December 10, 2015

LO C A L

December 10–16, 2015

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Online Voting for Best of San Clemente Ends Dec. 20 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 50

From the Heart

Local organizations, businesses give back during holiday season EYE ON SC/PAGE 8

Mary Perdue, executive director of Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente, said the holidays can be a busy time of year for her nonprofit food pantry. Photo: Eric Heinz

Vacation Rental Code, Zone Discussions Continue EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

CUSD Examines Nondiscrimination Policies SC LIVING/PAGE 28

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SCHS Rugby Team Starts First Season SPORTS/PAGE 25

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Vacation Rental Regulation Discussions Continue THE LATEST: During a Dec. 3 study session to examine the ongoing controversies surrounding vacation rental homes in San Clemente, the city’s Planning Commission and staff looked at information from neighboring and similar cities in order to move forward with possible zoning and regulation of the lodging businesses.

About 40 people attended the study session.

“So far we’re doing these Planning Commission study sessions that are a chance for the commission and staff to identify outstanding questions and discuss topics,” Associate City Planner Adam Atamian said. “There’s no decisions being made and it’s not a public hearing. Typically, we don’t get a lot of public input at the study sessions, but in this case … we had a lot of interested parties, and there was a different mix of people.”

In the first study session, Atamian said there were a lot of questions regarding how to regulate the operation of vacation homes. A list of similar cities’ regulations were juxtaposed to reflect their laws.

“Two aspects are existing Transient Occupancy Tax code and the zoning standards. That section will eventually be revised,” Atamian said. “The only thing the zoning aspects will address are development standards and permitting requirements based on zoning regulations.”

California Coastal Commission compliance, where applicable, is another factor the city will examine, he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Atamian said there will be a public hearing sometime in early 2016 to address the issues.—Eric Heinz

City to Implement New Drought Study THE LATEST: In a Nov. 30 press release, the city of San Clemente announced it will examine its current water rate structure to determine the most fair way to penalize customers who overuse water.

As of Nov. 30, the city announced it had billed customers $921,000 in penalties since it implemented new rates in June and “is in the process of prioritizing water conservation projects to comply with the San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

The Coastal Land Use Plan is a city code document that would govern zoning and regulation within the coastal land area, land 1,000 feet from the shoreline, in San Clemente. The document is to be discussed at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. Photo: Eric Heinz

state’s required application of penalties,” the release stated.

The release also stated the city’s water customers have met the 24 percent water reduction mandate, which compares usage from 2013.

“If continued water reductions are achieved, there may be consideration to potentially lower the penalties or modify the restrictions to water allocations imposed by the Water Conservation Ordinance,” the release stated.

“The city’s tiered rate structure correlated to the increased costs of providing water and water infrastructure as demand increases, a correlation that a Court of Appeal recently found lacking in the city of San Juan Capistrano’s water rate structure,” the release stated. “The City Attorney (Scott Smith of Best, Best & Krieger) confirmed that with this correlation, the city of San Clemente’s water rates satisfy (Prop 218).”

WHAT’S NEXT: The city allocated $50,000 to conduct a drought-water-rate study, but because of climate factors there may be a new cost-of-service study to review current rates, starting in 2016 and lasting a year. This would include public input opportunities.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit the city of San Clemente website at www.san-clemente. org under the “I Am A…” tab and select the “water conservation” link.—EH

According to a Dec. 7 press release from CDFW Law Enforcement Lt. Chris Stoots, the investigation was prompted by a flurry of reports the department began receiving following the Oct. 3 lobster season opening by lawful lobster anglers of misconduct by others.

The reports of poachers taking undersized lobsters at the San Clemente Pier and Dana Point Harbor jetties were received via the CDFW’s Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) hotline, a confidential witness program.

Charges include possession of undersized lobsters, lobster report card violations, possession of undersized kelp bass and barred sand bass, and failure to have a lobster measuring device in possession. Thirty-three undersized lobsters, two kelp bass and three barred sand bass were returned to the ocean during the two-weekend operation.

WHAT’S NEXT: Those cited are facing fines up to $1,000 and up to six months of jail time for each offense, the release said.

People witnessing these crimes are encouraged to call CalTIP at 888.334.2258 or send an anonymous tip via text message by texting “CALTIP” followed by a space and then the message “tip411” (847411).

A CalTIP smartphone app is also available for download at www.wildlife.ca.gov/enforcement/caltip. —Andrea Swayne

San Clemente Man Goes Missing in Utah

CDFW Cracks Down on Lobster Poachers THE LATEST: Seventeen citations were issued and 25 violations were found during a four-day lobster poaching detail by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in San Clemente and Dana Point, authorities said.

Photo: Courtesy

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THE LATEST: Michael Cavallari, 30, of San Clemente, has been missing since Nov. 27 when the Grand County Sheriff’s Department in Grand County, Utah, was contacted regard-

ing a vehicle that was located 100 feet off of Floy Wash Road, according to a press release from the sheriff’s department.

Law enforcement responded to the area approximately five miles south of exit 175 on I-70 in Grand County.

The press release also stated information received from San Clemente law enforcement led investigators to believe the vehicle was driven by Michael Cavallari. Credit card transaction receipts also led investigators to a convenience store in Monticello, Utah.

“Upon reviewing the security footage from the convenience store, the driver of the vehicle was positively identified as Michael Cavallari,” the release stated.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Blotter, Cavallari was arrested following an altercation with a person in Dana Point. Cavallari was found with a shotgun in his possession. He had posted bond and was subsequently released on Nov. 25.

WHAT’S NEXT: At this time, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office is handling this matter as an active missing person investigation. Anyone with information or knowledge of the whereabouts of Michael Cavallari is asked to contact the Grand County Sheriff’s Office at 435.259.8115 or visit www.grandcountysheriff.org. —EH

Coastal Land Use Plan Public Hearing Set THE LATEST: A public hearing has been scheduled regarding the city’s Coastal Land Use Plan, which is intended to be part of the Coastal Local Coastal Program.

An initial environmental assessment for the CLUP was completed, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act, according to a city of San Clemente press release.

The release also stated people who may challenge the project in court may be limited to raising issues that were discussed in public hearing or submitted in writing to the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next public hearing will be held at the next City Council meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio.

Upon adoption, the CLUP would need final approval by the California Coastal Commission.

FIND OUT MORE: The application is on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development Department at 949.361.6190. To comment on the document and to see the draft, visit www.sanclemente.org under “Planning Services” and “Long Range Planning.” —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, December 7 KEEP THE PEACE Calle Abril, 4000 Block (2:26 a.m.) A man who had just been discharged from a sober living home said the staff was refusing to give him his car keys for “liability reasons.”

Sunday, December 6 TRAFFIC HAZARD South El Camino Real/ Esplanade (4:04 p.m.) A medium-size dog was running around in circles in the intersection.

A caller said he heard the accident and saw a car upside down.

had been called to the location before to address a 52-year-old woman banging on her bedroom window.

Friday, December 4

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1300 Block (9:38 p.m.) A man said two men at the Roadway Inn were yelling racial slurs at him and saying he should “go back to his own country.” The caller said he wanted them removed from the hotel.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Calle Sol, 0 Block (6:51 p.m.) A woman said someone was in her garage. A 32-year-old man, who said he is a student, was arrested in the incident and has since posted bail.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY El Camino Real, 500 Block (2:27 p.m.) A woman was found bleeding in front of a tile and stone business.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (5:05 a.m.)

A person described as transient was sleeping at the bottom of the escalator.

BATTERY Avenida Pico, 600 Block (3:48 a.m.) A woman said her boyfriend pushed her out of a moving vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES South El Camino Real/Avenida San Luis Rey (2:26 p.m.) A man said a person offered his son drugs.

