January 19, 2023

JANUARY 19-25, 2023 | VOLUME 18, ISSUE 3

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Hiking at San O: San Mateo Campground GETTING OUT/PAGE 7

SCHS Girls Soccer Shutout Tightens League SPORTS/PAGE 13

Hold Serve

Council Doubles Down, Prioritizes Building 8 Pickleball Courts at Steed Park E Y E O N S C / PAG E 5

Councilmembers decided on Tuesday, Jan. 17, to again approve a $400,000 design contract to place eight pickleball courts at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park as soon as possible.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

Council Appoints New City Manager

Epic Score at Cortes Bank

Decision on Pilot Trolley Route Tabled

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SURF/PAGE 18

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

GO TO SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

Page 2

sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

several citywide issues and topics for those four hours.

“I would have to say it was one of the most amazing conversations I’ve had since being on the City Council,” James said of the meeting.

Offering further praise for Hall, who has more than 30 years of experience in municipal government, Mayor Chris Duncan acknowledged the city manager’s “ability to develop staff and really get the most out of his staff is one of the things that was critically important.”

As part of the employee agreement, if Hall is terminated, he is guaranteed a severance equaling nine months of his base pay—a point of consternation among some outspoken residents during Tuesday’s meeting.

Amanda Quintanilla said that the severance package “was not fiscally responsible,” believing that Hall should be assessed in the job before being eligible for nine months of pay.

“I think it’s being fair to wait and see how he does and then give him that severance package,” she said.

Fellow resident Ruth Martin echoed those concerns and questioned the council on whether it considered if Hall would be capable of running a city with a substantially larger population than Imperial Beach.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Imperial Beach has a population of roughly 26,100 people, while San Clemente is more than twice as large with about 64,200 residents.

As a former San Clemente councilmember, Tim Brown cited his experience making many hiring decisions for the city. He proceeded to speak highly of Hall and disputed the arguments against the employee agreement.

“The thing I learned is it’s a fairly imperfect science, the recruitment of a city manager. You don’t learn a lot about them until they get here,” Brown said.

“But I can say unequivocally, based on the amount of research I’ve done on this particular hire, the council has hit a home run.”

“It’s difficult to say on one hand that it’s fiscally irresponsible to pay somebody more than their previous city and on the other hand say at the same time that they are now going to be governing a city that’s three times bigger,” he continued. “You do have to pay for that type of impact.”

Asked after the meeting what he hopes to bring to the City of San Clemente, Hall said he’s looking to maintain the town’s greatness, while also making sure he and city staff implement the goals of the council.

In terms of the city staff, Hall spoke to council’s concerns about creating stability, stating that it’ll be his responsibility to “building some capacity in the staff.”

“I think what they’d like to see is for us

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

After receiving unanimous council support to be appointed as the new city manager for the City of San Clemente, Andy Hall on Tuesday night, Jan. 17, expresses his eagerness to start the job. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Council Unanimously Appoints New City Manager

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

The City of San Clemente will soon have a new chief executive after councilmembers voted unanimously on Tuesday night, Jan. 17, to appoint longtime public servant Andy Hall to the head position.

“I’m really excited to be here; I’m really, really excited about this opportunity to be here in San Clemente,” Hall, the City of Imperial Beach’s current city manager, said to the council following the vote.

Noting the complexity of Imperial Beach as a community near the U.S.-Mexico border, Hall said he’s looking forward to working in San Clemente, adding that he’s worked for large and small organizations.

“For me, I really do like the small organizations where you can get involved, get to the know the community, get to know your staff; really looking forward that,” he said, adding: “This is going to be a lot of fun.”

Concluding months of searching for someone to replace former City Manager Erik Sund, the council approved the employment agreement with Hall, who is set to make an annual salary of $270,000 under a three-year contract.

According to the employee agreement, Hall would be reviewed by the council annually, and his contract could be extended one year each Feb. 20 after the three-year term expires, unless the council votes against a renewal.

Interim City Manager Sean Joyce, who San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

was appointed to the role in September following Sund’s departure, explained that after conducting interviews with the qualified applicants, the council—with Councilmember Gene James absent—unanimously agreed that the job offer should go to Hall.

According to an email that Joyce sent to city staff announcing Hall’s potential appointment on Jan. 12, Hall was one of more than 50 applicants considered for the role. As a chief executive, Hall has more than 20 years of experience, having worked for Imperial Beach since 2013 and for Cathedral City before that.

“Mr. Hall brings a passion for local government organizational development, a commitment to customer-service-driven municipal services, and a comprehensive understanding of local government administration to his role as City Manager of San Clemente,” Joyce said in the email.

Hall attended Arizona State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geography-Urban Studies. He also holds a Master of Public Administration, with high honors, from the University of Utah.

Hall has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 35 years. Together, they have two children and two grandchildren.

Ahead of Tuesday night’s vote, councilmembers gushed over Hall, including James, who spoke about an hourslong one-on-one lunch meeting the two recently had.

“I did not take part in that interview process, but I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Hall at 11:30 (a.m.) one day, at my favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego. And I think Mr. Hall will confirm, we walked out of there at 3:30 (p.m.),” James said, noting that they spoke about Page 3

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

Zoning Administration 3-5 p.m. The city’s Zoning Administration will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

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. 24

Public Safety Committe 3-5:30 p.m. The city’s Public Safety Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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 at The Noble Path Foundation. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com. Noble Path Foundation, 420 N El Camino Real, San Clemente.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

Design Review Subcommittee 3-4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Subcommittee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

to create an environment where the staff is willing to stay here, grow with us and develop into a team that is stable and steady,” Hall said.“I think that’s one of the primary concerns of the council is making sure that we really stabilize things and make sure that things are very consistent and predictable for the residents.”

