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San Clemente High Student Publishes Children’s Book to Promote Self-Acceptance
BY COLLIN BREAUXGrowing up in San Clemente left Micah Hamilton with a lot of adjustments to make.
“Despite my young age, I found myself immediately not like the other kids at school,” the 17-year-old San Clemente High School senior said. “I had a darker complexion with big puffy hair, while the people I sat next to had beachbronzed skin and blond hair.”
“While not everyone fit this exact de scription, to my young mind, the majority did,” added Hamilton, who is Black. “As a result, I not only felt isolated but insecure in myself, as I lacked the representation or community I sought so badly.”
With the help of family and friends, Hamilton eventually learned to love himself. Wanting to inspire other kids to embrace their physical appearance, Hamilton decided to write a children’s book called Uniquely Cyrus to celebrate diversity and self-acceptance.
The book illustrates a Black youngster
named Cyrus who is questioned about his dark skin and curly hair by a classmate on his first day of school. Cyrus then receives encouragement from his mother, who tells him he is unique and caring—which gives him confidence. The insecurities and hardships Cyrus goes through are the same ones that Hamilton experienced growing up.
Hamilton decided to create a children’s book after researching ways he could let other kids know that looking different is OK. He started on the book in May and worked on it until mid-September.
“Eventually, I found someone online who wrote a children’s book. This idea intrigued me, but was daunting, for sure,” Hamilton said. “Nonetheless, I withdrew money I earned from working at Starbucks over the past year and half and bought a brand-new iPad in May of this year. This iPad opened the door for me to start my own journey.”
Education-First Approach Emphasized During City Council Discussion on E-Bike Safety Concerns
BY MADISON BEVERIDGEWith the continuing rise in popularity of e-bikes, scooters and similar modes of transportation, safety concerns were at the forefront of a conversation during the San Clemente City Council’s Sept. 20 meeting.
The council’s discussion, which included insight from law enforcement and members of the public, followed the City of Carlsbad’s decision in late August to declare a state of local emergency over worries of an increase in bicycle and e-bike collisions.
On Aug. 25, Carlsbad declared the emergency for bike, e-bike and traffic safety, and on Aug. 30, the Carlsbad City Council ratified the emergency, approving a $2 million appropriation in emergency funds to address traffic safety.
Lifelong San Clemente resident, teacher and current City Council candidate Mark Enmeier addressed the council during last week’s meeting and
perfecting my project, hoping the impact I could have would all be worth it. Eventually, the illustrations were done, and I moved on to writing the actual story.”
Hamilton had every page storyboarded before he began illustrating. Selecting the right words so kids could understand the theme, though, was a struggle.
“After more hard, long hours of research, illustrating and writing culminating in the perfect story, I was done. After spending easily over 150 hours on this project, I knew I wanted to publish my story,” Hamilton said.
“Once published, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride in my work,” he continued. “I felt this book was exactly what I needed to give me a sense of closure after years of insecurity, as the message was one I wish I was given at a young age.”
Hamilton said that his family and friends have read and enjoyed the book.
“They were proud of me,” he said.
touched on Carlsbad’s commitment to e-bike safety. Enmeier explained that Carlsbad’s policies came in the wake of two deaths related to e-bikes, a reality he does not want to witness locally.
“I shudder to think of what tragedy our city has to go through before we act,” Enmeier said.
Enmeier further explained that educating individuals, specifically youth, on why helmets, traffic awareness and other safety measures are important is valuable in creating a viable solution.
In response to Enmeier, Councilmember Laura Ferguson emphasized her support of enforced safety measures.
“I totally support e-bike safety,” Ferguson said. “We have implemented many initiatives to help with education of parents and children.”
Currently, San Clemente has several safety-oriented strategies in place.
Included is the Bike Safety Rodeo for
Though Hamilton has always been creative, drawing on an iPad was a new experience.
“After days and weeks of trying to find my style, I finally landed on one I felt would be suitable,” Hamilton said of the book’s illustrations. “Over the summer, I found myself illustrating for hours a day,
When asked if he would write another children’s book, Hamilton said that is something he’s open to, but—for now— he’s busy applying to colleges. Art contin ues to be a big part of his life, he added.
“Living vicariously through Cyrus, I hope to inspire young ones and show them that no matter what you look like, you should be confident and cherish your beautiful skin,” Hamilton said.
Uniquely Cyrus is available for purchase on amazon.com.
the local community that was most recently held in May 2022, when e-bike vendors were invited to spread awareness on how to safely ride. The event is primarily intended for individuals 17 and under.
This past January, the City Council also approved the prohibition of e-bikes on the Beach Trail, with enforcement of the ban beginning in May.
In addition, marketing and social media outreach has played a large role in the city’s push for safety. On Sept. 12, in partnership with local comedians Chad and JT, a comedic yet informative public service announcement was published, highlighting the importance of proper precautions such as wearing a helmet.
Capt. Tony Benfield, chief of San Clemente Police Services, commented during the council meeting and explained that he has seen an increase of helmet use, prompting fewer stops than in the past. When individuals are stopped, though, law enforcement is taking an educational approach, rather than issuing a citation.
“We are trying to create awareness,” Benfield said.
Benfield explained that there is a
difference between electric motorcycles and e-bikes. While the two may look similar, e-bikes are legal, but electric motorcycles are entirely illegal and intended for out-of-city use only.
“There is no way to make them legal,” Benfield said. “You have to have a license and an M1 endorsement to drive those, and even if you have that, the equipment itself is not street-legal.”
Benfield explained that while some of these vehicles are still on the road, law enforcement is eliminating as many as possible, impounding and towing when necessary.
In addition to speaking on the legality, Benfield noted how he has witnessed families deal with the surge of e-bike use among youth.
“It’s always going to be an issue in a city where there is little option for them to ride; a lot of parents are not OK with the idea of kids being in the street, and that’s why many of them are up on the sidewalk,” Benfield said. “Many family members think that’s the safest place for them to be.”
Councilmember Kathy Ward responded to the proposal for furthered precautions and highlighted the city’s already
San Clemente High School senior Micah Hamilton authored the new book Uniquely Cyrus, which follows a youngster who embraces being Black after a classmate questions his skin complexion and hair. Photo:Courtesy of Tamae DonaldsonLocal E-Bike Shop Looks to Educate Riders, Community
BY C. JAYDEN SMITHAs dialogue among the local community and elected officials continues over the increased usage of electric bicycles and safety-related concerns, one San Clemente business is looking to educate parents and riders.
In a social media post this month, Epic Power Bikes—run by Marcus Schiro with the help of his father, Marcel—announced plans to hold an “Orientation Class.” The Schiros said they hope to hold the class in October, and they sought support from the San Clemente City Council at its Sept. 20 meeting.
“We at Epic Power Bikes (are) keenly aware of the need for education and information regarding responsibilities of the e-biker community,” Marcel said on Facebook. “Little has been done to bring personal awareness to these issues, other than complaints and frustrations.”
He added that the program would be comprehensive and encouraged cyclists, parents, and community members to attend.
Marcus Schiro told San Clemente Times on Tuesday, Sept. 27, that the class would be directed toward minors, or children aged 12-18. The 60- to 90-minute course would be broken into topics such as the varying classes of e-bikes, general safety and rules of the road.
Once complete, those who take the $10 course would receive a certificate of completion from Epic Power Bikes. Schiro said he hopes to also get the support of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, local schools, and the San Clemente councilmembers, to whom they’ll present at the Oct. 11 and Dec. 13 meetings.
“Regardless of if anybody gets on board, we’re going to do it anyway, and we’re going to promote it through (the business),” Schiro said.
Schiro added that e-bike safety to him means teens using e-bikes around town are properly educated on traffic rules and guidelines.
“These kids need some education on basic rules of the road, how they should
be riding their bike, where they should be riding their bike,” he said, adding: “They just need a good all-around lesson on the laws, what’s acceptable and what’s not, and how to be respectful of everybody else on the road.”
The emergence of electric motorcycles, such as the Zero DS, give the e-bike community a bad reputation, Schiro said, noting that many people cannot distinguish between the two modes of transportation.
He said parents need to know the electric motorcycles are not street-legal and cited numerous instances of children performing tricks with them near Avenida Del Mar.
