July 22, 2021

INSIDE:

JULY 22-28, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 29

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

Tom Marshall Revisits a San Clemente Tradition

U S E

SC LIVING/PAGE 12

Excitement Crests for Surfing’s Debut at Summer Games SURF/PAGE 26

Cleaning Up Coasts

Surfrider Report Highlights Plastic Pollution Problem on U.S. Beaches E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

Surfrider Foundation’s latest report on beach cleanups found that plastic continues to be the leading source of pollution on the nation’s coasts. Photo: Courtesy of Marta Ortigosa/Pexels

sanclementetimes.com

Caltrans to Conduct Homeless Encampment Sweep Near South SC

City Announces New Chief of Police

SC Resident to Announce Olympic Water Polo

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

EYE ON SC/PAGE 7

SPORTS/PAGE 25

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

Page 2

sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Surfrider Report Highlights Plastic Pollution Problem on U.S. Beaches

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Plastic waste continued to be the leading source of pollution throughout the nation’s beaches and coastlines in 2020, according to a new report from Surfrider Foundation.

Based on the more than 414,000 items of trash and debris that Surfrider volunteers removed during beach cleanups last year, the San Clemente-based organization found that plastics accounted for roughly 88% of the rubbish.

“Nearly 90% of all items collected were plastic,” Surfrider noted in its second-ever Beach Cleanup Report. “These figures once again confirm that plastic is everywhere and isn’t going anywhere without large-scale legislative change.”

Single-use disposable items such as plastic wraps and straws largely end up polluting oceans after being left as litter on the beaches, as well as on the streets and sidewalks, Surfrider explains. After washing out to sea, those plastics eventually degrade and can be mistaken as food by marine life, creating harmful and sometimes fatal effects.

“These single-use disposable items, although convenient, are causing great harm to our environment and in most cases are things that we can find better alternatives for,” Surfrider CEO Chad Nelson previously told San Clemente Times.

As an environmental nonprofit, Surfrider focuses on multiple issues related to the coastal environment, clean water and beach access. At the forefront of its campaigns is an effort to address plastic pollution and promote a switch to reusable items.

Surfrider lists more than 300 campaigns nationwide in which the organization has been victorious in fighting plastic pollution since its inception, and currently has more than 60 active campaigns to address the issue. One statewide effort Surfrider is actively supporting is a voter initiative titled the “California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act of 2020.”

Set to appear on ballots for the Nov. 8, 2022 elections, the initiative asks voters, among other things, whether producers of single-use plastic packaging should be required to transition toward reusable and recyclable products by 2030.

If passed, the initiative would also San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

impose a new fee on manufacturers and distributors of single-use plastic packaging and foodware that can’t be passed on to consumers. CalRecycle could use the revenue from the California Plastic Pollution Reduction Fee, for example, to subsidize local governments’ and ratepayers’ costs to recycle and compost waste.

In addition to the policy arm of the Plastic Pollution Initiative, Surfrider chapters throughout the country regularly host beach cleanups to highlight the issue of plastic pollution and its environmental impacts. The cleanups also provide the nonprofit with data to strengthen its advocacy for bills aimed at reducing plastic use.

“Data collected through beach cleanups allows us to create programs, improve infrastructure and advocate for better legislation to fight plastic pollution at the source,” Surfrider said in the report.

Nearly 9,000 volunteers participated in 927 Surfrider cleanups last year, the report noted. Collectively, the volunteers picked up about 80,360 pounds of trash and waste along U.S. beaches—roughly the weight of two adult whale sharks, the nonprofit pointed out.

Locally, volunteers in Dana Point and San Clemente helped pick up about 67 pounds and 46.5 pounds, respectively, at area beaches, including T-Street, the San Clemente Pier and Doheny State Beach, according to report forms submitted to Surfrider.

Plastic fragments were the largest contributor of refuse found, the nationwide data shows. Cigarette butts, foam fragments, food wrappers, bottle caps and rings were also among the most prominent items, along with plastic bottles and straws.

While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Surfrider’s efforts to host cleanups as a result of beach closures and social distancing requirements, the need to utilize personal protective gear to stem the spread of the virus had unintended consequences on coastal regions.

“In just six months, from June 2020 through December 2020, more than 2,270 single-use masks and gloves were removed from beaches and waterways, indicating that these items became a sig-

Surfrider Foundation’s latest report on beach cleanups found that plastic continues to be the leading source of pollution on the nation’s coasts. Photo: Courtesy of Photo by Catherine Sheila/Pexels

nificant source of pollution,” the report outlined.

According to Surfrider, many of those single-use masks and gloves are made from plastics, “meaning they will break apart over time and become microplastics, which are now ubiquitous in the environment and our bodies.”

Surfrider, in its report, encourages people to properly dispose of their single-use masks and advocates that they switch to reusable masks, including cotton-based ones that can be washed.

“COVID-19 shone a light on the immense amount of plastic waste people face daily,” the reported stated. “From dining restrictions resulting in an increase in takeout to a false narrative about the safety of single-use plastics to new sources of pollution … the problem of single-use plastic became undeniable.”

The report went on to highlight another side of the ongoing dilemma of plastics: bioplastics.

According to Surfrider, the use of bioplastics is on the rise largely because consumers are looking to reduce their plastic waste. The nonprofit, however, found that the term “bioplastic” has been used to describe a wide range of items—many of which aren’t even recyclable and require a complex composting system.

Such items, Surfrider explains, include “bio-based plastics derived from plant or other renewable materials, traditional petroleum-based plastic products with additives marketed as biodegradable or compostable, or a combination of the two.”

Whether or not those bioplastics are indeed better for the environment is a bit nebulous, according to researchers Page 3

and scientists who found that the cultivation of plants used for bioplastics can also create pollution.

Bioplastics, Surfrider added, get improperly disposed of, as they end up in recycling bins despite not actually being recyclable. And though many are marketed as compostable, they’re meant to undergo specialized composting that can’t be done at homes.

“Unfortunately, bioplastics, more often than not, belong in the trash,” Surfrider stated. “Even with the good intentions of consumers, these items will most likely end up in landfills or in our environment, where the majority of ‘compostable plastics’ will not compost due to improper conditions.”

According to Surfrider’s tracking of beach cleanups in 2021, more than 3,650 volunteers have participated in about 490 cleanups nationwide, picking up roughly 60,420 pounds of trash already. Cigarette butts currently top the list of items removed so far, followed by foam fragments and rope, along with plastic fragments, food wrappers, bottles and straws.

With its data from the beach cleanups, Surfrider is also looking to its Ocean Friendly Restaurants program to encourage the restaurant industry, along with consumers, to be more mindful of plastic use, refrain from using bioplastics and promote reusable products.

“The fact is that all types of single-use plastics are ending up on our beaches and in our ocean at staggering rates and contributing to the plastic pollution crisis,” the nonprofit said. “Surfrider maintains our stance that reusables are always the best option and that we must stop plastic pollution at the source.” sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Officials Investigate Pelican Mutilations Along Orange County Coastline

BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Nearly three dozen California brown pelicans found mutilated along the coast of Orange County have been brought into a wildlife nonprofit organization in Huntington Beach as officials continue to seek information on whoever is responsible for the attacks.

Since last October, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center has received more than 30 injured brown pelicans, with the majority of the birds sustaining broken wings. Despite performing emergency surgery, Executive Director Debbie McGuire said, the tissue in the pelicans’ wings was too damaged from infections.

“Twenty-two of them had a compound fracture of the humerus, so compound

meaning the bone actually broke through the skin,” McGuire said. “Those are really critical fractures, and none of them made it.”

California brown pelicans have pneumatic bones, which are bones that contain air-filled cavities. When their hollow bones break, they get exposed to the environment and contaminants including seawater and sand.

“You can only imagine all of the complications that come with that, so they are pretty severe injuries,” McGuire said.

The injured pelicans have been found by lifeguards and other people on shores along the coast from Huntington Beach to San Clemente. While many of the birds came from locations in Dana Point and San Clemente, they were also found in Newport Beach, south Huntington Beach and Bolsa Chica.

According to McGuire, if the injuries are occurring out at sea, the natural current and waves would direct the pelicans to those locations.

