December 6, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

December 6-12, 2018 YO U

C A N

Inside: South County Real Estate Guide

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 13, ISSUE 49

SCHS Winter Sports Previews Take a look at the upcoming Triton sports season S P O R T S / PAG E 2 6

San Clemente girls basketball looks to build off of and learn from last season’s playoff run and has higher aspirations for the 2018-19 season. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

NRC Outlines SONGS Path for Improvement EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Steve Swartz Selected as Mayor; Dan Bane as Pro Tem EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

www.sanclementetimes.com

A Serious Note about Ocean Safety SURF/PAGE 30

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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play like myself. I didn’t have to be anyone.

I didn’t have to do anything different.”

After he was voted off, Merlino was weighed, and it was reported he lost about nine pounds over the course of the competition, commenting that he had eaten quite a bit considering the conditions of the show.

“I’m happy for the reasons of why I went out,” Merlino said. “I was more of a threat than I thought I was.”

Sometimes being too good is a disadvantage. Strategy on the show is not necessarily to keep all the best players on the island, with contestants hoping to whittle the field to a runoff with a mediocre survivor.

Five things San Clemente should know this week CEP Meeting Lays Out Enforcement Schedule, Resumption of Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel THE LATEST: It was an emotional meeting for many members of the public as well as the Community Engagement Panel (CEP).

On Nov. 29, the CEP met to discuss the next steps of enforcement related to a canister incident at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) on Aug. 3.

Going forward, Southern California Edison (SCE), the majority owner and operator of SONGS, will take part in a public hearing in Texas, where the NRC’s Region IV is headquartered, in order to determine how the operators will better train staff and ensure anyone who starts working for the contractors will have the appropriate knowledge and skillsets.

The root cause of the canister incident was identified as contractors without the proper training working on the transfer process. As the properly trained contractors left, there apparently wasn’t enough oversight to make sure the new contractors had the necessary training.

“This event was unacceptable. We failed to provide the oversight, and the contractor failed. We own this and Holtec owns this,” Tom Palmisano, SCE’s vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear officer, said during the CEP meeting.

Holtec International, Inc. is the designer of the latest canisters being stored at SONGS and is contracting services for the transfer process.

The violations the NRC cited related to the incident were the improper loading of the canister and SCE waiting too long to make an official notice of the incident. The canister could have dropped 18 feet due to a lack of tension in its line when the operators were lowering it into a concrete repository, which has concerned many people who follow the issues at SONGS closely.

“Once the licensee has identified the cause and the corrective actions, we will do another formal inspection, once they say they’re ready,” said Scott Morris, the NRC deputy regional administrator for Region IV. “I don’t know when that will be.

We will inspect in detail the cause analyses and the corrective actions, and ideally, we’ll be able to make a final regulatory conclusion that would support the licensee San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

WHAT’S NEXT: As of Wednesday morning, Dec. 5, San Clemente’s other contestant, Angelina Keeley, 28, is still in the competition, along with seven remaining competitors. —EH

Donna Gilmore of the website San Onofre Safety holds up a pair of lemons, a symbol of her frustration with the operators of SONGS. Public speakers were outraged during the Community Engagement Panel meeting on Nov. 29 in Oceanside, where officials from Southern California Edison and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission explain the next steps in the enforcement process regarding an incident with a spent nuclear fuel canister in August. Photo: Eric Heinz

continue to do what they intend.”

Palmisano said that may be able to happen by late January. A detailed process of the next steps for SCE include committing to better training programs, more detailed procedures, more “intrusive and effective” oversight, improvements to canister loading by installing cameras and alarms, as well as creating a corrective action program.

Prior to the meeting, a man had visibly irked CEP board chairman David Victor, Ph.D., and was nearly escorted from the QLN Conference Center.

Some audience members frequently interrupted the meeting, angry about the lack of notice the operators gave regarding the incident. Many people who criticized SCE for its handling of the operations said they want the California Coastal Commission and NRC to revoke SONGS licenses to store the fuel on-site.

Multiple public speakers said they had concerns with SCE going forward with the storage of spent nuclear fuel near the San Clemente coastline.

WHAT’S NEXT: SONGS officials said during the meeting that they could resume transferring nuclear fuel rods to dry cask storage as long as the operators can demonstrate they can safely and effectively complete the transfer process and that certain operational procedures are improved.

At the beginning of the meeting, Victor said that next year could be the best chance

advocates have at changing the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, which currently doesn’t allow for temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel. Congressman Darrell Issa introduced several bills to amend it along with Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois, but none of them got further than the House. Victor said the reason for that is because of the new Congress and Senate, but that if it isn’t passed next year, it could be delayed further due to 2020 being an election year.

FIND OUT MORE: A special extreme situation CEP meeting is still planned for the first quarter of 2019, but an official date had not yet been announced. —Eric Heinz

Alec Merlino Voted Off ‘Survivor’ Island, Angelina Keeley Still in It THE LATEST: Somber as the Ponderosa interviews are, San Clemente’s Alec Merlino, 24, gave his goodbyes after he was voted off the CBS game show Survivor: David vs. Goliath during the Wednesday, Nov. 28 episode.

Merlino said in his exit interview that he was certain he was a goner when he went to “tribal,” the moment when contestants vote one of their survivors off the island.

“Just sitting in tribal was obviously unsettling,” Merlino said during the Ponderosa interview. “They said I was a good play(er). I was glad that I was able to just

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County Road Alignment Proposal Tabled until Jan. 29 THE LATEST: A new road alignment that was scheduled to be discussed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors has been postponed until Jan. 29. The road would be a ninth alignment to the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) South County Mobility projects that include a few toll road alignments that could be constructed through San Clemente.

