May 24, 2018

EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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Five things San Clemente should know this week Memorial Day Celebrations Scheduled for May 28

THE LATEST: Two of San Clemente’s biggest Memorial Day celebrations return this year on Monday, May 28.

At 11 a.m., the city of San Clemente will host its holiday and host guest speakers Lt. Col. Stephen Mount, USMC, Wounded Warrior Battalion West. Mayor Tim Brown will present the city welcome address and Police Services Chief Lt. Mike Peters will conduct the Pledge of Allegiance with the Marine Corps Color Guard. Pastor Fr. Jim Ries of Our Lady of Fatima will provide the invocation and benediction with music from Our Savior’s Lutheran School Children and professional recording artists Tim Kepler and John Lindahl.

Following the city’s presentation, there will be a celebration at 2 p.m. at the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. Speakers will include Brig. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, Third Aircraft Wing, USMC; and Lt. Col. Patrick B. Byrne, Operations Officer, 15th MEU, USMC. Music will be provided by Pete Jacobs & The Wartime Radio Singers.

The public is invited and all military services will be honored.

Also taking place at 11 a.m. at Camp Pendleton, the 5th Marines Vietnam War Memorial will be officially unveiled and dedicated in the Camp San Mateo Memorial Garden.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information about the events, visit www.san-clemente. org and www.marinemonument.com.

—Eric Heinz

Public Comment Period for Nuclear Waste Cask

Strengthening Ends June 5

THE LATEST: Ray Lutz, the executive director of Citizens’ Oversight Projects, Inc., a watchdog group actively checking the policies and procedures of decommissioning and storage of spent nuclear fuel at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), has a petition currently being considered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that would require more safety measures around the casks

stored at the offline power plant.

The proposal is called HELMS, which stands for “hardened, extended-life, local, monitored and surface space storage,” and it asks the NRC to adopt policies that would further protect the storage of the spent nuclear fuel.

“Basically, it’s not asking them to swap them out of the casks,” Lutz said. “What we’re trying to get them to do is think about the long-term and plan ahead, and upgrade the canisters with an additional wall, which is pressurized with helium.”

Lutz said this would further enable the company that handles the spent nuclear fuel to check for any kind of problems.

The current canisters are provided by Holtec International and have been criticized by some as not having a guaranteed security expectancy past 40 years.

WHAT’S NEXT: The public comment period for the petition ends on Tuesday, June 5 and will be followed by several public hearings before the NRC considers it. The proposal can be found at a link in this article at www.sanclementetimes. com. —EH

Coastal Implementation Plan Could Provide Options to Homeowners

THE LATEST: The comprehensive law the city is putting together for coastal land use may give property owners along the shoreline some alternatives to protecting their homes.

The city of San Clemente hosted a Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Implementation Plan meeting on May 22 at the San Clemente Community Center.

These plans would give the city more authority to issue permits within the city’s portion of the California coastal zone without having to go through the process overseen by the California Coastal Commission (CCC), effectively expediting the process.

People who own homes in the coastal zone, particularly right against the coast, have been fighting a provision in the city’s coastal plans since 2015, when the plans were in their infancy, that states people who develop or alter more than 50 percent of their homes that were built after 1977 would not be able to provide protection to those structures. The 1977 date was set as the year the Coastal Act was adopted. There’s also the provision that would require the city to find more areas of beach access, which people in private neighborhoods such as Cyprus Shore have protested. City officials at the May 22 meeting said San Clemente already provides 15 different areas of beach access. Whether that will be a factor in the new coastal plans remains to be seen.

The city’s Coastal Land Use Plan was already accepted by the CCC, but the commission returned the document to the city with some suggested modifications; however, the city either has to accept or reject the land use plan in its entirety.

But, the implementation plan still has more than a year before it is expected to be completed, and that 1977 cutoff date is attached to that portion of the city’s coastal plans. That year could be changed if the city decides to do so.

WHAT’S NEXT: For people who have individual questions about the Coastal Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan, call Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, the city’s community development director, at 949.361.6106 or gallardo-dalyc@san-clemente.org or visit www.san-clemente.org and search for Local Coastal Program. The city will consider the CLUP for adoption at its Tuesday, June 12 meeting. —EH

Budget Meeting Homes in on Public Safety Costs

THE LATEST: With this year’s budget theme of looking toward the future, as prescribed by Assistant City Manager Erik Sund, the City Council was tasked with once again addressing costs related to public safety.

City Manager James Makshanoff said the city currently spends 47 percent of its operating budget on public safety—among Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority (OCSD and OCFA), as well as Marine Safety Division and private ambulance services. About 22 percent of that operating budget is secured by the cost of police services.

Contract costs are also rising, and Makshanoff said that San Clemente could

see more than half of its operating budget consumed by public safety contracts that ensure about 5 to 6 percent increases each year for at least the next few years.

The city had proposed to add a couple new officers by cutting the overtime pay for police officers, but Police Chief Lt. Mike Peters did not like the idea because he said it would take away from his ability to maneuver officers to incidents and initiatives, such as the TRIP program that actively pursues suspicious activity within San Clemente.

City Council took the chief’s proposals into consideration, which will be discussed at the final budget meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT: Thirteen cities under contract with OCSD for police services agreed to pool funds in 2017 to do a study of the costs for those services, but that study will likely not be finished until after the 201819 budget is passed by City Council. The final meeting regarding the city’s budget will take place on Tuesday, June 12. To see the budget in its entirety, visit www. sanclementetimes.com. —EH

Street Construction Scheduled through June 11

THE LATEST: Street construction will cause anticipated delays on Avenida Pico, Avenida La Pata and Avenida Vista Hermosa from May 19 through June 11, according to city of San Clemente officials.

WHAT’S NEXT: Details of the projects can be found in this article online at www. sanclementetimes.com. The total project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June. If you have any questions regarding the subject work, call city traffic engineer Tom Frank at 949.361.6127. —Staff

Be sure to check out some of the Memorial Day celebrations around San Clemente on Monday, May 28.

Photo: File

NEWS BITES

San Clemente High School to Showcase First Triton Film Festival

The San Clemente High School (SCHS) film studies class will showcase their work of 5- to 8-minute short movies.

The festival will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at the SCHS Little Theater located at 700 Avenida Pico. The event is free to attend.

A panel of three judges, including local filmmaker Autumn McAlpin, will decide the winners of the festival, which will have various categories.

Each group will have time to give a brief speech about their film.

“Basically, they’ve had free range to make whatever they want,” said J. Bisch, an English and film studies teacher at SCHS.

The subject material could be original or adapted from other works.

“We have large numbers of kids who are interested, incoming freshmen, and they have only just heard about this,” Bisch said.

Red Cross Calls for Summer Blood Donations to Prevent a Shortage

The next Red Cross blood drive in San Clemente will take place at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville, from 1-7 p.m. on Friday, May 25.

According to a press release, the American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.

Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations.

Schedule an appointment to donate this summer by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1.800.733.2767. All who donate blood or platelets now through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Additionally, those who come to give May 25-29, will receive an exclusive Red Cross branded T-shirt, while supplies last.

SC Area Republican Women Federated Announces Scholarship Recipients

The San Clemente Area Republican Women Federated (SCARWF) organi-

Leonard Mead is questioned by police in the student adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s ‘The Pedestrian.’ The inaugural Triton Film Festival will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at the San Clemente High School Little Theater, located at 700 Avenida Pico. The event is free to attend. Photo: Courtesy of J. Bisch

zation announced its 2018 Scholarship Awards. The following winners are: San Clemente High School representatives Grace Krantz, who will attend Harvard University, and Anna Putnam, who will attend Brigham Young University. Several other students from area high schools received scholarships as well. All students achieved exceptional GPA scores, were involved in their communities by serving on various extracurricular activities and exhibited outstanding qualities to be leaders in their new colleges, according to a press release from SCARWF.

“We are delighted these eight individuals will go out in the world to represent us in the future and hold our beliefs to stand as the future of the Republican Party,” the release stated. “Winners will be invited to speak at our June 13 luncheon at Talega Golf Club on the subject: “‘Why They Feel They Are Republicans.’”

Each recipient was awarded $1,100 in credit to be used at their college of choice.

“We had a great number of applications to review, who were all gifted students; however, we are sorry we could not offer scholarships to all who applied and we wish them the best in their future,” the release stated. “Juniors should study hard and apply next year.”

Local Leaders Discuss Prop 13 Split Roll Tax

State Sen. Patricia Bates, State Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey and Orange County Taxpayers Association President and CEO Carolyn Cavecche held a presentation related to the petition circulating on the Proposition 13 ‘split roll’ tax, on Friday, May 18.

The presentation, held at the Outlets at San Clemente, was about the petition to put the split roll tax on either the 2018 or 2020 ballot, that would propose to change

Community Meetings

SUNDAY, MAY 27

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

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

MONDAY, MAY 28

MEMORIAL DAY City Offices Closed

TUESDAY, MARCH 29

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.

how commercial property taxes are assessed via Prop 13—the tax reform passed in 1978 that sets property tax rates at 1 percent of the property’s assessed value each time it is sold. The split roll tax would propose to require commercial and industrial properties to be taxed based on their market value, opposed to their purchase price. Residential properties would remain as is.

Bates, Harkey and Cavecche spoke against the petition for the split roll tax, claiming it would damage business, particularly small business, in California.

