November 26, 2015

November 26–December 2, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 48

Thanksgiving Feats Volunteers aid in providing food to U.S. Marines and their families for the holiday EYE ON SC/PAGE 9

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were part of the volunteer effort at the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Monday at Camp Pendleton.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Transgender Bus Driver on Life and Work EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Solving the Mystery of the Fishing Boat Sunk Off SC Coast EYE ON SC/PAGE 7

www.sanclementetimes.com

SCHS Football Faces Buena Park in Quarterfinals SPORTS/PAGE 30

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

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Dozens of parents and potential students listen to the Orange County Academy of Science and Arts presentation on Nov. 18 regarding the creation of a charter school within the Capistrano Unified School District.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Woman Gets 18 to Life for Drunken Driving Murder THE LATEST: Kelly Michele Wolfe, 47, of Capistrano Beach, was sentenced Nov. 20 to 18 years to life in state prison for the murder of an elderly grandmother and injuring her blind Kelly Michele Wolfe. grandson in a drunken Photo: Courtesy driving incident that took place July 4, 2013, according to the Orange County District Attorney.

Wolfe was found guilty by a jury on Sept. 28 of one felony count per conviction of murder, driving under the influence and causing bodily injury, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more and causing bodily injury, as well as one misdemeanor count of driving a motor vehicle without a valid license and a sentencing enhancement for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or more.

“At approximately 8:30 p.m. on July 4, 2013, Wolfe drove a Volkswagen van northbound on El Camino Real in San Clemente while under the influence of alcohol and without a valid driver’s license,” a release from the DA stated. “The defendant San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

ran over the victim, 76-year-old Marthann Demchuk, who was standing in the gutter while her then-12-year-old, blind grandson, Mason F., was on the curb holding her arm.”

The release stated the two were on their way to watch fireworks.

Wolfe reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .31 percent at approximately 10:39 p.m., nearly two hours after the crash.

Mason was treated for injuries as a result of the crash, including abrasions to his face, mouth and legs. Demchuck died as a result of the injuries that she sustained from the crash.

WHAT’S NEXT: Because Wolfe had been convicted of a prior DUI in Nevada in 1995, where she completed a DUI class and attended a victim impact panel, the defendant received a Watson advisement when she renewed her California driver’s license in 2008. This gave her prior knowledge that she could be charged with murder if she killed a person while driving under the influence. She will not be eligible for parole until 2033. —Eric Heinz

School District Hears Charter School Proposal THE LATEST: At the Nov. 18 Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, the Orange County Academy of Science and Arts (OCASA) presented a petition to the board to create a charter school within the district.

During the presentation, OCASA representatives said they’ve gathered hundreds of signatures at community events in San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel and San Clemente, and have held a half-dozen

parent information sessions across the district. They presented goals for the school such as a focus on an exploratory, integrative STEAM curriculum; ethnic and socioeconomic diversity among students; and having the school accessible to low-income, underserved students of which they want to comprise 25 percent of the student population. During the hearing, Trustee Gila Jones questioned whether that population would be adequately reached with the school’s current outreach plan.

The school’s projected enrollment is 255 students K-8 in academic year 20162017, 330 students in 2017-2018 and 375 students in 2018-2019.

According to the California Department of Education, Proposition 39 requires that school districts “make available, to all charter schools operating in their school district with projections of at least 80 units of average daily attendance (ADA), facilities that will sufficiently accommodate all of the charter’s in-district students, and that facilities be “reasonably equivalent” to other classrooms, buildings, or facilities in the district.”

OCASA’s Proposition 39 application submitted to the district states that, “Based upon the needs of the charter school and the residency of the projected student enrollment” OCASA would like to locate its facility “within the attendance area of San Juan Elementary school in San Juan Capistrano or within the attendance area of Las Palmas Elementary school in San Clemente.”

However, when asked if OCASA’s intention is to occupy a current school site, San Clemente resident Kapil Mathur, lead petitioner for OCASA, replied that the charter school is currently “proceeding on parallel paths” with the “intent to secure a private facility.” He said once a lease is signed, they may withdraw the Prop 39 application.

“Our plan is to lease a private facility to use as the school,” Mathur said. “We do not plan on using an existing school facility.”

WHAT’S NEXT: According to OCASA’s proposal, the district is required to express any objections about charter school attendance projections in writing on or before Dec. 1, and the school must respond to the objections by Jan. 2, 2016.

OCASA then expects a written preliminary facilities proposal from the district on or before Feb. 1, and the school has until March 1 to respond with any concerns or counter proposals. A final notification regarding the space to be given to OCASA is required prior to April 1.

FIND OUT MORE: To view OCASA’s petition and proposal, visit www.capousd.org and search under “Board of Trustees.”

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For the full story, visit www.danapointtimes.com. —Allison Jarrell

Eckhardt to be Recognized at Tournament of Roses Parade THE LATEST: Connor Eckhardt, a San Clemente teen who died from smoking tainted synthetic cannabinoids, will be honored on this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade “Donate Life” float. Eckhardt was an organ donor.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rose Bowl Parade will take place at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan 1. The parade will be broadcast on local television networks. —EH

I-5 Freeway Construction Update THE LATEST: Over the next several weeks, crews will be performing daytime piledriving activities along Avenida Pico next to the southbound I-5 freeway, according to an Orange County Transportation Authority press release. The work will take place intermittently between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays throughout December.

Crews will begin driving steel piles to support the new portion of the Avenida Pico bridge footings.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather and other unforeseen operational factors.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, contact southoc5info@octa.net or call 800.724.0353. For additional project information and to sign up for weekly construction emails, visit www.octa.net/I5Pico. —EH

San Clemente High School Hosts Holiday Play THE LATEST: The San Clemente High School Theatre Arts Program presents an adapted version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Director Daniel Ingram’s advanced and IB theatre students created their own adaptation to this beloved holiday classic. The play features Danielle DiMarco, Katie McGowan, Jenna Sekutera, Jonathan Jackson and Daniel Klevit.

WHAT’S NEXT: The play runs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, and 5 with a 3 p.m. matinee on Dec. 5. Tickets can be purchased at www. schsdrama.com or at the box office a half hour before showtime. The Saturday evening performance will be presented with SCHS American Sign Language interpreters. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

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, November 23 TRAFFIC HAZARD West Marquita, 100 Block (12:08 p.m.) Police were called regarding numerous vehicles backed up from Pedro’s Tacos drive thru, which were blocking the intersection.

TRESPASSING Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (4:55 a.m.) A caller said a man was sleeping outside a story entryway.

BURGLARY REPORT Rio Lindo, 900 Block (4:16 a.m.) A woman called to report vehicles had been broken into.

Sunday, November 22 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Ramona, 100 Block (7:41 p.m.)

Police were called to check on a man who was described as talking to himself and “possibly hallucinating.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (6:10 p.m.)

A man in his 20s was running up and down the San Clemente Pier wearing only underpants.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Del Presidente/ Avenida Junipero (4:35 p.m.) A woman said a 20- to 22-year-old woman who looked like she was on drugs was trying to get into the caller’s vehicle, saying “someone is trying to kill her.”

DISTURBANCE West Marquita, 100 Block (3:38 p.m.) A woman called to report a parking dispute. The woman said a neighbor threw a bottle at her while she was trying to park and then moved his truck so she could not fit her car in the spot.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Vina Vial, 3000 Block (12:54 p.m.) A caller said a man in his 40s was “roaming the neighborhood,” parking and walking up to houses.

The caller said the man was possibly casing the homes.

DISTURBANCE Calle Real, 3900 Block (9:56 a.m.) A man said his neighbor was using racial slurs.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 2000 Block (9:37 a.m.)

A woman calling from Florida said her mother was staying at a hotel in San Clemente. The woman said the manager of the San Clemente Times November 26-December 2, 2015

hotel called and asked for her credit card information. The woman said she thought her mother was being held against her will at the hotel. No further information was available.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (2:30 a.m.)

The conductor of a train said someone “shined a laser light at them.”

BATTERY El Camino Real, 100 Block (9:29 p.m.) A caller said he was punched in the face, but he would not answer any of the questions from the dispatcher.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Avenida Serra, 100 Block (2:01 a.m.) A caller said a man and a woman broke a window into an apartment and climbed through it.

KEEP THE PEACE Avenida Del Presidente, 2600 Block (1:48 a.m.) A woman called police to have guests removed when they wouldn’t stop having a loud party after she asked them to stop.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Del Poniente, 200 Block (12:18 a.m.) Police were called about a man who was checking garage handles. The caller said the man was currently in his backyard, probably in his 30s wearing a white baseball hat, a dark shirt and jeans.

Saturday, November 21 WELFARE CHECK Avenida Vista Hermosa/ Calle Fontera (11:39 p.m.) A man who appeared drunk to the caller was seen stumbling into the street, wearing all-black clothing.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Extremo/Avenida La Pata (9:03 p.m.)

Eight people were reported in the bushes.

VANDALISM REPORT El Camino Real, 2700 Block (5:14 p.m.) A woman said her tenant ripped the windshield wiper from her vehicle an hour prior to calling police. She said the person who did it was drunk at the time.

STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Vallarta, 700 Block (2:26 p.m.) A woman said an associate of her son’s took off with his vehicle four weeks ago.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 400 Block (8:59 a.m.) A man was lying in a parking stall.

UKNOWN TROUBLE Calle Del Cerro, 1000 Block (12:21 a.m.) A man said there is “someone, possibly a police officer” trying to rob him. A verbal altercation could be heard and a man said “don’t hurt me.” The call reception was “very distorted.”

DISTURBANCE Calle De Los Alamos, 2000

PETTY THEFT Avenida Vista Hermosa, 900 Block (7:42 p.m.) A man took a hatchet from the camping department of the store and broke a case holding a Nintendo gaming system. A value in losses was undetermined at the time. The man was described as “tall, muscular build” wearing gloves and a backpack.

Community Meetings THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Thanksgiving Day SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30

San Clemente Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday.

