January 1, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

January 1-7, 2015

YO U

C A N

U S E

San Clemente Man Compiles Book of ‘Pier’ Wisdom PAGE 22

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Big Year Ahead San Clemente is headed toward one of the most significant years in its history in 2015 EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

New Mayor Chris Hamm said he will focus on North Beach projects, including the refurbishment of the Ole Hanson Beach Club, during his year at the head of the city. Photo: Jim Shilander

City to Begin Work on Local Coastal Plans EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Grom of the Week: BAMS Surfer Cole Lambert SC SURF/PAGE 30

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide PAGE 13

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Crews are expected to begin hauling dirt soon on the I-5 freeway between Pacific Coast Highway / Camino Las Ramblas and Avenida Pico. The dirt will be transported to the La Pata Extension Project, where it will be used to grade the road that will connect San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. This work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for approximately five months, excluding major holidays.

The City of Dana Point is currently making improvements on Pacific Coast Highway, from Blue Lantern to Crystal Lantern, and Del Prado, from Blue Lantern to Ruby Lantern. For additional information, including construction alerts, visit www. danapoint.org/index.aspx?page=745.

Five things San Clemente should know this week Local Coastal Plan Work to Begin THE LATEST: San Clemente Coastal Advisory Commission will soon begin an effort that could provide local residents with a streamlined approval process for coastal projects.

At the body’s next meeting, Thursday, Jan. 8, members will begin reviewing a draft of the city’s land use guidelines for its Local Coastal Program. The program provides the city with the ability to approve building and other proposals within the coastal zone. Currently, such projects would have to be approved by the state Coastal Commission, creating an extra level of bureaucracy to deal with.

The land use plan includes different types of land uses within the city’s coastal zone, which includes most of the city west of Interstate 5 outside of the downtown business district. Residents would no longer have to travel to the Coastal Commission offices in Long Beach, but could get coastal zone approvals at City Hall.

WHAT’S NEXT: The land use plan is the first phase of the project, as the city must also compile an implementation program.

Both the land use and implementation programs will need approval from the Coastal Advisory Commission, Planning Commission and City Council before moving to the Coastal Commission, which must then approve the total package in order for it to be put into effect. The city has put forth an “aggressive” timeline on getting that approval, targeting an April 2016 approval by the coastal commission. The planning commission is currently slated to review the project next month as well.

FIND OUT MORE: The complete draft can be read at www.san-clemente.org.

– Jim Shilander

Volunteers Sought for Homeless Count THE LATEST: Orange County is looking for volunteers for its biannual count of its sheltered and unsheltered homeless population. In January 2013, the county count was 12,700. The count will help determine the distribution of more than $16 million in federal funding for homeless San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

City officials at the groundbreaking of the Avenida La Pata gap closure in April. Construction on the project is already moving in earnest toward a 2016 completion date: Photo: Jim Shilander

services. Approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed county-wide for the effort. A short training session is required prior to the day of the count.

The count of the homeless population in San Clemente has been a figure of some controversy locally. During the debate over the city’s ordinance providing changes to city zoning to allow for a homeless shelter, city staff used a population figure of 65 to 70 permanent homeless residents, based on information about consistent interactions with police. That figure did change seasonally, however, police officials said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente, 1030 Calle Negocio, is the volunteer deployment center for the southern portion of the county. Volunteers are needed from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24, on streets throughout the district.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.pointintimeoc. org for information on how to volunteer.

– JS

Planning Commission to Continue Downtown Parking Discussion The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information on a man who allegedly robbed the Chase Bank branch on El Camino Real Monday.

Photo: Orange County Sheriff’s Department

the same bank on Dec. 8. The man passed a note to the teller and did not threaten them, Public Information Officer Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Anyone with information is asked to call 714.647.7000. – JS

Highway Construction, Closures Halt for the Holidays

Sheriff’s Department Seeking Suspect in San Clemente Robbery THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information on a suspect who robbed the Chase Bank branch in San Clemente Monday afternoon.

The suspect, who was caught on security cameras, is described as a white male, between 45 and 50 years old, approximately 5-feet 10-inches tall. Police believe the suspect may be the same man who robbed

WHAT’S NEXT: Construction on the La Pata Extension Project has begun with work that will extend the existing La Pata Avenue just south of Vista Montana to Calle Saluda with four new travel lanes for approximately 2.27 miles. This year, crews are expected to move over 260,000 cubic yards of dirt on a daily basis during the construction project during this phase of the work. The phase is expected to be completed in fall 2016. For updates, visit pcpw.ocpublicworks.com/projects/lapata.Allison Jarrell

THE LATEST: In observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day holidays, there will be no closures from Wednesday, Dec. 31, to Saturday, Jan. 3. Regularly scheduled closures will resume on Sunday, Jan 4.

Clearing and grubbing has concluded on northbound I-5 between Vista Hermosa and Pacific Coast Highway/Camino Las Ramblas. Crews have switched to the southbound I-5 in the same area and will continue clearing and grubbing activities through the end of the year.

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THE LATEST: Members of the San Clemente Planning Commission will continue their discussion of a recent downtown parking survey Wednesday, Jan. 7.

The body began discussion of the survey, which was conducted last August, in December. Findings that only about 10 percent of vehicles parked on Avenida Del Mar exceeded the legal two-hour limit. Allday parking lots on Avenida Cabrillo were heavily utilized for that purpose throughout the day, Jones told the board. Avenida Granada lots and parking spaces were more likely to be parked over their limits.

WHAT’S NEXT: In December, Commissioners suggested a number of different fixes, and said the city should not limit itself to one choice or another, or eliminate any possibilities that might help to keep things moving in the city’s commercial core. – 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

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO

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

Monday, December 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Descanso, 300 Block (11:51 a.m.) A caller informed authorities of a street sweeper moving up and down the street too fast and not sweeping.

CITIZEN ASSIST Camino De Estrella/Camino Mira Costa (10:55 a.m.) A woman did not leave any information for a car she sideswiped a week ago. Her friend reported her to sheriff’s deputies.

DISTURBANCE Calle Aceituna, 0 Block (10:43 a.m.)A white truck, with kids in the bed, was following and videotaping 10 skateboarders.

9-1-1 HANGUP Calle Los Olivos, 700 Block (9:55 p.m.) A woman called 9-1-1 and another woman grabbed the phone and told officials, “I’m not going in an ambulance,” and then hung up.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Mariposa, 100 Block (8:01 p.m.) A woman caller went outside to check on a crying man. When she approached him, he thought she was laughing at him, and he chased her back into her house.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN El Camino Real, 600 Block (7:32 p.m.) A large man was found on the cement behind a gate, missing a shoe.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Calle Canasta, 600 Block (7:09 p.m.) A drunken man went into a resident’s backyard and then into the kitchen.

He was described as being in his early 20s, wearing a black shirt and gray pants.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (2:47 p.m.) A man walked into Kelly’s Hallmark and told employees he came from a spaceship and needed to steal items.

Saturday, December 27

DISTURBANCE Via Alegre, 200 Block (10:34 a.m.) A 16-year-old boy accused his father of trying to fight him. Authorities tried to ask more questions but the boy refused to answer.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (10:52 p.m.) A caller reported two previous female tenants banging on the window. The caller claimed that they had keys.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Estrella, 300 Block (9:45 a.m.) A group of apparently homeless people drank alcohol behind Kultured Kitchen restaurant.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Pico/ El Camino Real (10:23 p.m.) A drunken man by the bus stop, wearing a blue flannel and gray shorts, called authorities for assistance because he was scared of the military and requested to go back to the medical center.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Camino De Los Molinos, 100 Block (9:16 a.m.) Dispatch received information from a caller accusing a former employee of stealing invoices.