E-bike sellers have a significant responsibility within the purchasing process, as Schiro said most parents do not raise safety concerns. There are times when parents will try to buy a bike that is too big for their child, which Epic Power Bikes does not allow.
“That’s another reason why we want to do the safety classes,” said Schiro. “Not only the children, but everybody needs to be educated on e-bikes in general.”
They said they hope to answer
questions that include what bike fits a prospective rider or whether to set speed limits on the bikes themselves. They also look to promote their belief that parents should have some level of concern before their children get on the road.
As more people determine that it would be best for them to go into stores and test ride a bike before buying one, Schiro said that in-person interactions allow them to be a part of the process and help figure out the sizing. He added that he favors test rides being required to buy a bike.
Although Epic Power Bike’s online sales account for a smaller proportion relative to in-person purchases, the staff have conceptualized potentially making a video about safety and rules of the road that customers would have to watch as part of the purchase.
“There’s a lot of things that we’re working on to promote more safety,” Schiro said.
He said that parents with children younger than 18 shoulder the most responsibility in terms of ensuring safety for both e-bike riders and drivers on
the road. And those who are older than 18, Schiro added, should also know the laws and their rights as a rider.
A common refrain that Schiro wants to dispel is the belief that e-bike-related scares and incidents around town are caused by “entitled kids and rich parents” buying their children bikes.
“We offer financing, and a lot of these other e-bike companies also offer financing, and so that’s not really the case,” he said. “There’s all different (economic classes of) families that are buying bikes for these kids, and a lot of it is to get the kids to school or get them around town when the parents have to be at work.”
Schiro maintained the overwhelming net positive of e-bikes in society, saying they are not going anywhere. He also listed the benefits of getting children outside, people getting to exercise, and a positive impact on the environment.
Regarding further action, the city requiring all minors take a class or receive a certification with proof of completion attached to their e-bikes would be beneficial, according to Schiro, even though children may not have the best behavior.
“If they’re going to be rude, they’re going to be rude, and it doesn’t matter what kind of permit they have,” he said.
“At least this way, they’ve gone through it, they know what’s right, they know what’s wrong.”
He added that a mandatory program would also help schools hold children accountable for any wrongdoing. Although Schiro disagreed with the city’s ban on e-bikes on the Beach Trail, he felt speed limits placed there and around San Clemente would be helpful, in addition to license plates that could aid Police Services in locating stolen bikes.
Epic Power Bikes’ class will not involve cooperation with other local sellers as of yet, but Schiro did not oppose collaboration between businesses or between them and the city.
“I have a couple of friends that own businesses in town that I can pretty much guarantee that they’d be on board,” he said. “I think that it’s a good idea, but this is something that I felt like I wanted to spearhead and get the ball rolling on.”
For updates or more information on orientation, visit epicpowerbikes.com or the business’ Facebook page.
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“robust policies.” Ward also remarked that she feels a great deal of education should be left to parents.
“Not every street in our city is going to be safe to ride a bike; that is why we have the Pacific Coast Bike Trail,” Ward said.
In contrast, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Dun-
can explained that he feels the city does have the responsibility and owes it to the community to help with education. After recounting an incident in which he witnessed a child get injured on an e-bike, he said that education should not be left solely to parents.
“We can’t just say to parents, ‘It’s on you,’ ” Duncan said. “We need to imple-
ment a training program that would be staffed by the city; I think we need a bike registration program so we can keep track of the bikes.”
During the meeting, Mayor Gene James also spoke, explaining his stance and noting that retailers of e-bikes play a role, too.
“I think e-bike retailers need to take
the lead, they need to get together, they need to create a safety program,” James said.
Moving forward, the city’s Public Safety Committee will come to the City Council meeting on Oct. 18 with detailed information on what the City of Carlsbad has done and how San Clemente can also mitigate collisions.
Marcus Schiro of Epic Power Bikes is looking to educate the community by holding a class on electric bicycle safety and rules of the road in the coming weeks. Photo: C. Jayden SmithSugar Blossom Bake Shop Founder to Release Vegan Cookbook
BY C. JAYDEN SMITHIn her latest venture, the founder of San Clemente’s Sugar Blossom Bake Shop is set to release her fourth cookbook, Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two, in hopes of guiding more people to regularly eat better.
After the success Lei Shishak found with the Downtown San Clemente bakery led her to write her first cookbook in 2014 full of baking recipes, she found a passion that combines her interests.
“I love the experience of creating something from nothing, basically,” Shishak said. “I love creating in the kitchen and developing new recipes, and I really love writing, too.”
Sugar Blossom came into existence after a career as an executive pastry chef across Los Angeles and Orange County that saw Shishak work in Dana Point and gain familiarity with San Clemente.
When she saw a storefront that was open for lease next to BeachFire Bar & Grill on Avenida Del Mar, she jumped at the opportunity to fulfill her dream and open the bakery in 2010.
Shishak said she was excited to bring a new kind of business to downtown and was blessed by how the community welcomed her, adding that her love of creativity and sharing knowledge translates directly into writing cookbooks.
During her time at Sugar Blossom, which she sold in 2020, Shishak recalled that people would come in to order a cake with their own design ideas in mind, but also wanted her to add her spin.
“I don’t expect the people who buy my
cookbooks to make the recipe exactly as written,” she said. “I mean, part of the joy of cooking is adding your own flair.”
No part of the process of learning to eat more plant-based foods should be restrictive, according to Shishak, as she said she also doesn’t expect a reader to immediately cut out all animal products from their diet.
“I get that it’s a process, and it’s a process for me, too,” said Shishak. “I’m not 100% meat-free, and I don’t know if I ever will be, and I think that’s personally fine.”
With more free time on her hands from March 2020 onward—after her 10-year lease on Del Mar ended and the pandemic spread—Shishak took six months to determine what she wanted to write about next. Once she concluded that she enjoyed cooking at home and
Capo Unified Addresses E-Bike Use with New ‘Safe Routes to School’ Policy
BY COLLIN BREAUXGiven the rise in use of electric bikes, the Capistrano Unified School District is establishing a policy to govern their use on school campuses.
The CUSD Board of Trustees voted on Sept. 21 to allow the district to implement a “Safe Routes to School” policy that’s meant to provide guidelines for students on how to ride safely and properly store their e-bikes at school.
In-depth details of the policy—that Board President Martha McNicholas noted is “still in development”—were not spelled out during the meeting or in an agenda report as each school site
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
SATURDAY, OCT. 1
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, OCT. 4
San Clemente City Council
5 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, as well as virtually. The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.
San Clemente Toastmasters
eating healthy, she decided to expand her knowledge of incorporating more vegetables into her diet.
Shishak earned a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate online from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and started developing recipes that also fit her current lifestyle in a two-person household.
“There’s definitely a huge momentum towards plant-based eating and also a huge momentum towards limiting waste in the kitchen, and this cookbook really combines those two areas,” she said.
Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two: Delicious Vegan Recipes to Enjoy Together will be released on Oct. 18, and it is available for pre-order on amazon.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at sanclementetimes.com.
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, OCT. 5
Planning Commission
5-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.
is responsible for developing their own procedures.
“Strategies in support of the Safe Routes to School Program shall be based on the grade levels of the students and an assessment of the conditions and needs of each school and the surrounding neighborhoods,” the district said in its report.
Aside from suggesting minor revisions, the trustees did not extensively comment on the policy, which had been introduced by the board during its meeting last month.
The policy “is essential for our schools
and our community,” said Michele Ploessel-Campbell, executive vice president of the Capistrano Unified Council Parent Teacher Student Association. “It will help save student lives.”
Ploessel-Campbell also noted that the Niguel Hills Parent Teacher Student Association recently hosted an e-bike education event in conjunction with the Dana Hills Parent Teacher Student Association, where the Safe Routes to School policy was mentioned.
Safety concerns over e-bikes have become a hot topic in South Orange County, with officials, law enforcement and school resource officers emphasizing an education-first approach to addressing community concerns of reckless ridership.
“Students riding e-bikes to/from
school and the storage of e-bikes on cam pus needs to be regulated,” the district said in its report. “A committee of district and site administrators developed a protocol for e-bikes, which includes storage, security, permits, education, bike classifications and safety. This policy has been reviewed and edited by legal counsel.”
