December 18, 2014

LO C A L

N EWS

December 18-24, 2014 YO U

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Friends, Family Remember Doc Paskowitz Saturday at the Pier PAGE 26 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 51

Parent Power

Program seeks to give parents tools to be their children’s advocate EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Zeneida Valdez receives a certificate of completion and congratulations from Las Palmas Elementary School Principal Kristen Nelson at the PIQE graduation ceremony Thursday at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area. Photo: Fringe Photography/Kristen Ruth

Edison Chooses Underground Storage Option for SONGS Fuel EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Triton Soccer Hosting West’s Best Teams at Invitational Tourney SPORTS/PAGE 20

www.sanclementetimes.com

Area Special Education Students Get New Education Opportunities SC LIVING/PAGE 14

LAST CHANCE! VOTE ONLINE FOR THE 2014 BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE. POLLS CLOSE DEC. 21.

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING The accident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriffs Department’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team. No citations were made. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor.

Concialdi said the accident was a clear example of why OCFA strongly encourages the use of a helmet by skateboarders, scooter-riders and bicyclists—especially for the prevention of head injuries.

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

Council Approves More Funds for Library Southern California Edison has selected a new vendor for its soon to be expanded spent fuel storage at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Photo: Andrea Swayne

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Edison Selects Fuel Storage Vendor THE LATEST: Southern California Edison has selected an underground storage system for its independent spent-fuel storage installation at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The utility announced Thursday, Dec. 11 that the chosen system—designed by Holtec International, a New Jersey-based firm—will store fuel from reactors 2 and 3 that currently sits in cooling pools. Holtec was chosen over the plant’s current cask provider, Areva.

In October, at a meeting of the utility’s Community Engagement Panel, Kris Singh, CEO of Holtec, said the HI-STORM UMAX system proposed for SONGS would store used nuclear fuel in canisters encased in a 25-foot-thick concrete pad—enough to resist an earthquake. The canisters, which are composed of stainless steel, are topped with a steel and concrete lid weighing about 12 tons.

A Holtec system is currently in use at two other California nuclear sites, Humboldt Bay and Diablo Canyon.

WHAT’S NEXT: Edison has plans to remove all fuel from the shuttered plant from cooling pools to the dry storage by mid-2019. The utility will also partner with a research group to improve its ability to monitor the storage system’s integrity.

But even with the added monitoring and new system, local nuclear activists have concerns.

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

Donna Gilmore, of SanOnofreSafety. org, said she is alarmed that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal body which oversees the nation’s nuclear operations, had not yet licensed the designs.

Gilmore said the entire project should be reevaluated given the likelihood fuel will be stored on-site indefinitely.

The Diablo Canyon system, she claimed, had met conditions that might lead to stress cracking.

The community panel, which San Clemente Councilman Tim Brown serves on, will hold a meeting in January to find ways to pressure federal lawmakers into finding long-term, nuclear-waste storage solutions.—Jim Shilander

Teen Remains in Critical Condition Following Crash THE LATEST: A 13-year-old girl remains in critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle while riding a skateboard near Mira Costa Park in San Clemente Monday evening.

The accident took place just after 6:20 p.m., authorities said. The girl, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered a severe head injury and was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for treatment, said, Orange County Fire Authority spokesman Capt.

Steve Concialdi. As of Wednesday morning, the girl remained in critical condition.

Friends of the victim, who were skating with her at the time, witnessed the accident and called 9-1-1, Concialdi said. The driver stayed at the scene with the girl, who was identified as a student at Shorecliffs Middle School. The girl’s mother arrived at the scene a short time later.

WHAT’S NEXT: A preliminary investigation found the driver was headed southbound on Camino Mira Costa at the time of the accident. The collision took place at the intersection of Plaza Estival, Concialdi said.

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council approved putting an additional $220,463 toward the expansion of the Orange County Public Library’s local branch following the discovery of termite damage and other increased costs that pushed the project’s budget over the $2 million mark.

The additional expansion funds, which have now added up to more than $600,000, will help repair termite damage along with necessary heating and cooling system repairs, said Erik Sund, assistant city manager.

A majority of that funding comes from Orange County. However, the city, through a combination of municipal and private funds, is paying for 68 percent of the total project. The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved spending additional monies Tuesday.

WHAT’S NEXT: Sund said the city was confident the costs were accurate and would be enough to see the project completed by July 2015.

County Librarian Helen Fried told the council the library system was also working to get the city a bookmobile sometime in January.—JS

Council Approves Mobility Task Force THE LATEST: By a 4-1 vote Tuesday, the San Clemente City Council approved the establishment of a taskforce that will keep the city’s transportation and mobility concerns at the forefront of discussion over the next three years as the city undergoes major infrastructure changes.

Those changes include work on the Interstate 5 and Avenida Pico interchange, the opening of the Outlets at San Clemente and Sea Summit residential property, the completion of Avenida La Pata and work on establishing the city’s complete streets program to encourage the use of non-motorized transport.

The taskforce was part of Councilwoman Lori Donchak’s reelection campaign promise. Donchak, who serves on the

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Orange County Transit Authority board, expressed hope the committee would help mitigate issues that could arise along with the extensive projects.

Initially, the task force will include two council members, two planning commissioners, a representative from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and city staff, before welcoming members of the public. The group will closely follow work of an earlier taskforce, which identified and wrote grant opportunities for the city and worked closely with the Capistrano Unified School District and other parties.

Councilman Bob Baker, who provided the lone dissenting vote, said he feared the proposal would only serve to duplicate work already being done by city staff, who would be taken away from their duties to attend meetings. Councilman Tim Brown said he thought the body could serve as a conduit for citizen concerns about the changes coming to the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: A first, informal meeting of a group will likely take place next month.

OCTA staff will be presenting information on their upcoming work on Interstate 5 at the SC Times’ Beachside Chat at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar.—JS

CUSD Board Swears in New Trustees, Reorganizes THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District welcomed newly-elected Trustees Martha McNicholas, Gila Jones and Lynn Hatton-Hodson at a swearing in ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Hatton-Hodson, who was re-elected last month to a second term, was chosen as the new president of the board. She succeeds John Alpay, who served two consecutive terms as president. Trustee Amy Hanacek was selected as vice president, and McNicholas was elected as clerk.

“Thank you to all of our supporters who got us through this election,” Hatton-Hodson said. “Your support is invaluable.”

Alpay, who began his time on the board as clerk, said he enjoyed getting a lot done over the last four years, including hiring new superintendent Kirsten Vital.

Hatton-Hodson represents Area 7, which covers Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo and Coto de Caza. McNicholas represents Area 4, which includes parts of Laguna Niguel and Dana Point.

Jones represents Area 6, which covers portions of Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the CUSD board room, located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano.—Allison Jarrell www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Kiwanis Club Continues See’s Candy Sale The Kiwanis Club of San Clemente will sell See’s Candy at the entrance to Ralphs Market, Ocean View Plaza, located at 638 Camino Capistrano in San Clemente, until Wednesday, Dec. 24.

The sales booth will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with net proceeds supporting youth projects in San Clemente.

Cash and credit cards are accepted.

For more information, call Frank Butsko at 949.366.5423 or Bob Fisher at 949.492.9823.

Ocean Festival Adopts an Ocean Institute Class With support from the San Clemente Ocean Festival, more than 30 marine biology students from San Clemente High School were able to participate in a series of floating-lab experiments at the Ocean Institute on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as part of the institute’s Adopt-a-Class Program.

During their time on the floating lab, students, alongside Ocean Institute staff, studied specimens collected from in and around the Dana Point Harbor, tested water quality, identified sea life, matched up organisms dredged from the ocean floor and studied plankton under microscopes.

Ocean Festival organizers chose to support the institute’s program at the high school level in hopes of helping students, who are in the process of choosing their direction for college and life, get handson exposure to the type of programs and studies that might be available to them.

“It was very exciting to watch the students, staff and volunteers working together,” said Peggy Vance, executive director of the San Clemente Ocean Festival, who reported California gray whale and

San Clemente Ocean Festival executive director Peggy Vance, current SCHS student Olivia Orea, Ocean Institute instructor Martin Purdy and SCHS Marine Biology teacher Michelle Brislen. Photo: Courtesy Peggy Vance

dolphin sightings during the student’s day at sea.