The county’s proposal would run the road around the east of the Prima Deshecha Landfill and would not require any taking of private property.

WHAT’S NEXT: A full story on the proposed route is available at www.sanclementetimes.com and in the Nov. 29-Dec. 5 edition. Visit www.ocgov.com for more information from the county. —Staff

Surfer Dies at Upper Trestles on Saturday Morning THE LATEST: The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the surfer who died after struggling with the waves at Upper Trestles early Dec. 1 morning as Ellis John Manugo Pontillas, 53. He was listed in the Examiner’s report as an Orange County resident.

Capt. Luke Weaver, the Camp Pendleton Media Engagement Officer, said the Marine base’s fire department responded at 7:06 a.m. at the beach and attempted CPR. Pontillas was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:35 a.m.

Rich Haydon, the superintendent of (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) the California State Parks Orange Coast District, said the man was seen surfing Saturday morning. Haydon said other surfers said they saw him “struggling” with a duck dive after paddling out. The next time Pontillas was seen, he was floating in the water and unresponsive. Other surfers brought him immediately ashore.

According to the National Weather Services in San Diego, the entire Orange and San Diego County coastlines were under a beach advisory at the time of Pontillas’s death. It was forecast that the surf conditions were capable of creating rip currents and waves were estimated to be as high as 7 feet in some places. At Trestles, those waves can get bigger than the average, nearby breaks.

WHAT’S NEXT: An official cause of death had not yet been determined as of the report on Tuesday, Dec. 4. —EH

Steve Swartz Selected as Next Mayor of San Clemente as City Council Changes Course THE LATEST: It didn’t take long for the

Steve Swartz, left, was selected as next year’s mayor of San Clemente on Tuesday, Dec. 4, a move that strayed from the usual trend of appointing the prior year’s mayor pro tem. Dan Bane, right, was selected as next year’s mayor pro tem. Photo: Eric Heinz

new San Clemente City Council majority to start making changes. Steve Swartz was selected mayor of San Clemente by the rest of the council at the Tuesday night meeting, Dec. 4, and first-year Councilmember Dan Bane was selected as mayor pro tem. The votes were 4-1 for

Swartz, with Councilmember and thenmayor pro tem Chris Hamm opposing, and 3-2 for Bane with Hamm and Councilmember Kathy Ward opposing.

Swartz was elected to council in 2016.

It’s uncommon in San Clemente for the City Council to not appoint the prior

year’s mayor pro tem as the next mayor; it’s only happened a few times in the last 30 years or so.

Councilmember Laura Ferguson also began her first year on the dais at last night’s swearing-in ceremony.

Outgoing Mayor Tim Brown and 12year Councilmember Lori Donchak said their emotional goodbyes to the public service to which they had dedicated themselves.

Donchak thanked her husband and close friends along with the various community members with whom she had worked on city projects.

A teacher by profession, Donchak called Bane and Ferguson to the front of the class to give them some parting advice.

“Someone once told me that an effective public servant is looking toward the future,” Donchak said, adding that the new city council must manage its budget conservatively, make the spent nuclear waste at SONGS a priority, and to continue the fight against the proposed toll roads.

She also said that listening to the community helps the most.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next city council meeting is at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the City Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio.

—EH

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Police Services Honors 40th Anniversary of Richard T. Steed’s Death San Clemente Police Department officer Richard T. Steed remains the only San Clemente-based fatality in the history of the department and its successor, Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, members of the San Clemente Police Services hosted an event at the Outlets at San Clemente to commemorate the officer’s heroism that fateful night in 1978.

Future Kids OC Kicks Off with Dec. 15 Event Future Kids OC is a new nonprofit based in Laguna Niguel that is geared toward promoting accurate and effective science education for local kids. In addition to fundraising events, the nonprofit is also planning other educational activities to promote hands-on science education for early development. Proceeds from the events fund local schools’ science education programs.

The first official event on Saturday, Dec. 15 will be a family science event in which Orange County families will be able to tour the organization’s science lab, where they will instruct children on how to build robots for a fun race. More information about Future Kids OC can be found at www.futurekidsoc.org.

San Clemente Volleyball Club to Host College Recruitment Seminar San Clemente Volleyball Club would like to invite you to a college recruiting seminar at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9 at San Clemente Volleyball Club’s newest facility in the San Clemente business park, 1001 Calle Negocio, Suite A. Kara Hill from My Recruiting Solutions will help guide prospective athletes through the recruiting process. Hill will provide families with important information and strategies.

“Whether your player is of recruiting age, or just starting out, the workshop will be beneficial,” a press release from the volleyball club stated.

To reserve a spot, go to www.eventbrite.com and search San Clemente Volleyball Club’s event “Recruiting Solutions Workshop.”

San Clemente Churches to Host ‘Longest Night’ Six churches in San Clemente will come

San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

SC EXCHANGE CLUB MEETING Noon. San Clemente Exchange Club meets on most Thursdays at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.412.6301. www.exchangeclubsc.org.

SCPD Officers Doug Weist, Tracy Sizemore, Vern McGarry, Rick Anderson, Tom Haight, John Ziegler, Mike Spohn, Dispatcher Linda Sutton (Miranoff), Rich Corder and Glen Hollister pay respects to the late Richard T. Steed. Photo: Courtesy of Deputy Jeremiah Prescott/OCSD

together for this service, including Our Savior’s Lutheran, Christ Lutheran, St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist, Palisades United Methodist, and St. Clements by the Sea Episcopal.

