June 28, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

June 27-July 3, 2019

YO U

C A N

Look for Fun and Exciting Activities in the Bi-Annual Go.See.Do.

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 14, ISSUE 26

Allegations Disrupt Party Unity Accusations of sexual misconduct made against state lawmaker E Y E O N S C / PAG E 6 Assemblymember Bill Brough is currently facing accusations of sexual misconduct from a handful of women including Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. Photos: Courtesy of the offices of Brough and Bartlett

Settlement Reached Between City, Hospital EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

City Council Revisits Sheriff’s Contract EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

sanclementetimes.com

Special Election Nomination Period Begins EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

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

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week City Council Revisits Sheriff’s Contract THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente called a special meeting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, to reconsider approval for its Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Police Services Contract, which ends June 30. As of press time, the outcome of the meeting was not yet available, but it will be posted online at the sanclementetimes.com.

The reason for the special meeting followed a controversial ending to San Clemente’s City Council meeting on June 18. At that time, Councilmember Chris Hamm had stated his support for the police services contract before announcing that he would be leaving the meeting early to return to work.

After Hamm left, Councilmember Laura Ferguson made a motion to adopt the contract, but introduced a last-minute direction for staff to explore future budget cuts in exchange for hiring additional deputies, which irritated Councilmember Kathy Ward. Ward interpreted that Ferguson was trying to make changes to the budget, and if that were the case, Ward stated she wouldn’t vote on it without a “full council.”

Ward left the council chambers, choosing not to participate in the vote.

Because only two councilmembers were left sitting at the dais, Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane had said the council lacked a quorum and so they couldn’t vote on the Police Services Contract.

OCSD Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes wrote a letter June 19 to City Manager James Makshanoff, expressing the Sheriff department’s disappointment over the council’s “inaction.” If approved, the contract would have renewed services July 1 with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for the 2019-20 fiscal year.

Barnes wrote that the Sheriff was under no legal obligation to continue providing the city law enforcement services outside of a contract. While the contract did allow for a one-time extension, Barnes said without one, San Clemente would have no police services provided by the Sheriff effective on July 1.

“For the past 26 years, we have served the residents of San Clemente with exceptional law enforcement services, and I have continued to do so through personnel reductions while, during the same time San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

RSVP Volunteers and local Sheriff’s deputies are seated at a funeral for Mayor Swartz, held on May 21 at Bella Collina San Clemente. The city has officially announced its special election to fill Swartz’s seat on Council. Photo: Cari Hachmann

period, the city’s population has increased significantly. Put another way, our personnel have carried the burden of doing more with less, and did so in the high-risk environment of protecting the public,” Barnes wrote.

If approved, the contract between the city and the County of Orange would provide police services for San Clemente in the amount of about $16.3 million. The contract would also approve budgeting for the addition of two deputies and one-fulltime Crime Prevention Specialist.

Following a Facebook debate about the council meeting and unapproved police contract, a group of citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with two San Clemente councilmembers by installing red banners across the city that read, “Recall Kathy Ward & Chris Hamm for their Disgusting Behavior.” A few of the professional-grade banners were placed on a Vista Hermosa bridge and northbound highway overpass and on a fence at San Clemente High School.

Those responsible for the banners remain anonymous, but according to residents posting about it on San Clemente Life’s Facebook page, the signs were taken down overnight by someone else.

WHAT’S NEXT: San Clemente’s next regular council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on August 20, in the Council Chambers,

located at 100 Avenida Presidio. The council previously canceled its regular meetings of July 2 and August 6, and tentatively canceled its regular meeting on July 16, with the understanding that the meeting could be reinstated if deemed necessary, Bane said. —Cari Hachmann

Special Election Nomination Period Begins July 15 THE LATEST: San Clemente has announced the official time and date of a Special Municipal Election the city will hold on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to fill the vacant seat left on council by the death of incumbent Mayor Steven Swartz.

City Clerk Joanne Baade said the person elected will serve a term of approximately one year, which will end when the two Councilmembers elected at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Municipal Election assume office.

According to the city, the nomination period for this office seat begins on Monday, July 15 and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9.

During this period, San Clemente registered voters may take out, circulate and file nomination papers to seek election to the city council at the Special Municipal

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Election on Nov. 5, 2019.

The November special election will be conducted as an all-mail ballot election, if legally permissible, Baade said. If an all-mail ballot election is found to not be legally permissible, the Special Municipal Election will be conducted as a precinct election.

WHAT’S NEXT: Candidates interested in pulling nomination papers to seek election to the San Clemente City Council are invited to visit the City Clerk’s Office at 910 Calle Negocio, third floor, San Clemente, during the nomination period identified above.

Appointments are recommended, but are not necessary. For additional information, or to make an appointment, you may call the City Clerk’s Office at 949.361.8345.

—CH

Settlement Reached Between City and Memorial Health THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente and Memorial Health Services released a joint press release on June 21, announcing that the two parties have entered into an agreement to settle all claims between (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) them in a lawsuit that has been pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Memorial Health Services’ lawsuit challenged the city’s zoning of MemorialCare’s former hospital campus located at 654 Camino De Los Mares in San Clemente. The hospital complex has sat empty since it closed more than three years ago.

According to the press release, MemorialCare has agreed to dismiss the suit, and Memorial and the city have agreed to release all claims against each other pertaining to the subject matter of the litigation.

Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane and Tony Struthers, Vice President of Memorial, issued the following joint statement: “We are pleased that the litigation has been settled on mutually satisfactory terms. While City officials and Memorial Health Services continue to have different views about potential healthcare uses for the campus, the settlement will better allow each of the parties to explore and consider solutions that will best serve the health needs of the community.”

In a statement to the San Clemente Times, Struthers said, “The settlement provides each organization with additional time and opportunity to find a solution that best serves the ongoing healthcare needs of the community. We have and will continue to offer contemporary solutions for the campus that best serve the needs of the community. We remain convinced that there are alternatives to an acute care hospital that will provide residents with access to high quality care.”

Bane told the San Clemente Times that the city is happy about the settlement. “I think it was a very fair agreement for everyone involved,” he said. “The zoning for the property remains the same. It remains zoned for a hospital with an emergency

room. We were able to avoid trial, which was supposed to start last Monday, and we saved anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000 dollars in legal fees in not having to go forth to trial.”

dress peace, safety and welfare concerns.

On June 18, the council introduced a “Consideration of Ordinance Relating to Rules for Transitional Camps.” According to the city attorney’s report, the ordinance seeks to codify rules and regulations relating to transitional camps as part of the city’s municipal code, thus making the violations “citeable” and “prosecutable,” as other code violations are.

Councilmember Laura Ferguson, who voted no on the ordinance, said she was surprised to see the item on the agenda.

Her concern is that the ordinance may appear to be targeting a specific population—those experiencing homelessness.

“I wonder if this would be no different than targeting someone for their race or religious beliefs,” she said. “The city manager stated at the meeting that law-enforcement already has been going on site and enforcing the laws we already have on the books that apply to everyone in the city,” she said.

In response, City Attorney Scott Smith said the ordinance provides a tool the Sheriff has requested in order to address issues law enforcement has with citing people for violations within the camp.

“These rules are in fact different from the rules that apply out on the street because they are intended to address, really, the residency of the inhabitants of this camp,” Smith said. “It’s not really to criminalize behavior, but to provide for the peace and welfare of the occupants there— put more control in their lives and rules of respect for the occupants there— as you would in a campground,” he said.

The city’s Transitional Camp Rules, also known as the “Community Safety Plan” for the Pico encampment include rules such as mandating campers to check in and register with the onsite security guard upon first arrival to the site, providing their name and last location of residence and

WHAT’S NEXT: The city’s settlement with MemorialCare calls for a one-year period in which the city and the hospital provider can discuss their own deals for the land. If nothing has been decided after one year, the city has six months to try to take the land through eminent domain. Memorial has agreed not to fight the action, but it can contest the price of the property. Bane said there is still opportunity for the city to look for other hospital providers that may be interested and willing to operate the hospital. If there’s not, he said the city can either return the zoning so that Memorial can find some other use for the property, or keep the zoning the same. Then the city would be responsible for paying maintenance costs on the property at up to $15,000 per month. —CH

A Consideration Passes to Codify Homeless Rules into City Law THE LATEST: San Clemente City Council voted 3-1 to consider adopting an ordinance No. 1677 that would formalize a list of rules and regulations for homeless campers at the Avenida Pico lot into city law.

On May 21 and on June 4, San Clemente City Council approved ordinances to prohibit camping on public property within the city and designated a cityowned area where transitional camping is permitted. The city then developed rules and regulations for those campers to ad-

naming any guests who stay with them.

Other rules prohibit weapons, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia and other illegal substances, and ban violence, harassment, bullying, theft and damage to property. View the full list of rules and regulations in the full city report online.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to City Clerk Joanne Baade, the ordinance will appear on the council’s August 20 agenda for a second reading. If approved, the rules would be codified into city law.—CH

San Clemente 4th of July Festivities THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente is hosting its 15th annual 4th of July Potluck for active duty service members and their families. The potluck will take place at the Marine Monument in Park Semper Fi on Thursday, July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests will also be able to watch the city’s fireworks show later in the evening.

The event is free for all those attending, but reservations are required due to the limited amount of space. Guests are welcome to bring their own potluck dish of choice; no alcohol is allowed at the event.

San Clemente’s annual fireworks show is hosted at the San Clemente pier.

Guests at the Marine Monument potluck will be able to enjoy the show from Park Semper Fi. The fireworks show is scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

If placing an RSVP for the Park Semper Fi potluck, be sure to specify USMC/ Navy current unit and party size. For more information or questions, please call Wayne Eggleston at 949.498.4958 or email heritage@marinemonument.com.

For information on the fireworks show, visit san-clemente.org. —Haley Chi-Sing, for the SC Times

‘Unstoppable’ Documents Surfer Hamilton’s Life

BY ZARA FLORES, FOR THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

aron Lieber, a San Clemente resident, has been following his filming passion for years and will be premiering his first feature-length documentary, Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable, next month.

Lieber’s interest in film developed early on in his life through school projects and making highlight reels of his friends and even his school’s soccer team. While in college at Long Beach State, Lieber became an intern at TransWorld SURF Magazine, which really kicked off his surf filmmak-

San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

ing career. After college, Lieber landed a job with Nike 6.0 and worked on surf film Leave a Message, which featured six upand-coming female surfers. In 2012, Lieber founded his own San Clemente-based production company, Lieber Films, and released his first documentary on surfer Lakey Peterson.

During the filming and trips for the films he worked on, Lieber met Bethany Hamilton and the two became good friends.

The idea for Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable was to document Hamilton training and competing as one of the best surf-

ers in the world. Along the journey, she married and started a family, and so the documentary evolved into a film about her life, the many obstacles she faced, and her triumphs.

Unlike other films that have focused on the shark attack and aftermath of Hamilton’s early teens, Unstoppable follows her life as it evolves as a surfer and a mother.

