December 1, 2016

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N EWS

December 1-7, 2016

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Inside: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 48

Giving Back Local author Josh McDowell to sell collection of artifacts to help underserved children in Pakistan EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

Josh McDowell, author and Christian minister, will sell many of the items he’s collected around the world over several decades on Dec. 10 and 11 at a Christmas Market at Heritage Christian Fellowship. Photo: Eric Heinz

Beaches, Parks and Recreation Division Solicits Public Input EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SCHS Football Team to Play in Third Consecutive CIF-SS Title Game SPORTS/PAGE 38

www.sanclementetimes.com

Inside: SC Times Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION

VOTE FOR THE 2016 BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE AT SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Marine Families Receive Turkey Dinners THE LATEST: About 800 dinners were served during the Nov. 21 Thanksgiving dinner giveaway at Camp Pendleton, which included a turkey and fixings. This meant almost 2,500 people on base were served, according to Courtney Sturniolo, a board member and communications director of the San Clemente Military Family Outreach.

Sturniolo said members of Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts and volunteers from St. Andrews by-the-Sea came to distribute the meals.

“This is one of the few instances where we only allow the enlisted corps, and for a percentage of them they’re living below the poverty line,” Sturniolo said. “It’s not really charity, but more of a ‘thank you.’

And we also want to thank families.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Camp Pendleton and Military Family Outreach are working on a Christmas Thank a Military Family event.

San Clemente families provide Christmas gifts for military families and people in need.

FIND OUT MORE: To find out more information about the Christmas toy drive, email info@militaryfamiliyoutreach.com.

—Eric Heinz

Election Update: Final Results Still Pending THE LATEST: With less than 28,000 ballots to count in Orange County as of Nov. 29, there may not be much left to count for San Clemente. In an email to the San Clemente Times on Nov. 15, Orange County Registrar of Voters Neil Kelly said there were about 3,000 provisional ballots left to count for San Clemente (or 6,000 votes, as people were allowed to vote for the top two candidates of their choice). Since then, it appears most of those ballots have been recorded, although a few outstanding votes may remain.

As it stands, Chris Hamm leads with 14,290 and Steven Swartz is in second with 11,405.

Dan Bane has 11,057 in third place, Robert “Bob” Baker has 10,887 in fourth place, and Pamela Joy Glass has 1,885 in San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

fifth place.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Orange County Registrar of Voters has until Dec. 8 to officially finalize the ballots. The next mayor, which is appointed among the City Council members, will be selected at the Dec. 20 meeting. —EH

Beaches, Parks and Recreation Master Plan Meetings Continue THE LATEST: The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Division (BP&R) of San Clemente has been working since early 2016 to put together its next 10-year master plan, which will guide the city in developing recreation amenities.

The division held meetings Nov. 16 and 17 to receive input from community members as to what they want changed or developed.

“We had great attendance,” said Pam Passow, the director of BP&R. “We heard the gamut of ideas people wished for.”

One of the most visible groups in San Clemente regarding these meetings, the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition, has been developing ideas to expand the Ralphs Skate Court, add lighting to it or develop an additional skating area.

“We also had quite a few people who wanted to have pickleball or transform our current tennis courts or (accommodate) temporary pickleball,” Passow said.

What funding will be available for the projects remains to be determined.

WHAT’S NEXT: Surveys will be sent out to a select sample of residents in San Clemente in December, Passow said.

People can submit their ideas to the BP&R division for the master plan at www.scparksplan.com at the bottom of the page. —EH

Men Sentenced to Jail Time in Surf N’ Turf Fraud Case THE LATEST: Developers involved with defrauding local investors out of $1 million via the infamous Surf N’ Turf project in San Clemente were sentenced on Monday, Nov. 28, according to Orange County Superior Court records.

Michael Ruffner and Michael Scott Melcher were sentenced to five years of probation and one year in jail. They must also pay restitution to the victims for making untrue statements in an attempt to make a purchase. Jourdan Tyson Groves received the same sentence, except his probation is three years. The three men pleaded no contest to a variety of charges.

Christopher Schlegel was charged with

San Clemente Military Family Outreach provided more than 800 dinners to families at Camp Pendleton on Nov. 21. Photo: Courtesy of Gina Prosper

fewer counts, but he pleaded not guilty to five counts of making untrue statements or omissions in connection with a purchase or sale.

The felony charges of aggravated white collar crimes related to more than $100,000 but less than $500,000 were dropped for all defendants.

The four men were all part of the company Surf N’ Turf Paradiso, LLC, which submitted applications to the city of San Clemente to build a wave pool, snack bar and restaurant and a miniature golf course in the area that is now Courtney’s Sandcastle at Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

Melcher, the lease holder for the land, would charge $2,500 for the project until $400,000 in revenue had been generated and the city would receive 8 percent of the revenue after that. But according to the Orange County District Attorney, because returns on promissory notes had not been fulfilled and proper and thorough disclosure had not been made by the defendants, the charges of fraud applied.

The city of San Clemente awarded the lease of the land for the miniature golf course on Aug. 22, 2013 to Surf N’ Turf, but the project fell through in October 2014 when the developers did not meet the city’s deadline to complete it.

One of the counts was related to defrauding the investors $1.118 million between Feb. 6, 2012 and June 26, 2014, according to the Orange County District Attorney warrant issued on April 8.

WHAT’S NEXT: Schlegel is out on bail but had a pretrial hearing on Monday, Nov. 28. The court schedule has not been updated to show his next court appearance. There is also an ongoing civil

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lawsuit between investors of Surf N’ Turf and the four defendants in the criminal case. —EH

Man Hit by Train is Third in as Many Weeks in San Clemente THE LATEST: On Monday, a man in his 30s was struck by a Metrolink train about one mile north of San Clemente Pier and was declared dead on the scene, Orange County Fire Authority officials confirmed.

“He had a hospital wristband on, and we don’t know what that indicates,” OCFA Capt. Larry Kurtz said.

This is at least the third instance in which someone has been struck by a train on the San Clemente railroad this month.

San Clemente Times will receive a report regarding pedestrian-involved accidents on the area’s railroad from OCFA this week.

WHAT’S NEXT: Whether the holiday season has anything to do with the uptick in instances is likely a “myth,” according to Kristi Hugstad, whose husband committed suicide four years ago. Hugstad is a blogger for The Huffington Post, GriefGirl. com, and an author on the subject matter.

She also does grief counseling for people experiencing loss due to a loved one’s suicide.

“The holidays are stressful for all of us and that tends to lead people to eat or drink more than normal,” Hugstad said.

“But the rate (of suicide completions) normally peaks in the spring. The holidays usually allows people to be surrounded by support groups.” —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Giving Back

Local author Josh McDowell to sell collection of artifacts to help underserved children in Pakistan

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

ome children in regions of Pakistan are not taught to read and write, nor are they given the basic skills needed to build the foundation of their education.

Instead, some as young as 4 years old are subjected to manual labor, mostly in brickyards. It’s the sum of economic hardship but mostly religious discrimination.

On Pakistani passports, you’re required to state whether you fully believe in the tenets of Islam, tentatively support it or reject it entirely. This isn’t the religion’s leaders’ mandates, but the Pakistani government’s.

Christians are at the bottom of the nation’s religious and social totem pole, which drives them to impoverished regions and workforces.

Roger Gales, the senior pastor of Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, said wealthy owners of the labor yards purchase the rights to families or groups of people so they can work and provide for themselves. Gales described it as closer to indentured servitude, but he said the laborers see themselves as slaves.

There are often cases of human trafficking and reports of severe abuse, starvation and other issues that have humanitarian groups responding.

Gales established a school for Pakistani Christian children that has a predominant enrollment of former slaves.

“We built one school, two stories, and then the government kicked out all the girls,” Gales said. “We built a girls’ school, which is completed and has been in operation for little over a year,” but it needs a second story to house everyone.

Raising funds to build that second story is the purpose of the Christmas Market, which will take place in December at the church.

The church and its congregation raised more than $125,000 to build the first school, purchase children out of slavery and provide for transitional resources.

In the past few years, Gales and a few other associates have purchased thousands of children and their families from the owners to allow them to live at and attend the school.

The San Clemente Times wrote a story about Gales and the school in Pakistan in the Sept. 3, 2015 edition. We asked Gales what has changed since then.

“Persecution has increased,” he said.

“It’s been harsher since July. I don’t really know the reasons behind why that is. I haven’t been back since that’s happened.

It’s harder. Earlier this year, we bought San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

Roger Gales, senior pastor of Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, started a school in Pakistan for Christian children, most of whom were slaves to the vast brickyard industry. Photo: Eric Heinz

a piece of land for a playing field. The the wall that surrounded the school, schools themselves are doing better than parked the tractor and left. ever before.”

