January 14, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

January 14–20, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

Woman Drives SUV Into 99 Cents Only PAGE 3

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2

Tapped In

Craft brewers discuss the trade of premium libations EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Tommy Shankland fills a growler for a customer at Artifex Brewing Company’s tasting room and brewery in San Clemente.

Photo: Alex Paris

Assembly Health Committee Denies Hospital’s Bill EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

U.S. Supreme Court Hears San Clemente Teacher’s Case EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

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SCHS Boys Basketball Beats Rival Dana Hills SPORTS/PAGE 14

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Plan discussions and possible litigation from groups opposing its details will continue to be discussed at the next City Council Meeting. In December, councilmembers decided to continue the discussion to the next meeting as it took more than two hours to get through arguments and discuss the issues surrounding the document. One of the main concerns is from residents in Capistrano Shores who believe they would not be able to protect or alter their homes under the law.

Five things San Clemente should know this week Assembly Health Committee Shoots Down Free-Standing Emergency Room Bill THE LATEST: Hoping to get a bill past the first leg of its legislative hurdle, Assemblyman Bill Brough, San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker and Saddleback Memorial Medical Center administrator Tony Struthers spoke in favor to the Assembly’s Health Committee hearing Tuesday of a bill that would allow for a free-standing emergency room in San Clemente. Committee members voted down the bill 6-10.

Opposing the bill were the California Nurses Association, Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West and the California Labor Federation.

The main concerns about the bill, specific to San Clemente’s needs, were that the freestanding emergency room would not offer adequate cardiac or stroke emergency services or on-site surgery and that there was not wording in the bill to protect patients from paying emergency room fees as opposed to urgent care fees.

“This affects the residents of San Clemente and carries over to San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. That’s why this is so important,” Baker said. “The number that stood out to me is the increase in mortality. Those numbers are a 5 to 15 percent increase in mortality.”

Opponents said the Saddleback location would operate more as an urgent care facility.

Patients with certain medical issues currently administered to Saddleback are stabilized but then sent north to Mission Hospital or another facility better equipped to handle those kinds of needs, Struthers said.

CNA members also asserted that Saddleback’s claim that it cannot operate within its profit margins is false, citing the hospital has operated with a 9 percent positive revenue stream whereas many hospitals operate within a 2.6 percent positive revenue stream.

“Arguments of serving the underserved are overblown at best,” SEIU representative Michelle Cabrera said. “This is a nonprofit with profit margins that most hospitals would be envious of. The question we came up with is why is this San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 100 Avenida Presidio in the Council Chambers. —EH

A 68-year-old woman drove her SUV through the front of the 99 Cents Only store in the Pico Plaza on Friday, Jan. 8. No one was injured in the incident and no charges have been filed. Photo: Courtesy

needed? Why do the people of San Clemente feel they have no other choice but to do a stand-alone ER?” Struthers said the hospital has an inpatient population in the teens and sometimes less than 10 at a time, making it not feasible for the hospital to operate efficiently.

Health Committee Chairman Rob Bonta of Oakland visited the site in September but said he could not support the bill as it stands.

“I sympathize and understand the potential loss,” Bonta said. “I had the same issue in the East Bay, and we kept it open under a much different circumstance. Maybe there’s another solution here. This is an issue throughout the state and is likely not going away.”

Committee Member Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez said the Committee members want to continue to work with Brough and the rest of California to come up with a solution to the issues.

WHAT’S NEXT: Senate Bill 787, Sen. Patricia Bate’s similar bill, was heard on Wednesday after press time. The San Clemente Times will have updates online following the hearing at www.sanclementetimes.com.—Eric Heinz

Planning Commission Approves Traffic Calming Project for Camino Del Rio THE LATEST: With the completion of Avenida La Pata on the horizon, residents on Camino Del Rio have been discussing how to better calm traffic in the area, as they said the connection will increase the number of vehicles on that street.

The project discussed by the Planning Commission would create roundabouts at the intersection of Camino De Los Mares and Calle Sarmentoso and restripe Camino Del Rio from four lanes to two lanes with a center turn lane from Camino De Los Mares to 500 feet east of Precipio. The project was approved to be discussed by City Council 4-3.

The cost of the project is $800,000 with a design fee of $200,000.

WHAT’S NEXT: No date has been set by the City Council to discuss the project.

More information about it can be found at www.san-clemente.org under the Planning Commission agenda for Jan. 6. —EH

Woman Crashes SUV Into 99 Cents Only Store THE LATEST: A 68-year-old woman drove her SUV through the front of the 99 Cents Only store at 55 Via Pico Plaza on Friday, Jan. 8, but no injuries were reported.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the location at 4:24 p.m. The woman said her leg was “stuck straight,” according to OCSD spokesperson Lt. Jeff Hallock. No drinking or other impairment is suspected to be a factor in the incident.

WHAT’S NEXT: No charges have been filed at this time against the woman.—EH

City Council to Revisit CLUP at Tuesday’s Meeting THE LATEST: The Coastal Land Use Plan that has been tied up between General Page 3

San Clemente Councilwoman Lori Donchak Named OCTA Board Chairwoman THE LATEST: San Clemente City Councilmember Lori Donchak was unanimously selected today as the new chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors.

Lori Donchak. Photo: File Donchak served as the OCTA board’s vice chairman for the last year. She replaces outgoing Chairman Jeff Lalloway, also an Irvine City Councilman, who remains on the board.

“It’s an honor to be chosen by my peers to lead an agency that is vital to ensuring quality of life for the people of Orange County,” Donchak said in the release. “It’s a privilege to work with my colleagues to continue efforts to improve transportation for residents and businesses in all corners of the county.”

Donchak founded the San Clemente Mobility Task Force and serves on that city’s railroad safety/quiet zone task force.

Replacing Donchak as vice chairman is Director Michael Hennessey.

WHAT’S NEXT: Donchak has been the main liaison between the City Council and OCTA, and a couple key issues the council is looking at are trying to revamp or rework the 191 and 193 bus routes that run through San Clemente as well as the planned opening of La Pata. —EH

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EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Dance For a Cause Takes Place Jan. 23 On Saturday, Jan. 23, San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center will hold its Fifth Annual Dance for a Cause Event.

