December 17, 2020

LO C A L

December 17-23, 2020

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

CoastLines

by Fred Swegles: Not Everyone Enjoys the Horn Blasts PAGE 10

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 51

Olympics-Bound USA Surfing’s Greg Cruse Prepares for Hopeful Summer in Japan S U R F/ PAG E 1 8

Greg Cruse of USA Surfing, pictured here on the left, speaks with San Clemente Times this week to discuss the sport’s debut in the Summer Olympics, which had been postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. Photo: Courtesy of USA Surfing

Families Gather for Drive-In Menorah Lighting EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Senators Appeal to Newsom to Reclassify Restaurants as Essential EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

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OC Jails Ordered to Reduce Population by Half EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

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San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Dozens of Families Gather for Drive-In Menorah Lighting Ceremony THE LATEST: As the sun began to set over San Clemente on Monday evening, Dec. 14, marking the start of the fifth night of Hanukkah, Rabbi Mendel Slavin looked out over a sea of cars parked in a lot at the Outlets at San Clemente.

“This is the strangest thing that I’ve ever done in my life. I’m talking to a bunch of cars,” Slavin joked to the few hundred people who had gathered for a drive-in menorah lighting ceremony that the Chabad Jewish Center held in lieu of its traditional events.

For years, Slavin and the local Jewish center have celebrated Hanukkah by gathering dignitaries and hundreds of members of the community to light a Menorah at the historic pier and at the Outlets.

But with 2020 being what it is, and as the nation enters the darkest period of the pandemic so far with surging coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions, the rabbi and his wife, Tzippy Slavin, were forced to react quickly and alter their course.

“This all started about a week and two days ago, when we realized that due to the rise in cases in Orange County, we would not be able to perform our Hanukkah at the Pier and Hanukkah at the Outlets the way we felt was safe to the community and for our neighbors,” Rabbi Slavin said.

Admittedly, he said, he was ready to move on, calling it a “Hanukkah COVID.” But for Tzippy, he continued, she was adamant about keeping the local event alive in some capacity, spending a night to work on the drive-in concept.

“We have over 80 cars and 250 people!”

Slavin exclaimed of the success of his wife’s efforts, eliciting celebratory horn-honking.

“Some might feel a bit down about Hanukkah,” he later said, adding that for the event, “we are switching this around and taking control of the narrative. We are announcing, in proud Hanukkah fashion, that we have and will be using the gifts of technology that God has granted us.”

Rabbi Slavin said that over the past few days, the center has received calls from people inquiring how they can celebrate the holiday amid the pandemic, as well as asking what the state laws were in terms of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Most of all, it seemed like we were all wondering how to bring back the classic San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

Roughly 250 people, all staying in the comfort of their own cars, gathered at the Outlets at San Clemente on Monday, Dec. 14, for a drive-in menorah lighting ceremony hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

San Clemente

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 12/15/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

1,202

13

535

3

LAST 30 DAYS

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 65,405 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

Hanukkah feeling with everything going on,” he said. “There’s no better holiday than Hanukkah to give us the power to perform beyond our limitations.”

The eight-day tradition of Hanukkah, also referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miracle that the Maccabees witnessed during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem around 200 B.C. According to Jewish text, the Maccabees had only enough oil to keep menorah candles lit for one day. However, the flames lasted for eight days, giving them enough time to find a new supply of oil for the menorah.

“Using the light to combat the dark, the menorah’s light has lit the way for us throughout the darkness of our history— traveling with us, to every exile we have endured,” Rabbi Slavin said. “Now we are faced with a challenge. A social distance, a palpable disconnect that we have all been thrown into.”

Slavin continued that many remain “unsure how to celebrate or how to make this Hanukkah count. Once again, the Hanukkah lights whisper the answer:

Persevere.”—Shawn Raymundo

Bates Part of Bipartisan Effort to Reclassify Restaurants as Essential Businesses THE LATEST: Following Southern California’s fall under a new stay-at-home order, requiring restaurants and eateries to focus solely on takeout services, State Sen. Patricia Bates and a bipartisan group of fellow lawmakers are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to reclassify the restaurant industry as an essential service.

In a letter sent on Friday, Dec. 11, to Newsom’s office and signed by 11 state senators including Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), the group implored the governor to place restaurants under critical infrastructure “before even more damage is done to our communities.”

“The COVID-19 guidelines implemented by your Administration have had a devastating impact on the restaurants that provide

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critical jobs and revenue to our communities,” the letter stated. “Many restaurants have gone out of business, and now, with the approach of the winter and new guidelines that restrict indoor dining, many others will be forced to consider similar choices.”

The Southern California Region, including Orange County, was placed under a threeweek, stay-at-home order beginning last week as coronavirus cases continued to skyrocket, causing a record number of hospitalizations and depleting capacity in intensive care units.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 15, the adjusted available ICU capacity in the region was at 1.7%. In Orange County, the adjusted capacity available was at 1.4%.

Under the new stay-at-home restrictions, which are expected to last through at least Dec. 27, private gatherings and the mixing of households are prohibited, while maskwearing is required in all sectors.

While all in-person dining, bars, breweries, wineries, hair salons and barbershops, and personal care services must remain closed, restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery. Retail and grocery stores can remain open with 20% customer capacity.