TRAFFIC STOP El Camino Real, 100 Block (2:36 a.m.) A woman was trying to turn around in a parking lot and almost crashed into a wall twice. Officers observed the driver was drunk. The driver said she was “just trying to move the car so she could sleep it off,” according to the blotter report. Officers contacted the driver’s mother to pick her up.

Saturday, December 5

Thursday, December 3

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Camino De Los Mares, 800 Block (1:45 a.m.)

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (9:50 p.m.) A woman said sheriffs

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Via El Risco/Via Los Tilos (9:37 p.m.) A caller said two men wearing beanies in a late model Toyota truck were driving slowly through the neighborhood by houses that don’t have Christmas lights.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Pico/El Camino Real (8:24 p.m.)

A woman thought to be transient was seen defecating into a cup.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Avenida Barcelona, 100 Block (6:54 p.m.) Sheriffs were called to look for three people who were putting black spray paint on a wall. The caller said they were possibly in high school, wearing dark hoodies and had skateboards. They were last seen running toward Taco Bell.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (5:32 p.m.) A group of about 10 teenagers was seen smoking pot behind a dumpster.

PROWLER Avenida Granada, 200 Block (1:52 a.m.) A person who was drunk went into the wrong apartment.

Community Meetings THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting 7 p.m. The San Clemente Coastal Advisory Committee conducts its regularly scheduled meeting at 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8230, www.san-clemente.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

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 15

City Council Meeting

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

Sunrise Rotary

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

San Clemente Toastmasters

NEWS BITES

bins said he hopes to start working again sometime next year.

Robbins crowdfunding site is www. wesharecrowdfunding.com/survivorjoe.

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Local Cancer Survivor Wins Trip to Meet NBA Star Kevin Love Joe Robbins, a longtime San Clemente resident, is finishing his 18-month treatment to recover from throat cancer. While in recovery and with limited mobility from radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Robbins began studying fantasy sports games. Occasionally playing a $3 or $5 bet, he was surprised at his success rate, usually winning back his wager to use for the next bet. This activity also kept his mind active and off the traumatic side effects he was experiencing along with the strain of mounting medical bills. Not being able to work has also put a burden on his wife who works overtime so they can keep their home while juggling medical bills.

On Nov. 1, Robbins entered a $5 game with Fantasy Draft and won the first place prize, which included a roundtrip ticket for two to see the Cleveland Cavaliers play on Nov. 18. The following night, Nov. 19, night Robbins and his wife attended a big San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

City Holiday Schedule

After winning a fantasy sports contest, Joe Robbins (right), a San Clemente resident and cancer survivor, stands with his wife (left) and Cleveland Cavaliers player Kevin Love. Photo: Courtesy of James Douglas

party at a Cleveland sports bar and met one of the NBA’s top players, Kevin Love, a spokesperson for Fantasy Draft and a major advocate for nonprofit groups.

Robbins was concerned about the other costs he would incur during the trip to Cleveland and let Fantasy Draft know about his condition. Fantasy Draft assured Joe and his wife that theywould have very little to no expenses during the trip. The biggest surprise came when Fantasy Draft announced that they would be donating funds to Robbins’ crowdfunding campaign to assist him with his medical debt. Rob-

The City Council will have its last meeting of 2015 at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

City offices will be closed for the holidays from Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 1 and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4. During the City Hall closure, certain city staff will be on duty for scheduled building inspections and for emergencies related to water, sewer and utilities operations.

Police and fire services staff will continue their regular schedules uninterrupted. For non-emergency calls, dial 949.770.6011 and for emergencies dial 911.

In the event assistance is needed during the holiday closure, such as signal/light outage, sewer/water main issues, beaches, parks, trees, trails and irrigation and facilities, call the city’s 24-hour answering service at 949.366.1553 or 949.361.8317.

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

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7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 805.794.0653, www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

San Clemente Rotary

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

San Clemente Kiwanis

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.

Planning Commission Meeting

7 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission conducts its regularly scheduled meeting at 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.6185, www.san-clemente.org.

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Shop Dine Local SAN CLEMENTE

SHOP & DINE LOCAL To advertise your business or service on this page, contact Susie Lantz at 949.388.7700, ext 111 or slantz@sanclementetimes.com.

EYE ON SC

A Call for Equality in the Classroom

of this language and updated specificity in relation to discrimination and harassment will help significantly with accidental misgendering or fostering a hostile school environment by teachers and administration, and will help to properly model respectful and validating behavior for a student population.

“It will not only bring CUSD up to date with California state law, but is an important step in the right direction for the continued support and acceptance of LGBT students in Capistrano Unified,” Serio said.

LGBTQ+ students across the district could benefit from CUSD’s updated nondiscrimination policy

BY ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Editor’s Note: This is the second story in a two-part series about the Capistrano Unified School District’s nondiscrimination policy and the challenges faced by the district’s transgender population.

F

or many kids, having a teacher mispronounce their name is a minor annoyance—a fleeting frustration at most—during the course of a school year.

But for San Juan Hills High School sophomore Siddharth Piravi, it’s a perpetual, and at times painful, struggle to be identified correctly by his teachers and peers.

As a transgender student, Sid identifies as a boy and prefers to use he/him/ his pronouns. On top of the typical back to school preparations, this year he took the time to reach out to each one of his teachers via email to let them know that he prefers to be called Siddharth, or Sid, rather than his female birth name and gender listed on their rosters.

Throughout his first two years of high school, he’s run into situations where a teacher or student doesn’t understand or respect his gender identity.

“Getting misgendered is a really gross feeling,” Sid said. He recalled an incident last year with a long-term substitute teacher who repeatedly used the wrong pronouns when identifying him. “It lowers your self-esteem, because that’s something that so many people saw me as before, that I never want to think about again.

When people misgender me, it’s not that I feel sad or angry; it’s almost just like disappointment. It’s like I’m not going anywhere.”

Policy that Protects Students Despite past experiences, Sid is optimistic that an updated nondiscrimination policy in the Capistrano Unified School District will change the way such interactions play out in the future—for him and other transgender and LGBTQ+ students across the district.

The CUSD Board of Trustees recently held two readings of the district’s revised nondiscrimination policies—the latest took place at the Dec. 9 meeting. Information regarding whether the board approved the final revisions on Wednesday was not avail-

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

Siddharth Piravi, a 15-year-old sophomore at San Juan Hills High School who identifies as transgender, is one of many LGBTQ+ students who could benefit from the Capistrano Unified School District’s revised nondiscrimination policy. Photo: Allison Jarrell

able by press time.

A series of three policies under the nondiscrimination umbrella were discussed by the board—Policy 0410, which covers discrimination in programs and activities, Policy 4030, which dictates the district won’t discriminate in employment, and Policy 5180, which says the district won’t allow its students to be discriminated against.

According to the district’s documents, the nondiscrimination policy regarding employment was updated just over 11 years ago, while the policies covering programs, activities and students hadn’t been updated in more than 16 years.

Danielle Serio, a Rancho Santa Margarita resident, former CUSD student and current English teacher at San Juan Hills High School, addressed the board during the Nov. 18 meeting. Speaking on behalf of about 50 San Juan Hills teachers and staff, the school’s PTSA and the school’s Queer Student Alliance—of which she is the advisor—Serio said she recommends the board adopt the proposed new policy with little to no revision.

“As an educator, the most heartbreaking thing a student can say to me is they do not feel safe or comfortable at school,” Serio said during public comment. “Luckily, I work in a district and in a school where that is not something I hear very often.

For some students in our district, however, there are still moments when they feel alienated and unwelcomed during the school day—moments that are important and impactful enough that many of these students would rather stay at home than face them regularly.”

Serio continued that because the district’s nondiscrimination policy covering

students went unrevised for more than 16 years, gaps have been contrived and educators and administrators are limited from being able to properly address such problems. Serio said the district’s previous “outdated and nonspecific language” in the policies—which were only a few sentences long—only asked teachers “to be careful to avoid unconscious discrimination,” with no resources, procedures or consequences listed.