While the cause of the injuries remains unknown, McGuire and officials involved

Caltrans to Conduct Homeless Encampment Sweep Near South San Clemente

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For the past year, nearly two dozen of the city’s homeless have found stable shelter at an encampment tucked away on the south end of town, just past the city limit, where they’ve created a small community of individuals who have looked out for one another.

The “out of sight and out of mind” mentality of the encampment has allowed those living there to feel safer than they would if they had to sleep on the side of a street among gawkers’ prying eyes and law enforcement.

“I’ve been here for a year,” said one female camper who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “I haven’t been harassed, we haven’t gotten ticketed and getting kicked out and having the public taking pictures of you and yelling things at you. So, yeah, I guess it is safe.”

A male camper, who also asked to remain anonymous, said the stability of having a place where he could rest his head at night and safely leave his belongings during the day has allowed him to maintain a job in town, where he works multiple days a week.

“To be able to come home … it’s a really special thing; as soon as I get here, I go, ‘Yes, it feels good to be home,’ and I like my neighbors, and we don’t have a lot; but if someone doesn’t have something, we figure out a way to make sure that they have something,” he said. “This San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

is the closest I’ve had to family—in terms of, I don’t talk to my family.”

Speaking with San Clemente Times last week, Maura Mikulec, a homeless advocate, estimates that about two-thirds of the homeless who have found refuge at the encampment had been among the individuals who stayed at the city’s temporary encampment off Avenida Pico, back in 2019.

“These folks are there, because, really, to avoid harassment by residents, as well as law enforcement,” Mikulec said. She added, “This has become a place where they could feel safe and out of the way from those activities.”

The encampment, which sits on a California Department of Transportation right of way within San Diego County, would occasionally see visits from state transportation officials offering to discard any trash the campers had. So, it came as a surprise to those living there when a July 9 notice from the department ordered them to vacate the area by the end of last week.

“I was so scared,” the female camper, who grew up in San Clemente, said of her initial reaction to the notice. “I was like, ‘Aaahhh, what am I going to do?’

“I mean, my son is gone,” she added, explaining that her son would often check in on her at the encampment before he recently relocated out of state.

Initially, the transportation department, or Caltrans, was scheduled to conduct the Page 4

with the ongoing investigation believe that the injuries were inflicted purposefully. When the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center received pelicans with broken wings in the past, McGuire said, they typically have bruising and broken bones in various places.

“I do feel it’s human-related, because it’s just in that area,” McGuire said. “We have seen them when they come in with broken wings from hitting rocks or boats or, you know, other things, and you’ll see bruising on the body or other places. It’s usually more than just a wing injury.”

In California, an individual could face a maximum penalty of three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000 or both, for intentionally maiming a living animal, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the attacks. The Animal Legal Defense Fund and wildlife center announced this week that they’re now offering a reward of $25,000 for information on whoever is responsible for the pelican mutilations.

“We commend the California Depart-

ment of Fish and Wildlife for taking this violent offense seriously, and our appreciation goes out to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for their efforts in successfully rehabilitating several injured birds from this case,” said Emily Lewis, a senior staff attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “Animal cruelty is a serious crime. Pelicans are deserving of living full, wild lives as individuals free from that cruelty.”

The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center has not treated any injured pelicans since April, but it has continued to receive reports of deceased birds on the beach. McGuire encourages people to keep an eye out and report any injured or deceased bird by calling the CalTIP line at 888.334.2258.

“If you are walking on the beach and you see a deceased pelican that has an obvious wing injury, please let the authorities know,” McGuire said. “Maybe even take a picture and then call CalTIP. You know, GPS would be great; most phones have that now, so if you take a picture, you can kind of tell the location.”

encampment sweep on Friday, July 16; however, it granted an extension, giving the individuals until mid-August to vacate.

“Community is so important, so when these encampments get broken up, it’s known to put people at risk,” Mikulec said. “There’s all kinds of reasons people are together. It’s safer. “ In an emailed statement from Caltrans on Tuesday, July 20, the department cited a fire threat behind the decision to proceed with the cleanup. It also noted that COVID-related guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allow Caltrans to conduct encampment sweeps “if there is an immediate safety concern or threat to critical infrastructure.”

Since Caltrans’ July 9 notice, homeless advocates including Mikulec have called on state and local leaders to intervene, advocating for the county and city to send service providers to the encampment, where they can connect the individuals to opportunities for resources and shelter.

“Our hope, my hope, as an advocacy group in the coming weeks, is the county and the local service providers will be reaching out to people in the camp, to include them and offer them the same opportunities that would be offered to anyone else in town,” said Mikulec.

Touching on the “out of sight and out of mind” aspect of the encampment, Mikulec said it’s become a double-edged sword. Though they’re out of the way, she explained, they’ve also been ignored by outreach efforts.

“They (outreach workers) don’t come down here,” Mikulec said. “These people have been forgotten, which is a dou-

ble-edged sword, because that’s part of why they’re here, so they won’t get harassed constantly by law enforcement.”

Caltrans, in its prepared statement, said it would work with local officials and stakeholders to find alternatives, or “safer situations,” to those who are soon to be displaced by the encampment sweep.

“The department also continues to work with local agencies to provide those living in the encampments with resources for safer living situations as available in an effort to keep the individuals and the freeways safe,” the transportation department said.

During a routine homelessness update to the city council on Tuesday night, City Manager Erik Sund noted the advocates’ concerns over a lack of outreach at the encampment, saying both San Diego County and Orange County would be working with Caltrans to offer resources.

“Some of them are San Clemente’s homeless, some of them are San Diego’s, so collaboratively, I know the Orange County Health Care Agency was going to be out there this week working with (Caltrans), as well as San Diego County,” Sund said.

“I’m led to believe that within the next couple of weeks,” he continued, “they’ll be doing the evictions but will be providing ample services up to that point as part of that cleanup.”

Pauline Colvin, communications advisor for Orange County Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office, echoed those sentiments this week, stating that the two counties have collaboratively been working to coordinate efforts and distinguish what services are needed.

(Cont. on page 6) sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 15-21, 2021

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EYE ON SC

County Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit over Off-Duty Officer Pulling Firearm on Teens

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

Page 6

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on July 13 reached a $195,000 settlement agreement in a lawsuit that accused an off-duty officer of pulling a handgun on teenagers at a San Clemente skate park in 2019.

Alleging negligence, assault, civil rights violations and emotional distress, Max Chance III of San Juan Capistrano this past March filed the civil suit against the county, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Michael Thalken.

Video recordings taken from the Oct. 12, 2019 incident at Ralphs Skate Court captured Thalken, a sheriff’s investigator, pulling out a firearm while confronting a group of teens, including Chance, who was then 16, over loud music.

The lawsuit alleges that throughout the confrontation Thalken didn’t identify himself as an officer, and at one point instructed Chance, whose father, Max Chance Jr., is a retired OCSD sergeant, to kneel “or I will shoot you in the (expletive) face.”

“The family is pleased that this chapter in their son’s life has come to an end and that some justice was served,” Chance’s attorney, Eric Traut, said in a prepared statement.

In an email to San Clemente Times, Traut further explained that the board, with its 4-0 vote, agreed to pay the $195,000 to have the complaint dropped.

No other terms were attached to the agreement, he said.

OCSD had previously stated that an internal investigation was completed, resulting in Thalken being disciplined, though details of those actions couldn’t be disclosed. Thalken was later put back on duty, according to the department.

According to the lawsuit, a band had been playing at the skate park when

Thalken, wearing street clothes, had demanded they stop after walking over from a Little League game that was being played at the nearby baseball fields.

“Max III was on the opposite side of the skate park when he noticed Deputy Thalken walking toward the band and yelling,” the lawsuit stated. “Deputy Thalken appeared angry and possibly intoxicated. … He did not identify himself as an officer as he approached or confronted the band and other teens at the skate park.”

The confrontation began to escalate after one witness, identified as Cole Gragg, began to mimic Thalken’s “drunk-like walk” as the deputy was yelling, “Where’s the tough guy?” Chance reportedly tried to intervene when Thalken confronted Gragg, advising Gragg “to back up.”