Unstoppable premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018 and is set for release in selected theaters on July 12. For more information and theater listings, visit UnstoppableTheFilm.com. SC

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San Clemente resident Aaron Lieber. Photo: Courtesy

sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Allegations Disrupt Party Unity Accusations of Sexual Misconduct Made Against State Lawmaker

BY LILLIAN BOYD, ADAM GILLES AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

everal women have come forward with sexual misconduct allegations against 73rd District Assemblymember Bill Brough—a pattern, he says, is an orchestrated political retaliation.

On Monday, June 17, Orange County Supervisor and Chairperson Lisa Bartlett spoke at a Republican Party of Orange County’s (OCGOP) Central Committee meeting about an alleged incident that occurred in 2011, while both Bartlett and Brough served on Dana Point City Council. She cited the incident as reason for the party not to endorse Brough in his bid for reelection in 2020.

She says the incident took place during a retirement party at Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant in Capistrano Beach between 9 and 10 p.m. in March 2011.

Having parked toward the side of Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant, Bartlett said she walked toward the side of the restaurant to the nearest exit and looked for her keys while standing inside. She said she then felt an arm grab her tightly around her shoulder.

“I didn’t know who it was at first. It really startled me; then I realized it was Bill.

I said, ‘What are you doing? Let go of me.’

He wouldn’t let go and said something to the effect of, ‘Let’s get out of here. Let’s go get a drink and do something.’ And I just kept saying, ‘Let go of me, Bill. Let go of me.’ ” Brough denies the incident occurred, just as he initially had denied it in 2011 after Bartlett filed a complaint regarding the incident.

Following Bartlett’s testimonial on June 17, the group voted unanimously to send the question of an endorsement of Brough back to the OCGOP’s endorsement committee for closed-door talks.

Brough has since rescinded his request for an endorsement, and OCGOP provided the following statement: “The Republican Party of Orange County has no tolerance for sexual misconduct. We are not aware of any pending investigations. All claims of sexual misconduct should be reported to and investigated by law enforcement or state legislative ethics committees to allow for San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

a fair and thorough investigation, so that victims can be heard and an accused can present a defense. If an investigation is initiated, any request for endorsement would be dependent on the results of the investigation. There is no request for endorsement pending at this time.”

According to documents obtained by San Clemente Times, the city’s attorney, Patrick Muñoz, issued a memorandum on the investigation and conclusion of the March 21, 2011 incident. The documents indicate that Muñoz spoke with both Bartlett and Brough.

“She reported that he whispered in her ear words to the effect of ‘lets go somewhere and get a drink.’ She advised that when she asked him to let go of her, he did so. She reported that she felt very threatened and uncomfortable, and subjectively felt the conduct was of a suggestive, sexual nature,” the memo says.

The OC Register reported that Bartlett asked Brough to let her go, and when he wouldn’t, she wriggled herself free and got away. According to the memo, Brough let her go when she asked him to. San Clemente Times asked Bartlett to clarify.

“I wriggled free the same time he let go; I went to the front of the restaurant and contacted the city manager,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett stated that whoever had taken notes for her report of the incident to the city made mistakes in the timeline of events.

Due to no known witnesses and two opposing views of the events, Muñoz determined there were not sufficient facts or evidence to come to any conclusions regarding the matter.

According to the memo, Muñoz met with Brough and Brough’s wife to go over the council’s harassment policy. Brough requested that Muñoz include Brough’s view that the accusations are false and malicious, and made in retaliation for his voting on certain agenda items.

Subsequently, Muñoz met with Bartlett to review the harassment policy, and she requested it be added that Brough was very intoxicated during the incident, to the point where she had called the city manager to come to Olamendi’s and take care of him so he would not have to drive home.

“She asked that I include her belief that he is either lying or was too intoxicated to recall the event,” the memo says.

Brough says he believes Bartlett is repurposing a fabricated incident as retaliation for his position on the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA). The assemblymember had introduced state legislation (AB 1273) that would vastly restrict the authority of the TCA, limiting the joint powers authority’s scope and putting a moratorium on incurring additional debt related to the toll roads. The proposed legislation would bar the TCA from planning and developing any bridge

or major thoroughfare after Jan. 1, 2020, as well as turn over the toll roads to the state after the bonds have been paid.

The proposal came soon after the Los Angeles Times published an article that detailed how money had been spent toward consultant fees. According to the article, some consultants had been paid about $185 an hour, while others were paid $90 per hour, merely to read and compile news stories regarding transportation.

The TCA issued a statement saying it “strongly” opposes AB 1273, because it would “strip the local control away from a public transportation agency that has successfully planned, financed, and constructed 51 miles of state highways without the use of tax dollars.”

Bartlett currently sits on the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, which manages the 73 Toll Road, stretching 15 miles from Costa Mesa to San Juan Capistrano in southwest Orange County.

“At the time (March 21, 2011 incident), I felt the action was retaliation for several council votes, and I feel the political timing now is retaliation for my questioning of the TCA,” Brough said. “I have been on the end of many political attacks, but I will not stand for personal attacks on me and my family. I have done nothing wrong.”

San Clemente Times asked Bartlett for comment on Brough’s assertion that her allegations are retaliatory and an attempt to remove a rival for her bid in the 2022 State Senate race.

“There is absolutely no connection. My statements are not politically motivated,” Bartlett said. “Brough is trying to rationalize his side of things.”

Bartlett’s statements at the OCGOP meeting were initially covered by conservative blog RightOnDaily.com. The author, Aaron F. Park, says he’s heard rumors about the alleged incident for years, but he believes there are multiple facets.

“I think there are a lot of people who have known for a long time that Bill has issues. And there are people who have a revenge motive,” Park said. “And I think there are people who want to take out the trash. There are people with financial motives who have something to gain by other people’s campaigns.”

Park is based in the Sacramento metropolitan area selling insurance. He says he writes his blog as a side gig, bringing in revenue from advertisements and, at times, political campaigns that pay him to write certain content.

“I was not paid by anybody to write this. I have not been offered anything to write this; this is purely an activist effort,” Park said.

The incident has since been reported on by the Orange County Register, Voice of OC, the Los Angeles Times and the Sacramento Bee. The OC Register initially reported that Page 6

Maria Elena Banks, a Dana Point Arts & Culture Commissioner, came forward about an inappropriate incident with Brough in which he allegedly had put his hand up her skirt in a bar. Banks clarified that did not happen: “He put his hand on my thigh and asked me if I wanted to go home with him. I said, ‘Bill, you’re married.’ He removed his hand, and that was the end of it,” Banks said.

The OC Register’s online version of the article has since been updated to reflect Banks’ account.

“It’s still intolerable. This kind of treatment against women won’t stand anymore,” Banks said. “I have five granddaughters, and I can’t accept the idea that this is how they will be treated by men.”

Brough denied the incident with Banks ever happened and stated Banks lobbied him earlier this year to be his realtor key contact.

In a joint statement, Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, and Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, called the allegations “serious and troubling.”

“California State Legislative Republicans will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind,” they wrote. “These accusations are serious and troubling. Any allegation of this nature deserves a thorough, fair and transparent investigation by the Legislature’s Workplace Conduct Unit. The Legislature has worked hard to improve its process for reviewing these types of claims, and we are committed to cooperating with any investigation into this matter.”

Documents have cited a lack of evidence in reported incidents against Brough. Bartlett says it’s important to consider the number of women coming forward—news outlets have reported a total of five, including Bartlett and Banks.

“If you look at those claims, he goes after women when he knows there’s nobody else around,” Bartlett said. “If there was a book written on sexual misconduct, Chapter One would say, ‘Don’t execute your plan of action in a crowded place, because you’re going to have witnesses.’ ” Bartlett says other women have contacted her and shared their experiences with Brough, but she said they don’t want their names released, for fear of retaliation.

Brough says he will follow through on his campaign for reelection, without the OCGOP endorsement.

“I would never touch a woman without her consent,” Brough said. “This is all politically motivated for threatening the ‘OC swamp.’ I’ll continue to push for good government.”

Brough beat his Democratic opponent Scott Rhinehart in 2018, garnering 56.2% of the vote. Rhinehart has announced his campaign for Brough’s seat in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Orange County Young Democrats said in a statement that the state party should call for him to leave office. SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Ocean Festival Seeks Volunteers San Clemente Ocean Festival is looking for people who want to have fun. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available. To learn more, visit oceanfestival.org.

Ocean Festival merchandise is now on sale at Dave Cook’s Pro Shop at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, DeNault’s Hardware, Designs By Nature and Hobie Surf Shop. People can also stop by the Ocean Festival T-shirt booth at the base of the Pier each weekend until the event or purchase items from the website at oceanfestival.org. Call 949.440.6141 for athletic registrations and additional information.

Literacy Tutoring Center to Open at Boys and Girls Club The Parentis Foundation, the Orange County affiliate for AARP Foundation Experience Corps, will be opening a tutoring center at the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast Area in San Clemente this coming October. The AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an intergenerational volunteer organization that help children from kindergarten to third grade with literacy tutoring.

The Parentis Foundation was founded in 2017 and has since provided more than 7,000 tutoring sessions across the country.

Tutoring sessions are also available at Boys and Girls Clubs in Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano and Huntington Beach.

Low literacy levels have been linked to many social and economic lifelong issues.

Forty-three percent of adults with low literacy levels live in poverty, and low literacy levels are also directly correlated to high unemployment levels, according to the National Institute for Literacy and National Council for Adult Learning respectively.

The Parentis Foundation is being proactive by providing one-on-one tutoring sessions twice a week at the Boys and Girls Club. All of the highly trained volunteers are 50-plus and provide an intergenerational connection that is beneficial and enriching for both the children and the elderly.

For tutoring, visit your local Boys and Girls Club or its corresponding website.

To become a volunteer for the Parentis Foundation, visit AARP.org.

Rick Divel Selected as City Patriarch Rick Divel will fill the position of San Clemente City Patriarch, the San Clemente Historical Society announced after the city council approved the longtime resSan Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

TUESDAY, JULY 2

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

San Clemente City Council presented resident Neil Barbanell with a proclamation on June 18 in recognition and appreciation for his 28 years and 11,500 hours of exemplary service as a Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) member. Photo: Cari Hachmann

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 (adults or minors) poor choices. San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. bilysc.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

ident at its meeting on June 18. Divel replaces Jack Lashbrook, who recently died, having served as Patriarch since 2013.

Patriarch and Matriarch are non-paid honorary positions selected by the Historical Society and confirmed by the city council. They represent the city’s link to its past through various appearances at local functions.

According to the Historical Society, the Divel family has been active in local businesses, charities and numerous civic organizations since the late 1920s. Divel’s aunt, Lois Divel, currently serves as San Clemente Matriarch, while his grandfather, whom he was named after, helped Ole Hanson found the city in 1928.

After college, Divel began a career as a professional golfer and ultimately started his own business in San Clemente, Divel Insurance.

