January 12, 2022

JANUARY 12-18, 2023 | VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE:

Rainstorm Delays Completion of Train Track Stabilization EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

San Clemente High School Teams Open League Play SPORTS/PAGE 13

Remembrance & Recognition City Honors Fallen Firefighter with Memorial, Park Bench Dedication E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

The city honored fallen firefighter and resident Jonathan Flagler with a memorial and park bench dedication at Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Friday, Jan. 6. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

City Names New Police Chief

Proposed Charter School Seeks OC Education Board Approval

SHACC Exhibit, Film Festival to Shine Light on Women Surfers

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

SURF/PAGE 18

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San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

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EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Honors Fallen Firefighter with Memorial, Park Bench Dedication

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

About a hundred people gathered at Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Friday evening, Jan. 6, to recognize the sacrifices and humanity of Jonathan Flagler, the San Clemente resident and firefighter who died in the line of duty a year ago.

Flagler’s name was emblazoned across dozens of shirts and hoodies of those who attended the City of San Clemente’s dedication of a memorial bench in his honor. The number “83” was also visible in red on the clothes’ left shoulder, representing the Los Angeles County Fire Station in Rancho Palos Verdes where he was stationed.

Flagler lost his life because of injuries sustained while battling a structure fire in Rancho Palos Verdes.

“Everybody loved Jon, so I knew today was going to probably be a big turnout of family and friends,” said Jenny Flagler, Jonathan’s widow. “He was very wellloved. I couldn’t have asked for anything better than what was said.”

Friday’s speakers included Vince Roldan, the LA County Fire Department chaplain who played a significant role in organizing the event, as well as the department’s interim Fire Chief, Anthony Marrone, and San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan, a fellow Talega resident.

“Jon was caring, courageous, and selfless,” said Marrone, the first speaker. “He embodied our core values, which guide all County of Los Angeles firefighters. We have a noble mission of putting our lives on the line to protect others, and Jon did that day.”

Roldan shared that the topic of scars was on his mind leading up to the event

and expanded on how Flagler’s passing left a wound on all who cared for him— those who won’t be the same even after their wounds heal and turn into scars.

He talked about getting to know the Flaglers over the past year. Their oldest son, 16-year-old Brody, showed Roldan how big Flagler’s heart was, and 14-yearold Jack displayed Flagler’s toughness.

“Jon was a great friend. He was funny, he was smart, and he cared about people. And I’ve learned all this about him from the people that knew him and loved him,” Roldan said, adding: “The beauty is that even though the man, Jon Flagler, is no longer here, his spirit lives here with all of you. Scars can be beautiful.”

Roldan added that everyone connected to Flagler could remember the fallen firefighter through the joy he brought to them at work, with his friends and his family, and how he expressed his Christian faith.

The bench dedication, said Roldan, was fitting, as benches represented places of fellowship, a concept that Flagler embodied.

“I can say from getting to know Jon through his family that his loss has left a deep wound,” Roldan said. “But all of his amazing qualities that he had and instilled in all of his family are what help them persevere despite all of the pain.”

Throughout his speech, Duncan fought back tears, pointing to the recent rain and cloudy skies as a sign of Flagler’s presence in the city—which the mayor described as “heaven for firefighters.”

People are always looking for leaders

City Names Capt. Christian as New Police Chief

commander of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Investigations Division after serving the city for nearly 18 months. Benfield’s last day serving San Clemente will be on Thursday, Jan. 12, and Christian will begin his term on Friday, Jan. 13.

In the city’s media release announcing the new chief, Mayor Chris Duncan thanked Benfield for his “dedication and capable leadership” and welcomed Christian to the position.

“We are confident that, since he has previously served as an OCSD Investigator in San Clemente and has lived here

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

After weeks of searching and consideration by the San Clemente City Council, the City of San Clemente announced on Monday afternoon, Jan. 9, that Capt.

James “Jay” Christian will be the new chief of Police Services.

Christian replaces the outgoing Capt.

Tony Benfield, who was promoted to San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Los Angeles County Fire Department Chaplain Vince Roldan speaks at a memorial dedication honoring fallen firefighter and San Clemente resident Jonathan Flagler at Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Friday, Jan. 6. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Page 3

to follow, Duncan said, and the answer does not come in the form of self-seeking politicians or professional athletes.

“Jon reminds us (that) the leader and the hero we’re looking for lives right down the street,” he said, adding: “Standing up for his family, doing things to save people’s lives who would never find out that he did that.”

Instead of asking for credit, Flagler just went home to be with his family, knowing he did his job well, said Duncan.

He added that he was proud San Clemente could honor the fallen first responder with the bench and a plaque, and he advised the audience to be more like Flagler by putting others first in challenging times.

Duncan read off a separate plaque from the city that recognized Flagler and thanked his family for sharing their husband and father with the city.

The memorial bench first was purchased as a birthday gift for Jenny by

her parents, and during the lengthy construction process, she suggested having a dedication on the one-year anniversary of her husband’s passing.

The city and LA County Fire officials got involved soon thereafter and made the occasion into a bigger event, she said.

It was “surreal” that a year had already passed, she said, and that her emotions were heavy heading into the celebration of life.

“In some ways, it feels like it just happened yesterday,” Jenny said. “Other times, it feels like it’s been longer (with) just not hearing his voice or seeing him.”

On a positive note, she said the city has supported her and her family from the minute the tragedy happened through several events, including a candlelight vigil held in January 2022.

“It has been really humbling, and you just realize you live in a special place,” she said. “I know that not every city is like that.”

with his family for the past eight years, Captain Christian will quickly assimilate local knowledge and serve our community well for many years to come,” Duncan said.

Christian has been with OCSD since 1997, with roles including lieutenant of Custody Operations at Central Jail; sergeant of Internal Affairs in the Professional Standards Division; sergeant of Investigations in the North Operations Division; investigator at San Clemente Police Services; and as an investigator in the Homicide Detail of OCSD’s Criminal Investigations Bureau.

An OCSD official said in the city’s announcement that Capt. Christian “comes to San Clemente with a deep knowledge of the community, its values, and its priorities as they relate to community-oriented policing.”

Duncan told San Clemente Times during a recent sit-down interview that he desired to improve public safety within the town and to provide Police Services with all the necessary resources during his time as mayor.

Christian will be introduced as the new chief during the City Council’s next meeting on Jan. 17. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

(From right) San Clemente resident Karla Marolf and her friend, Susie Kimball, partnered to create Project Ribbon, a colorful method of counting down to the important moments in life, as well as bring light in difficult times. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Locally Owned Project Ribbon Looks to Provide Support in Challenging Times

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

To help people recognize the important moments in life and the love and support that surround them, two local women conceptualized a way to make those celebrations tangible.

