April 30, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

April 30-May 6, 2015 YO U

C A N

U S E

Grom of the Week: Noah Brown PAGE 26 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 18

Shhhhh

After years of work, San Clemente receives train horn quiet zone waiver EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

From left: Local activists Kenny Nielsen, Bill Hunt, Bob Joseph, John Dorey and Kathryn Stovall Dennis stand near the Calafia Beach pedestrian crossing in support of quiet zones. Calafia, along with the city’s other pedestrian crossings, may soon be quiet zones, where train horns would no longer be required to sound. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Parents Protest CUSD Schedule Changes EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Family Looking for Help Remembering Grant Davies SC LIVING/PAGE 16

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San Clemente Woman Safe After Nepal Earthquake EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Assembly Committee Sends Hospital Bill to Study Committee THE LATEST: The State Assembly Health Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to send a bill that would allow MemorialCare to keep an emergency room at its San Clemente hospital campus—if it transforms the hospital from its current setup to an advanced urgent care facility—to a study committee, which would potentially put off relief for the hospital until Jan. 1, 2017.

Assemblyman Bill Brough of Dana Point is offering the bill, which only exempts San Clemente’s hospital, rather than creating a statewide precedent.

The bill is being opposed by the California Nurses Association, the Service Employees International Union and other groups, who said during the hearing that a freestanding emergency room would not provide the level of service necessary to justify keeping an emergency room designation.

Councilman Bob Baker, who appeared in support of the bill, said he was happy to see bipartisan interest in the bill. Assembly members of both parties expressed mixed feeling about the bill during the hearing, with some worrying about potentially setting precedent, while others wished to examine it on a more regional basis as an issue that also affects other hospitals in Southern California.

WHAT’S NEXT: The State Senate Health Committee was scheduled to review the Senate version of the bill, presented by Patricia Bates, Wednesday, after press time.

Hospital administrator Tony Struthers declined to comment about how the move would affect the hospital’s continued feasibility study until after the Senate hearing.

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

CUSD Board Hears Scheduling Concerns THE LATEST: Parents upset by academic schedules placing the start of school before Labor Day made their case to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Wednesday.

The 2015-2016 school year will begin San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

Aug. 25 and was approved in 2014. In March, the board approved starting the 2016-17 school year on Aug. 15.

District staff said the changes were made to try and bring the district closer in line to academic schedules in other areas of the county—as well as Saddleback College—and to allow for more uninterrupted instruction time. The fall semester would also finish before winter break under the proposal. Summer would be shortened the first two years of this schedule to nine weeks, with a 10-week summer restored following a “transition period.”

Many parents protested that the changes would not allow for adequate family time during the summer for students, due to the area’s “June gloom” weather and July tourist season, leaving August as the best time for families to vacation together.

They also noted that many buildings in the district lack air conditioning and August is often the hottest month in the area.

Parents also said they would consider not changing vacation plans and holding their students out of school during August.

Councilman Tim Brown, speaking as a citizen, said he felt the change was a “solution in search of a problem.” Tom Barnes, a former teacher and author of an AP history test preparation guide, said the notion that AP students could not prepare for tests in less time was incorrect.

The completion of Avenida La Pata, shown here at its groundbreaking last year, will likely mean changes for Talega students attending high school. Capistrano Unified School District officials will be studying ways the completion of the road, slated for 2016, will affect whether students attend San Clemente High School, as the vast majority currently do, or go to San Juan Hills High School. Photo Jim Shilander

the school. Staff said a survey would likely be taken of parents of Talega’s Kindergarten through eighth-grade students to help determine how many would like to attend SJHHS. WHAT’S NEXT: District staff will present a financial overview of potential facilities projects at the board’s May 13 meeting. – JS

WHAT’S NEXT: The board took no action, but indicated a willingness to open up future scheduling committee meetings to the public and to communicate changes more effectively.—JS

San Clemente Woman Safe after Nepal Earthquake

CUSD Board to Examine Facilities Issues THE LATEST: San Juan Hills High School may soon be facing a major attendance crunch, Capistrano Unified School District Trustee Jim Reardon of San Juan Capistrano warned Wednesday, and the district needs to be prepared to make “some difficult choices” about the future of the school.

After a presentation by district staff about district facilities needs and potential solutions for high school capacity—noting that San Juan Hills may see an increasing number of students coming from Talega following the completion of La Pata Avenue, from Ladera Ranch as well as some from Rancho Mission Viejo (along with Tesoro)—Reardon said the current financial climate for the district and state would “make it difficult” to pay for additions to the school. Currently, more than 90 percent of Talega high school students attend San Clemente High School, but Talega residents at the meeting told the board many would prefer going to SJHHS following the completion of the road, since Talega Mello-Roos taxes went to pay for

THE LATEST: Krystal Grothe, a San Clemente native and Peace Corps volunteer, is safe following Saturday’s earthquake in Nepal, where she is stationed, her father, San Clemente High School teacher Duncan Wilson, confirmed Tuesday.

Grothe, who was stationed in Nepal 20 months ago, was in Katmandu, the capital, when an earthquake, registering 7.8 on the Richter scale, struck the city.

“She was staying in one of the older hotels when it hit,” Wilson said. “She said it knocked her to the ground, she got a few bruises. The only thing they could think of was to get into a doorframe and ride it out.” Grothe told Wilson that the number of aftershocks that followed made it seem like the ground shook for “10 to 12 minutes” before things stopped.

Wilson said he and his wife visited Grothe just two weeks ago.

“We stayed in Katmandu and traveled to Bhaktapur, the ancient capital of Nepal, with Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 11th century and as we walked through the streets, I remember looking up and saying, I sure hope there’s not an earthquake here,” Wilson said.

Page 3

WHAT’S NEXT: Grothe got word to her family through an app that she is safe, though they did not receive the message until hours after the quake had hit. They heard from her again about 12 hours later, after she had made her way to the American embassy. She is currently staying there, as are other Peace Corps volunteers, who are helping to man the telephones at the embassy from Americans calling to check on relatives.

“She’s still trying to help out, handing out food in tents and tarps to people,” Wilson said. “I think the reality of what happened is sinking in. She’s very concerned about her first host family. She’s waiting to hear from them and she’s heard bad things coming out from that area.” – JS

El Camino Real Story Poles Set for Mixed Use Project THE LATEST: The story poles set up in the vacant lot near the El Camino Real Interstate 5 off-ramp has drawn many questions. The poles are for a proposed mixed-use development with about 4,400 square feet of commercial space, associate planner Adam Atamian said. The project would include seven residential units, housed in the rear of the building.

WHAT’S NEXT: Atamian said while story poles are in place, they may not reflect the true height of the building, since the project calls for subterranean parking, but that cannot be reflected in the story poles.

The project will go before the Planning Commission May 6, but will ultimately be decided by the City Council. – JS www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Finally, Quiet After years of work, Federal Rail Administration OKs quiet zones along Beach Trail

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

J

ohn Dorey recalls that when the Beach Trail opened, he said the work was not yet complete.

“The noise level that we created in putting in the trail was unacceptable,” Dorey said. “So in 2008, when I spoke at the trail opening, I said ‘That was phase one, now phase two is the quiet zone.’”

It took seven years, but that work finally seems to have borne fruit.

On April 21, the city was informed by the Federal Rail Administration, which oversees all of the country’s railroad lines, that the city’s waiver to allow for a train quiet zone at all of the city’s pedestrian crossings had been granted, with conditions. Those conditions include the construction of approximately 2,300 linear feet of fencing from the stop near T Street all the way to the Calafia State Beach parking lot, the current terminus of the trail, as well as the continuing implementation of audible warning systems at those crossings. Upon receipt of the letter, City Council approved funds for the planning phase of that project.

Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut has been focused on the project for the last 18 months or so.

“We were cautiously optimistic we’d get some sort of favorable decision,” Bonigut said. “But the bottom line is you never really know. There were indications in conversations with FRA staff that they may grant some sort of relief, but we weren’t sure what type of relief that would be, so it was a nice surprise.”

Councilwoman Lori Donchak, who has served on a committee that lobbied for the quiet zones in both Washington and Sacramento, called the receipt of the letter “a great day for San Clemente.”

The fencing that’s being requested would eliminate a number of traditional “goat path” crossings made by beachgoers. Such crossings, which are considered to be trespassing, have been a sore spot for the railroad and were a requirement requested by the California Public Utilities Commission.

“Safety has always been front and center on this project, Donchak said. “One of the things, when we were talking to OCTA and the other stakeholders, was that by having fencing on the beach trail, we were eliminating trespassing on the rails. But this is a good thing, something we may have done regardless.”

Before the city received indications that a waiver application could be successful through the use of the audible warning system, there were other options consid-

San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

Residents have been pushing for train quiet zones since 2008, when the Beach Trail was completed. Photo: Allison Jarrell

keep track of trespassing on the tracks, as well as other incidents “and,Theondecision-makers rare occasions, fatalities. Our performance as a city is going to be watched very carefully, but if we keep performing at the high level we are now, getting the extension should not be a problem. — Lori Donchak

”

ered, Donchak said, including moving pedestrian crossings underground, which was considered cost prohibitive, as well as trying to change federal rules and partnering with Oceanside.

“To finally have this solution come through is very good,” Donchak said.

“OCTA really was the lead in this project. It’s an 88 percent-12 percent (financial) split, so they’ve really been the funding mechanism and they’ve been the lead agent legally. It’s gratifying to see a county organization help a local municipality in such a way.”

Donchak, who serves as vice chair of the OCTA board, said with plans to extend the trail to San Clemente State Park in the early stages, residents would be wise to remember that incidents of trespassing are being counted.

“The decision-makers keep track of trespassing on the tracks, as well as other incidents and, on rare occasions, fatalities,” Donchak said. “Our performance as a city is going to be watched very carefully, but if we keep performing at the high level we are now, getting the extension should not be a problem.”

Quiet zones have already been in place in two San Clemente locations, at North Beach and the nearby entrance to the Capistrano Shores community, as well as more than 50 other locations across the county, since 2011. Since that point, the city has undertaken efforts to expand the numbers in San Clemente, through both the pursuit

of the waiver as well as the installation of audible warning systems, which will remain in place, at the city’s crossings. The warning systems have noise guidelines themselves, between 80 and 110 decibels measured 20 feet from the crossing, which include the deployment of rail arms.

Dorey recalled that the FRA could have provided the waiver seven years ago, but due to the wording of federal quiet zones, the city’s pedestrian crossings did not qualify initially. The process was then given over to the state, but it lacked jurisdiction to approve it, Dorey said.

“Round and round we went with the FRA, and I think, eventually they realized ‘We’re the only ones who can solve this,’” Dorey said. “The only way we could get the quiet zone was to get the waiver, and they helped us with that. It just took time.

And there are a lot of people in the city who took this to heart.”

This is no small matter, Dorey said. Currently, engineers blow horns at each pedestrian crossing four times. The city receives approximately 50 trains going through per day, 200 soundings at each crossing per day. Multiply that by six (crossings), that’s 1,200 soundings eliminated per day.

In the section of the trail that will need to be fenced, there will remain one at-grade pedestrian crossing, at Lasuen, along with two crossings at Riviera by use of a drainage channel and an existing trestle, as well as T Street and Calafia.

Page 4

Bonigut said he hopes to have construction documents ready to bid by June, though the city will also be required to receive a coastal development permit.

“Hopefully, they’ll see we have a track record with the beach trail, and that will help,” Bonigut said.

OCTA is backing the proposal, Bonigut said, and as he owners of the railroad rightof-way, that could make the process easier.

“We’ll be inter-coordinating the proposed designs, but that will largely be a matter of details,” Bonigut said.

Most of the required fencing will be similar to what is already in place elsewhere on the trail, with concrete posts designed to look like wood with cables. A few short segments will be required to have different types of fencing, Bonigut said. The letter also encourages the city to continue to work with railroad agencies, including Amtrak, Metrolink and BNSF Railway.

There’s also the issue of continued access to the beach. Mayor Chris Hamm noted some concern over the accessibility of the beaches without the use of the goat paths.

And don’t expect to never hear a train horn again. Even with quiet zones in place, the decision to blow a horn is still left to the discretion of the train’s engineer, who might blow the horn to warn off a person or animal from the track, or simply because they may feel pedestrians nearby may not be paying attention or due to low visibility. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

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, April 27 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Marquita, 200 Block (1:09 p.m.) A woman returned to her beach house to find the front door wide open. She had not been inside and was not sure if anyone was.

STOLEN VEHICLE Avenida Del Mar, 100 Block (9:53 a.m.) A man let another man he did not know borrow his black 2003 Honda Civic. After 45 minutes, the man with the car had still not returned.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Espada, 2100 Block (12:41 a.m.) After getting in an argument with her drunken brother, a woman was kicked out of the apartment. She flagged down a person at the gym who called to inform police of the situation.

Sunday, April 26 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Escalones, 100 Block (7:02 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a short, thin man in his 20s who was seen entering a burned-out, vacant business.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 2300 Block (6:09 p.m.) A bus full of Dodger fans who’d been attending a game pulled into the driveway of a complex. Those inside then left the vehicle and began urinating around the business.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (12:29 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a man near a small restaurant that had his pants down, exposing his genitals.

CITIZEN ASSIST Mariposa, 100 Block (9:07 a.m.) A man told police he didn’t like his neighbor’s lemons being in his yard.

Saturday, April 25 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Mariposa, 200 Block (9:40 p.m.) A woman believed she heard two gunshots north of her location.

PETTY THEFT Avenida Pico, 900 Block (7:10 p.m.) A juvenile took alcohol and did not have any form of identification.

A group of 30 people from San Clemente spent spring break in { I N S AN CL EMENTE } San Felipe, Baja California. Days and nights were filled with great weather, warm water, kayaking, fishing, SUP, beachcombing, bocce ball, dirt bike riding, bonfires, fireworks and lots of relaxing. On the trip from San Clemente were the Zines, Graff, Foreman, Malagon, Mulligan, Pasquale, Klarenbach and Simmons families.

SCENE

Photo: Owen Russell, freshman at SCHS

San Clemente Times April 30–May 6, 2015

Page 6

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (6:32 p.m.) Two subjects were seen throwing rocks at a southbound train.

One of the two was wearing a red hoodie.

DISTURBANCE Calle Angelitos, 0 Block (3:03 p.m.) A man told police a woman was trying to attack him and steal a car.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Tulipan, 1500 Block (2:45 p.m.) Multiple subjects had been seen doing donuts in the street at night.

DISTURBANCE Calle Amistad, 0 Block (2:19 p.m.) Two men and one woman were shooting at birds with what looked like a BB gun and a compressed gas handgun.

DISTURBANCE Calle Del Cerro/Avenida Vista Montana (10:54 a.m.) Four male juveniles were throwing large rocks into traffic.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Talega/Camino Tierra Grande (9:52 a.m.) A large group of skateboarders was going towards the water tower with barbeques and tents, urinating in the bushes.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Presidente, 2600 Block (8:40 a.m.) A woman—who was an employee of the hotel—informed police of a man in his late 40s who had been in an argument with the front desk personnel. The man believed the hotel had stolen his money.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Gomero, 900 Block (4:09 a.m.) A man told police someone rang his doorbell and then ran away. The call history showed the man had reported a similar incident the night before.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (2:17 a.m.) Seven or eight Marines in the parking lot of Duke’s were trying to start fights with patrons leaving the business.

