San Clemente Times August 18-24, 2022

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TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

(From right) Local newsman Fred Swegles and active community volunteer Don Brown were presented with plaques from the San Clemente City Council on Tuesday night, Aug. 16, as their names are the latest to be installed on the city’s Wall of Recognition, located at the Community Center in downtown. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Community Icons Don Brown, Fred Swegles Awarded Wall of Recognition Honors

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

A couple more San Clemente legends were added to the city’s Wall of Recognition on Tuesday night, Aug. 16, as the San Clemente City Council honored their countless contributions to the community.

The council approved the recommendation of the Wall of Recognition Committee to honor Don Brown, 78, and Fred Swegles, 73, who will join 42 other recipients celebrated on the wall in the lobby of the San Clemente Community Center, adjacent to a plaque explaining the reasoning behind the honor’s creation.

“This ‘Wall of Recognition’ is dedicated to those individuals who, through their contributions and selfless efforts, have made the City of San Clemente, our community, a better place to live, work, and play,” the plaque reads. “These individuals have been selected by their fellow citizens as individuals who have gone the extra mile for San Clemente, their community.”

Brown, a 13-year resident of San Clemente, moved to the city after spending his professional career as a pilot with the United States Marine Corps, and made an immediate and long-lasting impact.

For 11 years, he sat on the Planning Commission, serving as the chairperson for three of them, in addition to a position on the former Coastal Advisory Committee.

The current president of both the San Clemente Exchange Club and PierPride Foundation, as well as the past president for the Boys and Girls Club of the South Coast Area, Brown has spent innumerable hours working to make the city better for people of all ages.

PierPride, the sponsor behind Brown’s nomination, mentioned his involvement in developing the city’s Master Plan as an example of his efforts.

“Far and away, Don’s greatest contribution to our community was his many years’ service on the Planning Commission,” PierPride’s description read. “Don knows more about our town than anyone. Ask him any question about our town, and he will give you more detail than you thought possible.”

After Mayor Gene James read aloud the certificate of recognition, Brown thanked the City Council for their words before stating how he was proud to be there and blown away by the nomination. He also expressed how honored he was to see and be presented along with Swegles, a longtime newsman and local journalist.

“It’s the people that I’ve been involved with, both city staff and all of the organizations I’ve been involved with,” he said. “(San Clemente is) a great town, and I just love being a part of it, and trying to make it a little better. Thank you very much for this honor.”

Illustrating the impact that Swegles, a 65-year-resident of the city, has had, a consensus of 10 people comprised the sponsor group behind his nomination for the Wall of Recognition, including longtime resident Mike Chamberlin. Chamberlin wrote about Swegles’ service and value to the community.

“Mr. San Clemente,” according to Chamberlin, was raised in San Clemente and graduated from the high school in 1966 before studying journalism at the University of Southern California.

He reported for the San Clemente Sun Post and the Orange County Register, and most recently he wrote a weekly column for the San Clemente Times. During his career, he’s produced countless articles that helped to document the history of the city and provide a substantial impact to the community.

“His tireless commitment to endless City Council meetings, Planning Committee meetings … all so San Clementeans could be informed on a non-partisan basis,” Chamberlin wrote. “To put it best, I have known Fred for 50 years, and I still don’t know his personal politics.”

Later in Swegles’ career, he traveled the world to find sister cities of the same name, a demonstration of his love for San Clemente that has been unmatched, Chamberlin said.

“After five decades of service to San Clemente, I feel Fred’s name is worthy to be listed among the elite on the Wall of Fame,” Chamberlin finished. “He has done so much for so many. Now, I believe, it is time for the city to do something everlasting for Fred Swegles.”

In 2021, Swegles was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a brain tumor that has limited his ability to come up with words and exhibit his skilled writing. He told SC Times in June that he appreciated the recognition.

Barbara Chamberlin, Swegles’ sister, spoke on his behalf during Tuesday’s meeting.

“Fred’s always loved San Clemente, his home since 1954, and he’s always had a passion of writing about San Clemente and capturing our beautiful town and its people in his photographs,” Barbara said.

“He loves the people here,” she continued. “All of you, the San Clementeans, are the true jewels in his heart, and Fred thanks you so very much for this award.”

Both Brown and Swegles received a certificate of recognition, as well as an individual plaque to be placed on the Wall of Recognition. COMMUNITY MEETINGS

THURSDAY, AUG. 18

Zoning Administration 3-5 p.m. The city’s Zoning Administration will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 20

Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, AUG. 23

Public Safety Committee 3-5:30 p.m. The city’s Public Safety Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

San Clemente Toastmasters 7-8:40 p.m. The Toastmasters Club invites people to lose their fear of public speaking and have fun at the same time. Join them in person every Tuesday at the Baha’i Center, at 3316 Avenida del Presidente. Visitors welcomed. Call or text Laura Yang at 949.547.6558 with questions. 6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24

Design Review Subcommittee 3-5 p.m. The city’s Design Review Subcommittee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at San Clemente City Hall, at 910 Calle Negocio. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Students, Parents Celebrate First Day Back to School

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Drawings and words of encouragement written in chalk along the sidewalk greeted and led students into Clarence Lobo Elementary School as they entered campus for the start of another school year on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Families and their young students, such as Leo Lekaj, a third-grader, were also welcomed to celebrate the launch of the 2022-2023 academic year by participating in a red-carpet-style photo op at the entrance of the local elementary school.