The charity event, which was started by the son of one of the studio’s families as a high school senior project, first benefitted the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, followed by the Beckstrand Foundation, Project Cuddle and Safe House. Each cause has had a tie to a family at the studio or has been a local foundation.

This year’s cause will benefit the Be a Hero, Become a Donor Foundation, which aims to empower, educate and provide opportunities for people to “recycle their bodies” through bone marrow, blood, organ/tissue and cord blood donation. BAHBAD was founded by a local San Clemente mom, Gina Cousineau. Her son, Evan, was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, in May 2007 and died later that year.

The organization’s goal is to educate and raise awareness of the need for individuals to donate blood on a regular basis, consider publicly banking their baby’s cord blood and to join the Marrow and Donate Life registries.

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Monday, January 11 DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Mar, 200 Block (8:55 p.m.) Two men were seen kicking each other in the face.

CITIZEN ASSIST Albergar, 0 Block (2 p.m.)

A woman claimed someone comes into her home when she is away and eats all her peanut butter.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Marquita, 100 Block (5:18 a.m.) A man said he could see a “flickering light” and thought prowlers were smoking in his backyard.

DISTURBANCE Marquita, 200 Block (2:44 a.m.) A caller said their ex-boyfriend had been urinating in bed, and when the caller kicked him out of the house he started yelling and screaming. A 25-year-old, listed San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

There will be two shows and a silent auction to benefit BAHBAD. Company dancers will perform routines from the upcoming competition season. Show times are at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale at the studio at noon on Friday, Jan. 15. San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center, 1321 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.498.7571, www. sanclementedance.com

The State of North Beach The State of North Beach meeting will take place Thursday, Jan. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the San Clemente Casino, 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.

Many city representatives will be present, including city council members— most of which have been involved with the NBCA for a long time. If you are interested in North Beach, or have good ideas for its future, please attend and share your views.

For additional updates, visit the North Beach Community Association Facebook page or call the San Clemente Casino at 949.369.6600.

leaving his position to pursue new career opportunities, effective Feb. 5, according to a hospital press release.

McFarland had been with Mission Hospital for 18 years, serving as CEO since 2011 as part of the St. Joseph Health system.

“Along with an outstanding team of physicians and staff, we have accomplished significant milestones that have positioned Mission Hospital to meet the many health care needs of our community,” McFarland stated in the release. “We tripled the footprint of our emergency department, doubled our inpatient capacity with the addition of a new patient tower and opened the world class Neuroscience & Spine Institute. Additionally, we ensured our work will continue for generations by reaching our philanthropic goal of raising $200 million in community support over these last 10 years.”

McFarland had also been a board of trustee member for the Camino Health Center, a federally qualified health center providing affordable, quality primary medical and dental care. Additionally, he held leadership positions with the Hospital Association of Southern California.

Kenneth McFarland, chief executive officer of Mission Hospital, announced he is

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

as a construction worker, was arrested in the incident and has since been released.

Friday, January 8

CEO of Mission Hospital Steps Down

Sunday, January 10 DISTRUBANCE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (4:44 p.m.) A man told customers to place his marijuana inside the store.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (2:28 p.m.) A woman said a “transient” man, described to be 45 to 50 years old with black hair, wearing a brown overcoat, pants and a skirt, had a bloody nose and spat at her.

RECKLESS DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway/ Camino Capistrano (12:37 p.m.) A woman stopped “abruptly” in the street while talking on a cell phone.

Saturday, January 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Vera Cruz/Camino De La Ladera (10:48 p.m.) A caller said a man was in the bushes throwing rocks at vehicles in front of the gates of a gated community.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Presidio, 800 Block (8:22 p.m.) Police were called to a black Mercedes station wagon driving slowly through the neighborhood.

The driver knocked over some trash cans and sped off.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Del Comercio, 2700 Block (12:49 p.m.)

A 19-year-old man, listed as a construction worker, ran into a police unit. He was arrested and is currently in custody at the Central Men’s Jail on $50,000 bail.

Thursday, January 7 TRAFFIC HAZARD Avenida La Pata/Avenida Pico (7:24 p.m.) Police were called regarding a black BMW in the middle of the road. The caller said the driver got out of the vehicle and walked away.

Wednesday, January 6 DISTURBANCE Calle Dulcinea, 800 Block (3:50 p.m.) A woman said she was being harassed by a woman who broke her “side mirror” and was trying to break her window. A 30-year-old woman, listed as a nurse, was arrested in the altercation and is being held on $50,000 bail.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Loma Lane, 100 Block (2:15 p.m.) A caller said the sewage drain was overflowing with water up to the caller’s waist.

BRANDISHING A WEAPON Via Socorro, 200 Block (12:07 p.m.) A suspect was said to be wielding a knife.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

Blood Drive, Bone Marrow Registry

8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Be A Hero, Become A Donor Foundation will host a bone marrow drive in honor of Weston Rowan, a sophomore at San Clemente High School who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Main parking lot of SCHS, 700 Avenida Pico, 949.842.9975, www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17

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 18

“What’s New in Dentistry”

Noon. There will be a Hospital Guild meeting that will feature a lecture by a local dentist, Dr. John Castillo. It is a lunch and learn event and the public is invited. San Clemente Hospital, 654 Camino De Los Mares, 949.496.2500, www.smilewithstyle.us.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

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.

City Council Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

Planning Commission Meeting

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

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.

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Local Teacher’s Case Heard

by U.S. Supreme Court Rebecca Friedrichs’ argument could alter landscape of public employee unions Pell said the hope is unions will become an Clemente resident and Anaheim more accountable to their members. teacher Rebecca Friedrichs read The case Friedrichs is trying to overher arguments to the U.S. Supreme turn is the 1977 Abood v. Detroit Board of Court on Monday in her effort to abolish Education case in which the courts ruled compulsory union dues for public employteachers must be unionized and pay dues ees, specifically teachers. as well as all public employees.

