July 10, 2014

LO C A L

N EWS

July 10-16, 2014

YO U

C A N

U S E San Clemente’s Gage Shelmidine Honored for Volunteer Effort PAGE 17

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 28

President’s Choice

Restaurateurs recall Nixon encounters and favorites EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

During his time in San Clemente, President Richard Nixon was known to frequent several local eateries, including El Adobe de Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano (shown here) and Olamendi’s in Dana Point. Photo courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation

San Clemente Man Sentenced in Pair of Rape Cases EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Meet Grom of the Week Heath Hawkins SC SURF/PAGE 22

www.sanclementetimes.com

Hiker Treks Across Country to Honor Military Sacrifices SC LIVING/PAGE 15

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week View Proposal Going to Subcommittee THE LATEST: A proposal to amend current city policy to remove public trees affecting private views will go to a specially created subcommittee following a 4-2 vote of the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission to explore the issue.

The City Council had sent the proposal for consideration and development to the commission, as well as to the City Golf Course committee and Planning Commission, last month. The proposed change would allow residents who find a city tree blocking a view to petition for its removal and replacement, at their own cost.

Proposals would also be directed to the individual committees for approval, based on the location of the tree.

Residents on both sides of the debate appealed to the commission. Critics of the proposal said it would hurt all residents’ ability to enjoy trees and infringe on the public’s collective views. They also noted the lack of a city-wide tree ordinance, which was proposed in the city’s new General Plan.

Supporters of the changes noted that the city had, in some instances, helped create the problem by planting trees that grew far above heights allowed by covenants or homeowner’s associations in the area.

Many also said they worried the eucalyptus trees in Verde Park and near the reservoir created a safety hazard and the city should do what it can to restore views and better manage its trees in the future.

WHAT’S NEXT: Commission members were split in favor of investigating the issue further, though members who voted in favor admitted they had concerns about creating a change. Chairman Steven Streger appointed Commissioners John Bandaruk, who was in favor of the proposal, and Thomas Wicks, who opposed it, to serve on a subcommittee with members of the other boards, if those boards were also in favor of investigating the proposal.

– Jim Shilander

Nielsen Resigns from Coastal Advisory Board THE LATEST: Thursday’s meeting of the Coastal Advisory Commission will be San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

The San Clemente City Council will soon be interviewing candidates to replace City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson, who has agreed to stay on with the city for additional time to allow for the search for his replacement to move forward. Photo: Jim Shilander

missing two familiar faces atop the dais.

After Chairman Bill Hart was not returned to the board as a result of a 3-2 vote at the City Council’s commission appointment meeting on June 18, Ken Nielsen, citing loyalty to his friend and co-founder of the board, resigned from the board despite having a year left in his term.

Both men had served on the board for 14 years. Hart had previously served on the board’s predecessor, the beach ad-hoc committee. The council did return another board member, Susan Ambrose, unanimously, and appointed two newcomers, John McMains and Alison Betts.

“I resigned in support of my friend,” Nielsen said. “I couldn’t let the council do that to Bill.”

Nielsen said a number of big issues coming before the board in the next several years, including the Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project and the formation of a local coastal plan, would have been aided by the guiding hand of veteran board members. This made the council decision to not return Hart a surprise, he said.

Hart said the result “was a little bit of a surprise” but said he knew the possibility of not being returned was there, having been returned a number of times to the board.

“Council members can take whatever action they want for any reason they want,” Hart said. Hart said he spoke to Nielsen afterward and encouraged him not to make a rash decision.

Councilman Bob Baker said he questioned statements made by Hart during a commission meeting regarding plastic bag bans. The commission had brought a proposal before the council in 2013.

Nielsen said he felt the decision may have partly been politically motivated.

Hart managed the campaign of an opponent of Councilmen Baker and Chris Hamm in the 2012 council election.

WHAT’S NEXT: Hart will continue to serve on the Watershed Task Force, an organization independent of the city, dedicated to the health of the city’s beaches and waterways. – JS

San Clemente Man Sentenced in ‘Spiritual Cleansing’ Rape Cases THE LATEST: A San Clemente man was sentenced to 45 years to life in state prison Thursday for the rape of two women he met online and enticed with the promise of “spiritual cleansing.”

Alberto Flores Ramirez, 39, was found guilty by a jury in April on two counts of forcible rape and forcible oral copulation, single counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by force and attempted forcible oral copulation.

According to a District Attorney’s office release Ramirez met both of his victims online in 2012, one on a dating site, the other on Facebook. Under the guise of providing “spiritual cleansing,” Ramirez lured both women to a hotel in Santa Ana, where he sexually assaulted them.

WHAT’S NEXT: There was also a sentencing enhancement for sex crimes against multiple people.

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

Residents Fighting Sober Living Homes THE LATEST: Concerned residents of south San Clemente came together Tuesday night to discuss the presence of sober living homes and other profit-based short-term boarding houses in their neighborhood.

Page 3

A city code compliance officer was also present to answer questions about zoning, city codes and how they apply to sober living homes.

The City Council approved providing $5,000 to the city of Newport Beach for that city’s court effort to defend its ordinance focusing on small group homes at its last meeting in June. At the time, residents near a home on South Ola Vista said a number of recent incidents at the home had caused worry in the neighborhood.

Residents voiced several concerns with the presence of sober living homes, including those of safety and the affect the homes will have on the value of their houses. Others expressed worry the homes were functioning as hotels or short- term rentals, and questioned whether they should have a place in the neighborhood.

WHAT’S NEXT: A petition campaign was discussed and begun at the meeting.

Residents are looking to address the city council at a future meeting. Those living closest to the homes and other short-term tenant housing were encouraged to document any disturbances they encounter.

– Amanda Huffman

Gudgeirsson Outlines City Manager Interview Process THE LATEST: San Clemente City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson will likely be sticking around longer than initially expected.

Gudgeirsson, who announced in the spring that he would be retiring at the beginning of August, said Tuesday he would likely be staying in the position through at least part of September to allow for the City Council to take its time in hiring his replacement. He has served in the job since March 2013, when he took over for George Scarborough. Gudgeirsson had been an assistant city manager with the city since 1993.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city closed the application process on the city manager position earlier this month, receiving 67 applications. A recruiter working with the city has narrowed that list to 14, Gudgeirsson said. He anticipated that closed session council discussion at a July 15 meeting would narrow the field further before actually meeting with candidates.

Since the council will not meet again until August 19, it likely would not be able to formally choose a candidate until that time, Gudgeirsson said, and the candidate would presumably be given a month to relocate to the area. – JS Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

Saddleback San Clemente Hosting Backpack Program at Pendleton Saddleback Church San Clemente is partnering with the community to provide backpacks and school supplies to children of Camp Pendleton families. The goal of Operation Backpack is to fill 800 backpacks with the help of the community to be handed out at “Bounce Back to School,” a party held at San Onofre School on Tuesday, Aug. 5 that will feature inflatables, carnival games, music and food provided by Chick-Fil-A. Operation Backpack seeks to provide school supplies to every student at San Onofre School. In order to help Operation Backpack, a $25 backpack can be purchased at Saddleback Church San Clemente any Sunday until July 27. The cost of the backpack includes a reusable water bottle, lunch bag and the funds to support the Bounce Back to School event.

