June 1, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

June 1-7, 2017 C A N

Inside: South County Real Estate Guide

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 12, ISSUE 22

Birdies for the Brave

Donald J. Hogan Memorial Golf Program offers free lessons to active-duty military SPORTS/PAGE 33 Golf instructor Rocky Rafkin gives a golf lesson to several members of the U.S. military on Thursday, May 25, at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. Photo: Eric Heinz

Group Raises Funds to Form PAC against Toll Road Proposals EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Memorial Day Weekend 2017 in Photos EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

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John Severson, Founder of ‘SURFER Magazine,’ Dies at 83 SC SURF/PAGE 34

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Mayor Kathy Ward speaks in front of a packed audience on Thursday, May 25, at Bella Collina San Clemente.

The painting in front of her, which was up for auction, was called “Tollega,” a pun of the subdivision of Talega in San Clemente that foreshadows what a toll road through the city could look like. Photo: Eric Heinz

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Group Forms Political Action Committee to Oppose Toll Roads THE LATEST: The organization Coalition to Save San Clemente (CSSC) has established a political action committee (PAC) in order to oppose proposals for toll roads through San Clemente from the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).

According to CSSC officials, the organization raised more than $20,000 at its first auction and fundraising event on Thursday, May 25, at Bella Collina San Clemente. The money will be used for efforts to stop the toll road proposals from coming to fruition, especially the ones that appear to be drawn straight through San Clemente.

None of the proposals have been approved by any governing bodies, and the environmental review process is just barely getting started. So we don’t know exactly what they would look like or where they would be constructed.

Dan Bane, an environmental attorney and San Clemente resident working with the coalition, said the PAC will take a broad approach to addressing issues from the TCA proposals.

San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

“We’re going to scour through every aspect of the toll road through the (joint powers authorities) agreement, the environmental aspects and things that they’re required to do,” Bane said.

During the event, Mayor Kathy Ward claimed the TCA has not taken input from San Clemente residents to heart, and that they have ignored their opinions.

TCA officials have contended that the current proposals are based off input from residents of South Orange County, but the Community Assessment Study used for that data interviewed 45 people, not all of whom live in San Clemente or San Juan Capistrano. The sample size was not appealing to the mayor.

“The City Council voted unanimously to oppose any toll roads through San Clemente; we did that immediately as soon as we saw (the proposals),” Ward said during the event. “We did not pick these proposals. It’s part of their orchestrated process.”

Due to the settlement agreement among various environmental organizations and the TCA, those organizations cannot oppose proposals brought forth from here in on exchange for protecting perceived or studied environmental areas and San Onofre State Beach.

Bane has been working with Eva O’Keefe, a local activist who is helping to champion an effort to oppose the toll roads.

The arterial solutions, which in theory would eliminate the need for a toll road and further expand existing roads such as Avenida La Pata and other connections, are alternatives Bane said he and many coalition members would be willing to support.

At its last meeting, City Council entertained the idea of spending $27,000 for the creation of hypothetical visuals of the toll roads but stopped short as they determined it would be premature at this time.

The City Council could revisit the issue after the June 5 forum.

TCA officials were quick to criticize the visuals an in email sent among its staff.

“It remains to be seen what will happen on June 5,” Bane said. “They’ve already given the city a hard time for the visual proposals, that’s fine. Let’s see what they’ve got. Everything (appears) to indicate they’ll want to move quickly on the environmental studies. We’ll see.”

The South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC), a business advocacy and research organization, announced last week that it is in support of the efforts of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and other agencies and locals “to find regional traffic relief solutions through S outh Orange County.”

Paul Simonds, chairman of SOCEC, said studies have shown Orange County’s population is expected to increase by more than 400,000 residents in the next two decades, taking into consideration in South County that 14,000 new homes are being built in Rancho Mission Viejo.

A statement from the developers of Rancho Mission Viejo last week stated that they are not in support of the current proposals from the TCA, although they acknowledged they have worked with officials and the county on projects before and will do so in the future.

“With regards to the recent efforts by the TCA to identify new alignments for regional traffic mitigation, regrettably, there appears to be no viable option which doesn’t impact Rancho Mission Viejo residents or our South County neighbors,” the statement read. “Therefore, we are not in support of the alternatives as currently proposed.”

Simonds said the infrastructure would also bring more economic benefits to the area.

What kind of support besides verbal or written SOCEC intends to give remains to be seen, and Simonds said the SOCEC has not endorsed a specific proposal.

WHAT’S NEXT: Bane said the PAC received its ID number last week, and the organization is starting to conceptualize how it will be used.

The third public forum hosted by the TCA will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 5, at Saddleback College’s McKinney Theater, located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo. There will be overflow rooms in room SMS 13 for additional people. The forum will also be live streamed via www.getmovingoc. com and on The Toll Roads Facebook Live feed. The TCA announced on Wednesday that it cannot receive any more RSVPs

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because they have reached the venue’s capacity at McKinney.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit this article at www. sanclementetimes.com for links to more information about issues related to the new toll road proposals. More information can be found about the PAC at www. notmytollroad.com. Current meetings and other materials can be found at www. thetollroads.com. —Eric Heinz

Ocean Festival to Host Fourth of July Fundraising Dinner THE LATEST: San Clemente Ocean Festival’s Fourth of July Dinner on the Pier reservation begins at 8 a.m. at The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar on July 3. The dinner is one of the largest fundraising events for Ocean Festival of the year.

Tickets are $65, which includes a barbecue chicken and rib dinner with coleslaw, beans, rolls and Fisherman’s famous strawberry shortcake.

WHAT’S NEXT: Payment will be due at time of reservation in the form of cash or credit card, but no checks.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, call Lisa Green at 949.878.1273 or Valarie Daughtery at 949.498.6390. —Staff

City Looks to Set Standards of Large Murals on Private Property THE LATEST: At its last regular meeting, City Council deferred its decision on a zoning ordinance amendment that would regulate murals in San Clemente.

According to the city’s background report, murals can be allowed on buildings with proper permit, but it stated the city has seen an increase in murals throughout San Clemente that have not obtained proper permitting.

“The criteria for approval of a (permit) is broad, incorporating various provisions of the code relating to architectural compatibility, aesthetics and other potentially subjective criteria,” the report stated.

Murals are considered separate from the sign ordinance.

WHAT’S NEXT: The amendment directs the city to adopt standards of appropriation, length it can be present, enforcement and other permitting standards. The ordinance is likely to be reconsidered by the Planning Commission before it comes back to the City Council. —EH (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3)

Family Assistance Ministries Provides Assessments to 24 Homeless Families THE LATEST: Last week, Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) provided free assessments to various homeless families who are living in or around San Clemente.

Eight other organizations in neighboring or nearby cities also provided assessments for Family Assistance Week, May 21-26.

FAM had 19 people in the community train and volunteer for the assessments, and they were available for 70 hours during the three days of assessments. At four sites, including San Clemente, FAM volunteers assessed 24 homeless families.

Mary Perdue, executive director of FAM, said the assessments are close in order to find housing for people who are homeless or on the brink of losing their homes.

A study published earlier this year from UC Irvine found one of the most common causes of homelessness is lack of income due to losing a job or underemployment.

The study also stated homelessness in the county is increasing.

Perdue said FAM calls family members of people who are homeless to help them get back stability in their lives.

“Not once have we had a family member say they wouldn’t take them in,” Perdue said.

One woman who came in for an assessment, named Pamela, said she has been homeless off and on for about 14 years or so. It all started with her leaving a physically abusive relationship and then moving either into temporary motels in what she described as shady neighborhoods in North County or living out of a van she rented from a friend. She said they also rented rooms in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Pamela has been raising her three children in this or similar environments since they were born.

“We weren’t like on the street, but we were renting rooms and staying in motels,” she said. “We were trying to finish the school year in the same school in San Clemente.”

The father of her two daughters, a different man, was deported about nine years ago because he got into a car accident and when authorities found he wasn’t in the country legally, they gave him the choice to be voluntarily taken back to Mexico.

