January 10, 2019 by San Clemente Times

LO C A L

N EWS

January 10-16, 2019

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CoastLines: Polar Bear Dip Lives On PAGE 6

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 02

Golden Years

San Clemente to add nearly 200 rooms for retired living E Y E O N S C / PAG E 5

Raya’s Paradise COO Monica Westphaln, left, and CEO Moti Gamburd break ground on a new assisted living facility set to open in 2020 in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

SC Woman May Have Birthed County’s First Baby of 2019 EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Point-in-Time Study Seeks Volunteers Prior to Jan. 23-24 Count EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

www.sanclementetimes.com

Action Needed as Plastic Waste Continues to Hamper Ocean Waters SURF/PAGE 18

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ister as a volunteer, visit www.everyonecountsoc.org. The results of the study are published later in the year once the data have been collected. —Staff

Metrolink Announces Railroad Maintenance in San Clemente

Five things San Clemente should know this week

THE LATEST: Metrolink is scheduled to conduct maintenance on railroad tracks through San Clemente starting Monday, Jan. 7. Locations that will be maintained: • Esplanade to Avenida Califia • Vista Blanca to Avenida De Las Palmera During this maintenance work, Metrolink anticipates the following impacts: • Noise from equipment backup alarms • Noise from construction activities • Lights from light towers

San Clemente Woman’s Child May Be Orange County’s First of the New Year THE LATEST: Minutes into the New Year, James Austin Kroeger was born at 12:12 a.m. on Jan. 1. He may have been the first Orange County baby born in 2019, according to officials with MemorialCare’s Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills. James Austin’s parents, James and Megan Kroeger, moved to San Clemente recently and said they had actually hoped their firstborn child would arrive just before the end of 2018 in order to take advantage of the child tax credit, but having the baby so close to midnight made it all the more special, they said. “I wasn’t even thinking about the New Year,” Megan said. “It was just such a surprise. Just having him on New Year’s (Day) was special enough.” “We thought he might end up being a Christmas baby,” James said. The Kroegers moved to San Clemente last March, so Megan has been pregnant in the duration of their short residence. James, the father, said he is able to work remotely and will be able to help with raising his son much easier without commuting. Megan said she will be looking for a new job once she’s finished her maternity period. “We really like the small-town feel of San Clemente,” Megan said. James said he lived in Los Angeles for 10 years and had frequented San Clemente while visiting friends in the area. He said he and Megan eventually decided to make the move down here for the beach-town atmosphere. “I used to work near Manhattan Beach, and all my friends would surf there, so I’m trying to get into the groove,” James said. Born 6 pounds, 15.8 ounces, James Austin was delivered at the Women’s Hospital by Dr. Kerry Price. Sitting next to James Austin’s mother in the natal ward of the hospital was a pink and white blanket with January 1, 2019 stitched into the top of it along with his name. WHAT’S NEXT: It’s not official as of yet, but there don’t seem to be any reports in the county of a baby being born earlier San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

James Austin Kroeger was born at 12:12 a.m. on Jan. 1 to parents James and Megan. He may be the first baby of the new year born in Orange County, according to officials with MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Photo: Eric Heinz

than James Austin. The Orange County Register reported that a baby was born at 2:56 a.m. on Jan. 1 at South Coast Global Medical Center in Santa Ana. —Eric Heinz

Triangle-Favorite Duke’s San Clemente Closes after Rent Negotiations Fall Through THE LATEST: Duke’s San Clemente has closed after the lessee and the owners could not come to an agreement on the terms of rent, the general manager of the longtime establishment told the San Clemente Times on Friday, Jan. 4. Denise Celaya, the general manager for about four months, said discussions between the landlord and the owners had failed. “There was a longstanding back-and-forth issue on the lease, and they kind of negotiated it up until the 11th hour,” Celaya said. Celaya said there has been interest from other businesses to rent the location, but nothing has been confirmed yet. The bar and grill was a popular hangout for sports events and late-night dancing for more than a decade. “There’s been a lot of interest in that location,” she said. The new owners took over in 2018 and hosted a grand re-opening in November. Denise said the owners of Duke’s are not going to seek another location in San Clemente. Employees contacted by SC Times initially said the final day would be Sunday, Jan. 6, but Denise said the locks had already been changed by Thursday night, Jan. 3. “The community has been amazing.

I’d only been there four months, but the regulars and the locals have been amazing people,” Celaya said. “Although this was such a short experience for me, it was wonderful. So, I hope to do it again somewhere.” Some of the employees had been with Duke’s for 10 years, Celaya said. The owners of Duke’s did not wish to comment on the story, Celaya said. —EH

Point-in-Time Study Seeks Volunteers Prior to Jan. 23-24 Count THE LATEST: Counting the county’s homeless population will take a concerted effort. The goal of the now-annual Point-inTime Count will take place Jan. 23 and 24, with the Southern Section of the county based at Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente. As the two-day mission gets closer, volunteers are still being sought. Earlier in 2018, the county Board of Supervisors voted to contract with CityNet, which will conduct the count and collect the data from it. Volunteers will use devices given to them after training in order to detail the needs of the homeless residents, which can help direct them to health and housing services. The data also tracks “boundaries,” or locations with significant distance to homeless populations, with public services. WHAT’S NEXT: The first day of training is Jan. 12 for the Southern Section at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo. For more information and to reg-

