August 13, 2020

LO C A L

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August 13-19, 2020

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CoastLines: Two San Clementes Remember Heinz Neidl PAGE 12 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 33

Paying It Forward San Clemente-Based Tech Company Supports Local Restaurants During Lockdown E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3 Tuli, a San Clemente-based tech company specializing in making digital marketplaces, is working to support local restaurants during the pandemic by offering contactless menus and online ordering options for free. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

Asada Cantina to Bring ‘Unique’ Mexican Flavors to Outlets

Teachers Address Hybrid Learning Model

17 Candidates Qualify for Ballots in City Council Races EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

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San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week San Clemente-Based Tech Company Supports Local Restaurants During Lockdown THE LATEST: Following the statewide lockdown, it was clear local restaurants were taking the brunt of the economic shutdown.

Tuli, a San Clemente-based tech company specializing in making digital marketplaces, recognized this need and made it a top priority to support local restaurants and get them back on their feet.

“When the coronavirus pandemic hit, we obviously saw that (restaurants) were being affected very negatively and were struggling. That’s when we said, ‘Hey, we need to support our community,’ ” said Meysam Moradpour, cofounder of Tuli.

As a part of the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, Tuli wanted to support the local community in whatever way possible. It was after speaking with Chamber members that Tuli began its free specialized program, offering contactless menus, online ordering options, a specialized Tuli profile and menu, and free online pickup orders. Restaurants participating in Tuli’s program receive a unique QR code that guests can scan with their phones to view menus and order.

“People are just going to get used to ordering online. You don’t know when the pandemic is going to be over, so there’s just the effect of the convenience of ordering in,” said Moradpour.

All services were initially offered for free for six months up to a year. As Tuli has expanded, the offer has been extended, and it will be offered for free until the restaurant can begin operating as normally as possible.

“We told them, ‘Hey, initially we are going to give you online ordering and pickup for free for six months, but if you see that the pandemic goes on and things don’t get better, we are ready to extend our offer to a year,’ ” said Moradpour.

According to Moradpour, approximately 80% of local restaurants in the San Clemente area have signed on to participate in Tuli’s digitized program. “However long it takes them to bounce, we are not going to be charging them,” Moradpour said.

“For us as a digital marketplace, we’ve profited off of the shift to online ordering a lot over the past months,” he said.

Moradpour has stated that Tuli does not plan on ending its special restaurant offer anytime soon.

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

Restaurant staff at the new Asada Cantina + Kitchen at the Outlets in San Clemente participate in server training on Tuesday, Aug. 11, about a week ahead of the restaurant’s anticipated opening. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Having just opened their doors this past year, the Tuli team found it easiest to include restaurants and culinary entities in their business. Likewise, Tuli currently serves as a “digital mall” for local businesses in the South Orange County area, creating profiles and highlighting local entities. Tuli is also currently available in all 50 states, as well as several countries abroad.

According to Moradpour, items and entities presented on the platform are carefully curated by the Tuli team, featuring quality and highly rated restaurants in the area. Tuli is currently housing its specially categorized food court, where users can find, look, and recommend their top local restaurants.

“You won’t see big chains, because our users use Tuli to recommend local gems, hidden stuff, cool things to their followers,” Moradpour said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Moradpour said Tuli is looking to expand its “digital mall” in the near future to include more local businesses, such as retail and travel. As of now, visitors can use Tuli to explore local cuisines and food hotspots.

“Over time, we would like to go more

vertical and add retail and travel and other stuff that you can usually find at a mall,” said Moradpour.—Haley Chi-Sing

17 Candidates Qualify for Ballots in City Council Races

THE LATEST: The names of at least 17 candidates are set to appear on the ballots for this year’s city council races, with two other candidates potentially being added to the crowded list.

This year’s city council contests will comprise a General Election race for two full-term seats and a Special Election for a two-year seat to fill the rest of the term vacated by former Mayor Dan Bane.

The ballot for San Clemente’s Special Election, the second in as many years, was finalized this past Friday and includes eight candidates who qualified for the race: Donna Vidrine, Tyler Boden, Laron Rush, Zhen Wu, Steven Knoblock, Jim Dahl, Jerry Quinlan and George Gregory.

According to City Clerk Joanne Baade, who will be running unopposed for the

San Clemente COVID-19 TRACKER

Confirmed cases Deaths

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clerk position this fall, one other prospective candidate, Marcie Landeros, pulled nomination papers for the two-year seat but had not filed the paperwork with the city by this past Friday’s deadline.

As for the race for the two four-year seats, Councilmember Gene James, the incumbent who won last year’s Special Election, will look to hold on to his seat, competing against at least eight others: Aaron Washington, Bill Hart, Thor Johnson, Chris Duncan, Patrick Minnehan, Joseph Kenney, Jeff Wellman and Charlie Smith.

Two more potential candidates, Jeff Provance and James Daniel Bacon, could have potentially entered the race by Wednesday, Aug. 12—the deadline to file their paperwork. The two had pulled their nomination papers, but had not yet filed as of press time.

The deadline for candidates to file nomination papers was this past Friday, Aug. 7.

However, if an incumbent hasn’t yet filed his or her papers by that date, the filing period for that specific race would be extended.

Baade explained that because Councilmember Chris Hamm did not file nomination papers, the deadline to file and qualify for the General Election race was pushed to Wednesday this week. Hamm had announced this past May that he had no intention of seeking reelection.

This year’s elections mark the most crowded overall contest for a city council seat in recent years, surpassing the dozen candidates who had vied for three open seats in the 2018 General Election.

In 2016, there were five candidates running for two seats; seven candidates running for three seats in 2014; five vying for two seats in 2012; and nine candidates campaigning for three spots in 2010.

On Friday, City Treasurer Mark Taylor officially qualified for a spot on the ballot and will be running for the treasurer seat unopposed.

WHAT’S NEXT: When voters get their ballots this fall, they’ll also see Measure BB, which will ask whether term limits for councilmembers should be set. If passed, council seats will be limited to two consecutive terms, but a councilmember could serve again after a two-year lapse in service.

This year’s elections are scheduled for Nov. 3.—Shawn Raymundo

Asada Cantina to Bring ‘Unique’ Mexican Flavors to Outlets

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 8/11/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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THE LATEST: When Scott and Rosemary McIntosh open the San Clemente location for their Asada Cantina + Kitchen—likely early next week—it’ll represent a journey that’s come full circle from when they opened the original location almost a decade ago.

The couple launched Asada in 2011 in Laguna Beach and had operated it for (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) roughly 3 ½ years before a dispute with the landlord ensued. As a result, Scott and Rosemary shuttered the cantina, focusing on other restaurant concepts such as Reunion Kitchen + Drink.

They did eventually return Asada to Laguna, developing it as a fast-casual dining experience and without the full cantina.

But with space available at the Outlets at San Clemente, Scott and Rosemary— along with their five daughters—have been preparing the last year and half to revive their initial concept.

“Getting to do the full space here with a cantina, the (Outlets) has really worked well with us in being uninhibited on the design and the look and feel of the building,” Scott said. “They’ve been really generous in letting us develop the dream design of our restaurant.”

“It’s been full circle getting to do another Asada again,” Scott said, before reflecting on how the Laguna closure had impacted his family. “Leaving the first one was really painful. It was hard on our family having to leave that.”