“The idea of reforming (Prop 13) is supposedly under the guise that it is unfair currently to residential homeowners because businesses don’t pay their share,” Bates said. “That is a falsehood.”

Bates continued on that Prop 13 has advanced economic opportunities in the state, in addition to homeowner opportunities. However, Bates said there is ambiguity in Prop 13 in which some large corporations have taken advantage of to evade taxes, but Bates said that her solution would be to redefine ownership.

Harkey said that she believes this change to Prop 13 would begin at the commercial properties but would eventually lead to residential properties.

“Do not fool yourself, this is not just the big guys. This is going to affect you later on,” Harkey said.

Bates is running for reelection for her State Senate seat in the 36th district and Harkey is running for Congress in the 49th district in June. Assemblymember Bill Brough, who was stated as a host on the event flyer but did not attend the event, is running for reelection in June for his seat in the State Assembly in the 73rd district.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com by Monday the week of publication.

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS

7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org.

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, MARCH 30

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 meets on most Wednesdays. Fratello’s Italian Restaurant, 647 Camino De Los Mares No. 126, San Clemente. www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

THE MARKET AT NORTH BEACH

4-8 p.m. Certified farmers market selling a variety of seasonal items, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and children’s activities weekly. 1832 N. El Camino Real. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

Meet the Candidates for California’s 49th Congressional District

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The election for the 116th United States Congress has shaped up to be a monumental contest. The atmosphere of challenging new ideas, innovative solutions to the nation’s problems and political ideologies are culminating across the United States.

Many high-profile representatives will not seek reelection in their districts, one of whom is the 49th’s own Darrell Issa, a Republican based in Vista. Issa said in a press release earlier this year that he would not defend the seat that represents San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, which he’s held since 2001.

That opened the door to many local hopefuls who want to bring change in their own ways to the House—an astonishing 16 candidates have thrown their hat into the ring—but only two will be selected in the primary election for a runoff in the general election on Nov. 6. Polls for the primary election are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on June 5 for the primary election. Visit www.ocvote.com to find out more information and where to vote. Registration to vote for the primary election has passed, but people can still register in person using the conditional voter registration process.

Some of the key issues in the debates have surrounded current and ongoing issues, such as gun-control laws, immigration and legal status conflicts, foreign policy and environmental debates.

To simplify the process, we’ve selected four of the top policies the candidates are championing through their forums as well as candidate statements from their websites.

Some of the issues omitted include the proposed toll roads through San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano communities, as it is a local issue that would likely be decided by officials within Orange County and Southern California.

Sources of information were taken from candidate forums, statements of candidacy and candidate websites.

CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN LISTED IN BALLOT ORDER:

ROBERT PENDLETON, No Party Preference/K-9 Partyaffiliated

• Wants to create legislation to protect personal data and require companies to ask permission to use it through transactions

• Supports increasing minimum age to 21 to purchase guns, federal background

checks

• Advocates immigration policies based on work and skill merits

• Wants to place term limits on Congress

SARA JACOBS, Democrat

• An advocate for women’s rights in health care, employment opportunities and advocates against harassment and abuse

• Is in favor of a universal health care model, similar to models in Europe and other countries

• Wants to stop gun violence by introducing federal background checks on people who attempt to purchase firearms

• Advocates funding Housing and Urban Development programs to address issues of growing population

MIKE LEVIN, Democrat

• Wants to explore clean energy and give incentives to companies for converting to alternative and renewable fuels; opposes off-shore drilling proposals for 2024 in California and other coastal-state waters

• Advocates for strengthening the Affordable Care Act and creating a more uniform health care system

• Opposes deportation policies set forth by the Trump administration

• Advocates for more funding in education, specifically for science, technology, engineering and math

PAUL G. KERR, Democrat

• Aims to create easier access to better education

• Advocates for strengthening care for military veterans, wants to curtail mental health problems they face

• Is an advocate for strengthening the middle class, advocates for an accessible health care system for low-income families

• Is self-described as “100 percent prochoice” on abortion rights

KRISTIN GASPAR, Republican

• Opposes various taxes and new taxes, self-described “tax fighter,” is an advocate for reforming federal tax code

• Opposes California’s “Sanctuary State” law, wants to strengthen Southern California’s border

• Wants to increase funding for regional sciences and education to make U.S. workforce more competitive in future markets

• Wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and allow for practitioners to work across state lines

DOUG APPLEGATE, Democrat

• Has vowed to work with federal legislators to remove spent nuclear waste from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

• Wants to bring more power back to Congress to approve U.S. military engaging in combat missions and wars

• Is in favor of having 100 percent renewable energy in the U.S. in the next 10 years

• Advocates for a single-payer health care system

JOSHUA SCHOONOVER, Republican

• Vows to help keep the ocean and environment clean by providing incentives to businesses to use sustainable materials and waste removal practices

• Wants to decrease the cost of health care

• Advocates to fix illegal immigration problems

• Wants to remove cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule of illegal drugs

MIKE SCHMITT, Republican

• Advocates for health care reform to repeal the Affordable Care Act, return control to patients and doctors

• Opposes offshore drilling by 2024 off U.S. coasts

• Supports gun rights and is a “strong” proponent of the Second Amendment

• Advocates immigration policies to accept based on merit and skill sets

DANIELLE ST. JOHN, Green

• Is in favor of bringing harmonizing discussions to Congress in an effort to make collaborative legislation

• Wants to drive a “cooperative economy” that is accountable for all members, eliminating any kind of greed in the marketplace

• Advocates for a complete reform of the U.S. education system, increasing teachers’ salaries and better physical health and creative curriculum

• Advocates for gun laws that allow responsible ownership

ROCKY J. CHÁVEZ, Republican

• Wants to scale back federal regulations and intervention into business to create an easier market on small businesses and industry

• Advocates creating programs to crack down on human trafficking and other violent felony-level crimes

• Has stayed neutral on federal and state gun-reform policies

• Favors creating a stronger national defense

DIANE L. HARKEY, Republican

• Wants to make changes to the federal tax code

• Advocates for strengthening California’s resources of water, power and transportation

• Is in favor of reducing the national deficit by cutting federal spending

• Supports stronger national defense

JOSHUA L. HANCOCK, Libertarian

• Seeks to address the growing homeless populations in California and U.S.

• Supports increasing funding for U.S. border security

• Wants to dramatically cut federal spending to decrease the national debt

• Supports responsible gun ownership, would not ban assault rifles

BRIAN MARYOTT, Republican

• Wants more national security measures in place; would vote to authorize more authority to the president to engage in foreign conflicts, such as with North Korea

• Does not support off-shore oil drilling, advocates for environmental protection, but wants a balance of responsibility

• Favors repealing the Affordable Care Act

• Opposes California’s “Sanctuary State” laws

JORDAN P. MILLS, Peace and Freedom

• Opposes the Trump administration’s proposed wall along the Mexican border as well as deportations

• Is in favor of outlawing high-caliber rifles for public purchase; opposes all war

• Supports pro-choice policies for women

• Wants to strengthen Social Security and social services

DAVID MEDWAY, Republican

• Aims to lower the national debt

• Favors affordable health care across the spectrum

• Is a pro-choice candidate and is pro women’s rights to access health care services

• Wants to find “innovative” solutions to stop gun violence

CRAIG A. NORDAL, Republican

• Supports the Trump administration’s plan to increase offshore oil drilling by 2024 in an effort to boost U.S. trade status

• Advocates for a more Christian-based Legislature, religious freedom and liberty

• Is in favor of overturning Roe V. Wade

• Supports building and completing a wall along the Mexican border

Sheriff’s Department Showdown

In sheriff’s race, Orange County will choose reform or business as usual

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

After 10 years of leading the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), Sheriff Sandra Hutchens’ seat is wide open.

OCSD is the nation’s fifth largest sheriff’s department, which serves 3.1 million residents and oversees nearly 4,000 employees. On June 5, voters will choose who OCSD’s next leader will be.

With nearly 30 years of experience at OCSD, Undersheriff Don Barnes, secondin-command to Hutchens, is running a campaign based on his administrative experience in law enforcement, his accomplishments as undersheriff and his endorsement by Hutchens. Barnes hopes to build on policies and strategies he’s been a part of since 2016, when he began as undersheriff.

Also with nearly 30 years of experience with OCSD, Aliso Viejo Mayor Dave Harrington is running a campaign on reforming the Sheriff’s Department and

his experience as mayor. Harrington’s main goals are to increase efficiency and transparency in the Sheriff’s Department. Harrington’s list of endorsements largely include local mayors and councilmembers, among others.

Duke Nguyen, with more than 26 years of law enforcement experience, started out with the Santa Ana Police Department and currently works with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in the Justice System Integrity Division. Nguyen is running a campaign largely based on community policing and transparency, and one of his endorsements includes the Democratic Party of Orange County.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which oversees 13 cities including Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, has been on the forefront of many local issues facing South Orange County.

Last year, in response to rising law enforcement contract costs with its 13 cities, a coalition was formed by the city managers to draft a study to look into the costs. The findings are expected to be released later this year.

Orange County made national headlines in its controversial response to vacating its some-700 people living in the Santa Ana riverbed, which led to lawsuits and fingerpointing countywide. A long-term solution is yet to be determined.