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Cabrillo, 300 Block (5:54 p.m.)

An unknown woman was seen in the caller’s neighbor’s backyard. The caller caught the woman in the backyard and she fled on foot toward the beach.

Sunrise Rotary

INDECENT EXPOSURE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (3:50 p.m.) Police were called to the restroom on the fourth floor regarding a man exposing himself. A 42-year-old unemployed man was arrested and has since been released from police custody.

6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council conducts its regularly scheduled at 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8230, www.san-clemente.org.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Calle Recodo, 1000 Block (11:40 a.m.) A man was breaking windows with a pitchfork.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Calle Negocio, 1000 Block (10:40 a.m.) A man described as “transient” was running around with a rock and trying to throw it at the caller.

7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega, www.scsunriserotary.com.

City Council Meeting

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

San Clemente Rotary

Noon. The San Clemente Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at the Wedgewood Restaurant at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.233.7981. www.sanclementerotary.org.

San Clemente Kiwanis

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico/Avenida Presidio (9:22 a.m.)

A man was “threatening to blow everybody up.”

Noon. The San Clemente Kiwanis meet most Wednesdays for lunch at Tommy’s Restaurant. 1409 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.5423, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Calle Pacifica/Calle Castillo (6:20 a.m.)

A vehicle was found crashed into a tree.

An 18-year-old student was arrested and has since been released from police custody.

Planning Commission Meeting

Thursday, November 19

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Otono, 700 Block (8:47 a.m.) A man called regarding human feces found on the driveway. He said this is an “ongoing problem.”

Friday, November 20

Block (10:50 p.m.) A caller heard two women crying and screaming as they went running down the street. A 36-yearold woman, whose occupation was listed as unemployed, was arrested and booked on a $20,000 bail.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Del Presidente, 3800 Block (5:34 p.m.)

Police were called to check on a man in a 1995 Chevrolet nodding off behind the wheel. The caller said the vehicle had been parked in the same location for 15 minutes. The caller tried to wake the man, but he appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Capistrano Lane, 100 Block (4:26 p.m.) A man said he thinks a 40- to 50-year-old man “cooks methamphetamine every night due to the smell.”

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7 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission conducts its regularly scheduled at 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8230, www.san-clemente.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

Exchange Club of San Clemente

Noon. Business meeting for the club.

Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. www.exchangeclubsc.org/index.php MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Vector Control Board Applications Due San Clemente City Council is seeking applications from registered voters within the city to serve as the city’s representative on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Marsha Morgan’s Road of Life San Clemente bus driver, former Naval officer transitions from man to woman

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a twopart series about transgender policy in the Capistrano Unified School District and the people it affects. s a member of the Navy, courage is a required trait. For Marsha (formerly Marshall) Morgan, that attribute has been exemplified in another way.

A San Clemente High School graduate and current city resident, Morgan is a former sonar technician with the U.S. Navy and has been a bus driver for Capistrano Unified School District for 17 years—and she is currently making her transition from man to woman.

Morgan said the reception of her transition has been mostly positive.

“Last year I was presenting as male, but there were some subtle, feminine hints,” Morgan said. “Some kids started calling me Ms. Marsha. Recently, a group of high school students came to the front of the bus and asked me if I preferred male or female pronouns. I had to praise them six ways from Sunday for that; I told them how appropriate it was.”

Morgan said seeing a voice coach to help her speak more feminine is part of the psychological transition.

“What you have to understand is I bus 80 kids around the district, and the difference between this voice,” she said, speaking in an authoritative and masculine tone, “and this voice,” changing to the quieter, feminine tone, “is one gets their attention and the other just kind of makes them giggle.”

Morgan’s public transition is fairly recent. When she was a child—identified as a boy—her mother found a stash of feminine items, which led to her being shipped to a military school in San Diego.

“The intent, I suppose, was to drum out the female in me,” she said. “I’m 53 years old, and I knew I was different since I was 8 years old; I’ve been transgendered since I was 8 years old,” Morgan said.

Being separated from her family, Morgan was very depressed at the military school and was eventually sent back to home.

Later in life, she discovered that getting the transitional operation would be affordable.

“Once I knew what could be done, a transition-type surgery, I always wanted it but knew it was always out of reach and I wouldn’t be able to afford it,” Morgan said.

A

Marsha Morgan, a bus driver for CUSD and former sonar technician in the U.S. Navy, hopes to complete her transition from man to woman by next year. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

Marshall Morgan, now Marsha (center), is photographed in this U.S.S. Topedka submarine yearbook.

Photo: Eric Heinz

A tattoo on the back of Marsha Morgan’s left calf is a trinity of genders: male, female and androgynous.

Photo: Eric Heinz

“As soon as I found out that a transition was possible, I was ready to go. There was no second thought about it. This is the true me.”

Morgan said the most recent CUSD health insurance plan would enable her to start the transition to becoming the woman she wanted to be. Gender modification surgery can cost more than $100,000 for the whole process.

In order to qualify for the surgery, Morgan had to see a psychiatrist who would have to diagnose her with gender dysphoria.

The recovery from the surgery takes a bit of time.

Naval Experience Although her first experiences with military life were not enjoyable, Morgan said she felt the call to serve her country.

She entered the Navy at 25 years old as a sonar technician, achieving high marks in her classes. She spent six years as a Sailor.

In doing so, she was able to pick the position of her choice.

Shortly thereafter, she was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 for six months during Operation Desert Storm.

Aboard the U.S.S. Topeka submarine, it was her responsibility to track ships within the gulf. What made it extraordinarily stressful, Morgan said, was that the Persian Gulf isn’t deep enough to avoid detection.

She went back for a second tour during

Desert Shield. The U.S.S. Topeka was the first American submarine to enter the gulf, and Morgan received an expeditionary medal for the mission. She also received medals for national defense, a Southwest Asia medal and one for expert marksmanship.

Although she enjoyed the Navy and succeeded while enlisted, Morgan said she was “a little too civilianized” by the time she joined to remain there for a lifelong career.

She eventually achieved the rank of E-5 Sonar Technician Second Class.

Morgan said she was glad she enlisted in the Navy but wished she had entered earlier in life. Although she was nearly discovered as a transgender person in the Navy, she said her fellow sailors weren’t bothered by what they found.

“At one point, my stash of feminine items had been discovered,” she said.

“I came up with a very quick and clever explanation. I said they were ‘trophies.’

I had a submarine reunion a few years ago and presented as Marsha. They were all comfortable with it and some of them were not at all surprised by it.”

CUSD Policy Amendments Morgan said she has experienced some discomfort while working in CUSD regarding bathrooms.

“I anticipate that in any (public) restroom,” she said. “I was using the men’s room because over 17 years, the people I’ve

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worked with have known me as Marshall. I don’t believe there were complaints; there were concerns.”

Morgan’s driver’s license now designates her as a woman, allowing her to use the women’s bathroom, but that has taken some of her coworkers some time to get used to, she said.

CUSD is currently in the process of amending its policy to reflect the needs of its transgender students and employees.

Currently, Morgan said, there isn’t much that covers employees except for state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The most recent amendment proposal discussed by the CUSD Board of Trustees adds in language specifically relating to gender identity anti-discrimination policies.

Eventually, Morgan said she came to a mutual understanding with the district to use the men’s room before she makes her full transition.

“The school district has been great about it; they’ve had no qualms about it,” she said.

Her CUSD identification still reads Marshall because the Orange County Superior Court needs to grant the name change, which should happen Jan. 6.

Morgan has received awards from CUSD for outstanding demonstration for driving and was nominated for classified Employee of the Year, a certificate of recognition from the county, in addition to receiving other commendations.

Family Ties Morgan married a woman who had a daughter from a previous relationship.

Admittedly, Morgan said the relationship was already strained and the blossoming of Marsha had destroyed any hopes of reconciliation. The couple is in the process of a divorce.

“My biggest mistake was not coming out to my wife or then-fiancé before getting married,” Morgan said. “Now that I had a family, I thought I could put Marsha away for good—didn’t happen. My wife discovered Marsha about a year into the marriage. She was tolerant so long as she didn’t have to see it or deal with it.”

Morgan said she started going public with her transgender status in 2005. She said she wanted to share her story to continue the discussion of accepting transgender people.

“It brings it into the limelight,” she said. “Anyone I know that is of the transcommunity is 30 to 40 miles north of (San Clemente). I’ve been told by my friends in support groups that I should start something down this way.”

Other social situations such as going to the beach and developing head hair due to the hormone replacement are adjustments to the physical aspects.

“I’ve never had a nasty look or stare down here,” Morgan said. “The worst I’ve had is a chuckle or something like that.

“This is the true me, and 53 years of being in the wrong body is going to be fixed in a year,” Morgan added. SC —Allison Jarrell contributed to this report. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Solving the Mystery of a Sunken Fishing Boat On the 10th anniversary of the sinking of the A.C.E. the story of its discovery is told

BY SCOTT MARSHUTZ, SPECIAL TO THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

N

early two years after Dana Point’s bait hauler went down in windwhipped waters off the coast of San Clemente, Chad Steffen was taking a group of anglers out on the San Mateo, one of several boats in Dana Warf’s Sportfishing fleet. It was June 2007.

“During the summer, we head down the coast for a day trip and fish the typical spots,” Steffen explained. “As a fleet, we’re going to swing to the outside a little bit, to a depth range of 90 to 240 feet. Sometimes we’ll stagger ourselves as we’re looking for fish coming up from Baja.”

As captain, Steffen watched his fathometer closely as the San Mateo motored a few miles out of the Dana Point Harbor.

“We ran over an edge of something where there was a solid indication of fish,” he said. “I turned the boat around and came back to try to find it again and the second time I was thinking ‘what the heck is this?’ Considering the time of year, I was also thinking it could be a really concentrated ball of sand bass. We anchored on it and immediately started catching sand bass, but then we started catching rockfish too, which are structure fish—you’re not going to find them out in the mud.

