September 20, 2018

LO C A L

September 20-26, 2018

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

SCHS Water Polo Pulls Out Win against Dana Hills PAGE 21

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 38

Shine On

PierPride kicks off month of fundraising efforts S OA P B OX / PAG E 9

The nonprofit group PierPride is gearing up for its annual fundraising efforts for maintenance of San Clemente’s iconic ocean structure. Photo: Eric Heinz

‘Survivor’ Season 37 Features Two from San Clemente EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Toast to the Casa Takes Place Saturday, Sept. 22 GETTING OUT/PAGE 15

www.sanclementetimes.com

Stoke-O-Rama Keeps Positive Vibes Going at T-Street SURF/PAGE 22

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

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

August after the summer events and once in the winter before Puttin’ on the Glitz, which takes place on Del Mar. WHAT’S NEXT: The city is still accepting bids for the project. The lowest so far, City Manager James Makshanoff said, is $26,000 to clean the area twice a year. —EH

Five things San Clemente should know this week

Girl, 11, Found Safe after Going Missing from San Clemente

‘Survivor: David vs.

Goliath’ to Feature Two San Clemente Residents THE LATEST: Since watching the CBS television show Survivor as a middle schooler with his mother and sister, Alec Merlino, 24, was on a quest to become one of the program’s next contestants.

The bartender and San Clemente native got his shot on the show’s 37th season, dubbed “David vs. Goliath,” for the $1 million prize to survive as the last one on the island.

The other contestant on the show from San Clemente, Angelina Keeley, is a financial consultant and the wife of a member of the U.S. military who is scheduled to deploy this year, although the CBS press release didn’t specify which branch. Keeley was unavailable to speak before press time, as she’s in the midst of traveling. Both contestants are on the Goliath tribe.

“If it wasn’t me going on the show, my mom would be going on,” Merlino told the San Clemente Times. “My mom and my sister, they’re super stoked and I’m stoked for them to see it.”

Merlino said it was the prospect of taking on challenges that drew him to apply for the contest. Season 37 puts 20 contestants on two teams of 10 against one another. The David tribe is made of people who have had to overcome adversity in their lives, and the Goliath tribe is made of people who have excelled from the advantages given to them in life, according to the CBS press release.

“Cliché as it sounds, I was just myself, and I went in knowing that I’m a pretty positive person,” Merlino said when asked what set him apart from other Survivor applicants. “I think it was my charismatic personality. That’s how I am in my everyday life, and I love talking to people. ‘Good vibes’ is kind of my motto.”

Merlino said he knew that the show was going to be a challenge, and he said he tried to remain positive throughout.

“I’m always trying to do the next cool thing, and Survivor was something I wanted to check off the list,” Merlino said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Survivor’s 37th season premieres at 8 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, Sept. 26, on CBS. —Eric Heinz San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

Alec Merlino, left, a San Clemente native, and Angelina Keeley, a resident of San Clemente, are contestants on the CBS network show ‘Survivor’ for season 37’s theme ‘David vs. Goliath.’ Both Merlino and Keeley are part of the Goliath tribe. The season premiere is Sept. 26. Photos: Courtesy of CBS

San Clemente Village Celebrates Two Years of Helping Residents Remain Independent THE LATEST: San Clemente Village (SCV) is celebrating its two-year anniversary of connecting volunteers and members, ages 55 and older. Members hope that through a celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 2, held at the Community Center, more people will get involved with the program.

The nonprofit organization provides resources to its 55-and-older members who want to continue to live in their homes with the assistance of volunteers.

Ret Wixted, founder of SCV, said that common needs for members are dog walkers, transportation services and interactive activity volunteers. She said such chores as front-door mail delivery or note-taking during medical appointments help members live independently without moving into a senior care facility.

The agency identified that with time, some clients may become less social, and SCV developed ways to reignite these connections. Clients and volunteers are paired together and form friendships through the activities offered. With more than 70 volunteers who service 60 members, the Village strives to find innovative and responsible ways to support its members.

“We find that the people in San Clemente want to give back to their town,” said Jan Montague, president of SCV. “Many volunteers have worked or commuted for their whole careers outside of San Clem-

ente. When they retire, they want to be affiliated with people in their community.”

Beyond social connections, the SCV has three wellness incentives to prepare for natural disasters, reduce falls and maintain mental health.

The outreach program relies on wordof-mouth referrals to recruit volunteers aged 24 to 80. Each participant requires a background check by Verified Volunteers and DMV clearances.

WHAT’S NEXT: At the Oct. 2 anniversary celebration, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 100 N. Calle Seville, there will be performances from the Heritage Quartet, followed by a brief presentation. Wine and appetizers will be served and new guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling 949.441.1348. — Andrea Clemett, Picket Fence Media intern

City Council Reapproves $18,000 for Sidewalk Cleaning THE LATEST: Sidewalks in the area of El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar have been getting a bit too filthy for some people’s liking, and on Tuesday night, Sept. 18, the City Council approved to fund the cleaning once again.

Earlier this year during its budget processes, the city scrapped $18,000 from the city’s sidewalk cleaning budget in order to help facilitate the costs of additional Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies. The city typically has the sidewalks cleaned in the area twice a year, once in

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THE LATEST: Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) announced on Tuesday, Sept. 18, that Kaia Fina, 11, who had been missing from her foster home in San Clemente since Sept. 6, was found safe in Beverly Beach, Oregon. She was with her biological mother, Sera Fina, 42, who has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction as she did not have custody rights at the time.

Kaia was believed to be at her foster home in San Clemente on Sept. 6. Her foster mother was the person who reported her missing.

U.S. Marshals found Kaia and Sera in Oregon after a federal warrant was issued for the mother’s arrest, according to OCSD spokesperson Carrie Braun.

“It’s been a cooperative effort under a variety of agencies,” Braun said. “We were really relying on our federal partners to help us, knowing that they were able to move from state to state.”

According to WPBF News in Florida, Kaia’s father, Philip Gregory, had a custody hearing on Sept. 6 in Orange County, but neither Sera nor Kaia showed up. Sera lost custody rights after being arrested and jailed for three days for an outstanding warrant in 2002, which was for driving a child improperly situated in a car seat.

WHAT’S NEXT: Braun said law enforcement officials were given information that led them to believe Kaia could have been in Colorado and Idaho before the two wound up in Oregon. OCSD has not yet been able to interview Sera Fina yet, as she’s being extradited back to Orange County. —EH

Three Dogs Die in House Fire in San Clemente THE LATEST: Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded to a home fire about 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, and found three dogs that had died in the inferno. OCFA Capt. Tony Bommartio said no people were injured in the fire.