San Clemente resident Karla Marolf, along with Susie Kimball, her close friend of about 10 years, launched Project Ribbon in 2020, making countdown displays to motivate and inspire.

The displays include numerous gift bags, each with a small card inside describing an actual gift to coincide with a step in the countdown.

Their experiences with pivotal times in life began decades ago when Susie’s

mother, Linda, was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived it, only to later be diagnosed with several other cancers that ultimately took her life.

“I came up initially with this (when) it was just a piece of cardboard with gift certificates during her first round of (chemotherapy for breast cancer), so she had something to look forward to,” Kimball said.

After she and Marolf became friends, another friend of theirs was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2014. The two decided to up the countdown display to include 16 cutout doors representing the number of

Proposed South OC Charter School Seeks Approval from OC Board of Education

BY COLLIN BREAUX

After not getting approved by the Capistrano Unified School District, a proposed new charter school in South Orange County named California Republic Leadership Academy is instead looking to get the green light from the Orange County Board of Education.

The OCBE, which hears appeals for charter school petitions, is expected to give a final vote on whether to approve CRLA in February.

Leadership Academy had an appeal hearing before OCBE on Jan. 4.

Proponents behind the charter school—which would have a classical-focused education and require San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

students to wear uniforms—turned to OCBE after the CUSD Board of Trustees rendered split votes on both approving and denying the charter, which essentially resulted in no definitive action.

Several OCBE trustees announced their support for CRLA during the Jan. 4 hearing.

“How many charter schools have we approved that are doing extremely well? All of them,” Trustee Ken Williams said. “This is the type of public school that parents want. They want to have leadership. They want to get back to the basics and teach our kids critical thinking skills. That’s what this Page 4

treatments their friend Lisa needed to go through.

Before each one, Lisa would open one door and find an envelope and a card describing her gift, be it a homemade dinner or a massage. The fact that so many loved ones contributed gifts to the display made it more special.

Marolf described the duo’s reasoning behind creating countdown displays, as more and more people they knew were diagnosed with cancer.

“They just feel so alone, and then a lot of people … don’t know what to do or how to express that they’re thinking about that person,” she said.

That difficulty encouraged Kimball and Marolf to find a way to let people know they were supported.

Kimball noted the feedback they’ve received from presenting their displays at the San Clemente Farmers Market, in which people come up to them and say they wish they would have known sooner about Project Ribbon.

“It’s sad when we’re making these boards for people, because we know what they’re going through,” Kimball said. “On the other side, they’re made with love, and we know it’s going to bring them joy once they get it.”

The two believe that the participation of extended loved ones for each order is the most exciting part. “(The organizers) that have seen it and found it are so excited to get people involved,” said Kimball. “It’s just something (where) they shout out to their friends and family, and people just can’t wait to jump on it.”

Project Ribbon displays can be used for positive moments as well, such as weddings.

The creators laughed about another example in which parents used the board to encourage and reward their

young son’s good behavior.

“He got a little something each week that he did his chores and was good,” Marolf said. “It can be used for other things, too.”

Their small initiative turned into a full-fledged business during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they had much more free time on their hands, Kimball and Marolf toiled to design the Project Ribbon logo and website with help from Marolf’s daughter.

Each order takes two to three days to put together and ship, as Marolf’s home has an inventory of wood frames, colored gift bags, and cards. One of the more arduous aspects included putting together the frame, in which Kimball’s husband cuts raw wood, the duo paints the frame and lets it dry, and installs the racks from which the gift bags are hung.

Now, the creators are trying to get their name out beyond selling on Etsy and at farmers markets, but the process has been slow going.

“People really don’t know (about it),” Marolf said. “There’s nothing like this out there. So, it is crazy how we’ve researched, and we cannot believe there’s nothing like this.”

They’re open to having Project Ribbon be just a small business, as each of them has other jobs and responsibilities to handle. However, they wouldn’t mind diving full-time into their venture if it grows closer to a household name.

“The more, the merrier, because it’s helping more people,” Kimball said. “We just want to find a way to touch more people and get our names so that the families can experience the joy and love that they’ll bring with one of these gift displays.”

Visit projectribbon.com to see more about Kimball and Marolf’s background and photos of how the displays work.

classical education is going to do.”

Williams also said he disagreed with CUSD staff’s earlier assessment of the charter that said the curriculum was unclear and would not be successfully implemented by the school’s operators.

Gary Davis, California Charter Schools Association Vice President of Civic and Political Affairs, and San Clemente parent Kevin Pratt, instrumental figures behind the charter petition, spoke about the school’s aim during the hearing.

CRLA plans to instill an appreciation for America’s national heritage, and foster creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit in students.

“Our goals are to develop thinkers, entrepreneurs, statesmen and stateswomen to lead our community, our state, our nation,” Davis said. “We’re

putting our faith in our ability to impact the next generation and get it right. We will teach our scholars how to think, not what to think, in a nonpartisan, nonpolitical way.”

Cellphones will not be allowed in classes. CRLA will also make use of mentors and community service projects to emphasize servant leadership.

Pratt said their model is based on the John Adams Academy in Northern California and FranklinCovey Leader in Me program. Pratt’s children were previously enrolled in a Texas charter school, which he’s using to pattern CRLA’s rules.

He found no similar options after moving to South Orange County.

“We did a little survey, just through our grassroots efforts, to say if there was a K-12 classical academy, would you be (Cont. on page 5) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. To receive a link to join, email larrykramerccl@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

San Clemente City Council 5 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, as well as virtually. The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Final touches on emergency train track stabilization in south San Clemente have been pushed back because of recent rainstorms. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Rainstorm Delays Completion of South OC Train Track Stabilization Recent rainfall in California has impacted daily life in the Golden State, as numerous communities have been threatened with flooding and mudslides.

In South Orange County, it’s also slowing down the overall construction schedule of railroad track stabilization in south San Clemente.

A project update given to the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Monday, Jan. 9 said construction is now expected to be complete later than initially expected because of the torrential rain.

“We are losing some time right now due to equipment getting stuck in muddy conditions after the heavy rains last week,” said Jim Beil, executive director for capital programs with OCTA. “We have more significant rain predicted this week,

and that may require some dry-out periods, so it’s looking like this will push our critical installation work out into March.”