Language from the original Policy 5180 stated that, “School staff and volunteers must be especially careful to guard against unconscious discrimination and stereotyping in instruction, guidance and supervision,” while the new policy includes specific language such as the board prohibiting “unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying of any student based on the student’s actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.”

The policy defines what’s considered an unlawful discriminatory act, while also prohibiting retaliation against any individual who files a complaint or report.

The revisions also include disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion for students who severely violate the law or board policy.

The district’s new gender identity inclusive language “has the opportunity to help a number of students across all of our campuses,” Serio said. “Inclusion

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Identifying as Transgender in CUSD Sid was also at CUSD’s Nov. 18 meeting and spoke before the board as a student and president of the San Juan Hills Queer Alliance. In a later interview, Sid said he welcomed the opportunity to share his story, as he’s no longer afraid to talk about his life, transition and struggles, thanks to unwavering support from his family and friends.

“I’ve had a difficult experience being transgender at San Juan Hills,” Sid said during the meeting. “I, as well as trans students across the district, face an innumerable amount of uncomfortable issues involving being bullied by our peers and misgendered by students and teachers.”

Sid told the board that he missed “quite a bit of school” last year—his freshman year of high school—because he wasn’t “motivated to learn and thrive in the environment that was cold and unaccepting of (his) identity.”

In an interview last week, Sid said that unwelcoming environment included instances of cyber bullying on the site Ask. fm, where peers sent him hateful messages, as well as feelings of intimidation when occasionally using the boys’ bathroom instead of the coed facility 10 minutes across campus. While he’s never felt threatened or fearful, Sid said tensions are sometimes high when he walks into a bathroom full of football players glaring at him.

“Now I know that if there is an incidence of violence or aggression that occurs towards me or any other trans student in a bathroom facility, we’ll have explicit law to back us up instead of some general term that can be manipulated either way,” Sid said.

While he’s happy about the LGBTQ+ community having equal access to bathrooms under the new state law and board policy, Sid is personally most excited about being able to finally change his name in the school’s system, in addition to legally changing his name before he graduates so his diploma reflects his correct gender identification.

It’s what he’s looking forward to most because the name Siddharth holds a special place in his heart—it’s what his parents would have named him had he been born a boy.

In Sanskrit, Siddharth means “one who has accomplished his goal.”

“There’s no other name I would have seen myself as,” Sid said. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

From the Heart

• Brick Pizzeria once again hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner for people in need.

• The Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host events for the holiday season, and a schedule can be found at www.san-clemente.org under “Recreation & Community.”

• Recreational items, such as Frisbees and footballs, for U.S. Marines oversees can be donated at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, until Dec. 15.

• Organics Out Back recently donated garden boxes to local elementary schools.

Students are able to learn about cultivating gardens and harvest produce.

Local organizations, businesses donate to charitable outfits

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he season of giving is in full swing in San Clemente, and as the holiday season continues there are organizations giving back to the community. Some organizations are still giving back and some have fulfilled their intended contributions to charitable organizations.

Boys & Girls Club The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is requesting toys for its annual Holiday Party. Children of the club get to participate in fun activities, see Santa and some will receive a gift that they might not receive without community support. Contact Wendy Casteel at 949.484.0206 for details, to drop off a toy at the club or donate online at www.begreatsanclemente.org/donate.

FAM From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, Family Assistance Ministries will host a breakfast during their regularly scheduled Second Saturday event, which will include a holiday ham for families in need, said Mary Perdue, executive director of FAM. Additionally, the traditional Adopt-a-Family event allows people to select a family to assist during the holiday season, which includes purchasing meals for the family and Christmas presents for children. The event serves people during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There will also be an annual children’s Christmas party from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, which will include seeing Santa and receiving a new pair of shoes.

The volunteers of the National Charities League assist at the event.

Assistance League of Capistrano Valley Bargain Box, San Clemente Currently, the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley’s Bargain Box, a thrift store

Volunteers at the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley Bargain Box organize clothes to be displayed at the thrift store on Tuesday. Photo: Eric Heinz

that gives proceeds to schools within the Capistrano Unified School District and to Camp Pendleton Marine families, is filled to the brim with donated items. Volunteers said they’re trying to get as many items sold before the end of the year because the San Clemente location closes Dec. 23 and won’t reopen until Jan. 4.

The Bargain Box has already conducted a few charitable events this year, and Assistance League is setting a goal to raise $19,000 to $20,000 each month, “What we need now are more customers and community volunteers,” Sharon Gonzalez, the Bargain Box chairperson, said.

The Assistance League recently celebrated its 35th anniversary.

The Bargain Box is located on the 500 block of El Camino Real next to other thrift stores.

Organizations, Businesses Giving Back • Total Body Conditioning collected more than 50 pounds of peanut butter jars for Family Assistance Ministries in November and December.

• Assisteens of Capistrano Valley has been collecting telephone gift cards so U.S. troops can call their families and loved ones, as well as collecting nonperishable food for those in need.

• San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club has helped organizations such as Meals on

Family Assistance Ministries will host a special Second Saturday event Dec. 12 at their headquarters, 1030 Calle Negocio. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

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Wheels, FAM’s Adopt a Family and hosts the Angel Tree.

• Diana Crandall of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties said her offices in San Clemente and Monarch Beach are collecting donations for Laura’s House and other charities that benefit from an ongoing charitable fund.

• San Clemente Presbyterian Church is putting together care bags for the homeless from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The organizer can be reached at 949.492.6158.

• Our Saviors Lutheran church and school is doing a shoe drive for children in need.

• San Clemente Sunrise Rotary donated 400 meals at Thanksgiving and is doing more for Christmas. Food will be collected at Ralphs and Albertsons markets the weekends of Dec. 12 and 22. The dinners go to FAM, Laura’s House and to U.S. Marines.

• The San Clemente Domestic Task Force hosted an evening of card making and cookie decorating. The cards and cookies will be delivered to domestic violence shelters, firehouses, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the local emergency room as a thank you for being there for victims of violence.

Donations Per Ticket, Shopping Extravaganza at the Outlets at San Clemetne The following is a list of donations collected for certain charities at the Outlets at San Clemente Shopping Extravaganza on Dec. 5.

Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, $3,150 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, $550 Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, $1,850 Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County, $900 City of Hope, $4,050 Dana Point Symphony, $900 Family Assistance Ministries, $2,425 Girls Incorporated of Orange County, $725 Goodwill of Orange County, $175 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, $2,600 Kids Around the World, $350 Mission San Juan Capistrano, $1,150 Pacific Marine Mammal Center, $2,100 San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club, $2,925 The ALS Association Orange County Chapter, $600 Tilly’s Life Center, $200 Wellness and Prevention Foundation, $3,050 Western Youth Services, $950 Editor’s Note: If you’d like to mention your organization’s charitable contributions during the holiday season, email San Clemente Times city editor Eric Heinz at eheinz@ sanclementetimes.com to be added to the online version of this article. SC

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VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: View From the Pier by Herman Sillas

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

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City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 50. 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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San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

To Change Policy, We All Must Get Out and Vote

I

t’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This year brought us more than we expected and at a faster pace. We knew we were in trouble when the New England Patriots deflated their footballs for the 2015 Super Bowl. They did this so their quarterback could grip the ball better in freezing weather and their receivers could catch the ball easier. The Patriots won, and the cheaters were allowed to keep the trophy and ill-gotten money. I can hardly wait to see what will be allowed for a victory next year.

The year 2015 also brought us incidents of young black men being killed by police bullets or excessive force. My mind went back to the 1965 Watts Riot when, after years of being mistreated, the black community erupted for three days. The National Guard was called in to restore order.

Committees were formed in both the black and Mexican-American communities to address issues regarding law enforcement, education, housing and employment. We thought things would get better.