WHAT’S NEXT: The cause of the fire and any other details were not available as of press time. San Clemente Times will follow up with this story online when details become available. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

San Clemente Island Chapter DAR Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary On Monday, Sept. 10, about 100 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the San Clemente Island Chapter.

A plaque dedication took place as the main event at Casa Romantica, honoring the founder of San Clemente, Ole Hanson, who built Casa Romantica on the bluff overlooking the San Clemente Pier. The San Clemente Island Chapter hosted state and district DAR officers who joined them for the event.

“Our chapter provides service, scholarships and support for our local communities,” a press release from the San Clemente Island Chapter stated. “We look forward to many exciting and worthwhile projects and events in the coming years.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution members are descended from the soldiers and officers from the American Revolutionary War. To learn more about the work of the DAR, visit www.californiadar.org/.

North Beach Resident Publishes Bigfoot Novel Bill Koelzer, a San Clemente resident in North Beach, has recently published a novel about the adventures of Bigfoot and its hierarchy. Koelzer said he plans to publish sequels to the first installment.

The Bigfoot Experiment follows a young, tall Bigfoot couple who are enticed by tribe leaders to go into the dense forests in Northern California. As they make their way, they learn how they became so tall and strong with sensory powers. The back of the novel describes Bigfoot as a species, rather than the solitary outlier most commonly noted in folklore.

Another Bigfoot, who is evil, tries to rile a mob of humans into a frenzy to kill the young couple, and they must prove themselves against the mob to save humanity’s future and themselves.

The book is available for $3 on Amazon Books and Google.

FEMA Emergency Test to Take Place Oct. 3 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a nationwide EAS and WEA test on Oct. 3 to assess national warning capabilities. The test includes radio, television, cable stations and San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

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

Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.412.6301. www.exchangeclubsc.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

From left, Daughters of the American Revolution San Clemente Island Chapter Regent Mary Dahm, California State Regent Adele Lancaster and Honorary State Regent Karon Jarrard stand in front of the historic plaque dedicated to Casa Romantica on Sept. 10 for the 60th anniversary of the San Clemente chapter’s founding. Photo: Courtesy of Susan Schultz

DEL MAR FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday.

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

compatible cell phones. It will start around 11:18 a.m. Pacific Daylighttime. This will be the first nationwide WEA test and it will use the Presidential Alerts category.

Sheckler Foundation Raises $380K for Children in Need Professional athletes, celebrities and more than 400 supporters came together in support of pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler’s Gala and 11th Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 9 and 10 at Monarch Beach Resort and Golf Links in Dana Point. Golfers included professional athletes like NBA All-Star Klay Thompson, Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed and actor Cris Judd along with members of Linkin Park, Green Day, Of Mice and Men, and Avenged Sevenfold. A total of $380,000 was raised to benefit the Sheckler Foundation’s “Be the Change” initiative.

Services for Wilma Bloom, Longtime San Clemente Business Advocate San Clemente will remember Wilma Bloom as a community volunteer and a store owner who helped transform Avenida Del Mar into a vibrant business district.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Bloom died Sept. 13 at age 91. She once was described as “the spirit of downtown San Clemente.”

As the owner of Ace Hardware at 106 Avenida Del Mar for 15 years, she was known as an energetic soul, the downtown district’s biggest booster. She served on the Chamber of Commerce board and as Downtown Business Association presi-

dent, credited with uniting merchants to organize promotions, beautifications, special events and ongoing events.

She was credited with establishing Puttin’ on the Glitz, an annual December event starring Santa Claus. She would dress up as Mrs. Claus.

Retiring in 1995 when the hardware store’s building was sold, she switched hats to become a prolific community volunteer. Named San Clemente’s Volunteer of the Year in 2010, she was most active with the Friends of the Library Bookstore, Boys & Girls Club, Soroptimist International and San Clemente Senior Center.

The Chamber of Commerce saluted Bloom in 1988 as San Clemente’s Citizen of the Year, honoring her store as 1991 Business of the Year. In 2003, the city enshrined her on San Clemente’s Wall of Recognition.

“She was a vibrant force for the downtown,” said Michael Kaupp, an Avenida Del Mar merchant who succeeded her in that role in recent years.

Born on May 16, 1927, as Wilma Zulauf in Windsor, Colorado, she settled in California after World War II, marrying Ken Bloom. Moving to San Clemente, they operated a small Avenida Miramar hardware store before purchasing Ace on Avenida Del Mar in 1980. Wilma continued to operate the store after Ken’s passing in 1983.

She is survived by her daughters, Wendy and Teri; her grandson, Michael; and her sister, Ruth. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or to Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

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Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published.

Email eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

SUNRISE ROTARY 7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. www.scsunriserotary.com.

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

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

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

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center.

3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

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

PUBLIC MEETING ON SHORECLIFFS BLUFF 6-7 p.m. The city of San Clemente will provide an update and overview on the Shorecliffs Via Ballena Storm Drain Project. Community Center Auditorium, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.361.8360. www.san-clemente.org.

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

2018 City Council Election Coverage

WEEK 3

What is the biggest change you’d like to make to San Clemente and why?

How would you accomplish this goal?

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

eading up to the San Clemente City Council election on Nov. 6, the San Clemente Times is publishing six questions, one each week, that we’ve asked each individual who qualified for the ballot to answer. The list of candidates is published in the order the random alphabet the California Secretary of State recently drew.

Editor’s note: Kathy Ward and Ed Ward are not related.

GENE W. JAMES

MIKII RATHMANN

JAKE RYBCZYK

With a majority of ethical councilmembers, we need to consider the replacement of the city manager and assistant city manager and merge the positions into one job with savings of $350,000 annually.

Additionally, a review of the city attorney’s role needs to take place; the role of the city attorney should be to avoid litigation at all cost, but when the city attorney is a partner in the firm that benefits from city litigation, that is nothing short of a blatant conflict of interest. If a councilmember were truly a steward of taxpayer dollars, that councilmember would be appalled.

My vision for the future of San Clemente is a community where we can live, work and play. Where my neighbors have a high quality of life. The biggest change we can make is to put a focus on affordable housing so that young couples starting their lives can afford to buy a home here. I would strive to develop a prosperous local business community so that small business owners thrive and contribute to our economy. Taking care of our most treasured resources, our ocean and beaches, is paramount to providing recreational opportunities for generations to come.

I would support our local businesses, environment and the Spanish village aesthetic that we have in San Clemente to maintain our financial stability. It shouldn’t be as hard as it is to start a new business in San Clemente or even grow one. By taking away some of the regulation and permitting delays, local business would thrive. It’s our beaches and Spanish architecture that brings in the bulk of our tourists. By keeping our beaches clean and our city well-kept, more money will be pumped into the economy and, in effect, our community will thrive.

