December 15, 2016

Brody, left, and Aiden Weinberg are 4-year-old twins from San Clemente, who alternate playing

John F. Kennedy, Jr. in the movie ‘Jackie,’ which is currently in theaters. Photo: Eric Heinz

EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

City Council Cancels Recount of Measure OO (Hotel Tax)

THE LATEST: In a turn of events, the city of San Clemente will not seek to initiate a recount of Measure OO, which was intended to raise the transient occupancy tax (TOT or hotel tax) for nightly rates in San Clemente from 10 percent to 13 percent. It failed to pass by eight votes.

At the Tuesday, Dec. 6, City Council meeting, the city voted to do a recount, but on Monday, Dec. 12, Neal Kelley of the Orange County Registrar of Voters said the city had decided to cancel it.

Kelley said the city could not initiate the recount as an entity but had planned to amend their decision to submit as a voter to comply with state law.

Kelley also said the city will not be charged for a recount, which could have cost between $18,000 and $40,000.

At the Dec. 6 meeting, Councilman Tim Brown said if Measure OO had passed, the increase in taxes would have provided between $600,000 and $1 million to fund three and a half to four more Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies for San Clemente, although the ballot measure wasn’t really advertised to do so. No candidate during the election supported or

When people start the app on their phone, they can input “SCRIDES” in the payment section in order to receive the discounted rate. Rides cost $2 plus the additional fare for rides that would otherwise exceed $11.

The Lyft drivers will pick up passengers within about 250 feet of the old bus stops.

“I think it will grow in future months after we do the initial launch,” Frank said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Frank said the city will do a larger, official launch at the beginning of 2017. Call the city at 949.361.6119 for more information about the rideshare program.

The OCTA ACCESS program still offers same-day taxi service to eligible participants, and more information can be found at www. octa.net under the Getting Around tab. The city of San Clemente also offers Senior Mobility Rides for those who are eligible. The bus routes that are still available into San Clemente are the 1 and the 91. —EH

yards of sand over the next two years, and officials have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do so.

Donnelley-Terrey said in the event the sand is swept into the ocean from North Beach, the city is confident the sand will move to the southern beaches of T Street and Linda Lane, so it will be retained within the city’s coastline.

Lifeguards also did sediment sampling and tested the turbidity (clearness) of the sea water and are studying the sand in order to protect the sea environment, Donnelly-Terrey said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The area where sand replenishment was taking place at North Beach is now open for public use. A report will be presented to City Council in the near future.

opposed it.

City Clerk Joanne Baade said the Orange County Registrar of Voters has only had one overturned election due to a recount since 2000, and that election wouldn’t have been overturned if it occurred a year later as certain election code had changed.

The vote to initiate the recount was 3-1-1 with Councilwoman Lori Donchak opposing, saying she trusted the results and spending the money on the recount likely wouldn’t overturn the election. Mayor Bob Baker abstained.

City Manager James Makshanoff said city officials thought about amending the recount proposal for an individual from the city to submit the request, but he said they decided against it.

“We didn’t feel that was appropriate,” Makshanoff said.

WHAT’S NEXT: City attorney Scott Smith said the issue could be brought back during a general or special election. —Eric Heinz

City Says Lyft Service Off to Smooth Start

THE LATEST: Since the city launched the Beta Rideshare Test with Lyft in October, officials said the program, which was implemented to supplement closing bus routes, is off to a good start.

Tom Frank, city of San Clemente traffic engineer, said the service is providing rides to about 50 people per day.

The program was initiated by the state, and the official start date was Oct. 9, the day the former 191 and 193 Orange County Transportation Authority bus routes were discontinued.

Man Finishes 11,000Mile Walk at Camp Pendleton

THE LATEST: Jonathan Hancock, a former U.S. Marine with the 2/4 Marines, the city of San Clemente-adopted battalion, completed a more than 11,000-mile walk across the country on Monday, Dec. 12 at Camp Pendleton.

Hancock started his journey on Sept. 11, 2015, from Maryland and has been to various states to speak with other veterans and locals. His intent was to raise support for combat veterans and their families.

WHAT’S NEXT: Although Hancock completed a tremendous amount of miles, he said he probably wouldn’t do a walk this intense again. Along his travels, he encountered severe bug bites and other maladies. —EH

City Completes Sand Replenishment at North Beach

THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente recently completed a $626,000 project to bring in more than 12,000 cubic yards of new sand to North Beach.

The sand was brought in from the lower Santa Ana River dredging project in order to cover the exposed cobblestones and other impediments to the local coastal area.

“We’re still monitoring the surfing conditions for another two months, but we’ve demobilized, and they’ve (arranged) the sand for the winter,” said Aeryn DonnellyTerrey, the parks planner for the city.

The city has a coastal development permit to receive up to another 200,000 cubic

Post-Measure M, CUSD to Remain Focused on Improving Facilities

THE LATEST: After Capistrano Unified School District’s Measure M failed to pass Nov. 8, district officials have said they intend to remain focused on improving school facilities and will increase outreach to city officials regarding the district’s facility needs.

The CUSD Board of Trustees placed the $889 million general obligation on the ballot in an effort to leverage state funds for more than $800 million in deferred facilities maintenance.

Measure M failed with 72,915 votes (45.5 percent). The bond needed 55 percent of the vote to pass.

In a post-election press release, board president Amy Hanacek wrote that with more than “4 million square feet of building space and inadequate funding,” the district still faces facility challenges such as “leaky roofs, HVAC, plumbing and electrical issues, security and fire safety, insufficient classroom and bathroom spaces for overcrowded schools, classroom technology upgrades, access for special needs students” and more.

At the board’s Nov. 16 meeting, Hanacek said she hopes to improve communication with city officials so they understand that the children in their communities “need more from them than a photo opportunity or a handshake at graduation.”

WHAT’S NEXT: In addition to continuing those conversations, the district has created two new opportunities for community oversight—the Community Facilities District Citizen’s Oversight and Advisory Commission, and the School Facilities and Finance Administrative Advisory Committee. To learn more about the new committees, visit www.capousd.org.

—Allison Jarrell

Jonathan Hancock, a former U.S. Marine who fought in the 2004 Battle of Ramadi, completes his 11,000mile walk across the United States. Hancock finished the journey on Monday, Dec. 12, at Camp Pendleton.

Photo: Eric Heinz

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

SCHS Dance Team Takes Home Awards

The San Clemente High School Dance Team won 13 top awards including a judges’ choice award for best overall choreography at the California Association Dance/Drill Team Director’s competition in Anaheim on Dec. 10, the team’s first competition of the 2017 season.

The SCHS team competed against 11 other Southern California high schools for top awards at Esperanza High School.

All San Clemente’s soloists walked away with trophies on Saturday. Freshman Macie Brown won first place in her category, giving the 2017 team its first top award of the day. Other soloist results included second-place wins for Emily Burke, freshman; Tessa Matson, sophomore; Lilly Hurtubise, junior; Lauren Chong, senior; and a third-place win for Lauren Adoph, junior.

In the afternoon, the team took the floor in eight group dances. San Clemente earned four first-place trophies in novelty, small dance, intermediate dance, and large hip hop. The team also won second-place trophies for their medium hip hop and medium dance.

San Clemente was awarded a special judge’s award for Best Choreography for the team’s small dance choreographed by coaches Danielle Braithwaite and Devon Rys, both former SCHS dancers.

“This is such an honor, and we are beyond thrilled,” Braithwaite said. “There are so many awesome teams and choreographers at every competition. To get selected for best choreography is an amazing nod from the judges.

“The girls worked really hard and it showed on the floor,” Braithwaite continued. “This is such a talented and dedicated team. We are thrilled with the team’s results and are looking forward to taking the routines to the next level.”

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

San Clemente Woman’s Club Names Board Directors

The San Clemente Woman’s Club installed their incoming Board of Directors at its annual Christmas luncheon at the Talega Golf Club on Dec. 6.

The candlelit installation ceremony was conducted by immediate past President Kathy Tait. Installed were President-elect Loretta Busom, Vice President Sofia Fligiel, Treasurer Cynthia Cooper, Recording Secretary Co-Directors Cathy Wagner and Elizabeth Mayo, and Membership Director Laura Ginn.