Twenty years later I had lunch with a black attorney friend who is a Los Angeles Police Commissioner. Our bill arrived, and we both reached for our wallets. When he opened his wallet, a Police Commissioner’s identification card fell out.

Jokingly, I said, “Man, you showing off your commission position?”

He answered, “It’s not that. When the police stop me, I want them to know that I

am their commissioner and not just some regular black man that they can hassle.”

I sadly shook my head. Another 20 years have passed since that lunch and still some law enforcement personnel haven’t learned anything.

December has brought us sorrow and dismay as we learned of the mass killing in Redlands, California.

Folks, more than 300 lives have been wiped out in our country by mass killings in 2015! Some have been at the hands of terrorists.

The Second Amendment of the U.S. ConstiTHE VIEW FROM THE PIER tution states, “A wellBy Herman Sillas regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Once again, the debate begins. One side argues regulation of gun possession is needed. The other side argues that if more people were armed they would shoot the mass murderer before he or she could kill anyone.

During the final months of this year, we have listened to candidates who want to be President of this nation. When TV star and billionaire Donald Trump had a press conference announcing he was seeking the Republican Party’s nomination, many laughed. Political experts said that no one would follow him. After two Republican debates, Trump leads in the polls, and some

Letters to the Editor

you know.) SB 2 requires cities like San Clemente to designate an area that can be zoned for a homeless shelter. They do not have to build it nor fund it, just allow the zoning.

When IHOPE was here, I volunteered at that center and saw many people coming in each day, some waiting for several hours to see a counselor. Some came in for a sack lunch or water, others to shower or do laundry. There were very few, if any, major incidents.

Many homeless people are mentally ill and some are alcoholics. They need care and treatment. I am not condoning the behavior that was described, but it should alert San Clemente residents to the pressing need for a way to help these folks, not just more police. They are not the scum of the earth but real people just like you and me.

If you remember studying Maslow’s pyramid of needs, you might recall that the need for food, water and shelter are on the bottom. When human beings lack

HOMELESS ISSUES MUST BE ADDRESSED PROACTIVELY SANDRA WEAVER, San Clemente

I appreciate the concern of Eva Kohn in her letter regarding the incidents she observed at Ocean View Plaza. This is certainly something that needs to be addressed. While increased police patrol is a good idea, San Clemente desperately needs a homeless shelter to which these folks can turn to find some help.

Many months ago, the City Council presented the recommendations from staff for two feasible areas that could be zoned for a homeless shelter. Both were turned down because the City Council members were afraid to offend the dissenters of each site. (They want to be re-elected

Page 11

Republican candidates have already left the fray. Next year’s Republican primary will at least be entertaining. Democrats have Hilary Clinton, an establishment politician, and Senator Bernie Sanders, a socialist, seeking the party’s nomination.

Following the nominating conventions comes the general election in November 2016 to select our new president. Some of us will listen to the candidates addressing the issues raised in this column. Others of you will think why bother? It’s the same old baloney (SOB). But remember, folks, in our democracy every Congress seat and one half of the Senate seats are up for grabs. No one inherits a seat just because they sat there before.

Some say a democracy is an experiment that has run its course and failed. I don’t believe that. We have the power to choose our leaders and demand they address the issues we want addressed. So register and vote in 2016. We owe that to our forefathers, this country, each other, ourselves and our children. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

That’s the view from the pier.

Herman Sillas may be found most Saturday mornings fishing at the San Clemente Pier. He may be reached at hermansillasla@ aol.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.

those major life-sustaining elements, it is bound to affect their behavior. I know many will respond that these people who are drunk and disorderly would not seek help. I disagree, but, in any case, is that any reason to turn our backs on them?

I recently learned that the City Council is considering lightening zoning restrictions on sober living homes. They cite the reason as making it easier for a potential homeless shelter. Are they getting the message or is this just another cop-out? It remains to be seen.

BIG THANKS TO SUPPORTERS OF MARINES WAYNE EGGLESTON, San Clemente

San Clemente is very blessed to have dozens of organizations that support our U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton.

As one of the founders of the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi, I wish to express my sincere thanks to two organizations (Cont. on page 12) www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 11) that over many years and without much fanfare consistently support Marines during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Tika Strong, owner of Downtown Flowers next to Billy’s Deli and Carbonara, has for 15 years put on an extravagant Christmas dinner for more than 150 Marines from Camp Pendleton with her “Adopt A Marine” program. That’s more than 2,250 Marines.

In addition to a Christmas dinner at the Elks Club, she has also provided comedians, masseurs and tons of gifts at the event. She has done this with just a few volunteers, some private donations and self-funding.

For the past eight years, San Clemente Military Family Outreach has fed more than 1,000 Marine families a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Can you imagine feeding that many families? Their fabulous Annual Music and Comedy Variety Show at the Community Center in October is top-notch talent and a must-see.

Bob Crittendon, the show’s producer, and his dedicated volunteers are responsible for all of this generosity.

Yes, San Clemente is very blessed with these two outstanding groups and the many others who provide good will to our Marines and their families throughout the year.

We owe you all a big thank you!

Wayne Eggleston is a former mayor of San Clemente and a current Planning Commissioner.

STREET SWEEPING IN SAN CLEMENTE IS A ‘FARCE’ DALE FERRANTO, San Clemente

Street sweeping in San Clemente is a farce particularly in the southwest area.

No one moves their cars, so the sweeper misses most of the curb. The result is a messy street and discharge to the “clean ocean.” Either get rid of the sweeping service to save money or notify all residents and put up a few signs that require clear streets on sweeping days. Ticket those who do not comply, and make some revenue for the city. Use some common sense, City Council.

HELP RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MELANOMA PAULA KNAPPERT, San Juan Capistrano

I lost my 24-year-old daughter, a San Clemente resident, in August to the ugly disease of melanoma. Kristi Donahue is a warrior battling the disease as we speak.

I have dedicated my daughter’s memory to rectifying misunderstood information on melanoma and teaching/reaching out to everyone I can. My daughter, Keegan, had a burning passion in that children of all ages, even infants, are affected by this silent killer if early detection is not put into motion.

Her foundation website is www.keeganskids.org, dedicated to helping families of children affected fly to states like Texas Page 12

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Dec. 11 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso This week’s guest will be Kim Cholodenko, the director of the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter, and she will speak about some of the latest ongoing operations of the shelter. 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.

where pediatric melanoma trials and drugs are making huge progress.

The cars to raise awareness are designed by Kristi and I. Her car catered towards adult melanoma, and mine was pediatric/adolescent photos and facts.

Because this killer is taking our youth in large numbers, we are asking for your help in teaming up with us to make the local communities aware.

No child deserves this disease and no child needs to be toy-less and hospitalized during this holiday season.

SOBER LIVING, VACATION RENTALS ARE IMPORTANT ISSUES MARY TRUITT, San Clemente

While many of us in San Clemente were fretting about the outlet mall and how that was going to change the character of our Spanish Village by the Sea, sober living and vacation rentals in our residential neighborhoods slipped under the radar, whereby there was no effective regulatory action by our City Council.

So today we now have significant problems that have changed the safety and character in our residential neighborhoods.

If the City Council had been pro-active in recognizing these issues, we could have averted many of these problems caused by sober living and vacation rentals.

So now we are being reactive. Hopefully all the city council members who ran on the notions of residents first and quality of living will vote for regulations that effectively deal with sober living facilities and vacation rentals that are destroying the character of our neighborhoods. Elections are in November 2016. My email is mary. saveourneighborhoods@gmail.com. Save our neighborhoods!

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. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 10 OPEN ARTIST STUDIO 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists. Free.

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

CELTIC CONSORT OF HOLLYWOOD 7 p.m. Laguna Beach Live! presents Celtic Consort of Hollywood at the Laguna Art Museum. The group will be performing holiday songs as well as a variety of secular music. Concert is free with museum admission. For tickets, call 949.494.8971 ext. 203 or visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE CHAMBER HOLIDAY MIXER 5:30 p.m. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and networking at this Multi-Chamber Holiday Mixer. Join the Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Chambers of Commerce for this festive holiday mixer.

