February 18, 2021

FEBRUARY 18-24, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 7

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

Inside:

SCHS Football Coach Dies of COVID-19 SPORTS/PAGE 17

CoastLines: Memories of SC’s Historic Movie Theatre SC LIVING/PAGE 16

30 & Thriving ‘The Surfer’s Journal’ Still Shredding After 30 Years S U R F/ PAG E 18

Surfer’s Journal founders Steve and Debbee Pezman celebrate their long-running publication’s 30th anniversary this month. Photo: Courtesy of The Surfer’s Journal

sanclementetimes.com

Rise in Homeless Deaths Prompts Increased Calls for Shelters

SCHS Instructor Recognized as Teacher of the Year

Poche Beach Walkway Closed for Repairs

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 2

sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Rise in Homeless Deaths Prompts Increased Calls for Shelters

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO AND LILLIAN BOYD

It was Sunday, Jan. 24, when Margie Riley Lofgren phoned the South County nursing facility where her brother, Steven Richard Riley, had been staying to continue his physical therapy. She was hoping to check in on Riley, who was just days into his stay there while recovering from a pelvic fracture he had sustained a few weeks before.

“They said, ‘I’m sorry, ma’am, he’s no longer here.’ I said, ‘what do you mean he’s no longer there?’” she quickly inquired. “They said, ‘He checked himself out.’”

After being unable to connect with him those first few days at the center, the news that he had left against medical advice came as a shock to Lofgren, as Riley, at 73 years old, was homeless and reportedly suffered from dementia—a diagnosis that was supposed to be noted in his medical records.

To help find Riley, Lofgren, who grew up in San Clemente and now lives in Oregon, contacted Cathy Domenichini of iHope, a faith-based nonprofit assisting the homeless.

Domenichini had been actively working with Riley since November to get him into housing, and had been assisting him through his medical endeavors. After driving around a bit to locate him, she found him outside of San Clemente’s senior center, his usual stomping grounds.

“I did find him and spoke with him,” she said, later adding: “It was going to be really cold that Sunday. It was freezing the day I was there talking to him. I had

San Clemente COVID-19 UPDATES as of 2/16/21

cases

deaths

TOTAL

2,803

26

486

9

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 65,405 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

some jackets and blankets in my car … this other guy, who’s also homeless that was there, he took care of him.”

Speaking to his condition, Domenichini noted that while Riley had the wherewithal and knowledge to hitch a bus ride back to San Clemente, “he didn’t realize how long he had been gone.”

For about three weeks, Riley had been at Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach recovering from his fracture, which he had sustained in a fall on Jan. 1, when he was staying in a motel room. He was later transferred to the facility for ongoing physical therapy.

“I said, ‘No, Steve, you’ve been gone for three weeks,’” she recalled of their conversation that Sunday. “In all that time, I was calling him at the hospital, bringing books to him. We were in contact continually with the social workers and the doctors.”

Two days later, Domenichini met with Riley again to check in on him, and another acquaintance of hers also spoke with him the following day. However, by Thursday morning, Jan. 28, when she had planned to see him again, she got word that he had been found dead outside of the senior center.

Riley, whose cause of death is still pending according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, is among a total of 40 homeless individuals in the county who died during the month of January.

That figure comes a month after the county coroner’s office reported 2020 as the deadliest year for Orange County’s homeless population, with 330 deaths, a rise from more than 200 the year before.

According to data from the coroner’s office, two of the deaths this past year occurred in Dana Point, while five homeless deaths were reported in San Clemente.

There were no deaths recorded in San Juan Capistrano in 2020.

On Tuesday night, Feb. 16, a handful of people and homeless advocates including Domenichini gathered for a vigil to honor Riley outside of the San Clemente Community Center, where city councilmembers were initially conducting their regular meeting.

Donna Vidrine, who has staunchly supported efforts to get a local homeless shelter built, called on the city officials to immediately act to get some sort of housing and shelter established for the city’s homeless.

With Donna and Warren Vidrine’s assistance, Pastor Candie Blankman of San Clemente Presbyterian Church reads the closing benediction prayer at a vigil for Steven Riley outside the San Clemente Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Among the options she proposed included using vacant hotel rooms as a temporary shelter space, converting local hotels into permanent housing for homeless persons who are disabled, and allowing overnight sleeping at the Community Center.

A handful of residents also wrote in to Tuesday night’s council meeting, imploring the San Clemente officials to take action on getting a shelter constructed, with some calling Riley’s death a failure of the city.

In response to those comments, Councilmember Chris Duncan said he was heartbroken over Riley’s death, while noting that two items on the council’s agenda that night—consideration of the Joint Homeless Subcommittee’s annual work plan and the creation of a full-time homeless outreach worker—“would hopefully move us forward.”

“I think in honor of Steven Riley, we certainly should focus on those things and see if we can move the city forward and, hopefully, finally address the homelessness issue in town,” he said. “We’re better than that, and I’m confident we will.”

Touching on the need for a local shelter, Domenichini said one idea the city should consider is opening a cold-weather shelter during the winter months, potentially partnering with local churches to do so.

“It just needs to be run properly,” she said, adding: “It doesn’t have to be a big deal to do it, just providing people with a warm place to sleep and restrooms.”

The seven total homeless deaths within the three South County cities last year marked an increase from 2018, when there were five total deaths among the neighboring towns, and from 2019, when there were six deaths.

While Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano have not seen an increase since Page 3

2018, San Clemente’s homeless deaths have increased in the span of the past three years.

According to the data, Dana Point has seen two homeless deaths each year since 2018, while San Juan Capistrano saw two deaths in 2018, one in 2019 and none in 2020. Causes of death vary from substance overdoses, a cliff fall, natural causes and various health failures.

Of the two Dana Point deaths in 2020, city officials say homeless outreach coordinators were actively case managing the two individuals.

“One of the deceased individuals was housed at the time of their death.

The other individual was housed, left housing, was offered housing again, and declined it,” said Kelly Reenders, assistant city manager for Dana Point. “Sadly, they passed away shortly thereafter.”

For San Clemente, a city of nearly 65,000 residents, which nearly doubles the population of Dana Point or San Juan Capistrano, some causes of deaths among the homeless population include overdose, gunshot wounds and drowning.

Among the five reported deaths in San Clemente last year was Kurt Reinhold, the 42-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by homeless outreach officers during a daytime altercation in which he was believed by OCSD to have reached for a deputy’s firearm.

Attorneys representing Reinhold’s wife and mother in a lawsuit against the county have argued in court documents that the father of two, who had been battling intermittent homelessness, didn’t intend to reach for the officer’s gun and that any contact was purely coincidental.

The shooting prompted the Orange County District Attorney’s office to investigate the death. Officials with the OCDA’s office were not immediately available as (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

(Cont. from page 3) of press time to provide an update on the investigation.

Upon reflection of these reports, OCSD Sgt. Dennis Breckner attributed the rise in deaths to the rise in homelessness.

