San Clemente Times

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE J u ly 2 8 – A U G U S T 3 , 2 0 1 1

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Volume 6, Issue 30

Lobbying for San Clemente City relies on Washington insiders to help make priorities clear to lawmakers, federal agencies E Y E O N S C / PAG E 6

www.sanclementetimes.com

A train passes near the El Portal crossing in San Clemente. It is one of seven crossings targeted for quiet zones, which is a lobbying priority for the city. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

Attorneys set to argue case on Measure A lawsuit by Playa Del Norte developers

Donations help Boys & Girls Club to open reading room for teens

Athletes from South OC represent area at X Games this weekend

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SC LIVING/PAGE 18

SPORTS/PAGE 20

Eye on SC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A bankruptcy by the owners of a troubled San Juan Capistrano mobile-home park have put plans to close the community on hold.

Owners of the Capistrano Terrace Mobile Home Park, which sits above the San Diego Freeway on the east side of town, had started a city-mandated series of public hearings and studies to close the park, which was built in the 1950s. But the owners filed bankruptcy earlier this month, and that prevents them from paying the city fees and costs associated with the process, according to a city staff report. The city’s Housing Advisory Committee had been scheduled to take up the closure issue at its meeting next week, but that item has been pulled. Instead, the City Council is tentatively scheduled to discuss the project in a closed session on August 16.

News

Next Door W hat ’s goin g on in our n e ig h b orin g towns

DANA POINT Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. The Thanksgiving Day tradition offers fun for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities with a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Gobble Wobble as well as a two-day health and fitness expo and finish line festival. Several improvements have been added to this year’s event to alleviate congestion on the route through Doheny Beach and Dana Point Harbor. Changes include wave starts based on estimated race times, stroller starts and a widened lane at the finish line. “Just by registering, participants are helping to feed the hungry throughout Orange County,” said Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Ouimet. Annually, the Turkey Trot raises over $60,000 to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. To register, log on to www.turkeytrot.com.

S A N C L E M E N T E ’ s T o p 5 H o ttest T o p i cs

What’s Up With...

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… the Lawsuit by the Playa Del Norte Developers?

THE LATEST: A judge will hear arguments today as to whether the results of Measure A should be upheld or tossed.

The writ hearing, as it’s called, comes nearly four months after Playa Del Norte developers Linda and Shaheen Sadeghi and San Clemente resident Jeanne O’Grady filed their lawsuit against the city and the Orange County Registrar of Voters.

With their complaint to the court, the trio is arguing the city did not comply with election laws and wants the court to throw out the results. But city attorney Jeff Oderman said this week the voters turned down the ballot measure by a vote of 57.2 percent.

“Elections are supposed to be decided by voters,” he said.

Darryl Wold, the lawyer for the Sadeghis and O’Grady, countered that the election materials incorrectly depicted the vote as a decision on the Playa Del Norte project rather than on the actual resolution passed by the City Council. The official election materials failed to make that clear, he said.

“There was no community development project on the ballot,” the attorney said.

The Sadeghis own LAB Holdings, Inc., the Costa Mesa company selected by San Clemente’s City Council to develop North Beach. In July 2010, the City Council approved the amended project known as Playa Del Norte. By fall, the council approved the referendum vote that would eventually go to voters as Measure A on March 8.

Wold said the results should be invalidated and the city should be required to hold a new election.

“This time, the city should accurately describe what’s on the ballot,” he said.

As a result of the city’s and county’s failures, no one can know how voters would San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

have cast ballots, Wold said.

He said he’s never heard of official election materials so “erroneously describe” what was on the ballot. The attorney said his clients could not have known that the materials failed to meet election laws until after the polls had opened.

Oderman noted that he did not know of a case in California in which a judge tossed out election based on alleged deficiencies in election materials. He also disagreed with Wold’s characterization of the election and the materials the public used to vote for or against hotly contested Measure A. WHAT’S NEXT: Attorneys representing both sides meet in Orange County Superior Court today at 1:30 p.m. to make their arguments. The judge will consider what they say with legal documents filed since the original complaint April 8. Wold said the judge could rule as early as today.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanclementetimes.com for updates from the hearing.

—Stacie N. Galang

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... Bus Service in San Clemente?

THE LATEST: A plan that will likely see changes in bus service in San Clemente will be considered by the Orange County Transportation Authority in September, with city officials concerned some residents won’t be able to get to school and other places they need to go.

The OCTA says a year-long study on transit services is aimed at eliminating routes with low ridership and will replace them with new efforts, such as “flexroutes” and call-and-ride zones. The flex routes would see buses deviate from regular routes when they’re not needed, while the call-and-ride zones would be similar to the “Dial-a-Ride” program.

The Orange County Transportation Authority is considering changes to bus service in San Clemente because of low ridership. File photo

OCTA reduced bus service by approximately 20 percent because of a decline in state transit funding, historic drops in sales tax revenue and reduced ridership as a result of record unemployment between 2008 and 2010. OCTA launched the Transit System Study to explore options to maximize the system’s efficiency.

But City Traffic Engineer Akram Hindiyeh told the City Council the changes would virtually eliminate bus service in San Clemente, except for Coast Highway between Camino Capistrano and Avenida Pico.

OCTA contends bus ridership is low in San Clemente—the agency says it subsidized bus routes here from $6.46 to $15.70 per passenger—and more cost-efficient options will be put into place.

“We’re always asked why people see buses driving around with no one in them,” said OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnik. “We’re trying to find a way so that buses out there are full.”

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WHAT’S NEXT: Zlotnik said the OCTA board of directors, made up of elected officials from throughout the county, will look at the Go Local program next month and likely come back with an implementation plan for more changes in September. The Go Local program was to provide area-specific transportation options throughout the county, but a tri-city trolley proposed for San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano also appears dead, Hindiyeh said.

“If there are any sorts of routes that now exist that are going to change, they’re going to be replaced with something … we’re not looking at pulling bus service out of San Clemente, we know it’s important to that community,” Zlotnik said. “And there will be plenty of opportunities for the public to give us feedback.”

FIND OUT MORE: See www.octa.net/TSS for more information and to comment.

—Jonathan Volzke (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

Eye on SC (Cont. from page 3)

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… Bubba Gump’s Lease in San Clemente?

THE LATEST: The City Council voted to take legal action against Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for failing to pay rent as of June 1.

City attorney Jeff Oderman said the seafood restaurant chain agreed to a five-year lease of nearly 10,000-square-feet of office space on the second floor of the city’s Calle Negocio building.

Rent was negotiated at $10,941 a month from June 1 to December 31 of this year, with an increase of 5 percent a year over the remaining four years. The company also agreed to pay 16.58 percent of the city’s operating expense increases for the entire building after the 2011 base year, according to the terms of the lease provided by Oderman.

The tenant had paid $10,941.70 for one month’s rent and a $12,500 security deposit at the time the lease was agreed to July 10, 2010 but has paid nothing since, according to the city attorney.

Oderman said San Clemente received one letter from the company stating it didn’t need the Calle Negocio space, but never formally terminated the lease.

“We’ve attempted to get a hold of them and basically, received no information at all,” he said.

Bubba Gump negotiated with the city to make space upgrades, which were begun but eventually stopped when the city received the letter. The company was expected to move into the building in October or November, but was purchased by Landry’s, a Houston-based restaurant and entertainment company.

Jamie Sava, a public relations representative for Landry’s, said by email this week that the restaurant company “is unavailable for comment.”

In the sale, Landry’s took over Bubba Gump’s 32 restaurants located primarily in tourist hotspots like the Santa Monica Pier and Times Square in New York, according to company press release. The company’s nearest restaurant is in Anaheim.

In 2009, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. generated approximately $200 million in sales internationally, according to the press release.

WHAT’S NEXT: Oderman said the city will try to lease the space to another tenant.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanclementetimes.com. —SNG

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… a Mural in the Los Molinos District?

THE LATEST: A beach-themed mural is in the works for a wall at the corner of Calle de Los Molinos and Avenida de La Estrella.

Ron Perugrini, owner of San Clemente Auto Wrecking, said the project is one way to spruce up the area formally known as the Los Molinos Business District but more affectionately known as surf alley or other derivations.

“We’re just trying to clean the place up a little bit,” he said. “We’re going to do a little beach scene.”

Tagging and graffiti have also plagued the area, and Perugrini hoped the mural would act as a deterrent.

The business owner said he expected the cost of the art and related expenses at about $2,000. Perugrini hoped the cost would be offset by a $900 beautification grant they plan to apply for from the city.

He would be picking up the rest of the tab. He estimated the size at 20-feet-by40-feet.

“We’re trying to liven things up color wise,” the business owner said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Artist Andriana Goud has provided a rendering of the mural to the city. City Planner Jim Pechous said the plans will be on the Design Review Subcommittee’s August 10 agenda, and if approved, go to a zoning administrator for an architectural permit.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.sanclementetimes.com for updates. —SNG

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Shares of the common stock were offered on the Nasdaq Global Market at $20 a share July 20 under the ticker symbol “SKUL,” according to a company press release.

Skullcandy was founded by Rick Alden in 2003. Its net sales went from $9.1 million in 2006 to $118.3 million in 2009, according to the prospectus the company filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.

“Our principal offices are located in Park City, Utah and San Clemente, Calif., which are at the epicenters of some of the best snow peaks, skate parks and surf breaks in the world,” the prospectus said.

“We believe these close connections to the Skullcandy lifestyle strengthen the authenticity of our brand and increase the loyalty of our consumers.”

In addition to its Park City Utah headquarters, Skullcandy leases approximately 5,200 square feet of space in San Clemente under a lease that expires in November 2014 with an option to extend through November 2016. The company also has offices in the Nanshan District of Shenzen, China, where it leases approximately 9,300 square feet that ends in September 2013.

As of December, Skullcandy employed 132 full time, of which 110 work in the United States. The audio company has 50 in sales and marketing, 23 in design and development and 15 in supply chain. The remaining 22 full-time employees work in China.

WHAT’S NEXT: Skullcandy stock traded at $20.67 as of the close of market Tuesday.

The company is in a quiet period after its public offering and unable to provide anything more than what’s in its prospectus, said spokeswoman Alecia Pullman by email this week.

FIND OUT MORE: Check out the company’s website at www.skullcandy.com.

—SNG

… with Skullcandy’s Public Offering?

THE LATEST: Edgy audio brand Skullycandy, which has its marketing offices on El Camino Real in San Clemente, went public last week.

