July 15, 2021 by San Clemente Times

INSIDE:

JULY 15-21, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 28

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

Ocean Fest Announces Photo Contest Winners

U S E

SC LIVING/PAGE 12

Gudauskas Brothers Launch New Soft-Top Surfboard Line SURF/PAGE 22

Fueling Up

Sale of City Land to Gas Station Developer Enters New Stage E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

As the city looks to potentially selling valuable property near Talega to a gas station developer, some residents question whether it’s the best use of the land. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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OC Sees Improvement in Unemployment Rate

State Health Department Keeps Mask Requirements for Students

SCHS Grad Selected in First Round of MLB Draft

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SPORTS/PAGE 17

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EYE ON SC

As the city looks to increase its coffers by potentially selling valuable property near Talega to a gas station developer, some residents question whether it’s the best use of the land. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

What’s Up With...

In Cypress’ initial bid, the developer offered to buy the parcel for $7.5 million, with the intention of constructing a Chevron or Shell station, along with an H2Go Express Car Wash and a quick-service food and coffee outlet. Cypress had also made an offer for a lease option of $500,000 a year, with a 10% increase every five years under a 25-year agreement. James previously had advocated that a portion of the anticipated revenue from the potential sale or lease should be used to help pay down the city’s unfunded pension liability, which is about $45 million. As of press time, James had not responded to a San Clemente Times request seeking comment. According to Lightfoot, the council, after reviewing those updated proposals in a May 4 closed-session meeting, appointed James and Duncan to the subcommittee to begin negotiating with Cypress. “The end result could be that the subcommittee is happy with the proposal and then brings that back for (council) discussion and a vote,” Lightfoot said of the process. He also stressed that any potential agreement would have to come back to the full council before it proceeded. Should the city sell the property, Lightfoot continued, the developer would then be required to submit

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Sale of City Land to Gas Station Developer Enters New Stage BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A council subcommittee is in direct talks with the front-runner of a bidding war between gas station developers that have eyed the city’s 2.3-acre lot on the corner of Avenida La Pata and Vista Hermosa, according to city officials. Though the parcel, located near a city gateway, has been highly sought after by hopeful bidders offering to pay more than $7 million, the potential sale of the property has ignited consternation among a group of residents who believe the land could be put to better use. Since May, Mayor Pro Tem Gene James and Councilmember Chris Duncan have led discussions with Cypress Express Partners over its proposal to purchase or lease the land near Talega, and construct a gas station with a car wash, and San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

quick-service food and coffee house. “The ongoing negotiations are looking less about process and more about coordinating the nuances of what that development could look like,” said Jonathan Lightfoot, the city’s Economic Development Officer, adding that those nuances include consideration of local elements and connections to the surrounding community and nearby Vista Hermosa Sports Park. Cypress was among a group of five bidders in the running to purchase the site, with offers ranging from $6 million to $7.5 million. The council this past January considered their proposals before narrowing down the field to Cypress, Fountainhead Development and Heslin Holdings. The three developers, which had similar concepts for a gas station and car wash, were asked to refine their bids by addressing certain desires and concerns that some councilmembers had expressed related to design, local vendors and charging stations for electric vehicles. Page 3

formal applications and project plans before being granted permits. Those plans would also fall under the Planning Commission’s and city planning division’s review. Development details on property walls and egress and ingress, among other things, “are not yet part of the discussions at this point, but would be required down the line if the council does enter into an agreement,” Lightfoot said. The negotiations mark a new milestone in the bidding process that began in mid-2019, when the city and its contractor for the listing, CBRE, began collecting proposals. According to the city, out of the 15 bids received, 12 of them came from gas station developers. The other three bids, Lightfoot said, proposed a charter school, a health care services building and a Montessori school. The gas station developers—specifically, the five top contenders—had submitted bids above the appraised value of the property, which was assessed at nearly $3.3 million. “My take on why that’s the case is the market demand,” Lightfoot said, noting that a significant number of residents in the area commute to work by taking La Pata—a route that doesn’t hit a fueling station until Ortega Highway, where San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and the expanding Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV) intersect. “These developers recognize that there’s a significant base of community that commute by this section,” he continued, further adding: “There’s a lot of new developments occurring in Rancho Mission Viejo. They just announced that the next phase of 2,700 homes is kicking off next year.” In an announcement last week from the master-planned community of RMV, The Ranch, as it’s colloquially referred to, said that escrow had closed on land for its new Village of Rienda. That area is expected to open next spring, with the first phase to include about 670 homes across seven neighborhoods. “It’s that mix of different uses and different rationales that have encouraged a number of developers to offer bids for the land that was more than what it was appraised for,” Lightfoot said. Pamela Roth is a San Clemente resident who heads the La Pata Coalition, a Facebook group opposed to the gas station proposals based on a variety of factors. Chief among them is the belief that the proposals don’t fit with San Clemente founder Ole Hanson’s vision. “We do not believe that the gas station proposals, as they’re currently written, are the best use of the lot and an attempt to stay in line with Ole (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Orange County Sees Improvement in Unemployment Rate

ange County cities of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano aligned with state and county trends. The number of residents without a job decreased in the three cities from April to May, decreasing their unemployment rates. According to the jobs data, Dana Point’s unemployment rate dipped below 5%, the lowest of the three cities and down from the 5.3% reported in April. San Juan had a jobless rate of 5.1% for May, while San Clemente had a slight decrease from 5.5% in April to 5.4% for May. In addition to an improvement in the

unemployment rate, the recent data from the Employment Development Department also reported growth in Orange County job sectors, including amusement, gambling and recreation, educational services, arts, entertainment and recreation, manufacturing, trade, transportation and utilities. Construction was the only sector to decline in employment, with a loss of 1,500 jobs throughout the month. The recent findings highlight a significant increase of employment in the leisure and hospitality sector, making it

the industry with the largest job gains for two consecutive months in Orange County. As more people return to restaurants, bars and vacation spots, restaurant employment increased by 2.8% from April to May, translating to an additional 3,200 jobs. Food services and drinking establishments had a 2.7% upward change and also added 3,200 positions. While the county experienced job growth in the restaurant industry, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vickie McMurchie said many restaurants are still facing challenges. “Unfortunately, Dana Point businesses are still struggling to meet their pre-pandemic employment numbers,” McMurchie said. “Based on feedback we’re hearing from our restaurant employers, front-of-house employees are slowly returning, but they’re really struggling to fill the back-of-house roles on a consistent basis.” While the unemployment rate continues to improve and Orange County industry sectors experience job growth, small businesses in particular are still being impacted by the economic repercussions of the pandemic. “A majority of our small business owners are working incredibly long hours, seven days a week including holidays and filling in where there are staffing voids,” McMurchie said.

