December 15, 2022

DECEMBER 15-21, 2022 | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 50

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Chanukah in San Clemente GETTING OUT/PAGE 12

Council Tables Talks of Donating to Marine Aviation Project EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

Cars, Coffee & Compromise

South OC Cars and Coffee Granted Official Permit to Run Weekly Events E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

The Planning Commission last week voted unanimously to approve an amended permit that allows the Outlets at San Clemente to host South Orange County Cars and Coffee weekly events. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

sanclementetimes.com

In-N-Out Burger Opens Doors in San Clemente

How to Shop for Surfers in Your Life

Unbeaten SCHS Girls Soccer Captures Tournament

EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

SURF/PAGE 22

SPORTS/PAGE 16

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

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

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EYE ON SC

The San Clemente Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment during its Dec. 7 meeting that officially permits the Outlets at San Clemente to host South Orange County Cars and Coffee weekly events. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

South OC Cars and Coffee Granted Official Permit to Run Weekly Events

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

South Orange County Cars and Coffee will now officially be permitted to run weekly instead of seasonally, per a unanimous vote from the San Clemente Planning Commission last week.

The popular Saturday morning event was approved as part of a request from the Outlets at San Clemente to expand its conditional use permit (CUP) to hold several outdoor events, which previously allowed the car show to run twice per year in an official capacity.

Throughout the discussion, commissioners expressed their confidence in how well the Cars and Coffee operators ran their events and weighed it against concerns for public safety.

One of the conditions for allowing the car show is having at least four security staffers present during events. Commissioners recommended the organizers direct participating cars to enter through the parking area near Chick-fil-A and travel along the back of the main structure.

Commissioner Cameron Cosgrove added two extra stipulations: that the community development director, San Clemente’s Police Services chief, and Outlets security officials annually update and review the event’s safety plan, and that the show operators expand San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

their efforts to inform participants of how to behave after leaving the property.

“Anytime we can create a rubric where we can have a better engagement between your organization and our general public, where there might be some questions or issues that they want addressed, having that formalized would go a long way,” Cosgrove said.

The agreed-upon conditions were a compromise from the initial city staff report and recommendation, which proposed permitting events weekly from April to September and biweekly between October and March, also mandating participants to enter along the rear of the Outlets.

Neighboring residents’ complaints about noise related to the cars exiting the show held significant weight for the commissioners, as they had received at least 12 letters prior to discussing the CUP on Dec. 7.

Cosgrove asked for patience from the audience regarding the agenda item, as he felt residents had valid worries.

“Please understand that there are community members who are questioning, ‘Why does this happen every week outside of the current permit?’” he said.

“That’s legitimate.”

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Susan Jennrich, the Outlets general manager, told the commission that the show has had a “tremendous, positive impact” for both the shopping center and the city in terms of driving revenue and attracting visitors.

She added that limiting the event would negatively impact families, customers, the city and Outlets tenants, who, according to her, generate 20% of their sales on Saturday mornings.

Cars and Coffee co-founder James Wehr also spoke during the public hearing. He maintained the intensity with which the organization addresses public safety, referencing the 30 volunteers who are on-site for each event to deter recklessness and who receive pre-event briefings.

Wehr said they have worked with the Outlets’ new security manager, Michael Muscarella, to reduce noise and improve traffic flow. The organization’s social media also regularly posts reminders of event rules that prohibit speeding and burning out tires.

“We’re constantly contacted by other events around the world asking how we’re able to run such a tight ship,” said Wehr. “The answer is simple: planning, communication, attention to detail, and a lot of hard work.”

Wehr, who moved to San Clemente from Australia in 2010, added that his family is proud of creating an event that is significant for families and friends to attend, and that the process has been a “labor of love” to finally construct a plan allowing for free-flowing movement and noise abatement.

“Please note the pending conditional use permit is only requesting what we’ve done since the inception of this event in 2017,” Wehr said. “We’re not asking for an increase in frequency or anything;

we’re simply asking to continue what we’ve been successfully running for the last several years.”

The commissioners learned that it was difficult to limit an event to a certain type of car because of a wide age range, that event staff were trained how to take pictures of license plates to identify and ban violators, and that four Outlets security personnel including an on-duty manager are posted near the Starbucks in front, ready to get involved, if necessary.

Muscarella said it is rare that his staff is needed and that he was open to having a deputy from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department stationed at or near the event.

Cosgrove and Commissioner Karen Prescott-Loeffler were adamant in wanting a deputy present as a key part of ensuring safety for show participants and vehicles.

Deputies haven’t been aware of significant altercations other than one that occurred in March of this year, according to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Roberts. He added that they already are aware of the event during Saturday mornings and maintain a presence near the Outlets.

Most complaints, he said, are related to people leaving the car show on Avenida Vista Hermosa, but there are not many preventative measures beyond stopping drivers when deputies see violations.

He added that regarding noise and loud exhaust systems, the most common offense to cite is when cars make unusual noises that are against the California Vehicle Code.

Wehr said it would be difficult to find costs to pay $400 for a deputy to work overtime at the Outlets from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, given that the money Cars and Coffee makes from merchandise sales and sponsorships is just enough to cover operating costs.

Cosgrove, however, directed staff to note a preference to have a deputy near the Outlets, if possible.

Commissioner Steven Camp expressed his concern about potential traffic impacts if show participants get clogged into Vista Hermosa and near the freeway exit while trying to enter the parking lot.

Regardless, he agreed with Cars and Coffee supporters that events should be weekly, saying that a lower frequency would mess with the event’s rhythm and bring people to the Outlets even on weekends when events wouldn’t be scheduled.

“I think the regularity of the event is what brings the excitement,” said Camp.

Within the amended CUP, the Planning Commission also allowed the Outlets to hold biweekly food distributions and seasonal partnership events, such as “Trunk or Treat” near Halloween. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, DEC. 17

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

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

TUESDAY, DEC. 20 A discussion over whether to donate to a Marine Corps aviation museum project will be postponed to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget process, per a San Clemente City Council vote on Dec. 6. Photo: Courtesy of Clemens Vasters/Wikimedia Commons

Council Tables Talks of Donating to Marine Aviation Museum Project

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The San Clemente City Council unanimously voted on Dec. 6 to postpone discussions of donating to a Marine Corps-related historical foundation until the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 begins.

