June 11, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

June 11–17, 2015

YO U

C A N

U S E

Structure Catches Fire at San Clemente Pier PAGE 3

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 24

Halt, Who Goes Where?

Parents, students continue to press CUSD to reinstate former principal Michael Halt at San Clemente High School EYE ON SC/PAGE 9

Michael Halt speaks with supporters following the CUSD Board of Trustees June 4 meeting, during which he was reinstated as a district principal—but not at SCHS. Photo: Allison Jarrell

San Clemente City Budget Eyes Future Project Funding EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Residents Collaborate Against Drug, Alcohol Abuse in San Clemente EYE ON SC/PAGE 10

www.sanclementetimes.com

Two SCHS Baseball Players Drafted to Braves SPORTS/PAGE 34

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

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

plan for future projects, just as it has with other neighborhoods.

FIND OUT MORE: The full study timeline can be found at www.secrproject.net. It will be made available within the next few weeks. —EH

Five things San Clemente should know this week

San Clemente Man Arraigned for Tax Fraud, Evasion

Storage Area, Restrooms Burn at San Clemente Pier THE LATEST: Firefighters responded to reports of a fire Monday afternoon at the newly-built storage and restroom building near the base of the San Clemente Pier on Avenida Victoria, authorities said. The initial call was received at 3:23 p.m. and with 30 firefighters on scene the blaze was under control by 4 p.m., according to Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority.

“For the safety of firefighters, Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies and the public, the train tracks were shut down while fighting the fire,” Concialdi said.

“As of 4 p.m. train service resumed.”

No people were injured in the blaze, but Concialdi said $55,000 in damage was done—$50,000 from the structure and $5,000 from the storage contents. The newly constructed bathrooms adjacent to the storage were not damaged.

WHAT’S NEXT: No injuries were reported and the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, Concialdi said.

FIND OUT MORE: A video of the incident can be found at www.sanclementetimes. com under the story with the same headline.— Andrea Swayne

NRC Grants San Onofre Emergency Preparedness Alteration THE LATEST: In a June 4 press release from Southern California Edison, Thomas Palmisano, vice president of the SONGS decommissioning and chief nuclear officer, stated the Nuclear Regulation Commission had loosened its grip on some of the mandates for San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted Southern California Edison’s request to alter the emergency preparedness plan for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station to reflect the plant’s decommissioning status,” an NRC press release stated. “As a result, there will not be a 10-mile emergency planning zone San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

The cause of a fire that destroyed a storage structure Monday at San Clemente Pier was unknown as of Wednesday at noon, but Orange County Fire Authority officials said it created $55,000 in damage.

Photo: Courtesy of Lindsey Fulgham

identified in the license for SONGS. The plant will maintain an onsite emergency plan and response capabilities, including the continued notification of state and local government officials for an emergency declaration.”

Palmisano said in the release that SEC will maintain the majority of its safety preparedness, but the alterations mean the company will no longer be required to maintain pre-planned, off-site radiological area emergency plans for the 10-mile designated zone.

The release stated since the reactors had been shut down, there is not as high a level of danger from accidents as in the past, but it does still have more than 1,600 tons of nuclear waste below the station.

Emergency drills will continue to be practiced at SONGS. WHAT’S NEXT: The SONGS Decommissioning Education Fair is scheduled 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9 at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy.

FIND OUT MORE: Updated information about SONGS can be found at www.songscommunity.com. —Eric Heinz

SECR Study Presented to City Planning Commission THE LATEST: The study conducted by

students in the Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo city planning master’s program on the South El Camino Real neighborhood has been completed and was presented to the San Clemente Planning Commission on June 3.

Vicente del Rio, professor of city regional planning at SLO, guided students throughout the process.

The study included a survey finding residents want healthier options and more public amenities in the area, such as tables and places for relaxation.

The people who were surveyed said they are in the area 90 percent of the time because they live there, and about 90 percent said they like the area, according to the results.

The class was less than 10 weeks and “very intense,” del Rio said.

“We have geographers, architects and historians—a very mixed group—who worked very hard,” he said.

One recognition made by the study was to develop better use of alleyways in SECR. This was a high priority in the study. The study wants to see more visibility to increase safety and utilization of space within the area. The study found it would be possible to develop the alleyways for foot traffic and create esthetically appealing areas.

Implementing a few plazas around the area also was a recommendation from the study.

WHAT’S NEXT: City officials intended to add this as a supplement to its master

Page 3

THE LATEST: A used car dealership president was arraigned May 28 in Orange County Superior Court for filing fraudulent tax returns and failing to pay more than $1.3 million in sales taxes.

John Joseph Paradise, 53, San Clemente, is charged with six felony counts of making a false and fraudulent return over $25,000 tax liability with sentencing enhancement allegations for property damage over $1.3 million and aggravated white collar crime over $500,000.

According to reports, between Jan. 1, 2009 and Sept. 30, 2014, Paradise is accused of being the president and corporate officer of Paradise Automotive Group, Inc. in San Juan Capistrano, selling used luxury vehicles.

Paradise is accused of being the signatory of PAG and preparing the business sales tax returns. The defendant is accused of submitting fraudulent sales tax returns to the State Board of Equalization.

The BOE investigated this case after a discrepancy in the sales figures and sales taxes collected by Paradise and reported to the California Department of Motor Vehicles was substantially higher than the sales taxes the defendant is accused of reporting and paying to the BOE. Senior Deputy District Attorney Marc Labreche of the Major Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

WHAT’S NEXT: If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 14 years and four months in state prison. The District Attorney requested Paradise be held on $1.3 million bail and prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source before posting bond. —EH

Former Teachers Sentenced in Child Sexual Abuse Case THE LATEST: Two former female high school teachers were convicted and sentenced today for unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage male student during an alcohol and drug-fueled camping trip at San Clemente State Beach. Melody (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) Suzanne Lippert, 38, Covina, pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse. She was sentenced to three years formal probation and three months in jail stayed pending completion of 15 days of community service.

Co-defendant Michelle Louise Ghirelli, 30, of West Covina, pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse and one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance. She was sentenced to three years formal probation and the sentence of 180 days in jail stayed pending completion of 180 days in a lock-down rehabilitation facility.

At the time of the crimes, Lippert was a teacher at South Hills High School in West Covina and Ghirelli was an employee with the Covina-Valley Unified School District.

Between Dec. 27, 2014 and Dec. 29, 2014 the defendants camped with the five

students at San Clemente State Beach and Ghirelli illegally distributed alcohol and cocaine to the underage students during the trip and performed lewd acts with the victim.

The Covina-Valley Unified School District reported the incident to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which investigated this case.

On March 2, the DA’s Office stated it would reinstate charges of sexual misconduct after previously announcing the charges would not be filed.

Deputy District Attorney Kristin Bracic of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted this case.

WHAT’S NEXT: The defendants’ conviction in this case qualifies them, under the California Education Code, to have their teaching credentials revoked for life in the State of California.—EH

Low Voltage Causes Flickering Lights in South Orange County

BY ALLISON JARRELL AND ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

lickering lights across south Orange County Monday morning were the result of widespread low voltage issues, San Diego Gas & Electric officials said.

Reports of dimming and flickering lights were first reported at about 7:30 a.m. Monday, June 8, and the problem was resolved by 9:30 a.m., said Amber Albrecht, SDG&E spokesperson.

According to a statement released by SDG&E, the company was alerted of the issue via smart meter technology and immediately began working to resolve the power fluctuation.

SDG&E’s outage map, posted online at www.sdge.com/safety/outages/outagemap, showed that cities/communities affected included San Clemente, Talega, Dana Point, Capo Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch, Coto De Caza and Mission Viejo. SDG&E

Communications Manager Hanan Eisenman said about 125,000 customers were impacted throughout south Orange County.

The cause of the outage remains under investigation, but officials have said that “crews were completing planned maintenance work on a transmission line that serves Orange County when the power fluctuations first occurred.”

SDG&E External Relations Manager Duane Cave said the transmission line in question is the one that feeds the Talega substation. Cave said the line was taken out of service to perform routine maintenance when the incident occurred.

“It appears that a device that monitors voltage failed during this work, impacting the distribution system,” the company’s statement said. “SDG&E is committed to providing reliable energy service and always working to improve reliability.”

People who have questions about the incident can contact SDG&E at 1.800.411.7343. SC

EYE ON SC

Finances Balanced, Officials Eye Future Projects San Clemente budget scheduled for approval June 16

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente’s financial heart rate is in seemingly healthy praxis, but just like any maintenance, the city will have to commit to future checkups.

Although the city’s revenues seem to be increasing, money expected to be used in fiscal year 2016 is marked to exceed what it will bring in. In its six-year plan, the city is expected to have a budget that finishes a few hundreds of thousands of dollars above operating costs, but by 2020 the bottom line dips slightly into the red. Much of this is due to one-time costs.

City Manager James Makshanoff and Assistant City Manager Erik Sund spoke to the San Clemente Times before the budget is considered at the June 16 meeting. After that, if it’s approved, the budget will be cemented for the next year.

“Based on some changes in the projects, we’re now seeing in 2020 and 2021 that we’re going to be negative in our operating position, and that’s the concern,” Sund said. “(The city must have) revenue go up or we’re going to have to course-correct some of our decisions so that we maintain a positive. I’m going to be drilling the council and the city manager to let them

know the decisions they make today and how it affects tomorrow.”

In total funds for 2016, expenditures are projected to surpass predicted revenues by about $8.6 million. This is in part due to one-time costs for capital improvement projects, but the gap will have to be compensated by reserves or retroactive grant funding. The city of San Clemente plans to spend about $133.7 million while collecting $125.1 million in the next fiscal year.

“We’re funding all our reserves with regard to our (the city’s) fiscal policy and maintaining a positive operating position, which I think is still something to be proud of,” Sund said, adding the fiscal policy can vary year to year.

Property taxes in San Clemente are expected to generate more revenue than in the last three years. The 2016 budget seeks to collect $27.9 million in revenue, a mark that hasn’t been reached since 2013.

Sales taxes are also expected to increase revenue by $1 million compared to last fiscal year, from $7.9 million to $8.9 million.

This may foreshadow the planned opening of The Outlets at San Clemente shopping center, scheduled to debut in October. The city has not earmarked a specific amount

in sales tax that could be generated from the business center, but there has been discussion that it could produce $800,000 for the city’s coffers.

“There really isn’t that much that’s Earth-shattering in the budget,” Makshanoff said. “It’s pretty much a status-quo budget.”