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WHAT’S NEXT: The schedule posted Monday includes work that will be conducted from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. between Monday, Jan. 7 and Friday, Jan. 11. Work will take place 12:30-4 a.m. on the weekends of Saturday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 14, and at the same time Saturday, Feb. 9, through Monday, Feb. 11. All construction dates and times are subject to change without notice. There may be additional clean-up work and prep work before and after the project is completed. Questions and concerns can be directed to Laurene Lopez at 213.452.0433 or to communityrelations@scrra.net. —Staff

San Clemente Art Supply to Close after More Than 15 Years in Business THE LATEST: Patti and Richard Herdell have decided to retire after running the San Clemente Art Supply shop for more than 15 years in North Beach. San Clemente Art Supply has been wellknown as a provider of art classes, supplies for students and hosted opportunities for members of the military and elderly. Their classes included inexpensive weekly tutorials to high-priced instruction from acclaimed professional artists. WHAT’S NEXT: Patti and Richard said they are currently looking for a buyer for the historic property, which was built around the time San Clemente became a city. “The shop is doing well and we are healthy; it is just time,” a letter from Patti and Richard on Jan. 7 stated. “Should we be unable to find a buyer, we will be closing around the beginning of May. We will keep everyone informed as things progress. Classes and custom framing will continue running as usual until May as well.” —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

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Casa Romantica to Offer $1 Classic Music Concert Tickets for Children Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will offer $1 tickets to its classical music concerts for children ages 6 to 16. A limited number of tickets will be available. “The Casa Classic concerts are open to all ages but are typically marketed to adults. However, children who study music and dance have proven to develop better focus, higher self-confidence, and a better long-term memory,” a press release from the Casa stated. “In turn, the foundations of performing arts drive these individuals to achieve greater success in higher education, teamwork, and critical thinking.” Find out more about the new program by calling 949.498.2139 or visit www.casaromantica.org.

Police Pursue Driver through San Clemente, Make Arrest a Few Miles South of City A police chase through three counties that started in Los Angeles County on Thursday, Jan. 3, made its way southbound and ended in a standoff near Camp Pendleton on the I-5 freeway, causing major traffic delays in southern Orange County. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody following a brief standoff near the side of the freeway a few miles south of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), aerial footage from Fox 11 Los Angeles showed. The pursuit lasted more than three hours and began about 10:50 a.m. in Culver City, where shortly thereafter the driver’s vehicle struck a pedestrian on a motorized scooter, as seen on aerial video footage from an LAPD helicopter. The suspect, driving a maroon Honda Civic, evaded police and escaped from multiple PIT maneuvers, aerial footage showed. During the pursuit, the vehicle sustained damage to its windshield and back window. The driver eventually got onto I-405 freeway, heading southbound toward Orange County, then later merged onto the I-5 and continued to head south toward San Diego County. Near Camp Pendleton, the driver stopped the vehicle but did not exit, prompting a standoff with several police officers. After about 30 minutes, a police K-9 unit was brought out to help the police take the driver into custody about 2:15 p.m., the aerial footage showed. I-5 southbound lanes in the area reopened around 2:30 p.m. CHP spokesman Officer Mark Latulippe later identified the driver as 34-year-old San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY 5:30-7:30 p.m. The San Clemente Rotary Club will host its regular meeting, which takes place the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Meeting will be called to order at 6 p.m. Wedgewood, San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. www. sanclementerotary.org. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12

Casa Romantica is starting a program that reduces children’s classical music concert tickets to $1. Photo: Courtesy of Casa Romantica

Karl Flores and described him as a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to KTLA/5 Los Angeles. —Shawn Raymundo

SOCGEMS: Why 21st Century Jade Is Prized and How It’s Valued Renee Newman, a gemologist, teacher and author of 13 gem and jewelry books, one of which features jade, will discuss the soaring value of jade at the monthly South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society meeting at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville. The author developed her interest in jade while conducting tours to China and Southeast Asia in the early 1980s. To answer her passengers’ questions about the gems there, she enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) program and was hired as a gemologist at a wholesale gem firm in Los Angeles. She now devotes most of her time to speaking and writing about gems and jewelry. She will bring copies of her book to the SOCGEMS program for sale. Meetings of SOCGEMS are held the third Wednesday of the month at San Clemente Community Center (next door to the library). Guests are welcome at no charge. For more information visit www.socgems.com or follow it on Facebook.com/ SOCGEMS to receive information on upcoming programs. The 56-year old nonprofit club serves the entire South Orange County community.

Free Tax Help with AARP Tax-Aide Trained and certified volunteers will be offering free tax help to low- to moderateincome taxpayers, especially those 60 and

older, through the Tax-Aide Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. The program is available at the Dana Point Senior Center, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point starting Friday, Feb. 1. For more information and to schedule an appointment, stop by the senior center or call 949.496.4252. The program is also available at the San Juan Capistrano Senior Center located at 25925 Camino Del Avion, on Tuesdays beginning on Feb. 5 by calling 949.493.5911.

