services, according to a press release. Hoy will also oversee the work of the Strategic Plan Taskforce Advisory Committee (SPTAC) that will

SC Sheriff’s Blotter 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.

Monday, February 6 VANDALISM REPORT Calle De Los Molinos, 100 Block (5:21 a.m.) A woman reported two broken windows.

Sunday, February 5

be composed of representatives from all stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, support staff and administrators.

The primary goal of the SPTAC is to use the results of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Team Special Education Review to advise district staff on creating a structured outline that ensures all students have a continuum of services with quality supports, resources and access to district academic and behavioral programs in the least restrictive environment, placing emphasis on maximizing opportunities for students with special needs to learn with general education peers. Hoy’s experience includes serving as director of Student Services for Huntington Beach Union High School District, five years as principal at Huntington Beach High School and a prior 13 years with the Capistrano Unified School District, serving eight of those in administrative positions.

Hoy was also activities director at San Clemente High School.

Legacy League to Host Second Annual Oscars Party The San Clemente Legacy League (SCLL) will host its second annual “Oscars at the Talega Golf Club,” beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 900 Avenida Talega in San Clemente. Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

The Legacy League’s mission is to work with other organizations, businesses, San Clemente residents and the city to plan and execute long-term “bricks and mortar legacy” projects.

Attendees can win prize money for correctly choosing 2017 Oscars winners; ballots

San Clemente Abolitionists to Host Annual Valentine’s Day Bake Sale The San Clemente Abolitionists will host a bake sale starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at The Cellar, located at 156 Avenida Del Mar. The proceeds from the sale will benefit LOVE 146, an organization that works to curtail human trafficking and slavery. For more information, visit www.love146.org.

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

phone from her husband.

DISTURBANCE Calle Sacramento, 1500 Block (4:31 p.m.) Someone reported a “loud Super Bowl” party.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Rambla, 300 Block (4:20 p.m.)

A group of men were reportedly digging in the side of a cliff.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 2800 Block (3:35 p.m.) The caller said a neighbor kicked something on their porch and broke it.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 600 Block (12:25 p.m.) The caller’s daughter was making a scene after her driving privileges were taken away.

DISTURBANCE La Ronda, 100 Block (5:55 p.m.) Someone reported loud kicking and stomping.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Cazador Lane, 300 Block (8:58 a.m.)

Someone was reportedly setting up camp in Trafalgar Canyon.

DISTURBANCE 0 Block, Via Colorso (5:14 p.m.) A woman said her daughter took a

PETTY THEFT Avenida Pico, 900 Block (2:10 a.m.) People stole beer from the location.

San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

are $5 each or 6 for $25. They can bid on vintage and faux bling among many silent auction items. Attendees can also vie for prizes for best “Oscars” attire at the event.

All proceeds will help fund Spanish tiles to beautify the stair risers leading from the beach trail to San Clemente neighborhoods.

To order tickets, call Freda D’Souza at 949.374.4944 or Kathy de los Monteros at 949.973.1673. Credit card and checks are acceptable—mail checks payable to the San Clemente Legacy League with ticket order form to: SCLL Oscars, 177 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA 92672. If you can’t attend but wish to donate to the project, simply write “tile project” in the memo line of your check donation.

San Clemente citizens interested in joining the Legacy League, as well as businesses, organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring legacy projects in San Clemente, can contact Freda D’Souza via cell phone at 949.374.4944 or via email at owner@alwaysinn.com.

Saturday, February 4 DISTURBANCE Calle Puente/Escalones (9:27 p.m.) Police were called to someone setting up a sound system on their front lawn.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 300 Block (12:15 p.m.) A man was on a patio and yelling at customers.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Avenida Cabrillo, 300 Block (11:13 a.m.) Officers were told there were incidents of “slapping, running, screaming and banging on walls.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (10:32 a.m.)

Someone was smoking “something on foil.”

Friday, February 3 CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Vista Montana, 100 Block (7:06 p.m.) A woman said a man was in the store posing as an employee.

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Community Meetings THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 7 p.m. The Coastal Advisory Committee will host its regularly scheduled meeting. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville.

949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

BLOOD AND BONE MARROW DRIVE 1-6 p.m. People may donate to the San Diego Blood Bank. Participants will receive free Chipotle food coupons. Albertsons, 804 Avenida Pico. 1.800.469.7322. www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

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

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

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.

WELLNESS & PREVENTION COALITION MEETING 4 p.m. The coalition will present and approve its 12-month action plan for inclusion in their Drug Free Communities grant request. Triton Center Conference Room.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

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.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PANEL MEETING 5:30 p.m. The quarterly meeting regarding San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station will take place. Topics include the Scripps seismic study and the introduction of the decommissioning general contractor. Ocean Institute, Dana Point. 949.368.9750. www. songscommunity.com.

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Sophia Mains, left, and Chloe Kamp, co-presidents of Future Problem Solvers at San Clemente High School, were selected to receive a grant from Disney and Youth Services America to host an event that helps their community. Photo: Eric Heinz

Fresh Take First-year SCHS students receive grant to put on health fair

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

wo San Clemente High School students started a club from scratch this year that prompts fellow students to tackle issues, and they were one group out of 350 applicants selected for a grant from Disney in partnership with Youth Service of America.