KEEP THE PEACE Calle Del Cerro, 1100 Block (7:20 a.m.) Authorities received a complaint from a mother who wanted to kick out her son for driving under the influence. She didn’t approve of her son’s actions and he wouldn’t leave.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1400 Block (7 a.m.) An apparently homeless man danced with flags in front of Tommy’s Family Restaurant and acted belligerently toward customers.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Fiesta, 300 Block (3:13 a.m.) A resident called police to report a person flashing a light into the front door while constantly ringing the doorbell.

Sunday, December 28 DISTURBANCE Avenida San Luis Rey, 100 Block (11:40 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a group of men being too loud.

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ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Pico, 900 Block (8:11 p.m.) A man cut his hand. It was unclear if he was under the influence.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Victoria, 500 Block (4:41 p.m.) A homeless man sat in front of a resident’s garage and drank a beer.

WELFARE CHECK Calle Opalo, 2200 Block (4:14 p.m.) A neighbor’s blind dog was found wondering on the street. The caller returned the dog to the neighbor’s yard but could not find the neighbor. The door was locked and a car was parked.

WELFARE CHECK North El Camino Real/ Escalones (12:04 p.m.) A caller reported a man dancing in the middle of the street.

The caller believed he was on drugs.

Friday, December 26 RECKLESS DRIVING Avenida Talega/ Camino Tierra Grande (9:31 p.m.) A silver Toyota Tacoma was seen doing donuts on the grass. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Changing the Landscape Upcoming projects set to change San Clemente

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

P

erhaps no year since the construction of Interstate 5 will include as much change over as wide an area of San Clemente as 2015 will. Several projects, many of which began in 2014, will come to fruition this coming year.

Mayor Chris Hamm, 31, who was elected to the City Council in 2012, will be stepping into the big chair this year as one of the younger mayors in the city’s history and as a rare council member who was born and raised in San Clemente.

Hamm said that in addition to the number of physical changes coming to the city this year, he’s hoping to make North Beach a focus of his tenure.

“I think North Beach has often been defined pretty narrowly,” Hamm said. “I take a larger, more expanded view. For me, it’s everything from Avenida Pico and El Camino Real to Linda Lane, from the Marquita/Mariposa area, north to Pico.

That includes the residents behind North Beach. Those are the people who are going to go to the businesses we hope to bring to North Beach.”

Hamm said he feels that area of San Clemente has been neglected for an extended period, as more focus has gone to other areas west of Interstate 5 as well as on the area immediately around North Beach’s three historic buildings—the Ole Hanson Beach Club, which will be undergoing rehabilitation this year, the Casino San Clemente and Miramar Theater.

Upcoming work includes sidewalk rehabilitation to make the area more walkable. The number of nearby projects, In an effort to including the Outlets reach out to the at San Clemente and community, Hamm Sea Summit residenhas created a tial project, will also Facebook page, be injecting new life “Mayor Chris into the area, Hamm Hamm,” and said. Stepping up Instagram account, code enforcement in “San_Clemente_ the area will also be a Mayor.” priority.

“When you bring the community up to the same level as the rest of the community, it’s going to encourage businesses to come into that area,” Hamm said.

The number of upcoming projects coming to San Clemente, Hamm said, will have a lasting impact.

“Everything we’re going to see in the next two to five years is going to change the face of our community forever. You can’t deny that,” Hamm said.

Here’s a look at a few of those upcoming

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

Mayor Chris Hamm said one of his priorities in 2015 will be to make progress on extending the Beach Trail to increase pedestrian access from San Clemente State Park all the way to Dana Point. Photo: Jim Shilander

projects, all set to hit major milestones in 2015: MEMORIALCARE BOARD SLATED TO DECIDE HOSPITAL’S FATE Perhaps no issue has so dramatically galvanized feelings in San Clemente since the closure of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station as the announcement of MemorialCare’s proposal to raze its Saddleback Memorial San Clemente campus and rebuild as an advanced urgent care facility.

Opponents have made their case to the City Council on a number of occasions since the announcement. A rally held at the Pier brought out hundreds of supporters of the current hospital setup on Dec. 21.

The City Council has passed a resolution opposing the proposal, citing a lack of time to consider potential options for emergency services, and has begun working to find a potential legislative solution to allow for a free-standing emergency room not attached to an in-patient hospital. However, the decision on the project is ultimately up to the MemorialCare board, which is slated to vote on the proposal in the spring.

Hamm, a firefighter by trade, said the fate of the hospital will likely be the biggest story in San Clemente in 2015 and in the next five years.

“That’s going to affect our community in so many ways, in terms of how we treat the citizens of San Clemente and the level of safety we have and the level of emergency care we have in our community,” Hamm said.

Hamm and Assistant City Manager Erik Sund, along with potentially one or two other City Council members, are currently

“

Everything we’re going to see in the next two to five years is going to change the face of our community forever. You can’t deny that.

”

— Mayor Chris Hamm

set to meet in January with MemorialCare CEO Steve Geidt, as well as hospital administrator Tony Struthers, about the proposal, the mayor said. The council’s resolution opposing the ordinance included language asking that the hospital board’s decision be delayed.

FIRST PHASE OF OUTLETS COMING TO COMPLETION The signs are all there. If you’ve driven on I-5 between Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico, you’ve seen how quickly major structural work has moved on Craig Realty Group’s Outlets at San Clemente Plaza project. And it may seem a surprise that the stores aren’t scheduled to open until late summer. But, as of late December, it remains the goal of the developer to have the first shoppers, the vast majority who are expected to come from outside the city, and many from outside the country, in time for the next holiday shopping season.

The city is not currently counting on sales tax monies from the project to come into its coffers for the coming fiscal year, but developer Steve Craig said last February that his projections currently have approxiPage 6

mately $1 million in sales tax revenue going to the city as a result of sales at the stores this year, with $4 million per year projected once the full project is completed. The second phase is currently slated to include a boutique hotel and conference facility.

Another upcoming issue may be the signage for the shops. A previous sign proposal for the outlets approved by the City Council resulted in a lawsuit that overturned the proposed large freeway signs. No signage proposal has yet been put forward publicly by Craig Realty, but Hamm said Monday that a preliminary proposal was being examined by the city and he believes city staff will do their best to ensure the city’s limits on freeway signage are adhered to.

MARBLEHEAD RESIDENCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE WORK MOVING FORWARD Five new city parks (as well as an additional park open to the public), plus several new miles of trails and natural preserves will come online in 2015, just as Taylor Morrison, the developer of the 300-plus-home Sea Summit residential development at Marblehead, begins to construct the first model and permanent houses in its development.

The project, which had languished for years during the financial crisis, got going in earnest in 2013, when Lehman Brothers, the former owners of the property, began much of the infrastructure work required by the city for the project in hopes of eventually finding a new buyer to develop the homes and complete the work. Taylor Morrison, which stepped into the project in 2014, has continued that work. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

A rendering of the proposed look of the outlet mall. Courtesy Craig Realty Group.

Perhaps the piece of infrastructure work most San Clemente residents might be interested in is currently slated to be among the first to be completed. The developer has stated that it anticipates a late January or early February completion date for its work to complete West Avenida Vista Hermosa to Avenida Pico, opening up a new way of getting around the city from east to west. Which is good news for San Clemente drivers, because…

WORK TO BEGIN ON I-5, PICO INTERCHANGE PROJECT Work is already underway on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Measure M-funded project to widen the interstate between San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico to 10 lanes, with a dedicated HOV-lane in each direction. But the portion most likely to affect residents is slated to begin shortly. The project will reconstruct the Avenida Pico interchange and include the demolition of the bridge over Avenida Pico in two phases

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT The start of the new year will bring the start of the next phase of street improvement work on Del Prado Avenue from Ruby Lantern to Copper Lantern.

According to the city of Dana Point’s latest construction alert for Phase 2A of the Town Center Lantern District Streetscape Improvement Project, remaining work on Del Prado will take place from Jan. 5, 2015 through Jan. 23, 2015 following the completion of South Coast Water District’s underground water and sewer work, barring unforeseen weather or other issues.