Coastal Art & Poetry Contest California students in five grade-level categories (K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12th grade) are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the annual California Coastal Commission’s Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. Entries are being accepted now and must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2019 to be eligible for the upcoming contest. For rules and entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), visit the website www.coastforyou.org or email coast4u@ coastal.ca.gov. You can also download the contest flyer in English and Spanish. Up to 10 winners will be selected to win $100 gift certificates to Blick Art Materials (for artists) or to a book store of their choice (for poets). Each winner’s sponsoring teacher will receive a $50 gift certificate to Acorn Naturalists. All winners, their teacher and honorable mentions will receive tickets to visit Aquarium of the Pacific and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Winners and honorable mentions will be exhibited at venues throughout California, including the Estuary & Ocean Science Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, Ford House Museum, Channel Islands National Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center.

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CITIZENS’ CLIMATE LOBBY (CCL) MEETING 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. www.citizensclimatelobby.org. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15

SUNRISE ROTARY 7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Club Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. www.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. www.bilysc.org. CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission will host its regularly scheduled meeting. Planning meeting starts at 6 p.m. with regular business at 7 p.m. 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

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Raya’s Paradise, located at 101 Avenida Calafia, is planned to open 40 rooms by 2020 for assisted and specialized retirement living. Photo: Rendering provided by Raya’s Paradise

Golden Years San Clemente poised to add nearly 200 rooms for retired living BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ore housing options for retired people will be coming to San Clemente in the near future. Two major projects will add nearly 200 additional rooms that could provide more living space. With more residents than it can house, a main topic leading into the 2018 election and that has reverberated around the state is housing and affordable living. According to U.S. Census data, the median age of Orange County residents rose from 33.3 to 36.2 years from 2000 to 2010. Raya’s Paradise With assistance for hospice, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and independent living care, Raya’s Paradise plans to open its doors by 2020 after years of going through planning processes. Moti Gamburd, the CEO of Raya’s Paradise, said he acquired the land about five years ago but that it’s been a long process to get the project started. They had to go through San Clemente’s planning process

as well as the California Coastal Commission for permitting. Raya’s was required by the commission to remove trees to make an ocean-view corridor for residents, as well as other mandates. He got the final approvals from the Coastal Commission last year. Raya’s Paradise will be located on the 100 block of Avenida Calafia, next to the San Clemente Inn. There will be 24-hour care and an assisted-living unit, providing independent living as well as end-of-life care. Gamburd said he was inspired by his mother, who immigrated to the U.S. from Russia and Israel, to enter the assistedliving industry. “In 1991, my mom, who is a nurse, came to the United States and took care of an old lady,” Gamburd said. “Because she has experience in the geriatric work, she said if I can take care of one lady, why can’t I take care of six ladies?” In California, one home can hold up to six people at one time who are not dependents of the title holder. “At that time, while I was in school, my father got very ill, and I kind of started to help her, and I started to fall in love with this field,” Gamburd said, adding that Raya’s has added six retirement-living facilities in California. Monica Westphaln, the COO of Raya’s, was working for a competitor in 2011 when Gamburd decided to try to join forces with her.

“She kind of opened my eyes and showed me how much better it would be to build in a larger community,” Gamburd said. “Eventually, we landed on (San Clemente). We hired an architect from San Clemente.” Gamburd said he had to convince the commission that Raya’s in San Clemente was necessary, pointing to an office facility that had been approved years ago before it would be developed. In recent years, the California Coastal Commission has leaned toward a housing-friendly approach in order to address the state’s housing crisis. “The growing population of our elderly is becoming graver and graver as the years go on,” Westphaln said. “So we started to do a competitive analysis, and we showed the Coastal Commission that this is a great site for the city of San Clemente because there’s not a lot to offer for our seniors.” Westphaln said the offering of mental health and attentive services may have been the tipping point to getting the project approved. Raya’s will have 40 rooms but provide 80 beds for couples that move in together. According to the company’s website, Raya’s has a subsidiary called CARE (Caring, Assisting, Respecting our Elderly) Home-care, which “sends qualified and trained caregivers to homes to help with daily routines.” Services provided under CARE include medication assistance and reminders, pharmacy support, meal planning and preparation, exercise and strengthening,

activities at home including art, music, reading, gardening, cooking, brainstimulating activities, games and regular physical activity, companionship and transportation. Representatives with Raya’s said the average cost of living will be between $8,000 and $10,000 per month, which is typically only covered by long-term care medical insurance plans. Job searches have not yet begun, but Gamburd said he wants to hire staff locally. There is a waiting list at the facilities in Los Angeles County owned by Raya’s, but they have not yet marketed their San Clemente rooms. For more information on the company, visit www.rayasparadise.com. Shorecliﬀs Driving Range Another facility, nearly three times the size of Raya’s, is a retired-living facility at the Shorecliffs Golf Club driving range. The applicant of the project is Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC. The facility is planned to be four stories high at 501 Avenida Vaquero. The facility is expected to host 150 rooms. The project is currently going through Design Review Subcommittee and environmental checks of the planning division. The project is also part of a replacement clubhouse planned to be built at Shorecliffs Golf Club. Residents at the Shorecliffs facility will have to be 55 and older in order to move in. A timeline of completion of the project has not yet been announced. SC

A four-story, 150-room living facility for people 55 and older is expected to be built on what is currently the Shorecliffs Golf Club driving range in the near future. Photo: Rendering provided by the city of San Clemente San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

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People flock to Lasuen Beach in San Clemente the first of the year to participate in the Polar Bear Dip. Photo: File

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 14, Issue 02. 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.