The OCTA Board of Directors authorized emergency work last fall because of movement on the track, which is near a slope that frequently gets hit by ocean waves. Construction began in November, and it initially was expected to be completed in February.

“The slope in San Clemente has continued to hold up well against the rain and high surf, and work continues as much as possible through the heavy rains,” OCTA spokesperson Eric Carpenter said in an email. “Monitoring for any track movement is ongoing and around the clock. Substantial work has already been completed on the project, including the installation of the first row of soil nails and tie backs.”

Communication between OCTA and its partners, including the contractor and Metrolink and Amtrak, is ongoing and a decision about when to safely resume passenger service is expected in February, Carpenter said.

“The schedule remains subject to change, depending upon weather condi-

tions,” Carpenter said.

The recent rain has drawn national attention, including from CBS News, which reported that the storms were responsible for at least 14 deaths as of early Tuesday morning, Jan. 10.

“The National Weather Service said rain was expected to continue through Tuesday after dumping up to 14 inches at higher elevations in central and Southern California,” CBS News reported.“After a brief respite, another storm was expected to barrel into the state in a few days, adding to the misery and further saturating areas already at risk of flooding and debris flows.”

Storms have flooded roads, caused power outages for some people and further contributed to concerns about ongoing coastal erosion and mudslides.

Amid Tuesday’s storm, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple advisories for hazardous weather conditions in San Clemente.

According to OC Public Works, the county was expecting to receive 2-3 inches of rainfall through Tuesday evening.

The NWS said the downpour is the result of an atmospheric river that’s moving slowly southeastward.

(Cont. from page 4) interested in it?” Pratt said. “Ninety-eight percent of the people said definitely or maybe so. Now, of course, that’s biased.

That’s just our own network. That’s not totally representative of the whole area, but it was encouraging.”

Cary Johnson, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for CUSD, said district staff identified several categories of concern when recommending CUSD trustees not approve the petition.

“One, the petition presents an unsound educational program. Two, the petitioners are demonstrably unlikely

to implement the program set forth in the petition,” Johnson said. “Three, the petition does not contain reasonably comprehensive descriptions with the 15 required charter elements. Four, the charter school is demonstrably unlikely to serve the interests of the entire community in which the school is proposing to locate.”

Johnson said the educational philosophy is “copied” from multiple sources, but the program itself has not been developed into a “coherent” plan specific to CRLA. “While the petition does include

standards and multiple resources, specific curriculum and instructional designs are missing,” Johnson said. “This is evident in the fact that the curriculum map, by grade level, does not integrate the FranklinCovey curriculum, nor do they include the specific classical literature being taught with the standards and activities.”

An exact location has not been selected for CRLA. Pratt has mentioned looking into using existing campus space at underutilized schools under existing legislation known as Proposition 39. A list of campuses viewed as having low

BY COLLIN BREAUX

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Page 5

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY) will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com. Noble Path, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18

VA Disabled Claims Clinic 2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

Planning Commission 5-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

enrollment provided by Pratt included Marblehead Elementary School in San Clemente.

District officials and staff have said that if Proposition 39 were enacted, the district would need to first do an analysis of available school sites before making any such decision—and that decision would be up to the district.

CRLA’s proposal has drawn backlash from some parents and community members, including in the Marblehead community, because of concerns the new school could take over an existing school’s campus. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Bodyrok San Clemente Looks to Be ‘Pilates 2.0’

Carleigh added that Bodyrok, with locations in metropolitan cities such as San Diego, San Francisco, Nashville and New York, had its plans to expand further paused by the pandemic.

With San Diego County at capacity, the Carlsbad-based couple looked north to open Orange County’s first location.

“We love San Clemente,” Carleigh said. “We’ve camped here for years; we always go to the campground every summer and multiple times throughout the year, so it’s a special place for us.”

Scott also said that the town’s fitness-focused population made for a solid client base.

The new venture is also their first experience in owning a small business, and Scott described the research process

and transforming the studio from what used to be a dry cleaner as a “labor of love.”

From July 2022 to opening day on Dec. 1, they spent countless nights installing floors and baseboards, painting, and decorating to get the place ready, with the occasional help from contractors. Bodyrok’s ribbon-cutting with the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and city officials occurred on Nov. 4.

In terms of the connections Carleigh wants her clients to have with her and each other, she said she intends for there to be a community feel within Bodyrok. She pointed to the seating area set up in the back of the studio as an example of her goal.

“This is why we have this area right here,” Carleigh said. “We want all of our members to feel like family. They should want to come to work out.”

She added that a significant number of people have already gravitated toward one another to chat before and after classes, and that everyone who comes in has been friendly.

Another example of the community growing has been the Krasses’ friends promoting their business to other friends and family, fostering the “second home” feeling Carleigh wants Bodyrok to provide.

Scott also mentioned that on New Year’s Eve, about 15 people stayed after the last class at 10 a.m. for mimosas and cookies.

“That’s the vibe we’re trying to go for,” he said.

Word of mouth and organic clientele growth have been huge for the couple during Bodyrok’s early stages, Carleigh said. They’ve spent time in the community representing their business at local farmers markets and events such as the Dana Point Turkey Trot, but a significant contribution has come from friends spreading the word.

The two have also been able to laugh about the growing pains they have faced in owning and growing their first business, such as Scott’s understanding of using Instagram.

“I’m like a chimpanzee with a typewriter,” he said. “I just embarrassed myself, posting the worst things … but we’re getting there, little by little.”

They also hope to open two more South Orange County locations in the next two years if the San Clemente studio becomes a success.

Classes are seven days a week with times throughout the day, except for the late morning and early afternoon.

The workouts also rotate so that people won’t ever do the same one twice in a week, and a new group of workouts occurs every month.

More information can be found at bodyrok.com.

beaches and identify locations where significant erosion has occurred.

The Nature Based Coastal Resiliency Project Feasibility Study will be presented at the Feb. 14 Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. It will start at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio.

“The goal of the Study is to identify feasible solutions to promote long-term resiliency of beaches by retaining sand and reducing sand loss along the City’s shoreline,” the city said in its announcement.

During Mayor Chris Duncan’s “Look-

ing Ahead” interview with San Clemente Times, he said coastal erosion would be his No. 1 priority in 2023 and referenced the upcoming study.

“It’s an existential issue for San Clemente to make sure we save our sand (and) keep our beaches,” he said, adding: “It’s just critical for our businesses, critical for our residents.”

According to the announcement, the study’s results will be the development of pilot projects for future implementation that could vary depending on the segment of shoreline and its unique

conditions and response and recovery to coastal hazards.

