April 7, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

April 7–13, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

Inside: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 14

Home Makeover

Henderson House reopens to provide permanent residences EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Henderson House representatives (L to R): David Cox, Dawn Price and Mark Miller stand in the community garden maintained by the residents of the housing program. Henderson House recently reopened after major renovations. Photo: Eric Heinz

City Council Approves Final Reading of Sign Ordinance EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Carla Hogan Recognized for Volunteering, Supporting U.S. Marines SC LIVING/PAGE 27

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SCHS Surfer Makes Waves on Baseball Diamond SPORTS/PAGE 34

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SC EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker will speak about the accomplishments and progress of the city and looking ahead toward the city’s future.

There will also be networking opportunities with local business owners, residents and San Clemente City Council.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the Chamber of Commerce website, the State of the City will be a sold-out event, and advanced reservations are necessary. Tickets are $47 for chamber members and $57 for nonmembers. For more information or to make a reservation, call the chamber at 949.492.1131 or visit www.scchamber. com. —EH

The home located at 4130 Calle Isabella in San Clemente is listed for $55 million. Photo: Courtesy of Smith Group Real Estate

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week City Council Passes Final Reading of Sign Ordinance THE LATEST: With the final reading of the sign ordinance that has drawn heavy criticism from business owners who own or would like to install freeway-oriented pole signs in San Clemente, the City Council passed the bill, voting 3-1-1, with Councilwoman Lori Donchak opposing it and Councilman Tim Brown absent.

At the Tuesday night meeting, business owners and representatives reiterated their position that the ordinance provisions were too restrictive and much of the support at public meetings had been against their prohibition.

Brad Malamud, a resident and attorney in San Clemente, said although he doesn’t have a stake in this debate, he said he couldn’t understand why the City Council would want to ban the signs. “(The ordinance) is arbitrary and capricious and there’s no evidence of these signs causing freeway accidents,” Malamud said. “…You should be encouraging business in this town and I don’t know why we would want to have them banned.”

Donchak said she did not support the ordinance because it is too restrictive on businesses in San Clemente and that because of the outcry to change it, there should be further discussion and examination of the ordinance.

“I really believe that in our community there’s a fine line to fuel the amenities and San Clemente Times April 7–13, 2016

all the things we enjoy as residents, and I feel this is a solution looking for a problem,” Donchak said.

Councilwoman Kathy Ward said because of the way the sign ordinance was originally written, not much had been changed except for the provisions regarding freewayoriented signs. Additionally, Ward said the City Council has received letters in support of the ordinance to not allow additional pole signs to be constructed.

“We have heard from people and we have gotten letters that say we don’t want any freeway signs,” Ward said. “We have had a huge process on this, and the Planning Commission went (farther) from what we requested.”

Some business owners said the ordinance could be construed as unconstitutional, but City Attorney Scott Smith said there was nothing in the ordinance that infringed on free enterprise rights.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the meeting, Councilman Chris Hamm emphasized the current signs would not be taken down and owners can keep them up so long as they are maintained and not altered significantly.

“What we did here tonight was protect the existing rights of the sign owners in San Clemente, whether it be a pole sign or a wall sign,” Hamm said. “They will be able to maintain those signs in perpetuity, and that’s what’s important to take away from this evening.”

The new provisions of the ordinance will go into effect 30 days from the April 5 adoption of the law.

The full ordinance can be read at www.san-clemente.org. —Eric Heinz

$55 Million Home for Sale in San Clemente THE LATEST: In early March, the home at 4130 Calle Isabella was put on the market

with a listing price of $55 million.

The home is being sold through Smith Group Real Estate by Tim Smith.

“If you went from La Jolla to Montecito, this is one of seven properties with more than 450 feet of ocean frontage,” Smith said. “You’re behind dual gates, Cypress Shores and then another gate to get into the property.”

The Western White House, which former President Richard Nixon used as a vacation getaway, is two houses over.

The home sits on the very southern tip of San Clemente, and south of it is only preserved land.

“Very rarely do (homes like these) come on to the market,” Smith said. “The thing that’s so authentic about it is it’s an old-world house; it’s got these beautiful cypress trees and it’s a house that has architecture and a sense of continuity.

There’s something about it that’s almost like a retreat.”

The home is 113,000 square feet with seven bedrooms, seven half bathrooms, 12,765 square feet of living space and sits on a 114,665-square-foot lot (2.632 acres).

It was built in 2007 and designed by Rick Henderson and local architect Jim Glover.

In the past, San Clemente High School benefit events took place at the home.

“If you’re looking for the ultimate estate and like to surf, you have access to the surf community just steps away from your house, which is pretty unique,” Smith said.

WHAT’S NEXT: As of Wednesday, the home was still on the market. —EH

State of the City Scheduled for Friday, April 8 THE LATEST: The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will host its 8th Annual State of the City Address beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 8, at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club, 200 La Pata.

Page 3

Parents Protest New CUSD School Schedule THE LATEST: On Friday, April 1, organizers of the group Save Our Summer protested the new school calendar adopted

by Capistrano Unified School District that would start school Aug. 15 and end earlier in June. The protest was centered around having children not attend school on Friday to gain attention from the district’s Board of Trustees. The reason for the opposition centers around arguments that the calendar makes scheduling for student testing and parent scheduling difficult. There have also been claims by the group that the new school schedule keeps students in attendance during some of the hottest months of the year, causing the district to spend an inordinate amount of energy and money on air conditioning and other devices.

WHAT’S NEXT: Supporters in favor of changing the schedule said they intend to protest the new schedule at a future CUSD meeting. —EH

Organic Waste Mandate Goes into Effect THE LATEST: According to CalRecycle, the new food scrap mandate that requires businesses that produce more than eight cubic yards of organic waste per week will need to arrange for organic waste recycling services, which went into effect Friday, April 1.

WHAT’S NEXT: Additional food scrap mandates are to go into effect as part of California’s effort to reduce organic waste by 50 percent by 2020. For more information on the mandate and a list of future dates for organic waste provisions, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov. —EH Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

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EYE ON SC

Homecoming Henderson House gets complete refurbish for tenants

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or those who have experienced homelessness under the constraints of mental health issues, Henderson House in San Clemente has provided a stable environment.

The apartments of the Henderson House in San Clemente, which are owned and operated by Friendship Shelter out of Laguna Beach, were recently gutted and replaced with new flooring, cabinets, appliances and other amenities.

Dawn Price, executive director of Friendship Shelter, said 14 young adults will move into the two- or three-bedroom apartments during the coming weeks.

The Henderson House is intended for people ages 18 to 25 who were homeless at one time and have a severe mental health diagnosis, such as schizophrenia or bipolarism. The way people are referred to the program is through social service programs, Price said.

A grand reopening of the homes took place on March 30.

Price said during the grand reopening many of the tenants said that this was one of the first times they felt as though they were part of a community.

“These people were very isolated from everybody else, and for them to appreciate the sense of community is really great,” Price said.

Some of them had lived in their cars for a period of time, she said.

Friendship shelter has owned several units off the 600 block of Camino De Los Mares since the early 1990s. In 2013, the residents were relocated to other temporary housing while the apartments were renovated. The homes now are used as more permanent solutions to housing rather than transitional locations.

“Toward the middle of the last decade, (our policies) started turning away from placing people in transitional housing versus putting people into permanent housing solutions as quickly as we could,” Price said. “As an organization, we started looking at how we could be a part of that move. As a result, we’ve converted these properties for a special population for transitional-aged youth.”