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San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

Polar Bear Dip Survives in San Clemente

he Toledo Blade cheerfully reported on Jan. 1 how revelers happily greeted 2019 with a Polar Bear Plunge into the 38-degree waters of the Maumee River. In Pittsburgh, KDKA News documented a New Year’s Day plunge into the 40-degree waters of the Monongahela River, noting how the previous year organizers had to break up the ice so daredevils could go in. In Alaska, the Juneau Empire said nearly 200 people took that community’s annual frigid dip. Keloland News of Sioux Falls, South Dakota reported that 225 people rushed from snowy ground into Colorado’s Boulder County Reservoir. Canadian TV news crews showed a Toronto throng happily hopping into lovely Lake Ontario. “Last year’s Polar Plunge was canceled after the beach froze over,” CTV News reported. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said hundreds showed up at Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan. “It wasn’t as chilly as some past plunges, with the temperature hovering around 25 degrees,” the newspaper reported. And back in sunny Southern California?

The Orange County Register reported there was no official Surf City Splash in Huntington Beach this year. “The event, which draws anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people, was called off early Tuesday morning due to the weather,” OC Register’s Laylan Connelly reported. It surely looked like a sunny day in Surf City USA. But there were 15- to 20-mileper-hour winds, a lifeguard told the newspaper. He said about 30 people entered the 56-degree water at midday anyway, unofficially. Judging from the photos, the winds appeared to have eased, the surf didn’t look ferocious, the sea surface looked fairly smooth, and the out-on-their-own Surf City Splashers all appeared COASTLINES to have survived. Many By Fred Swegles wore exuberant smiles. I wondered if San Clemente’s own 2019 Polar Bear Dip likewise was ditched due to weather. I didn’t make it down there, so I made some inquiries. Thankfully, the Lasuen Beach tradition did live on. Most people who show up Jan. 1 at Lasuen take a quick dip close to shore, but a hardy few endure a half-mile swim out to Seal Rock, a half-mile back. It’s called “Swim the Rock.” Shawn O’Gorman, a Swim-the-Rock veteran, swam it in 2018 but informed me he couldn’t this year. But he was there to watch three others Swim the Rock. It can take 25 to 35 minutes. Lifeguards and former lifeguards started doing it on New Year’s around 1980.

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Families and others showed up to support them and to take a more modest dip. For many years, I covered the event, photographing the quickie dippers and the hardcore distance swimmers arriving from The Rock. Some years, after completing interviews, I would strip down to my boardshorts and jump in—the last guy in. I would try to stay in for 10 minutes, out there by myself, and bodysurf a few waves. I would be last one up the trail to Calle De Los Alamos. Recently, I’ve attended some years, but not others. I’ve never Swum the Rock. My hat is off to those who do. We may not be Alaska, but the length of swim compensates. My favorite Jan. 1 news clip, among the ones I researched online, was NewsCenter Maine’s account of the 11th annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash at Portland, Maine. The event, a fundraiser to, of all things, curb climate change, drew about 250 people on a 40-degree day. Revelers sounded pretty happy it was that nice. The camera crew asked dippers how it felt as they emerged from the Atlantic. “It’s like eating Wasabi,” a boy said. I’m not sure what that means. It sounds pretty gnarly. I wonder what that kid would say if told that California canceled its Surf City Splash. Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with more than 46 years of reporting experience in 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

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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: View from the Pier by Herman Sillas

Lessons to be Learned from the Old in the New Year

e have finished another year and are moving on to face 2019. At the beginning of this New Year, we are optimistic. That is the way we start every year. We look forward to meeting the challenges. That is the way we treat life. We are ready to meet the new challenges. However, this New Year, I have met a lot of persons who have reached many years, and they are perceived to be “real old folks.” They are no longer ready to meet all the new challenges that old age presents. They try to meet the challenges of old age, but the old body is worn out and not able to do all those things that it used to. Part of the memory has left them, but some of it remains, and they need assistance in functioning as an individual. Some of these folks are sent to places where they will finish out their lives. Emerald Court is a Kisco Senior Living Community where old folks get assistance in living. They have a small apartment with a bed, bathroom, small kitchen and living room.

The facility’s staff treats its occupants with great care and provide them with what they need to live and enjoy their life. They are provided three meals a day, prepared by cooks who provide excellent meals that are appropriate for persons dwelling at the facility. The facility has a gymnasium filled with exercise equipment and offers classes that encourage them to paint and utilize their skills. Many of them exercise by walkTHE VIEW ing outside in designated FROM THE PIER By Herman Sillas areas; others read the newspaper. Throughout the day, various activities are held by the staff that challenge the thinking of the occupants and cause them to reflect on their lives in the past. The stories of the past are shared with one another. On a regular basis, the occupants gather for three meals and engage in conversa-

tions as they sit around tables. The guests gain the benefit of engaging with those seated at the tables. They help each other. One thing I have noticed is that the women outnumber the men in attendance. There are a few husband-and-wife couples, but they are limited. The vast number in attendance are widows whose husbands have passed on. The women are left alone and do the best they can to be available to their living children and grandchildren who visit them. They also share their stories about their husbands. What has impressed me is the staff. They are a dedicated and committed group. From the cooks, waiters, support group and personnel in the facility, there is an underlying commitment to serve the guests who reside at the facility. Their desires are met on a daily basis. I have interviewed several employees and found a commitment to serve their guests. As Isabel Castillo, a seven-year employee of the facility, said, “I love old persons, and I enjoy serving them.” I found that commitment throughout the staff, from the waiters to the janitors. The guests at the facility get the benefit of the praise that older persons get from our society as a whole. As another employee told me, “Old folks are entitled to be served. They have served others during their lives.”

