October 3, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

October 3-9, 2019

YO U

C A N

U S E

Inside: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 14, ISSUE 40

E Y E O N S C / PAG E 6

With sea levels rising as a result of climate change, beaches and other coastal resources are the most vulnerable to its effects. Graphic: Chelsie Rex

City Needs Coastal Permit for Pico Encampment EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

CoastLines: ‘Just Don’t Call Me Benedict Arnold!’

SC LIVING/PAGE 30

sanclementetimes.com

SCHS Football League Opener Televised Friday SPORTS/PAGE 33

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Coastal Commission Director: City Needs Coastal Permit for Pico Encampment THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente will likely need to get a coastal development permit (CDP) approved by the California Coastal Commission in order to operate the temporary homeless encampment on Avenida Pico, the head of the agency stated last month.

“We have been investigating this development and these actions taken by the city. We do believe a permit is required for the campground they’ve created,” Coastal Commission Executive Director Jack Ainsworth said during the agency’s Sept.

11 meeting in Newport Beach.

Ainsworth’s declaration was in response to concerns that representatives from the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center raised at the meeting.

City officials, however, are pushing back on Ainsworth’s remarks, stating that the position is “in direct conflict with the Commission’s prior actions.”

Pointing to a temporary housing facility in Venice, the San Clemente officials note that Ainsworth waived the CDP requirement for that shelter, “which was far more intense than the temporary campsite in San Clemente,” the city stated in a Sept. 26 press release.

According to the city, the Venice shelter sits on a Metropolitan Transit Authorityowned maintenance yard and has the capacity to house 100 homeless adults and 54 transitional age youth. It also includes a 9,900-square-foot tent structure and nine trailers for habitation, hygiene and storage.

“It’s inconsistent for Commission staff to determine that the Venice temporary homeless shelter project qualifies for a waiver and the San Clemente campsite would not,” Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, the city’s community development director, said in the release.

She also adds that the Pico encampment “in no way impedes coastal access,” didn’t require the removal of vegetation and doesn’t impact sensitive habit, nor does it block the beach and coastal views.

“These are the same findings made by the Commission Executive Director when he determined, and the Commission affirmed, that the Venice temporary homeless shelter qualified for a CDP waiver,” she added, further noting that the CCC “found that the Venice Project would not adversely impact any coastal resources, public access, San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

Attorneys representing the operators of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station recently argued that the court should dismiss a lawsuit the nonprofit advocacy group Public Watchdogs filed that seeks to temporarily halt the transfer of nuclear waste into a dry storage facility. Photo: Cari Hachmann

or public recreational opportunities.”

In an email to San Clemente Times, Noaki Schwartz, spokesperson for the Coastal Commission, acknowledged that the CCC did waive the permit for the Venice project, “but they submitted an application for a coastal development permit, which our staff reviewed.”

“This is exactly what we have asked the City of San Clemente to do—apply for a coastal development permit,” she also wrote in the email, adding: “We are looking forward to receiving the city’s permit application.”

Schwartz said that on or around Sept. 9, Commission staff spoke with San Clemente officials, asking them to apply for the coastal development permit. A waiver, she later clarifies, is still a permit.

“We need a complete coastal development permit application from the city in order to determine what kind of permit would be appropriate for the development and what resources could be impacted, such as water quality, for example,” she wrote. “However, we cannot make that determination until we have all of the information from the city, which would be provided with the coastal development permit application.”

The city established the encampment this past May as an alternative for those who had been camping out at the North Beach parking lot.—Shawn Raymundo

Council to Continue Cell Tower Proposal to November THE LATEST: City council voted Tuesday, Oct. 1, to continue deliberations of AT&T’s proposal to install 4G-capable cell towers on light poles to late November, allowing the city and telecommunications giant ad-

ditional time to consider more information and alternative sites.

The proposal to implement the wireless facilities on a pair of light poles near residential neighborhoods has stirred controversy among a group of residents who feel the towers are likely to expose families to harmful radiofrequency waves, as well as obstruct views and create eyesores, likely lowering property values.

Members of the opposition group of residents, many of whom testified before council on Tuesday, have claimed that AT&T will eventually upgrade the towers to have 5G capabilities—technology, they say, is untested and can pose a health risk to those living in close proximity.

According to AT&T representative Franklin Orozco, the company wants to install a series of cell towers on light poles throughout the city to improve wireless services for its customers, because many, he said, get only one bar of service strength and experience dropped calls.

It’s Orozco’s understanding, he also stated, that the towers won’t change to 5G, but if they do, they will require new equipment and would need to go through the city for additional approvals.

In late August, the city’s planning commission denied four of AT&T’s proposed cell tower sites located at 2400 Camino Faro, 2411 Via Turqueza, 3018 Camino Vera Cruz and 1101 Calle del Cerro.

The commissioners had denied the permits for the four sites because, they said, AT&T hadn’t proved that those locations were far enough away from homes and schools. AT&T appealed two of those denials—the permits for the Camino Vera Cruz and Calle del Cerro locations.

During the council’s discussion on

Page 3

the Calle del Cerro installation Tuesday, Orozco said AT&T feels the proposed site is the farthest away from the nearest residential neighborhood while still fulfilling the company’s service needs.

Responding to questions from acting Mayor Dan Bane, Orozco stated that the nearest home to the Calle del Cerro site was 64 feet away. Orozco also said AT&T is agreeable to all of the city’s conditions for approval, including the stipulation to conduct a field test within 30 days to determine the radiofrequency level of its towers.

Following the public-comment portion of the council meeting, during which several residents gave impassioned testimony on how the towers can impact the community, Bane requested to go into a closed session to discuss certain matters that, he said, could have exposed the city to litigation.

Upon return from the closed session, Bane asked Orozco if AT&T was willing extend the shot-clock and continue the discussion to the council’s late November meeting. The purpose, he explained, was so city staff, himself and representatives from the company could, in the meantime, discuss alternatives and gather additional information such as data from AT&T to support its need for such cell towers in the area.

Orozco said AT&T would agree to the extension—prompting audible sighs and displeasure from many in the audience, which had advocated the council to deny the proposals outright that night.

Deliberations over the Camino Vera Cruz location concluded in a similar fashion, as the council voted to continue the topic to November. Before discussing the Vera Cruz site, Bane had recused himself, as he has a potential conflict of interest involving that site.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city council will further discuss AT&T’s cell tower proposals at the Nov. 19 meeting.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at SanClementeTimes.com—SR

Edison, Holtec Call on Court to Dismiss Public Watchdogs’ Lawsuit THE LATEST: Attorneys representing Southern California Edison and its contractor believe Public Watchdogs’ lawsuit against the San Onofre power plant operator should be dismissed because the group’s members haven’t suffered any harm or injury as a result of exposure to radioactive material from the power plant.

The nonprofit advocacy group, which has vehemently opposed Edison’s handling of nuclear waste at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

City council candidates (from left to right) Dee Coleman, Jackson Hinkle, Gene James and Mickey McLane participate in a forum hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept.

26. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

(Cont. from page 3) filed a lawsuit in August that seeks to temporarily halt SCE’s transfer of spent fuel from wet storage into a dry storage facility.

Edison, the majority owner of SONGS, and minority stakeholder San Diego Gas & Electric are named in the lawsuit in federal court, as are Holtec International, which designed the canisters used to transport and contain the waste, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

In its complaint, Public Watchdogs lobs several allegations against the group of stakeholders, calling Holtec’s canisters “thin-walled” and “defective” while claiming that Edison is “dropping them into holes dug into the beach.”

“Due to the Defendants’ mismanagement and mishandling of the nuclear waste, the design and manufacturing defects of the Holtec canisters, and the dangerous burial site, there is an imminent danger that the canisters will fail, releasing deadly nuclear waste into the surrounding area and causing catastrophic harm to the environment,” Public Watchdogs’ initial complaint stated.

Watchdogs recently filed an amended version of the complaint to the court, further charging that the “resulting harm to California residents is not speculative.”

Citing the Price-Anderson Act, a federal law governing public liability actions involving nuclear incidents, the group decries that the use of the canisters could have “calamitous consequences.”

Edison’s and Holtec’s attorneys have disputed that claim, noting that the Act was meant to “compensate for actual injury sustained in a nuclear accident that causes the release of radiation in excess of federal limits.”

Public Watchdogs’ claim, SCE’s attorneys further state, “fails as a matter of law because” the group “does not allege that it (or anybody else) has suffered any ‘bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death, or loss of or damage to property, or loss of use of property, arising out of or resulting from the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of source, special San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

nuclear, or byproduct material.’ ’’ SONGS was decommissioned in 2013.

