August 9, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

August 9-15, 2018

YO U

C A N

U S E

Check Out Our Annual Inside/Outside Home Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 13, ISSUE 32

What’s in a Name? ‘204’ The meanings behind certain railroad markers in San Clemente S C L I V I N G / PAG E 2 5

The milepost 204 has more meaning to it than just a benchmark. It also helps for emergency situations and has some history behind it.

Photo: Fred Swegles

Social Media Wars: Local Filmmaker Creates Response to Bullying EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival to Celebrate 65th Year SC LIVING/PAGE 12

www.sanclementetimes.com

So Close: San Clementeans Fare Well at Vans U.S. Open of Surf SC SURF/PAGE 34

GO TO SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Social Media Wars: Local Filmmaker Fires Back at ‘Trolls’ Attacking ‘Star Wars’ Cast, Crew THE LATEST: Kelly Marie Tran, the actor who played Rose Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, deleted all the content on her Instagram on June 3 after receiving incessant bullying and racist comments on the social media platform.

Tran’s page is currently blank except for her bio, which reads “Afraid, but doing it anyway,” and there’s an emoji of a lion.

She’s not the only one who’s taken heat for the latest installment in one of the most popular movie franchises in history. Rian Johnson, director of The Last Jedi, says he has had death threats sent to him.

Some Star Wars fans are notoriously loyal to the integrity of the original story and where the next chapters take the story. One group, called Remake The Last Jedi or @RMTheLastJedi on Twitter, claims it will remake the entire film and that it has raised millions of dollars to make it happen.

Then there are critics of Johnson’s film who take it too far, lashing out with what can be characterized as xenophobia at best and blatant, extreme racism and threats of violence at worst.

Dana James Jones is a 28-year-old filmmaker and producer from San Clemente currently living and working in Los Angeles. Rian Johnson is also a San Clemente High School alumnus. Jones and his uncle, Dominic Flores, were fed up with all the attacks that were happening against the film’s cast and crew and wanted to do something about it.

“Really, why we wanted to do this parody is because I think we were tired of people taking it (Star Wars) so seriously,” Jones said in an Aug. 4 interview with the San Clemente Times.

Jones and his uncle released a 15-minute and 23-second short film, Star Wars: Revenge of the Incels, on YouTube on Thursday, Aug. 2. It’s a multilayered parody of Johnson’s film Brick, which was shot in San Clemente and released in 2005.

Revenge of the Incels (a name that parodies Revenge of the Sith) recreates scenes, frame-by-frame, from Brick but alters the script to highlight the real-life people behind Star Wars. In Incels, Rian Johnson San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

Students from San Onofre Elementary School were treated to new backpacks with school supplies, donated by the Saddleback Church military ministry program on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Photo: Eric Heinz

(played by Evan Brown), finds Kelly Marie Tran (Devyn Sundly) dead and her Instagram account is has been wiped, as it is now. He then sets off down the same path as Brick but in the mock storyline of the Star Wars ilk. The entire short film is shot in San Clemente.

“If you’ve seen Brick, I think you’ll watch (Incels) drastically different because we essentially created shots from the film at the same locations; there are only two places we didn’t go, and they’re interior,” Jones said.

The ending also deserves some explanation for the untrained eye. Incels concludes with Daisy Ridley (Katelyn Crowley), the actress who plays the main character Rey in The Last Jedi, confessing to be the culprit behind Tran’s demise.

Jones said he wasn’t trying to say Ridley was responsible in any way for Tran’s victimization in reality, that’s just how Brick ended, with the character seemingly least likely to be at fault coming forward.

Flores has a cameo in the film as a hipster indie director. All of the actors in Incels are students at his school, ActorsEdge OC in Laguna Niguel, and he’s an actor as well. Flores is a graduate of Dana Hills High School.

J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: First Order and who will direct the ninth installment in the serial storyline, is aptly portrayed by young actor Adair Boehme.

The score to Brick is copyrighted, so Jones and crew put together their own

version that sounds similar with distinct differences.

WHAT’ NEXT: As of Aug. 4, the short film had about 23,000 views, 500 up-votes and 200 down-votes on YouTube.

However, only one person’s take on it mattered to Jones, and Rian Johnson has already given the thumbs up, or “like,” on Twitter.

“I hope that Kelly Marie Tran sees our film, but there’s no way of knowing, but we already achieved our goal that Rian saw it,” Jones said. “I don’t care what people who are targeting (Star Wars’ cast and crew) think about it. I watched a reaction video from a guy who hates The Last Jedi and even he was laughing about it.

And sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.” —Eric Heinz

Children at San Onofre School Pick Up Donated Supplies for New Year THE LATEST: Students at San Onofre Elementary School (SOS) on Camp Pendleton were treated to a new backpack full of school supplies on Tuesday, Aug. 7, donated by the Saddleback Church military ministry.

SOS is part of the Fallbrook Union School Elementary School District and exclusively serves the children of parents

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stationed at Camp Pendleton, although it offers education for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. The school matriculates into San Clemente High School.

About 400 backpacks were available for the students who varied in age and a backpack decorating party was hosted.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first day of school for SOS students is Monday, Aug. 13. —EH

Man to be Arraigned for Stabbing of Three Marines in San Clemente Early Aug. 4 Morning THE LATEST: At about 1 a.m. on Saturday morning, Aug. 4, three members of the U.S. Marines were stabbed in an altercation in San Clemente. None of the Marines received life-threatening injuries, but all three Marines were taken to a hospital and treated for their injuries.

The incident occurred on the 200 block of El Camino Real near a collection of late-night establishments. Lt. Mike Peters, the San Clemente Police Services chief, said there was an initial altercation that had been resolved, but a suspect and the Marines were in a second altercation when the stabbing occurred in a parking lot.

(Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) public information officer Jaimee Blashaw said the altercation involved two men and a woman who were arguing with the three Marines. A 24-year-old man allegedly stabbed the three Marines, and all three of the alleged offenders were taken into custody.

WHAT’S NEXT: Alexis Moreno Aguirre, 24, of Dana Point was arrested for the stabbing by OCSD under the suspicion of attempted murder. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, Aug. 7, for three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with three sentence enhancements of causing “great bodily harm.” His plea was not readily available as of 5 p.m. on Aug. 7. Additionally, no booking photo was provided because, Blashaw said, OCSD is still investigating the details of the incident.

Moreno Aguirre faces a maximum 14 years in state prison for the charges. His occupation was listed as “mercantile” and no bail amount was set, according to the OCSD “Who’s In Jail?” website.

The names of the Marines were not released, but the Marines were reported by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to be between 21 and 23 years old.

One marine received injuries to his abdomen and another had injuries to his throat.

Moreno Aguirre is also accused of fleeing the scene, after which witnesses called 911. OCSD investigated and arrested Moreno Aguirre at a hospital in Laguna Beach where he was being treated for his own injuries that were not specified in the DA press release. —EH

Crafting Tradition: San Clemente Art Association to Host 58th Arts and Crafts Fair THE LATEST: In 1960, San Clemente hosted its first annual Arts and Crafts Fair. While much has changed in the intervening decades, The San Clemente Art Association is proud to announce that the Arts and Crafts Fair is returning for the 58th year.

The event may be called the “Arts and Crafts Fair,” but casual passersby and diehard collectors alike will find so much more. All artwork must be handmade by the artists themselves (nothing manufactured or imported), but that’s about where the restrictions end. Vendors will display fine art, such as impressionist paintings

by San Clemente-based artist Kathleen Robison and work by Carlsbad-based photographer Roy Kerckhoffs, as well as specialized crafts, including metalwork

by Rick Hohmann and woodwork by J. Michael Evans.

The event offers plenty for all ages.

Food will be provided by the U.S. Marines, who will be barbequing burgers.

“There will be free painting events for kids, which will be lead by Mary Von Lortz Page 4

from Side Street Gallery,” said Sheila Shepherd, co-chair of the Arts and Crafts Fair. “We’re so excited to have her back, as she’s been doing this for over 17 years.”

Many vendors have also donated artwork that will be raffled throughout the two-day fair.

Additional pieces that will be raffled include donated art from local artists such as Clay Harris and Laurie Miller.

The raffle does more than give artists an opportunity to spotlight their work; the Arts and Crafts Fair serves as the major annual fundraiser for the San Clemente Art Association, a nonprofit organization whose “focus is to provide scholarships to San Clemente High School seniors and art supplies to local schools,” Sheila said. “The events and festivals we put on, especially the Arts and Crafts Fair, really make these scholarships and donations possible.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The Arts and Crafts Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug.19 at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville. With such a wide variety of artwork being displayed by nearly 100 vendors, every visitor is certain to find something that speaks directly to them. —Evan Gerdisch, For the San Clemente Times

City Council Deadline to File Nomination Papers is Friday, Aug. 10 THE LATEST: Thirteen candidates have expressed interest in running for San Clemente City Council this year, as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8.

The candidates who pulled nomination papers to circulate are Dan Bane, Don Brown, Wayne Eggleston, Laura Ferguson, Jackson Hinkle, Gene W. James, Tiffany Robson Leet, Brad Malamud, Mikii Rathmann, Jake Rybczyk, Ed Ward, incumbent City Councilmember Kathy Ward, and Bernie Wohlfarth.

There are three open seats this election.

WHAT’S NEXT: The deadline to file nomination papers with signatures is 5 p.m. on Aug. 10. Candidates must receive at least 20 signatures from residents of San Clemente nominating them for the position.

Additionally, the City Council voted 4-1 at a meeting on July 31 to sign and approve a ballot initiative that would increase the “hotel tax” (transient occupancy tax or TOT) from 10 percent to 12.5 percent of every hotel bill. This would bring in an estimated $570,000 to the city. The City Council approved the ballot measure to be submitted for the general election.

The same ballot initiative was proposed in 2016, but it would have increased the tax to 13 percent, and failed by just eight votes.

Another ballot initiative, submitted by residents, will be decided this year— whether to separate San Clemente into voting districts. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

President of American Opal Society to Speak at Aug. 15 SOCGEMS Meeting Pete Goetz, the president of the American Opal Society, will present a slide show and samples of opals from around the world at the monthly meeting of the South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (SOCGEMS), on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 7:15 pm, San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about this fascinating gem that was originally discovered in ancient times in Slovakia. In the 19th century major deposits were found in Australia, which was then the worlds largest source of opals. Today, Ethiopian opal production is competitive with Australian.

Goetz has been president of the American Opal Society for over ten years. He graduated from San Diego State University after studying structural geomorphology or the processes and interactions that form landscapes. After a career in retail, he returned to his earth science passion and taught physical science, earth science and astronomy in the Anaheim School District for 22 years.