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, Suite 190, San Clemente, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com

Friday | 11 LIL’ ELVES WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m. San Clemente Playschool is decking its halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement. Young children can put crafts and games together, sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, decorate holiday cookies and more. Preregistration is strongly recommended due to limited space. Ages 3 to 5 years old. Parents are welcome, but not required. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

“GREASE,” THE MUSICAL AT THE ARTS PROJECT OF ORANGE COUNTY 6:30 p.m. All pre-sale tickets $12, tickets $15 at the door (subject to availability).

The play also shows at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.tapocgrease. brownpapertickets.com.

OL’ BLUE EYES 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 7 p.m. Listen to the great songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and more. Shelly Morgan sings all the sultry bluesy songs of Etta James, Patsy Cline, Peggy Lee and other rhythm and blues tunes. $5 cover charge. Reservations suggested. Adele’s Cafe in the San Clemente Inn, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

Boats adorned with twinkling lights lit up the Dana Point Harbor at last year’s Boat Parade of Lights.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11: DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Watch at water’s edge or take in the view from aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari or Ocean Institute harbor cruise as boaters from all around Orange County decorate their vessels with sparkling lights and add costumes, music and animation to fit with each year’s theme and vie for prizes including Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Original and more. This year’s theme, “A Galactic Holiday” promises a variety of Star Wars and related themed boats. Viewing is free from anywhere in the harbor. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danapointharbor.com.

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GETTING OUT BALLROOM BASH AND CHRISTMAS PARTY 7:15 p.m. Waltz lessons begin at 7:35 p.m.

From 8:20 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., dance to your favorite recorded music with foxtrot, swing, tango, waltz, salsa, samba and cha-cha dances. The event is for singles and couples 18 and older. No smoking or alcohol allowed. Complimentary holiday soft drinks and munchies will be available.

St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.498.0233, www.sabts.org.

Saturday | 12 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY TOY DRIVE FOR FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES 10 a.m. to Noon. The toy drive takes place at all three Ralphs supermarket locations in San Clemente, Talega, Camino de los Mares, and El Camino Real. Contact Autumn Kleinman, San Clemente High School NHS Publicity Manager, 949.374.7694 or autey@me.com for more information.

HO HO HAUL AWAY SAIL 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Go sailing with Santa aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point. Take a turn at the helm, watch the crew fire the ship’s gun and spend some time with them making a holiday keepsake. Treats will be served. Non-member tickets are $50 for adults, $33 for children 4 to 12. For members, tickets are $46 for adults, $31 for children. No children under 4. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT 4 p.m. Join the South Coast Singers, with members hailing from the tri-city area

and other south Orange County cities for a holiday show, “Heav’n and Nature Sing.” General admission $20, seniors and students $16, children 6 and under are free. Ticket information is available online.

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

Sunday | 13 QUIET, REFLECTION, SANCTUARY AT CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Noon to 1:30 p.m. Pastor Brenda Bos hosts a time of quiet during the busy holiday season: guided meditation, art as prayer, journaling and silence.

Christ Lutheran Church, 35522 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.496.2621, www.clcsanclemente.org.

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

SAN CLEMENTE CHAMBER WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHT DECORATING CONTEST 5 p.m. The light decorating contest forms can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website. Judging takes place Dec. 15. 1231 Puerta Del Sol, Unit 200, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Wednesday | 16 JOY OF LIVING BIBLE STUDY 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. Women of all ages are invited to this interdenominational group that meets Wednesdays. A start-up fee of $30 is requested. Free child care is provided. The study includes worship, discussion groups, inspirational talks and luncheons. Talega Life Church, 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.493.1980.

Monday | 14 THIRD STREET WRITERS GROUP INK 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Serious writers working on projects (short stories, novels, plays) meet to share feedback and support. This is not a workshop for beginners. Contact the library for more information. Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, 949.497.1733, www.ocpl. org/libloc/lbch.

Tuesday | 15 HOLIDAY CONCERT 2015 AT SOCSA 7 p.m. All South Orange County School of the Arts departments collaborate to present an evening of holiday entertainment.

Complimentary beverage and dessert items are served at intermission. Tickets are $12 to $15 and available online or at the door. Show also runs Dec. 16. Dana

THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

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

UPCOMING: DEC. 23 MARINE MONUMENT TOY DRIVE The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi is collecting Christmas toys for HMLA-469, San Clemente’s adopted Marine Corps Unit, to be distributed at the HMLA-469 “Breakfast with Santa” event on Dec. 23. Toys can be dropped off in the red bins at the following locations: City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio; San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville; Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa; and Coastal Castles Realty 1520 North El Camino Real, No. 1, 949.498.4958, www.marinemonument.com.

On the Stage at the Coach House: Judith Hill

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

fter lending her voice to back up some of the most acclaimed American musicians of all time, soul and funk singer-songwriter Judith Hill is stepping out on her own.

On the heels of her debut album, Back in Time, Hill is making her way to the West Coast for a limited amount of tour dates. Hill, who has been a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Michael Jackson, will appear at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Dec. 17.

Hill will be performing songs from her debut album, which dropped earlier this year. Hill says the title of the album, Back in Time, is a callback to her roots.

Hill grew up in a house full of musicians. Her mother played keyboard and her father played bass.

“My family is very soulful … My room San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

At the Movies: ‘Youth’ Is Not So Youthful

Judith Hill. Photo: Courtesy

was the vocal room for many amazing singers that would record at the studio at the house,” Hill said. “So I was constantly surrounded by soul.”

Hill’s mother and father will be playing alongside her on stage during the upcoming West Coast tour.

Back in Time was produced by pop

icon Prince, who reached out to Hill after hearing her give an interview naming him as a major influence. During the recording process, Hill, Prince and her studio musicians would get together and riff, which Hill said made for an interesting, distinct sound that can be heard on the album.

“It started at jam sessions with the band. We jammed on songs that I wrote and came up with some really cool arrangements and just tracked it live in the studio,” Hill said. “It’s a very organic, live music-sounding record.”

Tickets for Judith Hill are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse. com. SC

Page 17

Photo: Fox Searchlight

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

fter winning numerous Best Foreign Picture awards two years ago with The Great Beauty, Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino’s follow-up would have high expectations no matter what the film was. Rather than stick to his native Italy, Sorrentino heads to Switzerland with some A-list film actors for the ensemble drama Youth. With his usual abstract images and bizarre context, Sorrentino’s latest feature is a mixed bag of emotions for not only the characters, but also the audience.

Set at a European spa resort, elderly English composer Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine) and his daughter Lena (Rachel Weisz) check in after Fred’s doctor recommends a masseuse following a prostate exam. His American friend and respected movie director Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel) is also there to help his screenwriters get through writer’s block, while young actor Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) is vacationing before performing in a costume drama.

Jane Fonda makes a flashy 10-minute appearance as Mick’s longtime muse.

Youth prides itself on being satirically self-aware with dialogue like “television is the future” and having a cameo by popstar Paloma Faith, but essentially the tone and delivery of the dialogue and performances end up pretentious and too serious. For all the hype Caine and Fonda are receiving, Keitel and Weisz are actually the more intriguing people in the movie; and Dano had potential to be interesting but is mostly wasted as human exposition for Caine’s character. Sorrentino is a gifted filmmaker, but this season might not be as fruitful as last time. SC

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

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

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Catherine Barker: A Guiding Voice for High School Students

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

An Ocean Farewell to an Austrian Friend

I

n May, while on vacation in Graz, Austria, my life partner Greta and I had dinner with a couple we had never met.

