July 13, 2023

INSIDE:

JULY 13-19, 2023 | VOLUME 18, ISSUE 28

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

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Railroad Protection Wall Below Casa Romantica Nearly Complete EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

Houshmand Wins Big in South Africa SURF/PAGE 18

Office Chair Cleanup

Neighbors, Friends Sweep Away Leftover Water Balloons, Debris on Fourth of July L I V I N G / PAG E 12

Used balloons, trash and other debris from the Office Chair Races litter Avenidas Victoria and Rosa—a largely overlooked and unintended consequence of the local Fourth of July tradition.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

City Extends Green Line Trolley Through Summer

OCTA Secures City’s Financial Commitment for Traffic Relief

Kelly Boyz Band to Rock Linda Lane Park

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

GETTING OUT/PAGE 10

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

COMMUNITY MEETINGS begin next week.

After the April 27 landslide at Casa Romantica, during which a portion of the property’s back patio and landscaping fell roughly 25 feet down the hillside, the City of San Clemente performed slope stabilization work that included smoothing over the slope and removing soil to lighten the burden on the hillside.

The work briefly assuaged OCTA and Metrolink’s consideration of building a retaining wall, as rail service resumed on May 27.

City officials first noticed further movement on June 3, followed by a more dramatic slide on June 5, causing the OCTA board to approve taking emergency actions to resolve the situation.

The barrier wall is temporary, as mandated by the California Coastal Commission within the Emergency Coastal Development Permit it issued for the project. The wall will be removed once the city completes its own further stabilization work on the Casa Romantica property.

For the latest updates on train schedules, visit metrolinktrains.com/ service-update or pacificsurfliner.com/ alerts.

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Passenger Rail Service to Restart Through San Clemente Following Construction of Protection Wall C. JAYDEN SMITH

For the second time in 2023, Metrolink and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will resume passenger rail service through San Clemente following a landslide, as the Orange County Transportation Authority announced service is scheduled to start again on Monday, July 17.

The announcement on Tuesday, July 11, comes one day after the OCTA Board of Directors was informed about the upcoming completion of work to construct a track protection wall near the base of the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

“Metrolink and OCTA worked in partnership to build the temporary barrier wall on an emergency basis to protect the tracks, so passenger service could safely resume as soon as possible,” Metrolink said in a press release. “The city of San Clemente continues work to

stabilize the hillside for the long-term.”

The Casa Romantica property experienced landslides on April 27 and June 5, with both prompting the railroad entities to suspend service between South Orange County and North San Diego County after debris fell into the track’s right of way.

Construction crews contracted by OCTA, which owns the track through Orange County, began work on June 27 to build a 12-foot-high, 250-foot-long wall in the right of way. Work included driving 32 steel soldier piles into the ground.

At the OCTA board’s meeting on Monday, July 10, Jim Beil, the executive director of Capital Programs, said remaining work on the project included putting up the timber in between each soldier pile and cleaning up the area.

Beil also said he expected rail service to

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Beachside Chat 8-9 a.m. Join San Clemente residents and dignitaries for the weekly Beachside Chat, a spirited, town hall forum on community issues led by a slate of rotating hosts. The chats are held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, located at 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. All are welcome.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

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, JULY 18

San Clemente City Council 5 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting in person at the Council Chambers at City Hall, as well as virtually.

The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. City Hall, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect), 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.

San Clemente Toastmasters 7-8:40 p.m. The Toastmasters Club invites people to lose their fear of public speaking and have fun at the same time. Join them in person on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Baha’i Center, at 3316 Avenida del Presidente. Visitors welcomed. Call or text Laura Yang at 949.547.6558 with questions.

6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

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

Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

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

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Passenger rail service through San Clemente is scheduled to resume on Monday, July 17, after the completion of construction of a track protection wall just below Casa Romantica, Metrolink and Amtrak announced this week. Photo: File/Chloe Anady

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

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CUSD Board of Trustees 7 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will meet to decide on local education matters. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Council Votes to Resume Green Line Trolley Operations Through September

OCTA, Lightfoot explained, won’t reimburse the city for operations of the Green Line route. Therefore, if the council decided to go forward, the additional trolley route would be fully funded by the city out of the General Fund.

The council was then presented with alternatives on how to proceed with the Green Line.

The options for funding the line from July through September ranged from about $90,000 for weekend service only, to costing just over $200,000 for daily service that coincides with the existing schedules of the Red and Blue Lines.

The council also had the third option to deny the operation of the Green Line during the 2023 summer season. With this option, the council would wait and revisit expanding the Green Line service until the city could apply for additional Measure V grant funds at the end of the year.

Councilmember Rick Loeffler questioned the likelihood of getting grants later.

The city has already submitted a letter to OCTA, according to Lightfoot, and it expects to have a new funding opportunity in the coming months.

While the city will apply for the grant at the end of this year, the funding would not be received until July 2024.

Councilmember Victor Cabral commented on the increasing obligations of the city to fund transportation projects.

BY CLARA HELM

San Clemente’s free Green Line trolley that was launched in the spring as a pilot route through the south end of town is continuing to operate this summer after the City Council voted unanimously last month to fund the service until September.

Passengers looking to board the Green Line, which previously operated only on weekends, can now hop on daily as the route runs in conjunction with the Red and the Blue Lines—the city’s existing routes that serve the downtown corridor and north side of town, respectively.

The Green Line largely travels along South El Camino Real, running from the San Clemente Pier to Calafia Beach Park to San Clemente State Beach, and has stops on streets such as Avenida Barcelona and Avenida San Antonio.

Instead of the signature red San Clemente trolleys used for the Red and Blue routes, white shuttles will continue serving as the Green Line vehicles.

In February, the council unanimously voted to pilot the new route, which ran March 11 through May 21. The pilot program was paid for with money from the General Fund.

According to a city staff report, the pilot program completed 9,313 rides

during its operation and averaged 19 rides per hour. The Green Line pilot route, the city said, not only met but doubled the ridership goal of the Orange County Transportation Authority for Project V local transit programs.

During the council’s June 20 meeting, Economic Development Officer Jonathan Lightfoot explained the current status of the Green Line and what would be needed for its continued service.

“In order to bring (the Green Line) service back, we would need to bring in a couple of white shuttles, as well as additional contract provisions for the additional hours of operation of those vehicles,” Lightfoot said.

City staff recommended that if the council were to continue the Green Line, LAZ Parking California, LLC should be selected as the service provider. The company already operates the existing trolley routes.

Because the route was initially funded by the city, the council needed to decide the next steps in terms of financing.

Lightfoot mentioned that staff have been in contact with the OCTA, which funds the city’s free trolley program through a Measure V grant.

OCTA Nearing Completion of Railroad Protection Wall Below Casa Romantica

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Within the next 10 days, the Orange County Transportation Authority expects to have completed construction of a track protection wall in the agency’s right of way below Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, officials told the OCTA governing board on Monday, July 10.

After a second landslide at Casa Romantica on June 5 caused debris and other materials to fall onto the railroad tracks—resulting in another suspension of passenger rail services through town—construction crews have established the wall using two large drilling rigs to install 32 steel soldier piles.