“I’m excited about seeing my friends again and learning,” said Lekaj, whose favorite subject is science.

Principal Laura Kindron Coy, who is entering her third year as the school principal and fifth year overall at Lobo, said on Monday, Aug. 15, that the first day of a school year is always the start of the “best year yet.”

“Every year is so much better than the one before it, and we end that year thinking, ‘Wow, that was the best year ever,’ ” she said. “So, the first day of school is just the start of nine months of fun and learning and community and love.”

Since the beginning of summer, the Lobo staff members have prepared extensively for the students’ return, according to Kindron Coy.

“We’ve installed a new sensory path this summer, we’ve deep-cleaned the school, we had kids here for YMCA, (and) teachers have been setting up their classrooms,” Kindron Coy said. “I’ve been doing extensive work in planning parent programs to support our parent community here at school.”

The school’s vision statement includes a goal to become a Professional Learning Community, a process of including action research and job-embedded learning for educators, by 2023, and to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support, enabling all students to receive the exact support necessary to succeed.

Kindron Coy said the staff has developed collaborative teams to work through the process to achieve those goals.

She added that she is excited for the preschoolers and kindergarteners to enjoy new playground equipment, and to bring back Native American history lessons as a part of the school’s cultural proficiency work.

The lessons will be in partnership with the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation 84A, native to Orange County.

Unlike previous school years since the pandemic in 2020, masks will not be required on campus, per regulations set by the California Department of Public Health.

Kindron Coy said that throughout the year, if staff and students display symptoms of COVID-19, the school will continue to test and send individuals home, as well as enforce quarantining if necessary.

The indoor school mask mandate for California was lifted in April of this year—marking a shift from the previous school year, when students and educators were required to wear masks indoors while on campus.

However, masks are still recommended under CUSD’s COVID-19 safety plan for the current school year. Other CUSD safety guidelines include encouraging families to screen children, requiring staff to self-screen, posting signage reminding students to wash their hands, and the school frequently cleaning surfaces.

CUSD is also changing air filters on a regular basis and providing “adequate” air flow, according to their safety plan.

Social distancing and vaccinations are not currently mandated.

Collin Breaux contributed to this story.

Parents Juan and Marta Gomez walked their daughter, Iliana, 7, into Clarence Lobo Elementary for her first day of second grade on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

At Least 9 Candidates Secure Ballot Spots for Council Race

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

With three seats on the San Clemente City Council up for grabs in the upcoming General Municipal Election this fall, at least nine candidates had—as of Tuesday morning, Aug. 16—secured their spots on the ballot, but incumbent Councilmembers Laura Ferguson and Kathy Ward were not among them.

Of the 18 people who initiated the process to seek elected office by collecting petition papers, one had withdrawn, and 10 others had qualified for a ballot placement. However, after receiving certification, Cameron Cosgrove announced this week that he has withdrawn from the race.

The candidates who are certain to run in the Nov. 8 council race include incumbent Councilmember Steve Knoblock, Aaron T. Washington Jr., Donna Vidrine, Dennis Kamp, Zhen Wu, Martina McBurney-Wheeler, Mark Enmeier, Ashley Williams and Chanel Fetty.

The initial period for prospective candidates to file ended at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12. That deadline was extended to Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 5:30 p.m. as Ferguson and Ward did not file their papers, City Clerk Joanne Baade announced late Friday.

“State law provides for an automatic five calendar-day extension when one or more incumbents whose term is due to expire fails to file by the standard deadline,” Baade said in the emailed announcement. “Because only Steve Knoblock filed for reelection, the extended nomination period is in effect.”

According to Baade, Ward and Ferguson could not file during the five-day extension, therefore precluding them from running for reelection.

Ward was first elected to the council in 2014 and reelected in 2018, serving twice as mayor during her tenure. In an email to San Clemente Times on Tuesday, Aug. 16, she explained her decision not to run.

“While it has been my absolute honor to be elected and serve the residents of San Clemente, it is time for me to move on to other opportunities I would like to pursue,” Ward wrote. “I have found this time to be challenging and rewarding in what we have accomplished in the last eight years.”

Ferguson served one term on the council after being elected in 2018. In the spring of 2020, at a tumultuous time for the council, Ferguson was thrust into the position of acting mayor following former Councilmember Dan Bane’s departure and amid the start of the global pandemic.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ferguson (Cont. on page 6)

Big Bear Lake Hires Sund as New City Manager

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

The City of Big Bear Lake has tapped San Clemente City Manager Erik Sund to be its new chief executive.

