July 8, 2021

JULY 8-14, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 27

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE:

San Clemente Celebrates Independence Day

U S E

SC LIVING/PAGE 14

CoastLines by Fred Swegles: What Happened 90 Years Ago in San Clemente?

SC LIVING/PAGE 15

Mystery at Sea

Source of Oil Spill off San Clemente Island Remains Unidentified E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

A large oil spill reported off the coast of San Clemente Island has prompted local environmental groups to call on regulatory agencies to further investigate the matter. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

Beach Report Shows Water Quality Improvements at Pier

City Challenges Insurance Pool’s Rejections to Cover James

SC Resident Soars to Olympic Heptathlon

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

SPORTS/PAGE 16

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Source of Oil Spill off San Clemente Island Remains Unidentified

BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

With the source of an oil spill off San Clemente Island reported by the captain of a whale watching boat yet to be identified, local environmental groups are pushing for further investigative efforts from authorities and voicing their concerns on the widespread repercussions of oil spills.

On June 19, Domenic Biagini, the captain of Gone Whale Watching, reported a large oil slick approximately 14 miles off San Clemente Island while conducting a whale watching tour with about a half-dozen passengers aboard.

In drone footage that he shared on Instagram, Biagini captured a pod of dolphins swimming through the rainbow-colored sheen. Three days later, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted an overflight of the area and did not report sighting of the slick.

“Despite my reporting of this larger spill area on Saturday, the Coast Guard claims that somehow that report didn’t reach command,” Biagini wrote on Instagram. “It was almost 72 hours before they went looking for the spill, which is of course either no longer in the same place due to ocean currents or has diluted enough to not be visible.”

Despite its report of not seeing the oil spill, the Coast Guard suspects that the sheen was caused by diesel fuel, a petroleum-based product that dissipates within a day or less, according to California’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

“There is some good news,” Biagini wrote on Instagram. “As far as spills go, diesel fuel is one of the less ‘tragic’ ones.

It eventually spreads and dilutes in water fairly quickly, hopefully limiting longterm environmental impact.”

While the source of the spill remains unknown, Jonathan Bishop, the oil spill coordinator for the California Coastal Commission, said it is not uncommon for the source of spills to remain unidentified.

“There are a large number of small spills that occur every day,” Bishop said.

“Many small spills go unreported, and the cause or source of some spills are unknown. Lots of small spills add up to bigger problems.”

Orange County Coastkeeper Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Spinuzzi stressed the importance of the Coast Guard’s investigation.

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

“This particular oil spill off San Clemente Island obviously is concerning because of the silence that we have had from a regulatory agency,” Spinuzzi said.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the severity of an oil spill depends on a few factors: where the oil was spilled, what type of oil was spilled and the different plants and animals found in the surrounding habitat.

While diesel oil is considered to be among the less toxic types of oil, it can be dispersed by waves and transformed into droplets that move with the currents. When ingested, diesel oil can cause mortality for organisms including invertebrates, fish and birds. Crabs and shellfish can also be impacted by diesel spills in shallow areas where they absorb and depurate the oil for several weeks after being exposed to the spill.

Alissa Deming, a doctor at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, said oil impacts mammals through external and ocular exposure, ingestion of the oil and the inhalation of fumes at the water interface.

“Each route can be associated with different heat impacts,” Deming said. “Topical skin and ocular exposure can cause skin and eye irritation/damage, and ingestion can result in more systemic effects like impacts on immune function, decreased reproductive success and heart problems. Inhalation can cause chemical irritation of the airway and lungs.”

Oil impairs the insulating ability of mammals with fur and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers. It traps juvenile sea turtles and is mistaken as food by fish, dolphins, whales and other marine organisms. The ingestion and inhalation route of oil in mammals can result in short-term and long-term health problems, depending on the dose of oil and the duration of exposure.

While the impacts of an oil spill can be compromised in a physical sense, Deming said that oil spills can have a damaging snowball effect on the entire structure of an ecosystem. Oil spills can cause populations to decrease, leading to a shift in the landscape and environmental patterns.

In addition to environmental impacts, marine oil spills also have negative repercussions on the economy in coastal communities. Tourism is a major source of income in coastal areas, attracting people to local businesses and beaches where they can participate in recreational activities including boating, swimming and diving.

“California is a coastal economy,”

A large oil spill reported off the coast of San Clemente Island has prompted local environmental groups to call on regulatory agencies to further investigate the incident. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Spinuzzi said. “The closer you get to the beach, the more expensive things are and the more people come here for tourism.

The further you get away, the less money people are spending on tourism, and that is because the coastal resources and keeping them clean is what drives our economy.”

Oil spills also impact fisheries, including any portion of the economy that is related to fishing. Other large economic impacts include the costs of cleanup and compensation.

The Coast Guard is responsible for cleaning up oil spills and taking reports of all maritime safety incidents, including chemical and oil spills. Oil spill reports in California are included in a long list of spill reports composed by the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, which can be filtered by city.

The types of spills range from chemical, sewage, railroad and petroleum.

When looking for spill reports in San Clemente, the OSPR lists about 150 reports that date back to 2006 and includes about 50 petroleum spills. The OSPR lists about 120 reports for Dana Point that date back to 2006 and includes close to 80 petroleum spills.

In addition to the OSPR, oil spill reports can also be tracked by an interactive map created by the environmental nonprofit organization SkyTruth, which uses data collected from the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center.

“Those are reports of accidental and hazardous oil material spills, and many of these reports are actually submitted to the Coast Guard by the polluters themselves,” said John Amos, founder and president of SkyTruth. “Each of those red pins on the map is a leak or spill report, and the map will show you the most recent 100 of those reports based on your display.”

SkyTruth, founded in 2002, uses radar satellite imagery to map offshore infrastructure and detect marine oil Page 3

spills. Using two satellites operated by the European Space Agency, the organization receives 1,500 black-and-white radar images a day that are automatically analyzed by a machine learning model for the detection of an oil slick. In the radar imagery, an oil slick will appear as a black line.

“It’s a pretty distinctive thing when you see an oil slick from a vessel,” Amos said. “It’s practically a slam dunk when you see a big, bright spot at the end of the slick and that bright spot is the vessel that is causing that pollution.”

“That is what we found when we started looking at radar satellite imagery around San Clemente Island to see if we could find anything indicating the source of a diesel fuel spill that was captured on video on the night of June 19,” he continued.

Amos said he was unable to detect any oil slicks on June 19 off San Clemente Island due to weather conditions. The area was covered in fog that Saturday, and he was unable to see the surface of the water in the radar imagery. However, Amos did detect an oil slick in the area on May 23 that was left by a vessel the size of three football fields.

While he was unable to detect the June 19 oil slick, Amos suspected that the spill could have occurred from a collision of vessels, a leak during a refueling operation out at sea or a refueling exercise conducted by the Navy that had gone wrong.

“These relatively small oil spills happening out in the ocean far offshore used to get ignored,” Amos said. “Technology has just evolved to the point where we can uncover these problems and make them visible, knowable, measurable, and hopefully that means actionable.”

While there have not been any recent updates pertaining to the source of the oil, Adam Stanton, a Coast Guard public affairs specialist, said the spill is still being investigated. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Annual Beach Report Shows Water Quality Improvements at San Clemente Pier

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

After appearing on Heal the Bay’s collection of California’s most polluted beaches three of the previous five years, the San Clemente Pier finds itself removed from this year’s infamous “Beach Bummer” list, signaling a stark improvement in ocean water quality at the popular beach spot.