“Recognizing that Christmas is not a time of joy and cheer for all but for some a time of loneliness, sorrow or alienation, San Clemente Presbyterian Church, in partnership with six other local churches, will host a ‘Longest Night,’ also known as ‘Blue Christmas,’ service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20,” according to a press release from San Clemente Presbyterian Church.

Traditionally, Longest Night services coincide with the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.

Pastor Candie Blankman said in the release that there is “a growing awareness and concern among churches to the needs of people who are blue at Christmas.”

San Clemente Presbyterian Church is located at 119 N. Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. For more information, call 949.492.6158.

Rockwell’s Bakery Opens at the Outlets Rockwell’s Bakery, Cafe & Bar began as a bakery in 1987, as home to the Original and Famous Chocolate Curl & Fudge Fantasy Cakes, and then, successfully expanded to creating a full line of Rockwell’s Signature Cakes, wedding cakes and custom-designed creative cakes. Rockwell’s Bakery, Cafe & Bar is also known for its comfort food and specialty cocktails. The Outlets at San Clemente location features a walk-up bakery counter, full bar and fullservice breakfast, lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating.

Rockwell’s Bakery, Cafe & Bar at Outlets at San Clemente is located at 101 West

Avenida Vista Hermosa, Suite 116. Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

Valero Gas Station Closed for Renovations Multiple people contacted the San Clemente Times in the past week asking about the state of the Valero gas station, located at 504 Avenida De La Estrella. The station recently was fenced off and closed for business.

But fret not, local patrons, the gas station isn’t going anywhere; it’s just temporarily closed while owners expand the mini-mart and modernize the gas station.

“That plan has been in the works for a while, and they’ll keep the same number of pumps,” said Cecelia Gallardo-Daly, the city’s Community Development director.

She said she does not know how long construction is expected to take.

Anniversary Reception Designs By Nature is celebrating its 26th year in San Clemente by holding a reception scheduled for 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec.14 at the gallery, located at 400 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente.

Stone-art photographer Kirk Kegel, a long-time resident of San Clemente, will be on hand during the evening, showing his new photographs on various media as well as answering any questions. He will also have a photo art sale on a few of his prints. There will be opportunity drawings throughout the evening, and refreshments will be served.

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Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published.

Email eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY 6:30 p.m. The San Clemente Rotary Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month. OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar, 2369 S. El Camino Real. www.sanclementerotary.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11

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

BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The Beaches Parks and Recreation Commission will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meets every Tuesday.

Because I Love You (BILY) helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices.

Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

KIWANIS SAN CLEMENTE Noon. Kiwanis San Clemente meets on most Wednesdays. Fratello’s Italian Restaurant, 647 Camino De Los Mares No. 126, San Clemente. www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

VFW POST 7142 MEETING 7 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7142 will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. San Clemente Elks Lodge, 1505 N. El Camino Real, 949.464.8391. www.vfw7142.com.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San San Clemente Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS CoastLines by Fred Swegles

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 Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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> Susie Lantz (SC)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

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ART/DESIGN

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

Art Director > Jasmine Smith

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Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Columnist > Fred Swegles Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor > Randall Youngman ADVERTISING/ MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent and Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 13, Issue 49. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point 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.

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San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

Murals, Murals on the Walls, What’s Fairest Way to Paint Them All?

O

nce upon a time, a modern remake of a classic Pablo Picasso painting adorned a controversial mural at the top of Avenida Del Mar. File it among “things you can no longer see in San Clemente.” In the image, two ladies were exuberantly prancing on a beach, and, oops, something popped out of their dresses.

I recently ran across a clipping of the 1983 Sun Post story I wrote about the mural, titled: “A little dab of paint puts clothes on Picasso.”

I wrote: “The partly exposed breasts of two ladies who appear on one of the mural’s panels on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real were painted over this week ... local artist Sylvain put clothes on the exposed breasts.”

The city and the Downtown Business Association got complaints.

Afterward, the artist felt remorse for having “cow-towed” to the “very few” people he figured had any problem with his re-creation of the Picasso.

Passersby who saw him covering the exposed breasts were disappointed, he said, even angered.

“It was never my goal to be thrust into a controversy,” Sylvain told me. “I just want it to be a nice, happy thing.”

Evidently, the original Picasso image was a little too happy for some.

Type in “Picasso Two Women Running on the Beach” online. See if you find the 1922 image titillating. My guess is you won’t.

Since then, a remarkably healthy, robust culture of mural art has emerged in San Clemente. Some of my favorites are tile scenes spanning walls at the entrance to the pier, multiple history-based “Tiles on Del Mar” beside downtown benches and a butterfly mosaic on the Mariposa Beach underpass.

Other favorites include murals that volunteers painted as part of a three-year, city-sponsored program (2012-14) to COASTLINES

By Fred Swegles decorate drab, industriallooking traffic signalcontrol boxes at 16 intersections.

I recently drove past all of them to see how they are doing. At passing glance, they all looked very nice. Graffiti vandals appear to have left them alone. Three of my favorites are Meghann Nelsen’s classic cars at the corner of Palizada and Estrella (check out all four sides), Ashley Keene’s “Sunset at Trestles” along Calle del Cerro at Vista Montana and a splash of surf art at the entrance to San Clemente High School, painted impressively in 2012 by Jackson Hinkle, then 12 years old.

All the decorated utility boxes look bright and fresh today.

Privately painted murals on business buildings also abound. I particularly like how a beach mural, painted years ago on a concrete trash enclosure outside North Beach Nutrition, continues to brighten up an alley.

Driving by local artist Jeff Lukasik’s studio on Calle de los Molinos, you can’t help but smile as you gaze at the lovely smiling face he has gently placed on the side of his building in San Clemente’s industrial district.

