August 19, 2021

AUGUST 19-25, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 33

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE:

Swegles: Animal Shelter’s 38-Year Evolution SC LIVING/PAGE 12

Pandemic Continues as Delta Variant Emerges EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Class in Session

School Staff, Students Return to Campus as Pandemic Persists E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

Moms Julie Smith (far right) and Kristen Lipton accompany their kids—Cameron Smith, 6 (center), Olivia Lipton, 6 (far left), and Everett Lipton, 4—to their first day of school on Aug. 17. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

Wildlife Department Sees Increase in Reports of Coyote Encounters

SCHS Girls Volleyball Kicks Off Season with Wild Win

Local Surf Contests Keep Everyone Stoked

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

SPORTS/PAGE 21

SURF/PAGE 22

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

School Staff, Students Return to Campus as Pandemic Persists

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

School campuses are full of life again as kids and educators return to classrooms in-person for a full, five-day-a-week schedule. Kids listen while in their seats, hang out during lunch breaks, and walk around on campus with backpacks in tow.

The start of the 2021-22 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 17, seemed like a normal time—except for the masks everyone was still wearing while indoors.

The first day of school for Capistrano Unified School District marked some sort of a return to normalcy, though mask requirements were a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic continues—and has arguably worsened in some respects as a direct result of the Delta variant and subsequent rise in case numbers.

CUSD is prepared, though, and it is following guidelines set forth by the

Pandemic Continues as Delta Variant Emerges

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Similar to the rest of the country and the world, South Orange County is again seeing a wave of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant.

In the words of Dr. Mark Schafer, CEO of MemorialCare Medical Foundation, the Delta variant seems to be the current main strain and is much more infectious than previous strains.

The grim situation marks a departure from how conditions were on June 15, when the state’s economy reopened and people celebrated what seemed then like a positive turnaround in the pandemic due to then-low case numbers.

“These patients that are getting admitted, the vast majority are unvaccinated,” Schafer said.

MemorialCare doesn’t specifically test patients for the Delta variant, but public health departments are able to, he said.

The recent rise in case numbers has been San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

California Department of Public Health, which mandates masks for students and adults in indoor settings. Masks can be removed if people are outdoors, though some still opt to keep them on.

CUSD has a safety plan in place—protocols that include sending students home if they show symptoms, limiting visitor access to campuses, and reminding students about frequent hand washing through signs posted throughout campus.

Physical distancing is no longer required on campuses. The in-person return to campus marks a change from the previous school year, when students either had to learn entirely online or through a hybrid model that mixed in-person instruction with virtual education.

“In support of a strong academic and social emotional learning environment for the 2021-22 school year, and because of state and federal COVID funds, we have hired over 300 more teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists, counselors, and classified staff this summer,” Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte said in a message to families before the start of the new school year.

“We have also worked to reduce class sizes, increase electives, bring credentialed physical education teachers to elementary

students, purchase 35,000 new Chromebooks, and continue a strong investment in professional development for our certificated and classified staff,” she continued.

The state is requiring all teachers to be vaccinated or undergo regular testing. The district’s plan for students not wearing masks is for administrators to initially emphasize the importance of wearing one. A disposable mask will be provided if a student does not have a mask, according to CUSD’s safety plan.

“Students who refuse to wear a mask indoors will be marked unexcused and sent home for the remainder of the day,” according to the safety plan guidelines.

Elementary and middle school students will receive three warnings if they do not wear masks and then will be provided an alternative placement to Capistrano Virtual K-8. The three-warning system is the same for high school students, except they will be placed on a behavior contract for an alternative program afterward.

Masks have been a controversial topic, with some parents denouncing them on the grounds of limiting students’ capacity for self-expression and alleged detrimental health effects. Medical experts and other parents, however, say masks limit the spread of COVID-19 and are not harmful to students.

over the past three to four weeks, according to Schafer.

MemorialCare has administered more than 200,000 vaccines so far, and vaccination reduces the chances of being hospitalized, Schafer said.

Regarding vaccine hesitancy, Schafer said it is important to educate people about the safety and benefits of vaccines. MemorialCare has distributed videos and other information explaining vaccines, and it has clinics and online appointments available if people have not already received doses.

“We encourage people to get vaccinated,” Schafer said.

Indoor gatherings without masks can increase spread of the virus, he said. Largescale, in-person gatherings have gradually returned in South Orange County, often without masks or social distancing.

Dr. Clayton Chau, the county health officer and director of the OC Health Care Agency, said officials know that the Delta variant is responsible for many of the increases in Orange County. The agency provided comments that Chau made during a media availability on Friday, Aug. 13, after an interview request.

“Fully vaccinated people are much less likely to become infected with COVID-19

and the Delta variant,” Chau said. “We know there are breakthrough cases, but they are likely to have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.”

Chau recommended getting tested if exposed or experiencing symptoms, continuing to wear masks in public places, avoiding crowds, and maintaining physical distancing.

Masks are required indoors on California school campuses, inside the Orange County Superior Courthouse in Santa Ana, and in indoor settings at Disneyland. However, there are no countywide mask or vaccination mandates. Whether people wear masks in some places in Orange County is up to the individual.

Vaccinations or regular testing is now required of all public and private K-12 school employees in California due to the surging Delta variant. Health care workers in the state must also be fully vaccinated.

“Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 10, the seven-day average case rate jumped from 14.8 to 19.4 per 100,000 people, with the average number of daily COVID-19 cases rising from 477 to 627,” OC Health Care Agency said in a news release on Aug. 12.

The positivity rate also increased from 7.2% to 8.3%, hospitalizations from 375

to 495, and ICU admissions from 68 to 91, the agency reported.

Close to 22 million people in California—64.6% of the state’s population—are fully vaccinated. In Orange County as of Aug. 12, the number of fully vaccinated people is close to 2 million. Orange County’s total estimated population is more than 3 million.

As of Wednesday morning, Aug. 18, 668 daily COVID-19 cases in Orange County had been reported, including three deaths.

There were 275,632 cumulative cases and 5,161 cumulative deaths. There were 549 hospitalizations—126 of those in the ICU. Cumulative recoveries are at 255,698.

On a city level, San Clemente had 3,541 cumulative cases; Dana Point, 1,779 cases; San Juan Capistrano, 3,049 cases; and Rancho Mission Viejo, 408 cases.

San Clemente has had 40 cumulative coronavirus-related deaths; Dana Point, 33 deaths; San Juan Capistrano, 74 deaths; and Rancho Mission Viejo, fewer than 5 deaths. Because Rancho Mission Viejo is unincorporated land with fewer than 25,000 residents, the exact death total will not be reported until it reaches five.

Visit othena.com or call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 714.834.2000 to find a vaccine location.

The Vista Del Mar Leadership Team greets a student entering the middle school campus for the first day of classes after summer break on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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EYE ON SC

Wildlife Department Sees Increase in Reports of Coyote Encounters

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

It was around 7:45 p.m., just before sunset, when Kim Myers on this early August evening was spending time at her San Clemente home with her son and his girlfriend.

From inside the house, they could see Myers’ 12-week-old Yellow Labrador, Kiki, sitting by the pool.

Within seconds of the new pup getting up to walk to a different part of the backyard, Myers and her company heard Kiki “screaming bloody murder.” Startled, the three ran out to the backyard to inspect the situation.

“We come flying around the corner and we start screaming,” Myers recalls, adding: “I thought maybe an owl got (Kiki), because a coyote didn’t even occur to me, and then I saw this big bushy tail hop the fence.”

A coyote had preyed on Kiki, ensnarling her head in its mouth. Fortunately, for the puppy, Myers, her son and his girlfriend were able to scare off the predator, which had hopped over Myers’ 5-foot fence, before it could make off with Kiki as its meal.

