INSIDE: Special Section
FEBRUARY 3-9, 2022 | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 5
L O C A L
N E W S
Y O U
C A N
U S E
Short-Handed
Capo Unified Grappling with Substitute Teacher Shortage E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3
A lack of available substitute teachers has caused some student teachers and administrators to handle extra classroom instruction. Photo: Courtesy of Pexels
sanclementetimes.com
New Senate Bill Would Require Students to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
Federal Funding for SC Shoreline Project Delayed
SCHS Boys Soccer Plays for League Title
EYE ON SC/ PAGE 5
EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
SPORTS/PAGE 24
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
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EYE ON SC
What’s Up With... TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK
CUSD Grapples with Substitute Teacher Shortage BY COLLIN BREAUX
The Capistrano Unified School District saw its existing substitute teacher shortage become even more acute after the Thanksgiving break, San Clemente High School Principal Chris Carter said. The first three weeks at the start of 2022 were particularly rough, Carter recalled. “January hits, and it got ugly,” he said. CUSD has been dealing with a general shortage of substitute teachers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—a shortage that Carter said was extremely difficult in 2021. “We struggled all last year,” Carter said. The shortage has been bad enough to warrant action by the CUSD Board of Trustees at a recent meeting—specifically, a resolution approved on Jan. 19 intended to address the shortage. Among provisions approved by the board included allowing student teachers to be assigned to a classroom without the supervision of a credentialed teacher and issuing temporary certificates to individuals with a bachelor’s degree and a background check. The district easing regulations to address staffing needs follows an executive order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 11 that also allowed flexibility with school staffing. A staff report for the Jan. 19 meeting outlined the dilemma, noting that the shortage has been a result of the surge in COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant, as well as the district having an insufficient number of employed substitutes available to cover staff absences. From Jan. 3-12 of this year, instruc-
Federal Funding for SC Shoreline Project Delayed BY C. JAYDEN SMITH
Government funding to the San Clemente Sand Replenishment Project will not be coming as early as some might have hoped. Rep. Mike Levin’s office confirmed on Friday, Jan. 28, that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided not to award fundSan Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
tional programs in CUSD needed to fill 2,064 substitute teaching assignments for in-person instruction at an average of 258 assignments per day for eight working days, according to the report. “Due to extreme substitute shortages caused by the omicron-driven rise in COVID-19 cases, the instructional programs were unable to fill daily substitute assignments at an average of 22% per instructional day,” the report said. The recent shortage is said by local education officials to be easing up now, but it was pronounced in January during the general recent labor shortage, driven, in part, by a spike in cases following widespread holiday traveling and gatherings. “Quite often, we rely on retired people,” Carter said. “COVID hit, and some of them didn’t want to put themselves in that situation.” An “enormous” number of teachers did not report to class after the recent holiday break, Carter said. The current pay rate for substitute teachers in CUSD is $175 a day. CUSD Trustee Gila Jones said while people might “push through” illnesses in normal times, “responsible people” are no longer doing that during the COVID-19 pandemic—hence, the reason there might be fewer instructors in the classrooms on a given day. Joy Schnapper, head of the Capistrano Unified Education Association—the local teachers union—said the shortage has been difficult for teachers, students, and the district as a whole. While the district has done a lot to increase the number of people in the “pool” of substitutes, potential substitutes might not feel comfortable venturing out, considering the various strains of COVID-19 circulating, Schnapper said. “It’s really (been) quite a task, but I
A lack of available substitute teachers has caused some student teachers and administrators to handle extra classroom instruction, and has prompted state and local education officials to relax requirements in an attempt to widen the pool of available substitutes. Photo: Shawn Raymundo
ing to kick-start the shoreline project that’s intended to place nearly 251,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach from Linda Lane to T-Street. “While the project was not included in this year’s Army Corps allocation under the law, I remain confident that we will get the project funded,” said Levin, in an email to San Clemente Times, referring to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The project requires about $14 million to get off the ground, including $9.2 million from the federal government. Page 3
think people have been coming together on a wing and a prayer until the numbers subside,” Schnapper said. “My experience has always been that subs have been welcomed on campus.” Some teachers are taking extra students into their classrooms, and special education teachers have been tasked at times with covering open classrooms that need an instructor, Schnapper said. The shortage is not unique to CUSD and is a statewide and even national issue—and represents a decline that has been steadily happening “for a while,” Schnapper said. Reasons given by Schnapper for the gradual decline include the increasing specialized and accelerating needs in education that can be hard to cover, including those related to math and foreign languages. More job security for substitutes—who are not unionized in CUSD— could further help, Schnapper said. At Dana Hills High School, current teachers have sometimes given up their preparation time to fill in for open classes when substitutes aren’t available, Principal Brad Baker said.
Even administrators, including Baker, have had to pull double duty. “It is getting better,” Baker said. Baker said he is proud of the way his school staff has overcome absences and that the school district has done a fantastic job in recruiting substitutes. Every morning is a puzzle that everyone at Dana Hills puts together, Baker said. “At Dana Hills, we’ve been able to get by. We’ve always been able to overcome,” Baker said. “I’m really impressed with the effort everyone’s put in.” Dana Hills staff and faculty could use patience and grace from the public as they deal with the shortage, Baker said. Being a substitute teacher is a tough role and one that requires the right skill set and temperament, Carter said, adding that CUSD in general is understaffed. Anyone who is qualified for a substitute teacher position and wants to apply is welcome to do so with the district, Carter said—particularly if they’re looking for part-time work. “Substitute teachers are an important commodity in our district,” he said. “We absolutely cherish their time and efforts.”