Following installation, three new mem-

bers were welcomed into the club.

For more information about San Clemente Woman’s Club, visit www.sanclementewomansclub.org.

Ed Molina Named OCAR Volunteer of the Year

Ed Molina, a managing broker of Realty ONE Group’s San Clemente branch, was recently named volunteer of the year by the Orange County Association of Realtors.

Molina has worked with the Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP) and has been running a soccer camp for at-risk middle school kids from the communities of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Mission Viejo for the past five years. It is a three-day camp that includes motivational speakers and aims to provide positive reinforcement.

Molina is the announcer of all San Clemente High School home soccer games, and he is a board member for the San Clemente Educational Foundation, which raises about $100,000 for San Clemente High School every year.

San Clemente Grad Part of Large Theater Production

More than 100 San Diego State Univer-

sity (SDSU) students, including Katherine Fuentes from San Clemente, collaborated on a concert production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

SDSU musical theater graduate students, theater arts undergraduates, a full choir, orchestra and rock ensemble came together to create lighting and projection for a completely sold-out performance, according to a press release from the university.

Fuentes—a speech, language and hearing sciences major from San Clemente— was part of the orchestra.

Jesus Christ Superstar in concert was a collaboration between SDSU’s School of Theatre, Television and Film and its School of Music and Dance.

Jesus Christ Superstar followed in the footsteps of the successful Les Miserables

concert production from fall 2014, which also brought the two performing schools together.

Bikes to Be Donated to Boys & Girls Club

Bicycle San Clemente, also known as Urban Bicycle Outfitters, will donate 10 bicycles to the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area as part of their annual giveaway. For the last six years, the company has donated bikes for children typically 6 to 11 years old for good attendance and best behavior. The bikes are also given to children who need them most.

Owner Pete Van Nuys said he loves giving to the organization, which he says has a positive influence on children in the San Clemente area. Orange County Sheriff’s Department also usually donates a couple bikes.

Van Nuys said he would like to see the program expand in the future.

Two San Clemente Schools Win “Innovation in Education” Grants from Cox

San Clemente’s Clarence Lobo Elementary School and Vista Del Mar Middle School are among 16 Orange County schools to receive a 2016 “Innovation in Education” grant from Cox Communications. Cox recently awarded more than $51,000 to schools in the Cox service area to help fund innovative programs for students in grades K-12. The grant program invited principals, administrators and teachers at eligible schools to submit a grant application for innovative classroom projects that focus on skills-based learning, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art/design and mathematics), digital literacy, or cyber citizenship (responsible use of the internet).

Clarence Lobo Elementary School’s grant application was submitted by Lori West. The grant funds will be used to support the school’s STEAM Academy, in which kindergarten students will be taught beginning coding skills.

Vista del Mar Middle School’s application was submitted by Mark Yanaura for the school’s video production program. Video production students will learn and use media journalism skills to produce 30-minute shows.

In addition to providing grants to schools, Cox offers discounted internet service through the nonprofit initiative Connect2Compete to families on the national free school lunch program to help bridge the digital divide. Cox also awards $150,000 annually in scholarships through Cox Charities to graduating high school seniors in California.

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

John Hacker, left, presents Ed Molina with the OCAR Volunteer of the Year award. Photo: Courtesy of Realty ONE Group

The San Clemente Woman’s Club recently inducted their board members of the year during a holiday luncheon.

Photo: Courtesy of Joan Angleton

The San Clemente High School Dance Team took home various awards for their performances on Dec. 10 at Esperanza High School. Photo: Courtesy of Juli Isola

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I Ward Likely Next Mayor of San Clemente

f history has told us anything, it’s that San Clemente’s mayor pro tem is usually voted the city’s mayor the following year, if he or she is still in office.

Since 1987, only four times has the mayor pro tem not been selected as mayor the following year, according to city records.

The selection of mayor comes with little—if any—discernable executive powers, as all five Council members are equal in their votes, though the position of mayor is afforded extra importance and ceremony by the community at large.

With this year’s Mayor Bob Baker failing to be reelected and a new City Council taking office starting Dec. 20, we thought it would be a worthwhile exercise to look at why each 2017 Council member may or may not be selected. Keep in mind, these are not official selections nor are they endorsements, just interpretation of historical statistical significance and what may occur. Council will also elect the mayor pro tem at the Dec. 20 meeting.

Most Likely:

Kathy Ward Council member Ward has been on City Council since 2014 and has not yet been mayor. She served as mayor pro tem in 2016 and has served in a crucial role on the Transportation Corridor Agencies board of elected officials.

She has served on Council the fourthshortest amount of time—only the incoming Steven Swartz has served fewer years than Ward.

Ward is also retired, so she may have the extra time to dedicate to the position, which can include trips to Sacramento, as we saw last year during the debate about changing legislation to allow for a freestanding emergency room.

Possible: Tim Brown Brown’s depth of knowledge in government and his involvement with the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Community Engagement Panel gives him a lot of visibility.

He is the second-longest tenured City Council member and has served as mayor twice since being first elected in 2010.

It’s not impossible Brown could be tapped for mayor yet again, but it depends on the direction in which the Council

wants to go. Brown and Ward don’t differ on too many major issues—Brown has been more involved with nuclear energy and Ward has been more involved with transportation issues. Thus, a pick between Brown and Ward could come down to whose experience and expertise best align with the Council’s 2017 goals.

Possible: Lori Donchak Council member Donchak has been on City Council the longest of her colleagues since being elected in 2006. There’s a chance, with many moving parts in the city, that her leadership could be called upon once again to be mayor. Donchak served as mayor in 2008 and 2010.

Serving as the Chairperson of the Orange County Transportation Authority and continuing to push local efforts at the county level have made her the figurehead for San Clemente on a regional scale. Donchak has butted heads with other Council members—notably Chris Hamm—on a few issues in the past, such as the short-term rental ordinances and Council procedural work.

Less Likely:

Chris Hamm

Councilman Hamm is popular with a majority of voters. He won his reelection bid by a margin of 3,000 votes.

The reason why Hamm probably won’t be mayor is because he served in that role in 2015, and the trend of rotating in mayor a few years after they’re elected could prevent a second year as mayor, at least for now. He also may not want it. No doubt Hamm loves to serve on City Council and is probably one of its most outspoken members, but when asked recently if he wanted to be mayor, he said he would like to spend time focusing on his family.

Less Likely:

Steven Swartz

Swartz was one of the most vocal of the candidates during the election in supporting local businesses and said he would have addressed issues such as the hospital closing and subsequent lawsuit against the city after the land the hospital sits on was zoned in a much different way.

As a first-year Council member, it’s entirely possible he could be voted as the mayor pro tem, which would make him the ultimate authority should the mayor be unavailable for important items.

As the candidate who was the alternative to the incumbents in this year’s election, Swartz would be a change of pace for the city’s leadership. It would be unlikely, however, for any first-term Council member, to be elected mayor in their first year. SC

Community Meetings

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

ANNUAL FAM CHRISTMAS DINNER

1-3 p.m. There will be a children’s holiday dinner with gifts at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

SUNRISE ROTARY

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

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

BILY MEETING

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY

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

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

6 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

Border Patrol Responds to Two Large Drug Incidents in One Week

The U.S. Border Patrol reported on Tuesday, Dec. 7, that agents seized about 2,400 pounds of marijuana on Monday, Dec. 6, from an abandoned boat left at Calafia State Park near San Clemente.

“On Monday at approximately 3 p.m., agents responded to a report from California State Park rangers that a 25-foot Bayliner was in the process of washing ashore,” according to a U.S. Border Patrol press release. “With assistance from the rangers, agents pulled the vessel ashore for further inspection. Agents did not encounter any people on the boat or the surrounding area.”

During the inspection, agents discovered several large bags inside the boat that contained 82 cellophane-wrapped bundles of marijuana.

The estimated street value of the marijuana was about $1.2 million. The marijuana and the vessel were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

“The U.S. Border Patrol in collaboration with federal, state and local law-enforce-

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

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

Monday, December 12

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 300 Block (9:12 a.m.) People on the patio were constantly “passing out,” the caller said.