“The school is going well, but the perseGales said there are 1,600 students in cution against the Christians is constant, the girls and boys schools combined. He and that’s just the way life is there,” Gales said about 75 percent of the student popusaid. lation in last year’s enrollment were slaves Gales began the eponymous Mariam’s at one point.

Fund after a 10-year-old girl Pakistani girl, “I think the most difficult transition is who was working in the brickyards. the education gap,” Gales said. “As slaves, Mariam died from Dengue Fever a week they have no education whatsoever, and before she was scheduled to be freed they have to integrate into a school with from the brickyard, according to Gales. people their age who are far ahead of them The World Health Organization estimated in the education system. A 10- or 12-yearcases of the disease increased in Pakistan old is learning to read or write for the very 17 times between 2006 and 2011. first time. They have to spend time with According to the United Nations, there one-on-one tutoring before they enter the are millions of brick-kiln workers in slavschool.” ery between Pakistan On a social level, and India.

Gales said there isn’t Paintings of Mariam The Christmas Market as far a transition. The and another student The sale of the items will take students don’t face stighang on the walls of place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 10, matism from being a the Heritage Christian and noon-4 p.m. on Dec. 11 at slave because so many Fellowship’s worship Heritage Christian Fellowship. of the other enrolled center.

For more information about the students were slaves school in Pakistan, visit themselves.

Josh McDowell www.mariamsfund.org.

It’s a precarious situIn between the 300 ation, and Gales said days he spends travelhe can’t have one of his ing every year, Chrismain associates’ names publicized as his tian author Jack McDowell met Gales life has been threatened by organizations through his neighbor in Dana Point. labeled by the U.S. government as terrorThat neighbor is Larry Rausch, a deaists. He met with Gales a few years ago con at Heritage Christian Fellowship, who after he fled the country in fear of his and lives in Dana Point. When Rausch told Mchis family’s lives.

Dowell about the school in Pakistan and The location of the school also cannot the efforts by Gale and others to support be disclosed for fear of either religious and fund it, McDowell decided he would retaliation or disagreements with cultural give his life’s collection of items from customs. around the world to support building the Gales continues to work with liaisons in second story of the girls’ school. the country and the teachers at the school.

Those items truly span the globe.

“I know I will go back, but I don’t really There are gold rings, Russian memorahave any solid plans right now,” Gales bilia, stamps from the Cold War and a said, adding that he may try again in the Kremlin admiral’s hat—about three or spring. four of them. There’s a box full of coins There are local police and federal solwith Soviet propaganda all over them. And diers who help protect the school. then there’s the tea set sitting on a rickety A few weeks ago, someone bulldozed poker table that was replicated from a Page 4

4,800-piece set of China customized for St. Catherine the Great.

Those and thousands of other items from McDowell’s collection will be on sale at the Christmas Market at Heritage Christian Fellowship next week.

McDowell has published more than 130 books about Christian literature and has spent decades running his ministry, globetrotting to help people in need. He said that has been his calling since he delved into Christianity.

He’s been keeping these items in his home for years, which he describes as a small museum.

“These, they took their shoulder bars right off their shoulders and gifted them to us because our work with the military children in Russia,” he said of the Russian memorabilia.

Some of that work included taking rare medicine for operations to children who have been affected by nuclear radiation in Chernobyl. He said he also helped deliver vaccinations to Kazakhstan when they had a polio outbreak.

McDowell has worked with many children throughout the world to help them receive the education and support they need.

McDowell said when he heard about the school in Pakistan, he jumped at the opportunity to help. When he learned what the children endure through slavery, he said it made his blood boil.

“Whatever we do, we do to help young children,” McDowell said. “This will be one of the most diverse of any Christmas markets ever in California.”

The Christmas Market will offer more than 20,000 items, he said. Works of art, sports jerseys, and historical pieces will be for sale.

“We’ve (through the ministry) helped women, especially, how to market things to foreigners,” McDowell said. “We bought the first 2,000 items from someone to help them out. I figured I’d buy these items, hold on to them for a few years and then sell them to help the people who really need it.”

Some of the items include high-ranking military uniform flare as well as pieces from events that were boycotted.

McDowell has spent the last 30 years going to Russia periodically but he has visited more than 125 countries.

“We help those who cannot fend for themselves,” he said. “The children and the elderly are the ones who have suffered the most from the transitions in Russia.”

Although he said he wants to help the school as much as he can, McDowell said he doesn’t have any plans to visit it. He said the amount of security it would take is too cumbersome and the costs are unaffordable. McDowell said what he would need to keep him safe there is equivalent to secret service. He said he had to have Navy SEALs travel with him the last time he went to countries in Latin America.

In the meantime, though, McDowell can share all the other parts of the world he’s visited with the San Clemente community next weekend. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

16 Via Paulina, San Clemente Fall in love with this modern take on a craftsman-style estate. Enjoy five bedrooms and five-and-one-half baths within approximately 4,287 square feet. A mosaic of quartz, hardwood and faux wood tile surfaces perfectly complements a Benjamin Moore color palette. An open concept design showcases world-class interiors from a grand entryway with two-story ceilings to a chef’s kitchen with professional-grade Kitchen Aid appliances to an opulent owner’s suite with panoramic valley to ocean views from sunrise to sunset. Enrich your experience with contemporary upgrades at every turn, from decorative wood paneling and plantation shutters to crown molding and seven-inch baseboards to a full surround sound system and alfresco 3-panel sliding doors. Open-air living spaces flow seamlessly from an outdoor room with a built-in barbecue to a private entertainer’s yard with a resort-style spa/pool. Step into sophisticated luxury within the Alora enclave of Talega.

Lic#01176379

EYE ON SC

Community SC Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

they spoke to managers of the property, who told them nobody lived there.

COMPILED BY STAFF

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

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

Avenida Del Mar. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE 9 p.m.-1 p.m. The San Clemente Friends of the Library Book Sale will feature a voluminous collection of holiday books.

242 Avenida Del Mar. 949.276.6342. www.sanclementefotl.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

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

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The City Council will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8230. www.san-clemente.org.

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

805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

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, DECEMBER 7

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.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

2/4 MARINES WELCOME HOME BBQ 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Clemente community will host a barbecue to welcome home members of the U.S Marine Corps. San Onofre State Beach.

949.492.1131. www.scchamber.com.

San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

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.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Avenida Miramar/El Camino Real (7:41 p.m.) Police were called to an alley where a camper had “plowed into a telephone pole.”

TRAFFIC HAZARD Avenida Vista Hermosa/ Avenida Talega (9:51 a.m.) A patrol check was conducted for a deer stuck in traffic trying to cross the street.

Monday, November 28

Friday, November 25

FOUND PROPERTY Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (11:52 a.m.) Someone found a drone.

CITIZEN ASSIST Terraza Escondida, 6800 Block (10:58 a.m.) Someone threw a rock at a window.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN El Camino Real, 400 Block (10:41 a.m.) A person was face-down on the ground, singing and screaming.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (10:27 a.m.)

Someone was taking photographs of women jogging or biking.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (8:26 a.m.) A few people were sleeping on the caller’s patio and refusing to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Buena Vista, 1100 Block (7:11 a.m.) Someone was seen smoking “something that came out of a plastic bag.”

PATROL CHECK El Camino Real, 1500 Block (6:27 a.m.) A caller was upset about the apartment they chose to rent above a CrossFit gym. The caller was upset about being woken up by people working out.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle De Los Alamos/Calle Lausen (5:06 p.m.) Metrolink officials contacted Lossan Rail Corridor Agency regarding a man and a woman standing on the tracks taking photos.

KEEP THE PEACE Avenida Serra, 100 Block (3:42 p.m.) A woman called about a male driver who blocked her in with his vehicle because “she took his spot.”

PATROL CHECK Buena Vista, 800 Block (2:11 p.m.) Someone was “mumbling and weaving” for 20 minutes prior to the call, possibly going through trash cans.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (8:26 a.m.) An “aggressive” person in the store was refusing to leave.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Pico/I-5 Freeway (7:48 a.m.) Police were called to check for flooding near the onramp. Police were also called to the area at 1:20 a.m. for reports of water “shooting out of the middle of the street.” Orange County Fire Authority also responded.

Thursday, November 24

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Legendario, 3200 Block (12:56 a.m.) A woman said someone shot a bullet at her window, but it was later discovered juveniles were shooting slingshot ammunition at windows. Several people contacted police about this, and officials said the parents of the children will pay for all damages.

