March 13, 2014

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE M A R C H 1 3 –1 9, 2 0 1 4

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VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11

Wounded Warriors Compete at Pendleton Marines get unique opportunity for competition and camaraderie EYE ON SC/PAGE 8 For the last week, more than 350 servicemen and women from across the globe have competed in the fourth Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton. From those injured in combat to Marines fighting a terminal illness, the games Paralympic-style games aim to rehabilitate and build camaraderie. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.sanclementetimes.com

TOP 5: Capistrano Shores Sues City, La Pata Extension to Begin Soon

San Clemente’s Cassie Harberts Leads USC Back to NCAA Tournament

SCHS Hosts Battle of the Bands Talent Showcase

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 20

SC LIVING/PAGE 15

EYE ON SC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A movement to unseat San Juan Capistrano Mayor Sam Allevato ended last Thursday after recall organizers, Residents for Honest Government, abandoned gathering signatures to trigger a special election. The group said efforts had fallen short to gather the 3,500 signatures needed by Friday, March 7.

“The recall committee has decided to focus their energies instead on the November election,” the group said in a statement. The terms of Councilmen Larry Kramer, Derek Reeve and John Taylor expire this year. The group explicitly targeted Kramer and Taylor for replacement and said it would remain active and serve as a campaign organization for its preferred candidates. Allevato announced the recall’s end Friday morning at a community chat, largely attended by supporters, who cheered the news.

DANA POINT

NEWS

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

State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey’s Board of Equalization field of opponents was whittled down as state Sen. Mark Wyland pulled his name from the heated race. Wyland said he will instead focus his efforts on his educational foundation. The race between the lawmakers heated up in July when Wyland mentioned legal troubles had by Harkey’s husband Dan. Dan Harkey and his real-estate investment company were sued by investors for fraud. A jury held him and the company viable and awarded investors some $10 million last year. Harkey sued Wyland for defamation in September, but later dropped the suit. The five-member state board administers sales and property taxes, and acts as an appellate body for business and personal tax appeals. Harkey is running for the seat covering Los Angeles, Orange, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…Talega CUSD Taxes?

THE LATEST: Residents of Talega will likely receive a larger tax break this year after the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted Friday to direct staff to develop a calculation that would allow the district to pay the remainder of the bond for one of the development’s two community facilities districts and refund the excess to taxpayers, fulfilling a 2006 board resolution residents said was never been put into action.

Residents in the development have been meeting with district officials since last December, after discovering the 2006 refinancing of the 90-2 bond had reduced the area’s overall bond amount and length of the bond. Residents said the tax savings had not been returned to them and that they were being over-taxed. The district had been operating under the belief that the resolution only approved the overall reduction of the bond.

A district consultant, Lori Raineri, said the refinancing was somewhat unusual for a municipal bond, in that it had received a AAA bond rating. She told the board that in her opinion, the district should seek out legal advice as to whether changing the way it was operating put the district in legal jeopardy with those who had purchased the bonds.

Residents countered that the 2006 resolution was clear that the funds should be returned to residents and said they had been being over-taxed ever since, since all of the facilities their taxes were supposed to help build had been built.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board voted 5-1, with San Clemente member and Talega resident John Alpay, recused, to direct staff to find a way to refund the money. District superintendent Joseph Farley estimated staff would have the proposal ready by the end of April.

San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

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

2

…Capistrano Shores?

THE LATEST: Claiming the city of San Clemente is threatening the safety of their homes, residents of Capistrano Shores Mobile Home Park announced Wednesday they have sued the city.

Residents and attorneys for the homeowners have been a consistent presence at City Council meetings in recent months, saying that the city is being slow in its review of a several million dollar utility replacement project that was approved by the California Coastal Commission last year. Residents say the utilities at the site have decayed to the point that they fear for their safety.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to city records, the city’s third review of the plan was sent back with comments, to Capistrano Shores on Feb. 12. City building official Mike Jorgensen wrote in an email last month that the city had yet to receive answers to questions raised in its review.

City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson said the suit would be discussed in closed session at the next San Clemente City Council meeting, March 18.

Residents say they have been unable to receive permits to improve their homes since 2008. Attorneys for Capistrano Shores have also said the city illegally changed the zoning of the property in 1993.

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

3

…La Pata?

THE LATEST: While there is no definitive groundbreaking date as yet for the

La Pata extension project to connect San Clement and San Juan Capistrano, county officials said Tuesday they expect the project to break ground this spring.

Officials from Orange County Public Works and other county agencies met with members of the public Tuesday at San Juan Hills High School to present information on the project and answer questions.

The project will be done in three phases, with the first being the closure of the 2.27 miles between San Clemente’s Avenida La Pata, near Calle Saluda, to La Pata Avenue, near the Prima Deshecha landfill in San Juan. The other two, including an extension of San Clemente’s Camino del Rio, will be completed at the end of gap-closure project.

WHAT’S NEXT: County officials said the contractor, Sukut Construction, had not provided a definitive schedule, though preliminary indications are that the project will commence from the current terminus of the road at the landfill and proceed toward San Clemente.

Another public open house will be held at the upper campus at San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico.

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

4

…Shorecliffs and Marblehead?

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council encouraged staff at Shorecliffs Middle School to step up monitoring of the school’s Vista Hermosa parking lot while approving plans for the improvement of the parking lot by Lehman Brothers, the current owners of the Marblehead residential property.

Parents have complained about the

Page 3

safety of the lot, which often leads to vehicles backing up onto Vista Hermosa and all the way out the Interstate 5 exit. As owner of the development, Lehman is required to complete improvements to the parking lot and to complete Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Councilman Chris Hamm also encouraged Orange County Sheriff’s Department officers to step up enforcement at the site before the summer, when the improvements will be completed.

WHAT’S NEXT: Mayor Tim Brown will host a Mayor’s Walk event with Outlets at San Clemente developer Steve Craig on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 10 a.m.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the Mayor’s Walk, visit www.san-clemente. org. – JS

5

…Dana Point Manhunt?

THE LATEST: Prosecutors filed 10 felony charges Tuesday against a man accused of attacking a Dana Point resident with a crossbow, fire extinguisher and gun before leading multiple agencies on a more than five hour manhunt this weekend near San Onofre State Beach.

Julian St. John, 40, from Orange is being held in Santa Ana on a $2 million bail, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

St. John is accused of attacking a 56-yearold man Sunday morning and fleeing the scene in the victim’s car. He is also accused of evading authorities.

WHAT’S NEXT: St. John was set to be arraigned Wednesday.

FIND OUT MORE: Read the full story at www.sanclementetimes.com.—Andrea Papagianis Have a story idea? Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Lockdown at San Clemente High Triggered by Social Media Anonymous comment on Yik Yak mobile app alerted authorities to possible bomb threat at SCHS

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

W

hile last week’s lockdown at San Clemente High School was lifted without incident and nothing suspicious found at the school, police and school administrators are still dealing with the aftermath.