One of the biggest, longest-standing business murals in town is Stewart Surfboards’ surreal seascape along South El Camino Real.

Another favorite is on the wall of the former Hanson’s Market on Avenida Pico, depicting the Ole Hanson Beach Club during its first decade. When the grocery store closed, the wall was painted over— oops—but then allowed to be re-created by popular demand.

There are plenty more opportunities for public art. In October 2017, the City Council enacted new policies governing art on city-owned facilities. Visit www.sanclemente.org to learn more.

I’m surprised no one has scooped up the opportunity to animate a blank southfacing white wall on the city’s restroom building at North Beach.

There must be a lot of wannabe modernday Picassos out there, brimming with ideas for that wall. Be nice, now!

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with more than 46 years of reporting experience in the city. SC

Letters to The Editor

around our building, which by the way is private property.

These vagrants urinate and defecate in our parking lot. They deal drugs and argue and scream profanity day and night.

They eat your food gifts and then toss the trash in the street. Thank you for enabling them to remain at our workplace.

Second, I also see first-hand the generous gifts to the multiplying vagrants around the State Park and Concordia Elementary School. I’ve seen people give gift bags filled with food and candy and fresh coffee to sleeping homeless people on our sidewalks at the south end of town.

How do I know what’s in the bags? The homeless ignore the gifts, since they don’t include drugs or money. Residents are left to dispose of your gifts in the trash.

Wise up and stop giving drug money

to vagrants. If you feel the need, take a homeless person to your residence and give them comfort and aid. Or give your money to charity organizations that cater to the homeless.

ENABLING HOMELESS IS A BURDEN ON SAN CLEMENTE BOBBIE CAREY, San Clemente

I have two points of view of the homeless epidemic in San Clemente, both based on first-hand observations.

First, I work in the Starbucks building on South El Camino Real, one of the homeless meccas of San Clemente. I have witnessed people distributing breakfast sandwiches, gift cards, coffee, cash, lunch, etc. to the parade of vagrants perpetually

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by City Councilmember Lori Donchak

Stepping Out: 12 Years of Public Service

T

hose of you who participated in Lori Donchak Mayor’s Walks know that stepping out is one of my favorite things to do.

How else to see first-hand all that San Clemente offers? And what a great way to connect with the community. Stepping out with the people in our town has been the foundation of my 12 years as a city councilwoman and an essential part of representing you.

Thank you for the privilege to serve San Clemente. I’ve been proud to be your mayor not once, but twice. I’ve been as proud to be a regional and state voice for you. Together, we’ve gone the distance and for good results.

City Council works as a team. However, individual members choose issues and

projects to lead, often in response to the community voice. As such, I share my own leadership track record and hope you agree we’ve covered a lot of ground.

We updated The Centennial General Plan. When I assumed office in 2006, our city’s General Plan was already over 10 years old, conceived before a third of us even lived here. I was the catalyst for the new plan and, with the hard work of the General Plan Advisory Committee, we now have a General Plan that celebrates and preserves our quality of life and includes input from all corners.

We have a new library with 21st-century technology and workspaces, an expanded area for children and a fresh, inviting atmosphere. By the way, working with the Orange County Library system on this project convinced me that absolutely no city has a better Friends of the Library volunteer organization than San Clemente.

Our kids walk to school more safely.

I’m proud to have brought Safe Routes to School grants to San Clemente, which included a trip to Sacramento to build awareness for our sidewalk needs. Over the past 10 years, our city has received close to $3 million in grant funds for sidewalk improvements at Las Palmas and Concordia Elementary Schools, Shorecliffs Middle School and San Clemente High School.

We created the safety/quiet zone along the Beach Trail. This was a decade-long

marathon that required participation from federal, state, county and local stakeholders. A special thanks to John Dorey and Kirk Steele, who contributed countless hours to a complex issue, demonstrating that resident efforts are essential to achieving great results.

San Clemente became home to the first universally accessible playground in south Orange County. Courtney’s Sandcastle is visited by over 300 people of all CITY COUNCIL abilities each day. Learn CORNER

By Lori Donchak more about this San Clemente treasure at www. courtneyssandcastle.org.

The SC Trolley came to town. Thanks to a productive and long-standing partnership with OCTA, San Clemente enjoys trolley service all summer and with plans now to connect with Dana Point.

We found, named and hiked to San Clemente Summit, the official highest point in San Clemente.

A councilwoman makes over 1,000 votes each year. I hope my votes correctly represented you, particularly on those critical votes related to stopping the toll road, removing nuclear waste at SONGS, addressing public safety and conservatively managing city finances through a tough

recession.

As I step out, may I leave you with one important thought. Please, don’t miss the chance to support and celebrate our city employees. A councilperson is only as good as the city folks who choose to work in our town, and San Clemente is very fortunate to have an outstanding city staff. At the end of the day, it’s their dedication and perseverance that make our city better each day. Happy trails!

Lori Donchak served on San Clemente City Council from 2006 to 2018. She did not seek re-election this year. 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, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso This week’s Beachside Chat guest will be Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane, who is starting his first term on City Council.

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.

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘The Favourite’ is a New Kind of Cinderella Story

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

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.

Thursday | 06 HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAM 6-8 p.m. Longtime San Clemente resident, musician and actor Jerry Velasco will be featured in the San Clemente Historical Society’s free public program. Christmas cheer will be served. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. 949.492.9684. www.sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Friday | 07 LIVE MUSIC: HOMEGROWN 9:30 p.m. Multiple DJs and musicians will converge at the scene. The dancehall event is $10 at the door or $5 if you preorder. The event is limited to ages 21 and up. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.