Friedrichs argues her free speech is Additional respondents to the case infringed upon by unions as they lobby for include school superintendents, California political parties and divisive issues. She Deputy Attorney General Alexandra Robalso argues the unions do not adequately ert Gordon, AG Kamala Harris and others. protect teachers from unfair punitive Pell said when unions negotiate salaries measures. for teachers or pensions for police officers, The case, Friedrichs v. California Teachthey may advocate for an organization that ers Association, is not expected to receive argues in which way public money may be a decision on the matter for about six spent. months.

On the California Teacher’s Association On Jan. 7, Friedrichs spoke to variwebsite, www.cta.org, the union has called ous national media outlets and the San the case “detrimental” and outlays its own Clemente Times during a arguments, stating the case conference call. is shifting the control of “As someone who has union influence to “wealthy taught in the public schools special interests.” For the for 28 years … in my view, most part, the union deevery individual has the fends its actions in supportright to choose the orgaing legislation that benefits nization that advocates on public employees and that their behalf,” Friedrichs a ruling in Friedrichs’ favor said. “I admire the history would put an end to those of unions and the spirit in efforts. which they were born. But “Our work has created rein recent years, unions have cord wealth for an economic become what they used to recovery that’s been everyfight: powerful, entrenched Rebecca Friedrichs. where but ordinary peoples’ organizations.” wallets,” according to a Photo: Courtesy of Free to Teach Friedrichs said the things statement on the website. that unions bargained for made her job “In addition, our schools and other public harder. New tenure laws, that protect services have suffered.” teachers who have been employed for a Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia certain number of years, make it difficult has been seen as the swing vote in the for struggling districts to bring in new case. In a 1991 case, he was strongly in teachers. In times of a budget crunch, favor of keeping mandatory union dues for teachers who are new or recently hired public employees, but reports on Wednesare typically the first to be laid off or fired, day, Jan. 13, stated he may be changing she said. his view on the matter.

“When the unions push for higher “There are 25 states that have already salaries, it often means larger class sizes, done away with compulsory dues, and the which is a major problem in the school in public employee unions in those states are which I teach,” Friedrichs said. able to collectively bargain on behalf of Terry Pell, president of the Center for those employees without difficulty,” Pell Individual Rights in Washington, D.C., has said. been working with Friedrichs throughout Should Friedrichs win the case, it’s the case. likely there will be an effect on many “This is a case that seeks to reestablish unions, as members who do not want to the basic constitutional rights of teachpay dues will pull out of their union. ers and other public employees to decide “If we win, the California Teachers whether to join a union,” Pell said. “It’s Association will continue to be the desimportant to note this does not challenge ignated bargaining agent for teachers in public employee unions’ right to collective California,” Pell said. bargaining; it focuses specifically on the For more information and an updated funding mechanism, recognizing the free schedule of hearings, visit www.supremspeech of individuals.” ecourt.gov. SC

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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Tapped In

ers will discuss the beer they’re drinking and suddenly have an epiphany. Or, as in the case of their triple IPA, it comes from customers’ demand for a certain style. The Del Mar Street is a German-style beer created with Oktoberfest in mind. DiLibero was inspired by the similarities between the German festival and San Clemente’s Fiesta Music Festival held annually on Del Mar Street, and he knew the summer heat necessitated a crisp lager. Another unique beer that’s coming out this week, Orange County IPA, derives its flavors from actual Orange County oranges as well as Mandarina Bavaria hops, which smell remarkably like mandarin oranges.

It seems fitting that craft beers’ influences are so various, since the way people experience craft beer varies so much.

“You might not be able to describe the complexity,” DiLibero said, “but there’s a lot to talk about not just the flavor itself but how it makes you feel as a person.

What does it remind you of? Does it smell good? Is it harsh? Drinkable? You break it all down and then start talking about the flavor profiles. The more you explore, the easier it gets to talk about complexity and the little things.”

South County’s craft beer Renaissance PHOTOS AND STORY BY ALEX PARIS, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

P

erhaps the greatest advantage of beer is its versatility. It can be simple in taste or extremely complex. It can be as pure as four ingredients or formulated to adopt almost any flavor from any ingredient imaginable. It’s the amenable, unassuming nature of beer that’s conducive to widespread appeal. There’s a flavor out there for everyone, and some people become so passionate about those flavors they feel compelled to create and share them with everyone else. It’s an inherently community-forming craft.

Pioneers of the local craft scene, such as Pizza Port and Left Coast, have helped create a thirst for quality that they themselves—and a new wave of passionate entrepreneurs—aim to quench. The beer culture in south Orange County is diversifying and expanding, and listed below are the breweries and some of the trendsetters contributing to that shift in the tri-city area.

ARTIFEX BREWING COMPANY

PIZZA PORT BREWING COMPANY After opening their doors in Solana Beach in 1987 and again in Carlsbad in 1997, Pizza Port chose San Clemente as its third locale in 2003, making it the first brewery to establish a presence within the city’s borders.

The company has been brewing its own beer since 1992 and the San Clemente Pizza Port is no exception, offering patrons a wide array of house-made craft beer, much of which is served exclusively on location.

Pizza Port brewer Trevor Walls said customers constantly push him to adapt their selection. A small cask stashed in a fridge behind the bar is symbolic of Pizza Port’s experimental, community-centric way of brewing. It holds one-off beers with ingredients almost everyone loves but almost no one else brews with—things like Mexican chocolate, Nutella and even Captain Crunch cereal. The brewery has also been known to utilize ingredients from the farmers market down the road in addition to indigenous herbs such as sage.

Walls said his first taste of Pizza Port’s El Camino IPA—the first India Pale Ale brewed in San Clemente—came long before he began working for the brewery.

A big part of what makes San Clemente brewers unique, he said, is that they all make exceptional IPAs. Though the brewpub serves a wide variety of styles on tap, a whopping six out of 24 are IPAs—a result of the constant demand from customers for new variations of the style.

Walls attributed some of the local preference for IPAs to how it complements San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

Above: A glass of beer brewed at Pizza Port San Clemente sits among some Amarillo hops the brewery uses in some of their beers. Below: Head Brewer Trevor Walls describes some of the characteristics of their The Hops Awaken beer poured from the fermenter behind him at Pizza Port San Clemente.

“general is a culmination of a South Orange County in

lot of people; it’s a melting

pot. So their beer has to be

”

unique; it’s got to stand out.