Public safety increase requests from the county have forced some cuts, the city manager said. This was one of the ways the city was able to balance its budget, Makshanoff said, because of the increases in contract rates with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The proposal for the increase was 9.4 percent, or $1.4 million, which was proposed in February.

“We’ll continue to have dialogue with the fire authority and sheriff’s department,” Makshanoff said, adding last year a deputy and patrol officer cut were cut from the Sheriff’s Department. “Through extensive dialogue … we were able to get that increase down to 2.6 (percent) over last year’s budget, still a $323,000 increase to our current contract,” Sund said.

The Orange County Fire Authority has an annual cap of 4 percent increases, but Makshanoff said that part of public safety

also has requested increases. Makshanoff also said compared to the city’s average increases, the requests did not mirror the city’s financial plans.

Some of the final decisions rendered at the June 2 City Council meeting included to fund a few more sidewalk projects at a cost of $70,000 in residential neighborhoods. The city also recommended funding a $400,000 drainage project and to review options for North Beach sidewalks.

The city has a six-year plan for Capital Improvement Projects, but those plans can change.

At the final budget public hearing June 2, Makshanoff said there was not much discussion, and on June 16 the city will discuss the budget on agenda for final adoption.

“We’ve already made changes the council directed at the budget workshop back in May,” Makshanoff said. “We’re pretty comfortable with where the budget is. I don’t foresee any major changes.”

The public can comment on the budget decision a final time during the meeting on June 16.

To see the final proposal for the city budget, visit www.san-clemente.org/aboutus/city-finances/city-budget. SC

EYE ON SC

Halt, Who Goes Where?

teacher, and he has been fantastic and wonderfully supportive. He’s a member of the team that really looks out for teachers and students.”

SCHS parent Amy Vilardo was one of many to speak with Halt last Thursday night. Halt commended Vilardo’s daughter, SCHS freshman Kaitlyn, for the speech she made during the meeting.

Vilardo assured Halt they would continue fighting to get him back to San Clemente High School.

“We’re not going to stop until we get what we want,” Vilardo said. “When you do something wrong, you need to put it back the way it was.”

Halt smiled back at the Vilardos.

“I think everybody knows what my greatest hope is,” he said.

Parents, students continue to press CUSD to reinstate Michael Halt as principal at San Clemente High School

BY ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or many San Clemente High School students, parents and faculty, it was a bittersweet reunion June 4.

Hundreds of Michael Halt supporters— many sporting red and black “I Like Mike” buttons— showed up to the special Thursday night meeting of the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, some planning to speak in favor of the board authorizing an independent investigation into the facts surrounding Halt’s dismissal in May—the sole item on the agenda.

Many were surprised and elated to see that—for the first time since his removal from the school—Halt was in attendance with his family by his side. There wasn’t a minute during the hour-long closed session when the grinning Colonel wasn’t embracing or speaking with supporters.

Dozens of students waited in line to take selfies with him. Some just wanted to say, “We miss you.”

The surprises continued following the board’s closed session, during which the trustees voted unanimously to reelect Halt as a CUSD principal. A roar of applause broke out before the board was able to finish relaying the verdict. It wasn’t until after the cheers died down that Halt supporters received the kicker—his reelection wasn’t to San Clemente High School.

“Now that we are at the end of this deliberative process, I am certain that we have learned from this extraordinarily challenging experience,” Board President Lynn Hatton-Hodson said during a prepared statement. “Based on extensive review of the available records and information, as well as candid in-person discussions in closed session, and after careful and thoughtful deliberation, the board unanimously voted 7-0 in favor to adopt the superintendent’s recommendation to offer Michael Halt reelection for the 20152016 school year, subject to his acceptance of an alternate administrative assignment within his area’s credential … Under the terms of the superintendent’s recommendation adopted by the board, if the offer is accepted, the probationary certificated employee may return to an administrative position at a different work site.”

Hatton-Hodson added that Halt will be invited to the San Clemente High School graduation ceremony. Later in the meeting, it was clarified that the seniors’ diplomas will have Halt’s signature on them.

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Surrounded by family and supporters, Michael Halt smiles after the CUSD Board of Trustees announced his reelection as a district principal on June 4. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Halt said after the meeting that he’s “excited to be there and see them off.”

Following the announcement, Trustee John Alpay, San Clemente’s representative on the board, spoke during his open session agenda item to authorize an independent investigation into the facts surrounding Halt’s personnel matters. If Halt were to accept the board’s offer, Alpay asked instead that the district focus on moving forward.

“We need to restore the faith and trust in this district,” Alpay said. “One thing that I would like to see is a review or an evaluation of … processes regarding termination or nonrenewal of our employees.”

Trustee Jim Reardon’s motion to indefinitely postpone Alpay’s original item for an independent investigation received a second, and the board’s legal counsel advised that public comments would not have to be heard if the item was dismissed. Alpay asked that the comments be heard anyway “in the spirit of openness and transparency.”

NOT ENOUGH One by one, 21 public speakers were called up to the podium, making last-minute adjustments to their prepared comments. The impromptu speeches shared a common theme: thanks for listening, but it’s not enough.

“This announcement actually makes me mad,” resident Wendy Shrove said. “We had this little glimmer of hope that you all were hearing us. And I feel like tonight, you just bested us with some legal maneuver to offer him an equivalent position, but you’ll be darned if you’re going to give him back to the school where we want him to be … I think you’ll win, because I think you’ve covered yourselves legally.

But morally, you missed it.”

Senior Grant Meyer presented the board with a petition signed by over 400 SCHS seniors. Meyer said the petition, which originally asked that a U.S. Marine Corps Commandant replace Halt at their

Principal Michael Halt speaks with Trustee John Alpay following the June 4 CUSD meeting. Halt was reinstated as a district principal, but was not offered his former position at San Clemente High School.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

graduation, was also a symbol of the impact he had on the class.

“Tonight’s decision has helped, but these students and I speak for our senior class and we want him back, not for us, but for the underclassmen who have not learned from him as we have,” Meyer said.

Despite the sour note struck by the decision to assign Halt elsewhere within the district, a massive group of supporters gathered outside the board room following the meeting to cheer for the reinstated principal, who said he was left speechless by the overwhelming community support.

“Throughout this entire process, I’ve been overwhelmed and amazed by all the support that I’ve received from the entire community—parents, teachers, students, even people who don’t have kids at San Clemente High School,” Halt told the San Clemente Times.

“They’ve rallied to support me.”

Halt received numerous tearful hugs following the meeting, including one from World and U.S. History teacher Jennifer Toler, who said she was happy to have Halt back as a district principal.

“He’s a wonderful principal and any school—San Clemente especially—but any school in the district would be lucky to have him,” Toler said. “I’m a first-year

Page 9

WHAT COMES NEXT Following the June 4 meeting, Halt said he’s looking “forward to the opportunity of really having a dialogue with the superintendent and being able to see what might be next.”

Julie Hatchel, CUSD Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Public Relations, said Tuesday “the district is working with Mr. Halt regarding placement for next year.” No further comment was provided, as the subject falls within Halt’s “personnel matters.”

The SC Times filed a Public Records Act Request June 1 in order to obtain records, emails and other documents pertaining to Halt’s employment in the district, beginning with his initial hire in May 2013.

The district had not yet responded to that request by press time.

Since June 4, supporters of Halt have taken action by requesting that Superintendent Kirsten Vital agendize “discussion of CUSD practices used when evaluating principals” during a future open session.

According to an email the SC Times received from the group Kids Working to Bring Mike Back, the response they received from Vital stated that “because the board has already considered and voted on the matter, there is no legal basis for placing an item to reconsider the board’s action on the agenda upon a request from a member of the public.”

According to the board’s bylaws listed on the CUSD website, “Any member of the public may request that a matter within the jurisdiction of the board be placed on the agenda of a regular meeting … The superintendent shall place the matter on a future regular board meeting agenda within 45 days of receipt of the request, taking into account orderly conduct of the district’s business … There is no requirement in state law that the board take action on, or even deliberate about such an item. It must, however, be placed on the agenda …” (BB 9322-(a)).

Alpay said Wednesday he thought the response was “going in the wrong direction.”

“The district office needs to understand San Clemente,” Alpay said. “We rally around our own.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Groups Unite to Curb Substance Abuse

nity for recovery, but there’s also a lot of drug use in San Clemente,” Stickel said, adding he’s seen users of all ages. “These guys are still looking for a job or sober living and don’t have the opportunity.”

Some obvious signs people are using include but are not limited to increased lethargy and cigarette burns on a person’s pants due to them falling asleep.

“It gets to a point where the person isn’t themself,” Spettel said.

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

ome of San Clemente’s substance abuse awareness organizations all seemed to take form at the same time, having the same issues that were afflicting their community.

Three groups, Community Outreach Alliance, Living Life In Recovery and Save San Clemente, are all in their relative infancy, with more resources joining them every month. Without measuring their breadth by statistics, members from each organization said they want to eradicate narcotic, alcohol and other addictions with outreach—some of them having experienced the throes of opioid, alcohol and other dependence.

During a COA Clinic presentation June 3 at Talega Life Church, many members of about 50 people in the audience shared their experiences with opioid addictions and other afflictions. COA, a nonprofit organization, began about three years ago but didn’t materialize into a committed outreach organization until about a year ago.

Having experienced life clouded at best and destructive at worst, organization representatives said they’ve also seen friends die due to overdose or slow, crippling use.

COA was formed about three years ago but began hosting events in October at Talega Life Church.

Teri Steel, COA project manager, said the many organizations working with her are just now starting to network efficiently. She said there was a need for people to reach out for support.

“This community came out in force,” Steel said. “We’ve had events in the chapel and wound up hosting (guests, such as representatives of), San Clemente High School, the (San Clemente) mayor and community leaders because kids were dying. People from all over OC came over.

We looked to join forces and not overstep each other.”

At the June 3 event, a poster with photos of about 40 people, ages 16 to 21 who had died from opioid and drug overdose, was displayed in the main lobby.

At the COA Clinic presentation, Dr. Tim Swift, a chiropractor and advocate of natural healing and stress relief, spoke about the ways in which he has seen addictive medication plunge people into a spiral of addiction. Swift said, in the cases of using pain relievers such as OxyContin, the body wants to heal itself and needs time to do so without “interferences.” Although immediate and severe pain may require this kind of strong medication, it’s not supposed to be a chronic solution, and the neurology behind it explains why people

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Dr. Tim Swift speaks to a crowd about alternatives to using narcotics as a way to alleviate pain June 3 at Talega Life Church as part of a Community Outreach Alliance presentation. Photo: Eric Heinz

are anchored to dependence.