San Clemente High School freshmen Sophia Mains and Chloe Kamp will use the money to run the Food, Fun and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Marblehead Park in San Clemente.

The club, Future Problem Solvers (FPS), received $500 to pay for event items such as T-shirts, promotional items, prizes for the event health vendors and the permit for the event at the park. The goal is to raise awareness of childhood obesity and promote healthy living.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in six children in the U.S. are considered obese for their age.

However, according to a statistical map published in 2015, most states saw “significant decreases” in childhood obesity for kids ages 2 to 4 between 2010 and 2014.

The two girls started their own branch of the international FPS program when they were students at St. Anne’s School in Laguna Niguel, and brought it with them to San Clemente High School.

Mains and Kamp said they enjoyed the club so much that they didn’t want to discontinue participating in it once they got to high school.

“It’s the first year of this club and us being freshman, we’d never been the presidents of a (high school) club before,” Mains said. “We had to go through the San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

whole process of becoming a club, which was pretty difficult because we didn’t really know what we were doing.”

“It was a process of trial and error,” Kamp said, adding the club has 15 full-time members. Mains and Kamp are also on school sports teams.

“It’s kind of a whole different language,” Mains said. “It’s a competition, and we had to kind of teach them about it.”

So far, they have worked with students in various middle and elementary schools and plan to visit more in the near future. Mains and Kamp said they try to get children excited about exercise and eating healthy.

FPS members from the U.S. and 22 other countries submit projects to be judged that address global issues toward the end of the school year. The top submissions are selected for the international competition.

“I like learning about the world, and a big part of (FPS) is learning about the issues,” Mains said. “We also learn about issues on a larger scale and research what’s going on in the world.”

Some of the other issues the girls are researching in addition to childhood obesity include the “ocean soup” (a floating continent-sized mass of trash in the Pacific Ocean).

“In middle school, we only did the projects looking toward the future, but now we can do the community side,” Mains said.

People can follow the club on Instagram at @food._.fitness._.fun.

A list of all the grantees and more information on Youth Services America can be found at www.ysa.org/grants/youthgrants/disney. SC HEALTH FAIR The Food, Fun and Fitness Fair, hosted

by Future Problem Solvers Club, will take place from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Marblehead Park, located at 2400 Via Turqueza in San Clemente. There is no cost to attend, and the event is intended for elementary and middle school children.

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SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

FAVORITISM APPARENT IN ISSA CONFERENCE CALL MARY MICHEL GREEN, San Clemente

I live in San Clemente, and I vote. I am neither a registered Democrat nor Republican, but a “decline to state a party” voter.

I signed up to participate in Representative Darrell Issa’s last two constituent telephone town halls. On Monday, Jan. 30, I answered their phone call on the first ring and pressed “3” to ask him a question immediately. Throughout the one-hour call, he repeatedly kept advising listeners to press the buttons and ask questions, strongly implying that lines were open, despite the fact that I was waiting. The same thing happened in the meeting last fall. Almost all the callers who are let through seemed to be Republicans, and a number congratulated him on his election victory. The one caller who appeared to be

opposed to Mr. Issa politically, someone from Dana Point, was interrupted several times by Rep. Issa in a rude, dismissive tone before he could get a sentence out.

Rep. Issa claims he hasn’t had an inperson constituent town hall in his district since 2009 because that one cost taxpayers $50,000 and he can hold the telephone town hall from Washington for $100 to save us money. If he acted in good faith and took all calls received, I wouldn’t argue with it. But it is just an excuse to avoid honest communication with voters. This is authoritarian behavior not worthy of the U.S. government, which should be for all the people, not just some.

BLUFFS ON PCH LOOK INAUSPICIOUS T.J. ORR, San Clemente

Mr. Art Leahy (Metrolink CEO): As a resident of South Orange County, former Metrolink commuter and a retired manager with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, I need to bring to your attention the significant risk of major landslides from sedimentary palisades above Pacific

Coast Highway in San Clemente and Dana Point. Such landslides, besides potentially causing personal injuries, would impact rail and road transportation, as have previous landslides that severed service for two years or more. I have reached out to CalTrans in this regard, requesting urgent preventative measures.

Thank you.

Editor’s note: In a series of emails, T.J. Orr’s concerns were responded to by CalTrans officials.

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.

Correction In the Feb. 2-8 edition of the San Clemente Times, the City Council Corner bio of City Councilman Steven Swartz made an incorrect attribute. Swartz was chairman of the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission in 2004, not the Planning Commission.

GUEST OPINION: View from the Pier by Herman Sillas

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

Lesson Learned: Be Grateful for Everything You Have

H

i, folks. I’m back. The last time I wrote you about my adventures was eight months ago. As I recall, I was feeling pretty bad. I had taken a couple of pills and passed out. Cora, my wife, called an ambulance, and I was taken to the hospital. I remained there for two unconscious weeks, unaware as to what had occurred to me. I remained in the hospital for another two weeks, but never discovered what happened except to learn I had been unconscious.

I remained another two weeks in the hospital before I was transferred to a recovery facility for another three weeks.

While there, I met people and nurses who worked with me to learn how to walk again. I was served three meals a day in the dining room and met other patients who had similar problems. I exercised daily and followed the instructors’ instructions to the best of my ability. I wanted to get home as quickly as possible.

