January 14, 2021

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January 14-20, 2021

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CoastLines by Fred Swegles: Let Safety & Fun on E-bikes Coexist PAGE 11 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

Rules of the Road

Council Gets Recommendations for New E-Bike Regulations on Beach Trail E Y E O N S C / PAG E 5

The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending to the city council a series of updated regulations over the use of e-bikes on the beach trail, including a proposal to lower the speed limit to 5 mph. Photo: Chloe Anady

Ray’s Barber Place Closes Doors EYE OPN SC/PAGE 3

OC Widens Vaccine Eligibility to 65-Plus EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

sanclementetimes.com

Equipment Malfunction Throws Wrench in Quiet Zone Renewal EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Ray’s Barber Place Closes Doors for Good THE LATEST: When Rachael “Ray” Preston opened Ray’s Barber Place in San Clemente in the spring of 2003, she never envisioned that she would need to build the business back up again nearly 18 years later.

Rather than try to recover from the pandemic and the state’s stay-at-home orders that have had her constantly swinging the shop’s doors from open to closed, Preston decided it was time to close up shop for good.

“COVID was the final nail in the coffin.

Our industry has changed so much and been hit so hard, I had to come to a decision of what I’m facing trying to recover from this,” Preston told San Clemente Times on Tuesday, Jan. 12, a day after officially locking the doors one last time.

Because of the pandemic, she said, there’s been a shift in the personal care industry. More barbers and stylists have become independent, going on house calls and offering mobile services because there’s not enough work at shops, as many customers remain reluctant to get haircuts and styled in person.

“It affects businesses when half of the clientele is afraid to come back,” she said.

“So, business slowed down, and there’s nobody to hire to recover.”

To be accommodating and adhere to the social-distancing guidelines, Preston said she changed the business model, requiring customers to come in on an appointment-only basis, helping reduce the waiting and prevent congregating.

After all that, she said, “They still shut us down and deem us unessential.”

Through the shop’s Instagram page, Preston posted an emotional farewell to the community, announcing that Ray’s was no longer in business on Monday, Jan. 11—18 years to the day when a 22-year-old Preston had signed the lease papers and received the keys to the shop.

Ray’s had officially opened its doors on March 13, 2003 amid a buildout of other local shops, Preston noted. She explained that Ray’s actual last day was on the first of the year, though she was given until the end of this week to clear out the space.

When Preston opened Ray’s in 2003, the goal was to give the San Clemente community, as well as the surrounding South County communities, a place to gather and receive quality hair care service.

San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Rachael Preston, owner of Ray’s Barber Place, closed the popular shop after 18 years in business in San Clemente. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

“I grew up in that shop, I raised my kids in that shop,” she said. “The people who have poured in that door, seven days a week since 2003, who are the residents of our community and surrounding communities, as much as they were part of the environment, they were part of my growing up; I grew up in that shop.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Asked whether she ever intends to start a new business in the future, utilizing the skills she gained as a shop owner for nearly the past two decades, she giddily remarked that that while she’s excited to see what she can create with her newfound free time, she’s not trying to figure out anything in particular for the time being.

“I can’t wait to see what God does with my life, this open space; my heart and soul and my passion is serving people, so I don’t know if that will be doing hair or in some other form, but that’s in my blood,” she said. “The sky’s the limit; the possibilities are endless right now.”—Shawn Raymundo

OC Widens Vaccine Eligibility to Ages 65 and Older THE LATEST: Orange County widened its COVID-19 vaccine eligibility group to include individuals aged 65 and older, and the state reported its lowest hospitalization increases since October—two optimistic notes reported on Tuesday, Jan. 12, amid the winter surge of the coronavirus pandemic.

In concert with new federal guidelines opening vaccines to ages 65 and older and younger individuals with other health issues, the Orange County Health Care Agency opted to open its vaccine distribution to that older group, as well as emergency service workers.

“I reached this decision after carefully reviewing case, hospitalization/intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality data related to older adults and noting the especially concerning outcomes for this specific population here in OC,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, County Health

San Clemente

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 1/12/21

cases

deaths

TOTAL

2,122

14

992

1

LAST 30 DAYS

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 65,405 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

officer and director of the OCHCA. “My aim is to reduce hospitalizations and deaths as rapidly as possible, and we must prioritize our vaccine allocation to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”

Originally, the 75-and-older group and emergency service workers were slotted into Phase 1B of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, which is now expanded to those 65 and older. California is currently in Phase 1A of its vaccine distribution plan, which provides the vaccine to health care workers and long-term care residents.

In an update on Tuesday, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said the state should release updated guidelines based on the earlier federal announcement within 24 hours.

Orange County’s announcement comes ahead of the opening of the county’s first super point of distribution (POD) site at Disneyland later this week. Voice of OC reported that five Super POD sites are expected in the county, with two likely in South County at Soka University in Aliso Viejo and the Great Park in Irvine.

California has committed to opening many of these Super POD locations throughout the state, including Disneyland, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Petco Park in San Diego.

Appointments will be needed for those looking to receive the vaccine at the Disneyland Super POD site. The OCHCA encourages those interested to register to be notified when the county’s vaccine and testing management app, Othena, has appointments available. Online forms can be filled out through Othena’s website.

Dr. Ghaly reported that coronavirus hospitalizations in the state are up 5.5% over the past 14 days, which is the lowest rate since October. ICU patient totals are up 10.6% over the past 14 days. As of Tuesday, Orange County hospitalizations had risen 4.5% in the past 14 days, with ICU patients increasing by 13.1%. California is again at a record number of hospitalizations at 22,665. Orange County is just under record numbers at 2,200 hospitalizations and 535 ICU patients.

“Hospital numbers don’t lie,” Dr. Ghaly said. “To see a reduction in our hospital numbers in the last two days, in terms of rise, is a good sign, but we’re not out of the woods. We must continue to keep our guard up and work together to reduce transmission.”

As of Tuesday, the Southern California region remained under the state’s regional stay-at-home order, as the state’s fourweek ICU projection for the region still did not meet the 15% threshold of available capacity to exit the order.—Zach Cavanagh

Equipment Malfunction Throws Wrench in Quiet Zone Renewal Efforts THE LATEST: A malfunction with the (Cont. on page 4)

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

A malfunction with the equipment used to test the city’s audible warning system for oncoming locomotives has further delayed hopes of reestablishing quiet zones along San Clemente’s train tracks. Photo: Chloe Anady

(Cont. from page 3) equipment used to test the city’s audible warning system for oncoming locomotives has further delayed hopes of reestablishing quiet zones along San Clemente’s train tracks, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

A planned inspection of the system in midDecember had to be postponed, derailing any chance that safety regulators with the FRA this week would consider the city’s request to renew the five-year waiver that had allowed for the quiet zones in the first place.

In an email to San Clemente Times on Monday, Jan. 11, Warren Flatau, the FRA’s deputy director of public affairs, said that the device the city uses to measure the system’s decibel levels failed during the Dec. 15 inspection.

“At that time, FRA suspended the inspection, and all parties agreed another inspection would be performed by 4 p.m. the next day if the City could acquire the proper equipment to verify the readings,” he wrote.

“Regrettably, the City canceled the re-inspection due to an equipment malfunction.”

City officials had not returned San Clemente Times’ request for comment as of press time.

Train conductors passing through San Clemente began to sound their horns again this past November, when the FRA denied the city’s initial request to continue using the Pedestrian Audible Warning Systems, or PAWS, at seven crossings in San Clemente.

Without the waiver granting the use of the PAWS, which was approved in 2015 to establish the quiet zones, trains are required, per federal regulations, to sound the locomotive horns four times ahead of each crossing.

During initial inspections of the PAWS last spring and summer, the FRA found a handful of compliance issues, such as warning systems not operating as intended, and poor conditions of signage, emergency exit swing gates and the fencing to keep pedestrians away from the tracks.