The city has also formally reestablished a Shoreline Monitoring Program that had been inactive for approximately 15 years, with the last completed shoreline survey of San Clemente occurring in 2007. Other related projects include a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment done in 2019 and a Coastal Resiliency Plan in 2021.

Both the study and Shoreline Monitoring Program implement key recommendations in the Coastal Resiliency Plan.

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Fitness enthusiasts Carleigh and Scott Krass look to take Pilates workouts in San Clemente to the next level with the recent opening of Bodyrok, a studio with a nightclub vibe.

Bodyrok sessions are high-intensity and low-impact, using fast transitions between exercises to speed up a full workout from an hour to 45 minutes.

Thus, they create more time in the day to squeeze in exercise.

Carleigh, who has been a certified Pilates trainer for six years, told San Clemente Times that most aspects of Pilates remain, in that the sets are done on a reformer machine and utilize springbased tension. She equates the core-focused Bodyrok to “Pilates 2.0.”

“It’s for someone that really wants to go get a fast-paced workout, but still not injure yourself, not do a bunch of weight,” she said.

Scott added that Bodyrok has been helpful even for someone like him who has lifted weights “like a Neanderthal” since he was 15 years old. He said he has started to experience pain in numerous areas across his body, but he intensely wants to remain active.

The classes include colorful lights and loud music to help the sessions fly by for clients. Additionally, instructors explain what the next exercise or move will be 30 seconds ahead of time, so everyone can quickly transition.

Along with her husband, Carleigh decided to make her lifelong dream of owning a studio come to fruition around mid-2022. She took a couple classes and fell in love with the Bodyrok method, and the mesh between the couple’s friendly, outgoing personalities and timing made the franchising opportunity work.

City Progresses in Researching Coastal Protection with New Study

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The City of San Clemente announced on Tuesday, Jan. 10, that it has initiated a study intended to develop solutions to coastal erosion along San Clemente San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Bodyrok San Clemente owners Carleigh and Scott Krass, pictured here with their children—Connor, 7, and Cora, 9—have plenty of means to bring a fun atmosphere to Pilates workouts. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

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San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

GUEST OPINION | City Council Corner by Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock

Leadership and Water and Sand—Oh, My! H

appy New Year, San Clemente!

The year 2023 is going to be a great year in San Clemente, good Lord willing. Let me start by saying, I am blessed to have been reelected to our City Council and am honored to serve this year as your mayor pro tem.

This year, San Clemente should experience a number of very positive and exciting changes.

First of all, we will soon have a new and experienced city manager on board guiding our city departments and operations. Hopefully, this person should begin full-time service as early as mid-February.

Also, a new chief of Police Services for San Clemente, OC Sheriff Capt. Jay Christian, will be joining us to replace Capt. Tony Benfield, who was promoted to head up the Sheriff’s Investigations Division.

Capt. Christian began his duties in San Clemente last week. He will be leading our contingent of deputies and is committed to having our deputies interact more in our community and spending more time patrolling on foot on sidewalks and parks.

In addition, we are currently receiving proposals to provide city attorney legal services in response to a Request for Proposals the city issued late last year. A new updated contract for the city’s legal services should also be in place within the next month or so. I am optimistic that this will result in substantial savings of taxpayers’ dollars.

Another exciting opportunity for

our city is the desalination project at Doheny State Beach. South Coast Water District (SCWD), with our city’s support, recently obtained California Coastal Commission approval to build a 5 million-gallon-a-day facility to produce fresh drinking water CITY COUNCIL from ocean water.

CORNER This facility

BY STEVE KNOBLOCK could be expanded over time to 15 million gallons or more per day. This year, we will be analyzing the financial viability of the facility and of either partnering with SCWD to form a Joint Powers Authority or entering a long-term water purchase agreement.

Once the financial analysis, governance issues and construction bids are completed and approved, this project could be underway within the next several years. This project would provide future generations of San Clemente and South County residents long-term water delivery protection against droughts and natural or manmade disasters.

One of the most exciting events to take place this year will undoubtedly be the delivery of the long-awaited 250,000 cubic yards of fresh sand on our beaches along Linda Lane to T-Street. While this Army Corps of Engineers project has been 20 years in the

Letter to The Editor

I went into this with some trepidation, because my background was not in construction. The San Clemente team handling my project was patient, informative and helpful and made the process so much easier than I anticipated.

Every step of the inspection process was reviewed with 24 hours. My thanks, in particular, to Tony Araujo, building inspector, and Andy Flores, permit technician, for all their assistance throughout the project.

It just reinforces my appreciation for living in San Clemente.

ADU THANKS KEN ANDERSON, San Clemente I recently added an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to my property and wanted to give a shout-out to the City of San Clemente.

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making, more needs to be done.

When this new sand is placed, we will still have miles of beach sand erosion left unaddressed. There are a number of additional options that need to be considered to preserve and replenish our beautiful beaches.

Those options include the possibility of a series of small jetties to keep the sand from migrating south or north depending on the season. Another option is close-to-shore dredging operations to capture the quality sand that was once on our beaches and now lying underwater close to our shore.

This sand can be captured and rainbowed back onto our beaches.

A dredging operation of this kind, sponsored by a consortium of cities, would benefit not only San Clemente, but could benefit cities along the entire Southern California coastline.

Some people have opined that the environmental challenges posed by these options are insurmountable. However, I adhere to this proverb: “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”

Let’s get on with it. SC Steven Knoblock was elected to a two-year term on the San Clemente City Council in 2020, and reelected in 2022.

He’s serving as mayor pro tem for 2023.

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 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. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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.

sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Reality Check for the New Year O n a flight home from the East Coast last week, I counted more than a dozen TV commercials promoting their new and improved diet programs.

In opposition to the January weight loss obsession, one popular gym went so far as to state it is not accepting new members in the month of January, as it knows these individuals are not serious about their health for the long haul.

Bold move, I say. And yet for me, the excuses from prospective clients continue.

In order to “lose weight,” one has to be in a calorie deficit, period. How one gets there can come in a million and one ways; hence, why so many diet approaches limit food groups, meal portions, timing of eating, encouragement of exercise, and more.

Losing weight is really the easy part, but as most of you know, keeping the

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

weight off is the difficult, if not impossible, part.

While most prospective clients seek my guidance to lose weight, in good conscience, I cannot cajole an individual to work with me by giving them false hope.

Instead, as I do with you loyal readers each month, I continue to try to stick to the facts HEALTH AND regarding the value NUTRITION 101 of a healthy eating

BY GINA COUSINEAU pattern based on solid science of evidence-based nutrition, and an approach that will “teach them” how do lose the weight and keep it off.