Like all nuclear power plant operators in the country, Edison has been forced to store its own radioactive waste on site, as the nation doesn’t have a permanent repository for such material.

WHAT’S NEXT: A hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 7 in a San Diego courtroom to deliberate Edison’s and Holtec’s motion for the case to be dismissed.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at SanClementeTimes.com.

—SR

Candidates Tout Pro-Business Stance at Chamber Forum THE LATEST: City council candidates running in San Clemente’s special election touted their plans to be business-friendly on Thursday, Sept. 26, when they met for a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Highlighting their track records as leaders of various companies and organizations, the candidates used the latest campaign event at the Outlets at San Clemente to cement their pro-business positions.

The hour-long forum—the second one this campaign season—featured four of the five candidates hoping to fill the fifth city council seat formerly held by the late Mayor Steve Swartz. Dee Coleman, Jackson Hinkle, Gene James and Mickey McLane attended Thursday’s event, fielding questions from the Chamber.

Christina Selter was absent from the latest Q&A session due to illness, Chamber board member James Wynne announced at the outset of the forum. Selter had also missed the San Clemente Historical Society’s forum at the community center on Sept. 15, citing a family emergency.

“What does the free enterprise system mean to you?” Wynne asked of the candidates, leading off the forum.

Hinkle, the first candidate selected to

respond, said the “free enterprise system here, especially in San Clemente, means every single business has the opportunity to succeed” and added that San Clemente’s small businesses are the backbone of the community.

“I think that we need to first and foremost have a city manager and assistant city manager that are working to expand our businesses in our community and not stifle them,” he said. “In addition to that, we need to make sure our city council is investing in community events that are allowing our businesses to thrive. So I hope to be an advocate for small businesses and big businesses alike.”

McLane, who noted that he’s had four successful businesses, is “a big fan of business,” as he’s studied business in college and graduate school. He added that he’s probusiness and would consider the Chamber of Commerce a partner to the city council.

“I’ve always considered the Chamber of Commerce sort of a partner of politics of a city,” McLane said.

The Chamber, Coleman said, is important to businesses in a city because “if your city has good business, then your city will grow, and it’ll grow in a good way.” Citing his personal experience as a business owner, he added that he’s responsible for identifying trends and solutions, and then “put them into action.”

“So working with the city and working with the Chamber, you’ve got to think outside the box, you have to be creative.

That’s what I can do,” Coleman said.

For James, who proposed creating a business commission if he’s elected to the council, “the free enterprise system means everything” to him.

“It is the cornerstone of being an American patriot. It is the cornerstone of our democracy,” James said. “I couldn’t be more proud to live in a country, the greatest country in the history of mankind, in which free enterprise is the rule of the day, or it has been in our history until the last few years.”

James then issued a stark warning against socialism.

“We have to be careful of people who identify themselves as socialists,” he said.

“They are here to ruin our free enterprise system. As the only (war) veteran here, I have seen the evils of socialism. I have seen the evils of communism.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The Shorecliffs Terrace HOA will host another candidate forum on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at SanClementeTimes.com.

—SR

San Clemente Woman, Man Convicted of Murder in Separate DUI Cases THE LATEST: A Santa Ana jury on Tuesday, Oct. 1, found 29-year-old Bani Marcela Duarte, a San Clemente resident, guilty of

Page 4

second-degree murder for the deaths of three Las Vegas teenagers in 2018.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, Duarte, while driving under the influence on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, killed Brooke Hawley, 17, Dylan Mack, 18, and Albert Rossi, 17, and injured a fourth teenager in the early morning hours of March 29, 2018.

The high school students were celebrating their spring break in Orange County, the DA noted.

Duarte was convicted of three felony counts of murder and one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the DA. “Duarte failed to stop at the red light and rear-ended the victims’ vehicle at a high rate of speed, causing an impact that pushed the car through the intersection and forced it into a pole, where it stopped and burst into flames,” the DA’s office said in an Oct. 1 press release.

In a separate case, a San Clemente man was convicted last month in the 2016 death of 10-year-old Kendra Geddis, who was killed while sleeping in the backseat of her father’s Tesla in Seal Beach.

A jury in Santa Ana found Adam John Kanas, 39, guilty of second-degree murder and was also convicted on two counts of driving under the influence of drugs, the DA’s office announced on Sept. 23.

“Choosing to get behind the wheel after you have been drinking or using drugs is a choice that has deadly consequences,” OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in the Sept. 23 press release. “That decision cost a 10-year-old girl her life—and cost her family a lifetime of memories with their little girl.”

According to the DA, Kanas had been driving his 2013 Chevy Tahoe “erratically at speeds of nearly 80 mph” the day of the collision on Aug. 15, 2016. At around 9:20 that morning, Kanas, heading northbound on the I-405 Freeway, swerved across multiple lanes, including a double yellow line, to enter the carpool lane near the Seal Beach Boulevard exit.

Donald Geddis, Kendra’s father, was driving his Tesla in the carpool lane while Kendra and her 13-year-old sister, Kayla, were in the backseat sleeping. Geddis had been slowing down as he was approaching traffic, “when Kanas slammed into the rear of the Tesla at approximately 68 miles per hour,” according to the DA. The Tesla was sent into a Honda Civic.

The impact of the crash killed Kendra while seriously injuring Kayla and their father.

Kanas was previously convicted of driving under the influence and had a priorstrike conviction for first-degree burglary in Los Angeles County, the DA’s office said.

“Drugged driving is up more than 120 percent in Orange County over the last five years, and it has to stop,” Spitzer said in the release.

WHAT’S NEXT: Duarte faces 51 years to life in a state prison. Kanas, who could face 41 years to life in state prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 10, 2020.—SR sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

The Rising Tide

A Look at How Local Cities Are Addressing Sea Level Rise

BY LILLIAN BOYD AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

ill our “Spanish Village by the Sea” see the impacts of sea level rise?

The past month saw an increased amount of activism and engagement centered around climate change and the potential threats of sea level rise, in light of the United Nations Climate Action Summit on Sept. 23 in New York City. Millions participated in the Global Climate Strikes from Sept. 20-27 to demand action on climate change. The nearest strike to San Clemente was held in Laguna Beach.

On Sept. 24, Jack Ainsworth, the California Coastal Commission’s Executive Director, issued a statement regarding the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate.

“This report shines a light on what we have all been observing around the world,” Ainsworth said. “We are now witnessing unprecedented heat waves, accelerated ice sheet melt, massive wildfires, and devastation from amped-up storm events that are all happening with frightening frequency.”

For the IPCC Oceans Report, more than 100 scientists from more than 30 countries assessed the latest scientific knowledge about the physical science basis and impacts of climate change on ocean, coastal, polar and mountain ecosystems, as well as the human communities that depend on them. The report also addressed sea level rise and implications for low-lying islands, coasts and communities.

In the Sept. 23 California Coastal Commission (CCC) meeting, Mary Matella, a CCC environmental scientist, gave a presentation on how sea level rise impacts Orange County and what coastal cities are doing about it.

Local and regional adaptation planning efforts will be critical for ensuring that coastal communities can be resilient to sea level rising in the coming years, Matella said. The CCC’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) is a planning tool used by local governments to guide development in partnership with the CCC. LCPs contain the ground rules for future development and protection of coastal resources in the 76 coastal cities and counties.

“Now that we’re in the sixth year of LCP grant program, we have awarded almost $6 million, for 50 projects in 37 jurisdiction and 32 vulnerability assessments,” Matella said.

The grant program offers funding for San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

The City of San Clemente completed a draft of its Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment this summer as part of a program offered by the California Coastal Commission that guides jurisdictions in planning for sea level rise. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

cities to assess vulnerable coastal areas that could be threatened by sea level rise and provides the opportunity for each city to update its LCP. During the CCC presentation, Matella highlighted San Clemente for completing a draft Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (SLRVA) this summer.

The study is meant to identify areas of the coastal region that are vulnerable to hazards while considering policies and programs to mitigate such threats.

Cecilia Gallardo-Day, the city’s community development director, described the SLRVA, or study, as “factual information about what we can expect in the future and what infrastructures or coastal resources could potentially be vulnerable.”

The study, she also noted, will be the basis of the city’s Coastal Resiliency Plan (CRP) that’s currently in the works and should be released for public review in 2020. The Resiliency Plan, she said, will detail the city’s options on how to mitigate and adapt to sea level rise.

According to the draft of the Vulnerability Assessment, sea level rise poses the biggest threat to the city’s public resources and infrastructure.