The group, Roth said, has also taken issue with the property listing CBRE had put out to solicit offers. She said she believes the marketing for the site was done “very poorly,” resulting “in proposals that were less than optimal.” Justin McMahon, vice president of JLL and the site’s listing broker, said the property is a prime location for gas station developers because of the traffic patterns, as motorists use La Pata to get to work, as well as travel north, via the 241 Toll Road. “That will always be a good site because of the traffic patterns to fuel your vehicle; whether it’s hydrogen or petroleum, it’s a good gas station site generally,” McMahon said. Councilmember Duncan echoed that sentiment, noting that the site is already a busy corner and is soon likely to be even busier as RMV grows and more of its residents travel through San Clemente. He also stressed that the city recognizes the site as a valuable piece of property and, therefore, won’t let it “go unless we get a competitive bid.” As far as those bids go, Duncan added, addressing concerns on finding better uses,

local government doesn’t control who bids on the property, as that’s left to the market. “This has been available for several years and everyone who has interest, I believe, has put in a competitive bid, and no restaurant has put in a competitive bid that’s even close,” Duncan said of the bids the city did receive. “The city doesn’t create business; we don’t run businesses,” he later said. “We try to create the circumstances where businesses can thrive and be successful, with an eye toward the economic health and prosperity of the city.” Another concern of the group, Roth also pointed to, was the state’s commitment to move away from reliance on fossil fuels, a plan formalized by Gov. Gavin Newsom last fall, when he signed an executive order requiring all cars and trucks sold in California by 2035 to be zero-emission vehicles. “There is a move away from gas-powered vehicles, and it’s very likely, that in the very near future, gas-powered vehicles will be obsolete,” Roth said. “San Clemente seems to be a town where people are driving the more current trendy cars, and little by little, there will

be fewer and fewer gas-powered cars on the road.” Duncan, however, argued that while that’s a new factor that has to be considered in the proposals, it won’t change a decision on whether to move forward or not, as motorists are likely to predominantly still use gas-powered automobiles for at least the next 20 years. According to Lightfoot, the bidders have told the city there’s a universal interest in providing fuel for both gas-powered and electric vehicles. “Their thinking is there will always be a need for fuel stations, and the need for gas will gradually decline, but the need for fuel will continue whether that’s electric, hydrogen or other fuels,” he said. “They’ve indicated to the city a plan to accommodate that transition into the future.” Down the road, the city officials explained, the city plans to hold a town hall or a charrette with Talega residents and the surrounding neighborhoods to gather more input. “The more input, the better,” Duncan said. “I think, once people see the concepts, that would be something that may ease some people’s concerns.”

BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

As restrictions continued to ease and more people shifted to a pre-pandemic way of life, the state and county saw more decreases in the unemployment rate, largely because of the job gains in the leisure and hospitality sector, according to the latest unemployment data. This past May, unemployment in Orange County was recorded at 5.9%, a decrease from the 6.2% in April and more than half below an estimate of 14.9% at the same time last year. With a labor force of approximately 1.55 million people, nearly 91,200 county residents were out of a job. Data published by the California Employment Development Department showed a decline in the state’s unemployment rate as a whole. California’s unemployment rate was 7.9% in May, a slight change from its 8% rate in April. While California’s unemployment rate was only a fraction of a percentage point down, employment increased by 39,500 in May, up to a total of 17,418,000 civilians with a job. Unemployment rates in the South Or-

(Cont. from page 3) Hanson’s vision of our city,” Roth said after citing a Hanson quote about envisioning the town as a “place where people could live together more pleasantly than any other place in America.” “San Clemente seems to be heading toward an over-commercialization of San Clemente that moves away from our city’s roots and Ole Hanson’s vision,” she also stated. Roth added that the group doesn’t believe a gas station is the best use for the property, even calling the proposed car wash an “abomination” that disrespects the area. Instead, she said, the site, at least partially, should be used as a community gathering place. “We want to see a more trend-setting, a more natural environment for this area and not a gas station,” she said. On the group’s private Facebook account, they describe what they believe to be a more appropriate use of the site: “a beautiful, tree-lined, multi-use gathering place with (international) food and coffee vendors, indoor/outdoor eating spaces, perhaps a few offices and a small stage/amphitheater for films, art and small-scale performances.” San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

Orange County and its three most southern cities of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano continued to see declines in their unemployment rates during the month of May. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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EYE ON SC

State Health Department Keeps Mask Requirements for Students

According to the health department’s announcement, many of California’s school facilities can’t accommodate physical distancing. “Given California’s science-based approach and the fact that the state’s school facilities can’t accommodate physical distancing, we will align with the CDC by implementing multiple layers of mitigation strategies, including continued masking and robust testing capacity,” Dr. Mark Ghaly, California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary, said in the announcement. “Masking is a simple and effective intervention that does not interfere with offering full in-person instruction.” Ghaly further said that students should be able to walk into the new school year without worrying about being “singled out” for being vaccinated or unvaccinated. Though the CDPH initially said students not wearing masks could be excluded from campuses, it later clarified in a tweet that it was “recognizing local schools’ experience in keeping students and educators safe while ensuring schools fully reopen for in-person instruction,” effectively allowing school districts to set their own policies for han-

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

In spite of calls from some parents and education officials to do away with masks, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced last week that students will have to continue wearing masks while on campus and indoors at the start of the upcoming school year. The state health agency’s announcement on Friday, July 9, marked a more cautious route compared with the updated guidance released the same day by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Face masks, the CDC recommends, should be worn indoors by all individuals age 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated, along with maintaining at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms. “When it is not possible to maintain a

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

California’s students and teachers will be required to continue wearing face masks at the start of the new school year, the state health department announced last week, taking a more cautious stance than new guidance from the CDC. Photo: Collin Breaux

physical distance of at least 3 feet, such as when schools cannot fully reopen while maintaining these distances, it is especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies, such as indoor masking,” the CDC said. The CDC announcement said students “benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority.” Following the CDC’s recommendations, the CDPH released its own guidelines that kept mask requirements in place for indoor campus settings.