“I’ve been fishing these areas for several years and I knew there was no structure

Bob Lohrman (left) and Roger Healy hold the A.C.E.’s life ring on the stern of the Early Bird II. The two men dove the wreck for the first time. Photo: Ken Nielsen

San Clemente Times November 26-December 2, 2015

Since sinking on Nov. 26, 2005, the A.C.E. has become a healthy artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of sea life.

Photo: Boonchob Vijarnsorn

down there so it had to be something new.

That’s when I thought it was probably the A.C.E. and wrote the coordinates down.”

Early in the morning on Nov. 26, 2005, the A.C.E., a 58-foot drum seiner, was en route to the Dana Point Harbor after a night of bait fishing. Offshore winds, which kicked up a sharp and quick chop producing vertically shaped waves breaking only seconds apart, slammed the boat relentlessly until it finally capsized; the vessel was already listing from a leaking deck hatch.

Because it flipped so quickly, the crew was unable to grab any life jackets. The emergency radio beacon failed to send a signal to the Coast Guard and the life raft failed to automatically inflate.

Amazingly, captain Robert Machado and all three crewmemFormer A.C.E. captain bers survived without Robert Machado. serious injury and Photo: Scott Marshutz were able to swim to the 14-foot skiff the A.C.E. was towing and shot off emergency flares. San Clemente resident Ed Westberg spotted the red sparks from his ocean-view home around 3 a.m. and called the Harbor Patrol. With Westberg’s help, the two deputies located the skiff before it was dragged under. Accounts of the dramatic rescue were widely published.

For weeks after the accident, the Sheriff’s Search and Recovery Team, the Coast Guard, fishermen and virtually anybody with a boat and sonar device went searching for the A.C.E., but came up empty.

Now Steffen thought he might be on it.

“When I realized it was most likely the A.C.E., I wanted to keep that to myself—I didn’t want the word to get out,” he said, his interest in the prospect of a great haul overriding the fact that he may have solved a mystery. “The other boats in the fleet weren’t catching anything so they moved to other spots and I didn’t tell

Chad Steffen (left) and Josh Aardema located the A.C.E. in June 2007, nearly two years after it went down in wind-whipped waters. The Catchalot, which replaced the A.C.E., is seen in the background. Photo: Scott Marshutz

them we were catching rockfish either.

We stayed on it for a couple of hours and caught a lot of fish.”

The only time he went back was when the fishing was really slow at the other spots or when there were no other boats that would see him there or a combination of the two scenarios.

“I didn’t want to hammer it all the time,” he said.

Like good poker players, Steffen and his deckhand, Josh Aardema, kept quiet for a solid year. Eventually word got out and people grew more curious.

“We’re a pretty close-knit community here,” Steffen said. “There were people who were actually mad at me for not telling them where it was. We share information about fishing spots all the time, but this one was mine, and I wasn’t giving it to anybody.”

Even though word leaked about the boat’s location, no one else had found it.

“Then people started looking a lot harder—they knew the general area of where it went down—but it’s a big area.

You get out of the harbor and you don’t realize how much ocean there is to cover,” he added. “Nobody knew which way the A.C.E. was drifting when it sank.”

About a year after Steffen marked the site, Roger Healy, a local diver and fisherman, expressed interest in diving it. Healy contacted Ken Nielsen, who owns and

Page 7

operates the Early Bird II, and together with Bob Lohrman they waited for the right weather conditions.

“Roger said he wanted to dive the site and he wouldn’t share the location with anyone else; he was the only one I gave the numbers to,” Steffen said. “While I was reluctant to give them out, I was also curious,” While Steffen is credited with finding the wreck, Healy and Lohrman were the first to dive on it.

“We used sonar to locate it and anchored on it,” Nielsen said. “Healy and Lohrman put on their dive gear and went down to see if we were, in fact, on the boat. A few minutes later, I’m sitting on the deck and all of a sudden the life ring pops up right by the side of the boat.”

Recalls Healy: “The first thing I saw was the life ring and swam right to it and cut it off. We wanted to establish that it was the A.C.E. It was eerie … especially being the first ones to dive on it. Thank god no one died when it sank. I swam inside the wheelhouse and I thought ‘what am I doing in here? I don’t have much bottom time. Who knows what could snag me.’

We took a loop around the boat and I had my camera and we went up to the bow. We scraped the bow until we could see the name and we took a couple of pictures just like anybody would do diving a shipwreck.

The skiff was still attached to the stern and the drum net still had burlap covering it—it was in perfect condition.”

As a gesture of good will, they returned the A.C.E.’s life ring to Buck Everingham who owned the boat. It was named after Buck’s grandfather Adolphus Charles Everingham, who started San Diego-based Everingham Bros. Bait Co. in the 1950s.

By 2010, Steffen’s closely guarded fishing spot became a heavily trafficked area for both anglers and divers. For the local dive shop, the wreck was a boon for business, considering it gave area divers a real, albeit small, shipwreck to explore without having to travel all the way down to San Diego Harbor. So familiar had the site become that several buoys, which were set to help boat captains locate it easily, were cut. Because it’s a popular fishing spot, fishermen said they didn’t want it buoyed because it increases the chances of fishing lines getting tangled up and possibly losing their catch.

Another issue was depth. At 114 feet, the wreck requires advanced diver skills and some feared if the site’s buoyed, accidents would occur; one diving fatality has been recorded.

Some people see the wreck as a sacred part of Dana Point’s fishing history and hope it’s never disturbed.

“You can understand the frustration,” Healy said. “There was a very small group of people who knew about it for a fairly long time. And there aren’t a lot of unique areas left like that.”

Visit www.sanclementetimes.com to read a Q&A with A.C.E. captain Robert Machado. SC Scott Marshutz is a freelance writer based in Dana Point. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

San Clemente Woman Announced as Foundation Scholarship Recipient The National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation recently announced Sarah Dillon of San Clemente as a recipient of the NLEAFCF Scholarship.

Sarah received the scholarship in recognition of her exceptional leadership, community service and scholastic achievement.

Sarah was one of 25 students from across the country to receive the award, which is based on academic merit and financial need. The recipients are all children of a law enforcement officer or firefighter who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

“First responders have given so much to defend and protect us,” NLEAFCF president and founder Al Kahn. “Helping to better pay for their college and complete their higher education is the least we can do to honor these law enforcement and firefighters’ families.”

Sarah donated over 400 hours of her time to community service between volunteering at a food bank, the Special Olympics, The Susan G. Komen foundation, The Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, Laura’s House for Abused Women, Dana Point Library, Discovery Arts for Pediatric Cancer Patients and the St. Nicholas Church Senior Citizen’s Community.

Sarah’s father, Patrick Dillon, was a special agent in the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.

He was killed in the line of duty on April 14, 2007 just a few weeks after Sarah’s 11th birthday.

“Sarah has demonstrated leadership among her peers and exceptional scholastic achievements as well as community service,” Kahn said. “We are proud to be a part of helping Sarah achieve her academic goals.”

Sarah is a sophomore at the University of Southern California, majoring in art history. She is a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation, an athlete scholar for golf and track and field, and a nationally ranked Irish dancer. Sarah created a cancer support foundation, she is a member of the Monarch Chapter of The National Charity League and she worked as an assistant dance instructor at Aniar Academy of Irish Dance.

NLEAFCF is dedicated to helping the children of law enforcement officers and firefighters lost or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

Through grants, college scholarships and family-friendly events, the NLEAFCF serves the needs of these children across the country regardless of how long ago or how recent their loss. The foundation’s long-term commitment is a promise to the people who defend and protect us, a major San Clemente Times November 26-December 2, 2015

Girl Scout Troop 2505 of Vista Del Mar Elementary recently collected goods for the homeless this holiday season. Photo: Courtesy

Honored at the Exchange Club of San Clemente on Nov. 19 (L to R): Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy Randy Morphew, Orange County Fire Authority EMT and firefighter Travis Bourassa and engineer Kirk Tobiassen. Photo: Courtesy

investment in our nation’s future and in tomorrow’s heroes.

For more information on the NLEAFCF please visit www.nleafcf.org.

Girl Scout Troop 2505 Helps Out Homeless The troop recently raised over $650 for over 45 to-go bags for the homeless.

The bags are made up of basic necessities people need such as granola bars, packaged foods, travel-size shampoo, shaving equipment, deodorant, socks, underwear, T-shirts and more. The troop raised the money, shopped and then created the bags during a recent troop meeting.

“These will go to 35 men and 10 women that are currently homeless in our area,” troop leader Erin Vainoris said in an email. “They are being donated through Welcome Inn on Nov. 28. Welcome Inn is always collecting (necessities).”

Girl Scout Troop 2505 includes 14 fourth-grade girls attending Vista Del Mar Elementary School in San Clemente.

The troop members are: Claire Campbell, Isabella Farrell, Emma Hudelson, Jordan Lapin, Dylan McCants, Lauren Melcher, Mollie Naylor, Chloe Owens, Sydney

Dr. Lowell Kleinman. Photo: Courtesy

Robinson, Lily Stewart, Caitlin Tateosian, Avery Vainoris, Samantha Westerfield, Macey Williams and troop leaders Kelli Hudelson, Erin Naylor, Laura Stewart and Erin Vainoris.

Exchange Club Honor Police and Firefighters The Exchange Club of San Clemente held a ceremony for its annual firefighters and police officers recognition. This year, the club named Travis Bourassa, 2016 Fire Employee of the Year, Emergency Transport Technician; Kirk Tobiassen, 2016 Career Firefighter of the Year; and Deputy Randy Morphew, 2016 Deputy of the Year.

Fairhaven Memorial Park Honors Alzheimer’s Caregivers San Clemente resident Dr. Lowell Kleinman was recognized Nov. 18 in a cer-

Page 8

emony that highlighted his dedication to improving the lives of his patients through his work in palliative care.

Kleinman and five previously identified honorees were recognized at the Fairhaven Oliver Halsell Care Awards banquet at Fairhaven Memorial Services in Mission Viejo.