This meeting came about because Ken, 78, San Clemente, had emailed, “I have been enjoying your articles in the San Clemente Times. I was interested to see you will be in Graz, Austria, soon. I will be in the Graz area from May 1 until May 9.”

Ken explained that he would be visiting Maria, his woman friend, who lived near Graz. The four of us agreed to have dinner at a restaurant that Maria recommended.

Ken and Maria were so pleasant and comfortable to be with that time flew by that night as we all shared experiences about how we met and became couples, where we had traveled and to where we were traveling next. We were surprised that Ken’s home was on the same street in San Clemente as Greta’s home, a block away. Maria said she had visited Ken in San Clemente several times and loved it nearly as much as her native Austria.

Two days later, Maria and Ken drove us through southeastern Austria. Maria was the ultimate tour guide and hostess, taking us to the Burg Riegersburg castle and then driving a couple of hours to a favorite restaurant of theirs called Schloss Kaepfenstein.

To conclude our day with Ken and Maria, we were honored to be invited to Maria’s home with its magnificent backyard gardens. Greta and I had made wonderful new friends in Austria and would never forget the warm hospitality extended to us that day.

Ken and Maria planned to be in San Clemente in July, and Greta and I wanted to be as gracious to them as they had been to us. However, Ken informed us that Maria was having some heart issues and needed to remain in Austria. They planned to be in San Clemente in September or October.

Ken Halvorsrude and Maria Moser.

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

Ken and I exchanged emails. On Nov. 1 he wrote: “Maria and I are traveling. We will be back in San Clemente around Nov. 15.”

And then on Nov. 26, an email from Ken arrived that devastated us: “I am very grieved to inform you that Maria died from a heart attack a week ago.”

A memorial service for Maria was held Dec. 3. Approximately 20 of us, including Maria’s two sons, Christian and Klaus, and their wives boarded the OCeans Adventures Catamaran at dock six in Dana Point Harbor. It was a beautiful, blue-sky day.

The boat headed toward San Clemente.

The engines were shut down within a quarter mile of the San Clemente Pier, and a beautiful, simple service began. A wreath of ecofriendly red roses was released off the stern. In addition, each of us were provided with an ecofriendly rose to release ON LIFE AND as well.

LOVE AFTER 50 Everyone watched the

By Tom Blake roses float away; not a word was spoken for minutes. A majestic seal swam up to the flowers. An Amtrak train heading south blew its whistle, as if to pay its respects.

I was very impressed with the sensitivity and respect the two OCean Adventures crew members showed toward the family and the care they took to protect the ocean.

On the way back to Dana Point, the crew stopped the boat so we could enjoy a large pod of common dolphins that seemed to be honoring Maria as they swam by.

As the boat headed home, Greta and I agreed how privileged we were to have met and enjoyed this incredible woman from Austria who loved San Clemente and who so embraced life. She will be in our hearts forever.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middleaged 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

Supervisor helped teenagers strive for better lives

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

atherine “Ma” Barker, 80, a campus supervisor and grounds proctor in the Capistrano Unified School District who died recently, was remembered during a memorial service Sunday at San Clemente High School.

Barker was known for her ability to empathize with troublemakers and set them on a more productive path during their time in high school.

Barker worked for the school district for more than 45 years until her death. She was commonly seen driving a golf cart around Capistrano Valley High School, Marco Forster Middle School and SCHS. Pastor Pondo Vleisides of Talega Life Church presided over the memorial, and he said Barker had been a student supervisor when he was in high school.

“I’ll confess, when I came back to campus, I knew for whatever I had done or what trouble I was in, I knew I was safe,” Vleisides said. “That safety net was Ma Barker. If she knew something was wrong … she would say ‘stay out of trouble.’ I would not be here today without the direction and love of Ma Barker.”

Jay Mcilwee, who attended CUSD schools in the late 1970s, said he Google searched “Ma Barker” and the first result that came up gave information about the infamous gangster of the public enemy era, which was the complete opposite of the Ma Barker remembered on Sunday.

“She ruled with love instead of criminal activities,” Mcilwee said. “She filled in a void for those who really didn’t have grandmothers or someone to look up to.”

Melanie Catherine Bowen, a granddaughter of Ma Barker, spoke to those who attended Sunday’s memorial.

Catherine “Ma” Barker. Photo: Eric Heinz

“There is an infinite amount of memories we share with kind words … just talking about the amazing woman that she was,” Bowen said. “I know she would not want us to be sad; she would obviously want us to continue to see the joy around us. I was always enamored by her (positive) reactions to things that most of us take for granted.”

Barker’s son, Matthew, said he remembered his mother as a generous and selfless individual who put her family above all else.

“She always knew where everyone was and what they were doing,” Matthew said.

“She would call you up just to check in and fill you in with what everyone else was doing. Ma always had that uncanny ability to know where people were supposed to be.”

Barker graduated from Tufts University where she studied early childhood education. She and her husband, Paul Barker, raised four children and eight grandchildren.

“She was the path of pardon of the sins of our youth,” Vleisides said. SC

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

Page 18

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

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Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING

Oasis Heating & Air

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

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

HEATING APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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

HOME DÉCOR 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

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.

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Kristen Ritzau DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

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ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HARP LESSONS & RENTALS

Wendy-Harpist

949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

Page 21

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Last-Second Hail Mary Lifts La Habra Past San Clemente in CIF-SS Championship Game midfield, to take a 27-21 advantage.

San Clemente has now lost in the CIFSS Southwest Division finals in back-toback seasons. Last year’s loss, which came against Trabuco Hills, was decided late in the fourth quarter.

“At the end of the day, I’m proud of the way our kids battled back the entire season. Any time you win more than 10 games it’s something to be proud of. They got San Clemente back on the map where it belongs,” Ortiz said. “Words can’t heal what happened tonight. But 10, 15 years from now these kids can look back and say that they had a great career at San Clemente High School. I think they can hold their head high.”

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n paper, the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship matchup between No. 1 La Habra and No. 2 San Clemente looked like a game that could come down to the final play.

On Dec. 4, in front of thousands of fans at Cerritos College, that’s exactly what happened.

With his team trailing the Tritons by three points and with only five seconds remaining on the clock, La Habra senior quarterback Eric Barriere heaved a lastsecond 27-yard Hail Mary pass into the back corner of the end zone. Fighting through multiple defenders, Highlanders wide receiver Prince Ross made a leaping catch and brought the ball down, securing a 39-36 victory and a seventh CIF-SS Championship for La Habra.

The Tritons took control of the game, the championship seemingly in their hands, only seconds before Barriere’s game-winning throw.

Trailing 33-29 with just over three minutes left, San Clemente was led downfield by junior quarterback Jack Sears, who engineered an 84-yard scoring drive. Sears was injured on a run play at the La Habra 34-yard line during the drive but, after taking only one play off, came back and connected with junior Brandon Reaves for a two-yard touchdown pass that gave San Clemente the lead, 36-33, leaving only 20 seconds left on the clock.

The Highlanders returned the ball to midfield on the ensuing kickoff but got an extra boost from a 15-yard penalty called against the Tritons. La Habra then inched further downfield on two plays from scrimmage, which set up the Hail Mary.

“It’s a tough loss. Unfortunately, it came down to the very last play like we thought it was going to be,” San Clemente head coach Jaime Ortiz said. “Eric Barriere, the kid made some great plays and he made another one there.”

Barriere was nearly perfect on the night. The senior completed 15 of 16 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns.

He also ran for 97 yards on 12 carries and scored a rushing touchdown.

La Habra took its biggest lead of the night at the start of the fourth quarter following a four-yard touchdown run by CJ Taylor that made it 33-21.