The threat was discovered by the school resource officer during a followup on an unrelated matter, said OCSD spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock. A posting on the anonymous mobile-social networking application, Yik Yak, indicated there was a bomb at the school, Hallock said. Officials initially deemed the threat “credible.”

The OCSD Hazardous Device Squad performed a sweep of the campus and nothing suspicious was located, Hallock said. During the squad’s investigation, the school operated under a “shelter in place” mode, where students were not allowed to leave their classrooms or convene in common areas, Hallock said. The incident was turned over to the OCSD investigation’s department.

The lockdown was lifted at 1 p.m., four hours after the threat was discovered on Yik Yak, which has caused similar disturbances across the nation.

The app allows users to send comments anonymously and location services bring comments to a user’s feeds from others nearby. There appears to be no way to trace the source, but the comments can be disseminated widely. It was initially created for use on college campuses.

According to Yikyakapp.com, the only information asked for is the commenter’s location.

“No profile, no password, it’s all anonymous,” the website says. The site goes on to say, “Anonymity is powerful, for better or for worse.”

After the incident, the app was shut down on campus, by the company according to SCHS principal Michael Halt. The day of the incident, Halt sent an email to parents asking them to talk to their children about what had happened, and,

Police dogs sweep the San Clemente High School campus during Thursday’s lockdown. Photo by Andrea Swayne

if their students had the application, to delete it from their phone. He said he was not sure how the application suddenly had become so popular on campus.

Halt also praised the way teachers and students handled the situation.

“I was incredibly impressed by the professionalism and flexibility of our teachers,” Halt said. “And our kids were fabulous. All things considered, things went very smoothly.”

Halt was not so positive in his opinion of the application.

“Nothing positive is posted on Yik Yak,” Halt said. “There’s nothing but racist and sexist comments, and it’s a haven for cyber-bullying, insults and bad jokes. There’s no place for Yik Yak on this campus.”

Anna Mendez, the president of the

San Clemente-based National Association of People Against Bullying, said her daughter, Victoria, a student at SCHS and leader of the school’s Cool 2 Be Kind anti-bullying organization, had been lobbying against the app at the school due to concerns over bullying. When the word began to spread of the lockdown, she said, her daughter knew what it was.

“All her friends looked at each other and said, ‘This came from Yik Yak,’” Mendez said.

Mendez said her daughter met with Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) the day after the lockdown on behalf of anti-bullying legislation but also discussed looking at ways to respond to similar applications.

SCHS parents who were at the scene

reported receiving texts from their children about the lockdown at approximately 10 a.m., just before receiving the same word from the school.

“They have to do what they have to do,” parent Kristi Allard said of the sheriff’s department response. “It’s unfortunate because it’s probably nothing, but in this day and age, you don’t know.”

Hallock said the law enforcement response had to balance that reality of what was likely to be a non-threat with what might happen if it had been real.

“We don’t want to react in a fashion that encourages this sort of thing happening again,” Hallock said. SC Andrea Papagianis contributed to this report.

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Jim Shilander

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Casa and SC Tree Foundation Hosting Arbor Day Event The San Clemente Tree Foundation and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will present an Arbor Day event Saturday, March 15 at the Casa, 415 Avenida Granada, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will include a children’s storytime, crafts, as well as presentations by Dr. Voyteck Zakrzewski of the Ontario (Canada) Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and by Jodie Cook, director of gardens at Casa Romantica. The event will conclude with a tree-planting ceremony with Mayor Tim Brown.

The first 100 visitors to the event will receive a 15-gallon tree donated by Edison International. There will also be informational booths for OC Master Gardeners, The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, Shore Gardens Nursery and the Tree Foundation.

FAM Offering Free Income Tax Preparation The Internal Revenue Service and Family Assistance Ministry’s trained volunteers continue to offer free simple income tax assistance each Saturday through April 12. For more information on call 949.492.8477 or

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO 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.

Monday, March 10 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Del Comercio, 2700 Block (12:15 a.m.) A caller alerted police to a man standing outside her house after all the lights went out.

Sunday, March 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE East Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (10:22 p.m.) A caller attempted to report himself for crimes. He told deputies he is “the suspect to a fraud among other things” but could not explain.

San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

limited to 23 citizens and is expected to fill up quickly. Call 949.361.8200 to request an application or visit www.san-clemente.org to download an application.

Community Resource Center Hosting Dementia Expert

Tax preparer Fang du Zhou assists Alex Tovar at Family Assistance Ministries. Courtesy photo

visit the FAM Resource Center at 1030 Calle Negocio, and ask for Marjorie.

Leadership San Clemente Program Accepting Applications Each year, the city offers a Leadership San Clemente program free to residents. The program will take place every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning April 10. Each class will focus on a different aspect of San Clemente’s municipal government, , finance and administrative services, community development, law enforcement, fire services and more. The final session, May 29, will include a tour of the city, followed by a graduation ceremony and reception. The class is

The Community Resource Center of San Clemente will host guest speaker Vic Mazmanian, a dementia expert, Alzheimer’s advocate and caregiver with the Silverado’s Mind, Heart and Soul Ministry. Mazmanian will present a free seminar aimed at giving support and insight to caregivers who have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. The “Caregiver Journey” seminar will be held Sunday, March 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the lower level of the San Clemente Presbyterian Church, at 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella. Contact Mazmanian at 949.326.8747 to register for the event.

Visit www.crcsc.org for more information.

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.

Friday, March 7

DISTURBANCE Las Posas, 1200 Block (9:30 p.m.) A man started pounding and yelling outside his friend’s door.

CITIZEN ASSIST Corte Loarre, 0 Block (7:13 p.m.) A caller told authorities of man in a black vehicle driving his car in an “aggressive” manner.

The driver had followed the caller all the way home.

WELFARE CHECK Camino De Los Mares/Calle Agua 7:26 p.m.) A 63-year-old man, who appeared to be homeless, was seen “acting manic and yelling.” He was described as having long white hair and a black leather jacket.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Andalucia, 3900 Block (12:58 p.m.)

A baby rattlesnake was found on a door step.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Escalones, 100 Block (4:07 p.m.) Flames were seen coming out of an unknown machine attached to a white van.

TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Calle Recodo, 1000 Block (11:26 a.m.)

The husband of a former employee of a business called other employees, swore at them and told them they were “all going to pay.”

Saturday, March 8 FOUND PROPERTY South El Camino Real/Paseo De Cristobal (7:09 p.m.) A caller reported a “bunch of bullets” on the street and then moved them to the sidewalk to be picked up by authorities.