Though some eateries have complied with the order, switching to takeout services, many around San Clemente, namely in the downtown district, have continued to operate their outdoor dining sections in order to stay afloat.

A recent survey that the National Restaurant Association conducted found that 100,000 U.S. bars and restaurants have had to close their doors either permanently or for a long-term period. The staggering figure represents roughly 15% of the industry, news outlets reported.—SR

Council Allocates Coronavirus Assistance Funds Toward Economic Development, Homeless Outreach THE LATEST: The city council on Tuesday, Dec. 15, unanimously voted to accept more than $445,000 in community block grants from the federal government to address the COVID-19 pandemic locally, directing most of the money to go toward economic relief for small businesses.

The $445,109 in Community Development Block Grants to the city marks the latest round in funding under the CARES Act— the economic relief measure passed in late March to provide aid to families, businesses and municipalities during the pandemic.

More than $253,000 has been earmarked for economic development purposes, providing grants to businesses in need of personal protective equipment, as well as helping pay rent and utilities. The funds could also help restaurant owners (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) recoup some of the costs associated with establishing their outdoor dining areas.

Another $103,044 will pay for the city to hire its own homeless outreach worker, contracted under a limited term and tasked to work alongside code enforcement staff and homeless liaison officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“The position would serve as the City’s liaison to other service providers and mobile street outreach organizations and coordinate services and provide linkages to available resources for people and families experiencing homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the city said in its agenda report.

Most of the remaining $89,021 from the grant has been allocated toward the city’s administrative costs associated with the management of the funds, the program and its reporting. However, the council directed staff to identify any cost savings for the administrative funds and redirect those potential savings toward the economic development monies.—SR

OC Jails Ordered to Reduce Population by Half THE LATEST: Amid an outbreak of coronavirus cases that continues to grow within the county’s jail system, the Orange County Superior Court has ordered a 50% reduction among the local prison population—a move, Sheriff Don Barnes said, that “will result in the release of more than 1,800 inmates.”

Superior Court Judge Peter Wilson on Friday, Dec. 11, ordered Barnes to reduce the county’s prison population

by one-half in order to implement proper social-distancing measures, as well protect medically vulnerable inmates.

In his 30-page ruling, Wilson stated that the facts of the case found “that conditions in the Jail do not permit proper social distancing, there is no mandatory testing of staff or asymptomatic detainees after intake, and no strictly enforced policy for requiring masks for all staff interactions with inmates.”

According to the ruling, Barnes will need to draft by the end of the month a Release Plan that must identify medically vulnerable inmates, and he is also required to maintain the population reduction, as well as a “strict policy of face mask wearing” by all staff whenever they’re within 6 feet of an inmate.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California, one of the organizations that filed the classaction lawsuit against Barnes this past April, praised the ruling, calling it a victory for the “incarcerated people who had the courage to speak out about Sheriff Barnes’ failed response to COVID-19.”

“The court’s decision to alleviate the pressure on the jail by depopulating will help prevent the medical infrastructure— in the jail and in the surrounding community—from becoming totally overwhelmed,” Daisy Ramirez, jails conditions and policy coordinator at ACLU SoCal, said in a press release. “This order recognizes that we must not forget the humanity of incarcerated people, and they should not be put in mortal danger.”

The order comes as the county’s jail system is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases. On Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported having 412 inmates who tested positive for the virus—up from the 102 reported cases

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Bates Assigned to Legislative Committees for Upcoming Session State Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) has been assigned to nearly a dozen legislative committees for the 2021-2022 session, and she will serve as vice-chair of a handful of them, including Appropriations, Environmental Quality and Transportation.

Bates, who represents the 36th Senate District comprising South Orange County cities such as Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, will also sit on the Pandemic Emergency Response special committee.

Additionally, Bates has also been assigned to the rosters of the Insurance and Rules committees, the Business, Professions and Economic Development committee, as well as the Housing committee, San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

Sen. Patricia Bates will sit on 11 committees in the upcoming legislative session. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

just five days earlier.

Cumulatively, 6,152 inmates have tested positive at the county’s jails since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest report from OCSD. Responding to the order in a prepared statement, Barnes last Friday said that OCSD is “evaluating the order, its impacts and our options for appeal.” He also warned of the ruling’s potential risk to the community.

“Many of these inmates are in pre-trial status for, or have been convicted of, violent crimes and will be released back into the community,” he said. “This order puts our community at substantial risk and does not take into account the impact on the victims of these crimes.”—SR

Family Medicine Physician Gives Wellness Tips THE LATEST: As anxiety mounts and COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Dr. Kayla Ramsey spoke with families about the best ways they can stay safe and level-headed.

Ramsey—who works at the Hoag Medical Group location in San Clemente— shared health advice with Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) families during a virtual town hall hosted by the district on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The pandemic has affected kids’ mental health because they’ve been forced to change their routines and have had to miss significant life events including typical ceremonies, Ramsey said.

“They’ve had breaks in the continuity of health care,” Ramsey said. “A lot of these kids have been missing their immunizations. They haven’t been able to have access to a lot of mental health and occupational health services.”

delivered numerous Christmas gifts—including toys, games, stuffed animals and dolls—to the children at Deluz Community at Camp Pendleton.

Various San Clemente businesses, organizations and churches, as well as individual SCARWF members, donated items for the annual gift-giving event, according to the local group.

“Our goal is to recognize those Marine families for their service to our country and help provide a little extra joy for Christmas,” the group said in a press release.