The goal of the program is to help the young adults become independent and live on their own. Rents are subsidized, and the tenants pay one-third of the cost.

On-site support and safety measures are taken into account by a program called STAY, which has professionals meet with tenants to make sure their living arrangements and needs are met, whether that be through medication or therapy and psychiatry.

San Clemente Times April 7–13, 2016

Friendship Shelter representatives (L to R) Dawn Price, David Cox and Mark Miller stand in front of the Henderson House apartments. Photo: Eric Heinz

“

This helps to serve a population where a lot of things change at that age (18 to 25). It’s a good time to be engaged with them and support them, because if they’re not they become adults who end up in our other programs.

”

—David Cox

A professional is on-site six days a week and checks the progress of the tenants.

David Cox, program manager for the permanent supportive housing program, said the clients are first referred to Henderson House through programs and have already met the criteria for housing.

“This helps to serve a population where a lot of things change at that age (18 to 25),” Cox said. “It’s a good time to be engaged with them and support them, because if they’re not they become adults who end up in our other programs.”

A lot of the residents are assisted with finding work or going to school.

“Our goal is to create an atmosphere where there’s a community feel,” Cox said.

“Just like with any community, (the objective) is really to maintain the safety of our clients as well as the surrounding community.

Because we have so much support, it does create so much support for our neighbors.”

Mark Miller, associate executive director of Friendship Shelter, said it’s

Hardwood flooring and new furniture has been brought into this Henderson House apartment as part of the reopening. Photo: Eric Heinz

important that the program maintains a relationship with the community around the program. Adjacent to the Henderson House apartments is a community garden that everyone, including neighbors to the program, can frequent.

Miller said Henderson House helps expedite the process of moving people from transitional to permanent housing by eliminating the steps that were once required to qualify for it.

“Really all you need to do is take someone from their current living situation and put them into the appropriate housing,” Miller said.

When tenants turn 26, Cox said there are other programs that Friendship Shelter provides for people who have the most severe mental diagnoses.

“Those people may be appropriate to

Page 6

transfer into our scattered site programs, which is very similar in set-up with a little more independence, but we’d still have someone check in with them and support them with their life goals,” Cox said. “On the other hand, we may have someone who moved out on their own and just checks in with us on a case-by-case basis.”

For many of the tenants, this is their first apartment. Tenants are required to not disturb the community around them and must keep their apartment in a livable condition, Cox said.

“It’s about learning how all the things of renting works,” Price said. “If somebody is struggling with their mental health, we’ll work with the service providers to right that ship and get them feeling well again.”

For more information on Friendship Shelter, visit www.friendshipshelter.org. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community SC Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (3:23 p.m.) A woman said her neighbor was harassing her and was accusing her of stealing the neighbor’s cat.

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

FAM Second Saturday 8 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

People in need can pick up food and materials during the event from Family Assistance Ministries, 1030 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.584-6574, www.family-assistance.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-

1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

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.

Wellness & Prevention Coalition Meeting 4 p.m. Meetings are the

second Tuesday of the month from at the San Clemente High School conference room, 700 Avenida Pico, 949.680.0516, www. wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.com.

Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The city

of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission 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.

San Clemente Toastmasters

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

San Clemente Rotary Noon.

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

San Clemente Times April 7–13, 2016

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.

Tuesday, April 5

PETTY THEFT REPORT Camino De Estrella, 500 Block (11:43 a.m.) A man said boxes of cigarettes were stolen from his delivery truck and he has video of the incident.

WELFARE CHECK La Esperanza, 200 Block (10:56 a.m.) Police conducted a welfare check for a man who came to the caller’s location, bleeding and saying his daughter was missing. The man was described as in his 70s and seemed “delusional.”

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Pico, Interstate 5 Freeway (10:39 a.m.) A man was seen walking down the street, and the caller said he “looked like he needed to be checked on.” He was seen chewing his tongue and wearing only jeans that were too big for him and no shoes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Marana, 0 Block (1:45 a.m.) Police were called to a man loitering, and the caller said he used to stay at the location. The man is usually wearing shorts and carrying a backpack and was last seen running around the location.

VANDALISM REPORT El Camino Real, 2400 Block (12:10 a.m.) A group of juvenile women were upset the caller would not rent them a room and became argumentative with the caller. There were possibly damaged items in the lobby.

Monday, April 4 UNKNOWN TROUBLE South El Camino Real/ Avenida San Luis Rey (11:32 p.m.) A woman was heard saying, “Get me out of here.” Another woman called and said someone is stealing things and may have had a gun. The caller did not know her address because she “just moved there.”

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle De Los Arboles, 1000 Block (10:07 p.m.) A man said he was told by his neighbor that people attending a party in the area were parking in his driveway.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (8:29 a.m.) Near a laundry room, a black Ford Mustang was parked with a man inside whose face was bleeding. The caller said it looked as though he’s been “picking at it” and possibly doing drugs.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 2500 Block (4:36 a.m.)

A man was seen attempting to break into vehicles.

DRUNK DRIVING North El Camino Real/ Avenida Palizada (1:12 a.m.) Police were called to a Chevy vehicle headed south on El Camino Real. The caller said the driver “got into” their face before taking off in the vehicle.

Sunday, April 3

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES South El Camino Real/Avenida San Juan (9:57 p.m.) Police were called to a drunken man who was seen walking in and out of traffic.

The man was wearing a tan sweatshirt and blue pants with white pinstripes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Soria, 0 Block (8:49 p.m.) A woman said she heard what sounded like a window or glass break but was not able to find a broken window at her residence. She said her son heard a vehicle drive away moments before.

DISTURBANCE East Avenida Palizada/ El Camino Real (6:41 p.m.) Police were called to a man in a wheelchair yelling and threatening passersby.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Avenida Princesa, 200 Block (6:01 p.m.) A woman reported she was receiving obscene telephone calls.

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON El Camino Real, 3300 Block (11:12 p.m.) A caller said his wife had just come home and said she was attacked by a man and she stabbed him in the neck. She said the suspect fled, and he was described as having short, blond hair, blue eyes and a black shirt with a peace sign on the back. Orange County Fire Authority was dispatched to look for him.

DRUNK DRIVING West Paseo Cristobal/Esplanade (11:11 p.m.) Police were called regarding a white Chevy. The caller said the driver is drunk and was just assaulted by the driver.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Brillante, 3000 Block (10:37 p.m.) The caller said they could hear people in the common area across the way. The caller said rustling in the bushes and murmuring could be heard, but no one could be seen.

PETTY THEFT El Camino Real, 2500 Block

Page 9

(10:28 p.m.) Police were called to a man, described as transient, who took items from the wedding center. The man was described as wearing a cowboy hat and a black hoodie.

DISTURBANCE Calle Negocio, 900 Block (8:51 p.m.) A large white van with a man inside the business tried to fight the caller.

The caller said he wanted “the government to follow him home and shut off the man’s water.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES South El Camino Real/Interstate 5 Freeway (6:28 p.m.) Four men were seen throwing lit fireworks onto the freeway. One was described as wearing a black leather jacket with “heathen” written on the back.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (2:21 a.m.) Police were called to a physical altercation. The caller said they “have the man detained who choked a woman out.”

Saturday, April 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES South El Camino Real/Avenida Algodon (8:51 p.m.) A woman called to report a white van with a child inside crying, “Help me.”