Meetings of SOCGEMS are held the third Wednesday of the month, 7:15 p.m. in the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente (next door to the library). Guests are welcome at no charge.

For more information visit www.socgems.com or on www.facebook.com/socgems to receive information on upcoming programs. The 56-year-old nonprofit club serves the entire South Orange County community.

San Clemente Jr. Lifeguards to Host Shaun Tomson on Aug. 18 Join the San Clemente Lifeguard and Jr. Guard Foundation and Surfing Heritage for a special evening with Shaun Tomson as he talks about the influence of positive values on success in life based on his own experiences of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, in and out of the surf. An attitude of Commitment and Positivity is the basis for his unique empowering philosophy based on his book “The Code” Under 18 are free; parents, family and supporters over 18 are $5. Doors open at 4 p.m. The Program begins at 5:30 p.m.

Attendance is limited to 200.

Participants under 18 receive a copy of “The Code” free.

Youth are free, parents and supporters San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY 6:30 p.m. The San Clemente Rotary Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

OC Tavern Grill And Sports Bar, 2369 S El Camino Real. www.sanclementerotary.org.

Pete Goetz will speak about opals from around the world at a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the San Clemente Community Center. Photo: Courtesy of SOCGEMS

over 18 are $5, pizza and drinks will be available for purchase onsite. Registration is filling up, but can handle more, especially groms and their families. For planning purposes, organizers are asking everyone to pre-register at www.shacc.org.

Consolidated Contracting Services Receives Department of Defense Award California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, recently announced Joseph Troya and Anthony EliasCalles as recipients of the ESGR Above and Beyond Award in recognition of the extraordinary support of Consolidated Contracting Services, a San Clemente firm, whose employees serve in the National Guard and Army Reserve.

ESGR seeks to foster a culture where all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States, according to a press release.

Holy Fire Causes Moderate Air Quality Concerns for San Clemente, Forecast Clearing Up The Holy Fire had charred 4,129 acres in the Cleveland National Forest by Wednesday, Aug. 8, and was 5 percent contained, according to fire officials.

The blaze, reported about 1:17 p.m. on Aug. 6, began in the area of Holy Jim Canyon and Trabuco Creek roads before consuming thousands of acres on the border of Orange and Riverside counties before nightfall.

The fire was burning rapidly earlier in the day but was burning at a moderate rate of spread later in the evening, according to fire officials.

The fire had already injured two firefighters, damaged one structure and prompted the evacuation of residences.

Holy Jim Canyon, the Trabuco Canyon recreational cabins and all Trabuco Ranger District campgrounds were placed under evacuation order.

Several roads in the area were also closed, including Trabuco Creek Road, Maple Springs Truck Trail, North Main Divide, Bedford Road and Indian Truck Trail.

The American Red Cross set up an evacuation center at the Rancho Santa Margarita Bell Tower at 22232 El Paseo as well as at San Juan Hills High School, 29211 Stallion Ridge, for people affected by the fire.

San Clemente High School Graduate Helps Open In-Hospital Birth Center Dr. Ken James and midwife (CNM) Allison Molinski, a San Clemente High graduate from Laguna Beach, OBGYN, recently helped launch the first in-hospital birth center in Orange County at Mission Hospital. James, the acting director of midwifery, and Allison Molinski have a collaborative doctor/midwife practice and were asked to help open the new birthing suites at Mission Hospital.

The new private midwifery suites have queen-size beds and spacious laboring tubs to help provide the ultimate personalized birth experience. The suites are staffed by midwives and nurses and focus on physiologic birth.

More information can be found at www. mission4health.com/our-services/thebirth-center.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

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SC EXCHANGE CLUB MEETING Noon. San Clemente Exchange Club meets on most Thursdays at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.412.6301. www.exchangeclubsc.org TUESDAY, AUGUST 14

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.

VFW POST 7142 MEETING 7 p.m. San Clemente VFW Post 7142 meets the second Wednesday of the month at the San Clemente Elks Lodge, located at 1505 N. El Camino Real. www.vfw7142.com.

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meets every Tuesday.

Because I Love You (BILY) helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church.

119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15

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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: View from the Pier by Herman Sillas

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

ART/DESIGN

City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz

Art Director > Jasmine Smith

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

OPERATIONS

Columnist > Fred Swegles Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ADVERTISING/ MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Tim Trent Jake Howard

How We ‘Linked’ Solid Journalism Together

C

harlie Ericksen had been a copy boy at a newspaper in Los Angeles.

He joined the Army and was sent to Korea and Japan. He also wrote for the Army. When he got out of the service, he went back to the Los Angeles Mirror afternoon tabloid and wrote ghosts columns for its reporters. He then went to Mexico to write an American novel, but it didn’t work out. He fell in love with and married Tana, a young Mexican woman and later he returned to Los Angeles with his wife and their two children.

Charlie again returned to the Mirror newspaper and ghost-wrote for columnist Paul Coates for about three years. That is when I met Charlie and liked him. He was then hired and began writing various reports for the U.S. Civil Rights Commission for the Western Office in Los Angeles. I was a member of the California State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Charlie wrote our reports and I marveled at his work.

I was appointed the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles by Gov. Jerry Brown and I called Charlie to help me because l loved his writing. He came and brought his family from Washington, D.C. We had three great years together. I was offered another job and left.

At that point, Charlie and his wife Tana made history. They returned to Washington D.C. and started the Hispanic Link News Service. Having been in the media world most of his adult life, Charlie was

Letters to the Editor

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San Clemente Times August 9–15, 2018

at any other locations. They were subsequently hired by newspapers throughout the United States. Two of Charlie and Tana’s sons went to work at the Link as well.

Students remained in contact with Charlie long after they were hired by newspapers of this nation. The hiring newspapers realized the valuable experience that these employees had gotten from their time spent at the Hispanic Link.

Tana passed away and Charlie has now retired, but his former employees now get their pay from newspapers throughout this country. Charlie closed the Hispanic Link and returned to California to be with his children. I have attended functions where Charlie has been presented a certificate of appreciation from schools and professional writer organizations for his effort in preparing Hispanic news writers. I’m sure we all have come across things we think should be changed, but do nothing about it. I am grateful to know a person who did bring about change in this world we occupy.

That’s the view from the Pier.

Herman Sillas is an artist, writer and formally the United States Attorney of the Eastern District of California. He may be reached at sillas@aol.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

“241 Toll Road because you ‘don’t get involved in politics’ or ‘it will never happen,’ it is time to reconsider. ” If you’re not outraged by the future extension of the

TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE TOLL ROADS JENNIFER NICHOLSON GELLER, San Clemente

San Clemente Times, Vol. 13, Issue 32. 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.

aware that Mexican-American reporters were not numerous in the English media world, and he and Tana wanted to change that. Mexican-Americans had increased in population but not in the newspaper business and no one was covering the issues that were relevant to Hispanics.

Charlie contacted newspapers and said the Hispanic Link would provide three articles a week written by Mexican-Americans on their issues to help reach the newspapers of Latino readers. Newspapers agreed to pay Hispanic Link for the articles and MexicanAmerican writers were eager to have their views and work available to the rest of the world.

Hispanic Link then hired Mexican-American students to come work THE VIEW for them. They were sent FROM THE PIER to press conferences

By Herman Sillas held in Washington D.C. by politician office holders and officials.

The students attended the press conferences and learned from Charlie how to ask questions. The students came back to the Hispanic Link office and wrote stories of the press conferences. Some of those stories were sent to the newspapers who had signed up for three articles provided

by Hispanic Link. The students stayed at Hispanic Link working at various lengths of time and then returned to their school with experiences that were not available

If you’re not outraged by the future extension of the 241 Toll Road because you “don’t get involved in politics” or “it will never happen,” it is time to reconsider.

This isn’t a game of politics but your quality of living, your children’s health and your home values are at stake. The threat is real and the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) is moving forward.

Toll roads in Orange County have never served the vast majority of motorists, only those who can afford to pay. Did you know we (through Caltrans) are footing the ongoing maintenance bill for these roads that most of us don’t or can’t use? We

were duped into paying for the toll roads through development fees, loss of open space and public lands, in addition to some of the highest tolls in the country. Due to TCA mismanagement and faulty projections, these roads may never be free as they were ultimately intended.

Now, the TCA wants to bulldoze through our town. Although they deny having chosen a specific route, there is no denying that their efforts are locked on a proposed route that would wind straight through the center of town. This route would destroy thousands of homes, divide our city and come dangerously close to parks and schools. Most visible would be its encroachment on and over San Clem-

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ente High School. The toll road will blaze through miles of the city’s open space.

The TCA has been secretive and dishonest in their attempt to push their road through, strategically pitting us against other groups.

Although their 2016 settlement with the Surfrider Foundation and the Save San Onofre Coalition “saved” Trestles, the foundation made a sour deal, agreeing not to take a position on any future proposed routes. This effectively pushed the TCA back to reconsider the San Clemente route that they themselves had rejected years earlier due to the destructiveness of the route.

There has been an amazing groundswell www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX of support from local citizens and public officials to stop the toll road, but it is still very much a David-versus-Goliath effort.

Educate yourself, write a letter, display a lawn sign, donate to www.gofundme.com/ stop-the-toll-road.

SOLID HIRE IN FRED SWEGLES MIKE CHAMBERLIN, San Clemente

Boy oh boy, the journalism Gods are looking down on you. You landed one of the most respected writers in Orange County in Fred Swegles. I’ve known him for years (we went to San Clemente High School together) and have admired him as long as I’ve known him. He is a fair, honest and a gifted writer. Congratulations to the SC Times, you scored a huge victory in Fred.

SENATE NEEDS TO CONFIRM KAVANAUGH FOR SCOTUS LISA HAZELTON, San Clemente

As a long time San Clemente resident and a native Californian; I am a lover of liberty and believe in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”

Deciding the next Supreme Court justice is not something our Senators should take lightly. It’s imperative that this role

is filled by an individual who is qualified, unbiased, upholds the Constitution, and honors the separation of powers by letting Congress legislate.

President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be the next associate justice of the Supreme Court, and Judge Kavanaugh is clearly an excellent pick who is prepared to serve.

Kavanaugh’s more than 300 written opinions on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as a federal judge demonstrate an exemplary record of being an articulate and thoughtful jurist who can build consensus. At home, he is a devoted father and husband who serves his church and community.

As citizens, we should urge U.S. Senators to quit playing politics and consider Brett Kavanaugh based on his merits.

The Senate should act swiftly to confirm Kavanuagh to the Supreme Court.