Cora and our kids visited me whenever they could. I tried as hard as I could to follow the instructions on the various equipment that was given to me by my instructors. I was learning how to walk again and had difficulty reaching my goal.

Eventually, I was sent home in a wheelchair. Then came a walking stick. I became stronger and used walking sticks to ac-

San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

company me. Finally, my instructor gave me my last instruction and stated, “Congratulations. You passed.” I was so happy. It was like it was the middle of December 1986.

The following day, I THE VIEW proudly rose early in the FROM THE PIER morning and told Cora

By Herman Sillas I was going to cook us breakfast. I was up in the kitchen without shoes and was slicing a banana on the counter. A small piece of the banana fell to the ground. Without thinking, I bent down to pick up the little piece. My right leg crumbled beneath me and I crashed to the floor. I knew my leg couldn’t do what I asked it to. I was on the floor in pain. Cora came rushing in and called the ambulance. I knew I was in deep trouble with a shattered hip and was driven to the hospital in the ambulance.

After some study by the doctors, they concluded it would be best for the hip to stay where it was to attempt to grow it back together and let my small bones slide back. After several days at the hospital, I was released to go home and confined to a bed day and night except for the time I was liberated to limited exercise. The projection was that after much

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. time the hip bone and small stones would fit back in place. The time will be over six months to be completed or maybe more. I spent Christmas time in the hospital.

I now have two nurses staying at my home 22 hours a day until I can care for myself. I have three nurses who visit me three days a week to lead me in exercises for my rightfully painful hip and leg. In addition, I am visited by my trainer. It is a slow process with the rest of the time spent in a wheel chair.

But I look forward to my ability to get my freedom. I have such respect for the freedom given to us on the Pier in the past.

I pass this story to you so that you will appreciate the freedom that God has given you to travel free from any injury. Appreciate your freedom and respect the gift. I have learned to love it as I further strive to regain it. That’s the view from the Pier.

Herman Sillas is an author and resident of San Clemente and a former U.S. District attorney. He may be reached at sillas@aol.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@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 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 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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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.

Page 7

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 09 TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6-9 p.m. The Fiesta Association invites guests to the Taste of San Juan, the kickoff celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. The Taste brings together many of San Juan’s restaurants, which will offer food and drink samples throughout the evening. Tickets are $35 per person and are available online, at the San Juan Chamber, at Fiesta Association meetings and the door on the day of the event. San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com WINES OF TUSCANY TASTING 7 p.m. Taste a selection of Tuscan wines at Barnoa Wine Bar. Cost to participate is $25, which includes the tastings and light appetizers. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Friday | 10 COA OPEN MIC NIGHT 7:30-9 p.m. Enter a fun, safe environment where young musicians can show off their skills, try something new or just hang out with friends and have a good time. Musicians can play with their band or just do karaoke. Admission and food is free, and musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments if they plan to perform. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www. communityoutreachalliance.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.

Left to right: Robert De Niro as Jackie Burke and Leslie Mann as Harmony Schiltz. Photo by Alison Cohen Rosa, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, FEB. 10 AND SATURDAY, FEB. 11: LIVE COMEDY WITH TIM LEE 8 p.m. Tim Lee’s show is a creative blend of stand-up comedy and science. Before trying comedy, Lee was a trained biologist with a Ph.D. in ecology and evolution. Lee is currently featured on the Science Channel’s show How Do They Do It. Admission is $20 for adults, $9 for students. Show also runs Saturday, Feb. 11. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 11 SUP YOGA 8-9:30 a.m. Join iHeartYoga and a group of waterborne yogis at WestWind Sailing for a yoga and paddle workshop. This workshop is for all skill levels, including beginners. Cost is $35 with board rental, and $25 if you bring your own board. 34452 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.org.

THE MARKETPLACE IN SAN CLEMENTE 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Marketplace in San Clemente takes place every second Sunday of the month and offers a variety of wares for purchase. 201 Calle de los Molinos, San Clemente. www.themarketplacesc.com.

LIVE MUSIC: OLIVIA ROHDE 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Olivia Rohde at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with Dalton Gang at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Rob Staley Band at 8:30 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

LIVE MUSIC: YÄCHTLEY CRËW 9 p.m. “Yacht rockers” Yächtley Crëw plays a selection of soft rock hits from the ’70s and ’80s at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. The “Titans of Soft Rock” will play hits from Toto, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates and more. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

PAINT & SIP 7-9:30 p.m. Sip on your favorite beverage and enjoy the 2.5-hour workshop, which is designed to help participants tap into their intuitive and creative sides. This month’s class will result in abstract pieces. Bring your own beverage, and glasses will be provided. Class is $45, and all painting supplies are included as well as instruc-

San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

tion from Laurie Miller. San Clemente Art Supply. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE AMAZING WILDCATS WITH MARK LIDELL 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from The Amazing Wildcats with Mark Lidell 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 | 12 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

BEND AND BREW 11:30 a.m. iHeartYoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company 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 10)

Page 9

At the Movies: ‘The Comedian’ Misses the Jokes

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

R

obert De Niro: the man, the legend. The Hollywood actor began his career working with prolific filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Brian de Palma, Francis Ford Coppola and Sergio Leone in the 1970s. He won two Oscars, one for The Godfather, Part II (1974) and one for Raging Bull (1980), and he continued to prosper creatively for the next two decades. Then, around 2000, he switched to primarily making comedies. Then around 2010, he started making mediocre comedies with the rare decent dramedy in between them.

