October 27, 2022

OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 2022 | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 43

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

Remembering Fred Swegles San Clemente Mourns Loss of Local Newsman E Y E O N S C / PAG E 5

Fred Swegles, a longtime newsman who spent his career covering San Clemente and its neighboring towns, died peacefully in his sleep late Sunday afternoon, Oct. 23. Photo: Eric Heinz/File

sanclementetimes.com

City to Seek Proposals for Legal Services Contract

CUSD Recommends Trustees Deny Charter School Proposal

SCHS Football Looks to Clinch Playoff Berth on Friday

EYE ON SC/PAGE 8

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 40

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

Capistrano, and is prepared, if necessary, to use an existing underutilized CUSD campus where attendance is low.

“There’s Prop 39. It’s a law that says if a charter is approved, then you also have to allocate them space in the district,” Pratt said. “We’ll apply for that, because we know there’s underutilized campuses. … It would be wonderful if the district approves a nice space and we can give them a lease payment, help them cover the cost of the property.”

Pratt has looked at enrollment data for CUSD schools within their size range from the previous 14 years. Marblehead Elementary School and San Clemente High School, along with Harold Ambuehl Elementary School in San Juan Capistrano, are listed on a compilation of underutilized campuses provided by Pratt.

Should the trustees approve the charter, the district is expected to make a final determination on the campus that California Republic Leadership Academy would use under the Prop 39 process.

Some residents, such as Trudy Podobas—who is a homeowner in the Marblehead community—have spoken against the proposed new school. Podobas said her issue with the potential school is a concern that it could displace existing public schools such as Marblehead Elementary.

The plan for California Republic Leadership Academy has been put together “very quickly,” and the leaders behind the school are “rushing” through a targeted November approval, Podobas said.

She further said her tax dollars paid for Marblehead Elementary, which should remain a public school.

After reviewing the district report, Podobas said the findings touched upon concerns expressed by local community members and parents. The district had “done their homework” when it came to the proposed charter, she said.

“It’s exactly what we’ve said,” Podobas said.

Based on the report, Podobas said, the petitioners were unfamiliar with the educational programs they want to institute and that the school’s financial plans are “unclear.”

“Lots of questions here,” she said of the proposed charter.

Groups or individuals who want to start a new charter school must create a petition proposal and submit it to the school district for approval.

“Originally, we submitted our petition Aug. 1. Our understanding was we needed enough signatures to represent 50% of our planned enrollment,” Pratt said. “Our planned enrollment was 375 (students). Basically, we needed signatures for 188 kids. We turned that in, got the signatures. That ended up being a little over 100 families.”

Pratt said the district’s “interpretation” of the signature requirement was that

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

The Capistrano Unified School District has recommended that the Board of Trustees deny Kevin Pratt’s petition to launch his proposed California Republic Leadership Academy. The board will meet on Nov. 9 to discuss the charter school. Photo: Courtesy of Pixabay/Pexels

CUSD Staff Recommends Trustees Deny Charter School Proposal

BY COLLIN BREAUX AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Following an evaluation of a San Clemente resident’s proposal to a launch a new charter school in South Orange County, staff with the Capistrano Unified School District issued a scathing report that advises the Board of Trustees to deny the petition.

In its 24-page report made public on Tuesday, Oct. 25, the district found, among other things, that the proposed California Republic Leadership Academy “presents an unsound educational program” for students and that the movers of the charter school “are demonstrably unlikely to successfully implement the program.”

“The charter school is demonstrably unlikely to serve the interests of the entire community in which the school is proposing to locate,” the staff report also found regarding the charter school’s plans, which potentially included using an underutilized CUSD campus in either San Clemente or San Juan Capistrano.

Kevin Pratt, who’s leading the charge to open the charter school, said on Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, that he was unable to comment on the report’s finding, as he needs to do some analysis on it first.

According to the report, the Board of Trustees could still approve the charter school when it meets on Nov. 9. Should that occur, CUSD staff asks the trustees San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

to use the report’s findings as conditions of approval for the charter school to satisfy through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Pratt’s idea for the charter school came about after moving to San Clemente a few years ago. While living in Frisco, Texas, his children attended a charter school called Founders Classical Academy, which required students in uniforms and taught kids Latin and logic.

“We were very pleasantly surprised. It was very rigorous, really hard,” Pratt said of Founders Academy. “The kids learned a ton of history. Of course, they had the other subjects, too. It was a really great experience. The staff dressed very professionally. There was a lot of focus on gratitude and other virtues.”

Because he was unable to find something similar around South County that was close enough to his liking, Pratt began working with others, including Gary Davis of the California Charter School Association, to open California Republic Leadership Academy.

“Essentially, we’re trying to figure out, can we do our own?” Pratt said, adding that upon meeting Davis, “he had this vision for a leadership academy focused on servant leadership.”

Though they haven’t settled on an exact location, Pratt has his eye on somewhere in San Clemente or San Juan Page 3

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, NOV. 1

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

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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

Noble Path, 420 N El Camino Real, San Clemente.

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

6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

Planning Commission 5-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall.

The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

the signature of a mother of three elementary-aged children counted as one toward the requirement, not three. The number of signatures they had at that point limited their Year 1 enrollment to 200 students.

“We took 30 days and came back with over 250 signatures,” Pratt said.

According to CUSD, however, the evaluation of the petition found that it “does not contain the number of signatures of parents, legal guardians of pupils or teachers required” under an educational code.

Pratt previously told San Clemente Times that if the board does turn down the proposal per district staff’s recommendation, he plans to appeal to the Orange County Board of Education, which is generally in favor of charter schools. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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EYE ON SC

Fred was always a “friend of the Historical Society. He would often contact us to see what we had or knew about a particular topic. As often as not, we would learn as much or more from him than he did from us.

He knew so much about San Clemente history, because he researched and wrote so many wonderful stories about it.

His sharp memory for long-forgotten details never ceased to amaze me. His delightful way of writing stories that were entertaining, informative, and accurate will truly be missed.

Legendary Local Newsman Fred Swegles Dies at 74

”

Larry Culbertson, San Clemente Historical Society president

He brought so much “light to the community.

I loved seeing him on his bike through town and am going to miss that smile.

”

Frankie D’Andre, SC Board Riders vice president

Fred Swegles was the “personification of San Clemente with more than 50 years writing articles that so vividly captured the essence of the city he so loved. We have lost another San Clemente icon; however, Fred’s works will serve as an eternal reminder of his writing brilliance and passion for our city.

”

Gene James, San Clemente mayor

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Left: Fred stylishly rocks a pair of aviator sunglasses during his days in the Sun-Post newsroom. Photo: Courtesy of the Swegles Family. Right: This historical marker outside Ballinger, Texas, pictured with Fred, salutes the 1684 founding of a second Mission San Clemente. It didn’t last, nor did the one that preceded it in 1632. Photo: Fred Swegles/File

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

red Swegles, a longtime newsman who spent his career covering San Clemente and its neighboring towns, died peacefully in his sleep late Sunday afternoon, Oct. 23, after suffering health complications because of a brain tumor, members of his family confirmed. He was 74 years old.

Swegles’ portfolio of work spanned more than 50 years, having previously reported for the Daily Sun-Post and Orange County Register. In 2018, Swegles launched his CoastLines column with San Clemente Times, writing whimsical, light-hearted pieces that added a bit of levity to the weekly newspaper.

Having grown up and lived in San Clemente for most of his life—longer than the 5 Freeway, he would boast—Swegles had a deep, historical understanding of the growth of the town and South Orange County as a whole.

At staff meetings, the news team could always count on Swegles to offer valuable insight on upcoming stories before launching into his own column pitches that were well-thought-out, detailed and topical.

For about the last 16 months, Swegles battled health issues as a result of his glioblastoma diagnosis, or brain tumor,

Among the photo-ops at the Nixon Library is a recreation of the Oval Office at the White House, a chance to insert yourself as the President, as Fred does here. Photo: Courtesy of Valerie Mayer

requiring surgery and ongoing treatments. One of the primary effects of the condition is aphasia, the inability to come up with words and the inability to write—a crushing and crippling reality for a renowned reporter and storyteller.

His tenure as a local journalist—which began as a cub sports reporter for San Clemente High’s The Triton—allowed him to cover San Clemente’s city government, events and happenings, crime, development and the surf scene, as well Page 5

as to interview a plethora of characters.

Swegles knew how to get right to the heart of an issue with his storytelling and writing, earning the trust of the community, as well as those he interviewed. He was also an adept photographer and world traveler who often wrote about his adventures to 11 San Clementes around the world.

Swegles was born Feb. 28, 1948. His first two years of high school were spent (Cont. on page 6) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Fred could have been “a journalist anywhere on bigger papers for more money but chose to stay in his hometown to provide coverage that nobody else could put in proper context. His passing is a great loss to our community. He was a good friend as well.

May he rest in peace.

”

Tom Marshall, Historical Society member and PFM columnist

My wish is that Fred’s “world of written obser-

Top: Fred Swegles lights fireworks off of the San Clemente Pier. Photo: Courtesy of Fred Swegles/File Bottom: Fred wrote for the Sun-Post News for 46 years in San Clemente before the parent Orange County Register shuttered the community newspaper. He was recognized for his work at the June 2018 City Council meeting. Photo: Eric Heinz/File

(Cont. from page 5) at Capistrano Union High School in San Juan Capistrano. He then transferred to San Clemente High School when it opened, and was in the school’s second graduating class.

Afterward, Swegles attended USC, where he studied journalism and Spanish, led the Daily Trojan’s sports desk as its editor, and surfed for the school’s surf team.

In 2018, Swegles’ decades-long run working for the Sun-Post ended when the parent Orange County Register shuttered the paper, along with several other community weeklies. Picket Fence Media publisher Norb Garrett recalls learning of the Register’s decision and calling Swegles immediately.

“I called Fred that same day and offered him a job as a columnist for the SC Times, and he accepted on the spot, but had just two conditions. First, he insisted that he would no longer cover city San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

munity,” Tim Brown, the city’s then-mayor, said, “and I just want to commend you, Fred, for everything you’ve done for the community, for the news you provide, for keeping us all informed, and for providing our residents with everything they need to know.”

In 2021, the Chamber honored Swegles by naming him the recipient of its Outstanding Lifetime Achievement award.

“Over the last 50-plus years, there’s no one in this town who’s had more awareness of San Clemente’s historical growth, issues of concern, significant historical highlights, or its notable list of community characters,” Larry Rannals, the Chamber’s then-vice chairperson, said of Swegles at the time.

