August 22, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE A U G U S T 2 2 –2 8 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 34

San Clemente Football Preview Tritons mix new faces in with veterans, looking for success SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION (L to R): Seniors Tyler Maxwell, Kelsey Benoit, Jason Wright and Collin Zines and the Tritons football team are set to begin their 2013 season on August 30. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.sanclementetimes.com

CUSD Trustees Approve New Union Contract Following Tough Debate

Highland Games Bring Celtic Sports to South County this Weekend

Clean Ocean Fee Renewal Vote Slated for Fall

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SPORTS/PAGE 24

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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 San Juan Capistrano’s city leaders and residents, including the shaggy, four-legged variety, came together Saturday for the grand opening of the Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park. The 2.5-acre dog park features two separate roaming areas for small and large dogs, drinking fountains for dogs and their owners, picnic tables, benches and an access ramp for the disabled. The park was built by the Open Space Foundation, with funding also coming from the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort.

Cortese was a beloved local veterinarian who passed away in 2008. Affectionately known as “Dr. Fleas,” Cortese was an active volunteer, serving two years as president of the Rotary Club and more than 30 years in all. Cortese’s wife, Goldee, was in attendance and thanked the city, the foundation and its volunteers for the work and donations to build the park.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GO I N G O N I N OU R NE IG H B O R I N G TOW N S

A waterfront restaurant at the Dana Point Harbor is getting new tenants and a facelift, as local restaurateurs are set to launch a new concept at the wharf location. John and Damian Collins, the owners of StillWater Spirits & Sounds in Dana Point and the Sunsets restaurants in Capistrano Beach and San Clemente, will take over the vacant location, called home by the Jolly Roger for four decades. Last month, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a 10-year lease with the Pacific Harbor Hospitality Group with the option to renew for two additional decadelong periods. The group agreed to spend at least $800,000 on renovations and upgrades on the 6,000-square-foot, two-story building, which was built in the ’70s. The name and concept have yet to be finalized, but a summer 2014 opening is planned.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…Vista Hermosa Sports Park?

THE LATEST: A pair of long-anticipated projects will begin moving again at Vista Hermosa Sports Park after the San Clemente City Council approved a new contract for a miniature golf vendor and took steps to push completion of Courtney’s SandCastle.

The new miniature golf lease agreement is with Surf N’ Turf Paradiso LLC, a company partly run by the previous leaseholder, Scott Melcher. The previous lease gave the city 6 percent of the gross revenue of the facility and 8 percent after $400,000.

The new agreement provides the city with the same levels, but also guarantees at least $2,500 per month. The amenity will also include a mechanical wave feature.

Beaches, Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Heider told the council new developments in wave technology also allow for a better and safer wave generator, which will allow body surfing and other activities at the facility.

The council also accepted $340,000 in funds that, coupled with $110,000 in promised funds from the city last fall, will help build the second phase of the Courtney’s SandCastle Universal Access Playground, a sensory garden designed for developmentally disabled youth. The council decided to move forward with bidding on the project, with the addition of a shade structure. The Courtney’s SandCastle Foundation is currently raising funds for the structure, which is estimated to cost $30,000.

WHAT’S NEXT: Melcher said he hopes to open in May or June of next year, if not earlier. Sharla Pitzen, a foundation board member, said the second phase of the Courtney’s SandCastle project is also looking to open in June of next year.

San Clemente Times August 22–28, 2013

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. sanclementetimes.com – Jim Shilander

2

…the Clean Ocean Fee?

THE LATEST: The City Council voted Tuesday to hold an election by mail later this year for renewal of the city’s Clean ocean fee, while including the first increase in the fee’s history as part of the vote.

The fee has been in place since 2002 with funds being used to support measures to mitigate the effects of urban runoff, including efforts to clean up Poche Beach, and assist city departments in their own clean water efforts. The fee was last renewed in 2007, with 75 percent approval. The council identified renewal of the fee as one of its strategic priorities for the year earlier this spring.

Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said costs associated with the program had increased to the point where the current fee amount ($5.02 per month for single family residences on public streets and $4.39 for private streets) would not be sufficient to maintain the current programs without going into deficits within three fiscal years.

The increased fee proposal (up to $6.23 per month for single family residences on a public street) would keep the program at its current levels for another 6.5 years. The fee is higher for residences on public streets due to participation in the city’s street sweeping.

Councilman Tim Brown voiced concern about whether voters would approve the increase, given the rise in costs of other utilities.

“I’d hate for people to see it as unwarranted,” Brown said.

Bonigut said “there were a lot of good things to share” about the progress being made at Poche and other areas as a

result of the program. He also noted that the increased fee was still below what would have been in place had the program increased at the rate of inflation since 2002.

Efforts have also been made to reduce the costs associated with the program, including reducing administrative costs.

The fee renewal received unanimous support from the council. Mayor Bob Baker and other council members said the results of the program justified work done over the past decade and asked voters to renew the fee.

“We are vehemently in support of this,” Baker said. “As a whole we think this a wonderful idea.”

WHAT’S NEXT: A public hearing on the proposed increase is scheduled for the council’s October 15 meeting. Official ballots are slated to be sent to property owners 10 days later.

FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com – JS

3

…the CUSD Contract?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an agreement with the teacher’s union last week, but only after a contentious debate in which one trustee sought to table a final decision until district staff could find a way to restore a full school year.

The agreement with the Capistrano Unified Education Association reinstates two instructional days to the calendar— going back up to 177 days after budget cuts forced a decrease to 175 days last year—and restores a portion of teacher pay given back in previous agreements.

Additionally, the agreement begins to draw down class sizes, although parents

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who spoke before the board said they would like class sizes to decrease further and a full 180-day school year brought back before teachers received pay restorations.

Trustee Jim Reardon said he was supportive of the agreement in principle, but wanted to see the district make an attempt to find $2.8 million in funds he estimated would be necessary to restore the additional three instructional days needed for a traditional full school year. The district, he said, was given new flexibility to potentially do so, thanks to an increase in state funding and more local control over finances.

Reardon motioned to table a decision.

Board President John Alpay said what Reardon was proposing was “a first,” and essentially told staff their work negotiating the contract had been for naught. He also questioned the motivation behind the motion, calling it “political gamesmanship.”

Board Vice President Lynn Hatton agreed with Alpay and said she hoped a full school year could be restored next year, but also expressed concern that the short time given to district staff to find the funds could sacrifice programs.

“I look at this agreement as a positive step forward,” Hatton said. “We’ll be back to 180 days next year, I’m sure.”

Trustee Ellen Addonizio, who seconded Reardon’s motion, said she was strongly in favor of a 180-day school year, and noted her support for trying to restore the full year previously.

“It’s the hill I’ve decided to die on,” Addonizio said. “I cannot support 177 days.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Superintendent Joseph Farley said district staff only had three weeks to work through the state’s new funding rules since they were signed into law. He told the board the district could be put in a difficult legal position with regard to the negotiations if the motion was passed.

The board ultimately voted 4-3 on a second motion, made by Alpay, to approve (Cont. on page 5) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) the proposed agreement, with Reardon, Addonizio and Anna Bryson dissenting.

Addonizio and Reardon also dissented on a later vote to approve an updated school calendar that reflected the new agreement.

The board will consider the 2013-2014 budget in September.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com – JS

4

…Talega Taxes?

THE LATEST: The CUSD Board of Trustees approved continuing a special tax levy in the Talega area for at least one more year, as the district begins to formulate plans for how to address needed upkeep at San Clemente High School.

The special taxes, which help fund capital improvements at San Clemente High School, San Juan Hills High School and Vista Del Mar Middle School and Elementary School, could have been allowed to lapse, but district staff said it would be difficult to put another levy in place if the board had voted to eliminate it. The bonds have been in place since 2001. The planned levy for the 2013-2014 school year is $4.7 million.

Trustee Jim Reardon noted that the district lacked an updated plan for maintenance of facilities, and that the list of

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

needed improvements, which was last completed in 2008, should be updated in order to specifically address what maintenance issues needed to be completed at the high school. He also expressed concern that the same fund had previously been tapped for other projects outside the scope of the school district, such as roads.

Trustee Amy Hanacek, who sent her own children to SCHS, said she felt voting to close the levy would make it difficult to address the number of maintenance issues at the school, the oldest in the district.