San Clemente responded with 15 unanswered points. Sears ripped off a twisting, turning 27-yard touchdown run at the nine-minute mark on the Tritons next drive to cut into La Habra’s lead, 3329. The San Clemente defense broke up a Barriere pass that was headed to the end San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

La Habra’s CJ Taylor (10) runs the ball against San Clemente in the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship game on Dec. 4. Photo: Eric Heinz

Left: San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears threw for 98 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown against La Habra on Dec. 4. Right: San Clemente High School football fans cheer on the Tritons during the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship game at Cerritos College. Photos: Eric Heinz

At the end of the day, I’m proud of the way our kids “battled back the entire season. Any time you win more than 10 games it’s something to be proud of. They got San Clemente back on the map where it belongs.

”

—San Clemente Head Coach Jaime Ortiz

zone on fourth down on the Highlanders’ next possession, which set the Tritons up for their final drive.

Sears ran wild in the second half, finishing with 141 rushing yards on a team-high 16 carries.

The Tritons scored twice inside the final minute of both halves. Sears hit senior Liam Eldridge on a two-yard pass with three seconds left in the first half to tie things up 14-14.

San Clemente took its first lead of the

night early in the third quarter when running back Vlad Dzhabiyev scurried his way 44 yards for a touchdown and a 21-14 lead. But Barriere and his receivers would not be denied.

Barriere found Ross on a short pass to the outside, which the receiver turned into an 84-yard touchdown, seconds after Dzhabiyev’s scoring run. After the La Habra defense forced a quick three-andout, Barriere broke for a 38-yard scoring run, leaping over a Triton defender at

Page 23

TRITONS EARN ALL-LEAGUE HONORS Now that all Sea View League teams are finished playing this season, the 2015 AllLeague selections have been made public.

San Clemente’s Vlad Dzhabiyev was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

The senior running back put together a monster season, rushing for 1,171 yards and 16 touchdowns. Dzhabiyev averaged 9.8 yards per carry and had four runs of 100 yards or more. Dzhabiyev also recorded 23 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

San Clemente’s junior quarterback Jack Sears was named the league’s offensive MVP. Sears completed over 71 percent of his passes for 2,697 yards, tossing 37 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Sears also accounted for 862 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

Tritons’ defensive end Liam Buhl was named the league’s defensive MVP. Buhl, a senior, led the Tritons with 83 total tackles. Buhl had a team-high 14 sacks and recorded 13 tackles for a loss this season.

Cole Fotheringham (tight end), Tucker Scott (offensive line), Donté Harrington (offensive line), Brandon Reaves (running back) and Sears were named to the league’s first-team offense.

Dzhabiyev (linebacker), Andrew Frohner (defensive back), Nate Atkins (linebacker), Buhl (defensive line) and Tanner Wright (linebacker) were named to the league’s first-team defense.

Zack Cochrun (offensive line), Turner Tonkovich (offensive line), Austin Whitsett (running back), Liam Eldridge (receiver) and Noah Valovich (offensive line) were named to the league’s second-team offense.

Ryan Russell (linebacker), Branden Wilson (defensive back), Bryce Wilson (defensive back), Isaac Rex (linebacker) and Cody Burner (defensive line) were named to the league’s second-team defense. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Rugby Club on the Rise

team),” Proctor said. “We know that this team can compete in varsity rugby. We are going to have an extremely successful program here.”

The club was founded by a small group

of San Clemente High School students who grew up playing the sport for the San Clemente Gators Youth Rugby Club, now a feeder program for the Tritons high school club team. Sophomore fly-half

and team president Zachary Rose, who has been playing rugby for eight years, noticed how other area high school’s had teams and San Clemente did not. Rose, along with a handful of others, decided to take action.

At San Clemente High School’s fall club rush event, the rugby club collected more than 80 interested student signatures.

Around 40 of those kids turned out for the first couple of practices and have stuck around as permanent members of the team.

“I think San Clemente is ready for a rugby team,” senior outside center Tanner Wright, a co-founder, said. “I think finally having it available and at the high school made the kids want to come out and actually join and find out what it’s all about.”

The club founders actively recruited players from the Triton cross country, football and water polo teams. Proctor said the skill sets of those athletes, combined with the large number of experienced rugby players, makes for a diverse, athletic bunch. Proctor has the team playing a control-oriented, fast-paced style, utilizing the team’s slender stature and speed.

“We play a tight game to keep possession and spin the ball very quickly, as opposed to playing a way that would be akin to what people traditionally think rugby is, which is crash and bash. We don’t do that,” Proctor said. “If we move that ball quickly, we will age physically bigger kids because they don’t have the same gas tank as these younger kids. They just can’t keep up with the ball.”

The Tritons will compete in their first official Southern California Youth Rugby varsity blue division match against Servite on Dec. 11. SC

Senior forward Barrett Croft and the San Clemente boys soccer team will host the 2015 Lotto Sport Western Showcase Dec. 10-12. Photo: Steve Breazeale

cer’s winter FAB 50 national high school rankings.

San Clemente, currently ranked No. 31 nationally by Top Drawer Soccer and No. 6 in CIF-SS Division 1, will kick off the tournament against No. 25 Watsonville on Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Servite, the No. 1 squad in CIF-SS Division 1, and No. 4 Loyola round out the group of teams from Southern California.

The Tritons return nine players to the pitch in 2015, six of whom saw considerable playing time last season.

Due to senior and academy league departures, the Tritons’ defense began the season as a question mark, but junior goalie Cameron Dickie said he saw those questions evaporate when San Clemente took the field for its season-opening match against Newport Harbor on Dec. 1.

Dickie said the Tritons defense had to handle five Newport Harbor corner kicks that day and the defense was able to clear every one. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

“Corners were a weak point last year and we had a few too many in the first game but we dealt with all of them,” Dickie said. “A lot of us didn’t play together last year but we kind of gelled as soon as we

got the back four (on defense) solid.”

Newcomers Francisco Caudillo and sweeper John Granados have made an impact on the back line, according to head coach Mike Pronier, and will soon be joined by impact juniors Chase Paulson and Trevor Denney. Both Paulson, who was handling kicking duties for the Tritons football team, and Denney, who is nursing an injury, have not played a game for the soccer team yet.

In year’s past the Tritons have had the luxury of relying on prolific, 20-goal scoring types up front. Pronier does not believe San Clemente will have that output from just one player this season. Instead, the Tritons will field multiple weapons, like junior Michael Saba and senior Barrett Croft, who have a knack for finding the back of the net. San Clemente has scored four goals in three games and all four goals have come from different players. Saba and Croft have each netted one.

“I think with that diversity up top we’re going to be really dangerous,” Croft said. “(Opponents) can’t just man-mark one guy and have our entire offense shut down.

We can just always rely on everybody and trust everyone.” SC

Student-created club team founded on SCHS campus

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

tewart Proctor could hardly contain his excitement when discussing the progression and potential of his rugby players on the field at Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Dec. 8. When taking in the sheer number of players at the practice, it was easy to see the reason behind the Scottish coach’s enthusiasm.

The night marked the San Clemente Tritons Rugby Club’s first full-roster practice of the season. After weeks of practicing, the new student-formed club out of San Clemente High School had been waiting for several Triton football players to join their ranks after a long march through the CIF-SS playoffs.

But even without the football players, the Tritons Rugby Club has been making steady progress in their debut season.

The Tritons squared off against Dana Rugby Club in the team’s first friendly exhibition on Dec. 5. The Tritons junior varsity squad dominated while the varsity team, made up primarily of underclassmen, lost by only two scores to one of the better high school rugby programs in the county.

“It was a very close game with largely freshman, sophomore and juniors on (our

The student founders of the San Clemente Tritons Rugby Club on the field before a Dec. 8 practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The San Clemente Tritons Rugby Club had enough members to field a junior varsity and varsity team in their inaugural season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

For a full version of this week’s Triton Report, visit www.sanclementetimes.com.

Tritons Soccer Enters Western Showcase With Defensive State of Mind Getting organized and cohesive on defense was a main focus of the San Clemente High School boys soccer team heading into the new season. Through three games, the Tritons have shown that their offseason preparation is paying off.