And this past August, Swegles’ name was added to San Clemente’s Wall of Recognition—an honor “dedicated to those individuals who, through their contributions and selfless efforts, have made the City of San Clemente, our community, a better place to live, work, and play.”

In honor of the placement on the wall, the City Council presented Swegles with another plaque recognizing the latest achievement.

At Swegles’ request, his family said, there will not be a formal memorial service or Celebration of Life ceremony. SC

politics; and two, he wanted the freedom to write only fun stories celebrating San Clemente and its many personalities,” said Garrett.

“Of course, I agreed immediately,” Garrett continued. “Needless to say, I’m so honored to have had Fred work for the SC Times and call him my friend. He is a true San Clemente treasure who chronicled the town’s transformation from sleepy surf town to thriving community of 68,000.”

Over the past few years, Swegles has been recognized for his contributions to the town, twice by the San Clemente City Council and by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. After the SunPost was shuttered, councilmembers in June 2018 presented Swegles with a plaque acknowledging his work as a journalist.

“Frankly, it’s hard to determine if there’s anyone who’s had more of an impact over the last 50 years in our comPage 6

vation be somehow captured permanently for San Clemente, and also for Southern California.

Fred was a master at seeing all of us in vivid detail with balance, fairness and always accuracy. I suspect a little bit of love was sprinkled in, as Fred loved our community.

His writings are a gift.

”

Lori Donchak, former San Clemente councilmember

Fred was San Clem“ente’s scribe. Nobody had a better feel for the heartbeat of our town than Fred. His news pieces read like novelettes that brought the story of San Clemente to life in vivid detail. We should honor Fred by doing all we can to ensure his beautiful vision of our city becomes a reality.

”

Chris Duncan, San Clemente mayor pro tem

sanclementetimes.com

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EYE ON SC

City to Look Beyond BB&K, Seek Proposals for Legal Services

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

In a contested 3-2 decision, the San Clemente City Council voted on Oct. 18 to shop around for other law firms for legal services seven years into its current contract with Best, Best & Krieger.

Councilmember Laura Ferguson, who has repeatedly called for a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit alternative legal teams, was the biggest proponent for the move to look beyond BB&K, which the city has contracted with since March 2015.

“It’s time that we do an RFP and get someone new here at the city that will bill us more appropriately, not take sides, and reel in these legal costs that we have,” Ferguson said, referring to her grievances against the firm and City Attorney Scott Smith. “(We need to) simply just stop this division and start fresh with a new council coming in.”

BB&K has billed the city for more than $13 million between March 2015 and Fiscal Year 2022, according to data from the Management Partners’ June 2021 Assessment of Legal Services Report and BB&K’s Fiscal Year End Reconciliation Reports, both of which interim City Manager Sean Joyce reportedly sent to Ferguson.

Ferguson, whose term is set to expire in December and isn’t seeking reelection, said that an RFP was necessary to find options that would reduce legal costs exceeding those of other nearby cities.

Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan and Councilmember Kathy Ward voted against last week’s motion, with Mayor Gene James, Steven Knoblock and Ferguson voting in favor of the RFP. Duncan called the move a grave mistake that would negatively affect the city and the incoming City Council.

“I could not disagree more with this process of moving forward with an RFP,” he said. “This is going to be a disaster for San Clemente. We’ve got to keep our law firm that is working to protect us from these outside forces such as the TCA (Transportation Corridor Agencies).”

According to the city’s staff report, councilmembers have reviewed BB&K’s legal fees at least seven times over the life the contract. The council last month voted to have a closed session discussion in early October over the impacts of launching an RFP. Knoblock said he favored conducting an RFP to try to lower the city’s legal fees and added that he was unsure whether the city should consider hiring an inSan Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

The city will issue a request for proposals to solicit offers from other law firms interested in contracting with the City of San Clemente following an at-times contentious council discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 18, that centered around Best, Best & Krieger’s legal fees and City Attorney Scott Smith (pictured here). Photo: Shawn Raymundo

house attorney.

“It’s always in the best interest of our citizens and our tax pocketbooks to make sure we’re getting the best bang for the buck,” he said.

During her comments, Ferguson gave a slideshow presentation that directed a series of claims at Smith. Ferguson accused him of being biased and committing code violations against her.

“I’ve experienced bias for four solid years,” she claimed. “I’m leaving council, as you all know, (so) I won’t have to endure that anymore. But it’s wrong.”

Ferguson’s allegations centered on Smith’s supposed efforts, both obscurely and overtly, to excessively bill the city, support councilmember actions against her, misrepresent truth, and disparage her and her supporters.

When given the chance to respond, Smith labeled the claims against him as an “extremely unfair” ambush, and spoke about his passion, love and pride for the city.

“My job is to defend the city against all adversaries, whether they’re (outside the city staff) or up (on the council),” said Smith. “With regard to every item that was laid before you earlier, I’m proud that the adverse party is feeling the heat of the city’s defense and my resilience and advocacy in your interest.”

In defense of Smith, Duncan said he

had been a champion for the city.

James had also said that Ferguson’s previous comments about Smith’s character were not indicative of what James has previously witnessed.

“This description of Scott Smith is not the person I know,” James said.

Ferguson sued the city in 2021, alleging that the city violated the Public Records Act by denying her access to councilmembers’ emails that supposedly led to her censure in November 2020.

This past April, the council voted to appropriate $128,000 from the General Fund to cover anticipated costs in the city’s defense against the lawsuit. In court filings, the city has denied Ferguson’s allegations.

Speaking about BB&K, Ward noted how helpful the firm has been, pointing to its assistance in the city’s process of getting San Clemente’s Housing Element Update approved, as well as with other legal challenges.

Following deliberations, Duncan proposed to receive and file the report, allowing the city to stay with BB&K; however, that motion failed to get enough support to pass.

James, who gave the deciding vote in the motion to issue the RFP, as well as in Duncan’s failed proposal, said it’s a necessary practice to review contracts.

“For me, it boils down to good busiPage 8

ness acumen to look at your contract, regardless,” James said, adding that it was the council’s responsibility as “good stewards” for the residents to do so.

“We’re looking at inflation, we’re looking at stagnation, we’re looking at a lot of things, and we need to be prepared for (them),” said James. “One of the things we need to do is cut our legal fees, so I’m going to be voting for this; but I’ll be very honest with you, I want BB&K to bid on this.”

Ward, who’s wrapping up her second term and also isn’t seeking reelection, recommended that the city give a few months’ time for the new council body to be seated before presenting the RFP’s results. She said any review sooner than her suggested time frame would be unfair to them.

“You don’t realize how much is going to fall by doing what we’re doing today, by doing a (certain date) and trying to ram this through in four weeks,” said Ward. “We have an election coming up. … It’s the worst timing.”

The council directed staff to issue an RFP by Nov. 18. The municipal election to fill three of the council seats will be decided on Nov. 8. The new councilmembers are expected to be sworn in to take their seats on the dais in early December. sanclementetimes.com

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EYE ON SC

Recent Violent Incidents, Burglaries Spark Citywide Conversation on Public Safety

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

When deputies with the Targeting, Investigation, Reduction and Prevention team, or TRIP, patrolled the Talega community earlier this month, they came across a vehicle that was believed to be connected to burglaries that have occurred in the area this year.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop for the deputies, leading to a pursuit that ended when the car collided with the center median near La Pata and Calle Saluda on the evening of Oct. 12.

During the time it took to set up a perimeter with a helicopter and deputies from surrounding cities, three of the passengers escaped the scene into the undeveloped canyon area, while one of the individuals was detained on the scene, according to OCSD. One of the individuals who fled was eventually caught and arrested. The two arrested were positively identified as foreign nationals after initially giving false names and information, Capt. Tony Benfield, chief of San Clemente Police Services, told San Clemente Times.

Inside the vehicle, police found burglary tools and “possible stolen property,” according to OCSD. Since January, there have been 10 reported residential burglaries in San Clemente’s Talega neighborhood.

According to Benfield, OCSD has seen reports of burglaries across the city rise to their previous levels from before the pandemic—when more people were at home and there were fewer burglaries.

“I think in 2019, we had 72 residential burglaries … in all of San Clemente, and as of the 10th of October, we had 70,” Benfield said last week. “That’s because what we’re seeing across the states is that certain crimes, certain assaults, and certain thefts have increased since the beginning of the pandemic.”

With the string of burglaries and a general rise in crime in the city and beyond, residents’ concerns have heightened dramatically, according to city officials.

The solution to lowering crime and victimization revolves around a community effort, Benfield said.

Benfield recommended that residents form neighborhood watches around the city, actively be involved and get to know their neighbors, and become each other’s eyes and ears. He called the situaSan Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

After pursuit of a vehicle believed to be connected to some recent burglaries in the Talega area, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department apprehend two individuals on Oct. 12. Photo: Courtesy of OCSD

tion a “mathematics issue,” in that there weren’t enough deputies to cover every house in the city, thus requiring a force multiplier by residents.

“We really need people to engage with us, to learn the methods that they can take on their own to protect their property, and then to actually employ those methods to help deter crime,” Benfield said.

Violent incidents that recently occurred around Max Berg Plaza Park and the burglaries in Talega have prompted local authorities to address the developments publicly through various forums such as a town hall held in Talega on Sept. 21 and a City Council meeting on Oct. 4.

Discussions over the safety of the community were expected to continue on Wednesday evening, Oct. 26, when councilmembers were scheduled to hold a Public Safety Town Hall at City Hall.

During the council’s Oct. 4 meeting, the conversation was originally intended to center on city and Police Services measures to make Max Berg Park and the surrounding neighborhood safer, but the council voted to broaden the debate after Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan expressed a desire to address citywide concerns.

Mayor Gene James referenced a meeting he attended with Orange County leaders, including Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Sheriff Don Barnes, Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, and legal counsel, that centered

on public safety but was not certain to produce tangible results.

By James’ account of the meeting, he said that Barnes and legal counsel suggested building a homeless shelter that would help deputies enforce the city’s laws.

Under the Martin v. City of Boise ruling, cities and authorities are barred from enforcing certain laws such as anti-camping ordinances unless “adequate indoor shelter” for the homeless is offered.

James said, though, that such construction was not going to happen.

“With all that being said, this council—this dais—has the responsibility for the safety and welfare of people in our city, and people are scared,” James said.

“I’m getting calls all the time, I’m getting emails all the time.”

It was during the early October meeting that the council voted to organize the upcoming town hall meant to discuss how residents can protect themselves from becoming victims of criminal activity.