During a special meeting on Aug. 11, the Big Bear City Council voted, 4-1, to approve a city manager agreement with Sund, who is set to earn an annual salary of $265,000, plus benefits that include health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, among other things.

The employment agreement will begin on Sept. 19, according to the City of Big Bear Lake.

“I have nothing but love for the San Clemente community. It has been an extreme honor to serve this City for almost nine years,” Sund said in an emailed response. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I was afforded to serve as its City Manager.”

Sund went on to also express his gratitude to the city staff, whom he said were the “true heroes” behind the local government.

“Without them, I wouldn’t have been successful, and they are the true heroes that keep this City beautiful, or more appropriately, the beautiful Spanish Village by the Sea,” added Sund, confirming that his final day with the city is Sept. 9.

In a text message to San Clemente Times on Aug. 12, Mayor Gene James called Sund a “dedicated servant with a vast wealth of knowledge.”

“Our loss is a gain for Big Bear Lake,” James continued. “I wish Erik the very best in his new endeavor.”

The council majority in Big Bear Lake, along with its city’s interim city manager, Jeff Matheiu, praised Sund and his experience in municipal government.

Councilmember Alex Lee, the lone vote against Sund’s contract, explained that his dissenting decision had nothing to do with Sund’s capabilities. Rather, he said, his concern was over the politics of the current council hiring a new city manager just before the upcoming election, when new elected officials are set to take the dais.

“One concern I have, and probably the chief concern, is the politics, the appearance of the politics. This council should do like other councils and wait,” Lee said, before raising another issue over the salary.

Calling the decision fiscally irresponsible, Lee noted that $265,000 salary is more than what the governor of California and other comparable city managers make.

“I cannot support the package, nor can I support the timing of this appointment,” Lee said. “I would love to have my hands on the appointment of the next city manager, but that would be selfish, and that would be political.”

The move to Big Bear comes just more than a year since a San Clemente City Council majority voted to promote Sund to the chief executive position under a three-year contract with a base salary just shy of $250,000.

Sund has been with the City of San Clemente since late 2013, when he was hired as the assistant city manager.

Sund briefly served as the interim city manager while the council worked to find a replacement for his predecessor, James Makshanoff. Makshanoff left the city for Pomona in January 2020, prompting the council to appoint Robert Dunek as acting city manager.

Dunek was under a six-month contract with the city that expired in June 2020. The council at the time, which had only four members, rejected Dunek’s contract extension in a 2-0-2 vote, leading to Sund being elevated to the role in an interim capacity.

Sund’s tenure with the city has not been without controversy. Sund has faced public criticism from residents, former employees and even Councilmember Laura Ferguson, who has named him, along with James and Councilmember Kathy Ward, in a lawsuit that accuses the city of Public Records Act violations.

Sund and Ferguson, who was previously the city’s public information officer, have had a history of publicly clashing over transparency concerns. During the council’s May 2021 meeting to approve his promotion, she stated that she didn’t believe his actions during the pandemic were responsible.

In an emailed statement, Ferguson on Tuesday, Aug. 16, said, “We move forward, and it is my hope that the next city manager who is appointed will uphold the high standards we have set for our City and will put the citizens first.“

As the longest-tenured member on the council, Ward’s professional relationship with Sund extends back to 2014. Following the news of Sund’s departure, Ward said that “the City of Big Bear Lake is gaining a seasoned and experienced city manager that has served our city well.”

“We ask a lot from our city managers,” Ward said in a text message. “Since my time on council, we regulated several quality-of-life issues—vacation rentals, sober living homes, and we stopped a toll road going through the middle of our city. I wish him further success in his next position, and I am grateful for his service.”

During the City Council’s closed session meeting on Tuesday night, a motion was made to make an appointment to the city manager position; however, according to the city attorney, that motion failed.

The council later voted unanimously in the public session to create a council subcommittee comprising James and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan, who will be tasked with recruiting candidates for an interim city manager role.

Erik Sund, pictured here during the City Council’s Aug. 16 meeting, is set to leave the City of San Clemente for the chief executive role with the City of Big Bear Lake on Sept. 9. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

(Cont. from page 4) wrote that it had been an honor to serve San Clemente residents.

“I am proud of my years of service on the San Clemente City Council. Positive accomplishments were achieved along with challenges met,” Ferguson’s statement read. “San Clemente is a wonderful community with a bright future. I wish everyone well.”

Voters this fall will also find a couple of ballot measures in San Clemente. The two measures, U and V, will determine whether the positions of San Clemente’s city clerk and city treasurer should be appointed by the council.

The council voted to add the measures during a June 7 meeting, in which Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan and Ward were also tasked with drafting arguments in favor of making the positions appointive.

This year’s slate of candidates includes some who had previously run for office during the prior election season in 2020.