For the 2020 summer dry season, comprising the months of April through October, the San Clemente Pier earned a C in Heal the Bay’s latest Beach Report Card, which assigns letter grades to West Coast beaches based on water quality samplings during dry and wet weather periods.

Except for the 2017-2018 report card, the pier has been assigned an F since 2016 because of “untreated dry weather runoff that flows into the ocean through a storm drain,” Heal the Bay explained last year.

City officials had previously pointed to bird droppings as the primary culprit, which prompted the city to install bird deterrent netting directly under the entrance of the pier, below Fisherman’s

Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card gave the San Clemente Pier a C grade, a stark improvement from the F it had received three of the previous five years. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Restaurant and Bar. In a press release last week, the city attributed the improved letter grade to the installation of the netting and a study that was initiated to identify and abate the root cause of bacteria exceedances found in the ocean water.

“The Study’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the City’s Coastal Advisory Committee, and City staff have been instrumental in water quality improvements,” the city said in the press release.

Poche Beach and the creek outlet— another San Clemente beach segment but operated by the County of Orange— was also removed from the Beach Bummer list after making five prior appearances since Heal the Bay’s 2010-

2011 report.

Most recently, the Poche Creek Outlet received an F in the 2019-2020 report, because pollution carried from the Prima Deshecha Cañada storm drain, sometimes called Poche Creek, empties out into Poche, contributing to the bacteria levels.

The creek outlet improved slightly this past year, earning a D during the summer dry period, and a C during the winter dry season, which covered November 2020 through March 2021.

For the first time since the 2013-2014 Beach Report Card, none of Orange County’s beaches appeared on the Beach Bummer list. Among the county’s beaches, 10 made Heal the Bay’s Honor Roll, the most

City Challenges Insurance Pool’s Rejections to Cover Gene James in Defamation Suit

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The city last month filed one last appeal to its insurance carrier as it seeks to overturn previous denials to cover Mayor Pro Tem Gene James’s legal expenses in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by a former political ally.

The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority has three times over the past year denied the city’s and James’s prior requests to provide the elected official with coverage and legal representation, finding that that the allegations raised in the suit were not based on any actions the mayor pro tem took as a councilmember.

June 25, according to City Attorney Scott Smith, was the deadline to submit the appeal to the JPIA and challenge the three rejections through binding arbitration—the city’s last available remedy and a process estimated to cost the city between $20,000 and $30,000.

In the June 24 letter to the JPIA requesting arbitration, the city said it San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

disagreed with the insurance pool’s rejections to indemnify James, arguing that he was acting within the scope of his duties as an elected official when he allegedly made a defamatory claim about his former political associate, Jim Bieber, to other San Clemente residents in private text messages.

Those texts, the city has said, represent the councilmember’s fulfillment of his duty to engage with constituents.

“As will be shown during the arbitration, the alleged remarks were made within the scope of James’ duties under California law,” the letter stated. “Specifically, the alleged remarks were made during a conversation between Mr. James and certain of his constituents affiliated with Plaintiff (Bieber) regarding James’ meeting with another City councilmember …”

Bieber’s lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court last year accuses the councilmember of making false claims to

The city of San Clemente is pursuing arbitration with its insurance carrier, which has denied repeated requests to cover Mayor Pro Tem Gene James’ legal expenses in a defamation suit filed against him.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

those constituents by telling them Bieber had threatened to kill James during a heated exchange at a bar in early 2020.

Bieber, in his complaint, denies ever making such a threat.

James, who was preparing to run for reelection at the time the lawsuit was filed, has argued the complaint was politically motivated. He also has acknowledged speaking with residents via text messages to explain Bieber’s alleged threat—a conversation that came about after being seen meeting with then-Councilmember Chris Hamm.

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of any county in the state, according to the report.

Most of the county beaches that made the Honor Roll, which represents beaches that have consistently earned an A+ on a weekly basis throughout all seasons and weather conditions, were concentrated in Newport Beach and the Balboa Peninsula area.

According to the report card, the county’s summer and winter dry grades were “excellent” and “stellar,” respectively, as 96% of the beaches received A and B grades during those periods. Wet weather grades, however, were “substandard” and much lower than average, as only 42% of the beaches were given A’s and B’s this past year.

California’s beaches overall, Heal the Bay reported, “had excellent water quality during the summer months of 2020.

Out of over 500 beaches across the state, 93% earned good marks (A’s & B’s) in the summer.”

During the winter dry season, the pier earned an A, according to the report released late last month. With the exception of the Poche Creek Outlet, all of San Clemente’s beaches received a B or higher in the winter months.

Eight of the 12 San Clemente beaches highlighted in the report earned an A or A+ during the summer months, while one area, the Pico drain at North Beach, received a B during the summer. Heal the Bay didn’t assign a summer dry grade to Riviera Beach.

Believing that the lawsuit warrants coverage from the insurance pool, councilmembers during their mid-June meeting approved the plan to request arbitration.

“I feel like there’s a good argument to be made that this was in the course of councilmember duties,” Councilmember Chris Duncan said during the June 15 meeting, when he and Mayor Kathy Ward voted to move forward with the challenge, while Councilmember Steve Knoblock abstained from voting.

“As a councilmember, I have particular interest in ensuring that councilmembers are represented and get to exercise their due process right throughout the entire process and seek representation for allegations that are made against them as a councilmember,” Duncan continued.

The latest vote ended a months-long standstill as a result of the council not having a quorum to deliberate and consider the matter. James has had to recuse himself from any discussions during closed and open council sessions because of his financial interest, while Knoblock, (Cont. on page 6) sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

One year ago, on July 1, 2020, smack in the middle of the worst pandemic the

world has known in 100 years, Chick-fil-A opened at the Outlets at San Clemente.

“The word of the year is ‘unexpected’—unexpected challenges, hiccups, you name it. But with that comes opportunity,’” said owner and operator Erik Baker during a one-year anniversary celebration last week.

Baker, along with his general manager, Suzanne Alameri, and a number of new employees paired with a large contingent of employees who had moved from his Foothill Ranch location, opened the popular chicken restaurant, offering drivethrough service and a new dining option for San Clementeans.

Within a week, the business added curbside ordering and delivery options as well, and the business was off and running. Despite the challenges, the restaurant one year later celebrated its anniversary with a party in the parking lot, featuring live music, giveaways and a raffle.

Baker said he’s happy with how the business has fared.

“San Clemente is a community that’s really chill,” he said. “The community had patience and grace that got us through.”

Chick-fil-A at the Outlets at San Clemente is located 495 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.486.6023.

(Cont. from page 4) a witness in the complaint, has also recused himself.

Councilmember Laura Ferguson has also repeatedly recused herself for reasons that were unclear prior to the June 15 vote, at which time she stated that she “will possibly be a potential witness in this case.”

Ferguson explained to San Clemente Times that she may be called as a witness because, according to her, the alleged exchange between Bieber and James occurred during a farewell party she had hosted for a mutual friend at the Red Fox Lounge.

“So, these words that were allegedly said that created this whole defamation lawsuit were a result of being at this location,” she said. “I was there, and I didn’t see or hear anything of the sort that may have allegedly happened, which means that I could potentially be called as a witness.”

As of press time, Bieber’s attorney, Paul Carter, had not responded to an email requesting comment regarding Ferguson’s claim of being a witness. James did not wish to comment on the matter.

During a previous attempt on May 4 to consider the issue in a public session, Ferguson, after announcing her recusal, stated: “Had I participated in that, I would’ve voted no, because I see that as a gift of public funds.”