Swift said he works with many people who have come out of addiction or are still having withdrawals from heavy use.

RECOVERY PROGRAMS, STORIES Lauren Spencer-Leland, the founder of Save San Clemente, an organization that helps people find recovery and treatment options, works to assist people into treatment facilities and recovery programs.

“We do healthy activities for people in recovery and for people who want to stay healthy: paddleboarding, dodgeball, bon fires, rock climbing,” Spencer-Leland said.

Providing resources to people is priority No. 1, she said.

She knows the ropes from experience.

Spencer-Leland said she was 12 years old when she started experimenting with alcohol and was admitted to treatment centers on a couple occasions.

“I lost connections with my family,” Spencer-Leland said. “My attitude was terrible until I was sent to a treatment center in Georgia, and then I went to another treatment facility in Utah. Then when came I back and had a surgery, and I was prescribed Vicodin. I had relapsed and kick-started my addictions, and that progressed to cocaine and ecstasy. I was sent back to my treatment center for a year.”

She said instances in her life regarding people close to her provided the wake-up calls she needed.

“I’ve lost a lot of friends and grown up with a lot of people in San Clemente who have lost a lot of friends,” Spence-Leland said. “Fourteen of my friends have passed from heroin, prescription pills and suicide.

‘Be the change’ is our slogan.”

Save San Clemente is just more than a year old and is in the process of receiving nonprofit tax status, but Spencer-Leland said the organization has assisted about 20 people to get into treatment facilities and another 50 have been given lengthy information about recovery.

“We want to let the community know there’s a place you can go if you need help,” she said.

Josh Stickel and Erik Spettel started Living Life In Recovery, an organization that helps people find interest in life away from addictions, in January.

Both of them have been sober for more than a year, and they both said they understand reintroducing themselves to society is not an easy task.

“More and more people come to these events for something they’re looking for,” Stickel said. “They’re going through meetings and fellowships, but people want to be part of something, and that’s why a lot of people use drugs because they don’t feel like they’re part of something. Once they use, they take that feeling away.”

Spettle, originally from Columbus, Ohio, said his own drug use was a financial wrecking ball.

“The damage I caused from my addiction is well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, I’m sure,” he said. “Insurance fraud, check fraud, counterfeit money—it just takes over.”

The main objective is to get people focused on things that don’t involve a “drug of choice,” a substance with which a person fixates.

“When I came out of treatment I needed to find a hobby that suited me, so we’re trying to bring the community together and give them the opportunity to experience difference things,” Stickel said. “A lot of what we do is pretty much free of cost.

We show people that there are ways to have fun without drugs and alcohol.”

The organization takes people rock climbing, on camping trips, to different sporting events and more.

The two said they’ve worked with between 50 and 100 people since they started, but that doesn’t mean they’re all from San Clemente or Southern California.

“What I’ve seen is … San Clemente is a great spot because it has a lot of opportu-

Page 10

GATEKEEPING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Dr. Eugene Medley, M.S., pharmacist and owner of Sea View Pharmacy in San Clemente, said San Clemente is no exception to deception and drug trafficking in plain sight. He said he’s seen a consistent stream of scammers trying to acquire narcotics for sale or fueling continued personal use.

“Unfortunately, yes, you do have individuals who attempt to do those kinds of things,” Medley said. “We often find individuals are trying to cheat the system, for lack of a better term.”

But there are a lot of tell-tale signs between a physician’s referral and an imposter’s feint, he said. Most of the time pharmacists will keep in constant communication with other physicians. If they do get cheated, there is a possibility that the pharmacy is liable in litigation.

“The (California Board of Medicine) came forward with corresponding responsibility where it put the onus on the pharmacy, and if we willingly fill something that’s questionable, we’re responsible,” Medley said. “If I do not know the doctor and the patient and cannot substantiate a request, I will not fill a prescription.”

Medley said he contacts Drug Enforcement Agency authorities whenever a red flag comes up or he can’t connect the physician to the requester.

“If there’s a possibility of malfeasance, we let the prescriber know, and because it’s their ID that’s been stolen,” Medley said.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Last year, the federal government implemented a requirement for states to pass legislation for licensed professionals to report distribution of certain levels of identified narcotics. The California Attorney General mandated licensed professionals to register by Jan. 1, 2016 with Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System for schedule II through IV controlled substances, according to the AG website. California Prescription Drug Monitoring Program will maintain the CURES database. More information can be found at www.oag.ca.gov/cures-pdmp.

More information can be found at Save San Clemente, 949.370.1232, www.savesanclemente.com, savesanclemente@aol.com Coalition Outreach Alliance, 949.388.0114 ext. 205, www.communityoutreachalliance.com/cure-sc Living Life in Recovery, 949.545.7447, www.facebook.com/livinglifeinrecovery, livinglifeinrecovery@yahoo.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

OBITUARY

Gene Edgar Alley On May 23rd, 2015, Gene Edgar Alley sadly lost an eleven-year battle with CIDP – Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. He passed away in his San Clemente home surrounded by his family. Gene was 83 years old. Gifted with an irresistible smile and a generous heart, Gene Edgar Alley was born on September 2nd, 1931 in Rifle, Colorado to Dorothy and Frank Alley.

An only child, Gene grew up in Inglewood, Arcadia & Escondido, CA, spent many summers with his Colorado cousins, and graduated from Escondido High School Class of 1947. At age 16, Gene moved to Anaheim with his parents and attended Fullerton City College. Gene married Lorraine on March 10th, 1951 and together raised five children with homes in La Puente, Yorba Linda and San Clemente.

Gene’s greatest passion was his family. He especially loved family camping & boating vacations and travel adventures with his wife. Other passions were water-skiing, dirt-biking, bicycling, and snow-skiing. Gene enjoyed woodworking, tinkering with motors of all kinds, and turbo-charging everything he could put his hands on, especially his favorite speedboats. A generous man throughout his life, Gene passionately supported San Clemente’s Boys & Girls Club and Family Assistance Ministries, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Gene’s life’s work of over 50 years was the La Mirada-based chemical distributor, HORN Company (formerly E.T. Horn).

Starting out as a lead salesperson in industrial sales in 1961, Gene became the HORN Company’s visionary and beloved leader.

Gene retired as CEO and Chairman emeritus in 2014 at age 83.

Gene’s legacy - dedication, loyalty, and generosity to his employees combined with unfailing commitment to build genuine, lasting relationships with partners while conducting business with transparency, integrity and collaboration – will continue to motivate future generations at HORN. Gene’s love of family was evident in everything he did. Married for 64 years, he is survived by his loving wife Lorraine; children, Cheri & Roger Hotalen, Steve & Shelli Alley, Lisa & Mike Zarkades, Frank & Karin Alley, Tricia & Chris Zines; grandchildren Dave & Chris Alley, Lauren, Collin & Braden Zines, Cole, Nate, Marah, Tricia & Elizabeth Alley; great grandchild Cooper William Alley; sister and brother in-laws Patricia Licata & Jack Currier; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will dearly miss his love, loyalty, and wonderful sense of humor.

Memorial services were held on June 6th, 2015 at Casino San Clemente with Officiant Pastor Jeff Frohner of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, San Clemente, CA.

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Friends of the Library Fundraiser The Friends of the Library are holding a tile sale fundraiser to raise money for books and materials. There are six handcrafted commemorative tiles designed by local artists Rick Delanty and Maryana Espe-Wagor of the San Clemente Art Association. Sarah Hopkins of FIRED UP is providing the materials and glazing. The tiles will adorn the Friends of the Library Bookstore patio wall as well as a wall facing the San Clemente Community Center lawn, with installation to be in early July.

There are 50 tiles left, which cost $150 each. For more information and to place your order online, visit the SCFOL website at www.sanclementefotl.org or e-mail at scfotl@gmail.com. Order forms are also available, Wednesday through Saturday, at the San Clemente Library Book Mobile from noon to 5 p.m, located in the Vista Hermosa Sports Park. The library and bookstore are scheduled to open mid-July with a grand-opening celebration midAugust.

Grad Night Volunteers Needed The San Clemente High School Grad Night Committee is seeking volunteers for this year’s event. SCHS Grad Night, open to all graduating high school seniors. Grad Night is June 19 for an all-night party with games, casino, food, prizes and more. It is intended to keep students safe, happy and off the streets. Volunteers can come to the school gym at 5 p.m. or all weekend.

Parents who volunteer earn Grad Bucks for their children to spend when it is their

turn to attend. Volunteers are needed for construction, painting, crafts, booth decorations, food setup and more. Studies show schools that offer a Grad Night have a much lower death rate on that night (part of Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s origins). Two years ago Grad Night was discontinued due to lack of volunteers.

Work on the night is taking place 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, until June 18. Volunteers can earn double grad bucks for their students. Contact SCHS for more information at 949.492.4165.

San Clemente Man Joins Boy Scouts Board of Regents The Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America has added Ken Khachigian of San Clemente to its Board of Regents to provide leadership for the council’s strategic vision and fundraising development. Khachigian joins seven individuals who make up the Founder’s Circle of The Board of Regents to advise and lend their support to OCBSA through volunteerism, counsel and mentorship.

They also serve as professional role models for the Scouts.

Khachigian possesses more than 30 years of strategic expertise in governmental affairs, complex business litigation and public service. Currently, he is a senior partner at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP in Orange County.

CUSD Seeks Community Engagement in Facilities Recommendations Capistrano Unified School District is asking district parents, students, employees, and others who work and live

within the CUSD boundaries to actively participate on a community committee that will engage in a four-week assessment of the district’s short- and long-term facility needs. The committee members will receive briefings on district facilities and facility funding sources, the district budget and school funding, as well as discuss public information and community outreach with a final outcome of developing solutions to present to the Board of Trustees. Each committee member will be expected to commit to the entire stakeholder process, including attending all four of the weekly committee meetings and actively participating in discussions. They will also have the opportunity to tour different district facilities and school sites to gain hands-on experience in truly understanding the facility needs of the district. Additional information about the Community Committee and the process for becoming a member will be publicized via email, the district’s website at www.capousd.org and news sources this summer.