Jim Beil, executive director of Capital Programs for OCTA, updated the board about the progress on Monday before the group reaffirmed a resolution allowing San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Construction crews on Tuesday morning, July 11, continue building a track protection wall in the Orange County Transportation Authority’s right of way below Casa Romantica. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

May 26—a little more than a week before the second landslide occurred.

Casa Romantica experienced the first landslide on April 27, when the local landmark’s backyard terrace, landscaping and other debris fell roughly 25 feet down the hillside, prompting Metrolink and Amtrak to halt passenger rail services between South Orange County and North San Diego County.

CEO Darrell Johnson to take necessary actions to address the railroad emergency in San Clemente.

“I anticipate this will be the last reaffirmation on the railroad emergency you’ll have to act on,” Beil said.

The board’s approval to construct the protection wall followed slope stabilization work that the City of San Clemente had completed at Casa Romantica on Page 4

“It seems like more and more that the obligation of this (public) transportation has fallen on the city,” said Cabral. “We have become the OCTA.” In response, city staff reemphasized the benefit of a Measure V grant. With the grant, the city’s obligation would be only 10% of funding and OCTA would reimburse 90% of the operation costs.

To the council’s surprise, there were no public comments on the issue of the funding and continuation of the Green Line trolley.

With little debate of the issue by the councilmembers, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock motioned to approve the daily services option at a cost of $201,600. It was then seconded by Councilmember Mark Enmeier, with all councilmembers voting in favor.

The Green Line will operate through Sept. 30, for commuting visitors and residents during the busy summer season.

Daily operations for the Red and Blue Lines are scheduled to end Oct. 1. Afterward, Red Line trolleys will continue running on weekends through Dec. 31.

Currently, all routes operate Monday through Friday, from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sundays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The city also intends to pursue funding for the new Green Line through OCTA, and if the application is approved, the additional route would return for summer 2024.

Until the second landslide, rail services had resumed over Memorial Day weekend, starting on May 26.

After Metrolink, or the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, awarded a contract to geotechnical contractor Condon-Johnson & Associates, construction of the wall began on June 27.

According to Beil, the remaining work for the week includes minor grading, clearing the rock ballast, and restoring protective fencing.

The wall will remain in place until the City of San Clemente completes its own slope stabilization work, a condition included within the Emergency Coastal Development Permit that the California Coastal Commission required for the project.

Johnson, OCTA’s chief executive, reminded the board on Monday that along with the protection wall, the agency is also pursuing a “two-path process.” The process consists of conducting a roughly $2 million short-term study and a $5 million long-term study—the latter of which recently received grant funding.

“We will be asking the Regional Transportation Planning Committee on Aug. 7 and the board on Aug. 14 to award to that contract,” Johnson said of the shortterm study. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

OCTA Secures City’s Financial Commitment for Traffic Relief

in mid-August.

The public will be able to review and comment on the document, according to Johnson, who also reiterated the agency’s commitment to an HOV lane project.

State and federal regulations require OCTA to evaluate multiple options while planning projects, which ties the I-5 project to more The Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously than just carpool approved an agreement ensuring the City of San Clemente’s financial commitlanes. ment to a traffic relief project on Monday, July 10. Photo: Shawn Raymundo “By definition, an HOV is a managed lane,” Johnson Agencies (TCA). said. “Truck lanes are managed lanes, During that time, there was contentoll lanes are managed lanes; you tion between the TCA and the city, as could have transit lanes. Our proposal city officials feared the TCA would excontinues to be an HOV lane, but we’re tend the 241 Toll Road to the 5 Freeway required to study all of those.” by having it cut through town.

He added that if the environmental He added that the item in front of planning process resulted in changthe board on Monday was related to ing the type of managed lane for the legal matters that were already settled, project, it would be brought back before and further objections from San Clemthe board. ente residents stemmed from remainKatrina Foley, OCTA board member ing grievances. and Orange County Fifth District Board “There’s going to be time for even Supervisor, asked OCTA staff to comfurther input from the residents of the municate with San Clemente residents city of San Clemente, but we’ve got to in clarifying the definition of managed do what we’ve got to do today to get lanes. this project moved forward, and not get “There are members of the public sucked into some of the issues that exist that think that the way it’s described between a few of the residents of San in the staff report means it won’t be an Clemente and the TCA,” Wagner said.

HOV lane,” said Foley.

Wagner then moved for the board to Board member Donald Wagner, vote on the item, which received unanithe current chair of the OC Board of mous approval.

Supervisors, referred to his time on the More information about the I-5 projboard of the Transportation Corridor ect can be found at octa.net.

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved on Monday, July 10, a transfer of $750,000 sourced from the City of San Clemente—funds intended to be used for a project to ease freeway traffic through the city.

The Interstate 5 (I-5) Improvement Project from the San Diego County line to Avenida Pico, one of three projects listed in a cooperative agreement that the city joined in September 2021, proposes adding a high-occupancy (HOV) lane in each direction within the 4.8-mile-long area.

It is currently in the environmental review process, with the $750,000 to be used for future activities such as community outreach and project enhancements.

San Clemente joined the South County Traffic Relief Cooperative Agreement along with OCTA and the County of Orange, with the promise that the city’s open space would be protected from traffic construction projects such as a toll road.

The funding comes from a settlement agreement between the city and the California Department of Transportation, related to the payback of legal fees, OCTA board member and ex-officio Ryan Chamberlain explained.

“It was the department and the city’s wishes to try and keep those funds local, instead of having them go elsewhere into a different pot that couldn’t be used for projects and programs in the county,” Chamberlain said.

“We looked at this as a partnering solution to continue to engage with the city, to have more potential public outreach and engagement through the (Planning, Engineering & Design Process) for the I-5 managed lane,” Chamberlain continued.

Monday’s administrative action “solidified” the city’s contribution to the project, according to OCTA spokesperson Eric Carpenter, setting in motion a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would dismiss all outstanding disputes between the city, OCTA, and Caltrans.

OCTA Chief Executive Darrell Johnson will now execute a funding agreement involving the three entities.

City Manager Andy Hall came forward to address the board, reminding the members about San Clemente residents’ leeriness toward the concept of managed lanes, which OCTA defines as “any lanes with controlled access, such as occupancy restrictions or pricing.”

The project is listed within the agency’s Directions 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan as that of a managed lane freeway improvement.

“I just want to make sure that the board is very aware that the City of San Clemente is strongly supportive of any managed congestion in that area being (HOV lanes) rather than any kind of a toll lane or something like that,” Hall said.

Johnson spoke to the project’s status, as a draft of its environmental document is projected to be released

Local Organization Recognized as ‘Small Nonprofit of the Year’ in Nationwide Contest

The founder and CEO of the Flora May Foundation had traveled to the other side of the country after previously placing second in last year’s awards, a distinction the organization was “extremely happy” with receiving.

“We didn’t even entertain the thought of winning this year, but we did,” Hansen said, adding: “It was a big deal.”