What always surprises me is when I ask people what their goals are and if they

Page 8

have a weight objective. Almost all dream of weighing what they did in high school, when they were first married, or when their first baby was born.

I am always taken aback when individuals hold onto these times in their lives, which, for many, were momentary, long ago, and have a difficult time of seeing who they are today.

We all need to have a reality check.

There is no going back to years gone by, but there is moving forward in this new year with a clear vision of improving upon who we were last year, and imagining who we could be this year.

Rather than focusing on the almighty scale, perhaps we can draw our attention to the hope of “gaining health” by spending a little time learning the value of including a healthy eating pattern and consistent movement in our daily lives.

But how do we do this?

My advice is to think first and to focus on preventative health care, more wholesome food choices, and a little movement each day: 1. You don’t need to be plant-exclusive to be healthy, but simply including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, in your life will drive your health.

2. Remember, you didn’t gain the weight overnight. A one-pound-a-week weight

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Jan. 13, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by PFM Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

loss totals 52 pounds in one year. Slow and steady wins the race.

3. Adding an exercise routine to your life will improve your health, but it will not be the driving force to weight loss. All major health organizations recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

I am running a complimentary four-week webinar series via Zoom this month called “How to Lose Weight Without Counting Calories.” Feel free to register at mamagslifestyle.com. SC Gina Cousineau is a local nutrition and fitness expert who specializes in weight loss and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Mama G is a trained chef with her master’s degree in integrative and function nutrition.

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.

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!

Sign up for The Weekender at sanclementetimes.com/weekender

The List

MONDAY | 16

What’s going on in and around town this week

BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels.

31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

THURSDAY | 12

OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. The Doors tribute band Burning Doors will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

FRIDAY | 13 LIVE MUSIC AT BARNOA WINE COMPANY 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mike Sylvestri will perform.

Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. barnoa.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR 7 p.m. Listen to local musicians while enjoying cheese and wine at this downtown bistro. Travis Thomas will perform.

The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3663. thecellarsite.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 7 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks.

26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

SHOWOFF! PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse’s annual showcase for playwrights returns. There will be various 10-minute plays from different playwrights covering numerous genres—and the audience gets to vote for the winner. The festival runs through Jan. 15. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Bruno Cantuária/Pexels

TUESDAY | 17 WINE EDUCATION CLASS AT BARNOA WINE 6-8 p.m. Join sommelier Marcelino to experience his expertise and passion for wine, and learn to drink like a sommelier. Each class is $35 per person and includes five wines and a small plate of cheese and crackers. Call ahead to make a reservation. 949.388.4378.

Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. barnoa.com. menu. The sneak peek will include a four-course, family-style meal. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

SATURDAY | 14

SUNDAY | 15

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles.

Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing.

Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS— BEYOND TOLERANCE 3-4:30 p.m. Join a conversation diving into whether tolerance in society is enough or a mechanism that causes further division. Bahá’í Teachings offers a spiritual perspective on the role of love for all humanity in moving beyond tolerance.

Reserve a spot for free at eventbrite.com.

Bahá’ís of San Clemente, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente.

CAMPESINO BRUNCH 10 a.m.-noon. The Ecology Center is providing a preview of its upcoming café Page 9

TUESDAY | 17 STILL LIFE PAINTING CLASS SERIES 4-5 p.m. Learn still life painting techniques with Kelly Galaher. All materials are included. For participants aged between 12 and 16 years old, parents must remain on-site for the duration of the class. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. casaromantica.org.

TRIVIA TUESDAY 6:30 p.m. Test your knowledge every Tuesday night. Teams of two to six people are welcome to join in for a chance to win prizes. Call beforehand to reserve a table.

Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 201, San Juan Capistrano.

949.429.3599. selmaspizza.com.

WEDNESDAY | 18 NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET-WEAVING DEMONSTRATION 10 a.m.-noon. Want to learn how local Indigenous people craft a basket? On the third Wednesday of the month, local Native American representatives Teeter Marie Olivares Romero, Ellen Sue Olivares, Susie Fimbres, and Wanda Jo Gennaro will demonstrate the craft. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com. sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

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

‘You Look Like My Neighbor’

J

ust before Christmas—50 days after my partner, Greta, passed away—I knew I needed to start getting out of the house and exercising. It was a beautiful, sunny day, so I decided to take a walk in my Monarch Beach neighborhood.

I came upon a woman who was walking her dog. I had seen her walk past my house several times, and we had chatted briefly, but never formally introduced ourselves. The last time I had seen her, I mentioned that Greta was ill.

She was always friendly. I was aware that she was married to Jim, whose home-improvement company had

installed two windows in Greta’s San Clemente home several years before.

She said, “Hi, I’m Lilly. How is your wife?”

I mustered the courage to tell her that Greta had passed away on Oct. 29.

Lilly was shocked, and gracious, and expressed her condolences. We talked for six minutes. She touched my hand and told me how sorry she was, which ON LIFE AND LOVE lifted my spirits.

BY TOM BLAKE I didn’t mention to Lilly that while Greta and I had been together for 25 years, we weren’t married. It wasn’t important information.

The next day, I decided to venture out again. I was in the bread aisle of the Capistrano Beach Costco. I noticed a woman walking in the same aisle. She looked like Lilly.

I said, “You look like my neighbor.”

She said, “You look like my neighbor.

Where do you live?”

“In Monarch Beach,” I replied.

“Me, also,” she said. And then she smiled and quickly added, “Oh, my gosh, I’m Lilly, you’re Tom; we talked yesterday.

You probably didn’t recognize me with-

out my dog.” We had a big laugh over her comment.

Then, Lilly said, “Do you like chili?”

“Yes,” I answered, “I love chili.”

She said, “I made chili last night. We have leftovers. We’ll drop some off later.”

In the checkout lines, we waved and held up identical sourdough bread packages that each of us had selected in the bread aisle. Friendly neighbors think alike, I thought.

A short while after unloading the groceries from my car, I heard a knock on the front door. I opened it. Standing there, with a bowl of chili in his hands, was Jim, Lilly’s husband. I invited him in.

I said, “How long have you and Lilly been together?”

“Seventeen years.”

“How did you two meet?”

“Online,” Jim replied. She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Having noticed that Lilly has a warm and friendly accent, I said, “Where is she from?”

“Costa Rica,” Jim said.

I showed Jim a copy of the How 50 Couples Found Love After 50 book that I published in 2009 and said, “Darn, had I known you two then, I would have included your story in the book.”