Saturday | 08 BAHA’I CENTER MEMBERS TO HOST OPEN HOUSE 2-5 p.m. The San Clemente Baha’i Center will host an open house to showcase the various programs it offers. Such programs include the devotionals on Sunday, Soul Food programs, Habitat for Humanity opportunities and more. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com.

CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT 3 p.m. Come enjoy Christmas music from around the world as San Clemente Choral Society proudly presents “Joy to the World,” a global holiday concert. Gloria Dei Church, 33501 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point. 949.429.3224. www.sccs-arts.org.

LARGE NATIVITY SCENE 5 p.m. The biggest nativity scene in the area is lit up for the Christmas holiday season. Saddleback Church will serve a tamale, rice and beans dinner while live jazz is performed. There will be activities for the children, and the event is free. SaddleSan Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Atsushi Nishijima/Fox Searchlight Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Photo: File

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 8, 14 AND 15: DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE 7:30 p.m. Check out the dazzling lights on the dozens of boats at the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. According to the event website, boaters from all around Orange County will be judged in the categories of Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat and the Perpetual Trophy for the Yacht Club with the most entries. They light up the evening with their boats as they parade throughout the Harbor. Dana Point Harbor. www.danapointharbor.com.

back Rancho Capistrano Church, 29250 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.609.8700. www.saddleback.com.

Monday | 10 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle-school to collegeage 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.

Sunday | 09 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along the north side of Avenida Del Mar. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

SOUL FOOD 11 a.m. This month’s performer is Lauren LaRue, a professional songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Soul Food is a spiritual gathering of many faiths where discussions of music and life take place. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com.

MENORAH LIGHTING AT THE OUTLETS 4-5 p.m. Families are invited to celebrate Chanukah with the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente during the fourth annual Menorah Lighting at Outlets at San Clemente.

The free, family-friendly event will include the lighting of a menorah, entertainment for children, balloons, traditional activities, hot latkes, doughnuts and more. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Tuesday | 11 BEND & BREW 6-7 p.m. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. $10 entry. Left Coast Brewing Co., 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.2699. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Wednesday | 12 FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

Page 11

A

ccording to screenwriter Deborah Davis, it took almost 20 years for The Favourite to finally become a major motion picture.

Supposedly back in 1998, Hollywood was claiming period pieces as unpopular and the lesbian arc too risqué.

Over the years, attempts had been made to get the film officially greenlit, with A-list actresses such as Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet rumored to be attached. Now we get arthouse filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos’ first film without himself as an additional writer: The Favourite.

In the early 1700s, Queen Anne of Great Britain (Olivia Colman) has to deal with political relations and possible war with France while fighting serious health issues after contracting gout. While ill, the majority of Anne’s government duties are taken over by her longtime close friend and personal advisor, Duchess Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz). At the same time, Sarah’s cousin and newly appointed castle employee, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), aids Anne as an assistant. Soon jealousy, secrets and betrayal are exposed among the three women.

Nicholas Hoult and Joe Alwyn co-star as the male supporting characters. The Favourite has all the aesthetics and necessities of a quality costume drama, but with Lanthimos’ usual quirky and slightly bizarre style to make it uniquely intriguing for fans of period films.

Stone portrays possibly her most interesting and versatile role to date, and Weisz is a powerhouse. The sexual content and foul language might feel too much at first, but the taboo content ultimately works in context. The dark satire is like a racy Cinderella—if the poor maid had found her way into the castle how Eve Harrington did in All About Eve (1950). SC

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1880 N El Camino Real #80-81, San Clemente 2 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,983 SqFt | 5,200 SqFt Ocean Front Lot Offered for $4,299,000 Enjoy the fun of beachfront living in this pristine cottage in San Clemente’s Capistrano Shores community, where a double homesite welcomes front-row ocean views. Approximatley 2,983 square feet with two bedrooms, three baths, a bonus room, chef’s kitchen, luxe master, sun deck, and custom upgrades throughout. Modern and stylish, the bright and airy design features large windows that frame spectacular ocean, whitewater, sunset, coastline and beach views that stretch for miles up and down the shore. Residents of Capistrano Shores enjoy beach living at its very best. Located between San Diego and Los Angeles, the resident-owned community of just 90 cottages is sought after for its unique combination of an oceanfront setting, attainable prices and timeless charm.

The neighborhood is just minutes from popular shopping centers, local parks, I-5, and excellent schools. Neighbors have formed lasting friendships here, and their pride is evident in each residence’s manicured landscaping and beautiful architectural styles.

DOUG ECHELBERGER | Realtor® Pacific Sotheby’s Intl. Realty 949.498.7711 | Doug@Echelberger.com DRE# 01176379 | Broker DRE# 01767484 www.Echelberger.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Keeping Spirits Bright

A

s we transition from Thanksgiving into the winter holidays, I find myself both excited and a little anxious, as in the past I was known in my family for being so worried about the perfect Christmas that I often turned into the Grinch.

Now a few years older and wiser, I can enjoy the traditions that we have built over the past 30 years as a family.

For many of us, relaxing and lowering the anxiety that accompany the holidays can be difficult. In many households, a lot of the planning often falls on one person, and that can be overwhelming. After several years of struggling, my family started sitting down in the beginning of December to discuss our holiday commitments, helping everyone to enjoy the season and keeping the Grinch out of our home.

Prioritizing events and activities is particularly important for families with teens.

Involving the entire family in choosing which parties, family dinners and community events to attend allows each family member ownership of the calendar. Parents should be prepared that teens might like to be excused from some holiday events in order to have some down time or to spend time with friends.

This can be a tough transition for some families, and parents can have some nonnegotiable commitments on the calendar.