Superintendent Joseph Farley echoed Hanacek’s comments, noting that without a definitive plan in place to address the necessary improvements, losing the levy could make formulating a plan more difficult.

Reardon acknowledged these concerns but also didn’t want to see the fund open indefinitely.

“If we turn it into a piggybank, we will get some blowback,” Reardon said.

Trustee Anna Bryson said while the school was in distress, the board also had a duty to make life easier for taxpayers whose students attended the school.

WHAT’S NEXT: The district will work on developing a new facilities inventory in the next year, in time for the next vote

also taking pain medications due to a back injury and was seen earlier in the day, but was now not answering his door or cell phone.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Via Jenifer, 0 Block (8:57 p.m.) A man came home and heard someone moving around upstairs. The man said that all the lights were on in the house and the side garage door was wide open. He called deputies from across the street and stoodby until they arrived.

COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, August 20 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Campo Rosa, 2800 Block (1:57 a.m.) A man described as approximately 28-yearsold and 6 feet 3 inches tall had a flashlight and was looking through parked cars.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Gado Road, 200 Block (8:17 p.m.)

A woman claimed to have recognized a man on her roof, looking down at her through her skylight. The woman said she was in bed when she saw the man. She confronted him later and he claimed what she saw was just a raccoon on her roof.

Monday, August 19

WELFARE CHECK Camino de los Mares, 600 Block (7:23 p.m.) A woman was wandering the parking lot and did not have any identification on her. The woman was 95 years old, 5 feet 3 inches tall, and claimed to have walked there from Westminster.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Victoria, 200 Block (10 p.m.) A man requested a welfare check on his brother who had been hospitalized twice this past weekend for drinking too much.

The man told deputies his brother was

CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 1600 Block (1:56 p.m.)

A man called deputies after his niece told him she had been sexually harassed by an employee at the business they had just left.

San Clemente Times August 22–28, 2013

on continuing the levy. San Clemente resident and Board President John Alpay, who had to recuse himself from discussion on the vote, has previously proposed the building of a new pool at the high school, in addition to necessary maintenance work. A number of speakers at the meeting from the arts community at SCHS advocated for the construction of a new performing arts center, which Alpay had previously stated could be done in conjunction with the city.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. sanclementetimes.com – JS

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…Intimate Obsessions?

THE LATEST: After generating a good bit of controversy, a proposal to put a lingerie and adult products store at 109 N. El Camino Real has seemingly fizzled without advancing deep into the development process.

Community Development Director Jim Holloway said he received a voicemail Friday, when city offices were closed, from the property manager indicating that negotiations to put the store in the building had stopped at the request of the property owner.

Holloway said some of the information requested by the city of the applicant

DISTURBANCE Mariposa, 0 Block (1:32 p.m.) An 11-yearold boy was trying to fight five other males. There was no fight reported and the five males were seen sitting in the business where the altercation reportedly occurred. The boy was last seen walking down a back alleyway.

Sunday, August 18 DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1800 Block (10:05 p.m.)

A 22-year-old man with a buzz haircut was giving employees a hard time while eating candy bars that he refused to pay for. The employees also said the man wanted to fight them.

DISTURBANCE Paseo de Cristobal, 200 Block (8:50 p.m.)

A man heard a large group of people screaming out in the street, including one person who was yelling that something was happening to their dog.

WELFARE CHECK La Paloma, 200 Block (6:21 p.m.) A welfare check was requested on a child that was crying for several hours. Earlier in the morning the caller heard the child asking for his mommy. The caller told deputies that he “thought something weird was going on.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Del Cerro, 1100 Block (5:45 p.m.)

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had not been answered, in terms of what percentage of the store would be geared to adult products of an explicitly sexual nature. Holloway said this amounted to a “definitional problem” that would still need to be answered if a store was being planned elsewhere in the city.

The city’s zoning codes prohibit an “adult business” from being within 1,000 feet of a residence, school or religious facility, and restrict them only to certain zones.

Mayor Bob Baker said Tuesday he was contacted by a number of citizens opposing the store.

“I got a lot of email messages from people opposed to a business like that next to a family-run place like Pizza Port,” Baker said.

Resident Tom Murphy, who was one of the organizers of the effort to block the proposed store, credited those who wrote to city officials, as well as the city itself, for taking its time to process the application.

Baker said he had no issues with the way things happened.

“It seems like it worked out as it was supposed to,” he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Holloway said he did not know if the applicant wished to pursue putting in a store at a different storefront at this time.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. sanclementetimes.com – JS.

A man called deputies after his cousin brought home a girl who seemed to be on drugs. The caller requested paramedics to come and pick up the girl.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Louisa, 4000 Block (4:59 p.m.)

A man reported that a Cox repair man was at his house to install a sound system. The caller reported that the man left the sound system dismantled then quickly jumped into his vehicle and peeled out. The caller thought the Cox representative had burglarized his home.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC El Camino Real/Calle Escalones (4:11 p.m.) A male transient in an alley was having difficulty walking. The caller said the man kept nearly falling down.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE South El Camino Real/ Avenida Valencia (12:13 p.m.) A female transient in a parking lot was talking to herself and appeared to be kicking and punching the air. The caller said the woman seemed disoriented.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 400 Block (2:12 a.m.)

Three men were pounding on the door of the Taka-O Japanese Restaurant. The men had previously moved the benches and were seen urinating in the parking lot. All three were last seen running southbound on El Camino Real. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, August 22 2013 CHAIRity Fundraiser 5 p.m.7 p.m. Fundraising event for the Dorothy Visser Senior Center. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

Friday, August 23 Chamber Membership Orientation 12 p.m. Chamber event hosted by OC Tavern. 2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Tuesday, August 27 Toastmasters 7 p.m.–8:40 p.m. Practice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly and supportive atmosphere at the Baha’i Center. 3316 Ave. Del Presidente, 6463. toastmastersclubs.org.

Wednesday, August 28 Read with Chloe 3:30 p.m. Kids can practice reading skills to Chloe, a certified therapy dog, at the library. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Jim Shilander

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO The trek included a conservation project where the Scouts learned and participated in the upkeep of Philmont’s ecosystem.

Along the journey, Scouts endured tough challenges including backpacking in bear and mountain lion territory, steep climbs and often inclement weather.

Assistance League Helps Marine Families On August 3 and 4, the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley joined with six other Assistance League chapters from Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties to provide back-to-school clothing for Marine families at Camp Pendleton. More than 680 children ranging, in age from pre-school to high school, received new school clothes and other items from the volunteers. Parents also received vouchers which can be redeemed for new shoes for their children.

The local ALCV chapter is a member of the National Assistance League, a nonprofit, volunteer organization. The local chapter raises funds for needy children in the Capistrano Unified School District and for military families at Camp Pendleton.

For more information on the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, visit www. capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org or call 949.492.2800.

SC Boy Scouts Make New Mexico Mountain Trek A crew of teenage Scouts and their leaders from San Clemente BSA Troop

San Clemente Boy Scout Troop 113 recently completed a major backpacking trip through the New Mexico mountains. Courtesy photo

Grand Opening at Playschool Friday

113 recently completed a 12-day summer backpacking trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M. Philmont Scout Ranch, currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, is the Boy Scouts of America’s national high adventure camp, covering almost 140,000 acres (about 214 square miles) and offering hundreds of miles of wilderness trails.

Scouts and their advisors had to carry everything they needed to survive during the trek on their backs while hiking from camp to camp for over 70 miles and to elevations as high as 12,000 feet. Along the way the Scouts and their advisors participated in backcountry programs including rock climbing and rappelling, blacksmithing, black powder rifle shooting, tomahawk throwing, search and rescue and fly fishing.

The city of San Clemente will be holding a ribbon cutting Friday at the newest San Clemente Playschool from 10 a.m. to noon at the new location at Tierra Grande Park, 399 Camino Tierra Grande. The event will include carnival games and crafts, Kone Ice snow cones, information about bicycle and tricycle safety, as well as an opportunity to sign up for fall classes. The program, which targets children ages 3-5, is made possible by a grant from the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 8, Issue 34. 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 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Hot Griddles and Melting Pots Breakfast in San Clemente can be a melting pot of fabulous food options

W

ith the congressional immigrant bill in full debate now and businessmen all over the nation talking about the importance of immigrants in our society, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the amazing immigrant entrepreneurs right here in San Clemente.