Friday, April 24 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Serra, 200 Block (9:23 p.m.) A woman said she heard a loud “boom” coming from her street. After hearing the boom, dogs all along the street began barking.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 2300 Block (8:04 p.m.) Police were contacted by a woman who believed a man stole her scissors. She did not request prosecution or a report to be filed for the situation.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Frontera 200 Block (3:07 p.m.) Police searched for a man dressed in all blue, carrying bags over his shoulder, who had been seen walking around a woman’s backyard and running across the street.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Avenida Sierra/La Placentia (12:36 p.m.) A woman could be heard screaming, “Help me.”

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

City Looking for Commission Candidates The City of San Clemente is accepting applications to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission, Golf Course Committee, Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission, Human Affairs Committee, Coastal Advisory Committee, Investment Advisory Committee and city at-large representative to the Friends of the Reserve Commission. All positions are for two-year terms, with the exception of the position of the at-large representative to the Friends of the Reserve Commission, which is for a three-year term. City residency is required for all positions. To learn more about these service opportunities and to obtain an application, visit the city’s homepage at www.sanclemente.org, by calling 949.361.8200, or by sending an email to ojedal@san-clemente. org. Applications must be submitted in time for it to be received (via mail or personal delivery) in the city clerk’s office by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21. The address is: City Clerk, City of San Clemente, 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, CA 92672.

The City Council will conduct interviews and make appointments at its meetings Thursday, June 11, and Thursday,

June 18. Applicants will be notified relative to the date, time and location of their interview. For further information, call the city clerk’s office at 949.361.8200.

Herman Sillas’ ‘View From the Pier’ a Finalist for Book Awards San Clemente Times columnist Herman Sillas’ book, View From The Pier—Stories from San Clemente is a finalist in the prestigious International Latino Book Awards to be given on June 27 in San Francisco at the American Library Association’s Annual Convention. The awards are the largest Latino cultural awards in the country with participants from the U.S. and other nations. The awards will be presented by Latino Literacy Now in partnership with Las Comadres Para Las Americas and REFORMA, an affiliate of the American Library Association. More than 1,900 authors’ works were reviewed and judged.

Sillas’ book is a finalist in four categories, Best Gift Book, Best Arts Book, Best Cover Illustration and Best First Book.

SC Choral Society Concert Saturday The San Clemente Choral Society will host its “Movie Melodies” concert

Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea, 2001 Calle Frontera.

Choirs from San Clemente High School will also perform. For information, call 949.272.8435 or ticketsales@sccs-arts.org or visit www.sccs-arts.org.

Grad Night Needs Donors Grad Night is a fun event for San Clemente High School graduates each year with the ultimate goal of providing a safe and sober graduation night celebration. Volunteers take pride in the fact that SCHS is one of the very few schools that still hold this event on campus. When surveying the students of where they would like Grad Night to be held, on campus or at some other location, the response is overwhelming “on campus.”

Taylor and Brandon Rambo, both graduates of San Clemente High, 2005 and 2007 respectively, and past attendees of Grad Night are founders of local business Riviera Paddlesurf. They have donated a stand-up paddle board and paddle to Grad Night for a raffle.

If you would like to donate to SCHS Grad Night please contact Paula Stewart at 949.370.7047 or send an email to scgradnight2015@gmail.com.

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

Community Meetings TUESDAY, MAY 5

City Council Meeting

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

Toastmasters

7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Practice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. 3316 Avenida del Presidente, 949.361.8463, http://6463. toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

Kiwanis Meeting

Noon. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Tommy’s. 1409 S El Camino Real, 949.498.7000, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

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

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths By Jim Kempton

May Day is Lei Day On May Day everyone from Romans to Russians have a tradition to make merry. Even Hawaiians get in on the act

T

he first of May could be a holiday suffering from multiple personality disorder. First, there is International Workers Day. While Russia and China commemorate the proletariat, the rest of the northern hemisphere revels in flower festivities. As days of observance go, these two holidays couldn’t be more contradictory; one identity dedicated to struggle and strife, the other embracing all things frivolous and frolicsome.

Workers’ day is a relative newcomer to the party in any case; May 1 has been celebrated as a pagan festival since preChristian times. Romans honored the goddess of flowers, Flora, the Celts threw the festival of Beltane and the Germanic

GUEST OPINION: View from Vengeance by Lt. Col. Edward “Peanut” Powers, HMLA-469 “Vengeance” Commanding Officer

Cobra Gold Adopted helicopter unit participates in international training effort

T

o the City of San Clemente, I am excited to forward you the next chapter in the HMLA-469 deployment saga. We are happy to share our accomplishments with you, for your support is fundamental to all our efforts here in Asia.

Vengeance was called upon to participate in Cobra Gold 2015 in February, which is a multinational, joint exercise in Thailand. Throughout the two weeks of the exercise, Vengeance set the standard for the aviation forces, flying nearly 200 sorties and delivering more than 3,000 pounds of ordnance on target. Our pilots were supporting 1st Battalion 1st Marines

San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

Kingdoms celebrated the festival of Walpurgis Night. In Ireland the patron saint of workers was St. Joseph, whose feast was May 1. It’s a public holiday in Finland, France and Sweden. It’s called Spring Day in Estonia, Drunkards Day in Romania and Snake’s Day in Bulgaria (I haven’t got the room to explain that one).

Even the Polynesians get in on the fun.

In a region where flowers bloom supreme, Hawaiians know a good time when they see one. Lei day was established as an Island holiday in 1929.

Each island has a different type of lei that is used for the celebration and for its people to wear.

Marking the beginning of spring, May Day has long been celebrated as WAVELENGTHS a day of fertility — which

By Jim Kempton means that early incarnations of the holiday involved all kinds of raucous debauchery. Along with the frisky antics, some other ritual activities were born as well. Try them out; they are part of an ancient tradition and great fun with the kids: Light a bonfire like the Germans (not in the middle of the local parking lot of course). Have a party and add a Maypole in your own backyard. Go dancing like the Scots (but not while driving). Make a traditional May Punch with the strawberries (which are in season now) and alcohol if the party is adult (I advise those who are

drinking the alcohol not to light the bonfires. Or dance near it for that matter).

Regrettably, May Day activities in the USA have faded over the last century. I, for one, would vote to revive this timeless tradition of merriment and mirth. It’s not just great fun—like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s, Halloween, Grad Night and Oktoberfest, it’s another holiday opportunity to stimulate the economy. (And continue the grand American tradition of commercializing any and all holidays.)

By the way, since I know all of you are wondering, the international distress signal “mayday” has nothing to do with the first of May. It derives from the French venez m’aider (pronounced mayday) meaning “call the Americans, the Germans are coming!” No, no, I’m kidding. In French it translates to “come help me.”

And after lighting bonfires, crowning May Queens, feasting, delivering clandestine flower bouquets, dancing wildly and drinking punch all day, it might just be an appropriate term.

Jim Kempton is a San Clemente resident and May Day fan who has lit bonfires, danced around the Maypole and worn a lei while drinking lots of punch. SC

from Camp Pendleton as well as Royal Thai Marines on the ground. This unique training environment also provided us with the opportunity to conduct training missions with the U.S. Navy SEALs, inserting those forces into various environments via a variety of means with our Huey gunships. The exercise culminated in a successful final event which integrated all the elements involved, including seven different aircraft types, artillery, infantry and mechanized units from several nations.