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dling non-compliant students. Masks are generally no longer required for fully vaccinated people in most instances throughout California, where life has mostly returned to normal after pandemic restrictions were lifted in mid-June because of low COVID-19 case numbers. Student mask requirements have been a hot-button issue in the Capistrano Unified School District, where some parents have denounced the requirements and called for masks to be optional. The CUSD Board of Trustees recently passed a symbolic resolution requesting CDPH change mask requirements—effectively asking that masks no longer be mandatory. Trustees and CUSD officials have repeatedly said they must follow state health guidelines, emphasizing that whether students have to wear masks is outside their jurisdiction. Some parents and trustees have spoken in favor of continued mask wearing and following CDPH guidelines. The upcoming 2021-22 school year officially starts Aug. 17, with CUSD students returning full-time, five days a week, on campus.

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SOAPBOX

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 28. 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 15-21, 2021

Letters to The Editor

at all. For example, a 28-mph bike with a throttle is not a Class 3 e-bike regardless of what its decal says. Nor are bikes with “mode switches,” which change their limited top speed at the riders’ will, or bikes over 750 watts. These machines are heavier than e-bikes, often carry more than one person, and when ridden at speed may indeed feel like motorcycles to the walkers and bikers they’re slaloming around. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these out-of-category electric vehicles. They’re terrific when ridden on the street. But call ’em what you will, they’re just not “e-bikes.”

ADDITIONAL RESPONSE TO ‘LETTING FREEDOM RING’ MICHAEL A. WEINBAUM, San Clemente Gene James deserves a solid B for his eighth-grade civics essay. Sure, it was pablum, but he did use proper punctuation and spell all the words correctly. That said, if Gene wants to try to bump his grade up to an A, here are three extra-credit assignments: 1. Think of five words that describe attributes San Clemente might choose to strive for, besides “hardy” (which means “capable of enduring difficult conditions”) or “robust,” (odd paramount aspirations). I’ll offer a few suggestions just to get Gene’s juices going: just, humane, empathetic, honorable, fair. Then explain your “thinking.” 2. Watch the NY Times video (Google it; it’s easy to find) showing the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in painstaking detail, showing men and women, armed with bats, tasers and chemical sprays, overrunning barricades, attacking police officers and destroying property, and then write another essay for this paper giving his thoughts on what he saw and how that all fits in with his apparent world view about how the left is destroying our country. 3. Write an essay explaining how the concerted efforts of his team to restrict voting across the country, particularly by outlawing voting methods that never have been proven to be unreliable, but have been proven to be methods preferred by people of color (mail ballots, drop-in boxes, voting at church and having the minister collect the ballots) is favorably serving our great democracy. I’m sure this paper will give Gene all the space he needs to help us all understand his sophisticated views on these topics. Then we can write back to the paper with our grades.

NO GAS STATION ON LA PATA PAMELA ROTH, San Clemente A traditional gas station/car wash/convenience store, such as the type currently proposed by Cypress for the La Pata/Vista Hermosa corner, would have a terrible and negative impact on the quality of life in nearby neighborhoods. The primary reason this proposal is the city’s front-runner is CBRE’s poor marketing materials, which accompanied their MLS listing. These marketing materials barely mentioned Talega, and did not list its strong demographic. Likewise, the Vista Hermosa Sports Park next to the lot, and the number of teams, players and visitors who visit this complex, were inadequately described. If the city reopened the proposal process with a more sophisticated, aggressive listing agent, not CBRE, San Clemente would see better proposals coming in. CBRE did a shoddy job, and San Clemente deserves better. An attractive and forward-thinking charging station, paired with a cafe/winery, would be a far superior choice for this corner and would bring in the same, if not more, revenue. City council, reopen the proposal process. We can do better things with this corner. ‘LETTING FREEDOM RING’: AN ALTERNATIVE VIEWPOINT MARVIN DENNIS, San Clemente Councilmember Gene James expressed his opinion in a recent column. I’d like to make some possible alterations to that piece, as others might see the same things he discussed. On a hot summer day 245 years ago in Philadelphia, these United States of America were declared a nation, independent from the British Monarchy. The parchment of the Declaration of Independence has yellowed and become brittle over time, and this nation seems to be, also. It is healthy that we are in a perpetual debate about the role of government. To some, the lack of vision and leadership

E-BIKE DEFINITIONS PETE VAN NUYS, San Clemente As the “man who rents bikes at North Beach,” I need to set the record straight about legal vs. renegade electric bikes. Legal electric bicycles, as defined in the CA Vehicle Code (Div.1. (s) 312.5), are not “motorcycles,” but are, in essence, just bicycles that help you pedal. For brevity sake, both Class 1 and 2 e-bikes stop helping you at 20 mph; Class 3 stops helping at 28 mph. Only Class 2 can offer you a throttle option; Class 3 cannot. Many popular “e-bikes” are not e-bikes Page 7

robs us of the opportunities to make our country the best it can be. To others, they prefer to just be left alone. The longtime debate became even more consequential during the pandemic. Some “others” felt that there was an erosion of the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It was a time of fear and division nationally and even locally. Those hard choices come into focus during difficult times. When one’s right to pursue happiness gets in the path of another’s right to life, something has to take precedence. Since “Life” was first on the list, it seems like it should be first supported in policy. Over the past year, Gov. Newsom used extraordinary leadership in an effort to reduce the great risk of falling to this hundred years’ calamity. By asking people to join together in support of the many difficult choices that were necessary to keep California healthy, he took a lot of heat from many individuals. As the most populous state in the nation with population densities that were more prone to transmission of the COVID-19 virus, we had to chart our own path. Some less-populated states chose to do things differently, and some of those paid the price of continuing infections and deaths while California began to turn things around. The governor’s actions should be applauded. In San Clemente, we need to focus on economic recovery from COVID. With property values rising and tourism and retail establishments really getting going again, this should happen quickly. A well-managed city is prepared for the unexpected, after all. The best way to heal the divide that has developed is to recall this Independence Day that the brilliant three words that started us on our way 245 years ago were not “Me the special,” they were “We the people.” THERE’S A FIRE SALE IN SAN CLEMENTE MARTINA MCBURNEY-WHEELER, San Clemente After a very polarizing year of federal, state and local elections, various protests, demonstrations and riots across the nation, and the social and economic effects of COVID-19, there are opportunities for residents to come together, if we will just heed the call. Do we want to be a laid-back beach town or a bursting metropolis and throughway city to connect to the I-5, with a huge e-commerce building and another gas station along the way? If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck; and it appears these ducks are lining up. The city is in negotiations of selling (Cont. on page 9) sanclementetimes.com

