October 20, 2022

Clemente

Bob Sandelman

Jayden Smith

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TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

San Clemente Inventor Synchronizes Puzzles, Timekeeping

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The mind of a true inventor never stops creating, thinking, or identifying potential in everything they see, and that’s certainly the case with one San Clemente resident.

Bob Sandelman, 77, has released a modernized and electronic version of a creation he patented in 1978—a crossword calendar. As of Tuesday, Oct. 18, he was looking for large-scale support on his Kickstarter campaign.

Always a fan of puzzles, calendars, clocks, and differing cultures’ methods of keeping time, the decorated Navy man created his original calendar following a series of other short-lived inventions that included a postcard system to remind service members of important dates regarding their loved ones and a version of Sudoku also involving dates.

“I invented, in 1974, just this idea of a perpetual calendar that would look like a crossword puzzle (and) would have three-letter abbreviations for every month of year, and every day of the week, and all of the numbers went from one to 31,” Sandelman said.

The calendar had to be taken off its mounting place on a wall each day so peo ple could move the indicating strips behind the characters to show a different date, but the idea never took off commercially.

However, Sandelman was ecstatic to finally achieve his dream of earning a patent and started his lengthy marketing career that included a 33-year run of his own market research company, Sandel-

Could By-District Elections Work in San Clemente? Elected Officials, Activists Weigh In

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

When the candidates for the San Clemente City Council race participated in the first election forum last month, one comment from council hopeful Donna Vidrine about conducting by-district elections received significant applause from the audience.

“With 65,000 (residents), we could look at district elections, so we have better

man & Associates.

About a year ago, however, his nearly half-century-old creation resurfaced after he saw an ad for QLOCKTWO, a German-made word clock. The device varied from Sandelman’s new products in that it only read horizontally, used one LED color, and changed every five minutes instead of every minute.

“It kind of proved to me that it was pos sible for a company to make an electronic version of my crossword calendar,” he said. “I knew the technology was there, because I saw that this company had used similar technology to make their clocks.”

Sandelman researched to find a Chinese manufacturer that could develop a prototype of his idea that included a differing grid layout and more colors, and along the way, realized that he could create a crossword clock, as well.

During the design process, he also achieved his goal of ensuring every charac ter in the grid would be used at least once a day or once a year, as opposed to similar products that have unused filler characters.

After working with the manufacturer to tinker with the products and eventually settle on what he liked, Sandelman’s next steps were to order samples and see if he could fund his own business of selling the clocks and calendars with a Kickstarter campaign.

“I was a little bit familiar with Kickstarter, because I’ve supported some campaigns as a backer,” he said, adding: “So, I did quite a bit of work to figure out

representation and less talk,” Vidrine said.

The candidate later told San Clemente Times that she believed switching from the current system of at-large elections would provide more equitable representation for areas such as North Beach and South San Clemente.

Vidrine also wanted the city to avoid costly litigation, such as what the city of Dana Point was threatened with before instituting by-district voting in 2018, and what the South Coast Water District experienced in 2020.

“Even though the City Council acts as a whole on behalf of San Clemente, I think we would have better representation that understands the needs and interests of specific parts of our city and can help expand civic interest and engagement,” she said.

how (to do this) and what’s involved. I signed up for an online Masterclass all about how you launch on Kickstarter.”

The comprehensive course taught him about product design, fulfilling shipments, and processing payments, among other lessons, which set up Sandelman for the next step—finding a product photographer and videographer, earning a business license, and putting his marketing experience to use to promote his new products on social media.

He eventually found more than 1,000 people willing to receive product updates over email and said he will continue to advertise to bring more people to his campaign.

Sandelman will promise the first 50 supporters of both the clock and the calendar that they will receive their product with free shipping by Christmas, and he hopes his campaign will give him seed funding to send the devices

Speaking with residents and business owners in the southern part of the city throughout her campaign, Vidrine added that there was a “recurring theme” of wanting extended trolley service and sidewalk washing.

Additionally, homelessness and parking are pressing issues for North Beach residents, she said, both of which are not major concerns for Forster Ranch people such as herself.

“When I talk to the voters, they say,‘We want less talk and more action,’” Vidrine said.“We’ve heard so much talk about (e-bikes), we’ve heard so much talk about homelessness.… What is the strategic plan?”

She said she favored putting the deci sion in front of San Clemente residents in the form of a vote and working with city leadership to determine the next steps.

to the other supporters and for a larger production scale.

“What crowdfunding does is it gives you a chance to know that a certain amount of money is going to come in,” he said. “You set your goal to have enough money so that you can fulfill the orders of the people who want to back it, but you don’t have to fulfill them immediately.”

The researching and advertising process, albeit tedious for him and the other involved parties, was an enjoyable learn ing experience, according to Sandelman. Through the support of his wife of almost 54 years, Bev, his two children and his five grandchildren, he has been able to pursue his passions of numbers, words, and slo gans and see the process come to fruition.

“I was a classic kid and then adult who was always looking for something new to create,” Sandelman said. “I’ve always liked to make things and build things.”

Speaking with SC Times, Mayor Gene James and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan both referenced that residents previously voted down a measure to set up district elections in 2018.

However, the remaining threat of litiga tion is real, as the 2001 California Voting Rights Act has provided increasing op portunities for legal groups and counsel to challenge cities for potential violations since 2011, according to the National Demographics Corporation (NDC).

The CVRA aims to end instances of ra cially polarized voting in at-large elections, in which candidates that receive significant support from protected classes often lose.

More than 500 cities, counties, school districts, and special districts in California now hold by-district elections, a number

San Clemente inventor Bob Sandelman displays his newest creation, an electronic crossword clock that he hopes to fund through a Kickstarter campaign. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Coastal Commission Approves Doheny Desalination Plant Permit

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

South Coast Water District is one step closer to constructing and operating a seawater desalination plant at Doheny State Beach following the California Coastal Commission’s unanimous vote to approve the roughly $140 million project last week.

The Coastal Commission’s approval of a coastal development permit allows the water district to move forward with its long-standing plans of building the plant that is intended to provide up to 5 million gallons of water per day.

California Coastal Commission Chair Donne Brownsey said that South Coast Water District went above and beyond to collaborate with the agency and comply with the Coastal Act to ensure the best project possible.

“When I read the report on this project, the thing that struck me was that all of the boxes that I think are important to the commission in a project like this, had not only been checked, they had been consciously, intentionally pursued to demonstrate a project that is wellplanned, has robust public participation and that was working with the Coastal Commission staff as a collaborator in this project,” Brownsey said.

Brownsey added that she sees the Doheny Desalination Project as the model for future desalination projects.

The project has been trumpeted as a more reliable water supply compared to imported water, and it will use slant wells that draw water in from beneath the ocean floor—a safer alternative to open ocean intake, which poses a threat to any marine life that becomes trapped or sucked into intake pipes.

Groups and individuals who spoke in favor of the plant included San Clemente Councilmember Steve Knoblock, a handful of water districts (including Municipal Water District Orange County and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California), Cal Desal, Miller Marine Science Consulting and Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.

During public comments, a Laguna Beach County Water District represen-

tative noted that the agency would be interested in partnering with South Coast Water District on the project.

Members of the Sierra Club, Southern California Watershed Alliance and Society of Native Nations spoke against the project, voicing concerns with the salty discharge created as a byproduct of the ocean desalination process.

After ocean water is desalinated, the salty discharge will be diluted with ocean water to the Pacific through the San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall. The salty discharge will be blended with wastewater from an existing wastewater treatment facility, which, according to CCC staff, results in a “relatively small overall effect on marine life.”

In addressing concerns of energy usage, South Coast Water District General

Manager Rick Shintaku noted that the plant will use three megawatts per day to produce 5 million gallons of desalinated water.

“We own the 10 acres that this would be situated on, this plant, plus acreage north of there,” Shintaku said. “So, what we’re looking at as part of this project is incorporating on-site solar, so we have a lot of opportunity there.”

From five acres of solar panels, Shintaku estimated that the water district could produce 15% of its energy requirements through solar power; however, the district is looking to take advantage of all opportunities to increase that percentage.

Shintaku also addressed concerns that the desalination plant would raise costs for ratepayers, noting that following a comprehensive financial study, the average cost increase to ratepayers in South Orange County would likely be $2.38.

To assist low-income ratepayers, Shintaku said the water district is “in the process of targeting conservation rebates” and is interested in funding “additional rebate money for certain areas that need it.”

Additionally, as a condition of the approval, South Coast Water District agreed to notify low-income ratepayers of their eligibility for rebates as part its outreach efforts.

One of the next steps for South Coast Water District, officials previously explained to San Clemente Times, is to acquire a State Lands Lease agreement.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at sanclementetimes.com.

(Cont. from page 3)

that has increased more than threefold since 2011, according to NDC.

NDC President Doug Johnson said this month that the consulting firm guides state entities through whether to switch to by-district elections, as well as through the actual process of switching.

“Before the CVRA was in place, there were 29 cities in the state that had district elections, and now we’re over 175,” Johnson said.

He added that he thought the trend would continue and that cities should be aware of risk—a sentiment shared by James.

In January and March, respectively, the cities of Diamond Bar and La Palma received a demand to transition to a district-based system from counsel representing the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. The group had alleged Latino voters’ impact was diluted in at-large elections.

The Diamond Bar and La Palma City Councils both voted within months

to declare intentions to transition, with La Palma utilizing NDC to begin the process and adopt a district map at its Oct. 4 meeting.

In an email, James spoke about the upside of district elections, including the decrease of cost that candidates would have to spend on their campaigns.

“However, our voters have made it very clear at the ballot box they want to be represented by all five Councilmembers,” James said. “My primary concern is Councilmembers could have parochial interests for their district rather than the interest of the city as a whole.”