“Video footage reveals the moment immediately after, when Max III begins backing up and raises his skateboard to defend himself against a potential assault from the man he had no idea was a law enforcement officer,” the complaint detailed, adding that Chance “did not threaten or attempt to assault Deputy Thalken.”

Afterward, the lawsuit elaborates, Thalken was told, “Get on your knees.”

“He still did not identify himself as law enforcement as he brandished and pointed his handgun at Max III’s face,” the lawsuit stated. “Max III got down to his knees and complied, while others pleaded with Deputy Thalken to stop what he was doing.”

OCSD had previously noted that the department sent the case to the Orange County District Attorney’s office for criminal consideration; however, it declined to file charges.

(Cont. from page 4) According to a copy of the vacate notice, Caltrans listed two violations: “unlawful camping or lodging” and littering on a state right of way. The notice also warned that any personal property left behind would be considered abandoned.

Tori Larson is an attorney and an Equal Justice fellow at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Committee for Civil Rights was part of a class action lawsuit against Caltrans back in 2016 over the unlawful confiscation and destruction of homeless people’s property.

As part of a settlement agreement, in which Caltrans was to set aside $1.3 million to cover claims of property destruction, the department must also now give at least 48 hours’ notice of a sweep. The

notice must also include a phone number to call about retrieving property.

“Personal property needs to be determined as a health hazard, and if it’s not, then it needs to be stored (and) labeled for 60 days,” Larson explained, later adding: “If Caltrans does violate any of these sweeps that occur, then there’s recourse within the settlement agreement to report violations.”

Asked for her insight on Caltrans’ notice to the encampment sweep here in the San Clemente area, Larson noted that “community-based responses tend to be the most powerful tools to get sweeps postponed and ensuring that whatever government agency is doing the sweep follows policy.”

“It seems like there’s some great group of advocates down in Orange County dedicated to that,” Larson added. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

THURSDAY, JULY 22

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

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SC | City Announces

New Chief of Police A new police chief has been appointed to the city of San Clemente.

Capt. Tony Benfield, a 24-year veteran with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, was named the city’s new chief of police services, effective on Friday, July 16, the city announced.

“Captain Benfield comes to San Clemente with a broad background in investigations and patrol operations,” OCSD said in a press release from the city. “He is looking forward to getting to know the community, and prioritizing community and Council needs.”

Prior to Benfield’s appointment in San Clemente, where he’s taken over for Capt.

Edward Manhart, the outgoing chief, Benfield served as the police chief for OCSD’s South Patrol, which comprises the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo.

Benfield, who was born and raised in Northern California, has been with the department since 1997. He is married and has two teenage children.

“We are pleased to welcome Captain Benfield to our community,” Mayor Kathy Ward said in the announcement. “His experience and positive leadership will be a good fit for San Clemente.”

Ward also thanked Manhart for his tenure as chief in San Clemente, which began in March 2019, when he was picked to replace Lt. Mike Peters.

“We want to extend a huge thank you to Captain Manhart for serving as the City’s Chief of Police Services for more than two years, and congratulate him on his exciting new role,” Ward said in the announcement.

According to OCSD spokesperson Carrie Braun, Manhart will be overseeing the department’s Air Support Bureau.

Benfield was introduced to the city council at its July 20 meeting.

SC | House Appropriations

Bills Earmark Funding for Local Infrastructure Projects House appropriations legislation making its way through Congress currently includes more than $22 million in funding to largely support infrastructure projects in North San Diego County, along with Dana Point and San Clemente, Rep. Mike Levin’s office announced last week.

Levin, a Democrat whose district includes South Orange County and North San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

SATURDAY, JULY 24

CHALLENGING CANCER 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 27 Capt. Tony Benfield of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has been named the new chief of police services for the city of San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy of OCSD

San Diego County, secured the funding for several projects in the bill that was recently approved by an appropriations subcommittee.

If the bill is approved by the full appropriations committee and passes both the House and Senate chambers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would receive more than $9.3 million to begin construction on the San Clemente Shoreline Protection Project.

“My top focus is delivering results on our local priorities, and I’m proud to secure this much-needed funding that will address some of the challenges facing North County San Diego and South Orange County,” Levin said in the announcement.

“With funding for three projects to address coastal erosion—including more than $9.3 million to begin construction on the San Clemente Shoreline Protection project—we are making critical progress to protect lives, property, and infrastructure from bluff collapses and erosion,” he added.

The Shoreline Project is meant to provide protection for the Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) tracks, which operate along the San Clemente coast, Levin’s office explained.

“The project is designed to protect this asset while also protecting roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, as well as maintain recreational use of San Clemente’s coastline,” the office said in its announcement.

About 251,000 cubic yards of sand is

expected to be placed on a roughly 3,400foot stretch of the city’s beach, from Linda Lane to T-Street. The sand will help widen the beach by about 50 feet, providing storm drainage reduction, plus safety and recreational benefits, Levin’s office stated.

Another $1.87 million would also go to the city of Dana Point for its Doheny Village Connectivity Improvement Project, which looks to add bicycle and pedestrian amenities, such as sidewalks, lighting, bike lanes and landscaping, to enhance the safety of the roadways, Levin’s office explained.

More funding would also go to other cities including Oceanside, where its police department could purchase vehicle cameras and the Oceanside Museum of Art could provide literacy programs for underserved children.

“I’m also proud to secure funding to ensure Oceanside police officers have vehicle cameras that improve transparency and accountability, provide a new shelter for homeless individuals in Oceanside, and help the North County Transit District transition to cleaner buses,” Levin said in the announcement.

Levin’s office noted that the inclusion of the funding in the appropriations subcommittee-approved bills is the first step in the funding process, as the bill must also be considered on the House Floor before undergoing negotiations with the Senate.

“All of these projects will strengthen communities in our district, and I will continue to fight for this funding throughout the appropriations process,” Levin said.

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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 3-6 p.m. The city’s Public Safety Committee will conduct a special meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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

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

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7-8:40 p.m. The San Clemente Toastmasters will continue to meet every Tuesday online through Zoom.

Email fardad.fs@gmail.com to receive a link to join. 858.900.6175. sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE 4-5:30 p.m. The San Clemente 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.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | The Downtown Buzz by Julie Heinze

GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER CLASSIC SAN CLEMENTE SUMMER N

ow that our downtown sidewalks are humming with flip-flops and the sweet, sweet sound of friends reconnecting, we at the San Clemente Downtown Business Association are busy planning events and promotions to help fuel a speedy recovery.

First, the San Clemente Car Show is right around the bend. Returning on Sept. 11, the legendary SC Car Show features amazing cars, a live band, great food, slot cars, a scavenger hunt and good, old-fashioned family fun.

Don’t miss the U.S. Marines Color Guard and 9/11 Ceremony at 10 a.m. If you don’t know the difference between a Street Rod and a Hot Rod, or a Cobra and a Barracuda, you need to be here.

The show is free to the public, so hop on the trolley or SCHS shuttle for a “classic” downtown day.

Our winners-circle of SC Car Show partner sponsors include Ford Motor Co., Tuttle-Click Capistrano Ford, Nissan SJC, Capistrano VW, Capistrano Mazda,

Porsche Irvine, Avila’s El Ranchito, TaxPros+, Enmeier Wealth Management, SC Estate Law, Aitken Aitken Cohn, and PAWS Pet Resort.

Get in on the fun and connect with an enthusiastic audience of 15,000. Let us know how we can THE DOWNTOWN make it a successBUSINESS BUZZ ful day for your

BY JULIE HEINZE business by emailing info@sccarshow.com or visiting sccarshow.com. Hosted by SCDBA, the event’s proceeds support downtown commerce and beautification.

Also, who’s the fairest faire of them all?

The San Clemente Village Art Faire!

Picture yourself here: Friend by your side (furry or otherwise), strolling through a maze of talented artists and their unique creations, green grass below, shade trees above, a cool sea breeze— and, as luck would have it, a mimosa expert right across the street.

We couldn’t design a nicer way to welcome the weekend. Happening monthly on the first Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., the faire takes place on the library lawns. Our Village Art Faire director, Alison, has crafted this event to perfection.