Washington campaigned for one of two four-year vacancies on the council in the 2020 election and finished third, behind current Mayor Gene James and Duncan.

Washington wrote in a July 30 Facebook post that his platform included public safety and homelessness, careful consideration of transportation issues to maintain San Clemente’s “small town feel,” restoring sand to beaches, the city budget, and supporting schools and efforts to keep children away from drugs.

Vidrine, who finished third in the special election for the two-year term on the council that saw Councilmember Knoblock emerge victorious, has pushed to prioritize community health, public safety and environmental stewardship, as well as serving seniors, families, and veterans, and transparent governing.

Wu, another council hopeful from the 2020 race, referenced his service on multiple committees within the city government on his campaign website, as well as mentioning his desires to uphold the General Plan, address issues such as affordable housing and the water supply, and improve government accountability and efficiency to reverse the trend of “eroded” public trust in city leadership.

Enmeier, who has taught multiple Advanced Placement history courses within the Capistrano Unified School District since 2008, according to his LinkedIn profile, announced his candidacy on Twitter on Aug. 11.

“When elected, I hope to bring a sense of civility back to our governing board, and get us back to being ‘One Town, One Team,’” Enmeier said in his announcement video, referring to the San Clemente High School football team’s motto. “What that means is building better roads, having better transportation, building better schools, and being economically and environmentally responsible.”

The election will be decided on Nov. 8. Ballots are expected to hit registered voters’ mailboxes by early October.

Shawn Raymundo contributed to this report.

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CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 17, Issue 33. 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 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. San Clemente Times is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at San Clemente, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: San Clemente Times, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

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FACEBOOK.COM/SANCLEMENTETIMES • INSTAGRAM @S_C_TIMES TWITTER.COM/SCTIMESNEWS • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA GUEST OPINION | The Business Buzz by Jim Wynne and Arrow Santos

ifficult conversations can be, cited to sponsor the upcoming “Difficult well, difficult, and yet it seems Conversations Workshop: The Art and we are having them more often. Science of Working Lately, it even feels as if we Together” on Sept. exclusively have unpleasant interactions. 10. Facilitated by auIt’s not just online, but actual in-person thor and nonprofit encounters that quickly turn nasty. founder Kern Beare,

It seems everyone is wearing a shirt, this workshop will hat, mask, or bumper sticker specifically cover: intended to provoke a response from “the others.” This aggressive approach THE BUSINESS BUZZ • Why difficult never changes anyone’s mind and only BY JIM WYNNE conversations often successfully radicalizes people deeper trigger our fight/ into their dug-in mental trenches. flight survival drive,

And, to be honest, we are not even and how that shuts trying to change minds. down our brain’s

Truthfully, we are lashing out at a ability to listen, be world we perceive to be unfair and out present and take in of order, and we want to hit back in new information. any way we can, because clearly this is all your fault, and if you would just use THE BUSINESS • Why trust is your stupid, tiny, cobweb-covered brain BUZZ BY ARROW SANTOS essential when navand try picking up your knuckles while igating a difficult walking around breathing through your conversation, and how we can quickly mouth with your maladroit generational establish trust even with someone we wealth that you don’t even realize most don’t know well. people don’t also have—and which makes you think your biggest problem is • How our personal story can get in the having to pay for maintenance and find way of clear communication, and how parking for your four-vehicle house- to look “beyond” our story to access our hold—then maybe we could actually innate capacity for connection, creativihave a country that still functions in a ty and collaboration. way I feel fairly acknowledges my tax contribution and white-collar hard work • How understanding the “three dimen(because this ocean view doesn’t pay sions” of difficult conversations can help for itself) and very important personal us move more quickly from conflict to national agenda and ideals for earning resolution. more money and raising a family to secure my future legacy when I am worm • How to find love deep in your soul for food and no one cares or remember any those unavoidable special idiots in your of this in 50 years because we’re all dead. life. (Just kidding, I made this last one up.)

Wait, what am I supposed to be writing about again? San Clemente Chamber of Commerce

Oh, yes, I remember now. The San board member and local business owner Clemente Chamber of Commerce is ex- Tyler Boden shared, “This workshop dives

Tough Talks Just Got Easier

DJoin SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Aug. 19, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by PFM Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome. into the science behind what’s happening in our brains during conversations with those we disagree with, and challenges us to think more critically about our perspective. This is a must-attend for anyone who engages in discourse at any level.” Not only will this event transform your approach to daily life by changing your heart and mind, but you’ll also get to enjoy excellent local catering from ZebraHouse Coffee for breakfast, lunch, and coffee during this all-day workshop. Sign up online for only $25 at scchamber.com/special-events/. Seats are expected to sell out, so register as soon as possible, because we could all use you learning how to think correctly, finally. (Hey, man, I haven’t gone to the workshop yet; just sign up, alright?!) Jim Wynne, president of WynneCRE, is a San Clemente local, San Onofre Surfing Club president, and father of five, who serves as the immediate past chairman for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. Arrow Santos is a San Clemente native, professional writer/photographer and marketing director of WynneCRE. 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.