Exchange Club Supports Local Groups with $7,000 in Contributions

which she will also serve as vice-chair.

For the upcoming legislative session, she’ll also sit on three joint committees: Legislative Budget, Emergency Management, and Rules.

SCARWF Delivers Christmas Gifts

On Dec. 10, the San Clemente Area Republican Women Federated (SCARWF)

The Exchange Club of San Clemente this month has contributed more than $7,000 to eight local organizations that provide assorted support services to the community in various ways, including the military, seniors and the homeless.

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Kids don’t always have the words to express their worries, Ramsey said. Symptoms to watch out for include increased irritability, trouble sleeping, losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed, and changes in eating habits.

Virtual learning has also presented a new world for students and families. Keeping a daily schedule is important, Ramsey said. That includes setting a time to wake up, get dressed, and have breakfast.

“Having enough breaks (is recommended)—young kids may not be able to focus with virtual learning as easily as, maybe, the older kids,” Ramsey said. “Allowing 20 minutes of class, followed by 10 minutes of physical activity and a little bit of a break (is beneficial). Older kids may be able to focus a bit longer.”

Even with the increase in virtual learning and time spent on electronic devices, Ramsey recommended not getting completely absorbed by technology.

“Limits are so important,” Ramsey said.

“As always, technology should be used constructively. You shouldn’t push out sleep, family time.”

Ramsey recommended hand-washing, as have most health experts throughout the pandemic.

Ramsey also mentioned the incoming vaccine, which will initially be distributed to frontline health care workers and highrisk individuals, with availability to the general public coming later.

“A lot of places are expected to get this vaccine pretty soon,” Ramsey said. “I know some counties are already distributing it.”

Mass vaccination is expected to be available in the spring. —Collin Breaux EDITOR’S NOTE: Find extended versions to all these stories at sanclementetimes.com.

Club President Larry Rannals, along with Vice President Don Brown, recently met with heads of a handful of the organizations, presenting checks to such groups as Age Well Senior Services and the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, Family Assistance Ministries and the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area.

FAM and the senior center each received $1,000 checks, while the Boys & Girls Club received a $2,000 contribution from the Exchange Club.

Other organizations that received contributions in early December included Community Outreach Alliance, i-5 Freedom Network, Pier Pride Foundation, American Heroes Tribute, and the San Clemente Military Family Outreach.

Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published. Email sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: The Business Buzz by Susie Lantz

It’s Time to Explore San Clemente

W

hen you’re visiting or moving to a new place, do you feel a bit lost? How do you know where to eat, what to do or how to connect?

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce has helped thousands of individuals to become familiar with San Clemente and shift from “totally lost” to “totally in-the-know.”

For many years, the Chamber has produced an annual printed and digital resource guide. This guide serves to familiarize San Clemente visitors and residents alike with our hundreds of business members and organizations; it provides facts that spotlight just about everything you want to know about our city.

As one can imagine, THE BUSINESS the pooling of this BUZZ

By Susie Lantz information is a massive endeavor. And the production of a 50-page comprehensive directory is quite the undertaking for a small, but mighty, Chamber of Commerce staff.

With most of the Chamber’s major events canceled this year due to COVID-19, we were

Letters to The Editor RESPONSE TO ‘BATES TAKES CREDIT’ SEN. PATRICIA BATES, Laguna Niguel

To set the record straight, I am not taking credit for the passage of SB 2 (2017). While I support many of SB 2’s goals, I did not support the final version, because it contained a new tax on real estate documents that affects homeowners facing foreclosure proceedings.

However, when there is state funding that is awarded to our district, my constituents should know about it. My press release made it clear that the Department of Housing and Community Development awarded funding to local governments.

The people expect their elected repSan Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

afforded the opportunity to “get creative” and to consider a new directory format and publisher for 2021 and beyond. Thankfully, our new publisher, as it turns out, was right here in our own backyard.

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we have selected a seasoned publishing partner to produce our new and improved annual directory, Explore San Clemente. And that partner is undoubtedly your favorite source of weekly local news—the news that you are reading at this very moment— that of Picket Fence Media.

For nearly 15 years, Picket Fence Media has provided outstanding weekly local news coverage in San Clemente with the San Clemente Times, in Dana Point with the Dana Point Times and in San Juan Capistrano with The Capistrano Dispatch.

Additionally, they publish the destination guides for both the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano Chambers of Commerce.

Picket Fence Media’s publications have long been admired by readers because of their excellent, timely and unbiased reporting, thoughtfully designed layouts, professional photography, and, most importantly, PFM’s commitment to ethical publishing. They are truly a business run by locals, for locals.

Five thousand copies of Explore San Clemente will distribute in April of 2021. Detailed planning is already underway; the Chamber staff and PFM are currently working on design and editorial themes that are sure to impress visitors, residents and informationseekers throughout the community.

Advertising in the new Chamber directory will be led by Picket Fence Media’s Associate Publisher, Lauralyn Loynes, with ad opportunities available to both Chamber members and nonmembers. Chamber members will receive excellent pricing incentives. The publication will also be available digitally, via the Chamber’s and San Clemente Times’ websites.

To be the first to receive information about advertising in Explore San Clemente, please contact Lauralyn at lloynes@picketfencemedia. com or 949.388.7700, ext. 102.