The upcoming faire dates include Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6. More information can be found at scdba.org/village-art-faire.

Lastly, mind if we toot our own horn?

The SCDBA was proud to be named SC Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit of the Year. This past year challenged us to find creative ways to support our community as we all navigated its twists and turns.

We count as successes our spearheading of the outdoor dining initiatives, expanding our social media reach to better promote our members, connecting sector leaders through virtual ThinkTanks, and, most recently, proudly sponsoring two amazing USA Surfing Olympics murals.

Go, Team USA! And three cheers for SCDBA Vice Chair and Treasurer Vicky Wilson of TaxPros+. She was named Citizen of the Year for the unifying and commerce-focused projects she led during the pandemic—no small feat.

The Chamber’s luncheon recognized an impressive diversity of businesses, groups, educators and individuals, and we are energized to be among these inspiring thinkers, doers and givers.

Does your business or group need a marketing boost? We love promoting our member businesses and the good works of our nonprofit partners, helping them connect, stay informed, and advocating on their behalf. Let’s talk. Drop us a line at info@scdba.org.

One final thought: Last year, the SCDBA adopted two phrases: “We’re all in this together” and “#lovesanclemente.”

We may be tossing out our ratty sweatpants and boycotting Zoom happy hours, but, San Clemente, let’s never stop being “All in this together” and hashtagging our love for this sweet, sweet town of ours.

Julie Heinze has been a resident of San Clemente for 26 years. She is director of the SCDBA and owner of Julie Heinze Design, an advertising and graphic design shop. SC

EDITOR’S LETTER | by Picket Fence Media Senior Editor Lillian Boyd

Intern Appreciation

O

n Friday, July 16, Picket Fence Media wished farewell to summer intern reporter Eryka Forquer after concluding her two months spent diligently covering South Orange County news.

Our readers may recognize her byline from her coverage of how the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano returned to more traditional LILLIAN BOYD Fourth of July PFM SENIOR EDITOR festivities. Eryka also reported on how Surfrider Foundation’s Clean Water Report highlighted pollution issues in the

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

ocean, in addition to how local youth gave back to the community by creating lab kits for children to promote STEM education and collaborating with other students in resource-lacking countries.

Thanks to interns such as Eryka, the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch continue to deliver more breaking news, feature stories on community leaders, environmental stories and other hyperlocal content.

Eryka will be returning to Arizona State University to finish her last year of undergraduate work at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The staff at Picket Fence Media wish Eryka the best and look forward to seeing her career unfold. 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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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

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CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Eryka Forquer

San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 29. 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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SOAPBOX

Letters to The Editor

the lanes between upper and lower Pier Bowl parking. After the fireworks, the car/ pedestrian issue is always bad. This year, pre-fireworks, was a dangerous traffic issue that could have been avoided.

Hopefully, next year, all of this can be avoided by closing the streets that become the pathway for thousands of pedestrians.

It just makes common and safety sense.

FOR THE RECORD THOMAS J. MCCORKELL, San Clemente For the record, we are a Christian nation founded on Christian principles.

Let me explain.

The original intent was to create a nation that acknowledged our Creator, without a state-run religion.

Here is a testimony of John Adams: “The general principles upon which the founders achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.

They are eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.” The phrase “Separation of Church and State” is not found in our Constitution or Bill of Rights. Where did it come from?

Thomas Jefferson writing to the Danbury, Connecticut Baptists assured them the government would not elevate one denomination over another.

There would always be a separation of Church and State. They did not want the state to be head of the church. The Pilgrims came here to avoid a king and head of church.

For 140 years, the Supreme Court affirmed that we are a nation built on Christian values. Read Justice Joseph Story’s commentary on the First Amendment: “This is a Christian Nation and this First Amendment was written to exclude rivalry between denominations.”

So, what happened? The first time the Supreme Court mentioned the Separation of Church and State was in 1947.

Read about Justice Hugo Black, his background and decision to erect a “high and impregnable” wall of separation.

Deviating from past decisions, Justice Black took Jefferson’s words and added his own opinion. The courts have succeeded to build that wall higher and higher.

For some of us, it is exciting to think we can manage ourselves, that we don’t need God to help us. Some of us know that God is good, and we want His hand on our life and our country. But we also know He gives us the freedom to choose. Choose wisely.

GAS STATION HECTOR HERNANDEZ, San Clemente The latest critical issue facing the city council is the erasure of the city of San Clemente’s debt. In order to get this started, the city council has decided to sell city-owned land. This land is on Avenida La Pata and sits adjacent to a fire station and the Aquatic Center, football and soccer fields.

The prospective buyers are a develSan Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

‘THE MUSIC MAN’ BROOKE BEAHM, Capistrano Beach

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

oper of gasoline stations and a national coffee chain. The question being, is this the most sensible option available to the city council? This proposal is being sold as a way to cut debt and entice residents from Rancho Mission Viejo to use our community retail sources.

Now, this sounds wonderful, but is the selling of city land the best way to pay off past debt? Is placing an unnecessary gas station, with all its carbon monoxide fumes, next to our beautiful recreation center a great idea?

Now, how about the coffee drivethrough, has anyone seen the lines entering the newest drive-through at Del Obispo and PCH in Dana Point? It is now common for consumers to sit on PCH and block traffic while waiting to enter the drive-through.

All this, of course, while emitting more carbon monoxide into the environment.

The facts are, land is precious, and once it is gone, it will not magically reappear. The residents of Rancho Mission Viejo already saturate our retailers with business without a new gas station and coffee retailer buying city land and polluting the San Clemente environment.

Now, here is the real question: Why doesn’t the city council seek the advice of its residents for ideas before taking careless actions?

Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Channel or the Gulf of Santa Catalina, which together encompass the offshore waters from Oxnard to the Mexican border.

As a youngster surfing Salt Creek in the 1960s, by the end of the day, the bottoms of my feet would be black from the petroleum tar on the beach.

These ocean-bottom oil seeps are the work of nature; they’ve always occurred and will continue to occur. It’s just part of our natural environment. They greatly overshadow the totality of human-caused oil spills.

FOURTH OF JULY TRAFFIC ISSUES WAYNE EGGLESTON, San Clemente

NATURAL OIL SEEPAGE JEFFREY HERMAN, San Clemente The July 8 issue of the San Clemente Times included two related articles: “Source of Oil Spill off San Clemente Island Remains Unidentified,” and “We Can’t Let New Offshore Drilling Devastate the South OC Economy.”

What the writers of these articles don’t realize is that over 10,000 gallons (35 tons) of petroleum naturally seep from the ocean bottom every day in the Santa Barbara Channel, north of Oxnard.

That figure does not include the natural seepage from the Santa Monica Basin,

For several decades, on the Fourth of July, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the city have closed off portions of Avenida Del Mar, Alameda Lane and Avenida Victoria around the Pier Bowl starting at 6 p.m.

This has been done to keep thousands of pedestrians and hundreds of cars from intermingling in a small compact area, for safety reasons.

However, this year, they did not close these streets to cars. The result after 7 p.m. was pedestrian and car gridlock chaos.

Visualize thousands of pedestrians walking down these streets and sidewalks and hundreds of cars all together in one big traffic-pedestrian dangerous situation.

From the perspective of Park Semper Fi, where we were having a potluck for Marine families, this non-closure of streets resulted in a very dangerous situation, with gridlocked cars backed up trying to find already filled parking and pedestrians walking between moving cars.

We witnessed small children darting in between cars. There were a number of altercations, and we felt that we should be calling 911. But, if we had, deputies and ambulances would not have been able to get through.

When the fireworks started, cars just parked in the middle of the streets and all

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Once again, our children (teenagers) have shown perseverance and resiliency as they marched past COVID-19 with 76 trombones and never-ending smiles. I applaud the San Clemente High School Class of 2020, who returned to their alma mater proving that “The Show Must Go On.” And so it did, as they sang and danced their hearts out.

To all who made this production a reality and, more importantly, a memory for those kids, thank you. We loved it, we sang and marched our way home.