Joyce, who has occupied city manager positions for numerous cities in his more than 30-year career in local government, told city staff in his email that he would “continue to enjoy my time working alongside you in our collective effort to provide terrific service to the San Clemente community.” sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Council Tables Consideration of Pilot Trolley Route for Spring

ta Hermosa Sports Park, Plaza Pacifica, and Rancho San Clemente Park.

“These stops were selected because of their proximity to shopping, parking, recreation, and accessibility to inland neighborhoods, including Marblehead, Forster Ranch, Talega, and Rancho San Clemente,” the city’s agenda report stated.

To keep passenger wait times consistent with the 15- to 20-minute waits at

Red Line stops, staff is recommending limiting the driving time for the whole route to around 25 minutes.

The inland option takes 26 minutes to drive, and it would go faster on weekends when avoiding stops at the business parks or near San Clemente High School. For the route going south, the drive time was estimated at 23 minutes with more stops than the inland route.

Such stops include the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, T-Street Beach access, San Clemente State Beach, the Pier Bowl, and spots along El Camino Real near Ralphs, Surfbreak Hotel and Calafia Inn. With the city’s trolley operations scheduled to return to its regular summertime schedule starting Memorial Day weekend—as required under a Measure V agreement between the city and the Orange County Transportation Authority— city staff is recommending that the pilot route kick off March 11 and conclude a week before the holiday on May 21.

Following the council’s vote at its Dec. 20 meeting, the city’s free Red Line trolley is available to ride on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and 10 a.m.-8 p.m., respectively. It will also operate on President’s Day, Feb. 20.

The council is scheduled to next meet on Feb. 7.

Shawn Raymundo contributed to this report.

He added that he agreed with a point DRSC made about having front-facing community art at the hotel, considering staff deemed the location a “gateway” into the city. The project team met with some of the city’s planning commissioners during a Design Review Subcommittee meeting in mid-December.

Although city guidelines do not require developments to incorporate art into their design, Segraves said he loved the DRSC’s emphasis on including art and that the lot owners are willing to look into the concept.

“We’ll start to look at how we might be able to incorporate that into the design of the project, as well as how we would incorporate that into the signage of the project,” he said. “The client and the city want to work together to make sure that signage program is also aesthetically pleasing for the community and the project.”

With the environmental aspect of the project, Segraves said the team will work with the city’s planning staff to mitigate environmental impacts. He also pointed to the stringent nature of California’s code for building sustainable developments as an important factor.

The design will look to use more open space around the property, especially in landscaping the areas with public access.

Segraves noted that the fact the City of San Clemente has a DRSC is special, as many cities don’t. Comprising Planning Commissioners Steven Camp, Cameron Cosgrove and Barton Crandell, Segraves described them as seasoned officials who have been around the city for years and who understand both the architects’ and local government’s perspectives.

“They’re kind of like a neutral player, where they are identifying things that might help the project: (No. 1) be a better project, and (No. 2) work better with the community and what the community wants,” he said, adding: “They work with us to make sure that the owner is creating the project for them that’s going to be approvable once it goes to the next level.”

He expects to meet with the design team to put together a “more comprehensive presentation” before appearing in front of the DRSC again, hopefully by the end of March.

The project will be an “amazing complement” to the city if approved, he said, in addition to Casino San Clemente, the eventual completion of the Miramar Food Hall, and other nearby businesses.

“It’s going to be a project, a restaurant, and a café that everybody in the community can enjoy, not just the people going to the hotel,” said Segraves.

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Councilmembers voted on Tuesday, Jan. 17, to table their discussion over whether to test one of two potential trolley lines this spring—one connected to the Outlets at San Clemente, or another at the Municipal Pier.

The scheduled discussion, which comes as the City of San Clemente looks to expand public transportation options in town, was postponed to an upcoming meeting so the council could consider items on Tuesday night’s agenda that were more time-sensitive.

When the council does take up the matter, they’ll review plans to launch a “Green Line” trolley route this March, connecting it to the city’s existing Red Line that travels on a loop between the Outlets and the Pier—the two busiest stops.

In December, councilmembers voted to keep the Red Line trolley running on weekends through the rest of the winter, appropriating $94,000 for the free transportation service. Earmarked in those funds was $34,000 for the weekend pilot route that

The San Clemente City Council on Tuesday night, Jan. 17, tabled a discussion on whether to launch a pilot trolley route this spring. Photo: File/Courtesy of city of San Clemente

would operate for up to 12 weeks through Memorial Day weekend in late May. The proposed Green Line would either begin at the Outlets and travel inland with accessibility to numerous neighborhoods, or start at the Pier Bowl and work in a loop down to San Clemente State Beach and back.

Proposed stops along the inland route include the Marblehead Inland Park, Vis-

The Gallery Hotel Looks to Serve as Important Puzzle Piece in North Beach

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

A project to bring a boutique hotel, restaurant, and café to San Clemente’s North Beach Historic District is currently going through the city’s design and planning process that, at face value, has received praise from the Design Review Subcommittee.

The project has been proposed by the firm of architect Jorden Segraves, who has worked with the owners of the parcel at 1801 N. El Camino Real for years, transitioning the development’s design from retail to a hotel in 2020.