“After we were in the van for a while ... we’d been on a waitlist in Temecula for subsidized housing (30 percent of income for rent),” Pamela said, adding her family has been on that waitlist, overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for five years.

Pamela said she just landed a job as a student supervisor, but it’s taken her some time to find gainful employment. She said she wasn’t able to work fulltime for years because her son has had severe health San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

issues since he was an infant.

“Even with medical issues, a good lawyer can help you with the doctors,” Pamela said. “Get on the waitlists, even if you… need help with housing. It’s always good to get involved with a place like FAM, too.

But the big thing is, I always thought things would get better without using resources.

But you need to take the steps to help yourself.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The Point in Time study from Orange County, which takes a census of homeless people by city, is expected to be published later this month. The organization 211OC published a preliminary report in mid-May. FAM is located at 1030 Calle Negocio in San Clemente. —EH

Sharks Continue to Hamper Beach Activity in South Orange County THE LATEST: The juvenile great white sharks that have been sighted all over South Orange County shores for about a month are still causing closures at local beaches.

On Monday, May 29, as many people celebrated Memorial Day Weekend, Orange County Lifeguards closed beaches from Capistrano Beach to Poche. The closure was downgraded to an advisory about four hours later.

Jason Young, chief of OC Lifeguards, said he’s been told by experts that the reason the sharks have been so visible lately is because they still see the area as an abundant food source. Captain Todd Mansur of Dana Wharf Sportfishing said the same thing about three weeks ago during a shark sighting tour.

“They’re out there, for sure. They’re pretty much roaming the same areas that have been consistent the last few weeks,” Young said.

The shark that closed county beaches from Capo to Poche was about 8 feet long, Young said. It is the county’s policy to close the beach or put up advisory warnings depending on the level of shark activity and presence.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city of San Clemente’s beaches were also under shark advisory on Monday following a closure Sunday when four great white sharks were sighted around the Pier. That advisory was lifted Tuesday morning. —EH

This juvenile great white shark was photographed off the coast of Dana Point on May 13. Since then, many more groups of great whites have been spotted around Dana Point and San Clemente.

Photo: Eric Heinz

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EYE ON SC

Memorial Day in Photos

San Clemente hosts two ceremonies to honor military veterans

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente’s patriotism is twice as prevalent on Memorial Day. Each year, the city and The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation host separate ceremonies with guest speakers and honored veterans.

This year, Lt. Col. Luke McConnell of the U.S. Marine Corps, Joint Task Force North, and a resident of San Clemente, along with WWII and Korean War veteran George Key, were the featured speakers at the Community Center.

At Park Semper Fi, Lt. Col Warren Cook, the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, spoke about the battalion and the fortitude of the Marines. SC

Memorial Day was celebrated at two locations in San Clemente on Monday, May 29. One event took place at the San Clemente Community Center and the other at Park Semper Fi. Photos: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

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www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Owner of Sam’s Shoes for 60-Plus Years to Speak at Historical Society Meeting On Thursday, June 1, Sam Tiberi, the owner of Sam’s Shoes in San Clemente for more than 60 years, will speak at the San Clemente Historical Society’s meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. Tiberi has been a staple figure in the San Clemente community, and even made shoes for President Richard Nixon.

Tiberi also has some relics from some of San Clemente’s historic roots.

The meeting is at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville.

Sam Tiberi of Sam’s Shoes in San Clemente will speak at an event on Thursday, June 1. Photo: File

Exchange Club of San Clemente Honors Locals On Thursday, May 25, the Exchange Club of San Clemente recognized and presented checks to six different local charity groups that service San Clemente and Camp Pendleton. The club presented money to Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, Fighting For Me, Inc., Socks for Heroes, YMCA Camp Pendleton, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station and Family Assistance Ministries.

President-elect and Contributions Chair Chad Schiel presented the checks to the six recipients under the leadership of current Club President Jim Kemp, who has had a “very successful year leading the local chapter,” according to a press release from the club. “The contributions given… wouldn’t have been made possible without his steadfast leadership and devotion to the San Clemente community.”

Following the presentations of checks, Kemp presented Stephanie Jones from San Clemente Police Services with the prestigious Award “Book of Golden Deeds” for her continuous work with Exchange Club and the local first responders.

“Without Stephanie’s tireless work, the Exchange Club wouldn’t be able to honor San Clemente’s finest police and firefighters at their yearly luncheon,” the release stated.

For more information about the Exchange Club, call 949.315.1449.

Set ‘Back the Badge’ on Your Calendar San Clemente Alliance for Law Enforcement (SCALE) invites the public to the “Back the Badge” event on Thursday, Aug. 3, at Talega Country Club from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nine opportunity drawings range from a surfboard package to a race car driving experience at the Irwindale RaceSan Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

Exchange Club of San Clemente honored six organizations and Stephanie Jones during a meeting on May 25. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Exchange Club

way to a staycation at the Tropicana Hotel with restaurant gift cards.

“In order to make this a comfortable and enjoyable experience, attendance will be limited to 150,” a SCALE press release stated.

Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, contact Carol Tiberi 949.492.4827.

ney’s Sandcastle’s unique playground attributes and sensory garden.

The program was initiated by Sharla Pitzen, the executive director of special education infant-elementary programs with Capistrano Unified School District.

Courtney’s has received two statewide design awards, one from the California Association of Park & Recreation Commissioners and Board Members for the playground design, and one from the California Parks & Recreation Society for the sensory garden design. Courtney’s active foundation is also joining with the city’s “Fun-on-the-Run” roaming park program for four visits during the year, offering educational and recreational programs for special-needs children. The first one, Gardening and Sensory Art, takes place on Saturday, June 17, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for ages 4-16. Tuition is free. Contact the foundation at info@courtneyssandcastle. com or call 949.940.9246 for more information.

I-5 Freedom Network to Host Second Annual Poker Run

Courtney’s Sandcastle Entertains Special Needs Children On Friday, May 26, 60 students from the R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility in Dana Point and their caregivers spent the morning actively engaged at Courtney’s Sandcastle in San Clemente. The children were able to enjoy the universal playground and roamed through the garden plants and played instruments that represent the senses. By 10 a.m., the facility was teeming with children on the gentle slides, the swings designed for wheelchair-bound children, the boulder benches, the climbing rocks, the tree-laden side grounds, and, indeed, the imitation pirate ship and ramp-accessible castle.

Judy Dore, special education principal, accompanied the group, praising Court-

From 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, the I-5 Freedom Network will host its second annual Del Mar Poker Walk for Freedom to support the organization’s efforts in combating human trafficking.

The event begins at The Volarè, located at 111 S. Avenida de la Estrella, and will continue down Avenida Del Mar. Once each participant has collected seven cards, the best hand of those cards will be declared the winner. The event will end with a luncheon and live music. Tickets are $20 per person. The Holiday Inn is now The Volarè.

Orange County Grand Jury Selected Nineteen Orange County residents were selected on May 24 to serve on the Grand Jury for a one-year term that

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begins when the jurors take the oath of office on June 30. Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura, assistant presiding judge of the Orange County Superior Court, presided over the proceeding with David Yamasaki, court executive officer and jury commissioner, randomly drawing cards printed with the names of the candidates. The Grand Jury panel is comprised of 12 men and seven women who are 55 to 86 years old.

More than 150 Orange County residents applied for the upcoming term. The 25 judges of the Grand Jury Recruitment and Selection Committee reviewed applications and selected top candidates who were each interviewed by judges from the committee. Superior Court judges voted to approve the final slate of candidates.

The California Penal Code requires the Grand Jury be selected by a random drawing of no less than 25 and no more than 30 individuals who proportionally represent the five supervisorial districts of the county.

The grand jurors and alternates will attend a four-day training program in June.

The newly selected grand jurors will take the oath of office in a public ceremony on June 30 at 10 a.m. in Department C1 of the Orange County Superior Court.