Additional volunteers are welcome to help organize backpacks on Monday, Aug. 4 in preparation for the event.

To learn more about donations or volunteering, email scmilitaryministry@ saddleback.com or visit www.saddleback. com/sanclemente.

SC Garden Club Awards Scholarships The San Clemente Garden Club has awarded $1,000 scholarships to 11 college students. The scholarships are awarded for outstanding San Clemente High School seniors and current college students majoring in or planning a career related to gardening or the science behind it. Recognized students also stood out for their achievements, determination and demonstrated desire to help others through volunteerism.

Three of the recipients are designated “Edison Scholars” through the program.

Edison International funded an additional $3,000 in scholarships through a grant

The San Clemente Garden Club recently awarded 11 students from the area studying environmental sciences. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Garden Club

to the club. The scholarship program is primarily supported by the club’s annual garden club tour sponsors and ticket sales.

Recipients included 2014 SCHS graduates Trever Gabay (Edison Scholar), Lauren Strope, Marjorie McGraw and Zachary D. Ellis, Saddleback College recipients Nora Keane and Marjie Varney and students from other colleges: Lisa Cortright, Brenna A. Callero, Cody Wallace, Mary Laurie (Edison Scholar) and William Cox (Edison Scholar).

Churches Partnering for ‘Love San Clemente’ San Clemente churches will join forces with local service organizations and the city for a unique partnership called Love San Clemente. The churches will partner with the city and organizations like Family Assistance Ministries, Community Resource Center, California Parks and Recreation and the San Clemente Community Development department through projects like weeding between buildings, painting, building fences, cleaning beaches or collecting food.

Love San Clemente began July 9, and it runs through Sunday, July 13. Love San Clemente will begin with a food drive where local San Clemente residents will be given an empty grocery bag supplied by local grocers. Residents are encouraged to fill their bags with nonperishable items that will be picked up Saturday, July 12, in the morning.

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

Community Meetings

6 p.m. Regular meeeting at City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio. www.san-clemente.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting

7 p.m. San Clemente Community Center, Ole Hanson Room. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. www.san-clemente.org.

Page 4

TUESDAY, JULY 15

City Council Meeting

Planning Commission Meeting

7 p.m. Regular meeeting at City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio. www.san-clemente.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

President’s Choice

N

president’s staff and moments shared between Nixon and Jorge Olamendi, sit two round tables. Stamped with the presidential seal. Both tables proudly bear the name “Richard M. Nixon.”

Nixon returned to San Clemente after resigning the office of the presidency on Aug. 9, 1974. With the help of Brennan, daughter Julie and husband David Eisenhower, grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower, moved to a home nearby, located off of Capistrano Beach’s Beach Road.

It was Brennan who introduced the president to Olamendi’s after happening on the restaurant’s then-new location, just down the road from the Nixon-Eisenhower home.

“I went there on my own and discovered what I thought was a great place,” Brennan said. “I told the president that.”

A MEXICAN EATERY, THANKS TO NIXON Nixon’s time in San Clemente helped put the city, and the area, on the map.

Then-President Nixon moved his personal home to San Clemente in 1969.

La Casa Pacifica, a mansion situated above Upper Trestles, became the Nixon family’s part-time residence and was dubbed the “Western White House” during his presidency.

With the president at Casa Pacifica, staffers set up temporary homes at the San Clemente Inn, with Secret Service members housed in a hotel across from the restaurant where Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant now stands. Nixon, and his staff, first moved into San Clemente, around the time of St. Joseph’s Day, and the traditional return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano, Brennan recalled.

“We toured the Mission and went to the El Adobe,” Brennan said of the restaurant owned then by Ed Cornwall, who invited the president in for lunch. “(Cornwall) capitalized on President Nixon being

A POST-PRESIDENTIAL RETURN TO NORMALCY As the dust settled on the Watergate scandal, Nixon withdrew to his San Clemente home.

Out of office, the Nixons attempted a return to normal life.

Nixon stayed at Casa Pacifica most mornings but typically spent his afternoons golfing at Shorecliffs Golf Club, Brennan said. Surrounded by Secret Service agents, Brennan and Nixon took to the links, where other golfers took note and waited for an opportunity to shake Nixon’s hand.

“Everyone was very pleasant too, which was good for his morale,” Brennan recalled. “We played often and we played very, very rapidly.”

And while her husband was on the course, Pat Nixon found refuge in her garden. She also made frequent trips to local shops, and the couple made the occasional trip out to eat, especially when Julie lived nearby.

Some of those outings included stops at El Adobe and Olamendi’s. Nordeck believes the Secret Service preferred El Adobe and Olamendi’s because there were plenty of dining areas away from windows.

Like many restaurants that have ever hosted a president, El Adobe marks Nixon’s seat, in the interior balcony, with a special plaque. On the menu, the popular “President’s Choice,” features several items Nixon was known to enjoy: chile relleno, chicken enchilada, shredded beef taco with rice and beans.

As a son of California, Nixon liked Mexican food but no more than any average person, Brennan said.

“He was from Southern California, and it’s the best Mexican food in America,” Brennan said. “That’s why he’d usually say ‘Let’s get Mexican food.’”

On his last visit to the restaurant, Maria Olamendi paused and said, “Thank you so much for coming to our place.” She recalls he paused and replied, “You don’t need to thank me. I love the food.” He exited the building but returned a few moments later to personally thank the staff and chefs in Spanish. SC

While living in San Clemente, former President Nixon enjoyed local Mexican fare

BY JIM SHILANDER, BRIAN PARK AND ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ov. 8, 1960 was one of the most chaotic days of Richard Nixon’s life.

The vice president of the United States saw the presidential election go to John F. Kennedy by one of the narrowest of margins in history. More than 68 million ballots were cast, and when all were counted, Nixon lost by some 113,000 votes. The Electoral College vote read: Kennedy 303, Nixon 219.

Cries from Republicans rang, urging Nixon to contest the results. It’s something he didn’t do, but that night, after watching election coverage from a suite at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Nixon, along with his military aide, Air Force Maj. James Hughes, took a drive.

Nixon’s post-resignation chief of staff, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jack Brennan, relates the story: “They drove down to the Mexican border, just to get away from the anxiety,” Brennan said. “They stopped at the El Adobe for lunch.”

That lunch began a relationship that would last throughout Nixon’s presidency.

It also set the stage for a long-contested local rivalry over which south Orange County restaurant was the president’s favorite.

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

After enjoying a meal at El Adobe de Capistrano, Richard Nixon and his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, give their compliments to the chef and pose for a photo. Photo: Courtesy of Richard Nixon Foundation

there,” Brennan said. “They got an awful lot of publicity … We went there several times.”