San Clemente Times spoke with Segraves on Friday, Jan. 13, about the design process and the eventual goals, should the hotel come to fruition.

“During the (meetings with) the Design Review Subcommittee for the retail center, we really got an understanding of what the city wanted,” he said. “What the city’s concerns was, what they thought was some of the best features of the site, how they wanted the site to orientate … as well as the views that they want to protect.”

From those meetings, Segraves and his team learned to situate the largest San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

portions of the development in the back corner furthest from the intersection of Avenida Pico and El Camino Real. That way, people driving down Avenida Pico toward the water could have as much view of the ocean as possible.

Additionally, the hotel only has one-story elements closest to Avenida Pico and parking located underneath.

Parking is being addressed, in that the firm is currently reviewing the city’s parking analysis for the North Beach area, Segraves said, and that the entry point was placed in the “least impactful area.”

“It’s far enough away from the corner to allow for the acceleration of the vehicles, as well as anything coming off of Pico, which is probably one of the more busy intersections,” he said. “That rightturn lane coming off of Pico is one of the busier right-turn lanes, so we wanted to keep all of our traffic out of that area.”

Currently, drivers traveling south on El Camino Real toward Avenida Pico aren’t allowed to make a U-turn at that intersection. Segraves said they will conduct a traffic analysis to learn whether allowing U-turns there will be necessary.

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Council Doubles Down, Prioritizes Building 8 Pickleball Courts at Steed Park

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

After further consideration of whether to spend roughly $400,000 on contract services to design pickleball courts at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park, the San Clemente City Council affirmed its previous position at its meeting on Tuesday night, Jan. 17.

The council unanimously voted to authorize city staff to execute the contract with RJM Design Group—which had been approved on Nov. 15, but not yet executed—and directed staff to focus on building eight courts instead of four at Steed Park after hearing from the public.

Councilmember Gene James, who agendized the item for another discussion, and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock expressed the most urgency in wanting staff to push construction forward as fast as possible.

“I think (Public Works Director Kiel) Koger is a professional; he can put a slab down, he can put a surface down and fence it,” James said. “We can add all the amenities at a later time, (such as) restrooms; we can work around all that.”

James also expressed a desire to sunset the design services between four and six months, as Koger had stated earlier that courts would not appear at Steed Park for at least another year.

“We’ve been talking about (pickleball courts) for too damn long,” said James.

Knoblock echoed his colleague’s stance about seeing the process move faster. He also cited a need to bring relief to residents living near San Gorgonio Park, with the noise coming from all-day play at the park’s own eight courts.

Interim City Manager Sean Joyce took

(From left) Mandy Alavi of Pasadena, 62, and Patrick Kobilesky of San Clemente, 53, play a pickleball match against San Juan Capistrano resident Lisa Moore, 53, and San Clemente resident Patrick Nilsson, 69, (not pictured) at San Gorgonio Park on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 17. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

a moment to speak on behalf of city staff regarding the council’s urgency in expediting construction, affirming that staff understood the council’s desire while also providing a word of caution.

“We’ve got to develop a bid package, go to bid, award (the) bid, (and) start engineering on the narrow focus that you define tonight,” Joyce said to the council.

“That can’t be done in four months.”

Koger also spoke to Knoblock’s question of whether staff could sooner identify an area to lay a concrete slab in fewer than six months, saying he didn’t believe accomplishing the task was possible.

“The reason that I put up the scope of work is because I wanted (the council) to understand there’s a lot of different disciplines that go into that,” said Koger.

Even with focusing on completing a smaller project within the larger one, staff would still need to survey the area and find where to best set up access to electricity, according to Koger, as well as other factors.

As listed within the city’s agenda

report, the scope of work for the design contract included the most visible elements of the project, such as 16 total courts, a courtside plaza area, a restroom building, 100 extra parking spaces for the courts, a new pathway to the parking lot, as well as landscaping, irrigation, lighting and fencing around the project.

Additionally, the disciplines Koger mentioned all require various tasks to be fulfilled under each one. Grading and water quality management plans must be completed for civil engineering, structural engineering requires structural calculations and plans, and light fixture details and other calculations to optimize safety and “competition playability” are listed under electrical engineering, as well as the concepts of landscape architecture and construction support services.

The report explained why proceeding with only a design contract before going further was ideal.

“Procuring the design documents before a construction contract allows the

Kobilesky swats the ball back to his opponents on the other side of the net while playing alongside his teammate, Alavi, on Tuesday afternoon. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

Page 5

City to more definitively identify the full scope of construction of park improvements and to determine alternative construction phases tailored to available funding,” the city stated in the report.

Further, designing the entire park concept would be more cost-effective than doing so in phases, according to the report, and allows the city to better pursue additional funding sources for the project.

The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budgeting process secured $3 million in city coffers just for the initial buildout.

City staff stated that constructing the project in phases was the best course of action, as listed within the report.

“If a phased approach is desired by the City Council, staff would pursue funding for subsequent phases of construction from state and federal grants, private-public partnerships, corporate sponsorship, and community fundraising efforts,” the city report said. “Traditionally, projects that are “shovel-ready” are more competitive when seeking funding.”

Such caution and a methodical approach were reflected by Mayor Chris Duncan, who said he wanted the project to be done “fast, but right.”

“The problem becomes, in the effort to speed things up, we do something that we’re going to have to tear out when we do the larger project,” he said. “(At that point), we’re wasting our time, right?

We’re doing something so fast that it can’t be integrated into a larger project.”