Work will begin on the north/inland side of Del Prado beginning at Ruby Lantern, then on to median improvements up coast to down coast, followed by south/ ocean side improvements beginning at Ruby Lantern.

Diseased tipu trees from both sides of Del Prado will be removed—to eventually be replaced with mature date palms—and traffic signals at the Del Prado/Amber Lantern and Del Prado/Violet Lantern inSan Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

(similar to what has been done in San Juan Capistrano at Ortega Highway). The completion of Vista Hermosa should allow residents another method of getting east and west across the city when construction is ongoing. Even with the demolition of the bridge, the OCTA and CalTrans are planning to maintain four lanes of traffic in each direction on I-5 during construction.

Hamm said he hopes the City Council will take an active role in trying to keep businesses going during the construction work, including looking at steps taken by San Juan Capistrano to provide help to businesses immediately affected by the traffic changes.

Another OCTA project that will greatly change traffic in the city is the ongoing Avenida La Pata gap closure, which will provide a second method of getting from San Clemente to San Juan while opening up opportunities for Talega residents to send their children to San Juan Hills High School, which the development helped to fund.

CAMINO DE ESTRELLA PLAZA PROJECT CHANGES SHAPE The Estrella Plaza is currently slated to be almost completely transformed in 2015, as the stores on the south side are transformed from being nearly empty to welcoming several new retailers. And the entire plaza, aside from the Citibank branch, will get a new look more reminiscent of San Clemente’s classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The new stores include Sports Authority, Stein Mart and Sprouts in the former Kmart site, and T.J. Maxx in the former Big Lots.

The stores on the west side of the plaza will remain in place, but will all receive an SCR makeover.

••• Hamm said he is also looking to get things moving on extending the Beach Trail south to connect with San Clemente State Park, a project he has been passionate about since he served on the General Plan Advisory Committee. What most

excited him, Hamm said, was the possibility of extending a pedestrian path from the park all the way to Dana Point. A portion of that project, a reconfiguration of El Camino Real between Camino Capistrano and Estacion, will begin in 2015 and include walking paths and protected bike lanes on both the eastern and western sides of the road. That way, trail users wouldn’t have to cross El Camino Real in order to continue north toward Dana Point, then cross again at Camino Capistrano.

In 2014, council authorized city staff to begin exploring funding options to extend the southern terminus of the trail from the Calafia State Beach parking lot to the campground at the state park. Hamm said he’s hopeful this can move forward in the next several years and allow park-goers to access city amenities without ever having to get in a car.

As a lifelong resident, Hamm said he would draw on the experiences of family and friends for input on dealing with these projects. SC

tersections will be replaced with stop signs.

Overhead lighting will remain until new lighting can be installed.

Del Prado inland side work includes demolition to allow for the construction of a new curb and gutter, underground electrical, sidewalk, trees, landscaping and lighting.

Construction of the Lantern District Archway is also set to begin.

The city’s Del Prado work is scheduled for completion by September 2015.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A group of citizens opposed to the recently-approved San Juan Hotel and Villas has been actively petitioning against the project.

Their goal was to collect 2,000 signatures

by Dec. 23 so that the project could go back before the City Council.

Petitioners claimed residents were “left out of the process,” with the hotel’s final approval being made at 3 a.m. on Nov. 19. They also contend the approval was illegal.

The Urban Village development will be operated by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and include commercial, hotel and residential uses on a 3.17-acre site in the heart of the historic town center. Thirty single-family homes will be situated near the 136-room

San Juan Capistrano developer Joshua Host has vowed to fight a lawsuit against the approval of a hotel project the city approved in November. Photo: Brian Park

boutique hotel.

In addition to the petitioning, a group of residents recently filed a lawsuit against the city citing similar concerns. Mark Nielsen, Kenneth Friess, Robert Williams and a group referred to as “Save Our Historic Town Center” contends the council’s approvals violate state planning and zoning law and the city’s Page 7

municipal code and general plan.

Josh Host, principal at Urban Village, has stated that he intends to fight the lawsuit “vigorously.”

The Orange County Registrar of Voters will need to validate petition signatures before the issue can be brought to the City Council. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community Meetings THURSDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year’s Day

City Offices Closed FRIDAY, JANUARY 2

Dark Friday

City Offices Closed SUNDAY, JANUARY 4

San Clemente Farmer’s Market

San Clemente High School members of the Interact service club gave up a day of their holiday break to help out with the Rotary’s food drive. Photo: Courtesy of Donia Moore

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

OCTA Offers Free Bus Rides, Extended Hours on New Year’s Eve The Orange County Transportation Authority is helping to keep roads safe during New Year’s Eve celebrations by offering free bus rides from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31, to 2:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.

Passengers planning a bus ride are encouraged to use the online trip planner in advance at octa.net or call 714.636.7433.

Extended times may vary depending on the route.

For those planning on attending New Year’s Eve parties beyond South Orange County, this year OCTA has added extended service hours along Fullerton routes 24, 26, 43 and 143. The late-night service provides free, safe and convenient rides to or from the popular “First Night in Fullerton” event.

This is the 13th year OCTA has offered free rides for New Year’s Eve. Last year, more than 8,000 riders used the free bus service, and more than 130,000 have used the service since it began in 2002.

Sunrise Rotary Club Provides Holiday Dinner for 100 Families One hundred San Clemente families enjoyed a healthy, wholesome holiday feast with the help of generous community members.

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

The community came out in droves to help the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club collect food on Dec. 20 at Ralphs Market on Camino De Estrella and Albertsons Market, across from the high school. Rotary was also joined by students from San Clemente High School’s Interact service club. Their goal was to provide 60 families from FAM, Laura’s House and Camp Pendleton with the groceries for a full holiday dinner. Due to the generosity of the community, the Rotary Club was able to provide 100 meals, in addition to the 300 meals they provided at Thanksgiving.

The Rotary Club thanks Ralphs and Albertsons for hosting the food drive onsite, the Holiday Inn downtown for allowing club members to sort and box the food for pickup, and the SC Times for helping to get the word out.

Liberty Tax Service Opens New Office in Dana Point As South Orange County residents start gearing up for tax season, Liberty Tax Service will open its newest location at 24655 La Plaza, Suite A in Dana Point to provide local residents with quality tax preparation. The company currently has offices in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Liberty Tax will be kicking off tax season with a grand opening roadside party on Jan. 7. Professionals and in-house Covered California enrollment counselors will be on-hand to provide free tax advice. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will welcome Liberty Tax with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 9. Liberty Tax staff will be collecting donations for “Cells Phones for Soldiers” both Jan. 7 and Jan. 9. Since 2004, the charity has provided more than 181 million minutes of free talk time to

servicemen and women stationed around the world. Funds raised from the recycling of cellular phones are used to purchase prepaid international calling cards.

Liberty Tax Service offers free direct deposit for refunds sent to customers’ bank accounts as well as electronic filing, or e-file. Tax season hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 949.388.8107.

Homefront America Hosts Military Families at Holiday Event On Dec. 13, Homefront America, a San Juan Capistrano nonprofit focused on military outreach and support, held a “Christmas Toy Store” event, where nearly 800 military families arrived at the Capistrano Toyota/Scion to pick out gifts for their children. More than 50 volunteers stocked the toy store the day before, managed registration the day of the event and helped parents select toys for their children in the toy store. Volunteers from the National Charity League Monarch Chapter painted more than 400 faces, and the Laguna Beach Assisteens, Assistance League of Laguna Beach and NCL volunteers were on hand to help the children with arts and crafts. Dickens Carolers from Capistrano Valley Christian School performed holiday classics. Homefront America’s holiday programs will serve nearly 2,000 families this holiday season with gifts, meals and other holiday support.

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

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9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

SC Sunrise Rotary Club

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

City Council Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

Kiwanis Meeting

Noon. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

SC Rotary Club

Noon. Pride of the Pacific Bar & Grille, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org.