Founded in 2015, the Flora May Foundation aims to assist families and children. The organization works in varying capacities, with severely ill newborns, families with children battling behavioral and mental health issues, and families who have a child run away.

To participate in the annual American Business Awards, or Stevie Awards, people nominate other organizations, marketing campaigns, customer service teams and more within 14 different categories. The Flora May Foundation, with fewer than 50 employees and annual

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Debbie Hansen, founder and CEO of the Flora May Foundation, poses with the Gold Stevie Award in June after her organization won “Small Nonprofit of the Year.” Photo: Courtesy of Flora May Foundation

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

After eight years in operation, the San Clemente-based Flora May Foundation received broader recognition for its work last month when the American Business Awards announced the organization had earned the Small Nonprofit or Government Organization of the Year award.

Among roughly 1,000 attendees at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, 56-year-old Debbie Hansen, the lone organization representative, was shocked to hear the news.

Page 5

revenue of less than $10 million, fit within the “small” section of the category for company and organization awards.

Specialized judging committees, organized by the American Business Association, then score entries and rank them by an average score to determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards.

Hansen said participating in the Stevie Awards was exciting, because it increased the perception of the Flora May Foundation.

“We reach a wider audience, which we’ve always struggled to do, (and) expands awareness about what we do and how to find us and how we can be a resource to parents, as well,” she said. “It lifts us up social media-wise, (and) it creates a buzz about our nonprofit, which helps donors recognize who we are and increases donations.”

A third-generation hospital volunteer (Cont. on page 6) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

OCFA Outlines How to Protect Your Home as Wildfire Season Approaches

long distances into roof eaves or into an attic. He further stressed making sure eaves are closed or boxed to prevent embers from entering, that there are no gaps between garage doors and the ground, and cleaning out dead leaves from rain gutters.

“As firefighters, if the fire’s coming in, we want to protect your home and defend it,” said Barta. “We want to have

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

San Clemente Ocean Games Seeks to Boost Registration

Peak wildfire season in California is approaching, and because of historic rainfall from this past winter’s storms, local vegetation is at a greater risk of succumbing to fire.

Given that the storms followed years of drought, the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom has compared the oncoming period to that of 2017, the most destructive wildfire season on record to that point, which also succeeded a massive spate of storms after a drought.

“Temperatures are heating up towards the end of this month, and there is a 90% likelihood of an El Niño developing by July,” the Office of the Governor wrote in a press release late last month. “The tropical disturbances typically associated with an El Niño pattern could lead to increased lightning and thunderstorm activity.”

The rainfall contributed significantly to the growth of grasses and vegetation, creating more fuel for potential fires.

There are both pros and cons that can be associated with the rain, said Greg Barta, public information officer for the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).

The vegetation increased its moisture content because of the water it received and was able to maintain that content into the early spring.

“That kind of decreases the likelihood of a wildfire starting, and then even if it does start, it decreases the likelihood of it being as intense and causing as much damage,” Barta said.

He also concurred with the Office of the Governor’s projection that the growing grasses will dry out as temperatures rise, adding: “They will become an avenue for a fire to start and spread rapidly.”

With warmer weather comes a decrease in humidity, and while fires are essentially a threat year-round, according to Barta, Orange County is in the “dangerous window” of increased risk.

Cities such as San Clemente that have boundaries sitting against or areas

within a wildland urban interface, or a location between unoccupied land and human development, have a greater risk of wildfires and resulting significant damage.

Barta mentioned the need for prepa-

ration, whether in terms of an exit plan for families or establishing defensible space around homes for homeowners, especially for those who live close to vegetation.

“You want to make sure that you clear any dead vegetation within 100 feet of your home, at a minimum,” he said. “If you see any vegetation out there, you want to get rid of it, especially within 30 feet of your home.”

Additionally, homeowners should look into drought-resistant plants and ensure they maintain a high moisture content and analyze their home to give it the best chance of surviving a fire.

Fires are often fueled by wind, Barta said, which can further cast embers

access into the backyard as easy as possible (and) access around the structure, so anything you can do to make sure that we have good access is also a huge benefit to us.”

He said firefighters call actions that protect houses from approaching embers “home hardening.”

In the unlikely event that you are still at home and notice a neighbor’s house is on fire, Barta said to first call 911 before going to alert that neighbor if they happen to be inside, but to not go inside yourself.

“Don’t put yourself in harm’s way, because then you become part of the problem, not part of the solution,” said Barta. “Then we have to focus our efforts

on rescuing you and not the home.”

More information on OCFA’s online home assessment tool, wildfire hazard maps and other tools to help prepare for wildfires can be found on OCFA’s Ready, Set, Go webpage at ocfa.org/rsg.

(Cont. from page 5) with years of experience at charitable organizations, Hansen was spurred on to start the organization after watching her now 96-year-old mother, Flora May, in her lifelong pursuits to help others.

“Aside from that, it makes me happy to help other people,” she said. “Altruistically, it fulfills me. I’ve always been that way, so it’s a perfect fit for someone with my personality.”

The organization is completely staffed by women—80% of whom are

mothers, according to Hansen. The women all have experienced moments that contribute to fulfilling the nonprofit’s mission.

“When facing difficult decisions, like if you’re going to send your child to treatment (away) or not, those are huge decisions that parents never think they’re going to have to make,” said Hansen. “We’re a resource to those parents and at least someone to talk to, to (help them) find out what their options are.”

She added that Flora May has partnerships with more than 40 other nonprofits, capable of providing additional help when necessary.

Over the past year, the organization has experienced “immense growth” and increased recognition, leading to more involvement with local chambers of commerce and more partnerships.

Hansen said the nonprofit’s workforce development program for women is another feature meant to boost the community. The free program also sup-

plies laptops for participants to use.

“We try to accommodate these people, because a lot of them are mothers, and they’ve been out of the workforce for a period of time,” she said. “They don’t have the confidence or the updated skills to get a job, and that’s what we’re here for, to get them job-ready and to get them employed.”

More information about the organization’s efforts to support families and children can be found at thefloramayfoundation.org.

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

As authorities warn of the impending wildfire season in California, a local expert speaks about how to defend homes against fire. Photo: File/Cari Hachmann

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BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Plenty of spots remain open for registration in the upcoming San Clemente Ocean Games, which will start early Saturday morning, July 15, with two open events at 7 a.m.

The event, which will fill the void left by Ocean Festival that was canceled for 2023, features lifeguard, junior lifeguard, and open events.

The junior lifeguard games have received the largest enrollment to date, although 56 spots are open for participants aged 13 to 16, and 47 are open for children aged 9 to 12 years old.

For the ocean lifeguard competition, 94 out of 100 slots remain open, and most spots for the four open events are unfilled.

The price to register for both junior lifeguard age groups is $30. For the ocean lifeguard events, registration is $60.

To enroll in the open 5K beach run, for ages 9 and up, the cost is $30; $33 for the 1-mile swim; $35 for the run-swim-run; and $60 for the combination of all three above events.

Early-bird registration will remain available until Friday, July 14. Onsite registration the day of the event Saturday will open at 6 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.