I met a 106-year-old widow. She can’t see me through her thick glasses, but she knew what she was talking to me about, and the employee she was talking to understood. I’m glad I met these folks. There is much I can learn from them. They each have a life story that needs to be told. They have raised children, been through wars and times of peace. Their stories need to be brought to light and educate the rest of us. That is the view from the Pier. Herman Sillas is an author and a resident of San Clemente and a former U.S District Attorney. 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

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Jan. 11 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.

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Destroyer’ Fits In during January

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

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Thursday | 10

Photo: Sabrina Lantos/Annapurna Pictures. BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

PICKLEBALL LESSONS 6-7 p.m. Most pickleball classes sponsored by the city of San Clemente are full, but there will now be a beginner’s class on Thursdays. People who are interested can call instructor Raudel Barba. San Luis Rey Park. 109 Avenida San Luis Rey, San Clemente. 954.647.6305. www.san-clemente.org.

Friday | 11 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 scheduled. www.ivalees.com.

Saturday | 12 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. Competing in your first 5K or your 50th marathon? Run with other new and experienced runners starting at Peet’s Coffee in Talega Saturday at 7:30 a.m. There is always a fun three-mile course planned, with an opportunity for some runners to add miles depending on their training goals. This is a free run club. 801 Avenida Talega, suite 101, San Clemente. 949.558.5054. www.facebook.com/2XUSanClemente. 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. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com.

Sunday | 13 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selecSan Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12: HAIRIEST MAN CONTEST 1-3 p.m. The Hairiest Man Contest is one of the first events of the year for the Festival De Las Golondrinas in San Juan Capistrano. Come to the sign-ups with a shaven face or get shaved at the event. Judging of the Hairiest Man is at Fiesta Grande on March 21. This gives you nine weeks to grow your beard. The winner will be photographed for the Most Wanted Man. Pay your $5 in person or pay online. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

tion of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along the north side of Avenida Del Mar. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

drinkers. $10 entry. Left Coast Brewing Co., 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.2699. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 14

Wednesday | 16

GUITAR LESSONS (NEW LOCATION) 5-7:30 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. Lessons begin at 5 p.m. and improv starts at 6:30 p.m. COA at The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

SAN CLEMENTE TOPS 9:30-10:30 a.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday. Meetings include a private weigh-in 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. www.tops.org.

BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

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.

Tuesday | 15

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.

BEND & BREW 6-7 p.m. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer

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s January begins, Oscar contenders given limited releases in December now go wider into theaters. One of the films that originally had a little hype back in autumn, Karyn Kusama’s Destroyer, currently appears to be struggling to keep movie fans’ attention because of the mega-success of films such as A Star is Born and The Favourite. Destroyer’s production values are more modest and less flashy than those two hits and straddles the fine line between Oscar bait and gritty indie feature. In modern-day Los Angeles, detective Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman) remains scarred physically and emotionally from an undercover assignment in Palm Springs back in 2001. As seen through flashbacks, Erin and her partner, Chris (Sebastian Stan), investigate a gang of bank robbers, which becomes more intense and tragic than she expected. Now in the present, she has to deal with the gang leader, Silas (Toby Kebbell), possibly resurfacing and rekindling heists. Tatiana Maslany and Scoot McNairy co-star. Destroyer is like Kidman’s Monster (2003) moment, with her character receiving a lot of unflattering, aging makeup for the present-day scenes. Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi’s screenplay had potential, and Kusama has shown to be a decent director with Girlfight (2000) and Jennifer’s Body (2009). But weirdly enough, even though Kidman has been a consistent actress with quality performances throughout her fourdecade career, she’s actually a bit campy here, particularly with the present-set parts in which it feels as if the makeup is working against her. Kidman delivers more subtle and more moving performances in the flashbacks. Still, a barely decent indie flick is probably more engaging than a half-baked, schlocky studio B-movie released in January. SC

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GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: The Magpie Salute

The Magpie Salute will perform at The Coach House on Thursday, Jan. 17. Photo: Courtesy of The Magpie Salute BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

hen Rich Robinson, co-founder and guitarist of the famed rock group Black Crowes, assembled The Magpie Salute back in 2016, it wasn’t a certainty that the group would record original music. Since the band’s inception, the group has performed numerous headlining shows, playing a catalog of Black Crowes songs, covers and other solo material Robinson and other bandmates had written. Robinson said The Magpie Salute’s headlining performances over last year have been a celebration of songs from their previous works. But with last summer’s release of their first full-length studio album, “High Water I,” and the follow-up, “High Water II,” due out later this year, 2019 will be a celebration of what the band has become. “This year, we’re celebrating the formation of the band, the new material we had,” Robinson told San Clemente Times days before the band headed to Japan for a series of shows. “Last year, we didn’t know we were going to be a band and have songs, and this year we do.” After the psychedelic blues rock group returns from Japan, it will embark on a 27-date winter tour around the U.S. that includes a stop in San Juan Capistrano at The Couch House on Thursday, Jan. 17. “It’s cool to get out and play the shows; really, that’s the whole purpose of getting out there,” Robinson said of touring. Robinson put the group together in 2016, recruiting former Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and bassist Sven Pipien to join him for a Woodstock Sessions performance at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, N.Y. During the performance, the