Duncan said he thought the concept of such elections was positive, but he referenced local cities that voted to appoint council candidates running unopposed instead of holding an election, as had happened this year in neighboring Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

“I actually think that the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano examples are why you might not want to do district elections, because they can’t find candidates to run in some of the races,” said

Duncan.

Duncan added that there are people who would prefer to vote for other candidates, but they only have one representing their district.

“We have not faced any litigation yet, and hopefully we won’t,” Duncan said about fears of legal action. “I wouldn’t want to speculate, but I think the fact that we have not faced any litigation is probably a sign that our city may not be well-suited to the districting model.”

If the city were to initiate the transition to district elections, the process would take between three and six months, according to Johnson. The current council would have to hold five required hearings, and possibly organize additional workshops or community forums—a procedure that Johnson said numerous other entities follow.

Under the Fair Maps Act, cities are required to retain communities and neighborhoods, to be as compact as possible, and ensure an equal number of people for each district.

Vidrine said she supported being

proactive in allocating necessary staff resources and time toward investigating how to establish districts, and said she wanted city leadership to encourage activism and participation in city commissions and committees.

When the permanent city manager is eventually approved and new commission and committee appointees are made, Vidrine said she hopes to see a shift away from politics and toward proper community representation.

“City Council and commissions and committees are nonpartisan; that’s how it should be. That’s not how it’s been in the recent past,” she said. “We need to bring people to the committees, to the commissions, because of their expertise and what they bring.”

For those interested in learning more about how jurisdictions may address vulnerabilities regarding the CVRA, Best, Best, & Krieger Law will host a webinar on Nov. 3, from 10-11:30 a.m., featuring presenters from BB&K such as San Clemente City Attorney Scott Smith and outside data analysts.

sanclementetimes.com

The California Coastal Commission unanimously voted on Oct. 13 to approve the coastal development permit for South Coast Water District’s long-standing plans to construct its Doheny Ocean Desalination Plant. Photo: Courtesy of South Coast Water District

Council Candidates Talk Shoreline Protection, Future Funding

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Residents of San Clemente’s Cyprus Shore neighborhood gathered on Oct. 10 to hear how City Council candidates planned to address the coastal erosion that has affected beaches within the city and beyond.

Those in attendance included incumbent Councilmember Steve Knoblock, Aaron Washington, Mark Enmeier, Zhen Wu, Dennis Kamp, Victor Cabral, Donna Vidrine, Thor Johnson and Shane Hirschman. Martina McBurney-Wheeler, who had participated in previous candidate forums, recently confirmed with San Clemente Times that she has withdrawn from the race.

As a theme throughout the forum, candidates agreed that the upcoming $14 million Sand Replenishment Project was crucial to fighting against further erosion and protecting the city’s most symbolic and essential economic asset.

Another common thread included putting pressure on state legislators and agencies such as the California Coastal Commission, the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal entities, as well as congressional representatives, to prioritize continuous sand replenishment.

Johnson said he would push for funding annual replenishment, and Wu pointed to restarting the city’s five-year Opportunistic Sand Replenishment Program that began in 2016 and allowed for quicker access to available sand that San Clemente could transport to its beaches.

Enmeier said that one of the things he’d like to see happen would be the construction of a groin or jetty just off the San Clemente shore.

“What this would do is it would capture a lot of that (eroding) sand, because we’re going to be putting in sand all the time, and it’s going to get washed away unless we have some way to capture it,” Enmeier said.

Knoblock favored tapping a specific city staffer to work with the state and fed eral entities to bring sand to the city. He also suggested dredging adrift sand and putting it back on beaches along Orange County and San Diego County shores.

Beyond the existing support for the Sand Replenishment Program beginning in 2023, candidates voiced few concerns with the recurring need to replenish the sand every six years. Enmeier and Wu were especially wary of the additional money the city would need to foot the bill for each project.

Knoblock said San Clemente needed to be proactive in serving beaches outside of the stretch included in the 2023 project.

“We rely too much on those (upper level) people in government—we are the people in government,” the incumbent said. “We need to be the squeaky wheel; we need to get things done, and as your councilmember, I will continue to try to do that.”

Grants were the name of the game in terms of sourcing money for the city to allocate toward a nearly $6 million bill to continue sand replenishment every six years.

Vidrine and Cabral recognized the national interest in securing the rail corridor that travels through northern San Diego County and San Clemente. They both said they would support

efforts to attract funding for increasing the beaches’ width.

Cabral mentioned the $12 million construction project to restabilize the railroad track between South Orange County and Oceanside as a situation to monitor.

“Whatever it takes (to protect the railroad), they’re going to spend the money, and they did so this past week on an emergency basis,” he said. “That means that the emergency basis and that rationale still exists, so there is great opportunity.”

Wu and Knoblock highlighted the success of the Clean Ocean Program that included a fee, which residents continued to vote for in 2002, 2007 and 2013. It expired in 2020. The two pushed for establishing a similar system, and Johnson supported a ballot initiative to gauge residents’ interest in paying a fee toward replenishment costs.

Washington opposed raising citizens’ fees and instead suggested earmarking a portion of revenue from transient occupancy taxes.

Conversely, Kamp said he believed all residents would support paying for replenishment if they knew exactly where their money would go. He also advised against using TOT, saying the city could move around available resources from within the General Fund.

“We’ve got a lot of other things we need to do with that money,” Kamp said of transient occupancy taxes. “Specifically, I’m thinking about how we revitalize this place and how we pay for some parking (downtown).”

Hirschman referred to using the PierPride Foundation as an example of a citizen-led initiative for fundraising and talked about economic revenue.

“I would like to see our local econo-

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

THURSDAY, OCT. 20

Zoning Administration

3-5 p.m. The city’s Zoning Administrator will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

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, OCT. 25

Public Safety Committee

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), 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.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

Design Review Subcommittee

3-5 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.

my be expanded with a lot of the small business (storefronts) that are currently vacant,” said Hirschman. “We need to basically get more commerce flowing in the city, so we can raise city taxes and get funds diverted (towards replenishment).”

The election to fill three seats on the San Clemente City Council will be decided on Nov. 8.

City Clerk, Treasurer Resign, Leaving Vacancies for Council to Fill

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

City Clerk Joanne Baade and City Treasurer Mark Taylor are stepping down from their positions, prompting the San Clemente City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 18, to vote to fill the vacancies through recruitment and appointment.

Baade, who is serving her fourth term in office, submitted her resignation to the City Council on Oct. 1, calling her decision a “bittersweet moment,” as she has “loved serving the City of San Clemente.”

“But now that I am a grandmother, it is time for me to move on to a new chapter in my life,” Baade wrote about her decision. “I will miss working with you, the City staff, and the people of San Clemente, but I intend to stay in San Clemente and am available to help in this transition and beyond.”

One day after Baade notified the council of her decision, Taylor, who was appointed to the role in early 2013, emailed Baade to let her know of his own decision to also resign. Taylor also noted his availability to train or answer questions from his eventual replacement.

“It has been my pleasure and honor to serve the citizens of San Clemente in my role as City Treasurer since being appointed on March 19, 2013,” Taylor wrote.

Baade and Taylor were both reelected to office in 2020 to serve four-year terms that are set to expire in November 2024—leaving two years of time for their successors to fill. Their resignations

will become effective 60 days from the dates their letters were sent, or sooner, depending on when their successors are appointed.

Under state law, a City Council is required to either appoint a person to fill the vacancy or call for a special election within 60 days of a resignation.

The council on Tuesday night unanimously voted to start a formal recruitment process to appoint a replacement to both roles, rather than call a special election, which could have cost the city between $322,722 and $377,435.

Councilmembers Steven Knoblock and Laura Ferguson touched on their unwillingness to conduct an expensive election process for a short two-year term, with Knoblock adding that he didn’t believe there was much of a choice to make.

Councilmember Kathy Ward didn’t believe the council should be the entity making the final decision on whom

to appoint, and that if it respected San Clemente’s form of government, they should vote to have the acting city manager interview and appoint candidates.

However, City Attorney Scott Smith said that he had always interpreted the California Government Code to mean the council could not delegate and was solely responsible for voting on a replacement.

The council approved Mayor Gene James’ suggestion of advertising both vacancies in San Clemente Times to find San Clemente residents and registered voters for the positions, as well as placing the treasurer vacancy in the Orange County Business Journal.

The latter appeased Knoblock’s thoughts that casting a wider net by advertising in other publications was appropriate.

“I’m just suggesting there may be

Chamber Invites Community to Annual Taste of San Clemente

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Tickets are on sale now for the Chamber of Commerce’s 31st annual Taste of San Clemente, which will be held on Oct. 28 at the historic Casino San Clemente.

During the Taste of San Clemente, from 6-10 p.m., guests can enjoy a variety of local and tasty eats, wine tastings from area vineyards and a sampling of local microbrews. The popular local band Wigs & Ties will also perform for guests, and a silent auction will be held in which participants can bid on dozens of customized baskets and gifts.

Admission is $165 per person, which

people that hear about (the openings) and say, ‘I know someone in San Clemente’ … and we just have more candidates, is all,” said Knoblock. “I agree that we need to move forward with all haste.”

The council will hold interviews with prospective candidates on Nov. 17 to fill the vacancies ahead of Baade’s and Taylor’s departure dates of Nov. 30 and Dec. 2, respectively.

The council’s vote comes weeks before voters are set to decide whether both the clerk and treasurer’s offices should remain elective or appointed by the council.

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan and Councilmember Ward authored arguments in favor of allowing the council to appoint the positions.

In the argument, they wrote that a recruitment and interview process that prioritizes qualifications and experience would mean someone qualified would be chosen to take on the role, rather than someone who ran a successful political campaign.

The arguments noted that at least two-thirds of California cities appoint candidates to the two offices. It also stated that the clerk position had especially grown more complex, could not be deemed ceremonial, or affected by political motivations.