At the Nov. 18 banquet, each of the six honorees were presented with a crystal statue by Marla Noel, president of Fairhaven, and Michael Alarcon, manager of Fairhaven Memorial Services, during a special presentation. The honorees also were asked to select a nonprofit to receive a special donation in their honor from Fairhaven.

“Our Care Award winners exemplify the giving spirit and compassionate nature that is found in caregivers from every walk of life,” Noel said. “Our founder, Oliver Halsell, recognized the importance of showing gratitude to these individuals years ago and it is a tradition we’re proud to keep alive at Fairhaven.”

The 2015 Care Award honorees include: Theresa Jamieson (Corona): staffing coordinator at Orange County Global Medical Center and the January/February winner Arnetta Robinson (Newport Beach): community relations liaison at Sea Crest Home Health and Hospice; March/April Dr. Lowell Kleinman (San Clemente): doctor specializing in palliative care at Memorial Care Medical Group; May/June Rabbi Reuven Mintz (Newport Beach): spiritual and grief counselor at Hoag Hospital, director of the Chabad Jewish Center in Newport Beach, a leader of The Friendship Circle; July/August Pat Maruzewski (Laguna Woods): volunteer with OC Hospice; September/ October Gina Moran (Santa Ana): community outreach specialist at Alzheimer’s Association Orange County; November/ December Fairhaven’s Oliver Halsell Care Award pays tribute to Orange County individuals whose kindness and dedication to serving others is inspirational. These individuals go above and beyond their job descriptions to serve with the utmost care and compassion.

Mr. Pete’s Burgers to Host Toys for Tots Mr. Pete’s Burgers announced they are partnering again this year with the Marines of Camp Pendleton to promote the Toys for Tots program. Anyone wishing to participate is asked to bring their new unwrapped toys to Mr. Pete’s Burgers, located at 420 S. El Camino Real. Collection bins are in the dining room or people can pass them through the drive thru window.

“We are delighted to be a small part of the tremendous effort the marines put forth to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate families,” a press release stated.

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

EYE ON SC

Thanksgiving Feats Volunteers, Boys and Girls Scouts help feed 800 people at Camp Pendleton PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

ood for Thanksgiving piled up on Monday at the commissary at Camp Pendleton in order to provide the holiday feast for U.S. Marines and their families.

For the past eight years the nonprofit San Clemente Military Family Outreach has hosted a Thanksgiving drive to help out the families in the north Camp Pendleton area to people living in San Onofre Housing. Many of the families have a relative or loved one who has been deployed. Recently about 2,000 troops were sent to South Pacific Asia.

“It got started by the predecessor by the Friends of San Onofre Marines,” Robert Crittendon, a volunteer with SCMFO, said. “They had started the distribution for units that were being sent overseas.

On one occasion, the St. Margaret’s Church had invited them, and there were 250 people who had signed up. The church I think was overwhelmed and they really had to scramble to provide that meal.”

Crittendon said the event eventually became tradition, and people are now

Clockwise from top left: Cans of vegetables are lined up across tables for the giveaway on Monday at Camp Pendleton People make their way to the donations from the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway A Boy Scout lifts a turkey to be placed in shopping carts U.S. Marines and their families were able to take advantage of the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway organized by the San Clemente Military Family Outreach.

able to take the items with them and prepare the feast in their own home.

Enough food was donated to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to 800 people who reside on the base.

“If we run out after that, we’ll hand out gift cards that can be redeemed at the

commissary,” Crittendon said. “We try to start with those who are most in need of help.”

Crittendon also said in order to provide for 800 people, it costs between $20,000 and $25,000. He said a lot families told him they wouldn’t be able to do Thanksgiving

without the help of the SCMFO. The full package came with a frozen turkey, stuffing mix, potatoes, turkey gravy, canned vegetables and pie.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 12 SCMFO volunteers, 15 Marines and other local residents helped with the distribution. SC

All for One & One for All Annual Boys & Girls Club gala raises more than $160,000 PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

G

Don Brown speaks to the audience before the live auction begins during the Boys & Girls Club annual gala Saturday, Nov. 21 at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club.

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

enerosity poured from all who donated Saturday, Nov. 21 at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club during the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area’s annual gala.

The weekend marked the 33rd year of the event, themed “A Night of Stars.”

Representatives of the Boys & Girls Club said the event netted more than $160,000, which is critical to funding the operations of the organization.

Allen Reese, chief professional of the Boys & Girls Club in San Clemente, emceed the event and presented a small video about the accomplishments of the students who attend the club every weekday.

Brianna Fernandez, junior youth of the year, and Lucia Vega, youth of the year, were in attendance during the gala. Vega has already been accepted to Northern Arizona University. SC

Page 9

Ryan Sheckler, professional skateboarder from San Clemente, pledged to donate $10,000 during the “sponsor a child” portion of the annual gala.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

The Outlet Mall is a Landmark Event

T

wo weeks ago featured a landmark event in San Clemente with the opening of the new Outlets at San Clemente, a commercial endeavor which has been underway for some 15 years with active development for the past eight years.

I had the privilege of being on the Planning Commission for six of the more recent years and was involved in every aspect of its planning and design. These were challenging times both for the city and the developer; however, the developer, Steve Craig, worked closely with the city to deliver an exceptional product.

By far the biggest challenge, in every respect, was developing a substantial commercial location fairly close to the center of our historical areas to “fit” and not destroy, infringe upon or overwhelm these historical areas.

The truly significant historical areas are on the ocean side of the freeway essentially commence at North Beach and run southward through the city toward the southern end of the city. There are historical sites to the east of the freeway, but they tend to be specific sites and not areas. The fear was that the Outlets would overwhelm the historic areas. Also, this site had been vacant since the city turned down the Nixon Library many years ago.

Letters to the Editor OCEAN VIEW PLAZA SEEING INCREASE OF VAGRANTS EVA M. KOHN, San Clemente

I have been a San Clemente resident for 10 years. I love this town; however, in the past year I’ve seen an incredible decline in our town. My opinions are based on my personal experiences and those of my closest friends. I am a frequent visitor of Ocean View Plaza. I frequent the nail salon, hair salon, cleaners, Starbucks, Yougurtland, TKD, CVS, Habit Burger and Trader Joe’s to name a few. In the last month, I had to flee CVS with my child after a very disturbed and visibly intoxicated transient was threatening to kill the pharmacist and the patrons. CVS called 911. Weeks later, a very disturbed lady was trying to get into people’s moving cars in front of the Starbucks/Yogurtland area.

She was almost run over by cars trying to avoid her. I was, again, with children. This time, I called 911. Finally, I was at Trader

Last year I wrote a column that described the city as very geographically diverse with a historic downtown, many beautiful and historic homes, many large housing developments, such as Mablehead, Talega, Forster Ranch and other large non-historic homes and very large commercial developments like the Business Park, Pico Plaza, Walmart, etc.

I suggested that, in spite of this construction and commercial diversity, it did not infringe upon or overwhelm San Clemente and that the city continued to be a very LEW’S VIEWS significant tasteful and

By Lew Avera historic community and could continue to take pride in its identity as a beautiful “Spanish Village by the Sea.” I believe that the Outlets at San Clemente is sufficiently separated from the historic areas enough that it does not damage the remaining profile of the city.

Perhaps most significant about the area of the outlet mall is that it is the very last large open space in the city suitable for any commercial development. Essentially the city is “built out.” Horizontal density is virtually 100 percent while vertical density remains very low. In terms of future com-

Joe’s and another man went into the store and started to knock cans on the ground and fled the store without paying. After all these incidents, I started to ask the store owners at OVP if they’ve had similar experiences. What they told me shocked and saddened me.

One of the employees said that her store was vandalized twice since the summer. In one occasion a man with a “homemade arm” stormed her store after a chase with police for robbing a nearby dentist office. She told me there were patrons in her store and police came in with guns blazing. She said she carries mace at all times.

I also asked my friend who lives across from OVP if she had some sour experiences. She said on three occasions she had witnessed people going into Ralphs and stealing alcohol. On one of those occasions, she was able to get the license plate number. She also said a member of her family witnessed a person dressed in gang-style clothing with a gun under his arm under plain view. As reported on the news, CVS at that center has been robbed twice and the gas station next door has been robbed too, both at gun point. All these incidents at this center have me

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

mercial development, what remains is a huge challenge, which has eluded the city for a very long time—the restoration of North Beach and South El Camino Real.

The effective and appropriate revitalization of both of these areas will have a much greater impact on the city than the Outlets. We must focus on this and make it happen.

In the meantime, success of the Outlet Mall will be a huge benefit. Plans are underway to connect its patrons to downtown via a public transit system of some type, which could mean literally thousands of new customers for downtown. In addition, the sales tax revenue, estimated at some $2 million annually, will greatly boost the city’s financial capabilities.

I will continue to follow the Outlets’ operations and write more about it as it progresses forward.

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

thinking if this is the product of the rise in sober living homes, which allegedly there are over 80 in San Clemente and several across the street from OVP or in Capo Beach. I have asked City Council, Brixmor Property Group and the store owners at OVP to increase security at that center; however, the issue of the rampant crime in our city has to be given a serious look if we want to preserve our home values and our standing as a place to raise families.

Perhaps the new tax revenue from the Outlets at San Clemente can be used for increased police activity and monitoring and of these sober living homes. Let’s preserve San Clemente as the safe, charming, Spanish Village by the Sea that we can all enjoy and be proud.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.

Page 10

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CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Debra Holm Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 48. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Litter with Leaves Redefine fall garden maintenance by utilizing fallen leaves in your yard

A

s a kid growing up in Central California, our classic 1950s neighborhoods were designed with colorful avenue trees and distinctive large trees that would simulate an East Coast landscape. Our East Coast relatives used to laugh at us saying that California didn’t have any seasons—everything stayed green all year long. Not so, said my father after raking up piles of yellow, orange and red leaves produced by our deciduous “maple” tree—really a Liquid Amber tree. Every fall, year after year, my father, instead of bagging the leaves up to be hauled away, would pile the leaves in the garden. I’m sure our neighbors thought he was lazy, crazy or both!