At the council’s Nov. 15 meeting, Brig.

Gen. Michael Aguilar had spoken to councilmembers on behalf of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation (FLHF), dedicated to returning a museum centered on the former Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro and Marine Corps aviation to Irvine’s Great Park.

“Vision without funding is hallucination,” Aguilar said. “We recognize that in order to bring this project to reality, we need a lot of money, and we’re actively involved.”

Aguilar stated that the foundation quickly achieved its initial fundraising goal of $5 million for the project. It has since been in contact with numerous cities and organizations in hopes of reaching a new minimum of $10 million for project costs.

City staff presented the options of waiting to begin the budget process, or donating an undetermined amount ei-

Local Author Looks to Give Away 100,000 Personal Development Books to Teenagers

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

A San Clemente-based author seeks to help teenagers succeed in the classroom, San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

ther from the council’s contingency fund of $16,600 or from the General Fund unassigned fund balance.

Interim City Manager Sean Joyce spoke to the staff’s first choice.

“We would recommend that you take up consideration of that suggestion in the context of the budget so you can give relative weight to the unending number of worthwhile and arguably similar meritorious proposals that exist among your nonprofit community,” Joyce said.

Councilmember Gene James said he concurred with the staff’s conclusion to table the item, especially until the project is officially in motion and has a concept design.

Newly seated Councilmember Mark Enmeier suggested that the council direct staff to set aside funding specifically to address requests, such as the FLHF’s, that can emerge at any point in a given year.

He added that reviewing each proposal in a “piecemeal” manner when they arise instead of during the budgetary process could send a message of wanting to open the city’s wallet to anyone.

In response to Enmeier, James said the proper channel for looking at such items begins with the Human Affairs Committee.

“Once a year, they look at those types of things particularly as it relates to Community Development Block Grants,” said James.“I think we have a venue to do that, and I don’t think we should get out in front of the Human Affairs Committee.”

After the former Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum operated for more than 20 years at the MCAS Miramar in San Diego, the museum permanently closed in April 2021 due to a lack of funding. FLHF has since sought ways to keep historic aircraft, artifacts and displays in the area.

Aguilar noted in November that the foundation facilitated talks with the City of Irvine and the U.S. Marine Corps regarding separate Memorandums of Understanding for the museum. The foundation also stopped the Marine Corps from unloading historic artifacts and contracted a firm to design the “interactive” and “immersive” space.

FLHF has eyed Hangar 296 at the Great Park’s southern end as the home of the museum. Aguilar’s presentation included a full layout of where the aircraft would be placed within the hangar and renderings of possible exhibits such as archive pods, an art gallery, and projection graphics.

“Originally, we were looking to open the door late next year, August 2023, but for a variety of reasons, that’s now slipped to early 2024,” said Aguilar. “We’re still working with the City (of Irvine) to have some sort of, at least (a) soft opening for the museum, but we’re pretty much on track with our timeline right now.”

FLHF’s next desired steps include completing a design concept and fundraising campaign, hiring museum staff, and transporting all artifacts and equipment.

in athletics, and against mental health struggles by giving away 100,000 copies of his new book, The Mental Edge for Teens.

Ken Baum, who has trained people for success in various fields since the 1980s, curated The Mental Edge program decades ago and now wants to change the trajectory of thousands of young lives for the better.

“This is not hocus pocus; this is not ‘Be Positive Paul’ or ‘Sunshine Sally,’” Baum told San Clemente Times. “This stuff is teaching you how to program the

most sophisticated, powerful computer in the world—your brain.”

When social justice movements for equality and fairness emerged nationwide in 2020 after the death of George Floyd, he felt the need to tangibly bring positive change to the world by exposing his teachings to underprivileged populations.

“That was my driver to get this book in the hands of as many underserved kids as I possibly could,” Baum said.

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

The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. 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 and in person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at The Noble Path Foundation. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com. Noble Path Foundation, 420 N El Camino Real, San Clemente.

San Clemente Toastmasters 7-8:40 p.m. The Toastmasters Club invites people to lose their fear of public speaking and have fun at the same time. Join them in person on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Baha’i Center, at 3316 Avenida del Presidente. Visitors welcomed. Call or text Laura Yang at 949.547.6558 with questions. 6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21

VA Disabled Claims Clinic 2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

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

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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EYE ON SC

In-N-Out Burger Opens Doors to San Clemente Location

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The long-awaited new In-N-Out Burger location situated along Avenida Pico opened on Friday morning, Dec. 9, after years of bureaucratic and construction delays.

As is custom, “all-stars” from other local franchises traveled to San Clemente to help with the opening and train the new associates, according to Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick. The extra help will remain as long as necessary.

Warnick spoke to the extensive process that went into opening the newest restaurant within the city, starting with the submittal of a pre-application in January 2019. The project, he said, required countless details to manifest the “special” In-N-Out—the opening of which was significant for both the corporation and the city.

“This was definitely a longer process; there were a lot of things along the way to make sure that we took care for this particular property,” said Warnick. “And you can tell that this building is unique.

It’s a beautiful building.”

In-N-Out Burger tapped Benjamin Sanchez, a 26-year veteran of the company, as the location’s general manager.

“For a number of years, he’s been running our store up in Laguna Niguel, and he is a fantastic leader and an awesome representative of our company,” Warnick said of Sanchez. “He’s just a wonderful candidate to be here bringing In-N-Out to the community for the first time.”

Longtime patrons of franchise locations outside of the city limits were excited to have one closer to home.

(Cont. from page 4) For every book he sells, he will give away one copy. He has already given 250 books to the Wolf Creek School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 40 to a Sacramento basketball club, and more books to a continuing high school in Los Angeles.

Conceptualizing a book to inform teenagers came from years of experience working with young athletes, according to Baum.

After seeing repeated examples of the habits his pupils learned trickle into gaining confidence and improving at school, Baum felt he could insert the principles into a book that apply to numerous areas in life.