Letter to The Editor

RESPONSE TO ‘COUNCIL STRIKES ‘SANCTUARY FOR LIFE’ RESOLUTION’

ALBA FARFAGLIA, San Clemente

Officials rejected a councilman’s proposal to ban abortions in San Clemente. The councilman who wrote the proposal is in the wrong business. He should be a priest or pastor, not government official.

The proposal was religious in nature and mentioned God several times, thus violating the concept of separation of church and state guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution.

It is good to note that in the Pledge of Allegiance, the words “under God,” were added by President Eisenhower in 1954. The original Pledge of Allegiance read, “One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” and that includes agnostics and atheists. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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.

Editor’s Pick

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at sanclementetimes.com/weekender

THURSDAY | 18

GOING SOLO PARTY 6-8 p.m. Single and have not mingled in a while? The Abode is hosting a party to unite all singles in the local area. Become part of the solo squad while getting to know each other over wine and hors d’oeuvres. The Abode knows how nerve-wracking it may feel to put yourself out there. That is why The Abode wants to host a casual, no-strings-attached atmosphere while meeting other people in Orange County. The “date” begins at 6 p.m. at the home and garden store The Abode, located at 228 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. Let’s offer cheers with Solo cups to going solo. theabodesc.com.

Jacque Nunez helps celebrate the grand opening of Putuidem Village in San Juan Capistrano in December 2021. Photo: Collin Breaux

WEDNESDAY | 24 THE ACJACHEMEN NATION—ALIVE AND WELL 6-9:30 p.m. Learn about the indigenous lifestyle of the first people of Orange County—the Acjachemen Nation. Jacque Nunez, a member of the Acjachemen Tribe, chair of Education for 15 years, a graduate of USC, and an award winner of American Forensic League, will lead the lecture that the San Onofre Parks Foundation is hosting. Since 1997, Nunez has worked for the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center and Mission San Juan Capistrano as their Native American Storyteller. Working as a master storyteller, teacher, singer, director, writer and cultural consultant, Nunez has made a successful career out of sharing her Acjachemen ancestral lineage. She prides herself on preserving and passing her culture along through the oral Native American tradition of storytelling. A special guest will perform traditional music and song during the hosted reception. Tickets are $15 in advance at jacquenunez.eventbrite.com; $20 at the door, if seats available. The Historic Cottage at San Clemente State Beach. 949.366.8599. sanoparks.org.

FRIDAY | 19

COFFEE CONCERTS WITH HIGH TIDE COFFEE 10-11 a.m. In partnership with High Tide Coffee, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch an acoustic performance with local musicians in Casa Romantica’s Main Salon. This week, Casa will host Kim Johnson. The concert is included with the price of general admission. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

MONDAY | 22

IMPROV MONDAYS WITH BOB BURNS & IMPROV CITY 3-5 p.m. Put on by the San Clemente-based Noble Path Foundation, teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can receive comedy lessons with professional actor Bob Burns & Improv City, where they’ll build confidence, stage presence, a funny bone and a chance to perform at Improv City. Sign up for these Monday classes at thenoblepathfoundation.org/social-activities/. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259.

TUESDAY | 23

TWILIGHT TUESDAYS 5-8 p.m. For one last Tuesday night, enjoy extended hours at Casa Romantica through sunset, picnic on the grounds, and view the art exhibition Shape and Structure: Gemels by CHIAOZZA. General admission is $5. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

WEDNESDAY | 24

BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-yournumber game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

AT THE MOVIES ‘Prey’ Is Worthy of Predecessor

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Dan Trachtenberg’s soft reboot of Fox’s famous Predator franchise, fittingly called Prey, is the first time I’ve seen critics unanimously agree that this straight-to-streaming film “should have been released in theaters.”

After Shane Black’s ridiculous The Predator (2018) four years ago, Prey not only delivers what most were not expecting, it also reestablishes the old 1980s action-horror classic four decades later.

In the greater wilderness of 1700s pre-America, Naru (Amber Midthunder) is a female member of the Comanche tribe who wants to hunt and fight with the men instead of work domestically. Her older brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers), already has the strength and skill she longs for, and thinks she’s in over her head.

When the bigger animals in the forest start getting brutally killed, Naru senses something unusual is lurking in the tribe’s territory.

Prey has been getting lots of praise for cleverly reinventing the Predator franchise, as well as putting the spotlight on Native American characters as film leads.

It makes sense the first prequel in the series would be set in historic Native years, as John McTiernan’s original Predator (1987), and most of the sequels, take place in the jungle, among natural surroundings.

The few complaints I’ve seen of Prey didn’t actually bother me. One is that everyone in the movie speaks English, when obviously they would be speaking Comanche. Because the characters are speaking English anyway, I don’t mind the dialogue and characters sounding somewhat modern, because this is ultimately a fictional fantasy with contemporary actors. (And for those who did enjoy Prey enough to watch it again already, there actually is a Comanche-dubbed version also featured on Hulu.)

