November 17, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

November 17-23, 2016 YO U

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Locals to Prepare Thanksgiving Dinners for Marines PAGE 7 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 46

Paddling Out Dana Outrigger Canoe Club travels to compete in Chile SPORTS/PAGE 26

Members from Dana Outrigger Canoe Club, which includes San Clemente and Dana Point residents, will travel to Chile this week to compete in the South American Canoe Championships. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Agreement Made to Protect Trestles, Sensitive Areas from Toll Roads EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SCHS Football Travels to Take on Undefeated Heritage High School SPORTS/PAGE 26

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Annual Surfing Santa Competition to Benefit Surfers Healing SC SURF/PAGE 30

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

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Officials with the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which oversees The Toll Roads in Orange County, announced they had reached a settlement on several lawsuits, some of which are more than a decade old.

Photo: Transportation Corridor Agencies

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Settlement Reached Between TCA, CA Attorney General and Toll Road Stakeholders THE LATEST: An agreement between the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and various entities to prohibit the construction of toll roads through San Onofre State Beach, the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy and San Mateo Watershed was reached on Nov. 10 in Irvine. The agreement sets standards for the TCA to meet before any future construction can take place on toll roads in South Orange County.

This ends about 15 years of litigation from a coalition of environmental and civic groups that sued the TCA for proposing to build toll roads that they claimed would affect those areas.

Traffic through South Orange County’s portion of Interstate 5 generally ranges from slow-moving flow to stagnant, particularly on weekends and major holidays, from Camino De Estrella to Cristianitos Road. The toll road options have been opposed by many environmental entities, including the Sierra Club and the Save San Onofre Coalition.

The TCA’s Foothills/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency voted 10-2 to San Clemente Times November 17-23, 2016

approve the agreement, with San Clemente City Councilwoman Kathy Ward and San Juan Capistrano City Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson voting against it.

Per the agreement, the TCA will be allowed to start state- and federally mandated environmental studies to develop toll road extensions that don’t encroach on the environmentally and culturally sensitive areas designated in the agreement.

And they’ll be able to do so without legal opposition by environmental organizations within the Save San Onofre Coalition.

The agreement also stated TCA will abandon any plans following the “green alignment,” which would have gone through San Onofre State Beach, and the Tesoro Extension project.

“Our coalition has worked diligently for more than a decade to save the park and the surrounding watershed,” said Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, coastal preservation manager of the Surfrider Foundation, in a press release. “This settlement agreement permanently protects these invaluable cultural, recreational and ecological resources that are treasured by the public.”

TCA is required to construct a Coastal Access Management Plan by the end of 2017 and consult with the newly established Environmental Oversight Committee.

“An independent oversight committee comprised of Save San Onofre Coalition members, TCA and resource agencies will work collaboratively to target priority land acquisitions and carry out critical habitat restoration projects,” the agreement stated.

This will ensure public access is always available to Trestles, Panhe Nature Trail/ San Onofre State Beach Trail and other historically, environmentally and recreationally sensitive areas.

“For the past two years, TCA and its team of experts have engaged in thoughtful and productive discussions about

the future of improving transportation mobility and the importance of protecting environmentally sensitive areas,” TCA chief executive officer Mike Kraman stated in a press release. “This agreement is a baseline for achieving both of those objectives.”

A conservation fund of $28 million will be created to help preserve and restore the San Mateo Creek and Watershed.

Mike Sappingfield, chairman of the Sierra Sage Group, seemed tentatively optimistic about the agreement in an email he sent out following the agreement announcement on Thursday.

“While the TCA agreed not to build the toll road in the specified areas mentioned, nothing prevents them from trying to build it somewhere else,” Sappingfield stated in the email. “In a nutshell, we can devote our energies towards saving the environment in other areas and issues.”

Ferguson said she couldn’t comment on the reason she voted against it.

“I’m sympathetic to the needs of San Clemente, and what impacts San Clemente impacts San Juan Capistrano,” Ferguson said. She said she could not elaborate on her “no” vote.

Ward said at the Tuesday, Nov. 15, City Council meeting that she couldn’t comment on her vote either.

WHAT’S NEXT: The TCA is currently working on new proposals for planned toll roads through South Orange County. The agencies have hosted multiple public input meetings, and some of the plans for new roads could take 10 years to formulate.

—Eric Heinz

Nuclear Power Plant Panel Addresses Next Three Years THE LATEST: Southern California Edison (SCE) is closing in on selecting the general contractor to begin larger phases of decommissioning at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), officials said during the Thursday, Nov. 10, quarterly Community Engagement Panel meeting in Dana Point.

The utility provider is looking to begin construction of the underground cement casings that are expected to secure canisters full of spent nuclear fuel. SCE received the permits to do this last year from the California Coastal Commission.

SCE officials said they expect to start burying the spent fuel as early as 2017.

Glenn Pascall, the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter chairman of the task force on San Onofre, said it is imperative to get the remaining 1,400 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel, currently housed in cooling pools, into dry storage as soon as possible.

During the meeting, Bill Parker, a

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professor at University of California-Irvine, said SCE should produce a “technical analysis or critical path analysis” to understand how long and in what ways the process of transporting the fuel to a temporary storage facility would take.

Perhaps the biggest skeptic of anything proposed thus far by SCE has been San Juan Capistrano’s Mayor Pam Patterson, who was relentless in her claims against the utility provider of mischievous activities at best and illegal dealings at worst.

Patterson also said she takes exception with the CEP’s policies of public input, calling the “two-way conduit” or the board’s transparency a farce by SCE to disenfranchise the public from inquiring about the decommissioning process.

Members of the public are allowed to speak for three minutes each at the end of the CEP meetings, but people have argued that’s not long enough for them to explain their positions.

Patterson is a member of the CEP by way of being mayor of San Juan.

Vice Chairman of the CEP and San Clemente City Councilman Tim Brown eventually had enough and said Patterson wasn’t backing up her claims with facts.

Charles Langley, executive director of Public Watchdogs in California, spoke during the meeting and claimed the canisters SCE plans to use are susceptible to cracks and cannot be repaired once broken.

The advocacy group has published documents it claims are evidence of mishandlings.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next CEP meeting is expected to take place in January.

The Nuclear Waste Act does not allow for temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel, only permanent storage. Currently, there is federal legislation making its way through the U.S. Congress that would allow for temporary interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. Dr. David Victor, chairman of the CEP, said the two sites, one in New Mexico and one in Texas, would consent to storing the spent fuel. —EH

Brush Fire Quashed after Scorching over 50 Acres THE LATEST: A brush fire on Sunday, Nov. 13, left more than 50 acres of land burned just north of San Clemente, between San Juan Hills High School and a residential area of San Juan Capistrano.

Shortly after noon on Sunday, Orange County Fire Authority PIO Capt. Larry Kurtz reported a 20-acre brush fire at the 28000 block of Avenida La Mancha was threatening 50 structures. A total of 120 firefighters and two helicopters responded to the fire, which was contained within a few hours. With the threat successfully mitigated, Kurtz said OCFA did not have (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

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A brush fire came close to homes in a San Juan Capistrano subdivision on Sunday, Nov. 14. The fire grew to 50 acres before firefighters extinguished it. Photo: Joey Santley

(Cont. from page 3) to issue evacuations.

Kurtz said the brush fire grew to more than 50 acres. After the flames were quelled, firefighters remained on site throughout the afternoon and overnight to monitor the area and ensure no embers or hot spots were left.

