San Clemente resident Autumn McAlpin, center, directs a
during the
of her
‘Miss Arizona,’ which premieres May 2 at the Bentonville Film Festival. Photo: Eric Heinz
EYE ON SC
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With...
Five things San Clemente should know this week
Locations in San Clemente ID’d by iHope as Potential New Homeless Shelters
THE LATEST: San Clemente could see a homeless shelter or two of 35 beds each come to fruition under state laws that require cities to set aside land for emergency or homeless shelters, and one nonprofit is soliciting shelter providers to examine those lands as future housing for the homeless.
iHope, a nonprofit organization that provides services to help homeless people off the streets in South Orange County, invited members of the press to follow them on a short tour of locations that have been zoned to comply with Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), the California law requiring such city planning.
Vice president of the nonprofit’s board, Dennis Ettlin, said he wasn’t sure who owned some of these parcels or if there was any planned development in the works, but he said they would be ideal locations for such facilities.
A press release from iHope stated small sheds, which have been demonstrated across the state and nation, could be used to house the people who seek shelter.
At the corner of Calle Amanecer and Calle Sombra, a vacant lot sits a stone’s throw away from an urgent care provider and just a few blocks from Family Assistance Ministries (FAM).
Is it available? According to the city’s business license records online search, there is no business currently occupying the lot (despite there’s no building on it) and there are no legal descriptions or restrictions, but that doesn’t mean it’s available for lease or sale.
Ettlin said this is just one example of possible locations in the city’s zoned area, which is primarily in the San Clemente Business Park.
No city officials attended the San Clemente tour. Ettlin said that he contacted the city a few days prior via email to the event, which he admitted was short notice.
iHope is trying to tap into the some $100 million of the state’s funds from the Mental Health Services Act that the county is using for housing services for people who are homeless.
WHAT’S NEXT: A meeting among the
Residents Make Last Stand on Land Use Plan
THE LATEST: After four years of trying to convince the California Coastal Commission and city officials to allow residents with property abutting the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Capistrano Shores residents are making a final push to get the city to reject its Coastal Land Use Plan (LUP), though it’s already been approved by the Coastal Commission.
Now the city is looking to pass its implementation plan of that land use plan.
Eric Anderson, the general manager of Capistrano Shores Inc., which has been the leading neighborhood on these issues, said the major condition in the LUP that raises concerns is the date set for structure rehabilitation on coastal properties.
mayors of Orange County’s 34 cities is scheduled to take place Thursday, April 19, at the Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente, but it will not be a public meeting. The gathering was instructed by Federal Judge David O. Carter during the court proceedings related to a lawsuit filed by Orange County Catholic Worker in February when the county wanted to expel more than 700 homeless people living in the Santa Ana riverbed.
A larger version of this story with excerpts from the Dana Point and San Juan tours is available at www.sanclementetimes.com. —Eric Heinz
TCA Joint Board Looks at Upcoming Budget Info, Population Maps
THE LATEST: At its April 12 meeting, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) joint board was given a presentation that outlined some of the possible trends in population growth in the next seven to 10 years.
The problem with the presentation was that it used some information that was outdated and is expected to be corrected before the budget is considered.
Foothill/Eastern Corridor Transportation Agency (F/ECTA) director Todd Spitzer, who is also a county supervisor, said that one of the parcels on the map in his supervisor district shows a heavy influx of residents by 2025, yet he said that area was designated as open space.
San Clemente City Council member Kathy Ward, who is also on the F/ ECTA, said some of the areas colored on the map were outside of San Clemente’s city boundaries and extended to suggest
development would take place on Camp Pendleton.
The presentation was given by the company Stantec.
The presentation also talked about high volume traffic coming from inland areas such as Riverside and that those trends could continue through the forecast.
WHAT’S NEXT: A budget workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25 that will include more adjustment recommendations. The budget is expected to be approved by June 14. —EH
Outlets Given 30 Days to Agree with Sign Permit Conditions from the City
THE LATEST: After what was described as an “inadvertent omission” of a standard permit clause, the city went back and looked at the agreement and voted to allow to include the 30-day period for the Outlets to agree or disagree with the conditions of its sign permits.
If the Outlets agree to the permits, which include a maximum of 17 tenant signs along the east and southeast-facing exterior walls, five hotel signs and four identification signs that will be halo backlit, then the process can move forward.
People spoke in favor of and against the motion in another effort to weigh in on the signs, but the permit amendment was the only action the City Council took at its April 17 meeting.
WHAT’S NEXT: Officials said because the Outlets have had since March 6 to review the permit conditions, the additional 30 days should give them enough time to consider the city’s terms for the signs. —EH
“…(T)he language in San Clemente’s LUP defining the term ‘existing development’ to the date of Jan. 1, 1977 is the first time it has ever been brought forward in any LUP/LCP process,” Anderson said. “If approved on May 1, San Clemente will be the first governmental agency to ratify this as policy. It is imperative that this LUP is rejected by City Council on May 1.”
More details of the implementation plan will be discussed at a later City Council meeting.