More information about the Ocean Games can be found at san-clemente.org.

sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Laurie’s Latest by Assemblymember Laurie Davies

Addressing Unmet Needs in State Budget A

s your assemblymember, I am committed to being a problem solver, which is why I proudly joined the Problem Solver’s Caucus in Sacramento.

This bipartisan group of legislators shares a common goal of finding practical and effective solutions to address the challenges in our state. While reviewing the new state budget unveiled by Gov. Newsom last month, it is evident there is room for improvement in accelerating housing construction, wildfire prevention, and protecting our beaches.

There was a lack of foresight in creating real incentives to speed up housing construction in California. This omission is particularly concerning, as homeownership becomes increasingly unattainable for Californians, especially young people, seniors and working families.

While there is much more to be done, I look forward to working with other leaders in our community to solve this issue.

The lack of streamlining for wildfire prevention projects is a matter of concern, especially for our communities in the 74th Assembly District. However, I take pride in having secured funding for the Orange County Fire Authority, to purchase equipment to combat wildfires.

Nevertheless, there is still more work to be done, and I believe we can make significant progress in addressing these challenges effectively.

The disregard for coastal and sand erosion programs is another letdown. Our beaches are vital for recreation, sea life, the environment, and our economy. With the creation of the bipartisan Coastal Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to spread the word on this critical issue

Letters to The Editor REFRESHING PERSPECTIVES FROM A LEGITIMATE NEWS SOURCE GREG STOLROW, San Clemente It was refreshing to see two pieces in a recent edition of SC Times that were balanced and accurate. The Letter to the Editor responding to Ms. Vidrine and her disappointment with the outcome of the council review of applications for Mr. San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

that expands far beyond just coastal Southern California.

I am pleased to see that both of my bills that tackle this issue have progressed in the State Senate, and I expect them to become law.

I am pleased with two key budget items relating to education.

There is funding that will go toward ensuring every school can purchase Narcan, ensuring the safety of our students amidst the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis.

Additionally, there is funding to ensure reciprocity for teachers who are spouses of servicemembers stationed in California. This measure not only addresses our teacher shortage, but also supports military families. It’s a win-win situation for all.

In local efforts, I recently wrote a letter to the California State Lands Commission in support of the San Clemente Sand Replenishment project, a partnership agreement between the City of San Clemente and the Army Corps of Engineers.

This project aims to place 250,000 cubic yards of sand on city beaches.

While we continue working on long-term solutions to combat coastal erosion, the immediate commencement of sand replenishment is a vital first step.

Also relating to coastal erosion, I recently wrote a letter supporting the Orange County Transportation Authority in their efforts to improve the rail infrastructure in south coastal Orange County.

A pragmatic and fact-based approach is critical in protecting and enhancing our rail corridor. Through a compre-

hensive study and collaboration with stakeholders, we can develop innovative solutions to address environmental impacts, prioritize safety, and foster reLAURIE’S LATEST

BY LAURIE DAVIES gional connectivity.

While I also submitted a letter in support of a longterm study looking at possible future movement of the tracks, this new effort will ensure we look at steps to take in the short- and medium-term while addressing concerns of all stakeholders.

Please be sure to keep an eye out for announcements related to my Community Coffees that I will be hosting in the upcoming weeks. I look forward to the opportunity to hear directly from you on issues that matter.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I am honored to represent you in the State Assembly.

Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County—down through Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County.

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.

towns we live. Your paper has the opportunity to be a beacon of objectivity and honesty at a time when the press has become more partisan than the people they cover.

Please continue to carry an honest message of truth and information credibility.

James’ spot was impactful and accurate.

Any credible and common-sense-oriented person knows housing-first is an ineffective lie. Ms. Vidrine should never be elected, as she would certainly attempt to force us all to believe we dishonor the homeless by logically rejecting her views.

Sharing the thoughts of Mr. Knoblock was also a welcome read. He is a fine man and a dear friend. His wisdom and wholesome concern for our town is wellknown.

Politics and the issues we read about and watch on a state and national level all begin in the neighborhoods and

SAVE SEA CLIFF VILLAS LARRY CULBERTSON, San Clemente Just past the Beachcomber Inn in the Pier Bowl is one of the last extant “villas” that were the showplaces of Ole Hanson’s Spanish Village.

(Cont. on page 8) Page 7

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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 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 Digital Producer Evan Lancaster Columnists Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

(SC + DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Group Art Director Marc Hostetter Special Projects Art Director Jasmine Smith OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares Local Distribution Tim Trent FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 18, Issue 28. 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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SOAPBOX

OBITUARY

Catherine Erickson

Catherine “Chatty Cathy” Erickson (neé Carpenter) joined her Heavenly Father on July 1, 2023. She was born to the late Stephen and Vida Carpenter on March 27, 1936 in Plainview, Minnesota.

After moving to California in 1954, Cathy soon found her way into the heart of NASA Engineer, Donald Erickson. The two planted roots in Westchester where they welcomed their two children, Amelia Weinstein (Jason) and Carl Erickson (Julie). The family of four would eventually find themselves in Valencia the city that remained Cathy’s home sweet home, even after tragically losing her “Don” to cancer in 1984. Luckily, our outgoing, Chatty Cathy was

(Cont. from page 7) Comprising two lots totaling 18,339 square feet, 402-404 Pasadena Court was named Vista de las Olas (View of the Waves). Wealthy socialite sisters Bertha and Emma Wierk commissioned its construction in 1927. A subsequent owner renamed it Sea Cliff Villas.

The mansion itself is quite impressive, over 3,000 square feet of elaborate architectural detail spilling over the cliff from Pasadena Court to Avenida Victoria. But an equally important “character-defining feature” of this property is the garden that flows down the steep bank to a hexagonal tile pool and patio.

A runnel carried water from a wall fountain on the side of the house to the pool below. Twin tile stairways adorn the sides of the runnel. The property is spectacular. The city’s 2006 “Historic Resources Survey Update” reported that the property appears eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nevertheless, a proposal has been submitted to the city to transform this property into a 48-seat restaurant, ninecar parking structure, nine-suite boutique motel, with swimming pool, spa, fitness room, executive meeting rooms, and concierge service.

This project would demolish the garden, destroying the historic integrity of the property.

A similar project about 22 years ago included a historic preservation report from Chattel Architecture. It stated,“The gardens are an integral part of the overall composition and of the property.” The report emphatically concluded that the demolition of the historic garden would have a significant impact.

The Coastal Commission ended up denying the project, in part because it was not visitor-serving. They wrote,“The commission would be interested in promoting and reserving the site for a primary visitor-serving use, such as overnight accommodations. Due to its setting, the site would be particularly conducive to a bed and breakfast. Other development options include a museum or community center.”

Yes. Start by restoring the garden, then convert the house into a nice B&B or, even better, a historical museum.

There are many other concerns regarding this project and the negative effect it would have on the Pier Bowl. But for starters, the city needs to obtain an independent historic preservation report and to require that that an Environmental Impact Report be done.

not alone for long as her “sweetheart” George Richard Strauss gave her a second shot at love.