SAN JUAN NEEDS TO TAKE A PAGE OUT OF SAN CLEMENTE’S BOOK DEIDRA HILL, San Juan Capistrano

Dear Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates residents and San Juan Capistrano city officials, a very observant neighbor of ours came across a very enlightening and informative news article in the June 26-Aug. 1 edition of the San Clemente Times regarding problems with transients, trespassers and homeless in the city of San

Clemente. In this regard, San Clemente is in no way different than our city of San Juan Capistrano, Santa Clarita, or even LA or San Francisco.

San Clemente seems to be diligently trying to get on top of this problem and minimize the impact of this vagrant dilemma.

The photo in the article is not really representative of the amount of trash and debris that accumulates in these encampments. I still, in my mind’s eye, can see the mountain of encampment refuse that Caltrans had scooped up as they were clearing the landscaping just before they began the freeway-widening project between the Beach Cities and Camino de Estrella ramps. I was stunned! And don’t forget the news stories just after our first heavy rain of the 2017-2018 season, of the contamination of the ocean off Doheny Beach from untreated human waste washed down the San Juan Creek, and the numerous hypodermic needles washed up on the beach. It’s all still accumulating, perhaps not so much along the freeway now, but even closer to where we live. And don’t get me started on the problems my brother has in his trucking yard down along the creek between the DoubleTree Hotel and Stonehill Drive.

The drone video with the story, although long and slow-moving, will give you an indication in the first few minutes of how big an encampment can be just

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, August 10 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome. yards from where we live or drive.

I won’t spend more time now except to remind everyone of the fire hazard.

I love landscaping and there many good reasons to have beautiful, healthy landscaping, but it has to be maintained.

It should be trimmed low, pruned up high and kept green and weed free so as not to provide cover for trespassers and to avoid a fire hazard.

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.

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

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

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 | 09 FRUIT AND VEGGIES SWAP 3-6 p.m. If you grow your own vegetables and fruits and have excess produce, bring them to the swap. Or if you don’t, bring a cutting or seeds instead, like succulents or plumeria. No cash will be exchanged. The event is sponsored by Coldwell Banker.

501 N. El Camino Real. 949.363.3825.

BACKWATER BLUES BAND 7 p.m. Since 1996, the San Diego-based Backwater Blues Band has performed gritty, exuberant blues and rock music.

The band consists of Jimmy Woodard as lead guitarist and singer-songwriter John Simons on bass, Jonny Viau and Diego Armijo on sax, and Tom Stewart on drums. $20 general; $15 member. The performance takes place in Casa Romantica’s historic courtyard. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

Friday | 10 LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Join Iva Lee’s for live music every Wednesday through Sunday. For the ultimate live music experience, be sure to reserve a lounge table on Fridays and Saturdays. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. Check their website for the latest performances, www.ivalees.com.

DANA WHARF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC CRUISES RETURN 8-9:30 p.m. Dana Wharf’s Dana Pride rocks every Saturday night with classic rock, reggae artists and a live rock band on board. The cruise takes passengers along the shores of Dana Point Harbor.

The cruise is priced at $25 per person, and each guest is greeted with a glass of the famous Pride Punch. A cash bar is also available. To book a cruise, go online at www.danawharf.com or call 949.496.5794 ext 7. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Stephen Hill

FRIDAY, AUG. 10: ‘BOEING-BOEING’ AT THE CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Set in the 1960s, bachelor Bernard is living in Paris with three attractive stewardesses who are all engaged to him—without knowing about each other. Things get complicated when his friend Robert comes to stay, and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupts his careful planning. The play runs Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. 202 Avenida Cabrillo.

949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org

Saturday | 11 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. Whether you are about to tackle your first 5K or you are just keeping your cardio and running prowess in top form, be sure to stop by Peet’s Coffee in Talega.

Every Saturday a group runners of varying skill level take a brisk three-mile run around a predetermined course.

Admission is free. 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. 949.588.5054. www.facebook.com/2xusanclemente.

Sunday | 12 THE COAST VINTAGE MARKET 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Coast Vintage Market takes place the second Sunday of every month and is located on the beautiful Saddleback College campus in Mission Viejo. There are more than 190 vendors with eclectic and unique vintage goods, food trucks, live music, a row of vintage trailers, classic cars, artisans and more. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. 949.381.9947. www.thecoastvintagemarket.com.

SOUL FOOD: EMILY SADEGHI 11 a.m. Emily Sadeghi is a singer/songwriter whose music often addresses personal and societal development. She has created music for many Baha’i quotes and prayers as well. She created the YouTube channel “Nine Pointed Star Music” in 2014. She is a speech and language pathologist with a new focus on her channel for speech therapy music. Soul Food is hosted by the San Clemente Baha’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente.

949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com.

Monday | 13

YOGA ON TAP SERIES 11 a.m.-Noon. Get to know your fellow yogis and beer drinkers at Yoga on Tap. $10 for an hour of yoga and pint of beer.

Left Coast Brewing Co., 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.2699. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free, beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

OUTLETS TO HOST DISNEY CHANNEL’S XANDER MCCORMICK OF ‘BUNK’D’ 1-3 p.m. Xander McCormick, the star of the Disney Channel’s Bunk’d, will make an appearance at the Outlets at San Clemente. He’s currently working on a new album, according to a press release. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

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ART AND WINE WORKSHOP 6:30-8:30 p.m. The workshops take place every second Monday and Thursday of the month. Workshops include contemporary crafts to painting and printmaking.

All materials are included with a $45 entry fee. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage. 201 Calle de los Molinos, San Clemente. 310.428.5324. www.smallspaceart.com

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. www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

Tuesday | 14

Wednesday | 15

NEEDLEWORK CIRCLE 12:30-2:30 p.m. Join the Needlework Circle on Tuesdays as they knit and crochet for a community service project. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar. 949.492.3493. www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

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.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are invited 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.

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

At the Movies: ‘Christopher Robin’ Grows Old

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

win-films effect strikes again.

Every once in a while, two movies will be released not far apart from each other with very similar themes or plot. In this case, it’s Winnie the Pooh-related. Last autumn, we had Goodbye Christopher Robin, a straightforward, typical biopic on A.A. Milne’s career that was just okay and a little depressing. Now we have Disney’s Christopher Robin, which isn’t about the real people behind the iconic characters but rather grownup sequel of sorts.

Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood, the classic children’s characters Pooh, Piglet, Eyeore, Tigger and Co. are without their human friend Christopher Robin

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because he’s chosen to grow up. Christopher (portrayed by Ewan McGregor) is now middle-aged and has his own family, including wife Evelyn (Hayley Atwell) and daughter Madeline (Bronte Carmichael). Summer’s just around the corner and it’s apparent Christopher is going to choose work over spending time with the family. That’s when he gets a surprise visit from some old friend.

Marc Forster’s Christopher Robin takes a cue from Steven Spielberg’s Hook (1991) by having an iconic character grow up, become a workaholic in the “real world” and get a wakeup call from the make-believe world. But for all its flaws, Hook did manage to be memorable and produce a sense of wonderment. While Christopher is cute, it also treads the line on charming and boring.

It is intriguing to see the classic Disney design of Milne’s character with CGI for the first time. But we can also see why Pooh works best with short films rather than a full-length feature. SC

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

Dance to the Music San Clemente 65th Annual Fiesta Music Festival Returns August 12 SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

ne of San Clemente’s longstanding events will return, replete with up-and-coming and established musicians. The festival’s humble beginnings can be traced back to the city’s more formidable years, and today it plays host to thousands of people—if not more.

The events are free to attend up and down Avenida Del Mar. And don’t forget to check out the coveted Salsa Challenge that pits local stewards of the sauce against one another in a spicy bout.

Here’s a lineup of The Fiesta Music Festival, which takes place 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in the 100 and 200 blocks of Avenida Del Mar. The Fiesta is hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce.

ENTERTAINMENT The Chamber of Commerce this year is highlighting many bands, including Turn the Page-Tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, The Trip, Tunnel Vision, Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide, Pier Pressure IV, Merissa Macchiorola-COA Performer, The Arts Project of Orange County, Adam’s Attic, Dale Hight Band, Brother Joe’s Venom, James Manning, Corey Angeli/The Unknown-COA Performers, Prodigal Sun, Wilfax, Rancor, Underhanded and more.

Additionally, there will be performances featuring the San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center, Underground Dance Company, and The Arts Project of Orange County. Clowns, jugglers and face painters will mingle with the crowd.

FOOD FOR ALL TASTES The Fiesta includes an array of food items for sale from local, nonprofit organizations. The money people spend to treat their taste buds stays right within the San Clemente community and contributes to many local philanthropic programs.

CONTESTS AND GAMES Contests and events for all ages, including hula hoop, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Sub-Eating Contest, Baskin Robbins Brain Freeze ice cream eating contest, jump rope, The Tortilla Toss, Easter egg hunt, Costco Wholesale Diaper Derby, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop bubble gum blowing contest and Stater Bros. Markets pie eating contest.

ARTS AND CRAFT EXHIBIT The Fiesta will feature an arts and craft show, displaying hand-crafted and unique merchandise from talented artisans from Southern California.

San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

Dozens of bands and performances will take place on Sunday, Aug. 12, at the 65th San Clemente Music Festival. Photo: File

BUSINESS EXPOSITION The Fiesta will include a members only business exposition. Check out some of the local Chamber members and their businesses and learn how to join the Chamber.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES There are many special activities for children, featuring jump houses, children’s zone, contests, face painters, balloon art and more.

MOTORCYCLE SHOW Motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy perusing the wide variety of motorcycles at this year’s Fiesta. Bikes from all over Southern California will compete in a myriad of categories.

ACTION SPORTS & BEACH LIFESTYLE EXPOSITION The Fiesta Action Sports & Beach Lifestyle Expo is dedicated to the action sports industry, providing a venue for buyers and manufacturers to meet, sell, buy, exchange ideas, market and network.

Show categories include surf, wakeboard, SUP, skateboard, windsurf, swimming, boutique, resort and performance.

EXHIBITS The United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force will display vehicles and information. Other exhibits include Border Community Liaison Program, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Drug Education, Anaheim Ducks, San Diego Gas & Electric and more.

MARKETING SPACES AND SPONSORSHIP Market your business to literally thousands of visitors in just one day, while enjoying the festivities. “(The Fiesta is) a great way to obtain business exposure and promote your product or service,” according to a press release from the Chamber.

“Sponsoring the Fiesta Music Festival is a tremendous opportunity to develop public awareness of your business and/ or service. It also sends a message of your willingness to extend goodwill toward your community. The Chamber would be honored to market your enterprise at this family event.” Call the Chamber office at 949.492.1131 or visit at www.scchamber. com VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Chamber has many volunteer positions available. Call prior to the Fiesta and officials will tailor volunteer work to individuals’ time schedule. For more information call the Chamber office at 949.492.1131 or visit at www.scchamber. com.

