Photo: Eric Heinz
EYE ON SC
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With...
Five things San Clemente should know this week
City Looks to Require Commercial Drug Rehabilitation Stay in Hospital-Use Zoning
THE LATEST: According to the agenda item released Tuesday for the March 15 City Council meeting, the city is looking to repeal its current moratorium to allow for sober living facilities to be established under the current designation of hospitalrelated use zoning. The new hospitaladjacent uses zoning, approved at the Jan. 19 council meeting, would require sober living facilities only be allowed to exist within the zone near the existing hospital.
WHAT’S NEXT: The moratorium on the establishment of sober living facilities was enacted July 7 and was amended to last a full year. The ongoing moratorium prevents the city from issuing necessary permits, according to the city’s staff report. The meeting on March 15 begins at 6 p.m. at 100 Avenida Presidio in the Council Chambers. —Eric Heinz
Skateboard Coalition Packs Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
THE LATEST: City Hall was filled to the brim with people wanting to see an expansion of the Ralphs Skatepark off Avenida La Pata as well as have lights put in for nighttime skating.
The San Clemente Skateboard Coalition recently formed to convince the BP&R Commission to add the expansion of the skatepark to amendments of the current BP&R Master Plan. The process of amending the Master Plan began recently.
Danny Craig, a member of SCSC, said skateboarding has become just as popular as the major sports already established in San Clemente.
“Surfing is the heart and soul of San Clemente, no offense to the organized team sports,” Craig said. “With that comes skateboarding. It’s a hotbed for a growing number of extremely talented skateboarders. San Clemente has grown a lot since our current skatepark was established.”
Craig said the main reason the coalition wants to expand the park is because many of the younger skateboarders cannot find room in the crowded park, which often overflows with young people.
President of SCSC Stephanie Aguilar also spoke during the meeting. Aguilar has a 5-year-old son who she said has flourished because of skateboarding.
Others who spoke said nearby cities have already expanded their skateboarding opportunities, such as the new facility in Huntington Beach.
An empty lot exists next to the San Clemente skatepark that SCSC members said could be used to expand the existing park.
WHAT’S NEXT: Throughout the process, people will be able to submit comments to the BP&R department, and public meetings will be held to discuss possible changes or additions. SCSC members said they have been working with private sponsors and are looking for public funding to help with the costs. Adding lights to the park could run between $100,000 and $200,000, and the expansion’s cost is yet to be determined. Members said they have received 1,000 signatures in support of skatepark expansion. —EH
Council to Receive Recommendation on T-Street Amenity Improvements
THE LATEST: The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend City Council explore the design process of functional repairs to the restrooms and concession stand at T Street.
The city’s Master Plan identifies needs
to refurbish the restrooms to be accessible to people with disabilities and to paint the interior and fix the cracked walls. Similar projects are slated for the concession stand. The San Clemente Pier restrooms were improved last summer.
The budget for the project is more than $583,000, but $453,000 from the project budget was allocated by the city to fund the Ole Hanson Beach Club improvements. The cost for functional maintenance is less than $300,000.
None of the improvements include Spanish Colonial Revival architecture overlay unless significant improvements are determined to be made to the concession stand and the restrooms.
The combination of structural and functional repairs would cost $1.25 million.
Because $545,000 of the BPR budget was used for the Ole Hanson Club, Commissioner John Dorey said that it would be difficult for City Council to approve projects with that expense. But he added that the functional repairs are necessary.
WHAT’S NEXT: Aaron Donnelly-Terry, a city park planner, said the repair timeline is not determined and any type of structural rehabilitation would have to wait until after summer.
“If we just do the functional maintenance, we could start looking at doing that before this summer,” Donnelly-Terry said. “If we were going to do any type of rehabilitation beyond that, we would likely wait until after the summer.”
FIND OUT MORE: A detailed report on the project can be found at www.san-clemente. org under the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting packet for March 8.
Estrella Plaza Sports Authority not on Bankruptcy Closure List
THE LATEST: After it was announced by TCA Stores, Inc., Wednesday, March 2, that Sports Authority will close 140 of its 400-some stores nationwide as well as two distribution plants in Denver and Chicago in a bankruptcy liquidation, a list of the stores was released by the company.
San Clemente’s proposed store, located in the Estrella Plaza, is not on that list.
The bankruptcy filing was made in United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
“In conjunction with the Chapter 11 filing, the Company expects to have access to up to $595 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. Subject to Court approval, the DIP financing, combined with the Company’s cash from operations, is expected to provide sufficient liquidity during the Chapter 11 process,” the statement read.
Residents in the area of the shopping plaza have eagerly awaited the arrival of Sports Authority, as well as the rest of the additions to the Estrella Plaza.
WHAT’S NEXT: The San Clemente location is expected to open sometime in September, according to Sue Jagodzinski, a development manager with Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties, which is working with Burnham USA on the Estrella Plaza development. —EH
OCEMS, Emergency Medical Services Committee to Hold Meeting on SC Hospital Closure
THE LATEST: The Orange County Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Medical Care Committee will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed closure of the Emergency Department at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. The hearing will explore the different effects of the hospital’s closure.
WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. on April 29 at the Commission Hearing Room, County of Orange Hall of Administration, 333 West Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. —EH
Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?
• • • Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
www.sanclementetimes.com
Children and parents of the San Clemente Skateboard Coalition packed City Hall on Tuesday night during the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Photo: Eric Heinz
NEWS BITES
COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ
Dance Team to Finish Regular Season this Weekend
On March 5, the San Clemente High School Girl’s Dance Team completed its 19th regional competition season. During the regular season, they participated in eight regional competitions in Southern California from Dec. 12 through March 5. Their next stop is the California State Championships on March 11 and 12 at John Burroughs High School in Glendale. The week following will provide the team the opportunity to compete against the best of the best in high school dance at the USA Nationals held at the Anaheim Convention Center on March 18 and 19. The team has faced stiff competition this season from more than 50 high schools from Los Angeles County down through San Diego County but plans to uphold the team’s legacy as 14-time USA Nationals Champions.
The team helps enhance SCHS school spirit and performs at football games, spirit assemblies and pep rallies. Their season culminates in an end-of-the-schoolyear dance concert to be held in the large gym on May 20 and 21. This event is always sold out and the team showcases its competition numbers alongside the popular co-ed dance, IB dance and ROP dance numbers. The SCHS Dance Team practices between 16 and 20 hours a week for the entire school year.
The team is coached by interim head coach Dani Braithwaite, assistant coach Hartley Klement and assistant coach Marissa Prolo. The coaches continue the dance team tradition as all three are alumni of SCHS and the Dance Team. This year SCHS hired Lauren Peterson
as dance program director and physical education teacher.
Following the USA Nationals, the team will hold auditions on March 29, 30 and April 1. Dancers interested in trying out for the 2016-17 team can contact Tracy Stay or email danceschs@gmail.com for more information.
San Clemente Deputy Fighting Rare Cancer
Deputy Courtney Ward of San Clemente was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer. According to San Clemente Police Services, she is only the 201st person in the country currently diagnosed with that particular form of cancer. Police Services is selling challenge coins to raise funds for Ward and her family. Coins are $10 each. Email CSO Stephanie Jones at sjones@ocsd.org. At this time, Police Services are asking for cashier’s checks or cash for payment. San Clemente Police Services is located at 100 Avenida Presidio and office hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
Left Coast Brewing Co. Signs Partnership with Triangle Distribution Company
San Clemente-based business Left Coast Brewing Co. announced it signed a partnership Monday with Triangle Distributing Company to distribute bottles, cans and kegs throughout South Los Angeles County. With already existing Left Coast presence in the area, the partnership will enable a production increase through new distribution points and an even greater customer service experience for existing accounts.
“This partnership is a significant step
forward in helping us increase Left Coast’s availability throughout California. As a family-owned operation, it’s great to partner with a fellow family-owned business whose values align with ours,” said Left Coast Brewing Company general manager Tommy Hadjis. “They have attentive customer service and are knowledgeable in the craft beer segment. Triangle is exactly what we look for in a distributor.”
Currently, Left Coast produces 11,000 barrels of beer with thousands of accounts in 17 states and seven countries. Left Coast has won more than 25 prestigious awards such as the gold and bronze medals from the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. For more information, visit www.leftcoastbrewing.com.
State Farm Insurance
Donates $10,000 to Boys & Girls Club
Through its $15,000 Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grant given last year to the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area, State Farm Insurance has provided another $10,000.
The money helps support and expand the College Bound Program State Farm, said Allen Reese, Chief Professional Officer of the club. The program helps provide teens with resources, support and experience needed to graduate high school and pursue their futures. The funds also help prepare more high school students to attend college through the club’s academic and study-skills support services. The Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area serves about 2,000 students per year. It also provides mentoring support for students to attain and retain a job. The club has recently completed the Teen Center, where learning and academic development takes place for students.
San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club’s Annual Charity Gala April 16
It is time again for the San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club’s Annual Charity Gala. This year’s theme is “Light up the Night” and the event will be held at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club on April 16 starting at 5:30 p.m. Cocktail attire is requested and tickets are $85 per person, which includes appetizers, dinner with wine, dessert and an after-gala performance by ’80s cover band Neon Nation. We will be auctioning off some awesome prizes for some great local causes as well. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets. All proceeds go to helping local schools, elderly, abused women and children, and many more causes. There is a discount if you purchase a table, and there are marketing opportunities available. Visit www.scjwc16.bpt.me for tickets and more information.