Dec.

ment agencies coordinates operations through the Regional Coordinating Mechanism (ReCoM) to address transnational maritime threats along the Southern California coast,” the release stated. “The ReCoM mission is to increase homeland security by eliminating transnational crime along the coast. The Joint Harbor Operations Center (JHOC) in San Diego is the tactical command center for ReCoM.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Border Pa-

Sunday, December 11

BURGLARY REPORT Monterey Lane, 500 Block (6:18 p.m.) The caller said someone tried to break into his residence.

DISTURBANCE N. El Camino Real/Avenida Palizada (4:22 p.m.) A woman said she was just “rammed” by her husband in a black silver truck. She said he was possibly drunk and under the influence of “speed.”

Saturday, December 10

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (11:56 p.m.) A man was exposing himself inside the store.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (7:21 p.m.) A man was defecating on himself inside the restaurant.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (6:28 p.m.) Two male customers were in a fight, and one sprayed mace in the other’s face.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Sage, 1900 Block (4:54 p.m.) A woman was in a dispute with her neighbor. She claimed a man was “smoking her out” and continuing to burn things in his backyard.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle De Los Alamos, 1800 Block (10:50 a.m.) A man wanted to speak to deputies about a man who was

trol agents working at the Interstate 5 checkpoint near San Clemente seized 61 bundles of narcotics from the vehicle of a 22-year-old man.

“Agents encountered a 2005 Nissan Frontier driven by a male Mexican national who was illegally residing in the U.S.,” a press release stated. “After the initial checkpoint inspection, the driver was referred to secondary inspection, where a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the front doors of the truck.

During the inspection, agents said they discovered 59 bundles of methamphetamine and two bundles of hashish inside three duffle bags. In all, agents confiscated 73.04 pounds of methamphetamine and 4.45 pounds of hashish. The narcotics were valued at $473,960.

The man was arrested for narcotics smuggling and was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the narcotics. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at 619.498.9900. SC

trespassing on his property and fell off the cliff.

Friday, December 9

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (11:07 p.m.) Police were called to an adult providing alcohol to minors on the balcony of the residence. The caller said there was a large party going on.

PATROL CHECK Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (9:52 p.m.) The caller said a woman in her 20s wearing a pink hat was drinking during a movie. The woman and a man left the theater stumbling before getting into an SUV. The woman drove around the parking lot and then parked in the back of the movie theater.

Thursday, December 8

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Del Oceano, 200 Block (10:28 p.m.) A man calling from Corona requested deputies because he said his caregivers were taking away his phones and poisoning him. Documents showed several welfare checks and a request for power of attorney in the last month.

Wednesday, December 7

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 400 Block (10:05 p.m.) A man was drunk and trying to fight everyone in the bar. The man, described as in his 60s, refused to leave.

On Monday,

5, U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than a ton of marijuana from a recreational watercraft. Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Border Patrol

SOAPBOX SC

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Keeping the Holidays Jolly:

There’s a Reason for

One of our favorite holiday traditions is the family outing to see A Christmas Carol in the South Coast Repertory Theater at the Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. The whole brood goes, all our kids, the aunt and uncle and assorted friends of the family who often take up half a row in the little theater. The kids still love it, even though they have kids of their own now and knew the story by heart from before they could read. We have been enjoying this ritual for 22 years now, and if nothing else it is delightful suspense to see if the masterful Hal Landon (who plays Scrooge with Oscar-worthy grace) will actually be able to somersault onto his bed, into his top hat and land triumphant on the other side. We always try to go early in December because once we walk out of the theater in the crisp winter air, visions of a Christmas goose and ghosts and goodwill ringing in our heads, it just seems like the holiday season has really arrived.

For those who are more circumspect about all this hoopla we surround Christmas with, I offer seven reminders we should be thankful for during the holiday season. And for those oversensitive folks, I’m not ruining Christmas—the recom-

Letters to the Editor

THANK YOU, VOTERS OF CAPISTRANO UNIFIED

JOHN ALPAY, Former Capistrano Unified Trustee, Area 3

When I was first elected as Trustee for Capistrano Unified, my oldest daughter, Autumn, had just entered kindergarten, my daughter Saige was new to preschool and my wife and I still measured the age of our son, Logan, in months.

As I now leave office, Autumn is at Bernice Ayers Middle School and Saige and Logan are well into their tenure at Las Palmas Elementary School. After two terms of office, I am grateful and thankful for having had the opportunity to serve. For those who remember, my first election into office was during a period of instability for Capistrano Unified after three sets of recalls. While the slate I was a part of did not win a majority of the seats, Trustees Gary Pritchard, Lynn Hatton-Hodson and I did something unexpected by working “across the aisle” with

Everything

mendations are tongue-in-cheek. Don’t scorn all the frantic consumerism. Serious shoppers don’t think of Christmas as a stressful effort to get loved ones something meaningful; they think of it as a boot camp for the January department store sales.

Jim Kempton

Enjoy the kids! Gifts of love come in the most unsuspecting ways. One of the clearest signs that my children are still dedicated to the family’s holiday cheer is that they come unsolicited to help us put the Christmas lights up on the roof. Don’t begrudge Christmas carols and holiday packaging in stores before Halloween. It is a national duty to keep the economy safe for democracy. Nearly 20 percent of consumer spending is done during the month of December. So our businesses are just exercising wealth redistribution to the less fortunate months.

It’s better to receipt. Many of the presents we get at Christmas are things we neither need nor want. But there is no need for disdain. Keep the faith, keep the

Trustees Anna Bryson and Jack Brick. I am proud to say that the five of us were successful in ending the corrosive discord and returning attention to classroom instruction. Back then with negative press written about Capistrano Unified on a near daily basis, an early metric of Board success was how often we were not mentioned in the Orange County Register

Having returned focus back on education, the district achieved noteworthy things, including creating educational opportunities for all students. With the help of San Clemente resident Thalia Tong, the board created what I consider to be the greatest achievement reached while I was in office: Orange County’s first and only successful public Mandarin Immersion Program. This program was ultimately recognized with an award by the Orange County Business Council. And during the same period, Capistrano Unified received, reviewed and approved more charter school applications than any other school district in Orange County.

Fiscal management was another area of success. With Capistrano Unified subject to Sacramento’s chronic underfunding, Mello-Roos is a fact of life in many parts of South Orange County. With interest rates

cup of kindness and keep all the receipts for returning gifts on Dec 26.

Thank the fruitcake. Consider the item as a dietary assistance program. Be glad that you get those disgusting fruitcakes for Christmas—it is the only time in all of December when you won’t eat something unnecessary.

Grow old gracefully. In the spirit of Saint Nicholas, accept the fact that there are three stages to a man’s Christmas experience in life—when he believes in Santa, when he stops believing in Santa and when he becomes Santa.

Prepare for the price for love. They say the holidays have magic in the air, but not all of it is benign. If you don’t believe Christmas is a magical time of the year, just check your bank statement in January and watch the disappearing act that takes place.

Jim Kempton is a San Clemente writer and surfer who knows he is getting old when none of the things he wants for Christmas come in wrapped packages or are bought in a store. 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.

at historical lows, the Board refinanced existing bond obligations, saving taxpayers $81.1 million without reducing any facilities funding to our schools. This kind of responsible management led to the Orange County Taxpayers Association nominating CUSD for the coveted Rose Award.

None of this was achieved by individuals but rather by people working in concert. For example, while serving as Board President for two consecutive terms and holding the same role with the South Coast Regional Occupational Program, I would have long since been buried in the obligations of both offices without the support of Superintendents Joe Farley and Kim Thomason. In that same spirit, I also owe debts of gratitude to Chris Korpi, Trudy Podobas, Linda Verasater, Vicky Soderberg, Greg Young, Jane Boos, Kristen Nelson, Michelle Benham, Ronda Whalen and many others.

Now that I have done my part, it is time for others to address the current issues facing CUSD, including the looming teacher shortage, lack of modern facilities, adequate senior leadership, and community trust. For the sake of my children, I wish them success.