KEEP THE PEACE East Avenida Palizada/Avenida de la Estrella (10:07 a.m.) A caller informed authorities she found her lost parrot at a gas station. The attendant at the gas station claimed that the parrot belongs to them.

DISTURBANCE Calle Canasta, 600 Block (6:42 p.m.)

A 22-year-old man wearing a gray shirt and black shorts was seen breaking windows in the complex.

Thursday, March 6

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE East Avenida Pico/Avenida La Pata (8:59 a.m.) A police check was requested for a woman yelling, “Get out of my body!”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE East Avenida Palizada/Freeway 5 (7:31 p.m.) A caller informed authorities of a note attached to a stop sign next to a gas station. The note said children were being tortured and a phone number was provided.

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CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, March 13 Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting 7 p.m. Ole Hanson Room in the Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Friday, March 14 Chamber of Commerce Membership Orientation Noon. SC Chamber, 1100 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Saturday, March 15 San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club: The Big Event 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Join the SCJWC for their biggest fundraising event of the year at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club with dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing. Tickets $75. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, www.scjwc.org.

Monday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Toddlertime 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Stories for children ages 2-3 with adult participation at the San Clemente Library 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Seniors’ St. Patty’s Day Noon-1 p.m.

Fetsive celebration at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center with entertainment by the San Clemente String Band. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

Tuesday, March 18 SC Sunrise Rotary Club 7:15 a.m.– 8:30 a.m. Meeting at Signature Grille at the Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega, 949.369.0663, www.scsunriserotary.org.

City Council Meeting 5 p.m. Closed session; 6 p.m. Business meeting in City Hall Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Wednesday, March 19 SC Rotary Club Noon. Pride of the Pacific, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org.

Casa Wellness Wednesdays: Nutrition and Disease Prevention 7 p.m.

Casa Romantica presents Dr. Mary Jean Christian talking on nutrition and disease prevention for all ages. Tickets $15. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m.

Study session; 7 p.m. Regular meeting in Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Competition, Camaraderie the Keys to Recovery Marine Trials provide Wounded Warriors with new opportunities, healing

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

C

pl. Richard Stalder’s life changed before he ever deployed.

As he prepared to move out with his unit, Stalder received the same predeployment immunizations as his fellow U.S. Marines. But his body did not react well and he was unable to deploy.

“I was in a combat battalion and not being able to deploy and watching my brothers leave without me put me in a big dark place for a long time,” Stadler said.

The young Marine retired in 2012.

Now at 23, Stalder still suffers from full body tremors, unstable gait and fainting episodes. Because of the physical instabilities, he relies on a cane for walking and often uses a wheelchair—a vehicle Stalder now employs on his road to recovery.

While stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Stalder became involved with the Wounded Warrior Regiment.

The regiment provides non-medical care and strategic planning for Marines and sailors attached to or who served in support of Marine units that are ill, wounded or injured. Servicemen and women who are being treated for wounds received in battle, injuries incurred while training or who are suffering from mental scars related to their time in combat all fall under the regiment’s scope.

Also, Marines who are fighting terminal or other illnesses receive care. The regiment doesn’t differentiate between causes, it simply exists to support Marines, keep them in the military for as long as possible and help them transition back into civilian life, among other services.

There are two battalions of the regiment, with the western division being housed at Camp Pendleton.

For Stalder, the regiment introduced him to a new way of life and gave him something to be proud of.

Over the last week, he joined more than 350 wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran Marines, as well as military counterparts from nine other nations, to compete in the fourth Marine Corps Trials.

The trials are the first step for many Marines to compete in the Warrior Games, a worldwide, Paralympic-style event held in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Here, Marines under the Wounded Warrior regimental scope have the opportunity to train for events including wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, track and field, shooting, recumbent cycling and swimming.

Regimental commander Col. Willard Buhl said the importance of these events goes well beyond Camp Pendleton, the San Clemente Times March 13-19, 2014

Cpl. Richard Stalder (right) and Lance Weir take the podium Monday to receive their silver and gold medals, respectively. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

participants and their families.

“This is important to the Marine Corps, and this is important to the world,” Buhl said. “This is about recognizing the sacrifices of the heroes of the 9/11 generation and keeping them in the public’s mind and hearts. Each and every one of these men and women are healing right now, and so are the caregivers, the volunteers and the leaders who are enabling them to heal.”

The event provides an opportunity for Marines to get out of their barracks and military hospitals and to feel special and a part of something larger than themselves.

It gives them the chance to return to the brotherhood and sisterhood they’ve known, and it reestablishes some of that camaraderie they may have lost, Buhl said.

“Most of the Marines in the Wounded Warrior Regiment are on their way back to society,” Buhl said. “This regiment generally starts our Marines on a positive path to a healthy life in the years ahead.”

For Stalder this rings true.

“I was told I needed to come down here and try some of this out,” Stalder said of joining the regiment and training for the games. “I did, and I haven’t been in a dark place … in a long time. I have brothers here now. I have something to look forward to. I have something I’m actually good at.”

Stalder, who got the nickname “Shaky Jake” due to his tremors, said the competitions also provide him with a welcome respite from the stares and questions he sometimes gets on the outside, in civilian life.

“Nobody looks at me funny here. When

I go out to a restaurant and I’m in my wheelchair or I’m hobbling with my cane, they look at me funny, they wonder what’s wrong,” Stalder said. “Here, I don’t have to worry about that. It’s a good feeling.”

Inspiring Across the World Veteran Artem Luzukin lost both legs above the knee after stepping on an improvised explosive device on June 22, 2011, in Afghanistan. But he hasn’t let his injuries hold him back.

Months after the incident, Luzukin began training in seated volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

“It helped me cope and put my anger and frustration toward a different direction,” Luzukin said.

While he competed in past years, this year Luzukin focused on his training and improving his skills. Even without contending in this round of trials, Luzukin sees the significance his involvement in the contests and training camps plays in his physical and mental states of recovery.

“I honestly didn’t realize just how important this program was until I actually got to the trials,” Luzukin said. “It’s an epic program. There’s Allies from different countries. I’m talking to other guys and hanging out with them. A lot of guys came to seriously compete and win, but a lot came for the camaraderie.”

Luzukin said the events help him reconnect with others going through the same situation.

“When you retire, you go back home … you’re isolated,” he explained. “It kind of keeps you back in the loop with everyone

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Lance Cpl. Kendall Bane (left) and retired Lance Cpl. Mark Seifert compete in the airsoft rifle contest Monday. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

and keeps you occupied. These people will help you … and you can keep yourself busy throughout the year.”

At last year’s trials, Luzukin had the chance to meet the United Kingdom’s Prince Harry. That royal visit to Aspen, Colo. inspired Harry to create a similar style event in Britain, known as the Invictus Games.