WHAT’S NEXT: Kurtz said Tuesday that OCFA is continuing to investigate the cause of the brush fire, including a vehicle seen in the area prior to the fire.—Allison Jarrell

City Council Election Results Still Being Finalized THE LATEST: It’s still undetermined who will be on City Council next year. Results from the Orange County Registrar of Voters, as of 8 a.m. Wednesday show that Chris Hamm is in the lead with 12,434 votes and Steve Swartz is in second with 10,043. The two candidates with the most votes will be elected to City Council.

But Dan Bane, with 9,744 votes, and incumbent and current Mayor Robert “Bob” Baker, with 9,575 votes, are not far behind.

Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley said in an email there are about 3,000 provisional ballots that need to be processed from San Clemente. A specific number of vote-by-mail ballots was unavailable.

“I can say that the majority of these ballots will be complete in the next 48 hours or so,” Kelley stated in the email on Tuesday, Nov. 15, meaning most of them will be in by Thursday, Nov. 17.

WHAT’S NEXT: The OC Registrar of Voters has until Dec. 8 to complete the ballot count. SC Times will continue to update the results via www.sanclementetimes. com and social media platforms. —EH

Miramar Event Center Submits Design Review Plans THE LATEST: On Monday, the city’s Page 4

Design Review Subcommittee, a supplemental branch of the Planning Commission, met to review plans for the Miramar Theater, now being called the Miramar Event Center.

The plans include renovating the old bowling alley to develop seven restaurant sites and the main theater to allow for a variety of events.

In order for the plans to go through, the owners of the Miramar need to obtain a cultural heritage use permit, a conditional use permit and a minor site plans permit.

There are also plans to increase the vegetation surrounding the old theater. Wayne Eggleston, a subcommittee member and Planning Commissioner, said the designs will return to the subcommittee for further review.

“The courtyard area needs more vegetation because initially it was going to be like Cedar Creek in San Juan Capistrano,” Eggleston said. “It’s going to be hot out there.”

Some of the plans include enclosing the front ticket office, adding ramps to the bowling alley entrance, elevation specs and possibly creating a sun roof over the former bowling alley.

Plans also have been made to repair the exterior of the facility.

“It’s following the ideas of a study that was done years before, except it doesn’t have any retail,” Eggleston said. “Retail is not, in my opinion, going to be very successful there, but other than that, they’ve followed the plan all the way through. It’s proceeding very well and smoothly at this point, and there’s always new suggestions and ways things can be done differently.”

According to city documents, the Miramar Theater was opened for the public in 1938. Its historic significance is seen as very important among groups such as the San Clemente Historical Society. It hasn’t been operational since 1992.

WHAT’S NEXT: The plans for the Miramar Event Center will have to receive Planning Commission and City Council approval.

Eggleston said he thinks the plans will come before Planning Commission by December or January. To view the full plans, visit www.san-clemente.org under Government and Click Design Review under the Nov. 14 agenda. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

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Serving Those Who Serve South Orange County gives thanks to members of the United States military on Thanksgiving

BY VICTOR CARNO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

hanksgiving reaches far beyond just the turkey and fixings; it truly is a time to give thanks and show your friends and family that you appreciate them. For so many men and women in our military who are deployed overseas, this time with their loved ones is an impossibility. Not only does this leave these men and women without their families, but it leaves these families without their heroic loved ones. Nothing will remedy these empty seats at the dinner table, but there are ways to help bring a sense of community and support to these men, women and families as Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.

About eight years ago in Dana Point, Damian Collins, owner of Stillwater Spirits and Sounds as well as Waterman’s Harbor restaurant, started hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for a few military men whom he noticed didn’t have a place to go during the holiday season.

“There was a group of regulars I knew at [Sunsets Bar & Grill] that had just gotten back from deployment. They didn’t have a place to go for Thanksgiving, so I decided to start a tradition of hosting dinner for these men and women,” Collins said. “Once the tradition started to grow, we ended up moving to Mahe, then Stillwater, and now Waterman’s Harbor.”

Terry Rifkin, president of the Dana Point 5th Marines Regiment Support Group, teamed up with Collins to not only raise money for a Thanksgiving dinner for Marines, but also for their families.

“Not everyone gets to celebrate Thanksgiving seated at a beautifully decorated table, laden down with homemade dishes.

The Collins family wanted to make it special for our brave defenders who could not go home for the holiday,” Rifkin said.

One of the families that has been directly impacted by this tradition is the Kassner family. Col. Ken Kassner is a commander of the 5th Marine Regiment, while also commanding an air-and-ground task force. Wearing as many different military hats as Kassner does, you could imagine his availability around the holiday season isn’t always guaranteed. Currently, Col. Kassner is deployed and serving multiple operations in Iraq.

Lisa Kassner, Ken’s wife and a mother of four boys, said the event is important, San Clemente Times November 17-23, 2016

The Dana Point 5th Marines Regiment Support Group, along with Waterman’s Harbor restaurant, holds an annual Thanksgiving dinner for Marines and their families. Photo: Mark Montgomery/Montgomery Photography

Members of the Dana Point 5th Marines Regiment Support Group before a Thanksgiving dinner at Waterman’s Harbor restaurant during their 2015 event. Photo: Mark Montgomery/Montgomery Photography

especially around the holidays.

“We attended last year as well, and it was wonderful to see Dana Point embrace Marine families and offer them a family holiday experience.” Lisa said, “It’s nice to enjoy the fellowship [with other Marines and families], especially when you are able to engage with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen all day.”

In essence, this event is designed to keep morale up between Marines and their families during this family-oriented holiday. Eating and celebrating with people in similar situations offers a sense of community and family to people who aren’t able to connect with their relatives.

“That is what Thanksgiving is all about.

We are here to say thank you and act as an extended family for these men and women,” Collins said.

Thanksgiving dinner will kick off at 12:30 p.m. right after Turkey Trot concludes on Nov. 24. Marines and families

will be greeted at Waterman’s Harbor by the 5th Marines Regiment Support Group and Collins. Dinner begins at 1:30 p.m. after a prayer and some words from Col. Rafael Candelario.

During the dinner, arts and crafts will be offered to children, and family portraits will be taken by local photographer Mark Montgomery. An open bar will be offered throughout the dinner along with desserts, entertainment and raffle prizes.

“We are looking for donations from individuals, who would like to sponsor a Marine, or a Marine and his family for dinner for just $35. This is a simple way for our patriotic citizens to show gratitude for the many sacrifices of our Marines and their families and can turn what could otherwise be a lonely day into a ‘family affair.’”

Neighboring cities San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano are also pitching in to serve the military on Thanksgiving.

San Clemente Military Family Outreach

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(SCMFO) is putting on its 10th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Giveaway on Nov. 21 at the San Onofre Commissary.

Member Courtney Sturniolo is helping put on the giveaway that helps over 800 families a year.

“We set up a booth outside of the commissary, where we buy over 800 turkeys.

Usually the event is over in a few hours; it goes by very quickly,” Sturniolo said. “It’s not just turkeys that we give away, we also give out vegetables, pies, gravy… it’s an entire Thanksgiving dinner.”

Sturniolo’s family was stationed at Pendleton while she was growing up, and she said that while Marines are separated from their loved ones, it is up to the community to pitch in and help those who are spending the holiday season alone, just as the community did for her family.