ON DEFINING E-BIKES BRUCE TAMMELIN, San Clemente It may seem very clever to make distinctions among the various types of electric bikes, as was done in a letter a few weeks ago.

The point is that if people are exhibiting risky behavior, regardless of the “class” of the e-bike, they represent a danger to themselves and others.

Dangerous is dangerous.

It seems like funding for regulation and staffing needs to be developed to control the dangerous bikes on the Beach Trail, the sidewalks and on the streets whether or not they have pedals, pedals the riders don’t use or whether it is “truly a bike.”

Let’s get real about this problem and not create more confusion regarding a major problem in our town.

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.

No Beachside Chat This Week

Beachside Chat, a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo on Friday mornings, will resume in August.

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

and Bar every Tuesday this summer for $5 libre shots and margaritas, as well as to enjoy reggaeton, Latin and other top hits, as spun by DJ Romanero. Solotacos Catering will also be offering $2 street tacos. JD’s, 215 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.481.2115. jds-sanclemente.com.

The List

WEDNESDAY | 28 BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30.

The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-your-number game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

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

THURSDAY | 22 ALEXANDER NEVILLE FOUNDATION PRESENTATION ON OPIOID EDUCATION 6:30-7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend a virtual presentation by Amy Neville, founder of the Alexander Neville Foundation for Opioid Education and Outreach. She will address the topic of fentanyl being the deadlier cousin to the heroin epidemic. Amy, an Orange County mom who lost her 14-year-old son from a fentanyl-related death last year, has partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to share her story and work within the communities to prevent this drug from making its way into the hands of children. Email the local Because I Love You group (BILY) at bilysanclemente@gmail.com for a link to the presentation on Zoom.

FRIDAY | 23 COFFEE WITH A COUNCILMEMBER 8 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Gene James will host a Coffee with a Councilmember forum at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, where he’ll discuss ongoing city issues, topics of interest to the community and answer questions from residents. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in to the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

Editor’s Pick Photo: Courtesy of Uptown Funk/the city of San Clemente

THURSDAY | 22 MUSIC ON THE MEADOWS: UPTOWN FUNK 6-8 p.m. Summer is here, and the city of San Clemente is excited to bring music to the Meadows. Bring chairs and blankets and join the city for live music from the Bruno Mars tribute band Uptown Funk. There will also be delicious eats from the SaltNPepper food truck. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, but alcohol is not permitted. Enjoy this free event with friends out in the fresh air. No registration is required.

Entrance to the Meadows opens at 4:30 p.m. Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. san-clemente.org.

ed. 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.

San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente.

949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

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.

HAPPY SURF OF JULY WEEKEND CONCERT SERIES Noon-3 p.m. Join Happy Surf of July for a weekend full of live music and shopping at the Outlets at San Clemente. Performances are scheduled through Sunday, July 25. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. happysurfofjuly.com.

SUNDAY | 25

SATURDAY | 24 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 recommend-

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.

TUESDAY | 27 LIBRE TUESDAYS AT JD’S 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Head to JD’s Kitchen

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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.

UPCOMING EVENT: SATURDAY | AUGUST 21 SAN CLEMENTE HIGH REUNION The San Clemente High School Class of 1990 is having its 30-year reunion one year late because of the pandemic. The reunion is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. at JD’s Kitchen and Bar in Downtown San Clemente. Admission is $40 per person at the door. For questions or to make a reservation, contact Veronica Hoggatt at vhoggatt@pacbell.net. JD’s, 215 South El Camino Real, San Clemente.

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

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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Historical Happenings by Tom Marshall

Revisiting a San Clemente Tradition

J

ust south of San Clemente’s city limits, in a small canyon on what is now Camp Pendleton, the first baptism in California was held on July 22, 1769. Two critically ill Native American girls were baptized by two Catholic priests, despite objections from the girls’ parents. The event has been celebrated on and off since the 1950s in San Clemente.

In 1953, local resident Jennie Belle Bartlett wrote the script for a one-act historical pageant depicting the baptism ceremony.

The play was to be presented to the staff of Los Angeles HISTORICAL radio station KFI-AM, HAPPENINGS who came to town

BY TOM MARSHALL by train for a staff beach party every year.

Titled La Cristianita, the play was done in pantomime with a narrator, and was so popular that it ended up becoming a yearly event into the 1960s. Over the years, it was held in several locations, including the lawn of the Community Center.

The performances relied on a huge number of people from the Community Theater group and other volunteers, and the play was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. In the mid-1960s, it was moved to Bonita Canyon, but neighbors complained about noise and traffic, and the pageant was discontinued in 1965.

But, that was not the end.

In 1975, local historian Bertha Henry convinced movie producer/director Nor-

man Wright of San Clemente to rewrite the script into a more professional threeact play. It was based on the diaries of Father Serra and Father Crespi.

The plan was to perform the play only in 1976 for San Clemente’s part in the nationwide Bicentennial celebration. Prices ranged from $5 for adults to $2.50 for kids. It was a huge hit and won a $5,000 Disneyland award as the most innovative event in Orange County.

Once again, the La Cristianita pageant became an annual summer event, now accompanied by a parade, pancake breakfasts and band concerts. Movie stars including Martha Raye and Robert Cummings were grand marshals.

It wasn’t without controversy, however.

In 1978, bowing to critics who thought it was a religious propaganda play, the name was changed to The Cross and the Arrow, Pageant of La Cristianita.

Even a few weeks ago, an LA newspaper columnist criticized the play for using White people to play the parts of Native Americans.

Keep in mind, this was at a time when even Hollywood used actors such as Mickey Rooney to play an Asian American, with false buck teeth no less, in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. There were few, if any, Native Americans among the local volunteers, so they made do with what was available.

Twelve years later, it all ended sadly with a years-long battle between the Internal Revenue Service and the nonprofit pageant association over unpaid federal taxes.

Now, with San Clemente’s 100th anniversary and the 250th U.S. birthday looming, there may be interest in resur-

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES La Cristianita Pageant was held in San Clemente between 1954 and 1988. The cast was made up of local volunteers. It celebrated the first baptism in California in 1769.

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.

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:

recting the pageant again.

What do you think? Cabrillo Playhouse, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society—any takers?

Tom Marshall is a member of the San Clemente Historical Society and a retired

See the solution in next week’s issue.

journalist. 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

Local Real Estate By Local Experts Jeremy Conrad Broker, DRE# 01279209 949.542.8348 Jconrad@conradrealestate.com Bill Conrad Broker, DRE# 01461548 949.542.8349 Billc@conradrealestate.com Steve Conrad Property Manager, DRE# 01297404 949.542.8347 Stevec@conradrealestate.com

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

Did you know that...

Sponsored by

•A ctive listings in San Clemente continue to be historically low with just 71 active listings on the market and 124 pending sales.

• I n the last 90 days here in San Clemente, 301 homes have closed escrow, averaging just 14 days to sell and a $1,414,000 sales price.

•S an Clemente has a wide range of homes selling, and so far this year, the oldest home to sell was built in 1926, with some new homes built in 2021, while the average home age for a San Clemente was built in 1988.

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It’s time to expect more…

Established 1963

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San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

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SC LIVING

BUSINESS BEAT // BASANTI

several years with the Catalina Island Company and where the couple had their first child.

Eventually, the young family moved to Fullerton, where Roshan was commuting to Santa Monica for his job at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

“The drive to L.A. was terrible, and I

had a dream to open a restaurant,” he said.

He found a location in San Juan Capistrano and took the plunge. He opened in June 2017, driven by a Sanskrit mantra he had adopted along the way, “Atithi Devo Vaho,” which when translated means, “Guests are equivalent to God.” That saying serves as his guiding light and adorns the wall decorations in both locations.

“I know how important my guests are to our success,” he said, remembering what he learned at the tiny French bistro in San Francisco. “I am blessed when a guest comes into my restaurant. I want to treat them as friends and family.”

So far, his approach is paying off, and as his family has now grown (a second child and a dog have joined the fun), so have his business and his appreciation for his customers.

“The people from San Clemente are very welcoming,” he said, noting that the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday (lunch from 11 a.m-2 p.m., dinner from 4:30-9 p.m.) and closed on Monday. “Once I opened this place, all of the clients we had who used to come to San Juan are now here, along with many new customers.”