No further details were given.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (8:03 p.m.) A woman was seen, possibly drunken, unable to stand and bothering guests by putting her hands in peoples’ faces.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (7:03 p.m.) Police were called to a group of juveniles yelling obscenities at people and threatening customers. The caller said the suspects were yelling they were going to “beat down” other adults in the restaurant.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Placentia, 100 Block (4:59 p.m.) Police were called to reports of a man seen walking with a large knife in his hand.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Buena Vista, Dije Court (4:29 p.m.) A bicycle was seen cut into three pieces on the train tracks.

DISTURBANCE Marana/San Remo (3:45 p.m.) Residents were screaming about a snake in the backyard. Animal control responded.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (2:47 p.m.) A woman came into the store, threw merchandise on the ground and then ran back to El Camino Real.

CITIZEN ASSIST Camino De Estrella/Avenida Las Palmas (9:02 a.m.) A man said he went inside the business and paid for gas, but when he returned to the pump somebody had already pumped the gas. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

will complete scheduled track work near the Vincent station.

For details on Metrolink’s schedules, please visit metrolinktrains.com.

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Shorecliffs Middle School Students to Compete at State National History Day

Outlets Opens New Stores, Saturday Event

Five Shorecliffs Middle School Students were crowned champions at the National History Day Orange County competition and will compete at the National History Day for the state of California competition in May. Zane Pert, Katherine McKernan, Sophia Burick, Kelly McDonald and Warren Unzueta will compete.

National History Day is an academic competition focusing on history for students in grades six through 12.

Craig Realty Wins SPIRE Award On March 10, Orange County’s Commercial Real Estate Women-Orange County (CREW-OC) named Craig Realty Group the winner of the Fifth Annual SPIRE Awards for superior performance in the category of New Construction. SPIRE (Superior Performance In Real Estate) is the only commercial real estate awards program in Orange County recognizing all disciplines and annually seeks to recognize the brightest local talent and top projects in the industry.

“This is a tremendous honor in the project’s first year of construction eligibility—one that builds on an award-winning foundation,” said Steve Craig, President and CEO of Craig Realty Group.

Craig Realty owns and constructed the Outlets at San Clemente.

Zane Pert, Katherine McKernan, Sophia Burick, Kelly McDonald and Warren Unzueta will compete in the state National History Day competition in May. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente-based Distinctive Body Art tattoo shop competed in the Ninth Annual Tattoo Show at the Quality Inn Convention Center in Lake Havasu City the weekend of March 25 and won 10 new tattoo awards.

Distinctive Body Art Studio is a small momand-pop-style tattoo shop that prides itself on quality work and loyal and friendly clients.

The shop is located next to the San Clemente DMV in Shorecliffs Plaza.

For the weekend of April 9 to 10, Metrolink will have limited service on its Antelope Valley, Orange County and Inland EmpireOrange County lines due to multiple track and maintenance projects. There will be no Metrolink service south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station for the Orange County and IE-OC lines, and there will be adjusted service on the Antelope Valley Line.

Metrolink will be replacing rock along the San Clemente Times April 7-13, 2016

South Coast Tritons Baseball to Host Fundraising Tournament The South Coast Tritons Baseball Team from San Clemente is hosting a fundraising golf tournament at the Talega Golf Club on Friday, April 22. The tournament will feature skill challenges and a silent auction, and businesses are asked to sponsor the event.

The South Coast Tritons are a non-profit organization (Tax ID: 20-5145273), and the 12U baseball team is hosting this event to raise money to participate in a weeklong baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York, this summer against 23 other teams from around the country. There are several ways to support this event: participate in the tournament, become a business sponsor or sponsor a ball in the helicopter golf ball drop for $10 each. t The event takes place at Outlets at San Clemente, Oak Tree Court, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Distinctive Body Art Tattoo Shop Wins Havasu Awards

Amtrak Metrolink Service Limited This Weekend

Outlets at San Clemente recently announced the grand opening of LOFT Outlet with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 2. LOFT Outlet joins other recently opened stores including AT&T, Nautica Factory Store, Flip Flop Shops, Zales Outlet, Pearl Izumi Factory Store, 2XU, Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Stores and restaurants coming soon to Outlets at San Clemente include Kitchen Collection, Le Creuset, Blaze Pizza and Ruby’s Diner.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, the Outlets will host Sun Diego Boardshop’s “Love the Sun” trunk show featuring spring and summer fashion, including festival season styles, plus swimwear.

Distinctive Body Art tattoo shop in San Clemente recently took home 10 awards from a contest in Lake Havasu City. Photo: Courtesy

beach to secure the tracks following heavy rains south of San Clemente as well as conducting a scheduled railroad tie replacement project near Laguna Niguel. The San Clemente community near the tracks will experience some daytime noise this weekend as work is completed.

“As a result, all trains on Metrolink’s Orange County and IE-OC lines will only operate to and from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station,” a Metrolink press release

stated. “Metrolink will not provide buses or alternate transportation south of Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo during this weekend closure.”

Amtrak trains will not operate south of Irvine on Saturday or Sunday, but Amtrak will provide bus service for Amtrak passengers between Irvine and San Diego. For more information on Amtrak service, please visit www.amtrak.com.

On the Antelope Valley Line, Metrolink

Page 10

Family Assistance Ministries Offering Free Income Tax Preparation FAM is offering free income tax preparation for those who make $60,000 or less through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. The program is available at FAM’s Resource Center, located at 1030 Calle Negocio, on Saturdays through April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information and to set up an appointment, call 949.492.8477.

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

EYE ON SC

Under the CCC Wheeler North Reef fish numbers not reaching mitigation goals

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

n optimistic outlook of the numbers of fish inhabiting the Wheeler North Reef (located off the coast of San Clemente) from a 2014 study conducted by UC Santa Barbara was diminished in its own 2015 study, which was presented during a workshop Monday at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

The reef is an artificial construct financed by Southern California Edison as part of a mitigation requirement from the operations of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

As required by the California Environmental Quality Act, provisions of the agreement must restore a certain amount of aquatic plant and animal life around the reef. The goal is to have an annual count of about 28 tons of fish inhabiting the reef.

In 2014, the study found the reef was up to 24.4 tons—the highest since its construction in 2009—but in 2015 the amount had dropped to little more than 17.7 tons.

The 2014 study noted warmer waters at the time may have attributed to the amount of fish inhabiting the Wheeler North Reef.

A proposal discussed during the workshop was to increase the size of the reef to reach the goals. Representatives of SCE said they are in the midst of speaking with the California Coastal Commission, which oversees the implementation of the reef, to propose an extension or size increase of the reef.

The cost of the increase and degree of the implementation would depend on what SCE decides to propose.

Steve Schroeter, research ecologist with UCSB, gave part of the presentation of the reef on Monday.

“The current reef is no more than three feet off the bottom, and high relief would make it 6 to 9 feet off the bottom,” Schroeter said. “One of the speculations (in 2014) of the possible (increase) of fish

A kelp bass swims through the Wheeler North Reef. The amount of fish at the reef has not met its goals since 2009, and a proposal to expand the reef or make improvements to it could be brought to the California Coastal Commission within the next year. Photo: Courtesy of UC Santa Barbara

was the high rise in water temperature, which fostered more southerly fish … and in fact the fish that were accounted for were sheep head, a more southern species, and large sand bass.”