Many think of our town as a beachblonde WASP community. But we have many first or second generation immigrant families; some that own breakfast spots in town—in fact, many of the best in San Clemente. Here are a few I frequent repeatedly.

SUNRISE CAFÉ Sunday morning’s crowds spill onto the sidewalk. Chen Yen, who also owns Café Calypso, bought the place several months ago and is making this perennial breakfast spot a dynasty again. Cambodian by descent, Chen and her staff cook the best breakfast on the northside of town. It’s a great neighborhood walk for those in the Pico to Escalones section of town too.

TOMMY’S Tommy’s has been an icon for San Clemente patrons for decades. But its movie star décor belies its owner’s roots. When proprietor Ed Rock comes out and talks to you, it’s always impresWAVELENGTHS sive when he explains his

By Jim Kempton new menu and why he thinks the food will be even better than before. Ed’s family came from Greece—and Greeks my friends, know how to cook.

ANTOINE’S CAFÉ You wouldn’t think that a lady with reddish hair and freckles would be French, but Antoine’s owner Veronique Price is exactly that—and charming to boot. Crepes and Béarnaise sauce aren’t the only egg concoctions on the menu—there are great burritos and oatmeal too. Just get there early if you don’t want a wait.

SC DONUTS You can get a lot more than donuts at this little hole in the wall. A

local crowd gathers to greet each other every morning and many hang out until nearly noon. Chinese-American owner Lee Su gets up at 4 a.m. every morning to bake her donuts with a big smile to keep her long-time customers coming back for more. And year after year, they do.

CORKY’S If you live in the north end of town you know this eatery in Shorecliffs next to the DMV. Breakfast at Corky’s is as local as it gets. Shorecliffs residents are the core of the clientele but patrons come from all over San Clemente and beyond. Richard Eshoiee, the owner—an Iranian immigrant who is unfailingly proud of America—is genuinely personable to every customer.

LA SIESTA La Siesta was the dream of Carmello Hernandez, who moved to the USA in 1936. A local favorite, it is one of the few family-owned Mexican food joints in town with a full-on “deysauno” Latino breakfast. Sergio, Gustavo, Albert and Ricky Hernandez carry on their father’s

tradition of their “familia” recipes.

SC CAFÉ Nicole and Joey Abi-Loutfi are the San Clemente locals who seem to know everyone—and everyone’s kids.

Their dad is a Lebanese immigrant—the kids are pure America. It’s always crowded, always excellent, with the surf crew always in tow. This is Norman Rockwell country. And if you don’t see somebody you know at the SC Café you need to get out more.

Jim Kempton is a writer, surfer and traveler to nearly 50 countries. He has tasted eggs cooked just about every way they can be dreamed up. For the many great restaurants he failed to mention, he has plans to write about numerous other wonderful local food spots in town. If the Times will let him… SC

when Sen. Barbara Boxer (D—Calif.) got involved. She got the Atomic Safety Licensing Board, which has oversight of the NRC, to rule that limiting power output to 70 percent of full power would require a license amendment—a farcical charge in view of the fact that many plants, including SONGS, have limited their power output for various reasons.

The final decision was with the NRC board where the acting chairman, Allison MacFarlane, voted with Boxer, who was holding up her confirmation as chairman; smells like quid pro quo. A license amendment can take up to a year and the plant was down a year and a half. SCE

apparently felt it couldn’t take the financial hemorrhaging any longer—Boxer’s delay tactic had worked and it didn’t matter that her case had no merit. We’ve lost 2,300 megawatts of generation, lost 1,100 plus good jobs, are more susceptible to power outages, as I predicted—paying higher electric rates and all the fuel still sits on site in the spent fuel pool or in dry cask storage—thanks Boxer. With representation like this, who needs enemies?

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Letters to the Editor SONGS CLOSURE THE RESULT OF BOXER’S ACTIONS, NOT EDISON’S DAVID DAVISON, San Clemente

Regarding Jerry Davis’s response to my earlier letter (“Credibility Requires Facts,” SC Times August 15), my statement that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave approval for the installation of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s steam generators (not steam turbines) was not only accurate, but a matter of record. Southern California Edison didn’t spend $680 million to design, build, install and operate these steam generators hoping to get approval; approval comes before the building San Clemente Times August 22–28, 2013

stage and the fact that SCE did operate with these generators demonstrates they had NRC approval.

This refutes the nonsense going around that SCE didn’t follow the appropriate process. Where Mr. Davis may be confused is what happened after Unit 3 steam generators leaked (a very small leak). The NRC decided to keep Unit 2 shut down, though it had no leaks, and await SCE’s response.

SCE submitted a conservative plan to run Unit 2 at 70 percent power through the hot summer months, shut down, inspect the steam generators and let the results dictate the next course of action.

The NRC accepted this plan—and that’s

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To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com.

San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit readersubmitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.

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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. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

thursday

BEACH CONCERT 6 p.m.

The final concert in the “Bringing Bands to the Sand” series at the San Clemente Pier area featuring World Anthem (reggae).

Free. More info: 949.361.8264, www.san-clemente.org/recreation.

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SUMMER JAZZ SERIES: THE RYAN ROST QUARTET 7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents the outdoor concert overlooking the ocean. $25. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

FARM FILM SERIES: BILL MOLLISON’S GLOBAL GARDENER 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The Ecology Center shows a film under the stars. Free admission. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

OCEAN INSTITUTE’S LAGUNA BEACH MILLION DOLLAR HOME RAFFLE Today is the first “Early Bird Deadline” to enter the annual raffle to support the Ocean Institute with a grand prize of $1 million cash or a Laguna Beach home. Visit 949.542.3600, www.ocean-institute.org.

friday

END OF SUMMER PARTY 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Join Shorecliffs Golf Club for a fun event featuring a car show, music with a DJ, an outdoor barbecue, and then live music from 7-10 p.m. featuring George Butts. 501 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, 949.492.1177, www.shorecliffsgolfclub.com.

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WAVELENGTH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 5:30 p.m.

Orange County’s Pacific Symphony brings four nights (Thursday-Sunday) of music with special guests each night; tonight’s guest Delta Spirit. $25-$95, plus parking.

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

SURFING HERITAGE AND CULTURE CENTER’S MOVIE NIGHT 7:30 p.m. Special screening of Cyrus Sutton’s surf adventure film “Compassing” at the Surfing Heritage Foundation. Tickets $5. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, 949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.

San Clemente TimesAugust 22–28, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘PARANOIA’ ANNOYS This summer’s movie season started on a high note, with hit blockbusters such as Iron Man 3 and This Is the End, and indie sleepers like The Way, Way Back and Blue Jasmine, but August 2013 has been relatively underwhelming. One of the most blasé of this month’s late summer releases is Paranoia. This not-so-thrilling thriller stars two film legends and two attractive B-listers but lacks originality and bombed at the box office. After losing his job at a phone company, Adam (Liam Hemsworth) blows his last use of the company credit card on partying with friends. Rather than call him out on it, his old boss Wyatt (Gary Oldman), offers a deal. If Adam agrees to spy on Wyatt’s old partner, and business rival, Goddard Gary Oldman, Liam Hemsworth and Harrison Ford (Harrison Ford), he can have a new, bigger job. But the more Adam plays the in Paranoia. © 2013 Paranoia Productions, LLC. part, the more connected he feels toward Goddard’s young protégé Emma (Amber Heard). Embeth Davidtz, Richard Dreyfuss and Julian McMahon co-star. Directed by Robert Luketic—known mostly for romcoms such as Legally Blonde (2001)—and based on the novel by Joseph Finder; Paranoia is a blend of good looking people, lackluster dialogue, bad editing and an obnoxious music score. With Luketic clearly out of his element in this genre and Dreyfuss’ and Hemsworth’s carelessly delivered lines, Paranoia failed to crack the Top 10 opening weekend. And it looks like Hemsworth and Heard will have to find something less forgettable to make themselves household names. — Megan Bianco

AVERY BREWERY TASTING EVENT 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Tasting event with craft beers from Avery Brewery at SC Wine Company. 212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK 6 p.m. Outdoor performance of Shakespeare plays presented by the Dana Point Theatre Company in Lantern Bay Park. Free. 25111 Park Lantern Road, aliciaerlinger@hotmail.com, danapoint.org.