For San Clemente Chamber of Commerce membership information, contact me at susie@scchamber.com.

We look forward to delivering you this beautiful and comprehensive guide in 2021, and for many years to come.

After all, every day is a good day to Explore San Clemente.

Susie Lantz is the membership director for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, and works alongside Arlen Flores, director of Operations, and Joey Brett in Customer Relations. Susie joined the Chamber in 2019, after having spent several years working in advertising and marketing with the San Clemente Times, where she remains a loyal supporter of local media and the Picket Fence Media family. 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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

resentatives to fight for their community’s share of tax dollars from state programs.

Not unlike a school bond, once these programs are implemented, legislators have a responsibility to ensure the funds are distributed fairly, even if they disagree with how these programs are funded.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@sanclementetimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. 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. Limit your letters to 350 or fewer words.

Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

MASK DEFIANCE KEN ANDERSON, San Clemente

It’s sad to see people in San Clemente burning masks in the middle of a pandemic.

These science-challenged individuals show no concern for their fellow citizens or any recognition of the more than 300,000 Americans who have died from this disease.

One can only hope that when a vaccine is distributed, these same people won’t pour it into the streets, claiming it’s their “God-given constitutional right” not to take it, and by doing so, continue to infect the population.

Join SC Times for a virtual Beachside Chat on Friday, Dec. 18, at 8 a.m. The chat is hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday.

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US C I T Y E D I TO R Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

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 PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

O P E R AT I O N S

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 15, Issue 51. 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 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE SC TIMES CORRECTION: On page 13 of the San Clemente Times’ Dec. 10 edition, the Holiday Happenings calendar listed several holiday-related events occurring throughout South Orange County, including A Not-So-Silent Night Outdoor Christmas Experience, hosted by South Shores Church.

The event took place on Saturday, Dec. 12.

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to San Clemente Times by going to sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Thursday | 17 VIRTUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION All day. Join the city of San Clemente for this year’s Gingerbread House Competition, running through Dec. 20.

Participants can compete in one of three divisions: Youth (15 and under); Adult (16 years and up); and Group (team/ families). Pictures of the creations can be sent to recreationmail@san-clemente.org.

All entries will be displayed in the city’s Virtual Rec Gallery. SC Prize Packs will be awarded to the first-place winners from each category. Contact the city’s Beaches,

Parks and Recreation Department at 949.429.8797 for more details on the competition. san-clemente.org.

Friday | 18 DRIVE-IN MOVIE ON THE MEADOWS 5-7:30 p.m. The city is bringing The Grinch to the meadows at Vista Hermosa Sports Park for a drive-in movie night. Admission is $15 per vehicle. Each parking spot will be marked in advance and have 6 feet of distance on both sides. Pre-registration for vehicles is required through the city’s website. Parking will open 90 minutes before the show, and all vehicles must be in place 15 minutes before showtime. Parking is firstcome, first-served. Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Sunday | 20 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.

At the Movies: Less-Popular Holiday Movies to Enjoy This Month

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

ith the second wind of public movie theaters closing for the remainder of the year and holiday season, movie fans have succumbed to revisiting old favorites. So, to make it sweet and simple, I’m going to recommend and chronicle some less-popular holiday films to watch the rest of December.

I started Thanksgiving weekend with Leo McCarey’s The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945), the equally well-received sequel to McCarey’s Going My Way (1944). I always think it’s funny this is considered a holiday movie just because of one single scene set during Christmas, but for something new, St. Mary’s is a fine viewing option. While Richard Curtis’ Love Actually (2003) is now the go-to modern holiday romcom for movie fans, one family-appropriate, seasonal picture is Woody Allen’s romance-musical Everyone Says I Love You (1996). This film can also work as a late-1990s set remake of Vincente Minnelli’s classic Meet Me in St. Louis (1944).

Keeping the cute theme going, I watched for the first time Rob Reiner’s teen romcom The Sure Thing (1985). Somewhat overlooked these days compared to other teen movies in which John Cusack stars, The Sure Thing is enjoySan Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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Photo: Courtesy of Embassy Pictures / Monument Productions

able along the same lines of Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night (1934) and John Hughes’ Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987).

And, finally, for the first time in years, I watched Penny Marshall’s modern remake of The Preacher’s Wife (1996). While Henry Koster’s original hit, The Bishop’s Wife (1947) with Cary Grant and Loretta Young, seems to be the standard nowadays, I find Marshall’s effort still works, for the most part, and not just because Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston make a good-looking pair. So, if anyone’s in need of ideas for some last-minute holiday movie viewing, these are a few decent ones that aren’t overexposed. SC sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

Not Everyone Enjoys the Horn Blasts

A

s songwriter Paul Simon wrote, “Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance/Everybody thinks it’s true.”

Like many people in town, I was shocked when 112-decibel train horns suddenly roared back to life in San Clemente after nearly five years of mostly quiet.

We learned that a silencing of routine horn blasts, approved five years ago by the Federal Railroad Administration, had expired and that the FRA rejected a renewal.

From 2008 to 2016, San Clemente got to listen to some 1,400 horn blasts a day from 50 or so trains that ran through town. Then on June 25, 2016, the routine blasts ceased.

There’s been some buzz on social media about horn resurgence.

Most of the comments I saw were in love with COASTLINES

By Fred Swegles train horns.