Kiki, Myers says, “was just covered in blood” and began to cower underneath some pipes in her backyard.

“I bent down to get her, and she was on her back looking at me, batting at me, thinking I was the coyote still,” she says. “I have never seen an animal that terrified in my life.”

Myers says she took Kiki to a nearby animal hospital, where she was treated for three puncture wounds—one to the back of her neck, another on the left ear and one more near her lower jaw.

Kiki, Myers adds, is doing great now, but until she’s big enough, is being escorted outside 100% of the time.

Following the attack, Myers reported the incident to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“I know that we have coyotes here, and I’m fine with coyotes, but they’re getting more aggressive and numerous,” Myers says, expressing a concern for neighborhood children who also can be susceptible to attacks.

Calls from concerned residents such as Myers, who have reported coyote sightings and encounters to the state’s wildlife department, are on the rise in the city and across the county.

Kent Smirl, the Wildlife Watch coordinator for the department, told San Clemente Times this week that the state agency has seen an increase in reports. That rise, he says, is attributed to four main factors.

“There’re four different areas or causes—that we call the Big Four—of why people are seeing coyotes. First is an San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Calls from concerned residents who have reported coyote sightings and encounters to the state’s wildlife department are on the rise in the city and across the county. Photo: Courtesy of Thomas Shockey/Pexels

increased access to food,” Smirl explains, listing left-out pet food, birdseed, compost, trash, and fallen fruits as examples.

Access to water, he continues, is another major factor, as coyotes will seek out water supplies at man-made ponds, lakes and flood channels. In neighborhoods and communities, coyotes will find pools and water dishes for pets.

This factor most noticeably plays a role during the summertime and periods of drought—much like the one California is currently experiencing.

“During the summer months, there’s a decrease in water and that will bring animals down for water,” Smirl says, adding: “They’re going to be constantly looking for water, so when water is available to them, so like a pond or a pool … they’re going to take a chance and go for it.”

The third cause, he says, is overgrown vegetation—where coyotes are known to hide and stake out prey including small pets such as cats and puppies, like Kiki.

The fourth cause: an overall increased exposure to humans.

That exposure to humans stems from habituating or urbanizing coyotes by feeding them food and water.

“Coyotes are very opportunistic,” Smirl says, explaining that leaving out food “can happen unintentionally or intentionally. In some cities, some people are feeding coyotes. When that happens, it creates habituation. When that happens, it reduces fear of humans.”

Smirl says that while people think they’re doing a good thing by feeding the coyotes and other wildlife, it’s actually considered harassment of animals—a violation of state law. Doing so changes the coyote’s natural behavior, as it loses its fear of humans and becomes dependent on people for food.

Kim Cholodenko is the general manager for the Coastal Animal Services Authority, which oversees the Dana Point/ San Clemente Animal Shelter and also receives resident reports of coyote encounters. She calls the behavior of purposely feeding coyotes “problematic behavior.”

“I’m assuming the far and few do feed wildlife, which is not good for anyone; it’s not good for the wildlife and for the residents,” she says. “It’s just a very problematic behavior that needs to stop, and we do have municipal codes that address the feeding of wildlife—it’s illegal.”

While there’s been a rise in reports, Smirl stresses that it doesn’t necessarily point to an actual increase in the coyote population, as that has yet to be determined.

“The interactions have definitely gone up, and one of the reasons they’ve gone up (is) there’s more reporting now due to our method of reporting,” Smirl says, referring to the internet and social media.

Cholodenko echoed Smirl’s point, noting that not enough data has been collected to show whether the local coyote population has definitively risen or fallen.

According to Cholodenko, the agency began logging calls from residents in Dana Point and San Clemente about coyote encounters in July 2020. In the second half of 2020, the shelter received a dozen reports. For 2021, so far, there has also been a total of 12 reports.

“So, what does that mean? I don’t think it’s a good indicator of where we’re seeing more coyotes or not,” she says. “I think with us just starting the reporting, the history isn’t there to give us a good indication.”

Of the two dozen total reports received since a summer ago, the majority of the calls have come from residents in San Clemente—which isn’t that unusual, considering the town’s population is roughly twice that of Dana Point, Cholodenko is quick to point out.

And among the reports, she says, some showed details of concerning coyote behavior. Most of the reports received don’t rise to levels of concerning or unusual behavior.

Such behavior, she describes, would be aggressiveness, including “approaching a person in an aggressive manner or following a person at all—that’s typically not wildlife behavior. We had multiple coyotes enter a backyard and killed the Page 4

dog; that’s very concerning behavior.”

Looking at the 12 reports collected so far this year, Cholodenko notes that three of them involved an attack on another animal, similar to what Myers described with Kiki. However, Cholodenko emphasizes, that doesn’t mean there have only been three attacks, but rather those are the ones that have been reported to the shelter.

To mitigate coyote encounters and provide cities with more data, the Fish and Wildlife Department has an initiative called Wildlife Watch—a program launched in 2015 that encourages municipalities, local leaders and community groups to develop a Wildlife Management Plan.

Modeled after the National Neighborhood Watch program, Wildlife Watch is meant to limit human-wildlife conflicts in urban areas through collaboration between local law enforcement, city agencies and residents.

“It basically provides information for the residents and gives them guidance on how to handle a coyote in their neighborhoods, what to look for (and) how to limit the encounters,” Cholodenko explains.

Smirl adds that cities and resident groups interested in participating in Wildlife Watch require training, referred to as conservation coaching, to better understand animal behavior, among other things.

“When people go through the training for Wildlife Watch, they become conservation coaches, someone who is experienced and teaches others how to respect and be stewards of wildlife,” Smirl says.

The wildlife department and animal services have worked with the city to develop a Wildlife Management Plan for coyotes. Cholodenko says the plan, which she drafted with the help of other local cities including Costa Mesa, will hopefully be adopted by the city council.

As of press time, City Manager Erik Sund had not given an official comment related to the coyote reports and the management plan.

Cholodenko further explains that included in the proposed plan is a reporting system that differentiates the types of coyote encounters among three levels—green, yellow and red—based on the animal’s behavior.

Hearing or seeing a coyote would be classified under green, while an incident involving a loss of a pet would be placed under yellow. Reports in which an individual is attacked by a coyote would be considered a red level.

“It’s basically a plan that’s put in place where a community plays a large role,” she says. “It’s educating the residents and has worked really well in other cities, and I think it’s a matter of giving information to the public and letting them know, providing them with the tools that are needed to try to minimize those encounters and hopefully keep the animals and the people safe.” sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Council Votes to End Local COVID Emergency

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO , SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A council majority voted on Tuesday, Aug. 17, to rescind the city’s coronavirus emergency declaration that had been enacted exactly 17 months ago—on March 17, 2020.

In a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Kathy Ward and Councilmember Chris Duncan opposed, the council approved a resolution officially putting an end to the local emergency proclamation.

The decision comes about two months after the state on June 15 lifted several of its pandemic-related restrictions and reopened the economy. The move also follows the nationwide rise in new COVID-19 cases because of the more contagious Delta variant.

“There is always going to be a different

Judge Dismisses City’s Lawsuit Against TCA

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO , SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A Riverside County judge will dismiss the city of San Clemente’s lawsuit against the Transportation Corridor Agencies after finding that the city’s objections to the previously proposed and abandoned 241 Toll Road extensions were moot.

With such proposals to extend the 241 through the town no longer under consideration by the TCA, the court tentatively ruled that the city couldn’t provide evidence showing that the toll road operators would complete the thoroughfare’s southern alignment via San Clemente.

“The city provides no evidence to suggest that (the Foothill/Eastern TCA) may entertain a further southern extension of SR-241 that would traverse the City of San Clemente,” the tentative ruling stated, which added that the city’s motion “is now moot in light of F/ETCA’s abandonment of any alternative that provides for an extension of SR-241.”

