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April 4-10, 2019
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Inside: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 14, ISSUE 14
Together through ‘Thick and Thin’ Classic, country duo comes to Cabrillo Playhouse G E T T I N G O U T/ PAG E 2 3 Michael Devine, who moved to San Clemente to help his aging parents, and Craig Christy will perform April 12 and 13 at Cabrillo Playhouse. Photo: Eric Heinz
sanclementetimes.com
NRC Continues Investigation into SONGS Issues
SCHS to Debut ‘Mamma Mia!’ on April 11
Judge: There’s Money in OC for Homeless Services. Let’s Use It EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
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GETTING OUT/PAGE 10
SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Mayor Swartz Maintains Optimism after Year of ‘Challenge’ at State of the City THE LATEST: Although Mayor Steve Swartz led this year’s annual State of the City Address by describing San Clemente’s last year as a “challenge,” he was also very optimistic about some of the hurdles ahead. “We have challenges going forward. We’ve also had a lot of accomplishments,” he said, as he credited the city staff for its work on the projects it faces. While the city reconciles increasing costs for public safety services, it’s also looking to cut costs from its capital improvement budget. The city for the last four years at least has looked at 20202021, or about that time frame, as the year where the city’s expenditures will significantly outpace its revenue. Erik Sund, the city’s assistant manager, has been working with the budget staff in order to slow these looming issues, but there will be discussion on how to shore up those expenses. “In the meantime, the legal costs have been extremely high, and we’re working diligently to try to curtail and control that, but the problem is we’re still involved (in lawsuits) we just can’t afford to ignore,” Swartz said. The city’s legal expenses have topped about $2 million in the last couple of years due to those major lawsuits. Swartz made a pitch about integrating a surf school for dogs, likely to soften the blow of his next message about how some of the trees on Avenida Del Mar have been aging and roots have broken through infrastructure. But he said the city is working to get further reports on them. Vista Hermosa Sports Park is one of the city’s most-used facilities, and Swartz said funding mechanisms for its maintenance are doing fairly well. “We’re looking to replace some of the synthetic turf and putting up some new shade structures,” he said. WHAT’S NEXT: Swartz said he was encouraged by the city’s continuing efforts San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
Elected officials and representatives from the Outlets at San Clemente celebrate the opening of the shopping center’s California Welcome Center on March 28. Photo: Eric Heinz
to stop the proposed toll road extension through San Clemente, as well as its ability to curtail sober living homes in the past year. “We were able to pass certain ordinances and . . . we had some bad actors in the business that (created) the South County Riviera,” Swartz said, using a nickname given to the operators of behavioral treatment homes. “They’re no longer here. I truly don’t believe that we are under any type of pressure at this time.” Swartz also commented that the city is making progress on the lawsuit filed by MemorialCare that’s asking for $42.5 million after the city zoned the land it sits on to require a hospital and emergency services. The city council on Tuesday, April 2, unanimously approved a resolution to request the state California State Controller’s Office conduct a third-party audit on the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) after the Los Angeles Times reported that consultants of The Toll Roads operators may be getting paid large amounts for public outreach and marketing work. Rep. Mike Levin, CA-49, also sent a similar letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom recently. The next budget workshop will take place at 4 p.m. on May 22 at the City Council Chambers at 100 Avenida Presidio. The full state of the city can be viewed in this article on sanclementetimes.com. —Eric Heinz
City to Meet with Event-Running Charities over ‘Contentious’ Sponsorship Limitations
THE LATEST: San Clemente City Council adopted a policy in December that makes organizations that receive funds from donors in current litigation or dispute with the city ineligible for receiving fee waivers, such as parking, event permits and so forth. The problem with that is the amount of discounts those organizations receive is vital to their events’ bottom line, several nonprofits argued during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The council weighed its options regarding changes to the policy in order to come to a consensus, but it was revealed by councilmembers who had met with the nonprofits that they were no nearer to reaching an agreement. These arguments began in 2017, when people became angry with Ocean Festival operators for accepting money from the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) in exchange for sponsorship visibility in the form of a sign on the Pier. People on social media responded by tanking the Greatest Show on Surf’s Facebook star rating down to a 2.1 out of 5. The city’s waiving of fees for Ocean Festival totals about $50,000 annually. The TCA is currently proposing several toll road extensions and possible highway extensions through San Clemente. But Ocean Festival is not the only event or organization that is sponsored by the TCA for events. San Clemente Chamber of Commerce representatives said they’re already hurting from these changes, and if they aren’t eased back, the annual San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival, which has taken place more than 65 years, may be canceled.
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Ironically, the TCA also sponsored Friday’s State of the City Address via the Chamber of Commerce. “This is a contentious issue on both sides, and the one thing about it I keep coming back to is that we’re making policy not just for today but looking out 10, 20, 30 years,” Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane said. “I had a hard time grappling (with that), and I hope we still find a common ground.” Councilmembers suggested it may be possible to allow organizations to receive money from donors with whom the city is at odds, but that they couldn’t be able to advertise. This raised freedom of speech questions from councilmembers. Mayor Steve Swartz agreed that it is a difficult situation. “Having run and organized charity events, I know how hard it is, and I’ve had to go out there looking for sponsors,” he said. The thought process behind the policy was that the city did not want to pay into a program that was sponsored by an organization it had already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting in the courts. WHAT’S NEXT: City council voted to put off restricting fee waivers from organizations until a resolution can be made. They also said they would continue to meet with nonprofit executives. —EH
San Clemente Readies to Explore Temporary Shelter in SB2 Overlay THE LATEST: After city officials met on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the litigation regarding the homeless issues in San Clemente, city attorney Scott Smith said they will look into providing a temporary shelter in the SB2 overlay. Smith said the city council asked in closed session that a new contract be drafted with a nonprofit to provide services at the temporary shelter, as the city awaits to see what kind of regional opportunities will be available for permanent and transitional housing. The SB2 overlay, named after the state bill that forced the city to create it, is in two sections of the Rancho San Clemente Business Park that could house about three dozen homeless people. Resident George Gregory gave a passionate speech about the situation at North Beach, where he’s been a resident for decades. He said the time is now to build a temporary shelter so that the sheriff’s department can enforce the laws already on San Clemente’s books. The city had to put a damper on its anticamping laws after the Ninth Circuit (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com
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(Cont. from page 3) Court last year ruled that cities cannot remove homeless people from public property unless they have a bed or shelter for them. WHAT’S NEXT: On Tuesday, federal Judge David O. Carter held the first status conference of the hearing regarding the lawsuit submitted against several South Orange County cities by Housing is a Human Right, which alleges those cities, including San Clemente, have not done enough to provide shelter for their respective homeless populations. Because the south cities had not been officially served, most of them did not send a representative, and Carter mostly discussed the operations taking place in north Orange County, where cities are spending millions of dollars on new shelters. Smith said the city is also looking to enter a “joint defense agreement” with San Juan Capistrano, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills in the litigation regarding the shelters. —EH