(Cont. on page 12)

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

PUBLISHER Norb

EDITORIAL

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

City Editor, DP Times

> Kristina Pritchett

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch

> Allison Jarrell

Sports Editor

> Steve Breazeale

Special Projects Editor

> Andrea Papagianis

ART/DESIGN

Art Director > Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher

> Lauralyn Loynes

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Real Estate Sales Manager

> Michele Reddick

OPERATIONS

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager

> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKS

Robert Miller

Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco

Victor Carno

Debra Holm

Tim Trent

Jake Howard

SOAPBOX

(Cont. from page 10)

My decision not to seek another term in Capistrano Unified and move on to other adventures was the right move for me. Instead of focusing on education policy, it will be on the education of my three children. One immediate benefit will be the lack of board functions and more time for my children’s volleyball and soccer games. After some time, perhaps, I will seek to serve again, but for now I thank the voters of CUSD for the amazing experiences and for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

DISPUTING IN-N-OUT CLAIMS

JOE TOLOSA, San Clemente

I disagree with Mr. Van Nuys. The crux of the letter I sent, in the Nov. 24-30 edition of San Clemente Times, had to do with the 50,000 or 60,000 residents who have come later and now occupy former pasture land that is now part of the city of San Clemente. These people have needs and wants and are overlooked as they do not reside in the proper enclave where attitudes exist. I do not consider it leadership when one is considered as the last word on the subject. It merely illustrates the regressive attitudes that exist here.

It is not necessary to belabor the point of the In-N-Out fiasco here, but it was approved by a very competent Planning Commission. The Planning Commission presented a very good traffic and parking plan on the property that had ample room to comply with this. But, what do you know, to everyone’s surprise the council rejected it. I know as I attended all of those meetings.

In-N-Out does not need San Clemente, and San Clemente does not deserve In-NOut.

We usually drive up to La Paz in Laguna Niguel for In-N-Out, and without a doubt a great many San Clemente residents stop at the unit next to the I-5 Freeway at Avery in Mission Viejo. So much for leadership.

IN-N-OUT CONTINUED

WAYNE EGGLESTON, San Clemente

I wish to thank Pete Van Nuys for setting the record straight in his letter to the editor in the Dec. 1-7 edition of the San Clemente Times regarding the traffic nightmare for a drive-through In-N-Out at the old Carrow’s location. Can you visualize traffic backing up to the freeway off ramps along the curb trying to order a hamburger?

The City Council at that time requested In-N-Out to come back with a sit-down restaurant rather than a drive-through, similar to their very successful El Toro location. They agreed to consider that, but alas came back once again with a trafficcongested drive-through. It was very probable that a sit-down would have been approved.

Also, Joe Tolosa, in his Nov. 24-30 edition letter to the editor, made reference to the “old boys” at that time on City Council. In fact, there was a Councilwoman from

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

This week’s Beachside Chat guest is Shon Miller, the founder of San Clemente Beach Conservation Program. 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.

Talega, who also voted against the drivethrough. Isn’t it always more productive to get facts from fiction or you just “heard it,” quoting Mr. Tolosa. If you want all the facts, contact City Hall for a public records request, like I did. They have the facts on record.

I WON’T PAY FOR A SANCTUARY STATE

EARLE McNEIL, San Clemente

With the ever-increasing hint that the democratically controlled California legislature wants to turn not just major cities but the whole of California into a “sanctuary state,” and by such action defy federal law, it behooves me to write an open letter to the U.S. Supreme Court with the following plea: Not wanting to be charged with aiding and abetting a federal crime, I feel that I cannot morally or legally pay California state taxes if California uses the money for the illegal purpose of creating a sanctuary state.

BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO CAMINO DE LOS MARES

MATT WHALEN, San Clemente

When passing through the downtown areas of San Clemente this time of year, I always enjoy the festive holiday decorations hanging from lampposts and storefronts in the Avenida Del Mar area. However, one section of our fair city seems to be left out of the holiday celebration, Camino De Los Mares. Although this street is one of the busiest in San Clemente and has the only movie theater within the city limits, there is no evidence anywhere that this is a special time of year. I’m guessing that the local businesses in this area—Ralphs, Stater Brothers, Trader Joe’s and others—could only benefit from the seasonal reminders to local consumers. So my question is what gives, San Clemente? Does the Grinch live on Camino De Los Mares?

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.

GETTING OUT SC

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The

Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949. 388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE MUSIC: BLACK CAT BONE

7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Black Cat Bone at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Thursday | 15

‘ELF THE MUSICAL’

5 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents the junior version of the musical based on Elf. Two performances (different age groups) run on Dec. 15, 16, 17 and 19. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.tapocelf.brownpapertickets.com. The Arts Project Theatre. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

7 p.m. Saddleback College hosts the Laguna Ballet, a non-profit junior ballet company serving Orange County families, which presents its 31st anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Tickets are $26 with discounts for students and seniors. Show also runs Dec. 16, 17 and 19. For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit www. saddleback.edu/arts or call 949.582.4656. Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

WINE TASTING AT BARNOA

7-9 p.m. Taste a sampling of MCV wines, which includes blends that highlight petite sirah. The $25 tasting fee includes light appetizers and a tasting flight. Barnoa

Friday | 16

MISSION ART WALK

11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINTER FEST BEGINS

2-11 p.m. The first day of the annual Winter First begins at OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. There will be ice tubing, light displays, tree lighting ceremonies, bounce houses, the world’s largest walk-through ornament, a snow play area and more. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $10 for children. Kids under 3 are free to enter. The festival runs through Jan. 1. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.855.1187. www.winterfestoc.com.

CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE AND SANTA’S TOY DRIVE

6:30-8:30 p.m. This annual event allows guests to donate a new toy to a Marine family, take a picture with Santa, visit with some local Marines, enjoy some cocoa (Cont. on page 16)

EDITOR’S PICK

SATURDAY, DEC. 17: SOUTH COAST SINGERS PRESENT ‘MISTLETOE AND MEMORIES’ 4 p.m. Listen to the South Coast Singers perform holiday favorites as well as some new tunes. Tickets are $20, with discounts for students and seniors. Kids under 6 years old are free to enter. St Andrew’s by-the-Sea. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente. www.southcoastsingers.org. 949.613.7840.

San Clemente

Photo: File

(Cont. from page 14) and cookies, and listen to the sounds of the San Clemente High School women’s a capella group. 31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

COA HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

7 p.m. Local music, holiday treats and a “mock”-tail bar will be at the Community Outreach Alliance Holiday Music Festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring a children’s toy, which will be donated to Family Assistance Ministries. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

LIVE MUSIC: HART AND SOUL BAND

7-10 p.m. Listen to live music from the Hart and Soul Band at Adele’s in the San Clemente Inn. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www.adelesinthesanclementeinn.com.

DANA POINT HARBOR

BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

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

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’

8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse continues performances of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. The show runs through Dec. 18. Tickets range from $27-$37. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminrealplayhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC: OLIVIA ROHDE

8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Olivia Rohde at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949. 388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Saturday | 17

CASA LA PAZ HOLIDAY SALE

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done at the Tree of Life Nursery’s gift shop and book store at this annual sale. Select items will be on sale throughout the store. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE ACADEMY

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sit in on one of two gingerbread house decorating workshops at Monarch Beach Resort. The pastry team will offer tips for decorating with the seemingly endless amount of candy and frosting available. There will also be a special visit from Santa, complete with pictures. Cost is $85 per gingerbread house, with a maximum of four people per house. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. 949.234.3200. www.visitdanapoint.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN

2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs live music at 2:30 p.m., followed by Grand Junction at 8:30 p.m. There will also be a food drive from noon to 5 p.m. that supports Father Serra’s Pantry. Nonperishable food items are requested. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 18

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

Monday | 19

KIDS HOLIDAY ARTS CAMP

9 a.m.-noon. Kids are invited to sing, act, dance, create and more at The Arts Project of Orange County’s weeklong camp. Camp days run through Dec. 23, and reservations can be purchased for one, any or all days of the camp. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS

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

Tuesday | 20

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 | 21

LIVE MUSIC: MOON POLICE

7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Moon Police at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S

9:30 p.m. Free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

ITHE DISH

KOUIGN AMMAN AT ELLIE’S TABLE

t would great if life was such that we could live according to the rules of the kouign amman (pronounced queen ah-mahn). We could allot 40 percent of our workdays to air hockey tournaments, 30 percent to boozy umbrella drinks and 30 percent to naps. We could spend 40 percent of our money on fully cashmere wardrobes, 30 percent on adopting puppies and 30 percent on hiring a full-time caretaker for those puppies, who also happens to make awesome pizza.