Levin remained optimistic about finding another source for the $9.2 million necessary to begin the first phase in the near future. “Last year, the House passed spending legislation that includes $9.3 million for the project at my request, and I have been working with my colleagues to keep that funding in any spending legislation that becomes law,” he said in the email. On Nov. 15, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill into law, which allocated more than $17
billion to the Army Corps for it to distribute toward various infrastructure projects. Levin had said during a press conference earlier in January that his relationship with the Army Corps gave him reason to believe that the development was “heading in the right direction.” More than a week later, however, on Jan. 19, Levin announced that $30.5 million of the Army Corps’ infrastructure monies will fund the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project and $1.8 million would be spent on the Oceanside Special Shoreline Study. sanclementetimes.com
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
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EYE ON SC
with the differences in information on the incident’s timeline, between what Sheriff Don Barnes described at the press conference the day after the shooting and what was revealed in dashcam footage that OCSD released to the public a year ago this month. According to Barnes, the officers encountered Reinhold for allegedly jaywalking in the vicinity of the Miramar Hotel, located near S. El Camino Real and Avenida San Gabriel, where a physical altercation ensued. Reinhold is believed by the department to have attempted to pull one of the deputies’ weapons out of its holster.
The dashcam footage shows Reinhold crossing San Gabriel while the traffic signal for El Camino Real turned yellow and then red, before the officers decided to pull up beside Reinhold for questioning. Taylor said the video showed that Reinhold had not committed a crime, was not in need of assistance and was not a threat to himself or anyone else. He added that the deputies voluntarily chose to pull over and confront Reinhold. The county has argued that there was reasonable suspicion and/or probable cause that led to the detention and attempted arrest of Reinhold, and that there was a legitimate safety requirement for the deputies to use force due to the risk Reinhold posed to them. “The family doesn’t understand, given that there is the video of this incident and it’s fairly well documented, that the district attorney has not released a report yet on whether they’ve decided to pursue criminal charges against one or more of the deputies,” Taylor said. Without the report, Taylor also alleged, the county can claim it’s not required to turn over the deputies’ statements. Kimberly Edds, the public information officer for the Orange County District Attorney’s office, confirmed in an email last week that the matter is still under review. She added that the investigative letter and any associated videos will be posted on the DA’s website, which is the standard procedure for any incident in which either an officer shoots a citizen or a citizen dies while in police custody. (Cont. on page 6)
Jones said. “We need to provide equitable access.” Numerous parents have frequently spoken out against vaccine requirements for children, citing individual freedom and concerns about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, among other reasons. The consensus among medical experts is that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, have no detrimental long-term side effects, reduce the severity of the illness and lessen the chances of contracting the virus. SB 871’s language points out that existing law prohibits the governing authority of a school or other institution from “unconditionally” admitting any person as a pupil beforehand unless they’ve already been immunized against various diseases including measles, mumps, or hepatitis B. Jones, who emphasized she is not a medical expert or scientist, said vaccination rates could increase in CUSD if there were an outreach effort encouraging vaccinations through calling parents or going door-to-door, similar to what’s happening in the neighboring San Diego Unified School District.
The potential impact to students from a vaccine requirement—particularly, if they are pulled from in-person instruction after a mandate is implemented— has previously been discussed at CUSD Board of Trustee meetings. Some district officials, including Jones, have said students benefit mentally and emotionally from in-person instruction and suffer learning deficits when they are not physically in the classroom. The CUSD Board of Trustees previously approved a resolution authored by Jones requesting state officials rethink student vaccine requirements, based on parental concerns. Whether one is pro-vaccine or anti-vaccine, disregarding the concerns of others is insensitive, Jones said. “We have to be pragmatic,” Jones said. “We can’t take a ‘let them eat cake’ attitude.” SB 871 cannot be acted on before Feb. 24, and thus, it has not yet been assigned to any committee. Such actions would be the beginning steps of the legislation possibly moving forward. It would then have to be approved by both the State Senate and Assembly before going to the governor for enactment.
Reinhold Family Frustrated over County Delays in Wrongful Death Suit BY C. JAYDEN SMITH
It’s been nearly a year and half since Kurt Reinhold, a Black homeless man, was shot twice by police outside of a San Clemente hotel, and his family is still looking for answers, let alone a trial. The Orange County District Attorney’s investigation into the fatal shooting on Sept. 23, 2020, when two deputy sheriffs assigned to the department’s homeless outreach unit stopped Reinhold for allegedly jaywalking, has so far lasted 16 months. In the months following the incident, Reinhold’s wife, Latoya, their two children, and his mother, Judy, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the County of Orange, accusing the two deputies involved, Eduardo Duran and Jonathan Israel, of using excessive and unreasonable force against Reinhold. The county has argued that the two deputies acted in good faith and within the scope of their duties. In court filings, the county has further argued that Reinhold’s death was “caused solely by (his) own wrongful acts and conduct,” and that the force used on him was reasonable under the circumstances and did not constitute excessive force. John Taylor and Neil Gehlawat, attorneys representing Latoya and her chil-
As Kurt Reinhold’s family and their attorneys wait for the trial against the County of Orange to start, they’ve grown frustrated due to, what they believe is, a lack of transparency and urgency from the county. Photo: Shawn Raymundo
dren, said the family is frustrated. The attorneys are in the discovery phase of pre-trial procedures, in which each party can obtain information from the other side through requests and other means, but they have not received much to help them prepare their evidence. “We haven’t gotten statements from the officers,” Taylor said. “They’re playing ‘hide the ball,’ and that’s really been a challenge for our clients to digest.” According to the most recent court filings, a pretrial conference has been set for Nov. 4 of this year, at which time an official trial date is expected to be established. The attorneys also have taken issue
Proposed State Legislation Would Require Students to Get COVID-19 Vaccine BY COLLIN BREAUX
Under a California bill recently proposed by State Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), the COVID-19 vaccine would be added to the list of immunizations that students are required to have to attend school. Though an eventual vaccine requirement for California students attending classes in person has already been brought forth by Gov. Gavin Newsom— pending full approval of the vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration— Pan’s legislation is stricter, as it removes an exemption for personal beliefs that was allowed by the governor. The proposed bill introduced on Jan. 24 does allow for medical exemptions, though those would be rare. In a press release announcing the legislation last week, Pan, a pediatrician, said the measure is meant to give California parents, including himself, confidence that schools and in-person learning enviSan Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
ronments are safe for their children. “The most effective way to keep schools open and safe is to ensure the COVID vaccination rate of students and school staff is as high as possible, in addition to masks, testing, and good ventilation to minimize infections,” Pan said in the announcement. Senate Bill 871—the Keep Schools Open and Safe Act—has not gone unnoticed within the Capistrano Unified School District, where COVID-19 vaccine requirements have been hotly contested. The district is monitoring what’s going on with the bill, Trustee Gila Jones said. While vaccination rates could increase if the bill is approved and becomes law, Jones cautioned that in-person enrollment could also go down. In turn, that would negatively impact low-income and disabled students, who might not have access to homeschool options, she said. “The bottom line is, it’s inequitable,” Page 5
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EYE ON SC
News Next Door: Army Vet Alex Seling Completes 13-Month Hike in Dana Point
COMMUNITY MEETINGS THURSDAY, FEB. 3
Golf Course Committee 6-7 p.m. The city’s Golf Course Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.