These majestic deciduous trees in our landscape produced massive leaf litter, which my father learned to work with in lieu of fighting it. Instead of the traditional scraping of leaves off the lawn and gardens, bagging them and sending them to waste management, my father would gently rake the leaves and place them in the garden beds and under the trees. Little did I know as a young child that this act of “leaf” kindness was not out of laziness but provided beneficial nutrients to the plants while serving a purpose for living and nonliving things in the ecosystem. As I have learned, there is no waste in the natural world.

it or not, leaves “areBelieve secretly at work in the garden and in our parks. ”

Unfortunately, we see leaf litter as a problem in our community, when it actually plays a rather important ecological role. Believe it or not, leaves are secretly at work in the garden and in our parks.

Leaf litter produces carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other inorganic compounds as it decomposes and replenishes the soil. During the decomposing process, life is occurring in the fungus, which is comprised of tiny harmless critters that attach themselves to the plant roots, helping the roots thrive.

Leaves provide homes to a variety of living things, from bacteria to the largest macro invertebrates. Leaf mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature for organisms living under the leaf litter during winter—some critters use the leaves as a blanket. This is the perfect home to invertebrates; butterflies laying their eggs on the leaf litter use it as a nursery. Caterpillars often times seal themselves within Page 11

the leaf as a blanket.

Birds use the leaf litter to forage for worms, insects and snails. By raking up these leaves, you may be disturbing these small habitats of beneficial insects that could be fluttering around your DIRT THERAPY

By Marrianne garden next spring.

Taylor Although removing leaves is a daily occurrence in suburban and urban homes and community parks, we can make some alternative choices to not remove the leaves. We can leave the litter in the garden as mulch, allowing nature to do its part in providing a healthy ecosystem.

Here are some tips to consider: 1. Check with your community regarding rules for raking leaves when they fall.

2. Gently rake leaves into larger piles.

3. Use leaves as mulch around large trees, shrubs and garden beds.

4. Layer leaf litter in your compost pile.

5. Utilize leaf mold (decomposed leaves) for soil drainage and enrichment.

Your efforts will help fragile ecosystems thrive while promoting healthy soils, and the byproduct is a more spectacular spring garden.

And by depositing leaves in the garden, you’ll have more time to invest in play this fall. My dad had it right after all—father does know best.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. Find out more at www.goinnative.net. 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.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Nov. 27 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso 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. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

Monday | 30

COMPILED BY STAFF

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS 10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theaters. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.

Thursday | 26 CHARITY THANKSGIVING DINNER 11 a.m. Brick Pizzeria is hosting its annual free Thanksgiving meal to feed the homeless population and needy families in town.

People can make canned goods donations through the business to Family Assistance Ministries. Brick Pizzaeria, 216 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.887.3295, www.brickpizzeria.com.

38TH ANNUAL DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 6 a.m.-11 a.m. Join thousands of runners and walkers of all ages and abilities who have made the Turkey Trot a Thanksgiving Day tradition. Enter the 10K or 5K or Kids’ Gobble Wobble race. Costumed participants may enter the annual costume contest for prizes. Event also includes a two-day health and wellness expo beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25. Cost: $15-$55.

Dana Point Harbor, 34624 Golden Lantern, at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. For more information, visit www.turkeytrot.com.

OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE MOONLIGHT MADNESS 8 p.m. Outlets at San Clemente will kick off the holiday shopping season with an inaugural Moonlight Madness event on Thanksgiving night. Families are invited to enjoy entertainment among the various outdoor courtyards, promenades and holiday décor, including a live, fresh-cut Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta decorated with 3,000 twinkling lights. Shops will remain open all night and throughout Black Friday on Nov. 27 until 10 p.m.

101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

Tuesday | 01 Photo: File

SATURDAY, NOV. 28: PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Downtown San Clemente’s 22nd Annual “Puttin’ on the Glitz” will promote shopping at local, small businesses. People can have their photo taken with Santa, enjoy a train ride, outdoor movies, local vendors, food trucks, games for children and more. Hosted by the Downtown Business Association and the city of San Clemente.

949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

HOLIDAY ORIGAMI WORKSHOP 3:30 p.m. Join origami artist Amy You at the Laguna Beach Library to learn how to make your own origami holiday ornaments. Program is for ages 6-12 with adult participation. Free. Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, 949.497.1733, www.ocpl.org/libloc/lbch.

Friday | 27

Sunday | 29

Wednesday | 02

‘A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a preview of A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a nostalgic story of Christmas day. Shows run through Dec. 20 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., with an additional show on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

CASPERS NATURE HIKE 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Join OC Park rangers every Sunday morning for an easy 1-mile hike on the nature trail, which takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle.

Participants should meet at the Old Corral day use area and wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended.

Rain will cancel the hike. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

FAMILY ART NIGHT 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly evening that includes creating a family painting and personal ornaments for the holidays. Each participant will create their own ornament and help with the family art piece on canvas. $20 per person. The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzad, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.TheArtsProjectOC.com.

Saturday | 28 POWDER AND POOF! 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Female impersonator show.

Dinner Reservations recommended 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.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf

OPEN LIFE DRAWING WITH LIVE MODELS 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Get practical experience drawing from a nude model. Cost is $12 per class. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

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

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

At the Movies: ‘Mockingjay, Part 2’ Leaves Audiences Hungry

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he popular franchise that propelled Jennifer Lawrence to superstardom now comes to an end after four years. Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games book trilogy has yielded four film adaptations starring Lawrence as anti-heroine Katniss Everdeen, a character that made archery cool again and set forth a new wave of girl power for young audiences.

After the success of the first two movies, and the underwhelming Mockingjay, Part 1, does Part 2 end on a high note?

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

Following Part 1, all hell breaks loose with Katniss (Lawrence) set on assassinating President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in retaliation for the fatalities he’s caused and for brainwashing her beau Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) into hating her. On her team are close friends Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), Cressida (Natalie Dormer) and Pollux (Elden Henson). President Coin (Julianne Moore) initially supports Katniss’ efforts to defeat Snow and then with the promise of her own power becomes corrupt—an even more immediate threat.

Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Philip Seymour Hoffman reappear as Katniss’ mentors. Mockingjay is considered by fans the weakest of the three books, so one would hope the movie(s) would be an improvement. Not exactly. While Part 1 felt like a filler television episode, Part 2 is disappointing as nothing much happens, leaving the end result an uneventful and unsatisfying conclusion following so much built-up drama and action. Part 2 also confirms that splitting the last book into two films was unnecessary. Though there is a pretty stressful, eye-

Page 12

Photo: Murray Close

opening sewer sequence in Pt. 2, Catching Fire remains the best of the series.

Lawrence has always been memorable as Katniss, but the actress and character deserved a better send off. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

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GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta 429 N. El Camino Real San Clemente 949.498.2540 www.sonnys.com

Eyeland Lash 99 Via Pico Plaza San Clemente 949.391.0670 www.eyelandlash.com

Any Denomination

Any Denomination

COLORFUL PETRIFIED WOOD BOOKENDS

20 UNITS OF BOTOX

Designs By Nature 400 So El Camino Real Suite A San Clemente 949.498.8358 www.designsbynature.com

Hybrid MD, Laser & Aesthetic Medicine 1031 Avenida Pico, Ste. 103 San Clemente, 949.429.1919 www.hybridmdoc.com

11” Wide x 6 ½” High x 2” Deep

BEG NOG LATTE

$235

$180

GIFT CERTIFICATES

$8.95

Any Denomination

Three Dog Bakery 174 B. Avenida Del Mar San Clemente 949.492.5048 www.threedogsc.com

The Wax Boutique Phenix Salon Suites, Talega Village Center 801 Avenida Talega, Suite 104 San Clemente 949.391.2279

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Get Out and Celebrate the Season Thursday, November 26

Outlets at San Clemente Moonlight Madness 8 p.m. Outlets at San Clemente hosts their inaugural Moonlight Madness event with family-friendly entertainment and holiday décor. Shops will remain open throughout Black Friday on Nov. 27. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Friday, November 27

Hike Off Your Thanksgiving Feast 10 a.m.–noon. Pack your leftovers and head to The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy for a post-holiday picnic and hikes. $5–$10. Call for directions, 949.489.9778, mvreserve.org.

Saturday, November 28

Gingerbread Spectacular

Dana Point Harbor, 949.923.2255, danapointharbor.com.

Saturday, December 5

Santa Paws 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Pets have holiday requests too. Bring your favorite pet to the El Torito Courtyard for a picture with Santa. $15 per picture. All proceeds benefit animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Dana Point Harbor, petprojectfoundation.com.

Boat Rides with Santa 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing hosts Santa Claus and his helpers on 20-minute Harbor cruises. Recommended $3 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club. Dana Wharf docks, 34675 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, danawharf.com.

Winter Festival & Tree Lighting

Vibrant coastal scenes come to life in edible form as The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s pastry team takes gingerbread “houses” to a new level. On display until Dec. 31. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, ritzcarlton.com.

Noon–7 p.m. Santa, reindeer and snow make their way to La Plaza Park where all members of the family can decorate cookies, partake in crafts, meet farm animals and much more. Celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony, movie and popcorn. danapoint.org.

Puttin’ on the Glitz

Santa’s Village by the Sea

5 p.m.–10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of holiday dining, shopping and entertainment along Avenida Del Mar as Santa Claus and carolers make their way to town. This family holiday event features train rides, roasted chestnuts and more.

949.218.5378, villagesanclemente.org.

Thursday, December 3

A Christmas Carol 7 p.m. San Clemente High School students present Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge’s visits from the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future Dec. 3, 4 and 5. Tickets $15. SCHS, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, schsdrama.com.