Basanti is located at 821 Via Suerte, #104, San Clemente. More information can be found at basantirestaurant.com or by contacting 949.503.3608.

own business.

“I remember it was March 16 when I lost all my jobs working at area gyms and fitness centers,” recalls Tabar, who lives with her fiancé, Kurt Olsen. “I had like seven W-2s in my hands and lost them all.”

Tabar and Olsen met while they both taught snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain the year after she moved to America following an eight-year wait for her green card.

As the pandemic sent the nation and world behind walls, Tabar saw a need become an opportunity.

“I believe that fitness is critical for your immune system,” said Tabar, who has a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certification for personal training. “Sixty-four percent of your body’s immunity comes from exercise, so I kept my training going through COVID and thought I could help other people as well.”

With all of the area gyms closed, Tabar built a workout area in the small patio next to her Pier Bowl apartment.

Surrounded by flowers and sunshine, she slowly built up her clientele through private training sessions—everyone from moms with their daughters seek-

ing an escape from being locked in, to triathletes and marathoners.

She also started leading impromptu workout sessions at Calafia State Beach and quickly found an audience coming every Saturday morning. As the pandemic stretched on, her client list grew.

“I learned that I love working for myself,” said Tabar, whose family immigrated from Iran to the San Diego area. “I find it very rewarding to see the results with my clients, whether the goal is weight loss or training for a marathon. No one’s training or exercise is the same.”

Her newfound independence has her thinking about the future, one she hopes will one day include her own studio in town. She’s also launched her own product line—Babes by Med—which is a stylized resistance band she sells for $20.

Until then, she’s going to continue enjoying everything San Clemente has to offer, including her new passion, surfing.

“I just love this town,” she said. “Everyone’s positive, everyone’s happy. I feel the California culture here.”

Find out more about Tabar at her website, medtabar.com. She can be reached via email at info@medtabar.com or by phone at 858.999.7667.

INDIAN SUMMER Basanti Comes to San Clemente After Success in San Juan Capistrano

BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

our years after fulfilling his lifelong dream of opening a “special Indian restaurant with a great wine list and excellent customer service”—Basanti in San Juan Capistrano—owner Roshan KC this past April opened his second Basanti location in San Clemente’s Talega neighborhood.

“A lot of people who ate at our San Juan Capistrano restaurant were coming from San Clemente, so I started looking around for a location in San Clemente,” said KC, whose love for cooking comes from his father. Though KC’s father wasn’t a trained chef, he also loved cooking and passed his love on to his son.

“Even through the pandemic, we were blessed,” KC continued. “Our takeout business in San Juan Capistrano did very well, and I was able to look for the new location in San Clemente.”

KC’s path to San Clemente was a circuitous one. Born and raised in Nepal,

he owned a successful trekking/hiking adventure travel company there, which included taking hikers to the base camp at Mount Everest.

A business trip to San Francisco in 1999 exposed him to the opportunities in the U.S., so he decided to make a go of life in America. He found work at a French bistro, and then put himself through culinary school. It was at the French restaurant where he witnessed how special the interaction was with customers—a quality he says is central to his ethos and worldview.

“It had such a great vibe to it,” he recalled, “and I loved it.”

He loved it so much, he and a partner started their own restaurant—a Nepalese-Indian fusion—which succumbed in 2009 to the economic pressures from the Great Recession.

He and his new wife, Shradha, then packed up their belongings and moved to Catalina Island, where he worked for

BUSINESS BEAT // MED TABAR

FITNESS IS THE CURE Personal Trainer Med Tabar Turned Pandemic Woes into a New Business

BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

H

ow many female professional snowboarders from Iran do you know? Well, now you know one.

Meet Med Tabar, 37, who after having her snowboarding career cut short due to injury, turned her love for physical training into a career that started in Dubai and brought her to San Clemente three years ago.

When the COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in the loss of jobs at local gyms and San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

Med Tabar exhibits one of her personal exercise bands in her backyard gym. Photo: Courtesy Med Tabar

training facilities, she quickly realized it was time to take control and start her

Basanti owner Roshan KC with his wife, Shradha; mother, Ishwori; and two children, Mantra and Mayanki. Photo: Courtesy the KC Family

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CoastLines

| By Fred Swegles

The History of San Clemente’s Lifeguard Headquarters

H

ow would it be, if San Clemente had built its Lifeguard Headquarters in 1968 to look like an enchanting Spanish colonial landmark, displaying old-time California white walls, a red-tile roof and a tall clock tower resembling a traditional early mission church tower with a cross on top?

The San Clemente City Council came close to approving that design in July 1967, but rejected the option in a 3-2 vote.

The decision considered that the mission-tile roof would be heavy, expensive, and white coloCOASTLINES nial-style walls could

BY FRED SWEGLES be too vulnerable to repeated graffiti that then was plaguing our beach and the Pier Bowl area.

So, the ambitiously designed $50,000 headquarters was to be built with potentially graffiti-resistant dark brown wooden panels and with rock decorative features on the sides and a lighter rooftop.

gested, just “because of one filthy-minded vandal.”

Councilmember Dan Chilton noted that for the 1940s, San Clemente had removed town founder Ole Hanson’s exclusive Spanish architecture requirements for all buildings and made it possible for people to build their own practical, functional designs. Councilmember Wade Lower supported the more modern style.

An article from the Daily Sun-Post’s July 7, 1967 issue shows a couple of design concepts for the construction of the lifeguard headquarters. Photo: Courtesy of the Daily-Sun Post

increased recently with the “artwork” of one individual who has become notorious up and down the coast, would be “ongoing.”

Councilmember Stanley Northrup SPANISH VS. CONVENTIONAL? preferred Spanish style.

In a San Clemente Daily Sun-Post “It’s a better-looking building, though article, Mayor Howard Massie warned his the cost of a tile roof is prohibitive. But colleagues that obscene graffiti would be what we are doing there is beginning a problem to remove from white headfor what we want to do with the beach, quarter walls. which is our biggest asset,” Northrup said.

“A rock roof would be far less suscepti“This building is a kicking-off point for ble to damage than tiles,” he said. the future.”

He said the problem of removing obCouncilmember Tom O’Keefe supscene inspirations from walls, which has ported Spanish, describing the alternate style as a conglomeration of styles from Hawaiian to Spanish and modern California ranch, not in keeping with San Clemente’s original Spanish Village motif.

The city shouldn’t dismiss Spanish San Clemente’s lifeguards pose for a team photo outside of the former lifeguard headquarters. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Lifeguard and Jr. Guard Foundation style, he sugSan Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

DESIGNER PLEADS FOR IT Eric Boucher, a building designer the city had hired to draw up alternative designs, said, “I hope that I’ll be allowed a certain amount of liberty to show individuality and make the building the center of interest in the beach.”

“There is enough romanticism in me that I am still enchanted with the image of a little Spanish town,” Boucher continued. “We should try at least in our municipal buildings to retain this heritage San Clemente became known for …”

Boucher told the council that regardless of the style of walls, roof and the tower, he advocated the “nice tower with clock facing two ways, so that when Billy has to be home at 5, he’ll know what time to leave.”

City Manager Ken Carr had recommended an elaborate expansion of San Clemente’s much smaller existing lifeguard building just north of the pier entrance with a multi-faceted structure.

He projected increases in city population and beach attendance.

Lifeguards’ rescue projections over the next 10 years noted increased boat calls, first aids and bigger needs for staffing and resources. Dana Point Harbor, meanwhile, was to be built and would impact beach safety parameters, as pointed out

by Lifeguard Chief Dick Hazard.

The 5,000-square-foot building, plus 1,000 more feet for storage of beach maintenance equipment, would be taking up beach space between the railroad tracks and the ocean, directly in front of San Clemente’s blufftop landmark, the Casa Romantica, but it would not impact views.

“People at the Casa Romantica would have to go to the edge of the patio and look down to see the building,” the newspaper article said.