Sunday, November 27

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (11:15 p.m.) Two men were heard having a physical altercation, screaming “come on, want more.” A woman was also heard screaming, “The cops are coming!”

The line disconnected, and there was no answer when authorities tried to call back.

DISTURBANCE Avenida De La Estrella, 4200 Block (10:02 p.m.) A man, possibly on drugs, was running in the street in front of cars.

DISTURBANCE Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (9:28 p.m.) Police were called to 12 juveniles trying to pick fights with adults and throwing empty beer bottles at passing vehicles.

DISTURBANCE Via Plumosa, 100 Block (10:06 a.m.) A caller said a 13-year-old child was refusing to get up and make their bed and was screaming at their parents.

Saturday, November 26 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRUMSTANCES Avenida Montalvo, 200 Block (11:19 p.m.) A caller said someone was possibly “squatting” (residing illegally) inside a home.

The caller said a TV was on, and the man who used to live there died. The caller said

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Juarez, 600 Block (9:21 p.m.) Orange County Fire Authority responded to a call for “flames seen on a hillside.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (7:53 p.m.) Police were called to a man described “only as a ‘tweaker’” who jumped into the water

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from the end of San Clemente Pier. The man was slowly swimming back toward the “lifeguard side” of the shore. Police responded to the scene to see if he was still in the water. On Nov. 22, a similar incident was reported.

DISTURBANCE Via Merluza, 600 Block (1:41 p.m.) Two men were reportedly fist fighting on the balcony of the location.

HIT-AND-RUN PARKED CAR Paseo De Cristobal, 100 Block (6:40 a.m.) A man said someone drove an E-Z-GO golf cart into his daughter’s vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Corte El Brazo, 0 Block (3:29 a.m.) Police were called regarding two people who sounded drunk yelling from the ditch.

Wednesday, November 23 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (5:53 p.m.)

A caller said they could see four people dealing heroin, and the caller noticed they were hiding in the bushes, with “balloons.”

DISTURBANCE Calle Puente, 1100 Block (5:51 p.m.) Police were called to a man driving around the park in a dark Honda or Toyota while screaming obscenities.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida San Diego, 100 Block (5:33 p.m.) A man asked to speak with a deputy and to file a report because his ex-wife broke her phone and wanted him to buy her a new one. He said she told him she was going to “punch him in the face” and do something malicious to his truck because he refused.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Pico/Avenida La Pata (5:32 p.m.) Orange County Fire Authority responded to the Albertson’s where a truck was on fire. A woman reportedly got out of the vehicle, and no injuries were reported.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Amistad, 100 Block (9:50 a.m.) A caller reported a car that was full of marijuana smoke.

Tuesday, November 22 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY San Clemente Pier (7:31 p.m.) Dana Point Harbor Patrol responded to a report of a man, about 40 years old, who jumped off the side of San Clemente Pier while naked. He was recovered by authorities and was responsive, but uncooperative and possibly on drugs.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (7:13 p.m.) A naked man was seen running around the business.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (5:22 p.m.) Police were called to the main entrance of the location for people setting off fireworks. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Third Annual Tri-Give-AThon Raises $2,535 CB CycleBarn and pure. love. yoga. hosted the third annual Tri-Give-A-Thon in support of With My Own Two Hands, a Laguna Beach-based nonprofit, which provides sustainable solutions to projects in Africa that benefit orphaned and disadvantaged children. The charity event raised $2,535 for the local nonprofit, with 39 residents participating.

Residents started cycling at CB Cycle Barn for 45 minutes on decked-out bikes with donated swag. The participants then set out on a three-mile run to pure. love. yoga. For more information on With My Own Two Hands, visit www.withmyown2hands.org.

‘Photos from the SHACC Archives’ on Display Dec. 2 The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) will feature select images from their massive library of historic photos in an exhibit that launched on Dec. 2 from 6-9 p.m. The images are culled from more than 200,000 shots SHACC has acquired over the years and includes work from Bob Barbour, Art Brewer, David Darling, Leo Hetzel, Tom Keck, Dick Metz, Guy Motil, Bob Pasqua, Ron Stoner/ SURFER Mag Collection, Steve Wilkings and more. You can also order prints online. SHACC is located at 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. www.surfingheritage.org.

Boys & Girls Club Holiday Gift Items The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area in San Clemente is in need of Christmas and holiday gifts for members ages 5-16. Unwrapped gifts of new items will brighten the holidays for local kids in the greater San Clemente area. Toys, new clothing, socks and other new items are requested. Drop off unwrapped donations before Dec. 21, 2016 at the Boys & Girls Club at 1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente. Questions may be directed to Veronica Vega at vvega@bgcsca.org or at 949.492.0376.

Holiday Boutique Fundraiser to Support SCHS Dance Team The San Clemente High School Dance Team Holiday Boutique fundraiser, sponsored by Em & Tess Clothing and Missy’s Pop-Up Shop, will run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The public is invited to stop by 220 AveSan Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

People participated in the third annual Tri-Give-A-Thon to help raise money for With My Own Two Hands, a Laguna Beach-based nonprofit that raises funds for disadvantaged children in Africa, along with CB CycleBarn and pure. love. yoga. Photo: Courtesy

nida Del Mar and shop from both stores plus several additional merchants participating in the boutique. Shoppers will be treated to appetizers and drinks and can participate in an opportunity drawing to win prizes donated by participating merchants.

A percentage of all sales will benefit the SCHS Dance team. These fundraisers support all aspects of the Dance Team program from technique coaches and guest choreographers to costumes and competition fees.

Other businesses participating in the boutique include: From The Studio offering jewelry and gifts; CaliKath Candles with succulents and jewelry; molly g with leather handbags and accessories; Tracy’s Designs with handcrafted ornaments and Christmas accessories; Mandy Kuhn with doTERRA essential oils; Thumbprints with gifts and accessories; and Lelia’s Sweet Supply with caramel corn and confections.

For more information about the SCHS Dance Team Holiday Boutique, visit www. schsdanceteam.com or email the group at danceschs@gmail.com.

Two CUSD High School Seniors Pen Winning Essays in SHACC Scholarship Contest Adding an educational component to its “From Plastic to Fantastic” exhibition, SHACC invited high school seniors in the Capistrano Unified School District to participate in an essay contest on the topic: “Problems and Solutions to Plastic Pollution.” Ila Jane Foskett and Joseph Bell, both students of San Clemente High School, won the essay contest and each received a $1,000 scholarship.

deliver high-quality boys and girls 20-inch bikes, sturdy enough to be handed down to younger siblings, in time for the holiday festivities.

The company is asking for donations in any amount for the bikes. Bikes are $118 each, including tax. The bikes in retail sell for up to $220.

The window for donations closes Dec. 10, though representatives will try to accommodate further donations while inventory lasts.

For information or to volunteer as an “elf,” call Pete at 949.492.5737.

Keep FOG from Harming Beaches This Holiday Season As the holidays approach, the city of San Clemente reminded residents not to put fats, oils or grease (FOG) down the sink, drain or toilet. When these substances are not properly disposed of, they end up clogging sinks and drains, hardening and coating the inside of sewer pipes and eventually creating sewer overflows that can quickly pollute coastal waters.

There are several ocean-friendly ways to dispose of leftover cooking oils, including both large amounts and small amounts.

If you have gallons of frying oils to dispose of, place the grease in a sealed, labeled container (don’t forget to save original containers during meal prep to make disposal easier later). You can then recycle up to 5 gallons at your local household hazardous waste collection center, located at Prima Deshecha Landfill, 32250 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano. The Center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and is closed on rainy days and holidays. Call 714.834.6752 for more information.

Sixth Annual Holiday Bikes for Kids Drive The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area will be the North Pole for Urban Bicycle Outfitters this year, helping make Christmas wishes come true for deserving children around town.

Urban Bicycle Outfitters in North Beach will act as elves and assemble and

Talk About Curing Autism Exceeds Fundraising Goal Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) celebrated the 10th edition of “Ante Up for Autism,” the casino and gala fundraiser event that benefits the organization, which took place at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point on Nov. 12. The amount of

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funds raised was more than expected, exceeding the target goal of $500,000.

“We are all so filled with gratitude by the generosity of the evening, our sponsors, donors, board, committee and volunteers,” said Lisa Ackerman, TACA executive director, in a press release. “The event was an incredible success, as not only did we meet our goal, but exceeded it. Our grand total was over $625,000 raised toward TACA programs, supporting families nationwide and offering real help now to families living with autism.”

All the funds raised are allocated toward developing 12 programs to strengthen the autism community by connecting affected families with professionals who can provide help through this often-difficult journey.