Some of the challenges that can arise when training teens include shorter attention spans and vague goals, the latter of which can hinder a crucial step of San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

The new In-N-Out Burger location in San Clemente’s Pico Plaza, along Avenida Pico, opened last Friday morning, Dec. 9. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Roxanne Wildermuth and Roberta Smigel, residents of San Clemente for 14 and 17 years, respectively, were among those who stopped by on Friday. Wildermuth said her favorite combo is the No. 2 cheeseburger meal.

Since moving to California from Brooklyn, New York, Smigel said she has eaten at In-N-Out frequently and loves the consistency.

“The service is really great, and everyone’s friendly,” said Smigel. “I’ve been

wanting one here for so long.”

Anna Calderon, a 12-year resident, said she’s frequented the popular chain for many years, with her favorite meal being the Protein-Style Double Burger with well-done fries. She’s happy to have a location closer than the restaurant along San Juan Capistrano’s Ortega Highway.

Because of In-N-Out’s innate popularity, traffic around the new restaurant is a concern of Calderon’s. She acknowl-

edged, though, that she felt similarly about the Outlets at San Clemente when it first opened, only to later see that the traffic hasn’t been as congested as she once thought.

“I’m like, ‘Wow, what’s the traffic going to be like?’” Calderon said. “But, I’ve known In-N-Out always to move their traffic quickly everywhere we go.”

Warnick told San Clemente Times the restaurant has hired 80 employees to date and looks to hire more.

identifying paths to success. With any client, Baum focuses first on determining what exactly they want, which can help set expectations, and a firm foundation of what to do next. “(Also), a lot of them have a really huge goal, (saying) they’re going to be in the Hall of Fame, and they have yet to play a high school game,” he said. “A lot of uncertainty is what I feel from teens today.”

Baum’s professional development as a trainer began after a stint in the corporate world, where he first taught people how to communicate and give speeches.

His first job with an athlete came in 1983.

From then on, he took industry courses and used practical application opportunities to solidify himself within the development world.

Establishing a desired result is a key part of efficiently training clients for

progress, he said.

“We start with finding what they want,” said Baum. “We find out what their values are, what makes them click, and we link the values to what they want.”

The next steps include looking at strengths, whether athletically, academically, or otherwise, evaluating challenges and how to overcome them, and then asking the clients whether they’re willing to sacrifice to bring their dream to fruition.

“We do all that before we set a goal, and that’s what really makes this so different and so powerful,” Baum said.

His advice to parents, coaches and others who work with young adults is to have an undying belief in the children and that they shouldn’t judge teenagers’ athleticism or intelligence too soon.

He added that adults should let teenagers be themselves and nourish their

growth and encourage them in the most positive way.

Growing up in a household with a mother who held an eighth-grade education and a father whose livelihood revolved around working on the farm and not excelling at school, Baum said he had to figure out how to succeed on his own.

“I had great parents, by the way; I’m not knocking them at all,” he said. “I think that’s why I see so many kids without that belief system, without the support.”

Despite the surplus of information available at teenagers’ fingertips because of advancements in technology, Baum still sees children struggling to become the person they want to be. With his book, he said his lessons will provide that help.

Baum has given away 960 books so far.

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SOAPBOX

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 17, Issue 50. 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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San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

GUEST OPINION | The Business Buzz by Jim Wynne & Arrow Santos

Merry Christmas from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce

T

he San Clemente Chamber of Commerce would like to officially wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for another great year of living in paradise all together.

As you finish your holiday shopping (or are just starting), the Chamber asks you to consider spending at local retailers when possible.

The businesses in San Clemente are almost exclusively owned and run by “real people” who are your neighbors: the person in line behind you at the grocery store, the mom cheering beside you at the Saturday morning soccer game, the family sitting next to you in church, or the friendly face serving up your favorite lunch.

By shopping locally instead of out-oftown or online, you support our vibrant beach town economy in a meaningful way.

The Chamber is so grateful to have such an abundance of small businesses within our town. Over the years, we have seen many mom-and-pop companies displaced by faceless corporations that can outcompete the little guys by focusing only on profits instead of people.

Investing your dollars back into our town ensures that the community values we treasure most will continue for future generations. These same businesses that line Avenida Del Mar and abound back in the business parks also account for most of the employment in San Clemente. By supporting these businesses, you are ensuring thousands of residents can remain employed and provide for their families in this community.

Additionally, we have fantastic local

options to choose from, featuring a variety of awesome gifts. The Chamber enjoys seeing the many creative, practical, and cutting-edge new products that our San Clemente businesses bring forth.

From the largest THE BUSINESS surfboard manufacBUZZ turer in the world to

BY JIM WYNNE multiple e-bike companies, fashionista locations to authentic dining options, and from fur-family accessories to art and music lessons, there is something THE BUSINESS local for everyone BUZZ on your gift list.

BY ARROW SANTOS Because of our beautiful coastal location, many of our businesses earn a large chunk of their annual earnings during the warmer summer months. By our community intentionally shopping local during the end of the year, you give a wintertime boost to our beloved entrepreneurs who must provide for their families all year long—not just during the busy tourist season.

With great privilege comes great appreciation. We have the wild, unfathomable, mathematically improbable fortune of being in the fraction of a fraction of the humans on the globe who get to reside in the 19.5 square miles that we know as San Clemente.

For every family of four living here, there Page 9

are approximately 500,000 people who live somewhere else. You, as an individual, are around eight times more likely to be struck by lightning in your lifetime than to currently reside in San Clemente, compared to those who don’t live here right now.

If you found out you only had a 1 in 123,000 chance of living to see tomorrow, I would hope you would wake up with great enthusiasm upon discovering you were still alive. Yet, those are the odds of you waking up here in our Spanish Village by the Sea every day.

Do you fully appreciate that this Christmas season? As the voice for the Chamber of Commerce, we say go forth and spend locally and generously, stimulate the economy, and happily acquire and gift much more “stuff.”

As your fellow unlikely neighbor, I say there’s no more excellent gift available in this town than already being in this town when needing to look for a gift.

Watch for lightning, reach out to someone you know who is alone this holiday season, and, sincerely, Merry Christmas.

Until next year, Chamber of Commerce out.