His new indie feature, The Comedian, from director Taylor Hackford, is a bit of both mediocrity and light drama. A once-relevant, crude insult comedian named Jackie Burke (De Niro) is doing community service as part of his sentence for assaulting a crowd heckler during a stand-up gig. While attempting to get his career back on track, Jackie begins a courtship with a woman who is also doing community service, Harmony Schiltz (Leslie Mann).

The cast includes a bunch of big names like Edie Falco, Danny DeVito, Patti LuPone, Charles Grodin, Billy Crystal and Harvey Keitel. The Comedian once again asks the perplexing question: Why are movies about comedians rarely ever genuinely funny? There are literally no funny jokes or gags here.

The characters are all unlikable and the relationships barely make any sense.

Not even De Niro and Keitel reuniting on screen can save the lack of quality.

The Comedian isn’t exactly Dirty Grandpa (2016) bad, but it’s not The King of Comedy (1983) good either. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT THE DISH

SOBREBARRIGA.

E

ven if you’re not from Colombia, even if you spell it with a “u,” and even if you couldn’t pick it out on a map, you’ll probably still feel at home at La Colombiana.

That’s because the restaurant is no bigger than a living room, and it feels like one too.

Brightly colored walls and cozy chairs invite, while the clang of the open kitchen feels like aunts and uncles preparing Sunday dinner.

Conversation with the waiters is easy, and most importantly, the food has an assertively home-made quality and is served in the heaping portions grandma would pile on your plate.

The sobrebarriga with salsa criolla is a fine example of what La Colombiana can do. It’s a traditional Colombian dish that calls for slow-cooking a traditionally tough flank steak until it pulls apart like carnitas.

It’s simmered in the salsa criolla—peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin and (Cont. from page 9)

Monday | 13 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 | 14 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.

VALENTINE’S DAY AT IVA LEE’S 7-10:30 p.m. A three-course chef’s menu blends with live music from Blue Largo, an upbeat swing band. Reservations are recommended. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Page 10

other spices—and served with rice potato, yucca and an arepa, a slightly sweet, rich and doughy flatbread. The yucca is starchy and has that hallucinogenic zip, but blends with the criolla to create a unique bite. The long-grain rice stars on its own, and carries interluding forkfuls between the many options on the plate.

La Colombiana 1640 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.441.7656

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.

Wednesday | 15 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: THE CALAFIA STONES 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from The Calafia Stones 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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Need and Appreciation Are Keys to Improving Relationships

I

have a friend in Orange County named Christine Baumgartner. I’ve known Christine for years. She is a relationship counselor and expert on dating and relationships.

In response to a newsletter I had written, Christine made a comment about what attracts men to women, which she based on comments her male coaching clients had shared with her over the years.

She wrote, “The part women don’t understand are two very important elements for a man to be attracted to a woman.

“1. Men need to be able to provide for a woman. They need women to need them for some things, such as financial assistance, or using a man’s knowledge, or providing physical help.

The way women can allow for a man to provide for them is to ask for his help. Ask for help regarding things you don’t know how to do. Ask for his help if it would be easier for you if he did it instead. Ask for his input if you’d like to get another opinion. Ask for his help if you’d like to spend more time with him.

“2. Men need us to appreciate them. And if men are able to provide for us, this gives us as women ample opportunities to say ‘thank you’ to them for their help.

“The way to show men appreciation is once a man has helped you, tell him how happy his help made you. Tell him what a benefit his help made in your life. Tell him you enjoyed being able to count on his help.

“And the benefit to the woman for doing this is the man will want to do even more things for you to receive more thanks. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Christine added that these two elements do not mean that women shouldn’t be selfsufficient or somewhat independent. She said, “Men are very attracted to women who are independent thinkers and passionate

about the things they are good at, and who can take care of many parts of their lives.”

I think Christine’s comments about these two elements are very significant. People like to feel appreciated. When you ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 think about it, it’s such a

By Tom Blake simple thing to do.

Appreciation is the heart and soul of volunteer work. It’s the reward that volunteers feel in donating their time and effort. Lately, I have heard from two people who volunteered for two South Orange County charities, but resigned because the leaders of those charities were not appreciative of the volunteers.

Another friend just resigned from the Peace Corps. The reason: lack of appreciation. And appreciation is such a simple thing.

To learn more about Christine Baumgartner’s thoughts on how to improve your relationships including letting men fill the need to help their partners, and to express appreciation for that, visit her website at www.theperfectcatch.com or contact her via email: christine@theperfectcatch.com.

Oh, and by the way, I really appreciate all of you readers.

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 or email at 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

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 12

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Rock ‘n’ Roll Rising Los Rios Rock School teaches local kids the language of music

BY ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

orget what you know about Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.

The band’s critically acclaimed eleventh album, which was largely recorded in California, is getting a serious makeover in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. And I’m here to tell you—these young musicians aren’t messing around.

On a recent Saturday morning, a group of students gathered for a rehearsal in the lobby of the Los Rios Rock School, tucked back in an unassuming business plaza off Del Obispo Street. There’s one instructor and 20 or so kids. And although I’ve been witness to some of the astounding performances these students have put on in the past, I didn’t know what to expect.