The jurors are Dorothy Fenton, Patricia Allweiss, James Cast, Thomas Oliver, Yvette Hill, Santosh Mohanty, John Beauman, Everett Geis, Richard Carson, David Kasabo, Barbara Worsley, Joyce Zohar, Catherine Ford, Richard Jolly, Stuart Newman, Robert Niccum, Daniel McCarthy, Elaine Mata and William Postma For more information, visit www.occourts.org.

City to Sponsor Free Document Shredding Event The City of San Clemente is sponsoring a free mobile document shredding event on Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m.-noon at 390 Avenida Pico (the City Yard near UHaul). Secure document destruction will be available to the public.

“This bi-annual event enables residents and business owners in San Clemente to bring their documents, including material that is sensitive or confidential in nature, and have these documents securely shredded on-site and properly disposed of,” a press release from the city stated. Paperclips and stapled documents will be accepted. There are no limits on the quantity.

Items not accepted at the event include newspapers, magazines and soiled or wet paper. All personal containers used to transport your documents will be returned to the owners.

For more information, call 949.498.9436 or visit www.san-clemente.org.

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

EYE ON SC

Hula Hootenanny Hawaiian Surf Club of San Onofre hosts annual luau PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he Hawaiian Surf Club of San Onofre hosted its annual Polynesian Festival and Luau on Saturday, May 27, at the San Clemente Community Center. Hawaiian dancers performed, traditional music was played and, of course, there was spam to be had.

In the evening, the club hosted a performance with many experts of native Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions. SC

Hawaiian music was played during the Polynesian Festival on Saturday, May 27, at San Clemente Community Center.

Hawaiian music was played during the Polynesian Festival.

Hawaiian dishes, traditional and modern, were served during the Polynesian Festival.

We, the People ...

A local political group organizes a talk with a university law professor at a local San Clemente church to discuss Constitutional law in America.

BY DUANE PAUL MURPHY, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

P

rofessor Erwin Chemerinsky, current dean and founder of University of California Irvine School of Law and incoming dean at University of California Berkley School of Law, was an invited guest speaker by Progressives of South Orange County at St. Andrews by-the-Sea United Methodist Church in San Clemente on Tuesday, May 30.

During the event, titled “Threats to Our Constitutional Rights,” Chemerinsky presented several Supreme Court cases that have affected the judicial process as well as relationship between private citizens and government officials, especially those mentioned in his new book, Closing the San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

Frankie Taylor, 8, holds her Yorkie during the Polynesian Festival.

Courthouse Doors: How Your Constitutional Rights Became Unenforceable.

“I believe that the most important role of the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary is to enforce the Constitution,” Chemerinsky said in his opening remarks.

“If they are not infallible, then there is no way to protect individual rights.”

The first Supreme Court case being discussed was the 1978 ruling in Stump v. Sparkman in which a judge in Indiana was granted immunity from being sued from a woman who was sterilized without her own knowledge as a minor. Cases such as Imbler v. Pachtman and Van de Kamp v. Goldstein were further discussed in regards to how these Supreme Court

cases established legal immunity for public judicial officials, such as judges, police officers, government prosecutors and district attorneys, due to the 11th Amendment, which establishes sovereign immunity for public officials.

He also brought up the 2001 case Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett in which the Supreme Court decided that private citizens cannot sue the states for monetary damages due to immunity clauses within the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

After his opening remarks concluded, a wide variety of issues regarding proposed constitutional reforms, significant legal cases and the current state of Donald Trump’s presidency were discussed during the questions-and-answer portion of the event.

When one audience member asked about proposed changes to the Supreme Court, Chemerinsky said there should be bipartisan support in regards to term limits for Supreme Court justices and other federal judges. As the topic of the Electoral

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College was approached, Chemerinsky affirmed his position that the electoral votes should be awarded proportionally either based on the popular vote or congressional district vote within each state.

When asked about the situation with free speech on college campuses, especially at his new position at Berkley, the law professor vocalized his support of rights guaranteed under the First Amendment.

Berkley has been a critical site for issues of free speech—recently and throughout its establishment.

“I think that it is essential that all ideas and views, conservative and liberal, be able to be expressed on every college campus. Period,” Chemerinsky replied.

At the end of the event, members within the audience gave it a positive review.

“I thought that the audience was really well engaged and enthusiastic,” said Jim Holloway, a San Clemente resident.

Duane Paul Murphy is a student at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and is an intern with Picket Fence Media this summer. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Tuesday, May 30

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Avenida de la Estrella (1:47 a.m.) A man kicked in a window at a “financial business” and went inside.

CITIZEN ASSIST Ola Vista, 2300 Block (1:03 a.m.) A woman who was driving for Uber said the wrong customer got into her car and was very drunk. The woman who entered the car told the driver she didn’t know her address and the driver didn’t know what to do with her.

Sunday, May 28 FOUND PROPERTY El Camino Real, 2500 Block (11:41 p.m.) A man said he found a brown wooden box that had 20 to 30 bags of drugs.

Friday, May 26 DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (11:25 p.m.) Police were called to a woman being loud and yelling inside and outside an apartment. Other neighbors were telling her to “be quiet.”

PATROL CHECK Canto de los Ciervos, 2900 Block (11:18 p.m.) The caller said juveniles were running toward what looked to be a party. The caller said they “knew the party would get loud,” and requested police patrol the loud party.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico, 700 Block (2:32 a.m.)

Police were called to 40 vehicles that pulled into the parking lot of San Clemente High School. The caller said it might be a senior prank.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 1500 Block (10:45 p.m.)

Dispatchers heard a woman yelling “I’m in the basement.” The dispatchers also heard men talking in the background.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Mar, 100 Block (1:09 a.m.) The caller said a man in the alleyway between two shops was “banging something” against the building and yelling, and then he hit some parked cars.

PROWLER Avenida San Antonio, 100 Block (5:22 p.m.) A man said another man, described as being 60 to 70 years old, wearing no shirt and having gray, balding hair, was peeping into his bedroom. The resident yelled at him and told him he was going to call the police.

Monday, May 29 CITIZEN ASSIST Costa Salada, 4200 Block (7:52 p.m.) A woman said her male neighbor installed a camera that is mounted facing her backyard and pool area. The woman had previously called about drones being flown over her backyard.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (5:18 p.m.) A woman reported multiple people were in a verbal argument with her. A woman and a man who were arguing with the caller were in a blue Denali SUV. CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida San Antonio, 200 Block (4:45 p.m.) A man said another man riding a bicycle was not wearing his helmet.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Camino El Molino/ Camino de los Mares (1:10 p.m.) The caller said they sprayed the perpetrator with perfume.

DISTURBANCE Camino de los Mares, 600 Block (12:30 p.m.) A male security guard at the former Saddleback Memorial Medical Center detained two men for trespassing and took their skateboards.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY El Camino Real, 400 Block (4:56 p.m.) A man said when he exited his vehicle, a dog in the car next to his lunged out of the window and bit him.

The dog was eventually contained, and the owner had shown up to the location.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Sarmentoso, 1200 Block (4:44 p.m.)

A woman said a man was taking recyclables from the school and approached her to ask her a question.

The woman said she locked herself in a classroom, and the man was last seen playing basketball.

PETTY THEFT Avenida Pico, 900 Block (8:38 p.m.) At Walmart, a woman stole a drink and walked outside with her backpack stuffed. The woman was last seen in her boyfriend’s pickup truck, while the boyfriend was still in the store.

CITIZEN ASSIST Ola Vista, 1900 Block (7:35 p.m.) A man said his wife’s ex-psychiatrist called him with a Tarasoff warning, a law that requires mental health professionals to protect individuals threatened by their clients. The man said the psychiatrist told him his ex-wife was going to buy a gun and kill his girlfriend. The ex-wife lives in Victorville.

Thursday, May 25 INFORMATION REPORT Avenida Pico, 900 Block (8:28 p.m.) Police obtained a report of a man breaking security cases with a magnet and stealing merchandise.