“They do need our help. As a country, we should be taking care of our Marines and thanking them for the sacrifices they make for us,” Sturniolo said.

Donations are accepted at the SCMFO website.

Additionally, San Clemente will be serving Marines who are unable to even leave base on Thanksgiving.

Carla Hogan, founder of the San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group, assures that Marines will receive muchdeserved turkey and stuffing, courtesy of The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. Via a Marine who is permitted to leave base, men and women who are stuck on base will be delivered a free, packed and complete Thanksgiving dinner.

San Juan Capistrano is joining in on the military Thanksgiving festivities, as nonprofit organization Homefront America celebrates its 10th annual Giving Thanks to Heroes program.

Founder Mamie Maywhort feeds over 1,400 people every Thanksgiving with help from her husband, Adam Maywhort, a former U.S. Coast Guardsmen, and foundation president Arthur Hasselbrink, a World War II and Korean War veteran.

Unlike your usual food drive, this benefit is run entirely off of donations, due to Mamie’s dedication to quality for local military men and women.

“We didn’t want to be receiving cans of refried beans like at some food drive; I wanted to ensure that these families would be receiving quality food and ingredients for Thanksgiving,” Maywhort said.

“These types of programs are prepared for months in advance. We started preparing for this in September and have been making regular runs to the grocery store over the past few weeks.”

Maywhort said because the holiday season gives these family some financial concern, she wanted to be able to alleviate that concern by giving back to those who sacrifice for us all by putting their needs before her and her family’s own.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without the local community. All of our donations are private donations; we don’t receive any money from corporations or businesses,” Maywhort said. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

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Guiding the Future San Clemente High School students gain experience through Auto Academy

BY LOU LETO, FOR THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

common inquiry that we often ask of high school students, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” might seem unfair if we have not exposed them to experiences or choice options.

Warren Caesar, the instructor responsible for the San Clemente High School Auto Academy, and his assistant, Janice Schroeder, are committed to providing those options, and they are making a difference.

It’s much more than just teaching vocational education—it exposes students to classroom learning techniques via handson activities in a well-equipped shop.

This is not the high school auto shop classes of 50-plus years ago their grandfathers might remember. While few of today’s schools even offer such electives, San Clemente is fortunate to continue to have a facility. Their Auto Academy is a neat and organized arena with modern computercontrolled vehicles and free-standing assemblies to dissect and repair. Students learn to evaluate, diagnose and repair automobiles. They can take tests to attain ASE certifications, which are valuable professionally recognized confirmations that make them employable at auto dealerships or service shops. Whether they use this gained knowledge and experience to seek immediate employment upon graduation in a dealership or shop, or use their talents and skills to take a better paying job to pay for college classes (to prevent or lower student loans), or just take away valuable information to better determine what might be happening to their own personal vehicle when dealing with a service advisor in the future, it’s all practical, useful, and perhaps cost-saving knowledge.

Mr. Caesar took students on a field trip to a professional auto race in Pomona.

During this “meet the industry” day, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) organized an activity where students were free to gain exposure to future professional employment opportunities.

Students listened to brief narratives from potential future employers, reviewed various booths staffed with representatives from advanced technical schools, and met young professional racing champions that students identify with, before wandering through the areas where teams were preparing race cars.

It’s more than taking 84 San Clemente kids to a professionally sanctioned drag race. Mr. Caesar and the Auto Academy program help students with their decisions for future career possibilities.

Early in 2017, the Auto Academy will again host a “meet the industry” night.

Parents, interested San Clemente citizens and future employers will all be able to see what these students are accomplishing.

Lou Leto is an enthusiast for all things automotive and volunteers to support organizations and events in San Clemente. He is a member of the Auto Academy Advisory Committee. SC

Community Meetings THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

DEPUTY, FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR 11 a.m. The Exchange Club of San Clemente will present the Deputy and Firefighter of the Year awards.

Wedgewood Restaurant, San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. www.exchangeclubsc.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

EARLY DEADLINE To accommodate our early holiday deadline, please submit all letters and News Bites to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com by Nov. 18. To submit an event, please do so by Nov. 18 by logging onto www.sanclementetimes.com/events/community.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

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

Avenida Del Mar.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

MONDAY, NOV. 21

Second Application Cycle for Environmental Sustainability Grant Program The city of San Clemente has opened a grant program again for nonprofit organizations and public schools to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding for environmentally sustainable initiative projects that will benefit San Clemente residents.

The eligible project categories include: resource conservation, environmental and public health, transportation, and community education and civic participation.

Examples of projects previously funded include the installation of California habitat friendly plants and an organic garden at a public school; ocean water quality testing by high school students; and coordination of environmental education outreach and public participation events.

Visit www.sccleanocean.org for the grant application and policy. Mail or deliver your application in person by December 15, 2016 at 5 p.m. to the City of San Clemente, City Clerk at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, CA 92672.

For more information or if you have questions, contact Cynthia Mallett, environmental programs supervisor at 949.361.8204 or mallettc@san-clemente.org.

Tri-Give-A-Thon Gears Up for Another Year CB CycleBarn and pure. love. yoga. San Clemente will be hosting the third annual San Clemente Times November 17-23, 2016

LAST DAY FOR POLICE SERVICE SURVEY The city of San Clemente’s Police Services survey will end on Nov. 21. The city is working with Matrix Consulting to ascertain community input on improving its public safety.

949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Children of the San Clemente Toastmasters recently completed the Youth Leadership Program.

Photo: San Clemente Toastmasters

Tri-Give-A-Thon in support of With My Own Two Hands, a Laguna Beach-based nonprofit, which benefits orphaned and disadvantaged children in Africa. The charity event raised $1,800 last year for the local nonprofit, with 38 residents participating.

The 2016 Tri-Give-A-Thon will bring together Orange County residents to CB Cycle Barn, where they will spend 45 minutes spinning on decked-out bikes with donated swag. The participants will then set out on a three-mile run to pure. love .yoga., where they will be rewarded with freshly squeezed organic fruit juices and greens followed by a blissful hour-long yoga class.

“As a lifelong resident of San Clemente, it is wonderful to see the community come together to help the deserving kids in Africa,” said Lindsey Pluimer, founder and CEO of With My Own Two Hands.

All of the proceeds from Tri-Give-AThon donations will directly support With My Own Two Hands Foundation, helping to provide education, shelter, water and

food for orphaned and disadvantaged children in need.

Toastmasters Partners with Boys & Girls Club on Youth Leadership Program The San Clemente Toastmasters recently sponsored a 10-week Youth Leadership Program for middle schoolers at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area.

The informal “Speak Up for Fun” training focused on speaking, listening and leadership skills. The minimum age to join Toastmasters International is 18.

The San Clemente Toastmasters meets every Tuesday night from 7-8:40 p.m. at the Baha’i Center, located at 3316 Avenida Del Presidente in San Clemente. For additional information, contact club president Amanda Brill at 714.588.7218.

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

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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.

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, NOVEMBER 23

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.

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, NOV. 24 AND 25

CITY OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING www.sanclementetimes.com

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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.

Sunday, November 13 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano/Del Gado Road (4:03 p.m.) Someone was walking in the street and yelling at cars.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE La Cima, 1800 Block (3:24 p.m.) Someone was flying a drone over the caller’s property.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (2:35 p.m.) A man was lying on his back on the sidewalk and throwing up.

