April 27, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

April 27-May 3, 2017

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Inside:

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‘Aging Well’ A Guide to Senior Living SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 12, ISSUE 17

Fore the Troops Don Glasgow reflects on volunteer work to benefit Marines SPORTS/PAGE 20

Don Glasgow washes golf clubs that will be donated to service members. Glasgow has run this program for the last eight years, but plans to retire from it after this year. Photo: Eric Heinz

Report: Drug, AlcoholRelated Deaths Soared in Orange County EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

San Clemente Choral Society Gears Up for May 6 Concert DP LIVING/PAGE 18

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SCHS Surf Team Wins State Scholastic Championship SC SURF/PAGE 22

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

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clude people in the education and business communities.

The Council, commissions and committees represented on the task force will each appoint their respective representatives to the task force. The City Council will also appoint four members of the public to serve on the task force.

Five things San Clemente should know this week

WHAT’S NEXT: Those who are interested in being considered for appointment to the Public Safety Task Force may download an application from the city’s website at www. san-clemente.org, or contact Lori Ojeda of the City Clerk’s Office at 949.361.8200 and request that an application be mailed or emailed to you.

Submit your application to the City Clerk at City Hall, located at 100 Avenida Presidio, in time for it to be received before 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. —Staff

Report: Deaths Caused

by Drugs, Alcohol Rose in Orange County from 2013 to 2015 THE LATEST: The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHA) released a grim report on Tuesday, April 25, that stated the county saw a significant increase in drugand alcohol-related deaths from 2013-2015.

According to the report, San Clemente had 28 drug-and-alcohol-related deaths between 2013 and 2015, almost evenly spread among each of those years. The city ranked well below the county’s threeyear average, but the county’s trend has been rising since 2013.

Thirteen of San Clemente’s deaths in the time frame were directly related to prescription drugs, which were verified by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

However, San Clemente ranked fourth among cities in Orange County for drugand-alcohol-related hospitalizations with a three-year average of 33.1 people per 10,000 being hospitalized, although San Clemente’s trend slightly decreased from year to year.

Dana Point ranked first, with 44.6 hospitalizations, and San Juan Capistrano was ranked sixth, with 30.3 hospitalizations per 10,000 residents.

Of the coroner-investigated deaths, 48.1 percent of all of Orange County’s accidental deaths from 2013-2015 were caused by prescription medication, and 24.5 were caused by illicit drugs. Deputies, crime scene investigators and other OCSD and medical personnel in Orange County now carry Naloxone, a nasal spray that may save people who are experiencing an opioid overdose from drugs such as oxycodone or heroin. That program started in fall of 2015.

In 2016, the federal government passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which expanded access to Naloxone, increased access to medicationassisted treatment and prescription drug monitoring programs, created an interagency task force, and increased education programs on prescription and illicit drugs, specifically heroin. The Food and Drug Administration now has to refer applications for new opioid drugs to an advisory committee to seek recommendaSan Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

A deputy with Orange County Sheriff’s Department stands in the lawn of a residence on the 100 Block of W. Canada in this August 2016 photo. Over the last year, some residents in San Clemente have continuously said at City Council meetings that San Clemente needs more police enforcement. The city is now accepting applications for a new police task force. Photo: File

San Clemente Native, Sheriff’s Deputies to be Recognized by Red Cross

tions. It also requires the FDA’s pediatric advisory committee to create the framework of labeling certain medication.

WHAT’S NEXT: To view the full report, click on the link to it in this article, which will be posted at www.sanclementetimes. com. —Eric Heinz

City Seeks Applicants for New Public Safety Task Force THE LATEST: At its March 2 meeting, the San Clemente City Council voted to create a Public Safety Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to review, discuss and analyze data to achieve consensus on recommendations for potential implementation measures related to Police Services, according to a press release from the city.

“The task force will also initiate and develop a community-based public safety strategic planning process that will result in a public safety strategic plan for the City Council to review and approve for future implementation,” the press release stated.

The City Council is now accepting applications from members of the public who are interested in serving on this task force. The task force will consist of key stakeholders supported by a representative from the City Manager’s office. The 10 stakeholders will be two City Council members; one planning commissioner; one Beaches, Parks and Recreation commissioner; one human affairs committee member; one representative from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department; and four members of the public, which will in-

THE LATEST: Bennett Jonas of San Clemente is to be recognized by the American Red Cross for saving eight youths who fell into an icy lake in February in Central Park, New York City. Jonas, and friends who helped him in the rescue, will be awarded the Red Cross’s Heroes Award in the lifesaving category.

Deputies Jeremy Buraglia and Brandon Koenig of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in San Clemente will be honored in the first responders category.

In November, Buraglia and Koenig conducted CPR on a 75-year-old man who suffered a heart attack in San Clemente while in his hot tub. The two were able to revive him.

a member of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in Southern California in exchange for cash and gifts.

Alt was arrested by the multi-agency Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force after they conducted a traffic stop in San Diego County.

According to Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Alt confessed to producing and electronically distributing the child pornography involving the 4-year-old.

Alt was a volunteer at the San Clemente and Irvine branches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the time the crimes were committed, between as early as Jan. 1, 2015 and Oct. 7, 2015, according to the DA’s press release.

Alt was crowned Mrs. Orange County and competed in the Mrs. California Pageant in 2014.

WHAT’S NEXT: Alt was sentenced to 10 months in Orange County jail, three years formal probation and must register as a lifetime sex offender, according to the press release. Alt also received community service and must attend a child abuser’s treatment program.

She originally faced up to 14 years in prison for the crimes.

Officials with the DA’s office said the member of the Marines who received Alt’s photos has since died. The office would not disclose the details of his death or further details related to the case. —EH

MetroLink Service Limited Due to Maintenance this Weekend

Former Mrs. Orange County from San Clemente Sentenced in Child Pornography Case

THE LATEST: On Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire Orange County lines will have limited service due to maintenance projects, according to a press release.

“Metrolink trains will operate north of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station,” the release stated. “Buses will provide service to and from the San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, San Clemente Pier and Oceanside stations, connecting passengers to regularly scheduled trains at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station.”

THE LATEST: Meghan Breanna Alt, 27, a former San Clemente resident, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to felony possession of child pornography and felony lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14.

Alt was arrested in October 2015 after she was caught sending photos of a 4-yearold family member in a sexually explicit manner, a press release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office stated.

The photos were sent via cell phone to

WHAT’S NEXT: Trains may be delayed up to 45 minutes. Regular train service will resume by Monday, May 1.

“The North County Transit District and San Diego Association of Governments are doing a number of rail projects south of Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station to improve Amtrak, Coaster and Metrolink service,” the release stated.

For additional details on Metrolink, visit www.metrolinktrains.com. —Staff

WHAT’S NEXT: The award ceremony will be held May 3 at Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd. in Irvine. —Staff

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EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

• Leave the shiny jewelry at home; the reflected light resembles fish scales • Avoid brightly-colored swimwear; sharks see contrast particularly well

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Outlets at San Clemente to Host Fiesta de Mayo Celebration on May 6 The Outlets at San Clemente will host its second annual Fiesta de Mayo Celebration with all proceeds benefitting the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation. The event will feature mariachis, Ballet Folklorico, craft beer, a taco truck and free family-friendly fun, including balloon artists, giveaways, a photo booth and more.

The event takes place from 1-4 p.m. on May 6 at the Outlets at San Clemente in the Oak Tree Court, located at 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Young performers, ages 8 to 18, from Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano will perform a variety of traditional dances from 1-2 p.m. San Juan Capistrano-based Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano, winner of the 2016 Battle of the Mariachis at Mission San Juan Capistrano, will perform from 2-4 p.m.

Attendees will also be the first to see San Clemente’s newly commissioned trolleys, which will be on display during the event.

Three Dog Bakery Starts Month-Long Dog Food Drive Three Dog Bakery will launch its May Food Drive to help dogs in need at the Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter. Participating Three Dog Bakery stores across the United States, Canada and Hong Kong are holding food drives to help feed dogs in their local communities.

The Three Dog Bakery Foundation aims to raise awareness of and support dogs in need. The goal of the drive is to provide 1,000 pounds of dog food to the shelter.

“Our Three Dog Bakery Store is extremely pleased to partner with the Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter,” said owner Denise O’Donnell. “For their efforts to provide vital assistance to homeless and neglected animals, we applaud them for their outreach.”

For more information, visit www.threedogsc.com.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby to Launch South OC Chapter with Workshop Citizens’ Climate Lobby is inviting South Orange County citizens concerned about climate change to a workshop on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m.- noon at St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church in San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

CUSD Futureology Program Opening

Dancers perform during last year’s inaugural Fiesta de Mayo at the Outlets. This year’s events will take place from 1-4 p.m. on May 6 at the Outlets. Photo: Courtesy of the Outlets at San Clemente/Kaitlyn McKay (Reveille)

San Clemente. The workshop will launch a new local chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL).

During the workshop, participants will learn how to exercise their political power and build political will for climate solutions. The workshop is free and open to the public, and will be led by Jim Waterhouse with Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Once the new chapter is launched, it will meet monthly, and volunteers will work individually and with local action teams.

“Politicians do not create political will, they respond to it. If we want Congress to address climate change, then they have to hear from us,” said Larry Kramer, the new chapter coordinator. “The workshop will give volunteers the tools they need to be effective advocates.”

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a grassroots advocacy organization with 393 chapters across the U.S. and Canada dedicated to generating political will for effective national policies to address climate change.

The group is working to build support for Carbon Fee and Dividend legislation. In 2016, CCL volunteers held 1,390 meetings with congressional offices, and generated 2,901 letters to the editor, op-eds, editorials and articles.

St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church is located at 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente. Those interested in attending can acquire free tickets for the workshop online at www.occlimateworkshop.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Larry Kramer at larrykramerccl@gmail.com, Paul Barnes at p-barnes@sbcgolbal.net, or Chris Marker at chris_marker@hotmail.com.

City Issues Warning after Recent Shark Shark Sightings

form of marine life, with their very painful sting. However, in terms of severity of potential injury, sharks are at the top of the marine food chain.

“Although there has been a slight increase in the number of shark sightings in recent weeks, it is still statistically safe to swim in the ocean, although it is important to remember that there is always an element of danger. However, the number one danger in the ocean is drowning,” said Marine Safety Chief Bill Humphreys. “For example, in 2016 there were 53 unprovoked shark attacks in the United States and zero fatalities, according to the International Shark Attack File. Currently, over 3,500 people on average drown each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. This isn’t meant to negate the danger of sharks, it’s simply to put it into perspective. Everyone needs to exercise caution to prevent drownings and reduce their risk of being injured by any marine animal.”

City lifeguards follow a county-wide protocol and will close the beaches if there is a danger to the public. It is also helpful when members of the public report shark sightings or any other threat to lifeguards at the Marine Safety Headquarters building just north of the Pier or to the Pier lifeguard tower, which is manned seven days a week. Marine Safety can be reached at 949.361.8219 and Sheriff’s dispatch is at 949.770.6011, or call 911 for emergencies.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shark attacks are rare, though when they do happen, they occur most often near shore, typically inshore of a sandbar or between sandbars, where sharks can become trapped by low tide, and near steep dropoffs where sharks’ prey gather. To reduce risk, NOAA provides these tips: • Don’t swim too far from shore

Shark sightings from two weekends ago are a reminder that the ocean is a vast wilderness, home to marine animals. Although the majority of ocean animals are harmless to people, some can occasionally injure humans. In our area, stingrays probably injure more people than any other Page 4

• Stay in groups; sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual • Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight when sharks are most active • Don’t go in the water if bleeding from a wound; sharks have an acute sense of smell

Capistrano Unified School District will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Futureology program at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 28, at The Shops at Mission Viejo in the Dining Pavilion near the P.F. Chang’s entrance. Parents, students, district staff and community members are encouraged to attend.