Residents, James said, need the opportunity to listen to Benfield.

“Also, there’s going to be some spears pointed at us, but we need to give them the opportunity to vent, as well,” he said.

“The one thing we need to do in this City of San Clemente that we love so much (is), we can’t allow people to be fearful of walking our streets or walking our Beach Trail.”

James added that the council needed

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to address the perception of crime in a “special” city in which people chose to live. Duncan supported James’ stance and highlighted his family’s decision to move to neighborhoods such as Talega, as others have, with the belief that their children could play out in the streets and still be safe.

“The problem is, we’ve gotten to the point where people don’t see something happening, they don’t notice something happening, (but) the crime keeps occurring,” said Duncan. “Then they start to get really worried that they’re left defenseless.”

Duncan referred to the Talega town hall wherein Orange County Sheriff’s Department detectives addressed the what-was-then eight burglaries that had occurred in Talega since the beginning of 2022.

OCSD officials talked to homeowners about locking property gates, windows and sliding doors, maximizing visibility with landscaping and lighting. They also recommended tips targeted at protecting homes from burglaries.

Duncan said he didn’t think the meeting accomplished the level of communication for San Clemente residents that a town hall would.

Councilmember Steven Knoblock said perception was reality regarding the current disposition around town on crime, and that the city was not facing the same level of incidents two years ago.

Without naming specific legislation or measures, Knoblock blamed government policies that he believes have allowed more immigrants to cross the United States’ southern border.

Knoblock also touched on groups of—what OCSD officials have recently referred to as—South American theft gangs who carry out burglaries in a similar fashion to what has been reported out of the Talega neighborhood.

Benfield emphasized a different message from the town hall to SC Times this past week, saying that deputies were still noticing open garage doors and interior doors, which provide windows of opportunity for theft groups to carry out successful burglaries in a short period.

“Rather than focus on who it is, focus on what you can do to protect your home from anyone that would want to come in,” he said. “One of the biggest problems we’re seeing is that there’s just too much valuables, jewelry and cash laying out in people’s homes.”

Benfield recommended people buy safes, bolt them down, and keep them locked, as valuables can be stolen when safes are left open for convenient everyday access.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at sanclementetimes.com. Head there to also find our coverage of Wednesday night’s meeting. sanclementetimes.com

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SOAPBOX

Letters to The Editor RESPONSE TO COUNCIL CANDIDATE ZHEN WU’S LETTER Catherine King, San Clemente I was saddened to read council candidate Wu’s letter relaying the racist letter he received from one of our San Clemente residents. It is apparent that the person who wrote this letter doesn’t hold true the very values that make our country great: inclusion and acceptance of all, regardless of color or creed.

My husband and I were just in New York, and staring out at the Statue of Liberty, it reminded me of that powerful promise to so many immigrants, that of hope and acceptance. Why this gentleman thinks that San Clemente should consist of only White people is surprising, given that the Spanish and Indigenous peoples once occupied the very area we now call home.

Mr. Wu and his family are just as American as the rest of us. We are a diverse community, which should be celebrated. Perhaps a little bit of history, empathy and understanding are required, as well as a big apology to Mr. Wu and his family.

SADDLEBACK SENIOR HOUSING LARRY CULBERTSON, San Clemente Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (Saddleback) is trying to foist off a massive housing project on the citizens of San Clemente, and they may get away with it.

Saddleback, a not-for-profit hospital based in Laguna Hills, bought San Clemente Hospital in 2004 and then shut it down in 2016. That took away our only emergency room, leaving us to drive 10 miles to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

Saddleback has now proposed a scheme for a 250-unit luxury senior housing apartment building and a medical office building on the site.

To get the number of units and square footage they want, they would have to exceed the height, density, and parking standards required by our city building code. It would be four stories tall. Every other building on the south side of Camino de los Mares, from the freeway to the San Clemente Villas, is one or two stories. Instead of the 143,000 square feet of floor area our standards would allow, they want 231,000.

How could they propose a project so far outside the allowed standards?

State laws have been enacted over the past few years that require cities to San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

allow much higher densities. The idea is to force cities to permit more lowcost housing. They are allowed to skirt our building standards if as little as 5% of the units are “affordable.” They can have 237 luxury units at market rate for wealthy seniors by providing just 13 “affordable” units.

The lack of adequate on-site parking and adverse effect on traffic are two big problems for this project. They would result in serious health and safety issues.

Camino de los Mares is already heavily impacted by traffic; this project would make it far worse.

If Saddleback would scale back the size of this project, those health and safety issues would diminish, and there might be support for the project.

Fortunately, our Planning Commission shot down the project on a 4-0 vote. But Saddleback will be appealing to the City Council on Nov. 1. Council needs to let Saddleback know that affordable senior housing is welcome, but it must be on an appropriate scale.

SAY YES TO MEMORIALCARE SENIOR HOUSING KATHY ESFAHANI, San Clemente resident and chair of the San Clemente Affordable Housing Coalition On Nov. 1, San Clemente City Council can—with a single vote—dramatically improve life for at least 250 of its residents who are seniors.

What’s at issue? Whether to approve MemorialCare’s senior housing proposal, which includes 250 apartments (studios to 2-bedrooms), plus a medical center.

Even better, 20 of the apartments will be for very-low-income seniors. City Council should say “yes” to this new senior housing.

San Clemente has a critical shortage of senior housing. More than a third of our residents are aged 55+, but our town has just a few senior apartment complexes.

That means aging residents who want to downsize face the dismaying prospect of moving away from the town and people they love.

This senior housing shortage will only worsen as our elderly population doubles within the next 20 years. MemorialCare’s proposal helps address this pressing need.

As an affordable housing advocate, I am especially pleased MemorialCare will include 20 very-low-income units in this senior community. MemorialCare should be applauded for providing substantially more affordable units than required by the city’s inclusionary housing policy or California’s density bonus law.

The need for these very-low-income senior units is particularly urgent.

According to San Clemente’s Housing Element, our city has 1,455 “elderly renter” households, with 650 of these being

“extremely-low-income” or “very-low-income.”

Alarmingly, 638 of these senior households pay over 50% of their income on housing. That is a dangerous situation for anyone, but particularly for seniors whose more fragile health can be severely compromised by the stress of housing insecurity.

There is yet another reason City Council should approve the MemorialCare project. San Clemente’s Housing Element counts 239 of these units toward its 2021-2029 RHNA—the 982 new housing units it is legally required to plan for.

Denial of this senior housing project would cripple the city’s ability to meet its RHNA mandate. That failure could lead the governing state agency to decertify our Housing Element, with dire consequences (such as the “builder’s remedy” now stripping Santa Monica of local control over housing development).

I urge the City Council to approve MemorialCare’s senior housing proposal.

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

DEFACING CAMPAIGN SIGNS KEN ANDERSON, San Clemente

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo

Recently, one of our cowardly neighbors has been spray painting and defacing the campaign signs of City Council candidate Donna Vidrine.

Donna is a longtime SC resident and has the support of many high-profile leaders and organizations.

It is sad that this individual is too frightened to engage in legitimate dialog and needs to resort to stealth-of-night vandalism. Anonymously threatening a female candidate who is an Air Force veteran and a nurse is not a badge of courage.

I’m proud of Donna for not allowing herself to be bullied by this individual or anyone else. While the sheriff’s investigation is ongoing, we should all agree that these actions will not be tolerated by our community.

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HOW TO REACH US MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett

City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

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.

San Clemente Times, Vol. 17, Issue 43. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. San Clemente Times is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at San Clemente, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: San Clemente Times, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

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GETTING OUT

parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

REDO VINTAGE & MAKERS MARKET 10 a.m.-4 p.m. REDO Vintage & Maker’s Market returns to Dana Point. Three blocks of Del Prado Avenue will transform into a pedestrian-friendly vintage and artisan market where shoppers can stroll and explore curated vintage collections and authentic assortments of makers and artisans. Live music, beer gardens, classic cars and a few selected food trucks will make it the perfect afternoon destination. Parking and admission are both free. Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, info@redomarket.com. redomarket.com.

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

THURSDAY | 27 COSTUME PARTY 6 p.m. Dying to have fun? Come eat, drink, and be scary with The Abode. Let your inner child dominate and dress up in your favorite costume. It’s a chance to turn the clock back a few decades and have a fun fright. The Abode will have giveaways, costume contests, and treats to win. The Abode, 228 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. theabodesc.com.

FRIDAY | 28 GHOSTS & LEGENDS TOUR Times vary. The annual Ghosts & Legends Tour sponsored by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is a fun way to explore the Los Rios Historic District during the Halloween season.

Come learn about local history through eerie stories and reenactments. Attendees must reserve a time slot beforehand.

The event is family-friendly and will also be held on Saturday, Oct. 29. San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, 31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4056. sjcghosttour.com.

HALLOWEEN OPEN MIC NIGHT 6:30-8:30 p.m. Community Outreach Alliance Entertainment invites burgeoning musicians to express their talents and practice performing live. Costumes are encouraged. Open to ages 11-21. Email coaentertainmentoutreach@gmail.com to sign up. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

TASTE OF SAN CLEMENTE 6-10 p.m. Join the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for an elegant evening at the historic Casino San Clemente, where guests will experience delicious food and San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Editor’s Pick Photo: Courtesy of Casa Romantica

SATURDAY | 29 CASA CREEPY AT HAUNTED HOUSE 7 p.m. Through Saturday, Oct. 29, walk through Casa Romantica’s haunted house and gardens, but beware of leering werewolves, vampires and ghosts around every corner. A limited number of walk-up tickets will be available. The parking lot will be closed for safety, so plan to carpool and use available public parking, or use a ride-sharing service. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org/casacreepy. participate is $25 for the 5K Monster Dash and $13 for the half-mile Creepy Crawl.

Register at san-clemente.org. San Clemente Community Center, 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente.

tastings from the Chamber’s favorite area vineyards and microbrews. This cocktail-style celebration will include music and dancing, live entertainment and a silent auction with dozens of baskets and gifts. Each guest will also receive a commemorative wine glass or beer mug.

Casino San Clemente, 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. scchamber.com.