The policy specifically outlines that the CUSD superintendent or a designee may appoint a Safe Routes to School Program coordinator and identify or establish district or school site committees to oversee and coordinate related activities.
The district can also collaborate with other entities including transportation agencies, cities, county agencies and community organizations.
Lei Shishak, the founder of San Clemente’s Sugar Blossom Bake Shop, is set next month to release her fourth cookbook, Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two, which focuses on plant-based eating. Photo: Courtesy of Lei Shishak/ Book Publicity ServicesMeet the Candidates
With the race for three open seats on the San Clemente City Council approaching, the San Clemente Times has posed a series of four questions to all 12 candidates.
Over the next few weeks, we will publish their responses—one per week—to give readers more insight before casting their votes by Nov. 8. The list of candidates is published according to the random alphabet drawn by the California Secretary of State. *INCUMBENT
QUESTION 2: The new City Council will be tasked this coming year with finding a chief executive to lead the city. What qualities should a candidate possess for this role? How would you define the relationship between a city manager and councilmember?
With three city managers in the past three years, my goal would be to hire a new city manager with a long-term relationship in mind.
There are reasons we’ve seen so much turnover. While city councilmembers can, and often do, place political agendas above other considerations, the job of the city manager is to manage our budget, our human resources and our priorities.
How we conduct ourselves as public officials matters just as much as our expectations of our top city administrator.
When evaluating candidates for city manager, I will be looking for a seasoned professional with a proven track record who has a reputation for being trustworthy, respectful, ethical, and acts with the utmost integrity.
The ability to work with and communicate with everyone on the City Council is important for their success and for ours. Egos and agendas rarely improve the way our city operates.
The city manager should not pick favorites and should be accountable not only to the City Council, but also to the public in general. This is a great community, and we deserve a great city manager.
VICTOR CABRALMy foremost priority, if elected to the City Council, will be to find the most qualified and skilled city manager to guide and manage our city over the next decade.
DONNA VIDRINE MARK ENMEIERCity councilmembers, like directors on the board of a company or nonprofit organization, set the vision and direction for the city. The city manager, by far the most important position serving in our local government, is responsible for implementing that direction and vision through the day-today operation of our city’s programs and essential services.
As councilmembers, we must be certain that person reflects the values and has the experience and skills to meet the expectations of our citizens.
We must take the time to carefully evaluate the skill set needed, consider possible improvements to the current organizational structure and functions of our city government offices and departments, and seek citizen and city employee input before making that choice.
Preliminarily, my list of important traits, characteristics and skills needed in a city manager include: prior successful experience as a city manager or equivalent positions and relevant education and degrees; ability to hire, supervise and delegate effectively; ability to think analytically and apply laws and regulations to facts and situations consistently; ability to prepare a city budget that focuses on efficiencies; proven ability as a good time and project manager; an ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with a wide variety of people and organizations; and should possess a common-sense approach to issues, and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
I would consider it beneficial if the individual is able to live in and become a member of the community.
What the last few years have shown San Clemente residents is that character and integrity matter. If elected, I will work to find someone who is able to respectfully listen to viewpoints from multiple parties and then humbly discern and propose the best course of action for our city within the scope of the will of the City Council. This person should have a track record of making sound decisions, is not afraid to admit when they are wrong, and also has the wherewithal to make it right. This person must be able to demonstrate that he or she can lead a staff with compassion and respect.
Furthermore, the city manager should also be able to take direction from the council with diligence, while also being able to speak truthfully about the state of our city. Beyond character, I want to make sure that the candidate has ample amount of experience, is innovative in tackling city issues, can work collaboratively within a budget, and is able to respect and reflect the culture of our town spirit.
The incoming city manager should have a solid and reputable work history that instills the public trust.
The council that decides who the next city manager will be should examine the following criteria: record of responsiveness to City Council direction and public inquiries; the retention and development of city staff and employees; the ability to bring forth a balanced budget for the council’s approval, along with the ability to oversee improvement projects to infrastructure and new development.
MARTINA MCBURNEYWHEELERThe role of City Council is to create public policy, and the city manager implements it by providing direction and resources to the staff required for the policy’s execution.
I would be remiss if I did not include that the city’s legal services should also be examined and discussed in part of the new leadership that will be taking place.
A prospective city manager should have at least a thorough understanding of the history of San Clemente (e.g., the Ole Hanson Spanish architecture) and Orange County in general.
From a contemporary perspective, a city manager should also acclimate to key local issues, such as homelessness, climate change, e-bikes, traffic, post-pan demic recovery, the controversy behind extending the 241 Toll Road, and other bits of city planning minutiae.
San Clemente is vastly unique from all the Orange County municipalities that I believe a successful city manager will be a jack-of-all-trades and approachable, but also have thick skin in handling criticism on what are often contentious local wedge issues.
As councilmembers, it will certainly be a joint effort in working with the city manager to best serve our residents, and this includes upholding symbiotic relationships with law enforcement, the fire department, nonprofits, environmentalists, developers, city planners, transportation engineers, and virtually every other city agency one can think of.
It’s a daunting role, but manageable by transparent, collaborative teamwork.
Both the City Council and city manager should share the vision to keep our beaches and parks as pristine as possible. In harmony with preserving our natural amenities, we also need to make all the corporate and governmental processes simplified for businesses to thrive.
A creative mindset is key to keeping our city operations efficient, our constituents pleased, all while simultaneously promoting San Clemente’s successes beyond our county, and even California.
CHANEL FETTY
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This candidate did not respond to San Clemente Times’ requests to participate in the Q&A.
ASHLEY WILLIAMSEDITOR’S NOTE:
This candidate did not respond to San Clemente Times’ requests to participate in the Q&A.
Any candidate for chief executive must possess considerable knowledge in finance and budget issues. The candidate should be forward-thinking and able to make tough decisions.
It would be helpful if he or she has prior experience as an assistant city manager or city manager in another city. He or she should also promote and welcome feedback and input from staff, residents, and City Council, while maintaining a calm demeanor with the highest integrity and trustworthiness.
Finally, our chief executive needs to be a team builder who fosters innovative solutions.
Professionalism and mutual respect are key in any relationship between the city manager and councilmembers. Communications should always be professional without bias toward one member over another.
The City Council establishes policy, while the city manager executes them, but at the same time provides professional and constructive feedback when required. Our city manager needs to communicate with City Council with honesty and straightforwardness, even if that is not what the City Council may want to hear.
This relationship is crucial to the success of our city.
QUESTION 2: The new City Council will be tasked this coming year with finding a chief executive to lead the city. What qualities should a candidate possess for this role? How would you define the relationship between a city manager and councilmember?AARON WASHINGTON
The quality I look for from a new city manager is the combination of a high level of professional skills and ethics. In addition, the city manager has to be an effective leader who can motivate employees, be approachable by members of the general public, and be able to translate council direction into actions for implementation.
Good knowledge and experience on essential city services, economic and business development, financial manage ment, and inter-agency coordination are essential. Experience and knowledge on coastal communities are highly desired.
The improvements on our financial situation, public satisfaction, efficiency of the operation, and the retention rate of employees are among the metrics I will pay close attention to in the new city manager’s performance, and I will set the expectation clear at the very beginning.
For the relationship between a city manager and councilmember, the council hires the city manager, makes city policies and important decisions on issues, and authorizes the spending. The city manager reports to the council as a body, but not to any individual councilmember.
The city manager should be unbiased toward individual councilmembers and should be a good communicator with the council, individual councilmembers, and the rest of the management team, so the council’s policy and direction can be effectively implemented.
The voters have a rare opportunity to allow our city to have a fresh start with a new City Council and manager team after many tumultuous years. I’m committed to work as a team player and to lead by example in order to restore public trust in our city government.
THOR JOHNSON
The responsibility of the city manager is to carry out the policies set forth by City Council. I’m looking for an individual who has experience managing a coastal city of similar size with a historical culture, and who is part of our community and does not commute from out of town.
Other necessary and essential qualities for our new city manager include being responsive, humble, respectful, financially conservative, creative, effective, and efficient.