Saturday, May 27 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Brio/Camino Celeste (10:33 p.m.) At the Trinidad complex, police were called to the pool for people being loud. The community pool is supposed to be closed at 10 p.m., the caller said.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Escalones, 100 Block (7:58 p.m.) A loud mariachi band was performing on W. Canada, but no singers, the caller said.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Toledo/Avenida Cordoba (7:42 p.m.) A vehicle fire was reported at the El Camino Real off-ramp.

The caller said the driver and a passenger fled the vehicle. California Highway Patrol also responded.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 900 Block (3:23 p.m.) A caller said a woman was acting “creepy.”

Wednesday, May 24

DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (9:51 a.m.) A man was seen urinating on a payphone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (3 p.m.) A man was seen twirling a butterfly knife.

DRUNK DIVING E. Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (1:55 a.m.) A drunken man and a drunken woman with a black motorcycle were trying to leave the area. They were reportedly slurring their words, and the woman had no helmet with her.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Presidio/La Esperanza (2:08 a.m.)

A man said he was beat up by three other men. He refused medical attention, but said the incident occurred near Ole’s Tavern.

San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Escalones, 100 Block (10:38 p.m.) The caller said there was a “drug house” on the block, with multiple cars out front and people running back and forth. The caller requested police come to the area to deter the alleged drug deals.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (11:32 p.m.)

Multiple people at the San Clemente Pier were allegedly fishing for great white sharks. A deputy advised them not to do that and to cut the line if they do hook one. The fishers said they were not fishing for sharks and would leave by midnight.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Ramona, 200 Block (10:47 a.m.) An employer said his employees were being assaulted.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, JUNE 3

DARRELL ISSA TOWN HALL 9 a.m. Rep. Darrell Issa, CA-49, will host a town hall discussion on health care reform, local priorities and more issues. The public will be invited to interact with Issa and share input. www.issa.house.gov.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

ART FAIRE WALK ON DEL MAR 9 a.m. Walk down Del Mar to see artists and craftspeople selling their work. www.villagesanclemente.org.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. San Clemente Friends of the Library will be open. Books sold will be 25 cents for paperback fiction or eight for $1. Fiction hardbacks are 50 cents or four for $1. All redline books are six for $1. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar. 949.547.2660.

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

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, JUNE 6

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The City Council will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU 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, JUNE 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.

NORTH BEACH FARMERS MARKET 3-6:30 p.m. The Market at North Beach features vendors of food, jewelry and other wares, and there could be live music. 1501 N. El Camino Real. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor PARKING WAIVERS AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO OUR COMMUNITY GEORGE GREGGORY, San Clemente

Parking waivers provide a tool to complete projects that don’t meet the parking code’s minor waivers for a space or to provide for the completion of small business and/or residential developments like apartments and condos or even a trash enclosure.

Major waivers, which are five or more, consolidate all the parking for just the one owner or business and leaves everyone else without a parking space to go to a beach or a neighboring business.

Major waivers are a theft of our community’s limited resources and hinders other needed developments like commuter centers, parks and trail augmentations or grand plazas and open-air venues. These waivers should be avoided at all cost.

If we look at waivers from the past, look at what they have done The Casino and Ellie’s Table got a waiver for 64 spaces. City Council, thinking the patrons wound use the fee-based parking spaces, approved the waivers. Truth be known, patrons and employees use the adjoining residential area that don’t incur a parking fee.

Large parking waivers do the following: 1. Their drivers don’t intend to pay to park and will park in front of our homes, thus endangering children and frustrating residents.

2. They hinder other developments by using up and exhausting limited resources.

3.They put us at the mercy of just one business plan and not the few or the many

4. They defiantly puts us at the mercy of special interests and shameful cronies politics 5. These waivers are a form of subsidizing millions on the taxpayers back, and so I urge all future developments to do their best to self-park like the Miramar, which can provide itself with its own parking or we will pay for its parking like we do for all of Avenida Del Mar. Thank you all for your attention.

TOWN HALL NEEDS TO BE MORE OPEN GLENNA R MERRIOTT, San Clemente

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-CA, is holding a town hall at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at San Juan Hills High School. His office sent postcards to “selected” constituents that included a special code to register.

I believe the postcards were sent to the highest concentration of Republicans in (Cont. on page 12)

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

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Kathy Ward

Toll Roads Would Eviscerate San Clemente’s Quality of Life

T

ransportation planners have gotten wiser in recent decades. They no longer build freeways through existing developed cities. That is because the roadway will damage a city, causing neighborhoods to become detached from one another, and economic hardship inevitably follows, along with pollution, noise and visual impacts that could destroy the quality of life of residents.

A city cut in half is a severed community. I-5 is severing our city in half and has caused many issues that have not been resolved 60 years later. In the area of the El Camino bridge, many lots remain undeveloped with chain-link fencing around them.

The bridge itself took out an entire block of development, and it is a dead zone.

There is no life there, and the bridge separates El Camino Real in half.

Another freeway would again divide our city in half. Which side will you live on and between what freeways?

Transportation agencies are no longer building freeways through established cities. Last week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board voted unanimously to withdraw its support and funding for a 5-mile, $3.2-billion tunnel through El Sereno, South Pasadena and Pasadena to connect the 710 and 210 freeways.

The latest attempt to connect these freeways was a 5-mile tunnel that had a cost of $3.2 billion. Planners wondered, would drivers pay a toll to drive the 5 miles if it saved them 13 minutes? They ultimately decided San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

the project could not be funded.

Instead, the board voted to spend $700 million on a range of transportation fixes to ease congestion, which was the direction the community and local leaders have urged for years.

The vote by the transportation board to cancel the long-planned freeway is significant because it is a departure from relying on new roadways to solve the region’s growing population and transportation demands.

The recent statement by Rancho Mission Viejo Development said they were always supportive of the extension when it was not built into any developed area, but now it is clear to them there is no extension option that does not harm Rancho Mission Viejo or their sister cities. For that reason, they and they can no longer support any of the proposed extensions. The Ranch also stated the arterials they have built for their development will be adequate for their 14,000 homes.

Now that TCA has given up on the route around San Clemente and wants to run the toll road right through our city, there are many of us who believe TCA is no longer planning or building roads that provide traffic relief for South Orange County. The stated purpose and need for this freeway is to provide a redundancy for I-5. Going around San Clemente would provide that redundancy.

The traffic will only be brought to us and we will funnel even more cars through

our city. Our traffic level of service will be worse with a 241 extension.

Three new connection points in Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente have been added since the last public forum with no process for the public to understand these alignments or to be able to provide comment. I believe TCA is moving ahead of itself San Clemente in the process and needs Mayor Kathy Ward to step back and hold an actual public forum to discuss these new alignment connections with I-5.

I do believe TCA should explain the settlement to the public in this meeting, but I disagree with their agenda of environmental “next steps.” For continuity of the public process, these alignments that have sprung up should be presented to the public as they were in public forum No. 2 in October. Not only should questions be taken, TCA should be recording the comments from the public, which they say they welcome. If they do, they should be changing the format of their draft agenda for next Monday and have this forum truly be the open, collaborative process they have been trying to sell.

Let TCA, Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans know you disagree with their agenda and that you want to be heard on June 5.

Kathy Ward is the mayor of San Clemente and was elected to City Council in 2014.

Ward is also the city’s representative on the Transportation Corridor Agencies board of directors. SC

BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Debra Holm Tim Trent Jake Howard

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 21 The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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

Page 10

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SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 10) California’s 49th District. Or perhaps they were constituents that had previously donated to his campaign. The general public was not able to register online until May 27 at noon. At 11:55 a.m., I had filled out the necessary information on the Eventbrite website and seconds after noon, I hit the registration button. I received an error code that stated the code was not valid.

I made several more attempts, switched browsers, and the same thing happened.

I spoke to others who were attempting to register and very few were able to get tickets at the prescribed time. Most of us were “waitlisted,” which meant we would be notified if a seat became available. In addition, I find it very hard to believe that 500 seats were sold out within several minutes.

I believe using the postcard method with a code was an attempt to fill the auditorium with as many Republican constituents as possible. This gives Issa more control over the crowd, but it still appears he is representing all parties. It is also very apparent he chose a venue that was too small for the demand or should have held back to back town halls as he has done previously to accommodate more of his constituents.