Jim Wynne, president of WynneCRE, is a San Clemente local, San Onofre Surfing Club president, and father of five, who serves as the immediate past chairman for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce.

Arrow Santos is a San Clemente native, professional writer/photographer and marketing director of WynneCRE. 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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SOAPBOX

Letters to The Editor SAN CLEMENTE’S CITY COUNCIL ELECTION LEE VAN SLYKE, San Clemente The citizens of San Clemente were fortunate to have so many qualified candidates seeking election to the City Council in 2022.

One unfortunate result is that the three candidates who were successful received only about 40% of the votes cast, while the other nine candidates, none of whom will serve on the City Council, received 60% of the votes cast.

This is not a criticism of the winners, who might well have won by larger margins in a smaller field of candidates, but rather of the style of vote counting we have chosen.

It would have been easy to ensure that each winning candidate received a large share of the vote. The solution is called “ranked-choice voting.” In the case of the City Council race with 12 candidates, each voter could rank the candidates from 1 up to 12.

Another benefit is that ranked-choice voting also minimizes the chance and cost of a runoff election.

Anyone else wish the members of the City Council had a larger share of the votes cast?

RESPONSE TO ‘BETTER TOGETHER’ DENNIS MURPHY, San Clemente After finishing Mark Enmeier’s, “Better Together” wrapped around “one town, one team,” it is certainly refreshing to hear this from him—if true.

Of course, it would be much more appropriate to use “e pluribus unum,” since he claims alignment with “mainstream Democratic ideals.” Remember that old Latin term found on all U.S. coinage— “out of many, one”?

It’s a much more relevant motto signifying American unification, which sadly no longer exists. And we know the Democratic Party is to blame for this disunity and the new world dystopia we now see.

The so-called enemies he referenced were created from this disunity; hence, the “us vs. them” mentality. There is a huge laundry list as to what prompted this American division today, but the most glaring reason is the complete shutdown and suppression of free speech by Demo coercion and tyranny.

Thoughts and ideas which are pro-American, nationalistic, logical and rational intended to keep American life San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

Photo: Adobe Stock

safe and strong are rejected. The party of John F. Kennedy’s America or Mr. Truman’s world is dead and gone, so saying you have mainstream Democratic ideals means absolutely nothing today!

The Democratic Party was hijacked; everyone let it happen. If Mr. Enmeier really believed (as he stated in his letter) that he and his neighbors “listen and respect” one another because they view each other as “more than just a political label,” then he should have left the idiotic Democratic Party, just like Tulsi Gabbard.

Become an American instead. Passing oneself off as aligning with the mainstream Democrat is silly, because they don’t exist. Fabian socialists, Democratic socialists, social Democrats, progressives, Marxists, Leninists and, of course, globalists all speak the same language.

Look around.

As a registered Independent, I would hope I have some standing when I say that Republicans are the stupid party without spines, while the Democratic Party is truly the destructive party. If we are being intellectually honest, the Democratic Party is anti-constitutional, dangerous and weak. Truly un-American and the enemies of freedom. It’s easy to explain the us vs. them.

is innocent until proven guilty. In this case, though, the facts indicate the type of person the Biden administration appointed to this important position that impacts residents of San Clemente.

MEMORIALCARE/DUNCAN MARY KNOX, San Clemente

ENERGY DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF GRAND LARCENY JIM SMITH, San Clemente I hope everyone interested in SONGS saw the news about the senior official in the Department of Energy’s Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition. Sam Brinton, the deputy assistant secretary, has been arrested twice and charged with felony theft for stealing women’s luggage.

First time at the Minneapolis St. Paul Airport and second time in Las Vegas.

In both incidents, airport video showed Brinton traveled without luggage and then allegedly stole bags at baggage claim. They are now on leave from the job.

We all know everyone in the USA

So, new Mayor Chris Duncan wants all of us to be one big happy San Clemente family, and not attack the city. Well, that starts with him and his involvement with closed-door meetings at MemorialCare to develop the massive senior housing project and not disclose his involvement with other city councilmembers or the public.

This last election, he lost his bid for State Assembly, so I did some research into his state campaign contributions.

While it would be difficult to relate these contributions directly to his involvement with MemorialCare, it does raise a suspicious link.

Go to sos.ca.gov/campaign-lobbying; Campaign Finance; Cal-Access Search and type in his name for contributions over $500. I added up over $150,000 of contributions from health care organizations and building trade unions.

Now, while we need to be cautious in directly linking these contributions to MemorialCare, it does raise questions.

Being one “Big Happy City Family” starts with our elected officials being trustworthy, honest, and transparent. I do not believe that is what happened with his involvement with MemorialCare.

AFTER THE ELECTION DONNA VIDRINE, San Clemente City Council Candidate While the final vote count of my election came in 23 votes short, just .03%, this race was absolutely worth running!

I was excited to make a little history, but more excited to have a platform to serve San Clemente residents in a more impactful way.

Had I won, San Clemente would have

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had a majority of Democrats on the City Council for the first time ever. Because I lost, there will be no women representing our community on the council.

That’s a real shame, because women bring a unique perspective to things.

I ran, not just because I am a woman, but because my years of civic and community engagement, my career in nursing, and my service in the military have given me a broad and deep understanding of the value of leadership and the importance of placing the needs and interests of people first.

This was not my race; it was our race.

What I accomplished, I could never have achieved without the love of my family and the amazing support from organizations such as Women in Leadership, Democratic Women of South Orange County, and the Democratic Party of Orange County, along with so many friends from the local community.

A few that deserve special recognition are Laura Pephens, my treasurer; Ken Anderson, who organized and mobilized volunteers; Rachel Lowe, my website manager; and Beth Krom, my campaign coach.

I was also blessed to be surrounded by people who care as much as I do about the future of our city, including friends from the Garden Club, my church, the Rotary Club and Kiwanis. I know that passion will continue to fuel our collective efforts to ensure that our community’s future is strong and bright.

Thank you again, each and every one of you, for everything you did to help me on this journey.

I have no doubt that the momentum we built will pay dividends in many ways.

This is our community, and it is unlike any other. I love living here, I love serving the community here, and I love you.