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SOAPBOX

(Cont. from page 7) some of its (our) assets to the highest bidder, coupled with pushing out long-serving local operators such as Rod’s Tree Service or Edie from the T-street snack bar from city contracts or city-owned venues. Do you support the city selling the land by Vista Hermosa/La Pata to a developer who will put in a gas station? Regardless if it’s coupled with a car wash, convenience store or fast food-type establishment, it’s a blight to our community that will have irreparable damage to the land. Do you support the city letting the former council chambers fall into (alleged) disrepair to keep citizens out, at the same time as they are trying to sell the building? (Ironically enough, one councilmember in favor of this also stated on their FB page that the land was unstable). If you are concerned about what’s happening in our city, it’s imperative that you write to the city council, city management and make your opposition known. Having said that, talk is cheap; it’s important for citizens to hold their government and themselves accountable. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “The government you elect, is the government you deserve.” HOLIDAY SHOOTINGS MICHAEL A. WEINBAUM, San Clemente Over the July 4th weekend, there were more than 400 shooting incidents, killing more than 150 people and injuring many more than that. In not one of those incidents, at least as far as multiple media outlets have reported, did a good guy with a gun stop the gun-totin’ bad guy perpetrator. Makes me glad I live in a place with public officials wise enough to declare us a Second Amendment Freedom City. NO NEED FOR ANOTHER GAS STATION JANET SHANNON, San Clemente The city is looking at putting a gas station/car wash/convenience store on this piece of property. The city does not need another gas station/car wash, and it especially does not need a convenience store. Just look at the 7-Elevens in town and the problems they have with the druggies hanging around them. We certainly don’t need this next to the park where we have children playing. City council needs to think about the future of our beautiful town and not go with the short-term fix. GAS STATION PROJECT ON LA PATA/HERMOSA ASHLY FOX, San Clemente Another gas station, another outdated San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

and backward approval by our council that has me scratching my head. Every time I drive by the abandoned gas station on Palizada and the other one on S. El Camino Real, I scratch my head and wonder what kind of business would be profitable if they bought contaminated land, remediated it, and redeveloped it. I am still scratching my head. I still have yet to find an answer to the urban blight those abandoned lots represent in our city. In 2012, in a time when we knew retail would become obsolete, we tricked the voters into voting against a measure to responsibly redevelop North Beach, and instead council approved a “high end” outlet that has never really been successful or “high end.” Now, we are looking to continue this outdated and short-sighted thinking with another gas station? It is the norm, not the exception, that environmental costs of cleaning up abandoned gas stations far exceed the value of the land on which they sit. Did council not get the memo that gas-powered cars will no longer be sold in our state by 2035? This is a short-term win for the gas company with a long-term losing proposition for the residents and our city. San Clemente needs to rethink their development. Do we want to be a city of the future or one that is stuck in the past?

need more congestion of traffic in that area, either. I also worry about the people it might draw to the area. Isn’t there something else that is more family-friendly that can be built instead? Just say no. MTB TRAGEDY BRAEDEN BANVILLE, incoming sixth-grader at Bernice Ayer Middle School Hello, my name is Braeden Banville, and this summer I went to a mountain bike camp. The first day was fun, but then the next day tragedy struck. The City of San Clemente brought in a guy with a bobcat (utility vehicle) to destroy all of the jumps. Some of these jumps took seven to eight hours to build! Our camp leader biked all the way to the bobcat just to save his wood. Now I don’t have anything against the City of San Clemente, but really? We just want to have some jumps here and there. We had to take time out of our camp just to rebuild them! Now if there are any other MTB riders reading this, you know how it feels after working your butt off on a jump, and then someone comes and destroys it. That. Is. Horrible. I hope the city understands my anger and that they won’t do it again. ON GENE JAMES ROSS AIMER, San Clemente

GAS STATION/CAR WASH SUE NESPOR, San Clemente

With the accuracy of a malignant tumor and precision of the COVID-19 virus, Gene James slipped into our unsuspecting community and infected our peaceful, quaint town. We either didn’t hear the warnings or see the caution lights flashing when a few folks who knew of his intentions and background spoke out. Now we see the dangers of this infection spreading within our city hall and perhaps beyond. I hope and pray our electorate remembers this grave hazard to our society and swiftly deals with it at the ballot box.

I strongly oppose a gas station at the La Pata/Vista Hermosa location. I’ve lived in San Clemente since 1973, and through the years, I’ve seen too many gas stations fail and then become an eyesore to the community. The current one being on the corner of Avenida Palizada/Camino de la Estrella. It’s been sitting there for years. If the gas station/car wash is allowed to go in on Vista Hermosa/La Plata, I’m quite sure it will be coupled with a convenience store and heavens knows what else. Not a good fit for that location or any other, for that matter. San Clemente has plenty of gas stations, in my opinion.

ANOTHER RESPONSE TO ‘E-BIKE MADNESS’ JANE LEWIS, San Clemente

NO CAR WASH/GAS STATION AT LA PATA/VISTA HERMOSA NICHOLE VERBURG, San Clemente

I agree that some e-bikes need more regulation, but people need to realize that there are different classes of e-bikes. I also agree that some e-bikes are really a type of motorcycle. I have a Class 1 e-bike. It is ped-assist, which means that if I don’t pedal, it goes nowhere. I have a battery assist, which helps with hills, etc. It allows me to go on more trails, ride more easily into the wind, and to ride longer. It is also quiet, just like a regular bike.

