September 2, 2021

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 35

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide

U S E

Remembering the Fallen Kabul Bombing Claims Lives of 10 Camp Pendleton Troops E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

Flowers line the Camp Pendleton entrance sign as a tribute to the 13 service members who died in last week’s terrorist attack in Afghanistan. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Family Escapes Kabul

CUSD Announces Modified Health Guidelines

Pronier Retires After 33 Seasons

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SPORTS/PAGE 33

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

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What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Kabul Bombing Claims Lives of 10 Camp Pendleton Troops

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Ten U.S. troops deployed from Camp Pendleton were among the 13 servicemen and servicewomen who died in last week’s suicide bombing at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan.

The nine Marines and one Navy Corpsman were part of Camp Pendleton’s 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and they had been securing the Abbey Gate at the Hamid Karzai International Airport the morning of the deadly terrorist attack.

Eighteen other U.S. troops were injured in the blast that killed more than160 Afghan civilians.

This past Saturday, Aug. 28, the Department of Defense released the names of 13 service members: 11 Marines, a Navy hospital corpsman, and an Army staff sergeant.

• Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah • Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts • Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento California

San Clemente Family Escapes Kabul Before U.S. Withdrawal

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For several days, Mohammad Sadat couldn’t get much sleep.

As he watched his birth country fall to the Taliban, he’d stayed glued to his phone, anxiously waiting day and night for any embassy or organization in Afghanistan to call him with an evacuation plan so he, his wife and their two young children could return to the U.S. “I was waiting for their call, being hopeful,” said Sadat.

It was around 2 a.m. last Friday morning in Kabul when he received a San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

• Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California • Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska • Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri Local eateries including Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, pictured here, pay tribute to the 10 servicemen and servicewomen who died in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan last week. Photo: Courtesy of Jacque Alm

• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming

Soviak, along with Marines Hoover, Lopez, Page, Sanchez, Schmitz, Espinoza, McCollum, Merola and Nikoui, had been deployed from Camp Pendleton.

The troops’ remains arrived on Sunday, Aug. 29, to Dover Air Force Base, where President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gathered with a small group

of other dignitaries to pay tribute to the fallen service members in what’s referred to as a dignified transfer.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III on Sunday said in a statement that “these men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could live. They were and will be forever remembered as heroes. My heart and my thoughts are with their families, especially today. They, too, have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif) echoed the sentiment in a prepared statement last Friday, Aug. 27.

“These Marines are heroes who were saving lives and protecting their fellow Americans and Afghan allies,” he said.

“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As our community of military families reels from this loss, I know we will remain resolute in our noble mission

to evacuate Americans, our allies, and innocent Afghans.”

Following the Aug. 26 terrorist attack that was carried out by an Afghan branch of the Islamic State known as ISIS-K, Biden pledged to seek retribution and vowed to make those responsible for the airport bombing “pay.”

News outlets reported last Friday that the U.S. military used a drone to target and fire a retaliatory airstrike against militants in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, resulting in the death of a “planner” of the attack.

This Sunday afternoon, Sept. 5, a memorial march is being planned in Downtown San Clemente to honor the service members killed in the attack. The march will start at the top of Avenida Del Mar and travel to the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi.

WhatsApp text from a member of the Denver-based group “Team America”—a grassroots effort, being referred to as a “Digital Dunkirk,” to help with the evacuations in Afghanistan.

“They asked me to be at one of the gates of the airport,” Sadat said. “They asked if I can get there in 90 minutes.”

Sadat woke up his wife and kids, along with his brother, who would need to drive them to the Qasaba gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA). The family would have to move fast, but there was another issue: Taliban checkpoints.

“At that time in the morning, it’s not safe to go to the airport,” said Sadat, who had spent the past couple of weeks actively avoiding Taliban militants who were searching for those they believe to be traitors.

As permanent residents of the U.S. with American passports, Sadat and his entire family, including his parents and siblings who still reside in Afghanistan, would certainly have targets on their backs.

For five years, Sadat worked as a legal advisor with U.S. AID contractors for the Rule of Law Stabilization Program before emigrating to San Clemente in 2016. He was fearful that his parents’ neighbors might reveal that information to the Taliban.

“We have been living in the same house for 30 to 32 years … everyone knows I used to work for the U.S. government for five years,” Sadat said, adding: “They might remember; they knew I returned from the U.S. I was scared . . . what if someone finds out?”

Sadat and the family braved the early morning drive to HKIA. As expected,

they encountered a checkpoint and were asked to stop. To stay above suspicion, though, Sadat said, he had to dress in old, dirty clothes. According to Sadat, if you looked clean, you were likely to face a tougher line of questioning.

The family was able to get past the checkpoint and reach Qasaba. However, there were complications, as the buses that would take them to HKIA had filled up, he said, with non-U.S. citizens and residents.

They were able to get to the gate by 3 a.m. and were forced to stay there, waiting until about noon. By then, though, Sadat said, the crowd had grown, making him feel as uneasy as the day before suicide bombers had attacked the airport.

“I was concerned for my life and especially wife and my kids’ lives,” he said, adding: “I was in contact with the (Cont. on page 4)

• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California • Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio • Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee

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(Cont. from page 3) evacuation team; I told them, ‘I have to go home, because I’m concerned about my kids’ safety.’ They were trying hard, but I was like, there’s no way we can get on these buses.”

After returning to his brother’s home, Sadat received another text message from Team America, asking if he can be back at HKIA within the hour. For a moment, he recalled, he questioned whether it was worth trying again.

But because it was now the afternoon, making it less likely to be subjected to checkpoints, they made their way back.

Upon arrival at the airport, Sadat and the family were able to meet with the evacuation team. For about five hours, the family—along with about 200 others, Sadat estimates—waited to board a U.S. military plane.

“We waited until 2 a.m. We were finally on the airplane at 2:30—we were able to get into a military airplane,” he said, adding that while there were seats on both sides of the plane, most had to sit on the floor. “It was first-come, firstserved. The rest, everyone had to sit on the floor. I don’t know how many people (were aboard), but the plane was fully full.”

After weeks of uncertainty, the family was finally airborne and bound for the United States. To get back, they would have to spend this past weekend traveling first to Kuwait, then Qatar.

From there, they were able to catch a commercial flight to Bulgaria, and then to Ireland.

On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 29, the family landed at Philadelphia International Airport. After their arrival, Sadat’s wife turned to him and said, “We made it back home.” Though they were back on American soil, the family was still a coast away from their San Clemente home.

Sadat, who works in customer service for a company that makes kitchen cabinets, searched for flights to California, but none were available until the next night.

From the airport in Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, Aug. 30, Sadat told San Clemente Times that while he’s relieved to have returned to the U.S., having to leave his parents and siblings in Kabul has given him mixed feelings.

“I am so very worried about my family members,” he said.

Sadat’s parents and brothers are what brought he and his family back to Afghanistan in mid-July, in the first place.

The family traveled to Kabul largely to visit Sadat’s mother, who had been recovering from complications with her eyesight and was on the verge of becoming blind.

“I thought, what if I go next year and, God forbid, my mom can’t see me? … I have to go and see my mom while she San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

An aerial view of Kabul, Afghanistan photographed in March 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

can see me,” he said. “I went because I was scared my mom was going to lose her eyesight.”

