May 5, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

May 5–11, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

Inside: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 18

50 Years of Cabrillo Cabrillo Playhouse celebrates a half century in its current location EYE ON SC/PAGE 9

From left, Linda Kerwood, John Hsiang and Usman Kahn act out at scene from “Tom, Dick and Harry,” playing at Cabrillo Playhouse.

The playhouse will celebrate 50 years at its current location on May 14. Photo: Eric Heinz

City Passes Three Ordinances on ShortTerm Lodging Units EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

New Event Center Coming to San Clemente This Winter SC LIVING/PAGE 32

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC Softball League Rebounds in Wake of Embezzlement Scandal SPORTS/PAGE 36

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week City Council Passes Three Short-Term Lodging Unit Ordinances THE LATEST: The City Council passed the first reading of three separate ordinances to address short-term lodging units (STLU) during its regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting. The ordinances pertained to zoning regarding all of San Clemente, the proposed Pier Bowl zones and the South El Camino Real and hospital zones.

Short-term lodging units are restricted to these areas, defined by the city as highvolume visitor areas, but a new definition, short-term apartment rentals, are allowed throughout the city. Homeowners associations and other governing residential areas still have authority to ban STLUs. Some of the significant changes to the zoning removes the proposed maximum and minimum days people are allowed to reside at short-term lodging units; allows owners two years to come into compliance; limits the density of STLUs to 20 percent of the zoned area’s units; and defines the difference between STLUs and other lodging entities in San Clemente.

For almost two hours at the meeting, dozens of people spoke in favor of the ordinance as a way to better locate vacation rentals and help quash problem STLUs; others spoke against the ordinance as it would deprive them of making a living either as an enterprise for retirement or additional needed income. Some opponents claimed the ordinance would open the city to unintended litigation.

The city estimates short-term lodging units bring in $400,000 to the city each year.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council also voted to revisit the STLU ordinance in 18 months to do a status evaluation and see if anything will need to be changed. The ordinances will go into effect 30 days after the second reading and final adoption.

All City Council members voted in favor of the ordinance except Councilwoman Lori Donchak, who said she had concerns about the California Coastal Commission authority, which sent a letter to the city that wasn’t received until late Tuesday. The city is in the middle of passing a Coastal Land Use Plan that could give the CCC more direction in governing STLUs within its jurisdiction. —Eric Heinz San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

Although the Sports Authority sign is still up at the Estrella Plaza Shopping Center, the company announced it will close 450 stores nationwide and that the proposed store in San Clemente may not be coming. Photo: Eric Heinz

State Senate Passes Resolution to Urge Federal Government to Pass Interim Nuclear Storage Bill THE LATEST: California’s State Senate approved a resolution Thursday to urge the U.S. Department of Energy to pass a bill that would allow for temporary interim storage of spent nuclear fuel at facilities away from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, a few miles south of San Clemente.

The Senate Joint Resolution presses the federal government to pass the Interim Consolidated Storage Act of 2016, supported by Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-Vista). Language in the bill requires areas that would take the nuclear waste to gain consent from the facility accepting it as well as the neighboring communities. Areas in Texas and New Mexico have been mentioned as possible storage sites.

A press release from State Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) stated the nuclear waste stored at the current facility is on or near earthquake faults.

A proposal to permanently store nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada fell through in 2009, and Southern California Edison, the majority stockholder of the nowdefunct power plant, obtained a permit last fall from the California Coastal Commission to store the spent nuclear fuel on-site.

WHAT’S NEXT: Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy John F. Kotek will attend the next Community Engagement Panel meeting, hosted by SCE, according to a press release on Monday from Issa’s office. Issa has been pushing for the Department of Energy to host one of its nuclear energy storage meetings since it began a national tour earlier this year.

—Eric Heinz

Sports Authority May Not be Coming to Estrella Plaza THE LATEST: The Sports Authority at Estrella Plaza, which was highly anticipated by many people in the Capistrano Beach area, may not be coming after the company announced Tuesday it will liquidate all of its stores. The decision comes after the company filed for bankruptcy in March and needed to pay off nearly $1 billion in debt.

Sue Jagodzinski, a development manager with Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties, said they are still anticipating Sports Authority to take the space but do not have any further details on the matter.

WHAT’S NEXT: Sprouts Farmers Market is still expected to open on May 11, and Stein Mart is expected to open sometime in September. T.J. Maxx opened April 24, and Ulta Beauty will host a grand opening on Friday, May 6. —EH

Local Schools Transitioning to Specialized Education Model THE LATEST: A group of local elementary schools are getting an educational makeover, following what Capistrano Unified School District is calling an “elementary schools reimagining process.” Principals from seven elementary schools, including R.H. Dana, attended the CUSD Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night to present their school’s new educational focus.

District staff said the reimagining process began by engaging stakeholders to determine each school’s educational focus and creating “three-year blueprints for

Page 3

implementation, a list of priority needs and a brand promise for the launch of their re-imagined school.”

Vital told the board that the process came from challenging conversations this year about how to reinvigorate under-enrolled schools in the district. She said the district believes investing in these schools will result in more families choosing these programs and returning to their neighborhood schools.

Local schools and their new focus include: R. H. Dana Elementary School, Science and Technology; Del Obispo Elementary School, College and Career Readiness/AVID; Kinoshita Elementary School, College and Career Readiness/ AVID; Lobo Elementary School, STEAM; Marblehead Elementary School, Environmental Studies.

R.H. Dana Principal Christina Portillo said the new R.H. Dana Science and Technology Academy will offer “a next generation science standards education, with a state-of-the-art technology experience.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The district’s policy regarding renaming the schools and potentially adding the word “academy” will go before the board on May 11.

—Allison Jarrell

City Manager Says Budget Increase Could Come to Fund Law Enforcement THE LATEST: During the Tuesday night San Clemente City Council meeting, various members of the public spoke out against what they’ve called an increase in crime in the city. Many of those who spoke said they’ve encountered an inordinate amount of homeless people who have committed crimes against them and it has affected their well-being. Much of their focus was on the passage of Prop 47, which limits law enforcement’s ability to issue arrests for drug possession and petty misdemeanor.

San Clemente Police Services Chief Lt. David Moodie said the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is still seeing the effects of the law and taking into consideration the concerns of the public. Moodie also addressed what speakers said were long response times, which he said depend on various circumstances. Councilwoman Lori Donchak said she wants to see a report on response times for different calls within the department.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager James Makshanoff said a $920,000 budget increase to fund another deputy, a crime specialist and two other positions within San Clemente has been proposed. The City will host its first budget meeting on May 24. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

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EYE ON SC

50 Years of Cabrillo Playhouse

Historical Achievements • June 11, 1966: Cabrillo Playhouse debuts at its current location. The event was televised by NBC’s Ray Duncan with scenes from “Bell, Book and Candle.”

Community theater still running strong after more than half a century

• 1978: Cabrillo Playhouse celebrates paying off its mortgage to the theater by burning the document.

• Theater President Bill Ray tenure: The playhouse raises $65,000 for the 1,400-square-foot addition to the home. Eventually a patio was added.

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

hat’s been called one of San Clemente’s best-kept secrets just celebrated 50 years at its current location, an old Ole Hanson-style cottage at 200 Avenida Cabrillo.

The Cabrillo Playhouse of San Clemente began in 1953 but moved to its current location in 1966. Since then, it has produced popular community theater in a variety of genres.

“They would put on plays anywhere in town, anywhere they could get a spot,” said Dianna Kelly, the Cabrillo Playhouse board of trustees president. “They accumulated money through donations and ticket sales. The city helped locate this property and helped facilitate the community players to buy it.”

Kelly said she was on the board of a community theater in Covina but moved to the San Clemente theater when she heard about it. When she joined the theater about 10 years ago, she said she really didn’t know anyone in town and the theater provided her a social outlet.

The playhouse is a nonprofit entity and recruits actors as well as holds open auditions.

“It’s been sort of an icon in San Clemente, and we’ve had good plays,” Kelly said. “We get great actors and good directors, and we’re able to fill our seats.”

The theater can accommodate 66 audi-

The veiled look of innocence is expressed by (from left) director Eric Modyman, Chris Egan and John Hsiang as Linda Kerwood scorns them during a scene from “Tom, Dick and Harry” at Cabrillo Playhouse. Photo: Eric Heinz

ence members at a time.

Kelly said the theater has operated for more than half a century due to the involvement of the public and people who support the shows.

“When it started, there were only 13 people running it and there were only 3,000 people living in San Clemente,” Kelly said.

“By the time they moved into this building, they had 130-some members. So a lot of people in town were participating in the shows. That, and it’s a fun place to gather.”

Theater historian Nancy Hyde said productions first took place outdoors or in grocery stores before the permanent location was acquired.

Sandra Weaver, the box office manager and office manager, said she enjoys getting to know the season ticket holders and seeing delight on patrons’ faces. The ones she’s become familiar with sometimes call her directly at home to reserve tickets, she said.

“I think this little house has always been a charm,” Lee Tilles, playhouse volunteer

Sandra Weaver, the Cabrillo Playhouse box office manager, awaits ticket holders on Friday, April 29, at Cabrillo Playhouse. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

• 1980s: Children’s theater is introduced to the playhouse but was discontinued in the late ’80s. The children’s theater later resumed with a sold-out performance of “Alice in Wonderland.”

• Circa 2008: Cabrillo Playhouse establishes a website.

Source: Cabrillo Playhouse Board of Trustees archives

Eric Modyman, director of “Tom, Dick and Harry,” reads a script backstage. Photo: Eric Heinz

coordinator, said. “People who come here for the first time comment on what an adorable little place it is.”

Tanya Johnson, a board member at-large, has been involved at the Cabrillo Playhouse for 16 years, starting as box office volunteer and then box office manager.

“My interest in theater goes back many years. I used to perform a lot in the Inland Empire, both musicals and plays,” Johnson said, adding that she directed many student productions at the elementary and middle school level and taught theater arts for nearly 20 years before retiring to San Clemente.

The theater has been able to expand over time. They celebrated a sort of financial freedom by burning the mortgage in 1978 (after paying it off). In 1989, they were able to add on a back room for prop storage.

The theater eventually added a patio for pre-show, intermission and after-show drinks and snacks.

History sometimes comes full circle.

The board members couldn’t remember her name, but said a 100-year-old woman visited the theater last year—the building was her childhood home.