INDECENT EXPOSURE El Camino Real, 300 Block (12:35 p.m.) A man was exposing himself to customers.

TRESPASSING Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (2:07 a.m.) A man was seen hopping a fence that protected private property.

RECKLESS DRIVING N. Ola Vista/Avenida Del Mar (12:27 a.m.) Someone was driving a car around the area for a half hour at “about 80 miles per hour.”

Saturday, November 12 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Casino, 3700 Block (11:09 p.m.) Someone was seen walking back and forth near the caller’s back window.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Via Promesa, 300 Block (9:46 p.m.) Police were called about a man in a U.S. Mail truck driving slowly. The caller was concerned because of the time of night and said mail isn’t usually delivered that late.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES W. Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (9:03 p.m.) Police were called about a man selling drugs. The woman who called was “very uncooperative,” and said she was “sick of this (stuff).” The suspect was described as a man in his 30s or 40s wearing a beanie, gray shirt and jeans.

DISTURBANCE S. El Camino Real/Avenida Granada (7:52 p.m.) Police were called to a man defecating in public.

SUSPICIOUS PEOPLE/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Arlena, 400 Block (6:50 p.m.)

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A woman said two men and a woman were asking for money. She said she had already given them $1,000 since October and they won’t leave. She said she’d already filed a civil lawsuit against them.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Solona, 2000 Block (4:44 p.m.) Police were called to people who were burning trash in their backyard. A woman said it’s an ongoing issue and her house smells like smoke.

Friday, November 11 DISTURBANCE Camino Del Rio/Camino De Los Mares (9 p.m.) A man in a white Toyota said juveniles threw eggs at his car.

He said he chased them and lost them at the intersection. At 8:39 p.m., at Avenida Pico and Avenida La Pata, a woman reported the same thing.

DISTURBANCE Calle Guadalajara/Calle Frontera (7:43 p.m.) A Lyft driver said a passenger was yelling racial slurs at him and said he was going to kill the driver when the driver asked him to exit the vehicle.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (10:10 a.m.) A man walked in front of a train and was struck. The man, whose name has not been released by officials, was taken to a nearby hospital as a trauma patient, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Mark Stichter said.

Thursday, November 10 DISTURBANCE Estribo, 2900 Block (7:56 p.m.) Police were called to a report of multiple juveniles filling up water bottles with vinegar and baking soda and throwing them near the green belt.

STOLEN VEHICLE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (1:58 p.m.) A caller said their car was stolen in the lower lot near the San Clemente Pier.

The caller was concerned because someone stole their garage opener the day before.

Wednesday, November 9 CITIZEN ASSIST Camino Del Prado, 0 Block (9:13 p.m.) A man demanded deputies respond to a vehicle that was in front of a home while the homeowner was not there.

The man said he saw the vehicle was repossessed and “doesn’t think it’s normal since these are million-dollar homes, and things like this don’t happen there.”

DISTURBANCE Calle Del Comercio, 2700 Block (8:17 p.m.) Some men, described as “wannabe gang members” were near the caller’s residence, refusing to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico, 900 Block (4:49 p.m.) A man was seen cutting open packages with a knife and concealing the items in a WalMart reusable bag. The man also had a suitcase with him. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

The Real Reality Show Goes on Air

T

he election is over, and we have a new president. Some are cheering.

Some are weeping.

What I find most disturbing is not the outcome of the election, which always disappoints at least 47 percent of the electorate. It is our complete silence about the real problems or the bigger picture of what we all agree we want. Yet there is so much we agree on as far as goals. We all want good schools for our children. We all want safe streets and neighborhoods. We all want more prosperity. We all want to see the income disparity narrowed and the political fighting and stalemate improved.

But we don’t talk about how, why, when and how much. Neither does most media.

It doesn’t make good TV drama.

Besides jobs, what are the American

people’s other concerns? The real situations were never discussed. Both parties promise jobs, but where will they come from? Did anyone bother to ask? Government didn’t come and close our factories; American businesses took them offshore.

The government doesn’t import 90 percent of its products from China, Wal-Mart does. That’s part of a free market system.

The reality is with a 7 billion-person world workforce, those jobs we have lost are not coming back. Donald Trump cannot force business to stop outsourcing overseas and hire people here—unless he plans on a much more authoritarian government than we have ever seen.

College (the ticket to WAVELENGTHS upward mobility in the

By Jim Kempton past) is now unaffordable to many Americans. And millions of jobs are going to other countries or immigrants imported here because there are literally no qualified American citizens who meet the criteria for the position. Millions of jobs we can’t fill because we aren’t qualified.

What does that mean? Why aren’t we talking about it? Is government responsible?

People, overwhelmingly (margins of 80 percent left and right), want to address

climate change. The two words were never uttered by any of the moderators during the debates or any news pundit for the entire 15 months of campaigning.

Why not? No matter what your position, wouldn’t you want to know what your candidate thinks? What if it isn’t caused by man-made activities? It’s still going to affect us. Are we just going to ignore it because we don’t like it? Did the government cause those greenhouse emissions?

Did they pollute our water?

Health insurance was a No. 1 issue in the last two elections and is still a high priority. Obamacare has been unpopular with many who have seen their premiums go up instead of down. But because the program already is a market-based program, why would we think that it caused the rise in premiums? Pharmaceutical costs skyrocketed too, but they had nothing to do with the Affordable Care Act and everything to do with big business and health insurance companies. Again, we never got specific about what is wrong and how to fix it. So what will replace this coverage and how do we expect these changes to drive down medical costs?

I’m not advocating for one side or another here. I’m trying to see how we go forward without discussing the real issues, and truly accept how little the government (especially the president) can actually do to affect those issues. They say America votes with its pocketbook, that the business of America is business. So, shouldn’t the markets of this country— banks, insurance companies, the tech sector and big business—be a part of this conversation? Why has an angry, frustrated, un-empowered public given them a hall pass? It is a real question.

Jim Kempton is an unabashed patriot with great faith in America and great curiosity about Americans. He knows the only things he has ever learned was by asking questions. Even dumb ones. 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.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

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

San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 46. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Page 12

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Courtesy

SATURDAY, NOV. 19 AND SUNDAY, NOV. 20: SURF AND SACRED GEOMETRY ART EXHIBIT 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Drew Brophy Studios is transformed into an art gallery and music venue, where guests can find 20 newly released, limited edition surf art prints; view new original music inspired paintings; and explore a sacred geometry mixed media series, inspired by nature and phsyics. Admission is free. 208 Calle De Los Molinos, Suite D, San Clemente.

949.678.8133. www.drewbrophy.com.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 17 HOLIDAY ARTISAN BOUTIQUE 5-8 p.m. Artists demonstrations, cocktails, appetizers and more at the Mission Fine Art Gallery Holiday Artisan Boutique.

31760 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.291.7738. www.missionfineart.gallery.

CASA UP CLOSE: “WHAT DOES FREE SPEECH MEAN” WITH PROFESSOR ERWIN CHEMERINSKY 7 p.m. Professor Erwin Chemerinsky, who is the Dean of the School of Law at UC Irvine, will be talking about the Supreme Court, free speech and our “living” U.S. Constitution in a talk entitled “What Does Free Speech Mean?” Casa Romantica.

415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

AUTUMN NIGHTS JAZZ SERIES 7-9:30 p.m. The Casino San Clemente hosts the fourth installment of their seasonal jazz series. Tickets are $7 online, $10 at the door. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www.casinoautumnnights.brownpapertickets.com.