Rotary Day Set for June 14 San Clemente City Council recently announced that Saturday, June 13 will be recognized throughout the city as “Rotary Day.” Mayor Chris Hamm and Councilwoman Lori Donchak presented Bill Ewing, president of the San Clemente Rotary Club, and Michael Studenka, president of the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club, with a special “Rotary Day” proclamation to promote and encourage community involvement with Rotary clubs of San Clemente at local community service events. The Rotary Clubs of San Clemente will hold a “Meal Packing Event” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 13 at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church to assemble and package food supplies for the “Kids Around the World” nonprofit organization based in San Clemente. Volunteers in this community service event is open to the public. Over 12,000 meals will be packaged for distribution to those in need around the world. For more information, contact info@crcsc.org or mikes@ kidsaroundtheworld.com.

Sea World Essay Contest Winners Sea World San Diego recently had a 2015 essay contest that all Southern California third- and fourth-graders were invited to participate in. It was a 250-word essay on coral reef conservation. San Clemente’s own thirdgrader, Tanner Harden, was first runner-up of all essays submitted. To celebrate, a Sea World costumed character visited Harden’s class and gave out some sweet treats and small prizes for each student.

Third-grader Tanner Harden, back row and furthest left, and a third-grade class from Carden Academy in Mission Viejo pose with a Sea World mascot June 2. Photo: Courtesy Shelley Harden

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Have something interesting for the community? We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Page 12

Community Meetings THURSDAY, JUNE 11

Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting

7 p.m. The Coastal Advisory Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Community Center, 100 N. Seville in the Ole Hanson Fireside Room. 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

FAM Resource Center 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

There will be food and other resources that families need, such as toiletries, canned goods, pasta and T-shirts.

1030 Calle Negocio, 949.492.8477 www.family-assistance.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

San Clemente Toastmasters

7 p.m. Toastmasters meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. Guests are welcome, there is no fee to join us as a guest and no invitation necessary.

805.794.0653, www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

Sunshine Rotary 7:15 a.m. Rotarians

meet at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille, 990 Avenida Talega, Near Avenida Vista Hermosa and Ave. Talega, across from Panera Bread. www.scsunriserotary.com.

City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, www.san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Garden Club Installation Meeting

11: 30 a.m. Meeting will celebrate the Garden Club year Installation of officers, award announcements, scholarship recipients will be introduced. 1212 Avenida Buena Suerte, San Clemente, 949.492.5518, www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

San Clemente Rotary Noon. Rotary meeting at Wedgewood Restaurant at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, 150 E Avenida Magdalena, www.sanclementerotary.com Planning Commission Meeting

7 p.m. Meeting takes place at City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio. www.san-clemente.org.

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

Saturday, May 6 DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 2400 Block (9:53 p.m.) A homeowner was trying to get a group of drunken people to leave his house. He said they kept kicking his cart.

COMPILED BY JACOB ONOFRIO

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, May 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Bravado, 300 Block (12:49 a.m.)

A retired police officer reported that a man jumped out at him while he was walking his dog.

Sunday, May 7 Cameron Sayler, left, and Valerie Ziesmer, cashiers at Menchie’s in San Clemente, assist customers Tuesday at the franchise’s new location, 943 Avenida Pico. Photo: Eric Heinz

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Grand Openings MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT 943 Avenida Pico, 949.940.1331, www.menchies.com Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is hosting its grand opening until Friday, June 12. Menchie’s prides itself on rotating flavors and toppings.

The company mission is “to make every guest smile,” according to a press release.

Its newest store recently opened in San Clemente at the Plaza Pacifica.

Samer Rufail, manager of the San Clemente location, said the franchise is family owned and his uncle Melad Ghabrial, owner of the new store, gave him the opportunity to work at the new location.

The business started in the mid-2000s and has bloomed to 500 locations since then.

“We found the shop was beautiful and in a good location, and that sealed the deal for us,” Rufail said.

The name Menchie’s is a derivative from the Yiddish word “mensch,” which means “good person,” Rufail said.

To celebrate, people can visit Menchie’s for one 8 oz. cup of free frozen yogurt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m until June 12. Other fun surprises include free giveaways like T-shirts, plush dolls and dodge balls and family-friendly activities, such as free face painting.

—Eric Heinz San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

TALEGA COAST DENTISTRY 1031 Avenida Pico, Ste. 203, 949.361.6900, www.talegacoastdentistry.com Talega Coast Dentistry opened its doors on Dec. 1 and celebrated last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Owner Fredrick Johnson, Jr., D.D.S. attended Meharry Medical College and completed his dental residency at the University of Mississippi.

In 2014 he was named one of “America’s Best Dentists” by the National Consumer Advisory Board.

Doctor Johnson is from Laguna Nigel but chose to practice in San Clemente.

“My business partner, Dean Rollolazo, and I wanted to find a place that was in a community that was rapidly growing,” he said. “San Clemente is close to where we live and it would be convenient to serve the community.”

Talega Coast Dentistry provides a variety of procedures, including braces, teeth cleanings and wisdom teeth extractions.

Talega Coast Dentistry is open Monday through Wednesday and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The business is closed on Sundays.—Amanda Hoffman

SHOTS HEARD, NO SUSPECT INFORMATION La Paloma, 200 Block (11:51 p.m.) A caller claimed they heard someone in a car driving around and shooting a gun.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Calafia, 200 Block (7:45 p.m.) Seven juveniles were throwing rocks from the cliffs just south of the Calafia Beach Café.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Via Pico Plaza, 100 Block (3:04 p.m.) After yelling and disturbing the peace, a woman went inside a bathroom and broke the toilet in half.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Salvador, 100 Block (12:23 p.m.)

A caller reported somebody throwing concrete on the courtyard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Juno, 3900 Block (10:33 a.m.) A man showed up on the caller’s doorstep the day before and asked if he could sell his van to him.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Palizada, 100 Block (10:25 a.m.) A homeless man was trespassing and defecating in the laundry room the day before.

RECKLESS DRIVING Buena Vista/Dije Court (1:49 a.m.) A patrol check was conducted for an older, light-blue car screeching down the street for 20 minutes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida de la Estrella, 500 Block (1:12 a.m.)

Police ran a patrol check for a possible electrical shortage or electrical issue in the parking lot of the lumber business nearby. The caller was concerned a power line was down.

Fredrick Johnson Jr., D.D.S. Photo: Amanda Huffman

SHOTS HEARD, NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Marquita, 100 Block (1:11 a.m.) A single shotgun shot was reportedly heard from the parking lot.

Page 14

KEEP THE PEACE Marquita, 100 Block (9:43 p.m.) A man reported a woman was squatting at his house and refusing to leave. He said the woman was his housemate’s girlfriend, but his housemate was not there.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Hermosa/ Avenida Platanar (9:07 p.m.) Someone was throwing water balloons at passing vehicles.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Princesa, 100 Block (7:40 p.m.) A man was walking down the street and looking into parked cars. The caller confronted him and he started cussing and making rude gestures to the caller.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Montalvo, 200 Block (7:36 p.m.)

After noticing her neighbor downstairs was having a garage sale with people she did not recognize, a woman was convinced they were selling meth. She said not to send anyone because “she would take care of it herself.”

DRUNK IN PUBLIC North El Camino Real/ Avenida Palizada (6:26 p.m.) Police checked for a drunken woman who was falling and pulling her pants down. The caller was concerned for the woman’s safety.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida San Luis Rey/El Camino Real (2:20 a.m.) A caller saw a man jump over a fence into another person’s property and heard spray paint cans being rattled. The caller believed the man was “tagging.”

Friday, May 5 DISTURBANCE Avenida Pelayo, 100 Block (9:02 p.m.) A man reported four “gang type” people hanging out in front of his location. He said they were waiting for someone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Frutas, 0 Block (1:58 p.m.) Two men and a woman in a silver Nissan were going doorto-door and looking into windows.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Cornelio, 100 Block (11:15 a.m.) After using the Find My iPhone app, a woman found her mother’s phone in someone’s apartment three blocks away.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Tajado, 0 Block (3:34 a.m.) As she looked out her bathroom window, a woman saw someone trying to open the doors of different vehicles. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Life is a Cabernet

T

here’s no denying the pleasure of wine.

It can make almost any meal an occasion, give every table a little elegance and provide every conversation an added sense of satisfaction.

Although I’m a rank amateur as wine enthusiasts go, I learned a bit about it while living in France. Miki Dora, one of surfing’s early icons and bona fide bon vivant, knew the venerable Rothschild family, France’s greatest vintners—and on the odd occasion invited me along. So in those “salad days” while surfing France’s southwest coast I had the chance to taste a Chateau Mouton Cabernet Sauvignon, savor a Premier Cru Classé Merlot, and try Chateau d’ Yquem, Bordeaux‘s great dessert wine. From then on I was hooked. Even today French reds are the only ones I know enough about to buy intelligently without the help of a wine connoisseur.

That’s not to say I don’t love California wines, far from it. I once acquired two cases of 1974 Beauleau Vineyards Private

Letters to the Editor CITY SHOULD REFUND PARKING MONEY BRAD MALAMUD. San Clemente

The city claims we need beach parking on the El Camino Real lot to be funded, exclusively, using Beach Parking Impact Mitigation Funds, yet the lot has been vacant for over 20 years. Eleven city studies prove there is no beach parking shortage. The city gave away 150 beach parking spaces for Metrolink use, and 64 spaces were waived for Casino use only after the city proved to the Coastal Commission there was surplus parking, not a beach parking shortage as it now claims, even though North Beach parking is decreasing. These Coastal Commission agreements require the city to build 214 North Beach parking spaces before a beach parking shortage arises and BPIF Funds can be expended. The city’s ECR lot parking design was rejected because it requires excess asphalt to facilitate special events, not beach parking. The city’s application did not refer to a beach San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Reserve Cabernet for $216 a case. A year later it was selling for $120 a bottle. You might think we would have held some of that Napa nectar for later years. But when you have a couple of cases of great wine lying around, its hard not to break it out every time good friends come over— which in those days was pretty constantly.

We went through those two cases in about eight months. But it was the best string of dinner parties I ever remember.

Luckily for San Clemente, we have several wine shops that rank among the best in Orange County. Coincidentally, they offer a varied and distinctive range of choices.

Bob’s Fine Wines on Camino de Estrella carries a dazzling array of WAVELENGTHS wines. Owner Bob ClanBy Jim Kempton ton is an ardent expert as well as a charming conversationalist. A genuine, unpretentious second-generation San Clementean, he relishes sharing his knowledge. Don’t be put off by the Gatorade in the front of the small, jam-packed store. Just ask if he has a 1961 magnum of Lafite-Rothschild—he’ll smile.