I’m absolutely against a gas station and car wash being built on La Pata and Vista Hermosa. There are tons of kids riding bikes all over that area, and it’s not safe to have people pulling in and out of that parking lot all day long. There are plenty of gas stations down the street and car washes, too. We don’t Page 9

It is not a speed demon. Racing bikes go much faster. Class 1 bikes do not even have a throttle. The e-bikes that I think people complain about are the ones that have pedals that the riders don’t use. If you don’t have to use the pedals, it isn’t truly a bike. I believe when talking about e-bikes and creating legislation, the people involved need to be educated and aware that they don’t all fit under one umbrella. THANKING ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER LYNNE SPIEGEL, San Clemente I’m writing to heap praise on San Clemente animal control officer Dean Freedman, who rescued a baby owl that had fallen from a nest last week. When I took my dog for a morning walk, I saw about 15 crows dive-bombing a brown lump on the ground. Despite its excellent camouflage, I could see it was an owl that couldn’t fly. I left a message for animal control and was pleasantly surprised when officer Freedman called me back in five minutes. Even better, he arrived within 30 minutes for me to show him the owl’s location. He clambered down a steep hill and placed it in a carrying crate. When he made it back to the top of the hill, he very pleasantly answered my questions. It was a fledgling great horned owl, on its way to rehab, after which it will be released under the very same tree when it is ready. This was great news, and I’ve been so happy all week to have helped to save this beautiful owl. Of course, Officer Freedman did all the work, and for that I’d like to thank him for his promptness, efficiency and manners.

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 16, at 8 a.m.

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, July 16, 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

SUNDAY | 18 MUSIC ACADEMY FACULTY CONCERT 3 p.m. Watch the faculty of the Music Academy perform a selection of their favorite classical compositions in Casa Romantica's Main Salon. Faculty members are all symphony musicians and educators who have performed with the Southern California Chamber Ensemble, Mozart Classical Orchestra, and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. The event is free with a reservation. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

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

Editor’s Pick

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

THURSDAY | 15 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. The cast stars Sophie Matossian from the Class of 2020 and Zack Mallgrave from Class of 2021, as well as 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.

FRIDAY | 16 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.

SATURDAY | 17 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

Photo: Courtesy of the San Onofre Parks Foundation

FRIDAY | 16 SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. After nearly 16 months of being closed, the Historic Cottage and Visitor Center at San Clemente State Beach has reopened. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in to the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

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. REGULO MARTINEZ-ANTON 6 p.m. Listen to Régulo Martínez-Antón, said to be one of the most intriguing

AT THE MOVIES

‘Black Widow’ Showcases Johansson’s Final Marvel Role BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

All things must come to an end eventually, and with Scarlett Johansson, it’s her time as the female star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the release of Cate Shortland’s Black Widow—the latest Marvel movie and the first to hit theaters since the advent of COVID-19—we not only get Johansson’s farewell to the bigname franchise and Florence Pugh’s intro to it, but also the most recent example of a superstar giving the reins to a young up-and-comer.

Spanish pianists of his generation, perform in the Main Salon music venue at Casa Romantica. He has performed as a soloist with several orchestras in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the LA Opera. Admission is $30, or $25 for Casa members. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

Without giving too much away, by the end of Anthony and Joe Russo’s Avengers: Endgame (2019)—the epic culmination of more than 20 MCU movies—it was pretty obvious Johansson was almost finished with the Marvel brand. Though she has spent the past 10 years making the superhero of Black Widow all her own, it’s time for a new face and name to take the wheel. In many ways, Pugh’s casting as the supposed sister of Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff was fitting. Both Johansson and Pugh started their careers rather young, and with strongly acclaimed independent movies before jumping into blockbusters. In Shortland’s studio debut after her own indie roots with Somersault (2004), we can see natural potential from Johansson’s Natasha to Pugh’s Yelena Belova. Black Widow doesn’t exactly bring anything new or original to either the MCU or the action-adventure genre, but it does show Pugh’s range as an actress. The Brit looks as if she’s having fun with all the special effects and fight choreography,

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TUESDAY | 20 STAND-UP COMEDY WORKSHOPS 7-10 p.m. Students of Stand-up are happy to announce that registration is now open for its next Students of Stand-up Comedy Workshops—Stand-Up Comedy 101, Writer’s Workshop, and Stand-Up 4 Kids. The workshops offer something for everyone. These six-week workshops meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. The workshops end with a graduation performance in front of family and friends on Aug. 28. Register for the workshops at studentsofstandup.com.

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at sanclementetimes.com/weekender

Photo: Courtesy of Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

and to be honest, she has one of the better fake accents among the Marvel actors. While most of us will miss Johansson and Natasha, I think it might be safe to say this is one of the on-screen replacement situations in which the newcomer isn’t met with reluctance. If you can handle a little bit of backtracking, since this is technically a prequel, and an underwhelming third act, Black Widow is a quality time at the movies. SC

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San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

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SC LIVING

Ocean Fest Announces Photo Contest Winners BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

his coming weekend would have marked the 45th annual San Clemente Ocean Festival, when California lifesavers and ocean athletes gather for two days of various competitions, relays and races. Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Surf,” this annual event brings thousands of spectators to the beach at historic San Clemente Pier, where friends and families can cheer on their favorite athletes and groms, as well as enjoy numerous outdoor activities, food and live entertainment. And while this year’s festivities had to be postponed for a second consecutive year because of the pandemic, the Ocean Festival, a nonprofit organization, partnered with the San Clemente Times and the San Clemente Journal for a special

letic activities, and Lifestyle. First-place prize winners received $100 gift cards from Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar. Outlets at San Clemente gift cards of $50 were given to second-place winners, and third-place winners each received 2021 SCOF collector T-shirts. The organization is slated to present the awards to the winners at the San Clemente Pier on Thursday, July 15. “Looking forward to being back on the beach with everyone in 2022, and celebrating 45 years of ‘The Greatest Show on Surf’!” Vance said.

photo contest to help keep memories of the event fresh in everyone’s minds. “The San Clemente Ocean Festival thanks the SC Times for partnering with us on this year’s photo contest celebrating years past,” SCOF Executive Director Peggy Vance said in an email. “We received some great photos and thank everyone that participated." Back in May, we called on our readers, their friends and family who may have taken photos of previous years’ Ocean Fests to submit some of their works to the nonprofit for a chance to earn prizes and be featured in the SC Times. Sheri Crummer, Steve Taylor and Don Kindred, along with Norb Garrett, publisher of Picket Fence Media, judged the submissions this past month, and collectively decided our winners in three categories: Athletic excitement, Non-ath-