From the first seconds of Buckingham’s “Second Hand News” to the last haunting notes of “Gold Dust Woman,” I was stunned.

Did the songs have that much energy on the original record?

The airy harmonies in “Dreams” and “The Chain” will give you goosebumps.

Fifteen-year-old Seth Whiteaker made the acoustic guitar picking in “Never Going Back Again” look like a breeze. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for the emotional crooning of 14-year-old Austin Jenner during his rendition of “Songbird.”

Instructor Justin Norman rocked out with the students for most of the songs, adding minor critiques here and there, but mainly looking like a guitarist who was thoroughly enjoying a Saturday morning jam session.

“They’re good right?” Norman said with a grin as he jumped off the stage.

Good is an understatement.

The young rockers I watched are just one group of the nearly 200 students from all over South Orange County who are pursuing their dreams with the guidance of expert instructors at Los Rios Rock School.

The students make it look easy, but growing this miniature music empire in San Juan has been no simple feat.

Rock school founder and co-owner Tyler Marolf will tell you that it took a lot of sacrifice from him and his wife, Melissa.

It took drive, persistence and the ability to turn connections into a dream team of professional musicians. During a time of financial uncertainty, the Marolfs put everything they had into the school, and the risk paid off.

Perhaps Stevie Nicks summed it up best—thunder only happens when it’s raining.

San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

(From right) Jordan McFadden, of Dana Point, Alex Oliver, of Aliso Viejo, and Taylor Hopper, of San Clemente, practice a song off of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours.’ Photo: Allison Jarrell

A Dream on Los Rios Street It’s been said that music is energy. If that’s true, then Marolf has enough music in him to power at least 10 rock schools.

The 41-year-old musician-turned-entrepreneur of Los Rios Rock School has an infectious optimism and passion for all things music. Talk to Marolf for a few minutes, and you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up the nearest instrument and give it a go.

A native Iowan, Marolf moved to San Juan Capistrano in 1988. He went to Marco Forster Middle School, and grew up not too far from where he and his family live now, in the Los Rios Historic District.

After moving away for a bit, Marolf has called San Juan home since 2005, and it was only a few years later that he decided to take a chance and pursue music as a profession. Marolf and his drummer friend Chris Bates, along with a couple other musicians, started up a band—The In Between.

Marolf said the move to pursue music came after the recession hit. He had been in the mortgage industry, and he made the decision to live off of savings and write an album. He said his band had decent success, but not enough, and he wanted to find a way to stay in the music business. And he really wanted to write a second album.

So in 2010, he obtained an in-home business license and took on his first student, drummer Mary LeBlanc—who, Marolf noted, is still a part of the school and now a professional drummer. The school grew in Lobo Street home over the next 18 months, which he mentioned didn’t always sit well with some neighbors.

“All I was trying to do was write a second album. And I haven’t written it yet. It’s been 7 years,” Marolf laughed. “The kids showed so much promise and learned so fast and it was so much fun. And I thought, this is what I’m supposed to do.”

grown from one student and Tyler as the sole instructor, to nine faculty members and nearly 200 students from across South Orange County.

Last summer, the rock school became Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited with the help of curriculum director Dr. Clint Haycraft.

And earlier this month, Marolf signed the school’s very first transcript.

Students enrolled in the private, tuitionbased school have access to weekly hourlong private lessons, professional gear, group rehearsals and can audition to be a part of the school’s live shows. The young musicians can also learn about songwriting, recording and even take AP music theory courses.

Learning the Language Los Rios Rock School officially opened its doors off of Paseo Adelanto in 2012 with what could only be described as the most rock and roll ribbon cutting San Juan has seen. Since then, the school has Page 15

Marolf said since its inception, students have performed more than 1,000 songs, and most kids stay for an average of three and a half years. Patrons of the Coach House or the House of Blues may have noticed the school often has weekend-long performances at such venues.

“I had no idea it would get this big, or that the culture was going to exceed any one of its parts,” Marolf said. “I thought I was going to be teaching 30 students until I died!”

Marolf said the school’s success has largely come from its teachers, who are all professional musicians with degrees in music, and from listening to the students.

“From day one, I’ve never seen him treat a kid like a kid,” said Chris Bates, co-owner of the school. “He immediately connects with them, and gets them to raise their bar. He treats them with the respect he believes they deserve.”

“There was a period of my life, from eight to 14, when no one was listening to me. So you find people who will, and those aren’t the best people sometimes,” Marolf said.

“That’s why our culture here in the school is so adamant about listening to kids.

“The wisdom thing happens fast if you just believe in them,” he said. SC To hear the rock school perform Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ and Van Halen 1, check out their performance Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at The Yost, 307 N. Spurgeon Street in Santa Ana. Tickets are $15 at the door or online.

Visit www.losriosrockschool.com or call 949.456.1081 for more information.

Local Songwriter to Debut New Album in March

S

een performing with her local band The Moon Police, 19-year-old Grace Freeman is set to debut her latest album, Shadow on March 3.

“It’s kind of a compilation of music that I wrote when I was 14 up to this point,” Freeman said. “A lot of the songs are really innocent, but a lot of the later songs come into more in-depth thoughts and feelings.

“It’s kind of like a folksy, Joni Mitchell kind of voice, and also a lot of Paul McCartney-style pop music,” she added.

Freeman is accustomed to performing for large groups of people, as performing with The Moon Police has packed crowds in San Clemente venues for about the last two years.