A significant contingent of pickleball enthusiasts clad in red attended the meeting and vocalized their support for growing the sport in San Clemente. Several advocated for establishing the eight courts at Steed Park.

After public comments concluded, James initiated the motion that included an amendment to the council’s previous November vote to prioritize eight courts instead of four, with Knoblock seconding the motion. sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

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

Letters to The Editor

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Jan. 20, 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.

THE BEST POOL IS IN OUR OWN BACKYARD MATT WROCK, Capistrano Beach I was reading Jake Howard’s article “Surf Your Best This Year,” and while I fully agree with all of his cross-training suggestions in the pool and yoga studio, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that here we are in Dana Point, and we live alongside one of the most beautiful pools one could dream of swimming in.

For almost three years, I have been swimming about 1.75 miles a few times a week at Strands. In late May of 2020, the gyms had been closed for a few months for COVID-19, and I was reading—in the Dana Point Times, of course—that the local water temperature was about 68 degrees.

It dawned on me that my full-body workout is about 15 minutes away! I literally grew up at Strands and feel comfortable in those waters. So, I drove down, got in the water and swam about half a mile. I have been hooked ever since.

I have seen tons of fish. I have seen dolphins and seals literally right in front of me. The beach may get crowded, but there is never a crowd past the surf line.

Years ago, I swam in a pool a couple days a week, and that was a great workout, but this is totally different. In the ocean, every day is different. It is a dynamic and living body of water.

When winter came, I just kept swimming. I personally “trunk it” without a wetsuit, but most will likely want to wear one when the water gets into the low 60s. There are swimmers here at all times of the year. It is such a lovely way to both get in a workout and be refreshed by nature.

It is honestly difficult to articulate the value I have found in this activity.

This year, I started bringing a small camera into the water with me and started a photo blog covering every swim at danastrandswimreport.com/.

When I used to swim in a pool, it was always frustrating having to wait for a lane when they were all full. Well, the lanes are always open here at the beach!

THE TWINS KATIE ARONS, San Clemente I would like to begin by thanking San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

HOW TO REACH US MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

ships and led the professional women’s circuit for many years, including Jorja winning the OP Pro in 1988.

Our town is proud of our twins and the role they played in surfing’s history; perhaps you should do a feature on them. I hope SHACC includes The Twins in their festivities.

Thank you again—keep publishing!

WATER DESALINATION STEFFEN MCKERNAN, San Clemente A few articles about desalination have been published in the San Clemente Times. The most recent is a mention by Councilmember Knoblock.

Desalination is the wrong idea for water. It is expensive and energy-intensive. And it is more environmentally damaging than most other forms.

California has plenty of water. Agribarons use 80% of our developed water for less than 1.5% of our GDP. Alfalfa is less than 0.01% of California’s GDP and uses more water than all homes combined.

Alfalfa is only grown here, because those businesses pay one-thousandth of the water price a homeowner pays.

California water in alfalfa form is shipped to China and Saudi Arabia.

Agribusiness has the water we need to all have lush, carbon-capturing lawns maintained by entrepreneurial gardeners.

Those gardeners will produce far more GDP and goodness than our alfalfa crop. We just need our government to fix the water market.

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

you for your publication; it is great to still have a local, physical paper to pick up and read each week that is dedicated to our town. As a lifelong San Clementean, I love my hometown and our way of life and relish the childhood we had here.

I miss our local journalistic hero Fred Swegles tremendously and believe that an oversight in a recent story wouldn’t have happened if he was still with us. RIP, Fred.

I am referring to the article “SHACC Exhibit Film Festival to Shine Light on Women Surfers” and the omission of mentioning San Clemente’s own pioneering women surfers Jorja and Jolene Smith, aka The Twins.

The Twins are featured in one of the films of the festival Girls Can’t Surf.

They were flown to Australia to be interviewed for the documentary, which credits them for saving the professional women’s circuit in the late 1980s, when the sponsors of the OP Pro planned to eliminate the woman’s portion of the tour but keep the bikini contest.

The Twins wrote to the Los Angeles Times and spurred a large movement, which brought the competition back.

Fred wrote about The Twins many times in the ’80s, as they led our SC High Triton team to state champion-

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.

Page 6

DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Columnists Tom Blake

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Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 18, 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 2023. 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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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

The List What’s going on in and around town this week SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

THURSDAY | 19 SC REAL ESTATE MEET-UP 5-8 p.m. Network with other real estate agents, mortgage lenders, investors, and more, no matter your experience level.

H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.940.6785. hhcottons.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Eric Clapton tribute artist Slowhand will perform live. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

FRIDAY | 20 COFFEE CONCERTS WITH HIGH TIDE 10-11 a.m. In partnership with High Tide Coffee, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch an acoustic performance with local musicians in Casa Romantica’s Main Salon this winter. This week’s musical guest is Corey Angell. The concert is free with admission to the Casa. Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. Family Style will perform.

Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Pixabay/Pexels

SATURDAY | 21 HIKE AT SAN MATEO CAMPGROUND 9-11 a.m. Join California State Parks Naturalist Heather Rice to experience a local state park. Meet at the amphitheater for a three-mile walk from Panhe Canyon to the ocean. Day use fees apply. San Onofre State Beach, 830 Cristianitos Road, San Clemente. cryssie.moreno@parks.ca.gov.

CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘LEADING LADIES’ 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 12, enjoy the production of Leading Ladies, set in the 1950s and focusing on two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, who find their careers in a rut. When they hear that an old lady in York, Pennsylvania is about to die and leave her fortune to her two longlost English nephews, the actors resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash, only to find that the nephews are actually nieces. Tickets are $28. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.com.

for the public to watch them perform.

Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano.

949.371.6158. theridingpark.com.

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.

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7:30 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Leroy and the Bad Browns will perform.

Reservations for lounge are strongly recommended, so call ahead. Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. ivalees.com.

CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY: A SAGE IN EVERY GARDEN 10 a.m.-Noon. Orange County residents are invited to visit the Nature Interpretive Center at the Dana Point Headlands to pick up a free four-inch white sage plant while supplies last. A Sage in Every Garden is a campaign to add more than 2,000 native white sage plants to Orange County gardens. White sage is a water-wise magnet for pollinators and supports wildlife. The Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. occnps.org.

SATURDAY | 21 HORSE SHOW AT THE RIDING PARK 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out the equestrian event happening in one of San Juan Capistrano’s premier open space destinations. The No Show is a chance for young horses or riders to get experience and Page 7

MUSIC AT DELAHUNT BREWING CO. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Country duo Rust and Dust will perform at the Orange County-based Delahunt Brewing Co.’s Dana Point taproom and taqueria. Delahunt Brewing, 34091 La Plaza, Dana Point. delahuntbrewing.com. 949.503.1348.

STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT 7:30 p.m. Have some laughs during this stand-up comedy event. San Juan Capistrano community fixture Jim Taylor will perform, along with Daniel Eachus, Eddie Jarvis and Rachel Burch. Tickets are $21.50 for a table seat or $19.50 for the mezzanine section. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE 8-11:45 p.m. Stop in for great food, atmosphere and music. Sticks and Stones will perform. BeachFire Bar & Grill, 204 Avenida Del Mar, Suite D, San Clemente.

949.366.3232. beachfire.com.

SUNDAY | 22 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.

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GETTING OUT

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 10-11:30 a.m. The Feed Barn offers lowcost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic offers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing on-site. Vet Care, 34192 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach.

714.895.8600. vetcarepetclinic.com.

MELLOW MUSIC SUNDAY AT INKA MAMA’S 2:30-6 p.m. The band Driftwood Creek will play a “mellow” version of its 2022 set list at this authentic Peruvian restaurant. Inka Mama’s, 111 Avenida Palizada, Suite 303, San Clemente.

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS— DOES CHARACTER MATTER ANYMORE? 3-4:30 p.m. Join a conversation diving into the importance of qualities related to human character, such as truthfulness, integrity, and kindness. Bahá’í Teachings offers a spiritual perspective on how developing character can improve society. Reserve a spot for free at eventbrite.com. Bahá’ís of San Clemente, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente.

WHERE YOU GO, I GO—EVENING WITH HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR 6 p.m. Holocaust survivor Dr. Jacob

to redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code Focus. Call Kathie Simpson at 949.300.0471. Red Cross Bloodmobile, 930 Calle Negocio, Suite F, San Clemente.

Eisenbach will share his story of survival, resilience and hope, growing up as a teenager in Poland when the Nazis invaded in 1939. Copies of his book, Where You Go, I Go, will be available for purchase. Seating is limited; RSVP is required. The Port Hole Theater, Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point. 949.930.3711. jewishdanapoint.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S 6-9 p.m. Strawberry Blonde will perform. Enjoy the music and have a pint at this Downtown San Juan Capistrano pub. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT HENNESSEY’S DANA POINT 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Pop Vision will perform. Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.488.0121. hennesseystavern.com.

BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30.

The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-your-number game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

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.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

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

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Consider starting your year by giving to those in need, as Focus on Souvenirs hosts this blood drive. Make an appointment by going

WEDNESDAY | 25

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.

TUESDAY | 24

MONDAY | 23

201, San Juan Capistrano. 949.429.3599. selmaspizza.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

AT THE MOVIES

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t has been 11 years since Puss in Boots starred in his first side picture, and fifth inclusion of the Shrek movie series. And in Joel Crawford’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, we now see the orange tabby has still impressively got it.

I love when successful franchises feel comfortable enough to experiment with their themes and stories when they don’t have to worry about box-office performance. Peter Hewitt’s Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991) was a clever metaphor for limbo and the afterlife, while The Last Wish is actually not much different.

Along with one of the most colorful, exciting opening sequences I’ve seen in a while, Crawford’s animated fantasy might be one of the best animated efforts from 2022.

As we all know in myth, cats have nine lives, and our protagonist Puss (voiced as usual by Antonio Banderas) is informed by a

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

local animal doctor that he has officially used up eight of them from his wild life as a vigilante on the run.

The doc’s best advice is to consider retiring and transitioning into a “lap cat” for a nice, older human. Initially offended at the suggestion, Puss changes his mind when he has a run-in with a spooky, cloak-wearing wolf (Wagner Moura), who is a little too aware of Puss’ mortality.

Now suddenly feeling vulnerable, the feline reunites with old flame Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and a misunderstood pup named Perro (Harvey Gullien) to find the certain star to make a legendary “last wish” for more lives.

As someone who hasn’t seen a new animated family film since probably the first Puss in Boots spin-off, but recently became an aunt, I now have a revamped appreciation for family-friendly entertainment.

The Last Wish isn’t anything super subversive or irreverent, but it is fun and in the

Photo: Courtesy of DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures

traditional fairytale way. Puss and Kitty have a great tongue-in-cheek camaraderie in which you can tell Banderas and Hayek are having fun with their vocal performances.