A select sampling: “I like the train horns!” “Me too!” “Personally, I enjoy the sound of the train.” “If you don’t like the train horn, then don’t buy a house near the train tracks. Simple!”

Except it’s not that simple. My guess is that most who find the train horns romantic don’t live anywhere near the tracks.

TRAIN IN THE DISTANCE I live 2½ blocks up from the beach trail.

The horns aren’t loud enough to bother me.

I can sleep through them. I know people who do live closer, where blasts can be reverberating, especially if it’s a 2 a.m. freight train.

I can hear 20 of the 28 horns that northbound train operators apply at seven pedestrian crossings along our beach trail.

If I count carefully, I can tell which ones are Calafia, Lasuen, South T-Street, the Pier and Corto Lane.

Occasionally, I can faintly hear additional horns, after trains pass my neighborhood, round Mariposa Point and toot four times each at El Portal and Dije Court.

Paul Simon got it right.

Train horns actually are a big deal.

Can there be any other town in America that got 1,400 horn blasts a day, like San Clemente did upon opening seven new pedestrian RR crossings with completion of our beach trail in 2008?

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

A Metrolink train passes a safety-equipped pedestrian RR crossing at San Clemente’s Calafia Beach, with a relocated Christmas tree in the foreground. Photo: Fred Swegles

I recall the 10-year regulatory campaign the city undertook to win a waiver from the federal horn-tooting rule that the FRA had enacted in 2005.

People living near the tracks had never dreamed the Feds would suddenly mandate a new nationwide safety standard— four blasts at every RR crossing anywhere.

It just happened to coincide with San Clemente starting to build a 2.3-mile beach trail designed to improve RR safety.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND For decades, pedestrian activity along our coastal RR corridor was an unfenced free-forall. People crossed wherever they wanted.

Then the Orange County Transportation Authority took ownership of the tracks to introduce commuter rail service.

Years later, RR police announced a ticketing campaign in San Clemente to halt railroad trespassing.

That didn’t sit well with beachgoers. So, the city decided to create a win-win, a scenic beach trail with landscaping, rustic fencing and safety-equipped crossings at intervals.

The city was just starting to build this when the horn rule went into effect in 2006. If the Feds had announced a proposed horn-blasting rule nationwide and held public hearings in thousands of impacted communities, there could have been a firestorm of political pushback.

Trains have, always, sounded the horn when engineers spot trespassers or dangerous behavior. The 2005 rule required routine blasts. Communities could apply for a waiver—a Quiet Zone—by adding safety amenities at crossings. Even then,

train operators could still sound the horn anytime they spot danger.

WHAT THE HECK? When San Clemente’s celebrated $14 million beach trail opened its seven crossings, trains began hitting the horn repeatedly, one crossing to the next.

OCTA got complaints from eight cities along the Orange County corridor about noise. The agency put up $85 million to help communities apply for and achieve 52 designated Quiet Zones. San Clemente got Quiet Zones for two crossings at North Beach. But the seven beach trail crossings weren’t eligible, the FRA ruled.

One woman who lived atop the bluff between two crossings testified that health challenges she faced, magnified by eight horn blasts per train, were life-threatening.

In the Pier Bowl, where train blasts ricochet off the bowl to produce a cavernous echo, guests staying at seaside inns began demanding refunds, unable to sleep through the 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. freight trains.

“It’s been driving us nuts,” innkeeper Rick Anderson said.

Train horns were life-changing for residents all along the corridor. Plus, the question of homeowners’ No. 1 life investment: property value. What if they felt compelled to flee the noise and were required to disclose “why” to would-be homebuyers?

AN ALTERNATIVE In lieu of a Quiet Zone, OCTA and San Clemente were able to apply for the nextbest thing: Put 80-decibel whistles, plus ad-

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ditional fencing and other safety features at a total cost of $4.8 million, at the seven crossings as a substitute for locomotives’ 112-decibel blasts.

Some saw it as odd: Why was a stationary horn necessary? Don’t descending yard arms, flashing red lights and a ding-ding-ding provide enough clues that a train is coming, plus the blast of a real train horn for any pedestrians who didn’t “get” the clues?

The city won permission for fake train horns, over objections from BNSF freight line and Amtrak.

Train blasts halted on June 25, 2016.

There was a ribbon-cutting. I recently reviewed news articles from then and didn’t notice any announcement the reprieve was only for five years.

Local officials did appeal to beachgoers and trail walkers to stay off the tracks and appeal to any trespassers they see.

“Trespassing can blow this whole thing for our community,” we were told. “Share that news with anybody you happen to see on the trail.”

EPILOGUE Last week, San Clemente Times published an article listing technical deficiencies that the FRA had cited in its denial of a waiver extension. Metrolink and the city are correcting identified issues.

Recently, there was social media buzz after the city abruptly removed a citizen Christmas tree that’s been placed yearly within Calafia Beach’s RR crossing.

The city actually removed two trees— one, and then a replacement—hoping the FRA wouldn’t arrive for a scheduled safety inspection and say, “What’s this liability doing inside the crossing?”

Happily, the city put both trees back up, nearby, just not in Calafia Beach’s RR safety zone.

The city could perhaps have explained upfront why the tree(s) couldn’t be left there. It makes sense to find ways to celebrate Christmas without risking upsetting the FRA at a critical inspection.

The town needs to stay vigilant. Let’s hope the waiver renewal comes smoothly, without reopening a regulatory can of worms as our beach trail did—an unintended consequence.