Futureology is a free program, partnered with the Simon Youth Foundation, that tailors to the college and career planning process and provides personalized, face-to-face meetings and group workshops for all students and families who need guidance during and after regular school hours, from 1:30-9 p.m. on weekdays. The program is intended to provide students with the tools and resources to not only stay in school but also prepare them to enter a professional career, the military or apply to college.

Recycling for Ryann Ryann Durke from San Clemente is 8 years old and has been diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy called ESES that causes her to have seizures when she sleeps. These continuous seizures are damaging her brain, according to her family. The family is asking for people to donate recyclable items, plastic bottles and aluminum cans, to help pay for medical treatments that are not covered by their insurance. The items can be donated from 11 a.m.-5p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays at Heavyweight T-Shirts at 3303 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente. Call 949.292.4650 for more information or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/recyclingforryann. There is also a GoFundMe page under Memories for Ryann.

San Clemente Churches to Unite for Nationwide Prayer Event All are invited to join in the National Day of Prayer being observed in San Clemente on Thursday, May 4, from 7-8:15 p.m. at Heritage Christian Fellowship, located at 190 Avenida La Pata in San Clemente.

Several San Clemente churches will also be gathering together to pray. For more information on the San Clemente National Day of Prayer event, call 949.361.1022.

For more information on the National Day of Prayer, visit nationaldayofprayer.org.

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

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Tuesday, April 25 TRAFFIC STOP Camino de Estrella/Avenida Las Palmas (2:40 a.m.) Police stopped a motorist who had an open container of marijuana, and officers located cocaine in the car. The man was cited for the narcotics and for not providing proof of registration.

Monday, April 24 DISTURBANCE Via Ballena, 200 Block (11:23 p.m.) A man was seen screaming in his front yard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (3:26 p.m.)

Police were called to two people going through the dumpsters and throwing trash everywhere.

DISTURBANCE Camino de los Mares, 600 Block (12:41 p.m.) A woman said a man, described to be in his 70s and wearing a sweatshirt, jeans and flip flops, was smoking on a patio and ignoring the business’s staff’s requests to not smoke.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Serra, 200 Block (12:34 p.m.) A man said his neighbor starts a verbal argument with him whenever he walks outdoors.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Serra, 200 Block (12:26 p.m.) Police were called to reports of a man possibly on drugs who was going in and out of a residence and yelling at people in the street. The man tried to take pictures of the caller while he was in the kitchen on the phone.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (8:55 a.m.) A man who went to the lobby of the police station said he thought the mother of his child was a prostitute and wanted to talk to a deputy about setting up a “sting.”

Sunday, April 23 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (2:39 p.m.) At the San Clemente Lifeguard picnic shelter on the north side of the Pier, the caller said a group of 10 to 12 people were drinking. The caller did not San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

want to send out a lifeguard due to the size of the group.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION Calle Puente/ Avenida Del Poinente (1:08 p.m.) Police were called to an ice cream vendor who parked in a spot for more than 10 minutes, which the caller said was a violation of city code.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Junipero, 0 Block (12:14 p.m.) A woman said her ex-partner grabbed and kicked her. Medics were refused by the woman and no weapons or drugs were involved.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Hermosa, 100 Block (10:22 a.m.) The caller said a man was locked in a restroom for 45 minutes.

The man was not responding. The caller said they did not have the keys to the restroom and that the man was to be transported to a drug treatment facility. Orange County Fire Authority responded.

DISTURBANCE Calle del Cerro, 1100 Block (9:49 a.m.) A woman said her son was being argumentative and took her keys from her, pulled her against the wall and held her down. She said her son was on probation.

and asking her out on dates when she goes to the store to make monthly payments for the rug.

The man allegedly showed up and walked into her apartment. The caller said her parents searched the man’s name on Google and there were “numerous articles” about him being accused of sexual assault.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico/Avenida La Pata (9:57 p.m.) Police were called to the Walmwart parking lot near the El Pollo Loco where one man was seen beating up another man inside a black sedan. The caller said a third man was standing near the car as a lookout.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (7:49 p.m.) Police were called to a drunken man on the beach near lifeguard tower 14. The caller said the man was bothering people and yelling obscenities.

He was described as in his mid-30s, wearing a white bandana around his head and a blue jumpsuit.

Friday, April 21 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES W. Paseo de Cristobal/El Camino Real (12:52 a.m.) Police were called to two men who stole a golf cart from the Outlets at San Clemente and pushed it down the hill.

STOLEN VEHICLE Avenida Salvador, 900 Block (9:21 a.m.) A man said a blue Dodge Ram truck was taken from the residence. The man said his wallet was in the vehicle, and his debit card had been used throughout San Clemente.

Thursday, April 20 TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Avenida Cabrillo, 200 Block (6:50 p.m.) A woman said her husband told her a former coworker texted him saying he was going to go on a shooting rampage. The caller said the man who made the threats lives in San Diego, but she didn’t know where exactly.

FOUND CHILD Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (9:04 a.m.) A woman on the lower level of the facility said she found a child, about 2 years old, wearing only a diaper.

FOLLOW -UP REPORT El Camino Real, 1600 (8:43 a.m.) A man said another man assaulted him on April 21 while he was sleeping in a white Ford. The man the police were looking for when they arrived was gone, after the first deputies responded to a similar call.

FOUND BICYCLE Avenida Del Mar, 200 Block (6:09 p.m.) A woman said she found her bicycle locked up at the library.

Wednesday, April 19

Saturday, April 22 WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 2400 Block (10:51 p.m.) A woman was reported unconscious in a dark grey sedan in front of the Shell gas station, near the entrance to a liquor store. A man said he tried to wake her up, but she was passed out with the vehicle still running, which he turned off.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE El Camino Real, 1500 Block (5:44 a.m.)

At San Clemente Art Supply, the caller said a light blue and silver motorhome was occupied by two people who are known criminals responsible for break-ins in the area.

Tuesday, April 18

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Avenida Pico, 900 Block (10:23 p.m.) A man inside the store was trying to steal items, and the caller said he had a knife in his right front pocket.

DISTURBANCE Pavoreal, 1300 Block (5:04 p.m.) A man did not return a carpet cleaning machine to the caller, and an argument could be heard over the phone in the background.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Escalones, 200 Block (9:57 p.m.) A woman said she purchased a rug from a man who had since been harassing her. She said the man has been making suspicious offers to pay her rent

PETTY THEFT El Camino Real, 2400 Block (3:44 p.m.) A woman said a man was throwing items in the store, causing issues. The caller said she wanted to file a report.

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Community Meetings SUNDAY, APRIL 30

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

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, MAY 2

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 conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.sanclemente.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.

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

805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena.

949.233.7981. www.sanclementerotary.org.

NORTH BEACH FARMERS MARKET 3-6:30 p.m. The Market at North Beach will open to the public for its first week of operation. Vendors will be selling food, jewelry and other wares, and there could be live music. 1501 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. themarketatnbmakers@gmail.com.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www. san-clemente.org.

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SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor MORE SOLUTIONS THAN NOT EXIST FOR ALTERNATE ROUTES BILL KINDEL, San Clemente

The letter from Jay Gaskins in the April 20-26 edition of the San Clemente Times contained statements that I don’t agree with.

1. I recently had to go to the Inland Empire from my home in Forster Ranch.

It was easy and I encountered little traffic by taking the new Del Rio extension to La Pata. I followed La Pata until it became Antonio Parkway and connected with the 241 toll road. This route is far from maximum capacity. So I’m asking, why do we need an extension of the 241 toll road? On occasion there can be a backup at the 241 to 91 interchange, but an extension would only add more cars to the 241/91 interchange.

2. There is no chance, zero, that a disaster producing a “mushroom cloud” could occur with stored nuclear waste at SONGS. An accident would be very bad, but it just raises the fears of residents to talk about a “mushroom cloud.”

To claim that there is only one escape route from San Clemente is no longer true. In fact it has never been true. After 9/11, I became concerned about the evacuation plan for my children at SCHS. I got some good advice from a city official: “carry a good set of bolt cutters and exit though Prima Deshecha Landfill.”

The real issues are transporting and storing nuclear waste and achieving some sort of recovery of the incredible beach front that was dedicated to a nuclear power plant.

If a utility proposed a nuclear power plant on a beach now, it would not go very far.

But those were different times.

CAMP PENDLETON SHOULD SHARE THE SPACE WITH TOLL ROAD JOE TOLOSA, San Clemente

In the April 6-12 issue of the San Clemente Times, there is a letter from Enrique Romero advocating the toll road go through Camp Pendleton, and in the April 13-19 edition there is an article about Mayor Kathy Ward lamenting the some of the plans of the toll road through the city.

Also in the issue there is a letter by Cyndy Stauffer commenting on the need for an alternate route of the toll road and misleading statements by Save Trestles.

About three weeks ago, we drove to Carlsbad and observed the landscape between San Clemente and Oceanside.

I got to thinking that Camp Pendleton is a very large military camp. It is about 20 miles between these two cities and exSan Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

tends east a considerable amount of miles.

Camp Pendleton consists of about 190 square miles and 125,000 acres. It seems to be that the best route for the toll road would be through the very northern part of Camp Pendleton. I am sure that Camp Pendleton could spare the ten square miles or less needed for the toll road and would really be a magnificent public service on their part to be good citizens.

As we saw the Trestles option was a bogus issue, and insofar as the toads and gnat catchers, there are tons of acres out there for them to survive.

On the way back from Carlsbad, we were able to stop at the new In-N-Out in Oceanside along the freeway, and that city certainly gained a great facility.

SCHS’S ‘MARY POPPINS’: PRACTICALLY PERFECT IN EVERY WAY TOM BARNES, San Clemente

The magic of San Clemente High School’s presentation of Mary Poppins is in the performers and the performances, not the ramshackle building that serves as a lunch room, charitably called a “cafeteria.”

In spite of the inadequacy of the venue, the play was brilliantly staged. As playgoers know, Mary Poppins the play is a different vehicle than the movie. The focus is on the dysfunctional English family, the Banks, and how Mary Poppins helps them transform themselves from being “upside down” to being a strong family unit—including valuing and supporting each other.

Director Laurie Mason and her creative team depict the joy and wonder of this walk in the park through the use of color (a vivid red) choreography, and horses as props of the production.

Cassidy McCleary’s Mary Poppins character is just right, demonstrating wit, wisdom and a bit of snarkiness. She has a set of pipes that resonate in the acoustically challenged facility and can hit all the notes with power and subtlety. In fact, all the voices are spot on, with nary a false note.

But it is the work of the ensemble that steals the show. All these groups stand out: the jolly holiday dancers, clerks and customers, the toys, the kite-flyers and especially the chimney sweeps. The joie de vivre they exhibit is infectious and their performance never faltered through the numerous set and scene changes amongst what seems like a cast of thousands.

Songs like “A Spoon Full of Sugar,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” made great use of the large cast with humor and affection, but it is the original choreography in “Step in Time” that is the highlight of the show. Performing that difficult number with a tap-dancing routine is shear genius. How the creative staff was able to teach tap dancing to the large number of chimney sweep dancers is a marvel. Kudos to all who made it happen. Moreover, the softer numbers like “Feed the Birds”

and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” are handled just as well as the up-tempo ones.

With 61 cast members profiled with pictures, and 65 other contributors named in the group photos, those who were in charge give proper credit to everyone involved in the show in the high quality, colorful, program. This is a classy way to acknowledge the importance of everyone, not just the stars. These contributors are presented alphabetically as a further gesture to egalitarianism.