According to Scott, he and Rosemary can open the new location at any time they want, as they’ve already secured all the necessary permits. However, they’ve been taking things slowly amid the public health crisis, which has meant augmenting training for the staff.

“Right now, we’re just working out the details of preopening, beginning all of our training, getting the proper amount of time for people to learn and study, especially in an environment where we have to stretch it out a bit,” Scott said of the social-distance training.

Assuming they don’t run into any speed bumps in the coming days, Scott and Rosemary are looking to open the restaurant on Monday, Aug. 17. Between now and then, they’ll be conducting some practice shifts with the staff, which numbers nearly 100 employees, including many who grew up in San Clemente.

For Scott, though, he’d like to keep the pending opening low-key, so as not to draw too much attention to the restaurant when social distancing regulations are currently the norm.

“In these times right now, a nice dose of humility is required. We’re not trying to set the world on fire with this restaurant, not break records,” he said, adding that their priority is “making sure that our employees and customers are safe. It’s the gospel for us here to follow the rules and make sure we’re following every regulation properly.”

Until social distancing guidelines can be lifted, the restaurant will utilize its pavilion area for open-air dining, where there’ll be heaters and candles for ambience.

As for Asada’s menu and what patrons can expect, Scott noted that “it’s not what you would call traditional or necessarily authentic” Mexican cuisine. But he doesn’t like referring to it as a “modern twist,” either.

“It is definitely a different take on classic dishes,” he said, adding: “It’s not something where people may think it’s all Mexican food. There’s some other items that play well if you don’t want a taco or an enchilada.”

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

Teachers from local high schools have expressed concerns over the Capistrano Unified School District’s proposal to utilize a hybrid classroom in the 2020-21 school year. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

He also said their menu “has a bit more diversity to it; a little more depth to it,” compared to other Mexican restaurants.

But, of course, there definitely will be dishes for those who are seeking traditional Mexican cuisine, Scott said. Highlighting some of those traditional aspects, Scott said they will have a rotating tortilla grill and an al pastor vertical rotisserie.

The menu just has “some unique flavors that you can’t really put your finger on,” but tastes that customers will “crave to want to come back for that particular item,” Scott said.

During the first few weeks after the restaurant opens, however, Scott and Rosemary will be phasing in items. Rather than roll out the full menu, which features about 300 items, they’d like to give staff more time be to be fully trained.

Recognizing that there are a number of other Mexican restaurants in San Clemente, Scott boasted that Asada “will be notably different.”

“I don’t want to say they’re all the same, because they all have their own uniqueness and charm, and we’ll also have our own charm,” Scott said. “We’re not perfect, but we strive to want to get you to come back both with our food and service.”—SR

Teachers Address Hybrid Learning Model THE LATEST: Local teachers discussed issues they had with proposed hybrid classroom plans during a Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees meeting last week.

CUSD will start the 2020-21 school year continuing with online learning, per a mandate from Gov. Gavin Newsom that California schools can only physically reopen when their county is off the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Orange County has remained on the watch list in recent weeks.

Before Newsom’s mandate, the Board of Trustees had approved a flexible reopening plan incorporating, in part, a hybrid model allowing options of offering some on-campus instruction with safety guidelines or all online learning.

Some teachers who called in to comment during the Aug. 5 meeting spoke out

against there being no teachers who solely handled online learning under the plan, as well as recommendations that they livestream in-person classroom instruction for students learning online.

“This is absurd and a massive disservice to everyone involved,” San Juan Hills High School teacher Christina Hellwig said.

“Students participating online at home will be passively watching me teach my class to other kids, and I will have to ignore either the in-person group or online group to engage with the other.”

San Clemente High School teacher Casey Swenson said he took issue with plans for grades 6-12 when on-campus instruction returns.

“It may sound appealing to just fold the fully online students into live instruction and hybrid classes, but the reality is the learning environment is rife with inequalities,” Swenson said. “No teacher can do live instruction five days a week in a classroom and simultaneously do daily live interaction with students at home.”

Some people who called in to comment also expressed health and safety concerns over returning to classrooms. CUSD officials said they would only consider returning to on-campus instruction when it is safe to do so. The reopening plan follows state and county health guidelines.

“No one on this board, least of all me, wants to do anything that’s going to sacrifice teachers or students or anyone else, or create an outbreak in this community,” Board President Jim Reardon said. “We’re doing things very, very cautiously.”

According to school registration data for families in grades K-5, of three options presented under the reopening plan, 55.29% selected a 100% on-campus instruction option, 22.03% chose a half-on-campus and halfat-home option, and 13.46% chose all online instruction. Approximately 8% of families did not respond and so were placed under the 100% on-campus option by default.

For grades 6-12, which only had two options of a hybrid on-campus/online model or all online instruction, 87.6% chose the hybrid model. Approximately 12% chose the all-online model, and 20.47% did not respond and so were placed under the hybrid model by default.

Trustee Gila Jones asked about requir-

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ing people in the district to show a negative test for COVID-19 after initially displaying symptoms. The reopening plan has guidelines in place for what to do if a student or staff member displays symptoms or is in close contact with someone who does, which includes sending them home.

Gregory Merwin, chief academic officer for Education and Support Services, said they recommend people who display symptoms to get tested and are looking at ways to ensure they get the necessary tests. Merwin also said medical privacy is a consideration when it comes to whether families can be compelled to share test results. Reardon said staff can look into existing guidelines regarding people returning to work or school.

WHAT’S NEXT: CUSD staff is expected to come back before the board with an update on the issue during an Aug. 19 meeting.—Collin Breaux

Remains of Marines, Sailor Recovered THE LATEST: The bodies of the U.S. Marines and sailor who died following a training exercise accident involving an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) off the coast of San Clemente Island late last month have been recovered, Marine officials announced on Friday, Aug. 7.

The seven Marines and one sailor, who were all assigned to the 15 Marine Expeditionary Unit and had gone missing after the accident on July 30, were located inside the AAV, which had sunk after it began to take on water during a return trip to the USS Somerset from the island.

In the Aug. 7 update from I Marine Expeditionary Force, officials said the recovered Marines and sailor were to be transferred to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where their bodies were to be prepared for burial.

“Our hearts and thoughts of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are with the families of our recovered Marines and Sailor,” Col. Christopher Bronzi, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, said in a statement. “We hope the successful recovery of our fallen warriors brings some measure of comfort.”

The deceased service members were among a team of 16 who had been aboard the AAV during what was described as a routine training exercise. The other eight service members had been recovered the day of the accident.

One of those initially recovered Marines, 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Guillermo Perez of New Braunfels, Texas, was pronounced dead on the scene. His remains, Marine officials said, were transferred to Dover AFB on Aug. 5.

Two other Marines who were found on July 30 were in critical condition and had to be taken to a La Jolla hospital.

The sunken AAV was also recovered from the ocean, according to I MEF. WHAT’S NEXT: The cause of the accident remained under investigation as of Aug. 7.—SR sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Various stakeholders in the South County community disagree on how to best manage Capistrano Beach Park amid coastal erosion throughout recent years. Photo: Lillian Boyd

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT

Stakeholders Differ on Solutions for Managing Capo Beach The California Coastal Commission (CCC) and OC Parks continue to collaborate over the future of Capistrano Beach Park, a beach that has sustained considerable damage and erosion in recent years.

However, residents and local stakeholders are at odds over what that future should look like.