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

• National Night Out: San Clemente is a proud supporter of National Night Out, a symbolic nationwide crime prevention event that brings neighborhoods together to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts and safety. Residents are encouraged to take part on Tuesday, August 2 by gathering neighbors during the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Seven neighborhoods in San Clemente have already organized an activity. An activity might be as simple as an ice cream social, potluck or more involved like a block party. The main purpose is to bring people together to celebrate Neighbors on Watch or NOW. It is customary for a member of San Clemente’s Police Services to attend your event upon request so they can thank residents and neighbors for their involvement and dedication to the Neighborhood Watch program. All residents are asked to turn on their porch lights at dusk as a symbol of support for keeping crime out of the San Clemente community. For more information or to arrange a visit from San Clemente Police Services, call Crime Prevention Specialist Janet Dunford at 949.361.8386. • Historical Efforts: San Clemente’s Historical Society has been hard at work promoting the city, according to president Georgette Korsen. She and fellow member Mike Cotter spoke to local television show San Diego Then and Now about the city’s origins and present-day amenities. “They were quite impressed with how we preserved our history,” she said.

NOTES

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

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City and Community Calendar Thursday, July 28 Island Nights 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Family event with swimming, dinner (cost extra), music and more at the Ole Hanson Beach Club. Cost $4-$5. 105 W. Pico, San Clemente, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Magic Show 10:30 a.m. Exciting, interactive show with magician Allen Oshiro at the San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Friday, July 29 TGIF Party 12 p.m. Join the Senior Center for a party with entertainment by Harold’s South Coast Dixie Jazz Band. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.3322.

Saturday, July 30 San Clemente Relay For Life 10 a.m.

The annual 24-hour walk event that raises money for cancer research and awareness is held at SC High School. 900 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, http://main.acsevents.org.

Crack of Dawn Hike 6 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

Start your day with a brisk paced, moderate, 4.5 mile summer early morning nature hike at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Donation $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

Sunday, July 31 Paint San Clemente Art Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The winners have been announced and artwork is on display at the SC Art Gallery.

100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

Tuesday, August 2 San Clemente Toastmasters 7 p.m.8:30 p.m. Group meets to help develop and improve public speaking skills every Tuesday at the library. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.892.8121, alfie4288@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, August 3 Planning Commission Meeting 7 p.m. Regular meeting in Council Chambers.

100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Thursday, August 4 BNI Meeting 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Meeting at the Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, www.bellacollinagolf.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

Eye on SC

Lobbying for San Clemente City relies on Washington insiders to help make priorities clear to lawmakers, federal agencies

By Stacie N. Galang San Clemente Times

S

an Clemente’s relationship with its lobbyist began nearly 10 years ago because of the beach. Decades of sand erosion raised concern by city officials who sought to shore up their efforts.

“There was a general feeling all along that either we had to accept the fact that San Clemente was at some point going to have minimal sand or look at some options,” said Marine Safety Chief Bill Humphreys.

Around 2001, the city opted to try to restore sand levels, and city officials brought in Howard Marlowe as a consultant to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to Humphreys.

Now, the consultant’s Washington D.C. firm Marlowe & Co. has broadened its work for San Clemente, lobbying Congress for additional priorities, arranging meetings with top U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials and introducing language into bills. These days, Michael Willis, a principal at Marlowe & Co., acts as San Clemente’s point person.

“Our job is to assist in helping the city develop and help carry out its federal affairs priorities,” said Willis by phone this week.

Willis spent five years working for Rep. John Mica, R-Florida, who now serves as chairman of the House’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. As the city works to get federal dollars for the La Pata extension, that relationship will only enhance the city’s ability, Willis noted.

Marlowe & Co. said it has secured $3.586 million in federal funds directly to San Clemente.

For this year, the firm has been directed not only to focus on beach restoration, but also to create quiet zones at seven pedestrian rail crossings throughout the city, secure funding for the Avenida La Pata Extension and seek grant funds for the city’s recycled water storage and treatment expansion project and Courtney’s SandCastle, the handicap accessible play area at La Pata-Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

For their work, the city paid Marlowe & Co. $133,250 from 2008 to 2010, according to lobbying reports filed with Congress. In 2008 and 2009, the firm was paid $40,000 a year. In 2010, San Clemente spent $53,250 for Marlowe, according to the reports. In 2011, San Clemente spent $22,500 thus far.

Cities are increasing seeking out lobbyists to work on their federal priorities. Nearby, San Juan Capistrano paid $199,600 for the three years from 2008 to 2010, according to Congressional lobbying records. From 2008 to 2010, Dana Point hired lobbyists Van Scoyoc Associations for $40,000 a year or a total of $120,000.

The Beginnings In the 1970s, Humphreys said the sand at headquarters was flush with the front of the building.

“You could see the jeeps drive by the windows,” he recalled.

By the early 1980s, signs of sand loss worried city officials, including Humphreys’ former boss Lynn Hughes.

“He had been working for many years monitoring sand,” the marine safety chief said.

Storms in 1983 and 1988 had hammered away at the shore and taken mounds and mounds of sand, Humphreys San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

Serious erosion of sand at San Clemente beaches has left visitors less area to enjoy the beach. The city’s lobbying firm is working to secure federal dollars and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer expertise to bring back sand. Photo by Danielle Johnson

said. Cyclical weather conditions like El Niños had further eroded the beaches.

The chosen option was to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to first study whether to replenish sand under a reconnaissance study and next to decide how to do it with a feasibility study. Marlowe assisted the city with writing its portion of grant applications to the agency and giving officials advice.

“His firm has been wonderful to work with,” Humphreys said.

When City Manager George Scarborough and Jim Dahl traveled to Washington, D.C. May 10 to 13 for the Army Corps hearings on San Clemente’s sand replenishment project, Marlowe’s firm helped set up meetings with key Army Corps decisionmakers and the city’s Congressional delegation of Rep. Ken Calvert and Sens.

Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.

The city manager gave Marlowe a grade of A- or B+, which he described as “very strong.” He said the firm’s expertise with the Army Corps and its connections in Congress on both sides of the aisle have been key for San Clemente.

“It’s a very complex and complicated process, and it needs quite a bit of pushing, quite frankly, to keep moving along,” the city manager said of the sand replenishment.

He said Marlowe has helped introduce legislation into a transportation bill for funding evacuation routes, an inclusion city officials hope will assist with federal funding for the La Pata Extension. Scarborough described it as “a significant benefit to us.”

“They’ve been helpful in other projects, too,” Scarborough said. “I can’t imagine having gotten this far and had the success thus far without their assistance. I just don’t think we would have got there.”

Willis said he also follows the money secured for San Clemente projects to ensure neither funds nor time is wasted.

“The city hires us to be additional staff to make sure federal government is doing their part,” the lobbyist said.

Willis said his experience knowing not only members of Congress but also which staffer works on what projects benefits his clients.

“Having been on the inside and knowing these guys you know who you need to talk to,” he said. “It’s really Page 6

about having relationships and knowing the process. The process is difficult to understand.”

Knowing who to contact within federal agencies helps lobbyists work better for clients like the City of San Clemente.

“You’ve got other things going on in California,” Willis said. “It’s difficult to keep an eye on what’s going on in D.C.” He said lobbyists devote their time on Washington priorities and as such can help brainstorm ways to keep projects moving ahead. One recent example was making the case that rail transportation along San Clemente beaches was another reason for the Army Corps to keep the sand replenishment going.

“Sometimes it’s just getting a breakthrough on a stalemate,” said Willis who represents 18 clients. “It’s a lot of behind the scenes.”

City Engineer Tom Bonigut, the city’s point person on sand replenishment, described Marlowe’s work for the city as “great.” He agreed with Willis that it was in the city’s best interest to have contacts in the halls of influence.

“He is the San Clemente voice in Washington,” Bonigut said of Willis. “You have to have someone who’s there.”

The city engineer said in addition to its direct work with legislators and agencies Marlowe also provides a monthly report of its activities, which keeps city officials abreast of the firm’s work.

“In my opinion, it’s a nominal or small cost to have that voice,” Bonigut said.

For his part Calvert said the city is “getting very close” to a sand replenishment project.

“I moved the project along for some time now,” he said.

“Now, it’s just a matter of a build-out of the project.”

The congressman said he represents many cities and two counties that hire lobbyists to get their work done in Washington.

“I’m happy to work with city officials and their lobbyist,” said Calvert between meetings about the country’s debt ceiling. “It’s a personal decision of the city to employ a lobbyist.

Lobbyists help navigate Capital Hill and help with federal agencies and bring an understanding of D.C. to local folks not familiar with the process.”

Progress is being made on San Clemente’s priorities, Calvert said but he was more circumspect about the stalemate between Republicans and Democrats on how to handle the country’s debt “We’ll see,” he offered. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

Eye on SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled by Cory Saul All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd.org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt.

The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Tuesday, July 26 DISTURBANCE Avenida San Antonio, 100 Block (6:01 a.m.)

Multiple people were reported picketing in front of a citizen’s home. It is an ongoing issue, and they frequently block the driveway.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Avendia Talega/Camino Viento Fuerte (12:01 a.m.) Five kids were reported throwing rocks at passing cars. They were later detained on Calle Esplanada.

Monday, July 25 DISTURBANCE, MUSIC OR PARTY Paseo Vista, 100 Block (9:40 p.m.) A resi-

dent called deputies about kids who were drinking and being loud in the pool area.

The caller was under the impression that they didn’t live in the complex.

FRAUD REPORT El Camino Real, 2400 Block (9:55 p.m.)

Multiple guests at the Hampton Inn received phone calls in their rooms from a man claiming to be the front desk clerk. He said that he needed their credit card number again.

PETTY THEFT El Camino Real, 800 Block (7:10 p.m.) A Rite Aid employee saw a woman sneak a bottle of vodka into her purse.

PROWLER Ola Vista, 2400 Block (2:59 a.m.) A resident was woken up by cops driving by and shining bright lights into his bedroom.

He then noticed that someone was hiding in the side yard and that it might be the person the police were searching for.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (2:04 a.m.)

An arrest was made when a man found at the trailhead to the beach parking lot was discovered to have a warrant.

Saturday, July 23 FIREWORK VIOLATION Via Montezuma, 2700 Block (10:17 p.m.) A concerned neighbor complained of someone setting off fireworks in the complex and on the street. Apparently, it had been an ongoing problem for about a week.

Sunday, July 24 GRAND THEFT Monterey Lane, 400 Block (11:45 p.m.)

A man’s bicycle was stolen from his residence. It was chained to other bikes, but the thief cut the chains.

DISTURBANCE Avenida del Presidente, 3100 Block (7:53 p.m.) Kids were seen loitering at the school.