The Cellar on Del Mar has brought a new level of casual elegance to the local wine experience. Distinctly European in feel, the shop closely resembles a Parisian café. Dawn Mednick and Sherrie Jordan parking shortage.

A trial court ordered the city to refund the $10.5 million BPIF Fund (the funding source for the shuttled ECR lot) to over 6,000 San Clemente homeowners. There is no beach parking shortage to mitigate.

Does anyone believe that if a beach parking shortage exists, BPIF funds would remain unspent for 25 years? Even so, the city is spending our money to appeal this common-sense court decision.

Council will explore better ways to spend BPIF funds and is frustrated by the coastal Commission’s rebuke. Neither is necessary. Council should comply with the court’s order. Council can make the refund and still use over $1 million of available unrestricted North Beach funds for parking or revitalization.

TAKE PRIDE IN DOWNTOWN, MAIN STREET BUSINESS JAKE SCHWANER, Dana Point

Ole Hanson’s vision was a picturesque Spanish colony by the sea. Avenida Del Mar, or downtown, is really our main street. Traditionally main streets should represent a center for social, cultural and economic activity for the community. They tell us who we are and what we were. We don’t go to outlet malls or bland suburbs to learn about our past, explore our cul-

not only carry crates of fine wine, they offer a formidable selection of cheeses, too.

And their evening wine bar (complete with witty wine stewards and polished piano players) create the perfect place to nurse a big red.

The San Clemente Wine Company, just a short walk down Del Mar, brings the same upscale feel, with varieties from over 30 of the world’s best regions. Wine tastings are often booked out in advance and offer the chance to taste old classics and new arrivals. For the last three years, this local gem has been ranked as one of the top three wine shops in all of Orange County. The new owners, Stacey and Jeff Lloyd plan to bring even more to the table.

Pay a visit and discover the beauty of these gems. After all there are only a few things that get better as they get older— sterling silver, good books, longtime friends and vintage wine. To top it off, the word is that 2015 should be a very good year for wine—maybe even one for the ages. I heard it through the grapevine.

Jim Kempton, a professional writer and amateur wine lover, has personal proof that wine improves with age. The older he gets, the better it tastes. 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.

ture or discover our identity. Main streets are places of shared memory where the entire community still comes together to live, work and play.

The real corporate greed lies just north, perched on a hill with million-dollar ocean views—a premium outlet mall with every corporate name you can think of. From what I see, there is an over saturation of “outlet/discount” shopping going on. Really now, how much does a premier surf/ beach community really need?

Hopefully Avenida Del Mar will attract small businesses that will take pride in improving their storefronts and offer innovative and unique products, not outlets for the surf industry and faceless corporations. Revitalizing main streets are proven to have a direct impact on the quality of life and provide a positive economic impact for the community.

It takes leadership and vision to build a strong downtown that has a vibrant, sustainable community that all the locals enjoy coming to, can be proud of and has a heartbeat that reflects the original vision of Ole Hanson.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@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 BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

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

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianc Kevin Dahlgren Evan Da Silva Amanda Huffman Katherine Nowicki Jacob Onofrio Dana Schnell Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 24. 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 17

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: View From The Pier by Herman Sillas

Why Must Sports and Scandal be Synonymous?

T

he first thing I read in the morning is my newspaper’s sport section.

I check scores and stories of my favorite teams. Then I see what sports events will be on TV that day. Yes, I am a sports addict.

My addiction came from my youth. See, as a boy, I played America’s playground games, like basketball, baseball and touch football. Each sport had its season, and my buddies and I formed teams to compete in the playground. Our parents never came to watch us. In fact nobody watched us play; we just played.

But as a parent in the 1970s, my generation and I watched our children play soccer on Saturday mornings. Soccer appealed to both genders.

I predicted soccer would become America’s most popular sport. I believed that the young players would become fans and encourage their children THE VIEW to play soccer. They did.

FROM THE PIER

By Herman Sillas Today, pick any Saturday and visit a park. Soccer leagues are everywhere and embrace the young fans and players.

At the beginning of every professional soccer game, each player walks out on the field holding the hand of a youngster.

What other sport does that? Football teams take the field like a charging buffalo herd threatening the life of anyone standing in its way; no place for children there.

Baseball allows a bat-boy or girl. Basketball has no room for kids. Soccer players can be any age or size. If you can kick a ball, you can play.

Unfortunately, scandals have plagued sports over the years. Drug use became a way of life for some athletes because some drugs enhanced their ability to perform on the field. Professional baseball dealt with players with Popeye forearms that blasted home runs like never before. Professional football also has had drug-enhanced muscle men who played as if possessed. They were. These guys caused broken bones, necks, busted noses and black eyes. Now

all professional athletes have been advised “if you use drugs, you are gone.”

But a different type of scandal came to light after this year’s Super Bowl. It appears that the winner, the New England Patriots, intentionally deflated footballs so that their quarterback would have an advantage in throwing the ball in freezing weather. The Patriots cheated, but they were allowed to keep their victory and money. Forfeiture of the game was never considered.

Is nothing sacred? In soccer, it appears that top-ranking officials in FIFA received bribes for their votes to select the location for the World Cup that occurs every four years. Folks, we are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars changing hands under the table and being hidden from authorities and the public. Officials involved apparently sold their votes on a variety of issues. Illicit money went into the pockets of those overseeing this worldly sport, while millions of fans throughout the world watched the games. Do I care?

Sure I do. Why can’t sports to be like they were when I played them as a boy? Is that too much to ask as an adult? Is there no sport left untainted?

I initially thought I had one—fishing.

No one has ever tried to bribe me when I fish. No fisherman that I know of has taken drugs believing it will enhance his ability to catch fish. But the more I thought about this, I realized fishing is based on deception. We hide our hook with bait that we believe will entice fish to bite. We use smaller fish as sacrifices for larger fish. Our whole sport is based upon bait and switch. No wonder we fishermen lose so often. And when we win, we eat the loser.

Herman Sillas can be found most weekend mornings fishing at the San Clemente Pier. He may be reached at sillasla@aol. com. SC

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, June 12 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso.

CORRECTIONS: In the June 4-10 edition story “Utilities Look at Water Issues” of the San Clemente Times, a segment of the water restrictions for Santa Margarita Water District customers was incorrectly mentioned. Customers can water 12 minutes per week. In the same edition in the Business Beats story “Newly Contracted,” a quote used in the story misidentified a source as a former CEO of Skullcandy. Jeff Kearl was the CEO.

Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

Page 18

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.

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 | 11 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.

READ TO A DOG 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Kids can read to licensed therapy dogs every other Thursday. Studies have shown that reading to therapy dogs can improve children’s reading skills and self-confidence. Sign up at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, or call 949.493.1752 to reserve a spot, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

LEROY & THE BAD BROWNS 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.

SAN CLEMENTE PAJAMA STORYTIME 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Children and their parents are invited to enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the family off to dreamland.

Program hosted by the National Charity League-Laguna Chapter. Don’t forget your PJs. Free. Pacific Coast Church, 2651 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.412.1245, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST 8 p.m. Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing have a secret: they maintain a fictitious persona of Earnest when visiting each other. In the country, Mr. Worthing remains Mr. Worthing, but Algernon becomes Earnest and vice versa. However, when the men collide in the country and their love interests find them out, the men have a lot of explaining to do. The play runs through June 28. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students, and can be purchased online. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

At the Movies: ‘Love & Mercy’ for Pop Fans

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

ll over Manhattan and down Doheny Way, people are familiar with the Beach Boys’ classic songs, but now a new motion picture offers insight into the musical genius and mental illness of Brian Wilson, the famous surf-pop band’s front man and main songwriter. This June, music lovers and movie fans can unite to view the best biopic of 2015: Bill Pohlad’s Love & Mercy.

Switching off between the periods of 1965 to 1968 and 1987 to 1988, we see young Brian (Paul Dano) at the top of his game, composing his masterpiece ‘Pet Sounds’ and the sessions for the abandoned album ‘sMiLe;’ and middle-aged Brian (John Cusack) at his most reclusively depressed. The audience grasps the pressure and stress Brian was under while experimenting with his music, the abuse he was dealt from his father Murry (Bill Camp), his cousin/band mate Mike Love (Jake Abel), his therapist Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) and also his relationships with wives Marilyn (Erin Darke) and Melinda (Elizabeth Banks).

Friday | 12 THE FREMONTS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

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

BIOLUMINESCENCE CRUISE 8 p.m. The Ocean Institute’s nighttime Bioluminescence Cruise aboard the RV Sea Explorer provides a unique opportunity to learn about and witness the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark. Cruises are also scheduled for June 13, July 18, Aug. 15, Sep. 19 and Oct. 10. $35 for adults, $22 for children ages 4 to 12. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

“BRINGIN’ IT BACK” POPS 2015 CONCERT 7 p.m. Come and support the 50th celebration of San Clemente High School as the Triton Vocal Arts presents the “Bringin’ It Back” Pops 2015 concert June 12 and 13.

EDITOR’S PICK

The show will feature small groups, solo and ensemble numbers from the awardwinning SCHS Women’s Concert Choir, Triton Varsity Men’s Chorus, Bel Canto, A Cappella and Madrigals. Tickets are $7–$10 and can be purchased beginning at 6 p.m. at the Triton Center box office.

San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.facebook.com/TritonVocalArts BALLROOM BASH COMMUNITY DANCE 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $10 admission includes a short Waltz lesson followed by dancing to Ballroom, Swing and Latin recorded music, decorated tables, plenty of chairs to relax and visit friends, soft drinks, delicious refreshments, free parking. St. Andrews By-the-Sea Methodist Church, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente 92672, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

Photo: Kathleen Schmitt

SATURDAY, JUNE 13: 12TH ANNUAL SAN CLEMENTE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Educational Foundation will host an event to support the academic programs of San Clemente High School The event will feature dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and more. Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased on the SCEF website. For more information, email info@schsef.org, call 949.498.6470 or visit www.schsef.org.