“I believe it’s a very personal matter between two people, and I don’t see this

as being anything done in terms of action of city business at all,” Ferguson said last week. “It was an event that was done after hours, after council meeting hours at a local bar, to celebrate a friend.”

The city initially had until May 24 to request arbitration. However, following the May 4 meeting, when the council didn’t have a quorum to take up the discussion, Smith—along with city management and the city’s risk management office— had asked the JPIA to extend the deadline.

“When the council was unable to assemble a quorum, we contacted the JPIA, and they agreed to give the city more time to make that decision,” Smith explained.

At the mid-June meeting, the council was also slated to consider whether the city itself should provide James with legal defense in the lawsuit—expenses that could exceed $100,000. Knoblock opted to participate solely in the discussion on the JPIA challenge and asked to bifurcate the two decisions.

“Because I’m a witness in this matter, I’ve recused myself a number of times, and because I didn’t want to show partiality to either the claimant (Bieber) or the defendant (James), because both of them I know—known for a substantial period of time,” Knoblock explained.

“I’m going to sit in for this reason: because I believe that all members of the council are entitled to proper representation,” Knoblock continued, after noting

that his recusal had contributed to the lack of quorum.

He further added that the issue of whether a councilmember is owed representation is related to the council’s decision to censure Ferguson last fall, when she wasn’t provided her own legal counsel from the city.

“I think every councilmember is entitled to proper representation when needed, when appropriate,” he said. “And it should extend to all those parties with whom—even with whom—they vigorously disagree or have civic or personal matters of disagreement.”

Wanting to give the council a quorum, Knoblock said he believed he could be impartial and would abstain from voting.

Speaking with SC Times last week, Knoblock reiterated his position that he wanted to remove his recusal while still abstaining from voting, out of fairness, so the council could have a quorum.

Asked to expound on his decision to participate in the discussion on the JPIA matter but not deliberate on the proposal to fund James’s legal expenses, Knoblock said there are a number of distinctions between the two.

“One is the insurance professionals weighing in on the insurance provision,” he explained, referring to the carrier’s obligations to the city. “The other is the city using tax dollars.”

In the city’s latest letter to the JPIA, it asked that the arbitration process

Suzanne Alameri and Erik Baker of Chick-fil-A San Clemente celebrate the restaurant’s one-year anniversary on July 1. Photo: Norb Garrett

Chick-fil-A Celebrates 1 Year in San Clemente

BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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COMMUNITY MEETINGS

THURSDAY, JULY 8

COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Coastal Advisory Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 10

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, JULY 13

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference.

For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE 4-5:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Subcommittee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

“occur as soon as reasonably practicable,” because it “wishes to resolve this dispute expeditiously.”

As of press time, JPIA Executive Officer Jonathan Shull had not returned SC Times’ phone call requesting comment. sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines

Social Media/ Digital Coordinator Kolette Morehead

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Eryka Forquer

San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 27. 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.

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San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

GUEST OPINION | The Levin Letter by Rep. Mike Levin

We Can’t Let New Offshore Drilling Devastate the South OC Economy

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businesses. These businesses and their employees could lose everything if we suffer a catastrophic oil spill.

Like many South Orange County residents, I was disturbed when the previous administration announced plans to allow new oil leases in 2018. Fortunately, they ran out of time before these harmful THE LEVIN LETTER changes could be

BY MIKE LEVIN implemented.

While that effort failed, the threat remains. We cannot simply hope that future administrations will share our priorities when it comes to banning offshore drilling. We need a guarantee that our local economy and coastal habitats will not be jeopardized by new oil and gas leases.

The American Coasts and Oceans Protections Act provides this necessary legislative assurance. Now, we need to pass the bill in Congress and make it the law of the land.

I am pleased by the local support this movement has generated. The San Clemente City Council recently authored a letter of support for my bill, and more than 90 municipalities along the Pacific Coast have formally opposed offshore

s most people in South Orange County know, our coastal waters are the lifeblood of our local economy. From boating to surfing to hospitality, ocean-based economic activity employs tens of thousands of Orange County residents.

However, offshore drilling threatens our waters, along with the communities that rely on the ocean to make ends meet. We must eliminate the possibility of new drilling along our shores.

As an environmental attorney and an advocate for coastal preservation, I’ve long opposed offshore drilling. In our community, preserving the coast from catastrophic oil spills is more than just an ecological concern, it’s also an economic one.

That’s why I introduced the American Coasts and Oceans Protections Act. This bill would prohibit new oil and gas leasing along the California coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

According to Oceana, fishing, tourism, and recreation along California’s coast support nearly 600,000 jobs and generate roughly $42.3 billion in gross domestic product.

In Orange County, tourism and recreation alone employ roughly 100,000 people at nearly 4,000 establishments— including many locally owned small

drilling over the past few years.

These local governments recognize that clean coastal waters help fuel our growth. Expanded offshore drilling threatens to wash away the jobs and revenue generated by our thriving coastal economy—all to profit reckless fossil-fuel executives. We can’t let this happen.

Memories of the horrific, 4-million-gallon oil spill in Santa Barbara in 1969 remind us what is at stake. And the more recent spills along the California coast confirm that this problem won’t go away without bold action.

An overwhelming majority of business owners, beachgoers, and South OC families agree: offshore drilling is not worth the risks it poses. Now is the time to shut the door on new oil and gas leasing along our shores, once and for all.

U.S. Representative Mike Levin represents the 49th Congressional District, which includes the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. He was reelected for a second term in 2020 and resides in San Juan Capistrano with his wife and two children. 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

JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY …

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about once again here in the U.S. doesn’t mean we can shed those unwanted habits (and pounds) without some type of game plan.

The summer holidays—starting with Memorial Day, HEALTH AND followed by Fourth NUTRITION 101 of July, and ending

BY GINA COUSINEAU with Labor Day—are welcome reprieves from the daily grind and seem to be an easy excuse for overindulging.

As a dietitian, I could not ignore the

ow many times have you woken up on a Monday morning stating, “Today is the day I am going on a diet”? Perhaps you were nursing a hangover from too many indulgences including food, drink, and play, and decided, “Today, I will make a change.”

Summer is here, and as we come through the pandemic, we have a renewed appreciation for socializing and enjoying activities, once again, like eating out and vacationing. Unfortunately, for most, the pandemic brought habits that have shifted our life course, led by unhealthy food and lack of exercise.

Just because we are free to move Page 7

overconsumption of food and beverage surrounding me as we set up shop for a day down in the harbor for the Fourth.

And given that these holidays usually involve a long weekend, that one day of splurging can easily turn into three.

So, it is at this time that I have to ask: Was it worth it?

As a culinary nutritionist, my daily job is to motivate and teach my clients to build a healthy relationship with food in the midst of the chaos. I am a huge believer in using “food as medicine,” meaning real wholesome food as close to nature as possible and preparing/cooking (Cont. on page 9) sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to The Editor UNLICENSED GAS- AND ELECTRIC-POWERED E-BIKES AND CARTS HARRY TOUART, San Clemente Over the past few years, there has been an overwhelming increase in the amount of e-bikes, motor-driven bikes, e-carts, golf carts and other non-licensed vehicles dominating the streets and pedestrian areas of San Clemente.

Some can operate at speeds in excess of 30 mph. Many are operated by very young children without a driver’s license, no professional training or drivers education to the rules of safely operating on public roads.

Traffic signs, lights and safety devices are blatantly ignored. Most dart across in front of traffic, pass cars on all sides and veer in between cars. Far too many are being operated at night without any lighting. Some even have the safety reflectors removed to look stealth.