They were seen climbing onto the roof of

u On June 17, 112 golfers teed off at the city’s Municipal Golf Course to raise $8,000 for the Friends of Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation. Participants enjoyed not only the challenging 18 holes, but also the accompanying meals and contests such as longest balls hit and closest approaches and putts. A raffle and auction raised additional funds with such prizes as a week in a Mammoth condo, free tennis lessons and meals. City golf commissioner Dick Veale and foundation director John Dorey headed the tournament planning committee that included Jim Nielsen, Joe Anderson, City Parks director Sharon Heider and Peggy Vance, Ocean Festival executive director. The funds raised will be invested in various foundation-sponsored programs, including the forthcoming La Pata-Vista Hermosa sports park, Courtney’s Sandcastle, recreation scholarships and other foundation endeavors. Sponsors donating more that $1,000 included Cox Cable, RBF Consulting, Valley Crest Landscaping, AYSO and AT&T. Other contributors were Carbonara Trattoria, Fisherman’s Restaurant, Jaynes Corporation, Unichem, Paul Littlepage and the Griffin family. “We’re also indebted to the golf

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

911 HANG UP Avenida Miramar, 100 Block (6:59 p.m.) A man called and was heard saying, “She is beating me up. Come now!” An answering machine was reached upon call-back.

WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 1600 Block (5:49 p.m.)

Bleeding from the eye and possibly injured elsewhere, a man was reported stumbling in and out of traffic.

DISTURBANCE Avenida del Mar, 100 Block (2:55 p.m.) A local homeless woman referred to as “Wild at Heart Claudie” was outside a retail business yelling at customers.

911 HANG UP El Camino Real, 1100 Block (10:29 a.m.)

The homeless woman, Claudie, called from a payphone and rambled about foreigners and missiles before hanging up.

Friday, July 21 DISTURBANCE Camino Costado/Camino Escollo (6:03 p.m.)

A woman detained three kids after they threw water balloons at her car.

TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (5:40 p.m.)

Someone made vague threats to a citizen, saying that, “Your blood will be in the tide.”

information, visit petprojectfoundation.org or contact Paula Becker at 949.240.0243 or pawlajb@cox.net.

Compiled by Stacie N. Galang

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info Golf Tourney Nets $8K

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Tulipan, 1600 Block (8:10 p.m.) Men were seen carrying a 20-foot boat between houses. The boat belonged to the caller who was afraid they might be trying to steal it.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (3:28 p.m.) A silver sedan slowly followed a caller’s 12-yearold son as he rode his bike. This continued for about a quarter mile before the car left.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Avenida Cabrillo, 300 Block (12:04 a.m.)

A babysitter woke in the middle of the night to find a man standing over her. She screamed and ran out the back door. The burglar was not found.

News Bites

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Costa Maritima/Calle Polvorosa (9:33 p.m.)

A resident called complaining about a group of kids near the pool area who were carrying plastic cups and yelling, “Where’s the party?”

the multi-purpose room. They were later detained and the school district was informed.

Courses Available at Cyber Café

course’s Dave Cook and the 27 volunteers who assisted in making this event so enjoyable,” said foundation president George Caravalho. “We also appreciate the involvement of our local youth group leaders from AYSO, Pop Warner Football, baseball’s Little League, and SCAT (San Clemente Aquatics Team) for their participation. They’re the ones, along with the community’s active youth and adult participants who’ll be taking over the new park in January.”

u Openings for computer workshops and classes at the Cyber Café are now available. Cost varies by course. Payment can be made by check or cash. Workshops require a minimum of three days’ prior registration and space is limited. Courses take place at 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 101, San Clemente.

To register, call 949.276.8866 or email office@sccybercafe.org. For a full listing of courses, visit www.sccybercafe.org/CyberCafeClassSchedule.shtml.

Grad Earns Monroe Award

Shelter offers Cat Promotion u The Pet Project Foundation, a non-prof-

it animal rescue organization, in conjunction with the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter will hold a cat adoption fair throughout August. Adoption fees will be only $9 per feline, and the foundation will be giving away a kit of free pet supplies to individuals and families adopting a cat or kitten.

The foundation and shelter staff want to ensure that each cat finds its forever home as quickly as possible, prompting the “$9 for 9 Lives,” which drops the adoption fee from $100 to $9 per cat or kitten. The kits will include several necessary supplies such as a litter box and food bowls. For more

u San Clemente resident Marina Kookootsedes was given the Kenneth Monroe Award during Commencement at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., May 7.

The Kenneth Monroe Award is given to the outstanding graduate who’s demonstrated superior academic achievement in the classroom, excelled as a leaders on campus and impacted other students’ lives through their integrity, character and faithfulness.

“She is a role model for others due to her unquestioned integrity, moral character and compassion, as well as her commitment to excellence,” said Paul Morgan, professor of economics and business, in a press release.

Kookootsedes, a graduate of Capistrano

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Marina Kookootsedes received the Kenneth Monroe Award during Westmont College’s commencement in Santa Barbara, Calif., May 7. Courtesy photo

Valley High, earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics while maintaining a 3.79 GPA. “Marina’s strong leadership is based on her desire to engage other cultures thoughtfully and sensitively and to care for both the physical and spiritual needs of this world,” said Jeremy Fletcher, coordinator of student ministries and missions, who advised Kookootsedes in her 2010-2011 role as co-director of Potter’s Clay, an annual student-organized service trip to Ensenada, Mexico.

Dave Newton, professor of economics and business, said he saw these attributes as a means for Kookootsedes to pursue her goals of assisting small business development in underserved communities.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Stacie N. Galang, 949.388.7700, x109 sgalang@sanclementetimes.com Advertising

SC S a n C le m e n te

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com San Clemente Times, Vol. 6, Issue 30. The SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.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 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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EDITORIAL

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Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne ART/Design Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

INTERNS Evelyn Caicedo, Kylie Corbett, Sawyer Hardie, Halee Michel, Cory Saul, Rebecca Turley, Krysta Worthen

> Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano)

OPERATIONS

The Ups and Downs of Refinancing Bonds “What goes up, must come down…” —Blood, Sweat & Tears

I

YOU’RE INVITED!

8 a.m.

Friday, August 5

at Café Calypso Please join us the first and third Friday of every month for our open community forum.

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

issue consisted of the acquisition of public improvements to develop Plaza Pacifica. These improvements consisted of street improvements to Avenida Pico, Camino Vera Cruz and Avenida Pall Gudgeirsson La Pata as well as related traffic signals, median landscaping, street lighting, water lines, pressure stations, sewer lines, storm drainage and bike trails along Avenida Pico. Think about that as you bike over to El Pollo Loco for a fish taco.

How many parcels are there in the CFD? There are a total of 18 parcels in the district including Wal-Mart (which prepaid their CFD tax obligation), Mobil, Lowe’s, Albertson’s, Bank of America, IHOP, Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell, Michael’s, Office Depot and Jimmy’s Tires.

What is the amount and interest rate?

The preliminary amount of the financing is $5.285 million, and the anticipated interest rates will vary between 1 percent and 6 percent, depending on the maturity range of 2012 through 2030. The exact dollars and interest rate are subject to fluctuation as a result of market conditions when the bonds are sold.

What happens if a CFD property defaults? Depending on factors such as overall delinquency rate of the CFD and how much money is in default, the property may be put in the foreclosure process to pay for the defaulted payments.

Why is the city involved in the financing? The city is involved in helping the property owners finance public improvements. This allows the projects to be financed with tax-exempt bonds, which provide a significantly lower cost of borrowing. Although the city assists in the bond financing and administration of the

district, this is not a direct obligation of the city. City costs for administering the district are passed along to the property owners. Win-win.

Are there savings to the property owners? The exact amount of the savings won’t be known until pricing is finalized; however, a net present value savings of 3 percent or more is anticipated. Let’s hope the owners pass along the savings to our residents in the form of lower costs.

Can San Clemente residents buy the CFD bonds? Yes, residents can purchase the tax-exempt bonds. If interested, please contact bond sale coordinator Jon Faison at 612.303.6358. Please note that these are “unrated” bonds and are not guaranteed by the City of San Clemente.

What is the city’s credit rating and why is this issue “non-rated?” The city’s credit rating is AAA, the highest rating available; however, this bond issue is non-rated since it is not a city debt obligation and will be repaid by the property owners, which is ultimately secured by the land and buildings in the district.

Is there a prospectus? Yes. The city issues a Preliminary Official Statement (POS) or financial offering prospectus.

The purpose of the POS is to describe all the characteristics of the bond issue and the associated risks with a non-rated CFD bond issue. The complete POS can be accessed on the city’s web page san-clemente.org.

Up or Down? Since the municipal market is unpredictable, we won’t know the actual results of the bond sale for another couple of weeks. Stay tuned and let the “spinnin’ wheel spin.” SC PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@ sanclementetimes.com.

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CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

Finance Director > Mike Reed

By the Numbers: By Pall Gudgeirsson, Assistant City Manager & City Treasurer

n January of this year, the City Council authorized the refinancing of bonds for what’s called a community facilities district in order to generate savings for properties located within the Plaza Pacifica center. Unfortunately, as we prepared to issue and sell the bonds, interest rates moved in the wrong direction — up — and only recently has the market begun to shift down, making it fiscally feasible to issue the bonds provided that market conditions hold. This current refinancing of the district bonds is a work in progress and this column explains the mechanism of this bond issuance.

What is a community facilities district? A CFD is a special financing district formed by the city to finance major infrastructure improvements, such as water, sewer and roads for commercial development. By utilizing the city’s tax-exempt status to issue bonds, we are able to assist businesses in funding the improvements necessary to enhance and maintain the city’s economic vitality.

What is the purpose of the CFD? The bond proceeds from the initial 1999 bond

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist

Sales Associate Angela Edwards

Online Poll What do you think about OCTA considering cutting bus lines?

It’s a terrible idea.

59% It makes sense.

Not enough riders use the bus.

26% I don’t use the bus.

15% Make sure to sound off on the “SC Times Poll of the Week” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Bookmark San Clemente Times today!

SC Times Online Polls are not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of the SC Times.

Letters to the Editor Toll Road Would Bring Traffic Relief TO AREA John T. Tengdin, San Clemente

San Clemente needs to see the 241 (toll road) extended from Oso Parkway—at least to Avenida Pico—as vitally needed Interstate-5 traffic relief and a new escape route out of town. The extension of Avenida La Pata, when it is finally built, will be a welcome alternate route to the Ortega Highway, but would be hopelessly jammed at that intersection in an emergency. Even better, the Transportation Corridor Agencies should extend the 241 all the way down to the edge of the “Coastal Zone” because—as Joe (Anderson) pointed out in his letter to the San Clemente Times last week—that route has already been approved by all the Federal watchdog agencies—the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, plus the Federal Highway Administration for the connection to I-5. Even the California Department of Fish and Game has issued www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor (cont.) a permit. Then for the last few hundred feet—that’s all it would be—the TCA can reimburse Camp Pendleton for the completion on their land of the connection to I-5.

We, the citizens of San Clemente, need to see this done before the weekend traffic on I-5 gets any worse.

Everyone’s Voted No to Toll Roads Already, Ol’ Joe Jerry Collamer, San Clemente

When good ol’ Joe (Anderson), our ex-councilman and mayor (you name it; he sat on every commission and never met a boardroom table he could walk away from), joined Transportation Corridor Agencies’ latest toll road snow-job chorus, we who know better said, “Just Say No ol’ Joe. You’re spewing old TCA spin-machine drivel.” To which we, folks who know Orange County toll roads are a real estate scam and not a traffic plan, nodded, “follow the money.”