WHAT’S NEXT: The city’s agenda for Tuesday, May 1 is not yet available, but city staff does notify people involved in government issues prior to agenda publication. More information on this can be found at www.sanclementetimes.com. —EH
City Reaches Settlement Agreement in Lawsuit with Vacation Rental Alliance
THE LATEST: San Clemente and a faction of people who rent their homes on rental websites came to an agreement after the people filed a lawsuit against the city in 2016, City Attorney Scott Smith said during his usual City Council meeting report. During that year, the city implemented a restriction on short-term lodging units (STLU) after receiving dozens of complaints from residents who said the STLU vacationers were disrupting their neighborhoods. The opponents to the units said vacationers should stay in places designated to handle the density of people and the alleged late-night festivities that are noisy.
WHAT’S NEXT: The details of the settlement were not readily available by press time on April 18, and Orange County Superior Court records online show there is a court trial scheduled for Aug. 3. More details on this story to come. —EH
Representatives of the nonprofit organization iHope invited journalists and photographers to a tour of locations within SB 2-zoned areas of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano on Tuesday, April 17. Pictured, this empty lot is located at the corner of Calle Amanecer and Calle Sombra, within the homeless shelter overlay in the San Clemente Business Park. Photo: Eric Heinz
NEWS BITES
COMPILED BY STAFF
Earth Day Celebrations in San Clemente Take Place
April 21
The city of San Clemente and the Watershed Task Force will co-host the 16th Annual Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Parque Del Mar in the Pier Bowl near the San Clemente Pier. The community is invited to attend this free event.
The festival will feature the 2018 Blue Water Awards, which will be presented to Sabazon, Salon Zinnia and Marblehead Elementary School in recognition of their exemplary efforts to support the environment.
Additionally, there will be live music, educational displays, environmental vendors and artists. A morning beach cleanup will be held at the Pier starting at 8 a.m. Supplies will be provided to all participants who want to walk the beach and collect trash and debris. Beach cleanups are a great way for families, students and service groups to join together to care for our marine environment and have fun in the process.
Classic Car Group Gathering to Support SCHS Auto Academy
San Clemente High School Auto Academy’s annual car show will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 26.
There is planned room for no more than 60 vehicles, so interested parties should reach out early to reserve.
There is no cost to display a vehicle, but organizers will provide a donation box at the event. Donations will go toward future incentives and programs to assist the students.
“The generosity of last year’s entrance fees went a long way to assisting the instructor with special support projects for the students,” a press release for the event stated.
If residents have a vehicle they would like to bring or if a vendor would like to display at the event, contact Janice in the Auto Academy office at 949.366.9843.
SC Woman’s Club ‘Springtime in Paris’ Fashion Show
Join the San Clemente Woman’s Club for the “Springtime in Paris” fashion show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, May 11. Guests can enjoy an afternoon of fashion and shopping with the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and opportunities to support local San Clemente charities. The event will also feature couture by the Yearsley Collection, a silent auction, $20 wine cork pull
and a no-host bubbles bar. All proceeds will benefit local San Clemente charities. RSVP by Saturday, April 28.
To purchase tickets, visit www.sanclementewomansclub.org.
Locker Board Inventor to Give TEDxKids Talk
Carson Krofl, the 12-year-old San Clemente inventor of Locker Board, will give a TEDxKids talk on Saturday, April 21. The event is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Greenfield Middle School, located at 1495 Greenfield Drive in El Cajon.
Kropfl’s talk will be available on the TEDxKids YouTube in May. He is going to share his story on how he got on Shark Tank and landed Sir Richard Branson as his investor at the age of 11. The theme of the talk is “seize the moment, never give up and believe in yourself,” according to a press release.
Kropfl, with the help of his parents and investors, launched a new spring line of Locker Boards on April 16, which includes a new 24-inch “Shred’it” Locker Board skateboard that fits in medium- to largesized lockers. The company that started in his parent’s garage and backyard is now manufacturing high-end, custom Locker Board wheels. For more information, visit www.lockerboard.net.
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in the ‘Spanish Village by the Sea’
The city of San Clemente will host its 28th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at Max Berg Plaza Park, located at 1100 Calle Puente.
The celebration will kick off with mariachis and feature food trucks, a beer garden hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, children’s activities and games, as well as the Fun on the Run Mobile Recreation Truck.
Children’s activities will include a horse derby, giant slide, petting zoo, face paint-
ing, games, art activities and a trackless train.
STAGE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:
• 2 p.m. Mariachi Los Potrillos
• 3 p.m. Chinelos Dancers
• 3:30 p.m. Los Fabulocos
• 4:30 p.m. Grupo Folklorico Nuevo Amanecer
• 5 p.m. Grupo Dilema
For information, contact the city of San Clemente’s Recreation Division at 949.361.8264, 949.429.8797 or www.sanclemente.org/recreation.
San Clemente Education Foundation to Host
‘The Red and Black Gala’
Enjoy a fun evening and support academics at San Clemente High School by attending the San Clemente Educational Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner/ auction “The Red and Black Gala” from 6-11 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at the Casino San Clemente. Festivities will include both silent and live auctions, complementary wine and beer plus a no-host bar, dinner catered by Iva Lee’s and dancing to local Epic 1 DJ Todd Allan.