‘FRANKENSTEIN, AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL’ WORLD PREMIERE 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse’s latest musical tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. 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 | 29 MONSTER DASH & CREEPY CRAWL 7:30 a.m. Join the City of San Clemente for its inaugural Monster Dash 5K and Creepy Crawl Fun Run! With tricks and treats for all ages, all runners, joggers, walkers, zombies, skeletons, and crawlers are invited to come dressed in their best Halloween costumes. The race includes chip timing, race shirt, computerized finish line results, and awards for race winners and best costumes (costumes must be family-appropriate). Strollers welcome. The cost to

CANDY CRAWL 1-3 p.m. Come trick-or-treat at the Outlets, where there will be live music, balloon animals, fun games of Twister, and photo opportunities with the Gigantic Jack-o’Lantern. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

SPOOKY SEAS AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 5-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for an evening of family-friendly activities including bioluminescence laser tag, a costume contest, live music, trick-or-treating, a mad scientist lab, aquarium access and more.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 per person for adults, $15 for children 3-14, and free for children 2 and under. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

SUNDAY | 30 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library

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KAYAKING WITCHES 10:15 a.m. Celebrating Halloween, paddleboarders and kayakers dressed in witch and warlock costumes will paddle through the Dana Point Harbor. Pure Watersports, 34512 Puerto Place, Dana Point.

MONDAY | 31 FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION 3:30-4:30 p.m. Do you need groceries?

The Community Outreach Alliance Food Connection provides food with no questions asked for those in need every other Monday. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

IMPROV MONDAYS WITH BOB BURNS & IMPROV CITY 4-5:30 p.m. Put on by the San Clemente-based Noble Path Foundation, teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can receive comedy lessons with professional actor Bob Burns & Improv City, where they’ll build confidence, stage presence, a funny bone and a chance to perform at Improv City. Sign up for these Monday classes at thenoblepathfoundation.org. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259.

TUESDAY | 01 TRADE YOUR TREATS 4-7 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation will host a Candy Take Back event on Nov. 1-3 in which kids can turn in their candy in exchange for raffle tickets. Winners of the opportunity drawing will be announced on Friday, Nov. 4. Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

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

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AGING WELL

WELCOME TO

Aging Well Welcome back to our biannual Aging Well special section, where we speak to local experts and organizations, as well as some medical professionals, on how those in South Orange County can continue to age healthily and with grace. In this fall edition of Aging Well, we ask the state’s health department to give its insights on the latest COVID-19 boosters, this year’s flu shots and what seniors should consider when taking either one as we head into the winter. Also, we highlight ways retirees can stay active in their communities by volunteering with various local nonprofit organizations and applying for seats on their respective city’s commissions and committees. With so many senior living communities down here in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and most notably Rancho Mission Viejo, we take a look at some of the amenities they have to offer and the costs to live there. Lastly, in these pages, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers 10 steps to healthy aging— including some that it believes could help reduce the risk of developing a dementia-related illness. Find out more about all of these and other stories as you read your way through the latest Aging Well. Be sure to watch this space in the spring, when we bring you another edition to this ongoing special section.

Nutritional Needs for Older Adults

By Zach Cavanagh

W

hile a healthy diet and active lifestyle are important for our bodies no matter the age, our specific nutritional needs change as we age. Healthy eating can make an important difference in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, maintaining body weight and meeting those nutritional needs.

For adults over 60 years old, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats and sodium. These, in particular, will help fend off high San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

blood pressure, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

The USDA also suggests eating enough protein to keep up your muscle mass and focus on nutrients such as potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber and vitamin B12. Along with foods, healthier, hydrating drinking options are encouraged, including low or fat-free milk, 100% juice and plenty of water.

Those are the specific needs, but how can those needs be incorporated into your diet?

For proteins, the USDA recommends adding seafood, dairy or soy alternatives into your diet, as well as beans, peas and lentils. These all contribute to keeping up muscle mass, which Page 19

can also be helped by keeping active.

Those bits of sugar, saturated fats and sodium to be avoided can often appear in snacks. The USDA suggests incorporating fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks.

There is also encouragement of making eating a social event to make your meals as an older adult more enjoyable, especially if a potluck can be organized to provide a variety to get those nutrients.

Vitamins and other dietary supplements can be important to meeting those needs, but remember to discuss any supplements to your diet with your physician or health care provider. sanclementetimes.com

AGING WELL

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers 10 Steps for Healthy Aging Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, is a progressively debilitating disease that often begins with mild memory loss and can lead to more severe symptoms such as the inability to communicate.

Researchers, so far, have been unable to determine a precise cause of Alzheimer’s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s likely that there are multiple factors at play—all of which can affect each person differently.

Some factors include family history and changes in the brain, with some researchers looking at the impacts that education, diet and the environment can play. Age, however, is most often associated as the primary risk factor.

Naturally, as we get older, the concern of developing dementia-related illnesses grows.

To promote healthy aging among the elderly—especially those concerned about their memory and brain’s well-being—the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently compiled a list of ways seniors can “remain vibrant, integral community members for many years to come.”

“Lifestyle choices such as eating a nutritious diet, getting proper sleep, and regularly exercising your body and brain, are all steps individuals can take to promote brain health and wellness and potentially reduce their risk of developing a dementia-related illness,” Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and CEO, said in a press release.

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AGING WELL

AS PART OF ITS MISSION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS IMPACTED BY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS, THE ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA OFFERS THESE 10 STEPS FOR HEALTHY AGING:

1

Eat Well

6

Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Adopt a low-fat diet high on fruits and veggies, such as strawberries, blueberries, and broccoli. Take daily vitamins.

Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt, and sugar. In general, foods that are “heart-healthy” are also “brain-healthy.”

Smoking can increase the risk of other serious illnesses, while too much alcohol can impair judgment and cause accidents, including falls, broken bones, and car crashes.

2

7

Stay Active

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall well-being. Brisk walking benefits brain health, while aerobics can boost your heart rate, and weight training builds strength and flexibility.

3

Learn New Things

Challenge your brain by starting a new hobby like playing tennis, learning to speak a foreign language, trying a cooking class, or something you have not done before.

Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine.

4

Get Enough Sleep

Getting a consistent sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful. Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking.

5

Mind Your Meds

Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. When getting a new medication or something you have not taken in a while (whether over the counter or prescription), talk to your doctor or local pharmacist.

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Stay Connected

Social interaction and maintaining an active social life are very important for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood.

Invite friends and family over for a meal, board games, or just to hang out. Engaging in your community and participating in group activities are also beneficial.

8

Know Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can impact your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is in normal range.

9

See Your Doctor

Maintain checkups. Health screenings are key to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Speak with your physician about any concerns or questions you have about your health.

10

Get a Memory Screening

Our brains need regular checkups, just as other parts of our bodies do. Memory screenings are quick, noninvasive exams for our brains. AFA offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday—visit alzfdn.org or call AFA at 866.232.8484 to learn more about getting a free virtual memory screening.

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No Driver’s License?

A Valid Government-Issued ID Can Still Be Useful

M

By Keaton Larson

any seniors at some point stop driving, electing instead to use public transportation, ride-share services or accepting the help of loved ones and friends.

In doing so, these seniors may not renew their driver’s license, and as a result, go without a valid government-issued ID. One of the benefits of a driver’s license, besides the privilege of driving, is having a form of identification on hand whenever needed. For decades, we rely on that driver’s license as our identification without thinking twice.

Having a government-issued ID can still be important, though, if you choose not to renew your driver’s license.

The Brennan Center for Justice, a nonprofit law and policy institute located out of the New York University School of Law, estimates that some 21 million Americans do not have government issued photo-identification.

From traveling to making large purchases to depositing funds in your local bank, a valid government-issued ID is often asked to verify identity. Many banks within the United States require an individual to present a valid form of government identification to deposit cash or a check.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an independent agency created by Congress to insure deposits and maintain stability in the nation’s financial system, generally requires U.S. banks to have identity verification procedures in place to combat money laundering and reduce fraud.

Seniors opting not to renew their driver’s license should consider an alternative form of government-issued identification, such as the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ no-fee senior-citizen ID card for those 62 and older.

When applying for the card through the DMV, you will be required to have an acceptable document to verify your identity, such as a birth certificate, a document to verify residence, and your social security number.

Until Dec. 31 of this year, the DMV is allowing seniors 70 and older the option to renew their driver’s license or state identification online. There are certain criteria to qualify for online renewal.

For other services, however, you won’t be able to renew online and must go into the DMV if you’re looking to change your name, address, or gender identity, or want to change from a standard driver’s license or ID to another form of ID, such as a Real ID, a Reduced Fee driver’s license, or a Senior ID, among other options, or if you are not the person named on the renewal notice.

As for a Real ID, many may be wondering whether they need to apply for one.

The answer will depend on how often one flies domestically. The Real ID is not needed to apply for or receive federal benefits, ride Amtrak or public ground transportation, or to visit a hospital or receive life-saving services.

However, the Real ID, or a passport, is needed to fly domestically starting on May 3, 2023.

A valid government-issued ID can still be useful and provide some security for those who choose not to renew their driver’s license. More information regarding state identification can be found at dmv.ca.gov.

sanclementetimes.com

AGING WELL

Worth a Shot

Medical Insights on Flu and COVID-19 Booster Shots

By Collin Breaux

With fall being a time when people might be more at risk of getting sick, and subsequently getting preventive vaccine shots, the question comes up: Should senior citizens get them? Should they get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, one of them, or neither? We reached out to the California Department of Public Health for understanding. This is what they had to say: How do the COVID-19 and flu vaccines help senior citizens?

Senior citizens are at increased risk of severe illness because of COVID-19 and the flu. The COVID-19 and flu vaccines provide important protection against these viruses. All seniors should be up to date on their seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines, especially going into the fall and winter seasons when the spread of respiratory viruses may be at its peak.

Who should get both vaccines?

Everyone 6 months and older should receive both COVID-19 and flu vaccines. For the COVID-19 vaccine, the specific recommendations will vary by age. Senior citizens who have already received the COVID-19 vaccine primary series can now receive an updated (bivalent) booster along with their seasonal flu vaccine.

What do the shots do?

COVID-19 and flu vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu without us having to get the illness.

When should senior citizens get the shots?

Now is a great time for senior citizens to get a flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

This will provide strong protection going into the fall and winter seasons.

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AGING WELL

The Eyes Have It Local Medical Experts Address Eye Bags

A

By Collin Breaux s people get older, signs of aging will inevitably pop up on the skin.

That may eventually take the form of eye bags.

While baggy eyes might be considered unsightly, local medical experts are prepared to help patients deal with the issue.

Bobby Awadalla, the medical director for Skincredible Dermatology & Surgery—which has a location in San Clemente—said the first sign of aging around the eyes is wrinkling, which can turn into eye bags.

People may also develop a tear trough or lose the connective tissue that holds everything in place.