There are several representatives who have stated that after Congress recesses, they will hold town halls, and if they receive a significant amount of backlash, they will not vote for the American Health Care Act, a.k.a. “Trumpcare.” There is a lot at stake here. If the Republican healthcare plan passes in the Senate, the

Congressional Budget Committee has stated more than 10 million people will lose their healthcare coverage within a year due to preexisting conditions that are not covered. Also, the cost of plans for people in their 50s and 60s can be up to five times the amount of 20- or 30-yearold will pay, thereby making healthcare unaffordable for seniors that are not yet eligible for Medicare.

On Memorial Day, the nation honored all who have given their lives serving in the military. No greater power has the nation than to require individuals to relinquish their God-given right to life while serving in the military in war, and each life lost is a profound tragedy. That is why the U.S. Constitution gives the power to declare war exclusively to Congress, the branch of government that most directly represents the people.

Since the end of World War II in 1945, the United States has been involved in many foreign wars resulting in death and injury to about 1 million heroic and patriotic American soldiers, and to several million military and civilians in other countries. But the executive branch, the president, not Congress, has committed the nation to fight in all those wars with little or no national deliberation, and at times for questionable and even false reasons. That is the way empires and autocracies govern.

Isn’t the Toll Road extension to I-5 reminiscent of the “quality of life” versus “profit opportunity?”

Isn’t the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ authority a for-profit venture,

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

What a thrill to see the ocean marine life come alive in front of our eyes. A majestic blue whale surfaced for a few minutes, only to spout from its blowhole and submerge below. We encountered a shark with a prominent dorsal fin soaking up the sun, and witnessed pods of dolphins passing through (many took advantage of a free ride DIRT THERAPY

By Marrianne along the bow of our Taylor boat).

But to our horror, during our 8-hour voyage, we noticed dozens of sparkling objects along the surface of the water. As we approached the objects, we could see they were Mylar balloons filled with air and surrounded by long ribbons. We were angered by the number of balloons in the ocean, but that anger quickly turned into action. We decided to delay our arrival time in order to collect as many balloons as we could capture with our extension pole. Our sail to San Diego turned into a mission to clean up the ocean, one balloon at a time.

Countless balloons are released around

the world daily, according to balloonsblow. org, an organization dedicated to education about this important issue. We feel compelled to celebrate and document a special occasion through mass balloon release.

The statistics on the harm these balloons do to marine life and other wildlife are alarming. Mylar and latex balloons travel miles along the ocean and in other remote locations before descending to a level that allows wildlife to snatch and eat them, or get them tangled their tails and talons. Often mistaken for food, these materials are indigestible and can lead to fatal blockages in the digestive system, starving the animal to death. Birds entangled in the balloon strings can lose their mobility or die from strangulation.

The bottom line? Balloons kill.

What an impact it would make if we all committed to celebrating sans balloons.

For those who feel they’re necessary, please consider popping them rather than releasing them into the wild.

To our amazement, we were able to catch and pop 14 Mylar balloons during our sailing trip. Sadly, dozens remained that were beyond our reach. We were

Don’t Let Go

Mylar balloons—party favors that pop into pollutants

I

t’s official—summer is here. With the Memorial Day weekend and graduation fast approaching, it’s time to celebrate our armed forces, veterans and grads.

As you figure out what gift to bestow a loved one, consider giving them the gift of green. Give a live indoor plant, create an herb garden in a clay pot or purchase a small fruit tree. These gifts of green benefit all, including the environment.

My only request is that whatever you do, please don’t give the gift of a balloon bouquet.

Last weekend I had the pleasure to sail the ocean blue with my husband John from Dana Point to San Diego and back.

San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

Congress’s abdication of its power and duty betrays the founders’ vision of democracy for the nation, and corrupts the government ordained by the Constitution.

‘THE LOVERS’ WAS NOT LOVELY CONNIE VELDKAMP, San Clemente

CONGRESS NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE ITS POWER RICARDO NICOL, San

Clemente

I thoroughly disagree with Megan Bianco’s review of The Lovers, published in the May 25-31 edition of the San Clemente Times.

The messages it sent were: 1. It’s OK to cheat on your spouse.

2. It’s OK to divorce your spouse and marry your lover.

3. It’s OK to cheat on your new spouse with your old spouse.

The happy ending would have been complete if the original spouses would have dumped their lovers and remained together.

The son’s reaction is anything but “lighthearted.” I do not share Megan’s opinion that The Lovers has a “quaint, clever theme and perfect tone for a date or mellow afternoon.”

I heard lots of groans coming out of the theater and no applause.

‘WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?’ T.J. ORR, San

Page 12

Clemente

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, June 3 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. beholden to its board and bond holders to reach financial return objectives, based on direct connection to I-5, when the business was formulated?

Are there not endangered wildlife species considerations in the proposed toll road extension alignments, as was documented in the previous San Mateo Creek/ Trestles alignment?

When is enough, enough, when it comes to expanding the freeway and road capacity, especially with expanding opportunities in telecommuting and potential for mass transit options?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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.

proud to be able to do our small part to help save our beautiful marine creatures from ingesting those fatal balloons.

With May and June celebrations ahead of us, please celebrate your special occasion with a living plant. Plants clean the air, create a connection to nature, provide food, help our environment flourish, and if nurtured and cared for, can last a long time.

Want to learn more about the benefits of nature? Join Goin’ Native for our Smart Gardening 101 series at Reata Park and Event Center. For more details, visit www. goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin’ Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. 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

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy

MONDAY, JUNE 5: COA IMPROV & COMEDY CLUB 6:30-8 p.m. Community Outreach Alliance is partnering with San Clemente High School Theatre Arts Improv Team to keep teens laughing all summer long. The event is every Monday evening. The event is free and kids middle-school through college are welcome.

1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. For more information, contact Teri Steel at coa. teristeel@gmail.com.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 01 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together.

Stillwater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Friday | 02 ADULT COLORING CLUB 10 a.m. Bring out your inner artist during the Dana Point Library’s adult coloring club. The class occurs every Friday 10 a.m.-noon. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7-9 p.m. The Friends of the Library presents “Collateral Beauty” at La Sala Auditorium in the San Juan Capistrano Library. $2 donation supports the library. 31495 El Page 14

Camino Real, 949.248.5132, www.facebook.com/SJCFriends.

CASINO NIGHT 7-11 p.m. Poker players can help guide dogs and their partners by playing in the Tee Off For Guide Dogs at the Dana Point Yacht Club. Proceeds will benefit Guide Dogs for the Blind. There will be blackjack, craps, poker, roulette and more.

Registration is $75 per person. 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point. www.teeofffordogs. org/casino-night-registration/.

MOVIE IN THE PARK 7:30-10 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy a free screening of Moana. Bring a low-back chair or a blanket and join the city this summer during the movies in the park.

There will be free popcorn. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point. 949.248.3536.

LIVE MUSIC: OVERVUE LOUNGE 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music in the OverVue Lounge every Friday and Saturday evenings. Marriot Laguna Cliffs.

25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Saturday | 03 SMART GARDENING 101: VEGGIES FOR A HOT SEASON 9:30-11 a.m. Participate during a free class during the 2017 Smart Gardening 101 Series with Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners. Reata Park and Event Center.

28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano.

949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

(Cont. on page 25) www.sanclementetimes.com

7 Calle Careyes, San Clemente Highly desired floor plan with MAIN FLOOR MASTER, bonus room, and separate casita! As you enter through the iron gate and pass the casita you are greeted by a welcoming courtyard as you enter the elegant entry hall with beautiful wood and stone inlay flooring and an iron staircase banister. The main floor master suite comes with an ocean view, is spacious and luxurious with a beautiful wooden wall of built-ins, fireplace, lots of stone in the bathroom, his and hers walk-in closets and access to the backyard.