Steve Nordeck became managing partner of El Adobe de Capistrano in 2002, after he was called on by owner Richard O’Neill, the late patriarch of the Rancho Mission Viejo landowning family.

Nordeck, a former mayor of Manhattan Beach, has managed a handful of restaurants in his post-politics career. All of them, he notes, have come with some historical charm. Most of the stories he’s heard of Nixon’s affinity for El Adobe have come from others, including the tale of when the restaurant truly became a Mexican eatery, thanks to Nixon.

“Let’s say you own the El Adobe and I called you and said, ‘I’m with President Nixon and he’d like a Mexican dinner. Are you going to tell him you’re not a Mexican restaurant,” Nordeck said. “From that day on, El Adobe was a Mexican restaurant.

That was because of President Nixon.”

El Adobe was Nixon’s and his staff’s go-to choice for catering special events.

When Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev visited the Western White House in 1973, Brezhnev’s staff stayed at the San Clemente Inn, El Adobe catered and the menus were translated into Russian.

A GREAT HONOR TO SERVE THE PRESIDENT Maria Olamendi doesn’t remember the first time Nixon walked through the doors of her family’s restaurant, but his last visit is one she’ll never forget.

It was early 1994, around six months after Nixon’s wife of 53 years, Pat, passed away the day after their anniversary.

Nixon would follow his wife in death less

He was from Southern “California, and it’s the best

Mexican food in America.

That’s why he’d usually say ‘Let’s get Mexican food.

—Jack Brennan

”

than one year later. They were both 81.

Months before his death, Nixon visited Olamendi’s one last time. He looked frail, Maria recalled, but his appetite was hearty. Nixon ordered a quesadilla and a No. 15—a combination plate complete with a chile relleno, enchilada, taco, tamale and a side of rice and beans. He didn’t stop there, dessert soon followed.

“Every time he came he ate something different,” Maria said. “But he liked the Pollo a la Veracruzan, it’s a chicken breast cooked in a tomato sauce with olives and jalapenos.”

Looking at the Olamendi’s menu today, the item’s description includes a nod to the former president. “It was Don Jorge’s great honor to prepare and serve this dish especially for President Nixon,” it reads.

Maria and husband Jorge Olamendi opened their family eatery in 1973. Located off El Camino Real in San Clemente, Olamendi’s, coupled with The Bird Cage bar was a local hot spot. The restaurant moved locations three years later to a Coast Highway locale in Capistrano Beach where it’s remained for the last 37 years.

Situated below large, gold frames displaying pictures of Richard Nixon with Pat and daughters Julie and Tricia, the former

Page 5

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY AMANDA HUFFMAN

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, July 7 TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (11:34 a.m.) A counselor at a treatment center said a patient had made threats toward his parents, who live in Yorba Linda.

The patient was under 24-hour surveillance at a facility in San Clemente.

KEEP THE PEACE Avenida Maquita, 100 Block (8:46 a.m.)

A caller said a female employee wanted to retrieve her property from her husband but said he was in bed with another woman. The caller said the woman was very distraught.

Sunday, July 6 TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Paseo Rosa, 0 Block (3:06 p.m.) A woman said a man in a silver Toyota had threatened to kill her and her husband following a road rage incident. The driver was last seen on northbound Camino Vera Cruz.

DISTURBANCE Calle Pacifica, 0 Block (11:34 a.m.) A caller said her neighbor had just gotten out of jail for assaulting a police officer. The neighbor was mad because she’d made the call that led to his arrest. He was making sexual gestures toward the woman and her children with a garden hose.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL South Ola Vista/Santa Barbara (12:04 p.m.) A person wearing a black shirt was riding a motorized bicycle up and down the street and creating too much noise.

Saturday, July 5 FIREWORK VIOLATION Marquita, 200 Block (9:35 p.m.)

A woman reported fireworks being set off from the end of her apartment complex. She asked the subjects to stop but they just laughed at her.

KEEP THE PEACE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (8:19 a.m.)

A surfer was cutting fishing lines. Surfers were also surfing too close to the pier.

Friday, July 4 BATTERY REPORT El Camino Real, 1400 Block (4:42 p.m.)

A woman who works at a massage parlor reported that a customer asked for some “extra special services” after his massage. He became angry and physical when she refused, but eventually left the parlor.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Rosa, 200 Block (3:48 p.m.)

A caller said there was a loud party with “a horrible band.” They were worried that people were “going to start fighting because the band is so bad.”

Thursday, July 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Palizada, 200 Block (3:45 p.m.)

A patrol check was called for a red car with a man and woman inside who appeared “to be out of it.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Vaquero, 600 Block (9:01 a.m.)

A man said that he rode his bike past an address earlier and smelled “a foul odor” coming from a box inside some walled off transformers. The caller said the bottom of the box had flies around it.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Del Presidente, 2600 Block (3:01 a.m.) A guest at the San Clemente Inn stated that someone was pounding on their door. The Inn had problems with drunken guests earlier but it was unclear if the guest was the same person.

Photo: Jim Shilander

SCENE { IN S A N CLEMENTE }

A powered paraglider makes his way toward North Beach and Capistrano Beach on July 4.

News Next Door

be transferred from the city’s Park Development Fund. The fund’s current balance sits at around $690,000.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT Despite hearing from local residents, many under the age of 18, who want to see a skatepark built in Dana Point, the City Council unanimously voted to spend nearly $100,000 to build three bocce ball courts at Lantern Bay Park.

Council members heard from seven speakers Tuesday night asking the body to reconsider the project for one more tailored to area youth. The request came on the heels of a recently launched local movement, dubbed Skatepark of Dana Point, whose supporters have flooded past council, Planning Commission and Youth Board meetings to have their voices heard.

While the council moved ahead with the bocce court plans, they also directed staff to conduct an analysis of what would be needed to acquire and construct a local skatepark.

With the council’s approval, $99,850 will

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO An apparent oversight in the planning process has delayed a proposal to build a 136-room hotel and 33 townhomes in the heart of downtown San Juan.

The City Council was scheduled to vote on Urban Village’s $43 million San Juan Hotel & Villas project June 19, but in the week prior, city staff discovered the General Plan had not been rezoned to comply with the city’s Historic Town Center Master Plan, which was approved in 2012 to manage downtown growth.

The council voted 3-1 to begin a General Plan Amendment and will now consider the project on Aug. 5.

Further, the land is owned by movie producer Steve Oedekerk, who decided not to extend the purchase agreement for the land because he had become frustrated by the city, according to Urban Village principal Joshua Host, adding that he hopes to come back to Oedekerk with an approved project.

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: The Town I Live In by Fred Divel

On the ‘Nos’ San Clemente’s pioneers will be more than familiar with signs of prohibition

H

ow do you know if you are a San Clemente pioneer?

Perhaps if you survived your SC youth not being orbited by negative signage, you might be eligible. I go back far enough to when there was one stop light and stop signs were a suggestion—or at least a novelty.