I will foster an environment that promotes open communication between residents, businesses, City Council, and our city manager. It’s important we have a City Council who can bring the city manager, police chief, and all city departments to effectively work together toward our vision of a safer, cleaner, freer San Clemente.
I will work closely with and always be available for residents, businesses, and our city manager.
One responsibility of City Council is to support the city manager to ensure the city is always fully functioning and providing effective services to residents and businesses. I will use my entrepreneurial skills to support our city manager promoting our parks, beaches, and trails remain open, safe and clean; homeless reduction and outreach; a strong and thriving local economy; and financial stability.
To achieve these goals, we must elect a trusted, proven leader who is invested in the success of our city. I am the best-prepared candidate and well-qualified to serve. I would be honored to earn your vote.
The qualities a candidate must possess include self-confidence and emotional intelligence. The candidate must also have team-building, leadership and management skill sets.
Attracting and retaining a city manager is going to be tough, as our declining city culture has run off our last two managers. And, unfortunately, city employees have lost trust with the system, and are frustrated with the number of vacancies, and the workload they needed to absorb due to the city’s inability to fill those positions.
The successful candidate has to rebuild trust.
The city manager should have the following skill sets:
• Self-confidence, as every single day somebody will be making personal attacks.
• Emotional intelligence. The job is dealing with people with diverse thinking.
• Team-building, as City Hall and city residents have lost confidence that the city can work as a team.
• Leadership to drive our vision and lead the team
• Manager, to fight the daily fires.
All members of City Council must also possess these same attributes. They are servants to the people and share the responsibility with the city manager to help align the city to fulfill its mission statement.
The relationship between the city manager and City Council must be seamless. Unfortunately, over the last few years, that relationship has deteriorated to a point where it is now a detrimental to the city.
We have to do better. We can do better. Let us vote professionalism back into city government.
Our new city manager should be an honest and trustworthy, experienced executive with exceptional skills in delegating and follow-up. They should be able to properly predict and maintain San Clemente’s public safety, infrastructure and recreational facilities.
They should effectively carry out the direction and policies of the City Council. They should be very knowledgeable about the inner workings of a tourist beach town and be able to interact well with other local, state and federal authorities on regional issues, such as water quality, transportation and homelessness.
They should especially be knowledgeable of the operations of the California Coastal Commission, which has final jurisdiction over San Clemente permits within 1,000 yards of the ocean.
Most of all, they must have a servant’s attitude toward our residents and be capable, along with staff, of making informed decisions, and not be in the habit of hiring consultants to make and implement local policies.
QUESTION 2: The new City Council will be tasked this coming year with finding a chief executive to lead the city. What qualities should a candidate possess for this role? How would you define the relationship between a city manager and councilmember?
ZHEN WUDENNIS KAMP STEVEN KNOBLOCK*
Bringing Fall Events to a Thriving Community
The SCDBA is catching its breath after the 26th annual San Clemente Car Show, during which 250 classic beauties rolled into downtown, eliciting oohs and aahs from thousands of spectators young and old.
On the hot, humid day, pups were seen lapping up cold water at Fido’s Fill-Up Station, sponsored by Three Dog Bakery. Downtown retailer Mikii’s On Del Mar reported a spectacular day of sales and new customers.
TaxPro+, TaxPros+Investing, and San Clemente Estate Law joined the fun with their busy games booth—and gathering many new contacts. We love to see businesses using downtown events to creatively boost their customer base!
Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan and his family capped off a great day by presenting trophies to 14 enthusiastic winners. Thanks to the many local businesses sponsoring this popular event—the spirit of partnership is strong in San Clemente. See the sponsors list at sccarshow.com.
The SCDBA Village Art Faire returns on Oct. 1, to the shady lawns of the San Clemente Library
Just a few of the talented artists you’ll meet are Larry Beard, an award-winning ocean photographer (Instagram @LarryBeard); driftwood artist and San Clemente local Rich Powers (@sanclementedriftwoodart); and sea glass-inspired, hand-crafted jeweler Karen Androski of Wave Girl Designs (@wavegirldesigns). Find details at scdba.org/village-artfaire. Hop the trolley on Saturday to stroll the next Village Art Faire, then head up the street to your favorite down town shops and eateries.
Join us at Pronto Italian Deli for a fun, fall happy hour!
Pronto Italian Deli at 221 Avenida Del Mar will host SCDBA’s next Sip&Social Happy Hour on Oct. 13 from 5-7 p.m. All are welcome to sip, snack, mix and mingle! (Free to SCDBA Members, future members are warmly welcomed and asked to donate $10 at scdba.org, or at the door.) We sure hope you’ll join us!
Spooky news! SCDBA’s Treat Street is happening on Oct. 22 from 4-7 p.m. Costumed kids of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat at downtown businesses.
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A purple balloon outside signals a fun-loving business that is giving out candy.
musicians in the Community Outreach Alliance (COA) Music program will be rocking their stage at the top of the street.
Columnists
Fred Swegles
Tom Blake
ADVERTISING
Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP)
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So, throw on a festive scarf and come share a San Clemente holiday tradition with friends and neighbors.
Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho
THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS BUZZ BY JULIE HEINZELast year, the sidewalks were filled with ghosts and goblins, spiders and superheroes—a frightfully fun downtown evening—and, who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon a shop you hadn’t noticed before.
Shopkeepers, sign up to participate at scdba.org/treatstreet and receive a free purple balloon.
‘Puttin’ on the Glitz’ lights up downtown on Dec. 3
Less than three months away is the festive downtown “Puttin’ on the Glitz,” part of the City of San Clemente’s “Santa’s Village by the Sea.” Mark your calendar for Dec. 3 from 5-9 p.m. You’ll enjoy live music, carolers, and games—with merchants open late for holiday shopping all along Avenida Del Mar.
The “Glitz” will be a night for local talent to shine, as Triton cheer and dance teams will perform, and talented
“Glitz” is a great night to get marketing exposure. Retailers, services, clubs, and nonprofits are invited to reserve “Glitz” vendor booths at scdba.org/glitz—where those interested can also find sponsor opportunities.
We believe a connected community is a thriving community, and we invite businesses and nonprofits to join the SCDBA in support of a strong downtown—the cultural and commercial heart of San Clemente.
Learn about the many benefits of SCDBA membership and sign up at scdba.org/membership. We’re always ready to talk at info@scdba.org.
Julie Heinze is Director of the SCDBA and designer at Julie Heinze Design. SC
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opin ion 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.
Copy Editor
Randy Youngman
FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines
CONTRIBUTORS
Megan Bianco, Jake Howard
San Clemente Times, Vol. 17, Issue 39. The SC Times (sanclem entetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copy right: 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.
FOLLOW SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
by Julie Heinze Car enthusiasts gather along Avenida Del Mar on Sept. 11 to admire the hundreds of classics, woodies, hot rods and muscle cars on display at the Downtown Business Association’s annual San Clemente Car Show. Photo: Shawn RaymundoOVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS
During the month of September, the county launched a weeklong campaign called “Light Up Hope OC,” during which many prominent locations, including Dana Point Harbor and the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, were lit up in teal and purple to raise awareness about suicide prevention and offer hope to the Orange County community.
Mental illness and suicide remain difficult topics to discuss and are frequently tabooed subjects, but they don’t have to be. For too long, people struggling with depression, loneliness, isolation,
and feelings of hopelessness have suffered in silence, afraid perhaps of being judged or shamed.
On the flip side, there are those who’ve sensed that all is not quite right with a loved one—they seemed distant, with drawn, sad—but they could not find the words to start the conversation or were too afraid to broach the subject for fear of doing more harm than good.
mental illness to first acknowledge they need help, and second, seek treatment to heal the pain and suffering.
Listening, expressing concern, and providing reassurance will go a long way in supporting someone grappling with suicidal thoughts.
Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Sept. 30, at 8 a.m. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.
Suicide impacts the senior community particularly hard. Older adults comprise just 12% of the population, but they make up 18% of all suicides. Loneliness is one of the top reasons why older adults attempt suicide. Many have lost a spouse and may not have family or friends nearby.
long after that, in partnership with the private sector, the county opened the first mental health and wellness campus in Orange County.