Following the denial, the city worked with local stakeholders including Metrolink to quickly remedy the issue, as the FRA agreed to conduct the expedited inspection last month. The planned inspection placed the city in a position to have the FRA Safety San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Board reconsider the waiver renewal during its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

“However, consideration of the City of San Clemente’s petition waiver renewal is not on the agenda,” Flatau said in the email. “FRA remains fully committed to working with and assisting the City in achieving full compliance with the waiver request requirements.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Flatau further stated: “Preparations are underway to re-inspect in the very near future.”

Flatau on Monday couldn’t provide an official date of the next meeting, other than to note that the safety officials meet quarterly, indicating that it will likely be a few months before the city’s waiver can be considered.—SR

Hobie Surfboards Celebrates Milestone by Remembering Roots THE LATEST: Hobie Surfboards is celebrating 70 years since the inception of Hobie Alter’s surfboard design.

As written in Hobie: Master of Water, Wind and Waves by Paul Holmes, Alter’s revolutionary changes to the surfing and sailing industries began when he started shaping balsa wood surfboards in his family’s Laguna Beach garage in 1950.

“I was just getting into surfing, and some friends told me Hobie was the guy to go to for a board. I went to his garage, and we struck up a 60-year friendship,” said the late Wayne Schafer, a former friend, fellow surfer and co-worker. “Every board I’ve ever had has been a Hobie.”

Alter’s father had grown tired of the sawdust mess in 1954 and helped the budding shaper open his Dana Point shop on Pacific Coast Highway. A shortage of balsa wood prompted Alter’s early experimentation with new materials, and the transition to foam and fiberglass began.

Alter and his friend and co-worker Gordon “Grubby” Clark developed a polyurethane foam that, when covered with a fiberglass shell, led to lighter, more highperformance surfboards. The new method

and materials also streamlined production and lowered costs.

At the time, Clark was staying at Schafer’s home on Beach Road. Recovering from back surgery, Clark was bedridden when Alter asked for his help, knowing Clark had studied math and chemistry in college.

“That’s how it all started, right here in my beach house,” Schafer previously told San Clemente Times. “Grubby had nothing to do besides lying in bed reading and looking at TV, so he agreed to help.”

Clark gave Alter a list of books to bring him from the library, and he began reading and studying the chemical properties of foam to use for surfboard blanks.

“One night, I was invited to a little shop Hobie and Grubby had rented in Laguna Canyon,” Schafer said. “We went at midnight, because their experiments were top-secret.”

Schafer recalled how cement was poured over a surfboard form to make a mold. Steel fasteners were fabricated to Alter’s specifications at the local metal shop for use in holding the mold lids closed.

“The cement and metal were necessary because when the foam expanded, it kept blowing their wooden molds apart,” Schafer said. “I remember it vividly, how I was sworn to secrecy. ‘Wayne, we can’t talk about this,’ Hobie would say.”

But as Alter began developing surfboard technology, word got out. Alter’s little shop put the Dana Point/Capistrano Beach area on the map as a surfing destination.

“Alter created an effective assembly of surf shop employees, factory workers, and an adept surf team,” said Kris Carlow, Hobie Surfboards’ marketing director. “All together, Hobie would become one of the ’60s’ largest surfboard manufacturers.”

The Hobie Surfboard is now celebrating a 70-year milestone, with a celebration originally scheduled to have occurred last summer.

The event would have kicked off with the third annual Hobie Festival, in collaboration with the Vintage Surfboard Collector Club. In years past, the event offered a vintage flea market, historical offerings from surfboard collectors, and live entertainment. Furthermore, later in the summer season, Hobie Surf Shops planned to host a “Talk-Story” with Surfing Heritage (SHACC) founder Dick Metz and surfing icon Mickey Munoz.

But plans for a celebration were unable to come to fruition, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic limiting public gatherings.

“If ever there was a storm to weather, (2020) was the toughest one to navigate,” said Jake Schwaner, general manager for Hobie. “But because we have been positioning ourselves for years to do more with less, we did what we had to do. We have great people in place, we followed the guidelines, worked hard and smart, and our loyal customers came out in support.”

In today’s industry, Hobie Surfboards continues to honor its historic origins, Carlow adds. Hobie shaping staff, comprising Gary Larson, Michael Arenal, and Adam

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Davenport, builds boards by hand.

Carlow says Hobie Surfboard staff remains optimistic for the future with the surfboard industry growing and demand being at an all-time high.

“We use a combination of modern and traditional materials to develop a new genre of surfboards—one that possesses the aesthetics of the ’60s and the performance of today,” Carlow said. “We’ve never lost sight of Hobie’s first ethos of supporting the local community. Our staff and ownership is consistently on the lookout for enthusiastic surf team members and a motivated workforce.”—Lillian Boyd

City Offering Grants to Local Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 THE LATEST: The application window for San Clemente’s small businesses to apply for COVID-19 relief grants from the city opened on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

With the help of more than $253,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding through the CARES Act—the economic relief measure Congress passed last spring—the city is looking to offer grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses and $7,500 for microbusinesses.

Eligible small businesses must comprise between six and 25 full-time employees, while microbusinesses cover such workplaces that employ five people or fewer, according to the city’s webpage dedicated to the grant relief program.

Jonathan Lightfoot, the city’s economic development officer, hosted a webinar on Monday, Jan. 11, for local businesses to learn more about the program.

According to Lightfoot, eligible businesses must be San Clemente-based, located within city limits, and have an active business license for the past six months. The businesses must also have been impacted by the pandemic, and can show that sales are down by more than 15% compared to the prior year.

WHAT’S NEXT: The window for businesses to apply will close on Jan. 24. From Jan. 25-31, the city will review applications, going over completeness, as well as assisting with any documentation issues. The city’s grant review committee will review the applications and announce awards between Feb. 1 and 4.

According to Lightfoot’s presentation, if there aren’t enough funds to award every eligible business that applied, the grant review committee will give priority to those that have demonstrated the greatest negative impact to revenues.

And if there’s more funding left over, a second round of grants would be considered.

Application forms can be found on the city’s webpage for the program. Inquiries and requests for additional information can be sent to econdev@san-clemente.org.—SR sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Rules of the Road Council Gets Recommendations for New E-Bike Regulations on Beach Trail

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

mid complaints and concerns from residents over the growing use of electric bicycles on the Beach Trail, the council will consider lowering the speed limit for riders, as well a handful of other potential rules for riding on the coastal path.

During a special meeting that the Beaches, Parks and Recreation (BPR) Commission held on Tuesday, Jan. 12, members finalized a short list of recommended rule changes meant to tamp down on what many classify as reckless behavior from e-bike riders in San Clemente.

The list, approved in a 5-1 vote, proposes that the speed limit for e-bikes be reduced from 10 mph to 5 mph. It also recommends that Mariposa Bridge be added to the list of locations where riding is prohibited and also calls for new signage telling cyclists to yield to pedestrians.

Another recommendation asks the council to add e-bikes as a specific reference in the municipal code related to the uses of cycling, skateboarding and other activities on the Beach Trail and Pier.

City code currently imposes a 10-mph speed limit on e-bike users. E-bikes can be ridden on the beaches and the Beach Trail throughout much of the year, but from June 15 through Labor Day, e-bike use is prohibited.

Users are also prohibited from riding an e-bike year-round along the Montalvo Bridge and the Riviera Bridge, or on the heavily trafficked asphalt section of the trail, at the base of the San Clemente Pier.

And in San Clemente, only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which are rated at 20 mph, are permitted on the trails and generally throughout the city. However, Class 3 ebikes that can reach 28 mph are prohibited from the city’s trails.

The finalized list of recommendations to the council is the culmination of discussions among commissioners, who were tasked in the fall to work with the Public Safety Committee to update regulations for e-bike uses on the Beach Trail, inland trails and in city parks.

This past October, the city council directed the two committees to collaborate on the draft regulations after receiving numerous complaints “related to dangerous behaviors and recklessness from individuals utilizing e-bikes on city trails.”