You may remember some of the top hits: “no diving,” “no overhead casting,” “no surfing,” “no swimming,” “no skateboarding,” “no bicycles,” “private property—keep out,” and the newer “turn off your cell phones.” One that has been elevated to trendy restaurant window status: “no shoes, no shirts, no service.”

It’s next to the one that reads: “no shirt, no shoes, no problem.”

There might be a “no jumping from the

Letters to the Editor MORE HOMELESS SHELTER OPTIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DAVID W. BRANT, San Clemente

I attended the San Clemente Planning Commission meeting on June 18 to address the commission regarding my opposition to the Rancho San Clemente Business Park as a proposed site for homeless shelters. Unfortunately, the commission recommended to the City Council that that the business park be considered as a site for this purpose in a 4-3 vote.

During the meeting there was ample time for speakers from both sides to be heard and for the commission to engage in lengthy debate. I learned several important facts about this issue that the public should know about.

The first one had to deal with the arrogant, ignorant and condescending attitude expressed by one of the three supporters of iHOPE, a local organization that seeks to open a shelter in San Clemente. He repeatedly said that speakers against this proposal were simply rich people who sought to keep the homeless out of their neighborhoods and businesses. This was after business leaders and residents simSan Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

pier boom” sign if the boom that raised and lowered the dinghies from the pier still existed. But as I understand it, the real pioneers—my aunts and uncles and their gangs—put an end to that stunt before it THE TOWN I LIVE IN could rise to the level of

By Fred Divel Ocean Fest competition and begin a casualty count.

We still have the “no diving” signs stenciled every few planks along the length of the pier, but alas, there’s no boom to climb and jump off of anymore. All because someone did something once that perhaps didn’t work out so well or looked like too much fun and therefore needed a sign so no one else would have a dubious go at it.

Common sense does not curb behavior or even drive self-preservation anymore.

That’s what signs were invented for; to keep folks from doing things. (Except for that sign on the freeway bridge that reads “trucks OK.” Huh?) And if there’s no sign, then that’s what lawyers are for. Ah, not in my day. No signs, fewer lawyers meant it was free-play on construction sites. Then along came sign makers with nothing to do. The latest

ply expressed their views, using their first amendment rights, to protect their property values and to live and do business in a safe environment. iHOPE is certainly not an organization that our city would seek to run anything much less a complicated operation like a homeless shelter based on his comments.

Another topic, brought out by several speakers, was the inadequacy of the options available to the council to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 2. This law requires all California cities to designate a planning zone for a potential shelter to be built. No options regarding any areas in the downtown or south end areas of town were even suggested by the commission.

I believe strongly that the council should direct the Planning Commission to examine additional sites besides those on the list approved at their last meeting. The council should drop the business park as an option and find other sites that would not hurt job creation and family neighborhoods in the city.

I urge San Clemente residents to attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 15 to let the council know your opinions prior to their vote on this extremely important issue.

SAN CLEMENTE… THE NEXT VENICE BEACH? ANTHONY LaFRANO, San Clemente

I need to respond to Karen Reisdorf’s Page 8

no-no signs are the signs that proclaim: “do not post signs” as in ads for lost and found or “garage sale this way” stapled to telephone poles. Better idea: Remove the telephone poles.

San Clemente has now been making laws for 80-plus years. Don’t you think they’d be done by now. Wouldn’t it be nice if one day the lawmakers sat back, took a cleansing breath, clapped their hands together and announced: “Well, that’s it. We’re done. All of the laws have been written.”

So are you a San Clemente pioneer? The fewer of those “ah, ah, ah” signs you can remember growing up in San Clemente defines your pioneer status.

Besides graffiti, what are your least favorite signs?

Fred Divel was born and raised in San Clemente and co-founded the San Clemente Historical Society. His mother, Lois Divel, is the City’s matriarch. He convinced Richard Nixon to move to San Clemente.

He spent 20 years an Imagineer for Walt Disney and retired as Entertainment Manager for Crystal Cruises. 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

letter (“Seek Out the Compassionate Route on Homeless Issue,” June 19) calling one reader “ignorant” for not wanting a homeless shelter in our city. I too wish to be one of the ignorant who does not want a shelter in our town. Ms. Reisdorf, we do not have a crisis on our hands we have 65 homeless people in San Clemente or roughly .01 percent of our population. We will have a crisis if we build a homeless shelter and this will be the most desirable stop on the homeless tour.

This is a family town with family values and it is clear that you have never lived with homeless people. I lived in San Francisco and I have seen what happens when you have homeless-friendly policies.

You just get more homeless and they put an added stress on city services like fire and police. Ask any first responder in San Francisco what they think of the homeless and they will tell you it is a nightmare.

San Francisco has the most aggressive pro-homeless city council in the country and a very large homeless population.

They offer all the services, shelter, food and clothing and the homeless keep flocking there for the freebies. It is not working up there. The city has gotten dirtier and there is not one sidewalk that doesn’t have human fecal matter on it. It is a mess.

Homelessness for most is a lifestyle and many homeless do not want help. In Portland, Oregon, and in many cities in Colorado, it is cool to be homeless. They (Cont. on page 10)

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@sanclementetimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

OPERATIONS

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Amanda Huffman, Catherine Manso, Sean Robb, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 28. 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.

FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor (Cont. from page 8) all get federal assistance from the current administration and they all have cell phones.

Our Planning Commission might allow a shelter next to the Denny’s Restaurant on Pico? I can see it now, “Hey come on down to San Clemente they have a brand new shelter two blocks from the beach.

You can panhandle at the new outlet stores one block away, get a Grand Slam breakfast for $1.99 and go cruise chicks over at the high school across the street.”

Oh, and by the way, “You can get here by train from anywhere in the country. It stops right at the shelter—just get off and walk two blocks up the street.”

This is going to be the super highway of homelessness. This is probably the best place in the country to be homeless. Build it and they will come.

This is one genie we do not want to let out of the bottle because once you do, it is impossible to get it back in. Ms. Reisdorf, if you want to live in a homeless-friendly city, then move to Venice Beach and see how you like it. I prefer to keep things the way they are right now, a sleepy, happy, clean little beach town full of hardworking people with good values. Ms. Reisdorf: “ignorance is bliss.”

VOCAL MINORITY ROBS SC JIM WYNNE, San Clemente

So instead of a beautiful new mixed-use project at the top of Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente can now boast being the newest home of a Sit ‘n Sleep super mattress store.

The San Clemente Historical Society was concerned about the new mixed-use project taking away from the historical City Hall building, which was never city hall anyway, and applied pressure to kill the project.

Larry Culbertson, president of the Historical Society, which has argued that the project was too big and would overwhelm an adjacent building known as historic City Hall, said he is pleased with the withdrawal and looks forward to working to preserve “the small-town village character that we all enjoy in our historic downtown.”