City Begins 2019 Weed Abatement Program THE LATEST: Every spring, the city of San
Clemente notifies owners of “undeveloped parcels and vacant, developed parcels of their responsibility to remove weeds and debris from those properties,” according to a press release from the city. The native and naturalized landscape of San Clemente is susceptible to fire, due to the growth of both weeds and native habitat. As summer approaches, it is especially important to reduce this fire potential. Once property owners have cleaned their properties and trimmed all weeds to a height no higher than one inch from the ground, the land must be maintained for the remainder of the year. Properties with existing native habitat should be thinned by 50 percent, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. WHAT’S NEXT: The city deadline for the removal of weeds and refuse is May 15. For properties that remain unabated after that date, the city’s weed abatement contractor will clear the lots as required and then bill the cost of removal to the property owners. Questions and further information can be found by contacting
Stewart and Associates at 949.498.9250. —Staff
Outlets at San Clemente Opens California Welcome Center THE LATEST: The Outlets at San Clemente is now the 18th California Welcome Center in the state and the only one in Orange County. Local dignitaries and elected officials spoke about their excitement for the new visitor-serving operation, located within the Outlets information center. Employees in the customer service divisions of the Outlets have been trained to help people under the Visit California tourism campaign. “It’s going to be in-line with the services we already provide,” said Outlets marketing manager Nicky See. “We definitely expect to see an increase in traffic from travelers and visitors driving through the area from San Diego to Los Angeles, especially with the highway signage that is coming soon.” See also said that the center will offer
tickets to local attractions, which residents and visitors can utilize. There’s also a digital exploration center for people to peruse the attraction before heading on their way. “Everyone has been trained on the entire state of California attractions, and we’re ready to go,” See said. Susan Jennrich, the general manager of the Outlets, spoke with Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and representatives of state Sen. Pat Bates and Assemblyman Bill Brough. Don Kindred awarded a plaque to the Outlets on behalf of the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. “San Clemente is the perfect choice for a Welcome Center,” Jennrich said. “Our town is the quintessential California town. It’s the perfect stop between San Diego and Los Angeles. We already (have been acknowledged) for our exceptional customer service.” San Clemente City Councilmember Laura Ferguson reiterated comments from the Outlets and congratulated the shopping center on its latest addition. WHAT’S NEXT: General information about California Welcome Centers can be found at visitcalifornia.com. —EH
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SONGS Analyses Continue Before Spent Nuclear Fuel Transfers Can Continue BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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lthough the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has already levied penalties against the operators of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) for the August canister incident, it is still looking at potential problems before allowing the energy provider to continue on-site storage of spent nuclear fuel. At the Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting on March 28, Scott Morris, an NRC region IV administrative director, said the overseeing entity will examine the potential for scratching on the canisters as they’re downloaded and will look at the aging management plan of the canisters; however, Morris said the event that took place Aug. 3, in which a canister was lodged along a guidance ring due to inadequate training, was not a threat to safety. The NRC still gave majority owner Southern California Edison its secondhighest degree of offense for the problems it says it’s correcting. Tom Palmisano, the chief nuclear officer
and vice president of decommissioning, said Edison made a “senior error” at the CEP meeting following the incident, when a whistleblower who was working on the project came forward. “We made a serious error at the Aug. 9 CEP meeting, and six days off the event, we had an opportunity to address the event, and I did not discuss it,” Palmisano said. “It took a courageous worker (coming forward), and we have committed to a sense of transparency. That was a serious error on our part, and we take responsibility for that.” Morris said there are only a “handful” of independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI) inspectors at the NRC; even so, he said the commission has paid particular attention to this matter. “So much so that (they’ve called) the other regional offices to do the other inspection work at the other 11 power reactor sites in region IV,” Morris said during the CEP meeting. “So I want to assure you we’ve been very focused on this and working with folks in our regional office.”
Scott Morris, an NRC region IV administrator, said the commission will continue to examine and analyze portions of the spent nuclear fuel canisters at SONGS before allowing the offline power plant operators to continue moving the fuel to dry-cask storage. Photo: Eric Heinz
Morris said the storing of spent nuclear fuel cannot resume until the NRC has sufficiently examined the analyses from Edison and Holtec on the scratching that took place on the canister in the Aug. 3 incident and then only if those analyses hold up to scrutiny. The commission will also look at the safety plans and procedural changes Edison has made. CEP Chairman Dr. David Victor also said during the meeting that he hopes to accomplish at least one of the main strategies to get the spent nuclear fuel moved off-site at SONGS: One is to change federal legislation and the other is to get the Department of Energy to open an interim storage site. Two interim sites are
currently going through the application process in New Mexico and Texas. “If we are successful in getting one of these sites open, we need a strategy as to how to do that,” Victor said. “The plan to find the way in which to ship the fuel is now the burden of SONGS because of (a legal settlement).” Rep. Mike Levin said on Monday, April 1, that he and other members of Congress are seeking $25 million in appropriations for a consolidated interim storage program that would take fuel from all decommissioned sites. Current law, however, does not allow for temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel— only permanent storage. SC
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NEWS BITES
Community Meetings
COMPILED BY STAFF
CUSD Robotics Team Qualifies for World Championship Capistrano Unified’s Districtwide Robotics Team 5199 (Robot Dolphins from Outer Space) recently qualified for the Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, along with winning first place at the Los Angeles Regionals FIRST Robotics Competition. The annual competition is held by the nonprofit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), which hosts the competitions to “inspire young people to be science and technology leaders,” according to a press release. Over the course of two days, more than 50 high school teams competed at the FIRST Robotics Competition held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event combined the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, engaging students in creative problem-solving, teamwork and strategic thinking skills. This year’s theme was “Destination: Deep Space,” a sample-collecting mission on the fictitious planet Primus. During the competition, alliances made up of three teams competed on a special playing field with robots they had engineered, built and programmed against like-minded competitors. Students worked alongside professional engineers who volunteered their time and professional talents to guide each team. The Robot Dolphins from Outer Space team is made up of students from Aliso Niguel High School, Capistrano Valley High School, Dana Hills High School, San Clemente High School, San Juan Hills High School and Tesoro High School. The team also includes students from Laguna Beach High School within Laguna Beach Unified School District.