“Once hired, an appointed city clerk can be held accountable to perform to the same high standards established for other executive staff,” the argument stated, adding: “San Clemente residents deserve impartial, exemplary service by a full-time, qualified City Clerk who is neutral on all issues.”

Find out more information about the ballot measures by viewing SC Times’ 2022 Election Guide.

includes food and drinks, entertainment and a complimentary engraved Taste of San Clemente wine glass or beer mug.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at scchamber.com, and they are available until 3 p.m. the day of the event. No tickets will be sold at the door, according to the Chamber.

The Chamber notes that the local event is expected to attract hundreds of guests, who should be dressed in “San Clemente cocktail attire”—meaning no denim, shorts or sneakers. No one under the age of 21 will be allowed to attend.

“To encourage responsible enjoyment of featured beverages, we suggest the use of ride services to and from the event,” the Chamber advised in a media release, adding that there will be parking available in the city’s North Beach parking lot adjacent to the Casino.

Questions about the upcoming event can be emailed to info@scchamber.com.

City Clerk Joanne Baade (pictured here) and City Treasurer Mark Taylor recently submitted midterm resignations, leaving their seats open for the City Council to fill through an appointment process. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Libations of wine, liquor and beer were available for patrons to sample at the annual Taste of San Clemente in November 2017. Photo: File

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Letters to The Editor

RESPONSE TO COUNCILMEMBER KNOBLOCK BOB BAKER, San Clemente

Councilmember Steve Knoblock seems to be exhibiting the same traits that he possessed when on the City Council in 2007.

Seems he has got selective memory. Here are the facts: He was the deciding vote approving the rezoning of land, land-zoned recreational open space, so an out-of-town developer could build a housing development of 400 units.

Mr. Knoblock wrote a letter, printed by this newspaper on Sept. 22, attempting to justify his vote for the sale of open space. He equated it with the sale of city-owned, commercially zoned land to Target.

What kind of city councilmember does not understand the difference between these important zoning designations? The city sold commercially zoned land to Target—not city-owned open space, as he states in his letter to this newspaper. There is a huge difference, Steve.

He also says many of the same people that opposed the open space sale opposed the Target sale. What? I was a city councilmember at the time, and there was no opposition at all to the Target sale. Certainly, not of the magnitude of the firestorm of angry residents that his approval of selling open space created.

The Target sale funds made it possible for the city to build the sports park. Sales-tax revenue now funds its operation. That benefits all residents. Rezoning open space so some developer can build houses benefits only one person, the developer. Steve knows that; he has worked for plenty of developers during his career.

CAREFUL NOW, YOUR IGNORANCE IS SHOWING KIM MYERS, San Clemente

To the ignoramus who wrote that letter sent to Zhen Wu: What’s it like? What’s it like to be such an ignorant, self-centered, pathetically uncivilized human? Did this make you feel better about your insecurities as a privileged White person? I’m White. Don’t you dare speak on my behalf.

ing the essence of what San Clemente represents? I pity you and your weakness. It’s really not a good look for you, anonymous or not.

Please know, the world will not tolerate your ugly words. We see you, and we will call you out on it. Perhaps instead of tell ing others to go back to their country, you should go back to school and maybe get a better education in civilized behavior.

What a joke you are to think San Clemente feels this way. If you don’t like it, move! I’ll help you pack. We will not tolerate this vile behavior in our mellow beach town. Oh, and guess what? I’m voting for Zhen Wu.

CAMPAIGNING FOR CITY COUNCIL PAUL A. WEHRLE, San Clemente

Boy, what a difference a few days make. When I read Ashley Williams’ statement in the General Election guide, I took notice. She sounded reasonable, and although enumerating all the usual necessary political platitudes, I might have even considered voting for her.

Her Oct. 6 letter to the editor revealed that potential folly. She quickly tore into our “left-leaning/socialist” City Council. What council was she referring to? We currently have all Republicans, save one, and they are hardly leftists or socialists.

She wants a majority of conservatives on the council—what does she think this council’s composition has been for the last 50 years? Then she accuses Mr. Duncan of being a “far-left radical” and “Marxist” because he supports the Black Lives Matter movement, as do many here in this town.

I am uncertain that Ms. Williams really understands the concepts of Marxism, socialism or “far-left.” Mr. Duncan is the most reasonable, clear-sighted, clear-headed and clear-spoken member, with superior leadership skills, on our council in many years.

I have no opinion about legal marijuana sales here, but I doubt a well-regulated shop would create all the mayhem she alleges. Perhaps her worst statement was her support for Mr. Knoblock, who introduced two of the most inane, yet dangerous, propositions ever addressed by this City Council, and they were appropriately and quickly dismissed.

Don’t worry; we won’t be supporting Cabral, either. We don’t need any more extremists from Talega, after we suffered through the most recent one from there.

RESPONSE TO ‘NOT A PLACE FOR HATE’ ALBA FARFAGLIA

FOLLOW SAN CLEMENTE

One might think you are a weak and small-minded vessel of a human, incapable of offering human kindness. How sad it must be for you to live in such a hatefilled existence. Exhausting, really.

Are you not remotely capable of grasp-

Have you ever been to a swearing-in ceremony for United States citizenship? You will see people, children, adults, the elderly, place their hand on their heart and swear allegiance to the United

States of America.

They come from all over the world. They come in all shapes and sizes, all colors, all creeds. They have chosen to be Americans, and as Americans, they are afforded all rights and freedoms guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

Believe me, if you’ve been to one of these ceremonies and witness the tears of joy, it will be hard not to tear up yourself. Unlike the rest of us who were born here and take America for granted and complain about everything under the sun, they chose and love America.

The ancestors of all Americans, except Native Americans who were here before Leif Erikson and Columbus, came from somewhere else. To say that San Clemente is a “White European-American city” is laughable. Nothing could be further from the truth.

California was under Mexican rule from 1821, when Mexico gained its independence from Spain, until 1848. That’s why the names of cities and streets all over the state are in Spanish.

Having worked for Immigration for 20 years, I am a witness that immigrants are an asset. They bring richness and diversity to this country. E pluribus unum (out of many, one). That is our motto, and that is what makes America a great country.

A VERY TELLING BALLOT DESCRIPTION

HOWARD HART, Captain, United States Navy (Ret.), San Juan Capistrano Councilmember

When a candidate decides to run for public office, they decide on their ballot description, describing themselves to the voter in three words or fewer. The rules can be stringent. For instance, despite having spent 30 years as a Navy officer, I was prohibited from mentioning my prior service.

By listing himself as “Councilmember/ USMC Liaison,” 74th District Assembly candidate Chris Duncan tells us precisely who he is, and it has nothing to do with the Marine Corps.

Mr. Duncan never served in any service branch. He never experienced the harsh discipline and sacrifices that many of us (and especially Marines)— who are not permitted to list our former service—experienced. If he had, he wouldn’t have been permitted to list it.

Was Duncan’s ballot designation technically inaccurate? No. Like most City Councilmembers, Mr. Duncan gets handed a few additional assignments to serve. Duncan is the San Clemente City Council’s Liaison to Camp Pendleton. But these assignments take only a few hours of a City Councilmember’s time every year. I could not fathom using such a minor assignment as a means of describing myself on a ballot.

sanclementetimes.com

(Cont. from page 11)

I understand the temptation. Duncan is an attorney. Voters do not like attorneys, but they sure like Marines. Why not wrap himself in the flag of our beloved Marine Corps? And if someone challenges him, Duncan can just say how proud he is to have spent all those dozens of minutes of his time as a USMC Liaison.

Mr. Duncan made a deliberate choice to identify himself with one of our Armed Forces’ branches for political advantage. This was not only unethical, but it was a slap in the face to those veterans he seeks to represent.

It is said that when someone tells you who they are, believe them. In his ballot description, Mr. Duncan has done so. I encourage you to vote for Laurie Davies.

SHANE HIRSCHMAN AND HOMELESSNESS

SANDRA WEAVER, San Clemente

I am an advocate of the homeless here in San Clemente.

In reading the candidates for City Council’s response toward addressing homelessness, Shane Hirschman has the only reasonable solutions. All of the other candidates simply want to push it off to the county or a regional solution or collaboration with neighboring cities.

They say they agree with the need for housing—but not in San Clemente. Shane gets it, knows what needs to be done and will work for a cleaner, safer city that can make San Clemente proud of what it does for the less fortunate in our midst.

VOTING IS A PRIVILEGE—PLEASE HONOR THAT BY VOTING ROBERT BEAULIEU, San Clemente

I am reaching out to the younger gen eration of San Clemente—those who will have so much at stake in the days ahead.

We have some serious issues to deal with, all of which could impact your lives—our beaches are eroding, the nuclear plant waste is not going away, and the toll road keeps creeping closer. And, yes, there’s more.

The solutions to these and other issues require a steadfast focus by leadership and community members to not only make political statements to gain votes but to have a long-term plan to bring our citizens together to preserve and protect what we have all enjoyed as residents.

For those of you who feel these issues may not be as critical as one might seem, please consider the ramifications of spent fuel sitting in bunkers at San Onofre with a questionable shelf life on a bluff and close to an existing earthquake fault.

Also, take into consideration the loss of our greatest assets, our beaches, to erosion and rising sea levels. And, equally as important, the possibility of the toll road bisecting our community like Interstate 5 does today.

There are serious pressures from influential outsiders to complete their development plans in the backcountry and contribute to this catastrophe if all of us— especially the younger generation who will pay the price with dollars, quality of life, or both—if you don’t take the time to vote.

Consider the current workings of our City Council, which many agree is dysfunctional.

Consider our incumbent Assembly representative, who has favored the extension of the toll road and has done absolutely nothing to address the beach erosion, while the representative to the south of us acquired $12 million to address their beach erosion issues.

There are candidates on the ballot that have the intellect, the competency and the desire to seek the solutions to protect what is ours, but they need your votes. Look at your ballot and consider Kamp, Enmeier, Duncan and Foley as people who will represent the needs of San Clemente and address these issues head-on whether it be on City Council, State Assembly or County Supervisor.