TCA money: $18 million earmarked by TCA to buy anyone willing to yack more toll road crap to the public. Hopefully ol’ Joe’s published reenactment of TCA’s dead-as-a-doornail toll road spiel doesn’t have a TCA consulting fee component.

We certainly hope not. We’re not saying it does. In fact, we hope it doesn’t. Maybe ol’ Joe’s just bored. Out of the limelight. On the bench. Craving attention. Or maybe TCA’s going for the big sweeper, a TCAsponsored Deadwood Series, vacuuming up every former elected official in South County, encouraging them to spout more TCA nonsense.

If that’s true, get ready because there’s a passel of paunchy, out-to-pasture ex-OC pontificators grazing golf courses in them-thar foothills, bemoaning (you can hear ‘em at night, when the moon is full), the gravy-days of TCA perks galore: Free lunches, photo-ops, jet-junkets and OC political hobnobbing. Nonstop hobnobbing.

Oh, to recapture that feeling. If just for a day. Maybe that’s all ol’ Joe wants. One more time at bat. One more drive off the tee. One more iffy development deal to vote yes on. One more hobnob with other über important OC-nobbers. A chance to live again.

“Sorry, Chet, no golf today. I have a meeting, a very important meeting. Joe is back!”

If that’s all it is, well OK. But if Joe’s serious about his latest pro-toll yap, then I’m dialing 911, because it’s clearly delusional.

Everyone’s already voted no to TCA, Joe.

Friends of Poche Beach: Please Respond with a letter Paige Foreman, San Clemente

As many of you are aware, Poche Beach has had a half-century problem with both its water quality and the ability to provide a safe and reasonable access to the beach. Those of us who frequent Poche San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

Guest Opinion: By Lou Leto

Beach have been pressuring the county and the regulatory agencies for many years. Historically, Poche has received periodic attention and has had millions of taxpayer dollars spent on projects that have continually failed. Last month, Mayor Donchak held her Mayor’s Walk at Poche Beach in an effort to draw much-needed focus and a call to action.

Over 200 people showed up on that overcast Saturday, a record showing for a Mayor’s Walk. The county was in attendance and now knows that they are being held accountable to put more pressure on all of the regulatory agencies that have authority over Poche. We cannot let this opportunity pass while we have their attention. The powers that be are making progress with the water quality side of this issue, but we also need to ensure that the public has safe and reasonable access as well.

There is currently a public comment period with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where the County of Orange has requested the approval of a five-year permit that will allow maintenance activities to manage the Poche outlet. I ask for your help. Citizen comments count, and we need big numbers. Please write a letter or send an email to the Army Corps before August 12, telling them that wading through filthy water on a submerged pedestrian catwalk to get to Poche Beach is unacceptable. Demand that they approve this permit. The Coastal Commission has already approved the permit. Everything hinges on the Army Corps of Engineer’s approval. If they decline, we will have five more years of unsafe and unacceptable access to Poche Beach. I cringe every time I see a family attempting to access Poche by crossing the railroad tracks with beach chairs, coolers, boogie boards and toddlers in tow because the catwalk was under six inches of water. It is my hope that that sight will be a thing of the past. Those of us who frequent Poche Beach appreciate your time and thank you very much.

Please take five minutes and send your public comment to: Stephen M. Estes, Stephen.M.Estes@usace.army. mil, Project Manager/Biologist, Regulatory Division, Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 915 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017-3401.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

View from the Base of the Pier Volunteer work at the Ocean Fest brings smiles, observations

I

t’s over.

It’s been over for more than a week.

For many, the 35th Annual Ocean Festival is not just a memory, it’s the volunteer activities leading up to and including the Ocean Festival that offer such a great experience. It’s not just the banter and respectful teasing on early Friday morning as the group of annual regulars shows up with gloves and just goes to work without much necessary direction on the tasks that we have all done many times before that make each Ocean Festival appear as a seamless success during the weekend. The demographics of the team are very diverse: The gray-hairs, those with pierced and inked bodies, the active military and the moms, everyone pitching in, eager to assist and support each other. Combined, their unselfish efforts define our village character.

This year a new group showed up: The staff from many campuses, all decked out in their matching University of Phoenix shirts. They were fresh and trainable, and it was fun to watch them as they assembled the beach fences that are staked into the sand. After instructions similar to “measure twice, cut once,” they were struggling. The “college whiz kids” finally developed a system, but not before a few of them bailed out to willingly work sideby-side with the San Clemente volunteer veterans.

Throughout the morning, as the “younger of the elders,” my buddies will “encourage me” to build the bulky crowd-control fences, hoist the big sheets of plywood for paint work and do the heavy lifting of the concrete-filled buckets used for the signage. They are busy, too, not just “supervising,” hanging bright banners on the Pier rails, and shuttling supplies to all stations. We encourage any and all to sign up to help next year.

Volunteering on Saturday and Sunday is a unique and wonderful experience.

The best first impression is exchanging “good mornings” with Lori Donchak during her four-hour stint selling pancakes cooked by our lifeguards. Unknowing folks in line are visibly impressed when informed that the mayor of the City of San Clemente is on duty.

Selling “product” in the apparel booth at the base of the Pier allows a perspective of the passersby and an opportunity to chat with those that stop to buy. Sure, there are lots of bronzed or badly burnt locals in board shorts or bikinis, Neptune or mermaid outfits, but Ocean Festival is also attended by visitors from all over Southern California, some come from Northern California, and if asked, many admitted living in New York, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming or other land-locked states. Add a few from Australia, France, the UK and Japan. While they come to

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the Greatest Show on Surf for a peek at our Pier or to peer at our paddling peers, they genuinely prize our ‘pparel. Most want a souvenir of the “Fest,” and apparel is something that they can wear as a converLou Leto sation piece when back at home or buy as a gift.

A few unofficial observations from the booth at the base of the pier, repeated time and again throughout the weekend: While all apparel is on highly visible displays (with only two basic logo designs available) there is a distinctive difference in apparel buyers.

Men walk up, unhesitatingly ask for their actual size, purchase and depart in less a minute. Women walk up, immediately go to the extra-small size, pick it up to look at the logo front and back, throw it down in a crumpled mess, and repeat until they purchase a large or extra large, pulling a fresh shirt from the lower part of the stack.

As “Apparel Ambassadors” too diplomatic to suggest a correct size, our tireless volunteer product staff of dedicated repeat regulars and Triton first-timers are not just sales people; they are required to be quiet apparel re-folders exercising extreme patience. My silent mantra: Men wear jeans with their size visible on the patch, while women wear apparel that is emblazoned with GUESS. Keep in mind that the overall selling frenzy at the booth is 14 volunteers helping similar customers, four people just taking money and processing credit cards, while our dedicated artist Bob Harlow in his 20th year as Ocean Festival logo designer amiably signing apparel in the corner of the booth. And since many treat us as the information booth, the most frequently asked question is: “What time is the four o’clock duck drop?”

I’ll see you at the booth next year, and yes, we’ll have your size… SC Lou Leto is a results-driven professional who uses strategic planning and business development methods, combining a solid marketing and sales management background in building brand, enhancing product and organizational image, and guiding teams to achieve set goals. Lou has successfully utilized these skills while pioneering American-made products into 45 countries. He continues to apply the same expertise to help companies and mentor individuals that seek to grow to the next level. In addition, Lou is an active volunteer for many San Clemente events and service organizations. Without hesitation, he’ll admit to wearing an extra-large shirt.

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@ sanclementetimes.com.

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

The List A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. Compiled by Tawnee Prazak

thursday

Island Nights 6:30 p.m.9 p.m. Family event with swimming, dinner (by Iva Lee’s; cost extra) and music by Pan Jive at the Ole Hanson Beach Club.

Cost $4-$5. 105 W. Pico, San Clemente, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

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Magic Show 10:30 a.m. Interactive show with magician Allen Oshiro at the San Clemente Community Center.

100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Chicago 8 p.m. Legendary rock band at the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair. Tickets start at $29.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Sunset Harbor Cruise & Beyond 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cruise offered by Dana Wharf. $15-$25. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

friday

29

OC Fair 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Runs Wednesday through Sunday until August 14. Admission $6$11. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. The circus lands at the Honda Center through August 7. Tickets $16.50-$101.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

Rod Piazza 8 p.m. Lively blues concert at The Coach House, also with Kettleblack, Home Cookin’, Reverend Blue. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Spanish Wine Tasting 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company Winebow Imports. $15 for seven wines with snacks. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Taming the Shrew 7:30 p.m. Shakespeare at Historic Town Center Park. $15. 31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

Go.See.Do

Sawdust Art and Craft Festival

Whether looking to stroll, purchase distinctive art pieces or listen to live entertainment by local residents, visitors to the Sawdust Art Festival will find a truly unique experience for everyone. Located in Laguna Beach off of Laguna Canyon Road, this eclectic village features architecture as diverse as the featured work.

Open through August 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the festival contains myriads of art in a variety of media, acoustic music at three locations and roving entertainers. This year, the festival has accommodated 20 new Laguna Hills vendors for a total of 203 artists. The different types of art include ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, painting, photography and even yarn bombing—think graffiti meets yarn and finds its way to a tree. In addition to the array of art, the festival offers Courtesy photo weekly events including Tropical Tuesdays featuring island music and beverages and Wine Tasting Wednesdays. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sawdust Studio Art classes are held for visitors 18 and older to create their own Mona Lisas during two-hour sessions. Tickets for the Sawdust Art Festival can be purchased online or at the Sawdust box office. Adult tickets are $7.75, seniors $6.25, children 6 to 12 cost $3.25 and children 5 and under are free. For more information about the event, visit www.sawdustartfestival.org. —Halee Michel

Nathan James 7:30 p.m.–11 p.m. Live at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

Blake Shelton 8:15 p.m. Country singer in concert at Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $26.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

80’s Rewind 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern.

206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com.

Karaoke 9 p.m. El Mariachi Restaurant hosts Karaoke Night in English and Spanish every Friday and Saturday.

1925 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.5111.

Aloha Friday 9 p.m. Aloha Friday at BeachFire; dress island style for specials. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

saturday

San Clemente Relay For Life 10 a.m. The annual 24-hour event that raises money for cancer research is held at SC High School. Ends 10 a.m. Sunday. 900 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, http://main.acsevents.org.

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Gin Blossoms 8 p.m. Hit rock band plays at The Coach House. $29.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Wes Miller 8 p.m. Ukulele concert at Hulaville.