After 53 years, it is time for the some67,000 in San Clemente to support a proper venue with comfortable, tiered seating and adequate architectural acoustics for the theatre arts education program at San Clemente High School. The City Council, the Capistrano Unified School District and all those in powerful and influential positions in the city need to make this a priority. If we are indeed one town, one team, we need to support the theatre arts team. As Mary Poppins says, “Anything can happen if you let it.”

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

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

Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com

ATTEND CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 2 TO REJECT SPENT NUCLEAR WASTE PERMIT

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

GARY HEADRICK, San Clemente Green

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

We are living with the dangers associated with millions of pounds of nuclear waste, and it is up to each of us to reject the approved plan to bury a deadly substance in canisters that are only 100 feet from the ocean, inches above the water table and rising sea level. The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has wrongly approved construction of this facility in an area that is publicly posted as a tsunami zone and riddled with active faults that have recently been confirmed to have four times the seismic power than the plant was designed to handle.

Common sense dictates that canisters storing highly radioactive nuclear waste are able to be inspected, monitored and repaired if needed, but such is not the case. The CCC added these reasonable expectations as conditions for approval. Yet inexplicably, Edison was granted twenty years to meet those minimum standards, which logically should have been required from the start.

Simply put, we want to make this dangerous situation that has been imposed on us as safe as possible for however long any nuclear waste remains at San Onofre.

The approved plan needs to be revoked, because it is grossly inadequate and fails to even come close to meeting a reasonable standard of protection for the people and natural resources that the CCC has sworn to protect. This permit is currently being renegotiated in a legal proceeding and now is the time to act. Show up next Tuesday evening at City Council to demand a better solution.

(Cont. on page 10)

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Page 9

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 Debra Holm Tim Trent Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 17 The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 9) Show up next Tuesday evening, May 2, at San Clemente’s City Council, 100 Avenida Presidio at 6 p.m. to demand a better solution.

REJECT THE OUTLETS SIGN PROPOSALS JOHN TOROK, San Clemente

I urge you to disapprove all proposed signs related to the Outlets at San Clemente.

We want to keep San Clemente a “quaint beach city” that is not tainted with all the commercialism we are bombarded with daily. The signs would not only add to the traffic congestion but distract

drivers to an already problematic part of Interstate 5.

In addition, there is no need to put up more signs because people know about the outlets and all associated stores. No need for more brand awareness, and especially don’t need signs with lights. We want the night sky and stars visible and not tainted by more city lights.

Keep San Clemente beautiful.

P.S.: There are no signs for downtown San Clemente and no signs for all the different shops/brands. So why add one for the Outlets?

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Enhancing Our Quality of Life

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.

GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

SCHS Theater Arts Program Delights with ‘Mary Poppins’

L

ast Saturday night, April 22, I attended the San Clemente High School Theater Arts Program production of Mary Poppins. I was unsure at first, not sure I wanted to sit through a Disney comedy and couldn’t remember the music associated with it. It was the fifth program I had attended over the past few years and knew it had to be good. In addition, I have attended such musical and dramatic programs LEW’S VIEWS at South Orange County

By Lew Avera School of Arts (SOCSA) at Dana Hills High School and Orange County School of Arts (OCSA) in Santa Ana. Accordingly, I had high expectations.

As it turned out, it was wonderful and fantastic and more than I had anticipated.

I also had the opportunity to meet with several of the performers and their families afterward, which just reinforced my enthusiasm for the program.

As I counted from the written program, there were about 80 SCHS students who performed in one way or another and many in technical support areas, such as lighting, sound, makeup, costumes, props, publicity and stage setup. Included in this rendition was the pit orchestra, which provided the actual concert music.

Mary Poppins includes verbal monologue and dialogue, individual solo songs, small-group singing ensembles, large choral songs and small- and large-group dancing. The individual lead performers, both music and voice, were wonderful, particularly the music soloists, who were unsurpassed. Two additional “groups” that deserve special recognition were the pit orchestra and the large dance ensembles.

The pit orchestra provided the music for the entire performance. These high school San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

students played orchestra music for almost three hours with a short 25-minute intermission break. I cannot imagine the size, thickness and number of pages of music which required their intense attention and concentration over such a period of time.

The second set of group efforts were the large group dance numbers. The one that took me to a new level of believing was a tap dance number, with 40 performers tap dancing in complete unison and coordination for several minutes. These dancers were so good that I began to believe that they must have brought in the SCHS champion dance team. I was informed later that this was not the case and that these dancers had learned tap dancing and this entire number from scratch.

As indicated earlier, I have seen the theater arts programs at some of Orange County’s most notable high schools, OCSA and SOCSA; I now believe that San Clemente High School has moved to a new level and is in the same league as these two leading schools.

Most notably, we now not only have a championship football team and a championship dance team, but we now also have a superior theater program. San Clemente High School continues to be a leader, an inspiration to all of us, and above all the foundation for the future success of all of its students.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. 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.

S

outh Orange County is a fulfilling place to live, work and play. As such, we place a high priority on maintaining an unmatched quality of life that includes peaceful, safe and thriving communities.

To that end, below are events I am sponsoring that address important community needs and concerns. These events are free and open to the public, including a South County senior summit, prescription drug drop-off day and a forum focused on commercial aircraft flight paths impacting our communities.

10th Annual South County Senior Summit: This year, I am pleased to host the 10th annual South County Senior Summit on Friday, May 12, starting at 8 a.m., at the Laguna Woods Village Performing Arts Center. The theme is “Financial Planning for Your Golden Years.” A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served to attendees, who will also enjoy a lineup of expert speakers. In addition, the event will include free one-on-one financial advice from certified financial planners.

RSVP is required by May 5. Please call 800.510.2020 or visit www.OCSeniorSummit.com for more information.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: To raise public awareness and help the community properly dispose of old medications, the county is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, April 29, there will be several drop-off locations throughout South County, where anyone can dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication. The program is free and anonymous.

National Drug Take Back Day also raises awareness for the opioid epidemic we are experiencing nationwide and throughout our community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 91 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. In Orange County, drug and alcohol overdoses result in over 5,000 hospitalizations and nearly 600 deaths among residents each year. Cities with the highest rates of drug and alcohol related hospitalizations are generally in the southern and coastal cities of the County.

Drug addiction is something that can affect any family. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 855.

OC.LINKS. For information about Pre-

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scription Drug Take Back Day, call 714.647.4133.

South County: Under the Flight Path: On Monday, May 15, from 6-8 p.m., I will host a community forum titled “South Orange THE BARTLETT County: Under the Flight BULLETIN Path” at Laguna Niguel

By Lisa Bartlett City Hall, located at 30111 Crown Valley Parkway.

This forum will address concerns from South County residents about commercial aircraft flight paths and noise impacting our communities. John Wayne Airport officials will provide information about the Federal Aviation Administration’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and newly implemented Southern California Metroplex Project.

For more information about the FAA’s NextGen, visit www.faa.gov/nextgen.

Like you, I cherish living in South Orange County. It is an honor to serve as your Orange County Supervisor, and I am committed to enhancing our quality of life and addressing community concerns.

For more information about these and other events in my district, visit www.

SupBartlett.ocgov.com, or call my office at 714.834.3550 if I may be of assistance.

Lisa Bartlett is the District 5 supervisor on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

She was elected to office in 2014. 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, April 28 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.

CLARIFICATION In the article “Fearing the Great White Shark: The Most Terrifying of Sharks, Breeching Recently, is as Threatening as a Lightning Strike” in the April 2026 edition of the San Clemente Times, the data used to reflect the number of fatalities from shark attacks in the last 50 years was intended to reflect attacks on surfers, not all attacks throughout California in that time. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

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

Friday | 28 LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Alex Paris

SUNDAY, APRIL 30: GRAND PRIX OF CYCLING 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The exciting Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling returns on Sunday. A variety of road bicycle races begins at 7 a.m. at the start/finish line, located at the corner of Del Prado and Violet Lantern. There is also a simultaneous bike expo, featuring demonstrations, exhibitions, bike tune-ups, electric bike demos, giveaways and much more. Visit www.danapointgrandprix.com for more information about the expo, race route and more.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 27 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience

needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

CASINO SPRING JAZZ SERIES 6:30-9:30 p.m. The fourth installment of the Casino San Clemente’s Spring Jazz Series will feature a performance of American and Brazilian standards by the Barry Zweig Guitar Trio. Admission is $10 for just the music, or $25 for a ticket that includes choice of dinner. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www. springjazzseries.brownpapertickets.com SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together.

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

LIVE THEATER: ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’ 7-9 p.m. The JSerra Theatre Company presents Beauty and the Beast, with three performances on Friday and Saturday at San Juan Hills High School. View show times and purchase tickets online. 29211 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9307. www.jserra.org.

LIVE THEATER: TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ ONE-ACT PLAYS 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Department of Theatre Arts presents a collection of one-act plays by the iconic playwright, Tennessee Williams. Show runs through May 7, and tickets are $10-$15. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

LIVE MUSIC: THE AMAZING WILDCATS 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to music from The Amazing Wildcats at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘ALMOST, MAINE’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents the premier of Almost, Maine. In the play, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways on one cold Friday night. Show runs through May 14. Tickets are $15$20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465.

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

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians performs at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott every Friday and Saturday night. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Saturday | 29 WOODIE CLUB AND CAR SHOW 6 a.m.- 3 p.m. Start your springtime Southern California-style by visiting the annual Woodie Club and Car Show at Doheny State Beach. Woodies start lining up in the south day-use area at dawn and begin departing in the mid-afternoon. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

GARDENING CLASS: BENEFICIAL BUGS 8 a.m. Stop by Armstrong Garden Center for a class on how to introduce bugs to your garden that will help it grow. No registration required. 32382 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30-10:30 a.m. Designer Susan Trindle leads a workshop on the five senses of gardening when working with native plants. Learn how to create a native garden that will engage your five senses.

Tree of Life Nursery. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

BACKYARD CHICKENS WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Getting started raising backyard chickens is easier than you think. And the benefits of doing so include the regular (Cont. on page 13)

At the Movies: Much to See in ‘The Lost City of Z’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

riter-director James Gray’s new movie, The Lost City of Z, comes four months after Martin Scorsese’s Silence, which featured similar themes of exploration and madness in the middle of the jungle.

The latter is about two priests searching for their mentor on a Japanese island; the former is about real-life British explorer Percy Fawcett, who was convinced he could find proof of a lost Amazonian city. Though Gray’s feature doesn’t have a San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

religious aspect, like Scorsese’s, it is just as thought-provoking.

From 1905-1925, highly regarded military man and family man Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) is offered the chance to search throughout a recently discovered uncharted territory near Brazil to find if there is a definitive population from the past. Along with him is his newly assigned partner, Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson). While at home, he struggles to maintain an active long-distance relationship with his family, including wife, Nina (Sienna Miller), and eldest son,

Jack (Tom Holland).

Lost City of Z is a fascinating study on obsession and passion of one man’s dedication that most who read the report believed was nonsense. The writing is period appropriate in making Fawcett both a man of his time and ahead of it politically. The cinematography of the tribes and wildlife is beautiful and gives off a stark, mysterious atmosphere.

Gray delivers his most impressive filmmaking since Two Lovers (2008), and Hunnam achieves possibly his best performance to date. Even Miller is given some decent

Page 12

Photo: Courtesy of Bleeker Street/Amazon Studios

character development as the wife at home, when she could’ve been easily wasted. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

WELCOME TO

aging well | FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART ur little corner of the world is the perfect place to age well.