Tickets are $150 per person. To purchase tickets, make a donation or for additional information, please visit the SCEF website, www.schsef.org.
SCEF funds numerous programs in support of academics at San Clemente High School.
All services are offered free of charge to any San Clemente High School student. The foundation, a nonprofit organization, has donated nearly $2 million to San Clemente High School academics over its 20year history, according to a press release from the foundation.
For more information, visit www.schsef. org or email info@schsef.org.
Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com by Monday the week of publication.
Community Meetings
SUNDAY, APRIL 22
DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
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.
COFFEE WITH A COP
8 a.m. Join the community and Lt. Mike Peters, San Clemente chief of police services, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies for a conversation. This is a chance to ask questions related to public safety. Ruby’s Diner, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa. 949.361.8386. www.san-clemente.org.
SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS
6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.
BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING
6:30-8:30 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, APRIL 25
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, Suite 126. 949.366.5423. www. sanclementekiwanis.com.
SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY
Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.233.7981. www.sanclementerotary.org.
San Clemente will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 21. Photo: File
SOAPBOX
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
GUEST OPINION: Historical Happenings by Tom Marshall
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
phone 949.388.7700
fax 949.388.9977
www.sanclementetimes.com
HOW TO REACH US
CITY EDITOR
Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@picketfencemedia.com
SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com
ADVERTISING
PRINT AND ONLINE
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DISTRIBUTION
RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com
GENERAL MANAGER
Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com
PICKET FENCE MEDIA
PUBLISHER
Norb Garrett
EDITORIAL
Group Managing Editor
> Rachael Mattice
City Editor, SC Times
> Eric Heinz
City Editor, DP Times
> Daniel Ritz
City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch
> Emily Rasmussen
Sports Editor
> Zach Cavanagh
Special Projects Editor
> Andrea PapagianisCamacho
ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING
Associate Publisher
> Lauralyn Loynes
> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)
> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)
Real Estate Sales Executive
> Jennifer Guy
ART/DESIGN
Art Director
> Jasmine Smith
Graphic Designer
> Chelsie Rex
OPERATIONS
Finance Director
> Mike Reed
General Manager
> Alyssa Garrett
Accounting & Distribution Manager
> Tricia Zines
SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco
Tim Trent Jake Howard
San Clemente Times Vol. 13, Issue 16. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
The Book on San Clemente
One of the San Clemente Historical Society’s proudest projects is providing textbooks and teacher’s manuals on the history of our spectacular city to all third-grade classes in the local public schools.
By Tom Marshall
From Fishcarts to Fiestas was published in 1974 by Blythe Welton and Mary Lou Nicolai. It is an engrossing and fun way for kids and adults to learn about our past. Fishcarts are what local kids used to make some spending money on back when fishing boats docked at our Pier. These junior entrepreneurs would haul fish in their wagons from the boats to the cars of fishermen. It was quite a local custom. The Fiestas refers to the annual parades and celebrations usually held in later years on Avenida Del Mar.
The Historical Society has just updated and reprinted the book for distribution to the schools since the 7-year-old texts they have been using are getting fairly worn out. Historical Society board member Marilyn Wigglesworth and artist Lisa Spinelli are currently delivering copies
Letters to the Editor
ACTION REQUIRED FROM CITY COUNCIL ON SAFETY ISSUES
GENE JAMES, San Clemente
British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once remarked, “I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?” It is a leadership quote that is unfortunately lost on the lackluster San Clemente City Council.
There are so many issues in which our Council members are conspicuous by their absence on issues ranging from the county dumping vagrants into our great city to the growing problem of quality-of-life crime to taking a position on the Sanctuary State issue. Leadership is not a quality I have observed on this Council.
All of this with a backdrop of grossly underfunding our police services. When challenged about the ever-increasing effect of crime in San Clemente, Council members move to their comfort zone; finger-pointing and blaming others,
to the classrooms. We are thankful for the donations from Jackie and Richard Ramirez and Blythe Welton, which have kicked-started our campaign to fund this project. We hope other community-minded residents and organizations will join the effort to cover the costs. You can also order a copy from the Historical Society by calling 949.492.9684. In addition to being educational, they make a fun gift.
The books have proven successful in educating our students (and even their parents) in the rich history of our “Spanish Village by the Sea.” Local resident Elyse Crane recalled the time she played San Clemente trivia with eight adults when her 10-year-old granddaughter asked to play with them. The granddaughter won.
“She knew more than all of the adults because she had just finished third grade and had read Fishcarts,” Crane said.
How many of these questions, covered in the book’s San Clemente Fact Sheet page can you correctly answer? 1. What is the city slogan? 2. What is our city flower? 3. Who is our sister city? 4. How many parks are in San Clemente? 5. What is our city song? (Did you even know we had one? Actually, there are three songs about San Clemente mentioned in the book).
which in this case is the state, for AB 109, Prop 47 and Prop 57. These are reasons to harden our city as its targeted and should not be used as an excuse on why crime is increasing.