In a word, the court’s ruling was “disappointing,” said City Attorney Scott Smith, who added on Aug. 12, that he intended to go over next steps with the city council during its meeting this week.

As of press time, Smith was not immediately available to provide an update on the council’s next actions.

In a prepared statement from the TCA, CEO Samuel Johnson said that the agenSan Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

variant on the horizon,” Mayor Pro Tem Gene James stated on Tuesday night, before also pushing back on those downplaying the death rate of COVID-19. “This virus has long-standing—long-standing— applications to your life; it attacks your lungs, it attacks your heart, so we do have to be careful … there are serious effects.”

Explaining his support for ending the local emergency, James said it was time for the city to “come together, and understand that we need to have some sort of normalcy in our life while taking precaution.”

According to City Manager Erik Sund, the city is already fully operational at its sites. While that does include city hall, he explained that he’s maintained appointment-only visits out of an abundance of caution for his staff.

When James asked Sund whether ending the emergency declaration would fully open city hall, the city manager expressed concern for city employees, about 13 of whom are currently in quarantine because they’ve either tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to it.

“By opening up the doors, my only want would be to control the numbers coming into city hall so that we don’t have a large group gathering,” he said, adding: “We’re a little bit (short-staffed), so having a large crowd could create some frustration, because there’s not enough staff there to assist them.”

Councilmember Laura Ferguson, a staunch advocate for reopening and ending the local emergency, said city hall needs to reopen, stating that plexi-glass could be used to separate staff from residents.

“You said tons of people coming in there—it’s not going to happen,” Ferguson said, while claiming San Clemente’s COVID-19 case numbers have been low and that other city halls in nearby towns are fully open. “I don’t’ know what you’re afraid of.”

Sund quickly fired back, stating that he wasn’t afraid of anything.

“I appreciate what the other cities are doing, but my responsibility is San Clemente,” he said.

Continuing to argue against the need for an emergency proclamation, Ferguson explained that “a local emergency is declared because you’re in a state of peril or a state of disaster; that’s simply put, and we’re simply not experiencing that here in San Clemente.”

According to the county health office’s latest data on Wednesday morning, Aug. 18, San Clemente’s cumulative case total was 3,541, including 40 total deaths.

Countywide, the cumulative case total has reached 276,632, with the death toll at 5,161.

During the debate, Ward proposed that the council again table a decision on dropping the emergency order, just as it had done last month. That motion died in a 3-2 vote, with only Ward and Duncan supporting it.

Afterward, James proposed that the council approve the resolution to end the declaration, which simultaneously maintained that Sund would be the city’s director of emergency services. That motion received the 3-2 vote, passing the resolution.

cies’ Foothill/Eastern arm was confident the court would rule in its favor. He went on to also state that the TCA worked to find “common ground” with the city.

“We tried working with the city to find common ground and obtain an out-ofcourt solution that would save time and San Clemente taxpayer dollars,” Johnson said. “We tried to make putting the concluded study in the rearview mirror a win-win for both the F/ETCA and San Clemente, but they weren’t interested, and now the courts have told them they were wrong to pursue the litigation.”

By dismissing the case, the judge is also ruling against the city’s challenge to the ongoing collection of development impact fees (DIFs), which local developers pay to the city and are remitted to the TCA. The court ruled that because the developers are the parties who pay the fees, and not the city, the city lacked the standing to bring forth the challenge.

For the past several months, the city, which is no longer a member on either of the TCA’s governing boards, has questioned the DIFs, arguing that San Clemente’s residents haven’t benefited from a toll road because the TCA never completed its southern alignment.

Since 2017, the city had sought a determination from the court that the TCA and the state transportation department were barred from ever extending the 241 through San Clemente based on its interpretation of statutes in California’s Streets & Highways Code.

However, in her ruling following a July

30 court hearing, Judge Sunshine Sykes found that the city’s motion for relief was “based upon a future event that might never occur” and “a hypothetical state of facts.”

“At the time that the City asserted its cause of action for declaratory relief, an expansion of SR-241 through the City of San Clemente was merely one of many possible routes under consideration,” the ruling stated. “There had been no environmental studies, no approval of any project—let alone one that did not comply with the City’s interpretation (of the Highways code).”

That law stipulates that the 241 stretch from the 5 Freeway, south of San Clemente, to Route 91, in the City of Anaheim. Based on the law, the city has argued that any route extension connecting the 241 to I-5 via San Clemente would go against the legislatively intended route of the toll road.

In 2016, the TCA abandoned its plans to complete the southern alignment of the 241—a connection also referred to as the “green alignment”—after reaching a settlement agreement with environmental groups that contested it.

Under the 2016 settlement agreement, the TCA agreed not to build the extension through the San Mateo Watershed and Trestles. As a result of that agreement, the TCA and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) began examining a variety of proposals to complete the extension.

Some of those proposals looked at having the 241 cut through portions of San

Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, leading the city to challenge the settlement by filing suit against the TCA in 2017.

In March 2020, though, the F/ETCA Board of Directors unanimously voted to abandon the hotly contested extension proposals, and instead proceed with plans of extending Los Patrones Parkway in Rancho Mission Viejo further south, ending at the San Clemente city limits on Avenida La Pata.

Los Patrones Parkway begins, in the north, at Oso Parkway—where the 241 presently ends—and stretches for roughly 5 miles to Cow Camp Road. In recent months, TCA officials have stressed that there are no plans to build a toll road within San Clemente.

Despite those claims, local officials have remained skeptical of the TCA, believing the agencies in the future could attempt to turn Los Patrones into a toll road that connects to I-5 via San Clemente.

Citing the abandoned extension proposals and the current Los Patrones project as an alternative, Sykes in her ruling noted that there wasn’t enough factual context that would allow for a “judicial resolution,” and later stated that the city’s motion for judgment is moot.

The “F/ETCA has not communicated any intention to approve an extension of SR241 that would run through the City of San Clemente in the future,” the ruling said.“As such—and in the absence of a specific factual context—the issues presented by the (city’s motion) are not sufficiently concrete to allow judicial resolution.”

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SOAPBOX

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

Letters to The Editor

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

RESPONSE TO ‘CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES’ HECTOR HERNANDEZ, San Clemente

ADVERTISING Laura Gaffney • 949.388.7700, x103 lgaffney@picketfencemedia.com

I enjoyed Tony Hays’ letter on “Christian Principles.”

Be it noted that during the Jan. 6 insurrection, there were insurrectionists carrying “Jesus Saves” signs. While these insurrectionists proclaimed “Jesus Saves,” Capital Police doing their sworn duty to protect democracy were being mercilessly beaten. How sad that some continue to hide their hideous intentions in the name of Christ.

Whether it is placing Jewish people in concentration camps, slavery, the legalization of slaughtering Indigenous Natives or insurrection using Christ’s name has always been a go-to for certain groups.

Is it any wonder less people believe in Christ considering what they are being told what it means to be Christian? If Christian churches really want to turn the current tide, they need to practice what Christ taught, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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

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

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines

Social Media/ Digital Coordinator Kolette Morehead

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Eryka Forquer

San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 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 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. San Clemente Times is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at San Clemente, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: San Clemente Times, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

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San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

whenever fossil fuels enter the economy, and incentivizes businesses and people to switch to clean energy.

This fee is paid back to U.S. citizens in an equitable manner to spend as they wish. Federal legislation, which would enact this, is in the form of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 2307).

Carbon Fee and Dividend is supported by the state of California, and by 37 cities in California. A resolution of support was on the agenda of the San Clemente City Council for Aug. 17, but it is by no means a sure thing that the resolution will pass.