Florence Pugh, John Mulaney and Wagner Moura are wonderfully sinister as the baddies; there are token references to grown-up classics the parents will recognize; and the vibrant faux-

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hand-drawn animation for some sequences in the same vein as Sony’s Into the Spider-verse (2018) brings a fresh eyeful for viewing.

Though I found Gullien’s Perro a little too similar to Josh Gad’s Olaf in Disney’s Frozen (2013), The Last Wish would do just fine for the families who enjoy cats, Shrek-adjacent humor and plenty of classic fairytale references. SC

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San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

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sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

WELCOME, 2023: A MONTH TO REVEL OR REBEL?

W

ithout fail, the first week of January, I can count on two things. First, people peppering me with questions about my resolutions for the new year.

Second, walking into Costco and being bombarded with rows of vitamins from Acacia to Zinc and traversing a tidal wave of fitness apparatuses and accessories.

I realized long ago it’s silly to suggest a holiday might magically bring about life changes. Annually, I ignore the advertisements for fad diets and gimmicks guaranteed to “make this year your best yet!”

It’s the same year after year; the top resolutions always include losing weight, exercising more, eating healthier and saving money. Blah, blah, blah.

I understand my opinion may come across as cantankerous, but after partaking in the holiday rituals of cooking, cleaning and clearing the Christmas clutter, I’m not in the mood to participate in another exhausting endeavor.

Instead, I’m skipping reveling in resolutions at the beginning of the LIFE’S A BEACH month and choosBY SHELLEY MURPHY ing to celebrate a little-known holiday at the end of the month: Curmudgeons Day on Jan. 29.

The holiday is observed on the birthday of American actor, comedian, and writer William Claude Dukenfield, otherwise known as the curmudgeon W.C. Fields.

W.C. Fields became famous for his cantankerous characters and good-humored grumpiness, including his disdain for dogs and children. He’s also immortalized for his numerous comedic quotes such as, “I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.”

The American Heritage Dictionary defines a curmudgeon as “an ill-tempered, disagreeable, and quarrelsome person.”

I’m not a true curmudgeon, and I don’t think anyone who knows me would call me cranky—well, not to my face.

I like to think of curmudgeons as unconventional thinkers who aren’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers.

Curmudgeons come in all shapes and sizes, they are not defined by physical attributes, and they can be any gender or age.

They also run the gamut; some experience sporadic surly moods and others lead a lifetime of petulance.

There’s a long list of popular television San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

Nina

and movie characters who are curmudgeons, including Stanley Hudson from The Office, Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street, and Severus Snape of Harry Potter fame.

For more than 30 years, Andy Rooney was the king of curmudgeons and made a career of expressing his disgruntled observations in his 60 Minutes segment “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney.”

Producers from the news show have not contacted me yet, but I’m happy to contribute my cantankerous observations.

Leaf blowers. Thank you, San Clemente City Council, for passing a citywide ban on the gas-powered noise makers, which went into effect on Nov. 4, 2022 (it excludes some city contractors).

Drivers who clean their front windshield with their windshield wiper fluid while driving at a significant speed. I can’t count the times my clean car has been caught in a web of wet, soiled spray.

Pull over to the side of the road, please.

Moviegoers who purchase their tickets at the box office and struggle to select seats. It’s a two-hour movie, not a transcontinental flight.

The passengers in the car ahead of me at the well-established drive-thru restaurant who take forever to order from the age-old menu. It is fast food, fast being the operative word.

Glitter. Despite cleaning and vacuuming, it will lie dormant for months or years, and then its insidious sparkle will shine. A greeting card chock full of “surprise” glitter is a surefire passive-aggressive way to celebrate a supposed friend’s birthday.

Combustible gender reveals. Enough said.

This January, skip the silliness of making sweeping seasonal New Year resolutions and instead celebrate the grumpy, grouchy or good old-fashioned naysayers in life.

Sure, curmudgeons are often a bit difficult, but they’re also passionate people willing to say what they think, and often with a witty and funny flair.

Try honoring them on this holiday, and you might find underneath many have a heart of gold—without the glitter. SC For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to Picket Fence Media since 2006.

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.

Recently back from “cat-ernity leave,” momma cat Nina is finally ready to find her forever home. Nina has a sweet and outgoing personality and just loves to be petted. She gets along with other cats and would be a great addition to almost any home. Might Nina be your purrfect match?

If you are interested in adopting Nina, 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

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES San Clemente’s first mayor, Tom

Murphine (far left), joins a group of officials from nearby towns for a round of golf while explaining plans for the growth of San Clemente. 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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

LONE GOAL SCHS girls soccer hands San Juan Hills first loss with Brophy goal, stout back line play

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

G

oals are precious in matches between the San Clemente and San Juan Hills girls soccer teams. Both teams are so strong along their defensive back lines that any opportunity at the sliver of an open net is tantalizing and game-shifting.

On Tuesday night, Jan. 17, it was the Tritons’ Camille Brophy who found the open slot, and a San Clemente back four that withstood the relentless pressure.

San Juan Hills couldn’t clear a high bouncing ball from within its own box, and Brophy connected with her left foot for a deft parabolic loft over the goalkeeper in the 19th minute to give San Clemente the edge over the Stallions, 1-0, in a South Coast League game at Thalassa Stadium.

San Clemente (11-1-4, 1-0-1) handed San Juan Hills (10-1-3, 2-1-0) its first loss of the season by denying the previously high-scoring Stallions on a bevy of opportunities in the box.