Page 14

LIVE MUSIC: SHAWN JONES 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Shawn Jones at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Friday | 18 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.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 5-9 p.m. The Ocean Institute hosts Family Movie Night with a screening of Muppet Treasure Island. Doors open at 5 p.m., with food trucks, touch tanks and other activities. General admission is $10; a family four-pack is $30, and members get a 10 percent discount. Buy tickets online at www.ocean-institute.org. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

‘THE CURIOUS SAVAGE’ 7 p.m. San Clemente High School drama presents a production of John Patrick’s The Curious Savage. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $18 for premium seating and $10 for seniors, military, students and children. Show runs through Nov. 19.

Tickets available at www.schsdrama.com.

San Clemente High School. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.291.2761.

(Cont. on page 16) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 14) LIVE MUSIC: KYLE JESTER 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Kyle Jester at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

‘SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse puts on Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, the story of a formidable retired woman, who hires an acerbic dance instructor for private lessons. Runs through Dec. 4.

Tickets range from $15-20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.com.

Saturday | 19 SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dress up as Santa or one of his elves and hit the waves at Salt Creek Beach. Or just put on a floppy red hat and watch the fun. Money raised from the event supports Surfers Healing, which benefits children with autism. 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.240.5088. www.surfingsantacontest.org.

TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. All ages and running abilities are welcome to this weekly running club.

2XU, an athletic apparel store in San Clemente, supports the club and helps lead the runs. Group meets in front of Peet’s Coffee at 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente.

949.558.5054. www.meetup.com/2XU-SanClemente-Outlet-Meetup.

FALL INTO NATURE FAMILY WALK 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a family-oriented walk on The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Event is free, but space is limited and RSVP is required. Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega High-

THE DISH

way, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS EVENT 10 a.m. The Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley and their Animal Kinship Ministries are hosting a Blessing of the Animals event, where families are encouraged to bring pets or photos of pets to be blessed. Th event will also commemorate pets no longer living. Pines Park.

34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach. 949.240.6463. www.cslcv.org.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING CRUISE 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active-duty military and $25 for children. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

INTERNATIONAL GAMES DAY 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to play video games and traditional table top games as the Dana Point Library participates in the ninth annual International Games Day. Event held in the library meeting room, and walk-ins are welcome. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

HANDMADE: A MAKER’S MARKET 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Ecology Center plays host to a unique outdoor market, where functional and well-designed goods made by local artisans and craftspeople will be on display and for sale. There will also be kids activities, live music, craft food and artisan demonstrations. Event is free, but RSVP online so the organizers can plan accordingly. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

(Cont. on page 18)

BUBBA KAHUNAS PULLED PORK PIZZA

I

’m a pizza snob, raised on the thin crust offerings of New Jersey, and therefore I don’t much go for deep dish, Detroit, Rocky Mountain, California Pizza Kitchen, whatever Pizza Hut is, nor any other specialty za. For me, pepperoni is even one frill too far.

However, Bubba Kahunas has changed my mind about what the humble pizza pie can be, and I’m betting they’d do the same for other pizza purists.

Take the pulled pork pizza, which was billed by the counterman as simply “something you don’t see everywhere.” Feeling game, I jumped in.

What it is is a specialty pizza that doesn’t stray away from the core fundamentals of pizzahood. It’s got a thin, crispy crust, that has a very subtle honey-like sweetness. It’s got mozzarella cheese expertly apportioned as a texture builder. The pulled pork is tender and also not absurdly heaped on. And Page 16

the cole slow on top is tangy and crunchy, and its acid blends well with the vinegar in the barbecue sauce, to create a taste profile that’s as wide ranging as the rainbow.

—Matt Cortina Bubba Kahunas Pizza & BBQ Co. 34320 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.496.0119

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 16) YOGA TRI-GIVE-ATHON 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A day of exercise, mindfulness and yoga with San Clemente’s pure. love. yoga. will be held to benefit the With My Own Two Hands Foundation, which helps orphaned and disadvantaged children in need. Indoor cycling, a threemile run and blissful yoga comprise the three aspects of the tri-give-athon. Registration is $65 and includes refreshments and prizes. 415 E. Avenida Pico, Suite M, San Clemente. 949.291.6582. www.trigiveathon2016.eventbrite.com.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs live music in the afternoon, followed by the Hollywood Hillbillies in the evening.

31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AT THE OUTLETS 4-6 p.m. Families are invited to create holiday memories during the Tree Lighting Celebration at the Outlets at San Clemente. Hosted by Santa and his reindeer, the event features a live reindeer meet-and-greet, roaming Christmas carolers, a photo booth, crafts, face-painting, balloon animals and the Grand Finale: the lighting of a fresh-cut, 40-foot-tall white fir tree from Mt. Shasta covered in more than 6,000 twinkling, multi-colored lights as “snow” falls over San Clemente. Center Court at the Outlets. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

VIVA CREER WINTER GALA 6-11 p.m. Join in on the sixth annual VIVA CREER Winter Gala. There will be appetizers, dinner, champagne and live music featuring jazz legend Louie Cruz Beltran and Carlos Velasco. VIP tickets are $100, general admission tickets are $50. San Juan Capistrano Community Center. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. www.creersjc.org.

Sunday | 20 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND TREE LIGHTING 4-9 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton hosts a tree lighting celebration that includes a festive live musical performance by The Jeeps, complimentary hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and candy canes, as well as the arrival of Santa to help light the tree. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.visitdanapoint.org.

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 Page 18

Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

Monday | 21 ENGLISH ROSE GUEST APPRECIATION WEEK English Rose Beauty Studio kicks off a week of select complimentary services to celebrate Thanksgiving. Hair conditioning treatments, hand and massage services and makeup touch-ups will be offered. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.489.8464. www.englishrosebeautystudio.com.

ALL THINGS ARTS CAMP 9 a.m.-noon. Kids ages 4-11 are invited to act, sing, dance and create over Thanksgiving week with The Arts Project of Orange County. Tickets are $45 per day, and kids can sign up for sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or all three.

Reservations requested. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

HOLIDAY TEA 2:30-3:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with holiday tea and excellent views of the ocean. The Holiday Tea will be held Mondays through Thursdays until December 22. Cost for seating is $72 per person. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. www.visitdanapoint.org FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

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

Tuesday | 22 HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

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

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.

(Cont. on page 20) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 18)

Wednesday | 23 LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE 9-11:30 a.m. Bring a friend or come by yourself to learn bridge. People age 9-99 are welcome. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. www.danaharborbridgecenter.org.

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

LIVE MUSIC: WILL HEARD 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Will Heard 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. 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.

Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner in Arrival. Photo: Jan Thijs © 2016 Paramount Pictures

At the Movies: Make Time for the ‘Arrival’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

common theme featured in movies this month is apparently the concept of time and how to use it to your advantage. It can be a gift, a weapon or even transportation. Last week in Dr. Strange, the hero used time against fighting the bad guys, and this week in Arrival, time appears as a way for the lead to discover her destiny. It’s interesting that in the month of Thanksgiving, with feel-good, family movies, this year we get some clever, unique blockbusters.

Language professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is emotionally bored with her career and doesn’t have a social life when a group of alien spaceships park on several different spots on Earth.