BALLROOM BASH 7:15 p.m. Monthly Ballroom Bash dancing event in the San Clemente Community Center with a lesson in rumba followed by open dancing. Tickets $10; includes refreshments. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

CALIFORNIA CELTIC CLASSIC WORLD HIGHLAND GAMES AND FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Two-day event at Sea Terrace Park with throwing and strong-man events, food and drink, live music, dancing, and much more. Tickets $15 at the door. 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.calcelticclassic.com.

SASHA EVANS AND JOE HARNER 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Live music at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting that starts at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for 5 wines.

34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

ELEPHANT PARADE OPENING CEREMONIES 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Opening kick-off ceremonies for the Elephant Parade at Doheny State Beach welcoming the event to town, featuring elephant sculptures on display, a movie and more. This open-air beach exhibit is open to the public through the weekend. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.248.3501, elephantparadeamerica.com.

saturday

RMV RODEO 2 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The richest two-day rodeo in the nation with a purse totaling over $200,000.

Features saddle bronco and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping, and fun for the whole family. $10-$25. Location: corner of Ortega Highway and Antonio/La Pata, www.rmvrodeo.com.

24

DANA POINT LOBSTER FEST 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy fresh lobster and other tasty fare, plus live music, silent auction, no host bar, and more at Doheny State Beach’s Picnic Area A. $85 through Aug. 23 only; $100 at the door.

34312 PCH, Dana Point, www.danapointlobsterfest.org.

THE DROP 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern.

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

THE BLUES & BOOZE TOUR 2013 3 p.m. Blues concert featuring Big Daddy Williams & Lexi G. and Jumpin Jack Benny at The Ribjoint, benefiting The Orange County Blues Society. $20. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.661.9500, www.ribjointdanapoint.com, www.bdmcgees.com.

Page 10

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXPO 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free safety expo at the Dana Hills High School Sports Park. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.248.3579, www.danapoint.org/expo.

FLOCK OF 80S AND BRANDT VOGEL 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Lots of fun with live music at The Swallows Inn in conjunction with the RMV Rodeo. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

CITY BY STORM ACOUSTIC AND FRIEND 9:30 p.m.

Concert at OC Tavern. Tickets $10. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

sunday

COUPLES’ CLASSIC GOLF TOURNEY 5 p.m. Two-day golf tournament (Monday and Tuesday) at Monarch Beach Golf Links that kicks off tonight with a wine tasting event at the St. Regis Monarch Beach. Cost $1495 per couple, includes hotel room. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, N. Dana Point, 949.234.3200, www.stregismb.com.

25

BLACK SHEEP DOWNED BIKER POKER RUN AND RALLY 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fundraiser and poker run at Historic Town Center Park to benefit Harley motorcycle owners who are injured in an accident with live classic rock, barbecue, games, raffles, vendors and more. Tickets $20.

31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 714.215.2711.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

TELESOUND 4 p.m. Pop-rock at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

(Cont. on page 19) www.sanclementetimes.com

TRITONS, OLD AND NEW, HEAD INTO THE NEW SEASON

By Steve Breazeale Last season the San Clemente football team was built around returning seniors who played both sides of the ball. Mainstays like Sean Harlow, Christian Bailey and Landon Cook were the catalysts for both the offense and defense. They were considered a relatively young team when taking varsity experience into account.

Well, this year the Tritons can be considered even younger.

A number of sophomore, junior and senior players will don the red and black for the first time as varsity players when the Tritons take to the field for their season opener against Long Beach Jordan on August 30.

Head coach Jaime Ortiz and his staff have adopted a one-platoon style approach this year, which means there will be a limited number of players who play both ways.

Instead, players are focusing solely on either offense or defense. The coaching staff feels it is a better fit for the personnel that make up the 2013 roster.

“In order for us to maximize our talent with what we have, we decided we are going to have one-way guys. It gives guys in their first year starting an opportunity just to focus on one side of the ball,” Ortiz said. “In the past we’ve been on both sides and it’s a

Junior quarterback Sam Darnold will lead the Tritons up-tempo offense this season. Photo by Steve Breazeale

lot of information, a lot of reps and sometimes you don’t get the most out of each individual athlete.”

One-platoon systems also limit the wear and tear on players, which can lead to injury.

The Tritons had several key injuries last year and with this approach, Ortiz hopes they will stay relatively healthy.

As of August 21, three sophomores were slated to start on offense although one of them, left guard Dante Harrington, started last year as a freshman. On defense the Tritons are more experienced and field a senior-heavy group with juniors sprinkled in amongst the ranks. But several of those seniors have little varsity experience.

All of the new faces have led to what has become the main storyline of the Tritons camp—an opportunity for competition. The young guns have been fighting for spots over the offseason and even with little

Sophomore running back Vlad Dzhabiyev is one of nine sophomores looking to make an impact on the Tritons varsity roster. Photo by Steve Breazeale 2013 Triton Football Preview

TRITONS

IN A NUTSHELL

2012 Record: 5-5, 1-3 South Coast League Returning Starters: Offense 7; Defense 3 Offensive Set: Spread Defensive Set: 4-3 Head Coach: Jaime Ortiz (5-5 overall record) Assistant Coaches: Pat Harlow (Assistant head coach/offensive line/strength and conditioning), John Hamro (offensive line), Troy Kopp (quarterbacks), Oscar Montecinos (receivers), Bryon Rex (tight ends/receivers), Joe Wood (running backs), Leo Barker (defensive coordinator/defensive line), Chris Culbertson (defensive line/special teams), Pat Walker (defensive backs) experience, they have been impressing the Tritons veterans.

“It’s more energy. All those kids want to prove themselves and go out there and show they can play with all the big boys,” senior free safety Collin Zines, a two-year starter, said.

“They are kind of learning as we go. Guys are starting to fit into their roles … they are fitting in pretty well. We have some studs on this team,” senior strong safety Peyton Garrett added.

One young player who has steamrolled his way into a starting job is sophomore running back Vlad Dzhabiyev, who one year ago was playing for the Tritons junior varsity ranks as a freshman. Dzhabiyev is the smallest player on the offense but has proven to be a hardnosed, speedy tailback who picks up yards. Ortiz also likes his dual-threat ability and says he is extremely adept at catching the ball out of the backfield.

Dzhabiyev has hit the ground running since he joined the varsity squad and has

had to adapt to the quickness and physicality of the game. He’s also figuring out an entirely new playbook.

“Last year I was in a totally different place so I’ve had to learn the new plays all over again and get back into the feel of competing,” Dzhabiyev said.

The young players have been fun to watch, but it is the group of returning starters and experienced varsity players that the Tritons will lean on as they head into the new season.

One of the more veteran groups of the team comes in the form of the offensive line, where center Tyler Maxwell, left tackle Adam Solano and right tackle Tyler Abercrombie return for their senior campaigns.

All three saw considerable playing time as juniors and will help set the tempo for the offense.

Lining up next to the line will be threeyear varsity tight end Jason Wright, who Ortiz pegs as a candidate for a breakout season. Wright is a big target, standing at 6-feet-2-inches, and will double as an outside linebacker on defense.

The responsibility of making the offense click will be the Tritons quarterbacks—and they have two good ones.

Junior Sam Darnold will open the season as the starter. Fans will remember Darnold’s role in the Tritons’ signature 29-21 come from behind victory over Tesoro last year.

Darnold burned the Titans to the tune of 241 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in his first career varsity start. He also rushed for 80 yards and punched one into the end zone.

Behind Darnold on the depth chart is senior Loren Applegate, who started two games last year. Ortiz describes Applegate as a pocket quarterback who can make the throws downfield.

The defense will consist of solid seniors like Zines and Garrett, along with middle linebacker Grant Lyttle. Lyttle was a role player last year, filling in when needed, but has a chance to lead the defense in 2013 at one of the most crucial spots in the middle of the field.

Holding the defense together is senior defensive end Kelsey Benoit, who led the team with nine sacks last season.

The mix of young talent and returning veterans has made for an optimistic vibe around Tritons camp. Mission Viejo is still the team to beat in the South Coast League but a number of Tritons believe that outside of the Diablos, the chance for a playoff spot is up for grabs. El Toro is without their star powered offense and Tesoro graduated dozens of seniors, which has the Tritons thinking big.

