December 31, 2015

December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

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Sports Year in Review PAGE 16 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 52

A look back at the issues that made headlines in San Clemente this year EYE ON SC/PAGE 6 www.sanclementetimes.com

Planning Commission Discusses Marijuana Ordinances EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

New Year’s Celebrations in San Clemente

GETTING OUT/PAGE 12

Grom of the Year: WSL World Champion Rachael Tilly SC SURF/PAGE 22

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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Five things San Clemente should know this week Planning Commission Recommends Medical Marijuana Zoning Ban THE LATEST: In order to make the deadline to regulate medical marijuana in its own capacity, the San Clemente Planning Commission approved a resolution recommending the City Council approve a zoning amendment that would ban the cultivation and sales of medical marijuana within the city of San Clemente.

The resolution was approved 6-1 at the Dec. 16 Planning Commission meeting.

The new zone would encompass all San Clemente areas and prohibit cultivation, sales and other medical marijuana uses.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city has until March 21 to adopt its own ordinance to regulate medical marijuana retailers. After that, the state’s laws will be the regulatory code for the city. The zoning ban on medical marijuana facilities is on the Tuesday, Jan. 5, City Council meeting agenda.

—Eric Heinz

Planning Commission Approves Hospital Zoning Amendment THE LATEST: A General Plan zoning amendment was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission to create a new regional medical zone for the Camino De Los Mares areas.

The amendments are aimed at incentivizing and maintaining a medical zone, Associate City Planner Adam Atamian said during the Dec. 16 meeting.

“Recently the City Council directed staff to look at ways to incentivize and encourage the maintenance of the hospital site,” Atamian said. “Staff took a look at this site and identified multiple ways to maintain the hospital site.”

The area includes everywhere within the Camino De Los Mares-adjacent land from Interstate 5 on- and off-ramps to past the hospital. The current zoning is designated as community commercial. The new zone is community commercial 4 that comes with medical-related benefits such as group counseling and has “benefits by being located near a hospital,” Atamian said.

The hospital site would be rezoned as a

regional medical facility.

“Functionally, there’s not a lot of difference between regional medical facilities and regional commercial except for the fact that congregate care facilities would not be permitted and medical officers would only be allowed if they’re accessory to a hospital use,” Atamian said. “Our proposal would be to create a regional medical zone and update the General Plan to reflect those uses.”

The new zoning that is community commercial would be for hospital-serving functions.

The rezoning has been criticized by some people at hospital meetings as being too authoritative and restrictive to business in San Clemente. Those opposed said it could set precedence for future zoning policy and not allow flexibility in changes.

Hospital Administrator Tony Struthers said Saddleback Memorial was “frustrated” by the proposals.

“For over a year we’ve been holding public meetings, speaking with community groups and leaders and collaborating with the city of San Clemente and many others to support statewide legislation that will allow us to operate a satellite emergency facility for San Clemente,” Struthers said. “In spite of this outreach…this new uncalled for and extraordinarily restrictive rezoning proposal has emerged. If this zoning proposal is recommended to the City Council, we will provide written comments detailing our concerns regarding the legality of the rezoning.”

Struthers said the current zoning already serves the current medical needs. He said the city should wait for the proposed state legislation to allow for a freestanding emergency room to be completed, whether it passes or not.

Commissioner Michael Smith asked if the hospital would be out of zoning compliance if its representatives were to carry out the plan to downsize and to not have an emergency room and instead more of a long-term care facility, but Atamian said the rezoning would be able to accommodate the changes as long as it was a medical facility. The new zoning also would not disallow any current business that is conducted currently within the zone.

WHAT’S NEXT: The final proposal for the zoning would have to be approved by the City Council. The zoning amendment is not on the Tuesday, Jan. 5, City Council agenda. —EH

Couple With Ties to San Clemente Arrested in Ponzi Scheme THE LATEST: According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, a businessman and his wife, who has a certified

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

public accountant license, were arraigned on Dec. 23 on charges of defrauding investors and stealing more than $3 million in an affinity scheme.

Steven Andrew McKinlay, 58, and Kristi B. McKinlay, who is CPA licensed as Kristi Kindred, 56, both of Coto de Caza, are charged with 10 felony counts of using untrue statements in the purchase or sale of a security, one felony count of grand theft, and one felony count for the use of a device in a scheme to defraud, with sentencing enhancement allegations for loss over $100,000, aggravated white collar crime over $500,000 and causing property damage with loss over $1.3 million according to the DA press release.

The McKinlays are accused of victimizing more than 10 individuals, including a former Major League Baseball player, a family friend who came into money through a personal injury and a cancer patient who wanted to secure an inheritance for his family. Many of the victims had been associated with the defendants through the church they attended, the release stated.

If convicted, they both face a maximum sentence of 23 years and eight months in state prison.

The McKinlays Kristi McKinlay. are in custody on Photo: Courtesy $3 million bail and must prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source before posting bond.

Steven and Kristi McKinlay were owners of God’s Sports Company.

Steven and Kristi McKinlay are accused of defrauding their clients between Sept. 12, 2011, and June 27, 2015, by convincing them to invest in GSC without disclosing material facts, including prior bankruptcy filings by Steven McKinlay and outstanding liens against the defendants, using investor funds to pay back some of the other investors in a Ponzi scheme, and using investor money for personal use. The two are accused of spending investors’ money on $10,000 a month rent for a San Clemente home and $7,000 a month rent for a Coto de Caza home, paying for their daughter’s wedding, purchasing a luxury suite at the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Stadium, purchasing cars, and paying off old debts and day-to-day expenses. They are accused of using investors’ money to donate $50,000 to their church, Foothill Family Church in Foothill Ranch. The defendants are also accused of putting their relatives and their friends’ relatives on GSC payroll.

Sources close to Kristi in San Clemente said she is well-known in the community.

Despite the charges, there has been an

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outpouring of letters attesting to Kristi’s integrity. Her ex-husband, Don Kindred, told San Clemente Times he believes Kristi is a victim in the case.

“The biggest thing that I would bring up is the respect that she had in the community,” Kindred said. “She was a leader in the Rotary Club and raised a lot of money.”

Kindred has received letters of support from former mayor Jim Evert, vouching for her ethics as Kristi had been awarded a business ethics award for the San Clemente Rotary district. Former City Planning Commissioner Nesa Anderson asked for leniency in her bail amount.

WHAT’S NEXT: Kristi and Steven’s next hearings are Jan. 10 in the Central Courthouse of Orange County Superior Court.

—EH

City to Consider Temporary Moratorium on Short-Term Rentals THE LATEST: On the next City Council meeting agenda, an emergency interim ordinance is proposed to enact a temporary moratorium on short-term rental facilities.

The moratorium would prohibit San Clemente homeowners from renting out their homes for lodging purposes and would last 45 days. The city would have the option to extend the moratorium, just as it did with sober living facilities earlier in the year.

The short-term rentals have been an issue of contention in recent discussion, as neighbors of the rental homes have complained about excessive noise, disturbances and other problems.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

—EH

Minimum Wage to Rise in California THE LATEST: California’s minimum wage will rise from $9 to $10 per hour, effective Jan. 1.

“Meals or lodging may not be credited against the minimum wage without a voluntary written agreement between the employer and the employee,” according to a California state minimum wage order.

WHAT’S NEXT: Fiscal impacts regarding the increase in minimum wage will likely not be reflected for months when tax returns are approved by the state and local governments.

FIND OUT MORE: More information can be found at the California Department of Industrial Relations website, www.dir. ca.gov. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community Meetings

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Eighth-Graders Perform at Outlets at San Clemente The students of Our Lady of Fatima Parish School showed off their talents at the San Clemente Outlets to kick off the Christmas break with a concert and play. The performances were acted out by the Fatima choir and eighth-grade class.

There were about 20 children in the choir group who performed for nearby shoppers along with the Fatima eighth-grade students who acted out the nativity scene of Jesus Christ with a modified version of The Grinch.

Cabrillo Playhouse to Host Auditions The Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente will host auditions for The Lion in Winter,

by James Goldman. Auditions will be held at the playhouse at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17 and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18. The casting call includes the need for five men and two women. For more information, call 949.492.0465 or visit www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

San Clemente Garden Club to Host First-Aid Seminar Health educator Nicole Carter will teach people how to use common garden plants for first aid and skin care as well as to improve health and promote healing at the Jan. 6 meeting of the San Clemente Garden Club (SCGC). The event begins at 1:45 p.m. at St. Andrews By-the-Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Calle Frontera in San Clemente.

Carter has spent the past 13 years studying and teaching herbal medicine and holistic health practices. Her formal education includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health promotion from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In addition to speaking about herbal medicine and holistic health practices, she authored a DVD series and a book titled Herbs That Heal and has been featured in many national magazines and publications.