— Pizza Port Brewer Trevor Walls the bold local flavor in the area, such as the spice of Mexican fare and other bold cuisines.

“South Orange County in general is a culmination of a lot of people; it’s a melting pot,” Walls said. “So their beer has to be unique; it’s got to stand out.”

LEFT COAST BREWING COMPANY Established in 2004, Left Coast Brewing Company is the second oldest brewery in San Clemente and by far the largest in volume and distribution. The brewery offers six beers available in bottles year-

round in addition to a beer club that grants participating patrons priority access to two different bottles of barrel-aged beer every three months.

Left Coast’s barrel-aged beer is occasionally available on tap at their tasting room in San Clemente, which is set to add three more taps in the near future. The brewery is also preparing to open a new taproom near the Spectrum Center in Irvine, which will sport 20 to 30 taps, with up to 10 taps allocated to barrel-aged beers.

Master Brewer Randal DiLibero said the inspiration for new beers comes from a variety of sources. Sometimes the brew-

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The fledgling brewery is growing up fast, with enough popularity to triple their capacity from 1,200 barrels of beer to 6,000 before their second anniversary. Though standing on their own now, the San Clemente brewery was originally hamstrung by delayed construction, which resulted in Pizza Port lending a hand and a brewery to produce their first beer, San Clemente IPA. That beer inspired the crowd favorite “No Name IPA,” and the brewery is now known for its hoppy beers. But they’ve already won awards for their Irish Red and Schwarzbier, and have a wide variety of other styles such as Unicorn Juice, the passion fruit flavored American Wheat Style, and a Honey Blonde Ale that’s available only at Board and Brew.

The way the brewery seamlessly transitions into the tasting room creates “the feel of a production facility, kind of like sitting in the kitchen of a restaurant.

We wanted it to be that way because you get to interact with everyone” said Tom Cordato, a partner at Artifex.

And Artifex listens to the court of public opinion: if sales are down on a particular beer for a couple months, they won’t brew it again and brew something else instead.

In an effort to offer something new, Artifex recently acquired eight wine barrels to age beer in. They also hope to start bottling for the local market by the end of the first quarter and open a tasting room outside of the tri-city area by the end of the year.

Artifex originally chose San Clemente for its geographic centrality and for the potential Orange County has to emerge as a craft beer-centric place.

Johnny Johur, one of the brewing www.sanclementetimes.com

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Tommy Shankland serves up craft beer tasters at Artifex Brewing Company’s tasting room and brewery in San Clemente.

The BrewHouse serves up 30 beers on tap at their tasting room in San Juan.

Left Coast Brewing Company’s Voo Doo Stout is bottled and packaged by hand at their brewing facility and tap room in San Clemente.

(From left) Craft House sous chef Crews Wells, chef and owner Blake Mellgren and sous chef Jason Naaman pose on the patio of their soon-to-open Dana Point restaurant.

partners, was surprised by how friendly and helpful other breweries have been and said local collaboration with the brewers at Pizza Port and Left Coast provides motivation and inspiration to “continually make better beers.”

Capistrano.

“We really want to focus on our tasting room, having a place the locals can go to hang out to taste new recipes and take a growler home,” Wilshire said. “It will all be indoors but will have nice views of the mountains.”

THE BREWHOUSE The unassuming locale and casual atmosphere of The BrewHouse conceal an almost daunting selection of 30 rotating taps of craft beer, one of which is the establishment’s recipe brewed in collaboration with Valiant Brewing, and none of which have been repeats since The BrewHouse opened its doors last year in San Juan Capistrano. Guiding visitors through the menagerie of brews are the owners, bartenders, brewers and beer enthusiasts, Ron Bland and Andrew Reed.

“Every individual who comes in here has a different way of looking at things and different things that they want out of their experience, so you just have to figure out what that is based on that individual,” Bland said. “I can sit down with someone and in 10 minutes get a good idea of what their palate is really like.”

Although they keep a few familiar beers on tap, some brews are so exclusive that Reed and Bland have to pick up the kegs themselves because the brewers don’t San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

distribute. Perhaps the most exclusive beer they serve is their own, which, for the moment, can only be had there. It’s a Belgian strong blonde style that cycles with its two variants—a blackberry version called Berry Vunderf’l and a cherry version called Rainy Sundae that has “a very robust cherry quality without tasting like cough syrup or anything like that because we use real cherries instead of artificial flavoring,” Bland said.

Bland first developed his craft beer palate by purchasing bottles of the same style of beer from different breweries and sharing them with fellow members of his beer club, the Orange County Beer Society. The BrewHouse’s massive list of bottles demonstrates that he still does a lot of purchasing but now shares them with his customers.

DOCENT BREWING San Juan Capistrano has a new brewery in planning called Docent Brewing. Partner Joe Wilshire recently signed a lease for property close to the San Juan Creek Trail on Calle Aviador and hopes to open the brewery sometime in the third quarter of this year, contingent on state approval.

Wilshire and his three partners plan on brewing a wide spectrum of beers mainly for the residents and visitors of San Juan

CRAFT HOUSE/DANA POINT While Dana Point has yet to add a local brewery to its landscape, a handful of the city’s restaurateurs have embraced craft beer as an integral part of their dining appeal. Establishments such as The Shwack Beach Grill, StillWater Spirits & Sounds and the soon to open Craft House have made a point of offering diverse selections of craft brews. The Shwack has 12 taps and usually at least one serving a brew from San Clemente to accompany its beach town atmosphere. StillWater has 50 beers on tap with a portion dedicated to a different local brewery each month to serve a variety of their styles—this month it’s Left Coast.

Though the name hints at brewing, Craft House isn’t in the business of brewing its own beer. However, Dana Point’s newest eatery, slated to open in early March, values craft brew and plans to have a house beer on tap called 1914 Heritage Ale—an extra special bitter style co-

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branded with AleSmith Brewing Company of San Diego.

“We chose that for the house beer because it’s the happy medium between the hop enthusiast and the light beer drinker,” said Craft House owner and chef Blake Mellgren. “It’s something that fits the full spectrum.”