California Senate Bill 54—the Sanctuary State Law that prohibits law enforcement from cooperating with immigration authorities—has also put Orange County in the national spotlight, as cities including Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano publicly condemned the bill. OCSD’s response to the legislation was to make inmate information publicly available online.

It All Comes Down to This

Orange County District Attorney election features fiery candidates

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Orange County district attorney incumbent Tony Rackauckas and challenger Todd Spitzer have been all but salivating at the opportunity to face each other in an election. But it won’t be without getting past newcomers Brett Murdock, a victims’ rights attorney, and currently suspended attorney Lenore Albert-Sheridan of Huntington Beach. Rackauckas has been Orange County’s district attorney since 1998. Since then, he’s aggressively pursued human trafficking, drug-related crimes, started the Gang Reduction Intervention Programs (GRIP) around the county and touts prosecuting more than 60,000 cases

under his watch with “a felony conviction rate of 90 percent,” according to his candidate statement. He’s also been an ally of Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Todd Spitzer is currently serving as an Orange County supervisor in District 3. Spitzer has been extremely visible to

San Clemente Times asked each of these candidates their views on these three issues and how they will handle them if elected sheriff. Here’s what they said.

RISING CONTRACT COSTS

• Barnes said an approach that he’s been contemplating is to regionalize law enforcement, taking down city borders and creating a hybrid model with contract cities. That would mean cities would still fund patrol deputies and traffic enforcement, but to deploy those resources on a broader scale. “That gets overlaid as a patrol support provision, rather than something that you carry the full cost of,” Barnes said.

• Harrington said his approach would be to combine cities between management services, such as combining police chiefs between multiple cities, and not to regionalize deputies out on the street. Said Harrington, “For example, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills want to share a lieutenant and an admin sergeant, so essentially between those two cities we’d eliminate $700,000 approximately from the contract.”

• Nguyen said his plan would be to increase public safety by putting more deputies patrolling streets and curtailing services that cities don’t need as much. “I want to sit down with every mayor in every South Orange County city and visit the issues, and make sure that the contract is exactly what it’s called for, we don’t overcharge or undermine the contract,” Nguyen said.

HOMELESSNESS

• Barnes said he managed to get several hundred people into services from the Santa Ana riverbed and made 500-plus arrests, and wants to build on

South County’s voting base in the last year as one of the liaisons to the Transportation Corridor Agencies and recently took a stand against one of the proposals for the 241 southbound extension through San Clemente.

Spitzer has also been Rackauckas’s nemesis since he was employed by the District Attorney’s Office about 10 years ago. The two had a falling out of sorts, and Spitzer has openly criticized Rackauckas’s decisions. He touted his work with Federal Judge David O. Carter on the homeless lawsuit (which is ongoing), his trial record of 122 cases and achieving a 92 percent conviction rate, and decried current crime rates as inaction from the district attorney. Murdock takes a bit of a different approach. Instead of presenting a conviction record, his top priority is to try to influence rehabilitation instead of incarceration. He stated he wants to increase transparency at the district attorney’s office, and he accused Rackauckas of corruption and criticized Spitzer of having a political agenda that influences him negatively as a member of the judicial process.

that. His long-term plan is to educate the public on the homeless and to create an enforcement plan with a “larger collaborative strategy.”

• Harrington said he wants to separate the different groups of homeless people, such as criminals and those mentally ill, because “those groups are all dealt with differently, they need different services, the mental health people need more wrap-around-style services, others need transitional housing and criminals need law enforcement.”

• Nguyen emphasized that being homeless is not a crime, and his goals are to create a mental health evaluation team and provide long-term shelter. “We have $700 million in the county to utilize to get our people who are homeless into some sort of a long-term shelter,” Nguyen said.

SANCTUARY STATE LAW

• Barnes is against the Sanctuary State Law and said he plans to continue the OCSD’s practice of posting inmate release information online and to speak out against the bill with legislators.

• Harrington is also against the Sanctuary State Law and said he agrees with the Sheriff Department’s posting of inmate information. He hopes the courts will sort the issue out.

• Nguyen said that if elected, he would retract the online postings of inmate information and people who commit higher felonies, are always deported anyway. Nguyen said he would release inmate information to immigration officers if they had proper court orders.

To learn more about the candidates, visit their websites: www.barnesforsheriff. com; www.harringtonforsheriff.com; and www.nguyenforsheriff.com. SC

Albert-Sheridan has also advocated for reform instead of jail time. She advocated for programs to help reduce crimes in neighborhoods where crime rates are high as part of a federally funded outlet, and she cites her experience as a victim of crime that gives her the necessary understanding of how to be an advocate for victims. Albert-Sheridan said she wants to tackle corruption crimes harder than any other of her predecessors.

Albert-Sheridan was suspended from the California State Bar on Feb. 14 for at least 30 days until she complies with the terms of her suspension.

Spitzer and Rackauckas have had their fair share of instances as well. Rackauckas has had to deal with corruption accusations for years while also explaining the extent of a recent “snitch scandal” at Orange County jails. Spitzer was infamously involved in a situation in 2015 at a Wahoo’s Fish Tacos in Lake Forest when he made a “citizen’s arrest” of a transient man who was mumbling to himself, and eventually he lost a lawsuit to keep the records detailing the incident sealed. SC

Clockwise from top left: Tony Rackauckas, Todd Spitzer, Albert-Sheridan, Brett Murdock.

Meet the Candidates for State Assembly’s 73rd District

BY DANIEL RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

WILLIAM “BILL” BROUGH, Republican Top Priorities:

• Supporting Assembly Bill 346. The measure authorizes redevelopment “successor” agencies to use portions of their existing affordable housing funds for the development of homelessness services, transitional housing or emergency housing services

• Supporting Assembly Bill 911 and its cousin Senate Bill 781 which aim to amend California law that prohibits emergency rooms from being without sufficient inpatient quarters

• Brough has hosted, with Senator Patricia Bates, several presentations on opioid abuse in Orange County

• Supports the repeal of the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, establishing a comprehensive transportation funding program by increasing the motor vehicle fuel tax by $0.12 per gallon

ED SACHS, Republican

Top Priorities:

• Sachs is adamantly opposed to any sanctuary state laws and firmly believes that California citizens have been endangered by AB 109, Proposition 47 and 57

• Public safety. Sachs said he believes law enforcement needs to be fully funded

• Sachs called for a meeting of all South Orange County mayors under Secure OC Schools to ensure finding and filling security gaps at every school, attempting to look for money to secure schools.

SCOTT RHINEHART, Democrat

Top Priorities:

• Rhinehart believes it is unreasonable for citizens to spend twice as much on health care costs as other nations providing health care to all of their citizens

• Believes renewal efforts must be implemented to protect California’s coastlines from new offshore drilling. He believes fracking must also be stopped immediately to save limited water supply

• Rhinehart believes California’s infrastructure is aging and potentially dangerous and must be addressed. He believes such efforts will create new jobs on the district, county and state levels. He wants to develop California into a world leader of renewable energy production

• Rhinehart says the lack of affordable housing is inevitably assisting the homeless crisis

Sources of information were taken from candidate forums, statements of candidacy and candidate websites.

Meet the Candidates for State Senate’s 36th District

BY DANIEL RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

PATRICIA C. BATES, Republican

Top Priorities:

•Fighting to repeal gas taxes added to gasoline costs. Bates believes voters should have a say in any future attempts to increase gas taxes

• Believes securing the border of California should be one of the legislature’s highest priorities even if it calls for deploying the National Guard

• Defunding Gov. Jerry Brown’s “High Speed Rail” project

• Bates believes that at least 80 percent of education spending should be required to be spent in the classroom instead on administrator salaries

MARGGIE CASTELLANO, Democrat

Top Priorities:

• Pushing for “common sense” gun legislation

• “Common sense” state regulations for residential treatment facilities to protect both the person in recovery and the neighborhood residence around such a facility

• Enhancing protection of the environment from offshore oil drilling and climate change

• Immediately removing all nuclear waste from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

Race for South Orange County’s Board of Education Member

Orange County voters will choose who guides the county forward in education

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The Orange County Board of Education promotes student achievement, offers leadership, services and resources for Orange County school districts, educators and the community.

In addition to approving the annual budget for the Orange County Department of Education, policies that the Board of Education enact can range from instruction materials, funding and to school safety. Trustee Area 5 encompasses South Orange County, including Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Linda Lindholm has held the Area 5 seat since 2014 and is not running for reelection, with five candidates vying to take the seat. Here’s a summary of what

each candidate has to bring to South Orange County’s future in education. Sources of information were taken from candidate forums, statements of candidacy and candidate websites.

KIMBERLY CLARK

• Has experience as a public school siteadminister, counselor and director of an educational nonprofit organization and is completing a master’s degree

• Aims to be student centered

• Priorities on school safety, focusing on mental health

• Focus funds for inside of the classroom

MIKE DALATI

• Is an educator

• Dalati was not immediately available

for comment, but according to a 2016 race for the South Orange County Community College District race, has experience as an ORT Jewish college professor and is the co-founder of OC Latino Outreach

DAN DRAITSER

• Is a mortgage lender

• Draitser could not be reached for comment

MARY NAVARRO

• Is a former assistant superintendent, school principal and teacher

• Hopes to expand after-school enrichment and arts programs

• Top priority is security at schools for students and teachers

• Focus funds for inside of the classroom

LISA SPARKS

• Has 25-plus years of education experience and is currently the dean for the Chapman University School of Communication

• Aims to prepare the “whole student” for college, career and life experiences

• Plans to expand the number of charter schools

• Focus funds for inside of the classroom •••

For more information on these candidates, visit www.votekimberlyclark. com, www.votemarynavarro.com, and www.votesparks.org. The San Clemente Times could not find a website or candidate statement for Dalati or Draitser. SC

Be sure to vote on June 5 for the 2018 California primary election. Photo: File

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San Clemente Times Vol. 13, Issue 21. 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.