“In 2020, there were three (overdoses), one specifically mentioning fentanyl use,” Breckner said.“As to why this may have occurred … the simple answer is because of the rise in homeless persons, coupled with the increase in drug use and the increased presence of fentanyl on our streets.”

Breckner added that law enforcement has cautioned members of the public about the rise in fentanyl cases and the extreme danger that the drug poses.

“Our Homeless Outreach Team proactively contacts members of the public who might be experiencing homelessness, and they make every effort to afford those members of society with whatever ser-

given that Dana Point has a full-time outreach program, it’s not what we rely on,” Reenders said. “In Dana Point, we meet on a weekly basis for case management of homeless.”

Previous sheltered and unsheltered Point-in-Time Counts have shown an increase in homelessness. The apparent rise, according to Domenichini, is largely a result of the ongoing health crisis.

“Yeah, I think it’s because of the pandemic. People aren’t working, not able to pick up casual work, so the people on the fringes (who could previously rent hotel rooms) are not even able to do that,” she explained. “It’s a rough environment living on the street. It’s tough, it’s stressful.”

The latest unemployment data the state released for the month of December had put Orange County’s jobless rate at 7.4%, up from the 6.4% that had been recorded in November.

vices might be available,” Breckner said.

Echoing Breckner’s statement, Domenichini had also said the increased deaths are tied to a rise in homelessness.

“I think we’re seeing more people that are homeless, so we’re seeing more people who are exposed to the elements and are dealing with challenging environments,” Domenichini said. “And I do think that people are desperate.”

An approximate tally of the county’s homeless population that’s conducted biennially on every odd-numbered year couldn’t be done this year because of the pandemic.

Reenders said that Dana Point has continued in-person street outreach, with personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing, stressing the importance of keeping the continuity of services for homeless during the pandemic.

“The PIT (Point in Time count) is an important countywide effort; however,

Asked what she hopes city officials, local stakeholders and other advocacy groups take away from Riley’s death, Domenichini said, “We need to have a center for people to go and a shelter where they can get out of the cold.”

Another aspect that advocacy groups should consider moving forward is the type of services they’re offering to the homeless, noting that oftentimes they can be all surface fixes and fail to build meaningful relationships and trust with the clients they’re looking to help.

“They need to be relationship-based and comprehensive and have an end goal. Whereas, we cannot be content with simply stopping and seeing an individual, talking with them a bit, and giving them a bag of toiletry items,” she said. “You have to dig deeper and figure out how, what that person wants and how we can get them to a more stable life.”

Poche Beach Walkway Closed for Repairs

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO , SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Deteriorating conditions found at the Poche Beach pedestrian underpass prompted the County of Orange to issue an emergency closure of the walkway late last month, and plans to repair the access point are currently in the works.

According to Marisa O’Neil, OC Parks spokesperson, the county anticipates construction to get underway soon, after first securing the proper approvals, including a green light to amend its coastal development permit from the California Coastal Commission.

The county, she added, is also looking to acquire an encroachment permit from the Orange County Flood Control District to replace the catwalk, while engineering plans are nearing completion.

Concerns related to the condition of the walkway, which provides beachgoers access to the county park underneath the train tracks, and straddles the Dana Point and San Clemente border, were first reported by OC Parks staff about a year ago, O’Neil said.

“At that time, an engineering consultant was hired to examine the walkway,” she said in an email this week. “Inspections in January and May of 2020 showed signs of wear, such as heavy corrosion of some handrail posts, that indicated the catwalk would need replacement in the near future.”

The findings prompted the county, she said, to initiate plans of replacing the catwalk and had also begun to draw up engineering plans that were nearly complete when additional wear of the San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

The pedestrian walkway to Poche Beach remains closed because of dangerous conditions that county inspectors found late last month. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

staff and engineer included that the steel brackets supporting the catwalk had been “permanently deflected downward” and that the handrail posts had been eroded completely, so the handrail itself was “unsupported along the length of the walkway.”

“The catwalk also appeared to have increased warping of the walkway deck

walkway was discovered.

“Park staff recently noted additional wear and called for another inspection by the same structural engineer,” she said in the email.” That inspection showed that the condition had deteriorated significantly, leading to the emergency closure.”

Among recent observations by the Page 4

and decreased flexibility, and was pulling away from the wall support anchors,” O’Neil said, adding: “The engineer recommended closing the catwalk, as the condition observed suggested imminent failure.”

Visitors looking to access Poche Beach are advised to enter through North Beach in San Clemente or Capo Beach in Dana Point. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 5

sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC

SC High English Instructor Recognized as District’s Teacher of the Year

San Clemente

LO C ALS O NLY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

When San Clemente High Principal Chris Carter paid English teacher Margi Westling a visit to her classroom during the lunch hour on Feb. 10, she assumed it was to discuss a work-related concern she had brought to him hours earlier.

“I thought he was coming to talk about that. He said, ‘I need you to come with me,’” she recalled.

But when they walked outside, she could see in the courtyard a group of close work friends and district officials, as well as her husband and one of their four children, gathered for the surprise of her teaching career.

“We walked outside, and in the courtyard, I looked down at all these people,” said an elated Westling—the Capistrano Unified School District’s recipient for High School Teacher of the Year.

“It was quite a shock,” she said of the honor and surprise celebration. “It means the world to me; I put a lot into my teaching, and I kind of just live under the radar … never really thought about receiving Teacher of the Year, let alone the district’s Teacher of the Year.”

Westling, who teaches English for the sophomore and senior grade levels, started her career in education in 1987, when San Clemente High School hired her. She’s never worked anywhere else since—an aspect of her tenure of which she’s particularly proud.

“I’ve always been at SC High … I feel that I’ve built a home here; feel like I have this community around,” she said. “I never wanted to leave.”

Regarding her teaching style and what about it has resonated with both students and her colleagues, Westling said she works to make sure her students feel heard in her class, wanting them “to feel like they have a home in my class.”

Every year, each CUSD school recognizes one of their own as a Teacher of the Year. Among those honorees, the district also selects an elementary, middle and high school instructor for districtwide Teachers of the Year.

Margaret Dubel of Vista del Mar Middle School in San Clemente was named the district’s Middle School Teacher of the Year, while Elementary Teacher of the Year honors went to Ann Berger of Esencia K8 in Rancho Mission Viejo.

The three Teachers of the Year go on to compete for the Orange County Teacher of the Year award.

“I have had the unique opportunity to work with this incredible individual as both a parent and administrator for the past six years,” Carter wrote of Westling to CUSD’s selection committee. “In each of these capacities, I have been impressed San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

with her passion and commitment to creating an exceptional educational experience for all of our students, be it academic, athletic, or extracurricular.”

Westling’s award marks the first time in six years that an instructor from SC High was selected as the district’s Teacher of the Year. The last time was in 2005, when fellow English teacher Wendy Washington received the honor.

Washington, who’s no stranger to the award, having won it twice in her tenure at SC High, also submitted a letter in support of Westling to the district’s selection committee.