Schroeter said the fish counts have fluctuated over the years.

“We couldn’t guarantee this was a trajectory,” Schroeter said. “If you look at the time series, the numbers have gone up and down and back up. The data we’ve been collecting since 2000 shows the requirements that would bring the fish count to 28 tons.”

Kate Huckelbridge, Ph.D., of the California Coastal Commission Energy, Ocean & Federal Consistency Division, said there could be a proposal seen by the commission by next year to extend the reef.

“If (the data) shown of the existing

reef is not meeting the conditions of the permit, which is what we’ve seen for the last couple of years, and we do not think it will ever meet the goals … the commission can require them (SCE) to do the remediation,” Huckelbridge said. “Our executive director can send a letter to SCE to require it, but if they don’t agree to what the commission proposes, they can have (their concerns) heard by the commission.”

Southern California Edison must have 36 total years of mitigation goals met in order to meet the requirements. All the requirements must be met in order to fulfill the agreement. Despite the fish amounts not meeting the mitigation goals, all other requirements, such as kelp, covered substrate of the artificial reef, fish diversity and limits of invasive species, have been met all years of testing since 2009. SC

A diver conducts a study of the Wheeler North Reef.

Photo: Courtesy of UC Santa Barbara

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Ward

District Elections Petition Has Ulterior Motives

I

s at-large voting right and good for San Clemente or should the city be divided into districts with one representative?

Which would be better for our community?

There is a group of five residents bringing up this subject. They will be circulating a petition asking you to sign stating you agree with their claims about the current City Council and you want to change our election system. So, what is the difference?

Under San Clemente’s current at-large system, voters everywhere in town can vote for any candidate running for a City Council seat. District elections, however, would divide our city into separate districts, and residents in each area would only be able to vote for whomever runs for their district.

You might say it’s fine to have one local representative from your area because, frankly, there are four other council members you can complain to. But with districts, those four other council members will no longer be your representatives and are beholden to those who elected them.

District elections do more harm than good. They bring political entrenchment and competition. We recently had an issue near Talega that illustrates this point. A city-owned lot on the corner of Vista Hermosa and Avenida Talega was declared surplus property. While the city was going through a required preliminary investigation process, someone posted on social media that the city was planning a

Letters to the Editor DISTRICTS WOULD GIVE FAIR REPRESENTATION KEN ROYAL, San Clemente

I have never seen a member of City Council at the grocery store or walking through my neighborhood—the only time I have ever seen them is at official city functions. Now I know why.

In a town that’s 19 square miles, with a population of 65,000 and 27,000 homes, it is disturbing to learn that four councilmembers live within a few blocks or just a few houses apart in one section of one neighborhood in San Clemente. Other cities that are much smaller have moved to letting residents vote by district rather than at-large.

The cluster of four councilmembers living feet or yards from each other is the worst case scenario of a political machine that has gotten out of control. Living in a San Clemente Times April 7-13, 2016

homeless shelter on the property site. The residents were not happy.

The lot is an important piece of commercial property with great economic potential. But under district representation, if the City Council CITY COUNCIL CORNER were to entertain the

By Kathy Ward idea of a homeless shelter on the site, Talega and The Reserve would only have one representative to vote on that issue. The other four council members could vote for a homeless shelter on that lot, and in doing so would keep the shelter away from their districts and keep their constituents happy.

An example of district representation in action is the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees. San Clemente has only one representative on the school board. Last year, SCHS Principal Mike Halt was fired and despite public outcry, no reported finding of wrongdoing against Halt, the firing of an assistant superintendent and the offering of a job in the district back to Mr. Halt, SCHS could not get Halt reinstated at the high school. Again, the city has only one representative and the rest of the school board are not elected by us and simply do not represent our community.

Those who are circulating the petition in favor of district elections believe that San Clemente residents are disenfranchised by the majority of City Council members liv-

ing in one section in our city. Their claims are unfounded. Further, it is inconceivable that residents would stand for being ignored or elect council members who are unable to address city issues. This City Council has not focused on spending resources in their own neighborhoods as this petition also claims.

We have real issues that your City Council has taken on that are serious threats to our quality of life and public safety. Some people do not like the rules we all must live by and are interested in harming the city and creating chaos to punish and prevent us from doing the job you elected us to do.

This petition is an attempt to do just that.

If this group is able to convince enough people that their “facts” are true, then this will be on the ballot and it will be up to the community to decide if it passes or fails.

Districts will divide our town and will not further our city’s progress. We must stay united and resolute and on course.

We are dealing with contentious issues that will not get resolved by division.

One team. One town.

I enjoy hearing from you and can be reached at wardk@san-clemente.org.

Mayor Pro-Tem Kathy Ward was elected to City Council in 2014. SC

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

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

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

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

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

political cocoon has fostered a hive mind, where they almost always vote together.

It is reflective in the way they ramrod ordinances, calling them emergencies when they are not, which address their interests. It leaves 80 percent of the population disenfranchised.

There is a proposal to allow the public in San Clemente to vote by district as opposed to at-large. It is not surprising that all four councilmembers who live within houses or blocks of each other— Mayor Bob Baker, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Ward, Councilmembers Chris Hamm and Tim Brown—oppose it. Of course, they oppose it because it means they would lose power, as only one of them would be allowed to remain on the council. The upside is that the other residents who make up the other 80 percent of our town would gain a seat at the table and have some representation.

I would like to have access to a councilmember in my neighborhood—just one would be fine. I don’t need four.

Editor’s note: Districts have not been set in San Clemente and it is not yet known in

which districts current City Council members would reside following a demographic study.

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com.

San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit readersubmitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Please limit your letters to 350 words.

ART/DESIGN

CORRECTION: In the March 31-April 6 edition story “Community Engagement Panel Discusses Environment, Legislation” of the San Clemente Times, the bill that was sent to a congressional committee was published incorrectly. The bill is H.R. 4745.

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Page 12

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, April 8 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso This week’s guest will be Paul Carter, a local representative of Tower Garden. He will speak about the revolutionary design of vertical gardens that can be maintained with little cost. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke

Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 14. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano tDispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

Suerte No. 106, 949.388.4378, www.barnoawinecompany.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s, with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 07

UPCOMING EVENTS

BLACK CAT BONE 7 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

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

Photo: Courtesy

Friday | 08 MUMMIES OF THE WORLD EXHIBIT 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition includes more than 150 artifacts and real human and animal mummies from across the globe—the largest collection of mummies ever assembled. The exhibit runs through Sept. 5. More information can be found at www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.567.3600, www.bowers.org.

Saturday | 09 JUNIOR LIFEGUARD SWIM TEST 9 a.m. For children ages 9 to 17. Successfully swim 100 yards (four laps) in under two minutes. Participants must bring the following: proof of age (birth certificate or passport) and proof of San Clemente residency (utility bill). San Clemente Aquatics Center, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, 949.361.8261, www.san-clemente.org.

REPTILIAN BOARD WALK 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a peek into the secret world of native reptiles and some of the other elusive creatures that inhabit the local coastal hills, weather permitting. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Ages 8 and up.