Las Palmas Village Celebrates Grand Opening
The National CORE housing complex Las Palmas Village hosted a grand opening on March 2. The complex, completed last fall, has 19 affordable one-bedroom housing units. The project was funded by low-income-housing tax credits, city of San Clemente Inclusionary Funds, a Housing and Community Development infill infrastructure grant and tax-exempt bonds.
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.
Clemente
The San Clemente High School Dance Team participates in a recent regional competition. Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Anderson
San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker, center, cuts the ribbon to the Las Palmas Village on March 2. The housing complex is the city’s first workforce housing development. Photo: Courtesy of city of San Clemente
Closing Date Announced
San Clemente hospital will cease operations on May 31, officials say
BY ERIC HEINZ,
After an 18-month effort to keep MemorialCare’s Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente open, officials announced last week they will close the campus on May 31.
In a statement released by Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, administrator Tony Struthers said the health care provider will continue to examine possibilities of providing forms of urgent care to San Clemente residents, but the hospital services will cease May 31.
“At this point, we will continue to provide ongoing medical and emergency services,” Struthers said in an email March 3, adding the services will continue for at least 90 days.
Struthers said the hospital, located at 654 Camino De Los Mares, will continue to meet with local officials and agencies to plan “a transition of services.”
MemorialCare officials have said since August 2014 the current hospital model is not feasible to keep open because of declining inpatient numbers. Inpatient services traditionally are large sources of funding for hospitals.
MemorialCare has owned the San Clemente hospital since 2005.
“This is not a decision we reached quickly,” Struthers stated. “It is the result of many discussions and deliberations. This was not the outcome we had sought or expected. We had hoped the campus could be used to expand health care services in the community. We envisioned a new modern ambulatory center that would better meet the community’s future health care needs and transform the campus into a health care destination.”
Struthers said no decision has been made regarding the sale of the San Clemente Campus.
“At this point we have had some inquiries but nothing beyond that,” he stated in an email.
CEO of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center Stephen Geidt said MemorialCare is “exploring all options.”
MemorialCare officials said they intend to but have not yet filed litigation regarding the city’s new zoning ordinance, which requires the owner of the land on which the hospital sits to provide emergency services and maintain a hospital.
Struthers said the hospital was averaging 11.6 inpatients a day before the closure. A total of 16 inpatient surgeries were done in February, less than one per day, and outpatient surgeries totaled 56 in that month. That was not enough to sustain the hospital, he said.
“We felt that was improper taking of private property, but we’ll let the courts settle that…to see if it was legal to do,”
Geidt said. “It left us with something that cannot be sustained, continue to operate a hospital that is not sustainable or close, and I think we made the right decision.”
Geidt said current health care practice, availability of insurance and advancements in technology are all factors that are keeping people from needing inpatient care.
“I think it’s
probably a function of the fact that we see a major transformation going on in the medical industry,” Geidt said. “The shift is from a hospital-centric health care delivery system to a health-centric health care delivery system. The idea that the hospital is not the center of the universe is becoming very clear to the people who are in the industry.”
Geidt said a change in the medical industry has been going on in the last 10 years and accelerated in the last five due to the Affordable Healthcare Act.
People currently taken to the San Clemente hospital for emergency care for cardiac, stroke and trauma cases are stabilized but have to be taken to another emergency facility due to the lack of services the hospital provides, Struthers said.
“Like many small hospitals across the country, the San Clemente inpatient facility has continued to experience declining volumes,” Struthers said.
Options That Never Came to Pass
Originally the hospital came up with proposals to establish a large outpatient ambulatory care center in the hospital’s place, but that was dismissed by community members as not being adequate medical services for San Clemente.
Officials then made a legislative effort to allow for a free-standing, or “boutique” or “satellite” hospital, with fewer amenities but similar emergency services hospitals offer. This is currently not legal under California law.
Assemblyman Bill Brough and State Sen. Patricia Bates introduced separate bills in their respective houses to try to change that law, but both bills died in committees in January. Following that
defeat, the city of San Clemente enacted the zoning ordinance.
“Without legislation to allow a satellite emergency department and given this new restrictive rezoning that requires hospital services and a declining census, that makes operation of an acute care facility unsustainable,” Struthers said. “The vision to convert the campus into a modern ambulatory care center cannot be achieved.”
Jobs
Some employees from the San Clemente hospital are currently or will be retained within the MemorialCare system, while others have sought employment elsewhere.
“We are working with our approximately 150 full-time and part-time employees to help them identify other potential employment opportunities within the (MemorialCare) health care system and our sister facilities,” Struthers said. “We hope to place as many employees in other positions within the health system and with other sister facilities.”
The nearest hospitals to San Clemente that provide emergency services are Mission Hospital, 7 miles from Saddleback Memorial Medical Center; Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, about 9 miles away on Interstate 5 and MemorialCare’s Laguna Hills location, about 15 miles away on I-5.
Reactions to the Closure
Both Brough and Bates said they will pursue further options to provide health care in South Orange County.
“We are considering all options and are consulting with community members to find a realistic solution that works for the region,” their joint statement read. During various community meetings, many people criticized MemorialCare’s assertions of not being able to continue hospital operations as flawed reasoning, citing the margins of revenue from the hospital’s nonprofit tax forms. Hospital officials countered that the nonprofit margins were combined tax forms and that San Clemente’s population could not support a large hospital facility.
In a statement, Gus Gialamas, president of Save Saddleback San Clemente Hospital Foundation, said “12,000 people have signed petitions to save the hospital, four City Councils have voted the same way, MemorialCare themselves said they wanted to maintain emergency services, yet they will close our only hospital costing lives, health care and jobs in our community.”
The foundation members protested the hospital closure at noon on Wednesday, March 9.
The San Clemente Hospital was built in 1971 and at one point provided more than 105 beds. Today, it provides 73 beds. SC
Editor’s note: More documents pertaining to this story can be found in the hyperlinks under the story “San Clemente Hospital to Close May 31” at www.sanclementetimes.com.
Stephen Geidt, CEO of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (left) and Tony Struthers, the hospital’s administrator
Photo: Eric Heinz
People wave to a fire truck as it passes people Wednesday, March 9 during a protest of the closure of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. Photo: Eric Heinz
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Settlement Reached in Landslide Lawsuit
Lawyers want area marked for ‘emergency’ so reconstruction can begin
BY ERIC HEINZ,
The continuous crack through 88-year-old Frances Bier’s home, extending through another 11 homes on the 200 block of Via Ballena, has her concerned.
She said she doesn’t want to move and neither do her neighbors. The neighborhood fears, though, if something isn’t done soon to repair the damages from a 2011 landslide (which left homes significantly damaged or red-tagged), it could make the situation worse than it already is.
Last week, the homeowners affected by the landslide settled out of court with the city of San Clemente and Shorecliffs Golf Club.
Shorecliffs Golf Club and the city agreed to pay $10.8 million for the repairs, which would include restoring portions of the bluffs and creating a drainage pipe that doesn’t run under the homes. Currently water is flowing just past the bluff in a pipe next to the golf course. There currently is no timeline as to when construction can begin.
The city and the golf course were sued because they
maintain the infrastructure, but because of the settlement no one is assuming liability.
The landslide, attorney Serge Tomassian said, was the result of a drainage pipe that built up pressure and ruptured, causing the hillside on which the homes sit to collapse.
Most of the money from the lawsuit is paid through insurance funds, according to Tomassian.
While the city and the homeowners have settled, City Engineer Bill Cameron said no work can begin until mitigation requirements—such as obtaining permitting from entities such as the California Coastal Commission and other entities—are met.
“Permits need to be obtained before construction starts,” Cameron said. “That was signed by all (involved).
The city is in favor of an expedited process.”
Cameron said even if the city designated it as an emergency site, it wouldn’t remove the requirements necessary to start the project.
“(The homeowners) are working on the plans right now and trying to get the permits in place to get the project started, and hopefully when all the costs are determined they’ll be less than the settlement agreement,” Cameron said. “You still have all these other steps for the rest of the settlement agreement. Basically it comes down to that. But the city is in favor of getting the repair done as quickly as possible.”
Engineers hired by Tomassian’s law firm stated in letters from January that the site should be designated as an emergency situation due to the condition of the hillside and the possibility that heavy rains could make the situation even worse.
“The undersigned and American Geotechnical recommend that you do whatever you can to light a fire under whomever needs to have that fire lit under them to get this project underway,” a letter dated Jan. 15 from American Geotechnical’s Gregory Axten to Tomassian read. “The tragedy has been substantial to the homeowners over the last few years but will be regrettable and disproportionately worse if another episode of landslide occurs. Such an event is very possible and even likely in response to the upcoming rains.”
Ralph Jeffery, president of Pacific Coast Land Consulting, also hired by Tomassian’s firm, echoed Axten’s sentiments in another letter.
One home that was red-tagged belongs to 93-year-old Ann Cole, who moved into the home when former President Richard Nixon was in office. She said she wants to return to her home if possible.