Restaurants in town will cater during performance nights, and Kelly said some patrons plan their vacations and timeshares around the performance seasons.

The board’s community relations manager, David Leahy, manages a local bank and first became involved as a community service obligation to his position. Leahy said he

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For more information and casting calls, visit www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Casting calls are published four weeks in advance of each play, which runs for four weekends.

immediately enjoyed the community aspects of the theater and continues to support it.

In addition to day-to-day expenses, obtaining copyrights can be daunting for a small theater. Some of the more recent and popular plays can run as high as $20,000 to perform, Kelly said. Ticket sales and donations are the meat of the playhouse’s revenue. But lucky for the local arts scene, Cabrillo’s consistent quality and enduring reputation figure to be enough to keep the playhouse entertaining locals and visitors for years to come.

OTHER AND UPCOMING While six main plays make up the playhouse’s annual series, original scripts are sometimes premiered. One coming up is “The Bed,” a comedy about a bed that speaks in “a feminine voice,” Kelly said.

Children’s theater takes place during the summer, and the playhouse hosts concerts as well as stand-up comedy, cabaret, oneman shows and more.

Dirk Rodgers, the playhouse’s handyman, has been credited with a surprisingly spellbinding voice, board members said.

He will play the lead in an upcoming production of “Man of La Mancha.”

In June, the theater will get a bit of a makeover. The carpet will be replaced, the seats will be cleaned and the back three rows will be raised.

“We try to do something each year for upkeep because it is an old building,” Kelly said. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Monday, May 2 DISTURBANCE Avenida Rosa, 100 Block (6:03 a.m.) A man called police and told them his exwife was at his home and he wanted her to leave.

Sunday, May 1 DRUNK IN PUBLIC Paseo de Cristobal, 300 Block (6:14 p.m.)

Police were notified that four men were drinking Miller High Life.

DISTURBANCE Cantilena, 0 Block (5:57 p.m.) A man claimed his brother pushed him against the staircase and broke it. No weapons were found in the altercation, and the man who fell on the stairs refused medical treatment.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 200 Block (5:44 p.m.)

A 50-something man was seen in urinestained jeans and a red T-shirt urinating in a parking lot.

BRANDISHING A WEAPON Avenida Santa Margarita/El Camino Real (7:18 a.m.) A man in an Army green and black shirt was arrested after swinging a large machete near the Trestles Beach Pathway. The man was walking on the trail into San Clemente. An apparent acquaintance of the man was heard yelling for him to stop and come back.

TRESPASSING Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (5:58 a.m.) A homeless man with a beard that was asked to leave the area returned. A caller told police that the man wasn’t bothering anybody but “has been screaming.”

Saturday, April 30 DISTURBANCE Avenida Rosa, 100 Block (11:13 p.m.)

A woman called police after she arrived home and was surprised to find “hundreds of people at her residence.” It was later determined that her son had thrown a party.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Sacramento, 1500 Block (6:43 p.m.)

Police were notified when a man called in San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico, 900 Block (9:27 a.m.) Police took a call from a person who believed someone had taken the caller’s dog out while they were sleeping and “possibly poisoned it.”

to say his neighbor was chasing his son, who was riding a skateboard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico/Calle De Los Molinos (6:00 p.m.) A man told police that a man with a hat and a mustache had been following him the day prior and was following him again.

WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 200 Block (5:52 p.m.) A passerby picked up a man with a mustache who was lying on the sidewalk. The passerby called police and said he was worried the man was drunk and might get hit by a car.

9-1-1 HANG-UP Calle Dulcinea, 800 Block (4:56 p.m.) Police responded to a call from a woman who was screaming “There is a man” repeatedly before hanging up the phone.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 500 Block (4:06 p.m.)

A man called police to tell them his drunk girlfriend was hitting him and pouring his drinks on her. He also claimed the woman was taking pills, possibly Vicodin.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1800 Block (3:33 p.m.)

A red-haired homeless man with a purple duffle bag was seen demanding free coffee inside a business and was refusing to leave. The man allegedly was yelling and throwing down chairs.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES N. El Camino Real/Avenida Aragon (1:06 p.m.) Police were notified when a person saw three people in a gray sedan changing clothes in a church parking lot. The caller noted that the people in the car had “lots of backpacks,” and when they left the area in the car, the informant approached the area and “found numerous IDs.” DISTURBANCE Mariposa, 100 Block (7:31 a.m.) A woman heard footsteps on her roof and outside her window.

PROWLER Avenida San Diego, 100 Block (4:36 a.m.)

A man called police and told them his ex-wife was at his home and he wanted her to leave.

Friday, April 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Del Cerro, 100 Block (1:17 p.m.) A person called police after noticing their “roommates are trying to cultivate mescaline from a cactus.”

DISTURBANCE Calle Negocio, 1000 Block (11:27 a.m.) Police were notified of a man on the caller’s property allegedly smoking marijuana and drinking beer.

CITIZEN ASSIST Marquita, 200 Block (1:02 a.m.) A woman told police she believed there was something in her attic and that some of her medication was missing.

Thursday, April 28 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida De La Paz, 100 Block (8:06 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a man who was seen “walking around confused” and standing in the middle of the street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Del Mar, 100 Block (5:38 p.m.)

Police were requested to address a transient allegedly seen drinking a handle of vodka in the back lot of a building.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Optima, 0 Block (10:41 a.m.) A man reported that five water jugs were taken from his front yard and that his neighbor had a garden hose taken from their yard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Puente, 1100 Block (9:52 a.m.)

Police were notified of a man who had been seen at the location all morning and crying earlier. He was still there at the time of the call.

Wednesday, April 27 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT E. Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (12:47 p.m.) A dune buggy leaving a 7-Eleven parking lot turned over on its side.

People reportedly tended to the driver, and it was unknown if he or she were injured.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Sacramento, 1500 Block (8:21 a.m.) A patrol check was requested by a woman who saw a man in a black beanie and green pants asleep on her neighbor’s patio. The man allegedly left on a bike.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Poniente, 200 Block (2:38 a.m.) A man woke up to find his friend’s 6-foot-5 flannel-wearing ex-boyfriend inside his house. The man was able to get the ex-boyfriend outside.

Tuesday, April 26 BATTERY REPORT Calle Maravilla, 0 Block (8:06 a.m.)

A woman who lives in a highly secured gated facility told police that a man approached her, asked who she was and served her papers. Police say the woman now wants to report battery because she says the man threw the papers at her.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, MAY 7

Free Vision Workshop

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The vision workshop aims to help people harness life’s purpose and prosperity. Center for Spiritual Living, 1201 Puerta Del Sol, www.donnabond.com, donna@donnabond.com.

Free Paper Shredding

9 a.m. to Noon. Bring all papers containing sensitive information, especially account numbers, social security numbers and birth dates. This is a community service by Tarbell San Clemente Agents. 933 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.812.9990.

TUESDAY, MAY 10

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.

Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission will host its regularly scheduled meeting.

100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Special BILY Meeting

7 p.m.-8 p.m. StopB4UStart will give a presentation at the regular meeting of Because I Love You, a group to help parents manage their children’s behavior. The presentation will focus on prevention and recovery of drug and alcohol abuse. San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida De La Estrella, www.stopb4ustart.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

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 VFW Post 7142 Meeting

7 p.m.-8 p.m. VFW Post 7142 meets the second Wednesday of every month. Prospective members are invited to join the meeting. Elks Lodge, 1505 N El Camino Real, 949.464.8391, www.vfw7142.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Opens at the Outlets

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza will open a new South Orange County location in San Clemente on Thursday, May 5. The grand opening will feature free build-your-own pizzas on Friday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to anyone who follows Blaze Pizza on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. The restaurant is located at the Outlets at San Clemente, 225 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, next to AT&T.

Valero to Donate 1 Cent to Foundation for Every Gallon of Gas Bought in May Valero Gas Station is donating 1 cent for each gallon of gas sold in May to the Friends of San Clemente Foundation. The gas station is located at 504 Avenida De La Estrella, right off the southbound Interstate 5 at Avenida Palizada.

Last year, Valero raised more than $2,400 for the Friends of San Clemente, which helped support many community recreational programs, according to Foundation President Peggy Vance.

For more information about the Friends of San Clemente, visit www.friendsofsanclemente.org, on Facebook, on Twitter or call 949.276.8866.

San Clemente High School Educational Foundation Annual Fundraiser May 21 San Clemente High School Educational Foundation’s 13th annual fundraiser is May 21 at Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club.

The event supports a group dedicated to enhancing the education of all students at San Clemente High School. The event will feature a cocktail hour with Trevor Green and a silent auction, a live auction and a dinner, followed by dancing to live music

by Bunch of Guys. Tickets are $150. Visit www.schsef.org to purchase tickets or email scef@cox.net for more information.

Metrolink $3 Station-toStation Fare Could End in June In January, Metrolink launched a sixmonth pilot program for a $3 “Stationto-Station” fare. While the pilot program showed significant interest from riders, it resulted in revenue loss for the agency. It is scheduled to end on June 30.

After a public hearing on May 13, the Metrolink Board of Directors is expected to consider and take action on the fare policy at its regularly scheduled board meeting. All proposed fare policy changes could become effective as early as July 1.

Metrolink’s Board of Directors would also have the option of making no change on May 13, allowing the $3 “Station-toStation” fare pilot program to expire on June 30, with fares reverting back to prepromotion levels.

In April, the Metrolink Board of Directors opened public comment for the proposed fare restructuring. One proposed option would discount short-distance regular fares and offset a decrease in revenue by increasing some longer-distance fares by 25 cents per trip (or 50 cents for trips more than 100 miles). In this scenario, the change in the cost of monthly passes could range from an $84 reduction to a $7 increase.

A second proposed option would decrease short-distance regular fares, leaving longer-distance fares unchanged with no fare increase for passengers. For the second option, the revenue loss would be offset through possible increases in public agency subsidies.

The $3 “Station-to-Station” fare pilot program is only available to one-way and round-trip ticket holders. The proposed fare changes will make the reduced shortdistance fares available to all riders, including monthly pass holders.