The point is—and there is a point—the kouign amman is a pastry that must abide by strict rules of production, but those rules are empirically great: 40 percent must be dough, 30 percent butter and 30 percent sugar.

Modern takes on the pastry do stray, but Ellie’s Table’s version is as indulgent as it gets. Their signature pastry is composed of a robust and beautifully caramelized pastry, packed to the brim with sweet and rich custard filling—indeed, the chef calls it

crème brûlée filling. What works so well is the contrast between bouncy filling and flaky crust; between sweet cream and perfectly bitter burnt edges.

The inherent flaw in the kouign amman theory of living is that if you made the pastry 30 percent of your diet, you’d quickly die. But what a sweet way to go that would be. Ellie’s Table at North Beach 120 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 714.636.6045. www.elliestable.com.

At the Movies:

‘La La Land’ Doesn’t Miss a Beat

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The movie musical is a genre that was at its prime in the mid-20th century, and then once rock music officially made its mark by the late 1960s, traditional song and dance was changed forever. Of course, there have been brief moments of resurgence, like Everyone Says I Love You (1996), Chicago (2002) and DreamGirls (2006). But the days of seeing a musical nearly every month at the theater are long gone. Yet, that makes Damien Chazelle’s La La Land one of the freshest films to come presently.

Mia Dolan (Emma Stone) moves to Los Angeles for her dream of becoming a

successful actress at the same time Seb Wilder (Ryan Gosling) is fired from his gig as a restaurant pianist. The two keep bumping into each other in the city until they eventually meet up properly and begin a casual courtship. As Mia’s auditions continue to falter, Seb’s music career grows with the help of big shot music act Keith (John Legend), who conflicts with his old fashioned jazz.

La La Land comes from Chazelle right off of his sleeper hit Whiplash last year and couldn’t be more different. While Whiplash was a rough-and-tumble character piece, La La has all the influence and homage that Chazelle has carefully borrowed from the likes of Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Swing Time (1936) and The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967). Stone and Gosling are wisely chosen for their experienced chemistry, and the film is now on its way to be the big breakthrough of the holidays. SC

Photo: Dale Robinette/Lionsgate

LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

San

‘House’ is Where You Make It

Artist in residency location gets started on South El Camino Real

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

South El Camino Real has an up-andcoming art space that is expected to host various artists from around the world.

The street artist program at House of Trestles has been slowly gaining momentum over the past few months as a venue for one- or two-month residencies for artists to display their work.

It’s a bit different from your typical gallery or museum. The founder of House of Trestles, Joshua Host, said he wants to help promote the artists who commit their art to the project via social media and other means.

“Most of these street artists aren’t doing it to monetize it; they’re doing it as an expression and a connection with an audience,” Host said.

There is no criteria for what kind of artist wants to participate, Host said, and the showroom is big enough for just about any artist to display their work.

“The street artist in residence was started a few months ago,” Host said. “We had our first artist stay, REMIO, from Norway, and his show was in Halloween.”

REMIO is known for doing action sports coverage and artwork.

Local street artist Bandit decided to join the program and currently has his own exhibit on display. There are a few murals and stencil paintings as well as an installation in a room about 50-square-feet large.

“Shortly after that show, I was talking with Bandit and a few other guys … about co-chairing the program,” Host said.

“Since that point, we’ve had a couple street artists who have decided to come on, and the idea is to provide a few different things. One, to provide lodging for street artists from around the world to come here and have interactions with travelers and artists in Orange County. Two, to provide global exposure. And three, to generate revenue for their venture as well as revenue for the program.”

Host said he put the initial money toward building the program, and others have since seen the opportunity. There are five board members, including Bandit, and Host, who owns the building.

The current installation in House of Trestles is Bandit’s “Unbuffed.” The name recognizes the fleeting time Bandit’s work is on display in the streets or in abandoned buildings, which usually is either painted over or destroyed within a few weeks. This art, however, has a medium and sanctuary where it can live on.

In February, Francisco Camilo will start his residency at House of Trestles to do a 60-day residency. Camilo is a street artist from Portugal.

“The first art in residency was (by) word-of-mouth,” Host said. “We’ve since then had eight requests from artists all over the world, from people as close as Las Vegas and as far as Australia, primarily through social media.”

As of now, appointments to see the work have to be made for private tours or during events, but that could change in the coming months.

For more information and updates, visit House of Trestles on Facebook. SC

Clemente

House of Trestles founder Joshua Host is looking to bring more artists from around the world to his location at 2717 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente. The artist residency program is just getting started, but its board members aim to get more exposure to it in the coming months. Photo: Eric Heinz

City Hosts Photo Contest at Summit San Clemente

The city of San Clemente hosted a hike to Summit San Clemente on Friday, Dec. 9. The city is hosting a photo contest of the best photos from the hike. Submit your photos of your hikes to fergusonl@san-clemente.org by Jan. 3. Winners will be announced Jan. 17.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

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

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Participants in the Friday, Dec. 9, hike to Summit San Clemente sign their names in a visitor’s log.

A hiker makes his way to the Summit San Clemente as the sun sets on the horizon.

Ellie Hammargren runs with her dog, Lucy, up the hill toward the Summit San Clemente on Friday, Dec. 9.

Double Take

San Clemente twins star in major motion picture ‘Jackie’

BY ERIC

Twin brothers Brody and Aiden Weinberg aren’t even 5 years old and they’ve already seen more than their 15 minutes of fame.

Recruited basically at birth for film and television, the twins just got their first major break appearing in the film Jackie as John F. Kennedy, Jr. As the twins are identical, they alternate roles.

Their parents, Brett and Ilyssa Weinberg, shared a photo of the twins on her social media platforms when they were first born, and a friend of hers, who represents actors, called her almost immediately.

“At first, we were kind of thinking ‘Whatever, sure.’ We weren’t really into it,” Brett said. “But we realized that raising twins by yourself is much harder than you could ever possibly imagine. We never slept. We had no breaks.”

Brett owns a company in San Clemente and was working long hours as they settled into their new lives. The couple is originally from New York.

The Weinbergs eventually took their friend up on the offer to represent the twins for acting roles. This would lead the twins landing spots as babies in the TV series How I Met Your Mother, and as regular members on Suburgatory for three seasons.

Ilyssa said Neil Patrick Harris, who played Barney on How I Met Your Mother, gave her advice about raising twins, as he is raising his own pair. Ilyssa said she’s been fortunate to meet high-profile actors who are understanding and willing to help them while on set.

“I think the big takeaway from it is that it’s really different than what you think it’s going to be,” Brett said. “It’s a fun, unique experience, and it’s an opportunity for (the twins) that not everybody gets or has, and at that time it didn’t take anything away

Jeremy Conrad

949.542.8348

Jconrad@conradrealestate.com

Bill Conrad

949.542.8349

BillC@conradrealestate.com

from their lives. It was just something that was a great, fun experience.”

Brett said he and Ilyssa eventually became more receptive to the ups and downs of being parents of child actors.

Having identical twins at a young age can be a major selling point for child actors, as acting laws only allow for certain amounts of screen time for children, depending on their age. When one of them runs out of screen time for the day, the other can come in to fill the same role.

“Like everything, it all has its positives and negatives,” Ilyssa said, “but right now, we’re (enjoying) the success of Jackie.”

While filming Jackie, the family lived in Paris for three and a half weeks. While there, the Weinbergs said their children leaned basic French greetings and adapted well to the temporary environment.

At the time of the shoot, the twins were 3 years old, and Brett said it can be harder to instruct a 3-year-old than it is a 5-yearold. The children’s ability to take direction is one of their best assets, Brett said, which contributed to them getting booked for Jackie after only one audition.