The move to update the e-bike regulations comes more than two years after the San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending to the city council a series of updated regulations over the use of e-bikes on the beach trail, including a proposal to lower the speed limit to 5 mph. Photo: Chloe Anady

city council first amended the ordinance, which had, among other things, prohibited the use of e-bikes on the beaches.

In 2018, the commission had proposed an 8-mph speed limit, but the council believed such a rule would be too hard to enforce, deciding instead to maintain the 10-mph limit while giving enforcement discretion to park monitors and officers with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), San Clemente Times previously reported.

Noting that he had suggested the lower speed limit two years ago, Commissioner Richard Ayer said he supported a 5- or 6-mph limit, “because it’s quite clear if someone is going over 10 mph versus less than 10 mph.”

Regarding the crux of the matter, commissioners and Public Safety Committee members expressed two schools of thought as to what has caused the problem: the popularity and growing use of e-bikes, as well as the attitude of e-bike riders who aren’t respecting others.

Stating that e-bikes have grown in popularity is an understatement in the U.S., which has seen a boom in sales over the years, according to market researchers. Forbes reported last month that about 130 million e-bikes are projected to be sold between 2020 and 2023.

“It seemed like we didn’t tackle the issue of e-bikes two years ago or three years ago because they weren’t an issue,” Ayer said. “I think we’re kind of dancing around this elephant in the corner, which are e-bikes. E-bikes are causing the problem.

Not guys on bikes, not kids on bikes.”

That same sentiment was also shared by Joe Janis of the Public Safety Committee when both commissions met for a joint meeting last month. Janis had noted that e-bikes were only going to become more prevalent in San Clemente.

“Within a year or two, every household is going to have an e-bike … so we’re going to continue to see them grow,” he said.

“The more bikes we see on the Beach Trails, the greater the hazard we have. We see it now while we walk the beach. If the bike is passing walkers, the people coming the other way have to either slow down or

step off the trail to let them by.”

In the same meeting, fellow Public Safety Committee member Nick Berkuta supported the e-bike user argument, stating that “it’s a problem of individual behavior; it’s not the e-bike. It’s the person riding it.”

He later noted that many teens and kids, who would likely be getting e-bikes for Christmas, don’t often know the safety regulations while riding. He suggested an increase in education and outreach to address the issue, such as having deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department partner with school clubs to offer safety programs.

On Tuesday, Bernie Wohlfarth, who sits on the BPR Commission and was the sole no vote on the recommended rules, said he, too, believed the issue was a matter of the users, but he explained that riders who are disrespectful of others make up a minority.

“I don’t think that e-bikes are the problem.

I think it’s the disrespect of people that’s the problem,” he said, later adding: “I’ve seen too many respectful people use the trail with bikes to be in good conscience … it’s a minority of folks who are being disrespectful … we cannot legislate respect.”

Speaking with SC Times last week, Pete Van Nuys, executive director for the Orange County Bicycle Coalition, said he would like to see the city ban e-bikes from the Beach Trail if it means bicycles can continue using the path.

Van Nuys said he’s seen e-bike users riding at excessive speeds and “threading the needle through pedestrians” on the Beach Trail, creating safety hazards.

“That’s the kind of stuff that scares pedestrians and generates complaints and has nothing to do with anything but behavior,” he said. “Unfortunately, I think a lot of people on e-bikes have demonstrated that they can’t use good judgment, and if it calms things down, and means e-bikes have to be banned from the Beach Trail, then so be it.”

Richard Benjamin, owner of Trestles Electric Bike Company, noted that San Clemente has become saturated with e-bikes over the years, which, he stressed, can be a good thing for mobility and traf-

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fic. But regarding their use on the Beach Trail, he raised similar points to Van Nuys, while also taking it a step further.

“Well, I’m one of the few guys—and I get in trouble with this with the other e-bike guys—but I think the Beach Trail, there should be no bicycles or e-bikes on them during the daytime,” he said, explaining his rationale. “It’s too narrow, it’s too crowded, and you’re never going to have those two things work together.”

For those on the city committees, an allout ban was essentially out of the question, particularly after hearing from the city’s public safety heads last month.

San Clemente Police Chief Lt. Edward Manhart, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Rob Capobianco and Code Compliance Manager Adam Atamian explained to the committee and commission members that they haven’t seen an influx of reports related to collisions or injuries resulting from e-bikes.

Manhart said that he wasn’t aware of any accidents involving e-bikes to which deputies have had to respond. But, he noted, “That doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened.”

“I haven’t received reports of injury traffic collisions of a bicyclist striking a pedestrian and/or a bicyclist striking another bicycle,” he said.

According to Capobianco, OCFA doesn’t specifically track e-bike accidents, but he said that among the 23 bike accidents in San Clemente reported to the department within the past nine months, “two of them were specifically related to e-bikes.”

“That doesn’t necessarily capture all of them; that just happens to be where they were in the comments (of the reports) themselves,” he said. “So, it’s definitely a cursory review of our bike accidents for San Clemente. We don’t track them specifically.”

Atamian also explained that he hasn’t seen the types of incidents that are being reported by citizens.

“I haven’t really gotten the reports that e-bikes are a detrimental impact to the trail users,” Atamian said. “There might be parts of the years where the trail is used more than others, and the e-bikes can create a nuisance … but as far as actual violations go, I don’t have any information that tells me there’s an overwhelming, significant problem.”

Touching on any potential talks of a ban on e-bikes on the Beach Trail, Manhart said he’d first like to see the data that supports such a rule.

“I would like the commission to have evidence to back that up, just to justify that you’re going to prohibit those on the trails,” he said, later stating: “I want to work with you and the community to address those concerns, but I do have a concern of just a pure banning because people don’t like them. I’m not sure that would be justified, due to the lack of documentation to support it.”

The city council will pick up the discussion on the BPR Commission’s recommendations at an upcoming meeting. SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Rep. Levin’s Veteran Legislation Officially Becomes Law Legislation introduced by Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) allowing for more VA services for homeless veterans and strengthening the HUD-VA Supportive Housing program—among other provisions—has been signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 also aims to improve the Transition Assistance Program for servicemembers returning to civilian life and includes legislation by Levin’s colleagues to increase VA oversight, a statement from Levin’s office said.

“I am proud to lead H.R. 7105 to provide much-needed relief for veterans during this pandemic, and strengthen their benefits in the years beyond,” Levin said.

“I am deeply grateful for the partnership of Chairman Mark Takano and all of my colleagues who contributed to this legislation.”

Levin—who represents the 49th Congressional District, which includes Camp Pendleton and South Orange County— has often advocated for veterans while in office.

Chamber, First Amendment Voice to Host Webinar on Detoxing from Technology The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the nonprofit group First Amendment Voice, will host a webinar on Jan. 21 for those interested in learning about the pervasive and addictive qualities of technology.

The event, entitled Digital Detox: An Educational Lunchinar, is a program that will explore how society has become addicted to technology and geared toward those who are looking to leverage the technology addiction for good.

“Tech firms have used complex neuroscience to engineer addictive qualities into the tools we use in everyday life— whether it’s our iPhones, laptops, tablets and even our automobiles,” Steve Miska of First Amendment Voice explained in a press release.

“Participants will learn how to develop research-proven daily practices to mitigate digital distractions and will participate in breakout sessions where they can discuss strategies with others,” San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

THURSDAY, JAN. 14

COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The San Clemente Coastal Advisory Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will host a webinar for those interested in learning about the pervasive and addictive qualities of technology. Photo: Courtesy of cottonbro/Pexels

he continued. “They will also gain a better understanding of how to identify bias and false information in the media and acquire the skills to incorporate practices such as intentionality and gratitude into their everyday lives—in order to help cut down on technology addiction.”

The webinar, open to all, will take place over Zoom on Jan. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. To register for the program, email info@scchamber.com or go to the Chamber’s website. A $5 donation is requested for Chamber members participating in the program and $8 for non-members.

Inquiries and requests for additional information can be sent to info@scchamber.com or info@firstamendmentvoice.com.