Planning Commission

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

Coastal Advisory Committee

7 p.m. Regular meeting. Community Center, Ole Hanson Room 100 N. Calle Seville, www.san-clemente.org.

Golf Course Committee

7 p.m. Regular meeting. Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room 100 N. Calle Seville, www.san-clemente.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

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

SAN CLEMENTE CAN TAKE STEPS TO ELIMINATE A DIFFERENT FORM OF POLLUTION

HOW TO REACH US

ADOLF CHAVEZ, San Clemente

Its a beautiful day. The sun is shining and it’s another great day in the small town of San Clemente that we all love.

But there’s a problem that’s disrupting the beautiful otherwise peaceful day. Leaf blowers. The gardeners are out in the neighbor’s yard, walking up and down the driveway blowing leaves and dirt. The noise is maddening. It can be heard far down the block and echoes between the closely placed homes in the area. I was surprised when looking up the subject to find that our neighbors to the north, Laguna Beach, have banned the noise makers altogether since 1993. Sounds like a great idea to me. Let’s have a nice peaceful quiet town where you’re not constantly hearing the drone of noisy leaf blowers in one direction or another, sometimes a couple of times a day. I was also surprised to find that they are a large source of air pollution by blowing up fine particulate dust and even garden pesticides that remain airborne for hours after the noise has stopped. It’s time we consider a ban. Let’s have some peace.

To sign a petition to ban the leaf blowers, visit www.causes.com/campaigns/87674ban-leaf-blowers-in-san-clemente.

WHERE WERE YOUR VOICES FOR NORTH BEACH? JAMES SMITH, San Clemente

Mary Ann Comes and Raad Ghantous seem to have selective memory when it comes to City Council treatment of historic buildings in San Clemente. Both were “missing in action” when a previous City Council hatched a plan to give away city-owned North Beach parking for development. That strip mall project would have blocked ocean views from the historic Ole Hanson Beach Club, Casino and the Miramar Theater. Fortunately, some of us

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

Herman Sillas, the author of “View From the Pier: Stories from San Clemente,” will be the year’s first guest, to talk about his new book and goings on at the Pier. 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.

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

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

Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@sanclementetimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com A proposed North Beach parking lot is a lost opportunity, resident Ricardo Nicol says. Courtesy

historic-minded residents saw the scam for what it was. We collected signatures so that residents could vote on it. Almost 60 percent of them agreed and we blocked that City Council. The end result: no strip mall and the ocean views of our historic buildings were preserved. Simple question to Mary Ann and Raad: why were you silent on that critical issue?

TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT LOT PROPOSAL RICARDO NICOL, San Clemente

The City of San Clemente is getting ready to build a project to finally start the long awaited revitalization of North Beach.

The project is a 32-space beach parking lot on city owned property along El Camino Real on the front, Calle Deshecha on the rear, between Kaylani and Ichibiri restaurants. It goes before the California Coastal Commission on Jan. 8.

It is a parking lot but its prominent location, on El Camino Real at the north entrance to the city, gives it great importance. Fortunately, only 60 feet of the 100-foot depth of the lot can be used effectively for parking, leaving 40 feet for significant landscaped parking lot screening along Calle Deshecha, and especially, along El Camino Real where a large, beautiful landscaped area could be created to serve as a welcoming green feature at our northern gateway.

Unfortunately, the city’s proposed design squanders the opportunity by asphalt paving 88 feet (28 feet more than needed for parking) of the 100 feet depth of the lot, leaving only narrow strips for landscaping along El Camino Real and Calle Deshecha. And cars will be parked right next to E.C.R., the highest part of the lot, where they are most visible and obstruct

public ocean views from El Camino Real.

The city’s plan also proposes an elaborate and expensive path through the parking lot at its north end, which reduces the number of parking spaces and features a large concrete archway/portal at El Camino Real. Both path and portal will hardly, if ever, be used because all the beach users’ traffic, vehicular and pedestrian, is well served by Avenida Pico at the south end of the block, Avenida Estacion at the north end and their sidewalks. Besides, the El Camino Real street curb is painted red for the entire block—no stopping or parking.

That sidewalk has hardly any foot traffic and none by beach users.

The revitalization of North Beach and the people of San Clemente deserve better than this misguided, second-rate design.

But you can’t blame the consultant, Gable Engineering and its landscape architect partner, BGB Inc. Their design efforts were limited by a provision in their contract with the city which, inexplicably, required them to follow a previous preliminary design by a different consultant, and which the City Council had already rejected.

Before the project goes any further through the entitlement process, the new City Council must correct that error in the contract which sabotages the previous City Council’s intent, and start the new year by sending the project back to the consultants to revise the design according to their best professional criteria, without the constraining and misdirecting requirements contained in the contract with the city. To do less is a disservice to the people of San Clemente.

BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

OPERATIONS

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jerrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN

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

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director > Mike Reed

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

San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 1. 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 2015. 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 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.

Page 9

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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Kathy Ward

Everything’s New Again New Councilwoman on what’s coming up in 2015

A

s your newest member of City home bluff-top developCouncil, I am grateful to serve and ment will have model honored to have your support and homes open in July. trust. With 2015 just beginning, we have ECONOMIC DEVELnew possibilities and opportunities, as well OPMENT: Craig Realty as ongoing issues of concern to address Commercial Outlets will this year. I am ready to roll up my sleeves open by this fall. and am eager to be part of the soluWhile we look forward tion. No doubt, 2015 will be an exciting, CITY COUNCIL to a new retail center, CORNER action-packed year with many carry-over it’s important to not lose

By Kathy Ward construction projects being completed and sight of the older busiothers just getting started. ness districts. I am pleased the shopping There’s something for everyone to center on Camino De Estrella is scheduled gain from what’s to come. These projects, for a makeover and vacant buildings will when completed, will make life easier for soon be filled with new retail. commuters and pedestrians and help us Another visible example of future oppormaintain our strong sense of community. tunity is the gateway to our town, North Some projects will help keep our sales tax Beach. We can’t stop nurturing and helpdollars local, create added convenience, ing North Beach grow, so it can realize and enhance neighborhood services and its fullest potential. New bike lanes and a choices for residents. And, when freeway landscaped median will soon lead visitors travel becomes necessary, new carpool from Pacific Coast Highway into our town. lanes will speed up your commute. Here’s Medians on Pico will also be landscaped. a brief status report: With the active parTRANSPORTAticipation of residents TION: Avenida Pico Though we are ‘one and business owners, reconstruction the city’s business San Clemente,’ I realize project will begin in liaison program, and March. We’ll see a a new owner of the our neighborhoods have widening of northMiramar, the synergy bound Pico on-ramp unique and differing needs. is present to make to three lanes, and the repurposing of dual left-turn lanes to I will work hard to make this long-neglected both northbound and historic structure southbound Pico off- sure the residents of each finally happen. I ramps. We’ll finally am optimistic that get a bicycle lane at neighborhood and business the right thing will the Pico interchange, done with the which will make bidistrict have an equal voice be property, enabling cycling on this street it to contribute to and their priorities are more comfortable. the area, rather than The I-5 carpool lane detract from it. addressed. extension project —Kathy Ward Though we are from San Juan Creek “one San Clemente,” to Pico will be completed in early 2018.

I realize our neighborhoods have unique The La Pata extension will be completed and differing needs. I will work hard to in fall 2016, and the West Avenida Vista make sure the residents of each neighborHermosa connection to Pico will be comhood and business district have an equal pleted by next month. voice and their priorities are addressed.

RECREATION: Ole Hanson Beach Club I will seek your guidance and input on breaks ground this month. Also, this issues as I did while serving as your city month we will complete the renovation of planning commissioner. I am looking forthe Vista Hermosa Sports Park baseball ward to pursuing policy initiatives on befields. Public trails and five new public half of our city that prioritize the people’s parks will be constructed at Sea Summit voice, keep our community tight-knit, and (formerly named Marblehead Coastal). preserve our village feel.