BY BREEANA GREENBERG
Thirty-four-year-old U.S. Army veteran Alex Seling was welcomed by an electrified crowd at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point on Monday afternoon, Jan. 31, after completing his more than 4,000-mile hike from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. After his arrival, Seling expressed sadness that his 13-month journey had come to an end. When asked by supporters to take his sunglasses off for pictures, he responded that he was using them to hide his misty eyes. The former Army medic with the 25th Infantry Division, 2-27 Wolfhounds dedicated his latest hike through the Southern Route of the American Discovery Trail to nonprofit organizations Warrior Expeditions and Mission 22. As of Tuesday, Feb. 1, Seling had raised $7,635 for the two organizations, which help veterans struggling with their mental health. Warrior Expeditions supports veterans looking to go on long-distance hiking, biking, or kayaking trips. Mission 22 offers mental health support and resources for post-traumatic stress.
(Cont. from page 5) Both Taylor and Gehlawat said they’ve previously dealt with lengthy delays from municipalities such as Orange County. In these situations, Gehlawat said, the municipalities frequently claim that they are waiting on the district attorney to complete the review before taking further action and releasing information, but he takes issue with this approach. Gehlawat claimed that the sheriff’s department only needs to investigate whether the involved deputies acted according to the department’s policies and procedures, thus removing the need to wait for the DA’s investigation to close. “They’re just doing it so that they can stall and avoid having to deal with the issue, because they’re worried about what that investigation will produce in the context of this lawsuit,” he said. However, OCSD public information officer Sgt. Todd Hylton wrote in an email to the San Clemente Times on Monday, Jan. 31, that the department is conducting its own internal investigation. When asked whether any action OCSD could take would be impacted by the DA’s investigation, Hilton answered,“Yes and no.” “The Sheriff’s Department’s potential action does not fully depend on the San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
SATURDAY, FEB. 5
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, FEB. 8 Alex Seling, a former Army medic who embarked on a roughly 4,600-mile hike across the country that started from Delaware in December 2020, arrives in Dana Point on Monday, Jan. 31, stepping into the waters at Doheny State Beach. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
Seling arrived in Dana Point to a police escort that accompanied him through the final stretch of his hike. While rounding the final bend of the bike trail that enters the beach, supporters greeted Seling with signs welcoming and congratulating him on completing
the journey. Seling also was greeted by friends who had supplied plenty of beer and pizza to celebrate the end of the hike, which he started in December 2020. By the time Seling hit the shoreline, he had hiked 4,592.6 miles.
District Attorney’s investigation,” Hilton wrote. “OCSD can take action regardless of the results of the District Attorney’s investigation.” Both Duran and Israel have returned to work for the department, and they are assigned to North and Southwest Operations, according to OCSD. The Reinholds’ side is currently at the mercy of the county in terms of documents they can receive and progress they can make when building their case. Most recently, the county sent to Taylor and Gehlawat all the data it has collected in the past few years that categorizes every stop OCSD personnel has made by racial makeup, age, and other demographics. Orange County is required to provide this information to the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015, which attempts to eliminate such profiling by law enforcement throughout California. In 2019, the most recent year of OCSD stop data, Black people accounted for 3.9% of all 47,955 stops made by the department, according to the California Department of Justice’s data set OpenJustice.
The data also included an action rate, which indicated the proportion of those who had one or more actions taken toward them during those stops, such as being handcuffed or having property seized. Black individuals had an action rate of 30.5%, a figure larger than any other race or ethnicity. The attorneys believe that there is a pattern within OCSD of stopping minority individuals at a much higher rate than White individuals. “We just think this homeless outreach unit, of which both the involved deputies were a part, is just a unit that is a disguise for targeting minority homeless people in the community and harassing and, in some cases like Kurt’s case, killing them,” Gehlawat said. Taylor added that the shooting never would have occurred if Reinhold was White. In the meantime, the attorneys said, they will do their best to hold the officers accountable. “Our goal is to continue with the litigation and to take whatever depositions we can take in the case and try to use the courts to help us gather the documents that we need to prosecute the case,” said Gehlawat. Page 6
Human Affairs Committee 3:30-5:30 p.m. The city’s Human Affairs Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org. Beaches, Parks & Recreation Committee 6-8 p.m. The city’s Beaches, Parks & Recreation Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org. Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com. San Clemente Toastmasters 7-8:40 p.m. The San Clemente Toastmasters will continue to meet every Tuesday online through Zoom. Email fardad.fs@gmail.com to receive a link to join. 858.900.6175. sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org.