“(The filmmakers) were looking for a specific age and kids who can remember their lines,” Brett said. “Most kids that age can’t do that or remember dialogue. They’re at the point where they can read and add and subtract. They were able to

do the entirety of their script.”

Despite their proclivity for acting, the twins can be very shy. Ilyssa said they enjoy being in front of a camera and once they get the group attention, they transition right into their characters.

But the role of JFK, Jr. is on a new level of cinematic achievement for the family—it’s a film with Natalie Portman as the

lead actress and directed by Pablo Larraín, whose 2012 film No was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards. Portman has been nominated for a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Jackie Onassis.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. was just 3 years old when his father, former President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.

The incident is marked as one of the most shocking events in United States history and has been scrutinized by legal experts and conspiracy theorists for more than 50 years.

In the movie, Jacqueline “Jackie” Onassis Kennedy is in the early stages of her grieving when she seeks solace in Paris with her two children.

Capturing the subtleties of the family’s struggles during that time required the twins to be precise and faithful to history in their respective screen time. Junior’s iconic images and footage with his mother and at the funeral are emblazoned in American media history.

Both Brett and Ilyssa said they want to keep doing this as long as their children are up for it. A typical week includes at least one audition, which can be taxing for a few reasons. Ilyssa said you want to book commercials because those pay the most for the least amount of work. But it’s not always a guarantee, and at the last minute, the director could decide they don’t want the look the child has, making the whole day a wash.

Brett said he hopes this enables the children to build a college fund so they can attend the school of their choice or fund a future endeavor. But both parents said that if Jackie is their last time on screen, then so be it. Everything the kids make goes into their own accounts.

“We definitely want them to enjoy their childhood,” Ilyssa said. “The minute they don’t want to, then we’ll stop.”

Child actors also have to work with a set tutor while they’re working to keep up with school. It can make for an alternate kind of education, but they get the one-onone attention of a personal teacher.

Both Brody and Aiden were fairly shy when asked questions, but they said they loved being on the red carpet at the American Film Institute awards and seeing the Eiffel Tower while in Paris. SC

• San Clemente has 924 YTD homes sold, with a low price of $239,000, high price of $7,588,000 and average price of $971,602

• Orange County Active listings dropped over 30% since spring market, from 7300 Active listings to 5100 Active listings today

• Luxury real estate in Orange County, which are homes priced above $1M, account for just 17% of overall sales

Aiden, left, and Brody Weinberg pose for an actor’s shot. Photo: Courtesy of Ilyssa Weinberg

Brody, left, and Aiden Weinberg, twin actors from San Clemente, pose with Natalie Portman on the red carpet of a viewing of Jackie, a 2016 film that depicts life for the Kennedy’s following the assassination of JFK. Photo: Courtesy of Ilyssa Weinberg

HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

CONCRETE

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

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com Shoreline Dental Studio

Kristen Ritzau, DDS 122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back 949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters

Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

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

LANDSCAPING

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

PET SERVICES/HOUSE SITTING

2-dogswalking.com Ricky, 949.973.4128 Pet care –Insured & Bonded

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

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

Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection 929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

SC Pool & Spa Works 1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS

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

Salon Bleu

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School 142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

TERMITES

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

Romance in Nepal

A country filled with beauty, Nepal is well worth a visit for travelers

When I was a kid, I was fascinated to learn that Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, had become the first people to climb Nepal’s 29,028foot Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the world. Their historic climb happened on May 29, 1953. I hoped that someday I would get to see that mountain, which the Nepalese people proudly call “the top of the world.”

That dream came true two weeks ago when my partner, Greta, and I spent nine days in Nepal, mostly in Kathmandu, the capital. Tourism is the biggest industry in the country. Many people go there because of the majestic Himalayan mountains—most to observe them, some to climb and hike them, the latter of which are called “trekkers.”

Kathmandu is a bustling city, with grid-

lock on the streets from motor bikes and buses. A 2015 earthquake devastated Kathmandu. Reconstruction creates a major dust and smog problem, particularly this time of year, when there is no wind. Often our tour group members wore masks to filter the air; we consumed gallons of bottled water.

One trip highlight was viewing Mt. Everest up close. Of course, not as close as Sir Edmund and Tenzing did, but from a chartered Buddha Air sightseeing turbo prop plane.

One evening, our tour company, Gate 1 Travel, arranged for a woman to speak to our group of 13 about mountain climbing. Myra Sherpa, a 40-year-old from the Sherpa tribe, is one of only 11 women Sherpa climbers in the world.

Myra has climbed mountains over 20,000 feet tall 18 times, including Mt. Everest four times. She is one of only four women to conquer K2, considered to be the most difficult mountain in the world to climb. What an inspiration Myra was.

To climb Everest, a permit costs $11,000. Staying at a base camp requires almost three weeks to acclimatize one’s body. Bottled oxygen is used by 95 percent of Everest climbers; less than 200 have made it to the Everest peak without it.

Gate 1 also arranged for our group to have dinner at the home of a Tibetan refugee family in the city of Pokara, which is nestled at the base of the Annapurna Mountains, another famous range in Nepal.

The family lives in a refugee camp of 450 people who relocated from Tibet nearly 50 years ago. The host’s name was Tenzing,

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

which I thought was totally cool, having admired Sherpa Tenzing for 64 years. Tibet is on the opposite side of the Himalayan Mountains from Nepal. Tenzing wanted a Tibetan woman in his life, but there are only a few thousand Tibetans living in Nepal.

During dinner, I asked how he met his wife. His reply surprised our group: “On the internet, of course!” He explained there is a Tibetans-living-in-Nepal singles website.

Marriage is a big deal in Nepal. As we traveled around, we saw many wedding parties from our tour bus. Cars and small buses were draped in flowers. Often, wedding parties walked down the streets and alleys led by a band, with drums pounding, instruments playing and rice being tossed at the newlyweds.

(As Nepal and India have lots of monkeys running loose, we even saw a monkey eating the rice tossed by a wedding party that had recently passed by).

Our group learned from our Nepalese guide that most of the marriages of young people, often less than 20 years old, are arranged marriages. The parents picked their mates. Engaged couples are not allowed to live together before marrying, and after they marry, they live—often for months or years—with the husband’s parents. Yikes!

A Calendar Countdown Leads to Goodbye

By

Home for the Holidays” isn’t my favorite seasonal song to listen to, but it is my favorite phrase to hear this time of year.

I’m using a makeshift advent calendar to countdown the days until both my boys’ dash through our door to celebrate the holidays at home. For kids of all ages, especially parents of college freshmen, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

I’m ready for my boys’ holiday homecomings, and our festive decorations are up; but as excited as I am, I also know what goes up must come down. I’m not a Grinch, but a seasoned mom of college kids. As eager as I am for their December arrivals, I realize their January departures appear faster than teens to a house party.

Parents fortunate to have their freshmen college kids home for Thanksgiving got a taste of not only turkey, but their first holiday goodbye. Typically, Thanksgiving sendoffs see fewer tears shed because parents know in just a few weeks their college-age offspring return home for the

long winter break.

A semester into the freshman school year, with two solid goodbyes under their belts, many parents might think they’ve mastered the poker-faced farewell. They survived the pinnacle of goodbyes—the freshman college drop-off—and sailed through a holiday separation.

I’m risking another Grinch-like comparison, but for parents of first-time freshmen, I must share this holiday heads-up: parting with your student in January delivers an aching sucker punch.

There’s little talk about the January farewell and many parents face it unprepared. Perhaps it’s the novelty and excitement of a freshman’s first winter break that masks the reality of their presence as temporary and the fact they now consider another place home.

When my older son returned to college for his freshman spring semester, after a month at home, I was blindsided by the painful goodbye. No one told me my winter heartache would rival that of his summer sendoff.

Today, with a recent college graduate residing in another state and a sophomore in college, goodbyes are rooted in the

Historically in Nepal, widowed people have found dating or finding a new mate virtually impossible. They have been ostracized by society, as if the situations they are in are their fault. How sad. Niraj, our guide, said that archaic way of thinking is slowly changing.

Our tour took us also to the Chitwan National Park. There, we spent two days and nights in the jungle, riding elephants and seeing rhinos. We handed out gifts to village school children, who were beautiful kids.