“A woman of heart and integrity, this (Teacher of the Year honor) has earned my strong recommendation,” wrote Washington, who started teaching at SC High the same year as Westling. “She is an integral part of our school community and, over the past thirty years, has become my best friend. I cannot imagine our school or my life without her expertise and kindness.”

Washington also praised Westling for her commitment to social justice, noting that for the past six years, Westling has taught a course called “Tolerance.”

“A person working toward the equal treatment of all people, she took over the program and grew it to two sections, recruiting a variety of speakers to share their experiences regarding tolerance in all aspects of life, from racism to mental health to sexual orientation,” Washington wrote.

Westling last week touched on the very subject of tolerance and inclusivity when asked what lessons and takeaways she’s always hoped her students learn by the end of every school year—aside from the curriculum.

“I think the biggest lesson that I would like them to learn is they all need to treat each other with respect, both inside and outside of the classroom,” Westling said. “Everyone has dignity and should be treated with dignity and respect.”

“No matter if they’re of a different ethnicity or if they’re of a different religion or they’re of the LGBTQ+ community, everyone should be treated in a way that they would like to be treated,” she continued. “More or less, that’s what I want them to learn when they leave the classroom.”

A day after being awarded Teacher of the Year, Westling said that she still felt overwhelmed by it all.

“It’s very surreal to me,” Westling said.

“I feel like so many people deserve this honor, and the fact that it’s been bestowed on me is really, really heartwarming, and I’m overwhelmed by it.”

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, bodymindspiritiop.com

ATTORNEY

Aaron Lloyd Bankruptcy Attorney 2377 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.544.9355, lloydlegal.com

Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DEL LAGO GROUP VALUATIONS & CONSULTING A.J. Bardzilowski Principal California Certified Residential Appraiser AR015516 California Real Estate Broker 01237943 (949) 246-2099 aj@dellagogroup.com

MUSIC LESSONS

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

PROSTHODONTICS Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P. 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com

REALTORS

Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.com

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, sandyandrich.com

Rock Club Music School 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com

PLUMBING

SALONS

Salon Bleu 207 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.366.2060, scsalonbleu.com

VETERINARY HOUSE CALLS

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com

Dr. Damon Goldstein, DVM 626.485.9355, damongoldstein@outlook.com “Personalized Care for your Fur Babies at your Home”

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS 3West Environmental, Inc. www.3westenviro.com Residential & commercial inspections for mold, asbestos and lead paint. 310.400.0195

Page 6

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY Call Karen Banse for pricing at 949.244.1560 or email karenwill4usc@gmail.com

sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

COMMUNITY MEETINGS THURSDAY, FEB. 18

JOINT HOMELESS SUBCOMMITTEE 10 a.m.-noon. The city’s Joint Homeless Subcommittee will conduct a special meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

First Amendment Voice Executive Director Steve Miska (right) presents Tyler Boden with the nonprofit’s Volunteer of the Year award. Photo: Courtesy of First Amendment Voice

SC | Local Honored

for Civic Volunteer Work San Clemente’s Tyler Boden was honored as First Amendment Voice’s (FAV) Volunteer of the Year for his work within the nonprofit, while simultaneously operating his own business and running for city council this past year.

“Volunteering for First Amendment Voice is fun and fulfilling, and every time I do, I meet someone or learn something that enriches my life and understanding of civics,” Boden said in a press release.

According to FAV, which focuses on the rights and responsibilities of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, three volunteers are selected for special awards, including Volunteer of Year. The runner-up for Volunteer of the Year and Honorable Mention recipient were Oregon residents Aaron Johnson and Kelly Kehoe, respectively.

“Serving in the military, I quickly learned as a leader the importance of expressing gratitude for our volunteers,” Steve Miska, executive director of FAV, said in the release. “Our family readiness groups could not have functioned without wonderful volunteers.”

In addition to his volunteer work for FAV, Boden started in April 2020 his own business, Boden Energy Solutions, which specializes in solar energy.

SC | City to Resume

Street-Sweeping Parking Violations After temporarily suspending citations during the stay-at-home order, the city of San Clemente will resume ticketing vehicles parked in violation of the weekly street-sweeping program beginning on March 1.

The city halted issuing parking violations in response to the stay-at-home San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

ZONING ADMINISTRATION 3-4:30 p.m. The city’s Zoning Administration will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom in December. The order, triggered by a drop below 15% of available ICU capacity in hospitals across the state, prompted hair salons, gyms and in-door dining, among other business ventures, to shut down.

The city suspended parking enforcement to comply with and help the community stay at home without the need to worry about violations. However, with the order now rescinded as of Jan. 25, the city will shift back to prioritizing street sweeping to clean the gutters and help reduce the pollution seeping into the ocean from storm drains.

More information on the street-sweeping schedule, and to sign up for the free reminders from the city, can be found on the city of San Clemente’s webpage.

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com GARAGE SALES

SC | City to Hold Tryouts for

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE

Open Lifeguard Positions

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 12pm Monday.

Though the 2020 Junior Lifeguard Program was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, San Clemente will again hold its City Lifeguard Position tryouts on Sunday, Feb. 21. The tryouts will be held at the Marine Safety Division Headquarters.

Candidates will compete in a series of swimming and running challenges, as well as an interview after successful completion of the physical portion of the tryouts. The top candidates overall will be invited to a training program scheduled from the end of March through April.

Applicants must be 16 years of age

by June 7, with a valid work permit and signed parental consent if younger than 18.

Applicants can see hourly pay for the positions and can apply online at san-clemente.org/jobs or apply in person at the Marine Safety Division Headquarters.

The tryouts and training program will comply with COVID-19 safety measures, according to the city.

MOVING SALE - FEB. 21 Sunday, February 21, 9 to 2. Good quality stuff. Outdoor and In-door Furniture (some NEW). Plants, garden and kitchen items. 2856 Calle Esteban, San Clemente.

HELP WANTED P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

Do you want to reach 42,000 people in the San Clemente area?

Then you need to be in the San Clemente Times. Call us today!

Call Karen Banse for pricing at 949.244.1560 Page 7

sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

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

HOW TO REACH US C I T Y E D I TO R Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

O P E R AT I O N S

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 7. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2021. 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 THE SC TIMES

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

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

GUEST OPINION | The Business Buzz by Susie Lantz

In-Person Ribbon-Cuttings to Resume This Spring

I

Commerce at info@scchamber.com to secure your desired weekday event date.

Ribbon-cuttings are most often held on Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

f you’ve yet to experience a ribbon-cutting ceremony in San Clemente, then you’ve missed out on the fun. Fortunately, good times are on the way.

After months of learning how to interact cautiously, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is excited to share that the time feels right for ribbon-cuttings to reemerge this spring, with safe practices in place.

We’re ready to participate in an outside, clean-hands, socially distant, mask-wearing event. If such an event isn’t a fit for you now, no worries—we look forward to seeing you down the road.