Local Artist and Author Donates Her Books for Camp Pendleton Families Award-winning author and artist Laura Seeley provided 50 of her published books as Christmas gifts for children and families at Camp Pendleton ahead of the holidays.

Pete Hammer, Nancy Jenkins and Willa Porter presented the gifts to the children and families of the Marine Corps League, South Coast Detachment 22. Seeley says she wanted to show her appreciation for military servicemembers and their extended families in memory of her beloved father, who served in WWII—especially during times in which people have had to isolate from one another.

Seeley is both illustrator and author

and has personally autographed each book.

Seeley’s newest and largest book, Shadowbox Hunt, A Search & Find Odyssey, took a decade to develop and contains more than 1,000 images to locate in a hint-filled, search-and-find memory exercise and vocabulary builder activity book.

“This book is meant for ages 5 to 105,” Seeley said. “It really is a special experience for nearly all ages. The pictures and the inspirational stories in my books bring hours of enjoyment to children and parents alike.”

The gifted books included 10 copies of each of her most popular titles: Jerome, A Bumpy Journey To Joy; McHorn and His Hidden Spots; The Magical Moonballs; and A Cat Never Tells.

For more information, visit the Laura Seeley Studio Fine Art & Best Friends Gallery at 24682 Del Prado, Dana Point or visit bestfriendsartgallery.com.

Government Agencies Celebrate Oso Parkway Bridge with Virtual Ceremony An online grand opening celebrating Oso Parkway Bridge was simulcast on Jan. 13 through The Toll Roads’ Facebook and YouTube accounts.

The six-lane bridge facilitates a connection between Los Patrones Parkway and State Route 241 for traffic. There are three lanes in each direction, dedicated bike lanes, and sidewalks.

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CHALLENGING CANCER 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system and people dealing with cancer.

To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 19

CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20

PLANNING COMMISSION 5:30-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies, County of Orange, and Caltrans hosted the event. The event featured elected officials, remarks from Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and others, project video, and drone footage, a press release said.

Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published. Email sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com. sanclementetimes.com

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GUEST OPINION: Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Macros, Calories & Exercise …

Oh, My! (PART 1)

M

y entire adult life, I have talked diets, either because I was on one or someone I knew was on one.

As a fitness professional, trained chef, and as a nutrition expert, I regularly want to pull my hair out over the conversations I overhear, paired with all the noise I see across the internet regarding diets.

The best one yet was a diet program in which you can win money. It was the perfect storm for those with disordered eating—the majority of us—paired with gambling. Oh, my!

So let’s unpack the latest and greatest, as we once again hear from U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Diets 2021.”

Leading the way, as in years past, are omnivore-type diets, including the Mediterranean, DASH, and Flexitarian diets, which are plant-focused. In other words, a plant-based diet that includes dairy, as well as animal and plant proteins mixed in. They all promote a whole food nutrition approach that is low in sugar, saturated fat, sodium, along with limiting highly processed foods.

Not brain surgery, folks.

Macronutrients, or “macros,” remain high on the list of buzzwords when it comes to diet-speak. In reality, macronutrients are foods that provide calories, which include carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

There are all kinds of spewing of “if it fits my macros,” “macro percentages,” and “I count macros” going on. But what does this really mean?

Fact is, counting macros tells us nothing of food quality, nor the number of calories that are being consumed, so I use this opportunity to educate my readers as to why you should know what “macros” are and how they can help you reach your goals for the New Year.

Bottom line, if you are on a “diet,” you either want to lose, gain or maintain your weight; HEALTH AND are concerned about NUTRITION 101 improving or holding

By Gina Cousineau onto your current health scenario; and/or you want to improve your performance (speed, body composition, strength, etc.).

If you have no concern for these things, you likely eat foods that are convenient, regardless of their repercussions.

Macros provide the calories needed to exist in life. If you over-consume them, you store body fat and potentially increase your risk of lifestyle diseases linked to obesity, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colorectal cancers and the like.

Under-consume calories, and you risk sarcopenia, the loss of lean tissue mass, including muscle and bone, leading to a host of health concerns. Malnutrition and lack of proper nutrition can happen no matter how many calories you consume.

Homeostasis is the body’s happy place and the home in which I want my clients to reside.

The type of macros you consume is dictated by the foods you choose. Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred and primary fuel source. Wholesome foods rich in carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, whole grains/starches, and dairy products.

Fats are imperative for most every metabolic process in the body. Healthier options include fats from foods such as avocados, olives, nuts, seeds and oils from these foods. Protein helps to build and repair, along with it being the matrix of our skin, muscle and bones. Nutritious picks are lean animal and dairy sources, eggs, and plants rich in soy and legumes.

Those macros in combination are called meals and snacks, and not only can bring joy to our lives, but wonderful nutrition to our bodies. They can also be our demise.

Recommendation from Mama G: Choose wholesome macronutrients most of the time as close to nature as possible. Stay tuned for more on “macros” next month.

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education—a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition—chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness professional allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle. com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle. 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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 3. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. San Clemente Times is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at San Clemente, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: San Clemente Times, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

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San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

GUEST OPINION:

by Richard Warnock

Alleviating Fears from Misinformation About SONGS

T

he Dec. 6 surf column titled “How Safe Is the Water at SanO?” caused me to listen to Dr. Ian Fairlie’s lecture to the Surfrider Foundation.

Dr. Fairlie comes across as a pleasant old English grandfather offering some information and guidance to his grandchildren. His

presentation is a mix of misinformation, disinformation, and scary postulations.

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) produced radioactive material over the operating lives of the three reactors. All reactors are closed.

Unit 1 spent fuel remains in an NRClicensed, on-site dry cask storage system. No radioactive material is released.

Units 2 and 3 were shut down in 2013. Fuel is secured in an on-site, NRC-licensed storage system. No radioactive GUEST OPINION: material is released.

By Richard Most Unit 2 and 3 Warnock plant structures are still present. Radioactive material is contained within systems designed to control where, how and whether any can reach public spaces. The plant has and uses decontami-

Page 7

nation systems and facilities to remove and control radioactive material.

Radioactively contaminated water is routed to storage tanks and processed using filters and ion-exchange systems to remove nearly all radioactivity. Gamma spectrometric and tritium analyses are performed on each liquid waste batch prior to release via an undersea discharge tunnel.

Liquid waste is diluted within the tunnel and enters the ocean 50 feet below the surface and about one mile offshore, where it is further diluted. Liquid releases are made in accordance with state and NRC regulations.

An admitted lack of knowledge of the plant, facilities and processes enabled Dr. Fairlie to speculate about the horrors that might be happening to our air, beach, ocean and citizens. He could have reviewed thousands of publicly available environmental sample results collected over 55 years.

He didn’t.

(Cont. on page 8) sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 7) Monthly ocean water sample analyses show naturally present potassium-40 and occasionally tritium. Tritium is naturally present, is left over from atmospheric weapons testing, and is produced by an operating reactor. It is occasionally released by SONGS to the ocean in accordance with NRC regulations.

Shoreline sediment samples are collected at three indicator locations and a control location near Newport Beach. Gamma spectrometric analyses show no San Onofre-related radionuclides in the sediment. Radionuclides related to atmospheric weapons testing have been detected.

Continuous air samples are collected weekly and analyzed for Iodine-131. There is none.

Local crops and crops from a control location (Oceanside) are sampled twice per year. Gamma spectrometric analysis shows no SONGS-related radioactivity.

A desalinization water treatment plant that converts seawater to potable water does nothing to concentrate whatever insignificant level of tritium is present. The idea that removing dissolved solids from seawater makes the water harmful to drink is contrary to worldwide practices and is patently absurd.

Dr. Fairlie is concerned about tritium

dose calculations. Two scientific societies (CERRIE & ICRP) disagree about calculating dose from internally deposited tritium.

This is for the two international scientific organizations to work out. It does not affect persons working at or living near San Onofre.