There are opportunities to get and stay active at almost every turn in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. In our temperate climate, the outdoors is always a suitable playground, but our various institutions also host numerous educational, recreational and social activities for seniors.

It’s a good thing, too—about half of all residents in the tri-cities are over the age of 45. The community seeking to age well is robust. While some choose to engage the social offerings from our city’s senior centers, others take to the open waves on a stand-up paddleboard. While some choose one of several 55+ communities to better their lives, other seniors find members of their community about town.

Our goal in Aging Well is to connect those looking to live a fruitful life with the people, programs and organizations hoping to help them do that. Everything in here is meant to inspire and enrich the lives of those willing to take it by storm.

You’ll get inspired by the snapshots of senior life in South Orange County, and hear firsthand about how senior folks are

maximizing the resources of this area. Read about a local pickleball league that has exploded in recent years, allowing seniors to stay active and social, in a competitive setting, without putting too much stress on the body.

For those looking to take up a new hobby, there’s a feature about how to use community resources to pick up art, education, recreation and volunteering. And for the animal-inclined, there’s a story about the benefits of companionship pets.

In our feature story on 55+ communities, you’ll learn about what really goes down at some of South Orange County’s finest senior living neighborhoods, and how your life can be enriched by living in a place with people your own age and amenities suited for aging well.

Lastly, you’ll find numerous stories about the practicalities of aging, and how to handle them in a stress-free manner. From medical concerns to staying in touch with technology, the stories in this issue will help seniors and others approaching that age begin the process of crossing all T’s and dotting all I’s.

There’s a lot to do in the area for seniors, and many of those things are spotlighted in this issue. So get reading, and start living.

Photo: Courtesy

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

STAY YOUNG by

STAYING ACTIVE

Four quick activities to get you moving, thinking and creating

T

BY MATT CORTINA

hey say nothing good comes of idle hands. But what they don’t say—those glass-halfempty idiom makers—is that good things are made by busy hands. With an active mindset and a willing attitude, your years after 50 can be the most productive of your life.

Luckily, there are numerous avenues to explore an active lifestyle in South Orange County. We’re privy to a natural playground in the Harbor, on the ocean and in our rolling hills. But we also have world-class senior exercise, art, education and volunteering opportunities right in our neighborhoods. Through programs and services offered by the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, and the County of Orange, you’ll be able to get going on your road to activity in no time.

Create Your Masterpiece Whether your ambition is to create a homemade gift in time for the holidays, or to finally put together the masterwork you’ve always carried in your mind, there are numerous ways to start an art project in South County. The city of San Clemente offers a variety of beginner and intermediate art classes at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center. Whether you want to work with watercolors, sketching, acrylics and oils, or jewelry, there is a class waiting to teach you the basics to get you on your way and let your mind create. If inspiration is what you’re looking for, check out the plein air painting competition put on by the San Clemente Art Association, or walk around the tri-cities to find your own outdoor muses. If theater’s your bag, the Beach Cities Senior Club takes trips to performances on stage regularly throughout the year.

Advance Your Knowledge Keeping your mind fresh and taking on new educational challenges is a key component of aging well. Whether you’re committing to learning a new skill or taking a master’s class, as long as your brainwaves are flowing, you’re doing well. Luckily there are a lot of free, low-commitment opportunities to learn in the tri-cities. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center and Ocean Institute can be a wealth of

local marine knowledge. The San Onofre Foundation hosts a regular summer lecture series about a variety of topics. And the San Juan Capistrano Library hosts film nights, book talks and more.

Test Your Body All three senior centers host physical education and workout classes for those over the age of 55. San Clemente offers a small gym with workout equipment, while Dana Pont is equipped with a basketball court. The San Juan facility hosts a number of classes taught by professionals.

There are seated fitness classes, stretching and toning workouts, hula groups, chair yoga and much more. Of course our communities are also home to a number of watersport, cycling, walking and equestrian groups that can apply some of these exercise techniques to a specific task.

Help Your Community Volunteering is a great way to try on a “second career” after retiring while also continuing to provide a service to the community. RSVP, formerly the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, is a free members-only program that matches willing senior volunteers to opportunities that match their interest, skills and desires. Established in 1971, RSVP is one of the largest senior volunteer organizations in the nation with more than 360,000 volunteers. Check out www.oneoc.org for more information on how you can sign up to making a difference in the tri-cities.

aging well |

CREATURE COMFORTS

S

BY ERIC HEINZ

tudies on senior citizens and their relationship with comfort pets show that more often than not, animals and humans benefit each other in a mutual way.

But before becoming the owner of a pet, people should always consult with professionals to see if their living situation will work for both them and the pet.

Sharron Johnson, who visits various assisted living facilities, works with her certified therapy dog, Linus, who had to go through two years of training through the National Therapy Dog Registry “K9 to 5” program and tests administered by the American Kennel Club.

“It’s gaining a lot of traction as more people figure out what kinds of satisfaction can come out of having a therapy dog,” Johnson said.

Johnson frequents San Clemente Villas by the Sea, an assisted living and memory care facility, as well as other nursing

Having a pet can benefit seniors looking for companionship

homes so seniors can enjoy the company of Linus. She said bringing joy to the residents is her top priority.

“They just get so excited to see him,” Johnson said. “I know how much my animals have meant to me, having grown up with dogs. But it takes commitment and consistency. There are some residents at the Villas in assisted living who do have cats or dogs, and they’re a joy.”

Johnson said if people are interested in training a therapy dog, they should be diligent in their search to find a reputable and experienced organization.

Dr. John Agostini of San Clemente Veterinary Hospital is on the board of the nonprofit Pet Project Foundation, which raises funds for medical care for animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

Agostini said by keeping the animals healthy and alive, people whose pets recently died may find comfort in another pet looking for a home.

“That allows a nice opportunity for people to adopt these animals,” Agostini

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

Sharron Johnson and her therapy dog, Linus, visit various senior living facilities in South Orange County.

Photo: Eric Heinz

said. “A lot of the people who adopt are senior citizens. I’ve had clients who have been in town for years, and a happy bond is formed. A lot of older people benefit from having a pet in the house.”

Agostini said the pets also help people stay active to some degree, but people should be capable of taking care of the pet, he said.

Most seniors enjoy the company of a lap dog or a dog that isn’t quite as rambunctious as a puppy, Agostini said, but each relationship is different.

Pet Project Foundation also helps senior

citizensiving on a fixed income pay for their pets’ care.

“If someone doesn’t want the responsibility of taking care of the pet, but they benefit from being around them, they can become a volunteer at the shelter,”Agostini said, adding they have to go through training first. “There are many volunteers there who are in their 70s and 80s.”

For more information about Pet Project Foundation, visit www.petprojectfoundation.org. For more information about the National Therapy Dog Registry, visit www.nationaltherapydogregistry.com.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

The 55+ communities at Rancho Mission Viejo offer social and recreational opportunities in a beautiful setting. Photo: Courtesy

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES

Communities for those 55 and older foster relationships and healthy living

A

BY MATT CORTINA AND ERIC HEINZ

s you get older, it’s common to want to live in a community with people of a similar age, who share the same experiences and values as you. With a sizable aging population in South Orange County, there are likewise a number of communities designated for folks over the age of 55.

These communities offer quality of life, more than anything else. With amenities and activities suited for people of a certain age, members are empowered to live without caution and enjoy what life has to offer.

We highlighted two communities in South Orange County: the residential and lifestyle community of Rancho Mission Viejo (and their subsequent senior community, Gavilan), and San Clemente Village, which is an organization that fosters community through events and programs.

Rancho Mission Viejo The Ranch, as it’s known, refers to 23,000 acres of space behind San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. About 25 percent of the land is in the process of being developed, which includes mixed-use villages, parks, clubhouses, retail centers, farms, trails, businesses and senior living centers—in short, it’s a small town.

In total, about 6,000 of these homes are reserved for people over 55 years old. The first village, Sendero, is already built and

San Clemente Village brings the senior community together through programs and events. Photo: Courtesy

sold, but includes Gavilan, a grouping of four neighborhoods of single-floor homes.

In Gavilan is The Hacienda, a 55-plus only clubhouse with a fitness center, lounge, outdoor patio with grills, garden, bocce courts, pool and meeting rooms.

And there’s more to come. In the Reserve’s newest village, Esencia, is more Gavilan neighborhoods abutting all-ages neighborhoods in order to foster mixedage activities. There are six Gavilan neighborhoods currently selling homes. They all have access to The Outlook, a resortstyle pool with an outdoor dining area, fire pit and much more. And of course, all 55-plus residents throughout Esencia can access The Hacienda in Sendero.

But the neighborhood amenities themselves are just one part of the appeal of Rancho Mission Viejo. There are breathtaking views available from the The Hilltop Center, and trails that jut through the region’s rugged terrain.

Homes in the community range from $600,000 to $900,000, and the other neighborhoods are scheduled to be built in phases over the coming years. For more information on the community, visit www. ranchomissionviejo.com.

San Clemente Village Launched in October 2016, the San Clemente Village is a volunteer-run organization that provides mutual services among

its elderly members, ages 55 and older. It is governed by a board of directors and is supported by subcommittees.

San Clemente Village representative Bob Coff, an operating manager who works with other volunteers, said members take turns with various duties as much as they can. They provide transportation, help with errands and other household chores. It’s also intended to be a social organization to encourage people to become engaged with others.

“Socialized isolation is very debilitating, so the Village keeps us very engaged in the community,” Coff said during the April 18 San Clemente City Council meeting.

“We have members who are 90 years old who have given up their cars because The Village provides transportation up to the grocery store or church. For people who are very independent to give up their cars is a very big accomplishment.”

Membership fees can be found on the Village website. Volunteer opportunities are also available to nonmembers. The Village will accept any age for volunteers, and Reams said they eventually want to start working with teens who want to volunteer. That program is still being developed.

Sherry Reams, president of San Clemente Village, said the organization has increased its membership since launching.

“We now have 77 members and 60 volunteers who have gone through background checks and training,” Reams said.

The Village has also increased its monthly and weekly activities, such as lawn bowling, bridge, bunco, cooking demonstrations, yoga and meditation, and more.

The most popular is the dine-out nights, which are once a month.

Reams said about 15 to 20 people attend the night out at a local restaurant.

To help with technology education, the group helps seniors learn how to choose a password and shows people what certain things mean in a computer and how to avoid online fraud.

“One of the things we’re going to start doing is a safety series, such as how to identify Medicare fraud and how to hire a contractor, how to avoid insurance fraud,” Reams said. “We will work with the sheriff’s department for self-defense for seniors.”

An increase of sociability among members has been noticed, Reams said, which has helped them get out of their homes more frequently.

“We want to set up a program for teens who will teach technology for different products,” Reams said “We are always looking for new ideas.”

A monthly newsletter will be distributed in the near future, once the Village is able to get a new marketing professional.

People do not need to be members to sign up for the newsletter, which can be done on the organization’s website.

For more information about the San Clemente Village, call 949.441.1438 or email info@scvillage.org and visit www.scvillage. org for updates and event calendar.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

PREPARATION IS KEY

How to be ready in the event of a natural disaster

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BY MATT CORTINA

e hope it never happens in South Orange County, but of course natural disasters are a part of life on Earth. And though the paths of earthquakes, storms, heat waves, tsunamis and more can seem arbitrary, there are several steps seniors can take to be aware of potential emergency situations, and to prepare for them.

Here are four basic tips to get you started with your emergency plan, but we recommend consulting your local city emergency planning department for more specific information.

1

Survey Your Risks

2

Devise a Plan

Making sure you’re prepared for an emergency first requires you to find out what types of emergencies are most likely.