SALSA COMPETITION The following will be judged at the Salsa Competition, first through fourth place, Best Salsa Individual, Best Salsa Restaurant, Judges’ Favorite Salsa, Best Decorated Individual, Best Decorated Restaurant Contest Schedule: 9:45 a.m. Contestants deliver salsa to Judges 10 a.m. Judging begins 10 a.m. Public Tasting begins 2 p.m. People’s Choice Voting Ends

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4 p.m. Winners announced on stage 3 (In front of the library, 242 Avenida Del Mar) AVENIDA DEL MAR CLOSURE, SAN CLEMENTE TROLLEY DETOUR PLANNED The city of San Clemente will close Avenida Del Mar and portions of Calle Seville and Ola Vista at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11 and the closure will remain in effect until Sunday evening, Aug. 12 to accommodate the San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival.

There is no admission to attend the Fiesta, and a free shuttle service will be available from San Clemente High School at 700 Avenida Pico from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Due to large attendance each year, the city is asking people to use the complimentary shuttle provided by the Chamber or ride the city’s free San Clemente Trolley service which runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. The regular trolley route will be modified with a detour and temporary stops from Saturday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. through the end of the day on Sunday, Aug. 12.

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 949.492.1131 or visit www.scchamber.com.

••• Editor’s note: Content for the 65th San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival and Salsa Competition provided by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. Additional information was provided by the city of San Clemente. www.sanclementetimes.com

e m o c Wel Redesigning a home can be a fun endeavor but also one riddled with questions about the best paint colors, the best design materials and the best decorative accents to use. A novice home designer might even wonder what the best house plants are for sprucing up a space. Fear not, because Picket Fence Media has the answers. This year’s INSIDE OUTSIDE has information on both interior and exterior design for a variety of purposes and price points. It also has information on various South Orange County shops and realtors who can help you with your design objectives. Whether you want to redesign your home with the latest trends, get it ready for sale or find that perfect piece of wall art that sparks a conversation, this edition of INSIDE OUTSIDE has everything that you need.

Home Sale

Prep 101 CHECK-LIST FOR WHAT TO FIX

BY Alex Groves

S

izer and open windows to air the space out.

Weintraub said another trick of the trade is to bake some sort of treat such as cookies before a showing.

“I’ve been through plenty of open houses where someone has just prior baked some chocolate chip cookies and you can smell them,” she said.

Let in more light // Letting more light into a space can help make it more welcoming.

Echelberger recommended that where possible, homeowners get rid of heavy draperies and window coverings that could possibly obstruct light from coming in.

It’s also not a bad idea to have someone come in and professionally clean the windows to get the optimal amount of light in, according to Julie Merlino.

elling a home can sometimes be a daunting and overwhelming task, especially since home buyers shift their tastes with the changing times.

That said, there are some rules of thumb that realtors recommend to make your home more alluring to a potential buyer and can be as simple as eliminating gaudy wall colors to changing up outdated furniture.

Don’t overlook the outdoors // In Southern California, the outdoors is frequently an entertaining space and sellers often forget to turn their lackluster backyards into a selling point, Echelberger said.

He said they should trim up bushes and trees, put down top soil where needed and put out some nice outdoor furniture.

Ensure curb appeal // A buyer’s first impression is very important so making sure a home looks in good repair from the outside and has curb appeal is top priority, according to realtor Tracy Weintraub of Surterre Properties.

Weintraub recommends a home seller look at the outside of their home and take stock of what needs to be done. A new coat of paint? Is anything broken?

Could plants be trimmed?

Distinctive Coast Properties agent Julie Merlino recommends to her clients to make sure that outdoor planter areas have a fresh coat of mulch and some flowers to add color to the landscape.

Get your house professionally staged // All the realtors agree – getting a home professionally staged can go a long way to helping a person sell their home faster than they might otherwise sell it.

“If you use a home stager, you will sell it quick and you will sell it for top dollar,” Merlino said.

There are different levels of staging. Echelberger said the most expensive form of staging can run anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 and involves removing the furniture from a home and replacing it with furniture and accessories that are a better fit and which give a buyer that “model home” feel.

Different pricing packages exist, however, and people who would like to take a more modest approach can have a stager rearrange existing furniture and only replace a few items.

People who don’t want to get their homes staged should at least have a designer consultation to get a list of things that should be replaced or moved, according to Echelberger.

He said the consultation could run as much as $150 but a lot of high-end real estate companies offer it as a built-in service.

“I can guarantee something will come out of that meeting that they’ll get a benefit from in the sale of their house,” he said.

Repaint the walls // Local realtor and resident Doug Echelberger, lead agent of the Echelberger Group, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty and an experienced agent of over 20 years, says it’s important to look at the colors of your walls and determine if they need to be changed.

“There are a lot of colors left over from the early 2000s that just seem to turn buyers off,” Echelberger stated. “Buyers are still really into much lighter colors – shades of white, even shades of white-grey.”

He also noted that lighter colors have the added benefit of making a space look larger and more open.

Jennifer Katke, whose business specializes in getting homes sale-ready, shared a similar sentiment.

“You can walk into a home and just the color alone can make you feel anxious,” Katke said. “What we want to do is, when you walk in, we want it to be light, bright and inviting.”

Toss that stained carpeting // If you have stained carpet or worn flooring, it’s not a bad idea to replace it.

Echelberger shared that for some homes, vinyl laminate flooring may not be a bad option. He noted the material doesn’t have the negative connotations it once did.

“Because the product has gotten so good,” he said, “in fact, a lot of it is waterproof right now so you are able to run it into the bathrooms and really make it look like a high-end expensive wood flooring.”

Get rid of messes and bad odors // Removing clutter is an essential step to help keep the space feeling open and clean, according to Doug Echelberger.

Odors are another important area that a homeowner needs to be cognizant of when selling their home. Pet odors can irk potential buyers and it’s a problem that Weintraub says she comes across frequently.

She recommended that people find a good deodor-

Have professional photos of your home taken // Having a professional photographer come into your for-sale home and work their magic can be a big leg-up in selling, especially in today’s social media-driven world.

“The thing that’s changed so dramatically over the last five years is photos and impressions that people have,” Echelberger said. “They live off of Instagram and Facebook and Pinterest, and so for a lot of these properties to get them the correct exposure you really have to have some great shots.”

Check those lightbulbs // Echelberger said he’s also seen lots of instances of homeowners with different types, shapes and sizes of lightbulbs throughout their homes that they’ve collected over the years.

“You’ve got to change them all out to LED or you’ve got to change them all out to be consistent because they just look goofy,” he said.

Echelberger recommends LED lights because he says they get bright right away whereas older models don’t. He stated that’s a problem during a house showing because a person can be in and out of a room before the bulb gets to full brightness.

The

Green Room HOW TO STYLIZE YOUR HOME BY USING PLANTS, OUTDOOR MATERIAL

BY Eric Heinz Plants used as decoration create a life force. They help oxygenate rooms; they can bring a pacifying element to private spaces; plants can also provide pieces that help show or decorate a home. But where to start?

We spoke with some local experts and found some helpful information for designing your home with natural elements.

Stylizing Your Home with ‘Natural Elements’ Marie Waisner, an owner and CFO of Melrose in the OC Lifestyle in San Clemente, has decorated her home with many different plants. As a designer, Waisner said she enjoys looking at different ways to utilize all space in her home with the natural elements.

“The practicality of it is that you want to work in these spaces that are open to the backyard or to a porch, and you’re trying to blur the lines (between outdoors and indoors),” Waisner said.

Layering is an important design tool in beginning to decorate as well as lighting in order to make it visually appealing, Waisner said. She said she tries to balance the space the natural elements use.

“You don’t need to put a lot of things in here, it’s just to create a harmony,” Waisner said.

“You want contrasting elements of brass and cement or rope, but try to keep it open.”

Using metals could be the next trend coming, Waisner said, but varieties of plants will surely stay in fashion.

“You can use a lot of small succulents to create an impact or use just one large item,” she said. “Succulents will be here for a while. People are creating walls and using them in so many different things, they’ll trend for a while.”

Helpful Tips and Ideas Melissa “Missy” Anderson, the owner and creative director of Roots Living Art Design in San Clemente, said there are many ways for plants other elements to culminate pleasantly.

“It’s always about the client’s needs first and foremost—what they try to achieve in the space and with the current décor, and we try to match with that so we’re not over-styling,” Anderson said. “We consult with them to find their needs. It’s hard to overdo it with plants, but their shape and function add to the space rather than something that’s less attractive. The most important thing to recognize is what level of care you can provide for your plants. If it’s not much, choose plants that are easier to maintain or something like an air plant, but every plant is a living organism so it needs care.”

Anderson said some of the easiest plants used to decorate the home include Sansevieria, also known as “mother-in-law tongue,” which is a high-oxygen-producing plant.

“It actually cleans the air and gives the home a more modern esthetic,” Anderson said. “Dracena marginata has a little red in the leaves that highlight colors in the home. We try to make it aesthetically pleasing with color or pattern and the design. The biggest point is to balance the plant material so that it feels alive and lived in.”

Anderson said giving the plant something to work with is also beneficial for design, installations with driftwood or other items add to the whole ambiance.

“We do that with a lot different elements and metals and different unique pottery,”

Melrose in the OC Lifestyle

Roots Living Art Design

Roots Living Art Design

she said. “It can add a different element and something unique to the space that wasn’t there.”

Anderson said when decorating Salon Blue in San Clemente, she put together a large interior living wall with plants hanging vertically. She’s chiseled into volcanic rocks to make a plant bed, with the plants growing and living within the human-made home.

Living chandeliers are another interesting way to decorate. With plants hanging down in a center space, people can mount them and design them in their own way.

“We wrapped one in with a copper pipe holder and a metal salt that turned it turquoise and juke rope and pulleys, and we were able to raise and lower it to make maintenance on it and then tied it back up on the wall,” Anderson said.

Benefits of Interior Design with Plants More Oxygen // A few plants like orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Place these type plants in bedrooms to refresh air during the night.

Releasing Water // Plants release moisture vapor, which increases humidity of the air around them. Place several plants together and you can increase the humidity of a room.

Purifying Air // Plants remove toxins from air, such as formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags).

Source: www.bioadvanced.com.