Different treatment options are available, according to Awadalla. One is to use anti-aging products such as antioxidants, but those

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

are probably too late for senior citizens.

“Beyond that, you can do Botox in the area,” he said.

Botox improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Larger resurfacing treatments are also an option.

Puffiness around the eye can also be treated with microneedling, Awadalla said.

Plastic surgery to remove fat pads is also an option, though is recommended only if a case is severe.

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“That’s more aggressive and requires a surgical procedure, so we leave that for the last thing people do,” he said.

As for tear troughs, patients can take injections called platelet-rich plasma or fibrin.

“It’s your own blood,” Awadalla said. “We can collect it and reinject it in different areas.”

While a lot of people may think they need surgery, they can get a nice aesthetic from platelet-rich injections, he said.

Facial Aesthetic Concepts, which also has

a location in San Clemente, addressed the causes of and treatments for baggy eyes in a March 2022 newsletter.

“Eye bags are a menace and a common area of concern for many patients,” the cosmetic center said. “As we age, we lose fat and bone density in our face. In return, fat changes position, muscles weaken, skin begins to sag and wrinkle and eye bags form.”

Surgical procedures that can address the issue include: - A lower blepharoplasty, which restores the contours of the undereye and corrects excess puffiness; - Lower lid pinch, which uses a medication to free skin from underlying fat and muscle and then allows a “pinch” and removal of an ellipsis of skin; - And fat transfer, which takes fat cells from another area, usually the thigh, and transports them to the face.

Injectable fillers are also another option and don’t involve surgery.

“Similar to fat transfer, we inject tear trough filler on the bone to restore volume and replace the structural elements that were once there,” Facial Aesthetic Concepts said. “It’s important to keep in mind that filler isn’t always the best option to get the results you’re seeking.”

A grayish, blue sheen beneath the eye because of being injected too close to the skin’s surface and lumpiness under the eye are possible problems with filler injections.

sanclementetimes.com

AGING WELL

A Comprehensive Look at South OC Senior Living Options

A

By C. Jayden Smith s life goes on, children move out and retirement approaches, seniors commonly find that their current living situation is no longer the best fit for them.

Whether by lacking company in a large home or just needing to find an intimate, warm community that encourages togetherness, those aged 55 or older who may want a new place to live have plenty of options around South Orange County.

Beginning in burgeoning Rancho Mission Viejo, the incoming Gavilán community at Rienda will offer seniors the opportunity to experience what the namesake corporation calls “RanchLife,” in terms of parks, pools, clubhouses and retail options.

The Ranch, as RMV is colloquially called, also holds more than 34,000 square feet of community farms, composting areas and farm stands. Soon to come in spring 2023 is a new community amenity with a spa, outdoor dining patio with barbecuing equipment, and more that will be called The Perch.

Gavilán will offer both duplex and single-family-style homes built by Lennar. The homes under the Haven brand will be oneand two-story duplexes that start from the mid $900,000s, and the one- and two-story Pearl homes will start in the low $1 millions, according to RMV. Another option for seniors in RMV is Reata Glen. This Life Plan or continuing care retirement community is tailored toward those 60 and up, providing numerous services in addition to the benefits of living in the neighborhood.

Depending on whether residents choose a one-story home, a townhome, or an apartment, they pay an entrance fee ranging from $300,000 to more than $1 million upon moving in. Once living at Reata Glen, monthly fees pay for benefits such as community maintenance, restaurant dining, housekeeping, fitness center membership, and access to wellness options including a health center and assisted living.

Reata Glen encourages prospective residents to research whether an extensive, modified, or fee-for-service contract for longterm care will be best.

For households earning below 60% of Orange County’s Area Median Income, seniors may be interested in the Sendero Bluffs Senior Apartment Homes, where rents are income-restricted in compliance with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Sendero Bluffs offers one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, numerous amenities, and immediate access to retail options at San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

the Sendero Marketplace.

In San Juan Capistrano, the assisted senior living options begin with Atria San Juan, voted the best facility in the city by our readers for 2021.

Overlooking the San Juan Hills Golf Club, Atria prides itself on utilizing a kind and attentive staff to address all service needs, and a fulfilling Engage Life event program. Pricing starts at $4,495 per month.

Capistrano Senior Living, near Ortega Highway and Interstate 5, shares its campus with the San Juan Hills Healthcare Center and has served seniors for more than 20 years.

The facility offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term respite, and skilled nursing, as well as organized activities that include Friday afternoon socials and weekly outings.

Located across the highway is Ivy Park, which brings a “whole living” approach to providing care, in addition to its bevy of services. Floor plans start with the one-bedroom “Casita,” at 450 square feet.

Other options in the city include Adagio San Juan, Casa de Amma, Serra Sol Memory Care, and the Silverado San Juan Capistrano Memory Care Community.

The San Clemente Villas by the Sea leads off the next slate, providing retirement living and assisted care for seniors in studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. On-site is a Patient Extended Care Unit designed to care for those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Vascular Dementia or other related afflictions.

The Villas also offers activities for everyday life and for keeping minds and bodies strong over time, with Mind Reach mental exercises such as discussions and brain games, as well as Stretch & Strengthen exercises.

Raya’s Paradise San Clemente recently opened in July but is a part of multiple facilities under one brand with experience in caring for people aged 55 and older. In addition to yoga classes and gardening activities, the facility is equipped with special lifts and proactive infection-detecting technology to ease as many facets of residents’ lives as possible.

It also boasts a 1-to-3 ratio of direct caregivers to residents and pre-placement assessments of cognitive and physical statuses.

Soon to come to San Clemente in summer 2023 is Everleigh, a 55-and-older, resort-style community that looks to provide elevated living within walking distance of Shorecliffs Golf Club.

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Amenities will include classes and activities to boost fitness, spirituality, and environmental awareness, as well as a community game room and theater room. Everleigh’s one-bedroom apartments will start at $2,600 a month, and its two-bedroom spaces will begin at $3,400.

Cotton’s Point Senior Apartments and Vintage Shores make up other places for senior living in San Clemente.

In Dana Point, The Fountains at Sea Bluffs retirement community touts a “second to none” location, as it’s just above Del Obispo Street and near the Dana Point Harbor’s fishing and boating opportunities, as well as the town’s beaches.

The Watermark property offers 24-hour concierge and catering among its other services, as well as Watermark University courses that provide unlimited access to enrichment in the form of cooking and Aqua Aerobics. Residents can choose to live in a one-, two-, or three-bedroom condominium.

Aegis Living in Capistrano Beach provides assisted living and memory care in studios and one-bedroom apartments, as well as short-term respite care including medical management in emergency situations. sanclementetimes.com

Local Knowledge Ask Serra Sol Susie Peterson, Executive Director of Serra Sol Memory Care in San Juan Capistrano, answers real questions from families who are considering memory care for their loved ones.

“My father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Right now, he’s ok at home with my mom, but I want to explore options and get prepared for the future. I’m just not sure where or how to start – help!”

I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s diagnosis. That’s tough news for any family. What is good is that you’re starting to think about his future now. Looking for memory care can be an overwhelming and exhausting task. Thinking about it early will help you avoid deciding in a time of crisis.

Any memory care community should offer the necessities that anyone with memory loss needs – safety, security, access to medical care, comfortable accommodations, and an experienced staff 24/7. I also suggest looking at three specific things to help you ensure the community you choose is a perfect fit for your dad.

Activity Programs • Look for a variety of activities – such as crafts, entertainment and more. Ideally, there is a variety of group activities along with personal, one-on-one activities that are customized to your loved one’s interests and abilities.

Opportunities for engagement should be available each day.

Until there are more effective medications, a well-rounded activity program is the most effective way to treat and manage dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Local Knowledge

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Support for Families • Good communities should walk with you throughout the decision-making process. They should patiently answer questions, address concerns, give multiple tours, and provide transparent pricing information.

After your loved one moves in, at least one family member should be made aware of your loved one’s daily schedule and given frequent updates. Most communities have regular open forums, personal updates, and events for families to meet each other while enjoying time with their loved ones. Many communities offer short-term “respite” stays. This service is meant to help families who need to travel, work, or take a short break from care. It’s also an amazing way to try out the community before a permanent move.

The Community’s Feel • Visiting the communities you are considering, maybe even with your dad, may be the most important. When touring, observe and ask questions. If you see caregivers interacting with residents – playing games, visiting, sharing smiles – these are great indications that the environment is warm and loving. You want to make sure your dad feels comfortable and at-home.

For more advice, visit our website at serrasol.com or call us at 949-485-2022.

31451 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 949.485.2022, SerraSol.com, RCFE: 306005946

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Five To-Dos as We Head into the Holidays The year 2022 flew by, and with less than three months left to the end of the year, you may already be thinking about the holidays. The stores definitely are leaning in. Before you go full holiday mode, here are a few estate planning and financial tasks you should get done: If you created a trust plan this year, you were probably tasked with funding your financial assets. With the best intentions, you may have started but not finished. Or, you were so busy, you never started at all. Funding your trust is one of the most important must-dos to ensure that those assets will pass to your beneficiaries without going through Probate.

Have any questions? Call your attorney for assistance.

Along those same lines, let’s make sure to review your beneficiary designations on accounts such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, transfer or pay-on-death bank accounts. Keep these up to date so that the right person inherits your assets when the time comes.

You may have been very generous this year, making individual gifts that exceeded $16,000. If so, make sure you have an updated list for your tax professional. Gifts exceeding $16,000 to an individual are a taxable gift. Talk to your tax professional about this to ensure that the proper tax positions are taken.

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Local Knowledge

Friendly reminder that if you turned 72 years old this year, you may need to withdraw required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. Check with your financial advisor to know if your accounts have RMD requirements and how much you need to take before the end of the year.

And, finally, if you are still saying, “I need to get my estate plan done,” but you haven’t pulled the trigger, now’s the time.

You still have time to get it done before the end of the year.

Estate planning is not just what happens when you pass away; it is also about how your life will proceed if you are incapacitated. Having up-to-date powers of attorney and advance health care directives ensure that someone is there to care for you if you are no longer able to care for yourself.

Estate planning is about choice, your choice of how you are cared for, your choice of who does the caring, and your choice of how your legacy is dealt with after you’re no longer here to protect it.

My recommendation is to create a checklist of these to-dos and set a deadline for getting them done. Every day, take one meaningful step toward checking one or more items off that list. Get it done before the holidays so that you can enjoy time with your family without the mental chatter of things left undone.