Over the years, he has served local civic organizations such as the San Clemente Exchange Club and the San Clemente Men’s Golf Club. He is currently active with the Chamber of Commerce, the San Clemente Golf Commission, Casa Romantica and the S.C. Historical Society, among others.

Eagle Scout Project to Help Injured Service Members Eagle Scout Member Korbyn Colman is executing his “Wellness Packs for Wounded Warriors” Project as an effort to make small toiletry and snack packs for injured active duty service members.

As a member of Boy Scout Troop 438 and whose father was injured while active on duty, Colman views this project as a way to give back to the country’s servicemen and servicewomen.

The wellness packs include non-perishable snacks, basic toiletries and small entertainment items. Colman has included

several suggestions on his flier, such as beef jerky, protein bars, pillows and pillow cases, socks, magazines, puzzles, gum and drawstring backpacks.

All items donated and included in the Wellness Pack will be given to an injured service member in need. Donations can be dropped off throughout the week at Fired Up San Clemente, H..H. Cotton’s, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Sundays only.

Venmo donations are also welcome. If individuals wish to donate money, they can Venmo @Lindsey-Colman. All money donations will be used to buy the necessary products for the Wellness Packs.

For any questions or concerns, please call 949.278.8685 or 480.227.9169.

Youth Soccer Camp Begins July 9 Ambassadors Soccer Camp will run from July 9-13 at Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park in San Clemente. The camp for children ages 5 to 14 is led by international coaches from all over the world. It is designed to give kids an opportunity to learn and deepen their soccer skills in a fun- and faith-filled environment. For more information or to register, call 949.940.2600 or visit us.ambassadorsfootball.org.

Calling All Funny Housewives Funny Mom Productions and Comedy in the OC’s Funniest Housewives is hosting a competition looking for the next Funniest Housewife. The contest will be held at Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, from July 18 through September 13.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY Independence Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.

The current Funniest Housewives have been featured on national television shows such as America’s Got Talent, The Tonight Show, The View, Comics Unleashed and Late Night with David Letterman.

After more than a decade of comedy shows for sold-out audiences and arenas, the Funniest Housewives is excited to bring more talent to the team and is looking for the newest addition to the Funniest Housewives group.

The contest is open to the general public, and anyone is welcome to apply.

The panel of judges will include Funniest Housewives comedians, veteran comedians and/or industry professionals.

In addition, one of the original Funniest Housewives will be performing at the end of each weekly round.

There will be three winners and cash prizes during the competition. The firstplace winner will appear on Good Morning San Diego and What’s Up Orange County and will have a featured spot in a lineup alongside female comedians from across the nation.

For more information on how to participate, visit thefunniesthousewives.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 cari@picketfencemedia.com. sanclementetimes.com

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GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett

Riding Into Summertime in City Trolleys

T

he signs of summertime are finally here! After what seemed to be a never-ending, rainy winter and spring, the sunshine is finally beaming, and school is out. Now we can all enjoy the many blessings we have living in Southern California. Beaches and hiking trails will start to get crowded, family and friends’ BBQs will fill our weekends, and we look forward to those long summer days. We are so lucky to live in Orange County, which includes more than 42 miles of pristine THE BARTLETT coastline. While we BULLETIN welcome all of our visiBy Lisa Bartlett tors who support our local economies, parking and crowded streets will become a greater concern for our residents.

There are many benefits to living in a coastal city, but we are all too familiar with overcrowding and traffic logjams.

Traffic should never be the cause of re-

stricting fun. We want our residents and tourists to be drawn to our beaches and local attractions. For this reason, it has been a priority of mine, along with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), to put together a public transportation solution. Through a partnership among the county, OCTA, and our cities, the Project V city circulator trolley system was created—and South County was the first region up and running with the new program.

After years of my advocating for this project, dating back to my days serving on the Dana Point City Council, the South County Trolley system, partially funded

by Measure M (also known as OC Go), is flourishing. The trolley routes currently in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente have brought a new means of transportation to already congested traffic areas and have relieved overcrowded parking areas.

Trolley routes have multiple stops at local popular areas and attractions. Most of the routes connect to each other and other transit hot spots, including Metrolink stations. The best part is that these trolleys are all free of charge during the summer months.

One way to utilize these free connecting city trolleys is to attend one of our free County Summer events sponsored

by OC Parks.

Here is a list of some of those events occurring this summer in South County: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES | 5-8 P.M. August 22 • Tijuana Dogs and Family Style Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point

August 29 • LIT and Crash Boom Bang Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point SUMMER CINEMA SERIES | 6-10 P.M. August 23 • The Lego Movie 2 Laguna Niguel Park + Laguna Niguel August 30 • The Princess Bride Laguna Niguel Park + Laguna Niguel September 6 • Lilo & Stitch Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point September 13 • The Endless Summer Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point One of my main priorities as your representative on the Orange County Board of Supervisors and OCTA is to continue to increase mobility and public safety through our transportation infrastructure. Like the city trolley project, there are many local solutions to regional issues. I will continue to work with our local governments, stakeholders and residents to come up with innovative solutions to issues affecting our residents on a daily basis. I encourage you to try using the city trolley system to get to summer hot spots and visit neighboring communities. Please visit octa.net to see the routes for each trolley. I hope you have a safe and memorable summer!

Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, serving as the representative of the 5th District. She was re-elected in 2018. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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 26. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

Photo: Cari Hachmann Page 8

sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to The Editor GOLF CARTS, MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS SANDY HIGHBERG, San Clemente

With summer coming and a major increase of tourist traffic, I would like to purpose a suggestion. Why not make San Clemente a golf cart- and motor scooterfriendly town? Two to three carts or six Vespa’s could fit into specifically marked parking sites allowing for more parking.

Quite often I will see one motorcycle taking a whole space because the driver is forced to do so with no other alternatives. Also, all of Rancho San Clemente currently does not have access to San Clemente on a golf cart, solely because of a very small section on Pico from Calle Del Cerro to Presidio, where the speed limit is 45 mph. Please consider changing that small section to 35 mph.

It would be so safe and quaint for our city to be known as the “golf cart community.”—maybe even providing golf cart lanes down Pico from Talega.

How efficient that would be, much like Catalina. Thank you for your time and consideration.

For once it would be nice to actually get a response from a city council member to a citizen’s email.

CHOOSING TO FORGIVE THE UNFORGIVABLE CAN CHANGE OUR WORLD DAN MUELLER, San Clemente

Thank you for the piece that you ran in the June 13 edition: Emanuel: The Untold Story of the Victims and Survivors of the Charleston Church Shooting. I watched the documentary, and I was blown away by it. I have some scarce memory of the event when it happened, but I never got it. In the midst of unspeakable evil, love intervened; and instead of further violence, hatred and division—like water poured over a fire about to rage out of control—the families of the victims chose to forgive the unforgivable, and love won the day.

What courage and strength— and, dare I say, even divine intervention—occurred in that moment that averted further bloodshed and mayhem. The shooter hoped to start a race war, but the families of the victims, through their forgiveness, stopped that from happening.

Today, as a nation, we are so polarized.

There is no more middle ground, no move toward unity. Each side convinced San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

of its own moral superiority presses on with its agenda demonizing the other, and as a result, hatred and suspicion and division only increases. I, too, have been guilty of such thinking. Yes, there are strong opposing views in America about how we go forward as a nation. Yes, there is deep division concerning issues and problems we must find solutions to in order to move forward, but we are all letting hatred move us and divide us. We must, each of us, choose to love and forgive the offenses we each so easily bestow on one another in our zeal for what we believe is right. We need to stop accusing and start listening. We all love this nation, we all want a better life for our children, we all want freedom and a chance at peace and prosperity. If this documentary showed me anything, it showed me that love and forgiveness are brave choices. Let’s choose to forgive and so honor the memory of these brave families.

Thank you, Brian Ivie, for telling this story.

Brian Ivie, who grew up in San Clemente, is the director behind “Emanuel,” a documentary that chronicles the victims and survivors of the 2015 church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo: Courtesy

DON’T PICK UP THAT PHONE

protect yourself. Case closed.

PATRICIA DROWN, San Clemente

If you are over the age of 60 and you own a phone, you have undoubtedly been the target of robocall “from Social Security” saying that your account is in trouble.

I speak from experience. First, let me assure you that this is not how the Social Security administration operates. But if you are an older person, living alone and perhaps a bit intimidated by how fast the world is moving, it can scare you.

Not telling people, however, is a very big mistake.

And there are many such calls. I had just finished a lecture on fraud at a community center, and as the group headed off for punch and cookies, one lady stayed behind. She looked worried. I asked if there was something she wanted to talk about. Yes, there was. A phone caller had scammed her out of all her savings with a credit-card offer. The tough part—and this is especially true for some seniors—was that she did not want to tell anyone and look vulnerable and silly.

That was of greater concern to her than the loss of her funds.

I explained to her that these callers are well-trained and have no conscience.

They work out of phone bank farms, making hundreds of calls each day and playing the odds. She was no match. Hearing those words did not bring her money back, but it did restore some self-respect.

No matter what your age and how savvy you are, if the phone rings and you do not know the number, let it go to voicemail.

The phone has no constitutional right to be answered, but you have the right to

SAN CLEMENTE CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS DR. BRIAN RICE, San Clemente

As a former city councilmember and mayor of San Clemente, I see a great injustice occurring in our city. San Clemente has always had spirited debate, but at least councilmembers showed respect for their colleagues and for the office itself. To be on the city council requires the highest code of conduct. This includes telling the truth to the public.

We have a new councilmember, Laura Ferguson, who likes to attack other councilmembers. Her comments in print and online are deceptive, and she seems to have no understanding of how the city is run or what the Brown Act entails.

Her most recent letter to the editor against Kathy Ward has taken our city to a new low in city representation. A councilmember should conduct city business at city council meetings with decency, and should not go online or in the newspaper to lash out personally at other councilmembers. I saw Kathy Ward’s response to her letter, and it was respectful and informative and did not call out Ms. Ferguson by name for trying to torpedo the city budget.

Laura Ferguson comments online that Chris Hamm and Kathy Ward could have been at the town hall on homelessness. They could not attend, and here’s why: you can’t have a quorum of the city council present when city business is being discussed outside of a public-noticed council meeting or other city-sanctioned events. To do otherwise violates the

Page 9

Brown Act. Ms. Ferguson seems more than happy to mislead the public and allow them to think that Chris Hamm and Kathy Ward aren’t doing their jobs. Before our mayor passed away, he was also wrongly attacked. In addition, Ms. Ferguson spread falsehoods about city employees that disrespect the employees who provide critical services to our community. She does this as a way to justify her lastminute budget proposals. This reckless and unprofessional behavior needs to be stopped.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cari@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, June 28 at 8 a.m.: Dorothy Visser Senior Center Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Cari Hachmann every Friday. This week’s Beachside Chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Toy Story 4’ to the Rescue for Families

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

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

Thursday | 27 ALZHEIMER FINANCIAL PLANNING WORKSHOP 12:30-2:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association and Family Caregiver Resource Center – OC will host a “Legal & Financial Planning Workshop” for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia makes planning for the future more important than ever. Learn about key legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place and how to access legal and financial resources near you. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required.