The restaurant will have seven other craft beers on tap representing breweries from San Diego to Paso Robles, with an eclectic farm-driven menu to pair with them. They describe their food and drink menus as “living, breathing things” that will be different every time a diner visits.

Craft House sous chef Crews Wells describes their philosophy in the same way that local craft brewers do.

“As much as we want to educate people and share our knowledge with people, we’re not trying to tell them how it is,” Wells said. “We’re trying to figure out their palate and the best way to make them happy.”

The restaurant will open with limited hours initially. Eventually, Mellgren plans to expand their hours to include Mondays, dedicating them to tap takeovers, full beer dinners, wine dinners and industry nights.

With more breweries cropping up on the horizon, south Orange County is poised to develop a reputation as a destination for unique, quality beer. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: View From the Pier by Herman Sillas

Silence Dims Once Social Confinement

W

hen I enter an elevator, I think of cavemen. I envision them using ropes to pull their families up to caves in the mountains free from danger. Moving people in a vertical manner advanced to such an extent that when King Louis XV of France reigned (1715 to 1774) he had an elevator built to transport him from his quarters to his mistresses’ rooms. By 1857, an elevator had been installed in a New York department store.

Then in 1887, an electric elevator, with multi-speed motors for service in high-rise buildings, was developed in Baltimore.

Today we aren’t very impressed about a ride through a tube that takes us up and down floors in a high-rise structure.

It’s not the function or speed of the elevator that THE VIEW draws my attention; it’s FROM THE PIER

By Herman Sillas the conduct of elevator passengers.

See, the first time I noticed these silent interactions was when I worked in Sacramento in the late 1970s. I’d visit the State Capitol building that had numerous elevators. Each had an operator who transported us vertically, announcing the floor number and opening the doors. The courteous operators addressed us as we entered, asking us the floor we sought. In between calling out the floors were short conversations with passengers. Frequent users knew the operators by name.

When I left government in 1980, I joined a law firm with offices at the Oviatt Build-

ing in Los Angeles. It was a well-kept, old downtown building with old elevators and their operators. They controlled the speed of the cabin and opened and closed the doors of their cabins at each floor. They knew the name of all the occupants of the building. These operators would be the last of their kind. Their skills would no longer be needed in the new high-rise buildings of Los Angeles. Floor selection is now in the hands of passengers, thanks to automation.

But I miss the old operators and our banter. I’d ask, “How’s life?”

They’d answer with a smile, “It has its ups and downs.”

Once in the elevator, “people don’t speak, even

if they entered conversing with someone. The elevator cabin becomes like a library without books.

”

Now, at my age, I visit doctors. Most have offices in high-rise buildings, so I make use of elevators that every passenger and I can operate. I examine how we interact with each other. The truth of the matter is that we don’t. Why bother talking to someone that you won’t see again?

Consequently, most passengers step into the elevator, punch the floor button they desire, turn and face the doors and don’t say a word. In fact we don’t like to be with

unknowns so much that there are express elevators that allow us to skip the first twenty or twenty-five floors so we minimize our time with strangers.

If you are boarding an elevator, courtesy dictates that you let the passengers out first before entering. Some hesitate before entering, making sure they will be safe in this group of strangers. If not, they pass.

Once in the elevator, people don’t speak, even if they entered conversing with someone. The elevator cabin becomes like a library without books.

So my New Year’s resolution is that I will go out of my way to speak to my elevator passengers. What the heck? Why not?

What’s to lose? The first ones I talked to were a young boy and his mother. He was with a book. I asked him if he was going to school. He nodded his head.

I told him, “You will be one smart fellow.” He and his mother smiled as they exited. A new passenger entered.

“What floor?” I asked.

“Fifth floor,” she answered.

“You’re covered,” I said as I punched the fi fth floor button. She smiled.

Holy moley! I think I’ve become an elevator operator. That’s the view from the pier.

Herman Sillas, a San Clemente attorney and resident, can be found most Saturday mornings fishing at the San Clemente Pier.

He may reached at sillasla@aol.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

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

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OPERATIONS

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN

Letters to the Editor MEAT INDUSTRY VERSUS CONSUMERS LUPE INFRAINE, Laguna Beach

The “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” released Jan. 6 by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services mark the ninth time in a row that the meat industry has successfully suppressed scientific findings recommending reduced meat consumption. The reduction was recommended by the governmentappointed Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in a 571-page report based on review of thousands of studies.

Reduced meat consumption was first recommended in 1977 by the U.S. Senate San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs in “Dietary Goals for the United States,” a precursor to the Dietary Guidelines. The meat industry forced the committee to destroy all copies of the report and to remove the offending recommendation from a new edition.

That wanton government sell-out to the meat industry has replayed itself with every new edition of the Dietary Guidelines since then. “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” shape school lunches and other government food support programs and underlie public health campaigns to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Fortunately, American consumers are not easily duped. Sales of plant-based meats, cheeses, milks and ice creams have skyrocketed, and every grocery store provides seemingly countless choices of fruits and vegetables.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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. 11, Issue 2. 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 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Page 8

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘The Revenant’ Is Polarizing

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 14 TRAVELING ART EXHIBIT & CONCERT AT THE BOOKSTORE 6 p.m. The “Bears about Town” traveling art exhibit kicks off 2016 with a welcome reception and “Meet the Artists” reception at The Bookstore in the San Juan Capistrano Library. The event features music by American guitar master Larry Pattis from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. A joint reception for Pattis and the Bears begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, benefitting the Friends of the Library. RSVP to 949.218.4512. The Bookstore is located at 31495-A El Camino Real.

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

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

Friday | 15 SHOWOFF! INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents seven original 10-minute plays written by seven different directors. Tickets are $18. Shows run through Jan. 24 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 16 GAMERZ 4 THE CURE 7 p.m. A video game night on multiple gaming systems for teens to age 25.