San Clemente Republican Women, Federated Luncheon San Clemente Republican Women, Federated will celebrate the upcoming holidays at a special event luncheon meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Talega Golf Club, 900 Avenida Talega.

Vendors will be available for shopping, and the San Clemente High School A Capella Choir will sing. Bring gift certificates or unwrapped toys for all ages, which will be donated to Camp Pendleton children.

There will also be a Christmas cookie exchange.

RSVP is required by Dec. 8. Cost is $40.

Prime rib will be served. Send pre-pay reservation check to SCARWF, P.O. Box 3512 San Clemente, CA 92674.

Christmas for the Marines Each year, the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi and the city of San Clemente sponsor a Christmas party for the city’s adopted Marine Corps Unit HMLA469. The Marines have just returned from deployment.

Gifts are gathered for the Marines’ children, and the groups help sponsor a Christmas lunch for 600 Marines and family members on Dec. 10 at their Camp Pendleton Air Station Hangar.

You can show your holiday support for the Marines by dropping off gifts for children. Look for red bins at the following locations: - City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio - Community Center, 100 Calle Seville - Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa - Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 W. Avenida Pico Tax-deductible, cash donations can also be made. Visit www.marinemonument. com for more information.

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

mum of four people per house.

One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.234.3200. www.visitdanapoint.org.

Holiday Events

HOLIDAY DIY CARD AND CANDLE MAKING

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendees will learn ornamental calligraphy techniques and make a set of holiday cards with ink and color. After a break for lunch, the owners of Makana candles will guide guests through a candle-making class. This class is limited to sixteen students only, so register at www. scartsupply.com. Cost is $125 and includes the candles made at the class to take home.

1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.

HERITAGE HILL VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA

4:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your cameras and snap a selfie with Santa at the Dana Wharf Courtyard. Photos are free.

El Torito Courtyard. 34521 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danapointharbor.com.

HOLIDAY IN THE HARBOR

4:30-7:30 p.m. Bring the family down to the Dana Point Harbor for a fun afternoon of holiday events, live music, kids’ treats and specials throughout the village.

Mariner’s Village/Alley and Dana Wharf.

34624 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.visitdanapoint.org.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’

8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse continues performances of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. The show runs every weekend through Dec. 18. Tickets range from $27-$37.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.com.

BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Santa and his helpers listen to holiday wishes on a 20-minute harbor cruise. A $5 donation, which will be given to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club, is suggested. No reservation required. Event also runs Sunday, Dec. 4.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE ACADEMY

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sit in on one of two gingerbread house decorating workshops at Monarch Beach Resort. The pastry team will offer tips for decorating with the seemingly endless amount of candy and frosting available. There will also be a special visit from Santa, complete with pictures. Cost is $85 per gingerbread house, with a maxi-

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Relive the holiday customs of yesteryear for one final time as Heritage Hill Historical Park holds their last-ever Victorian Christmas.

The park’s four historic buildings will be festively decorated for the season with live music, dance performances, local craft vendors and food for purchase. Enjoy hands-on activities including Christmas ornament and card making, candle dipping, butter churning, Victorian-inspired crafts and games and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus.

25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest.

949.923.2230.

WINTER FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING

Noon-7 p.m. Head down to La Plaza Park in Dana Point for an afternoon of holiday festivities, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony. From noon-5 p.m., there will be visits with Santa, a synthetic ice skating rink, a craft fair, face painting, cookie decorating, entertainment and more. There will also be a toy drive, and anyone who brings an unwrapped toy will be entered into a raffle to win a bicycle from Buy My Bikes. The tree lighting occurs at 5:15 p.m., and a showing of A Christmas Story, with free popcorn and candy, will be held from 5:30-7 p.m.

34111 La Plaza St., Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

4:15 - 9 p.m. The annual San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony includes pre-show entertainment, a live stage show and, of course, the lighting of the holiday tree. Elsewhere, there will be free photos with Santa Claus at Los Rios Park, a puppet show and a free Christmas train ride and crafts.

Mrs. Claus will entertain children at the O’Neill Museum, and ZOOMARS will open the gates to their petting zoo at no charge and offer train and hay rides for a nominal fee. Historic Town Center Park.

31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.5911. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

(Continued)

Holiday Events

PINES PARK TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 4-6 p.m. The city of Dana Point and Capo Cares hosts a tree lighting ceremony at Pines Park. There will be crafts for kids, caroling, handmade wooden ornaments and more. There will also be hot cocoa and homemade cookies.

Pines Park. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.

(Continued)

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA

5-7:30 p.m. Christmas at the Casa is a public holiday celebration featuring festive decorations, live music, carolers, a bell choir, a talking Christmas tree, crafts for children, cookies and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. The bell choir will walk with guests from Casa Romantica to the San Clemente Community Center at approximately 7:30 p.m. for the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 8 p.m.

Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA

5-10:30 p.m. Avenida Del Mar and the Community Center turn into a holiday village. There will be the local favorite snow hill, Santa meetings and other activities, all leading up to a tree lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. on the corner of Del Mar and Calle Seville.

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. www.san-clemente.org.

CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION

5:30-8 p.m. The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano turns into a winter wonderland with carolers, school choirs, real snow sledding and play area, “merry-achi” music, visits with Father Christmas and more.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

YAPPY HOWLIDAYS

11 a.m.-2 p.m. This gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself, Santa Claus. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local pets in need. Proceeds from food and beverage purchases benefit The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.visitdanapoint.org

CASA NUTCRACKER

7-8:30 p.m. The Orange County Ballet Theatre performs the holiday classic production. The Casa Nutcracker features choreography tailored to Casa Romantica’s intimate Main Salon.

Tickets are $40.

Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

LIL ELVES WORKSHOP

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement. Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from tiny tots putting crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies and more. Tickets are $20 per child, and registration at www.san-clemente.org is required.

San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

7:30 p.m. The 42nd annual edition of the boat parade kicks off on Friday night. You can join in on the parade by watching from the shore or hopping on a boat with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or The Ocean Institute. The parade also runs on Dec. 10, 16 and 17. www.danapointharbor.com.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

9 a.m.-noon. Enjoy breakfast, movies, arts and crafts, and a photo op with Santa himself as he visits Dana Point from the North Pole. Adults are $30, kids are $15.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.visitdanapoint.org.

Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List

GIFT CERTIFICATES Any Denomination $65/mo Unlimited Classes

FIT4MOM San Clemente 949.237.2964 sanclemente.fit4mom.com

SONNY’S PANINI. BEST LUNCH IN TOWN. $9.95-$11.95

Holiday Cheers to Time Spent Together!

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta 429 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente

949.498.2540 www.sonnys.com

SERPENTINE IGUANAS 5 ½” to 11 ½” long $340 and Up

Designs By Nature 400 S. El Camino Real, A, San Clemente

949.498.8358 www.designsbynature.com

SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

$250 Initiation Fee/ $50 Mo. Food & Beverage Minimum Bella Collina San Clemente 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente

949.333.4830 www.bellacollinasanclemente.com

GOLF MEMBERSHIP

$2,000-$2,500 Initiation Fee/ $460-$575 Mo. Dues Bella Collina San Clemente 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente

949.333.4830 www.bellacollinasanclemente.com

Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Starting at $79 for 3 Treatments Expires 12/31/16 Hybrid MD, Laser & Aesthetic Medicine 1031 Avenida Pico, Ste. 103, San Clemente

949.429.1919 www.hybridmdoc.com

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Any Denomination Eyeland Lash 99 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente

949.391.0670 www.eyelandlash.com

SCHMID’S BUSINESS GIFTS Order by December 31 for 15% Off!

Schmid’s Fine Chocolates 99 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

949.369.1052 www.schmidschocolate.com

14KT GOLD & DIAMOND RING On Sale for $519 Zia Jewelry 31761 Camino Capistrano, SJC

(949) 493-1322 www.ZiaJewelrySanJuanCap.com

BESTIE SPA DAY GIFT CERTIFICATE Any Denomination

Bow Wow Beautiful Pet Spa 364 Camino Estrella, San Clemente

949.702.3130 www.BowWowBeautiful.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor A COUNTRY AT A CROSSROADS? PAUL LARSON, San Juan Capistrano

A country at a crossroads—do we move forward or do we move further into division, discontent and anger? Or, do we look back and look forward? Are those our only options?

It was an interesting and challenging confluence of two national events this month— on Nov. 8, we had an election, and on Nov. 11, we celebrated Veterans Day. One looking back, and the other looking forward.