By doing so, they hope to avoid another situation in which a heartbroken family ends up disappointed by the criminal justice system. sanclementetimes.com
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
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SOAPBOX
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San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
GUEST OPINION | The Downtown Buzz by Chris Aitken and Julie Heinze
ANNOUNCING THE SAN CLEMENTE SHAMROCK RUN ON MARCH 19 A s part of our focus on bringing more shoppers and diners to downtown San Clemente, the San Clemente Downtown Business Association (SCDBA) is excited to present San Clemente’s first 5K/10K race showcasing our downtown businesses and gorgeous coastline. The inaugural San Clemente Shamrock Run will take place on Saturday, March 19, along our scenic pier and Beach Trail, with start and finish lines just north of the pier—a course offering continuous ocean views. We are thrilled to welcome Julie Moss, Ironman Hall of Fame triathlete, as our race announcer. Walkers and runners will begin at 7 a.m. in staggered starts utilizing chipped race bibs. Participants will receive a Shamrock Run T-shirt, and awards will be presented to top finishers overall and in each age group. Among other shenanigans on tap for the day are bagpipes, leprechauns, and a family-fun scavenger hunt at downtown shops and restaurants. Get your green on and join the fun! The SCDBA is grateful for the support of our local business community, especially our Emerald Sponsor: Jennifer Elliott, Esq. of San Clemente Estate Law. Top sponsors also include Aitken,
Aitken, Cohn (Personal Injury Law), LeClair Real Estate & Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, Trestles Chiropractic, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Primerica Advisors, and H.H. Cotton’s. Get a pot-ofgold of marketing THE DOWNTOWN exposure when you BUSINESS BUZZ join these communiBY CHRIS AITKEN ty-minded businesses as a Shamrock Run sponsor. Sponsorships start at $100 and include a complimentary race entry. Inquire at info@scdba.org. THE DOWNTOWN Join the first-evBUSINESS BUZZ er San Clemente BY JULIE HEINZE Shamrock Run—a San Clemente St. Patrick’s Day tradition in the making! Visit scdba.org/shamrockrun to learn more or register to race. OUTDOOR DINING UPDATE You advocated, and the City of San Clemente listened. The SCDBA wants to thank the businesses of all sectors, and residents who contacted us with their feedback about outdoor dining in San
Clemente. The SCDBA is working with the city to explore long-term solutions, with proper guidelines that respect the needs of retailers, visitors and businesses—and the beauty of our historic downtown. With these ideas at the forefront, we hope to enjoy its return this spring. If you would still like your voice heard about outdoor dining, please feel free to contact us at info@scdba.org. From all of us at the SCDBA, we hope that you have a healthy and safe 2022 and look forward to seeing you downtown! Julie Heinze has been a resident of San Clemente for 26 years. She is director of the SCDBA and owner of Julie Heinze Design, an advertising and graphic design shop. Chris Aitken is the Chairman of the Board of the San Clemente Downtown Business Association. Chris is also involved with two businesses in the downtown area, including being the co-owner of H.H. Cotton’s restaurant and a partner of the personal injury law firm Aitken Aitken Cohn. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
GUEST OPINION | City Council Corner by Councilmember Steve Knoblock
The Right Project, the Right Time
O
ur government was created to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. One of the essential elements of our general welfare is the safe and secure delivery of water to our homes. I’m not talking about the 352 quintillion gallons of salty ocean water off our shore, but the approximately eight million gallons of fresh water we, the people of San Clemente, use every day. As we all know, our fresh water is
currently imported from melting snowpacks hundreds of miles away. Our current system of delivering water is more than 110 years old, and the method and technology are just as archaic. First, we build a damn on a river, like CITY COUNCIL the Plume River in CORNER Northern California, BY STEVEN KNOBLOCK which flows into Lake Oroville 530 miles from San Clemente, or the Colorado River that’s only 230 miles Page 8
away. Then we dig hundreds of miles of canals with scores of massive pumping stations to push the water over the various mountain ranges between here and there. This antiquated water delivery system, similar to the old Roman aqueducts, costs Californians a staggering $2 billion every year to maintain, and San Clemente pays its share. Reliable water is the lifeblood of every healthy and prosperous community. Unfortunately, our water system exists in a state of perpetual risk from recurring droughts and earthquake faults traversing the canals and conduits. sanclementetimes.com
SOAPBOX
San Clemente is at the very end of this delivery system. A major interruption event to this old and fragile water supply chain would affect us long before our neighbors, and to a greater degree. Experts predict that a major disaster to the system could cut off water supply for six months to a year. It is like the proverbial sword of Damocles hanging over us. Thank God, no major interruptions have befallen us in the hundred-year life of our aging water delivery system. But time is not on our side. Water canals have served us well, just like the horse and buggy, Detroit V8 gas-guzzlers or 8-track cassettes. I believe it is time to bring our water delivery system into the 21st century. If we have the will and the foresight, we can put in place an unlimited supply of fresh water. Oceangoing cruise ships and cargo vessels are routinely producing tens of thousands of gallons of fresh drinking water every day. A growing number of municipalities are also producing fresh drinking water from the ocean in a much larger scale. For more than 20 years, Santa Barbara has operated a desalinization plant, which produces more than two million gallons per day of fresh drinking water for its residents. Our neighbor to the
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
Letter to The Editor
south, Carlsbad, recently completed a desalinization facility that produces 40 million gallons of fresh drinking water per day, freeing its citizens from relying on imported water and the threat of droughts. Our next-door neighbor, the South Coast Water District (SCWD), has successfully operated a desalinization pilot project and completed the financial and environmental analysis in preparation for the construction of a multimillion-gallon-per-day fresh water facility on its existing property next to the San Juan Creek. They are looking to partner with a neighboring city or water district to share the cost and the benefits of unlimited fresh water. San Clemente is the logical choice to partner with SCWD. Let’s do our due diligence and partner with SCWD to assure unlimited fresh water for our kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Steven Knoblock was elected to a two-year term on the San Clemente City Council in 2020. SC
E-BIKES KATHLEEN FERRY, San Clemente Thank you, councilmembers, for recognizing and taking action to prohibit e-bikes on the Beach Trail and beaches. Unfortunately, I think there’s more work to be done. I witness nearly everyday parents who have their children and babies (easily under 4 years old), two at a time, on the backs of these e-bikes riding on streets posted 40 mph. I consider this child
CORRECTION: In the San Clemente Times’ Jan. 27 edition, an article regarding the council’s vote to keep the city clerk and city treasurer as elected positions misrepresented Councilmember Kathy Ward’s position on the matter. Ward advised her colleagues on the dais not to change the status quo, to avoid a scenario in which the two positions would be under the city council’s control.
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
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endangerment. Obviously, the parents think it’s a fun activity. The only thing I can do is pray and hope it doesn’t take a tragedy before the city of San Clemente wakes up.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.
Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Feb. 4, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by PFM Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.
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GETTING OUT
Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.
Editor’s Pick
BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-your-number game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.