Tickets $5. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

Mariachis at the Mission 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Mission San Juan Capistrano presents live music every Saturday in the courtyard through Sept. 3. Free with paid admission $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Astronomy Night 8:45 p.m.-10:45 p.m. Gaze into the night sky through telescopes at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Cost $5-$10, members free. More info: 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

Swallow’s Live Music 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn starting with Missiles of October, then Debra Lee & Trigger Happy. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

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Tiger Army with special guest The Blasters 7:15 p.m. “Psychobilly” and vintage punk/rock ‘n’ roll at Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $19.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Wine Tasting 1 p.m.-8 p.m. DaVine Food & Wine hosts a wine tasting. Cost $15-$18. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

Will & Gary 9 p.m. Live music at Molly Bloom’s.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

Lynette Skynyrd With Anglo Jackson 10 p.m. Tribute to American Southern rock group at OC Tavern. Tickets $5. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

sunday

Concerts in the Park: The Amazing Wildcats 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. The city of Dana Point presents a free concert at Sea Terrace Bay Park.

Pacific Coast Hwy. and Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

31

Common Sense, Better Chemistry, Badfish 6:30 p.m. Concert at the OC Fair. Tickets $12.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Paint San Clemente Art Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The winners of the San Clemente Art Association’s event artwork is on display at the SC Art Gallery. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

Jaloha 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Island blues at Renaissance.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Rabbi Blue 7 p.m.–11 p.m. The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

(Cont. on page 12) THIS WEEK’S WEATHER 7.28 Partly Cloudy H: 73° L: 62° 7.29 Partly Cloudy H: 74° L: 63° 7.30 Partly Cloudy H: 75° L: 64°

7.31 Partly Cloudy H: 78° L: 64° 8.01 Partly Cloudy H: 78° L: 64° 8.02 Partly Cloudy H: 78° L: 63° 8.03 Sunny H: 76° L: 62° www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) Melissa Etheridge 8:15 p.m. Grammy-winning artist performs at the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair. Tickets start at $17.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Trifecta Sundays 5:30 p.m.-late. OC Tavern presents their horse racing wagering sports bar plus live music at 8:30 p.m. by Gary Roach and Will Hurd. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

monday

01

Beer Tasting Dinner 5 p.m. Food and beer pairing at Salt Creek Grille. Tickets $39.95.

32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

WaterWorks: Soak Up the Science 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibition on the world of water at the Discovery Science Center. Adults $12.95, kids $9.95. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.

Mission SJC’s Historical Exhibit 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano’s collection featuring rare paintings, religious artifacts and historical documents.

Free with admission $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Cliff Miller 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Local musician at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

tuesday

02

Poul Pedersen 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Meet Stella & Dot 6 p.m. Learn about starting your own career as a Stella & Dot Stylist at this informal opportunity event held at The Next Door. 647 Camino de Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.940.8845, www.nextdoorsc.com.

SC Times Restaurant Spotlight

The Shwack 24502 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.218.2731, www.theshwack.com BEST KNOWN FOR: Inexpensive beach fare MOST POPULAR ITEM: Shwack Burger Open now for just two weeks, this is local surfer dude Max Fisher’s first restaurant. Named after a surf maneuver (and a play on the word “shack”), The Shwack is a grill bent on serving up inexpensive, quality food at portions that will make any surfer happy. As a general contractor, Fisher renovated the former Starbucks himself. Distressed wood tables and upholstered benches Photo by Cory Saul line the windows, and Nation Surfboards, a local brand, hang from the walls. The food is designed for everyone, and priced for everyone, too. From the 1/3 lb. Shwack burger ($3.95) to the seared ahi tuna salad ($8.95), Fisher is combining fast-food prices with house-made, healthy beach food, and his reputation is growing. Just ask the tank-topped twenty-somethings packing the place and chowing down on now famous first baked then flash-fried Shwack Spuds. The local microbrews and everyday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. probably don’t hurt either. Big, healthy, tasty, cheap, and one-of-a-kind. The Shwack is cool.

PRICE RANGE: $2.50-$8.95 RESERVATIONS: Not Needed

PAYMENT: Cash, credit HOURS: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., starting next week, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Go to www.sanclementetimes.com and under “Getting Out” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

Two-for-One at the Wharf Dana Wharf has half price on all fishing trips. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com Ben Powell 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar.

156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

wednesday

The Fishing Lifestyle 7 p.m. Local fishermen talk about the fishing lifestyle at Casa Romantica, held in conjunction with the Casa’s “Gone Fishin’” exhibit. $7. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

03

AT THE MOVIES Friends with Benefits

BY Megan Bianco

B

ased on most fictitious depictions, the concept of “friends with benefits” (having a special friend that you also fool around with) never works out. You’ll just end up falling in love with said FWB, and the friendship will be replaced with a happily ever after. Happened to Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda in Same Time, Next Year (1978), Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier in Drive Me Crazy (1999), Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Claire Forlani in Boys and Girls (2000). And now Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis are starring in a film that doesn’t even bother hiding its obvious plot with its title, Friends with Benefits.

Dylan (Timberlake) and Jamie (Kunis) are two young, hip new media workers who meet during a new gig in New York City and get along almost perfectly. Both have also just recently experienced break-ups with their significant others. In their sardonic bitterness and understanding, FWB sounds like a pretty good deal with not much to lose. Jenna Elfman and Richard Jenkins co-star as Dylan’s sister and dad, and Patricia Clarkson appears as Jamie’s loose, bohemian mom.

If there were ever a reason or example for Timberlake to retire from acting and go back to music fulltime, it’s this romantic comedy. His dramatic scenes with Jenkins are cringe worthy and the pacing between Justin and Mila in their shared scenes is irritating. Will Gluck, Keith Merryman

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

By Cory Saul

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo 8:15 p.m. Grammywinning artist and her husband perform at the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair. Tickets start at $19.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Panama Canal: The Impossible Achieved!

The Ocean Institute presents a lecture featuring professional speakers and Institute volunteers. $7 per person, or $25 for a family of four. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Del Mar Race Track Trip Swallow’s Inn hosts it annual Del Mar race track trip with room for 35 people only, so book now. Includes brunch, limo bus rid with cocktails, reserved seating in the clubhouse level and more. Cost $75. Call for info and reservations.

949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Club Django 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Laguna Beach Live! Presents an outdoor concert featuring swing music fused with American jazz and French and gypsy styles in the Rose Garden at Hotel Laguna. Cover $10, plus food and drinks available for purchase. 425 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949-715-9713, www.lagunabeachlive.org.

Comedy 9 p.m. Live comedy at Molly Bloom’s.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

UPCOMING: THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis in Friends With Benefits. ©2011 CTMG, Inc

and David A. Newman’s script—Gluck’s direction—is clever enough and manages not to seem like a rip-off of a similar comedy released this year called No Strings Attached, but the film’s stars hold it back from being memorable. SNL’s Andy Samberg and Emma Stone (also the star of Gluck’s previous comedy Easy A) play the exes in the film, and in a way, could have starred as the leads, making the material more entertaining. SC Megan Bianco is a senior at Cal State Northridge majoring in Screenwriting and Film Criticism. A 20-year resident of San Clemente, Bianco is also a graduate of the California Conservatory of the Arts and JSerra Catholic High School.

Page 12

Weezer 8:15 p.m. One of today’s most popular bands performs at the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair.

Tickets start at $29.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.745.3000, www.ocfair.com.

Beach Concert 6 p.m. Don’t Stop Believing, a Journey tribute band, plays at the SC Pier as part of the ongoing summer concert series. www.san-clemente.org. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

S a n C le m e n te

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

Business Beat

By CHRISTINA SCANNAPIEGO

News and updates on San Clemente’s business community

NOW OPEN

its online presence, hoping to build stronger customer relationships through the use of online media tools like Facebook, Twitter and their blog. Online visitors can view a selection of new items and follow the blog on a variety of children’s topics. Wee Peats’ Joanne King welcomes other moms who want to participate in the blog to write their stories for “Real Moms” (weepeatsresale. typed.com/blog/real-moms). Wee Peats’ San Clemente location is at 102 Ola Vista.

Find them online at facebook.com/WeePeatsResale or twitter.com/WeePeatsResale or call 949.492.8725.

u Hourian Associates Landscape Architecture + Design has relocated to 107 Avenida Miramar, Suite D, San Clemente.

John Hourian founded Hourian Associates in 1989. His more than 40 years of experience in landscape architecture lends itself to this fullservice environmental design firm in projects ranging from retail commercial, medical and custom residential. The group is committed to the principle of designing with the environment and creating innovative and beautiful landscapes inspired by nature. For more information, visit hourianassociates.com.

San Clemente native Jessica Holley, a recent graduate in photography communications from Cal State Fullerton and new Dana Point resident—just started her own wedding and lifestyle photography business. “Photography has been a passion of mine since a very young age,” she said. “I love the ability my camera gives me to tell a story and capture a fleeting moment. Now that I’m following my dream of being a professional photographer, I’d love nothing more than to work in the city that has influenced me so much.” See her work at jessicaholleyphotography.com or call 949.292.4535.

CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES

u

Inka Mama’s is now serving up Peruvian cuisine at their newest location in Talega as of May 22. Their specialty is seafood and they offer happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday (closed Mondays). Inka Mama’s is family-owned and operated, the family having not only been in the restaurant biz for more than 15 years, but also coming from a long line of kitchen magic, “whether it was at home or in a restaurant,” said managing partner and family member, Stavros Lozano. “One of the most appealing things about Peru is the cuisine.” They also offer 10 beers on tap and an extensive wine list. Drop in for a bite at 821 Via Suerte, Unit 104, find out more at inkamamas.com or call 949.369.6262. u

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman Rotary club member, spoke to the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club at their July 12 meeting. Courtesy photo

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION u San Clemente real estate agent Dennis Pysz of Century 21 Beachside participated in a Climb for Kids event, which started on July 3, to raise money and awareness for Easter Seals, Big Brothers Big Sisters and other children’s charities around the world. Pysz joined seven other climbers.

Their goal is to ascend 30,000 feet in four climbs during the eight-day trip on Eldridge Glacier in the Alaska Range. In the spirit of adventure, Pysz—a first-time climber—fell into a 40-foot-deep, 12-foot-wide fissure when the snow cracked from underneath them. But training for such an event was extensive and Pysz had no doubt that his fellow crew members and guides would get him out safely and calmly, which they did.

To donate, go to climbforkids.info. u Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman to become a member of Rotary International and the force behind changing the law to

allow women to join service clubs, spoke July 12 at the 7 a.m. San Clemente Rotary Club meeting. “It was fabulous,” said Rotary member, Donia Moore. “It’s always so interesting to listen to someone who made so much history and is still alive.” Whitlock recounted the challenges of becoming the club’s first woman in the world when she joined the Rotary Club of Duarte, Calif., in 1982 as an elementary school principal.

The club was then kicked out of Rotary International but the group in Duarte sued, taking the complaint all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Duarte club was later reinstated. Whitlock then became club president and remains an active member.