Regionally speaking, an earthquake, extreme heat and flooding could create an emergency situation. All of these risks lead to specific life-threatening reactions, such as loss of power, structural damage that blocks movement, fire, high temperatures, lack of access to clean water, and hypothermia.

Planning can save lives. This starts with installing adequate fire prevention items like a smoke alarm and fire extinguisher.

It also extends to ensuring food, medicine and clean water are in a reasonably safe and accessible location in your home.

You should keep emergency phone numbers and those of neighbors and loved ones saved both on your phone and in print, near a landline if possible. Planning suitable evacuation routes both out of your home and out of your neighborhood is a potentially life-saving endeavor. And, of course, it’s important to make sure that if you, or anyone you’re living with, has disabilities, that you consider all potential impediments that may create in an emergency.

3

An emergency kit located in a safe, accessible area could save your life. It should include medicine, water, food, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, important emergency and family contacts, backup glasses or hearing aids, and whatever else you deem a necessity. You should replace the perishable items—batteries and food—every six months to ensure they’ll work should they ever be needed. Additionally, you should consider keeping important documents like your insurance, passports and vital records nearby, or in a safe place that will be accessible in an emergency.

4

The tri-cities are home to several emergency preparedness organizations. In Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, the Community Emergency Response Team holds a series of classes that educates members of the community on everything to do in the event of a disaster, from preparation to fire safety to medical concerns. You can also check with each city to see where the nearest shelter is to your community. Also, reach out to your community manager or HOA directors to see if they have localized emergency response plans and designated shelters. It also doesn’t hurt to have a “buddy system” approach, and exchange information with a neighbor or friend in the event of a disaster.

Make an Emergency Kit

Connect with Your Community

aging well |

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Telemedicine, housecalls and concierge services make receiving healthcare more comfortable and convenient

L

BY DEBRA HOLM

ast year’s closure of Saddleback Memorial Hospital in San Clemente left many South County residents without a nearby resource for emergency room care. However, many visits to the ER are not truly emergencies. The good news is there is now a convenient local service to assist with acute health care assessment.

MedHero, located in San Clemente, offers “Advanced Urgent Care.” What this means is that in addition to traditional urgent care services, MedHero offers telemedicine via a smartphone app, as well as house calls.

Dr. Gregory Moreno, founder of MedHero, wants to be clear that their services are not intended to replace a necessary emergency room visit, or a call to 9-1-1 in a life-threatening situation. Their goal is to bridge the gap between services provided

by a primary care physician and an unnecessary—as well as potentially lengthy and expensive—visit to a hospital emergency room.

Dr. Moreno states that, “Urgent care and house calls have become a big part of current healthcare insurance reform.” He also observed that, in many instances, the visits senior patients make to emergency rooms involve routine treatment for skin tears and minor bumps and bruises.

Avoiding an emergency room visit is a “win-win” answer for all parties involved.

An insurance company benefits from avoiding an expensive emergency room visit and possible hospital stay. A patient is allowed to receive treatment in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Hospital medical staff can administer to those who truly require immediate emergency care as opposed to those with conditions that can be treated just as effectively by other medical professionals.

The MedHero app may be downloaded on to a smart phone for readily available telemedicine. Photo: Courtesy of MedHero

MedHero’s services include treating lacerations, burns, rashes, stomach flu, sunburn urinary issues, diarrhea and dehydration as well as sprains and broken bones. X-rays are taken onsite, and many prescriptions are available at the facility.

So what is telemedicine? The sequence begins by downloading the MedHero app and inputting your medical history and health concern. An interview is then conducted via telephone. In instances where a laceration, rash or skin infection may be present, a photo taken with a smartphone

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

is submitted. A diagnosis is made, and a treatment plan is recommended. Any prescriptions needed are faxed to a pharmacy chosen by the patient.

Making local residents aware of these services—particularly seniors—has been a challenge for Dr. Moreno and his staff.

Current technology may not be readily available to those they hope to reach. If a patient is treated during a visit to the MedHero office, they are provided with information about the MedHero app and encouraged to take advantage of its many benefits. For potential patients who are unfamiliar with installing apps on a smartphone, the staff at MedHero will gladly assist with this process. For more information, visit www. medherosc.com or call 949.207.3603.

Doctor in My House is a membershipbased concierge medical practice providing services to the tri-city area. Three program options are available that can be tailored to a patient’s specific needs. Services offered include house calls, preventative care, advice regarding nutritional needs, and exercise plans. If a specialist is required, your physician reviews and coordinates all referrals. Doctors also monitor medications to ensure there are no potential conflicts or prescriptions they deem to be unnecessary.

For more information about Doctor in My House, visit www. doctorinmyhouse. com or call 949.491.1424.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

QUITE THE PICKLE Local seniors use pickleball league to stay active

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

Video chatting services offer a way to have a face-to-face conversation with loved ones remotely.

STAYING CONNECTED

WITH LOVED ONES Using technology to keep in touch with family and friends

BY MATT CORTINA

hough much of aging well requires seniors to get outside and unplug from an everincreasing flurry of advertisements, Facebook posts and “fake news,” technology serves a vital role in communicating with loved ones—particularly those in younger generations.

Luckily, about 80 percent of seniors have a cell phone according to a Pew Research study, and 60 percent of adults access the internet. That means the tools of email, video chatting and social media are available to more seniors than ever.

Speaking from experience, video chatting services like Skype, Google video, and Apple’s FaceTime are great ways to have face-to-face conversations with people who live far away or people who

are unable to leave the house. You can watch grandchildren grow from across the country, or just have a conversation with a friend across town without feeling disconnected. Using video recording programs on smart phones and computers is also as easy as opening the program, clicking record, then clicking send—a text or email of your video message will be in the inbox of your recipient in seconds.

Social media is also a convenient way to keep tabs on those important to you. Facebook, of course, allows you a look at the everyday thoughts and images from your network, but ask your friends and family if there are blogs, Instagram accounts (a photo sharing phone program), Twitter handles or more that you can access at your leisure.

he sport of pickleball might have a peculiar name, but the action is very familiar. The court on which it is played is small but the boundaries and movements required are easily understood. It is considered by many to be the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and it is one of the more unique activities out there today.

“It’s like ping pong on steroids.” Dana Point Pickleball co-founder Gary Koupal said, perhaps more accurately, when describing the game.

Pickleball was created in 1965 and has since become extremely popular nationwide. According to the USA Pickleball Association, more than 2.5 million people across North America play the sport, and it has become a favorite amongst seniors.

It is a mix between tennis and badminton that does not demand an excessive amount of movement when played at the recreational level.

Koupal and his wife and group co-founder Patti are the resident pickleball experts in the tri-city area. Gary and Patti can be found doling out game strategy and rules inside the Dana Point Community Center gym every Tuesday and Thursday morning as they lead the members of Dana Point Pickleball in organized games.

The Koupals started the club in 2016 and joined up with the Dana Point Community Center to provide free court usage for all interested players. They are certified ambassadors of the USAPA and teach beginners the fundamentals and rules so people can play the first time they show up for a gym session. Dana Point Pickleball also provides equipment free of charge.

Dana Point Pickleball has grown to include over 40 members since 2016. The group meets twice a week at the Dana Point Community Center. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Since the group started in 2016, their numbers have grown to include more than 50 weekly members. The group has players that range from ages 40 to 80.

A reason for the game’s widespread popularity, particularly amongst seniors, is that it accommodates all skill levels and is user-friendly.

Games usually last around 15 minutes, and a player can achieve anywhere from two to four miles worth of steps in a twohour window, Gary estimates.

A pickleball game features four players, two to a side, hitting a plastic ball back and forth into the other team’s area with paddles, much like the action of tennis.

The scoring system is similar to ping pong, and there is a low net that divides the court.

Once the ball is served and in play, players creep closer to the net and most of the action takes place in close quarters. The action inside tight spaces provides a good low-impact exercise, but it also gets the players’ minds thinking strategically.

“A lot of people are not as agile. I can’t run up to it, but I was practicing all the strategy,” Patti Koupal said. “Some people are naturally just stronger and better but you can kind of balance it off as you play around.”

“People come and play (pickleball) and they have a smile. They come in and play and say ‘Oh, that was a good shot. I had a good time’. It’s just a natural instinct,” Gary Koupal added.

Dana Point Pickleball is open to everyone ages 18 and up, and meets every Tuesday and Thursday at the Dana Point Community Center from 8- to 10:30 a.m.

For more information visit www.danapointpickleballblog.blogspot.com.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

TAKING CARE OF

MOM AND DAD

What to expect when taking care of your aging parents

BY MATT CORTINA

t’s a part of the circle of life for many: parents take care of their children when they’re young, and children in turn take care of their parents when they’re old. There’s a beautiful symmetry in the way parentchild units help each other in times of need.

Nevertheless, it’s not always easy to see our parents get older, and the transition from child to caretaker can be difficult.

Luckily, you’re not the first to go through the process, and there are tons of resources from state and federal aging authorities to nonprofit groups to help you through the process.

Here are a few key points aggregated from the Department of State and the AARP to keep in mind as you begin the process of caring for your aging parents.

Communicate The first step to figuring out any elderly care plan is to communicate with your parent or parents. Let them know that change will only come slowly, and that their quality of life is paramount. They should feel like they are in control of the decisions that will affect the next chapter of their lives. Be sure you know what their concerns are as they age, and also what they hope to accomplish.

Know the Warning Signs Oftentimes, parents will either hide issues from their children or think small details that they’ve lived with, and dealt with, for a while are things they are in control of. Older folks also may develop physical or mental illnesses that they are unable to control. So it’s helpful to know that in conjunction with communicating with your parents, you should educate

yourself on common signs that indicate they need help. Failure to take medication, sudden weight loss, burns or injury marks, extreme forgetfulness or suspicion and deterioration of personal habits can all be signs that something is happening with your loved one, and a medical professional should be consulted.

Research Living Options Whether your parents decide to continue living in their homes or move to a senior facility, it’s good to research the caretaking options available to your family. Senior living facilities range from hands-off 55-andolder living communities to round-the-clock assisted living. Check with your parents’ insurance provider, often Medicaid, to

determine what facilities are available.

If your parent or parents choose to stay home, research caretaking companies that can provide companionship, basic housekeeping and food preparation when you’re not around. The County of Orange also provides services to senior citizens.

Take Time for Yourself It can frankly be exhausting to care for your parents, especially if you have young children and work to manage. That’s why it’s important to delegate responsibility with family, friends and service organizations; communicate with your family and your parents about the toll it’s taking; and stick to the goals you set for yourself with regards to caring for your parents.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

DOUBLE-CHECK THE CALLER ID

Common phone and internet scams of which to be wary

BY MATT CORTINA

echnology enables us to stay in touch with friends and family and conduct a lot of business from the comfort of our own homes. No doubt, it’s a vital piece of aging well. But scammers have long been using telephone and internet channels to bilk people—particularly seniors—out of money.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) highlights several reasons why seniors are often the targets of phone and internet scams. Seniors tend to have nest egg financial resources, which make them targets for scammers. Folks who grew up before 1950 also tend to be more trusting, or at least more willing to hear what a scammer has to say, and thus more likely to be persuaded. Seniors also may feel ashamed that they’ve been had by a

scammer, and thus unwilling to report it— though who can blame someone for being taken, it’s important to let officials know what’s going around the community.

The nonprofit National Council on Aging as well as local law enforcement has

highlighted several common scams for which to look out.

Pigeon Drop In this scam, a person will call you or send you an email indicating that they have a large amount of money and is willing to give you some of it if only you divulge your bank account information or put up money of your own. This is the notorious “Nigerian prince” scam, wherein a member of the African country’s royalty, potentially a relative of yours, says it’s your lucky day. But, it’s not. And you should be wary of any offer like this, even if a lawyer or advocate calls to back up the claim.