While Cobra Gold was an opportunity for America to demonstrate diplomacy through its military strength, Vengeance also embraced the opportunity to spread good will. Several of our Marines participated in community relations events that enabled them to assist and interact with local children at both an orphanage and a school. The Marines donated sporting equipment, demonstrated the utility of our MRE field rations and even sang the Marines’ Hymn to the children.

Back at Futenma, our Marines who did not travel to Cobra Gold were working tirelessly on crucial maintenance issues to prepare for our next movement, the Korea Military Exchange Program (KMEP).

Their efforts allowed us to remain ready for not only the quick turn-around

between exercises but also the more important task of being prepared to respond when the nation calls.

The exercise in South Korea is another example of joint cooperation with our close allies, strengthening the bond between the South Koreans and our Marines while conducting quality training.

Our Marines afloat on the 31st MEU are also slated to participate from off shore. It will be an abrupt departure from Thailand in terms of climate; instead of the balmy tropic feel of Southeast Asia, the Korean peninsula is expected to have overnight lows below freezing.

Our Marines are more than up for the challenge to prove they can perform in any environment. This training allows us to remain sharp and deployable worldwide.

The continued support of the people of San Clemente, in the form of their outward support and inward prayers, is felt and appreciated by every Marine. Thank you so much.

Semper Fidelis!

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.

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Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Kevin Dahlgren, Evan Da Silva, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent, Kristin Lee Jensen

Go See Do illustrations by Freepik.com San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 18. 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.

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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.

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SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor

GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

Fitness Facility: Build It and They Will Come

T

here is an age old saying in the real estate development industry that says “Build it and they will come.”

This springs from the economic theory of supply and demand that recognizes the need or requirement for certain infrastructure among the population, and that it is not necessary to “sell” the activity to make it successful. Some evidence of this in San Clemente are the various shopping centers and large stores built over the past 15 years which are so successful in support of our citizens.

Just over a year ago I wrote a “Lew’s Views” on the value of personal physical fitness, coining the phrase “Get UGO,” or “Get up, Get going, Get out.” Shortly thereafter, and exactly a year ago in April 2014, a new state-of-the-art 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport facility opened at the corner of Pico and La Pata. I wrote about this facility and how it would support physical fitness in San Clemente and the many segments of the population who would use it. It was described as among the finest facilities in all of Orange County.

This facility joyfully celebrated its one year anniversary this past Saturday.

Well, It was built and they have come. I have used it at least six days a week for the entire year, and it has probably exceeded all expectations of the owners and users.

This article is not intended to sell the facility as a business or on behalf of the owners, but rather to describe the dynamic of how it has contributed to the fitness and wellbeing of the people of San Clemente.

I was informed that there are some 45,000 “check ins” per month. This number fluctuates by day and time of day, but averages to about 1,500 users per day over a 24-hour period every day of the month.

Included in this number are those working on their own as well as those attending any number of 66 group classes per week spread over seven days and covering some eight types of routines. I have observed many of these classes and they range from 20 to 60 participants in a class depending upon the class and time of day. I have also

visited the facility at night on several occasions. At 9:30 p.m. there have been some 150 folks there working out on their own.

One of the noticeable and unique facets of the programs are those designed and used by our senior citizens. They are remarkable. There are three “Silver Sneakers” sessions per week. These are hour-long exercise routines designed for older folks and are paid for by Medicare.

In addition, there are four Aqua Pool sessions per week. These are “water aerobics” conducted in the swimming pool for an hour. I have noticed about 35 to 40 participants in these classes.

On a personal level this facility has meant much to me. Previously, I drove 18 miles a day roundtrip, six days a week to San Juan Capistrano. Now it’s slightly more than a mile a day, saving some 100 miles a week in gas and LEW’S VIEWS wear and tear. In addition

By Lew Avera to exercise, this environment provides a community of friendships—many of our city business and civic leaders, members of our esteemed surfing community, neighbors, some high school and college athletes, immigrants from many other countries who have settled in San Clemente, and above all, so many terrific residents of San Clemente.

Again, I want to emphasize that this is not written as an advertisement or promotion for the 24 Hour Fitness business, but rather as a tribute and invitation for all of our citizens to be and stay fit. They Have Built It and We Have Come.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

LETTER WAS SELF-PROMOTING, SELF-SERVING JIM SMITH, San Clemente

I laughed while reading the self-promoting letter to the editor from Linda Sadeghi (Letter to the Editor, “Letter to the Editor: More than Words are Needed at North Beach,” SC Times, April 23). As business owners, the Sadeghis never run out of ways to hype their muffins and wedding venue. Her topper was an offer to help pay for decorating the temporary chain link fence around the Ole Hanson Beach Club reconstruction project “so no taxpayer dollars need be spent.”

Here’s a little history for those San Clemente residents not schooled in how the Sadeghis operate. They had their way for years with a compliant City Council majority. So compliant, that City Council agreed to sell a large part of our North Beach parking lot for pennies-on-the-dollar to the Sadeghis so they could build shops and stores there. That’s when residents said enough, already. A majority of voters (58 percent), overturned that city council’s decision. The Sadeghis were not happy and sued the city and its taxpayers.

The Sadeghis lost in court. The Orange County judge ruled they owed the city $50,000 plus interest if payment was not received by a certain date. Well guess what, the Sadeghis tried to stiff the city and the taxpayers. After haggling for more than two years the Sadeghis finally paid.

Given that hypocrisy, you can bet saving “taxpayer dollars” is never a priority for the Sadeghis.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RAIN… WHEN IT HAPPENS ED MOELLER, San Clemente

I was lucky to catch the bit of rain this weekend, literally. My downspout poured it into a basin, and maybe 50 gallons went to my trees and beds. And I managed to brush off the car too. A great way to get a bit wet and smell the fresh air too. Whee!

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, May 1, at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. Ed Mixon, a San Clemente resident and board member of the Armed Services YMCA on Camp Pendleton, will be this week’s guest. He will discuss the role of the organization on base and how to support its efforts. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander every Friday at Café Calypso. All are welcome.

San Clemente Times April 30–May 6, 2015

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SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT WITH WATER BARTON MAC LEOD, Laguna Niguel

In reference to the water shortage in California, no one talks or writes about the real world or is afraid to tell the truth. After every rain storm the flood channels are dumping billions of gallons of fresh water into the ocean at Cabo Beach/Dana Point and the other channel in Long Beach.

The real reason is the water executives protect their years in service because they did not create inner-structure to capture the billions of gallons of fresh water. Case in point, there is a water channel behind the Water Department in San Juan Capistrano/Dana Point. Perhaps the executives are watching their retirement package and laughing all the way to the bank.

SOMETHING IS OUT OF BALANCE BILL BURNS, San Clemente

Something is going on and I don’t think it’s good. I have been surfing in Orange County for over 35 years. I have never heard so many shark sightings as I have in the past six to eight months. A shark sighting in a lineup used to be unusual. Nowadays, it is just an interesting subject and common knowledge for OC surfers. The SUPs around Ol’ Mans see one or two on a very regular basis. During the same time period I have seen an unusual amount of sea lion pups on shore (either sick or dead).

About five weeks ago, I saw three different sick sea lions resting on the rocks in front of the nuclear plant on the same day.

So I called a rescue operation in Laguna and they said they were overflowing with rescued pups. They just advised me to take a photo and forward it with the last known location.

On April 17, I had a close encounter with shark at Trail No. 1. I had just paddled for a wave but missed it. I paddled a little further north and then sat up on my board. I then swung around 180 degrees and got back on my belly. Suddenly, cruising toward me was a juvenile shark. If he wanted me, he would have easily feasted.

The best I can do to describe his disposition is that it was as if he just came by to smell me or to just welcome me to the lineup. Spooky and scary.

Something is out of balance in the local waters.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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.