Galvanizing our beautiful city against quality-of-life crime seems to be a concept that is just a bridge too far for Council members to grasp. To protect our citizens, it is imperative our leaders develop a comprehensive crime-prevention and security plan to ensure not only the safety and security of our citizens but of our businesses, as well. The plan must include police services, prosecutors, concerned citizens and business owners. With the continued increase in drug rehab houses and the growing problem of nonresidents with drug and alcohol addictions, we will continue to face an unacceptable and preventable increase in nuisance crimes ranging from panhandling to menacing individuals intimidating our citizens to human waste and needles being deposited in our parks and on sidewalks. Not only does this Council ignore public safety issues, there seems to be a frightening level of unawareness as it relates to the potential of a public health crisis.
Gen. George Patton once remarked, “Lead me, follow me or get out of my
The answers are at the end of this article. The book covers how things have changed from the early days of the Native Americans who lived here through the Ole Hanson years and describes the residency of President Richard Nixon and more recent history. It also illustrates how some things never change. For instance, this item reprinted from the July 8, 1927 El Heraldo de San Clemente newspaper: “After spending three days in Los Angeles, one is tickled pink to arrive back in San Clemente. Crowds and traffic get on one’s nerves.”
Author Blythe Welton recently commented, “Writing this book was truly a labor of love.”
And now the answer to the Fishcarts trivia questions: 1. Our city slogan, “Spanish Village by the Sea.” 2. The city flower is bougainvillea. 3. Our sister city is San Clemente de Tuyu, Argentina. 4. There are 25 parks in San Clemente. 5. The city song is “On the Beach at San Clemente” by Ruby McCurdy. Another song, “Sweet San Clemente,” was written by Kevin and Freda Danzig and was adopted as the city’s second song in 2008.
Tom Marshall is a member of the board of directors of the San Clemente Historical Society and a retired journalist. SC
way!” I implore this Council to lead us and focus on our safety and security.
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, April 20 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso
This week’s guest is the San Clemente Garden Club. Representatives from the club will speak about the upcoming home garden tour and about the club in general. 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.
HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
GETTING OUT SC
The List
What’s going on in and around town
Thursday | 19
TABLE TENNIS FOR SENIORS
10 a.m.-1 p.m. All seniors 55 or older are welcome to join the Table Tennis Club at the Shorecliff Terrace Mobile Home Park. Any skill level is welcome and entry is free. 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente. 949.481.2275. jnl5555@yahoo.com.
Friday | 20
CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL
6:30-9 p.m. Enjoy a weekend filled with food, wine, live music, sunsets and the beach at the annual California Wine Festival. Artisan food from local restaurants will accompany some rare and reserved wines that will be dusted off during the event. See site for ticket pricing. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.californiawinefestival.com.
Saturday | 21
LIVE MUSIC: BROTHER YUSEF
7:30-10:30 p.m. Barnoa Wine Co. will host Brother Yusef to perform live music. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.
Sunday | 22
EARTH DAY AT THE ECOLOGY CENTER
11 a.m. Celebrate Earth Day at The Ecology Center’s unique festival, that showcases skill sharing, garden activations, local food, music and more. Activities will include U Pick strawberries, a container gardening demonstration, a worm composting demonstration, kids yoga, plant sales and more family-friendly activities. This year, be one of the first to take a tour of the new mobile ecological experience, Road Trip. The Ecology Center. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.1323. www.theecologycenter.org.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE: WISHBONE ASH
7 p.m. One of the most influential guitar bands, Wishbone Ash, will be returning to the states for the first time in three years. Starting their North American tour in Virginia and ending in California, Wishbone Ash will provide the states
EDITOR’S PICK
APRIL 19-21: SCHS PERFORMS ‘SPLAMALOT’
7 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee on April 21) Lovingly ripped off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, San Clemente’s version of Monty Python’s Spamalot is the irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. This hilarious musical tells the story of King Arthur, his coconut-wielding sidekick Patsy and the Knights of the Round Table they meet on their quest to find the Holy Grail. Tickets are $18 for premium seating, $16 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and members of the military. Tickets can be purchased online and at the door. San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico. 949.293.4135. thelorianderson@yahoo.com. www.schsdrama.com.
with their twin-guitar mastery and powerhouse rhythms. Admission is $25. The Coach House. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.
Monday | 23
BINGO AT GOODY’S
7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a Bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.
Tuesday | 24
HAPA J’S TACO TUESDAY
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Join Hapa J’s for a taco Tuesday that reaches beyond your average chicken or carne asada tacos. Enjoy seared ahi poke, kalbi short rib and kalua pig tacos in addition to the more traditional selections. 2016 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.276.6675. www.hapajs.com.
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.
Wednesday | 25
FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB
2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. 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.
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.