“The primary vulnerabilities in the City include increased shoreline and beach erosion, wave flooding, and tidal inundation,” the report states. “Unlike in other low-lying cities where SLR can threaten private developments due to flooding or erosion, SLR in San Clemente first threatens the public resources of the public beach.”

It also notes that damage to the pier, Marine Safety Building, railroad and other infrastructure from coastal hazards and storms aren’t “new phenomena.”

“The effects of storms will increase in magnitude with higher water levels,” the draft report’s findings on public beaches

states. “Beach nourishment will help to maintain beach width in the short term, but higher water levels will make sandy beaches very difficult to retain impacting recreational opportunities available on the dry beach areas.”

The long-term consequences to the city’s beaches, the draft SLRVA points out, could be “near total loss” and “loss of recreation including surfing.”

The roughly 2-mile-long California Coastal Trail from North Beach to San Clemente State Beach could potentially need “permanent adaptation” or be relocated altogether, as there is likely to be a loss of continuity along the beachside portions.

“Maintaining continuity of the coastal trail will become increasingly difficult in the long-term as trails on the beach side (Central Reach) will be exposed to direct wave action seasonally or year-round,” the draft of the SLRVA states.

As for the pier, the city found that the long-term consequences of sea-level rise include “damage from storm waves, erosion of beach behind pier, potential for temporary flooding.”

The draft of the Vulnerability Assessment has made its way through the city’s Planning Commission and Coastal Advisory Committee for review and comments.

That draft report, which also underwent a public-comment period in August and September, is set to go before the city council for review in early November.

In an interview with San Clemente Times, Kelsey Ducklow, a climate change analyst for CCC, says that sea level rise causes erosion in bluff areas, flooding, and worse impacts from storms and high tide.

“Armoring is a technique of building sea walls in shoreline to protect development and infrastructure from erosion,” Ducklow said. “This stops the beach from erod-

Page 6

ing inland, but it blocks the beach from migrating, creating a coastal squeeze.

Beaches are subsequently lost.”

Ducklow has been on CCC staff for about six years and was a key staff member who worked on sea level guidance, which was adopted in August 2015 and updated in November 2018.

The CCC and partnering cities use the program CoSMoS 3.0 to assess where a community is most at risk. The software looks at built assets such as houses, roadways and highways, as well as natural assets, including beaches. The modeling tool was developed by the US Geological Survey.

Ducklow says the models implement scenarios of a sea level rise between 3 and 6 feet.

“Six feet is on the conservative end. The CCC requires that cities plan out to at least the year 2100, implementing up to six feet of sea level rise,” Ducklow said.

As of now, 37 out of 76 jurisdictions have done the assessment.

“In regards to the jurisdictions that haven’t yet initiated an assessment, I don’t think that it’s because the issue (of sea level rise) is being ignored,” Ducklow said. “I think it’s that some of these jurisdictions lack the resources and capacity to start planning for these kinds of issues.”

In 2017, the city of San Clemente received a $135,000 Local Community Program (LCP) Planning Grant from the California Coastal Commission to prepare the Vulnerability Assessment. The city was also awarded a $75,000 LCP grant in 2018 to put together the Coastal Resiliency Plan.

Gallardo-Day explains that the SLRVA and CRP are part of the city’s larger goal to get a CCC-certified LCP, which contains two primary components: a Land Use Plan (LUP) and a Local Implementation Plan (IP). These components provide measures to implement the plan, such as zoning ordinances.

“The adoption of a new LCP will give the City more control over approving projects within the City’s Coastal Zone and will streamline the Coastal Development Permit review process for applicants,” according to the city.

The CCC certified an updated version of the city’s LUP in August 2018. The city is currently drafting the IP and is expected to be released for public review and comment next year.

In Ainsworth’s statement on sea level rise, he emphasized the significant risks to coastal communities, critical infrastructure, wetlands, sandy beaches and coastal economy.

“We owe it to our children and future generations to plan for resilient communities while we can. History will judge us harshly if we do nothing or take halfhearted steps,” Ainsworth said. “(This) is a call to action for proactive science-based planning to address this looming disaster with a sense of urgency.” SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community Meetings TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

SUNRISE ROTARY 7:15-8:30 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Club Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. SCSunriseRotary.com.

HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 3:30-5 p.m. The San Clemente Human Affairs Committee will meet. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. San-Clemente.org.

Better Together Ministries puts up playground equipment in a village on the remote island of Beqa, Fiji in 2017. The ministry is planning on building another playground there this November. Photo: Courtesy of Better Together Ministries.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Marketplace for Good to Bring Awareness of Global Issues Jadon and Stephanie Lavik and their faith-based nonprofit ministry, Better Together Ministries, have organized A Market for Good—a free and local event in San Clemente on Oct. 18 and 19—to bring awareness to global issues.

“Our goal is to expose people to needs globally with these shaping experiences,” said Jadon Lavik, who has had a background in trips and missions the majority of his life.

The Laviks, with Better Together Ministries, provide clean water and food and build homes and playgrounds for small communities in Mexico, Fiji and Nicaragua. The ministry also hosts events in San Clemente to bring the community together for a bigger cause, but people shouldn’t feel pressured to belong to any faith in order to participate.

The proceeds of the market will go toward their ongoing efforts in small communities abroad. However, monetary donations aren’t the only form of assistance.

“There are tons of ways to serve,” Stephanie Lavik said. “You don’t have to get on a plane. We cook food and send meals to these communities. We just want to create opportunities for people to engage in a discussion about these issues.”

The market has been in the works for six months and will provide free and fun activities for the whole family. In addition to local vendors, there will be face painting, games, workshops, arts and crafts.

The marketplace will be at the San CleSan Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

strgeezr47@gmail.com or call 949.429.5003.—Haley Chi-Sing

mente Community Center on Friday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 9 p.m.—Zara Flores

Dana Hills High Boys Lacrosse to Host ‘Friday Night Lights’

SCHS Seniors Guests of Honor at American Legion Post 423 San Clemente High School seniors Hannah Carter, Micah Regalado and Logan Sambrano recently spoke at American Legion Post 423’s General Meeting about their experiences at the 2019 Boys and Girls State Programs in June.

All three seniors were awarded and distinguished at the September meeting with their families present.

The three students were chosen earlier this year to attend the programs due to personal distinction and achievement at San Clemente High School. Carter attended the Girls State California 2019 at Claremont McKenna College, with her attendance being funded by the American Legion. Regalado and Sambrano both participated in the Boys State California 2019 event at California State University, Sacramento. Both Regalado and Sambrano were supported and advanced by San Clemente High School Principal Chris Carter and other faculty members.

Both Boys and Girls programs included leadership and government courses and seminars in which the students participated. Both programs were established in the 1930s, building a reputation for providing “the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction,” according to a press release.

American Legion Post 423 will continue its tradition of choosing student delegates for Boys State and Girls State California 2020. For more information, email Post 423 Commander Mike Rogers at

The Dana Hills High School boys lacrosse team will host a “Friday Night Lights” event open to all third- through eighth-grade boys on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the school’s football stadium.

Elementary and middle school boys will be able to learn to play lacrosse with Dana Hills lacrosse team players and coaches.

Boys will be taken through practices and scrimmages in order to get a feel for the game. They will also be able to meet and interact with all of the players and coaches throughout the practice and afterward.

The event is free and open to all those in the area. In order to attend “Friday Night Lights,” participants must be registered prior to the event. For additional details and registration, visit DanaHillsBoysLax.com.—HCS

PierPride, City Launch Art Contest for Pier Renovation Project PierPride Foundation and the city of San Clemente launched a local art contest this month as part of the ongoing efforts to renovate and revitalize the San Clemente Pier restroom.

The renovation project, which PierPride initiated, will include a new drinking fountain with a water bottle fill station, as well as a piece of art paying homage to the San Clemente Pier. The project is expected to be completed by Memorial Day 2020.

PierPride and the city are looking for

Page 9

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) 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 (adults or minors) poor choices. Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. BILYSC.org.

BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6-8 p.m. The San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting.

100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9

DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE 4-5:30 p.m. The San Clemente Design Review Subcommittee will conduct a meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

individual artists, or teams of artists, to create the artwork for the door of the bathroom located near the center of the pier.

The chosen artists, or teams of artists, will receive a $300 honorarium. Interested artists are invited to submit one application and up to three conceptual renderings through 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.

All applications received will be reviewed by a jury of artists, residents, and community representatives. PierPride anticipates a selection to be made by Dec. 1, with the painting to occur next spring.

The application is available on PierPride’s website at PierPride.org. Questions or concerns should be directed to Amber Gregg, PierPride Art Committee Member, at ambergregginc@gmail.com.