You may not agree with this candidate representation, but for the future of San Clemente and South Orange County, please vote.

THE FUTURE OF SAN CLEMENTE DARRYL HALL, San Clemente

People need to research who they are voting for as it relates to City Council. I am not talking Democrat or Republican. I am talking about conservative vs. liberal.

There is a lot of trash talk regarding conservatives and that they are dangerous for our city. If you watch the documentary Seattle is Dying, in it, you will see how they do a Root Cause Analysis. How did Seattle, from 1983 to 1993 voted one of the safest cities in the U.S., shift to now one of the worst?

In the analysis, they look at the City Council and how it changed over the years, shifting slowly from conservative to liberal. They show that back in 1993, City Councilmember George Benson wrote a letter explaining how he was seeing in the city councilmembers that they were leaning more toward being liberal; he predicted the city’s downfall, and today Seattle is an absolute wasteland.

“It is worse than a third world country . . . when looking at the video footage, it is hard to believe this is in America.”

But this condition is not just limited to Seattle; look at Portland, look at Denver, look at Minneapolis. On and on, it is spreading across the U.S. like wildfire and now is heading to San Clemente.

Don’t just vote for someone who seems like a nice man or a nice woman. Where do they stand on conservative issues? When you Google some of the new candidates, you will see they are opposed to many conservative values.

Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.

If you want to keep San Clemente the beautiful city that it is, vote conservative.

RESPONSE TO ‘PLEASE VOTE!’ JOHN WILLIAMS, San Clemente

I’m somehow stunned when I read or hear people venting about the current oil situation without a comprehensive understanding of how we got here and where we’re going.

The effects of extensive burning of fossil fuels have caught up with the climate across the planet, the results of which we are experiencing today, across the entire globe.

Humans, we who created this crisis, must now pay the price, and that will include sacrifices in comforts, as well as finances.

Dissing those who are looking to the welfare of future generations should be applauded instead of selfishly criticized. The global effects we’re experiencing today—the wildfires, drought, extreme hurricanes, famine, etc.—are the results of our continued abuse of the environment 30 years ago.

Try to imagine just how vicious the modified weather will be in the future if we don’t make concessions and sacrifices.

Indeed, vote, and vote as if your grand children’s and great grandchildren’s lives depend on it, because it does.

ELECTIONS

NANCY LIVINGSTON, San Clemente

I understand that national political parties are now endorsing our local San Clemente City Council candidates. I do not care if it is either Republicans or Democrats, but I want City Council to be independent from either political party, as this is a non-partisan local election.

For example, Democrats want home less shelters, of which the majority of San Clemente voters are totally against. The Orange County GOP and Lincoln Club are comprised of developers and financial lobbyists who support the toll road and large developments, which are not our values in our Spanish Village by the Sea.

Currently, on campaign literature/ websites, Aaron Washington, Victor Cabral and Steven Knoblock are endorsed by the Orange County GOP. Do they have the same San Clemente values which have made our San Clemente so special?

Knoblock, for example, is adamant that women have no right to control their own reproductive rights, and was for flashy Los Angeles signs on the Outlets center. Both Washington and Cabral have not lived in San Clemente long-term to have an appreciation for our small-town values.

So, when you receive campaign literature or mailers from the candidates or political parties, pay attention to the

endorsements and who paid for these mailers. We need to get rid of out-oftown PACs and developers who want to change our very beautiful character that has made San Clemente so special.

RESPONSE TO JAY THOMAS’ LETTER TO THE EDITOR SHER FULLER, San Clemente

Mr. Thomas’ letter reads like a bullet-point presentation put out by the GOP. He makes false statements, but doesn’t elaborate or give explanations for his thinking.

Regarding the “polls”—the polls in this country change daily, up and down; I’m surprised he doesn’t know that. If Mr. Thomas is a big believer of the polls, then why did the polls favor Trump in the last election? The polls were wrong.

Mr. Thomas mentions the “majority” of Americans don’t want Biden to run. What Americans? Did he take a personal “poll”? Sounds like Mr. Thomas would prefer a traitor and insurrectionist who steals top-secret documents from the government and spirits them away to Mar-a-Lago; is that his kind of guy?

This is 2022, and our country can’t keep sucking fossil fuels; we must move on to clean energy options. It’s not all about us this time; it’s about future generations, too. President Biden says no more kicking the can down the road; we have to stop killing our planet, and so he’s taken a lead here and around the world to deal with climate change.

The inflation is due to many factors, not just gas. First, it was the refineries that upped their prices, then OPEC decided to lower their output; we can’t order either the refineries or OPEC to do what we wish.

Mr. Thomas is naive in his statements; he sounds like certain media outlets that spew out right-wing garbage and expect the thinking public will swallow it all, lock, stock, and barrel. It doesn’t work that way, Jay.

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.

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Oct. 21, at 8 a.m. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

FRIDAY | 21

CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

10:30 a.m. AMG Media Group and Bentley Newport Beach will host their annual celebrity golf tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Proceeds from the event benefit Barks of Love Animal Rescue. Tournament entry fee starts at $350. Ticket for reception and dinner is $150. Monarch Beach Golf Links, 50 Monarch Beach Resort Drive North, Dana Point. golfwithamg.com.

‘FRANKENSTEIN, AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL’ WORLD PREMIERE

7:30-9:30 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse premieres its latest musical that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Act 1 is from Victor’s point of view. He begins by telling of his childhood. Born into a wealthy Genevan family, Victor has a strong desire to understand the world. In Act 2, the Creature, intelligent and articulate, relates his first days of life, living alone in the wilderness. Speaking to Frankenstein, the monster says, “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel.” The playhouse’s latest show will run on weekends through Nov. 13. Tickets are $28. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

SATURDAY | 22

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

Editor’s Pick

SATURDAY | 22 PUMPKIN SPLASH

11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of San Clemente will host its Pumpkin Splash, where attendees of all ages can enjoy Halloween-themed activities in and out of the pool at the San Clemente Aquatics Center. There will be a giant inflatable, swimming, a poolside pumpkin patch and games. Participants will also receive a pumpkin to decorate while supplies last. The festivities will be split into two sessions, the first running from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and the second from 2-4 p.m. San Clemente Aquatics Center, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. san-clemente.org.

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.

FRIENDS OF THE DANA POINT LIBRARY HOLIDAY BOOK SALE

10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Friends of the Dana Point Library will host a holiday book sale in the Community Room of the pub lic library. All proceeds will benefit adult and children’s programming and special events at the library. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 410.299.4808. friendsdanapoint.org.

FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BARBECUE

Noon-4 p.m. Come say goodbye to the swallows as they make their annual migration away from San Juan Capistrano. The annual event, hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, which also organizes the Swallows Day Parade, will have live music, food, adult beverages for sale and more. Admission is $10. Kids ages 12 and under can eat for free. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.615.1920. swallowsparade.com.

TREAT STREET 4-7 p.m. Kids of all ages, get your costumes on for a wicked good time as

the San Clemente Downtown Business Association is giving you a chance to start your trick-or-treating early along Avenida Del Mar. Participating businesses displaying a purple balloon out front will be passing out candy to costumed children. Downtown San Clemente, along Avenida Del Mar. scdba.org.

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE

7:30 p.m. Get ready to chuckle and watch actors perform in Downtown San Juan Capistrano. Camino Real Playhouse is staging Death by Design, a murder mystery comedy set in a 1930s English country manor. The show runs through Nov. 6. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

SUNDAY | 23

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

7:45 a.m. Join more than 300 South Orange County residents in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease by walking at the Outlets at San Clemente. Participants will honor those affected with the Promise Garden ceremony that signifies solidarity within the cause. Registration and live music will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony and the Walk at 8:45 a.m. Register at alz.org/ walk. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 323.486.2497. alz.org.

MONDAY | 24

IMPROV MONDAYS WITH BOB BURNS & IMPROV CITY

4-5:30 p.m. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can receive comedy lessons with actor Bob Burns & Improv City. Sign up at thenoblepathfoundation.org. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259.

RED RIBBON PARADE & NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

4-7 p.m. Join the City of San Clemente in celebrating healthy choices and being drug-free with the Red Ribbon Parade, followed by a community safety fair on the Community Center lawn in celebration of National Night Out. Avenida Del Mar will be closed from South El Camino Real to North Calle Seville until 7 p.m. Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. san-clemente.org.

TUESDAY | 25

PING-PONG FOR SC SENIORS

10 a.m.-noon. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, San Clemente senior citizens can have fun and exercise with other local seniors at the Shorecliffs Terrace by playing PingPong. All equipment is provided for free. For more information, contact Joel at 949.481.2275. Shorecliffs Terrace, 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente.

WEDNESDAY | 26

STORYTIME AND LITTLE FOLK CLUB

4:30 p.m. Join Stand Up to Trash for a special little folk club and storytime. On the grass at the Fluke Statue, the non profit will read Joel Harper’s Sea Change and All the Way to the Ocean. The reading will also feature music by Victoria Bailey of the Little Folk Club. Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.

THURSDAY | 27

JAZZ FEATURING MELONEY COLLINS

7-9 p.m. Casino San Clemente continues its Fall into Jazz series by presenting Meloney Collins, a star in the mold of yesteryear’s greats. For $35, guests can enjoy this dinner and a show as Mel is back at the Casino to dazzle the audience with her vocals. The Casino San Clemente, 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. thecasinosanclemente.com.

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

Photo: File/Eric Heinz

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Lauren Gallegos

Wellness & Prevention Coalition Receives Funding to Continue Supporting Youth Well-Being

The Wellness & Prevention Coalition joined 645 local coalitions across the nation as a federally funded Drug-Free Communities (DFC) alliance through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

The Wellness & Prevention Coalition was a previous grant recipient from 2018-2022 and reapplied for an addition al five years of funding through a competitive grant process earlier this year.