The bonus room, which looks out over the Talega golf course and out to the ocean, is perfect for a second family room, game room or turn it into a media room! The separate casita is perfect for guests, an office or private retreat! The chef’s kitchen is open to the family room and boasts a Thermador Professional stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator, two Bosch dishwashers, a warming drawer, wine refrigerator in the butler’s pantry and center island. The entire house offers a generous use of rich wood for flooring, wall built-ins, and ceilings. Lots of stone and granite in the kitchen, flooring and bathrooms, crown molding throughout, amazing architectural arches and angles. All bedrooms are en suite.

Enjoy the best Talega offers in the prestigious gated community of Careyes! $1,670,000

Open House Sunday, June 4, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Jerry Thomas, Broker Associate Coldwell Banker Previews International B.R.E. License# - 01388928

(949) 412-3763 www.JerryThomasRealtor.com

GETTING OUT THE DISH

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

THE GOLDEN SALMON ROLL

P

oki & Sushi, a fairly new Japanese eatery in San Juan Capistrano, has a modest name and appearance—but don’t let that fool you. The restaurant’s array of offerings is far from ordinary, and the Golden Salmon Roll (#23 of 31 special rolls on the menu) is a fine example of that. How often do you find California rolls topped with spicy tuna and deep fried salmon?

Lovers of both spicy tuna and salmon should not pass up the opportunity to indulge a bit and try the combo. The tuna had just the right kick, and the salmon was well-cooked and expertly fried—light and crispy, topped with a sweet sauce that complemented the heat of the tuna.

In addition to their dozens of special sushi rolls—which range from traditional items to creations that include stuffed tomatoes and a Pizza Roll with mozzarella cheese—Poki & Sushi offers sashimi, sushi burritos, ramen,

(Cont. from page 14)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 1:30 p.m. Listen to The Fullstones perform at the Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

udon, an impressive list of appetizers and a build-your-own poki bar. No doubt this sushi joint will become a fast favorite among locals and visitors alike.

SCREENING: ‘BAG IT: IS YOUR LIFE TOO PLASTIC?’ 2-4 p.m. A viewing of the film Bag It: Is Your Life too Plastic? will show how one man is on a global tour to unravel the complexities of a plastic world and how it effects the environment. The screening is free. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

Poki & Sushi 32341 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano 949.388.5848 www.yelp.com/biz/poki-and-sushi-san-juan-capistrano

PALEONTOLOGY LECTURE 1-2 p.m. Join paleontologist Eric Scott as he gives a free lecture on prehistoric life in California, including various Ice Age animals that once called San Juan Capistrano home. His talk will emphasize how fossils of prehistoric horses from Orange County are currently revising what we know about horse evolution during the Ice Ages. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.facebook.com/SJCFriends.

OLD TOWN DOGGY SHOWDOWN 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy carnival games for your dog and the whole family. The event also includes dog adoptions, an agility course, demonstrations, face painting, a photo booth, vendors and prizes. Enter your dog in a contest—best costume, sit and down, obstacle course, recall races and a stay competition—for a chance to win prizes. Proceeds benefit local animal rescue Fur-Ever Home. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

Sunday | 04

FREE SATURDAY FILM 10 a.m.-noon. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library welcomes families to enjoy free popcorn and a movie at La Sala Auditorium. This month’s film is Storks.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.facebook.com/ SJCFriends.

GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS: THROUGH THE YEARS 4 p.m. The musical group will take guests on a fast-paced stroll through the musical lanes of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Songs from artists Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Everly Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra and more will be included. Tickets range $10-$20 and can be purchased at www.southcoastsingers.org/our-concerts/. St. Andrews by the Sea. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

Monday | 05 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this summer. Bring a mat, water bottle

and suggested donation of $8. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Tuesday | 06 AUTOBIOGRAPHY & LIFE STORIES WORKSHOP 10 a.m. You will gain writing skills and experience, plus tips on getting organized as you enjoy sharing your stories with others in this workshop. Instructor: Linda Berkshire, M.A. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point. 949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org/recreation.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday.

Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

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

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

Wednesday | 07 OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials.

There will be local and professional talent.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

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: ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales,’ Again

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

ourteen years ago, Disney released one of their biggest, and surprisingly impressive, actionadventure blockbusters with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The film penned many things, including one of the most amusing scene-stealers of all time, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Since then, we’ve gotten a handful of sequels with incoherent scripts and tired comic relief, and the main focus going from the original two

San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

leads Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), to Depp completely.

Disney’s fifth installment of the Pirates franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales, is the weakest effort yet. Back in the Caribbean, Jack (Depp) is caught up in another epic journey, this time with Will’s and Elizabeth’s son, Henry (Brenton Thwaites).

Henry convinces Jack to help him break his father’s trapped curse. With the aid of a young, astronomy-savvy woman named Carina (Kaya Scodelario), the trio runs into

some trouble at sea with two of Jack’s old nemeses Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem).

Dead Men features all the usual problems in redundant sequels—too many awkward, meta callbacks to the previous, better film; an incoherent narrative with plot holes; and the fan-favorite character is now a shadow of what he used to be.

Bardem, Rush, Bloom and Knightley are completely wasted with pointless screen time, while Thwaites and Scodelario are

Page 25

Photo: Courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

just plain boring, and Depp phones it in, clearly. I’m not sure what to call this sequel, but it’s not what Pirates of the Caribbean originally was. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY - In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

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

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

ART GALLERIES

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Integrative Chiropractic

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

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

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

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

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

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

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com

ELECTRICAL

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Arcadia Electric

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

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

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

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES

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

Salon Bamboo

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

Salon Bleu

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

SALONS

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PLUMBING

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

A to Z Leak Detection

Waterbabies Swim School

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

WEBSITE DESIGN

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

San Clemente Website Design

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

RESTAURANTS

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

LIST LOCALS ONLY

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

USE

PET SERVICES/HOUSE SITTING

LOCALS ONLY

2-dogswalking.com

Ricky, 949.973.4128 Pet care –Insured & Bonded

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR RENT AVAILABLE 6/ 1/17, MASTER SUITE 800 SQ.FT IN SC HOME Beach close. Rent includes utilities, Wi Fi, TV kitchen & laundry privileges & private balcony & parking.

Month to month lease $1350. Please call Chris 412-7371

GARAGE SALES 16TH ANNUAL BIBLEBELT COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE! Dana Point -Sat., June 3, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Dana Crest/Landing Neighborhood (aka “The Biblebelt”), Cross Streets: Golden Lantern/Josiah.

Sponsored by: Gary Macrides, REALTOR® and “Biblebelt” Specialist, Surterre Properties, 949-370-6827, BRE # 01267654

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control

San Clemente, 949.366.8302

Café Calypso

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

CLASSIFIEDS

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

OBITUARY

Nancy Sophia Llamas Nancy Sofia Llamas was born in Aurora Wisconsin on October 26, 1934. She entered Heaven’s gates on April 22, 2017.

A consummate mother and homemaker, Nancy was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. She also loved collecting antique chickens and hens. She loved to watch the food and cooking channels. Nancy had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church for over 60 years. Over the years, she had become very involved with the church and taught Sunday school and Preschool there. Nancy went to Orange Coast College where she earned a certificate in Early Child Development. Nancy worked at many Christian Preschools in the area.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Joseph Llamas and three children, Karen, Steven and John. She is also survived by grandchildren, Vanessa, Yusuf, Adam, Jimmy, Chuck, Lana, and Paul. Many, great grandchildren as well.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday June 3rd at 2:00 PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

200 San Pablo San Clemente. Lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Graceland Hospice.

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

San Clemente Times June 1–7, 2017

Page 27

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SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Five Ways to Build Stronger Communities

A

s I observe the ongoing debate about sober living homes and responsibility for caring for those with the diseases of mental health and substance use disorders, a thought runs through my mind: supporting our youth and families is our best tool for ending the need for housing people in crisis. Prevention and early intervention are vastly more affordable WELLNESS AND than crisis-level treatment. These are my five PREVENTION

By Susan recommendations for Parmelee keeping our community strong and ensuring healthy drug-free futures for San Clemente youth.