Fake Accident Unfortunately, access to the names of your friends or relatives may be readily available on the internet to scammers.

That’s why you may get a phone call or email saying that that person is in trouble and needs money wired to them immediately. But be aware of the person sending that message, even if they have an official-sounding title or email address.

Always check with the relative in question, or feel free to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to check out any potential scam.

Perfect Product Scammers will sometimes try to convince seniors that there’s a once-in-a-life-

time product guaranteed to extend life and vitality. With all the products advertised on TV and the internet nowadays, it’s easy to believe the phone is just another avenue through which to be sold a product. But often, these products never come after payment is received.

Fraudulent Charity Who can forget the episode of Seinfeld where George gives out “donations” to the “Human Fund,” as an office holiday gift?

Of course, he made up the Human Fund, thus having to not pay for gifts. Scammers will use the same tactic, although with less hilarious results. Be aware of anyone soliciting donations for any nonprofit, and do your research on the organization before committing to any payment.

Email Scams There’s a lot we still don’t know about email scams—as technology and virus blockers change, so do scams. But there is a common tactic being employed. Often called phishing, scammers will send you an email asking to verify personal or financial information. This can result in everything from full robbery of your sensitive information to installation of a virus on your computer. Get a good virus scanner on your computer, be very skeptical of opening anything in your email’s junk box and if in doubt, check with a friend, family member or other authority.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

S T OF OUR COMMUNITY O H S P A SN

W

BY TOM BLAKE

e who live in the tri-city area are blessed with a wonderful climate, a beautiful ocean and beaches, and a plethora of outdoor activity opportunities. The people aover 50 I encounter embrace life in so many positive ways.

Here is how some of our local citizens are aging well.

Ruth Ruth Levitan, a widow, is a spry 97.

Ruth has lived in the same home in Dana Point for 42 years. Three times a week, she does water aerobics at the Niguel Shores pool with the Dippy Dolphins.

Ruth says, “I also belong to the Garden Club, Women’s Club and a reading club (one book per month). I do bible study at my church (with homework), walk daily and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. I avoid starchy foods.”

Yoko Yoko Smith, 62, San Juan Capistrano, says, “I have a positive attitude and will do anything fun, not dangerous and not skydiving.

“After retiring from a career in industrial engineering in 2010, I’ve had the time of my life: traveling, bike riding, hiking, snow skiing, and taking Zumba and Silver Sneaker classes. In 2016, I sold my home in San Diego and moved to San Juan Capistrano to be near my son and his wife. My grandson was born this January and what a blessing he is!

“I attend a wonderful church (Saddleback Church), play poker with an eclectic group of guys on Fridays, and have dates with my long-distance friend on weekends I traveled to Iceland in February and took a cruise to Vancouver last week. One of my goals in 2017 is to learn standup paddle boarding. Also, if anyone would like to be my bike riding or hiking buddy, let Tom know.”

Laura & Marilyn Marilyn Brown and Laura Schreibman are exercise and stand up paddle boarding friends Brown, 72, says, “I’ve been widowed three years, a San Clemente resident for 37 years, retired Hospice Registered Nurse, mother of three sons, grandmother of four, and daughter to my 94-year-old mother. I am a blessed woman with a loving family, great friends and neighbors.

Marilyn says, “I do stand up paddle boarding (SUP) both inside and outside of Dana Harbor two to three times a week.

“I keep track of my daily steps and try to achieve 10,000 steps a day. My friend and I share a personal trainer twice a week and I belong to Fitness Elite Women’s Gym in Laguna Niguel where I participate in Reformer Pilates, Barre and Urban Rebound classes. I enjoy gardening, belonging to a book club, and recently became a member of Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay and travel as much as I can.

Schreibman, 70, San Clemente, says, “Aging well means continuing an active, involved, challenging lifestyle. Three years ago, I retired from my position as Professor of Psychology at University of California, San Diego, where I taught and conducted research for 30 years.

“I am involved in a lot of exercise activities, six days a week. I take Pilates and Barre classes, work with a personal trainer, and have taken up SUP with a vengeance!

“In college, I played guitar. I have resumed playing in retirement. Social isolation is a huge problem for retirees so I retain prior friendships and make new ones. Plus, my husband and I travel for leisure.”

for two to three hours, three times a week, either in the Harbor or in the ocean. This is an excellent sport to keep you in good overall shape. I love being on the ocean with fresh air, sunshine and a great group of women.

“I recently started strength training with a personal trainer who is also my outrigger coach. I try to stay slim by eating healthy.

“Spending time with my 10-year-old granddaughter is a priority. We like to travel and adventure out together. We go camping, hiking, and take lots of road trips.”

Mike & Jane

Karen Karen Jensen got a great start to aging well—after working for 30 years--by retiring March 30 from Pacific Western Bank, where she was as an assistant vice president.

Karen said, “This chapter will bring a lovely new experience taking up forgotten joys like planting flowers on a beautiful spring day with my sweetheart of almost 50 years, traveling to see our loved ones and actually baking (instead of buying cookies for our six grandkids!).

“Having time to spend relaxing with my Bible instead of rushing through and missing the blessings will be precious.

“I see the golden commodity that has been missing is time. I plan to take advantage and use it or waste it well! Happy times looking back and happy times looking ahead.”

Linda Hakim, 62, a widow, says, “I have paddled with the Dana Point Outrigger Canoe Club for 20 years. We practice

Mike and Jane Lockett, owners of The UPS Store on PCH in Dana Point, believe surrounding themselves with good people helps them stay young. They said, “We have a saying in our family, ‘If your house is not in order, everything else falls by the wayside.’ It’s important for us to put our family and each other first.

“We love walking our dog Zo in our beautiful neighborhood, eating at our local restaurants, and attending our church in Capistrano Beach. Our grandson, a senior at Dana Hills High School, helps to keep us current. Nurturing our personal relationships helps us to be better in all that we do.”

Terry

Ken Linda

day afternoons, and at Stillwater in Dana Point most Wednesday nights.

“I walked every day in 2016. And I watch what I eat; it’s usually yogurt and fruit for lunch. Recently, a friend and I went to Texas and danced in Austin, San Antonio and Bandera.

“If senior single men want to meet nice women, take up country dancing. See you at the Swallows!”

Ken Stetter is aging well. Retired for 14 years, in his 70s, he takes no medications or pills. Ken says, “Country and Western dancing is my passion; I dance three or four times each week. You can find me at the Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday nights and Sun-

Terry Lee Ives, San Clemente, says, “To me, aging well means I take individual personal responsibility for my health, creating a quality of life as I age into my 70s, 80s, 90s, and over 100!

“As a former triathlete, I recognize the importance of the food I eat, the time spent on cardio exercise, mind and body, and my faith, attitude and positive thinking are important.

“I am active in selling and advising and servicing Medicare A, B, C, and D benefits. I plan to work until age 90, and be a ski instructor until age 101. I have had a second home at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado since 1996 and have skied in Colorado for 32 years.”

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) production of farm-fresh eggs and fertilizer for your garden. This workshop will teach you the basics of coop design, how to buy chickens, permits you’ll need, how to raise chickens and more. Admission is $20 for members, $30 for non-members.

The Ecology Center. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www. theecologycenter.org.

MEET AND GREET: THE OCEAN INSTITUTE’S NEW PRESIDENT 10 a.m.-noon. Meet the Ocean Institute’s new president and CEO, Dan Pingaro, over coffee and conversation. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with West Coast Strayz at 2 p.m. followed by the Road Kill Kings at 8:30 p.m. Food from Lisa’s Kitchen will be available throughout the afternoon. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

OLD HOLLYWOOD CHARITY GALA 5:30-10:30 p.m. Put on your classic, vintage Hollywood attire and enjoy a night of giving and fun with the San Clemente Junior Women’s Club, which includes dinner, entertainment, fantastic prizes, auctions and classic Hollywood big band music.

The event is open to the public until sold out. Tickets are $85. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. www.scjwc.org.

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

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8-10 p.m. Hop aboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer to witness marine birds, sea lions, and bioluminescent plankton.

A net will drop down 600 feet to capture these creatures. Cost is $24-$45. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org LIVE MUSIC: WILFAX 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Wilfax at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Sunday | 30 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

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

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m. Hop aboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer this spring for whale watching excursions. Tickets range from San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

$25-$45. Visit the Institute’s website for more dates and times. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org/jazz-festival.

THE DISH

FRIED CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

FIESTA DAYS 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society will hold its fifth annual Fiesta Days, featuring crafts, arts, exhibits, food tasting and much more. This year will see the return of many favorites including tortilla making, piñatas, shell bracelets, whaling memorabilia, an 1890 chore table and 19th-century games. 31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

Monday | 01 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

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

YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this summer. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Tuesday | 02 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM 9-10:15 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a six-week, maritime-themed series of exploration and play suitable for children ages 2 and 3. Stretch your child’s imagination through creative play that supports language development, social interaction and problem-solving. Cost is $30 for a single class. Program runs through May 9.

Register online. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

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. Page 13

F

rom Los Angeles to Nashville, fried chicken is sold in warped shacks and up-to-code boutiques reproduced to look like those shacks. Many of these places will claim to have the best fried chicken, and many are right to do so.

But fried chicken is comfort food. Chefs can sprinkle organic smoked sumac in the batter or raise chickens in their grandmother’s backyard, but fried chicken appeals more to the soul than the taste buds, so empirical research is a little fruitless.

Given that criteria, Mollie’s make fried chicken that could stand up against Gus’s, Roscoe’s, Yardbird or any other take. And they don’t make a big deal about it; out of what seems like 300 menu items, “fried chicken and waffles” gets a bolded font and a small box. You could miss it.

But then you’d be missing a breast, wing

and thigh that are wrapped in a thin, crispy and deeply umami skin, flecked with a healthy amount of fiery black pepper. The meat is moist and abundant, and the balance of crunch to chew is exemplary.

Underneath, two gorgeous Belgian waffles are crispy and light, and taste like vanilla and lemon. A Tapatio butter rounds out the dish and elevates it beyond reproach—if this isn’t your style of waffle or chicken, the butter is undeniable.

Perhaps it’s the big, perpetually filled coffee mug, or the wood panels, or the well-worn booths—or maybe it really is the chicken—but Mollie’s is comfort. Though you should see for yourself.

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

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

Wednesday | 03 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Mollie’s Famous Café. 32033 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.240.9261. www.molliesfamouscafesjc.com

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

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

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

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

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

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

ART GALLERIES

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Integrative Chiropractic

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

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

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

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

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

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

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com

ELECTRICAL

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Arcadia Electric

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

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

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

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES

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

Salon Bamboo

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

Salon Bleu

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

SALONS

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PLUMBING

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

A to Z Leak Detection

Waterbabies Swim School

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control

San Clemente, 949.366.8302

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

WEBSITE DESIGN

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

San Clemente Website Design

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com FOR RENT PRIVATE ROOM FOR RENT Master bedroom suite w/bath. Private entrance. Patio area. Utilities will be taken care of. Private laundry on a designated day and parking for 1 car. A must see!! Separate quarters from main house. $1500 /month. $1500 security deposit.

Safe/Quiet neighborhood!!!!

ROOM FOR RENT. WALKING DISTANCE TO BEACH. Quiet neighborhood. Private access. Lantern District, Dana Point $800 month, $400 deposit. Available immediately. 949-285-2627

GARAGE SALES MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE Saturday, April 29, 7-11am. Lots of good stuff! Via Corbina, San Clemente, 92672 in the Shorecliffs Community.