BARTLETT BULLETIN BY LISA BARTLETTSo, how do we overcome the stigma surrounding mental illness? How do we help and encourage those struggling with emotional pain to seek help without fear and/or trepidation? And how can we overcome our fear of sparking a meaningful conversation about suicide that could ultimately save a life?
Well, we can start by recognizing that suicide is preventable and acknowledging that mental illness is as real and debilitating as any other physical ailment.
While many of us don’t think twice about going to a doctor or hospital when we’re not physically feeling well, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength for someone suffering from a
Social connections are critical to good mental health. It’s so important to keep in touch with your older loved ones. Ask them how they are feeling, and if you get signs that they are depressed, anxious, or notice they start to give away possessions and put their affairs in order, express your concern, reassure them and—most importantly—get help.
The county’s Health Care Agency offers a comprehensive range of mental health and suicide prevention resources to support individuals of all ages who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, a behavioral health emergency.
In 2020, I spearheaded efforts to create the Office of Suicide Prevention, which oversees key suicide prevention and stigma-reduction programming. Not
BeWell OC, located in the City of Orange, is the first of three planned campuses to offer a comprehensive system of care for mental health.
We can all play a role in promoting and supporting good mental health. Please encourage those in crisis to reach out by calling the 9-8-8 lifeline and get the help they need. Together, we can make a difference.
For more information on suicide prevention and stigma reduction, visit suicideispreventable.org.
Lisa Bartlett sits on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the Fifth District. She was reelected 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 Opin ion 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.
The List
What’s going on in and around town this week
CLEMENTE TIMEStica’s Redmond Family Amphitheater. Admission is $5. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.
SUNDAY | 02
JUMP OFF THE PIER WITH PIERPRIDE
10 a.m. PierPride Foundation invites eight lucky people to jump off the San Clemente Pier. The cost is $1,000 for a solo jump or $1,500 for a two-person jump. Wanna jump? Contact PierPride by heading to pierpride.org or calling board member Eileen Kawas at 310.739.3517 to learn more.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
AT THE LOST INFERNO
Editor’s Pick
FRIDAY | 30
‘LITTLE WOMEN’
7:30 p.m. On weekends through Oct. 9, the Cabrillo Playhouse presents Little Women, Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the four March sisters. Filled with buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.” Admission is $33. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. cabrilloplayhouse.org.
SATURDAY | 01
VILLAGE ART FAIRE
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association on the lawn of the SC Library, the Village Art Faire offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, home decor, botanicals, textile art, and more. Visitors can expect to find many of their favorite artists, as well as some new faces. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org.
THE L.A. TROUPE PRESENTS
EDGAR ALLAN POE
10:30-11:30 a.m. Get into the Halloween spirit with performances of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, such as The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven, at Casa Roman-
4 p.m. Experience an Enchanted Escape Tiki Magic performance, headlined by Nader Hanna, and journey through the history of tiki cocktails. The event is strictly for those aged 18 and older, and for attendees aged 21 and up regarding alcohol consumption. There is also a two-cocktail or $25 order minimum per guest in each party. Tickets are $60. Limited seating is available. A second event will be held at 7 p.m. The Lost Inferno, 425 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.
TUESDAY | 04
PING-PONG FOR SAN CLEMENTE SENIORS
10-noon. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, San Clemente senior citizens can have fun and exercise with other local seniors at the Shorecliffs Ter race by playing Ping-Pong. All equipment is provided for free. For more information, contact Joel at 949.481.2275. Shorecliffs Terrace, 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente.
WEDNESDAY | 05
STACKED PUMPKINS PAINT NIGHT
6-8 p.m. Peace of Art & Soul Studio is hosting this paint party at Lost Winds Brewing Company, so gather up your friends and paint together. Participants will paint a Happy Fall Ya’ll Pumpkin design. The cost to join is $55, which must be paid ahead of time, and includes all supplies and step-by-step instructions. Beginners welcome, and all painters leave with a finished door sign painting. Also, sign up, and you get a drink free at check-in at the event. There will also be door prizes on the night of the Paint Party. Participants should arrive about 20 minutes early to order drinks and food, and get prepped for painting. Sign up at conta.cc/3RUJ0Kq. 924 Calle Negocio Suite C, San Clemente.
THURSDAY | 29 OPENING RECEPTION OF ENDLESS SUMMER
6-8 p.m. During this opening reception for the Endless Summer programs at Casa Romantica, guests will have a chance to meet with the three artists who depicted surf culture and the influence of the ocean using different mediums. Wade Koniakowsky and Kristianne Koch Riddle will show off their work in the gallery, and Olga Lah will show her work in the gardens. The opening reception is free and open to the public. Beer tastings will be available from Los Molinos Beer. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.
AT THE MOVIES‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ There Are Still Worse Movies Out There
BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMESOlivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling, her second film as a director, is the latest, most uneventful movie to have juicy on-set gossip, following constant reports and rumors of the cast and crew. But what is this movie even about?
In a sunny, retro, private community called Victory in Southern California, full-time housewife Alice Chambers (Florence Pugh) and husband/businessman Jack (Harry Styles) are an idyllic, carefree, happy couple with no real worries or problems.
The neighbors in the cul-de-sac in which they reside are their closest friends and are just as at peace as Alice and Jack. When one of the wives in Victory, Margaret (Kiki Layne), begins behaving strangely at the same time Alice starts having odd visions and dreams, the former gradually becomes suspicious of Victory founder Frank (Chris Pine).
After so much built-up hype by Wilde and Warner Bros. about how impressive Styles’ acting debut is in Don’t Worry Darling, and then an immediate downturn from critics claiming he’s not only miscast, but straight-up
bad, I can say he’s closer to somewhere in the middle.
He does feel out of his league during the more intense scenes near the end, especially opposite Pugh, but he’s basically fine in the party and flirty sequences. The rest of the cast are solid, and the aesthetics are pleasing—including Wilde’s direction.
Don’t Worry Darling, for the most part, is a run-of-the-mill psycho thriller with a pretty hokey final act. Like a lot of psychological suspense films, the twists by the end either turn out “mind-blowing” or a letdown. Unfortunately, in this case, it’s the latter.
The final product doesn’t bring anything new to the familiar formula we’ve already seen in Bryan Forbes’ The Stepford Wives (1975), Peter Weir’s The Truman Show (1998) and Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999), either.
If it weren’t for Styles’ casting and the implosion of behind-the-scenes stories in the past year, Don’t Worry Darling probably would have just been casually placed in theaters and on streaming with hardly any notice. SC
Pictured is the painting “Primal Energy” by Wade Koniakowsky. Photo: Courtesy of Casa RomanticaThe Legend of the San Clemente Monster
In 1933, the world was abuzz with news of the sighting of a large, prehistoric-looking monster lurking in a Scottish lake named Loch Ness.
It was described as having a large head on a long neck with a huge body. A fuzzy photograph appeared in newspapers worldwide. Tourists flocked to the lake hoping to glimpse the beast.
A few months later, reports began appearing in Southern California newspa pers of a large, ugly sea serpent being seen by fishermen off the shores of the small town of San Clemente. Sightings of the San Clemente Monster became a thing.
The story actually has its roots in reports dating back to 1914 of a large monster of some sort living in the waters between San Diego and San Clemente Island called “The Clemente Monster.”
foot in diameter.”
As Bandini swung the boat around for a better look, the thing sank back into the water and disappeared. Others reported the same thing, one unnamed person telling a San Diego newspaper, “I’m still shaking. I never want to see eyes like that again.”
Keep in mind, these sightings occurred between the islands of San Clemente and Santa Catalina. It became known as the San Clemente Monster.
During the 1920s, the sightings faded into history and were largely forgotten. Then in 1934, noting the recent Loch Ness Monster hysteria, Esquire magazine ran a lengthy story of Bandini’s account of the San Clemente Monster.
HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
BY TOM MARSHALLBetween 1914 and 1919, there were so many reported sightings that it came to the attention of a legendary Southern California fisherman named Ralph Bandini, who was a lawyer, a member of the California Fish and Game Commission and the Secretary of the Tuna Club, one of the most respected big-game fishing clubs in the U.S.