The grant provides funding to community coalitions working to prevent youth substance use by supporting individuals and communities in their work to help prevent youth use of alcohol, marijuana, counterfeit pills, and other illicit substances.

The Wellness & Prevention Coalition uses comprehensive strategies to reduce past-30-day use of alcohol and other drugs, increase perception of harm of alcohol and other drugs, and decrease access to alcohol and other drugs. The main goals of the grant program are to increase community collaboration to reduce youth substance use.

Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of ONDCP, stated, “We know that preventing youth substance use greatly decreases the chances of a young person developing a substance-use disorder. Moreover, research shows that youth substance use

decreases significantly in communities with a DFC coalition. Investing in young people is a critical piece of our collective work to make communities healthier and safer.”

community mobilization and awareness to community action and, ultimately, community outcomes.

among our youth.

WELLNESS & PREVENTION BY LAUREN GALLEGOS

The DFC Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use.

Directed by ONDCP in partnership with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the DFC Support Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.

DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of environmental strategies to address local substance-use problems. DFCs involve local communities in finding solutions that help youth make healthy choices, recognizing the majority of youth choose not to use substances. Coalitions are engaged in a broad range of practices that move from

The Wellness & Prevention Coalition supports the San Clemente community through community education on youth substance use, intervention and support for youth who are struggling, providing alternative activities to using drugs and alcohol, and supporting policies that contribute to healthy youth development.

Some notable ways the W&P Coalition has spread awareness include coordinating health and wellness resource fairs, hosting parent and teen wellness workshops, and partnering to host the annual Together4Teens youth conference.

Youth leadership development has been at the forefront of the coalition work; the youth coalition at San Clemente High School has organized and participated in annual Red Ribbon week activities, collected pledges from peers to remain drug-free, implemented the annual Tie One On for Safety campaign to prevent underage drinking and unsafe driving, and attended the annual Drug Free Communities National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.

Over the past five years the Wellness & Prevention Coalition’s work has contributed to lowering substance use

Past 30-day use of alcohol decreased from 8% to 5% among ninth-graders and 21% to 17% among 11th-graders. Marijuana use also decreased from 7% to 4% among ninth-graders and 14% to 11% among 11th-graders, according to California Healthy Kids Surveys from 2018 and 2021.

Partners of the coalition include Providence Mission Hospital; San Clemente High School; The Noble Path Foundation; Picket Fence Media; Orange County Sheriff’s Department; San Clemente Rotary Club; Partners 4 Wellness; Outlets at San Clemente; Orange County Health Care Agency; Parent Teacher Student Association; Strength in Numbers OC; Community Outreach Alliance; Laura’s House; and other adult and youth community members.

If you are interested in joining the efforts of the coalition, please contact Lauren Gallegos at lauren@wpc-oc.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of youth in our community.

Lauren Gallegos, ACSW, is the Prevention Director at the Wellness & Prevention Center. SC

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opin ion 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.

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

What’s Old Is New Again—A Stylish Resurgence

love a good comeback story.

While wallpaper has long been part of history, today it’s back with a bang.

According to Google data, wallpaper-related searches are up an average of 50% over the past 12 months.

Just to be clear, I’m referring to the wallpaper applied to a wall, not the background of a phone or laptop screen.

October is the perfect month to spruce up your home before the holiday festivities start.

For many, the upcoming holiday season could be the first time in a couple

years since hosting family and friends.

During the pandemic, many people were motivated to update their homes, including me. Pinterest reported that in 2020, searches for wallpaper increased by 41%.

LIFE’S A BEACH BY SHELLEY MURPHY

At that time, jungle print themes went wild.

Hey, if you can’t go to the zoo, why not bring it indoors?

Today, a popular trend is biophil-

ia: designs inspired by nature, from birdlife to bold florals and natural colors such as blue and green.

Contributing to wallpaper’s resurgence are improvements in design and quality, making it a creative alternative to paint and a trend with staying power.

Also, wallpaper is environmentally friendly; some of the many sustainable materials include recycled paper, bamboo, linen and my favorite, grasscloth.

While it’s often less expensive to paint, wallpaper is an eco-friendlier choice than paint, which often ends up in landfills.

For the record, I don’t claim to be an expert on wallpaper; I’m just an empty nester with some extra time on my hands.

And, trust me, if I can install wallpaper, anyone can do it—literally, today it’s easily removable, so both homeowners and renters can enjoy its style.

The current adhesive peel-and-stick wallpapers fit most budgets; websites range from the inexpensive to exorbitant. Installing it is easy and requires few tools: a measuring tape, scissors, utility knife, smoother tool or a clean towel to gently smooth the surface.

(Cont. on page 18)

For those new to wallpaper, I recommend starting with a small project, perhaps an accent wall.

My first foray into wallpaper was a downstairs powder room. In a few hours, I turned a boring bland wall into a tropical timberland.

If tackling a wall is too much, a great way to personalize a small space is papering shelves or staircase risers with a pop of contrasting color or pattern.

I’ve become somewhat obsessed with wallpaper, or so my family says. My favorite wallpapers are subtle textures, but I like bold prints, too.

Last month, I helped move my younger son to the Bay Area. Returning home, I stood in what was his office. As I wiped my watery eyes, my focus soon shifted to the now blank wall before me.

Ready for a new chapter, I decided to order the wallpaper I coveted. It illustrated a timeworn bookshelf jam-packed with books, creating the illusion of wood shelving without its permanence and hundreds of books without the expense.

Fearing a family intervention, I ordered my wanted wallpaper without a word.

A couple Saturdays later, with my husband busy at work downstairs, I quietly

went to work upstairs.

I transformed a wall peppered with pockmarks and chipped paint into a seemingly realistic wooden bookshelf suitable for a library.

After admiring my work, I sent a picture to our family group chat. My older son replied immediately with, “WOW.” I’m still not sure how to interpret his text.

Seconds later, my husband came bounding up the stairs and asked, “What have you done?”

I took his comment as flattery, thinking maybe he believed I’d also taken up carpentry.

Decking your walls with peel-andstick wallpaper is a fun, fast and fashionable way to refresh a room before family and friends arrive to celebrate the holiday season.

Wallpaper is on a roll, and I hope it’s here to stay.

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. 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.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Rebecca

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Seven-month-old Rebecca is a real sweetheart of a cat. Sociable and inquisitive, she is often the first to greet you at the door. When she isn’t playing with the other kittens, her favorite place to be is in your lap. Rebecca is an all-around good girl and would be a great addition to just about any home.

If you are interested in adopting Rebecca, 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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 12pm Monday.

GARAGE SALE - OCTOBER 22 Saturday, Oct 22nd, 7 am to 12 pm. 24742 Priscilla Drive, Dana Point

ESTATE SALE – OCTOBER 22 Saturday, October 22. 25592 Via Del Rey, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92673.

VIBRANT LIVES LIQUIDATION SALESATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 1-5 p.m. Vintage style clothing, hats, shoes; Sound equipment; Games; Activity supplies; Colorful home decor. 34941 Calle Del Sol, Dana Point.

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE –DANA KNOLLS NEIGHBORHOOD Saturday, Oct 22nd, 7 am to 12 pm 20+ homes. Corner of Stonehill & Palo Alto

Lots of

FOR SALE

SURFBOARD FOR SALE

Hand-shaped Channel Islands 7’4” surfboard (20 x 2 3/4). Great condition. $300 OBO. Text 949.702.3142.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Experienced Tile setters and helpers, Slab Fabricators, Slab Installation 5 years exp Top pay based on experienced. 949-395-3369.

WANTED

WANTED - VINYL RECORDS

Vinyl records from the 1960’s to present & music memorabilia. Shirts, posters, concert tickets etc. Will pay you better then any record store! Best price paid guaranteed! No collection too big or too small. I will come to you. Cash. 310-756-7854 Mike

See the solution in next week’s issue.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON NO VEMBER 1, 2022 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA REL ATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

654 Camino De Los Mares – Master Project (MP) 22-089, Architectural Permit (AP) 22-101, Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 22-100, General Plan Amendment (GPA) 22-097, Site Plan Per mit (SPP) 22-103, Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 22-099, Zoning Amendment (ZA) 22-098, and Development Agreement – Senior Housing and Medical Office

A request to demolish an existing medical build ing and surface parking lot; construct a mixed-use project with 250 for-rent senior residential units and a 7,500 square foot medical office; subdivide one lot into two lots; rezone the property from Re gional Medical Facilities 1 (RMF1) to Community Commercial 4 (CC4); and change the General Plan designation from RMF to CC at 654 Camino De Los Mares. The project includes a Development Agreement and requests for concession/waiver(s) pursuant to State Density Bonus law.

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164, the City prepared an Addendum to the San Cle mente Housing and Safety Elements Update Pro gram Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2021020256). The Addendum demonstrates that only minor technical changes to the PEIR are involved and the project would not result in any new or increased severity significant environmental effects beyond those identified in the PEIR.

This application is on file at the City of San Cle mente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development De partment at (949) 361-6189. If you challenge this project in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the pub lic hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clem ente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. at the San Clemente City Hall Council Chambers, 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor San Clemente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing or by written communication to the City Council to express their opinion for or against the project.

Laura Campagnolo Legislative Administrator

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ROBERT D. TUMBRELLO

Case Number: 30-2022-01275161-PR-LA-CJC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be inter ested in the will and or estate, or both, of ROBERT D. TUMBRELLO

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jennifer Tumbrello in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE

The Petition for Probate requests that Jennifer Tumbrello be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without ob taining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal represen tative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con sented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

a. Date: December 7, 2022 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: C08

b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by vid eo using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of Califor nia - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty con necting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of let ters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal de livery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Stat utes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attor ney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and apprais al of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner:

Jules F. Miller, LAW OFFICES OF JULES MILLER, 32565 B Golden Lantern #1045, Dana Point, CA 92629

Ph: (949)240-9326

Published in: San Clemente Times, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON NO VEMBER 3, 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA

RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Minor Conditional Use Permit 22-197, Primo Foods Beer and Wine, 2801 S. El Camino Real

A request to consider beer and wine sales at Pri mo Foods Market and Deli for off-site consump tion, with hours of operation from 8am-8pm daily. The project does not propose changes to the existing market.