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ensemble played Crowes songs as well as covers and material from their individual solo acts. The Magpie Salute comprises the three Black Crowes alums, as well as keyboardist Matt Slocum, drummer Joe Magistro and vocalist John Hogg, all of whom Robinson had worked with on other musical projects over the years. “We were just really happy to start making music together again and anxious to get into the studio and start recording,” Robinson said of working with his former Crowes bandmates. “We had a lot of material between the three of us, and that’s why we made two records.” Though The Magpie Salute continues to play some Black Crowes songs, the band will primarily focus on playing the new material from “High Water I,” Robinson said. However, Robinson noted, fans hoping to hear any new tunes from “High Water II” will have to wait till the summer. “No, we’ll wait till the record is ready to come out before we play from ‘High Water II,’ ” Robinson said when asked if the band will preview any new songs during the tour. According to Robinson, “High Water II” is expected to be released sometime between August and September. Tickets to see The Magpie Salute at The Coach House are $38 for general admission. VIP tickets are also available for an additional $79, which will include early entry into the venue and pre-show meetand-greet with the band. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Mission Accomplished in Pago Pago, American Samoa

y partner, Greta, and I disembarked from the Holland America cruise ship M.S. Amsterdam at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, in San Pedro. The ship visited 34 ports and 14 countries in 82 days. The last foreign port visited was Pago Pago (pronounced “Pahngo Pahngo”), the capital of American Samoa. In visiting Pago Pago, Greta and I had a goal. When Mark Flannery, of Fullerton, read that our ship was stopping in Pago Pago, he emailed that in 1975 his father was buried in the Satala Naval Cemetery in Pago Pago. Mark had never been to the cemetery. I said to Greta, “Let’s try to find the cemetery where Mark’s father is buried.” I mentioned our plan to Mark and asked for more information. He wrote, “My father, George Flannery, retired from the Air Force around 1970 and shortly thereafter took a job with the government of American Samoa. He died there. My mother stayed on the island for about five more years before returning to the mainland. “I wasn’t asking you to look for my father’s grave,” Mark wrote, “but while you are there, I have a small request. Will you see if there is any sign of my mother, Ellen, in the same place? She died in Texas about 25 years ago and her ashes were sent to a friend in Pago Pago, who promised to put her near my father. You are the first people I know who have traveled to Pago Pago since then and, therefore, able to check this for me and my siblings.” I said, “We know you didn’t ask, but we would like to do this for you. And it will give us a goal to achieve on our day ashore.” Although not a state, American Samoa is a

United States territory that closely identifies with the U.S. The currency is American; the primary language is English; and there is a McDonald’s near the pier where the ship docked. The country includes five islands and has a population of 180,000. American Samoa was a crucial military base for the U.S. in World War II. The country has the highest rate of enlistment in the United States military services of any state or territory. Former NFL greats Junior Seau and ON LIFE AND Troy Polamalu are from LOVE AFTER 50 American Samoa. By Tom Blake As we sailed in, you couldn’t help but notice how green the vegetation is. The island gets lots of rain. It’s a beautiful place. Located on the earthquake-prone Pacific Ring of Fire, American Samoa suffered a terrible tsunami after a major earthquake in 2009. Mark did research that helped us. He contacted an American Samoa government official about the cemetery and the location of George and Ellen Flannery’s gravesites. The official sent pictures, which helped me see what the cemetery looked like from the road and where the graves were located. We were at the cemetery in five minutes. We paid the driver two bucks. We found the markers immediately. Greta placed the gardenia on George’s marker. I went into the adjacent jungle and picked a tropical red flower for Ellen’s marker. We spent an hour there taking pic-

Pet of the Week: Daisy SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

aisy is a 5-month-old cutie ready to make her way in the world. She is looking for a human roommate to help her navigate through things like crunchy treats and mousey toys. Daisy promises to be a sweet and considerate roomie and pay her way with lots of snuggles and purrs. If you are looking for an adorable lodger like Daisy, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

Photo: Courtesy of Burton Frasher, Sr./Calisphere via Pomona Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES The Beachcomber Apartments (now the Beachcomber Inn) is photographed by Burton Frasher, Sr. during his exploration of Southern California in 1948. 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.

tures. Our mission was complete—except, of course, to email the photos to Mark when we got back to the ship. Mark expressed his appreciation for the effort Greta and I had made and for the photos I emailed to him. Update On New Year’s Eve afternoon, Greta and I met with Mark and his significant other, Donna Harwood, at Harpoon Henry’s in Dana Point. Greta and I will never forget our day in Pago Pago, American Samoa. It now has

special meaning for us. 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 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.

Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 12

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Boys Soccer Coach Pronier Earns 400th Win The 400 club has another member at San Clemente High School. Nearly a month after Tritons wrestling coach Mark Calentino picked up his 400th win, boys soccer coach Mike Pronier earned his 400th victory as San Clemente defeated Dana Hills, 6-2, in the final pre-league match on Thursday, Jan. 3. San Clemente got two goals each from seniors Blake Bowen and Quinn Richards to spark the rout of the Dolphins. San Clemente led 4-1 at halftime. Seniors Liam Linas and Koosha Jadbabaei also scored for the Tritons. Senior goalkeepers Ryan Kowarsch and Curtis Harvey each manned a half in net. Pronier kept rolling to No. 401 as the Tritons opened South Coast League play on Monday, Jan. 7. The defending league champions maintained their form in a win at El Toro, 2-0. Richards and senior Evan Dilbeck each scored in the second half, and Kowarsch and Harvey combined for the shutout. San Clemente hosted Capistrano Valley on Wednesday, Jan. 9, but results were not available at press time. The Tritons are next in action against Mission Viejo at home on Monday, Jan. 14.