Have a blessed holiday.

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

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Dec. 16, at 8 a.m.

Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by PFM Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday.

The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

Page 11

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

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

THURSDAY | 15 ‘CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE’ & SANTA’S TOY DRIVE 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Camp Pendleton families and enjoy Christmas home decorations at the same time. Santa will be available for pictures. There will also be cocoa and cookies available, as well as a chance to meet Marines and the California Highway Patrol. 31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

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

Bruce Springsteen cover band the Springsteen Experience will perform.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

FRIDAY | 16 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 7 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Selly & the Stray will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SATURDAY | 17 SANTA PADDLE 9 a.m. Celebrate a California Christmas by dressing up like a reindeer, snowman, elf or Santa for this family-fun Santa Paddle. The paddle group will meet at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor. standuptotrash.com. 34551 Puerto Place, Dana Point.

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

Editor’s Pick Photo: File/Matt Larmand

SUNDAY & TUESDAY | 18 & 20 CHANUKAH IN SAN CLEMENTE Join the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente for Chanukah this year, as it celebrates two nights of Menorah Lighting ceremonies, first at the San Clemente Pier on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m., followed by an event at the Outlets at San Clemente on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 5-6 p.m. At the Pier, the Center invites the community to participate in the lighting of its 10-foot menorah, as well as enjoy music, a Dreidel Man, sufganiot donuts and latkes, dreidels and gelt, and more. There will also be a Build-a-Dreidel Workshop. The public can join the Chabad Jewish Center again at the Outlets’ Oak Tree Court (in front of the movie theatre) for its Grand Menorah Lighting. The event will include a stilt walker with a Gelt and Dreidel parachute drop, balloon twisting, a variety show, crafts for children, hot latkes and donuts, and music. Register for both events online at jewishsc.com. San Clemente Municipal Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.489.0723. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

UNCONDITIONAL’S SENIOR & SPECIAL DOG MEETUP 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Unconditional will host this event to gather like-minded passionate individuals and families in the community to celebrate these special members of the family. The nonprofit’s mission is to help people see the value of senior and special-needs dogs, the companion dog population most at-risk of getting euthanized. The free event will feature goodies for the dogs, snacks and refreshments for families and picture opportunities with Surfer Santa. RSVPs are required at lnkd. in/gRNg8GYH. Heritage Park, 34400 Old Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

portunity to get photos with Santa Claus this holiday season during select weekends. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

SANTA PAWS 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation will host the 10th annual Santa Paws in the Clock Courtyard in Dana Point. Pet photos with Santa will be offered for a $15 donation, with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation. Clock Courtyard, 34521 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. petprojectfoundation.org. 949.492.1617. info@petprojectfoundation.org.

SUNSETS WITH SANTA 3-5 p.m. Enjoy Santa’s weekend visits to the San Clemente Municipal Pier with a beautiful sunset as the backdrop. Visitors are recommended to bring their own cameras. San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.361.8264.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE OUTLETS Noon-6 p.m. Take advantage of an op-

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 2 p.m. Watch a live performance of this holiday classic at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Another showing will be held later in the day at 7 p.m. Performances will run through Dec. 18. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

‘BREAKING EVEN’ MOVIE PREMIERE 7-9 p.m. Dana Point filmmaker Craig Whetter will premiere his new 40-minute film, Breaking Even, which follows Whetter and fellow bodyboarders Tanner McDaniel and Tristan Ray around the world for 12 months. The Page 12

movie—for upcoming generations of bodyboarders and the boogie community overall—is the curation of footage shot in California, Hawaii, Mexico, Chile and Gran Canaria. During the exclusive premiere, there will be shirts, stickers and posters available for purchase.

Tickets are $10. San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. eventbrite.com CONCERT AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Hop into the way-back machine and experience festive songs during “Holiday Music Through the Decades.” Mike Chamberlin will sing records from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, and will bring on special guest Frosty the Snowman for sing-alongs.

Tickets are $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Blues musician Walter Trout will perform at this popular South Orange County venue.. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trout will also perform on Sunday, Dec. 18. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com. sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

SUNDAY | 18

31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

WEDNESDAY | 21

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 parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in at the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches.

Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

CAPISTRANO LIGHTS The annual holiday program features festive lights, music and audio tours.

There will also be Christmas trees, a nativity scene, carolers and nightly tree lightings. Capistrano Lights will be open on select dates through Dec. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.

MONDAY | 19 BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels.

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

TUESDAY | 20 CASA LUMINA HOLIDAY WALK 5-7 p.m. Casa Romantica invites the community to check out its magical garden walk with creative activities and more than 1,000 twinkling lights. On select dates through Dec. 22, explore Casa Romantica’s historic seaside home and gardens, transformed into an illuminated and festively decorated winter wonderland at night. A fun, family-friendly experience for all, each night of the Casa Lumina Holiday Walk will include an illuminated walk through Casa Romantica, live entertainment from local artists, crafts including Letters to Santa, and hot cocoa. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. casaromantica.org.

BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo.

The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-yournumber game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

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

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

Want a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday? Sign up today! sanclementetimes.com/weekender

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San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by

Shelley Murphy

Ho, Ho, Holidays— The Fun of Giving and Receiving

D

ecember is the month of anticipation and expectation.

With the flip of the calendar, pressure to prepare for the holiday hype commences.

Every season, I strive to plan the most wonderful holiday, but I’ve realized holiday perfection is overrated.

Today, I don’t feel the burden to buy, bake, and brighten every December day.

I’m not Scrooge shouting, “Bah, humbug!”—far from it, I love the holidays.

I decorate every inch of our house and wrap the stairway railing with pine needles and twinkling lights.

I plan the festive feast, making my list and checking it twice, to ensure I’ve included everyone’s holiday favorites.

I search online and shop in stores to track down coveted items on my family’s wish lists and wrap the gifts in boxes with bows.

And each year, I look forward to hosting our family Christmas Eve gathering.

For years, my husband and I, and later our kids, spent Christmas Eve with his family. But, after a series of unfortunate events, we started celebrating Christmas Eve with my husband’s older brother and his family.