The Rev. Michael Vaughn, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, started the Nov. 13 service in an unusual way. Instead of the usual musical prelude, he began with the following: “We are going to start worship today with a minute of silence, in observance of national and world events. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1918, started out as Armistice Day in 1918—a memorial to the human cost of war and the communal expense of peace, a memorial to the millions swept up in what at the time was called the war to end all wars, which did not end all wars.

“The early 20th century and the year 1918 was a time of great culture change.

In Europe, economic, political, national, and religious forces were all in turmoil and conflict. In the United States, a sleepy giant that reluctantly, slowly saw it had responsibility to the world community. This conflict afterwards, called World War I, did not really end; it was fought to exhaustion. Ending not with a real solution—just an armistice, a break, a timeout. A false, unsustainable pseudo-peace, which then seeded World War II. Then came a cold war that seeded where we are even now.

“I will also co-opt today for our minute of silence—the elephant in the room—our national presidential election last Tuesday. Whether individually we are pleased or not, we knew we would gather here together today. We are people of faith, people of the book, people of the Kingdom of God, and not people of something partisan. I am confident as we diverse people assemble today, we all in advance intended to pray for our new president-elect, no matter if it was a him or her.

“We live, as you know, in a time of great culture change—economics, demographics, the purpose and use of institutions: e.g., schools, churches, other organizations.

Even the very social contract between us is in flux—some even call it a culture war.

“We need to honor the lives and civil sacrifices of the past and beware of the danger of fighting this cultural, polarized clash to exhaustion or no sustainable solution—not just slather over or just take a San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

break. The social contract of our patriotic duty requires more.

“So, let’s have the minute of silence in healing and memory of those who sacrificed to protect this nation, and also in healing of the current civic rancor among us that must die—not just in order that we can continue to be this great nation, but more so we can faithfully live towards the Kingdom of God.” Regardless of our individual political beliefs, healing our great nation is paramount. Regardless of our individual religious or spiritual beliefs (or even having none), healing is needed. Fighting to exhaustion is not a solution.

We have the opportunity to look back to honor those who have served, and we also have the opportunity to learn from history. We now have a more immediate opportunity to look forward to how we can serve our nation, our world and each other with honor and dignity. We are standing at a crossroads and are much in need of reflective moments of silence.

TRAFFIC, NOT IDEOLOGY, KILLED IN-N-OUT

one already snarling our busiest freeway interchange was evident to everyone except the lawyer from In-N-Out and two City Council members since voted out. The Council majority considered traffic projections into the 21st century and placed safety and mobility over burger lovers’ convenience. And that’s what leadership is all about.

BEACH PARKING IMPACT FUND QUESTION EARLE McNEIL, San Clemente

Why will it take five years to repay the $1,500, plus interest, that the city collected from me 20 years ago? The city of San Clemente had a fiduciary responsibility to protect that money. If the money has been stolen (squandered), is that not a criminal offense? And, should not the homeowners affected ask for criminal and punitive damages from those responsible? Five years is not acceptable, nor is one year. Please, city officials, answer this letter as to why you are not grossly negligent.

THE 241 TOLL ROAD STILL FACES ISSUES

PETE VAN NUYS, San Clemente

Joe Tolosa stated in the Nov. 24-30 letter to the editor in the San Clemente Times that he “recently heard” that a regressive cabal killed our In-N-Out proposal. He should stop listening to the uniformed.

“

The absurdity of putting another high-traffic drive-through next to one already snarling our busiest freeway interchange was evident to everyone except the lawyer from In-N-Out and two City Council members since voted out.

”

In 2006, an In-N-Out was proposed to be where the now-shuttered Carrow’s sits, on Pico between McDonald’s and the Mobil Gas station. Now, if there’s one thing an In-N-Out hamburger is all about, it’s long lines of cars backing up to order ’em, frequently out into the street. In this case, that backup would be right in the middle of our famous free-right-turn lane at the bottom of the northbound Pico off ramp. You know, the lane that frustrates the daylights out of everyone who knows it’s supposed to offer a protected turn onto Pico but elicits trepidation and confounds other drivers trying to swerve over to get into McDonald’s. The absurdity of putting another high-traffic drive-through next to

T.J. ORR, San Clemente

Thankfully, no one in our household continues to commute to the Inland Empire.

However, as the toll road authority now considers alternate routing of the connection between the 241 to the I-5, they are overlooking a major, existing and obvious issue with the 241 connection up north with the 91. Traffic there during the commuting hours is always crawling for several miles.

Unless this congestion is resolved, there is little point to putting even more traffic on the 241 by a new, direct connection between the I-5 and 241 through San Juan or San Clemente, which poses its own issues for each of these communities.

An “end to end” solution is needed.

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.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Dec. 2 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 Maggie Fetterly Debra Holm Tim Trent Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 48. 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 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

CORRECTION: In the Nov. 24-30 edition of the San Clemente Times, the dates listed for the San Clemente Chabad menorah lighting were incorrect. The date for the menorah lighting at the San Clemente Pier is 4 p.m. on Dec. 26 and at 4 p.m. on Jan. 1 at the Outlets at San Clemente.

Page 29

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

The annual tree lighting at Santa’s Village by the Sea is a unique San Clemente celebration. Photo: File

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Councilman Chris Hamm

City Maintains Its Historic Roots while Ushering in New Era

I

am grateful to have been reelected to serve San Clemente for another four years. It is my goal to ensure San Clemente gets better all the time and that everyone has an opportunity to provide input and share in our progress.

As we look to 2017, we have much to be thankful for in our town, including the friendly people, world-renowned surf, beaches and climate. San Clemente is truly one of the most desirable places to live and work in California.

Further, San Clemente’s financial management practices are prudent and focus on ensuring a balanced budget is adopted every year on time. Our city consistently receives an AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s (the highest rating) due to its rigorous standards and attention to solvency. We plan to continue this track record while ensuring our residents receive the highest quality public services.

As a native of San Clemente, one thing I love most about the city is its rich history.

I am proud of our city’s dedication to maintaining our town’s history, most notably in the downtown district centered along El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar. San Clemente’s Spanish tile rooftops and white stucco walls are subtle expressions of the town’s historic roots. The city’s founder Ole Hanson designated that all buildings must be approved by an architectural review board in order to retain control over development and building style. To this day, the city prides itself on maintaining its historic feel featuring original Ole Hanson cottages, the Ole Hanson Beach Club and the original home of the city’s founder, which has been transformed into the Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens.

There’s still one more landmark in need of restoration and that is the Miramar Theater in beautiful North Beach. Though the building, built in 1938 and closed for

Page 30

two decades, is privately owned, the city must still be involved in the permitting and planning approval process. The city will ensure the historic significance of the building is preserved. Due to its proximity to the beach, the California Coastal Commission will also have a say in the project.

Currently, a plan has been submitted by the private owners of the Miramar. The owner’s plan is to revive the property as a performing arts center and transform the space that long ago housed a bowling alley into a collection of small specialty restaurants in a courtyard setting. There are also plans by the North Beach Community Association to apply with the city to host a farmCITY COUNCIL CORNER ers market and arts and

By Chris Hamm crafts fair, much like we see on Sundays along Avenida Del Mar, which have proven to be a great way to bring the community together.

I wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season! I hope to see you downtown for the city’s annual Santa’s Village by the Sea event, the Downtown Business Association’s “Puttin’ on the Glitz” and “Christmas at the Casa,” all planned for Saturday, Dec. 3. For details, visit www. san-clemente.org Chris Hamm is a City Councilman who was first elected to City Council in 2012 and served as mayor in 2015. Although the election results are still coming in, he leads the polls by a margin of votes more than what the Orange County Registrar of Voters said is left for San Clemente. 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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

a set of holiday cards. After a break, the owners of Makana candles will host a candle-making class. This class is limited to sixteen students, so register at www. scartsupply.com. Cost is $125. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 01 FROZEN HOLIDAY DANCE PARTY 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kids ages 3-6 are invited to dance tap and ballet to fun holiday songs and make ornaments to take home during craft time. There will also be a performance for parents. Register at www. theartsprojectoc.com or call 949.276.2787.

The Arts Project of Orange County. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ALLIANCE HOOP AND JAM 5-6 p.m. The Community Outreach Alliance hosts an evening of hula hoop exercise and music. Admission is free. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

HOLIDAY WINE TASTING 7-9 p.m. Taste festive cabernet sauvignons at Barnoa Wine Bar. The $25 fee includes tastings and light appetizers. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.

388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Friday | 02 SADDLEBACK HOLIDAY STUDENT ART SALE 5-8 p.m. The 38th annual sale of art made by students at Saddleback College kicks off on Friday. A wide selection of student art for sale includes ceramics, sculpture, paintings, prints and jewelry, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces and handmade glass beads. Admission is free. Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. www.saddleback.edu.