At the Movies: Phoenix Soars in
‘You Were Never Really Here’
BY
If I was asked to name my favorite living male film actor, Joaquin Phoenix would be a huge contender. Starting his career as a child star just like his late brother, River, to being a matinee idol in his 20s to ultimately becoming one of the most eclectic leading men in arthouse cinema, Phoenix’s resume has never been boring. He’s currently the star of You Were Never Really Here, filmmaker Lynne Ramsay’s follow-up to 2011’s critical hit We Need to Talk About Kevin In the middle of present-day New York City, a man simply called Joe (Phoenix) lives an anti-social life with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychopathology while sharing a house with his elderly mother (Judith Roberts). When he’s not taking care of his mom, he’s secretly a hitman around town. His current job is to track down and rescue the state senator’s 13-year-old daughter Nina (Ekaterina Samsonov) from a brothel. You Were Never Really Here has obvious comparisons to Taxi Driver (1976), to the point where one would assume Ramsay intentionally made the film as a companion piece. Never Really Here is very much a director’s film and mesmerizingly focuses more on atmosphere and mood than conventional storytelling, with Phoenix perfectly emoting Joe’s struggle and conflict. Like Driver, Ramsay’s new feature is a disturbing character study, but even more subtle, ambiguous and much more violently graphic. It’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers, Never Really Here fits right in with modern neon classics like Drive (2011) and Nightcrawler (2014). SC
Photo: Courtesy of Lori Anderson
Photo: Courtesy of Studio Canal
MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
SC LIVING SC
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
GUEST OPINION:
Murphy
How I Spent My Spring Break
Ihave a love-hate relationship with spring break.
Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) students spent the first week of April celebrating spring’s arrival and school’s dismissal. When my kids were CUSD pupils we took fun family vacations during the weeklong break; then, my boys went to college, and I banished the break’s existence from my calendar.
This month, I have cause to celebrate spring break. After living in the Midwest for two years, my older son returned home for a few days. He accepted a job offer in Northern California, and I volunteered to help him relocate.
By Shelley Murphy
On Easter Sunday we packed-up his car and traveled to the Bay Area. We allotted ourselves seven days to find, furnish and feather a new nest before his employment started.
While driving, we discussed housing goals: mine included a safe neighborhood and quick commute to work; his included proximity to nightlife and a nearby Whole Foods. After arriving at the hotel, we started searching online for apartments and scheduling tours for the following day. We woke up early that morning eager to visit the promising places we viewed online. But it didn’t take long to discover most of the listings didn’t resemble their website photos. After a disappointing morning spent driving in circles, I suggested buying a map. My son looked mystified, but when I said we’d stop for lunch he agreed. With map in hand, we found a restaurant. My son unfolded his napkin as I
Jeremy Conrad
949.542.8348
unfolded my map. Our server arrived and I asked him to point out the safest communities and provide suggestions.
Our lunchbreak led me to call a management office and inquire about a threebedroom apartment. The manager said she had only one unit available and asked when we could move in. I replied, “In five minutes,” and told my son to pack his lunch.
When we arrived, the manager gave us a tour of the complex and available unit— everything exceeded our expectations. A quick text to consult with his two roommates and soon my son started signing papers and writing checks.
The next afternoon, we picked-up his apartment keys and headed to Costco for provisions. We returned to his apartment, our arms burdened with boxes and the elevator undergoing insignificant repairs on our tour became a monumental inconvenience as a renter. Facing the flights of stairs in front of us began to feel like scaling the precipice of Mount Everest.
Our last errand took us to Walmart and included purchasing a television. Without a car large enough to transport the TV, we improvised and called an Uber XL. My son stood on the curb outside Walmart with his TV as I loaded his car with shopping bags and headed back to climb Everest without my Sherpa.
Back at his apartment I received texts from my son reading, “Help me Mother” and “Mommmmm!” My mind raced, imagining him harmed or abducted by the Uber driver. I texted him but didn’t get a response, so I began racing to his car.
But before I reached the garage I saw my son relaxing outside the gates of his apartment with his TV—both unscathed. The urgent texts were meant for me to hurry and unlock the gate so he could connect his PlayStation to the TV.
During our laborious week together, at times we butted heads, but we laughed a lot too. I also discovered we favor the same curse words and use them often while building furniture with Allen wrenches; and I realized my son’s standard reply to most anything I say is, “OK, stop freaking out. Stop, just stop.”
FROM THE ARCHIVES
People have frequented the shores of San Clemente for eons, leaving behind some historical reference by way of photography and literature. The picture here was undated, but was likely taken in the 1950s or 60s based on its quality and historical elements.
Sudoku
BY MYLES MELLOR
Last week’s solution:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium
I’m grateful for our time together and realize it’s doubtful we’ll get this chance again. I’ll forever cherish the memories of the week I got my boy back.
After we’d built the last of the furniture, my son drove me to the airport. At the curb we hugged goodbye and my son said, “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
My thoughts exactly.
Did you know that...
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
• So far in San Clemente, there has been 244 residential sales, about 70 home sales per month, with an average sales price of $1,027,000
• Inventory in Orange County is at its lowest in 5 years, and about 20% lower than the average over the last 5 years
• In 2011, bank owned and short sales represented about 50% of the market, while today, it represents approx. .08% of the inventory
LIFE’S A BEACH
Life’s a Beach by Shelley
A day at the Pier, undated. Courtesy of Calisphere/ Orange County Public Libraries
See the solution in next week’s issue.
Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
Scene by Her
San Clemente woman’s new film draws inspiration from volunteer work
BY ERIC HEINZ,
Making it through the night becomes a perilous feat in South Central Los Angeles for the five female characters in Autumn McAlpin’s new film, Miss Arizona
The women have to rely on one another to endure hellish experiences, fleeing from spousal abuse and other trauma.