Ladera Open Space–East, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9: GARDENFEST 2016 8 a.m.-2 p.m. San Clemente Garden Club will host GardenFest, offering bargains on more than 5,000 plants. There will also be contests and a flea market with items for garden, home and hobbies on sale. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.374.4944, www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

SCORPIONS & AC/DC TRIBUTE BANDS 9:30 p.m. Hurrikane with Noise Pollution, Scorpions and AC/DC Tribute Bands. 21 and over. $7. OC Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Sunday | 10 CLARITY BY COMMUNITY OUTREACH ALLIANCE 2 p.m. Diane Altomare is an integrative life coach and keynote speaker. She will speak about life fulfillment and transformative methods to improve quality of live. 1050 Calle Negocio, 949.388.0114.

CHABAD OF SAN CLEMENTE TO HOST SASSY REUVEN, OPERATION THUNDERBOLT 7 p.m. Sassy Reuven is a veteran of the Israel Defense Force who fought during the tumultuous years between 1973 and 1976.

Reuven was part of the elite force “Red Beret” paratrooper unit. He was part of covert operations and helped rescue Jewish hostages held in Uganda. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Chabad of San Clemente, 1306 N. El Camino Real, 949.489.0723, www.jewishsc.com.

Monday | 11 BRIDGE AT SENIOR CENTER 1 p.m. If you are an intermediate-level player, join the San Clemente Senior Center. The game is play party/social bridge, partners change every sixth hand.

People can sign up in the office or just show up. Come five to 10 minutes early to claim a seat. Monday and Thursday at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, 949.940.5702, www.san-clemente.org.

Tuesday | 12 YOGA WITH MAIZIE 5:30 p.m. Community Outreach Alliance hosts a free yoga session at Talega Life Church. 1050 Calle Negocio, 949.388.0114, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14: ‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’ AT SCHS 7:30 p.m. The San Clemente High School Drama Department will perform a version of The Addams Family. Performances run April 14 to 16 and 21 to 23. Tickets are on sale now, between $10 and $15.

700 Avenida Pico, 949.492.4165, www.schsdrama.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15: BALLERINA CARRIE LEE RIGGINS 7 p.m. Vallerina Carrie Lee Riggins will perform an original ballet at Casa Romantica. Alexander Fost, from “So You Think You Can Dance,” and Danny Davalos, featured on “Dancing with the Stars,” will join Riggins. Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for members.

415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15: CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. (also runs April 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lantern Bay Park, 25511 Park Lantern Road). Experience California wine tasting at its finest and enjoy hundreds of the region’s premium vintage wines, microbrews, delicious food samples and lively music. Tickets are $69 to $185. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, VUE lawn, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. For more information, visit www.californiawinefestival.com.

Wednesday | 13

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

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

BARNOA WINE COMPANY PINOT TASTING 7:30 p.m. Compare pinots from all around the world. Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via

On Stage at the Coach House: Lindi Ortega SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C Lindi Ortega. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente Times April 7-13, 2016

anadian-born singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega released her latest album “Faded Gloryville” in August 2015 and is bringing her powerful voice to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on April 10.

Tickets for Lindi Ortega are $15. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m.

On “Faded Gloryville” Ortega uses her signature voice and country music-tinged arrangements to paint vivid pictures and scenes.

“I think my records in general are engaging because I write about things that we all face in the human condition. I just think people relate to music that comes from a real place and I always write from that perspective,” Ortega said.

Page 14

“Faded Gloryville” is Ortega’s fourth full-length album. Ortega has been nominated for two Polaris Music Prizes and two Canadian Country Music Awards.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. Dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

8 Dorchester, Laguna Niguel

MLS# OC16062126

Gorgeous Ocean Ranch Executive Home in prime location across from a park.

NEW FEATURES include paint, carpet, hardwood flooring, professional stainless steel kitchen appliances, soft-close Shaker kitchen cabinets, quartz counters in kitchen and bathrooms, master bathroom: tile, backsplash and fixtures, and Marvin windows downstairs. Formal living/dining room has hardwood flooring and two-story ceilings. Family room has backyard access and a fireplace.

Downstairs master suite with fireplace and en suite with tile flooring, separate tub and shower, dual sinks and a spacious walk-in closet. Inside laundry room with a utility sink. Upstairs bedroom with attached bathroom and plenty of storage. This home also has an attached 3-car garage, backyard patio with outdoor dining area, built-in BBQ, lush, mature landscaping and great curb appeal!

4 bedrooms • 2.5 bathrooms • 2,839 SF • Offered at $1,250,000 Gabe Smith, REALTOR #01704776 Harcourts U.S.A. Gabe.Smith@harcourtsusa.com www.GabeSmithRealEstate.com (949) 533-4490

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Lending a Hand

San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group 501(c)(3) Mission: To promote closer relations between the communities of San Clemente and Camp Pendleton Marine Base Primary Functions: Support Americans deployed overseas and family care for local Marine dependents

Carla Hogan recognized by state recreation, city for supporting Marines

Programs for Forward Deployed Socks for Heroes: Since May 2011 the program has shipped 417,000 pairs of socks to Marine and Army infantry units in Afghanistan during winters of 2012, 2013, 2014. It provides additional supplies such as coffee, food, energy drinks and more.

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

Gold Star mother and community leader in supporting active military personnel, San Clemente resident Carla Hogan was recently selected as a recipient of the Champion of the Community award for 2015 by the California Parks & Recreation Society.

Carla was also recognized for her efforts at Tuesday night’s San Clemente City Council meeting.

Carla and her husband, Jim, have been working with the Marine Corps since 2010. Carla started the San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group to send supplies to the United States Marine Corps 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, the division her son, Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, served. Donald was killed while deployed in Afghanistan in 2009.

“We were friends with the commanding officer, and we started putting together a real program because we realized it was pointless putting 10 pairs of socks into a priority box when there were 1,200 guys there who wanted the same thing,” Carla said.

When sequestration and budget cuts started affecting family activity on bases in late 2011, Carla said recreational activities for the spouses and families living on base were cut.

“The wives were a little upset because they were used to having things to do there,” Carla said.

To make up for the lack of activities on base for families, Carl said she started a surfing camp, working with JP’s Surf Camp, for the families to participate.

Operation Winter Comfort The program has shipped over 2,000 polar fleece blankets to U.S. Marine unites in Afghanistan during winters of 2012, 2013, 2014.

Carla Hogan, the founder of the San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group, holds her award from the California Parks & Recreation Society as one of the society’s Champion of the Community. Photo: Eric Heinz

“A lot of the families are from the Midwest or the East Coast and they can be a little afraid of the ocean,” she said. “So, I thought, ‘Well, at least I can get the kids out in the water and used to the ocean.’”

As the recreation opportunity ideas began to come, Carla said she started working with Pamela Passow, director of the city of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Department, to open recreation opportunities to the families of the Marines base.

“Pam really helped me walk through city government to find out who does what and who handles what,” Carla said.

“All the active-duty military families were made residents of San Clemente (for recreation), which basically cut all the costs of the recreation programs I have for the military, and I started writing grants for the families.”

A family living off the salary of a lance

corporal in the Marines could now afford to send their children to recreational summer camps, Carla said.

“They don’t even make minimum wage in California,” she said.

According to the U.S. Marine Corps, a lance corporal’s starting pay is $1,729 per month.

“Every year we try to do more,” Carla said. “One thing we’ve been trying to do more are swim days, and I think they’re grateful for the recreation classes.”

What Carla said she enjoys most of all through her volunteer work is hanging out with the Marines.