Another criticism I’ve seen is about the heavy CG effects during the action scenes. Naru’s canine companion, Sarii, is played by a real dog for its screentime, but all the big, wild animals are CG-animated.

I’m fine with mixing both practical effects and computer graphics, and I have to agree with the filmmakers that it’s probably easier for both humans and animals to just artificially create huge grizzly bears and wolves, rather than train them.

All in all, Prey does the simple, basic task of giving audiences quality popcorn entertainment without any fluff. Midthunder, Beavers and Trachtenberg, who also directed the refreshingly subversive 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), are impressive, and I’m excited to see what all three of them do next. SC

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Happy “DOGust”!

August has gone to the dogs: This month celebrates the annual Clear the Shelters campaign, and National Dog Day is Aug. 26.

As far back as I can remember, my two boys wanted a dog.

I held out until my sons were a freshman and senior in high school. I know, it makes no sense. Maybe, I hoped a dog would entice my older son to leave his college dorm and return home to visit his furry friend. Through the years when the subject of adopting a dog arose, my husband simply said, “No.”

LIFE’S A BEACH BY SHELLEY MURPHY This response uttered by a man who had never owned a dog—ever. The closest he came was his childhood pet lizard on a leash (that’s another story).

Determined to find our dog, my sons and I snuck out to several shelters. We settled on a Lab-mix who stole our hearts with her beautiful big brown eyes. My sons named her Lilikoi (Lili) Cujo.

At the shelter, we were warned that Lili had been abused. The monster(s) who’d hurt and traumatized her left scars.

When we raised a hand to pet her head, she would duck or run. We weren’t deterred; instead, we were determined to love her and gain her trust.

On Jan. 31, 2012, they finally got their dog.

My boys knew they weren’t getting a basketball prodigy like Air Bud, but they hoped for something between an athletic pup and a leashed lizard.

The day of Lili’s homecoming, we realized we’d underestimated our challenge and our dog.

As we drove from the shelter, Lili began shaking like a leaf. Arriving home, she bolted from the car, ran into the street and hid underneath a nearby parked car.

My younger son’s friend, in a white T-shirt, shimmied on his stomach under the car and rescued her.

We tried consoling her that day and night, but our united efforts failed.

The following morning, as I stood in the kitchen, I saw Lili digging in the backyard.

At first, I was relieved and thought she was marking her spot. But, upon second glance, I realized she was on a mission like an escapee from Alcatraz.

I ran into the backyard just as she ducked her head under the iron fencing and pulled her back into our yard.

I learned that morning she is persistent; it’s perhaps her most marked trait.

On Day 3, Lili made her great escape and vanished. My husband, who didn’t want the dog, searched more than anyone, spending hours and days in the hills behind our home.

After three weeks of February’s freezing temperatures and hailstorms, my husband suggested we donate her dog food; I reluctantly agreed.

Hours later, Animal Control called; they’d found Lili burrowed in the hillside behind our house. Overjoyed, I raced to bring her home, but she didn’t share my enthusiasm.

Her return lasted one night. The dogged fugitive disappeared again the next day.

Dejected, we realized she was likely gone for good.

The next morning, my older son opened the garage door, and there on the driveway sat the escapist.

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Reeves Rubber Factory was the first major industry in San Clemente. It made swim fins and parts for P-38 fighter planes. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

From that day forward, she flatly refused to leave the house.

My sons and I tried to get her outside, but soon admitted defeat.

My husband, however, devoted every morning and evening to connecting the leash to her collar and standing on the driveway, literally inching toward the sidewalk.

Perhaps my husband’s most marked trait is his patience.

Eventually, her persistence gave way to his patience, and after nine months, they ventured on the first of innumerable walks together.

Today, they are inseparable, and Lili tolerates the rest of us. In the evenings, Lili waits for the sound of my husband’s car, then races toward it with Air Bud’s agility.

Adopting a dog is a major responsibility—just ask my husband.

But it also delivers great rewards; their bond of loyalty, companionship, and affection is unbreakable.

Turns out, you can teach old dogs new tricks.

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to Picket Fence Media since 2006. SC

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Sally

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Six-year-old Sally is quite the gentle soul. This black-and-white beauty can be a tiny bit timid at first meeting, but quickly shows you her loving side. With her mild-mannered temperament, Sally would do best in a quiet home where she can settle in and become the lap cat she’s always wanted to be. If you are interested in adopting Sally, please visit petprojectfoundation.org. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

(Clockwise from top) Grooveswitch, a funk-soul band from Long Beach, performs at the Bottom of Del Mar stage during the San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival on Sunday, Aug. 14. Knights of Columbus volunteers smoke and sell tri-tip sandwiches. Reggae-rock band Common Sense performs at the Center of Del Mar stage. A festivalgoer enjoys the bungee trampoline in the Kids’ Zone.