ATHLETIC PHOTO WINNERS First Place for the Athletic images went to Bill Maben, who captured a Doryman competition during the 2016 Ocean Fest. Two of Michael Hashitsume photo submissions from the 2018 Ocean Fest

earned him the second- and third-place honors. NON-ATHLETIC PHOTO WINNERS Photographer Michael Hashitsume secured two more prizes in this category, taking home first and second for his Ocean Fest photos from 2018. Diane Trimble’s photo of a Woodie came in third place. LIFESTYLE PHOTO WINNERS Rick Delanty’s 2017 photo of runners storming the beach at Ocean Fest was selected for first place. Peggy Ireland came in second place with her 2019 photo of a girl showing off her arm “guns” while the sun was out, while Natalie Hoss took home third for her photo of brothers prepping for competition during the 2017 Ocean Fest. SC

ATHLETIC PHOTO WINNERS

Michael Hashitsume

Bill Maben

LIFESTYLE PHOTO WINNERS

NON-ATHLETIC PHOTO WINNERS Peggy Ireland

Rick Delanty

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

Natalie Hoss

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Michael Hashitsume

Diane Trimble

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San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

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SC LIVING

BUSINESS BEAT // PSI DESIGN CENTER

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS New Kitchen, Bath Design Center Opens in Town BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

hen Steve Prophet was a kid growing up in Orange, he and his buddies would road trip down to San Clemente to surf at San Onofre. He always loved San Clemente’s beachtown vibe, so six years ago, he decided it was time to make San Clemente home while continuing to operate his construction business, Prophet Solutions, Inc., in Carlsbad. As has happened for many business owners, the pandemic provided an “aha” moment for Prophet, as his search for office space closer to home in San Clemente led to an unanticipated opportunity. “I wanted to have an office presence on a main street, so I looked down (Avenida) Del Mar and around town until I found the right space,” says Prophet. He eventually found a perfect spot on South El Camino Real, but at 3,100 square feet, the former Radio Shack location was too big. So, he embraced the

situation and got creative. “I decided to create a showroom and start a new business—a design business—to showcase the work we have done in our construction business. So, yes, the pandemic created a new opportunity for us,” he explains. And so, in March 2020, as the pandemic was shutting down the state, PSI Design Center was born. Now, a little more than one year later, Prophet’s excited to show off his sparkling, modern kitchen, bath and flooring showroom, complete with two kitchen models and three bathroom examples, featuring more than 20 top-of-the-line brands in cabinetry, tile, flooring, hardware and countertops. “I’m a design builder,” says Prophet, who has 35 years in the construction industry and was in the public works business before starting Prophet Solutions 10 years ago. “Think of us as designers with construction expertise. I enjoy working with people, because you get to see the immediate satisfaction from the work

Steve Prophet in the PSI Design showroom. Photo: Norb Garrett

BUSINESS BEAT // GIBRONI’S DETROIT STYLE PIZZA

DEEP-DISH HEAVEN Move Over, Chicago; Gibroni’s Detroit Style Pizza Is Here to Stay BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

unny how fate works. A broken-down pasta food truck in Austin, Texas forces a life-altering decision in 2016 for Lindsey and Tony Gioutsos to pack up everything and move to Southern California. New (important) friendships are forged while Tony works at Artifex Brewing Company. A baby, Eleni (Leni for short), is born a month before the pandemic, which then inspires Tony and Lindsey to cook at home and begin experimenting,

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

(From left) Gibroni’s owners Lindsey, Leni and Tony Gioutsos. Photo: Norb Garrett

making Detroit-style, deep-dish pizza. A neighbor turns out to be a local pizza chef, who, along with other neighbors, become guinea pigs to sample the new pizzas, topped with the original marinara sauce from the pasta business. A trip back to Michigan in the midst of the pandemic to train with the maestro of all Detroit deep-dish pizza makers provides

you did to help change their lives for the better.” Prophet has 30 employees who help make homeowners’ dreams come true, and the team will be on hand for the PSI Design Center’s grand opening on July 22, from 10 a.m.-3 pm. “We’re a one-stop shop for South Or-

ange County,” Prophet says.

the final ingredients to planning the business. A local restaurant, JD’s, owned by Justin Shea, ceases food operations during the pandemic, freeing up their commercial kitchen. Add it all up and—presto!—you have Gibroni’s Pizza, which this month celebrated its one-year anniversary in San Clemente. “We were just sitting around one day during COVID and decided to go for it,” says Lindsey, who manages the business’ finances and marketing while her husband, Tony, runs the kitchen and front of house. “Our neighbor, Jake Anderson (now Gibroni’s master pizza maker), was in the business and inspired us. He and all of our neighbors got to eat a lot of pizza; they were our test subjects.” The business officially started on July 1, 2020, with former San Clemente High School and current Carolina Panther quarterback Sam Darnold as their first client. “We catered at his house,” says Tony. “The following week, we started serving to the public every Wednesday.” Located in the front section of the popular nightspot, JD’s, on El Camino Real in downtown San Clemente, Gibroni’s has expanded to a staff of 10 and is open

every day except Tuesday from 4-9 p.m. This past March, they added a new “Late Nights” menu from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. on the deck (slices only) and have added five styles of chicken wings (inspired by Jake, originally from South Carolina). Every month, Gibroni’s offers a featured pizza; this month, it’s Colonel Barry Sanders (note the ode to Lions legend Barry Sanders). The most popular pizza is “From the D.” A house salad, “The Opa,” an homage to Tony’s Greek upbringing, is also on the menu. In May, Gibroni’s began offering free delivery within a 3-mile radius (it’s $2, if farther). Success has led to plans for growth. Tony and Lindsey have set their sights on a location in the North Beach surf ghetto and hope to open by Fall 2022. In the meantime, they’re enjoying raising Leni and managing their growing business. “This is the best community we’ve ever lived in,” says Tony. “The community is so supportive. San Clemente is our kind of people; it feels like a Michigan town on the beach.”