“I’m really looking forward to this season … I think our defense is going to be much better than what people think. Our offense is going to be up-tempo and really fast, I don’t think people will see that coming,” Darnold said. “Right now I see ourselves winning a league championship no matter what. Mission Viejo is going to be hard.

Trabuco has a lot of returners…but nothing is going to be easy.” www.sanclementetimes.com

FIVE TO WATCH OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

Spread

OFFENSE

Tyler Maxwell C (No. 74), Sr. As a three-year varsity player, Maxwell will provide experience and skill at the line for the Tritons and has emerged as a team leader over the summer. Maxwell has a wrestling background and relies on his size and technique to move bodies up front.

Sam Darnold QB (No. 18), Jr. Darnold is one of the most dynamic athletes in the area and he possesses a varied set of skills that make him the favorite to start under center for the Tritons on opening day. Darnold, who picked up an offer from the University of Utah in the offseason, is a big and mobile quarterback.

Jason Wright TE (No. 88), Sr. Wright is a three-year varsity player who head coach Jaime Ortiz expects to have a big year. Last season he started for the Tritons on both offense and defense and will do so again in 2013. He will play tight end as well as linebacker.

Wright will be a big target for the Tritons quarterbacks to throw to and he has shown he can block on the line.

Austin Heaton WR (No. 83), Sr. Heaton is one of the few seniors in the Tritons receiving corps and has built up a rapport with both Sam Darnold and Loren Applegate, the Tritons’ two quarterbacks.

Vlad Dzhabiyev RB (No. 30), Soph.

Dzhabiyev is one of the youngest players on the San Clemente roster but is quickly making an impact. He is slated to be the starting tailback when the Tritons take to the field for the season opener.

2013 Triton Football Preview

Guard

Tackle Solano (58)

DEFENSE

Center

Harrington (79) Maxwell (74)

Guard

Tackle

Volling (75)

Abercrombie (70)

Wide Reciever

Tight End

Wide Reciever

Wright (88)

Fotheringham (14)

Quarterback Heaton (83) Darnold (18)

Wide Reciever Tailback

Gonzalez (6) Mestaz (1)

Kicker Gonzalez (6)

Dzhabiyev (30)

2013 San Clemente Football Varsity Roster No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 33 34 35 36

Name Charlie Mestaz Loren Applegate Jake Feiner Torrey Larson Blake Gonzalez Logen Cathey Grant Lyttle Jameson Klatt Kelsey Benoit Cole Fotheringham Nate Runolfson Andrew Wilk Garrett Fernandez Sam Darnold Peyton Garrett Trent Addis Collin Zines Jake Russell Jalen Loska Marcus Turner Tanner Wright Vlad Dzhabiyev Sebastian Delgadillo John O’Brien Weston Gillote Kevin Villarouel

Pos. WR QB RB DB K/WR DB LB LB DL WR DB QB/WR LB QB WR/DB WR DB/WR DB DL TE DB RB RB DL K/RB RB

HT 5’7 6’0 5’6 5’8 5’10 6’1 5’11 6’2 5’11 6’4 5’10 5’11 5’10 6’4 6’2 5’9 6’1 5’10 6’2 6’2 5’9 5’9 5’8 6’1 5’7 5’10

WT 170 182 150 145 175 175 210 210 210 200 155 205 205 210 180 125 180 145 220 195 175 160 181 185 135 165

GR 10 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 12 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 10 10 12 12 11 12

No. 41 44 46 50 52 53 54 55 56 58 68 69 70 72 74 75 76 79 80 81 82 83 85 88

Name Edwin Dimas Liam Mills Liam Buhl Blaze Gonzalez Trey Fullerton Tucker Scott Colin Lippincott Francisco Romero Chicho Rodriguez Adam Solano Gerardo Gomez Daniel Navarete Tyler Abercrombie Shaughn Ritchie Tyler Maxwell Austin Volling Miguel Lavin Dante Harrington Colby Williams Dane Habig Cole Harlow Austin Heaton Triston Morgan Jason Wright Jack West

HT Pos. 6’0 LB 5’11 LB 5’7 DL 5’6 DL 6’1 DL 6’1 OL 6’0 OL 6’0 OL 6’0 DL 6’4 OL 6’1 DL 6’2 DL 6’0 OL 6’5 RT 6’1 OL 6’1 OL 6’0 DL 6’2 OL 5’11 WR DB/WR 6’0 6’5 TE 6’2 WR 5’11 WR 6’2 TE/LB Student Manager

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

WT 190 210 160 220 240 240 225 240 205 220 230 285 250 265 280 220 260 255 150 145 185 185 145 230

GR 12 11 10 11 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 12 11 11 10 11 11 11 12 11 12 10

4-3 Defense

End

Tackle

Loska (24)

Gomez/ Navarrette

Cornerback

Nose Tackle Rodriguez (56)

End Benoit/ O’Brien

Cornerback

Larson (4)

Russell (23)

Safety Garrett (19) Cathey (7)

FIVE TO WATCH

Linebacker

Linebacker

Linebacker

Wright/ Fernandez

Lyttle (8)

Klatt (10)

Safety

Collin Zines FS (No. 22), Sr. Zines had a solid junior campaign and will be among the more experienced players on the Tritons defense. At the cornerback spot last year Zines had 48 total tackles and grabbed a teamhigh two interceptions. Zines is making the switch to free safety this year.

Kelsey Benoit DE (No. 11), Sr. Benoit should be a force on the defensive line for the Tritons this season. He is among the strongest players on the team and was the resident sack master in 2012, leading the team with nine sacks. He will look to up that number in 2013.

Grant Lyttle MLB (No. 8), Sr. Lyttle was more of a role player in 2012 but has been given the nod to start at middle linebacker for the Tritons defense. Lyttle has shown Ortiz he has the ability to read opposing offenses and will be the general of the defense.

Peyton Garrett SS (No. 19), Sr. Garrett was injured for a stretch in 2012 and played some time at wide receiver. This season he has made the switch to defense and will occupy a spot in the secondary at strong safety. Garrett and Zines will make up a speedy defensive pairing who aim to disrupt opposing quarterbacks’ efforts.

John O’Brien DE (No. 34), Sr. O’Brien did not see much time last year on varsity but has been thrust into the role of defensive end for his senior year. O’Brien is slated to platoon with Benoit at the spot.

Zines (22) www.sanclementetimes.com

GAME ONE

SEASON SCHEDULE & GAME PREVIEWS AUGUST 30

JORDAN Location: San Clemente High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: John Kane League: Moore 2012-2013 record: 5-5 (3-3 league) 2012-2013 vs. SCHS: DNP Season Outlook: Jordan will be without star receiver/kick returner and University of Washingtonbound John Ross, who provided much of the Panthers’ offensive punch last season. The loss of Ross, along with go-to running back Marquise McGuire, will be a void the Panthers will need to fill if they are to compete in the perennially tough Moore League.

The Panthers will field a veteran offensive line this year, with the likes of Mace Asaeli, Eric Cordova and Siaosi Pahulu all returning.

These three linemen helped pave the way for McGuire’s running game last year.

GAME SIX

OCTOBER 4

EDISON Location: Edison High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Dave White League: Sunset 2012-2013 record: 13-2 (5-0 league) 2012 vs. SC: Win, 31-3 Season Outlook: Edison turned in a truly dominant performance in 2013. They captured the Sunset League title, the CIF-SS Southwest championship and played in the CIF Division II Regional Championship game. The Chargers had a potent offense but where they made their bed was on the defensive side of the ball. In 15 games Edison’s defense allowed an average of 7.8 points to be scored against them.

During the regular season that number dropped to an astounding 4.7 points per game allowed. The main defensive leaders of the team have departed but that should not slow them down for long.

2013 Triton Football Preview

GAME TWO

SEPTEMBER 6

CABRILLO Location: San Clemente High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Jason Brown League: Moore 2012-2013 record: 3-8 (3-3 league) 2012 vs. SC: Loss, 37-6 Season Outlook: A lot of their success will be determined by quarterback Kaelon Price, who played in all 11 of the Jaguars’ games last year as a junior. Price had a relatively clean touchdown to interception ratio of 12:7 and led a balanced attack. Junior running back Rico Martin had a breakout sophomore season, averaging 6.49 yards per carry, and figures to be in the mix again. The one spot where Cabrillo’s depth charts took a hit was in the receiving corps, where they lost five seniors who reeled in at least 10 catches each.