Staff recommends that the project be found Cat egorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class1: Exist ing Facilities).

These applications are on file at the City of San Cle mente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspec tion and comment by contacting (949) 361-6183.

If you challenge these projects 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 hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at San Clemente City Hall, First Floor Community Room, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California. All interested persons are in vited to attend said hearings or to provide written communication to the Zoning Administrator to ex press their opinion for or against the requests.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949) 361-6183.

Zoning Administrator

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON NO VEMBER 2, 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

CULTURAL HERITAGE PERMIT 21-332, ENCROACHMENT PERMIT 22-317, WACH HISTORIC DUPLEX, 161 WEST MARQUITA

A request to consider the rehabilitation, exterior alterations, and a minor 10 square-foot addition to a duplex and garage, and site improvements including a wall within the public right-of-way. The site is on the City’s list of designated historic resources at 161 West Marquita.

Staff recommends that the project be found Cat egorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Exist ing Facilities).

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development De partment at (949) 361-6189. If you challenge these projects in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written cor respondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the San Clemente City Hall Council Chambers, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clem ente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearings or to provide written com munication to the Planning Commission to express their opinion for or against the requests.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949) 361-6183.

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commis sion

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON NO VEMBER 2, 2022 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFOR NIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) 21-229 –Specific Plan Amendments for Forster Ranch, Marblehead Coastal, Marblehead Inland, Rancho San Clemente, Talega).

A public hearing to consider forwarding a recom mendation to the City Council on City initiated amendments to the Talega, Rancho San Clemente, Forster Ranch, Marblehead Inland, and Marblehead Coastal Specific Plans (“Amendments”).

The Amendments are a phase of the work program to update the City’s planning documents to be con sistent and compatible with the General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan (LUP), as required by State law. This effort is necessary to comply with State law and Council priorities in the City’s General Plan Strategic Implementation Program (SIP). Consis tency between the General Plan, LUP, Zoning Or dinance, and Specific Plans is a high-level priority project identified as Implementation Measure LU1 of the SIP based on Council direction. The Amend ments propose the following:

• The Specific Plans will be updated to reflect changes to land use designations adopted in the Centennial General Plan and LUP. The project will update the boundary and labeling of zon ing districts on maps. Many hand-drawn maps will be updated using the City’s Geographic In formation System (GIS) to improve the clarity and the accuracy of zoning boundaries.

• The Specific Plans will be updated to reflect changes to development standards and regula tions adopted in the Centennial General Plan, LUP, and Municipal Zoning Code. Permitted use tables will be updated as needed.

• General Plan goals and policies relevant to certain planning sectors will be incorporated into the documents, including new standards and regulations to encourage the relocation of automobile service uses to the Business and In dustrial Park areas.

• The project will also correct erroneous tables, text, and language governing land uses and permitted or conditionally permitted uses without modifying regulations.

The Amendments are exempt from CEQA review. The Amendments are mandatory actions under Government Code Section 65860 and are within the scope of the General Plan EIR and subsequent Addenda, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sec tions 15162 and 15168.

All documents are on file at the City of San Clem ente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, and are available for public inspection and comment(s) by contacting the Community Development De partment at (949) 361-6183. If you challenge these projects in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written cor respondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the San Clemente City Hall Council Chambers, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clem ente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearings or to provide written com

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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munication to the Planning Commission to express their opinion for or against the requests.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949) 361-6183.

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commis sion

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON NO VEMBER 2, 2022 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFOR NIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Housing Element Rezoning Program – Zoning Code Amendments to be Consistent with State Housing Laws

A public hearing to consider forwarding a recom mendation to the City Council on the proposed ordi nances listed below, which amend various provisions of the San Clemente Municipal Code (“SCMC”) to effectuate revisions contemplated by the City’s Sixth Cycle Housing Element. The proposed ordinances subject to the public hearing are as follows:

• An ordinance amending SCMC Section 17.24.070 regarding density bonuses and other affordable housing incentives required by state law. This ordinance is exempt from the Califor nia Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pur suant to sections 15358, 15305, and 15061(b) (3) of the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3).

• An ordinance amending SCMC Section 17.56.100 to comply with AB 139 regarding parking requirements for emergency shelters. This ordinance does not qualify as a “proj ect” under CEQA (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(a)) and, in the alternative, is exempt from CEQA pursuant to section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.

• An ordinance updating SCMC Section 17.28.270 regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to comply with recent changes in state laws. This ordi nance is exempt from CEQA under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17.

• An ordinance amending various sections of the SCMC to ensure consistency with state law regarding low barrier navigation centers. This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b) (3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.

• An ordinance amending various provisions of the SCMC to ensure consistency with state law regarding supportive and transitional hous ing. This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3) and15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.

• An ordinance amending various provisions of the SCMC regarding residential care facil ities. This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3) and15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines

All documents are on file at the City of San Clem ente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, and are available for public inspection and comment(s) by contacting the Community Development De partment at (949) 361-6183. If you challenge these projects in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public

hearings described in this notice, or in written cor respondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. at the San Clemente City Hall Council Chambers, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clem ente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearings or to provide written com munication to the Planning Commission to express their opinion for or against the requests.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949) 361-6183.

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commis sion

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

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

PUBLIC NOTICE

SECTION 00100

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

MONTALVO AND RIVIERA PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES

COATING REPLACEMENT PROJECT PROJECT NO. 23802

1. Notice. Public notice is hereby given that the City of San Clemente (“City”) will receive sealed bids for the following project:

MONTALVO AND RIVIERA PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES

COATING REPLACEMENT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 23802

2. Bid Opening Date. Electronic bids must be sub mitted prior to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, on the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal, at which time or thereafter bids will be opened and made available online. Bids received after this time will be considered non-responsive. Prospective bidders must first register as a vendor and then bid on this project via the City’s Planet Bids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-cle mente.org/vendorbids.

3. Project Scope of Work. The project includes fur nishing all necessary labor, materials, methods and processes, tools, implements and machinery which are necessary to satisfactorily complete the Proj ect, as more specifically described in the Contract Documents. The work to be performed, consists, in general, of clearing and grubbing as necessary to complete the work, and removing the existing bridge coating, sandblasting, surface preparation, and painting of the Montalvo and Riviera Pedestri an Bridges located at 200-ft west of the intersection of Avenida Montalvo and Avenida Lobeiro, and is in close proximity and parallel to OCTA Metrolink railroad bridge.

4. Contract Time. The work must be completed within sixty (60) working days from the date speci fied in the written Notice to Proceed.

5. License and Registration Requirements.

5.1. State License. Pursuant to California Pub

lic Contract Code Section 3300, the City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid California contractor’s license for the following classification(s): Class “A”. Failure to possess the specified license(s) at the time of bid opening shall render the bid as non-respon sive and shall act as a bar to award the contract to that non-responsive bidder.

5.2. Department of Industrial Relations Regis tration. Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to per form public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). No bid will be accepted nor any contract en tered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the DIR to perform public work. If awarded a con tract, the Bidder and its subcontractors, of any tier, shall maintain active registration with the DIR for the duration of the Project.

5.3. City Business License. Prior to the Notice to Proceed for this contract, the Contractor shall possess a valid City of San Clemente business license.

6. Contract Documents. Bid documents, includ ing instructions to bidders, bidder proposal form, and specifications (not including other documents incorporated by reference) may be downloaded, at no cost, from the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente.org/vendor bids. Bidders must first register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids system to view and download the Contract Documents, to be added to the prospective bidders list, and to receive adden dum notifications when issued.

7. Bid Proposal and Security.

7.1. Bid Proposal Form. No bid will be received unless it is made on a proposal form furnished by the City.

7.2. Bid Security. Each bid proposal must be ac companied by security in the form of cash, certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the to tal bid amount. Personal checks or company checks are not acceptable forms of bid secu rity. All certified and cashier’s checks must be drawn on a responsible bank doing business in the United States and shall be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bid bonds must be issued by a surety company licensed to do business in the State of California and must be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bids not accompanied by the required bid security will be rejected. For elec tronic submittal of bids, the bid security must be received at the City of San Clemente Public Works office, 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100, San Clemente, CA 92673 within 24 hours of the bid opening date and time. The bid security must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, and the outside of the envelope must read as follows:

OFFICIAL BID SECURITY - DO NOT OPEN MONTALVO AND RIVIERA PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES

COATING REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Project No. 23802

Bid Opening Date: 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2022

The bid security shall serve as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into a contract. Such guarantee shall be forfeited should the bidder to whom the contract is awarded fail to enter into the contract within 15 calendar days after written notification that the contract has been awarded to the successful bidder.

8. Prevailing Wage Requirements.

8.1. General. This project is subject to the prevail ing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the work, including employer pay ments for health and welfare, pension, vaca tion, apprenticeship and similar purposes.

8.2. Rates. Prevailing rates are available online at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR and also available at the City of San Clemente Public Works Depart ment Office at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clem ente, CA 92673. Each Contractor and Subcon tractor must pay no less than the specified rates to all workers employed to work on the project. The schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. The rate for holiday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half.

8.3. Compliance Monitoring. Pursuant to Cali fornia Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby notified that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Rela tions. In bidding on this project, it shall be the Bidder’s sole responsibility to evaluate and in clude the cost of complying with all labor com pliance requirements under this contract and applicable law in its bid.

9. Retention. Pursuant to the contract for this proj ect, five percent (5%) of each progress payment will be retained as security for completion of the bal ance of the work.

Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of re tention amounts from progress payments is permit ted pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22300. Refer to the contract for further clarification.

10. Performance and Payment Bonds. The suc cessful bidder, simultaneously with execution of the contract, will be required to provide Faithful Per formance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Bonds are to be secured from a surety that meets all of the State of California bonding requirements, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, and is admitted by the State of California.

11. Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting. A Non-Man datory pre-bid meeting will be held for this bid so licitation at the job site on October 26, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Refer to the Instructions to Bidders section on how to submit any pre-bid questions.

12. Instructions to Bidders. Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions to Bidders, which should be carefully reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

13. Questions. All questions related to this bid so licitation must be submitted in writing via email to Belgin Cuhadaroglu at cuhadaroglub@san-cle mente.org no later than November 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

THE CIT Y OF SAN CLEMENTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS, TO AWARD ALL OR ANY INDIVIDUAL PART/ ITEM OF THE BID, AND TO WAIVE ANY IN FORMALITIES, IRREGULARITIES OR TECHNI CAL DEFECTS IN SUCH BIDS OR IN THE BID DING PROCESS. ANY CONTRACT AWARDED WILL BE LET TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER AS DETERMINED FROM THE BASE BID ALONE.

Dated October 13, 2022.

City of San Clemente Public Works Depart ment 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673

END OF NOTICE INVITING BIDS

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

ADVERTISE:

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 22FL000669

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Hei di Morris on behalf of Brennan David Ritcherson, a minor filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

Brennan David Ritcherson

Proposed Name

Brennan David Ryan Morris

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interest ed in this matter shall 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 writ ten objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

a. Date: 11/30/2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Dept.: L74 Room: Remote

b. The address of the court is Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Dr S., Orange, CA 92868. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superi or Court of California - County of Orange (oc courts.org) to appear remotely for hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have diffi culty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be pub lished at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the pe tition in the following newspaper of general cir culation, printed in this county: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 2022

Date: September 14, 2022, Temporary Judge Eileen Solis, Judge Pro Tem

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226644995

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TRS SERENDIPITY PENSIONS

1201 PUERTA DEL SOL #222

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

Full Name of Registrant(s):

ATHENA HEALTHCARE INC

1201 PUERTA DEL SOL #222

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

This business is conducted by a CA Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/22/2022

ATHENA HEATHCARE INC/s/TONMOY SHARMA, TONMOY SHARMA, PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 09/23/2022

Published in: San Clemente Times Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

SECTION 00100

NOTICE INVITING BIDS DIGESTER #2 STRUCTURAL AND MAECHANICAL REHABILITATION Project No. 12204

1. Notice. Public notice is hereby given that the City of San Clemente (“City”) will receive sealed bids for the following project:

Digester #2 Structural and Mechanical Rehabilitation, Project No. 12204

Bid Opening Date. Electronic bids must be sub mitted prior to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 10th, 2022, on the City’s PlanetBids System Ven dor Portal, at which time or thereafter bids will be opened and made available online. Bids received after this time will be considered non-responsive. Prospective bidders must first register as a vendor and then bid on this project via the City’s Planet Bids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-cle mente.org/vendorbids.

2.

OFFICIAL BID - DO NOT OPEN

Project Name: Digester #2 Structural and Mechanical Rehabilitation Project Bid #: 12204

Bid Opening Date: Thursday, November 10th, 2022

3. Project Scope of Work. Contractor agrees to perform all tasks necessary to construct and/or install or cause to be constructed and/or installed the work identified in Plans and Specifications for DIGESTER #2 STRUCTURAL AND MECHAN ICAL REHABILITATION, Project No. 12204 to this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions contained both herein and in all other Contract Documents

4. Contract Time: The work must be completed within thirty (45) working days from the date spec ified in the written Notice to Proceed.

5. License and Registration Requirements.

5.1. State License. Pursuant to California Pub lic Contract Code Section 3300, the City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid California contractor’s license for the following classification(s): California “A” Con tractors License. Failure to possess the speci fied license(s) at the time of bid opening shall render the bid as non-responsive and shall act as a bar to award the contract to that non-re sponsive bidder.

5.2. Department of Industrial Relations Regis tration. Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to per form public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). No bid will be accepted nor any contract en tered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the DIR to perform public work. If awarded a con tract, the Bidder and its subcontractors, of any tier, shall maintain active registration with the DIR for the duration of the Project.

5.3. City Business License. Prior to the Notice to Pro ceed for this contract, the Contractor shall possess a valid City of San Clemente business license.

6. Contract Documents. Bid documents, includ ing instructions to bidders, bidder proposal form,

and specifications (not including other documents incorporated by reference) may be downloaded, at no cost, from the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente.org/vendor bids. Bidders must first register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids system to view and download the Contract Documents, to be added to the prospective bidders list, and to receive adden dum notifications when issued.

7. Bid Proposal and Security.

7.1. Bid Proposal Form. No bid will be received unless it is made on a proposal form furnished by the City.

7.2. Bid Security. Each bid proposal must be ac companied by security in the form of cash, certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount. Personal checks or company checks are not acceptable forms of bid security. All cer tified and cashier’s checks must be drawn on a responsible bank doing business in the United States and shall be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bid bonds must be is sued by a surety company licensed to do busi ness in the State of California and must be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bids not accompanied by the required bid secu rity will be rejected. For electronic submittal of bids, the bid security must be received at the City of San Clemente Public Works office, 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100, San Clemente, CA 92673 no later than the bid opening date and time. The bid security must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, and the outside of the envelope must read as follows:

OFFICIAL BID SECURITY - DO NOT OPEN

Project Name: Digester #2 Structural and Mechanical Project Bid #: 12204

Bid Opening Date: Thursday, November 10th, 2022

The bid security shall serve as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into a contract. Such guarantee shall be forfeited should the bidder to whom the contract is awarded fail to enter into the contract within 15 calendar days after written notification that the contract has been awarded to the successful bidder.

8. Prevailing Wage Requirements.

8.1. General. This project is subject to the prevail ing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the work, including employer pay ments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes.

8.2. Rates. Prevailing rates are available online at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR and also available at the City of San Clemente Public Works Depart ment Office at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clem ente, CA 92673. Each Contractor and Subcon tractor must pay no less than the specified rates to all workers employed to work on the project. The schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. The rate for hol iday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half.

8.3. Compliance Monitoring. Pursuant to Cali fornia Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby notified that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Rela tions. In bidding on this project, it shall be the Bidder’s sole responsibility to evaluate and in clude the cost of complying with all labor com pliance requirements under this contract and applicable law in its bid.

9. Retention. Pursuant to the contract for this proj ect, five percent (5%) of each progress payment will be retained as security for completion of the bal ance of the work.

Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of re tention amounts from progress payments is permit ted pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22300. Refer to the contract for further clarification.

10. Performance and Payment Bonds. The suc cessful bidder, simultaneously with execution of the contract, will be required to provide Faithful Per formance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Bonds are to be secured from a surety that meets all of the State of California bonding requirements, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, and is admitted by the State of California.

11. Pre-Bid Meeting. A pre-bid meeting will be held for this bid solicitation on Tuesday November 1st, 2022 at 10:00AM. Refer to the Instructions to Bidders section on how to submit any pre-bid ques tions outside of the meeting. This is a mandatory pre-bid meeting to be held at the City’s WRP lo cated at 380 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. More information on the WRP entrance and parking is on Exhibit “A” in the specifications.

12. Instructions to Bidders. Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions to Bidders, which should be carefully reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

13. Questions. All questions related to this bid solicitation must be submitted through the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal per the informa tion provided in the Instructions to Bidders. Any other contact to City staff regarding this bid solic itation will be referred back to the PlanetBids sys tem.

THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS, TO AWARD ALL OR ANY INDIVIDUAL PART/ ITEM OF THE BID, AND TO WAIVE ANY IN FORMALITIES, IRREGULARITIES OR TECHNI CAL DEFECTS IN SUCH BIDS OR IN THE BID DING PROCESS. ANY CONTRACT AWARDED WILL BE LET TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER AS DETERMINED FROM THE BASE BID ALONE.

Dated October 7, 2022.

City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673

END OF NOTICE INVITING BIDS

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226644235

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LOREN SMETS ASSOCIATES

703 CALLE BRISA, SUITE 100

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

Full Name of Registrant(s):

LOREN GLEN SMETS

703 CALLE BRISA, SUITE 100

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/01/2022

/s/LOREN SMETS

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 09/14/2022

Published in: San Clemente Times Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 2022

Double Gold

SCHS boys cross country wins backto-back county titles; Chantaca takes first

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

t was a feat so nice, they did it twice.

The San Clemente boys cross country team dominated the field at the Orange County Championships with three runners in the top four and all five scoring runners in the top 15— all of whom set personal records—to capture its second consecutive county title on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado.

The Tritons stood atop the team and

individual podiums, as well, as senior Juan Chantaca edged out a league rival from Dana Hills to capture the solo county championship by just 0.4 seconds. Chantaca, with a personal-record time of 14:26.4, beat out Dana Hills sophomore Evan Noonan, who clocked

Tritons

Trampled

San Clemente football dismantled by rival Mission Viejo, hosts Homecoming on Friday

WBY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES hatever hold Thalassa Stadium and the San Clemente football team had over Mission Viejo in recent meetings was shaken off quickly last Friday night.

Mission Viejo scored on its first six possessions—six touchdown passes from Kadin Semonza—and added a pick-six in the first half to roll San Clemente, 49-14, in both teams’ South Coast League opener on Friday, Oct. 14, at San Clemente High School.

San Clemente (5-3, 0-1) had won the previous two meetings against Mission Viejo (7-1, 1-0) at Thalassa Stadium in low-scoring, dramatic fashion, but the Diablos found the form they’ve showed at home over the Tritons in a blowout win.

