LO C A L
N EWS
November 16-22, 2017 YO U
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Lifetime Fitness Designs Approved by Planning Commission PAGE 3
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 46
The Tide is Turning Rising sea level projections compel San Clemente to study possible effects EYE ON SC/PAGE 6
Many scientific studies claim the California coast could see up to four and a half feet of sea level rise by the end of the century. Pictured above, the sand at North Beach was eroded significantly in this January photo. Photo: Eric Heinz
New Drug Prevention Director Starts at SCHS EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
Veterans Day Celebrated at Talega Gallery Neighborhood SC LIVING/PAGE 20
www.sanclementetimes.com
San Clemente Surfers Win at Live Like Zander Junior Pro SC SURF/PAGE 26
VOTE FOR THE BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE AT WWW.SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM
SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Lifetime Fitness Plans Approved by Planning Commission THE LATEST: The plans to expand the clubhouse and make modifications to existing sports and exercise amenities at the old Rancho San Clemente Tennis Club took a major step at the Nov. 8 Planning Commission meeting. The commission voted unanimously to approve the plans for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Lifetime Fitness, planned for 111 Avenida Vista Montana. Lifetime Fitness, which now owns the club, plans to construct a brand-new 44,000 square-foot clubhouse, which would eliminate six of the 19 existing tennis courts—with a center main amphitheater court—and include areas for a daycare for members and put in a new pool, among other facilities. Some community members have been concerned that the project will increase traffic and noise to their areas with the expansion of the club and the hours it operates. However, other residents that are near the club are welcoming it. Public speakers said they want to have an adequate facility for their children to practice tennis in San Clemente, rather than driving to Tustin multiple times a week to receive higher-level coaching. WHAT’S NEXT: City Council now needs to approve the project in order for it to go forward. Officials from Lifetime Fitness said they have not discussed membership or regular day rates at this time. Those will be determined as the project nears completion in late 2019. —Eric Heinz
City Officials, Stakeholders Look at Via Ballena Bluff Restoration THE LATEST: For more than six years, residents on or near Via Ballena have waited for restoration to take place on a bluff that collapsed right underneath the last slivers of home foundations. About 13 homes were affected in the landslide and four had to be red-tagged as unsafe for living. Now, construction has begun to push San Clemente Times November 16–22, 2017
A rendering shows the plan for a new clubhouse at the Lifetime Fitness center, which is planned for 111 Avenida Vista Montana, the old Rancho San Clemente Tennis Club. Photo: Courtesy of Lifetime Fitness
soil into the side of the bluff and compact it to restore its strength. For months, trucks and other vehicles have been prepping the slope for work, and within the next year the project should be completed. But it’s a contentious issue, as residents voiced their frustrations and concerns at a public meeting on Nov. 13 at the San Clemente Community Center. If everything goes according to plan, the residents affected by the landslide will be able to repair their homes through money allocated to them through a settlement agreement that took place after lawsuits from the area’s homeowners were filed against the golf course and the city. An interesting development through the settlement process is that OC-Rehab LLC, a company mentioned in the settlement, was said at the Nov. 13 meeting to take clear title of the land owned by the golf course—only where the landslide took place—in order to keep the course safe from further liability. Residents were concerned that the company would try to repurpose that land, but officials at the meeting said any development on the land would have to go through City Council. Also, because the golf course holes are designated open space, any development of more than one acre would have to go to a city vote, per Measure V, which was passed more than 10 years ago and requires a majority ruling on development in such areas. Bill Baker, the attorney for the golf course, said insurance policies on homes may not have covered the landslide damages. The plan is to restore a drainage pipe that ran under the bluff and down toward an outlet west of the course. The landslide had completely taken out the drainage, and officials said water had backed up prior to the slide. A retaining pool currently collects water flowing from the area, but that will be removed once. Some people asked about whether holes 5 and 6 on Shorecliffs Golf Club, which is right next to where the landslide took place, would be replaced. According to the
settlement agreement between the city, the golf course and 23 homeowners in the area, the holes are to be restored, but there’s also the issue of mitigation credits required by the California Coastal Commission, and the wetland areas that ran along the two golf course holes will need to be restored or other mitigation efforts will be required. WHAT’S NEXT: George Zeber, the president of Western Pacific Construction Services who is contracted to design and construct the bluff repairs, said he hopes the slope will be repaired by March and the riparian mitigation to be completed sometime in the summer, but those timeframes will depend on whether the Coastal Commission approves permitting for the mitigation. Editor’s note: The San Clemente Times will continue to follow this story. Stay tuned for more information about the bluff restoration project as it becomes available. —EH
Teachers Pack CUSD Meeting, Drawing Attention to Stalled Negotiations THE LATEST: More than 200 impassioned teachers packed the Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 8 wearing neon green “Value Educators!” stickers and holding signs that read, “Working Without a Contract” and “Keep Quality Teachers in CUSD.” The majority of the teachers were not in attendance to speak on an agenda item, but rather to draw attention to the failed contract negotiations between CUSD and the Capistrano Unified Education Association that have been taking place in closed session for over a year. Negotiations officially stalled back in June, and last month, it was announced that mediation had failed. The process now moves on to fact-finding. CUEA officials say their bargaining
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goals have remained the same since negotiations began in August 2016—they want “permanent increases to the salary schedule,” and “a sustainable plan to mitigate the negative impact of increasing employee health and welfare contributions.” CUSD argues that the district must maintain a “responsible budget” that balances recognizing the work of teachers with addressing facilities’ needs and paying for pension benefits. A handful of CUSD teachers addressed the board during public comment, including Ken Soto, a teacher of five years at Marco Forster Middle School. Soto said he surveyed 20- to 30-year-old teachers who have been with the district five or more years and asked them what effect the current pay schedule has had on their desire or ability to keep teaching at Capo Unified. Soto quoted about seven teachers before his three minutes were up, many of whom said they won’t be able to stay with the district much longer due to the high cost of living and increase in insurance costs. “When it comes down to it, these teachers are going to be fine…the people that will not be so fine are the students,” Soto said. Kelsey Torres, a third-year English teacher at Aliso Niguel High School, told the board that the district’s salary schedule is infamous among young teachers who know that if they want to be paid well, they should avoid working in Capo Unified. Torres said she loves her job at Aliso Niguel High School, and if she could be paid fairly and afford to live in the area, she wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. “What I fear most is that CUSD doesn’t even know what young teachers are thinking right now,” Torres continued. “You’re about to have all of your youngest, most promising teachers walk out the door, and as for up-and-coming teachers leaving their credential programs, you’ll be lucky if they even knock.” (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC (Cont.from page 3) WHAT’S NEXT: A date has not yet been finalized for upcoming fact-finding sessions, where a three-person panel will review the arguments and proposals and ultimately issue non-binding recommendations. According to a tentative timeline provided by the school district, the fact-finding panel is set to meet later this month. If the fact-finding process does not result in an agreement, CUSD would be able to impose its last, best and final offer. If the teachers’ union is not satisfied with that offer, district teachers would maintain the right to strike. For more information on the negotiations, visit www.capousd-ca.schoolloop. com/cuea and www.cuea.org. —Allison Jarrell
Community Prevention Director Starts New Job with Wellness and Prevention Center THE LATEST: Lauren Gallegos said she knows firsthand the pitfalls drug abuse causes people. Gallegos, who started her new position with the Wellness and Prevention Center at San Clemente High School, said she’s seen many of her personal friends abuse opioids and eventually heroin—an all-too-
Lauren Gallegos. Photo: Eric Heinz