Each year, the Ocean Festival donates a portion of event proceeds to local youth programs that align with the event’s mission to “promote and support ocean safety, and the environment.”

For more on the Ocean Festival, visit www.oceanfestival.org or email Vance at pvscof@yahoo.com. Information about the Ocean Institute can be found online at www.ocean-institute.org.

Menorah Lighting at Pier Sunday Chabad of San Clemente will host the lighting of a 10-foot menorah at the San Clemente Pier, Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.

The event will include a number of local dignitaries, as well as hot latkes and donuts, music from the O.C. Klezmers, and

The Chabad Center of San Clemente hosts its annual Menorah lighting at the San Clemente Pier Sunday.

This photograph is from last year’s event. Photo: Quinn Conway

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

dreidels and gelt for children.

For more information or to RSVP, email tzippy@jewishsc.com or call 949.489.0723.

There is no charge for the event, though sponsorship opportunities are available.

CUSD Honored for Immersion Program The Capistrano Unified School District was honored by the Orange County Business Council for its two-language immersion program that incorporates Spanish and English language learning and helps eliminate barriers for students in the everchanging global economy and private-job sectors.

On Nov. 20, John Alpay, then-president of the CUSD Board of Trustees, accepted the Responding to Globalization Award for the district at the fourth annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards.

The category acknowledges Orange County government bodies for strategies and programs that enable local communities, businesses and organizations to better integrate into the global economy by responding to challenges brought on by globalization.

In the district’s two-language immersion program, students learn to think, read, write and community naturally in two languages—primarily English and Spanish, but in 2012 CUSD launched a MandarinEnglish immersion program at Bergeson Elementary School.

The first immersion program began at San Clemente’s Las Palmas Elementary School in 1992. The program has since been implemented at San Juan and Viejo elementary schools and Bernice Ayer and Marco Forster middle schools. Programs have also been implemented at San Clem-

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ente and San Juan Hills high schools. The combined programs serve approximately 6,000 CUSD students annually.

NCL Assists FAM Thanksgiving Event Two local charities joined forces for the seventh year before Thanksgiving Day to make certain area families had access to a holiday meal. On Wednesday, Nov. 26, members of the National Charity League helped put out the annual Thanksgiving feast hosted by Family Assistance Ministries.

Seven mother-daughter teams from the Capistrano Coast Chapter volunteered at the FAM event that provides a hot Thanksgiving Eve dinner to needy members of the community who might otherwise go without. The annual dinner is made possible through community volunteers and donations.

The event is just one more piece to FAM’s yearlong mission to provide assistance and aid to thousands in south Orange County. Throughout the year, FAM provides shelter, utility, transportation, medical, dental and prescription assistance. The nonprofit also hosts financial counseling and courses, free income tax preparation and collaborates with other ser vice organizations to provide referrals and medical screenings, immunizations and eye glasses to people in need.

Learn more about FAM at www.family-assistance.org.

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

EYE ON SC

San Clemente City Councilman Tim Brown and teacher Margaret Rettele congratulate PIQE graduate Claudia Riley. Photo: Fringe Photography/Kristen Ruth

Parent Power

Las Palmas program gives Spanish-speaking parents new insight on school system

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

here was a communication disconnect between parents and staffers at Las Palmas Elementary School. But now, thanks to a new program introduced by two teachers, parents are becoming active in the school on a larger scale and making a lasting influence on their children’s educational lives.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, more than 100 parents celebrated their graduation at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area from a nine-week class through the Parent Institute for Quality Education— a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing parents an understanding of the American school system in their native language. The program is largely dedicated to Spanish-speaking parents in Orange County, but there are also programs in Vietnamese, Thai and English, among other languages.

It’s a program that Las Palmas thirdgrade teachers Claudia Villalobos and Margaret Rettele brought to the attention of Principal Kristen Nelson last year after discussing their observations, both in and out of the classroom.

“We just felt like something was missing with our families—we weren’t quite sure what it was,” Rettele said. “As teachers, we just weren’t connecting with our Spanishspeaking parents as much as we would want to. We felt like we needed to reach out to our parents in a different way.”

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

The issue, Villalobos said, was partly cultural, as approximately 50 percent of the school’s students have Spanish-speaking students.

At Las Palmas, which welcomed the Capistrano Unified School District’s first dual language-immersion program in 1992—both native English and Spanish speakers speak, read and write in both languages by the time they are in the fourth grade. While the communication gap was being bridged inside the classroom, the message was being lost on the outside.

“Even though a lot of our teachers are Spanish-speaking, I think there was a certain intimidation,” Villalobos said. “Parents felt intimidated to approach persons of authority. You don’t question what the teacher says … because you might offend the teacher.”

Through the program, that started to change.

“With the classes, a lot of parents realized it’s OK to approach the teacher, and if there’s something missing in your child’s education, it’s OK to ask for it,” Villalobos said.

Now, parents know both what they should be looking for and how to ask questions, Rettele said, thanks to the PIQE, which largely acted as a communication bridge between parents, teachers and administrators and even incorporated information on the vocabulary teachers use.

The parent-education program was first utilized by CUSD last year at Hidden Hills Elementary in Laguna Niguel. Results were positive. The only difference at Las Palmas was scale.

“At Hidden Hills, they aimed for 40 (parents) and they got 40,” Nelson said. “We aimed for 40 and our first night we had 140. We had (only) 18 people drop off over nine weeks, which is unheard of.”

After the first session, parents from other schools asked about joining the

class as well. Other Capistrano Unified elementary schools, including Viejo in Mission Viejo and Kinoshita in San Juan Capistrano, will start the program soon.

The cost of the program was paid for partially by federal Title I funding for the school—10 percent of which is earmarked for parent training—as well as by parents, on a sliding scale.

At Las Palmas, the program has been a game-changer as parents, who may not have been involved before, have stepped up to the plate.

“Parents have to take a lead role,” Rettele said. “They are the factor that will help their child be successful.”

And the work was more than reciprocated. Program facilitators said San Clemente parents went well beyond other groups as far as their interest and involvement in their child’s education. As for that “wall” teachers perceived, facilitators reported parental satisfaction with the job the school’s staff was doing.

Third-grade parent Claudia Riley, who also has a sophomore student at San Clemente High School, said she was grateful for the chance to learn and improve her involvement in her childrens’ education.

“I always want to grow as a parent and instruction isn’t limited to the teacher,” Riley said. “I thought it was a great opportunity to educate myself. I learned a lot and a lot of things surprised me.”

lege), that was a real turning point in the program.”

Rettele noticed breakthroughs with regard to homework. Parents began to understand the need to provide a consistent space and time for work to get done.

“Some of the parents raised their hands and said, ‘I don’t or I can’t read. How can I help my child,’” Rettele said. But hearing that sitting with their child, saying their education was important to them and supporting their students by simply being present, was revolutionary.

Parents were also surprised when learning that underperforming students were being placed in classes that weren’t necessarily geared toward college, Villalobos said. The program emphasized the importance of parents staying involved and on top of their student’s work to make sure they stayed at grade-level and took college requirements. The high Latino drop-out rate, 1-in-2, also surprised many, as did the potential difference in salary with a high school degree versus an associates or bachelors degree.

AN INSTANT CHANGE The program’s influence at Las Palmas was seen immediately, Nelson said.

“A lot of families work two jobs and they were still able to get here,” Nelson said.

“Our goal was 40 parents. We had over 122 graduate. That says a lot about the type of parent we’re dealing with.”