The announcement came last week where, according to the Associated Press, Harry joked the event was “such a good idea by the Americans that it had to be stolen.” The games are set for London’s www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC Olympic Park this fall.

A number of British Royal Marines were among members of the armed forces Allies competing at Pendleton this year, which also included contingents from Georgia, Colombia, the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia and Canada.

A Crucial Step Jenae Piper, an active duty member of Battalion West, came to the unit last year just as the trials began.

She was unable to compete.

This year, she medaled in shooting and cycling. Piper also competed in seated volleyball.

“Everyone was talking about it, and I was like ‘What is all this?’ I want to do something,” Piper said. “I felt like an outsider last year because I was so new and everyone had their own groups and their own teams. Being a part of it makes a huge difference, mental more than physical for me.”

Having not fired a weapon in the Marine Corps since 2010, Piper said she was pleased with her performance and with her gold and silver medal wins in the airsoft pistol and rifle contests. Being her first year of competition, Piper said there is plenty of room for improvement.

For many, the trials and Wounded Warrior Games simply serve in their recovery process, to strengthen their physical

abilities, build confidence and reestablish military relationships. For others, the games serve as a stepping stone for high competitions—mainly the Olympic counterpart, Paralympic Games that take place just behind the summer and winter contests every four years.

While most don’t make it that far, the competitive nature of most Marines should never be underestimated, said Lt. Col Dan Huvane, who serves as a public liaison for the Wounded Warrior Regiment.

“It’s no easy thing,” Huvane said. “It’s a long road with a number of different steps to become Paralympians, but for a few at least, that’s something they can do.

Marines have a competitive instinct.”

For most, however, it’s about providing a spark that keeps them going through their recovery.

“Many have called it a crucial step in their recovery,” Huvane added.

Buhl said the effort is remarkably important. And the games are a modest symbol of our nation’s overall responsibility to these men and women who volunteer for service.

“We as a nation have to understand that whenever we send our young men and women to war of any kind, or often just into harm’s way, they’re not going to come back the same,” Buhl said.

“They’re volunteers, but we have a responsibility to them as a nation to care for them … We owe them for the rest of their lives.” SC

Clockwise from top: Competitors from the United States and Colombia share a laugh before a seated volleyball game Tuesday night. Wounded Warrior Battalion East joins hands before their game. Janae Piper is awarded with a gold medal Tuesday in the Wound Warrior air-rifle contest. Photos by Andrea Papagianis

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 11. 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 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION: Culbertson Chronicles by Larry Culbertson

Time to Embrace Mid-century Modern Half-century-old modern architecture deserves preservation alongside Spanish style

T

he San Clemente Historical Society has decided the time is right to embrace architecture that is outside the scope of Spanish Colonial Revival style.

While it is true that we are the Spanish Village by the Sea, there are other types of architecture in San Clemente and some have become historically significant. We have at least one important art-deco building and at least 16 important mid-century modern buildings.

How did Ole Hanson’s dream of a Spanish Village change to allow other types of architecture?

At San Clemente’s inception in 1925, it was intended to be Spanish in character.

Each sales contract contained a clause mandating strict adherence to the SCR style. No deviation was permitted. The stock market crash in October 1929 had a devastating effect on San Clemente. As the economy slowed down prior to the crash, construction virtually ceased. Lacking any substantial industry, most residents lost

their jobs and homes.

Between 1930 and 1940, the population dropped from 1,200 to 479.

Bank of America, which had become the primary lending institution in town, ended up owning much of the CULBERTSON CHRONICLES city’s privately developed

By Larry Culbertson and undeveloped parcels through foreclosure. Ole Hanson lost his house in 1932. Believing that the architectural restrictions imposed upon development would make the lots harder to sell, Bank of America petitioned the courts to remove the clause from future sales agreements. That request was granted in 1937, and paved the way for the eclectic mix of architectural styles we have today.

The Historical Society has embraced two periods of significance with respect to architecture. The primary category of historic resources in San Clemente includes those

built in the SCR style between 1925 and 1936.

A second period of significance encompasses 1937 to 1949. Although they postdate the city’s mandatory architectural restrictions, they continued the SCR tradition.

San Clemente’s earliest commercial buildings date to the founding of the town in the late 1920s. A second wave of commercial development occurred during the economic boom years following World War II, mainly along El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar. These buildings from the ’50s and ’60s are typified by flat roof and wall planes; floor-to-ceiling glass; multiple wall claddings; and geometric shapes and patterns. These mid-century modern buildings have become an important part of the fabric that makes up our original commercial district. We are working to convince the city to place these building on the historic resources list.

This list is not comprehensive but includes representatives of mid-century modern buildings: 141-143, 145-147, 157-

YOU’RE INVITED! 8 a.m. Friday, March 14

at Café Calypso Anna Mendez of the National Association of People Against Bullying (www.napab.org) will speak about the recent lockdown at San Clemente High School and the effect of social media on bullying. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander.

163 and 166-176 Avenida Del Mar. Larry Culbertson has been President of the San Clemente Historical Society since 2012. 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

Letters to the Editor SONGS: TIME TO RELAX GREG BECKER, San Clemente

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, as many in this community will attest to, is an evil place. There are demons lurking in those fuel rods, which can be broken open and their contents spread across our beaches and schools by the slightest breeze. The regulators of the plant and the officials who preside over it have genuine intent to destroy our community solely out of malice and hatred of our children.

Or at least that’s what I’ve been reading.

But I worked there for 23 years, as an engineer and control room operator, with San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

some of the most competent and caring people I have ever known. If there is an evil man there twisting his mustache, I have never met him. Every meeting starts and ends with the public’s well-being in mind, and every one of us who cares about people and quality work fully embrace that viewpoint. Feel free to be skeptical. But let’s look at what the shutdown of SONGS means to San Clemente: With SONGS gone, San Diego Gas & Electric is importing nearly all of its power, giving us the highest electric rates in the country. It isn’t their fault; nobody wants power plants in their town, nuclear or not. Many people believe our rates are

high due to the cost of SONGS decommissioning. Your SDG&E bill shows your part of the decommissioning cost, mine is 40 cents a month. Because we have no other local power, our rates are high because SONGS shut down. Since the drought took away our hydro generation and with rising gas prices, those rates will continue to climb. Blackouts will soon become our summer norm, so light a candle, sit under the stars. It will all be OK. Soon all SONGS fuel will be in dry casks, surrounded by two feet of pretensioned concrete. The casks themselves have been subjected to tests that would blow your mind. They have been dropped

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from high bridges, hit by trains and missiles, burned in jet fuel. Look up “Nuclear Fuel Cask Tests” on Google and see what I mean. It’s good entertainment for the entire family. If you think they can be damaged by an earthquake or tsunami, it would be a better bet to go at the Egyptian pyramids with a claw hammer.