LAURA FERGUSON I would propose implementing a sunshine ordinance because our city is not transparent and sometimes operates in secrecy.

An open government is fundamental to democracy. A task force could ensure that deliberations of Council and commissions are conducted before the people and that public documents are open to review and accessible online. Prior to the current management, 20 years of public records were accessible on the city website—this was reduced to two years. Now, public records requests have increased, consuming staff time and money because our city wants to control what information the public receives.

BERNIE WOHLFARTH As your councilmember, I will do whatever it takes to protect and preserve the small-town charm that brought us all to San Clemente. I love this town—its people, the families, businesses, restaurants, beaches, trails and open space that make it the best beach town in California. It is crucial we do everything in our power to make sure that out-of-town interests don’t turn San Clemente into a carbon copy of the overdeveloped beach towns to our north.

San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

JACKSON HINKLE

KATHY WARD

San Clemente is grossly underserved when it comes to emergency medical services. There is currently a lawsuit under submission regarding the zoning requirements for a hospital with emergency services in San Clemente, but a decision in our favor would not grant us a new hospital. I believe that San Clemente is in a strong position to receive funding under a congressional bill that establishes a fund to compensate communities burdened with stranded nuclear waste, and in our case it could pay up to $24 million. I would fight to allocate these funds to establish a hospital with emergency medical services.

First and foremost, San Clemente is one of the greatest cities in the world. Hospital: San Clemente must have an emergency room to save lives. I will continue to work with hospital providers to come to our city. Spent nuclear fuel: I have worked toward a solution to move the fuel and voted to engage a federal lobbyist to represent San Clemente’s interests. I support publicly accessible, independent radiation monitoring. Schools: I have worked with the school district and support group and I will promote new facilities at our high school and renovations to all our schools. #onetownoneteam.

WAYNE EGGLESTON

DAN BANE

To facilitate much better communication between the city departments/employees/councilmembers to residents, phone calls, e-mails, public record requests, written correspondence needs to be answered promptly for residents.

Respect shown from the dais to the residents and from the public to the Councilmembers during public comments. Publicly personal, mean, hateful slamming during the election season and throughout the year needs to stop.

Those who are doing it need to be held accountable. All of us need to understand nothing is accomplished unless we act as mature adults.

I would accomplish this by setting an example and urging others to do the same.

San Clemente is a great place to live. I’d like to prioritize our budget for more public safety resources. Our deputy staffing is at historically low levels and our deputies are handling (per capita) the highest level of calls for assistance of any city in Orange County. We need to devote more resources to our police services. Also, the city should take a more active role in lobbying our state and federal representatives to find permanent solutions regarding the storage of radioactive waste at SONGS. The nuclear waste needs to be moved away from our community as soon as possible.

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TIFFANY JOY ROBSON LEET My stance is to preserve San Clemente, to limit any drastic change to our longestablished small town/small business, friendly and traditional California beach town heritage. I’d like to see the empowerment of the average citizen’s voice. I felt I had no idea what was going on in terms of the unwelcome changes to our city, i.e.: large building projects, obstruction of ocean views, deviation from the concepts of Ole Hansen. I want to bring our city into the future, committed to maintaining our own personality. I oppose the influx of big-brand corporate business and support our local small businesses and entrepreneurs.

ED WARD San Clemente has a rich heritage, incredible climate, proximity to two major cities and dozens of top-tier universities nearby. This creates a powerful opportunity for small-business development and entrepreneurship. Fueling this small business economic development initiative would allow our city to create sustainable jobs, revenue and a thriving entrepreneur culture without diminishing the quality of life that we treasure. As a councilmember, I will look to convert a city position dedicated to igniting small-business growth and identify areas (North Beach, etc.) that could be designated as revitalization zones to support this exciting addition to San Clemente culture.

DON BROWN Attitude! I want to encourage all various community stakeholders to communicate and work together, an expansion of “One Town, One Team” football theme. We are all “Team San Clemente.” I would ensure sensibly managed development based on our recently approved General Plan, moving forward with a balanced respect for neighborhoods and businesses. My eight years experience on the Planning Commission, five years Coastal Advisory Committee, two Traffic Task Forces, one Safety Task Force have prepared me well.

Additionally, my involvement with the Boys & Girls Club and Exchange Club boards have provided invaluable community experience. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS CoastLines by Fred Swegles

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

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

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

ART/DESIGN

City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz

Art Director > Jasmine Smith

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

OPERATIONS

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

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

San Clemente Times, Vol. 13, Issue 38. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (www. danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www. thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Light the Way San Clemente’s PierPride illuminates fundraising efforts

F

or a 90-year-old, San Clemente’s iconic 1,300-foot-long fishing Pier is looking pretty healthy.

Okay, so it’s been toppled by storms and rebuilt a couple of times, 1939 and 1983.

It’s also had multiple major surgeries.

The most recent was a $1.8 million rehab performed by the city this year.

The biggest birthday bash in the Pier’s history is about to launch. You’re invited.

Events will include:

People joined together along the rails of the San Clemente Pier at last year’s ‘Light Up the Pier’ event. Photo: Eric Heinz

• Sept. 28: A “Sunset Dinner” to raise funds for the Pier from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Fisherman’s Restaurant, $150 per person, together with a silent auction.

• Oct. 11: “A Cruise into History,” 4:306:30 p.m., from Dana Wharf Sportfishing to the Pier and back, learning historical facts about the Pier from guest speakers, $60 per person or $200 per party of four, including wine and appetizers, proceeds benefitting the Pier.

• Oct. 15: “H.H. Cotton’s Amplified,” an evening at H.H. Cotton’s, 5-9 p.m., with live music by Paul Jackson from 5-8 p.m. plus drawings and a silent auction, with a percentage of food and beverage sales going to the PierPride Foundation.

• Oct. 25: PierPride’s 3rd annual “Light Up the Pier,” festivities from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Pier, including live music, and see how many people can line the Pier railings at 6:30 p.m. and hold up lighted cell phones in unison for a photo to show solidarity for the Pier’s future. No admission fee. Donations welcome.

• Every Monday in October: Charity bingo at Goody’s Tavern, 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, $1 per bingo card, benefitting PierPride, plus raffles and a silent auction at the Oct. 29 finale.

Why do all this?

The city of San Clemente and the PierPride Foundation have proclaimed October to be PierPride Month to raise awareness about the Pier’s funding challenges and organize fun events to raise funds.