familiar trend that’s gripped the nation and compelled federal action. Gallegos, the new community prevention director, grew up in San Clemente. “I started to lose people I grew up with, some I just knew from going to school with and some I was closer to, and seeing this happen again and again, it just made me realize that prevention is important,” Gallegos said. Gallegos is overseeing the coalitions under the Wellness and Prevention Center, which includes the community-based coalition and the youth coalition. Her position is funded by the Drug Free Communities grant the Wellness and Prevention Center received last month. Gallegos said by using the Orange County Healthy Kids Survey, which is administered every two years, she hopes to see a five percent decrease in students who report they’ve used marijuana or
alcohol, from the 2015-16 school year, of students in grades seven, nine and 11. The reduction is required in order for the center to continue receiving its grant funding. “We also want to increase the perception of harm, and so we want students to think that their friends don’t think it’s OK to use these substances, we don’t want them to think their parents would approve of it, and we want them to think that it’s dangerous,” Gallegos said. “As students get older, we see that perception of harm go down, so we’re doing a lot of community education… to hopefully change that a little bit.” Gallegos said she hopes to reach students as young as elementary school as well as the older students. “We’re working to create a social norm so that (using drugs and alcohol) isn’t a social norm,” Gallegos said. “Not everybody drinks, so we want to (show) this percentage of students at your school don’t use marijuana or drink. Instead of showing statistics of this many kids take (drugs and alcohol), we’re doing the opposite.” WHAT’S NEXT: Gallegos will also start counseling students as she becomes acclimated in her new position. She is been a substance abuse social worker with experience at recovery homes in Arizona. The Wellness and Prevention Center is anticipating the latest results of The Healthy Kids Survey in Orange County, which asks students to report if they’ve abused substances. —EH
San Clemente Man Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse THE LATEST: Uriel Ruiz Ricardez, 26, of San Clemente was sentenced to 70 years in state prison on Nov. 9 for sexually abusing four boys under the age of 14, between 2014 Uriel Ruiz Ricardez and September 2015. Ricardez was reportedly a friend of the family of the victims, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office. The victims’ parents reported the crime to Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which investigated this case and arrested Ricardez on Sept. 10, 2015, when he was 24. Ricardez was charged in 2015 with three felony counts of sodomy of a person under 14 and five felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14, with a sentencing enhancement allegation for committing lewd acts upon multiple victims, who were 11, 12 and 13 years old. Ricardez originally faced 120 years in prison. He was found guilty of four of those felony charges. WHAT’S NEXT: Ricardez must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Information for this report was found on the Orange County District Attorney’s website. —Staff
EYE ON SC
The Tide is Turning Rising sea level projections compel San Clemente to study possible effects BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
C
auses for sea levels rising are still widely debated, but the levels are rising, according to multiple reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and the California Ocean Protection Council. The coastline is San Clemente’s greatest asset. Tourists spend money in town to be near it, nonprofit organizations spend millions of dollars trying to keep it clean and protect it, and the heritage of surfing is vital to the city’s and surrounding areas’ economies. Earlier this year, the city of San Clemente was approved for a $135,000 grant to conduct a sea level rise assessment and vulnerability study through the California Coastal Commission. The sea level rise study began a couple of months ago and will continue for the next year to 15 months, which is being conducted by Moffatt and Nichol and McCabe & Co. The study is likely to then become part of the city’s Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) amendment. The grant for the study terminates in February 2019. Another public meeting of the study’s draft will take place in the near future depending on what is found and what scientific findings are published. McCabe & Co. representative Anne Blemker, a senior planning adviser, and Aaron Holloway, a coastal and water resources engineer from Moffatt & Nichol consulting, spoke to the city’s Coastal Advisory Committee on Nov. 9. According to recent reports, the sea level is expected to rise by 0.8 feet by 2050 and between 3.3 and 4.9 feet by 2100, Holloway said. Holloway said a lot of the communities his firm is working with are grappling with these issues. The difference with the current San Clemente CLUP is the inclusion of the sea level rise study, and information could change during the time when the study is implemented to the land use plan. The study will identify key thresholds of San Clemente’s coast and the vulnerable areas, when the sea levels are expected to rise. Beach erosion, which was at the top of the list of hazards described by Holloway, is most likely going to be affected by sea level rise. Blemker said the study is expected to include a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 50year coastal damage reduction report. “Today there’s a lot of development be-
San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
Coastal erosion during the winter months was evident in this January photo along a road to San Onofre surf areas. Photo: Jake Howard
tween the ocean, particularly the railroads, and the bluffs in the active coastal zone,” Holloway said, adding the rise in sea levels could have a significant impact to that development. Living in a subdivision right up against the coastline, a Capistrano Shores homeowner won a lawsuit last year against the Coastal Commission that allowed property owners to replace their mobile homes without disturbing the surrounding land. The victory allowed the homeowner to repair the retaining walls that protect the subdivision’s dwellings. Components of sea level rising Holloway said sediment coming from watersheds and other areas is likely going to decrease without heavy rainfall and increased development. “Beach erosion is a key topic; there are many causes that can cause beach erosion,” Holloway said. “Chronic erosion can occur during nice, sunny weather conditions. An example of that is the lack of sediment entering the system. There haven’t been a lot of floods through San Juan Creek that discharge all this sediment to the coastal zone…which helps maintain sandy beaches in San Clemente.” Seasonal erosion occurs to help bring sand back, but with higher wave action, the sand would be pushed high and toward the land. In late 2016 to early 2017, the city brought in 12,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River bed to North Beach, but much of it was lost to high tides and
large winter swells. “Recreational beaches are going to be squeezed (with sea level rise),” Holloway said, adding the bluffs where there is development should not be threatened by rising levels unless the city’s protection efforts aren’t sufficient or sea levels rise more than anticipated. “We’re starting to get a handle on the variables and what’s at risk, and we’ll be working on those variables throughout the study,” Blemker said, adding there will be several plans that will examine shorter timelines than 2100. “That year is not that specific, so we’re going to focus on what happens with one or two feet of sea level rise.” How the city will go about protecting its coastlines will be revealed in proposals from the study and assessments by city staff. “Once (Holloway) and his team are done with their draft sea level rise and vulnerability assessment, we will utilize that for draft strategies and policies that will be embedded within the (CLUP),” Blemker said. The study results are intended to “build resilience in the community so the city is prepared to handle the risks associated with sea level rise,” Blemker said.
level rise study that we’re undertaking right now is the first of what will likely be multiple iterations in the future because it is an emerging science,” Blemker said. “New data of those pieces of information will be reviewed and considered, and a determination will be made as to whether they will have an effect on San Clemente.” Coastal Land Use Plans are required by the Coastal Act for each city that has land within the coastal zone, which is defined as land roughly 1,000 feet from the coastline. The city’s original CLUP public hearing was extended by the Coastal Commission in early 2017, according to city documents. The Coastal Commission is scheduled to review and take action on the city’s plan, whether it approves or denies it, by Feb. 13. The study would be added to the plan and then would go before the Commission for additional consideration. Feb. 13, 2018 is the current deadline for the California Coastal Commission action. The U.S. Geological Survey published a study earlier this year that predicts coastal flooding across the country will occur more frequently in the decades to come. SC
Next steps Blemker said that as more information is updated throughout the study, there will be public meetings that address the adjustments in the best available data. “We want to make it clear that the sea
Links to documents related to the study and the California Coastal Commissions’ grant program for sea level studies are provided in this article at www.sanclementetimes.com.