The family had planned to stay in Kabul only until Aug. 23. But by then, the situation had dramatically changed, as they and thousands of others were stuck hoping to eventually be evacuated before U.S. troops officially withdrew from the country this week.

In February 2020, the U.S. and Taliban signed an agreement that set the terms for a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1, 2021. At the time of the agreement, the U.S. had about 13,000 troops in Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense Inspector General report.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops is contingent on the “Taliban’s action against al-Qaida and other terrorists who could threaten us,” then-President Donald Trump said in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

The pact included the release of 5,000 Taliban fighters who had been held prisoners by the Afghanistan government, which was not a party to the agreement.

When President Joe Biden took office, he initially pushed the May deadline to Sept. 11. Ultimately, his administration pushed ahead with a plan to withdraw

by Aug. 31, despite signs that the Taliban wasn’t complying with the agreement.

On Aug. 15, Taliban fighters entered the Afghanistan capital of Kabul. The Afghan president fled the country and U.S. diplomats were evacuated from the embassy by helicopter. Thousands of interpreters, and others who worked with the U.S., as well their relatives, were left behind.

“The truth is: This did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated,” Biden said in an Aug. 16 speech. “So, what’s happened? Afghanistan political lead-

ers gave up and fled the country. The Afghan military collapsed, sometimes without trying to fight. If anything, the developments of the past week reinforced that ending U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan now was the right decision.”

Several days before the city fell to the Taliban, Sadat said, he contacted airline officials, asking to move up the family’s return flight home. The earliest, they told him, was Aug. 18. Being that it was only a five-day difference, Sadat didn’t change the flight.

“It was only a five-day difference; no one would think the Taliban could (take over that quickly),” Sadat said, noting that even if he had changed the departure date, many flights had been canceled after Taliban forces took over the city.

In the days that followed, thousands of people flooded the airport in Kabul, desperate to board flights out of the country and flee Taliban rule.

Last Thursday morning, Aug. 26, a deadly attack on the airport led by the Islamic State killed 13 U.S. troops and left 18 others wounded. At least 160 Afghan civilians were reported dead, according to news outlets.

That same morning, Sadat and his brother had been in the vicinity of HKIA’s Abbey Gate, where the suicide bomber later detonated an explosive vest. The two went to the airport to talk with U.S. military officials about evacuating.

“We decided to go back home … but by the time we got home … I heard the explosion happened,” Sadat recalled, adding: “We were fortunately able to survive and leave the area moments before.”

Sadat and the family were expected to arrive at Ontario International Airport Page 4

in San Bernardino County on Tuesday morning. He praised the work of Team America, U.S. military forces and other advocates who have been working to evacuate his family and the many others.

“I’m thankful for everyone—friends and families, my kid’s school, that my cousin said has been calling every day to check on my family.”

Here in Southern California, Sadat’s cousin in Mission Viejo, Nadia Kambiz, also tried to connect with anyone or any group who can secure emergency visas for the family. Kambiz had also been in regular contact with Marblehead Elementary, where Sadat’s two children are enrolled.

Sadat said he appreciated the hard work of the U.S. Armed Forces, and he was thankful to everyone who helped get his family home, including friends, family and Marblehead Elementary.

One person in particular Sadat wanted to thank is a man named Alex Flores.

Though never meeting Flores, Sadat said he was instrumental in connecting the family with Team America.

“I never met Alex Flores; he helped me out a lot, one of the biggest reasons I’m back home,” Sadat said, “And the other is another member of the evacuation team, John,” whose last name Sadat couldn’t remember.

Flores, a veteran in the Marine Corps and reservist who’s currently a federal prosecutor in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been volunteering with another Digital Dunkirk group called Afghanistan Expatriation.

He explained that a friend of Sadat’s, who was being evacuated earlier last week with the help of Flores, asked for help in getting out Sadat’s family. For days, Flores had stayed in contact with Sadat, offering comfort and reassurance through the tumultuous time.

“The last week,” Flores said, “was the hardest week of my life. It was the most fulfilling, and the most heartbreaking.”

Eventually, through an interconnected web of fellow Digital Dunkirks, Flores was able to get Team America to assist Sadat on the ground.

The groups, he describes, are really “a bunch of veterans, governmental folks, humanitarians who connect with their own little connections and all end up at the finishing line … from my time in the Marine Corps, it was a bunch of different groups, but at the end of the day, it was one team, one fight.”

Though the U.S. has officially withdrawn from Afghanistan, Flores said that there are still some Americans on the ground working in an unofficial capacity to assist evacuees.

“Between unofficial work by Americans and the Afghan resistance, there are still avenues being developed for overland evacuation,” he said. “And we’re executing those operations right now.” sanclementetimes.com

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Sandwiches for the Soul: A Book on Tutor & Spunky’s Deli Highlights History of Business and Community’

BY LILLIAN BOYD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Blake is a regular contributor for San Clemente Times. In his bi-monthly column, Life and Love After 50, Blake discusses dating, romance and love for seniors.

In 1988, Tom Blake says he gave up the headaches of the corporate world to make big sandwiches.

Blake had grown up in Jackson, Michigan before attending DePauw University in Indiana. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and then went on to earn his MBA. He began his career working in public relations for the airline industry.

After several years, he headed to the West Coast and began working for Victoria Station, one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States in the 1970s.

“That’s where I got my exposure to the restaurant industry,” Blake said. “I worked there for eight years and really learned the ins and outs of that world.”

At its peak, there were 105 restaurant locations. Victoria Station eventually went bankrupt after the business had grown too fast, Blake said. “(After Victoria Station), I really wanted to leave the corporate world,” said Blake, who moved to Dana Point in 1987 with his thenwife.“I knew enough about the restaurant business to be dangerous. But I wanted to create something that was my own.”

Tom Blake published his book Tutor & Spunky’s: A Dana Point Landmark on July 17. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Blake saw that there was a vacancy at a storefront location in Dana Point.

“I got the lease in August and managed to open a deli by the year’s end with one employee,” Blake said.

He opened Tutor & Spunky’s Deli in 1988—named after the nicknames of Tom (Tutor) and his wife (Spunky). While Tom is no longer married to her, he decided to keep the name.

The following year, Dana Point became a city, and the deli grew as the city grew.

For the next 26 years, Tom managed and guided the deli into a $1 million yearly sales business. During that time frame, he hired 186 employees.

CUSD Announces Modified Health Guidelines as Pandemic Continues

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Though the COVID-19 pandemic shows no end in sight amid the surging spread of the Delta variant, Capistrano Unified School District students who show no symptoms of the virus can continue attending classes in-person, CUSD announced on Friday, Aug. 27.

Under modified safety regulations that went into effect on Monday, Aug. 30, unvaccinated students who were within 6 feet of someone who tested positive can remain on campus if they show no symptoms, wear masks indoors, and if the person who tested positive was also masked indoors.

Masks are required to be worn indoors at CUSD campuses by children and adults, per California Department of Public Health regulations.

If no masks were worn indoors, students must stay home for a minimum of San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

seven days, though they are permitted to return if they test negative after the fifth day.

Students in close contact with someone who tests positive must also not be involved with extracurricular activities, sports, or clubs outside the typical school day.