The Courtney’s SandCastle Sensory GarPlease contact me anytime at WardK@ den will also celebrate its grand opening san-clemente.org. Wishing you all a in March. healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

LEARNING: Library expansion and new SC Friends of the Library bookstore are in the works. The library will grow by more PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest than 4,000 square feet and provide more Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are technology, services and tools. Compleshared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or tion is expected this summer.

Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, RESIDENTIAL: Taylor Morrison’s 309please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

“

”

San Clemente Times January 1-7, 2015

Page 10

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 01 NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH AND GINGERBREAD DISPLAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON Brunch runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $80 adults, $40 children. Be sure to check out the ocean-themed gingerbread display in the hotel lobby. Stop by to see dolphins, turtles, sea otters, octopi, sharks, a whale and more as they frolic among 6-foot waves of royal icing. Santa is also seen fishing and a trio of dogs ride the wave on a longboard. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com/ lagunaevents.

Friday | 02 WINTER BREAK KIDS CRAFTS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids get crafty at Mission San Juan Capistrano. A different craft is featured every day of the week through Jan. 2. On Friday, kids can make an arrowhead necklace. Parent or sitter must be present to participate. $3 for non-members; $1 for members. 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com.

PHIL SHANE 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live music at Harpoon Henry’s. 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestaurants.com/harpoonhenrys.

Restaurant Spotlight: Mahé Dana Point

BY SAMANTHA HAMMER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M

ahé’s name derives from a love for travel to the Seychelles, where the largest island bears the name. Owners Toby Reece and Anthony Andrews found in Mahé a very fitting appellation and their inspiration for creating the restaurant’s warm, friendly and electrifying dining atmosphere.

Now in its sixth year, Mahé sits just a few steps outside the Dana Point Harbor offering patio dining, a sushi bar, teppan tables, a lively bar, live music and pages of mouth-watering menu choices. Manager Obie Scott loves the restaurant and offers special care to all his guests, which has played a lead role in building Mahé’s customer loyalty. “We love the feeling of family,” Scott said, adding that PRICE RANGE: the long-time $2 - $39.00 staff extends PAYMENT ACCEPTED: that warmth to Cash and credit cards HOURS: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. customers.

Friday through Sunday, The chefs are 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday brilliant in their through Thursday, 3 food design with p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and exquisite flavors Saturday and pictureperfect presentations. Daily fresh selections including soups, salads, sushi rolls, teppan entrees, succulent seafood, chop house-style steaks, burgers and sandwiches are among

Saturday | 03 START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT HIKE 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Join the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a winter hike at the Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy.

Ages 10 and up. $10 for adults, $5 for kids, free for Reserve supporters and RMV residents. 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

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

CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

Sunday | 04 ILLUMINOCEAN HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Last night to view the Dana Point Harbor holiday lighting displays including 22 large-scale ocean-inspired holiday sculptures and 23 miles of glowing LED strands. Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.mydanapoint.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

Monday | 05 TRAIL CLEANING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Volunteer with the Reserve to help keep the trails clean and clear weeds. Bring work gloves if you have them. Drinks and snacks provided. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

Tuesday | 06

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4: VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Join local artists on the first Sunday of every month, along Avenida Del Mar in the heart of downtown San Clemente. Meet dozens of gifted artisans selling an array of hand-crafted work including fine art, jewelry, photography, ceramics, wood work, leather, metal, fused/blown glass, home decor, botanicals and much more. Free parking available. Information at 949. 395.7008, www.villagesanclemente.org.

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perfom at the Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound Page 11

Mahé’s Starfish roll. Photo: Samantha Hammer

the many choices. “Kids love our children’s menu too,” Scott said, “especially our hand-dipped fresh chicken tenders.”

Sushi chef Mark offers interpretive sushi rolls. One favorite is Starfish, a roll filled with minced tuna and asparagus topped with fresh halibut slices and a side of salmon sashimi. Your inner foodie will delight in this creation. Dinner favorites are the bone-in ribeye steak and the filet mignon.

Beer, wine, martinis and happy hour specials are available daily. Be sure to indulge in Taco Tuesdays offering inspired Pacific Asian fusion cuisine.

24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.6243, www.eatatmahe.com. SC

system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 07 WATERLOGGED WEDNESDAYS MOVIE NIGHT Sundown. Hobie Surf Shop presents one Bruce Brown film per month through June 2015. Tonight’s movie is Surfin’ Shorts (1960). Free. 34174 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.2366.

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the traditions and capture the culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano. First and third Wednesday of every month. Free with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com.

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

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

24662 SANTA CLARA AVE | DANA POINT Lease Listed at $9,000/month

Be the first to live in this spacious 5,000sf new construction home that is ideally located within walking distance to Heritage Park and the Dana Point Harbor. The 10,125sf lot features a large private fenced-in yard; your own personal oasis! Mosaic tiles and stained glass doors make for the perfect entry to a dramatic living room with superb natural light, sweeping cathedral ceilings & a custom chandelier. Designer kitchen with brand new stainless steel appliances, custom wood cabinetry, large island w/prep sink, walk-in pantry, and a wine cellar closet. Designed for indoor/outdoor living, the kitchen’s sliding glass walls open to your ‘Al Fresco’ dining space; a Spanish tiled patio perfect for entertaining! Also downstairs are 2 full bedrooms, family room w/kitchenette, utility room and 2 car garage w/built-in storage. 4 full en suite bedrooms upstairs, with bonus play/family room retreat. Relax in your master suite featuring coved ceilings, Juliet balcony, gigantic custom walk-in closet, dual sinks, Jacuzzi tub, and luxurious walk-in shower. With a walk score of 78 “Very Walkable” you’ll find that parks, restaurants & shops are only steps away. An unbeatable location for this stunning turnkey home!

Melissa Schnell REALTOR ®, SFR Evergreen Realty & Assoc.

Licensed in CA #01845686 Cell: 949.394.4299 Fax: 949.542.3504 LoveYourHomeOC@gmail.com www.LoveYourHomeOC.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Life Lessons from the Pier Artist, attorney and writer Herman Sillas puts together his ‘View from the Pier’

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

H

erman Sillas has had varied interests that ranged far and wide for decades. A former U.S. attorney, a fine artist, activist and writer, Sillas has now brought many of those interests together in his new book, a compilation of columns written for newspapers and his website, View From the Pier: Stories from San Clemente.

Sillas said his columns have largely focused on six areas, including politics and family, but most had something or other to do with the San Clemente Pier and its community of fishermen. Many of the compiled columns are framed by versions of Sillas’ own art work.

“I’ve been fishing at the Pier since I got here, about 1988,” Sillas said. “Now I fish primarily on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday mornings for the most part. I’ve met a lot of great people there, and I refer to them as ‘Pier Pals.’ Some have passed away, and they’re now on the big pier upstairs. And then there’s new ones.”

Sillas said the community of fishermen at the Pier provides a fountain of ideas for different topics to write about, even if pickings might be slim.

“The Pier is a great place because it gives you time to think, because you don’t catch much out there,” Sillas joked.

“You get a chance to think about life and then you’re meeting all these fine people, and each of them has a story and little incidents that have happened. It brings a sense of freedom, not just for me, but I think for everybody who goes out on the Pier.”

Part of that, he says, is a special allure of any pier, not just San Clemente’s.

“Most people don’t pass a pier,” Sillas said. “If there’s a pier, they walk out on it, because it’s an invitation to walk out over the ocean. You really get a chance to see from a different perspective, looking back on a coast rather than out from it. And any San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

Herman Sillas has spent more than 25 years fishing out on the San Clemente Pier. He’s compiled some of his best thoughts and stories from his time out on the water in a new book. Photo: Jim Shilander

You get a chance to think about life and then you’re “meeting all these fine people, and each of them has a story

and little incidents that have happened. It brings a sense of freedom, not just for me, but I think for everybody who goes out on the Pier.