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www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
Community Meetings SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
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.
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF
H.H. Cotton’s Seeks Assistance with Marine Feed on Thanksgiving Day H.H Cotton’s is hosting its annual Marine Feed on Thanksgiving Day with 150 Marines. The restaurant and bar is asking for any kind of donation to go toward the raffle for the Marines, including gift cards to restaurants, golf courses, grocery stores or sunglasses, clothing, cash, etc. Anything and everything is appreciated. The restaurant is looking to collect everything by Nov. 22. Drop off donations at the restaurant to Erin Blake or visit www. hhcottons.com/events for more info or to donate directly.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.sanclemente.org.
Christmas Gifts for San Clemente’s Adopted Marine Corps Unit, the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines
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.toastmasters.org.
Gifts will be collected for children of Marine families, ages 1-15, through Dec. 8. The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation will host its annual Christmas party and barbecue for 1,000 Marines and their families at Camp Pendleton on Dec. 8, where the donated gifts will be presented. The event is sponsored by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, the city of San Clemente and the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. Look for the red bins at these locations: City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio; San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville; Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa; Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 W. Avenida Pico; Coastal Postal 806 Avenida Pico. Cash donations are tax deductible and can be made at www.marinemonument.com.
BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING 7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You (BILY) 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, NOVEMBER 22
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. Fratello’s Italian Restaurant, 647 Camino de Los Mares. 949.366.5423. www.sanclementekiwanis.com. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23
THANKSGIVING City offices will be closed.
San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
Local Surf Pro Joins Cobian Footwear for Men’s Health As part of the 2017 Movember Campaign to bring awareness to men’s health, Cobian Footwear has partnered with the Movember Foundation to use footwear as a means to change lives and encourage men to get talking about their health. “Men are dying too young, before their time and for no biological reason,” a release from Cobian stated. “In an effort to change this, the Movember Foundation has started a movement that is empowering men and women to raise millions and fund health projects, specifically addressing prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.” To support their cause, Cobian Footwear has released a limited edition Mo-
vember Sandal that features the brand’s signature comfort and the charity’s iconic mustache. Cobian ambassador and surf team rider Nate Yeomans of San Clemente has become a face for the campaign to support men’s health after losing his grandfather to prostate cancer. “I believe his life could have been saved,” Yeomans said, “but thanks to the efforts of Movember, we can help prevent others from dying too young.” More information on the footwear can be found at www.cobianusa.com.
Santa’s Village by the Sea to Take Place on Dec. 2 The city of San Clemente, Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens and the Downtown Business Association will present “Santa’s Village by the Sea” from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. The festivities will begin with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. led by Mayor Kathy Ward on the Community Center lawn, located on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and N. Calle Seville. Holiday festivities expand to Santa’s Village at the Community Center, the Puttin’ on the Glitz on Avenida Del Mar and Christmas at the Casa. The Christmas at the Casa holiday open house features a festively decorated Casa Romantica, live music, choral groups, Santa visits, a talking tree, children’s crafts, holiday décor and refreshments. The Casa Romantica open house will close at 7:30 p.m. Santa’s Village will include Santa visits, holiday games, an outdoor movie, hot cocoa factory, cookie decorating, train rides, Cinderella’s carriage, live holiday music and sledding on real snow, which is sponsored by the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation. Stay a little longer to do your holiday shopping, as the shops along Avenida Del Mar will be open until 10 p.m. For more information, contact the city of San Clemente’s Recreation Division at 949.361.8264, the Casa Romantica at 949.498.2139, the Downtown Business Association at 949.218.5378, or online at www.san-clemente.org/recreation.
Citizens’ Oversight Project to Submit Petition for Moratorium on Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Ray Lutz, founder of Citizens’ Oversight Project, announced on Nov. 9 that a proposal, named the “HELLMSS-MELO Proposal,” will be submitted as a component of a petition to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), demanding a national moratorium on the use of “thin, single-wall nuclear waste canisters,” according to a press release. “’HELLMSS-MELO’ means ‘hardened,
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extended-life, local monitored surface storage,’ using the ‘monitored extended-life overcask,’ which is an additional layer to be added over the ‘thin’ canisters in use today, which were never intended for longterm use,” Lutz stated in the release. “The HELLMSS-MELO plan targets safe surface storage for 1,000 years instead of the 60 years being planned by the industry, and proposes that we give up on a geologic repository for now and move the spent fuel only as necessary, to avoid water resources and dense human populations.” Southern California Edison, the majority stakeholder of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, is planning to start the transfer of spent nuclear waste fuel rods into canisters by the end of the year. The storage is taking place as the federal government hasn’t designated another location for the fuel. Critics of the canisters, which were made by Holtec International, say they will be too thin and therefore dangerous. “These containers were not designed for long-term ‘indefinite’ storage they have now approved,” Lutz stated. “Stress corrosion cracking was not considered an issue when these were first adopted, but today, it is recognized as a major problem… We must have a two-layer system, and we must move the waste away from delicate coastal zones with excessive corrosion risk.” To see the petition, visit www.copswiki. org/common/hellmssmeloproposal.