Fully vaccinated students do not have to stay home if they do not display symptoms. Students who test positive must stay home for 10 days.

“Students who may not attend school because they are quarantining will be on short-term independent study, which does not include daily live instruction,” the district guidelines said. “However, they will have access to all curricula and assignments through Canvas. Any student who is ill will not be required to complete their work until they are Page 6

On July 17, Blake published his book, Tutor & Spunky’s Deli: A Dana Point Landmark, which reflects back on the deli’s history and the shaping of Dana Point as a city.

The book describes the employees, customers and celebrities who visited.

During that time, Blake also became a newspaper columnist.

In the wake of his divorce, Blake began writing about his experiences dating and searching for love again during the later chapters of his life. The columns were first published in the Orange County Register and later in The Capistrano Dispatch, Dana Point Times and San Clemente Times.

“One of the messages I’ve tried to convey in my columns and in this book is that with adversity comes opportunity,” Blake said.“You need to look for those opportunities, because they aren’t always evident.”

When a woman customer named Greta came into the deli in 1998 and ordered a freshly squeezed carrot juice, Blake says he noticed her while she waited for her juice to be prepared. He walked around the counter and said to her, “Would you like to have dinner with me?” Tom and Greta have been together ever since.

Tom and Greta were able to take some incredible trips to Europe, South America, and throughout the United States, and travel to New York City, where Tom appeared on NBC’s Today show and ABC’s Good Morning America, while his staff held down the fort.

The book delves into major events that affected the deli, including the Dana Point Post Office shooting, the fires that decimated Laguna Beach, the local bank heists, the yacht Ponzi scheme by a well-known

customer and the murder of former Dana Point resident Nicole Brown Simpson.

Blake also addresses the disappearance and murders of his former son-inlaw, Joey McStay, McStay’s wife and two children. McStay had worked at the deli when he was younger.

The McStay family murders occurred around February 2010, after the family disappeared from their home in Fallbrook, California; their bodies were found in the desert near Victorville on Nov. 13, 2013.

The book also highlights the implementation of a Dana Point Town Center plan that forced the deli to relocate and the never-ending issues, challenges, and rewards of dealing with employees.

“People who dream of someday owning a restaurant will benefit from reading the book,” Blake said. “There is risk and there are rewards of having one’s own business. It’s not a cakewalk, it’s no stroll in the park, and it needs to be a total dedication that can lead to success.”

And, although Blake retired and sold the deli in 2015, Tutor & Spunky’s remains in business in 2021. The deli is currently owned by two Vietnamese sisters, Samantha Nguyen and Elena Sik. They took over ownership in 2019 and have since maintained the original menu while adding, Vietnamese-inspired menu items.

Blake’s book is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle. The book adds up to 382 pages and contains more than 100 photos.

There will be two book signings at Tutor & Spunky’s Deli on Thursday, Sept 2, from 4-6 p.m. and on Sept. 16, from 4-6 p.m.

feeling better.”

Free COVID-19 self-testing kits for students are available at all school sites, and students can administer them at home.

The new guidelines come as cases continue to rise because of the Delta variant.

The school year kicked off on Aug. 17. As of Tuesday, Aug. 31, there were 43 schools listed as having at least one confirmed case.

San Clemente High and Dana Hills High reported 11 and 12 active cases, respectively—the most of any school currently within the district, according to CUSD’s online dashboard of confirmed cases. SCHS has 3,064 students enrolled for in-person instruction, while DHHS has 2,182 students enrolled.

Cases on the dashboard remain there for 14 days from initial symptoms or test date.

Among San Clemente’s other schools, there were two cases at Bernice Ayer Middle School; three at Las Palmas Elementary School; two at Marblehead Elementary School; four at Shorecliffs Middle School; three at Truman Benedict

Middle School; and seven at Vista Del Mar Middle School.

In Dana Point, there were eight cases at Palisades Elementary School and two at RH Dana Exceptional Needs Facility.

And in San Juan Capistrano, there were four cases at Ambuehl Elementary School; four at Marco Forster Middle School; three at San Juan Elementary School; three at San Juan Hills High School; and six at Wagon Wheel Elementary School.

In Rancho Mission Viejo, there were four cases at Esencia K-8.

In schools whose boundaries include those cities, there were eight cases at Capistrano Valley High School; two at Fred Newhart Middle School; two at Moulton Elementary School; three at Niguel Hills Middle School; three at Tesoro High School; and four at Viejo Elementary School.

Those figures represented an increase from case numbers in early June, when only Vista Del Mar Elementary School and Niguel Hills Middle School had one case each. sanclementetimes.com

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NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

SATURDAY, SEPT. 4

Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences.

The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

SC | Family, Friends Pay

Tribute to ‘The Colonel’ As a U.S. Color Guard officer presented the American Flag to an emotional Bobbie Thacker during a Celebration of Life Ceremony at Casa Romantica on Friday, Aug. 27, she fought back tears as she remembered what her late father, Col. Robert Thacker, meant to her.

He was “quite a hero,” Bobbie said of “The Colonel,” a retired aviator with the U.S. Air Force who, at age 102, died peacefully in his San Clemente home last November. “He had quite a legacy, and I love him very much.”

Col. Thacker’s military career stretched from WWII to the Vietnam War. He flew in the Korean War, also conducting reconnaissance missions in Vietnam.

And while flying an unarmed B-17 over Oahu’s Diamond Head on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, he encountered Japanese planes preparing to attack Pearl Harbor.

In 1970, The Colonel retired in San Clemente, a town in which he loved living, says Bobbie On Friday, she was joined by several family members and friends who had gathered for the ceremony, which also included a special fly-by salute performed by pilots Ken Wagner and Vic Sebring.

The two also had the honor of scattering Col. Thacker’s ashes at sea.

Bobbie later noted that the party at the Casa in The Colonel’s honor was something he would have loved.

SC | SCHS Grad Starts

Tutoring Business

Twenty-year-old Lance Ding, a San Clemente High alumnus and sophomore at UCLA, recently launched a tutoring website, Penzils, and is working to build it as a nationwide resource for students. Photo: Courtesy of Penzils

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7

A U.S. Color Guard officer presents the American Flag to Col. Robert Thacker’s daughter, Bobbie Thacker, during a Celebration of Life ceremony at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens on Friday afternoon, Aug. 27. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

What started out as a college side hustle connecting students to student tutors has turned into a full-fledged business venture for Lance Ding. A 2019 San Clemente High graduate and sophomore at UCLA, Ding is stepping away from school for a few quarters to focus on building his tutoring site, Penzils, into a bona fide, nationwide tech platform.

“I want to build a marketplace for users to connect to local, affordable student tutors to learn anything from math and all areas of academia, to music, sports and art,” said Ding, 20, who is an Engineering major. While currently featuring 70 tutors in Southern California, he hopes to grow the marketplace nationally.

The Penzils website offers an easy-to-use platform where prospective parents and students can find appropriate tutors at the click of a button by selecting a particular profile that identifies the fields in which they tutor.

The parent or student can message the tutor with their request, and the tutor and student work out the fee (usually around $25 per hour). Currently, Penzils is not taking a cut, but in the future, it is looking to have paid features and optional subscriptions for users.