Enter the law of unintended consequences. I don’t know about you, but a Sit ‘n Sleep mattress store, normally seen along busy freeways in cheesy strip malls, doesn’t exactly embody small-town village character. I wonder if Larry will be pleased to see a Sit ‘N Sleep at the masthead of Avenida Del Mar instead of the nice open courtyard with outdoor, ocean view seating and boutique stores proposed by the developer.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a strong private property rights advocate. The owner of the building, which will be the home to the Sit ‘N Sleep, has every right to lease his building to whomever he wishes so long as they meet city ordinances. I hope that Sit ‘N Sleep enjoys a brisk business and contributes to our community.

Page 10

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso.

Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander. All are welcome.

Beachside Chat is held every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar.

My issue is with the small vocal minority in this community that pressures community leaders to squash projects that would greatly enhance our community such as this one, the LAB, or the full sized Ralphs on El Camino Real, that was reduced to a smaller store and gave birth to the deadly parking lot we have now.

Be careful what you wish for.

Like the say in the Sit’N Sleep commercials, “You’re Killing me Larry!”

CITY NEEDS TO FOLLOW THE LAW JUSTIN MCCARTHY, San Clemente

City Hall has a hard time following state law. First there’s the Beach Parking Impact Fee. The city collected gobs of money from unsuspecting homeowners, then failed to build any parking spaces for 25 years, but, managed to spend money on other stuff—illegally by the way. The court has now ordered the city to return $10 million to 6,000 property owners.

What? Say it ain’t so. The city has run afoul of state law again. Lightning strikes twice in the same place. I thought that was impossible. It looks like the team downtown missed the Senate Bill 2 deadline by two years. Amazing. They had over four years to get ready. Here we go again.

What the heck is a SB 2 zone? Why is the city so desperate to keep it out of downtown? The state’s memo to the city says it is a “No Public Notice,” “Unrestricted” shelter zone. That sounds like a Sacramento dream come true.

And, could someone please tell me who iHOPE is? And, why the city will not let me look at the city files regarding iHOPE. I thought we had a Public Records Act in this state.

The folks at City Hall are mum. I guess the plan is to tip-toe past the public and hope that no one actually reads the State’s SB 2 memo to the city. My compliments to the planning staff. Deleting the “definitions” page from the staff reports and not protecting the daycare and preschools in order to justify sticking this zone back in Talega and Rancho San Clemente were gutsy moves.

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

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

UPCOMING EVENT

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

Thursday | 10 READ TO A DOG 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Kids can read to licensed therapy dogs, as studies have shown that it can improve children’s reading skills and self-confidence. Occurs every other Thursday. Sign up at the information desk at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, or call 949.493.1752 to reserve a spot.

DUSTIN FRANKS AND THE TRADERS 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.

VONDA SHEPARD 8 p.m. Two-time Golden Globe, Emmy Award and Screen Actors Guild Awardwinning singer/songwriter Vonda Shepard performs at the Coach House. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Call 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

Friday | 11 ROCK OF AGES 8 p.m. Tickets $20, $15 for students.

Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 12 5TH MARINES BENEFIT CAR WASH 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Come support the nation’s “Fighting Fifth” Marines as Col. Jason Bohm, commander of the 5th Marine Regiment, and members of the Headquarters Company prepare for a Middle East deployment in September. Proceeds from the car wash will supply a company sendoff event and will benefit Marines and their families. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

BAT WALK 7:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. Take a moderate evening walk with bat biologist Stephanie Remington to find out about Orange County’s mysterious habitants. Ages 10 and up. $15 for adults and children. $10 for supporters. RSVP required. The Reserve/ Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

Photo: Magnolia Pictures

Photo: Jim Shilander

SATURDAY, JULY 19 • SAN CLEMENTE OCEAN FESTIVAL: DAY ONE 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Day one of the 36th annual running of “The Greatest Show on Surf!” featuring waterman and waterwoman competitions, SUP contests, fishing derbies, woody car exhibit, art show, children’s pavilion, a free concert at 6 p.m. and much more, all based around the San Clemente Pier area. More info: 949.440.6141, www.oceanfestival.org.

PIER PRESSURE IV 8 p.m. Live instrumental surf music at Knuckleheads, 1717 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492 2410, www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

SAN CLEMENTE JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING 6:30 p.m. Social Time, 7 p.m. Meeting start.

Adult Day Health Care Center, 2021 Calle Frontera, San Clemente. www.scjwc.org.

Sunday | 13

Tuesday | 15

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.

THE ALKIS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar.

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

MATISYAHU 6 p.m. Matisyahu, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with the reggae-rap hit “King Without a Crown,” performs at the OC Fair. Tribal Seeds and The Lions also perform. Tickets start at $23.50. Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

Wednesday | 16

Monday | 14 CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

ORANGE COUNTY CIRCA 1889 A collection of historic photographs taken 125 years ago documenting the found of Orange County on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse from July 14 to Oct. 10. An opening reception will be held on July 17 at 7 p.m. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. For more info, call 714.973.6607 or email oldcounty.courthouse@ocparks.com.

CAPO BEACH FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Visit the area’s newest weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured.

Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., 949.573.5033, www.danapoint.org.

COUNTRY LIFEGUARDS OF THE CALIFORNIA COAST 8 p.m. An evening of story weaving, including “Black Sunday,” “Storm of ’69– Medal of Valor,” Bohemian Summers, and legendary swells and storms. Reception at 6 p.m. Speakers include retired SC lifeguard chief Mike Brousard and retired state parks chief lifeguard Steve Long. $10 -$15. Historic Cottage, San Clemente State Beach, 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. www.sanofoundation.org.

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, JULY 18 BALLROOM BASH 7:35 p.m. 2-Step Lesson, ballroom, Latin and swing dancing. $10. San Clemente Community Center, 100 Calle Seville, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

Page 12

At the Movies: “Life Itself” Gets a Thumbs Up

O

ne year after his death, famed movie critic Roger Ebert is honored with the documentary Life Itself. The picture remembers the writer’s presence as a man who watched flicks in the theater just like ordinary moviegoers and told us if the movie was good, bad or in between. His first published review was for the 1967 classic Bonnie & Clyde, and his harshly negative review for the comedy dud North (1994) became famous in its own right. Now his legacy carries on in print and on screen.

Ebert began his career at his college newspaper, before quickly becoming the Chicago Sun-Times movie reviewer at age 25. By the late 1970s, Ebert and rival critic Gene Siskel were asked to host a local show called ‘Sneak Previews’ for Midwestern audiences. The show would become PBS’ syndicated “At the Movies.” The two coined the use of the terms “thumbs up” and “thumbs down,” to critique movies for two decades. Ebert also found time to pen the script for cult favorite, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) and more than a dozen books on film criticism.

As discussed in the film, 2002 marked the start of 11 years of serious health issues for Ebert.

Life Itself is directed by Steve James of Hoop Dreams (1994) fame and genuinely shows audiences a fan of cinema with a passion that kept him moving for 70 years. Despite his ailments, the critic dedicated himself to writing to his last day. Roger Ebert lived the life many movie lovers wish they could and James pays tribute to it.