Then there are the intoxicated people operating them in traffic, crashing into things and wiping out on them. The most interesting operators are the ones who have never experienced riding an e-bike.

Then they decide to rent one, take a crash course—no pun intended—on how to ride down the crowded beach trail terrorizing the people on foot.

Many municipalities with far less population and density have banned these non-licensed vehicles from the streets and classed them as motor-driven vehicles, outlawing them from tradition-

(Cont. from page 7) with a little forethought, which can bring both joy and health into every morsel we consume.

I firmly believe it doesn’t have to be all or none, but how do we sift through the $6 billion diet industry and ignore the pills, potions and extreme diets that only provide a temporary fix for our problem?

I propose you consider the “Blue Zones” in the world that produce the most centenarians, people who live more than 100 years. One happens to be in Loma Linda, California. While there are several thoughts on why this has occurred, the easiest to incorporate into your lives are moving daily, consuming a variety of foods in their most natural form, and being part of a caring community.

While most of my clients have struggled with their weight for most of their adulthood, and now see the repercusSan Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

al bike and pedestrian paths.

When is enough going to be enough?

Will it take someone getting killed or a licensed driver losing everything they own for negligent homicide due to some idiot being careless/reckless on an e-bike? I’ve personally lost count on how many close calls there have been to date.

Will it take a politician or some high-profile “rich” person to have the unfortunate deadly encounter to finally force new regulations and enforce the existing laws for operating non-licensed vehicles on the public roads?

Let this be food for thought, folks. If someone has been out on the town and had a couple drinks, then some kid on an e-bike blasts through a stop sign at night without lights and gets smashed, your life will be ruined forever, and you will certainly be incarcerated for vehicular homicide.

traordinary and unlawful powers to limit commerce, take away property rights and suppress the right of people to assemble” is simply hyperbole, not completely factual and completely misses the point of his necessary actions.

As a physician, I am fully aware of measures required to address a serious pandemic, one that has killed more than 600,000 people. Actions taken by our governor were absolutely instrumental in bringing our share of this pandemic under control and minimizing the significant morbidity and mortality.

During this pandemic, there was no “significant erosion of the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In a civilized society, sometimes we must have our affairs regulated, albeit temporarily, for the benefit of all.

Think back to WWII, when many onerous restrictions were placed on our citizenry for many years—enabling us to beat back two evil empires. The very prevalent short (term) thinking, me-first, and selfishness often on exhibit here and nationally during the height of the pandemic would not have led to success.

We all owe our governor a huge thank you for guiding us successfully through this perilous time, so that we may yet again “Let Freedom Ring.”

It is certainly time, if not overdue, for a local election. Be grateful that we can still vote.

RESPONSE TO ‘LETTING FREEDOM RING’ PAUL A. WEHRLE, San Clemente On a cool Jan. 6 of this year, with a sense of dread, we anxiously and closely watched as an armed insurrection attempted to overthrow our government.

Had it succeeded, there would have been no more “Letting Freedom Ring” events.

Now, the local hubris has again shifted from guns to God. Our government must maintain the original intent of separation between church and state. Our government was not endowed by “Our Creator,” nor should we “Thank God for the Declaration of Independence.”

These are secular documents created by many brave but highly flawed and rather hypocritical men. Yes, we certainly owe them a debt of gratitude for their work centuries ago.

To state that our governor used his “ex-

‘LETTING FREEDOM RING’ IS HOLLOW JOHN WILLIAMS, San Clemente Thank you for publishing the writing of Councilman Gene James in your guest opinion.

This column confirms what I believed

sions of their behaviors, they come to me to help them shift the trajectory of their lives.

That being said, not everyone has the ability to have a dietitian at their disposal, so here are my easy suggestions for improving your weight and health: 1. Attempt to remove all sugar-sweetened beverages from your life. They provide no nutritional value, add unwanted calories, and increase our risk of lifestyle maladies such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colorectal cancers, and more.

2. Try to avoid highly processed and ultra-processed foods that live in packages on shelves for years on end. Those foods are formulated so you can’t eat just “one.”

3. Think “healthy plate”: ¼ plate whole grain/starch, ¼ plate lean protein, and ½ plate of veggies, with a little fat mixed in to the preparation/cooking, for both joy and health.

If you can attempt to make these moves most of the time, enjoying treats and splurges on occasion, you, too, can move more toward living in your own “blue zone”.

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 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. Register for her complimentary weekly newsletter at mamagslifestyle.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.

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since his introduction of the divisive and absurd Second Amendment Sanctuary City scam.

His statements regarding the erosion of the rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are all one needs to hear to appropriately consider him an ally of extreme right-wing conspiracy theories and those promulgating such nonsense.

The pandemic is real. The efforts enacted by those of authority to preserve lives, and help stem the flow of this disastrous virus did not deprive anyone of any rights.

To find fault with life-saving efforts is as vile as promoting life-threatening actions, such as the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Mr. James’ references to historical figures is clear evidence of his lack of knowledge of the real history of our country.

Even as he tries to feign cohesive efforts, he again promotes division through his own misstatements and lack of knowledge.

ANOTHER RESPONSE TO ‘LETTING FREEDOM RING’ ANN RAYMOND, San Clemente I was enjoying Gene James’s timely opinion of the Fourth of July until paragraph four. Then I felt like I was reading an endorsement for the Newsom Recall group.

And then I remembered Mr. James led the effort to make San Clemente a Second Amendment Sanctuary City. There are reasons why the San Clemente City Council election is bipartisan.

Political parties are irrelevant to providing service. Cooperation between elected officials belonging to different parties is more likely when members do not espouse their party affiliation.

Yes, we are blessed to live in a country where we can debate the role of government, but Mr. James should not use his city council seat as a political party platform.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, July 9, at 8 a.m.

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, July 9, at 8 a.m., at Dorothy Visser Senior Center.

Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome. sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

book Women on Waves, a history of women’s surfing. Brawner Boards, 220 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente.

MISSIONFEST 2021 12:30-10 p.m. Following a year without live music events, MissionFest returns to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano with country music, wines, craft beer, fine spirits and food prepared by local gourmets.

This year’s lineup includes Devin Dawson, The White Buffalo, Daring Greatly Band and The James Kelly Band. RMV Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. missionfest.com.

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

SUNDAY | 11

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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.

FRIDAY | 09 ONLINE TOUR OF MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 3 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is offering online guided tours of its historic grounds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Learn about the history and see the charming grounds and gardens of this South Orange County landmark. Cost is $45 for up to four devices, and the Zoom tour lasts up to an hour.

Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Check the Mission website for exact hours. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE ON THE MEADOWS 8:15-10:45 p.m. The city of San Clemente is bringing Star Wars: The Force Awakens to the meadows at Vista Hermosa Sports Park for a drive-in movie night. Admission is $15 per vehicle.

Each parking spot will be marked in advance and have 6 feet of distance on both sides. Pre-registration for vehicles is required through the city’s website.

Parking will open 90 minutes before the show, and all vehicles must be in place 15 minutes before showtime.

Parking is first-come, first-served. Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY | 10 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 motorcy-

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

CASA KIDS FILM SCREENING: ‘A BUG’S LIFE’ 8 p.m. Watch Casa Romantica’s summer film selection outdoors in the courtyard after sunset with the family. This month features Disney Pixar's A Bug's Life in conjunction with the Casa’s current Art Exhibition about insects and pollinators in its gallery. Admission is free when reserving online at casaromantica.org. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139.

Editor’s Pick Photo: Courtesy of SCHS Drama

WEDNESDAY | 14 SC HIGH DRAMA PRESENTS ‘THE MUSIC MAN’ 7:30 p.m. After 15 months of this production’s pause due to the pandemic, San Clemente High School Drama is thrilled to perform The Music Man this month. In this All-American musical classic, Professor Harold Hill descends upon River City, Iowa, to con the town into organizing a young people’s band and, along the way, sells them “Seventy-six Trombones.” But what he doesn’t count on is meeting Marian the Librarian, hearing “Till There Was You,” and finding the love of a good woman and a gaggle of youngsters to tender his fast-talking, sham-artist heart—ultimately learning that love conquers all. The cast stars Sophie Matossian from the Class of 2020 and Zack Mallgrave from Class of 2021 and many familiar faces from the SCHS Drama program. Masks will be required until further notice. Don’t miss the show that runs through Saturday, July 17. Tickets, ranging from $10 to $25, can be purchased at schsdrama.com. Triton Center, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.

cles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing.

Face masks 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.

‘WOMEN ON WAVES’ BOOK SIGNING 4-6 p.m. Join local author Jim Kempton at Brawner Boards in San Clemente, where he’ll be signing copies of his new

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WEDNESDAY | 14 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

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.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

The Reach of Picket Fence Media

P

icket Fence Media publishes the Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, and The Capistrano Dispatch.

However, the readership goes beyond the city limits of those three cities.

For example, take Laurie of Laguna Niguel. She emailed,“While reading your article in the June 25 issue of the Dana Point Times,‘Senior Singles Can Benefit from Having an Open Mind,’ it got me to thinking about my sister, who is 61, widowed after only being married for four months in 2013, and she has not dated since.

“I checked out the link to your Finding Love After 50 website and ta-da! There are so many things I could say about it.

I watched your Today show video and the last video you posted about the two ladies. Your advice is so spot-on.

“I’m turning 68 this month. My friends and I tell ourselves we are on the ‘back nine’ now. I’m not sure which hole in the back nine we’re on.

“I mentioned this to a 77-year-old surgeon I know, and he chuckled and said in his Wales accent, ‘Well, dahling, if you are on the back nine, I must be in the clubhouse having my martini.’

“My closest friends and I want our lives to be filled with quality time and friends and people who have value to us. Most of us are quite spontaneous, feeling as we get older to ‘try something new’ because we never know what the outcome could be. I loved your website article about who should pay for the date. The perspectives you presented were so interesting and varied.

“I am sharing your website informa-

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Athena

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

tion with several friends who could benefit from your insight. Do you still own Tutor & Spunky’s deli in Dana Point?

“I live in Laguna Niguel, up Pacific Island Drive, and am a frequent visitor to Dana Point.”

My response to Laurie: “I sold Tutor & Spunky’s five years ago, but still drop in for a sandwich to ON LIFE AND LOVE visit with some emBY TOM BLAKE ployees who worked with me. I am proud that the deli is in its 32nd year.

“I am finishing a memoir about my 25 years there, titled Tutor & Spunky’s Deli: A Dana Point Landmark. It should be published in a month or so.”

“At age 68, you and your friends may be on the back nine, as you describe it, but probably only on the 10th or 11th hole. You have lots left to do and enjoy.

“We in Dana Point appreciate your visiting us from Laguna Niguel. In 1989, I lived in Laguna Niguel. One night, I went to sleep there and woke up the next morning in Dana Point. I hadn’t even left my house.

“That was just before Dana Point became a city on Jan. 1, 1990, and the boundaries of Dana Point were expanded to include the Ritz-Carlton and Monarch Beach areas, as well as Capistrano Beach. So, I understand the city from where you are coming.

“Now that the pandemic has eased, and you and your friends are willing to try something new, three things are

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

One-year-old Athena is quite the sweet little pup. She is friendly with an active disposition and just loves to play in the yard.

Athena would do well with someone who is looking for a fun companion but is also willing to continue with her puppy training.

If you are interested in adopting Athena, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/ adoptions/adoptadog 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.

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Horace Taylor, William Ayer and Ole Hanson Jr. worked out of a tent in the mid-1920s to survey San Clemente’s first 125 acres.

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.

important to keep in mind.

“First, get the body moving. Walking helps. Try tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, dancing, stand-up paddleboarding— whatever is of interest. Just, get it going.

“Second, get off the couch and out of the house and involved in activities you enjoy.

Senior centers offer a multitude of activities.

For your widowed sister, there are widow and widower clubs. Many people she’ll meet there will be able to relate to what she has gone through. They would be good places for her to reenter the social world.

“Third, aim to maximize social interaction. People need to be among people— laughing, talking, caring, sharing, and hugging—all of those social interactions

are good for a person’s health.

“Those three things are key for senior singles. Pursuing them will keep seniors from finishing the back nine and entering the clubhouse too soon, unless, like your 77-year old surgeon friend, you’re into martinis.”

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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 LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SC LIVING

BUSINESS BEAT // JOYCE GORMAN

HOME AND HAPPY Joyce Gorman’s New Business Focuses on Improving Clients’ Health and Happiness

BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

f the global pandemic taught us anything, taking good care of yourself— both mind and body—ranks right at the top.

Joyce Gorman couldn’t agree more, and in the midst of the doom and gloom cast by the COVID-19 virus, the 31-yearold native San Clementean decided to launch a business focused entirely on providing health and wellness coaching, coupled with yoga and mindfulness guidance, to help people cope and succeed in today’s hectic world.

“I’m helping people with their lifestyle and everyday experiences,” says Gorman, a 2008 graduate of San Clemente High School who went on to UCLA, eventually securing a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Integrated Wellness from Point Loma Nazarene University.

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

“I take a multi-dimensional approach to well-being that is tailored to your lifestyle and interests,” she adds.

One month before the full impact of COVID-19 led to statewide lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, Gorman earned her national certification as a health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC). She’s also a certified yoga and meditation instructor.

Arriving at this point in her life and career also took some soul-searching; prior to embarking on her master’s, Gorman spent six years as a real estate agent in the San Francisco Bay area after a few years in Boston following college.

She realized she wanted to focus her life full-time as a teacher and coach, which led to leveraging her learnings teaching yoga and getting her master’s.

“It’s something I believe in,” says Gorman, who was born and raised in San

three- and sixmonth health and wellness coaching programs.

With COVID restrictions lifting, she’s looking forward to being able to provide hands-on instruction for her clients, including individuals, families or groups, as well as sports teams and business leadership teams.

Joyce Gorman. Photo: Norb Garrett Her website, joycegorman.com, details the different programs and even Clemente with her two older brothers offers access to her homemade macramé by her lifeguard father, Bob, and mother designs.

Donna.

“I always knew I wanted to come back “It makes sense to me,” she continues. (to San Clemente),” she says, “but I’m glad “There are so many aspects that make up I lived in other places, as it’s given me a our well-being. Behavior change can take greater appreciation for being home. I a long time. We’re habitual creatures. We love it here. This is home.” like to stay in our comfort zones.”

More information can be found at GorGorman offers everything from man’s website, joycegorman.com. She can Mindfulness Workshops, to personalized be reached at 949.573.5579. SC yoga instruction in your home, to custom

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SC LIVING

San Clemente Celebrates Independence Day TEXT BY STAFF, PHOTOS BY GIBBY/ZONE57

From the annual office chair races to the beaches and historic pier, San Clemente was buzzing with energy on Monday, July 4, as residents and visitors were eager to celebrate the town’s time-honored Independence Day traditions without any of the pandemic-related restrictions from the year before.

Hundreds had gathered along Avenida Rosa and Avenida Victoria to dodge water balloons and help get the day’s festivities going with the San Clemente Fourth of July Office Chair Downhill Derby—the unofficial neighborhood block party where bravery meets ingenuity.

And down at the beaches, San Clemente’s coastline was brimming with families and friends looking to enjoy surf, sand and waves. The day of celebration was capped off with the city’s traditional fireworks display, which returned to the San Clemente Pier, where spectators could enjoy the show from the sand. SC

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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SC LIVING

CoastLines

| By Fred Swegles

WHAT HAPPENED 90 YEARS AGO IN SAN CLEMENTE?

F

rom 1926 to 1930, Southern California’s fashionably growing “Spanish Village by the Sea”— known as San Clemente—was evolving as a resort-like community.

So as 1931 began, the biggest headline in the El Heraldo de San Clemente local newspaper announced the construction of San Clemente’s train station on a seaside spot that today is known as North Beach.

Right across from the train station was San Clemente’s landmark beach club. And facing the highway, a fashionably designed restaurant was being built—known as The Aquarium Café—at an address known today as 1814 N. El Camino Real.

This year—90 years after 1931—a new restaurant with COASTLINES a stylishly refurBY FRED SWEGLES bished interior of the historic building opened in May 2021, known as Landers.

Here are some 1931 news items about San Clemente, reviewed from newspaper archives administered and shared by the San Clemente Historical Society President Larry Culbertson.

RAILROAD STATION On Jan. 2, 1931, construction began on a $10,000 Spanish-type train depot, designed to be “the first station on the ocean of the Santa Fe system ... built on the sands of the beach” between Los Angeles and San Diego.

AT THAT TIME San Clemente had just turned 5 years old, created by developer Ole Hanson, and was among Southern California’s fastest-growing communities from 1926 through 1930, including its Spanish-style homes, businesses, a golf course, social clubhouse, beach club, fishing pier, 3,000 feet of beach, parks, plaza, schoolhouse and bridle paths.

The newspaper insisted that San Clemente would continue to grow in spite of a national 1929 stock market collapse across America.

“A piece of land is a solid thing that no stock market crash, no failure, can erase,” the local paper said, suggesting buyers invest in real estate at San Clemente.

HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS State authorities announced that a San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

$382,500 project will “eliminate one of the worst roads in the state, a road on which many people have met death,” between San Mateo Creek south of San Clemente, north to the village of Serra (known today as Capistrano Beach), stretching 5.46 miles, widening the highway.

POSSIBLE BEACH HOMES Hanson announced a plan to develop a possible beachfront strand, north of the North Beach’s San Clemente Beach Club.

It would establish beachfront sites along three quarters of a mile with groins to be built out into the ocean and 60,000 square yards of sand. The plan was to take dirt from the palisades where work crews were to be cutting into the bluffs to widen the highway, establishing a wider beach.

DEPOT OPENED In April 1931, five Santa Fe passenger trains began serving San Clemente at the station.

THE AQUARIUM CAFE OPENS And then the Aquarium restaurant became famous for San Clemente, opening in May 1931, including a maple dance floor, surrounded by dining spaces and four large fish tanks. “Fish dinners and sea foods will be the cafe’s specialty.”

WROTE THE NEWSPAPER “Another Spanish Village business enterprise gets under way tomorrow, when the Aquarium Cafe on the state highway near the Beach Club opens for business.

The owners of the unique restaurant have expended much money in building their establishment. May success be theirs.

“Citizens of the city should attend the opening. A restaurant with a dance floor, twelve glass tanks in which colorful fish swim, color and atmosphere will greet you. We believe the idea of an aquarium cafe specializing in seafood a good one, one that if handled right should prosper.

A trip to the cafe will repay you in food besides giving you a picture of what enterprising minds can do in a business way.”

A NEWSPAPER AD “Try a Shore Dinner at the Aquarium Cafe, San Clemente’s unique restaurant on the state highway opposite the Beach Club,” the ad said. “The Aquarium Cafe specializes in sea foods. A noted chef

caters to your wants. All kinds of fish served for your taste. Come to the Aquarium Cafe for an enjoyable luncheon or dinner. Twelve salt water tanks contain colored denizens of the deep. A marvelous dance floor awaits you.”

Another ad: “Aquarium Cafe on Highway near the Beach Club at San Clemente. Luncheon … 60 cents. Dinner … $1.25.”

September 1931 announcement: Aquarium Cafe Now Serving Steaks, Chicken: The Aquarium Cafe, the unique seafood restaurant at San Clemente, announces that in the future it will serve steaks, chicken, ham and eggs, besides its regular fish menu.”

AND SUMMER HEATS UP In June, San Clemente recorded its hottest day, hitting 97 degrees, two degrees higher than in the history of the city’s weather bureau.

FOUNDER HIT BY CAR Hanson, who had started up San Clemente in December 1925, and directed the village’s design and growth, was injured on July 15, 1931, while walking downtown with Hamilton Cotton, his friend and San Clemente’s financial magnate.

“Ole Hanson and Hamilton H. Cotton were struck by an auto early Wednesday evening on Del Mar and narrowly escaped serious injury, if not death,” the newspaper reported. “Hanson is in the San Clemente Clinic and Hospital under the care of Dr. Garnet R. Grant, suffering from a broken collar bone, cracked shoulder blade, cut left leg and other minor injuries. Cotton escaped with only minor cuts, bruises and shock.”

HOW IT HAPPENED “The two men, engaged in conversation, were crossing Del Mar when a heavy car driven by Mrs. Lita Blocker of San Clemente, hit them,” the newspaper reported. “Cotton was hurled ten feet to the pavement, unconscious. Hanson, struck by the fender, went down in a heap. Mrs. Blocker applied the brakes on her car and stopped the machine before she ran over the two injured men. Her quick action, and the fact she was not speeding when she turned into Del Mar off the state highway, saved Cotton and Hanson from more serious injury.”

THE DRIVER? “Mrs. Blocker stated she did not see Hanson and Cotton, and they say they did

Page 15

not see or hear the approaching car until it struck them. Spectators declare the accident appears unavoidable.”

Cotton escaped severe injury. Hanson “will be forced to curtail his activities for at least two weeks,” the newspaper said.

HANSON RETURNS HOME “Ole Hanson, who suffered a broken collar bone, cracked shoulder blade, injury to the left leg, cuts and bruises when hit by a car when he was crossing Del Mar, was removed from the San Clemente Clinic and Hospital to his beach front home Tuesday morning. Dr. Garnet B. Grant, who has charge of the case, says that Hanson will be forced to curtail his activities for at least two weeks.

“Hamilton H. Cotton, injured with Hanson in the accident, was not seriously hurt. His cuts and bruises have healed,” the newspaper reported.

At the end of August, an article reported Hanson “goes under knife at Mercy Hospital” in San Diego, on his hip.

“He is still at the Mercy Hospital and will remain in the southern city for a few weeks,” the article said.

He returned home to promote a plan California had announced to build a statewide-attractive beach camping park in his village.

OUR STATE PARK An original Aug. 7, 1931 headline had announced “State Purchases Beach Park at Spanish Village,” describing the purchase of 6,000 feet of beach and 100 acres for a public park. The price was $400,000 for the state park, of which the state paid half and San Clemente civic leaders headed by Hamilton Cotton paid the other.

The camping park would be conveniently close to San Clemente’s golf course, a tourist pinnacle for the town.

“It is the only state park in Orange County made possible by the $5,000,000 bond issue passed at the last election,” the newspaper said, and public-hearted government men had inspected San Clemente and “endorsed it as one of the best sites in the state for a public park.”

Fred Swegles grew up in San Clemente before the freeway. He has 50 years’ reporting experience in the city and 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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Seven Heaven San Clemente resident Annie Kunz qualifies for Olympic heptathlon

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he amount of effort and preparation it takes to become an Olympic athlete is staggering.

Most Olympic hopefuls put all their blood, sweat and tears into just one event for the opportunity of reaching the pinnacle of their sport. Combine all that effort and spread it across seven disciplines to qualify for just one event and throw in the mental hurdles of training for a delayed Olympics through a oncein-a-century pandemic, and it might all seem too much for the average person.

But on June 26-27 in the crucible of a blistering Pacific Northwest heat wave, San Clemente resident Annie Kunz took all of those obstacles and lit her own Olympic flame.

Kunz overcame and held off a talented heptathlon field with four personal-bests in the seven events to win the U.S. Olympic Trial heptathlon in Eugene, Oregon and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

On June 26, Kunz, a 28-year-old Colorado native, placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles at 12.95 seconds and cleared a personal-best mark in the high jump at 5 feet, 11 ¼ inches to place sixth. Kunz jumped from fifth to first in the overall standings with a win in the shot put at 51 feet, 7 ¼ inches and added a personal-best run in the 200-meter sprint at 23.71 seconds for a fifth-place finish in the event.

At the end of the first day, Kunz held a slim lead overall with 4,042 points, ahead of Taliyah Brooks at 3,946 points and 2016 Olympian Kendell Williams at 3,924 points. Brooks withdrew from the competition before the second event on June 27 after fainting while warming up as temperatures on the track reportedly reached 150 degrees. The rising temperatures also forced a three-hour pause in the Sunday events.

Kunz and Williams dueled throughout the final day as Williams opened with a win in the long jump at 22 feet, 1 inch, just ahead of Kunz, who finished second with a personal-best of 21 feet, 4 inches.

In the javelin, Kunz slipped down to second overall by a mere two points behind Williams as she placed fifth in the event San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

San Clemente resident Annie Kunz, a 28-year-old Colorado native, overcame and held off a talented heptathlon field with four personal-bests in seven events to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in last week’s U.S. Olympic Trials.

Photos: Courtesy of Tyler Mahon

with a personal-best throw of 147 feet, 10 inches. That throw locked in the Olympic rings for Kunz.

“Javelin is notoriously my weakest event,” Kunz said.“It’s the one I struggle with the most. I set myself up well (through the first five events). I was shooting for 40 meters, and I hit 45 meters. It was a huge PB (personal best). And it was like,‘Holy crap, I’m going to make the team!’”

Kunz knew she was going to Tokyo, but Kunz also knew after the javelin that she had her shot to win right now at the trials. Kunz just needed to beat out Williams in the 800 meters, and with a time of 2 minutes, 15.24 seconds, Kunz finished sixth, while Williams came in eighth. As the final scores hit the board, Kunz won the heptathlon with a personal-best score of 6,703 points and edged out Williams by just 20 points.

“I didn’t even know that score was attainable,” Kunz said. “That’s where the

emotion hit me, and I started crying and realized I was an Olympian.”

Kunz’s journey to be an Olympian began in her home state of Colorado, where she was a three-sport athlete. Kunz’s prowess as a soccer player—two-time state champion and four-time Colorado female athlete of the year—landed her a scholarship at Texas A&M. While other schools recruited her, Kunz chose to be an Aggie because of the school’s commitment to allow her to be a dual-sport athlete and continue to compete in track and field.

At Texas A&M, Kunz eventually redshirted ahead of her final college season, when she chose to focus on track and field. Kunz was named an All-American and All-SEC in track and field, and in that 2016 season, Kunz qualified for her first Olympic Trials, where she finished eighth.

Kunz then made her way to Southern California to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. Kunz and her

Page 16

then-boyfriend, now-fiancé Tyler Mahon originally settled into Newport Beach as a midway point between his work in Los Angeles and office in Aliso Viejo and her training in San Diego County.

In 2020, thanks to the convincing of some friends and Kunz’s Olympic training on the horizon, the pair found a more comfortable middle spot in San Clemente in May. Kunz stays down in Chula Vista three nights a week in a dorm room as part of the residence program for training athletes, but San Clemente remains their home base. They also are members at Bella Collina San Clemente, a private golf club in their new hometown.

“We just fell in love with the community,” Kunz said. “It’s such a hidden gem that we had no idea about. It’s such a good tight-knit and grounded community.”

While living in San Clemente during those early days of the pandemic, Kunz hit her struggles, training on her own for the first time without a coach and battling rounds of depression. Kunz pushed herself daily and found places to work out, whether it was sneaking hurdles into the then-closed Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park or running the hill by her house on the other side of Del Mar. Kunz found that this period of isolated self-motivation was a blessing in disguise for her Olympic journey.

“I learned how much I wanted it with the first time by myself,” Kunz said.

“That was my motivating source through COVID. I was going to take this time as the biggest blessing I got. I started seeing a nutritionist and therapist and sports psychologist. None of those things would have happened without COVID.” Kunz is now just four weeks away from her Olympic experience in Tokyo.

However, due to COVID-19 protocols, the Games won’t have the same grandeur that many athletes had hoped to take in. Athletes can only arrive in Japan one week before their competition and must leave the country 48 hours after their final competition, which means a large number of athletes won’t even be in Japan during the opening or closing ceremonies. Athletes also can’t tour the grounds or spectate at other events.

Kunz will compete in the heptathlon on Aug. 4-5, and while the experience might seem lessened to those on the outside, it is still the Olympic Games.

“After a year of no competitions, it really makes you grateful,” Kunz said. “I’m just so grateful that we get an Olympics.

It’s not what we expected, but at the end of the day, we’re going to get an Olympics. I’m looking forward to being with the best in the world and competing for a medal. It’s just so rare for anyone to experience in their lifetime.”

Kunz has her sights set on the podium with a shown ability to run faster, jump higher and throw stronger. SC sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON JULY 22, 2021 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD

BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 111 Avenida Del Mar – Minor Conditional Use Permit 20-146 – Studio K Accessory Massage A request to consider accessory massage services in conjunction with primary skincare services at 111 Avenida Del Mar, Suite 215.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Structures).

243 Via Ballena – Minor Exception Permit 20287 – Bilios Pool Fence A request to consider a five-foot high fence within the required front yard setback area, where the maximum height is 42 inches. The fence is proposed to meet pool safety standards per the Building Code.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Structures).

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting (949) 361-6183. If you challenge these projects 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 hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held via teleconference on Thursday, July 22, 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 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON JULY 21, 2021 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD

BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 1011 Buena Vista – Cultural Heritage Permit 20-378 – Ashabi Addition A request for a 570 square-foot addition and remodel to a nonconforming multi-family residence as well as a modification to an existing nonconforming detached garage structure with-

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by A Married Couple.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a ERIC SPINK /s/ ERIC SPINK This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 06/17/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

in 300 feet of a historic structure on the Coastal Bluff.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216605460 The following person(s) is doing business as: 1)URBAN BICYCLE OUTFITTERS 1900 N. EL CAMINO REAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 ADDITIONAL FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S): 1B) BICYCLES SAN CLEMENTE 1C) WANDERVOGEL BICYCLE TOURING ASSOCIATION 1D) SMALL WHEEL TECHNOLOGY Full Name of Registrant(s): GLORFINDEL LLC 2400 CALLE MONTE CARLO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an WY Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: 7/4/2010 /s/Glorfindel LLC/Peter William Van Nuys, Managing Member/Manager This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 05/17/2021

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held via teleconference on Wednesday, July 21, 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.

Publish: San Clemente Times June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216606640 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. INNER CERCLE VINEYARDS 625 VIA GOLONDRINA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Additional Fictitious Business Name(s): 1B. ESETERIK Full Name of Registrant(s): WESTERLY WINE COMPANY, LLC 625 VIA GOLONDRINA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 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 WESTERN WINE COMPANY, LLC/s/MICHAEL SPEAKMAN/MANAGING MEMBER/MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 06/01/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216607794 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GLUCOSE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES 28 SAINT CROIX LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): CAROL UHRICH 28 SAINT CROIX LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 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 CAROL UHRICH /s/ CAROL UHRICH This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 06/11/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 12pm Monday.

MULTI-FAMILYGARAGE SALE Sat.,July 10th @ 7:30 am. On Calle Monte, Capistrano Beach, CA off Ave Las Palmas.

Book cases, books, iron patio dining set, corner unit, tons of clothes, shoes, bags.

Collectables including Orrefors, MCM Pottery, Cat Figurines, etc. Beach décor.

Costume jewelry (no gold or silver) will be put out last. Check Craigslist on Friday evening for the address.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216608211 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE NORTH BEACH VILLA 1410 CALLE MIRADOR SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): ERIC SPINK 211 AVENIDA ROSA #A SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 LOREEN SPINK 211 AVENIDA ROSA #A

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JULY 10TH 32791 David Circle in Dana Point. Wetsuits, Collectables, Tools, Eclectic Dining ware, Clothing and more!

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LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

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

DENTISTS

Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, Suite B, San Clemente, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com

FIREWOOD FOR SALE Jack McKay, Owner 949.449.0445 mckayja29@gmail.com Call for prices. Earning money to purchase my first car.

Perfect for campfires, beach fires, home fires.

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING

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

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Hoover Construction License B-774675 949-292-6778

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Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, San Clemente, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com

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Create a life Plan to attain the life and relationships you ideally want & deserve 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente (949)248-7377 Billmartinphd.com

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.com

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

Buy • Consign • Sell

949.395.5681 (24 hours)

classicautosalesoc.com

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We also offer professional appraisals, auction services, restoration and shipping.

2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente

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

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

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SC SURF

Celebrating Lives of Two True Surf Legends

Upcoming Book Signings

Passing of Greg Noll, Joe Quigg Brings Chapter of Surfing’s Golden Era to Close

4-6 p.m. Author Jim Kempton will be at the Brawner Boards Shop in San Clemente signing his new book, Women on Waves.

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

ver the next couple of months, surfing is going to celebrate some big milestones. The sport will make its Olympic debut in a few short weeks. Then, coming up in September, the Rip Curl WSL Finals will be landing at Lower Trestles and crowning the 2021 World Champions.

But before we get swallowed up by all these developments, a quick pause is needed to remember two surfers who changed the game: Greg Noll and Joe Quigg.

Two of the most influential wave-riders, board builders and entrepreneurs, in their own unique ways, both Noll and Quigg pushed the pursuit of surfing ever forward.

Sadly, both passed on earlier this month.

Quigg peacefully passed away in Hawaii on June 20 at 96 years old. Noll gracefully kicked out on June 28. He was 84 years old.

After four years in the Navy during World War II, Quigg became an integral player in the close-knit Malibu scene. The consummate innovator, he’s credited with introducing the concept of rocker to surfboard design and pushed performance surfing forward with his “Malibu Chip.”

In 1947, he famously shaped a redwood-balsa blank for a young Darrylin Zanuck, daughter of Hollywood heavy Darryl Zanuck. Quigg built the board to be lighter and more maneuverable for the teenager.

The “Darrylin board” would come to be

JULY 10

a favorite of Malibu’s best surfers as they got a turn on it and became the precursor to the Malibu Chip, which altered the trajectory of surfing going forward.

In fact, in 1956, Noll was part of a group of lifeguards from California who traveled to Australia for an Olympic surf racing demonstration and brought with them the Malibu Chip design. It was as much of a game-changer Down Under as it was on the West Coast.

But Noll’s most widely regarded as a big-wave pioneer in Hawaii, where he earned the nickname “Da Bull.” In 1954, a 17-year-old Noll moved to Hawaii. Initially posting up at Makaha, almost right away he felt at home in the big, challenging surf on the westside.

By the winter of ’57, the attention had shifted to the North Shore, where Noll was among the first group of surfers to tempt fate at big Waimea and other outer reefs.

Also diving deep into the business of surfing, Noll produced a series of early surf films. And back in the South Bay, in 1965, Noll opened a 20,000-square-foot Noll Surfboards factory in Hermosa Beach. Business boomed, and at one point, they were producing more than 200 boards a week.

Noll was back at his beloved Makaha for the epic “Swell of ’69,” where he rode what was considered to be the biggest wave ever at that time. Perhaps the

JULY 17

5-7 p.m. Author Douglas Cavanaugh will be at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center with his new tome, Remembering Butch: The Butch Van Artsdalen Story.

One of the most iconic surf images of all time, Greg “Da Bull” Noll pondering the possibilities at giant Pipeline in 1964. Photo: Courtesy of John Severson

high-water mark of his legendary surfing career, he eventually moved to the quiet country of coastal Northern California, where he continued to shape exquisite wooden surfboards throughout the remainder of his days.

Meanwhile, Quigg would go on to continue to innovate surfboard design and construction, as well as developing modern paddleboards and outrigger canoes.

Settling in Hawaii, Quigg continued to design and built aquatic craft of all types, including boats and canoes. He eventually retired from full-time production in 1987.

The impact both men have had on surfing is vast and far-reaching. They will be missed, but their spirits will ride on as wave-riding continues to evolve.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

HARPER OLENIK

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he stoke is on this summer, and Harper Olenik is feeling all the good ocean vibes. First learning to shred at Doheny when she was only 4 years old courtesy of her dad, these days you’ll probably find 8-year-old Harper in the lineup at Boneyards or Lower Trestles, where she’s just dipping her toes into the water.

When Harper’s not chasing waves, you may find her figure skating or snowboarding.

“I love to play music and sing, too …

San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

Harper Olenik. Photo: Courtesy of Connor Eck

but I really like to surf,” says Harper, who will be barreling into third grade at St. Edward’s in Dana Point this fall.

Asked why she loves surfing so much, Harper says, “When you go down the face of a wave, it feels like you are on a roller coaster. I also like playing in the water between waves.”

Looking up to accomplished women in the water such as Bethany Hamilton, Carissa Moore and Courtney Conlogue, Harper is inspired by surfing, because “the waves are not predictable, and the ocean is fun.”

And in terms of where she sees her pursuit of wave-riding taking her in the next 10 years, she’s already thinking like a hardcore, dedicated surfer.

“It will take me to some tropical places,” Harper says.

Sounds as if a surf trip might be next on her list of things to do this summer.

SC Page 22

Water Temperature: 66-67 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Thursday: A blend of South/southwest swell and Northwest swell rolls in with waisthead high waves, (3-5’). Light/variable winds for the morning, followed by a light+ sea breeze during the afternoon.

Outlook: For Friday, a South/southwest and Northwest swell mix maintains waist-head high surf, (3-5’). Light/variable winds in the morning, turn to light+ onshores for the afternoon on Friday. More South/ southwest swell moves in for the weekend, with chest to head high waves, (4-5’), on Saturday and Sunday. Primarily light+ westerly winds for most of Saturday, shift to a southerly breeze by Sunday.

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San Clemente Times July 8-14, 2021

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