The San Clemente Garden Club, a charitable organization founded in 1951, is part of California Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

The members are men and women living in San Clemente. Club members are of all ages, races, diverse interests and skills with a passion for gardening. They meet as a group for a common purpose: “to support our community by giving selflessly of our time, skills, financial contributions and in-kind donations to make our hometown’s public gardens, parks, sidewalks, patios

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31

New Year’s Eve FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year’s Day The Our Lady of Fatima Parish School eighth-grade choir and actors perform over the holiday break at the Outlets at San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy of Julia Tanner

and other spaces more beautiful,” members said.

The club members strive to learn, have fun and build lifelong “garden buddy” friendships. The organization hosts meetings and special events each year and is regarded as a serious philanthropic organization. For more information, visit www.sanclementegardenclub.com or on Facebook.

City Offers Grace Period for Parking Passes The City of San Clemente will offer a grace period for holders of San Clemente parking passes that expire Jan. 1, 2016.

The grace period is in effect for renewal purposes from Dec. 24, 2015 through Jan. 9, 2016. City offices will be closed for the annual furlough between Dec. 24 and Jan. 1 and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4. After the grace period has expired, all residents are expected to have their parking permits renewed.

All metered parking in San Clemente requires a parking decal affixed on the lower right (passenger) side of the vehicle’s front windshield. Metered parking permits are available for $50 for San Clemente residents and $100 for non-residents.

To apply for a parking permit, visit City Hall at 100 Avenida Presidio with your vehicle registration showing proof of residency. For more information, call the Finance Division at 949.361.8315.

CDPH: Norovirus on the Rise in California California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced on Dec. 23 that California is experiencing an increase in norovirus cases, which includes stomach flu or winter vomiting disease. CDPH has confirmed 32 outbreaks of norovirus in California since Oct. 1, likely resulting in hundreds of reported sicknesses in the state, and these outbreaks far exceed the number reported at this time in 2014, ac-

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015 - January 6, 2016

cording to a CDPH press release.

The release stated the virus can spread quickly in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, cruise ships and food service settings.

People with norovirus are very contagious and can easily spread the illness from person to person.

People who are ill are recommended to practice good handwashing and to avoid preparing food for others while they are sick for at least 48 hours after symptoms are no longer present. Food workers should not work while they are sick and for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Persons caring for someone who may have norovirus disease should be particularly careful about handwashing and cleaning contaminated surfaces and materials.

The CDPH website has more information about norovirus at www.cdph.ca.gov

Information About Free Birth Certificates on Housing CA Website Starting in the new year, people experiencing homelessness will be able to get a free California ID from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Birth certificates and state IDs are required for nearly everything, from enrolling children in school to getting medical treatment, to renting an apartment. For people who are experiencing homelessness and trying to get back on their feet, it’s often a significant barrier to accessing the services created to help people stabilize their lives and their families.

If you’re a service provider with questions about how to help individuals obtain free copies of their birth certificate, or if you’re an individual experiencing homelessness who needs a copy of your birth certificate, visit www.housingca.org/ under the “Resources” section.

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

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

San Clemente Farmers Market

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

Avenida Del Mar. MONDAY, JANUARY 4

City Offices Reopen TUESDAY, JANUARY 5

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

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, JANUARY 6

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.

New Year’s Day THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

Exchange Club of San Clemente

Noon. The Exchange Club of San Clemente will host a business meeting at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant, 2391 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, www.exchangeclubsc.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Looking Back on 2015 SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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alifornia’s Spanish city by the sea was thrust into multiple debates regarding the municipality’s policies, social responsibility and the way in which locals see their hometown as it is, was and will be. As residents fight to not only keep their hospital open but regulate short-term homes and sober living facilities, we look back at what shaped 2015 and what happened in San Clemente.

JANUARY The much-anticipated work on the Ole Hanson Beach Club began after years of delays and budgetary juggling. Although the original budget for the refurbishments to the historic landmark was near $1.5 million— slated to address water damage issues—the cost of the improvements is now more than $4.6 million, as additional problems surfaced.

The project now includes significant repairs to the roof, a remodeling of the interior of the facility and changes to some of the exteriors on both the land and pool sides, as well as access improvements for the pools.

The OHBC is scheduled to open in April 2016 with construction to be completed in March. City Council members said there is already a waiting list for swim lessons and other reservations.

FEBRUARY After more than four years and dozens of meetings and hearings, the San Clemente City Council approved a new General Plan, along with a bicycle and pedestrian master plan and two other associated documents, which would shape many decisions for the remainder of the year.

The General Plan has had multiple amendment proposals since its adoption proposed to the City Council as well as the Planning Commission.

It took more than eight months and 10 public hearings to work out the fine details of the overarching plan.

The organization Save San Clemente Hospital began exploring new ideas to have a freestanding emergency room in the city, with the support of legislators Sen. Patricia Bates and Assemblyman Bill Brough, both of whom represent the districts of San Clemente. Although an alternative to change the designation of the hospital is unlikely, two bills the representatives have authored would allow for a freestanding emergency room in San Clemente. The bills are scheduled to be discussed on Jan. 12 and 13 in a legislative health committee hearing.

San Clemente residents got the opportunity to celebrate the opening of the city’s newest trail system Sunday at Marblehead. Photo: Alyssa Garrett

MARCH A project 10 years in the making, Courtney’s SandCastle at Vista Hermosa Sports Park opened. The playground is named after Courtney Smith, a graduate of San Clemente High School, A portion of the park became a center for children with disabilities to celebrate all five senses, as well as a pair of water features, including a simulated tide pool and musical panels and a path along which children can touch and smell different varieties of plants designed to stimulate the senses. The second phase completed the park, which opened in 2012 along with the rest of Vista Hermosa Sports Park, and was designed to be accessible to children of all ability levels.

The issues surrounding signage almost determined the fate of Estrella Plaza, which is now slated to open in the spring. Due to the city’s sign ordinance, some of the retail outlets had concerns about their local visibility and almost pulled out of the project altogether. In March, the retailers said the signs were a “must-have” and they retained the opportunity to pull out of their lease without the approval of their proposed signage. A compromise between the retailers and the city was eventually reached.

APRIL San Clemente’s new trail system opened as part of the Sea Summit residential development.

The four-mile system was officially opened almost a year to the day that Taylor Morrison purchased the residential development from Lehman Brothers. As part of the development, the developer was bound to complete infrastructure projects, including West Avenida Vista Hermosa through

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

to Avenida Pico (which opened earlier in April), the trail system and five parks, some of which had been started by Lehman.

San Clemente High School experienced a tragedy when student Saylor Voris died April 14 after a lengthy battle with a rare form of leukemia. Voris was honored throughout 2015 by her fellow cheerleaders and there was a podium for her at every varsity football game. Many students at SCHS said Voris was an inspiration to them.

MAY San Clemente High School had another blow to its community when popular principal Michael Halt was turbidly ousted by the Capistrano Unified School District.

Although CUSD officials said Halt was not removed for criminal actions, the district has failed to this day to provide any details as to why he was removed from his position.

Hundreds of parents, teachers and students protested his firing at CUSD Board of Trustees meetings in an effort to understand the action. At one meeting, SCHS patrons stayed for more than five hours as the board met in closed session to discuss what it deemed a “personnel issue.” Eventually, in June, the board ruled Halt could remain a principal within the district but could not return to SCHS. Halt eventually became principal of Estancia High School in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. The issue would become the catalyst of future discussions of a proposal for San Clemente to create its own school district.

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JUNE San Clemente implemented a new water

rate structure for penalizing people who overuse water, making the rates subject to a new tiered structure. The city announced in November that it had collected nearly $1 million in fees since the rates were implemented. Later that month, the city said it would conduct a new drought study to reduce rates. “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,” a city press release stated.

JULY The Smithsonian National Museum of American History accepted multiple items from the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center, which was celebrated with a weekend gala in Washington, D.C. Many of the items were from surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku and the film The Endless Summer.

The San Clemente Library opened for the first time in about 18 months to an attendance of about 100 people—some waiting outside the door before opening, branch manager Karen Wall said. There also were about a dozen new submissions for library cards. The majority of open space left on shelves is going to be stocked in the next few weeks, Wall said.

“Mostly where you’re seeing empty shelves is where we have room to grow,” Wall said.

“The only areas that are not stocked fully are some of our magazine racks.” Wi-Fi is up and running and so are the new computers, and the new children’s section is open. Most of the staff members have returned, but there is a new librarian and librarian assistant, Wall said. Wall also said they were looking to expand the children’s programming. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) public affairs office, the light was from a test fire of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile, performed in order to “obtain valid reliability, accuracy and performance factors for use by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and USSTRATCOM.” Social media was abuzz with people who captured the incident on video.