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PSI Design Center is located at 814 S. El Camino Real. Follow the company on Instagram @prophet_solutions_inc. The company can be reached at 855.599.5676, and more info can be found at prophetsolutionsinc.com. SC

Gibroni’s Detroit Style Pizza is located 215 South El Camino Real. More information can be found at gibronispizza.com or by calling 949.460.3572. SC sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Lauren Gallegos

Downward Trend in Youth Vaping: How Can We Sustain It?

recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health reports that 67.7% of youth surveyed reported decreasing or quitting e-cigarette use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This promising trend comes only two years after the U.S. Surgeon General declared youth vaping an epidemic. While the decline in use is a promising trend, nearly one in five high school students used vaping devices in 2020, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey. Prevention educators evaluate the factors contributing to these trends to help target prevention education with WELLNESS & the hope of helping PREVENTION young people lead BY LAUREN GALLEGOS healthier lives. The American Journal of Public Health reported this past January these significant factors in the downward trends: youth fearful of weakened lungs as a result of e-cigarettes (25%); parents learning about vape use (15.2%); and the inability to access e-cigarettes (19.5%). More than half of young people surveyed in the study reported reduced access to retail environments because of the pandemic. Compared to before the pandemic, young people also reported less sharing of e-cigarettes among social sources than during the pandemic. Bonnie Halpren-Felsher of Stanford

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Lolly

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

University had similar findings in her team’s study, which found that more than 60% of youth surveyed had either quit or reduced their use of e-cigarettes during the pandemic, reporting high awareness of risk of lung damage. According to Halpren-Felsher, COVID-19, a respiratory illness, infected youth e-cigarette users five times the rate of their non-using peers. Data from the National Institute of Health’s Monitoring the Future support these findings, and in 2020, reported a higher perceived risk of harm from vaping among youth, as well as a decrease in use of the popular vaping device JUUL. Increased perception of harm typically indicates a future reduction in use. However, it is important to note that while there has been a decline in reported use, the rates still remain high, and new technologies are continually coming to the market that youth often perceive as less harmful or more novel and exciting. There is much to be done to support increased prevention efforts that target perceived harm from vaping and increased vigilance to limiting access to e-cigarette products. While there was a decrease in access through brick-and-mortar stores, some youth reported they could order products online, with more than one quarter of underage users surveyed reporting they did not have to verify their age, were not required an email login or uploading a picture of an ID card. As the world begins to reopen again

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

This pretty lady is Lolly, a 5-year-old Akita with a heart of gold. Lolly is known among her walkers as being particularly sweet and affectionate. She is potty-trained and enjoys long walks outside. While she is well-behaved, Lolly would do best with an experienced owner due to her large size and strength. If you are interested in adopting Lolly, 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.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

Prior to construction of Dana Point’s wharf, the area’s sport fishing fleet (pictured here), circa 1950, was based at the San Clemente Pier. 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.

and youth spend less time supervised, these declining numbers could rise again. At federal, state and local levels, policies have sought to reduce youth use of e-cigarettes. The city of Long Beach passed a flavor ban in April 2021, and other cities are considering local ordinances. At the state level, Senate Bill 793 would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping products. The bill was signed into law last August after it passed the Senate by a 38-0 vote and Assembly by a 58-1 vote. In an effort to overturn SB 793, a petition veto referendum, an effort largely funded by big tobacco, received enough signatures to qualify for the November 2022 election. Voters should educate themselves on what a yes (maintain the current legislation) and no (overturn the flavor ban) vote will mean when it comes to protecting youth from electronic cigarettes. Prevention experts suggest parents and

teachers educate themselves on the variety of e-cigarettes/vaping products and to discuss these risks with young people. Raisinghealthyteens.org offers tips for parents and supportive adults to talk to teens about vaping. Most importantly, have frequent open and non-judgmental conversations with youth and remind them that you support and care for them. You and your teen can also join local efforts to reduce youth substance use with the Wellness & Prevention Coalition, which meets monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. Email lauren@wpc-oc.org for more information. Lauren Gallegos, ACSW, is the Prevention Director at the Wellness & Prevention Center. You can reach her at lauren@wpc-oc.org. 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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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

First-Round Pick SCHS graduate Michael McGreevy selected No. 18 overall in MLB Draft BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

an Clemente native Michael McGreevy did not have to wait long to learn about his professional destination. McGreevy—a sophomore right-handed pitcher at UC Santa Barbara—was selected 18th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the MLB Draft on Sunday, July 11. The 2018 San Clemente High School graduate was the highest-selected former Triton since current Texas Rangers pitcher Kolby Allard was picked 14th overall by the Atlanta Braves in 2015. McGreevy is also the first San Clemente product selected in the first round since Allard. McGreevy was an accomplished shortstop and pitcher at San Clemente High School, but it was during the exhibition season of his freshman year at UC Santa Barbara that McGreevy became a fulltime pitcher, and his ascent to becoming a first-round pick began.

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

As a junior at San Clemente, McGreevy posted a 4-4 record in 13 appearances with a 2.67 ERA, a team-high four complete games, a team-high 37 strikeouts and a .271 opponents’ batting average. He also hit .321 with five doubles, a triple, four RBI and 16 runs scored. As a senior at San Clemente, McGreevy had a 3-3 record in 10 appearances with a 2.25 ERA, 54 strikeouts and a .238 opponents’ batting average. He also hit .313 with six doubles, a triple, two home runs (both of which were grand slams), 12 RBI and 26 runs scored. McGreevy then committed and signed with UC Santa Barbara, and in the fall 2018 exhibition season, McGreevy became a full-time pitcher. McGreevy operated exclusively out of the bullpen in his freshman season at UC Santa Barbara and put up a 5-1 record with six saves in 60 1/3 innings over 29 appearances. He posted a 1.94 ERA with 53 strikeouts and was named First-Team

San Clemente native Michael McGreevy, pictured here as a San Clemente High School senior in 2018, was selected No. 18 overall out of UC Santa Barbara by the St. Louis Cardinals in the MLB Draft on Sunday, July 11. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

All-Big West Conference and to three freshman All-American teams. Ahead of what was to be his sophomore season, McGreevy transitioned out of the relief role to become a full-time starter, but due to the pandemic, the season was cut short. McGreevy made four starts for a 2-0 record with 27 1/3 innings pitched. He compiled a 0.99 ERA with 26 strikeouts and only three earned runs. McGreevy maintained his year of eligibility due to the pandemic-shortened season, and with another go-around as a sophomore, he shined for Santa Barbara in the starting role. McGreevy posted a 9-2 record in 101 2/3 innings over 16

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starts with one complete game, along with a 2.92 ERA and 115 strikeouts. McGreevy had four games with 10 or more strikeouts, including 15 strikeouts against Cal Poly on April 30 and 12 strikeouts at UCLA on May 14. Going into the MLB Draft, McGreevy was listed as the No. 28 overall prospect by MLB before being selected No. 18 overall by the Cardinals. McGreevy will join fellow San Clemente graduate Andre Pallante in the Cardinals’ minor league system. Pallante, a 2016 graduate, was drafted by the Cardinals in 2019 out of UC Irvine and is currently pitching for the AA Springfield Cardinals. SC

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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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

PLUMBING

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

Hoover Construction License B-774675 949-292-6778

REALTORS

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

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS

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

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

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY. USE LOCALS ONLY.