Dr. Fairlie’s recommendations included: surf elsewhere; move women at least 3 miles away if pregnant, lactating or of child-bearing age; have no children under 18 years of age living within 3 miles of San Onofre; and don’t eat vegetables, mushrooms, wild berries or honey from hives within 3 miles of San Onofre. These are irrational recommendations based on abys-

mal ignorance or unfounded fright.

So, as a Samuel Lawrence Foundation member, how does it feel to have spent your funds to hear Dr. Fairlie’s San Onofre fairy tales?

Richard Warnock, a board-certified health physicist, has a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry.

For seven years, he worked in aerospace Research and Development, and 32 years in nuclear power. SC

Letters to the Editor

would have solid sliding wood gates.

The effect of this “Great Wall” would be catastrophic for the appearance of the historic building. There is no wall like the one proposed anywhere on North El Camino Real that we could find.

Please take a drive by 1531 N. ECR and check out this fine example of Ole Hanson Era architecture. If this project is approved, you will not get another chance. Let the planning commission know what you think.

County named Blaze Bernstein—must be charged and prosecuted criminally, as if they were Islamic extremist and fundamentalist armed militant terrorists such as Al Qaeda, ISIS, and Boko Haram, as well as any other violent or serious criminals.

We must not only legally take on these extremist and hateful groups that just recently caused chaos and destruction in the federal capital, but also legally take on any or all local anti-lockdown and anti-COVID organizations and individuals that have caused or are causing a massive public health crisis throughout our communities and county during the pandemic, because they often have noticeable associations or connections with hate groups.

All known forms of domestic right-wing to far-right extremism and terrorism must be defeated now.

they claim, the fix isn’t science but a political one, and that should be a no-brainer.

You have Democrat Rep. Mike Levin in place to move all the levers of political power. San Clemente residents have front-row seats to see if your politicians take action, because there’s nobody left to blame.

PUBLIK HOUSE LARRY CULBERTSON, San Clemente Historical Society president

A proposal for a different use of the historic building at 1531 N. El Camino Real will be going before the San Clemente Planning Commission on Jan. 21. They want to use the building as a special events center, café and office, tentatively called “Publik House.” They are seeking permission for indoor and outdoor amplified sound, full alcohol service, ancillary church services, valet parking and parking waivers.

Architecturally, the building is one of the more interesting commercial buildings in San Clemente. It was designed by Virgil Westbrook and built in 1929. Westbrook was one of Ole Hanson’s favorite architects. He designed the Beach Club, Historic City Hall at the top of Avenida Del Mar, and many other historic buildings in San Clemente.

The prominent street view of the building features two divided-light fixed windows set in arched openings. The left side, also highly visible from the street, is at least equally and probably more architecturally rich.

It is dominated by an oriel window with stucco grill below and red tile roof above.

An exterior stairway with a solid stucco balustrade provides the finishing touch. Old Virgil really knew how to design a building.

The project proposes many significant alterations to the property, but the worst part of this project is “the wall.”

For the past 90 years, there has been a quaint garden adjacent to that left or north side of the historic building. It provides an open line of sight for northbound motorists and pedestrians to appreciate the beauty of this building.

The project proposes to install a 7-foot wall running just inboard of the sidewalk from the historic building to the driveway, then perpendicularly in from the sidewalk. This solid wall San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

IT’S TIME TO CRIMINALLY CRACK DOWN ON THE FAR-RIGHT DUANE PAUL MURPHY, San Clemente

Domestic right-wing to far-right extremism and terrorism is the greatest threat to our own local communities, society, and country since fascism in early 20th century Europe and foreign terrorism after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

After the horrific and vile acts and scenes of fascist mobs storming, terrorizing, and vandalizing inside and outside the entire federal U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, Pandora’s box of existing and furthering domestic right-wing to far-right extremism has opened up for the entire country and the world to witness.

All of these racist, xenophobic, nativist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ablest, White supremacist, White nationalist, and dangerous individuals and groups directly responsible for what happened in the halls of the federal Congress must be criminally charged and prosecuted for insurrection, disruption, and attempted terrorism, as well as property damages against our own national government.

Those individuals and organizations who commit and organize this type of despicable extremism nationwide—such as Rise Above Movement, a militant alt-right Southern California-based street-fighting group that physically trained at Marblehead Inland Park about two or so years ago near Marblehead Elementary School, and Samuel Woodward, a former member of the neo-Nazi terrorist group Atomwaffen Division, who is going to be on trial for the 2018 murder of a 19-year-old openly gay and Jewish teenager from South Orange

RESPONSE TO CRITICISM OF SAN ONOFRE JIM SMITH, San Clemente

Well, well, Roger Johnson is up to his old tricks again.

In case you didn’t know, Roger has a history of making foolish comments about San Onofre. Since he has no technical background, the usual result is a verbal spanking from a nuclear expert.

Like the time Roger made up a statement and claimed it came from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The NRC promptly and emphatically refuted his claim.

You can also question the anti-nuclear gadfly from England who isn’t taken seriously in his own neighborhood. Example: France generates more than 70% of its electricity from clean nuclear. In fact, France has so much clean nuclear that it’s the largest exporter of electricity in the world.

But I have a suggestion for Roger and all those trying to fix what they think is a serious problem. Your Democrat party controls the White House, Senate, House of Representatives, the California governor and legislature. Even the bureaucrats in the EPA, Department of Energy and the NRC are on your side.

So, if your scientists are as smart as

Page 8

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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

AGREEING TO DISAGREE JENIFER MASSEY, San Clemente

Abraham Lincoln said, “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our natures.”

We must also re-learn the art of “agreeing to disagree” with people whose political views we don’t share, rather than alienating them. Sadly, our growing interconnectedness online is making us disconnected from one another.

At the same time, it’s incumbent upon us to focus on educating the next generation about their democracy.

As the passengers on Flight 103 famously said: “Let’s roll!”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@sanclementetimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. 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 or fewer words.

Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Join SC Times for a virtual Beachside Chat on Friday, Jan. 15, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a weekly spirited, town hall forum on community issues. The chat will be hosted by SC Times City Editor Shawn Raymundo. Email Shawn at sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com for a link to the Zoom video meeting. All are welcome. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Page 9

sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

Outdoor Day Trips for the Family

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

hough the coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to trips to Disneyland and to movie theaters for now, there are still options for families that want to have fun and explore Southern California.

The region offers plenty of outdoor spots to drive to and forget about your problems for a bit. These places are ideal for taking in the sun, enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors, while maintaining social distancing in the process.

Here are some of our favorite spots you can bring the kids: Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas

Located in San Diego County, Moonlight Beach is popular with families and other beachgoers. The beach offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of space for your group. Nearby parking spaces are ample.

The beach also has a playground for kids to enjoy, a grass park, a concession stand if you’re hungry for snacks, and a rental stand if you want to do some surfing but didn’t bring your own board. For people who don’t want to walk on the sand, cliff spots offer a bird’s-eye view of the majestic scene.

Moonlight Beach also has volleyball courts, so bring some friends for a game.

Crescent Bay Beach in Laguna Beach

One of the tide pool beaches in this famous oceanside community, Crescent Bay Beach is a spot for anyone looking for a quiet getaway on the sand. Be forewarned: the walk down to the beach is a gradual slope.

Once you’re there, feel free to place a blanket down and soak up the relaxing view of the sky and water. Though it doesn’t have as many amenities as other spots, Crescent Beach offers a scenic view of high-end houses on the nearby cliffs. Participate in Laguna Beach’s recommended activities here, including kayaking, body boarding, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Other Laguna Beach tide pool spots— notable for the unique sights they provide when at low tide—include Diver’s Cove and Treasure Island.

SUP Rentals in Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor is an ideal spot for SUP—shorthand for stand-up paddleboarding. Take your board out into the water, catch a glimpse of sea lions if you San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

One of the tide pool beaches in Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay Beach is a spot for anyone looking for a quiet getaway on the sand. Photo: Collin Breaux

can, and head out to the jetties for a break.