Write to city councilmembers to show your support if you didn’t attend the council meeting.

LA CRISTIANITA PAGEANT WOLF IRONSMIT, San Clemente After reading Tom Marshall’s article about the historical roots of La Cristianita Pageant, I couldn’t believe there are people interested in resurrecting it.

How could baptizing two Native American girls, against their parents’ objections, be something to celebrate?

End this pageant and all it represents—the imposition of religious practices on people conquered by force.

COVID-19 AND RECALL BILLUPS PRESTRIDGE JR., San Clemente

DEL MAR PARKING CAROL TIBERI, San Clemente

Does anyone else get the irony in California Gov. Gavin Newsom being recalled for trying to prevent people from getting sick and dying from COVID-19 by establishing mask mandates, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are making it easier for people to get sick and possibly die by fighting against mask mandates, and they are not being recalled?

Since the city is collecting money from the restaurants for each parking space blocked for outdoor dining, I would like to suggest that they use that money to promote all the businesses on the street.

One idea is to pay for the cost of Christmas advertisements. Parking has always been an issue, especially since the city missed the opportunity to build a multistory parking garage when they remodeled the library a few years ago.

Losing parking spots hurts the other businesses, and this might be a small way to help them during the pandemic, since everyone has been closed at some time and lost revenue.

I’m sure creative minds can come up with other ideas, but I hope you will consider doing something for everyone with the newfound funds.

HOMELESS ADVOCATES RALLY DAVID HOLMES, San Clemente There is a simple biological principle at work here. The environment of an organism (or population of organisms) is always changing; the climate can get warmer or colder, water, food or shelter can become scarce, etc.

If one or more of such changes make survival impossible, three responses can occur: 1. The organisms can die.

2. They can adapt to the new conditions.

3. They can move to a more favorable environment.

As we know, a few of “our” homeless do perish now and then. Sorry, but they were either unable or unwilling to adapt, as in get mental health help, get off the drugs and alcohol, and get a job and stop being a burden on our “wealthy community” (which, by the way, didn’t get that way by living under a freeway and

SUPPORT FOR CARBON FEE AND DIVIDEND TONY HAYS, San Clemente The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent, and it is vital that all signatories to the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit greenhouse gases keep to their promises.

The best way to do this is through Carbon Fee and Dividend. This imposes a fee Page 7

depending on free handouts to get by).

What to do? Response No. 3 may be the best solution if, as Jacky Trani states, “People become homeless for economic reasons; the wages are not enough to keep up with the cost of living and housing,” etc.

So, how about if they solve both their and the city’s problem by moving somewhere where they can afford to live?

Simplistic? Maybe, but it’s been working that way for millions of years, and let’s face it: nothing else has helped.

PICKLEBALL AT SAN GORGONIO ANN WORTHINGTON, San Clemente It is wonderful that the public parks in San Clemente have opened back up. You no longer need to make a reservation to play pickleball on the courts at San Gorgonio.

In fact, you cannot reserve a court for private play. The play-in system applies to everyone, even if you arrive with a group of four players.

When your game is over, if others are waiting and have paddles ready to playin, you must relinquish the court.

Unfortunately, some people think the rules don’t apply to them, and they insist on maintaining “their court” and “their group.” That’s not the way it works at the public courts.

San Gorgonio is open to everyone. If you prefer to play only with your group, I suggest the afternoon, when the courts are less busy, or at a private club.

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

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat on Friday, Aug. 20, at 8 a.m. at Dorothy Visser Senior Center Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday.

The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

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San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

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GETTING OUT

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.

Editor’s Pick

TUESDAY | 24

The List

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

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

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

THURSDAY | 19 DRIVE-THRU FOOD DISTRIBUTION 2-4 p.m. Nonprofit organization Love San Clemente hosts this food distribution event. The line opens at 2 p.m. and distribution depends on arrival—first-come, first-served, while supplies last. Drivers open their trunks and then remain in their vehicles through the line. Those looking to volunteer can contact the nonprofit by emailing randy@lovesanclemente.com. Volunteers should arrive by 1:30 p.m. Gloves and masks are required.

San Clemente Calvary Chapel, 1031 Calle Recodo, San Clemente.

‘THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW’ 7:30-9 p.m. The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Cabrillo Playhouse. A humorous tribute to science fiction and horror B movies, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation, in the form of an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscleman named Rocky. Performances run on the weekends through Aug. 29.

Join in the audience participation fun and purchase a prop bag on the patio for $6. Items include a boa, sunglasses, and glow stick, among other things. No outside props allowed. All patrons will be required to wear masks in all spaces while inside the theater. Admission is $30. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrillo_theatre@hotmail.com. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

WEDNESDAY | 25 Photo: Lillian Boyd

SUNDAY | 22 REDO VINTAGE & MAKER’S MARKET 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Billed as a “flea market but better,” the Redo Vintage & Maker’s Market is a community gathering that unites vintage fans and local California artisans. Set near the beach along Del Prado in Dana Point’s Lantern District, the event will include a live music stage, food trucks, vintage cars and lots of shopping. Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, info@redomarket.com. redomarket.com.

FRIDAY | 20

POP-UP THEATER PERFORMANCES 2 and 3 p.m. The Round About Players will present pop-up theatrical performances in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The short plays will be based on San Juan history, free to the public, and family-friendly. An additional performance will be held on Aug. 28. The events are supporting The Alliance for San Juan Art and produced by partners Tom Scott, Beverly Blake and Gary McCarver.

Performances are 15 minutes each. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

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 State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente.

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

OC WINE & SPIRIT FEST 6-10 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor night of drinks, food, and fun near the Northwest Open Space in San Juan Capistrano. Tickets are currently on sale. VIP admission will begin at 5 p.m. and general admission at 6 p.m. The event will benefit the charities JDRF and Laura’s House. JDRF funds Type 1 diabetes research, and Laura’s House is a shelter for domestic violence victims. A craft beer garden and lounge, cigar lounge, and food and wine pairing event will be featured at the festival. A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. ocwinespiritfest@gmail.com. ocwineandspiritfest.com.

SATURDAY | 21 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. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

SUNDAY | 22 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection Page 9

PICKLEBALL DRILLS & SKILLS 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In partnership with the city of San Clemente and the Southern California Pickleball Association, coach Bill Miller hosts this weekly pickleball clinic at San Gorgonio Park, where participants have fun while learning the fundamentals of the sport and improving their game. This class combines coaching and instruction with the fun of doubles play. Reservations are required.

San Gorgonio Park, 2916 San Gorgonio, San Clemente. 818.535.5130. miller.william22@gmail.com. southerncaliforniapickleballassociation.com.

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.

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

BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com. sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Principals Offer Tips on Navigating Upcoming School Year

F

or five years, the Wellness & Prevention Center has been supporting families as their students return to school. There are some common concerns that we hear from teens, families, and educators each year.

Speaking with administrators at our middle and high schools as students get ready for the return to a more normal school year, they had several tips and advice to offer. Dr. Chris Davis, principal of Shorecliffs Middle School, had this to share: “Middle school is WELLNESS & an equally exciting PREVENTION and scary time for

BY SUSAN PARMELEE both our students and for parents. Students are going from an elementary setting, where they have been with one teacher and one group of students, to a larger school, where they’ll have six different teachers and six different groups of peers. However, this is also when our students begin to really discover and embrace their independence and develop their individual voice.”

Additionally, Davis shared some tips for parents to help navigate the next three years: • Talking to your student—Ask them how their day was. This may take a little more prying than when they were in elementary school.

• Signing up for a CANVAS parent account and downloading the CANVAS app.

• Encouraging your student to self-advocate and seek help when necessary.

• Getting involved—Elementary school provided a sense of comfort for parents, too, but don’t be afraid to try something new and get involved with your new school.