FOLLOW

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Lifesaving Makaha-Style: Sometimes You Learn the Most from Your Fears

ich Chew was a lifeguard for 35 years. Much of his career was spent on the beaches of San Clemente, where with literally hundreds of saves he never lost a beachgoer in all that time.

Back when he was struggling to get a steady gig, he was told that a stint as a lifeguard in Hawaii was a sure ticket to a full-time job here in California. Because of his surfing prowess, he got a seasonal gig with Buffalo Keaulana, one of the legendary lifeguards in Hawaii and one of surfing’s most colorful characters. Rich learned a lot from that job, and he never again felt so passionate about not losing a swimmer for the rest of his career. Rich recounted a story to me like this:

One mid-afternoon, Rich and Buffalo shared a shift. Rich spotted a swimmer along the break line, clearly in serious trouble.

“Looks like that guy’s in trouble,” Rich said.

Buffalo shrugged and looked at the swimmer through his binoculars.

“We’ll see, yeah?”

Within minutes, the swimmer was floundering.

“Maybe we should go get him,” Rich offered.

“Just relax,” Buffalo said in casual response. “No big thing.”

The swimmer was starting to panic. He

Letters to the Editor

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL NEEDS MORE ATTENTION

ROGER JOHNSON, San Clemente

How many people realize that with 1,773 tons of high-level uranium and plutonium, San Clemente is near a large percent of the nation’s stranded nuclear waste? The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) officially lists San Clemente as the location of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) waste. Does anyone think we are safe because it is 1.6 miles away? Each of the 123 canisters has the radiation potential to spread more fallout than the Chernobyl catastrophe over northern Europe in 1986.

Consider that the amount of uranium in the Hiroshima atomic bomb was the size

clawed at the water to keep himself afloat. This was getting critical. What could Buffalo be thinking? Here is this tourist, in a near drowning situation, and the head lifeguard is acting nonchalant in the face of an impending fatality.

Worse, Buffalo didn’t even seem to be looking at the beleaguered swimmer anymore; his glasses were trained on the outside reef, where surfers catch a glorious set of waves.

Sheer anxiety begins to take over Rich. The swimmer is face-down, his floating hair the only visible part of his body, almost hidden, then bursting out above the surface, flailing in primal fear. If Buffalo is trying to teach this guy a lesson, Rich thinks, it may be the last one he ever learns.

Unable to stand the tension any longer, Rich leaps up, grabs a life preserver, launching into rescue mode. Buffalo catches his arm. “Relax.”

“What? This guy is drowning, Buff!”

“Sit DOWN!”

Buffalo yanked him back into the beach chair.

The current pulled the swimmer almost into the impact zone. This is it, Rich thought. I’m going to witness my first fatal-

of a grapefruit and the half-life of plutonium is 700 million years. Our thin canisters are warranted for 25 years, but how long will they last with internal temperatures of 500 degrees? The current plan would keep them here indefinitely. No progress is being made on temporary or permanent storage sites, and soon they might be too fragile to move.

The danger is not nuclear explosions but the release of radionuclides into the winds that could emit deadly alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Gamma can penetrate anything, including lead and steel and, of course, the roof of your car or home. Even the demo work over the next decade could be dangerous. Demo work at Hanford recently spread plutonium dust to homes and cars outside the facility and poisoned 42 workers.

If there were a plume, everyone must discard clothing and be hosed off before entering a home or building. No one in cars or homes can turn on heat or AC regardless of temperature. Radiation release could go on for months or years, and no insurance

ity—on my watch. And my head lifeguard didn’t seem to care.

Then, it happened. One of the outside peak waves Buffalo had been watching rolled through the inside and caught the spent swimmer. The power of the swell picked him up like a rag doll, propelled him along the hissing, rollicking backwash, rolled him across the shallows and swept him up onto the steep sand bank. It deposited him, gasping and heaving, not 20 yards from the tower and within easy reach.

Rich looked over at Buffalo, awed by his knowledge of the ocean conditions. The tide, current and swell had conspired to bring this hapless body right to his doorstep. But why?

Buffalo took a long drag on his cigarette. He held it for a long moment, then exhaled, looks over at Rich and says “See, this way, there’s no paperwork.”

Jim Kempton is a local writer and surfer who has just finished First We Surf Then We Eat, a travel adventure cookbook with recipes from all the surfing regions he has visited over the years. And yes, Rich Chew is in it. SC

covers radioactive contamination.

In protest, 170 residents sent a petition to Edison asking them to hold a “Community Engagement” meeting in San Clemente to discuss serious external threats such as missiles, drones or truck bombs and to have medical experts discuss what to do if we are engulfed with radioactive fallout. Edison ignored the petition and does not want people talking about what might happen.

Also alarming is how few residents know or care about the biggest threat to the future of our area.

Editor’s note: An extended version of this letter can be found at www.sanclementetimes.com under the same headline.

THEY’LL FLOAT TOO (IN THE OCEAN) CHERYL PROCACCINI, Laguna Beach

Last week, I was working on a local whale watching vessel and noticed a shiny, colorful object floating on the surface of the ocean. An exotic marine creature?

WAVELENGTHS By Jim Kempton

(Cont. from page 10)

No, it was a Mylar balloon that had drifted from someone’s Mother’s Day celebration and made its way to the sea. And then I remembered last June, when the crew and I removed many “Congratulations, Graduate!” balloons from the water.

It is heartbreaking to see birds, dolphins and sea lions entangled by the balloons— string and all. And those that don’t directly injure ocean creatures eventually break down into micro plastics that will take hundreds of years to decompose. Even on land, floating Mylar balloons are a hazard, often coming into contact with power lines and causing power outages or fires. California law requires that all balloons constructed with electrically conductive material to be weighted so they can’t take off. Given the many hazards they pose, I’d like to put forth a challenge to my fellow coastal citizens: Omit Mylar and latex balloons from your graduations and other worthy celebrations this year—and every year.

Imagine our new graduates and their families using sustainable decorations that protect our precious coastal waters. Imagine stores refusing to sell Mylar balloons. Imagine launching the next generation into a future that solves the plastics problem.

This is my challenge. We can do this!

WORDS FROM SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER DO NOT REFLECT MY VIEWS

NANCY C. FERRUZZO, San Juan Capistrano

I read with total shock the words of Pam Patterson in her meeting with President Donald Trump. In no way does this woman speak for the people of this city. We have a wonderful, diverse population, both tolerant and compassionate. To equate the immigrants from Mexico and Central America, who are desperate to escape poverty and lack of opportunity, with the terrorists of 9/11 borders on insanity. Fortunately, her term is up for re-election in November.

Editor’s note: The comments mentioned in this letter were published online by The Capistrano Dispatch at www.thecapsitranodispatch.com under the article “San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Patterson Meets President, Discusses Sanctuary State Law” on May 16.

GOVERNOR SHORTCHANGING LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS

STATE SEN. PATRICIA BATES, R-36, Laguna Niguel

In November 2016, California’s voters approved Proposition 51, a $7 billion bond measure to fund school construction. But so far, only $600 million in school bonds have been sold, and Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget for this year proposes only slightly higher bond sales, even though the Coalition for Adequate School Housing has identified $3 billion in shovel-ready classroom construction projects.

New school facilities and classroom repairs are desperately needed all over

the state, and South Orange County is no exception. Putting Prop. 51 funds to work now would fund nearly $74 million of school construction projects in the Senate district I represent, benefiting students attending Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified schools.

In addition to repairing and replacing dilapidated school facilities, Prop. 51 funds can also be spent for new projects to improve education, including building laboratories and specialized facilities for Career Technical Education facilities. These facilities are critically needed to improve our state’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, giving our kids a chance to compete in the global marketplace.

Despite this backlog of need, the governor’s January budget proposal only funds school construction projects submitted for consideration before 2014. This means that every project submitted since 2014 will not even be considered until fall 2019. That is a five-year delay.

Now is the time to get moving. Interest rates are still low (though starting to creep upward), meaning the sooner money is dedicated to school construction projects, the more money will be available in future years for education spending. Let us not forget that school construction projects also create solid-paying jobs right where the work is being done.

If California’s state government can raise taxes and spend billions on distanthorizon projects like high-speed rail, we can certainly invest in projects that will benefit local communities for a long time. California’s students and their parents deserve better. As the governor and the legislature work to enact a 2018-19 budget by June 15, I will fight to make sure that promises made are promises kept.

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.

This week’s guest speaker will be Samantha Thomas, the interim director of the city’s Beaches, Parks & Recreation Services, who will talk about the city’s beach trail survey. 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.

An Alternative Method

More senior patients turn to medical cannabis instead of opioids

By Emily Rasmussen

Before cannabis was legalized in California, many people were using the plant for medical purposes. From traditionally smoking the plant, to ingesting it via edibles or using cannabidiol, medical cannabis continues to push back its negative stigma and is reaching more patients than ever before.