AN EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE Even while the program was on going, With Spanish being Riley’s first lana difference was seen in parent parguage, it was easier for her to understand ticipation. By week four of the nine-week the education system when presented in course, staff saw a change in the number her native tongue. of families showShe now has a ing up for events. greater understandParents also began ing of standardized showing up to meet testing and college with Nelson because essays as her eldest they were told they approaches high were allowed to. school graduation “They were more and prepares for the interactive. They felt next education step. empowered,” Nelson Riley also learned said of the parents. more about how her “I knew we would Las Palmas Elementary Principal Kristen Nelson with see some changes, student’s GPA is PIQE graduates Leticia Montes and Roberto Adame calculated and what but I didn’t expect (left and right), with children Roberto Adame, Erwin classes will help Adame and Jacqueline Adame. Photo: Fringe Photog- them to happen as them succeed. quickly as they did.” raphy/Kristen Ruth During a class on When it came time the road to college and the actual price of for parent-teacher conferences, Villalobos attendance at a local Cal-State college—a noticed a change—parents were often the system with which PIQE is affiliated— first to speak. “They didn’t wait for me to Nelson said there was an “aha” moment. start talking. They came in asking, ‘How If a child lived at home, Nelson said, and is my child doing? What do I do to help drove to Fullerton for classes, the cost of them? Where is it they need to grow?’” Vilattendance would be about $400 a month. lalobos said. “Before, they’d just sit, listen “For the entire room, all of a sudden coland say, ‘OK, OK.’” lege became an option,” Nelson said.

Nelson is already planning to bring the Following the information’s presentaprogram back with two fall sessions. One tion, facilitators asked attendees for a would be geared toward those who just show of hands of who thought they could graduated, focusing on issues of how kids afford that sum. Every hand went up. learn and parenting skills. There will also “They were suddenly turning to each be another PIQE intro-session. other and talking about it because they “We want to have this be an ongoing really thought it was thousands and thing,” Nelson said. “We want there to be a thousands of dollars,” Nelson said. “Once time where we talk about ‘Remember the they realized their child could go (to coltime before PIQE.’” SC

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www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO On Dec. 15, The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Recreation & Senior Services Commission unanimously approved El Camino Real Park as the preferred location for a skate-friendly development. The designation was made in order to assist the city’s Youth Advisory Board in planning a skatepark in San Juan Capistrano.

A report prepared by Commissioner Gerry Muir listed several positive attributes of the site, including the park’s minimal patronage, close proximity to public transportation, convenient accessibility to potential users, availability of existing restroom facilities and the long and narrow layout of the park that could accommodate a meandering skate path with skateable art—skating obstacles with an artistic flair.

Going forward, Muir said public workshops will need to be held to discuss design features. These workshops will prepare the project for future submittal and conceptual approval by the City Council. In addition, the Parks, Recreation & Senior Services commissioners emphasized the importance of youth participation and leadership during the planning process.

Muir also thanked Eric Groos and the Great Opportunities organization for bringing the topic to the Youth Advisory Board and “getting this thing in action.”

SCENE { IN S A N CL E M E NTE }

DANA POINT The nonprofit Ocean Institute in Dana Point is set to embark on the second phase of their Maddie James Seaside Learning Center expansion.

Phase 2 of the project will add new exhibits and usher in a new schedule offering access to the public, seven days a week.

Phase 1 was completed in 2013 and includes a 300-foot science landing and the 100-foot historic maritime pier.

Dan Stetson, president, said the project will bring the institute full-circle in its mission.

“When the institute opened about 11 years ago, it was originally intended to serve only as a school site,” Stetson said. “We were really surprised when folks started coming here who were not part of the classes, knocking at the doors, wondering what was behind them.”

The institute responded by opening to the public on the weekends but found that wasn’t enough, he said.

Set for completion in spring of 2015, the expansion will add a hands-on interpretive center in the lobby and courtyard areas, with interactive displays mimicking the experience of being immersed in local underwater habitats, and opportunities to participate in citizen science research and experimentation.

Funding was provided through a combination of a $2.3 million California State Parks, $1 million from the Coastal Conservancy and $1 million from the Maddie James Foundation along with private donations.

Members of the San Clemente High

School Madrigals perform at the City

Council meeting Dec. 2. The Madrigals,

along with other SCHS vocal and instrumental music en-

sembles, perform Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Triton Center.

Photo: Jim Shilander

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

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EYE ON SC

Community SC Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

CITIZEN ASSIST Manera Ventosa, 1400 Block (2:55 p.m.)

The driver of a white Mazda believed she was being followed by a man and woman in a gray truck. The woman believed the couple saw where she lived and requested officers escort her inside the home.

COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Dark Friday

City Offices Closed MONDAY, DECEMBER 22

Spanish Conversation

11 a.m. Meet at Café Calypso for coffee and conversation. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.9803.

German Speaking Group

2 p.m.–4p.m. German conversations at Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.8436.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23

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.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve

The next edition of the San Clemente Times publishes.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25

Christmas Day

City offices will be closed through Jan. 2, 2015, for furloughs and in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. SUNDAY, JANUARY 4

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.

Village Arts Faire

9 a.m.-3 p.m. The first Sunday of the month, stroll and shop downtown San Clemente where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other items. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. Regular meeting in City Hall Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

San Clemente Times December 18-24, 2014

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher.

The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, December 16 FIREWORK VIOLATION Avenida San Gabriel, 200 Block (1:12 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a group of juveniles lighting fireworks.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Coronado Lane, 100 Block (7:12 p.m.)

Officials were notified that a woman’s sister, who was recently arrested for assault and drug use, was drunk and passed out in front of the caller’s door.

Monday, December 15

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Calle Las Bolas, 1600 Block (6:19 p.m.)

A drunken woman knocked on the caller’s door saying she had alcohol poisoning from drinking at a party a few doors down.

The young woman said the party was attended by juveniles who were drinking and doing cocaine.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Mira Adelante, 100 Block (10:55 p.m.)

Someone knocked on the backdoor of a mobile home park resident’s door and asked to use the phone. The back yard was not gated. The person was not seen again.

DISTURBANCE Calle Divino, 700 Block (10:15 p.m.)

A landlord reported that a bilingual tenant refused to pay the balance of their rent.

The renter was leaving the premises but reportedly made threatening comments in both English and Spanish.

WELFARE CHECK Campo Raso, 2800 Block (9:37 p.m.)

An extremely drunken woman called 9-1-1 stating, two days ago, her husband and daughter told her she’s going to die. The woman believes they are having an affair and are going to hurt her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Salvador/ Calle Ameno (4:55 p.m.) The caller requested a patrol check on the trail where five juveniles were involved in a questionable situation.

Authorities were told three males were taking pictures of a female wearing only a bra and underwear.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Avenida Pico, 600 Block (4:01 p.m.)

A man was found laying on the grass in front of a business.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Pico, 700 Block (1:27 p.m.)

A caller reported a female student in San Clemente High School’s administration building who was possibly under the influence of drugs.

Sunday, December 14

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Vista Hermosa, 900 Block (12:22 a.m.) Dispatch received word of a man inside a gray Volvo who had passed out behind the wheel in a parking lot.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle La Veta/Calle Guaymas (6:24 p.m.)

A 13-year-old was hit by a vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Del Presidente, 3100 Block (2:20 p.m.) A homeless man, wrapped in blankets, was spotted on the access bridge near Concordia Elementary School.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 100 Block (5:18 p.m.)

A man wearing a gray T-shirt, dark beret and shorts was ranting about the Lord.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Miramar/ El Camino Real (4:34 p.m.) A man riding a bike was punched by three or four men in their 20s. No weapons were seen.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN El Camino Real, 2300 Block (11:49 a.m.)

A man was passed out on a bench in front of the caller’s location. It was unclear if he was breathing.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real, 1400 Block (11:13 a.m.)

Authorities received a call about four children under the age of 7 who were in a woman’s apartment. The caller did not understand how the kids, ages 2, 5, 6 and 7, got inside and believed they were on LSD. When asked to put the 7-year-old on the phone, the caller claimed they refused.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Montalvo, 200 Block (10:10 a.m.)

An Uber passenger told authorities she had been picked up at 11 p.m. on Friday but was not dropped off until 4 a.m. Saturday. The woman could not remember what happened during those hours.

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ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Via Timon, 0 Block (10:13 a.m.)

A mountain lion was seen on the street.

Saturday, December 13 DISTURBANCE Avenida Acapulco/Avenida San Pablo (10:35 p.m.) Dispatch received notice of an unknown number of people gathering at a corner.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Presidente, 2600 Block (10:34 p.m.) A man and woman were involved in a verbal altercation in the parking lot. The man, who was shirtless, tried breaking a car window of the vehicle the woman was in.