By planning the month out ahead of time, family disputes may be avoided. Teens need to feel they have some ownership over their social life, and inclusion in the planning

empowers them to identify some of their social priorities.

The one mistake I made as my children hit the high school years was dropping some of our regular holiday traditions.

My thought was that some of our annual events were not for older kids. I had forgotten that family traditions offer important connections to each other and continuity with the past, which is critically important in our fastpaced society.

The hours in front of the TV watching The Year without a Santa Claus, Rudolph, and The Grinch were just as important as the packages WELLNESS AND on Christmas morning.

PREVENTION These moments allow

By Susan our family to be in touch Parmelee with the cycle of the seasons and memories of earlier years.

Over the past few years, we have had the benefit of adding two daughters-in-law to our holidays. They bring added creativity and recipes to our annual New Year’s pasta party, include our sons in their family traditions and add some challenges to how we schedule events to accommodate both sides of their families.

These are happy challenges, so long as we remember to recognize everyone’s voice in planning activities and opting out when necessary. Teens and young adults as well as parents need some down time during these weeks. High school and col-

Photo: Courtesy of Calisphere/Pomona Public Library/Burton Frasher Sr.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Various patrons go for a swim at the Ole Hanson Beach Club in this photograph from 1939.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

lege students just finished hectic semesters and late nights studying for finals.

Planning a pajama day when everyone stays home to watch movies is also one of my favorite family traditions and probably the one I look forward to the most.

The next Wellness and Prevention Coalition meeting will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 189 Avenida La Cuesta. The Coalition will discuss its upcoming Wellness Fair, held in February

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

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

Pet of the Week: Pixie Sudoku

Pixie. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

BY MYLES MELLOR

T

Last week’s solution:

aped inside a small cardboard box and discarded in a parking lot, Pixie was initially very nervous when she first arrived at the shelter. Through the gentle care of volunteers and staff, she began to trust again and has become quite the sweet kitty. Pixie is estimated to be about 5 years old and would do best in a quiet home, where she can get all the love she deserves.

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

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

Page 22

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SC San Clemente

Locals Only BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

ACCOUNTING

Chris W. Johnston, CPA, MBA 34184 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point, 949.240.8015, www.cwjcpacorp.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

ART GALLERIES

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

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

CONCRETE

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

Panagia Music: Music Lessons and More!

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL 949.837.6483, www.accuratetermitecontrol.com

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Colony Termite Control

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EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRIC BIKES

Murf Electric Bikes

212 N. El Camino Real, 949.370.3801, www.murfelectricbikes.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

Buy • Consign • Sell

949.395.5681 (24 hours) Available 7 days a week.

We also offer professional appraisals, auction services, restoration and shipping.

CASH SAME DAY Dee Coleman, CEO/Owner 2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente Web: classicautosalesoc.com Email: classicautosalesoc@gmail.com

100% positive EBAY Seller since 2001!

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Accurate Termite and Pest Control

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

Syrens Hair Parlor

Paradise Jewelers

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

DENTISTS

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

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

SALONS

Deadline 5pm Monday.

NO PHONE CALLS.

Salon Bleu

Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

949.493.5683, 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED-RDA/RDAEF We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care. Three to four days a week, possible leading to full-time.

Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority. Bilingual is a plus!

Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: southcountyperio@aol.com.

We look forward to meeting you.

DANA POINT MARINA INN - HELP WANTED Dana Point Marina Inn is looking to fill the following opening: Front office/reservations/desk clerks (AM and PM shifts) Housekeeping Supervisors (Full Time - Days) Dana Point Marina Inn Apply in Person at 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr Dana Point, Ca 92629 949-496-1203

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PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

REALTORS

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty

BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com

Do you want to reach 42,000 people in the San Clemente area? *2.1 readership per 20,000 copies distributed

Then you need to be in the San Clemente Times.

Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 111

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

Page 25

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2018 San Clemente Winter Sports Preview

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he winter sports season is well underway as the bump-up of the CIF calendar extends to the fields, pools, courts and mats. In our annual preview, we highlight all of the winter sports programs at San Clemente High School as they enter the holiday tournament season and approach league play in the new year.

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

GIRLS BASKETBALL The San Clemente girls basketball team is off to a strong start after a solid run in the 2017-18 season.

The Tritons were up and down recordwise last season but rode a late surge into the playoffs. San Clemente grabbed the final playoff berth in the South Coast League and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 3AA playoffs.

The Tritons graduated five seniors from that group and only return two starters, but those two starters are the backbone of a group that has experience.

The two starters come up front in junior Ella Gardiner and senior Theresa De Gree.

Gardiner, a 6-foot-1 forward and center, led the Tritons in points, rebounds and blocks last season and is a game-changer any time she’s on the floor.

“She really grew in confidence and skill,” San Clemente coach Kerri Husbands said of Gardiner. “She’s becoming more of an inside-outside player now. Her outside game has improved tremendously.

She’s a workhorse.”

Adding outside ability to an already dominant post game will make Gardiner a uniquely talented foe for every team.

De Gree, a 5-foot-11 forward and center, joins Gardiner up front to give the Tritons a solid size advantage. De Gree can also drive to the basket and pull in rebounds.

Husbands also touted several returners that have stepped up into their roles in senior Lila Ord and juniors Esther Mafouta and Kylie Krebs. All three played productive minutes for the Tritons last season.

A newcomer to watch is freshman Jolie Johnson. The 6-foot guard and forward San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

Senior Blake Bowen was the leading scorer for the San Clemente boys soccer team last season and will be expected to fill up the net once again. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

has impressed early on.

“She has incredible basketball IQ,” Husbands said. “I keep forgetting that she’s a freshman.”