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 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com. sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Shawn Raymundo, 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Traci Kelly, 949.388.7700, x111 tkelly@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Traci Kelly (SC)

EDITORIAL

Multi-Media Assistant > Kendra Burns

City Editor, SC Times > Shawn Raymundo Senior City Editor, DP Times > Lillian Boyd City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Columnist > Fred Swegles Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor > Randall Youngman ADVERTISING/ MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

> Debra Wells (SJC)

Real Estate Sales > Traci Kelly (SC) ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco and Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 14, Issue 40. 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.

FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

FACEBOOK.COM/SANCLEMENTETIMES • INSTAGRAM @S_C_TIMES TWITTER.COM/SCTIMESNEWS • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

San Clemente Times October3-9, 2019

Letters to The Editor RACIAL EPITHETS AT SC HIGH FOOTBALL GAME TRACI GALES, San Clemente

In response to your article regarding the racial epithets that were proven to have been said from San Clemente High School students to those from Lincoln High School—I am simply shocked!

I feel so naïve to have truly believed that racism only occurs in places where people are uneducated, backward and small-minded. To know that it has taken root in some people in my beloved San Clemente grieves me deeply.

Just the idea that this behavior— rooted in hearts and minds—has affected our young people is deeply disturbing. I believe that racism, bigotry and hate is taught. The kids involved in this behavior are modeling what they’ve seen and heard in their home.

So, to their parents, I say, “Badly done!”

Teaching our children love, acceptance and kindness are as important as teaching them not to lie or steal. Each of us as parents must examine our own hearts and minds and root out any form of hate. If we fail to do this, we will pass it on to our children as strongly as we pass along our own DNA.

SAN CLEMENTE’S BUSINESS LICENSE TAXES RYAN BOURQUE, CPA and Principal for Bourque & Associates, Inc. in Irvine

San Clemente leadership tells a story that the City does not have a business tax. The municipal code calls business licenses “Business License Taxes.”

City officials expressly claim there is no business tax.

A traditional license fee would be based on a flat dollar amount for a business type, industry, or other criteria.

Taxes, in contrast, are collected by a government agency based on the profits or sales/revenues of a business.

This “fee” system is simply a tax in disguise.

San Clemente specifically taxes professions such as retail, wholesale, manufacturing and telephone services, in addition to professions and occupations based on revenues.

The San Clemente Municipal Code has graduated “tax tables” for businesses to remit their tax to the city on an annual basis.

Complying with the reporting and payment of this tax put an extra layer of burden on small businesses that they don’t need, especially small businesses with multiple offices, employees, or locations.

Unbeknownst to independent contractors working from their homes, the city imposes this tax structure on them as well if the city determines that they have “an established place of business.”

That type of vague language could lead the city to determining that a website or an online ad with a home address for an independent contractor would subject this person to the tax when they may have zero sales inside of San Clemente.

I have personally had a run-in with the city over their taxation system.

I have multiple offices and locations where my staff work and where my clients are serviced. That was when I was knee-deep into some overly complex rules for what is supposed to be a fee.

The branch and administrative rules are complex and also place an undue burden on a business to comply with the city’s income tax scheme. A business would need to keep a separate set of books of what are deemed San Clemente sales and nexus based on where employees perform certain tasks.

I’ll be working to repeal this business tax to benefit all independent contractors and small businesses in San Clemente.

BICYCLE BLUSTER GREG LEWIS, San Clemente

Mr. Gaskin proposes that pedestrians walk on only one side of the Beach Trail to accommodate his powered bicycle. He accuses pedestrians of being contemptuous of powered cyclists. He then shifts to blaming road cyclists as the real problem, accusing them of being arrogant and foul and of constantly threatening violence. His remarks defy common sense.

It would be more reasonable for Mr. Gaskin to invest in a bell for his motorbike and learn to say “excuse me” when approaching pedestrians from behind, most of whom do not have eyes in the back of their heads.

Keeping to the 10-mph speed limit would also help. This is how it works with non-electric bicycles; I know, because I have ridden my beach cruiser on that trail for years without incident.

This is a better solution than trying to blame pedestrians and project your own malice onto them.

As for road cyclists, I have lived in San Clemente all of my 57 years, and (Cont. on page 11) Page 10

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Editorial Changes at SC Times

BY NORB GARRETT, PUBLISHER FOR PICKET FENCE MEDIA

We have a few exciting announcements to make regarding our editorial team at the San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media.

First, it’s my pleasure to introduce our SC Times readers to Shawn Raymundo, the new City Editor for the SC Times. Many of you will recognize his name, as he’s been our City Editor for The Capistrano Dispatch for about the past year and has been a regular contributor to the SC Times. Shawn is taking over the San Clemente beat following the departure of Cari Hachmann, who has taken a communications job with an Orange County nonprofit group. We wish her all the best and thank her for her efforts.

Secondly, I’m proud to announce that we’ve promoted Lillian Boyd to the position of Picket Fence Media Senior Editor. LilPUBLISHER lian is also the City Editor Norb Garrett for the Dana Point Times, establishing herself as an award-winning reporter and powerful newsroom leader.

Shawn’s a terrific reporter and writer and was eager to step into the SC Times role once Cari announced her departure.

He’ll benefit from having SC Times/Picket Fence Media Columnist Fred Swegles as a sounding board and partner as we navigate through some important issues such as homelessness, city elections, the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant’s ongoing decommissioning, and much more.

Please join me in welcoming Shawn to San Clemente. He can be reached at sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com, and you can meet him in person at our weekly Coffee Chats held each Friday at 8 a.m. at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center.

Thanks for reading the SC Times. SC

Shawn Raymundo

City Editor, San Clemente Times 949.388.7700, x108 sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

City Council Candidates’ Forum MICKEY MCLANE ‘My Goal: Bridge Between Two Sides’

BY MICKEY MCLANE

Photo: Pexels

(Cont. from page 10) I have been a road cyclist for 40. There are some who will blow through stop signs without the right of way. This gives cyclists a bad reputation.

Instead, I suggest cyclists slow down to a pace that allows one to stop and yield the right of way if necessary. I will admit to rolling through stop signs when no one is around—just as many motorists do. But cyclists have to be ready to stop and yield the right of way. If you do not want to stop, enter a race.

Mr. Gaskin complains about cyclists tapping his vehicle as he drives by. Cyclists can only do this if the motorist is breaking the law, passed in 2014, that requires drivers maintain a three-foot distance from cyclists.

Tapping on the car alerts the lawbreaking driver to the cyclist’s presence.

Remember, as a motorist, you will always come out on top in a collision with a cyclist, who only has a “leotard” (Mr. Gaskin’s contemptuous term) for protection.

Disrespectful people are the real danger— motorists who intimidate cyclists out of impatience or just plain hate.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@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.

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Oct. 4 at 8 a.m., Dorothy Visser Senior Center Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m., Dorothy Visser Senior Center. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

Our City Council—five members until the tragic loss of Mayor Swartz—is now so divided, two-to-two, they can’t even appoint an Interim Mayor, because that would take three votes.

Unlike the other candidates, I’m accepting no financial donations or gifts. Unlike the other candidates, I’ll arrive not identified with, nor beholden to, any person or group.

My goal is to be “the bridge” between the two sides and return civility and cooperation to our public forums. That’s the best way forward for a city leadership now divided.

So we can make progress on the vital issues, I’ll be a unifying presence on council. That’s why I’m running.

I’m perfectly poised to be on Council.

Some of my background: I was not in the top of my class in high school, but by college I was: Political Science (Public Administration, many minors), and, by scholarship, I studied civic organizations in graduate school. And I know how people work.

At age 23, I was a semi-professional actor at the best classics theatre in Virginia.

During those seven years, I helped organize Shakespeare in the Schools. Much of my life has been in service to my community.

Volunteering is a McLane Family tradition.

My volunteering in schools included five years as the only-male “Room Mother” in

my daughter’s public school system; Poetry Guy during Culture Week; Assistant Boys Basketball Coach; and, more recently, lectured five 12th grade classes on how the literature of a time reflects society.

I’m proud of my past TV series Legends of San Clemente. I hosted and interviewed local notables,* including Karch Kiraly, the world’s No. 1 beach volleyball player, captain of America’s Olympic team and an Olympic gold medalist; Ken Kachigian, a presidential speechwriter and Los Angeles Times columnist who helped write Nixon’s memoirs with Diane Sawyer; and Muriel Hanson and Lloyd Hanson, children of our Spanish Village-by-the-Sea’s co-founder Ole Hanson. It was a years-long project.

I donated episodes to the San Clemente Historical Society.

Professional experience: Four successful businesses, including custom picture framing and art sales, and then real estate—in that work, you gain the sense, the pulse, of the city.