Ribbon-cuttings are designed to highlight, celebrate and bring exposure to the hardworking local business owner or operator who has something exciting to share with our community; they’re an opportunity for businesses to thank their supporters, meet the city’s movers and shakers and showcase their staff.

Ribbon-cutting-worthy events include business grand openings, anniversaries, new locations, new owners, renovations and “we’re still in business, come see us” festivities.

If you’re a San Clemente business and want to host a safe-practices ribbon-cutting, here’s how it’ll work:

• The friendly Chamber staff will invite local city and legislative officials and Chamber representatives. These individuals often attend and present beautiful certificates that can be displayed at your place of business.

• While your business is free to invite your own guests or favorite THE BUSINESS VIPs, the Chamber BUZZ will promote the

BY SUSIE LANTZ ribbon-cutting event to our vast network of business members and other community contacts.

• Event photos will be taken and shared on social media and featured in the San Clemente Journal magazine.

That’s it. Isn’t it terrific?

You may be wondering about ribbon-cuttings for non-brick-and-mortar businesses that are just as worthy of celebrating. These events can be held in front of the Chamber office or at an alternate

• Contact the San Clemente Chamber of

outside venue of your choosing.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are for Chamber of Commerce members, so please reach out to inquire about the never-ending benefits. The Chamber delivers ongoing exposure and community connections; memberships are extremely valuable and affordable, and we’ll be delighted to welcome you!

These events can bring us together (6 feet apart), allow us to celebrate our resilience, and get to know each other safely and responsibly.

We’re ready to see you cut that ribbon!

If you have questions about scheduling a ribbon-cutting for your business, or would like to learn more about membership, contact info@scchamber.com.

Susie Lantz is the membership director for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, and works alongside Arlen Flores, director of Operations, and Joey Brett in Customer Relations. Susie joined the Chamber in 2019, after having spent several years working in advertising and marketing with the San Clemente Times, where she remains a loyal supporter of local media and the Picket Fence Media family. 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 | Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Macros, Calories and Exercise … Oh, My! (Part 2)

H

them, is they not only win the weight loss game, but they gain so much more, including improved health and vitality.

Looking to the definition of “vitality,” we see the meaning to be “state of being strong and active,” and “the power giving continuance of life.”

That’s it, folks; if you knew you could finally feel comfortable in your own skin and completely shift the trajectory of your life by modifying your food and exercise with a different strategy, could you really say no to this proposition?

I say “no way.”

Before I tell you a little secret, first answer whether you have made these statements: 1. I know what to do; I just don’t do it.

2. The diet worked, I lost the weight (except you have now found the weight).

3. I eat a clean diet; I don’t know why I can’t lose weight.

4. Once I hit menopause, I just look at food and gain weight.

opefully, you can hear me chanting, “Lions and tigers and bears … oh, my!” as you read the title of this month’s column. People continue to be “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs” when it comes to the latest and quickest way to weight loss.

I am completely capable of helping my clients take the weight off, but as everyone knows, keeping it off is a whole other ball game. And, unfortunately, this game is lost by most—that is, until they go on the next punitive and HEALTH AND restrictive diet plan, NUTRITION 101 and try, try again.

BY GINA COUSINEAU That being said, 99% of my clients come to me for weight loss. My hope, once I have had the privilege of educating and influencing Page 8

5. I would like to weigh what I weighed in high school or college or on my wedding day.

6. I’d rather just work out than change my diet.

OK, the dirty little secret is that the key to your weight loss does not live in trying to “out-train that bad diet” or “how healthy your food choices are.” Rather, it’s the almighty “calorie deficit” directly related to your food intake.

While this sounds easy enough, there is a fine line between too many calories, too few calories, how food choices make you feel both physically and mentally, and the satisfaction that these calories can provide, even when you are desiring to lose weight.

Step one is finding a diet approach that you can enjoy forever, and that means regardless of whether you are in a calorie deficit (for weight/fat loss), calorie surplus (for weight/muscle gain), or homeostasis (Cont. on page 10) sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 9

sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

(Cont. from page 8) (equilibrium)—the latter being my desire for us all.

Your food choices and ability to balance meals and snacks start with foods that are wholesome, as close to nature as possible, with the perfect amount of calories; macro nutrients (foods that provide calories, as well as water and fiber); and micro nutrients (foods that provide vitamins and

minerals); and variety to bring joy to you psychologically, as well as physiologically.

Step two, finding a nutrition professional who is both educated and experienced enough to help you execute this in your kitchen, navigating our daily lives, and the obstacles that keep getting in our way (i.e., convenience foods and lack of exercise).

Next month, we tackle the “exercise” piece of the puzzle; this cannot be

ignored, but until then, sign up for my weekly newsletter by visiting my website at mamagslifestyle.com, and join me for complimentary virtual cooking classes, webinars and more.

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education—a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition— chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness

Letter to The Editor

much money is given to county agencies to do outreach? How much money is spent on law enforcement for their homeless liaison program? How much money is spent on code enforcement?

How much money is spent building and operating shelters? (None in southernmost Orange County.) How much money is left on the table, not being spent at all?

According to the county Office of Care Coordination, there is still money from the CARES Act that could be used to offer seniors and at-risk people motel rooms.

The money, part of Project Roomkey, would pay for motel rooms, food, and case management. That money could save lives. Could. But it didn’t. Why not? There are fingers pointing every which way.

This senior gentleman shouldn’t have died on that sidewalk. While a room or a shelter could’ve possibly saved him, all

the outreach programs in the world and programs like Project Roomkey, even a shelter will do little toward permanently getting people like him off the street.

We need affordable housing in South County where someone’s Social Security check can pay their rent. And we need Permanent Supportive Housing for our homeless neighbors with disabilities.

And in San Clemente, while the city and the county point fingers at each other, and the city council, with the support of many community members, obstructs any possibility of providing housing for homeless disabled people, nothing gets done that will prevent this suffering, inhumanity, and death.

I hope people will let their elected officials—county and city—know they want housing in their communities for homeless neighbors to be a priority.

RETIRING INTO HOMELESSNESS AND DYING ON THE STREETS MAURA MIKULEC, Capistrano Beach On the morning of Jan. 28, when arriving at work, the director of the San Clemente Senior Center found a 73-yearold man who slept there most nights, and had for years. That morning, he was dead.

Why are people dying on our streets?

In such a rich county, this preventable loss of life raises many questions. How much money is given to contracted nonprofits to connect people to care? How

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 10

professional allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle. 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

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 a virtual Beachside Chat on Friday, Feb. 19, at 8 a.m. The chat is hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday.

CORRECTION: A story on Rip Curl’s contract extension with one of the local Colapinto brothers was published on page 18 of the San Clemente Times’ Feb. 11 edition.

Crosby Colapinto re-signed with the surf brand, adding another three years to his sponsorship contract.

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

The List What’s going on in and around town this week SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SATURDAY | 20 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts.

The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

SUNDAY | 21 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.

WEDNESDAY | 24 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 stand-up 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.