Suggested donation of $5. Community Outreach Alliance, 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.388.0114 ext. 205, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

ECO-DESIGN FARM TOUR 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy a guided tour of The Ecology Center while learning about household water solutions. $5 suggested donation. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Sunday | 17 SOUL FOOD: A SENSE OF TIME 10:30 a.m. An atmosphere for reflection and spiritual growth, combining live San Clemente Times January 14-20, 2016

© Twentieth Century Fox

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, JAN. 15: ‘MAN FROM EARTH’ OPENS AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse will present its third production of the season, “Man From Earth,” opening Friday, Jan. 15, and running through Sunday, Feb. 7. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. The play is written by the author of the original “Star Trek” series and “The Twilight Zone,” Jerome Bixby. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

music, audio-visual pieces, readings from faiths and philosophers, authors leaders and indigenous cultures. “A Sense of Time” will explore the nature of time, how quickly it passes and how profound it can be. Light breakfast starts at 10:30 a.m., the program begins at 11:30. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.791.9192, www.bahaicenter.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 20

JIMI NELSON BAND 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

PAINTING AND VINO 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a painting class. Supplies provided. $45.

Register at www.paintingandvino.com.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Monday | 18 CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Tuesday | 19 WINTER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Winter After School Club series runs on Tuesdays from Jan. 5 through Feb. 23 for children ages 5 and older. A variety of activities are provided, including stories and crafts. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 CASA ROMANTICA PRESENTS UPRIGHT CITIZEN’S BRIGADE 7 p.m. A renowned improvisation and sketch comedy group, UCB began performing improv and sketch comedy in Chicago in 1990 and has since relocated to New York and expanded to include two theaters in Los Angeles as well as national tours. General Admission is $25, $20 for members. Notable alumni include Amy Poehler (co-founder), Ed Helms, Aziz Ansari and Bobby Moynihan, among others. UCB will perform a 90-minute improv comedy show, including audience participation. Casa Romantica, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Page 10

D

espite his three Golden Globe wins, one of which was last Sunday, Leonardo DiCaprio has never won an Academy Award in his two decades of stardom. There have been jokes, memes, fan and media support over the years, but it looks like this year is shaping up to be Leo’s biggest chance at winning since What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993). The film he won the Globe for is Alejando G. Iñárritu’s follow-up to 2014’s Birdman, the frontier drama The Revenant.

In winter 1823, groups of white hunters/trappers and Indian tribes are out to kill each other at any moment in the Louisiana Purchase. While one group of trappers are hunting for pelts, a bear attacks Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) leaving him barely alive. Group leader Andrew Henry (Domhnall Gleeson) assigns boorish co-hunter John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) and youthful Jim Bridger (Will Poulter) to make sure Glass stays alive.

But Fitzgerald doesn’t like that Glass’ son is a “half-breed” and thinks killing off Glass would work to his advantage.

In addition to DiCaprio’s performance, The Revenant has been getting praise for its use of cinematography and natural lighting. The atmosphere of the film is definitely the most interesting part of it, and Iñárritu does choose some captivating direction techniques.

But the slow pacing, along with very graphic gore, becomes such a turnoff after the opening sequence that you can really feel the 156-minute runtime.

Although he has much better films on his résumé, DiCaprio gives The Revenant’s brutal content his all, likely to earn him Best Actor honors next month. SC

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

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

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom P. Blake

Samson Finds a Home

O

The pictures taken by Cody Coker were with a film camera. The images were captured in December 2014.

Photos: Courtesy of Cody Coker

Through the Lens Local rekindles love of San Clemente by finding photos SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

ody Coker had just bought a new lens for his film camera before heading out to Costa Rica. He said he was heading there as a “life decision,” after living in San Clemente for five years.

Before heading out, Coker decided to take some photos at the San Clemente Pier.

“I took these literally the day before I flew out, and this was kind of my goodbye,” Coker said. “San Clemente has been my favorite city I’ve ever lived in, and I wanted to do something special.

I took some photos without even really thinking about them and I forgot I even

took these.”

Coker said he thought the photos had been lost until a few weeks ago when he found the negatives under a pile of his belongings.

“Just being able to look back on these photos made me think about how I love San Clemente so much and being able to see them now reminded me of the way I felt the day before I left San Clemente,” Coker said. “I thought about why I didn’t come to the Pier more often, and I’ve just been coming down a lot more.” SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

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

n the night of Dec. 16, my partner Greta and I picked up her granddaughter, Ashley Avalos, and her two greatgrandchildren, Ava and Anthony, at LAX. They had flown in from North Carolina. We arrived at Greta’s San Clemente home at 10 p.m.

When we opened the front door to enter the house, the five of us were joined by a 150-pound German shepherd, who just walked in with us, right out of the night.

At least he was friendly. He had a collar, but no name tag. I grabbed him by the collar and took him outside in case he had just gotten away from his owners. He was as strong as a horse.

The street was empty. We walked him around the neighborhood, but no one was out looking for him.

Greta telephoned her friend Jane who volunteers at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter in San Clemente. Jane suggested we telephone the shelter, but no one answered. A message on their recording gave a number to call the Sheriff’s Department. It was 11 p.m. The Sheriff said they could do nothing.

We could not keep ON LIFE AND the dog at Greta’s home LOVE AFTER 50 because of the two great

By Tom Blake grandchildren, and Greta is allergic to dogs. Her backyard is not enclosed. What were we going to do?

The only solution was for me to take him to my Dana Point home and have him stay there with me. I had no idea how comfortable he’d be in the car, let alone the house, or whether he’d devour me on the drive to Dana Point.

We pulled into the garage, and I shut the garage door before we got out of the car. At least he couldn’t get out of the house.

He did a full inspection of the house, with me moving breakable things out of the way. I let him inspect the enclosed backyard.

I decided to sleep downstairs on the couch pull-out bed. All I had to nourish him with was bread and water.

At midnight, I climbed into bed. He tried to do that as well. I finally got him to lie on the rug next to the bed. He was moving around most of the night. He’d put his nose under my arm every 20 minutes or so. Sleep was scarce that night.

At 3 a.m., I remembered we had one Jimmy Dean sausage croissant sandwich in the freezer. I warmed half of it for him.

He inhaled it. After that, he settled down and slept from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Page 13

For breakfast, he got the other half of the croissant, again, inhaling it. I had coffee.

My mission: get him safely to the animal shelter, where I arrived at 10:15 a.m. No one had called.

I was assured by one of the workers that he would be adopted after a quarantine period. “He’s a Samson. Photo: Tom Blake magnificent dog,” she said.