This year’s $1.8 million rehab was the first in four decades that the city had to fund from its general budget. From 1975 to 2012, the city had a San Clemente Redevelopment Agency that paid for Pier rehabs and for other Pier Bowl enhancements. The RDA was a mechanism, COASTLINES

By Fred Swegles allowed by state law, that funded Pier Bowl improvements by setting aside some of the property taxes that Pier Bowl landowners paid to the state each year.

In 2012, the state government ended local redevelopment agencies to keep the money for itself.

That left the city in a pinch. In 2016, the PierPride Foundation surfaced to ask for community help developing an endowment for the Pier’s long-term health and to produce some niceties for the Pier.

Point, Casa Romantica, whales, dolphins, gulls and pelicans. The signs are aging.

The wording also will get a few needed tweaks.

What it costs: Sponsoring a sign for 10 years is $10,000, including design, installation and maintenance. Sponsors will be recognized on each sign. Six of the seven signs already have sponsors. The canister project is a $4,000 fund drive accepting donations online.

How to act: Visit www.pierpride.org to learn more, sign up for events, sponsor a sign or donate toward recycling canisters, or call Jim Nielsen at 949.422.2943.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with more than 46 years of journalism experience in the city. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Enhancements this year

• The foundation will install recycling canisters so people fishing can properly discard leftover line.

• The goal: Prevent wildlife from becoming entangled.

• The foundation will replace seven signs that tell visitors about some things they can view from the Pier—Seal Rock, Cotton’s Point, San Clemente Island, Catalina Island, West Reef, Dana

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

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

San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

Page 9

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths

by Jim Kempton

The Surf Virus and Fig Jam Pizza

O

wning a restaurant in a surf community means hiring surfers. In San Clemente, young men who want flexible schedules and a fun work environment comprise the predominant available employee pool. Most days, the morning surf satisfied my waiters and cooks who rode waves. They were, on average, as punctual and diligent as anyone you would hire in any laid-back Southern California beach town.

Most had the added benefit of being friends or sons of our patrons. That gave the restaurant an added family atmosphere to our local vibe.

These wave riders also served a useful function as surf forecasters. I always knew a great swell was on the way when, the night before, the first of my six surf guys would call in sick. By 10 a.m. the morning

Letters to The Editor FIGHT AGAINST THE TCA’S DESTRUCTIVE, SENSELESS ROAD PROJECT MARK MCGUIRE, San Clemente

In 2006, the TCA claimed that extending the 241 toll road to I-5 would save drivers 31,000 vehicle hours per day in 2025 by reducing congestion on the 5.

In its recent draft PSR, the TCA claims that extending the 241 to I-5 would only save I-5 drivers 1,740 hours per day in 2050. That is one-18th the amount of traffic relief, 25 years further out, than what the TCA was saying in 2006.

I am convinced that the TCA’s Route 14 concept of extending the 241 to I-5 at Pico is dead.

TCA’s newly favored boondoggle is Alternative 21—construction of four managed lanes in the middle of I-5 from Basilone Road to the 73 toll road. Managed lanes can be used by high-occupancy vehicles for free and vehicles with one or two occupants can use by paying a toll.

The TCA’s projections show managed lanes would reduce vehicle delay on I-5 by about 4,300 hours per day in 2050.

Constructing four managed lanes in the middle of I-5 through San Clemente would be devastating in terms of takings for right of way. No responsible transportation San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

of the swell, two others had come down with a serious virus, unable to make it to work. The smart employee would call in just before we opened and say the doctor told him it was a very infectious virus and (as proof) present a physician’s note to stay away from people so the virus didn’t spread. Which proved one other thing: the doctors surfed, too.

WAVELENGTHS Meanwhile, customers

By Jim Kempton would flow through all day long, raving about the perfect swell now hitting. Later in the evening, the invariable employee who hadn’t even bothered to call would leave a message: “Sorry, I came down with a really bad virus. Been laid up all day.

Finally feeling better now. Should be in tomorrow. This virus has really taken a lot of people down.” Yep. Surf virus will do that.

Fig Jam Pizza with Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Arugula I know, I know; you can’t imagine fig being good on pizza. But it is not just good—it’s epic. I like to use Boboli or thin, ready-made pizza crust. But get any premade crust you like, the thickness is simply a preference. Making pizza crust from scratch is not realistic in many kitchens and impossible on the road.

This recipe is inspired by the menu item

agency would undertake such a massive and disruptive project to save 4,300 hours of delay 32 years from now.

For comparison, the OCTA is undertaking a widening project on the 405 from the north end of the 73 to the LA County line. The project extends a similar distance to what the TCA’s proposed managed lanes would travel.

Estimates of Alternative 21 show it will reduce congestion by 93,000 hours in 2025 and a whopping 350,000 hours per day in 2040. The traffic relief provided by the 405 project will be greater than any of the TCA’s “south County mobility solutions.”

An estimated 350,000 hours of time saved daily, compared to 1,700 hours for Alternative 14 or 4,300 hours for Managed Lanes.

Sometimes there are hard choices to make involving environmentally damaging road projects that provide substantial traffic benefits—but that is not the situation we face.

It is insane that we have to fight like hell to stop the TCA from destroying our town.

But fight like hell we will, and the facts favor us in this fight.

DISTRICT ELECTIONS WOULD NOT PROVIDE BETTER REPRESENTATION JIM SMITH, San Clemente

Things you’ve never heard someone say, “We need to make things less complicated and cheaper. Let’s hire a lawyer.”

The letter published in the Sept. 7-13 edition of the San Clemente Times by lawyer and pro-district election shill Brad

INGREDIENTS SERVES SIX • Pizza crust • 3 tablespoons fig jam • 2 tablespoons pasta sauce • 1 package thin-sliced prosciutto • 1 small log goat cheese (about 5 ounces) • 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

at the Privateer restaurant in Oceanside owned by two friends of mine, both hot surfers, surf publishing professionals and great restaurateurs. Don’t miss a visit if you’re in town.

Editor’s Note: Columnist Jim Kempton, lifelong surfer, cook, and writer, has published a book, First We Surf Then We Eat, sharing stories and recipes from his travels around the world in search of waves and adventure.

Books are available for purchase online at https://www.cbsd.com/9781945551338/ first-we-surf-then-we-eat/. 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.

Malamud is a perfect fit. There’s no evidence provided for changing at-large voting except you would get to vote for someone who is your neighbor. What’s so great about that?

The last lawyer we had on City Council was a neighbor of mine in Rancho San Clemente. He wanted to pave over Open Space in our own neighborhood. Fortunately, we had Councilmembers from other parts of the city who thought that was a lousy idea. Proof that the current system works just fine.