My most difficult and formative positions that most contributed to society: totaling over sixteen years, I served as a uniformed Police Officer (Police Academy valedictorian) and an Adult Parole Officer.

While a Parole Officer, I was briefly assigned part-time as Adjunct Instructor for the Department of Corrections Academy.

Getting the two sides working together, it’s a tall order, but I can be tough, and flexible sometimes. Above all, I am clearfocused.

I respectfully encourage San Clemente voters to elect “the bridge”: Mickey. *Candidate’s Note: I haven’t talked with these folks in years. I hope for their vote, like I hope for yours, but these public figures are mentioned here solely as interviewees on Legends of San Clemente, not as endorsing me or my candidacy.

Leading up to the San Clemente City Council election on Nov. 5, the San Clemente Times has asked each of the five candidates who qualified for the ballot to submit a guest opinion article on a topic of their choice. We will publish one article per week up until the newspaper’s special section covering the election on Oct. 10. SC

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Judy’s’ End of the Rainbow

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.

Photo: Courtesy of David Hindley / Roadside Attractions

Thursday | 03 TALEGA 2XU RUN CLUB 6 p.m. New to running or looking for someone to run with? 2XU offers a free running club twice a week. Run with other new and experienced runners through the city. Meet at the Outlets at San Clemente every Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. ManagerSanClemente@2xu.com.

949.558.5054. 2xu.com.

Saturday | 05 SC HILLCLIMBERS 8:30-11:30 a.m. Those 50-and-older are welcome to join the San Clemente Hillclimbers Club on local SC trails. The group hikes for 2-3 hours in the local hills. The group changes its hikes every week, generally doing 4-5 miles every Saturday and Tuesday mornings. 121 Mira Adelante, San Clemente. For more information call 949.481.2275 or email jnl5555@yahoo.com.

SAN CLEMENTE BEACH CLEANUP 9-11 a.m. Join Orange County Coastkeeper at Calafia Beach for Coastkeeper and Coastal Playground’s monthly San Clemente Beach Cleanup. Engage with your local community to help protect Orange County beaches and waterways by removing trash from the beach. Learn about ocean pollution and the danger it poses to local ecosystems, citizens and economy. Don’t forget your coffee cup.

Zebra House Coffee has donated coffee and treats to fuel the volunteers. Calafia State Beach, 225 West Calafia, San Clemente. 714.850.1965. Coastkeeper.org.

Sunday | 06 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

J

EDITOR’S PICK Groms took to the surf break at the San Clemente Pier during Seafest in 2017. Photo: Eric Heinz

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6: SEAFEST 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 32nd annual San Clemente Seafest, which will feature its first-ever Street Taco Challenge. The event will also include a surf contest, an arts and crafts show and activities for children, a business expo and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo Operation. All of these will take place at the historic San Clemente Pier area. Parking and shuttle services will also be available during Seafest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Clemente High School. For more information, call 949.492.1131 or visit SCChamber.com.

from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. San-Clemente.org.

Tuesday | 08

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Head to Downtown San Clemente the first Sunday of every month for the Village Art Faire. The Faire offers an array of exceptional handcrafted works by gifted artisans, including fine art, jewelry, woodwork, fused and blown glass, sculptures, ceramics, home decor, candles, knits, botanicals, and much more. Downtown San Clemente, 100 block of Avenida Del Mar. 949.395.7008.

VillageSanClemente.org.

BEGINNING HULA CLASS 6:30-7:15 p.m. Have fun and learn basic language, songs, dance steps, motions and meanings. Includes work with poi balls (Maori culture from New Zealand), Hawaiian hula, Tahitian, Samoan music/dance forms. All are welcome. Hula Connection, 3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite J, San Clemente. 949.842.0662. HulaConnection.net.

Monday | 07

CASA KIDS: STORY TIME 10-11 a.m. Casa Romantica welcomes children ages 1 through 7 for a picture book reading every Wednesday in the courtyard. A Q&A session and a dance will be held after each story. Admission is free. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139.

CasaRomantica.org.

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE 9:30-11:30 a.m. The South Orange County Bridge Center hosts this weekly bridge series that runs every Monday through Oct. 14. South Orange County Bridge Center, 31251 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.1268.

JaneDober@gmail.com. SOCB.Center.

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.

GoodysTavern.com.

Wednesday | 09

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.

Page 12

udy Garland is one of the most famous and beloved women to ever live. Because of this, she has been the subject of many biographies and documentaries, too. Since so much has been reported, rumored and speculated about the legendary singer-actress, there are bound to be inconsistencies and agendas from those who genuinely cared about her and those just interested in exploiting her.

Rupert Goold’s Judy is set in the last year of Judy’s (Renee Zellweger) life in 1969, where we see her still putting on a hell of a show—but without a legitimate home to return to after work.

Her kids love her, but she’s regularly fighting with their father, ex-husband Sid Luft (Rufus Sewell), on custody arrangements. She can’t afford to turn down gigs, and she’s as dependent on prescription drugs as she was in her prime. The one gig that might turn things around for her is a five-week run of shows in London.

For lifelong fans of Garland, there probably won’t ever be a properly accurate portrayal on the musical performer’s life, as is the case with the average biopic. Zellweger’s impression of Judy’s speaking voice is very hit-or-miss, but she does manage to physically pull off imitating her mannerisms. No one will ever be able to duplicate Judy’s exact singing vocals, but as we previously saw with Chicago (2002), Renee can sing appropriately when it is necessary.

Not surprisingly, there are dates out of order and locations changed, for whatever artistic reason, by the filmmakers of Judy. One thing that kind of took me out of the feature was that the tone of the flashbacks felt almost like they were from a different film than the 1969 scenes. As a Judy Garland fan myself, I think we already had the notexactly-accurate-but-still-worth-watching-for-the-performances type of picture with Me and My Shadows (2001). SC sanclementetimes.com

12 Corte Cabrito, San Clemente STUNNING Entertainer’s Home in Talega with a cool, hip contemporary vibe! Open, bright and vibrant - architecturally designed for indoor / outdoor living.

CASITA • GOURMET CHEF’S KITCHEN • WINE CELLAR • ENTERTAINER’S OPEN AIR COURTYARD • THEATER ROOM • OUTDOOR PIZZA OVEN • FOUR HOLE PUTTING GREEN 5 BED/4.5 BATH • 3975 SQFT • ROOM FOR A POOL • EXCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD CUL-DE-SAC • Offered for $1,325,000

Only SC Locals BUSINESS DIRECTORY San Clemente

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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 Braker Electric 949-291-5812 Lic# 719056 Insured

JEWELRY BUCKLEY & CO. 415 E. Avenida Pico #D 949.218.1184, BuckleyJewelry.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

Buy • Consign • Sell

Dee Coleman 949.395.5681 classicautosalesoc.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

PROSTHODONTICS Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P. 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K 949.361.4867 (GUMS) moranperio.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY OCT. 5 8am to 1pm. 25542 Eastwind Drive, Dana Point.

GARAGE SALE OCT. 5TH AND 6TH 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 33692 Blue Lantern Street, Unit H, Dana Point. Furniture & Fine Antiques, Tools, Quality Fine Jewelry, Men’s & Women’s Clothing, Tuxedo, Kimono, English Minton China Set, Desert Rose China Set & much more.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com Deadline 5pm Monday.

No phone calls.

HELP WANTED RDA OR DA Private periodontal practice in San Clemente needs RDA or DA to join our team. 4 days a week. Experience desired but willing to train the right person.

Email ginnyperio@att.net

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

Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, accuratetermitecontrol.com

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

RECEPTIONIST WANTEDTHE DISTRICT SALON Responsible, Honest, Hardworking, Friendly. Full Time (Tues- Fri 10-6, Sat 9-4) Please only serious inquiries: info@thedistricthairsalon.com. 949.248.3406

WANTED WANTED: STAMPS! Buying Large Postage Stamp Collections. Call Nicholas 619.672.0434

FOR SALE RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE (TYPE 47) Type 47 Restaurant Liquor License for sale. For details, contact 949.510.9724

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at sanclementetimes.com.

Contact Traci Kelly for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email tkelly@picketfencemedia.com.

Page 25

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE INVITING ELECTRONIC BIDS BONITO CANYON PARK & VISTA BAHIA PARK RESTROOM REPLACEMENT PROJECT City Project No’s. 17511 & 17512 Bids shall be submitted electronically through the City’s electronic procurement system (PlanetBids) at: https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=28939 Bids must be received by no later than Monday, October 14th, 2019 at 2:00PM. All bids received after that time will be returned to the Bidder, as they will be deemed disqualified. Only electronic bids submitted through PlanetBids will be accepted. Bid tabulations will be available on PlanetBids immediately following the bid closing.