Weber Honored as National Player of the Year The accolades keep coming for the boys soccer program as 2018 graduate Tristan Weber was named the 2018 National High School Player of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches Association. Weber and other national honorees were recognized at the United Soccer Coaches national convention in Chicago from Jan. 9-13. Weber, now a freshman at nationally ranked University of Portland, scored 15 goals and 22 assists as a senior for the

San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

San Clemente boys soccer coach Mike Pronier (center in white) celebrated his 400th win as coach of the Tritons in a win over Dana Hills on Thursday, Jan. 3. Photo: Kreg Kowarsch

Tritons last season. Weber was named South Coast League MVP and later the Gatorade California Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Weber started in 10 games for Portland and tallied three assists in his first season up north.

Girls Basketball Fights But Drops League Opener The San Clemente girls basketball team opened the South Coast League by welcoming reigning league champion Aliso Niguel into the Triton gym on Tuesday, Jan. 8. However, the Tritons again couldn’t find their consistent game. San Clemente trailed throughout, and despite cutting a 16-point third-quarter deficit to a four-point fourth-quarter deficit, Aliso Niguel prevailed, 58-46, to set the tone for league play. “I think we had some mental lapses,” San Clemente coach Kerri Husbands said. “When we played smart and poised, we were fine. (Aliso Niguel is) a great defensive team.” The Wolverines hounded the Tritons for most of the night with a full-court

press and tight defense. Aliso Niguel also got hot from the outside with five 3-pointers from Nicole Referente for 23 points. In the third quarter with San Clemente down 16 coming out of a timeout, Ella Gardiner took over. The 6-foot-1 junior got a head of steam, drove down the court and pushed the Tritons back into contention. Gardiner scored 10 points in a 14-2 run for San Clemente that brought the deficit to only four points. Gardiner scored a game-high 28 points and added two blocks, two steals and eight rebounds. Senior Theresa De Gree also scored 10 points for the Tritons. After the run, San Clemente came up with only two more points while Aliso Niguel knocked down its free throws in a 10-2 run to end the game. Despite the loss, the Tritons played right up to the league champions and showed the potential to build in league play. “If we execute and play our game, we’ll be a solid match-up for anybody in our league,” Husbands said. “We’ve got to put together a full 32-minute game. Against good teams, we can’t have lapses where we lose focus and don’t follow through. When we are, we’re quite good.”

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San Clemente plays at Dana Hills on Thursday, Jan. 10 and hosts Tesoro on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Girls Water Polo Dominates League Opener The San Clemente girls water polo team is back to its winning ways. The Tritons (6-7) won their sixth of the last seven games and their 19th consecutive South Coast League game in a huge win over El Toro, 21-12, on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Sophomore Aidan Flynn led the way with four goals, and seniors Brooklyn Aguilera and Juliette Clark and junior Grace Pelkey each scored hat tricks with three goals. Pelkey also added five assists. Senior Talullah Dubois, sophomore Alex Higginson and freshman Savannah Batchelor each scored two goals. Sophomroes Lang Csira and Kendall Patrick each netted one goal. San Clemente opens the Tournament of Champions in Santa Barbara against Cathedral Catholic of San Diego on Thursday, Jan. 10. The Tritons return to league play on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at home against Aliso Niguel. SC

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SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY San Clemente

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400, exquisiteepoxy.com

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Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

Accurate Termite and Pest Control

949.837.6483, www.accuratetermitecontrol.com

DENTISTS

ELECTRICAL

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

CONCRETE

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

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SALONS

Salon Bleu

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WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

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

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OBITUARY

Richard Allen Seaberry Richard Allen Seaberry, 85, died Monday, December 3, 2018 at his home in San Clemente, due to natural causes. He leaves his wife of 66 years, Anne (Oberle) Seaberry; his son, Richard Seaberry Jr. and three daughters, Linda Robinson, Susan Coleman, and Katie Genschaw; his sister, Judy Smith; eleven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Born in Los Angeles, the son of Harper and Claire (Haisch) Seaberry, he was a lifelong resident of Orange County, residing mostly in Westminster and San Clemente. In his early years, Mr. Seaberry attended Huntington Beach High School. In 1951, he enlisted in the Navy serving on the USS Agerholm and USS Nicholas during the Korean War. He met his wife, Anne Oberle, at a friend’s home in Westminster and they were married in 1952 at Blessed Sacrament Church. After six years in the Navy, leaving as a petty officer second class, Mr. Seaberry opened Big Al’s Barbershop in Westminster. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made in the community. He was very active in city events such as Founder’s Day, the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the volunteer Fire Department just to name a few. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. Eventually Mr. Seaberry sold his business and attended Long Beach State University, graduating in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation. In 1982, after selling their longtime residence of Westminster, Al and Anne Seaberry moved to San Clemente where they enjoyed their retirement years together. A private service will be held in Huntington Beach at Saints Simon and Jude Church, and he will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery.