San Clemente Art Association to Lead Final Class for Military Artist Program on Nov. 18 Military Artist Program (MAP) provides free art classes to active military and their families. Classes are sponsored by San Clemente Art Association, San Clemente Sunrise Rotary, San Clemente Art Supply and private donations. Art classes cover painting techniques, jewelry designs and construction, and children’s crafts. All instructors are members of San Clemente Art Association. Professional artist Steve Kell will lead the final class on Nov. 18. This adult oil painting class covers composition, color theory and the importance of value and light. It is offered free of charge on Camp Pendleton at the San Onofre Events Center from 3-5 p.m. Class size is limited, so reservations are encouraged. RSVP to map_scaa@cox.net or through Facebook at Military Artist Program of San Clemente Art Association. San Clemente Art Association is a 63-year-old, nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing art to the community of San Clemente and its surrounding areas. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com. www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton
Leaders of Today: More Scrutiny Needed of People in Power
T
he crises facing our town are in some ways a microcosm of the nation, and in other ways, the polar opposite. We are experiencing an opioid epidemic, a challenge to find good jobs and a serious and worrisome erosion of our coastline. On the other hand, we are blessed with excellent schools, a robust and trusted local press, and perhaps most positive of all, a solid, respected social leadership structure. I’ve known most of the past leaders of our City Council, municipal administration and civic organizations. The vast majority have been truly fine people who have struggled to do their best to better the lives of citizens. There have been a few outliers. At least a couple of churches have had scandals similar to the Jimmy Swaggart and Tammy Baker type. And a few of our own past local politicians have misled the public. But on a national level today, we are seeing an attack on the very foundations of our social order. It should not be surprising when leaders fall short or humans misbehave, but in past times—when caught red-handed—people at least felt remorse, and in general, were dismissed by their
Letters to the Editor OTHER OPTIONS PLENTIFUL IN TRAFFIC ALLEVIATION BOB HASBROOK, San Clemente
I would like to preface this message with a local issue and deal with the serious matter of contention in my closing. The big issue in San Clemente seems to be the toll road. Build the toll road through Camp Pendleton; it already has a major thoroughfare and there have been no problems. Run it out to Interstate 5 to the south and up to the toll road by Saddleback College. There’s lots of unused land there. You can’t stop progress, but you can try to stop the most tantamount issue facing us, our children and generations to come. It is the management and storage of 3.55 million pounds of nuclear waste within a stone’s throw from the beach at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). The reactors are permanently shut down. But there seems to be a great deal of concern regarding the vessels that will be storing the waste. San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
peers who knew wrong when they saw it. At the moment, that sense of shame seems to be missing. Leaders deny their bad deeds by attacking the victims or claiming the evidence as fake, as if to turn logic on its head. Their supporters point fingers at others (“whataboutism”) using deflection to make misconduct seem acceptable. The most appalling current defense strategy is to hide behind the refuge of patriotism or excuse vile behavior with biblical WAVELENGTHS allegories. For anyone By Jim Kempton who is trying to teach their children to be good citizens and good humans, this distortion of moral reality is almost debilitating. As leaders are held to a higher standard, this elevated expectation is exactly what should qualify them to take these positions of power. So let us make a pledge: that those who aspire to lead our city will think first of their residents, then their nation and lastly of themselves. We can debate differences of policy, variation in vision, or order of priorities. That is what a
If there is a problem, a leak, a failure, no one will want to live here. There will be no one at the beach or in the water. How far up and down the coast and inland will people be affected, and for how long? One hundred years? There will be no need for a toll road. Look what just happened in Europe with the (harmless) radioactive cloud from Chernobyl. Who will be affected? Los Angeles to San Diego? Real estate will be worthless. Homes and stores will be vacant, a wasteland right out of The Twilight Zone. North Korea would love that. Wake up everyone, they want to start storing the spent nuclear fuel before 2018. Take it to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona. Look at the website www.sanonofresafety.org. This is a bigger issue than the “toll road.” Editor’s note: Officials from Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station sent a response to a legal settlement between Southern California Edison and Citizens’ Oversight Projects earlier this year, stating it would not be willing to store the spent nuclear fuel from SONGS. The Department of Energy is the ultimate overseer of the spent fuel.
democratic republic is designed to do, and our founder’s created one that has been as balanced and resilient as any in human history. But we cannot accept a dismissal of the facts. For those who would defend a leader whose actions have produced evidence of lies and wrongdoing, it demeans our society by normalizing it. Although never quite like today, over our lifetime, both parties and both houses of government have occasionally been lax with the facts. And the few mistakes our own town has made were from accepting the same kind of misinformation. They say all politics is local. If that axiom is correct, we should set an example for everyone right here at home. Jim Kempton is a surfer and writer in Orange County. He hopes that with so many things coming back in vogue, commonsense-ethical behavior will someday be one of them. 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, Nov. 17 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.
OPEN LETTER TO TODD SPITZER, CANDIDATE FOR OC DISTRICT ATTORNEY CYNTHIA BLAYLOCK, San Clemente
Mr. Todd Spitzer, although I do not live in your district, I have supported you for many years and thought I would support you in your bid to unseat District Attorney Tony Rackauckas in 2018. However, I find myself troubled by your recent failures to stand on behalf of Orange County residents on the issue of toll roads. Although you expressed concern over the actions of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) at the June 5 mobility forum at Saddleback College, you failed to publicly (Cont. on page 12)
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EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz
ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex
City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell
OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed
Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale
Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett
Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho
Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines
ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING
SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller
Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Victor Carno Tim Trent Jake Howard
San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 46. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point 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.
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SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 10) condemn their massive violations of attendees’ First Amendment rights. Likewise, you have failed to take a strong position in opposition to the TCA’s proposed route through San Clemente. Our city is already bifurcated by the I-5 freeway; the extension of the toll road would further bifurcate our community and run dangerously close, from a health and safety perspective, to our high school. As a member of the state and local bar and the spouse of a retired law enforcement commander, I am routinely asked by family, friends and neighbors before every election who I recommend for judicial offices, and for sheriff and district attorney when those offices are on the ballot. I will not recommend you and will actively suggest another choice for District Attorney if you fail to support San Clemente’s efforts to keep the toll road out of our city. I hope you will consider changing my recommendation and my vote.
TOLEDO CANYON BLUFF COULD SERVE AS NEW PARK LEE STROTHER, San Clemente
The San Clemente Times Oct. 26-Nov. 1 edition reminded me of a proposal made to the city 30 years ago to turn the Toledo Canyon bluff top into a park. The city opted not to because of costs. But, it agreed that the site “would provide an excellent blufftop park” and “would also preserve a small slice of our vanishing bluff for the public to access and view the ocean.” The city’s cost concerns were motivated by the owners’ claims that the lots were valuable for building expensive houses on the bluff. Thirty years later, no houses have been built on this bluff for the obvious reason that it’s a landslide area that already has destroyed all of the houses that had been built on the lots that remain undeveloped. In 1998, an adjacent landslide damaged several existing houses, necessitating the construction of a large, unsightly retaining wall. The owners of the bluff lots still claim that they are valuable for development purposes. But, the California Coastal Commission, in an extensive record, has rebuffed all efforts to develop those lots, consistently stating that the landslide issues make it unclear whether development can ever be found consistent with the Coastal Act. The SC Times article in the edition on Page 3 about the St. Andrew’s parking lot reminds us that “(T)here are many landslide areas throughout San Clemente.” That also should remind us of the folly of any plan to build on the even more hazardous Toledo Bluff. And the SC Times article on Page 5 on the Beaches, Parks and Recreation draft master plan confirms that we were right 30 years ago. A recent survey shows that the public still wants “new parks in certain open spaces and connecting parks with existing trail systems.” I can’t think of any open space in all of San Clemente that better fits this description—an open bluff for public viewing of the ocean, the islands and the coastline from Dana Point down Page 12
past Cotton’s Point—sitting above and connected by footpaths to the beach trail.