1. Contribute positively to the lives of San Clemente youth. Whether you are a parent, sibling, caregiver, grandparent or community member, there are many ways to strengthen our youth. The simplest is to pay attention and engage with the young

people in your life. It is very important to listen to what teens have to say and to remember that they do not always want your advice. Teens often need a non-judgmental listener to hear them talk through their thoughts and to provide a sounding board.

The gift of time and supportive feedback from an adult is known to add protective assets to a young person’s life.

2. Volunteer talent or funding to a youth serving organization. Some of my favorite are the Parent Teacher Association, the Boys & Girls Club, the 7th Inning Stretch mentoring program at Shorecliffs Middle School, the Community Outreach Alliance, the American Youth Soccer Association and Little League.

3. Set firm boundaries with the youth in your life. Just as we need to make sure a toddler does not run into the street, we need to assist teens in making healthy choices, which often requires more rules than they would like but still need. It is our responsibility as adults to monitor the

behavior of the youth in the community, to know where they are at all times, and to be sure they are not engaging in illegal or unsafe behaviors.

4. Build a network of support. Summer is a great time to celebrate your neighborhood with a block party, outdoor movie night or other special event. This helps to reconnect with other parents and adults who may be home during the day to keep an eye on each other’s homes and loved ones. Additionally, these informal support systems, nonprofits, health care professionals and faith communities are an excellent resource when you need some extra help.

5. Attend a Wellness & Prevention Center Community education event. There are two per year, announced in the San Clemente Times. You can also subscribe to Wellness & Prevention Center weekly emails. Young people face many new challenges that the older generation did not face. Even if you are not raising a

Free to Ride

Sudoku

San Clemente Summer Trolley Program begins with inaugural trip

Last week’s solution:

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he anticipated San Clemente Summer Trolley Program kicked off on Friday, May 26, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the first rides of the season.

The program will run from now until Labor Day Weekend. The trolleys run on Thursday through Sunday.

Jennifer Rosales, a city senior transportation engineer who managed the project, said the first weekend had an average of

child, these are topics you need to know in order to keep our community safe. A few examples are: the complicated social media world, the evolving legal status of marijuana, the stressors of middle and high school academics, and the emotional rollercoaster of teen brain development.

San Clemente has a strong, vibrant community that prides itself on maintaining a strong identity as a healthy place to raise families. I am hopeful that we will continue to empower our youth to make healthy choices that lead to successful futures.

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

From left, Council member Chris Hamm, Mayor Kathy Ward, Friends of San Clemente Foundation co-chair John Dorey, Council members Lori Donchak, Steve Swartz and Tim Brown all cut the ribbon to the Summer Trolley Program on Friday, May 26, at Parque Del Mar. Photo: Eric Heinz

60 riders per hour, which greatly exceeded the minimum of six to 10 riders per hour the city needs in order to receive grant funding for next year.

For more information, visit www.sctrolley.com. SC

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Pet of the Week: Cole

C

A group of friends take a selfie on the first ride of the San Clemente Summer Trolley Program.

Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times June 1-7 2017

Brett “Mr. San Clemente” Lopez-Echevarria was one of the first passengers to the San Clemente Summer Trolley Program on Friday, May 26. Photo: Eric Heinz

ole is an extra sweet little guy who loves to make new friends. Whether he’s playing with his canine companions or hanging out with his human buddies, Cole is an all-around great playmate. He’s 6 years old and is full of happy energy. He would get along with family members of any age!

If you would like to know more about Cole, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

Page 28

Cole. Photo: San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

De Phillippi Conquers Nürburgring 24-Hour Race SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente native Connor De Phillippi and the Land Motorsport/ Montaplast racing team guided their Audi R8 race car to a winning effort at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in Germany on May 29.

De Phillippi and his team were in control of the endurance race, which takes place at the infamous Nürburgring and features drivers making 158 laps, for most of the time. Land Motorsport had a sizeable lead on the field when an electrical

Connor De Phillippi celebrates after winning the Nurburgring 24 endurance race on May 29.

Photo: Courtesy

problem caused the super car to lose power with nine laps to go.

After a quick pit stop, and a switch to rain tires, team driver Kelvin van der Linde was able to get the car back in the hunt and win the race.

De Phillippi has had a successful 2017 racing season. De Phillippi and his German-based racing team traveled to America in February and placed second at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway race.

De Phillippi and his team also placed 19th at the Sebring 12 Hours race in March.

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SC SURF SOCCER CLUB HAS SUCCESSFUL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND The San Clemente Surf youth soccer club had two teams that excelled on the pitch over the Memorial Day weekend.

The club’s Boys 05’s team won the Newport Mesa Tournament on May 28.

The team, which consists entirely of players from San Clemente, scored 21 goals in three games to reach the championship.

The team defeated AC Brea 2-1 in the final.

The club’s Girls 2003 EGSL team advanced to the finals of the Newport Mesa

The SC Surf Boys 05’s team won its division at the Newport Mesa Tournament on May 28.

Photo: Courtesy

Tournament, but lost in penalty kicks in the final. The team won its group in pool play, where it did not concede a goal.

The SC Surf Girls 2003 EGSL team advanced to the championship match of its bracket at the Newport Mesa Tournament. Photo: Courtesy

Page 30

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Birdies for the Brave Donald J. Hogan Memorial Golf Program offers free lessons to active-duty military

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

pl. Matthew Coker spends about 10 seconds processing the information he was just given. His brain is churning and calculating, attempting to make an adjustment.

His target, which he just missed, is roughly 200 yards away. The wind is blowing slightly in from right to left and now several pairs of eyes are on him.

He takes a deep breath, settles in and executes a smooth, powerful swing, sending a little white ball sailing past the blue signpost and into the net at the back of the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course’s driving range.

He poses while the ball is mid-flight and lets out a triumphant, “Woo!” His friend and fellow Marine, Mike, nods in approval on the hitting mat to his left.

Rocky Rafkin smiles and nods as well.

Moments before, Rafkin, one of the teaching professionals at the Muni, told Coker to let his right hand rotate more freely through the hitting zone, helping to fight Coker’s big miss—the dreaded slice. As soon as his pupil corrected the mistake, Rafkin gave a word of encouragement and went on to help the next Marine searching for his own perfect shot.

Coker, a native of Edmond, Oklahoma who has been stationed at Camp Pendleton for four years, was one of 15 Marines who took part in the Donald J. Hogan Memorial Golf Program at the Muni on May 25. The program offers golf instruction and provides equipment, balls and time on the course to active-duty military and their families free of charge every Thursday throughout the summer.

Some of the servicemen that attend are brand new to the sport, having never swung a golf club before taking the weekly lessons. Others, like Coker, are golf diehards who sport their own top-of-the-line clubs.

“This is the biggest thing we do for fun.

We look forward to Thursday lessons.

Golf is all we talk about Monday through Wednesday.” Coker said with a laugh.

Several of the beginners showed up to Thursday’s lesson with nothing but open minds, athletic shoes and ice-cold beer.

Rafkin took two Marines without equipment, including E4 Cpl. Luke Bingham, down below the Muni’s clubhouse and handed each of them a full set of clubs.

Bingham thought they were just to rent out for the day, and was shocked to learn the set was his to keep for good.

San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

Rocky Rafkin, a golf instructor at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, instructs E4 Cpl. Dimitry Evert how to properly grip a golf club on Thursday, May 25. Photo: Eric Heinz

Navy Cpl. Dominic Bernhard practices with his driver during a free lesson for members of the military, provided by San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, on Thursday, May 25. Photo: Eric Heinz

Bingham and the other Marine thanked Rafkin several times and shook his hand, but Rafkin deflected the praise and instead thanked the men for their service.

Bingham hails from golf-crazy Augusta, Georgia, but, ironically, never cared for the sport growing up. He liked attending the Masters Tournament in his

hometown and would make a few bucks working security at the event or driving tourists to and from the course every year, but the lure of the links never called to him until he joined the military.