George easily made her swoon with his adoring renditions of “You Are My Sunshine.”

Cathy also never hid her love for her grandchildren.

She was quick to ask any of her five (Danielle, Samantha, Kyra, Ryan, and Brett), “Why is grandma such a lucky old lady?” to which she would promptly get a response of, “Because she has five gorgeous grandchildren.”

A private family ceremony will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, where Cathy will be interred.

RESPONSE TO MOTEL PROPOSAL AT SAN CLEMENTE PIER JACKIE DOOLEY, San Clemente Thank you for the article on the proposal to build a motel, restaurant, and swimming pool on the historic Vista de las Olas (aka Sea Cliff) property overlooking the pier.

As one of the great surviving Ole San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Page 8

Hanson-era homes, with gardens deemed “character-defining” in a past city report, its future is of enormous interest to those who value our city’s enviable historic and coastal beauty.

The home and its site are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Would that remain so if this project is implemented?

Your article was written just prior to the meeting of the city’s Cultural Heritage Subcommittee (not the Design Review Committee cited in your article), so I’d like to focus on public comments made at that meeting on the 28th.

Roughly 30 locals attended, and more than half spoke. Myriad issues were raised, some calling into question assertions made by the architect and consultants.

Stability of the slope is of central importance.

We’ve all been shocked, but perhaps not surprised, by the numerous slides on our problematic coastal slopes, most recently those at Casa Romantica and on Buena Vista. Can site stability survive the addition of substantial buildings and a swimming pool?

Clearly, the owners and builder think so, but the public needs strong and clear evidence. And the city will ignore any lack of certainty at its peril.

As for street parking, the businesses will have dozens of staff and other workers.

Where will they—not to mention visitors drawn to the public restaurant and oceanview terrace—park their vehicles in an area that is already far beyond capacity for both neighbors and visitors?

The Pier Bowl lot isn’t the solution; it’s already beyond capacity during summer months and beyond. Many comments were made by neighbors on Victoria, Cazador, and Pasadena about parking, congestion, noise, and odors from garbage dumpsters.

Is the current owner being a responsible caretaker of this historic home, at present? Are changes being made without proper permitting? Clearly, some renovation work has been going on. Drive by and take a look. And why was the area’s zoning changed without informing residents?

If this project goes forward at all, it should limit lodging to the existing house, drop the swimming pool, and preserve the historic gardens.

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

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Page 9

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

SAN CLEMENTE 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.

MONDAY | 17

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

THURSDAY | 13 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Alternative rock band Violet Iris will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

GARDEN CABARET AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. This weekend, enjoy a twist on one of William Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set in 1920s New Orleans. Performances run through Sunday, with showtimes starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and at 6 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $25. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness the curiously beautiful phenomenon. A meter net is deployed 600 feet deep to capture thousands of these drifting organisms, which have the ability to make their own light. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

FRIDAY | 14 ARTIFEX CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW Noon-5 p.m. Artifex Brewing Company will host a fun afternoon of family-friendly activities. Classes will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on how to make stamped cuffed bracelets ($20) and rings ($10). Chrissy’s Paint and Craft Parties will also provide a $12 painting class.

Artistic vendors will also be on site.

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of the City of San Clemente

THURSDAY | 13: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: KELLY BOYZ BAND 6 p.m. Put on your dancing boots and get ready to line dance with the Kelly Boyz Band at the City of San Clemente’s Summer Beach Concert Series. Head down to Linda Lane Park for some live music and dancing on the beach. The Summer Beach Concert Series features free events open to everyone. No pets or alcohol on the beach.

Linda Lane Park, 400 Linda Lane, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY | 15

Artifex Brewing Company, 919 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente. 949.429.7805. mdkm21@sbcglobal.net.

SAN CLEMENTE VILLAS CAR SHOW 1 p.m. Stop by the San Clemente Villas by the Sea for its inaugural car show, featuring live music from the Juke Joint Preachers, barbecue, and shopping, in addition to vintage cars. Contact 949.489.3400, ext. 100, to talk about displaying your car. San Clemente Villas by the Sea, 660 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente. sanclementevillas.com.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. There will be an improv lesson from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and TGIF Night starting at 6 p.m.—the theme being video games on numerous consoles. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT LOS MOLINOS 5 p.m. Enjoy a cold beer and the outdoor breeze at Los Molinos Beer while listening to live music. Jah Mex & the Translators will perform, along with DJ NagAzul. Los Molinos Beer Company, 151 Calle de Los Molinos, San Clemente.

949.599.5029.

COMEDY NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. The Future Is Female Comedy presents several talented comedians at Knuckleheads Sports Bar & Grill. Doors open at 8 p.m. Knuckleheads Sports Bar & Grill, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

SAN CLEMENTE OCEAN GAMES 7 a.m. The San Clemente Ocean Games, located north of the San Clemente Pier, is a series of ocean competitions comprising three main competitive events: Lifeguard Events, Junior Lifeguard Events, and Open Events. The event will also include a Water Rescue Demo performed

by San Clemente Marine Safety and a pancake breakfast hosted by Orange County Fire Authority. Competitions will run throughout the day, starting with the Open 5K Beach Run at 7 a.m., and will culminate with an awards ceremony at 5 p.m. San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. san-clemente.org.

OUTDOOR THEATER AT THE MISSION 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and light jacket for this nighttime staging of La Havana Madrid by South Coast Repertory. The performance depicts Latino immigrants dancing and finding community at a Chicago nightclub in the 1960s.

Tickets can be purchased online. Performances run through Aug. 4. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 714.708.5555. scr.org.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Pink Floyd tribute act Shine On will perform.

Tickets are $30. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SUNDAY | 16 Page 10

COUNTRY NIGHT AT H.H. COTTON’S 5:30 p.m. This popular downtown restaurant offers a night full of country music and line dancing for all ages. Beginners will have the floor from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Introduction to Line Dancing, followed by the Advanced Beginner class from 7-8 p.m. The hour-long lessons are $10 each.

Free line dancing will be offered from 8-9:30 p.m. H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.945.6616. hhcottons.com.

TUESDAY | 18 SHARKS AFTER DARK 6-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute to learn more about the ocean’s apex predators, bioluminescence and more every Tuesday through August. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

WEDNESDAY | 19 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.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AHEAD

THURSDAY | 20

MEMBER CONCERT AT THE CASA: BACKWATER BLUES BAND 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy this exclusive concert for members in Casa Romantica’s Courtyard, then enjoy a view of the sunset from its newly opened West Terrace. This event will include complimentary valet parking, complimentary appetizers, cash donation bar, and a premium opportunity drawing. All proceeds from ticket sales, bar donations, and raffle tickets will help preserve Casa Romantica for future generations and continue its cultural programming after the financial loss from recent landslides. Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org. sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

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

Senior Dating Dilemma— Friendship or Romance?

F

or single senior women aged 60 and up, finding love again is difficult.

One of the biggest reasons is the number of available single senior men diminishes as the women grow older.