AUGUST City officials called a steep increase in the number of complaints of disruptive behavior, too much tobacco smoke, loud swearing and other excessive noise compared to last year and prompted the City Council to pass 10-month moratoriums on the establishment of sober living facilities and sober living homes, in order to provide more time for city staff and City Council members to examine the issues regarding sober living commercial facilities and residences It is unlikely the city will be able to ban sober and residential drug treatment living altogether, City Attorney Scott Smith said at the time, because of federal and state laws and other case law in which municipalities were unable to abolish similar sober living facilities.

One of the main topics of discussion among neighborhood groups has been the number of residences that have been established in a small area. Because of decisions recently rendered in the courts from nearby cities, such as Newport Beach, San Clemente City Council has been reluctant to put a complete ban on sober living facilities, as judges have ruled in some circumstances cities cannot completely prohibit them.

Smith said the urgency ordinance moratorium can last a total of two years before the city would have to establish some kind of regulation or code or drop the ban altogether.

In July, the city enacted a 45-day moratorium.

SEPTEMBER In September, a three-judge panel in the California Appellate Court upheld a lower court’s decision regarding the reimbursement of the Beach Parking Funds in San Clemente that were challenged by plaintiff Daniel Walker as the trustee and others.

The judge has ordered the $10.6 million in the fund be returned to the people who had to pay it.

Local attorney Brad Malamud has championed this lawsuit since its beginning in 2012.

The parking fund was established in 1989 from new development as a way to assist beach coastal parking throughout the city. Originally, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled the beach parking fund had to be returned to the residents as it was not being used for its specific purpose in a timely manner.

The city will have to find a method that is equitable to return all of the $10.6 million to the taxpayers who contributed to the fund over the years. Malamud said because the tax rates have changed over the years, it will have to be broken down by who paid and when. The city petitioned the ruling to the California Supreme Court, but it was dismissed in November.

DECEMBER

Henry Ford, a volunteer and a lead docent at Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente, displays the overflow of surfboards at the museum. The center recently had items accepted into the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of American History. Photo: Eric Heinz

OCTOBER San Clemente’s Park Semper Fi celebrated its 10th anniversary. The park was founded by the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation, headed by city Planning Commissioner Wayne Eggleston.

Former Mrs. Orange County Meghan Breanna Alt, 25, of Irvine (a former San Clemente resident) was charged on Friday, Oct. 9, with multiple counts of child pornography and lewd acts on a child, authorities said.

The child pornography consisted of photos of a 4-year-old female family member of Alt’s taken between Jan. 1 and Oct. 7, showing the child posed in a sexually explicit manner. The photos were sent via cell phone, in exchange for cash and gifts, to a Marine stationed in Southern California, the release said. Investigators began working on the case after receiving information from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Alt has since denied the charges.

The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to approve the permit for Southern California Edison to store spent nuclear fuel in dry-cask storage on site at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.SONGS already has above-ground dry storage as well as wet storage of the fuel in storage tanks. The new dry-cask storage units, contracted through Holtec International, will hold about 3.6 million gallons of spent nuclear fuel. SCE representatives said they need about 80 additional canisters in order to store the fuel at the facility. An inspection will take place once every 10 years.

NOVEMBER The Outlets at San Clemente came to fruition this year, opening multiple retail stores right in time for the holidays. For almost 20 years—and a series of ownerships since the 1970s before that—the Outlets project sat dormant in planning

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

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and fiscal limbo. Following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in 2008, Craig Realty Group had been rearranging the plans for the mall until construction began in 2014.

The second phase of the project is expected to begin in 2016, and more restaurants and retail stores are continuing to open.

People around Orange County and as far as Arizona and San Francisco were mystified by a strange white light that streaked across the night sky on Nov. 7 According to a Nov. 9 press release by

City Council approved the enforcement of fees for organizations to conduct business on public lands such as parks and beaches within the city. Activities consisting of more than 30 or so people will also need permits.

After the city’s Planning Commission approved the Coastal Land Use Plan in June, the Capistrano Shores, Inc. organization fought back to change some of the provisions regarding revetment walls to protect their homes as well as building new structures or repairs. At the latest City Council meeting, the issue had been tabled to the Jan. 19, 2016 meeting, as the city’s staff will continue to look at options to amend the plan to fit the mobile home park’s unique needs.

Bob Baker was selected by City Council to be the mayor of San Clemente for a second time. Kathy Ward was selected as Mayor Pro Tem. SC

EYE ON SC

Best of the SC Sheriff’s Blotter 2015 COMPILED BY STAFF

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.

December DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Mar, 200 Block (Monday, Dec. 14, 8:32 p.m.) A man was punching and kicking a woman because she “took his meth and it dissolved in the rain.”

November TRAFFIC HAZARD Calle Del Cerro/Avenida Pico (Saturday, Nov. 14, 11:19 p.m.) A juvenile, described as being short and wearing a puffy jacket and carrying a skateboard, was seen jumping in front of traffic. Earlier in the same location, it was reported multiple juveniles were stretching plastic wrap across the road to block it.

Sarmentoso (Friday, Aug. 7, 10:50 p.m.)

An occupant of a white Suburban, which was headed toward Avenida Hermosa, was throwing water balloons at other motorists.

PATROL CHECK Avenida San Juan, 400 Block (Thursday, Aug. 6, 12:07 a.m.) A caller was annoyed by his neighbor’s LED flood lights shining toward his house and wanted them moved or turned off. The man said the lights were so bright they looked “like a spaceship.”

July ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle de los Alamos, 2000 Block (Friday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.)

Lifeguards requested assistance with crowd control for a large group of people who crowded around a sailboat that washed up on shore.

DISTURBANCE North El Camino Real/ Mariposa (Friday, July 10, 10:13 a.m.) A homeless man reportedly was screaming “I’ll kill you,” while playing a guitar and heading toward a school from a CVS. DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (Saturday, July 4, 6:07 p.m.) On a loudspeaker by the San Clemente Pier, a man was saying profanities and preaching about U.S. history. Multiple people asked him to stop, but he refused.

October

June

DISTURBANCE Calle Del Cerro, 1000 Block (Friday, Oct. 30, 10:49 p.m.) A woman called about having an argument with her neighbor. She said her neighbor’s iguana keeps coming onto her property and eating all of her plants.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES South El Camino Real/Avenida Mendocino (Sunday, June 21, 11:10 p.m.) Two subjects were seen dressed in full clown costumes with facemasks. One had an umbrella, the other had a cane with lights on it. When asked about their outfits, they said they always dressed that way.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-INJURIES UNKNOWN Calle Del Cerro/Avenida Vista Montana (Friday, Oct. 2, 11:27 p.m.) A man involved in a traffic accident tried to leave the scene, but his vehicle broke down. He was arrested but released the next day.

September BURGLARY ALARMS Throughout San Clemente (Sunday, Sept., 20, Between 1:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.) At least 25 burglary alarms were set off during this time, which was just after the unexpected power outage that affected San Clemente. Power was restored in most areas of the city about 2 p.m.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Amistad, 100 Block (Saturday, Sept. 5, 9:31 a.m.)

Orange County Fire Authorities were requested after a man called emergency operators saying his apartment was filled with natural gas. The man’s speech was slurred and he suddenly stopped speaking, leaving the line open.

August RECKLESS DRIVING Camino Vera Cruz/Calle

May CITIZEN ASSIST Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (Friday, May 29, 5:51 p.m.) A caller said he believed a man and a woman who said they were “looking for earrings” were actually there to kill him. Fearing for his life, the man ran into the nearby woods.

He was afraid they were going to do something to his dog.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 100 Block (Tuesday, May 19, 3 p.m.) Teenage girls reported a homeless man was dancing and yelling at them. The man refused to leave after he was asked to.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Barracuda, 700 Block (Sunday, May 10, 4:57 p.m.) The caller said a nude, drunken woman tried to break through the gate house.

April SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real, 2300 Block (Monday, April 20, 1:23 p.m.) A woman said one of

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

her customers had come in and told her he “is going to heaven today and there will be a big show at 3 p.m.” The man gave the woman his cell phone number to call back at that time to find out what happened.

The caller said he “didn’t seem right today” but said she did not believe the man suffered from a mental illness.

approached by a woman with a black eye who said the man she was sitting with at the bar hit her. The woman was already drunk despite not yet being served alcohol. The man she was with was in his 60s with white hair, wearing a black sweater.