Chabad to Host Holocaust Survivor at SCHS Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente will host Dr. Jacob Eisenbach to speak to the San Clemente High School senior class at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at San Clemente High School to its senior class. Eisenbach is a 95-year-old survivor of the German Holocaust. “In light of recent anti-Semitic events in Orange County, the Chabad Jewish Center and the high school are putting on an amazing event,” a press release from the Chabad stated. The event was planned shortly after a video circulated in early March of a group of Orange County students playing a drinking game in which cups were situated to form a swastika and they performed a Nazi salute. Later in the month, the Los Angeles San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY 5:30-7:30 p.m. The San Clemente Rotary Club will host its regularly scheduled meeting. Fratello’s Italian Kitchen + Bar, 647 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 126, San Clemente. SATURDAY, APRIL 6 The CUSD Robot Dolphins from Outer Space will compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, April 17-20. Photo: Courtesy of Capistrano Unified School District
power women,” said Seea founder Amanda Chinchelli. “We hope to be more than a swimwear company—we would love to inspire and support the women’s community by encouraging uniqueness and camaraderie at the same time, while making responsible decisions to lower our environmental impact.”
Times reported anti-Semitic flyers had been posted in the San Fernando Valley. The Chabad members said they intend to invite Mayor Steve Swartz, Chief of Police Services Lt. Edward Manhart and Rabbi Mendel Slavin, who will discuss anti-Semitism and tolerance.
Contractor: Rattlesnakes Abound near Trails after Rains
Medium Eileen Davies Comes to San Clemente
Ed Stewart of Stewart and Associates, the contractor of the trail maintenance for San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, said his crews have seen an abundance of rattlesnakes along the cities’ hiking trails. Due to the lush surroundings following the rains, more cottontail rabbits have populated, giving the snakes more food. “We’re seeing small ones and big ones on the San Clemente trails,” Stewart said. “Because of the growth, we’ve got an explosion of cottontail rabbits,” which creates an abundance of food for predators. Stewart said he recommends people use a sturdy walking stick while hiking the trails to deter the snakes from the area. Visit socalrattlesnakeavoidancetraining. com for more information on workshops to help train your dog to avoid rattlesnakes.
Seea Wins Two SIMA Awards San Clemente-based company Seea, a “progressive women’s surf brand,” won two Surf Industry Manufacturers Association awards in the categories of Women’s Swim Brand of the Year and Breakout Brand of the Year, marking the first time that a women’s brand has won the latter all-around award, according to a press release from the company. The awards took place March 20 in Santa Ana. “We are very proud to be a self-founded ‘small’ company driven by the passion of surfing and creating beautiful things that em-
As part of her first U.S. tour, world-renowned Scottish medium and spiritual teacher Eileen Davies will visit the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley in San Clemente on Sunday, April 28, as a guest speaker for the Sunday service beginning at 10:30 a.m. She will offer a mediumship demonstration the following evening, Monday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Both events are open to the public. The Sunday service is free. Cost to attend the demonstration is a “love offering” for center members and $35 in advance or $45 at the door for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased on the Center’s website at www.cslcv.org. “Davies is one of the most well-respected mediums in the U.K. and abroad,” according to a press release from the center. Davies is a course organizer at the world-renowned Arthur Findlay Spiritualist College and the Trustee and Principle of Kingswells House Aberdeen. As a teacher, Davies believes, “Mediumistic powers are not so much developed as are revealed. When we recognize our true nature . . . we begin to remove all the conditioning that prevents us from recognizing them as an integral part of who we are as spiritual beings.” For more information about upcoming events, visit the center’s website at cslcv. org or call 949.240.6463.
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Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?
Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published. Email eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.
CHALLENGING CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 10 a.m. Challenging Cancer Support Group will host Kathy Girard M.F.C.C. as the guest speaker, with a presentation titled “Emotions and How to Listen to Them.” Heritage Christian Fellowship, room 207, 190 Avenida La Pata in San Clemente. 949.361.1022 heritagesc.org. TUESDAY, APRIL 9
SUNRISE ROTARY 7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Club Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. scsunriserotary.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. bilysc.org. SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 805.794.0653. sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
VFW POST 7142 MEETING 7 p.m. The post will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. 1505 N. El Camino Real, Elks Lodge. 949.464.8391. vfw7142.com. SATURDAY, APRIL 13
CITIZENS’ CLIMATE 9:30 a.m.-noon. The monthly meeting of CCL takes place at the Fellowship Hall of St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Calle Frontera. San Clemente. citizensclimatelobby.org.
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SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS CoastLines by Fred Swegles
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San Clemente Times, Vol. 14, Issue 14. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (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 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
(Some) Raindrops Falling on My Head
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t’s been so dry around here for so many years, we seem to have forgotten what a “normal” rainy season looks like. No matter what hyperbole you may have heard on the 11 o’clock news over the past three months, the supposedly uber-wet winter that we’ve just endured hasn’t even amounted to an average wet winter of years past. According to San Clemente’s municipal website, we’ve had 6.67 inches of precipitation since Oct. 1, the date the National Weather Service uses to begin its annual tally of rainfall, October to October. Typically, the lion’s share of our rain comes in January and February. Very occasionally, we get a fair bit in March. I decided to go back and see how 2019 stacks up. Sorry, folks, our year is underwhelming. I have a set of statistics compiled by a one-time enthusiastic San Clemente weather watcher, Bob Kabel. He had a rain gauge in his backyard, and from 1985 through COASTLINES By Fred Swegles 2006 I used to call him any time I needed day, storm or season rainfall counts for a weather story. In 2007, the resource vanished. The retiree moved out of town. During the 21 years he recorded, San Clemente averaged 14.7 inches of rain per year. This year, which has struck some people as extreme, the total isn’t even half that. And our wet season is basically over. We typically get only an inch of rain in April, maybe, then trace amounts after that. A memorable rainy season would be 1992-93, when we got 27.24 inches of rain. Long-timers will remember that El Niño year. A mudslide destroyed five bluff-top homes, burying Coast Highway for two years. A North Beach restaurant and motel washed away. Two years later, we got 31.67 inches. Then 1998 repeated that 31-inch rain count. In 1998, San Clemente was all over the 11 o’clock news. Residents of Capistrano Shores Mobile Home Park at North Beach got slammed, one storm after an-
The rains this winter weren’t extreme, but they did generate lots of driftwood from the creeks and some scenic rainbows around San Clemente. Photo: Fred Swegles