McAlpin, the writer, director and producer of Miss Arizona and a San Clemente resident, said the inspiration for the thrilling—but lightly comedic—tale was drawn from her time teaching a self-help class at a shelter for women in San Clemente, which houses clients from Family Assistance Ministries (FAM), a local nonprofit organization.
McAlpin said she thought she knew more about the hardships the women at the shelter faced until she had to answer their questions.
“I quickly realized I didn’t know anything about the real life these people endure,” McAlpin said.
McAlpin is the author of the book Real World 101: A Survival Guide to Life after High School and was tapped by the non-
profit as an expert public speaker.
Although McAlpin was asked to teach the women how to put together resumes and apply for jobs, some of the women asked what they need to do if they had criminal records, if they had ongoing court proceedings and other means of regaining their independence—things McAlpin said she wasn’t prepared to handle. She added that her mother would volunteer at women’s shelters in her native
state of Tennessee.
As the country’s political climate became more heated leading up to the 2016 election, McAlpin said she was not pleased with the way women were being portrayed across the landscapes of political discourse, cinema and television.
“I just thought the time was right to write about marginalized people, and Miss Arizona was born,” McAlpin said.
Miss Arizona is based on the experiences
McAlpin had while volunteering at FAM, but the conflicts that arise are fictional.
The main character is a woman who volunteers at a shelter mainly for domestically abused women, as she tries to help them regain confidence. When things go sour at the shelter, she is forced to help the women escape as the film moves simultaneously through each of the women’s stories.
On the flip side, the main character is a former state pageant queen who deals with her own predicaments.
“She’s been kept to her mansion by a controlling husband,” McAlpin said.
Production of the film was very short, about two weeks around Los Angeles County.
The stars of the film include Johanna Braddy, Robyn Lively, Gortimer Gibbons, Shoniqua Shandai, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson and Otmara Marrero.
The film is kind of a mid-budget independent movie produced by Side Gig Productions.
Miss Arizona is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, May 2 at 1:45 p.m. at the Bentonville Film Festival in Bentonville, Arkansas. Additional production information can be found at www.sidegigproductions.com.
“I would like this movie to get more people involved with local shelters and donate their time and resources to help women in need, that would be wonderful,” McAlpin said. “This is a female-driven film with a message of female empowerment.” SC
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Above: Autumn McAlpin, right, helps direct a scene from her new movie ‘Miss Arizona.’ McAlpin, a San Clemente resident, said the film will premiere in May. Left: From left, characters Jasmine (Shoniqua Shandai), Maybelle (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), Leslie (Robyn Lively) and Sammy (Otmara Marrero) perform in the new film ‘Miss Arizona.’ Photos: Courtesy of Side Gig Productions
SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC
SanClemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
The San Clemente baseball team remains winless through seven league games
BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
A League Lament
nother league game and it’s the same script for the San Clemente baseball team.
The Tritons were locked in a tight game with El Toro, but San Clemente mistakes were capitalized on by the Chargers to push the game out of reach.
El Toro was backed by a strong start from starting pitcher Erik Tolman to a 2-1 lead over San Clemente into the sixth inning. The Chargers scored five runs in the sixth and stayed ahead of the Tritons in the seventh to win, 7-4, in a South Coast League game on Tuesday, April 17 at El Toro High School.
“That’s the bottom line,” San Clemente coach David Gellatly said. “In a league like this, you can’t make mistakes. The problem with us is we’re making the same mistakes over and over again. We’re not learning from our mistakes, and therefore, the result is another loss.”
San Clemente (11-9, 0-7) is 11-1 against nonleague competition this season. The Tritons also lost the Loara Tournament championship to El Toro.
The five-team South Coast League is a combined 57-20-1 in nonleague play.
“Early in the season, we’re better than 90 percent of the teams in the area,” Gellatly said. “Unfortunately, we’re playing
Scoreboard
BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local San Clemente youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week. Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.
Wins South County Cup
A team of golfers from Bella Collina San Clemente used their home-course advantage to hold off charges from the teams of San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Clemente Municpal Golf Course, and Shorecliffs Golf Course to take the title and trophy for
in a league that’s better than 95 percent. So early in the season, I told them, ‘It’s going to bite you. It’s going to cost you in league.’ Sure enough, it’s happened.”
“Hopefully we can learn from our mistakes and start playing better baseball.”
San Clemente hosts El Toro on Thursday, April 19.
The Tritons drew first blood on Tuesday in the third inning.
Michael McGreevy reached on a two-out single and scored on a single by California Baptist University signee Jeff Bruyntjens.
El Toro immediately went ahead in the bottom of the third inning.
Chase Luttrell and Stone Shiffman
this year’s South County Cup Golf Tournament on April 14 and 15 at Bella Collina San Clemente.
Each club fielded a team of 16 players that competed in a two-day Ryder Cup match play format that saw team-partner play on Saturday in best-ball and alternate shot formats and individual match play on Sunday. Each match was worth one point for a win.
Bella Collina team captains Tim Fyffe and Craig Hammer led their team to victory that saw an extremely tight battle for the second spot as well.