VOTE ‘NO’ ON DISTRICTED COUNCIL PAMELA BAKER, San Clemente

Brad Malamud (who sued the City of San Clemente [taxpayers] for $1 million and won) is absolutely wrong in advising residents to vote for districts in his Sept.

7-13 letter in the San Clemente Times.

Currently, residents have five councilmembers including the mayor looking out for their best interests. Each member of the Council is required to be available to all residents of the city of San Clemente.

Three members of the current Council actively fulfill this obligation as evidenced by their concern and interest in listening to each resident who approaches them.

They do not seek attention from or give more attention to special-interest groups.

District voting drastically reduces residents’ voices in any concern they may have. In fact, residents will be going from five representatives to one. With districting,

Page 10

INSTRUCTIONS • Preheat oven or grill to 425 F degrees • Place crust on a round pizza tray, spray or oil tray • Lightly dribble olive oil over crust • Spread fig jam evenly over pizza crust • Spread pasta sauce evenly over pizza crust • Be sure not to overload the crust, as too much sauce will make it soggy and heavy to eat as pieces • Drop small chunks of goat cheese across the crust, make sure there is some on each potential slice.

• Sprinkle mozzarella over the whole crust • Tear prosciutto into small I inch strips, and scatter over the crust • Scatter 1 bunch of the Arugula on top of all the toppings • Set pizza in oven or grill and close • Roast for 10 minutes • Check for doneness, let it remain if bottom of crust is not crisp • When done to your liking, remove from heat and let sit for 3 minutes, scatter remaining arugula, and the parmesan cheese on crust. Use a pizza wheel or sharp long knife to cut into six pieces and serve.

councilmembers will selfishly be making decisions based on what is best for their districts, not what is best for San Clemente.

For example, a proposal could be made to place all VRBOs, sober living homes and homeless shelters in a certain district. The representative of the district would certainly vote against that. However, the other four councilmembers will happily vote for it, eliminating an unsavory problem for their districts and keeping their constituents happy.

This scenario could be repeated as councilmembers vote only for what is deemed best for their districts. Think about that and how divisive this could become. San Clemente will be irreparably divided. The toll road is enough for us to stay united.

It is not where your council representative lives that is important, it is how he/she votes on matters that impact our entire city.

A city the size of Los Angeles (3,976,322) requires districting. A city the size of SC (about 65,000) does not.

Let’s keep San Clemente united. Vote no on districting.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Have something you’d like to say?

Submit a letter to the editor to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published.

San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to San Clemente Times by going to www.sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Thursday | 20 WELCOME HOME BAGS FOR MARINES 9 a.m.-4 p.m., San Clemente Presbyterian Church is collecting new bath towels and $10 Subway gift cards to be included in welcome home bags for Marines of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion as they return from deployment. Donations can be dropped off at the church office during business hours, Monday through Friday, through Oct. 15. San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente.

949.492.6158. www.scpres.org.

TABLE TENNIS FOR SENIORS 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All seniors 55 or older are welcome to join the Table Tennis Club at the Shorecliffs Terrace Mobile Home Park. Any skill level is welcome and entry is free. 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente.

949.481.2275. jnl5555@yahoo.com.

NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY APPRECIATION PARTY 4-8 p.m. The Shwack Cantina will host a happy hour and community event to give back to local nonprofit, Pet Project Foundation. All proceeds from the silent auction and raffle will be donated to Pet Project Foundation. There will be live music, art and free street tacos until they last. If you have any questions or would like to donate to the silent auction, please call Joey Leisz at 949.573.0143. The Shwack Cantina, 1527 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. www.petprojectfoundation.org.

‘THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY’ Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. In this musical based on the book, Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone on her Iowa farm as her family heads to the 1965 State Fair. When photographer Robert Kincaid pulls into her driveway seeking directions, it all changes. What happens in those four days may very well alter the course of Francesca’s life. Tickets San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente High School Drama

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: ‘THE WEDDING SINGER’ BY SCHS DRAMA 7 p.m. San Clemente High School’s drama department will perform a theatrical version of the 1998 comedy film The Wedding Singer. Based on the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film about wannabe rock star Robbie Hart, he’s the life of the party until he gets stood up at the altar. Things take a bad turn for Robbie until he meets Julia Sullivan, a sweet waitress who wins his heart, but she’s already engaged to a Wall Street shark. Tickets are $10-$19 and are on sale now at www.schsdrama.com. Show dates: Sept. 20, 21, 22 and 27, 28, 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. at the SCHS Triton Center, located at 700 Avenida Pico.

are $25. The show runs until Oct. 7.

Cabrillo Playhouse. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

scheduled. www.ivalees.com.

email ctaufaasau@sheacenter.org.

Saturday | 22

Friday | 21

SHEA CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC RIDING ANNUAL BBQ AND FAMILY FAIR 4 p.m. Head to the J.F. Shea Center for a day of games, a silent auction and dinner.

In the late afternoon and early evening, families will be able to win prizes by playing such games as horseshoes, ring toss, balloon pop and mechanical bull riding and more. Proceeds for the event go to the Shea Center’s therapeutic riding programs to help the disabled. General admission for the event is $55 for adults; $30 for seniors 55 and over, children under 13 and people with disabilities. A family pack for two adults and two children is discounted to $155. The center is located at 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 949.240.8441 ext.

128, go to www.sheacenter.org/events or

LASS YOU AFF OFF! DANA EAGLE HEADLINES 7:30 p.m. Dana is a regular at comedy clubs across the U.S. and has been seen on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, The Late, Late Show, Comedy Central and Comics Unleashed. She has taken several trips overseas to perform for the troops in Iraq.

Brian Apprille, Carissa Gallo, Mike McCulley and Nathan Wyckoff will open. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 5 p.m. Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

DHARMA YOGA HOUSE DONATION-BASED YOGA 6-7 a.m. Join for a donation-based Vinyasa morning yoga class every Friday at Dharma Yoga House. All levels welcome.

Recommended donation of $5-$10.

Dharma Yoga House, 34207 PCH. www.dharmahouseyoga.org.

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

Page 12

Sunday | 23 DEL MAR FARMERS MARKET VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh (Cont. on page 15) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

EDITOR’S PICK

At the Movies: ‘A Simple Favor’ Turns Into a Complex Thrill

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S Photo: File

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: 16TH ANNUAL TOAST TO THE CASA 5:30-10 p.m. Casa Romantica’s annual fundraising gala will bring guests into the exotic theme of Casablanca. Each year, the Toast to the Casa raises money for the center’s arts and culture programs as well as its exhibits and critically acclaimed performances. Within the grounds of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson’s old home, guests will be able to enjoy a hookah and cigar bar, Moroccan tea lounge, a wheel of wine, the charity casino, Moroccan dancers and a photo booth, as well as the live auction. Tickets are $200. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org/toast-to-the-casa.