“I really would love to get back into it, lord willing, if they get it fixed fast enough,” Cole said. SC
Anne Cole has owned her home on the 200 Block of Via Ballena for more than 40 years, but it was red-tagged after a 2011 landslide. She said she hopes to move back in some day. A “KEEP OUT” sign is posted on her front window. Photo: Eric Heinz
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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, March 7
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Visalia, 1200 Block (11:49 p.m.) A man said he thought something or someone was walking on his roof over the master bedroom. He said he didn’t see anything, only heard something.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (10:37 p.m.) A caller said “some drug dealers” set up a tent next to a hamburger stand in North Beach.
DISTURBANCE Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (5:49 p.m.) Police were called to a report of men described as transients being verbally disruptive and taking toilet paper from the restrooms.
ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY El Camino Real, 1200 Block (3:44 p.m.) Orange County Fire Department requested assistance with a man who was “bleeding from the head and all over his body.” The man was unable to speak and was possibly in shock. It was unknown if he had been battered or hit by a car.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Via Cascadita/Avenida Vaquero (2:21 p.m.) A woman with tattoos was seen driving a black sedan slowly through the neighborhood. The caller said she would park and then drive off again.
PETTY THEFT REPORT 700 Block, Avenida Pico (11:02 a.m.) A woman said two classrooms at San Clemente High School were broken into the previous night. She said she was not sure if the classrooms were locked, and items valued from $500 to $800 were stolen.
Sunday, March 6
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 500 Block (11:42 p.m.) A woman said a man was walking up and down the street looking into a trailer parked in front of a motel for 15 minutes. The man was asking the caller where she was staying.
DISTURBANCE Calle Pintoresco, 200 Block (7:37 p.m.) Police were called to people throwing rocks at passing vehicles.
Suspect Captured on Video Camera in Home Burglary
BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
On March 3, Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials announced a 17-year-old male suspect was taken into juvenile hall custody after breaking into a home on the 1200 Block of Buena Vista.
The owner of the home was alerted of a burglar in his home about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, according to OCSD officers. The owner was not home at the time, but he was contacted through a motion-activated Canary surveillance system connected to his phone.
A video of the incident was captured and released to OCSD.
The suspect was described as a man, 6 feet tall, wearing a dark-colored hat backward, a dark-colored jacked over a gray sweatshirt, jeans and colored Vans sneakers with white sidewalls.
Items that were missing from the incident include a watch and surveillance equipment.
At 3:40 p.m. that day, the suspect was seen by patrol deputies in the area of
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Juarez, 3000 Block (7:30 p.m.) A resident who lives near the location provided secondhand information. The caller was a Code Enforcement officer who said a home had been condemned because it was illegally remodeled and no one should be inside. He said his neighbor saw someone there and could hear a “pounding noise,” and a black vehicle was spotted in the driveway.
WELFARE CHECK Canada, 100 Block (6:46 p.m.) Police were called to an “older woman” described as transient who was “screaming and howling.” The woman was described as wearing a white beanie and a backpack and carrying a blanket. The caller said the location is “no longer a sober-living home.”
ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE Cristianitos Road, Interstate 5 Freeway (4:33 p.m.) A caller said a burgundy sedan was parked in the bike lane and blocking the street. The driver was “out of the vehicle and praying.”
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Ola Verde, 2100 Block (4:06 p.m.) A caller said a man was standing outside her house and asked her if he could come in and sit down. The man then went to sit by her garage. He was described as in his 20s or 30s, bald with some blond hair wearing a brown jacket and light beige shirt.
Florencia in San Clemente. The deputies issued a search for him but were unable to locate him.
During the incident, people posted videos on social media of an OCSD helicopter searching the area, alerting residents of the incident by way of loudspeaker.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714.647.7000 or 949.425.1800. Anonymous tips can be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 855.847.6227. SC
CITIZEN ASSIST Via Jacobea, 0 Block (3:58 p.m.) A man said he thought a “drug exchange occurred at a possible halfway house” three doors down from his home. Everything was eventually OK, but he had captured the incident on video camera and wanted to show a deputy.
DISTURBANCE North El Camino Real/El Portal (3:48 p.m.) A naked man was seen walking southbound on El Camino Real.
DISTURBANCE West Avenida Palizada/Calle Puente (1:14 p.m.) Police were called to a report of a 20-year-old man who was carrying some kind of pipe used for taking controlled substances. The caller said the man was being “obnoxious.”
WELFARE CHECK North El Camino Real/El Portal (12:02 p.m.) Police were called to check out a 30-year-old man described as having a buzzed haircut, thin build and wearing boxer shorts, walking southbound past the YMCA with scrapes on his forehead.
TRESPASSING Avenida Del Presidente, 3100 Block (8:35 a.m.) A teacher at a school said a man had set up a tent and was sleeping inside one of the classrooms.
DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 300 Block (7:33 a.m.) A woman described as a transient was yelling at a customer, threatening him and saying she is a police officer.
Community Meetings
THURSDAY, MARCH 10
Cyber Café:
Introduction to Windows 10
1 p.m.-4 p.m. Learn the basics of the latest operating system. The class is provided by the Friends of San Clemente. A $35 suggested donation is requested. 910 Calle Negocio, Suite No. 101, San Clemente, 949.276.8866, www.sccybercafe.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
Free Shredding Event
8 a.m.-Noon. No newspapers, magazines, soiled or wet paper. Paper clips are OK. No limits on the quantity. 390 Avenida Pico, 949.498.9436, www.san-clemente.org.
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
San Clemente Farmers Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
San Clemente City Council Meeting
6 p.m. The city of San Clemente City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.
Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Every Tuesday. The meeting helps parents work with their children who have developed poor behavioral habits. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, www.bilysc.org.
Sunrise Rotary
7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega, www.scsunriserotary.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
San Clemente Rotary
Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.233.7981, www.sanclementerotary.org.
A video of this suspect was captured during a burglary on Tuesday, March 1. Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Sheriff’s Department
SOAPBOX SC
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
GUEST OPINION: 2/4 Corner by Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Brian Greene, USMC
Dozen Marines Promoted in Past Month
arines, Sailors, families and friends:
During the past month, we have promoted 29 Marines to the rank of Lance Corporal, nine to Corporal, three (meritoriously) to Sergeant and one to Captain.
In the past month, the battalion has continued to execute training with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) here at Camp Pendleton as well as with the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific (EWTGPAC) in Coronado, California. This training is paramount in preparing our battalion to operate across all domains—air, land and sea—and included everything from nautical navigation to fast roping out of helicopters. Additionally, battalion staff members participated in training aboard the USS Makin Island. This training facilitated greater cooperation with our Navy coun-
Letters to the Editor
‘SKELETON’ CREW IS NOT WHAT EMERGENCY ROOMS NEED
SUE SELKIRK, San Clemente
Kudos to Ray Chaplain for representing a knowledgeable perspective on the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente issue. I’m sure many of the citizens who opposed the conversion to a modern ambulatory care center have little to no medical background and succumbed to the fear and hysteria of not having an emergency room in San Clemente. As Ray brilliantly pointed out, emergency responders have been bypassing the San Clemente ER for years as it lacks necessary advanced services. I work as a labor and delivery registered nurse at Saddleback Memorial in Laguna Hills and have been an RN for 20 years. I am the mother of two young boys and have made my share of ER visits. I live in close proximity to the San Clemente hospital, and as an employee my family and I benefit from a 50-percent discount on all ER visits. That said, I have always opted to bypass that hospital and forego the financial savings due to my lack of confidence in a skeleton crew.
Saddleback Memorial was graciously ready to offer our town a state-of-the-art facility with a variety of services we would have tremendously benefitted from, a
terparts, which will pay dividends on our upcoming deployment. The battalion also planned and executed its fourth battalion field exercise in Camp Pendleton, during which time critical training was conducted with civilian role players on urban and stability operations.
Concurrently, 2/4 sent more than 50 Marines and Sailors to specialty courses at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, such as Winter Mountain Leaders Course and Mountain Communications Course. These Marines and Sailors will enable the battalion to operate at a much higher level of proficiency during our upcoming month-long battalion exercise in Bridgeport.
Upon returning from the field, the battalion immediately turned to maintaining our weapons and gear and planning for our exercise in Bridgeport. This exercise
facility that would have appealed to quality caregivers as opposed to repelling them. I was saddened to receive the official news that Saddleback will close on May 31. I’ve been a resident of San Clemente for almost 40 years, and my love for our town runs deep. At the age of 14, I worked at the hospital as a candy striper alongside my grandma who volunteered there. It’s too bad the naysayers opted for some shifty rezoning, because now we are left with nothing. Way to go, City Council!