Page 11

Editor’s Pick Colt Fasl, 16, rides the Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s horse, Superman, during riding lessons on Feb. 9.

Photo: Collin Breaux

FRIDAY | 2-27 DRIVE TO RIDE FUNDRAISER FOR SHEA CENTER The J. F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is hosting a monthlong fundraiser to help provide financial aid for clients, as well as for horse care and programs for military families and veterans. The annual event has collectively raised more than $1 million over 10 years, and this year’s goal is $175,000. Clients are sharing their stories online, and clients can take photos of a horse cutout on-site. The narratives that raise the most money will receive incentives. sheacenter.org.

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

One Year Later: Pandemic Anniversary Reflections

L

ast February, if someone told me in a few short weeks that my family of four would be living together under the same roof again, I’d have said it’s preposterous, but also not a bad idea for a zany reality show.

Then again, this time last year we were still getting acquainted with the year 2020.

It’s hard to believe Jan. 21, 2021 marked the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. The occurrence was reported in a patient living in Washington state.

Closer to home, the perilous discovery prompted my older son to boomerang back to his childhood bedroom.

Next month marks one year since my older son and his girlfriend traveled from the Bay Area to San Clemente for what they thought would be a quick trip.

Instead, their weekend getaway morphed into a months-long stay.

In observance of this landmark anniversary, I took time to revisit my dated journal chronicling our fortuitous time together. I found a couple entries that, in retrospect,

FROM THE ARCHIVES

are understatements of epic proportion: I think hoarding toilet paper might be a real thing—shopping at the grocery store is like being on a scavenger hunt.

We finished a puzzle tonight. I have a feeling we might be doing another puzzle in the coming weeks.

Reading my thoughts from last year, the first days of March were, dare I say, amusing—remember Tiger King?

But as the COVID-19 timeline exponentially intensified, my subsequent daily entries take a dismal downturn in tone due to the day-today reality.

As our economy started its downward spiral, it became apparent my LIFE’S A BEACH son’s situation was

BY SHELLEY MURPHY not solitary. Because of the pandemic, an increasing number of the nation’s young adults (ages 18 to 29) found themselves living back at home with their parents—that’s the highest

Contributor: Liz Hanson Kuhns and San Clemente Historical Society

Town founder Ole Hanson’s daughter, Marge, leads friends— including Liz Hanson Kuhns (far right)—in a beach dance while wearing a sea kelp skirt, circa 1930s.

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 editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

majority since The Great Depression.

Reflecting on our time in quarantine, I felt nostalgic, and my thoughts wandered to the last time my older son resided at home for more than an extended holiday vacation.

It was several years ago; he was barely 18 years old preparing to swap his childhood bedroom for a college dormitory.

Back then, my son spent his last few summer nights at home socializing with friends and celebrating at happy farewell gatherings.

I, on the other hand, spent the nights worrying and wondering if college would be the much-hyped best four years of his life.

At the end of the day, I survived the dreaded college drop-off ritual and returned home, where I spent most of my waking hours pining for the past and fearing the future.

However, with the passage of time comes clarity; I now see his leaving not as the end but a new beginning—for both of us.

When the pandemic struck last year, and my son returned home, I relished the opportunity to see who my adult son had become.

The statewide stay-at-home order gave me a glimpse into my son’s world that I didn’t think I’d get, and I treasure that time together.

Sure, the quarantine road became bumpy at times, but we managed to navigate the potholes. My son is one of the funniest people I know, and I like to think we share a similar sense of humor—in good times and bad.

The best part of my lockdown day was in the morning, when my son and I accompanied each other on walks through the neighborhood. Our heartening morning walks and talks are among my most memorable moments together.

As I mark our quarantine milestone, I realize if there is a silver lining to the pandemic, it’s my son’s return home and getting to know him as the young adult he is today.

I’ve told my son countless times how much I love him, but I sure hope he also knows how much I like him.

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Page 12

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.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Lindsey

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

indsey is a playful kitten who loves attention. She happily runs over to greet you when you enter the room. Left to her own devices, Lindsey occupies her time by hunting down toys or napping peacefully in the sun. Lindsey gets along with other cats, but can be a bit of a diva and would prefer not having to share.

If you are interested in adopting Lindsey, please visit petprojectfoundation. org/adoptions/adoptacat 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.

sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

Business Directory

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 13

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01181308 To All Interested Persons: Brandon Hiep Tran; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Brandon Hiep Tran PROPOSED NAME A. Hiep Ngoc Tran The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition 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 heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 04/01/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Harbor Justice Center, 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: 01/27/2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON MARCH 3, 2021 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: Zoning Amendment PLN19-032 – Inclusionary Housing Program and In-Lieu Fee Update A request to consider the analysis and update of the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program and Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu fee. The project includes consideration of: the number of inclusionary (affordable) housing units required in residential developments involving six or more units; the required inclusionary (affordable) housing income level; and the method to calculate the inclusionary housing in-lieu fee. The project includes amending Zoning Ordinance Section 17.24.120 Inclusionary Housing Requirements to be consistent with the Housing Element and any Inclusionary Housing Program modifications adopted with this project.

Staff recommends the Planning Commission determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or not subject to further environmental review pursuant to Sections 15060(c), 15061(b)(3), and 15378. The project is covered by the general rule 15061(b)(3) that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, the project is not subject to CEQA. The proposed adjustments to the Inclusionary Housing Program involve a policy action that is administrative in nature, related to the requirements for affordability for potential land development in the future, to implement Housing Element Program 5. Therefore, it can be seen with San Clemente Times February 18–24, 2021

certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment and is not subject to CEQA. It is not possible to predict which properties in the City, if any, may be proposed to be developed with a project that is subject to the Inclusionary Housing Program, whether any development or density will result from the proposed changes, whether any development or density will result that would not already have occurred under the existing Inclusionary Housing Program or Zoning Ordinance, whether any project may elect to submit inclusionary housing in-lieu fees in-lieu of constructing affordable housing units onsite, or any possible significant environmental impacts peculiar to the adoption of the Inclusionary Housing Program update, including the associated in-lieu calculation modification and Zoning Ordinance updates, and therefore, (1) will not result in any direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)); (2) can be seen with certainty based on review of the facts to have no possible significant effect on the environment, including impacts to water or traffic (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)), and (3) do not constitute a project under CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). Any development project subject to the Inclusionary Housing Program will be subject to environmental review under CEQA. This application is on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development Department at (949) 361-6183. If you challenge this project in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held via teleconference on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. View the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente.org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Planning Commission electronically by using the on-line portal available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/PCPublicComment.

Transmittal by 3:00 p.m. on Planning Commission meeting days is recommended.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949)361-6183.

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON MARCH 4, 2021 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

front setback by 12 inches and the side setback by six inches, and to maintain an existing nonconforming setback (14” encroachment) at the front nook, allowing an eight square-foot addition.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities) and Section 15305 (Class 5: Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations).

This application is on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting (949) 361-6183. If you challenge this project in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held via teleconference on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting.