Bandini reported seeing the serpent himself in 1919 while fishing with a friend. “All of a sudden, I saw something dark and big heave up … a great columnar neck and head … lifting a good 10 feet.
“It must have been 5 or 6 feet thick (with) a kind of mane of coarse hair. But the eyes, those were what held me. Huge, seemingly bulging, round—at least a
With its wide nationwide readership, the Esquire story sparked a wave (no pun intended) of new sightings. Fishermen and tourists flocked to the town of San Cle mente for a look themselves, apparently unaware that the “Monster” was seen from the island of San Clemente, not the town.
People started reporting seeing strange creatures near our beach and pier. Townsfolk, happy to welcome the crowds of onlookers and their cash during The Great Depression, did little to discourage the story, which was now appearing in newspapers all over the country.
Some scientists reported the sightings sounded like an ancient plesiosaur, but they became extinct 66 million years ago. Others opined they thought it all a hoax or, at best, hallucinations.
Once again, the stories faded into history. There have been occasional reports of weird creatures being spotted off our coastline, but nothing has caught the public’s eye. All good things (and scary things) must come to an end.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Anyone recognize this lucky 1950s-era fisherman? Let the San Clemente Historical Society know by submitting guesses to 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
Fitz Patrick
SAN CLEMENTE TIMESThis adorable little pup is Fitz Patrick, a 1-year-old cutie-pie looking to find his new best friend. Initially a bit shy, Fitz Patrick is full of love and kisses once he gets to know you. He is quite the character and can easily put a smile on any face. Fitz Patrick also gets along well with dogs his own size and would make a wonderful canine companion for the right family.
If you are interested in adopting Fitz Pat rick, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org. SC
Or do they? Seen anything weird out there?
Tom Marshall is a member of the San Clemente Historical Society and a retired journalist. SC
Sudoku
BY MYLES MELLORLAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdi vided 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
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.
See the solution in next week’s issue.
Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEKTRITON REPORT
BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMESBoys Cross Country Blows Away Dana Hills Invitational Field
With three top-10 finishers and four in the top 15, the San Clemente boys cross country team dominated a loaded field at the Dana Hills Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 24.
San Clemente, ranked No. 3 in CIF-SS Division 1, posted a team score of 53 points to win the Senior/Invitational race at Dana Hills High School and more than halve the second-place score of Great Oak (118 points). Tesoro and host Dana Hills tied for third with 149 points.
Senior Juan Chantaca led the Triton contingent in fourth place with a time of 14:47, and junior Brett Ephraim finished right behind in fifth place at 14:50. Senior Rory Catsimanes finished in the top 10 in seventh with a time of 14:51, and junior Taj Clark placed 15th at 15:03.
Junior Pierce Clark rounded out the San Clemente scorers in 29th at 15:23.
The Tritons placed their first four runners before second-place Great Oak had its first runner cross the line. Tesoro had the second individual finisher, but those first four San Clemente runners came in before Tesoro’s second runner.
The Tritons also placed their top three before Dana Hills’ first finisher.
In the girls Senior/Invitational race, junior Lyza Yetter paced San Clemente’s efforts with a 21st-place finish at 17:54. The second Tritons runner, senior Abigail Howard, finished a minute later in 62nd at 18:55, with senior Kennedy Banks com ing in by her side in 63rd at 18:56.
The San Clemente girls finished 10th as a team with 293 points. Host Dana Hills scored the individual winner, Allura Markow, at 16:38, and JSerra won the team title with 45 points and three runners in the top six. Dana Hills finished second with 88 points.
San Clemente next runs in a State Cham pionships course preview in the Clovis Invitational in Fresno on Oct. 8, with the Or ange County Championships the following week in Silverado Canyon on Oct. 15.
Football Takes Second Straight Loss, Remains Strong in Big Picture
After a 4-0 charge to open the season,
the San Clemente football team has now endured back-to-back losses.
The Tritons (4-2) took that second loss in a high-octane, barnburner at Murrieta Valley, 48-31, last Friday, Sept. 23. San Clemente put up its second-largest offensive output of the season, but the Tritons could never fully catch up to the soaring Nighthawks.
Junior quarterback Broderick Redden posted his most prolific passing night of the season. Redden completed 18 of 26 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. The completions and yardage were season-highs.
Senior receiver Thomas Hartanov was the beneficiary of the high-flying offensive night with season highs in receptions (six) and yards (129) with two touchdowns.
The Tritons were held under 100 yards rushing for the first time this season, but junior Aiden Rubin found the end zone twice for two rushing touchdowns and 32 yards on six carries.
Defensively, senior Cole Robertson and sophomore Max Bollard each wrapped up 16 tackles, and senior Kyle Yamano contributed 15 tackles. Senior safety Brad Gerken led with eight solo tackles and 13 total tackles with a fumble recovery.
Despite the pair of defeats, neither loss—at home to Edison, 21-16, two weeks ago and at Murrieta Valley—is
ultimately debilitating in the bigger picture.
In the latest CalPreps rankings, which are used to determine the CIF-SS playoff divisions at season’s end, Edison (5-0) is ranked No. 8, Murrieta Valley (4-1) is ranked No. 22, and the Tritons come in at No. 25. San Clemente slid from No. 18 following the loss to Murrieta Valley, and as of now, the Tritons would slot into Division 3.
At the end of the season, the Division 1 playoff bracket could be made up of four, six or eight teams. Assuming all the top-ranked teams remain as automatic qualifiers through their respective league finishes, San Clemente currently would slot into Division 3. If Division 1 is an eight-team bracket, which many see as unlikely due to the separation of the top-three teams (Mater Dei, St. John Bosco and Centennial of Corona) from the rest of the field, the Tritons would figure to be the top seed in Division 3.
However, as teams enter their league schedules and higher-ranked teams play each other, there are opportunities for San Clemente to gain rankings points and other teams ahead of the Tritons to lose rankings points.
The Tritons don’t stand to earn too many points with one last trip to San Diego County this season, as San Clemente plays at Steele Canyon on Friday,
Sept. 30. Overall, Steele Canyon has a low ranking compared to CIF-SS teams, despite the Cougars being ranked No. 14 by the CIF-San Diego Section. In the CalPreps rankings, Steele Canyon has a minus-1.7 rating, and San Clemente has a 39.1 rating. By CalPreps’ standards, the Cougars are one spot ahead of Oceanside, which the Tritons beat in their season opener, 48-7.
CIF-SS Rankings and Notes
San Clemente boys water polo is ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 2 as the Tritons get set to open South Coast League play. The Tritons began league play at San Juan Hills on Wednesday, Sept. 28, but results were not available at press time. San Clemente travels to Dana Hills on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
San Clemente girls volleyball remained in the CIF-SS Division 1/2 top 10 at No. 9 in the latest poll. The Tritons dropped their first round with reigning league co-champion Aliso Niguel last Thursday, Sept. 23. Aliso Niguel is ranked No. 12. San Clemente heads to the Santa Barbara Tournament this weekend.