—Herman Sillas

”

issues you have out on land don’t follow you out there. I’ve seen people come out singing and dancing.”

Sillas said he’s had a few major realizations out above the water. For example, he noted that in Southern California, many more people were likely to express distance in terms of time, such as a city being “about 15 minutes away” rather

than in miles. When he lived in Northern California, he said, that wasn’t the case.

“As a consequence, we really don’t enjoy where we’re at,” Sillas said. “We’re constantly looking at a watch or something else to look at the time. What I like about the Pier is there is no time out there. They have that big clock (on Marine Safety headquarters) but I refuse to watch it.”

Fishing also provides an excuse to just be lost in thought, he said.

“You really lose track of time,” he said.

“If you just stood on the Pier by yourself for five hours looking out at the ocean, folks would say, ‘That guy’s nuts.’ But if you stand next to a pole, people assume you’re OK.” Sillas grew up interested in politics before majoring in political science and attending law school, which he joked he did only because “No country was willing to hire me to lead them.”

As a Mexican-American attorney in Los Angeles, Sillas was sought after by a number of prominent Chicano activists who might have gotten into legal trouble during the Civil Rights-era, including Sal Castro, a leader of the East Los Angeles school walkout, in 1968. Those charges were eventually dismissed. He ran for office statewide in 1970 and 1974, unsuccessfully, joined the first Jerry Brown administration as Department of Motor Vehicles director, then was appointed as a U.S. Attorney in Sacramento by President Jimmy Carter. When his term ended, he returned to private practice in Los Angeles.

While he’s a lifelong Democrat, Sillas said most of his political writing focuses on more broad political issues and about what it was like to be a public official, rather than strictly partisan issues.

“When we get into wars, my approach is we’re sending the wrong people,” Sillas said. “Let’s send the old folks to war.

Someone tells old guys, ‘Take that hill,’ we’re more likely to start talking about it.

If they convince us, we’ll go out and talk to the other side, tell them we just want to deal with a lease, or let’s play cards for it.

If that doesn’t work and we have to shoot each other, how much life do we got left?”

SC

SCENE { IN S AN CL EM ENTE }

Approximately 300 San Clementeans joined Chabad of San Clemente in lighting a 10-foot menorah at the San Clemente Pier Sunday, Dec. 21. Among those speaking were Mayor Chris Hamm and Chief of Police Services Lt. David Moodie.

Photo: Courtesy Tzippy Slavin

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www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Top 5 Wellness Wishes for 2015 Plenty of healthy options for the people of San Clemente

J

anuary marks the one-year anniversary of the Wellness and Prevention Center in San Clemente. In honor of this anniversary, here are my wishes for the coming year: 1. South Orange County Families and individuals know how to find support for healthy lifestyles. The Wellness and Prevention Center provides mental health services, referrals and community education to the residents of South Orange County.

At the Wellness and Prevention Center, we are always trying to increase connections and resources for our community members. Please join us at the high school conference room on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm if you would like to provide a resource or if you are seeking resources. You can also email me at susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente. com.

2. As a community, we come together to discourage sales of illegal substances in San Clemente and other south county cities. Synthetics (called incense, bath salts, spice - for visuals search these sub-

stances online) are often available at small liquor stores, smoke shops and convenience stores. Kids easily procure psychogenic drugs (molly, XTC, LSD) at concerts and music festivals. Teens WELLNESS AND shoplift alcohol from PREVENTION front grocery displays

By Susan and find it very easy to Parmelee ask adults to buy alcohol for them. Medical marijuana makes it very easy for underage teens to get pot from their older friends. If you are aware of illegal activity, please contact the sheriff through 9-1-1 or the local non-emergency phone number 949.770.6011. We hope to develop a committee that examines what the local “vape shops” are selling and if they are selling to minors. E-cigs are used by many local youth and are a gateway to cigarettes and other substance use.

3. More subscriptions to our weekly Wellness and Prevention emails. These emails provide wellness tips, parenting

PET OF THE WEEK: Licorice

H

ave you been wishing for a special someone to fill your heart with holiday joy? Me too! My name is Licorice and I am a 1-year-old pup looking for my new best friend. I would love someone who likes to play outdoors and who can give a great belly rub. I have so much love to give and I know we’d have so much fun. Will you make my holiday wishes come true and take my home with you?

If you would like to know more about Licorice, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

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 January 1-7, 2015

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

support and announcements about community education events. To subscribe, please visit our website wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.com. While you are there, check out the “Parent Pledge” section. It provides guidelines for hosting parties and monitoring what kids are doing in our town.

4. Reduce stigmatization of persons suffering from the diseases of mental health and addiction. I hope that we can be a more compassionate community and offer support to those who are struggling with mental illness and/or addiction. Just like a physical illness, these issues can take a huge emotional and financial toll on families. No one asks for addiction or mental illness to strike their family, and they affect one in five households in San Clemente.

5. San Clemente residents take advantage of our healthy outdoor venues. I feel so lucky to live in San Clemente, where we have wonderful parks, amazing beaches and an incredible beach trail. Take time to recharge and grab a friend or family

member and take a walk. There is rarely a day we cannot be outside doing something good for our minds and bodies.

We are always looking for more volunteers to contribute to our mission of Helping San Clemente youth lead healthy and productive lives. Please visit our website wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.com and let us know how you might like to contribute to encouraging safe and meaningful activities and services. Have a healthy and joyful 2015.

Susan Parmelee is a social worker who works during the week at San Clemente High School in the Wellness & Prevention Center and at Western Youth Services.

To subscribe to Wellness and Prevention Center weekly emails or to contact Susan, email susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.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

Marine Support Group Seeks Help with Sending Care and Comfort to Our Troops

Items can be dropped off at Shorecliffs Golf Club SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he Dana Point 5th Marine Regiments Support Group is continuing to collect donations to be sent to Camp Pendleton-based Marines deployed in the Middle East, as part of the nonprofit’s annual Operation Care and Comfort.

Donations from a list of items requested can be bought and donated, or a monetary donation in the form of a check, can be sent by mail to: Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, Attn: Operation Care and Comfort, P.O. Box, 471, Dana Point, CA 92629, and the items will be bought on your behalf. Checks should be made out to “Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group” with “Operation Care and Comfort” written in the memo line.

Requested items include: shaving cream, razors, baby wipes, toothpaste, deodorant, instant coffee, coffee, coffee makers, creamer, tea, drink mix, chips, hard candies, trail mix, hand warmers, foot warmers, energy bars, protein bars,

Page 23

toilet paper, body wash, foot powder, cotton swabs, after shave, lotion and hand sanitizer.

Items can be dropped off at: Shorecliffs Golf Club, 501 Avenida Vaquero in San Clemente and in Dana Point at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern; Harbor Grill, 34499 Golden Lantern; Jacks, 24462 Del Prado; Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, 24681 La Plaza, Suite 115; Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern; Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street; Dana Wharf Sport Fishing, 34675 Golden Lantern and The Surfin Cowboy, 34235 Doheny Park Road in Capo Beach.

The cost of sending a flat rate box to the Middle East now costs nearly $16 and the group is also asking donors to also consider making a contribution to help defray some of that cost. A PayPal link on the group’s website provides an alternate method of contribution.

For more information call 949.373.5375 or visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com. 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 slantz@sanclementetimes.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

Page 24

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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 slantz@sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

Page 25

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School winter sports teams, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Tritons Soccer Takes Fourth at Home Showcase

The San Clemente High School boys soccer team placed fourth at their inaugural 2014 Lotto Sport Western Showcase tournament on Dec. 20. The Tritons faced Servite in the third-place game but gave up a late goal in a 1-0 loss.

San Clemente (6-4-2) headed north to compete in the Oceanside Classic from Dec. 27-30. They opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw with Mater Dei, then rattled off 2-0 and 3-0 wins over St. Francis and Central, respectively. The Tritons were set to play Los Alamitos on Dec. 30.