Jim smiled and said, “We wouldn’t

have qualified. I was 43 when I met her.

She was younger.”

I added, “You are right. You two were too young for the book. But it still goes to show that internet dating can bring people together, regardless of age, and even when they grew up thousands of miles apart.”

I signed a book with these words: “To Jim, Lilly and the Puppy Dog.” And handed it to Jim. Moral of today’s story: When you’re out and about, be friendly, and talk to people. Jim and Lilly live 60 yards away from me. And now, I have two new friends.

Plus, Lilly’s chili was unbelievably delicious. And best of all, Jim said, “Lilly makes chili often. We’ll bring you more.”

I said, “Promise?”

“Each time,” he said. SC Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

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.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Florence

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES San Clemente Begins: Tractors

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

clear and level the land to build the town’s first houses. Mules stand by in case the newfangled contraptions break down.

This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

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 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

This pretty girl is Florence, a mild-mannered kitten with so much love to give. A tad shy with strangers, Florence quickly warms up once she gets to know you and really enjoys the company of other cats.

Only 7 months old, she would make a great companion kitty in a quiet home.

Could she be the one for you?

If you are interested in adopting Florence, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. 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 10

See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Page 11

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

San Clemente High Senior Finds Purpose in Blossoming Music Career

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

rom playing the guitar to soothing her sick father to preparing for her first official live performance, this San Clemente High School senior has enjoyed how music has impacted her life trajectory.

Lindsay Coulson, 17, is in the budding stages of her music career and looks to release her second single, “Sweatshirt,” to streaming platforms on Feb. 1. The track will come after Coulson received positive feedback from her debut song, “Special,” released in August, and has amassed roughly 34,000 plays on Spotify.

“I’ve been struggling a lot over the past year, but I feel like I finally have a purpose,” Coulson told San Clemente Times about her future in music. “I feel like I can make a difference through my music.”

In anticipation of her upcoming single’s release and her Feb. 2 performance at San Clemente’s OC Tavern, she

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

is partnering with the Orange County Rescue Mission to collect sweatshirts and other clothing for the underprivileged and unhoused populations.

Coulson said the idea of such a charity drive came together while she was picking up her own sweatshirts to use for the new record’s cover. Once she realized that she didn’t wear many of them, she thought she had an opportunity to donate gently used clothing to make a change.

Her first foray into music began about four years ago, Coulson said, when she taught herself to play the guitar by learning all her favorite songs. The inspiration came from her favorite artist, indie rock singer Phoebe Bridgers.

“I saw her playing the guitar on YouTube, and I was such a big fan of hers,” she said.“I thought,‘If she can do it, I can do it, too.’”

She bonded with her father during his battle with cancer by playing his favorite songs for him. Eventually, at the begin-

ning of 2022, she graduated to writing her own songs.

Coulson met her now-manager, Spencer Askin, while taking classes from Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano, where Askin taught. The two kept in touch as her music skills progressed, and he started to help her by playing most of the instruments for her recordings.

“He just helps me through everything, like booking shows and all of that,” said Coulson. “He’s super funny and a great guy, and I’m so lucky that I have him in my life, because I wouldn’t be able to do it without him.”

With Bridgers and other artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Snail Mail and Soccer Mommy as lifelong sources of inspiration and music, the young singer said it was easy to find her sound quickly.

Combine that with her favorite act of gesturing the ubiquitous hand symbol for rock music, in which the index and pinky fingers are extended, and Coulson’s joking self-description as a “rock chick” has come to fruition, “At this point, it’s really not a joke; it’s just who I am,” she said. “I love playing music and recording music. It’s become my personality at this point.”

Following the release of “Special,” which was a more upbeat song about a relationship she was in, Coulson said

Page 12

“Sweatshirt” is slower and sadder.

“It’s really about a relationship ending but still having hope that maybe in the future, when you’re older and more mature … one day, things can be rekindled, and it won’t hurt so bad anymore,” she said.

Coulson added that she was “super excited” for people to hear it.

For her show at OC Tavern, she’ll be performing with her Wool Club bandmate and fellow Triton, Logan Zanella.

All profits will be donated to the OC Rescue Mission.

“I’m hoping a lot of people show up, and not for me, but for a bigger purpose,” said Coulson.“It’s not just about the music.

I love that there’s a purpose behind it.”

She is also in the process of making her first EP, Believe It, which has an unknown release date and features six songs that are already prepared to be on the record.

Coulson said she’s hopeful for her music career.

“My goal is that if one person can listen to my song and relate to it, then I’ve done my job,” she said.

To contact Coulson about contributing to the clothing drive, email 1lindsaycoulson@gmail.com.

Tickets to the OC Tavern show on Feb. 2 are $5, and options for additional donations will be available. SC

sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

TRITON REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Boys Wrestling Sends 12 to the Podium at Nogales Superchamps Tournament A bevy of Tritons earned their way to the podium and pushed the San Clemente boys wrestling team to a fourth-place finish overall at the Nogales Superchamps Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 6-7, in La Puente.

San Clemente placed 12 wrestlers in 11 weight classes, with three medal finishers in the 30-team tournament.

Top of the heap for the Tritons was Thiago Pereira with a second-place silver at 145 pounds. Pereira won his first four matches by fall, including wins in 49 seconds and 65 seconds in the first two rounds, to advance to the title match.

Pereira lost a competitive decision, 8-4, to take second.

Also at 145 pounds, Jacob Belden earned a third-place bronze. After a first-round bye, Belden won by fall in two minutes and then by decision, 5-1, to advance to the semifinals. After a narrow one-point decision loss to the eventual champion, Belden opened the consolation bracket with a technical fall victory, 15-0, and took third with a decision victory, 6-4.

Dominic Morales also earned a medal for the Tritons at 152 pounds. Morales won his first three matches by fall with wins in 63 seconds and 25 seconds followed by a marathon 3:49 to reach the semifinals. Morales lost a close match by decision, 2-0, before posting two wins by fall in the consolation bracket to earn the third-place bronze.

Santino Nonoca (120 pounds), Jakan Rancourt (138 pounds), Kelan Stever (160 pounds) and Max Bolliger (182 pounds) all finished fifth for San Clemente. Caydin Chan (106 pounds), Luis Llanos (113 pounds), Dylan Henry (170 pounds) and Ethan Wiske (195 pounds) all earned sixth-place finishes. Adam Wronski (132 pounds) rounded out the San Clemente podium-placers in seventh.