For women in their 70s, the ratio of single women to available single men is often 4-to-1, or even higher.

A single 78-year-old woman, who requested I not use her name, contacted me recently. I’ll call her Betsy. She asked for my opinion.

Betsy emailed, “I have given up on dating, but I do have friends I go out with every Thursday. One of them is an 80-year-old man who lost his wife three years ago after 55 years of marriage.

“He has often shown an interest in me. For example, last night, at our usual sports bar gathering for dinner and drinks, I leaned in to say something to him and he said, ‘If you keep leaning in like that, I will have to kiss you; I have wanted to do that for a long time.’

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Perry

“I was taken aback and said, ‘OMG, really? You are embarrassing me!’

“I blushed. My lady friends who ON LIFE AND LOVE were in attendance

BY TOM BLAKE said maybe it was the ‘drinks’ he had while we were talking? I don’t know, but we all agreed he is a very nice guy. We all watched him take care of his wife in a wheelchair before she died. He was devoted to her and is a genuinely nice person to everyone.

“I won’t consider a relationship with him other than friendship, because we live in the same retirement community.

“If our relationship didn’t work out, it would be awkward seeing each other, and I fear we could possibly ruin a wonderful friendship. What’s your opinion?

Should I go out with him?”

I responded to Betsy: “At your age,

good men are hard to find, especially a man who is interested in you. I see some positives about dating him.

“The age difference is only two years.

You two live near each other. There would be limited or no driving to meet for a date. No public street driving at night to go home.

“Since he is a nice man who was married 55 years, he’d likely be a loyal and dedicated mate. He cares about you and is attracted to you. That’s the biggest positive. That’s usually more than half the battle. You likely would be good for each other.

“Have you discussed your concerns with him? Share them and see how he feels about it. If you can reach an agreement on what would happen if it doesn’t work out, (it would be a kind of a post-nuptial type of relationship agreement), and if you are both comfortable with it, take a chance. At your respective ages, sharing life together could be magical.”

Betsy’s response to me: “If he broaches the subject with me, I will discuss it with him.”

My reply: “Are you attracted to him?

Enough so that you are willing to have that ‘What-happens-if-it-doesn’t-workout?’ conversation.

“What’s more important? Having someone in your life who warms your heart and is there for you and who loves to hug, kiss, and hold you?

“Or risking losing his friendship because it might not work out? And even if it didn’t work out, you still might be friends.

“The main question: Are you attracted to him?

“If so, don’t wait for him to initiate the conversation. Tell him you’d like to talk privately and take that initiative. Agree on remaining friends if dating each other doesn’t work out.

“Take a chance, Betsy.” 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.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Perry is a 1½-year-old Jindo who is ready for a new start. Initially brought to the shelter as a frightened pup, Perry has finally blossomed into a sweet and loving dog. Fun-loving and full of playful energy, he loves making friends with all the other shelter dogs. Perry is looking for a home with dog-savvy adults.

If you are interested in adopting Perry, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ 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.

Sudoku- medium- by Myles Mellor

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

7 9

4 1

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid 9 8 2 3 6 4 7 5 1 that has been subdi1 3 4 5 8 7 6 2 9 6 5 7 9 2 1 3 8 4 vided into nine smaller 5 2 9 7 1 6 8 4 3 grids of 3x3 squares.

7 6 8 4 5 3 9 1 2 4 1 3 2 9 8 5 6 7 To solve the puzzle, 2 4 5 8 7 9 1 3 6 each row, column and 3 9 6 1 4 5 2 7 8 box must contain each 8 7 1 6 3 2 4 9 5 of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

2 9 7 5 Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

5 3 6 9 9 4 3 8 6

FROM THE ARCHIVES

4 8 6

1 8

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Some fishermen (and a fisherwoman) hang out on the pier with their impressive catches, circa 1960s. Sportfishing has been a popular pastime in San Clemente ever since the city’s beginnings in the late 1920s.

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.

Page 11

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

(From left) Emily Leifer, 28, and her mother, Diane Leifer, 58, sweep up broken and used water balloons in front of the driveway of their San Clemente home on Avenida Victoria after thousands descended on the street for the annual block party that is the Office Chair Races—San Clemente’s yearly Fourth of July tradition.

When the crowd clears to celebrate Independence Day elsewhere, the thousands of balloons used get left behind for the neighborhood to clean up before they’re washed into the ocean.

One of those neighborhood residents is 36-year-old Jesus Sanchez, pictured here, broom in hand to sweep up balloons from the ground.

In addition to balloons and beer cans, other remnants of the office chairs get discarded along the street, including this amalgamation of bike parts, patio chairs and skateboards.

Clad in his patriotic gear for Independence Day, 46-year-old Joseph Latorre, a San Clemente resident who lives a few streets over from Victoria, sweeps up balloons into a pile.

Utilizing a leaf blower, Pedro Ezquivel, 37, of San Clemente works to get the used balloons into single piles for his fellow cleanup mates.

Down at the five-way intersection, where Victoria meets Avenida Santa Barbara and Calle Seville— the races’ finish line—Dixon Kavanaugh, 59, of San Clemente picks up trash and debris such as empty beer cans from the gutters.

Across the street from Kavanaugh, 36-year-old San Clemente resident Natalie Betanen also pitches in during the cleanup effort, sweeping up balloons beside an abandoned Office Chair vehicle.

Office Chair Cleanup: Neighbors, Friends Sweep Away Leftover Water Balloons, Debris on Fourth of July PHOTOS AND TEXT BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

D

uring San Clemente’s yearly Fourth of July tradition that is the Office Chair Races, neighborhood residents, friends and other spectators line the streets of Avenida Victoria and Avenida Rosa, where they launch water balloons at each other, but particularly at those racing down the street in modified office and lounge chairs, tricycles, skateboards and, sometimes, couches or beds on wheels.

But what happens when the crowd disperses to celebrate Independence Day elsewhere? The thousands of balloons used get left behind for the neighborhood to clean up before polluting the ocean.

“People bring a lot of balloons and then immediately leave, so it’s a super bummer, because Victoria Street goes straight in the ocean,” Emily Leifer, 28 said, adding: “I think it’s all fun and games until there’s a bunch of trash on our street.”

“And you can’t pick up everything, because usually you

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

have to pick up the pieces by hand,” she added. “They’re wet, so they’re stuck to the ground. So, unless you have a leaf blower, or like a broom, it’s pretty hard to clean up.”

For 46-year-old Kalani Robb, he views the collective effort of the neighborhood to work together cleaning up after the races as a testament to the kindhearted nature of the town.

“All of us neighbors, we don’t always speak, because everyone has jobs, (but) this is something we all do together,” he said.

Leifer said she would just love for many of those who came out to enjoy the races to stay a bit longer and help sweep up the balloons.

“It could be a fun time. I’m happy—I’m happy to like to play some music, have a whole cleanup party,” she said.

“It doesn’t have to be such a bummer; I think it would just be great if there were more hands on deck, ’cause it takes a long time.” SC Page 12

(Clockwise from left) San Clemente resident Robert Anderson, 60, and Latorre sweep up balloons while 46-year-old Kalina Robb collects them into a dustpan before dumping them into a bucket.