Call 800.272.3900 or email kjschuppe@alz. org. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. San-clemente.org.

Friday | 28 CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE: ‘NUNSENSE’ 7:30 p.m. Based on Dan Goggin’s original book, Nunsense begins when the nuns of Hoboken discover their cook, Sister Julia, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they need fast funds for the burials.

Deciding on a variety show, the sisters bring out their talents, ranging from tap dancing to ballet, comedy and many comic surprises. The play runs at The Cabrillo Playhouse through June 30. Showings are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 29 PAINT SAN CLEMENTE ART EXHIBIT, SALE & GALA 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artwork during the weeklong “Paint San Clemente” competition will be on display June 29-30, at the San Clemente Community Center, along with an art exhibit and sale of other Plein Air artwork from participating artists. From 6-7:30 p.m. a gala will be held for artists and art supporters where Paint San Clemente competition winners will be San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of EPIC Yoga SC

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studio

SATURDAY, JUNE 29: SUMMER “SONIC BLISS” SOUND BATH 7:30-9 p.m. As summer revs up, allow your mind and body to slow down with the healing power of sound meditation, breath work and relaxing stillness. Enjoy a relaxing sound bath by Alan Hostetter at EPIC Yoga SC, complete with gong, didgeridoo, drums, flutes, chimes and more. Early registration cost is $25 or $30 the day of the event. Bring your own mat or favorite pillow. Wear soft, comfortable clothes. 1709 N. El Camino Real.

949.558.5111. Sign up before it sells out at epicyogasc.com.

announced and awards will be presented.

Food and wine tasting is provided by Sundried Tomato Bistro and Rancho Capistrano Winery. Cost is $25. 100 N. Calle Seville. 949.492.7175. Scartassociation.

‘LASS YOUR AFF OFF’ COMEDY SHOW 7:30-9:30 p.m. Join ComedyintheOC for an evening of side-splitting laughter at its monthly “Lass Your Aff Off!” comedy show at San Clemente Inn’s Adele’s.

Produced by veteran comedian Tom Riehl, the show will feature a solid lineup of four comedians from television, radio, and comedy clubs across the U.S. Each show runs approximately 90 minutes. This month’s headliner is the very funny Karen Rontowski. A full bar and dinner menu are available. Lots of free convenient parking.

2600 Ave del Presidente. 949.951.1664.

Purchase tickets at ComedyInTheOC.com.

Sunday | 30 BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel. Start with a fresh fruit martini and a selection of pastries, then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu.

Cost is $72. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com/LagunaDining.

‘SOUL FOOD’ PRESENTS ETHAN DANTO 11 a.m. San Clemente Baha’i Center will

explore the meaning of “oneness” at its monthly Soul Food program featuring performer Ethan Danto, a singer-songwriter and performer who attends the Orange County School of The Arts. Tea and coffee begins at 11 a.m., the program starts at 11:30 a.m. and a cook out lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Donations accepted.

Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of San Clemente, “Soul Food” seeks to create an atmosphere for reflection and spiritual growth. 3316 Ave Del Presidente. For more information, call 949.791.9192. bahaicenter.com.

Monday | 01 BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Beneficiary this month is San Clemente Woman’s Club.

Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

Tuesday | 02 SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7-8:40 p.m. The San Clemente Toastmasters meets weekly on Tuesday evenings.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing, meeting set up and welcoming of guests.

There is no fee to join as a guest and no invitation necessary. The Baha’i Center.

3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. Toastmastersinternational.org.

Page 10

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

P

ixar’s Toy Story franchise is truly the gift that keeps on giving, as the saying goes. And unlike the Air Bud and Home Alone movies, which continually stayed past their welcome and became gradually worse over time, Toy Story has maintained enjoyability for all ages for more than two decades. This summer, we’re given the fourth installment, simply called Toy Story 4.

After the bittersweet ending of Toy Story 3 (2010), we carry on with Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and company all living in new kid Bonnie’s (Madeline McGraw) bedroom. During a road trip with Bonnie and her parents a week before kindergarten starts, Woody discovers Bo Peep (Annie Potts) has been living life as a “lost toy” by a local carnival.

At the same time, Woody and friends are busy making sure Bonnie’s new handmade toy, Forky (Tony Hale), doesn’t run away and get lost himself.

One of the best parts of watching the Toy Story films is seeing how much the CGI industry has advanced since 1995. There are shots in TS4, most noticeable during the opening sequence in which the gang saves RC from a rainstorm and big gutter waves, where the exteriors are so high-def that they look live-action. The main criticism going around among fans seems to be that it doesn’t “feel” like a TS flick. This is most likely because of the new script team, which is most obvious with Buzz’s subplot and does feel very out of character and last-second.

Toy Story 4 may not necessarily be a perfect follow-up feature in the franchise to some, but it might work as a stand-alone adventure piece for regular viewers. SC

sanclementetimes.com

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Welcome to Go.See.Do Summer has returned to South Orange County, bringing with it endless possibilities for fun, excitement and adventure. Whether you’re just looking to enjoy the cold of the ocean sweeping across your feet in the sand or hoping to explore the night life in the tri-city area, this biannual guide is here to help you make the most of your summer experience.

In this year’s summer edition of Go.See.Do., we’ll show where to catch some of the best fish and chips in South County and how to spend date night in style. We’ve also highlighted several day-time activities for you to explore, including which trails to stomp, helping you stay in shape and active. And no summer is ever complete without a memorable 4th of July celebration.

That’s why we’ve compiled a short list of the most epic Independence Day traditions in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Don’t waste away during these long summer days. Make the most of the season and enjoy all that South Orange County has to offer.

three Spots for

Date Night FOR A ROMANTIC NIGHT OUT

TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS

For a date night with ambience, Trevor’s at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano offers romantic lighting, locally sourced, high-end dining and delicious, designer cocktails. Set in a historic train station built in the 1800s, the trackside patio bar, restaurant and banquet facility provide a unique backdrop for guests’ dining experience. Subtle, live music is performed nightly, and all day and night over the weekends, allowing guests to listen to good tunes but still have a conversation.

FOR A LIVELY NIGHT OUT

FOR A DATE WITH THE KIDS, TOO

This music venue has hosted both aspiring artists and legendary performers since 1980. The most notable shows at The Coach House to date included musicians B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Tori Amos and Chris Isaak. The Coach House offers up-close seating near the stage for an intimate experience with the band. Guests also have the option of making dinner reservations for priority seating. The menu includes traditional bar appetizers, as well as entrees such as filet mignon and the catch of the day. Visit thecoachhouse.com to see the full concert schedule.

With an ideal location in the Dana Point Harbor and much to be explored, Ocean Institute is the perfect spot for a date with the family. Go and learn all about Moon Jellies, encounter live animals in the Discovery Pool touch-tank, join in animal feedings, and even conduct squid dissections. If you, your date and children are up for more adventure, set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point. Join the crew to help raise the sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or you can sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your date and the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship.

THE COACH HOUSE

OCEAN INSTITUTE

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

The great

s p i h C D N A Fish n w o d k c Sma

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

Fish and chips is a dish with a long tradition and interesting history. A staple meal of British culture, fish and chips as we know it today was established in the 1860s, with the first shops opening in several spots in England. These shops were essentially the start of the fast food industry.

F

ish and chips was one of the few foods not rationed by the British government during either World War, as it had become a staple of the working and middle class.

Today, fish and chips is served all over the world, with some of the freshest options in our tri-city area in South Orange County. Where should you get yours? We tried some of the best to figure that out.

1

2

1. Jon’s Fish Market

3. Cedar Creek Inn

DANA POINT ($15.40)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ($17)

It’s impossible to deny the freshness of fish and chips when you’re buying it straight from a market in the local harbor.

Jon’s Fish Market received the highest score of the bunch, because it was the best prepared and constructed fish of the four stops.

The battered outside is incredibly crispy and tasty but not overbearing. The fish itself is light and has just enough of that ocean taste pushing through. The construction of it might also be the most important part, as the fish does not crumble apart upon eating.

The fish could be eaten completely in hand, like you would a chicken tender, and the batter isn’t overwhelming. The taste of the batter can only be described as golden.

The fries are good. Above baseline in their preparation, but also still a typical American fry.

Jon’s fish and chips is the perfect summer lunch. They also offered a halibut fish and chips—in addition to the standard cod—advertised on their chalkboard for $19.95.

Another unique location and an especially good spot for lunch on the patio, underneath the trees with the Mission San Juan Capistrano in view across the street.

On the menu, Cedar Creek Inn describes its fish and chips as “our friend Ann Dreyer’s light and crispy fish.” Indeed, the batter is the calling card of this fish and quite crispy, but I didn’t find it as light as described.

The batter is definitely crunchy, but on my three-piece serving at least, I found there to simply be too much of it. Quality fish, to be sure, but the batter overwhelmed the fish.

The fries were in line with what I expect to be presented with fish and chips. Not so much in the thicker British way, but they are your typical American fries. I’d call these the baseline for a serving of fries.

Another unique feature for Cedar Creek Inn’s presentation is the side of jalapeno tartar sauce.

RATING:

RATING:

2. Turk’s

4. The Fisherman’s Restaurant

DANA POINT (FULL $13.75, HALF $9.25)

SAN CLEMENTE ($20)

Who else would you trust with your fish but the stop at the end of the fishing docks of Dana Point Harbor?

Turk’s fish has that perfect fried batter.

The bites have the crunch, but it’s not an empty crunch. There is taste throughout.

The fish is well-prepared, with just enough of the fish taste pushing though to keep it interesting.

The one small demerit on the fish is, while nice and flaky, that it doesn’t hold together as well as the others. Once the crispy outside is broken through, the fork will make it a little tough to gather.

Turk’s is also the winner on the “chips” part of fish and chips. Thicker fries that are just as well-fried as the fish, and they are a seasoned fry. Some may prefer without seasoning, but it hit the spot for me.

Turk’s could also be called the value spot on this list, with the lowest price on a full four-piece order; a half-order also is available.

In the venues we sampled fish and chips, San Clemente pier mainstay Fisherman’s had the best views and some of the freshest ingredients.

The freshness of the four pieces of fish comes through. The fish is expertly fried and well-prepared. The first bite has the exact crunch you’re looking for in the batter, but after that initial breakthrough, it left me a little wanting.

Unlike our other entries, the fried outside doesn’t have that fried taste. The fish itself doesn’t have overly fishy taste, but it doesn’t have much taste at all. Now, of course, this is easily remedied with salt, a squirt of lemon and malt vinegar, ketchup or tartar sauces. For these reviews, we went as plain as possible to grade it without our own additions.

Finally, the chips are much more potato wedge than French fry. When it comes to fish and chips, I’m looking for more traditional fries on the side.