Pure Watersports is one of the spots offering paddleboards for rent. They have all the accessories you need to have fun and stay safe. Westwind Sailing is another business that can get you hooked up if you’re interested in SUP.

San Clemente Pier in San Clemente

Kids and parents love to head out to the San Clemente Pier for fishing. You can often spot them throwing out a line over the bridge, waiting for a bite, and enjoying time together in the process.

Even if fishing isn’t your thing, the San Clemente Pier is still a fun spot for a walk and the ideal spot for photo opportunities.

The beach below is popular with swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers. People who want to avoid getting sand in their shoes

can instead hang out on the nearby grassy knoll. Picnics are popular there, as is taking in the scenery during the day or night on a bench or table.

The area is often bustling with activity, even in the colder months. Grab a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone at one of the nearby shops if you’re hungry.

Oceanside Public Library Courtyard in Oceanside

The Oceanside Public Library pavilion is a destination all its own, with elaborate architecture, spectacular water structures, and plenty of room to walk around and sit down.

The nearby area also has plenty of outdoor dining options, shops, and other attractions.

As for the library itself, it currently has grab-and-go services and virtual programming. Check the latest information at the

At the Movies: 2020 Ends on an Unsurprisingly Underwhelming Note

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

U

sually during the first week of the year, I go through all of the new movies released throughout the previous year, listing the top Top 10 films I had enjoyed the most. But with the whole entertainment industry turned on Page 10

its head in 2020 and there being weeks with no new movies to view, I now find myself with an unusually difficult task of finding films I think are worth revisiting.

Of course, there were some new releases by the end of the year, but it’s also clear that the studios intentionally saved all the really good films for when it would be considered most appropriate for gatherings at public places again.

My most anticipated movie of 2020, Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, was supposed to get a holiday season release, but it is now hopefully set to come out next summer. While going through all the movies that made it through the pandemic wave of uncertainty, I counted

library’s page on the City of Oceanside’s website.

Descanso Park in San Juan Capistrano

Located a short walk past San Juan Capistrano City Hall, this tucked-away outdoor space offers plenty of room to walk and watch cyclists as they pass. Visitors can also check out the creek, explore the playground equipment, and sit at one of the tables. Descanso Park also offers a spot to watch all the activity of San Juan Capistrano happen while being a relative distance from the action.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Available access to these listed spaces and amenities may change throughout the pandemic. Check with relevant agencies and businesses for up-to-date information. SC

fewer than five that I would recommend as a “top” favorite.

More recently, I found David Fincher’s Mank and Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 were both fine, though with not enough impact for me to want to revisit them any time soon. Thomas Bezucha’s Let Him Go and Sofia Coppola’s On the Rocks were probably my most enjoyed features recently. But even then, I wouldn’t rate any of these films very high during any normal movie season.

I can only hope by next January in 2022, we are back to regular movie schedules, so I can tell you if The French Dispatch or Cate Shortland’s Black Widow are worthy of my next Top 10 list. SC sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

MORE SAFETY TIPS Here are some personal observations from riding e-bikes for 20-plus years in San Clemente.

• Avoid doing anything that’s apt to surprise, anger or endanger others.

• Just as you don’t drive a car as fast as it can go, there’s no need to continually ride your e-bike as fast as possible. Mind your surroundings.

• Never assume that drivers or pedestrians can see you or will notice you.

• Use your bike’s bell or politely say “on your left” if approaching people nearby. Say “thank you” as you slowly pass.

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

Top: San Clemente’s multi-user bikeway, on this day, included a pet, along for the ride.

Let Safety & Fun on E-bikes Coexist If you got or gave an electric bicycle over the holidays, congratulations on an instant uptick in your mobility—or your loved ones’ mobility.

Now you can get around this hilly town like never before. And you can coax some exercise from the e-bike if you just make an effort.

As an e-biker in San Clemente for 20 years, I’ve often said, “It takes the pain out of the hills” to people who’ve asked COASTLINES about my e-bikes.

By Fred Swegles These bikes are fun— whether used as a commuter transport, a way for elderly or sedentary people to get back into exercise or an alternate transport for everybody, if ridden safely.

That’s the big asterisk: The benefits are all for naught if there’s ever a day you don’t return home safely.

You may think a crash is highly unlikely. But just one can be life-changing— whether it was or wasn’t your fault.

With a recent boom in the e-bike population, we’ve seen a backlash on social San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Bottom: E-bikes gathered on Sunday where parking was at a premium in Downtown San Clemente.

Photos: Fred Swegles

media against some riders’ behavior—eyewitness descriptions of reckless speeding, running red lights, running stop signs, running yield signs without looking, making dangerous turns, endangering others on sidewalks, showing disrespect if asked to slow down, riding with no helmet, seeming to not realize there are any rules.

The most intense concern online has been about kids on e-bikes, gifted with newfound freedom, a perception of young riders either unaware or uncaring about traffic rules.

There’s a passionate hope that no driver will ever kill or maim a kid who suddenly appears where they shouldn’t be. Or that a kid will crash solo, strike a pedestrian or collide bike vs. bike.

I asked Orange County Sheriff Department Lt. Ed Manhart, San Clemente’s chief of police services, about Page 11

• Before making a turn, alert drivers or pedestrians with arm signals.

• If you use the beach trail, be patient, kind, slow and easy. It’s a scenic, mellow, shared space to enjoy.

• E-bikes’ power and speed capabilities may up the ante if anything goes wrong.

• It’s possible to lose control when standing beside the bike, if you inadvertently activate the pedal assist or throttle. A standing e-bike rearing up on you is scary, especially in tight quarters. You could do damage or hurt someone, including yourself. You can avoid it by temporarily deactivating power.

• Car vs. bike? Car wins. Bike vs. bike can also be awful. So can a solo spill, especially at speed or wearing no helmet. On a two-way bikeway, a head-on crash is horrific—20 mph vs. 20 mph = 40 mph.

ground rules and any advice for e-bike recipients.

GROUND RULES

“Be cognizant of your surroundings and adhere to traffic laws,” the lieutenant said.

Deputies have counseled young riders, Manhart said, but it’s best for parents to personally counsel and remind about safety.

“We have adults who understand the (Cont. on page 12)

• One-way signs do apply to bicycles. Against an arrow, dismount and walk your bike, as a pedestrian.

• These cautions aren’t all-encompassing. And aren’t difficult.

Parents, it’s worth imparting safety tips. Nothing may ever happen, but the alternative could be tragic. Fun and riding responsibly can work together, for the child’s own sake.

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

SIX SUGGESTIONS 1. Buy locally. Shops offer warranty work. You can get advice and ongoing maintenance from your shop’s experts. There are also local repair services you can look up.

2. A helmet should be your first accessory purchase, in case you ever conk your head (or an unprotected passenger’s head). There’s a reason you don’t see un-helmeted bicycle veterans, the ones wearing those fancy outfits.

A scooter rider heads uphill from Linda Lane Beach, in the right direction. The city recently found it necessary to remind bicyclists that signs do apply to them—don’t head downhill there.

Photo: Fred Swegles

(Cont. from page 11) traffic laws, 12-year-olds not knowing the laws. They need to be taught,” Manhart said.

Where bicycle lanes exist, use them, the chief said. Be careful there and elsewhere, especially if approaching intersections or anywhere a bike lane terminates.

“Use caution on sidewalks,” Manhart added.

Sidewalk riding is legal in San Clemente, the chief said, but be careful anywhere near pedestrians—not just for their safety, but yours. Others could make a sudden, unexpected maneuver, just as you could.

Wear a helmet at all times, adult or child. Use a headlight and taillight to be as visible as possible to others.

THE LAW (SEE CALBIKE.ORG)

In California, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers.

You’re entitled to use streets. You must go the same direction as traffic.

Obey traffic laws.

If riding slower than traffic, you must ride as near the right side of a street as is practical—except if passing, preparing to turn left, avoiding a hazard, approaching a zone where cars may turn right, or if the traffic lane is so narrow you can’t stay safely on the right.