Despite Nepal facing multiple challenges, they are rebuilding. The people are highly ethical. Twice, while Greta and I bought souvenirs, I inadvertently paid with a 500-rupee bill ($5), thinking it was a 100-rupee bill ($1). Both times, each merchant chased after us and returned the 400 rupees we had overpaid. Think about that—in a poor country, hard-working, struggling merchants put honesty ahead of greed. So, I sign off saying, “Namaste,” the word of greeting and respect in both Nepal and India.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com, www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. SC

rhythm of our relationships.

Knowing that my boys’ homecomings are fleeting and that I’ll face another farewell doesn’t diminish the joy I feel when they return. I’m not that morose. Once they rush through the door, I push January out of my mind and revel in their presence.

I welcome the chaos that follows my sons’ arrivals: their friends racing to our pantry for food, cheering during board games and rooting for college football teams.

I’ve even become accustomed to their vampire-like existence. I’m no longer startled when I start my morning walking downstairs and pass someone walking upstairs to end their night. The joyful clatter of the season turns our quiet empty nest upside-down and into a noisy energized home. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

For several weeks I savor my house full of holiday cheer. I’m lulled back to a time when the four of us lived under one roof and we gathered together to share meals, laugh at inside jokes and bicker and tease each other.

When my kids come home, I stop counting down days but the calendar

doesn’t. The calendar is cruel. Too soon it’s January, and the melancholy creeps in with college kids’ conversations that start, “When do you go back?”

I may have become accustomed to saying goodbye to my sons, but it doesn’t ever make it any easier. After ringing in the New Year, my boys will drive and fly away, leaving my empty nest eerily quiet but littered with decorations and debris that I will sift through to find forgotten singular socks, phone chargers, sports caps and water bottles.

The song says it best: For the holidays you can’t beat home, sweet home. In January, I’ll miss the seasonal song but know it will return in time, just like my sons.

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband for the past 17 years, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the SC Times since 2006. SC

LIFE’S A BEACH

Shelley Murphy

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

San Clemente

SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Triton Soccer Hosts Western Showcase

Goals were hard to come by for the San Clemente boys soccer team playing in their own tournament, the Lotto Sport Western Showcase, last week. The Tritons went 0-2-1 at the tournament, which featured top programs from Southern California, Arizona and Florida, and were held scoreless in three matches.

San Clemente (1-3-2) opened its tournament bid with a 1-0 loss to Auburndale of Florida on Dec. 8, then lost to Hamilton 2-0 on Dec. 9. In the seventh-place match, the Tritons drew even with Loyola 0-0, and got a big performance by senior goalie Cameron Dickie.

Corona del Sol of Arizona defeated Servite in the tournament’s championship game. San Clemente senior midfielder Michael Saba was named to the all-tournament team.

Brzykcy Named Soccer All-American

San Clemente senior goalie Lauren Brzykcy was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s AllAmerica Team on Dec. 8. Brzykcy will be honored by the organization at a ceremony in Los Angeles in January.

Brzykcy and the Tritons are off to a 3-21 start to their season and recorded four straight shutouts from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6.

Wrestlers Find Success in Tournaments

The San Clemente boys and girls wrestling teams traveled last week to compete in local tournaments.

The boys team went south to compete in the La Costa Canyon Tournament, and were led by several high finishers. Senior Kyle Marshall was a weight-class champion and was named the upper-weight MVP of the tournament. Khajak Darbinian was a consolation bracket champion, and Jimmy Klink placed third in his division.

The girls squad went north to compete in the Santa Ana Girls Tournament. Amara Devericks earned weight-class champion honors, Carolina Moreno placed third in her

division, and Priscila Perez placed seventh. The girls team will host the first-ever San Clemente Girls Tournament this weekend on campus at SCHS. The boys team will compete in the Brea Olinda Invitational starting Dec. 16.

Boys Basketball Off to Hot Start

The absence of several key starters due to the extended football season hasn’t slowed down the San Clemente boys basketball team this season. The Tritons are playing well, and have won three of their last four games by large margins.

San Clemente (5-3) defeated El Dorado and Oceanside by 28 and 17 points, respectively, before falling to Woodbridge 66-50 at home on Dec. 9. The Tritons bounced back with a 67-56 victory over Huntington Beach in the Raya Classic at Northwood on Dec. 12.

Blake Birmingham has been leading the way for the Tritons early. The senior guard is averaging 23.2 points per game on 50 percent shooting.

Strong Defense Powers Girls Hoops to 64-16 Win over Breakers

Playing in the Lady Tiller’s Tustin Tournament, the San Clemente girls basketball team got a strong performance from its defense in a 64-16 win over Laguna Beach in pool play.

San Clemente (4-3) raced out to a 40-9 lead at the half and never let the Breakers score more than five points in a quarter. The Tritons have now won four out of their last five games, and were scheduled to continue tournament play on Dec. 14 against host Tustin. Results were not available at press time.

Water Polo Edged by Rival Chargers

In their first meeting of the season, San Clemente was narrowly edged by league rival El Toro 11-10 in the Villa Park Tournament on Dec. 10.

San Clemente (4-3) was led by Caroline Christl’s five goals and Victoria Reardon’s seven saves.

El Toro bested San Clemente last season in the race for the South Coast League title, and the two will meet for the first time in league play on Jan. 11.

Blake Birmingham is leading the team in scoring.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Bound for the Bowl

San Clemente football team headed to state title game in Sacramento

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

There is always music spilling out of the speakers at Thalassa Stadium when the San Clemente High School football team is practicing. As the Tritons, who are preparing to play their programrecord 16th game this Saturday night, practiced earlier this week, their playlist fittingly landed on 2Pac’s iconic hip hop song “California Love.”

So far this season, San Clemente has shown it knows how to keep its season rockin’.

By storming past Edison last week in the CIF Division 1-A Southern Regional, the Tritons will now play for the biggest prize in California—a state championship.

From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down, it’s just the Tritons and their opponent, Del Oro of Loomis, that have stayed untouchable in the postseason, like Elliot Ness. The Division 1-A championship game will take place at Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State University on Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.

The game will be just a short 30 minute drive for Del Oro (13-2), which is appearing in its second consecutive CIF State Bowl Game. The Golden Bears are the reigning CIF Sac-Joaquin Division 2 champions and CIF State Division 2-AA champions.

Del Oro is on an 11-game postseason winning streak that dates back to last season, and they have a potent offense that has outscored opponents 275-52 in five postseason games.

But the Tritons (12-3) enter the contest with an impressive resume of their own and earned a berth in the title game following a Division 1-A Southern Regional contest that no one will soon forget.

San Clemente battled with fellow Orange County power Edison at Huntington Beach High School on Dec. 10 and emerged with a thrilling 39-35 victory.

The game featured five lead changes, and both teams combined to score five touchdowns in the decisive fourth quarter.

After Edison’s EJ Ginnis intercepted San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears and returned it for a touchdown to put the Chargers up 35-32 with less than five minutes to go in the game, the Tritons responded with a poised, clinical offensive drive.

Sears and the Tritons offense marched downfield, converting on two crucial fourth down situations to keep the drive alive. A big pass-play from Sears to tight end Isaac Rex put San Clemente down at the one-yard line, and senior Brandon Reaves punched in a touchdown run one

play later to take the lead for good at 39-35.

For the second consecutive week, the Tritons defense held off a high-flying offense on its final drive to secure the win.

“It was probably one of the most emotional and physical games we’ve been a part of as a team,” Sears said of the Edison game. “It was a testament to our character, our coaching staff, and how we all band together no matter what’s going on. We’ll fight to the end.”

It’s hard to overstate just how good Sears has been throughout the Tritons’ postseason run. He’s thrown 14 touch-

downs to two interceptions and is averaging just over 101 rushing yards per game. He is very accurate and has a strong arm, and he is one of the team’s unquestioned leaders.

He’s also money in the clutch.

Following the Edison game, head coach Jaime Ortiz recalled how Sears was the epitome of calm and collected after the late interception that gave the Chargers the lead.