As South Orange County, along with the rest of California, battles the opioid epidemic—including San Clemente City Council’s vote on April 3 to hire a law firm to file litigation against companies that they claim are directly responsible for contributing to the opioid crisis, joining other statewide attorneys on the same cause—many people are ready for a change.

In Orange County, Dana Point has the highest 5-year average (2011-2015) rate of emergency department visits, at 120.2 per 100,000. San Clemente came in second highest at 92.4 per 100,000; and San Juan Capistrano came in seventh at 72.8 per 100,000, according to “Opioid Overdose & Death in Orange County,” a 2017 report by the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA).

come to me with years of using opioids, and I’ll take them off and onto using marijuana and (many) feel like they have their life back.

Why does medical cannabis create that response?

Everyone knows we’re in an opioid crisis, there’s a lot of reasons: lack of therapies, over marketing of pharmaceuticals, etc. But in the early 90s we started using more opioids and I started observing that patients would use an opioid but need a higher dosage to get the same effect (from when they started). They want that pain relief from the beginning so they take more and more. Then their pain scales would increase to nine or 10 (on a scale of 1-10) because of low pain tolerance and high dosages. How many of the patients you recommend medical cannabis to are seniors?

I would say at least onethird of them are over the age of 60. It’s becoming more and more common now. Before, the geriatric population wasn’t open to this. Now, it’s becoming common, but 20 or 30 years ago they wouldn’t.

Are seniors at a higher risk for opioid addiction or overdose?

The majority of overdose deaths were non-Hispanic whites at 81 percent, followed by Hispanics. Orange County residents between the ages of 45 to 54 had the highest overdose death rates, and nearly half of all deaths occurred for those between the ages of 45 to 64, according to the OCHCA report.

Mark Wallace, M.D., the pain management specialist chair and head of the University of California, San Diego Health’s Center for Pain Medicine, has been researching cannabis as an alternative to opioids for decades. Throughout Wallace’s years of research, he believes that medical cannabis is a safer alternative to opioids, especially for seniors, although he added that more research needs to be done.

Here’s what Wallace told Picket Fence Media:

Picket Fence Media: What type of research have you done regarding medical cannabis and opioid use?

Dr. Wallace: I’m taking this approach of patients on opioids, and I’m taking them off of opioids, so I’ve been significantly reducing their dosage. A lot of patients

The elderly population are at risk for (opioid) overdose because they might be on more medications, they may not metabolize opioids as fast, some might have lung disease or heart disease, and so they probably are at risk with overdoses for opioids. But cannabis is a much safer alternative. We have never seen a death directly related to cannabis, but there are opioid-related deaths.

What would you say to people who are considering using medical cannabis?

There’s a growing geriatric population using medical cannabis and using it successfully. I would look at the risks and benefits, the harmful effects of medical cannabis are quite low; we base that on thousands of years of it being integrated into society. In historical literature it’s referenced for thousands of years. It would be no different than prescribing any other medication, other than it doesn’t come from a pharmacist and insurance doesn’t pay for it, there’s also less quality control. However, with those risks, cannabis isn’t for everybody, some people try it and it doesn’t work, then they move on. •

Dr. Mark Wallace

Don't Ever Stop

Dana Point resident, 72, follows national icon’s footsteps, one at a time

By Daniel Ritz

Years ago, during a high-altitude

fishing excursion in the Eastern Sierras, Dana Point resident Russell Kerr encountered an elderly mountaineer.

During that chance meeting, Kerr asked the older man what his secret to summiting the region’s abundant high peaks was. The man’s answer set a precedent for the remainder of Kerr’s life.

“You never stop, you can absolutely never stop moving,” the man responded.

Now 72, the New Zealand-born Kerr has followed that mantra to a number of the highest peaks in the Sierras, across Africa, and throughout his homeland of New Zealand.

Currently, Kerr is embarking on his largest, and lengthiest adventure yet as he attempts to reach Mt. Everest base camp, more than 17,500 feet in altitude, in honor of the 65th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s first summit.

Over eight days, Kerr and his group, supported by a team of Sherpa’s and yaks to carry a majority of their gear, look to reach base camp on Tuesday, May 29 after eight days of climbing six to eight hours a day.

Despite being an experienced climber

and outdoorsman, Kerr said he never imagined undertaking such a challenging journey.

“I’ve done some serious climbing, but nothing like this,” Kerr clarified through a smirk, explaining that the thing he expects to be most challenging is the duration of the climb.

Kerr’s shared that he was talked into this adventure by his sister and brotherin-law only a month ago, while on a trip visiting them in New Zealand. The couple were the last New Zealander’s to manage the hospital built by Hillary in the valley.

Hillary’s history of assisting the native Sherpa of the region dates back to the 1960s when Hillary asked a Sherpa, “If there was anything I could do for the Sherpa people, what do you think that would be?”

To which, the Sherpa replied: “Our children have eyes, but they are blind and cannot see. We would like you to open their eyes by building a school in our village.”

This touched Hillary’s heart and he immediately set about building the first school in Khumjung. He went on to build schools, hospitals and health clinics across the Solukhumbu region in the foothills of Everest.

Kerr and the approximately 30 other climbers taking part of the group climb honoring Hillary’s initial ascent will be continuing to support the hundreds of thousands of Sherpa that live along the valley where Everest ascents begin.

Kerr explained that before, and after their excursion, the group will be taking part in social and reconstruction efforts within the valley. In 2015, the valley region, including many of the schools built by Hillary and the Himalayan Trust, were ravaged by a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake leading to towns being leveled and buried in landslides.

A former emergency relief worker for World Vision, Kerr has spent countless years abroad, and said the humanitarian aspects of this climb resonated with him.

“Hillary is a national hero in New Zealand,” Kerr shared. “He’s on the fivedollar note!”

Kerr shared that he remembers being seven years old when he first learned of Hillary’s ascent to Everest, but more recently had a serendipitous moment of connection with him, the only man to set foot at both of the earth’s poles as well as it’s tallest peak.

A few years ago, while sitting on the balcony of his hotel in Auckland, New Zealand, overlooking the pier, Kerr said

he looked down and saw a boat spreading something into the waters of the Auckland harbor below.

Those “something” were ashes. Sir Hillary’s.

“That was such a special moment of connection for me,” Kerr said, reflecting.

Regarding his health, Kerr said since he is more than 70 years old, he had to be cleared by a World Expedition physician before embarking on this journey.

Kerr said that he has been training for the hike by spending extensive time in the mountains in addition to his regular active lifestyle routine.

“I have never had acute altitude sickness before,” Kerr said, voicing his gratitude for the team of Sherpa’s and physicians that will accompany the group.

“My best friend just died, 70 years old, and this is the sort of thing that you do when you can, while you can, for those that would be there to do it with you, but didn’t have the good fortune or good health,” Kerr remarked.

“I’ve lived a life full of challenges, and opportunities,” Kerr said, two days before leaving for Asia.”

More information can be read about Himalayan Trust at www.himalayantrust.org. More information can be found on World Expeditions at www. worldexpeditions.com. •

Dana Point resident Russell Kerr, 72, is attempting to climb to Mt. Everest base camp.

Photo: Courtesy

Furry Friends

Local seniors find benefits in owning pets

By Emily Rasmussen

Whether you’re a dog person who can’t get enough of your pup’s adorably-dopey smile, or a cat person who enjoys a relaxing cuddle on the couch, many people find having a pet to be a rewarding and loving experience.

Sandra Ackerman, one of the founders of San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter, has been volunteering with the shelter for 35 years. Ackerman, a clear animal lover, said that she’s personally seen the benefits of owning a pet, in addition to seeing others adopt.

Ackerman said that she is extremely healthy at 77, slender with low cholesterol, and although she doesn’t wholly credit her animals to her health, they do give her a sense of purpose.

“I have had many dogs over the years. For a while I was taking in the older dogs that were not going to get adopted, so rather than having them sit in their cage for the rest of their life, which is depressing to the volunteers including me, I took them into my home and they gave me purpose,” Ackerman said. “I’m a widow, I lost my husband 13 years ago, and dogs being in my house gave me a sense of purpose.”

In a study on the use of animals in patients with dementia, demented subjects in the presence of a pet or animal had more social behaviors such as smiling or speaking, had reduction in the amount of behavioral disturbance and agitation, and held longer conversations, according to “The enefit of Pets and Animal-Assisted Therapy to the Health of Older Individuals,” a 201 study by E. Paul Cherniack and Ariella R. Cherniack.

San Juan Capistrano resident Karen Rottmann, 66, said that her three dogs make life better in every way.

Rottmann, who retired two years ago, said that although she has had her three dogs for years, she’s come to realize the importance of having their companionship now that she is at home more. She said the canines reduce stress, give companionship, encourage exercise and provide unconditional love, Rottmann said.

Since retirement, the first time that Rottmann realized the importance of their company was when the first rainy season came around, when she couldn’t leave the house. So, she got hooked on Hallmark movies, popcorn and snuggling with her three dogs.

“They aren’t just pets, they’re a part of the family,” she said. “They’re like extra kids but they don’t talk back.”