Friday, December 4

Holiday in the Harbor 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season in true Dana Point fashion along the water’s edge. Meet Santa, enjoy holiday crafts and enter the Darth Vader Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.

2 p.m.–5 p.m. San Clemente and Casa Romantica team up for a day of holiday games, cookie decorating, face painting and a 5:15 p.m. tree lighting at the San Clemente Community Center.

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, san-clemente.org.

San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony Start the holiday season in Historic Town Center Park with a holiday performance before the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Festivities continue on Los Rios Street with kids activities at Los Rios Park, the O’Neill Museum and Zoomars Petting Zoo. San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Christmas at the Mission 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano holiday celebration features a snow play area, cookie decorating and holiday card making, photos with Father Christmas and live music. $5 for adults, $3 for children age 4-11. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

(Continued)

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS (continued)

Christmas at the Casa

South Coast Singers Holiday Concert

5 p.m.–7 p.m. Casa Romantica’s festive open house with live music, a visit from Santa Claus, choral groups, a talking tree, holiday décor and refreshments.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, casaromantica.org.

4 p.m. Orange County’s own South Coast singers present the holiday show, “Heav’n and Nature Sing.” $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and students.

St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.613.7840, southcoastsingers.org.

Sunday, December 6

Yappy Howl-iday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Canines and their human companions can meet the “Big Dog” himself, Santa Claus, while celebrating the holidays. Guests are asked to bring unopened dog food, treats or toys for donation. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, ritz-carlton.com.

Friday, December 11

Little Elves Workshop 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Santa’s elves are in need of extra help. Children 3 to 5 are invited to the San Clemente Community Center to make gifts for family and friends, decorate cookies and more. Preregistration suggested.

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, san-clemente.org.

Choral Concert: Christmas at the Shores 4:25 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The South Shores’ 75-voice sanctuary choir performs with orchestra and tableaux, Tickets $10. Show also runs Dec. 13 at 2:55 p.m. and 5 p.m. 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, 949.496.9331, southshores.org.

Tuesday, December 15

SOCSA Holiday Concert 7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts students present an evening of holiday entertainment. Beverages and dessert served at intermission. Tickets start at $12. Show also runs Dec. 16.

Dana Hills High School, DHHS Mall, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, socsarts.org.

Friday, December 18

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

Christmas at the Cabrillo

7:30 p.m. Snag a waterfront viewing perch for the brightest holiday party around. In its 41st year, this four-night parade—running Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19—celebrates Star Wars and a galactic holiday inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Join the parade aboard a participating vessel with Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, Dana Wharf Sportfishing or the Ocean Institute. Dana Point Harbor, 949.923.2255, danapointharbor.com.

8 p.m. Enjoy the Christmas season at Cabrillo Playhouse with holiday favorites in this song and dance holiday revue. Show runs Dec. 18, 19 and 20.

Tickets are $20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, cabrilloplayhouse.com.

Holiday Lights Viewing Party 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Sip hot cocoa with Santa and watch the Boat Parade.

Guests can build lightsabers, decorate cookies and make ornaments. Celebrate the parade theme and come as a Star Wars character. $15 per person, $9 for children. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.com.

Saturday, December 12

Ho Ho Haul Away Sail 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sail with Santa aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. Take a turn at the helm, watch the crew fire the ship’s gun and make a holiday keepsake. $50 for adults, $33 for children. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org.

Thursday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Broadway Time!

6 p.m. Ring in the New Year when the actual ball drops in Time Square at the Camino Real Playhouses’ annual celebration. Enjoy dinner from Sundried Tomato and dance the night away, well until 10 p.m. at least. Tickets are $68. Buy now, tickets are limited.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, caminorealplayhouse.org.

Midnight at the Cliffs 9 p.m. Revel in the final hours of 2015 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s special ballroom celebration featuring the ’80s tribute band Flashback Heart Attack. Tickets start at $125 and include two drink tickets, midnight champagne toast and small bites. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, lagunacliffs.com.

For more New Year’s Eve event listings visit sanclementetimes.com.

OBITUARIES

Janet V. Shute

Janet (Jan) V. Shute, 85, a 40-year resident of San Clemente, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ and husband of 61 years Richard (Dick) Shute on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015.

Born in Boston, Janet moved to the west coast in the early 60’s camping in a tent with Dick and their eldest 2 children while making the trek from Rhode Island to California. Janet was an inspiration to everyone she met; those who knew her would say she was chatty, fun loving, strong-willed, practical, beautiful, energetic, and a “kick” to be around.

Janet loved living in San Clemente, and gushed over the loveliness of everything her eyes took in.

Janet leaves behind her loved

Melinda Diane Thomas

February 13, 1955 – November 14, 2015 Melinda Diane Thomas, 60, of San Clemente, CA. passed away peacefully with her beloved son at her side and surrounded by family. A native Californian, she is remembered for her generous spirit, love of family and devotion to her Christian faith. Melinda is survived by her son, Martin Patrick Ryan, brother Martin, sisters Michelle, Melanie, Melissa and Maureen, and her

ones, son Richard Shute (Oceanside), daughters Lizbeth Mullin (Washington) and Luana Connor (Colorado), 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, brother Carleton Thompson (Oregon), and countless friends on the island of Antigua who all know her simply as “Mum.” Dick is no doubt rejoicing as his Janet is shining brightly; together again.

We can hear her now, chatting in her effusive way about the unrivaled beauty of Heaven and God’s Glory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Children of the Americas at www. childrenoftheamericas.org.

father, Joe Gaspard.

Melinda also leaves behind brothers-inlaw, nephews, nieces, extended family and numerous friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Elaine Gaspard.

Private service. Lesneski Mortuary was entrusted with the arrangements of Melinda Diane Thomas. Please leave condolences at: www.lesneskimortuary.com.

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

Yoga Pants or Heels?

Daily dress code struggles exist for both fancy moms and frizzy moms

Y

oga pants are my mom uniform.

I throw on a tank top, pull on my trusty stretchy and oh-so-comfy yoga pants, and I’m ready to go in under five minutes. They hold everything securely in place. I’m no eye shadow-blending, haircurling, accessorizing-daily diva. But, being ready in under five could never happen without yoga pants involved. Workout wear is the socially acceptable way to look like we slept under a bus. It says, “I’m sporty and active and maybe even just exercised.”

There are moms who look jaw-dropping amazing every day. I am not one of them. I belong to the get ready as fast as possible, without looking 100 percent homeless in the end, club. If I’ve showered, blow dried and have slathered on under eye concealer to hide evidence of my sleep deprivation, I’ve gone to great lengths to prepare myself.

Heels, after a few kids, are miserable.

Heels, post-kids, hiking into the elementary school for an hour of helping in junior’s class, or enduring a PTA meeting, are sheer hell. At school pick-up time, I watch as they float along in their teetering heels. The sidewalk is their runway as they strut their stuff. Hand in hand with ‘Lil Susie, their hair is blowing ever so slightly in the gentle breeze and not a trace of the uncomfortable misery can be seen on their faces. But I know. I know they’re suffering.

Extreme effort and sometimes even pain is required to uphold the latest trends.

As I sneak glances at them, I try to not to feel shame. I should’ve taken the time to blow dry my hair. It’s crazy frizzy and I look I’m channeling Tina Turner. Not cool.

I’m now on the three-week plan at my hair salon. Unwelcome grey roots shoot up every three weeks. Seriously? I’m not ready to look 76 years old quite yet. No way can I get in there every three weeks to have

them painted into oblivion though. Shoot.

I forgot to wipe off all those smears off my black yoga pants. What is that all over them, anyway? No make-up. I’m officially organic today. Teeth? I’ll brush extra carefully at bedtime. No close talking for me.

No matter how we’re packaged on the outside, we all share similar mom struggles. Our toddlers throw their spaghetti on the dog and our mouthy tweens complain about pretty much everything.

Laundry is the enemy. Coffee and wine are our cohorts. We endlessly remind kids to clean up their messes. We spend too much money at Target and forget what even prompted us to stop there in the first place. We lie awake in bed at night worrying about if we’re doing it all right. We overschedule and undercook. We try to strike just the right balance within our traveling circus act. We love our little monsters—who FOUR KIDS make the title “Mom” AND A DOG

By Elizabeth possible—so much it Bottiaux hurts.

What I’ve learned about fancy moms and frizzy moms, is that we’re all doing the best we know how. (And sincerely hoping we don’t lose our marbles trying).

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

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

Rachel Luzi started her business in 2003 and now has a boutique location in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

New Location TINY TURNIP 420 N. El Camino Real, 949.218.2226, www.tinyturnip.com For more than a decade, Rachel Luzi made matching family clothing selling it by word of mouth. Now, she is preparing to host a grand opening for her first permanent store location.

“It was just a hobby job and referralbased, to start,” Luzi said. “After we got into sports and niche clothing, it just grew.”

The clothing is tailored for all ages. Luzi said a lot of the gear is color-coordinated.

Names and numbers can be added to the clothing like jerseys.

“I started the business out of my home in 2003, and we moved into a manufacturing facility in 2010,” Luzi said. “This is the first boutique location where we’ll be able to be involved with the local community.”

The business also does photoshoots with families in their matching clothing.

She said she hopes to work with other local photographers for trade.

“Ideally what we’d like to do is let people decide what sport they want to do,” Luzi said. “People can do design parties and we will donate a percentage of the sale to whatever sport they’re involved in.”

Any school would be able to participate in this.

A grand opening for the business will take place at 5 p.m. before Puttin’ on the Glitz on Saturday, Nov. 28. Several sports memorabilia will be raffled.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday will be appointment only for now, closed on Sunday.

SLYDE HANDBOARDS 1030 Calle Cordillera, Suite 104

Page 25

Angela Watts and her husband Steve said they found San Clemente to be the perfect location for their hand-surfing products. Photo: Eric Heinz

650.307.5933, www.slydehandboards.com Angela Watts, co-owner of Slyde Handboards with her husband, Steve, have launched a new business site in San Clemente. Their product is a pair of handboards for hand surfing.