Law Office of Jan A. Meyer, Dana Point, CA, Phone: (949) 607-9412, Fax: (949) 340-2033, www.danapointwills.com

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Say Goodbye to Low Back Pain With These Helpful Tips From a Physical Therapist Do you suffer from low back pain? If so, you’re not alone. While back pain can be frustrating and debilitating, there are many things you can do to manage the pain and improve your quality of life.

Sometimes, low back pain is short-lived (minor sprains or strains). Others experience lower back pain flare-ups that come and go. And some live with chronic low back pain. One of the best things you can do for low back pain is to stay active. Exercise and stretches are a great way to strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your overall mobility.

There are many reasons you may be experiencing back pain as you get older, chief among them: Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal; Osteoarthritis; Degenerative spondylolisthesis, when a vertebra slips out of place; Degenerative disc disease; Sciatica.

Unfortunately, these conditions are quite prevalent among people over the age of 60, and there are no cures for these issues. Which leaves us to manage or slow the progression. But don’t panic! You can still find relief from your pain!

The goal of physical therapy, in general, is to relieve your pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. To do this, MOTUS Specialists Physical Therapy concentrates on several key areas: • Strengthening • Increasing motion & mobility • Improving balance & function Strengthening the muscles that support your spine allows you to shift a lot of the burden to tissues that are better suited to handle it. Improving the mobility of your hips and upper back lessens the stress on your low back, which is where most people get their movement. Improving your balance helps with your overall stability, safety, and fall prevention, a common cause of injuries. Restoring function will allow you to move better and do the things you love without pain getting in the way.

To provide you with the best treatment possible, our practice offers one-on-one physical therapy with the best technology available to help you find relief from your back pain for good. If you’re struggling with low back pain, don’t settle with the mentality that this is just how life will be.

Give us a call at MOTUS Specialists Physical Therapy and schedule your appointment at one of our locations in San Clemente or Santa Ana. Drew Morcos PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, DNSP, ATC, CSCS, FAAOMPT 949-891-1325 www.motusspt.com Drew is the founder of MOTUS Specialists, a functional movement approach to clinical rehabilitation for professional athletes to youth athletes to weekend warriors and everyone in between. Prior to opening his practice, he was the Director of Rehabilitation at the University of Southern California.

He is a sought-after athletic trainer and physical therapist in the NFL, NBA, D1 Athletics, USA Volleyball, and Professional Surfers.

sanclementetimes.com

AGING WELL

Community Service Keeps Retirees Active Local Nonprofits, City Boards Offer Opportunities to Give Back to Community

V

By Breeana Greenberg olunteering, either through city boards and commissions or local nonprofits, is a great way for retirees to give back and stay active in local goings-on.

Throughout the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, there’s a wide variety of local nonprofits such as the Friends of the Library and Pet Project Foundation.

There are also community boards including San Juan Capistrano’s Cultural Heritage Commission and San Clemente Golf Course Committee that offer unique opportunities for volunteers to give back to their towns.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY The Friends of the Library allows seniors who share a love of reading to volunteer.

The Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library all run bookstores out of their respective public libraries, selling gently used books.

Funds from the nonprofits’ bookstores and donations help to support the local libraries’ special events and programming.

The Friends of the Dana Point Library was founded in 1979 to support the local public library. Over the years, the organization has raised funds to replace skylights, furniture and projection systems, as well as provide soundproofing and audio-visual equipment.

In addition to capital improvements, the Friends of the Dana Point Library raises funds for new books, summer programs and events.

Volunteers help run the Friends of the Library Bookstore six days a week adjacent to the public library at 33841 Niguel Road. Visit friendsdanapoint.org for more information on how to get involved.

The Friends of the San Clemente Library was founded in 1968 and began selling books in the San Clemente Library in 1982. The nonprofit opened the Friends of the Library Bookstore, adjacent to the public library on Avenida Del Mar, in 1998.

The bookstore is run by volunteers, open five days a week. Visit sanclementefotl.org for more information on how to get involved.

The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library bookstore opened in June 2014, within the San Juan Capistrano branch. The San Juan San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Capistrano Friends of the Library is always looking for friendly volunteers to tend to the cash register, sort books, stock the bookstore and give walking tours.

Visit sjcfol.com for more information on how to get involved.

San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission serves to promote awareness and appreciation for the city’s historical and cultural significance, aiming to preserve certain events and landmarks.

The commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month in City Council Chambers at 4:30 p.m.

Commission members are appointed by San Juan Capistrano City Council and must be registered voters of San Juan. Current commission members will serve terms through March 31, 2023.

Visit sanjuancapistrano.org for more information on how to apply.

San Juan Capistrano Parks and Equestrian Commission The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council on topics related to the city’s open spaces, parks and recreation plans and park events.

The commission meets every third Monday of the month in City Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. Commission members are appointed by the council and must be registered voters of the city. Current commission members will serve terms through March 31, 2023.

Visit sanjuancapistrano.org for more information on how to apply.

San Clemente Golf Course Committee The San Clemente Golf Course Committee serves as an advisory board to the City Council on topics related to the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, including greens and forestry maintenance.

The committee comprises five residents whom the council appoints. Those interested in serving on the committee can file an application with the City Clerk’s Office. Selections for open positions typically occur in June or when a seat opens.

The committee meets on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November in City Council Chambers at 6 p.m. Visit san-clemente.org for more information on how to apply.

Pet Project Foundation The Pet Project Foundation is a fun place for animal lovers to volunteer and spend time

with lost and abandoned animals.

Founded to support the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter through a unique partnership, the nonprofit offers both financial support and volunteering to the shelter to provide the best care for the animals.

No animals are euthanized at this shelter.

Volunteering with the Pet Project Foundation can take on many forms, from walking shelter dogs, giving shelter cats and bunnies love and attention, answering phones and greeting visitors, as well as fundraising and

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working events and fostering animals.

The nonprofit has also expanded its “Pages for Paws” reading program by allowing seniors to read books aloud to the animals.

Seniors interested in reading to the dogs, cats and bunnies can contact the Pet Project Foundation to sign up and bring their own reading materials.

For more information on how to get involved with the Pet Project Foundation, visit petprojectfoundation.org or email animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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SC LIVING

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Senior Sex—With or Without Commitment?

I

have a buddy who lives in Laguna Woods Village. He’s single and shared with me his observations about senior dating and sex.

Because of the personal nature of his email, he requested that I not use his true name, so I am referring to him as Jerry.

While sex with or without a commitment is an important topic to most seniors, including me, I seldom write about sex, because it’s so personal. It’s beyond my comfort level and makes me squirm. But, today, I’ll give the topic a try.

Jerry emailed, “It is weird being out there at age 81. Many of the women with whom I talk say that all the men they meet just want to get into the sack with them, but with no real ongoing relationship. Generally, those women state that dating is not worth the bother. Consequently, many senior women simply avoid the dating scene entirely.

“It is my impression, but when you start sleeping together, it becomes more emotional. At some level, that implies more of a commitment.”

So far, I’m comfortable with what Jerry has said. And I agree about the commitment aspect as well. Yes, it’s more emotional.

Jerry continued, “I really like sex, but I have not been pursuing it, because I don’t want to hurt the other person by not following through with an emotional and enduring commitment. The other side of that is I am picky, so that is frustrating as well. I suspect I am not unique in my feelings.

“Here is the quirky thing: Laguna

Woods has a population of approximately 18,000 people over the age of 55.

Of those, 6,000 are men and 12,000 are women. I am assuming that 5,000 of the men are married, which leaves 1,000 single men.

“The 5,000 married men are likely married to ON LIFE AND LOVE women of LaguBY TOM BLAKE na Woods, which leaves approximately 7,000 unattached women living here. That represents an approximate ratio of single women to single men of seven-to-one. I have heard the ratio is more like eight-to-one, also a ballpark figure.

“Some women—consistent with the lack of interest in dating that I mentioned above—are not available to date.

Regardless, there are lots of single ladies out there.”

Comment from Tom: I refer to this ratio as “the dreaded senior single dating ratio.” The ratio makes dating for senior women more difficult than dating for the men.

Jerry continued, “I have some lady friends that appeal to me on one level or another, but it just hasn’t reached the physical stage, a la the Olivia Newton-John 1981 record. I suspect it will come, but who knows when? 'Tis a conundrum.

“While a woman might appeal to me, I might not appeal to her. It is not her fault that I don’t float her boat.”

Tom’s comment: I would think an

Sudoku

Scarlet

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

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Are you looking for an active canine companion or adventure buddy? Scarlet might be just what you’re searching for. This 10-month-old pup is full of fun energy and has a great personality.

Scarlet also gets along with most dogs and loves a puppy play date.

Could she be the one for you?

If you are interested in adopting Scarlet, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions to download an adoption application form, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

81-year-old single guy living in Laguna Woods Village—where approximately 7,000 single women over the age of 55 live—could find a compatible woman living there who appeals to him physically, and she to him.

And then there is the commitment issue that Jerry referred to above. Is he willing to commit to an exclusive relationship as a condition for intimacy? Are other men willing to commit exclusively?

OK, I’ve squirmed enough today. Let’s

See the solution in next week’s issue.

hear what readers have to say about this touchy subject. Email your comments to tompblake@gmail.com.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Local Real Estate By Local Experts Jeremy Conrad Broker, DRE# 01279209 949.542.8348 Jconrad@conradrealestate.com Bill Conrad Broker, DRE# 01461548 949.542.8349 Billc@conradrealestate.com Steve Conrad Property Manager, DRE# 01297404 949.542.8347 Stevec@conradrealestate.com

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Did you know that...

Sponsored by

• Currently, 40-50 homes on average are selling each month in San Clemente, with an average sales price of $1,565,400 • Active inventory in Orange County is the 2nd lowest ever, in recent history, with only 3,556 active listings in all of the county • Average days on market ranges from 60-120 days for anything priced under $4,000,000, while anything priced above $4,000,000, can take up to 300 or more days to sell

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It’s time to expect more…

Established 1963

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San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Historical Happenings by Tom Marshall

WHEN SAN CLEMENTE WAS THE CENTER OF THE POLITICAL WORLD

W

ith the midterm elections now just days away, it’s appropriate for us in the San Clemente Historical Society to reflect on when our town was on everyone’s political map.

The newly elected President Richard M. Nixon chose our Spanish Village by the Sea to serve as his Western White House. Unlike more recent Presidents, Nixon, his family and his top staff stayed here for large chunks of time, including several weeks in the summer when Washington, D.C. weather was sweltering.

How Nixon came to choose San Clemente as his base is as interesting as it was improbable.