—Megan Bianco 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 SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

San Clemente Celebrates the Fourth PHOTOS AND TEXT BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

housands of San Clemente residents made their way to the Pier Bowl and the city’s beaches Friday to take in the city’s annual fireworks display from the Pier.

Highlights also included a flyover by the World War II-era planes of the Condor Squadron, to go along with powered paragliders, a special event for service members at Park Semper Fi and ordinary San Clementeans showing off their patriotic side. SC

Clockwise from the top left: James Bleemers, left, and Jeffrey Lawler made a patriotic statement with their clothing choices, the Condor Squadron made several passes over San Clemente’s beaches with their World War II era aircraft, the fireworks show from the end of the pier was a big hit with residents and visitors alike.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

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

Page 14

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love by Tom Blake

Some Things You Shouldn’t Take Back Divorcee needs to purge clutter by ditching angry man

I

t warms my heart to hear from couples who meet and fall in love later in life.

When I heard from Ann (not her real name) this week, my initial hope was that she and her new man would be together forever. Ann, 60, divorced for 12 years, said, “A year and a half ago, I met a divorced man, 62, online. He is nice looking and his profile seemed sincere. We met for coffee. He was very charming and easy to talk to and we seemed to have a lot in common.

“I have a great time with him. We both wanted to be committed. Our relationship became serious. We got engaged in March and he gave me a ring. I have never felt this way before. He loves being with me and reminds me how beautiful I am. I feel very special with him.”

I thought: So far, so good, how nice that Ann is sharing her love story with me. But then, she described two issues that bother her.

Ann said, “One of my concerns: he is not neat. His car is messy and his house is cluttered. It doesn’t bother him. I

hated going into his car because of the mess.

Eventually, we drove my car.

“When we started talking about marriage, I explained that I can’t live in this clutter and he seemed fine about cleanON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 ing it up (I was going

By Tom Blake to help him). I felt I can overlook this since I don’t mind cleaning.

He wanted to make the change.”

It sounds like they’ve uncluttered that mess.

Ann’s second concern is more serious.

She said, “He has a temper. At times he gets explosive. When we went on our first driving trip last July, it was fun and beautiful at first, but on our way home, I made a comment about his driving. He yelled at me and said I was treating him like a child.

He stopped talking to me and though we had one more day together, he drove me home. We did not speak for a week. Eventually, we made up.

“This behavior has occurred a few times. But what bothers me, it is always my fault. He doesn’t accept any blame in our arguments.”

Ann described another road trip this year.

“By the fourth day together, we started to snap at each other. I understand that happens when you are together all day for four days. He yelled at me in a public park.

People around us were staring. When I tried to be nice, he ignored me and was rude. He did not speak for eight of the 11 hours on our trip home.

“At his home, the same behavior continued. I was angry, decided to go home and gave him back the engagement ring. Do I want to live with a man who yells and then gives me the silent treatment? I have a 16-year-old daughter. Will he be yelling at me when she is there?

“In discussing our previous marriages, he blamed his wife and he didn’t like the way he was treated by her. I’m confused and wonder if I was the cause of these arguments? His anger scares me. Any advice

Trekking for Nation’s Heroes Army veteran makes cross-country journey for fallen warriors

BY AMANDA HUFFMAN, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

United States Marine salutes the nation’s colors.

Today, the Marine’s clear view of the Pacific Ocean, out past the San Clemente Pier, is blanketed with grey skies, but the bronze statue stands tall and proud.

Embracing the overcast skies and cool weather, residents, veteran and active duty servicemen and women and their families gathered at Park Semper Fi to honor America’s fallen warriors and meet a man hoping to ensure the nation, as a whole, never forgets their sacrifices.

Mike Viti is no stranger to military service. A Pennsylvania native, Viti graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2008.

Upon his West Point graduation, Viti was commissioned as a field artillery officer and stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.

For his service in Operation Enduring Freedom, Viti was awarded the nation’s San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

Gold Star families stand with Mike Viti, his team, and the fourth of Viti’s fourteen American flags.

The flags have lists of fallen service people’s names written on them, in honor of their sacrifice. Photo: Amanda Huffman

Pete Hammer presents Viti with a challenge coin from the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group at an event recognizing him at Park Semper Fi in San Clemente last Wednesday. Photo: Amanda Huffman

fourth highest individual military award— the Bronze Star. It’s an honor bestowed on men and women who perform heroic or meritorious acts while serving in combat zones. Viti completed his service in 2013 as an Army captain.

Now, the 28-year-old veteran is paying his respects to the men and women who gave their lives. He’s hiking for heroes. Over the course of nine months, Viti is hiking 4,414 miles, or some 7,100 kilometers, in honor of each military member who gave their life in the Global War on Terror.

“These 6,815 heroes, to date, will not be forgotten,” Viti told the small, crowd that came together in San Clemente on July 2.

“They will be our generation’s heroes.”

Viti embarked on his journey, dubbed “Mike’s Hiking for Heroes,” on April 26 from DuPont, Washington—the halfway point between Tacoma and Olympia.

Throughout May, Viti completed the Oregon leg of his trip before entering California. On Wednesday, July 2, he made his way into south Orange County, stopping at San Clemente’s military memorial park before heading south to San Diego.

His journey, he hopes, will raise awareness of the sacrifices made by service members and funds to erect individual monuments in the hometowns of these fallen Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen and women.

He’s also made meeting with and helping

Page 15

would be helpful.”

My response to Ann: Your relationship is dysfunctional. Arguing, yelling and the silent treatment aren’t the way to live. It will only get worse. Stop taking road trips together. Oh, and the house will be messy and cluttered, unless you always keep it clean. Don’t accept the ring back.

A singles age 50-plus meet and greet event is scheduled for Thursday, July 31 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. For questions: call me at 949.248.9008.

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.

Gold Star family members—those who lost a son, daughter, husband, wife or other family member to combat—a top priority. At each stop Viti makes, he speaks to every Gold Star family he can. And after he makes appearances and speaks before crowds, like he did in San Clemente, Viti asks family members to stand with him so their fallen loved on can be recognized.

“That, to me, is worth every sacrifice I make for this because it’s truly meaningful,” Viti said of families sharing that his journey is therapeutic for them and helps keep memories alive.