CORRECTION: Last week’s article about the San Clemente Watershed Task Force’s Earth Day event did not include one of the winners of the organization’s Blue Water Awards, sock manufacturer Stance. We regret the omission. www.sanclementetimes.com

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 | 30 OPEN ARTIST STUDIO 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists. Free.

Ages 16 and up. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

CHRIS ANDERSEN 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BOOK PRESENTATION 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano will host a Mother’s Day writing and book presentation with author Donna Friess. The free event includes a presentation by Friess and a book signing, with all book sale proceeds benefiting the Mission Preservation Foundation. Reservations are required by calling 949.234.1382 or visit www.drdonnafriess.com. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Friday | 01 WE OLIVE & WINE BAR GRAND OPENING We Olive & Wine Bar is celebrating their grand opening May 1-3. The store will host wine tastings, live music, olive oil culinary demos, and provide free olive oil ice cream and the opportunity to win free olive oil. 31760 Camino Capistrano Suite B, San Juan Capistrano, www.weolive.com.

CASA ROMANTICA’S 12TH ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The annual “Artists of Tomorrow” student art exhibition features over 200 artworks, including pieces by students from San Clemente High School, Shorecliffs Middle School, Bernice Ayer Middle School and Vista Del Mar Middle School. Friday’s opening reception is free and open to the public. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

WEEKEND COMEDY 8 p.m. Play at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Two couples are looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a remote cabin. Unfortunately, they have each rented the same cabin.

When the decision is made to share the cabin, the fun begins. Runs until May 10.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

www.cabrilloplayhouse.org or by calling 949.4920465. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

Saturday | 02 CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA Noon. Twenty-fifth annual Cinco de Mayo event at Max Berg Plaza Park features live entertainment from the traditional mariachis and Ballet Folklorico to Cumbias, Tex-Mex and Salsa dancers. Community groups serve up authentic Mexican food.

Other activities include an art contest, carnival game booths, mini attractions and a vendor area. 1100 Calle Puente.

949.361.8264, www.san-clemente.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Hopper Stone / Bleecker Street

At the Movies: ‘Danny Collins’ a Bit Clichéd

MOVIE MELODIES 2 p.m. The San Clemente Choral Society and Dr. Stephen Sturk present Movie Melodies with San Clemente High School Choirs at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and can be purchased by phone, online or by emailing ticketsales@sccs-arts. org. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.272.8435, www.sccs-arts.org.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

E

ven in the few decent movies he’s making these days, sometimes you have to wonder if Al Pacino’s just playing a loosely-scripted version of himself. A couple of months ago we saw him as an aging, depressed actor in Barry Levinson’s The Humbling. This month we get to see Pacino as a has-been rockstar who has lost practically all of his inspiration in Dan Fogelman’s Danny Collins.

Folk singer turned Top-40 superstar Danny Collins (Pacino) is turning 70 and hasn’t aged a bit emotionally since 1970. He still parties, sleeps with younger women and snorts cocaine. Naturally, Danny is unsatisfied by the shallow happiness he’s found. When his longtime manager Frank (Christopher Plummer) shows him a secret letter John Lennon wrote to Danny that popped up after 40

EDITOR’S PICK RUSTY LONG BOOK SIGNING 1 p.m.-5 p.m. San Clemente-based professional big wave surfer Rusty Long will debut his first book, The Finest Line: The Global Pursuit of Big Wave Surfing. The book features the top surfers who have led the charge in the sport, as well as the underground heroes and legends of each region, with images by about 20 photographers and 100 surfers. Books will be available for purchase. Interval Gallery, 412 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.4879, www.interval.surf.

PINK GALA AT DOHENY HOUSE 6 p.m. The owners of the historic Doheny House will unveil their home’s complete, period-correct restoration at the Pink Gala fundraiser to benefit cancer patients at Orange Coast Memorial Hospital, Dr. Mark Kobayashi’s Hands of Hope International, as well as other programs of Kristine Taylor Philanthropies. The evening will feature special guests, live music, dancing under the stars, fine dining, a fashion show, silent auction and a live art auction.

Tickets are $250 and can be purchased online. Doheny House, 335101 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, 949.387.8711, www.kristinetaylorphilanthropies.org.

Sunday | 03 THE VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Shop and stroll along Avenida Del Mar, in the heart of historic

downtown San Clemente, where close to 70 gifted artisans sell their hand-crafted art and fine crafts. Explore a variety of work including fine art, photography, ceramics, wood work, jewelry, leather goods, metal work, organic textiles, natural body products and much more. 949.395.7008. www.villagesanclemente.org.

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.

Monday | 04 SLOW RIDE SESSIONS 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Join the Ecology Center at The Cellar for complimentary beer tastings courtesy of New Belgium Brewery. Ecology Center staff will share tips and tricks to live a conscious, ecofriendly lifestyle. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

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years, the musician is inspired to not only write new music but also to connect with his son (Bobby Cannavale), a boy he did not help raise.

Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner and Josh Peck co-star. Screenwriter-director Fogelman has created a resume of family films and romantic comedies over the past decade but Danny Collins has a more mature, grown-up tone than his previous projects.

There is romance between Pacino’s and Bening’s characters, a family plot between Pacino and Cannavale, and a soundtrack made up of Lennon and Danny’s “hits” written by Ryan Adams. Collins could’ve easily become bloated with content, but fortunately manages to stay steady despite some clichés in Danny’s characteristics and motives. Fans of Pacino and/or Lennon will get the most enjoyment from this dramedy. SC

Tuesday | 05 SAN CLEMENTE WOMEN’S CLUB 5 p.m. Meeting celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Always Inn Bed & Breakfast, 177 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. $10 per person includes dinner. Prospective members are welcome. RSVP to owner@ alwaysinn.com, or for more information, visit www.sanclementewomansclub.com

Wednesday | 06 COMEDY NIGHT 9:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Comedy at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomsirishbar.com.

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

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

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Helping to Remember Friends of Grant Davies asked to submit biographical stories to short story website

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

lmost three years after his tragic death, the parents of Grant Davies are looking to the community to help remember their son.

Davies was preparing for his sophomore year at San Clemente High School in July 2012 when he suffered a high-altitude pulmonary edema while hiking the John Muir Trail. A high-altitude pulmonary edema is an extremely rare fluid accumulation in the lungs, but can be, as was in the case of Davies, confused with other illnesses.

As one remembrance, Davies’ name now is on a scoreboard at San Clemente High School. Davies had been a member of the freshmen water polo team in his first year at the school.

Now, a new effort is underway to remember Davies.

A photo of Davies will be the “prompt” for next month at the website www.100wordstory.org, which encourages creative writing through the creation of short 100-word stories. While writers are able to write whatever they would like, each month a photo prompt is given as inspiration if they need it. Beginning May 1, that prompt will be a photo of Davies with a cricket perched on his finger.

Veronica Derrick, Davies’ mother, said she became aware of the potential of the site when she attended a talk by Grant Faulkner, the founder of the website, at her local library (she now lives in Northern California).

“He’d been introduced to the idea by someone who’d written their biographies in 100-word stories,” Derrick said. “At the time, I thought it was ridiculous, because 100 words is a short paragraph. But I went home and looked at the website and was really impressed by the writing. So I tried to write one. I hadn’t been able to write directly about Grant or my grief. I’m a lawyer; I’ve always written but it was so painful, like it was frozen inside.”

Derrick said she was eventually able to write the story, and felt able to write shorter stories and anecdotes about her son. She shared the idea with John Davies, Grant’s father, as well, and he began doing it.

hoping to put them “all We’re together to read them to his sisters, who can never get enough information about their big brother, and also just for us, to keep the memories alive. And to have a space to go, when we need to get our fill of him.