LOC A L

KN OW LE D GE

Wallpaper: Everything You Need To Know About This Comeback Design THE HISTORY You may think of wallpaper as a “thing of the past,” but trendy wallpaper is making a serious comeback, and the modern-day wallpaper brands—Cole and Company, Magnolia Home, Brewster Wallcoverings—offer styles to spruce up any space.

Knowing Native

MIKE EVANS AND TREE OF LIFE NURSERY EXPLAIN WHY RESIDENTS SHOULD EMBRACE THEIR NATIVE CALIFORNIA PLANTS

Tree of life nursery

BY Daniel Ritz

S

itting inside an old barn, soaking in the early afternoon heat at Tree of Life Nursery early one afternoon, founder Mike Evans pointed out the small brown bats returning home to rest behind an antique painting hanging on one of the walls.

“Muir, I believe it was one of the transcendentalists, said that it’s less about going out into the mountains, and more about inviting the mountains into you,” Evans said with a smirk.

Although Evans is quick to quote the late innovative California naturalist John Muir, he is equally as quick to point out you do not have to travel to exotic locations such as Muir’s favorite stomping grounds, Yosemite National Park, in order to experience true nature, and appreciate its inherent benefits.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks,” Muir said.

Evans believes that most people in this modern world don’t know how much they need to foster their connection to a natural world.

“One of the disadvantages, but most beautiful parts of our local natural environment is that it doesn’t smack you in the face,” Evans said. “There’s a lot of hot words like ‘mindfulness’ and ‘gratefulness,’ that people are turned onto at the moment, but I think we simply need to pay attention to the beauty that surrounds us and realize that it’s through its simplicity that we can learn to survive.”

“I think a lot of us are suffering from ‘nature deficit disorder,’” Evans continued. He voiced that although current generations grow up with “the internet in their pockets,” that can actually be an asset. He spoke of

smart-phone applications that can identify plants simply by taking a photograph.

“Commonly, with social media and the glamorization of grandiose, “wild” adventures, people overlook the available beauty beneath their feet,” Evans said. “I think connecting, and understanding the beautiful nature that surrounds us starts with simply getting outside and surrounding ourselves with it. Be still, be quiet and be calm. Be attentive.”

Evans suggests one appreciates the simplicity and durability of the native chaparral, integral to its evolutionary success.

Evans compares the appreciation of native plants to recent changes in the food industry.

“We at Tree of Life Nursery are focused on educating the people, one by one, and starting a genuine grassroots movement because that is the only way the powers that be are going to begin to listen,” Evans said, suggesting that government agencies and homeowners associations utilize different agricultural models for financial reasons. “The only way native, local California plants are going to be returned, will be when the people ask for it. Costco doesn’t carry organic food types because they want to, they carry them because people in the last decade started demanding it.”

Tree of Life Nursery hosts a variety of classes and seminar discussions on native ecology most weekends at their farm on Ortega Highway, just west of Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano. They also offer a wide variety of native plants for sale. You can learn more on www.californianativeplants.com.

THE TRENDS Bright and bold metallics like gold and silver add an extra touch of luxury. For a current and trendy look, introduce warmer colors such as bronze, copper and rose gold. Metallics give off a sleek and stately look ideal for dining rooms and foyers. Keep in mind: less is more with this trend, so cover just one wall as a focal point.

Oversized floral patterns are currently in vogue, creating a unique atmosphere in any room—and a true conversation starter! Add character to a room by adding large scale prints or soft, vintage-inspired botanicals.

Keep in mind: the best home décor stores will show you wallpaper designs to suit any personality—delicate, exuberant, even subtle patterns.

Organic shapes and nature designs bring the outside IN to your home. Think organic elements like geodes and crystals, and other patterns emulating natural stones. Keep in mind: don’t forget to look up! Throw a whimsical paper above your head to cover the ceiling of any room and frame the room in a chunky crown molding for a real WOW. 3-D patterns that look all-too real are popular this year, including brick patterns, shiplap, hand-carved panels, reclaimed wood, or tin ceiling tiles. Perfect for the home or a stylish office building — the texture will create a dramatic impact.

Keep in mind: at Peppertree Lane, you will see wallpaper inspired by white bricks, chevron patterned reclaimed wood and more. Use in-store wallpaper displays as inspiration for your own space!

THE HOW-TO: EASY AS 1-2-3 1) Peppertree Lane at Outlets at San Clemente has a few hundred wallpaper styles to select from and offer services to narrow down the search for that perfect wallpaper. Wallpaper rolls range in price from $100 up to $200 per roll.

2) Next step, we order samples and have clients tape them to the wall for a few days, making sure they are in love with the commitment they are about to make!

3) Last step, we order wallpaper and schedule our installer—all that’s left is years of enjoyment!

THE FAN FAVORITE Bree Kennedy designed the VIP Lounge at Outlets at San Clemente with wallpaper to capture the essence of what it means to live near the ocean, including the rhythmic movement of sand and waves. It is one of our proudest installations to date!

Wild

Inside

SIX WAYS TO WELCOME THE OUTDOORS INSIDE YOUR HOME

BY Daniel Ritz Shore Gardens

While even one succulent is a step in the right direction, why not take it a step further and update the interior of your home or office to a more natural state.

We asked experts at Plant Depot in San Juan Capistrano and Shore Gardens in San Clemente for their best suggestions for bringing the wild inside.

1.

Get on Your Level

3.

Live Large

5.

Let it all Hang Out

Don’t go crazy. If you’ve never run more than two miles, you probably wouldn’t sign yourself up for running a marathon tomorrow, would you? Same goes with welcoming the wild into your home. If you don’t have a green thumb or a lot of time on your hands, be realistic and choose plants that suit your lifestyle. There is something for everyone.

Local Recommendation: Eternity Plant:

If you’re short on time and/or patience and don’t want to find yourself taking care of hundreds of little flowerpots, go for large plants. Not only will they cut down on your plant watering time, they can also play a vital part in the interior of your home or office. Placed strategically, they have the power to create more privacy and visibly divide the space into designated sections. Local Recommendation: Fiddly Fig

One simple little trick to making your space into one of those envy inducing Instagram picture perfect plant homes: layering. The key is to not only have plants of differing heights, but to also place them on different levels. Stage one large potted plant on the floor, some crawling plants hanging from the ceiling, and then some on your shelf or various tables throughout. Local Recommendation: Pothos

2.

4.

6.

Bling your Bedroom

If you’re used to seeing plants exclusively on living room windowsills and kitchen counters, go out of your comfort zone and experiment with placing some greenery in your bedroom. Plants are proven to improve sleep quality, help air purification and make you feel more tranquil. Turn your bedroom into the oasis of peace and quiet you desire.

Local Recommendation: Snake Plant

Don't Forget the Bathroom One of the best ways to wow a guest is having plants in the bathroom. For some reason, most bathrooms are kept quite sterile of anything living, but we say - go for it. There are a number of plants that prefer growing in dark and humid environments, so having no windows with natural sunlight should not be a problem. Local Recommendation: Calathea

Big Improvements, Small Packages Gardening is not simply a one size fits all case of “go big or go home.” If you don’t fancy anything dramatic, go for smaller plants - they might be smaller in size, but are no less effective. This will also give you the opportunity to experiment with a larger variety of different species in the same amount of space! Local Recommendation: Raphis Palm

Making the most of

Your Wall Space

BY Alex Groves

E

very once in a while, a home could use some sprucing up and one of the easiest ways to make a visual impact is making changes to the walls.

Those pondering the best way to decorate their walls can remain calm and not fret. Picket Fence Media recently spoke to Haideh Mehr, artist and cofounder of the Dana Point store Bella Bazaar. The store sells art and decorative items and the staff there can be requested for interior design projects.

From paint to decorative elements, Mehr went over what’s needed in 2018 to be trendy while also making sure a home fits an owner’s individual style.

Paint & Accents

Some of the hottest color trends this year are metallic, deep onyx and ultra violet, but warm greys and neutral tones remain the most popular, according to Mehr.

Mehr said it’s also fun to play with textural elements.

Limewash paints give walls an aged patina look for rustic charm. Textural wallpaper or wood planks are also fairly popular and can be used on one wall as an accent.

Art by Haideh Mehr

Mehr said Bella Bazaar can turn that surfboard into something extra special.

“We’ll take their old surfboard and paint a great scene on it or do a cool design on it and that looks amazing and takes up a good amount of wall space,” she said.

Macramé

Las Catrinas SJC

3D Art Pieces

Mehr said three dimensional artworks that jut out from otherwise flat walls are currently in style.

Some examples include metalwork, shelving topped with decorative accents, hanging baskets and containers with cascading plants.

The pieces can be items that make a statement about what a homeowner loves. A music lover might hang up a guitar and a surfer might place an old surfboard up.

Macramé, a form of ornamental knotting, was a fad in the ‘70s and was used for everything from wall decorations to tablecloths. A decade later it had fallen out of style.

The textile has since had a resurgence and a search of Instagram will yield pictures of macramé planter coverings, macramé dresses, macramé bracelets and of course – macramé wall decorations.

Trendy mall stores such as Urban Outfitters and smaller boutique shops alike sell these pieces in every shape, size and color. Mehr said it’s another great way to add texture to an otherwise barren wall in a space such as a bedroom, but should probably match existing décor within the home.

that as you walk into the home there’s a mirror,” she said.

Original Art Pieces & Photographs

Mehr said it’s always worth it to find that one of a kind item that makes a statement.

She said South Orange County is full of places for people to find unique and individually-crafted artwork

Mirrors

Have a wall that you’re not sure what to do with? Try a mirror.

A mirror not only fills space, but can also change the lighting of a room and make it feel larger.

Mehr recommends placing a mirror in an entryway, and not just because it looks good there.

“If people are into Feng Shui (a mirror) bounces off any negative energy so it’s kind of good

Plant Depot

LOCAL

KNOWLEDGE

Don’t Get Left in the Dark When Going Solar

from niche stores such as Bella Bazaar and San Juan Capistrano’s Las Catrinas, to San Clemente’s monthly Village Art Faire.

One of a kind paintings, drawings, woodwork and metal work can be found at the locations and can add a truly unique flair to any space For people who want to decorate with something more personally meaningful, photos can make for a nice addition.

Mehr said photos of a place a person got married, a place that resonates with them or even a great family photo can liven up a space.

Keeping items that you like just because something is trendy, doesn’t mean it speaks to everyone.

Mehr said she’s had to redo homes where a person decorated with what’s popular, only to want to change it again because it didn’t fit their style or their personality.

She said when in doubt, people should go with their gut and pick the things they like.