Soon after taking office in January 1969, Nixon let it be known that he wanted to have a private residence somewhere in Southern California, where he was born and raised. This bit of news perked the interest of local resident Fred Divel. He had the perfect place

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

for Nixon: the blufftop home of the late Hamilton Cotton.

Never mind that Cotton had been the treasurer of the state’s Democratic Party.

Never mind also that Divel was not in the real estate business. He was a college student at the time. Oh, and one other thing, the house was not for sale. Cotton’s widow was still living in it.

HISTORICAL Despite all these HAPPENINGS obvious obstacles,

BY TOM MARSHALL Divel pulled it off.

He had one thing in his back pocket that others with a similar idea didn’t. He had volunteered on Nixon’s 1968 campaign and got to know Nixon’s top aides, H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman.

A phone call and a couple of pictures later, the two aides presented it to Nixon, who eyeballed the property himself

from a helicopter.

Amazingly, a deal was soon struck.

Nixon’s supporters picked up the purchase price for all of Cotton’s Point, some of which was sold to developers to cover the cost of the parcel that became the Western White House.

You would think that having the President here would have turned the town of about 15,000 upside down, but it didn’t, according to those who lived here at the time. Nixon usually arrived in town via helicopter, landing on a Camp Pendleton pad next to his property, just a short walk through a gate to his home.

There was a famous scene when Nixon went into a drugstore on Avenida Del Mar to buy a box of chocolates for his wife, Pat. Daughter Julie bought her daughter’s first pair of baby shoes at Sam’s Shoes and got to know owner Sam Tiberi. One time, Tiberi was working behind the counter and noticed his employees staring at someone.

“I turned around, and Julie was there and said, ‘Hi, Sam. Do you know my dad?’ There was the President of the United States standing there. The next thing he saw was Secret Service agents everywhere,” Sam recalled in a Historical Society oral history video.

Ruth DeNault remembers the time Pat came into her hardware store to buy

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paint for her kitchen. Another time, a customer walked into the barbershop next to DeNault’s. The barber thought he recognized the man, but couldn’t recall him as a customer.

The man said, “I’m John Mitchell, Attorney General of the United States.”

The barber told DeNault’s husband; it was all he could do to keep his hands from shaking while giving the haircut.

Times were just simpler then. Of course, it all came crashing down five years later when Nixon resigned amid the Watergate scandal. Nixon wanted to locate his Presidential Library here, but the town wasn’t keen on the traffic it would produce, so it ended up in Yorba Linda.

Ironically, the San Clemente site eventually became the Outlets at San Clemente. In 1980, the Nixons moved to New York City to be near their daughters.

The house was bought by Nixon supporter Gavin Herbert of Roger’s Gardens. It is currently for sale.

Tom Marshall is a member of the San Clemente Historical Society and a retired journalist. 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.

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San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Want to be featured as our business spotlight?

Contact us for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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

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

DENTISTS

ELECTRICAL

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

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

PROSTHODONTICS

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

Contact Lauralyn Loynes for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

MUSIC LESSONS

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

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

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

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

REALTORS

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

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

Want to be featured here?

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

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

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

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

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

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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

October 18, 2022, introduced the following ordinance:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PARKING ENFORCEMENT FOR STREET SWEEPING City Project No. ___(TBD)___

Ordinance No. 1736 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING ADDENDUM NO. 4 TO THE GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, AND APPROVING ZONING AMENDMENT 21-240; TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE GENERAL PLAN, LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM, AND WEST PICO CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN, AND AMEND THE ZONING MAP TO EXPAND THE WEST PICO CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN AREA AND THE ARCHITECTURAL OVERLAY DISTRICT BETWEEN THE DOWNTOWN AND PIER BOWL AREAS

Bids must be submitted electronically through the City of San Clemente’s electronic procurement and bidding system (PlanetBids) at: https://pbsystem. planetbids.com/portal/28939/portal-home.

All bidders must first register as a vendor on this website to participate in a bid or to be added to a prospective bidders list. Bids must be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 . All bids received after that time will be considered non-responsive and will be deemed disqualified. Only electronic bids submitted through PlanetBids will be accepted.

The primary scope of the project is for the contractor to provide enforcement of the City’s street sweeping parking restrictions in the Neighborhood Pride Program (NPP) posted areas as well as restricted and paid parking throughout the City of San Clemente, CA. Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions to Bidders, Specifications and contract documents posted in the City’s PlanetBids website, which should be carefully reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

Notice To be published: And

October 27, 2022 November 3, 2022

In light of the current situation there will be NO pre-bid meeting held for this Project. Any questions in reference to the project must be submitted via PlanetBids. The deadline to submit any questions will be Wednesday, November 09, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.

Dated October 20, 2022 City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226646482 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HAVEN PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS 500 NORTH STATE COLLEGE BLVD SUITE 1100 ORANGE, CA 92868 Full Name of Registrant(s): LIZETTE OROZCO 7821 16TH ST UNIT F WESTMINSTER, CA 92683 JENNIFER HUCHIM 6212 HAVILAND AVE APT 3 WHITTIER, CA 90601 This business is conducted by Copartners.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a LIZETTE OROZCO/s/LIZETTE OROZCO/ JENNIFER HUCHIM, COPARTNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/13/2022.

Published in: San Clemente Times October 27, November 3, 10, 17, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 1736 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its meeting of San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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 objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

Persons interested in receiving an inspection copy of the Ordinance are invited to call the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8303 or by email at Jimenezm@ san-clemente.org. Copies will be emailed or mailed to you at no cost.

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente will consider adopting the aforementioned Ordinance at its meeting of November 1, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente.

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 appraisal 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.

LAURA CAMPAGNOLO Legislative Administrator

Attorney for Petitioner: Jules F. Miller, LAW OFFICES OF JULES MILLER, 32565 B Golden Lantern #1045, Dana Point, CA 92629 Ph: (949)240-9326

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT D. TUMBRELLO Case Number: 30-2022-01275161-PR-LA-CJC

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

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of ROBERT D. TUMBRELLO A Petition for Probate has been filed by 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 obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented 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 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 Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty conPage 38

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 22FL000669 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Heidi 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 interested 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 written 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 Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.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 published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES, 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 City of San Clemente Office of the City Treasurer Applications Being Accepted Through November 9, 2022 The City of San Clemente is accepting applications to fill a vacancy to the elected office of City Treasurer. The person appointed shall serve for the duration of the unexpired term of the former incumbent (i.e., until November 2024). Applicants for this position must be at least 18 years of age and a registered voter at their current address in San Clemente. Applications can be obtained from the City’s website, by calling 949.361.6186, or by sending an email to savagej@san-clemente.org Please submit your application in time for it to be received (via mail, email or personal delivery) in the City Manager’s Office, by 5:30 p.m. on November 9, 2022. The address is as follows: Office of the City Manager City of San Clemente 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673 Email: savagej@san-clemente.org California law requires all general law cities to have the position of city treasurer. The Government Code provides that the City Treasurer shall, among other duties, receive and safely keep all money the Treasurer receives; comply with all laws governing the deposit and securing of public funds; pay out money on warrants signed by legally designated persons; and perform such duties relative to the collection of City taxes and license fees as are prescribed by ordinance. The City Treasurer receives a stipend of $500 per month.

The City Council will conduct interviews and make

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

.

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM appointments on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente. The City will notify applicants on November 9, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. if they have been selected to be interviewed. For further information, please call the City Manager’s Office at 949.361.6186.

Jennifer Savage Assistant to the City Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE San Clemente Times 10/27/22 City of San Clemente Office of the City Clerk Applications Being Accepted Through November 9, 2022 The City of San Clemente is accepting applications to fill a vacancy to the elected office of City Clerk.

The person appointed shall serve for the duration of the unexpired term of the former incumbent (i.e., until November 2024). Applicants for this position must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote at their current address in San Clemente. Applications can be obtained from the City’s website, by calling 949.361.6186 or by sending an email to savagej@san-clemente.org.

Please submit your application in time for it to be received (via mail, email or personal delivery) in the City Manager’s Office, by 5:30 p.m. on November 9, 2022. The address is as follows: Office of the City Manager City of San Clemente 910 Calle Negocio

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

San Clemente, CA 92673 Email: savagej@san-clemente.org.

California law requires all general law cities to have the position of city clerk. City clerks have many key administrative responsibilities, such as keeping records of all city council meetings, including ordinances and resolutions; overseeing city elections; administering retention of city records; and performing other significant duties imposed by state and local law. The City Clerk receives a stipend of $500 per month.

The City Council will conduct interviews and make appointments on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente. The City will notify applicants on November 9, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. if they have been selected to be interviewed. For further information, please call the City Manager’s Office at 949.361.6186.

Jennifer Savage Assistant to the City Manager

GARAGE SALES

FOR SALE

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 12pm Monday.

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

GARAGE/MOVING SALE SATURDAY OCT. 29TH 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Household Items, office supplies, Storage Cabinets, furniture, Bedroom sets, Dining room set, Patio Furniture, Tools, and Holiday items.

207 Via Ballena, San Clemente…up the street from the DMV.

HELP WANTED

MULTI-HOME GARAGE SALESATURDAY NOV. 5TH 9 am-2 pm on Saturday, November 5.

In the San Juan Hills East neighborhood, down to the curve on Via Buena. Cross street Avenida Larga. Follow the signs!

Home health devices; golf clubs; man stuff; collectibles. Friendly sellers! Please come and check it out!

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

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

Page 39

HELP WANTED Experienced Tile setters and helpers, Slab Fabricators, Slab Installation 5 years exp Top pay based on experienced.

949-395-3369.

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

Then you need to be in the SC Times.

Call us today! Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

PLAYOFF POSITIONING After dominant Homecoming game, SCHS football battles Tesoro for automatic playoff berth

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he San Clemente football team rebounded in a big way to rumble back into the win column on its Homecoming night, which sets up the Tritons for a season finale crucial to the CIF-SS playoff picture.

San Clemente got three rushing touchdowns from senior running back Blake Allen, and the Tritons combined for 254 rushing yards from seven ballcarriers to roll Capistrano Valley, 51-7, last Friday, Oct. 21, at Thalassa Stadium.

After marching through downtown for the Homecoming parade in the afternoon, San Clemente (6-3, 1-1) marched to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and led, 37-0, at halftime.

Allen paced San Clemente on the ground with 88 yards on eight carries.