DISTRICTING, NO VRBO REGULATION WILL HARM SAN CLEMENTE
ANTHONY LAFRANO, San Clemente
Jim Bieber’s attempt to re-district San Clemente is another example of a greedy VRBO owner trying to change the beach culture and charm of San Clemente. Mr. Bieber is upset that City Council will not yield to the demands of his Vacation Rentals By Owner business. Mr. Bieber tried to bully Councilman Chris Hamm publically (a true San Clemente native and champion of beach culture) for not ceding to his VRBO vision. Bieber wants zero restrictions on VRBO. It is obvious that Mr. Bieber is trying to turn San Clemente into a political pretzel to serve his own selfish needs. He claims that redistricting is good for our residents and that more residents will have access to our elected officials. What he is really trying to do is install his own candidate(s) to benefit himself. If Mr. Bieber’s plan is successful, we will have VRBO operators in Talega, The Reserve, Forester Highlands and in all of our neighborhoods. It is quite possible
presents a unique training opportunity for 2/4 in that the battalion will be facing a thinking enemy (a company of US Army Rangers) in an austere, mountainous, snow-covered environment. This training will significantly challenge the battalion across all warfighting functions, but we will return to Camp Pendleton a better infantry unit.
Thank you for your continued support for your Marines and Sailors. If you would like to see pictures of our training or updates on our battalion, please “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/2dBattalion4thMarines. Semper Fidelis.
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.
that you will have a VRBO operator as a neighbor on your right and a sober living operator on your left. I realize that Mr. Bieber’s greed to make money is more important than maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods, our community and beach culture, but we must stop him and his profiteering cohorts from allowing this to happen. San Clemente was doing just fine before Bieber migrated here years ago, and we do not need to be lectured by someone forcing his non-beach/inland values down our throat. I suggest Mr. Bieber take his VRBO business to Las Vegas. We are tired of being invaded by sober living homes, the homeless and the VRBO operators. We have a nice community with high property values and high standards. If we allow Jim Bieber to have his way, his wallet will gain and San Clemente will lose. We need to put this on the ballot in November and ban VRBO like Manhattan Beach did last year. We are tired of being invaded by sober living homes, the homeless and the VRBO operators.
HOW TO REACH US
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.
PICKET FENCE MEDIA
PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL
> Steve Breazeale
Special Projects Editor
> Andrea Papagianis
ART/DESIGN
Art Director
> Jasmine Smith
ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING
Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)
> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)
Real Estate Sales Manager
> Michele Reddick
OPERATIONS
Finance Director
> Mike Reed
Business Manager
> Alyssa Garrett
Accounting & Distribution Manager
> Tricia Zines
SPECIAL THANKS
Robert Miller
Jonathan Volzke
CONTRIBUTORS
Megan Bianco
Melissa Calvano
Debra Holm
Tim Trent
Candidate
Unchained
Wealth frees Trump from internal censure
U.S. political parties go back as far as President George Washington. He was a Federalist Party member and advocated a strong central government. The Democratic Republican Party preferred strong local state government.
In 1800, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr (both Republicans) tied for president. Under the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, the House of Representatives would decide who would be President. Alexander Hamilton, founder of the Federalist Party, convinced his colleagues to elect Jefferson. Later, Burr ran for Governor of New York in 1804. Hamilton again thwarted Burr’s efforts. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel and killed him. Losers have changed since then, but political parties remain. Persons of similar opinions unite to advocate the election of their party’s platform and candidates. The role of parties has been to raise money. Jess
Unruh, a former California Democrat leader said, “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.” Attorney Gene Wyman, a former fundraiser, told me there were three sources of political money. The first is “friendship” money. Candidates’ friends give money and ask nothing in return. The second source is “cause” money. These funds are given seeking commitments from the candidate for the donor’s causes. The third source of funds is “safe” money. The donor doesn’t care who wins and may give to both sides. Only access to the office-holder is sought. Political parties have funneled these monies.
The Republican Party has not occupied the White House for the last eight years, but now controls both the Senate and Congress. Yet the federal budget continues to grow as lobbyists protect their clients’ interests. Republican rank-and-file are frustrated. They voted in Republicans and nothing changed. Politicians lie and do nothing while they continue to receive “cause” and “safe” money. Jess Unruh didn’t believe legislators were obligated to those who give them money. He told legislators, “If you can’t eat their food, drink their booze…, take their money and then vote against them, you got no business up here.” Disappointed rank-and-file Republi-
cans viewed voting a waste of time. There is no specific pathway to the presidency. We have elected all kinds of men to the office. When Donald Trump, a TV celebrity and multi-billionaire businessman, announced his candidacy months ago, most folks thought it was a joke. He sought no money and bragged he would pay his own way. He promised to build a wall between Mexico and the United States and would make Mexico pay for it. He pledged to pick up and return 11 million undocumented Mexican immigrants living in the United States to Mexico, implying that these folks had taken jobs away from citizens. He promised to “make America great again.” His words brought new life to folks who felt like failures. They now had someone to blame for their plight. Trump was also against lobbyists, politicians and incompetent bureaucrats. Crowds cheered.
Traditionalist Republicans panicked. Was Trump to be the party’s candidate? If so, he cut a new pathway to be the party’s nominee. He exposed the flaw in our system. He has followers that have not given him a dime and allegedly won’t be asked to do so in the future. A political party serves no purpose if a candidate uses his own money. Trump has introduced a fourth type of political money: his own. Why would he do that? What role is the party to play? Is the new route Trump used limited to multi-billionaires? Of what value then
is a
are Super PACs who are ready to pour in their “cause” and “safe” money? Are these donors relevant any longer?
Jess Unruh was right. “Money is the milk of politics.” The question becomes: does it matter whose milk you use? You better believe it does. That’s the view from the pier.
Herman Sillas is a local attorney and fishes at the San Clemente Pier most Saturday mornings. He is also the author of the award-winning book, “View From The Pier—Stories from San Clemente.” He may be reached at sillasla@aol.com. SC
Herman Sillas, local author and San Clemente Times guest columnist, will be this week’s guest. Beachside Beachside Chat
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.
THE VIEW FROM THE PIER
By Herman Sillas
GUEST OPINION: View From the Pier by Herman Sillas
GETTING OUT SC
SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
What’s going on in and around town this week
Thursday | 10
COMMUNITY OUTREACH ALLIANCE: FREE HULA HOOPING
5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Hula hoop and jam for free. A way to exercise and have fun. Talega Life Church, 1050 Calle Negocio, 949.388.0114 ext. 205, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.
‘THE PASKOWITZ FAMILY, A SURFING LEGACY’
Through April 23. “The Paskowitz Family, A Surfing Legacy.” SHACC has put together this exhibit with help from the Paskowitz children, including a collection of surfboards, photographs and treasured memorabilia. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, 949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.
Friday | 11
HOOS’GOW DAY
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing Western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’Gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. Downtown San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.
FROG JUMPING CONTEST
3 p.m.–4 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s third annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at the Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.
SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS
LACROSSE TEAM ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
5 p.m. Casino Night & Poker Tournament will include professionally run blackjack and craps tables. The poker tournament buy-in is $100 or $50 for the casino only. Prizes will be given to the poker winners, and there will be raffle drawings, a silent auction and cash bar. Tickets are available online. Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.439.5874, www.sctritonslax.com.
EDITOR’S PICK
SATURDAY, MARCH 12:
58TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE & MERCADO STREET FAIRE
9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 58th Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., with the Mercado Street Faire running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The parade is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation and marks the end of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, which celebrates the return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.
BALLROOM BASH: ST. PATRICK’S DAY
7:30 p.m. For $10 per person, people can learn a couple of Foxtrot steps, enjoy some refreshments and dance while wearing green. Community Presbyterian Church, 32202 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.498.0233, www. ballroombash.com.
CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE:
‘THE LION IN WINTER’
8 p.m. It’s the story of the Plantagenet family as they fight over both a kingdom as well as King Henry’s paramour during the Christmas of 1183. The show opened on Broadway 50 years ago and was a flop. But today, director Michael Lopez said, “You will see why this show lives on and why it is a favorite of theatergoers worldwide.” Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or by calling the playhouse. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
Saturday | 12
DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES
10 a.m. The 45th annual Festival of Whales continues March 12 and 13 at the Dana Point Harbor, featuring education and entertainment celebrating the annual migration of California gray whales. Events include whale watching, art show and sale, Diamond Dig, live music, educational lectures and activities, vendors,
At the Movies: Where’s the Fun in ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’?
games and more. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern. For more information, including parking, shuttle and a full events listing, visit www.festivalofwhales.com.
BUNCH OF GUYS
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.
Sunday | 13
ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE
5:30 p.m–7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.
Monday | 14
GARY AND MARY WEST WELLNESS FITNESS GYM
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. All members are given an equipment orientation and are supervised. Restricted to people 50 and older. Monday through Friday. Dorothy Viser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322, www.san-clemente.org.
t’s ironic that two completely different comedies released last weekend, Paramount’s Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Disney’s Zootopia, both had themes of social commentary. Using anamorphic characters as metaphors, it’s not a surprise the latter is an instant hit with audiences and critics. But Foxtrot is a completely different Rrated racial satire based on real events of reporter Kim Barker (or Baker in the movie) and not doing nearly as well.
From 2003 to 2006, Baker (Tina Fey) goes from office news scripter to international correspondent in Afghanistan to cover the military’s involvement on the Middle East battlefield. Leaving behind her boyfriend, Chris (Josh Charles), and life as she knows it, Kim is in for a big surprise with the huge differences between Afghanistan and New York she will have to experience for the next three years.