Bidders must complete line items information (PlanetBids Line Item Tab), and attach a paper Bid Form, completed in full and signed (PlanetBids Attachments Tab). In addition the Bidder shall attach Subcontractor(s) Listing, Experience Form, Bid Security, and all other documents required herein (PlanetBids Attachments Tab). The system will not accept a bid for which any required information is missing.

The work to be done consists of furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidentals as required by the plans, specifications and contract documents for the BONITO CANYON PARK & VISTA BAHIA PARK RESTROOM REPLACEMENT PROJECT’S, CITY Project No’s. 17511 & 17512, in the City of San Clemente, California.

The scope of the project is to construct site improvements for the Bonito Canyon Park & Vista Bahia Park Restroom Rehabilitation Project’s. Scope is to construct of and off site improvements and utility connections for the placement of two new Modular restroom facilities. Improvements include hardscape, sub-grade preparation, wet and dry utility installations and connections. The modular structure and slab will be constructed off site and delivered by a third party company, where it will be placed on subgrade prepared by the lowest responsive responsible bidder under the agreement herein.

Reference is hereby made to these Specifications for further particulars, and same are by such reference incorporated herein and made a part thereof, the same as though fully set forth hereunder.

Specifications and contract documents are posted in the City of San Clemente PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at: https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=28939 All bidders must first register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids System website to participate in a bid or to be added to prospective bidders list.

The contract does call for monthly progress payments based upon the engineer’s estimate of the percentage of work completed. The City will retain 5% of each progress payment as security for completion of the balance of the work. At the request and expense of the successful bidder, the City will pay amounts so retained upon compliance with the requirements of Government Code Section 14402 and the provisions of the contract documents pertaining to “substitution of securities.”

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, in accordance with Section 1770 of the California State Labor Code and in accordance with the terms of he Southern California Master Labor Agreement, has heretofore established a prevailing rate of per diem wages to be paid in the construction of the above entitled work. The said wage rates are herein referred to and adopted in this Notice as though fully set forth herein, and said scale is made a part of this Notice by reference.

San Clemente Times October 3–9, 2019

TO A DV E RT I SE : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 7 7 0 0 , E X T. 1 0 0 • L E G A L S @ P IC K E T F E N C E M E DIA . C OM

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771.1, no contractor or sub-contractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project submitted on or after March 1, 2015 unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Furthermore, all bidders and contractors are hereby notified that no contractor or sub-contractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby notified that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

No bid will be accepted from a contractor who has not been licensed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9, Division III of the Business and Professions Code, State of California. Bidder shall possess a Class “A”, California State Contracting License in good standing, and shall have successfully completed two projects of similar scope for a public agency.

The bidder, by submitting its electronic bid, agrees to and certifies under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of California, that the certification, forms and affidavits submitted as part of this bid are true and correct.

The City of San Clemente reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

To be published: and:

September 26th, 2019 October 3rd, 2019 __________________________ TOM BONIGUT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

A NON-MANDATORY pre-bid meeting will be held to inspect the site and discuss the work to be done and the Contractor’s responsibilities. The City’s representatives will be available to address questions. The meeting will be held at the City’s Community Develop¬ment Building, Offices 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100, San Clemente, CA 92673, on Monday October 7th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON OCTOBER 16, 2019 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

constitute a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., title 14, § 15000 et seq.) and therefore are exempt from CEQA and no further environmental review is required.

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.

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.

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, October 16, 2019 at 7:00 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.

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, October 16, 2019 at 7:00 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 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON OCTOBER 16, 2019 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 103 West Paseo De Cristobal – Cultural Heritage Permit 19-047 – Gordnier Addition A request to construct a 819 square foot second floor addition on a single-family residence. The project site abuts a historic structure located across the street at 104 W Paseo de Cristobal. The project site is within the Residential Low Zoning district and within the Coastal Zone Overlay.

Zoning Amendment 19-343 – Nonconforming Provisions for Mobilehomes Notice is hereby given that the City of San Clemente shall have a public hearing to consider a city-initiated proposal to amend San Clemente Municipal Code Title 17, the Zoning Ordinance, regarding nonconforming mobilehomes and mobilehome parks. The Planning Commission will be considering changes to the Zoning Ordinance in Chapters 17.28 and 17.72 related to special uses and nonconforming structures and uses.

Notice is hereby given that the project has been reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), and the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(2) and 15378(b)(5) because the revisions relate to the ongoing administrative activities and organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore do not

Staff recommends the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

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

Page 26

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 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON OCTOBER 17, 2019 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 119 Avenida San Pablo – Short Term Apartment Rental 19-295 – Bokl STAR A request to consider a short term apartment rental (STAR) located at 119 Avenida San Pablo Units B, C, and D. Staff recommends that the project be found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

218 Avenida Victoria – Minor Exception Permit 19-185/Staff Waiver of a Minor Cultural Heritage Permit 19-353/Staff Waiver of a Minor Architectural Permit 19-360 – Vaaler Addition A request to consider a 328 square foot addition to an existing legal non-conforming single family home within the Residential Medium Density Zone.

Staff recommends that the project be found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting (949) 361-6184. If you challenge these projects in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Community Development Department, Conference Room A, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearings or to provide written communication to the Zoning Administrator to express their opinion for or against the requests.

For further details, please call or visit the office of the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator at the Community Development Department where information is available for public inspection.

Zoning Administrator

sanclementetimes.com

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 tkelly@picketfencemedia.com

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

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

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

San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

Page 27

sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Why Can’t Senior Men Be ‘Just Friends’?

J

anice, not her true name, age 70, emailed with this question: “Why can’t senior men be ‘just friends’ with a lady?

“I meet a nice man, we get along, share humor and activities we like. But I’m not romantically or sexually attracted to him.

I tell him this, he says OK, but he continually tries to pursue romance.”

A year ago, Janice met a recent widower on Craigslist. He was 71 and lived in her city. She told him she enjoyed his company, but she was not romantically attracted to him. They stopped dating.

He texted her from time to time, asking to see her. This summer, she agreed to meet him again.

know sex is uppermost in men’s thinking process.”

Janice said, “Off he went! On the same train of thought. Again, I explained that I really liked his company and would like to do things together, but that I was not attracted to him in a romantic way.

“He still brought up romance, would hug me, touch me . . . try to get me to change my mind. He even stole a kiss when I only bent in to hug him goodbye.

ON LIFE AND “This has happened LOVE AFTER 50 to me four times lately

By Tom Blake with different men.

Why can’t senior men, many who are lonely, be content just being friends without wanting the physical aspect?”

Joel: “Someone who is a good companion for activities and conversation likely has most all of the qualities for a long-term relationship. When I enjoy a woman, after a while, I want to completely ‘enjoy’ her.

“Women want love before sex; men, sex before love. Men are motivated by lust.”

Henry: “If I wanted a friend to hang out with and not have sex, I’d hang out with guy friends, who wouldn’t have to be wined and dined. Just two, three or more guys lying to each other, laughing about the good old times, discussing our pains and talking about the ones that got away.

“Most older women don’t want sex. If they just want a friend, they can go out with women friends.”

I surveyed readers for their opinions: Richard: “I’m always amused at the ‘surprise’ women report when the men they date want sex. Here’s a bulletin for females in that category: Men date to get sex! That’s not all that bad, because for lots of guys like me, that’s the minimum relationship requirement.”

Tom’s opinion: Most men I know say they enjoy physical contact with women. If a man is attracted to a woman, in addition to doing things together—movies, plays, travel, camping, dinner, walking, for example—he likely wants the physical contact as well.

If a man is interested in a relationship

Sandi: “Men are hard-wired so differently from women. I think by now we

with a woman, he’ll wait until she’s ready to be physical. Of course, at some point, he may decide the situation is never going to change and he’ll move on to be with a woman who wants romance.

The widower who pursued Janice kept trying because he was attracted to her. He hoped she’d change her feelings and felt she was worth waiting for.

As far as his stealing that kiss—at least the guy had a little fire in his belly at age 71.

I understand Janice’s frustration. And one item she mentioned I agree with: I don’t understand why a man who is lonely, and has no one, isn’t willing to have a friend without benefits.

Wouldn’t that be better than not having a friend at all?

Joel summed up this topic by adding: “It’s a jungle out there.”

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating.

See his website at findingloveafter50.com.