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Saturday | 13 SECOND SATURDAY BOOK SALE AT DANA POINT LIBRARY 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Friends of the Dana Point Library have a book sale on the second Saturday of the month, in the stor-

Page 23

Photo: Courtesy

Once you get past the fact that Cusack looks nothing like Wilson, there’s a fine performance underneath. It’s obvious Cusack did his homework on Brian’s mannerisms and speaking patterns, as has Dano. The real standout sequences are in the past with Dano and the soundtrack of ‘Sounds.’ Pohlad creates a beautiful montage of a genius, mentally lost and in need of a real friend. Love & Mercy will appeal to a wide variety of viewers, but for fans of the Beach Boys, Wilson or a good period piece this film is right on the mark. SC

age room adjacent to the library. Books at bargain prices. 33841 Niguel Road, 949.489.3956, www.ocpl.org.

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Every Saturday night, join OC Parks for a campfire program that may include a presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. All ages are welcome.

Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

PAINT SAN CLEMENTE PLEIN AIRE COMPETITION 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Competition starts Saturday. The public is invited to view the artists’ progress as they paint each day throughout the community. Winners are announced at the gala at 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on June 20th, held in the San Clemente Community Center Auditorium. The artwork will be on display and for sale in the Art Gallery through July 30th. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.7175, www.paintsanclemente.com.

(Cont. on page 24) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 23) POWDER AND POOF! 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Female impersonator show. Dinner Reservations recommended starting at 6 p.m. for best seating. Show reservations can be made by calling in advance. Adele’s at San Clemente Inn, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

Sunday | 14 2015 PORSCHE WHITE GLOVE CONCOURS 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Peruse more than 150 beautiful cars at this Porsche celebration at Lantern Bay Park, including 356s, 912s and the latest models by Walter’s Porsche and Circle Porsche. The event includes Porsche merchandise and services, a DJ playing songs from the ’60s, raffles and prizes. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.356club.org.

DBA SAN CLEMENTE CAR SHOW 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring more than 300 classic and exotic cars, the 20th annual San Clemente Car Show is hosted by the Downtown Business Association in partnership with the city of San Clemente on Avenida del Mar. The event is free and includes food trucks and vendors.

A free shuttle will run from San Clemente High School. San Clemente Downtown Business Association, 949.218.5378, 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.

SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. In honor of Father Serra’s 300th birthday celebration, tour the Serra Chapel, the oldest operating church in California. Tours are every Sunday.

Admission $2-$3. Price is in addition to museum admission for non-members.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com/ activities/holiday-crafts.php.

Monday | 15 OPEN PAINTING STUDIO WITH COSTUMED MODELS 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Explore colors, textures, anatomy and more while painting a costumed model. Cost is $15 per class, or purchase a one-month block for $12.50 per class. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

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

Tuesday | 16

Wednesday | 17 HOMESCHOOL FAMILY DAY 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Discount packages for homeschool families every third Wednesday of the month at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Packages include child admission, guided tour, audio tour, panning for gold, adobe brick making, koi fish food, Mission Clubhouse ID card and passport explorer.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

KARAOKE WITH LES AND JOEL 7 p.m. Every Wednesday at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

MISSION GARDEN TOURS 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Take a half-hour tour of the Mission’s grounds with the Mission Gardening Angels every Wednesday. Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

BILINGUAL FAMILY STORYTIME 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Bring the entire family for stories and rhymes in both English and Spanish at the San Juan Capistrano Library every Wednesday. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL STORYTIMES 10 a.m-10:30 a.m. Stories for children 18-35 months and ages 3-5 from 11 a.m.11:30 a.m. at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m.-Noon. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for stories, songs and crafts for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers. No registration is required.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

TAPPED OUT TUESDAY 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Draft beer is half price on Tuesdays at Salt Creek Grille.

Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

OIL PAINTING WITH VICKI DE SILVA 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy oil panting lessons with artist Vicki De Silva at San Clemente Art Supply & Custom Framing. Classes run every Wednesday through July 17.

Call for details. 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

DOWNTOWN SJC FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

LAGUNA BEACH LIBRARY SURF BUZZ SERIES 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Meet Paul Holmes, the former editor of Surfer Magazine and co-producer of the groundbreaking Surfer television series for ESPN. Holmes launched the radical and futuristic spin-off magazine Beach Culture and has been a freelance surf journalist, mostly for Longboard Magazine. Admission is free.

Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, 949.497.1733.

Thursday | 18 BACKWATER BLUES BAND 7 p.m. Backwater Blues Band is a San Diego-based band with seasoned musicians that have performed up and down the coast from various taverns. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members, $15 for people 18 and under. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

GONE COUNTRY 8 p.m.-midnight. Country music and dancing every Thursday at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, JUNE 20 HARBOR MUSIC CRUISE: SONIC GOLD 8 p.m. Enjoy live music aboard the 95-foot vessel Dana Pride while cruising the Dana Point Harbor and watching the sunset.

Boat features a full bar. Occurs each Saturday through Oct. 17. Must be 21 or over, with proper ID. $19. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

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

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

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Come to the Coach House

BY EVAN DA SILVA, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

s part of their tour to celebrate the release of their newest album You Asked For It…Live!, Sacramentobased Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will be preforming at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano Wednesday, June 24 with doors opening at 6 p.m. Estrin, who handles harmonica and vocals, is accompanied by Chris “Kid” Andersen on guitar, J. Hansen on vocals and standing drums, and organ, piano and bass, courtesy of Lorenzo Farrell.

“I played the Coach House once as part of a harmonica player revue, but never San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

with our regular Nightcat line-up,” Estrin said. “We wanted to play the Coach House ever since because it’s such a great room with all kinds of cool history. I can’t wait to get in there with the regular band.”

For over 30 years, while producing nine albums and being nominated four times for Band of the Year by the Blues Music Awards, Rick Estrin fronted Little Charlie & The Nightcats.

After Charlie Baty’s retirement in 2008, Estrin brought Andersen aboard to fill the guitar void and renamed the band. Staying with Alligator Records, their original label, the group released their debut album

Twisted in 2009, followed by One Wrong Turn in 2012.

The four have received universal critical acclaim praising them for their energetic and engaging live performances, as well as a musical style unique to the rock and blues genres. In 2013, Estrin himself was awarded Best Instrumentalist-Harmonica by the Blues Music Awards.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano.

Tickets are $20 and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. For tickets or more information call 949.496.8930 or log on to www.thecoachhouse.com. SC Page 24

Photo: Courtesy

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Mobility Task Force Mulls Future City Trolley Program Transit would require consistent patronage in order to preserve funding

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente’s Mobility Task Force is looking to ride alongside its neighboring cities.

During a meeting on Monday, the task force and participants discussed the possibility of tapping into Orange County Transit Authority grant funds for implementing a trolley system in San Clemente.

Councilwoman Lori Donchak, who is the Orange County Transit Authority Board of Directors District 5 representative and a liaison to City Council for the task force, said the trolley would have to prioritize the transportation of San Clementeans, but it would also be used to assist transit for visitors.

OCTA already runs a system through San Clemente, and task force members said they can’t thoroughly examine possibilities of trolley implementation until the current OCTA system is analyzed. San Clemente’s routes for OCTA can be found at www.octa.net/Bus-Transit/Routes-andSchedules/Overview.

Parking, the ubiquitous facet of any beachside project, for people to stop and ride was a catch-22 with task force members.

The transit would either serve as a first and last stop for the incoming outlet mall to give it as much visibility for visitors as possible, or force the city to rework its plans in existing lots such as the SCHS parking lot well as other places for weekends.

Susan Jennrich, general manager of the Outlets at San Clemente, which are expected to open mid-October, said the possibility of having the parking garage to facilitate park-and-ride operations for the trolley at the new mall would have to be examined.

The plans come with a contingency: the OCTA could pull funding if the city can’t

prove at least 10 people per hour use the services. That’s where the marketability of the city’s crown jewels comes into play. As the transit is planned to run Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and maybe Thursdays, committee members discussed examining the feasibility of attendance with stops at popular attractions.

The task force said it would enhance public transportation on weekends to connect residents to the rest of the city, such as reaching out to North Beach, Trestles and Talega.

Task force attendants maintained residents of San Clemente, and Southern California, must have a vehicle or some kind of transportation.

Wait time would dictate services, as well. Studies have shown, members said, that people are willing to wait up to 20 minutes for their ride, and the goal of the system is to reduce that to 10- to 15-minute waits.

Whether trolleys will be available for the possible request is another aspect, as OCTA has allocated limited funds for the grant. About $573,000 would be requested by the city for the program, if council approves the expenditures.

Much of the decisions made with the city’s trolley plan would follow the guidelines of the general plan the city recently published.

The number of trolleys in the fleet and rates for utilizing the services will not be ascertained until a better understanding of the project comes to fruition.

The trolley grants are funded through Measure M, and more information can be found at www.blog.octa.net/funded-bymeasure-m-programs-for-popular-trolleysstart-rolling. SC

On Monday the San Clemente High School Auto Academy hosted the U.S. { IN S A N CLEMENTE } Air Force Vapor Special Ops Supercar, an altered vehicle equipped with military-grade protection and weapons. It is one of the Air Force’s five specialized Photo: Courtesy feature products that tour nationwide.

SCENE

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

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

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

People are Similar Wherever You Go

Members of the Kirsch family make a toast on a bridge in Wurzburg, Germany. Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

F

riday, my partner Greta and I conclude a seven-week trip to Europe.

Before we left Dana Point on April 13, Joanne, single, age 70, a friend of mine, emailed that she had moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I wasn’t too surprised because I knew she had lived in several different states.

She wrote, “I have lived all over the country and have enjoyed every minute.

I have met so many people and learned so much from them. It has been a great experience.”

But what Joanne said next struck a chord with Greta and me as we visited Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Netherlands: “People are the same everywhere you go. They have different faces and names but still the same traits.”

Time and again on this trip, Greta and I were reminded of how similar people are in the world. They want peace, love and harmony. They are willing to help each other and to work together, regardless of nationality. For the last two weeks of our trip, we were on a river cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Amsterdam.

The crew on the boat was diverse. The captain was from the Czech Republic, the hotel manager from Germany, the program director from Austria, much of the dining room staff from the Philippines, the head chef from India and the maître de from Bulgaria. They worked together beautifully.

Greta and I believe that as we travel these foreign lands, we can make a very small contribution to world harmony by being friendly, considerate, respectful and interested in what the local people have to say. We can be de facto ambassadors of goodwill and peace.

For example, on the day we visited Bamberg, Germany, it was cold and rainy. We popped into a coffee shop that was filled with college students trying to get warm.

A young waitress, about 20, was excited when she found out that we were from California. She said, “Oh, I can’t believe this.” She was so friendly and welcoming to us, that we gave her our email address

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

in case she wants to visit.