The beach trail was well-intentioned. So was the federal rule. They can coexist.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with five decades of reporting experience in the city. Fred can be reached at fswegles@picketfencemedia.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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Coco SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

oco is a canine cutie with a personality as sweet her name suggests. She loves nothing as much as being in your arms and would likely stay there all day if you let her.

If you’re looking for an affectionate and loyal friend, Coco might just be your perfect match.

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

Coco.

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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 Last week’s solution:

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The lobby of Hotel San Clemente, circa early 1930s.

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 editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

Page 12

See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

SC San Clemente

LO C ALS O NLY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

’Tis the Season to Support One Another

T

his will be a year that we want to forget, but, unfortunately, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for many years to come.

A large portion of our population has suffered disproportionately from this crisis, and I applaud those who have found ways to support others—grocery shopping for a high-risk neighbor, respecting social-distancing guidelines, helping a friend learn how to Zoom, dropping off a treat to cheer someone up—throughout the year and who will continue to do so through the holiday season.

Sadly, both overdoses and deaths by suicide have been higher than average since the start of the pandemic in March.

People with the diseases of mental health and addiction often live in the margins, with shame and embarrassment, and rely heavily on support groups and meetings that connect them to others who understand the challenges they face every day.

The majority of these types of services had a lag in moving online, leaving a major gap in treating these deadly diseases.

Thankfully, we found new ways to provide both professional and WELLNESS AND supportive services, PREVENTION

By Susan but many have been Parmelee lost in the shuffle, many may not have adequate Wi-Fi or equipment, and we have been faced with a new wave of mental health symptoms related to the overwhelming challenges of living in a pandemic.

According to a June report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of U.S. adults have reported struggling with mental health or addiction.

Many individuals and families who have no experience accessing mental health support do not know how to find services. If you or someone you know is looking for support, please visit BeWellOC’s website for a list of resources.

This is where our community has the opportunity to rise to the occasion and to take extra care to look after one another.

Due to current infection levels, we again are physically isolated from one

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

another—which, as we all realize, can have negative impacts on our mental health—so we need to make a real effort to be sure no one is suffering from lack of connections or a lack of basic needs.

Please try to make daily texts or calls to at least three friends or family members.

Within our own households, it is important to not set unrealistic expectations for ourselves and to allow grace and acceptance for the emotions we have about this challenging holiday season. Gather as a family and decide which traditions and rituals you are able to do safely and then work together to schedule new traditions that you may choose to keep, or not, for following holidays.

Some creative activities I have heard about include virtual scavenger hunts, family talent shows, holiday-themed trivia nights, and driving safaris to find your favorite outdoor lighting displays.

It is important for all of us to look at a calendar and see upcoming events that will help to bring joy to our holidays.

Here’s a list of a few resources targeted to address various aspects during the pandemic: • Family Assistance Ministries is one resource for families in need of food and shelter.

• The Orange County Health Care Agency offers mental health and suicide prevention resources.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, bodymindspiritiop.com

ATTORNEY Aaron Lloyd Bankruptcy Attorney 949.544.9355, 2377 S. El Camino Real, lloydlegal.com Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, CA 92629, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

DENTISTS Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, suite B, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

MUSIC LESSONS Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.com Rock Club Music School 73 Via Pico Plaza, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Executive Director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org. She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org. 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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

CARPET CLEANING Holiday Special Save 20% Commercial Residential Cleaning South Orange County Carpet Upholstery Tile & Grout Natural Stone Licensed & Bonded Certified Free Estimates Call 949.427.2904 or Schedule Online at CommercialResidential Cleaning.com

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

RESTAURANTS Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS Salon Bleu 207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, scsalonbleu.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com

• Call 911 for any health or safety emergencies.

• Contact the Orange County Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 949.770.6011 to request welfare checks.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

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

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

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For pricing call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

HELP WANTED WAREHOUSE POSITION Must have experience in shipping and receiving, forklift certified, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. Full-Time, benefits, 401K. ...

Please email your resume (if available) to: dromero@ndaonline.net To fill out an application please email request to: dromero@ndaonline.net Or contact the office to speak with Gil for warehouse position.

Debe tener experiencia en el envío y bodega, forklift certificado, debe tener licencia de conducir válida con un registro de conducción limpio. Tiempo completo, beneficios, 401K. ...

Por favor envíe su currículum (si está disponible) a: dromero@ndaonline.net Para llenar una solicitud por favor envíe un correo electrónico a: dromero@ndaonline.net O póngase en contacto con la oficina para hablar con Gil para el puesto de almacén/bodega. Telefono 949.492.4399 P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start!

Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/ Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

WANTED SHORT-TERM HOME/ CONDO RENTAL Seeking Short-term Home/ Condo Rental. Business person saving for a down pmt. to buy home. Trade for 4 month rental: Exquisite Estate Emerald, Gold and Diamond ladies jewelry. Appraised $12,400 (GIA). Highest Ref. Call M. Milano 310-704-6054 sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206589978 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE POST STOP SAN CLEMENTE 647 CAMINO DE LOS MARES SUITE #108 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673-2806 Full Name of Registrant(s): JULIE ANN MOFFATT 23674 POMELO ROAD CORONA, CA 92883 DANIEL SCOTT MOFFATT 23674 POMELO ROAD CORONA, CA 92883 This business is conducted by a Married Couple The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 11/17/20 /s/JULIE MOFFATT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/18/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times Dec 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01172067 To All Interested Persons: Tuong Van Thi Nguyen has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Tuong Van Thi Nguyen PROPOSED NAME A. Van Nguyen Gebhardt The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of 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 heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 01/19/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. 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 Date: November 25, 2020 JUDGE WALTER P. SCHWARM, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, December 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206588199 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PASSION PALM BEACH CAFE 1700 AVENIDA ESTACION SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): PASSION PALM INC. 555 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE A382 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/PASSION PALM INC, CARLOS HERNANDEZ, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/28/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times November 26, December 3, 10, 17 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE City of San Clemente In accordance with the State of California Government Code Section 40804, each city is required to publish a summary of its Annual Report of Financial Transactions. Following is a summary of Fiscal Year 2020 financial transactions for the City of San Clemente, based on the City Financial Statements.

Net Expenditures/ Program Revenues Total Expenditures (Excess) Revenues Governmental: 7,831,304 638,027 7,193,277 General Government 29,541,639 2,038,020 27,503,619 Public Safety 24,715,042 9,061,179 15,653,863 Public Works 6,951,570 3,555,888 3,395,682 Community Development 10,641,892 3,722,412 6,919,480 Beaches, Parks & Recreation 2,371 2,371 Interest and fiscal charges Business: Water Sewer Other

20,193,508 13,915,885 4,350,941

23,496,904 11,263,409 4,744,933

(3,303,396) 2,652,476 (393,992)

118,144,152

58,520,772

59,623,380

General Revenues Taxes Investment Earnings Miscellaneous

52,121,282 4,190,748 33,030

Excess/(Deficiency) of General Revenue Over Net Expenditures

(3,278,320)

Beginning Fund Balance/Working Capital

498,981,270

Ending Fund Balance/Working Capital

495,702,950

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206589611 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HOONIVERSE 24658 VIA RAZA LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 Full Name of Registrant(s): JEFF GLUCKER 24658 VIA RAZA LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 9/30/2009 /s/JEFF GLUCKER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/16/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 2020

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA)

• Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale

• Name Changes

• Summons – Divorce – Civil

• Lien Sale

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• Alcoholic Beverage License

• Non-Responsibility

• Notice to Creditors

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

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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SC San Clemente

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

A Path Forward State provides longawaited sports guidance tied to tier system

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

H

igh school and youth sports finally have a pathway to a return to play, as the California Department of Public Health delivered long-awaited and delayed state guidance on sports on Monday, Dec. 14.

The guidance is tied to the state’s fourtiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system, with sports assigned to the different colored risk tiers based on indoor or outdoor venues and low, moderate or high contact within those sports.

The guidelines also mark Jan. 25 as the earliest start date for competition, provided that the county or region is no longer under the state’s regional stay-at-home order. Orange County and Southern California are currently under a stay-at-home order through Dec. 27, and if that order is extended, it could continue at least through Jan. 17.

The CDPH will reevaluate the situation and the Jan. 25 start date on Jan. 4. The CIF-Southern Section is slated to update its fall sports championship plans on Jan. 19.

High school sports are spread throughout the four tiers, which may come as good news for those teams in the purple “widespread” and red “substantial” risk levels, but not great news for those teams in the orange “moderate” and yellow “minimal” risk tiers.

In the purple tier, outdoor low-contact sports such as cross country, golf, swimming, tennis and track and field are able to return. Orange County has been back in the purple tier since the state pulled an “emergency brake” on the monitoring system on Nov. 16. Cross country is the only fall sport in this group, which makes it the only sport potentially able to start on Jan. 25.

In the red tier, outdoor moderate-contact sports such as baseball, cheerleading, girls lacrosse and softball can return to competition. Orange County was in the red tier for 10 weeks from Sept. 8 until Nov. 16.

In the orange tier, outdoor high-contact sports such as football, boys lacrosse, soccer and water polo will be able to return, as well as indoor low-contact sports such as volleyball. Orange County has not entered the orange tier since the tier system

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

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Sports have been assigned different risk tiers based on outdoor or indoor and level of contact.

Football can return in the orange “moderate” tier.

Photo: Lori Coulson

was introduced on Aug. 28. The county seemed ready to move to the orange tier at the end of September before a slight uptick held the metrics at the red level.

In the yellow tier, indoor moderate- and high-contact sports such as basketball, cheerleading and wrestling will be able to return.

The CIF State office and the 10 CIF sections had first sent a plan to the CDPH for review in October. That plan also was linked to the state’s tier system, but the plan called for sports to be allowed in the top two tiers.

“It is important to note that what was recommended by our CIF Sports Medicine Advisory Committee is not what we see here,” CIF-SS Commissioner Rob Wigod said. “We requested that all sports be conducted in the Red Tier and were hopeful that we would be allowed to proceed accordingly. While that is not the case today, I want to assure you that the dialogue will continue between the CIF and the California Department of Public Health to try and advocate for the return of education-based athletics as soon as that can happen in a healthy and safe way.”

Unless the guidelines are adapted or the coronavirus tracking metrics take a dramatic turn for the better in the new year, CIF-SS competition in high-profile sports such as football and basketball could be far away. All of Southern California is currently in the purple tier, and almost all of the CIF-SS counties have been in red or purple since the system was introduced.