DISTURBANCE Boca De La Playa/Calle Deschecha (9:18 p.m.) A group of yelling juveniles stopped traffic at a roundabout.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Junipero, 0 Block (8:59 p.m.)

A caller was being threatened by a man in her home who said he would hurt her if she called police.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Canela, 0 Block (8:36 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for two people running out of a house and to the hills.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE La Ronda, 100 Block (7:21 p.m.)

Dispatch was informed of a belligerent man who was trying to light a fire in front of the caller’s residence. The man was described as being in his 20s and wearing a plaid shirt.

Friday, December 12 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (6:58 p.m.) A caller reported three men trying to enter a two-story building through a window.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real, 2200 Block (6:45 p.m.)

Officials received a call from a man who believed he was being followed. The man, who was on speed, may have been hallucinating.

KEEP THE PEACE Campanilla, 0 Block (8:11 a.m.)

A woman allowed a person into her home because it was raining but then they refused to leave.

INVESTIGATE DEAD BODY Avenida Pico, 600 Block An employee found a body in the dumpster wrapped in plastic. Upon further review, the caller realized the person was alive and sleeping. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Angel of Christmas ‘Angel of the Battlefield,’ Clara Barton’s, selfless humanity personifies meaning of Christmas

C

lara Barton was born on Christmas morning in 1821. An American nurse, suffragist and humanitarian she is best remembered for organizing the American Red Cross. But, she was much more than that. She was an astounding human with the courage, commitment and charity of the universe’s better angels.

A fearless and groundbreaking woman from the start, Barton began educating during a time when most teachers were men and was among the first women to gain employment in the federal government.

Notice was taken as she single-handedly organized supply depots to aid wounded soldiers during the Civil War. A genius at organizing, Barton’s contribution was also intensely personal as she read to hospitalized invalids, wrote letters, listened to personal problems and prayed with them. But, she

was no mousy candy striper. Ultimately, she knew she was needed most on the battlefields where the suffering was greatest.

Despite governmental resistance, Barton slipped through lines during the battle of Cedar Mountain—in northern Virginia in August 1862—and arriving at a field hospital at midnight with a wagon-load of supplies driven by a four-mule team. The surgeon on duty, overwhelmed by the human disaster, later wrote: “I thought that night if heaven ever sent out an angel, she must be one.” Thereafter, Barton was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” providing aid to troops in most the major battles.

At Antietam’s bloodbath, she ordered the drivers of her supply wagons to follow the cannon WAVELENGTHS and traveled all night,

By Jim Kempton actually pulling ahead of military medical units. While the battle raged, she dashed though the frontline inferno—nursing, comforting and cooking for the wounded. In the apex of the carnage, a bullet tore through her sleeve and killed the man she was treating. Unfazed, she continued to help the wounded.

When the war ended, she helped locate thousands of missing soldiers, including identifying the dead at Andersonville prison in Georgia.

Barton tirelessly lobbied three United States presidents for national recognition of the International Committee of the Red

Cross. At age 60, she founded the American Red Cross in 1881, becoming president of the American branch and leading it for the next 23 years. Her intense devotion to serving others resulted in enough achievements to fill several ordinary lifetimes.

Throughout the rest of her life Barton helped people in distress, rushing to various hurricane, flood, famine, sickness and war emergencies—cementing the hallowed reputation the Red Cross has earned.

Barton’s force of personal example opened paths to the new field of volunteer service. She remained active throughout several foreign wars and domestic crises and continued her compassionate work until her death in 1912 at the age of 91.

Her courage, kindness, sheer energy and commitment to humanitarian causes have made her one of the most honored women in American history, a symbol of charitable self-sacrifice. No one could represent the spirit of Christmas better.

Jim Kempton grew up on military bases and has been active for many years with the Wounded Warriors program. He knows that every nurse and every casualty, from Belleau Woods to Walter Reed and China Beach to Bagdad, owes a debt to Clara Barton. 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

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

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EDITORIAL

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Letters to the Editor CITY COUNCIL: POLITICS ARE FOR THE COMMON GOOD, NOT THE VOCAL 1 PERCENT PETER CASSIMATIS, San Clemente

An opinion is a noun whose definition is: 1. A belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce certainty, and/or 2. A personal view, attitude or appraisal.

Everyone is entitled to their “opinion.”

But, when public policy is driven by opinion, it has an effect with results that go far beyond the opinion’s substance.

Over the past decade, the San Clemente City Council has supported a myriad of opinions—actively and tacitly—that are now ingrained in public policy and affect the entire community.

We’ve saved Trestles by “derailing the rail” and stopping the toll road, preserved North Beach, shrunk Ralphs, spent millions to (not) clean the beach and outfall at San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

Poche and notably supported the shutdown of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Even the Surfrider Foundation found the effectiveness of “Save Trestles” pretty humorous in stopping the dual rail and toll road. After all, they don’t want outsiders having easier access to “their” beach.

And, as supported by the council, we are supposed to applaud the shutdown of SONGS, which eliminated 2,500 jobs and shifted electrical production to coal and gas while we celebrate opening an outlet mall that will bring a few hundred minimum wage positions, crime and congestion.

If we start dealing in hypotheticals and opinions, I suppose the outlet mall may attract robbers who escape, running down stroller-pushing mothers and randomly shooting senior citizens waiting for 2-for-1 dinner specials. Shall we start a campaign—“Stop the Outlet Mall–Save Our Mothers and Seniors?”

Clever slogans and three-color lawn signs certainly affect public opinion but should not drive policy.

I ask the new City Council to consider the silent 99 percent as they spend our tax dollars and grapple with current and future matters that affect all the residents of San Clemente’s business climate, utility

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

A team from the Orange County Transportation Authority will be on hand to provide information about work on Interstate 5 coming up in 2015, including the Avenida Pico interchange project. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

costs, traffic flow, area renovation and the myriad of other issues you face. Succumbing to the loudest and most adamant 1 percent does not constitute good governance.

They can attract a crowd and incite great passion for their cause, but that should not afford them the luxury of political support.

Politics should be for the common good, not to placate the agenda-driven.

OPERATIONS

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Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

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Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jacqueline DeMarco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 51. 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

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

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

Please limit your letters to 350 words.

Page 10

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

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.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 18

Monday | 22

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

SCHS WINTER EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT 7 p.m. Start the holidays off by listening to award-winning ensembles with a collaboration at the end of the concert featuring a special symphony orchestra performance.

Tickets can be purchased the day of the concert at the Triton Center box office for $10. The box office opens at 6 p.m. There will also be a bake sale, Triton holiday ornaments for sale and silent auction baskets, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.295.5653, www.sctritons.com.

Friday | 19 WINTER WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf catamaran for this wine cruise around Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Jan. 20. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

to 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

WINTER BREAK KIDS CRAFTS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fill your stockings with homemade crafts at Mission San Juan Capistrano. A different craft every day through Jan. 2. Parent or sitter must be present. No crafts on Dec. 24 or 25. $1–$3.

949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com.

Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19: A CABRILLO CHRISTMAS 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. San Clemente resident Mike Chamberlin presents “A Cabrillo Christmas” at the Cabrillo Playhouse. There will be a special appearance from Frosty the Snowman. Tickets are $15. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 8 p.m. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future lead Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Runs until Sunday, Dec. 21. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

oculars and a field guide if you have them.

Ages 10 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, Rancho Mission Viejo, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT OC TAVERN 9:30 p.m. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Free. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

BOXCAR CHIEF 9 p.m. Live music at Knuckleheads. 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2410, www.knuckleheadmusic.com.

MILLERTIME BOOGIE BAND 7:30 p.m. Music at Zona’s Restaurant.

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

Sunday | 21

Saturday | 20 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 7 a.m.-10 a.m. Join experienced birders for the annual Christmas Bird Count. Bring bin-

DANA POINT HISTORY TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This walking tour explores the history of the Headlands area and covers approximately 1.5 miles. RSVP

Tuesday | 23 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perfom at the Point Restaurant open mic. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

SPECIAL GUEST DJ 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar.

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

Wednesday | 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Family Services. 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Communion Candlelight.