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE EVENT Saturday, April 29 from 7:00 am to noon in the Brisa Del Mar & Richmond Pointe Neighborhoods of Rancho San Clemente!

All types of household items, baby items, home decor, art, etc. Follow the pink Garage Sale signs up Calle Del Cerro to both neighborhoods! Please call Michelle Wilson at 949-482-5505 for more information.

HAMPTON HILL HOA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 6, 2017. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Off of Del Obispo just south of Stonehill CASITAS DEL RIO HOA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 6, 2017.Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Corner of Camino Del Avion and Alipaz

OTHER SERVICES YOU ALWAYS SAY WE SHOULD GO TO CHURCH Attend church this Sunday in a small town in Montana from the comfort of your own home pour yourself a cup of coffee and join us this Sunday at 8:00AM or 10:00AM www.bitterrootvalleycalvarychapel.com

WANTED STAMPS! Buying large postage stamp collections. Nick. 619.672.0434

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San Clemente Times April 20–26, 2017

Page 21

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Madrid, Spain: One of the Great Cities of the World

O

ccasionally, when people see my partner, Greta, and I around the tricity area, they say, “We read about your last trip. Where are you traveling to next?”

Recently, we’ve answered, “This April and May, Spain and Portugal.”

Greta and I believe it’s important to travel at this stage in our lives, while we are still physically able to do so, and we feel it’s important to keep our bodies moving and minds active on each trip.

We both wear Fitbits ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 on our wrists, which record the number of steps

By Tom Blake we take, and in Madrid we knew we’d be taking lots of steps.

We put those Fitbits to the test before reaching our first hotel in Spain. Madrid’s Barajas International Airport is enormous.

It took us 2,500 steps and a seven-minute shuttle train ride to get from the airplane to the luggage pickup area.

The taxi driver, who drove us from the airport to downtown Madrid, delivered us to the wrong hotel, even though we had shown him our reservation print-out, which included the address.

“It’s a 12-minute walk to your hotel,” a desk clerk at the wrong hotel told us. “It happens all of the time.” Twelve minutes of walking turned into 30 minutes. Along the way, we saw another couple walking in the same direction—looking like us— rolling suitcases and holding an identical hotel reservation print out.

“Looking for Hotel H10?” we asked.

Yup, their taxi driver also dropped them at the same wrong hotel. They were from Wales in the UK. We had a small laugh together. Lots of Fitbit miles that day.

Our correct hotel was located adjacent to Retiro Park, the largest park in Madrid.

A mile and a half walk from the hotel through the park took us to the Prado Museum, considered to be one of the great art museums in the world. A visit to the Prado was our top to-do item in Madrid.

In the park, there is a small lake where rowboats are rented. There had to be 200 boats on the lake with people rowing when we walked past. Also in the park, we visited an all-glass historical structure called the Crystal Palace on the way to the Prado.

My favorite painter is El Greco. There is an entire room devoted to him at the

San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

Prado, an El Greco-lover’s paradise. Goya, Velazquez, Rubens and other renowned world painters are featured at the museum as well.

Our second to-do item was to eat delicious paella. Twice, we ate paella at sidewalk restaurants in the Plaza Mayor, a well-known square in Madrid.

Greta and I love riding trains in Spain.

One day, we rode the Madrid Metro to the Chamartin train station and took the highspeed train to the ancient city of Segovia, a 30-minute ride.

The Roman-built aqueduct in the heart of Segovia is very impressive. Not far from there is the massive cathedral of Segovia, which by itself is worth the day-trip from Madrid. The cathedral has 27 chapels.

We marveled at how difficult building a structure that large and beautiful must have been in the 1500s.

On two of our Madrid days, we didn’t plan anything specific—no museums, cathedrals, castles, flea markets or art galleries. We just set out walking in different parts of this fascinating city.

We always came upon fun things to see and do. We walked down a busy street called the Gran Via, which has magnificent building architecture and all kinds of shops, stores and restaurants.

On that day, we bought a Real Madrid football club jersey for me and a bota bag wine skin for us to take to the Dana Point outdoor summer concerts—filled with vino, of course. We didn’t even buy any ice cream that day, which is hard not to do in Europe, as ice cream is a local favorite.

In the streets of Madrid, you see lots of mimes posing motionless, dressed in some exoteric costume. Some are very original. But, these two, pictured below, in the crowded Plaza del Sol on a Saturday afternoon, took the cake—suspended in the air on a motorcycle. How in the heck did they pull that off?

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com or email at tompblake@ gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Volunteers with the city of San Clemente Environmental Programs pass out information to patrons during the Earth Day events, April 22, in San Clemente.

Global Celebration Earth Day in San Clemente celebrated by locals PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

alifornia State Parks and the city of San Clemente hosted beach cleanups at San Onofre State Beach and the San Clemente Pier for Earth Day on Saturday, April 22.

Following the beach cleanups, festivities took place at Parque Del Mar, which included music, informational booths and vendors selling ocean-related items. SC

Children examine the various items littered on beaches and collected at cleanups.

Members of the San Clemente Beach Conservation Program pose for a photo during the Earth Day events.

The band San Clemente Gratitude performs during the Earth Day events.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Last week’s solution:

Page 16

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Sing with Me Now

San Clemente Choral Society enters 13th season Sal Morreale, president of the SCCS board of directors, said the organization is iant volumes of gospel sheet music trying to grow its membership, but typically lined against the walls of the small the size of the chorus varies from season to room in San Clemente Presbyterian season. Morreale said they currently have Church’s basement, where the San 30 singers and can have up to 60.

Clemente Choral Society (SCCS) re“We do two performances a year: one in hearsed for their spring play. the spring and one in the fall,” Morreale Their vocals chimed together, having said. “We usually take a summer break practiced this song for at least the last 11 and then start up 11 to 12 weeks out from weeks. the Christmas concert.”

“Off to the tailor she did go/ as fast as The seasonal concerts are held in the she could run/ bought him a coat/ the San Clemente Presbyterian Church main best that there was/And the soldier put it amphitheater. on!”

SCCS performs all kinds of music, from But then, they were stopped. church chorus music to jazz to numbers “OK, right on that ‘…off to the tailor,’ from musicals. pause, and you want to look surprised,” The society was founded in the fall of instructs director Laura Harrison. “You 2004 in order to promote choral music in need to give the looks of surprise, because South Orange County, according to the orshe’s going to buy this coat for him.” ganization’s website. The society is mostly The song they were singing was a rendicomprised of singers from San Clemente, tion of the 19th-century folk tune “Soldier, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

Soldier, Won’t You Marry Me?” adapted by As part of their charitable work as a Paul Halley to modern nonprofit organization, show-tune breadth. the SCCS has a foundaThe San Clemente Choral Society’s It’s a more urgent and tion that benefits San Spring Performance, titled “Love and dramatic version and Clemente High School Nature” will take place at 3 p.m. on demands the power music programs.

May 6 at San Clemente Presbyterian and range of the dozens Singers’ ages can Church, located at 119 N. Avenida de of different tunes and range from 18 to over 80. la Estrella. Tickets are $15 for adults octaves to tell a short, People interested in and $5 for children ages 5-12. Call somewhat patriotic, auditioning do not need story within the piece.

949.272.8435 or email ticketsales to have any experience Harrison, who will @sccs-arts.org to inquire ticket singing; they just need to conduct the SCCS for purchases. Visit www.sccs-arts.org be willing to learn how to the first time in front of for more information. harmonize with the rest an audience during the of the chorus.

May 6 performance, is Board member Leslie one of the newest members of the chorus.

Pumper, who has been with the organizaHarrison recommends the music the tion for six years, said she thinks SCCS has chorus performs, but the SCCS board been able to thrive for more than a decade must approve it first. because of the singers’ commitment to “It’s great because I didn’t really know furthering their study of music. who I was working with, so I chose a lot of “Many of our performers have, at some music (for the spring performance) that point in their lives, practiced music,” spans across many different types of muPumper said. “This is a way for them to sic, from jazz pieces to a few well-known get back into it.” songs,” Harrison said.

Rehearsals are 7-9:10 p.m. on Tuesdays Their final rehearsal is Tuesday. at San Clemente Presbyterian Church. SC

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

G

Members of Laguna Beach Beer toast each other during the San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest on Saturday, April 22, at Left Coast Brewing Co.

Suds and Buds San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest draws hundreds for seventh straight year PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

n its seventh year, the San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest was hosted by Left Coast Brewing Co. on Saturday, April 22, at the brewery.

Hundreds of people came to sample the various Southern California microbreweries, as the craft beer market has exploded across the nation in the last decade.

San Clemente breweries in attendancewere Artifex Brewing Company, Pizza Port San Clemente, Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza, Left Coast and the newly minted Lost Winds Brewing Company.

Other breweries in attendance were Mother Earth Brew Co., Four Sons Brewing, Cismontane Brewing Co., Riip Beer Company, The BrewHouse, Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Bottle Logic Brewing and Legacy Brewing Company. SC

Patrons from all around Orange County came to the San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest.

Nicole Lund, left, and Camile Berg share a laugh while tasting the beers available at the San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest.

Shawn Hadjis, director of sales and marketing for Left Coast Brewing Co., serves beer in the tap room of the brewery during the Micro-Brew Fest.

San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

The San Clemente Choral Society practices prior to their May 6 concert, trying to emote in the middle of a piece they will perform during rehearsal on Tuesday, April 25.

Page 18

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Fore the Troops Don Glasgow collects golf equipment for the military one last time

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

here is a hallway in Don Glasgow’s home that is filled with the memories of a life well lived.

There are pictures of his parents, his childhood home, grandkids and friends everywhere. Blending in seamlessly with the photos are plaques commending the 80-year-old for his devotion to volunteerism.

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce has recognized Glasgow as its Citizen of the Year. He has a plaque from the California State Senate hailing him as a stalwart in the community. Hanging at eye level is a Presidential Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, celebrating his volunteer efforts.

As Glasgow walks down the hallway on a quiet Friday afternoon reminiscing over the past, he stops and points to his prized possession. Folded expertly inside a display box is an American flag that flew over a U.S. military base in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. It was given to him by a group of Marines, and it’s the centerpiece of the house.

Glasgow raises his eyebrows as he gestures to the display, the pride swelling up on his face. He doesn’t say another word as he quickly salutes the flag and walks into his garage, ready to go to work.

Glasgow is known in San Clemente for being the consummate volunteer, especially when it concerns active duty and military veterans. Every year he puts the word out that he will be collecting new and used golf equipment to be donated to the men and women he respects so much, and every year the people of Orange County respond in kind.

Glasgow, who served in the Army in the 1950s before moving on to a successful career in business, has collected over 13,000 golf clubs and 50,000 golf balls for the military over the last eight years. From Camp Pendleton to Kuwait and Afghanistan, the clubs he collects have found the eager hands of military personnel looking for an escape while at home or abroad.

When he gets a phone call or an email, he drives as far as he needs to make the pickup. He hand-washes every piece of equipment and makes sure every set is complete with 13 clubs before its handed off to a service member.

“There are no short cuts,” Glasgow explains while examining the latest batch of donations in his garage. “Because these San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

San Clemente resident Don Glasgow collects, cleans and distributes hundreds of sets of golf clubs and equipment to active duty and military veterans every year.

Photo: Eric Heinz

are for my boys.”

Every club and bag gets hand washed, no matter what state it’s in. He’s learned over the years that beneath all the dirt and rust are perfectly fine clubs waiting to be used.

Some bags and clubs fail to meet his expectations, however. An old bag that looks like it was used when names like Palmer and Hogan roamed the PGA Tour was discarded. So was a putter that looked like its previous owner had a bit of a temper.