“I hope this album can touch (listeners) somehow, even if it’s not in a superintense way,” Freeman said. “I feel like music is meant to move people or relate to them and give them purpose.”

Freeman said she is trying to do more songwriting in the near future, and she

Cover of the album ‘Shadow.’ Photo: Courtesy of Grace Freeman

plans to create songs for movie and television shows. She said she finds a lot of excitement in writing songs for other artists.

Freeman will also perform at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 3, when she will debut the album and open for the band Venice. She performs at Carbonara Trattoria Italiana on Saturdays and at Iva Lee’s once a month. —Eric Heinz www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Signing Day Celebration

Triton student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES, PHOTOS BY KEVIN DAHLGREN/PREPS365

F San Clemente’s Kyler Presho will play volleyball at Stanford next fall.

UCSD-bound water polo player Tera Richardson is acknowledged by the crowd on singing day.

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Water Polo Looks to Remain Undefeated

Through seven South Coast League matches the San Clemente girls water polo team has yet to lose, and was scheduled to play its final game of the regular San Clemente Times January February 9-15, 2017

ebruary 1 marked the date that student-athletes across the country competing in certain sports could finally declare their college of choice by signing their National Letters of Intent.

The Feb. 1 signing date is limited to players competing in football, soccer and boys water polo, but most high schools in the area hold ceremonies for all athletes that have committed.

At San Clemente High School, 20 student-athletes took part in a signing day ceremony, where they were cheered on by their families and friends as they took the next step toward becoming collegiate athletes.

As usual, San Clemente High School had one of the larger signing day ceremonies in Orange County. The Triton soccer programs led the way by combining to have five student-athletes sign NLI’s. The volleyball programs had four players, while the football team had three.

Here is a list of the Triton studentathletes who took part in the signing day ceremony: Cassie Stewart (Volleyball), UCI; Isaac Rex (Football), BYU; Brad Prolo (Swimming), BYU; Jack Sears (Football), USC; Kyler Presho (Volleyball) Stanford; Lauren Brzykcy (Soccer), UCLA; Bryce Curtis (Volleyball) California Baptist University;

L to R: Soccer players Lauren Brzykcy, Ellie Winkelmann, Sydney Cooper and Amanda Cruz will all play at the collegiate level.

Football players Isaac Rex, left, and Zachary Cochrun on signing day.

Ellie Winkelmann (Soccer), University of Portland; Jess Hunt (Volleyball), Princeton; Sydney Cooper (Soccer), University of San Francisco; Spencer Bramwell (Baseball), Colorado Mesa University; Amanda Cruz (Soccer), Purdue-Fort Wayne; Tera Richardson (Water Polo), UCSD; Sean Kelsay

(Track & Field), Navy; Victoria Reardon (Water Polo), California Baptist University; Tyler Bagley (Soccer), Cornell; Francesca Fedorovsky (Fencing), Yale; Kylie Pignone (Softball), Coastal Carolina University; Nick Lemus (Lacrosse), Air Force; Zach Cochrun (Football), UCLA. SC

season against Trabuco Hills on Feb. 8.

Results were not available at press time.

The Tritons (16-12, 7-0) swept their way to a South Coast League title and are playoff-bound.

ber league are guaranteed playoff berths.

Boys Soccer Wraps up with Win, Waits for Results

The accolades keep pouring in for the San Clemente High School football team after its historic season that ended with a CIF Division 1-A State Championship.

The Tritons, who also won the CIF-SS Division 2 Championship, had nine players named to the All-CIF-SS Division 2 team this week.

Quarterback Jack Sears was named the division’s offensive player of the year, and defensive lineman Austin Moore was named the defensive player of the year.

Running backs Brandon Reaves and Austin Whitsett, center Turner Tonkovich and tight end Isaac Rex were named to the All-

CIF-SS offensive team.

Defensive back Branden Wilson, defensive lineman Garrett Silverman and linebacker Jesse Mikulec were named to the All-CIF-SS defensive team.

Head coach Jaime Ortiz won two awards this week as well.

On Feb. 6, Ortiz was named a 2016 CIF Model Coach Award Winner. The award honors 13 coaches across the state that demonstrate and teach the CIF’s “six pillars of character”, which include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. Ortiz was the only Orange County coach to win the award.

Ortiz was also named the CIF-SS Division 2 coach of the year. Over the past three seasons, Ortiz guided the Tritons to three CIF-SS Division finals, a CIF-SS (Cont. on page 21)

The San Clemente boys soccer team stormed past Aliso Niguel 5-1 on the road on Feb. 7 to end South Coast League play with a 3-3-2 record. San Clemente (11-6-6) currently sits in a tie for third place with Mission Viejo (6-7-5, 2-23), which is scheduled to play first-place El Toro in its final league game on Feb. 9. Second-place Aliso Niguel (10-5-2, 3-2-2) will play its final game against San Juan Hills on Feb. 9.

The top three finishers in the five-mem-

Football Players Earn All-CIF Honors, Ortiz Named Coach of the Year

Page 16

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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

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Arcadia Electric

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

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PLUMBING

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

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

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control

San Clemente, 949.366.8302

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

WEBSITE DESIGN

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

San Clemente Website Design

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

Salon Bamboo

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

SALONS

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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San Clemente Times February 9–15, 2017

Page 19

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 16) Division Championship, a CIF Southern Regional title and CIF State Championship. Over that span the Tritons have compiled a 36-8 overall record.