other, by big surf coupled with extremely high tides. News helicopters were a familiar sight. Then 2001 and 2003 were above-average—in the 16- and 18-inch range—and 2005 was our last real biggie: 29.82 inches. My guess is that 2005 was the last year that generated enough floodwaters in San Mateo Creek to breach the sand berm at Trestles, as it did this year despite much less rain. I asked the National Weather Service if my 2005 memory sounds right, since I no longer have stats handy for succeeding years. Forecaster Casey Oswant was able to confirm that we’ve had nothing like 2005 since. In fact, our 6.67 inches of rain so far this season is actually less than what we experienced during a single month during the wetter years of my 21-year period. In 1993, we got 13.95 inches of rain in January, alone. In 1995, 11.90 inches in January. In 1998, 12.62 inches in February. In 2001, a year that produced 18.72 inches of rain in San Clemente, we got half of it— 9.49 inches— in January alone. During 2005, our last bonkers El Niño year, we got 8.98 inches in January, then 8.73 inches in February, BAM! The wettest March in my stats was 7.10 inches in 1991. The 21-year average for March was just 2.72 inches. The average for April, just 1.03 inches. The National Weather Service couldn’t give me an apples-to-apples yearly comparison to my locally kept statistics. The closest set of years the weather service had was that Newport Beach has averaged
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10.6 inches of rain per year over the last 30 years, Oceanside 10.32 inches per year. San Clemente is likely very similar to either of those coastal cities. My 21-year stats from 1985 through 2006 show an average annual rainfall of 14.7 inches in San Clemente. We’ve been so dry since 2006, especially the past five years of scary-dry conditions, that our average could easily have dropped from 14.7 inches to 10.3 or 10.6 inches since my weather-watching statistician moved away. Now, if we could only do something about those abominable wildfires that are denuding our hills every year. They’ve generated mudslide havoc, even with considerably less rain than during truly El Niño winters past. Fred Swegles is a longtime resident of San Clemente with more than 48 years of experience covering the city. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, April 5 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. sanclementetimes.com
SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Kathy Ward
Spring Brings Many Offerings in San Clemente
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pring is here! It’s time to shrug off the cloudy days of winter and get out in the sunshine and celebrate everything our city has to offer. April has several city offerings, including the very popular Garden Fest & Spring Plant Sale on April 13, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Community Center, featuring huge bargains on drought-tolerant species, a garden flea market and garden activities for children. The city will provide the latest information for water conservation in San Clemente. Also on April 13 is Earth Day San Clemente, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parque Del Mar. This free community event is spon-
Letters to The Editor LET’S GET OUR ACT TOGETHER ON THE HOMELESS BILL HART, San Clemente
Last week’s letter on homelessness by Ms. Sandra Weaver is full of recriminations. Her letter criticizes a woman who unexpectedly encountered a homeless person in a supermarket restroom drinking from a stolen box of wine. The letter then generalizes that San Clemente is lacking compassion. However well intended, I fear that Ms. Weaver hurts her own cause. San Clemente is a quality of life community. Nobody lives here to be confronted by anti-social behaviors, unsavory acts in public, or to be confronted by crime committed in the open. It is not wrong for community members to speak against things that diminish our quality of life. Social norms against stealing date back to Moses and the Ten Commandments. Open theft of alcohol in a supermarket should not be accepted as an inconsequential act. One might show compassion toward an impoverished mother stealing bread for her starving children, but this is not the case. Being dismissive of someone getting drunk from a stolen box of wine is not a good premise for a reasonable discussion on compassion. Homelessness is not a condition in and of itself, but instead is the result of any number of negative conditions. Perhaps those conditions are economic misfortune, mental health problems, criminal behavior, laziness, San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
sored by the City of San Clemente and the Watershed Task Force. There will be live music, kids’ crafts, educational displays and demonstrations and artists. Start your Earth Day by attending the beach cleanup at 8:30 a.m. Supplies will be provided. April 28 is The Sensational Springtacular and Summer Camp Palooza! Egg Hunts begin at 10 a.m. for ages 1-andunder; 10:30 a.m. for 2-3 years old /4-6 years old; and 11 a.m. for 7-9 years old /10-12 years old. While at The Sensational Springtacular, stop by the Summer Camp Palooza for information and discounts on 2019 Summer Camps. CITY COUNCIL Visit booths, meet instrucCORNER tors and earn free admisBy Kathy Ward sion to our “Splashtacular” at the Aquatics Center from noon-4 p.m. “Splashtacular” is a recreational swim for all ages at the Aquatics Center (noon-4 p.m.), featuring a swim with Snorkel Bunny and a dive in the Underwater Egg Hunt. Free entry for Summer Camp Palooza participants; otherwise, standard recreation fees apply. Visit the city website for a
complete list of all the activities on April 28. Summer Camps this year include a day camp Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and includes daily swimming, arts & crafts, sports, and field trips. There are also camps for Aquatics, Gymnastics, Cheer & Tumbling, Performance Arts & Film, Dance, Surf & Beach and many more. For teens, there are offerings of volleyball, golf, guitar, ocean fishing, martial arts and more. Don’t forget to enroll in San Clemente Junior Guards, for ages 9-17. Swim tests are going on this month, with a couple dates only in June and July. For more information, visit the City of San Clemente website. Do you want to get your child ready for Junior Guards? There’s a camp for that, too. It is held at the Aquatics Center for ages 8-15. Youth can improve their swimming skills and learn a basic understanding of water rescue and first aid. Youth that participate in Junior Guards learn skills they will use throughout their lifetime. San Clemente Recreation has year-round offerings for adults, too. There are a number of dance classes, including Ballet, Belly Dancing and Country Line Dancing. Adult
substance abuse, or others. Different conditions might call for economic assistance, law enforcement, medical intervention, addiction recovery, or other measures. True compassion is helping people solve these different kinds of problems. Simple charity without solutions is only a band-aid. Homelessness is not a condition; it is a result. Compassion is helping those who are willing to accept it while holding those who refuse help accountable. We can and should empower the good in people while providing disincentives for the bad. Instead of wagging a scolding finger at San Clemente, let us step up our game by addressing the underlying conditions, so we can work toward real and compassionate solutions.
lected from the carbon fee is allocated in equal shares every month to the American people to spend as they see fit. Learn more about how this climate change legislation works. This bill provides a common-sense approach to solving climate change that’s a win-win. It benefits us in south Orange County by cleaning up our air and giving us monthly dividend checks. We are so grateful to Representative Levin for stepping up to support this bipartisan climate bill. The impact of climate change is already being felt in South Orange County. We are concerned about the increased chance of wildfires affecting our area and additional beach erosion due to stronger wave activity. The warming of the oceans and increased acidification of the water may also impact our local economy by hurting the tourist and fisheries industry. With Congress divided between a Republican-controlled Senate and a Democrat-controlled House, enacting any climate change solution requires a bipartisan approach. The bipartisan Energy Innovation Act is a critical first step to contain the effects of climate change and preserve a livable world for our children and grandchildren.