I live around the corner from SONGS with my family and I don’t lose any sleep over spent nuclear fuel.

Please, everyone just relax.

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 reader-submitted 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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

‘THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL’ IS THE GRANDEST OF ALL

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

© Twentieth Century Fox

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

thursday

ART & NATURE: SIX TENDENCIES 7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents a lecture by Malcom Arner, the director of the Laguna Art Museum. Tickets $15. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

13

LEWIS LUSTMAN 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. San Clemente singer/guitarist performs at Zona’s Italian Restaurant, playing hits of The Beatles, Jack Johnson, the Kinks, Simon & Garfunkel and others from the ’60s-’80s.

647 Camino de Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.940.8845, www.zonasitalianrestaurant.com.

friday

ST. PATRICK’S BEER TASTING 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Special holiday beer tasting with corned beef and cabbage at San Clemente Wine Company. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

14

JOHN TROY AND WINE TASTING 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Live classic rock during wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine. Get a flight of five wines for $20. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

saturday

FAMILY ARBOR DAY 9 a.m.noon. Casa Romantica hosts a morning of activities and presentations geared to bring awareness and support for tree preservation in San Clemente.

Free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

15

LEPRECHAUN HUNT 9 a.m.-11 a.m. St. Patrick’sinspired event at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy with activities, a little history and more. Admission $5-$10. Call for info and directions.

949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

One of the most aesthetically recognizable filmmakers of our time has his own niche of frequent collaborators, colorful set decorations and retro soundtracks. Wes Anderson’s newest feature, titled The Grand Budapest Hotel, is also his grandest, most extravagant, artistic and star-studded film to date. For those wondering where they can find 2014’s first masterpiece, look no further. In 1932, in the fictional Eastern European country of Zubrowka, a teenager named Zero (Tony Revolori) becomes the new lobby boy of the Grand Budapest Hotel and sees firsthand how concierge M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) runs the place. After a month into the job, Zero and his boss are dragged into the investigation of the mysterious death of Gustave’s older lover Madame D. (Tilda Swinton). The two go on the run from her greedy son Dmitri (Adrien Brody) and Dmitri’s hired assassin (Willem Dafoe) when it’s discovered Gustave is left some belongings in the Madame’s will. Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Léa Seydoux, Jeff Golblum and Anderson regulars Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson appear throughout. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a film that is surprisingly charming and clever yet adult oriented in its art and narrative. The film shows a director who is completely at home in his craft for his fans to enjoy but also manages to attract other viewers. Though the cast may seem too crowded, Fiennes and Revolori shine brightest in this grand affair. —Megan Bianco

YOGURTLAND FUNDRAISER 11 a.m.-7 p.m. San Clemente Yogurtland offers free yogurt as a fundraising event for 16-year-old Saylor Varis who is battling cancer.

The SCHS cheerleading squad will be on hand to collect donations. 638 Camino de Los Mares, San Clemente, 714.841.6777, www.yogurt-land.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER DANCE 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Join the San Clemente Exchange Club for their corned beef and cabbage dinner and dance at the SC Community Center. Benefits local organizations. $20, children 12 and under are free. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.498.3602, www.exchangeclubsc.org.

SUBLIMED 9 p.m. Sublime tribute band with special guests at OC Tavern. Tickets $5. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

THE FAMOUS WILDCATS 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.

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT: TRIO DINICU 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Music by the sensational gypsy jazz trio as part of the ongoing concert series at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

sunday

PYRATE ADVENTURE SAIL 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. The Ocean Institute offers a tall ship adventure onboard Spirit of Dana Point. $23-$40. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

16

tuesday

18

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

wednesday

ST. JOSEPH’S DAY AND THE RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Annual celebration at Mission San Juan Capistrano with presentations, music, performances, activities, food vendors, tours and more. $6–$9. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

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FIESTA GRANDE 6:30 p.m. Fiesta Association’s annual event at Swallow’s Inn featuring an array of contests including Best Mustache, Best Beard, Hairiest Man/ Smooth Puss, Best Dressed Western Man/Women and more. Cost $5 per entry. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, www.swallowsparade.com.

GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS 5 p.m.-8 p.m. An array of food trucks every Wednesday at San Clemente High School in the parking lot near Triton Center. Funds benefit the SCHS Marching Band. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.sctritons.com.

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

Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Cruise the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy wine aboard a luxury catamaran with Dana Wharf. $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

monday

17

St. Patrick’s Day

Courtesy photo

SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Your turn to get onstage at BeachFire.

204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

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HART & SOUL 6:30 p.m.9 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20: 10TH ANNUAL SC MIXOLOGIST COMPETITION 3 p.m. Locals mix their best cocktails at the San Clemente Chamber’s annual drink-mixing competition at BeachFire Bar & Grill. Tickets $25-$35. 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

*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.

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

Different Across the Border Single man living in Baja wonders where the women are

U

sually, single people age 60 plus who contact me about not being able to meet potential mates are women. Men typically find potential mates more easily. And yet, a guy named Tom, living not too far from south Orange County, isn’t meeting women.

Tom, a former Dana Point resident, said, “I’m a 66 year-old American living in Baja, Mexico. I have a beautiful beach house right on the water 35 miles south of San Ysidro. I’m semi-retired, have a good life and friends, but where are the ladies who could move across the border and live like kings and queens for less than 1/3 of the cost of living in San Diego? And be safer. Really.

“I’ve been here for two years—told I’m attractive—yet don’t meet the right ladies, help.”

Among all of the reasons why finding love after age 60 is difficult, one of the most overlooked is where a person chooses to live. When Tom decided to semi-retire to his beach house, assuming he was single at the time, he likely didn’t think about the lack of potential mates in Baja, California.

While he says it’s safer living in Baja than in San Diego, the perception among most people in Orange County is that getting there, which would be by car, is not safe because you have to drive through Tijuana. Most of my friends won’t chance it. And over the past few years, there have been lots of reports of horror stories that have happened down there.

My guess is that most single women who decide to leave California go to Arizona, Florida or another stateside mecca for retirees. Also, there are other areas in Mexico, and other countries, considered much safer, where American expats choose to live.

Singles living in remote areas of the San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

country, or in small towns, or on oil rigs, are in the same situation.

There aren’t many potential mates in those areas, and being attractive has nothing to do with it. I picture Tom sitting on his deck, looking out at ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 the magnificent Pacific

By Tom Blake Ocean, enjoying a sunset with margarita in hand, but doing so alone. Not much fun.

Perhaps Tom will get a few nibbles from single women from today’s article who might be willing to check out the area if he would host them for a visit. But not many, he’ll likely have to meet them somewhere in between. And since he’s been told he is attractive and has a beautiful beach front home, that might just be enough of an incentive for women to give it a whirl.