21ST ANNUAL YULETIDE EVENT 6-10 p.m. Support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley at their 21st annual Yuletide event. Break out the flannel and plaids and participate in the event’s second annual ugly sweater contest.

Tickets start at $175. 30622 Steeplechase Drive, San Juan Capistrano (in the Hunt Club). www.bgccapo.com.

ARTIST RECEPTION: REBECCA HARRIS 7-9:30 p.m. San Clemente artist Rebecca Harris stops by Designs By Nature to share her unique dream catchers. There will be opportunity drawings and refreshments throughout the evening. 400 S. El Camino Real, Suite A, San Clemente.

949.498.8358. www.designsbynature.com.

San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

Photo: Courtesy

SATURDAY, DEC. 3: CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA 5-7:30 p.m. Christmas at the Casa is a public holiday celebration featuring festive decorations, live music, carolers, a bell choir, a talking Christmas tree, crafts for children, cookies and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. The bell choir will walk with guests from Casa Romantica to the San Clemente Community Center at approximately 7:30 p.m. for the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 8 p.m. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

THE DISH

CAPTAIN MAURI’S PORTOFINO VEGGIE BURGER

E

ating a vegan or vegetarian diet is good for you (and good for the planet), though it sometimes doesn’t always taste that way. Without the convenience of ubiquitous meat and dairy offerings, those who abstain from animal and animal products are often left choosing between a frozen something or yet another salad, or alas, the veggie burger.

Captain Mauri’s puts a fresh take on the much maligned meat-free staple with a menu of innovative, fresh burger styles. The Portofino was superb; a grain-based vegan patty was sandwiched in a chewy onion roll with tomato sauce, fennel, basil, onion and avocado. What’s best about it is the balance of sweetness from the avocado and tomato and the acidity of the red onion and sauce.

And what brings all these strong elements together is the fennel, which acts as a lifeguard to keep all the flavors in check.

LIVE MUSIC: BILLY WATSON 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Billy Watson at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. $27-$37. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminrealplayhouse.com.

Captain Mauri’s also has plenty of other vegan and vegetarian sandwiches and smoothies, and even sneaks in a few meat dishes for those hold-outs that tag along to lunch. Though if there’s one place to convince them of how good meat-free can taste, Captain Mauri’s is it.

Captain Mauri’s Restaurant.

149 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.498.9098. www.captainmauris.com.

acerbic dance instructor for lessons. $1520. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.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.

Saturday | 03

‘SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse puts on Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, the story of a formidable retired woman, who hires an

HOLIDAY DIY CARD AND CANDLE MAKING 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendees will learn ornamental calligraphy techniques and make

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HERITAGE HILL VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Relive the holiday customs of yesteryear for one final time as Heritage Hill Historical Park holds their last-ever Victorian Christmas. The park’s historic buildings will be decorated for the season with live music, performances, craft vendors and food. Enjoy hands-on activities including Christmas ornament and card making, candle dipping, butter churning, Victorian-inspired crafts and games and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. 949.923.2230.

MEET AND GREET: NAVAJO ARTIST RAY TRACEY 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Award-winning Navajo jewelry artist Ray Tracey visits the White Pelican Gallery in Dana Point Harbor for a meet and greet. His jewelry will be on display, and there will be special sales promotions. Also runs Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon-5 p.m. 34475 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.240.1991.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 4:15 p.m.- 9 p.m. The annual San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony includes entertainment, a live stage show and, of course, the tree lighting. Elsewhere, there will be photos with Santa Claus at Los Rios Park, with a puppet show and a free Christmas train ride and crafts. Mrs. Claus will entertain children at the O’Neill Museum, and ZOOMARS will open the gates to their petting zoo at no charge. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA 5-10:30 p.m. Avenida Del Mar and the Community Center turn into a holiday village. There will be the local favorite snow hill, Santa meetings and other activities, all leading up to a tree lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. on the corner of Del Mar and Calle Seville. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. www.san-clemente.org.

Sunday | 04 VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Village Art Faire is held on the first Sunday of every month and is put on by the Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop Avenida Del Mar, where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other items. 949.395.7008. www.villagesanclemente.org.

(Cont. on page 34) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 32) YAPPY HOWLIDAYS 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself—Santa Claus.

Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local pets in need. Proceeds from food and beverage purchases benefit The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. www.visitdanapoint.org BIG BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2:30 p.m. The Almighty Jazz Band, also known as Jazz 4 Jesus, will present a Big Band Christmas concert at Community Presbyterian Church. The concert is suitable for families and children of all ages.

All proceeds from the free-will donations will be used to support the Community Presbyterian Church community concert series. 32202 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1502.

Monday | 05 PINES PARK TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 4-6 p.m. The city of Dana Point and Capo Cares hosts a tree lighting ceremony at Pines Park. There will be crafts for kids, caroling, handmade wooden ornaments and more. There will also be hot cocoa and homemade cookies. Pines Park. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.

Tuesday | 06 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real.

949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Wednesday | 07 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.

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

At the Movies: ‘Manchester by the Sea’ Could be ‘Best’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

B

ecause the Academy Awards “Best Actress” category is looking to be one of the most competitive at the Oscars next season, Casey Affleck is really lucky no one is paying any attention to the “Best Actor” department. All throughout the festival circuit earlier this year, the younger Affleck has been getting tons of hype as the best male performance of 2016 as the lead in Kenneth Lonergan’s new feature Manchester by the Sea. And it is certainly a great, emotional performance that also comes off as his most personal.

Lee Chandler (Affleck) lives a mundane life as a professional handyman around Boston when his older brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler), dies prematurely of a heart attack. Lee visits his hometown in Manchester, Massachusetts, for the

Page 34

Photo: Claire Folger/Amazon Studios/Roadside Attractions

first time in a decade and is shocked to discover he’s now the legal guardian of his 16-year-old nephew, Pat (Lucas Hedges).

While both Lee and Pat grieve in their own ways, we also learn of Lee’s past marriage to Randi (Michelle Williams) and discover Pat’s estranged mother, Elise (Gretchen Mol).

Lonergan has a way of creating pieces on family lifestyles that is genuine and original. This was also explored in You Can Count on Me (2000). Manchester by the Sea is indeed one of the saddest movies to hit theaters this year, but it also has that realistic, if not naturally awkward, comic relief that can sometimes occur during depression. All of the cast is brilliant, but in my mind, it not only has “Best Actor” potential, but also “Best Picture.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Grateful for the Community of San Clemente

L

Stella Chaidez and Rosa Welle were part of a team that put together a gold-medal-winning mural for the EngAGE Senior Olympics in September. Photo: Eric Heinz

Designing Gold Cotton’s Point seniors take first place at art competition

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

J

ulie Dickey and Sandy Stevens, designers at The Passionate HeARTs group, have taken their creative motif to the residents of Cotton’s Point Senior Apartments.

The two women create large artwork using mosaic-style patterns to develop colorful productions.

Jen Fallon, the activities director at Cotton’s Point, reached out to The Passionate HeARTs [sic] as a way to diversify the activities at the apartments.

“We taught them how to cut and nip and glue glass onto mesh to make flowers,” Dickey said. “We provided the patterns and the materials, and they picked the colors. They assembled them on the murals installed in the building, and we grouted

it and finished it up. They had a whole bunch of fun, but not nearly as much fun as Sandy and I had.”

The murals were submitted to the Senior Olympics, hosted by EngAGE, Inc., competing against 38 other senior-living facilities in September. They won the gold medal for the art category.

For Christmas, the seniors have been making light-up boxes with glass blocking in the designs of Christmas trees. The boxes were less labor-intensive than the two murals, which are about five feet wide and two feet tall. They are now hanging on a wall of the senior apartments.

“We’re just trying to get the community involved in the place and remind everyone that these seniors have value,” Dickey said.

Ashley Echelberger, 16, is a junior at San Clemente High School and part of the Visits of Love club, which visits senior living centers around the area. Students participate in making projects with the residents.

“Last time we played bingo, and that was really fun,” Echelberger said. “We love to give back to the community and see all the smiling faces.”

There are about 30 students who participate in the club. SC

ast month, I had the honor to be able to recognize five community members who believe that supporting youth helps our community thrive. Most successful individuals can name a few key adults who supported and inspired them as they navigated the difficult process of growing up. One of the cornerstones of a healthy community is youth who have a supportive network of adults they can rely on to provide positive role modeling and lend an ear to listen to concerns. I am grateful that San Clemente is a community that has many adults who take interest in our youth and work or volunteer to help our youth grow into healthy adults.