Ackerman said she encourages all ages to adopt a pet, but notes that she encourages seniors to adopt an older, calmer pet for companionship; not only because they are easier to handle and are often already trained, but also because if a senior adopts a young pet, they could live past the owner.

The feedback that Ackerman sees from people who adopt pets from the shelter brings her to tears.

“To see a child walk out with their first animal, or a young couple, or a senior citizen coming in and coming out with a dog that’s going to keep them company, is just so heartwarming,” Ackerman said. “People who adopt animals will see me there, so I’ll see them on the street or the store, and I’ll have people come up and kiss my hand because they’re so overjoyed at having an animal.”

If you’re interested in adopting a pet, call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 9 9. 92.1617 or go to 221 Avenida abricante, San Clemente. •

Karen Rottmann holds two of her pups, Noel and Gizmo. Photo: Emily Rasmussen

By Tom Blake

The effects of loneliness on single seniors is a growing concern.

Studies indicate that loneliness has been linked with a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. A May 1 Cigna study stated, “There is growing evidence that loneliness can kill.”

Those are scary thoughts for single seniors, many of whom acknowledge being lonely. Last month (April 13), I wrote an article on how seniors combat loneliness.

Today, I share responses to that article from four aging-well, single seniors, who discuss how they cope with it.

Les Jones, 92, of San Clemente, said, “In 1944, while serving in the Navy on a destroyer escort during the Normandy invasion, a German U-boat torpedoed my ship. My lower back was damaged. I received a Purple Heart.

I have lived with that damaged back for 74 years.

This Memorial Day, I won’t be lonely; I’ve been invited to represent the United States at the WW II Memorial for the Presentation of Wreaths ceremony in Washington, D.C. Plus, I will be an honorary grand marshal in the National Memorial Day Parade. I also had this honor in 2017.

Table for One

How single seniors cope with loneliness

If I had not been active and forced myself to keep moving through the pain, I’d be in a wheelchair now and would not be out interacting with people.

I was widowed two years ago, losing my best friend and wife of 49 years and nine months. I look at the empty chair where she sat in our living room and it tears my heart to pieces.

To combat loneliness, I surround myself with positive people and force myself to keep moving, although at times, the back pain is debilitating.

It’s important when you are single and alone, to have a good place to go where you know people. I go to the Dana Point Yacht Club for friendship.”

Stella, in her 70s, of Newport Beach, said, “Years ago, a man I met from Czechoslovakia told me: ‘Loneliness is an emotion. It can be overcome. You don’t have to be lonely. Do something else. Distract yourself. Pick up the phone, take a walk, sing! Don’t choose loneliness.’”

In April, Stella left loneliness behind when she walked the famous El Camino Santiago de Compostela trail, which crosses northern Spain. She met many interesting people from all over the world.

Sandy Watts, in her late 60s, from

Sonoma County, lives alone in a small uninsulated cottage surrounded by grapevines.

She said, “The ‘disadvantage’ of being at peace with being alone is that I sometimes like my own company more than the prospect of dating.’ I try to find mixed groups where I can get to know people of all ages and backgrounds naturally.

When I’ve attended functions and singles’ dances alone, I’ve pretended that someone was meeting me there. Standing alone is the first challenge. ut, then it is good to ‘get over oneself’ – and think of the others, who are likely as uncomfortable as I. Learn about others, ask questions, invite someone to get a drink, or food, or whatever. Sort of like finding one’s own ‘Cheers Bar.’”

Cliff Gross, 65, a widower, of Laguna Hills, has a unique way of dealing with loneliness. Cliff is the volunteer commissioner of a 12-team NFL fantasy football league to which I belong. Most team owners have been in Cliff’s league for 25 years; we are all close friends.

Cliff hosts a pre-draft meeting, the actual 14-round draft and the post season banquet at his home. From early September to the Super Bowl, he is in contact

with the 11 other teams by email at least twice a week and often by telephone as well. On Sundays, team members can gather at his home to watch NFL games.

During the off-season, he organizes frequent “beach parties” at Hole-In-The Fence in Capistrano Beach for team members and their significant others. He organizes camping trips to the Sierras. And, almost every Friday afternoon, he and five or six of us play bocce ball at Doheny Beach.

“This is my passion,” Cliff said. “Our league members are the greatest group of guys on the planet. With them in my life, I don’t have time to be lonely.”

The Cigna survey also revealed: “Respondents who said they have more in-person social interaction on a daily basis reported being less lonely.”

That theory is reinforced by the comments from the single seniors included here. Frequent contact with friends and acquaintances is a critical step toward combatting loneliness. •

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com.

By May Yacoob, Ph.D.

For more than a decade I have watched yoga studios open and close. I have also encountered seniors who have told me they’ve hurt themselves at yoga or how they felt that yoga was for the young and athletic.

As a mature practitioner, I can vouch for the fact that yoga is much more than standing on your head or doing numerous repetitions of ‘up dog’ and ‘down dog.’

Recent studies have demonstrated that yoga helps with back pain and other health challenges such as heart disease, insomnia and arthritis. A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that yoga classes for the boomer-age group can be as safe and as effective as physical therapy in easing chronic pain.

As a result, more and more people of all ages are turning to yoga to enhance their health. For those new to the practice, however, it is essential to recognize that yoga classes vary widely in style— from vigorous and athletic to relaxing and restorative—and in substance—from “yoga flavored” exercise to “meditation in motion.”

Over the past 15 years, I’ve trained in numerous styles and philosophies of yoga, as well as how to teach yoga to more mature groups, specifically, to boomer-age students. One of the classes I lead—Yoga for Boomers—is hosted at St. Andrews by-the-Sea on Calle Frontera in San Clemente.

Yoga for Boomers

Strategies for a safe, effective practice

Even yoga instructors who are ade uately trained to teach able and fit students typically have a limited understanding of the important safety considerations that are vital when working with older adults. In an article about back pain, Robert Saper, a physician and director of Integrative Medicine at Boston Medical Center, noted on National Public

Radio, that the practice of yoga has to be adapted to the audience practicing it and must include breathing and relaxation.

To find the appropriate class and instructor for seniors, here are a few tips to consider:

• Talk to your care provider: This is particularly important if you have a serious health condition, so get guidance about

any specific movement precautions. or example, people with glaucoma may be advised to avoid head-down positions which increase pressure in the eye. Recognize, however, that many physicians don’t know much about yoga and might assume that you are planning to stand on your head. Be sure to let your physician know that you are interested in starting with a gentle class consisting of simple movements, stretches and breathing practice.

• Find a well-trained and experienced yoga teacher: Don’t be shy; ask your prospective instructors how long they have taught yoga and whether they have any training in working with special populations such as older adults or people with health challenges.

• Consider beginning with some individual sessions: Work one-on-one with a ualified yoga instructor who will tailor a practice specifically designed to address your health goals.

• Be sure to share with your instructor any new health issues that crop up. A good instructor will consult a physician to find out exactly what a diagnosis means and how it affects the practitioner’s yoga practice. •

May Yacoob, Ph.D., is a yoga instructor in San Clemente and is a professor of health sciences at Chapman University. She is currently teaching a course in health and aging. Dr. Yacoob can be reached at www.drmayyacoob.com. Yoga for Boomers is held every Tuesday and Friday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews by-the-Sea, located at 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

Photo: Eric Heinz

GETTING OUT SC

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

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.

Thursday | 24

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE: THE POSIES

8 p.m. The Posies, with 30 years of playing classic alternative/indie anthems such as “Dream All Day,” “Solar Sister,” “Coming Right Along,” and more, is coming to The Coach House on May 24. Terra Lightfoot, an alternative rock performance, and Michael Ubaldini, will be opening for The Posies. Admission is $20 and the doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

Friday | 25

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S

7 p.m. Music is performed Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 555 N. El Camino Real. 949.291.4859. www.ivalees.com.

Saturday | 26

POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL AND LUAU FEAST

10 a.m.-10 p.m. The Hawaiian Surf Club of San Onofre will host its annual festival and feast, featuring a sidewalk sale, traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian activities, performances and food. The festival is free to attend, and tickets for the dinner are $27 at the door, $25 in advance and $15 for ages 12 and younger. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. 714.396.0475. www.hawaiiansurfclub.org.

SIDEWALK SALE AT THE OUTLETS

Outlet stores will offer savings of up to 75 percent off all Memorial Day Weekend long from more than 55 designer brands. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, Outlets at San Clemente. www.shoposc.com/events.

Sunday | 27

YOGA ON TAP

11 a.m. Yoga on Tap is held at Left Coast’s

FRIDAY, MAY 25: LAUGHS FOR LIFE COMEDY NIGHT

8 p.m. Laughs for Life Comedy Night, hosted by comedian Jim Taylor, is bringing laughs to The Coach House for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This fun and hilarious event features comedians Tony Calabrese, Vince Harper and Richard Daryl Osborn. Ticket purchases are open seating, with a two-item food or drink minimum. Ticket sales will benefit the Orange County Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Tickets are $25 and the doors open at 6 p.m. The event is for 18 years and older. For more information or to make a reservation, call 949.496.8930 or visit www. thecoachhouse.com for more details. Tickets can be purchased at www.afsp.org/laughsforlifeoc. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

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.