“Penzils is made by students for students,” said Ding, who lives in San Clemente and has two sisters; his parents are both doctors. “Penzils is different since we provide a platform that sources learning opportunities beyond academics, and by reserving our platform for student tutors, we can keep prices affordable.”

Last December, Ding made the decision to go “all in” with his concept. He presented his idea to student groups at UCLA and other universities and started a nationwide search to find a partner who could help him build the technology.

He partnered with Bryce Moral, now his chief technology officer, and he also has

formed an advisory board.

“Finding knowledgeable people and building a great team is crucial for business,” Ding said.“So, I spent months finding others who could help me with this venture.”

Currently, Ding is seeking more tutors to join his platform. Interested individuals should visit the website and click on “Sign up to Tutor.”

“Today’s youth is more talented and multifaceted than ever before,” said Ding.

“I want to empower students to serve their community by sharing what they know.”

SC | City to Host ‘Open House’

for La Pata Lot Development San Clemente residents on Thursday, Sept. 2, will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the city and learn more about a potential gas station development on the corner of Visa Hermosa and Avenida La Pata.

Since first listing the 2.3-acre lot as surplus property in 2016, the city has received offers to purchase the land from more than a dozen developers—most of whom were looking to construct fuel stations along with other amenities.

The city council has reviewed those offers, and this past January narrowed down the top five bidders to three proposals. Since May, a city council subcommittee comprising Mayor Pro Tem Gene James and Councilmember Chris Duncan has been in direct talks with the front-runner, Cypress Express Partners.

Cypress submitted a final bid to buy the parcel for $7.5 million, with the intention of building a Chevron or Shell station, along with an H2Go Express Car Wash and a quick-service food and coffee outlet.

The city, in its notice for Thursday evening’s Open House, stressed that the “City Page 7

City Council 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting in-person at the San Clemente Community Center, as well as virtually. The meeting will be livestreamed on city’s YouTube channel. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8

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

Council has not yet voted on whether to proceed with a purchase and sale agreement.”

“This open house will be an opportunity for residents to learn about tentative development plans and provide feedback to City staff and a potential developer for the site,” the city said.

The community forum is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

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Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

San Clemente Times, Vol. 16, Issue 35. 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 September 2-8, 2021

Letters to The Editor

azon poses to our town. Our city leaders, if wise, will adopt this strategy and turn down Amazon's proposal.

NO TO AMAZON ROSS “RUSTY” AIMER, San Clemente

NO TO AMAZON'S PROPOSAL— DIVERSIFY 20-ACRE SITE INSTEAD LAURIE GOOCH, San Clemente Diversification is a risk management strategy that assigns capital to a variety of investments to better absorb the shocks of any financial disruption. Particularly, to minimize unsystematic risk, risk related to a particular company or market segment.

If we apply the strategy of diversification to our town’s economic development, how can we absorb the shocks of financial disruption if we invest 20 acres in Amazon, an embodiment of the unsystematic risk?

Amazon has experienced unprecedented consumer demand due to the pandemic. In response, Amazon has “tripled its suburban logistics nodes in Southern California from nine to 32 in 2020,” the Orange County Register reported in March.

Last-mile delivery stations exist nearby in Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Irvine (two locations), Mission Viejo, and Santa Ana (two locations).

One day, though, the pandemic will end. Interactions will be real, rather than virtual. And when this happens, what happens to Amazon?

We catch a glimpse in a July 30 Forbes article that quoted Morningstar analyst Dan Romanoff, who stated: “Consumers’ online shopping levels are returning to more normal levels as they shift some spending to other entertainment sources and offline shopping.”

According to the same report, “Amazon posted second-quarter revenue ... of $113.1 billion ... falling short of average analyst expectations totaling $115 billion.”

How necessary will Amazon's “tripled suburban logistics nodes” be when consumer demand returns to normal levels?

Shifts to embrace future innovation? How necessary will an Amazon Distribution Center in San Clemente be?

“Meanwhile, the company continues to add capacity (and costs) at a breakneck pace in order to meet consumer demand and one day delivery,” Romanoff said in the article.

With pandemic-accelerated capacity cost debt and normal levels of consumer demand, how well will Amazon absorb the shocks of financial disruption caused by near-term, post-pandemic in-person life? By long-term future innovation?

How well will an Amazon Distribution Center in San Clemente be?

Moreover, if we invest our 20-acre site in Amazon, we do not have any acres left to invest in other companies. We cannot diversify.

Diversification is a strategy to minimize unsystematic risk, the very risk AmPage 9

Twenty years ago, I escaped the traffic and invasion of the out-of-control growth in Laguna Niguel.

Sadly, I see the same issues brewing here in my adopted quaint and beautiful “sleepy city by the sea!”

Try driving on Pico when the school lets out or during the traffic rush hours.

We smartly rejected the construction of an In-N-Out on the East side of the 5 Freeway for the very same reason.

How in the hell are we going to unleash hundreds of utility vans and 18-wheelers on the same already saturated streets? Not to mention the 24-hour noise and pollution this monster will bring to our limited space.

I have walked the streets of the Rancho San Clemente neighborhood that will be most adversely affected by this invasion.

A majority of the residents are unaware of this potential danger to our livelihood or ask how can we fight Amazon. Some, even naively, proclaim “it will bring us jobs and taxes!”

We know Amazon and other giant corporations don’t pay taxes. The minimum-wage workers they will pour into our city from outside will not pay much payroll taxes, either. Oh, and by the way, hundreds of these transient workers will also add to the traffic problems, driving to and from the fortress, from far-away cities.

I understand going against a Goliath of a corporation with an army of high-priced lawyers and lobbyists is going to be tough.

They have enough money to buy our entire city staff and elected officials. But we have the power of the “vote,” numbers, and have no other choice but to fight.

Please join us to tell our elected officials, no, but hell, no.

RESPONSE TO ‘COVID-19 AND RECALL’ JIM SMITH, San Clemente A recent letter about the California Recall is an interesting example of deception.

The writer uses a “false premise” that poor Gov. Newsom is being recalled just because he wants us to wear masks.

Meanwhile, the rascal governors of Florida and Texas are getting away with helping people get sick and die by allowing people not to wear masks.

Let me break it to the writer gently.

There can be quite a difference in the way states are governed. In fact, their governors can even have a difference of opinion on the efficacy of masks.

What I find rather strange is how the writer ignores what Joe Biden is doing at the federal level. Biden and his cronies ignored federal law and allowed thousands

of people to break into our country on our Texas border. Many of them are sick with COVID-19 and other diseases.

Then, Biden buses them to various cities around the country, spreading more disease. You can bet they’ll do more of the same with the Afghan fiasco.

The collapse over the last two years has been sad and frustrating, but there is hope. Send a message to all, with a vote to recall Gov. Newsom.

ON BILL THOMAS RICHARD FRIEDL, San Clemente Thank you for the wonderful article about Bill Thomas, the definition of volunteerism.

Your readers are probably not aware that Bill also founded the San Clemente Gentlemen’s Literary Society, otherwise known as a book club. Bill started the group about 12 years ago. We have meetings once a month and rotate the responsibility for hosting among our 18 members.

Bill had always been a teacher, and his emphasis throughout our book club meetings was that we were not only learning as we read, but that we learn from each other. As each of us drew from our life experience and gave our views of the books we read, we all benefit from the depths of the insights expressed from the group.