She will serve as Rotary District Governor of District 5300 for the 2012 – 2013 year.

Moore described the meeting as one members will never forget. The San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club meets at the Talega Golf Course, 990 Avenida Talega, every Tuesday at 7 a.m. For more information, contact Mervyn Lawrie at mervynlawrie@aol.com. u

Page 17

Wee Peats Children’s Resale revamped

u July 7 marked the third anniversary for Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital. The entire staff thank their existing clientele for entrusting them with the care of their pets, their continued support and referrals. PCVH is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday at 1242 Puerta Del Sol. For more information, visit pacificcoastveterinary.com or call 949.429.1555. u Dr. Eric Johnson celebrated a year in his San Clemente dental practice in April.

Although he was accepted into medical school in 1997, he decided to pursue his passion for dentistry and graduated with honors from the USC School of Dentistry. Last year, he accepted the invitation to become the successor of Dr. Jon Marashi. Johnson has also worked with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Kiwanis and much more. He helped organize a “Kids Smile” program for dentists to teach oral health to students in underserved elementary schools among many other humanitarian causes. His office is located at 647 Camino de los Mares, Suite 209. Call 949.493.9311 or go to drericjohnson.com to make an appointment.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Veterinary Hospital Opens Doors to Renovated Building Owners celebrate 20 years with practice, nearly 55 years in pet care business

By Stacie N. Galang San Clemente Times

V

eterinarian John Agostini teared up talking about the work to overhaul his El Camino Real business San Clemente Veterinary Hospital into a top-notch facility.

“I was about to cry,” said the doctor to dogs, cats and other creatures after cutting a ribbon to mark the grand re-opening of the business. “It’s been a long time … Pulling it off is exciting.”

He and wife Jennifer Agostini have owned and operated the hospital for 20 years, but the practice opened in 1957.

In 1991, John Agostini had been working as the director of the South Orange County Animal Urgent Care in Mission Viejo when the former owner of the hospital George Peavy called about selling the business.

Agostini said he hesitated because he was content with his job, but soon decided that with his growing family, SC Vet would better fit his lifestyle.

“I bought this practice with my wife, and we’ve been here ever since,” he said.

The couple, parents of four grown children, kept the business running with four workers. Today, they employ nearly 20.

Veterinarian John Agostini, center, and his wife Jennifer Agostini, stand with their family and staff as they officially reopen a renovated San Clemente Veterinary Hospital. Photo by Stacie N. Galng

“This has been 10 years coming,” said Jennifer Agostini, the hospital administrator. “We always had a dream of redoing it.”

Renovation started in January 2010 when contractors started demolishing the back half of the structure. When the rear was complete, the staff and animals moved in and construction started on the

front and finished this spring.

The footprint of the 4,000-square-foot building stayed the same, but they added a second-floor play deck to allow the animals space to run around.

Customers probably appreciate the added parking created by excavating a sloped area behind the structure. The

equipment includes heated kennels and an intensive care unit cage for administering oxygen.

“It’s fantastic. It showcases our medicine,” Jennifer Agostini said. “Our medicine was always state of the art. Now, (the building) matches our medicine.”

She said the business has flourished by keeping up with the industries’ best practices. Her husband has continued to take medical courses to enhance his work.

In addition to traditional staff, SC Vet also employs a board-certified veterinarian for birds and reptiles and a licensed veterinary acupuncturist, bringing together Eastern and Western medicine.

“We don’t scrimp on anything,” Jennifer Agostini said. “We’re always evolving.”

Even with all the new gadgets, pet owner Diane Brantley appreciated the veterinarian’s bed-side manner most.

“Dr. A is the best vet around,” said the owner of Bear the dog, as she put her arm over Agostini’s shoulders. “He is somebody that is compassionate.”

The feeling is mutual.

“I really love being in San Clemente,” John Agostini said. “This community just pulls together.” SC Writer Christina Scannapiego contributed to this story.

Teen Center Celebrates Reading Room Opening Boys & Girls Club’s state-of-the-art space boasts of books, television and hand-painted mural

By Stacie N. Galang San Clemente Times

C

arly Watts, 13, said she was “blown away” when she walked into the Be Great Café at the Boys & Girls Club last week for the first time.

Watts, fellow club members and staff joined with city dignitaries and donors to herald the opening of the space that will serve as a reading room and hang-out spot for teens.

The nearly $60,000, state-of-the-art space came together first with a $10,000 donation from Wal-Mart. A long list of local donors also chipped in to add books, electronic equipment and technical know-how.

The café or Wal-mart Bright Spot for Reading Room will be a place for kids to read, watch TV and play on their computers.

The space includes floor-to-ceiling, built-in shelves stacked with books, a flat-screen TV in the center, comfy chairs and a mural on one wall.

“I feel it’s really great that they used all their money for us,” said Carly, who’s been a regular at the Calle Valle club for three years.

She gravitated toward the art on the wall that mimics a window looking onto a New York street, complete with brick skyscrapers, a subway entrance and even a newsstand.

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

The café is the latest renovation to the club that’s been serving the area since 1967. Program Director Andy Brosche gave a tour of the facility prior to the official opening of the room and spoke about the kinds of activities the club offers, including after-school help and athletics.

Brosche said the sports have drawn more club members to their traditional development programs.

“It’s really building our numbers and really impacting the city of San Clemente,” he said.

As for the reading room, Brosche said it’s always been a longtime goal to create a hipper space for teens. The grant from Wal-Mart helped kick start the process.

“We just went overboard,” said the program director, who joined the club when he was 6.

Chris Sanson, 13, enjoyed seeing the café for the first time. He liked the TV and the mural best.

“It’s really amazing,” said Chris, who has been going to the club since he was 6.

Lucy Vega, 12, said she and Carly enjoy finding a quiet corner in the Teen Center to curl up with a book and read.

“I like (the reading room) because it makes me feel like I’m at home,” she said.

Scott Dahl, president of the Boys &

Mayor Lori Donchak, left, speaks to Dimitri Young, 14, and Taylor Johnson, 11, at the opening of the Boys & Girls Club’s new reading room last week. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Girls Club’s board of directors, said the South Coast Area club had one of the “coolest” audio-visual systems in the country. He also thanked the donors for their gifts.

“The mural is amazing,” he added.

Page 18

Dahl said the people behind the work met their goal to please club members who contributed the idea for the mural.

“The teens had a vision for what they wanted, and clearly we blew away the teens,” he said. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS Stories, scores, schedules & more

5 Best Bets ACTION SPORTS

HIKING

X Games 17, Downtown Los Angeles

Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club, Mount San Jacinto

D-Backs vs.

Dodgers, Dodger Stadium

July 30, 6 a.m.

July 30, 7:10 p.m.

This one’s a hot ticket for experienced hikers as OFAC rounds up a crew to scale a deeply weathered summit that’s 10,834 feet above sea level.

The Dodgers are going to need all the help they can get squaring off against Arizona in an effort to climb back into contention in the NL West. Info: www.losange-

July 28-31, TBA

SC

Buy the ticket and take the ride for a trip to witness the glory of X Games 17 unfold in downtown Los Angeles.

Info: www.ticketmaster. com/xgames

BASEBALL

BASEBALL

Sun vs. Sparks Staples Center,

August 2, 7:05 p.m.

August 3, noon

The Halos finally head back to the Big A in Anaheim after serving time on the road and are now set to face Minnesota.

Head north up Interstate 5 for a nice day game as the Los Angeles Sparks play host to Connecticut after a long stint on the road.

Info: www.losangeles. angels.mlb.com

Info: www.wnba.com/sparks

les.dodgers.mlb.com

S a n C le m e n te

X-Ceptional

TF: Both Marcus (Grönholm) and (Brian) Deegan are in (Ford) Fiestas, which I know are quick cars. Liam (Doran) will be driving a very fast Citroen and the Subaru guys never make it easy. All of the drivers you see on the track could take it, but I think Marcus Grönholm is the most experienced and consistent of us all, so he’s the guy to beat.

RM: Every competitor will be tough to beat. They have all earned a spot because they are some of the best in the world.

South Orange County’s ‘Big Three’ seek gold medal dreams at Summer X17

By David Zimmerle San Clemente Times

T

he X Games—it’s always up in the air as to who’s leaving the competition in the dust. And though there’s an eclectic range of action sports events that viewers can watch on ESPN in the days ahead, those in South Orange County will want to take a look at how three of its hometown heroes will fare at X Games 17 in Los Angeles, July 28 to 31.

San Clemente’s Ryan Sheckler (Skateboard Street Men’s), Capistrano Beach’s Tanner Foust (Rally Car Racing, SuperRally) and San Juan Capistrano’s Rhys Millen (Rally Car Racing, RallyCross) are the “Big Three” representing the area. They are a bona fide bunch of hardcore athletes who will push their physical, and in some cases mechanical, boundaries. Their mission is straightforward—shred opponents’ hopes, claim titles and earn even more recognition as some of the best within the action sports industry.

Both Sheckler and Foust hope to recapture the gold medals each won in their respective events at last year’s games, while Millen takes aim at accelerating his efforts to a gold medal within his two events.

The San Clemente Times caught up with all three men to find out their expectations heading into X Games 17.

What does it take to prepare for the X Games? What does your regimen include leading up to the event?

Ryan Sheckler: Since X Games is right in the middle of the Street League Series and during the time that I’m working on my skate video, there really isn’t anything extra that I’m doing to prepare. I skate everyday and make sure that my training San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

BASKETBALL

Twins vs. Angels, Angel Stadium

Tanner Foust sports some gold medal bling during the Rally Car awards ceremony at Summer X16.

Courtesy of Matt Morning/Shazamm/ESPN Images

Ryan Sheckler frontslides the lip of a ramp during qualification at Skate Street at Summer X Games 16.

Courtesy of Christian Pondella/Shazamm/ESPN Images

“Everyone invited to the X Games is a legitimate challenger. I don’t count anyone out.”

—Ryan Sheckler

Rhys Millen stays totally focused prior to his Rally Car event at Summer X12. Courtesy of ESPN Images/Shazamm

and nutrition are on point.

Tanner Foust: It’s important to make time in the weeks leading up to X with a little training in the gym and as much track time as possible. As a team, the Rockstar Rallycross crew spends a few days at the track fine-tuning the car to the conditions we think we’ll face. The fact is though, in this sport, anything can change at anytime, so there’s really only so much preparation that can be done.

Rhys Millen: X Games preparation starts at the beginning of the year, every event prior to this weekend consists of small changes and many challenges to perfect both personal techniques and vehicle set up.

Who are some in your field that you see as legitimately challenging you for the title?

RS: Everyone invited to the X Games is a legitimate challenger. I don’t count anyone out. To win the gold medal again, I have to skate like I did last year and have fun doing it.

Page 20

What are some special elements about your events that keep you hungry to compete and get better at the sport?