With the help of his team, local Gold Star families added three names to an American flag Viti is carrying across the nation. It’s a flag, filling up with handwritten names that Viti invited local boy scouts to fold. And one that he’ll carry across the nation between now and December 13, where he will end his hike at the 115th playing of the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore, Maryland. From San Diego, Viti will head east across the southern states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Georgia before heading north through the Carolinas, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Track Viti’s cross-country journey at www.mikeshikingforheroes.com. Viti is also trying to raise funds. Last week, the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group donated $500 to his cause Visit, the website listed above for donation information. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Giving Back to the Game Gage Shelmidine honored for his volunteer efforts an essay and shared his life experience, learning how others, like him, give back to n a sunny Tuesday afternoon, Gage their communities. HOBY organizers were Shelmidine was in the humid San so moved by his essay, Shelmidine was Clemente High School gym with nominated to represent Southern California over 50 kids under the age of 12 attemptat the HOBY World Leadership Congress at ing to dribble basketballs. Shelmidine Loyola University in Chicago on July 19. was easy to spot with his red and black Shelmidine was chosen as one of 14 Mohawk-styled hair looming over the sophomores from San Clemente High kids, teaching basketball fundamentals School to write an essay for the HOBY conand technique. ference back in June. Shelmidine’s essay He watched the kids play in a scrimfocused on the hardships he has endured mage, celebrating every made shot like for most of his life. they were one of his own Tritons teamShelmidine was raised mates. As the kids by his mom, Mindy, who huddled around the He is one of the hardest was a drug addict until San Clemente junior point guard, he gave workers I have ever been he was in the second grade. He currently lives instructions in the around and the kid loves with her in low-income style of a high school housing in San Clemvarsity coach in the playing basketball. ente. Between first and dying minutes of the second grade, Shelmifourth quarter. It was —Marc Popovich dine’s mom was in and just another day in the out of prison and the two have survived on life of the young volunteer. welfare and food stamps for most of Gage’s This kind of volunteer work and care life. He says that his mom is the most imporcaught the eye of teachers at San Clemtant person in his life and she inspires him ente High School, who nominated Shelmito help other people. dine to represent the school at the Hugh “The first two days (of the conference) O’Brian (HOBY) Southern California I didn’t really talk in small group. But the Leadership Seminar in June. The threethird day I told everyone about my life and day convention was held at Chapman Uniabout my mom, then the kid next to me versity, where over a hundred sophomores opened up about his mom too,” Shelmidine around Southern California listened to said. “It was really the first time I told a guest speakers, found out about different group of people about that stuff.” ways to give back to their community and Having endured such hardships Shelmimet in small groups. dine learned to find peace in the sport of At the conference, Shelmidine wrote

BY SEAN ROBB, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

“

”

San Clemente’s Gage Shelmidine was selected to attend the HOBY World Leadership Congress at Loyola University in Chicago on July 19. Photo: Sean Robb

basketball. On the court, he has been characterized as a quiet leader but his passion for the game has allowed him to give back.

“He is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around and the kid loves playing basketball,” San Clemente High School head basketball coach Marc Popovich said.

Shelmidine has played club basketball since the fourth grade but couldn’t always afford to pay the fees to play. Some coaches would let him play for free. He says that so many people have made sacrifices for him to play that he feels the need to give back.

Since he was 12, Shelmidine has volunteered his time helping youth basketball camps around the South Orange County area.

“I just really like helping people and especially kids, it makes me happy,”

Shelmidine said.

While Shelmidine spends most of his time coaching, he still makes time to work at the Dana Point Recreation Center as a youth basketball referee and adult kickball umpire.

The Southern California Hugh O’Brian board members saw Shelmidine’s leadership and devotion to others in the form of his submitted essay. They selected him as one of five individuals to travel to the world conference in Chicago on a scholarship.

“I’m definitely excited for this great opportunity and I can’t wait to meet people from around the world who will hopefully become my friends,” Shelmidine said.

Shelmidine says that this opportunity has helped him realize that he wants to pursue a career that revolves around helping others. SC

South County Players Named to All-State Baseball Teams COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

S

San Clemente junior Lucas Herbert was named to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Baseball Underclass second team.

Photo: Brian Park

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

everal south Orange County high school baseball players were named to the 2014 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Baseball first, second, third, underclass and small-school teams on July 7.

San Clemente battery mates Kolby Allard and Lucas Herbert were named to the All-State Baseball Underclass teams. Allard, a junior pitcher, led the Tritons with a 1.32 ERA this season and was named to the first team. Herbert, a junior catcher, was a presence in the middle of the Tritons lineup, where he batted .284 with 16 RBIs. Herbert was named to the second team. Both players are committed to UCLA. JSerra Catholic senior pitcher and first baseman Parker Joe Robinson was named to the first team in the multi-purpose cat-

Page 17

egory. Robinson, a Texas commit and this season’s Trinity League Player of the Year, batted .378 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 2014. On the mound, Robinson went 4-2 with 47 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings.

Dana Hills senior Louis Raymond was named to the second team. Raymond hit .321 on the year and excelled on the pitching mound. The University of San Francisco commit helped pitch the Dolphins to the Sea View League title behind a 10-4 record and a 2.07 ERA in 2014.

JSerra’s Brady Shockey was one of only two sophomores named to the underclass team.

Capistrano Valley Christian seniors Parker Coss and Eric Fukuda were named to the small-school first and second teams, respectively. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email lcosenza@picketfencemedia.com

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

Page 18

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

Page 19

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING

Oasis Heating & Air

31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

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

BOOKS

Village Books

99 Avenida Serra, 949.492.1114, www.DowntownSanClemente.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Lure of Chocolate, Gourmet Foods & Gift

949.439.1773, www.LureofChocolate.com

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

DENTISTS

William Brownson, D.D.S.

3553 Camino Mira Costa, Ste B, 949.493.2391, www.drbrownson.com

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com

Kristen Ritzau DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

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, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

IMAGES/Creative Solutions

117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com

HAIR SALONS

Kreative Hair Design

173 Avenida Serra, 949.498.6245

HEATING

Oasis Heating & Air

31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

MANAGEMENT - HOA

AMMCOR

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

MORTGAGES

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

Janet Poth - Violin & Viola

413 Calle Pueblo, 949.922.6388, janpoth@aol.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

PAINTING

KC Painting & Decorating

3349 Paseo Halcon, 949.388.6829, www.bringcolorintoyourlife.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

PEST CONTROL

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

PHARMACIES

Sea View Pharmacy

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

PLUMBING

Bill Metzger Plumbing

929 Calle Negocio Suite D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Jim Thomas Roofing

162 Calle de Industrias, 949.498.6204

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

Salon Bleu

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

Sanctuary Salon & Spa

1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, 949.429.5802, www.sanctuarytalega.com

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Offshore Construction

949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

PRINTING

Printing OC

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

REAL ESTATE

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY

Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group

In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

San Clemente, 949.842.3631, www.forterealtygroup.com

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR SALE HARLEY HANDLEBARS Chrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties). Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures. Text or call 949-633-3860 for more info.

TV STAND High end black glass TV stand for sale. 3-tiered. Very good condition. Please text for photos. $125/obo. 949.533.9761

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

Deadline 5pm Monday.

No phone calls.

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733

SURF STUFF WETSUIT FOR SALE Mens Quiksilver full suit, barely used. Size medium $75. Call or text 949.533.9761.

OBITUARY

Virginia Voth b.8/10/1924 d.6/26/2014

SC Pool & Spa Works

1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Virginia resided in San Clemente for over 20 years. She was married for 55 years to strawberry expert Victor Voth, who passed away in 2007.