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY LOCALS APPLAUD REP. MIKE LEVIN FOR MAJOR BIPARTISAN CLIMATE BILL LARRY KRAMER, San Juan Capistrano
The South Orange County chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby today applauded Representative Mike Levin for cosponsoring the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This groundbreaking, bipartisan climate solution to price carbon will give revenue to households and bring greenhouse gas emission down 90 percent by 2050. Led by Florida Democrat Rep. Ted Deutch and Florida Republican Rep. Francis Rooney, and cosponsored by more than 20 other members of Congress, the bill will create more than two million new jobs, lower health care costs and promote energy innovation. This policy puts a fee on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. It starts low, at $15 per ton, and grows $10 per ton each year. The money col-
IN RESPONSE TO HOMELESS TOLERANCE DAVID HOLMES, San Clemente
To all you delusional church people calling for “compassion for our most vulnerable neighbors” (I guess that’s a new phrase for “vagrant derelicts”), please let the rest of us know when your Christ-like compassion includes you inviting a few dozen of these wonderful additions to our town to set up camp in your front yards, backyards and garages. After all, you’re
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classes also include Art, Fitness, Music, Tai Chi, Pickleball, Tennis, Martial Arts, League Softball and Soccer. Last but not least, there is even a class for the canine in your family: Dog Manners Crash Course. All of you who have that new puppy, this one’s for you. Our Aquatics Center and Ole Hanson Beach Club hold classes and offer swimming throughout the year. However you want to move, we have a class for you. You can visit the City of San Clemente Recreation Magazine online and register at: san-clemente.org. I want to end my column by saying goodbye to Eric Heinz, our reporter for the SC Times. I understand he is sticking around another month, so everyone will have an opportunity to talk to him and wish him well. This column is my chance to say thank you for sitting with us through many hours of meetings and events and thank you for caring about our city. Kathy Ward is a city councilmember who was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. 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
the ones blaming the problem on a lack of places for them to go, so do your part!
NEW SHORT-TERM RENTAL LAWS ARE UNFAIR BOB LUTZ, San Clemente
I finally received the document that shows that 18 homes that are located in residential areas, and therefore in zones that short-term rentals are not permitted under the new laws. They are able to rent short-term? The city was being sued by Vacation Rental Alliance, but came to an agreement whereby these 18 could rent for two years and, if they are “good renters,” can do so for another eight to 10 years? Now, how is this fair to some 100 to 200 homes that are in residential zonedout areas but can’t rent? Why weren’t we all included? This whole “deal” was done so secretively, and none of the parties will talk about it ’cause there is a gag order on it. So, if there are any good citizens out there, like me, who were affected by the city’s new laws, email me at bob.lutz@ cox.net, and we can start a class-action (lawsuit), because evidently that’s the only way to get through to this city.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. sanclementetimes.com
SC GETTING OUT San Clemente
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
At the Movies: ‘Dumbo’ Returns, But With Less Fanfare
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 sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.
Thursday | 04 OC BIRD OF PREY CENTER 7-8 p.m. Orange County Bird of Prey Center rehabilitates injured and orphaned raptors to return them to their natural habitat. It also introduces the public to these creatures and educates them on the role of raptors in the balance of nature. Join OCBPC at Casa Romantica to see firsthand what these raptors are all about. Cost is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. 415 Avenida Granada. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.
EDITOR’S PICK
Photo: Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Photo: Courtesy of SCHS
THURSDAY, APRIL 11: SCHS PRESENTS ‘MAMMA MIA!’ Performances: April 11-13 and 18-20 at 7 p.m. and April 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. San Clemente High School drama students will present the mega-hit musical comedy Mamma Mia! directed by Laurie Mason. This Broadway sensation has been seen by millions of people worldwide and launched two enormously popular movies. Featuring more than 20 hit songs by pop super-group ABBA, including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Name of the Game” and “The Winner Takes It All,” this high-spirited, feel-good international production will have you singing and dancing in the aisles. Come see this great show and join the fun at SCHS. Purchase tickets now at schsdrama.com. 700 Avenida Pico. 949.492.4165. schsdrama.com.
Friday | 05 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 scheduled performances. ivalees.com.
Saturday | 06 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. No registration is required and spectators are welcome. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.
Sunday | 07 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SALE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Stock up on your favorite sounds. CDs are eight for $1. Bookstore proceeds support library programs. Members receive half off all sales. If you are not San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
a member you may join that day to receive the sale price. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente 949.276.6342 VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. First Sunday of every month in downtown San Clemente, the Village Art Faire offers an array of exceptional work handcrafted by gifted artisans THE BÖSENDORFER CONSORT 3 p.m. Community Presbyterian Church Friends of Music presents an afternoon musicale. This is a professional chamber music concert for the entire community, featuring the Bösendorfer Consort.
of writing your personal and/or family story. You will learn hints for writing, and hearing tales from others, while sharing your own story. Registration now open. Class dates: April 9 and 23, May 7 and 21. Cost: $30 for four classes. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St. 949.248.3530 Online registration: danapoint.org.
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Monday | 08 BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. This month’s beneficiary is San Clemente Village. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.
Tuesday | 09 AUTOBIOGRAPHY, LIFE STORIES WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-noon. Begin or continue the journey
SAN CLEMENTE TOPS 9:30-10:30 a.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday. Meetings include a private weighin followed by informational programs that focus on making small steady changes that provide lasting weight loss and better health. San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida de Estrella, 949.492.9428. tops.org. BEGINNING BRIDGE LESSONS 9:30-11:30 a.m. Challenge your brain, meet fun-loving people. Lessons are Thursdays starting April 4 through May 9. $90 for series of six lessons. South Orange County Bridge Center in San Juan Capistrano, 31461 Rancho Viejo Rd. 949.248.1268 or 516.314.1896. southorangecountybridge.center/ wordpress/.
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BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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or the first time since the ever-bland Alice in Wonderland (2010), we get a live-action Disney classic remake and Tim Burton together again in a new film version of Dumbo. Burton directing an updated retelling is somewhat intriguing because one of his better films, Big Fish (2003), was partially set at a circus. But can Dumbo deliver equally as well? Set in 1919 Middle America, circus ringleader Max Medici (Danny DeVito) is struggling to keep his circus in business. When his former equestrian performer, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), returns home from World War I missing an arm, Medici then places him in charge of the elephants. At the same time, one of the female elephants gives birth to a calf with giant ears. Holt’s children, Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Robbins), discover that the special baby elephant can actually fly and may be able to save the circus with his magical talent. This new Dumbo barely has anything in common with the 1941 original. There’s a big-eared baby elephant who’s afraid of flying and forced to work at the circus after his mother is taken away. That’s about it. But, unfortunately, the newer elements to the story, including most of Burton’s modern efforts, have a lot of missed potential. Most of the comic relief doesn’t land, except for a couple of gags, and the kids’ subplots are cringe-inducing. With all of Tim Burton movies, though, there are still a couple of nice aspects that stand out: Danny Elfman’s usual music score for his features and Ben Davis’ cinematography. And, aesthetically, Dumbo himself is pretty cute for a CGI elephant. SC
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33 Calle Careyes, San Clemente Exquisite home on Talega golf course exudes elegant custom-caliber luxury with regal proportions in approximately 4,656 sf. Enjoy ocean and golf course views at every turn, custom woodwork, unrivaled upgrades, bright interiors, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, separate one-story casita, and private pool.