Video footage shows waves overtaking the parking lot on Independence Day, causing further damage to the beach’s sidewalk area. In October 2018, inclement weather and high tides caused the boardwalk and basketball court to buckle; those amenities, as well as a restroom, have since been demolished.

During a July 10 CCC meeting, both Mandy Sackett and Rick Erkeneff spoke on behalf of the South Orange County Chapter of Surfrider Foundation.

“All these emergency permit durations have elapsed, yet the riprap and sand cubes remained,” said Sackett, policy coordinator for Surfrider. “The sand cubes were a slight improvement, but they’ve remained past their six-month duration and they are starting to break down and become plastic pollution.”

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

Last month, the county applied for an emergency permit to place additional riprap boulders on the beach and for some sidewalk removal.

“We do not support more boulders on the beach; it doesn’t make sense here, and it’s creating a hazardous situation. More boulders will not solve the problem,” Sackett said.

Erkeneff, a Dana Point resident and vice chairman for Surfrider, echoed Sackett’s sentiments and played footage for the commission that was taken on Fourth of July.

“We’ve been monitoring the issues at Capo Beach. Over Fourth of July weekend, the parking lot was completely inundated, and the parking lot had to be evacuated.

The sidewalks are buckled, the pavement is buckling,” Erkeneff said. “Anything less than taking out the entire parking lot, I think, would be a failed effort. I’d appreciate the consideration for denying future emergency permits for riprap.”

The CCC granted an emergency permit on July 23 for the demolition of damaged concrete sidewalk, curb and gutter, as well as 124 feet of wooden seawall associated with concrete anchor blocks and metal tiebacks. OC Parks crews will be removing debris, relocating ADA parking and K rails (moving landward) and filling in unsafe holes and drop-offs. Demolition was completed during the last week of July, and removal and completion of the project is scheduled to conclude this week.

For Dana Point residents such as Toni Nelson, preserving the beach and its coastal access trail is a priority.

“I understand the CCC’s insistence that armoring creates more erosion downcoast,” Nelson said. “I also understand that in the end, Mother Nature will win.

What I don’t understand is why on Earth we can’t seem to bring all the stakeholders to the table—the community, coastal homeowners, OC Parks, State Beaches, the city of Dana Point and the Federal Railway Administration—to figure out what we are willing to spend and what mitigations we’re willing to try to save our coast (and, in truth, our coastal tourism economy) as long as we can.”

Nelson has an online petition that states support for OC Parks’ efforts to restore the path and protect it with armament and preserve public access.

“I think the county is doing what it can to preserve public access and enjoyment,” Nelson said. “The (sidewalk removal) is a common-sense move that will facilitate a wider, usable beach, at least temporarily.”

If it comes to a choice between beach or parking, Nelson believes the community would vote for a beach every time.

“I’m hopeful the CCC will allow sand cubes and riprap to slow wave action—at least temporarily until stakeholders’ meetings can forge a less offensive solution,” Nelson said. “While the sand cubes do rip apart, the beauty is that they are not dangerous to beachgoers, and they can be opened up and deposited on the beach with little impact. They will at least temporarily protect the beach and the adjacent residential lots.”

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But during the July 10 CCC meeting, Director Jack Ainsworth implied that riprap may not be the solution after Commissioner Linda Escalante expressed her shock at the video footage.

“This has been an ongoing problem,” Ainsworth said. “They’ve asked for rocks in the past, which we’ve said no to. We’ve allowed some temporary sand cubes that aren’t doing their jobs. They’re really going to have to reimagine that area for what it’s going to be in the future . . . we are working with the county.”

In an email to San Clemente Times, Charlene Cheng, a spokesperson for OC Parks, said the agency does not have current plans to demolish the parking lot.

“We will be retreating the asphalt parking surface in some locations due to recent damage and the inability to install adequate protection to the parking lot,” Cheng said. “Our next steps are to continue our cleanup efforts to make the site safe to reopen to the public.

Cheng said OC Parks is working with the CCC to follow up with a regular permit and is continuing to investigate alternatives to protect coastal access at Capistrano Beach Park.

“Capistrano Beach is more than just sand and cobble,” Nelson said. “To the residents of Capo Beach, it represents a repository of childhood memories, daily recreational pursuits and endless sunsets. In many ways, it’s a huge part of our cultural identity. After all, what is Capistrano Beach without its beach?” —Lillian Boyd SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Local Business Owner Celebrates 40 Years in San Clemente When Chris Dolkas first came to San Clemente in 1979, he was at a crossroads in his career and education path. He had been attending law school at night, and during the day was working, handling insurance cases.

“I was in law school at the time, but I wasn’t enjoying it,” Dolkas said, adding: “I didn’t know if I was going to finish law school.”

Dolkas and his wife, Tricia, had decided to move to town after meeting with a gentleman his brother had introduced him to, a man who had hoped to convince Dolkas to open his own agency. It worked, as the following year, Dolkas put his law degree on hold to open his own State Farm Insurance office.

“I got to know the area, and in 1980 we opened up (the office),” Dolkas said. “My wife and I decided to give it a shot, and if it didn’t work out, then I’d go back to law school.”

Fast-forward 40 years, and Dolkas never needed to go back to law school, as he’s still running his own office, providing the South County community with home, auto, property and life insurance.

Over the past four decades, Dolkas and his wife have raised five children in San Clemente. Through his local business, Dolkas has continuously supported the area’s schools and sporting programs.

“My wife and I have five kids, and we were able to be really involved in every level of the public schools with each of our kids and same with the sports,” Dolkas said. “I’ve coached every sport there is.”

Dolkas admits that his company’s support of the local athletic programs with San Clemente High School and the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast Area had two purposes.

“It’s all been under the guise of, one, being a parent and, two, being a business owner,” he said. “So, selfishly, it’s been neat to spend time with my kids and their friends but also to support their teams.”

Dolkas said it was also important that his business be one that provides services to the community, noting that he and his wife have been partners with the local education system to offer stationery goods and supplies to classrooms.

“When my wife and I look back at how this has gone, the partnership with schools has just been amazing,” Dolkas said, reflecting on “how welcoming the education system is in San Clemente to the business community. It initially started out with them just needing supplies, San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

THURSDAY, AUG. 13

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

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

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 15

Chris Dolkas this year is celebrating the 40th anniversary of owning and operating his own State Farm Insurance office in San Clemente. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

but really it’s grown into a partnership.”

When asked what sort of advice Dolkas, as a business owner for 40 years, would give to new or prospective business owners in San Clemente, he said networking and community service are two key ways to stay successful.

“Make sure that you can network really well with the right people and that you give back to the community a lot,” he said.

“Understand that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.”

“I do talk to a lot of new business owners . . . I always tell them to support the local newspaper, the schools, and keep promoting this small-town atmosphere,” Dolkas said. “Even though we’ve quadruped (in population), it still feels like a small town.”

South County Businesses Receive CARES Act Funding Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett has awarded $14.5 million in CARES Act funding, also known as the coronavirus relief bill, to small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Fifth District through the Small Business Grant Relief Program.

“So many small businesses that serve as the backbone of our economy have suffered significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bartlett said.

“My goal was to develop a program that would provide financial support to those

businesses and get funds into their hands as quickly as possible.”

After an Orange County Board vote in May, $75 million in funding was split equally between the five county districts.