Call Lauralyn for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216609379 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EPIC POWER BIKES 219 AVENIDA ROSA, #C SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): MARCUS SCHIRO 219 AVENIDA ROSA #C 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: 11/01/2018 MARCUS SCHIRO/s/ MARCUS SCHIRO/EPIC CYCLES LLC, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 06/29/2021. Published in: San Clemente Times July 15, 22, 29, August 5, 2021 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 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 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

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GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 12pm Monday. GARAGE SALE - JULY 17TH 26732 Calle Juanita, Capistrano Beach July 17th 8:00am to 3:00pm Finish carpentry and general contractor tools, large tool boxes on wheels, vintage toys and bicycle, leather bound books, fishing tackle and reels, miscellaneous items.

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San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

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SC SURF

New Boards, Same Positive Vibes The Gudauskas Brothers Launch New Soft-Top Surfboard Line to Benefit Favorite Charities BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

hen it comes to soft-top surfboards, there is no shortage of options in the market these days. And if you’ve spent much time reading this column, you may have noticed that I’m much more in favor of supporting our talented local shapers and craftsmen and craftswomen than plunking down $100 on a new Wavestorm from Costco. But true to their nature, Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas are looking to turn a soft-top paradigm on its head. The San Clemente trio, who have done a world of good via their Positive Vibe

Dan Gudauskas enjoys every bit of the ride on the new Positive Vibe Warrior “Scout” model. Photo: Courtesy of PVW

Warrior Foundation, recently launched a new line of soft boards. Their goal is not to just sell a bunch of boards, but to share the stoke of surfing to those who maybe haven’t dipped a toe in the water yet. “We’ve started small with just three different models—a longboard, a fish and a boogie board. It’s been a process to nail everything down, but hopefully now, it’s onward and upward from here,” Tanner told the San Clemente Times. Just finding the right manufacturers to partner up with took some time. Eventually, the boys stumbled onto a company in Utah that makes closed-cell foam blanks out of recycled materials. “A lot of the soft boards out there today are made with open-cell foam, which means that as soon as the skin of the board is pierced, it’s going to suck in water. The closed-cell foam doesn’t do

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

BELLA KENWORTHY BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

t’s been a hot minute since we caught up with Bella Kenworthy, who was named the NSSA’s Surfer of the Week earlier this month. So, what earned her this distinction? Well, for starters, she’s been on fire in the highly competitive NSSA Southwest Conference Open events. This year, the 14-year-old phenom has been competing in two divisions—Open Women’s and Open Girls—and has managed to take wins in all three events in which she’s surfed. But it’s not just the results, but how she’s been getting the job done. Kenwor-

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

that and, hopefully, will last a lot longer,” Tanner explains. “You can also upcycle the blanks if you get tired of them and pretty much shape a new board out of it.” One of the main motivations behind this project is to stop the flow of soft boards into landfills. If you’ve ever walked down the beach after a busy holiday weekend, you’ve undoubtedly seen broken boards sticking out of trash cans. “We thought it was important to close the loop on that, so all of these boards can be recycled … and if you send your board back to us when you’re done, we’ll take care of that,” Tanner says. For a little added motivation, those who turn their boards in to be recycled will receive 20% off the purchase of their next PVW board. The other main driver of the new soft boards is to help those less fortunate get into the water and enjoy the benefits of

surfing. The brothers have teamed up with three different charity organizations, with 10% of all proceeds from sales benefiting them. They’ve partnered with the City Surf Project in San Francisco, Juju Surf Club in Capetown, South Africa, and the Nigeria Surf Team in Lagos, Nigeria. Each organization will eventually receive donated PVW soft boards, as well as funds to support their program, raised from each PVW board sold. The idea is basically an evolution of the wildly successful surfboard drives that the foundation put together in years past. “We learned a lot from all the board drives we did and have been able to apply that here. It gets complicated quickly, so this taps right into the pipeline and will, hopefully, have a similar effect,” Tanner says. The idea now is that each board sold is basically like a mini board drive. Boards and funds are donated as needed and go directly to established surf programs that can make good use of them. The PVW soft boards are just starting to hit shops and get out there. At the moment, the only local spot you’ll find them is at MOTU in San Clemente. So, if you’re looking for a fun, safe surfboard to teach your kids on this summer, or just something to have around to keep things fun and loose, these new boards might be exactly what you’re looking for. 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

Bella Kenworthy. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

thy has a perfect record, winning every heat in which she’s competed. And that’s not all. Based on her showing at the recent USA Surfing Cham-

pionships at Lower Trestles, Bella has also been named to the Under-16 U.S. National Team. Back in May, she won the Under-18 division at a USA Surfing Prime event in Huntington Beach, as well as finishing in second place in the Under-16 division. And coming later this month, you can catch Kenworthy and a whole crew of innovative shredders in the Stab High Central America edition, an event dedicated to high-performance and state-ofthe-art surfing. She’ll be among a group of young, up-and-coming female surfers who are taking their air game to entirely new heights. As they say in the news business, watch this space. If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com. Page 22

Water Temperature: 70-72 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 2-4 Thursday: A blend of South/southwest and South/southeast swells rolls in with chest to head high waves and sets going a foot overhead, (4-5-6’). Light Southeast winds for the morning, followed by a light+ to moderate westerly sea breeze during the afternoon, then lighter winds by the evening. Outlook: For Friday, the southerly swell mix eases for waist-head high surf, (3-5’). Light/variable winds early Friday morning, turn to light+/ moderate onshores for the afternoon. The trend towards slowly decreasing wave size continues through the weekend, with waist to chest high surf, (3-4’), by Sunday. Primarily Southwest winds over the weekend, light in the mornings, light+/moderate during the afternoons.

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San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

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