(Cont. from page 12) produce, fresh tamales, organic juices and much more every Sunday. The Village Art Faire, hosted by the Downtown Business Association, will take place along Del Mar as well. San Clemente. 949.361.8200.

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

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

LOCAL MUSIC SHOWCASE 6-9 p.m. The best acts from Barnoa’s open mic Mondays will put on a special Sunday show. Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte, Suite106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com

Monday | 24 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free, beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to collegeage youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114.

San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

BINGO AT GOODY’S TAVERN 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered.

Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real.

949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Tuesday | 25 SC HILL CLIMBERS 8:30-11:30 a.m. Intended for people 50 and older, join the SC Hill Climbers as they hike local San Clemente trails. The group hikes for two to three hours. Hiking routes are changed each week and are about 4-5 miles long. Email jnl5555@yahoo.com for more information. 949.481.2275.

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

BOOK RELEASE PARTY 5:30 p.m. Jean-Paul L. Garnier will debut his science fiction book of short stories,

Echo of Creation, published by Traveling Shoes Press. Beach Town Books, 99 Avenida Serra, San Clemente. 949.492.1114. www.echo.traveling shoespress.com.

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

Wednesday | 26 FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

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

Page 15

nazzy, psychological thrillers have been somewhat of a fad for the past five years, from the hit Gone Girl (2014) to the abysmal The Girl on the Train (2016). Both were adaptations of bestsellers and now the latest bestseller to be turned into a glam Hollywood crime flick is Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor. Adapted from Darcey Bell’s novel of the same name, Feig’s film is a little bit of Gone Girl, a little of Gossip Girl (2007-12) and a lot of over-the-top chaos along the way.

Popular YouTube “mommy vlogger” Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) unexpectedly befriends a high-end fashion PR director Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) one rainy afternoon. The two young mothers’ sons are elementary school classmates, and a couple months into the friendship, Emily has a simple favor for Stephanie: picking up her son from school one afternoon.

What follows is a bizarre series of twists and turns into both women’s backgrounds.

Jessica Sharzer’s script for A Simple Favor is a solid blend of satire and mystery with some catchy French pop songs in between. Feig is the current comedy filmmaker to experiment outside his comfort zone with edgier material, and he does a fine job. Kendrick and Lively are at their most intriguing in a long while, especially Kendrick. Between this and Crazy Rich Asians, co-star and heartthrob Henry Golding might be here to stay as well. In some ways, the wild tale is like a Lifetime network flick with a large budget and decent effects, but it’s entertaining as heck. SC

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Pet of the Week: Max

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

Tradition or Trend: A Wedding and an Anniversary

E

arlier this month, my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary.

We commemorated the occasion by attending a wedding—a wedding that our older son officiated. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined we’d spend our anniversary watching our son marry two of his closest friends.

When my son told me he’d been asked to officiate his friends’ wedding, I laughed.

Then he said he was serious. The fun phenomenon finds its roots in the television show Friends. In one episode, Joey becomes ordained by “the internet guys” and later marries Monica and Chandler.

Asking a close friend, or in my son’s case the couple’s “designated third wheel,” to officiate the ceremony provides a personal perspective.

A friend can share poignant and funny moments imparted with intimate insights.

Months ago, I suggested that prior to the wedding it might be a good idea for someone (me) to read what my son calls his “speech.” My son agreed.

Twelve days before the nuptials, I received an email with his speech.

I wasn’t surprised but impressed when I found myself fighting back tears while reading my son’s heartfelt words. He penned the perfect mix of humorous anecdotes, sentimental reflections and sacred pledges.

With his speech finished, my son arrived home to get the pre-wedding party started.

Both my boys are fortunate to maintain longlasting friendships, initiated in middle and high school, with an overlapping core group of guys. Their lives are woven together by shared stories, struggles and Snapchats.

The night of my older son’s homecoming, one friend spent the night. Early the next morning I passed by an empty guest bedroom. Later, when his friend wandered

Local Real Estate By Local Experts Jeremy Conrad 949.542.8348 Jconrad@conradrealestate.com BRE# 01279209

Bill Conrad 949.542.8349 Billc@conradrealestate.com

downstairs, I asked why he didn’t sleep in the available guestroom.

He said he preferred the sofa in my son’s room, “I wanted to sleep in his room, like I did in high school.” I took comfort knowing I wasn’t the only one feeling nostalgic.

Days before the wedding, friends flew from near and far to witness the first among them to enter wedlock. I savor the moments when the boys are back; I’m transported to a time when they filled our house with loud laughter and spirited fun.

The afternoon of the rehearsal dinner the group reunited at our house.

Their gathering looked familiar: they were racing to the pantry for snacks, playing basketball in the LIFE’S A BEACH pool and shouting fantasy

By Shelley Murphy football statistics.

While their reunion resembled their high school days, the conversation wasn’t that of adolescent teens but adult men. Instead of relaxing together in the backyard imagining and predicting their collegiate futures, they sat together wondering and betting who would be the next among them to wed.

As the sun began setting over the ocean, we arrived at the outdoor venue. It felt surreal seeing my son take his officiant position and prepare to preside over the ceremony.

We took our seats and the music played, marking the commencement of the wedding processional. Watching the bride and her father walking toward the groom and exchanging a tender whisper of words triggered my tears.

The couple sealed their vows with a kiss, and the sweet ceremony concluded with

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

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

his handsome guy is Max, an 8-yearold sweetheart who would love to make your acquaintance. He was relinquished along with his mother Bea and both are now ready for adoption. Max would do best in a quiet home and would love to be adopted with Bea, if possible.

If you would like to know more about Max or Bea, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with them at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.

Throughout the month of September, get $50 off the price of adoption for all cats and kittens during the “At Cat-Pacity” promotion.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

my son pronouncing his friends’ husband and wife. At the reception, a night of singing and dancing mixed with sincere toasts, joyous laughter and warm embraces.

That night, celebrating the couple’s rite of passage, ushered in a new era of milestones for the old group of friends.

I wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and hope their 28th wedding anniversary is as memorable as ours.

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband for the past 18 years, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

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ACCOUNTING

Chris W. Johnston, CPA, MBA 34184 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point, 949.240.8015, www.cwjcpacorp.com

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

ART GALLERIES

San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRIC BIKES

Murf Electric Bikes

212 N. El Camino Real, 949.370.3801, www.murfelectricbikes.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

Locals Only BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters

Café Calypso

Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

JEWELRY

SALONS

Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com

Salon Bleu Buy • Consign • Sell We also offer professional appraisals, auction services and real estate services.