San Clemente High Principal Chris Carter and I discussed how academic loads and expectations might affect students differently this year after an unusual 18 months.

He suggests that “parents keep an eye out for signs that their child may have taken on too ambitious of a course load, such as doing homework until late at night, late and missing assignments, or a change in mood or behavior.”

“Students have six weeks to level down an accelerated class for a better chance to learn the material successfully,” Carter continued.“If students have an extra class they San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

do not need for graduation, they may drop that class within the first six weeks, as well.”

Nick Stever, principal at Bernice Ayer Middle School, reminds parents that “the social and emotional health of students is a priority for all of our San Clemente schools. Our staff are always on the lookout for students exhibiting any signs of social or emotional distress, and they are quick to respond with support for our students.”

“If a student or parent would like to request social or emotional support, this request is as simple as calling the front office and asking to speak to one of our school counselors,” Stever added. “Our school counselors are experts in this field and can either provide the support a student needs or direct them to additional resources for support.”

Finally, I spoke with principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar, shortly after San Juan Hills High School students registered for the new school year. He said, “Students are extremely excited to experience as much of a typical school year as possible. They are motivated and eager to return to the sports, activities, and the classroom with their friends.”

“I was really encouraged to see students so spirited and happy at registration as

they experienced a bit of normalcy,” he added.“I really feel like we are going to not only pick up where we left off a year and half ago, but push ahead in terms of participation, school spirit, and community.”

The Wellness & Prevention Center supports students with a mental health professional on-site and prevention education at San Clemente High School, San Juan Hills High School, Aliso Niguel High School, Shorecliffs Middle School, Vista del Mar Middle School, Bernice Ayer Middle School, and Don Juan Avila Middle School.

Please visit our website (wpc-oc.org) to learn more about how you can support your child’s well-being and for how to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s mental health.

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Executive Director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org.

She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org. SC Editor’s Note: Visit sanclementetimes.com for an extended version of this column.

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Rascal

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Rascal is a 1-year-old cutie with lots of love to give. While he doesn’t quite live up to his name, what he lacks in mischievousness, he makes up for in sheer joyful energy. Rascal gets along with other dogs and would make a great match for an active adopter.

If you are interested in adopting Rascal, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES

A young girl poses with the catch of the day near the San Clemente Pier, circa 1930.

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.

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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CoastLines

HOW TO HELP You can donate to PPF or attend fundraising events. On Aug. 28, you can have fun and learn more at PPF’s Barks, Brews & Boards fundraiser at The Outlets at San Clemente. The 20th annual Tail of Two Cities “Roaring for Rescues” gala will be Sept. 19 at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, with a Roaring ’20s theme. Learn more at petprojectfoundation.org.

| By Fred Swegles

Animal Shelter’s 38-Year Evolution

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Shelter volunteers can walk and train dogs, socialize cats and kittens, work with bunnies to give them “hop time,” help with the office, graphic design, working fundraising events and others.

JOIN AS SUPPORTERS? Become a member of PPF and help support the shelter animals through individual or family membership donations. Follow Pet Project Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. And tell a friend.

I

f you’re an animal lover, chances are, you’ve visited the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter to adopt a dog, a cat or a rabbit. Or perhaps you’ve attended a special event there, to become a volunteer, getting to know the pets better, or just getting to know the shelter’s rescue partner, Pet Project Foundation (PPF).

Did you know that San Clemente opened the shelter in 1983, choosing to cancel the city’s yearly animal control fee to the county to provide local animal control service—willing to pay more in order to enable a more localized focus and to become the county’s second COASTLINES pro-life shelter?

BY FRED SWEGLES We recently contacted Sandra Ackerman, who at age 81 is the longest-tenured volunteer who still volunteers weekly, asking her how the shelter has evolved over 38 years and what info will benefit animal lovers.

She teamed up with Denise Zolg, PPF’s board president and volunteer coordinator, to put together more detailed replies.

QUESTION: HOW IS THE SHELTER FARING? ANSWER: Extremely well, thanks to the help of its fundraising partner, Pet Project Foundation. PPF raises more than $300,000 for the shelter each year to ensure that it remains pro-humane and can provide a loving and safe refuge for every animal that comes through the front doors.

Q: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST NEEDS IN 2021?

A: We’re always in need of donations— whether it be direct funds, food, toys, blankets and more. Specifically, our dog kennels are 25 years old and have some wear-andtear, as well as some rusting. Some are no longer able to be used. We’re looking into completely replacing all of our dog kennels and adding brand new flooring, which will cost approximately $350,000. And as always, we’re always looking for more people to help with dog walking, kitty cuddling and rabbit hopping. We can never have enough amazing volunteers to assist all of our shelter animals.

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Denise Zolg, Pet Project Foundation board president and volunteer coordinator for support of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter, gives Astrid, a St. Bernard and Labrador mix, a daily walk to help finding a new family in San Clemente or Dana Point or environs. Interested? Call the shelter at 949.492.1617. Photo: Fred Swegles

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? HOW DID THE SHELTER CHANGE? A: In the early ’80s, I and a group of concerned San Clemente animal lovers met with city officials and Ron Coleman, the fire chief at the time, to determine how to best provide care for our lost and abandoned animals. The city provided a trailer on a skating rink property at 320 Avenida Pico.

The volunteers ran the shelter and raised funds to build cages to house the animals, also paying for all food and medical care.

Q: AND LATER, YOU MOVED TO RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE INDUSTRIAL PARK. A: The site on Pico flooded in the late ’80s, and we were forced to move to a rented warehouse in an industrial park, at 224 Calle Pintoresco. Dedicated volunteers worked out of that location, with one goal in mind—to build a permanent, safe and pro-humane shelter for homeless animals.

Q: THEN, SAN CLEMENTE AND DANA POINT JOINED FORCES. A: In 1996, that goal was realized when the cities joined and the current shelter was built at 221 Avenida Fabricante.

Q: WHEN DID THE SHELTER BEGIN RESCUING DOGS FROM “KILL” SHELTERS, SAVING MORE LIVES? A: The shelter and PPF are partners in a unique program called “A Rescue Mission,” started in 2012 to rescue animals from high-volume, overcrowded shelters in Southern California and providing them with a pro-humane (no-kill) environment while they await their new adopters.

Q: HOW CAN YOU ENSURE THEY’RE FINE

FOR ADOPTION? A: All animals are seen by a vet and provided with much-needed medical care including vaccines, medications, spay/neuter services, microchips and much more. They are cleaned up and given lots of TLC by our wonderful team of shelter staff and dedicated volunteers. Since ARM started nine years ago, over 1,100 dogs, cats and bunnies have made their way to our pro-humane shelter from overcrowded shelters where they risked being euthanized, and found their way to loving homes.

Q: LIKE LAST YEAR? A: In 2020 alone, 160 ARM-rescued animals were brought into the shelter and given a second chance at life.

Q: HOW DO YOUR CATS DO? A: Our cat room is currently bustling with kitten season. Both the cats and kittens at the shelter receive loving care, attention from the volunteers and shelter staff. We also have a special program with volunteers, helping socialize timid cats who need more time getting used to us humans. This program has already provided great results.

Q: HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH SO MANY KITTENS? A: We have an active kitten foster program with families that do everything from fostering pregnant mama cats, to helping feed newborn kittens, to socializing the young kittens until they’re ready to come to the shelter for adoption. Lastly, we have an active Trap-Spay/Neuter-Release Program, with more experienced cat volunteers helping to trap community cats with no home, so we can provide them with spay/

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TO ADOPT A PET Visit the shelter at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente, call 949.492.1617 or easiest, visit petprojectfoundation.org to learn about adoption and view photos of pets available. Don’t forget to wear your face mask if you visit the shelter.

neuter services and then relocate them to a safe environment.