A proposal to add girls flag football as a CIF-SS fall sport will be voted on by the CIF-SS Council on Thursday, Sept. 29. The vote by league representatives could potentially put girls flag football on the calendar for next school year in 2023. SC
For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Clemente High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports The San Clemente boys cross country team dominated the field at the Dana Hills Invitational with three top-10 finishers and four in the top 15. Photo: Courtesy of Brian EphraimPUBLIC NOTICES
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Loan No.: Pichika TS no. 2022-10474 APN: 690282-06 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UN DER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 10/8/2021, UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANA TION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEED ING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on 10/24/2022, at 1:30 PM of said day, At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, Ashwood TD Services LLC, a California Limited Liability Company, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to the power of sale conferred in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ramaiah Pichika and Jayalakshmi Pichika, Husband and Wife as Joint Tenants recorded on 10/15/2021 in Book n/a of Official Records of ORANGE County, at page n/a, Recorder’s Instru ment No. 2021000634130, by reason of a breach or default in payment or performance of the obli gations secured thereby, including that breach or default, Notice of which was recorded 6/16/2022 as Recorder’s Instrument No. 2022000217623, in Book n/a, at page n/a, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, lawful money of the United States, evi denced by a Cashier’s Check drawn on a state or national bank, or the equivalent thereof drawn on any other financial institution specified in section 5102 of the California Financial Code, authorized to do business in the State of California, ALL PAY ABLE AT THE TIME OF SALE, all right, title and interest held by it as Trustee, in that real property situated in said County and State, described as follows: Lot 78, Tract 8597, per Map, Book 344, Pages 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of Miscellaneous Maps. The street address or other common designation of the real property hereinabove described is pur ported to be: 203 Calle Del Juego, San Clemente, CA 92672. The undersigned disclaims all liabili ty for any incorrectness in said street address or other common designation. Said sale will be made without warranty, express or implied re garding title, possession, or other encumbrances, to satisfy the unpaid obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest and other sums as provided therein; plus advances, if any, thereun der and interest thereon; and plus fees, charges, and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts cre ated by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of said obligations at the time of initial publication of this Notice is $290,819.25. In the event that the deed of trust described in this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is secured by real property containing from one to four single-family residences, the follow ing notices are provided pursuant to the provi sions of Civil Code section 2924f: NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should under stand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the proper ty. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of out standing liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title
insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult ei ther of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mort gage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the Califor nia Civil Code. The law requires that informa tion about trustee’s sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 916-9390772 or visit this internet website www.nation wideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2022-10474. Information about post ponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not be immediately reflected in the telephone infor mation or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trust ee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916-939-0772, or vis it this internet website www.nationwideposting. com, using the file number assigned to this case 2022-10474 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must sub mit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit or declaration described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contact ing an attorney or appropriate real estate pro fessional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Dated: September 21, 2022 Ashwood TD Services LLC, a California Limited Liability Company Christopher Loria, Trustee’s Sale Officer 179 Niblick Road, #330, CA 93446 (SEAL) Tel.: (805) 296-3176 Fax: (805) 3239054 Trustee’s Sale Information: (916) 939-0772 or www.nationwideposting.com NPP0416257
To: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES 09/29/2022, 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226642803
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CUBESMART 156 1628 S. ANAHEIM WAY ANAHEIM, CA 92805
Full Name of Registrant(s): CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC
5 OLD LANCASTER ROAD MALVERN, PA 19355
This business is conducted by a DE Limited Liabil ity Company.
The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed
above on: 12/01/2021
CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC/s/DOUGLAS TYRELL/DOUGLAS TYRELL, VICE-PRESIDENT
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/26/2022.
Published in: San Clemente Times September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226642962
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CUBESMART 162 2730 S FAIRVIEW STREET SANTA ANA, CA 92704
Full Name of Registrant(s):
CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC
5 OLD LANCASTER ROAD MALVERN, PA 19355
This business is conducted by a DE Limited Liabil ity Company.
The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/01/2021
CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC/s/DOUGLAS TYRELL/DOUGLAS TYRELL, VICE-PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/29/2022.
Published in: San Clemente Times September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226642989
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CUBESMART 157 4200 NORTH HARBOR BLVD FULLERTON, CA 92835
Full Name of Registrant(s):
CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC
5 OLD LANCASTER ROAD MALVERN, PA 19355
This business is conducted by a DE Limited Liabil ity Company.
The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/01/2021
CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC/s/DOUGLAS TYRELL/DOUGLAS TYRELL, VICE-PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/29/2022.
Published in: San Clemente Times September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
T.S. No.: 9462-4986 TSG Order No.: 200197009 A.P.N.: 690-082-06
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 07/05/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPER TY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NBS Default Services, LLC, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded 07/13/2005 as Document No.: 2005000539226, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Or ange County, California, executed by: MATTHEW J. CUTONE, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable in full at time of sale by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or
national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and state, and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. Sale Date & Time: 10/17/2022 at 9:00 AM Sale Location: Auction.com Room Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Anaheim - Orange County, 100 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868 The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1209 VIA LA JOLLA, SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other com mon designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regard ing title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, towit: $833,005.29 (Estimated). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL
BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear owner ship of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens se nior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encour aged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY
OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursu ant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 1-800-280-2832 or visit this internet website, www. auction.com, using the file number assigned to this case T.S.# 9462-4986. Information about postpone ments that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not imme diately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the sched uled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the Califor nia Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property
PUBLIC NOTICES
TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM
if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 855-976-3916, or visit this internet website https://tracker.auction. com/sb1079/, using the file number assigned to this case T.S.# 9462-4986 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bid der,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclu sive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. NBS Default Services, LLC 14841 Dallas Parkway, Suite 425 Dallas, TX 75254 800-7667751 For Trustee Sale Information Log On To: www. auction.com or Call: 1-800-280-2832. NBS Default Services, LLC, James Aranda, Foreclosure Associate This communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. However, if you have received a discharge of the debt referenced herein in a bankruptcy pro ceeding, this is not an attempt to impose personal liability upon you for payment of that debt. In the event you have received a bankruptcy discharge, any action to enforce the debt will be taken against the property only. NPP0415838 To: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES 09/22/2022, 09/29/2022, 10/06/2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 30-2022-01277921
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner KATE LYN ELIZABETH HUGHES filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name
KATELYN ELIZABETH HUGHES
Proposed Name
KATELYN ELIZABETH BERRIEN
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the peti tion for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objec tion is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
Notice of Hearing
Date: 11/09/2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100. The address of the court is Central Justice Cen ter, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Other: Remote Hearing. Your hearing will be held REMOTELY via video at the date and time indicated on the notice or order to which this mes sage is attached. You are NOT to physically appear at the courthouse on the date of your hearing. To obtain instructions on how to appear remotely for your hearing, you MUST do the following no later than the day before the hearing (or no later than Friday, if the hearing is on Monday): 1. Go to the Court’s website at www.occourts.org; 2. Click on the “COVID-19” button; 3. Click on the “Civil” but ton; 4. Click on the “Remote Hearing Instructions”
button; 5. Follow the instructions. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you or your witnesses, do not have the ability to access the court’s website above, or are un able to follow the instructions on the Court’s web site, or are otherwise unable to appear remotely, you MUST call the courtroom or call (657) 622-8513, prior to your hearing, to request an alternate means to appear. Failure to do so may result in your case being dismissed, or a ruling issued against you.
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be pub lished at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the pe tition in the following newspaper of general circu lation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times
Date: 08/30/2022
JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court
Published: San Clemente Times, September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 30-2022-01278709
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JOSE REYNALDO SOTO ARELLANO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as fol lows:
Present Name
JOSE REYNALDO SOTO ARELLANO
Proposed Name
JOHN REYNALDO SOTO ARELLANO
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the peti tion for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objec tion is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
Notice of Hearing
Date: 11/16/2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100. The address of the court is Central Justice Cen ter, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Other: Remote Hearing. Your hearing will be held REMOTELY via video at the date and time indicated on the notice or order to which this mes sage is attached. You are NOT to physically appear at the courthouse on the date of your hearing. To obtain instructions on how to appear remotely for your hearing, you MUST do the following no later than the day before the hearing (or no later than Friday, if the hearing is on Monday): 1. Go to the Court’s website at www.occourts.org; 2. Click on the “COVID-19” button; 3. Click on the “Civil” but ton; 4. Click on the “Remote Hearing Instructions” button; 5. Follow the instructions. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you or your witnesses, do not have the ability to access the court’s website above, or are un able to follow the instructions on the Court’s web site, or are otherwise unable to appear remotely, you MUST call the courtroom or call (657) 622-8513, prior to your hearing, to request an alternate means to appear. Failure to do so may result in your case being dismissed, or a ruling issued against you.
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be pub lished at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the pe tition in the following newspaper of general circu lation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times
Date: 09/06/2022
JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court
Published: San Clemente Times, September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226642348
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PENGUIN AND ASSOCIATES
21 WHITECLOUD IRVINE, CA 92614
Full Name of Registrant(s): WEN PENG
21 WHITECLOUD IRVINE, CA 92614
This 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/WEN PENG
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/23/2022.
Published in: San Clemente Times September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226644235
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LOREN SMETS ASSOCIATES 703 CALLE BRISA, SUITE 100
SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673
Full Name of Registrant(s):
LOREN GLEN SMETS
703 CALLE BRISA, SUITE 100
SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673
This business is conducted by an individual.