This experience opened my eyes to the wonderful San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter that we are so blessed to have. The volunteers there love dogs and cats. Greta’s volunteer friend Jane sent a picture of him. His name was “Samson.”

That night, I found myself missing that big German shepherd who dragged me around for 12 hours.

I checked with the shelter three times over the next week. He was still there.

On Tuesday, Dec. 29, Greta and I went to the shelter to check on Samson. Good news: he was being adopted that day. The new owners had visited him four times before deciding.

We got to see him before he left for his new home. Dog trainer Esther Horn took us to his kennel and explained all the loving care the animals get there. She said, “Samson’s a big puller.” I couldn’t deny that.

It warmed my heart that this story had such a beautiful ending. Visit and support the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. It will touch your heart. And maybe you will even be moved to adopt one of their beautiful and lonely animals that just want to go to a home.

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

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

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

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

Triton Boys Hoops Breezes Past Dolphins For First League Win The defending South Coast League champion San Clemente boys basketball team began their title defense with a come-from-behind 56-45 victory over rival Dana Hills on Jan. 8.

The Tritons (12-5, 1-0 league) trailed Dana Hills late in the third quarter but jumped into an offensive groove in the fourth quarter, ignited by the play of junior guard Blake Birmingham. Birmingham scored 11 of his game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter as San Clemente pulled away for the win. The Triton defense clamped down on the Dolphins in the final quarter, limiting Dana Hills to just eight points while the offense kept rolling. San Clemente outscored Dana Hills 23-8 in the fourth.

Senior Cole Fotheringham poured in 15 points on the night, and James Paterson scored 10 in the victory.

Depth has been key for the Tritons on offense this season, and the team is averaging 68.6 points per game. Four Tritons, a group that includes Jake Cameron (11.6 points per game), Gage Shelmidine (14.6), Birmingham (11.7) and Dillon Waikle (14.2), are all averaging double-digit point totals. Fotheringham, who missed time early in the season while playing with the football team, is close to joining the club as well. Fotheringham is averaging 9.9 points per game.

As a team, San Clemente is shooting 48 percent from the field and is knocking down 3-pointers at a 37 percent clip.

San Clemente’s Dillon Waikle (35) shoots the ball against Dana Hills during a South Coast League game on Jan. 8. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

San Clemente was set to play Mission Viejo (8-9, 0-1) in a league game on Jan. 13.

Results were not available at press time. San Clemente will play a key road game against El Toro (13-5) on Jan. 15. After a mediocre 2014-2015 season, the Chargers are off to a hot start in 2016. El Toro is ranked fi fth in the CIF-SS Division 2AA polls and has won six of its last eight games.

Boys Soccer Falls to Cougars in League Opener In its South Coast League opening match, the San Clemente boys soccer team surrendered a decisive second-half goal to Capistrano Valley on Jan. 8 in a 1-0 loss. The Tritons (5-8-4, 0-1) have now lost two games in a row and will look to a league match against Mission Viejo on Jan. 15 to end the skid.

San Clemente will host defending league champion El Toro (5-3-4, 0-1) on Jan. 22. Like the Tritons, the Chargers, the No. 8-ranked team in CIF-SS Division 1, stumbled out of the gate to start league play, falling to San Juan Hills 1-0 in both team’s league opener on Jan. 8.

Girls Soccer Shuts Down Capo Valley San Clemente junior guard Blake Birmingham (23) scored a game-high 16 points in a 56-45 victory over Dana Hills on Jan. 8. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

Kira Nemeth scored twice, and goalie Lauren Brzykcy made seven saves for the San Clemente girls soccer team in a convincing 3-0 victory over Capistrano Valley

on Jan. 12.

San Clemente’s London Irwin also scored a goal in the win, which puts the Tritons (7-3-5, 1-0-1) at the top of the South Coast League standings.

On Jan. 7, the third-ranked Tritons hosted top-ranked Aliso Niguel in a leagueopening match. San Clemente jumped out in front in the first half following a goal by Gabi Drabkin that gave the Tritons a 1-0 advantage. In the second half, the Wolverines responded when Remy Mathews netted an equalizing goal to close out the scoring.

Brzykcy made a season-high 18 saves against Aliso Niguel. As of Jan. 13, Brzykcy’s mark of 108 saves this season was the top in Orange County.

The Tritons will host Mission Viejo (0-73, 0-0-1) in a league match on Jan. 14.

Water Polo Team Heads to Santa Barbara After falling to El Toro 7-6 in its South Coast League opener, the San Clemente girls water polo team will take a break from league play and head north to compete in the Santa Barbara Tournament Jan. 14-16.

San Clemente (7-4, 0-1) was scheduled to host Aliso Niguel in a league match on Jan. 12. Results were not available at press time.

Following the run through the Santa Barbara Tournament, San Clemente will return to league play with a road game against rival Dana Hills on Jan. 26.

Page 14

Girls Basketball Gets Back on Track in Win Over Hawks A wire-to-wire victory over Laguna Hills on Jan. 12 evened the San Clemente girls basketball team’s record in South Coast League play. The Tritons (7-11, 1-1) lost to Aliso Niguel 57-31 on Jan. 7, but breezed past the Hawks 55-38 five days later.

Senior Jessica Perry-Romero scored a team-high 11 points and dished out four assists against Laguna Hills. Romero also grabbed three rebounds and recorded a team-high seven steals in the win.

The Hawks scored just 12 points in the second and third quarters combined, while the Tritons poured in 32 to take a commanding lead into the fourth quarter.

San Clemente will travel to play league rival Capistrano Valley (1-12, 0-2) on Jan. 16.

Hawks Power Past Tritons to Capture Wrestling League Title The Laguna Hills wrestling team won its first five matches in a dual league contest against San Clemente on Jan. 12 and did not let up. The Hawks continued to get the better of the Tritons on the night, securing a 55-13 victory and the program’s 29th straight league title.

The Tritons will compete in the Temecula Invitational Jan. 15-16. www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

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

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

LANDSCAPING

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

Salon Bleu

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

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

SWIMMING SCHOOL

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 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

Page 17

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Campaign at the Lane

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair Thursday: West-WNW swell continues to provide chest-head high+ surf for the better exposures of the county, with some overhead sets at the winter standouts. Select magnets will see occasional well overhead waves during the more favorable tides.