In the beginning, my sister-in-law and I took turns hosting the occasion and, naturally, trying to top each other by preparing the perfect festive feast.

I can’t remember the catalyst for the change, but long ago, I assumed the hosting duties and ditched the over-the-top holiday hysteria.

Our customary get-together is casual; it includes takeout food and paper plates—holiday-themed, of course.

Some of us dress for the season and others dress for a comfy Christmas buffet.

During the pandemic, my husband lost track of his not-so-tight-knit family.

But, thankfully, he reconnected with his older brother, and after three years, we’re all excited to gather again.

Between our two families, we have

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

four grown kids all on different paths.

Many years ago, we spent Christmas Eve tracking Santa’s journey, but this year I’m seeking time together.

I can’t wait to catch up with my sister-in-law.

It’s said that people come into your life for a reason, a LIFE’S A BEACH season or a lifetime.

BY SHELLEY MURPHY My sister-in-law comes into my life every holiday season.

She is witty with a wicked sense of humor and makes my holiday merrier and brighter.

The mother-in-law we share is legendary for her gift-giving—her eccentric shopping can’t be explained.

Once, she gave me and my sisterin-law each a garish pair of salt and pepper shakers—gaudy doesn’t begin to describe the set.

So, obviously, after that exchange, my sister-in-law and I began gifting each other ugly salt and pepper shakers. The tackier, the better.

After we exchange our gifts on Christmas Eve, the high jinks ensue. The real fun is in the sneaky return of the salt and pepper shakers to the gift-giver.

My sister-in-law began the tradition when she snuck a set that I’d given her back under our tree. We shared lots of laughs the next morning after discovering the shakers hidden among the presents.

Over the years, our competitive exchanges have escalated.

At our last gathering, she somehow hid various hideous sets throughout my house. Long after all the decorations were put away, I opened a drawer to find a pair of frightening snowmen staring back at me and burst into laughter.

A few years ago, after they’d left for the evening, we found several sets of shakers stashed around our house. Not to be outdone, we hired an Uber driver to deliver them to their home later that night.

I’m counting the days until she’ll open this year’s special gift set of salt and pepper shakers—a brightly colored ceramic pair of kissing reindeer.

This holiday, I’m not expecting perfection, but I am anticipating the joys of the season shared with family and friends— including joining in nostalgic reindeer games.

Happy Holidays!

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to Picket Fence Media since 2006. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

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

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured is the Western White

House pool during President Nixon’s time at Casa Pacifica in the early 1970s. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit, as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Chrissy

Seven-month-old Chrissy is a spayed dwarf Lionhead-mix who just can’t wait to find her forever family. Though she can initially be a tad shy with strangers, Chrissy is a curious bunny and enjoys exploring her surroundings in between petting sessions.

She has good litterbox habits and has the makings of a wonderful house rabbit.

If you are interested in adopting Chrissy, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares.

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

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.

Boys Cross Country Finishes 7th at Nationals A historic season for the boys cross country program wrapped up with a strong result on Dec. 3.

The Tritons placed four runners in the top 100 to earn a seventh-place team finish at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. Coming off their first CIF-SS championship and a runner-up finish at state, San Clemente finished in the top one-third of the national field.

Rory Catsimanes, a senior, led the Tritons with a 50th-place finish at 15:49, and senior Juan Chantaca came in 64th at 15:55. Juniors Brett Ephraim (16:04), Pierce Clark (16:16) and Taj Clarck (16:29) rounded out the San Clemente scorers in 87th, 100th and 126th, respectively.

Senior Grant Sestak finished in 127th (16:30), and sophomore Dallin Harrington (16:41) rounded out the Triton contingent in Portland.

Girls Soccer Remains Unbeaten, Defensively Dominant It’s been a long 80 minutes on the pitch for all of the San Clemente girls

soccer team’s opponents this season. The Tritons have yet to be beaten in seven games, with a 5-0-2 record, and San Clemente has allowed only two goals while scoring 12.

While San Clemente remained unranked in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 & 2 poll, the Tritons will likely break into the top 16 when the next poll is released after an impressive run through the Butch Lee Memorial Tournament.

San Clemente opened the tournament with a win over reigning San Diego Division 1 champion Torrey Pines, 3-1, with goals from seniors Makenzie Gutowski, Zona Miller and Sophia Yeskulsky. The Tritons went on to torch St. Margaret’s, 5-0, and beat CIF-SS No. 11 Mater Dei, 1-0.

In the semifinals on Saturday, Dec. 10, San Clemente played to a scoreless draw and advanced on penalty kicks over Eastlake of Chula Vista, and later in the day, the Tritons beat CIF-SS No. 1 Temecula Valley, 2-1.

San Clemente then shut out Edison, 1-0, on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Malia McMahon notched the game-winner off a corner kick. It was the Tritons’ fifth shutout of the season.

San Clemente continues in tournament play in Northern California this weekend and the Excalibur Tournament during the week after Christmas.

Wrestling Places 3 in Carlsbad, Hosts Rotary Classic It was a busy and productive weekend for the San Clemente wrestling program.

The Tritons got their best result from the five-wrestler contingent sent to the Hamada Invitational at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. Cole Robertson, a senior, brought home the lone gold

San Clemente boys wrestling hosted the 48th annual Rotary Classic on Saturday, Dec. 10, and the Tritons finished fourth. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Wrestling

medal for San Clemente on the weekend with a first-place finish at 220 pounds.

Seniors Benjamin Hernandez (138 pounds) and Dominic Morales (152 pounds) collected a third- and fifth-place finish, respectively, at the Invitational.

San Clemente finished 14th as a team.

Back home in San Clemente, the Tritons hosted the 48th annual Rotary Classic.

The Tritons finished fourth as a team with eight podium finishers.

Adam Wronski at 132 pounds, Jakan Rancourt at 138 pounds and John Bobo at 152 pounds each earned second-place finishes. Pierce Woodworth at 106 pounds, Thiago Pereira at 145 pounds, Luca Rosamill at 152 pounds and Max Bolinger and Tony Cappello at 182 pounds all took home third-place finishes.