Junior runner Aiden Rubin gained 62 yards on four carries with one touchdown. Senior receiver Thomas Hartanov carried the ball twice for 45 yards and a

TRITON REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Resilient Girls Volleyball Advances to CIF-SS Quarterfinals The South Coast League co-champion San Clemente girls volleyball team was on the brink of elimination in the first

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

San Clemente football rolled over Capistrano Valley, 51-7, during its Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 21.

Tritons now face Tesoro for the South Coast League’s final guaranteed playoff berth. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone 57

score, and Hartanov caught two passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Junior quarterback Broderick Redden completed 9 of 13 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception.

Senior Mason Ord also caught a 27-yard touchdown pass.

The effort was spread out defensively, but senior Nolan Reid made huge impacts with three sacks. Juniors Owen Bolliger and Brock Della Vedova each registered a sack. Seniors Brad Gerken and Ryder Insley both collected a tacklefor-loss from the secondary. Insley and

Gerken led the Tritons with five total tackles each. Senior Ethan Rea grabbed the lone turnover with an interception.

San Clemente now looks toward its season finale, which lines up as a de facto playoff game for the South Coast League’s second and final automatic playoff berth. San Clemente travels to Tesoro (6-3, 1-1) on Friday, Oct.28.

Both the Tritons and Titans figure to make the playoffs, but the only way to guarantee that is by winning on Friday.

The winner will be an automatic qualifier, but the loser would be subject

round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs, but the Tritons rallied for two consecutive five-set road victories to reach the quarterfinals.

San Clemente rallied from down two sets to win in five sets at Ontario Christian (26-12) on Oct. 20, and the Tritons outlasted Cypress (18-2) in a back-and-forth, five-set affair on Saturday, Oct. 22.

San Clemente (24-9) finally hosted a home match with a Division 2 quarterfinal against visiting Vista Murrieta (17-10) on Wednesday, Oct. 26, but results were not available at press time. Check out the South OC Sports Twitter or Instagram for results.

After battling back to force a threeway tie for the South Coast League championship, San Clemente lost the three-way coin flips and had to go on

the road to open the CIF-SS playoffs.

Aliso Niguel won the coin flips to earn a first-round bye, and San Juan Hills opened at home after splitting the coin flips.

In the first round, Ontario Christian took the first set with ease, 25-15, and fended off San Clemente to take the second set, 25-21. However, from there, it was all Tritons. San Clemente won the next three sets convincingly, 25-11, 25-13 and 15-10, to beat the host Knights and advance.

In the second round, Cypress and San Clemente split the first four sets.

Cypress won the first and third set, 2519 and 25-22, and San Clemente evened up in the second and fourth sets, 25-19, 25-16. The fifth set pushed to extra points, but San Clemente handed Cypress just its second loss, 18-16.

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to the at-large selection process. While both have strong resumes for at-large selection, there’s always the outside possibility that they would not be selected, based on the number of automatic qualifiers in their playoff grouping.

As of now, both would likely fall into Division 3, based on the current CalPreps rankings used by CIF-SS to determine playoff divisions. However, a strong win by either could do enough to push the winner into Division 2, especially with the potential for CIF-SS to expand the Division 1 playoff field to 12 teams. Division 1 could also be as small as four teams.

Playoff selections and divisions will be released on Sunday, Oct. 30.

San Clemente is ranked No. 31 in the CIF-SS by the CalPreps algorithm with a 42.1 rating, and Tesoro is ranked No. 35 with a 36.9 rating. CalPreps projects a win by San Clemente, 28-21.

The Tritons and Titans have two common opponents in La Costa Canyon and Mission Viejo. Tesoro opened its season with a 35-33 win over La Costa Canyon, and San Clemente won its third game of the season over the Mavericks, 17-0. Both lost big to Mission Viejo. The Diablos beat San Clemente in their league opener, 49-14, and Tesoro lost last week, 71-0.

Tesoro has leaned on its running game this season, with junior back Travis Wood gaining 1,165 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns on 185 carries.

Sophomore transfer quarterback Cash O’Byrne did not play last week against Mission Viejo, but in his three starts since becoming eligible, O’Byrne has completed 54% of his passes for 502 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions. SC

Roundup In the first season back under head coach Logan Powell, the San Clemente boys water polo team has retained its standard, as the Tritons (12-4, 6-1) clinched the South Coast League championship. It was San Clemente’s second consecutive league title and fifth in the past six seasons. The Tritons, ranked No. 2 in Division 2, await their CIF-SS playoff draw on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Coming off its Orange County Championship, the San Clemente boys cross country team grabbed another huge win at the Mt. SAC Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Tritons, ranked No. 1 in Division 1, blew away the field, 44-109, with three runners in the top six.

Senior Juan Chantaca finished second at 14:55. SC

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Page 41

sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

First in Foam How a house on Beach Road became responsible for the surfboards we ride today

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

H

ave you ever wondered where your surfboard comes from?

Not just who shaped it or where it was glassed, but the actual blank itself?

Today, there are numerous companies making both polystyrene and EPS surfboard blanks, but it wasn’t always this way. I recently found myself surfing at Poche and thinking of the late Wayne Penn Schafer, whose old beach house looks out over the break. It’s been a couple of years since we lost Wayne, but a conversation we had before his passing still dances around in my mind.

“One day, I was down hanging out at Trestles with a few guys,” Schafer explained. “Phil (Edwards) was down there.

I was introduced to this rather tall guy; you couldn’t forget his name, Grubby.

“We got acquainted on the beach. He seemed like a pretty fun guy,” Schafer continued. “He was down at Hobie’s a lot glassing boards. He had this yellow truck with a camper on the back that he built.

Gordon “Grubby” Clark looks over his operation in Laguna Niguel at the height of Clark Foam’s reign as the largest producer of surfboard blanks in the world. It all came crashing down on Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, when he unexpectedly shut his business and moved to Oregon. Photo: Courtesy of Bev Morgan/SHACC

He’d sleep in it. He was like a homeless person. As I got to know him, one day he said, ‘Can I park down at your lot and sleep?’”

The Grubby that Wayne is referring to is Gordon “Grubby” Clark, who’s widely credited with inventing the first surfboard blanks. He bought his house on Beach Road in 1955 for a paltry $5,500.

“Finally, I said, ‘If you want, I’ll rent you a room,’” Wayne recalled. “Grubby jumped at it, so he moved in here.

Later on, in came Phil. He was living in Oceanside and doing a lot of surfing up here and hanging out, and he worked at Hobie’s. So now there were three of us here, and it was a great time period of us surfing and diving and fishing and just being surfers.”

But they were more than “just being surfers.” At one point, Grubby found himself laid up in a body cast after back surgery.

“Hobie (Alter) came by one day and

said, ‘If you’re just going to be laying around, can you figure out this foam stuff?’” Wayne said. “So, Grubby gave him a list of all these chemistry books and sent Hobie off to go collect them.”

When it came time to put his calculations into action and start experimenting with foam formulas, Grubby found a small place in a canyon in Laguna Beach to serve as his top-secret skunkworks.

“He had a degree in chemistry, so he sort of knew a thing or two,” Edwards said. “Hobie and Grubby, they had contacts; a guy named Brent Goldsworthy was a hotshot guy in all that stuff.

I never really knew him. But I think he helped them out a little bit. They all worked hard on it.

“Those early foam formulas, when it expands, it gets a high PSI, so they had a (expletive) of a time controlling it. And it’s toxic. The foam is urethane, the fiberglass is styrene-based, and it’s nasty. It’s a whole different animal.”

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

GROM OF THE WEEK

EDEN WALLA

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The Pacific Ocean delivered for the opening event of the 2022 USA Surfing West Coast Prime Series.

Landing at the Huntington Beach Pier last weekend, the event saw some of the biggest surf it has ever seen for a Prime contest, and America’s brightest—and hard-charging—talent got right after it.

Taking a well-earned win in the Girls Under 16 division was San Clemente’s own Eden Walla. Undaunted by the heavy surf, she more than held her own in challenging conditions.

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

Eden Walla. Photo: Courtesy of USA Surfing/ @kurtsteinmetz

In a stacked final, Walla was able to hold off Victoria Depart, who finished runner-up in only her second Prime event. Rounding out the podium were Mia MacLeish and Remy

Under the cloak of secrecy, creating heavy molds out of concrete, after much trial, error and experimentation, eventually Grubby dialed in his foam formula and was able to consistently reproduce what would become some of the first mass-produced foam surfboard blanks.

The technological advancement was not lost on Hobie, who almost immediately leveraged it as he grew his surfboard business.

“Grubby was in the middle of nowhere when he built the Clark Foam factory, and then everything built up around it,” Edwards said of Grubby’s former factory in Laguna Niguel, which was suddenly shuttered in 2005.

“The fire department got on him, big time. So, he finally just left,” Edwards said.

When he walked away from Clark Foam, Grubby held what can only be described as a monopoly on the surfboard foam market. Through savvy and often scrupulous business practices, before he closed his doors, he was responsible for producing 90% of the surfboard blanks in the United States and 60% globally.

“Now, he’s the largest landowner in Oregon. He’s got 89 square miles,” Edwards said. “He raises sheep and says Orange County is one of his biggest markets.”

And to think, it all started when Wayne Penn Schafer opened a couple rooms to his friends so they could just keep living the surf life. Mission accomplished.

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 Todd, both savvy San Clemente competitors.

Walla was fresh off the “trip of a lifetime” to Indonesia with her family, and the time in the heavy, hollow Indian Ocean waves clearly paid off. Comfortable in the barrel, above the lip, and even behind the wheel of a boat, Walla’s a full-on young water woman.

Her brother, Zion, also put on a strong show in Surf City. Tallying a 9-point ride on one wave, there’s not much about the ocean that scares the kid.

It was a great weekend for local San Clemente and Dana Point surfers, with our recent Grom of the Week Lucas Senkbeil Cassity keeping his winning ways going with a victory in the Boys Under 18 division.

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com. SC Page 42

Water Temperature: 66-68 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 2-4 Thursday: Modest scale mix of southsouthwest swell and smaller northwest swell sets up thigh to stomach high surf, (2-3’+).

Light southerly winds in the morning, turn to a light+ westerly sea breeze during the afternoon.

Outlook: The swell combination gradually fades Friday and Saturday, for thigh to waist high waves, (2-3’). A fresh south-southwest swell nudges surf back up to thigh-stomach high, (2-3’+) on Sunday. The pattern of light/ variable morning winds, followed by light+ to periodically moderate afternoon onshores prevails Friday through the weekend.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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San Clemente Times October 27-November 2, 2022

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