“They just never cease to inspire me,” she said. “It’s really made my world so much bigger, and I’m meeting people from all over the country and all over the world. In a way, it’s carried us through our grief over Donald, and it’s kept us close to the people he served with.” SC

San Clemente Recreational Grant Program SCMCSG provides grants to enable military families to take advantage of classes/camps provided through the city of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Department. Since 2013, the program has provided support for nearly 600 Marine Families and paid out $50,000 in grants Marine Corps Golf Program Free golf lessons for Marines and their families.

Support for Unit Deployments Proves food for deploying Marines and their families during the unit deployments and returns and provides meals for single Marines with no family presence during their return.

More Information: Visit www.scmcsg.org or www.facebook.com/scsupportusmc and www.facebook.com/socksforheroes for upcoming fundraisers and events.

SC LIVING

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

New Business KUMON TUTORING CENTER 801 Via Suerte, Suite 102, 949.492.8008, www.kumon.com Poonam Srivastava, the center director of Kumon Math & Reading Centers in San Clemente, recently opened a learning center that focuses on educational development by international standards.

Kumon is a franchise with locations in 49 countries. The organization has existed for more than 50 years, beginning in Japan.

“The goal is to have the students learning early enough so that within six months we can have them working at least a year or two years ahead of their grade level,” Srivastava said. “In terms of mathematics, we can take them as young as 2 or 3 years old and we go all the way up to multivariable calculus.”

Srivastava said they start with pre-reading skills and work up to Shakespearean plays.

“We work by the international standards,” Srivastava said. “It allows for stu-

dents to move from one center to another, if their family moves.”

The center focuses on mastery of one level of education before students move on to a higher level of education, different than typical education that teaches students a portion at each grade level.

“We want to make sure their foundation is so strong that when they get to higher level mathematics they’re focusing on the concepts and not missing things from earlier levels,” Srivastava said.

Angela Caudill’s business New Leaf Esthetics celebrates its first anniversary. Photo: Eric Heinz

One-Year Anniversary

Poonam Srivastava, center director of Kumon Math & Reading Centers of the San Clemente branch, said she has had children as young as 2 utilize her center.

Photo: Eric Heinz

NEW LEAF ESTHETICS 418 N. El Camino Real, Suite D 949.280.8788, www.newleafesthetics.com Since opening last year, New Leaf Esthetics has used organic products for beautification and skin care to propel itself as a fixture along El Camino Real.

“I would consider myself more of an organic or holistic esthetician; all my products are all-natural, gluten-free and no animal testing,” Caudill said.

Caudill said she mostly does facials and also waxing and eyebrow and eyelash tint-

ing. She graduated from school in 2007 and moved from Maui back to her hometown of San Clemente where she found a commercial space she shares with a massage therapist.

Most of the products she uses are Derma E and she will also be ordering products through Aesthetics Back Bar. Her services include peels for sun-damaged skin and anti-aging.

Caudill said because of Groupon and word-of-mouth marketing, she is now able to work at New Leaf full-time.

“This has been a great year,” Caudill said. “Skincare is my passion, and I love helping educate the community with skincare needs.” SC

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! 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

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

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

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

RESTAURANTS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

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

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

San Clemente, 949.366.8302

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

TERMITES

SC Pool & Spa Works

1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

REAL ESTATE

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

AUTOS FOR SALE 1975 VW BUS FOR SALE Recently renovated and garaged locally - perfect for weekend surf trips or as a daily driver. Asking $18,500.

Contact 949-355-8549.

FOR SALE QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Value $3,000 for sale for $800 OBO. Call 949-496-9541

GARAGE SALES NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE Saturday April 9th 8am-1pm. Above San Clemente High School. Exit Pico, turn right on Avenida Presidio.

Follow Signs to Huge Neighborhood Garage Sale.

MULTI-FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE Saturday, April 9 from 8a-1p. Above SCHS. Off Presidio, on Calle Dorado.

GARAGE SALE - APRIL 9, 7AM. Corner Empalme and Presidio, above SCHS – can’t miss! Two bikes with carry rack, 2 Honda generators, water play stuff, jacks, slow cooker, water fins, electric hedge trimmer large tent and much much more.

HELP WANTED SEASONAL PART-TIME BOAT YARD & MAINTENANCE HELP NEEDED (Dana Point Harbor). Weekends & holidays mandatory. Good customer service & handyman type skills.

Email Ken@danaharbor.com PART TIME OFFICE HELP NEEDED (Dana Point) Weekends & Holidays mandatory. Good customer service & computer skills. Email resume Laurie@danaharbor.com

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SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Health and Wellness by Susan Parmelee

Acknowledging the Awesomeness of San Clemente Youth

I

have had the opportunity to participate in several community activities recently that have included student volunteers and I have been very impressed with the amazing young people in our community. In addition to their challenging academic schedules and extra-curricular activities, they are also taking time to give back to the residents of San Clemente.

In early March, I attended the San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force’s Teen Violence Summit. A group of young women from San Clemente High School joined community professionals in a discussion about how violence affects youth. This was an eye-opening, wellarticulated discussion in which the adults got a glimpse of the struggles youth in a relatively safe community face. One of the main conclusions by the youth was that violence issues should be covered more extensively in school curriculum and there is a need for increased efforts in mental health outreach for high school students.

The following weekend I joined the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency (NCADD) for “attempted buys” of tobacco products in San Clemente.

Teens worked in pairs shadowed by adults to try and buy cigarettes at retail locations.

All of the locations in San Clemente were compliant and asked for ID to verify ages.

The activity affirms that San Clemente is a community that values the health and safety of their youth.

Did you know that many of our high school youth tutor and coach sports at the Boys & Girls Club? This is an invaluable service to the younger children in our community. They look up to and admire the high school kids and are challenged to impress their older peers. All while being safely supervised by the excellent staff and adult volunteers at the Club.

There is also a lot of good stuff happening on the high school campus, where the Best Buddies Club work’s one-on-one with

students who have developmental delays.

The Best Buddies Club plans special parties and fieldtrips for these students, and the shared experiences are beneficial to the entire group. The Associated Student Body also dedicates more than just class time, seeking ways to engage all of the students in activities that encourage school connectedness and a sense of belonging.

Youth representatives also participate in the Wellness & Prevention Coalition, which is exploring ways to help youth grow up healthy, strong and substance free. The Wellness & WELLNESS AND Prevention Coalition PREVENTION meets to strategize on

By Susan community prevention Parmelee initiatives for the city of San Clemente and is a federally funded drug-free coalition.

Youth engage in community service for a variety of reasons—including requirements for certain clubs, classes and special diplomas—however, what is evident is how good it makes them feel. Teens report they are overwhelmed and very stressed; however, service to others has been found to reduce their stress levels.

If your teen does not currently engage in some type of volunteer activity, encourage them to find somewhere that they are comfortable making a difference.

Susan Parmelee is a mental health social worker and one of the founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center, San Clemente.

She can be reached at susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SCTimes 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 SCTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares.

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult.

Level: Medium Page 32

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

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

Keenan Cleaver recorded nine. Kian Feiner recorded a team-high 41 assists in the win.

San Clemente will have had an entire week to wait for its April 12 match against first-place Tesoro. Tesoro (16-6, 3-0) is in the midst of a turnaround season and sit atop the league standings. The Titans finished last in the South Coast League last season.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Sears Picks up Offer From Northwestern, Frohner Commits

Out of the Ocean, Onto the Mound What senior pitcher Conner Dand did this offseason, and has been doing during the first several weeks of the San Clemente High School baseball team’s season, is not normal.