“We originally are from Venice Beach, and my husband started this business out of a garage in 2010,” Angela said. “We love Orange County and we wanted to get a business going.”

The new location has space for a workshop that is being put together.

Angela said Steve has been bodysurfing since he was 10 years old when he was growing up in South Africa.

“He traveled to Australia and Indonesia and finally he was able to settle here in California and do his dream,” Angela said.

The boards are lightweight and encompass the entire hand in order to create a headfirst surf experience.

“They’re the most high-tech in the industry, a mix between a surfboard and a snowboard,” McCall Henke, public relations and marketing manager for Slyde Handboards, said.

Steve earned a degree in product design, which he has translated into his passion. He collaborated with experts in Hawaii in order to make the design the best he could.

A grand opening for the business will take place 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Discounted products will be available for purchase.

Regular hours for the business are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

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

AIR CONDITIONING

Oasis Heating & Air

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

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

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

BOOKS

Village Books

99 Avenida Serra, 949.492.1114, www.DowntownSanClemente.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Thompson Chiropractic

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

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

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

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

DENTISTS

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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

HARP LESSONS & RENTALS

Wendy-Harpist

949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

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

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

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

IMAGES/Creative Solutions

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

Dr. Helene Pulnik ND Naturopathic Doctor Personalized Natural Medicine Now Accepting New Patients!

FREE 15 Minute Consultation with Dr. Pulnik. Call today to Schedule! 949.416.4670. 24865 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, www.PCNaturopathichealth.com OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PLUMBING

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

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

Salon Bleu

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

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

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

LIST

USE

LOCALS ONLY

LOCALS ONLY

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

HELP WANTED MCCOOL FLOWERS IS HIRING! Front of the store retail position.

Must have good communication skills, computer and phone skills.

Hours are 9am to 3pm. Call 949-488-7988 or come by.

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

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

SERVICES 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 LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733 PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer.

Great workout at home. $75.

949.533.9761

949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

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

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTING GOODS

Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage

SC Rider Supply

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

Page 27

www.sanclementetimes.com

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

Ocean Cruise Brings 13 Strangers Together

L

Thomas Hurt, a resident of the San Clemente Villas by the Sea, recently picked up table tennis for the first time in years and said it has helped his hand and eye coordination tremendously. Photo: Eric Heinz

Game On Local table tennis program helps senior citizens retain health

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

orld War II veteran Thomas Hurt, 91, couldn’t even coordinate his walker very well before he started playing table tennis for the first time in years.

On Nov. 19, he was volleying with other table tennis players as though he’d played the game competitively for a long time.

“It’s good hand and eye coordination,” Hurt said. “Most of us started playing again after not playing at all for years. It’s something within our reach and gives us something that we can play together.”

People at the Villas said they had never seen Hurt without his walker until he started playing table tennis again.

“You just got to get out and try,” Hurt said. “The first day that I came out after years of inactivity, table tennis was difficult, but now I’m doing better. I’ve done a little bit of tournament playing, but nothing to write home about.”

Table tennis has been studied at length by multiple research facilities as having benefits to stave mental deterioration.

Joel Levinson, the volunteer table tennis coordinator at the Villas, said he’s seen small improvements in the people he plays with even after minutes. Levinson started the table tennis program by volunteering with the San Clemente Villas

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

by the Sea. “It’s just amazing how they improve so quickly and the fun that they’re having,” Levinson said. “There’s big research being done for Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as some for Parkinson’s disease. My intention is to have fun with some of the older adults and increasing their hand-eye coordination, whatever benefits may come.”

Levinson said more conclusive research has been published regarding keeping senior citizens active in order to combat later-life ailments.

“It’s low impact for an older adult, and it’s not as easy for them to get injured as other activities,” he said. “All it takes is a paddle and some balls. It does take up a little bit of space, but the camaraderie and the fun of it really is one of the best activities.”

Dianna Mendoza, a caregiver at the Villas, has been looking after one resident who has Alzheimer’s disease for about two weeks and said she’s already seen the difference in his movement and coordination.

“He’s starting to get some of his memory back,” Mendoza said. “Slowly but surely, and his hand coordination is getting a lot better.”

To make matters more difficult, the man she takes care of is blind in one eye.

“It’s a great opportunity for (older people) to play with their grandkids, and it’s a great bonding game,” Levinson said.

“Even with my dad who is 83, it’s brought us closer together. It runs the gamut for men, women and it doesn’t matter how old you are.”

Although the table tennis program at the Villas is reserved for the residents, Levinson said he gives lessons to whomever. SC

ast February, San Juan Capistrano travel agent Ann Ronan, asked if I’d be willing to host a four-day “Tom Blake Loving Life after 55 Cruise.”

There was one stipulation: I’d have to give a seminar at sea.

My partner Greta and I love cruises; we thought it would be fun. Besides, it was a long time till November and I’d have plenty of time to prepare for the seminar.

And then November arrived so quickly.

On Thursday, November 12, Greta, her daughter Tina Skelton of Murrieta, and I boarded the Star Princess in San Pedro.

Tina is younger than age 55, but she and her husband Tod just sent their last teenager off to college so she wanted to have some fun and ensure that we older folks took full advantage of all of the ship’s activities. Her energy kept us moving.

This was one large cruise ship: 952 feet in length (more than three football fields), 17 levels, three swimming pools, 3,000 passengers and a crew of 1,100.

There were 13 in our group on the cruise, ON LIFE AND mostly strangers to each LOVE AFTER 50 other. On the first night,

By Tom Blake we met before dinner to introduce ourselves. Over the four days, I realized how unique and interesting each person was. At the seminar, everyone had a chance to speak. Here’s a sampling of what was learned: Travel agent Ann and her husband Ted on the glue that brought them together: Both are avid Boston Red Sox fans.

Kathy, a widow from Dana Point on first dates: “I now limit them to a walk or coffee.”

Phil from Anaheim: “I’ve been on Match.com and two other sites. Of the last 15 dates with different women, only one looked as advertised. The others’ profile pictures (were) way, way off.”

Marie of Dana Point: “I was married for 65 years. I am now 94 and still driving.

I was the first woman secretary at the Pentagon.”

Ceil and Stuart, not married but in an exclusive relationship: “We live in the

The Star Princess cruise ship is shown anchored off Avalon, Catalina Island. Photo: Tom Blake

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The group of older singles who participated in the “Tom Blake Loving Life after 55 Cruise” shared their experiences with dating, friendship and love during the cruise. Photo: Tom Blake

Washington, D.C. area but in different states, and met online. While we live close by but with the traffic around D.C. it can take a long time to get to each other’s houses.”

Lela is from Idaho Falls, Idaho but winters in Mesa, Arizona: “Dating in Idaho is difficult, particularly when I was caregiving my Mom.” Iris, also from Idaho Falls and Lela’s friend in her post-cruise email to me: “I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the cruise and loved meeting everyone. I have made some lifelong friends.”

Lillian, Orange County: “In online dating, you’ve got to have a thick skin. Don’t take rejection personally.”

Tina, the youngster of the group, kept us active: “Come on guys and gals, let’s take in the evening entertainment shows, even if they start at 10 p.m. You can sleep in tomorrow.”

Greta and I (Dana Point) shared: “We met at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli when Greta ordered a fresh carrot juice. While she was waiting, I asked if she’d like to have dinner. She replied, ‘That would be lovely.’ That conversation took place June 24, 1998. We’ve been together ever since.”

The group agreed that the most important factors to look for in a relationship are honesty, truthfulness and a person who sincerely wants a mate.

Older singles need to get out and enjoy life. This group did that for four days.

To see cruise photos, and to read my cruise blog, visit www.traveltomgreta. blogspot.com.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com. (Yes, after 60. Time rolls on). To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Tritons Prevail in Thrilling Quarterfinal Victory Over Sonora, Punch Ticket to Semifinals It was an all-out sprint to the finish.

It was an offensive slugfest.

It was everything one wants in a high school football playoff game.

Yes, the CIF-SS Southwest Division quarterfinal matchup between Sonora and visiting San Clemente had it all on Nov. 20.

In the end, San Clemente was able to hold on to a shrinking lead and Sonora failed to cash in on late chances as the Tritons secured a thrilling 52-45 victory and a berth in the semifinals.

San Clemente will host Buena Park in the semifinals on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast online as part of Fox Sports Prep Zone coverage.

The fourth quarter of the bout between the Tritons and Raiders is not one fans in attendance at La Habra High School will soon forget. The two teams combined to score 31 points in the final 12 minutes, when the game hung in the balance.

Sonora, trailing 45-28 midway through the final quarter, scored 14 points in the blink of an eye.

After running back Jacob Fimbres punched in a four-yard touchdown run, trimming the lead to seven, the Raiders lined up for what appeared to be an onside kick. The Tritons lined up accordingly. The Raiders’ kick, however, was sent sailing to midfield. The Tritons failed to touch the ball and the Raiders pounced on it, giving them possession at the Tritons 11-yard line.

Fimbres scored his fourth and final touchdown of the night three plays later, and the Tritons lead was cut to 45-42.

In a game filled with long offensive drives, the final scoring push by the Tritons was a memorable one that ultimately sealed the victory.

San Clemente’s junior quarterback Jack Sears engineered an eight-play drive that ended with a leaping one-yard score over the goal line by running back Vlad Dzhabiyev and the Tritons pushed their lead to 52-42.

Sonora settled for a field goal on their ensuing drive and threatened again after recovering an onside kick, but Tritons

San Clemente junior Brandon Reaves finds a gap in the Sonora defense during a CIF-SS Southwest Division quarterfinal game on Nov. 20. Photo: Lance Scott/Red Zone Elite

senior cornerback Kevin Kling intercepted Raiders quarterback Cole McDonald two plays later and ended any threat of an upset of the No. 2 seeded team in the division.