RATING:

RATING:

3

4

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Summer Event Highlights San Clemente Ocean Festival The 43rd annual San Clemente Ocean Festival is set to kick off a weekend of ocean-based athletic competitions and family-friendly events on Saturday, July 20.

Competitive events for California lifeguards and ocean athletes will be held throughout the first day Saturday, including lifeguard rescue and paddleboard rescue relays, surf races and paddleboard sprints.

On Sunday, several beach events will be held, such as the 5k Beach Run/Walk, a biathlon and a one-mile ocean swim. There will also be surf contests for kids and an annual Dolphin Dash for children aged 12 and under.

Ocean Fest is also including two new events this year: The Pier Bowl Surf Classic on Saturday and the Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest on Sunday.

More information about the festival, how to participate and volunteer can be found at OceanFestival.org.

p

Ohana Music Festival

a diverse lineup of more than 30 bands and artists such as Incubus, Tash Sultana, Mudhoney and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

A portion of Ohana’s proceeds this year will go to nonprofit group San Onofre Parks Foundation, which aims to preserve and enhance the state’s coastal parks while working alongside the California State Parks.

Head to OhanaFest.com for more information about tickets.

What better way to close out the summer in South County than with a three-day music festival featuring some of the biggest names in music?

From Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29, the Ohana Festival will be rocking in Dana Point at Doheny State Beach.

Headliners for this year’s festival include The Strokes, Eddie Vedder and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The festival will also feature

FOUR

WAYS TO CELEBRATE the 4 of July Celebration & Carnival

1/ th

The annual 4th of July Celebration & Carnival returns to the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, where the community can enjoy rides, games and live entertainment. The event, which is scheduled to kick off at noon, will feature 20 full-scale mechanical thrill rides, as well as games of chance. The night will be capped off with a fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Ride tickets will be sold at the carnival for $1.25 apiece or sheets of 20 tickets for $20. Pre-sale discounted ticket sheets of 20 can purchased at the Community Center for $15 until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. Kids will also get to enjoy the carnival’s petting zoo and a mechanical race ride, as well as free games next to the stage beginning at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., local band Counter Conformity will take the stage, followed by funk and soul band Family Style at 6:30 p.m.

Parking can be found at the Sports Park and on the street near the venue. The city’s Summer Trolley service will also run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. that day, offering a drop-off and pickup location at the Sports Park. Additional information on the trolley can be found at sanjuancapistrano.org. No personal fireworks, pets or barbecues are permitted at the event.

FOURTH OF JULY 2/

Office Chair Downhill Derby

The brave and the bold come out every year to participate in the annual Office Chair Downhill Derby near downtown San Clemente on July 4.

The race course, aptly named Half Mile of Horror, runs down Avenida Rosa. It starts at the crest of the hill on the lower half of the street, known as the “Knoll,” and ends at the five-way intersection with Calle Seville and Avenida Santa Barbara.

Competitors will encounter obstacles on the way down to the finish line, including a 45-degree hard left turn and coming across potential traffic at “Trench,” where the road connects with Avenida Victoria and a drainage dip is located that has been known to tear apart some office chairs. This event is not for the faint of heart.

Races run throughout the day, starting when there’s enough racers to run a race and ending when racers have had enough. Parking is limited around the area, but public parking can be found along Avenida Del Mar, Avenida Cabrillo, Avenida Granada and El Camino Real.

During the day, attendees can enjoy hotdogs and popcorn, as well as water balloon fights in between races. For more information, visit officechairrace.com.

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Summertime

SAN CLEMENTE

Trolley Services DANA POINT

p

Mission Fest 2019

u

The country music and wine festival Mission Fest returns to San Juan Capistrano’s Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park on July 13.

This year’s headliner is famed country music star Jamey Johnson, who will be accompanied by other country music acts including Eric Paslay, Annie Bosko and Karly Moreno. Also scheduled to perform this year is Dennis Quaid and The Sharks.

The event is restricted to those 21 and older and will also feature wine tastings and eats from some of San Juan’s finest restaurants and unique vendors.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be found at MissionFest.com.

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iHeartYoga SUP Yoga

Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to try out iHeartYoga’s monthly SUP Yoga workshop. This 90-minute class combines yoga with paddleboarding, as participants paddle out into the Dana Point Harbor and then engage in typical yoga instruction while balancing on the board.

Combining paddleboarding with yoga allows the body to engage muscles that wouldn’t normally be used, iHeartYoga notes.

And no worries about falling in the water; it just means you’ll get a refreshing dip.

The SUP class is offered on the second Saturday of every month from 8-9:30 a.m.

To learn more, visit iheartyoga.org.

Dana Point’s Trolley operates daily with pick-ups and stops running on a 15-minute loop. Commuters can hop on the trolley from several locations throughout the city from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

During holidays such as Independence Day on July 4 and Labor Day on Sept. 2, the trolley will run between 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

A round-trip loop on the trolley is approximately one hour and 10 minutes. The Dana Point Trolley also connects commuters to trolleys in the neighboring cities of Laguna Beach, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

The Laguna Beach connection is located on Ritz Carlton Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. The San Clemente connection is set to be located at Camino Capistrano and Camino De Estrella. The connection for San Juan is located at Del Obispo Street and Stonehill Drive.

San Clemente’s trolley services run daily on a 15-minute loop all summer.

The services start at noon and end at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Additional holiday hours will also be offered on the 4th of July from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sept. 2, Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The city’s original Red Line Downtown Trolley Route is in full swing, and commuters can expect the new Blue Line North S.C. Trolley Route, which will connect to the Dana Point Trolley system, to begin soon, according to the city.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

San Juan Capistrano’s free weekend trolley service runs on a 20-minute loop throughout the downtown district, covering the stretch from La Zanja and Camino Capistrano to Stonehill Drive and Del Obispo Street, where commuters can connect with the Dana Point Trolley.

The SJC trolley runs Fridays from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The program also includes holiday services for Independence Day on July 4 and Labor Day on Sept. 2, which will mark the end of this year’s program.

The service will also be offered from 4-9 p.m. during the San Juan Summer Nites Concert Series at HTC Park on certain Wednesdays this summer.

There’s no better place than South Orange County to celebrate our country’s independence. Beach, sun, sand and surf abound, creating the perfect recipe for an epic 4th of July holiday. In the tri-city area, families have quite a few options on how to spend Independence Day. Here are just a few that are sure bring out everyone’s inner adventurous side.

3/

Dana Point Water Wars

Every 4th of July, dozens of canoes, dinghies, small boats and even inflatables descend upon the Dana Point Harbor, turning it into a battle zone where seafaring crews blast and splash each other with water guns and buckets of water. The Dana Point Water Wars has been an annual Independence Day tradition for the local community, as both adults and children can get in on the action centered near the Dana Point Harbor island bridge. There’s no official start time, but the battle typically picks up around noon. Before participants head out to do battle, however, there are three important rules everyone must follow: 1. No water balloons can be used, as the rubber pollutes the water and can harm the sea life.

2. Those operating the crafts must not go over the speed limit in the harbor.

3. Each boat should have enough life jackets inside for everyone—both kids and adults.

Those 13-and-under are required to wear a life jacket while out on the water.

To also make sure the holiday antics remain safe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol is onsite to monitor the festivities. Visit dpwaterwars.weebly.com for more information.

4/

Concert on the Green

The Irvine Police Association will host its 35th annual Concert on the Green at the Irvine High School Stadium this 4th of July. The event will feature live music by the Derek Bordeaux Group, as well as field games and activities with professional field entertainers. Families can enjoy bounce houses, raffle-prize giveaways and eats from gourmet food trucks. Topping the day’s festivities, the Pyro Spectaculars will put on the Pyro Musical Sky Concert & Fireworks Extravaganza.

The gates will open at 3 p.m., with the fireworks show set to kick off at 9 p.m. Bleacher seating will be available, and guests are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawnchairs to sit on the football field. Pets, barbecues, bikes and personal fireworks are not allowed at the event.

Adult ticket prices are $15; $10 for seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased at irvinepa. org/events/Packages. Irvine City Hall will also be selling tickets through Wednesday, July 3, in the Community Services office located on the second floor between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 949.724.0488 or email ipaevents@irvinepa.org.

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019 Go.See.Do

Brussels Bistro Honors Belgian Food, Beer & Spirit

BY CARI HACHMANN

T

wo Belgians grew up together and followed their dream in opening not one, but two restaurants in the beachside communities of San Clemente and Laguna Beach.

Nicolas Servais and Thomas Crijns, both 42 years old, opened the doors this February to their second location of Brussels Bistro on Avenida Del Mar. Servais manages and runs the front of the house, while Crijns is the chef and creator of Brussels’ eclectic Belgian-inspired menu. Both studied at Belgium’s Ecole Hotelière de la Province de Namur, specializing in the restaurant business.

Servais said their new restaurant brings the Belgian experience to San Clemente.

“We want people to travel when they come to Brussels Bistro— through the menu and the beer, but also we wanted the atmosphere,” Servais said, in an interview with the San Clemente Times.

The friends spent two years searching up and down the southern California coast before they found the perfect space for their restaurant on Del Mar, a spot formerly occupied by Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria.

The location reminded Servais of the kind of bustling, pedestrianfriendly streets back home in Belgium.

“The pedestrian area of Del Mar is just perfect for us. People are just walking down the street. That was important for us,” he said. The Belgians made some changes to the former pizzeria, with its structural design completed by their friend and fellow Belgian, Delphine Mauroit, a New York-based interior designer.

In one corner, there is the “Fritkot” or “fry shack,” which are little houses that fries are served out of and can be seen everywhere in his home country, according to Servais. Then, near the restaurant’s entrance, there is the notable statuette of a little boy peeing into a fountain, called “Mannekan Pis.” For the story behind it, you will have to make your way down to the restaurant and read the menu.

Most importantly, Servais said, is the very long and spacious bar, which holds a special place in Belgian culture: the beer. “It is super important. . . . We only sell Belgian beer,” he said.

Brussels offers 40 different Belgian beers and “every single beer has its own glass,” Servais said. He clarified that Belgians pour beer

differently than the American way, “because we pour it with foam,” he said, and for various reasons related to flavor and protecting the beer from overexposure to oxygen.

The restaurant owners have spent a lot of time training their employees to bridge the gap between the two cultures, and relaying it to new clientele who often have questions about the way they do things.

“We try to offer something different,” said Servais. “This is a very special thing.”

On the Brussels Bistro menu, customers will find all authentic Belgian recipes, with some tailoring to the

Nicolas Servais

Thomas Crijns

American way. “If you eat it here, you will eat it the exact same way in Belgium,” Servais said.

Mussels and fries are a popular dish in his home country. Brussels Bistro gets theirs fresh from a farm in Washington, where they are delivered several times a week and offered at the bistro in eight different flavored broths that come in small- or large-size pots. In Belgium, mussels typically come from the North Sea. A separate dessert menu offers Belgian chocolate decadence, crepes, waffles and delicious pastries.