The List What’s going on in and around town this week SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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FRIDAY | 04 ‘PLAY ON!’ 7:30-9:30 p.m. Through Feb. 6, Cabrillo Playhouse presents Play On!, directed by Rick Abbot. Director Gerry Dunbar is at her wit’s end trying to stage a new murder mystery at the local community theater. A mere four days from opening night, the cast members barely know their lines and are at each other’s throats. Throw in a meddling writer who keeps adding new scenes, new characters, and changing who the killer is, and you have a recipe for disaster. As opening night draws closer, the cast and crew learn firsthand “what can go wrong, will go wrong” as they give their best efforts for the show to go on. All theatergoers must show proof of vaccination or a current (within 72 hours) negative COVID-19 test. Masks are required to enter the theater. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org. LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. ’80s cover band Flock of 80s will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com. San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
Trevor’s at the Tracks owner Trevor Baird offers samples at the 2020 Taste of San Juan. The event is returning this year. Photo: Collin Breaux
THURSDAY | 03 2022 TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6-9 p.m. A community tradition hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association returns to kick off the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. Sample selections from San Juan restaurants, pubs, and wineries. General admission is $45. Mark Liddell and the Wranglers will provide live music. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.615.1920. swallowsparade.com.
SATURDAY | 05 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee is a weekly car show, attracting a mix of 1,000-3,000 plus hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com. CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Alternative rock band Dramarama will perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.
SUNDAY | 06 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.
D. YODER FAMILY SUNDAYS: LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy free admission at Casa Romantica with a scavenger hunt, crafts, and activities celebrating the traditions of Lunar New Year. Lucky red envelopes will be given out to the first 100 attendees, some of which will include prizes. There will also be a special performance by Gió Nam Múa Lân (Southern Wind Lion Dance) at 11 a.m. in the outdoor courtyard. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.
BIKING CLUB FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS AND HIGH SCHOOLERS 5-6:30 p.m. Anyone have middle schoolto high school-aged kids who love to bike? Community Outreach Alliance’s biking club meets every Wednesday afternoon at different trails, with professional biker and mentor Mike Russell from Freakshow Aloha. San Clemente High’s COA club, which hosts this free activity thanks to Hardman Classic, has bikes and helmets for participants to borrow. To participate, fill out a registration form online at form.myjotform. com/91392099886576. For questions, call or text 949.795.4721. communityoutreachalliance.com/ bike-club/. GELSON’S VIRTUAL WINE TASTING 6 p.m. Gelson’s is hosting a virtual wine tasting with California-based DAOU Vineyards, featuring Proprietor and Winemaker Daniel Daou. Special pricing for the featured wines from this Paso Robles vineyard will be on Feb. 9-10. The last day to sign up for this virtual tasting is Feb. 6. Gelson’s, 24 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point. 949.488.8147. gelsons.com/daou
WEDNESDAY | 09
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.
SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in to the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San
BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do standup comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.
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GETTING OUT
ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE
DAVID NAIL
SHOW DETAILS What: David Nail
BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
When: Thursday, Feb. 10. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m.
W
hen David Nail takes the stage at The Coach House on Feb. 10 for an acoustic set, it will be his first time performing at the San Juan Capistrano venue. While the small-town Missouri native and longtime Nashville resident has been to California before, the “little kid” in him still gets “riled up” whenever he visits the Golden State. Nail promises the stripped-down evening will be an intimate look into his musical journey and output, including stories detailing the background behind certain songs. Nail’s style can primarily be identified as country, mixing in elements of classic country with modern stylings. His intention with music is to make something you can play and get lost in while driving for a few hours. He was raised on many different musical styles by his dad, an eclectic approach reflected in his own songs. “A lot of people say it has soul aspects, and I take that as a compliment,” Nail said. There are intimate singer-songwriter touches as well, which is evident in Bootheel 2021—an EP named for
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
Where: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets or more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $28.
Country musician David Nail looks forward to playing at The Coach House on Feb. 10. Photo: Courtesy of 117 Entertainment Group
both where he’s from and the year it was released. Though Nail has lived in Nashville for more than 20 years, his bond with his Missouri hometown of Kennett—which has around 10,000 people and is “tucked away”—has gotten stronger over the years. Nail was in a reflective and nostalgic
frame of mind before the pandemic and was recording songs along those lines, eventually deciding to put together the EP when he saw the emerging thread. “It’s a special moment,” he said of the collection. “It’s kind of a tribute to where I grew up. It’s something I’m proud of.” Like many musicians, Nail has gradually
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been returning to live performances after the global shutdown. The Coach House performance will be among the first of his few early shows scheduled for 2022, following the 35 or so he played in 2021. “We’re excited. We had a couple of months off,” Nail said. “I’ve run into several artist friends and they’re asking, ‘Have you started yet?’” Nail hopes to be playing even more shows as 2022 goes on and for conditions to get back to as close to normal as possible. He admits he’s always a little nervous and anxious before each concert, but he sees that as a good thing. “A wise person once told me if you’re not nervous, you’re not ready,” Nail said. SC
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PUBLIC NOTICES
TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226624451 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: RES+ORED. 307 NORTH EL CAMINO REAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): REBECCA M LUMB 1505 BUENA VISTA 1 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 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 RES+ORED./S/REBECCA LUMB/ REBECCA LUMB/OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/10/2022. Published in: San Clemente Times February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226625466 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1A. MACK AND POUYA PHOTOGRAPHY 112 E AMERIGE AVE #110 FULLERTON, CA 92832 ADD’L FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES: 1B. THE STREAM COMPANY 1C. CHURCH BROADCASTERS 1D. CINELIVE 1E. JETMARK 1F. SERMONPLAY 1G. POUYA NIA Full Name of Registrant(s): COCREATIVE INC. 112 E AMERIGE AVE #110 FULLERTON, CA 92832 This business is conducted by a CA corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/05/2021 /s/COCREATIVE INC./POUYA AHMADINIA/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/20/2022. Published in: San Clemente Times, Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DON W. TRAYWICK Case Number: 30-2022-01240554-PR-PW-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of DON W. TRAYWICK A Petition for Probate has been filed by JERRY L. HABEL in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that JERRY L. HABEL be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The Petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very im-
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
portant actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: A. Date: March 24, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. in Dept: C8, B. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) If you plan to appear, you may attend the hearing by video remote using the court’s designated video platform; (2) Go to the courts website at: http://www.occourts. org/media-relations/probate-mental-health. html to appear for probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions; (3) If you have difficulty connecting to your remote hearing, call (657)622-8278 for assistance. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
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GARAGE SALES
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 12pm Monday. HELP WANTED SHIPPING & RECEIVING TECH – STREUTER TECHNOLOGIES Streuter Technologies seeks a full time Shipping & Receiving Technician for its facility based in San Clemente, CA. Interested candidates email Samuel Salazar at samuel@stretech.com
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SERVICES SENIOR GENT FOR SENIORS Personal valet at your service. Errands, assist with daily tasks, chores, scheduled appointments. Shopping, cooking, laundry, light gardening, pet attending and more. By Appointment: Michael 949.506.6248
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Timothy J. Blied, Esq., Schmiesing Blied Stoddart & Mackey 400 N. Tustin Ave., Ste 290, Santa Ana, CA 92705-3899 Ph: (714)990-5100 Published in: San Clemente Times, Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226624524 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FEED ON THE WORD 700 CALLE BAHIA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): COMPANY OF PRAYER, LLC 700 CALLE BAHIA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a DE A Limited Liability Company The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/01/2022 COMPANY OF PRAYER, LLC/S/BAILEY B SPARKS/BAILEY BETH SPARKS/MANAGING MEMBER/MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/11/2022. Published in: San Clemente Times January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 2022
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ATTORNEY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Want to be featured as our business spotlight?