“It was a battle. We were going back and forth,” Sears said of the Tritons’ decisive fourth-quarter scoring drive. “We just wanted to band together. We trust in our line. We have so much faith in our offensive line and we have some of the best running backs in Orange County. We got behind them, we knew what we had to do and we went down and did it.”

Sears completed 20 of 23 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 74 yards on 11 carries.

The Raiders had all the momentum early in the game, building on the large chunks of yardage gained by Fimbres.

Fimbres, who rushed for 220 yards and four scores on 29 carries, scored his first touchdown of the night on a 56-yard dash up the sideline at the end of the first quarter to give Sonora a 14-7 lead.

San Clemente would go on to score 14 unanswered points off Sonora turnovers.

The Tritons recovered a McDonald fumble and converted that into points following a 16-yard touchdown pass from Sears to Keith Jones.

Isaac Rex intercepted McDonald with just over two minutes to go before the half, taking the ball deep into Raiders territory.

Sears then hit Brandon Reaves for an eight-yard score and San Clemente took its first lead of the night, 21-14.

Buena Park (10-2) will be the third straight Freeway League opponent the Tritons will face in as many weeks. The Coyotes finished runners-up in the competitive league.

No. 6 Buena Park had no problem getting past third-seeded Corona del Mar in a quarterfinal matchup on Nov. 20. The Coyotes were led by running back Elijah By-

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

San Clemente senior receiver Liam Eldridge runs down the sideline against Sonora on Nov. 20. Eldridge had a season-high seven catches for 139 yards and touchdown. Photo: Lance Scott/Red Zone Elite

num’s 193 rushing yards and quarterback Zach Taylor’s three touchdown passes.

Behind Bynum and Taylor, the Coyotes possess a balanced offense that averages 249 passing yards and 203 rushing yards per game.

The Coyotes also have an aggressive, pressing defensive front that has recorded 25 sacks this season. Senior linebacker Andrew Wright has 19 tackles for a loss and leads the team with 10.5 sacks.

Buena Park and San Clemente share two common opponents in Sunny Hills and Sonora. Buena Park defeated Sunny Hills 42-13 and narrowly edged out Sonora 56-51 in Freeway League competition. The Tritons shutout Sunny Hills in the first round of the playoffs and had their own close call with the Raiders.

The winner of the semifinal game will

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play the winner of La Habra/Villa Park in the CIF-SS Southwest Division Finals on Dec. 6.

Dunne Races at CIF-SS Championships Racing as an individual, San Clemente senior Connor Dunne competed at the CIF-SS Cross Country Division 1 Championships at Mt. SAC on Nov. 21.

Dunne posted a time of 17:01.8, good for a 95th-place finish.

The race capped off a successful cross country season for Dunne. The senior had multiple top finishes, highlighted by an individual victory at the Sea View League finals on Nov. 5. Dunne won the event after posting a time of 14:48.8 at Irvine Regional Park. www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The West Coast Futbol Club boys U17 team won the SCDSL Champions Division on Nov. 22. Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SOCCER The West Coast Futbol Club’s boys U17 team captured the Southern California Developmental Soccer League’s Champions Division title on Nov. 22.

The local team, which draws players from San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding cities, defeated RSF Attack B98 Academy I, 2-0, in the championship match.

The West Coast FC team finished second in the regular season, compiling an overall record of 7-2-1, and entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the 16-team field.

In four playoff games, the West Coast FC team did not allow a goal and outscored their opponents by a combined 7-0 margin.

San Clemente residents on the West Coast FC boys U17 team include: Braden Zines, Trevor Denney and Chase Paulson.

CHEERLEADING The South Coast Youth Football Pop Warner PeeWee Triton Cheer team finished first at the WESCON Regional Cheer

& Dance Championships on the campus at San Diego State University on Nov. 22. The win qualified the local team for a spot in the 2015 Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Dec. 8. The cheer team is the first from SCYF to qualify for nationals.

The Triton cheer squad advanced to regional competition by winning the Orange Empire Conference Divisional Cheer Competition in Long Beach on Nov. 1.

The team, which is made up of 17 San Clemente girls ages 9-12, is raising funds to help offset travel costs for the national championships. The team has set up a GoFundMe account, www.gofundme.org. com/tritoncheer. For more information regarding donations, email Amy Vilardo at amyvilardo@yahoo.com.

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

The South Coast Youth Football Pop Warner PeeWee Triton cheer squad qualified to compete in the 2015 Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships in Florida on Dec. 8. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente Times November 26–December 2, 2015

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Surfing Santas Benefit Autism The Ritz-Carlton and Surfers Healing fifth annual contest a success

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

ith Christmas tunes playing in the background and heat after heat of talented surfers dressed as Santas or elves battling it out in the lineup, the fifth annual Surfing Santa Competition—the surf contest portion of the Ritz-Carlton’s annual fundraising effort to benefit Surfers Healing—went off without a hitch on Nov. 21 at Salt Creek Beach.

The waves were small but consistent—in the 2- to 4-foot range—and the costumes, music and knowledge that participation in the event benefits children with autism, put surfers and spectators in

the holiday spirit.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel hosts the surf contest followed by a surfboard auction—now in its eighth year—to benefit the organization founded by Isreal “Izzy” Paskowitz and his wife Danielle to provide people with autism with a free opportunity to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of surfing.

Between the surfboard auction—running through Dec. 31 with boards on display in the hotel lobby—and the surf contest—held the Saturday before Thanksgiving—French said the events are expected to raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000, at least matching last year’s total.

The auction includes unique surfboards shaped by master shapers, ridden by world-class surfers or designed by acclaimed artists, musicians and celebrities.

Izzy Paskowitz and his wife Danielle founded Surfers Healing in 1996 after discovering the calming and therapeutic effects surfing had on their son who has autism. Since then the organization has grown to provide free opportunities for autistic kids in 25 locations around the

Gavin Day, of San Clemente managed to keep his Santa look intact while competing in the Yule Loggers Open Longboard division. Photo: Andrea Swayne

GROM OF THE WEEK

RYDER FISH

R

yder Fish, 10, moved from Laguna to San Clemente a little over a year ago and loves it.

“Everyone here is so nice and the surf is really good—there are some really good spots,” Ryder said. “It’s great that there’s a skatepark here too and all the people here are really cool and mellow.”

A fourth-grader at Marblehead Elementary, Ryder works hard in an effort to maintain his good grades and to keep progressing.

“I like school, it’s part of life, something you have to do,” he said. “This year I have the best teacher I have ever had though— Mrs. Randle. She was Teacher of the Year San Clemente Times November 26-December 2, 2015

Ryder Fish. Photo: Andrea Swayne

last year and I think she should be Teacher of the Year again.”

Ryder also puts forth his best effort in surfing as well, something he’s been working on—with the support of his family—since

Lucas Taub, Mike Copeland, Izzy Paskowitz (Surfers Healing co-founder), Aaron Stewart and Kevin Skvarna gather up for a photo during the semis at the Surfing Santa event. Photo: Andrea Swayne

country—Rhode Island to Florida and Hawaii—as well as in Australia and Costa Rica.

“This is a great way to get surfers involved doing what they love while helping people with autism,” Paskowitz said.

“The partnership with the Ritz-Carlton has helped tremendously during our growth period because we grew so quickly. When you offer something free for autism, our spots book out fast and the Ritz has helped us keep up with demand.”

Paskowitz said Surfers Healing now “sells out” 5,000 spots in about 20 minutes each year.

For more information about Surfers Healing, visit www.surfershealing.org. To view and bid on the Surfboard Auction, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel and click on “Hotel Overview” and then “Hotel Events” or see www.biddingforgood.com/surfershealing. The official website of the surf contest can be found at www. surfingsantacontest.org. SC

BIG AIR WINNER $1,000: 1. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente. SURFING RUDOLPH PRO/ AM MEN 18+: 1. Josh Benjoya, Dana Point; 2. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente; 3. Sam Orozco, Dana Point; 4. Kolton Sullivan, Capistrano Beach. SANTA’S ELVES BOYS 17U: 1.

Ben Benson, Indonesia; 2. Danny Kenduck, Dana Point; 3. Gus Day, San Clemente; 4.

Callan Emery, Laguna Niguel. CANDY CANE PRO/AM OPEN WOMEN: 1. Malia Ward, San Clemente; 2. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point; 3. Marii Baker, Capistrano Beach; 4.

Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach. YULE LOGGERS OPEN LONGBOARD: 1. Gus Day, San Clemente; 2. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano; 3. Ricky Fodor, Dana Point; 4. Kyle Perez, Dana Point. SLEIGH RIDER OPEN BODYBOARD: 1. Hayden Stein, Laguna Niguel; 2. Samuel Mehler, Dana Point; 3. Cole Darland, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Joe Grodzen, Dana Point.

learning six years ago. These days you can find him in a local lineup nearly every day of the week—except for Sundays when he’s either at a competition or at church—and training at DSC. His goals include earning an invitation into the Surfing America Prime Series, winning a national title and moving on to a professional surfing career, as well as earning a college degree.

Ryder started surfing at Doheny where he would catch wave after wave on a sponge board.

“My dad taught me but I mostly learned for myself and I never got pushed in.” he said. “I also thank my mom for pushing me, taking me surfing all the time, coaching me and just for being a really good mom. I want to give a shout out to my brother Drake, too.

He’s helped me by surfing with me and videoing me so I can see what I’m doing wrong.

He’s a really great brother.”

Ryder has been in the competition scene for a little over a year and surfs in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour, as well as the Volcom and Jack’s surf series.

At this year’s Stoke-o-Rama, Ryder was the runner-up in the Boys 10U division.

Ryder’s other hobbies include golf, skateboarding, snowboarding and biking but his favorite, by far, is surfing.

“I love surfing because of the variety,” he said. “There are so many kinds of waves and so many different kinds of surfboards—my favorite is a swallow tail. The best part is that you can do whatever you want on a wave. There’s nothing compared to getting a good one.”—Andrea Swayne

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RESULTS

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