The next day, the government recruits Banks to figure out how to translate the

Page 20

aliens’ language and writing before a possible attack. Her assigned partner is scientist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner).

Throughout the film, we also see flashbacks of a daughter Louise once had.

Michael Stuhlbarg and Forest Whitaker co-star as Louise’s and Ian’s superiors. Arrival is directed by Denis Villeneuve of Prisoners (2013) and Sicario (2015), and his usual dark tone is used appropriately here, though it’s not as violent and gruesome as his films have been in the past. Instead we have an introspective drama disguised as a sci-fi movie. More for the fan of Close Encounters (1977) than Star Wars. The nonlinear structure works naturally, and Adams and Renner have just the right amount of subtlety without appearing stiff. For a high-budget, indie flick at heart, Arrival is worth a watch. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

How does your donation to SCEF help our students?

• Voluntary After- School Tutorial. SCEF funds twice weekly after school tutorial sessions of two hours duration, staffed by SCHS teachers covering all the major academic subjects. Each year, over 10,000 hours of tutorial are provided at no cost to the students.

• Freshman Four Year Plan Counseling: A trained SCHS teacher meets individually with freshman students and their parents to identify college and career goals and develop a four year curriculum plan that will enable the student to achieve those goals Last year, 120 students took advantage of this free service.

• Sophomore College Admissions Advisement: SCEF funds additional hours for Academic Advisors to meet individually with students and their parents after school by appointment to review college GPA requirements, curriculum requirements, volunteer requirements and other factors needed for college admissions success.

• Senior College Essay and Application Workshops: SCEF funds a team of college counselors, academic advisors and AP English teachers who meet with students to review and give feedback on college essays and provide guidance on the college application process.

• College Knowledge Series: This is a series of six to eight evening seminars by expert presenters for students and parents covering important college topics, including the admission essay, financial aid, and other topics essential for college success.

See our local supporter signs around San Clemente!

We Support World Class Education at San Clemente High School.

Please join us. schsef.org

• Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Test Prep: SCEF funds after school review seminars in all subjects at no cost to provide additional support for students preparing for national and international testing in 24 advanced subjects.

• AVID College Visits: AVID is a program designed to help students whose family history does not include college experience. SCEF funds field trips to local universities designed to enhance the college ambitions of AVID students and pays for a Test Prep software program used by AVID students.

• Classroom Books: SCEF purchases classroom books that supplement the textbooks provided by the District.

• Enhanced Curriculum: SCEF funding enhances a range of programs that support curriculum and instruction for the 21st Century.

Thank you in advance for investing in the delivery of the strongest possible educational experience for the future leaders of our community.

No other high school in our district is able to offer this kind of attention to its students for college and career preparation – thanks for your support of the San Clemente Educational Foundation.

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

Holiday Traditions Evolve

Peak Learning

A

Annual Teen Summit identifies key issues

s I finalize plans to celebrate Thanksgiving one week from today, I’m reflecting on memories of past holidays. Throughout the years, our family has shared traditional feasts gathered around tables near and far, but we’re always together.

When our boys were younger, we took advantage of their school calendar and traveled at Thanksgiving. Today, our boys are the ones doing the traveling and returning home for the holiday.

Preparing for my boys’ homecoming, I decorated our house with their hand-made crafts from elementary school. Some of the turkeys have lost a few feathers, the construction paper has faded and my sons’ scrawled names are barely visible, but the nostalgia of the treasured trinkets turns back time and reminds me of their first Thanksgivings.

I still wonder where the time went. It seems like yesterday that my boys were toddlers, and I worried if they’d sit still at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Then, as teens, I wondered if they’d sit down without a protest at the table. Today, as 20-somethings, I just hope they return home to sit at the table.

According to historic accounts, the first Thanksgiving in 1621 featured three days of entertainment and feasting. Today, many college calendars cause students to follow a similar schedule and their celebrations, including food, family and football, are crammed into a three- or fourday weekend. My sophomore son is one of the countless students leaving school on Wednesday and heading home for the extended Thanksgiving weekend.

But collegiate calendars vary, and some students find their college schedules keep them on campus over the holiday. So far, I’ve been fortunate and managed to escape the gaping absence of my boys at our Thanksgiving table. Although, when my older son graduated from college six

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months ago and moved halfway across country, his new address threatened to jeopardize our Thanksgiving. I spent months facing the possibility of a fractured family holiday.

For the first time, I wasn’t wondering how late my older son would be arriving home, but instead if he’d be walking through the front door at all on Thanksgiving. Thankfully, my son is coming home for the holiday, and he’ll join the projected 27.3 million airline passengers traveling next week.

Once the two people I’ve missed most these past several months arrive home, our holiday celebration begins. I’m not an enthusiastic chef, LIFE’S A BEACH but on Thanksgiving I

By Shelley Murphy drag out age-old recipes and spend days preparing my family’s favorite foods. We will gather to share our family dinner and familiar traditions once the feast finally finds its way to the table.

One of our short-lived traditions began when my boys were in elementary school and I’d decorate the Thanksgiving table with chocolate turkeys. After finishing dinner, my older son bit the head off a chocolate turkey, grabbed the can of whip cream meant for the pie and filled the hollow of the turkey with whipped cream, creating an inspired dessert resulting in unparalleled indigestion.

Years ago, we borrowed our favorite family tradition from my aunt. Before we finish our Thanksgiving feast, someone finds a Talking Stick (aka, a fork from someone’s plate) and we pass the talking stick among us, taking turns sharing thanks and gratitude from the silly to the sublime.

Soon after the kitchen is closed and the leftovers are gone, it’s time for my boys to

BY SUSAN PARMELEE, FOR THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n Saturday, Nov. 12, the San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force and the Wellness and Prevention Center held the second annual Teen Summit. In keeping with the desire to promote leadership among youth, the responsibility for the design of the event fell to the students and was

guided by Kira Jan, chair of the steering committee. Ms. Jan is president of the San Clemente High School (SCHS) chapter of the National Honor Society.

Ms. Jan was assisted in this by fellow SCHS students Emily Glaser, Evelyn Riley and Zoe Day. The summit was attended by 15 students from both SCHS and Capistrano Valley High School, who were able to discuss their concerns regarding substance abuse, the environment and inadequate health studies. Of grave concern to the participants were mental health issues caused by excessive pressure at the secondary school level as well as the stigma attached to discussing the effects of that pressure. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

leave. As they go, I’ll remind them to call me when they get back to their apartments. They may live elsewhere, but I still consider the place where they grew up their home—at least for now.

The memories our family has created over the past 20 years will last forever, but I know the time is coming when we’ll start new and memorable traditions. It doesn’t matter to me how our traditions evolve, as long as they continue to gather our family

See the solution in next week’s issue.

together for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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 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

Did you know that...

• 858 homes have sold in San Clemente in 2016, with an average price of $970,563 and top price of $7,588,000 • Orange County Active listings numbers continue to drop, decreasing almost 7% this last month, to just 5955 Active Orange County listings and just 259 here in San Clemente • Price ranges make all the difference—homes under $750,000 sell in less than 50 days, while homes above $2,000,000, take 280 days on average to sell

Locals Only

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

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

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

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Chiropractic

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

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

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

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

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

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

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

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

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

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

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

REAL ESTATE

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

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

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

Salon Bamboo

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

Salon Bleu

In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

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

Dorothy R. Hopper

July 30, 1923 — November 1, 2016 Dorothy Ruth Hopper, “Dottie” to all her friends, passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 1st, at the age of 93, in her San Clemente home.