Results were not available at press time.

Sophomore defender Tyler Bagley has been coming on strong for the Tritons in Dec. He scored two goals in a win over Century on Dec. 18 and scored a goal and tallied an assist in the win over Central.

Tritons Ride Unbeaten Streak into League Play

A 2-1 win over Long Beach Poly on Dec. 27 capped off the end of tournament play

San Clemente junior Kyle Rincon, left, controls the ball against Servite in the 2014 Lotto Sport Western Showcase third-place game on Dec. 20. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

for the San Clemente girls soccer team and sent them into a lull in the schedule riding a three-match unbeaten streak.

San Clemente (2-4-2) closed out the Mater Dei Premier Invitational on Dec. 19 with a 1-1 tie against Woodrow Wilson, then drew with Chino Hills on Dec. 26 before defeating the Jackrabbits.

The Tritons now have a long break before opening up South Coast League play on the road against defending champion Aliso Niguel Jan. 8.

Water Polo Falls to Rosary

Five different players scored for the San Clemente girls water polo team in a nonleague match against Rosary on Dec. 20 but it was not enough, as the visitors narrowly edged out the Tritons in a 10-9 win.

Cassidy Smithson led the way for San Clemente (6-2) with four goals and three assists.

SC Alums in College Bowl Games COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

S

San Clemente High School grad and current Stanford offensive lineman Kyle Murphy (78) played Maryland in the Foster Farms Bowl on Dec. 30. Photo: Courtesy Stanford Athletics

San Clemente Times January 1–7, 2015

even former San Clemente High School football players have appeared in or will appear in college football bowl games this season.

Here is a re-cap of the games featuring former Tritons players that have already taken place.

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: San Clemente native Travis Wilson led Utah to a dominant 45-10 win over Colorado State on Dec. 20. Wilson, the Utes quarterback, was spectacular, rushing for 91 yards and three touchdowns and passing for 158 yards and one more in the rout.

National University Holiday Bowl: This

The Tritons entered the week ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division 2 polls and were set to host Los Alamitos on Dec. 30.

Results were not available at press time.

Tritons Hoops Relying on Defense for Success

The San Clemente boys basketball team has been getting the job done throughout the nonleague schedule behind a stingy defensive effort.

The Tritons have held opponents to 50 or fewer points in six of their 13 games this season and, according to head coach Marc Popovich, have been holding opponents to a sub-40 shooting percentage from the field.

After knocking off West, University and Tustin, respectively, in the Irvine World News Tournament earlier this month, the Tritons found themselves in the

bowl game featured a wild finish, as USC held on for a narrow 45-42 victory over Nebraska at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Dec. 27. Former San Clemente High School players Christian Tober and Christian Bailey suited up for USC and Nebraska, respectively.

Foster Farms Bowl: Former Tritons Austin Tubbs and Kyle Murphy and Stanford took the short trip to Santa Clara on Dec. 30 to face Maryland in the Foster Farms Bowl. Results were not available at press time. Tubbs, a long snapper, would be on the sidelines for his fourth bowl game with the Cardinal.

Murphy, a 2014 All-Pac-12 second team selection, was set to appear at offensive tackle.

Vizio Fiesta Bowl: Boise State University senior receiver Terrell Johnson and freshman kicker Blake Gonzalez and the Broncos were scheduled to face Arizona in the Vizio Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. The game will be televised live on ESPN at 1 p.m. SC

Page 26

tournament championship game against Esperanza on Dec. 20 and lost, 60-57. The Tritons had four players score in double digits in the title game, but had no answer for Esperanza’s Jarrett Brodbeck, who dropped a game-high 36 points in the win.

The Tritons held opponents to an average of 50.5 points per game during the tournament run, flashing potential of what Popovich believes could become a trend throughout the season.

“Our biggest thing is playing defense … That’s where we’ve hung our hat on,” Popovich said. “We’ve done a good job on the boards, keeping guys in front of us (on defense) and making guys take tough shots.”

San Clemente (7-6) traveled to Arizona to compete in the Cactus Jam Hoops Classic this week. They opened the tournament with a 76-60 win over Thunderbird of Phoenix, lost to Xaverian of Brooklyn, then defeated Archbishop Spalding on Dec. 29.

They were set to finish the tournament with a game against Ambridge on Dec. 30.

Results were not available at press time.

Girls Basketball Reaches Semis of Larry Doyle Championship The San Clemente girls basketball team could not overcome a 22-point halftime deficit in the semifinal game of the Larry Doyle O.C. Championships on Dec. 29, ultimately falling to Clovis 69-52.

The Tritons (6-5) were set to play in the tournament’s third-place game against Edison on Dec. 30. Results were not available at press time.

Jenna Rodriguez’s 19 points and 14 rebounds led the way for San Clemente in the loss.

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SOFTBALL TEAM TO HOST FITNESS EVENT The San Clemente High School softball program is holding their inaugural Commit to be Fit healthy and active lifestyle fair on campus Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 15 local fitness and lifestyle businesses will be on hand. Several businesses will also be conducting free workout classes for interested fair attendees. Cost for admittance is free.

YOUTH FOOTBALL The San Clemente High School football program is conducting a strength training workout program for interested junior high school athletes. The program will focus on movements that are the basis for strength training, which can be applied to all sports. The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday from Jan. 8 to Jan. 29. Cost is $75. For more information, visit www.tritonfootball.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

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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.

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

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

HARP LESSONS & RENTALS

Wendy-Harpist

949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com

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

Lic.: 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

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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

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

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

Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.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

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

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

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer.

Folds up for easy storage.

Great workout at home. $175.

949.533.9761

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.

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 BED FRAME Metal bed frame.

Adjustable for all sizes. $35/obo.

New condition. 949.533.9761

GARAGE SALE CAPISTRANO BEACH Massage table, coffee table, household, make-up. Corner of Calle Juanita & Carmelita. 7am to 10am. Sat. Jan. 3rd.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Clemente High School teacher and coach Marc Popovich, right, with Sports Jeopardy! host Dan Patrick.

Photo: Courtesy

Popovich Wins Big on Sports Jeopardy!

Local high school coach Marc Popovich displays sports knowledge on game show

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n Dec. 24, San Clemente High School teacher and head basketball coach Marc Popovich flexed his sports knowledge on the new online game show Sports Jeopardy!. On the Dec. 24 edition of the show, Popovich bested two other competitors to take home the $5,000 first-place prize.

Popovich’s 21,050 points collected during the show is currently the third-highest total of all competitors. If he remains in the top-3 throughout the season, Popovich could play for the season ending $50,000 grand prize.

Popovich’s match came down to Final Jeopardy!, with one contestant within striking distance of him. Luckily for the

basketball coach, the clue for the final question was “NBA Records.” Popovich wagered the right amount and answered the question correctly to earn the win.

Although he doesn’t think his point total will hold up over the course of the show’s season, Popovich said he enjoyed the process, even if it means having to hear from a few armchair quarterbacks who would have used a different strategy.

“I’ve had some friends come out of the woodwork and say, ‘Why didn’t you wager more on the daily double and wager it all in final jeopardy, you could be in the lead’, but I just say, ‘Hey I won, leave me alone,” Popovich joked. “It was great. It was a really cool experience.” SC

Darnold to Play in Army All-American Bowl “Sam and all of the 2015 U.S. Army Allan Clemente High School senior American Bowl players were selected not quarterback Sam Darnold will line only for their ability on the football field, up alongside the nation’s best prep but also because they demonstrate mental, football players in the U.S. Army emotional and physical toughness All-American Bowl on Jan. 3.