Aaron Lloyd Bankruptcy Attorney 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
Contact us for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
ELECTRICAL
DENTISTS
Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, Suite B, San Clemente, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com
Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, San Clemente, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com
Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com
ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS 3West Environmental, Inc. www.3westenviro.com Residential & commercial inspections for mold, asbestos and lead paint. 310.400.0195
LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY Call Lauralyn for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING
FIREWOOD FOR SALE Jack McKay, Owner 949.449.0445 mckayja29@gmail.com Call for prices. Earning money to purchase my first car. Perfect for campfires, beach fires, home fires.
Hoover Construction License B-774675 949.292.6778
MUSIC LESSONS
REALTORS
Rock Club Music School 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com
“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, sandyandrich.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com
Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr., DDS 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, (949)361-GUMS (4867), sanclementeperiodontics.com
PROSTHODONTICS Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P. 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com
WANT TO BE FEATURED HERE? Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com
BUSINESS 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
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BUSINESS 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
San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
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SC LIVING
DANA POINT HONORS SURF ICON JOYCE HOFFMAN
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK
River
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
BY BREEANA GREENBERG, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
L
egendary surf icon Joyce Hoffman, who began her surfing career at 13 in Capistrano Beach, is the latest to be honored by the City of Dana Point with a lifesized, bronze statue at Waterman’s Plaza. The statue of Hoffman, the surfing pioneer who says she’s a “product of Dana Point,” is the first life-sized figure in the United States to honor a female surfer and was unveiled to a crowd at Waterman’s Plaza late last week. The latest Waterman’s statue off Pacific Coast Highway, across from Doheny State Beach, joins others honoring Bruce Brown, Hobie Alter, John Severson, and Phil Edwards—all prominent watermen in the city’s history who influenced the surf industry. “To be included among these great surfing icons Hobie, Bruce Brown John Severson, Phil Edwards, and others who will soon be honored here, all of whom have made enormous contributions to surfing and its industry, is something words alone can’t quite express, but I’ll try,” Hoffman said at the unveiling. “Thank goodness for the city of Dana Point and the Waterman’s Plaza for recognizing the historic significance local residents have made serving its industry and culture in general,” Hoffman said. The statue, created by Dana Point artist Bill Limebrook, is modeled after a famous surfing photo of Hoffman from the 1966 World Surfing contest in San Diego. “When the city envisioned Waterman’s Plaza, it was to recognize the iconic waterman and women who made their mark in Southern California and throughout the world and while they live, worked, innovated and served in Dana Point,” said Dana Point Mayor Joe Muller. “Now, Joyce Hoffman is not just the first woman to be honored here, but the first life-sized bronze statue in the nation honoring a female surfer,” he added. San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
Joyce Hoffman and her father, Walter Hoffman—pictured here at Joyce’s statue unveiling in Dana Point on Thursday, Jan. 27—are considered one of the first families of surfing. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
Hoffman was the first female ocean lifeguard in California, and possibly in the entire United States, Don Craig, a lifelong surfing friend of Hoffman, said last week. Hoffman began surfing at 13 when her family moved to Capistrano Beach. Since then, she’s won United States Surfing Championships in 1965, 1966, and 1967, the Makaha International in 1964 and 1966, and the Laguna Masters in 1965 and 1967. At her first surf contest at 13, Hoffman entered a tandem competition at Doheny State Beach, along with her dad. “It was the first and last time I ever rode competitive tandem,” Hoffman recalled, with her father, Walter Hoffman, in attendance. “No offense, Dad, but I wanted to pick the waves and surf myself, not be a hood ornament.” She honed her surfing skills in Dana Point, in front of her family home on Beach Road. “I think Joyce’s career epitomizes the surf culture here in Dana Point,” Muller said. “She was sponsored by Hobie Surfboards, and it was her friend, Hobie Alter, who approved a signature surprise for Joyce, then directed Terry Martin to shape the first prototypes.” In 1967, Hobie Surfboards introduced the Joyce Hoffman signature model surfboard. She has also been featured on the cover of LIFE magazine and was the first surfer to be named Los Angeles Times’ Woman of the Year in 1965. In 1994, Hoffman was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame as Woman of the Year. “While this statue is of me, I like to think of it as an honor to all the women surfers who came before and after me,”
Hoffman said. “All the trailblazers who didn’t accept the concept that surfing was a man’s sport, that women were expected to stay on the beach while the guys had all the fun.” “These were women who wanted to challenge themselves and the assumption that they did not belong in the surf,” she continued. “As I look out over this crowd of people, I see so many women who deserve credit for making this statue possible.” Craig said that Hoffman always felt the responsibility to be a positive role model both in and out of the water. Craig added that Hoffman once told him, the best thing about being a professional surfer was the friendships she made around the world. “She wanted to reflect well on the sport,” Craig said. “It was giving her so many opportunities. She took her position as a champion very seriously. While these attitudes would have been customary in any other sport, they were new to the sport of surfing, especially during an era of extreme overindulgence.” Hoffman continues to be a role model for young women, with many asking for her autograph after the event. “For Joyce, it was not just the waves that shaped her career, but the community of Dana Point that played a role as well,” Muller said. “And that relationship continues today, because young girls might just come across Joyce when she’s out there surfing. And that is remarkable.” “She is more than an icon,” he added, “she’s an everyday inspiration and one of the best ambassadors for the surf industry and for the city of Dana Point.” SC
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Happy girl River is full of energy and fun. Just over a year old, River is an affectionate pup whose favorite things are running and playing in the yard before settling down for some cuddles and belly rubs. She is looking for an active owner who can match her energy and continue in her training. Could she be the one for you? If you are interested in adopting River, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.
Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium
See the solution in next week’s issue.
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San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Counterpunched SCHS boys soccer dominates, but falls behind San Juan Hills in league title race BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
he San Clemente boys soccer team dominated the pitch at Thalassa Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The Tritons had another South Coast League championship in their sights and unleashed relentless pressure against visiting San Juan Hills. San Clemente sent wave after wave of attack toward the Stallions’ box, and surely, on this night where the program honored legendary coach Mike Pronier, the Tritons would be victorious and add another notch to their belt. However, San Juan Hills stood up strong, and it was a former Triton on the opposing sideline who ultimately claimed the victory. In the 74th minute, San Juan Hills swiftly countered a failed San Clemente free kick, sprinted downfield and connected on a cross to score on its only shot on target in the second half. The Stallions earned the victory, 1-0, and moved into first place in the South Coast League, with an opportunity to claim the program’s first league title on Thursday, Feb. 3. “The common thing we’ve been having is to push to the end,” said Eduardo Ozuna, the San Juan Hills coach and a San Clemente High alumnus. “We’ve struggled with ties throughout the season, but we always say we need that cherry on top. I think today, they found it within themselves to not give up, and to the very last second, fighting for it.”
TRITON REPORT BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
For in-game updates, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports.
Boys Wrestling Goes for Third Straight CIF-SS Title The San Clemente boys wrestling team looked to claim its third consecutive CIF-SS dual meet championship in the Division 3 final on Wednesday, Feb. 2. The Tritons hosted Victor Valley in the San Clemente gym, but results were not available at San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
It was only fitting that on the night San Clemente (9-3-3, 4-2-1) honored Pronier that Ozuna was on the other side of the field. Pronier retired before this season after 33 seasons as head coach, during which his teams won three CIF-SS championships, two CIF State Regional championships and an impressive total of 446 games. Ozuna was a senior midfielder at San Clemente for the Tritons’ first CIF-SS and Regional titles in 2011. “I love the guy,” Ozuna said. “He gave me memories here that I cherish. I can come back here and see my name on the banner in the gym and everything he’s done. Now, I see it firsthand, the kind of things he had to go through, the day-in and day-out stuff. It’s not just coaching on the field. It’s more how do we develop young men, and, honestly, it’s mostly stuff I’m copying and pasting from Coach Pronier.” On the field, San Juan Hills (6-2-6, 3-0-4) was in the midst of a string of four consecutive draws, which began with a scoreless draw against San Clemente on Jan. 14. Now, the Stallions (10 standings points) have popped ahead of the Tritons (9 points) by one point in the standings heading into the league’s final day on Thursday. San Clemente will need a win at home over El Toro and a San Juan Hills home draw or loss to Mission Viejo to claim at least a share of the league title. The Tritons beat El Toro, 2-1, in the first match,
press time. Check sanclementetimes.com for full coverage. San Clemente earned its way to the final on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Victor Valley High School. After a first-round bye, the Tritons beat Camarillo, 54-12, in the quarterfinals and defeated Chaminade, 37-27, in the semifinals. San Clemente defeated Royal of Simi Valley for the Division 3 title at San Clemente High School last year. The Tritons won the Division 4 title in 2020. These are the first CIF-SS dual meet championships for the Tritons.