However, to participate citizens may: 1. View the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente.org/live; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Zoning Administrator electronically by using the on-line portal available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/ZAPublicComment.

Transmittal by 1:00 p.m. on Zoning Administrator meeting days is recommended.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949)361-6183.

Zoning Administrator PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: LYLE G. JOHNSON CASE#30-2021-01183225-PR-LA-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of LYLE G. JOHNSON; LYLE GORDON JOHNSON A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JENNIFER URRUTIA in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JENNIFER URRUTIA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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 important 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.

248 West El Portal – Minor Exception Permit 20-312/Minor Cultural Heritage Permit 20-313 – Halls Deck

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/11/2021 at 2:00 P.M. in Dept: C08, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

A request to consider exterior modifications of an existing single-family residence abutting a property containing a historic structure, including a request to add a second floor deck that encroaches into the

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

Page 14

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.

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: Kulwinder Kenea Bains SBN206499; Bains Law, Inc. 801 10th Street, 5th Floor, Modesto, CA 95354 (209)521-1500 Published in: San Clemente Times, February 18, 25, March 4, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE INVITING ELECTRONIC BIDS Street Improvement Projects – FY 2021, Project No. 11306 and Major Street Maintenance – FY 2020, Project No. 20305 and Slurry Seal Program – FY 2021, Project No. 21303 Bids shall be submitted electronically through the City’s electronic procurement system (PlanetBids) at: www.san-clemente.org/vendorbids. Bids must be received by no later than 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2021. All bids received after that time will be returned to the Bidder, as they will be deemed disqualified. Only electronic bids submitted through PlanetBids will be accepted. Bid tabulations will be available on PlanetBids immediately following the bid closing.

Bidders must complete line items information (PlanetBids Line Item Tab), and attach a paper Bid Form, completed in full and signed (PlanetBids Attachments Tab). In addition the Bidder shall attach Subcontractor(s) Listing, Experience Form, Bid Security, and all other documents required herein (PlanetBids Attachments Tab). The system will not accept a bid for which any required information is missing.

The work to be done consists of furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidentals as required by the specifications and contract documents for the Plans and Specifications for Street Improvement Projects – FY 2021, Project No. 11306; and Major Street Maintenance – FY 2020, Project No. 20305; and Slurry Seal Program – FY 2021, Project No. 21303;in the City of San Clemente, California.

Reference is hereby made to these Specifications for further particulars, and same are by such reference incorporated herein and made a part thereof, the same as though fully set forth hereunder.

Project specifications and contract documents are posted in the City of San Clemente PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente. org/vendorbids. All bidders must first register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids System website to participate in a bid or to be added to the prospective bidders list.

The contract does call for monthly progress payments based on the engineer’s estimate of the per sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM centage of work completed. The City will retain 5% of each progress payment as security for completion of the balance of the work. At the request and expense of the successful bidder, the City will pay amounts so retained upon compliance with the requirements of Government Code Section 14402 and the provisions of the contract documents pertaining to “substitution of securities.”

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, in accordance with Section 1770 of the California State Labor Code and in accordance with the terms of the Southern California Master Labor Agreement, has heretofore established a prevailing rate of per diem wages to be paid in the construction of the above entitled work. The said wage rates are herein referred to and adopted in this Notice as though fully set forth herein, and said scale is made a part of this Notice by reference.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771.1, no contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Furthermore, all bidders and contractors are hereby notified that no contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby notified that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

No bid will be accepted from a contractor who has not been licensed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9, Division III of the Business and Professions Code, State of California. Bidder shall possess a Class “A” California State Contracting License in good standing.

The bidder, by submitting its electronic bid, agrees to and certifies under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of California, that the certification, forms and affidavits submitted as part of this bid are true and correct.

The City of San Clemente reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

February 4, 2021 Dated: To be published: February 11, 2021 and: February 18, 2021

_____________________________

Tom Bonigut Public Works Director / City Engineer NO Pre-Bid meeting will be conducted. Any bid questions may be submitted via the Planet Bids System.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DANIEL S. CHEMOTTI, aka DANIEL STEVEN CHEMOTTI, aka DANIEL CHEMOTTI CASE# 30-2021-01182393-PR-PL-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of DANIEL S. CHEMOTTI, aka DANIEL STEVEN CHEMOTTI, aka DANIEL CHEMOTTI A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MONICA E. TOSCHI in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MONICA E. TOSCHI be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

San Clemente Times February 18–24, 2021

The PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any 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 important 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: March 10th, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. in Dept: C08, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

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.

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: GUY R. GIBSON/ERNEST H. TUTTLE, IV of Gibson & Tuttle, Inc. 100 Estates Drive, Roseville, CA 95678 (916)782-4402 Published in: San Clemente Times Feb 11, 18, 25, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216593737 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SC LICE REMOVAL 60 AVENIDA MERIDA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): DANIELLE KLINE 60 AVENIDA MERIDA 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: N/A /s/ DANIELLE KLINE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/14/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Page 15

20216594769 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: OLIVER’S 211 AVENIDA DEL MAR SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): BRENDA KINSMAN 3370 CALLE LA VETA 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 /s/ BRENDA KINSMAN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/27/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216594060 The following person(s) is doing business as: 1. PCH CHIROPRACTIC 26933 CAMINO DE ESTRELLA SUITE B CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 ADDITIONAL FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S): 1B. PCH CHIRO Full Name of Registrant(s): PALMER PEET, D.C. 105 VIA TOLUCA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: N/A /s/PALMER PEET, D.C., PEET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CORPORATION PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder on 1/20/21 Published in: San Clemente Times February 4 11, 18, 25, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216593991 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GILBERT FUGITT LEADERSHIP COACHING AND CONSULTING 2 CALLE TORTUGA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): GILBERT FUGITT 2 CALLE TORTUGA 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: N/A /s/ GILBERT FUGITT, SOLE PROPRIETOR This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/20/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216593637 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NOMADE HOME 175 WEST AVENIDA CORNELIO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): RACHAEL GILLETTE 175 WEST AVENIDA CORNELIO 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 /s/ RACHAEL GILLETTE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/14/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216592687 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SUN PANTRY 905 CALLE NEGOCIO #75231 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): STATESIDE US 905 CALLE NEGOCIO #75231 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/ STATESIDE US, ANDREW JORDAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/05/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216592676 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BGSBAKEDGOODS LLC 1126 E CARLETON AVE ORANGE, CA 92867 Full Name of Registrant(s): BGSBAKEDGOODS LLC 1126 E CARLETON AVE ORANGE, CA 92867 This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/BGSBAKEDGOODS LLC, JENNY TOM, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/05/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216592597 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BEHRENS CAPITAL INVESTMENTS 4810 PARK NEWPORT, APT 217 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 Full Name of Registrant(s): SANDRA KUENZI, TRUSTEE THE STANLEY BEHRENS LIVING TRUST DATED JULY 8, 1983 3 DEWBERRY WAY IRVINE, CA 92612 This business is conducted by A Trust The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/THE STANLEY BEHRENS LIVING TRUST DATED JULY 8, 1983, SANDRA KUENZI, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, TRUSTEE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/04/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2021

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

CoastLines

| By Fred Swegles

Memories Go Back to When S.C.’s Historic Movie Theatre Was Being Built

D

ay after day, we can watch the historic San Clemente Theatre’s restoration take shape. Joe Llamas is among only a few locals alive who can remember its grand opening in May 1938.