The differing groups of neighborhood residents and their friends begin to merge during the postraces cleanup, coming together at the five-way intersection and finish line.

sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Tag-Up

Andre Pallante

SCHS baseball alumni Allard, Pallante, McGreevy all on upswing in 2023 pro ball

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

A

s major and minor league baseball eye the second half of their seasons coming out of the All-Star break, let’s check in on the three San Clemente High School graduates in pro baseball:

Kolby Allard

Allard was finally able to make his return in an Atlanta Braves uniform late last month after a stint on the injured list to open his second tour of duty with the team that drafted him.

The 2015 Triton graduate was selected 14th overall by the Braves eight years ago and made his major league debut with the club in 2018. Allard was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2019, where he bounced between the starter’s mound and the bullpen over the next four seasons.

The 25-year-old left-hander was traded back to the Braves last November,

but he suffered a grade 2 oblique strain in spring training. Allard began the season on the 60-day injured list and eventually opened the year on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers.

Allard made two starts in Gwinnett with two runs allowed on six hits in 6 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts and two walks. He was then activated off the injured list by the Braves on June 28 and started that night in Atlanta, allowing no runs on three hits with eight strikeouts in just 4 2/3 innings.

Allard started again on July 4 in Cleveland with a five-inning outing, allowing three runs on four hits, including a home run in the sixth inning to end his night. His next appearance came out of the bullpen on Sunday, July 9, at Tampa Bay, where he allowed two runs on two hits in one inning.

After spending all of the 2022 season in the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pallante had an early dip back into the minors in 2023.

The 2016 Triton graduate opened the season on the big-league roster for the Cardinals and made three solid relief outings in the first week of the season.

However, his ERA slowly began to climb as his cut fastball reportedly began missing the mark, and he was sent to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds with a 7.56 ERA on April 18.

The 24-year-old right-hander made five appearances in Memphis with a 2.79 ERA over 9 2/3 innings to earn his call-up to the St. Louis bullpen on May 9. Pallante went on to post a 1.59 ERA in May over nine appearances in 11 1/3 innings.

Pallante now sits at a 4.60 ERA overall over 30 major-league appearances this season.

Pallante was selected in the fourth round of the MLB Draft out of UC Irvine by the Cardinals in 2019.

Michael McGreevy

In his third minor-league season in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, McGreevy has already jumped up to Triple-A with the Memphis Redbirds.

Andre Pallante, Class of 2016, worked back into the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen after an early trip to Triple-A in April. Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Cardinals.

The 2018 Triton graduate made just three starts with a 1.45 ERA with the Double-A Springfield Cardinals before moving up to Memphis. The 23-year-old right-hander has made 13 starts in Triple-A with a 3.73 ERA, a 5-1 record and 54 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings.

McGreevy was selected 18th overall by the Cardinals in 2021 out of UC Santa Barbara.

2023

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Triton Football Hall of Fame Golf Tournament

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023

Talega Golf Club, San Clemente 900 Avenida Talega (New Location This Year!)

$239/player or $926/foursome 10:00am Registration 12:00 pm Shot Gun Start 5:00 pm Reception & Awards For more information and to register go to...

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San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Page 13

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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

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DENTISTS

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

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

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

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Want to be featured as our business spotlight?

Contact Lauralyn Loynes for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

MUSIC LESSONS

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

PROSTHODONTICS

REALTORS

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), scgums.com

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

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY San Juan PHOTO & DIGITAL Scott Schmitt Owner

Lab: 949.661.5668 Studio: 949.661.6465 32281 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano 92675 Scott@sjcPhoto-Digital.com

Prints from Your Phone • Prints from your Digital Camera Presentations • Movie Film, Slides, Video Transferred to DVD Photo DVD Montage • Photo Scanning to CD • Digital Camera Classes Old Photo Restoration • Passport ID Photos • Custom Enlargements Posters Camera Repair • In Studio or on Location Event Photography

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

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

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

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 30-2023-01330044 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner RANIA WADIA ABOLHOSN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name RANIA WADIA ABOLHOSN Proposed Name RANIA WADIA SELSTED THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at 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 scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 08/03/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Other: Remote Hearing. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES Date: 06/09/2023 JUDGE LAYNE MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., a corporation; ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTIES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLANTIFFS’ TITLE, OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFFS’ TITLE THERETO; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): ONSI W. KAMEL, an individual; STEPHANIE KAMEL, an individual; ROBERT F. STILES, an individual and as trustee of the Stiles Living Trust dated October 22, 1998 NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta.

Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 30-2023-01312250-CU-OR-CJC Judge Stephanie George The name and address of the court is: (El Nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Orange 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del obogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Ryan M. Davies, LS Carlson Law, PC; 85 Enterprise, Suite 310, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Phone (949) 421-3030 DATE: (Fecha) 03/08/2023

David H. Yamasaki, Clerk of the Court, by (Secretario) K. Climer, Deputy Clerk (Adjunto) Published: San Clemente Times July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 23FL000547 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JULIE CHUNG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name JULIE CHUNG Proposed Name YUKYUNG JULIE CHUNG THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at 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 scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 08/02/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: L74 REMOTE. The address of the court is Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868. Other: Go to www.occourts.org/directory/ family for remote/in person hearing information. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website.

To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/ find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in thet following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: 06/05/2023 JUDGE Julie A. Palafox, Supervising Judge Family Law Published: San Clemente Times, June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: Modifications to the Youth Sports Partnership Discounts A public hearing to consider A City-initiated proposal to amend the parks and recreation fee schedule associated with the discount given to youth sports organizations with approved sport partnerships pursuant to Chapter 66018(a) of the California Government Code.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve and adopt a resolution to amend the discounts applied for local youth sport organizations who have applied for and been approved by the City Council to receive a sports partnership agreement. This resolution will be considered alongside the repeal and replacement of the Youth Sports Partnership Policy, which further dictates the applicable discounts and minimum qualifications.

Information is available for public inspection and comment at the San Clemente Community Center

Page 16

located at 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente, California, 92672, and by contacting the San Clemente Community Center (949) 361-8264. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

To allow staff adequate time to confirm software compatibility, individuals wishing to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentations at the meeting, must submit the electronic files to the City Clerk by no later than 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Only compatible electronic formats will be permitted to be used on City audio/visual computer equipment. Staff makes no guarantee that such material will be compatible, but will use its best efforts to accommodate the request.

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City Council on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the San Clemente City Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing or provide written communication to the City Council to express their opinion for or against the project.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Department at (949) 429-8875.

Laura Campagnolo City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236665732 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ENDLESS BODY 25652 RIMGATE DR UNIT 12B LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 Full Name of Registrant(s): PEDRAM BERKEH 25652 RIMGATE DR UNIT 12B LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 This business is conducted by An Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/20/2023 /s/PEDRAM BERKEH This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 06/16/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 202366664776 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FM COMPANY 301 OLIVE STREET HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 Full Name of Registrant(s): JERRY FRIEDMAN 301 OLIVE STREET HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648 This business is conducted by An Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/01/1984 /s/JERRY FRIEDMAN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 06/05/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023 sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

.