Monday’s guidance was the first state guidance on sports since Aug. 3. After the shutdown in mid-March, Orange County allowed youth practices on June 15, but the state counteracted that with guidance on July 8. Capistrano Unified School District programs have been running conditioning workouts since Aug. 18, and the CIF-SS originally planned to return to play with a starting date of Dec. 12. SC sanclementetimes.com

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SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Olympic-Bound A Conversation with USA Surfing’s Greg Cruse

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or San Clemente’s Greg Cruse, 2020 was supposed to be the culmination of a life’s work. He was supposed to lead the first-ever United States Surf Team in their Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games. Then came COVID-19, and everything changed.

Undeterred, Cruse, the CEO of USA Surfing, the governing body of the U.S. surf program, has made good use of the year-long break. The Olympic team, comprising San Clemente residents Kolohe Andino and Caroline Marks, as well as World Champs Carissa Moore and John John Florence, has come together more under Cruse’s leadership.

And the coaching staff, led by former U.S. Open winner Brett Simpson, continues to work with the surfers who are bound for the Tokyo Games next summer, as well as the up-and-coming talent emerging from around the country.

Of course, none of this has been easy. Cruse will be the first one to tell you that all of this has been a lot of work, as is anything worth doing. San Clemente Times caught up with him last week, and here’s what he had to say:

It’s been a crazy year, obviously. Can we start with a status update on the U.S. surf program and the Olympics?

Sure, let’s start with the Olympics and work our way backwards. Obviously, the postponement was a huge disappointment for everyone. But it actually has been a little bit of a silver lining for us, because we had some athletes that were still dealing with some injury issues. John John (Florence) was rehabilitating his knee after surgery— even though he jumped into the Pipe Masters to seal his spot on the team. And Kolohe (Andino) had his nicks and dings, as did Caroline Marks. So, everybody’s healthy now, and that’s a silver lining.

Do you think the Olympics could be postponed again next summer?

They’re definitely running the Olympics, according to everyone that I’ve spoken with. Whether there’ll be

Greg Cruse debriefs the U.S.A. Junior team as they celebrate their medal-winning performance at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. Photo: Courtesy of USA Surfing

spectators allowed, I think that still has yet to be determined. They’ve put together some pretty strict protocols for going over there and training.

Will there be a time when the team can go over to Japan and train for the Games?

The team definitely needs to spend some time together.

And everyone needs to work on boards. I’ve already talked to Matt Biolos about it. Three of the four surfers on the team ride Mayhem shapes. Hopefully, he will be allowed to come and work on some equipment with everyone.

And then we can all leave some boards there at our house for the Olympics, so everyone doesn’t have to travel with all their boards. That’s the idea, but whether the schedule works out or whether we can get everyone together or not, we’ll see.

When it’s time to travel to the Games next summer, do you have an idea of what that looks like?

This is going to be a new experience for everyone, including the surfers. Most of them haven’t spent that much time in Japan. None of them have been in an Olympics, which is a whole different level of security and craziness that goes with

it. Then you add all the COVID-19 protocols and precautions.

It’s going to be a strain mentally on them, so my job, as I view it, is to reduce that as much as possible and make sure they’re comfortable, acclimated, have everything they need and that they’re ready to perform at their best.

Before we go, just want to get your take on what surfing in the Olympics means to you?

I think it’ll be cool. And I think everyone involved in it wants to show the true authentic, beautiful nature of the sport. They’re going to keep it core. I can’t wait.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Find the complete Q&A with Cruse at sanclementetimes.com.

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 the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC

SURF FORECAST GROM OF THE WEEK

KAI MCPHILLIPS

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

K

ai McPhillips recently dropped a new video edit entitled Bloodlines. Showcasing the 18-year-old’s vast talent and impeccable style, the film project, as the name would imply, also features a fair bit of ripping from Kai, as well as the rest of his family.

Kai is one of four kids, and his siblings Dax, Ezra and Steele also make appearances in the video, as does their father, Colin. As far as surfing families go, the McPhillips’ roots run deep.

“Being able to share surfing with my dad, my two younger brothers and my sister, it means the world to me,” Kai explained in the film. “And to have them as my best friends, it’s just a bonus.”

San Clemente Times December 17-23, 2020

Shredding on some Timmy Patterson-shaped boards lately, the powerful regular-footer will be leading the charge for the San Clemente High surf team.

There is no doubt that his passion, experience and pure stoke for surfing will help lead the team to Kai McPhillips. Photo: Courtesy of Kai great heights.

McPhillips “The ocean, to me, is like my own personal playground. I’ve been lucky enough to live up the hill my entire life, so it’s always been right there in my backyard,” Kai said. SC Page 18

Water Temperature: 57-59 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Thursday: Easing West/northwest swell rolls in waist-stomach-chest high surf, (2-3-4’). Southeast winds at 6-11kts most of the morning, shift out of the west during the afternoon.

Outlook: On Friday, old Northwest swell continues to fade, for thigh-waist high waves, (2-3’). Light Southeast winds in the morning, turn to a moderate westerly sea breeze for the afternoon. Saturday’s surf stays small, then a fresh Northhwest swell sets up waist-stomach-chest high surf, (2-3-4’) on Sunday.

Light offshore morning winds are followed by a light+ to moderate afternoon westerly wind on Saturday and Sunday.

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