He was 8 years old, living not far from the theatre. He was there to see it being built. At age 91, he remembers going to the first show.

“It was 10 cents,” he told me during a 1981 interview published in the Daily Sun-Post on his 52nd birthday.

Recently, I visited him to pick his brain for any other memories, 40 years later, about the cinema and a bowling alley built next door to the movie palace in 1946.

The bowling alley is being rebuilt together with the theatre rehabilitation.

The theatre will be reborn as an events center, the bowling alley as a food court.

“The bowling alley had six lanes,” Llamas recalled. “I was the first pin setter there.”

He was in high school then. He also ushered at the San Clemente Theatre.

ORIGINS “I think my parents came here in about 1928,” he said. “They came across the border in Tijuana. I remember seeing their passports, when they cleared through. They were going up to Los Angeles. My dad saw all this building going on.

He decided to see if they had any work.

They asked if he knew how to drive a team of mules.”

That was Jesus Llamas’ first job in San Clemente, working for town founder Ole Hanson’s grading of streets and village layout. “Everything was pulled by mules,” Joe said.

“So, the name Llamas has been here since 1928.”

On Aug. 19, 1929, Joe Llamas was born in a tent off Avenida Calafia. About a year later, his father, a jack of all trades, was able to build a wooden house where Avenida Pico now intersects I-5. The family later lived nearby, in a house on Calle Valle.

Jesus Llamas was a longtime employee of the Strang Brothers, who built much of San Clemente, including the movie

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

theatre, Casino San Clemente, the Beach Club, the Golf Clubhouse and the original City Hall.

Joe walked to and from the theatre once a week with his brother Fred.

“You could see two movies—a double feature—and a newsreel, a cartoon, COASTLINES and we even enjoyed

BY FRED SWEGLES watching the coming attractions,” Joe said.

His parents would give him 25 cents—10 cents admission and 15 cents for a hamburger and a Coke at the Gilmore gas station, where Shadetree Automotive is today.

TOUGH TIMES Just weeks after Joe’s birth, a stock market crash plunged America into a cataclysmic economic depression spanning the next decade.

“I was born two months before the Big Bang,” Joe said. “There were times when we had beans and tortillas three times a day,” he said.

He and other kids managed to have fun and make do in San Clemente. “It was a great place to grow up,” he said. “It was small. You knew everybody.”

Some kids went skinny-dipping in San Clemente’s water supply, a reservoir where the Presbyterian Church now stands. “We never got caught,” Joe said.

Besides the beach, kids could jump into a pond at the town plaza or into the city pool, known today as the Ole Hanson Beach Club.

“We used to call it The Plunge,” Joe said. “It was a nickel to get in, but there were times we couldn’t afford a nickel.”

He remembers A.J. “Spike” Jimenez, owner of San Clemente’s first car dealership. He remembers other businesses when San Clemente was a popular Highway 101 stopping-off point halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. There was no freeway. The Sea Shore Cafe was open 24 hours. The Owl Boat Company catered to tourists, off the pier.

Joe discovered he could earn a nickel by taking his wagon to the end of the

Joe Llamas points to where his face appears in a 1935 photo of the first and second grades at San Clemente Grammar School, pictured in Jennifer Garey’s book, Images of America: San Clemente. Photo: Fred Swegles

pier, meet fishermen stepping off boats and haul their catch to their car.

“One time I got a quarter,” Joe said, grinning. “The guy didn’t have any change.”

Kids were in pretty good shape.

“For eight years, I walked to grammar school,” Joe said.

JOE’S SCHOOLING His education at San Clemente Grammar School didn’t begin well in 1935. He spoke only Spanish. There was no option for bilingual education. His mother kept him home for a year while he resolutely picked up English from his older brother and sister.

“In 1936, I started school again,” Joe said.

Faith MacGregor taught him in the second, fourth and sixth grades. Years later, she taught his daughter, Karen.

In 1944, Joe was one of 10 eighth-grade graduates, moving on to Capistrano Union High School. Four years later, he was among 36 graduates of Capo.

WARTIME One Saturday in December 1941, Joe watched Sgt. York, a movie about the Great War, 1914-18. The next day, a Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor started what would become known as World War II. “All the kids were patriotic,” Joe remembered. He and others would collect scrap rubber and other materials for the war effort.

There were blackouts. One night, an air raid warning sounded during a movie at the theatre.

“It wasn’t until 2 or 3 o’clock we got the all-clear,” Joe said. “Everybody was sleeping in the chairs.”

After graduating from high school in 1948, Joe spent four years in the Navy.

“I always wanted to be a sailor,” he said.

LOVE OF HIS LIFE In December 1951, while he was home on leave, his cousin introduced him to

Page 16

Nancy Olsen, who worked at a San Clemente cafe.

“Something just told me, this is the one,” he said.

In 1952, they were married. They would raise three children and celebrate 65 years together until Nancy passed.

Joe, a career plumber, retired in 1991.

Today, he’s a great-great-grandfather.

WHEN WAS BEST? The favorite time of his life?

“I guess, back in the old days,” he said.

“You could walk all over town. You didn’t have to worry about anything.”

Yet, San Clemente remains nice today.

“My wife came from Wisconsin, to Arkansas, to San Clemente, and she didn’t want to leave San Clemente at all,” Joe said.

“She felt the same way I did.”

He’s recognized as the first baby boy born in San Clemente.

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

sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SCHS COACH DIES AFTER CORONAVIRUS FIGHT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

There was a candlelight vigil on Saturday night, Feb. 13, in the parking lot of the Shops at Mission Viejo just below Mission Hospital. Former players, coaches and friends had been holding nightly prayer circles in that lot while Wood was in the hospital. SC

S

an Clemente assistant football coach Joe Wood died on Friday, Feb. 12. He was 71.

Wood had been in critical condition at Mission Hospital for a month while getting treatment for COVID-19.

Wood is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and six daughters.

A GoFundMe page had been set up to help Wood’s family deal with mounting medical expenses. The page is still open for contributions at gofundme.com/f/ team-joe-wood-on-the-line.

Wood coached in the Capistrano Unified School District for 34 years, with stints at Capistrano Valley High School, Aliso Niguel High School and the past 16 years at San Clemente High School.

“Joe Wood was a loving coach who cared for his players on and off the field,” San Clemente head football coach Jaime Ortiz said in a letter. “Coach Wood made it a point to develop a relationship with all of his players and continue those relationships past their high school years.