The San Clemente boys and girls wrestling teams each traveled to El Toro for a dual meet on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Girls Basketball Storms Through Troy Classic

San Clemente boys cross country finished seventh at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon on Dec. 3.

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Athletics

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

The strong start to the season rolled on for the San Clemente girls basketball team last week.

After dropping their opener in the Troy Classic to Orange Lutheran, the Tritons won their next three games to push out to a 7-3 record on the season.

San Clemente defeated Oak Park, 51-34, and followed up with a comeback win over Moreno Valley, 49-45. The Tritons trailed Moreno Valley by 18 points in the third quarter, but 10 fourth-quarter points by Kiley Quillin helped San Clemente rally for the victory. Quillin scored 16 points, and Claire Pham led with 21 points.

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Pham led the Tritons again with 19 points in a 57-48 win over Long Beach Poly to close out the Troy Classic. Pham, Quillin and Kyle Franklin were named to the all-tournament team.

San Clemente continued against Cerritos in the Segerstrom Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 14, but results were not available at press time. The Tritons play Canyon in the tournament on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Alumnus Brzykcy Wins NCAA Soccer National Title The UCLA Bruins were backstopped by a San Clemente Triton in a dramatic NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer championship game on Dec. 5.

Graduate student Lauren Brzykcy made five saves as UCLA completed an incredible comeback over North Carolina, 3-2, in double overtime. The win brought home UCLA’s 120th NCAA championship across all of its athletic programs.

The top-seeded Bruins trailed the No. 2 Tar Heels by two goals through the first 80 minutes, but strikes in the 80th minute and the 90th minute leveled the match to send the final into overtime.

Neither team found the back of the net in the first overtime session, but UCLA scored early in the second overtime to avoid a penalty-kick shootout and claim the national title, the second in program history.

Brzykcy, a 2017 San Clemente graduate, came up with a huge save in the 73rd minute to keep UCLA’s comeback hopes alive.

Brzykcy made 73 saves in 25 games this season with nine shutouts and an impressive 0.56 goals-against average. SC sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

Page 17

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 22FL001095 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Seyed Jamaleddin Ahmadi Abhari; Seyed Jamaleddin Ahmadi Abhari on behalf of Seyed Parsa Ahmadi Abhari and Seyed Pendar Ahmadi Abhari, minors filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name Seyed Jamaleddin Ahmadi Abhari Seyed Parsa Ahmadi Abhari Seyed Pendar Ahmadi Abhari Proposed Name Jamal Abhari Parsa Abhari Pendar Abhari 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: 02/01/2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. Dept.: L74 The address of the court is Orange County Superior Court, Family Law Court Operations, 341 The City Dr S., Orange, CA 92868. Other: Remote. 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 difficulty 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, December 15, 22, 29, January 5, 2022 Date: November 30, 2022, Judge Julie A. Palafox, Judge of the Superior Court PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NOS. 1746 and 1747 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the People of the City of San Clemente, by a majority vote at the General Municipal Election held on November 8, 2022, adopted the following Ordinances: Ordinance No. 1746 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 2.10 OF TITLE 2 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING THE APPOINTIVE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORS VOTING ON THE MEASURE AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TUESDAY, San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

NOVEMBER 8, 2022.

Ordinance 1747 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 2.14 OF TITLE 2 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING THE APPOINTIVE OFFICE OF CITY TREASURER, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORS VOTING ON THE MEASURE AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022.

A full copy of the aforementioned Ordinances are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California. Persons interested in receiving a copy of the Ordinances are invited to contact the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8303 or by email at jimenezm@ san-clemente.org.

LAURA CAMPAGNOLO City Clerk PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NOS. 1740, 1741,1742, 1743, 1744, 1745 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its Regular and Special Meeting of December 6, 2022, introduced the following Ordinances: Ordinance No. 1740 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 17.24.070 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING DENSITY BONUSES AND OTHER AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES REQUIRED BY STATE LAW AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Ordinance No. 1741 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 17.56.100 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMPLY WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 139 REGARDING PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR EMERGENCY SHELTERS AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE NOT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Ordinance No. 1742 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 17.28.270 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE GOVERNING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH CHANGES IN STATE LAW AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA (CEQA) Ordinance No. 1743 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY WITH STATE LAW REGARDING LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Ordinance No. 1744 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUPage 18

NICIPAL CODE TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY WITH STATE LAW REGARDING SUPPORTIVE AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Ordinance No. 1745 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Persons interested in receiving an inspection copy of the Ordinances 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.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente will consider adopting Ordinances 1740, 1741, 1742, 1743, 1744 and 1745 at its meeting of December 20, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente.

LAURA CAMPAGNOLO City Clerk PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 1739 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its Regular and Special Meeting of December 6, 2022, adopted the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 1739 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 10.28.230(B) OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PARKING RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON CITY STREETS AND ALLEYS. A full copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California. Persons interested in receiving a copy of the Ordinance are invited to contact the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8303 or by email at jimenezm@ san-clemente.org.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the above-referenced Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting of November 15, 2022, and was adopted at the Regular and Special City Council meeting of December 6, 2022 by the following vote: AYES: CABRAL, ENMEIER, JAMES, KNOBLOCK, MAYOR DUNCAN NOES:

None

ABSENT: None LAURA CAMPAGNOLO City Clerk PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 1738 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its Regular and Special Meeting of December 6, 2022, adopted the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 1738 entitled AN ORDINANCE

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15 CHAPTERS 15.05, 15.08, 15.11, 15.12, 15.14, 15.16, 15.17, 15.18, 15.20, 15.22, 15.23 AND TITLE 8 CHAPTER 8.16 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE AND, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDINGS STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24), CONSISTING IN PART OF THE 2022 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND THE 2022 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS. A full copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California. Persons interested in receiving a copy of the Ordinance are invited to contact the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8303 or by email at jimenezm@ san-clemente.org.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the above-referenced Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting of November 1, 2022, and was adopted at the Regular and Special City Council meeting of December 6, 2022 by the following vote: CABRAL, ENMEIER, JAMES, KNOAYES: BLOCK, MAYOR DUNCAN NOES:

None

ABSENT: None LAURA CAMPAGNOLO City Clerk PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 22FL001029 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Christy Kate King filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name Christy Kate King Proposed Name Christy Kate Myers 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: 01/18/2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. Dept.: L74 b. The address of the court is Lamoraux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868. Other: Remote. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. sanclementetimes.com

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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, December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2022 Date: November 10, 2022, Judge Mary Krober-Varipapa, Judge of the Superior Court PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226648799 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DELAGRU 131 AVENIDA DE LA GRULLA, APT. A SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): THE CASKEY CREATIVE, LLC 131 AVENIDA DE LA GRULLA, APT. A SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a California Limited Liability Company The registrant commenced to transact business

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a THE CASKEY CREATIVE, LLC/s/SETH CASKEY, SETH CASKEY, MANAGING MEMBER/MANGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/14/2022 Published in: San Clemente Times December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2022

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• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership

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

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

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San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

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SC SURF

Stoked for the Holidays How to shop for the surfers in your life

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

holiday confession, as I write this—I’ve done zero Christmas shopping. I don’t think the deck of Uno cards I impulsively grabbed in the checkout line the other day counts.

Caught in a flurried panic this morning about the holiday shopping crunch—and what I was going to write here this week—some thoughts for those of you, like me, who’ve yet to venture out into the holiday hordes.

I’m a big believer in shopping local and supporting small businesses all the time, but this time of year can really make or break some folks. Rather than funding Jeff Bezos’ next space mission, help keep our mom-and-pop shops afloat. There are so many small surf businesses in our area that could really use the support.

For starters, the area’s core surf shops are the backbone of our surf communities here in Dana Point and San Clemente. Help ’em out.

Whether it’s new clothes, wetsuits or whatever the surfy object of desire may be, we’re lucky to have a lot of great shops that employ a lot of great people.

Swing into your favorite shop and see what they’ve got going on.

You may find that perfect gift, or you may score the ultimate deal; you’ll never know before you go. Oh, and wax makes

A local Christmas elf enjoys an epic day at the Surfing Santa competition at Salt Creek last month. Hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, the event benefits Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that shares the magic of wave-riding with autistic children. Photo: Courtesy of Surfing Santa Contest/Pacific Dream Photography/South County Photo Club

New Zealand, and figuring out what to get him and then shipping it to the other side of the world is a royal pain in the posterior.

Instead, for the past few years, I’ve made donations to charities in his name.

It’s better than sending him something he may not want, and in the end, it’s something we both feel good about.

If you’re keen to support local charities, there are a bunch of outstanding organizations in the area doing amazing work.

A few groups to look into are Surfers Healing, which works with autistic kids; USA Surfing, which is the governing

amazing stocking stuffers—and surfers can never have too much of it.

The same thing goes for surfboards.

If you’re a parent keen on ordering that killer custom shape for your young frother, now’s the time. The board won’t be ready in time for Christmas, but an order form under the tree is a gift that keeps on giving (think fresh new board just in time for summer).

But if you want a board you can put a bow on, check the racks in the local shops. There’s no shortage of beautiful, locally made boards out there.

Some people are just plain hard to shop for. My younger brother lives in

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

body of America’s Olympic program; the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, which preserves and shares the sport’s rich history; and, of course, Surfrider Foundation.

Along that same vein, the Dana Point Surf Club and San Clemente Board Riders are the area’s two big surf clubs.

Both are dedicated to bringing their respective surf communities together and having a positive impact.

Family-oriented and fun, if it’s something you may be interested in supporting or getting involved in, hit them up. Both clubs have active Instagram accounts and can be contacted directly.

And for those on a budget, you’re golden. I’m a big fan of USED Surf. It has an amazing inventory of boards, and its customer service is top-shelf. It’s worth stopping by if you’re in the market for a first surfboard for somebody or a board that won’t break the bank.

While you’re in San Clemente, the Rip Curl Trestles Surf Outlet is the goto for fantastic wetsuit deals.

If and when you shop around the streets of Dana Point and San Clemente, keep in mind, there are things surfers will always use: wax, wax remover, leashes, fins, ding repair kits, sunscreen—and the list goes on.

Even if you’re not on the hunt for the big-ticket items like a board or wetsuit, there are plenty of options to stoke out the surfers in your life.

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

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-60 Degrees F

GROM OF THE WEEK

ISLA PINTO

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L Isla Pinto. Photo: Courtesy of the Pinto Family

San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

earning to surf at the timeless talent pool that is Blackies in Newport Beach, Isla Pinto moved south to San Clemente with her family in 2021 and has been on a roll ever since.

“She started surfing almost every day and doing the dad push-in division at the WSA events,” her dad, David, told San Clemente Times. “She went from riding my board to riding her own 4-foot-8-inch six months later.”

Rolling into double digits over the summer,

a now 10-year-old Isla has been working tirelessly on her surfing. Now competing in the paddle divisions of NSSA and WSA contests, she made a WSA final at Ocean Beach in October and backed that up with an NSSA final in Huntington Beach.

Staying hot in November, she made another WSA final up in the chilly waters of Morro Bay. Most recently, she made yet another WSA final, this time in her home waters at the San Clemente Pier.

“She is progressing quickly and enjoys it thoroughly,” her dad says with a smile. “She’s made some great friends of the solid younger girl crew that regularly surf Trestles.” SC If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

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Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Thursday: Small NW swell blends with a touch of fresh SSW swell, providing knee-thigh high surf to better-exposed breaks while standouts pull in waist-high sets. Clean surface conditions in the early morning from light/variable to locally light offshore wind out of the NE, though a medium tide will slow the small swell mix. Light onshore westerly wind picks up late-morning and builds through the afternoon for bumpier conditions.

Outlook: The SSW swell picks up a touch through the weekend, keeping surf in the knee-waist high range at average breaks as summer focal points pull in a few larger sets.

Morning surface conditions look generally favorable as light winds continue, trending to manageable onshore westerly wind each afternoon. A trend to deep early morning high tides will slow the dawn patrols over the weekend, so spots that can handle the extra water will be your best bet. Look for many breaks to improve as the tide drops through the mornings.

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San Clemente Times December 15-21, 2022

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