CASH SAME DAY Dee Coleman, CEO/Owner REAL ESTATE BROKER

2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente classicautosalesoc@gmail.com Web: classicautosalesoc.com 949.395.5681 (24 hours) Available 7 days a week.

MUSIC LESSONS 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Panagia Music: Music Lessons and More!

Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty

Danman’s Music School

949.705.7573, panagiamusic@gmail. com, www.panagiamusic.com

RESTAURANTS

949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

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

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL

Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, www.accuratetermitecontrol.com

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

LIST

USE

LOCALS ONLY

LOCALS ONLY

In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Contact Susie Lantz for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or slantz@picketfencemedia.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR SALE FURNITURE FOR SALE Wood industrial World Market table $70, IKEA wooden shelving unit, perfect for garage $100.

Can send pictures. Call or text 949.533.9761

GARAGE SALES CRAFT ROOM SUPPLIES SALE Paper, Stamps, Dies, Embossing folders, Ink pads, Markers, & Accessories. Sat, Sept. 22: – 8-1p and Sun, Sept 23: – 9-12p. 321 Calle Delicada, SC. Cash only GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

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

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

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 9, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. , or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department C14 of the Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, Petitioner Norb Garrett intends to apply for an order, pursuant to California Government Code §§ 6008 and 6020, declaring San Clemente Times to be a newspaper of general circulation for the City of San Clemente and County of Orange, State of California.

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

REALTORS

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

OBITUARIES

Kathy LaMonte

May, 1946 – August, 2018 Much loved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt died from health complications. Kathy was incredibly kind and generous, helping anyone in need. She was a good friend to many, including all of the neighborhood cats. She adopted many and fed even more on her front porch. They will miss her as will we. Kathy was also a dedicated volunteer at the San Clemente Library Book Store and the San Clemente Senior Center.

We thank her wonderful neighbors for all of the help they gave to her and to us, her family. We wish her peace.

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San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

Page 19

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

First Blood San Clemente takes the first match with Dana Hills in race for league title

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he San Clemente-Dana Hills boys water polo rivalry is about blood.

Blood in players’ mouths when they take an opposing arm and elbow across the face.

Family blood as both teams know each other very well, including opposing players sharing a grandmother.

And drawing first blood in the South Coast League title race as San Clemente did on Tuesday, Sept. 18.

The Tritons surged ahead in the second quarter and held off the Dana Hills advances, including sweeping an attempt off the goal line as time expired, to take round one of the rivalry, 10-9, in front of a packed pool deck at San Clemente High School.

“Our boys did a good job as far as pulling off the win,” San Clemente coach Logan Powell said. “I think ‘we pulled

Triton Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Football Looks to Break Tough Luck at Edison It happened again to the San Clemente football team.

The Tritons (1-4) lost their fourth consecutive game in dramatic fashion after leading going into or during the fourth quarter.

On Friday, Sept. 14, San Clemente held a five-point lead over Corona del Mar,

San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

San Clemente’s Luke Makshanoff winds up for a shot against Dana Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Makshanoff scored a goal as the Tritons defeated the Dolphins, 10-9, at San Clemente High School. Photo: Eric Heinz

off the win’ is a good way to put it. San Clemente boys water polo program hasn’t won back-to-back league championships since 1995-96. That’s what we’ve been talking about. These guys have an opportunity to put their stamp on the program and do something really special, and they took a big step in that direction today.”

San Clemente (7-3, 2-0), ranked No. 8 in the combined CIF-SS Division 1 and 2 poll, outscored Dana Hills (5-3, 1-1), ranked No.

16, in the second quarter, 4-1, with two goals by Everett Prussak, a goal by Luke Makshanoff and the fourth of six goals by Christian Hosea.

“San Clemente made great plays,” Dana Hills coach Matt Rosa said. “I’ll give them a lot of credit. They hit shots from the perimeter. Their other guys made shots early and gave them a little bit of a lead, and they did enough to keep us off the scoreboard in the second half. It was

20-15, in the game’s final minute. With 50 seconds to play and no timeouts remaining for Corona del Mar, the Tritons elected to run a play on third down rather than taking a knee.

Corona del Mar stripped the ball away and recovered the fumble, and three plays later, the Sea Kings completed their 41-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass for the one-point lead, 21-20, and the victory.

Three of San Clemente’s four losses have been by a combined six points with two coming on miraculous circumstances: Torrey Pines’ onside kick and buzzerbeating field goal and Corona del Mar’s last-minute fumble recovery.

San Clemente gets right back to work on a short week as the Tritons travel up Pacific Coast Highway to Huntington Beach to take on the Edison Chargers on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The Tritons and Chargers have played two thrillers over the last two seasons

with San Clemente winning both the 2016 Southern California Regional Bowl Game, 39-35, at Huntington Beach High School and the 2017 regular season match-up, 23-20, at home.

Edison is coming off a bye, but the Chargers will be without starting quarterback Patrick Angelovic, who suffered a broken collarbone against San Juan Hills on Sept. 7. Edison turns to sophomore Braeden Boyles who has only thrown four passes this season for two completions and 49 yards.

It’s a huge opportunity for San Clemente to get back on track with league play looming. If the Tritons were to enter the South Coast League with five losses, it would leave little to no margin for error in their hunt for a playoff spot.

San Clemente travels to Tesoro to open league on Sept. 28 and hosts El Toro on Oct. 5. The rest of the South Coast League has a combined record of 18-2.

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a good game by them.”

The key to the second-half defensive effort by the Tritons was Trevor Benge in the cage. The San Clemente goalkeeper stopped Dana Hills’ Kaden Likins, who scored three goals all in the first half, from point-blank range twice in the fourth quarter as the Tritons clung to their one-goal advantage.

“Trevor saved us,” Powell said. “He showed a lot of heart. We talked about having hustle and heart. He did that.”

Dana Hills’ Justin Edward make more than his fair share of saves to keep the Dolphins within one, including a save with 15 seconds remaining that sparked a final dramatic play.

Edward sent an outlet pass to Likins who earned a free ball. Likins passed to a Dolphin who spun and placed a shot just off the far post. The ball sat on the goal line for what seemed like an eternity before being swept away as time expired.

“Oh [expletive],” Powell laughed as he recalled his thoughts watching the final play. “One of our defenders fell a little asleep worrying about (Likins) and didn’t have the primary responsibility.