With the final results tallied, Bella Collina posted the win with 20 points, and San Juan Hills and San Clemente Municipal tied for second at 15 points. Shorecliffs followed closely in third at 14 points.
The fourth edition of this event, having now completed the rotation among
scored on a Nathan Church double to take the lead, 2-1.
That was the only danger San Clemente starter Kai Goode faced in his first five innings of work, but the Tritons couldn’t pick him up offensively.
The Tritons stranded two runners in each of the third, fourth, sixth and seventh innings. San Clemente had runners at second and third base with one out in the fourth and sixth innings but couldn’t score. The Tritons were also caught off the bag in the second and sixth innings and were caught stealing in the seventh.
In the sixth, El Toro led off with a single and a miscommunication on a bunt put
all four of the area golf courses, will move back to Shorecliffs for next year’s competition.
Gymnast Wins Regional Bronze
Laguna Hills-based Olympica Gymnastics sent their top qualifiers to Reno, Nevada April 13-15 to compete against the top gymnasts from California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
San Clemente Level 8 gymnast Abby Howard won bronze on vault with a score of 9.475.
Sarah Quan of Ladera Ranch became the Region 1 Champion on bars with a score of 9.700, her sixth gold of the season on bars. She was also crowned the Regional Champion on beam with a gold medal score of 9.650. Quan took silver on floor (9.500) and finished second in the allaround competition with a 38.000.
two runners on, and the Tritons began to unravel. San Clemente hit a batter with the bases loaded and following a pitching change, El Toro put together three straight hits to push out to a 7-1 lead. San Clemente pulled closer in the seventh.
J.P. Hefft reached on a walk, Bruyntjens got on with a single and California State University, Long Beach signee Charlie Loust singled to load the bases. Hefft and Bruyntjens scored on an error, and Loust scored on a single by Zach Skov, who signed with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on April 12.
El Toro closed the game for the win. SC
Teammate Allison Karner of Laguna Niguel won silver medals on vault (9.500) and the all-around (37.925) along with bronze on bars (9.600).
Dana Point’s Natalie Bray won a coveted spot on the Southern California combined Level 8 team thanks to her previous State Championship wins on floor and the allaround. The top 12 gymnasts in the state competed together, and Bray contributed to the team’s gold medal win.
Level 9 gymnast Anna Vultaggio of Coto de Caza scored 35.350, taking seventh place in the all-around to secure her spot at the upcoming Western National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah where she will face off against the best gymnasts from 25 States.
These wins add to Olympica’s Level 7-10 teams’ record breaking year of 30 bronze, 47 silver, and 40 gold medal wins in the 7-meet season. SC
San Clemente’s Michael McGreevy takes a swing against El Toro on Tuesday, April 17. The Tritons are 11-1 against nonleague opponents but are 0-7 in league play. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
Bella Collina Golf Team
SC SanClemente
ACCOUNTING
Chris W. Johnston, CPA, MBA 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
ART GALLERIES
San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.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
EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
Organics Out Back 949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com
ELECTRIC BIKES
Murf Electric Bikes
212 N. El Camino Real, 949.370.3801, www.murfelectricbikes.com
ELECTRICAL
Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only
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
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
Panagia Music: Music Lessons and More! 949.705.7573, panagiamusic@gmail. com, www.panagiamusic.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com
PEST/TERMITE CONTROL
Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, www.accuratetermitecontrol.com
Colony Termite Control 1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.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
Buy • Consign • Sell We also offer professional appraisals, auction services and real estate services.
CASH SAME DAY
Dee Coleman, CEO/Owner
REAL ESTATE BROKER
2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente classicautosalesoc@gmail.com Web: classicautosalesoc.com 949.395.5681 (24 hours) Available 7 days a week.
REALTORS
“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes
949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com
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 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
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT
Offshore Construction 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org
CLASSIFIEDS
Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com
WOMEN’S BICYCLE
Beautiful, almost new women’s bike. Looks like a commuter/ cruiser with multiple gears. Light mint green frame, white seat, wire basket on the back. $200. Text for photos. 949.533.9761.
EZ UP FOR SALE - GENTLY USED
Almost new EZ Up for sale. Perfect for the beach! Comes with carrying bag. $50. 949.533.9761.
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 at Lantern Bay Carpets: 949.240.1545.
GARAGE SHELVING FOR SALE
I have a few different setups available. Prices vary. Call or text for more info or photos. 949.533.9761.
FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
SATURDAY APRIL 28, 2018 8am12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares.
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.
PET PROJECT FOUNDATION
Pet Project Foundation is looking for Front Office Volunteers to assist at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. See our website at petprojectfoundation.org/WaysToHelp/FrontDesk or contact us with questions via email at volunteercoordinator@petprojectfoundation.org
In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Call at Susie Lantz for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com.
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SC SURF
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Opinion: Surf Community Starts to Wake Up
San Onofre surf community starts to take on the issue of nuclear waste on their beach
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
To be frank, the surf community’s response to the nuclear waste situation at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) has been apathetic at best. Somehow, the toll road dilemma generates more attention and more buzz than the fact that at this moment there are four questionable canisters of nuclear waste buried yards from the waterline at San O. Why aren’t there more “No Nukes” bumper stickers on cars around town?