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

Deadline to Register for San Clemente Art Contests is May 25

A collection of photography produced by San Clemente High School student Ally Stay was recently recognized by the National Parent Teacher Association. Stay won the Award of Excellence. Photo: Courtesy of Ally Stay

More information and feedback is available at www.metrolinktrains.com/ecomments. Comments can be mailed to One Gateway Plaza, Floor 12, Los Angeles, CA 90012, or faxed to the attention of “Metrolink fares” at 213.452.0421.

SCHS Student Wins National Award for Photography Ally Stay of San Clemente High School recently won the highest award achievable in the National Parent Teacher Association’s Reflections contest. She was given the Award of Excellence for her photos in the Dance Choreography category. This school year, nearly 300,000 students in more than 8,000 schools across the country and in U.S. schools overseas contributed their original works in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts to be considered for the awards, according to a press release.

This summer, the National PTA will

recognize the collective accomplishments of the honorees during the National PTA Awards and Reflections Celebration on Saturday, July 2, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. All Award of Excellence winners will receive a $200 Young Artist Scholarship, a silver medallion and certificate, and recognition in the traveling art exhibit and online gallery.

All award-winning works will be revealed at the National Art Exhibit Opening Ceremony at the U.S. Department of Education on Jan. 10, 2017, in Washington D.C. “I love all the arts,” Stay said via email.

“I’m able to express myself through creativity in this program. Ever since elementary school, I’ve loved trying to bring to life whatever that year’s theme is.

I am shocked and incredibly honored to represent San Clemente High School on a national level. It feels amazing to be recognized for a passion. I’m extremely thankful that my school has volunteers to keep the Reflections Program going. It’s so important for kids to let their imagination fly.”

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The San Clemente Art Association will award $13,000 cash to various winners of the Fine Art Competition running in June.

The contest takes place June 18–25 with awards given out at the gala celebration held the night of June 25. Full information packets will go out to participants following receipt of entry forms and registration fees. There are several levels of competition, and entry fees differ per level.

San Clemente Art Association members entrance fees: Plein Air Competition, $50; Quick-Draw Competition, $40; Two-day outdoor artist exhibit and sale, $25. Non-members: Plein air competition, $60; Quick-draw competition, $40; Two-day outdoor artist exhibit and sale, $30.

Artists compete for cash and honors in this judged Fine Art Competition in the California plein air tradition, where they are free to paint anywhere outside throughout San Clemente and San Onofre. Only artwork completed during the week of the actual event “en plein air” will be considered for judged competition. No studio work will be accepted for this event. Contact Pam Hill at the San Clemente Art Association for more information at 949.369.0260 or visit www.paintsanclemente.com.

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

EYE ON SC

San Clemente City Councilwoman Lori Donchak spoke to the Orange County Emergency Medical Care Committee on April 29 about why the hospital is important to residents of the city. Photo: Eric Heinz

Closure Looms County report on San Clemente hospital sent to CDPH

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

fter hearing testimony from dozens of San Clemente residents, the Orange County Emergency Medical Care Committee members said there are more issues to examine regarding the closure of the city’s only hospital, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

On Friday, April 29, people spoke about why the hospital is so important to them, San Clemente and South Orange County— the next closest facilities are in Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo—and shared their own experiences with the hospital.

The county sent an emergency impact report to the California Department of Public Health on Tuesday outlining the statistics of the area and the testimony from public speakers. However, the hospital is expected to close May 31.

Committee members said after listening to the testimony of the public speakers, MemorialCare, the hospital’s network, has not seemed interested in continuing hospital operations.

“Our draft needs to be flushed out to reflect the testimony we’ve heard today,” committee member Dr. Samuel Stratton said.

The Orange County EMCC is required by the health code to put together an emergency services impact report when hospitals close. The report is then sent to the California Department of Public Health for evaluation. After that, the department will reply to the county with its findings. But because Saddleback Memorial Medical Center is a private, nonprofit entity, the report may not have any effect on it closing at the end of the month.

In April, MemorialCare sued the city after the City Council passed a zoning ordinance resolution that hospital officials thought was too restrictive on its operations and would deter other health care providers from purchasing the hospital.

Hospital officials and those who are advocating for keeping it open said potential buyers have been located and contacted, but the names of those entities have not been released. SC

An 82-year-old man, who said he emigrated to the United States years ago, is helped to the podium to speak about his need for a hospital and emergency room in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

Page 12

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Mayor Bob Baker

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@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 18. 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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San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

California Operation Lifesaver to Aid Train Quieting

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he city of San Clemente is proud to partner with California Operation Lifesaver to raise rail safety awareness. Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit, public education and information safety program dedicated to educating people on how to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities along railroad right-of-ways and at highway/rail crossings. Operation Lifesaver’s Sara Logan provided an informative presentation to our City Council at our April 19 meeting, which can also be found on the city website at www.san-clemente.org.

Last Thursday, the city installed banners to promote rail safety at the highly populated Pier Bowl parking/Pier area and the North Beach parking lot. The banner reads: “See Tracks? Think Train.”

On Friday, the city of San Clemente joined Operation Lifesaver, Orange County Transportation Authority, Amtrak, Metrolink, the Federal Railroad Administration and BNSF Railway for two hours of educational outreach to local businesses along Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real, delivering posters and drink coasters for their customers promoting the rail safety message.

With the impending use of the Audible Warning System (AWS), which will take the place of routine sounding of train horns along San Clemente’s coast, the city will be increasing its commitment to raising awareness and improving public safety

on and around highway-rail grade crossings and tracks through public education.

As a condition of the Federal Railroad Administration’s train horn waiver, the city installed more than 2,000 feet of fencing along a portion of the Coastal Trail in order to be able to activate the AWS and quiet the train horns. There are a few more steps the city must take before the train horn waiver can become effective. The plan is to complete all actions so that routine CITY COUNCIL sounding of train horns CORNER will stop by Memorial

By Bob Baker Day weekend. It’s been a marathon getting to this point, but the city will finally deliver on its promise to the community to enhance rail safety and reduce sound impacts for all residents and visitors. Stay tuned for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which I personally look forward to attending.

The city will continue to work with our regional rail partners to eliminate random crossing at unmarked areas along the rail right of way. Although passive signs and active traffic control devices are installed along the train tracks and at grade crossings, it is critical that pedestrians and motorists remember they need to be

constantly aware of the trains. We need to avoid trespassing on tracks, or the quiet we will enjoy from no train horns can easily be revoked by the controlling agencies.

Even if you think it is OK to cross the train tracks if a train is not coming, think again.

The only safe place to cross tracks is at a designated crossing, and to do otherwise is plain dangerous. Remember, when you see railroad tracks, always think train!

I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Please mark your calendars for San Clemente’s annual remembrances of those who died in service of our great country. On Monday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to noon there will be a Memorial Day ceremony at the Community Center, and at 2 p.m., a ceremony at the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi, which will include a special tribute to the late Al Ehlow, retired San Clemente Police Chief and U.S. Marine.

I always enjoy hearing from our residents and can be reached at bakerb@ san-clemente.org or 949.361.8322.

Bob Baker is the Mayor of San Clemente.

He also served as Mayor in 2013. SC

Letters to the Editor

have no option because you only vote for your council member. The same principle applies to levels of municipal service.

Your district can be given a lower level of any city service in order to increase those services in other districts. We could describe various scenarios to demonstrate the problems of district representation but will leave those exercises to others.

The most typical reason district elections are supported and approved is to provide the opportunity for a diversity of minority representation. However, in these circumstances the same criticisms can be applicable. San Clemente does not have a need for such diversity.

Please retain the current at-large system of elections.

arts students—dance, drama, vocal and instrumental—of a few things. First, the architect-driven district master plan calls for, in this order, double-decker portables constructed on the Pico Field to relocate freshman, athletic practice fields built on the upper campus, a swimming “complex” built on the football practice field, then a performing arts center located where the current “arts building” (700) and swimming pool are. You can do the math to figure out how long this will take, and if funding will still be available down the road. This occurs after money has been spent over the past years to install artificial turf on the football field, a world-class surface on the track, a second gymnasium and a coaches’ office and boys and girls locker rooms next to the pool. All the while, the award-winning performing arts programs have performed in a 50-yearold cafeteria, battling electrical outages, a sagging stage, roof leaks, mildew and rats, not to mention vision-impaired, singletiered seating.

As a former long-time coach, I know the value of athletics. But as a former dance team adviser, I fully understand the value (Cont. on page 14)

KEEP AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS LOUIS AND NANCY SHEPARD, San Clemente

We have lived in San Clemente since June of 1999. We could not be happier in this wonderful city close to a complete variety of great activities. We travel outside the United States about twice a year and have an interest in the form and manner of national and local government in each country. Before San Clemente, we lived in quite a number of different cities throughout California including several that elect city council members by district.

We support the current method of election of the entire city council by the entire electorate, where each council member is accountable to every voter. With a district-only election, council members from outside your district have the ability to approve land uses that are not acceptable to you and your neighbors, and you

TIME FOR SCHS ARTS TO TAKE FIRST PLACE MIKE CONLON, San Clemente

According to the San Clemente Times, SCHS Principal Chris Carter said that “new classrooms will come in 2017 to accompany the upper campus, a performing arts center and a 50-meter pool.” I just want to alert all the parents of performing

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

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 13) of the arts, both in the performance and the enlightened enjoyment. I know there is a sympathetic ear on the City Council to consider sponsoring a joint-use performing arts facility on the high school grounds for all city-wide gatherings and performances. I just hope that the parent groups supporting all the performing arts keep a vigilant eye on district plans and insist that the time is now, not later, for a first-rate performing arts center on campus.

DOCTORS SHOULD BE ON-SITE AT SOBER LIVING HOMES DAVID LEES, San Clemente

As a longtime—32 years-plus—San Clemente resident who has enjoyed the safety of living here until I suffered two break-ins during the past year, I have a question about sober living homes: If addiction is a disease—and that claim apparently triggers the extraordinary protections afforded to sober living homes by the Fair Housing Act—then why isn’t a doctor or nurse on hand at each home?

And if addiction is not a disease, then why are these homes any different than short-stay rentals and therefore subject to the same regulations?

Just asking why sober living homes can have it both ways.

ISSUES IN SAN CLEMENTE WERE MISREPRESENTED IN LETTER JERRY COLLAMER, San Clemente

With great interest, I read Steve Pezman’s excellent reply to Peter Cassimatis’s curious letter to the editor in the April 21 edition of the San Clemente Times, where San Clemente residents are roundly criticized for taking continuing public action on matters critical to sustaining quality of life issues here in our village by the sea.