On another day, Greta and I were walking across a bridge in Wurzburg, Germany. Near the middle of the Main River, we sat on a concrete bench to enjoy the beauty around us—a large castle surrounded by vineyards, beautiful churches, river barges passing below on the river and stately Roman statues adorning the bridge—when we noticed near us a family (grandpa, grandma, son and granddaughter) taking a bottle of Wurzburg-labeled champagne and crystal goblets out of their shopping bag. The son popped the cork.

We photographed them toasting on the bridge. They saw us.

The older gentlemen asked me in German to take a picture with their camera. He started explaining what the occasion was. We had no ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 idea what he was saying.

By Tom Blake His son came over and translated, explaining to his dad that we were from California.

With that, the older man switched to broken English, very broken, and excitedly told us about his visit to the American West some 10 years before.

The older couple’s daughter was in Italy. It was her birthday. The man proudly showed us the gift and card wrapped in bright green paper he had for her.

The family had told the daughter they would be toasting to her at that time on that bridge. They wanted a picture with us. It was a small ambassador goodwill moment—very heartwarming. Borders, war memories and language barriers were replaced with friendships and handshaking.

Wherever we travel in the world, wherever we live, for the most part, people are the same—they want peace, love and harmony. We all can further that cause. 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

Page 29

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

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

LIST

USE

LOCALS ONLY

LOCALS ONLY

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES HUGE RUMMAGE SALE ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH. 107 W. Marquita San Clemente.

Saturday, June 13, 8 A.M. - 1 P.M. Come and get GREAT deals!!

MOVING SALE SAT 6/13 7AM TO 1PM 34321 Camino El Molino, Capo Beach/San Clemente. Near Stater Bros. Household goods, furniture, vintage furniture & collectibles, clothing (men’s, women’s, & girls) Shoes & Toys. Several Large Couches.

GARAGE SALE CAPO BEACH June 13 6am-1pm. Hawaiian,Surf and designer clothes. Hawaiian and beach collectables, linens, fabrics, pottery, dishes, seashells, housewares, jewelry, furniture and much more. 34821 Calle Del Sol, Capo Beach.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

SERVICES TUTOR High Level, AP High School Junior, available to tutor your child and bring them to the next level; $15. Call or text (949) 394 4125 HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed.

Phone Chris -949 510 6645

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Page 31

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Atlanta Braves Select Triton Baseball Duo in MLB Draft Pitcher Kolby Allard and catcher Lucas Herbert picked 14th and 54th, respectively, on draft day

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

fter the news filtered through the television that San Clemente High School senior pitcher Kolby Allard had been selected by the Atlanta Braves as the 14th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, there were optimistic jokes and nervous murmurs circling around the room that his teammate and catcher, Lucas Herbert, would join him in Atlanta.

Allard and Herbert, who are best friends, gathered with their families and close friends at the Herbert residence to watch the draft unfold on June 8.

As the minutes ticked by and the second round approached, the possibility grew more real. By the time the Braves, who were among the teams tied to Herbert in the buildup to the draft, were on the clock again with the 54th pick, it seemed like it was destined to happen.

“After they took Lucas Herbert Kolby I wanted to Height: 6-1 go to the Braves Weight: 185 pounds as well … It was 2015 Stats: .417 AVG. a pretty awesome ; .496 OBP; .775 SLG; moment, (hearing) 50 hits (led Orange that we are both County); 28 RBIs; going to the same Eight HRs; 25 XBH. team. It was pretty

unreal,” Herbert said.

“When it happened the house erupted.

It was pretty sweet,” Allard added.

The Braves did indeed pull the trigger on drafting both Herbert and Allard, an effective pitchercatcher combo and among the more sought-after high school prospects for their positions in this year’s draft.

Both players had commitments to UCLA but eagerly Kolby Allard await their chance Height: 6-2 to sign their big Weight: 175 pounds league contracts 2014 Stats (Made once they gradutwo appearances in ate.

2015): 6-2 record; Allard entered 1.32 ERA; 63.2 IP; 98 his senior year as Ks; .180 OPP. AVG. a top prospect and was regarded as the best prep arm in the nation after a dominant junior year. But after just a few starts, Allard was shut down for the season after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his back. Nevertheless, he wound up as the 14th overall pick and the first high school pitcher taken in the draft.

“It was awesome. You work your whole life, all the hours you put in, all the days you put in. It was a surreal moment to make my dreams come true,” Allard said.

San Clemente pitcher Kolby Allard, left, and catcher Lucas Herbert were drafted 14th and 54th overall, respectively, by the Atlanta Braves in the 2015 MLB Draft. Photo: Steve Breazeale

All players have a dream team they’d like to play for in the back of their mind and are at the mercy of the draft when the time comes. Herbert said his ideal scenario has always been to play for the Braves.

Herbert, a defensive maestro with a solid bat, lived in the Atlanta area for three years before moving to San Clemente his sophomore season. His old school, Milton High School, is just 31 miles from the Braves’ Turner Field.

“The Braves always told me they were interested in me. So I was pretty confident they were going to take me at 54,” Herbert said. “Once the Braves came up at 54 and I was there, the minute (in between picks)

went pretty quick. It was pretty cool that they called my name.”

The Braves organization is in a state of flux, following the firing of former general manager Frank Wren in September of 2014. But the organization, which has historically been one of the most consistent in all of baseball, has been busy stockpiling prized prospects. In the offseason, the Braves made a jump from 26th to 15th in the 2015 Baseball America organization talent rankings. John Hart is now the team’s general manager.

Allard and Herbert will wait until after they graduate high school to make the flight out to Atlanta, where they will sign their contracts and prepare for the next step. SC

Marines Corps Mud Run Returns to Pendleton SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

Participants in the 2015 Camp Pendleton mud run crawl their way up a hill on June 6.

Photo: Courtesy MCCS Camp Pendleton

San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

he annual Camp Pendleton mud run’s first wave of participants descended upon the wet and sloshy course assembled on the base June 6-7.

The first weekend of the mud run saw 9,500 participants complete the 1K, 5K or 10K loops.

The mud run, which is put on by the Marine Corps Community Services, will be running again this weekend on base from June 13-14.

Each race offers participants a chance to get muddy and some, like the 10K, can

Page 32

offer a physical challenge. Those taking part in both the 10K and the 5K will have to navigate their way up the daunting slippery hill, over mud pits and walls and complete a steeple chase segment.

The 10K’s route features stops where participants must complete sand bag overhead presses, tire flips, pushups and cargo net climbs.

Early registration for the event is closed, but those interested can purchase tickets at the gate. For more information on the event, visit www.mccscp.com/mudrun. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Mel Pasquale to be Inducted into SC Football Hall of Fame

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

hen the Friday night lights need to be turned on at Thalassa Stadium, it is Mel Pasquale who flips the switch.

Preparing a San Clemente High School football team for a game on the gridiron has become second nature for the longtime resident and current director of football operations. Always one to stay busy, Pasquale can be a blur on campus during the week of a game. He assists in coaching on the field and helps break down film on Saturday mornings. When headphones and communication systems need to be set up before a game Pasquale, who head coach Jaime Ortiz refers to as his “right-hand man,” is on it.

With anything the Tritons need, he is more than happy to oblige.

On June 12, the San Clemente High School football program will honor him as the 2015 inductee into its hall of fame.

Pasquale’s journey to the football hall of fame traces back to the hill behind Thalassa Stadium.

When he was a kid, Pasquale would run up and down the steep dirt hill connecting what was Ole Hanson Elementary to the high school. Once his grade school class was dismissed, he would make the short run back down the hill to find his father, who was the vice principal of the high school at the time. In 1967 a young Pasquale was introduced to then-head football coach Allie Schaff, who made him a ball boy. The rest, as they say, is history.

Pasquale admits he was not as talented in pads as his two sons AJ and Nick were.

In fact, he jokingly said there was a “large generation gap” between his talent and theirs.

Pasquale was one of a handful of quar-

Mel Pasquale, left, and his son AJ on the field for a UCLA football home game. Mel Pasquale will be inducted into the San Clemente Football hall of fame on June 12. Photo: Courtesy

terbacks on his high school squad that revolved in and out of a wishbone offense and he got some time at defensive back.

Pasquale was a member of the first Triton team that appeared in a CIF Championship game and has been on the sidelines in some capacity for every return trip since (2011, 2014).

Pasquale was involved in Pop Warner football in the area and coached his sons up through high school. When both AJ and Nick graduated, Pasquale missed the camaraderie of being with the coaches and the hectic schedule that comes with coaching a football team. Current San Clemente athletic director John Hamro

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

BEACH SOCCER The California Football Academy’s San Clemente-Foy boys 13U team finished in first-place in their division at the Huntington Beach Sand Soccer Tournament on June 7.

The team scored 27 goals over the course of four games and defeated Albion OC Premier 3-2 in the championship match.

The team will compete in the Southern California Developmental Soccer League in the fall.

The CFA San Clemente-Foy boys 13U team includes: Seth Cusick, Garrett Gonzalez, Sean Sullivan, Wesley Georgieff, Asher Foy, Clay Mosher, Jack Martin, Marcello Rossi, Shiva Kumar, Carter Fann, Dane Glaze, Ethan Grush, Blake Lipofsky, Miles Miller and Brix Hazen.

The CFA San Clemente-Foy boys 13U team won their division at the HB San Soccer Tournament on June 7.

Photo: Courtesy The team is coached by Dan Foy. San Clemente Times June 11-17, 2015

Page 34

was the interim head coach at the time and offered Pasquale a spot on the staff.

When Ortiz became head coach, he knew he inherited a devoted volunteer.

“He bleeds red and black. You try, as a coach, to show your players that you’re invested, and Mel has been invested in it since the minute he stepped foot on this campus,” Ortiz said. “It’s never been about Mel. It’s always been about what he can do to help the school, help the community.”

Pasquale and his family have impacted hundreds of players, families and fellow coaches over the years. Those countless relationships made between the family and the community were no more evident than when Pasquale’s youngest son, Nick, was killed by an oncoming car while walking home in September of 2013. The day after the news broke, hundreds gathered to pay their respects on the football field at San Clemente High School and more than 1,000 people attended the funeral.

In the wake of their son’s death, Mel and Laurie Pasquale created the Nick Pasquale Foundation, a nonprofit that awards scholarships to local athletes and makes monetary donations to charitable sports groups. In 2014, San Clemente High School’s Francesca Fedorovsky, a nationally-ranked fencer, became the first recipient of a scholarship.