The $75 million comes out of the $554 million that Orange County received from the CARES Act. The funding has gone toward testing and personal protective equipment such as medical-grade masks and gloves for first responders and health care officials.

Administrative costs to develop, implement, and administer the program amounted to $450,000 (a 3% cost).

The Small Business Grant Relief Program that launched on June 22 provided economic support of up to $10,000 in CARES Act funding grants for small businesses and nonprofit organizations experiencing financial difficulties related to COVID-19. Grants were awarded to businesses in nearly every business sector.

“Through this successful program, we have supported more than 1,400 businesses and organizations throughout South Orange County,” Bartlett said.

More than 80 local businesses, including San Clemente Times, were recipients of the grant. A final list of awardees can be viewed from the online version of this article.

Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published. Email sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

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CHALLENGING CANCER 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, AUG. 18

CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled 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 video conference. BILY’s video conference will be held through Zoom. 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, AUG. 19

PLANNING COMMISSION 6-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission conducts its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

O P E R AT I O N S

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

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

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

COVID-19’s Effect on the Environment and Your Health

A

s the months go by, we can’t help but see the effects that COVID-19 has had in our lives. As a culinary nutritionist and fitness professional, I know individuals who have embraced the time spent at home with consistent exercise and preparing of meals—and then there are the rest of us.

The ability to order takeout food of any kind from your mobile device round the clock, which often shows up at your door for consumption within the hour, has really catapulted the obesity pandemic during this crisis.

And that doesn’t address the amount of HEALTH AND trash generated from NUTRITION 101

By Gina these meals. We really Cousineau need to take stock in the damage that the merging of these pandemics has taken on society, and step back to assess how we might minimize the damage.

In good conscience, I cannot fail to highlight the environmental impact COVID-19 has had in our country. With restrictions being mandated in communities limiting our ability to purchase our

supplies in person, this pandemic has propelled our propensity for instant gratification that online shopping provides.

Let’s face it, if I am going to be locked up in my house, I might as well get what I need to be comfortable, right?! But one cannot deny the amount of waste on trash day, when you’re forced to break down the boxes from the prior week’s shopping spree and attempt to fit them into your waste containers.

Not to mention the food waste. We are either over-consuming calories from our takeout meal choices, or shoving leftovers into our refrigerators never to be touched again, until it’s too full—and into the trash it goes.

On the health side of it, when we consider the concept of six degrees of separation, we all know someone who has lost their life from this virus. Regardless of the individual’s age, comorbidities just compound the likelihood of complications that can lead to hospitalization and death.

Along with preventing the contraction of this virus by employing physical distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene when in public, once again I implore you to consider ways to lessen your risk of these comorbid conditions while protecting our environment at the same time, with simple lifestyle changes.

• Eat out less

In most cases, whether you eat al fresco at the restaurant or bring home takeout, waste is being generated. Even “green” takeout containers take some time to decompose in the landfill. When preparing easy, delicious meals at home, use your tableware in all cases.

• Avoid buying individual serving-sized packages

While some think that this will help with

• Use the Internet to search for “healthy” recipes that have high ratings and numerous reviews

Better yet, join my free Virtual Cooking Classes on Saturdays at 3 p.m. to learn basic cooking skills and nutrition education, while producing a nutritious and delicious meal for your family. Whether you join us live or watch the recorded version, each week you will get an email with the shopping list, recipe, and Zoom link. One-time registration at mamagslifestyle.com is required.

Gina Cousineau works with clients virtually out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education with a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition, chef training, and more than 30 years as a fitness professional, allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@ mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle. 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. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

PFM Awarded Grant Funding from County

San Clemente Times, Vol. 15, Issue 33. 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 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Last week, Picket Fence Media received a visit from District 5 Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who shared the good news that PFM had received a $10,000 grant via the CARES Act. (From left) PFM’s Alyssa Garrett and Norb Garrett, Supervisor Bartlett, PFM’s Lauralyn Loynes accept the check outside the PFM office in Capistrano Beach. The grant was part of a districtwide initiative to provide much-needed help to area small businesses. A complete list of recipients can be found at supbartlett.com. All of us at PFM are hugely appreciative of the support. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Prince

FOLLOW THE SC TIMES

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

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

portion control, many will tear through several packs in one sitting. Try to portion your food item in a plate or bowl, and put all away before consuming to make getting “seconds” more of an effort.

And, better yet, for items that require willpower to have in your house, buy only for special occasions. Purchasing a half-gallon of ice cream and box of cones for your family’s treat after Sunday dinner is a logical option. But if you live alone, consider a single serving-sized purchase when shopping that week.

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sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to The Editor SAN ONOFRE AND REP. LEVIN RICHARD GREEN, San Clemente

A letter writer in a recent San Clemente Times Letter to the Editor is heaping an awful lot of blame for the situation at San Onofre on a congressman who has been in office since January 2019.

I see that he supports a candidate from the other political party, San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Brian Maryott, for Congress.

I want to remind the letter writer that this district, in which San Onofre resides, has been led by congressmen from Maryott’s party (Republicans) since 1993.

They were in office when the clock ran out in 1998 on getting a federal disposal site for spent fuel. They were in office when San Onofre was handed the responsibility of coming up with an on-site storage system for the spent fuel. They were in office when the robust storage and transport casks developed by us at San Onofre were replaced by the current storage-only units.

The letter writer is welcome to vote for whichever party he chooses, but please do not expect the voters of this district to return to office the party under which our situation was allowed to develop.

QUESTIONING PROTECTION OF MASKS JIM SMITH, San Clemente

I must have been near the target, since three people responded to my letter about mask wearing.

Here’s a comment on each. Vicki Marks finds it a mystery that I questioned the science of the mask edict despite the CDC. She missed the fact that the CDC had previously said masks are only needed if you have the disease or care for someone with it.

Karen Reisdorft didn’t like my expert’s quote, so she changed the topic to people becoming lax about social distancing.

Finally, Tony Hays thinks “disagreement is good,” but gratuitously says there is “universal agreement” favoring masks.

My point is that there’s little evidence how much protection masks offer versus physical distancing of 6 feet or more, or hand washing.

Stay smart and safe.

TRAFFIC SIGNS CLIFF WASSON, San Clemente

Is it just me, or have a few of you noticed that we still have detour signs around half of San Clemente? They have finished with the I-5 project for over a year, the La Pata project completed for nearly three years.

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

And, sure enough, when driving down our wonderful streets in our wonderful little village by the sea, there are detour signs directing our tourists to all parts of town trying to find their way to the highway.

I’ve had it up to here! I wonder what our tourists think now that they have driven around in circles. Taking a ride out Pico, and the sign says detour to the interstate, take La Pata.

And speaking about Pico, don’t you think the water department should have figured out what’s wrong by now? Pico has been messed up off and on for the better (part) of three years.

Let’s get these contractors who have made millions from the taxpayers and get their hind ends out here and take care of these signs. Or maybe they think when all the election signs start coming down next spring, they’ll take care of it. Just getting it off my chest.

TRUMP SELF-ENRICHMENT BILL PRESTRIDGE, San Clemente

In discussing with my neighbor, a 50-year-old Trump supporter, the news that the President asked Woody Johnson, our ambassador to Britain, to ask the British government to steer the British Open golf tournament to Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, which would have pumped millions of dollars into Trump’s financially failing resort, my neighbor’s reply was, “So what; he is just trying to make money for his company.”