HEALTH HAZARDS ABOUND IN BUILDING TOLL ROAD THROUGH SAN CLEMENTE STEVEN VIELE, M.D., San Clemente
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and its paid propagandists would have us believe that building a toll road through San Clemente would benefit our town’s health. They say that by “relieving congestion” on Interstate 5, a 241 Toll Road extension would lead to a “decrease in dangerous pollutant emissions” that impact our health. Is the I-5 really that congested in San Clemente? A one-month study we did on Sept. 17 showed that average commute times from City Hall to Mission Hospital during morning and evening rush hour traffic was 15.9 minutes, compared to a best commute time of 14 minutes. The average commute in the opposite direction was 17.9 minutes compared to a best commute time in that direction of 16 minutes. These averages included weekends and a few days where accidents increased the commute times and they were done during a continued period of I-5 construction near the Avenida Pico interchange. There can be increased traffic at times during seasonal weekends, but no traffic studies (except the TCA’s) use weekend travel to determine traffic flow. Even if the above were ignored, there is at least as much evidence that a toll road emptying onto the I-5 in San Clemente would increase rather than decrease our freeway traffic, as the I-5 immediately south of San Clemente can be a bottleneck during certain times. A toll road would increase these dangerous pollutant emissions along the toll road route where there would be an extensive, multi-lane highway constantly spewing dangerous pollutants into areas where the vast majority of people spend far more time than on freeways or toll roads. Compelling evidence suggests that people living, working and going to school near roads with heavy traffic have an increased risk of adverse health effects associated with exposure to mobile source pollution. In 2003, a California legislation prohibited building new schools within 500 feet of major highways and busy traffic corridors. Does it make sense for the TCA to build a toll road that will come as close as 100 feet to the Tesoro campus, close to several other schools, then fly directly over the fields of SCHS?
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. www.sanclementetimes.com
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 | 16 FREE YOGA FOR VETS PROJECT 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Pure.Love.Yoga is inviting veterans and active duty military members to a free month of yoga. All offered classes are free upon showing your military identification. Offer ends November 30. 415 Avenida Pico, Suite M, San Clemente. 949.492.5048. www.pureloveyogasc.com. LETTERS TO SANTA Be sure to send a letter with a self-addressed address to Santa before Dec. 14. All letters must be stamped and sent to the San Clemente Recreation Division. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org. LIVE MUSIC: SHAWN JONES 7 p.m. Shawn Jones will perform at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.
Friday | 17 SADDLEBACK ART STUDENTS SING AMERICAN ART SONGS 7:30 p.m. Students in the Vocal Music Program are set to cover great American art song composers such as Ned Rorem, John Duke and Samuel Barber. The show will take place in the Fine Arts building, room 101 and tickets are $15 for the general public. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu. LIVE MUSIC AT OC TAVERN 9:30 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians visit OC Tavern in San Clemente every Friday and Saturday. This weekend will include live music from the highly acclaimed reggae group, INDUBIOUS. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.
Saturday | 18 SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 a.m. The Ritz-Carlton is putting on its annual Surfing Santa Competition. With over 10 separate divisions, there is a competition for all ages. This event will help support Surfers Healing, a charity that helps children with autism and their families have a relaxing day at the beach. There will be cash prizes for all divisions San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
Photo: Todd Glaser/Courtesy of Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18: TODD GLASER AT SHACC 5-8 p.m. Renowned surf photographer Todd Glaser and special guests will host an evening of photography. Glaser is a San Diego-born photographer, surfer and waterman. “A SURFER Magazine staff photographer since 2008, Glaser is prolific for his young age, earning more than a dozen covers during his tenure at the magazine,” his bio stated. Entrance is $5. This is an all-ages event. Food provided by Waterman’s Harbor grill and beverages provided by West Coast Brewery and Hawaiian Spring Waters. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313. www.surfingheritage.org.
and even a prize for best costume. See site for entry fees. 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.240.5088. www.surfingsantacontest.org. A MASTER’S TOUCH WITH PAUL VAN ERNICH 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about 17th Century Dutch painting and techniques from master painter, Paul Van Ernich in a threeday master class. All experience levels are welcomed. See site for registration. The class runs from Nov. 18-20. Admission to the master class is $385. San Clemente Art Supply. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com. OC’S ANCIENT WONDERS 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore over 180 million years of Orange County’s history with a fossil display, ancient Native American artifacts and informative talks with archeology experts. Admission is free. O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon. 714.923.2260. www.ocparks.com/oneill.
outside the Outlets at San Clemente for the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree. Begin the Christmas season with carolers, face painting and fake snow all while getting some Christmas shopping done. Admission is free. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com. ‘VAN GOGH: A SELF PORTRAIT’ 8 p.m. Nov. 18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19. This award-winning play written and directed by John Lynd and starring Aaron Pyle is a thoughtful, poignant insight into the career and brief life of the world-renowned artist. Tickets are $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
Sunday | 19
OUTLETS THIRD ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING 4-6:30 p.m. Join Santa and his reindeer
SAN CLEMENTE BAHA’I CENTER SOUL FOOD 11 a.m. The Bahai’i Center of San Clemente invites you to join them in their pre-Thanksgiving soul food cookout. Discover the nature of love and how it transforms you in their “Valley of Love”themed soul food program. Coffee and tea will be served at 11 a.m., followed by the
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soul food program and cook out at 11:30 a.m. Admission is free. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com. GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA 4 p.m. Every year, Ritz-Carlton puts on a Gingerbread Extravaganza, but this year Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Haage showcases a “today’s attention on climate” themed extravaganza. Clean and sustainable energy will be represented through Californian landscapes created entirely out of gingerbread and sweets. The extravaganza will be on display until January 2. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com/ lagunaniguel. BEND & BREW 11 a.m. Bend & Brew is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com. (Cont. on page 17) www.sanclementetimes.com
GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 14)
Monday | 20 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com. YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Classes also occur every morning at 10 a.m. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.
Tuesday | 21 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com. 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.
Wednesday | 22 CASA KIDS: STORY TIME 10-11 a.m. Casa Romantica welcomes children ages 1-7 for a picture book reading every Wedneday in their courtyard. A question and answer session and a dance will be held after each story. Admission is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org. FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482. COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER 5-7 p.m. The Family Assistance Ministries are sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and hungry; complete with turkey, stuffing and all the holiday trimmings. Community Center, 100 N. Avenida Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org. FREE COMEDY 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Bloom’s Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to San Clemente Times by going to www.sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.