If you’re riding slower than traffic and there’s a bike lane, you must use it, except in the above listed situations.

Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. So must passengers under 18.

Higher-speed e-bikes—Class 3, rated up to 28 mph—require helmets on riders of any age.

Class 3 can’t be ridden by anyone under 16.

Class 3 can use bike lanes or separated San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Page 12

3. Next purchase should be headlight and taillight, if your bike doesn’t have them. Lights, preferably blinking, make you more visible, day or night. I’ve seen darkly attired, un-helmeted e-bikers going fast in the dark. Your own bike’s lights can at least let them see you early. Be extra cautious if riding in the dark.

4. Relying on a quick jolt of speed from your e-bike may or may not get you out of an iffy situation. It could be a life-changing bet. Avoid iffy moves.

5. Give a wide berth if you pass parked cars. A door could fly open.

Getting “doored” can be catastrophic. If necessary, take the traffic lane.

Cars passing you must give you 3 feet of clearance. Unfortunately, you can’t assume they will. If there’s traffic, consider pulling over, looking back and waiting for the lane to clear before proceeding around parked cars.

6. Let’s enjoy the ride and return home safely.

bikeways if adjacent to a roadway, but not other trails or bike paths or lanes unless allowed by local authorities.

Note: San Clemente hasn’t legalized Class 3 e-bikes on the beach trail or other recreational trails.

Lower-speed e-bikes—Class 1 and 2, rated up to 20 mph—are generally allowed anywhere non-powered bikes can go, unless a sign says otherwise.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with five decades of reporting experience in the city. Fred can be reached at fswegles@picketfencemedia.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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

sanclementetimes.com

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

and adventures. But full-time? No thank you. I’m too independent and happy.”

Do Single 65-Plus Women Prefer to Live Alone?

Lisa • “I moved last year from Southern California to Tucson. While I would like to find a partner, the LAT (living apart together) arrangement describes my preference.

“I’d like to find someone to do activities with, share meals, and have sleepovers, but I want my freedom and independence, too.”

M

arillee emailed, saying she had read that single women age 65-plus don’t want to live with a man. She wanted to know if that was true.

I asked my e-newsletter readers for their opinions.

FIFTEEN WOMEN RESPONDED BY EMAIL:

Terry • “Humans our age are set in their ways. Sex is nice but not necessary (at least for women), separation of incomes is tricky, and sharing of living space—unless the space is huge—would be difficult.”

Laurie Jo • “I have mixed feelings regarding being a couple under the same roof. My boyfriend of five years lives 90 minutes away.

“I am lonely a lot of the time. Living together is not an option for us; I have decided that, for now, going back and forth for each of us on alternating weekends is OK.”

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

Elizabeth • “I know many older women who want companionship but are worried about living together. Many are afraid of taking on household chores or losing financial independence.”

Kaitte • “I’m an independent woman, not needing a man to take care of me—most men can’t handle that.”

Susan, 78 • “I love having my own place.”

Deanne, 67 • “I was happily married for 30 years, lost my husband six years ago.

I want to live with a partner, to enjoy making a home together. I’m better as a partner than as a solo act.”

Hamila • “I was married for 42 wonderful years and was a caregiver for the last six years of my husband’s life. I have no desire to live with another man. I enjoy male company, but I do not want to share my home.”

Gail • “I would live with a man for a couple of days each week, plus on trips San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Arlene • “It’s a trade-off! We get a roof; they get a slave. Not for me! My ex never cleaned his toilet. He never cleaned anything except his car every Sunday morning, which prevented him from churching with me.”

Kathleen, 60 • “I would like having a male companion to spend time with, especially seeing concerts, plays, book readings, or even going out with for a meal, but living together—no thanks!”

Dianne • “No. Once is enough. Can’t see how any man over 60 could offer anything that would make moving in worthwhile.”

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Sea Shore Cafe, San Clemente Properties Real Estate, Bank of America and Johnny’s Malt Shop occupy retail space on El Camino Real, circa 1940s.

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.

Bonnie • “While a man’s companionship is wonderful, being solo is also wonderful.

Such an individual thing.”

Alicia, 68 • “I stay busy with my hobbies.

I would love to share a home with a man. I would hope the man would likewise have his hobbies, interests, and friends.”

Mary Lou, 75 • “I can’t imagine living with someone today. I have turned into an independent senior woman, and I like my routine.”

TOM’S SUMMARY Most single women age 65-plus would like a male companion, but less than 25 percent of this group want to live with a man.

The word “independent” was mentioned often. Might women choosing to live alone become a trend?

How each relationship plays out is different. As Bonnie said, “Such an individual thing.” There is no right or wrong response.

One thing this pandemic has taught us: we all need our space, we need time alone.

But it’s still mighty nice to come home to that welcome hug from our mate.

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. 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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

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Adoptable Pet of the Week: Olive Oyl SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

his mustachioed cutie is Olive Oyl, a 6-month-old sweetheart now available for adoption. She is a good combination of playful and lively while still being well-mannered. So, if you’re looking for a sociable kitty that loves a good cuddle, you can’t go wrong with Olive Oyl. If you are interested in adopting Olive Oyl, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed

Olive Oyl. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter

to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SC San Clemente

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

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

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206591757 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SIRENA DEL MAR 26745 CADIZ CIRCLE MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691 Full Name of Registrant(s): TODD ELLIOTT FULLADOSA 26745 CADIZ CIRCLE MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691 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/TODD FULLADOSA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/17/20.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2021

Staying the Course State provides no update on return-toplay start date

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he earliest possible start date for youth and high school sports competition remains Jan. 25, as the state’s scheduled date to reevaluate its most recent guidance on sports passed without update on Jan. 4.

On Dec. 14, the California Department of Public Health delivered its first guidance on youth sports since August, which had guidelines tied to the state’s four-tiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system.

Sports are assigned to each of the state’s four risk tiers based on indoor or outdoor competition and low, moderate or high contact in those sports.

The date Jan. 25 was established as the possible return-to-play date, provided that a county or region was no longer under the state’s regional stay-at-home order. As of Thursday, Jan. 7, four of California’s five regions remained under stay-at-home orders, including Southern California.

The next date of evaluation is Jan. 19, when the CIF-Southern Section will update the status of its fall sports championships. It is expected CIF-SS will cancel its fall sports playoffs to try and provide those sports more time to schedule a regular season. The CIF State office has already canceled its fall sports regional and state championships.

Under the shuffled 2020-21 CIF sports calendar, the fall sports season includes football, girls volleyball, boys and girls water polo and cross country. Boys volleyball had been shifted from the spring to the fall, but to avoid the possibility of canceling its season in back-to-back years, boys volleyball was moved back to the spring.

If the stay-at-home order is lifted in Southern California by Jan. 25, cross country will likely be the only fall sport that could return to play, as it is the only fall sport listed in the purple “widespread” risk tier by the state’s San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

With the state’s weekly tier updates, CIF provides updates on what sports can return to competition in which counties. Graphic: CIFSouthern Section

December guidance.

The first scheduled spring sports start date is Feb. 22 for girls tennis, followed by boys tennis on March 1.

Tennis is allowed in the purple tier.

Other spring sports in the purple tier are swimming, golf, and track and field, which are scheduled to start on March 13, March 20 and March 20, respectively.

The red “substantial” risk tier includes only spring sports: baseball, softball, girls lacrosse and outdoor cheerleading. Baseball and softball are scheduled to start on March 19 and girls lacrosse on March 12. Competitive sports cheer, normally contested indoors, is scheduled to open on March 27.

The rest of the fall sports—football, water polo and girls volleyball—are slotted into the orange “moderate” risk tier. Orange County and nearly all of the Southern Section have not entered the orange tier since the tier system was introduced in August. The orange tier also includes soccer, boys lacrosse and boys volleyball.