Servais moved to the area just more than three years ago and lives with his wife and two kids in Laguna Niguel. Crijns, who has been in the United States for close to 13 years, lives locally in San Clemente. They chose the area for the good climate and quality of life.

“It’s a nice community, a nice city. We love it. We love the atmosphere,” said Servais.

When his family first arrived, his Belgian-born kids didn’t speak a word of English, but they were dropped off at school, anyway. Servais admits the first couple weeks were a little rough, but everyone is adjusting, and their English, like his, is improving. The kids also love to visit their dad at the restaurant.

Servais and Crijns are originally from Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, a city located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant, about a 45-minute drive from Brussels. The two have known each other since birth.

The goal for their restaurants, Servais said, is to build long-lasting relationships with their guests and share a little piece of themselves and their culture.

“We built this restaurant for the people living in San Clemente, so we want it to feel like if it were home. It is really important to us,” said Servais.

The two entrepreneurs have talked about opening a third restaurant, but that’s talk for a later date.

The Brussels Bistro locations include 218 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente and 222 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach.

Brussels Bistro is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 pm.

Sunday brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Happy hour is every day from 4-6 p.m. with selected $5 drinks and menu items. Everyone is welcome.

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Hit the Trails Get outside this summer and enjoy these three local hikes

BY LILLIAN BOYD

Patriot Trail, San Juan Capistrano

PATRIOT TRAIL ••••• The trailhead for this trek is nestled in a suburban residential area in San Juan Capistrano, bordering Capistrano Beach. Patriot Trail spans about 3.6 miles and is considered a moderate-level hike. Parts of the path include paved walkway, which allow for strollers to some extent. But once the trail leads to the ridgeline of the hills, there is a dirt path.

Patriot Trail is dog-friendly, but be sure to clean up after your pooches and keep them on a leash.

Patriot Trail leads to Flag Hill, where an American flag flies atop rolling hills in San Juan Capistrano. The flag was placed in honor of September 11. There are several subtrails that lead to Flag Hill, so be sure to stay on Patriot Trail if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

To get to the trailhead, take Interstate 5 heading south towards San Juan Capistrano. Exit the freeway at the offramp for Pacific Coast Highway/Camino Las Ramblas. Make a left turn onto Camino Las Ramblas and drive until it ends.

The trailhead begins when Camino Las Ramblas dead-ends.

There is plenty of free parking at the trailhead.

The elevation is about 400 feet, and it takes about one to two hours to complete. When you reach the peak (where the flagpole is), you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of South Orange County.

Sunset Hike Begins at Outlets at San Clemente

}

RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE RIDGELINE TRAIL ••••• For beautiful, panoramic views of hillsides, coastal features of San Clemente and Dana Point, as well as the Pacific horizon, be sure to hike Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail. Don’t let the suburban entrance points fool you; this hike provides visual access to San Clemente’s inland hills, valleys and mountainsides. From the residential entrance, the trail takes you to Knob Hill.

This trail is mostly asphalt and stretches about 3 ½ miles to Knob Hill and back, so it’s suitable for pedestrians, strollers, bicycles and dogs on leashes.

Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is a perfect go-to hike throughout the year, but if you choose to go during summer months, be sure to pack water and go earlier in the day. There is little to no shade offered on the trail and higher temperatures call for more preparation and planning.

To find this trail from Interstate 5, take the exit for Avenida Pico and head east toward Avenida Presidio and turn right. Go up the hill and turn left onto Avenida Salvador, then left onto Calle Ameno. The trail entrance is on the left; park on the street in the residential neighborhood. The trail can be a little tricky to find from the driver’s seat.

If you’re hoping to meet new people while getting some exercise and exploring local trails, then the Sunset Hike is for you. The Sunrise to Sunset Hikers will meet on Sunday, June 30 at 5 p.m. at Outlets at San Clemente.

The hiking group will proceed down the Sea Summit Trail, which offers serene views of the Pacific Ocean to

DANA POINT HEADLANDS ••••• This trail system stretches three miles throughout the Dana Point Headlands, overlooking Salt Creek Beach, Strands, Dana Point Harbor, San Clemente—and, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of Catalina Island.

The trail offers several overlooks of the Pacific Ocean with beautiful flora as a backdrop, with a mixture of natural surface walkways as well as mixed-use paved trail.

It’s recommended to hit this trail during the Tall Ships & Ocean Festival, Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 5-8. Although the trail is surrounded by developments, the trail feels isolated, providing an intimate view of the ocean. You can even hear sea lions barking from buoys off the coastline.

The Nature Interpretive Center provides the chance for children of all ages to learn about the local environment and endangered species within the Headlands Conservation Area. The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the trail is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Dogs are not allowed along the dirt hiking trails in order to protect the endangered bird and mammal species.

Parking for the Dana Point Headlands Trail is available at Strand Vista Park on Selva Road in Dana Point. There is also limited parking at the Nature Interpretative Center parking lot.

the beach. The hike is timed to enjoy the sunset on the boardwalk of the San Clemente Pier. The end of the hike is a loop back up the Sea Summit trail to the Outlets for an optional post-hike get-together. This is an approximate four-mile, two-hour hike with 300 feet of elevation changes. The mostly dirt trail is well maintained with some stairs.

You can stay for an optional dinner on the Outlets at San Clemente patio, with several dining choices that include Ruby’s Diner, U-Swirl for yogurt, and Slapfish for seafood and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Outlets at San Clemente is home to more than 55 stores and more than 10 dining opportunities.

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach

by Shelley Murphy

Marking 25 Years: A Book’s Blank Pages Bring Back Memories

O

n June 11, I did something I hadn’t done in a decade—maybe two.

I combed through a cluttered closet searching for the book. Sitting atop the highest shelf, I spied the dusty keepsake and reached for my firstborn’s baby book.

Our travel plans to celebrate my older son’s 25th birthday together had foundered; instead, I commemorated his milestone by taking a trip back in time.

I opened the memory book but paused when I saw its haphazard pages embody-

GUEST OPINION: View from The Pier by Herman Sillas

Eliminate College Students’ Fees

I

went to UCLA in the late 1950’s, and I paid 50 dollars a semester. Students going to universities today are paying thousands and thousands of dollars to their universities as fees or they are borrowing money to pay their tuition. The money they borrow will be paid in monthly payments for years after they graduate.

Today’s graduating high school seniors are competing with each other to get into the limited spots universities have open.

Few graduating high school seniors will get into the universities they want.

Parents wonder if there is anything they can do to help their children. They don’t San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

ing the turbulent time.

Twenty-five years ago, on an ordinary Friday morning, I drove to my doctor’s office for a routine checkup.

After taking my blood pressure—several times—my doctor ordered immediate bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy.

That afternoon, I began my bedrest by curling up on the couch with a pristine baby book and recording my thoughts. Soon, feeling a cramp, I shifted positions and felt the damp cushion beneath me. Puzzled, I stood, and “water” ran down my legs.

My bedrest lasted three hours—not the prescribed four weeks.

Leaving home for the hospital, I remember closing our front door and thinking: the next time I walk through this door, it’ll be with a baby in my arms and my life will be forever changed.

My son entered the world 36 hours after I arrived at the hospital.

The APGAR test is a quick assessment of a newborn’s health at one and five minutes after birth, and scores range from 0 to 10.

Scores of 7 and above indicate routine post-delivery care, scores from 4 to 6 indicate medical assistance might be necessary, and scores of 3 or lower may require immediate life-saving measures.

I heard a nurse assign my son an APGAR score of 4. I didn’t understand its gravity until, amid a flurry of activity,

nurses rushed my newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

During my pregnancy, I had read What to Expect When You Are Expecting, but skipped the scary premature birth chapter.

I didn’t read the chapter covering complex lung development and premature babies suffering breathing troubles.

When someone finally wheeled me from my room to the NICU, I saw my son in an incubator. I couldn’t hold him. I could only touch him with my fingertip; his tiny body covered in tape, tubes and sensors connecting him to a monitoring system displaying darting numbers and graphs.

Leaving the hospital two days later, without my newborn, was indescribable. Walking through our front door, LIFE’S A BEACH my life had forever

By Shelley Murphy changed, but the weight I carried lay in my heart, not my arms.

After a sleepless night, I returned early to the NICU to watch my son’s chest rise and fall in sync with the cacophony of beeps and buzzes—my routine for 11 interminable days.

The morning they allowed us to take our son home, a nurse wheeled me and my baby to our awaiting car. I remember begging her to come home with us. The

intrepid nurse presented me with Polaroid pictures she’d taken to document my son’s first days and said, “You can do it.”

The page in my son’s baby book entitled “Baby’s Homecoming” bears scribbles reading: “We all had a rough first day— you didn’t eat much and we worried and watched you a lot.”

Twenty-five years later, I’m no longer concerned with my son’s eating habits, but I still worry—a lot.

It feels as if I blinked and that my son traded sippy cups for school backpacks, car keys for dorm sheets, summer internships for genuine jobs.

My son’s baby book will always have more blank pages than recorded moments.

Nevertheless, I did complete the book’s final page, entitled, “My thoughts for you in the future.”

The words written 25 years ago by a nervous, new mom are true today: “I hope you know how much daddy and I will always love you—unconditionally.”

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband for the past 21 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

want their children to feel rejected by the university. They then turn to counselor folks who have good relations with decision-makers at the universities. These counselors, for a fee, will guide parents on whom to pay. All of this will cost the parents a lot of money. The parents don’t tell their children. The amount of the “fees” paid was in the thousands of dollars.

The consultant paid off the right people to provide the paperwork needed by the student.

Some students were “placed” on sports teams, even though they would never compete in on the team. Different methods were used by the consultants so that the parents’ THE VIEW child would be accepted FROM THE PIER

By Herman Sillas by the university.

All this has now come to light and the fraud has been discovered.

Consultants and parents have been arrested. Some of the parents have already pleaded guilty and will be punished by the court. Parents will be going to jail. People have lost their university jobs. Who will become the new coaches and consultants?

The universities have a lot of things to clean up, including eliminating the consultants. The process of selection of students for universities will still be a challenge. But there is another item now that Robert F. Smith, founder and chief executive of Vista Equity Partners, has raised. The student’s ability to start their future and career debt free. He was asked to speak to the graduating class at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

At the end of his speech, he announced to the graduating class that he would pay off all the graduating students’ loans! The graduating students went wild. Imagine, this school will have graduating students that will not owe a dime to anyone. These students will be able to start their careers without a debt. Just like I did 70 years ago.

What a goal. Why don’t we as a society strive for this goal? Over the last 70 years, we have allowed university boards to use the students in their schools as a source of funds. These boards have made use of the students’ future earnings as a source of funds for the universities needs. The students are indebted payers for the college years they borrowed.

Rather than raise money for their universities from rich persons or from those who

will contribute for the schools’ buildings, the existing school boards encourage students to use their future as a source to borrow money to pay for their education.