The San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente, 492.6158, www.scpres.org.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

At the Movies: Prepare Yourself for ‘Inherent Vice’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

ince its festival debut last October, Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Inherent Vice has been getting many comparisons to Philip Marlowe films The Big Sleep (1946) and The Long Goodbye (1974). Despite the filmmaker’s resistance to the similarities, it’s hard not to see the influence. Revisiting the 1970s since his own Boogie Nights 17 years ago, and recasting Joaquin Phoenix after the underwhelming The Master (2012), Anderson offers one of the wildest and craziest

mysteries of this season.

In 1970 Los Angeles, P.I. “Doc” Sportello (Phoenix) is visited by his old flame Shasta Fay (Katherine Waterston) in the middle of the night, asking for his help to put a stop to a plan to kidnap her rich boyfriend (Eric Roberts). Along the way to fulfilling Shasta’s favor, Doc becomes quickly involved with cops, suspects and victims played by Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro and Owen Wilson.

Jena Malone, Reese Witherspoon and Maya Rudolph also appear throughout the film. For those not familiar or prepared for

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Pynchon’s writing or Anderson’s new directing style, the irreverence and strange humor of the movie might be frustrating and confusing. But for those who are fans of the creators or the stellar cast, or are in just the mood for a satire on film noir, Inherent Vice won’t disappoint. Phoenix, Wilson and Witherspoon are funny and endearing on screen, while Brolin gives one of his most experimental performances to date. Anderson’s latest ensemble feature is his most fresh and original piece of celluloid in over a decade. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Above: Assistance League of Laguna Beach members joined R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility school Principal Judy Dore (fourth from the right) for the official dedication of the school’s new playground equipment, funded by the League. Below: Zachary Stoddard can’t get enough of the new swings. Photos: Andrea Swayne

Everybody Play R.H. Dana ENF unveils playground upgrades

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M

embers of the Assistance League of Laguna Beach joined R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility school Principal Judy Dore on Dec. 10 for the official dedication and grand opening of the school’s newly improved playground.

The Assistance League, which has members from across south Orange County, donated $25,000 for playground improvements, designed to improve its accessibility to children with a wide range of disabilities. Most of the funds were raised via the organization’s thrift shop in Laguna Beach, along with private donations, said Judy Soulakis, the organization’s president.

“This school was brought to our attention by members who have had children who came here,” Soulakis said. “We visited and fell in love with the school and wanted to know what we could do to help.

It turned out playground equipment was a need, so we were thrilled to contribute.”

Equipment additions included an interactive wall, festooned with a number of interactive activities designed to be easily

reachable by all students, whether ambulatory or wheelchair-bound. Sand diggers with longer handles and special swings were also added to accommodate play by children in wheelchairs.

“We have a program at our chapter called the Early Intervention Program that supports babies from 0 to 12 months, who are developmentally delayed, and when they get to be school-aged, many of them come to school here as the next step,” said Gayle Whitaker, the Leagues’ philanthropic programs chairwoman. “We really felt a connection here. It makes a circle for us to expand our support to this school.”

Amid the cheerful sounds of children laughing and happily exploring the new equipment, Principal Judy Dore stood for photos with League members and expressed thanks for their support.

“This gives all of our children access to the playground equipment and for that we are very appreciative,” Dore said.

“Children who are wheelchair bound now have swings they can be placed into. The children are having the time of their lives.

They are loving it.” SC

SC LIVING

Business Beat

New Ownership

News from San Clemente’s business community COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

New Openings PHILLY’S BEST 638 Camino De Los Mares, Suite F10, 949.489.3888, www.eatphillysbest.com.

Michael Yau, the owner of the Philly’s Best franchise in San Clemente’s Ocean View Plaza, is a veteran franchisee. The owner of several food and coffee concessions near Disneyland, Yau said a family friend encouraged him to try Philly’s Best, which sells steak sandwiches, hoagie sandwiches and sides. His friend had already purchased three franchises and wanted to do more.

“It’s a good sandwich, and it stands out,” Yau said. “It’s hot and fresh, with good quality meat. It’s a simple menu.”

Yau said once he tried the food and decided to move forward with a franchise, he began searching for a location. When the Ocean Plaza location became available, Yau said it was too good to pass up.

“We couldn’t turn it down,” Yau said.

“We see this as a destination type of shopping center. And the community’s been very welcoming. When we were working on the store, we had people stopping in every day asking when we’d be open.”

The restaurant opened Monday, Dec. 8 and has been doing brisk business since, Yau said. Part of that, he attributed to his staff having been well trained in the weeks leading up to the opening.

“This has been one of the smoothest I’ve ever had,” he said.

FOUNDATION FITNESS 232 Avenida Fabricante, Suite 106, 949.478.9264, www.foundationfitsc.com.

Ry Steinhoff hopes people who might have been intimidated by past workout experiences will take a look at his new “anti-gym,” Foundation Fitness.

“We’ve created something the lay public can enjoy,” Steinhoff said. “If you talk to

Photo: Michael Yau, right, and partner Bob Levey at their new Philly’s Best location in Ocean View Plaza.

Photo: Courtesy

Ry Steinhoff says Foundation Fitness’s philosophy attracts people both intimidated by and burned out by the traditional gym scene.

Photo: Jim Shilander

Fitness Elite manager Anique Hewlet and instructor Amanda Ross are among a leadership team that has tried get previously dissatisfied customers to take a new look at the gym. Photo: Jim Shilander

anybody about working out, no one likes to do it. They call it a ‘work’ out, and that’s how everybody views it. We want to flip that.”

The centerpiece of this effort, Steinhoff said, is “Adult PE,” a concept that focuses on “natural movement” and free play.

Steinhoff, who has experience training action sports athletes, said he developed the program to help make his clients stronger without creating extra weight.

“No one, during their day, grabs two 65 dumbbells and walks around with it, or flings 225 pounds over their head,” Steinhoff said. “People act like robots when they work out, but people don’t walk

around like robots.”

Free play means exactly that, he said.

“It’s done in a really creative manner,” he said. “All of a sudden you find yourself playing freeze tag with 20 other grown adults and it’s the hardest thing you’ve done in your whole life. We’ve made up a game of human Pac-Man and every basketball game you can ever think of.”

Steinhoff said his clientele largely consists of people who’ve grown tired of conventional gyms and want to try something new or are just starting to get fit and are looking for something less intimidating.

“This is what people look forward to throughout the day,” Steinhoff said.

FITNESS ELITE 638 Camino De Los Mares, 949.661.6060, www.fitnesselite4women.com.

In December 2013, Cathy Ross and her daughters Amanda and Stephanie bought Fitness Elite and Xtreme Fitness, adjoining gyms in San Clemente that are separate female and co-ed facilities. A problem they faced as new owners was many negative online Yelp reviews, going back to 2009, which they could not change.

The Ross’ knew they needed to find a way to improve their Yelp rating as well as inform unsatisfied customers that their business had changed. They started by responding to negative comments, explaining the situation and then personally e-mailed and called as many unhappy members as possible.

“What we started off doing was responding to them online, ‘I am sorry you had this experience. We are new owners as of December 2013. We would love for you to give us another try.’”

Ross said the biggest change the business has experienced is an improvement in their staff.

“There has been so many changes here,” Ross said. “I don’t mean necessarily in the building, I mean in the way things are done. Our goal was for staff to understand that customer service is our number one priority.”

Ross is most proud of their childcare facilities.

“Childcare is my number one priority,” Ross said. “I remember how important it was when I was a young mom and I had to drop my children off somewhere. Whether it was an hour or four hours, I wanted it to be the best possible environment. So I spent a lot of time in child care to make sure it’s extremely clean.”

When they got positive feedback from customers, they asked them to post their comments on Yelp, which helped improve their rating.

“We want people to know, you can make a difference on Yelp if you simply reach out to the people who had positive experiences and say, ‘Hey would you guys do something on Yelp for us,’ Ross said.

“That’s what we did. It’s made a huge difference.” – Jacqueline DeMarco

Local Real Estate By Local Experts Sponsored by

Jeremy Conrad 949.542.8348 Jconrad@conradrealestate.com Bill Conrad 949.542.8349 BillC@conradrealestate.com

Did you know that...