At the Movies: ‘Lady Bird’ is a Teen Treat BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
een movies, much like movie musicals or romantic comedies, are a genre that have become a niche in the film industry and general audiences over time. Despite the success of the genre in the past, it’s now become a rare occurrence to find a new feature centered on teens dealing with their own issues. Indie cinema appears to be where the teens are nowadays. The Edge of Seventeen and Sing Street were both modest hits last year and critical darlings, and this year it’s definitely going to be Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut Lady Bird. During her final year of high school at a private Catholic school in Sacramento, Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) changes her name to “Lady Bird” as an attempt to be unique. She also joins the musical theatre department, applies to East Coast schools, that she thinks are out of her league, and casually dates San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
Photo: Merie Wallace, Courtesy of A24
fellow musical performer Danny O’Neill (Lucas Hedges) and hipster guitarist Kyle Scheible (Timothée Chalamet). Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts play Lady Bird’s parents. Lady Bird takes place in 2002-2003 and perfectly captures what it was like to be a teenager in that era. The title character is loosely based on Gerwig’s own youth growing up in Sacramento, and she treats the city with the same love as John Hughes did with Chicago 30 years ago. Ronan takes an odd career decision to play a teenager again at age 22, but it isn’t distracting and she’s effortlessly endearing. Lady Bird is a quaint and charming teen comedy for November. SC Page 17
SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy
Thanksgiving Traditions Time to Trade the Old for New
I
t’s that time of year, the time when families come together to celebrate their Thanksgiving traditions. One week from today, friends and families gather to carve turkeys, tell tales and tally touchdowns. In a season defined by tradition, this year my family is doing something decidedly different. Most of my family and I will join the hundreds of thousands of travelers crisscrossing through the country’s airports during the holiday week. We’ve embarked on many November excursions, but this trip is unlike any before. For the first time, my older son is hosting our family Thanksgiving, and we’re flying to his supper table in the Midwest. This Thanksgiving, I’m not the one setting the table and cooking the feast. And in the weeks prior to the big day I won’t be purchasing non-perishables or another poultry thermometer. After spending years faithfully following my trusty Thanksgiving checklist, I’m trading my perfected timeline for a plane ticket. My husband, younger son and I will arrive at my older son’s apartment on Thanksgiving afternoon. I’ve volunteered to help cook, clean and control things, but my son continues to say, “I’ve got it.” I don’t know what we’ll get, but I know it won’t be served on my grandmother’s treasured traditional turkey plates. This year marks our family’s most significant departure from previous Thanksgiving celebrations; but throughout the years, I’ve toyed with our holiday customs based on my sons’ school schedules.
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As a younger mom, Thanksgiving became my favorite holiday because it included a week-long school vacation and the price to pay didn’t involve attending pageants, wrapping presents and organizing parties. When my boys were preschoolers, our family bounced from table to table to accommodate meal plans dictated by relatives. As my boys entered elementary and middle school, I began scheduling relaxing vacations away from exhausting school schedules and fatiguing festive feasts. But when my teenage kids started high school, they put a stop to holidays lounging on sandy shores and gobbling seafood staples. My sons informed me they preferred to spend their school break socializing with friends and controlling their calendars. Throughout my boys’ teen years, I embraced the Thanksgiving tasks of shopping, cleaning, decorating and cooking. I’m not the most talented chef, but I did my best to channel my inner Martha Stewart, minus the bulky LIFE’S A BEACH cable-knit sweater, and By Shelley Murphy prepare a delicious dinner including cringe-worthy requests for canned green bean casserole and prepackaged box stuffing (sorry, Martha). Too soon the time came for my older son to graduate from our hometown high school. As he prepared to leave for his freshman year of college, I hoped that over the years we’d established a solid framework for celebrating our family traditions. At the time, I believed our time-honored Thanksgiving Day customs would continue throughout his college years. But I quickly discovered that life with a collegeaged kid changes pretty much everything, especially traditions. Early in my older son’s college career, I realized continuing to cling to my cookbooks and rigid Thanksgiving traditions was as foolish as the official presidential pardoning of White House turkeys. I still crave my kids’ holiday homecomings, but as a parent of young adults I’ve
Photo: Courtesy of Wyatt Marshal Dearlove
FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken in 1974 when Wyatt Marshal Dearlove was an infant. “The Resort Motel Apartments were behind the swing sets on the north side of the Pier,” Dearlove said. “My pop is pictured pushing me on the right. My godfather pushing his daughter on the left (almost out of her swing).” Every week the San Clemente Times will feature a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to share, please send the photo, your name for credit as well as the location of the photo to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.
learned to redefine some of our family traditions in favor of seasonal flexibility. I’ve adjusted to varying academic calendars, and I’ve served holiday dinners to accommodate class schedules, friends’ visits and collegiate football. Adapting to life with college-age kids is a rollercoaster ride complete with unexpected twists and turns. Learning to relax and enjoy the ride takes time, as does discovering that trading old traditions for new customs can sometimes be more meaningful. In the days leading up to our turkey day dinner, I won’t be tackling the tasks on my trustworthy timeline, instead I’ll be packing my suitcase for airport security checkpoints.
One week from today my family gathers together to celebrate the harvest holiday. The Thanksgiving traditions and tables we share may change, but the heartfelt memories of the day continue—with or without treasured china turkey plates. Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband for the past 18 years, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. 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
Did you know that... • Inventory is lowest in 4 years, with just 4878 active listings in all of Orange County, and just 208 active listings in all of San Clemente • After 10 months here in San Clemente, there has been 810 closed home sales, with an average price of $1,016,000, taking an average of 57 days to sell • Out of the 810 closed sales in San Clemente, just 14 of those were bank owned or short sales (1.7%)
SC LIVING
Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Anniversaries DESIGNS BY NATURE 400 S. El Camino Real, Suite A, 949.498.8358, www.designsbynature.com, www.designsbynature-sc.com Designs by Nature is ushering in its 25th year in San Clemente by holding an artist reception scheduled for 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 at the gallery. A local artist who has studied several mediums in jewelry creation—including silver metalsmithing, cloisonne enameling, champleve, precious metal clay and stone cutting—will be onsite during the event. Kirk Kegel, who is known for his stoneart photography, is a longtime resident of San Clemente and will be on hand during the evening too, introducing new photographs and cards showing small scenes in stone slabs. There will be opportunity drawings throughout the evening and refreshments will be served. Designs by Nature is a nature gallery
of various minerals, crystals, fossils, wood and stone sculptures, gems and beautifully designed jewelry. Designs by Nature is also a custom lapidary and is a supplier of lapidary equipment. The owners said there is plenty of parking in the back of the gallery which is located at the southerly corner of Avenida Rosa and South El Camino Real next to Starbucks Coffee. The gallery’s hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. or by appointment, with extended daily hours through the holiday season. ERBA 114 Avenida Del Mar, No. 1, 949.492.2455, www.shoperba.com For 15 years, ERBA has been a mainstay of the Avenida Del Mar corridor among the various shops that offer specialty items. Lisa West-Yates, the owner of ERBA, said her store carries jewelry from all over the world with “a good product mix.” She operates the store with her manager of 10 years, Gisele Tomlinson. West-Yates said the shop is constantly changing its inventory and what it offers to provide a variety in the retail space. “We try to treat it like a treasure hunt,” West-Yates said. “Our customers are really loyal and they support us, and we’re very grateful for that.” Staying off the online-shopping trend, ERBA does not offer any e-commerce
Stars and Stripes Talega Gallery hosts Veterans Day ceremony, flagpole unveiling
ERBA manager Gisele Tomlinson, left, and owner Lisa West-Yates are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the shop on Avenida Del Mar. Photo: Eric Heinz
business. “It’s become more challenging the last few years…more people are shopping online, so retail is challenging,” West-Yates said. “We’re brick-and-mortar. We like people to be able to touch and feel (our products),” West-Yates said. “We have a lot of body care and jewelry, so the tactile experience is amazing. If you don’t shop that way, only shopping online, you don’t get that experience.” Yates-West also said she’s been able to stay in business 15 years because of a loyal customer base, which trends show is moving toward the convenience of the internet. “Please shop local downtown,” WestYates said. “It’s easy to shop local online, but if we don’t support our local merchants, they won’t be here any longer.”