San Juan Hills didn’t earn many set-piece opportunities throughout the match, but the Stallions were particularly adept at chucking long throw-ins toward the San Clemente defense. Time and time again, the Tritons’ back line, including the standout head of central defender Malia McMahon, turned away San Juan Hills’ advances.

In the game’s dying minutes, San Juan Hills got three throw-in chances into the San Clemente box, including one that got in deep before being cleared out

by Isabella Maselli just before the final whistle.

“Our back four are solid,” San Clemente coach Stacey Finnerty said. “I can’t even ask for something better, and tonight, Bella just happened to be in that spot. She kept driving on the wide and serving balls in, and then she was getting back. Then, for her last one to save it off the line, and she’s the shortest one back there, for her to get up and head that thing out was impressive.”

San Juan Hills’ back line was equally impressive. Center back Peyton Leonard reversed many San Clemente forays, as the Tritons tried to push up the field.

However, San Clemente kept coming as the push and pull of the game in the midfield would allow.

“I think we started reading the game San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

San Clemente’s Camille Brophy scored the only goal for the Tritons, but it was all San Clemente would need with a stellar back line that shut down San Juan Hills on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

and trying to read what they had, and I think it took us a bit, because we were trying to handle what they were bringing,” Finnerty said. “As we gained momentum and pressured them, then we felt like we can take more chances, and it became more up and down.”

San Clemente kept trying to get out and run, but the Tritons ultimately found their breakthrough by following the bouncing ball.

In the 19th minute, a long ball was played toward the San Juan Hills box, and Brophy leaped up to head the ball.

From there, the ball stayed aloft with a couple more bounces and clearing attempts, but as the Stallions failed to get the ball out, Brophy was the beneficiary, tracking the ball for a left-footed swipe out of midair. The ball hung high and floated down just over the Stallion ’keeper’s fingers and under the bar for San Clemente’s lone goal of the match.

“I just knew I had to put my foot on the ball, and put one on frame of the goal, and it went in,” Brophy said. “Left foot, so not dominant foot, but it worked out.”

San Clemente had just one or two more dangerous looks at the net, but nothing came up cleanly, as San Juan Hills swept away every other opportuni-

ty. Brophy’s goal was the first allowed by San Juan Hills since Dec. 17.

On the Tritons’ end, goalkeepers Rylie McLeish and Addison Robertson again combined on another clean sheet, San Clemente’s eighth shutout of the season.

Among San Clemente, San Juan Hills and Aliso Niguel (1-2-3, 1-0-1), which played to a 1-1 draw with the Tritons in their league opener on Jan. 12, the South Coast League is already shaping up as another drag-out defensive struggle.

San Clemente is next at Tesoro on Thursday, Jan. 19, and hosts Capistrano Valley on Saturday, Jan. 21. San Juan Hills hosts Aliso Niguel on Thursday and is at Tesoro on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

San Clemente next locks up with Aliso Niguel on Jan. 26 and plays at San Juan Hills on Jan. 28.

SCHS Alum Lauren Brzykcy Selected in NWSL Draft by San Diego In attendance for the San Clemente girls soccer team’s win on Tuesday was newly minted national champion and professional soccer player Lauren Brzykcy.

Fresh off a wild NCAA championship win with UCLA women’s soccer, Brzykcy, a 2017 San Clemente graduate, was Page 13

selected 33rd overall in the third round of the National Women’s Soccer League Draft by San Diego Wave FC on Jan. 12.

“I talked to the (San Diego) coaches before and (they said), ‘Yeah, if you’re still available, we’d love to take you,’” Brzykcy said. “By then (late in the draft), I don’t know, I didn’t process it. In my head, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m done,’ and then I heard my name, and I was like, ‘Holy cow! That’s crazy!’”

Brzykcy had already trained with a few of the San Diego players in pre-draft workouts, including United States national team superstar Alex Morgan, who texted Brzykcy a congratulatory note after being selected.

San Diego Wave FC made the NWSL playoffs in its inaugural season in 2022 and became the first expansion club to make the playoffs and win a playoff game. The 2023 NWSL season begins on March 25.

Brzykcy won the NCAA Division 1 championship with UCLA in December in what she called the wildest game of her career. UCLA scored two goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation to tie the match, and in double overtime, the Bruins captured the program’s second national title. Brzykcy made five saves in the match. SC sanclementetimes.com

LOCALS ONLY

BODY MIND SPIRIT ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DENTISTS

Want to be featured as our business spotlight?

Contact Lauralyn Loynes for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

PROSTHODONTICS

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

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

MUSIC LESSONS

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

HUMAN RESOURCES JH Consulting - Your HR Partner 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. 313 714.321.2279, jhconsultingcompany.com

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY For pricing contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext.102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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

REALTORS

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

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

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sanclementetimes.com

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

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

San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

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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 19-25, 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 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 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

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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 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236652980 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SALES4PROS 16 VIA BELLEZA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 ADDITIONAL FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S): 1B. ELEVATING HCM Full Name of Registrant(s): RB DIRECT, INC. 16 VIA BELLEZA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 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 RB DIRECT, INC/s/RYAN BURTON, RYAN BURTON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 1/11/2023 Published in: San Clemente Times January 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 2023

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San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

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SC SURF

Epic Score at Cortes Bank

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-59 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 1-2’ Thursday: NW swell rolling in with waist to chest high waves, (3-4’). Deep high tide slows the surf down in the early morning. Light/variable winds much of the morning, followed by a moderate west sea breeze for the afternoon.