The Wellness & Prevention Coalition is in the process of applying for a Drug-Free Communities grant. The goal of this grant is to reduce substance use in the community through prevention. Current research shows that an asset-based approach is one of the best uses of prevention funding. Asset-based approaches are an integral part of community development in the sense that they are concerned with facilitating people and communities to come together to achieve positive change using their own knowledge, skills and life experience regarding issues they have encountered.

The Coalition has a multigenerational, multicultural committee developing strategies that strengthen assets within our community. The plan requires support and contribution by all sectors in the community and works under the assumption that our coalition can motivate the community to work in the best effort of our youth.

I have no doubt that we have a community that can band together to solve the debilitating emotional, social and monetary costs of substance use, particularly among our youth. But, this will require the residents of San Clemente to participate in the discussion and to commit to supporting

the positive changes this coalition strives to make. On the most basic level, we need to shift from recognizing the negative events in the community to noticing and celebrating the successes of our elected officials, public safety officials, teachers, coaches, religious leaders and others who support a healthy community.

Having resided in San Clemente for more than 14 years, I am aware of and thankful for the many developmental relationships I observe in all sectors.

Some examples include the local business owners who hire our teens and provide them with meaningful work experience, organizations like Family Assistance Ministries, Boys & Girls Club and Community Outreach Alliance, which recruit youth volunteers WELLNESS AND and provide them with a PREVENTION place to contribute to the

By Susan Parmelee wellbeing of others.

The Drug-Free Communities Grant is funded by the federal government, through the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and will allow us to work both from the bottom up and the top down to reinforce these positive developmental relationships and to develop more strategies to strengthen the health and wellbeing of our community.

Susan Parmelee is a mental health social worker and one of the founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center, San Clemente.

She can be reached at susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.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:

Sammy Seefeldt, right, of the San Clemente High School club, Visits of Love, helps residents of Cotton’s Point Senior Apartments with their mosaic projects, which were inspired by The Passionate Hearts. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

Nora Huang of Cotton’s Point Senior Apartments observes the mural she and other residents of the senior-living center put together for the EngAGE Senior Olympics. Photo: Eric Heinz

Page 36

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

In Pursuit of History For third consecutive season, the SCHS football team will play for their first-ever CIF-SS football championship

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

ollowing the San Clemente High School football team’s Tuesday practice this week, the team huddled at midfield in the cold night air.

Mark McElroy, a former Triton head coach who is currently the head coach at Saddleback College, was at the center of the huddle, giving a passionate speech about what Friday’s CIF-SS Division 2 Championship game will mean to those playing in it.

The Tritons will travel to Murrieta Valley on Dec. 2 to play for the title. It’s the third consecutive season in which the Tritons have advanced to the divisional final, and the team has a chance to win the school’s first-ever football championship.

San Clemente has come heartbreakingly close in recent years, only to be outdone in 2014 and 2015 by late drives and, in the case of last season, a finalsecond Hail Mary pass in the championship game.

McElroy, who was one of several guest speakers invited to practice this week, told the Tritons to forget all of that. What matters most, he said, is the 2016 version of the Tritons.

San Clemente (10-3) is not focusing on the past and is instead focused on the op-

A Return to the Finals How the Tritons paved their way to a third straight championship game appearance Every year, in every sport, there are moments that define a team’s season. Whether it be a tough loss or a brilliant victory, those moments add up to help paint a bigger, more vibrant picture of a group of players and coaches that are all striving for the same goal.

Here is a look at some of the defining moments of the Tritons’ season, which have led them to yet another CIF-SS finals appearance.

San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

The San Clemente High School football team’s defense swarms to the ball against Heritage in the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals. Photo: Lance Scott/www.redzoneelite.com

portunity that is right in front of them.

“Over the last three years, to be one of the two top teams left in the division, I think that’s a compliment to our program and the way we do things,” coach Jaime Ortiz said. “But at the end of the day everybody remembers who wins, and that’s the most important thing on Friday night, that they go out there and play this great game one more time together.”

The Tritons’ path to the championship game has not been easy.

After running past Chino Hills in the first round, San Clemente traveled to Menifee to play top-seeded Heritage in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, San Clemente hosted Valencia in what Ortiz said was one of

Aug. 26 • The Tritons found themselves in a dogfight against reigning CIF San Diego Section Division 1 champion Oceanside on Aug. 26. The Pirates, who utilized tall receivers, came away with a 51-42 victory. The wake-up call served the Tritons well, and they went on to win their next two games over Huntington Beach and Roosevelt by a combined 101-16 margin.

San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears will look to lead the Tritons to the program’s first-ever CIF-SS Championship title on Dec. 1. Photo: Lance Scott/ www.redzoneelite.com

the best games in school history. Twice San Clemente faced 14-point deficits, but scored 20 unanswered second-half points to claim a 41-35 victory.

The last few weeks have revealed a San Clemente team that doesn’t flinch when facing top-ranked opponents, has poise down the stretch, and isn’t afraid of a long bus drive. They will face many of those same obstacles Friday when they travel to play Murrieta Valley (11-2), the No. 2-ranked team in the division.

Murrieta Valley’s high-powered offense, which is averaging just over 51 points per game, starts with sophomore quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who has thrown for 3,597 yards and 43 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Senior running back Olita Palmer has gained 2,259 yards rushing and has racked up 28 touchdowns.

“For us defensively, we’ll have our hands full,” Ortiz said of Murrieta Valley.

“We’re going to have to be on point in all three facets of the game.”

San Clemente will counter with a defense that has allowed just over 22 points per game in the playoffs, and a potent offense that features quarterback Jack Sears and running back/receiver Brandon Reaves, who have combined for 17 total touchdowns in the postseason.

One thing the Tritons won’t have to worry about this week is an entirely new travel environment. The team will be eating the same pregame meal they had when they traveled to play Heritage two weeks ago, and will stop at Ronald Reagan Sports Park in Temecula for warm ups, just like they did before the quarterfinals.

One more bus ride, one more game. It’s a fitting sequence for the Tritons, whose motto all season long has been to go 1-0 each week. If they accomplish that goal one more time on Friday night, they will cement their names in school history. SC

Oct. 14 • In a game most thought would be a battle between the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the South Coast League, San Clemente squared off against Tesoro in its league opener. But the game was never close, as San Clemente overpowered its rival in every facet of the game in a 41-3 blowout victory. The game marked the emergence of sophomore transfer and defensive back Jack Shippy, who had two interceptions and a touchdown in the game.

Sept. 23 • A 28-7 victory over Palos Verdes marked the beginning of a five-game win streak, during which the Tritons improved their record to 7-2 and guaranteed themselves a playoff berth.

Nov. 25 • After knocking off top-seeded Heritage in the CIFSS quarterfinals, San Clemente overcame two 14-point deficits against Valencia of Valencia in the semifinals on Nov. 25, coming from behind to win in dramatic fashion, 41-35.

Oct. 28 • Tritons senior quarterback Jack Sears does lots of things right and on Oct. 28 against league foe Trabuco Hills, the USC commit could do no wrong. Sears set season-best marks in passing yards (248) and completions (20) and he threw three touchdowns. He also rushed for 87 yards and a score in a 49-14 win that kept the Tritons at the top of the league standings.

Page 38

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Paul Webb celebrated his 63rd birthday by playing 63 holes of golf on Nov. 28. Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

PAUL WEBB PLAYS 63 HOLES ON 63RD BIRTHDAY When San Clemente resident Paul Webb answered the phone the morning of Nov. 29, he was out of breath. He was in the middle of doing a set of sit-ups and needed a minute to lower his heart rate so he could describe what took place one day prior.

Webb turned 63 years old on Nov. 28, and he set out to play 63 holes of golf at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club in one day to commemorate it. Not only did he want to play a marathon day of golf, he wanted to run all 63 holes.

Webb, who is a motivational speaker and fitness trainer by trade, got up at the crack of dawn and ran the first 27 holes.

Cramps began to set in, so he jumped in a golf cart and continued playing. After an hour, he was good to go and set back out on foot, finishing his day just before the sun set.

“Fatigue hit, and I thought I was done,” Webb said with a laugh. “But I stayed with it and finished in seven hours and 24 minutes.”

Webb’s score actually improved as the day went on. He carded scores of 92, 88

and 86, respectively, before finishing the final nine holes.

The feat is just another in a long list of physical accomplishments for Webb, who tries to do something special on his birthday every year. When he turned 50, he paddled on his surfboard from Bolsa Chica State Beach to the San Clemente Pier.