Dand grew up playing baseball in San Clemente Little League and played travel ball. He loved it, was good at it, and had a passion for it. But Dand’s other passion, surfing, began to take up more of his time as he got older.

When he reached eighth grade Dand decided to devote his time solely to surfing and chase the dream of turning professional. He has been a four-year member of the successful Tritons surf team and has competed in multiple circuits and events in the area like NSSA, WSA and Surfing America.

But when his senior year began, Dand decided he missed baseball and wanted to get back on the mound as a pitcher. He hadn’t picked up a ball to throw it seriously with conviction in four years when he reached out to Tritons head baseball coach, Dave Gellatly, asking for a tryout.

Never one to say no to the possibility of adding a new arm to the team, Gellatly set up a bullpen session for Dand. Gellatly and his assistants gathered around to see what Dand had to offer.

Dand, a lanky, 6-foot-2-inch grom fresh out of the ocean, flashed his athleticism, desire to compete and a fastball that was clocked at 80 mph.

“When he asked to come out and throw the ball around a little bit, you never say no. We all thought it would be a one-day thing,” Gellatly said. “But when we saw him throw we saw that he had some good arm action; he was a good athlete … he was throwing at 80 mph topping out. This isn’t something that happens very often.”

In four months Dand went from earning a spot on the team to becoming one of its chief contributors on the mound. He’s made four appearances—two as a starting pitcher—and has allowed only four earned runs in 13 2/3 innings. Dand’s best outing to-date was also his most recent. He threw six innings against Palos Verdes on March 26, allowing seven hits and two San Clemente Times April 7–13, 2016

After a four-year absence, San Clemente senior pitcher Conner Dand decided to return to the mound in 2016.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

I missed (baseball) and “I knew my arm would feel good so I wanted to see what I could do. It’s been fun. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s definitely worth it.

—Conner Dand

Conner Dand became an accomplished junior surfer and returned to baseball in 2016. Photo: Joe Foster

earned runs in an eventual 5-4 extra-inning victory.

Dand’s decision to come back to baseball came at the perfect time. The Tritons started the season with several injuries to players that figured to be in the starting rotation. Senior Tanner Brubaker, the Tritons projected No. 2 starter, has been nursing a knee injury and has thrown just two innings all season. Nathan Florio, a transfer from JSerra, has had to wait on the sidelines due to transfer eligibility requirements. The scenario has left the door open for competition.

Dand, along with sophomore Mike McGreevy and staff ace Andre Pallante, have all stepped up to lead the Tritons to a 10-3-1 overall record. Pallante tossed a complete game shutout against Mission Viejo on April 5 to improve the Tritons’ record to 2-1 in the Sea View League.

Dand’s progress on the mound has been exponential. He added weight to his frame and has a pitching repertoire that includes two types of fastballs, a changeup and a curveball. His fastball velocity has risen to 88 mph. Gellatly said Dand’s ceiling is

”

hard to measure because pitching at the high school level is still relatively new to him. The jump to 88 mph in four short months means his velocity could keep rising, Gellatly said.

Dand’s sudden ascension has caught the attention of collegiate programs, and he is interested in continuing his baseball career at the next level. Gellatly said a handful of junior college and four-year programs have reached out to him to hear about the budding pitcher.

Dand still surfs and plans on competing for the Tritons surf team at the upcoming NSSA Interscholastic Nationals in June.

All of the recent results have given Dand satisfaction in knowing he made a good call to return to the diamond.

“I missed (baseball) and I knew my arm would feel good so I wanted to see what I could do,” Dand said. “It’s been fun. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s definitely worth it.”

Volleyball Sweeps Wolverines As a final tune-up before a week’s hiatus from competition, the San Clemente boys volleyball team defeated Aliso Niguel in a nonleague match on March 31. The Tritons won the contest 25-15, 25-17, 25-21.

San Clemente (13-7, 2-1) was led by Jess Hunt’s 13 kills. Kyler Presho added 11, and

Page 34

San Clemente soon-to-be senior quarterback Jack Sears picked up an offer from Northwestern University while on an unofficial visit to the school on April 2, according to head coach Jaime Ortiz.

Sears now holds 14 offers. The Northwestern offer comes on the heels of an offer made to Sears by the University of Arizona on March 24.

Ortiz said that Sears was scheduled to visit Harvard, Boston College and Duke this week. Sears currently holds an offer from Boston College.

San Clemente all-league safety Andrew Frohner committed to play collegiately at California Lutheran University this week, according to Ortiz. Frohner was a major key in the Tritons’ secondary during his junior and senior seasons. In 2015, Frohner recorded 69 total tackles and a team-high four interceptions.

Devericks, Moreno Cap Off Wrestling Seasons Freshmen wrestlers Amara Devericks and Carolina Moreno capped off their inaugural seasons with the San Clemente girls wrestling team with strong postseason performances.

Devericks went 23-10 overall on the season, placing seventh in her division at the CIF-SS Championships and advancing to the CIF State Championships in late February.

Moreno placed sixth at the CIF-SS qualifying event in Tustin and advanced to the CIF-SS Championships.

Triton Soccer Players Earn All-League Honors San Clemente junior defender Braden Zines was named the South Coast League soccer season’s co-Most Valuable Player for the 2015-16 season. Zines shared the honor with Mission Viejo’s Michael Oakson.

Barrett Croft, Cameron Dickie, John Granados and Ben Giacobello were named to the all-South Coast League first team.

Juniors Rodrigo Ramirez and Michael Saba and senior Nima Amjadi were named to the second team. www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The San Clemente girls beach volleyball team began its inaugural run through competition in March.

Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SC GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL STARTS INAUGURAL SEASON The newly formed San Clemente girls beach volleyball team is off to a 1-2 start to its season competing in the Orange County Beach Volleyball League.

The team, which is made up San Clemente High School student-athletes, defeated Los Alamitos to earn its first win.

The San Clemente girls beach volleyball team includes: Hanna Farnsworth, Peyton Johnson, Kensie Lamar, McKayla Mear, Skylar Nelson, Katelyn Ostrander, Felecia Petrocelli, Ireland Ridell, Jessica Summers, Lindsey Waikle, Anna Ward, Gabby Wilson, Claire Wilson, and Malia Yim. The team is coached by Larry Mear, Tom Beard and Jen Beard.

HIGGINS NABS SPOT ON OLYMPIC SHOOTING TEAM San Clemente native and Air Force Academy cadet David Higgins has qualified for the 2016 United States Olympic shooting team and David Higgins will reprewill compete in the sent the United States in Olympic Games in the prone rifle competiRio this summer. tion at the 2016 Olympic At the 2016 U.S. Games. Photo: Courtesy Olympic Team Trails in Fort Benning, Ga. on April 4, Higgins made a move up the leaderboard of the men’s prone rile event in the late stages of competition. Higgins sat in third place after the first day of competition but recorded a career-best score (629.5) on the third day to place first overall. Higgins’ edged out three-time Olympic medalist Matt Eamons by 1.4 points to win the event.

Higgins represented the United States Page 36

at the 2014 World Championships in Spain, where he placed 24th overall. This is his first Olympic bid.

GARRETT NAMED HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY ATHLETE OF THE WEEK San Clemente native Peyton Garrett was named High Point University’s studentathlete of the week on April 4.

Garrett, a sophomore on the men’s lacrosse team, had a breakout performance in High Point’s 15-10 victory over Mercer on April 3. Garrett scored two goals, including the game-winner, tallied three points and recorded five ground balls.