“He cared for his players as if they were his own sons, and it was evident by

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Joe Wood was a football coach for 34 years in the Capistrano Unified School District, including 16 years at San Clemente High. Photo: San Clemente Athletics

the way they played for Coach Wood.”

Wood, most recently a running backs coach for the Tritons, had been at San Clemente since 2005 and contributed to three league championships and the Tritons’ run to their first CIF-SS and State championships in 2016.

Wood was also notably the head coach

of Aliso Niguel’s first senior class in 1996 that went undefeated (14-0) and won a CIF-SS title. Wood was named “Coach of the Year” by many outlets that season.

“We are devastated by his passing,” Ortiz wrote, “and his presence will truly be missed by the entire football community and those who knew him.”

Page 17

LACROSSE FUNDRAISER: San Clemente High School alumnus (2011) and former Tritons lacrosse player Brenden Tieger (far right in photo) wanted to find a way to give back to the school and the boys lacrosse program. Now a vice president for Better Earth (tieger@betterearth.solar) solar panel company, Tieger has created a fundraising opportunity for the team by donating $1,000 for every install the company does through the fundraising promotion. “I wanted to find a way to give back to San Clemente, and I couldn’t think of a better way to at least start by implementing this idea to donate directly through my solar company,” Tieger said.

sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

‘The Surfer’s Journal’ Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary

GROM OF THE WEEK

THIS ONE’S FOR THE BIG KIDS!

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

For San Clemente-based publication, thriving in print space means listening to readers

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n May 25, 2000, I received a rejection letter from Steve Pezman, the publisher of The Surfer’s Journal. I couldn’t have been more elated at the time. It was like the scene in the Steve Martin movie, The Jerk, when the main character finds his name in the phonebook and declares, “I’m somebody!”

A naive 24-year-old, I’d pitched “Pez” a story about a Seal Beach lifeguard and surf pioneer named Jack Haley, who’d recently passed away. I hadn’t fully comprehended that Haley and Pez had a decades-long relationship and what that meant for the art of storytelling.

A lesser man would have blown me off, but Pez, a thoughtful, insightful person, took the time to write me a two-page letter explaining why the piece was not fit for publication.

“Your story of Jack could not possibly include what you weren’t there to know,” he wrote. “The real story would be well worth reading, but will never be written.”

At the bottom, he included a note: “Please, for obvious reasons, keep this between us.”

Enough time has passed to share Pez’s sentiment (but the nitty, gritty details will remain a secret). Pez knew, and I’ve come to learn, that success in writing is largely about how one swallows the bitter pill of rejection, and somewhere in Pez’s words I found motivation.

After combing the sands for another year or so, I eventually had the good fortune to join the editorial team at Surfer magazine, which Pez had helmed a couple decades prior. And by the time The Surfer’s Journal celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010, I had the high honor of holding down a chair in their edit department at Pez’s esteemed publication.

Like an eager little puppy, I shared with him the letter he’d written a decade earlier. He smiled and chuckled like the San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Surfer’s Journal founders Steve and Debbee Pezman celebrate their long-running publication’s 30th anniversary this month. Photo: Courtesy of The Surfer’s Journal

big papa bear he is. I wonder how many other sensitive writers and artists he’s let down oh-so-gently over the years.

This month, The Surfer’s Journal turns 30 years old, and while much has changed in the world of “surf media,” it’s defied the odds and proven that print is not dead.

Rather, with the right formula and a little secret sauce, it can, in fact, thrive.

When Pez and his wife, Debbee, founded the publication in 1990, they wrangled a list of subscribers from Surfer, sent out a mass mailer explaining how they were launching a reader-supported publication that would have minimal advertisements and feature high-grade, premium stories and photos.

They patiently waited by the mailbox for a response. It was slow at first, but things picked up, and soon they had enough support to print their first issues.

“The goal has always been to have The Surfer’s Journal act as a gallery of white walls, hanging the art of writers and photographers,” Debbee explains. “We are subscriber-driven, and our readers are loyal. For that, I am grateful. It is this loyalty that has allowed us to become a member of One Percent for the Planet.

This is something we are most proud of.”

Now, 30 years later, they’re still at it.

With son Shaun Pezman at the helm today, Steve and Debbee don’t spend as much time behind the desk as they used to, but the family-owned-and-operated vibes are still very much flowing, as their dedication to surfing’s history and culture has never wavered.

They’ve also branched out and launched The Golfer’s Journal a few years ago, which has enjoyed much success.

In the age of fast-paced online consumerism, relentless social media noise and all of the other distractions we face daily, The Surfer’s Journal remains a breath of fresh, salt air, an opportunity to sit down and reflect on why we’ve dedicated our lives to the silly pursuit of riding waves.

“The time Deb and I’ve spent at Surfer—and myself previously to that at International Surfing—and now The Journal created a basic foundation,” Steve explains. “But no matter what I say about it, the 30 years sneak up on you. For me, it’s all collectively 50 years of making colored dots on paper about the experience of riding a wave. What does that mean?”

I can tell you what it means to me, and I think I speak for a lot of artists, photographers and writers out there when I say it’s means the world. Thank you to Steve and Debbee for creating The Surfer’s Journal and giving us all a place to do what we do.

And as a reader, thank you for giving me something to look forward to other than my next notice from the IRS. Behind all those high-gloss covers are a lot of hard work, sacrifice and passion, and yet 30 years down the track, the magic is still there every time a new issue lands in the mailbox.

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

Page 18

his week’s grom recognition goes to all those adult groms who have worked tirelessly to get the kids back in jerseys and safely surfing contests again.

Last weekend, the Western Surfing Association (WSA) was able to hold its first contest in Oceanside. And up north, the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) got rolling at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz.

From the dedicated crews that put these contests on, to all of the parents, family, friends and supporters who give our surfers of tomorrow a platform to perform, it’s been a long journey to get here. We see you, and we applaud your passion and commitment to bring back the magic of a day at the beach.

There were a lot of local surfers from the Dana Point and San Clemente area who posted great results—too many to name here, in fact. We’ll give you some shine soon enough.

But to all those groms out there who had the opportunity to pull the jersey back on and surf their first heat in a long time, don’t forget to stoke out your folks and all the great people who made it possible.

Or maybe even do a couple extra chores around the house—or, at the very least, wax your dad’s board for him. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-59 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 3-5’ Thursday: Blend of South/southwest and Northwest swell rolls in with waist to head high surf, (3-5’). A light offshore breeze in the morning, shifts to a moderate westerly wind for the afternoon.

Outlook: The South/southwest and Northwest swell mix eases for waistshoulder-head high zone waves, (3-4-5’), on Friday. Light/variable winds Friday morning turn to light+ afternoon onshores. The trend towards smaller surf continues through the weekend, with waist to stomach high waves, (2-3’+), by Sunday. Light/variable winds Saturday morning are followed by a moderate Northwest sea breeze in the afternoon.

Offshore flow Sunday morning, turns to a light+ onshore wind during the afternoon.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 19

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times February 18-24, 2021

Page 20

sanclementetimes.com