“Most people don’t realize that the things they’re drawn to have some kind of connection whether it’s the style, whether it’s the feel – it does have some kind of connection and it tends to always go together one way or another,” she said. “I always say don’t ever buy something that’s the trend if you don’t love it.”

for more information Contact Haideh Mehr at Bella Bazaar Bella Bazaar (located in Dana Point Harbor) 34467 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 949.429.6200 // bellabazaar.com

Over 15,000 homeowners in San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) utility territory have gone solar this year, and the a t ma orit are li el unaware of the financial impact the will experience a a re ult of new olar rate . t pical homeowner may lose tens of thousands of dollars in saving o er the lifetime of their olar power tem if it i not de igned to con ider the new olar rule and rate . nder former olar rule it wa imple for companie to de ign a olar power tem that re ulted in a bill utilit bill. olar compan loo ed at how much energ a hou ehold u ed on an annual ba i and de igned a olar power tem to produce that ame amount of energ per ear regardle of when the tem produced energ or when the home con umed energ . ince pril olar cu tomer in territor ha e been on new olar rule which include placement on a mandator time of u e rate. n in depth anal i i now needed to de ign a olar power tem becau e with time-of-use rates, SDG&E charges more for the electricity depending on when a home u e energ in a da not u t how much the home u e in a gi en month. now charge olar home on time of u e . for electricit con umed during the da time off pea hour and . for energ con umed in the e ening on pea hour . olar doe n t wor at night when the utilitie want to charge more o a batter allow homeowner to tore their olar power and u e it when electricit i mo t expen i e. tem not e uipped with a batter will not be able to mitigate the e new charge a effecti el a tem with batterie according to outhern alifornia ba ed ulli an olar ower. t pical famil who goe olar with a batter a e roughl o er a ear period. f their neighbor goe olar without a batter at the ame time the neighbor will pa hundred of dollar per ear in additional una oidable co t . er ear u ing a ix percent rate e calation the famil without a batter will ha e mi ed out on in a ing . an local olar companie are a ing batterie are unnece ar or are onl for bac up power and that patentl fal e batterie allow olar cu tomer to maximi e their return on investment,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and pre ident of ulli an olar ower he ma orit of familie going olar in outhern alifornia ha e no idea about the huge financial impact the e new rate are going to ha e becau e their olar compan doe n t full comprehend it therefore the e companie do not teach people the importance of incorporating a batter . or more information about olar paired with energ torage the public i in ited to attend the an lemente olar ducation erie on ctober th at the an lemente ommunit enter. o learn more about thi e ent i it www. olar eminar.info.

LOCAL

KNOWLEDGE

California Real Estate Market Check-Up! ccording to the chief real e tate economi t at the alifornia ociation of ealtor e lie ppleton oung he reat ece ion i officiall o er due to o man factor in alifornia economicall . e added bac all . million ob plu an additional . million ob . . nemplo ment ha dipped below percent for the fir t time in more than a decade . he toc mar et i near all time high acro mo t major indices . ntere t rate remain near hi toric low for mortgages . he tate go ernment i currentl running a budget urplu e en if it re t on a er narrow ba e . alifornia remain a er popular de tination for the re t of the world with nearl million international travelers this year . ome price o erall continue to ri e not fall he factor abo e how that tabilit i bac in the real e tate mar et including in an lemente. dditionall the ban toda are er trict for all loan and ha e been li e that for almo t ear . lient we re helping toda ha e a lot of e uit now a ed up and continue to be pa ing down loan amount and adding to their e uit po ition. he following are example worth mentioning. f ou bought a hou e in the ear and ha e been pa ing that down for almo t ear ou hould be in a ituation where ou ha e at lea t percent or more e uit po ition. ou can refinance to lower our pa ment ignificantl . e al o ha e a lot of client who bought in era and e en with a low down pa ment of percent or percent tho e client are in a percent or more e uit po ition ince price ha e gone up about percent ince the bottom of the mar et. o t people are u ing thi e uit to get a bigger home or one with a better location. e al o ha e a lot of people down i ing and pa ing ca h for the next propert to be mortgage free. he e are all rea on wh the local real e tate mar et will continue to be table for the fore eeable future. f ou are intere ted in bu ing or elling plea e contact u e are a third generation famil owned bu ine and ha e been er ing the communit for more than ear rac ing up thou and of re idential and commercial ale and purcha e . mail u at info conradreale tate.com i it u online at www.conradreale tate.com or call u at . .

Picket Fence Media's

Where to buy

2018 Home Decor Picks

1. Palm leaf pillow • $50

BELLA BAZAAR (Dana Point Harbor) 34467 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 949.429.6200 • bellabazaar.com

OUR FAVORITE INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS & WHERE TO FIND THEM AT LOCAL SHOPS

S

BY Chelsie Rex

ummer may be coming to an end; however, these design trends will make you want to un-pack your bags from that end of summer trip & plan your next ‘stay-cation’. Whether you’re looking to re-design your entire home or just add a few statement pieces- these current design trends are sure to transform your living space into a stylish retreat that you’ll want to ‘vacation’ at year-round. From Coastal to Bohemian-here are a few of our favorite things.

2. Coffee table • $1,599

PEPPERTREE LANE 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa suite 558, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.441.7275 • peppertreelane.net

5.

3. Fur bench • $375

MELROSE IN THE OC LIFESTYLE 150 #D Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.366.0561 • melroseintheoc.com

4. Blue velvet chair • $2,200

1.

THE WAREHOUSE ON DEL MAR 112 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.388.0027 • @thewarehouseondelmar

5. Chandelier • $420

SEA & SKY 24625 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629 949.276.7833 • seaskyhome.com

6.

6. Mid Century Sofa • $389

SC FURNITURE & MATTRESS 109 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.492.5589 • southcoastfurniture.com

3.

7. Rug • $250

LAS CATRINAS SJC 31742 Los Rios St San Juan Capistrano, California 92675 949.441.7182 • lascatrinassjc.com

2.

8. Hanging macrame • $229.99

PLANT DEPOT 32413 San Juan Creek rd.

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949.240.2107 • plantdepot.com

9.

9. Ottoman • $460

TUVALU HOME 222 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.542.8242 • tuvaluhome.com

4.

7.

8.

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

What’s in a name? ‘204’ The meanings behind certain railroad markers in San Clemente

BY FRED SWEGLES, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n a 100-degree day in downtown Barstow, California, I gazed at El Rancho Motel’s worldwide directional sign board.

It told me that I, standing in the Mojave Desert, was 170 miles from San Diego, 435 miles from San Francisco, 2,300 miles from Mars, Pennsylvania, 7,300 miles from Tokyo and 12,600 miles from Karachi, Pakistan.

I think it’s time we add a fresh new arrow to the sign. Let us proudly proclaim that Barstow is 204 miles from San Clemente.

As local surfers know, we have a pleasant surf spot we call 204, named after a railroad mile post next to a railroad crossing to the beach.

Someone once told me you could trace the tracks back 204 miles to a railway switching station at Barstow.

Mile Post (MP) 203 is just up the road from 204. It’s along PCH, between North Beach and Poche Beach.

I decided to try to track down MP Zero.

Online, I looked up driving directions to Barstow, trying to simulate various rail routes from San Clemente via Orange, Fullerton and Los Angeles. All routes came up short of 204 miles.

A milepost expert on a railroad discus-

204 MILES FROM SAN CLEMENTE The railroad marker ‘204’ would seem to be known by few, but it’s actually a milepost that’s 204 miles from Barstow, California, where the main railyard is located for BSNF. Photo: Fred Swegles

sion forum online was able to find me the actual 204-mile route.

You have to go up past Los Angeles to Pasadena. Then you head east to San Bernardino and it’s 81.3 miles north from there, counting down to MP Zero, Barstow.

I contacted Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s media office, asking if I could find

Arrows displayed at El Rancho Motel in Barstow point to many parts of the world but not to San Clemente, which is 204 railroad miles from the desert community. Photo: Fred Swegles

San Clemente Times August 9–15, 2018

and photograph MP Zero.

Initially I received no reply. Railroad security issue, I wondered?

Upon learning that San Bernardino’s historic railway depot has a terrific railroad museum, I rode Metrolink there July 11 to look for clues.

Metrolink veers off the L.A. line at Orange, accessing San Bernardino via a route that has its own mileage countdown to zero. As we entered San Bernardino’s station, I even saw MP .5 and MP .4. But no MP Zero.

My favorite exhibit in the museum described how, in the 1890s, easterners were lured to buy land in California, paying $3 for an enchanting 166-mile circular train tour of the Promised Land. The highlight was visiting romantic orange groves, breathing in the allure of healthy living symbolized by the citrus industry’s famous colorful California orange crates.

I loved it. And I would gladly have given a dozen oranges for a clue about MP Zero at Barstow.

On July 15, I drove to Barstow to visit its own Western America Railroad Museum, plus the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

Both are lots of fun, located inside a really elegant depot. The railway docents were helpful but had no answer about MP Zero.

Outside, my powerful zoom lens was unable to locate any suspect signs up or down the tracks. I drove my car parallel to Page 25

• In 1886, a railroad connection at Waterman Junction was renamed Barstow, after William Barstow Strong of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway.

• Ten years earlier, entrepreneur Fred Harvey began developing 81 premiere restaurants at stations along the rail line from Chicago to Los Angeles, said to be the nation’s first restaurant chain. Barstow’s Harvey House, built in 1911, was a veritable desert oasis, including a hotel, bowling alley, indoor pool, theater and library.

• Natives could run almost 100 miles per day through the desert as message carriers, barefoot except in rocky or spiny areas. Capt. John C. Fremont’s 1844 encounter with runners led to the explorer naming the region Mohahve, which later became Mojave.

Source: Murals, museums

the tracks as far as I legally could.

The rail yard, nearby, is such a spaghetti bowl of infrastructure, the elusive MP sign could be anywhere, but nowhere I could access.

Heading home, I drove Historic Route 66 as far as Victorville, stopping at places you could spot a railroad MP sign from the road. The closest sign I found to Barstow was MP 12.

(Cont. on page 28) www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

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

Locals Only BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters

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

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

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

REALTORS

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes

Arcadia Electric

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

SALONS

Salon Bleu

Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

ELECTRICAL 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Syrens Hair Parlor 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.

Home Services

949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

949.493.5683, 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

OBITUARIES

Ann Christie

February 25, 1929 – May 16, 2018 Ann Christie served her community in PTA, as a devoted member of San Clemente Presbyterian Church, a Bible teacher at Capistrano By the Sea, a Catering and Banquet Manager at the San Clemente Inn (where she served the Nixon’s at the Western Whitehouse), and a San Clemente Chamber of Commerce member representing New England Life Insurance. As an enthusiastic patriot, she was recognized for her service as a volunteer with the US Army 1394th Family Support Group.