Dottie will be remembered most for driving her red PT Cruiser

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com GARAGE SALES GREAT GARAGE SALE Friday & Saturday, November 18 & 19 from 8 AM to 2 PM. Multi Family with all kinds of great stuff!!

215 Cerrito Cielo, San Clemente.

HELP WANTED DRIVER WANTED Cassano’s Pizza. Apply in person 818 S El Camino Real, SC. 2 WAREHOUSE POSITIONS 2 positions available in warehouse.

1st position available: assembly/ production. 2nd position available: Order picker/packer. Both positions are full-time with benefits and 401K. Please fax your resume to: 949-361-3166 Ph: 949-492-4399 HIRING IN-HOME AIDES/ CAREGIVERS $14 HR FT/PT CAREGIVERS NEEDED, South County local jobs! Help the disabled, all training provided, kindness needed & speak/write English, driver license/background checked, FT/PT, $14 Hr, Rainbow Home Care #800-811-9767. Call for appt or apply online: www.

RainbowHomeCare.com

OTHER INTERESTING STUFF

SALONS

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

SCHOOLS

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IN A SWIMMING POOL EMERGENCY? Accidental drownings, slips and falls, diving accidents etc... are all common occurrences around a pool. How many people would actually know what to do? www.aheroforlife.com/poolsafety

OBITUARY through the streets of San Clemente with her perfectly styled, beautiful head of white hair. She is survived by one son, Jim Hopper of Poway, CA, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and her beloved 14-year-old poodle, Sully.

Dottie was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and her oldest son, Tom. Dottie was born in Huntington Park, CA, July 30th, 1923, was married to Tom Hopper at 18, and as a career Air Force wife, she lived across the nation before finally

settling down in San Clemente in 1970. She had an active retired life, including water aerobics, tennis, world travels that included safaris in Africa, and above all, sharing her love for animals at the San Clemente Dana Point Animal Shelter as a volunteer for over 20 years. Dottie has made it her wish that donations be made to the Pet Project Foundation, San Clemente, in lieu of flowers. Her ashes will be united with her husband’s ashes during a family celebration and burial at sea.

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times November 17–23, 2016

Page 25

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

Paddling Out Dana Outrigger Canoe Club travels to compete in Chile

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

W

hile on a trip to Brazil last year to watch the top South American outrigger canoe clubs compete in their international championship, Jochen Spretke was amazed at the electric atmosphere surrounding the event.

There were television crews from every major local outlet on site, showcasing what was to be the biggest race on the South American outrigger circuit. Teams from Peru, Venezuela, Chile and Argentina were in attendance, and the competition was spectacular. Spretke, who is a member of Dana Outrigger Canoe Club in Dana Point, was inspired by the moment, and he wanted his club to be in on the action.

After months of planning and coordination with the host countries, Dana Outrigger is set to take its banner into uncharted waters. They will be competing in this year’s installment of the South American Canoe Championships in Valparaiso, Chile, from Nov. 17-20 as a guest team.

It will be the first time a Dana Outrigger team travels to compete in South America in the club’s 46-year history.

Five Dana Outrigger members, a group that includes residents of San Clemente and Dana Point, will make the trek to Chile. The Dana Outrigger team will add its sixth member, a Brazilian steersman named Marcelo Bosi de Almeida, when they arrive in the country.

The Dana Outrigger team will be competing in the first division open race,

Heritage Presents Triton Football with Difficult Test in CIF-SS Second Round

A small group from the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club will head to Chile this week to compete in the South American Canoe Championships. Photo: Steve Breazeale

which is the most prestigious heat at the event. Because they were invited as a guest team, Dana Outrigger will not be vying for a trophy. Though they may not be able to reach the podium, the fact that Dana Outrigger will be traveling over 5,400 miles for the competition still carries some weight.

“A lot of clubs around South America know Dana Outrigger. They know that we won (the Catalina Crossing) three times.

They even knew our winning time and all of that,” Spretke, the team’s manager, said.

“They are excited for us to come down there.”

Dana Outrigger members Manny Barela, David Brozowski, John Skorstad, Scott Bingham and Bryan Pesartic will

Dana Outrigger Canoe members practice rowing in the Dana Point Harbor in preparation for the South American Canoe Championships. Photo: Steve Breazeale

San Clemente Times November 17-23, 2016

be tasked with guiding their canoe 12 miles up and down the coast of Chile. The waters they will face will not be much different from the ones they train in off the coast of Southern California. Chile is known for having cold water and slightly larger swells, according to Spretke.

Spretke explained that outrigger canoe is a fast-growing sport in South America, and several clubs have been in rapid expansion over the last few years. Brazil has the most decorated clubs on the continent, and a strong club team from Easter Island, Rapa Nui, will be among the favorites in the heat.

Not every country competing in the South American Championships have storied histories, but they are on their way to building them. Clubs representing the host nation, Chile, have only been in existence for a few years and are still growing. The Dana Outrigger team is treating the trip not only as a competition, but also a goodwill mission. They plan on donating equipment and performance shirts to newly formed South American clubs that need them.

“We want to make a good showing because we’re the only team from the U.S. that’s going to be there. So we’ll be on display,” Skorstad, a San Clemente resident, said. “We’re definitely ambassadors for the U.S., and we’re going to present ourselves well.”

The Dana Outrigger team has been practicing and competing for the event for three months and placed first in their division at a tune-up race at the Parker Dam in Arizona last week.

The local team will compete in the South American Championships, head to Easter Island to paddle with the Rapa Nui team, and end their trip with a stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina. SC

Page 26

The San Clemente High School football team will attempt to solve the puzzle that is Heritage High in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2 Championships on Nov. 18.

The Tritons (8-3) will travel to Menifee to play the undefeated Patriots (11-0), the top-seeded team in the division.

Through 11 games, no team has been able to gain an edge on Heritage. The Patriots have never trailed in a game this season and have outscored their opponents 443-100. The Heritage defense has allowed an average of nine points per game.

But the vaunted Heritage defense has yet to play an offense like San Clemente, which was on full display last week in a convincing 36-13 victory over Chino Hills in the first round of the playoffs.

Tritons senior Brandon Reaves rushed for three touchdowns, and quarterback Jack Sears had an efficient night, completing 11 of 17 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns while taking 10 carries for 98 yards rushing in the win over the Huskies.

The offense kept the ball moving, and the Tritons defense provided the fireworks against Chino Hills.

Sophomore safety Jack Shippy had three interceptions to lead the way, and the Tritons also forced a Chino Hills fumble.

Following Shippy’s second interception of the night, San Clemente marched downfield and scored just before halftime to take a 14-7 lead. The Tritons received the kickoff to start the third quarter and needed just seven plays to score again, this time on a six-yard run by Reaves, for a commanding 21-7 lead.

Hung Qualifies for Individual Tennis Finals San Clemente’s Lindsay Hung will compete in the CIF-SS Individual Tennis Championships at The Jack Kramer Club on Nov. 21.

Hung’s draw in the bracket was not released at press time.

(Cont. on page 28)

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS Triton Report (Cont. from page 26)

Quarterback Jack Sears Flips Commitment from Duke to USC

San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears has decommitted from Duke and has committed to USC. Sears, who was recruited by dozens of major programs this summer, said that following an official visit to Duke in October, he began to have second thoughts on his initial decision. A trip to watch USC square off against Oregon on Nov. 5 showed Sears what life could be like as a Trojan.