To comment: 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

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Kittle SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M Kittle. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

eet Kittle, a sweet kitty looking for a home to call her very own. Kittle is 11/2 years old and gets along with other cats. She is a mellow kitty 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, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Photo: Contributed by Los Angeles Public Libraries

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 San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

FROM THE ARCHIVES A view of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and its surrounding grounds in 1972. The nowdecommissioned power plant, co-owned and operated by Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, was put into commercial operation in January 1968.

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.

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 28

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING CoastLines by Fred Swegles

Just Don’t Call Me Benedict Arnold!

H

ow do you react, upon learning you are a distant cousin to the most notorious traitor in U.S. history?

Tell no one? Run to the bathroom in shame? I did neither. I owned it.

I devoured four books about Benedict Arnold. Purchased a movie. Googled him, YouTubed him. Visited places he lived, worked, fought and betrayed after switching sides in the Revolutionary War. I traveled to his final residence and burial place in London.

Then I put together a song about him, reflecting the complexities of Benedict Arnold’s story—circumstances we kids didn’t learn in school.

To us, he was just the turncoat. “You Benedict Arnold!” we kids would playfully taunt each other. Now I know his side of the story—his sacrifices, grievances and disillusionment—alongside documented agonies felt by the many victims of his betrayal.

In September, I attended the seventh annual Burning of Benedict Arnold Festival in New London, Connecticut.

New London is a seaport whose privateers (pirates) harassed British shipping during the Revolutionary War. It’s a town where traitor Arnold is not fondly remembered by his former neighbors. He was born nearby, upriver in Norwich, emerging as a patriot leader and a war hero. On Sept. 6, 1781, as a British general, he burned New London to the ground while, across the river, other British troops in his party massacred Fort Griswold’s defenders.

For 100 years, New London remembered with an annual burning of Benedict effigy. Then it fell by the wayside.

In 2013, New London’s Flock Theatre revived it, scripting a two-act outdoor play in which role players relate townspeople’s personal horrors of Arnold’s inferno. An Arnold role player tries to explain himself. The verdict? For this audience, it’s always, “Burn the traitor!”

This year, two picketers showed up with signs, “Free

Benedict Arnold. . . . Before he was a traitor, he was a HERO!!!” The picketers did not prevail.

From New London, I traveled to Philadelphia for the 2019 conference of the Fuller Society, a group of Mayflower descendants. My ninth-generation great-grandfather, Edward Fuller, sailed to America in 1620 aboard the Mayflower.

Each year, Fuller Society members meet in some historic venue and do history tours together.

Our 2019 meeting in Philadelphia focused on Benedict Arnold. He’s distantly related to some of us. His plot with the Brits took root in Philadelphia Dressed in a Redcoat costume, I recited a lyrical monologue that I’d scripted, explaining how hero Arnold became disillusioned with the patriot cause and sold out for money.

Then I sang my song, a spoof on Elton John’s iconic “Bennie & the Jets.”

Fuller Society members Debbie and John Yingst, wearing period outfits, accompanied me, calling ourselves Bennie & the Yingsts.

I asked the audience: Wouldn’t it be cool if Broadway could produce a lively, stirring musical about Benedict Arnold?

And who better to portray dear Bennie than flamboyant Sir Elton John, or an COASTLINES

By Fred Swegles Elton John actor? Can’t you picture Elton, behind his piano, beneath flashing multicolored lights, singing “Bennie,” wearing a bright red King George III Army uniform?

It’s been fun, since joining the Fuller Society in 2013, pondering, every November at Thanksgiving, how my ancestors had made a very risky move to America for religious freedom, 399 years ago.

Now I also can count Bennie as part of my American heritage.

My genealogy-savvy sisters Barbara and Valerie recently discovered that our family also is descended from Edward Wightman, the last soul burned at the stake in England as an alleged heretic, in 1612.

One of our Wightmans, Abraham, was born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1761, 20 years after Bennie’s birth there.

Married to a distant cousin of Arnold, Abraham served in a militia that rushed to try to assist the New Londoners bat-

tling Arnold’s 1781 inferno.

How’s that for a twisty family tree?

With that said, and with apologies to Sir Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, here is my heretical parody of their song: BENNIE’S WEARING RED Headlines! Headlines! Read all about it It’s the biggest news of the day, let’s all shout it American history’s about to turn around Benedict Arnold’s defected to the crown George Washington, have you seen him yet?

Ooh, but he’s all decked out Bennie’s wearing Red! He looks so wild in that Red turncoat Bennie he’s really ... a sight to be seen He’s got his British boots He’s in cahoots You know I read his saddlebags are full of British currency Oh, no, B-b-b-Bennie’s wearing Red! It’s me, I’m Bennie, I never got the credit For saving Saratoga, I made those Redcoats dread it I took a bullet … General Gates took the glory The colonies have forsaken me, now I’ve found true love She’s a Tory!

George Washington, can you see me now Ooh, such a turnabout Proudly wearing Red! Oh, oh just wait, till I burn Richmond, Philadelphia will not stand Your army’s in collapse, I’ll save your hides, perhaps I’ll bring back law and order to this troubled land Oh, oh, you’ll thank me, Bennie’s wearing Red! As a brigadier general, I earned my British pay, After burning Richmond, it’s my neighbors I betrayed I burned New London, it’s the county where I’d frolicked in my youth My former friends can’t stand me, but burning me in effigy’s SO UNCOUTH! (pause) War’s over now, and I’m London-bound A royal welcome will be there for me But I can’t get no respect Brits say I’m no hero, Yanks say I’m a zero Connecticut my home despises me I burnt my bridges there Betrayed my homeland where I grew up championing this land of liberty Oh, no, Bennie’s face is red Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie’s face is red!

Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie’s face is red!

BENNIE! Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with more than 46 years of reporting experience in the city. Fred can be reached at fswegles@picketfencemedia.com. SC

Left, a two-faced effigy of Benedict Arnold is the centerpiece of the Flock Theatre’s annual Burning of Benedict Arnold Festival in New London, Conn. Right, at the conclusion of a two-act outdoor play, role players parade an effigy of Benedict Arnold through downtown New London, Conn., to the docks as part of the Flock Theatre’s Burning of Benedict Arnold Festival. The drama reenacts historical events. Photos: Fred Swegles

San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

Page 30

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

sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Call to Defend

start with a 7:35 kickoff, opposed to the normal 7 p.m. kickoff.

It’s also homecoming night for the Tritons, so with the television commercial timeouts and the longer halftime, it’ll be a longer night at Thalassa Stadium.

San Clemente will open league with a true test, as Tesoro enters the game at 6-0.

This game will be crucial to the shakedown of the South Coast League. Most peg Mission Viejo to reclaim the league title, and Tesoro has been marked as the strong up-and-comer.

Tesoro has posted a nearly 33-point average margin of victory in its nonleague schedule. However, the Titans’ competition has been against teams in CIF-SS Divisions 4, 9, 10 and 11. Tesoro is in Division 3, and San Clemente is in the Division 1 and 2 grouping.

SCHS Football Opens League Title Defense Friday

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he time has come for San Clemente football to defend its South Coast League championship.

Through the six games of its nonleague schedule, these Tritons (5-1) have proven to be a different group stylistically from the one that last year beat Mission Viejo for the first time since 1999 and won its first South Coast League title since that year.

Where San Clemente last season was led by the offense and yet another NCAA Division 1 quarterback in Brendan Costello, these Tritons have been spurred on by the defense.

Notably, San Clemente’s defenders have been ballhawks, forcing 19 total turnovers with 10 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. In 12 games last season, San Clemente forced 23 turnovers: 14 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.

Senior Trey Torticill has led the group with three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Senior Nick Billoups has three interceptions, junior Cole Batson has two interceptions, and senior Trenton Brail has two fumble recoveries.

The Tritons are limiting opponents to just under 16 points per game on average, compared to the 34 points per game San Clemente allowed in nonleague games last season. However, this season’s average took a hit over the past two weeks, as San Clemente allowed a season high in

Triton Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

San Clemente begins its defense of its South Coast League title against Tesoro at home on Friday, Oct. 4.

The game will be televised on Fox Sports West at 7:30 p.m. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

points in consecutive weeks—21 points

by Edison and then 42 points by Corona del Mar. In league last season, the Tritons defense locked down to lower its pointsallowed to just over 18 points per game.

This season, against varying competition, Tesoro has averaged 41.1 points, El Toro 11.2 points, Capistrano Valley 27.1 points and Mission Viejo 40.3 points.

The one deficiency on defense, statistically, from last season to this season is in sacks. In 2018, San Clemente racked up 36 sacks in 12 games, but through six games this season, the Tritons have only 5 ½ sacks.

Offensively, San Clemente is slightly down in all categories from last season, but the Tritons have gotten it done in the big spots.