Monday | 28

BINGO AT GOODY’S TAVERN

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 | 29

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 Hwy., Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 30

FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR

8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY AT SAN CLEMENTE GYM

1-4 p.m. Thousands of people throughout the U.S. will participate in the day to promote keeping older Americans healthy and fit. There will be special guests for seniors on fitness and nutrition, free food and drinks and more. San Clemente Gym, 123 S. El Camino Real. 949.324.8162. www. sanclementegym.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS

9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

At the Movies: ‘Let the Sunshine In’ Casts Shadows

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

On a weekend where every woman older than 50 went with their best girlfriends or sister to see the campy Book Club, French film legend Claire Denis’ newest movie, Let the Sunshine In, is still tugging along in theaters. Like with Book Club, the movie Sunshine centers on a female lead over a certain age. Except that unlike the mainstream female ensemble comedy, Denis’ film is more existential and basically a midlife crisis theme with fellow French film legend Juliette Binoche.

In modern Paris, Isabelle (Binoche) is 55 years old, divorced, having casual sex with multiple lovers, not really enjoying it, wants to be in love again, but doesn’t know how to instigate romance without sex. One of her lovers is a married man, a rude banker named Vincent (Xavier Beauvois); another is a 30-year-old pretentious stage actor (Nicolas Duvauchelle); and the third is a mysterious stranger she meets on a vacation (Paul Blain). Let the Sunshine In is loosely based on Roland Barthes’ 1977 book Fragments: A Lover’s Discourse. In an industry that’s given us dozens of features like The Seven Year Itch (1955) or Chloe in the Afternoon (1972) where we see married men have crises over the fact that they still feel attracted to other women, it’s nice to see an older woman experience the same dilemma. But the problem is Isabelle isn’t a particularly likable person, and by the end of the film, we barely care about the outcome of her meltdown. Binoche is great, as she usually is, being one of the best actresses of her generation. Other than that, this is a lesser effort from Denis. SC

Photo: Courtesy of Jim Taylor

Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Selects

SC LIVING SC

Tom’s Friend Intends To Be the Caregiver for His Mother

ften, as seniors age, a new and unexpected challenge can arise: caregiving. It could be for a spouse, significant other, sibling or an elderly parent.

Last week, Mick, a friend of mine for 43 years, emailed asking for advice. Mick and I worked together at the Victoria Station restaurant chain in the 1970s.

Mick wrote, “This winter, Emma, my 90-year-old mother, tripped and fell in the chicken house at her farm in West Bend, Wisconsin and suffered a concussion. That fall—and one too many cold winters—finally changed her mind about living alone. She has decided to take me up on my longstanding offer to move to Texas to be near me.

I decided my mother deserved a better fate than to be parked in an institutional setting. I bought a house that is big enough and has the right floor plan to permit us to be housemates, but we still have a healthy measure of separation and privacy. There is enough room to permit live-in help. I am apprehensive. She and I are fiercely independent and have each lived alone for many years. But, we have committed to give this a try.

I have a new, wonderful lady named Mary Ann, age 61, in my life who lives a short drive away. So, I will get time away from Emma. Mary Ann is totally on board with Emma moving in with me. The challenges to this arrangement are obvious. My immediate concerns are:

1. Her loneliness. Emma will be leaving behind her social network and initially will be totally dependent on me for conversation and emotional support. How do I help her develop a cadre of new buddies here to ease that burden?

2. Her isolation. My mother has agreed to give up her car and will not be driving, but I want her to get out and enjoy all that this area has to offer. Which transportation alternatives are safe and reliable?

3. My sadness. I think of my mother as a strong, vibrant woman with a bit of a temper and a lot of spunk. She still shovels snow and chops her own firewood. But as she ages, she is beginning to show signs of frailty and loss of cognitive skills. This week, she walked into a glass partition at her Wisconsin bank, fell and severely broke her leg. Fortunately, no hip replacement is needed, but she will have a rod and screws installed to put her femur back together. How do I prepare myself to be strong but remain considerate and loving?”

I asked my eNewsletter subscribers for their opinions. Six responses follow: Joyce emailed, “I am 81 and still work as

a ‘caregiver/companion’ to clients over 90. I take them shopping, to doctor and dentist appointments; sometimes I shop for them.”

Arlene, “I think Mick is setting himself up for major stress by having his mom live by him. Care facilities are equipped to handle frail, elderly people. The strain on one’s health takes its toll on caregivers. I’ve seen it many times. Although an admirable endeavor, I think he needs to rethink his choices.”

Susan, “Mick may need some logistical and emotional support. It sounds like his new partner, Mary Ann, can offer some of that. He may also need to contact a caregiver support agency that can advise him.”

Joanie, “Mick can hire someone to come in two or three days a week to be a companion and to take her shopping. He is a good son!”

Kaitte, “With Emma’s recent fall, everything could change for Mick. He could hire a live-in for her in Wisconsin. Maybe a family member, even a grandchild? Or, a church friend?

Having been a caretaker, I know it’s best to keep the elderly in their own home if possible.”

Julie wrote, “Some public transportation systems provide door-to-door service for the elderly at a very reasonable price.”

TOM’S COMMENT TO MICK

It will be interesting to hear if Emma’s recent fall will affect your decision of having her move from another state to be with you. She will likely be in a wheelchair or walker for a couple of months or more, which will add a strain on you and will complicate her getting out and making friends. Try to keep in mind the importance of you maintaining your health so you can focus on hers. Knowing you, you will handle the situation with grace and dignity.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. SC

FROM THE ARCHIVES Boats used to be permitted around the San Clemente Pier. Many people would frequent the iconic structure with their vessels and fishing material, as seen in this photo from sometime in the 1950s.

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.

Pet of the Week: Delilah

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Looking for a mild-mannered kitty who can appreciate lap time and a good cuddle? Pretty little Delilah may be just the cat for you. She is a quiet, four year old calico ready to start her next chapter in life. Delilah is declawed in the front and back claws and would do best as the only pet in the household. If you would like to know more about Delilah, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

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

Courtesy of Orange County Archive, Flickr

Delilah. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only 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

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

your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

CUSTOM AREA RUGS

You pick style, color and size. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. We sell tile too! Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets: 949.240.1545.

GARAGE SALE SAT., MAY 26 8 am to 1 pm. 4436 Mar Escarpa,

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

PICTURE FRAMER

Mat cutting, picture fitting. Must be good at addition and measuring, clean in your work. Cortador de mats. Ensamblador de cuadros para posters. Que conosca medidas del metro, que sea limpo en trajabo. Part Time or Full Time available. Medio tiempo complete. Available hours Monday-Friday between 7:00am5:00pm. $12.00+bonus (depending on experience). 949-388-8403

SHORECLIFFS BEACH CLUB MANAGER

The San Clemente Shorecliffs Beach Club (“SBC”) is seeking a new manager for its beach club. Shorecliffs is a residential community in north San Clemente and the community has a private beach club located on the beach known as “Poche.” The SBC season begins each year on Memorial Day. The club is open daily from the last day of the CUSD school year through Labor Day. The club is also open on Friday and Saturday nights through October. The ideal candidate will have prior managerial, recreational and general maintenance experience with an energetic and self-starter attitude. The Beach Club Manager must be flexible and available for last-minute requests and willing to work unpredictable hours. The Beach Club Manager reports directly to the SBC Board of Directors and interacts with all members. The position is part-time during the offseason and full-time in the summer. Compensation for this position is a blend of a set monthly salary plus an hourly rate. Additionally, the Beach Club Manager is compensated for each private party. Salary and hourly rates to be determined based on experience. If interested, please submit a resume to Kurt Luebke at kurtinsanc@aol.com.

HOUSEKEEPERS FT/PT

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.

HOUSEKEEPING RUNNERS

FRONT DESK CLERKS FT/PT

RESERVATION AGENTS PT Apply in person. Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr Dana Point, Ca, 949-496-1203

SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC

SanClemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

On the Wall

Brad Parks, Brian de la Puente inducted as 21st and 22nd members of the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame

BY ERIC HEINZ AND ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

heelchair tennis pioneer Brad Parks and former NFL lineman Brian de la Puente were inducted into the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame in a ceremony at the Vista Hermosa Aquatics Center on Saturday, May 19.

Parks and de la Puente were chosen as the Wall’s 21st and 22nd inductees by the Friends of San Clemente Foundation in coordination with the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame Committee for their unique athletic achievements.

John Dorey, a commissioner on the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission, emceed the event.

Parks petitioned for wheelchair tennis to become an accepted sport. He started the sport following a skiing accident that left him paralyzed in a time when the Americans with Disabilities Act was decades from being established.

After experimenting with tennis for therapy, Parks created the wheelchair sport in 1976. With the first wheelchair tennis tournaments held in 1977, Parks founded the National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis as the sport’s organizing body.

Parks is a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and won 13 total US Open singles and doubles titles and gold in the Paralympics.

He was joined by his family during the event.

“We feel very blessed to be part of this community,” Parks said. “My parents… got me into wheelchair tennis and really encouraged me. The family activities here in San Clemente are so special, and I’m so blessed to be a part of that.

“Looking up here (at the Wall of Fame), it’s pretty neat. I’m very honored and I appreciate this honor.”

Parks mentioned people giving acceptance speeches where they thank their team, but he said when he was playing tennis, the team he had behind him was his family and his wife, who encouraged him to move to San Clemente in the first place.

De la Puente went through an agonizing process of uncertainty during his

time in the NFL. He bounced around teams for years on the practice squad and back ranks until finding a starting position, ultimately achieving some success in the playoffs.