I kind of thought that that was how the day was going to go.”

San Clemente’s next league match is at El Toro on Tuesday, Sept. 25, and on the same day, Dana Hills hosts Tesoro.

San Clemente plays at Dana Hills on Oct. 16. SC

Cross Country Strong at Woodbridge The Triton cross country teams posted personal records across the board at the Woodbridge Classic in Norco on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Hana Catsimanes ran a personal-best 16:50.8 to finish 17th in the girls sweepstakes race. Her teammates combined to finish 15th as a team in the rated race.

Cameron Green, Kelsi Yamano and Camryn Harrell all set personal records at the meet.

The boys side combined to finish eighth as a team in the rated race with a team spread of 32 seconds.

Patrick Riley led the way with a personal-best 15:12.6, and Caleb Mettler, Denilson Lopez-Guerrero, William McNee and Nathan Kuhn all set personal records.

San Clemente will stay local on Saturday to compete in the Dana Hills Invitational.

SC

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

What A Week To Be A Surfer Aloha vibes flow in San Clemente and Dana Point as local surfers pay it forward

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t definitely hasn’t been a bad week to be a surfer in San Clemente and Dana Point. For starters, we’ve enjoyed an abundance of September swell. Everywhere has pretty much been going off.

That classic late-summer southern hemisphere action has lit up all the points and beaches in the area, and with the water and air hovering right in that sweet spot, the conditions have been idyllic.

“Lowers was about as fun as it gets,” reported WSL Championship Tour surfer and local hero Patrick Gudauskas.

But more than just a good few days of waves, the surf community has been rallying lately.

Let’s start with Patrick, his brothers Dane and Tanner Gudauskas, and their Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. Last week, they teed off an epic golf fundraiser at the Bella Collina golf course in San Clemente.

“Everyone was sending it!” Patrick said.

“The tournament was filled up. The support was amazing. It’s going to really help the foundation continue to support water safety and education programs.”

Not done there, last Sunday the brothers hosted their eighth annual Stoke-O-

A local grom negotiates a double-overhead drop at T-Street at the 8th Annual Stoke-O-Rama on Sunday, Sept.

16. Photo: Courtesy of Max Beyer/Vans

Rama at T-Street. With more than 120 kids entered, and who knows how many more running amuck on the beach in their wetsuits all day, it was a fine day for San Clemente’s surf families.

One spectator paused and remarked, “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this many kids on a beach having so much fun.”

The waves were pumping all day, the beach games were heated; there were close to 50 kids in the ever-inspiring 8-and-under division (a/k/a “The Pops and Pups”), and it’s pretty safe to say a good time was had by all.

“You get more points if you throw shakas while you’re riding,” explained one young competitor to another in the middle of their heat.

The shakas were flowing and the aloha vibes were omnipresent.

And speaking of aloha, on Wednesday the Dana Point Surf Club teamed up with

the Capistrano Valley Boys & Girls Club to host 50 kids for a “surf experience” at Doheny. Recruiting surf club members to come help, the goal of the day was bring the surf community closer to those groups in our area that may not be quite as sandy.

“When we formed the club, one of my main goals was to somehow put community service first,” explained Eric Diamond, a lifelong Dana Point surfer and president of the Dana Point Surf Club. “At the end of the day, a ‘higher calling’ and service in our community should always remain a priority, and most importantly, just having a positive experience together.”

Working with the city of Dana Point, transportation was provided, the Boneyard Café on the beach at Doheny provided the food, and Girls In The Curl provided professional surf instruction and resources.

“So, long story short, the city reached

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

ZION WALLA

Water Temperature: 68-70 Degrees F

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

ith his epic style and epic vibes, this week’s Grom of the Week has to be none other than Zion Walla.

Watching him bounce around the Stoke-O-Rama all day, at the end of the day Patrick Gudauskas asked, “Are there any groms that really stood out today?”

And, of course, there was wee Walla, hanging by the announcers table, face caked in sunscreen, hair salty and sandy, smile running from ear to ear.

A little legend indeed. As you can see by the photo provided, the kid already charges—just like his old man, Jon (one of the first to paddle the infamous Cortes Bank during the winter of 2000-01). A 7-year-old living a waterman’s life, he’s also adept with a spear gun, fishing pole, and he certainly

San Clemente Times September 20-26, 2018

out to us for the now-officially recognized California Surfing Day. We bounced some ideas back and forth and put together an amazing concept: ‘In the True Spirit of Duke.’ We all wanted to share the enjoyment of riding waves with that aloha spirit.”

Spreading the aloha vibes and making the world a better place through surfing, Duke would have been stoked.

When it comes to the preservation of the history and culture of surfing, the good times just kept rolling this week with the Surfing Heritage Foundation and Culture Center’s 2nd Annual Golf Surfari at the San Juan Hills Golf Club.

Raising funds to continue their work in preserving and documenting surfing’s past, they’re also diligently working to develop more educational programs and expand their outreach both in the community and further afield.

One of the highlights was four beautifully handcrafted putters by some incredibly talented surfboard builders. Capo Beach’s Josh Martin turned in an amazing piece of functional art made from colorful recycled resin. Shapers Steve Walden, Bob “The Greek” Bolen and Jim Phillips submitted equally exquisite putters.

“We’re so lucky to have so much support and so many people that are really willing to put their time and energy into making this such a unique and special event,” said SHACC Executive Director Glenn Brumage. “Everyone really elevated the game this year and we’re so thankful. It speaks to how tight the surf community remains, not just here in San Clemente and Dana Point, but up and down the coast.”

And when the dust settled after all this?

Well, as I write this there’s still plenty of swell in the water and it might just be time to paddle out and get a few. SC

Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Thursday: Easing South swell with some NW windswell mixing in the background. Surf is running waist-shoulder high (3-4’) with head high (5’) sets at top breaks in the morning. Light/variable winds early, trending to lightly onshore through mid-late morning then light+ onshore for the afternoon hours.

Zion Walla. Photo: Max Beyer/Vans

isn’t afraid to go fast on a dirt bike either.

On his 7th birthday, his dad posted this telling message on Instagram: “I love bearing witness to your kindness and the joy you exude in everything you do. I hope

this year brings you lots of fish, exotic bird sightings, stand-up barrels, single-track bike rides, powdery ski days and maybe even some first ascents.”

The sky’s the limit, kid. Get after it! SC

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Outlook: South swell eases through the weekend as a new SSW swell moves in. Surf is mainly knee-waist high (2-3’) with occasional plus sets at best summertime spots. Winds look mainly onshore, but light in the early mornings. Tracking more fun size South Pacific swells the last few days of the month and into early October. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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