The Tritons have allowed only one goal in three contests so far in 2015 and hold an San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

overall record of 2-0-1.

With new faces dotting the field, San Clemente is beginning to mesh together and will be put to the test this weekend as they play host to the 2015 Lotto Sport Western Showcase Dec. 10-12.

The tournament, which will be held at Thalassa Stadium over three days, features a strong group of teams from Southern California and Arizona.

All eight of the teams in the field are currently ranked inside Top Drawer Soc-

Page 25

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Surf Dream Realized Rachael Tilly of Capo Beach crowned WSL Women’s Longboard World Champion

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or Rachael Tilly, the third time was the charm. On Tuesday she earned the title she’s been working toward since the age of 6: being crowned the women’s longboard world champion at the World Surf League 2015 Jeep Women’s World Longboard Championship in Riyue Bay Wanning, Hainan, China.

This year’s event was her third trip to China as an event qualifier for the Capistrano Beach professional longboarder, and, at age 17, Tilly has become the youngest women’s world longboard champion ever.

“I am over the moon right now,” Tilly said in a post-event WSL interview. “…

I can’t believe it’s even real. I have been to the contest twice before and not made many heats, but after winning the North American title, I had more confidence this year and I guess it paid off.”

Rachael Tilly hoists her world champion trophy on the podium at the conclusion of the World Surf League 2015 Women’s World Longboard Championship in China on Tuesday. Photo: WSL

After her North American title win at Huntington Beach in November, Tilly said something felt different about going into the China event as a champion. She said she was feeling really good about the momentum the win created, and her competition strategy—including wave selection and patience—had matured since her unsuccessful run for the world crown in 2014. She attributed the year’s progress to increasing her contest surfing time in

Western Surfing Association events and competing with her San Clemente High School surf team.

Tilly faced Hawaiian Crystal Walsh in the final and emerged victorious after the two put on an entertaining back-and-forth show that included beautiful, stylish, classic longboarding with power and technical skill.

Having traveled to China sans her usual travel partner, her mom Laurie, Tilly’s family was tuned in online at their Capo Beach home when the announcement was made.

The rush of emotion “felt like getting hit by a truck but loving it,” Laurie Tilly said.

Tilly’s dad and coach Glen agreed, saying he was so happy that her years of hard work and dedication led to her reaching her goal of becoming the youngest women’s world champ.

“We have always focused on working on the fundamentals of good surfing through the years,” Glen Tilly said. “Our motto has always been ‘we win together, we lose together’ but she went over there by herself, pulled it off on her own. We are all so proud of her.”

After being handed her world championship trophy cup, Tilly recalled the sendoff she got from her parents at the airport when she was leaving for China.

“The last thing my parents said before I got on the plane was to bring back the trophy so we can all share a bowl of cereal in it,” Tilly said. “And when I get home, that’s what we’re going to do.” SC

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

ALEX GUILD

Water Temperature: 63-66 degrees F

A

surfer since the age of 6, Alex Guild, 9, of San Clemente has become one of the area’s best groms.

With his fourth-place finish at last weekend’s Western Surfing Association Championship Tour event at the San Clemente Pier, he has earned the No. 4 rank, among a field of 27, in the U10 shortboard division.

Alex recalls his first surf lessons with his dad while visiting his grandparents’ house at Avila Beach and said surfing has been a favorite pursuit ever since.

“My whole family surfs, and I want to thank them all for everything they do to support me,” Alex said. “They are always really nice, cheering me on when I make a heat and cheering me up when I don’t.”

Becoming a professional surfer is definitely a goal and, due to his love of other sports—soccer, basketball and Jiu-Jitsu—he fits in early morning, before-school surf sessions nearly every day.

Now a fourth-grader at Concordia Elementary, Alex is a bright student who likes school and maintains good grades.

“I really want to become a pro surfer but I also want a back-up job,” he said. “I want to San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2015

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Fair Thursday: Fun size WNW swell eases further going into the second half of the week. Surf will be in the thigh- to chest-high range. Calm to light offshore winds in the morning followed by moderate NW sea-breeze that afternoon.

Outlook: New round of WNW swell kicks in for Friday, along with stormy weather, for shoulderhigh to overhead surf with poor conditions.

Waves ease over the weekend as conditions get better. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Alex Guild. Photo: Andrea Swayne

be a surgeon. You have to go to college for some extra years and I’m willing to do that.”

The talented goofyfooter feels like his backside game is the strongest part of his surfing. Lately, much of his practice time has been devoted to working on landing airs.

“I want more practice where I can get barreled too. I need work on heavy barrels,” he said, adding that he hopes to travel in search of hollow waves.

“I’ve been to Scorpion Bay and Las Gaviotas in Mexico but I really want to surf Skeleton Bay someday too,” he said.

Alex loves surfing and living the grom life

in San Clemente.

“Everyone in my neighborhood is nice, there are a bunch of kids to surf with and we have really good waves to wake up to every morning at Lowers and T Street,” he said.

“And surfing is awesome because there are no limits, like in soccer. There’s no ref telling you you can’t do something. You can do anything you want and I just love that.”—Andrea Swayne

Page 26

Evan Geiselman Recovering from Near Drowning in Hawaii Evan Geiselman, a pro surfer from Florida now living in San Clemente, nearly drowned at Pipeline on Sunday after a wipeout and three-wave hold down.

Videos of the incident posted to social media showed bodyboarder Andre Botha rescuing and unconscious Geiselman and beginning to administer CPR while still in the water. According to reports from friends and updates on social media, a full recovery is expected.

RESULTS First place and local finishers only. KEY: San Clemente=SC, Dana Point=DP WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 5, December 5-6, San Clemente, Pier MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Petey Romaniuk, Huntington Beach; 3. Charlie Stevens, SC; 5. Loyal Cash Kenworthy, DP. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Bella Kenworthy, DP; 2.

Ezra McPhillips, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Cannon Carr, SC; 4. Alex Guild, SC; 5. Charlie Stevens, SC; 6. Makai Bray, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach; 2. Brayden Burch, SC; 6. Ryder Salberg, SC. BOYS U14: 1. Hagan Johnson, SC; 2. Kai McPhillips, SC; 5. Brayden Burch, SC; 6. Luke Blackwill, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Hagan Johnson, SC; 4. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U18: 1. Brock Piro, Oxnard; 3. Hagan Johnson, SC; 5. David Economos, SC. GIRLS U12: 1. Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas; 3. Ryann Daly, DP; 6. Reese Hartnett, SC. GIRLS U14: 1. Olivia Pessanha, San Diego; 6. Izzy Hopkins, DP. GIRLS U16: 1.

Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas. GIRLS U18: 1. Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas; 3. Erika Hunting, SC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Rhyn Chambers, SC; 2. Jimmy Wynne, SC; 4. Luke Blackwill, SC; 5. Caden Evans, SC; 6. Aidan Sautner, SC. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 6.

Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Sive Jarrard, Carlsbad. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 2. Ocean Tsutsui, SC. MEN 18-29: 1. Cody Canzoneri, SC. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Ryan Aguilar, SC. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 6. Jason Senn, SC. WOMEN 18+: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Chas Wickwire, Seal Beach; 2. Jeff Jessee, SC. OPEN MEN: 1.

Cody Canzoneri, SC; 2. Lucas Taub, DP. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach; 2. Jayme Linnes, SC. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Keili McEvilly, Carlsbad; 3. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Lance Albright, Huntington Beach. ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Jeff Munson, Corona Del Mar.

UPCOMING EVENTS December 12-13: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 3, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach December 19: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 2, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty December 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 7, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Seaside Reef December 20: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 2, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 9-10: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane January 16-17: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 6, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 23: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier January 24: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier February 6-7: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 5, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles February 6-7: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach February 13-14: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier February 20: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 4, Oceanside, Pier February 21: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street

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