Regarding the ridicule of DeRail the Rail, should we have preferred double tracking along San Clemente’s coastline, doubling the number of trains (and train horns) all hours day and night? No conscious San Clemente resident could ever want that.

It was stated Rib Traders restaurant was run out of town and was replaced by a “postage-stamp”-sized Ralphs.

“Two pounds of baloney, please.”

There are six, large-chain grocery stores, and one petite grocery store within SC city limits. And a Costco a few miles north. Take your pick when searching your favorite secret sauce.

There were barbs launched in the letter aimed at the long-defunct, North Beach non-development dust-up: plunking a view-blocking, beach-close, two-story bar/ restaurant where it needn’t be.

Thanks to San Clemente’s conscious activists, isn’t it?

The Poche Beach’s recycling system was next. Poche’s problems begin far upstream, involving a landfill, upstream residents overwatering, a golf course that San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

PUBLISHER’S LETTER: By Norb Garrett

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, May 6 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

Investing in our Future

I

The next Beachside Chat will host Matt Cortina, the new managing editor of Picket Fence Media, who oversees the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch. 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.

could do more and bird poop at water’s edge.

The remedy is a falcon. Poche is no longer Orange County’s worst thanks to the falcon.

Regarding San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, SONGS was shuttered due to leaky, radioactive pipes. Edison ran the numbers and decided it was too costly to fix, permanently closing SONGS. So what propaganda?

The letter stated the City Council muffed the hospital deal. Fact: City Council wants the hospital and its ER. The letter addressed the Nixon Library Plan that came with 1,700 homes, removal of the beach bluffs and all habitat.

At least with the Outlet Mall and the multi-million dollar homes being built there, we now have a public, ocean-view bluff trail network, with parks, and protected habitat beyond compare, open to everyone.

The letter blamed weekend I-5 traffic on the lack of a toll road and privileged local surfers for stopping a toll road to Trestles.

Privileged local surfers? Trestles is a global surf spot known around the world.

Every surfer who surfs Trestles, San Onofre and San Clemente are privileged.

Surfers all know that, and respect that privilege. The toll road was a terrible idea on so many levels, there’s not space here to state them all, but if you ever want to have coffee, I’ll explain them to you. But here’s one, a toll road here would do nothing to ease I-5 traffic. In fact, it would have made I-5 traffic worse.

People should feel privileged to live in a town whose residents fight to keep San Clemente the wonderful place it is.

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

Correction: In the print edition of the April 28-May 4 edition of the San Clemente Times, the month the 191 and 193 bus routes will be discontinued was incorrectly stated. They are planned to be discontinued in October.

t gives me great pleasure to introduce our new Group Managing Editor, Matt Cortina. As our businesses continue to grow, I felt it was important that we add an editorial leader who can help drive our content growth efforts across all platforms—print, web, social and video.

Matt comes to us from New Jersey via Colorado, where he most recently served as Senior Editor at Boulder Weekly. But he’s no stranger to our area—in fact his wife and her family are from San Juan Capistrano, and he is very familiar with the beach city communities that comprise Picket Fence Media’s coverage area.

Not only will Matt be driving editorial strategy and working with our city editors at San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch, but he’ll also

Matt Cortina. Photo: Eric Heinz

be writing often and working with our Associate Publisher, Lauralyn Loynes, on new projects.

Please join me in welcoming Matt to our beautiful communities, and feel free to reach out to him directly at mcortina@ picketfencemedia.com. SC

Allison Jarrell, Steve Breazeale and Andrea Swayne. Photo: Eric Heinz

Picket Fence Media Takes Five Journalism Awards

BY MATT CORTINA, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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wo Picket Fence Media newspapers—Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch—won five awards in the Better Newspapers Contest, run by the California Newspaper Publishers Association (CNPA), for stories written last year.

The awards were handed out at a CNPA convention in San Francisco on April 30, where top newspapers and other publications from across the state gathered to honor the best in journalism in 2015. To ensure fair competition, newspapers were split into weekly and daily categories, then split again into circulation groups.

Allison Jarrell, editor of The Capistrano Dispatch, won first place in the Coverage of Education category for her story, “A Call for Equality in the Classroom.” The story examines the Capistrano Unified School District’s nondiscrimination policy through the lens of a transgender student, Sid. Also winning first was sports editor Steve Breazeale, who won for Sports

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Feature Story with his piece that ran in the Dana Point Times, “Speeding Down the Path.” Breazale’s story profiled a Dana Hills High School baseball player who was uncannily good at stealing bases, and sought out where the student-athlete acquired such a unique skill set.

Dana Point Times editor Andrea Swayne won a second place prize in Environmental Reporting for her story, “Is El Niño Rolling Out a Red Carpet?” The story looked at the phenomenon of tuna crabs washing up on local shores in droves and examined the possibility that warm waters from El Niño were the cause.

While it hasn’t yet been formally announced, CNPA has indicated that two Dispatch stories from Allison Jarrell will be honored. Jarrell’s story, “Getting Louder,” about a local melanoma survivor raising cancer awareness, will win third or fourth place in the Profile Feature category.

And her story, “Giving a Hand Up,” about a local woman who helps the homeless population, will be honored in the NonProfile Feature category. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 05 SAN CLEMENTE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 7 p.m. A day of solidarity with churches nationwide. Heritage Christian Fellowship, 190 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.361.1022, www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

DUSTIN FRANK 7–10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

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

‘A NIGHT OF CHEKHOV’ 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Department of Theatre Arts presents A Night of Chekhov, April 29–May 7, in the Studio Theatre. Directed by Olivia Trevino, audiences will enjoy six of the Russian playwright’s hysterical farces. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 seniors, $10 students. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback. edu/arts.

Friday | 06 HI-CALIBER HORSE RESCUE BENEFIT 5 p.m. A night of food, music and auctions to benefit Hi-Caliber Horse Rescue. The Essentials Band will perform, and there

will be a cash bar, buffet dinner and dancing. Must be 21 or older. Tickets are $50 in advance, $75 at the door and $90 for a couple. Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant, San Clemente, 855.480.4247, www.hicaliberhorseshoe.eventbrite.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

‘TOM, DICK AND HARRY’ 8 p.m. What happens when you’re trying to do right and everything goes wrong?

Find out when the Cabrillo presents, “Tom, Dick and Harry.” This is a story of three brothers, two of which are trying to help the third, Tom, and his wife adopt a baby. In trying to help them make a good impression on the woman from the agency, a series of mishaps create a string of unbelievable farcical events that are a comedy lover’s dream. The play opens Friday, April 15, and runs through Sunday, May 8. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 07

Photo: Courtesy of Barry Haun

OCEAN FRIENDLY GARDENS EVENT 9 a.m.–noon. Surfrider Foundation South OC Chapter and Capo Cares host a free, all-ages event. Talk titles include “Ocean Friendly Gardens and Our Micro Climate,” “Everything You Wanted to Know About Monarch Butterflies” and “Learn How to Grow Food with Almost No Water.” A succulent swap will also be held. Bring succulent clippings to trade or donate with neighbors. Christ Lutheran Church, 33522 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente. RSVP to capocares@gmail.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano dancers perform at a San Juan tree lighting ceremony. Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, MAY 7: OUTLETS TO HOST FIESTA DE MAYO Noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, mariachis, Ballet Folklorico, a free salsa dance lesson and an exclusive tasting in the VIP Lounge in partnership with Libre Tequila and Dos Equis, benefiting the San Clemente Woman’s Club. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, 949.535.2323, www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

THURSDAY, MAY 5: “TREASURES” EXHIBIT OPENS AT SHACC 11 a.m. “Treasures,” an historic surfboard exhibit, will feature surfboards from the personal collection of John Mazza, surfing aficionado and Malibu resident. The boards represent the evolution of surfing and surfboard technology in the 20th century with examples ranging from the 1910s to the 1980s. Many of Mazza’s surfboards are a part of the Pepperdine University Special Collections and University Archives’ Malibu Historical Collection. The exhibit runs through July 30. 110 Calle Iglesia, Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, San Clemente, 949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.

BACKYARD BEEKEEPING 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Join The Ecology Center for a workshop that explores the lifecycle of honeybees, their importance to the environment’s health, and the equipment and skills needed to start beekeeping at home. All attendees will receive informational handouts to complement the subjects covered in the workshop. A few samples of honey will be available to taste from The Ecology Center’s network of allnatural beekeepers. $30 for members, $40 for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

SIXTH ANNUAL KENTUCKY DERBY HAT PARTY 1 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and the Regency Theatre present the sixth annual Kentucky Derby Hat Party. The event includes hat judging at 2:30 p.m., a parade of horses at 3 p.m. and a 3:15 p.m. live screening of the Run for the Roses. A special screening of the film The Black Stallion will follow the race. Doors open at 1 p.m. for the pre-race party. A special derby menu will be served at Rick’s Café. Tickets are $20 before May 7 or $25 on the day of the event and can be purchased at the Regency Theater or online at www.regencymovies.com. For more information, visit www.sjcec.org.

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Sunday | 08 MOTHER’S DAY WALK 8 a.m.–10 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a fun discovery walk down Gato Road to visit the Sister and Mother Oaks and celebrate the beauty of spring’s revival in the great outdoors.

Ages 8 and up. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Talega Trail in San Clemente (The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy), call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT BRIO 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. When mom says not to fuss, she’s just testing you. Treat her to Mother’s Day Brunch at Brio, featuring a salad bar, Italian specialties, à la carte menu and champagne specials. Dinner reservations from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. are also available. Brio Tuscany Grille, 24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

Monday | 09 MUMMIES OF THE WORLD EXHIBIT 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition (Cont. on page 28) www.sanclementetimes.com

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, the San Clemente Times is proud to present...

10 Weeks of Giveaways!

Here’s the scoop…

Just send us an email describing why you LOVE the SC Times.We will select a winner each week for 10 weeks!

Send email to: contest@sanclementetimes.com and tell us why you LOVE the SC Times. Include your name and phone number.

Winners will be featured each week from 4/7/16-6/9/16.

Our next prize package includes: • A Gift Card to Iva Lee’s • Custom “knock-your-socks-off” SC Times Stance socks • Awesome SC Times swag

Congratulations to this week’s winners Dusty and Nicole Davis and family!

The Davis family took home a haircut for Mom from The Sanctuary, SC Times Stance socks and a goody bag of snacks for their road trip!

“

It’s simple really. We love the SC Times for the same reasons we love San Clemente. It’s a true beach town that prides itself on all things ‘local’—the restaurants, family-owned businesses that line Avenida Del Mar, festivals, schools and the families all make SC the greatest town in the U.S. And the only way we stay up on all that our town has to offer? We read about it in the SC Times!

Thank you!

”

MLS# OC16048192

13 Via Buen Corazon, San Clemente Turn-key executive residence in the sought after Cazadero neighborhood of Talega. Boasting 3,990 square feet of fine living, this generous floor plan offers a total of 5 bedrooms and 4-1/2 baths.

There is a main floor guest suite with its own private bath. This impressive residence features custom draperies, built-ins, a gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel Thermador appliances, walk-in pantry, as well as informal and formal dining areas. Large family room off the kitchen with fireplace. There is abundant storage all throughout. The wrought iron staircase leads you to the upper level where you will find 4 additional bedrooms and a large open space loft area. The master bedroom has a private retreat area with a dual-sided fireplace and private balcony to enjoy views of the backyard.

The master bath is impressive with a magnificent walk-in shower with dual shower heads, jetted tub, his and her vanities and walk-in closets. Convenient upstairs laundry room.

Three car attached garage with built-in storage and direct access. Covered patio off the kitchen leads you to the well-maintained backyard. Fantastic cul-de-sac location and walking distance to local award-winning schools, dining and outdoor activities.

5 bedrooms • 4.5 bathrooms • 3,990 SF Irlanda Swarthout BROKER ASSOCIATE, BRE#01786446

HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty www.irlandaswarthout.com DIRECT: 949.310.4818

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 16) 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 about the exhibit can be found at www.mummiesoftheworld.com. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.567.3600, www.bowers.org.

BRIDGE AT SENIOR CENTER 1 p.m. If you are an intermediate-level bridge 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, San Clemente, 949.940.5702, www.san-clemente.org.

Tuesday | 10 DROP-IN COLORING CLUB 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Relax, de-stress and re-center in the coloring club for adults.

Coloring pages and coloring supplies will be provided, or you can bring your own.

No cost to participate. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente Library, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

21-DAY PURIFICATION CLEANSE CLASS 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Learn to detox, look great and feel great with naturopathic doctor

Helene Pulnik. Free class is based on a 21-day plant-based cleanse. Space is limited. Call to register. Helene Pulnik, ND, Pacific Coast Naturopathic Health, 24865 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.416.4670, www.naturopathicwellness.com.

At the Movies: Re-plan ‘Mother’s Day’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

B

y now it should be pretty clear how the Garry Marshall romcom formula works. And I’m not talking about his classics—good ones like The Flamingo Kid (1984) or Pretty Woman (1990)—but the generic, cornball rom-coms like Valentine’s Day (2010) and New Year’s Eve (2011). Get some of the most recognizable movie stars in Hollywood (most of whom have worked with Marshall before), some saccharine dialogue, cheesy direction, and you have it. Marshall’s new film Mother’s Day is no exception, but it’s somehow even less watchable than its predecessors.

In Atlanta, Georgia, the weekend of Mother’s Day, Sandy (Jennifer Aniston) discovers that her ex-husband Henry (Timothy Olyphant) has married younger woman, Tina (Shay Mitchell). Meanwhile, single father Bradley (Jason Sudeikis) is trying the dating scene a year after becoming a widow. Local celebrity Miranda (Julia Roberts) is in town on a book tour, and sisters Jesse (Kate Hudson) and Gabi (Sarah Chalke) are dreading their parents

Wednesday | 11 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, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

SCIENCE NIGHT 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Learn about current science-related topics in a family-friendly format. Science Nights generally include hands-on activities, speakers and/or displays. This month’s talk is titled “The Rare and Threatened Western Snowy Plover.” For more information, call or email dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org.

Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org, 949.248.3527.

OPEN ARTIST STUDIO 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Open Artist Studio is a three-and-a-half-hour open classroom for artists of all media. Ages 16 and up. The studio is open on Wednesdays. SC Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

UPCOMING EVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 12: HCG MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM CLASS 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Learn how to lose up to 30 pounds in 30 days with HCG. Free class discusses the use of prescription HCG for safe, medically supervised, fast and effective weight loss. Space is limited. Call to register. Helene Pulnik, ND, Pacific Coast Naturopathic Health, 24865 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.416.4670, www.naturopathicwellness.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 13: BALLROOM BASH 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. The evening starts with a brief waltz lesson, followed by other great recorded Latin, swing and ballroom music for dancing. The $10 admission includes delicious refreshments and soft drinks, and it’s open to singles and couples ages 18 and older. Community Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 32202 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

The Himelson garden is featured in the upcoming Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour in San Clemente.

Photo: Dawn Saunders

SATURDAY, MAY 7: ELEGANT AND ENCHANTING GARDEN TOUR 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain presents its 25th Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour. The theme for this year’s tour is “California Gardens/California Dreamin’” and features four private gardens—two in San Juan Capistrano and two in San Clemente. Proceeds provide scholarships for college students studying horticulture.

The event has provided more than $50,000 in scholarships. Advance tickets are $25 and may be purchased online or at Dana Point Nursery, 34100 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. A complimentary $10 gift certificate will be included with each ticket purchased at the nursery. On the day of tour, tickets may also be purchased for $30 at 3 Maracay in San Clemente, one of the featured homes. 949.837.2141, www.rosesrosesroses.org.

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 13: OPEN MIC NIGHT 7:30 p.m. Open mic night for anyone wanting to perform or enjoy live music. Play solo or with a band. Sit in with other musicians and feel what it’s like playing with a full band. Email coamusicarts@gmail.com.

Community Outreach Alliance, 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.388.0114, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 14: PAWS IN THE GARDEN 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue presents their

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Photo: ©Open Road Films

visiting from out of town.

It’s really not that hard to make a cliché, lighthearted comedy enjoyable, yet Marshall and the cast phone it in completely here. It’s obvious that now, late in his career, the director sees filmmaking more as a job than a craft, and his frequent collaborators are only on board to support their friend with easy work. Besides the lazy writing and editing, Mother’s Day is also filled with stereotypes towards little people, East Indians and Texans. Let’s just be thankful summer blockbuster season starts soon to end the last two weeks of mediocrity. SC eighth annual tour of local gardens to help fund their ongoing mission of saving lost and abandoned pets. This year’s tour includes “A Garden for Wildlife,” with golf course views and paths connecting garden “rooms” created for butterflies and birds; “The Pink Cottage,” a 1937 charmer featured in many magazines; and a tour favorite known as “Folie Gep House.” There are surprises around every corner, including the Doheny family’s 1929 cottage, which is now a guesthouse. Tickets are $25.

For more information, call 949.388.0034, email info@arkofsanjuan.org or visit www.arkofsanjuan.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 14: MARY COLBY TEA PARTY 3 p.m.–5 p.m. Casa Romantica is hosting its second largest fundraising gala of the year, the Mary Colby Tea. This year’s event features Meredith Khachigian, the former Chair of the Board of Regents for the University of California. A parlor runway fashion show by Hautec, which produces OC Fashion Week, will also take place. Tickets are $65, which includes traditional high tea with canapes and champagne. There will also be an auction with goods and services from local businesses and organizations. The event will benefit “Casa Kids,” the free cultural and educational programming for children.

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

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

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

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Susan Parmelee

How is your Mental Well-Being These Days?

M

ay is Mental Health Awareness month and a good time to evaluate how well you are taking care of yourself and to check in with the people you care about. Recent research suggests that a mindful approach to self-care benefits our own mental health as well as our relational functioning. In other words, when we are at our best it rubs off on our children, spouses and other significant relationships.

Following are five guidelines for a mindful approach to personal mental wellness.

Take time to connect to people around you; cultivate and strengthen these relationships. Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and email are not enough. Face-to-face time is very important, so make time to Skype or telephone where emotion is more easily understood. Relationships are vital as they increase our feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. When you notice your child is isolated in their room or you have been too busy with work, take the time to invite them to go on a walk with you, reconnect over dinner and a movie or just sit and talk.

Reach out to a friend you have not seen in a while. These activities have the double benefit of making two people feel happier.

How you take care of your body can have a strong effect on your mind and emotions, so it’s important to eat well and be active. Most people can identify a time when a poor diet or lack of exercise led to a pervasive bad mood.

Conversely, when we eat WELLNESS AND properly and take time PREVENTION

By Susan to move our bodies the Parmelee good feelings follow.

Being active actually raises the levels of endorphins in our brain that contribute to positive moods. This does not mean we need to spend hours at the gym; simply throwing a baseball, kicking a soccer ball or walking with a friend or family member can boost your well-being.

Make learning an important part of your life. We often relate learning to the years

we spend in school, but studies show that as adults we need the continued challenge of mastering new skills. Learning something new does not require formal education. Pick a new cuisine and learn the recipes, pick a podcast series that focuses on a subject that interests you, or visit a museum and learn about an unfamiliar artist. Find others to learn with and you will strengthen relationships at the same time.

The next strategy is my favorite, and I have written about it in the past: give to others. One of my favorite social giving campaigns is from Sandy Hook Promise and is called “Start With Hello.” This program encourages everyone to always greet each other and is designed to ensure that others do not feel the effects of social isolation. Just thinking about giving this way makes me feel more optimistic and hopeful about society. Small acts and more formal volunteering provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging—both keys to better mental well-being.

Finally, be mindful. This practice entails

being in the present moment and being aware of both our emotional and physical states. When we pay more attention we are then better able to respond positively to signs of stress and anxiety and adjust our lives accordingly. Practicing mindfulness has demonstrated strong health benefits for both heart disease and chronic depression, but everyone can benefit from these practices.

To learn more about wellness practices and easy steps towards mental well-being, I recommend the Greater Good website, www.greatergood.berkeley.edu. Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

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

The band Grupo Dilemma performed during the festival. The bands Mariachi Zacatecas and Family Style also performed.

Noah Luna (left) and Leslie Woodson were two of many dancers at the celebration, which was held at Max Berg Park Plaza.

Children pet goats and met many other animals at the petting zoo. It was one of several children’s activities at the the event.

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

Celebrations for Cinco de Mayo Take Place Sunday, May 1 PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

time-honored tradition of festivities took place on Sunday, May 1, in recognition of Cinco de Mayo in San Clemente at Max Berg Plaza Park.

Hundreds of families attended the events, which included live music, a petting zoo, rock climbing and more.

The Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation volunteers were on hand as well as city volunteers and the Retired Senior Volunteer Police. Cinco de Mayo is Thursday, May 5.

The celebration included several options for authentic Mexican food, which accompanied a lively and robust beer garden. The event was held on May 1, instead of the following weekend, in order to avoid Mother’s Day. Organizers also planned the event for Sunday, because that Saturday was April 30—not ideal for a May festival. SC San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

Page 31

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SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: 2/4 Corner by Wayne Eggleston

Care Package Items Needed as Marines Deploy Two Camp Pendleton units leave in May

S

This rendering shows the design of La Ventura, a new event center planned to be constructed by winter.

Photo: Courtesy of Don Kappauf

The Fortune of La Ventura

New event center in San Clemente planned to be completed by winter

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

new event center is coming to San Clemente in the near future.

La Ventura, which was approved for design by City Council last year, broke ground during a ceremony on Tuesday, May 3.

La Ventura, located at 2316 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente, is planned to be 5,000 square feet with a 1,500-square-foot courtyard for weddings. The banquet room is anticipated to be 3,000 square feet, which can hold up to 150 people. Grading

Eric Wagoner, owner of Iva Lee’s (left), and Don Kappauf, owner of La Ventura, shovel out the first piles of dirt during a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 3. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

for the event center is expected to begin next week.

La Ventura owner Don Kappauf said he hopes construction will be completed by November or December.

“I had a friend of mine who built one in Laguna, and several years later not being able to build what I wanted, a local plumber who’s a friend of mine said you should build a building for quinceañeras,” Kappauf said. “I started doing some research, and people said if I built a building here, it will do very well.”

Thirty parking spaces are currently available, and another 22 will be put in behind Pedro’s Tacos.

Eric Wagoner, owner of Iva Lee’s, said his business started catering in 2005 and grew larger than expected. He said his catering business now doubles the business of the restaurant, and Iva Lee’s will be the sole caterer to La Ventura.

“San Clemente is just the perfect location (for catering),” Wagoner said. “We’re right between San Diego and L.A., and we cater all over the area to Dana Point and San Juan. We’ve got hotels and bars for after-parties. We think this is going to be a great spot.”

The building’s design style will be “Spanish colonial.”

“We’ve also designed a bridal room and a groom’s room so they can have their privacy before the big moment,” Kappauf said. “We’ll have a full commercial kitchen on-site.”

Wagoner said they hope to host a variety of events and functions in addition to weddings.

“We’ve both been in this town a long time, and we’re going to create a copacetic environment,” Wagoner said. “When this thing is done, we’re just going to add a huge asset to the city of San Clemente, and we’re going to be involved in … bringing people together not only in their day of marriage but also corporate events.” SC

an Clemente is very honored and proud to have not one but two adopted Camp Pendleton Marine Corps units: 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, “The Magnificent Bastards”; and HMLA-469, “Vengeance.” 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was adopted in 1996, and HMLA-469, a helicopter squadron, was adopted in 2013.

Previously, when I was mayor, we adopted HMLA-367; however, they moved to Hawaii in 2012.

Both Marine Units participate in many community events from parades down Avenida Del Mar to beach cleanup days.

We reciprocate by hosting barbecues for them when they return from deployment and assisting their families in a variety of ways throughout the years. We are very blessed, as San Clemente has dozens of organizations helping Marines and their families at Camp Pendleton.

Both of these Marine Units will be going on extended deployments in May, far away from their families and community friends.

While they will be very active during their deployments, it is a lonely time for many. During their deployments, we as a community can help them and make them feel that they are wanted, appreciated and loved by San Clemente residents.

So how can we help? There are two ways. One is to adopt a Marine and/ or a Marine family during deployment.

Currently we have a waiting list of 75 Marines/Marine families waiting to be adopted. So what does adoption entail?

You can send letters, emails, deployment packages, assist in mutual ways to help their families—the list is endless, and we will leave it up to you to decide how you can help. Go to www.marinemonument. com and fill out a simple form, and we will put you in touch with a Marine and/or Marine family.

The second way to help is to donate

deployment “goodies” to both Marine Corps units. In past years, we have sent more than 500 boxes of “goodies” to Iraq, Afghanistan and to ships in the Pacific. It is quite an undertaking. You can drop off items in the red bins at the following locations: City Hall at 100 Avenida Presidio; Community Development Department at 910 Calle Negocio; the San Clemente Community Center at 100 N. Calle Seville; and San Clemente Aquatics Center at 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Suggested items include: beef jerky, protein/PowerBars, powdered drink mix (like Gatorade or Crystal Light), Sour Patch kids, Twizzlers, nuts, trail mix, 2/4 CORNER

By Wayne magazines (sports, cars, Eggleston hunting, rifle), air fresheners, cookies, baby/wet wipes, T-shirts, socks, books, Pringles, deodorant, cards, letters, blank stationary, stamps, lip balm, razors, shaving cream and sunscreen.

For more information, please email heritage@marinemonument.com or call Wayne Eggleston at 949.498.4958.

The Memorial Day celebration at Park Semper Fi is at 2 p.m. on May 30. We will be honoring Al Ehlow, former San Clemente Police Chief and former Marine who passed away in 2015.

Wayne Eggleston is the executive director of The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi in San Clemente and a current San Clemente Planning Commissioner. He was on City Council from 1998 to 2010. 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: Easy

Page 32

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

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ASAP Appliance Service

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ART GALLERIES

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

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Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

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Call Robert 949.973.6288

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San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

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Page 35

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Refusing to Strike Out San Clemente Girls Softball on the rise after embezzlement scandal left its future in doubt

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

f you passed by Richard T. Steed Memorial Park on April 29, you’d never guess just how improbable the large gathering of San Clemente Girls Softball players, coaches, volunteers and parents would have seemed just one year ago.

Hundreds of people were there to watch the players compete in the league’s championship tournament. It’s a scene not uncommon to the area, but for SCGS, it served as a reflection of its resilience. In the wake of a still unresolved embezzlement scandal that nearly forced them to disband one year ago, there they were, on the diamond playing softball once again.

Chad Wilcox began to notice things were out of sorts with the SCGS league last June, when his daughter’s team was scheduled to play in a local district All-Stars tournament. Wilcox, the team’s coach, got an email from tournament officials saying the SCGS entry fees were due and they would be barred from competing if they did not pay within the next few days.

Confused, Wilcox called then-league president Jack Cannon, wondering why the fee had not yet been paid. Cannon, as was his custom at the time, exclaimed there must have been a mistake and that the fee had already been paid for.

Wilcox demanded Cannon write another check and meet up in the parking lot of a nearby Target to hand it over.

“I could tell Jack was frustrated and not quite himself. He seemed like he was starting to unravel a bit,” Wilcox recalled. “I met him in a parking lot and he gave me the check. He was nice and friendly. That was the last time I ever saw him.”

Spotting crooked behavior can be tricky, especially if you aren’t looking for it. Warning signs pass in the periphery as shadows and when light is finally shone on them, someone, or something, is left in a deep, deep hole.

The check Cannon handed Wilcox bounced. Days went by and there was no sign of Cannon. Ultimately, it was discovered that he skipped town.

In the buildup to Cannon’s disappearance, Wilcox and other league parents San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

Chaz Ramsden (left), San Clemente Girls Softball vice president and coach, and a large group of parents and volunteers helped get the local league back on track following an embezzlement scandal. Photo: Eric Heinz

had talked openly with one another about how sloppily Cannon had been running the show. Fields were being reserved but not used. Lights were paid for and kept on long after the girls had wrapped up practice and gone home. The misuse of league funds for the facilities was one thing, but the rabbit hole went deeper. It was soon discovered Cannon had put the league in roughly $30,000 of debt to various entities.

In August of 2015, the Orange County Sherriff’s Department opened an embezzlement investigation under the Economic Crimes division regarding Cannon’s involvement with league funds. As of May 4, the investigation was still ongoing, according to OCSD Public Information Officer Mark Stichter.

Cannon had sole access to the league’s finances, according to Wilcox, who now serves as the league’s president. Cannon became an SCGS board member sometime around the start of the 2010 season and remained on the board as members began to quit when their daughters transitioned out of the league. Cannon was the lone board member by the time Wilcox became active in the league in 2012.

Once Wilcox and concerned parents gained access to the league’s bank account files, they noticed a wide variety of unusual charges. Wilcox said Cannon had racked up “a few thousand dollars a month” in hotel charges. There were charges to grocery stores, Costco and Walmart, which are normally places the league goes to for supplies, but the times at which the charges were made did not coincide with the SCGS season. Airline tickets to the East Coast were charged to the league’s credit card, along with gas station purchases.

The league’s relationship with the City

San Clemente Girls Softball player Hayden Ramsden pitches during the league’s championship tournament on April 29. The league’s future was in doubt when an embezzlement scandal was discovered last summer. Photo: Eric Heinz

of San Clemente was in jeopardy as well.

SCGS nearly lost its top-tier status as a nonprofit that gets certain discounts for field use and lights. Cannon had neglected to pay the city for over a year and SCGS owed roughly $20,000.

Wilcox went before the San Clemente City Council on Aug. 18 and presented the league’s case to the city, asking for an extension of the top-tier partnership so the league could afford to get back on its feet.

By a 3-2 vote, the extension was granted.

If the vote had not gone the league’s way, they would have been forced to fold up

Page 36

and start over as a new entity or join forces with another city’s softball league.

Wilcox and current SCGS vice president Chaz Ramsden spoke glowingly of Cannon’s character before the discovery.

Cannon, whom Wilcox described as a typical southern gentleman, was generally adored by players and families. He would be the first to show up, chalk the field, and the last one to leave. He was known for sticking around practices to help out, despite his daughters having left the league years ago.

“He was the nicest guy. Everyone loved Jack, even the other leagues,” Ramsden said. “He put in tons of volunteer time and if you needed something, ‘Boom’, there was Jack. It’s not the guy we knew, but the bottom line is he stole from little girls.”

The league faces an uphill battle. But in the midst of all the chaos, SCGS has come back stronger than ever.