If this is the attitude of many Americans today, our democracy is in real trouble.

ON LAURA FERGUSON DEBBIE FLOWERS, San Clemente

I find it quite troubling and concerning as to why certain councilmembers are so adamant in constantly trying to remove Laura Ferguson’s Mayor Pro Tem title.

A majority of the councilmembers have been dragging their feet, taking a waitand-see approach. This has led to many council votes being 2-2 or 3-1, with Laura being the single no vote.

Ferguson has advocated for the reopening of the state’s economy throughout the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Ferguson has publicly stated that her emails requesting information have been ignored not only by the two interim city managers but also by city staff and city attorney. She has questioned their actions on numerous occasions as to violating certain laws.

This behavior is inappropriate, especially since she is an elected official trying to get information so that policy could be set.

It appears that she is the only one reading the agenda reports, asking questions of staff and the city manager, who often are unable to provide her with the information in a timely manner. What they are trying to hide?

When she discovered that the sand in

the skate park and the fencing at the pier bowl were the decision of the then-interim City Manager Bob Dunek, he refused to remove it. He threw it on council to decide, when it was never a council action in the first place. This dissension between council and residents almost lost us our sheriff’s services.

She has asked Assistant City Manager/ interim City Manager Erik Sund for months to move the council meetings to the community center so that the public could participate. How difficult can it be to set up the community center with that technology?

It would appear as though Councilmembers Chris Hamm and Kathy Ward choose to not enable their video except for when they want to berate Laura while she tries to get our city moving. I don’t think they would be doing this if the public was present.

Laura Ferguson is a leader who continues to work for the city’s residents with class in spite of all the apparent harassment and belittling from city management and members of council. She ran as a reformer.

She, unlike anyone else on council, knows what changes need to be made because of her 18-plus years working for the city.

TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR—UNMASKING THE MASK ISSUE GREGG LANCER, San Clemente

If I don’t wear a mask, I’m treated and viewed poorly and negatively. And “nomaskers” oftentimes look at mask wearers the same way or with similarly divisive perspectives.

Based on my own research I’ve conducted about face coverings and most people’s use of them, I believe that, scientifically, masks are dangerous and ineffective. The evidence I’ve collected would far exceed my word-count maximum for this letter if I revealed it all.

Anyone that wears a PPE mask for their occupation knows that handling them throughout the day, with unwashed hands, greatly reduces their cleanliness and their efficiency.

Exhaling your own heated carbon dioxide into a small chamber where one re-inhales their own Co2, a waste product, (and the moist fibers of the material in the face covering), is, in my well-informed opinion, dangerous to the human body’s respiratory, nervous and immune systems.

The results of this “mask issue” in our society today: • Massive amounts of misinformation on all forms of media, therefore causing confusion and division.

• Many with legitimate health or breathing conditions, legally exempt from being required to wear a mask, are denied access to stores.

• Civil liberties being violated with unlawful discrimination issues being committed.

• Being shamed, harassed and/or intimidated in public whether wearing a mask or not.

Based on the vast uncertainty and

Page 8

inability to prove their efficacy in virus protection, it appears that homemade face coverings are purely fashion and do almost nothing to protect anyone from a virus.

Couple that with the “wearing instructions” located on the outside of the packaging of masks, where they clearly indicate that they will not protect one from virus-sized diseases.

If you want to wear one, do so. If you choose not to, fine. If you’re sick or coughing, wear one or stay away from people. Be patient and kind about it.

I have a breathing condition and don’t wear a mask to prevent an asthmatic attack to myself and a scare to those around me.

I’m protecting myself by not wearing one, right? Or am I being selfish? Until we respect one another on this issue, we’re not all in this together. Be patient and kind.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to Letters@sanclementetimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. 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. Limit your letters to 350 or fewer words. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Virtual Beachside Chat, Friday, Aug. 14 at 8 a.m., via Zoom Join SC Times for a virtual Beachside Chat on Friday, Aug. 14, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. Email Shawn at sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com for a link to the Zoom video meeting.

CLARIFICATION: On page 9 of the San Clemente Times’ Aug. 6 edition, a letter to the editor entitled “Time for City Council to Take Action” included a modified sentence made by the editor as a last-minute change prior to deadline without the author’s consent. In the original version, the author wrote: “She (Ferguson) also is responsible for the departure of interim City Manager Bob Dunek.” In an effort to provide context to Dunek’s departure from the city, the sentence was changed thusly: “She and Councilmember Gene James voted down an extension to interim City Manager Bob Dunek’s contract.” The last-minute change without the author’s consent was contrary to San Clemente Times’ protocol, as it is our policy to first give the author of a letter an opportunity to make changes or clarifications we believe are necessary. San Clemente Times apologizes for this error in judgment. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

Page 9

sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Ravage’ Is a Familiar Ride for Horror Fans

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to San Clemente Times by going to sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Thursday | 13 CASA UP CLOSE: POETRY WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Think you could never write poetry? You just might get a big surprise in this fun and inspirational workshop. Learn about practice and process from famous poets and dispel common myths regarding this art form. Then, with some gentle prodding and lots of encouragement, dive into a series of easy exercises designed to entice even the most reluctant Inner Poets to come out and play. Admission is $18.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

FREE YOGA 12:15-1:15 p.m. YNG Studios is offering a free yoga session with social distancing while following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no fees or obligations—just show up with a mat and enjoy yoga for all levels and all bodies. Pose breakdowns and modifications as needed to ensure your safety and comfort. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit yngstudios.com. YNG Studios, 102 South Ola Vista, San Clemente.

Ravage. Photo: Courtesy of Brainstorm Media

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of The Delgado Brothers

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14: THE DELGADO BROTHERS LIVESTREAM CONCERT 6-7:30 p.m. Join The Delgado Brothers for their brand of Latin blues, roots, soul, and reggae with a free livestream concert from The Coach House. Watch it on alerttheglobe.com and on Facebook Live. There will be a virtual tip jar available for anyone who would like to send something to the band. delgadobrothers.com.

Saturday | 15

San Juan Capistrano. 1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus SJC offers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. Vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams, and diagnostic testing available on-site. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. 32022 Camino Capistrano,

Sunday | 16 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.

Casino Hosting ‘Dinner Under the Stars’ Events

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

asino San Clemente is bringing back live music events—with strict social distancing modifications—by launching a new Saturday-night series this weekend called “Dinner Under the Stars.”

“We are ‘testing’ two ‘Dinner Under the Stars’ evenings on our historic ocean-view Patio of the Stars,” Casino owner and operator Linda Sadeghi told San Clemente Times in an email on Friday, Aug. 7. “We put out the invite Thursday (Aug. 6), and we are sold out for Aug. 15.”

By Monday, Aug. 10, the second “test” night on Aug. 22 had also been sold out. Sadeghi stressed that there will be more opportunities for guests to attend in September, when she plans to move the Saturday Dinners to the Casino’s larger outdoor space, the Rock Garden, where more guests can be accommodated.

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

“With this ‘test’ already being a resounding success, we are quickly picking menus and dates to continue on for the duration of our City permit,” which is at the end of September, Sadeghi explained.

During the first night this Saturday, patrons will be treated to music from Kelly Rae Acoustic Trio, while the Paul Seaforth Jazz Trio is scheduled to play at the Aug. 22 dinner event. Sadeghi said the Casino intends to branch out with other musical genres for the September dinners, including country music, which will be paired with a barbecue dinner on Sept. 5.