DOUG ECHELBERGER | RealtorŽ Pacific Sotheby’s Intl. Realty 949.498.7711 | Doug@Echelberger.com DRE# 01176379 | Broker DRE# 01767484 www.Echelberger.com
GETTING OUT
Together Through ‘Thick and Thin’ Folk-rock show to grace Cabrillo Playhouse, celebrate new with old BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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lassic and country sounds will come to San Clemente next weekend. Michael Cloud Devine and Craig Ensign Christy have performed together for the past 18 months, and their sound will fill the intimate Cabrillo Playhouse on April 12 and 13 in San Clemente. Each of them performs on a six-string acoustic guitar. “We’re going to be playing some of our own music, too. Craig is a great singer and songwriter, and half the show will be songs people will recognize, and the other half will be songs they think they recognize,” Devine said. Devine recently moved to San Clemente from Montana full-time to take care of his aging parents. He used to host the “Mainstreet Show” seasonally in the Big Sky state, which was a variety music show that incorporated various acts and performances, which was featured on a PBS affiliate from time to time.
“I think Laguna Beach was the first (place) where we first met,” Devine said. “We realized we had musical tastes in common, and we explored that for a while. Craig was doing a lot of (his music) in another area, and we decided to join forces— and Christy and Devine was born.” The show is called the “Thick and Thin” show, referring to the two men’s opposing statures. Christy said he’s been playing music since he was about 8 years old and had performed with a variety of bands over the years. He said some of his music can be described as “cosmic-Western-soul-jazz,” but the show at Cabrillo will be a little more contemporary. “It’s all kinds of different things that we were playing around the Southland and things like that, lots of years playing to drunks,” Christy said, adding some of the music is similar to that of his band Catalina Kings. “There’s some country and a lot of songs that are a sort of older Western,” Devine said. “A lot of intertwined, dual harmony and of that nature. It’s a sparse sound, but very upbeat and positive.” Devine refers to The Great American Songbook as a major contribution to the show, which is a compilation of the most famous jazz songs of the early 20th century. Devine said the show is appropriate for all ages. The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online at cabrilloplayhouse. org. Cabrillo Playhouse is located at 202 Avenida Cabrillo. SC
Michael Devine and Craig Christy will perform their ‘Thick and Thin’ show on April 12 and 13 at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Photo Eric Heinz
San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
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PUBLIC NOTICES
TO A DV E RT I SE : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 7 7 0 0 , E X T. 1 0 0 • FAX : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 9 9 7 7 PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON APRIL 17, 2019 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 1640 North El Camino Real A and B – Conditional Use Permit 17-322, Minor Cultural Heritage Permit 17-420 and Minor Exception Permit 18-628 – La Colombiana Restaurant and Alcohol Expansion A request to consider modification to an existing restaurant use, including a full range of alcohol for indoor and outdoor consumption, minor exterior modifications to the existing structure, and parking waivers for an increase in indoor and outdoor restaurant seating. Staff recommends the project be found Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities) and 15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). This application is on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development Department at (949) 361-6183. If you challenge this project in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing. To allow staff adequate time to confirm software compatibility, individuals wishing to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentations at the meeting must submit the electronic files to the City Planner by no later than 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting. Only compatible electronic formats will be permitted to be used on City audio/visual computer equipment. Staff makes no guarantee that such material will be compatible, but will use its best efforts to accommodate the request. Notice is further given that said public hearing on this project will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Council Chambers located at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing or to provide written communication to the Planning Commission to express their opinion for or against the request.
For further details, please call or visit the office of the City of San Clemente Planning Commission Secretary at the Community Development Department where information is on file and available for public inspection. Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission
Locals Only SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY San Clemente
PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20196536187 The following person(s) is doing business as: VIXSEE 2522 VIA DURAZNO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): TRENDGRAB INC. 2522 VIA DURAZNO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 The business is conducted by a corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Name listed above on: n/a /s/Mark Paulson This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County On 02/27/2019 Publish: San Clemente Times March 21, 28, Apr 4, 11
Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the San Clemente Times. • Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 100
OBITUARIES
Robert Walter Hunt, Jr. Robert Walter Hunt, Jr. passed away March 23rd from complications of pneumonia, surrounded in his last days by his adoring family and friends, and his wife of more than 60 years, Nancy. Bob was born in New York in 1937; he enrolled in Princeton University in 1955, but halfway through his studies, left to serve in the United States Marine Corps. In 1958, while on leave from Camp Pendleton, he met the love of his life at Santa Barbara’s East Beach. Two weeks later, they were engaged, and in two months more, married. After finishing at Princeton, Bob earned an MA in philosophy from UCLA and next took a position as an associate professor at the University of Redlands. In 1977, Bob and Nancy moved to San Clemente to start a new chapter as a successful husband and wife real estate team. Through his years as a broker, Bob also served the real estate community as a director of both CAR and NAR and as an association president. He also wrote a weekly column on real estate issues and published texts in business and real estate ethics. Bob leaves a large extended family, for in addition to his biological sons Trey, Scott, and Matt, and their wives, he had numerous young men who found a father in him. Bob embraced his father-figure role, having lost his dad when he was just 13, and he looked on his “adopted son” George with a loving pride equal to that of any birth father. Bob was a perennial fan at all of his kids’ events, and he was generous with his time and wisdom to all who sought him. He lived by his favorite Bible verse, “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Service to be held at 4 pm, April 5, at San Clemente Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, give someone a hug.
ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, bodymindspiritiop.com CHOCOLATE/CANDY Schmid’s Fine Chocolates 99 Avenida del Mar, 949.369.1052 schmidschocolate.com DENTISTS Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com Shoreline Dental Studio/ Kristen Ritzau DDS, Dr. Colby Livingston 122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, shorelinedentalstudio.com DIGITAL MARKETING CONSULTING/SERVICES Kelli Murrow Consulting www.kellimurrow.com 949.573.7725 ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, danmans.com PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com PEST/TERMITE CONTROL Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, accuratetermitecontrol.com PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Buy • Consign • Sell
949.395.5681 (24 hours) Available 7 days a week. We also offer professional appraisals, auction services, restoration and shipping.
CASH SAME DAY Dee Coleman, CEO/Owner 2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente Web: classicautosalesoc.com Email: classicautosalesoc@gmail.com
100% positive EBAY Seller since 2001!
Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com
CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com
GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE 9 am to 2 pm 213 Calle Serena, San Clemente, CA 92672.Household items, furniture, clothes, surfboards GARAGE SALE SAT. APRIL 6 34155 Camino El Molino, Capistrano Beach 92624 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Couches, wooden cabinets and tables, fishing equipment, books books books, tools (power drills, screwdrivers, hammers, etc.)