Contestants compete in the Gibroni’s Pizza Eating Contest held at the Top of Del Mar stage. Photos: Keaton Larson

Bands Turn Up the Heat in Downtown San Clemente for the Fiesta Music Festival

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

There was a whole lot of face melting in Downtown San Clemente this past Sunday, Aug. 14. It wasn’t just because of the sweltering summer heat in South Orange County, though. Rather, it was the powerhouse of rock, alternative, country, punk and reggae bands that all rocked the stages along Avenida Del Mar for the return of the Fiesta Music Festival.

An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 residents and visitors congregated downtown throughout the day for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s 67th annual event—the first since 2019, following a pandemic-related hiatus.

“It was wonderful to see our community members gather downtown post-pandemic—catching up with friends and neighbors, making memories and ‘just having fun’ in a place that we all love,” Chamber of Commerce CEO Susie Lantz said in an email on Monday, Aug. 15.

Lantz said the Chamber was thankful to the community for supporting this year’s event, which, she also highlighted, included a new Bike Corral to encourage visitors to utilize alternative modes of transportation.

“Thank you to all who participated responsibly,” Lantz said in the email. “The bike corral was a huge success, and we look forward to working alongside the city to creatively support San Clemente’s bicycle boom.”

Throughout the hot summer day, festivalgoers got to enjoy some brews and food, engage in activities and games, and, of course, jam out to live music by nearly two dozen bands that performed on three stages.

“Events such as the Fiesta Music Festival support our hard-working local businesses and nonprofit organizations that make San Clemente a better place for everyone,” Lantz said in the email.

This year’s headlining acts at the Center Stage of Avenida Del Mar included Swami John Reis, Pounded By the Surf and Common Sense, along with Tunnel Vision, which closed out the festivities.

Left Coast Brewing supplied the day’s beer offerings, while various nonprofit organizations served up eats such as tri-tip sandwiches, tacos and burritos, and Italian sausages. Some hungry individuals also competed in a pizza-eating contest that Gibroni’s Pizza hosted.

“While continuing to deliver terrific live music performances,” Lantz wrote, “we look forward to further developing the family-friendly aspects of the event.” SC

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Back to School for Teens O nce again, summer break flew by, and here we are getting our teens back to middle school and high school and off to college.

I find this a challenging time of year, as we go from easygoing beach days, sleeping in, impromptu meals, to a much more structured schedule that often requires household adults to enforce rules that do not apply during summer vacation.

I have many great memories of fun summer nights when I was a teen and as a family, letting bedtimes slide. The imminent start of the school year always came with a panic in shifting sleep schedules.

Although our teens get 30 extra minutes in the morning this year, it is still important to prioritize sleep for their developing brains and bodies. Though sleep specialists recommend teens get an average of eight to 10 hours of sleep a night, the CDC found that 72.7% of high school students were getting less than eight hours on school nights.

This can have significant impacts on students’ mental and physical well-being, as well as on their academic performance. We can help teens with this transition by helping them establish healthy sleep habits.

Build up to the time shift by slowly adjusting their sleep schedule in 15-minute increments, encourage regular exercise, limit naps to 30 minutes or less a day (some sleep scientists discourage adolescent napping), and avoid screen time right before bed.

It can also be challenging for teens to juggle the demands of school, extracurriculars, and jobs. Parents should try to validate these challenges, while helping them develop tools for managing these demands.

Some teens might find it helpful to plan and stay ahead with a wall calendar or personal planner, where they can mark the dates of their exams, important assignments, and any other commitments they may have. Planning out their semester can also give teens the opportunity to say “no” to other activities if their schedules are beginning to fill. Helping teens organize their schedules builds important skills

WELLNESS & in time management, boundaries, and PREVENTION BY SUSAN PARMELEE workload expectations. Families with young people transitioning to middle school, high school, or college have the added factor of supporting their child through a major life transition. We can ease the discomfort by helping them establish a consistent and organized homework and schoolday preparation routine. It is good to establish a quiet, distraction-free workspace, and to encourage a consistent homework time. Help avoid rushed mornings by choosing school clothes and packing backpacks and extracurricular equipment the night before. As your teen becomes more structured and organized, be sure to praise and encourage them for successful efforts and improvements. Forethought and focus are usually not the strong suit of most young teens, but with a little routine and preparation, we can help set them up for less stress and more success.

Older teens who are transitioning to college will likely require a more hands-off approach as they begin to adjust to life away from home. However, it is still important to offer our teens guidance that will leave them feeling capable and empowered as they begin to embrace adulthood.

Have open discussions with college-bound teens about their fears, expectations, and anxieties. Listen without judgment or comment, give them space to process their feelings, and ask them what they need from you.

If they are open to it, brainstorm solutions to their concerns and help them find resources that they may not have thought of previously.

Transitions can be very challenging for any teen, but with proper support, positive encouragement, and appropriate guidance, you will likely be amazed at how your teen has transformed during this academic year.