Admission for the September Dinners will be $30 a person, according to Sadeghi.

Sadeghi noted that the Casino is limiting the number of guests to only 30% of the legal capacity, “so social distancing is

exceeded.” The Casino will also have handsfree temperature readings at the door, before guests are allowed entry, and will also provide hand sanitizer.

Guests, while booking their seats, are also asked to preorder their entrees and wine choices to limit contact with staff and others, Sadeghi said.

“I am in the ‘high risk’ category myself, so we are certainly taking extra care,” she wrote.

On Monday, Sadeghi said the city approved the Casino’s plan to also launch an outdoor movie night in the Rock Garden every Friday, beginning in September. She said, she’s still figuring out the appropriate dinner to pair with the movies, though leaning toward pizza.

To learn more about the Dinner Under the Stars events and book seats, head to thecasinosanclemente.com. SC

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F

or all the influence and impact that classic movies have on pop culture, there’s also one unfortunate aspect that needs to be acknowledged. It feels like for every great, acclaimed film released, there are dozens of lesser-quality knockoffs of the movie. For horror, this definitely is the case with Tobe Hooper’s cult classic slasher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). Teddy Grennan’s new indie horror flick Ravage—playing drive-ins and on VOD—is no exception to the accusation. Not even bothering to be subtle about the distinct style over substance going on in the feature, Ravage has the bare minimum of plot, but with what appears to at least be self-awareness in its flashy direction.

Like most cliché slasher movies, Ravage begins with an innocent young blonde, this one a nature photographer named Harper (Annabelle Dexter-Jones), who secretly sees something she shouldn’t have while on a photo assignment into a local forest. When she goes to the police to report what she believes was torture, she’s quickly kidnapped by the perpetrators and is now on her own to escape their clutches deep in a barn in the middle of the wilderness.

Grennan’s new feature was originally titled Swing Low, and would be a reference to the traditional gospel-folk song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” which appears remixed on the soundtrack for a certain scene. Jacques Brautber’s music score in general is one of the more intriguing elements of the new movie, but the new title of Ravage is more aptly used because of its basic gore sequences throughout the film. Dexter-Jones, who has been in her share of schlocky B-movie horror films such as Jordan Galland’s Ava’s Possessions (2015) and Tara Subkoff’s #Horror (2016), is right at home as the protagonist who must carry essentially every scene. Film legend Bruce Dern even makes an appearance as the only big name in the cast. Ravage doesn’t really bring anything new to the horror/slasher genres, but it does have enough for fans of this type of movie. SC sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

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sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY BASKETBALL MEMORY

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

What a Guy! Two San Clementes Bid Him Farewell

H

ow does one become a proud resident of two beach towns known as San Clemente, 4,000 miles apart?

Heinz Neidl took a circuitous route.

He is one of the most memorable characters I’ve known. I’ll share his story this week. Both San Clementes lost him, on Aug. 5, to the coronavirus.

Born in Germany in 1936, Heinz emigrated to Canada in 1957, ran out of money during an adventuresome 1960 trip through the United States, Mexico and Central America and wound up in Los Angeles, working for Continental Airlines as a chef.

In 1961, at a church social, he met a young lady from Ecuador. They would marry in December 1962. Heinz and Maria raised three children for 13 years in California, then decided to seek a slower pace of life.

They moved to Ecuador, near Maria’s family, operating a restaurant and a catering service.

One of their favorite COASTLINES places, which they’d disBy Fred Swegles covered during a 1964 visit, was a tiny fishing village a few miles south of the equator: San Clemente.

While residing high in the Andes in 1975, the Neidls would take sons Mark, Andrew and Matthew to the tropical beach at San Clemente. In 1977, they built a modest wooden house on the beach.

TALE OF TWO TOWNS

Maria’s sister, Beatriz, was in California.

She married an American, William Curt.

In 1968, they settled in California’s San Clemente. The Neidls would visit them.

Mark Neidl grew to like our San Clemente so much that he and wife Isabel made it their home in 1984. Heinz and Maria reapplied for U.S. residency so they could enjoy extended stays and Heinz could play grandpa to Alex and Zach.

After Heinz lost his wife, Maria, to cancer in 2006, he became a long-term resident of both San Clementes with newly earned U.S. citizenship.

Now “they can call me Gringo in Ecuador!” he joked.

A REPORTER’S DELIGHT

In 2007, I wrote in the San Clemente Sun Post News about five San Clementes I’d visited — Spain, Italy, Argentina, Ecuador and the Philippines. A reader reached out to me, informing he was San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

Heinz Neidl, seated (center), socializes with friend Richard Cannon (standing at left), friend Narciza (seated at left) and Torsten Maier, proprietor of a local restaurant in San Clemente, Ecuador. Photo: Fred Swegles

a man of two San Clementes. I was stunned.

With an interview, I introduced Heinz to readers here. He’d need no introduction in his other San Clemente, a town of 2,000 where pretty much everyone knew everyone.

I informed readers, in a follow-up column, how I had discovered Ecuador’s San Clemente during six months exploring Central and South America in 1974.

Heinz and I swapped stories about the town. He urged me to revisit. I did, in 2012. The result was my third story about Heinz and how this other San Clemente had evolved, still a tiny village.

SMALL WORLD

Imagine my surprise, meeting Heinz’s next-door neighbor there. Richard Cannon was a childhood friend I hadn’t seen since he and I attended grades 7-8 together at Concordia School in 1961-62.

Richard had then moved away.

After a career in Hollywood, producing TV commercials, he scouted Latin America for pleasant, slow-paced, inexpensive places to retire. He picked sleepy San Clemente.

ANOTHER SURPRISE

Imagine my surprise, learning that Heinz’s original beach house in San Clemente, Ecuador had washed away in 1983—swallowed by an El Niño storm— same year California’s San Clemente lost its pier to an El Niño storm.

Heinz rebuilt about 100 yards inland, He continued to reside there until his passing. In a Facebook post, Richard Cannon disclosed that he had found his best friend, Heinz, at home, unconscious, barely breathing.

FINAL DAYS

had suffered a stroke and tested positive for COVID. He had many health issues that made it difficult for his body to fight the virus or wake up.

“He was a wonderful grandpa, father, husband, brother and friend. He was very loved and will be missed.”

Faithful friend Richard, who has tested negative, wrote this: “Life in San Clemente won’t be the same without him . . . many here will miss him . . . he was quite a character.”

WHAT A LIFE

I reviewed my previous articles about Heinz and a slideshow biography that grandson Zach had compiled several years ago as a Boy Scout project.

I realized that Heinz, as a young boy, had survived World War II in Germany.

At war’s end, he was 9, food was scarce, and he fondly remembered an American soldier’s kindness, handing him a donut.

Heinz completed basic schooling, did a three-year apprenticeship at brewing beer and served two years in Germany’s Navy, Rhine River patrol. In 1957, he applied for immigration to Canada, working in the food service industry, then in 1960 embarked on an international adventure with two friends.

EPILOGUE

“Once at the hospital, he was put on a ventilator,” Isabel Neidl informed me. “He

In 2012, Heinz introduced me to local beers at his watering hole in South America’s San Clemente, so when San Clemente’s Left Coast Brewing Co. opened a tasting room, I eagerly took Heinz there to sample a dozen brews.