Now the student loan will be paid off from his or her salary. The graduating students have used the money they received as a loan to pay their debt to persons who lent them money to go to school.

Boards of universities have always had a major role in getting money for universities. They seek gifts from rich folks who want a hall named for them or some other motivating factor. But somewhere in the process, the boards looked at the students’ future salary. Get that money now!

Robert F. Smith has freed the graduating students from their debts. He has provided a way to let graduating seniors start their postgraduate life without debt. Other schools should follow. That’s the view from the pier.

Herman Sillas is an author, artist, poet, and a former U.S, District Attorney. He may be reached at sillas@aol.com. SC

Page 23

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

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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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20196544828 The following person(s) is doing business as: A. EL DANDY B. EL DANDY MFG 170 W MARIPOSA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): ALEXANDER AUBREY SMITH 170 W MARIPOSA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 The business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a /s/ALEXANDER SMITH This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County On 05/24/2019 Publish: San Clemente Times JUN 27, JUL 4, 11, 18, 2019 PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 1675 AN URGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1673 OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE FINDING THAT EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES RELATING TO IMMEDIATE THREATS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE REQUIRE AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1673 RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.86 PROHIBITING CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED HEREIN WHEREAS, On May 21, 2019 the City Council of the City of San Clemente adopted an urgency ordinance based on immediate threats to public health, safety, and welfare providing for an exception to the provisions of San Clemente Municipal Code Chapter 8.86, which prohibits public camping on all City property, to permit camping on property designated there pending the provision of emergency shelters in San Clemente; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby incorporates by reference the recitals in said Urgency Ordinance and the record of decision connected therewith; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 36937 empowers cities to adopt, by four-fifths vote, an urgency ordinance, which is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety; and WHEREAS, for the reasons enumerated in Ordinance No. 1673, the adoption and immediate enactment of that ordinance and this ordinance are immediately necessary for the avoidance of additional damage to public facilities, the preservation of the public health, safety, and the prevention of greater health, welfare, and safety risks to people in San Clemente experiencing homelessness and the general public; and WHEREAS, in connection with the adopting of Ordinance No. 1673 and this Ordinance, the City Council anticipates that the urgency conditions giving rise to their adoption are likely to be abated within one year’s time; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend Ordinance No. 1673 with this Ordinance so that it expires and is of no further effect on June 30, 2020.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of San Clemente does ordain as follows: Section 1. The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 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

Section 2. Section 9 of Ordinance No. 1673 is hereby amended to read as follows: “This Urgency Ordinance is enacted pursuant to Government Code Section 36937 for the immediate protection of the public peace, health and safety.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and shall expire on June 30, 2020”.

Section 3. The City Council hereby enacts this urgency ordinance under section 36937, subdivision (b), of the California Government Code, which allows the City to adopt an urgency ordinance by not less than a four-fifths vote, for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, subject to the findings herein.

Section 4. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase added by this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.

Section 5. This Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).

An activity does not require environmental review under CEQA unless the activity has potential to cause a significant effect on the environment.

(State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3).) A project is thus exempt from CEQA where “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3).) Here, the City’s adoption of this Ordinance is not subject to CEQA because there is no possibility that the adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment.

(State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3).) In particular, the City’s adoption of this Ordinance merely amends Ordinance No. 1673 to clarify that Ordinance No. 1673’s provisions will expire on June 30, 2020. This Ordinance does not authorize the construction of any project or any other activity that could potentially cause a significant effect on the environment. Indeed, this Ordinance will have no physical impact on the environment at all; it merely makes clear that Ordinance No. 1673 will sunset on June 30, 2020.

Moreover, Ordinance No. 1673, as amended by this Ordinance, is categorically exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines section 15304, which categorically exempts minor public alterations in the condition of land where the alteration does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees.

Here, Ordinance No. 1673, as amended by this Ordinance, provides for a temporary minor alteration of public land by providing for use of certain vacant property owned by the City as alternative shelter for the homeless and as the exclusive public property available to the homeless for camping purposes. The adoption of this Ordinance will not result in any new construction and will not involve the removal of any trees.

Furthermore, Ordinance No. 1673 is statutorily exempt from CEQA as its constitutes a “specific action necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency,” as noted when the City adopted Ordinance No. 1673. (Pub. Res. Code, § 21980(b)(4); State CEQA Guidelines, § 15269.)

Section 6. This Urgency Ordinance is enacted pursuant to Government Code Section 36937 for the immediate protection of the public peace, health and safety. This Ordinance shall take effect Page 24

immediately upon its adoption.

Section 7. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be posted as required by law.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of June, 2019.

ATTEST: ____________________ City Clerk of the City of San Clemente, California

________________ Mayor Pro Tem of the City of San Clemente, California

STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE

) ) ss. )

I, JOANNE BAADE, City Clerk of the City of San Clemente, California, hereby certify that Urgency Ordinance No. 1675 was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 18th day of June, 2019, and said ordinance was adopted by the following vote: AYES: FERGUSON, HAMM, WARD, MAYOR PRO TEM BANE NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Clemente, California, this 18th day of June, 2019. __________________________ CITY CLERK of the City of San Clemente, California APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________ CITY ATTORNEY

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NOS. 1676 and 1677 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its meeting of June 18, 2019, introduced the following ordinances: 1. Ordinance No. 1676 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1674 FINDING THAT EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES RELATING TO IMMEDIATE THREATS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE REQUIRE AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1673 RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.86 PROHIBITING CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED HEREIN. 2. Ordinance No. 1677 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE ADDING SECTION 8.86.050 TO THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO RULES FOR TRANSITIONAL CAMPS. Full copies of the aforementioned Ordinances are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California (949) 361-8301.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente will consider adopting the aforementioned Ordinances at its meeting of August 20, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., which will be held in the Council Chambers, located at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, California.

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council

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 susie@lantzadsolutions.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email susie@lantzadsolutions.com

San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

Page 25

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SC Locals Only San Clemente

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

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

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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

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GARAGE SALES 2 FAMILY GARAGE SALE Sunday June 30 8 am to 2 pm Camino El Molino and Los Alamos, Capistrano Beach Scuba gear, miscellaneous home items, tools, sports equipment, clothing, Ukelele, and unopened items.

GARAGE SALE – LAGUNA BEACH Saturday, 6/29 – 8AM - 1PM 1025 Catalina, Laguna Beach back alley between Glenneyre & Catalina. Electric Kids Batmobile, Golf Clubs, 5-1/2” Brass Boston Chelsea Clock & Barometer with Wood Base or Mount, Electronics, Sony Amplifier & 300 CD Changer, Wall Art, Art Supplies, Jewelry, Kitchen/Household/Linens and Décor, Paper Shredder, New or Brand New Clothes/ Shoes – Women/Men, Unique Items from around the world (Silk Kimonos, Porcelain, Fabrics, etc.), plus Christmas decorations. Come and join us for some fun!

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday.

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HELP WANTED HELP WANTEDSHIPPING/RECEIVING Se necesita ayuda/ para mandar y recibir Picture Frame Manufacturer, San Clemente location Part Time or Full Time available. Medio tiempo complete.

Available hours MondayFriday between 7:00am5:00pm $13.00-$14.00 depending on experience.

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PEST/TERMITE CONTROL Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, accuratetermitecontrol.com

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

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SC LIVING CoastLines by Fred Swegles

A Sad Day for One Sport Marks an Opportunity for Others

A

fter a 65-year run, San Clemente’s lawn bowling community is calling it a day.

The city is shutting down the municipal lawn bowling green at San Luis Rey Park, 109 Avenida San Luis Rey. The bowlers invite the public to one last event: an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, to sell as much equipment, kitchen items, chairs, step stools and other items as possible. For details, call 949.369.1887.

City officials say the bowling green has deteriorated so much that the city’s insurance carrier recommended closure.

Restoring it would likely cost $250,000, said Samantha Wylie, San Clemente’s recreation manager.

It’s sad for the lawn bowlers, who primarily are senior citizens for whom the sport represents a gentle, social outdoor activity. The problem, in recent decades, is that there have been too few lawn bowlers for the city to justify the expense.

As best I could learn, the original San Luis Rey Park bowling green was built in the 1960s. A lawn bowling association had formed in 1954.

I recall writing articles when the bowlers lobbied for a simple resurfacing in 1987. There were probably 30 to 35 lawn bowlers then. A fix-up would have been a nice gesture to the city’s senior population. But a closer look revealed drainage problems, and the city determined a fix wouldn’t be simple.

In 1990, the city proposed building a new green as part of a proposed Rancho San Clemente Park, but neighbors vetoed it.

In 1994-95, the city determined a resurfacing needed to be done properly.

That upped the ante. There were debates at meetings. Critics said the money would be better spent elsewhere. Bowlers said if they had a proper lawn bowling green, usage would improve. They presented a marketing plan.

City councilmembers had doubts but approved a first-rate renovation.

It cost $327,000, including a court expansion COASTLINES

By Fred Swegles to tournament size, state-of-the-art materials, drainage, new walkways, landscaping, benches, drinking fountains, relocation of a playground and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new facility drew admiring comments from other cities’ lawn bowlers who paid visits. “We have six new members this past week,” the association’s president proclaimed, “and two or three came back who had quit.”

But the sport never truly took off. Sadly, because bowlers tended to be of retirement age, additions of new members to the core group were prone to be offset by members who either passed away or became unable to continue bowling.

As the 1995 bowling green aged, the bowlers again asked the city for help. But it was a hard sell. The green got so bad, it wasn’t inviting to play. The group had re-

San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

Wylie said.

Nothing is set yet. Watch for Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting agendas. When park site studies launch, look for the city to invite public participation.

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 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

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

cently dwindled to about 10 members. “We have about four to six that play,” association president Howard Sharp said via e-mail.

The sad news for the bowlers represents an opportunity for partisans of other sports. The city is preparing to study possible new uses for the site—and not just for San Luis Rey Park’s bowling green, but for open spaces at Steed Park, San Gorgonio Park, Bonito Canyon Park and Linda Lane Park.

Be forewarned that the city faces budgetary constraints. Still, opportunities are there. “We will do a site-specific study,”

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Tillie

M

Lawn bowlers display their technique during a past match at the San Clemente Lawn Bowling Club.

Photos: Steve Breazeale/File

eet Tillie, a 2-year-old poodle mix with a sweet personality. When she first arrived at the shelter, her fur was horribly matted, and she was very nervous due to her previous neglect. Now, after a new haircut and lots of care from the shelter staff and volunteers, Tillie is finally blossoming into the happy and affectionate little dog she was always meant to be.

If you would like to know more about Tillie, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

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

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Scoreboard COMPILED BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local San Clemente youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week.

Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

OC Surf Soccer U19 Boys Open National Playoff Friday The Orange County Surf Soccer Club boys under-19 team begins its run at a national title on Friday, June 28 in the Elite National Premier League National Playoff in Rockford, Illinois.