- similar strengths to those of Darnold is among 90 players our Army Soldiers,” said Mark S. selected to compete in the highDavis, deputy assistant secretary profile showcase event in San of the Army for marketing, in a Antonio, Texas, that features an press release. “We are pleased to East vs. West exhibition game. welcome these talented athletes The game will be played in to this year’s showcase of athletithe famous Alamodome and tele- Sam Darnold. cism, teamwork and excellence Photo: Courtesy All vised live on NBC at 10 a.m. and we congratulate each of them American Games Darnold is the second Tritons on their selection.” football player to be selected for the game, Darnold had an historic year for the following former San Clemente standout Tritons, passing for 2,985 yards and 39 offensive lineman Kyle Murphy, a 2011 touchdowns while rushing for 785 yards selection. and 13 scores. SC

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

GROM OF THE WEEK

COLE LAMBERT

RESULTS NSSA Open Event No. 6, Dec. 20-21, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Seaside Reef MEN: 1. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; 2. Nick Marshall, Encinitas. JUNIORS: 1. Liam Gloyd, Carlsbad; 2. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente; 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente; 4. Nick Marshall, Encinitas. BOYS: 1. Riaru Ito, Japan; 2. Taro Watanabe, Malibu; 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 4. Santiago Hart, Santa Cruz. MINI GROMS: 1.

Brayden Burch, San Clemente; 2. Callahan Corn, Del Mar; 3. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff; 4. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 2.

Frankie Seeley, Malibu; 3. Sara Kohrogi, Hermosa Beach; 4. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente. GIRLS: 1. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 3.

Peyton Slater, Carlsbad; 4. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente.

PERFORMERS OF THE EVENT: Nick Marshall, Liam Gloyd, Brayden Burch.

Cole Lambert. Photo: Courtesy

C

Bryce and Kirra Pinkerton were stoked to be surfing the central coast but bummed that their session was cut short by a shark attack Sunday at Montaña de Oro State Park. Photo: Ashley Pinkerton

SURF SCENE

Shark Attack Stalls Surf Session, Bite Victim Doing Well

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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an Clemente-based surfer Kirra Pinkerton (right) posted this photo of her and brother Bryce to Instagram Monday, upon returning from a family surf trip to the central coast. The photo appeared with the following quote: “Super fun time up north!!! Nice family hikes and really fun surf!!! Bummed there was a shark attack when I was in the water so I had to get out.”

Just like that. No drama. She’s just bummed the men in gray suits cut into her surf session. You definitely have to love the groms and their infectious, steadfast stoke.

We caught up with Kirra and Bryce’s dad Jim to find out more. He said the family was surfing at Montaña de Oro State Park about a mile away from where a surfer was bitten by a juvenile great white at Sand Spit on Sunday.

“We could see that something was going San Clemente Times January 1-7, 2015

on down the beach,” Jim said. “There were sirens and a commotion. Then a lifeguard boat showed up near where we were surfing, warned everyone about the shark and advised us to get out of the water.”

The Pinkertons, not quite ready to end their surf trip, headed a bit farther north to catch a few more waves in Cayucos and San Simeon before heading home on Monday.

The surfer who had the run in with the shark, Kevin Swanson, 50, of Morro Bay, was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries to his leg which were not lifethreatening and was released on Monday morning. When asked Monday night how he is doing, Swanson said, “Better and home. Looking for a full recovery.”

The Pinkertons, along with the global surf community—as evidenced by the outpouring of concern on social media— are relieved to hear Swanson is going to be OK. SC Page 30

ole Lambert, 14, has been a member of the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team for two of the three years he’s been surfing. He first tried it when his dad bought him a longboard for Christmas and taught him the basics. Cole was then on his own and began learning at Doheny Beach.

He soon found himself competing on both longboards and shortboards in Scholastic Surf Series events. He made his first final of the season at Church Beach in October.

Cole is looking forward to high school and considering trying out for the San Clemente High golf team.

Besides surfing and golf, Cole also enjoys fishing.

When he grows up, he’d like to be either a professional fisherman or a building contractor.

At school, the bright eighth-grader earns ‘A’s and ‘B’s and has his sights set on going to college.

Cole regards surfing as more of a hobby—something he will probably not continue to do competitively after middle school.

“I enjoy contributing to the team, but I really like surfing because it’s an independent sport,” Cole said. “I’m not all about contest surfing. When I surf I do get pretty competitive, but overall I’m not a very competitive person.”

The team helps push him to progress in the sport and he appreciates the good advice he gets from teammates and coaches. And although the BAMS surf team will likely be the end of contests for him, surfing is something he definitely wants to do for as long as he can.

“I feel really comfortable when I’m next to the wave and in the action. It makes me feel excited and energized and I like hanging out in the ocean,” Cole said. “I am looking forward to traveling around the world someday, surfing new breaks and meeting new people along the way.”—Andrea Swayne

Scholastic Surf Series, Orange County Middle School Divisions 1 and 2, Dec. 20, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty TEAM DIVISION 1: 1. Shorecliffs, 266; 2. Thurston, 200; 3. Niguel Hills, 103; 4. Bernice Ayer , 92.5; 5. Vista Del Mar, 85; 6. Marco Forster, 84; 7. Don Juan Avila, 28.5.

BOYS: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Nolan Rodgers, Thurston; 3. Kiko Nelson, Thurston; 4. Trey Lockhart, Thurston; 5. Ryan Martin, Shorecliffs; 6. Travis Booth, Thurston. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Ethan Mudge, Shorecliffs; 2. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 3. Ben Kappes, Niguel Hills; 4. Bryce Mattox, Niguel Hills; 5. Caleb Robertson, Vista Del Mar; 6. Barrett Miller, Shorecliffs. GIRLS: 1.

Samantha Sibley, Shorecliffs; 2. Kayla Coscino, Thurston; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, Shorecliffs; 4. Claire Kelly, Thurston; 5. Kelly Smith, Thurston; 6. Rachel Hall, Marco Forster.

GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Alexis Morgan, Shorecliffs; 2. Liv Stokes, Thurston; 3. Alexa Ross, Vista Del Mar; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, Shorecliffs; 5. Rachel Hall, Marco Forster; 6.

Lola Fisher, Thurston. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Anthony Smetona, Shorecliffs; 2. Olaf, Trevilla, Bernice Ayer; 3.

Hayden Stein, Niguel Hills; 4. Liam Gillon, Marco Forster; 5. Cole Fink, Thurston; 6. Nolan Tobias, Shorecliffs.

TEAM DIVISION 2: 1. Shorecliffs, 115; 2. Thurston, 100; 3.

Bernice Ayer, 51; 4. Marco Forster, 47; 5. Dana Point, 25; 6. Don Juan Avila, 6. BOYS: 1. Van Allen, Thurston; 2. Tyson Lockhart, Thurston; 3. Diesel Rathgeber, Shorecliffs; 4. Noah Brown, Shorecliffs; 5. Elijah Tomlinson, Shorecliffs; 6. Gavin Wilchek, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Dylan Clemens, Shorecliffs; 2. Evan Hikawa, Shorecliffs; 3. Hunter Stovesand, Dana Point; 4. Gaal Shonfeld, Thurston; 5. Ian Riley, Marco Forster; 6. Dillon Langer, Bernice Ayer. GIRLS: 1. Destiny Thompson, Thurston; 2. Grace Fink, Thurston; 3. Lauren O’Neill, Shorecliffs; 4. Grace Winter, Bernice Ayer; 5. Hana Castimanes, Shorecliffs; 6. Elyse Hall, Marco Forster. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Cici Stewart, Thurston; 2. Lauren O’Neill, Shorecliffs; 3. Shannon Sim, Marco Forster; 4. Morgan Mokler, Bernice Ayer; 5. Grace Fermelia, Dana Point.

GoPro Women’s World Longboard Championship, Dec. 5-12, Wanning, Hainan Island, China Local finishers only. Placings in this event also represents the surfers’ world ranking. =3. Lindsay Steinriede, Dana Point; =9. Karina Rozunko, San Clemente; =13. Tory Gilkerson, San Clemente; =25. Anneke Barrie, San Clemente; =25. Rachael Tilly, Capistrano Beach.

UPCOMING EVENTS 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

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