Heinz took Left Coast souvenirs back to Ecuador’s San Clemente to share with other expatriates at the watering hole where they met daily.

I will miss Heinz, his good cheer and his sense of humor.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with five decades of reporting

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Things came full circle, one evening eight years ago, when Heinz invited me to join him in the stands at San Clemente High to watch his grandson, Alex, play basketball.

An unforgettable moment.

Here’s what I wrote in the Sun Post News: At San Clemente High School, they call him “Train.”

As in “A-Train.” As in “Alex.”

For four years, Alex Neidl, who has grown up with cerebral palsy, has been student manager of the varsity basketball team, asking each year if he could step off the bench and try out for the team.

“He’s got some deficits,” said the Tritons’ coach, Marc Popovich.

“None of those things ever stop him.

He’s got such a great spirit. He’s just so much fun to be around.”

On Thursday night, in the varsity team’s final game of Neidl’s senior year, he was in the starting lineup against Dana Hills High in San Clemente High’s gym. When his name was announced, the floor shook with the crowd’s thunderous applause.

The tipoff went to the Tritons.

The ball went to Neidl, then into the hoop. The gym erupted.

“TRAIIIIIN!” The ovation continued after Dana Hills scored (uncontested) to tie the game. San Clemente High called timeout, and Neidl returned to his role on the bench as team manager.

“Awesome,” Neidl said.

“It was pure joy,” his father, Mark Neidl, said up in the stands.

“I couldn’t contain myself. I had a couple of tears coming down my eye.

I never thought this day would come, and thanks to the whole staff, to San Clemente and to everyone here.

We’re extremely grateful and very proud.”

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

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Chevron SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

his handsome guy is Chevron, a 1 ½-year-old Siberian Husky mix looking for an adventuring buddy. Chevron loves to be active. Whether it’s going on a long hike or playing in the doggie pool, he is always ready for some fun and exercise.

Chevron enjoys making friends with new people and dogs and would love an adopter who is up for anything.

If you are interested in adopting Chevron, please visit petprojectfoundation.org. to complete a form, and you will be contacted

Chevron. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

about making an interaction appointment.

SC

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:

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES This poster was used to announce the Grand Opening of Casino San Clemente in the summer of 1937. The restaurant in the building at the time was called The Yacht Club.

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

San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

Page 13

See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

LO C ALS O NLY

SC

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

DENTISTS Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, suite B, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com Braker Electric 949-291-5812 Lic# 719056 Insured

MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, danmans.com

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

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

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.

Contact Lauralyn at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE—AUGUST 15 Start time is 7 a.m. Collectibles, jewelry and plants as well as house hold items will be for sale.

1024 Las Posas, San Clemente.

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

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

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PART TIME CAMPAIGN LIAISON NEEDED Part Time / WORK FROM HOME - flexible schedule. $13 - $17 an hour (depending on experience). Work eligible high school and college students welcome! Contact Paloma Chacon: 949.312.2944 or Paloma@ MaryottForCongress.com

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San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

CUSD to Begin Conditioning Camps on Aug. 18 Once again, another new timeline has been established for a return to some semblance of organized athletic activities for high school sports teams.

Following the California Department of Public Health’s latest guidelines on Aug. 3 that allowed the resumption of youth sports training, the Capistrano Unified School District announced on Friday, Aug. 7, that it would return to its plan for Phase 1 Conditioning Camps starting on Aug. 18, the first day of instruction for San Clemente High School.

“CDPH and Orange County are allowing youth sports training and conditioning under specific circumstances,” the CUSD release said. “Using plans developed for our original July 6 return date, site athletic directors, with District staff, will work to develop a conditioning plan that appropriately adheres to the most up-to-date health and safety guidance.”

High school sports have been completely shut down since mid-March, and while Orange County had released guidance on June 15 that said youth sports practices were allowed to resume, CUSD had held off. CUSD later announced that it would open conditioning camps in a limited Phase 1 on July 6, but those plans were subsequently canceled just days before the camps were to open. On July 8, the state restated a full shutdown of youth sports until further guidance was provided on Aug. 3.

The CIF State’s and CIF-SS’ revised schedules announced on July 20 have still pushed back full practices and the start of game schedules to December, but with CUSD’s latest announcement, coaches and players seem to be set for a return to valuable in-person training, which will be a welcome change for many after months of distanced and San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

Capistrano Unified School District athletic teams will finally get a chance to return to organized activities on Aug. 18, when schools can open Phase 1 conditioning camps. School athletics have been shut down since mid-March. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

disconnected video chats.

While further details will be worked out with individual athletic directors and coaches, CUSD’s release provided several regulations that schools will

follow.

These camps will still be limited to conditioning exercises and individual skill drills. No equipment will be used during the Phase 1 workouts, and no

full-on camps, competitions or games are permitted.

These conditioning workouts will only be conducted outdoors with no use of gymnasiums, indoor weight room facilities or any other team rooms. With proper 6-foot distancing in place, there will be limits of only 50 total participants on a full football field and 20 total participants on baseball and softball fields or the pool deck.

Those totals will be made up of smaller groups. No spectators of any kind, including parents, other students or media, will be permitted at the athletic facilities.

A point of emphasis on the release stated that participation during the online learning or hybrid model of instruction is voluntary for all studentathletes. Those who did wish to participate would need a physical and submit their online athletic clearance.

Face coverings are mandatory when arriving or exiting the facilities.

Athletes will arrive in small groups at assigned times, which will be staggered by 15 minutes to allow physical distancing. Upon arrival each day, all athletes and coaches will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. With each arrival and exit, coaches and athletes will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

It’s not normal or extensive, but athletic activities are returning to San Clemente High School.

Allard Shines Against Angels in Second Start San Clemente High School alumnus Kolby Allard got a chance to showcase his talents for his hometown fans watching on TV in Southern California when he pitched against his hometown team on Saturday, Aug. 8.

As the Texas Rangers welcomed the visiting Angels, Allard tossed five strong innings, allowing no runs on two hits with six strikeouts, including two strikeouts each of Angels stars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Allard threw 94 pitches, 62 for strikes. Allard took a no-decision for the second time in two outings, but the Rangers took the win, 2-0.

The game was full of South Orange County flair—and particularly Coast View Conference flair—as Allard, a 2015 Triton graduate, opposed Angels starter Patrick Sandoval, a 2015 Mission Viejo High School graduate. Allard was also backed up by left fielder Rob Refsnyder, a 2009 Laguna Hills High School graduate. SC Page 15

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 20FL000512 To All Interested Persons: Orla Marie Murphy filing on behalf of Lily Ray Nicole Parker, minor, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Lily Ray Nicole Parker PROPOSED NAME A. Lily Ray Nicole Fortner The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 09/25/2020 Time: 08:00 a.m. Dept.: W10.

The address of the court is Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: June 15, 2020 JUDGE LON F. HURWITZ, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 13, 20, 27, September 3, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Anne Tammel, an individual Does 1 to 100, Inclusive, ROES 1 to 100, Inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Arthur G. Newton, an Individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Vanessa Aidan Bonkoski B. Aidan Elizabeth Bonkoski PROPOSED NAME A. Vanessa Aidan Lindsay B. Aidan Elizabeth Lindsay

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 09/02/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: C59 Window: The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: June 26, 2020 JUDGE LON F. HURWITZ, Judge of the Superior Court Published: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES August 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta.

Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 30-2019-01116581-CL-BC_CJC Judge Corey S. Cramin The name and address of the court is: (El Nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Orange 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff ’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del obogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Arthur G Newton, Law Office of Arthur G Newton 1502 North Broadway, (714) 560-8300 Santa Ana, CA 92706 DATE: (Fecha) 12-10-2019 David H. Yamasaki, Clerk of the Court, by (Secretario) Jessica Edwards, Deputy Clerk(Adjunto) Published: San Clemente Times August 13, 20, 27, September 3, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01150990 To All Interested Persons: Justen Time Maltinsky; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Justen Time Maltinsky PROPOSED NAME A. Justen Time The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 09/15/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: July 24, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE

Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 20FL000456 To All Interested Persons: Vanessa Aidan Bonkoski and Vanessa Aidan Bonkoski on behalf of Aidan Elizabeth Bonskoski, a minor, filed a petition with Page 16

Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01148355 To All Interested Persons: Leilani Marin Wai; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing

names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Leilani Marin Wai PROPOSED NAME A. Leilani Nishihira Jackson The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 09/02/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: July 14, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NO. 20FL000462 To All Interested Persons: GARY FORTE AND KELLY FORTE on behalf of LINCOLN PIERCE FORTE, a minor, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Lincoln Pierce Forte PROPOSED NAME A. Lincoln Ambrose Forte The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING DATE: 08/25/2020 TIME: 08:30 a.m. DEPT.: C59.

The address of the court is CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER, 700 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, SANTA ANA, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES Date: June 24, 2020 JUDGE Lon. F. Hurwitz, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 2020

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San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

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SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Pro Surfing Returns to California

San Clemente’s Filipe Toledo and Coco Ho win the WSL’s Rumble at the Ranch

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t had been more than six months since any form of live professional surfing had taken place, but it made its return last weekend with the Rumble at the Ranch.

Featuring a unique mixed doubles team format showcasing some of the WSL Championship Tour’s top surfers—and good number of them from our sweet little South Orange County bubble—it was San Clemente’s Filipe Toledo and teammate Coco Ho taking the win at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore.

Over the years, Toledo, who relocated his family from Brazil to San Clemente to be closer to Trestles and the surf industry, has asserted himself as the premier smallwave surfer in the world.

Nobody goes faster and higher than he does, and if you’ve seen him out at T-Street training over the past few months, you know what I’m talking about. He’s also one of the best surfers at the mechanical wonder that is the Surf Ranch.

The lineup for the event was stacked.

Local heroes Kolohe Andino and Griffin Colapinto were among the headliners, as were San Clemente transplants Caroline

In the return of live professional surfing, it was San Clemente’s Filipe Toledo and Hawaii’s Coco Ho who teamed up for the win at the Rumble at the Ranch in Lemoore, California. Photos: Courtesy of WSL

Marks and Adriano de Souza—and, of course, Toledo.

Kelly Slater, the 11-time World Champ who helped mastermind the Central California wave pool, continued to show the world that he’s as relevant as ever—even if he was on an NSSA National team with Jim Pinkerton, father of rising San Clemente star Kirra Pinkerton, way back in 1986.

Kirra Pinkerton and Encinitas’s Alyssa Spencer also got invites to the event and were the youngest to dip a toe in the pool.

There was clearly some rust among the surfers, and many of them stumbled on their opening rides. It wasn’t until the final that Toledo was able to actually complete a ride on the right, and when he did, it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Lofting two alley-oops on his final right of the day, he threw down a 9.67 for the best score of the entire event.

“My last chance, my last wave, and I

did it,” said Toledo. “And I have to thank Coco; she was amazing!”

Ho, whose performance all day was rock-solid, chipped in a 6.57 to give her team a 16.24 total to take the win.

Last month, the Ho family suffered the loss of 1993 World Champion Derek Ho. At 55 years old, he was coming off another epic winter on the North Shore when he suffered a heart attack. He was the first Hawaiian World Champion and nephew to musical entertainer Don Ho. Before competition got underway at the Surf Ranch, a tribute was held in Derek’s honor.

“It was surreal to watch that beautiful empty left and imagine and celebrate Uncle Derek; it was awesome,” said Ho after winning the event. “I’m very thankful to everyone for making it happen.”

Because it was a charity event, $10,000 was donated to the Surfrider Foundation in the names of Toledo and Ho.

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

ZION WALLA

Water Temperature: 67-69 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-14‘

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

lways up for rad, ocean adventures, the Wallas are a true, blue San Clemente family, comprising bigwave surfers, divers and fishermen. This summer, the family’s been out plying the high seas for fish as we wait idly through these swell-less doldrums. And true to his waterman roots, young Zion has been crushing it with the spear.

While sister Eden keeps the vibes right at the helm of the family boat, Zion and his father, Jon, have been going deep in search of dinner—and they’ve been scoring some great fish.

When he’s not putting food on the table, Zion’s a star student at Las Palmas Elementary School, where he’s getting his San Clemente Times August 13-19, 2020

The Rumble at the Ranch was the first installment of what’s been dubbed the WSL Countdown Series. For fans of pro surfing who just can’t wait for its return, there will be a handful of other specialty events around the world during the rest of the year.

Because international travel is restricted at the moment, only athletes from each specific region are being invited to participate. There are a pair of events scheduled for Australia this fall, as well as a couple of contests on tap for France and Portugal.

After a series of sweeping changes to the Championship Tour and Qualifying Series, because of prior permitting commitments, the WSL is looking to kick off its 2021 season in Hawaii in November and December.

We’re still a long way from anything that looks like “normal” pro surfing, but the Rumble at the Ranch was a positive step in the right direction.

It’s not as if they could have held it at Lowers, even if it had been allowed, as the ocean’s been flat here for weeks. The Surf Ranch offered a world-class wave (on demand, no less) in a controlled environment that was safe for both the surfers and the fans.

Eventually, we’ll get back to the business of crowning world champs and cheering for our favorite surfers, but I don’t have to tell you that 2020’s been kind of weird.

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 the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, 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

Thursday: Easing mix of South/southwest swell and smaller South/southeast tropical swell with waist-stomach-shoulder high surf, (2-3-4’). Light/ variable early morning winds, rise to a 6-10kt west sea breeze in the afternoon.

Zion Walla. Photo: Courtesy of Positive Vibe Warriors

Spanish wired.

Zion first popped up on the radar at the Gudauskas brothers’ annual Stoke-O-Rama contests over the past couple of years.

For some reason, the swell always seems to pump for the event, and he just can’t get

enough of the juice.

It’s epic to see a grom so absolutely in love with the ocean, comfortable in big waves or deep dives. It’s a passion that fuels great dreams and even greater adventures. Go get ’em, Zion! SC

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Outlook: Blend of southerly swell fades as small Northwest swell joins in on Friday for waist-stomach high waves, (2-3’+). Light winds Friday morning, light+ afternoon onshores. Fresh Southeast swell moves in Saturday, maintaining waist-stomach high surf, (2-3’+), then Sunday’s waves rise to waist-chest high (3-4’). Light morning winds will be followed by moderate afternoon onshores this weekend, from the west on Saturday then southerly for Sunday.

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San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

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San Clemente Times August 13–19, 2020

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