Q: WHAT OTHER ANIMALS DOES THE SHELTER HELP? A: Other animals that have been helped by the shelter include guinea pigs, turtles, parakeets, cockatiels, chinchillas, ferrets, pet rats, hamsters, tortoises, geckos and even a few chickens.

Q: HOW IS THE SHELTER FUNDED? A: For over 38 years, PPF and the shelter have been united in a unique partnership to rescue and provide pro-humane care.

Yearly, PPF is responsible for raising over $300K—all the funds required to cover veterinary medical expenses for every animal, and food for shelter animals needing special diets. In addition, PPF pays for all food for the shelter animals. Lastly, PPF funds a significant portion of Kennel Attendant and Certified Dog Trainer staff costs. The cities of San Clemente and Dana Point fund the remaining costs for the shelter, with twothirds being funded by San Clemente and one-third being funded by Dana Point.

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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GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

BACK TO SCHOOL—A MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

A

few weeks ago, I received an email in my inbox that several years ago I could have sent. The subject line read: SCHS registration. The message, forwarded by a friend, sought volunteers for San Clemente High School’s upcoming in-person annual registration event.

It’s been years since my sons attended our hometown high school, but I enjoy volunteering and welcomed the chance to return to the campus.

I must admit, I didn’t always champion the school. When we moved to town more than 25 years ago, the school’s tarnished curb appeal and faded facade frightened me. My boys were babies, but I couldn’t fathom sending them into the austere concrete compound.

My husband, however, remained steadfast in his conviction that our sons attend SCHS. I hate to admit when my husband is right, but he was; both my boys are better for having attended our hometown high school.

Once again, sitting in the Triton Center, I reflected on the wonderful years my boys spent at SCHS. As my mind wandered, it dawned on me that next year marks 10 years since my older son’s graduation. Ouch!

On the first day of registration, seniors meandered through the maze of tables to submit school forms and pick up class schedules. During the lulls between waves of incoming students and inquiring parents, I started a conversation with a friendly mom at the adjacent station.

My fellow volunteer commanded the Grad Night table—it’s the senior graduation night party put on by parents in the school’s decked-out gym to keep graduates safe while celebrating.

I heard her fielding questions from parents asking about refunds for Grad Night tickets they’d purchased last August. My heart broke, again, as I listened to parents recount the pain the pandemic lockdown put on their teens.

In March 2020, when schools closed amid chaos and confusion, distance learning was considered temporary. The unsuspecting senior class leaving campus could not know that they had just attended their last day of high school.

After an 18-month absence, it’s not surprising the students returning to campus classrooms this year are feeling more than butterflies as they trade beach bags for backpacks.

Students derailed by the pandemic are San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

dusting off rusty skills as they face the reality of reacclimating to educational, emotional, and social standards in classrooms—while also navigating a nationwide surge of the Delta variant.

But, amid concerns as schools reopen, there is renewed hope on the horizon.

LIFE’S A BEACH In my brief time on

BY SHELLEY MURPHY campus, I witnessed the excitement of faculty and staff welcoming returning students back to school.

I watched as spirited student leaders showcased this year’s theme for homecoming—Triton Travel. Each grade is representing one of four fun destinations (New York, Hawaii, Texas and California) at the annual parade, football game and school dance.

As the new school year commences, I hold my breath and pray plans proceed for traditional schoolwide dances, athletic rivalries, spirit assemblies, theater productions, music competitions, club rushes and more.

I hope seniors see the return of all the memorable milestones marking their last year of high school.

I remember when my sons were high school seniors and, on the first day of school, they participated in the SCHS traditional Senior Sunrise. Before school, seniors gather on the beach to receive a colorful, albeit artificial, lei to wear that first day of school.

After a day spent wearing the flowers around their necks, seniors then drape the leis from their cars’ rearview mirrors, where they hang until graduation.

I can’t wait to see the vibrant multicolored leis replace the listless dreary face masks currently visible through car windshields.

This year, the tradition of back to school takes on new meaning due to the pandemic. Some of the students returning to campus this week may feel a bit nostalgic, as if they’re walking down memory lane—I know, I sure did.

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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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE INVITING ELECTRONIC BIDS TREE AND PALM PLANTING ON CALLE DEL CERRO AND AVENIDA VISTA MONTANA City Project No. __(TBD)__ Bids must be submitted electronically through the City of San Clemente’s electronic procurement and bidding system (PlanetBids) at: https://pbsystem. planetbids.com/portal/28939/portal-home.

All bidders must first register as a vendor on this website to participate in a bid or to be added to a prospective bidders list. Bids must be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021. All bids received after that time will be considered non-responsive and will be deemed disqualified. Only electronic bids submitted through PlanetBids will be accepted.

The primary scope of the project is to provide and plant 346, 24-inch box trees and 70, 12-foot Brown Trunk Height (BTH) Palms along Calle del Cerro and Avenida Vista Montana, in the City of San Clemente, California. Locations to be determined in the field. The work must be completed within 60 working days from the date specified in the written Notice to Proceed.

Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions to Bidders, Specifications and contract documents posted in the City’s PlanetBids website, which should be carefully reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

Notice To be published: And

August 19, 2021 August 26, 2021

In light of the current situation there will be NO pre-bid meeting held for this Project. Any questions in reference to the project must be submitted via PlanetBids. The deadline to submit any questions will be Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

Dated August 11, 2021 City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216612281 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PROST TECHNOLOGIES 42 GROVESIDE DR ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 Full Name of Registrant(s): GREGORY JARVIS 42 GROVESIDE DR ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/GREGORY JARVIS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/04/2021.

Published in: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES August 19, 26, September 2, 9, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE

A. Klivendear Chad Benson Gutierrez PROPOSED NAME A. Chad Gutierrez Benson 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: 09/15/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Other: Remote Hearing. 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: July 16, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 2021

Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 21FL000418 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Christopher Walker and Jennifer Walker on behalf of Charles Christopher Donnell, a minor and Benjamin Sky Donnell, a minor: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Charles Christopher Donnell B. Benjamin Sky Donnell PROPOSED NAME A. Charles Christopher Walker B. Benjamin Sky Walker 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: 9/24/2021 Time: 11:00 a.m. Dept.: L72 Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive, 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: Date: July 20, 2021 JUDGE JULIE A. PALAFOX, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE INVITING ELECTRONIC BIDS TREE AND STUMP REMOVAL ON CALLE DEL CERRO AND AVENIDA VISTA MONTANA City Project No. ___(TBD)___ Bids must be submitted electronically through the City of San Clemente’s electronic procurement and bidding system (PlanetBids) at: https://pbsystem. planetbids.com/portal/28939/portal-home.

All bidders must first register as a vendor on this website to participate in a bid or to be added to a prospective bidders list. Bids must be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2021. All bids received after that time will be considered non-responsive and will be deemed disqualified. Only electronic bids submitted through PlanetBids will be accepted.

PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS (Family Law) CITACION (Derecho Familiar)

Notice To be published: And

Petitioner’s name: Natalie Saint-Onge Nombre del demandante: Natalie Saint-Onge

In light of the current situation there will be NO pre-bid meeting held for this Project. Any questions in reference to the project must be submitted via PlanetBids. The deadline to submit any questions will be Monday, August 23, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01206747 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Klivendear Chad Benson Gutierrez; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME

City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673

VISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

The name, address and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are (El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son):

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

DATE: (Fecha) 02/09/2021 David H. Yamasaki, Clerk of the Court, by (Secretario, por) M. Mares-Najjar, Deputy (Asistente) Published: San Clemente Times July 29, August 5, 12, 19, 2021

DE

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www. lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

Page 16

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

CASO):

(NUMERO

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

Dated August 3, 2021

Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ, Rodriguez Law Group, Inc. 7220 N. Rosemead Blvd. Ste 133, San Gabriel, CA 91775 (626)888-5206

CASE NUMBER 21D000841

August 12, 2021 August 19, 2021

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

LAMOREAUX JUSTICE CENTER, 341 The Drive South, Orange, CA 92868

You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.

Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions to Bidders, Specifications and contract documents posted in the City’s PlanetBids website, which should be carefully reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

The name and address of the court are (El nombre y direccion de la corte son):

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): Rex Saint-Onge AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): Rex Saint-Onge

The primary scope of the project is to remove 416 designated trees and stumps along Calle del Cerro and Avenida Vista Montana, in the City of San Clemente, CA. The work must be completed within 40 working days from the date specified in the written Notice to Proceed.

City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of

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PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children; 3. any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party.

You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs.

NOTICE—ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance?

If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www.coveredca.com. Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.

WARNING—IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e., joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

taria de manera que afecte la asignación de una propiedad sujeta a transferencia, sin el consentimiento por escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte. Antes de que se pueda eliminar la revocación de una transferencia no testamentaria, se debe presentar ante la corte un aviso del cambio y hacer una entrega legal de dicho aviso a la otra parte.

Cada parte tiene que notificar a la otra sobre cualquier gasto extraordinario propuesto por lo menos cinco días hábiles antes de realizarlo, y rendir cuenta a la corte de todos los gastos extraordinarios realizados después de que estas órdenes de restricción hayan entrado en vigencia. No obstante, puede usar propiedad comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o suya separada para pagar a un abogado que lo ayude o para pagar los costos de la corte.

AVISO—ACCESO A SEGURO DE SALUD MÁS ECONÓMICO: ¿Necesita seguro de salud a un costo asequible, ya sea para usted o alguien en su hogar? Si es así, puede presentar una solicitud con Covered California. Covered California lo puede ayudar a reducir el costo que paga por seguro de salud asequible y de alta calidad.

Para obtener más información, visite www.coveredca. com. O llame a Covered California al 1-800-300-0213.

ADVERTENCIA—IMFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE De acuerdo a la ley de California, las propiedades adquiridas por las partes durante su matrimonio o pareja de hecho en forma conjunta se consideran propiedad comunitaria para fines de la división de bienes que ocurre cuando se produce una disolución o separación legal del matrimonio o pareja de hecho. Si cualquiera de las partes de este caso llega a fallecer antes de que se divida la propiedad comunitaria de tenencia conjunta, el destino de la misma quedará determinado por las cláusulas de la escritura correspondiente que describen su tenencia (por ej., tenencia conjunta, tenencia en común o propiedad comunitaria) y no por la presunción de propiedad comunitaria.

Si quiere que la presunción comunitaria quede registrada en la escritura de la propiedad, debería consultar con un abogado.

SUMMONS (Family Law)

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

Deadline 12pm Monday.

En forma inmediata, usted y su cónyuge o pareja de hecho tienen prohibido:

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES

ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN ESTÁNDAR DE DERECHO FAMILIAR

1. llevarse del estado de California a los hijos menores de las partes, o solicitar un pasaporte nuevo o de repuesto para los hijos menores, sin el consentimiento previo por escrito de la otra parte o sin una orden de la corte; 2. cobrar, pedir prestado, cancelar, transferir, deshacerse o cambiar el nombre de los beneficiarios de cualquier seguro u otro tipo de cobertura, como de vida, salud, vehículo y discapacidad, que tenga como beneficiario(s) a las partes y su(s) hijo(s) menor(es); 3. transferir, gravar, hipotecar, ocultar o deshacerse de cualquier manera de cualquier propiedad, inmueble o personal, ya sea comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o separada, sin el consentimiento escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte, excepto en el curso habitual de actividades personales y comerciales o para satisfacer las necesidades de la vida; y 4. crear o modificar una transferencia no testamen-

CLASSIFIEDS

MOVING SALE - EVERYTHING IS FREE!!

Moving Away. EVERYTHING IS FREE!! 159 W. Avenida Ramona SC, 7 AM-1 PM. Some furniture and file cabinets. Some kitchen stuff and various other cha cha. Stop by and help yourself.

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership

ESTATE SALE - AUGUST 21 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 325 Calle Felicidad, SC 92672. Lots of furniture and clothes, household items, wood book shelves & dressers, paintings. Free stuff also!

HUGE GARAGE SALE - AUGUST 21 8:00am. 323 Calle Empalme, San Clemente. Downsizing – Home beer brewing equip(incl wort boiler and cooler); lrg dog kennels and enclosures; Coleman 15 x

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

Page 17

13 screened instant up canopy; camping cookware and folding wooden table; hand & power tools; stationary bike; too much misc. to list.

NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE - AUGUST 21 Saturday, August 21. 7:00 - 11:00 AM 100 block of West Avenida Junipero

sanclementetimes.com

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

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

DENTISTS

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

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

Perfect for campfires, beach fires, home fires.

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

PLUMBING

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

Hoover Construction License B-774675 949-292-6778

REALTORS

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

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS

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

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

MUSIC LESSONS

Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.com

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

Buy • Consign • Sell

949.395.5681 (24 hours)

classicautosalesoc.com

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

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

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

2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente

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

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY. USE LOCALS ONLY.

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

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

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Page 19

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San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Page 20

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Start the Show Wild win by SCHS girls volleyball kicks off Tritons’ full, normal athletic calendar

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

uesday, Aug. 17, was the start of “normal” for San Clemente High School and the Tritons’ athletic department.

It was the first day of school, followed by the first varsity athletic contest of the year—a couple of firsts in what everyone hopes will be a full and regular schedule for the 2021-22 campaign.

There were still masks indoors on campus during the day, as well as masks in the gym that night. On the whole, though, everyone and everything was back where it should be, and those on hand enjoyed a raucous return by the San Clemente girls volleyball team.

Tesoro came back from a late sixpoint deficit in the fourth set to force the deciding fifth set, but San Clemente slammed the door with a 9-0 run in the final set to defeat Tesoro, 25-16, 21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-5, and open their regular season on a wildly high note.

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.

SCHS Grad Ryann O’Toole Wins First LPGA Event It took some time, but Ryann O’Toole is finally a winner on the LPGA Tour.

After 228 starts on the LPGA Tour, O’Toole, a 2005 San Clemente High

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

After letting a fourth-set lead slip away, the San Clemente girls volleyball team slammed home the fifth set with a 9-0 run to defeat Tesoro in the season opener on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

“We came out there knowing we would pull through,” San Clemente senior Riley Brown said of the fifth set.

“We knew we wanted to win, and we knew we wanted it more than Tesoro.

I think it came down to working with each other and the energy we had in the last game.”

Brown credited the celebratory energy from her teammates in the crowd as she served the final nine points for the Tritons, including an ace coming out of

Tesoro’s second timeout of the set.

While the match had played quite evenly, San Clemente seemed to be ready to end it in the fourth set. The Tritons went up 20-14 with a 6-0 run that carried through a Tesoro timeout on the energy of San Clemente’s front line play.

However, Tesoro countered with a 7-1 run to tie at 21 and eventually won the set, 25-23, to force that fifth set.

“I felt the fourth set was one of those even-fight type of matches,” San Clem-

School graduate, closed out her first career tour victory with a bogey-free, 8-under-par 64 in the final round to win the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open on Sunday, Aug. 15, at Dunbarnie Links in Fife, Scotland.

O’Toole, 34, finished 17-under-par for the tournament to hold off a hard charge by world No. 6 Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who finished three strokes behind O’Toole despite a course-record 63 in the final round.