“I walked away from that day visit with a change of heart that I thought USC was the place for me. … I decided that was where I was going to grow as a player and as a person the most,” Sears said. “I love the environment, and I’m excited to get in there.’

Sears said that USC head coach Clay Helton and quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton had been very involved with his recruitment over the past several months and that the coaching staff “really cared about me as a person.”

Sears will join his former teammate and current Trojans starting quarterback Sam Darnold on the USC depth chart.

Sears has kept an eye on Darnold’s sudden ascension to starter, and star, and feels comfortable he can fit in with the offensive system USC has in place.

“The coaching staff has done a great job with that program and Sam’s development and how he’s playing is great to see.

I think I can go in there and it’d fit me perfectly too,” Sears said.

Girls X-C Team Advances to CIF-SS Finals

The temperature was high and dust was swirling around the Riverside course during the CIF-SS Cross Country Prelims on Nov. 11, but the San Clemente girls cross country team was able to battle the elements, along with 59 other top teams from the Southland, and earn a berth in this weekend’s CIF-SS Finals.

The Tritons placed fourth in the third heat of Division 1 and packed five runners inside the top-40.

Chandler Horton (12th), Marina McDonough (15th), Katelyn McNeal (27th), Lota Jones (38th) and Amy Vollebregt (40th) led the team into the finals.

Eight San Clemente High School student-athletes took part in a fall signing day ceremony on campus on Nov. 9.

Photo: Courtesy

Triton Student-Athletes Ink National Letters of Intent COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

E

ight San Clemente High School student-athletes took part in an early signing day ceremony on campus on Nov. 9, signing their National Letter of Intent to declare their colleges of choice.

Athletes competing in certain sports are allowed to sign their NLI in the fall, while other athletes must wait until spring. The school will hold a larger signing day ceremony for all athletes later in the year.

The student-athletes who took part in the fall signing day ceremony compete in a wide range of sports, including volleyball, baseball, water polo, swimming and

Page 28

fencing.

Here are the SCHS student-athletes who signed their NLI last week.

Volleyball • Cassie Stewart (UC Irvine), Kyler Presho (Stanford) and Bryce Curtis (California Baptist University) Baseball • Spencer Bramwell (Colorado Mesa University) Water Polo • Tera Richardson (UC San Diego) and Victoria Reardon (California Baptist University) Fencing • Francesca Fedorovsky (Yale University) Swimming • Brad Prolo (Brigham Young University) SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Surf Annual Surfing Santa Competition comes to Salt Creek, benefits Surfers Healing

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

N

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

o doubt everybody around here has heard of surf contests. And I’d venture to say most have heard of Santa Claus. But a Santa-themed surf contest?

Well now, that’s a horse of a different color entirely, if I might borrow a line from the Wizard of Oz. Landing at Salt Creek like reindeer on a rooftop, the one and only Surfing Santa Competition is coming to town on Saturday, November 19. And in the true holiday spirit, the contest is about giving. The brainchild of Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s General Manager Bruce Brainerd, the Surfing Santa Competition is a charity event that supports the group Surfers Healing.

The event has become an annual affair, and for a handful of years, folks have been gathering on the sand at Salt Creek to do their best impression of jolly, old Saint Nick and spread some holiday stoke.

“It’s a pretty epic day at the beach,” said area surfer John Williamson. “The last couple years, we’ve come down as a family and had so much fun. The kids love seeing all the different surfers dressed up as Santa and his elves, it’s classic. But I also really like the fact that there’s a positive message and it supports a good cause. Coming together, sharing good times, helping out less fortunate people, that’s what the Christmas season should be all about.”

The Surfing Santa Competition takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving and is a sort of the unofficial start to the holiday season here in South Orange

The Surfing Santa Competition is a local holiday tradition, where surfers compete on the waves in seasonal garb. Photo: Courtesy

County. The day is also the start of the annual Holiday Surfboard Auction, which runs through December 31. In the past, luminaries like Laird Hamilton, Kelly Slater and Big Wave World Champion and local hero Greg Long as well as artists such as Wyland, Art Brewer, Dana Louise Kirkpatrick, Donavon Frankenreiter and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have all gotten in on the act to donate items and support the auction. Last year, the two events raised over $210,000 for Surfers Healing.

Founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz, Surfers Healing is a group that hosts free surf camps for children with autism.

They founded the group after seeing the positive impact that the ocean and riding waves had on their own son, Isaiah, who was diagnosed with autism at age three.

“We offer free surf camps for children with autism across the country, from San Diego to Rhode Island. We also have camps in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Each year, we surf with thousands of children with autism,” said Israel. “Our daylong camps are about acceptance, respite and fun—I call it, ‘Extreme Special Ed.’ Surfing isn’t a cure for autism, but you’d be surprised at the difference a day at the beach can make.

It’s amazing to see what our kids can do,

and how they light up as they learn.”

To date, over 4,000 kids have participated in the Surfers Healing camps, which have been featured on CBS and the Oprah Winfrey Network.

“The demand for spots always exceeds our capacity; though we’re opening more camps each year, we can only welcome a small percentage of applicants,” added Israel.

And that’s exactly where the Surfing Santa Competition and the Holiday Surfboard Auction come into play. Not only do the two events, which are underwritten by the Ritz-Carlton, raise funds so that Surfers Healing can go around the country and do their good work, but it also has proved an amazing way to raise awareness about the cause, while attracting potential sponsors and supporters.

“There are so many surf contests around here, and we usually don’t pay much attention to them, but this is different,” said Williamson. “We’ve had this on our calendar of things to do for a couple months. It’s not only fun and gets everyone in the spirit, but the idea that it benefits Surfers Healing and will help give thousands of autistic kids the gift of surfing… what better Christmas present is there?” SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 61-65 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-10’ Fair Thursday: WNW swell, NW windswell mix and small SSW swell. Surf is waist-head high (3-5’) for good spots while standout winter and combo exposures see some larger sets. Light offshore flow in the morning, trending to light onshore for most of the afternoon.

Outlook: Fading blend of WNW and SSW swell into the weekend with Saturday looking pretty small. New WNW swell bumps wave heights back up into the 3-4’+ zone Sunday and early next week. Winds/conditions problematic at times. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

GROM OF THE WEEK

GRIFFIN COLAPINTO

Griffin Colapinto. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

couple of weeks ago, we celebrated the stoke of Crosby Colapinto, and we could make a case for naming him Grom of the Week again this week after his blistering performance at the NSSA contest at Church recently, but instead we’re going to give the nod to his older brother, Griffin.

Down in Brazil for the World Surf League’s Hang Loose Pro, rated a QS 6,000 event, he jumped and jived all the way to a very impressive third-place finish against some of the top ranked surfers on the planet.

“Super stoked on a third-place finish,” said Griffin afterwards. “We had a super fun time. Brazil’s sick.”

With the result, Griffin has climbed up to 40th on the WSL Qualify Series rankings, which will help his seeding in 2017 as he looks to enter bigger contests and potentially qualify for the world tour in the years to come.

“Congrats to this grommet. Going all the way down to Brazil and snatching a crafty third,” commented hometown cheerleader and world number five Kolohe Andino on social media. “Let’s do this next year, Griff!”

SC