• The highest home sale in San Clemente for 2014 is $3.8M, while the highest active listing is $8.99M • So far, 851 homes have sold in San Clemente for 2014, with an average sales price of $852,100

It’s time to expect more…

Established 1963

• Out of the 851 home sales, approximately 79% of those homes reduced their asking price at least one time • In 2014, only 6% of homes sales were bank owned or short sale transactions

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy GUEST OPINION: Reading with Wright by Chris Wright

Treasured Traditions of the Season

Holiday season’s magic shines for all ages

Catch a Wave at Annual Literary Festival

A

‘Surferati’ to highlight literary tales of surfing legends, history

series of unexpected events led my family to celebrate Thanksgiving untraditionally. Last month, I didn’t cook a turkey or run the annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. Instead, I watched strangers gnaw on turkey legs and logged 13 miles at the busiest … I mean happiest … place on Earth.

Our unconventional holiday, combined with my mildly melancholy mood, has me planning a festive Christmas celebration filled with time-honored traditions from my boys’ childhood, despite their entering adulthood.

Two weekends ago, LIFE’S A BEACH and in need of seasonal

By Shelley Murphy decorations, I wandered through a store’s sparse aisles of holiday lights and décor. Nearby I noticed a dad and son searching for old-fashioned wire hooks used to hang ornaments on trees.

When they couldn’t find any the dad asked a passing clerk for assistance who replied, “Sorry dude, this is all we have left.” The dad questioned why inventory was so low the first weekend of December. The clerk shrugged and said, “This stuff’s been up for two months.” Then the crusty curmudgeon suggested the dad use paperclips to hang his tree ornaments.

It’s no secret the holidays are big business and bids for hard-earned bucks begin earlier each year. December ‘tis the season of added expense and additional work; and, this year I have several friends opting to forgo the work and enjoy the expense. One girlfriend convinced her family to skip traditional gift giving and instead booked a cruise. She reasoned the wonder of the season can be found anywhere, especially in a tropical climate, so she and her family will set sail for the holidays.

Coincidentally, after hearing her plans, my college kid called to say his friend won’t be hosting his annual ugly sweater party this year since his family is swapping their sweaters for swimsuits. I suggested something similar saying next December we should trade stuffed stockings and pretty packages for plane tickets and secluded togetherness. My son replied saying something sounding like, “Scrooge that!”

My melancholy mood is attributed to my younger son completing the process of sending out his college applications.

Having been through this experience once before, I know how it ends. Next holiday season my younger son won’t help to trim our tree, he’ll spend his December days in a dorm room with collegiate stickers as decorations.

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

This year in particular, I pine for the days of my tiny tots climbing onto Santa’s lap pleading for Pokémon cards. I miss Christmas mornings spent together constructing Hot Wheel tracks and building LEGO landscapes. This year I’ll watch as my boys rip open electronic gifts they plug-in to disconnect.

I’m trying to stop morbidly marking every ‘last’ of my younger son’s senior year, but this time of year that’s about as likely to happen as a fat man sliding down my chimney. The thought of next holiday season and the reality of decking the halls of an empty house—not technically if you count my husband and dog—motivates me to pull out all the stops and make this a jolly holiday worth remembering.

t may be Christmas, but in April the surf will be up in Irvine at the Irvine Marriott on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Literary Orange, Orange County Public Libraries’ annual literary festival, is going to have a panel of authors who not only live to surf but who love to write about it too. It’s called Surferati appropriately enough and will delve into surfing in both fiction and non-fiction. And you can still catch the morning waves because Surferati won’t be happening until 1:20 p.m. So you should be able to both physically and figuratively catch a wave that day.

We’ve recently lost some surfing legends in the past year and perhaps it’s fitting we should reflect on the contributions of these icons to not only a sport but also a way of life. Our Surferati panel has legends of its own as well. Paul Holmes, a former editor of Surfer magazine, recently published his beautiful biography of Hobie Alter, Hobie: Wizard of Wind and Waves.

David Rensin who writes on just about every topic under the sun will discuss his book about surf legend Miki Dora in All for a Few Perfect Waves. We also have surf journalist and author, Kevin Naughton, whose travel writing for Surfer magazine in the 1970s and ’80s was much acclaimed. He has also written a surf-themed coming of age novel for young adults, Trout Rising. Finally we have the king of what could be called “surf noir,” Kem Nunn, whose novels some think are as cold and dark as the ocean off our coast.

I

one week “awayWiththeChristmas stockings are

hung, gifts are wrapped and the tree is trimmed. Only one last childhood tradition remains: seeing my sons’ eyes shine bright Christmas morning. That never gets old even if they do.

”

Sure, it’s a lot of work to recreate the same holiday hoopla season after season, but it’s one of the few traditions in my boys changing lives that they can count on every year. Just as, each year, I rely on counting down the days until my older son’s homecoming. The December day my son finishes finals he arrives for his short stay and reunites with friends attending far-flung colleges. With both my boys home, for a few fleeting weeks, our house is again filled with spirited celebrations, merry laughter and joyful smiles—making this truly the most wonderful time of the year.

With Christmas one week away the stockings are hung, gifts are wrapped and the tree is trimmed. Only one last childhood tradition remains: seeing my sons’ eyes shine bright Christmas morning.

That never gets old even if they do.

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband and two sons for the past 14 years. She’s a freelance writer and contributor to the SC Times since 2006. 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.

All these surfing authors will be moderated by the editor of the Surfer’s Journal, Scott Hulett, so there shouldn’t be any translating needed. Dude, where’s my wave? It’s in Irvine.

READING WITH WRIGHT That’s a fact, man.

By Chris Wright The eighth annual Literary Orange is set for Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Irvine Marriott. In January 2015, you should be able to register online at www.literaryorange.org or pick up a registration form at the library. Log on to the website and enter your email address to receive automatic updates and a reminder when registration opens.

For more information about upcoming events at the Orange County Public Libraries, visit the website at www.ocpl.org. The site also provides access to online databases, digital copies of popular magazines, pdf copies of historical sheet music, ebooks, audiobooks, jobseeker resources and more.

Chris Wright is not sure if he lives to read or if he reads to live. He has been a public librarian with the OC Public Libraries since 2006 and currently works at the Dana Point branch. 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.

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

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

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Thompson Chiropractic

629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

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

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 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.

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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

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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

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REAL ESTATE

Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group San Clemente, 949.842.3631, www.forterealtygroup.com

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

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RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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Costa Verde Landscape

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

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AMMCOR

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MATTRESSES

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MORTGAGES

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

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Salon Bleu

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Sanctuary Salon & Spa

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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

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

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

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.

CASH REGISTER Cash Register for sale-All in working order. Great for a small or new business. Keys included. $60. Please contact: 949.933.0122

LOST & FOUND LOST WHITE GOLD DAVID YURMAN BRACELET with heart in Forster Ranch. $200 reward.

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

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer.

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

thought of the idea to host an elite tournament after the Tritons participated in the Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament last January. Given the Tritons rise as an Orange County and southern California powerhouse in recent years, they were able to draw top-level teams in their first go around as tournament hosts.

“I am excited to be able to host such a great lineup of soccer programs. This tournament will serve to give us some invaluable experience that will elevate their long-term development,” Pronier said. “It was the right time for San Clemente to run such a tournament.”

San Clemente (3-2-1) enters the tournament coming off a 0-0 tie to Oceanside on Dec. 13 and a 2-1 loss to Newport Harbor on Dec. 15.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Prusaak Denies Monarchs Late in Water Polo Win Hylah Prussak has quietly been going about being the San Clemente girls water polo team’s secret weapon in goal. Head coach Logan Powell has seen her make everything from the routine to the difficult save seven games into the season.

When Mater Dei, a top Orange County team, came to San Clemente High School on Dec. 16, Prussak ran the gamut of difficult scenarios, coming up with game-saving saves late in the game and allowing the Tritons to hold on for a 14-13 nonleague victory.

The biggest of Prussak’s nine saves on the day came with less than one minute to go in the game, the Tritons (6-1) clinging to a one-goal advantage and Mater Dei on the offensive. The Monarchs’ Beth Hitchman broke away for an ideal one on one scoring opportunity but was denied by Prussak at point-blank range.

It may not have had the same amount of drama attached to it when compared to the late-game stand, but Prussak’s fi fth save of the game may have been just as important. It came 35 seconds before halftime, when Mater Dei was up two players due to two Tritons exclusion fouls.