Registration for the league’s spring season was up 45 percent and registration for the fall season rose 30 percent. The city mandated that all top-tier partnership nonprofits have at least 300 members, which forced the new SCGS leadership to actively seek out new players and families. Discounts were extended to families on Camp Pendleton, local businesses chipped in donations to help the movement gain steam, and scholarships were doled out to families that needed assistance. It was yet another obstacle for the league to overcome, but the players showed up in droves.

When the league held its spring championship tournament last weekend—its showcase event—hundreds of girls took the fields.

The debt to all the equipment and food vendors has been paid off, according to Wilcox. The league and city are working on a payment plan and Wilcox said the league has paid off around $5,000 of its outstanding debt to the city.

A new leadership has been installed, and now SCGS is governed by an 11-member board of directors to ensure the nightmare scenario does not repeat itself.

But what is more important to Wilcox is that the girls are still playing on the diamond and that the league did not back down from a tough situation. At a time when the league faced extinction, the SCGS parents and volunteers could have taken a different way out and started fresh. Instead, they chose a path that Wilcox feels was worth the effort.

“We didn’t want to have that history of the league tarnished by the fact we ran away from debt. We wanted people to know we had integrity and that paid off,” Wilcox said. “To see how far we’ve come is unbelievable. The league is functioning in an efficient way, the vibe is good and now people want to come here. We’ve entered a new phase. … We’ve gotten our integrity back.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Utah quarterback Travis Wilson received an invite to the Cincinnati Bengals rookie minicamp.

Photo: Courtesy University of Utah Athletics

Trio of Local Players Set to Begin NFL Careers

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

n hindsight, the San Clemente High School football class of 2012 might be one of the most talent-laden groups in school history. For proof, look no further than the opportunities awarded to three of that team’s star players this past weekend.

Former Tritons Kyle Murphy, Travis Wilson and Herbert Gamboa were all members of the 2012 San Clemente team that advanced to the CIF-SS Pac-5 Division

San Clemente’s Kyle Murphy, seen here with the 2015 Pac-12 Championship trophy, was selected in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft on April 30.

Photo: Courtesy Stanford Athletics

Page 38

title game. After successful collegiate careers, all three players will begin their journey into the NFL this offseason.

Murphy, a left tackle out of Stanford, was picked in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

Wilson got an invite to attend rookie minicamp with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. Gamboa will head to Kansas City Chiefs minicamp as a UDFA as well.

Murphy, who one day could block for all-pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was one of two Cardinal players selected by the Packers on draft day, the other being linebacker Blake Martinez. The Packers picked two linemen in their seven-member draft class. Green Bay also drafted Indiana’s Jason Spriggs in the second round.

Murphy started all 14 games for Stanford last season, earning All-Pac-12 first-team honors.

As a four-year starting quarterback at Utah, Wilson re-wrote the school’s record books. Wilson set the school record for most starts (39), games played (46) and total touchdowns (75). With Wilson under center, the Utes compiled a 24-15 overall record.

Gamboa, who is listed as an outside linebacker, began his college career with the University of Montana as a true freshman.

He was moved from safety to linebacker at the start of his third year and played in all 14 games, recording 107 total tackles.

Gamboa was named a preseason USA College Football All-American honorable mention in his fourth year with the Griz. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report

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.

Volleyball Falls to Titans in League Title Match The San Clemente boys volleyball team won the first game of a must-win match against Tesoro on April 28 but could not hold on for the victory. Tesoro was able to come back and defeat the Tritons 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-21 and claim the outright South Coast League title.

A win over Tesoro would have earned San Clemente (22-9, 6-2 league) a share of the league championship. San Clemente will advance to the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships later this month.

The Tritons finished the regular season competing in the Redondo Power Classic Tournament April 29-30. San Clemente went 3-0 in pool play, defeating La Jolla, West Torrance and El Segundo, before falling to Foothill in the knockout round. San Clemente defeated Valencia and Redondo Union in the consolation bracket.

Softball Chasing Hawks Down the Stretch Through the first round of Sea View League play, the San Clemente softball team sits in second place. Laguna Hills defeated the Tritons 6-1 on April 26 and holds a slim one-game advantage in the standings.

The Tritons (10-9-1, 4-1) will host Trabu-

co Hills on May 5. San Clemente defeated the Mustangs 4-0 on April 19.

San Clemente will travel to San Juan Hills on May 9 and have its final game of the regular season at home against Laguna Hills on May 11. The game against the Hawks could decide the league title.

Tritons Breeze Past Los Alamitos in Playoff Opener The sixth-seeded San Clemente boys lacrosse team closed out its regular season by scoring at least 13 goals in each of its final four games. The trend continued for the Tritons when they opened their bid into the U.S. Lacrosse Orange County playoffs on May 3.

The Tritons cruised past 12th-seed Los Alamitos 14-4, punching their ticket to the second round. San Clemente will travel to play defending Orange County and Southern Section champion St. Margaret’s in the quarterfinals on May 5.

The Tritons defense matched its offense in efficiency against the Griffins in the first round. Los Alamitos scored for the first time midway through the third quarter, when San Clemente already held a 12-0 advantage. Defenders Caleb Bozarth and Ryan Crawford recorded seven and four groundballs, respectively, and goalie Austin Boyer recorded six saves.

Nine different Tritons scored in the win, led by Matt Keany’s five goals. Air Force commit Nick Lemus tallied four assists.

Baseball Makes its Move A two-game sweep of Laguna Hills on April 27 and April 29 vaulted the San Clemente baseball team into a three-way tie for first in the Sea View League standings.

San Clemente (16-8-1, 5-3), Mission Viejo and San Juan Hills all have identical league records and lead Trabuco Hills by one game in the loss column. The Mustangs have six league wins and have played one more game.

San Clemente shutout Laguna Hills in both games last week, recording 5-0 and 4-0 wins.

The Tritons were scheduled to host Mission Viejo on May 4. Results were not available at press time. San Clemente will play the Diablos again on May 6 and travel to San Juan Hills for its final game of the season on May 12.

Parker Resigns as Water Polo Coach

As of May 4, Sierra Garrett and the San Clemente softball team are 4-1 in Sea View League play and are vying for the league title. Photo: Steve Breazeale

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Longtime San Clemente boys water polo coach Marc Parker announced his retirement from coaching on April 29, citing family reasons. Parker coached the Tritons for 20 seasons, reaching the CIFSS playoffs every year.

The school is in the process of searching for a new head coach. Those interested are asked to contact Hamro at jhamro@ capousd.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

GROM OF THE WEEK

NAMOR CAYRES

N

amor Cayres, 17, came to San Clemente from Brazil in January in search of better opportunities in surfing and in school.

He made the trip on his own, moved in with family friends and enrolled as a junior at San Clemente High School. His late arrival prevented him from trying out for the school surf team, but he intends to give it a go next year. Since he’s been here, he has surfed every day with the school team, surfs Lowers as much as possible and competes in Western Surfing Association and Soul Surf Series events in an effort to continue to advance his skills.

“It is cool to be able to chase my dreams here,” Namor said. “I thank my family that supports me a lot. And I have to thank my sponsors in Brazil for their help, too— Rocket Surfboards and Ozzie & Mambo Palace.”

With only the last three events of the season under his belt in WSA Boys U18 competition, Namor is currently the No. 18-ranked surfer among a total field of 71. He took his first U18 win last month

SURF RESULTS Scholastic Surf Series, Middle School State Championships, April 30-May 1, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty BOYS: 1. Koby Hughes; 2. Max Beach; 3. Jackson Butler; 4. Nico Coli; 5. Kiko Nelsen; 6. Burkley Eggers. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Kai McPhillips; 2. Clay Johnson; 3.

Tyler Blackburn; 4. Jack May; 5. Cole Thompson; 6. Zach Wagner GIRLS: 1. Ella McCaffray, Santa Fe Christian; 2. Olivia Pessanha, Earl Warren; 3. Emma Stone, Half Moon Bay; 4. Noah Klapp, Malibu; 5. Rachel Risko, Oceanside; 6. Tess Booth, Thurston. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Hana Catsimanes, Shorecliffs; 2. Brooke Carlson, Malibu; 3. Jordyn Kelly, Muirlands; 4. Tess Booth, Thurston; 5. Hannah Grant, Oak Crest; 6. Sophia McGovern, Diegueno. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Eian McMillen, Niguel Hills; 2. Evan McMillen, Niguel Hills; 3. Tommy Capps, Valley; 4. Patrick Root, San Elijo; 5.

Evan McLaughlin, Aviara Oaks; 6. Andrew Dafnis, Aviara Oaks. COACHES SHORTBOARD: 1. Gian Carlos Urcia, Diegueno; 2. Jared Denham, Oceanside; 3. Sean Santiago, Earl Warren; 4. Pete Censoplano, Valley; 5. Jeremy Cannon, Calavera Hills; 6. Shawn Butler, Oak Crest.

COACHES LONGBOARD: 1. Ryan Leighton, Oceanside; 2. Rusty Edwards, Valley; 3. Gian Carlos Urcia, Diegueno; 4. Seth Alderton, Oak Crest; 5. S Johnson, Half Moon Bay; 6. Jon Peterson, Aviara Oaks. OVERALL TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, San Clemente, 289; 2. Thurston, Laguna Beach, 231; 3. Muirlands, La Jolla, 227; 4. Oak Crest, Encinitas, 176; 5. Aviara Oaks, Carlsbad, 166; 6. Bernice Ayer, San Clemente , 127. BOYS SHORTBOARD TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, San Clemente, 184; =2. Muirlands, La Jolla, 126; =2. Thurston, Laguna Beach, 126; 4. Oak Crest, Encinitas, 100; 5. Bernice Ayer, San Clemente, 91; 6.

Aviara Oaks, Carlsbad, 79. BOYS LONGBOARD TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, San Clemente, 47; 2. Muirlands, La Jolla, 45; 3. Thurston, Laguna Beach, 35; 4. Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, 31; =5. Marco Forster, Dana Point, 21; =5.

Oak Crest, Encinitas, 21. GIRLS SHORTBOARD TEAM: 1. Oceanside, 31; 2. Malibu, 28; 3. Santa Fe Christian, Encinitas 27; 4. Aviara Oaks, Carlsbad, 24; =5. Earl Warren, Encinitas, 23; =5. Marco Forster, Dana Point,

San Clemente Times May 5–11, 2016

Namor Cayres. Photo: Andrea Swayne

in Dana Point at Salt Creek Beach. In the Open Men division, Namor is ranked No. 17 of 64 with only two events, one being a win at the March Oceanside event.