Garrett tied or broke his previous careerbest marks in all three categories.

Garrett was a standout player for the San Clemente High School boys lacrosse team.

GOLF CLUBS BEING COLLECTED FOR MARINES San Clemente resident Don Glasgow is once again collecting new or gently used golf club sets and golf balls to donate to Wounded Warriors and military veterans returning from deployment.

Glasgow has collected over 800 complete sets of golf clubs and over 35,000 golf balls for Marines in recent years. Glasgow spends several months collecting the clubs and presents them in complete sets to the Marines at a charity golf tournament in June.

Glasgow handles pickups. To contact Glasgow, email him at donglasgow45@aol. com or call 949.481.0116.

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. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Big Wave Wonder

GROM OF THE WEEK

NICHOLAS “NICO” COLI

N

Greg Long up for two WSL Big Wave Awards

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente-based professional big wave surfer Greg Long is among this year’s nominees for the Surfline Best Overall Performance and Pure Scot Barrel of the Year awards at the upcoming World Surf League Big Wave Awards, set for Saturday, April 23, at the Grove Theater in Anaheim.

As the 2015/2016 WSL Big Wave World Tour champion, Long is considered on the “short list” for a win at the 16th annual WSL Big Wave Awards.

The Best Overall Performance Award is given to the male surfer with the most outstanding performances in the most venues, who also “demonstrates a high level of excellence in water safety leadership.” The award is voted on by a panel of judges and carries a prize purse of $15,000 for first place, $5,000 for second and $2,000 for third.

The Barrel of the Year Award carries a $10,000 prize for the winner and $4,000 to the photographer who captured the shot.

Long is nominated for a massive barrel ride in December at the Pe’ahi Challenge in Hawaii. Shots of Long taken by four photographers—Erik Aeder, Kelly Cestari, Richard Hallman, Paul Karaolides and Sofie

Greg Long is shown here accepting the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award for Ride of the Year. Long is nominated for two WSL Big Wave Awards this year: Best Overall Performance and Barrel of the Year. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Louca—are in contention Other categories include, the Ride of the Year, Paddle Award, Biggest Wave Award, Women’s Overall Performance and Wipeout of the Year.

Long was the Ride of the Year award winner in 2014, at the then Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards.

For more information, including a full list of nominees, visit www.worldsurfleague. com. SC

Meet the Mongoose April 9 at Baby Beach

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he seventh annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup is set for Saturday, April 9 at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor.

The Mongoose, Mickey Munoz, will be hosting the event, organized as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Sport of Kings Foundation, with proceeds benefitting craftspeople with diseases attributed to exposure to harmful chemicals during the surfboard manufacturing process.

The event offers everyone from beginners to professionals the opportunity to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, learn new skills and see the latest technology associated with the sport of SUP. The Mongoose Cup provides a great opportunity to immerse in paddleboard sports revelry, competition, culture and San Clemente Times April 7–13, 2016

community, said Munoz, adding that the event offers something for the entire family, most importantly the camaraderie of racing with friends and SUP professionals.

The day will feature individual SUP and prone races and relays for all ages, adaptive paddling instruction for athletes with disabilities, SUP yoga, skills clinics and the Waterman Expo with equipment demos and more.

Event registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

An awards ceremony will be held at 33:45 p.m. followed by an after party at Waterman’s Harbor Restaurant.

More information about the event, including a full schedule, can be found on the Mongoose Cup Facebook page and at www.sportofkingsfoundation.org. —AS

icholas “Nico” Coli, 13, of San Clemente returned Tuesday night from a spring break trip with Soul Surf to Oahu, Hawaii.

Traveling to try out new surfbreaks is a big part of what Nico wants to do on his quest for a professional surfing career. So when offered the opportunity to check out Oahu’s great waves with fellow groms, he jumped at the chance.

“It was the first time I’ve been to Hawaii and it was awesome,” Nico said. “It was so great to surf Pipe, Off-the-Wall, Haleiwa, Gas Chambers and Rocky Point. I am so stoked I got to go.”

When asked what his favorite surfbreak was a few weeks ago, he said, “Lowers.”

The same question on Tuesday brought a new answer: “Lowers and Pipe.”

Nico will spend the few final days of spring break getting ready for his Western Surfing Association event April 9–10 in Oceanside.

“I really need to focus as much as I can, watch the waves and make sure I choose the right board for the conditions,” Nico said. “I just need to put in the time. The more time you surf the better. It doesn’t matter if you started at age 3 or 10, the more hours you put in, the better you will be. So that’s what I’m doing. I am really hoping things go well for me the rest of the season in all of my events.”

In addition to WSA, Nico also competes in the National Scholastic Surfing Association Southwest Open Conference and Surfing America Prime. He is currently ranked No. 9 of 86 in WSA Boys U14, No. 10 of 29 in NSSA Southwest Open Boys and No. 9 of 26 in Surfing America Prime Boys U14.

“Right now I am really working on my

UPCOMING EVENTS April 9: Mickey Munoz Salt Life Mongoose Cup, Dana Point Harbor, Baby Beach April 9-10: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, makeup from March 12-13, Oceanside, South Harbor Jetty April 16: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 7, San Clemente, T Street April 16-17: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 7 and No. 8, Carlsbad, Ponto April 23-24: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, with make-up heats from event No. 6 and No. 7, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach April 23-24: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and No. 10, Huntington Beach, 9th Street May 7-8: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Camp Pendleton, DMJ May 14-15: WSA West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 19-22: NSSA West Coast Championships, Huntington Beach, Pier

Nico Coli. Photo: Soul Surf

air game,” he said. “Besides surfing a lot I am also training at DSC, working on core strength, balance and breath holds. I want to start doing pro junior events and traveling more. My ultimate goal is to win a world title someday.”

Nico is also dedicated to keeping up with his school work and is an A and B student in the seventh grade at Shorecliffs Middle School. When not surfing or studying, he enjoys hanging out with friends, skateboarding and fishing.

The highlight of his surf season so far, he said, was landing a big air at the Pismo Beach WSA event in November.

“I didn’t think I was going to land it, but I did,” Nico said. “It was pretty sick. I got an 8.50 right when I really needed a good score in the quarters. It was cool because in the photo my foot was completely off of my board but it landed right back in the right spot. I ended up losing in the semis. I was kind of mad and disappointed. It happens.”

Nico gives credit for his surfing success to the help of his supporters and would like to thank his sponsors—Hurley, Lost, Positive Vibe Warriors, Syck Trix, 1LAW, DSC and Filtrate—and his coach, Dave Post.

“I also want to thank my mom and dad for taking me to contests and coaching me,” he said. “They are awesome for always supporting me, believing in me and being there for me, win or lose.” —Andrea Swayne

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair Thursday: Fun, peaky blend of SSW and NW swell continues through the day. Most breaks through the region are in the knee - waist high zone, as standout combo magnets pull in sets up to chest+ high. Conditions look good with calm/variable to light offshore winds in the morning before trending to a light onshore flow for the afternoon. Note - high tide in the AM will slow some breaks down.

Outlook: Small combo of SSW and NW swells continue into the back half of the week with more knee-chest high surf at best exposed spots. Conditions start to fall apart going into the weekend as onshore winds rise up and a chance for rain for the region. Stay tuned and check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

June 4: Soul Surf Series, Championship, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach

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