Prussak made another close quarters save on a Grace Thawley shot attempt and San Clemente scored on an Amber McCutcheon goal the next possession to take a 7-4 lead into the second half.

“She’s a good goalie but then she’ll come up in big moments. The one where we had the double exclusions and a girl was wide open on a cross pass and (Prussak) was there. So she’s really intelligent, which is one of her biggest strengths,” Powell said. “She always comes up with big ones like that. She always seems to have big saves when we need it.”

San Clemente jumped out to an early lead, getting four goals from four different players in the first quarter to take a 4-2 lead after seven minutes.

McCutcheon scored three of her gamehigh seven goals in the second.

Mater Dei erupted for six goals in the third, taking their first lead of the game on a Thawley goal with just under two minutes to go in the quarter. But Alaina Cousineau found McCutcheon down low for another goal seconds later to tie the game up, 10-10.

The Tritons took a decisive one-goal lead, 13-12, when Cousineau linked up San Clemente Times December 18-24, 2014

Hamming Earns All-CIF Honors

Marrisa Echelberger passes the ball during the San Clemente girls water polo match against Mater Dei on Dec. 16. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions on Dec. 19. They are scheduled for an opening game against San Luis Obispo.

Tritons Soccer Play Host to Nation’s Best

San Clemente’s Amber McCutcheon (arm outstretched) attempts to block Mater Dei’s Beth Hitchman during a nonleague game on Dec. 16. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

with Cassidy Smithson for the score while the Monarchs were playing with a man down.

It was the first time San Clemente had defeated Mater Dei since 2011.

San Clemente came into the match fresh off a second-place finish at the Villa Park Classic, where they lost to Los Alamitos in the finals. It was the highest finish at the tournament in program history.

Bankson’s 3-Point Barrage Lifts Tritons to Win Over Warren San Clemente senior guard Emma Bankson knocked down seven 3-pointers in a 74-59 girls basketball nonleague win over Warren on Dec. 15.

Bankson’s offensive outburst helped push the Tritons overall record to 3-2 on the season. Senior forward Jenna Rodriguez pulled in 21 rebounds in the victory.

The Tritons will travel to compete in the

Starting Dec. 18, Thalassa Stadium will play host to some of the best high school soccer teams in the nation as part of the 2014 Lotto Sport Western Showcase.

Elite teams from up and down California, as well as Arizona, will travel to San Clemente to take part in the three-day event, which ends with the championship match on Dec. 20.

The field is filled with top-level talent. Of the eight teams slated to participate, six are in the most recent www.topdrawersoccer.com’s Winter FAB 50 rankings.

Loyola and Servite, ranked second and third in the nation, respectively, will be on hand and among the favorites to take home the first-place trophy. The two teams could potentially face each other in the semifinals on Dec. 19 with first-round victories.

Arizona’s Brophy Prep (No. 32) will open play with a first-round match against No. 39 Carlsbad at 4:15 p.m.

The Tritons, currently ranked 48th in the nation, will play the first game of the tournament at 2:30 p.m. against No. 50 Century. If the Tritons advance to the semifinals, they will play the winner of Brophy Prep/Carlsbad at 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 19.

San Clemente head coach Mike Pronier

Page 20

San Clemente boys water polo all-time leading scorer and standout utility player Chase Hamming was named to the AllCIF-SS Division 2 boys water polo team on Dec. 15.

Hamming had a stellar season for the Tritons, leading Orange County with 152 goals scored. He also had 64 steals and 22 assists and led the team to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.

Hamming has been an integral part of the Tritons water polo teams throughout his high school career and now owns the school record for career goals with 402.

Hamming recently committed to play water polo at UC Berkeley, according to head coach Marc Parker.

Defense Pushes Tritons Boys Hoops to Victory in IWN Tourney The San Clemente boys basketball team used its defense to clamp down on West Torrance in the first round of the Irvine World News Tournament on Dec. 16, sealing a 55-34 victory.

The Warriors scored in the single digits in the final three quarters and never scored more than 10 points in a quarter as San Clemente improved to 3-3 on the season.

Senior Sam Darnold made his return to the hardwood, contributing seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists and seven steals in 20 minutes of play.

Senior Nick Crankshaw scored a gamehigh 10 points with six rebounds, five assists, five steals and three blocks. Joe Mann and Scott Herrod each scored nine points.

San Clemente was set to play in the tournament quarterfinals Dec. 17. Results were not available at press time.

(Cont. on page 25) www.sanclementetimes.com

SC n te S a n C le m e

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San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

Page 22

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

Page 23

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS Triton Report (Cont. from page 20)

Girls Soccer Gets First Win in Aliso Cup

SC Volleyball Players Commit to College Programs SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

A 2-0 victory over Woodrow Wilson in the Aliso Cup Tournament on Dec. 13 marked the San Clemente girls soccer team’s first win of the season.

San Clemente traveled to play Edison on Dec. 16 and lost, 3-0. Amanda Erickson, Rachel Flory and Elin Radziminsky scored for the Chargers. San Clemente goalie Brittany Hundley made seven saves.

The Tritons will compete in the Mater Dei Premier Invitational from Dec. 17-19.

Tritons Football Set Records, Earn League Honors The Sea View League All-League honor sheet had a very distinct San Clemente feel to it in 2014. The first-place Tritons had 20 players named to the league’s first and second teams, more than any other school.

Quarterback Sam Darnold was named the league MVP, while running back Vlad Dzhabiyev and linebacker Riley Whimpey were named the league offensive MVP and league co-defensive MVP, respectively.

Whimpey shared the honor with Trabuco Hills’ Colin Schooler.

Cole Fotheringham (tight end), Tucker Scott (offensive line), Donte Harrington (offensive line) and Brandon Reaves (running back) were named first-team offense.

Colin Lippincott (offensive line), Austin Volling (offensive line), Shaughn Ritchie (offensive line) Jack Sears (wide receiver) and Dean Licht (wide receiver) were named second-team offense.

Chicho Rodriguez (defensive line), Andrew Frohner (defensive back) and Jake Russell (defensive back) were named first-team defense.

Liam Mills (linebacker), Max Lepley (linebacker), Gerado Gomez (defensive line), Liam Buhl (defensive line) and Tanner Wright (defensive back) were named second-team defense.

The Tritons set multiple records this season on their way to appearing in the CIF-SS Southwest Division finals.

They tied the school record for best overall record (12-2) and captured the program’s first league championship since 1999.

Whimpey broke the school record for most tackles in a season with 172.

San Clemente set a new record for most points in a season (630) and total yards (6,217).

Darnold shattered just about every offensive record in the book, setting new school-best marks for: total passing yards (2,996), total offensive yards (3,771), completions (214), single game passing percentage (92.9 percent), total touchdowns in a game (six, which he did three times) and total passing touchdowns (39).

San Clemente Times December 18-24, 2014

San Clemente senior Natalie Knauf will play volleyball while attending Northwest Nazarene. Courtesy photo

by the example “theyBothsetlead on and off the court, and will definitely

San Clemente seniors Matt August, left, and Brandon Hopper committed to play volleyball for UCI and UC Santa Barbara, respectively. Courtesy photo

excel at the next level.

– Ken Goldstone on Matt August and Brandon Hopper

”

an Clemente senior volleyball players Natalie Knauf, Brandon Hopper and Matt August all recently declared commitments to their college of choice.

Knauf, a senior on the Tritons girls volleyball team, will attend and play volleyball for Northwest Nazarene in 2015, according to a release issued by the university.

Knauf will join the Crusaders, who finished last year with a program record 24 wins and made an appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

As a senior for San Clemente, Knauf tallied 81 kills, 21 blocks and 27 aces for the South Coast League champion Tritons. “(Knauf) will be another high-quality middle in our program. She is quick and hits really well off of one foot,” Northwest Nazarene head coach Doug English said in the release.

Seniors Hopper and August also recently announced their collegiate commitments.

Hopper is a verbal commit to UC Santa Barbara. August signed his formal National Letter of Intent to play at UCI, according to Tritons head coach Ken Goldstone.

Both Hopper and August were selected to the All-South Coast League second team as juniors.