Girls Soccer Eying Playoff Berth

With one game left, the San Clemente girls soccer team was in control of its own destiny heading into its Feb. 8 matchup against Tesoro. If the third-place Tritons (8-8-4, 3-3-1) were to defeat second-place Tesoro (4-3), they would leapfrog them in the standings. Results were not available at press time.

San Clemente picked up a crucial 1-0 win over Laguna Hills on Feb. 6 to set up the battle against Tesoro. Tori Phillips scored a second-half game winner for the Tritons against the Hawks.

Girls Hoops Awaits Playoff Results

The San Clemente girls basketball team capped off its regular season with a narrow 41-40 South Coast League loss to Tesoro on Feb. 6. The Tritons (14-12,

4-4) sit in third place in the standings, and would have needed Tesoro (13-12, 4-3) to defeat El Toro (8-17, 3-4) on Feb. 8 if they are to avoid a playoff tiebreaker scenario with the Chargers. Results were not available at press time. San Clemente and El Toro split the season-series against one another.

Boys Basketball Wins Third Straight League Title

The San Clemente boys basketball team closed out South Coast League competition in style on Feb. 3 by picking up a 53-45 win over El Toro. The win clinched the outright league title for the Tritons, who have now won league for a third straight season.

San Clemente’s (18-8, 7-1 league) lone loss in league this year came against El Toro, and the Tritons were able to overcome a five-point halftime deficit in the re-match. San Clemente outscored the Chargers 30-17 down the stretch.

Senior guard Blake Birmingham scored a game-high 19 points in the win and Michael Moran chipped in 13.

With the league title wrapped up, the Tritons traveled to Tesoro for the final league contest of the year on Feb. 7 and

The San Clemente boys basketball team won its third straight South Coast League title on Feb. 3.

Photo: Courtesy

emerged with a 55-44 victory. Birmingham led all scorers again with 17 points. Isaac Rex and Moran each had 10 points.

The Tritons, who have won nine out of

their last 10 games, finally broke into the CIF-SS Division 1A to-16 poll this week, debuting at t-14. The Tritons will appear in the upcoming CIF-SS playoffs.

Connor De Phillippi Shines at Daytona Endurance Race

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I Connor De Phillippi, far right, and his teammates at Land-Motorsport celebrate their second-place finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Photo: Land-Motorsport

San Clemente’s Connor De Phillippi signs autographs for fans ahead of the Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance race. Photo: Land-Motorsport

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2017

t was in the early-morning hours and the pouring rain of Daytona, Florida, that Connor De Phillippi had one of the biggest moments of his career.

The 24-year-old San Clemente native and professional race car driver had been tabbed by Team Monoplast by LandMotorsport to navigate his team’s Audi R8 LMS GT3 supercar around the historic track at Daytona International Speedway in the middle of the night in horrible driving conditions.

De Phillippi settled in behind the driver’s seat at midnight, his team vying for the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, a 24-hour long endurance race. By the time De Phillippi exited the car to get some much-needed rest, it was 3 a.m., and he had staked the team to a big lead.

Hours later, the 24-hour marathon race became much tighter, and was decided by the closest of margins. De Phillippi’s team lost the lead late, and finished three-tenths of a second behind the eventual winner in their race class. It was the first time De Phillippi and his Germany-based team competed in the United States.

De Phillippi and the Land-Motorsport team claimed the ADAC GT Masters and VLN Endurance Championship at the famous Nüburgring as part of a successful 2016 season. In all, De Phillippi and his team won five European circuit events, which gave them the momentum to travel overseas.

Page 21

“Performing the way we did in our first appearance (in America) was a huge positive,” De Phillippi said. “This was our first time in that situation and it was a huge deal. Finishing on the podium and nearly winning at this level was something we can be extremely proud of.”

De Phillippi’s experience racing in Europe helped him have his signature moment in the pouring rain at Daytona, where he built what was at one time a 25-second lead on the second-place car. As a result of racing year-round in Germany and Austria, driving hundreds of miles an hour through the rain has become second nature, De Phillippi said.

“I was loving it. I felt like I was in my second home,” De Phillippi said of his late-night charge. “Not a lot of people are used to racing in the rain in the U.S. But my Euro blood kicked in. It gave us a little bit of an edge. It was like we were racing back in Germany.”

De Phillippi, who moved to Germany four years ago, was one of four team drivers that competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. During endurance races, De Phillippi says each team member drives for about two to three hours at a time while the others try and rest as best they can, which can be difficult given all the noise and adrenaline.

De Phillippi will remain stateside, and compete in the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race at Sebring International Raceway in Florida on March 16. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Stop the Presses

GROM OF THE WEEK

MAKAI BRAY

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) season has fired back up again and the kids are ripping. Last weekend, a handful of San Clemente’s finest up-and-comers beelined it up the coast for a Gold Coast event. Held at Ventura Harbor, the swell was pumping, bringing the surf well into the overhead range. Undaunted by the sizable, winter conditions, 10-year-old Makai Bray rose to the occasion. Earning a 9.5 score for one of his rides, it proved to be the highest ride of the entire contest. Carrying the momentum through the finals, young Makai took home the win in the Super Grom division.