The San Clemente Gentlemen’s Literary Society has continued as a result of the strong foundations built by Bill Thomas.

BAN ON GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS DENNIS MILLER, San Clemente I recognize the need to fight Mother Nature as we continue to come out of this third Ice Age. The blowers were implemented after using water was banned.

What will be the city’s alternate this time?

We can go back to water cleaning by implementing a ban on bathing to every third day. At $15 an hour for minimum wage, sweeping is also out.

Good luck.

VOTING INFORMATION EARLE MCNEIL, San Clemente In your San Clemente Times’ Aug. 26 issue on page 6, it appears that the SC Times was deliberately deceitful in placing a biased article as voter information, when it should have been placed in an opinion/editorial section.

I would think that of the millions of California voters, Newsom’s camp would have also drawn some questionable supporters, and as such, should also be listed in your article. To do otherwise is biased journalism.

VOTER GUIDE TAMMY WELCH, San Clemente I have enjoyed reading the SC Times (Cont. on page 10) sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

(Cont. from page 9) newspaper over the years. It’s fun to read news about San Clemente High School, Bernice, Ayer, and Truman Benedict Elementary, where my children attended school.

I love hearing about what’s happening in our beautiful city of San Clemente and learning about the special events that are occurring. It can be positive and informing.

However, I was disappointed about the information stated in the recall voter guide printed in the Aug. 26 edition of the paper. The article suggests that Gavin Newsom is being recalled primarily due to his attending a social function maskless while imposing rigid masking restrictions on the state.

While this is egregious, it is irresponsible to represent that the recall is based on this one incident.

There are many crucial reasons behind the public’s support for the recall. The article ignores other significant factors that have the voters of California looking for a change in leadership.

Homelessness is on the rise and crime is sharply increasing, as Newsom released many incarcerated felons into the community. Gov. Newsom also implemented an unconstitutional mandate that churches remain closed or severely restricted while other large businesses

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

Larry Elder. Is it the position of the paper to slant the coverage of one political candidate over another? I believe this article is more of an opinion piece than a neutral representation of the facts.

VOTE NO ON THE RECALL FIONA CARROLL, San Clemente

Photo: Lillian Boyd

were allowed to remain open.

The crippling effect on our small business community is staggering, as Gov. Newsom chose to lock down small business while favoring big-box retailers. By Gov. Newsom’s actions, he has opened the eyes of many Californians to the dangers of a totalitarian state that operates at the expense of our civil liberties.

Additionally, the article casts a negative light on a leading opposition candidate,

During a recent voter registration drive at Saddleback Community College, I was made painfully aware of one of the reasons our gun-sense champion governor is in survival mode.

A shocking number of students either didn’t know why they had received a ballot, or didn’t care about the election.

One student who hadn’t voted asked me how the election affects her life, and I responded with my passionate cause— reducing gun violence.

She did not share my passion, and our conversation ended before I had time to discuss what’s really at stake—our survival as individuals and as a democracy.

Our public health crisis list is long in California; COVID-19, gun violence, wildfires, fentanyl deaths, homelessness, and Gov. Newsom is the best choice for leadership to protect us against them.

Perhaps if I had shared with her how awful the air was when I was growing up

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in the Inland Empire in the ’60s and how government regulation has allowed us to breathe clean air and see the mountains for most of the year, she would’ve realized how important it is to vote no on the recall.

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, Sept. 3, 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. This week’s guest speaker will be Paul Webb, a local cyclist who recently completed a 2,899-mile, cross-country ride to raise money for challenged athletes. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

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. Participants can practice basic shots, including the structure of an accurate serve, return of serve, how to dink and volley at the kitchen line, as well as work on paddle grip, footwork positioning on the court, and scoring. This class combines coaching and instruction with the fun of doubles play. Bring plenty of water. Court tennis shoes recommended.

Paddles will be provided. Reservations are required. San Gorgonio Park, 2916 San Gorgonio, San Clemente. 818.535.5130. miller.william22@gmail.com. southerncaliforniapickleballassociation. com.

Editor’s Pick

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

Photo: File

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 | 02 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.

SUNDAY | 05 MARINE MEMORIAL MARCH 3:45 p.m. Community members plan to gather in Downtown San Clemente for a march honoring the fallen Camp Pendleton Marines who died in last week’s terrorist bombings at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. Participants are encouraged to bring flags, bells, posters and banners, as the community shows Camp Pendleton its love for Marines and Corpsmen. At 4:15 p.m., participants will march solemnly to the Semper Fi Memorial at the Pier Bowl area for a moment of silence. At approximately 4:30 p.m., there will be a reading of the names of the fallen heroes who were brave servicemen and servicewomen. Marchers are expected to gather at the top of Avenida Del Mar (near the El Camino Real intersection).

Association and now located on the lawn of the SC Library, offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, home décor, botanicals, textile art, and more. Visitors can expect to find many of their favorite artists, as well as some new faces. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CASINO: THE DOWNTOWN BAND 6-9 p.m. Join Casino San Clemente for Motown night, with The Downtown Band performing. Drinks will also be available for patrons, as well as a buffet dinner (by preorder). Admission is $15 to just watch the band, or $35 for both dinner and the show. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the band slated to perform at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit casinocafe.eventbrite.com.

Casino San Clemente, 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600.

ALLISON MILLER QUARTET 7 p.m. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will host Allison Miller, a New York City-based drummer, composer and teacher who engages her deep roots in improvisation as a vehicle to explore all music. Miller has been named on the list of “Top 20 Jazz Drummers” in Downbeat Magazine, and her composition, “Otis Was a Polar Bear,” is on NPR’s list of “The 200 Greatest Songs by 21st Century Women.” Miller is a three-time Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department and has been appointed Arts Envoy to Thailand for her work with Jazz Education Abroad. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

SATURDAY | 04

SUNDAY | 05

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Village Art Faire, hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods

FRIDAY | 03

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

D. YODER FAMILY SUNDAYS 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Held on the first Sunday of each month, D. Yoder Family Sundays feature activities and a program thematically based on Casa Romantica’s Casa Captivating programs for all ages.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

TUESDAY | 07 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.

WEDNESDAY | 08 PICKLEBALL DRILLS & SKILLS 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In partnership with the city of San Clemente and the Southern California Pickleball Association, coach Page 11

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.

THE NEXT WAVE WITH GREG LONG 6-9:30 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation invites the community to join Greg Long as he shares his global experiences witnessing the awe-inspiring majesty of the oceans and their waves. As part of the SOPF’s Summer Speaker Series, Long will give his first-hand accounts, relating the unfolding tragedies that are accelerating in every corner of our oceans and along our coastlines. Advanced tickets are $15 at greglongsept8. eventbrite.com. Tickets can be purchased at the door (if seats available) for $20.

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

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

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

CoastLines

| By Fred Swegles

Memories of Rebuilding the Pier Twice H ow many of us were here when the San Clemente Pier was destroyed on March 1, 1983? Here are photos from a page that I published after an ever-remembered storm.

As I mentioned to readers, the San Clemente pier built in 1928 had been destroyed in 1939 by waves from a hurricane, then was rebuilt and survived for decades until taken down again in March 1983.