The mythic spot 100 miles offshore was downright perfect on Friday the 13th

Outlook: Friday’s surf dips to thigh to stomach high, (2-3’+), as the NW swell eases, then waves level off at thigh to waist high, (2-3’) for Saturday and Sunday. Deepening high tides continue to bog down the waves in the early mornings Friday through the weekend. Friday and Saturday see light/variable to light+ offshore winds in the mornings, shift to a moderate afternoon onshore wind, Moderate south winds are due most of Sunday.

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

N

ot to revel in a lot of people’s misery, but while the recent deluge was hitting California the past couple of weeks, surfers have been enjoying a seemingly nonstop run of waves.

From Rincon to Blacks Beach and just about everywhere in between, for those who were in the right place at the right time, there’s been a whole lot of scoring happening.

And while Salt Creek has been particularly good to local surfers as of late, the epic run of swell culminated with a mission 100 miles off the coast to the infamous Cortes Bank on Friday, Jan. 13.

Intrepid big-wave explorer Bill Sharp organized this mission as part of the “100 Foot Wave” project that he’s been working on for HBO. It features an allstar crew of international chargers, including Brazil’s Lucas Chumbo, France’s Justine Dupont, Portugal’s Nic Von Rupp, England’s Andrew Cotton and Hawaii’s Garrett McNamara.

“I’ve spent 40 years in surf media and big wave events and done a lot of good stuff, but Friday’s mission to Cortes Bank for ‘100 Foot Wave’ was the pinnacle of my career,” marveled Sharp on Instagram.

Greeted by massive waves and picture-perfect conditions, Dupont may not have only bagged the wave of the trip, but there’s speculation she set a new world record in the process. Dupont has dedicated her life to riding giant waves, most notably at Nazare in Portugal, but her Cortes performance may put her in another league.

“All I can say is holy (expletive)! New world record,” shared McNamara on Instagram.

There appears to have been no shortage of excited expletives, as almost everyone’s response has been one of wonder and disbelief.

“We found the most insane pristine big waves I have ever witnessed,” concurred Von Rupp. “I’d imagined myself surfing most of the big wave spots San Clemente Times January 19-25, 2023

Friday, Jan. 13, was one for the history books at Cortes Bank, as France’s Justine Dupont (pictured here) and an all-star cast of international big-wave surfers scored some of the biggest, best conditions in recent memory.

Photo: Courtesy of Frank Quirarte

around world, but never Cortes … probably the most insane trip of my life.”

“Twenty years ago, almost to the date I met Garrett McNamara as a 17-year-old frothing grom. Somehow, I wiggled my way onto his boat to Cortes. Now, come full circle to yesterday’s 100-foot wave strike mission, it’s one of the most incredible trips of my life; forever grateful,” added the East Coast’s Will Skudin.

In total, the crew loaded nine jet skis with all their safety gear onto a boat and set out to make some history. Along for the ride was author Chris Dixon, whose book Ghost Wave offers the definitive story of Cortes Bank.

“I’ve been to Cortes four times now,” explained Dixon on social media. “These were the biggest, most pristine conditions I’ve seen.”

“My appreciation to Bill Sharp for

another mission to this mythical spot can’t be overstated. Nor can how stoked I am for Bill at having utterly nailed this,” Dixon continued. “Sean Collins and Larry ‘Flame’ Moore would be so damn proud.”

Collins, the founder of Surfline and father of surf forecasting, and Moore, the photo editor for Surfing magazine, had long considered Cortes Bank to be bigwave surfing’s ultimate frontier. Sadly, both men are no longer with us, but to Dixon’s point, they sure would have been stoked to see what went down out there last week.

Sharp’s first foray into the blue abyss of Cortes Bank was with Moore back in 1995. They scored a relatively small day out there (15 feet) with glassy conditions.

On that trip, George Hulse became the first surfer to ride a wave at Cortes.

The true size and power of the spot became apparent after another mission out there in 2001 in which Ken Collins, Peter Mel, Brad Gerlach and Mike Parsons, plus paddle-surfers Evan Slater and John Walla, experienced the break in all its glory.

The most recent Friday the 13th mission out there was a resounding success, with epic waves ridden and all involved making it safely back to port when it was all over. 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

FINN MCCARTY

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t’s been a hot minute since we caught up with famed Trestles goofy-footer Finn McCarty. Last week, with the swell absolutely pumping, Finn and his pops, Rob, spent the dawn patrol at Salt Creek, scoring some of the best surf of the winter.

A savvy goofy-footer with heaps of style who isn’t afraid to charge when it’s pumping, Finn’s also blossoming into quite the tube hound. After celebrating his 13th birthday just before Christmas, he’s always

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Finn McCarty. Photo: Courtesy of McCarty Family

bringing the good vibes to the lineup.

As mentioned, Finn’s local haunt is Trestles, especially Lowers, but when the surf’s up, he and his old man are keen to get on

the road and chase the waves.

The two are also connected by the surfboards they ride. Rob, who’s the creative mastermind behind the surf company Vissla, has been shaping some boards lately, and Finn, who appears to have picked up his dad’s artistic talents, has been learning how to tape and paint the boards.

From flames to fades, the kid is a natural with the airbrush gun.

With a new year ahead of us, we can’t wait to see what Finn and his crew accomplish in 2023. No doubt, there are plenty of good times and great waves on the horizon. SC If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

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