RS: I’m always working on new tricks and improving my skating, and I really just like the element of surprise.

TF: Rally car racing is all about battling another driver. It’s one-on-one, single elimination. That makes for some very pure strategy racing and quick action. Super Rally is straight-up chaos.

RM: Rally Cross makes up the best parts of all motorsports: Wheel-to-wheel racing, jumps, major car control and smooth pavement driving. A diverse and adaptive driver is required to win gold.

How do you feel going into this event knowing that you’re representing your hometown?

RS: I love San Clemente, and I’m always down to represent.

TF: South Orange County has a long history of producing athletes that compete in the X Games. It’s very cool to be a part of that. And the bonus is that I get to sleep in my own bed.

RM: It is always exciting to represent at the games ... and to know you have the support of your community is a great feeling. For me, this support network reaches as far as New Zealand (Millen was born there), but the United States is home and where I really feel I’m representing.

Tune into ESPN or visit www.espn.com during X Games 17, and stay tuned for updates and results on Sheckler, Foust and Millen in the days to follow. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY te Sa n Cl em en

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR RENT SAN CLEMENTE QUALITY CONDO Ocean View 2 bdrm 1.5 bath, split level. Overlooking Ocean & Trafalgar Canyon, Cazador Lane, Large 2 Car Garage, Fireplace/W-D hookups/Deck. Seeking Quality Quiet Residents. Non-Smokers/No Dogs. Cat considered. Walk to Pier/Ocean/Downtown Village. $1995 949-498-4958.

PERFECT HOUSE FOR LEASE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - $2650/mo Looking for great people to take over this wonderful house. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath is in one of the best neighborhoods in San Juan - Mission Woods area. 3 car garage, Open backyard.

Updated kitchen with granite counters, double oven, wood foors, new carpet, paint. Gardner incl. Call me 626-862-5757 or email me at chrisjromero@gmail. com.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE- SAT. JULY 30TH 8AM TO 3PM. House hold items, sport equipment, construction equipment, teacher materials. At 321 Calle Dorado, San Clemente SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL CHEER RUMMAGE SALE August 6, 8am-2pm in the school parking lot.

Accepting donations to sell that day from 6am-8am.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY NO PHONE CALLS.

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER Reliable, affordable, meticulous. EXCELLENT REFERENCES. 949-456-2376

SC TIMES CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE! Submit an ad or browse current listings at www.sanclementetimes.com

Do you want to reach 20,000+ people in the San Clemente area every week?

Then you need to be in the San Clemente Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 103

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

Page 22

www.sanclementetimes.com

Business Directory SC S an Cl em en te

Obituary Betty Jean Johnson Estabrook Betty Estabrook died peacefully of Leukemia, July 24, surrounded by loved ones.

Betty was born in Los Angeles July 4, 1929. She lived in Highland Park and attended Franklin High School where she met her loving husband Richard “Dick” Estabrook.

They married August 19, 1949.

In 1955 they moved to West Covina where she was active with the West Covina Presbyterian Church “Clippers”, spent weekends waterskiing at the Colorado river and summers in San Clemente where she hung out at the SC pier until 1969 when she came down to the beach and told her daughters that she had registered them at San Clemente High School. They moved to Shorecliffs where she enjoyed many beach days. Friday night BBQs at the Shorecliffs Beach Club beach was her favorite past time.

Betty worked for Capistrano Unified School district starting at Marco Forster Junior High School and opening Shorecliffs Junior High School until retiring in 1992.

Betty was active with the Coral Thrift Shop, San Clemente Elks Lodge and played Bunco every month with the same women for over 25 years.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard “Dick” Estabrook, daughters Carol Williams and Linda Kiernan; grandchildren Domonique Kiernan and Kyle Williams; son in laws Gary Williams and Tim Kiernan; and many loving friends and extended family.

Celebration of life will be at San Clemente Presbyterian Church, Saturday July 30 at 11 a.m.

In leau of flowers donations may be sent in Memory of Betty Estabrook to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 http://www.lls.org/#/waystohelp/donate/ donateonline/

San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Page 23

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

Business Directory

The only directory featuring San Clemente businesses exclusively ACCOUNTANTS

Cheese Shop

Financial Advisor

Craig Workinger CPA’s Inc 949.218.3224 The Cellar 949.492.3663 629 Camino de Los Mares #307 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com

CHIROPRACTORS

Air conditioning All Season Air 949.579.0741 allseasonair@gmail.com, www.allseasonair.net Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

Appliances South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

Appliances Services & Repairs ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

Dr. R. Tyler Johnson DC, Chiropractic Center 1502 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.6440 www.chiropracticcenteronline.com

Commercial Real Estate Doug Echelberger First Team Real Estate 949.498.7711 407 W. El Camino Real, www.echelberger.com

COMMERCIAL/TENANT IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR Garrison Property Services, Inc. Lic. # B609809, marc01@cox.net

949.370.1125

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

Massage Therapy

Timothy C. Metcalf, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Body Therapy/Healing 949.683.2033 www.wfadvisors.com/tim.metcalf 949.862.1250 San Clemente, www.cfrpassion.com C’Siren Day Spa

949.498.7700 FLOORING 312 Avenida De La Estrella Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 MATTRESSES 638 Camino de los Mares, Ste. G -105, South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, FURNITURE www.southcoastfurniture.com South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 MOLD REMOVAL 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com

HAIR SALONS

Kreative Hair Design 949.498.6245 San Clemente Computer & Network Services San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175 daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 173 Avenida Serra 100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com Sano Computers

949.492.2179 Heating www.sanocomputers.com Attorneys All Season Air 949.579.0741 allseasonair@gmail.com, www.allseasonair.net CONCRETE The Gibbs Law Firm, APC 949.492.3350 Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 949.361.9656 110 E Avenida Palizada, Ste. 201, www.gibbslaw.com Costa Verde Landscape 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) Auto Wrecking www.costaverdelandscaping.com Home Décor San Clemente Auto Wrecking & Repair Shop 1520 Avenida de la Estrella, Ste. B, 949.492.6121 www.sanclementeautowrecking.com

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL

Dentists

Blinds 949.498.9515

BOOKS Village Book Exchange 99 Avenida Serra

949.492.1114

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICE, REPAIR OC - IT

949.488.0029 970 Calle Negocio, www.oc-it.com

CARPET

Anaheim Carpet & Flooring 949.366.6564 1046 Calle Recodo, Ste. I, www.anaheimcarpet.net

Catering Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040 111 Avenida Del Mar, #B, www.carbonara.com

MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School 949.242.4431 www.danmans.com Leslie Lowe - Guitar, Bass & Drums 949.292.5019 leslielowe82@gmail.com Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

Optometry San Clemente Optometry, David J. Nota, OD 224 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2029 www.sanclementeoptometry.com Seaside Eyecare

949.493.2269 638 Camino De Los Mares, #A120, www.seasideeyecare.com

Orthodontist Frank J. Mogavero, DDS MS 949.493.7300 1031 Avenida Pico # 101, www.syncyoursmile.com

PAINTING

949.388.6829 INTERIOR DECORATING & REDESIGN KC Painting & Decorating Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, The Home & Garden Stylist/ 949.218.8022 Periodontics & Dental Implants www.drericjohnson.com Vignettes of Refinement Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) Ronald Trosper, DDS 949.492.7140 San Clemente, www.vignettesofrefinement.com 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com 145 Ave Del Mar, www.downtownsanclemente.com

DRYWALL/DRYWALL REPAIR Call Jeff

johnson4sc@cox.net

949.683.4972

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045 www.arcadiaelectric.com Gallagher Electric

949.412.6602 P.O. Box 986, www.gallagher-electric.com

Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mares, Ste. G-105, Entertainment www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com DJ Services Shaw’s Carpets 949.492.8070 KilltheTreble@yahoo.com 135 Avenida Victoria

CARPET & FLOORING

SC Rider Supply

949.388.0521 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com www.southcoastfurniture.com

B Construction

949.481.8444 1046 Calle Recodo, Ste. I, www.bconstruction.net The Cooper Company General Contractor BABY & CHILDREN’S GEAR License #B 638754, 949.361.2538 HOME IMPROVEMENT www.biffcooperconstruction.com OC Tykes

949.429.1714 Custom Carpentry, Concrete Framing & Finish Dunham Construction, Inc. 949.492.7100 Ike Soffes 201 N. El Camino Real, www.octykes.com

949.363.3087 License #450880, www.dunhamconstruction.net Bankruptcy Attorneys HOME LOANS Hutton Construction 949.492.2808 www.brucehuttonconstruction.com Coldwell Banker Home Loans - 949.307.7982 The Gibbs Law Firm, APC 949.492.3350 nmls#261832. Tom Fashing, Mortgage Advisor, 110 E Avenida Palizada, Ste. 201, www.gibbslaw.com COSMETICS tom.fashing@mortgagefamily.com AVON 949.370.0433 Beauty Supply Annie Kyle, www.youravon.com/anniekyle HOUSE SITTING Del Mar Beauty Supply 949.492.8180 Mary Kay Cosmetics 949.248.2868 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste D, Curbside Pet & House Sitting 949.369.5074 www.marykay.com/madams2 www.delmarbeauty.com San Clemente, dalmatian.love@cox.net San Clemente Window Fashions www.sc-wf.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

INTERIOR DESIGN

PEST CONTROL

Norma Mardian Interior Design 949.492.6271 Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 www.nminteriordesign.com 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com Environment 1st Exterminating, Inc. 949.218.1111 JewelerS 2340 S. El Camino Real, #13, Paradise Jewelers

949.361.4367 www.freetermitereports.com 808 N. El Camino Real, www.paradisejewelers.com

Pet Grooming

LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656 License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.874.2540 www.costaverdelandscaping.com Greenscapes Landscape & Design 949.366.6564 Estate Planning, Probate, Trust 1046 Calle Recodo, Ste. I, www.greenscapesoc.com Living Gardens Landscape Design 949.218.7459 Lange & Minnott

949.492.3459 www.livinggardenslandscapedesign.com 1401 N. El Camino Real, Ste. 109

EXTERMINATING Environment 1st Exterminating, Inc. 949.218.1111 2340 S. El Camino Real, #13, www.freetermitereports.com

Landscape Lighting

Costa Verde Landscape License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com

VIP Pet Spa

949.492.7473 810 S. El Camino Real, www.vippetspa.com

Pet SITTING Curbside Pet & House Sitting 949.369.5074 San Clemente, dalmatian.love@cox.net PAWS-itively Pet Care 949.683.2033 San Clemente

PET SUPPLIES 949.361.9656 Pet Treasures

949.493.7297 653 Camino de los Mares, Suite 100, www.theyellowbone.com

Locals Only

Business Directory

The only directory featuring San Clemente businesses exclusively PHARMACIES

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Sea View Pharmacy 949.496.0123 665 Camino De Los Mares #101, www.seaviewpharmacy.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Memories Of Me Photos wwwmemoriesofmephotos.com