Virginia is survived by a daughter, Susanne Tracy of Medford, OR, a grandson, Geordan McQuiston, also of Medford, OR, a son, Robert Brannon of Salt Lake City, UT and a granddaughter, Louisa Brannon, also of Salt Lake City, UT. A memorial will be held on Wednesday, July 23 at Lesneski Mortuary in San Clemente from 3-6 pm.

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The 949 Volleyball 16 Black team won the gold medal at the 2014 USAV Boys Junior National Championships.

Courtesy photo

Local Volleyball Clubs Shine at Junior National Championships

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

wo local volleyball programs, the San Clemente Volleyball Club and the 949 Volleyball Club, spent last week squaring off against some of the best junior club teams in the nation at the USAV Boys Junior National Championships in Houston.

After five days of competition, one San Clemente club team was at the top of the podium.

The 949 Volleyball Club 16 Black faced the SCVC 16 Quicksilver on July 4 to decide which team would take home the national title. Despite losing the first set, the 949 squad was able to come away with a two-set victory, 22-25, 25-13, 15-13.

The 949 16 Black proved to be the most efficient unit in the 36-team field, winning 10 matches while losing only one en route to the title. The team led the field in matches won (10) and sets won (21).

The 16s Black run to the tournament title was a long time coming, according to 949 program director Justin DeBlasio.

Last season, this particular group of players did not have a lot of experience playing alongside one another. But after months of practicing, and the addition of setters Sam Kobrine and Jonathan Minsberg to the roster, the team came together in recent weeks.

With Kobrine and Minsberg in the rotation, the team was able to run a 6-2 offense, which allowed the talented setters to hit at the net, then rotate to set from the back row, a tactic that proved to be successful.

“Kobrine and Minsberg are such steady players and competitors with high volleyball IQs. It helped the rest of the offense be successful,” DeBlasio said. “Last year

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

this team was left off the podium stand.

They came back with a chip on their shoulder and a sense of purpose. They put it together when it mattered most.”

The team includes: Tyler Alter, Nico Bradshaw, Ryan Dove, Jacob Freeman, Kobrine, Brandon Lundstrom, Mitchell Mednick, Zack Mills, Minsberg, Jack Schubert and James Thomas.

“

Last year this team was left off the podium stand.

They came back with a chip on their shoulder and a sense of purpose. They put it together when it mattered most.

”

–Justin DeBlasio

The 16 Black wasn’t the only successful 949 team at the tournament, as the program’s 17 Black finished fifth overall and the 14s finished 10th.

The San Clemente Volleyball Club also excelled at the tournament, highlighted by their 15s teams’ second-place finish in their division. The 15s faced Balboa Bay in the tournament finals and lost in two, 25-16, 25-18.

The team includes: Hunter Arbuckle, Dean Balagot, Max Beard, Matin Bikdeli, Dylan Campeau, Sean Carroll, Brandon Cornell, Thomas Destafano, Kian Feiner, Connor Lamparter, Kyler Presho and Max Rivera. SC Page 21

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Two Local Surfers Crowned NSSA National Champs

GROM OF THE WEEK

Heath Hawkins

Griffin Colapinto and Jett Schilling win National Scholastic Surfing Association national titles

Jett Schilling of San Clemente earned his first national title in the Open Mini Grom U10 shortboard division at NSSA Nationals, June 26-July 3 at the Huntington Beach Pier. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

Griffin Colapinto, also from San Clemente, became the 2013-2014 NSSA National Open Juniors shortboard champion. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

title portfolio and his confidence, he said.

“It felt amazing and I would be super stoked to win another next year,” Colapinto said. “Winning helps me a lot with my confidence for the future when I’ll be doing bigger competitions. I’m not really trying to rack up a certain number of titles; I just want to surf well.”

For Jett Schilling, his Open Mini Grom 10U shortboard victory marked an important first in his amateur career.

“I have always watched the NSSA Nationals thinking I could do it, so I just tried really hard,” said Schilling. “When I found out I won, it felt super good.” SC

I

t’s a wrap. The 2013-2014 National Scholastic Surfing Association season concluded June 26 through July 3 with two local surfers receiving national titles.

For one it was a first and for the other, one more to add to his list of amateur career victories.

Griffin Colapinto—who last season earned national titles in NSSA Explorer Boys and Surfing America USA Championship Boys U16—wrapped up the season taking top honors in the NSSA Open Juniors 15+ shortboard division. The win was just another step toward building his amateur

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 70-72 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’+ fair Catalina: 20-25’ fair-good Immediate: Fading South swell will provide 2-4’ surf on Thursday. Light wind in the morning will give way to a light to moderate sea breeze in the afternoon.

Longer Range Outlook: Minor swell mix for the weekend, with a medium size SW swell lining up in the long range. Check out Surfline for more details!

San Clemente Times July 10-16, 2014

RESULTS NSSA National Open Championships, June 26-July 3, Huntington Beach, Pier Local finishers only. MEN 16+: 2. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente. JUNIORS 15U: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente.

BOYS 12U: 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente. MINI GROMS 10U: 1. Jett Schilling, San Clemente.

NSSA National Explorer Championships, June 26-July 3, Huntington Beach, Pier GIRLS 14U: 6. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente.

For full results, visit www.sanclementetimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS July 12: WSA Menehune Surf Fest, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street July 20: California State Games, Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Jetty August 2-3: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 1, San Onofre State Park, Trail 6 August 23-24: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 1 and No. 2, Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier September 6-7: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 3 and No. 4, Huntington Beach, Pier

Page 22

Heath Hawkins, 13, of San Clemente is spending the summer before his freshman year doing what he loves—skimboarding, surfing and downhill skateboarding. We caught up with Heath at T Street to get to know the recent Vista Del Mar Middle School graduate.

SC TIMES: What is your favorite board sport and how did you get into it?

Heath Hawkins: Skimboarding. I’ve been doing it for about three years. My friend Josh Greene introduced me to it. At first tried it out on a little wooden skimboard at Calafia. I really liked it, so for Christmas I asked for a Victoria foamy, the next step up. Then I started going to Laguna a lot and got a new board. Once I learned to really catch waves I decided to keep going and see where I could take it.

SCT: Where do you hope to take it?

HH: I’ll try to go pro. But if that doesn’t happen, I’ll always have fun with the sport.

SCT: Why skimboarding?

HH: It’s the whole finless thing for me.

Without fins you can do spins and stuff. I feel like it’s a mix of all the board sports

Heath Hawkins. Photo: Abby Mulligan

and I just find it super fun.

SCT: Have you placed in any contests lately?

HH: A few months ago I placed third in the intermediate division at the Green Eggs and Am Balboa, stop No. 1 in Newport.

SCT: Tell me about your other favorite board sports.

HH: My favorite place to surf is Cotton’s. With downhill skateboarding, I love the feeling of going fast, breaking free and sliding. And I really like skurfing too. You put a skimboard on top of a longboard and paddle out. Then you catch the wave on the longboard and then ride it in on the skimboard. —Andrea Swayne