—Veronica Derrick

”

This photo of Grant Davies will serve as the “prompt” for the website www.100wordstory.org for the month of May. Davies’ family is encouraging local people who knew their son to contribute to the site to help create a biography. Photo: Courtesy

“It felt like this would be a great way to write his biography, but wouldn’t it be great, other than our two voices, if we could get lots of voices, his friends, other family members, to contribute,” she said.

Friends have been doing so since 2012, when Derrick left a journal at a bench that overlooked the family’s home in Talega.

Friends, family and strangers have written entries in the journal since, as well as checking on the journal itself and mailing it to Derrick when it gets full.

“I think it’s the third journal up there now,” she said. “One time I got a letter, which was very abrupt from someone who said ‘I have your journal, call me.’ I wasn’t sure who it was, so I called her and she was 73 or 75 and had come across the journal. She didn’t have her reading glasses and she didn’t know what it was and thought somebody left it. At some point, curiosity got the better of her and she realized what it was.”

The people who are perhaps most looking forward to having more information about Davies from multiple perspectives are his two younger sisters, Charlie, now 7, and Aurora, now 5 (she turned 3 the week of her brother’s death).

“They were very close. Grant fell in love when Aurora was born,” she said.

“We’re hoping to put them all together to read them to his sisters, who can never get enough information about their big brother, and also just for us, to keep the memories alive. And to have a space to go, when we need to get our fill of him.”

To be submitted to the site, stories must be exactly 100 words, no more, no less. However, the family, is also interested in receiving longer stories, which can be sent to grantbiography@gmail.com, or be put on his Facebook page.

“That way, we’ll be able to collect all the stories that are truly about him,” she said.

SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Friends of Grant Davies on the bench above his former Talega home. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

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 Page 16

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

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

South Coast Conservatory students (L to R) Lulu De Leon, Lexi Blades, Avalon Shill, Lindsey Blades and Kara Dresser are among the more than 150 youth and adults learning dance at the conservatory’s new San Clemente location. Photo: Jim Shilander

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

New Developments SOUTH COAST CONSERVATORY 400-C Camino De Estrella 949.367.0099, www.mvdpac.com Owner Jena Minnick said with substantial numbers of San Clemente parents sending their children to South Coast Conservatory’s Laguna Niguel location for years, opening a location in San Clemente was essentially a no-brainer.

“When we started looking in San Clemente, 24 percent of our student base that went to Laguna Niguel was from the two San Clemente zip codes,” Minnick said. “There weren’t many dance training choices, so they looked further than their own community.”

Minnick is a San Clemente resident herself, so she said she’d hear about parents making the drive to Laguna Niguel all the time, both from those who made the trip and from those who may have been interested in the school but for the drive to Laguna Niguel.

“For a lot of kids, dance isn’t their only thing, so parents didn’t want to drive 12 to 15 miles away when I can do it here,” she said.

The conservatory’s location includes three dance rooms, two that are essentially identical and a third, slightly smaller, which is primarily used for classes for the youngest, often pre-school-aged students, so parents can watch the class.

The parents of those students, she said, were the primary audience for the change.

“That’s the age where you don’t want to strap them in for a long haul,” Minnick said. At around age 10, more parents are Page 18

looking to their children to decide on a single focus.

The studio opened in mid-November.

Minnick said the process included bringing in professional-quality dance floors, which require special padding underneath to allow for less strain on dancers’ bodies. The San Clemente branch currently houses approximately 150 students, with capacity for 100 more. The studio is spread over two floors, with registration and a dance shop on the first floor and studios on the second.

The conservatory is involved in a number of local events, including performing at the San Clemente Ocean Festival and school fundraising events.

SHE 901 Avenida Talega, Suite 112 949.226.2961, clavelavery@aol.com Master esthetician Clavel Avery said her 10 years of experience in the field and her science-based approach, allows her to provide a higher level of care. Avery often speaks on the subjects of skincare and focuses on non-invasive skincare techniques that produce results.

“I listen and do not tell people what they want to hear. I tell them what is actually needed,” Avery said. “My background in cosmetic chemistry is pretty thorough, so they trust me. I’m the one who’ll tell them ‘No’ if it’s not the correct procedure or could harm them.”

Avery said the majority of her customers come in looking for help with managing the aging process, and the way that skin changes over time. For this, she uses micro-channeling, a procedure which puts healthy serums into the skin to allow for greater penetration, and microdermabrasion. She also works closely with doctors who have clients going through laser procedures.

SHE has a French salon feel, Avery noted, which goes along with the origin of many of the products she uses, along with a small size that is geared toward providing individual attention to clients. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

tively, before rattling off a convincing 20-9 win over last-place Capistrano Valley on April 28.

In the match against the Cougars, 11 different Tritons notched goals, led by a four-goal effort from Garrett Eslick.

San Clemente will finish league play with a match against Tesoro on May 1.

As of April 29, the Tritons would face the Titans in the first round of the playoffs, according to www.maxlaxoc.com.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Tritons Golf Splits With Tesoro

Dolphins Sweep Tritons to Earn League Title On paper, the Dana Hills boys volleyball team does not stack up well against the height of most of their opponents. But the team does not let that slow them down.

Dana Hills faced a much taller opponent in San Clemente on April 28 at the Tritons home gym and used their ball control-oriented style of play to sweep their longtime rival, 25 -23, 25-19 and 25-20, to claim the South Coast League title.

The Dolphins (22-1, 7-0 league) excelled in just about every facet of the game, especially when serving and passing in transition, according to head coach Oz Simmons.

“We have to be the better passing team if you’re going up against guys who are 6’8”, 6’6” and I think we did. We passed and served probably the best that we have so far this year,” Simmons said.

Senior outside hitters Grady Yould and Teddy Fitzgerald led the Dolphins.

Fitzgerald collected a game-high 13 kills and Yould added 12. The two combined for at least nine points in every set and were responsible for Dana Hills’ first six points in the third and final set.

The Dolphins had eight aces from six different players. The final point of the match came on a Thomas DeStefano ace that secured the outright league title.

San Clemente (17-4, 4-2) was down 16-8 in the first before mounting a late comeback. Two straight kills by junior Aaron Strange brought the Tritons to within one point at 24-23, but Fitzgerald ended the threat, and the set, with a kill on the first play out of a Dolphins timeout.

The Tritons erased a seven-point deficit in the second and trailed Dana Hills 20-18, but consecutive serving errors on their next two tries handed the Dolphins the set.

“Each game we were in a hole. It was serving, passing and setting—three things you have to do well against good teams and we didn’t do them consistently,” San Clemente head coach Ken Goldstone said. “(Dana Hills) forced the errors. They forced us into bad passing. I think we’re better than that, we just didn’t play as well as we should.”

San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

The San Clemente boys golf team pulled off a season series split with reigning league champion Tesoro by claiming a 199-203 victory over the Titans at Bella Collina Golf Club on April 23.

No Triton golfer medaled, but the win put them in position to finish the season strong.

San Clemente (9-4, 4-3) followed up with a 191-222 win over El Toro on April 27. San Clemente was set to finish league play on April 28 against El Toro. Results were not available at press time.

Girls Track Places 10th at OC Championships

San Clemente’s Liam Walsh digs out a ball during the team’s match against Dana Hills on April 28.

Photo: Lynn Hopper

Dana Hills has now won nine straight matches and has dropped only one set in seven league tilts.

The second-place Tritons will travel to play Laguna Hills on April 30 and host Tesoro on May 5.

After Sweep, Tritons Baseball Returns to League The San Clemente baseball team did not send their top-two starting pitchers to the mound in a nonleague doubleheader against Dana Hills on April 22 and were swept by their rivals 2-1 and 5-4, respectively.

In the first game, the Tritons were stymied by Dana Hills’ senior starter Marrick Crouse, who spun a complete game six-hitter while striking out six and walking none.