“I pulled him up the sideline and said we have to go out there one more time and he said, ‘You got it coach, we’re going to finish this,’ and that’s what he did,” Ortiz said. “As a quarterback, you have to have a short-term memory, and Jack’s very resilient.”

The hard-nosed San Clemente defense has also made its presence felt in the postseason. The Tritons defense has held all five of its postseason opponents to well under their season scoring averages. The group has produced seven turnovers in the playoffs as well.

The Tritons will have to be sharp on defense yet again when they take on Del Oro.

The Golden Bears are led by senior quarterback Stone Smartt (2,862 yards, 29 touchdowns) and a pair of 1,000-plus-yard running backs in Dalton Gee and Camiron Davis. The team’s biggest weapon might be receiver/defensive back Mason Hurst, who has corralled 69 catches for 1,489 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The Del Oro defense has yet to yield more than 16 points in the playoffs.

“You can tell they’re a well-coached team,” Ortiz said of Del Oro. “They’re a very meat and potatoes type of football team. They’re blue collar, and their kids play hard.” SC

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Three Things to Know about Del Oro

We spoke with veteran sports writer Mike Ray of the Auburn Journal to better understand the Tritons’ State Championship game opponent, Del Oro. Ray has covered prep sports in the Sacramento area since 1975. Here are his thoughts on the state of the Golden Eagles’ program heading into Saturday’s contest.

Del Oro is Streaking: Del Oro is riding an 11-game postseason win streak going into the championship game. A year ago, they entered the playoffs with a record of just 4-6, but won four straight games to win the D-2 Section title. This season, their losses are to league rivals Folsom and Oak Ridge. Since their last league game, and the ensuing five playoff games, Del Oro is averaging 53 points per game.

They’re a Veteran Group: To say Del Oro is a veteran team may be an understatement. Del Oro returned 17 of 22 starters from a year ago, including six players that are three-year varsity starters. Senior receiver Mason Hurst recently became the program’s all-time leading receiver, surpassing Trey Udoffia, who is now playing at Colorado. Quarterback Stone Smartt recently passed Randy Fasani (Stanford, Carolina Panthers) as the school’s all-time leading passer.

They’re Battle-Tested: “Any Place, Any Where, Any Time” is a motto the Golden Eagles’ program is based on. In recent years, Del Oro has played notable programs like Oaks Christian, Westlake, Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, Loyola of Los Angeles, Vista Murrieta, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, and De La Salle of Concord, to name a few.

Clemente

The San Clemente High School football team celebrates on the field after defeating Edison 39-35 in the CIF Division 1-A Southern Regional bowl game on Dec. 10.

Photo: Lance Scott/www.redzoneelite.com

San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears runs the ball against Edison on Dec. 10. Photo: Lance Scott/ www.redzoneelite.com

Women’s World Longboard Title Stays in

San Clemente

Tory Gilkerson wins WSL’s

Women’s World

Longboard title and keeps San Clemente on top for second year in a row

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

When asked about her surfing aspirations in a 2014 interview, San Clemente’s Tor y Gilkerson, then only 20 years old, said, “I would love to be the world champ!”

Apparently dreams come true. Last week, the San Onofre regular was crowned Women’s World Longboard champion.

GROM

THE WEEK

MAX BEACH

BY JAKE

ax Beach is as core a grom as you’re going to find around San Clemente or Dana Point. He runs with a talented pack when he’s home and just got back from a training stint on the North Shore of Oahu. We caught up with the 15-year-old to see what makes a grom of his caliber tick:

What’s your surf life like in town?

In the summer, I’m down at Lowers pretty much all day [laughs]. And during the winter swells I spend most of my time at T Street or Gravels. My favorite wave in San Clemente is probably Lowers. When it’s firing, it can be one of the best places in the world. And when it’s time to surf, do you put the word out to your crew?

I don’t plan or call up anyone to surf, but usually surf with the same group of kids from San Clemente.

by the time she hit the money rounds, she was firing on all cylinders. En route to the final, she tallied the highest single wave score and highest heat score of the entire contest.

In the final, she found herself matched up against Brazil’s Chloe Calmon. In a somewhat anticlimactic affair, Calmon couldn’t find the waves she was looking for and posted her lowest heat score of the contest, essentially handing the title to Gilkerson, who tallied a 15.93 heat score to win the final.

“This means a lot to me,” said Gilkerson after being chaired up the beach by her friends and countrymen. “It was really stressful out there. I was really stoked to get that 8.00 at the end, it just made it that little bit harder for Chloe.”

“I was so nervous in that heat because I knew how well Tory had been surfing all event,” said Calmon. “I think I let my nerves get the better of me and could not calm myself. I’m upset, but I think I’m hungrier to go and learn from my mistakes and come back next year. I believe ever ything happens for a reason and obviously today wasn’t meant to be my day.”

For Gilkerson, the win is the result of years of dedication and training.

“I was here last year when Rachael won and as an American, it was a really proud moment for all of us. I’m so stoked that I can keep it in California for another year; it means the world to me,” said Gilkerson. Before her win at Riyue Bay, Gilkerson had never advanced out of the quarterfinals of the World Longboard Championship. Previously, she’s won the U.S. national title three times, but this is by far the biggest accomplishment of her budding career. She’s also appeared in a women’s only longboard surf film entitled Say No More. She first started surfing at the age of seven and has noted that her initial motivation was just to keep up with her twin brother in the water. But by the time she was 13, Gilkerson had grown into a seasoned competitor and won her first U.S. title.

Traveling to Riyue Bay on the island of Hainan in China for the World Surf League’s Women’s World Longboard Championship, Gilkerson took full advantage of her opportunity.

Competing as a relative dark horse compared to some of the other more established names in the draw, Gilkerson found a consistent rhythm early in the event, and

“I’ve been working on staying calm and smooth and I think that really helped me this year,” she said. “Surfing against the best women longboarders in the world is an honor, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at this level. To win the whole thing is just amazing.”

One of the reasons Gilkerson may have put so much pressure on herself was due to the fact that last year 18-year-old Rachael Tilly, another San Onofre regular, won the title and keeping the world title trophy in San Clemente had a nice ring to it.

Fill us in on the North Shore—how was it?

I had the best trip ever. I went over with Brad Gerlach and Taro Watanabe. When we first got there, the swell was smaller, but rising, so the first day we were out at Rocky Point and Sunset. The next few days, as the swell started pumping, Taro and I pretty much planted ourselves at Haleiwa and

Pipe—making pit stops at Crispy Grindz for acai bowls and Foodland for “F’real” milkshakes on the commutes. What’s coming up next?

In the next few years, I’d like to see my surfing improve a whole lot more and being able to do what I love as a job, whether it’s being on the tour or traveling.

Considering that the marquee spot at San Onofre is called Old Man’s and one of the world’s most high performance waves is less than a mile up the beach at Lowers, longboarding may have seemed like an odd choice for a young surf rat in San Clemente, but the style and grace of gliding across a wave face on a big, old log was too fun for her to ignore. So, while her classmates were learning to do airs at T Street, Gilkerson was cross-stepping at The Point. The nostalgia proved inescapable.

“I just love the vibe that comes along with longboarding,” said Gilkerson. “The community is great, with a laid-back feeling out in the water and on the beach. Nose riding is my favorite part of being a longboarder, it’s the best feeling to be perched on the nose.”

Being perched on the nose is pretty sweet, but to be fair, being perched atop the winner’s podium being crowned the best surfer in the world, that has to rank right up there. SC

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 60-63 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-10’ Fair

Thursday: Small NW windswell is good for ankle-knee-thigh high (1-2’+) surf through the morning. Storm/windswell mix builds in the afternoon for larger waves by sundown. Light morning winds, before onshore flow develops through the day as a low drops towards the region. The low moves in overnight with building onshore flow and rain.

Outlook: Surf is expected to bump up Friday with stormy windswell mix in the waistshoulder high+ (3-4’+) range. Then it’s fading surf through the weekend. Conditions/winds are an issue as well, so be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

San Clemente’s Tory Gilkerson took the Women’s World Longboard Championship on Dec. 9 on the Chinese island of Hainan. Photo: Courtesy WSL/Bennett

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES