May 11, 2023

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TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Casa Romantica Turns to Community for Support Following Landslide

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

With programs and events on hold at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens following last month’s landslide that damaged the local landmark’s Ocean Terrace, the nonprofit is looking for the community’s support through fundraising efforts.

“As a consequence of the landslide and dynamics of the situation, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is faced with unprecedented financial uncertainty as to continuing planned programs, private events, and activities, placing the nonprofit in the position of asking for assistance,” Casa Romantica said in a media release.

Hoping to raise $250,000 by the end of June, Casa Romantica is inviting people to attend its Benefit Dinner and Concert: An Evening with Alicia Olatuja at the Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday night, May 11.

Those who can’t attend Thursday evening’s dinner can also donate to the

Casa directly or through its Spring Renewal Campaign. And those who have a venue or space that could be available for off-site activities and events are asked to contact the Casa at info@ casaromantica.org.

The Casa’s back patio and adjacent landscaping fell roughly 20 feet down the hillside above the Beach Trail and railroad tracks during the landslide that struck the historic property on April 27. Since then, it’s had to suspend certain programs and postpone events as the property remains closed.

According to the nonprofit, it’s working to partially reopen the estate—the former home of town founder Ole Hanson—for public access at the end of May.

“The City of San Clemente has identified the parts of the estate that are safe from the damage caused by the landslide and present no danger to the staff or public,” Amy Behrens, Casa Romantica’s executive director, said in the media release.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, patrons, volunteers, and staff remain our top priority, and our team is working diligently to secure all approved areas. We will keep the community informed as progress is made toward our reopening date, and we

Council Introduces Ordinance Establishing Local Vendor Procurement Policy

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The San Clemente City Council unanimously voted at its meeting on May 2 to introduce an ordinance to provide local small businesses bidding on city contracts with a 7% preference.

The item came back to the council after it directed staff on April 4 to draft the code amendment, with then-Councilmember Gene James leading the charge.

In addition to allowing qualifying businesses to bid less on contracts, the preference would expand discounts on supplies, equipment, materials, construction and professional services to the same 7% figure from the previous 3%. All preferences would come with a maximum financial value of $150,000. “If the total combined bid amount submitted by a responsible Local Vendor is not greater than one hundred seven percent (107%) of the apparent

low bid and all other rating criteria is considered to be equal, preference shall be given to the responsible Local Vendor,” the ordinance states regarding open bids.

Local businesses would also receive a 7% preference on all sealed bids, although the council can waive the procurement policy at any time if it determines issuing a preference would not be in the city’s best interest.

The April 4 vote came without discussion on the public hearing item.

After receiving direction from the council the previous month, city staff added stipulations to the ordinance. One stipulation would limit the city to apply the policy only in situations where it is fully funding the contract with its own coffers and without state or federal funds.

Qualifying businesses must possess

appreciate your continued understanding and support during this challenging time.”

Casa Romantica’s 11th annual Mary Colby Tea cultural event initially scheduled for this past Saturday, May 6, has been pushed to June 24. Similarly, its Benefit Dinner on Thursday is now taking place at the Franciscan Gardens in San Juan.

“We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the community for its outpouring of support during this challenging time,” Behrens said in the release. “Your encouragement, patience, and generosity have meant the

a valid City of San Clemente business license in good standing, must be located within the city’s boundaries, and must meet the criteria of a “small business” as defined in California’s Government Code and Public Contract Code. Local subcontractors would be ineligible for the preference.

The city could withhold or recoup funds equaling the value of a preference from a business if the entity is found not to qualify as a local business for more than 60 days during a contract or at the time of the contract’s approval. It could also void the

world to us.”

“Now, more than ever, we need the community’s support to reach our goal of reopening Casa Romantica,” she added. “As a cultural center that serves as a hub for arts, education, and community engagement, Casa Romantica is a vital part of the San Clemente community. We are committed to reopening our doors and resuming our programs and events as soon as possible.”

More information about how to support the Casa, donate to the nonprofit and attend the Benefit Dinner can be found at casaromantica.org/update-from-casa-romantica/.

contract overall.

The ordinance will come back for formal adoption upon a second reading at a future council meeting.

Following last month’s landslide that damaged the back patio area of the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, prompting a temporary closure, the nonprofit is turning to the community for support.

Photo: File/Keaton Larson

The City Council on May 2 introduced an ordinance that would give local small businesses, such as Rod’s Tree Service (pictured here), preference on contracts.

Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Local Officials Give Optimistic Forecast While Addressing Challenges at State of the City

BY COLLIN BREAUX

San Clemente certainly has seen its fair share of obstacles lately, from the abrupt departure of former Councilmember Gene James to the landslide collapse on the patio terrace of the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

The beachside town, though, is poised to overcome those and other challenges, according to remarks given by several local officials during the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City event held on Friday, May 5, at Bella Collina San Clemente.

Without directly referencing him by name, Mayor Chris Duncan made a quip alluding to James’ departure and promising smoother sailing ahead.

“We had some changes on our City Council. Just like in Yellowstone, we had one of our stars decide to depart the scene,” Duncan said, referring to actor Kevin Costner. “Unfortunately, this is the last episode of the ‘Real City Council of Orange County.’”

“We have a council that is going to come together, that is going to get the city back on track—literally, with the train issues and our landslides,” Duncan said. “We have a lot of issues out there, and what you deserve from your City Council is a council that sets aside side issues and really gets to work on the big things.”

Casa Romantica Executive Director Amy Behrens addressed what’s next for the historic site, which has been closed since April 27 after the 20-foot collapse of its back patio area and adjacent landscaping.

“We received a positive statement after the City Council meeting this week, and from our building officials, that we’ll soon be able to open a portion of our property to the public again,” Behrens said.

Behrens said the Casa team and its governing board are working together to make sure all areas at the historic property are deemed safe and free of any safety concerns for guests. She added that they’re making sure “all the barriers we have are secure, are attractive.”

“I really hope that you’ll join me when we reopen over Memorial Day weekend for the parts that we can open and that you’ll continue to support this cultural resource for the city,” Behrens said.

Casa Romantica wants to welcome guests back, so the property can once again be a site for personal reflection and social interaction, Behrens said.

“We want to be able to have whatever activities we can on-site, which will be in our courtyard, our amphitheater, and our art gallery—but there are so many events

that we have had to cancel,” Behrens said. “So many weddings and events for families have had to be postponed or canceled.”

“We really are going to need support from our local businesses in moving ahead to ensure we can provide our mission as the home of the founder of the city of San Clemente and provide programs and art and music and history and horticulture and literature of all ages here,” she continued.

Perhaps the collapse and Casa Romantica being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the future could “be the catalyst” for San Clemente to receive necessary funding to start restoring bluffs, Behrens said.

Congressional Rep. Mike Levin said stabilizing the rail corridor, including the “weakest links” at the bluffs in San Clemente and Del Mar, is “top of the line for me.”

“In the long run, we have to make sure that corridor is still up and running 100 years from now,” Levin said. “When it was originally conceived in 1880, they probably didn’t know about how much the beach would erode and how people there would be in proximity to the rail corridor. We’ve got to be thinking strategically in the near term about making sure we get the trains back up and running.”

Levin also reiterated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) commitment to the initial stage of the San Clemente Shoreline Project, which will put roughly 250,000 cubic yards of sand between Linda Lane and T-Street to widen the beach 50 feet, which had been announced the day before during a signing ceremony.

Moving spent nuclear fuel out of the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station—a long-standing issue in the community and one Levin has spoken about repeatedly—was also mentioned.

“When I got to Congress in 2019, I inherited a mess. The federal government had completely abandoned its responsibility when it came to spent nuclear fuel,” Levin said.

“In the last three years, we’ve secured $93 million for roughly a dozen sites across the United States that will come forward in the next couple of months—I hope we’ll announce it right here in San Clemente—to express an interest in being a host site for spent nuclear fuel,” he continued.

Fifth District Board Supervisor Katrina

Foley spoke about a variety of issues, including homelessness. Foley told a story about how a park in Costa Mesa was littered with syringes on the ground while she was mayor there. It was later cleaned up and had no homeless encampments, she said, after a plan was created to open a shelter that offers interim housing and support services so people can find permanent housing.

“I have that experience. I know how to do it that served the community well,” Foley said. “It doesn’t create more people coming. It actually helps to deter people from . . . help us collaboratively work together.”

“I’m not going to cite a place here in South County,” Foley continued. “I’ve told the council, the mayor, all City Councils for the other cities—Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Niguel—that it’s the community’s leaders that need to come up with a location. I’ll help you get the funding. We’re committed to that.”

Foley also noted that an emergency declaration for the City of San Clemente was on the County Board of Supervisor’s meeting agenda for Tuesday, May 9, to help with reimbursement for Casa Romantica.

She also said that her office can work collaboratively with property owners on a calamity relief program in which property value taxes can be reassessed if a home or property is uninhabitable because of landslides.

Other notable announcements from the State of the City event included the Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of San Clemente scheduled for the first Friday in November, a job fair at the Outlets at San Clemente on the first Friday in June, and the movement of the San Clemente Historical Society’s archives to the Com-

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Beachside Chat

8-9 a.m. Join San Clemente residents and dignitaries for the weekly Beachside Chat, a spirited, town hall forum on community issues led by a slate of rotating hosts. The chats are held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, located at 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. All are welcome.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

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.

Citizens’ Climate Education

10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. Email larrykramerccl@gmail.com to receive a link to join.

TUESDAY, MAY 16

San Clemente City Council

5 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting in person at the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel. City Hall, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 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 any parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect, mental health), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in-person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

VA Disabled Claims Clinic

2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

Mayor Chris Duncan discusses how San Clemente can move forward amid a bevy of issues during the State of the City address held at Bella Collina San Clemente on Friday, May 5. Photo: Collin Breaux

Federal Officials Authorize First Phase of San Clemente Shoreline Project

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Sitting at an outdoor patio table at the Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar on the morning of May 4, local and federal officials held a signing ceremony to memorialize an agreement to bring much-needed sand to San Clemente’s coastline.

The Project Partnership Agreement sets in motion the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) commitment to the initial stage of the San Clemente Shoreline Project, which will put roughly 250,000 cubic yards of sand between Linda Lane and T-Street to widen the beach by 50 feet.

Rep. Mike Levin, Mayor Chris Duncan, and Col. Julie Balten, commander of the USACE’s Los Angeles District, were on hand for the event.

The three spoke of the need to protect residential, commercial and municipal properties from wave action, in addition to protecting the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor that carries a significant volume of freight and passengers.

“Fortunately, this project is designed to help address all of these issues by reducing the potential for storm damage to facilities located along the coast of San Clemente, including recreational beach facilities and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, and helping restore and maintain recreational use around the San Clemente coastal area,” said Balten.

Duncan thanked Levin for his work in securing the $9.3 million that brought the 20-year effort closer to reality, as well as thanking community members for their

assistance in the process and laborers from the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 652 group who will participate in fulfilling the project.

He reiterated the reliance San Clemente has on its beaches for entertainment and importance to local businesses, mentioning the ongoing Nature Based Coastal Resiliency Project Feasibility Study, which seeks to find long-term sand retention solutions among other objectives.

Regarding the need to jump-start projects that will bring sand to other depleted locations in the city, Levin affirmed its importance, saying such efforts up and down the coast of his district must be a “50-year commitment.”

Duncan added that completing the resiliency study and identifying how to best keep sand in place is a key step.

“Then, let’s (start) other sand replenishment projects; let’s think out of the box and look for partners like Congressman Levin and the federal government, who have shown they can get it done and deliver for us,” Duncan said.

At the San Clemente City Council’s meeting on May 2, Duncan and his colleagues heard a presentation from USACE’s Los Angeles District Project Manager Doland Cheung that detailed the upcoming project’s background, timeline and specifications.

The USACE authorized eight “renourishment events” to occur in approximately six-year intervals over a 50-year period in addition to the initial $15 million project,

City to Enter Exclusive Negotiations on Potential Lease for Mini Golf

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

A small development group curried favor from the San Clemente City Council last week, paving the way for a proposed mini golf facility at Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

Councilmembers voted unanimously to authorize City Manager Andy Hall to conduct exclusive property negotiations with Salty Turf LLC, which comprises three San Clemente residents, regarding a 1.18-acre lot set aside as a designated lease area within the sport park’s Master Plan.

The group’s proposal to construct 36 holes, along with clubhouse and concession areas, came to the council after the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed and recommended it via a 6-0-1 vote in February. Commissioner Rob Feuerstein recused himself from

the decision.

Jeff Moore, member of Salty Turf and development partner of the ongoing Rare Society restaurant project, spoke to the San Clemente Times on Monday, May 8, and mentioned the importance of receiving public support for the potential facility.

“Also, to have the support of the City Council is massive for us, to have them see the vision and understand the value that it’s going to give to our community is awesome,” said Moore. Salty Turf and the city are progressing in negotiations, according to Moore, who added that the immediate next steps are concentrated on conceptualizing design for the facility. According to the city’s staff report regarding the item for the May 2 council meeting, the lease amount was un-

for which the federal government and the city split the cost into 65% and 35%, respectively.

Moving forward, the cost share will be 50-50 for the remaining $99.3 million needed to fulfill the entire plan.

Before the project’s estimated start in November or December, the Corps, Cheung said, is still waiting to receive state grant funding. The government agency must also confirm environmental commitments by mid-May, the city must obtain a California State Lands lease by June, and in July the USACE will award a contract to use the Portland District’s West Coast Hopper Dredge.

Once the dredging begins, a 75-footwide berth of sand, including 25 feet of “overbuild,” will be placed on the city beach to result in a beach that is actually 50 feet wide.

“The idea of that is that overbuild accommodates a thing called equilibration,” said Cheung. “What will happen is, quickly, that area will equalize to fill out the natural slope of the surrounding area.”

There will be a discharge area that is closed to the public, enforced by both temporary sand berms and fencing. Project operations will be limited to 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

In response to Councilmember Mark Enmeier questioning which way the sand will migrate, Cheung said the Corps expected movement to align with the traditional north-to-south plan.

determined prior to any negotiations.

The group’s goal is to build a facility that reflects the beauty and landmarks associated with San Clemente, Moore’s partner, Andrew Streett, previously said to the BPR Commission, with features such as the T-Street Bridge decorating a hole rather than a clown’s face.

At the council meeting, Councilmember Mark Enmeier asked Beaches, Parks & Recreation Department Director Samantha Wylie to speak to the city receiving only one response when it issued a request for proposals (RFP) on the property in December 2022.

“We posted the RFP on Planet Bids, which is the standard—we use that for all of our bidding,” said Wylie, adding that the proposal “was all we got, and we’re not required to come with any type of minimum proposal response, so that’s kind of where we landed.”

Other groups that previously expressed interest did not reach out further, according to Wylie.

“As the area starts to potentially erode again and go further south, you should see some of the south beaches picking up some of that material as it migrates down,” he said.

Kiel Koger, city engineer and director of public works, opined that the amount of rain Southern California experienced in recent months should contribute to an increase in sand on San Clemente beaches in the summer, as a significant amount of sediment was transferred.

Once the USACE completes the initial project, it will monitor the shoreline and include plans to fund the next nourishment cycle in the Corps’ budget as it determines the next necessary event.

Cheung couldn’t provide an estimate of what the cost would be according to price levels in the year of a specific cycle, but said updated cost estimates every two years will be helpful.

She added that while staff doesn’t have data that shows a specific desire for mini golf in town, the lot would remain undeveloped if the council voted against the proposal, and could remain barren indefinitely as the city prioritizes its own responsibilities and plans.

Regarding the facility’s design, Moore said he met Monday with an architect from artificial grass installer Back Nine Greens, which services corporate and residential needs across the nation.

“Today, he just wanted to visit the site and get a little bit of inspiration, and he was shocked,” said Moore.“He literally was like,‘This is a blank canvas; I cannot believe that this is undeveloped and nothing has been done here.’”

With Moore acting as the marketing arm of Salty Turf, he looks to continue developing the design concepts as partners Streett and Marcus Vanneman take on the operations and financial aspects, respectively, if the group signs a lease agreement to operate on the property.

(From left) San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan, Rep. Mike Levin and Col. Julie Balten, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ LA District, gather at the San Clemente Pier on May 4 to officially set in motion the San Clemente Shoreline Project’s initial stage. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

PierPride to Host Birthday Bash for SC Pier’s 95th Anniversary

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The PierPride Foundation is gearing up to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the San Clemente Pier, a municipal structure that has been ingrained in the city’s identity since its construction in 1928.

PierPride, which formed in 2015 to complement the city’s maintenance of the pier with other improvements, will host its annual Yacht Rock Cruise on Thursday, May 18, featuring food and live entertainment.

Eileen Kawas, PierPride president, spoke about how special the pier is to San Clemente, given that it sees two million visitors annually.

“Everybody has a memory of the pier; everybody can tell you something momentous that happened in their life (there),” Kawas said. “It’s just incredible.”

Lori Donchak, PierPride co-founder and its current secretary, added that it is the “crown jewel” of San Clemente, with the Beach Trail and surrounding retail making the area more special.

“I think that it is a key destination in the city,” said Donchak. “It’s a place (where) the community comes together, whether it’s for fireworks, or Junior Lifeguards, or a marriage proposal.”

Adding to visitors’ experiences related to the pier is important to Kawas, as she realizes San Clemente has a special asset.

“Not every town gets to have a pier, and I think we’re

very lucky that we have our own pier,” she said. “It’s upon all of us to make sure that that pier is here for future generations.”

After the flow of funding from California’s Redevelopment Agencies dried up with its dissolution in 2012, Donchak and Jim Nielsen, a fellow resident and active member of the community, had the idea of assisting the city with enhancing the visitor experience.

During PierPride’s existence, the organization has renovated the restrooms and Snack Shack, helped install new lighting to illuminate the American flag, and it annually hosts pier jumping events, to name a few highlights.

Currently, the nonprofit is looking to expand available bicycle parking at the base of the pier, according to Kawas.

“These are things that the community has asked for,” she said. “We’ve run questionnaires and surveys … 95% of the participants have said that in the last five years, they have seen an improvement in the pier.”

Donchak noted that over the years, PierPride has received support from stakeholders including the state, County of Orange, the city, local entities such as Rainbow Sandals, and individual donors.

Another larger project that could potentially materialize is building what is called the Pier Plaza, a reimag-

ining of how the entrance to the area from Avenida Victoria used to look decades before.

“It’s basically creating a plaza at the base of the pier on the inland side … by the underpass,” Donchak said. “It’s a big project, and if we do it correctly, it’ll be ready for the (pier’s) 100th birthday. That’s the dream.”

Donchak added that the project is expected to be included in the city’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget discussions, for which the design and engineering would cost an estimated $150,000. Construction costs are yet to be determined.

For Kawas, her colleagues’ commitment to the community and the pier makes her job easier, and she finds working with them easy.

At the Yacht Rock Cruise, 100 guests will be treated to live music from the Bunch of Guys Band as they ride in a two-hour loop from the Dana Wharf to the San Clemente Pier and back.

Kawas called the annual event the most fun that PierPride sponsors, adding that the cruise provides a rare opportunity.

“Not many people get to take a look at the pier from the water,” she said. “Either you’re on the land or the shore, looking at the pier, or you’re on the pier itself. So, it’s a unique perspective.”

Donchak added her own positive take on the upcoming event.

“Cheers to the pier on its 95th birthday,” said Donchak. Information about the Yacht Rock Cruise and how to purchase tickets can be found at pierpride.org. SC

The PierPride Foundation’s annual Yacht Rock Cruise will highlight the Municipal Pier’s 95th anniversary. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

With then-1-year-old daughter Malia Goud in her arms, San Clemente resident Andi Goud admires her handiwork after unveiling her mural on the renovated San Clemente Pier bathroom during an event hosted by the PierPride Foundation on Aug. 25, 2020. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

PierPride Foundation hosts its annual Pier Jump on Oct. 2, 2022, giving a dozen people a chance to safely jump into the ocean from the San Clemente Pier.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

City Looking to Create Coastal Administrator Position

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

San Clemente city staff are moving ahead in the process of finding a coastal administrator who would be tasked with directly handling coastal issues and beach restoration efforts, as the topic of coastal erosion grows in relevance.

The City Council received an update on the matter on May 2, as staff was previously directed to include the role in the city’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, as well as create a job description and competitive salary range.

Councilmember Victor Cabral and City Manager Andy Hall met last month with Jayme Timberlake, the City of Oceanside’s own coastal zone administrator, to learn about her position and how to integrate it into the city’s overall structure and function.

The Oceanside City Council created the role in December 2021, tasking the position with administering activities

related to sand replenishment, coastal resiliency planning and more, and supporting the city’s efforts to protect coastal resources, in addition to a multitude of other responsibilities.

The annual salary range was listed between $96,684 and $129,564, according to the website californiacitynews.org, which lists available city and county jobs.

Cabral pointed out that he and Councilmember Mark Enmeier, who comprise the council’s Beach Subcommittee, had jointly recommended creating such a position.

“It’s an issue that I think, for years, has been neglected,” said Cabral. “I think that the model that’s used by the City of Oceanside and what we learned from that person is valuable.”

He added that he was part of another meeting with a representative from Imperial Beach, who proved helpful, and said he wanted to make a concerted effort to create, advertise and budget for San Clemente’s own coastal administrator.

“I wanted to let the public know that none of us … have forgotten about the importance of our beaches,” said Cabral.

Hall said staff is working on finalizing the job description and reminded the council that recruiting for a position

San Clemente SanMusicClemente Festival Music Festival

can take time.

“Perhaps, with the support of the council, we would like to start at least doing some recruiting and maybe some outreach,” said Hall. “Again, if we were to begin to recruit this position now, it’d probably be several months before that

position would be on board.”

Starting at an earlier date would help land a candidate close to the July 1 start of the upcoming fiscal year. Hall added that staff is confident the city would be able to pay for the new position and still have a balanced budget.

The City of San Clemente will look to create a position that administers to all topics related to the town’s coastline, such as erosion and sand replenishment. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Thank you San Clemente for a wonderful 25 years

We are very grateful for your unswerving support, kindness, generosity and friendship. I feel that we were able to create a restaurant that offer wholesome meals with the highest of standards using the finest and purest ingredients we could find. Prioritizing Organic when it’s available, Grass-Fed Beef, Lamb, and Cage-Free Poultry. Most important, we made everything from scratch, without compromising our high standards-including all our gluten-free and regular desserts.

It’s time for me to move into the next chapter of my life. With sadness and a heavy heart I will be completing this chapter. Simultaneously with happiness and contentment we were able to be part of changing the food scene in San Clemente. We are proud to be one of the restaurants that resided in San Clemente in the past 25 years that created a unique dining destination for all of South Orange County.

I am blessed and honored to spend this chapter of my life in this very special place. To meet some of the most sincere and special people, to make friends for life and to witness their kids become men and women with their own family. Thank you, San Clemente, for giving us the opportunity to be part of your community. We will be closing our kitchen on Sunday May 28th, 2023.

Chef/Owner Nour Tillo and the staff of the Village Mediterranean Rim

Gina Cousineau

Committed or Interested?

Weekly, I find myself asking my clients if they are truly “committed” or merely “interested” in reaching their goals.

It might sound a bit harsh, but the reality of this question comes when people don’t allow their supposed “intense” desire for weight loss to guide their commitment to the actions needed to achieve that goal.

Hopefully, after all these years of following along, you, my insightful readers, know that my “hunger” is for everyone to embrace a “healthy eating pattern” and, in return, this will allow them to achieve a “healthy weight” for this season of their life.

I have spent a great deal of my recent continuing education hours learning about psychological addictions, and not just in the realm of alcohol and drugs, but with food. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first 12-step fellowship, was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith.

While there are other 12-step programs, AA has led the way for other programs like Overeaters Anonymous. OA is a community of people who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from unhealthy relationships with food and body image using the AA “Big Book” and principles as their guide.

It is important to clearly understand that with alcohol and drugs, sobriety is the only solution, which means completely refraining from the substance(s) or behavior(s) forever. We can’t eliminate food from our lives, but for those who

Letters to The Editor

RESPONSE TO KATHY ESFAHANI

MARTIN L. HANNIGAN, San Clemente

Respectfully, as a resident of San Clemente since 1972, I totally concur with (former) Councilmember Gene James’ plan for the removal of these vagrants from our fine town.

The option for private security not only in North Beach but at the Pier is “shockingly” cost-effective, compared to the addition of OCSD entry-level sheriffs to nanny the vagrants, considering base pay, pension, and other benefits.

The opinion that “many in the community believe the unhoused,” which are actually the “vagrant criminals,” create

have an unhealthy relationship with food, what then is the solution?

need to be healthy human beings, and being “at weight” doesn’t mean they are “healthy.”

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

MANAGING EDITOR

Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS

In programs such as OA, individuals learn instead that they might need to “abstain” from “trigger” foods that threaten the individual’s ability to heal, allowing them to then work toward or maintain a healthy body weight through the 12 steps.

That is why I always say I have one of the hardest jobs in the world, but also the most satisfying.

BY GINA COUSINEAU

Let’s get back to the “committed or interested” theme I proposed at the start.

First, I need to tell you that in my practice, most people have some form of “disordered eating.” There are those who are inherently thin, who are really good at having food boundaries that allow them to control their weight.

But then we can swing the other direction to those who have been on every diet in the world, and while they can “lose weight” with the latest punitive and restrictive approach, and waste money on the “in vogue” pill, powder, or potion, they cannot keep the weight off once they go back to their old ways.

And don’t forget those with diagnosable eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, according to the DSM Manual, the standard classification for mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the U.S.

No matter their weight, many of these individuals are malnourished, meaning they aren’t getting the nutrition they

real crime, not nuisance crimes, is totally proven true given facts on the ground from the citizens of our fine town who attempt to have a quiet walk down the Beach Trail or take children to a park.

San Clemente has zero obligation to provide housing or other benefits to the vagrant population. Property owners, “motels,” have zero obligation to be subjected to an eminent domain taking of their business or other rights.

San Clemente has zero obligation to build low-income homes except for police and first responders, as has been discussed for 10 years. Sheriffs should live here in town, not Temecula. Firefighters should live in town, not Corona.

The idea of paying for “immediate unlimited interim housing” for vagrants is comical, at best. The idea of providing an RV park is laughable to people who actually worked all their lives to aspire to live in San Clemente.

My hope is to encourage and educate individuals on how to commit to a healthy eating pattern most of the time, with science- and evidence-based nutrition leading the way. For those who don’t struggle with “addictive food” tendencies, this nutrition shift will then allow them to add in treats and splurges on occasion and thrive in life.

On the other hand, too many of us need help with controlling these self-destructive eating behaviors. Check out the screening tools at both oa.org and nationaleatingdisorder.org to identify if you or someone you love can benefit from these two fantastic resources.

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is your local nutrition expert, chef, and fitness professional, with her BS in Nutrition and MS in functional and integrative nutrition. She uses a food-as-medicine approach for weight loss to health gain, and everything in between. Follow her on social media @mamagslifestyle, and check out her website mamagslifestyle. com to learn more about her programs and freebies offered throughout the year.

Let us enforce “our” rights as property owners and law-abiding citizens to require council and staff and OCSD to enforce nuisance ordinances, loitering ordinances, pandering ordinances, soliciting ordinances, overnight camping ordinances and hygiene ordinances.

Being at the extreme south end of the county, Supervisor Foley wants to push the problem down here where nobody will notice—kinda runs downhill, I guess.

Thanks for your time.

MASS SHOOTINGS

ALBA FARFAGLIA, San Clemente

A Newtown resident, Monte Frank, recently went to Congress to promote banning assault weapons.

Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; make background checks on anyone who wants to buy a gun mandatory; make gun-trafficking a federal

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 18, Issue 19. 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 2023. 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.

(Cont. from page 10)

crime; enact severe penalties for “straw purchases” of firearms.

Why would any law-abiding citizen not be in agreement with this? No one is banning all guns, just military-style weapons, and the other restrictions are common-sense.

Recently, five countries, including Australia, Germany, and Japan, have advisories for people traveling to the United States because of the high incidents of gun violence, which surpass any of the industrial countries.

This affects our economy, the tourist industry, restaurants, hotels, national parks and recreational areas, small businesses, foreign and exchange students who come here to study.

It is unreasonable to think that the Second Amendment’s “well-regulated militia” would include military-type weapons the likes of which the framers of our Constitution could not even imagine. And not just “accessible,” but “easily accessible” to anybody and everybody.

How about this? How about a compromise?

It appears to me that the gun lobbies won’t budge. They won’t even entertain the possibility of any common-sense restriction on gun ownership. And this leads me to believe that, finally, it’s all about the money.

The manufacturing of firearms is a $28 billion industry. This is what we, the American people, are up against. However, we must continue to do what is right. We must convince our representatives and senators in Congress to get military-style weapons out of the hands of individuals that are anything but members of a “well-regulated militia.”

And we must agree that the life of school children trumps billions of dollars that are made from manufacturing weapons of war.

COUNCILMEMBER GENE JAMES’ RESIGNATION—SHAME ON YOU MOLLY MCLAUGHLIN, San Clemente

What a surprise to hear that Councilmember James has resigned midway through his term of office. His cowboy stance on important community topics was notable in its lack of intelligence and knowledge of public policy.

Don’t get me wrong, I know we are all tired of career politicians who only put their interests first, and he may have seemed like a breath of fresh air to many. But did you ever really listen to him?

Councilmember James wanted to turn San Clemente into the Wild, Wild, West— pretending that his gun sanctuary efforts were not already protected by our Constitution. Or how about his diatribe on the homeless? Or even better, his hateful attitude to a reporter just trying to question him on his resignation? Crude and cruel words for a leader in his position.

Independent of a potential health or personal consideration that left Councilmember James with few choices, a responsible and caring councilmember would have given the city a 60-day notice regarding his resignation, providing his colleagues and staff enough time to prepare and provide options in moving forward.

How about the impact of his resignation on important city matters that might be postponed because a 2-2 vote of a five-member City Council cannot move forward?

The consequence of Councilmember James’ actions is that until an appointment or very expensive special election, the city could find itself at an impasse on key legislative matters, thereby postponing key decisions that could have impactful consequences on residents and staff.

A blustery cowboy politician who quits on his colleagues and residents—shame on you, Councilmember James. We deserved better.

ANOTHER RESPONSE TO ‘COUNCILMEMBER JAMES TO STEP DOWN FROM LOCAL OFFICE’ BEN RICH, San Clemente

The news that Gene James is resigning from the City Council and moving is a simple a case of great news for San Clemente and not so great news for Wyoming.

SAN CLEMENTE HOMELESS JAY THOMAS, San Clemente

San Clemente is a tourist town. Putting the homeless in San Clemente hotels and motels is a horrible idea. Who wants to stay at a hotel with homeless people (many of whom are drug addicted and/ or mentally ill) not just nearby but right down the hall?

The homeless should be kept as far away as possible from tourist areas. Let the county open, operate and pay for

shelters a wide distance from schools, public areas and tourist zones.

Learn the lessons from cities like San Francisco and Portland, which have tolerated and enabled the homeless to the point they are now overrun and have crashed their tourism industries into the rocks—which unfortunately has opened plenty of hotel rooms for even more homeless.

That’s what is known as a death spiral (some now use the term “doom loop”), but whatever you call it, it’s not something that we want or need here in beautiful San Clemente.

VACANT COUNCIL SEAT

MATT EGAN, San Clemente

I am firmly against the City Council selecting a new councilmember to fill the vacancy. We just had an election six months ago, and the next-highest vote getter was Donna Vidrine, who lost by a mere 23 votes, one tenth of a percent difference.

If Steve Knoblock is a legitimate office holder, then Donna Vidrine would be just as legitimate an office holder by that slim of a margin.

Let democracy speak instead of a brokered selection process that wreaks of suppressing the will of the people. If not that, then hold a new election.

In a town that is ready to spend $8 million on a pickleball facility or $1.2 million a year to chase the homeless away, I would think we have a mere $100,000 to let our democratic system work.

And I don’t care what Laguna Niguel did; this is San Clemente.

NOW THE SHOE IS ON OTHER FOOT TONY RUBOLINO, San Clemente, and LAURA FERGUSON, former San Clemente councilmember

Last year, a resident discovered 22 pub -

lic comments with residents’ personal identifying information, such as email addresses, phone numbers and addresses published on the city website.

Rather than remove this information when citizens requested, the city doubled down for months before council publicly addressed the matter.

During the April 19, 2022 council meeting, instead of demanding the city comply with its legal and ethical duty to redact personal information in the protection of constituents, Councilmember Chris Duncan gaslighted residents who “complained” and accused them of “wasting time on a non-issue” and attacking staff with their “made-up allegations.”

Now the shoe is on the other foot, and Duncan, instead of disclosing unredacted emails about his D.C. trip, insists that his email address remain redacted from public view to safeguard the privacy of his personal identifying information. Talk about a double standard.

It was improper for Duncan to use his personal email when conducting what he alleged was “city business” in the coordination of his trip, using $4,600 in council contingency funds without council approval.

It was also improper for him to include his assembly campaign in the signature block of his email correspondence about city business.

At the May 2 council meeting, resident Tony Rubolino asked councilmembers for an update since they recently asked Duncan to provide unredacted emails related to his trip.

Rubolino added, “The moment he used his email with a hyperlink to his campaign to communicate his trip to D.C. on the taxpayer dime should be instant nullification of city funds used for this trip, and Duncan should pay this back to city coffers. Council, this is your moment to shine to hold Duncan accountable.”

Duncan is laser-focused on his campaign for higher office. Anytime a politician is self-serving and intoxicated with power, the people are not represented. We must demand honesty, integrity and accountability of our elected officials. If they lack these qualities, they should be voted out of office; not promoted to higher office.

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Gene James resigned from the San Clemente City Council on April 28. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

THE COACH HOUSE

www.thecoachhouse.com

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930

5/11 BLOOD BROTHERS feat. Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia

5/12 QUEEN NATION (Queen TribuTe)

5/13 THE ENGLISH BEAT

5/14 HALEY REINHART

5/19 JOHN CAFFERTY

& The BEAVER BROWN BAND

5/20 HEARTBEAT CITY (The Cars TribuTe)

5/21 LET’S HANG ON! (Frankie Valli & The Four seasons TribuTe)

5/26 METAL SHOP

5/27 BLINK 180TRUE & GREEN TODAY (blink 182 & Green Day TribuTes)

5/28 BOBBY GRAY

6/1 TOAD THE WET SPROCKET

6/2 THE RISING (bruCe sprinGsTeen TribuTe)

6/3 JUDY COLLINS

6/4 THE MOTHER HIPS

6/7 THE OUTLAWS

6/8 BLACK SABBITCH (all Female blaCk sabbaTh TribuTe)

6/9 AL Di MEOLA

6/10 SHAWN COLVIN

6/11 The Snacks / Richard Stekol Band

Missiles of October / The Code

6/15 JULIAN MARLEY / Tomorrow’s baD seeDs

6/16 AL JARDINE anD his enDless summer banD

6/17 AMBROSIA

6/18 PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

6/24 PRINCE AGAIN (prinCe TribuTe)

6/25 THE WAILERS

6/28 JOHN CRUZ

6/29 YYNOT (rush TribuTe)

6/30 THE SWEET

7/1 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES

7/5 LYLE LOVETT and His Large Band

CLARKE & The Reef Richards

7/15 SHINE ON – pink FloyD experienCe

7/16 TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK (TribuTe FeaT. mark Verabian) 7/19 THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!

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The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

THURSDAY | 11

TABLE TENNIS THURSDAYS

10 a.m.-noon. Intermediate to advanced players who are at least 45 years old are invited to play table tennis at the Shorecliffs Terrace Mobile Home Park every Thursday for free. Shorecliffs Terrace, 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente. 949.481.2275.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER

7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. The Walrus will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

LIVE THEATER AT CABRILLO

PLAYHOUSE

7:30 p.m. For one last weekend, watch a live performance of the comedy The Pirates of Penzance at San Clemente’s local theater. Tickets are $33. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

FRIDAY | 12

LINE DANCING FRIDAYS

10-11 a.m. Join Age Well Senior Services for line dancing every Friday at San Clemente’s senior center. No partner required. For a $5 donation, learn some easy and fun line dances to get you moving. Carrie Wojo teaches all over South Orange County and makes it easy to stay active and have fun. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.498.3322.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION

4:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about

SUNDAY | 14 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT THE OUTLETS

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Treat the women in your life to the Outlets at San Clemente’s “Bubbles, Blooms & Brunch” celebration, complete with mimosas, bouquets and giveaways. The Ballet Academy & Movement of San Clemente will headline the live entertainment, joined by a local three-piece band. Each guest will receive a bouquet, a $10 voucher for an Outlets gift card and a VIP Lounge Day pass. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. outletsatsanclemente.com.

and participating in safe, productive activities. There will be an improv lesson from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and TGIF Night starting at 6 p.m.—the theme being video games on numerous consoles. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE

8 p.m. Live music is featured at this San Clemente restaurant. Party band High In The 80’s will perform. BeachFire Restaurant, 204 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. D, San Clemente. 949.366.3232. beachfire.com.

SATURDAY | 13

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. 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.

ORBEA DEMO DAY

9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Path Bike Shop is inviting bike enthusiasts to try various Orbea bikes near the San Clemente singletracks at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park. Bring identification, a credit card, and a helmet. First come, first served. Richard T. Steed Memorial Park, 247 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente.

STRAWBERRY U-PICK

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

MOTHER’S DAY FINE ART SHOW

9:30 a.m-5 p.m. Join the Dana Point Fine Arts Association for its annual Mother’s Day Fine Art Show, running through Sunday, May 14. Artwork will be displayed in

the Dana Point Harbor. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. info@danapointfinearts.org.

FLOWERS AND FRIENDS

11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Swirl Boutique is hosting a pre-Mother’s Day experience, teaching attendees how to make flower arrangements. Emily Simpson from the Real Housewives of Orange County and flower guru Deana Linn will lead the event. There will also be snacks, shopping and fun socialization. Tickets are $85. Swirl Boutique, 165 Avenida Del Mar, Suite. B, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

DOG ADOPTION EVENT AND FUNDRAISER

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Heer to Rescue is hosting an adoption event, as well as a silent auction, a dog kissing booth for photo ops, and items available for donation. Pets Plus, 415 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.361.8907.

PALM TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Noon. The single-day Palm Tree Music Festival will kick off with performances by Kygo, Ellie Goulding, Tove Lo, The Midnight, The Knocks, Two Feet and Forester. The festival will also feature an exclusive “Palm Tree Beach Club” VIP lounge with shaded cabanas, hammocks and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit palmtreemusicfestival.com. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. info@palmtreecrew.com.

DANA POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY: FOREIGN FILM SCREENING

2 p.m. Join the Dana Point Public Library for a screening of the German film Storm. The film follows a prosecutor for the International Tribunal in The Hague as she travels to Sarajevo for a case, risking her and her sister’s lives and finding traitors everywhere around them. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE

7:30 p.m. For one last weekend, watch a live performance of the Agatha Christie murder mystery The Mousetrap at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Pixabay/Pexels

SUNDAY | 14

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE AT DANA WHARF

10 a.m. Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching aboard the OCean Adventure catamaran for a trip out of the Dana Point Harbor. “MOM-osas,” champagne, fresh seasonal pastries and muffins will be served. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794, ext. 7. danawharf.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge is hosting a three-course meal for Mother’s Day. Celebrate the day in Downtown San Juan Capistrano. Cost is $65 per person. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26907 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.503.5720. ysidora.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH WITH CAPTAIN DAVE’S

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Join Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari for a two-hour cruise of the Dana Point Harbor aboard the Hoku Nai’a catamaran. A catered brunch with mimosas or juice will be served. The cruise includes unlimited mimosas, with the option of purchasing onboard coffee, tea, water, soda, beer and champagne during the cruise. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.488.2828. dolphinsafari.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

7 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Pop singer Haley Reinhart will perform. Tickets are $20 to $25. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

MONDAY | 15

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo

Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

COUNTRY N IGHT AT H.H. COTTON’S

6 p.m. This popular downtown restaurant offers a night full of country music and line dancing for all ages. Beginners will have the floor from 6-7 p.m., followed by advanced dancers from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The floor will be open to all from 8:30-10 p.m. H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.945.6616. hhcottons.com.

TUESDAY | 16

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6:30 p.m. Test your knowledge every Tuesday night. Teams of two to six people are welcome to join in for a chance to win prizes. Call beforehand to reserve a table. Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 201, San Juan Capistrano. 949.429.3599. selmaspizza.com.

WEDNESDAY | 17

BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS

8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads 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.

WHAT’S COMING UP THURSDAY | 18

PIERPRIDE YACHT ROCK CRUISE

5-7 p.m. Celebrate the San Clemente Pier’s 95th birthday by taking part in PierPride Foundation’s 2023 Yacht Rock Cruise, featuring live music from the Bunch of Guys Band. Sail to San Clemente’s Municipal Pier and enjoy appetizers and a beautiful sunset. Boarding is at 4:45 p.m. at Dana Wharf. Tickets are $95 per person. pierpride.org.

‘Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret’

BY MEGAN BIANCO

There are some classic novels that seem as if they might never be adapted to film. One book that took more than 50 years to appear on the big screen is Judy Blume’s 1970s children’s literature classic Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.

The main reason we’re just now getting a screen version is because Blume is, apparently, really picky with this particular book of hers. But the combination of writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig and producer James L. Brooks was enough for her to have a change of heart, and movie fans can now be thankful for that.

Are You There, God? not only lives up to expectations from fans, but it is also one of the better coming-of-age features recently.

Our protagonist is 11-year-old sixth-grader Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson), who has a typical childhood of elementary school and summer camp on the East Coast in 1970.

Her parents, non-practicing Christian Barbara (Rachel McAdams) and secularly Jewish Herb (Benny Safdie), decide to move from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs for Herb’s upgraded job offer.

Things move pretty fast as Margaret’s adolescence suddenly approaches

puberty. New friends, new feelings, new questions and new scenery all for her final year before junior high.

Though we get the usual themes with adolescent-set movies, what makes It’s Me, Margaret stand out from other tales in its genre is the interfaith setting. Margaret’s parents don’t raise her with either Christianity or Judaism, feeling she should have the freedom to choose her personal beliefs “when she’s older.”

Little did they expect, their young daughter actually becomes curious about religion on her own, setting out to see which culture she identifies with the most. These scenes where Margaret learns her different faith options are the strongest in the film, as are the narration sequences in which she speaks to God like an imaginary friend with awkward phrasing and pausing, since she hasn’t been properly explained how prayer works.

Fortson delivers a strong performance in her first starring role, and the supporting cast members are charming, as well. Craig seems to be carving out a nice little niche of her own teen girl dramedies between Are You There, God? and The Edge of Seventeen (2016).

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is a nice little time for kids, parents and grandparents of all generations. SC

Photo: Courtesy of Dana Hawley/Lionsgate Films

CHIMNEY

RAIN, WIND, AND FIRE...

“The three menaces to any chimney, fireplace, or stove.”

Every year there are over twenty thousand chimney / fireplace related house fires in the US alone. Losses to homes as a result of chimney fires, leaks, and wind damage exceeds one hundred million dollars annually in the US. Additionally, mold, mildew, pollen, dust and flammable creosote are among the hazards that can build up and collect in the flue of a chimney. A thorough inspection, and cleaning if necessary, will dislodge and remove such build-ups.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS, INC., one of the leading chimney repair and maintenance companies, is here to help protect you and your home from losses due to structural damage and chimney fires.

Family owned and operated and having been in business for over 30 years, Chimney Sweeps Inc. is a fully licensed and insured chimney contracting company (License # 976438) and they are certified with the National Chimney Sweep Guild and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

For a limited time, readers of this paper will receive a special discount on a full chimney cleaning and safety inspection package with special attention given to chimney water intrusion points in preparation for the wet & rainy season.

by Tom Blake

5 Women Who Don’t Want to Be Lonely (Tonight)

In the past few days, I have received emails from senior women who have commented about the pain of loneliness after losing a mate. Here are five of them:

Dee wrote, “I understand the need to find love again. I don’t want to just be friends, although a relationship could start that way. At my mid-70s stage in life, I want warp speed.

“I work late, so I don’t have to be home as the sun sets (just too many memories for me). This is not the life I planned. I want a new beginning.

“I want to find that special man to walk alongside me, hold my hand and make me feel good again. And a hug, wow, that strong arm around me. Yes, I’m missing that.

“No one can tell me what is good for me. My life, as I knew it, just died. But I am still here and want to feel good again. Dating apps serve a purpose . I know the risks and pitfalls of online

FROM THE ARCHIVES

dating. I’m willing to take a chance. I remain lonely but hopeful. If I’m lucky, I will kiss loneliness goodbye.

the worst pain I’ve ever experienced because it’s never-ending. This comes from a girl who experienced a Caesarean section with no anesthesia and lived to talk about it. My pain threshold is high, but surgery heals, and I can’t heal my heart.”

Thyrza emailed, “Loneliness and longing for the departed is brutal. After my marriage ended, it took me 10 years to get the courage to start looking.

BY TOM BLAKE

“In my youth, I saw James Taylor in concert. His song “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” made a big impression on me. Today, with my emotions a bit raw, I sang that song. Here’s to all the lonely dreamers filled with hope, who don’t want to be lonely tonight.”

Carolyn emailed, “I lost my close friend and companion on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. He contracted COVID-19 before authorities knew what was killing people so rapidly.

“Now, I’m seeing a man who treats me well. His wife also passed away. When we met, he said he didn’t want to remain lonely anymore. Neither do I.”

Pat shared, “After 32 years of marriage, I was widowed in 2000 at age 53. The thought of dating didn’t enter my mind for years. I finally found I needed more in my life and joined an online dating site. I met an honest man who lives 15 minutes from me.

“He is a widower. We started dating, and two years later, we are happy. I would never have met him if I didn’t date online. I never thought I would find someone at my age that I would care for so much and have such a terrific relationship with.

“My advice to single seniors is to keep trying, and you will find the right person.”

Deanne said, “For 33 years, I was a party of two. We were the dynamic duo, and the word lonely didn’t exist. I can’t get used to being without someone who was such a big part of me.

“Not having someone to talk to, laugh with, and share life with is

“I joined match.com. I met a few frogs, but I persisted. I didn’t want to live the rest of my life with an empty feeling. I found a good man. It takes patience and an open mind to find that person. There is no time frame in which to seek a new relationship. Ten years was a long time to wait to look. Sooner is better.”

Hats off to these five courageous senior women who are combating loneliness.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.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.

Three-year-old Boone is a happy guy who just loves to have fun. Whether you’re going on a hike or just playing fetch in the yard, he’s always ready to be your favorite sidekick. Plus, when it’s time to settle down, he makes a wonderful snuggle buddy. Come meet Boone, and you’re sure to fall in love.

If you are interested in adopting Boone, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ 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. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

This aerial photo, circa 1929, shows San Clemente in its early days of development. The newly constructed Beach Club can be seen at the bottom, Plaza Park (now Max Berg Park) in the center, and, if you really squint, you can spot the Hotel San Clemente farther east. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

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

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

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO. 1750

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its Regular Meeting of May 2, 2023, introduced the following Ordinance: Ordinance No. 1750 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING AND REPLACING SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE, CHAPTER 3.40, SECTION 3.40.030 RELATING TO A LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE. Persons interested in receiving an inspection copy of the Ordinance are invited to call the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8200 or by email at Jimenezm@ san-clemente.org. Copies will be emailed or mailed to you at no cost.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente will consider adopting the aforementioned Ordinance at its meeting of May 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente.

LAURA CAMPAGNOLO

City Clerk & Ex-Officio

Clerk of the Council

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236660715

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

STRATEGY MICRO

721 AVENIDA AZOR

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

Full Name of Registrant(s):

SHELLEY MITCHELL

721 AVENIDA AZOR

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

JAMES R. MITCHELL

721 AVENIDA AZOR

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

This business is conducted by a General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 08/05/2020

/s/Shelley Mitchell

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/11//2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times Apr 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236660445

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: R AND R ELECTRIC INC.

34122 RUBY LANTERN UNIT C

DANA POINT, CA 29629

Full Name of Registrant(s):

RON AND RYAN ELECTRIC INC

34122 RUBY LANTERN UNIT C

DANA POINT, CA 92629

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

RON AND RYAN ELECTRIC INC/s/MARY

FRANZ, MARY FRANZ TREASURER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/07/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times Apr 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2023-01318125-CU-PT-CJC

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JENNA MICHELLE RECUPARO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

JENNA MICHELLE RECUPARO

Proposed Name

JENNA MICHELLE BORREGO

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the 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 scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 06/06/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Other: Remote Hearing. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: printed in this county: San Clemente Times

Date: 04/11/2023

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: San Clemente Times May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2023-01317300

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JOSE RICARDO ESPINOZA CRUZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

JOSE RICARDO ESPINOZA CRUZ

Proposed Name

JOSE RICARDO ESPINOSA CRUZ

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the 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 scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 06/01/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100 The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Other: Remote Hearing. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be pub-

lished at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: printed in this county: San Clemente Times

Date: 04/07/2023

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: San Clemente Times May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236658013

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BEACH HOUSE DYNAMICS

2717 VIA ARBOLEDA

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

Full Name of Registrant(s): JOHN A GRUBE

2717 VIA ARBOLEDA

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

ADAM J GRUBE

2717 VIA ARBOLEDA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

This business is conducted by Copartners. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a

BEACH HOUSE DYNAMICS/s/JOHN A GRUBE, JOHN A. GRUBE

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/13/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times Apr 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236661918

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

GRACE FOR CHANGE BIBLICAL COUNSELING

2207 VIA IRIS SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673

Full Name of Registrant(s): NICHOLAS KALENA

2207 VIA IRIS 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/NICHOLAS KALENA

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2023.

Published in: San Clemente Times May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 23FL000308

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Sophia Eva Stebbins and David Bonadurer Moore on behalf of Boston Stebbins, a minor, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

Boston Stebbins

Proposed Name

Boston McKinney Moore

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the 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 scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 06/07/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: L74.

Room: Remote Appearance. The address of the court is Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868-3205. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www. courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times

Date: 04/13/2023

JUDGE Julie A Palafox, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: San Clemente Times, May 11, 18, 25, Jun 1, 2023

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TRITON REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Baseball Falls in CIF-SS Second Round

San Clemente opened the CIF-SS playoffs with two road games, and the Tritons were sent home in the second round.

San Clemente advanced in the Division 3 first round with a rain-delayed win at Cerritos, 7-5, on Friday, May 5, but despite scoring first in the second round, the Tritons couldn’t hold off host Westlake in a 5-2 loss on Tuesday, May 9.

San Clemente finished 19-11 overall after a second-place run in the Sea View League.

In its playoff opener at Cerritos, San Clemente scored two runs in the first and never trailed. The Tritons added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh, and they were needed after Cerritos scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh.

Mike Erspamer scored two runs and added an RBI double to help his own cause on the mound. The sophomore picked up the win, allowing one run on two hits over six innings with six strikeouts.

Girls Lacrosse

Downed by No. 1

Foothill in Division 1 Semifinals

Foothill’s closest contest against CIF-Southern Section opposition all season was its season-opener against San Clemente, an 11-7 win on Feb. 28.

Foothill’s second-closest contest against CIF-SS opposition was also against San Clemente, but it would be the end of the road for the Tritons.

Foothill, the two-time defending Division 1 champion, scored seven goals in the first half and held down San Clemente in the second half to defeat the host Tritons, 11-5, in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals on Friday, May 5, at San Clemente High School.

San Clemente (14-4) was the No. 4 seed in Division 1 and advanced to its first CIF-SS semifinal. The Tritons defeated St. Margaret’s in the first round, 19-7.

Swimmer Noah Sech Wins CIF-SS Breaststroke Title

San Clemente senior swimmer Noah Sech captured CIF-SS Division 1 gold in the boys 100-yard breaststroke at the CIF-SS Championships on Friday, May 5, at Riverside City College.

Sech swam an All-American time of 54.66 seconds in the event to win his first CIF-SS title a year after finishing fifth in the event. Sech also finished third in the 200-yard individual medley with an All-American time of 1:47.15. Sech moves on to the state championships, where he swam last season as the first Triton in the competition since 2015.

On the girls side, senior Madelyn Phillips finished second in the 100-yard breaststroke with an All-American consideration time of 1:02.64. Phillips also won her consolation final in the 100-yard butterfly with another All-American consideration time. Phillips, who was the first Triton girl to ever swim at the state championships last season, is headed back to the state meet.

She will be joined by freshman Zoe De Fabrique, who finished sixth in the girls 500-yard freestyle with an All-American consideration time of 4:54.64.

CIF-SS Playoff Roundup

San Clemente boys lacrosse played things tight in the first two rounds of the Division 2 playoffs, as the Tritons scored a one-goal win at Vista Murrieta, 5-4, in the first round and fell by one goal at home to No. 2 seed Aliso Niguel, 9-8, in the second round.

San Clemente boys tennis lost in the Division 1 first round at Marina, 14-4.

To the Wall

Swegles, Sanden to be inducted in San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame on May 20

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame is set to enshrine its 28th and 29th inductees in another tribute to local athletic excellence and contributions to sport.

Legendary writer and photographer Fred Swegles and world-record handcycle marathoner Beth Sanden have been selected as the latest honorees to the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame and will be celebrated in the ninth annual induction ceremony on May 20 at the San Clemente Aquatics Center in Vista Hermosa Sports Park. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

Inductees in the Sports Wall of Fame are selected annually by the Friends of San Clemente Foundation in coordination with the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame. The wall honors those who were born, went to school or reached their achievements in sports while living in San Clemente, including Olympians, professional athletes, champions, coaches, mentors or inspiring contributors.

Fred Swegles was a journalist who chronicled life in San Clemente for more than 50 years in the Daily SunPost, Orange County Register and San Clemente Times Swegles, who died last October at age 74, began his career as a cub sports reporter for the San Clemente High School newspaper The Triton and later was the sports editor at USC for the Daily Trojan. As a professional, through his words and photography, Swegles documented the achievements of numerous San Clemente youth, high school and resident athletes over the decades.

Beth Sanden holds five official world records as a disabled handcycler who has traveled the world to compete in marathons. Sanden is the first disabled athlete to complete seven marathons on all seven continents, plus the North Pole. She has also completed the highest-altitude marathon in the world, and Sanden has done all of this recording the fastest time on a handcycle in nearly every event. Sanden has been named USA Marathon and Triathlon Coach of the Year and has completed nearly 200 marathons and Olympic-style sprint triathlons, collecting record after record.

The Friends of San Clemente Foundation is a local charitable organization that, in part, provides scholarships for children to participate in summer programs and city parks programs, as well as providing funding for numerous city-created youth programs. Over the past 20 years, the Friends Foundation has generated more than $600,000 for the City of San Clemente.

San Clemente baseball and sophomore pitcher Mike Erspamer played its first two CIF-SS playoff games on the road, and while the Tritons won at Cerritos, they fell at Westlake. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Legendary journalist Fred Swegles and world-record handcyclist Beth Sanden will be inducted in the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame on May 20.

Photos: File, Courtesy of Beth Sanden

Shining on the Gold Coast

Local surf stars land in Australia for first stop of 2023 Challenger Series

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Snapper Rocks is a long way from Lower Trestles, but for a handful of local surfers, the trip across the Pacific Ocean is a must.

This week, the first stop of the World Surf League’s Challenger Series, the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro, descends on the Gold Coast of Australia, where the planet’s brightest aspiring surfers, as well as some seasoned veterans, will vie for big results.

Per a slew of recent rule changes and restructurings at the WSL, the Challenger Series is now the pathway to qualifying for the Championship Tour, which will crown its world champions at the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lower Trestles this September.

As sports analogies go, think of the Challenger Series as like playing AAA minor league baseball. It’s the last stop before graduating to the majors. And this year, with the first midseason cut in place on the Championship Tour, some top-tier talent will also be in the mix. When it comes to top-tier talent, nobody tops the GOAT, Kelly Slater. After failing to make the midseason cut, and subsequently getting wildcards into the remainder of the 2023 Championship Tour events, Slater’s insatiable competitive appetite can’t be quenched, even into his 50s.

With his name in the heat draw (heat 12 in the Round of 64), Slater appears intent on pulling on the jersey at a location with which he’s intimately familiar. Hav-

GROM OF THE WEEK

ing won Championship Tour events at Snapper Rocks in the past, could we see him make some magic one more time? With Slater, anything’s possible.

Also falling off the Championship Tour in the middle of the season was hometown hero Kolohe Andino. A former Olympian, Andino has spent more than a decade on tour. After coming back from a foot/ankle injury, he won the Cold Water Classic in Santa Cruz earlier this year but never quite fell into a good groove on the Championship Tour.

Looking to hit reset and reenergize Andino’s surfing, Snapper fits his surfing perfectly. A spot he’s spent ample time at over the years, he should be feeling plenty comfortable in the warm water and long, hollow rights.

Andino will surf in heat 15 of the Round of 64, which is stacked. Not only is Aussie heavyweight Morgan Cibilic in the heat, but so is goofy-footed powerhouse Cole Houshmand. As a generational clash of San Clemente, hopefully the pair go 1-2 in the heat and advance into the next round (which may have happened by the time you read this).

The waiting period for the event kicked off May 6, but as of press time, results were not available.

San Clemente has a lot to cheer for when it comes to the next generation. Besides up-and-comer Houshmand, Kade Matson and Crosby Colapinto are also in the event.

Matson’s back from back surgery and

ADDISON MCPHILLIPS

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A standout competitor and role model for the San Clemente High Triton surf team, Addison McPhillips has been enjoying a lot of competitive success over the past year. As the grom life goes, McPhillips just wrapped up her NSSA career on a beautiful high note. With the NSSA Southwest season finale coming to C Street in Ventura, McPhillips made the drive north to compete in her last regular-season event.

“No stranger to right pointbreaks, she was in her element in the fun, lined up rights of the Pipe,” the NSSA reported. “With a polished approach and linking solid maneuvers

together, Addie finished off the regular season with her best performance and first win of the year!”

A huge congrats to McPhillips on finishing her NSSA days with a bang. No doubt, big things are on the horizon, as the women’s movement is roaring in San Clemente, and she’s right there with the most talented girls in town.

With McPhillips already having some WSL experience under her belt, we can’t wait to

surfing better than ever, while Colapinto’s taking a lot of inspiration from what his brother, Griffin, is accomplishing on the Championship Tour this year. Ranked fourth in the world, Griffin’s setting the pace for everyone in our local waters. On the women’s side, it’s amazing to see so many former Groms of Week rising to the occasion in Australia.

Bella Kenworthy and Kirra Pinkerton were both seeded into the opening round, but unfortunately were unable to advance. Meanwhile, Sawyer Lindblad is hoping to capitalize on a strong run through the North American Qualifying Series to catapult onto the Championship Tour.

The waiting period for the Boost

Mobile Gold Coast Pro runs through May 13. Hopefully, by the time weekend hits, there is still plenty of local talent in the heat draw and the waves at Snapper are pumping.

At one of the best pointbreaks in the world, the stakes are huge, and the surfing’s sure to go next-level. SC

Jake Howard is a 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 several 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.

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 60-62 Degrees

Water Visibility: 4-6’

Thursday: A solid shot of SSW swell builds to its peak, as small NW swell fades. Waves will be running shoulder high to a foot overhead, (4-6’), at good spots, while top breaks get up to several feet overhead, (7’+).  Light southerly winds in the early morning, shift out of the west by midday, rise  to moderate onshores for the afternoon, then ease by the evening.

see where she takes her surfing from here. SC

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Outlook: SSW swell slowly tapers off on Friday, as NW swell drops out. Surf is shoulder to head high, (4-5’), at well exposed spots, while best breaks are head high to a few feet overhead, (5-7’). Slightly smaller combination of SSW swell and NW swell rolls in over the weekend, with waist to shoulder high waves, (3-4’),  for good spots, as standouts are 4-6’. Friday and Saturday have light southerly winds in the morning, veering to light+ westerlies for the afternoons. Moderate southerly winds prevail on Sunday.

San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino competes at the recent Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Photo: Courtesy of WSL

Addison McPhillips. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

PEARL