So far, 2017 has been good to Makai. A few weeks back, he headed down south to the Caribbean side of Panama and the Bocas Del Toro area for a contest. Not only was it a great opportunity to surf in some warm, tropical water and gain some valuable international experience, he came away with some solid results.

“Stoked to win the U12 and make the semifinals in U14,” reported Makai on his social media feed.

The next NSSA Southwest Conference Open event lands at Salt Creek in Dana Point at the end of February. No doubt Makai will be amped and ready for action. SC

‘Surfing Magazine’ shuts down after a half century in the lineup

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

urfing is a colorful pursuit with colorful characters, and for the better part of half a century, Surfing Magazine was the most colorful mag in the wave-riding business. First hitting newsstands in 1964, founding publishers Leroy Grannis and Dick Graham immediately had designs on taking away a share of the rapidly expanding surf media market from their friend and competitor John Severson, who had started publishing Surfer magazine several years prior.

Being the upstart with something to prove was seemingly ingrained in Surfing’s DNA from day one.

While Surfer got mired down in the black wetsuits, logoless boards and soul daddies of the ’70s, Surfing steadied its lens on the burgeoning pro scene. In those early days, the editorial vision was largely realized by scribe Drew Kampion, one of the most esteemed writers in the surf business. By the mid-’70s, the magazine had found its voice and financial footing under the leadership of publisher Bob Mignogna, editor Dave Gilovich and photo editor Larry “Flame” Moore.

“This was the very beginning of pro surfing and that’s what we decided to focus our efforts on,” explained Mignogna. “Surfer magazine was looking a lot more at the travel and exploration aspects of the sport, and very early on we decided that pro surfing and the emerging IPS World Tour, and later the ASP World Tour, was something that we could cover. It generated a lot of interest as the industry took hold.”

In 1976, Surfing moved their operation from Mission Viejo (where they were neighbors of the Clark Foam factory) to San Clemente. Originally basing themselves on Camino Capistrano near Poche, a few years later they moved up to Rancho San Clemente.

By the time the ’80s hit, it was full tilt boogie at Surfing. Led by Gilovich (currently the mastermind behind Surfline.com’s editorial offering), the magazine had amassed a stout lineup of editorial talent. Michael Tomson (who founded Gotcha), bronzed Aussies Peter Townend and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew all lent their voices and influence to the publication. Guided by the hard-driving photo editing of Flame, lensmen such as Aaron Chang, Jeff Hornbaker and Don King delivered in-your-face, tack-sharp action imagery to surf fans on the monthly.

They became household names for anyone that wanted to get a shot in the magazine.

San Clemente Times February 9-15, 2017

The coup d’etat came in the form of Michael Salisbury’s art direction. Spending time at Surfer, Rolling Stone and Playboy, in the early ’80s he redesigned Surfing, giving it a brave, new wave look that set the tone for the splashy, neon era.

“Salisbury never left the beach, personally or professionally, and in the ’80s he gave Surfing Magazine a vibrant makeover, and turned Gotcha into a flaming pyre of nihilistic beachwear cool,” Matt Warshaw, the author of the Encyclopedia of Surfing, recently wrote for Surfer. “What a remarkable career. And what a pleasure to hear how no-bullshit Salisbury himself is about what he’s achieved.”

Besides evolving into the home for the pro scene, Surfing also broke down a significant amount of other wave-riding barriers. In 1984, Flame took Santa Barbara rising star Tom Curren south of the border to Isla Todos Santos and in one photo shoot proved to the world that Hawaii wasn’t the only big-wave game in the world. In 1990, Moore, along with Surfline founder Sean Collins and pilot Mike Castillo, flew 100 miles off the California coast to survey the navigational nightmare known as Cortes Bank. On January 19, 2001, they returned to the bank with surfers Mike Parsons, Brad Gerlach, Peter Mel and Ken Collins and made history.

“The ocean was just alive. The amount of

chaos going on over that reef was amazing,” said Parsons afterwards. “There was probably a mile and a half of white water.”

In the ’90s, Surfing introduced the Airshow concept, which put a premium on progressive maneuvers as opposed to the typical “three to the beach” format seen at most pro contests of the time. In 2007, Surfing editor Evan Slater organized the Google Earth Challenge, which revealed a long left point in Namibia, Africa, called Skeleton Bay. Today it’s considered one of the best waves on the planet.

In an awkward twist of fate, in 2001, Surfing’s parent company, Primedia, purchased the company that owned Surfer, and the two rivals were eventually moved into the same building. Around this same time, digital media began to wreak havoc on traditional print publishing. In 2015 and ’16, the magazines were moved from San Clemente to Carlsbad. In January 2017, it was announced that Surfing would be closing its doors for good.

“It’s sad to see it go,” said Mignogna.

“There were a few years in the late ’80s and early ’90s where Surfing was really driving the growth of the sport and the industry. I’m so proud of what we accomplished there; surfing was changed forever because of it.” SC

Page 22

Makai Bray. Photo: NSSA/Kurt Steinmetz

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Thursday: Small mix of easing West-Northwest swell for 2-3’ (waist high) surf at many breaks and sets to 4’ (chest high) at top breaks.

Outlook: A larger west-northwest swell mix will likely build for the end of the week and continue for the first part of the weekend with variable onshore flow. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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