WTF is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, of Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), and even Fey’s old mentor Lorne Michaels is a producer on WTF. Yet there is almost nothing legitimately funny to be found in the film. WTF tries to show Kim as endearingly out of her league by being ignorant about everything from Afghani culture to U.S. military, but instead comes off as insufferable. The cherry on top is Christopher Abbott and Alfred Molina, two white actors, whose portrayal of the main Afghan characters is cringe-worthily distracting. WTF was never going to be a masterpiece or classic, but when a kids’ movie with furry animals has better execution at a racially conscious plot, there’s a problem. SC
Photo: Allison Jarrell
Photo: Paramount Pictures
BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
GETTING OUT
EDITOR’S PICK
SATURDAY, MARCH 12: COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN-UP WITH SUBURBAN LANDSCAPE
9 a.m. A day to help clean up San Clemente beaches. For more information, contact Suburban Landscape Maintenance and ask for Jason Gregory Cox. San Clemente Pier, 949.544.9376, www.scchamber.com.
Tuesday | 15
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.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
3:30 p.m.–4:30 pm. Every Tuesday. After School Club is for children ages 5 and older. A variety of activities will be provided. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/ libloc/sc/calendar.
Wednesday | 16
JOY OF LIVING BIBLE STUDY
9:15 a.m.–11 a.m. Women of all ages are invited to this interdenominational group that meets Wednesdays through June 1. A start-up fee of $30 is requested. Free childcare is provided. The study includes worship, discussion groups and inspirational talks. Talega Life Church, 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.493.1980.
OPEN ARTIST STUDIO
10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. An open classroom for artists of all media at San Clemente Art Supply. The event is free for ages 16 and older. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.
FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S IRISH BAR & RESTAURANT
9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 18: OPEN MIC NIGHT AT ZEBRA HOUSE COFFEE
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. These nights give local musicians a chance to get in front of a crowd and showcase their talents. Zebra House Coffee, 1001 S. El Camino Real, 949.218.6976, www.zebrahousecoffee.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18: SPRINGTIME EGGSTRAVAGANZA PRESENTED BY SAN CLEMENTE PLAYSCHOOL
10 a.m.–Noon. Start your spring season off with a day of spring activities. Children will make spring crafts, color eggs, go on a special egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny and more. Preregistration is strongly encouraged due to limited space. Open to children 3 to 5 years old. Parents are welcome but not required. Registration fee is $15 per child. Tierra Grande Park, 399 Camino Tierra Grande, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, www.san-clemente.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19: IRISH CLOVER FESTIVAL
10 a.m. Family-style festival featuring an Irish costume contest, entertainment, food, games and shopping. An event for all ages. The Irish Costume Contest is free to enter and there will be prizes for winners. Ticket are $10 for adults and include one Irish banger and a drink. Children 13 and younger and seniors 60 and older get in free. Tickets are available online. Old Town Square San Clemente, 111 Avenida Palizada, 949.422.7782, www.incredelicious.com/clover-festival.
For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com
Photo: Courtesy
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Social Conscience
Elks Lodge officials say membership increased by dozens
BY ERIC HEINZ,
hat started as something of a social gathering turned into a successful recruitment tactic for the San Clemente Elks Lodge, Chapter No. 2068.
In the past three months, the Elks Lodge members said they have had 90 new members—most between the ages of 35 and 45.
Members Jeff Ragland and Brett Lawrence as well as chapter president-elect Wally Emory, whose term begins in April, said the Elks lodges have been declining in membership nationally, but the district officials are using the San Clemente story to work with membership coordinators to grow the chapters with younger members.
The members who spoke to San Clemente Times said their children go to school together, and as Emory spoke to them about the Elks Lodge they became more and more interested. Other existing members were using the same techniques to get more people to join in their neighborhoods.
“About a year ago, Wally invited myself
and another gentleman to come down and check it out. We did and we absolutely loved it,” Ragland said. “Wally’s class (of new members) had the biggest ever with 19. And we wanted to bring more than Wally’s group of guys.”
As the three men live in the same part of San Clemente, they began to draw more members from their area. They said as long as they were going out for fun, they might as well make it a network to give back to the community.
“We all had such a good time. We came with one person, and then that person
came with another and so forth,” Lawrence said. “It pretty quickly swelled to 69 people.”
Emory said 69 have been initiated in the last three months, but 25 more people are on a waiting list for the next initiation. The club is inclusive to men and women.
When they’re at the club, Ragland said, “Every dollar we would have spent somewhere else goes to the Elks, which is a nonprofit organization, and that money goes to scholarships and all kinds of other programs. We only keep enough money to keep the place open.”
Some of the charitable work the Elks put together are local scholarships for high school students through an essay contest as well as donating to emergency medical and firefighting funds. An annual $10,000 grant is given from the Elks to Family Assistance Ministries in monthly installments as well as funding for the Gang Reduction Interception Program at Las Palmas Elementary. They also host an Adopt the Marines dinner during the holidays for Camp Pendleton Marines, which hosts about 150 marines, Emory said.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, or Elks for short, is a national organization with chapters located throughout the United States.
The San Clemente chapter was founded in 1958. Members can visit other chapters by displaying their membership card. Although they have full-time jobs and families to look after, Lawrence said if enough members join then the responsibilities are spread out.
“I think even a relatively minimal participation level has a high impact,” Lawrence said. “Even when we come two or three months a night, all the dollars go to the various different nonprofit lodge initiatives.”
In order to join the Elks Lodge, a person must be invited by a current member and vouched for by two others. Then an initiation process can begin. The minimum age is 21, and members must be U.S. citizens. For more information, visit www.elks. org and visit the San Clemente Elks Lodge #2068 on Facebook. SC
Saddleback Church Celebrates 10 Years in San Clemente
Church will host month of festivities for decade in the Spanish Village by the Sea
BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
From starting a church that met inside San Clemente High School seven years ago to moving into a permanent facility, Saddleback Church’s local branch turns 10 years old this month.
Campus Pastor Phil Shinners has been leading the congregation for about two years.
“About 10 years ago, our senior pastor Rick Warren and our elders started thinking maybe having a mega-campus to reach the whole county isn’t going to work,” Shinners said. “They started thinking about making little local churches that were all Saddleback Church. We say: ‘One church, many locations.’”
Shinners said achieving 10 years is a true milestone because they weren’t sure if it would catch on in the beginning; he said it’s always hard to tell if a congregation will grow.
He said the way the church teaches is “down-to-earth” and practical.
“I think part of what it means to be human is to wrestle with those questions; what are we doing here? What are we supposed to do with our lives and is there more to all these things that we can see and touch,” Shinners said. “I think our church really helps people to wrestle with those questions about what difference we can make. That’s one place the church shines, where we can ask good questions. It’s not just about saying here’s all the answers—I think good questions are better than easy answers.”
Worship sermons are given by Shinners but they make time to discuss the teachings afterward.
“I think the things we’re known for are Pastor Rick’s teachings, they’re really unique,” Shinners said. People tend to leave our services pretty uplifted and encouraged.”
10-Year Celebrations
Worship takes place starting at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sundays. The church will host food, fun and games for families, music and more as well as building a work of art, after each March worship to celebrate their 10 years. On March 27, they will host an Easter celebration.
Sermons always center on the teachings of the Bible and Jesus, but they also aim to give people things they can use to improve in their life.
Student ministries and working with families are also major components of the church. The student ministries offer more of a way for youth to get together.
Shinners said the origins of the church’s denomination are from Southern Baptist but mostly its nondenominational.
“It’s not like traditional church; it’s something we want people to look forward
to and make it a positive experience,” he said.
During worship sessions, Shinners said most of the teaching relates to broad, applicable issues people deal with on a day-to-day basis.
“One week, we may talk about money because that’s something that if you don’t have control over then it takes over your life,” he said. “We think God may care about that so we’ll talk about money one day or how to build a strong marriage or parenting.”
The San Clemente campus started at San Clemente High School and met on Sundays. After seven years, the branch was able to move into its current location in Talega, 1311 Calle Batido. San Clemente’s church is the secondoldest branch of Saddleback. The main campus of Saddleback Church, located in Lake Forest, recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. SC
Members of the Elks Lodge (L to R): chapter president-elect Wally Emory, Jeff Ragland and Brett Lawrence pose in front of photos of past chapter presidents March 3 at the San Clemente Elks Lodge, 1505 N. El Camino Real.
Photo: Eric Heinz
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Woman’s Best Friend
Dog with terminal illness comforts
San Clementean who saved her
BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Unable to work due to a disability, Sarah Dougan adopted a small rat terrier dog that warmed her heart.
Unfortunately, the dog is also afflicted with a terminal illness.
Betsy, the adopted terrier, doesn’t have health problems that are immediately apparent. At first impression, she can be seen running in circles, barking and showing affection to her owner, Dougan. But a report from her veterinarian, Dr. John Agostini of San Clemente Veterinary Hospital, describes a dark diagnosis.
“I adopted Betsy on July 2, a month after my (other) dog passed away,” Dougan said. “I picked her up at the shelter and had filled out the adoption papers. Her medical report said everything was ‘normal.’ I brought her home and we bonded right away. After I brought her home, we had a real bad heat wave, and she started getting sick.”
After a while, Betsy’s symptoms worsened. It appeared that the heat may not have been a contributing factor to her illness.
“I took her over to Dr. Agostini and he did some tests on her and came to the conclusion that she had some kind of liver disease,” Dougan said. “I ended up having to take her back to the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter.”
The medical bills for Betsy began to pile up.
“I didn’t have $2,000 to pay for treatment and medicine—I had just spent a couple thousand dollars on her and my other dog—so I ended up having to take her back to the shelter and leave her there. And I was crying; it was awful.”
Betsy was taken to Agostini’s office where more tests were conducted to determine what kind of medication she would need. He kept her there for nearly three months, Dougan said.
“ Betsy is like therapy for me. She just takes a lot of the pain away; I don’t think about it with her. And I think I’ve been therapy for her. We just love her.”
—Sarah Dougan
The results were not good.
“She has multiple liver shunts and she can’t have surgery,” Dougan said. “She wouldn’t make it through the surgery.”
Dougan wrote a letter to the Pet Project Foundation describing her circumstance.
In her letter, Dougan said she would take care of Betsy for the rest of her life, but she needed to know how much medication and treatments would cost.
Dougan was allowed to bring the dog back home with her in early February.
Currently, Dougan is not working and is on disability. She said Betsy helped her get through some tough times.
“Betsy is like therapy for me,” Dougan said. “She just takes a lot of the pain away; I don’t think about it with her. And I think I’ve been therapy for her. We (Dougan and her roommate) just love her.
“When I first adopted her, I told her this was going to be her home,” Dougan added. “She gave me just so much happiness and joy.”
Sally Silva, the chairperson of the Pet Project Foundation board of directors, said the foundation was able to fund a significant portion of the medical bills to continue Betsy’s treatments as well as with contributions from Agostini.
The foundation’s A Rescue Mission program transfers dogs from shelters where they may not have much time before the dog is euthanized. Betsy was saved from one such shelter.
“If any dog or cat is in need, they contact us and we do it on a case-by-case basis,” Silva said. “If you have a sick dog or cat, we can try to help you.”
The foundation works with veterinarians throughout San Clemente and Dana Point. Betsy requires fairly constant attention. Her stomach is bloated and she has hernias throughout the midsection of her body.
“Betsy is drinking a lot of fluids, and I have to watch her,” Dougan said. “I give her special medicine twice a day, which is no biggie. She’s also eating food especially made for the liver to make sure nothing gets any worse. It’s the water retention she’s dealing with now. I think Dr. Agostini might put her on another medication. Taking care of her, it doesn’t even really feel like work to me. She does really well. She loves to walk, do tricks. She acts a lot like a normal dog in a lot of ways.”
Dougan said the veterinarians at SC Vet were very “compassionate” and assisted Betsy in her worst conditions.
Although Dougan went back for Betsy,
she said affording the medical bills without the help of the Pet Project Foundation would not be possible. She said people should have their dogs examined before adopting them, if not for the emotional attachments.
“When adopting a dog, you should get a blood test right away because that way you can tell if the dog has something and you don’t get attached to it,” Dougan said. “If I adopt another dog after Betsy, the first thing I’m going to do is get it a blood test.”
For more information about Pet Project Foundation, visit www.petprojectfoundation.org. SC
Sally Silva, chairwoman of the Pet Project Foundation.
Photo: Eric Heinz
Betsy, a dog with a terminal illness, barks for a treat at her owner Sarah Dougan’s home on Monday, March 7. Photo: Eric Heinz
Sarah Dougan holds Betsy, a small rat terrier with a terminal condition, on March 7 at her home in San Clemente. Dougan adopted and re-adopted from the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter. Photo: Eric Heinz
SCENE
Hail collected in the front yard of Tara Fairburn Westersten’s home on Monday in Forster Ranch, as storms blew through the area.
{ IN SAN CLEMENTE }
Single Mom Wants to Meet New Friends
Ihave often emphasized to elderly singles the importance of getting involved in activities and making new friends. This week, a woman named Lynda emailed asking for advice on how to do that.
Lynda said: “I was a single mom for 17 years and was very involved in my children’s lives and their activities. I have had the same type of work for 32 years and have moved a lot due to a military way of life. When I was in my 20s and 30s, making friends happened without even thinking about it.
“Now, in my mid-50s, making friends seems to be tougher than I imagined. I have friends at work, but most of them are married and have their own lives outside of work.
It Takes a ‘Village’
Local group looks to help, connect elderly citizens in San Clemente
BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
The members of San Clemente Village, a nonprofit organization that looks to create a network of elderly citizens in town, will host an orientation for their group.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 22 at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente Village directors will explain the benefits of networking among senior citizens.
The group will also host the South Bay Village executive director and founder Ghislaine Davis to explain the organization’s functions.
Since last year the organization has been garnering support from all over town and presented their group to City Council.
Kathy Carchidi, chairwoman of the San Clemente Village board of directors, is a care manager who works with older adults. Since 2015 when she attended an informational meeting she said she wanted to get involved in the Villages movement.
“This network isn’t just about support; it’s about connecting and engaging people in our community,” Carchidi said. “The Village is about social engagement because it doesn’t matter how old you are… everybody wants that connection.”
The minimum recommended age to join in the network is 55 years old but people can volunteer.
“I love working with older adults and
I love to be able to advocate and support people,” Carchidi said.
The nonprofit organization has established its bylaws and has done survey mapping in the past few months.
“We’ve having our big event (March 22) with Beth Sandem, who is a super woman,” Carchidi “She is a great example of not slowing down. I’d like to say that we’re all getting older, but it’s how we age that matter.”
The Village to Village Network is the national umbrella of the organization. It is an all-volunteer-run organization.
“There’s a lot of people out there who want to be active and engage, but maybe they can’t drive and need someone to help,” Carchidi said. “That’s what a village is for.”
Some of the benefits of San Clemente Village include educational opportunities, access to services, volunteer help and more, according to the organization’s website.
Carchidi said San Clemente Village won’t officially launch until later this year when volunteers are vetted and background checks can be completed. People can join as either an active member or a social member.
For more information on San Clemente Village, upcoming events and membership fees visit www.scvillage.org and www.vtvnetwork.org for the national umbrella. SC
“Since I am approaching retirement, I’m trying to figure out what I can do to make friends and get involved in my community. I love animals and have two dogs of my own. I hope to someday find someone I can experience life, with although I am very content being on my own with my dogs. I have thought about volunteering with Meals on Wheels and/or helping out with dog-rescue places. Any input would be appreciated.”
Tom’s answer: Making new friends now is wise. By doing so, you will already have friends when you retire.
Yes, making friends is more difficult compared to when we were younger. Having women friends is as important, if not more important, than having men friends. By pursuing activities you enjoy, making new friends will easily follow. You already seem to know what you want to do.
You love animals and have two dogs. You have thought about volunteering at an animal shelter. Go for it; you are a natural. Two months ago, I rescued a dog and got to know the volunteers at the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter. You would immediately make friends at an animal shelter.
Next, you mentioned volunteering for Meals on Wheels. That’s a great cause. I suggest you start doing that once or
Sudoku
MYLES MELLOR
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
twice a week.
It is important to try new things. After my life partner Greta retired, she became involved in tai chi, yoga and water aerobics classes. Through exercise, she has made many wonderful new friends.
If you need more ideas, check out www. meetup.com, a free website that lists all kinds of clubs and activities across the United States that you can join. Pick a couple of activities that interest you and try them.
By Tom Blake
You also mentioned that you would like to meet a man with whom to experience life, but are also content just spending time with your dogs. I think you can do both. Make time without the dogs to let a man into your life. Yes, you treasure your dogs, but don’t be so obsessed with them that you shut out potential mates.
You have many positives in your life. You have worked in the same field for 32 years and not many people can say that. This shows stability, dedication and loyalty—all great traits. In addition, you were a single mom for 17 years and that required a huge commitment.
Pursue making new friends before retirement with the same energy you put forth into working and raising your children. You will accomplish your goal quickly.
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
by Tom Blake
Photo: Courtesy of Tara Fairburn Westersten
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only
ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT
Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program
2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com
APPLIANCES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS
ASAP Appliance Service 3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com
ART GALLERIES
San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com
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
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
JEWELRY
Paradise Jewelers
166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com
LANDSCAPING
Costa Verde Landscape Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
MATTRESSES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
MORTGAGES
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast
Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
SC Rider Supply 520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
MUSIC LESSONS
Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com
Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!
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
PLUMBING
A to Z Leak Detection San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com
Bill Metzger Plumbing 1218 Puerta Del Sol, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com
Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302
POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL
Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com
SC Pool & Spa Works 1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com
REAL ESTATE
Marcie GeorgeStar Real Estate South County 949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net
“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax 949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
SALONS
Salon Bamboo
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com
Salon Bleu
207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com
Syrens Hair Parlor
217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com
SCHOOLS
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org
SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
SWIMMING SCHOOL
Waterbabies Swim School 142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com
TERMITES
Colony Termite Control 1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
CLASSIFIEDS
Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com
TALEGA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALES SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH 8am-Noon. Over 50 homes participating! Directions: 5 fwy, east on Ave Pico. Visit talegatoday.com for maps of participating neighborhoods.