The Tritons (17-6, 5-1) were set to return to league play April 29 against Laguna Hills. San Clemente defeated the Hawks 8-2 on April 1. The arms of both top pitchers, Andre Pallante and Will Tribucher, should be featured over the next two games.

San Clemente’s Dominic Brousard, left, goes up against Dana Hills’ Jake Lorscheider on April 28.

Photo: Lynn Hopper

Tritons Lacrosse Clinches Playoff Berth The San Clemente boys lacrosse team recently punched their ticket into the U.S. Lacrosse Orange County Championships by securing at least a share of fourth place in the South Coast League.

San Clemente (9-14, 4-3) suffered back to back losses to Trabuco Hills and Aliso Niguel on April 17 and April 23, respec-

Page 20

The San Clemente girls track and field team got four strong performances at the Orange County Championships on April 25 that powered them to a 10-place finish at the high-profile event.

Senior Kelsey Carroll set personal records and earned a pair of third-place finishes in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs.

Senior Katie Carroll also set two personal bests, finishing seventh in the 3200 and 15th in the 1600.

The Tritons throwing duo of Anna Gillis and Madison Chronister had strong showings. Gillis places sixth in the shot put and fourth in the discus while Chronister placed third in the discus.

San Clemente will compete in the Sea View League prelims on May 5 and the league finals on May 8.

Boys Swim Breezes Past Tesoro Two San Clemente boys swim team records were broken on April 28 in the Tritons league meet against Tesoro.

The 200 medley relay team of Brad Prolo, Josh Swart and Aidan Pastel set a new school-best time of 1:34.23.

Prolo also set a new school record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 57.56.

The Tritons improved their record to 3-1 in league competition, with a 93-77 victory over the Titans. www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Scoreboard

all youth players grades four to eight.

The camp will be run by the Tritons varsity coaching staff and participants will take part in offensive-defensive drills, core strength exercises and more. There is a $15 contribution cost and players are advised to bring football cleats or running shoes.

The 2015 Triton Football Academy is a spring football program geared at getting middle school-age players ready for high school competition. The camp runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from May 12 to June 6. There will be no session on May 23.

Attendees will receive conditioning, weight lifting, skills and scheme instruction from the Tritons varsity coaching staff.

Cost is $135 for all 11 sessions or $25 per individual workout.

For more information on both of the upcoming football events, visit www.tritonfootball.com or contact head coach Jaime Ortiz via email at coachortiz@tritonfootball.com.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

MARTIAL ARTS San Clemente’s Solomon Craft kept up his winning ways on the youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circuit in February by winning gold in his division at the 2015 Pan Kids Championships in Long Beach.

Craft’s efforts helped his Jiu-Jitsu academy, The Art of Jiu-Jitsu, win its third consecutive team championship.

Craft has had a successful year, winning gold at the 2014 Kids Worlds, 2014 American Nationals and 2014 Kids International Championships.

YOUTH SOCCER The San Clemente Surf soccer club will take on a distinct European flavor over the coming years. The local club recently announced a five-year development partnership with Manchester City Football Club, a high-profile member of the English Premier League.

The partnership will allow SC Surf players to follow the Manchester City development curriculum and connect with the team overseas, according to a release.

SC Surf and Manchester City FC are planning on hosting joint exhibitions, youth camps and coaching education seminars.

The first official joint event will be the Manchester City FC Americas Cup on Memorial Day weekend. The event will host players ages eight through 16 and offer the tournament winners entry into the Soccer Loco XXXV Surf Cup. “We are confident that the Manchester City deal will extend opportunities and exposure for the players and the community of San Clemente,” SC Surf director of coaching Chris Murray said in a release.

“We are very proud to be able to be a part of making San Clemente not only a soccer destination, but a place where young players can come train properly and understand the philosophies of the game.”

For more information on SC Surf and the partnership with Manchester FC, visit www.sanclemente.surfsoccer.com.

GOLF The Friends of San Clemente will hold their fifth annual benefit golf tourna-

San Clemente’s Solomon Craft on the winner’s podium at the 2015 Pan Kids Championships in Long Beach.

Photo: Courtesy

ment at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course on June 26.

The tournament, which raises funds for the foundation’s Fun on the Run program and sport scholarships, will kick off at noon with a shotgun start and 18 holes of golf. Golf contests on the course will include closest to the hole competitions, longest drive, beat the pro and other unique contests.

Youth sports leagues will also be competing for the perpetual Sports Group Winner trophy. San Clemente Little League currently holds the trophy.

A buffet dinner, raffle and awards ceremony will follow the golf.

The Fun on the Run program is essentially a traveling park on wheels. A bus, loaded with sport and recreational equipment, travels around the city to birthday parties or other recreational events and

allows children to use the equipment. Last year, $20,000 was raised for the program and scholarships for local kids to attend city recreation classes, according to a press release.

Several San Clemente Sports Hall of Fame inductees are slated to be in attendance at the event.

Cost for individuals is $150 and cost for a foursome is $500.

For more information or to register, visit www.friendsofsanclemente.org or call 949.276.8866.

FOOTBALL The San Clemente High School football program will be hosting two events for youth players this spring.

The program’s annual one-day Friday Night Lights football skills camp will take place May 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for

COLLEGIATE DIVING Former San Clemente High School standout diver and current member of the Northern Arizona University women’s swim and dive team Carlye Townsend can add another trophy to her case.

Townsend and the Lumberjack squad won their second consecutive Western Athletic Conference swimming and diving championship in Texas on Feb. 28.

Townsend, a junior, finished in the top-8 in both San Clemente native Carlye Townsend was a part of the the 1-meter and Northern Arizona University platform springWAC Championship team. board events.

Photo: Courtesy Four of the five Lumberjack divers finished in the top-8 in the 1-meter event.

Townsend was recognized as a WAC All-Academic student-athlete by maintaining a GPA of 3.2 or higher and was named an NAU Golden Eagle scholar-athlete as a junior.

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.

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

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

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

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

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

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

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

REAL ESTATE

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

Salon Bleu

Syrens Hair Parlor

217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.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

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE Sale - Sat. May 2nd - 7:30AM 12:30PM. Collectibles, Vintage Items & Material, Household goods, Small furniture, Quality Clothing for Men, Women & Children, Shoes, Pet Items, books, and lots more! Also, HOME MADE Tamales! 100 Block of W. Avenida Valencia, Cross Street –S. El Camino Real, Near Tommy’s Restaurant.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

DANA POINT - 14TH ANNUAL DANA KNOLLS COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE! Saturday, May 9th, 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Dana Knolls neighborhood, Cross Streets: Del Obispo & Blue Fin Drive, follow the signs & shop till you drop! Sponsored by: Gary Macrides, REALTOR, 01267654 Surterre Properties 949.370.6827 COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Captains Hill. Sat., May 2. You name It. We got It. Del Obispo/ Windjammer. 7:30-11:30AM. Marie Paquette First Team Estate

HELP WANTED PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT/OFFICE ASSISTANT Days needed are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Entry level position. Must be tech savvy and a team player. Please call 949-241-6633

LIST

USE

PHILLY’S BEST CHEESESTEAKS SAN CLEMENTE Looking for Part Time Cashier/Cook! Come in to fill out an application today at 638 Camino De Los Mares #F110 San Clemente, CA 92673 (949)489-3888

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

HOMESELLERS Find out what the home down the street sold for! Free computerized list of area home sales and current listings. Free recorded message 1-800-287-1012 ID#1041.