The amount of nuclear waste stored at the SONGS site includes 51 old canisters and potentially 73 new ones, which can be hazardous to human health—there are even signs posted by the fences that ward off people from going near the facility.
Meanwhile, everyone from local rippers to old salts to young hipsters and first-time surfers have been playing in the ocean, contently disregarding the threat of exposure
GROM OF THE WEEK
CHRISTIAN CLARK
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Four years into the surf game and Christian Clark can’t seem to put his surfboard down. An eighth-grader at Marco Forster Middle School, he’s a valued member of the school’s surf team and a devoted member of the Dana Point Surf Club. Plus, Clark’s skills in the water are as solid as his skills in the classroom. The 14-year-old is a straight-A student. In terms of who he looks up to in the lineups at spots like Salt Creek and Trestles, Clark said, “The surfers around my age or a little older who surf really well and push the limits of their ability. I like to challenge myself to try and do the same.” Comfortable riding everything from a high-performance thruster to a classic
to radiation lurking over their shoulders.
But recently, the conscience of the local surf community has been stirred by an impassioned photographer, surfer, mother and San Clemente resident, Andrea Coleman. In recent weeks, Coleman has partnered with her friends at the San Onofre Surf Co. to launch an awareness campaign.
“The vibe at San O is shock and disgust, but most don’t know how they can help. It’s bigger than most of us. My theory was that I needed to make everyone wake up and pay attention,” said Coleman, who launched a campaign to sell T-shirts to raise money for marketing her cause. “I met with Joey Lambert, the creator of San Onofre Surf Co., and asked if he would be willing to help with a T-shirt design that we could sell and put 100 percent of the profits to a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times. Joey didn’t even hesitate. He and the San Onofre Surf Co. jumped right in.”
Coleman and crew launched a social media campaign that was an immediate success. Surf publications like SURFER Magazine and Surfline picked up on it and amplified their voice. As of press time, Coleman was halfway to her fundraising goal.
The support was overwhelming, but one thing that struck Coleman was the hesitancy of some of the community’s most influential athletes to jump into the fray.
She said because of their social media presence, it would help to have some notable faces supporting her efforts.
“They surf here, have skateparks named after them here, yet can’t do a quick post to support something so serious in their own backyard?” Coleman said.
The latest development at the SONGS site should be enough to alarm everyone. After the first four new canisters were placed in storage last month, it was discovered that they’ve had issues.
longboard; he’s also into mountain biking, skateboarding, fishing and baseball.
“We are a beach family, so that’s where we spend most of our family time together,” said his father, Daemon.
When asked where he thinks surfing may take him in the next 10 years,
Christian answered, “I don’t know, but I want to be able to travel and surf around the world.”
Considering the photo that inspired the iconic The Endless Summer poster was shot on the sand at Salt Creek, he’s in a great place to keep the dream alive. SC
“Four-inch-long, stainless-steel pins inserted at the bottom of 18-foot aluminum shims are defective,” said Gary Headrick, the founder of San Clemente Green and an activist who opposes the storage of spent nuclear fuel at SONGS. “Southern California Edison (SCE)found a loose pin at the bottom of one canister after loading four canisters with fuel. This new shim design aids helium cooling of the fuel. Although Edison attempts to assure us that the four canisters that have already been loaded using this flawed design will be safe for storage, they admit that transporting them later may prove to be problematic. They also admitted they cannot inspect the bottom of the shims, so they do not know the condition of the pins in the loaded canisters.”
SCE is the majority owner of SONGS.
Compounding the design issues is the location. Storing the canisters brings up a litany of potential environmental-related problems.
“As sea level rises, the containers are subjected to elements that they are simply not designed to handle,” San Diego Mayor Len Hering told KPBS. “That in itself should be a significant risk that is of concern to the citizens, but also to the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense, recognizing that, should there be a breach, that Pendleton would basically be useless. God only knows what the contamination containment area might be. The risks are significantly greater than we should have to endure.”
Coleman and her friends at the San Onfore Surf Co. have got the ball rolling in the surf community, but it’s going to take long, dedicated fight to save their beach and Southern California. Who else is in?
“I’m not a scientist or nuclear physicist, but you don’t need to be to know that this is a disaster waiting to happen,” Coleman concluded. SC
SURF FORECAST
Water Temperature: 56-60 degrees F
Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair
Thursday: WNW swell mix drops out as small SSW swell mixes in for knee-waist (2-3’) high surf in the morning. NW windswell rebounds in the afternoon but surf remains waist high and under. Winds are onshore all day, between 6-12kts.
Outlook: Small WNW swell mix through the weekend is good for waist high (3’) and under surf. New South swell builds in for the weekend with chest-head high+ (4-5’+) surf at best southerly exposures. Light winds for the mornings, turning to light-moderate onshore flow each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.
The San Onofre surf crew stands up against burying nuclear waste on their beach. Photo: Andrea Coleman
Christian Clark tagging the close-out section at Salt Creek. Photo: Courtesy of Christian Clark