“The reason people are coming to our beaches is to receive protection and to enjoy the service of our outstanding lifeguard department,” the city manager said. “In order for that department to

Page 17

Q&A WITH LARRY MOORE Q. The city’s first Lifeguard HQ? A. 1958. The OC Harbor Department provided an 18-foot skiff, stored in a boat garage attached to Boat Club lockers (now Fisherman’s Bar) at the base of the pier.

That boat locker, along with Tower 1 on the south side of the pier, would be our HQ. Q. Where did it move?

A. In 1960, HQ was moved next to railroad tracks north of the pier, where the entrance to the Beach Trail is now. An office, workshop and locker rooms were added.

Q. Why a new HQ in 1968?

A. Southern California beach culture and attendance exploded. Department of 10 grew to 50-plus near the end of the decade, lifeguard towers all the way to South Laguna. With four Jeeps, dispatch, and a beach maintenance department, a new facility west of the railroad tracks.

Q. How has it survived?

A. Good planning and good luck. It was built on a flat sand and was designed for waves to pass under it, like a pier. It was positioned so that West Reef (rocks off Mariposa) broke up the largest of the winter swells.

View more at scljgfoundation.com

maintain that standard of service, it needs better facilities in a spot which is logical …”

LINDA LANE, BIG IDEAS In January 1967, the city had announced that it hoped to put up $102,000 in city funds, to be matched by $102,000 federal money, to build a threephase project—the lifeguard headquarters, service roads to Linda Lane Canyon, restrooms and parking, incorporating $280,925 in state bond money.

“San Clemente has done some engineering on the feasibility of installing a parking facility in the Linda Lane area, adjacent to one of the most recent beach purchases,” a Los Angeles Times article described it.

A local article in the Daily Sun-Post described “three levels of parking decks accommodating a total of 660 cars and a park facility at the beach, parts of a new concept for Linda Lane Canyon.”

Evidently, the funding never materialized, and the plan was scrapped.

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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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Life’s A Beach by

Shelley Murphy

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES N

owadays, it seems there’s a holiday to celebrate almost anything, including these silly occasions: National Goat Yoga Month, International Post Card Week, and World Naked Gardening Day. I’ve grown weary of constant proclamations to rejoice at pseudo celebrations.

But I must admit, one upcoming commemoration caught my eye: National Auntie’s Day. It falls this Sunday, July 25.

I stumbled upon the holiday after a recent afternoon spent with my cherished auntie. A couple weeks ago, she and her husband visited our Spanish Village by the Sea. They traveled to join friend and fellow

Laguna Beach native Tom Morey in celebrating the 50th anniversary of his invention of the Boogie Board.

Together, we enjoyed a fun gathering at T-Street alongside beachgoers and wave-riders marking the birth of the mini belly wave-riding board.

In 2009, Melanie Notkin founded Auntie’s Day to honor women and recognize modern aunthood.

Surfing Notkin’s website, I read one post that resonated with me. She writes that the fact of being an aunt (or uncle) is a given, but there is no obligation to act—unlike parenting.

Aunts are not required to involve themselves in a niece’s or nephew’s upbringing; instead, they choose to nurture and provide a positive presence in a child’s life.

Her words hit LIFE’S A BEACH home.

BY SHELLEY MURPHY On my family’s ancestral tree, my favorite branch forks from my maternal bough and bears my mom’s brother’s wife—my aunt. My uncle passed away long ago, but the bond between my auntie and me survives.

As a kid, I revered her huge hoop earrings and cool hippie style; “hippies” are what my teasing grandpa called my aunt

and uncle.

My beatnik relatives were everything my family was not: they lived in a rural community, and we resided in a suburban neighborhood; they wore suede and fringe, and we dressed in patent leather and buttons; they embodied the arts, and we exemplified the sciences.

One summer, my younger sibling and I stayed with my aunt, uncle and two cousins in their beachy home atop a hill.

My most vivid memory of the visit is one sunny afternoon when we headed down the hill and into town for ice cream. With our melting cones in hand, we piled back in the car.

Soon, we rounded a corner and saw a hitchhiker. My aunt stopped the car and, after making us promise not to tell our parents, opened the passenger door, and the hitchhiker hopped in for the uphill climb. In the moment, my sheltered existence shook, and I liked it.

Years later, my aunt, uncle and cousins took their bohemian lifestyle to Northern California.

Through the years, my auntie and I have kept close, although we’re not in constant contact. It’s unnecessary; she somehow knows when I need her.

For the past several decades, she and her husband (Uncle Mikey) have called Hawaii home. I’m grateful for our several stays at her island oasis and the bond she

and my boys have built.

In my family of four, two words are guaranteed to get a smile or laugh—Auntie Cheryl. And when we plan a vacation to the islands, one of the first questions is, “Will Auntie Cheryl be there?”

One of my fondest mom memories is when my boys were 6 and 8, and we visited my auntie at her home. After a welcoming of hugs and kisses, she turned to each boy and said, “You know what I love best about you?”

In unison, they asked, “What?” Her reply, “Everything!” as she wrapped them in her arms.

It’s just two weeks since our time together at T-Street, but I’m already anticipating our next reunion, and I know we’ll pick up right where we left off—once again.

My auntie, by choice, is connected to my heart and soul.

And so, as silly as it sounds, I’ll be celebrating National Auntie’s Day this Sunday.

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

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

Deadline 12pm Monday.

HUGE GARAGE SALE - JULY 24 35421 Camino Capistrano, Capo Beach 8am-3 pm. Everything baby... hundreds of clothes size newborn to size 8, cribs, strollers, car seats, toys, books. Lots of TOOLS NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALES Sat., July 24th - 7:30am - 1pm, 111 W. Avenida Valencia, San Clemente - off El Camino Real. Collectibles, prints, new & softly used clothes, shoes, smalls, household goods, linens, plants, dog crates & various dog items, & lots more.....

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SERVICES HOME CARE • ASSISTANT Just sit back and enjoy.

Alexandra (949)426-2814

WANTED WANTED: COIN COLLECTIONS San Clemente coin collector is buying coins and currency. Paying top dollar for old coins and currency Example: Silver Coins 1964 and before Dollars $18.00 & up Halves $8.00 Quarters $4.00 Dimes $1.60 Buying pennies, proof sets, etc.

Call or Text Dave 847 769-3590

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PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216610466 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ARAGON ENGINEERING SERVICES 3226 PASEO GALLITA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): LARRY PAUL ARAGON II 3226 PASEO GALLITA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 06/25/2021 LARRY ARAGON II/s/ LARRY P ARAGON II This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 07/14/2021.

Published in: San Clemente Times July 22, 29, August 5, 12. 2021

at www.san-clemente.org/PCPublicComment.

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

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission

Zoning Amendment 21-118 – Zoning Clean Up Amendment

PUBLIC NOTICE

A request to forward a recommendation to the City Council on a City-initiated amendment to the Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning) to correct and clarify text, and reverse unintended changes included in an ordinance adopted on December 15, 2020 that included definitions and use requirement updates.

No substantive amendments are proposed. The City Council will be the decision authority for this item at an upcoming public hearing.

Staff recommends that the zoning amendments not be considered a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(2) and 15378(b)(5), because the revisions relate to the ongoing administrative activities and organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore do not constitute a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., title 14, § 15000 et seq.).

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

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held via teleconference on Wednesday, August 4, 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

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON AUGUST 4, 2021 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LIEN SALE 8/5/21 10AM AT 1335 N SANTIAGO ST, SANTA ANA 10 KIA LIC# 7ENZ701 VIN# KNAFU4A28A5244020

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIEN SALE 8/5/21 10AM AT 4355 W. ARTESIA AVE, FULLERTON 04 MERCEDES LIC# 6WQY339 VIN# 4JGAB75E44A471270

PUBLIC NOTICE LIEN SALE 8/5/21 10AM AT 950 N TUSTIN AVE, ANAHEIM 73 ROROY LIC# 1002WPS VIN# SRA13707

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the San Clemente Times.

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

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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LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

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San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Golden Microphone SC resident Mark Cousineau will work poolside at Tokyo Olympics

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

an Clemente resident Mark Cousineau will be an in-arena public address announcer for water polo at the Tokyo Olympics when the men’s and women’s tournaments begin on Saturday, July 24.