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org. She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org. 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.

Clean Slate

SCHS girls volleyball sweeps Mission Viejo in season opener

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Tuesday, Aug. 16, opened a new school year for San Clemente High School and a new season for the Triton girls volleyball team.

Coaches in every sport have always said the first day of school is a tough day for a practice or a game, let alone a season opener, with all the distraction the day brings. Not to mention the overwhelming humidity that showed up in the San Clemente gym on Tuesday night.

However, the Tritons found their focus and finished off Mission Viejo in dominant fashion, 25-16, 25-11, 25-11, to start their season on the right track.

“We missed five serves in the beginning of the first set, and it was tight,” San Clemente coach Casey Swenson said. “It was close for a bit. We were looking good, but we were just making mistakes. They call a timeout, it’s like 17-13, and I

TRITON REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Football Opens Season at Oceanside on Friday

The Battle for the Base kicks off another high school football season on Friday, Aug. 19, as San Clemente travels south across Camp Pendleton to Oceanside High School.

This will be the sixth installment of the series, with the Tritons winning the four previous editions over the Pirates.

Friday will be a good opening test of San Clemente’s physicality. Oceanside is never short on size, and that continues with Roberto Garcia and Daniel Herrera on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Garcia is listed at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, and Herrera is listed at 6-foot-2, 315 pounds. They’ll open lanes for returning running back Georgie Nau, and they’ll try to disrupt a San Clemente offense looking to reestablish itself after an upand-down 2021.

Junior Broderick Redden will likely be leading that Tritons offense as the starting quarterback. Redden and junior Dylan Mills, a JSerra transfer, had battled it out for the top spot throughout the offseason, but Mills’ eligibility was still pending a CIF-SS decision as of press time on Wednesday. Redden will get the early opportunity to put his stamp on the position, especially if Mills is subject to a transfer sit-out period, which would last until late September.

For coverage of Friday’s season opener, go to sanclementetimes.com or follow along on Twitter @SouthOCSports and Instagram @South_OC_Sports.

San Clemente girls volleyball had a near-perfect season opener, as the Tritons rolled through Mission Viejo, utilizing their own roster full of newcomers to the team. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

said, ‘Let’s just take care of the ball. Clean it up.’ From that point on, it was really smooth and clean.”

San Clemente led by as many as nine points early in the second set and closed with the final seven points for a 2-0 lead. In the third set, the Tritons opened with 5-0 and 8-1 leads and finished the match with a 7-1 run to complete the easy sweep.

“All of our pieces were working really well together,” senior outside hitter Lily Dwinell said. “We were able to accomplish what we came to do.”

Dwinell was an all-around standout with nine kills and a team-high five digs. Junior outside hitter Sofia Williams posted a team-high 12 kills, and sophomore outside hitter Quinn Loper contributed seven kills.

As the Tritons rolled through the Diablos, Swenson was able to roll through his roster, which is crucial to get early experience across the board for a team with seven returners, 10 new players and two starting sophomores.

“This year, we’re having to ask our newcomers to do stuff they haven’t done before, play positions that they haven’t before,” Swenson said. “What I’m so proud of is they’re all just jumping in. It’s team mentality from top to bottom. You got to see that in Game 3. You saw girls in that probably their whole career they’ve been an outside or a DS (defensive specialist), and here they are setting and playing middle blocker.”

Despite the influx of new blood, San Clemente has its goals set higher than last year’s tie for the top of the South Coast League and first-round exit in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. The Tritons split with Aliso Niguel in league play, and then lost to Sierra Canyon in the first round of the CIF-SS playoffs and second round of the CIF State Regionals.

“It was a funny one last year,” Swenson said. “Having such a high, winning a share of the league championship at the end of the season, then winning/losing that coin flip. Aliso gets to go on and win Division 2, and we’re playing really tough teams in Division 1. I think this group is going to be more ready for that challenge. If we’re going to be in Division 1, they’re really going to go for it.”

San Clemente hosts Laguna Beach on Thursday, Aug. 18, and will play in the Tesoro tournament this weekend. The Tritons play at Beckman on Monday, Aug. 22, and are back in San Clemente to host Foothill on Tuesday, Aug. 23. League play begins on Sept. 15 against San Juan Hills. SC

San Clemente football opens the season on Friday at Oceanside. The Tritons have won the past four installments of the Battle for the Base. Photo: Keaton Larson

Fall Sports Getting Started

While some fall sports get into action right away, including football and girls volleyball, a few more are still down the road.

Boys water polo kicks off on Aug. 31 at Beckman, but the Tritons don’t play their first home match until league play against Tesoro on Oct. 5.

Boys and girls cross country gets going in earnest on Sept. 10, as the girls race at the Laguna Hills Invitational and the boys travel to Hawaii for the Iolani Invitational.

Girls golf and girls tennis also get started next month.

Look for the San Clemente fall sports preview in early September. SC