To meet potential mates, Tom may have to venture north of the Border. Perhaps he should attend one of the monthly Meet and Greet gatherings at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli. Lots of lovely women attend these events. The March event is on Thursday, March 27, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where one lives can be a huge factor in one’s chances of meeting a potential mate.

People planning to relocate at this stage in their lives, who hope to meet a mate, should do research beforehand to ensure they aren’t going to isolate themselves from being able to meet a potential mate.

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

Blythe and the Boys (L to R) Julian Straus, Blythe Vitro and Conor Nordberg, pose for an intermission photo following their performance of “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson.

“This song is about sharks,” said Dante Ivec of Dante & The Infernos before their performance of a song he wrote, titled “Grey Suits.”

Members of the band Bowl Cut and Pocket Knives show off their “Best Band” trophy.

SOUNDS OF SCHS Battle of the Bands showcases high school musical talent Story and Photos by Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

S

an Clemente may have seen a sneak preview of the next big thing in music, thanks to the annual San Clemente High School Battle of the Bands Friday evening.

Students took the stage at the Triton Center to compete for top honors in five divisions: vocal solos, instrumental performance, bands, original songs by a band and rock bands.

Performers were judged by members of the local professional band House Party. The judges gave each act immediate feedback and wrote down scores for musicality, stage presence and originality. While the scores were being tallied, House Party entertained the audience and contestants with a set.

Blythe Vitro took home top honors in the vocal solo division with her rendition of

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Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

The instrumental division was won by Daine Jordan with a piano performance of an arrangement of “Pirates of the Caribbean” by Jacob Radnich.

Bowl Cut and Pocket Knives, with “Demon Kitty Rag” by Katzenjammer, was voted top band. Band members are Casey Cannon, Andrew Hall, Julian Straus, Nolan Forstie, Julia Yeam, Audra Straus, Amanda Francom, Shane McBride and Daine Jordan.

The Great Danes, with members Daine Jordan, Connor Edwards, Bryton Perguson and Julian Straus, had the best original song in “Better” by Daine and Derrek Jordan.

The best rock band of the evening was Chief with their performance of Coheed and Cambria’s “Welcome Home.”

Chief’s members are Alex Schmidt, James Unruh, Juan Contreras and Nathan Larson. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Designing with Succulents as Easy as 1, 2, 3 Succulent gardens are not only attractive but easy to put together and maintain

I

’ve taught a “Designing with Succulents” class for years at Goin Native. Everyone is always in awe of these beauties.

What makes these plants so interesting?

It’s got to be the dramatic looks, the fuzzy or glossy leaves, the crazy spikes or the huge flower heads. They are just downright stunning, and as author and succulent expert Debra Lee Baldwin calls them, “seductive.”

Succulents are beautiful all year round. The colors, textures, sizes and shapes of succulents orchestrated in a garden DIRT THERAPY setting or container

By Marianne Taylor translates as a work of art. These plants are tolerant of neglect but flourish when pampered.

I must admit, it’s my favorite plant to design, whether in a small or large space.

I’m going to share my class secrets with you to create your own container garden.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED Container: Choose the right sized container for the space you want to highlight

but make sure it has adequate drainage.

I like to use metal or ceramic containers because plastic ones will fade and crack.

Soil: The amount of cactus mix depends on the size of your container. If it’s deep, you have a few ways to go. You can fill up the entire container with cactus mix, leaving 3-4 inches below the rim; add large plastic plant containers, turn them upside down and add cactus mix over them, all the way to the rim; or you can use packing peanuts to fill up three-fourths of the container before adding the mix.

Irrigation: Hand watering is best for containers, but you can also set up a drip system. Water about twice a month in temperatures less than 72 degrees and weekly for warmer temperatures.

Design: Find plants with interesting foliage, colors and textures. Be sure to choose a plant or two that has the same color of your container.

Size: Select one tall plant, several medium sized varieties, a mixture of low plants as filler and a few that cascade over the rim. Keep color contrast and repetition in mind.

Placement: Gently take plants out of

This custom succulent container is made up of New Zealand flax, echeveria “afterglow,” opalina stonecrop sedum, cascading donkey tail and rosary string beads. Courtesy of Marianne Taylor

dressing for last.

To secure all the plants in place and to hide the remainder of the dirt or any roots, I walk around the container and add groundcover, such as stonecrop lime sedum. I’ll finish by taking a brush to remove excess soil and debris on the leaves, or I’ll turn the water on low mist and rinse off the excess.

Succulents really are as easy as one, two, three.

Please send me your gardening questions, comments or ideas at goinnative@gmail.com.

Marianne Taylor is a 24-year resident of San Juan Capistrano, in the Los Rios Historic District. She is married to City Councilman John Taylor and mother to 24-year-old Harrison and 16-year-old Claire. She is the executive director and “dirt therapist” for Goin Native in San Juan Capistrano. SC

their pot and place them by size. Have the tallest plant a little off center and press on the root ball to secure it without completely burying it. Work from the middle outward, leaving the groundcover or rock

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

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY HOME DÉCOR

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

LANDSCAPING South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com Costa Verde Landscape License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS www.costaverdelandscaping.com ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 MANAGEMENT - HOA 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com ART GALLERIES San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175 100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com

ART INSTALLATION PRO ART INSTALLATIONS 310.597.9991 Erik Van Leight 212 Avenida Victoria, Erikvl81@gmail.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.492.5589

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly 949.361.9656

MATTRESSES 949.492.5589

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 Village Books 949.492.1114 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com 99 Avenida Serra, www.DowntownSanClemente.com

MORTGAGES

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 GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

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

949.350.4692 Kevin

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

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING Organics Out Back www.organicsoutback.com

949.354.2258

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric www.arcadiaelectric.com

949.361.1045

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

949.492.3459

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 117 Del Gado Road, www.imgs.com

HAIR SALONS Kreative Hair Design 173 Avenida Serra

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

949.498.6245

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

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

PRINTING Printing OC 949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.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 SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com www.sandyandrich.com 949.293.3236

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 949.361.9656 www.danmans.com Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com

DENTISTS

Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

SC Pool & Spa Works 949.498.7665 1311 N. El Camino Real, www.scpoolworks.com

MOLD REMOVAL

BOOKS

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

$100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

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

Locals Only Business Spotlight for only

Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4

949.492.5589

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

949.366.9386

ROOFING CONTRACTORS Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias

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

RESTAURANTS

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

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

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

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.444.6323

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES THREE FAMILY GARAGE SALE - SAN CLEMENTE –SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH! Please join us at 7:30 am to 1:00 pm when we are all set up! 18OO Block of S. Ola Vista between W. Avenida San Antonio and W. Avenida Alessandro. Something for Everybody!