“I was cut that many times?” de la Puente jested after Dorey finished describing his career.

After graduating from San Clemente and the University of California, Berkeley, de la Puente embarked on a nine-year NFL career.

His greatest success came during four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. De la Puente blocked for a record-setting

passing yard season for Drew Brees and earned the 2011 award as part of the NFL’s best offensive line. He also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins.

He retired at age 30 to raise a family and become a firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father. De la Puente’s children were in attendance to see him receive the award.

“San Clemente is truly a special place, and it’s an honor to stand in front of your

guys,” de la Puente said. “I didn’t really know what a special place this was at the time. You don’t really realize it until you have kids of your own. I looked up to these guys (on the Wall of Fame). Hopefully I, too, can serve as an example that with a little hard work and some perseverance, you can achieve your dreams. Thank you guys for coming, this is a pretty cool deal.”

The San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame was founded in 2013.

All 22 honorees’ names can be found on poolside tiles at the Vista Hermosa Aquatics Center. SC

Former NFL lineman Brian de la Puente (top photo, left) and wheelchair tennis pioneer Brad Parks were inducted into the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame in a ceremony at the Vista Hermosa Aquatics Center on Saturday, May 19. Parks and de la Puente were chosen as the Wall’s 21st and 22nd inductees by the Friends of San Clemente Foundation in coordination with the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame Committee for their unique athletic achievements. Photos: Eric Heinz

Triton Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Triton programs throughout the playoffs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Pak Runner-Up in Playoff at CIF-SS Individuals

Junior golfer Alex Pak continued his stellar postseason run by picking up the runner-up plaque after a three-hole playoff in the CIF-SS Individual Championships on Thursday, May 17 at Rancho San Marcos Golf Course in Santa Barbara.

Pak finished his round in a three-way tie for first place with a four-under-par 67 and dueled with a pair of Palm Desert golfers in the playoff.

Pak birdied the first two holes but posted a triple bogey on the third hole to finish two shots behind the champion.

Pak qualified for the SCGA Regional State Qualifier on Thursday, May 24 at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena. If Pak finishes as one of the top nine individuals

Shippy Qualifies for CIF-SS Track Masters

Senior sprinter and jumper Jack Shippy extended his postseason by qualifying for the CIF-SS Masters with his marks at the CIF-SS Division 1 Finals on Saturday, May 19 at El Camino College in Torrance.

Shippy took fifth place in both the 100-meter and long jump. He posted a personal record in the 100 at 10.82 seconds and a season best in the long jump at 21 feet, 11 inches.

The Masters meet is on Saturday, May 26 at El Camino College.

Burick, Monier named First-Team All-League

Senior opposite Kyle Burick and junior outside hitter Marc Monier were named to the First-Team All-South Coast League volleyball team as announced at the team’s banquet on Monday, May 21.

Sophomore Wolf Beeuwsaert and senior Connor Mateer were given the team’s Coaches Awards, and junior Cole McDaniel and Monier were named the team’s Tritons of the Year.

hasn’t even given it a thought going into next year.

“I’m definitely coming back,” Goldstone said. “We made so many strides. We’ve invested a lot of time and effort getting these guys ready. Excited to see how this group continues on.”

Five Named First-Team All-League Lacrosse

Senior Branden Wilson and juniors Liam Nelson, Jake Brannon, Nick Amico and Dylan Hartanov were all named First-Team All-League for the Triton lacrosse team. Wilson, Nelson and Brannon were all named Second-Team All-County, and Nelson and Brannon also were named Academic All-Americans.

Triton Alum Advances to NCAA Lacrosse Final Four

Albany defenseman Stone Sims, San Clemente class of 2014, and the Great Danes advanced to the NCAA Championship Weekend for the first time in school history.

that don’t qualify with their team, he would advance to the CIF State Championship on Wednesday, May 30 at San Gabriel Country Club in San Gabriel.

San Clemente coach Ken Goldstone had considered retiring from his long coaching career after last season, but he saw a lot of promise in this year’s group. That promise paid off in spades, and Goldstone

Albany defeated the University of Denver, 15-13, in the quarterfinals on Saturday, May 19. Sims scooped up two groundballs in the win.

Albany squares off with Yale in the semifinals on Saturday, May 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

San Clemente junior Alex Pak accepts his CIF-SS runner-up plaque after the CIF-SS Individual Championships on Thursday, May 17. Pak shot a four-under-par 67. Photo: Courtesy

SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Pray for Surf

Pope Francis I, Kelly Slater, the Gudauskas brothers and some stoked kids in Mozambique

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Pope Francis I doesn’t really seem like the kind of guy you’d catch rocking an aloha shirt, but apparently he’s as stoked as anyone, even as much as the Gudauskas brothers.

The Pope of the Catholic Church and the Popes of Stoke may appear a bit random, but the world works in mysterious ways.

Earlier this year, as part of their wildly successful surfboard drive, San Clemente-based brothers Dane, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas’ Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation delivered 700-plus surfboards to South Africa. They were distributed to a couple of aid organizations that work with disenfranchised children throughout Africa.

One of the groups they partnered with was a South African organization called Surfers Not Street Children (SNSC). Founded by an Englishman named Tom Hewitt, the program recently expanded operations into Mozambique. Working to not just provide surfing instruction, but more importantly counselling, schooling and mentorships along the coast of eastern Africa, this month SNSC launched the Tofo Surf Club. But they didn’t exactly do it alone.

Perhaps it was the help of divine inter-

AIDAN SAUTNER

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

As summer approaches, we take a look at one of the up-and-comers to the high school stage.

“I look up to my dad who taught me how to surf and teaches me to always stay positive,” said Aidan Sautner. “I am thankful for my surf coach/teacher, Señor Hennings, who always has a great attitude about surfing and allowed me to surf for my school over the past few years.”

After a good run, the 14-year-old and eighth-grader at Shorecliffs Middle School, will soon be en route to high school.

“I hope to longboard for the surf

vention that Pope Francis got wind of what Hewitt and company have been up to and wanted to lend his mighty support. Apparently, one of the Pope’s advisers had seen Kelly Slater in the surf film Continuance 2. While nursing a broken foot at J-Bay, Slater, a supporter of SNSC, testified to the remarkable work they do in getting kids off the street in South Africa and providing their lives with direction.

After hearing about the project and seeing its profound effect, the Pope was elated, as Dane might say. Through his foundation, Scholas Occurrentes, the Vatican was able to link up with SNSC and support their initiatives in Mozambique.

“Pope Francis is known for his love of social justice but also loves the idea of surfing!” reads the SNSC Instagram post.

team at San Clemente High School next year, and I hope to continue surfing competitively over the next few years as I get ready to go to college,” he said. “Of course, I hope to surf for fun the rest of my life.”

Holding the Scholastic Surf Series state title for middle school longboarding and the NSSA state title for middle school longboarding, Sautner can cross-step with the best of them.

“My friends inspire me to keep surfing better,” he says. “As far as the pros go, I enjoy how well Taylor Jensen and Corey Colapinto ride a longboard.”

All the competitive success aside, at the end of the day, Sautner’s stoked just to be a surfer.

“My favorite thing about surfing is being outside with nature, all the new ways you can ride waves based on the different boards you ride, and all the interesting places surfing takes me,” he said. SC

This week, the Tofo Surf Club celebrated its grand opening, and Pope Francis beamed in live from Rome.

“He basically chatted about what we are doing, and he gave a blessing over the live link up,” said Hewitt. “It’s not your usual surf story.”

The boards for the Tofo Surf Club were provided by the Positive Vibe Warrior (PVW) surfboard drive that the Gudauskas brothers supplied to SNSC. It’s remarkable to consider that all the boards that were pulled out of the back of garages and rafters have traveled halfway around the world and are not only enjoying a second life via a stoked kid in Mozambique or South Africa, but they have also captured the imagination and blessings of the Pope.

“Check the PVW board and sticker in

the middle of it all!” laughed Hewitt.

“I’m pretty much speechless,” replied Dane.

“Are you kidding me? That’s the sickest thing of all time,” agreed his brother Pat, who was home for a brief 24 hours between a flight home from Brazil and another out to Indonesia for the next leg of the WSL Championship Tour.

To each their own when it comes to faith. What’s undeniable is the fact that the miracle of wave riding has touched the highest seat in a major worldwide religion—all because a few surfers from Orange County did their part and paid it forward. It just shows to go that even the littlest ripple can turn into a massive set of waves if the energy’s moving in the right direction. SC

Water Temperature: 60-64 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair

Thursday: Nice size SSW swell provides shoulder high to overhead (4-6’) surf at good spots while standouts seeing sets go a couple feet (7’) overhead, especially in the morning. Small NW swell mixes in the background. Calm to light onshore winds in the morning, becoming light West in the afternoon.

Outlook: Slow fading SSW swell Friday and this weekend, although surf remains fun size. Small NW swell continues to blend in. Winds lightest in the mornings, ranging from calm to light onshore. Small to modest mix of swells due next week. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Pope Francis blesses the opening celebration of the Tofo Surf Club in Mozambique via live web video. The surfboards for the club came from the Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation’s board drive earlier in the year. Photo: Tom Hewitt

Aidan Sautner displays a little of that old-school matador style. Photo: Todd Sautner