“I’m a motivational speaker so I thought I might as well live the lifestyle. Every day I work out, and when I’m not doing those things, I’m inspiring people to be better than they think they can be,” Webb said.

POP WARNER FOOTBALL AND CHEER TEAMS ENJOYING SUCCESS The San Clemente junior Pop WarnerRed football team and Pop Warner Triton Cheer squad are in the midst of successful seasons.

The football team will travel to Hawaii to compete in the Western Regional Championship game on Dec. 1, becoming the first team in program history to accomplish the feat.

The cheer squad recently placed first at the WESCON Regional Competition, and will travel to Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to compete in the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships on Dec. 6.

The SC Pop Warner Triton cheer squad will travel to Florida for a national competition on Dec. 6.

Photo: Courtesy

Page 39

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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

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality 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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

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

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PLUMBING

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

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

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

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

REAL ESTATE

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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

Salon Bleu

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

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

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CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size.

Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point.

Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too!

Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES FABULOUS MULITI-FAMILY GARAGE/ESTATE SALE December 3, 2016 9AM to 4PM Jewelry, Plants, Pots, Antiques, Furniture, Memrobilia, Rare & Unusual Christmas Decorations.

3000 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente CA 92672. No Early Birds Please.

MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE 3004 & 3012 Camino Capistrano San Clemente. SATURDAY DECEMBER 3 - 9AM-3PM. Sofa bed, vintage secretary desk, clothes, coats, shoes, bar stools, mock iron coffee table, household items, kitchen items, books, vanity light fixtures, girls(5-6) clothes GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED DRIVER WANTED Cassano’s Pizza. Apply in person 818 S El Camino Real, SC.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris 949 510 6645

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San Clemente Times December 1–7, 2016

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Coming in Hot San Clemente surfers look to defy odds and qualify for the WSL Championship Tour

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t’s not easy to qualify for the World Surf League’s Championship Tour. It’s estimated that there is somewhere in the neighborhood of 23 million surfers on the planet; out of that, a grand total of 32 will qualify for a full-time spot on the Championship Tour.

Consider that a kid coming out of high school with NBA dreams has about a 0.03 percent chance of playing pro ball. But in pro surfing, the chance that one will qualify for the tour plummets to a measly 0.0000014 percent. The side-by-side comparison illuminates two points: First, kids, stay in school. Second, when surfers in our community do join the elite ranks of the WSL Championship Tour, it deserves to be heralded for the nearly impossible accomplishment that it is.

As this story goes to press, the final event of the WSL’s Qualifying Series, the Vans World Cup of Surfing, is taking place at Sunset Beach on Oahu. Indicative of the hotbed of talent that Dana Point and San Clemente is, we’re fortunate enough to have a number of our surfers qualify for the Championship Tour with a big result.

Here’s a quick breakdown of who needs to

Griffin Colapinto, seen here at a Volcom competition at Trestles in June, is poised to parlay his 2016 success into a spot on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour. Photo: Eric Heinz

do what to graduate to the big leagues next year: Of all the local boys, Tanner Gudauskas stands the best chance at qualifying for the Championship Tour. Currently ranked 19th on the Qualifying Series, he needs to finish ninth or better.

“For me, it has been a personal goal to requalify onto the Tour since falling off in 2010, but it has taken me a long time to actually face the challenge head on and give it my 100 percent effort,” said Tanner.

There’s an outside chance that Tanner could be joined on tour by older brother, Pat, who needs to finish second or better at Sunset to qualify. Sitting 30th in the Qualifying Series rankings, he has considerably

more work to do if he wants to rejoin the tour. But after spending a few years on tour, he knows what it takes to get the job done.

A surprise name in the qualification conversation has been 18-year-old Griffin Colapinto. Coming off a statement-making third place finish at a contest in Brazil, he kept the pedal to the metal at the recent Hawaiian Pro, where he made an unexpected quarterfinal appearance, earning himself an equal ninth place result. Griffin is currently ranked 26th on the Qualifying Series and needs a fourth place finish or better at Sunset to graduate.

“That was such a big heat with so many big guys, everyone was pretty much on the CT in that heat,” said Colapinto after

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

DAVID ECONOMOS

Water Temperature: 61-65 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-10’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

here are a lot of talented kids that run rampant on the NSSA scene and never notch a win. But now, David Economos can finally cross his name off that list.

Before Turkey Day stole the show, David bagged his first-ever NSSA win when he ran the table in the Open Men’s division at 54th Street.

“The waves were super grindy yesterday and then firing today,” said David after the big win. “I’m psyched to take the win in the NSSA Open Men’s in Newport.”

All told, it was a big weekend on the podium for San Clemente surfers. Kirra Pinkerton maintained her red-hot form, taking out the Open Women’s division.

And it was Kade Matson, fresh off a Rip Curl GromSearch win, who won the Open San Clemente Times December 1-7, 2016

Photo: Courtesy

Junior’s final.

David has quietly been making his presence felt at surf events in recent months.

He finished runner-up to Matson at the Grom Search, and before that, notched a win at the Sun Diego Board Shops Am Slam. He started testing the waters on the WSL’s Pro Junior circuit this year, and with his trusty Lost Carbon Wrap boards under his feet, we’re sure to see a lot more of him in 2017. SC

Thursday: Small mix of steep NW swell and minor SSW swell has good exposed spots running knee-waist (2-3’) high. Top combo exposures see some plus sets around the more favorable tides. Many areas are slow early with the deep high tide. Light offshore flow early, becoming moderate+ WNW-NW in the afternoon.

Outlook: Small NW swell and SSW swell through the remainder of the week as best spots are topping out around waist high (3’) on sets. Favorable morning conditions with offshore flow. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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advancing through his heat on Day Three at the Hawaiian Pro. “I thought I was doing good to start and then I needed a big score and then I just made it happen I guess. …

I’ve got the most confidence in the world right now.”

In the last few years, San Clemente has become a preferred haunt for world tour surfers looking to relocate. Thanks to its proximity to Lower Trestles, the Orange County-based surf industry and the Los Angeles International Airport, it’s an ideal jumping off point. As such, there are a couple transplants worth keeping an eye on.

Last winter, 23-year-old Evan Geiselman, who originally hails from Florida but has a residence in San Clemente, almost drowned while surfing Pipeline. This year, he came back with a renewed sense of purpose and now only needs to finish 17th at Sunset to join the Championship Tour. If he makes it, it will be one of the most inspiring stories in surfing in recent times.

“I didn’t know how I was going to come back from everything that happened last year in Hawaii or even how stoked I would be on surfing competitively,” said Geiselman earlier this fall. “But seeing how everything went this year, I’m not complaining.”

Another one to watch is Keanu Asing.

Born and raised in Hawaii, he spends the offseason in San Clemente training with his girlfriend, who’s an MMA fighter. Asing’s already on the Championship Tour and could “double qualify” if he wins Sunset.

There’s still a lot of surfing left and anything can happen at Sunset, but with a little luck, San Clemente will have some hometown heroes to cheer for next year on the WSL Championship Tour. SC

SURF RESULTS NSSA SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE OPEN SEASON EVENT #5 54th STREET, NEWPORT BEACH NOVEMBER 19-20, 2016 OPEN MENS: 1. David Economos-San Clemente; 2. Dimitri Poulos-Ventura; 3. Dylan Hord-Huntington Beach; 4.

Jackson Butler-Encinitas OPEN JUNIORS: 1. Kade Matson-San Clemente; 2. Taro Watanabe-Malibu; 3. Nick Marshall-Encinitas; 4. Hagan Johnson-San Clemente OPEN BOYS: 1. Rafael Castro-La Jolla; 2. Hayden Rodgers-Laguna Beach; 3. Brayden Burch-San Clemente; 4. Ben Brantell-San Clemente OPEN MINI GROMS: 1. Jak Ziets-Santa Barbara; 2. Cannon Carr-San Clemente; 3. Makai Bray-San Clemente; 4.

Hudson Saunders-Laguna Beach OPEN WOMENS: 1. Kirra Pinkerton-San Clemente; 2.

Alyssa Spencer-Carlsbad; 3. Samantha Sibley-San Clemente; 4. Ella McCaffray-Cardiff OPEN GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer-Carlsbad; 2. Kirra Pinkerton-San Clemente; 3. Kalohe Danbara-Huntington Beach; 4. Makena Burke-Ventura 4.13 OPEN SUPER GIRLS: 1. Sawyer Lindblad-San Clemente; 2. Caitlin Simmers-Oceanside; 3. Bella Kenworthy-Dana Point; 4. Jenna Clark-La Mesa 5.10

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