Coming Soon DUNKIN DONUTS 635 Camino De Los Mares www.phdsocal.com Owners Ken Beall and Joe Hautt have
dunked into a location for their franchise, a new Dunkin’ Donuts location, slated to open the second week of December. Brandon Meyer, a spokesperson for Dunkin’ Donuts with Precision Hospitality Development, said the owners chose the San Clemente location because of its easy access to the store and because of the town’s ability to support mom-and-pop operations. This is the first Dunkin’ Donuts in San Clemente. They also selected the current location because it conforms to California’s “green building” standards, Meyer said. Dunkin’ Donuts is looking to hire employees prior to opening, which include part-time, full-time and shift management positions. People can apply by visiting the website www.phdsocal.com or texting DDOC1 to 41411. Business hours will be 4:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. This will not be a drive-through location, but people will be able to place orders by mobile phone and pick up at their car. On opening day, which has yet to be solidified, the business will be offering special items such as refillable tumbler mugs.
Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR
Marines from Camp Pendleton salute the flag as it is hoisted up the bannister on Nov. 10 at the Talega Gallery. Photo: Eric Heinz BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
A
gust of wind swept over the patriotic crowd just as the Marines started the inaugural raising of the American flag at Talega Gallery on Nov. 10, allowing it to wave swiftly on its maiden voyage. Talega Gallery, a community association for residents 55 and older, celebrated Veterans Day by introducing a new flagpole at the association’s headquarters. City Council member Lori Donchak spoke to the audience, and Bobby Ameen presented the association with the flag and were also speakers at the event. Ret. Army Col. Frank Legere, who is a resident of the association, spoke about the importance of the flag. Boy Scouts Troop 719 helped with the ceremonies, and the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines provided color guard duties. People sang the national anthem as the stars and stripes ascended to the top of the pole. SC San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
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:
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See the solution in next week’s issue.
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Chris W. Johnston, CPA, MBA
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RESTAURANTS
34184 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point, 949.240.8015, www.cwjcpacorp.com
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
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
Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com
HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT
Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com
1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
ART GALLERIES
LANDSCAPING
San Clemente Art Association
Costa Verde Landscape
99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
CONCRETE
MORTGAGES
Costa Verde Landscape
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage
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.
ELECTRIC BIKES
Murf Electric Bikes
212 N. El Camino Real, 949.370.3801, www.murfelectricbikes.com
1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com
POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL
Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com
217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com
SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
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FOR SALE 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.
GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE - NOVEMBER 18 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Designer clothing, construction tools, furniture, kayaks, household goods and more. 27035 Calle Dolores, Capistrano Beach 92624. No early birds please! GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.
WEBSITE DESIGN
THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel. The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/ the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.
San Clemente Website Design
949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT
Offshore Construction
877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org
OTHER STUFF
WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large U.S and Worldwide Stamp Collections! Nick (619) 672-0434
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
Danman’s Music School
949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com
Bill Metzger Plumbing
Syrens Hair Parlor
SC Rider Supply
Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS
Organics Out Back
1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com
207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
MUSIC LESSONS
EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
A to Z Leak Detection
949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com
122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com
Colony Termite Control
PLUMBING
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
SALONS
Salon Bleu
Paradise Jewelers
Schmid’s Fine Chocolate
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
accuratetermitecontrol.com
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
MATTRESSES
Café Calypso
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com
JEWELRY
CHOCOLATE/CANDY
BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com
Salon Bamboo
APPLIANCES
Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com
PEST/TERMITE CONTROL 949.837.6483
100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com
REALTORS
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
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SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY S a n C le m e
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San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Husbands Inducted into Marin County Hall of Fame Local basketball coach enshrined in hometown hall BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
F
or her success on the court, the field, in the classroom and, now, in her local community, Kerri Husbands was inducted into the Marin County Athletic Hall of Fame on Nov. 11. Husbands, who was a standout athlete in soccer and basketball at Novato High School and later played basketball for the University of California-Berkeley, was one of 10 inductees honored during a ceremony over the weekend. Husbands is the current girls basketball coach at San Clemente High School, where she has held the clipboard since the 2015 season. Husbands, who attended Novato from 1989 to 1992, was a star both on the basketball court and on the soccer pitch. She was named league MVP in basketball her senior season and was an all-league hoops selection three times. In soccer, Husbands was a four-time all-league selection.
She helped guide the Novato basketball team to a CIF Championship in 1990 and a runner-up finish in the State Championship tournament in the same year. Her excellence in multiple sports molded her into an athlete ready to play at the major Division 1 level at Cal. She would go on to be a three-year starter for the Golden Bears, earning All-Pac-10 Academic Team honors three times. In 1996, Husbands, the team captain and MVP that year, was awarded the Anna Espanchade Award, an annual honor given to one female student-athlete that best represents the university. “First and foremost I had amazing teammates and coaches that made it so much fun and allowed me to be successful. Without them I would have been nothing,” Husbands said while reflecting on her playing career. “The wins were awesome … but it was really the time with my teammates, bus rides and goofing around, that I look
Kerri Husbands was inducted into the Marin County Athletic Hall of Fame by her longtime soccer coach Zack Mastroyannakis on Nov. 11. Photo: Courtesy
back at and really cherish.” Once she graduated, Husbands served as the associate strength and conditioning coach at both the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles and Berkeley. Husbands and her family moved to San Clemente in 2006. Husbands is a big believer in encouraging her current Triton athletes to play multiple sports. The notion is a guiding
Triton Report
Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Girls Cross Country Advances to CIF-SS Finals
A top-5 finish in their heat at the CIFSS Prelims earned the San Clemente girls cross country team a berth in this weekend’s CIF-SS Division 1 Finals in Riverside. The Tritons were paced by senior Chandler Horton, who finished ninth overall with a time of 18:09. The Tritons will run on the same course on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Football Falls to Rancho Cucamonga in First Round of Playoffs
A second-half surge sent the Rancho Cucamonga football team past visiting San Clemente 28-10 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Nov. 10. The Tritons (9-2) started off strong and held a 10-7 lead at the half. But the Cougars (10-1) defense made adjustments and blanked the Tritons over the final 24 minutes. The Cougars’ offense, led by quar-
San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
principle in her coaching style. This year’s girls basketball team is full of studentathletes that play other sports, like soccer and softball. “Playing multiple sports allowed me to be a better athlete. It helps your overall development, makes you less injury prone and gives you a better mental balance from sport to sport,” Husbands said. “I really encourage it.” SC
The San Clemente girls cross country team advanced to the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships. Photo: Courtesy
terback Nick Acosta and hard-charging running backs Justyn Alexander and Sean Dollars, took care of the rest by scoring 21 unanswered points. The Tritons converted on a fourth-andlong situation in the first quarter, setting up a touchdown pass from Brendan Costello to tight end Chris Kane to make it 7-0. San Clemente kicker Tristan Trager scored the only points of the second quarter when he kicked home a 26-yard field goal for a 10-7 lead. San Clemente senior Branden Wilson recorded two interceptions in the game. Rancho Cucamonga’s running attack proved effective in the second half. Dollars finished with 112 rushing yards and a
score. Alexander ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The loss ended what was another successful season for San Clemente. The Tritons won their first nine games of the year and placed second in the South Coast League.