The OC Surf U19 team features San Clemente players Daniel Tuscano, Ryan Kowarsch, Blake Lipofsky and Micah Usui. All were members of the San Clemente High School boys soccer team that won CIF-SS and State Regional championships last season.

The U19 team is also coached by San Clemente resident Nick Cucuk.

OC Surf qualified for the ENPL national playoff by capturing the Elite Club National League Southwest Conference championship on May 23. The U19 team is 15-2-3 overall and ranked No. 6 nationally. OC Surf won its final five regular season games and nine of its last 10, with the last four by a combined score of 20-0.

OC Surf opens its Pool C schedule on Friday against Pride Soccer Club of Colorado Springs, champions of the ECNL Mountain Conference. Surf continues against the Brooklyn Italians, champions of the New York City Soccer League in the National Premier League, on Saturday, June 29 and finishes pool play against the hosting Rockford Raptors on Sunday, June 30.

If OC Surf tops its pool, the U19 team will play in the national semifinals on Monday, July 1 with the national championship taking place the next day on Tuesday, July 2.

SC Volleyball Club Girls 16s Begin National Championships The San Clemente Volleyball Club’s girls 16s began the AAU National Championships on Tuesday, June 25 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

San Clemente went 2-1 on the first

San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

The Orange County Surf Soccer Club boys under-19 team begins the ENPL National Playoff on June 28 in Rockford, Illinois. Photo: Courtesy of Suzanne Kowarsch

day of competition in the 16 Premier Division scoring a three-set win over Michigan Sports Academy, 26-24, 2527, 15-13, and a two-set sweep over Phoenix Academy of Indiana, 25-20, 25-15.

San Clemente had a tougher go on day two. The 16s lost their first two matches in two-set sweeps to Asics KIVA of Kentucky, 25-17, 25-15, and Chelsea Shockwave of Kansas, 25-14, 25-21. Results of their third match against Mizuno M1 of Minnesota were not available at press time.

The San Clemente 16s will continue on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28.

The San Clemente 16s are made up of Constance Brown, Elise Brown, Sydney Brown, Rory Gaynor, Savanna Goodpaster, Sierra Hawker, Hannah Hillis, Noelle Rutz, Charlie Shaughnessey, Stevie Shaughnessey, Grace Shulga, Emma Smith, Lulu Utterback and Kate Wade.

The San Clemente Volleyball Club’s girls 15s went 6-6 in the 15 Club Division of the AAU National Championships from June 21-24. San Clemente started the tournament 0-4 and 1-5 before winning five straight matches.

The San Clemente 15s are made up of Sydney Brown, Abigail Grebel, Tessa Grosshans, Hailey Hogue, Ainsley Jooyan, Faith Lissoy, Kelsey Ostrander, Charlie Shaughnessey, Stevie Shaugh-

nessey, Amanda Tolosa, Lily Utterback and Kaitlyn Yamasaki.

Pier Bowl Surf Classic to Return to Ocean Festival A mainline surf contest is back on the Ocean Festival schedule.

The Pier Bowl Surf Classic will run at the 2019 San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 20. The event, sponsored by Hobie Surf Shop, will have divisions for men 25 and under, me 26 and over and a women’s open division.

Limited space is available, so to get your board in the competition, sign up online at oceanfestival.org or contact Jack Sutter at 949.609.9963.

The Ocean Festival’s two grom surf contests will also continue.

The Groms Rule Push-in Division for ages 7 and under will also run on July 20, and the Groms Rule Surf Contest with two boys and two girls divisions will go on Sunday, July 21. Both events are sponsored by Rip Curl.

Little League 8/9-Year-Olds Advance to District Title Game The San Clemente All-Star National 8/9-year-old team fought its way through the District 68 bracket and will play in the district championship on

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Monday, July 7 at 5 pm at the Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Park minor field.

San Clemente National opened the tournament with a 7-2 win over Ladera Ranch American on June 15. San Clemente followed up with a 5-2 win over Ladera Ranch National on June 22 and clobbered Santa Margarita American, 15-2, on Monday, June 24.

San Clemente National now awaits the results of the final three games of the loser bracket to determine its opponent in Monday’s championship game.

The remaining District 68 All-Star tournaments open on June 29 with the 9/10-year-olds at Trabuco Canyon, the 10/11-year-olds at Vista Hermosa Sports Park in San Clemente, the Little League division at North Mission Viejo and the Junior Division at San Juan Capistrano.

SC Gators U15 Girls Rugby Wins at Encinitas The San Clemente Gators U15 Girls Rugby team topped the field of six teams at the Encinitas 7s Rugby Tournament on June 22.

The Gators clinched the title over Foothill, 12-10, with tries by Simone Bautista and Rowan Chapman and a conversion by Reese Torticill.

The Gators continue in the San Clemente 7s Tournament on Saturday, June 29 at Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park. SC

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Welcome to the Epicenter of American Surfing Local surfers shine at USA Surfing Championships; the future looks bright

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

“S

an Clemente’s the hotbed, no question,” said USA Surfing Coach Brett Simpson immediately after he was appointed to the position.

The results of last week’s USA Surfing Championships at Lower Trestles have proven him correct. Nowhere in the country is there a deeper pool of rising talent than in San Clemente. And all of these up-and-coming surfers have one thing in common: Olympic aspirations. With surfing becoming an Olympic sport for the first time in the 2020 Summer Games in Japan, the sport is on the cusp of a new era, and San Clemente’s young surfers are at the epicenter of it all.

Crosby Colapinto, brother to WSL Championship Tour surfer Griffin Colapinto, firmly planted the flag in the ground with a near-perfect performance in the Under-18 Boys division. Colapinto’s been building both his momentum and his profile this year, and saving the best for last, he exploded in the final to win the highly coveted Governor’s Cup. In classic three- to four-foot Lowers conditions, Colapinto ripped his way to a perfect

GROM OF THE WEEK

MIA MCLEISH

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

ometimes in life, it’s not about winning or losing, but rather just getting up and dusting yourself off when you’ve been knocked down. That’s the true heart of a champion, and Mia “Mouse” McLeish has it.

Last week in the lead-up to the USA Surfing Championships, 11-year-old McLeish was warming up for the contest when she was involved in an unfortunate accident in the water. Suffering a laceration to her cheek, it took emergency room doctors somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 stitches to patch her up.

But Mia doesn’t quit. She’s a warrior, and San Clemente Times June 27-July 3, 2019

2019 USA SURFING JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM SAN CLEMENTE/DANA POINT QUALIFIERS: Boys Under-18 Taj Lindblad Kade Matson Jett Schilling Girls Under-18 Kirra Pinkerton Samantha Sibley

Boys Under-16 Ben Brantell Hayden Rogers Girls Under-16 Sawyer Lindblad Bella Kenworthy

2019 USA SURFING DEVELOPMENTAL TEAM SAN CLEMENTE/DANA POINT QUALIFIERS:

Crosby Colapinto put on one of the most dominating performances in the history of the USA Surfing Championships en route to winning the coveted Governor’s Cup. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

10 out of 10 thanks to a string of searing forehand carves and maneuvers. Not done there, with the top two waves going into his final tally, Colapinto launched a huge, tail-high air reverse. Garnering a 9.93 from the judges, he closed the heat with a nearperfect 19.93 heat total. The effort earned him his fourth USA Surfing national title.

And while it was Carlsbad’s Alyssa Spencer who took wins in both the Under-16 and Under-18 Girls divisions, right there on her heels in both finals was San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad, who had to settle for a pair of runner-up finishes. Kirra Pinkerton finished third in the Under-18 Girls.

Making it a family affair for the Lindblads, brother Taj managed a very respectable fourth in the Under-16 Boys. And in the Under-14 Boys, Hayden Rodgers found the top of the podium. In fact, the Under-14 Girls division was the only one not to feature a surfer from San Clemente in the final.

“The groms were surfing far beyond their years,” Coach Simpson said in awe after the contest.

Not just a contest for bragging rights and

after a little rest, she was back down at Lowers pulling on the jersey and getting ready to compete. She didn’t win the contest, but that’s OK. Winning isn’t everything. Her heart and talent have led her to be selected to the 2019/20 USA Surfing Development team, for which she will continue to train and push herself to be the best that she can be.

Inspiring those around her is part of Mia’s program, and if you want to hear what she’s all about, this summer, she’ll be speaking at the Role Model Series put on by the San Clemente Lifeguard Foundation and the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. The talk, which will take place on August 10, is entitled “Girl Power in the Ocean!” and will feature Mia, as well as legends of the sport such as Patti Paniccia, Sheri Crummer and Candice Appleby. SC

trophies, there also were career implications for surfers at the USA Surfing Championships, as it’s one of the deciding factors in selecting both America’s Junior National Team and Junior Development Team.

“Selection to national USA Surfing teams brings athletes into an elite program with year-round high-performance training and skill development to not only build elite professional athletes, but future Olympians,” Becky Fleischauer from USA Surfing said in a statement.

The end game for the season is to name the 12-person team that will represent the U.S. at the 2019 ISA World Junior Championship in Huntington Beach this October.

After the USA Surfing Championships, 32 boys and girls have been selected for the Junior National team. This number will be cut down to 16 in July, before being whittled down to the final 12 before the ISA event.

As far as USA Surfing’s Development Team, nine out of the 20 surfers selected are from San Clemente.

“The development team is designed to be a proving ground for the youngest surf-

Boys Makai Bray Cannon Carr Rex Hennings Charlie Steven Luke Wyler

Girls Mia McLeish Avery McDonald Ezra McPhillips Bree Smith

ers to train and improve and eventually move up to the junior national team level, which is a significant jump in performance levels,” Fleischauer said. “Selection is based on regional and national results, the athlete’s commitment to improvement and the coaches’ eye for budding talent.”

At the moment, local boy Kolohe Andino is second in the world on the WSL’s Championship Tour, Crosby Colapinto just won a national title in historic fashion, and nearly 50 percent of the Under 15 national development team is from the area. That not only speaks to the elite state of surfing around town right now, but its future as well. Nowhere else in the country even comes close to any of that. Like Simpson said, this is the hotbed of American surfing. We should all be proud. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 63-65 Degrees Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Thursday: South swell starts a slow easing trend through the day. Better exposed breaks are in the waist to shoulder high zone (3-4’+) though the morning, dropping a touch into the afternoon with those same exposures in the waist to chest high zone (3-4’ faces). Light/ variable to locally light south winds on tap for the morning, picking up out of the west-southwest/southwest in the afternoon with light+ to locally moderate flow.

Outlook: South swell continues to ease through the weekend with small surf on tap for both Saturday and Sunday with better exposed spots seeing surf in the knee to waist high zone (2-3’ faces) both days. Forerunners of a new long period south swell start to move in late Sunday, but don’t really do anything for size until early next week. Similar wind pattern for the weekend with light/variable to locally light south winds in the mornings, picking up out of the west-southwest/ southwest in the afternoons.

Mia McLeish. Photo: Courtesy of @miamouse9

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