Mel Pasquale’s efforts do not extend solely to supporting the football team. He is a regular attendee of baseball, basketball, volleyball and soccer games. AJ Pasquale, who played football and baseball for the Tritons, is also a familiar face in the baseball bleachers. If the Tritons are playing in a big game, there will more than likely be at least one Pasquale in the stands.

“It’s such a special community … All the coaches in that school are my friends.

And the kids, I know them from the town and it’s fun to go watch them and support them,” Mel Pasquale said. “I think that’s why we have such a cool little athletic thing going on. It’s not all about football.

It’s about our town and our teams.”

There are a number of players in the San Clemente football hall of fame who played in college and the NFL. Some of those players are still chasing the dream and making big bucks on Sundays.

Pasquale said he was honored to be considered in such a group and was surprised when he first found out he was chosen as this year’s inductee.

But look past the pads and the stats accumulated on the field and instead, look at the man with his hands on the light switch and his energy at the ready every Friday night. The choice to induct him becomes a much more obvious one.

“I just enjoy the whole thing. I love the Friday nights,” Pasquale said. “All the hard work that goes into it, the goal-oriented thing. It’s just fun to be around and watch these kids grow.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report

Tribucher Swats Home Run to Win All-Star Game MVP San Clemente’s Will Tribucher hit a home run and pitched two shutout innings to take MVP honors at the annual Orange County All-Star Baseball Game on June 9 at La Palma Park.

The annual exhibition game is run by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim and features a north and south team made up of the top prep players in the county.

Tribucher’s two-run shot came in the seventh inning and helped put the south team on top for an 11-8 victory. The Michigan-bound senior also hit a double and pitched two 1-2-3 innings.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Yeam Falls in Fourth Round of CIF-SS Tennis Singles San Clemente High School junior Jay Yeam advanced to the round of 16 at the CIF-SS Individual Tennis Championships on June 4 but lost to Arcadia’s Charles Deng in two sets.

The round of 16 matches between Yeam and Deng was a re-match of the CIF-SS team semifinals between the Tritons and Aracdia that took place earlier this year.

Yeam was able to best Deng in the team contest but could not repeat the effort in individuals.

Volleyball Players Compete in All-Star Game, Named to All-League Teams College commits Brandon Hopper, Matt August and Dominic Brousard represented the San Clemente High School volleyball program at the 2015 Dave Mohs Memorial All-Star Game on June 5. The

San Clemente’s Brandon Hopper, seen here on right against Huntington Beach, competed in the 2015 Dave Mohs Memorial All-Star Game on June 5.

Photo: Lynn Hopper

trio was among 12 representatives who played for the exhibition’s south team.

Hopper and August were also named to the all-South Coast League first team.

Brousard and Liam Walsh were named to the all-league second team.

The program held their annual team awards banquet last week. Hopper and August were named co-Tritons of the year and the coaches awards went to Cale Foreman and Thomas Calvert.

Hundreds Turn Out for First-Ever Triton Bowl The first annual Triton Bowl flag football benefit game pitted senior and junior girls from San Clemente High School against one another at Thalassa Stadium on June 5. The senior team won the game, 16-0.

All food and beverage sales collected at the event will go directly to the family of Saylor Voris, a former San Clemente High School student who died earlier this year after battling leukemia. The money will go towards helping the family offset medical costs, according to event organizer

Jaime Ortiz. Ortiz said 755 people were in attendance.

The football program spent the weeks building up to the game coaching and training the girls in preparation for the event. Ortiz said he would like to make the Triton Bowl a yearly tradition on campus.

Dunne Places 10th in 800Meter Run at State San Clemente junior Connor Dunne was in a strong position to make a run at the CIF State Track and Field 800-meter championship in Clovis on June 5.

During the prelim rounds, Dunne posted the fastest time, blazing the trail in 1:53.37. His time was nearly one full second faster than Clovis’ Connor Morello, whose prelim time came in at 1:54.30.

But in the 800-meter finals one day later, Dunne was not able to repeat his prelim time and settled for a 10th-place finish.

Dunne’s finals attempt was clocked at 1:55.56. Centennial’s Isaac Trevino won the event with a time of 1:51.55.

Dunne had a standout junior season running distance races for the Tritons track and field team. He set a new school record in the 1600 at the Sea View League prelims, placed sixth in the 800 at the CIF-SS Championships and took fourth in the 800 at the CIF Masters Meet. Dunne’s time of 1:52.53 at the Masters Meet also set a new school record.

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Surfers Share a Walk on Water AWOW hosts a day of surfing lessons at Camp Pendleton for children with special needs

BY KATHERINE NOWICKI, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he Beach Boys famously sang, “Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world.” For many at the A Walk on Water event at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, June 6, the chance catch a wave meant much more than just summer fun.

A Walk on Water offers water therapy for special needs children and their siblings through surf lessons. Five men founded AWOW in November of 2012—Steven Lippman, Jason Logan, Pat Notaro, Sean Swentek and Jason Wolk. Today there are 45 to 50 volunteers regularly involved at each AWOW event as the organization travels from Ventura to Orange counties.

“It’s about all the families,” Logan said.

“Our goal is to let families relax and not have to worry about their child. There are people here to support and help them.”

Event coordinator Lee Nichnowitz agreed.

“Some special needs kids speak (for the first time) after surfing,” Nichnowitz said.

“It’s amazing.”

Saturday was the second AWOW event

Clockwise from top: The AWOW team gathers for a photo Saturday at Camp Pendleton event. Steven Lippman, AWOW co-founder takes an event participant with special needs along for the ride Saturday at Camp Pendleton.

Smiles on the faces of AWOW co-founder Pat Notaro and this young participant illustrate the mood of the day at the Camp Pendleton event on Saturday. Photos: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

held at Camp Pendleton. The first was at the close of AWOW’s season last November and about 200 people attended.

This year AWOW began their season at Camp Pendleton and its participation was expected to jump to about 225.

“No money is exchanged,” Wolk said.

“We donate everything to the families.”

AWOW is funded through merchandise sales, and items such as hats and shirts with the organization’s logos were available for purchase at the event. In addition

GROM OF THE WEEK

PATRICK O’CONNOR

P

atrick O’Connor, 11, of San Juan Capistrano is one of our area’s most versatile groms, having started surfing as a toddler. Whether ripping on a shortboard or performing stylish maneuvers on a longboard, Patrick’s talent for wave riding is apparent.

At the recent Western Surfing Association West Coast Championships, May 30 and 31 at Church Beach, he wowed the judges and spectators on both types of boards.

Patrick was the winner of the Boys U14 Longboard division (the No. 3 ranked surfer for the season) and in Boys U12 Shortboard (ranked No. 7) he took first place in his Round 1 and Quarterfinal heats to advance to the semifinal where his campaign ended.

After a successful season in the Volcom San Clemente Times June 11–17, 2015

Patrick O’Connor. Photo: Courtesy

Totally Crustaceous Tour this season—with first-, second- and third-place finishes—he will be competing in the upcoming Global Championships.

Patrick is in fifth grade at San Juan Elementary and works hard to keep his grades up although he admits school is not his favorite thing to do, as it pales in comparison to wave riding.

“School’s not my favorite but if I didn’t go I wouldn’t have as many friends as I do, so it’s worth it,” he said. “And I would like to go to college, so that makes me want to try

to the surf instruction, AWOW provides food and beverages for participants. Meals are cooked at each event’s location and all ingredients are organic.

Families and volunteers came from as far away as Malibu and San Diego. Saturday was the fourth AWOW event the Malibubased business Vintage Grocers has taken part in. Lippman originally persuaded founder and market director Eric Fuchser of San Clemente to become involved. “(Lippman) showed me some videos

harder in school.”

Not really looking to professional surfing as career, he instead has his heart set on becoming a surfboard shaper, a free surfer and WSA competitor for life and possibly taking over his dad’s private label surf apparel design company someday, “when he gets too old,” he said.

Patrick would like to thank those supporting his surfing efforts: Jack’s Surfboards, Brink Surfboards, Dave Post, Ian Gottorn and his family.

When asked how he feels about his style being compared to that of pro surfer Taylor Knox, Patrick said he is flattered but that imitation is not what he is trying for.

“I don’t really try to have a style or surf like anyone,” Patrick said. “I just surf. I don’t try to look a certain way. I just go with it and whatever happens happens. My sister is cool about always telling me it doesn’t matter what other people think and not to try to copy someone’s style and just make my own.”—Andrea Swayne

Page 38

about what they do. After I dried the tears I told him I was in,” Fuchser said. “You can see the gleam in the kids’ eyes from the beach. The cause is bigger than all of us.

It’s bigger than anything we could ever do.”

Michael Ford and his family came from San Diego after his 9-year-old son Ethan was invited to the event and his 14-year-old son Tanner, an accomplished surf competitor, saw an opportunity to volunteer.

“The kids are having a great time,” said Ford. “I just saw a kid riding on somebody’s shoulders and I thought that was amazing for someone who can’t walk.”

Participants on the beach watched those in the water and cheered.

Darren Jaffe attended the event with his children in hopes the activity would be a fun bonding experience as well as a safe environment for them to learn about being in the water. “(The AWOW event) is well-run and they care about the families,” Jaffe said.

“There’s genuine caring and community here. You don’t get that a lot.”

Another participant, Maria Rittenberg, seconded Jaffe’s thoughts.

“From the minute we got here, there was such a sense of love, acceptance and understanding,” Rittenberg said. “There are a lot of big hearts here. It brings tears to your eyes.”

When asked about her experience in the water, Rittenberg’s 9-year-old daughter Natalie said, “They helped me out and I got to stand on my knees!”

“Did that make you feel like you could do it?” asked her mother.

“It made me feel like I could do anything,” Natalie replied.

More information is available at A Walk on Water’s website www.awalkonwater.org or the organization’s Facebook page. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 64-67 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 6-8’+ Fair Catalina: 12-18’ Fair-Good Thursday and Friday: Fading South/southwest swell for mainly thigh-chest-shoulder high waves (2-3-4’) at well exposed areas on Thursday. That surf drops into the kneewaist high zone on Friday. Light/variable early morning winds turn light+moderate WSW-W in the afternoons.

Outlook: Old swell drops off going into the weekend for mainly small scale 1-2-3’ surf.

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

www.sanclementetimes.com