San Clemente, ranked No. 3 in CIF-SS Division 3, also wrestled in a league match at Aliso Niguel on Tuesday, Jan. 10, but results were not available at press time.

The Tritons next wrestle in the WestSan Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

San Clemente boys wrestling finished fourth at the Nogales Superchamps Tournament by sending 12 wrestlers to the podium, including three medal finishers. Photo: Courtesy of Janelle Stever

ern Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 14. The Sea View League Championships are Jan. 21 at El Toro High School.

Girls Wrestling Places 7 at Two Tournaments, Dominates Aliso Niguel It was a busy weekend for the San Clemente girls wrestling team, and the Tritons rolled that energy into an impressive league performance this week.

Over the weekend, San Clemente sent contingents to two tournaments, with the best Triton results coming in San Dimas.

Berlyn Davis earned a first-place gold at 143 pounds in the Gunnery Sgt. Richard D. Madrid Memorial Tournament.

Davis posted three straight wins by fall and won the tournament championship with a 4-0 decision.

Eden Hernandez also reached the final at 111 pounds in San Dimas before settling for the second-place silver. Hernandez won her first four matches by fall, then lost by fall in the final.

At the Western Lady Pioneer Challenge in Anaheim, Lyndsey Goldring earned a third-place bronze with a bye, win by fall and a decision win in the

third-place match.

Brianna Rodriguez (160 pounds) finished fourth. Cyra Bybee (121 pounds), Emily Llamas (150 pounds) and Madison Diaz (189 pounds) finished sixth.

San Clemente then rolled over Aliso Niguel, 60-18, in a dual meet on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The Tritons next wrestle in the Dick Morris Memorial Tournament at El Toro and the Top Gun Tournament at Bonita, both on Saturday, Jan. 14.

points. San Clemente spread the scoring around, with 8 points from Emma Massamiri and 7 points from Gianna Melton.

San Clemente, ranked No. 4 in CIF-SS Division 2AA, continues league play next Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Trabuco Hills.

Girls Basketball Rolls Aliso Niguel in League Opener

San Clemente has terrorized the South Coast League with its potent offense in recent seasons, and that continued with its league opener on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The Tritons (6-4, 1-0) dominated San Juan Hills in the Stallions’ pool, 19-5.

Helene MacBeth led San Clemente with 7 goals and 4 assists, and Macey Punak added four goals to help pace the Tritons.

San Clemente continued in league play at home against El Toro on Wednesday, Jan. 11, but results were not available at press time.

The Tritons next take on the field at the Santa Barbara Invitational this weekend and come back to league play on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at home against Trabuco Hills. SC

After its first back-to-back losses of the season, the San Clemente girls basketball team has returned to form in a big way to push into the South Coast League season.

The Tritons (17-5, 1-0) dominated University City of San Diego, 61-38, in the Orange County-San Diego Showcase at San Clemente High on Saturday, Jan. 7, and rolled right through Aliso Niguel in their league opener, 62-31, on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

Against Aliso Niguel, Claire Pham led the way with 13 points, and Zona Miller also reached double-digits with 11 Page 13

Girls Water Polo Comes Out Firing in League Opener over San Juan Hills

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226651416 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CORNCOB CLEETUS PRODUCTS 131 W CANADA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): NORMA PATRIDIS 131 W CANADA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/Norma Patridis This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/20/2022 Published in: San Clemente Times, Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE APN: 701-055-14 TS No.: 22-03077CA TSG Order No.: DEF-506889 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2003. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Affinia Default Services, LLC, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded February 21, 2003 as Document No.: 2003000194556 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, executed by: GARY J. SROKA, as Trustor, will be sold AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER for cash (payable in full at time of sale by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said deed of trust in the property situated in said county and state, and as more fully described in the above referenced deed of trust. Sale Date: February 7, 2023 Sale Time: 12:00 PM Sale Location: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 File No:22-03077CA;9948-3121 The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 324 VIA PROMESA, SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673.

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $1,239,857.34 (Estimated). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale.

It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are conSan Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

sidering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information.

If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call, (800) 7588052 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website, www.xome.com, for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, T.S.# 22-03077CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (800) 758-8052, or visit this internet website www.xome. com, using the file number assigned to this case 22-03077CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

File No:22-03077CA;9948-3121 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. For Trustee Sale Information Log On To: www.xome. com or Call: (800) 758-8052. Dated: December 15, 2022 By: Kellee Vollendorff Foreclosure Associate Affinia Default Services, LLC 301 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1720 Long Beach, CA 90802 (833) 2907452 NPP0419270 To: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES 01/12/2023, 01/19/2023, 01/26/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE APN: 936-15-009 TS No.: 22-03711CA TSG Order No.: 220462591-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Affinia Default Services, LLC, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded October 13, 2005 as Document No.: 2005000821782 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, executed by: Bettina Celifle, an unmarried woman, as Trustor, will be sold AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER for cash (payable in full at time of sale by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said deed of trust in the property situated in said county and state, and as more fully described in the above referenced deed of trust. Sale Date: February 6, 2023 Sale Time: 1:30 PM Sale Location: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 File No.:2203711CA The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1412 Buena Vista #9, San Clemente, CA 92672. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $51,944.67 (Estimated). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself.

Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursu-

Page 14

ant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code.

The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call, (916) 939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website, www. nationwideposting.com, for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, T.S.# 22-03711CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction.

There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (916) 939-0772, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 22-03711CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

File No.:22-03711CA If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. For Trustee Sale Information Log On To: www.nationwideposting. com or Call: (916) 939-0772. Dated: December 20, 2022 By: Kellee Vollendorff Foreclosure Associate Affinia Default Services, LLC 301 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1720 Long Beach, CA 90802 (833) 2907452 NPP0419394 To: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES 01/12/2023, 01/19/2023, 01/26/2023 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226650495 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAN CLEMENTE ADVENTURE COMPANY 8 W AVENIDA RAMONA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANDREW CUCHESSI 8 W AVENIDA RAMONA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/Andrew Cuchessi This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/07/2022 Published in: San Clemente Times, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, 2023 sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

CLASSIFIEDS

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226650814 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FREEDESK 2323 MAIN STREET IRVINE, CA 92614 Full Name of Registrant(s): ALSTON INTERNATIONAL INC 3333 MICHELSON DRIVE SUITE 300 IRVINE, CA 92612 This business is conducted by a California Corporation The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a ALSTON INTERNATIONAL INC/s/ZHIJIE WANG, ZHIJIE WANG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/12/2022 Published in: San Clemente Times December 29, 2022, January 5, 12, 19, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT D. TUMBRELLO Case Number: 30-2022-01275161-PR-LA-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of ROBERT D. TUMBRELLO. A Petition for Probate has been filed by SAVANNAH TUMBRELLO HUNTER in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that MARY MAKLER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. This will avoid the need to obtain court approval for many actions taken in connection with the estate. However, before taking certain actions, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.