“I think both Matt and Brandon are not only outstanding student-athletes, but they are great young men who I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching these past three years,” Goldstone said. “Both lead by the example they set on and off the court, and will definitely excel at the next level.” SC

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SWIMMING San Clemente High School is looking for a varsity boys swimming head coach, according to Athletic Director John Hamro. Interested applicants should send a letter of intent, resume and three letters of recommendation to jhamro@ capousd.org.

BASEBALL San Clemente High School head baseball coach Dave Gellatly will be conducting the S.C. Baseball Holiday Camp Dec. 29-31. The camp is open to all players ages 5-12.

The camp, which will be run by Tritons coaches and alumni, will be held at San Gorgonio Sports Park, 2916 Via San Gorgonio.

Participants will learn all aspects of the game, including hitting, pitching, base running and defense. Players are asked to bring a practice uniform, a bat, glove, gym shoes or cleats, snacks and water.

For more information or to register, contact Gellatly at 949.364.5554 or mrscoachg@cox.net.

Members of the San Clemente High School boys lacrosse team lend a hand at Family Assistance Ministries on Dec. 13. Courtesy phototo

LACROSSE The San Clemente High School boys lacrosse team assisted Family Assistance Ministries on Dec. 13, helping distribute food to roughly 530 people from the surrounding area.

The Tritons spent the morning unloading trucks filled with donated food, boxing

Page 25

the food and serving it to the families in attendance.

The Tritons plan on returning to volunteer at FAM in January. For more information on FAM and their efforts to serve the underprivileged population in southern Orange County, visit www. family-assistance.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Friends, Family Celebrate the Life of ‘Doc’ Paskowitz

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

D

orian “Doc” Paskowitz was remembered by friends and family during a memorial service at the San Clemente Pier on Saturday Nearly 1,000 people gathered on the pier and the beach for the planned traditional Hawaiian-style paddle-out. High surf prompted lifeguards to advise against paddling out but a group of about 50 braved the swell to form a ring just past the breakers. The bulk of the attendees paid their respects from atop the pier.

Flowers were scattered across the water and the circle of surfers splashed water toward the sky and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol boat sprayed its jet of water upward as well.

Paskowitz died on Nov. 10 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that played a large part in establishing some of Southern California’s greatest surf breaks. After leaving a career as a physician, Paskowitz raised nine of his 12 children with his third wife Juliette, surfing and sharing the sport through their surf camps while living and traveling in a camper. He is also

credited with bringing surfing to Israel in the ’50s, attempted to spread peace in the Middle East via the sport and providing medical care to the needy across the globe. The Paskowitz’ controversial lifestyle—choosing not to send their children to school—was immortalized in the 2007 documentary, “Surfwise.”

The memorial incorporated traditions from Paskowitz’ Jewish faith, along with Native American and Hawaiian customs and spoken remembrances.

One such tradition was carried out by Adelia Sandoval of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, San Juan Capistrano, who offered prayers and song and calling on the four directions in honor of “Champet Mompt,” the new name given to Paskowitz at the ceremony. Juaneño tradition requires the name of the deceased never to be spoken again upon passing, necessitating the choice of a new name.

Champet Mompt means Ocean Brother.

For a photo slideshow from the memorial, visit www. sanclementetimes.com. SC —Sheri Crummer contributed to this report.

Left: Jonathan Paskowitz greets Eve Fletcher. Right: (L-R) Chief Tama Greg, Joe Kahapea, Kalani Akui and Paul Strauch Jr. honoring Doc Paskowitz in Hawaiian tradition. Photos: Sheri Crummer

GROMS OF THE WEEK Crosby Colapinto, Griffin Colapinto, Alexxa Elseewi, Hagan Johnson, Malia Osterkamp, Jett Schilling, Malia Ward and Bethany Zelasko

(L to R) Bethany Zelasko (Dana Point), and from San Clemente, Crosby Colapinto, Hagan Johnson, Jett Schilling, Malia Ward, Malia Osterkamp and Alexxa Elseewi were all finalists in the Surfing America Prime Event No. 3 at Salt Creek, Dec. 13-14. Not pictured, Griffin Colapinto. Photo: Jack McDaniel

Thanks to San Clementeans Crosby Colapinto, Griffin Colapinto, Alexxa Elseewi, Hagan Johnson, Malia Osterkamp, Jett Schilling, Malia Ward and Bethany Zelasko of Dana Point, nearly half the field of finalists at event No. 3 on the Surfing America Prime contest series belonged to area surfers.

A large swell arrived along the Southern California coast just in time to deliver big surf to Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, for the two-day event, Dec. 13 and 14.

As one of the tour’s most formidable breaks, Salt Creek is known for providing a challenge to even longtime locals and professional surfers. These surfers more than handled the tricky conditions; they shined.

“We should call this the Surfing America

Infinity’s Steve Boehne Inducted into Inter- RESULTS national Surfboard Builders’ Hall of Fame

I

nfinity Surfboards founder, co-owner and master shaper, Steve Boehne was inducted into the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame on Dec. 6 in a ceremony at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

The Hall of Fame was created by Huntington Beach surfers Bob “the Greek” Bolen and Mike “Mickey Rat” Ester to recognize shapers and the impact their craftsmanship has had on the sport. This was the 15th annual event.

Bolen’s presentation speech included high praise for Boehne’s innovative work, from longboards, tandem boards, shortboards, surf skis and most recently, stand-up paddleboards.

Since starting in the ’60s, Boehne shaped an average of 500 boards a week for 20 years and now averages about 400 annuSan Clemente Times December 18–24, 2014

ally, Bolen said, reaching a grand total of more than 40,000 with his crew, which includes sons Dave and Dan. The company shop is in Dana Point and the factory is in San Clemente.

“It’s amazing they give you a prize for making adult toys all your life,” joked Boehne in his acceptance speech.

Boehne’s wife Barrie was by his side at the event. Partners in both life and business, the two spent three decades competing as tandem partners and hold the distinction of being the winningest team in the history of that discipline.

Boehne joins a list of past honorees that includes Dale Velzy, Hap Jacobs, Mike Doyle and Phil Edwards. SC

Surfing America Prime, Event No. 3, Dec. 13-14, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach BOYS U18: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 2. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach; 3. Nathan Young, Fountain Valley; 4. Ben Coffey, Santa Cruz. GIRLS U18: 1. Tia Blanco, Oceanside; 2. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 3. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 4. Malia Ward, San Clemente.

BOYS U16: 1. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; 2. Eithan Osborne, Ventura; 3. Braden Jones, Arroyo Grande; 4.

Josiah Amico, Ventura. GIRLS U16: 1. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point; 2. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 3. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 4. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente.

BOYS U14: 1. Jett Schilling, San Clemente; 2. Griffin Foy, Huntington Beach; 3. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente; 4.

Hagan Johnson, San Clemente.

UPCOMING EVENTS December 20-21: NSSA Open Event No. 6, Cardiff-bythe-Sea, Seaside Reef January 10-11: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane January 17-18: WSA Championship Tour Event No. 6, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 17-18: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 3 and 4, Huntington Beach, Pier

Page 26

Prime Salt Creek Masters,” said announcer and Surfing America USA Surf team coach Ryan Simmons—more than once.

The Girls U16 division saw Zelasko taking top honors and Elseewi claiming the fourth-place spot. Osterkamp and Ward went third and fourth, respectively, in Girls U18. Schilling won the Boys U14 division, Crosby Colapinto was third and Johnson fourth.

The Boys U18 win went to Griffin Colapinto, earning him a Surfing America wildcard entry—and second round seeding—into the American Pro Surfing Series Shoe City Pro QS1000 at the Huntington Beach Pier in January.

Their next Prime event will be held Jan. 10-11 at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz.

—Andrea Swayne

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 63-65 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Poor+ Thursday and Friday: Reinforcing west-northwest swell and some small new southwest swell prevail through the end of the week.

Better breaks through the region go waistchest-shoulder high Thursday, with size down just slightly into Friday. Winds and conditions look favorable for the mornings followed by an onshore sea-breeze each afternoon.

Longer Range Outlook: Another solid dose of long-period west-northwest swell builds for the weekend, showing the most size late Saturday into Sunday morning. Check out Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook!

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