GAME SEVEN

OCTOBER 11

EL TORO Location: San Clemente High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Robert Frith League: South Coast 2012-2013 record: 9-2 (3-1 league) 2012 vs. SC: Win, 49-37 Season Outlook: Last year’s El Toro team was an offensive juggernaut, powering their way to the first round of the CIF Pac-5 playoffs, where they drew Santa Margarita in the first round. El Toro’s offense had their way with opposing defenses, scoring 35 points or more eight times on the year. But Conner Manning, the county record setting quarterback behind that offense, is gone. That makes the big question mark for El Toro heading into the season fairly obvious. Who will fill in at quarterback? Junior Trey Tinsley seems to be the likely successor. Manning’s favorite target, receiver Dominic Collins, will be back for his senior year.

GAME THREE SEPTEMBER 12

GAME FOUR SEPTEMBER 20

DANA HILLS Location: Dana Hills High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Todd Rusinkovich League: Sea View 2012-2013 record: 4-6 (3-1 league) 2012 vs. SC: Loss, 42-14 Season Outlook: Dana Hills claimed the school’s first-ever league title in 2013. They will be missing several impact seniors but return their starting quarterback, Mac Vail, and running back Brian Scott. After starting out 0-5 on the season, the Dolphins rallied in league play, going 3-1. The Dolphins players have proven they can face adversity, like losing five straight games to start their season, and bounce back. What they will have this season is a full year of Scott getting a lions’ share of the touches in the backfield. Expect an emphasis on the run game.

LA COSTA CANYON Location: San Clemente High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Scott Sovacool League: Avocado-West 2012-2013 record: 7-4 (3-1 league) 2012 vs. SC: Loss, 21-10 Season Outlook: Las Costa Canyon has been a mainstay on the Tritons preseason roster for the past three years and for good reason. The Mavericks have proven to be a tough preseason opponent out of the San Diego Section and have earned a berth in the CIF playoffs in each of the past nine seasons. San Clemente has gotten the better of the team from the south in their past three meetings.

La Costa Canyon did their damage on the ground last year, racking up 2,134 total rushing yards. Departed senior Deon Dickey provided 1,267 of those yards and will not be a factor this time around. Senior Jake Mann figures to replace Dickey as the go-to running back.

GAME EIGHT

OCTOBER 18

MISSION VIEJO Location: Mission Viejo High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Bob Johnson League: South Coast 2012-2013 record: 11-1 (4-0 league) 2012 vs. SC: Win, 45-7 Season Outlook: As always, Mission Viejo will enter the new season as one of the top ranked teams in the county and the state.

The Diablos breezed their way to another South Coast League title last year and with returners like Ian Fieber (quarterback), Alek Suchesk (running back) and Andrew Schuurs (wide receiver), the skill positions on offense are all in place for another repeat. The Diablos also got some added depth in the form of transfers. Senior defensive tackle Nick Dehdashtian transferred in from Santa Margarita and should be an impact player. Former Dana Hills receiver Connor Hill also transferred to Mission Viejo.

GAME NINE

NOVEMBER 1

TESORO Location: San Clemente High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Matt Poston League: South Coast 2012-2013 record: 7-4 (1-3 league) 2012 vs. SC: Loss, 29-21 Season Outlook: Amid a torrent of changes, the Tesoro football program will look to right itself under the direction of new head coach Matt Poston. Former coach Brian Barnes was removed from duties with one week still to play last year and Tesoro did not look far for finding his replacement in Poston.

Poston comes to Tesoro from Capistrano Valley, where he was at the helm for three years. Poston has ties to the Tesoro program, having served as an assistant and freshman head coach for the program in 2001. Poston will inherit a team that has been on the rise in recent years and appeared in the first round of the Pac-5 Championships last year.

By Steve Breazeale

GAME FIVE

SEPTEMBER 27

NEWPORT HARBOR Location: San Clemente High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Jeff Brinkley League: Sunset 2012-2013 record: 7-5 (4-1 league) 2012 vs. SC: Win, 28-7 Season Outlook: Newport Harbor has had a lot of success under head coach Jeff Brinkley and will look to build on their impressive 2013 campaign. The Sailors finished second in the Sunset League last year behind eventual CIF-SS Southwest Champion Edison and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The Sailors had a streaky run last season, dropping preseason games to Loyola and Trabuco Hills but rattled off close victories over Huntington Beach and Los Alamitos. They’ll need to be more consistent in league if they want to compete with Edison.

GAME TEN

NOVEMBER 8

TRABUCO HILLS Location: Trabuco Hills High Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Scott Orloff League: South Coast 2012-2013 record: 5-5 (1-3 league) 2012 vs. SC: Win, 21-14 Season Outlook: The Mustangs had a bit of turnover on their depth charts but have solid returning players to build around that could bring them out of the bottom of the South Coast League. Junior wide receiver Jacob Breeland and senior running back Jordan Hettinger should sure up some of the skill positions. Senior defensive end Nick Leduc had a nice junior season, racking up 75 total tackles while leading the team with five sacks. If Trabuco Hills can find the pieces to fill in the gaps they could have a solid season.

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) SAN ONOFRE EXHIBIT 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The final day to view Casa Romantica’s Coast Culture Exhibition on San Onofre that features historical stories, rare photographs, surfboards, artifacts, paintings, vintage memorabilia, and more. Admission $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

WHALE AND DOLPHIN TOURS Get eye-to-eye underwater with dolphins and whales without getting wet on Capt. Dave’s Catamaran Sailboat; 2.5 hours daily. $55 adult, $35 child (3 to 12), under 2 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

CALIFORNIA CELTIC CLASSIC WORLD HIGHLAND GAMES & FESTIVAL 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. Special weekend festival at Sea Terrace Park; both Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets $15 at the door. 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.calcelticclassic.com.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Concert at Sea Terrace Park featuring DC Babylon and The Hanging Gardens Band, and L.A.vation—U2 Tribute.

33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

FREE FISHING FOR KIDS Noon. A fishing lesson and more for kids at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy wine on a luxury catamaran in the DP Harbor with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching every Friday and Sunday. Tickets $49.

34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

monday

26

TOP CABERNET CLASS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Wine class at The Cellar with Ian Blackburn.

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

COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday

KALEIDO KIDS SUMMER EVENTS GRAND FINALE 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A huge carnival for kids at the Kaleidoscope with games, face painting, activities and much more fun for kids. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, www.gokaleidoscope.com.

27

SAN O FOUNDATION PHOTO EXHIBIT 6 p.m.8 p.m. The San Onofre Foundation’s “Coastal Presence,” a photography exhibit running July 17-Sept. 30 with a display of photos for sale and much more. 3030 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.366.8599, www.sanofoundation.org.

RUBEN GONZALEZ 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

NATE HANCOCK 6:30 p.m. Live music at Sunsets. 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

wednesday

WEST COAST FILM FESTIVAL The 3rd Annual West Coast Film Festival at various venues in San Juan Capistrano begins today and runs through Sept. 1. Tickets on sale at Regency Theatre.

More info: 949.489.7771, www.westcoastfilmfest.com.

28

STORY TIME FOR CASA KIDS 10 a.m. Every Wednesday kids ages 3-5 are invited to hear stories at Casa Romantica. Free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

A 14-venue “pub crawl” featuring seasonal craft brews, live music, food and appetizers, and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano the last Wednesday of the month.

Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700, www.facebook.com/microbrewsbythemission.

WEDNESDAY WINE DINNER 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Vine features a four-course food and wine pairing. Cost $40 person. 211 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949-361-2079, www.vinesanclemente.com.

THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY HAIR SALONS

AIR CONDITIONING Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

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

Kreative Hair Design 173 Avenida Serra

949.492.5589 Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ART GALLERIES

BOOKS 949.492.1114

CHOCOLATE/CANDY Lure of Chocolate, Gourmet Foods & Gift www.LureofChocolate.com 949.439.1773 Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 949.369.1052 99 Avenida Del Mar, www.schmidschocolate.com

COINS 949.350.4692 Kevin

San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

CONCRETE 949.361.9656

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, www.drericjohnson.com Kristen Ritzau DDS 949.498.4110 122 Avenida Cabrillo, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com

ELECTRICAL 949.361.1045

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST Lange & Minnott 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203

949.492.3459

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN

949.361.9656

AMMCOR 949.661.7767 910 Calle Negocio, Ste. 200, www.AMMCOR.com

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

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

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

949.492.5589

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

949.496.0123

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 526 N. El Camino Real, www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org

TERMITES Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

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

TUTORING

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com

Tutor Toes 949.429.6222 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 949.246.8345 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com San Clemente Website Design www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com WINDOW CLEANING

PRESCHOOLS

MORTGAGES

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

WATER DAMAGE

PLUMBING

San Clemente Preschool 163 Avenida Victoria, www.sanclementepreschool.com

949.498.1025

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

PRINTING

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

949.496.6556

Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com

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

949.492.5589

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Manny Tau, Psy.D., PSY14892 888.949.5150 300 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 218, www.drtau.com

REAL ESTATE Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631 San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.com Marcie George - Star Real Estate South County marciegeorge@cox.net 949.690.5410 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax www.sandyandrich.com

949.293.3236

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential

RESTAURANTS 949.366.9386

customers 24/7.

949.498.6204

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED TODAY.

Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com

PEST CONTROL

949.444.6323

PSYCHOLOGISTS

MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School www.danmans.com

949.215.2323

Clear Windows 949.485.8793 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

Printing OC 949.388.4888 Offshore Construction SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com www.offshoreconstruction.org 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com

949.492.5589 KC Painting & Decorating 949.388.6829 3349 Paseo Halcon, www.bringcolorintoyourlife.com

949.215.2323

in print and online.

PHARMACIES

MANAGEMENT - HOA

PAINTING

GLASS SCRATCH REMOVAL Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

LANDSCAPING

Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209 Equity Coast Mortgage, a division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

DENTISTS

Arcadia Electric www.arcadiaelectric.com

of 50 words with logo. Four weeks

GIS/Galvez Insurance Services, Inc - 949.240.7445 License # OE75910. 940 Calle Negocio, Ste. 170, www.gisgalvezinsurance.net

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

monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up

MATTRESSES

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

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

949.492.5589

INSURANCE

San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175 100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 109 Calle de los Molinos, 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com www.southcoastfurniture.com

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.498.6245

HEATING

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

Village Book Exchange 99 Avenida Serra

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

SALONS

949.361.2500 Salon Bamboo Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 Colony Termite Control 949.361.3348 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com

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

SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY te Sa n Cl em en

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

FOR SALE BLACK FENDER GUITAR AND AMP FOR KIDS Kid’s size black Fender electric guitar with matching amp.

Great condition, just needs a few new strings. Barely used. $100 or make me an offer. Can email pictures. Call or text 949.533.9761.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Glassware, furniture, unique copper and brass items, and everything else. 202 El Levante, San Clemente.

OBITUARY

Mary Ellen Vining

Mary Ellen Vining, age 72, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2013. She was born on February 3, 1941. A long time San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano resident, Mary Ellen retired from Corning Glass Company. She is survived by her loving sisters, Mimi Barriere of Pueblo, Colorado and Jeanette Martin Phipps of Dallas, Texas.

HELP WANTED PHARMACY CLERK TYPIST, fulltime, San Clemente area, experience required, ins. benefits, call (949) 496-0123 for appt. or fax resume to (949) 496-0489.

SERVICES

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls. affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-456-2376 San Clemente Times August 22–28, 2013

Page 21

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.

NEW PLAYGROUND, FUN TIMES AT MAX BERG PARK

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 By Tom Blake

Finding Glee in the OC No reason to take living in south Orange County for granted

M

ost everyone I know who lives in south Orange County feels blessed to be here. Besides the incredible Southern California weather, this August not withstanding, we have a choice of beaches and Dana Point Harbor in which to enjoy aquatic activities.

When outsiders come to visit, they marvel at the beauty and versatility of the area. I hear comments from them often in Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli.

They remind us that we should never take for granted what we have here.

That point was driven home when my brother Bill, his wife Linda and his two boys visited for five days this month from Dallas. Bill is a masters swimmer and took part in the nationals at the Aquatic Center in Mission Viejo, along with 1,437 others.

With the center’s three outdoor pools, it’s a swimming venue to be proud of. There must have been 300 volunteers helping out.

On one of the nights, our family enjoyed dinner at the Wind & Sea Restaurant in the Harbor, a landmark location for Dana Point. You dine at a table overlooking the marina entrance. Pointing toward the water, Bill asked, “What’s that guy doing?”

My partner Greta said, “He’s a stand-up paddleboarder, it’s quite the craze here now. Baby Beach, inside the Harbor down by the Ocean Institute, has calm water and that’s where most people learn how to do it.”

Besides the constant passing of boats in and out, a guy went by in a float tube, fly casting in every direction.

When you’ve been to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano over the years for a myriad of concerts, as Greta and I have (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Don Ho), it’s easy to take the venue for granted. But it took our Texas visitors to remind us of how special that little San Clemente Times August 22-28, 2013

concert hall is. When Bill and Linda walked in, they marveled about its quaintness and how there was not a bad seat in the house. And these are people from the state that is home to wellknown venues such as ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 Gilley’s and Billy Bob’s

By Tom Blake Texas.

They were thrilled with the concert, as were Greta and I. Bill Medley, the surviving member of the original Righteous Brothers, an Orange County native, put on an incredible performance, particularly for a 72-year-old guy. It was the anniversary of Bobby Hatfield’s birthday, the other half of the Righteous Brothers, who died November 5, 2003. Medley often mentioned Bobby throughout the show. Medley’s daughter, McKenna, who reminded us of Reese Witherspoon, is a rising star in Nashville. She added lots of zip to the performance.

When you go to the Coach House, be sure to say hello to John the bartender.

He’s been there for at least a quarter century and can make a drink in the blink of an eye.

The city of Dana Point has done a great job of promoting social activities. Pretty much every weekend, there is something fun to do. Nothing was more enjoyable for Greta and me than on Sunday, when we attended one of the summer concert series events the city sponsors. Each summer, there are eight free outdoor concerts held in three different locations. This one was at Sea Terrace Park near the Dana Point Library. I’m estimating 4,000 people were there.

The band was called ABBAfab, an ABBA tribute band that had 10 members.

Usually, at these events, Greta and I stay

S

an Clemente officially re-opened the playground at Max Berg Plaza Park Saturday, and the park’s namesake was on hand to get a look at, and try out, the newly installed playground equipment.

The city shut down the playground in July to replace aging equipment. The new equipment is accessible to able-bodied and disabled children. The older equipment will be refurbished by San Clemente-based organization Kids Around the World, which will send the equipment to developing countries.

Plaza Park was renamed in 1985 for Berg, then San Clemente’s city clerk, upon his retirement. The park was originally built in 1928.

A number of children and community members, along with both current and former members of the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission and city staff, also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Berg said that while he doesn’t drive

seated in our lawn chairs and just enjoy the music. But on that Sunday, we were down in front of the stage, dancing and singing along with about 300 other crazies.

This was a really special concert for us.

Yes, we are huge ABBA fans (the Swedish group has sold close to 400 millions albums). In May of this year, we went to the new ABBA museum in Stockholm on opening day and got to watch original members Bjorn and Frida interviewed live

by NBC personality Natalie Morales on the “Today Show.”

So, if you’re starting to take living in south Orange County for granted, check out all of the diverse events that happen here and get out there and enjoy them.

You’ll appreciate what we have.

The next singles age 50 plus Meet and Greet is Thursday, August 29, 5 p.m. to

Page 22

Max Berg takes his own turn down the slide at the new playground. Photo by Jim Shilander

anymore, with his family all living in Southern California, he gets to visit the park often.

“I love this park,” Berg said. “I like to come here as often as I can. I love the new stuff they put in.”

Berg also got a chance, with some assistance from Mayor Bob Baker, to take a ride down one of the slides.

“That was fun. I enjoyed that,” Berg said.

For more photos from the event, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. SC —Jim Shilander

7:30 at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point.

No cover charge. Happy hour prices.

Featuring Carl the DJ. For directions: www.tutorandspunkys. com Call 949 248-9008 for questions.

To comment: tompblake@gmail.com Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.com.

SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS

5

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SC TRITONS BASEBALL WINS IN CHINO HILLS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

The SC Tritons Black 11U team. Courtesy photo

SC TIMES SPORTS & OUTDOORS IS PRESENTED BY:

The SC Tritons Black 11U squad won the 2013 USSA Baseball World Series in Chino Hills on August 11. The team went a perfect 6-0 throughout the week-long tournament. The team outscored their opponents 48-25 on the week and scored an average of eight runs per game.

The SC Tritons Black 11U team is: Mike Quillin, Wayne Hefft, Cole Quillin, Conner Sheaks, Nick Royer, Trevor Diaz, Peyton Gleich, Drayton Joseph, Kyle Kerr, JP Hefft, Liam Murray and Daniel Maffia. The team is coached by Jeffy Murray and Roger Maffia.

The Tritons have now put together an 18-6 overall record in the USSA Baseball circuit. Their tournament record against inclass teams stands at 14-2. —Steve Breazeale

Kilts Optional as Strongmen and Celtic Clans Come to South County California Celtic Classic brings traditional Irish and Scottish sports to area

By Darian Nourian San Clemente Times

L

ike many kids, Dana Point resident Francis Brebner tried out many sports, before discovering his true athletic calling in his native Scotland.

However, rather than playing typical American sports like soccer, football or basketball, Brebner chose to partake in something different, a sport that involved kilts and bagpipes: the Highland Games.

He is now bringing the “Games” to Dana Point this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, as part of the California Celtic Classic at Sea Terrace Community Park.

“I think that the California Celtic Classic will grow into one of the best on the International circuit because of the fantastic location of Dana Point and it’s many amenities for travelers who wish to attend the games and vacation in one of the best sunny beach communities in the United States,” Brebner said.

For the many of you that aren’t familiar with the Highland Games, they have a rich history dating back to 632 B.C. in Ireland, and in fact, served as an inspiration for the modern-day Olympics. The

games include a variety of sporting events such as the hammer throw, stone putt, caber toss, and many other weightlifting related contests.

“It is such an old and unique game,” Brebner said. “I fell in love with it and many others have come to do so as well.”

Brebner, who relocated to Southern California from Peterhead, Scotland in 2003, was a top ranked professional during his 18 years of competing in the Highland Games internationally. His accomplishments include winning the World Highland Games Championships and World Caber Tossing Championships a record seven times along with an array of other championship titles.

After retiring from competition at age 37 in 2003, due to a severe back injury, Brebner turned his focus to spreading the influence of the Highland Games internationally.

“I have had a vision and a strong desire to stage a major Highland Games Championship, which has now come to fruition thanks to the city of Dana Point,” he said.

In 2001, he founded the International Highland Games Federation, which aims to promote and establish the Scottish traditions wherever possible, and to encour-

age young athletes to participate as well.

The IHGF is now recognized worldwide as the governing body of the Highland Games, which has 23 affiliated countries to date, including the United States.

“It’s really taken off in the last 10 years, especially in America,” Brebner said. “Other countries like France and Germany have gotten involved as well and it has really evolved as a sport.”

As in any other competitive circuit, the IHGF has a series of championship events in place which enables amateur athletes to work their way up through the ranks to become professionals.

The IHGF All American Highland Games Championships which will be held at the California Celtic Classic this weekend, invites ten of America’s top Highland athletes to compete for one spot in the IHGF World Amateur Highland Games Championship, scheduled in Europe for 2014.

The event will also include a strong man competition, where 10 of California’s top strength athletes are set to compete in over two days of competition.

For those who don’t have the strength to lift hundred pound dumb bells, or throw a log off their heads, there will be

a weekend-long festival that will give any outsider a taste of the Highland Games.

“The festival will resemble medieval Scotland that everyone will be able to feel,” Brebner said. “No stone is left unturned.”

In Southern California’s version of the Highland Games, there will be a Celtic food fair, live music and dancing, a Haggis eating contest, clan gathering and a Celtic marketplace for all to experience.

Brebner said he is ecstatic about finally being able to bring the Highland Games and a piece of Scotland to Southern California and looks forward to seeing this sport grow in the region for the many years to come.

The California Celtic Classic and World Highland Games will be held Saturday and Sunday at Sea Terrace Community Park, at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Kids under 13 are free.

A free shuttle service is available from Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, as parking near the park is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calcelticclassic.com. SC

SC SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

GROM OF THE WEEK NATHAN CARABBA

Age: 13, Capistrano Virtual Academy Nathan Carabba is preparing to enter the eighth grade and begin his fourth year as a surfer. Paddling out for two or more sessions a day is a discipline Nathan says is not hard to stick to, due to his love and dedication to the sport.

For him, surfing is a passion he loves more than “pretty much everything.” This year Nathan will surf in the SSS, WSA, Surfing America Prime, VQS and some Arnette events. The busy schedule, he said, is just part of doing what it takes to realize his dream of becoming a pro surfer. Although his mind is firmly set on making his surf dreams a reality, Nathan says he can also see himself becoming a trainer, coach and physical therapist, an idea inspired by his training with Kevyn Dean at DSC. In school Nathan is a straight-A student of Capistrano Virtual School, an online independent study program. Having to successfully learned to navigate his way through school via independent study, he feels that online school will most likely be the path he takes in college as well. “You have to get on it, on your own, but being able to surf Nathan Carabba. Photo by Sheri every day is so worth it. Sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked, especially when the waves Crummer/seasister.com are good, so staying focused takes self-discipline,” he said. “I’d like to thank my parents, coach Kevyn Dean and my shaper Hamish Graham for all of their help. And my friends, for ripping and making me want to surf better.” —Andrea Swayne

A Win for the Women

SURF FORECAST

Local SUP surfers take top three places at first ever RSSS to offer a division for women only

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

M

idway through this year’s 7th annual four-contest Revolt Summer Surf Series, at the August 17 event in Mission Beach, a tight-knit group of female stand-up paddle surfers found a new venue in which to compete. And local women swept the podium.

Mel Wygal, Alleanna Clark and Diane Wenzel, all from San Clemente, claimed the top three spots in the new division, respectively. The trio’s podium sweep was also celebrated in Dana Point, as all three are team riders for the Dana Point-based Infinity Surfboards.

Although the RSSS has included men’s and juniors’ SUP surf divisions for the past couple of years a low number of registrations did not warrant the addition of a women’s division.

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

The San Diego-based Revolt Summer Surf Series added a women-only SUP surf division at their August 17 event at Mission Beach. The top three spots were claimed by San Clemente surfers and Infinity team riders (L to R) Mel Wygal, Alleanna Clark and Diane Wenzel, respectively. Photo by Jaecey Suda

That changed when a determined group of Southern California-based women got together and presented a sufficient number of competitors to form a full division.

Contest officials said they would add the division upon the sign-up of at least five women. The group’s efforts brought 11 entries, enough for two preliminary heats.

“We had to rally a group to pre-register in order for our own division to be added,” Wenzel said. “We were thrilled to have a new venue and would like to thank Revolt

for adding a place for us in their series.”

Wenzel said she and her fellow female competitors are happy to see that as time passes more and more opportunities to compete in women-only SUP surf keep opening up and they are committed to growing their corner of the sport, just as the women of traditional surfing did in the past.

“It was a really fun event for the whole SUP community because it finally brought all of us together. We are already a tight

Water Temperature: 65-67 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente:10-15’+ Fair-Good; Catalina: 15-25’ Good Immediate: Looking marginally better through the end of the work week off a small new round of Southern Hemi swells and trace northwest windswell. Through Thursday and Friday most breaks are in the knee-thigh high (1-2’+) range, with a few waist high (3’) to potentially better peaks for standouts during the most favorable tides. Light/variable to light onshore winds in the mornings give way to a light+ to moderate westerly sea-breeze in the afternoons through the end of the week. Long Range Outlook: Modest, but slightly better south-southwest/south swells and northwest windswell lining up through the weekend, bumping the region’s better exposures up into fun-zone waves. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

group, but the addition of our own division brought the whole ‘family’ together,” said Wenzel. “Everyone, including the folks who produced the event, seemed stoked to have a women’s SUP surf division. It just seemed to round out the event. It felt complete.”

The next RSSS event is set for October 5 at Crystal Pier in San Diego.

For more information on the RSSS, including full results and standings, log on to www.revoltsurfseries.com. SC