949.361.0680

PIZZA Izza Neapolitan Pizzeria 949.248.4925 376 Camino de Estrella, www.izzapizzeria.com

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com Mission Plumbing & Heating 949.492.4303 1100 S. El Camino Real, www.missionplumbingandheating.com San Clemente Plumbing 949.366.2691 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 108, www.sanclementeplumbing.com

POOL/SPA SERVICE & REPAIR Radiant Pool & Spa Service 949.290.5616 www.radiantpoolservice.com SC Pool Techs 949.235.1261 www.fixmypoolnow.com

PRESCHOOLS San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025 163 Avenida Victoria

PRINTING Printing OC

949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

Psychologists Manny Tau, Psy.D., PSY14892 800.865.0367 300 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 218, www.drtau.com

Real Estate Altera Real Estate - “Sandy & Rich” www.sandyandrich.com 949.293.3236 Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631 San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.com Casa Verde Homes - Simon Wilson 949.212.5800 www.casaverdehomes.com Century 21 OMA - Eric Benson 949.584.3751 www.sanclementecoastalhomes.com Doug Echelberger First Team Real Estate 407 W. El Camino Real, 949.498.7711 www.echelberger.com Marcie George - Star Real Estate South County marciegeorge@cox.net 949.690.5410 McDaniel Gilmore Group Surterre Properties 949.464.3226 www.livetalega.com Prue Putnins- Regency Real Estate 949.366.1984 www.TheTalegaTeam.com, www.HomesByPrue.com Steve Smith 949.632.8139 Olympian Altera DCP, ssmithsurfer@msn.com Tarbell Realtors - The Metcalfs 949.533.5999 1001 Avenida Pico, www.Metcalf4Homes.com

Real Estate Attorneys The Gibbs Law Firm, APC 949.492.3350 110 E Avenida Palizada, Ste. 201, www.gibbslaw.com

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Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@sanclementetimes.com.

Casa Verde Homes

949.212.5800 License #B 906391, www.casaverderenovation.com Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mare, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com

Restaurants Café Calypso

949.366.9386 114 Avenida Del Mar #4 Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040 111 Avenida Del Mar, #B, www.carbonara.com The Cellar 949.492.3663 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com

ROOFING CONTRACTORS 949.498.6204

SALONS Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com Salon Bleu 949.366.2060 207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com

SCREENS Sure-Fit Screens

www.surefitscreens.com

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 949.276.5752 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com 714.757.3490

TUTORING Study with Stacy www.studywithstacy.com

949.632.1176

949.498.9412

SECONDHAND THRIFT SHOP South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

SKINCARE A Beautiful You Skin Care 949.370.1852 1502 N. El Camino Real, www.abeautifulyouoc.com

SURF SCHOOLS San Clemente Surf School 949.334.7649 www.sanclementesurflessons.com

TERMITES Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com Environment 1st Exterminating, Inc. 949.218.1111 2340 S. El Camino Real, #13, www.freetermitereports.com The Termite Guy -Termite & Pest Control 106 W. Canada Ave., 949.940.1010 www.877termite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345 www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.290.8230

WINDOW COVERINGS

Vacuums Best Blinds & Vacuums 949.492.8719 73 Via Pico Plaza Nic’s Vacuum & Small Appliance 949.492.4747 216 Ave. Del Mar, www.nicsvacuum.com

VETERINARIANS Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital 949.429.1555 1242 Puerta Del Sol, www.pacificcoastveterinary.com

WATER DAMAGE

Remodel

Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

Water Wise Irrigation Costa Verde Landscape License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com

949.361.9656

Best Blinds & Vacuums 949.492.8719 73 Via Pico Plaza Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mare, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com San Clemente Window Fashions 949.498.9515 www.sc-wf.com

Wine Bar The Cellar 949.492.3663 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com

Wine Shop & Wine Tasting San Clemente Wine Company 949.429.7076 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, www.scwinecompany.com

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Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@sanclementetimes.com.

SC SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

Grom of the WEEK Noah Hohenester Age: 10, Bernice Ayer Middle School Noah Hohenester is a talented student athlete who just finished the fifth grade at Truman Benedict Elementary School. While in elementary school, Noah worked hard and maintained all “A” and “B” grades throughout. He is looking forward not only to starting middle school but also trying out for the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team in the fall. Also preparing for the upcoming NSSA and WSA season events, he’s been taking every opportunity to improve his skills this summer by surfing as much as possible at his favorite local breaks like Lowers, Rivi and T Street. “I’m working on full round house cut backs and going vertical in the pocket,” said Noah. “My favorite thing about practicing is surfing with my friends and taking turns ripping waves.” Noah’s summer kicked Courtesy photo off in high style as he led his team—Noah and his dad Joe—to victory in the NSSA Family Affair parent and grom surf contest in June. He then went on to win the 10 and Under Shortboard division at the San Clemente Ocean Festival Groms Rule contest at the San Clemente Pier on July 16. Noah has some big travel plans for the coming season as he will be making a surf trip to Nihiwatu, Indonesia in October. —Andrea Swayne

A Monster Start to a Golden Season WSA kicks off its 50th year with the 6th Annual Menehune Surf Fest

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

E

ach summer the Western Surfing Association holds the WSA Menehune Surf Fest to provide a fun, no-pressure way for beginning surfers to try out surf competition and seasoned surfers to practice—without the pressure of surfing for season points.

On July 23 the San Clemente-based organization held its sixth annual event at Goldenwest Street in Huntington Beach. A lighthearted theme is chosen for each year’s event. Last year the contest was dubbed the Menehune Surf Fiesta. This year saw the Menehune Monster Surf Fest award “monster face” trophies to more than 100 groms aged 16 and under competing in events from the Under 9 Push-in divisions to 15-16 age groups in both short and longboard competition.

Two local surfers earned top spots. San Clemente’s Jordan Kudla placed first in Boys 15-16 Shortboard and Ethan Mudge of Capistrano Beach won the Boys U13 Longboard.

This year’s contest marked the start of the 2011/2012 surf season which is also the 50th anniversary of the WSA. For full results and a photo slideshow, log

Youngsters get ready for the upcoming WSA Gatorade Championship Tour at the Menehune Surf Fest, a fun contest held each summer to introduce new competitors to the series and help regular competitors prepare for the regular season. Right: A Menehune “Monster” Surf Fest trophy. Photos by Sheri Crummer/seasister.com

on to www.sanclementetimes.com.

The WSA Gatorade Championship Tour series—a nine-event season plus a West Coast Championship event—is set to begin with event No. 1 on August 6 and 7 at San Onofre State Beach, Trail 6. Log on to www.surfwsa.org for more information. SC

Surfing America Executive Director Resigns

S

urfing America—the National Governing Body for amateur surfing in the country— on July 27 announced the resignation of Executive Director Mike Gerard.

Gerard, who held the position for eight years, is leaving to pursue new career opportunities. The Board of Directors has appointed Greg Cruse as administrative director to handle day-to-day operations.

“On behalf of the executive committee and the entire board we’d like to thank Mike [Gerard] for his years of service and acknowledge his significant contributions to Surfing San Clemente Times July 28–August 3, 2011

America and the sport of surfing,” said President, Jeff Booth in a press release.

Booth also refers to Cruse as someone with an intense knowledge of what it will take to move the organization forward in the future.

Excited by the opportunity to grow the organization’s key properties—the PacSun USA Surf Team and Surfing America USA Championships, Cruse said, “I look forward to building mutually beneficial relationships with the member organizations, the brands and the media while attracting the best surfing talent this country has to offer.” SC

Surf ForecasT Water temp: 66-70˚F Water visibility and conditions: San Clemente: 12-15’ Fair; Catalina: 15-25’+ Good Remarks: A new South-Southwest swell builds in through the day on Thursday, with small, fun surf at good exposures. Surge is light-moderate and visibility is okay, making for fair+ diving conditions overall.

Short range: Size is in the 2-3’(knee-waist high) zone on Thursday as a modest new South-Southwest groundswell builds through the day, offering some plus sets late in the day. Our swell-mix tops out Friday, offering 34’+(waist-chest-shoulder high) waves through the day. Conditions look clean for the mornings and generally fair to fair-good overall.

Long range: Fun surf continues over the weekend as our modest Southerly swell eases.

Conditions look clean for the mornings, with size in the 2-4’(knee-waist-shoulder high) range at good breaks on Saturday. Size drops slightly on Sunday. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

Page 26

SURF RESULTS 6th Annual WSA Menehune Monster Surf Fest, July 23, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest First place and local finishers only. BOYS/GIRLS U9 PUSH IN: 1. Thatcher Johnson, Hawaii; 2.

Nicholas Coli, San Clemente. BOYS U9: 1. Matthew Blackburn, Huntington Beach; 2. Nicholas Coli, San Clemente. BOYS 9-11: 1. Benjamin Seaberry, Huntington Beach; 4. Shane Hardy, San Clemente. BOYS 12-14: 1. Tyler Killeen, Surfside. BOYS 15-16: 1. Jordan Kudla, San Clemente; 5. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente.

BOYS U13 LONGBOARD: 1. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach. BOYS 13-16 LONGBOARD: 1. Trey Wood, Newport Beach; 2. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach. GIRLS 9-11: 1. Paris Bailey, Huntington Beach. GIRLS 12-14: 1. Julianne Hernandez,Costa Mesa; 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. GIRLS 15-16: 1. Bailey Nagy, Hawaii; 3. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente.

GIRLS U13 LONGBOARD: 1. Kylie Nagy, Hawaii.

GIRLS 13-16 LONBOARD: 1. Julianne Hernandez, Costa Mesa.

State Games of America 2011, July 24, Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Jetties First place and local finishers only. GIRLS 9-12: 1. Sydney Kay, Encinitas. GIRLS 13-15: 1. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. GIRLS 16-18: 1.

Larissa Lambrou, Solana Beach. BOYS 13-15:1.

Kevin Schulz, San Clemente. BOYS 16-18: 1.

Levi Gregory, San Clemente. GIRLS LONGBOARD 13-15: 1. Maddy Blauer, Encinitas.

GIRLS LONGBOARD 16-18: 1. Larissa Lambrou, Solana Beach. BOYS LONGBOARD 9-12: 1. Joey Costello, San Marcos. BOYS LONGBOARD 13-15: 1. Austin Sonnier, San Diego. BOYS LONGBOARD 16-18: 1. Colin Andrews, Rancho Bernardo.

Visit www.sanclementetimes.com for full results.

UPCOMING EVENTS July 30-August 7: U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach, Pier August 6-7: WSA Gatorade Championship Tour Event No. 1, San Onofre State Beach, Trail 6 August 20-21: NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 1, Huntington Beach, 9th Street www.sanclementetimes.com