My photo page featured the facial expressions of Gene Burke and Daze (Daisy) Sherrill, who had operated the concession stand at the end of the pier.

A photo atop the page shows some San Clementeans out at the end of the pier, the afternoon before the overnight COASTLINES destruction, and a

BY FRED SWEGLES photo of how the rest of the pier was looking, as people wondered if the structure would survive the stormy night.

All of us standing on the end of the deck could feel the pier rocking and rolling from the surf. We wondered if the deck could be gone in the morning.

REBUILDING THE PIER Stanford Manning, my boss then and publisher of San Clemente’s five-day-aweek Daily Sun-Post, called for a Save Our Pier fundraising campaign. The town supported it, but, really, it was state and federal grants that resulted in the pier being rebuilt two years later.

Engineers designed a new end of the pier to be a bit higher in elevation than the pier closer to shore, to enable the new pier to better withstand any future storms at the end.

20-foot waves racked the pier, loosened the pilings and sent two sections of the pier into the sea. The pier, built in 1928 by men and mule teams, was one of several Orange County piers assaulted by gale-force winds, huge waves and sweltering heat.

“Long before 5 o’clock Sunday afternoon, it became apparent that the pier was weakening and the Owl Boat Co. refused to allow fishermen to go out on the barge,” the Dispatch reported. “Other visitors to the pier were warned to seek safety. At 5:30, the center span dropped into the water, and at 6 o’clock, the ocean end dropped, floated for a few moments and then crumpled like so many matches.

“Mr. and Mrs. George Stearns, who for the past 11 years have operated the cafe and tackle store, stood on shore and watched their 11 years of labor drop out of sight.”

The idea was to help prevent waves from tearing off the pier deck at the end, and avoid pier pilings colliding with other pilings.

The Fisherman’s Restaurant, fortunately, escaped any damage.

I wrote lots about rebuilding and reopening the pier. I’d also written about the historical September 1939 destruction of the original pier, and how the city passed a $40,000 bond in 1940 to rebuild it.

Here’s a concise description from Doris Walker’s The Heritage of San Clemente book, which describes the two piers’ dilemmas.

1939 STORM “A storm delivering hurricane force winds and generating 20-foot waves” sank it, Walker wrote of the 1939 awe shocker.

“Many of the pier pilings were loosened, and two entire sections—first the center, and half an hour later, the end of the pier—were thrown into the sea by the monster waves, just as easily as a boy tossing pebbles,” the book says. “The pilings came apart and floated like matchsticks.

Only 504 feet of the pier remained.”

Walker wrote, of March 1983: “Another sea storm, strongest since ’39, wreaked havoc and severed the pier anew. Half its 347 pilings were destroyed. What was left standing, shakily, with no center section, was the 80-foot base and 430 feet at the ocean end.

Analysis determined that its failure had come from being attached with only drift pins, enabling the midsection to collapse under pressure in a domino effect.”

Over my nearly 50 years with the SunPost, I occasionally interviewed longtime residents or city employees who tried to save the pier in 1939.

MORE ABOUT 1939 The storm surf that took down much of the pier on Sept. 24, 1939, wasn’t actually a hurricane striking San Clemente, although some people seem to have referred to it that way.

An account in San Juan Capistrano’s Coastline Dispatch described how monster

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

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RIDE OF YOUR LIFE The Owl Company’s barge was tossed about by storm water a mile offshore, with two employees stranded until rescue was possible Tuesday morning, “having an experience which they will never forget,” the newspaper said.

All bait boats were sent to the shelter of Newport Bay early that Sunday afternoon and got there just before a large yacht sank at the bay entrance.

“Cancellation of train service to San Clemente from Sunday noon to Tuesday evening was due to the water undermining the tracks near the Hamilton Cotton Ranch,” the article said.“Repair crews which had been working night and day restored through train service late Tuesday evening.”

Meanwhile, many trees across San Clemente were blown down by 55-mph winds.

“Damage to walnut and citrus groves in this area was heavy, and electric service was interrupted at brief intervals during Sunday afternoon,” the paper said. “The city has practically recovered (by Friday, Sept. 29) from the hottest heat wave, the heaviest rainfall in 24 hours and the most severe wind storm.”

Longtime city employees Dewey Hoople and Dave Johnson did all they could, venturing out onto the wallowing pier to try to secure loose pilings before they could strike sound pilings, but then being forced off the pier.

Fred Swegles grew up in San Clemente before the freeway. He has 50 years’ reporting experience in the city and can be reached at fswegles@picketfencemedia.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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SC LIVING

BEAUTY IS SKIN-DEEP

New Spa Focuses on Anti-Aging, Acne and More

BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

D North Menswear owner Martin Majano Jr. Photo: Norb Garrett

AUTHENTICALLY MARTIN

New Menswear Shop Specializes in All-American Styles

BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

orking in the fashion retail business in New York City can make or break you. Long hours, demanding customers and an ever-evolving flow of products require dedication and commitment.

For Marin County, California transplant Martin Majano Jr., NYC was the perfect environment to help shape his future dreams. After moving there in 2000 to work for high-end luxury brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Omega and John Varvatos, it was a casual conversation with a friend in the city that inspired his next move.

“It was July 2007, and I was smoking cigars with a buddy when he asked me what my own business might look like if I were to open up my own shop,” Majano recalled.

His response was instant, and his vision was clear.

“I would open a men’s lifestyle shop that wasn’t only about clothing but would feel rustic and lived in, like a beach bungalow,” he continued. “It would feature American-made goods, but I’d curate it with goods from artisans and locals, like home goods, accessories, and be a place for people to hang out.”

Thirteen years later, his vision has manifested itself in San Clemente at North Menswear located in North Beach.

It’s a direct reflection of Majano’s vision for the store—rustic, All-American, warm, authentic and featuring curated clothing, shoes and accessories surrounding couches and casual chairs for sitting and chatting.

It also features local artwork and local San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

crafts and products. It’s Majano’s second location for North Menswear, but the first one that he and his team personally curated—a year after he had acquired the original North Menswear in Laguna Beach from proprietor Peter Surprenant (located at 380 Gleneyre Street).

“I remember first seeing Peter’s shop in October 2013 in Laguna Beach,” said Majano, who along with his wife, Paula, are raising their four children. “It was everything I was envisioning but done by someone else. While (the San Clemente) store is 100% my vision, I still use many of the same lines and vendors Pete had.”

Since acquiring the business and launching his own vision for the store in November 2020, Majano, with the help of his team, Alec Williams and Julian Majano, have revamped the website and social media strategy to better capture the essence of North. There’s even an app available on all platforms.

A self-described “people person,” Majano envisions his store as not only a place to shop, but for friends and clients to come hang out, share stories and be together.

“This is a lifestyle,” said Majano, 46, who loves riding motorcycles but has yet to try surfing, although he’s game for it.

“I’m all about being authentic, supporting community and meeting great people.”

emi Broughton is a self-professed workaholic who started working at age 13. When she was diagnosed almost six years ago with Hashimoto’s Disease (which affects the thyroid) and had to stop working as an aesthetician at Platinum Medical Spa in Aliso Viejo, she was forced to take stock of life.

She took three years off before returning to work at Platinum, only to have that work halted amid the COVID-19 lockdowns. As she and her husband, Ryan, dealt with the pandemic, they had lots of time to talk about where her career might go next.