Note - Big high tide in the late morning/mid day keeps many spots sluggish. Favorable conditions as light/variable offshore wind prevails in the morning, before a moderate onshore seabreeze rises up over the afternoon.

Local surfers take eight of 20 podium spots at Surfing America Prime in Santa Cruz at Steamer Lane

Outlook: Reinforcing West-WNW swell will maintain similar size surf through Fri-Sat, with a bigger WNW swell due for Sun/Mon. Wind conditions continue to favorable through the rest of the week. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente-based surfers brought home nearly half of the trophies awarded in Santa Cruz at Steamer Lane over the weekend of Jan. 9 and 10, event No. 4 of the Surfing America Prime series.

In a swell that brought waves in the 6to 10-foot-plus range, Prime competitors were challenged by difficult paddle-ins and punishingly strong currents, especially on Sunday when the biggest waves of the competition arrived and eight of the 20 trophies awarded were brought home to San Clemente.

In the Girls U18 final, San Clementeans Kirra Pinkerton and Malia Osterkamp took third and fourth, respectively, behind winner Caroline Marks (Florida) and runner-up Meah Collins (Costa Mesa).

Pinkerton was a double finalist, also earning third-place honors in Girls U16. Top Girls U16 honors went to Tiare Thompson of La Jolla.

Although no local surfers were able to hang on to the final in Boys U18, San Clemente’s Cole Houshmand and Kei Kobayashi just missed the trophy round, with respective third- and fourth-place finishes in the semis. Nolan Rapoza of Long Beach won the division with a 13.44 heat total, the highest score of all division finals.

RESULTS Clockwise from top: Competitors prepare to launch off the point at Steamer Lane in preparation for their heat.

Crosby Colapinto grabs a nice floater while making his way to a fourth-place finish in the Boys U16 final at Surfing America Prime event No. 4 on Jan. 10 at Steamer Lane. Jett Schilling connects a slot wave all the way to the inside on his way to a Boys U14 fourth-place finish. Photos: Andrea Swayne

San Clemente talent was dominant in the Boys U16 division, with double finalist Kade Matson taking the win, followed by Cole Houshmand in second and Crosby Colapinto in fourth.

Matson’s second podium appearance was made in the Boys U14 division, turning in a third-place performance. Jett Schilling (San Clemente) took fourth in Boys U14.

Although the Lane was providing a variety of choices with both the slot and second peak working, as the contest went on, high scoring, high wave count heats gave way to many heat scores failing to break double digits. As the swell continued to build and the strengthening current began

taking its toll on the surfers’ stamina, the talent and determination of the competitors continued to peak.

“For how difficult the conditions were, I thought everyone did great,” said Surfing America Team USA head coach and contest announcer Ryan Simmons. “The waves were really difficult, with strong currents, tricky takeoffs and a surge that most of them aren’t used to. The winners were able to find the best waves and also surf at a high level, matching performance with positioning and the ever-important element of luck.”

The Surfing America Prime series continues with event No. 5, Feb. 6 and 7 at Seaside Reef in Encinitas. SC

GROM OF THE WEEK

string of four straight victories. He is also the No. 3 ranked surfer in Explorer Juniors.

Kade’s success extends to the elite, invitation-only Surfing America Prime series this season as well. Currently ranked No. 1 in Boys U14 and No. 5 in Boys U16, he is proving he has the goods to justify his 2015/2016 hard-earned spot on the USA Juniors Team.

His most recent performances in Prime, Jan. 9 and 10 at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, proved his prowess on large, tricky surf. With waves in the solid 6- to 8-footplus range on Sunday, Kade pulled off the win in Boys U16 and took home a second trophy as the third-place finisher in Boys U14.

At the pre-contest team training on Friday, Jan. 8, in even more challenging

KADE MATSON

K

Kade Matson. Photo: Andrea Swayne

San Clemente Times January 14–20, 2016

ade Matson, 13, of San Clemente is on a tear this season, continuing his 2015 success into the new year with no signs of slowing down.

We last caught up with him in October 2015, following back-to-back wins in the National Scholastic Surfing Association Southwest Open Conference Juniors division, along with a win in Men’s. He continued his Open season campaign by taking yet another win in November in Open Men and is now the No. 1 ranked surfer in both Open divisions. A prolific competitor, Kade is also dominating in the NSSA Southwest Explorer Conference Boys division with a

Page 18

Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, January 9-10, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane BOYS U18: 1. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach, 13.44; 2.

Tyler Gunter, Newport Beach, 11.60; 3. Shane Borland, Topanga, 7.87; 4. Quinten Rubalcava, Ojai, 5.66. GIRLS U18: 1. Caroline Marks, Florida, 10.16; 2. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa, 8.63; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 6.83; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente, 3.10. BOYS U16: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 12.84; 2. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente, 11.00; 3. Noah Hill, Venice, 9.40; 4. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente, 5.20. GIRLS U16: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla, 7.33; 2. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad, 5.60; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 4.83; 4.

Coral McDuffee, Oceanside, 0.83. BOYS U14: 1. Santiago Hart, Santa Cruz, 6.50; 2. Taro Watanabe, Malibu, 6.34; 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 5.03; 4. Jett Schilling, San Clemente, 3.50.

UPCOMING EVENTS January 16-17: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 6, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 23: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier January 24: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier January 30: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 4, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach

surf—15 feet plus at the middle peak and 10 feet plus at the slot—Kade also had a great showing.

“I thought it was fun because I kind of like the bigger waves, but it was really challenging,” he said. “There were some huge washthrough sets, so you really had to choose the ones that were lined up better.”

Along with working hard to advance his surfing skills, this bright eighth-grader manages to earn good marks in his Connections Academy independent study schooling.

“I’ve been working toward a national title for a while and it hasn’t happened yet, so that is my next surfing goal,” Kade said. “I’ve been feeling good this year. I just seem to be having luck this season. I’ve been having fun doing my best, and it seems to be working out.”—Andrea Swayne www.sanclementetimes.com