San Clemente is 6-3 on the season with good showings at the Veterans Week TipOff Classic in Norco and the South Coast Classic in Orange County. The Tritons will play in two more tournaments before opening league play on Jan. 8 against Aliso Niguel.

BOYS BASKETBALL The San Clemente boys basketball team had a tough end to the 2017-18 season.

After winning three consecutive league titles, the Tritons finished fourth in the five-team South Coast League but still earned an at-large playoff berth in CIF-SS Division 2AA. San Clemente lost its playoff opener.

The Tritons also lost key players to graduation and transfer, but San Clemente still has talent to rebuild around.

One of San Clemente’s strengths has been size up front, and that continues this season. The Tritons have three players listed at 6-foot-5 in seniors Ethan Sherrell, Trevor Thompson and Andrew Herbert, plus another at 6-foot-4 in junior Micah Regalado.

San Clemente also has its complements on the outside with strong shooting and ballhandling guards in seniors Anthony Smetona and Mario Medrano, as well as junior Max Rumph.

Smetona kept the Tritons in the playoff

hunt late last season with his long-range shooting and will be counted on as a scorer this season.

San Clemente is still finding itself this season with a 4-3 record early on. The Tritons won four in a row at the Godinez Grizzly Tournament, including a tight win over Dana Hills and a win over co-league champion Aliso Niguel.

The South Coast League only gets tougher with the latest reshuffling. Cochampions Aliso Niguel and Trabuco Hills stay up and only look to be stronger, and Capistrano Valley and Mission Viejo move up from the Sea View League.

Capistrano Valley won the 2017 CIF-SS Division 2A championship and won the Sea View League again last season.

San Clemente opens league play on Jan. 11 against Capistrano Valley.

GIRLS WATER POLO The San Clemente girls water polo team is stacked up and ready to challenge for the elite spots in Southern California water polo.

The Tritons won their second straight South Coast League title last season and their 10th league title in 16 years as part of an aquatics sweep over the 2017-18 sports calendar.

San Clemente rode its momentum and strong performances to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs, where the Tritons were edged in the final seconds and denied a shot at the title.

San Clemente only has one CIF-SS title

Page 26

and two CIF-SS finals appearances to its name in girls water polo, but after a strong run with plenty of returners, the Tritons might be up to the task.

The Tritons return their top two scorers in senior Brooklyn Aguilera and junior Caroline Christl, who combined for 124 goals last season: 64 from Christl and 60 from Aguilera. All but one Triton who scored a goal last season returns.

San Clemente also returns two of its top passers in junior Grace Pelkey and sophomore Alex Higginson, who led the Tritons in assists with 40 and 41, respectively.

Pelkey and Aguilera were also two of the Tritons’ best defensive players with 72 and 55 steals, respectively.

It will be a task to replace graduated goalkeeper Sophia Noble in the cage, but senior Kaylee Wicks and junior Alanna Sayer will be up to the task. They’ll both get plenty of offensive support as well.

The Tritons have a loaded nonleague schedule with dates against Laguna Beach, Mater Dei and Newport Harbor, and San Clemente opens league on Jan. 8 at El Toro.

The Tritons play rival San Clemente in back-to-back games to close the regular season on Jan. 20 and 22.

BOYS SOCCER The San Clemente boys soccer team again tasted league glory, but the Tritons only came so tantalizingly close to their larger goals.

(Cont. on page 28) www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Junior Briana Mendoza (left) and sophomore Karla Rodriguez (right) will be some of those expected to score goals for the San Clemente girls soccer team. Photo: Zach Cavanaghfrom

(Cont. from page 26) The Tritons were dynamic offensively last season to earn their sixth South Coast League title in eight seasons, only to suffer extra-time defeats in the playoffs. San Clemente lost in an eight-round penaltykick shootout in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals and in overtime of the CIF Southern California Regional Final.

San Clemente had a major graduation loss in Gatorade State Player of the Year Tristan Weber and goalkeeper Jake Carter, but the Tritons are still heavy with seniors and experience.

Leading goal-scorer Blake Bowen returns for his senior season and will be counted on heavily from his midfield position. Senior forward Quinn Richards will also contribute.

Senior Liam Linas returns as an active defender who can lock down and kickstart an offense.

A huge key to San Clemente’s playoff run came after an injury in net. Ryan Kowarsch had to step up at the goalkeeper position in the CIF-SS quarterfinals after only a game and a half of varsity experience. Kowarsch made huge saves through San Clemente’s next five playoff games and comes in with confidence for his se-

San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

nior season.

San Clemente is 3-0-1 to open the season, and the Tritons look to be the class of the South Coast League again. San Clemente opens league play at El Toro on Jan. 7.

GIRLS SOCCER San Clemente won its first girls soccer league title since 2012 last season, but the Tritons were hit hard by graduation.

San Clemente graduated its three top scorers as well as impact defenders and its star goalkeeper.

There is talent for the Tritons to build around, but everyone will need to step up to keep San Clemente at the top.

Senior Kayla Blackmore and junior Briana Mendoza were the fourth and fifth scorers, respectively, for the Tritons last season. The pair of forwards showed bursts last season.

Sophomore Karla Rodriguez can also move forward from the midfield position, and she showed a lot of promise as a freshman last season. Junior Isabelle Sanchez and sophomore Maxine Davey will also get work in the midfield.

Senior Rylee Rask will step up at the defensive position for a group looking to

come together early in the season to protect their goalkeepers, senior Ellyn Casto and sophomore Emily Schad.

The Tritons are 1-2 in the early season and once again will play in the tough Mater Dei Invitational before the holiday season.