FOR SALE HOME FOR SALE San Clemente FORSTER RANCH One level with Views 3bd/2ba cul-de-sac HUGE gated RV/boat/ car storage,oversized drive 1877sqft $939,000 Call George Abrahamsen#018214 48,Tarbell,REALTORS 949-812-9990
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY
PROSTHODONTICS Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P. 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K 949.361.4867 (GUMS) moranperio.com REALTORS “Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com RESTAURANTS Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386 SALONS Salon Bleu 207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, scsalonbleu.com WEBSITE DESIGN San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, sanclementewebsitedesign. com
Florence McNabb, my amazing grandmother and 50 year San Clemente resident, is turning 100 on April 2nd, 2019. When Grandma moved down to San Clemente in the 60’s, her last name was Shea. She worked as a cashier at Alpha Beta (that is now Ralph’s on El Camino Real) for years. And 30 years ago, on April 7th 1989, she married Richard McNabb. They are still happily married and enjoy going to car shows and going to Jazz festivals! Our family is so blessed to have such a beautiful, funny and sweet woman in our lives. We love you! Kim Smolinski & Family
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
San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
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SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Amarii Sandoval, WPC Youth Leadership Member
Youth Can Lead Community Change
I
n February of this year, I had the opportunity to attend the 29th annual National Leadership Forum led by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). The forum was made up of students and adults who wanted to further their knowledge of the many issues our youth face today. Each day, there were new and interesting workshops we attended that addressed ways we can improve our communities. There were a couple of workshops I thought were the most interesting, and most shocking, which were about suicide among youth. The most striking statistic is that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. As a teen, I’ve seen anxiety and depression become more common among my peers, and being a very empathetic person, it’s difficult to realize how many people must feel alone and lost. It is even harder to grasp the reality that so many people
have considered or attempted suicide. Another great part of the experience was getting to meet with a representative from the office of Rep. Mike Levin. Along with other youth coalition members, we got to speak to Robbie Farewell, who is a senior legislative assistant for Congressman Levin. We spoke about what we do as a coalition and provided information on some of the biggest issues that San Clemente youth face today. Speaking to Mr. Farewell was a totally new and amazing opportunity for me. Our coalition is very grateful for the time that Congressman Levin’s office gave us and that they expressed wanting to become more involved in what we do. I am excited to work further with him to improve our community in San WELLNESS AND Clemente and in Orange PREVENTION County in general. By Amarii Overall, attending Sandoval the National Leadership forum was a very educational and amazing experience that I was glad to be a part of. I’m very thankful for the Wellness & Prevention Center for giving me this opportunity, and I am excited to use what I learned to change our community for the better. More information on the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America can be found at cadca.org. A list of the nonprofit’s policies are outlined within the website and additional resources can be found. Amarii Sandoval is a junior at San Clemente High School who has lived in San Clemente her entire life. She has been a member of Wellness & Prevention Coalition-
Photo: Courtesy of Thomas Pulley/OC Public Libraries
FROM THE ARCHIVES The view of the courtyard of the Spanish colonial revival house Casa Romantica of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson, circa 1928. 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.
led SCShift youth coalition, which focuses on prevention of youth substance use, for one year and enjoys doing work that betters her community. If you or your teens would like to participate in community change through the Wellness & Prevention Coalition, please send an email to info@www.wpc-oc.org.
BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:
San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
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
Pet of the Week: Kittle
Sudoku 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
Consider signing up for our bi-monthly informational emails at www.wpc-oc.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page. SC
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
M
See the solution in next week’s issue.
Kittle. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter
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eet Kittle, a gentle soul who is looking for a home to call her very own. Just over a year old, Kittle is surprisingly mellow and spends much of her day sunbathing or watching the birds outside. She would make an ideal pet for someone who wants a calm, relaxed kitty. If you would like to know more about Kittle, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC
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Tritons and Tribulations San Clemente baseball battles top competition in quest to return to playoffs BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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he San Clemente baseball team was swinging for the top. With their ace on the mound back at the friendly confines of Sisca Field, the Tritons had bounced back from a 7-1 loss at league-leading Aliso Niguel on Monday, April 1 for a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning on Tuesday, April 2. Then the defense slipped, the Wolverines pounced, and the lead evaporated. Aliso Niguel loaded the bases and scored four runs in the fifth inning and shut down San Clemente with six strikeouts in the final two innings, including four in the seventh, to take the Sea View League contest, 5-4, at San Clemente High School. “Defense the last 24 hours, two games in 24 hours, really hurt us,” San Clemente coach Dave Gellatly said. “Aliso is the cream of the crop in our league, and we have to do everything right to beat them. We had an opportunity, but the mistakes killed us.” San Clemente senior right-hander Connor Wilford was again strong through the
Scoreboard COMPILED BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local San Clemente youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week. Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.
Adams Sets SCHS Pole Vault Record San Clemente sophomore Sierra Adams reached new heights for the Triton program. In a dual meet at San Clemente High School against Tesoro on March 21, Adams vaulted 10 feet, 7 inches to set a new school record in the girls pole vault. Adams’ previous best was 10 feet, even San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
San Clemente senior Connor Wilford, a Cal Poly commit, put up another strong start for the Tritons, but untimely errors undid San Clemente’s effort against league-leading Aliso Niguel. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
first four innings and had five strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Wilford, a recent Cal Poly commit, has posted a 1.29 ERA and .156 opposing batting average this season. “He’s been great all year,” Gellatly said. “He’s going to have a great career ahead of him beyond San Clemente High School. I was impressed with his composure.” Wilford’s composure was tested as the Tritons committed five errors over a threeinning span. Wilford held strong, but Aliso Niguel capitalized with five runs (three earned) on six hits. “Our defense and our pitching has been sound all year long,” Gellatly said. “It’s our offense that’s been struggling. We came out and hit the ball well today, but the stuff that we have depended on to keep us in
ballgames didn’t work out today. That’s baseball.” Logan Phillip stole home as part of a double-steal play to score in the first inning and give San Clemente (10-9-2, 3-4) the early lead. After Aliso Niguel (18-3, 6-0) tied the game in the top of the fourth on two errors and an RBI groundout, San Clemente burst back ahead in the bottom of the inning. Brent Riddle led off with a double and scored on an RBI single by Dylan Carter. Matt Masotto followed with a double, and Ryan Baxter knocked home both Carter and Masotto with a single for the threerun lead. Then Aliso Niguel showed its mettle in
the fifth inning. The Wolverines loaded the bases on an error, single and walk. Aliso Niguel scored on a single, a wild pitch and a tworun single to retake the lead, 5-4. Left-hander Quinn Mathews, a Stanford commit, dominated on the mound in the final three innings for Aliso Niguel to pick up the save. Mathews struck out six in the final two innings, including three dropped third-strike pitches. Mathews actually had four strikeouts in the seventh inning, after one batter reached on a third strike that got past the catcher. “Aliso is the best team of the 10-team league,” Gellatly said. “They’re the best team in the Sea View League, and they’d be the best team in the South Coast League. They might go undefeated in league.” Both Aliso Niguel and San Clemente missed the playoffs in the South Coast League last season. Experience and a year’s time have improved Aliso Niguel, and the Sea View League has made San Clemente a more competitive team. “We battle more,” Gellatly said of this year’s group. “We realize that we’re not as talented as we were last year, but we’re also not in as talented a league as last year. We try to play more as a team and pull for each other.” Over the season’s final six games and four league games, the Tritons will battle Trabuco Hills (11-8, 4-4) and San Juan Hills (11-11, 4-3) for the Sea View League’s other two CIF-SS playoff spots. San Clemente has already claimed two of three games against Trabuco Hills, and the Tritons play a home-and-home set against San Juan Hills on Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11. SC
at last season’s South Coast League Finals, where she took the frosh/soph title.