Ann took time to bless and share her wisdom with everyone who crossed her path. Her generosity was legend and always her faith will stand out because she prayed her way through life’s mountains and valleys. Her influence on her friends and family, including her siblings and their children, will always be remembered and cherished.

Children: Jim Christie and Kelly, who both died 2009, Susan Anderson (Ray), Cathie Littman (Evan), Cindy Geddes (Rick) and Julie Fawcett (Doug). Grandchildren: JD Christie, Seth Williams (Tavia), Autumn Herrera (Kellen), Tracy Geddes (Katie), Travis Geddes, Charlie Fawcett, Alexandria Fawcett. Great Grandchildren: Lauren, Lawson, Landen, Cloie, Brooke, Blake, Sid. Great Great Grandson, Luke.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on September 8, 2018 at San Clemente Presbyterian Church.

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size.

Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets: 949.240.1545.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Saturday August 11th. 7 am.

1312 Felipe, San Clemente, CA. COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Montego Tract/ San Clemente (located off Calle Del Cerro) Saturday 8/11/2018 8am-1pm Sponsored by Jackie and Drew Rowan/Surterre Properties GARAGE SALE Saturday, August 11th from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Electronics, books, decor items, clothes, tools and more!

302 Calle Rica, San Clemente (above the high school off Pico) GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED PART-TIME COPY EDITOR WANTED Picket Fence Media is hiring a part-time copy editor to copy edit the group’s three community newspapers, special sections, magazines and websites. Candidates must have 5+ years professional newspaper/magazine copy editing experience, be fluent in AP Style, be fast, courteous and professional.

Qualified candidates must be able to work onsite at the Capistrano Beach office location. Qualified candidates only should email agarrett@picketfencemedia.com.

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large U.S and International Stamp Collections Nick 619-6720434

Do you want to reach 42,000 people in the San Clemente area? *2.1 readership per 20,000 copies distributed

Then you need to be in the San Clemente Times.

Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 111

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

San Clemente Times August 9–15, 2018

Page 27

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

An Old-Timer’s Guide to Naming Local Surf Spots POCHE Named for an old former sign along the railroad. Spanish dictionaries do not list any noun of that spelling. It could be a place name or human name. It also could be the command version of the verb “pochar,” meaning to fry gently.

NORTH BEACH The first time I heard “North Beach” was in an early 1970s conversation with San Clemente’s then City Manager Ken Carr.

I thought, what a dull name for a beach.

204 Named for a mile post, 204 miles from a rail yard in Barstow.

MARIPOSA, LINDA LANE AND CORTO LANE Named for the streets that lead to these beaches.

SECOND SPOT The second stretch of sand north of the pier, just past Lifeguard Headquarters.

RR MILEPOSTS IN SAN CLEMENTE Mileposts serve as a railroad map, specifying locations of infrastructures.

They show train crews exactly where they are on a remote section of track, helping railroad maintenance and public safety personnel pinpoint where to respond to needs or incidents.

203: This milepost is visible from PCH, between Poche Beach and North Beach.

204: A milepost at a San Clemente surf spot of the same name, between North Beach and Mariposa Point.

204.3: Painted onto a railroad tie, 3/10 of a mile south of 204. It signifies where a pedestrian ramp from Avenida Mariposa intersects with San Clemente’s beach trail and a RR underpass.

204.8: This number represents the Amtrak/Metrolink stop at the San Clemente Pier.

205: T-Street Beach. You pass a 205 sign on the beach trail.

206: A sign between San Clemente State Beach and Cotton’s Point.

207.4: The Orange County/San Diego County line. A RR sign proclaims it, next to a bridge known as Upper Trestles.

San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

THE PIER A wooden structure nearly 1,300 feet long.

Several of Barstow’s older, vintage motels along Route 66 are decorated with themes of the historic highway’s pre-freeways heyday. Photo: Fred Swegles

(Cont. from page 25) Undaunted, I booked a July 29 seat on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. It goes 2,265 miles from L.A. to Chicago in 40-plus hours. I would only go as far as Barstow, hoping to glimpse MP Zero as we pulled into the station.

It’s the only eastbound passenger train to Barstow, and, ugh, it arrives at night. I prayed for floodlights.

But alas, MP Zero, if it existed, slipped by me.

After overnighting at the theme-decorated Route 66 Motel, I toured Harvey House, a wonderful restored onetime restaurant/hotel/resort built in 1911. It’s a visitor attraction that occupies the most exquisite section of Barstow’s historic rail depot, which also includes the rail and Route 66 museums.

Elegance like this seemed out of place in a desert. Harvey House, in its day, was a veritable oasis catering to train travelers.

Today it relives the glamor days of train travel through photos, relics, a Fred Harvey menu, even a movie poster for a 1940s Judy Garland musical, “The Harvey Girls.”

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

Upstairs at Harvey House, the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center showcases the government’s deep-space communications installations, located outside Barstow. Fascinating stuff. But no clue about MP Zero.

I visited the Sheriff’s Department, to politely ask. Deputies should know mile

posts, right? One purpose of MP signs is to pinpoint where to respond to any kind of incident along many miles of RR tracks.

As I asked the receptionist, someone waiting in the lobby overheard my quirky “you’re going to think I’m crazy” disclaimer. She told me she worked at the rail yard and yes, there is a MP Zero.

Invigorated, I messaged BNSF again, asking if the media office could please send me a snapshot or at least confirm existence.

BNSF confirmed it.

So I’m pleased to have learned a lot at Barstow’s railroad and Route 66 museums, Harvey House, the NASA exhibit and the Mojave River Valley Museum, plus Barstow’s rich collection of murals, illuminating local history and the desert.

I may even return to Barstow to try to see the Old Woman Meteorite, said to be the second-biggest space rock ever found in the USA. It’s in the Desert Discovery Center, which was supposed to be open but wasn’t when I tried to visit.

I never photographed my MP Zero sign. I came close. There is a RR sign along the tracks as you approach Barstow’s oasis-like palace of a railway station.

The sign is the letter D. If you squint and use your imagination, you can almost conjure up a desert oasis mirage, the D magically rounding off to become a zero.

I’ll take that. SC

Page 28

CROPLEY’S A surf break in front of a hamburger stand operated for decades by Richard Cropley and family.

T-STREET The intersection of Avenida Esplanade with Paseo de Cristobal. It forms a T. BEACH HOUSE Just south of the T-Street Overpass.

A building once stood there.

THE HOLE You used to be able to hike through a rustic canyon south of T-Street to surf this remote stretch of beach.

LASUEN A street atop the bluff, closest to the path to the beach, is named for Fermin Lasuen, a Franciscan missionary associate of California founder Junipero Serra.

LOST WINDS Same beach, a take on the name ‘Lasuen.’

A photographer is said to have sent a photo to a surf magazine and wanted to keep the location secret, so called it Lost Winds.

RIVIERA Named for a neighborhood.

STATE PARK San Clemente State Beach.

COTTON’S POINT Site of the elegant onetime home of Hamilton Cotton, an associate of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

A Senior Woman Blames Men for Relationship Problems

T

his January, I wrote an online column about LAT (living apart together) relationships. In the article, I quoted a male reader, who said the 1976 song “I’d Really Like to See You Tonight” by England Dan and John Ford Coley, described his relationship with his woman friend perfectly.

A woman, age 69, whose name I am withholding, emailed a response to the man’s comment.

She wrote, “The older and wiser I become, the more I understand how it’s been a man’s world, and that song started irritating me, when I realized it was about a noncommittal, friend-withbenefits arrangement, which men are always looking for. It’s the same for senior men as young men.

Somewhere in their middle ages, men are able to commit and settle into a real relationship, albeit many cheat even when committed. Then after the divorce, which they usually blame the wife for, they go back to their youth when it ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 was all about ‘getting

By Tom Blake some’ with no commitment.

I’ve spent the last couple of years dumping guys (in their 60s) who made it clear that’s all they want. It has made me feel I am not worthy of a man’s true love and commitment.

The LAT (living apart together) relationship is perfect for men. They can do whatever they want when you’re apart.

The woman may be sitting in her own house, painting pictures, but I doubt if the man is doing that; he’s probably on the dating sites checking out the candy store (as men have told me they see it), especially now when there are so many single old ladies to single old men. I am not cynical, just realistic.”

Note from Tom: Regarding LAT relationships, more senior women than men tell me they prefer a LAT-relationship arrangement.

She continued, “I have nice male friends who still are old-fashioned enough to want a traditional relationship, and that’s what I would like.”

“If you’re going to spend most of your time with someone anyway, why not have the financial benefits of sharing expenses and the legal benefits of having the doctors consult your significant other in an emergency?

San Clemente Times August 9–15, 2018

I don’t see why two people can’t live together and still have their separate interests and separate rooms, etc. To each his own, but personally I want someone I can go to sleep with every night and wake up with every morning, and not wonder if it’s ok to call them because they might be busy doing whatever.

I don’t blame men for their wandering eye because it’s biologically programmed in them to spread their seed and produce children, so the urge to mate is very strong. What I’ve seen is that a woman needs to keep a man close to her and be available because, as the Stephen Stills song says, ‘If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.’

I interpret those lyrics to mean that men need to be near the one they love, or their eye wanders, a natural thing, but this behavior can ultimately break up the relationship.

With every man I meet, there is always something ‘wrong,’ and I’m just getting lonelier and more independent.

The last one I recently met at one of the places I go to dance. It was the first time in four-five years I felt a real connection with someone, and he was so into me.

After a couple of days of dancing and some long phone conversations, he found out I am four years older than he, and he said he needs to have someone in their 50s. I am 69 and he is 65. I couldn’t believe it! So, life goes on...”

Remember, that email was sent to me in January.

This week, she emailed, “I have removed myself from all dating sites and decided I’m over the whole thing of trying to find a man; all of them have been crazy in one way or another.”

Comment from Tom: When people blame others for their lack of dating success, the first action they need to take is to look in the mirror.

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

Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection/Calisphere

FROM THE ARCHIVES San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is photographed in 1972 when Unit 1 was online, prior to the construction of Units 2 and 3, which are visible today. Unit 1 was decommissioned in 1992. The nuclear power plant is now offline, with decommissioning planned to be completed sometime within the next 10 to 15 years.

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: Sulu SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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ulu is a gentle soul looking for a fresh start in life. At 9 years old, Sulu was abandoned by his family and left at the shelter. With the help of shelter volunteers and a couple of friendly dogs, he is slowly but surely learning to trust again. Sulu would greatly benefit from a family that could spend lots of time with him and teach him new tricks. If you would like to know more about Sulu, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

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

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Q&A: Local Lacrosse Player Named College All-American

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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ick Shanks has a notable history of athletic excellence in the tri-city area.