GARAGE SALE Saturday March 15 7am-11am. 3147 Inclinado (Forster Ranch), San Clemente

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

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED

WE’RE CURRENTLY HIRING ALL POSITIONS for the NEW San Clemente Super Sport club location! If you’re interested in PEST CONTROL The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 improving lives through fitness, learn more about growing your career at our careers 526 N. El Camino Real, Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org website http://careers.24hourfitness.com/ 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com , or at our upcoming job fair on March 25th TERMITES PHARMACIES from 3:00pm-6:00pm at the site of our San Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 Clemente location: 100 Avenida la Pata San Sea View Pharmacy 949.496.0123 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com Clemente CA, 92673. You can reach out 665 Camino De Los Mares, #101 www.seaviewpharmacy.com directly to our Club Manager, Adrian Dixon, TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ at CMclub825@24hourfit.com RESTORATION Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.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 www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.496.9731

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

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

WANTED WANTED: VINYL RECORDS LP’S Best Price Paid For Your Used Vinyl Records LP’s! 1960-Present. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Live, Color Vinyl. I Will Come To You! Mike 310-756-7854

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or email mreddick@sanclementetimes.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or email mreddick@sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

Page 19

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS

5

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SAN CLEMENTE CITY SCOREBOARD

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

Triton Report

By Steve Breazeale and Kevin Dahlgren

TRITONS SOCCER POSTSEASON RUN ENDS IN PENALTIES Playing host to Carlsbad on March 11, the San Clemente boys soccer team found themselves in a familiar playoff situation. The Tritons and Lancers, out of the Avocado-West League, were tied 1-1 after regulation and overtime, forcing a penalty kick scenario. The Tritons (25-4-1) have been no stranger to penalties lately, having defeated Palos Verdes from the mark last week to advance to the CIF-SS Division 1 finals.

This time around was not as fortunate for the home team.

Carlsbad was able to outduel San Clemente in the fi fth round of penalty kicks and advance, ending the Tritons season in the first round of the CIF Southern California Regionals.

Carlsbad took the early lead in the contest off a long

San Clemente’s Solomon Craft with his gold medal that he won at the 2014 Pan Kids Jiu Jitsu Championships.

Courtesy photo

MARTIAL ARTS San Clemente’s Solomon Craft won the Junior 1 Rooster Division gold medal at the 2014 Pan Kids Jiu Jitsu Championship on February 16. Craft, a nine-year-old, competed in the large event that is governed by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.

Craft’s division consisted of nine other competitors, several of which came from out of state to compete in the event at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

SWIMMING The Alliance Aquatics 12U water polo team gained steam as they head into the county-wide Turbo Cup this weekend with a third-place finish at the Winterfest

throw in that was headed into the net. San Clemente equalized later in the second half on a goal by junior midfielder Santiago di Giuseppe.

On March 8, the Tritons squared off against Loyola in the CIF-SS Division 1 Championship match. Both teams did all of their damage in the second half and senior forward Bryce Kaminski scored on a free kick to give the Tritons a 1-0 lead. But three goals from three different Loyola players followed, denying San Clemente a chance at repeating as CIF-SS champions.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL TESTED EARLY The San Clemente boys volleyball team showed no signs of early season jitters in a three-set sweep of Edison on March 5.

The Tritons (2-0) were led by Brandon Hopper’s 11 kills and Aaron Strange’s 10. Shawn Stephens and Peter Van Liefde recorded eight and six, respectively. Hopper also led the team with six blocks. Senior setter Nick Goldstone had 42 assists in the win.

San Clemente then defeated Division 2 fi fth ranked Laguna Beach in four sets on March 11. The Tritons were able to win a close contest 26-24, 29-27, 23-25, 25-22. Strange led the team with 15 kills while Stephens tallied 13.

Worth the Wait USC women’s basketball standout Cassie Harberts powers team to first NCAA Tournament appearance in eight years

By Darian Nourian San Clemente Times

F

or USC senior Cassie Harberts, it took four years, but she and her team are headed back to the NCAA Tournament after the No. 5 seeded Women of Troy clinched their first ever Pac-12 Championship against No. 3 seeded Oregon State, 71-62, on March 9 in Seattle.

Under the direction of first-year head coach and WNBA legend Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, the Women of Troy are going to the postseason tournament for the first time since 2006.

Following a 22-win season, doubling last year’s 11-win total, a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament berth is icing on the cake for Harberts in her final year at USC.

San Clemente Times March 13–19, 2014

USC’s Cassie Harberts was named to the Pac-12 All-Tournament and All-Conference teams in 2014. Photo courtesy of Pac-12 Conference

“We’ve been through injuries, saying we are going to the tournament and then coming up short for the past few years,” Harberts said. “I felt a difference in this team. That we wanted it and we were going to do whatever we had to do to get it. I’m so proud of them.”

Harberts, the team’s captain and unsung leader, scored 12 points in her final Pac-12 game against the Beavers, one Page 20

Alliance Aquatics 12U water polo team poses with their medals at the Winterfest Tournament. Courtesy photo

Tournament earlier this month. The team, which draws players from San Clemente and around southern Orange County, beat Clovis and Pacific Polo before besting Irvine Anteaters in the third-place match. — San Clemente Times

Up next for San Clemente is the Best of the West Tournament, where they are the defending champions.

SHEAKS DOMINATES, TRITON BASEBALL UPSETS GRIFFINS San Clemente senior pitcher John Sheaks stifled the Los Alamitos bats on March 11, holding the No. 2 ranked team in CIF-SS Division 1 to only six hits in a 5-0 complete game shutout victory.

Junior catcher Lucas Herbert gave the Tritons a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning with a one-out double, scoring Conner Sealey from second base. Sealey finished the day batting 3-4 with two doubles. Herbert scored later in the first inning on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded extending the lead to 2-0. The Tritons added one run in the fourth inning and two more in the sixth, giving Sheaks a 5-0 lead when he took the mound for the final frame.

“It was a huge confidence booster for our team. We’ve had a tough stretch the last three games but we stuck together, knew what we had to do, and got the job done,” Sheaks said.

The Tritons (4-1) will face off against Long Beach Wilson for the second time in a week in the Semi-Finals of the Loara Tournament; Location TBA, 3 p.m. –Kevin Dahlgren night after she carried USC in the final minutes against Stanford by scoring 10 straight points to put the Women of Troy on top and into the championship game.

Harberts was named to the All-Tournament team for the second time in her USC career and was elected to her second consecutive All-Pac 12 team earlier this month.

The Women of Troy knocked off top seeded and No.4 ranked Stanford in the tournament semifinals, 71-68, in what may be a program-changing win for USC, marking their ascendance back into prominence in women’s basketball.

“I’ve been working toward this for four years,” Harberts said about their win over the Cardinal. “I’ve never seen a team that’s given so much heart and never gave up. Even when (Stanford) made a run, we knew we were going to come back and win the game.”