“Golfing in general is a great way to get with the guys, kill an afternoon, have some fun and make some memories out here,” Bingham said. “We just kind of

Page 33

detox from work and stress and just let it all go and have a good time.”

After attending his first lesson at the Muni, Bingham plans on being a regular.

Rafkin starts each one-hour lesson with a general overview of what they will be working on that day. Last Thursday, he wanted them to work on transitioning from hitting the longest club in the bag, the driver, to hitting the shortest, the wedge.

The lessons cover everything from rules and etiquette to posture and course management. Putting lessons are on tap for this week. Two weeks ago, they covered chipping.

“I took the chipping lesson last Thursday, and I ended up playing the weekend after and ended up in that situation four or five times,” said Coker, who shoots scores anywhere between 90 and 100. “The lesson literally paid off in return.”

Rafkin said Marines tend to be ideal students.

“The cool thing is, these guys listen 100 percent. When you say something, you don’t have to say it twice, they got it,” Rafkin said. “There are also a lot of great athletes in the group. It’s really fun to teach them.”

The program took on a life of its own five years ago after Paul Caringella, a San Clemente resident, saw Rafkin giving free lessons to a handful of Marines while having lunch on the clubhouse patio. Caringella liked the idea so much that he asked Rafkin how much it would cost to outfit the whole operation for a summer. Rafkin responded with a figure, and Caringella has delivered a check every year since to help cover costs.

Don Glasgow, another San Clemente resident, collects new and used golf equipment every year and donates sets like the one Bingham received. Dave Cook and Vinnie Poncino, the owner and head pro of the Muni’s golf shop, respectively, let the Marines take carts and waive green fees for them every Thursday. The program also offers a free kids summer camp.

“It’s really a grassroots deal and it just kind of fell into place. It was never planned, it just kind of happened out of the goodness of their hearts,” Rafkin said of the group effort.

At the end of each lesson, most of the Marines make a dash for the first tee.

After last week’s session, Coker and his friend Mike decided to head over to the 10th tee, where it was less crowded.

As they head to the 10th tee box, Coker says he wants South of Nick’s for dinner.

He’s never tried it, and he has a craving for Mexican food. With their dinner destination planned out, the pair’s attention snaps back to the task at hand, which is fitting in as much golf as humanly possible before they lose the light.

“I got so into golf. I got the bug,” Coker said. “You hit that one good shot, and that’s what you’re looking for, that pure feeling. It’s so hard to replicate it, but that’s what I’m hunting for.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

In Memoriam: John Severson

was pretty stoked,” said Severson in a 2014 interview with The New York Times.

Largely because of Severson, it became possible to eke out a living photographing or writing about surfing. That had never happened before. Brands like Hobie and surfers like Phil Edwards filled up the pages, creating the foundation for the surf industry and celebrity culture we see today.

It was never disclosed how much Severson sold SURFER for, but it was enough to set him up to quietly live a surfer’s life on Maui. Continuing to create throughout his years, he was a talented painter, especially adept at watercolor work. Through it all, he never lost sight of who he was or what it meant to be a surfer. He reckoned the Beach Boys a bunch of clowns, calling their use of surfing a “shameless appropriation.”

He remained a purist. In the outpouring of condolences after his passing, universally the former SURFER editors have made note of his enduring humility and graciousness.

At the end of it all, perhaps it is the words Severson wrote in that very first issue of SURFER that are most enduring and best encapsulate who the man was and the dream he aspired to share with the world: “In this crowded world, the surfer can still seek and find the perfect day, the perfect wave, and be alone with the surf and his thoughts.” SC

Founder of SURFER Magazine leaves a legend in his wake

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

n 1969, John Severson, the founder of SURFER Magazine, was quietly living in Cypress Shore minding his own business when he got a new neighbor— President Richard Nixon. The two were immediately at odds. Severson stood at the helm of one of the counter-culture’s favorite publications and was staunchly opposed to the Marine crackdown on Camp Pendleton prohibiting surfers from using the beach at Cotton’s Point and Trestles. Meanwhile, Nixon was, well, he was Nixon.

One day Severson snapped some photos of the president at the beach and sold them to LIFE Magazine. Nixon was not stoked.

The leader of the free world ordered a sixfoot wall be built around his property while the Secret Service quickly took a convenient interest in what Severson was up to.

“I’d like very much to speak with you for a few minutes regarding the surfing, public beach and access problems that face us in Southern California,” wrote Severson in a 1969 letter to Nixon (currently housed at the Nixon library in Yorba Linda). “Unfortunately, your summer home has intensified the problem, but I believe a solution can be reached without jeopardizing your security.”

Severson ended up meeting with White House Counselor John Ehrlichman to plead his case.

“He was one tough cookie,” wrote Severson in his 2014 memoir, Surf. “I toughcookied him right back.”

Severson’s efforts didn’t change things overnight, but eventually the military relented, realizing the futility in trying to keep surfers away from perfect waves. A media maven before that was a thing, Severson continued to antagonize Nixon, filming anti-

GROM OF THE WEEK

MIA MCLEISH

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

here’s something about really, really little grommets that’s just so awesome. Their endless enthusiasm, their rad miniature style, their comically tiny boards, it takes the stoke factor to the next level. When we came across micro ripper Mia McLeish, of course we San Clemente Times June 1-7, 2017

(Above) John Severson founded ‘SURFER Magazine’ in the 1960s and was a figurehead to the counterculture of the era. (Right) John Severson, who died on Friday, May 26, was a champion of surf journalism as the culture of the sport was blossoming. Photos: Courtesy of Surf Archives/SURFER Magazine

war protests outside of the Western White House and using them in his psychedelic surfing opus, Pacific Vibrations. But by 1971 it all became too much for him to contend with. He sold SURFER Magazine and his San Clemente home and split for Maui.

John Severson passed away at his home outside of Lahina on May 26, 2017. He was 83 years old. His wife, Louis, has noted he had been battling leukemia.

Remembered as the founder of SURFER Magazine, in 1960 he launched the publication out of a small Dana Point office as a means of promoting a surf film he was releasing. The demand for the publication was immediate. He was the first to blend photography, writing and art into an accurate, authentic portrayal of the nascent surf culture. Hiring talent such as photographers Ron Stoner and Art Brewer and

writers Drew Kampion and Steve Pezman, he provided a platform for the sport to springboard.

“I was getting more of my photos run, and one day he called me and asked if I wanted to be a staff photographer,” Brewer said. “It paid $500 a month and I thought I’d made the big time. I went out and bought a new car.”

Thanks to Severson, Brewer and his fellow surf photographers had an outlet for their work. As the publisher of the world’s first surf magazine, Severson was in the business of selling “the dream,” and he provided Brewer and company with reason to dream.

“As long as I had enough money to make the next issue and pay the little staff I had, I

had to make her Grom of the Week.

Nine years old, attending Concordia Elementary School, her spear of choice is a 4-foot-2 Cole shortboard. Other pastimes include playing soccer, hanging with friends and watching surf videos— although, admittedly, when she watches them, she wishes she were bobbing around in the lineup at all the exotic locales in the videos. Her motto should tell you all you need to know about her: “There is no such thing as bad surf.”

A few weeks ago, globetrotting pro and local icon Dane Gudauskas logged some water time with “Mia Mouse” and came away more stoked than ever, which if you know Dane is no easy feat.

“The stoke levels was contagious! The hoots were flyin’ and the girls were ripping the waves all the way to the beach. You rock, Mia. Thank you for the inspiration,” Dane said.

Cheers to that! Keep ripping and keep inspiring all us old dudes, Mia. SC

SURF FORECAST

Page 34

Water Temperature: 60-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Thursday: Blend of old/easing SW swell, minor NW windswell, and building WNW swell. Surf is in the knee-waist-chest high (2-3’+) zone with shoulder high (4’) sets at standouts. Southerly winds in the morning and likely through the afternoon.

Outlook: New SSW swell and minor NW swell mix will bump surf heights up this weekend, with most well exposed spots hanging in the waistshoulder-head high zone while standouts see plus sets. Southerly winds possible. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Mia McLeish. Photo: Courtesy

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