9-1-1 HANGUP El Camino Real, 1100 Block (Sunday, April 12, 4:25 p.m.) A woman called 9-1-1 yelling into the phone about “someone trying to steal soldiers from Camp Pendleton.”

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida De La Estrella, 700 Block (Saturday, Feb. 21, 4:36 p.m.)

A man wanted to talk to a deputy before skateboarders came back and he “choked them out.”

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 3900 Block (Sunday, April 5, 3:34 p.m.) A man wearing a red shirt and red shorts walking eastbound on Santa Margarita threw a car battery at a change machine.

WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 2000 Block (Thursday, Feb. 19, 7:30 a.m.) An employee requested a welfare check on a male guest who had allegedly been disturbing the peace an hour prior to the call. The employee contacted the guest who said everything was fine and not to call police. The caller then noticed blood on the door of the room and wanted the guest to be checked on.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Juno, 3900 Block (Saturday, April 4, 1:05 p.m.) Workers on the street above were rolling large pieces of concrete or boulders down the slope, which were crossing the street and landing near the caller’s house. The caller was worried they would hit someone or a car driving by.

March CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Amistad, 100 Block (Monday, March 23, 3:05 a.m.) Police were called after a man was unable to unlock handcuffs off of his girlfriend. The man said the cuffs were real and the key he had wasn’t working.

CITIZEN ASSIST West Canada, 100 Block (Monday, March 16, 10:52 a.m.) A woman called police stating she was in a fishbowl and that all of her neighbors were talking to her through instruments. Outside agency assistance was requested.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Serra, 200 Block (Sunday, March 15, 7:02 p.m.) A woman in her 40s with blonde hair, wearing a tan or leopard print tank top and jeans, was yelling and holding a bong in her hand. The woman lived at the location, had been up for three days and “was possibly on meth.” She believed everyone on her street were police.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico, 900 Block (Saturday, March 13, 2:45 p.m.) A caller from Walmart informed police of a man who was acting suspiciously, trying to get a petition signed. He was telling people they could sign twice, possibly committing voter fraud.

MISSING ADULT Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (Monday, March 9, 10:26 a.m.) Police were contacted by the friend of a woman who had immigrated from Honduras and hadn’t been seen in three years.

ASSAULT Via Suerte, 800 Block (Sunday, March 1, 6:40 p.m.) An employee was

Page 9

February

DISTURBANCE Avenida Buena Suerte, 1200 Block (Sunday, Feb. 15, 5:11 p.m.) Three or four people were hitting golf balls from atop a hill down to the caller’s house. The caller said nothing had been damaged yet but previous instances of the same activity had resulted in damages.

DISTURBANCE Ola Vista, 1400 Block (Sunday, Feb. 15, 10:30 p.m.) One resident at a sober living residence attempted to assault another resident. The caller said the man had been told to leave but was refusing. It was unknown if the man had been drinking, been doing drugs or had a weapon.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (Saturday, Feb. 14, 2:04 p.m.) A man, who appeared to be a transient, came into a business acting bizarrely. The man said something about breaking a window and asked that police not be called. He then left in an unknown direction.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (Monday, Feb. 2, 3:01 p.m.) A man harassed patients at San Clemente hospital. When he was advised to leave, he went outside, pulled his pants down and urinated.

January DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 300 Block (Friday, Jan. 9, 9:54 p.m.) A male transient was inside a store, sitting in the corner.

The man was breathing through his nose and talking to newspapers. The caller said the business was about to close and the employees were afraid he would cause problems when he was asked to leave.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (Sunday, Jan. 4, 11:16 p.m.) A long-haired blond man with a prosthetic leg yelled at customers and used his leg to hit people. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: The Bartlett Bulletin by Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor 5th District

Preparing for El Niño in the OC

A

s your Orange County Supervisor, public safety is among my top priorities. This includes preparing for and raising public awareness about El Nino in Orange County and the expected greater than usual rainfall and storm clusters with the potential for saturating the ground and producing flash flooding.

The County of Orange is responsible for all large flood control channels around the County, as well as street gutters and catch basins in the unincorporated areas, including Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel, in addition to the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest and Dana Point. All other cities maintain their own street gutters and catch basins.

Dangers from El Niño conditions are very real. In 1982-83, El Niño storms killed 36 people and caused $1.2 billion in damages when coastal Orange County areas flooded and mudslides destroyed canyon homes. In December 1997, the most severe storm ever measured in Orange County hit, devastating parts of Laguna Beach, Lake Forest and Irvine, and around the Interstate 5 freeway. More than 7 inches of rain fell in parts of South County in one day.

Residents are encouraged to get ready now for expected winter rains and potential flooding. Make sure you and your family are prepared both at home and away. Be alert for potential dangers, and

Letters to the Editor WHAT A JOY TO SAY ‘THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE’ MARY GRAY PERDUE, Director of Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente

During 2015, your wonderful partnership helped transform the lives of countless families with children, seniors and single adults—people in need right here in our community.

FAM provided a helping hand more than 51,000 times—that’s almost 200 people a day. Each one of them was able to receive food assistance because of you.

Indeed you are key to this vital ministry.

Again, I thank you so very much.

Before you review the fruit of your partnership, may I share with you the moving story of Patty? She is one of many people whose lives have been touched by your love. Recently Patty suffered a

by all means stay out of rivers, flood channels and storm drains. If storm gutters by your house are blocked, please call your public works department if you live in a city. If you live in an unincorporated THE BARTLETT area, please call OC PubBULLETIN lic Works at 714.955.0200.

By Lisa Bartlett Please be aware that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available for property owners to financially protect themselves. Most private flood policies have a 30-day waiting period. Homeowners can keep their home safe from flooding by using sandbags, plywood, straw bales or plastic sheeting to direct flood waters away from buildings and onto the street.

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

The following are additional important precautions to take in preparation for El Niño: • Have roofs repaired by licensed and bonded contractors and fix leaks.

• Clear gutters, downspouts and roof drains of leaves and other debris.

• Report street storm drains to city public works departments or OC Public Works for those in the unincorporated

areas.

• Place sandbags to protect vulnerable areas from flooding around your home.

• Trim all landscaping and branches away from homes, vehicles and power lines.

• Have weakened trees inspected by arborists.

• Prepare a disaster supply kit that is portable in case of evacuation.

• Have a family emergency plan and reunification plan.

• Keep valuable documents, keepsakes and medicines in one place for easy access.

• Keep sneakers, a blanket and water in your car in case of emergencies.

• Photograph valuables at your home and property for future insurance claims if needed.

Please sign up for AlertOC. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive voice messages from the County of Orange or the city in which you live or work may be sent to your home, cell or business phone. Text messages may also be sent to cell phones, email accounts and hearing impaired receiving devices. To register for AlertOC, please visit www.AlertOC. com. For more tips to prepare for El Niño, please visit www.ReadyOC.org. 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.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

stroke. Just 48 years old and single, having endured severe and chronic memory loss, she could no longer live independently.

Unfortunately, Patty doesn’t have any relatives or friends to turn to for help. In her devastating situation, Patty was about to end up on the street.

That’s when you stepped in! You see, Patty heard about FAM. When she arrived, she had already received a government-subsidized housing voucher but was unable to find an apartment because she did not have the money required for the rental deposit.

FAM’s housing specialist coached Patty to negotiate with her potential new landlord. She was able to arrange to pay her deposit in installments. Because of the amazing generosity of people like you, FAM had the resources to help pay for a portion of the needed deposit.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The full 2015 Family Assistance Ministries report can be found at www.familyassistance.org under “December 2015 Update.”

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso There will be no Beachside Chat on Friday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. The next meeting will take place Jan. 8. 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.

THIEVES STRIPPED PARK SEMPER FI CHRISTMAS TREE YVETTE SANVILLE, San Clemente

For the past five years, I have placed a small Christmas tree at the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. The tree is decorated with a collection patriotic ornaments including peace signs, doves, thank you prayers and poems dedicated to our service men and women. I have added new ornaments each year and placed the

Page 10

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN

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

Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 52. 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 tree there the day after Thanksgiving.

I do this to honor those who have served, are serving and have been lost. It’s a small yet heartfelt token of my grateful appreciation.

Every year I place it there with the anticipation of it being stolen or damaged by weather. All these years, it has weathered the storms of the season and has remained untouched by those who visit the park.

Except for this year. I checked on the tree Christmas morning. Someone had stripped and stole every single ornament from the tree, leaving the sad little tree standing where I placed it.

There is incredible respect and reverence for Park Semper Fi. It’s disheartening that someone felt compelled to steal from a place of honor and respect.

I am in awe of our servicemen and servicewomen and our town of Marines. That tree was a small “thank you” from me for their dedicated service to our country and the value they have as part of our community.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE EATING HEALTHIER FOOD LOBART IKLE, Laguna Beach

Once again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.

Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork.

Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.

But times are changing. According to Gallup, 22 percent of American consumers are avoiding meat and 12 percent are avoiding dairy products. Supermarket chains offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based products. Meat consumption has dropped by 8 percent in the past decade.

Hundreds of school, college, hospital and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday and vegan meals. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Panera, Subway and Taco Bell are rolling out vegan options.

Let’s make this New Year’s resolution about exploring the rich variety of plantbased entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies.

EDITOR’S NOTE: According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control in 2010, the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 35 was categorized as unintentional injury. Homicide and suicide were listed as the second-leading causes.

Illnesses such as heart disease and cancer were listed as the top leading causes of death in people older than the aforementioned ages.

STOP MAKING VILLAINS OUT OF VACATION RENTAL OWNERS ED DE VARONA, San Clemente

First, I would like to dispel with the two “urban legends” that short-term vacation

rental occupants will never become property owners in San Clemente and, therefore, do not care about the town, and that short-term vacation rental property owners are merely greedy, uncaring investors who provide no tangible benefit to the city.

Yes, it’s true—“foreigners” can own property in San Clemente, much to the chagrin of very few long-time residents.

I happen to be a “foreigner” from Miami, Florida, which is not too different I guess from a “foreigner” from L.A. The Spanish Village by the Sea has embraced my family with open arms. However, what is categorically untrue is that “vacation renters will never become homeowners in San Clemente.” This wonderful city, which I am happy to call my home, would not have happened for my family without the current vacation rental rules.

The primary reason my family and I reside here is because I was looking for a second vacation home and potential short term rental income in California while I lived in Florida. When I first came here for vacation in the summer of 2010, I found San Clemente not only charming but an ideal place to raise my two teenage daughters. If restrictions on vacation home rental would have been in place, I would never have purchased my vacation home in San Clemente and I would never have become the happy property tax paying resident (two properties so far) of South West San Clemente. I also happen to live on a street with two sometimes three short term vacation rentals (not my own).

This street is so quiet that I sometimes forget that I live with any neighbors at all.

I have read in the San Clemente Times that there is a movement afoot to make owners of short-term vacation rentals subject to additional business regulations in perhaps a backdoor effort to rezone them out of existence. I went to a city council meeting Dec. 15, 2015 that confirmed this apparent push by two disgruntled individuals to create new regulations that infringe upon the property rights of San Clemente home owners. This move makes no sense for many reasons. The purported excuse is that vacationers are potentially noisier, are not likely to follow the rules of the town, and otherwise more trouble than long-term renters or other homeowners. What I have heard is that a personal issue between neighbors has now become a political one taking center stage before City Council. It seems to me that Transient Occupancy Tax rules already exist to deal with issues of guests not following proper rules of behavior. Short-term renters should be treated no different than any other occupant of property. A homeowner, whose home is encumbered for a legal use after the fact, may have every right to sue the city to be treated like all other homeowners. After all, the homeowner, or landlord who holds out their property for short-term vacation rental is subject to all the rules of every other homeowner and would be subject to fines and other penalties if their guests do not behave.

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

Music: The Voice of the Soul

T

he 2015 Christmas season is now behind us and with that another special time for music and entertainment. I don’t think I’ve ever been as aware of the constant music in our lives as I have been during this holiday season.

When thinking about this, however, I realized it is not just the season but that music is a constant and very meaningful part of our lives in many ways on a daily basis.

With this in mind, I thought back to my first actual recollection of music when I was about 5 years old. It was long ago, before TV. Being from the South, I recall my father sitting next to the radio every Saturday night listening to country music’s famous “Grand Ole Opry” from Nashville, Tennessee. My mother had a piano in our living room on which she played some classical music, LEW’S VIEWS but I don’t remember

By Lew Avera any of that. There was also church each Sunday with choir, hymns and singing. Then for me, piano and trombone lessons and even dance lessons from my aunt who performed on Broadway, taught at a university and had a local dance studio. Although it is very significant, in retrospect, none of this seemed to matter at the time because all I wanted to do was be a big-time football player. Just as today, football players were heroes to many young boys.

Then later, at 18, I went to college and played football; however, music returned to my life in a huge way. I had the opportunity to learn to play the guitar. I perfected this and, along with learning the five-string banjo, played the remainder of my life until a few years ago when arthritis affected my finger movements.

I could sing and play every country music song from 1950 to 1980. During my Marine career I also had the opportunity to join a church choir in Virginia, led by an operatic singer from Washington, D.C. We sang all the classics of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Handel and

The 2015 fiscal numbers show that property tax revenues are up in San Clemente in 2015 and so are the Transient Vacation Rental taxes. This is all good news for the residents of the city of San Clemente.

What would not be good for the city is for tourist dollars to be turned away or for good homeowners to be scared away from investing and living in San Clemente.

Don’t jeopardize the taxes the city relies on to maintain its excellent AAA bond rating and rainy-day-fund surplus. It appears to me that this current controversy is a misguided attempt to find a political solution to a personal vendetta. I hope our

Page 11

performed Broadway musical plays. So, music returned to my life and became part of all that I am.

Today, music is a part of virtually every aspect of life. It goes back as far as history. It is easily followed from the Baroque era of Bach through today’s rock and hip-hop style. While it has changed drastically over the years, the music of today is as meaningful to youth as music has been to the many generations over the years. In addition to listening to music, it causes us to physically move our bodies—singing, tapping our fingers, swaying a little or dancing.

Music is also completely racially and ethnically inclusive. All ethnic groups, races, and/or countries on earth have music. It can be very unique or similar around the world, but it is distinctly music. It can be said that music is the underlying “element” that binds us all together as human beings around the world.

Having said all of the above, the most important aspect of these Lew’s Views is for each of us to ask ourselves, “What does music mean to me?” When talking separately about music to a couple of friends, both of them said (without a hint from me), “Music triggers and releases our emotions—all of them: love, fear, anger, hope, regret, sadness, excitement, anxiety, energy.”

So, take the time to ask yourself the question. If we think about this and ask the question, we’ll find that music plays a very big part in our lives. It will help us understand life and can be an important element in meeting our many challenges and adding to our happiness. In this sense, music is truly the “voice of the soul.”

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.

elected city officials don’t take the bait!

EDITOR’S NOTE: During the Dec. 15 City Council meeting, Mayor Bob Baker said people who have issues with neighbors can call the San Clemente Code Enforcement at 949.366.4705, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 949.770.6011 and the City Hall main line at 949.361.8200.

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 readersubmitted 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

Sunday | 03

EDITOR’S PICK

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The San Clemente Friends of the Library Bookstore will hold its first, 1st Sunday Sale of 2016. The friends group said they have received a large number of donations over the pre-holiday week, making for a “very full bookstore.” 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.276.6342, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 31 New Year’s Eve ROTARY NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CASINO SAN CLEMENTE 7 p.m. The night kicks off with a social hour, hors d’oeuvres and gaming. Family Assistance Ministries will be a major beneficiary of proceeds from the event. Some proceeds will help fund local San Clemente charities. New Year’s Eve event sponsors include the San Clemente Casino, Burns Investment Group, Memorial Care, Aegis Living, The Toll Roads and Rug Design Gallery. Guests must be 21 years of age; cocktail attire is suggested. For more information about events, ticket prices and more, contact Tom Miller at 626.893.3917.

Tickets are available at www.rotarynewyears2015.eventbrite.com.

OC TAVERN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE BLAST 9:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve Blast kicks off with a space party (house music) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. 21 years old and older only. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

YEAR OF THE MONKEY CELEBRATION— THE CELLAR The event will celebrate the Chinese Zodiac’s year of the monkey with an East and West Coast toast. Reservations are $65. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL Three-course chef’s menu at Iva Lee’s with live music and dancing with music by Missy Andersen. First seating $55, second

Monday | 04 Photo: Courtesy of Alison Richards

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3: VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m. The Village Art Faire is held on the first Sunday of every month and is put on by the Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other items. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.218.5378, www. villagesanclemente.org. seating $65 and VIP lounge seating $95.

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

Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7469, www.kptmovies.com.

Friday | 01 New Year’s Day MOVIES PLAYING AT THE KRIKORIAN Point Break (PG-13), 11:20 a.m., 2:10 p.m., 5 p.m. 7:50 p.m. and 10:35 p.m.; The Hateful Eight (R), 11:10 a.m., 2:50 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:10 p.m.; Daddy’s Home (PG-13), 11:10 a.m., 1:40 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 7:10 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.; Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13), 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Sisters (R), 11 a.m., 1:50 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7:40 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (PG), 9:20 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 2:20 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 9:50 p.m. Krikorian Premier Theaters, 641 Camino De Los

JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE 8 p.m. Jack Russell’s Great White performs live at the Coach House with Silent Citizen and The Void. Tickets are $20.

Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Saturday | 02 DANA POINT NATURE TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This 1.5-mile, two-hour docent-led walk explores the ecology and natural history of the Headlands area.

Tours occur on the first Saturday of each month. Tour capacity is a maximum of 10 people. RSVP required to wqintern@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Volunteer with The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo to help keep the trails clean and clear weeds.

Bring gloves if you have them. Drinks and snacks provided. Ages 10 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Tuesday | 05 LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Deblois Milledge Band.

The Cellar, San Clemente, 156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Wednesday | 06 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.

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: ‘Trumbo’ Tells Tale of Blacklisted 1950s Screenwriter

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

f the many Hollywood actors, writers and directors blacklisted in the 1950s, the most notorious was the much sought-after screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. This fall he’s portrayed by popular character actor Bryan Cranston in Jay Roach’s latest political biopic, simply titled Trumbo. Even with a plot, collaboration and trailer that scream “Oscar bait,” the film provides decent entertainment.

From 1947 to 1970, Trumbo (Cranston) is judged, ridiculed and tried for his political belief that communism can work with

the right direction. He loses jobs, is arrested and put on trial, is skewered in the press, and lands his family in danger by speaking his mind. Trumbo also befriends movie star Edward G. Robinson (Michael Stuhlbarg) and becomes enemies with John Wayne (David James Elliott). Helen Mirren plays infamous gossip writer Hedda Hopper.

Trumbo is the farthest comedy-turned-biopic director Roach has gone back in history on screen, successfully transporting viewers to 1950s Hollywood when a line was drawn between liberals such as Humphrey Bogart and conservatives such as Gary Cooper.

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

Cranston is the perfect choice for the lead because, unlike average male stars, he is recognizable but can still easily slip into various characters without his public image breaking the viewers’ perception. Mirren is fun as the flamboyant magazine writer, and Elliott intriguingly captures Wayne’s essence through mannerisms. There are, however, some problems with Trumbo as a whole, including the fact that Stuhlbarg looks and sounds nothing like Robinson. All-in-all, for a movie that could easily have been a lot more predictable, for American film and history fans, it’s worth a look. SC

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Photo: Hilary Bronwyn Gail / Bleecker Street

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: By Kimi Dawn

Connecting with Nature Practicing yoga in nature and among the trees brings us back to our roots

W

hen was the last time you stood still and looked at a tree from the bottom of its weathered trunk up through the variance of its branches?

Depending on the type of tree, time of year, the age of the tree, where it’s located and what it’s been through, there can be a lot to take in as you bear witness to its life.

If you’ve experienced this, you may have found there is much to be learned from a tree—but only if you take the time to notice. From saplings to giants, trees stay and survive the weather without much fuss. They are loyal and giving.

Without trees, it would be difficult to breathe, as they gift us immeasurable amounts of oxygen and life. Homes for many, fruits for all.

Spending time in the opulence of nature can be a salve for healing, connecting and transforming the mind and body. The simple act of getting away and allowing for a bit of quietness in nature can open your senses to an entirely different symphony that often plays in the background of our busy lives.

The natural system of healing, called Ayurveda, dates back more than 5,000 years and originated in India. It relies upon local land for medicinal and energetic healing effects. Just as in India and other parts of our world, nature is all around us, calling us to return, connect and heal. Thinking amongst an environment of trees, taking in a deep breath of rich, fresh oxygen and in exchange, releasing carbon dioxide, helps to create the life force of a tree. This simple yet powerful union with nature is an unspoken contract—a partnership—and a support to each other. I’ll take care of you if you take care of me.

Take an already nourishing environment and now consider adding the element of

yoga. Yoga is an ancient science of connecting all things but simplified into connecting the mind, body and spirit (or nature). Yoga has many branches, just as trees do, and practicing asana, or postures, in nature or under the trees can be a beautiful union.

Yoga, much like a tree, can teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves. Yoga practice allows for stretching, balancing and building strength in our mind and body; trees teach us how to trust the timing of nature, to bend and not break, and to know when to drop the heaviness of dead leaves. When we look at trees, we don’t analyze how we can change them; we just accept them as they are. With yoga, we do the same with ourselves. Practicing yoga in nature amongst the trees not only pumps the body full of the freshest quality oxygen available, but allows us to honor our truest nature, amongst nature.

Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and Yoga Trippin’ have partnered up to offer the experience of practicing yoga in nature. Come stand among the opulence, breathing, receiving, giving and honoring your truest nature.

We invite you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to come practice yoga under the trees. Give what you can by donation. In return, you give yourself the gift of connecting with your truest nature and nature itself.

Kimi Dawn is a yoga teacher with Yoga Trippin’. To view her work, visit www. yogatrippin.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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

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

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

Page 15

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Clemente Sports Year in Review

to take part in the 2015 San Clemente Ocean Festival July 18-19. The weather forced several of the first-day events to be rescheduled, which made for an actionpacked final day of competition. // AUGUST // Dyer Competes for USA Volleyball Boys Youth National Team • San Clemente’s Noah Dyer was selected to represent the United States as part of the USA Volleyball Boys Youth National Team. Dyer and his USYNT members placed seventh at the 2015 FIVB Boys U19 World Championship in Argentina in August.

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

A

s 2015 draws to a close, we take a look back at the people, stories and moments that defined the sports landscape in San Clemente over the past 12 months. // JANUARY // Darnold Tosses TD in U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl • San Clemente High School senior quarterback Sam Darnold completed six of seven pass attempts for 89 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 3. Darnold, who led the Tritons to an appearance in the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship game in 2014, started playing for USC this past fall.

The San Clemente High School baseball team won the prestigious National High School Invitational tournament in North Carolina last season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

// SEPTEMBER // Shredders Compete in 15th SC Open Skate Contest • Local skateboarders showed off their skills at the 15th annual SC Open Skate Contest at Ralphs Skate Court on Sept. 26. Dozens of riders competed across multiple age divisions and vied for the coveted “best trick” trophy.

Triton Hoops Honors 50 Greatest Players • As part of San Clemente High School’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Triton boys basketball program honored its 50 greatest players on Jan. 23. During a halftime ceremony, 36 former and current Triton greats, including 10 coaches, gathered at center court to be recognized. // FEBRUARY // Triton Basketball Programs Claim League Titles • Both the San Clemente High School boys and girls basketball teams won their respective league titles in February. The girls team wrapped up its third straight South Coast League title with a 7-1 record and the boys team captured its second title in three years with an undefeated 8-0 league record.

Sanden Completes Seven-Continent Marathon Quest • San Clemente resident Beth Sanden, a partially paralyzed marathoner and USA Triathlon coach, completed the Antarctic Marathon on Feb. 19. The feat marked the completion of Sanden’s yearslong journey to finish a marathon on all seven continents. // MARCH // Guillobel Wins Gold at Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships • Paulo Guillobel, a fourth-degree black belt and founder of the Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Clemente, won gold at the 2015 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships at the Bren Events Center in Irvine on March 15. The

Hundreds Attend Live Like Nick 5K • On Aug. 30, hundreds flocked to San Clemente High School to take part in the second annual Live Like Nick 5K Run-Walk, which benefits the Nick Pasquale Foundation. The funds raised at the annual event go directly toward scholarships for SCHS studentathletes and other charitable efforts.

// OCTOBER // Left: San Clemente High School football players console each other following a last-second loss to La Habra in the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship game on Dec. 4. Right: Despite inclement weather, hundreds of athletes and spectators took in the 2015 San Clemente Ocean Festival July 18-19. Photos: Eric Heinz

win was Guillobel’s sixth world championship victory.

Triton Baseball Team Wins Prestigious NHSI Tournament • The San Clemente High School baseball team bested the field at the prestigious National High School Invitational tournament in North Carolina, capping off the tournament with an 8-3 win over College Park in the championship game on March 28. // APRIL // SCHS Boys Golf Team Captures Estancia Tourney Hardware • The San Clemente High School boys golf team won the Estancia Tournament at Mesa Verde Country Club on April 20. The Tritons got a huge boost in the tournament’s Stableford scoring format following a hole-in-one by senior Sammy Schwartz. // MAY // Karnazes, Caverly, Severson Enshrined in

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

SC Sports HOF • Ultra-distance runner Dean Karnazes, Olympic swimmer Kristen Caverly and surf icon John Severson were inducted into the Friends of San Clemente Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Vista Hermosa Aquatics Center on May 16. // JUNE // Braves Pick Allard, Herbert in MLB Draft • San Clemente High School teammates Kolby Allard and Lucas Herbert were both selected by the Atlanta Braves as part of the 2015 MLB Draft on June 8. Allard, a left-handed pitcher, was the 14th overall pick in the draft and the first high school pitcher selected. Herbert, a catcher, was selected in the second round as the 54th overall pick. // JULY // Ocean Fest Returns to SC • Despite some inclement weather, hundreds took to the waters near the San Clemente Pier

Page 16

Tritons Tennis Notches Historic Win Over Dolphins • For the first time in program history, the San Clemente High School girls tennis team defeated rival Dana Hills on the Dolphins home court on Oct. 1.