“They played well, they played togeth-

er, and at times we didn’t do that,” San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz said. “That’s the bottom line. They’re a good football team. With us, we had to be firing on all cylinders, and tonight, we didn’t do that.”

San Clemente, now ranked No. 31 in CIF-SS by CalPreps, came out how it needed to on the opening drive against Mission Viejo, ranked No. 5 in CIF-SS.

Junior quarterback Broderick Redden connected with senior receiver Thomas Hartanov, senior running back Blake Allen broke a 42-yard run and Hartanov converted on a fourth-down run to get the Tritons inside the Diablos’ 20-yard line.

However, on the next play after the fourth-down conversion, a low shotgun snap hit off Redden’s leg and was recovered by Mission Viejo to end the drive and the only momentum the Tritons had in the first half.

After that opening drive, San Clemente gained only 43 yards more in the first half. The Tritons also turned the ball over twice more in the first half, on a fourth-down stop late in the first quarter and a tipped pass for a pick-six early in the second quarter for the 21-0 Diablos lead.

In the first half alone, Semonza threw for 308 yards and five touchdowns on 15 of 18 passes with three touchdowns and 148 yards on six receptions by Mikey Matthews, as the Diablos picked apart the San Clemente secondary and rarely even got to third down. Semonza fin-

in at 14:26.8. It was only Chantaca’s second invitational win of his career and his first sweepstakes race win.

Right behind Chantaca to fill in the top four, junior Brett Ephraim was clocked at 14:28.4, with senior Rory Catsimanes right on his tail at 14:29.7 to

finish third and fourth, respectively.

At last year’s Orange County Championships, the Tritons still won by a sizeable margin, 50-93, and did so almost solely on their pack-running style with four runners in the top 12, including their top runner in seventh. Chantaca finished 10th last season.

This year, the Tritons, who jumped into the No. 1 spot in the CIF-SS Division 1 rankings last week, won by a larger margin, 34-99 over Trabuco Hills, thanks to those top performances in that lead pack.

Rounding out the championship performance were junior Pierce Clark in 13th at 15:02 and senior Grant Sestak in 15th at 15:04.

On the girls side, San Clemente finished seventh, and junior Lyza Yetter led the Tritons with a 12th-place finish at 17:42. San Clemente had four runners in the top 50, with Kennedy Banks, Caiya McAlister and Abigail Howard joining Yetter.

JSerra won the girls championship with three runners in the top seven.

San Clemente next runs in the prestigious Mt. SAC Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 22. SC

ished 21 of 24 passing for 395 yards and six touchdowns.

San Clemente is at home again this week, as the Tritons host Capistrano Valley (4-4, 0-1) for Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 21. The Cougars lost at home to Tesoro (6-2, 1-0) this past Friday, 45-10.

When Capistrano Valley has been successful this season, it’s been because of the play of dual-threat quarterback Trey Kukuk. The senior signal-caller has completed 55% of his passes for 2,125 yards and 18 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. He’s also run for 506 yards and 10 touchdowns on 78 carries, all team-highs. However, Kukuk is questionable for Friday’s game with a shoulder injury.

SCHS, MVHS Investigate Allegations of Racist Comments Toward Players During Game

Administrators at both San Clemente High and Mission Viejo High are investigating allegations of racist comments made on the field during the varsity football game last Friday night.

“San Clemente High School administration has spoken to adults and students who were present at the game. The investigation continues today, as we are still working to determine what was said by whom,” Capistrano Unified School District spokesperson Ryan Burris said in an email to San Clemente Times on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

“As part of our investigation, we have

shared information with Mission Viejo High School regarding allegations related to their student conduct at Friday night’s game,” Burris continued. “Both schools are working collaboratively to address student-athlete conduct.”

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which includes Mission Viejo High, echoed that the schools are working together on the investigation.

“At this time, the administration of both Mission Viejo High School and San Clemente High School are in continued communication and engaging in concur rent investigations regarding unacceptable behavior that occurred at Friday’s varsity football game,” Saddleback Valley Unified District spokesperson Wendie Hauschild said in an email to the San Clemente Times on Tuesday.“Each school will be working with their own teams to address the needs and actions of their students.”

In 2019, an SCHS investigation confirmed that a “racial epithet” and “derogatory words” were directed at cheerleaders and fans from Lincoln High School of San Diego by the bathrooms and in the stands at Thalassa Stadium during a varsity football game between the schools.

Students and adults from both schools participated in a Restorative Circle and workshop with the Anti-Defamation League, and San Clemente committed to “ongoing work” with the Anti-Defamation League to educate the school’s staff and students. SC

The San Clemente boys cross country team won its second consecutive Orange County Championship with a dominant run on Saturday, Oct. 15. Photo: Courtesy of Brian Ephraim

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

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

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No Sandbars Without Sand

Coastal erosion continues to threaten some of South Orange County’s most prized surfing grounds

FBY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES or local surfers and beachgoers, the lack of sand from Beach Road to the bluffs of San Onofre is tragically and abundantly apparent.

Once dependable beach breaks at Riviera and Calafia have all but gone dormant except on fluky low-tide, windswell days. And the beach erosion has gotten so bad at Cotton’s Point that at the end of September, train services from Metrolink and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner between South Orange County and Oceanside were suspended until further notice after movement was detected on the tracks.

Helplessly watching the sand disappear over the past handful of years, a few important questions come to mind.

First, why is the sand disappearing, and where’s it all going? The coastal erosion in Capo Beach and San Clemente are the result of several factors.

Looming just to the north is the Dana Point Harbor, which not only destroyed the magic little surf zone of Killer Dana when it was first constructed, but the breakwater has also interrupted migratory sand flow up and down the coast.

Richard Behl, a marine sedimentologist and geology professor at Cal State

Long Beach, explained to Los Angeles Times last year that dams, debris basins and seawalls block sand supply, preventing the natural replenishment of the beaches.

Other construction and development in the form of houses and roads have also drastically reduced natural sand flow.

Layer on top of this the fact that most of our local waterways don’t reach the ocean anymore because of both drought and development upstream. This means that years have gone by in which we have seen little to no sediment replenishment.

Coastal armoring is also an issue. In the case of Cotton’s Point, 10,000 tons of large rocks were placed on the beach in front of the tracks to hopefully protect them, but I’ve found that it’s only worsened erosion on the beach, leading

to the subsequent suspension of the rail service by Metrolink and Amtrak.

The beach where President Richard Nixon famously walked down in Life magazine photos is a shadow of its former self. The left known as North Gate has all but disappeared, and there’s a backwash in the main lineup on higher tides. It’s likely that over the coming months and years, those rocks are only going to make things worse.

I’d also venture to guess that because we’ve been lingering in this La Niña weather pattern for the past couple of years, we haven’t seen a steady run of westerly swells to offset the summer south swells and move the sand back. It would be interesting to see what a run of 18-second, 280-degree west swell would do to the area.

In terms of where all the sand is, according to several lifeguard sources and

longtime watchers of our coast, most of our sand is sitting just offshore. It hasn’t really disappeared completely; it’s out there blanketing the bottom of the ocean and collecting in big underwater sand dunes.

In San Clemente, a half-mile offshore sits an artificial reef that was constructed with the hopes of restoring local kelp forests. It would be interesting to know what impact it’s had on sand flow.

For the past two years, the Rip Curl WSL Finals has come to Lower Trestles to crown the world surfing champions. The event has enjoyed good surf both years, but even at Lowers, the area’s marquee surf spot and a draw for surfers from around the world, the lack of sand is an issue.

In planning this year’s event, special consideration had to be taken when designing the event infrastructure—judging towers, athlete areas, etc.—because of how little sand there is on the point.

It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that there won’t be enough sand at Lowers next year to build out the WSL Finals site.

The issue of coastal erosion in Capo Beach and San Clemente is a real one, with real-life consequences. Some of our most sacred surf spots are not just being threatened, they’re already under assault.

I don’t know what the solution is; nobody seems to at the moment, but I do know that it’s something we should be talking about a lot more.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

LUCAS SENKBEIL

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For local surfers, there was no shortage of big results during last weekend’s NSSA event at the Oceanside Pier.

San Clemente’s Zion Walla dropped a perfect 10 in his semifinal heat. Tanner Sandvig won a tightly contested Boys division stacked with international talent. But the standout of the weekend was Lucas Senkbeil, who swept the Men’s and Juniors divisions.

“In the closing minutes, Lucas broke for the north contest zone, where the bigger,

but more windswept lefts were breaking,” recounts the NSSA report. “Using his powerful backhand, he ripped a 7.53 score, which put

him into first, sealing his second regular-sea son win in the Juniors U16’s and second win of the Oceanside Open!”

As his strong rail game, progressive flair and competitive mindset have all come into perfect sync, Lucas has been coming on strong as of late. Earlier in the month, he put together another impressive run at the NSSA event at Salt Creek. Again, making two finals, he finished the weekend with a third in the Men and second in the Juniors.

For the effort, Lucas now sits atop the NSSA Southwest Open Juniors rankings by more than 6,500 points. We can’t wait to see him bring the heat the rest of the season.

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com. SC

Water Temperature: 65-67 Degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8

Thursday: Mix of south-southwest swell and smaller northwest swell sets up waist to head high surf, (3-5’).

Light/variable winds in the morning, turn to a moderate westerly sea breeze during the afternoon, then ease by the evening.

Outlook: The swell combination gradually fades on Friday, for waist to shoulder high waves, (3-4’). A fresh south-southwest swell fills in on Saturday with surf in the chest to a foot overhead range, (4-6’). The new swell peaks Sunday, for waves going head high to several feet overhead, (5-8’). Friday and Saturday have mainly light/ variable morning winds, followed by moderate onshores in the afternoon. Moderate south winds prevail on Sunday.

Construction crews in October 2021 drop riprap on the seaside of the railroad track in south San Clemente.

Photo: Fred Swegles

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

Lucas Senkbeil. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA