Ramping Up
What’s Up With...
Five
things San Clemente should know this week
More than 1,500 Pounds of Marijuana Found on Boat Near Calafia
THE LATEST: Two men were arrested onboard a small boat off the shore of Calafia State Beach at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, Sept. 10, after the boat was intercepted and between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds of marijuana was found on board by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Harbor Patrol also responded to the scene.
Officers at the scene initially said it was a “dope smuggling” incident, but would not elaborate beyond that. The incident was reported about 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Lt. Nate Wilson, a spokesperson for OCSD, said where the men were from and where they were going is still under investigation. The boat was intercepted after California State Parks lifeguards alerted authorities that a small vessel was anchoring near shore and that it seemed suspicious. The two men were taken into custody without incident, Wilson said.
WHAT’S NEXT: The two men were taken into custody without incident, and there were no weapons found on board. The
prior to the dedication of the learning center.
“The Outdoor Learning Center is an amphitheater-styled outdoor classroom with benches and picnic tables (replacing the Home Depot bucket ‘seats’ used in previous years), and is adjacent to the school garden,” a press release from the Capistrano Unified School District stated. “The Outdoor Learning Center is being lovingly dedicated to celebrate the life of former Marblehead Elementary teacher, Kristina Nusenow.”
Nusenow was regarded as one of the most proactive teachers at the school.
Nusenow was an elementary school teacher at Marblehead Elementary School. She passed unexpectedly in her mother’s home on March 18. Nusenow, 49, died in her sleep, according to people who were close to her.
The Monday after her death, a table with flowers and a memorial box was placed in front of Marblehead Elementary.
ereign is) not going anywhere,” Amad said. “Our headquarters is located in San Clemente, we have several licensed homes in the city and we plan to grow with the support from Mayor Kathy Ward and San Clemente’s City Council Members.”
Regarding the search warrants related to FBI raids in June, Sovereign has demanded the warrants be unsealed to understand what the FBI was looking for.
“It remains the same. Sovereign Health continues to ask for the sealed warrant to be unsealed,” Amad said. “What is the FBI hiding? The national behavioral health system is alleging that the sealed affidavit authorizing the raid contained false and misleading information.”
WHAT’S NEXT: City Attorney Scott Smith said the ordinances in San Clemente “regulating short-term residences and counseling service zoning remain in effect.”
—EH
men are in custody in Orange County Jail.
—Eric Heinz
Sea View Pharmacy Celebrates 40th Year in Business
THE LATEST: Sea View Pharmacy in San Clemente is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a company this month.
“Sea View Pharmacy is somewhat of a rarity in today’s environment of big-box, non-personal chain pharmacies,” a statement from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce read. “Sea View Pharmacy is a local, independent pharmacy that is second generation family owned and operated. Dad, Jerry Medley started the pharmacy and now son and daughterin-law, Eugene and Jennifer Medley are operating the pharmacy and preparing it for the future.”
WHAT’S NEXT: The celebration will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 665 Camino De Los Mares. There will be serving a taco cart lunch for all who attend, as well as free blood pressure examinations. —Staff
Marblehead Elementary Opens Kristina Nusenow Learning Center
THE LATEST: On Sept. 8, Marblehead Elementary School opened the Kristina Nusenow Outdoor Learning Center at its facilities.
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place
WHAT’S NEXT: Marblehead principal Faith Morris said the Outdoor Learning Center will enable students to learn about the natural environment in an authentic setting.
“A teacher can be teaching a group of students at the whiteboard area, while other groups are conducting hands-on investigations at the tables and in the school garden nearby,” Morris said. —EH
Sovereign Health, City of San Clemente Settle Lawsuits
THE LATEST: According to officials with the city of San Clemente and Sovereign Health, the two entities have settled their respective lawsuits. The city sued Sovereign over complaints and code violations in Orange County Superior Court last year, and Sovereign sued the city in federal court for what it alleged as violations of fair housing laws.
“Both state and federal cases have been dismissed, and neither parties are paying (any fees),” Haroon Amad, a spokesperson for Sovereign Health, said. “The city hasn’t forced us to leave, but they want us to uphold the zoning laws that we will and we have been. Nothing bad has happened…It’s win-win for both parties.”
Amad also said that Sovereign has been a “benefit to the city,” as it employs a large number of people. The company is a behavioral and mental health treatment business that has on-site treatment as well as boarding homes for its clients in San Clemente.
Amad said he was not authorized to disclose some of the details of the settlement.
“The information I can share is Sovereign Health and the city of San Clemente have come to an agreement and (Sov-
Community Engagement Panel to Meet Sept. 14
THE LATEST: The quarterly Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting, which involves many governmental and energy company interests at informational forums regarding San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), will take place Thursday, Sept. 14, in Oceanside at the QLN Conference Center, located at 1938 Avenida Del Oro.
The main topics of discussion on the agenda will focus on dry-cask storage of spent nuclear fuel, which is slated to be stored at the shuttered nuclear power plant campus beginning in the next year or so.
“Speakers will include Lisa Edwards, a senior program manager at the Electric Power Research Institute, who will address industry efforts to advance inspection methods and aging management guidance for passive dry cask storage of used nuclear fuel,” a press release from Southern California Edison stated.
Recently, Edison, the majority stakeholder in SONGS and watchdog group Citizens’ Oversight Projects reached a settlement agreement in a lawsuit regarding the legality of the permit issued by the California Coastal Commission to store the spent fuel. The settlement requires Edison to search for additional locations for temporary or permanent storage, as well as inspect the dry-cask storage units more frequently than originally proposed.
WHAT’S NEXT: Informational booths will be available from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The meeting is planned to be live-streamed on the CEP website, www.songscommunity. com. If you can’t watch the live stream of the meeting, the San Clemente Times will provide updates on Twitter at @SCTimesNews. —Staff
Two men were arrested following the interception of their 35-foot vessel on the morning of Sept. 10. About 1,500 pounds of marijuana was found on board the vessel. Photo: Eric Heinz
NEWS BITES
COMPILED BY STAFF
Canstruction to Benefit Those in Need
Starting Labor Day weekend and continuing through the end of September, Canstruction OC will have nine cannedfood-made structures throughout South Coast Plaza as well as John Wayne Airport in conjunction with the Festival of Children. Teams had just 12 hours to create structures built entirely out of canned food, all of which is donated to the OC Food Bank at the completion of the exhibition.
“John Wayne Airport will have over 800,000 travelers pass through during the month of September, our structures there will help bring attention to the needs of the hungry,” stated Chuck Darrow, Canstruction Orange County co-chair. The public is invited to help support Canstruction by voting for the people’s choice award by casting votes in the form of cash donations at www.canstructionoc.org/vote.
SOCGEMS Monthly Meeting
South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (SOCGEMS) will hold its monthly meeting in the multi-purpose room of the San Clemente Community Center at 101 N. Calle Seville from 7-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. The presentation that evening will be given by Dr. Aaron Celestian, Curator of Mineral Sciences at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.
The presentation will be an illuminated discussion surrounding the sciences of mineral color, their use as pigments and how they have been used from pre-history to the modern era. A variety of refreshments will be served. Admission is free and guests are welcome. For more information, visit www.socgems.com or at www.facebook.com/socgems.
San Clemente Village Celebrates 15 Years of the Village Movement
Join the San Clemente Village for a live broadcast of a conversation with Dr. Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon, public health researcher and writer on Sept. 25.
The conversation “Being Mortal’s Villages: The Value of Community and Choice as We Grow Older” will feature a discussion on aging, living life with purpose, and how we can transform the possibilities for the later chapters of everyone’s lives. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1201 Puerta del Sol, and be simulcast from Boston to more than 150 Villages across
Check out the “canstruction” designs at the South Coast Plaza, ARTIC in Anaheim and John Wayne Airport throughout the month of September.
Photo: Courtesy
the country. All are welcome to join the organization for the viewing party and to celebrate the first anniversary of San Clemente Village.
Front Yard Garden Contest
The San Clemente Garden Club is seeking nominations for its annual Front Yard Garden Contest. Homes or businesses in San Clemente can win. Nominate an admiral garden. The garden must be visible from the street. Judges will drive by and evaluate the gardens’ curb appeal. The contest is open to any type or style of garden.
Contest winners will be announced at the Garden Club Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Nominations will be accepted until Monday, Sept. 18. When submitting a nomination, include the street address, resident’s name (if known) and a brief description of the yard and noteworthy features of the garden. Send requests to Lynn Wolf at wolfpak55@cox.net or call 949.496.6490.
Contribute to the Marine Cookbook
Enter your favorite recipes and help support The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi.
Include as many of your favorite recipes as you would like, such as main dishes, soups, beverages, desserts and more. To submit your recipe, visit www.typensave. com and click “Login,” enter the password dishes646 and click “Submit.” Enter your name and click “Continue” to submit another. After recipe is entered, preview and then click “Save Recipe.”
If you don’t have Internet access, call to get help from Debbie Ferrari at 949.463.4111.
Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.
Community Meetings
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
SUNRISE ROTARY
7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. www.scsunriserotary.com.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio, City Council Chambers. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.
BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (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.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
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.
KIWANIS SAN CLEMENTE
Noon. Kiwanis San Clemente works to help maintain the quality of life for all people through volunteerism. Tommy’s Restaurant, 1409 S. El Camino Real. 949.366.5423. www.sanclementekiwanis.com.
NORTH BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET
3-6:30 p.m. The Market at North Beach features vendors of food, jewelry and other wares, and there could be live music. 1501 N. El Camino Real.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
6 p.m. The Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. City Council Chambers. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.
Sound Off
Concert gathering puts toll road issues in San
Clemente center stage
BY BY ERIC HEINZ , SAN
Hundreds gathered at The Reserve, a subdivision in San Clemente, on Sept. 9 to promote the Coalition to Save San Clemente’s campaign to block any toll roads from being built through the city.
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) have proposed various ways to alleviate traffic by constructing toll roads. The TCA contends traffic will become a major problem for South Orange County within a few decades.
Mayor Kathy Ward said she recently went on a trek with TCA officials who explained some of the alignments and where they could potentially be built, some of which she said are planned in places that could be more detrimental to the city than originally thought. The TCA is looking to complete a supplemental environmental impact report by the end of the year and a draft environmental impact report in early 2018 for the proposals.
Roger Bütow, the executive director of the environmental organization Clean Water Now, said he and his organization are offering their services to the Coalition. Bütow said he intends to comment on the environmental reports when they become available.
“We’re trying to refine the structure (of the Coalition), and what we’re hoping is to make things work more efficiently because we have expertise in these fields,” Bütow said during the Sept. 9 gathering. “Part of what we want to bring to the table…are our in-house skills and abilities we want to bring to this effort.”
Mark McGuire, who is working with the Coalition, presented documents that state the toll roads were supposed to be paid for
and made free to access in an initial agreement, but now the TCA has planned to keep the roads tolled through 2050 or 2053, depending on the road.
Two lawsuits are currently challenging the legitimacy of a settlement agreement forged between the TCA and various environmental groups under the Save San Onofre Coalition (SSOC) that designates an avoidance area to the south of the city, as well as promises $28 million to environmental efforts, which will be used at the discretion of the powers linked to the agreement.
SSOC members have taken exception to the city’s and The Reserve’s lawsuits against the settlement agreement, alleging that it would undo the protections set forth by the agreement, which took about 15 years to complete.
“We’d like to see the city drop the litigation; why would the city want to (undo the settlement agreement)?” said Dan Silver, the executive director of Endangered Habitats League. “The only purpose of the litigation is to eliminate the protection of the avoidance area. If their suit, or (The Reserve’s) lawsuit, are successful, then these important lands would be open to this green alignment option (through environmental areas).”
Dan Bane, the lead attorney for The Reserve’s lawsuit, said the city and The Reserve’s lawsuits are being presided over the same judge. A hearing for the lawsuits has not yet been set.
“I still feel that designating the avoidance area is something that violated the Brown Act because it required a public hearing,” Bane said, who has argued that action was not made public.
In the meantime, it’s still unknown what effects the widening of the I-5 Pico corridor will have on traffic in the area. That project is likely to be completed in spring of 2018.
According to Coalition co-leader Eva O’Keefe, the event raised about $10,000 for the Coalition’s efforts, and about 400 people attended the event. SC
Musical performances were provided during a Sept. 9 gathering at The Reserve subdivision to raise funds for the Coalition to Save San Clemente and bring awareness of the toll roads issues facing the area. Photo: Eric Heinz
CLEMENTE TIMES
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San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 37. 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
Letters to the Editor
MISSTATEMENTS
HAMPER
OBJECTIVES ON TOLL ROADS
MICHAEL WEINBAUM, San Clemente
With emotions running high concerning the toll road extension, it is important that those who purport to educate the public do so accurately and with intellectual honesty, particularly as relates to the lawsuit San Clemente has filed against the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA). Unfortunately, the letter to the Sept. 7-13 San Clemente Times by Council member Chris Hamm contains information that does neither.
Hamm stated that the lawsuit “does not challenge the Save San Onofre Coalition (SSOC) settlement agreement (with TCA); it challenges the agreement that binds Caltrans to the settlement agreement and removes all traffic solutions except a toll road through south Orange County.” Huh? A lawsuit that challenges an agreement binding a party to a settlement agreement is a challenge to the settlement agreement; that’s a tautology. Moreover, the Protective Agreement to which the quoted statement opaquely refers is provided for in the (not being challenged) SSOC settlement agreement. To pretend these are two unrelated agreements or phenomena is disingenuous. Residents are footing the bill for this lawsuit; we at least are entitled to clear, accurate explanations about what this lawsuit is about and seeks to accomplish.
The same can be said about the SSOC’s full-page ad in the same SC Times edition. The SSOC says that its settlement only says where a road cannot go, through San Onofre State Beach, and that a range of other options can be explored with full community participation. But the SSOC then states that the city’s suit attempts to force a destructive toll road through the state beach. That is as untrue, as the city’s overheated claims about what the settlement does; the city’s suit simply does not seek to have the toll road go through the park.
The toll road and the lawsuit are two different issues. One can quite rationally object, as do I, to a toll road that either impairs San Onofre State Beach or bisects San Clemente, while also being disappointed that San Clemente has filed yet another dumb lawsuit it appears its own City Council either does not understand or can’t clearly and accurately describe. And the SSOC owes a special obligation not to overstate its position in opposition to that suit. It’s hard enough to become informed on complicated issues without all the hysterical rhetoric and misinformation.
PROMISE KEEPERS OR MISSION CREEPERS?
MARK McGUIRE, San Clemente
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) were specifically created in the 1980s to plan, permit and construct the San Joaquin Hills, Eastern and Foothill “Transportation Corridors” within general alignments already selected by the county and shown on the Master Plan of Arterial Highways (for example, the Foothill Corridor was shown going around not through the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente). Special state legislation allows the TCA to charge fees on all new development and to issue bonds repaid by collecting tolls. However, once all bonds are paid off, the corridors are to become free roads.
The corridors cost more and were used less than predicted, so the TCA’s bonds were extended (to 2050 and 2053). Also, after spending decades and $200 millionplus seeking approvals for the final stretch of the Foothill Corridor, the TCA gave up on the designated route via a settlement with environmentalists.
Now the TCA is pretending it’s a regional transportation agency looking at all “mobility solutions,” like more trains and adding bike lanes. In truth, it hopes to cram a toll road through to I-5 where it was never planned—and all potential routes would devastate established communities.
So my question to elected representatives on the TCA is this: are you promise keepers or mission creepers?
Promise keepers would limit spending and use all surplus revenue to pay down the bonds to make the toll roads free, ASAP. The roads could be free sooner than currently scheduled—a great mobility solution.
Mission creepers would continue to spend wildly on lobbyists and consultants, hoping to extend the Foothill toll road, not where promised but in a new, unexpected location (and at great expense). Bonds will stay unpaid, and the existing toll roads will not become free, as promised.
Voters prefer promise keepers over mission creepers.
MISSION VIEJO OPPOSITION TO HOMELESSNESS IS HYPOCRITICAL
DIANA DOALSON, San Clemente
Dear Mr. Ed Sachs, I am a resident of San Clemente who strongly opposes the toll road extending through our city. I have written several other times explaining my position. Today, I have an issue to bring to your attention. I just read an article in the Voice of OC written by Mike Robbins and published on Aug. 28. In that article he points out that, “Mission Viejo, desperate to maintain a pristine image…just passed one of the toughest anti-homeless ordinances in
Orange County.” My question about this, and I do understand your concerns, is how is it fair to ignore our concerns over a toll road cutting through our city and yet ignore the needs of the homeless in yours? The article continues, “all of them are not allowed to sleep in a car, a van, or an RV anywhere in the city. They are not allowed to rest in a park, on the sidewalk or anywhere else in Mission Viejo.” You are trying to protect your residents from those less fortunate. We are trying to protect our residents from air and noise pollution, schools and parks damaged by the proximity of a toll road and financial harm to both businesses and homeowners.
Please help me to understand how it’s possible for you to ignore those who may have suffered mental illnesses, domestic abuse or hard times in their lives and turn a deaf ear to the residents of San Clemente? You have accused us of being NIMBYs and it seems to me as though you are exactly the same.
PROTECTING OUR WORLD TREASURE
GREG LONG, San Clemente
The 2,000-acre State Park at our San Clemente southern doorstep is a world treasure. San Onofre State Beach provides a virtual coastal wilderness experience that includes the unimpeded San Mateo watershed and last remaining natural river in Southern California. The cobblestone reefs of Trestles and San Onofre create North America’s premier year-round surfing zone, while the spectacular palisade bluffs to the south provide a wilderness beach experience unlike anything else in Southern California.
The creation of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in 1942 stopped urban sprawl at the Orange County line, and the establishment of San Onofre State Beach in 1971 assured that visitors from around the world could share this zone of incomparable magnitude for generations to come.
The proposal to build a toll road through the parklands of San Onofre has been overwhelming opposed and litigated, resulting in the historic settlement agreement barring construction of a road through the park. Visitors from around the world thank the Save San Onofre Coalition for its tireless efforts to assure an undamaged “park experience” forever.
Yet today, as a result of TCA’s continuing obsession with building a highway somewhere, presumably through the heart of San Clemente, the parklands and settlement agreement are being discussed as bargaining options to be revisited. This tactic has created an unnecessary rift in our community, pitting protection of the park against sanctity of our homes and businesses.
Traffic congestion through San Clemente for the past 15 years is a result of
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SOAPBOX
Caltrans’ inability to widen the 1-5 corridor due to a non-compete agreement with TCA that ended in 2012. We may soon discover that traffic will flow through the I-5 with the extra lanes nearing completion. Pico and Vista Hermosa links to La Pata already serve as alternative routes to points north for anyone seeking to bypass delays.
I am encouraged that rather than accepting an either/or solution, we are beginning to engage in rational, intellectual dialog with an intent to end the possibility for a superhighway to overlay any part of the San Onofre/San Clemente region.
TOO MUCH EXHAUST FROM TOLL ROAD DEBATES
JAY GASKINS, San Clemente
I am exhausted from reading the letters and columns regarding toll roads, traffic congestion and associated environmental issues. One writer recently stated that I-5 going through San Clemente is rarely congested and only affects the Mission Viejo area during specific rush hours. Her comments are incorrect and she is creating her own “facts” to support her agenda. Another writer stated that toll roads don’t work, are only for the rich and that’s why the 73 toll road is generally empty and untraveled, which is false.
Anyone who travels the I-5 frequently would know the vast majority of the traffic is from San Diego commuters who are traveling north through the San Clemente bottleneck. The congestion on I-5 through San Clemente is not even limited to rush hour traffic anymore; rather, it is congested all the time, and making matters worse, the reinstated high school traffic turns the I-5 through San Clemente from a nightmare to a nicely remodeled parking lot.
The conclusion I’ve drawn from reading these letters is that people would rather have 15, eight-lane streets running through the middle of San Clemente with a street light every 500 feet, from San Juan Capistrano to San Onofre than one reasonable toll or non-toll freeway that relieves the traffic in its totality.
The only reason this conversation exists regarding toll roads going through the city of San Clemente, is because these same activists deciding that making a toll road that circumnavigated San Clemente was a bad idea are now reaping the benefits of their prior ignorance. In fact, the toll road continuation and final termination to Cristianitos is the only traffic-suppressing proposal that makes sense and includes emergency evacuation benefits.
Instead of making the Transportation Corridor Agencies the enemy, maybe people should listen to the proposals, understood the environmental impact and weigh the project fairly. Then, maybe a protest against a toll road through the city, after a stupid agreement was made between the TCA and environmental groups, wouldn’t have been the first choice.
Possibly, opening up HOV lanes to all (with no permits), reducing the shoulder width and making the high school exit long enough to handle a day’s worth of students would help, as well.
GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
JIM SMITH, San Clemente
The guest column about the toll road, open space and Measure V by Council member Lori Donchak was a real headscratcher. She uses hundreds of words to describe all the benefits of Measure V but oddly neglects to even mention the name of the person who created it. I was there and these are the facts. Charles Mann was the author of Measure V. The battle began when a majority on the 2007 City Council voted to allow 300-plus houses to be built on land zoned as open space. Charles Mann and a few colleagues organized “Save San Clemente Open Space” and successfully overturned that City Council’s decision. Charles had the foresight to see that a future City Council could create the same problem all over again. That’s why he created Measure V. He believed only residents should be trusted to make the final decision on protecting open space in order to preserve San Clemente’s character and quality of life. He organized and led the campaign that put Measure V on the ballot where it was approved by 72 percent of voters.
Hopefully regarding the Toll Road, his gift keeps on giving back to the community. We are fortunate Charles lives here and has worked tirelessly to make San Clemente a better place for all.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words. Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso
Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.
GETTING OUT SC
SanClemente
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
What’s going on in and around town this week
COMPILED BY STAFF
Thursday | 14
VINO & VINYASA
5:30-8:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for an hour of yoga during sunset led by Elsa Stuart with a live DJ. There will be a glass of wine afterward. Check-in begins at 5:30 with flow at 6 and wine at 7. Tickets are $15, cash only to be paid at the event. Boneyard Café. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.com.
SCIENCE NIGHT
6:30-8 p.m. Learn about science-related topics that are presented in a family-friendly format. There are generally hands-on activities geared for kids. Contact the Natural Resources Department at dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527 for more information. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.
SUMMER JAZZ NIGHT SERIES
7 p.m. Pianist/composer Danny Green and his trio, featuring bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantelm, will give their debut performance during the Summer Jazz Night Series. Tickets are $10. Casino San Clemente, 140 W. Avenida Pico. 949.369.6600. www.thecasinosanclemente.com.
LIVE MUSIC: U2 EXPERIENCE
7:30-10:30 p.m. Live music at StillWater Spirit & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.com
Friday | 15
ROMANCE OF THE MISSION BENEFIT GALA
6-10 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts its annual Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala, concert and dinner presented by the Mission Preservation Foundation. Proceeds benefit the much-needed preservation of Orange County’s only mission. The event features a pre-show reception, a concert in the Great Stone Church, and dinner in the central courtyard. $350 per ticket. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.
LIVE MUSIC: SUITCASE JOHNNIE
7:30 p.m. Live music will be performed at Iva Lee’s in San Clemente by Suitcase Johnnie. 555 N. El Camino Real,
Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.
Saturday | 16
SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE
7-9 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee is a gathering of car enthusiasts every Saturday morning. Vehicles of all makes and models will be on display. More than 500 cars are expected to show up to the weekly event. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa. www.facebook.com/SouthOCCarsAndCoffee.
STUDENTS RUN LA MEETING
7:30 a.m. Students and coaches will kick-off their training program for the LA Marathon. The Students Run LA organization (SRLA) uses the process of training for the LA Marathon to teach how to set a goal and work hard to complete it. Over the seven-month training period, the students learn how to transfer these skills into their education and their lives. This event (and SRLA in general) is not competitive. This will be fun 3.1 mile (5K) run that starts and ends at 2XU San Clemente and will celebrate the start of the SRLA training season and the end of summer. 101 Avenida Vista Hermosa, Suite 506.
AAUC TECH TREK BREAKFAST
8:45 a.m. The annual Tech Trek meeting of AAUW San Clemente-Capistrano Bay branch will be held at San Juan Hills Clubhouse. Admission is $18.50 per person and a buffet breakfast will be served. New members are welcome at AAUW meetings and donations for Tech Trek help foster continued support to inspire middle school girls to explore STEM careers. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. www.sccb-ca.aauw.net.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GREEK FESTIVAL
11 a.m.-11 p.m. The weekend-long Greek Festival kicks off with dancing, Greek food and wine, church tours, art and more. Runs Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church. 27129 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano. 949.542.3445. www.sjcgreekfest.org.
GEOLOGY HIKE AT WILLOW
1-4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. This free event will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain, 600-foot elevation gain. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949.923.2235. www.ocparks.com/ lagunacoast.
Sunday | 17
SOUL FOOD: “NO MAN IS AN ISLAND” 10:30 a.m. The event will explore the oneness of humanity and the rights of every human being as they walk the path to achieving it. This is the world premiere of Nightingale, a women’s musical ensemble. A light breakfast will be served prior to the event. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida del Presidente. 949.791.9192. scbahailsa@yahoo.com. www.bahaicenter.com.
HISTORIC BELLS RINGING FOR CONSTITUTION DAY
1-2 p.m. The bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano will ring at 1 p.m. in celebration of the signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Free event with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.
Monday | 18
FREE GUITAR LESSONS
5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.
UNLIMITED GARLIC FRIES IN HONOR OF NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY
Salt Creek Grille is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18 by offering unlimited garlic French fries. Every patron who orders one of the Grille’s cheeseburgers will get unlimited fries. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. daily with the bar open at 4 p.m. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.661.7799. www.saltcreekgrille.com.
Tuesday | 19
DINNER WITH FRIENDS COOKING CLASS
6-9:30 p.m. A cooking class will be hosted at Antoine’s Café in San Clemente. The cost is $60 per person. The dishes for the class will be sautéed mushrooms with peppered toscano crostini, mixed greens with oven-dried tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives, chicken saltimbocca (prosciutto and sage chicken breast with white vermouth reduction), roasted green beans and potatoes with parsley and garlic. And Bosc pear cake with chocolate sauce for dessert. Antoine’s Café, 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.1763. www.antoinescafe.com.
(Cont. on page 12)
At the Movies: ‘It’
is Rated R for Spookiness
BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
The best way to go in to Andy Muschietti’s new adaptation of Stephen King’s classic 1986 epic novel, It, is to have absolutely no nostalgic ties to the first mini-series adaptation back in 1990. The new version—or more accurately the first half of the new version, as it’s directly referred to as It: Chapter One in the credits—is not only a technological update, but also a cultural one. We follow the kids of Derry, Maine, throughout 1989 instead of 1959.
As most fans already know, King’s fictional town of Derry is cursed with a supernatural being (Bill Skarsgård) that haunts, abducts and ultimately kills children every 27 years. Its latest victim includes middle schooler Bill Denbrough’s (Jaeden Lieberher) little brother, Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott), while Bill himself and his friends soon become victims of terror. The creature takes many faces and personas to terrify the kids, but its main identity is a clown.
Muschietti’s It is an upgrade with makeup, effects and atmosphere, as the TV version retrospectively is a bit corny in retrospect. But readers and viewers familiar with the original story will notice there are a few changes to fit a film narrative, but it’s nothing a casual movie fan wouldn’t mind. In many ways, the new It is probably going to be best enjoyed by those who don’t care for the book or TV series. What does need to be enforced is the R rating— which this movie very much deserves for the frightening and graphic content, although it’s probably appropriate for audiences at least 14 years old, despite the characters’ young ages. SC
Photo: Brooke Palmer/2017 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment LLC.
GETTING OUT
EDITOR’S PICK
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: SHACC OHANA INAUGURAL GOLF ‘SURFARI’
11 a.m. Surfing Heritage & Culture Center will host its first annual Golf “Surfari” fundraising tournament. Celebrities signed up to play so far include Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew, Robert Wingnut Weaver, Pat O’Connell, Paul Strauch, Gregory Harrison, Steve Walden, Jeff Clark and Dana Brown. Legendary shapers are creating one-of-a-kind putters that will be auctioned off. Shapers include Bob “The Greek” Bolen, Dick Brewer, Jeff Clark, Bill Hamilton, Rich Harbour, Roger Hinds, Jimmy Lewis, Jim “The Genius” Phillips, Rusty Preisendorfer, Bill Stewart, Kenny Tilton and “Balsa Bill” Yerkes. The tournament is a four-ball scramble. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. Tournament starts at 1p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and live auction at 6:30 p.m. Tournament registration is $750 for a foursome and $195 for individuals. San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano. 949.388.0313.
(Cont. from page 10)
KARAOKE AT GOODY’S
8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.
LUNCH LOCAL
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch at Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room. RSVP to claire@sanjuanchamber. com or call 949.493.4700. 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. www.selmaschicagopizzeria.com.
Wednesday | 20
SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES
6-8 p.m. The city’s annual summer concert series concludes with a country performance by SMITH. The event also includes dancing, food, beer and wine, a local business expo and free activities for kids. Free to attend. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.
FREE COMEDY AT BLOOM’S IRISH SPORTS BAR
8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Bloom’s Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.
UPCOMING EVENT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
TOAST TO THE CASA 15TH ANNIVERSARY
The 15th Annual Toast to the Casa will help raise necessary funds to continue providing innovative cultural programs for the San Clemente community and children, and to preserve the city’s historic landmark. Enjoy fare from more than 20 local restaurants, wineries and breweries, spectacular entertainment, as well as live and silent auctions at the crystal ball-themed fundraiser, “Fortune Favors the Brave.” Tickets are $200 per person. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.
Photo: File
SC LIVING SC
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Business Beat
News from San Clemente’s business community
BY DANNY RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
One-Year Anniversary
BEACH TOWN BOOKS
99 Avenida Serra, San Clemente
949.492.1114
www.beachtownbooks.com
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 pm Every Day
Scott and Debbie Langston, owners of Beach Town Books, have just completed the first page of what they believe will be a long story with a central plot theme of developing a creative and inspiring space in San Clemente.
Celebrating their one-year anniversary this September, the Langstons hope to see their bookstore become a community pillar.
The Langstons said they are grateful for the opportunity to create a space where people can relax, linger, and connect to the vast resources of books and events at the store.
“A satisfying day for us,” Debbie said, “is seeing a customer wander through the biographies, searching for a story to give them hope, a gentleman lounging in our leather chair in the history department, growing by learning from the events of the past, or maybe two women connecting at a Pokemon event in the evening while their kids trade cards and draw with laughter.”
Debbie’s lifelong dream of operating a bookstore traces back to the origins of her and Scott’s relationship.
“We would hang out at bookstores when we first met, and she would always say, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to own a bookstore one day?’” Scott said.
That opportunity came when Debbie was approached about assuming the
new- and-used book store in 2016 from its previous owner of over a decade.
After the opportunity revealed itself, Debbie said she immediately “went back to the car, and I asked my two girls (Natalie and Olivia) ‘Should I take over the bookstore?’”
The children were supportive.
“I knew right then, that I just had to.”
To enable their dreams, they’ve put in long hours to bring new life to the downtown location. Scott has repainted the entire store, texturing and color-scheming the space to represent the beach-town atmosphere of San Clemente. He also worked with the city of San Clemente to enable two-hour parking on the surrounding side streets of Avenida Serra.
Excited for a long road ahead, Debbie and Scott voiced their excitement concerning their long-term goals for the bookstore.
“Creativity, literature and inspiration all stem from relationships. After one year, we are only beginning to form those relationships,” Debbie said regarding their positive progress.
Beach Town Books offers books with particular emphasis on stocking the local school’s “must-read” lists.
With special events such as live music, featured author discussions and youth events, Beach Town Books is sure to keep the pages turning for years to come. For example, they currently host a Pokémon night at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays, inspired by their two young daughters desire to form a community to share in their interests.
You can stay tuned to Beach Town Books events and activity on social media @beachtownbooks or their website at beachtownbooks.com. SC
Owners of Beach Town Books, Scott and Debbie Langston, started their business last year with hopes of success. They celebrated their one-year anniversary of the business this year. Photo: Danny Ritz
GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by
Tom Blake
The Importance of Estate Planning for Seniors
This year, I received stories from two senior couples who reunited at their respective high school 50th class reunions. Their stories are quite similar. Both couples married and both husbands died within months of marrying.
But the stories differ in one significant way: estate planning. The purpose of today’s column is to remind seniors to ensure their estate plans are up-to-date.
By Tom Blake
COUPLE NUMBER ONE: RANDY AND JACKIE
Jackie wrote, “I went to my 50th class reunion in September 2015 and met a classmate. It became a wonderful love story. Randy lived in Illinois and I lived in San Clemente. We married in September 2016. We had a lot of love and laughter.
However, Randy passed away in April, seven months after we were married. Randy updated his estate to pay off the house, and I was made (an) equal trustee with his son. He gave me his IRA, which I will be taxed on. I have the house to sell, if I need to, and I have his car.
I can’t imagine another love story happening like what just happened to me. To add to the pain, I got a denial letter from the Social Security Administration that you must be married nine months to get your husband’s Social Security, which was over $2,000 a month, compared to my $152.
to the deceased worker at the time of his or her death and for at least nine months immediately prior to the day in which the worker died, unless one of the exceptions is met.”
Jackie added, “I know Randy left in peace saying I would be okay having his Social Security. I joke and say if he knew about the S.S. law, I could see him wanting to be on life support for two more months.
“I meet people worse off than me and I am very grateful for all I have.”
COUPLE NUMBER TWO: PHIL AND SUE
Jackie mentioned she couldn’t imagine another love story like what happened to her. I know of one. In fact, I wrote about it.
The couple, Phil and Sue, were high school classmates of mine from the graduating class of 1957 in Jackson, Michigan. At our 50th high school reunion, they talked face-to-face for 20 minutes, the only time they had talked to each other in 50 years.
On Feb. 1, Sue, who lived in Michigan, telephoned Phil, who lived in California. They had never dated in high school. Both had been married and their spouses had died.
“ ...there are two words to stress to seniors regarding updating estate plans: “What if?” ”
—Russell Kerr
After several lengthy February phone conversations, they decided to get married. On Feb. 24, when Sue got off the airplane in Ontario, they headed directly to the County Clerk’s office in Fullerton and got married.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
One of the most popular parks in San Clemente, Linda Lane Park was completed in the 1970s. It is frequented by hundreds of people each year.
Every week, the San Clemente Times will publish a historical photo. Online, SC Times will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photos, please provide information about the photo along with your name for credit to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.
County. According to Sue, one of their first chores would be to update Phil’s estate plan. Phil had no children, everything was being left to charity. He was going to change his estate plan to include Sue in his distribution of assets.
Note from Tom: I checked with the Social Security Administration and found this: “For a Social Security survivor’s benefit, a widow or widower must have been married
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
They were happy together, time flew by. They visited classmates across the country, including me. They went to Michigan to prepare for Sue’s move to California. They were planning on attending our 60th high school reunion a week from Saturday in Michigan.
After that, they would return to California and move into a place in Orange
However, Phil passed away from heartrelated issues just four months after he and Sue were married. They didn’t even get to attend the reunion together.
So there Sue was—back in Michigan, having to deal with a California trust that did not include her and did not designate her as a trustee or executor. To make matters worse, both trustees opted out of the task.
Here we had two couples: one couple whose estate plan was updated, which provided nicely for the wife. And the second couple where the estate plan was not updated and provided nothing for the wife.
These stories inspired me to update my estate plan. I was signing my updated documents in the office of Jeffrey Hartmann, an estate planning attorney in San Clemente, on August 31, and happened to mention Phil and Sue’s situation to him.
Jeffrey said that in California, Sue would be entitled to be provided for in Phil’s estate as a pretermitted spouse.
Even though she lives in Michigan, she may consider pursuing this avenue in California.
Seniors, including those who marry
quickly, should have their estate plans and wills updated. Having an air-tight estate plan is very important, and that includes having at least two successor trustees/executors who can be counted on.
In California, if you own property and pass away without a living trust, your property will go into probate—a prolonged and expensive process.
My stand up paddle boarding buddy, Russell Kerr, a retired financial planner and previous chairman of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, said there are two words to stress to seniors regarding updating estate plans: “What if?”
Even people who do not own property should have a simple will, so that their assets will be distributed according to their wishes. Dying intestate, without a will, leaves those decisions up to the state.
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.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com or email at tompblake@ gmail.com. SC
Photo: Courtesy of the city of San Clemente
ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Dana Outrigger Shows its Strength in Catalina Crossing Championship
BY DANNY RITZ,
The Dana Outrigger Canoe Club continued its tradition of excellence as it competed against an international field, including teams from Tahiti, New Zealand, Washington D.C., and a number of teams from Northern California this past weekend at the Catalina Crossing-United States Championship. Battling windy conditions exiting Newport Harbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, the female Dana Point Outrigger Canoe Club teams arrived in smooth seas at Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island several hours later. The men’s races took place on Sunday, Sept. 10 in clean conditions for a majority of the almost 40-mile crossing, coming from Catalina back to the mainland, the longest such race on the California circuit.
The outrigger races consisted of six competitors in 30-foot canoes, flanked by three rotating team members carried by a support boat. When paddlers need a rest, they literally “abandon ship”, and jump into the water before fresh team members climb onboard without interruption.
The Dana Outrigger Canoe Club, whose members consist of youth and adult paddlers from southern Orange County, had a number of teams participate in this grueling test of skill and endurance.
Coach Lori Long. a San Clemente resident, has been a member of the Club since 1989 and a coach since 2013. Long,
along with coach Bob Bright, lead the club’s Under-19 Women’s boat, which won the Catalina Crossing for a fourth straight time over the weekend.
Dana Point paddler Mya Harry has been a part of the U19 crew for four years, and is undefeated in four attempts at crossing the channel.
Coach Long glowed with pride when asked about her team’s end-of-season performance.
“It’s just amazing to see what these kids can do. They really wanted to finish the crossing in under five hours, and they did,” Long said.
The U19 team made the journey in 4 hours and 58 minutes.
“This is such a long, exhausting race,” Long said. “It’s hard not to get emotional with them. They really put everything into it.”
The Dana Outrigger’s Open women’s crew also had a solid showing in the crossing race, finishing second to a Tahitian team that has now bested them in consecutive races, Long said.
The local club’s Under-19 men’s boat, anchored by San Clemente High School multi-sport athletes Cole McDaniel and Nate Gerkin, took second place behind a club from Redondo Beach in their 34-mile return trip.
The Open men’s crew, coached by Long’s husband Rich, secured a top-10 finish, as did the club’s senior Masters crew, which took third. SC
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
The Dana Point Outrigger Canoe Club’s U19 women’s team won its fourth straight Catalina Crossing-United States Championship on Sept. 9. Photo: Dana Outrigger Canoe Club
Ramping Up
SC Open
skate contest showcases local talent, raises funds for park improvements
BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Bill Hart remembers a young San Clemente skateboarder flying through the air and carving his way around Ralphs Skate Court during the SC Open skate contest’s early days.
The crowds all knew the young teen was something special, and the contest, which is put on by the city and the Friends of San Clemente Foundation, was always his chance to shine in front of the home crowd.
“I remember Ryan Sheckler out there doing feature tricks for the contest,” said Hart, the Friends Foundation’s skate contest liaison. “Those moments are what the contest has always been about. It’s about getting our local kids involved and allowing them to showcase themselves for a day.”
Indeed, the next Sheckler could be among the dozens of competitors expected to skate during Saturday’s big contest, which will be the event’s 17th installment. The contest is open to all ages and will be held at Ralphs Skate Court, 241 Avenida La Pata. Check-in and on-site registration begins at 7 a.m. Cost to compete is $40, with all proceeds raised going toward skatepark improvements.
The Friends Foundation partnered with the city of San Clemente to hold the firstever contest in 2000. Since then, they have
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 programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports
Cross Country Juniors Win Laguna Hills Invitational
The San Clemente boys cross country team’s juniors showed off their skill and depth by winning their grade-level division at the season-opening Laguna Hills Invitational on Sept. 9.
The Tritons freshmen placed third overall and the sophomores finished fourth to round out a solid day of competition for the team.
been devoted to making each version of the contest better than the last.
Professional judges and announcers have been brought in to make for a better contest and presentation in recent years. High-profile, local action sports businesses, such as Stance and Electric, are now sponsors and will be on-site.
“From a commerce perspective, the contest has grown and expanded to include all these awesome organizations,” city of San Clemente Recreation manager Samantha Thomas said. “It helps fortify our efforts in acknowledging we are a skate community. It’s exciting and it gets the skaters excited too.”
The skaters will be competing not only for the pride of being a hometown winner, but also for prizes and cash. Each contestant will receive a T-shirt and everyone
The girls cross country opened its season with an eighth-place finish at the Cool Breeze Invitational in Pasadena on Sept. 8. Hana Catsimanes placed 12th overall and Chandler Horton finished 16th.
Football Set for Rematch with Murrieta Valley
In a rematch of last year’s CIF-SS Division 2 Championship game, the San Clemente football team will host Murrieta Valley on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.
Triton fans will remember former quarterback Jack Sears, now at USC, putting last year’s title game away late in the fourth quarter with a blistering 67-yard touchdown run for the final score, securing the Tritons first-ever CIF-SS Championship.
Murrieta Valley (2-1) returns this year with their quarterback and top receiver in tow.
Junior quarterback Hank Bachmeier is averaging 278 yards passing per game and has thrown 13 touchdowns. Senior
SCSC and the Friends Foundation is mutually beneficial, as the contest serves as a big fundraising opportunity for SCSC’s causes.
Currently, Ralphs Skate Court does not have lights, which forces skaters to either go home earlier than they would like, or continue to skate in dangerous, dark conditions. When assessing initial improvements that could be made to the park, the lighting issue topped SCSC’s list.
Earlier this year, the city of San Clemente earmarked $100,000 to erect lights at Ralphs Skate Court as part of a capital improvement project for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
The city estimated the lights would cost roughly $150,000 and have asked the SCSC and the Friends Foundation to raise the additional $50,000 to help foot the bill.
All funds raised at the contest go directly to the Friends Foundation, which in turn holds those funds for the $50,000 skatepark lighting goal.
will have the opportunity to compete in the popular Nike SB Best Trick contest.
All skaters are asked to wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet, elbow and knee pads.
COALITION WITH A CAUSE
Hart said that while the contest has always been well-run, welcoming volunteers and input from the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition has taken the event to a better, more legitimate level.
The SCSC is a volunteer-run nonprofit made up of residents whose main goal is to improve and potentially expand Ralphs Skate Court.
Last year, the SCSC used its connections in the skate industry to bring in new vendors as well as the respected contest judges. The relationship between the
San Clemente Skatepark Coalition organizer Stephanie Aguilar said the contest is great way to unite the skate community and “reenergize everybody on the cause”.
Aguilar said the SCSC hopes once the funds are raised for lighting, they can continue to work with the city to improve the skatepark. She called the lighting initiative “phase one” of a multi-step plan.
“Getting the lights (funding) was a huge win for us and the city is supporting us,” Aguilar said. “The lights are only a small part, but something we really want to make clear to the skate community and the city is that the ultimate goal is to bring more to San Clemente.”
For more information on the contest, or to register, visit www.san-clemente.org/ scopen. SC
receiver Marquis Spiker has 346 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
The Nighthawks have proven they can put up points, but they give up plenty of them as well. Murrieta Valley’s defense has allowed an average of 42 points per game.
The San Clemente (3-0) defense, on the
other hand, has yet to give up more than 20 points in a game.
The Tritons rolled to a 45-7 victory over Fullerton last week. Senior linebacker Riley Croft had 12 tackles, a sack and forced a fumble in the game. Senior Shane Lockett had 10 tackles, including one for a loss.
A skater competes during last year’s SC Open contest. Photo: Eric Heinz
The San Clemente boys cross country juniors won their division at the Laguna Hills Invitational on Sept. 9.
Photo: Courtesy
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only
ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT
Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program
665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 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
ART GALLERIES
San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com
CHIROPRACTIC
Spinal Vitality Integrative Chiropractic
647 Camino de los Mares, Suite 220, 949.616.5470, www.spinalvitality.com
CHOCOLATE/CANDY
Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com
CONCRETE
Costa Verde Landscape Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.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
EDITING SERVICES
Perfectly Clear Editing Services
Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com
ELECTRICAL
Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com
FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
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
JEWELRY
Paradise Jewelers
166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com
LANDSCAPING
Costa Verde Landscape
Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
MATTRESSES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
MORTGAGES
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
SC Rider Supply
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
MUSIC LESSONS
Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
PET SERVICES/HOUSE SITTING
2-dogswalking.com Ricky, 949.973.4128
Pet care –Insured & Bonded
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS HERE!
Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.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 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com
Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com
Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302
POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL
Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com
REALTORS
Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
SALONS
Salon Bamboo
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com
Salon Bleu
207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com
Syrens Hair Parlor
217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com
SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
SWIMMING SCHOOL
Waterbabies Swim School 142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com
TERMITES
Colony Termite Control 1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT
Offshore Construction 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org
FOR SALE DJI Phantom 3 Advanced For Sale By Owner. Asking Price $1,000. Items included: DJI Phantom Advanced 3 Drone, DJI Controller, Polar Pro Controller Anti-Sun Shade, DJI Charger, 5 DJI Batteries!!! LoweProDrone Bag/Backpack Multiple Sets of DJI Propellers Please call (949)350-1312
CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
San Clemente
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
Get Stoked!
Sign-ups for annual StokeO-Rama this Saturday morning at T Street
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro will crown champions by week’s end.
But that’s not really the big surf news this week. The big news is that the Positive Vibe Warrior’s Stoke-O-Rama is once again coming to town.
“This is our sixth year doing it and we couldn’t be more fired up,” said Dane Gudauskas, who along with brothers Pat and Tanner founded the Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation.
The brothers’ initial goal for the StokeO-Rama was to give the South Orange County community something fun and free that celebrated the spirit of surfing and gave all the local kids a chance to compete without a ton of pressure. The program was an immediate success and has since grown to surf contests in other beach towns, including Huntington Beach and Makaha in Hawaii. But here’s the catch: space is limited for the one-day event and, due to its success, entry into the contest isn’t a given.
This year, the Stoke-O-Rama will run on Oct. 8, but sign-ups kick off early at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Jack’s Surf Shop on Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente. In the past, lines have started forming well before dawn, so it goes without saying that getting their early is key. The Stoke-ORama is open exclusively to San Clemente residents.
SAMANTHA SIBLEY
BY
t’s been a couple of weeks, but hopefully everyone’s getting back into the school groove. And while nobody likes homework or getting up early, one of the perks of a new school year is a new NSSA season.
Last weekend, the NSSA Southwest Division kicked things up in Huntington Beach with the first contest of the new year. San Clemente’s up-and-coming young talent made the most of the clean, fun-sized surf. Taking out the Open Women’s division and Grom of the Week honors was Samantha Sibley.
Edging out her friend and local sparring partner, Kirra Pinkerton, in the
Sign-ups for the Stoke-O-Rama will take place at 8 a.m. on Sept. 16 at Jack’s Surf Shop in San Clemente, located at 176 Avenida Del Mar, and you must be a San Clemente resident to enter. The contest will run on Oct. 8.
“It’s gotten kind of crazy with the signups. It’s first come, first serve. Unfortunately, we only have so much space and time to run the contest, so we’ve had to put a cap on it,” Dane said. “We’ll be
down there early Saturday morning firing up the stoke and getting everything dialed in.”
More than just another kids’ surf contest, the Stoke-O-Rama is a full-on experience the whole family can dig on. In the past, luminary surfers like world champion Kelly Slater and Sunny Garcia have shown up to support the cause, as have local pros like Kolohe Andino and Nate Yeomans. There are some epic prizes for the winners, and the goody bags that each competitor gets is stuffed with loot from all of the event’s sponsors. There are also a bunch of “extracurricular” activities on the beach, including games of flags and Gudauskas’s favorite, “corn dogging,” which is basically just rolling around in
final, Sibley put a summer’s worth of solid competitive experience to good use. Surfing in a number of WSL events over the last couple of months, most notably finishing second in the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing Pro Junior, she’s climbed the Qualifying
Series rankings from 231st in 2016 to 98th this year. Likewise, on the North America Pro Junior circuit, she’s shot up the ratings from 50th in 2016 to fifth this year. It probably goes without saying, but big things are in store for Sibley. SC
the sand.
“There are a lot of contest options for kids out there, but we wanted to have something that was fun and there wasn’t any pressure, we wanted it to be a positive experience for everyone,” Gudauskas continued. “When we were young, our little crew was always cheering for each other and having fun at the contests; then, when we went on tour, we had a similar thing where we had a little crew that was really supportive. We wanted to bring a little of that flavor to the next generation and share the stoke.”
Another key aspect of the Stoke-O-Rama is that all proceeds go to the San Clemente Junior Lifeguard program. While the contest is free, there are opportunities to buy T-shirts and other merchandise to support the cause.
“The Junior Lifeguard Program does so much for the kids in town, and we’re blessed to be able to do our little part to help out,” Dane said. “I believe last year we were able to make a $10,000 donation to the junior lifeguards. That all goes back into the community with kids learning more about ocean safety and environmental issues.”
No matter your age or where you grew up, we all started surfing for one reason— because it’s fun. Of course, riding waves is fun, but so is floating around in the ocean with your friends. Long days on the sand, picnic lunches, sunny skies, the smell of low tide, it’s all part of the experience. And when everybody comes together on the beach, it’s bound to turn into one big party.
The Stoke-O-Rama celebrates all of this.
“Everything around the Stoke-O-Rama has been done to ensure that everyone has a great time and leaves the beach stoked at the end of the day,” Dane said. SC
SURF FORECAST
Water Temperature: 66-70 degrees F
Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 15’ Fair
Thursday: SSE swell peaks with minor NW swell mixing in. Better breaks are in the waistshoulder high (3-4’) range, standouts hit head high (5’) on sets. Calm to light onshore winds early, WNW flow rising to light-moderate levels in the afternoon.
Outlook: S/SSE swell eases into the upcoming weekend with minor NW swell blending in. Small surf due Sunday and early next week. Morning winds are lightest, building onshore flow into the afternoons. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.
Samantha Sibley. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz
Stoke-O-Rama takes place Oct. 8 at T Street, but registration starts at 8 a.m. on Sept. 16. Photo: File
JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES GROM