The Tritons cruised to a 12-6 victory over Dana Hills and went on to share the South Coast League title with their rivals. // NOVEMBER // SCHS Students Create Rugby Club Team • A group of students at San Clemente High School formed the Triton Rugby Club, the school’s first-ever rugby program. The group came together for their first practice in November and played in their first Southern California Youth Rugby match against Servite on Dec. 11, which the team won 10-5. // DECEMBER // Tritons Football Falls to La Habra in CIF-SS Championship Game • The San Clemente High School football team lost in the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship game in heartbreaking fashion for a second consecutive year on Dec. 4. La Habra, the Tritons opponent, claimed the title on a last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass that sealed a 39-36 win. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Defense Stands Tall for Tritons Girls Soccer Team Despite allowing zero goals in regulation over a six-match stretch, the San Clemente girls soccer team has only one win since Dec. 14. Of the six matches the Tritons have played in dating back to Dec. 14, four have resulted in 0-0 draws. In the opening round of the Excalibur Tournament on Dec. 28, the Tritons suffered their second loss of the season after losing in an eight-round shootout to Temecula Valley. San Clemente (5-2-4) bounced back with a win in the second round of the tournament one day later following a 1-0 victory over Long Beach Poly.

The No. 8-ranked Tritons will open league play at home against No. 2 Aliso Niguel on Jan. 7.

Boys Soccer Readies for Final Nonleague Game It has been an up and down start to the season for the San Clemente boys soccer team, and the Tritons will get one final tune-up match with Santiago on Jan. 5 before heading into the competitive South Coast League.

The Tritons (4-5-4) have had mixed results against tough opposition in the early going. The team got off to an undefeated 2-0-1 start before hosting some of the nation’s top prep teams in the Lotto Sport Western Showcase Dec. 10-12. The Tritons went 0-2-1 over the two-day stretch.

Since the run through their own tournament, the team has gone 2-3-2 over their next seven matches, most recently earning a 0-0 draw against Santa Margarita as part of the SoCal High School Classic on Dec. 28.

San Clemente will host Santiago on Jan. 5 at 6:15 p.m. and open league play on the

road against Capistrano Valley three days later.

Boys Hoops Advances to Tustin Classic Championship The San Clemente High School boys basketball team got contributions from up and down its bench in a 70-51 victory over Burroughs in the semifinals of the Tustin Classic on Dec. 29. The Tritons (11-3) were set to play Clovis West in the tournament’s championship game on Dec. 30. Results were not available at press time.

San Clemente pushed its lead to 34-24 at the half against Burroughs of Burbank in the semifinals and was not threatened the rest of the way. Five Tritons scored in the double digits, including a double-double effort by senior Cole Fotheringham (12 points, 12 rebounds).

Girls Basketball Erupts for Season-High in Tournament Win As part of its run through the OC Tournament of Champions, the San Clemente girls basketball program set a new season-high in points scored and points allowed in an 80-23 victory over Rivera on Dec. 29. The Tritons (4-10) jumped out to a big 47-14 lead after two quarters and limited Rivera to just nine total points in the second half.

The win ended a four-game losing skid for San Clemente, who was set to close out the tournament run on Dec. 30 before opening South Coast League play against Aliso Niguel on Jan. 7.

McCutcheon Leading the Way for Triton Girls Water Polo The San Clemente girls water polo team is off to a hot start to its season.

The team holds an overall record of 6-3 and was ranked No. 2 in the latest CIF-SS Division 2 coaches poll.

A contributing factor to the Tritons solid start has been the play of senior

Members of the San Clemente Tritons Water Polo Club celebrate their first-place finish at The Holiday Cup Tournament. Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

WATER POLO Three San Clemente Tritons Water Polo Club teams recorded podium finishes at Irvine Water Polo Club’s Holiday Cup Tournament Dec. 19-20.

The club’s Boys 18 and Boys 14U team placed first in the Gold and Platinum Divisions, respectively. The club’s Girls 14U team placed third in the Platinum Division.

SWIMMING The San Clemente Aquatics swim team had a successful showing at the Rose Bowl California December Club Championships in Pasadena earlier this month. The team, made up of San Amber McCutcheon. While several Triton players have been chipping in goals all season, McCutcheon has been a major factor on the score sheet. The senior’s 41 goals through eight games is currently the sixth-highest mark in Orange County.

McCutcheon also has five assists and 16 steals. In the Tritons last five matches, McCutcheon has scored five or more

Clemente youth swimmers, broke 13 team records and the girls team took home first place in the Small Division.

The team also placed second overall in the Combined Division.

SCA swimmers who broke program records at the meet include: Andrew Bowman, Spencer Burress, Stella Copeland, James Gamette, Sarah Jaafar, Jaden Kopp, Michael Maurer, Jacquelynn Person and Hannah Thorsell.

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.

goals four times.

In the team’s most recent match, San Clemente broke away from Rosary in the second half of a Dec. 19 nonleague contest, outscoring Rosary 9-2 over the final two quarters. McCutcheon had a teamhigh six goals and Tera Richardson scored four. Goalie Victoria Reardon recorded 10 saves in the win.

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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

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

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HARP LESSONS & RENTALS

Wendy-Harpist

949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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MORTGAGES

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

Salon Bleu

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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

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REAL ESTATE

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

TERMITES

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

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Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

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

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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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

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Typically made in 2 weeks.

Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

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.

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

Page 19

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC SURF San Clemente

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

WSL Championship Tour Qualifiers Announced

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he lineup for the 2016 World Surf League elite Championship Tour has been set.

The men’s CT Top 34 includes the top 22 finishers from the 2015 season, plus the 2015 Qualifying Series Top 10 and two wildcards. San Clemente surfer Kolohe Andino is among the Top 34.

The 2016 women’s CT Top 17 consists of the top 10 CT finishers of 2015, the top six 2015 QS finishers, plus one wildcard.

Lakey Peterson, originally from Santa Barbara but living in San Clemente for the last few years, is one of the Top 17.

The 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour season begins March 10-21, 2016, with the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast.

• MEN’S 2015 CT TOP 22: 1. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 2.

Mick Fanning (AUS) 3. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 4. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 5. Owen Wright (AUS) 6. Julian Wilson (AUS) 7. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 8. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9. Kelly Slater (USA) 10. Nat Young (USA) 11. Josh Kerr (AUS) 12. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14. John John Florence (HAW) 15. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 16. Taj Burrow (AUS) 17. Kai Otton (AUS) 18. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 19.

Adrian Buchan (AUS) 20. Keanu Asing (HAW) 21. Michel Bourez (PYF) 22. Jadson Andre (BRA) MEN’S 2015 TOP 10 QS: Caio Ibelli (BRA), Kolohe Andino (USA), Jack Freestone (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Kanoa Igarashi (USA), Alex Ribeiro (BRA), Conner Coffin (USA), Davey Cathels (AUS), Ryan Callinan (AUS) WSL WILDCARDS: Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Matt Banting (AUS) • WOMEN’S 2015 TOP 10 CT: 1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 2. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 3. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 4. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 5. Tyler Wright (AUS) 6.

Lakey Peterson (USA) 7. Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) 8. Johanne Defay (FRA) 9. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 10. Malia Manuel (HAW) WOMEN’S 2015 TOP 6 QS: Sage Erickson (USA), Chelsea Tuach (BRB), Keely Andrew (AUS), Alessa Quizon (HAW), Coco Ho (HAW), Laura Enever (AUS) WSL WILDCARD: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

RESULTS NSSA Open, Event No. 7, December 19-20, Cardiff-bythe-Sea, Seaside Reef MEN: 1. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente 17.80; 2. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente 15.86; 3. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach 13.20; 4. Kade Matson, San Clemente 12.77. JUNIORS: 1.