The petition will be granted unless good cause is shown why it should not be.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: March 22, 2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept:

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

C08 b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. c. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. (1) Appearance at the hearing must be by video remote using the court’s designated video platform; (2) Go to the Court’s website at http://www.occourts.org/media-relations/ probate-mental-health.html to appear remotely for probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions; (3) If you have difficulty connecting to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance.

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If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 58 of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of delivery of the notice to you under Section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may request special notice of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Section 1250 of the California Probate Code.

Attorney for Petitioner: M. Damien Holcomb, Esq. 1875 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Ph: (310) 274-8700 Published in: San Clemente Times, December 29, 2022, January 5, 12, 2023

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the San Clemente Times.

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Page 15

sanclementetimes.com

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Rock Club Music School 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com

Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr., DDS 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, (949)361-GUMS (4867), sanclementeperiodontics.com

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS 3West Environmental, Inc. www.3westenviro.com Residential & commercial inspections for mold, asbestos and lead paint. 949.482.1357

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Page 17

sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

Long-Overdue Time in the Sun

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-60 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10’ Thursday: Fun WNW swell leftovers will keep the winter breaks in playful waist-shoulder high waves, as focal points continue to see sets to head high through the morning tide push. Shape is fairly peaky, and conditions will be clean through the morning. Variable to light+ offshore flow grooms surface conditions clean early, before a light WNW seabreeze develops a manageable texture over the afternoon.

A new SHACC exhibit and San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival look to shine light on female surfers’ contributions

Outlook: Another large WNW swell is heading for Southern California Friday into the weekend, though the long period and slightly more northerly direction will limit size for much of Orange County. The swell peaks Friday, with average winter breaks starting the day in the chest-head high range before lifting into the afternoon. Best breaks are overhead+ at times. Wind is favorable through the morning before a WNW breeze develops into the afternoon. Good size surf continues from the WNW this weekend, gradually easing Saturday into Sunday. Unfortunately, conditions look to struggle as another storm impacts the Southland.

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

H

istory is seldom fair, and surfing is no exception. Over the past half-century, the sport, the industry, and the media have largely been dominated by men.

They sat as presidents of companies, organizers of contests and editors of magazines—making decisions about who gets the spotlight and who gets paid.

Of course, there are female exceptions, but in large part, women’s modern contributions to the sport, culture and lifestyle have flown “under the radar.”

A new exhibit at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente, aptly titled Under the Radar, looks to shine some much-deserved and long-overdue light on the women who paddled out and broke barriers.

For every recognizable name such as Rell Sunn, Joyce Hoffman, Jericho Poppler or Lisa Andersen, all of whom dared to put a crack in the glass ceiling, there have been countless other women right there behind them—they just didn’t get the credit that they deserved.

Gail Couper, Joey Hamasaki and Mary Lou Drummy are but a few of the women celebrated in the new exhibit at SHACC. “We’re really excited to be able to share this history and bring it to light. It’s definitely long-overdue. It wasn’t easy to decide who to feature, since there are so many incredible unsung women that deserve their time in the sun,” says SHACC’s Barry Haun, who curated the exhibit.

“Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction and gives folks a deeper and more comprehensive appreciation for all the women that got us to where we are today,” Haun continued.

Running in conjunction with the Under the Radar exhibit, the fourth annual San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival will take place at SHACC on Jan. 21, from noon to 9 p.m. Presented by the Sandy Feet Initiative, it will also host the Sandy Sip & Shop Arts & Crafts Fair.

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

Joey Hamasaki was one of the top surfers to come out of Hawaii in the 1960s, but like a lot of women, she was never given the credit or received the attention she deserved. A new exhibit at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center looks to rectify this. Photo: Courtesy of Ron Stoner/SHACC

An annual celebration of female filmmakers, artists and creators in Southern California, the Women’s Surf Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing films about women surfers that are directed, produced, and written by women.

This year’s offering will focus on three amazing films, including Stoke Chasers,

by Jo Anna Edmison; The Physics of Noseriding, by Lauren Hill; and Girls Can’t Surf,”written by Julie-Anne De Ruvo.

There will also be a question-and-answer session with various surfers and creators to accompany the screenings.

The Sip & Shop will feature 15 to 20 local women artists. All proceeds support

the Sandy Feet Initiative, which is dedicated to supporting and creating a community for the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, disabilities, and chronic illness. It offers research-based programs at the beach, where children learn coping skills and communication techniques through environmental stewardship and ocean therapy.

“Much work remains to be done in simply taking full measure of the injustices, large and small, heaped upon female surfers over the years,” wrote surf historian Matt Warshaw in a recent newsletter.

“The history they made was barely broadcast at the time, or not broadcast

at all,” Warshaw continued.“The skill and flair they brought to the game went mostly undocumented. The sport is paying for this still and will be for a long while. The mark left on surfing by women in the 1960s and ’70s in many ways consists of the mark left upon them—or, rather, the erasure.”

The new Under the Radar exhibit is now open at SHACC and is definitely worth stopping by to check it out. There are some classic boards, memorabilia, photos and more on display, all helping to share the obscure and untold history and contributions of women in the waves. SC Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

GROM OF THE WEEK

WSL WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

his week, the WSL World Junior Championships are being contested at Seaside Reef, and to kick off the event, there was a ton of local talent in the heat draw. Deciding who will be this year’s junior world champions, the event features the top under-20 surfers from around the world.

“You’re still a grom until you’re 20,” laughed WSL commentator and big-wave charger Peter Mel during the opening day broadcast.

Page 18

For the girls, San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton and Sawyer Lindblad are leading the charge. On the first day of competition, Lindblad won her heat, advancing directly into the Round of 16, while Pinkerton finished runner-up in her heat and will surf in the Elimination Round.

And for the dudes, the hopes of South Orange County are in the hands of Jett Schilling and Kade Matson. Both surfers were relegated to the Elimination Round after the opening

day of competition. This is Matson’s first time back in a jersey after coming off back surgery at the end of 2022.

The WSL World Junior Championships are scheduled to wrap up on Sunday, Jan. 15. Stay tuned to worldsurfleague. com for live heats and updates. SC If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

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San Clemente Times January 12-18, 2023

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