“I still feel like I’m in shock and the tears are going to come later when things die down,” O’Toole told The Associated Press. “I’m excited and happy.

The hours and grind and heartache this sport brings, the constant travel, for this moment, I hope it only happens again and again.”

It’s been quite the journey for O’Toole to this first tour win.

O’Toole graduated from UCLA in 2009,

and after three wins on the Symetra Tour, she earned her LPGA card in 2011.

O’Toole had her share of highlights with 11 top-10 finishes coming into 2021, including three top-10s each in 2016 and 2018, but she had never finished higher than third, which she did twice in 2016.

“I’ve been obviously working my whole life for this and dreaming about it since I was a kid,” O’Toole said to LPGA.com. “I feel like 10 years now, wondering, when is it going to happen, and I just feel like this year’s been very much kind of aligning and things are falling together, and I just was trying to stay patient.”

In the Scottish Open, O’Toole shot a 4-under 68 in the first round, 1-under 71 in the second round and another 4-under 68 to enter the final round in a tie for the lead. O’Toole jumped into the pole position with birdies on the first three holes.

O’Toole was caught on the sixth hole, but she regained the lead with a birdie on

Page 21

ente coach Casey Swenson said. “We had the lead, but I felt that both teams were playing so steady that anything can happen. The fifth was more just having confidence in what we can do, know we can execute. But they were doing a great job of bouncing back all night.”

For many of the Tritons, this was the first match in front of a full crowd in their high school careers. Last year, the girls volleyball season was delayed three times due to the pandemic, and while other fall sports including football and boys water polo got to start and play abbreviated league seasons, girls volleyball was left on the sideline as an indoor sport.

San Clemente’s girls volleyball team eventually worked out a way to play some games outside on the sand in Newport Beach, before state and local rules finally allowed them in the gym.

However, the return came with only days left on the CIF-SS calendar for the sport, and the Tritons managed only a quick handful of games indoors.

“The biggest thing (learned from last season) is that everybody is so grateful for this opportunity, and they know how fleeting it is,” Swenson said. “They know how special it is. This is the first day of school, and these girls got their classes and finding out who their teachers were.

You’ve never seen a group of kids more excited to go to school the next day.”

San Clemente next plays at Laguna Beach on Thursday, Aug. 19, before taking on the Tesoro tournament on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21. The Tritons are next at home on Aug. 26 against Los Alamitos. SC

the ninth hole and never looked back.

Football Kicks Off Season The San Clemente football team opens its season on Friday at 7 p.m. at home against Oceanside in the “Battle of the Base.”

The matchup to watch will be in the trenches, as Oceanside returns a strong offensive line highlighted by Jonah Zimmerman—a 6-foot-4, 285-pound, twoway lineman with offers from Army, Air Force and University of San Diego. It’s the first big chance for San Clemente’s line, which lost some impact seniors, to test its mettle. Look for big games from Tanner Mehrens and Michael Alejo up front for San Clemente.

The Tritons have won the past three of the four Battle of the Base matchups since 2016. SC

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SC SURF

Celebrating Summer from Salt Creek to San Clemente Local Surf Contests Raise the Stoke

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

rom Salt Creek to T-Street, there’s been no shortage of good times going down at our local beaches lately. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen a lot of surf in the area and some really nice, clean conditions.

I’m still going to complain about the water temps, but other than that, there’s been plenty of fun to be had around here.

Last weekend, the Vissla Dana Point Surf Shop Challenge went down at Salt Creek in some really fun, crossed-up, chest- to head-high peaks, with Infinity Surfboards emerging victorious in the team-style event.

Anchored by owner, shaper, shop rat and all around incredible human Dan Boehne, who won the “Da Shop Employees” division, Infinity was able to hold off talent-packed squads from Jack’s Surf Shop, which finished runner-up; last year’s defending champs, Killer Dana, which landed in third; and, finally, Hobie, in fourth.

Featuring nine divisions, the best and brightest of the Dana Point surf community came out to enjoy the friendly

hometown rivalries. The fabulous Gottron brothers anchored the Hobie squad, Bethany Zelasko and Cole Futak were waving the Killer Dana flag, while Indie Hoffman and Lucas Taub got the job done for Jack’s.

And, yes, if there was any question, Vinny De La Pena still has it and ripped the 50-and-over division.

“To say we scored is kind of an understatement,” said a beaming Eric Diamond, who organized the event and serves as the president of the Dana Point Surf Club. “Creek was pumping and glassy on the point all day. Heat after heat was pumping.”

“The Long Ride heat looked like a mirror image of Makaha; the push-in groms looked like they were surfing 8-foot Uluwatu. It was insane,” Diamond said.

Down the tracks a few clicks in San Clemente, the Red Bull Foam Wreckers came to T-Street. Good times and chaos ensued. Teaming up with the fun-loving folks at Catch Surf, the event is billed as “the anti-surf-contest surf contest where only soft-boards are allowed and anyone can win.”

What about the rules? Well, there are

Micro Grom winner Kingston Buchhagen, leading the charge on a double overhead beast at the Vissla Dana Point Surf Shop Challenge. Photo: Courtesy of Jordan Anast

no rules. As the old adage goes, the surfer having the most fun is the best surfer.

In this instance, that distinction went to pro surfer Finn McGill from Hawaii, who couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

Another legend from Hawaii, Jamie O’Brien, was also on hand to fire up the groms and revel in all the madness.

Further south still, as noted in this week’s Grom of the Week, the Western Surfing Association (WSA) kicked off its new season down at San Onofre’s Trail 6. And like everywhere up and down the coast, the waves were going off, and the kids had a ball.

Congrats to all of the groms who got out there and made the most of their time in the water.

And to think, after all those epic beach

days, school is starting this week. But that’s all right. Truth be told, we’re just getting into the best time of the year to be a surfer around here. We’re still bound to get some more southern pulses before summer finally ends, and by that time, hopefully, we’ll start seeing some early west swells and clean offshore breezes in the morning.

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

TEAGAN SANDVIG

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t’s “go time” for the Western Surfing Association’s new season, and last week, the fun in the sun kicked off with the first event at San Onofre’s Trail 6.

Thanks to a steady run of southwest swell and some pristine conditions, the waves were pumping all weekend, and, of course, the groms were ripping.

This week, we’d like to shine some light on young Teagan Sandvig, who just finished in second place in her first-ever WSA event. Needless to say, she was stoked.

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Teagan Sandvig. Photo: Courtesy of the Sandvig Family

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Grom of the Week, you may have heard a little bit about her older brother, Tanner, who’s also becoming a competitive

animal in his own right. Both of them not only get the job done when they pull on the jersey, they’re always keeping the vibes right.

And with Hawaii’s Carissa Moore recently winning surfing’s first Olympic gold medal, Teagan and her friends have a remarkable role model.

“I like surfing with my dad … oh, yeah, I also like surfing with my friends. It’s fun,” an 11-year-old Carissa told me when I interviewed her for Surfer magazine way back in the day. “I like riding the waves; just riding them is real fun.”

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. SC Page 22

Water Temperature: 67-69 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Thursday: Strong Southwest swell rolls in with waves running head high to 3 feet overhead, (5-8’). Southwest winds through the day:light for the morning, light+/moderate most of the afternoon, then light again by the evening.

Outlook: For Friday, the solid Southwest swell keeps surf in the head high to 3 feet overhead zone, (5-8’). Light west winds Friday morning, rise to a moderate sea breeze during the afternoon. The Southwest weakens over the weekend, with Saturday seeing shoulder high to a foot overhead waves, (4-6’), then Sunday’s surf dropping to waist-shoulder high, (3-4’). For the weekend, light/variable winds in the early morning hours are followed by light+/moderate westerly onshores over the afternoons.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times August 19-25, 2021

Page 24

sanclementetimes.com