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San Clemente Times April 30-May 6, 2015

Page 25

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

RESULTS Local finishers only. For full results, see www.sanclementetimes.com. KEY: San Clemente=SC, Dana Point=DP, Capistrano Beach=CB, San Juan Capistrano=SJC, Laguna Niguel=LN. WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, April 25-26, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

Smiles on the faces of the groms and the pros speak to the fun had Saturday at the fourth annual Fish Bowl Classic. Photo: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

A Fish Bowl of Fun

Nate Yeoman’s fourth annual Fish Bowl Classic pro/grom team surf contest at Rivi a hit

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or surf-stoked groms dreaming of a future career in professional surfing, living in or near San Clemente often provides opportunities to watch their favorite pro surfers in action and interact with them in the lineup, or even around town. But for the past few years, San Clemente-based professional surfer Nathan Yeomans has been doing one better—giving them the chance to compete alongside a pro—in his annual Fish Bowl Classic surfing contest.

The fourth annual event on Saturday, April 25, was again held at Riviera, a break known as a favorite locals’ spot. Gloomy skies and small waves didn’t hamper the smiles, fun or the athletes’ performances.

The Fish Bowl pairs one grom with one professional who compete as a team.

Many of the pros themselves grew up surfing the area and are happy to give back to the community through their participation. This year’s grom competitors

Pro surfer Patrick Gudauskas, throws gallons at the Fish Bowl Pro. Photo: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

San Clemente Times April 30–May 6, 2015

were all current members of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team.

The event’s big winners were Ian Crane, a local pro who attended Shorecliffs as a grom, and Hagan Johnson, 12. Geoff Brack took top honors in the pro expression session.

Yeomans issued a post-event statement of thanks via social media giving props to sponsors who made the day happen for the kids—O’Neill, Hoven Vision, Cobian Footwear, Banzai Bowls, Lost Surfboards, On A Mission Surf, Clif Bar, Stance Socks, Bear Brew Coffee, Catch Surf, The Vine, Hapa J’s, Zico, DSC Elite Surf Training, Futures Fins—and the pros who participated.

“What an epic day,” Yeomans said.

“This is what it’s all about, the surf tribe getting together and enjoying the sport we all love. The best Fish Bowl Classic yet. So much insane talent and support by all. Thank you everyone for making this contest so awesome. Thanks to all the sponsors for being a part and helping make this happen.” SC

Pro surfer Kolohe Andino and Noah Brown give shakas for the camera. Photo: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Eli Park, Carlsbad; 2. Maddox Bray, SC; 3. Makai Bray, SC; 4. Shane Stacy, DP; 5. Charlie Stevens, SC. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Bella Kenworthy, DP; 2. Sierra Downer, SC; 5. Sawyer Lindblad, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Lucas Owston, Oceanside; 2. Dane Matson, SC; 5. Maddox Bray, SC; 6. Bryce Pinkerton, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Sebastian Ojeda, La Jolla; 2. Dane Matson, SC; 4. Nicholas Coli, SC; 6. Myles Biggs, SC. BOYS U14: 1. Griffin Foy, Huntington Beach; 3. Ethan Mudge, CB; 4.

Ryan Martin, SC; 5. Reef Tsutsui, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Tanner Ford, San Diego; 4. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U18: 1.

Brennan Aubol, Carlsbad. GIRLS U12: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad. GIRLS U14: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, SC. GIRLS U16: 1.

Sydney Tisdel, Carlsbad. GIRLS U18: 1. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas; 2. Cameron Duby, SJC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 2. Ben Kappes, LN; 3. Cole Thompson, SC; 5. Patrick O’Connor, SJC; 6. Jack Collins, SC. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Andrew Neal, Manhattan Beach; 2. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 3. Kevin Skvarna, SJC; 6. Ben Kappes, LN. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 2. Malia Mauch, SC; 4. Lexi Morgan, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Taylor Bruynzeel, Newbury Park; 3. Cameron Duby, SJC. MEN 18-29: 1. Nate Smithson, Camarillo; 2. Evan Sandison, LN; 3. Joshua Stiers, SC. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Paul Pugliesi, Oceanside. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego.

WOMEN 18+: 1. Morgan Gore, Mendham, NJ. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Jeff Jessee, SC; 4. Masaki Kobayashi, SC. OPEN MEN: 1. Skyler Stokes, Del Mar; 2. Cody Canzoneri, SC; 5.

Gavin Haughey, LN; 6. Jeff Jessee, SC. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Samantha Lamirand, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 2.

Kevin Skvarna, SJC; 4. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 6. Ricky Fodor, DP. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Maddie LoMonaco, Santa Monica; 5. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Lance Albright, Huntington Beach.

ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Charles Webb, Oceanside.

MEN: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC 15.17. JUNIORS: 1. Eithan Osborne, Ventura 13.94. BOYS: 1. Taro Watanabe, Malibu 15.00; 3. Kade Matson, SC 12.20. MINI GROMS: 1.

Brayden Burch, SC 13.50; 2. Dax McPhillips, SC 12.33; 4.

Bane Corbett, SC 8.56. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC 13.57; 3. Samantha Sibley, SC 10.20. GIRLS: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 14.00; 2. Bethany Zelasko, DP 12.17; 3. Samantha Sibley, SC 7.37. SEASON CHAMPIONS: MEN: Kei Kobayashi, SC; JUNIORS: Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; BOYS: Kade Matson, SC; MINI GROMS: Cole McCaffray, Cardiff; WOMEN: Malia Osterkamp, SC; GIRLS: Bethany Zelasko, DP.

UPCOMING EVENTS May 2-3: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and 10, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty May 9-10: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Huntington Beach, Pier May 14-17: NSSA West Coast Championship, Huntington Beach, Pier May 30-31: WSA West Coast Championship, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach June 12-14, 16-20: Surfing America USA Championships, San Diego, Cardiff Reef (June 12-14) and San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles (June 16-20).

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’+ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good Thursday and Friday: Modest mix of southsouthwest and northwest windswell for 2-3’+ surf at many breaks, while best southwest and combo exposed breaks are up to 3-4’. Wind is light in the morning, shifting to light to moderate onshore in the afternoon.

Outlook: A solid south-southwest swell will build in over the weekend and peak early in the new week.

Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

NSSA Southwest Conference Open, Event No. 10, April 25-26, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles

GROM OF THE WEEK

NOAH BROWN

N

oah Brown, 12, was 8 years old when he moved to San Clemente from New Hampshire and his dad’s local friends taught them to surf at the same time.

“Now we both surf,” Noah said. “I think it’s a lot of fun to surf with my dad because he’s gone for work a lot and it’s good to be with him. I think he feels excited to spend time with me too.”

A member of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team, Noah is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ sixth-grader who counts education as a priority.

Noah loves surfing because of the fun it provides, especially when surfing with friends, and as stress relief, “like whenever I’m in trouble or something,” he said. “Popping up and standing on a wave is even cooler than making a goal in a soccer game.”

In addition to SSS contests with his school team, he also competes in WSA, Soul Surf Series and VQS events and was a competitor—teamed up with professional surfer Tanner Rozunko—in Nate Yeoman’s Fish Bowl Classic on Saturday. He is also in training for a professional surfing career.

Page 26

Noah Brown. Photo: Jack McDaniel

“I train by surfing, skating and doing jiu jitsu every day,” Noah said. “I want to be on the World Tour to challenge myself against all the best surfers. I have some people who support me and my goals that I want to thank—Brawner Boards Surf Shop, GDAY Surfboards, Evervolve Clothing, Syck Trix and my parents.”

He is also looking forward to a life full of surf travels.

“My most recent trip was to Todos Santos in Mexico with my dad, Dave Post and my friends Nico Coli, Max Beach and Jake Levine,” Noah said. “We have plans to go surf K38 in Baja soon. I’m stoked because there’s good fishing there too.”—Andrea Swayne www.sanclementetimes.com