The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/01/2022
/s/LOREN SMETS
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 09/14/2022
Published in: San Clemente Times Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 2022
Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the San Clemente Times.
• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA)
• Name C hanges
• Lien Sale
• Alcoholic Beverage License
• Notice to Creditors
• Petitions for Probate
• Trustee Sale
• Summons – Divorce – Civil
• Annual Report
• Non-Responsibility
• Dissolution of Par tnership
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SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM
GARAGE SALES
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 12pm Monday.
PLANT SALE - SEPT 30 & OCT. 1
9 am-2 pm. Large variety of beautiful succulents and other plants for sale in pots. Come say hello and stock up at very reasonable prices. 33542 Via De Agua, SJC.
GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
8:30 AM-12:00 PM. 210 Calle Sonora, SC.
THREE COMMUNITY ANNUAL
GARAGE SALE - OCTOBER 1
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Mesa Vista, Loma Vista & Mesa Vista South. Numerous homes par ticipating. Look for our signs & orange flags.
MESA VISTA GARAGE SALE - OCTOBER 1
7:00 AM. Lots of electronic test equipment from Tektronix, Hewlett Packard, etc. Semi-conductors, transistors, IC’s, Micro processors, power supplies, precision
tools. Model trains, Military items, stamps, books & more. 27355 Paseo La Serna, SJC.
GARAGE/MOVING SALE - OCTOBER 1
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 16 Gema, SC. Large leather sectional, bedroom set, dishes, grandfather clock, electric trains, bar stools.
FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY
GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
8am-12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares.
FOR SALE
SURFBOARD FOR SALE
Hand-shaped Channel Islands 7’4” surfboard (20 x 2 3/4). Great condition. $300 OBO. Text 949.702.3142.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Experienced Tile setters and helpers, Slab Fabricators, Slab Installation 5 years exp Top pay based on experienced. 949-395-3369
LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PROSTHODONTICS
Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P.
2377 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.544.9355, lloydlegal.com
BODY MIND SPIRIT
ARE YOU HAPPY?
Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com
DENTISTS
Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, Suite B, San Clemente, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com
Contact
at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, San Clemente, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com
ELECTRICAL
Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com
LIST LOCALS ONLY
USE LOCALS ONLY
Contact Lauralyn Loynes for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS
3West Environmental, Inc. www.3westenviro.com
Residential & commercial inspections for mold, asbestos and lead paint. 949.482.1357
MUSIC LESSONS
Rock Club Music School 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr., DDS 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, (949)361-GUMS (4867), sanclementeperiodontics.com
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com
REALTORS
“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, sandyandrich.com
Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com
Want
Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
Aaron Lloyd Bankruptcy Attorney ATTORNEYBUSINESS DIRECTORY
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD
HERE
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD
HERE
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD
HERE
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
Team USA Goes Gold
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMESAfter a high-pressure, high-stakes week of surfing at the ISA World Surfing Games in Huntington Beach, San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton came out on top, winning the women’s gold medal and leading the American squad to their first team gold since 2009.
Not only that, thanks to a new rule change, by virtue of winning the women’s division, Pinkerton has earned an extra Olympic spot for the American women.
“I’m incredibly happy right now. I don’t even know what to say; this whole week has been really cool,” Pinkerton said after the victory celebration.
Heading into the finals, Pinkerton was the only American surfer left in the draw after fellow San Clemente surfer and 2020 Olympian Kolohe Andino and Santa Cruz’s Nat Young were knocked out of the event.
Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan and Zoe McDougall also had strong showings throughout the contest, but when it came down to crunch time, it was 19-year-old Pinkerton who had the weight of her country on her shoulders.
In the final, she faced seasoned competitors in France’s Pauline Ado, Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons and Peru’s Daniella Rosas, all of whom competed in surfing’s
inaugural Olympic event in Japan.
Undaunted, the 2018 WSL World Junior Champion settled into the final early, posting a 5.0 right out of the gates. The pressure mounted as the time ticked off the clock, and Pinkerton found herself needing a score. Finding a diamond in the rough, she paddled into a mid-sized wave, went to work, and came away with a 6.30—just enough to turn the heat and win the gold.
In celebration of her biggest win of her young career, Pinkerton was chaired up the beach by teammates and Lowers regulars Andino and Griffin Colapinto.
“Every heat has been almost impossible,” she said afterward. “The fact that it all came together at the end, I’m just in complete awe right now.”
Pinkerton’s win was enough to put the American team over the top in the overall points standings. Edging out the Australians by a mere 185 points, the U.S. won team gold—for the first time in more than a decade.
And because of Pinkerton’s effort, the U.S. Surfing squad has earned an extra spot for a woman on their roster at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The surfing event will be held at Teahupoo in Tahiti—also known as French Polynesia.
On the men’s side of the draw, Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi earned the top spot on the podium, which followed a strong
season of the WSL Championship Tour that saw him make the prestigious Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lower Trestles.
Having grown up in Huntington Beach, Igarashi’s win in front of the hometown crowd was especially sweet for the 2020 Olympic silver medalist.
“That was definitely really special,” Igarashi said. “Obviously, an individual win is great, but to know that I secured the spot for Japan in the Olympics coming up, wow, that’s such a special feeling. Whether I go or whether one of my teammates goes, just knowing that there will be someone there representing, that means a lot.”
Similar to Pinkerton, Igarashi’s win guar antees an additional male surfer for the Japanese team at the 2024 Paris Games.
“The Olympic wave is truly rolling
strong after an historic event in Hunting ton Beach. USA and Japan can now look forward to competing in the mind-blow ing waves of Teahupoo as a part of Paris 2024,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “It has been so special to have this incredible event take place in the location of the very first World Surfing Games at the start of the long surfing paddle to the Olympics in 1996.”’
Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC
SURF FORECAST
GROM OF THE WEEK
WILLOW WILDER HOLMAN
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMESJust how does a 5-year-old get into ’80s hair metal? That’s a question perhaps only Willow Wilder Holman can answer.
Not only is Willow, a hard-charging kindergartener, into some of the raddest ’80s bands, but she’s also obsessed with the boardsports life.
Recently winning the SC Open Skate Contest’s highly competitive, and amaz ingly inspiring, 5 and Under division, Willow is reportedly “obsessed” with skate
boarding and skates everywhere she goes. Working with instructor Shane Sheckler at Foot Plant Skate in San Clemente, Wil low’s been blasting ollies, hitting hips, and just dialed in her rock ‘n’ roll to fakie on a 5-foot ramp. Her goal is to “be a Sandlot
Times Skateboarder when she is 6.”
“She loves ’80s hair bands, Quiet Riot, Billy Squier and Val Halen. Her biggest inspiration and hero is her big ‘brother’ Zack. She also loves classic mopars, going fast and doing huge burnouts with her dad, Jason,” reports Willow’s family. “In her spare time, she enjoys shopping at Rocket Fizz, watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and she wants to be Trans former Optimus Prime for Halloween.”
In fact, Willow is so into the music that she’s having a Quiet Riot-themed birthday party—which absolutely rocks!
Keep on skating and banging your head, Willow. In the words of the late, great Eddie Van Halen, “You only have 12 notes. Do what you want with them.” SC
If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.
Water Temperature: 64-66 Degrees F
Water Visibility and Conditions: 2-4
Thursday: An easing South/southwest and Northwest swell mix has waves running waist to head high, (3-5’). Light/variable winds in the morning, turn to a light+ westerly sea breeze during the afternoon.
Outlook: The swell combination continues to slowly fade on Friday, for mainly waistshoulder high surf, (3-4’+). The trend towards smaller size persists through the weekend, with Sunday’s waves down in the thigh to stomach high range, (2-3’+). The pattern of light and variable morning winds, followed by light+ to moderate afternoon onshores continues from Friday through the weekend.
San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton, pictured here in the center holding the American flag, won the women’s gold medal at last week’s ISA World Surfing Games, as she led the U.S. Surf Team to its first team gold medal since 2009. Photo: Courtesy of ISA/Pablo FrancoAnchored by San Clemente star Kirra Pinkerton, the American squad took top honors at last week’s ISA World Surfing GamesPROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA Willow Wilder Holman. Photo: Courtesy of the Holman Family