San Clemente will open league play at rival Aliso Niguel on Jan. 10. The Tritons and Wolverines are always jockeying for the South Coast League. San Clemente will also host Dana Hills on Jan. 17.

GIRLS WRESTLING The girls wrestling program is in its fifth season at San Clemente and saw some strong performances into the CIF-SS tournament last season.

Carolina Moreno returns for her senior season as one of the more accomplished wrestlers to come through the young program.

As a sophomore, Moreno advanced to the State tournament and finished 12th after a third-place finish at CIF-SS and a seventh-place finish at CIF-SS Masters.

However, as a junior, her postseason run came up just short.

Moreno was the No. 1 seed at the CIFSS preliminaries last season and breezed

Page 28

through, but she fell in the quarterfinals at CIF-SS finals and just finished outside of state qualification. Moreno will look to bounce back and reach State once again this season.

The girls wrestling team will take on upcoming competitions in the Santa Ana Tournament on Dec. 8, Magnolia Tournament on Dec. 22 and the Blackwatch Tournament on Dec. 29.

BOYS WRESTLING The San Clemente boys wrestling team relied on a young group last season, and the Tritons will continue to build into a strong group this season.

The Tritons were ranked No. 10 in the Division 2 preseason dual meet poll, and San Clemente has earned good results in early tournament play.

San Clemente earned a second-place finish at the 30-team Costa Mesa Classic and will continue on at the Citrus Hills Invitational on Dec. 8.

With the CIF schedule moving up, San Clemente’s annual Rotary Invitational tournament will be a holiday tournament, with the Tritons hosting on Dec. 22.

The Coast View Athletic Association tournament will take place on Jan. 19. SC

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Serious Note about Ocean Safety After a death at Trestles last weekend, the issue of water safety and emergency response is more important than ever

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

ast weekend, after a deluge of rain earlier in the week and subsequent stormy conditions, on Saturday morning, Dec. 1, a surfer was found face down in the water at Upper Trestles.

Witnesses reported seeing Ellis John Manugo Pontillas, 53, “struggling” while attempting to duck dive and paddle out to the lineup. He was later found unconscious in the water. Surfers responded to the emergency situation and attempted to revive him on the beach. Camp Pendleton Fire Department personnel responded to the call but were unsuccessful in their resuscitation efforts. According to Camp Pendleton media officials, Pontillas was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:36 a.m.

It is unclear at this point if the man’s cause of death was related to the surf, which was in the waist- to shoulder-high zone, or if there were health factors such as a heart attack in play. As of press time, the San Diego County Department of the Medical Examiner had yet to release the official cause of death.

GROM OF THE WEEK

BODHI AGUILAR

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

ip of the cap to all the groms who got after it last weekend at the San Clemente Pier for the Western Surfing Association competition. The conditions weren’t tropical, and they weren’t easy, but the kids didn’t shy away from them.

Grom of the Week honors go to Bodhi Aguilar of San Clemente. Surfing in the final with his friends, Bodhi, aka @bodacious_bojangles on Instagram, earned himself a very respectable third-place finish. Just as stoked to be out in the water with his friends as he was to get a trophy, San Clemente Times December 6-12, 2018

A man was pronounced dead after seen struggling in the water at Upper Trestles on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo: File

When it comes to tragic situations in the lineup like this, surfers are typically the first responders, and the more prepared they are to render first aid or CPR, the more likely there will be a positive outcome to the situation.

This is not to say that anything different could have been done in this particular case, but there are instances where lives can be saved and a little bit of water safety training can go a long way. Look no further than the shark attack at San Onofre in 2017, where surfers were able to get the victim out of the water, onto the beach and begin administering first aid while lifeguards and medics were still en route to the scene.

They very likely saved a life that day.

The Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG) was established by legendary

Hawaiian waterman Brian Keaulana, as well as San Clemente’s Greg Long and a number of the world’s other top big-wave surfers, for this purpose. While initially developed to help the big-wave surfing community be safer, the stated goal of the organization is to develop and teach the “best practices for critical rescue, first aid, surf knowledge and personal preparedness.” Any surfer, whether surfing 2-foot Old Man’s or 30-foot Mavericks, can benefit from such training.

“You never know when you’re going to be confronted with a situation in the water, or even out of the water, and having the knowledge, ability and confidence to step in can mean the difference between life or death,” said BWRAG’s Danilo Couto during a training seminar in Oceanside last summer.

he was as appreciative of the experience as the result.

“I got to compete in San Clemente today at the SC Pier with my friends and it was so fun!” Bodhi posted on his Instagram feed. “I got third place in the U9 division and I’m so stoked for my friend @ brodyfish_buck who got first place and Tanner @the_sandvigs who got 2nd and my buddy Zion @wherewall who got 4th.

The ocean was stormy and rough and it was rad seeing everyone make the best of the tough conditions. Congrats to all my friends in the U10 division.”

Amazing result, amazing sportsmanship, and he can write, too! Stay stoked, Bodhi. You’re an epic ambassador for the local surf scene. SC

Bodhi Aguilar. Photo: Courtesy of WSA

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“Even if the waves are small and you’re in an ordinary situation, a lot of times things can get intense. Whether it’s you helping someone else…there are a lot of weird things that can happen when you’re surfing on an ordinary day,” Hawaii’s Shane Dorian said in a recent interview with the World Surf League.

The fact is, you don’t need to be a bigwave surfer to be prepared for an emergency situation. There are more surfers in the water than ever, a fact that’s not likely to change anytime soon. The more we all pursue the training and education necessary to potentially save a life—whether it’s a heart attack, a shark attack, or a near drowning— the better the chances are that everyone gets back to the beach safely. SC

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