Basketball, wrestling and indoor cheerleading are in the yellow “minimal” risk tier. SC

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206591762 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ENTHEOS INTERNATIONAL 113 W. AVENIDA SANTIAGO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): ENTHEOS INTERNATIONAL 113 W. AVENIDA SANTIAGO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/ENTHEOS INTERNATIONAL, DILAN SWIFT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/17/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206590590 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SOURCES UNLIMITED 647 CAMINO DE LOS MARES, #108-78 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): BOB IPEMA 2826 CALLE GUADALAJARA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 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/BOB IPEMA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/09/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times December 31, 2020, January 7, 14, 21 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01174632 To All Interested Persons: Daniela Guadalupe Torres has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Daniela Guadalupe Torres PROPOSED NAME A. Daniela Jane Torres The Court Orders that all persons interested in this

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matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 02/02/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times.

Date: December 15, 2020 JUDGE WALTER P SCHWARM, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, Dec 31, 2020, January 7, 14, 21, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206591254 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SOUTH SEAS AQUARIUM SERVICE 5317 CAMINO BOSQUECILLO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): PARSONS INVESTMENT GROUP LLC 5317 CAMINO BOSQUECILLO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/PARSONS INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, BRUCE ALAN PARSONS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/09/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times December 24, 31, 2020, January 7, 14, 2021

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

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SC San Clemente

LOC ALS O N LY

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, bodymindspiritiop.com

Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

PLUMBING

VOLUNTEER VIRTUALLY The opportunity to help a child read is no longer restricted by location—we are virtual. Volunteers ages 50+ needed. Join our info session on January 8 at 10:30 a.m. or January 13 at 9 a.m. Contact Elizah Siegel to receive ZOOM Link.

949.257.2637 Parentisfoundation.org an AARP Foundation Affiliate

DENTISTS

MUSIC LESSONS

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

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

San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

Debe tener experiencia en el envío y bodega, forklift certificado, debe tener licencia de conducir válida con un registro de conducción limpio. Tiempo completo, beneficios, 401K. ...

Por favor envíe su currículum (si está disponible) a: dromero@ndaonline.net

REALTORS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, San Clemente, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com

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

WAREHOUSE POSITION Must have experience in shipping and receiving, fork-lift certified, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. FullTime, benefits, 401K. ...

Please email your resume (if available) to: dromero@ndaonline.net To fill out an application please email request to: dromero@ndaonline.net Or contact the office to speak with Gil for warehouse position.

Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P. 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, sandyandrich.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

HELP WANTED

PROSTHODONTICS

Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.com

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday.

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, Suite B, San Clemente, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com

ELECTRICAL

GARAGE SALES

A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com

ATTORNEY

Aaron Lloyd Bankruptcy Attorney 2377 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.544.9355, lloydlegal.com

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

Para llenar una solicitud por favor envíe un correo electrónico a: dromero@ ndaonline.net O póngase en contacto con la oficina para hablar con Gil para el puesto de almacén/ bodega. Telefono 949-492-4399 P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

Do you want to reach 42,000 people in the San Clemente area?

Then you need to be in the San Clemente Times. Call us today!

Call Lauralyn at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

SALONS

Salon Bleu 207 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.366.2060, scsalonbleu.com

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San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

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SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

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SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Ocean Really Is the Fountain of Youth

Can you really surf better, the older you get?

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or the last couple of weeks, the surf in Hawaii and California has basically been nonstop pumping. Pipeline, Rincon, Mavericks, all the marquee spots have been lighting up thanks to a steady run of North Pacific energy.

Hopefully, everyone around here has also been getting their fill—although, due to South Orange County’s shadowing from offshore islands and acute south-facing angle, we haven’t been exposed to some of the bigger, more powerful northwest swells. Nevertheless, there have been plenty of reasons to get in the water lately no matter where you live on the West Coast.

The run of surf started over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and has been going strong ever since.

Kicking things off in style, three-time world champ Tom Curren threaded a long, beautiful backside barrel in Ventura on New Year’s Day, which went viral among the online surf community.

Full transparency, Curren’s my favorite

One of the most challenging, high-risk waves in the world, Mavericks in Northern California is where dreams have been made and lives have been lost. Photo: Jake Howard surfer of all time, and I’m admittedly biased when it comes to covering his exploits. Regardless, at 56 years old, it’s amazing to see how tuned in he still is and how, when the waves are firing, he’s still one of the most stylish surfers on the planet.

The conditions on this day were flawless—8-foot peaks and howling offshore winds. Locals were calling it as good as it gets.

When the clip of Curren’s wave dropped, of course, I was as giddy as a schoolboy, but the man’s age only seemed like an interesting sidenote.

Then, a couple weeks later, San Clemente’s own Nathan Fletcher, who’s currently living in Hawaii, launched an air at Pipeline that sent him into orbit. Just looking at the photo of the wave makes my knees hurt (you can see it on his Instagram account).

Punting a frontside ollie, he’s easily 10 feet above the lip. He doesn’t stick the landing, but the amplitude should be enough to capture the imaginations of the next generation that are daring to dream about what’s next.

At 45 years young, Fletcher and I are basically the same age, and to see him lofting

above the lip like that, it’s definitely a solid reminder that you’re never too old to fly.

Last weekend, Santa Cruz’s Peter Mel went next-level at Mavericks up in Half Moon Bay. On Friday, he pulled into a barrel that had almost unanimous consent that it was the best tube ever ridden at the cold-water slab.

Then he did one better on Sunday and was towed into what has to be one of the biggest, cleanest waves ever ridden there.

As luck would have it, Mel’s son, John, was the one who towed him into what will undoubtedly be the historic wave. At 51 years old, it’s taken Mel a half-century of dedication and focus to do what he just did.

A while ago, I was having a conversation with a surfing friend in town, and he expressed concerns about how he probably wasn’t going to be able to get as barreled as he would like when he gets into his 50s.

Whether that’s true or not, the thought’s stuck with me, and to be honest, has kind of worried me. I’m not some great tube rider or anything, but I would still like to keep surfing as well as I can as I get older.

And now, thanks to what Curren, Fletcher and Mel have done the past couple of weeks, it’s pretty clear that age is only a number.

But enough about that. The surf at Uppers is 4 to 6 feet, and the tide’s dropping.

See you out there.

Jake Howard is 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. SC

SURF FORECAST GROM OF THE WEEK

FINN MCCARTY

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

here comes a time in a grom’s life when it’s time to get out of the comfort zone and dip their toes in deeper waters. Last week, San Clemente’s Finn McCarty did just that.

Growing up in the Trestles zone, the talented goofy-footer, who’s been featured here as Grom of the Week in the past, stepped up his game on the famed North Shore of Oahu. Supported by a tight group of friends and mentors, 11-year-old McCarty paddled out at Waimea Bay for the first time and bagged himself a couple bombs.

One of the most iconic big-wave breaks in all of surfing, The Bay was first ridden in 1957 by Harry Schurch, Greg Noll San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2021

and a small group of pioneers. The spot has been challenging surfers ever since and is perhaps most famous for the big-wave contest held there in memory of the late Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau.

For generations, charging Waimea has been a rite of passage, and McCarty’s off to an epic start.

“Gonna remember this day at Da Bay forever. Next time I’ll get a bigger one,” he wrote on Instagram.

Can’t wait to see it, Finn. Go get ’em! SC

Water Temperature: 57-59 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 3-5 Thursday: Easing northwest swell blends with small south-southwest swell, good for waves in the chest to head high range, (4-5’). Clean conditions most of the day with light offshore flow in the morning giving way to very light onshore flow for the afternoon.

Outlook: On Friday, northwest swell continues to trend down as small south-southwest swell holds with surf in the waist-chest high range (3-4’).

Size holds early Saturday before a fresh round of northwest swell builds in through the second half of the day and peaks across the region Sunday with chest-head high+ surf (4-5’+). The weekend has light offshore winds in the early mornings, followed by light+ to moderate afternoon onshores.

Finn McCarty. Photo: Courtesy of Finn McCarty

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