“This one won’t cut it,” Glasgow said as he dragged the weathered bag to the side of the house.

Buckets of soap, washcloths and lots of steel wool are the instruments of cleanliness he wields like a surgeon. After a good scrubbing, each club face gets another meticulous once over with steel wool. His once-soapy hands quickly turn to brown as the rust and dirt that was caked on a club foam up and spill onto his driveway.

He cleans 40 clubs at once on a fold-up table in the garage and then it’s on to the next batch. This process will repeat itself countless times over the coming months.

This year’s collection effort is particularly important to Glasgow. After eight years he is calling it quits to focus on his charity efforts in Tijuana, Mexico.

Glasgow, his wife, Beverly, and several others started Kingdom Builders Ministry which, among many things, helps build churches, schools and hospice care facilities for the poverty-stricken area.

Glasgow is not a golf nut by any means.

He plays occasionally and doesn’t keep score when he tees it up. But he recognizes the importance the game can have in life.

“The population of the military is no different than ours when it comes to likes and dislikes,” Glasgow said. “There are kids in (the military) who really want to learn to play golf. … They have time off so let’s support them if we can.”

Golf has some barriers to entrance, which is why Glasgow and local partners started a grassroots movement to make the sport accessible and enjoyable.

Several years ago Glasgow reached out to San Clemente Municipal Golf Course PGA teaching professional Rocky Rafkin.

Rafkin offers free lessons to active duty

Page 20

personnel every summer from May to August, and Glasgow wanted to help out by making sure his equipment bin was fully stocked, ready to hook golfers up with a full set of free clubs, if needed.

The efforts at the Muni have morphed into a full-fledged three-month teaching academy for service members and their children. The club lets those participating in Rafkin’s classes play for free after 6 p.m. and provides them with carts.

Glasgow also hands over dozens of sets of clubs to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group for its annual Combat Golf charity tournament, which sells out every year.

“The marines and sailors have heard about our tournament and know they’ll be able to take home a set of clubs. It so far exceeds their expectations,” Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group president Terry Rifkin said. “Don, to me, is like a patriotic godfather. You don’t get to meet someone like him very often.”

It’s out on the range at the San Clemente Municipal or on the course during the Combat Golf Tournament where the fruits of all the labor are realized. Seeing www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS a Wounded Warrior rip a perfect drive down the fairway is all the payment Glasgow says he needs.

As he sits in front of the computer in his den, Glasgow scrolls through a huge photo gallery that has grown over the last eight years. There are dozens of photos of him smiling with Marines and of his car packed to the brim with clubs ready to be transported over to the Muni.

The images on his desktop conjure up a final, poignant story, which took place four years ago near the San Clemente Pier.

Glasgow spotted a man on the street that looked like a Marine, and after introducing himself and thanking the man for his service, the two got to talking. Glasgow asked the Marine what he did for fun in his downtime while serving overseas. The Marine, a helicopter pilot, said one of his favorite memories was when they received a shipment of golf clubs, astroturf and balls to set up their own makeshift driving range.

The shipment, the Marines were told, came from a man in San Clemente.

“I told him ‘That was me’.

I started crying … I was speechless,” Glasgow said. “That’s how I get paid. At random in San Clemente by a Marine from Wisconsin who was in Afghanistan telling me a story like that. It’s all about the end result. To me that’s more important than anything that hangs on my wall. I don’t care what they (award) me, I’ll take that Marine. I love these guys. They’re incredible.”

For the final time, Glasgow is accepting donations of new or used golf equipment Don Glasgow neatly cleans an old golf club with steel until the end of May. He can be reached at wool. Photo: Eric Heinz donglasgow45@aol.com or 949.481.0116. SC

15 kills in the win over the Dolphins.

The Tritons are a different team now than they were three weeks ago when they began league play, thanks to the addition of senior Sean Carroll to the roster. Carroll was sidelined for most of the season with a leg injury but since his return the Tritons have won four straight in league.

San Clemente also defeated Aliso Niguel in four sets on April 25 to improve to 5-1 in league. Hunt had 18 kills, Bryce Curtis had 13 kills and Feiner tallied 34 assists.

Girls Lacrosse Looking to Cap Off Undefeated League Season

The San Clemente boys tennis team won its seventh consecutive South Coast League title on April 25.

Photo: Courtesy

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Boys Tennis Captures Seventh Straight League Title For the seventh consecutive season, the San Clemente boys tennis team proved it is the team to beat in the South Coast League.

The Tritons defeated Dana Hills 11-7 on April 25 to wrap up a perfect run through league play and capture the team’s seventh straight league banner.

San Clemente owns a 14-3 overall record and went 8-0 in league play. The Triton doubles duo of Chris Torcaso and Mike Tilly pulled off an impressive feat in league by never dropping a set in eight San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

matches.

The Tritons will head into the upcoming CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

The San Clemente girls lacrosse team is one win away from running the table in the Sea View League.

The first-place Tritons (13-3, 7-0) will host Capistrano Valley on April 27.

San Clemente has had relatively comfortable wins in league this season, but one of their closest games came against the Cougars back on March 29. The Tritons edged Capo Valley 7-2 in a defensive standoff.

It’s been a stellar turnaround season for San Clemente, which won just six games one year ago. Now they’re looking to end the regular season and head into the playoffs in style.

Baseball Set for Crucial Series Against Diablos The San Clemente baseball team is in the midst of a crucial two-game series with South Coast League rival Mission Viejo.

The Tritons (13-8, 3-4) were scheduled to play the first game against the Diablos (16-7, 4-2) on April 26. Results were not available at press time. The second game of the series will be on April 28 at San Clemente.

San Clemente entered the series in a tie for third place in league with Capistrano Valley (13-10, 3-4) and trailed the secondplace Diablos by two games in the loss column. San Clemente will travel to play fi fth-place Aliso Niguel on April 29. When the dust settles at the end of this threegame week, the Tritons playoff fate will be clearer. The Tritons will be vying for a berth in the upcoming CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

Golf Team Posts Season-Best Score The San Clemente boys golf team fired off its season-best score in a 182-184 victory over Aliso Niguel at El Niguel Country Club on April 25.

San Clemente’s Alex Pak carded a 31 (-4) on the front nine to earn match medal honors. The Tritons improved to 8-5 on the season and 3-4 in South Coast League play with the win.

Volleyball Topples Dolphins to Jump into Title Race The San Clemente boys volleyball team got some revenge against rival Dana Hills on April 21. The Tritons played host to the Dolphins, who defeated San Clemente three weeks ago, and swept them in three games to jump into a share of first place in the South Coast League.

San Clemente (18-6, 5-1 league) was led

by Kian Feiner’s 39 assists and Jess Hunt’s

San Clemente’s Kyler Presho, right, hits against Aliso Niguel during a South Coast League match on April 25.

Photo: Monica Merrill

Page 21

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Bring on the Games

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Thursday: New SSW swell continues while NW swell mixes in. Better exposed breaks offer waist to head high (3-5’) waves. Standout spots are going overhead on sets (6’). Light/variable to light onshore winds through the morning, trending light+ onshore in the afternoon.

Why South Orange County may become the epicenter of Olympic surfing

Outlook: Mix of SSW/S and NW swells continue Friday with wave heights in the waist to head high (3-5’) zone, with larger sets at standouts. Lightest winds in the early mornings. Wave heights begin to drop through the weekend. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

hen it comes to producing the country’s top caliber surfers, Dana Point and San Clemente are consistently at the head of the class. Look no further than Kolohe Andino, who’s currently ranked fi fth in the world, to see what homegrown talent is capable of. And sooner rather than later, South Orange County may be the epicenter of the Olympic surfing movement.

For the last few years, the U.S. Surfing Championships have been held down at Lowers and in that time, the contest, as well as the series of qualifying events leading up to it, have evolved into one of the premier venues for America’s up-and-coming talent to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the national team. To date, the events have been orchestrated by Surfing America, the national program’s governing organization, but in August of 2016, the International Olympic Committee officially announced that the sport of surfing would be a part of the 2020 Tokyo Games and the U.S. program has since had to reevaluate its short- and long-term agendas.

Much like U.S.A. Swimming or U.S.A. Water Polo or any of the national governing bodies of Olympic sports, surfing now must adhere to rules and processes regarding the running of its organization and selection process of its athletes. Because of this, a new organizing body is being formed to organize the U.S. program. U.S.A. Surfing,

As surfing prepares for its Olympic debut, much needs to be decided about how U.S.A. Surfing will organize itself. Photo: Rezendes

will now be in charge of all things national team related, including the championships at Lowers and the eventual selection of the team that will represent America at the 2020 Games.

“It’s a very exciting time for the program,” said Bruce Beach, a member of the newly formed U.S.A. Surfing board of directors. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but with the Olympics as our end goal, it’s going to be really incredible to see where we’re able to take this program and what American surfers are able to achieve.”

The unofficial unveiling of the new U.S.A. Surfing organization will be held at a fundraiser at Nomads Canteen in San Clemente on Thursday night, April 27. Matt Biolos, the founder and mastermind behind …Lost Surfboards, has donated a “shaping experience” to be auctioned off, as well as surfboards ridden by Andino and world

GROM OF THE WEEK

MEG ROH

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M

eg Roh is the San Juan Hills High School surfer that’s made a lot of news recently thanks to her now-famous streak. To date she’s logged over 2,000 days without missing a surf session. The accomplishment has landed her on CNN, ESPN, and all the major news networks.

But this week she’s making news not because of how much she surfs, but

San Clemente Times April 27-May 3, 2017

Photo: Courtesy Meg Roh (left)

because of how well she surfs.

At the Scholastic Surf Series Championships in Oceanside last weekend, Roh made the finals of both the Women’s Shortboard

tour surfer Conner Coffin. There’s also a John John Florence package, VIP San Diego Padres tickets and a heap of other quality surf and non-surf items to bid on.

Besides raising funds for the American program, the evening is a great opportunity to get to see the American Olympic surfing movement evolve right here on local soil. For U.S.A. Surfing, the current plan is to begin exploring new opportunities for corporate sponsors and address the need for a full-time coach that can help get the program to where it needs to be by 2020. There’s even talk of designing a high-performance surf center (hint: San Clemente would be an ideal location for such a facility).

“It’s all happening right here, right in our own backyard,” continued Beach. “What a cool thing to be able to be a part of, and it all kind of kicks off on Thursday night.” SC

and Longboard divisions, proving that there’s a lot more to the San Onofre regular than a record-setting streak.

Thanks to her contribution, as well as those of a number of other talented kids, San Juan Hills captured the SSS title in Women’s Shortboarding and took second in Women’s Longboarding.

With the high school surf season officially coming to a close, Roh can now return to her daily rituals of crossstepping at Old Man’s, carving Lowers or cruising Doheny. She’s only got about three more years until she hits 3,000 straight days. No problem! SC

Page 22

Tritons Take another Title San Clemente High Wins SSS Championships

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

ast weekend, San Clemente High School won its second consecutive Scholastic Surf Series title. Coming off a blistering performance at the NSSA National Scholastic Championships in March that saw the team win the national title, this most recent accolade cements the Tritons as the most dominant high school surf program in the land.

With ten high schools from up and down the California coast participating, San Clemente came away with state titles in the Men’s Shortboarding and Bodyboarding divisions, while the Men’s Longboard squad finished runner-up. The women didn’t have quite the same luck with both the shortboard and longboard teams being eliminated in Round 1.

Held in Oceanside, thanks to a combination of west wind swell and lingering south swell, the waves were crossed up and peaky. For the most part, the wind cooperated and the conditions stayed clean and contestable all weekend. SC www.sanclementetimes.com