Cole Houshmand, San Clemente 17.04; 2. Eithan Osborne, Ventura 16.80; 3. Tommy McKeown, Oxnard 10.67; 4. Levi Slawson, Encinitas 7.80. BOYS: 1. Levi Slawson, Encinitas 15.57; 2. Tex Mitchell, Oceanside 14.37; 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente 13.90; 4. Dane Matson, San Clemente 9.67. MINI GROMS: 1. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach 11.97; 2. Lucas Owston, Oceanside 9.23; 3. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff 8.33; 4. Dane Matson, San Clemente 5.66. WOMEN: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente 13.47; 2. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad 12.20; 3. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 11.94; 4. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point 10.90. GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad 15.06; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente 13.73; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente 9.23; 4. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 7.70.

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10’ Poor-Fair Thursday: Small mix of old/easing NW swell leftovers and SW swell. Surf will generally hang around waist high or less throughout South Orange County all day.

Moderate to breezy offshore NE’erly wind through at least the morning, possibly all day. Clear/sunny skies.

Outlook: Minimal surf due for Friday throughout South OC. However, watch for a new WNW swell to bump things up a little for the weekend, with possibly a decent size dose of more swell early next week.

Conditions likely to fall apart on Sunday and into next week as a frontal storm moves into the region. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 2, December 19, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty TEAM DIVISION 1: 1. Shorecliffs 239; 2. Thurston 149; 3.

Marco Forster 121; 4. Bernice Ayer 110; 5. Vista Del Mar 91; 6. Niguel Hills 89; 7. Don Juan Avila 53. BOYS DIV 1: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Taj Lindblad, Shorecliffs; 3. Max Beach, Shorecliffs; 4. Julian William-Goldberg, Thurston; 5.

Nicholas Coli, Shorecliffs; 6. Myles Biggs, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD DIV 1: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Cole Thompson, Bernice Ayer; 3. Jimmy Wynne, Shorecliffs; 4. Matt Economos, Shorecliffs; 5. Sam Nelsen, Thurston; 6. Jack May, Marco Forster. GIRLS DIV 1: 1. Jayme Linnes, Vista Del Mar; 2. Cascia Collings, Marco Forster; 3. Zoe Mortensen, Shorecliffs; 4. Alexis Alston, Marco Forster; 5. Elle Emery, Niguel Hills; 6. Tess Booth, Thurston. GIRLS LONGBOARD DIV 1: 1. Alexis Morgan, Shorecliffs; 2. Nina Benjamin, Marco Forster; 3. Hana Catsimanes, Shorecliffs; 4. Mason Gray, Niguel Hills; 5. Amanda DeGeorge, Niguel Hills; 6. Sydney Freeman, Thurston. COED BODYBOARD DIV 1: 1. Spencer Collins, Thurston; 2. Eian McMillen, Niguel Hills; 3. Evan McMillen, Niguel Hills; 4. Liam Gillon, Marco Forster; 5. Chris Earley, Don Juan Avila; 6. Kevin Ames, Vista Del Mar. TEAM DIVISION 2: 1. Shorecliffs 150; 2. Bernice Ayer 54; 3. Marco Forster 42; 4. Dana Point 40. BOYS DIV 2: 1. Raiki Nishida, Shorecliffs; 2. Hayden Millerick, Shorecliffs; 3. Joey Madsen, Shorecliffs; 4. Liam Mateer, Shorecliffs; 5. Chandler Petri, Shorecliffs; 6. Jake Vandenberg, Bernice Ayer. BOYS LONGBOARD DIV 2: 1. Tommy Coleman, Shorecliffs; 2. Jack Keefe, Shorecliffs; 3. Jackson Todd, Shorecliffs; 4. Matt O’Connor, Dana Point; 5. Nathan Langer,

Bernice Ayer; 6. Micah Abadie, Marco Forster. GIRLS DIV 2: 1. Nicole Economos, Shorecliffs; 2. Taylor Stacy, Shorecliffs; 3. Alex Economos, Shorecliffs; 4. Bryn Kurt, Marco Forster; 5.

Cora Nordheim, Dana Point; 6. Karly Osorio, Marco Forster.

GIRLS LONGBOARD DIV 2: 1. Cora Nordheim, Dana Point; 2. Jennifer Fomenko, Shorecliffs; 3. Kendra Russell, Marco Forster; 4. Kaia Siegel, Bernice Ayer.

Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 2, December 20, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty TEAM: Laguna Beach 69 def. El Toro 17; St. Margaret’s 52 def. JSerra Catholic 49; Santa Margarita, Win, Bye. MEN: 1.

Travis Booth, Laguna Beach; 2. Zach Levine, Laguna Beach; 3. Jake Levine, Laguna Beach; 4. Liam McCue, Laguna Beach; 5. William Sandberg, JSerra; 6. Solomon Banks, St. Margaret’s. MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Jameson Roller, Laguna Beach; 2. Tomas German, JSerra; 3. William Sandberg, JSerra; 4.

Garret Kuntz, St. Margaret’s; 5. Christian Potts, Santa Margarita; 6. Chance Garcia Santa Margarita. WOMEN: 1. Kelly Smith, St. Margaret’s; 2. Claire Kelly, Laguna Beach; 3. Destiny Rae Thompson, Laguna Beach; 4. Kate Thomas, Santa Margarita; 5. Danielle Segovia, Santa Margarita; 6. Elise Lauricella, JSerra. WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Anika Pitz, Laguna Beach; 2. Alexis Trevong, Santa Margarita; 3. Amber Salas, JSerra; 4. Evin Rose, El Toro; 5. Isabella Martinez, Santa Margarita. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Baily Kotez, Santa Margarita; 2. Spencer Davis, Laguna Beach; 3. Sebastian de la Fuente, JSerra; 4. Kevin Yee, St. Margaret’s.

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

Page 21

SC SURF

Noah Albrecht

London Almida

Ragan Berg

Myles Biggs

Riley Branom

Noah Brown

Cannon Carr

Griffin Colapinto

Dana Hills High School Surf Team

Ryann Daly

Gus Day

Alex Economos

Nicole Economos

Ryder Fish

Tyrone Fomenko

Elijah Fox

Loyal Cash Kenworthy

Kei Kobayashi

Riley Kraatz

Joey Madison

Dane Matson

Kade Matson

Groms Away!

A

s a proving ground for up and coming surfers, our tri-city area has long been responsible for turning out some of the world’s best young athletes and all-around good citizens.

Throughout the year we recognize our Groms of the Week with a photo and story highlighting their talents, ambitions and accomplishments.

So here’s a look back at the groms of 2015 and the bright future they represent for the sport of surfing. —Andrea Swayne

Alex Guild

Cole Houshmand

Bella Kenworthy

Carson Kropfl

Cole Lambert

Taj Lindblad

Bryce Mattox

Ezra McPhillips

Makayla Moss

Ethan Mudge

Patrick O’Connor

Bryce Pinkerton

Conrad Rojas

San Clemente High School Surf Team

San Juan Hills High School Surf Team

Jett Schilling

Jett Schilling, Rasmus & Kyuss King

Samantha Sibley

Carter Sieverts

Chandler Sieverts

Kevin Skvarna

Cole Stephens Know someone who deserves to be Grom of the Week in 2016?

Charlie Stevens

Surfing America Prime Boys U14

Surfing America Prime Girls U16

Kaimana Takayama

Reef Tsutsui

Colt Ward

Kingston Watts

Send suggestions to aswayne@ sanclementetimes.com

Grom of the Year: Rachael Tilly

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

R Rachael Tilly is chaired up the beach Tuesday in China after winning the WSL 2015 Jeep Women’s World Longboard Championship. Photo: WSL/Hain

achael Tilly, 17, of Capistrano Beach, set out in 2015 with something to prove. As an already accomplished longboard surfer on the verge of leaving her grom years behind, Rachael began training for one last shot at realizing her dream of becoming the youngest professional women’s longboard world champion in history. And with grit, determination and a renewed commitment to competition surfing, she succeeded.

On Dec. 8, at the World Surf League 2015

San Clemente Times December 31, 2015–January 6, 2016

Jeep Women’s World Longboard Championship in China, Rachael became the youngest WSL/ASP world champion ever.

It was her third time qualifying for the event. After failing to advance out of preliminary rounds on her first two attempts, the months leading up to the world championship were spent taking everything she’d learned, re-doubling her efforts and focusing on developing a world-class competition strategy, including better wave selection and patience.

With so few pro longboard events offered each year, Rachael had also decided to take

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as many competition opportunities as she could find in 2015. She surfed for the San Clemente High School surf team and returned to the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour events to continually test herself under pressure, she said.

Her hard work actually paid off twofold, having also won the national title (her second, having won in 2013 as well) at the WSL North America Women’s Longboard Championships in November and then riding her wave of momentum to be crowned the world’s top woman longboarder. SC www.sanclementetimes.com