Girls Soccer Clinches League Title Unbeaten The San Clemente girls soccer team reclaimed its spot atop the South Coast League and did so in unblemished fash-
San Clemente boys soccer dominated San Juan Hills for nearly the entire 80 minutes, but the Stallions squeaked out a win with a counterattack goal in the 74th minute on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
and the Stallions tied the Diablos, 1-1. San Clemente will also have to quicken its team game and regain its scoring touch, as the Tritons ultimately just didn’t click together in the final third. “We’re going to have to go back to our game,” San Clemente coach Chris Murray said. “Our game is a fast game, but it’s a team game. It’s one-touch, two-touch game, and we didn’t do it tonight. We had a lot of our boys beating a player and then getting back and trying to beat them again.” Despite that, the pace was all San Clemente on Tuesday. San Juan Hills was able to occasionally counter or earn a set piece in the first half and actually had more shots on target in the first half than San Clemente, 2-1. However, the Tritons time and time again charged down the wing and sent in crosses and long balls that just
never found an attacking foot on the other end. The second half was even more dominant for the Tritons, where San Juan Hills simply never had the ball for any meaningful amount of time until the counterattack goal in the 74th minute. San Clemente threw everything it had toward the San Juan Hills box as the game wore on, but the Stallions’ back line withstood every challenge. “I think they played as a team,” Murray said. “We played more as individuals than as a team. We dominate the game, and the ball didn’t go in the back of the net for us. Simple as that.” Once league play ends on Thursday, San Clemente will move on to the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. The Tritons, ranked No. 8 in the latest poll, will learn their path when the brackets are revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 8. SC
ion on Monday, Jan. 31. The Tritons (8-3-5) posted their fifth shutout in league and eighth of the season in a scoreless draw with Trabuco Hills, finishing league play unbeaten at 4-0-4. San Clemente earned 12 standings points to finish just ahead of San Juan Hills (12-2-5, 4-1-3) with 11 standings points. The difference in the league title race came down to the Tritons’ win at San Juan Hills, 1-0, on Jan. 6. Senior goalkeeper Emily Sanchez earned the clean sheet for San Clemente with four saves. San Clemente, ranked No. 6 in CIF-SS Division 1, now awaits the announcement of the playoff brackets on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
merous combinations of possible league finishes ahead of itself, but the Tritons ultimately control their own destiny. San Clemente fought to the end against Tesoro on Friday, Jan. 28, but ultimately the Titans edged out the Tritons, 61-59, to claim the South Coast League title. As of Wednesday, Feb. 2, San Clemente sat in second place at 4-3, just ahead of Capistrano Valley and Trabuco Hills at 3-4. The top three spots in league earn automatic playoff berths, and all three teams could finish between second and fourth, with a possible one-game playoff on Friday or Saturday (Feb. 4-5) for the final spot. For San Clemente, the Tritons hosted El Toro on Tuesday, Feb. 1, but results were not available at press time. San Clemente closes at Capistrano Valley on Thursday, Feb. 3. SC
Boys Basketball Battles for Playoff Fate San Clemente boys basketball has nuPage 24
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SC SURF
Fly Is the Guy From crafting beautiful surfboards to sharing stories, ‘The Fly’ Van Swae has seen and done it all during his life in the surf BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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verybody thinks it was because of Nixon that surfing Trestles in the ’70s was illegal, but that’s not exactly the whole story,” says Jean Pierre Van Swae. It’s a sunny afternoon, and we’re sitting outside Olamendi’s on Coast Highway, eating tacos and telling stories over a couple of cold Pacificos. Van Swae, more commonly known by his nickname, “The Fly,” has no shortage of tales to share. Over the course of his lifetime at the beach, he’s pretty much seen it all. “Surfers were always browning the train back then, and the folks at the railroad got together with the folks in the military, and that’s really what started the problems down there,” he says, smiling. “Browning the train?” I ask. “You know, mooning the train,” Van Swae explains, still smiling. Surfers haven’t always been known for their mature, reserved behavior, and
GROM OF THE WEEK
REX HENNINGS BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
here’s nothing better than watching a rising star come into their own, and San Clemente’s Rex Hennings has been absolutely cooking lately. With style for days and a gritty competitive streak, the dude’s been grinding out big results all winter, from Northern California to his own backyard. The 2020 National Open Boys champion never holds back, as evidenced by his most recent performance in Huntington Beach, where he ripped his way to an San Clemente Times February 3-9, 2022
Jean Pierre “The Fly” Van Swae, at home in his Capo Beach workshop. Photo: Courtesy of JP Van Swae
whether mooning the train was actually the impetus for their being barred from Trestles during the ’70s or not, it’s a hell of a story. Van Swae was actually born in Belgium before landing in Southern California as a youngster. By 1961, he was gainfully employed at Wardy Surfboards, based in both Laguna Beach and Pasadena. A quick study, he graduated from shop rat to surfboard craftsman. He was especially gifted when it came to the art of making fins and glassing boards. “Everything was changing so fast during those days, you really had to understand how everything worked together to make a good board, and creating fins was kind of my entry point into it all,” Van Swae explains.
Open Men’s finals appearance at the event on the south side of the pier. Landing in fourth place, the heat was decided by less than a point and a half, from first through fourth. Prior to that, Hennings traveled to Santa Cruz, where the USA Surfing Prime event was going down at pumping Steamer Lane. Sharing the podium with his buddy and fellow San Clemente ripper Cannon Carr, Hennings landed in second, with Carr taking the win. With an 8-point ride early in the final, Hennings was unable to find the back-up score to carry him to the top. If this is what January looked like for Hennings, we can’t wait to see what he has in store for the rest of the year. SC If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.
Over the course of his career, Van Swae was part of the production team for many a surfboard label, but perhaps most notably for both Dale Velzy and Hobie Alter. “Those two guys couldn’t have been more different. Velzy was a hustler, a cowboy. Hobie was by the book and paid attention to every detail. They had different visions for their businesses, but they were the two that really started everything,” Van Swae continues. It seemed everybody back in the day had a nickname. For instance, Velzy was known as “Hawk.” When asked where he got his nickname, Van Swae smiles. “My friend Del Cannon told me one day we were going to jump out of airplanes. I’d never been skydiving before,
but it sounded fun,” he remembers. Van Swae was also part of the twoman team that built Flippy Hoffman’s famous “Awhoo” board. A 15-foot blade created for tackling Hawaii’s outer reefs, it was shaped in 1977 by local legend Micky Munoz in a backyard on the north shore of Oahu and eventually glassed by Van Swae. There’s a hand-written note on the board offering a $3 reward for anyone who found the board floating in the channel if he’d lost it. The board is currently on display at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente. Today, Van Swae continues to craft beautiful boards under his own label: Fly Surfboards. As of late, he’s also gotten into woodworking. Creating exquisite paddles, hand planes and cutting boards, it’s become a labor of love for him. “I really enjoy going up to the lumber yard, picking out different woods and putting them together to create something new,” he says. “There are so many different types of woods with different grains and colors, it can be a really creative process. It kind of reminds me of how I started making fins back in the day. “ For a close-up look at Van Swae’s work or to get in touch with him about ordering a board or a new cutting board (they make amazing gifts), be sure to give him a follow on Instagram at @fly_woodworks. 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 Water Temperature: 57-59 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12 Thursday: Blend of easing Northwest swell and South-southwest swell shows most size in the morning, with waist-stomach high waves, (2-3’+). Light+ to moderate offshore East winds in the morning, shift to moderate Northwest winds for the afternoon. Outlook: Old swell mix has surf down to knee-thigh-waist high, (1-2-3’) on Friday and Saturday, then a fresh combination of Northwest and South-southwest swell rolls in with waist to stomach high waves, (23’+), on Sunday. Pattern of light+ offshore mornings, followed by a light+ to moderate afternoon sea breeze is due Friday through the weekend. Rex Hennings. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA/ @no_boundryzphotography
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