Cousineau is one of two English-language announcers who will work the tournaments, along with an announcer from Australia, a Japanese-language announcer and a French-language announcer for the medal-round games.

Cousineau’s responsibilities will be different than the usual tournament, but not so out of place from the last year of events, as he will announce to what will be an empty arena at the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center. There will be no fans at any of the Olympic venues this year, but Cousineau said the organizers still wanted the show to feel and sound like it always has with introductions, lineups and in-game calls.

San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

“It’s going to be kind of weird,” Cousineau said, “but I did the NCAA Finals this year (which also had no fans in attendance), and I have experience with that.

It’s a little hard to keep the enthusiasm, but you’re trying to provide a bit of that atmosphere. They want the flow of the game, and everyone to know what’s up.”

Cousineau has been announcing at water polo games for nearly 25 years and has worked his way up every level to earn this Olympic opportunity, a chance that isn’t diminished by the lack of fans or pomp and circumstance.

“It’s still the Olympic experience,” Cousineau said. “All the workers from around the world coming together. It’s the experience of the Olympics. The level of the games, the talent, it doesn’t damper at all.”

In an effort to help his children’s youth water polo clubs and to avoid working the snack bar, Cousineau said he began announcing for his kids’ matches at

San Clemente resident Mark Cousineau, pictured here working for USC water polo, will be a public address announcer for the Olympic water polo tournaments in Tokyo from July 24 through Aug. 8. Photo: Courtesy of Mark Cousineau

South Coast Aquatics. He continued that by announcing their matches at San Clemente High School, and he eventually took on the post for the USC water polo matches at the NCAA level.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to announce my kids, and I’ve had to announce them in some big games,”

Page 25

Cousineau said. “Many great games over the years, NCAA championships over the years. Announcing some of these kids as kids, and now they’re Olympians, it’s fun to see.”

Cousineau’s children came into and through the USC program, but when their water polo journeys ended, Cousineau’s continued on. He has continued to work with the USC water polo program, and through that, he made connections into USA Water Polo and FINA—the international federation for aquatic sports.

Cousineau has now worked tournaments in the United States and all over the globe, which prepped him for the opportunity to announce these Olympic games. Cousineau talked with his contacts in FINA to learn the process to become the Olympics announcer and submitted his name. Cousineau was selected in February 2020 before the onset of the pandemic and the one-year delay of the Games.

Cousineau learned they were still good to go in January of 2021 and boarded his plane to Tokyo on Saturday, July 17.

Cousineau will be in Japan through the entirety of the men’s and women’s tournaments that run through the end of the Olympics, with the women’s medal round on Aug. 7 and the men’s medal round on Aug. 8. SC

sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

Surfboards and Swell Lining Up for Surfing’s Olympic Debut Plenty of Reasons to Be Excited About Summer Games

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he time has finally arrived, after a long road full of twists and turns. The Tokyo Olympic Games are at hand, and with them the premiere of surfing as an Olympic sport.

Representing the United States will be San Clemente’s own Kolohe Andino, as well as another local resident, Caroline Marks. They’ll be joined by Hawaii’s John John Florence and Carissa Moore, both World Champions.

Supplying the boards for three out of four of these surfers is San Clemente shaper Matt Biolos.

“We’ve put a lot of work in, especially on the small-wave boards for Kolohe, Carissa and Caroline; we really put a lot of effort into them and pushed things to some radical extremes,” Biolos explains.

Another San Clemente shaping fixture, Timmy Patterson, has also been building boards for the Olympics, including a fresh quiver of new blades for Brazilian

(From left) Coach Brett Simpson, Kolohe Andino, Caroline Marks, Carissa Moore and John John Florence of the first-ever U.S. Olympic Surf Team strike a pose while on the beach of Makinohara, Japan, where they’ve been training ahead of the Olympic Games. Photo: Courtesy of USA Surfing

World Champ Italo Ferreira. He’s also supplying boards for Peruvians Sofia Mulanovich and Lucca Mesinas, as well as Israel’s Anat Lelior and Argentina’s Leandro Usuna.

“This is a dream come true for these surfers, and to be able to support them with equipment to help them realize this dream, it’s pretty cool,” Patterson says.

Patterson explains how Ferreira’s been really enjoying his Synthetic ’84 model, which he’s included in his collection of Olympic boards. Featuring a beaked nose in a nod to the classic ’80s design, the board has been overhauled with modern curves, contours and rocker.

“When Italo first tried this board, his guys in Brazil told us not to even bother making one for him, but I threw one in

his order anyway, and it turned out he loved it,” Patterson explains. “So, we’ve been developing that for small beach break surf ever since.”

The Olympic surfing competition will take place at Shidashita Beach in the Chiba Prefecture, and up until now, everyone—surfers and shapers included—assumed the waves would be weak and gutless.

Well, thanks to an active Pacific Ocean, the waves actually could pump for the start of the waiting period.

Olympic Surf Forecaster Kurt Korte, who is also a lead forecaster for Surfline, released an initial outlook that indicates there could be multiple swell-producing tropical cyclones forming.

“Honestly, the forecast for Shida is pret-

ty damn promising at this point,” Korte writes. “We’ll just need to nail down which days will have the best combo of size and favorable conditions.”

“Tropical Cyclone In-Fa is taking shape to the south of Japan. It’s likely to become a typhoon in the next day or so. That’s too early, and it tracks too far west to help the contest,” Korte continues.

“Later this week, another system is likely to form in that same region—but this one heads north into Shida’s swell window instead of moving away. We are still nailing down the timing of that system and how close it might get to Shida, but that will come into better focus in the coming days.”

The promising forecast, while awesome for the surfers and fans, could potentially complicate things for the surfer/ shaper teams.

“I’m not worried about it,” Biolos says.

“Kolohe was going over there with 12 boards; Carissa and Caroline about the same. I told them, this is the Olympics; be prepared for anything.”

“We’ve been watching the surf cam for six weeks straight, and if the conditions are like we expect them to be, I think there’s a very strong chance we’ll see these surfers on the podium,” Biolos says.

The opening ceremonies for the Olympics will take place on Friday, July 23, and another chapter of surf history will be made.

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

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

TANNER SANDVIG

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

ork hard, surf hard, support your friends, and be an ambassador of stoke and aloha.

That’s Tanner Sandvig’s winning formula—and it’s a good one.

Last weekend in Huntington Beach, the 11-year-old goofy-footer won the Super Grom division at the NSSA Southwest Explorer event in Huntington Beach.

Saving his best for the final, he went ballistic, dropping a 9.50 and a 7.0 for a 16.50 heat total—the highest of the entire event.

With this win, Sandvig has clinched the San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

Tanner Sandvig. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

NSSA Southwest Super Grom season title.

Dominating the division with five wins in six events this season, his consistency has been incredible.

In addition to ruling the NSSA ranks, a

week earlier, Sandvig had a strong performance at the Rip Curl Grom Search. Held in challenging conditions in Huntington Beach, he was able to grind out a thirdplace finish and qualify for the National Rip Curl Grom Search Championships, which will take place at Church this October.

Whether it’s celebrating a win or sucking it up after losing a close one, Sandvig always takes the time to uplift his friends and fellow competitors, as well as to thank all of those helping and supporting him on his journey. SC

Page 26

Water Temperature: 66-68 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-6 Thursday: A mix of South/southwest and South/ southeast swells, plus smaller Northwest swell, sets up waist to chest high waves, (3-4’). Light Southeast winds for the morning, followed by a light+ to moderate Southwest sea breeze during the afternoon, then lighter winds by the evening.

Outlook: For Friday, the southerly swell blend eases for waist-stomach-chest high surf, (2-3-4’). Light Southeast winds early Friday morning, turn to a light+/moderate Southwest flow for the afternoon. A fresh South/southwest swell fills in through the weekend, with waistshoulder-head high waves, (3-4-5’) on Saturday rising to shoulder high to 1-2’ overhead, (4-67’) by Sunday. Saturday and Sunday have a light onshore wind in the mornings, then light+ to moderate westerly wind during the afternoons.

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San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

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San Clemente Times July 22-28, 2021

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