SC SURF SOCCER WINS LEAGUE TITLE The San Clemente Surf Soccer Club’s girls 2003 team proved to be the top squad in the Southern California Developmental Soccer League. The local team went 9-1 over a 10-game season to finish first overall, scoring 26 goals while allowing only six. The team was scheduled to compete in the league’s postseason this week. The team includes: Natalia Almazan, Madelyn Poole, Tea Lopez, Lizzy Bywell, Lucy Twardy, Julia Tanner, Mckenna Nelson, Madelyn Kenney, Ava Sinacori, Jiselle Banuelos, Jennifer Palmer and Katrina Shoga.
Tennis Players Headed to CIF Finals Tennis players Lindsay Hung, Jenna Yeam and Sami Neilson will compete in the CIF-SS Individual Championships on Monday, Nov. 20. Hung will compete in the singles bracket while Yeam and Neilson will compete in doubles.
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The SC Surf Soccer Club’s girls 2003 team. Photo: Courtesy
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SC SC SURF San Clemente
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Rally to Help Tom Morey
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-8’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good
Campaign launched to assist inventor of the ‘Boogie Board’
Thursday: S swell and NW windswell mix through the day. Expect mostly knee-waist-chest high (23’+) waves with occasional shoulder high (4’) sets at standouts. Light/variable winds in the morning, then light+ onshore flow in the afternoon. Outlook: Modest blend of S and NW swell through the work week. Look for mostly kneewaist-chest high (2-3-4’) surf at best breaks. Light/variable winds in the mornings, then light+ onshore flow each afternoon. Modest surf likely to continue through the upcoming weekend. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
om Morey’s creative life first blossomed in the 1940s as a jazz drummer. Originally hailing from Detroit, Michigan, somehow from an early age he had the rhythm of the Pacific in his veins. By his teen years he’d landed in Laguna Beach and Dana Point where surfing—and innovating—took hold of him. In 1954, Morey invented what he called the “concave nose pocket,” which helped surfers hang ten with greater ease. A decade later he created the first removable fin system. He also played host to the first “professional” surf contest in Ventura in ’71. But all of that pales in comparison to the invention the name Morey would forever be tied to: the boogie board. In the early 1970s, after quitting his day job as an engineer at Boeing and becoming somewhat disenchanted with the surf scene, Morey moved to Hawaii to shape surfboards and get away from it all. As legend has it, on July 9, he started tinkering with some closed-cell polyethylene packing foam he had laying around. He carved out the world’s first boogie board, a crude board that stood 4-foot-6-inches long and two inches thick. The craft would change the wave-riding world forever. “There was no turning back at that point. Plus, I found out that I could shape the foam using iron if I put a sheet of the
From left, Paul Strauch, Linda Michael, Tom Morey and Steve Pezman. Photo: Courtesy of SHACC
Honolulu Advertiser down on it first. Later that night, I drew a few curves on the foam with a red marker pen and went to bed,” Morey would later say. A few test drives at a surf spot called Honl’s Beach on the west side of the Big Island and he knew he was on to something. “I could actually feel the wave through the board,” he reveled. “On a surfboard, you’re not feeling the nuance of the wave, but with my creation, I could feel everything. I was thinking it turns, it’s durable, it can be made cheaply, it’s lightweight, it’s sage. God, this could be a really big thing.” Seizing on the opportunity, within six months Morey signed a licensing deal with Larry Smith of G&S Surfboards.
After seeing the first order of boards come in, Morey immediately went out and trademarked the name Morey Boogie. The rest, as they say, is history. It’s hard to say how many millions of people have been fortunate enough to ride a wave courtesy of the boogie board, but it’s fair to say that Morey’s responsible for introducing more people to the joys of the ocean than just about anybody. And now it’s time to pay it forward. Battling age and struggling to make ends meet, bodyboard legend Mike Stewart, along with Morey’s other friends and family, have put together a fundraising campaign to help offset some costs and ease the burden. “Rather than seeking financial wealth,
GROMS OF THE WEEK
KIRRA PINKERTON AND COLE HOUSHMAND BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
hen Hurricane Irma barreled through the Caribbean in September, the storm left chaos and destruction in its wake. The swell it created was massive and tragically ended up claiming the life of a 16-year-old, up-and-coming surfer from Barbados named Zander Venezia. Two months down the track, the Live Like Zander Junior Pro, in memory of Venezia, just concluded in Barbados, and it was a pair of San Clemente protégées who swept the podium. On the women’s side of the draw, Kirra Pinkerton claimed her first WSL pro junior
W
San Clemente Times November 16-22, 2017
victory. “It feels amazing to win my first junior event, and to do it here is extremely special,” Pinkerton said. “This event means everything to me and I’m donating my prize money to the Zander Venezia Foundation. I miss him so much and this is for him.” For her effort, Pinkerton climbed up the WSL ratings and has qualified to participate in the World Junior Championships at Kiama, Australia, in January. “I’ll start to get ready for worlds and keep training, but I’ll enjoy this moment for a while,” noted the 16-year-old Pinkerton.
Cole Houshmand and Kirra Pinkerton after winning their respective divisions at the Live Like Zander Junior Pro in memory of Zander Venezia. Photo: Courtesy of WSL
For the men, Cole Houshmand kept his winning ways going with a well-deserved first-place finish. “The people, this wave, this place as a community is incredible, and I can’t imagine a better way to end this year,”
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Tom’s mission for gain is the spread of stoke and unity,” the fundraising description stated. “In his mind, the world can always be a better place. This selfless path has given Tom some internal fulfillment, but created financial hardship in these final years of his life.” Morey’s has indeed been a life well-lived and enjoyed. His whole goal was always to make sure people were stoked. How noble is that? He could have cashed in on his invention (or inventions). If he’d played his cards differently, the argument could be made that he’d be monetarily rich, but then he’d probably argue he was spiritually poor. Morey was always too much of a mad scientist, too much of an improvisational jazz man, too much of a surfer to be a business man. And bless him for it. Tom Morey’s put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces over the years. You can help him out by going to www. youcaring.com/tommorey-929933. SC
said Houshmand after the awards ceremony. “This win is so special, just being in memory of Zander, it’s a big honor to earn this one. I’m looking forward to returning next year and trying to defend this win and see my surfing match where I’ve grown, both physically and mentally.” In honor of Zander, the Venezia family founded the Zander Venezia Foundation to aid and assist disabled and underprivileged children throughout Barbados. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/livelikezander. “Zander’s short but incredible time here on Earth has had a ripple effect on so many people, crossing borders of nationality and age,” said Zander’s father, Louis. “All the donations will go directly to helping these children that Zander was touched so deeply by, causing that ripple effect to become a tidal wave of love for the less fortunate.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com