As a young boy, Shanks led the Dana Point-based Patriots Junior All-American football team to a Super Bowl title, and later, his San Clemente flag football team won a State Championship. In high school at St. Margaret’s in San Juan Capistrano, Shanks won CIF and State titles in football and lacrosse while being a high honors student.

Now in college, Shanks took his talents to the east coast and as a sophomore for Tufts University in Massachusetts, he was named a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division 3 FirstTeam All-American in lacrosse while being named to the Dean’s List.

The San Clemente Times spoke with Shanks about his accomplishment and his local history: SC Times: Congratulations on the AllAmerica selection, Nick. What did it mean to you to receive the honor?

Shanks: It was great that a lot of the other college coaches out there saw what I was bringing to the table. I’m very appre-

ciative. It’s a high honor. It was cool to see my name on there with some of my other teammates. My real goal is a national title.

Do you think the national title is a realistic possibility?

I think it’s realistic. Wesleyan, the national champions, we beat them twice.

Tufts is a perennial powerhouse in Division 3 and has one twice in the last six years. It’s definitely in our sights. That’s the mantra going forward in the program.

What brought a California kid out to the east coast? Was it just the higher level of lacrosse?

It’s a great school, one, academically. I also knew I wanted to play lacrosse in college. There’s only a handful of teams west of the Mississippi that have programs. I wanted to find the right fit academically and found that in Tufts. It’s the polar opposite from Southern California, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What do you remember most about playing youth sports in South Orange County?

From the youngest age up to high school, you’re playing against the best competition in the country. With the Patriots for Junior All-American, I played

Tufts University sophomore midfielder Nick Shanks (20) was named a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division 3 First-Team All-American. Shanks grew up playing sports in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy

against Juju Smith-Schuster, who’s now on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I played baseball against Sam Darnold. Whether you played against them or alongside them, it was really cool. We spend a lot of time at the beach, but we take our sports seriously.

What’s your best memory from playing sports in South Orange County?

My junior year at St. Margaret’s we won the CIF championship in football and the State title in lacrosse. That was pretty

Love Hammer

Couple meets and earns college scholarships through hammer throw

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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either Anna Gillis nor Eric McArthur Jr. knew what they were getting into or where they would end up going when they picked up the hammer throw at Saddleback College.

Neither had any direct connection to the hammer throw. Gillis threw shotput and discus at San Clemente High School, but hammer throw isn’t orchestrated at the high school level. McArthur wasn’t on the track team at Dana Hills High School, and after a quick attempt, he had no interest.

“I remember picking up my sister from track practice at Dana,” McArthur said. “A coach told me to pick up the discus and throw it counterclockwise. I just straight up ducked it. It never worked out.”

Both were eventually pulled to the Gauchos’ throwing ring by throwing coach Shaun McGinley with Gillis as a recruit and McArthur by his hammer-throwing

San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

Anna Gillis (left) and Eric McArthur Jr. (right) met, began dating and earned scholarships to the University of Wyoming through the hammer throw competition at Saddleback College. Photo: Courtesy

sister. While both were throwers by choice, the hammer discipline wasn’t as much of a choice as it was an expectation.

“It’s (McGinley’s) specialty,” Gillis said.

“He really pushed it on us. If you’re at Saddleback, you have to throw hammer, basically. The other events are thrown to the side.”

Neither Gillis nor McArthur realized then the power the hammer would wield in their lives. The hammer throw opened up opportunities, provided a love connec-

tion and is now sending both Gillis and McArthur to the University of Wyoming on athletic scholarships.

First came the sport.

Hammer throw is a very particular discipline in track and field. It’s not pure brute force or athleticism. It’s a combination of strength, technique and physics.

“It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve done in my life,” Gillis said. “There’s so much technique and effort, but not enough effort to mess it up. The other Page 33

unbeatable. We felt like we couldn’t lose.

This little school was a force on the state level. Playing for the Patriots, even with my college experience, the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for was against the Inglewood Cherokees at Mission Viejo High School. The whole stadium was filled. To think that was just for a bunch of sixth graders, to see how the whole community came out to support and just appreciate the game was really special. SC

throws you just go out and throw it. It’s more of a fluid motion. It’s really pretty (the throwing motion) once you get.”

Then came the love connection, but it didn’t come with a “meet cute” or a grand gesture.

“We were kind of just friends just going through the throwing process,” McArthur said. “There was a two-three week period where I hung out with her every day. It was kind of mutual. I didn’t really ask her out formally. I think I just kind of came to the realization that I liked her a lot.”

“I think I asked her ‘are we dating?’”

McArthur said with a laugh.

That was two years ago.

Since then, Gillis and McArthur have only grown closer off the field while succeeding on it. Last season, McArthur won the CCCAA state men’s hammer throw at 54.54 meters, and Gillis won the Southern California women’s hammer throw at 51.59 meters.

Gillis and McArthur leave on Aug. 13 for Laramie, Wyoming, the small town they fell in love with on their official visit and will call home together for at least the next two years.

“My jaw was dropping every five seconds at Wyoming,” Gillis said. “I kept telling Eric every five seconds, ‘I love this.’”

All thanks to the power of the hammer.

SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Almost Epic Griffin Colapinto gets second at the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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hoever says second place is the first loser is full of it. San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto just finished runner-up at the 2018 Vans U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, and while a win would have been epic—and made him the first San Clemente surfer since Shane Beschen in 1994 to win the Open—Colapinto’s performances from Round 1 all the way through the final was one for the ages.

Facing Huntington Beach’s Kanoa Igarashi (who was representing Japan) in the final, Colapinto got out to an early lead and controlled a good portion of the heat. As time ticked down in the dying minutes of the heat, the two went blow-for-blow, trading waves and scores. In the end, a gritty eight-point ride by Igarashi was enough to put him over the top. The feat was all the more impressive considering it was his second consecutive Open title.

“Last year, I won this event for my family and friends who have supported me so much, but this year it belongs to the city of Huntington Beach for all their support and just firing me up so much,” said Igarashi from the winner’s stand.

For Colapinto, it was a bittersweet mo-

Grffin Colapinto spreading his wings at Huntington Beach enroute to a 2nd place finish.

Photo: WSL/Kenneth Morris

ment. After beating lifelong friend Kolohe Andino in the quarterfinals earlier in the day, he was clicked into the zone and fired up to take the win. In the semis and finals, his brother Crosby, Andino and a whole crew of San Clemente surfers vocally cheered him on in the VIP area, screaming their heads off any time Colapinto stood up on a wave.

“I’ve never won a QS event, so that’s a hard one to swallow, but it still leaves me with a bunch of fire, so I’m really excited to just keep working hard,” Colapinto said after the finals. “My favorite moment of this event was in that final. I think that’s one of the best back-to-back exchanges I’ve ever had in a heat, so that’s all I really

care about. I’ll just decompress for a few days. I feel like my strategy and my surfing was there throughout the whole event.

At the end, it just came down to the waves.

We both didn’t fall, and I just have to keep putting myself out there and I’ll have to stay ready for when that time comes.”

The conditions for the final day of the Open were surprisingly switched on. A new southern hemisphere swell moved in on Sunday, bringing the surf into the three- to four-foot range, which was much appreciated by all the competitors as they’d tried to make the most out of minimal swell all week.

On the women’s side of the draw, Santa Ana’s Courtney Conlogue took the win

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

KIRRA PINKERTON

Water Temperature: 70-73 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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rowing up isn’t always easy, especially when everyone’s watching.

Sixteen-year-old San Clemente surfer Kirra Pinkerton is a gritty, experienced competitor. She’s currently leading the North American junior ratings. She’s already won three events this year and stands a very strong chance at winning the North American junior title. Her surfing continues to get stronger and matures just about every time she paddles out. It’s a wonderful thing.

Last week, she won the trials at the U.S. Open of Surfing, a big feat in and of itself.

For the effort she earned herself a ticket into the main event. Surfing against sixtime world champ Stephanie Gilmore and 2017 U.S. Open champion Sage Erickson, all of a sudden she went from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a very big pond.

San Clemente Times August 9-15, 2018

over current world No. 1 surfer Stephanie Gilmore in the final. After suffering through an injury earlier in the year, this was the first contest in which Conlogue was performing at 100 percent.

“It’s not been the easiest road to recovery, but I fought through it all, and now I’m standing here on top of the podium.

It’s unbelievable,” Conlogue said. “I just have so many amazing people supporting me right now and I’m loving everything.

I’m loving surfing and that’s so refreshing.

But to share such an amazing final with Steph was incredible, and I’ve just been in awe of her surfing this week. I love performing for my home crowd. There’s nothing like having my family and friends here supporting me. It’s so much fun and such a challenge just with the expectation of wanting to perform, it’s been an amazing journey this week.”

Sixteen-year-old San Clemente transplant Caroline Marks, who grew up in Florida, charged all the way through to the semifinals, but Conlogue proved to be too much for her. Had she been able to knock off the local favorite and made the final, San Clemente would have had a very real chance at winning both the men’s and women’s divisions—instead that honor went to Huntington Beach this year.

All told, it was a great U.S. Open for our local talent, even if they didn’t come away with a win. Colapinto, Marks, Andino, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas, Kei Kobayashi, Kirra Pinkerton, Cole Houshmand, they should all hold their heads up high after the week they just had, and if you see them in the lineup, give them a wave, they deserve it. SC

Thursday: New SSE swell showing with some initial energy from Hurricane John possibly moving in before dark. Surf is on the small side still with knee-waist high (2-3’) sets at top spots in the morning. More size due for the afternoon/evening with sets to chest-shoulder high (4’). Light/variable winds early, trending to light+ onshore in the afternoon.

U.S. Open 2018 trials winner Kirra Pinkerton is growing up fast. Photo: WSL

But Pinkerton, wise beyond her years, was composed and surfed with heart. Of course, she was nervous. What 16-yearold wouldn’t be (not counting Caroline Marks)? She had the opportunity to surf two heats against the best women in the world, and while it was apparent she

wasn’t satisfied with her performances right after getting out of the water, they will prove to be invaluable experiences that she’ll be able to draw from for years to come. It was one of those “building character” moments that every champion has to go through on their way to the top. SC Page 34

Outlook: Hurricane John expected to send tropical swell for Fri-Sat along with some small S hemi swell and NW windswell for waist-shoulder high (3-4’) surf and possible larger sets at focal points.

Tropical swell expected to trend SW Sun-Mon as a new SSW southern hemi swell builds in. Morning winds expected to remain light with afternoon onshore flow. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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