Picket Fence Media is hiring a parttime copy editor. Responsibilities include line editing for print, web and social and working with a team of editors on deadlines for weekly community newspapers. The job is based in Capistrano Beach, CA, and is for 15-20 hours per week (MondayThursday) at a negotiated hourly rate. Prior newspaper/magazine/ media experience required. Qualified candidates should email agarrett@ sanclementetimes.com and put “COPY EDITOR” in the subject line.
POSITION WANTED
Looking For Live-in Position as Caregiver or Nanny, Professional Experience, I have excellent references, Will consider room and board in exchange for part-time assistance. 949-324-2028
2/18/16 at 10:30 am, San Juan Creek Road, in front of Plant Depot. Box containing Kodak Carousel Transvue 80 slide tray, with slides. Call Don at 949.798.9952
HANDYMAN CHRIS
Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645
WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD
Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris - 949 510 6645
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
San Clemente
SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC
SanClemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Triton Report
BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.
Meisinger Takes Fourth at State Wrestling Meet
San Clemente senior wrestler Tyler Meisinger capped off his season with a fourth-place finish in the 152-pound division at the CIF State Championship tournament on March 4.
Meisinger won six matches in the 152-pound bracket and eventually lost to Luke Troy of Martin Luther King High School in the bracket’s consolation championship match.
Girls Lacrosse Set for Showdown With Dolphins
A solid defensive effort powered the San Clemente girls lacrosse team to a 12-5 victory over Temecula Valley on March 5.
Tritons (2-1) goalie Veronica Petrikas made 11 saves off 16 shots on goal to lead the defense. Senior Tori LeCause and sophomore Kiley Buckley each notched three goals and three assists in the win. San Clemente will host rival Dana Hills on March 10 in a nonleague contest.
Boys Lacrosse Topples
Newport Harbor in Top-10 Matchup
The San Clemente boys lacrosse team started off its daunting nonleague schedule with a 6-5 victory over Newport Harbor on March 1.
The Tritons, the No. 5-ranked team in the Max Lax OC rankings, jumped out to a three-goal lead just before halftime and held on for the win over the seventhranked Sailors.
In the fourth quarter, the Tritons defense stood tall playing with a man down due to a penalty. The Tritons played with a man down for two of the final three minutes of the game. San Clemente senior goalie Austin Boyer made four saves in the fourth quarter to help keep the Sailors at bay.
Branden Wilson, Omeed Farhadi, Sander Lush, Kieran Regan, Austin Nix and Liam Nelson all scored for the Tritons in the win. Farhadi led the team with five
ground balls and Boyer made seven saves.
“(That was) stressful,” San Clemente head coach Brad Reppert said. “Newport is a great team and well coached, but it was a good win for us. It wasn’t pretty, but we grinded it out and found a way to win.”
The Tritons were scheduled to host Rancho Bernardo in a nonleague match on March 9. Results were not available at press time.
The Tritons will host No. 3 Corona del Mar in a nonleague match on March 15.
Boys Volleyball Rolls Into Best of the West
The San Clemente boys volleyball team will carry some momentum into its first major tournament of the season this week.
The Tritons (2-1) will enter the Best of the West tournament in Poway on Feb. 11 having won two matches over Edison and Laguna Beach to start their season.
The Tritons began the season as the No. 8-ranked team in Division 1 and have faced three top opponents so far. San Clemente opened the year with a five-set win over Edison on March 1. The Tritons hosted Newport Harbor, the No. 6-ranked squad in Division 1, on March 3 and lost in four sets. San Clemente bounced back with a four-set victory on the road against Laguna Beach on March 8. The Breakers are the second-ranked team in Division 2.
and field teams will play host to programs from both the South Coast, Sea View and Trinity Leagues at the South County Classic on March 11. Thalassa Stadium will serve as the venue. The meet is set to start at 4 p.m.
Diablos Softball Defeats Tritons
The undefeated Mission Viejo softball team defeated San Clemente 9-1 on March 8, breaking what was a two-game unbeaten streak for the Tritons (3-2-1).
After dropping its first game of the season against Capistrano Valley on March 1, San Clemente rattled off a 4-0 win over Woodbridge and a 3-3 tie with Saint Joseph on March 5.
San Clemente will travel to play rival Dana Hills in a nonleague game on March 10 before opening Sea View League play against San Juan Hills on March 11.
Boys Tennis Off to Hot Start
In the match against Laguna Beach, San Clemente was led by Kian Feiner, who recorded 43 assists. Jess Hunt tallied 16 kills and Bryce Curtis had 13.
The Tritons have been playing without standout senior opposite Paul Castellana, who is sidelined with an injury according to head coach Ken Goldstone.
The Tritons will host Capistrano Valley on March 10 before opening the Best of the West Tournament with a match against Thousand Oaks on March 11.
El Toro Sinks Tritons Baseball in Loara Tournament
Back-to-back wins over Marina and El Dorado on March 4 and March 5, respectively, pushed the San Clemente baseball team into the quarterfinals of the Loara Tournament. The Tritons faced off against El Toro in the quarterfinals on March 8 and the Chargers emerged with a 6-1 victory.
San Clemente will continue tournament play with a game against Woodbridge on March 10 before traveling to play Pacifica on March 16.
San Clemente to Host South County Classic Track Meet
The San Clemente boys and girls track
The San Clemente boys tennis team appears to have picked up where it left off last season. The Tritons, who reached the CIF-SS Division 1 finals in 2015, have won three out of four matches to start the year. San Clemente dropped its first match of the season against Corona del Mar on Feb. 23 but bounced back with three consecutive wins over Tesoro, Irvine and Crean Lutheran, respectively.
San Clemente will travel to play Huntington Beach on March 10 before opening South Coast League play against Aliso Niguel on March 14. The Tritons are the defending league champions.
Triton Football Players Compete at The Opening Regional
Seven San Clemente High School football players competed at the prestigious Nike Football The Opening rating day in Los Angeles on Feb. 28.
Quarterback Jack Sears, running back Brandon Reaves, wide outs Keith Jones and Chase Beman, defensive back Matt Waskowski, linebacker Ryan Russell and tight end Cesar Alvarez took part in the regional event and were rated based on their skills shown throughout the day.
Sears made a splash at the event, posting a rating that ranked in the 99th percentile for quarterbacks at the event. According to head coach Jaime Ortiz, Sears’ score of 116.70 was the seventh-best score for quarterbacks at the event in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-3-inch soon-to-be senior has picked up several collegiate offers this offseason, a list that includes Arizona State, Utah and Boston College, and will compete in The Opening’s Oakland regional event on May 22, according to Ortiz.
San Clemente goalie Austin Boyer made four of his game-high seven saves in the fourth quarter of the Tritons 6-5 victory over Newport Harbor on March 1. Photo: Steve Breazeale
Scoreboard
SNOWBOARDING
San Clemente native Hailey Langland continued her successful run through the 2015-2016 professional snowboarding season with an eighth-place finish in the women’s slopestyle event at the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships in Vail, Colo. on March 4.
Langland, a 15-year-old who won a bronze medal in slopestyle at the X Games in Aspen in January, posted a score of 56.05 going up against the world’s top snowboarders.
Langland was named this year’s Transworld Snowboarding Riders’ Poll 17 Women’s Rookie of the Year.
RUGBY
The San Clemente Triton Rugby Club is gaining momentum following its first full season of competition. The club, which was founded by several San Clemente High School student-athletes this year, had more than 40 players suit up in 2015 and reached another important landmark this offseason.
Senior rugby player Hayden Malone was offered a scholarship to play rugby for Grand Canyon University. Malone is the club’s first-ever player to be offered a
collegiate scholarship.
The San Clemente Triton Rugby Club had a successful first season. The varsity team compiled a 3-1-1 overall record in its inaugural year and the junior varsity team went a perfect 8-0 on the season.
FOOTBALL
The San Clemente High School football program is hosting its Friday Night Lights skills camp on campus on March 25. The camp, which will be led by the Tritons varsity coaching staff, is open to all players grades 4-8. The camp is designed to teach attendees key training drills and techniques for all positions. The camp will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Interested players are asked to bring football cleats or tennis shoes. Cost to attend is $10 and attendees will receive a free shirt. For more information or to register, visit www.tritonfootball.com. SC
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.
San Clemente Tritons Rugby Club varsity and junior varsity programs went a combined 11-1-1 in their inaugural seasons. Photo: Courtesy
Hailey Langland finished eighth in the women’s slopestyle event at the Burton US Open of Snowboarding Championships in Vail, Colorado on March 4. Photo: Ron Hiner Photography
Sharing the Stoke One Stick at a Time
Gudauskas brothers collect used surfboards for Jamaican groms
BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
or surfers across the globe, the love for the sport not only crosses geographical borders but cultural boundaries as well. This “universal stoke” is something San Clemente-based pro surfers, the Gudauskas brothers have aimed to share with the next generation of surfers worldwide. Their latest venture has their efforts focused on helping the groms of Jamaica grow as athletes in the sport.
Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas set out nearly five years ago to share the stoke of surfing, ocean awareness, water safety, the joy the ocean has brought to their lives as surfers and a passion for protecting the environment. They launched their annual Stoke-o-Rama surf event, a free, locals-only event for kids and a fundraiser for the city’s Junior Lifeguards program and have so far raised nearly $40,000 through the events. Soon their mission would expand to include groms all over the world. To support this larger effort, the brothers created the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation in 2015. Since then, they have sponsored a surf team from Norway for the 2015 International Surfing Association World Championship, expanding the Stoke-o-Rama to Hawaii. Along the way they discovered an emerging surf community in Jamaica, full of stoked groms with plenty of potential but lacking in the quality equipment necessary
RESULTS
NSSA Interscholastic State Championship, March 4-6, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach
COLLEGE TEAM: 1. Point Loma-A, 141; 2. UCSB-A, 135; 3. Cal Poly SLO-A, 107; 4. Saddleback, 92; 5. Mira CostaRed, 85; 6. UCSD-A, 72; 7. SDSU-Black, 62; 8. CSUCI, 57; 9. USC, 51; 10. UC Santa Cruz, 46; 11. CSUSM-A, 43; 12. Mira Costa-White, 36; 13. UCLA, 32; 14. USD, 31; 15. Santa Barbara City College, 28; 16. Cal Poly SLO-B, 27; 17. Point Loma-B, 24; 18. CSUSM-B, 21; =19. SDSU-Red, 10; =19. UCSD-B, 10. COLLEGE MEN: 1. Austin Finley, CSUCI; 2. Jack Boyes, PLNU; 3. Jeremy Carter, PLNU; 4. Cody Sherman, SDSU; 5. Michael Ciaramella, UCSD; 6. Kirk Weissinger, PLNU. COLLEGE WOMEN: 1. Rachel Tominaga, UCSB; 2. Frankie Seeley, UCSD; 3. Avalon Johnson, Cal Poly SLO; 4. Allie Frost, USD; 5. Lulu Erkeneff, UCSB; 6. Sara Locke, PLNU. COLLEGE LONGBOARD: 1. Mason Klink, Saddleback; 2. Austin Sonnier, UCSB; 3. Sean Harrison, Mira Costa; 4. Chase Stavron, CSUCI; 5. Casey Powell, USC; 6. Nico Espinosa, SDSU. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY TEAM: 1. Carlsbad, 95; 2. Dana Hills, 91; 3. San Clemente, 86; 4. Huntington Beach, 78; 5. San Dieguito,
San Clemente Times March 10-16, 2016
Tanner Gudauskas discusses surfboards with a Jamaican grom. Gudauskas and his brothers Dane and Patrick, through their Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation are collecting used boards in support of the up-and-coming young surfers of Jamaica. Photo: Grant Ellis
to reach their surfing goals. And Positive Vibe Warriors Jamaica Surfboard Drive was born.
“The cost for resources, foam and resin, is really high and there aren’t many shapers there, so we decided on helping to get boards to match the kids’ enthusiasm and ability,” Dane Gudauskas said. “We hope it encourages them to reach their potential. They have such a strong love for it and we want to give them the opportunity to succeed.”
There are some great people there already doing great things and helping to feed that enthusiasm, Gudauskas added, mentioning Billy “Mystic” Wilmott as an example. But with only a relative few rideable boards, often with multiple repairs and missing fins, the kids don’t have the equipment they need to take their skill to the next level.
The PVW Jamaica Surfboard Drive will collect used surfboards of all shapes and sizes, as long as they are water tight, at Jack’s Surfboards shops through March 31. The nearest donation site is in Dana Point at 34320 Pacific Coast Highway.
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY: 62; 6. Edison, 61; 7. Newport Harbor, 42; 8. Point Loma, 33; 9. Mira Costa, 28; 10. Marina, 19. HIGH SCHOOL
VARSITY MEN: 1. Griffin Foy, Huntington Beach; 2. Lucas Taub, Dana Hills; 3. Curran Dand, San Clemente; 4. Ethan Grant, Carlsbad; 5. Ryan Salazar, Huntington Beach; 6. Connor Dawson, Edison. HIGH SCHOOL
VARSITY WOMEN: 1. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Hills; 2. Sidney Tisdel, Carlsbad; 3. Malia Faramarzi, San Dieguito; 4. Peyton Slater, Carlsbad; 5. Juli Hernandez, Edison; 6. Kyra Williams, Mira Costa. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY
LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, San Dieguito; 2. Nick Melanson, San Clemente; 3. Ben Goldstein, Carlsbad; 4. Jeremy Guilmette, Huntington Beach; 5. Ian Gottron, Dana Hills; 6. Brendan Snow, Edison. HIGH SCHOOL
JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM: 1. San Clemente, 109; 2. Huntington Beach, 81; 3. San Dieguito, 70; 4. Mira Costa, 51; 5. Newport Harbor, 33; 6. Marina, 19. HIGH SCHOOL
JUNIOR VARSITY MEN: 1. David Economos, San Clemente; 2. Jaren Harrell, San Clemente; 3. Chad Clifton, San Clemente; 4. Sage Guinaldo, Huntington Beach; 5. Niko Traubman, San Dieguito; 6. Luke Young, Huntington Beach. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY WOMEN: 1. Lauren Friedrich, Mira Costa; 2. Chloe Griffin, San Dieguito; 3. Amelie Vergnolie, Mira Costa; 4. Olivia Bloom, Huntington Beach; 5. Kristina Hehl, Huntington Beach; 6.
In April, the Gudauskas brothers will fly the boards to Jamaica all Jamaican groms and kids interested in learning to surf will be invited for a “day of stoke.”
In addition to surfboard donations, the brothers have created a special line of accessories, “Positive Vibrations,” for sale on their website and are also accepting monetary contributions to the cause. Donations are tax deductible and proceeds will benefit the Jamaican Surfing Association, to help with infrastructure and ISA goals.
“One day we hope to see the talented Jamaican groms on a world stage, but more than that, we enjoy connecting youth with the ocean in a positive way,” Gudauskas said, adding that the surf community has been responding generously since the drive started at the beginning of the month.
“It’s exciting to see people react to the drive in such a positive way,” Gudauskas said. “To see people rallying as a surfing community around a cause to help others is inspiring. It’s really to cool to see that community spirit still exists.”
For more about the program, see www.positivevibewarriors.com. SC
Shannon Wylot, San Dieguito. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY LONGBOARD: 1. Peter Neal, Mira Costa; 2. Ethan Mudge, San Clemente; 3. Max Seiresen, Huntington Beach; 4. Chase Adelsohn, Newport Harbor; 5. Brett Costantino, Marina. MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs-A, 146; 2. Thurston, 78; 3. Shorecliffs White, 56; 4. Shorecliffs Blue, 51; 5. Manhattan Beach, 49; 6. Sowers, 44; 7. Bernice Ayer, 31; 8. Marco Forster, 29; 9. Dwyer, 26. MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS: 1. Hagan Johnson, Shorecliffs; 2. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 3. Myles Biggs, Shorecliffs; 4. Nico Coli, Shorecliffs; 5. Sebastian Mendes, Shorecliffs; 6. Max Beach, Shorecliffs. MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS: 1. Megan Seth, Manhattan Beach; 2. Ryann Daly, Marco Forster; 3. Makayla Moss, Shorecliffs; 4. Ashley Weaver, Manhattan Beach; 5. Summer Balentine, Sowers; 6. Reese Hartnett, Shorecliffs. MIDDLE SCHOOL LONGBOARD: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Sam Nelson, Thurston; 3. Cole Thompson, Bernice Ayer; 4. Sophia Cendro, Dwyer; 5. Jack Keefe, Shorecliffs; 6. Rycker Grindstaff, Sowers. PERFORMERS OF THE EVENT: Shorecliffs Middle School claimed their 11th consecutive state title. The San Clemente High School Junior Varsity team claimed its second consecutive state title. Carlsbad High School took its first state title since 2000. Point Loma Nazarene University earned its second consecutive state title.
SURF FORECAST
Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F
Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair
Thursday: Modest NW swell and some building SW swell has most breaks go waist-chest high for the better exposures of the county, with shoulderhead high sets at combo standouts. Favorable conditions with light/variable offshore winds in the morning, trending to a light onshore flow through the middle part of the day and into the afternoon. Sunny skies.
Outlook: Mid period W swell builds in on Friday, as fun size SW swell pulse continues. Surf in the waist - head high zone with bigger sets at winter standouts. Conditions look dicey with light onshore flow in the morning, and quickly picking up to moderate levels for the afternoon. Chance of scattered showers. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.
GROM OF THE WEEK RACHAEL TILLY
Tilly. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
With less than a month left of official “gromhood,” Rachael Tilly, 17, of Capistrano Beach was presented with her 2015 World Surf League Women’s World Longboard Championship trophy at the annual WSL Awards, March 7, on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Tilly was honored along with last season’s other WSL professional surfing champions: Men’s World Longboard Tour champion Piccolo Clemente (Peru), shortboard World Championship Tour winners Adriano de Souza (Brazil) and Carissa Moore, and WSL Big Wave World Tour champion Greg Long of San Clemente.
Tilly’s title made her the youngest WSL world champion ever.—Andrea Swayne
Rachael
