August 25, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

August 25-31, 2016

YO U

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INSIDE:

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Inaugural ‘Aging Well,’ A Guide to Senior Living PULLOUT SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 34

Big Bills San Clemente High School has a large wish list for the facilities bond measure EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

San Clemente High School is asking for $91 million of an $889 million bond measure, should the voters pass it in November.

Photo: Torin Alm

Capistrano Shores Lawsuit Likely to be Decided This Week EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Group Protests Sober Living Home in Shorecliffs EYE ON SC/PAGE 11

www.sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Sailor Returns from Rio Olympics SPORTS/PAGE 20

INSIDE: 10 WEEKS OF LOCAL ELECTION COVERAGE BEGINS

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

solar feasibility analysis.

Five things San Clemente should know this week Capistrano Shores, Coastal Commission Lawsuit to be Decided THE LATEST: The civil case regarding whether Capistrano Shores resident Eric Wills can replace his mobile home and maintain the rights to protect it went to court Aug. 18.

The lawsuit is asking the court to allow for a development permit without the condition to waive the property owner’s right to repair the seawall or any other kind of protection listed in the Public Resources Code and enforced by the California Coastal Commission (CCC).

Attorneys with Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) filed a motion for summary judgement prior to a court hearing in Orange County Superior Court.

Judge Theodore Howard said he has all but made his decision on the case, but he allowed PLF attorney Larry Salzman and U.S. Department of Justice attorney Hailey Peterson, representing the CCC, to make final arguments.

As part of an agreement between Wills and the CCC, he would be able to replace the existing house as long as he accepted six conditions, one of which was to forfeit any right to repairing, adding to or just about anything to protect his home from the ocean, as the CCC defined replacing the home as new development.

Wills accepted the conditions except for waiving his rights to protect the wall. He said he wanted to bring in the new home because the original structure, built in 1977, according to a letter, had basically been left to rot.

Peterson said the CCC is concerned that if Wills can continue to protect his property, then other development would be allowed to refurbish and further develop on their properties.

Howard said he did not believe the terms of the Coastal Act applied to the argument Peterson was making.

Prior to the hearing, PLF sent out a press release with links to videos they made for their case.

“I think most people would agree that rolling out a mobile home and rolling in a new mobile home should be a pretty simple process,” Wills said during the video, “but it’s just not the case.”

“The Coastal Act gives coastal property owners a right to protect their property San Clemente Times August 25-31 , 2016

Burger Stop, located at 524 E. Avenida Pico, is slated to close Tuesday, Aug. 30, to make room for right-of-ways for the Avenida Pico I-5 expansion project. Photo: Eric Heinz

from storms and erosions with seawalls or retaining walls or other shoreline-protective devices,” Salzman said in the video. “The (California Coastal) Commission can’t use someone’s simple need for a permit to advance their anti-development agenda. That’s unfair and it’s beyond the powers granted to the Commission by the Coastal Act.” Located between the railroad tracks and the ocean along the Pacific Coast Highway, the revetment wall was constructed more than 50 years ago, according to property owners.

Peterson argued this would bind the Costal Commission to allowing more improvements and development to change more than what the Coastal Act has intended.

“Some of the mobile home owners submitted reports from GeoSoils, and they were assured for the 30 to 40 year expected life, no improvements would be needed to the revetment,” Peterson said during the hearing. “You can’t come back in 10 years and say, ‘We didn’t need changes to the seawall, but now we do.’ It puts the park on notice of the fact that this is new development.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Howard said his decision will be ready by the end of this week.

—EH

Burger Stop to Close Tuesday, Aug. 30

Students Present Solar Petition to CUSD, District to Explore Feasibility THE LATEST: A coalition of students representing four area high schools presented 1,438 signatures to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 17, requesting the board explore the feasibility of installing solar panels at each of the district’s high school campuses.

Russell Tran, a junior at San Juan Hills High School, led the call for action, followed by five students from high school environmental clubs, including San Clemente High School’s Blue Ocean Club.

The solar petition was launched in March, and Tran said the group has been working with CUSD’s Business and Support Services Department since 2014 to explore solar projects.

The petition, Tran said, was a friendly way to demonstrate the community support for a solar project. The students presented the board with the economic, environmental and educational benefits of solar panels, as well as potential funding mechanisms such as Prop 39 funds, low interest loans from the California Energy Commission, general obligation bonds and clean renewable energy bonds. Ultimately, the students requested the board pursue a

THE LATEST: A favorite of many in San Clemente, Burger Stop is going to close on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in order to make room for right-of-ways for the Avenida Pico, I-5 expansion project.

According to the San Clemente Times archives, former President Richard Nixon used to fly in by helicopter to the burger stand, landing in a nearby field.

WHAT’S NEXT: On social media, people have been lamenting the business closing.

At about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the Burger Stop will close. —EH

Erika Hunting, San Clemente High School junior and president of the Blue Oceans Club, speaks to the CUSD Board of Trustees on Aug. 17 about the potential benefits of solar panels on campus.

Photo: Courtesy of Zain Faruqi

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WHAT’S NEXT: Superintendent Kristen Vital said after speaking with Clark Hampton, deputy superintendent of business and support services, on potential next steps, staff’s recommendation was to do a request for proposals to understand and assess whether solar panel installations would “pencil out” for the district.

Hampton said the students’ idea of buying solar systems was a good one and important to include in the district’s analysis due to difficulties other organizations have had with solar lease programs.

Trustees commended the students for their work, while also emphasizing the need for conservation of energy.

Hampton said staff is already working with Schneider Electric, the district’s Prop 39 partner, on concurrently analyzing solar prospects, energy management systems and conservation practices.

The board directed staff to send out an RFP per Vital’s recommendation.—Allison Jarrell

City to Host Joint Meeting, Districting Discussion THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente City Council, commissions and committees will host a collaborative meeting to update the different entities on city business. Following that meeting, City Council will go to City Hall in order to discuss findings in the report requested on establishing election districts.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first meeting will take place 7 p.m. on Tuesday at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, and the districting meeting will take place after that at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. —Staff

Socks Fore Heroes Golf Tournament Set for Sept. 12 THE LATEST: This annual golf tournament raises funds to send socks to military personnel deployed abroad.

“The United States still has troops deployed in harm’s way in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East,” read the event’s website. “They do it without complaint regardless of the discomfort and danger.”

Socks are one of the most desired garments while stationed in the Middle East and climates with severe heat, according to Carla Hogan, a local Gold Star mother who is involved with many local U.S. Marines families.

WHAT’S NEXT: The tournament is set for 11 a.m. on Sept. 12 at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. People can register online at www.scmcsg.org. —Staff www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

This shows a rendering of the building that will house 24 new, state-of-the-art classrooms scheduled to be constructed by 2017. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente High School

Big Bills SCHS wants $91 million from CUSD facilities bond

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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metal conduit with many branches stemming from one pipeline on the side of a building’s brick façade is symbolic of the updates and additions administrators want for San Clemente High School.

It’s a tall order—to the tune of $91.5 million, which would include a new student services building, library media center, 50-meter Olympic-sized swimming pool, performing arts center and various modernization projects.

The money to make all this happen is contingent on the voters, who will decide whether to pass an $889 million bond measure this general election. The bond needs a 55 percent majority to pass.

A new student center would require the demolition of the current center and the media library for a parking lot. The new building would be two stories tall, according to SCHS principal Chris Carter, who said the main reason for the improvements is to ensure students can learn with some of the latest technology available to them.

“We truly need to go back and revamp our classroom for that environment,” Carter said. “Kids sitting in rows and just listening to what’s written on the board, those days are over, and we need to provide for the new environment where kids are working wirelessly with technology in a safe manner.”

SCHS is currently preparing for the construction of 24 more classrooms, which are expected to be completed early

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next year, with construction to begin in October. The classrooms were approved for funding last year and construction was approved in July. The classrooms cost almost $14 million and will be equipped with “all the things that our kids need to work and learn in a 21st century learning environment,” Carter said.

“We also need to go back and invest into our original classrooms,” Carter said.

“They’re very functional. What they’re lacking currently is IT and the technology infrastructure. All of our classrooms have to match the new classrooms.”

The classrooms will allow upper campus students to move down to the lower campus.

“Having kids down here and integrated into the main campus, I think, is going to be more productive,” Carter said. “We have the right group of kids who work together and want to support one another.”

Roofing and air-conditioning are a couple other needs the school is hoping to improve.

Carter said another issue is to increase access points to the existing buildings.

“We would like to create access from the front of the school to those buildings, to make it easier for our students to get to our new buildings,” Carter said.

Currently, there is an upper and lower campus, separated by the hillside. Upper campus exists to serve the overflow of students, and Carter said the administration wants to turn it into practice fields.

To see the list of proposed projects, visit www.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com and visit the Facilities Master Plan page. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Candidates for the 2016 City of San Clemente Elections Candidates for City Council submitted short bios to the San Clemente Times this week, introducing themselves to the community. The order in which the bios appear is the order in which they will be placed on the 2016 general election ballot. This marks the beginning of 10 weeks of election coverage in the San Clemente Times.

City Council Candidates Steve Swartz I am a Vietnam War Era Air Force veteran with 45 years of experience in the financial/banking industry.

I have owned a business in San Clemente since 1989 and a home in Forster Ranch since 1993. I live there with my wife, 19-yearold son, who we adopted as very special when he was 18 months, and our two dogs, Shadow and Sunny.

After the service I entered banking. I progressed to bank manager, then went into equipment leasing/finance, starting my own firm in the mid-1970s. I entered the surety field in the '80s and started South Coast Surety here in San Clemente in 1995.

For more than 25 years, I have been deeply involved in many facets of San Clemente.

I have raised my family here, and I served as president for our Homeowners Association.

I have served San Clemente as chairman of the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission, as a member of the Coastal Advisory Committee, and as president of San Clemente Sunrise Rotary. As a Rotarian I have helped raised thousands of dollars for local charities.

I am seeking a seat on the City Council because I want: 1. Safer Neighborhoods: Stop the proliferation of sober living facilities that bring crime, drugs and unwanted nuisances, which are jeopardizing our quality of life.

2. Greater Fiscal Responsibility: Use my 45 years of experience in banking and finance to prevent wasteful city spending and protect taxpayers from excessive employee pension debt.

3. Better Planning: Preserve San Clemente’s unique heritage. Improve our city’s business climate. Revitalize the El Camino Real corridor and the North Beach area.

Quality of life should not be an afterthought.

Chris Hamm Serving the people of San Clemente over the past four years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Having been born and raised in this great town, I’m dedicated to preserving our “Spanish Village by the Sea” feel, our world-class beaches, and our enviable open space.

As a local firefighter, I spend one third of San Clemente Times August 25-31 2016

my life at the fire station in Talega. So I know firsthand the importance of public safety for our community. In fact, in the four years I’ve been on Council, I have made public safety my number one priority. I have and will continue to fight to maintain and increase police services. With my vote, we doubled ambulance services—without increasing costs. San Clemente needs a hospital and emergency room. I fought locally and in Sacramento to keep our hospital open and will continue to fight until hospital and emergency room services are returned.

When the people of San Clemente demanded we take action against businesses changing the character of neighborhoods and increasing crime, I voted to pass a temporary moratorium and ultimately passed an ordinance regulating sober living homes and vacation rentals in residential areas.

I’ve fought to protect the rights of residents and approved hiring two additional code enforcement officers—the result is the shutting down of more than 30 of these businesses, with more to come.

San Clemente is and will continue to be a unique coastal city with small-town charm.

As your Council member, I will continue to fight for what is best for residents, not big business and definitely not developers set on making us the next Huntington Beach.

Help me preserve the San Clemente we know and love for future generations. Vote Chris Hamm for City Council in November.

Bob Baker First off, thank you for the honor of serving the residents of this great city.

San Clemente is wonderful and one of the safest places to live in California (ranked No. 88 nationwide).

We have world-class beaches, smalltown village charm and great, preserved open space.

The Vista Hermosa Sports Park and Aquatic Center are stunning and a great addition to our community. This year, as Mayor, I helped celebrate the opening of three new parks and revitalization of two others.

I have spent a large portion of my life in the service of others. In 1970, I graduated from the United States Naval Academy and had the distinct honor of serving in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator. I flew the F-4 Phantom on board the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following my military service, I flew as a commercial pilot for American Airlines until my retirement (30 years later)

in 2008.

My wife, Pam, and I have called San Clemente home for almost three decades and are very proud of this beautiful town.

Over the years, we have been honored to serve a variety of local organizations including: The Exchange Club, Family Assistance Ministries, Indian Guides, the Boys and Girls Club and our kids’ athletic teams—both San Clemente High School graduates.

In 2008, I made a promise to put residents first. Eight years later, I am proud to say I have kept that promise.

• Expanded our recycled water capacity.

• Built Sports Park, Aquatic Center and Courtney’s Sand Castle • Completed the La Pata extension and are improving a stretch of I-5 running through town.

• Opened Cotton’s Point Senior Housing and workforce housing on Avenida Serra.

• Refurbished and revitalized the Ole Hanson Beach Club.

• Fought for and passed an ordinance restricting sober living homes and vacation rentals in residential zones.

Thanks for your trust, I am looking forward to your vote again in November.

Pamela Joy Glass San Clemente Times was unable to reach the candidate, who provided no public contact information.

Dan Bane Over the years, my wife, Sheyanne, and I have tied the well-being of our family twellbeing of our community. I am committed to the long-term prosperity of San Clemente and will make conscientious decisions not just for today, but with an eye toward future generations of our residents.

During my time on San Clemente’s Planning Commission and General Plan Advisory Committee, I worked tirelessly to preserve and support projects that foster revitalization and stability while effectively managing growth that enhances the village character that sets San Clemente apart. It is vital to encourage smart growth and adaptive reuse of historical resources, while maintaining the small-town charm that makes us all proud to call San Clemente home. I believe my background as a land use and environmental attorney makes me uniquely qualified to handle the complex zoning and planning challenges facing our town.

As your City Council member, I will provide a fresh perspective on longstanding issues while providing common sense solutions that deliver safe neighborhoods for families to grow, vibrant commercial districts for businesses to flourish and accessible, first-class beaches and trails for all residents to enjoy. Moreover, I will work with our Council to cut wasteful spending and deliver a fiscally responsible city budget that addresses the needs of our community. Moving forward, it is imperative that we alleviate traffic, create better parking

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solutions and ensure the efficient delivery of essential services.

I will be an approachable and attentive steward of our collective vision for the future and will work to ensure that your voice is heard. It is time for consensus building and solution-based governance.

I respectfully ask for your trust, support and vote.

City Clerk Candidate Joanne Baade It has been my privilege to serve as your City Clerk for the past nine years and as San Clemente’s Deputy City Clerk for 21 years. During my tenure with the city, I have performed my duties with integrity, competence and fairness to all. I take my duties seriously and never forget that I am accountable to you—the citizens of San Clemente.

I am a Certified Municipal Clerk and member of the Master Municipal Clerk Academy. I am active in professional City Clerk organizations and remain current on state laws affecting City Clerk responsibilities. My areas of expertise include the Brown Act, Public Records Act and Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.

An integral part of a City Clerk’s duties is to conduct municipal elections in a manner that is impartial and in conformity with the California Elections Code. My expertise in elections was recognized in 2011 when I received the Award of Distinction from the City Clerks Association of California for outstanding performance in election services.

I believe that my education, experience, moral compass and dedication to public service have served the people of San Clemente well.

I respectfully request your support for my re-election on Nov. 8. Thank you.

City Treasurer Candidate Mark A. Taylor Between serving on the City’s Investment Advisory Committee for over 10 years and now as City Treasurer since being appointed in March 2013, I am very experienced and qualified for this position. In addition to this direct experience, I have worked in the financial services industry since 1981, as a wealth manager and Certified Financial Planner.

My wife Nancy and I moved to San Clemente with our two sons in 1994 and have been actively involved in our community. I have enjoyed volunteering by serving on a number of non-profit boards, volunteering at our church, and I’m active in Rotary International, which donates substantial resources to the charities and youth of San Clemente.

I count it a privilege to give back to our wonderful community by serving as City Treasurer, and would love to continue doing so with your support.

Thank you! www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community SC Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

Aragon (11:33 p.m.) A man was locked inside the business and didn’t think the owner saw him because he saw the owner walk away and lock the doors when the man turned the other way.

COMPILED BY STAFF

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28

San Clemente Farmers Market

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

Avenida Del Mar. MONDAY, AUGUST 29

Monday Nighters Car Group

6-8 p.m. Every Monday night. People can bring their classic cars to Panera Bread at the Outlets at San Clemente.

The event takes place until October.

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa. jkarennew1@hotmail.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30

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.

BILY Meeting

7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

Joint Council/Commissions/ Committees Meeting

7 p.m. The City Council and various city committees and commissions will convene at the meeting. San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, 150 Avenida Magdalena. 949.361.8200. www.sanclemente.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31

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 Toastmasters

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

805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

San Clemente Times August 25-31 2016

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

Monday, August 22 DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (7:25 a.m.) A man was found sleeping under the stoop.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Barracuda, 600 Block (3:04 a.m.) A woman said someone was knocking on the door and then running away. She said this occurred four times within an hour.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL El Portal, 100 Block (12:55 a.m.) Police were called to reports of men using a leaf blower.

CITIZEN ASSIST N. El Camino Real/Avenida

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

San Onofre Parks Foundation Lecture Series: Sept. 21 On Sept. 21, the San Onofre Parks Foundation will host Steve Pezman, founder, publisher and editor of the worldacclaimed The Surfer’s Journal. Pezman brings his storytelling skill to present “Surfing USA,” the San Onofre influence on surf culture. A reception and gallery exhibit viewing begins at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit www.stevepezman.eventbrite.com Colin Lee, a wildlife biologist with the Environmental Security Department at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, spoke during the San Onofre Parks Foundation Lecture Series on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the park. Lee has more than 20 years’ experience working with natural resources in the western United States, specializing in wetland and riparian ecology and management.

On Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon, the community is invited to meet at the San Clemente Pier to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day. The registration

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Obrajero, 2900 Block (12:25 p.m.) A man said he has a burglary alarm that has a camera in his residence, and he could see at least one person inside the location.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (9:46 a.m.) Police were called to a man who was driving a gold Honda and casing the area. He was then seen urinating on the sidewalk.

Saturday, August 20 DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico/Camino Celosia (10:43 p.m.) Teenagers were seen pulling their pants down and running across the street while screaming.

Sunday, August 21

Coastal Cleanup Day is Sept. 17

DISTURBANCE Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (1:45 p.m.) A 25-year-old man was sleeping on the bridge at T-Street and did not allow people to walk through.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Poniente, 100 Block (9:03 p.m.) People were seen break-

tables will be located just north of the Pier, where participants will be provided supplies and assigned a location to clean.

The cleanup will cover the coastline from North Beach to Calafia. The event encourages people to come together to take care of the marine environment.

“California’s coast and waterways collect large amounts of trash and debris that originated from human activities,” a press release from the city of San Clemente stated. “This debris, if not removed, can be harmful and even fatal to marine wildlife, can damage our state’s economy and can be considered a human health hazard.”

Find more information at www.coastkeeper.org/ccd, and to enter information for volunteer groups or individuals, visit www.coastkeeper.org/san_clemente_pier.

For more information, call 949.498.9436.

San Clemente Boy Scout Troop 113 Canoes More Than 100 miles In July, 12 Boy Scouts and four leaders from Troop 113 in San Clemente formed two crews and headed to Northern Tier, a high-adventure Boy Scout camp located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border. The crews paddled and portaged over 100 miles through remote wilderness for nine days. Upon arrival at base camp on the first day, each crew met their interpreter, who advised them in packing their food and gear and planning their route.

Because they were required to carry

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ing up a box mattress in a parking lot.

DISTURBANCE Via Solona/Calle Sarmentoso (5:35 p.m.) Parents at a soccer game were being verbally aggressive. The parents were ejected from the game and stood behind a fence, threatening to assault the other teams’ families.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Tierra Grande, 300 Block (3:53 p.m.) Police were called to the park for someone who “must be a transient since his clothes are all dirty and (his) hair (was) all messed up,” the caller said.

DISTURBANCE E. Avenida Magdalena/ Avenida Crespi (12:41 p.m.) Three men described as vagrants were in front of the store throwing water at customers and refusing to leave.

Friday, August 19 VANDALISM IN PROGRESS El Camino Real, 200 Block (9:48 p.m.) Someone broke the front door to the business.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Monterey/Avenida Algodon (7:24 p.m.) A man was talking to himself and trying to flag down vehicles in the middle of the street.

everything they brought from personal gear, food and cooking equipment to tents, paddles and canoes, the boys had to pack light. Both crews managed to paddle and portage their 75-pound canoes throughout the wilderness, as well as survive a severe thunderstorm with little warning that caused strong winds, heavy rain and fallen trees that blocked their routes. Upon returning to base camp and completing their journey, the Scouts and leaders enjoyed their first hot showers in over nine days.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Announces 2016 Training The city of San Clemente’s Community Emergency Planning Department, which begins Aug. 31, offers a standard FEMA 20-hour training course to prepare volunteers to assist their families, neighborhoods, community, businesses and more in the event of a major disaster until first responders can arrive.

For more information for the next training program, contact John Foster, emergency planning coordinator and CERT coordinator at the city of San Clemente, CERT@san-clemente.org, or call 949.361.6109.

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

EYE ON SC

People hold signs in protest on Wednesday, Aug. 17, of a potential sober living residence on the 2900 block of Via San Gorgonio in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

Group Protests Establishment of Possible Shorecliffs Sober Living Home City of San Clemente likely to file cease and desist order against operators

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

bout 40 people gathered Aug. 17 on the 2900 block of Via San Gorgonio in San Clemente to protest what they say will be the latest installment of a sober living home in the neighborhood.

Equipped with signs, some of which said “Unlicensed Facilities Are Not Welcome Here” and “Addicts Deserve Licensed and Professional Care,” the protesters gathered near the entrance to San Gorgonio Park. Children banged on pots and pans and protesters chanted and cheered as people driving by showed support to the cause by honking.

The home, located at 2931 Via San Gorgonio, is leased by Sovereign Health, a company that treats recovery clients either through outpatient services or inpatient group housing. Protesters said there have been operators setting up the home for their recovery clients, which is illegal in San Clemente without a permit if the number of people living there exceeds the six-person maximum. Opponents to the operation said Sovereign Health has put somewhere between eight to 12 beds in the home.

During the protest, no lights were on in the home, no vehicles were in the driveway and no one seemed to be home.

Next-door resident Chris Penna said

San Clemente Times August 25-31 2016

when he searched the home on Zillow, a real estate pricing aggregate website, the home was stated to be a “residential care facility,” which they felt was misleading.

Other neighbors said it had been listed as a senior citizen care home.

“We are terrified,” Penna said. “We just want to do anything to stop this. They’ve done nothing wrong yet… but they do not belong in a neighborhood like this. We don’t have a problem with people getting help, but this is not the proper place for it.”

Penna said neighbors fear the home would cause the safety and quality of the neighborhood to deteriorate.

“I have a brother in Capo Beach and he said (sober living homes) have caused a lot of problems,” Penna said. “Nothing good comes out of this. Just the anticipation of this coming has been very frightening.”

He said he’s equipped his home with surveillance and security measures.

Sovereign Health emailed the San Clemente Times last week claiming people have harassed their clients at the location. “(On Thursday, Aug. 11), there was an incident at one of our residential homes in San Clemente, 2931 Via San Gorgonio, San Clemente. Eight neighbors entered the house, unannounced,” the email stated.

“The neighbors began prowling the house,

taking pictures, videotaping patients and staff, and threatening Sovereign Health to ‘leave the neighborhood, or else things were going to get real bad for Sovereign Health.’ Also reported by a staff member, a neighbor shouted, ‘I know the type of car you drive, and I’ll kick you out of town.’ After the threat, the staff member called the Orange County (Sheriff’s) Department.”

It was not immediately clear whether Sovereign Health had filed a formal complaint with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department regarding the reported incident.

On Thursday, Aug. 18, SC Times received a written statement from Sovereign Health in response to an interview request regarding the protests.

“For the second time this week, several residents from a San Clemente neighborhood abruptly entered a private residence and frightened a team of Sovereign Health staff members who were working there at the time,” the statement read. “Sovereign objects to such unwarranted and disruptive behavior and expects that it will not occur again in the future.”

Brent Panas, the city’s Code Compliance Services supervisor, said because it appears residents have moved in, the city will likely file a cease and desist order against the operators.

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“We checked with Department of Health Case Service and Social Services and none of them have licensed them as a mental health or provider of other services,” Panas said.

The homes don’t need a license to operate, but they do in order to provide certain services for people classified as inpatients.

The recovery and healthcare provider stated it treats patients for mental health issues including trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, cognitive impairment and eating disorders. The patient population includes male and female patients covering a “broad range” of ages, from adolescents to adults and senior citizens.

Representatives said they also service United States military personnel and combat veterans.

The city classifies these types of homes as boarding houses—in order to keep in compliance with federal and state laws that protect such treatment residences. The city also requires these homes get permits and cannot be less than 300 feet from one another.

“We do not want them to be operating illegally in our neighborhood,” said Ryan Wilkinson, a San Clemente resident and protester. “They’re trying the back door, and … we don’t want somebody coming into the neighborhood and operating in the neighborhood.”

Wilkinson said he lives in the immediate area of the probable sober living home.

“This is how we do it, and you’ve got to support the next person who’s hurting,” said Anthony LaFrano, a San Clemente resident at the protest. He added that he does not live in the Shorecliffs neighborhood but wanted to support the movement. “This is judicial overreach in California. The courts have gone too far. For the (U.S.) Ninth Circuit Court to tell us that we have to allow these people in our neighborhood, it’s wrong.”

LaFrano was referring to a court case in which the city of Costa Mesa was barred by the federal court to enforce a regulation against homes operating as sober living providers.

“These people are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Does that mean they get a handicap placard too?

Do they get to park in handicap parking because they’re a drug addict or alcoholic?” LaFrano said. “They’re moving these people into our neighborhoods, and I can handle it, but our kids can’t handle it; they’re the innocent victims.”

Since the ordinances were passed by City Council, Panas said there have been a number of sober living homes that stopped operations in San Clemente because they could not comply with the new laws.

An official number has not been determined by the city, but protesters said it is about 35, and Panas said the last one to pack up and leave was documented in April. SC Editor’s note: This is a developing story, part of a series the San Clemente Times is doing on the issue of sober living homes and rehabilitation services within the city. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

La Pata Opening, a Circulation Upgrade

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wo weeks ago, the long-awaited Avenida La Pata connection was finally opened after many years of planning and waiting. I had the privilege of being on both the San Clemente Planning Commission and the Talega Homeowners Association between 2005 and 2013 and was involved in every aspect of its development during those years, including route selection, noise abatement, bike paths and bridge design. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a conflict of interest between the city and some Talega residents in that the Talega HOA is prohibited by its regulations from being involved in or taking a position on any civic developments such as this. It had happened a few years earlier when there were several routes of the 241 toll road planned through Talega and the HOA was not allowed to take a position, only comment on the impact.

This will be a huge improvement in our transportation problems/alternatives, but a long way from solving all of them, and there may well be some undesirable effects on some San Clemente traffic routes and residents.

Probably the largest positive impact is how it connects San Clemente to the north and how it will connect major population areas of the eastern areas of central Orange County to the south without having to use I-5. In this sense, the benefits to San

Letters to the Editor DON’T LET RECENT HEADLINES DISCOURAGE YOU FROM FLOSSING CAROL TEAGUE, San Clemente

I was stunned by a recent Associated Press headline that heralded, “Medical benefits of dental floss unproven.”

One thing I know for sure: flossing is the only foolproof way to ensure that your gums stay healthy.

But here’s the catch: flossing won’t help if you do it wrong.

Your aim is not just to get the floss into the space between your teeth, but to actually use the floss to scrape the surface of each tooth as if you were using a squeegee on a window.

I’ve seen patients who floss two or three times a day, but they get poor results because they don’t know how to do it properly. But after I teach them how to floss correctly, they begin improving almost immediately flossing once a day.

San Clemente Times August 25-31, 2016

Clemente residents are all positive, while the connecting of the tens of thousands of central county residents actually through San Clemente for the first time can have some severe impacts. Due to space limitations, I will only be able to reflect on the positives for San Clemente in this article, but plan to detail the possible undesirable impacts next month.

During the past week, I have talked with several folks who have to travel daily north and south, and they are now able to use the La Pata route versus having to go out Pico/Hermosa to I-5, up/down I-5 to Ortega Highway or other parkways such as Crown LEW’S VIEWS Valley or Oso, and if

By Lew Avera inland, connect directly to Antonio Parkway to the north.

One resident with whom I spoke has students from Talega at San Juan Hills High School. It used to take 20 to 25 minutes each way, twice a day. Now it takes five to six minutes each way. A manager who lives in Santa Margarita and works in Talega used to have to drive 25 miles and 40 minutes each way. Now his commute is 17 miles and 25 minutes each way via Antonio Parkway. His total gas expenses are less, but miles per gallon are worse Flossing is really your first line of defense against gum disease. Even though brushing and rinsing your mouth after eating can reduce bacteria by 30 percent, it is like hosing off your car to get it clean.

It’s just not thorough. No matter how good you brush, you must always floss.

Your gums bleed because your body is responding to the bacteria that live on the tooth. Your body senses the bacterial growth and brings in white blood cells to fight it, causing inflammation and bleeding of the gums. This is your body’s defense system in attack mode.

I’ve actually read warnings in dental literature and on websites to be careful not to floss too hard because you might actually cut your gums. Let me be perfectly clear: there is no way to cut your gums with dental floss. If your gums bleed when you floss, you need to floss more, not less, using the proper technique.

You are not cutting your gums or doing any damage. Inflammation from bacteria causes the bleeding, not the act of flossing itself. The more you floss correctly, the healthier your gums become, and the bleeding stops.

Flossing is really very simple and takes

due to stopping for many traffic signals on Antonio.

Another person working in Foothill Ranch previously spent almost an hour on I-5 and now it takes 35 minutes using Antonio, saving 25 minutes each way per day.

Finally, an instructor at 24 Hour Fitness from Ladera Ranch would drive at least 25 minutes each way, and now they drive seven minutes each way.

There are potentially some high impact negatives affecting San Clemente circulation, like traffic signals on Antonio Parkway, the terrible congestion on La Pata at SJHHS during peak hours, and the strong need to complete the widening of the north segment of La Pata.

Overall, however, this is the most important addition to improving our San Clemente circulation since Hermosa was completed from I-5 through to Talega some 10 years ago.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, August 26 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

CLARIFICATION: In the Aug. 18-24 edition of the San Clemente Times, the contributions of Robert Graff to the product in the Business Beat article for Streetubez were misidentified. Graff helped the family protect their intellectual property rights.

about a minute a day. But you have to do it every day, once a day. It doesn’t matter whether you do it in the morning or in the evening, but you must disrupt the bacteria from forming every 24 hours.

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 34. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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

Please limit your letters to 350 words.

Page 12

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HOW TO TURN VOLUNTEER WORK INTO A SECOND CAREER MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERS MORE THAN FOOD TO THE COMMUNITY FITNESS AND RECREATION TIPS FOR THE ACTIVE SENIOR

WELCOME TO

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aging well | FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

s there a better place to age well than South Orange County? If there is, it’d have to have recreational opportunities, perfect weather, vibrant community centers, entertainment options and leading medical care and assisted living facilities—all of which the tri-city area has in abundance.

Almost 45 percent of residents in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano—almost 60,000 people—are over the age of 45, which means it’s no secret the area attracts those looking to live well as they age. In this inaugural edition of Aging Well, we’ve assembled features that highlight what the area offers seniors, and how seniors in the area are finding their own sources of entertainment and exploration.

In Aging Well, you’ll find several stories about how to stay active in the community with fellow seniors. Check out an article on our local community centers, page 6, a look at senior fitness, page 7, and find local hotspots from local themselves on page 12.

We’ve also assembled profiles of all the places seniors can go to live within a like-minded, and like-aged, community. Flip to page 4 for a feature on San Clemente Villas by the Sea, with a rundown of all the senior communities in the tri-city area. And look on page 11 for a profile of the San Clemente Village nonprofit, a group that is seeking to help seniors stay independent as they age.

For practical advice on aging well, we’ve included a story on senior nutrition, page14, ways to protect against falls and other common injuries, page 8, and expert advice on Medicare and similar packages on page 10.

Lastly, we’ve included stories for those who are looking to give back. Read about the local Meals on Wheels program, page 14, and find ways to stay active via volunteering on page 13.

There’s a lot to do in South Orange County for seniors, and there’s a lot to read about in this issue—so start reading, and start aging well.

WHAT LOCALS ARE SAYING

We asked local seniors in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano: How are you aging well in South Orange County?

Rene Cortez, Dana Point

“I was born and raised in this town.

I volunteer at the senior center. I do Meals on Wheels.

I’m a docent up at the Dana Point Headlands. And I just started a nonprofit up there.”

Evie Love, Dana Point “I volunteer (as events coordinator at the Beach Cities Senior’s Club). We go to musicals, we go to casinos, we go to luncheons.

We just do a lot of activities here.” page 3

Pat Burkholder, San Juan Capistrano “Being a senior, I joined about five senior places and they go on the trips.

At the end of this month, we’re going to Laughlin and they’re very inexpensive. You get the busride, two nights at a motel and meals for under $200.

You can’t beat that.”

George Ruiz, San Clemente “The nature trails, some of those. I like coming to the community center, walking along the beach. Any one of the city’s activities is fun to walk around and see.”

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

HOME AWAY FROM, BUT NEARBY, HOME

SAN CLEMENTE VILLAS BY THE SEA OFFERS A LOCAL SPIN ON RETIREMENT LIVING

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here are a lot of perks that come from a locally run retirement and assisted living facility. You’re never too far away from your friends and family, nor your favorite restaurants. And it means the folks taking care of you have an investment in making your life as comfortable as possible—you’re neighbors after all.

Paul and Aileen Brazeau built the San Clemente Villas by the Sea in 2002 after they noticed a need for senior care and community growing in San Clemente.

“I thought there was a need for assisted living,” Aileen said. “Did you know that the baby boomer generation after World War II is aging? There’s a lot of elderly people and we wanted to provide a space in San Clemente (for them).”

Immediately, the Brazeaus felt like there was an opportunity to provide more intimate, localized care than some of the larger chains that provide a “formula” to senior living.

“We’re kind of different. We’re a familyfriendly operation, and we’re about fun living and enjoying life,” Aileen said. “People are herd animals, and we like to be in groups and we like to be social.”

Part of that community aspect extends to the resources available to seniors at the Villas. Aileen says they go out of their way to provide unique experiences for their residents and guests.

“My husband and I, this is our only community so we spend extra money on activities, more money on food. It’s all about fun,” Aileen said.

Activities offered by the Villas include a creative writing and watercolor paint-

ing class; dancing and singing activities; a book of the month club; brain activities; movie nights (mostly musicals and comedies); trips to the casino; wine dinners; cruises—“It’s like this Club Med sort of thing,” Aileen said.

The Villas are home to about 160 residents and 127 employees. The residents include people from all walks of life from beach bums to doctors and professors.

What brings them all together to the Villas is a love of San Clemente and the shared passion for the things that make the city, and the area, so special.

“We have nonstop activities and you can be as active as you want to be,” Aileen said. “I think the sunshine and good food and getting vitamins and medication on time, you just feel great. We have residents who have lived here for over 10 years just because they love it.”

She added that her office is always open to residents and guests looking to suggest new activities or just to talk. In that way, and in so many others, San Clemente Villas by the Sea is a real, caring community.

The edifice and reception area of San Clemente Villas by the Sea. Photo: Courtesy

Bedrooms are characteristic and fun, like the Villas and their members. Photo: Courtesy

Movies are screened every night at the Villas. Photo: Courtesy

Owner Aileen Brazeau stands in a common area of the facility. Photo: Courtesy

The facility is home to a heated pool for year-round enjoyment. Photo: Courtesy

The tri-cities are home to a number of senior living and assisted care facilities, as well as seniors-only communities.

The broad range of options ensures that seniors have choices when it comes to the quality and style of life they want to lead. Check out the facilities and communities in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano and visit their websites to see all they have to offer.

Dana Point: Aegis Living of Dana Point, The Fountains at Sea Bluff San Clemente: AMADA Senior Care, Cottons Point, Rosehaven Care Homes, SC Villas by the Sea, Vintage Shores San Juan Capistrano: Atria San Juan, Brookdale Senior Living, Del Obispo Terrace, Silverado San Juan Capistrano, Seasons Senior Apartments, Villa Paloma Senior Apartments

page 4

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

CENTER OF ACTION Local community centers offer myriad entertainment opportunities for seniors

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BY MATT CORTINA

ommunity centers in South Orange County provide locals of all age groups the opportunity to connect, exercise, dine and, more than anything, enjoy their neighbors. The centers are keys to truly aging well, both for the mind and body. In addition to regular events like yoga and bridge, senior centers also offer holiday events and special celebrations throughout the year. There’s also excursions lead by the Beach Cities Senior’s Club to concert venues, casinos, museums and more. Take a look at what these community centers have to offer.

Senior Center Director Vanna Murphy addresses a Dana Point Senior Center luncheon. Photo: Matt Cortina

Local Dana Point seniors enjoy the lunch, one of many activities at the center. Photo: Matt Cortina

Dana Point Community Center

34052 Del Obispo Street. 949.496.4252. www.danapoint.org/department/community-services-and-parks/seniors The activities for seniors rotate every month at the Dana Point Community Center, but there are a few staples to set your watch to. Bingo runs every weekday, and card games take place on Thursday and Friday. Lunch is served every day at the Center at 11:45 a.m., and is available with the recommended $4.50 donation.

Special lunches range from chili dogs to luau-inspired fare. Special events include Western Day, where attendees can dress in Western garb; Halloween dinner, where prizes go to the best costume; and Thanksgiving Day feasts. There’s also valuable resources like driver safety courses, legal counsel, transportation services and health care management.

Dorothy Visser Senior Center (San Clemente)

117 Avenida Victoria. 949.498.3322. http://san-clemente.org/recreation-community/recreation/classes-programs/senior-activities Look out for lunches, exercise groups, art classes and more at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente. The center usually has two exercise groups every morning—yoga, pilates, tai chi, strength training, balance work and aerobic exercise are all offered.

Later in the day, folks can get their crafting muscles moving with knitting workshops, watercolor and oil painting classes, and jewelry making. The Center also has a computer lab and community dining available to all patrons.

There are also resources like healthcare counseling, visual aid consultations, health advisors and more. And there’s plenty of opportunities for fun with bridge, bingo and holiday-specific celebrations.

San Juan Capistrano Community Center

25925 Camino Del Avion. 949.493.5911. https://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/Index.aspx?page=299 The opportunities for seniors in San Juan Capistrano are limitless. It starts with a senior lounge open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, where guests can shoot pool, play cards, watch TV and socialize.

There are yoga, balance, hula and other exercise classes available at the Center and nearby. The San Juan Senior Club also offers dozens of one-day and overnight excursions for the senior traveler.

The Center also provides resources like legal aid, estate planning, tax help, a driving safety program and more. Seniors can stop by for meals on weekdays at 11:45 a.m., and stick around for the camaraderie. page 6

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

OVER 50? JOIN THE BOOMERS FITNESS MOVEMENT AND GET ACTIVE

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BY JEANNIE MCCORMACK

hen we’re in our 20s, 30s and 40s, we get the feeling that our bodies are invincible. But then the 50s hit, and our bodies start to call time. I’ve heard countless clients tell me that they looked at themselves in the mirror at age 50 and thought, “Who are you?” The good news is, it’s not too late. Committing to a routine of regular exercises is one of the healthiest decisions you can make.

The benefits of exercise at any age are well documented, but for those over 50, exercise can be lifesaving. Studies show that exercise reduces the impact of illness and chronic disease. Benefits of exercise for adults over 50 include: • improved immune function • better heart health and blood pressure • better bone density • improved sleep • improved mental clarity • boosted mood • better focus • enhanced self esteem • enhanced mobility, flexibility, and balance, and better-looking skin

Those that exercise also have lower risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis, even if you already have the symptoms.

Thanks to the boomers, who began turning 65 in 2011, the population of older Americans is expanding. By 2030, one in five Americans will be a senior, nearly double the 12 percent mark of 2000.

We can age better than our ancestors to be sure. I flash back to my own ’60s iconic childhood. I fondly remember my mother turning on Jack LaLane in the morning.

She would encourage my sister and I, both preschoolers, to follow along. My lovely mother with the frosted beehive hairstyle would swing her pedal pushered legs over the side of an armchair and smoke a cigarette. She never actually did the exercises herself but she did most definitely encourage myself and my six siblings to live an active lifestyle. The decision to exercise has to be a lifestyle choice.

The biggest single reason given for not exercising on a regular basis is not having enough time for the recommended 30 minutes a day to maintain health. It is vital that you find this time as it has a direct bearing on future well-being. It can be as little as

three 10-minute walks a day, a 30-minute walk, an exercise class, a swim, a bike ride, a friendly game of golf or tennis. Exercise can be as effective as medication in combatting depression. Walking, jogging, weightlifting and stationary bike have all been found to make an impact on mood.

Pilates and yoga are my favorite modality with the over-50 crowd. If you had an active lifestyle growing up, chances are good you well have no trouble picking up yoga or pilates practice and you will see rapid results in improved physical condition. You can practice both pilates and yoga well into your advanced senior years. The last class I took from renowned pilates master Ron Fletcher is proof in the pudding. At the age of 86, he was climbing onto a reformer and demonstrating most all of the moves. If that weren’t telling enough, both yoga and pilates are a mind-body tradition, meaning that you must concentrate on form and breath. It therefore becomes a moving meditation.

Recent studies at University of California, Irvine showed that 20-40 minutes of daily meditation reduced cortisol levels by 27 percent. And we know what happens when cortisol levels spike: belly fat. And belly fat is deadly, literally.

Seniors exercise at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. Photo: Matt Cortina

My AARP card recently came in the mail. My husband held it up with a wink. I didn’t find it so funny. In fact, I was horrified. But while aging is inevitable, we don’t have to get old now, do we? Just get out there and get active.

aging well |

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FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

PREVENTING FALLS… beyond the obvious

BY DR. MARY SONDAG, PHYSICAL THERAPIST

asked my mother, 85, if she’d fallen recently. “Well, yes,” she admitted.

How did it happen? “Well, I was trapping the chipmunks in the live trap so I could take it over to the forest preserve. I don’t really know what happened, I guess I tripped over a high spot on the patio.

I didn’t think to say anything—I wasn’t hurt.” I shook my head— most people just say they fell over a rug, or tripped over a curb. Not my mom—she was out trapping chipmunks!

You’ve heard it all before: the fall risks, the statistics for falls in people over 65, the tips and tricks for avoiding falls, making your home safer by picking up throw rugs.

And yet, down you went. You didn’t even bother to mention it to anyone—you didn’t get hurt, no broken bones, no harm done.

This is exactly the time you should take notice and start asking questions. Why did I fall? What were the circumstances?

Should I start using a cane in certain circumstances? Did it happen cleaning the

garage? Trapping chipmunks? What could I have done that would have decreased my chances of falling?

I’ve been a physical therapist for almost 35 years and if I had one piece of advice to give to people over age 65 it would be that: be proactive. It is so much easier to prevent an injury due to falling than to undergo the rehab required to resume normal life after such an injury. It breaks my heart when someone loses their independence when it could have been prevented.

There is no guarantee that we will never fall. From the moment we are upright on two legs, we are at risk. From a 10-monthold taking her first steps to a 45-year-old who was texting while walking to the 85-year-old checking her chipmunk trap, we are at risk of falling and, no matter how in shape or nimble we are, many of us still fall.

However, if we understand the reasons that gravity sometimes wins this battle of the upright, it can help us make better decisions as we move about and limit our chances of falling when we least expect it.

“I haven’t fallen, I don’t have an injury, I don’t need physical therapy.” Well, maybe, maybe not. Medicare Part B is happy to pay for an evaluation and comprehensive balance screening, which is really the

Physical therapy is a valuable resource for seniors looking to prevent falls. Photo: istock

only way to assess your risk. When I perform a standardized balance test, it is not surprising to learn that what I have initially observed when the person walked in is not the whole story. Someone may walk in and look perfectly fine, but when their balance is challenged, it is obvious they need therapy due to lack of strength, balance reactions or other factors such as diminished sensation. On the other hand, someone may walk in and look as if they

are about to fall over, but testing reveals they have strength and balance reactions in their trunk and extremities that serve them well and keep them off the ground.

So be proactive. Make an appointment with a physical therapist and find out where you are in the spectrum of fall risk.

That baseline information can be used at future checkups to assure you that you can still trap chipmunks safely and without falling.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

For Your Health

TURNING 65? MEDICARE ADVICE FROM A HEALTH INSURANCE EXPERT

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BY STEPHANIE FRISCH

o matter their level of understanding of health insurance, many people are served well by a quick refresher course on Medicare. Advertisements on TV and in magazines indicate as much— ‘Are you confused about when to enroll for Medicare?’ and variations thereof is a common line on the airwaves.

So here’s a basic overview of what to expect as you approach 65.

Once you enroll in Original Medicare, you’ll have a choice of using Medicare as your primary medical insurance and purchasing a supplemental to Medicare to cover medical and hospital costs. You will then also need to purchase a prescription drug plan (whether you need it or not at the time, or face a penalty). Another option would be to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan—this is a health plan offered by private health insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide the same benefits that Medicare offers, but they go further in coverage and generally include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits at no cost. These plans are mostly an HMO, and there are a few PPO plans left in Orange County, but they may change for 2017.

Medicare is broken into two parts—Part A covers hospitalization, skilled nursing and hospice to some degree, and Part

the gaps of Original Medicare coverage).

You won’t be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B unless you took your Social Security early at age 62 or at an earlier age because of a disability. Part A enrollment happens automatically when you turn 65 (and is at no cost to you if you or your spouse paid into it for 40 quarters while working).

The reason this is the case now versus a few years ago or when your parents turned 65 is because the age that someone gets fully vested into social security is increasing. It used to be age 65, so when someone applied for their Social Security benefits, Medicare would be notified that they were turning 65 and mail out a card with both Part A and B activated. If someone didn’t want Part B at that time (because of group coverage most likely) they’d sign the attachment refusing that coverage.

What I find is happening now is that people expect their Medicare card to arrive with Part A and B activated automatically and both aren’t; their card arrives with only Part A activated. They may not look at it closely, they just tuck it away, and when the time comes to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, there is a “uh-oh” moment because they assumed they were all set to go and now they have to scramble to get to the Social Security office and get the Part B portion activated.

The protocol now for Part B to be activated is either going online to www. medicare.gov to do that, or going in to the closest Social Security office. The earliest you can activate Part B is three months

The key is that you must have both Part A and Part B active in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) or a Medicare Supplemental plan (which fills in the gaps of Original Medicare coverage).

B covers 80 percent of outpatient and all physician services. There’s also Part C and Part D, but let’s focus on A and B. The key is that you must have both Part A and Part B active in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) or a Medicare Supplemental plan (which fills in page 10

prior to your 65th birthday.

There is a lot of financial exposure having only Original Medicare and nothing else to fill in the gaps. Medicare doesn’t cover outpatient prescription drug coverage either, you have to enroll in a plan offered by a private insurance company.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

Seniors with the San Clemente Village celebrate the nonprofits launch in Hawaiian-style at the Outlets.

Photo: Courtesy

IT TAKES A VILLAGE SC Village helps local seniors lead independent lives

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BY AMANDA GIANNELLI

t is hard to define what you need, and sometimes, even harder to ask for it.

Sherry Reams is a San Clemente local who worked as a stock broker and traveled around the country for her entire career. Though her work ethic and determination had her striving to work until her 70th birthday, she reluctantly retired at 69 years old. Still living on her own, Reams would say, “I don’t need help, because who wants to think of themselves as old?”

Reams is one of many with this mentality, and that is why the nonprofit San Clemente Village isn’t here just to help, but to enhance the lives of seniors in the community.

Reams founded San Clemente Village about a year ago and has now become the vice chairperson of the organization.

It’s part of the Village to Village Network, which started in Beacon Hill, Boston.

After receiving television recognition, City Councilman Bob Baker, and Nancy Sutherland, a member of San Clemente’s Human Affairs Committee, both got involved and started to promote this “neighbors helping neighbors” organization.

Today, there are close to 300 villages in the country. San Clemente has now joined that list with a Village launched this September at The Outlets in San Clemente.

San Clemente Village offers not only transportation for members, but along

with assistance with simple maintenance or technical problems, the membership can include the ability to go to social outings with like-minded people like going wine tasting or taking a day to see San Diego or the Julian Trails. There are volunteer opportunities all around San Clemente for which members can easily sign up. Members must be 55 or older and live in San Clemente. All the vendors that are available to the members are prescreened and all the volunteers helping the organization are interviewed to ensure both safety and comfort. Those who purchase a one year’s membership by Sept. 30 will also receive an extra three months free, along with a free additional membership of the same value for another person living in the same residence.

Reams said that any “members who are interested in the community should know their community is interested in them.” As a small Spanish beach town, the surfers are seen, the youth is always heard, but we seem to forget to ask the question “What about the seniors?”

The future for San Clemente Village is bright, “As we grow, we want potential members to look forward to joining with us.” Sherry said. “Let’s make each decade wonderful. Let’s enhance their lives.”

For more information on becoming a member, a volunteer or joining the referral network, visit www.scvillage.org or call 949.441.1348. page 11

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

AGING WELL… as told by locals

G

BY TOM BLAKE

My life partner, Greta Cohn, who retired in 2007 after 31 years of being a special education teacher at RH Dana Exceptional Needs Facility in Dana Point, believes that exercise is critical to aging well. Three mornings a week Greta does water aerobics with a group of 37 women and four men. And, on Tuesday mornings, she does Tai Chi at the Doris Walker Memorial Area in Heritage Park with a group of men and women. And on Thursday morning, she attends a Tai Chi class at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center next to the Marco Forster Middle School. Greta also volunteers in the Ocean Institute Gift Shop.

rowing older doesn’t have to be something to dread. In fact, most of the retired and senior people I encounter are “aging well.” Our tri-city area provides a plethora of activities and opportunities for getting out, getting involved and enjoying life.

Here is how some of our local citizens are embracing life while growing older.

One of the reasons that John Bates is aging well is he gave up his car even

Brad and Judy Brandmeier are aging well. The former owners of Beacon

Printing in Dana Point are now retired.

They were enjoying the free outdoor concert at Dana Point’s Sea Terrace Park on Sunday, Aug. 7, while sitting in a nice shady spot with friends, grooving to the sounds of Hot August Night, a Neil Diamond tribute band. They looked relaxed and were having an enjoyable time. Judy and Brad do a great amount of volunteer work for the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

before he retired a few years back and rides his bicycle from his San Juan Capistrano home to Dana Point Harbor and other destinations around South Orange County. John admits that his wife, Judy, still owns her car and once in a while he’ll ride in that when they are going to out-of-the-way destinations. Pumping that bicycle keeps John in good shape.

Four to five times a week— Russell Kerr, the past Chairman of the

Carole Kelly says, “I believe it is very important as we age to stay both physically and mentally active.” She teaches swimming at the San Clemente Sports Park on Vista Hermosa, Aqua Exercise for 24-Hour Fitness, and gives private swimming lessons for children. She walks in Dana Point Harbor daily and volunteers one day a week at Doheny Beach as a docent in the Visitor’s/Interpretive Center. Need to learn how to swim? Go see Carole.

Chris Anastasio, San Clemente, lets no grass grow under his feet. At

Ron and Lee Cohan, Dana Point,

former owners of Zia Jewelry, San Juan Capistrano, exercise nearly every day of the week whether it be swimming, walking, doing Tai Chi or ballroom dancing. I saw them on the dance floor on a recent Saturday night at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, swinging to the sounds of True Willie, a Willie Nelson tribute band, along with hundreds of other country music fans. Exercise is their top priority in retirement.

age 81, he still travels the world half of the year with his girlfriend Tina, who lives in England. An email I recently sent to Chris came back with this message: “I am on the road again. I’ll be gone until the Fourth of September.”

And the email had this sign-off: “Life is like a book. If you haven’t traveled, you have only read the first page; but if you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might as well stay home.”

Chris volunteers as a dance host at the San Clemente Villas and always dresses up as Santa Claus for the Christmas parties there. page 12

Board of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, who just turned 70 and is retired from the Edward Jones Company—and I do stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) together at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.

We aren’t the only old-timers doing SUP at Baby Beach, there are probably a couple hundred men and women paddling each day, even more on weekends. It’s almost like a fraternity the people are so friendly.

All it takes to age well in the tri-city area is a little initiative to find out what is best for each person and to make an effort to get out there. Saddleback College Emeritus Institute lists 26 tuition-free classes for older adults for this fall www. saddleback.edu/emeritus. That’s a good place to start.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

SECOND CALLING SENIOR VOLUNTEERS CONNECT WITH OC NONPROFITS FOR NEW CAREERS

Members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) were honored among other volunteers at the OneOC Senior Symposium. Photo: Courtesy OneOC

T

BY MATT CORTINA

here are a myriad of ways for seniors to stay active and busy during their retirement years. Some pick up new hobbies (or ones of which they’ve dreamed for years), others work part-time at local businesses. But many seniors are increasingly turning to volunteering as a rewarding and satisfying way to stay busy and help their communities.

There is local support for seniors looking to volunteer in Orange County.

OneOC is a nonprofit organization that matches volunteers with groups looking for help—it’s everything from seasonal work to prominent board positions.

Maria Lemus, volunteer services coordinator at OneOC, said the relationship between senior volunteers and nonprofits is mutually beneficial.

“A lot of nonprofits are very excited to know that we have a pool of individuals who have experience, they have the time commitment and have a passion about serving,” Lemus said. “What we’ve heard from our volunteers is that they are very excited to volunteer because it gives them something to do. They’re able to socialize, so they get to meet individuals … with the same interests as themselves.”

Many volunteers come equipped with a lifetime of career skills and knowledge, which equates to a productive volunteering experience. OneOC matches seniors with nonprofits looking for help based not only on interest, but on skill level.

“We do emphasize having (our program) be very skill-based, so it’s not just sending out our volunteers,” said Floridel Martinez, communications specialist at OneOC. “I know a lot of our volunteers … say the work they’re doing really does mean something because they’re using their skills and page 13

being able to apply it more directly.”

OneOC does offer training to volunteers, particularly those who want to serve as board members at nonprofits. The range of opportunities for all seniors interested in volunteering is vast—and searchable via their website—but can be categorized into several main groups.

“A lot of our nonprofit partners that are part of this program, they focus on education, disaster preparedness, health and wellness and public safety programs,” Lemus said.

Lemus added that OneOC runs the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), with more than 400 volunteers serving in those specific areas. Members of RSVP who reach certain landmarks (like 4,000 hours volunteered, for instance) are honored annually at a celebration.

OneOC, through all their volunteer connections, worked with more than 43,000 volunteers last year, who logged more than one million volunteer hours.

Lemus said the volunteer opportunities in Orange County also allow seniors to either pivot from their previous interests, or double down and find new outlets for their lives’ work.

“I think a lot of the time, seniors are very committed to (their volunteer responsibilities), because they’re looking for something very different from their first career,” Lemus said. “Individuals working in an office setting with very little social interaction, now they’re looking for the exact opposite. People in education, for instance, either they’re very passionate and keep with it or they decide they want something different, they want to build something. It’s the next career in life.”

Those interested in volunteering can browse www.oneoc.org for opportunities in the county.

aging well |

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

NUTRITION AND DAILY CALORIE INTAKE for adults over 50

DAILY CALORIE LEVELS FOR WOMEN OVER 50 Common sense tells us that the number of calories needed to maintain health is related to the amount of activity a person is willing, or able, to undertake. The chart below illustrates some basic guidelines.

1,600

Lower physical activity: only performs activities associated with typical day-to-day life

1,800

Lower physical activity: walks the equivalent of 1.5 to 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour

2,100

Active lifetstyle: walks the equivalent of more than 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour

CALORIES CALORIES CALORIES

DAILY CALORIE LEVELS FOR MEN OVER 50

2,100

Lower physical activity: only performs activities associated with typical day-to-day life

2,300

Lower physical activity: walks the equivalent of 1.5 to 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour

CALORIES CALORIES

2,600

CALORIES

Active lifestyle: walks the equivalent of more than 3 miles a day at 3 to 4 miles per hour

Source: National Institutes of Health

Fresh or frozen, vegetables contain a wealth of nutrients, as well a healthy dose of fiber.

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally wellbalanced vegetables—high in folic acid and a good source of potassium, fiber, thiamin, and vitamins A, B6, and C. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Along with citrus fruits and other berries, they also contain phytochemicals, whose health benefits are beginning to be researched.

Grains are a staple of any healthy diet. Those who eat whole grains may enjoy a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. Grains are packed with elements of good nutritional value such as iron, magnesium, fiber, B vitamins and more. The USDA suggests making half your grain intake whole grains.

Protein is an essential nutrient, made up of 20 amino acids, or building blocks, that our bodies need. The USDA says our best sources of protein come from meat, poultry, seafood, beens and peas, eggs, processed soy, nuts and seeds.

VEGETABLES

creating a

FRUITS

HEALTHY

plate

WHOLE GRAINS

PROTEIN, DAIRY & HEALTHY OILS

ORDER IN

MEALS ON WHEELS BRINGS FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP TO SENIORS’ DOORSTEPS

S

BY MATT CORTINA

pinach cannelloni. Pineapple glazed ham. A harvest vegetable plate. Those are just some of the 300,000 meals delivered annually to Orange County seniors via the Age Well Senior Services Meals on Wheels program. And in South Orange County, about 400 people depend on the food preparation and delivery program for their three square meals every day.

The process by which the meals are delivered to residents involves a lot of moving parts—including a cadre of volunteers to help deliver the meals and meet with senior residents. It starts when a senior over the age of 60 in South Orange County contacts Age Well and signs up for the service.

Though the program receives federal funding, a $7.50 per day donation is suggested— though no senior is ever turned away.

The meals are prepared by Langlois in

Meals on Wheels delivers three meals a day from a rotating menu to over 400 residents in South Orange County.

Photo: Courtesy Age Well.

Laguna Beach, a company that specializes in frozen and specialty meals for groups like seniors. Lisa Gibson, the nutrition director at Age Well, designs the menus every month to meet key health goals for the service’s recipients.

“We base the nutrient requirement on a sedentary 70-year-old woman,” Gibson

said. “1,600 calories per day. The sodium is under 2,300 milligrams a day. And we have to get all the vitamins and minerals.”

The meals are portion-controlled and are generally not catered to specific therapeutic diets, like blood pressure or diabetic diets. That’s because all meals possess a healthy level of calories, sodium and other

page 14

elements, and specific diets can leave out valuable nutrients for seniors like protein.

Once the meals are prepared, the real magic of the Meals on Wheels program begins. An all-volunteer staff of delivery drivers are tasked with making stops for lunch and dinner, with breakfast included in the last delivery of the day. Volunteers are asked to perform home checks on the recipients, to ensure that people involved in the program are healthy and living in a relatively good situation. That said, the state of many seniors who are on the program might surprise their neighbors.

“You have no idea how some people are living. People have the perception of all of South Orange County being very wealthy and it’s not,” Gibson said, adding that the home checks are important because many seniors will say they’re doing fine on the phone when their reality is slightly different.

For many of the program’s clients, the highlight is the interaction with volunteers.

“Some of the clients, they don’t want to talk so they just take the meal and go inside, but others you can hardly say goodbye,” Gibson said. “Our volunteers will be an extra hour on the route because they develop relationships with the client.

They’ll take trips and send postcards back.”

Gibson said the program generally has enough volunteers, but that the size of the group ebbs and flows. Many volunteers are seniors themselves, and transition into recipients of the meals.

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Thursday | 25 LIVE MUSIC: IVA LEE’S 7-10:30 p.m. Leroy will be performing at Iva Lee’s Restaurant. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855.

Photo: Copyright © Focus Features

CASINO SUMMER NIGHTS JAZZ SERIES 7:30-10 p.m. Visit the Casino San Clemente for their summer jazz series. Tickets are $7 online, $10 at the door. Order online at www.casinosummernights.brownpapertickets.com. 140 W. Avenida Pico. 949.369.660. www.thecasinosanclemente.com.

OC PARKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6-8 p.m. The summer concert series continues with Tijuana Dogs and Family Style taking the stage. Salt Creek Beach. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.923.2280.

Friday | 26 BARKS & BREWS 5-8 p.m. Celebrate your pooch on National Dog Day at the Outlets at San Clemente.

Dinner will be available from food trucks like The Classic Tacos and DogTown Dogs, as well as cold beer from Left Coast Brewing Company. There’s also live entertainment, a doggy costume parade with prizes, photo booths and free treats. All proceeds benefit the Pet Project Foundation. Outlets at San Clemente. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.shoposc.com/woof.

LIVE MUSIC: IVA LEE’S 7-11 p.m. The Bayou Brothers will be performing at Iva Lee’s Restaurant. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855.

LIVE MUSIC: GOODY’S 7 p.m. Bad Kitty Project plays at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400.

DANNY GRIEGO & THE ELECTRIC TUMBLEWEEDS 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Saturday | 27 SOUTH COAST CONSERVATORY’S HIP HOP MASTERS WEEKEND San Clemente Times August 25-31, 2016

Photos: Zak Noyle/A-Frame Photo and Warren Bolster

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27: FROM PLASTIC TO FANTASTIC 6-9 p.m. Join the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center (SHACC) to celebrate the opening of their latest exhibition, “From Plastic to Fantastic,” which showcases innovative apparel made from plastic and other recyclable material. A no-host bar and appetizers from L&L Hawaiian BBQ will be available. Free admission for SHACC members, and $5 for the general public. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313. www.surfingheritage.org.

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. An all-weekend event where big name choreographers, Chuck Maldonado, Amy Allen and Super Dave are holding master classes along with other working professionals and surprise guest choreographers. Classes run Saturday and Sunday, and are available individually for $40. Either day pass is $100, and a full weekend pass is $180. South Coast Conservatory. 27652 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel. 949.367.0099. www.scconservatory.com.

STAR CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AUDITIONS Noon-4 p.m. Audition for the Oct. 21, one-night-only, performance of Poe, Poe, Poe, which will be staged at the Dana Point Community House. Those interested in auditioning should prepare a dramatic reading of one of the show’s poems, or another “dark poem.” Auditions will also be held Sunday from 4-7 p.m. All auditions held at the Norman P. Murray Community Center. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. 702.349.3703. wwwstarctr.org.

16TH ANNUAL RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RODEO 1 p.m. Enjoy a weekend full of old-time family entertainment at the richest twoday rodeo in the nation, where the top 30 contestants in saddle bronc, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping come to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park for the chance of a lifetime. Gates open at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the rodeo starting at 4 p.m. On Sunday, gates open at 11:30 a.m.

with a 1:30 p.m. rodeo. Saturday evening ends with a concert and dance. $30 per day for adults, $10 for children 4-12 and free for kids 3 and under. 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.842.3782. www.rmvrodeo.com.

OHANA MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 p.m. The music lineup for the first ever event that runs Saturday and Sunday at Doheny State Beach includes Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Ray, Elvis Costello, Cat Power, Band of Horses and more. In addition to offering two full days in the sun with a diverse music lineup, Ohana will donate a portion of proceeds to the San Onofre Parks Foundation. www.theohanafest.com LIVE MUSIC: IVA LEE’S 7-11 p.m. Family Style will be performing at Iva Lee’s Restaurant. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855.

Sunday | 28 KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Sunday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400.

Monday | 29 DANA POINT 50-YEAR TIME CAPSULE OPENING 4-6 p.m. Watch the unveiling ceremony of a time capsule buried 50 years ago in the (Cont. on page 16)

Page 13

At the Movies: ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ Strikes a Chord

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M

oving to the complete opposite spectrum of Sausage Party from last week, the end of August gives us the family-friendly Kubo and the Two Strings. The movie is produced by Laika Entertainment, which has brought back the medium of stop-motion animation that was common in the 1980s before CGI became the default technique. Though making only modest hits with audiences, critics have praised the company for expanding the limits of animation with Coraline (2009), Paranorman (2012) and now Kubo.

In a small Japanese village, Kubo (Art Parkinson) is suddenly orphaned when his single mother is killed saving him from two vengeful witches (both voiced by Rooney Mara). Now he must discover his destiny and family’s past connected to his magical guitar, and how his new friends—a talking monkey (Charlize Theron) and a life-size talking beetle (Matthew McConaughey)—fit into everything.

George Takei and Ralph Fiennes co-star. Kubo’s main strengths are its stop-motion production— especially in an era where 2D animation has been obsolete for almost a decade in favor of the easy and fast convenience of CGI—and guitar-heavy music score

by Dario Marianelli. Though CGI can be impressive in its own right, Laika’s stop-motion is fresh and exhilarating to view on the big screen. The story of Kubo and the Two Strings is fairly basic and could have had a stronger third act, but Regina Spektor’s lovely cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” along with the visuals almost makes up for it. SC

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Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY - In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES

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

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Chiropractic

647 Camino de los Mares, Suite 220, 949.616.5470, www.spinalvitality.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

MORTGAGES CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

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

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Attention, Behavior and the Brain Concerned about your child’s future due to attention or behavior issues? With a natural approach we resolve the underlying problems in the brain and body to improve school and home life – from ADD and dyslexia to the autistic spectrum. www.theblissprogram.com YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.

Bill Metzger Plumbing

929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

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

Salon Bleu

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

San Clemente, 949.366.8302

SWIMMING SCHOOL POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

Waterbabies Swim School

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

TERMITES

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

REAL ESTATE

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

OBITUARY Doris Beverly Roberts of Santa Barbara passed away at home August 20, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband John. Doris was born in San Bernardino, on May 6, 1924 to parents Cy and Mignon Lampton. She graduated from San Bernardino High and married her high school sweetheart, John, on August 2,1944. Bev was a homemaker and cared for the couple’s three children.

They lived in San Clemente and moved to Santa Barbara after retirement.

In San Clemente, Bev and Jack took up golf. She joined the SC Women’s Golf Club. Her love for the game never diminished, and she

made lifelong friendships.

Bev was an avid gardener with a “green thumb.” She had a knack for finding beauty and her garden reflected her talent. She volunteered at hospitals and thrift stores. She was a member of her church and played on several bridge clubs.

Beverly is survived by her son, Terry Roberts, her daughters and sonin-laws, Linda and Jerry Gutterman, Karin and Steve Foster, grandchildren Lance Roberts, April Williams, Bryn Crutchfield, Leah Barker, Brooke Stirling, Laura Bainbridge, and Lindsey Behm, fourteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Beverly was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com FOR SALE MONTESSORI SCHOOL LIQUIDATION Everything sold by the pile. This sale is ideal for educators; a 25year collection of high-end educational tools for children. Friday and Saturday, August 26 and 27 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, August 28 from 2pm to 5pm. Bring cash and your own boxes. Questions: call Harry 949 697 1411 Sterling Estate Sales.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE For sale: small tools, supplies and equipment. Must liquidate everything. Saturday August 27, 8 AM to 12 PM. No early birds. 24965 Dana Maple, Dana Point.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED NOW HIRING The City of San Clemente is seeking Head Pool lifeguards and Pool Lifeguards. Please apply online at san-clemente.org/jobs.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris 949 510 6645

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large U.S and International Postage Stamp Collections. Nick, 619-672-0434

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times August 25-31, 2016

Page 15

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 13) Dana Point Harbor. If you have an original BBQ Dinner ticket from the 1966 Time Capsule Ceremony, you can use that ticket to receive a complimentary BBQ dinner.

Event is free for spectators. Baby Beach.

34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. www.danapointharbor.com.

Wednesday | 31 MARINES CORPS LEAGUE WINE AND BEER TASTING BENEFIT 6-8:30 p.m. Six vintners will offer 16 differ-

ent wines to be sampled, plus there will be a variety of craft beers available. Cannons will be providing appetizers and dessert.

All proceeds will be used to provide a “Welcome Home” for returning deployed Marines and their families in September.

Reservations are $30 per person. Cannons Seafood Grill. 34344 Street of the Green Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.6146. www.marinecorpsleaguesouthcoast.org.

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

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

Coach House: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals

BY MATT CORTINA, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

hen Felix Cavaliere comes to the Coach House, he’ll be bringing more than his iteration of the iconic ’60s band The Young Rascals. Fifty years since hitting No. 1 on the Billboard charts, he’s bringing songs that helped define a generation.

The Rascals recorded hit after hit in the ’60s before disbanding in 1972. Before they did, they laid the tracks to favorites such as “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long,” “Groovin’” (No. 1 in 1967), “How Can I Be Sure,” “A Girl Like You,” “A Beautiful Morning,” and “People Got to Be Free” (No. 1 in 1968).

“There is no better feeling than to hear your song on the radio,” Cavaliere said in a press release. “We were young kids and we just wanted to play music—Good Lovin’ really surprised us as a hit, but as they say, the rest is history. People still associate that song with us, and we’re all so proud that

it’s been a part of many generations’ lives.”

Cavaliere now records and lives in Nashville.

Many may not know he’s an illustriously decorated musician, having been inducted as member of the Rascals into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame, as well as an individual enshrinement in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Cavaliere is touring the country with his Rascals, and will be stopping by the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. SC

The Best Thing We Ate This Week

Escargots de Bourgogne L’HIRONDELLE

31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.0425. www.lhirondellesjc.com

The stigma of snails, seemingly born from and perpetuated exclusively by cartoon kids’ shows, has long prevented the critter from taking off on U.S. menus. Though that needs Esgargots de Bourgogne. Photo: Matt Cortina to end, it makes the snail unique to elsewhere—namely, France, and namelier, Burgundy.

A trip to points between Lyon and Beaune will reveal a landscape that is aggressively fertile (not unlike snails, FYI), that produces rustic foods, wines and spirits that taste like the terroir.

Cooked in boiling hot butter and garlic and served on a special plate, L’Hirondelle’s take is traditional and well-executed. The snails are imported from the South Pacific or Europe, depending on the season, and are cooked unshelled (snails are typically sold canned, later placed in shells) to unctuous perfection. The bite is fatty, warm and a little dirty, with pops of heat from the garlic, and a lasting savoriness that connects the dish between bites.—Matt Cortina

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www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Frustrated Senior Dating

D

ating again after losing a mate can be overwhelming, particularly for senior women. This week, Brenda (not her true name) shared her frustrations.

Brenda said, “I am a widow of two years.

A year ago, I was on two internet dating sites for three weeks. I met several men, but they were mostly just awful; they were negative or had issues. So I got off both sites.

“Recently I got back on one to try again! It’s very strange to be ‘dating’ at this age! I am not looking to remarry or even live ON LIFE AND with a man, but I do want LOVE AFTER 50 a special relationship. I

By Tom Blake had a loving and devoted husband for over 30 years, and I miss being someone’s special someone.

“Trouble is I am 68, and for people over age 60, I read that there are four to five times as many women as men. So, the older men have their pick of women. I have met about 12 or 13 men for coffee dates that I would not be caught dead with.

“I have a full life with friends (even male friends) and activities. I do volunteer work and take salsa and square dance classes.

I am fit, healthy, active, intelligent and educated. I am attractive, fun-loving, warm and nurturing. I am financially set and have a nice home.”

Brenda, I understand your frustration.

Your marriage of 30 years to a loving and devoted husband has set the bar very high for another loving relationship. And I commend you for putting yourself out there on the internet. Since you asked for my opinion, I will comment on four items. Do not take the comments personally.

1. The number of available men. At age 60, the ratio is not four or five women to each available man, but closer to three-to-one. At 68, it is a bit wider. So, although the ratio is daunting, it’s not quite as bad as you have suggested. Plus, the lack of men doesn’t

appear to be your problem. When you first went on the dating sites for three weeks, you met “several” men, whom you said were “mostly just awful.” I assume that means that one or two of those men weren’t so bad.

2. Your attitude toward dating and the men you are meeting. You say you “hate dating.” That feeling is evident in your email and might be just as evident when you meet these men in person. Drop the word “hate” from your dating vocabulary.

You also said, “…so many loser men out there.” Your negative attitude toward men may be turning potentially good men into disappearing ones. No man will match what you had with your husband.

3. Your problem isn’t meeting men, it is meeting the wrong type of men. The words, “I was lookin’ for love in all the wrong places” from the 1980 Johnny Lee song “Lookin’ For Love” may apply to you.

I suggest you be more selective in the guys you agree to go out with. Look in the right places. Try different internet sites and get out and volunteer in a myriad of places.

4. From what you say, you’ve got it all: health, friends, active lifestyle, financially set, a nice home, intelligence, fun-loving attitude, warmth and a nurturing side. Look in the mirror, appreciate what you have, and get out there and help others who are less fortunate. Give back.

5. How soon is too soon to give up seeking a mate? Age 90 to 95 would be when you might say, “I’m not going to look for a man anymore.” That’s about 22 years from now.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter60.com; www.Vicsta.com and www.

Travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SCTimes provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SCTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

San Clemente Times August 25-31, 2015

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Ivana Donahoe, a bassist with Black Kastle, tunes her bass guitar during a session of Beach Cities Rock Club at Power Plant Records.

Class in Session

Power Plant Records aims to help promote San Clemente music PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

ometimes San Clemente’s musicians can find themselves as undertones to the amplified Los Angeles scene.

But Biff Cooper is trying to help budding and young musicians record their music and mix it for their own records.

Cooper, the owner of Power Plant Records and Beach Cities Rock Club, said about 80 to 100 students are currently participating in the music school. Most of them are interested in learning about rock, but Biff said there are a few EDM artists who frequent the school.

Cooper, teacher for 10 years, said Power Plant Records has been in business for three years but the record label was launched about three months ago.

His family has been in San Clemente for three generations.

“I think the goal is to get students to the production phase, but at the end of the day if they just want to play around a campfire, that’s cool too,” Cooper said. “The production phase is, oddly enough, one of the most exciting parts because of how difficult it is and how exciting it is to help bands that don’t have any other way to do it.”

Cooper said having a more accessible way to record helps a lot of bands trying to get their label out.

“This helps a lot of people who don’t want to drive to L.A. because it’s far away and sometimes too expensive,” Cooper said. “We try to keep it pretty affordable.”

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Fyggy Newton rehearses a song during a session of Beach Cities Rock Club with the band Black Kastle on Aug. 18 at Power Plant Records.

Artists aren’t typically signed to the label.

Power Plant Records is more of a musician advocacy group, Cooper said.

“We’re trying to help bands learn how to record and then they let us mix and master them,” Cooper said. “We’ll find a band we like and we’ll either teach them how to record or they send us their rough recorded music and then I’ll mix it. We can redo vocals, and in return for us providing the service, they’re sort of sponsored by us.

They have to wear our shirts and post on Instagram.”

Biff Cooper’s sister, Kristin, is in a notable band, The Flytraps, of Orange County. The brother-sister duo runs Power Plant Records and Beach Cities Rock Club together.

From 8-10 p.m. every Monday through Friday and Sunday, Biff hosts Reactor Radio, which is streamed live on the website.

For more information about Beach Cities Rock Club, visit www.beachcitiesrockclub. com. To listen to the radio show, visit www.powerplantrecords.com. SC

If You Go: What: Instrument Petting Zoo. People can come play various instruments available.

The event is for the whole family.

When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 Where: Power Plant Records, 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente Cost: Free www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Henken Returns from Maiden Olympic Voyage Local sailor places ninth in 49erFX sailing event

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

Austin Whitsett and the San Clemente High School football team will host Oceanside on Aug. 26.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Oceanside Presents Tritons Football with Tough Opening Test

The San Clemente High School football team’s season-opening game on Aug. 26 will not be an easy one. The Tritons will play host to defending CIF San Diego Section Division 1 champion Oceanside, in what the two teams are billing as “The Battle for the Base,” a reference to the two cities’ proximity to Camp Pendleton.

Oceanside is already a battle-tested team. In 2015, the Pirates limped into the playoffs following a 2-2 run through the Avocado-West League before catching fire

in the postseason. Oceanside won four straight games en route to the San Diego Division 1 title and appeared in a CIF State Division III-AA regional bowl game.

Oceanside will return 15 starters from last year’s team to the field on Friday night.

San Clemente head coach Jaime Ortiz said that the Oceanside defense, which returns several impact linebackers, will present an early challenge for the relatively new San Clemente offensive line.

Last season, the Tritons were upset

by San Juan Hills in the first game of the year. San Clemente entered the game as a heavy favorite, but couldn’t gain traction as the Stallions roared out to a 27-0 lead at halftime.

In an attempt to make sure his team will be better prepared for this year’s opener, Ortiz started the Tritons’ offseason camp one week earlier than last year.

“If you don’t come in (the opening game) and you don’t respect your opponent, then you kind of go through the motions and that can bite you real quick,” Ortiz said. “We learned a hard lesson that week (against San Juan Hills) and we weren’t ready to play mentally and physically. I think the kids are a little more prepared this year than we were last year.”

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

San Clemente Times August 25-31, 2016

he moment Paris Henken and her Olympic sailing partner Helena Scutt took off from the starting line of Race 5 during the women’s 49erFX event in Rio de Janeiro, the San Clemente native knew they would get a good result.

Henken, the helm, and Scutt, the crew, got out to an early lead thanks to favorable wind conditions and their preparation, and cruised to a preliminary race win, their first together as members of Team USA. Henken and Scutt, who were among the youngest teams in the event at the 2016 Olympic Games, qualified for the 49erFX medal race on Aug. 18, and placed ninth.

The Brazilian duo of Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze won the event.

The conditions during the medal race were not ideal, Henken said. The wind was swirling around off the water and the American duo got hit with a penalty after Henken’s body clipped a buoy, forcing them to make a second 360-degree turn around the marker.

Henken said nerves played a role early.

Unforced mistakes caused the Olympic rookies to give up valuable ground at the front of the sailing pack down the stretch of the first three preliminary races. But Henken and Scutt were able to bounce back with several strong performances.

They placed inside the top-8 in five of their next six races, including the win in Race 5, to help punch their ticket to the medal race.

“Our goal was to qualify for the medal race, so once we accomplished that we were extremely happy and satisfied,” Henken said.

Helena Scutt, left, and Paris Henken navigate their 49erFX skiff through Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Olympics.

Photo: US Sailing Team

Henken and Scutt were part of Olympic history, despite not reaching the podium.

It was the first time the 49erFX class, a highperformance skiff, was included in the Games.

Henken and Scutt Paris Henken. Photo: had been building US Sailing Team toward their Olympic moment in Rio for years. The two race alongside each other year-round, and have already been discussing making another push for Tokyo 2020.

“I definitely think we have learned so much from when we started our campaign to when we ended. If Helena and I plan to do a second campaign, which is likely, we believe it’s going to be so much easier,” Henken said. “It takes lots of sacrifices and dedication, but in the end it’s something not everyone gets to experience and I feel very lucky that I get to do something so cool with my best friend.” SC

Third Annual Live Like Nick 5K Set for Sunday SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he LiveLikeNick 5K Run/Walk will be held on campus at San Clemente High School on Aug. 28.

The run/walk is open to all ages and will benefit the Nick Pasquale Foundation and San Clemente High School athletic programs. The event is held every year to honor the memory of Nick Pasquale, a San Clemente High School grad who died in 2013.

Proceeds raised at last year’s LiveLikeNick 5K were used to fund scholarships for three San Clemente High School

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student-athletes. The Nick Pasquale Foundation also made a donation of $5,000 to the school’s athletic department, the football program and to the San Clemente Pop Warner cheerleaders.

Cost to participate is $36. Cost for SCHS students is $10 and cost for children participating in the one-mile run is $10.

The runs begin at 8:30 a.m. and on-site registration will be available.

To register for the LiveLikeNick 5K, or to make a donation to the Nick Pasquale Foundation, visit www.nickpasqualefoundation.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Wave of Positivity

GROM OF THE WEEK

Dane Gudauskas on Stoke-A-Rama and the Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation

BY ERIN HAWKINS, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SOPHIE VOLLEBREGT

S

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

orget what you think you know about Dane Gudauskas. There’s considerably more to the ever-stoked, ever-smiling vanilla gorilla than the frothed out character we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in Vans ads.

On the eve of the Gudauskas brothers’ Stoke-A-Rama grom comp in Huntington Beach, Dane and I jumped on a quick call.

Admittedly, I’m a fan of what the boys are doing with their Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation, but after a heartfelt chat about their motivations and inspirations, it’s clear that the world—and not just the tiny sandbox that is the surfing world—need to pick up on what Dane’s laying down.

“It’s foolish to be elitist. We want to be inclusive,” said Dane. “We want to be a unifying force.”

In a time when, as Dane put it, “there’s so much funky stuff happening out there in our world,” the ability and desire to bring people together is more vital than ever. The concept of the Positive Vibe Warriors was originally to help support ocean safety and education, but it’s grown into much more than that. It’s a rallying cry for a better, more decent way to live.

“One of us wrote ‘Positive Vibe Warrior’ on one of our boards before a contest a while ago. It was our rallying cry and has evolved into what it is today. With the Positive Vibe Warriors we hope that people can see that we’re all pretty similar and that it doesn’t matter where you come from,” said Dane.

“So many of these kids we work with are at such an impressionable age, they’re really able to receive positive messages and have it really influence them. It’s really cool to see them grow up and follow their passions, whatever they are,” added Dane.

Proof positive that they don’t just talk the talk, but also walk the walk, a couple months back Dane and the boys held a surfboard drive for their friends in Jamaica.

Its success was both unexpected and overwhelming.

“A couple years ago we went to Jamaica and we had a blast,” continued Dane. “We had so much fun, but we learned that there was a really strong need for surfboards in the community.

“So we had this idea, in the same spirit of sharing that positive feeling, we decided to see if we could do a surfboard drive. We

San Clemente Times August 25-31, 2016

Dane Gudauskas, center, and his brothers run the Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation, which helps connects groms with ocean education and water safety. Photos: Courtesy Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation

had no idea what we were getting into or what the response would be, but it totally evolved into its own thing. Communities up and down the coast, and all across the country actually, were excited to help out this community that’s super small and isolated in Jamaica. It was like, ‘Whoa, the brotherhood’s a real thing!’”

They ended up raising over 200 surfboards, loading them into a shipping container and delivering to the iconic Wilmott family and their Jamnesia surf crew.

“For something that started out as just a contest for the groms in San Clemente, it’s surprising how much this has grown,” said Dane. “To have the opportunity to serve communities in Jamaica, Hawaii, San Clemente and Huntington Beach this year is amazing.”

But that doesn’t mean the boys are about to let philanthropy overshadow their dreams, they’ve still got a lot of waves to ride. These days, Dane’s head-over-heels in love with the South Pacific, while Tanner and Patrick have designs on qualifying (again) for the tour.

“I fell in love with the South Pacific the last couple of years and told myself this summer I was going to make a point of spending time in Fiji and Tahiti,” explained Dane. “I really want to learn as much as I can and get better out there. It’s a constant learning process. The swells, the reefs, it takes time to figure all of that out.”

While Dane’s gone the way of the nomadic freesurf, his brothers are hard at work on the grind.

“Pat and Tanner are doing the primes and already have a couple good results,” said Dane. “I think they’re both really inspired. They both surf so well in quality waves, it’s just so exciting.”

At the end of the day, Dane and his brothers are so infectiously likable because they’re real and their hearts are in the right place. When asked if he sees the Positive Vibe Warriors’ Stoke-A-Rama becoming a bigger institution for spreading their unique brand of gospel, Dane is cautiously optimistic. He would hate to ruin a good thing—something the surf industry has become quite proficient at over the years.

“We want the Stoke-A-Rama to be really authentic and grassroots. We want to connect with the kids on a super rad, personal level because we’re all just groms at heart,” said Dane. “We don’t want to be separated from the kids by some huge scaffolding where we’re sitting way up high and just watching them. It’s awesome to have somebody like Nate Fletcher working as the beach marshal. It’s the raddest connection for the kids, you know. We’re all one tribe.

There shouldn’t be any barriers. For us that’s a really important message.” SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 65-67 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-10’ Fair Thursday: New South swell builds through the day with small Northwest windswell lingering.

Better breaks are in the waist-chest-shoulder high (3-4’+) zone by the end of the day, with top spots seeing occasional head high+ (5’+) sets. Light/variable wind through the early to mid morning with a light+ onshore flow starting up in the second half of the morning.

Onshore southwesterly wind strengthens to light to moderate levels in the afternoon.

urfing has always been a family affair for Sophie Vollebregt. As the second youngest child of nine siblings, she learned the ropes of surfing from her older sister, Meaghan, and her father.

Sophie, 12, has been surfing for about five years. Her sister first started pushing her into waves at Riviera when she was 7, and she is just starting to compete in local surf competitions.

The San Clemente native competed in her first surf contest this summer at the Ocean Festival in July, and although she did not advance through her heats, she still has a positive attitude about competing in the future.

“I am planning to try out for the Shorecliffs’ Middle School surf team this year,” said Sophie.

She is currently in seventh grade, and hopes to make the school surf team and join the Western Surfing Association.

Sophie said some of her favorite things about surfing are just being in the water and doing tricks on her surfboard.

“I like going off the lip and doing some snaps and cutbacks; my sister kind of taught me how,” she said.

On the weekends, Sophie said she likes to surf at T-Street and Middle Trestles with her family.

Her favorite surfers include Lakey Peterson, Carissa Moore and Bethany Hamilton. As a San Clemente local, she had the chance to meet Peterson as she was walking back from surfing at one of the local breaks.

“I met Lakey and she’s really nice. I was coming back from Riviera and she was going down there to surf,” said Sophie.

Sophie said in the future, she wants to be a marine biologist, pilot or pro surfer.

She would also like the chance to travel the world and visit places like Hawaii, Costa Rica or Fiji.

“I would love to be able to travel the world and visit different surf spots and surf those really big, fun waves,” she said.

Outlook: Fun size South swell Friday and through the weekend, with some tropical South swell also possibly building late in the weekend. Morning conditions look best with the lightest winds, then expect light/moderate onshore flow to rise up each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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Photo: Courtesy

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