“We were at home during the pandemic, and I thought I needed to go back and do my own thing,” said Broughton, 43, who was born and raised in San Juan Capistrano and has been working in the skin-care industry since 2009, when she left the fashion world to attend Paul Mitchell Skin Academy in Costa Mesa.

She started her first skin-care business in 2011, before a chance meeting at a trade show in Las Vegas led to a partnership resulting in her moving to Platinum in 2012, where she grew the skin-care business by 40% as the lead aesthetician.

She left in 2016 to tackle Hashimoto’s, then returned briefly before the pandemic stopped the world in its tracks.

“In the middle of COVID, I rented my own studio and started back up, all within state guidelines regarding close contact,” she said.

A friend mentioned there was space available for her own spa in San Clemente, and upon seeing the space at 312

NORTH MENSWEAR 1520 North El Camino Real, Unit 3, 949.218.1553, northmenswear.com, @northmenswear

Avenida de la Estrella, Broughton signed the lease immediately.

Broughton’s vision for her own business, Skin Restore, was shaped when she was a teenager working for her mom and aunt, who owned a hair salon.

“I was blessed at a young age to know how to care for my skin,” said Broughton. “I offer all medical-grade skin care treatments. I don’t just do the typical facial—the steam and cream. I have devices that go deeper and offer better results. We offer clinical treatments and medical-grade skin care.”

The sparkling new 650-square-foot spa, featuring two state-of-the-art treatment rooms, retail space and a waiting area with ocean views and a balcony, has been open since last September, but only has returned to full speed since the June reopening of the state.

Skin Restore offers a range of services, from her “Diamond Glow Facial,” to “Fire and Ice” and the “Teen Facial.” Also, starting in September, Broughton’s excited to offer the industry’s newest technology, Jetpeel.

“Taking care of your skin is so important,” said Broughton, who noted that much of her work is focused on anti-aging and acne solutions. “I’ve literally had people in my room crying because they’re struggling with acne, and I’ve helped people target the issues and get back to a healthy state. I love to help people with their skin.”

SKIN RESTORE 312 Avenida de la Estrella 949.545.7919, skinrestoreoc.com, @skinrestoreoc.com

Demi Broughton’s new skin care spa, Skin Restore. Photo: Norb Garrett

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CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

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

Deadline 12pm Monday.

GARAGE SALE - DOWNSIZING, MOVING September 4th 7AM 26801 Calle Verano, Capo Beach furniture, kitchen items, decor, lamps, pictures, books, puzzles, misc.

Everything must go, highly motivated

HELP WANTED PART TIME RETAIL SALES Part Time Retail Sales- Coastal Karma located in the San Clemente Outlets is looking for someone who enjoys fashion and working with friendly people. Hours/ Pay Negotiable. Contact: Jessica at 415250-4311 to hear more.

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

OTHER TUTORING-MATHEMATICS Geometry, Algebra, Pre-Calculus & Calculus California credentialed (949)370-9783

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ATTORNEY

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

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

Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr., DDS 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, San Clemente, (949)361-GUMS (4867), sanclementeperiodontics.com

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

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS

BODY MIND SPIRIT 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 DENTISTS

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

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING

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

Hoover Construction License B-774675 949-292-6778

MUSIC LESSONS

PLUMBING

Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.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.

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

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

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

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

REALTORS

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

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

SALONS

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Buy • Consign • Sell

949.395.5681 (24 hours)

classicautosalesoc.com

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

2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente

LIST LOCALS ONLY. USE LOCALS ONLY. For pricing call 949.388.7700, ext.102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 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 September 2-8, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01208843 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Angelo Deerbourne Carney Gomez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Angelo Deerbourne Carney Gomez PROPOSED NAME A. Angelo Deerbourne Vidrine Carney 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: 10/05/2021 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: August 25, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216612630 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FRIGGIN HANDMADE 3408 CALLE SIN RIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): JAMIE L BROPHY 3408 CALLE SIN RIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/01/2019 /s/JAMIE BROPHY This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/10/2021.

Published in: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Marie Le; and Does 1 through 30, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Dennis F. Penn, an individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

7040 Avenida Encinas, Ste. 104-285, Carlsbad, CA 92011 619-322-5695

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

DATE: (Fecha) 05/25/2021 N. Fabian, Clerk of the Court NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published: San Clemente Times September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01215325

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Alexis Kristine Barba; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Alexis Kristine Barba PROPOSED NAME A. Alexis Kristine Vozza-Gregg 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: 10/12/2021 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: August 12, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2021

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01215333

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

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Sandra Lee Vozza; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Sandra Lee Vozza PROPOSED NAME A. Sandra Lee Vozza Gregg 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: 10/12/2021 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: August 12, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, August 26,

CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 37-2021-00022977-CL-BC-NC Judge Cynthia A Freeland The name and address of the court is: (El Nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, North County Division 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA 92081 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff ’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del obogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Clay D. Renick

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September 2, 9, 16, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216612693 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HAPPY PAWS PET CARE BY KIM 714 CALLE BRISA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): KIMBERLEY STEEL 714 CALLE BRISA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 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 KIMBERLEY STEEL/s/KIMBERLEY STEEL, KIMBERLEY STEEL/OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/10/2021.

Published in: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2021 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 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 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

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SC LIVING

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Luca

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Meet Luca, an adorable little guy with a personality to match. Only 4 months old, Luca can be a tad shy initially, but warms up quickly.

He is affectionate and gets along well with other cats. With a face like that, you can’t help but fall for Luca.

If you are interested in adopting Luca, 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.

Luca and all of the adoptable cats and kittens have 50% off their adoption fee through Sept. 5.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Ole Hanson’s Office, circa 1930. He

was a horseman himself. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

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

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SCHS Boys Soccer Coach Mike Pronier Steps Down After 33 Years M

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ike Pronier has stepped down as San Clemente High School’s boys soccer coach after 33 years in the position and an incredible amount of success.

“Coach Pronier has left an indelible imprint on San Clemente High School, an imprint of how success comes from hard work, dedication to the craft, and an unparalleled passion for the game itself,” a school statement read.

Pronier’s teams won three CIF-SS championships in 2011, 2013 and 2019 and won CIF Southern California Regional championships in 2011 and 2019. The Tritons made the CIF-SS title game five times under Pronier, with four Regional title game appearances. San Clemente won eight South Coast League titles in the last 10 years alone.

Pronier won a total of 446 games for the Tritons, including a 297-79-82 overall record in the last 17 seasons.

The entirety of the San Clemente boys soccer program (including freshman/ sophomore and junior varsity teams) accounted for more than 800 wins during Pronier’s tenure. Pronier was also the CIF-SS Coach of the Year three times.

Pronier’s last CIF-SS Coach of the Year honor came in 2019, which was possibly the best season in Tritons history.

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.

Football Opens Season 2-0 It was a different opponent, different location and different day than the San Clemente football team was originally supposed to play last week, but the Tritons got the job done all the same.