“My main goals are to get a sponsor that will help me do the pro juniors and the QS,” he said. “I am here to try my best to be a pro surfer, and to finish high school.”

Despite English being his second

23. GIRLS LONGBOARD TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, San Clemente, 33; 2. Muirlands, La Jolla, 31; 3. Oak Crest, Encinitas, 28; 4. Malibu, 25; 5. Mission Hills, Santa Cruz, 21; =6. Diegueno, Encinitas, 19; =6. Thurston, Laguna Beach, 19. COED BODYBOARD TEAM: 1. Niguel Hills, Laguna Niguel, 45; 2. Aviara Oaks, Carlsbad, 34; 3.

Valley, Carlsbad, 32; 4. Thurston, Laguna Beach, 22; 5.

Calavera Hills, Carlsbad, 21; 6. San Elijo, San Marcos, 17.

WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, April 23-24, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Chase Niemann; 2. Shane Stacy; 3. Charlie Stevens; 4. Kingston Watts; 5. Dane Morris; 6. Timothy Simmers. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Ezra McPhillips; 2. Bella Kenworthy; 3. Addie McPhillips; 4. Hayden Suess; 5. Ryan Chalupnik; 6. Helena Graney. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Makai Bray; 2. Hudson Saunders; 3. Luke Wyler; 4. Kai Kushner; 5. Maddox Bray; 6. Jonas Meskis. BOYS U12: 1. Ethan Prestage; 2.

Raphael Castro; 3. Cole McCaffray; 4. Ryder Fish; 5. Niko Ripley; 6. Bane Corbett. BOYS U14: 1. Nolan Rodgers; 2.

Kai McPhillips; 3. Nicholas Coli; 4. Hagan Johnson; 5.

Taro Watanabe; 6. William Tex Mitchell. BOYS U16: 1.

Travis Booth; 2. Sean Carlin; 3. Kiko Nelsen; 4. George Williams; 5. Kai McPhillips; 6. Brayden Chalfant. BOYS U18: 1. Namor Cayres; 2. Elijah Tomlinson; 3. Jake Hennessy; 4. London Almida; 5. Chad Clifton; 6. Sean Carlin, Carlsbad. GIRLS U12: 1. Ryann Daly, Dana Point; 2. Sawyer Lindblad, San Clemente; 3. Mara Morales; 4.

Lilie Kulber; 5. Caitlin Simmers; 6. Bryce Ava Wettstein.

GIRLS U14: 1. Olivia Pessanha; 2. Makena Burke; 3.

Bryce Ava Wettstein; 4. Izzy Hopkins; 5. Noelle Walker; 6. Casey Lavin. GIRLS U16: 1. Kiersten Noonan; 2.

Chiasa Maruyama; 3. Olivia Pessanha; 4. Kayla Little; 5. Madeline DeVilbiss; 6. Chelsea Herring. GIRLS U18: 1. Joceline Marchand; 2. Kiersten Noonan; 3. Kristina Hehl; 4. Maya Saulino; 5. Maile Davis; 6. Brooklyn Hulse.

BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Jimmy Wynne 2. Aidan Sautner,; 3. Rhyn Chambers. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1.

Kevin Skvarna; 2. Ethan Mudge; 3. Benjamin Goldstein; 4. Trevor Anderberg; 5. Andrew Neal; 6. Jameson Roller. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Ocean Tsutsui; 2.

Liv Stokes; 3. Julie Shuman; 4. Alexa Ross; 5. Taylor

language, Namor is earning As and Bs in school and would like to continue on to college after graduation. He was surprised to learn that unlike Brazil, where a good test score earns students a free college education, getting a degree here is expensive. It is a realization he said is concerning, but living in Southern California still has plenty of benefits.

“I love living in San Clemente because the waves are great, I’m meeting new people, working on my English and surfing Lowers as much as I can,” he said. “Right now I’m working on my turns—doing big carves and working on my rail game.”

When not riding waves or studying, Namor also enjoys playing chess and skateboarding.

“Back in Brazil I would do a lot of surf training and Jiu-Jitsu training too,” he said.

“Here I also babysit the five-year-old boy of the family I am living with. He is cool; I try to be a good role model for him.”

Namor said he also enjoys the people he’s met since moving here.

“San Clemente people seem like they are very happy every day,” Namor said. “They are good people who made me feel really welcome, and there are some kids who surf a lot. That pushes me to get better. I have a lot of friends already in school, people with good hearts.”

Although Namor says he sometimes

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-603degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair Thursday: SW swell peaks as fading WNW swell mixes in. Most breaks through the region are in the waist-chest high zone, as standout combo magnets pull in sets up to shoulder-head high.

Onshore winds build through the day, lightest early.

Outlook: Primary SW swell blends with secondary NW swell mix through the weekend with surf in the 2-3’+ zone. Winds/conditions look suspect though with mainly onshore flow each day, looking lightest early in the mornings. Stay tuned and check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

misses home, he is having a great time in his new city, working toward his dream of becoming a pro surfer.

“I am just happy always here,” he said.

“Yes, sometimes I get sad when I lose in a contest, but I just try to learn from my mistakes and fix things for the next contest.

When my strategy works, I just try keep it flowing though all my heats.”—Andrea Swayne

Donaldson; 6. Cate Stokes. MEN 18-29: 1. Gentry Gard; 2. Pedro Todaro; 3. Evan Sandison; 4. Drew Stanfield; 5.

Kai Matteo; 6. Jordan Avesar. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Jonathan Warren; 2. Paul Pugliesi; 3. David Morgan; 4. Philip Salick; 5. Aparajit Bhowmik; 6. Ryan Goerig. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Pedro Diaz Rangel; 2. Lance Albright; 3.

Ken Workman; 4. Gavin Haughey; 5. Mike Doan; 6. Rick Takahashi. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Mike Lamm; 2. Chas Wickwire; 3. Jeff Jessee; 4. Marcel Guinaldo; 5. Rusty Phillipy; 6. Fred Webb. OPEN MEN: 1. Pedro Todaro; 2. Gavin Haughey; 3. Evan Sandison; 4. Namor Cayres; 5. Pedro Diaz Rangel; 6. Jonathan Warren. OPEN WOMEN: 1.

Claire Loughlin; 2. Maile Davis; 3. Jayme Linnes; 4. Sasha Natalie; 5. Maya Saulino; 6. Sierra Garcia. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg; 2. Kevin Skvarna; 3. Andrew Neal; 4. Jorge Barba; 5. Liam O’Callaghan; 6. Shane Smith. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1.

Alexa Ross; 2. Aine Dwyer; 3. Hana Catsimanes; 4.

Cate Stokes; 5. Bianca Dootson; 6. Niki Katz. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Lance Albright; 2. Fred Webb; 3.

Jorge Barba. ADAPTIVE SURFERS SEATED/PRONE: 1. Jeff Munson; 2. Chris Oberle; 3. Whitney Tyler; 4.

Charlie Webb; 5. Mark Thornton. ADAPTIVE SURFERS STANDING: 1. Matt Foushee; 2. Danielle Burt.

2. Chris Bermudez.

NSSA Explorer, Event No. 9, April 23, 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 June 4: Soul Surf Series, Championship, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach June 9-12: Surfing America USA Championships, all longboard, adult, SUP and adaptive divisions, Oceanside Harbor, North Jetty June 20-23: Surfing America USA Championships, all youth shortboard divisions, San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles June 11-13: NSSA National Interscholastic College, High School and Middle School Championships, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach June 26-July 3: NSSA Open, Explorer and Airshow National Championships, Huntington Beach Pier

JUNIORS: 1. Kade Matson; 2. Nick Marshall; 3. Ryan Salazar; 4. Jordy Collins. BOYS: 1. Kade Matson; 2.

Nolan Rodgers; 3. Nick Marshall; 4. Max Beach; 5. Koby Hughes; 6. Brendan Blaze. MENEHUNE: 1. Hayden Rodgers; 2. Taj Lindblad; 3. Ryder Salberg; 4. Joey Samuelian; 5. Connor Marshall; 6. Dane Matson. SUPER GROMS: 1. Hayden Rodgers; 2. Cole McCaffray; 3. Dane Matson; 4. Lucas Owston; 5. Finn Bertino. WOMEN: 1. Samantha Sibley; 2. Samantha Cendro; 3. Maddie Garlough; 4.

Sydney Johnson; 5. Brooke Young; 6. Brooke Daigneault.

GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer; 2. Brooke Young; 3. Olivia Pessanha; 4. Samantha Sibley; 5. Maddie Garlough. SUPER GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer; 2. Ella McCaffray; Sawyer Lindblad. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Pat Pezzoli; 2. Darren Collins; 3. Rick Fignetti. DUKE: 1. Rusty Wink; 2. Jim Ferguson; 3. Rick Fignetti. KNEEBOARD: 1. Sean Noone;

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NSSA Explorer, Event No. 10, April 24, Huntington Beach, 9th Street JUNIORS: 1. Kade Matson; 2. Liam Gloyd; 3. Dylan Hord; 4. Colin White. BOYS: 1. Kade Matson; 2. Keanu Igarashi; 3. Sam Nelson; 4. Max Beach; 5. Nick Marshall; 6. Matt Undlin. MENEHUNE: 1. Sebastian Ojeda; 2.

Connor Marshall; 3. Dane Matson; 4. Tenshi Iwami; 5.

Wheeler Hasburgh; 6. Joey Samuelian. SUPER GROMS: 1. Tenshi Iwami; 2. Dane Matson; 3. Lucas Owston; 4. Ty Spencer; 5. Wheeler Hasburgh. WOMEN: 1. Samantha Sibley; 2. Maddie Garlough; 3. Brooke Young; 4. Brooke Daigneault. GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer; 2. Samantha Sibley; 3. Maddie Garlough; 4. Brooke Young; 5. Ella McCaffray. SUPER GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer; 2. Ella McCaffray. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Pat Pezzoli. DUKE: 1. Rick Fignetti; 2. Rusty Wink. LONGBOARD: 1. Jovan Smith Scott, Huntington Beach. KNEEBOARD: 1. Sean Noone; 2. Chris Bermudez

UPCOMING EVENTS

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