USC also became the first team ever to win four games in four days to win the conference tournament, which originated in 2002.

“It was just so great to watch and be a part of, especially in her senior year, and to finally beat Stanford for the first time,” Craig Harberts, Cassie’s father, said.

Harberts, a former San Clemente High School standout for head coach Mary Mulligan-Crapo, is USC’s eighth alltime leading scorer.

The 2014 NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Tournament will begin on March 22. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Mongoose Cup, World of SUP Knows No Limits Clinics, races bring the sport of stand-up paddleboarding to all

By Andrea Papagianis San Clemente Times

A

s the Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup’s fifth installment began Saturday morning, one thing became clear: The sport of stand-up paddleboarding knows no boundaries.

Competitors lined the sand: boards in one hand paddles in the other. The excitement built. With one loud buzz they were off, crashing into the quiet, calm waters off Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor.

A wave of teammates rushed to the waterline, each calling out words of encouragement, pushing the paddler toward that top spot.

When racers rounded the last of three buoys, action on the beach stirred. Arms waved frantically. Names were yelled.

Paddles were raised high above heads in an attempt to get riders’ attention. Dozens of eager competitors waited for that last turn, the final sprint and their turn on the course.

The first transition was rocky but by the fourth rider, the teams—made up of competitors of all ages, shapes and sizes—had the hang of things. Relay races Saturday highlighted just how SUP has developed from a waterman’s sport to an all-inclusive activity where all walks of life are represented.

Hundreds took part in the day’s events that featured clinics for beginners, contests for all ages and races to benefit our nation’s wounded military men and women. Since starting out five years ago, the Mongoose Cup has grown and advanced right alongside SUP, reaching across financial and physical barriers.

This year’s event showcased just how SUP has changed with stand-up paddleboard yoga clinics, adaptive-wheelchair board demonstrations and a few rounds of XSUP, an Orange County-created game that combines SUP with components of lacrosse and soccer.

Visit www.danapointtimes.com to see more pictures. SC

A rider tests out an adaptive stand-up paddleboard. Photo by Madison May

The first wave of relay competitors hit the water.

Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Skyler Math, 10, of San Clemente readies for her relay race. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

SC SURF

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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

GROM OF THE WEEK RILEY NATTRASS Age: 12, Bernice Ayer Middle School

Riley Nattrass is a member of the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team and the No. 7 ranked surfer in Scholastic Surf Series Girls Shortboard competition. Since learning to surf about three years ago, she has come to embrace both longboarding and shortboarding. “My dad always surfed and I thought it looked fun,” Riley said. “I was right.

I like it because I get to be in the water with my friends. And it makes me feel excited and happy.” Contest surfing is something she enjoys because of the team camaraderie and the opportunity to test her skills against friends who surf for other schools. Riley is fluent in Spanish, her favorite subject, and an honor roll student. When not doing school work or riding waves, she also enjoys playing softball for her team, The San Clemente Slime, and tumbling class. Even with her busy schedule, Riley manages to surf at least three days a week.

She is currently working on bottom turns and off the lips, as well as walking to the nose on Riley Nattrass. Courtesy photo her longboard. She is determined to start noseriding soon. Her favorite breaks are the San Clemente Pier and the Oceanside Harbor North Jetty. Having taken surf trips with her family to Hawaii and Nicaragua, she has fallen in love with travel and hopes to continue to explore the world’s tropical surf destinations. “It’s fun to explore different waves and when the water’s warm you don’t need a wetsuit. That’s my favorite part,” Riley said.—Andrea Swayne

San Clemente Sweeps

SURF FORECAST

Two SC school teams, five surfers take NSSA Interscholastic state titles

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

S

an Clemente middle and high school teams continued their longtime sweeps in team competition and claimed four of six individual titles at the National Scholastic Surfing Association Interscholastic State Championships, March 7-9 at Church Beach.

The San Clemente High School team claimed their sixth consecutive title and Shorecliffs Middle School their 10th.

In high school individual competition, SCHS’s Conner Dand took top honors in the men’s varsity division. After scoring a 9.07 set wave early, his back-up wave, a 6.0, didn’t happen until late in the heat.

Janice Aragon, NSSA executive director, said Dand’s momentum seemed to build after taking third in round one.

“In the final he just took his surfing up a notch and put his talented aerial prowess to work,” Aragon said, adding that his home court advantage was apparent.

“Last year I won JV so it felt like a really big accomplishment to win varsity because there were so many great surfers in the event,” Dand said. “I was really happy it went my way.”

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Conner Dand from San Clemente High School was crowned NSSA Interscholastic state champion in the men’s varsity division. Photo by Kurt Steinmetz

The middle school individual divisions were a complete sweep by San Clemente surfers. Brothers Gunner and Gus Day from Shorecliffs won the Boys Shortboard and Boys Longboard divisions, respectively. The top shortboarder in the girls division was Alexxa Elseewi from Bernice Ayer Middle School.

The excitement wasn’t restricted to surfing on Sunday as Orange County Sheriff’s deputies, park rangers and authorities from Camp Pendleton pursued a shooting suspect who was on the run

after a 10 a.m. incident in Dana Point. The suspect led police on a chase through the park that eventually led to his apprehension on Monday. Aragon said, despite the manhunt, the contest ran smoothly and on time.

“A huge shout-out goes out to the sheriffs, state parks and their staff for keeping a watchful eye on the situation,” Aragon said, “and also to all of the teams, coaches, competitors and spectators for obeying the orders of the authorities.”

For full results, log on to www.sanclementetimes.com SC

Water Temperature: 61-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-10’ poor+ Catalina: 10-15’+ poor-fair Immediate: New northwest swell joins in on Thursday as old west/northwest swell winds down and smaller/inconsistent southwest swell mixes in, for knee-waist-chest high, (2-3’+) waves at the exposures, as top breaks see plus sets. Surf fills in some more for Friday.

Light+ NE winds in the morning, turn to light+ westerly winds in the afternoon.

Longer Range Outlook: West/northwest swell eases going into the weekend, along with smaller southwest swell. New northwest swell due by the end of the weekend. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

BOARD SHORTS ‘Beyond Sight’ Inspires

Gunner Day and Gus Day from Shorecliffs Middle School claimed NSSA state titles in shortboard and longboard, respectively. Courtesy photo

‘Beyond Sight’ the inspiring story of blind surfer Darek Rabelo is making its silver screen debut thanks to San Clemente-based filmmaker Bryan Jennings. The film follows Rabelo’s journey to surf at Pipeline, surfing with Kelly Slater at Lower Trestles and with other pros such as Rob Machado, Damien Hobgood and Tom Curren. The movie’s local stint ends Friday, March 13 at the Krikorian Theater, 641 Camino De Los Mares in San Clemente. Showings are scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.