Fourth Grade Girls NJB Competes at Nationals The National Junior Basketball fourthgrade San Clemente girls team competed in the NJB All-Star National Tournament on March 23-24 at Valencia and Mater Dei High Schools. The girls advanced to Nationals by winning their sectional tournament on March 9-10. At Nationals, the girls went 1-1 in pool play and won their opening silver bracket game before falling in the semifinals. The team is made up of Chloe DeVries, Lainey Draves, Jane Fischer, Capri Hall, Sydney Hernandez, Olivia Jui, Molly McConnell and Paige Wojtkiewicz. The girls are coached by Cassie Hall and Jeremy DeVries. SC
The San Clemente fourth-grade girls NJB team competed in the All-Star National Tournament on March 23-24. Photo: Lauren DeVries
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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Celebrating the Surf Shop In every sense, the inaugural Dana Point Surf Shop Challenge was a resounding success BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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f you caught a whiff of burning sage during your dawn patrol session last Saturday morning at Salt Creek, it’s all good. It was an Acjachemen ceremony blessing the start of the inaugural Dana Point Surf Shop Challenge. The contest brought not only Dana Point’s five esteemed surf shops together, it was a full-on community gathering from beginning to end. “When we started thinking about putting something like this together, we didn’t just want to have another surf contest; we wanted something that celebrated Dana Point’s longtime ocean culture and brought people together in a more meaningful way,” said Eric Diamond, the president of the Dana Point Surf Club and mastermind behind the event. “It was really important to have the Acjachemen ceremony and honor Dana Point’s original beach culture,” Diamond said. “I think that helped people get . . . a deeper understanding and appreciation for those that came before us. It’s about respect. We want to be inclusive, and having that blessing at the beginning really got things off on the good foot.” The native Acjachemen people lived along the coast in the hill in southern
GROM OF THE WEEK
DANE MATSON BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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pring has sprung, summer isn’t far behind, and Dane Matson is rolling. Under warm, sunny skies last weekend at San Onofre, Matson demonstrated that he’s not the only one in his family on the rise. While older brother Kade continues to assert himself on the Pro Junior level, Dane’s not too far behind. With pristine conditions and pumping surf, the second-to-last USA Surfing Prime Junior contest landed at Church last weekend, and Dane stepped up for a huge win in the boys under-14 division. San Clemente Times April 4-10, 2019
Members of the Acjachemen Nation hold a ceremony prior to the Dana Point Surf Shop Challenge on Saturday, March 30, at Salt Creek. Photo: Luke Gonia
Orange County and northern Orange County, developing robust villages along the San Juan Creek and the San Mateo Creek. That all changed when Spanish missionaries founded the San Juan Capistrano Mission in the late 18th century. By the 20th century, the Acjachemen culture had been largely stamped out, but recently the language and customs are thankfully being revived. Even if the beach was filled with sandy kids in wetsuits, the historical vibes were inescapable. In 1954, Hobie Alter opened one of the first surf shops in California and the first surf shop in Dana Point. Originally a place to simply order and buy a new board, and later other surf gear, clothing and products were added to the shelves, and the surf shop morphed into what it is today. It also became ground zero for
surfers up and down the coast to find out what was going on (mind you, SURFER Magazine’s first issue was still six years away at the time). “That’s why we felt it was so important to celebrate this heritage we have here in Dana Point,” Diamond said. “Dana Point is largely where the surf shop was born, and to bring it back and see it all come full circle like this, it really speaks to the surfing heritage of the area.” Five surf shops competed in the firstever Dana Point Surf Shop Challenge: Hobie, Killer Dana, Jack’s, Infinity and Girls In The Curl. There were divisions for everyone from the youngest groms to the crustiest old dudes. The longboard division was especially interesting, featuring local shaper/artist/surfer Tyler Warren, world-renowned stylist Andy Nieblas, and
The win puts Dane firmly into first place on the 2018/2019 USA Surfing ratings. He’s approximately 500 points ahead of second-place surfer Cole McCaffray, meaning he has a very real chance of capturing the national title. The final event of the season will take place on May 4-5 at T-Street. Last month, Dane helped lead Shorecliffs Elementary to its 14th consecutive NSSA State Title. In February, Dane spent some valuable time in Hawaii with the Hurley crew, where he was able to get plenty of water time and work with former world tour surfer and San Clemente resident Yadin Nicol. Keep an eye out for Dane and big brother Kade; we think big things are ahead for both of them over the next months. SC
Dane Matson. Photo: Instagram/@danematson Page 30
a whole crew of talented cross-steppers. “These are literally some of the best longboards on the planet, and they’re all down here at Creek. It’s so cool to see how deep local roots grow and that these guys would come back to surf in a contest like this,” Diamond said. At the end of the day, all of the heat winners were thrown into one “super heat” to compete for supreme bragging rights. Dana Point stalwart Chris Billy took the win in the super heat, topping a ridiculously talented field. Utilizing a team format for the contest, points were earned for results in specific divisions and went toward a shop’s final total. When the spray finally settled, it was Killer Dana that earned the bragging rights and the first-place trophy. “I’m kind of speechless, to be honest,” Diamond said. “We had great surf, great weather, a ton of friendly competition and some local rivalries. Every shop did an amazing job rallying the tribe. Killer Dana came out in force. Congratulations to all those guys and girls that made it happen.” Back in the day when Alter was just opening his doors, the surf shop quickly morphed into more than just a place to buy stuff. It was a gathering place, a place where information and stories could be shared. Surf shops were the cultural hub for the early surfers. Today, there’s a lot of talk about the struggles of brick-and-mortar retail spaces and the impact online sales have had on small businesses such as surf shops. But if the shops can stay true to their roots and not just push boards, bikinis, trunks and wax but also offer a sense of belonging and community, that’s always been the source for success. Dana Point’s lucky to have such a long and storied history, one that continues to play out today. It’s great an event like the Surf Shop Challenge has been created to celebrate it. SC
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