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236662792 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MIKLJON STRINGS 555 N EL CAMINO REAL A378 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): MICHAEL JON OSTGAARD 555 N EL CAMINO REAL A378 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/MICHAEL OSTGAARD This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 05/09/2023 Published in: SAN CLEMENTE Times June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 2023

CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE $15

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

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 12pm Friday.

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, JULY 15TH, 2023 Montego neighborhood Cross streets Ave. Pico & Lorca 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE! SATURDAY, JULY 15TH, 2023 2912 Cercado, San Clemente 92673 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Household items, toys, Barbie house & camper, clothing, collectibles, sports equipment, Bikes, skis, ski clothing, musical instruments, violin, guitar and much much more!

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Page 17

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

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SC SURF

Houshmand Wins Big in South Africa With back-to-back wins on the WSL Challenger Series, Cole Houshmand is on top of the world and rankings

BY JAKE HOWARD

M

ake goals, dedicate yourself, work your tail off, and good things often happen.

Such is the case with San Clemente’s Cole Houshmand, who’s been on an absolute rampage on the WSL’s Challenger Series as of late. Winning the Ballito Pro in South Africa, Houshmand has now won the past two Challenger Series events and sits alone atop the rankings.

“I’m speechless right now; that was the scariest heat I’ve had this whole event,” Houshmand said after defeating Portuguese journeyman Frederico Morais in a nail-biter final.

With limited opportunities to decide the event winner, Houshmand played the waiting game to perfection. With Morais in control throughout the heat, the rising San Clemente star found a wave in the dying seconds to get the score he needed and come away with his second win in as many events.

“Luckily, that wave came, but congrats to Frederico; he was ripping the whole event,” continued Houshmand.

“It’s been amazing. Shout-out to everyone back home, Kolohe Andino and the ‘2% Boys,’ Kade Matson, who’s been ripping; it’s been a real support crew.”

In a town brimming with surf talent, Houshmand’s leading the charge in his own unique way. With the stature of a linebacker, his explosive brand of power surfing is on another level.

“We put him on ‘our program’ and

over time, that shy, awkward kid hit a massive growth spurt, well beyond what’s considered optimum surfing physique,” shared surfboard shaper Matt “Mayhem” Biolos on Instagram.

“With relentless hard work (in and out of the water), he’s sculpted and manicured what would seem a burden into a bona fide blessing, building himself into a Frankenstein-sized surf monster, terCole Houshmand celebrates after winning his second straight WSL Challenger rorizing measly hu- Series event in South Africa. Photo: Courtesy of WSL man-sized, wouldbe surf stars, with not just sheer brute, but ample preciAndino has played an instrumental sion and dexterity,” Biolos continued. role in motivating the boys and getting “I’m not saying this kid’s the best surfer them focused and fired up. on Earth. Not by any means … not yet, “What a blessing it is to watch these at least, but I honestly don’t think the guys surf and compete so strong,” judges have ever seen anything quite Andino shared on Instagram after the like him.”

Ballito contest wrapped. “Even better For his part in the event, fellow Lowthan that, they are great role models ers regular Kade Matson ripped his way for the next generation of American into the semifinals to come away with surfing. Never thought of surfing being a very respectable third-place finish. a team sport, but it’s pretty rad to root Moving up nine spots in the rankings, your fellow countrymen and women he’s now well-positioned at fifth. on. So proud of them!”

In a full team effort, the veteran Other San Clemente surfers to keep

an eye on are Jett Schilling, who’s ranked 10th, and Crosby Colapinto, who’s ranked 13th. At the end of the season, the top 10 surfers will graduate to the prestigious WSL Championship Tour and have a shot at the world title.

Up next, the Challenger Series comes to Huntington Beach for the U.S. Open of Surfing from July 29 to Aug. 6. After that, there are events in Portugal and Brazil in October.

If everything works out, there’s a very real possibility San Clemente could see four men on the Championship Tour in 2024.

Not only that, Sawyer Lindblad and Bella Kenworthy are both knocking on the door of qualification for the women, and a little further down the ratings sits Kirra Pinkerton. Lindblad is ranked seventh, Kenworthy is ninth, and Pinkerton is 23rd. The top five women at season’s end make the Championship Tour.

Three events to go. Will we see history made with more local surfers qualifying for the Championship Tour than ever before? Hopefully.

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 several 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

Water Temperature: 66-67 Degrees

MARLO LEIGH HARRIS

Water Visibility: 8-10’ Thursday: Slow rising new S swell inches up, as small NW/SW swell mix lingers on. Good spots have thigh to stomach high waves, (2-3’+), while best breaks are waist to shoulder high, (3-4’+). Winds are light/ variable most of the morning, light+ onshore over the afternoon, then easing by the evening.

BY JAKE HOWARD

Big congratulations to Dana Point shredder Marlo Leigh Harris, who just won her second consecutive Under 14 national title at the NSSA National Championships in Huntington Beach. Surfing up a few divisions, she also finished fourth in the Open Women’s final.

Driven, inspired and dedicated to being the best surfer she can be, Marlo’s been putting in the hard work all year long to accomplish her goal—and nothing was going to stop her, not even competing with 13 stitches in her foot.

It all started in 2017 when Marlo won the Grom-O-Rama contest in LA’s South Bay. Moved by the experience, she’s a two-time national champ, member of USA Surfing’s development program and a valuable member of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team just six short years later.

Accomplishments in the water aside, Marlo’s also an amazing role model for her friends and those with whom she competes. Celebrating her Mescalero Apache heritage, her connection to the ocean and natural world runs deep.

With summer only half over, we have to wonder, what’s next for Marlo? SC If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@ gmail.com.

San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Outlook: Peaking S swell puts more spots in waist to chest high range surf, (3-4’), on Friday. Similar size waves for the weekend, as a little SSE tropical swell joins in. S to SW winds stay on the light side Friday through Sunday, with the mornings having the cleanest conditions.

Marlo Leigh Harris. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

Page 18

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THE COACH HOUSE www.thecoachhouse.com

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition presents the 21st annual

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San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

Parking $10- a car when purchased online in advance $20- online the day-of event

5:00 PM Gates Open & Dance Lessons www.SJCEC.org for details 6:00 PM Event Starts This is a no smoking, vaping, pets, lawn chairs, 10:00 PM Event Ends coolers, outside food/drink and no tailgating event

COMING SOON 10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS 11/1 RIDERS IN THE SKY 11/2 ZEBRA 11/3 LED ZEPAGAIN 11/4 LED ZEPAGAIN 11/5 BEN OTTEWELL / IAN BALL 11/8 RODNEY CROWELL 11/9 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS 11/10 WHICH ONE’S PINK? “wiSh you wErE hErE” 11/11 WHICH ONE’S PINK? “dark SidE oF ThE Moon”

auction, opportunity drawings, and a fun zone for the kids!

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San Clemente Times July 13-19, 2023

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