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San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

Page 17

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Small Steps, Big Impact How we can all be better stewards of our local beaches

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ver the weekend, South Orange County was doused with a good rain. On Sunday morning, after a brisk surf at Uppers, I was walking up the beach to where I’d put my stuff and had the pleasure of watching a father and his two young children combing the beach picking up trash. It was the coolest thing I’ve seen down at Trestles in a long, long time. The family wasn’t there as part of an organized beach cleanup. Dad didn’t come down with his surfboard to sneak a session in. They were there with the express purpose of cleaning up the beach. Dad was spending his Sunday morning teaching his two youngsters, who didn’t appear to be more than 5 years old, about the importance of leaving the sand happier than they found it and doing their part to make our beaches a better place to surf and enjoy. Inspired, it prompted me to comb through the sand and do my own little mini-beach cleanup before I headed for home. Some years ago, The Surfer’s Journal founder and publisher Steve Pezman explained to me how every surfer should make a habit of picking up at least three pieces of trash after a session. His point was that if everyone took the time to

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems facing the world’s oceans; thankfully, you can do something about it. Photo: Courtesy of NOAA

remove just three pieces of litter from the sand, our beaches would be better for it. For the most part, the beaches of San Clemente and Dana Point are in pretty good shape, but we could always do better. Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has become an increasingly more serious problem in recent years, so much so that the Surfrider Foundation has made it one of its cornerstone issues. The foundation reports that plastics make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 90 percent of floating marine debris—80 percent of which ends up in the ocean via landbased sources (e.g., litter, urban runoff, illegal dumping). It’s estimated that

every year, 5 to 13 million tons of plastic enter our oceans from these land-based sources. This is where the idea of “think globally, act locally” comes into play. When looking at the big picture, the problem is overwhelming, but just like the dad and his two kids out picking up trash on Sunday morning, we can all play a part in the solution. And it’s not as complicated as you may think. It just takes a slight tweak in some of your most basic daily routines. You can start by ditching those singleuse plastic water bottles. Reusable water bottles aren’t hard to find, and they’re none too expensive, either. Use one.

Pretty soon you’ll wonder what the heck you were ever doing using single-use bottles in the first place. Same thing goes with that cup of coffee you need to fire you up every morning. When you roll into your favorite coffee shop, bring your own to-go mug. This will help reduce the use of plastic lids, non-recyclable cups and stir straws. And when it comes to packing your lunch for the day, try a reusable bag and reusable utensils and straws. Again, it’s about eliminating as much of the single-use plastics (sandwich and snack bags, plastic forks and spoons, etc.) as possible. In December, I had the good fortune to spend some time on the North Shore of Oahu and learn about steps the local community is doing there to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on their beaches. Just like San Clemente and Dana Point, the North Shore is one of the premier gathering places for surfers from around the world. If the beaches and water aren’t in good shape, it directly affects not just the surfers but a myriad of facets of the local economy. “If I were to pick one issue that is undeniable and problematic in nearly every corner of the world, it is marine plastic pollution,” big-wave champ and San Clemente icon Greg Long said recently. “The good news within this plastic pollution epidemic is that every single piece of it is created by us. Therefore, it could be easily solved by us if we were only to accept responsibility, change our consumption habits and lifestyles and use alternative environmentally conscious alternatives.” Nobody wants a dirty beach, and, thankfully, 2019 can be the year we all do something about it. SC

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK NOAH HOHENESTER BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

hen one grows up surfing in San Clemente and Dana Point, it’s easy to look at all the pro surfers who live in the area and think that’s a viable career path. Truth be told, the guys and girls who make it as pro surfers make up less than 1 percent of the surfing population. The rest of us have to figure out how to strike a work/surf balance. Enter Noah Hohenester, a former NSSA champion. In 2017, Hohenester was named the San Clemente High surf team MVP as he went on to win both the NSSA California State Championship and NSSA

San Clemente Times January 10-16, 2019

National Championship titles. He also graduated with a 4.1 grade-point average. Today, he’s an 18-year-old freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. A member of the surf team, he’s currently rated number one in the NSSA Collegiate rankings, while Cal Poly is the No. 1-rated college surf program in the country. Hohenester is also wisely putting grades before waves. “I’m just trying to focus on school for the next four years and do my best for the Cal Poly SLO surf program,” Hohenester said during an interview with the San Clemente Times. Whatever the future may hold in store for Hohenester, in or out of the water, he’s sure to be prepared for whatever life may throw his way. SC

Water Temperature: 57-60 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Thursday: Solid west-northwest swell is easing slowly. Surf is easily head high to overhead (5-7’) with well overhead (8’+) sets in the morning. Size is down slightly in the afternoon, but sets are still running 1-2’ overhead (6-7’). Light/variable winds in the morning, turning to light+ onshore flow in the afternoon. Outlook: Old west-northwest swell is winding down through the weekend with a reinforcing west-northwest swell expected to move in. Wave heights hang in the chest-shoulder-head high (4-5’) zone for good spots. Standouts go overhead (6’+) on sets. Winds/ conditions look a little dicey, but there could be windows to score good waves. Be sure to check Surfline. com for all the details and the longer range outlook.

Noah Hohenester. Photo: Courtesy of Joe Hohenester

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