Comparing each season’s nonleague schedules, San Clemente is scoring about seven fewer points per game. The Tritons

are also passing for an average of about 80 yards fewer and rushing for an average of about 50 yards fewer per game.

However, as mentioned, San Clemente has risen to the occasion when it matters most. The defense has set up the Tritons with short fields off turnovers, and San Clemente has capitalized.

Billoups has been the leading offensive contributor with six passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns. Junior James Bohls has run for four touchdowns, and senior Drayton Joseph has thrown for three touchdowns. Senior Preston Rex has five receiving touchdowns.

Catsimanes Takes Second with PR at Dana Hills

a scholarship offer to Wake Forest last week.

San Clemente senior Hana Catsimanes took second place with a personal-record time of 16:44.9 at the Dana Hills Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Second place was no shame in this one, with Canyon Crest Academy’s Carlie Dorostkar destroying the meet record by nearly 19 seconds with a time of 15:57.5 in the three-mile race.

Catsimanes committed and accepted

LEAGUE OPENER ON FOX SPORTS WEST San Clemente’s league opener against Tesoro at SCHS on Friday, Oct. 4, will be televised as the Fox Sports West Game of the Week.

The broadcast is set for a 7:30 p.m.

Volleyball, Water Polo Remain Unbeaten in League The San Clemente girls volleyball and boys water polo teams each stayed on top last week in their league competitions.

The Triton girls volleyball team swept Mission Viejo on the road on Tuesday, Oct. 1, to improve to 4-0 in the Sea View League.

San Clemente previously swept Capistrano Valley and Laguna Hills and beat Tesoro in

Page 33

SOCKS FOR HEROES DRIVE ENDS FRIDAY Each season, the San Clemente and Tesoro football teams lead up to their league contest with the Socks for Heroes charity drive.

To honor the life of Tesoro alum and San Clemente resident Donald Hogan, a Marine lance corporal who died in 2009 by jumping on a detonating IED to protect the rest of his unit while serving in Afghanistan, Hogan’s family set up the Socks for Heroes project.

The two high school communities got involved with the project and created a friendly competition. The schools each raise money to buy socks for Marine and Army units in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria for the holiday season.

Since the inception of the event, more than 36,000 pairs of socks have been shipped.

To donate to the San Clemente or Tesoro side, visit scmcsg.org/events/ triton-titan-sock-drive.

The winner will be announced before the game on Friday. SC

five sets.

Volleyball enters the second round of league play at Capistrano Valley on Thursday, Oct. 3, and hosts Laguna Hills on Oct. 8.

Boys water polo improved to 3-0 in the South Coast League with a 13-9 win at San Juan Hills on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The Tritons previously beat Dana Hills by two and El Toro by nine.

San Clemente, No. 13 in Division 1 and 2, hosts No. 10 Laguna Beach on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Vista Hermosa Sports Park and returns to league against Tesoro at home on Oct. 15. SC

sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Meet America’s Most Core Surf Shop

World’s Best Coming to Trestles

Catalyst wins Oakley Surf Shop Challenge in pumping Nicaraguan surf

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

et’s make it official: San Clemente surf shop Catalyst now owns the title of “America’s Most Core Surf Shop.”

And it has rightfully earned it.

This September, Surfer Magazine’s Oakley Surf Shop Challenge descended on Playa Colorado in Nicaragua for its national finals. In attendance were six teams representing various hotbed surf regions throughout the country, but it was the first-ever appearance for Catalyst.

Other teams that made the trip south included Sunrise Surf Shop from Florida, Secret Spot Surf Shop from North Carolina, HIC Kailua from Hawaii, Pacific Wave Surf Shop from Santa Cruz, and 2018 defending champion Surf Ride Oceanside.

The teams were comprised of two “pro” surfers and two shop “employees,” which provides the contest with elite, world-class talent, as well as giving underground shop rats a chance to shine on a big stage.

Catalyst was represented by hometown pros Nate Yeomans and Kei Kobayashi, who teamed up with cash register jockeys Jack Hopkins and Kevin Tran. A shop from San Clemente or Dana Point had never won the title, making this year’s victory all the more sweet.

The Oakley Surf Shop Challenge first debuted in 2009 as a way to celebrate the

Catalyst Surf Shop takes the win at the Oakley Surf Shop Challenge finals in Nicaragua: Photo: Courtesy of Surfer Magazine

critical role that surf shops play in surfing’s vibrant culture. Today, the contest series is the proving ground for friendly surf shop rivalries and serves as the ideal forum for shining light on just how important these local businesses are to our respective communities.

Regional qualifying events are held throughout the year. The winners of each region received an all-expenses-paid trip to Nicaragua to battle it out for a cash prize and, more importantly, bragging rights.

The final was held on Sept. 11, and the Central American surf was absolutely perfect. With solid four- to six-foot barrels and offshore winds, the stacked talent on the Catalyst team took full advantage.

Kobayashi shined from beginning to end. In Round 1, he posted a 9.03 on an absolute screamer. He kept the momentum going in the final, posting an 8.10.

The team used his wave as its “double

whammy” wave, meaning the score was doubled, giving a huge advantage to the San Clemente squad.

Hopkins contributed with a five-point ride. Then it was Yeomans’ turn. A veteran of the WSL Championship Tour, Yeomans knows a thing or two about making heats, and with the waves cooking, he was happy to oblige. The goofy-footer paddled out and locked in an 8.57 on a well-executed left-hander.

With a combined heat score of 29.3, Catalyst was rolling before Tran even paddled out.

“We all came out and just wanted to have fun—no pressure at all,” Tran said as the champagne was flying. “That’s when we perform the best; just having fun, and it worked out in our favor. Everyone did what they had to do, and it was such a fun time out here. That [trophy] is going to look good in the shop!” SC

his week, the Relik World Longboard Tour lands at Lowers, and with a solid south swell lining up, it’s setting up to be another successful year for the event.

For almost 20 years, we were used to seeing the WSL Championship Tour steam through town around this time of year, but Relik scooped up the California State Parks permit to run a professional surf contest at Lowers after the WSL opted for the Surf Ranch in Lemoore in 2018.

Featuring a Who’s Who of the best loggers and high-performance longboarders, this is the second year for Relik at Lowers.

Among the local talent in the mix at Lowers will be pro-turned-realtor Christian Wach, shaper/artist Tyler Warren and Lindsay Steinriede, who’s been on a roll.

The judging criteria for the Relik contests are a little different than other, more traditional criteria. They utilize something they refer to as “the three Ts”: TIMING: The ability to ride the entire wave without running ahead or falling behind the curl, but with the proper application of turns, stalls and cutbacks, moving smoothly in and out of the pocket.

TEMPO: Matching the speed of the board to the speed of the wave and carrying that speed throughout a series of integrated maneuvers.

TRIM: Maintaining optimum speed throughout the ride, through all sections of the wave, without the hopping or pumping associated with short board surfing.

The contest will run Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. SC

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

DYLAN YOUNG

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

rom whitewash days at San Onofre to rolling through eighth grade at Bernice Ayer Middle School, Dylan Young is living the dream in San Clemente.

“These days, I mostly surf Lowers and Oceanside,” said Young, who’s been ripping lately.

Hanging with a tight-knit crew of super-amped local groms, Young and pals together are pushing one another to be their best, both in and out of the water.

“I like surfing with my friends, and I love the adrenaline when I’m trying something new,” Young said. “I am inspired

San Clemente Times October 3-9, 2019

by surfing, because I always want to improve a certain maneuver, then start with another one.”

When he was just 4 years old, his dad pushed him into his first combers at San O. “I look up to my dad in surfing, because he’s the one who taught me, and he is also a good waterman,” Young said.

As for the benefits of being out in the ocean amongst the waves, Young said, “Surfing clears my mind, makes me think about only positive things.”

And where does Young think surfing will take him in 10 years? Well, he hopes to keep chasing the dream.

“In 10 years, I hope I will be a local, free surfer and traveling around the world to new spots I haven’t been before,” he said. SC

Water Temperature: 70-72 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15 Thursday: Holding SSW swell and a minor NW swell for waist to head high waves and sets to a foot overhead, (3-5-6’ faces). Light/variable winds in the morning, shift to light+ west winds for the afternoon.

Outlook: Wave size eases on Friday, then the trend towards smaller surf continues through the weekend, with Sunday mainly down in the knee to waist high zone, (2-3’ faces). Light winds for the mornings, followed by light+ to moderate WWSW onshores in the afternoons. Another round of SSW swell is scheduled for next week. For the latest details be sure to visit Surfline.com.

Dylan Young. Photo: Courtesy

Page 34

sanclementetimes.com