Senior quarterback Lachlan Van Rosmalen threw two touchdowns and Blake Allen ran for more than 100 yards as San

San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

San Clemente boys soccer coach Mike Pronier (center in white) celebrated his 400th win as coach of the Tritons in 2019. Pronier stepped down after 33 years this week. Photo: Kreg Kowarsch

For the first and only time in program history, San Clemente won a South Coast League championship, CIF-SS championship and CIF Southern California Regional championship in the same season. The Tritons did not record a loss in the final 21 games of the season, with a nearly impeccable 20-0-1 run. San Clemente was ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 2 in the nation by MaxPreps and finished in the top five of the national

rankings by both USA Today and topdrawersoccer.com.

“In the end, Mike says it will not be the win/loss record that he will ultimately reflect upon,” the school statement continued, “it will be the relationships that were built between coach and athlete upon mutual respect, discipline and high expectations, and always putting the athletes before himself because he truly cared about the young

Clemente went on the road to defeat San Jacinto, 15-13, on Saturday, Aug. 28.

San Clemente (2-0) was originally scheduled to play at Torrey Pines on Friday, Aug. 27, but Torrey Pines canceled the game earlier in the week due to a positive COVID-19 test in the program.

San Jacinto was originally supposed to play Long Beach Wilson on Saturday, but Wilson also had a positive COVID-19 test in its program. The Tritons and Tigers then scheduled the game on short notice to keep a full season schedule intact.

It was another banner day for Allen, who continues to break out in his junior season. Allen ran for 115 yards on 18 carries and caught four passes for 27 yards.

Van Rosmalen completed 25 of 38 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns, both caught by junior Thomas Hartanov.

Hartanov caught six passes for 71 yards, and junior Reid Kontiranta caught 11 passes for 64 yards.

In what became a tight affair, the defense was again paramount for the Tritons. Junior Brad Gerken led San Clemente with nine total tackles, including eight solo tackles. Junior Reese McDonald again brought the pressure to collect the Tritons’ only sack of the game, and sophomore Drew Shanley grabbed an interception.

San Clemente is next in action at La Costa Canyon in Carlsbad on Friday, Sept. 3, and comes home for Military Appreciation Night and Orange County competition against Corona del Mar on Sept. 10.

SCHS Grad Weber Signs Pro Soccer Contract Former San Clemente soccer star Tristan Weber signed with Las Vegas Lights FC of the USL Championship on

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men he coached well beyond the field.

Countless players went on to play in college, some of whom were the first in their families to get a college degree, and for this and so much else, Mike can leave the pitch knowing he gave everything he had to the job of coaching and mentoring young men for 33 years.”

Pronier coached many star players, including CIF-SS Players of the Year Greg Zerboni in 2013 and Blake Bowen in 2019. Bowen was also named Gatorade California Player of the Year in 2019.

Bowen’s 2018 teammate, Tristan Weber, also won the Gatorade California Player of the Year the season before Bowen.

Pronier will continue his career in the classroom, with time built in to prepare for his next phase.

“Mike will be missed on the pitch by so many, but I am happy for Mike personally,” San Clemente athletic director John Hamro said. “He gave everything for so many years, and I know he has other interests he would like to pursue as he moves forward in his life. I cannot thank Mike enough for everything he has done for our Boys’ Soccer program, as well as our overall athletic program for the past 33 years.”

San Clemente will begin its search for a new boys soccer head coach immediately.

SC

Aug. 23 and made his professional debut on Saturday, Aug. 28.

USL Championship is the second division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid under Major League Soccer, and Las Vegas Lights FC is a partner club of MLS’ Los Angeles FC. All of Las Vegas’ games are streamed on ESPN+.

Weber returns home on Sept. 11 as the Lights take on Orange County SC at the Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine.

Weber graduated from San Clemente High School in 2018 after being named the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year, Gatorade California Player of the Year and South Coast League MVP in the same season. Weber played one season at the University of Portland, where he advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and another season at San Diego State, where he played in all 18 matches. SC

sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

‘Reckless Isolation’ Is Not Just Another Surf Movie Kolohe Andino Steps into Role of Film Producer for First Time

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

omewhere in the middle of the pandemic, in a brief window of time when travel to Indonesia opened and surfers were able to get back to the business of chasing waves through the archipelago, an all-star crew of San Clemente’s most talented rippers hopped a flight and got to work.

Led by Olympian Kolohe Andino, the guest list for the trip included Griffin and Crosby Colapinto, Ian Crane and Luke Davis. Taking the remote, and sparsely populated, Mentawai Islands by storm, the crew worked on an exciting film project entitled Reckless Isolation, which is set to be released this week.

For Andino, the endeavor marks his first time producing a surf film from start to finish. The rookie filmmaker planned and funded the project, as well as oversaw the filming and the editing.

“With everything we all have going on in our lives and careers, we don’t have a lot of time to actually take trips together and surf. I’m so stoked we were able to take advantage of this time,” Andino told the San Clemente Times prior to his debut at the Olympics in Tokyo last month.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Andino’s been part of a host of surf films, but this marks the first time he’s taken on the creative and production responsibilities—although it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, as Andino’s long been interested in cameras and the art of photography and cinematography.

Developing the film via production

(From left) Kolohe Andino, Griffin Colapinto, Luke Davis, Ian Crane and Crosby Colapinto arrive at the dock before heading to the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, in September 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Nate Lawrence/Red Bull Content Pool

company Stagnant Ambition, Andino has entered a new chapter in his role as an influencer in and out of the water.

“Obviously, it’s different when you’re not just performing in front of the camera but have to think of all the details. There’s so much that goes into it. I learned a ton,” Andino said.

Reckless Isolation will make its world premiere in San Clemente on Sunday, Sept.

5, at the Stance Socks headquarters. And if you miss that one, celebrate Labor Day in style with another premiere at the iconic La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas on Sept. 6.

In total, the boys will conduct a film tour through 11 different cities around the country. A free online premiere will

take place on Red Bull TV on Oct. 7. For more details and to buy tickets, go to redbull.com.

When it’s all said and done, Stagnant Ambition will be donating all the profits from the film tour to Project Nasi, which is raising funds to help provide relief for communities in need in Bali. With the country once again locked down and tourism extremely impacted for yet another surf season, the assistance is much needed.

Andino’s longtime board maker, Matt Biolos, and his team at Lost Surfboards are also getting in on the support, implementing creative ways to help their friends and partners in Indonesia.

“Experiencing unprecedented participation and demand for all things healthy and outdoors, we (at Lost Surfboards) have struggled to keep up,” Biolos shared on Instagram this week.

“One way to balance both issues has been to call on our team @lost_indo to begin building boards for International use … it’s exciting to see these beautiful #BaliBuilt #MadeInIndonesia #RNF_96’s going through the factory @lost_indo and on their way to the US, where we have not been able to keep up with demand for this magic little surfboard model.”

It’s a small little sandbox that we all surf in, and so often what we do here at home can have a direct impact on somebody half a world away.

It’s inspiring to see Andino, Biolos and friends embracing that ethos and not just stepping up in the water and on the shaping bay, but also finding creative ways to help support the people who have enriched their lives so fully.

That should make you feel pretty good about picking up tickets to Reckless Isolation or scoring a new Lost shape.

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

FINN MCCARTY

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t was a big weekend for California’s next generation of surf stars, as the NSSA 2021 West Coast Regional Championships were contested in Huntington Beach last week. Congratulations to San Clemente’s Finn McCarty, who won the Open Mini Grom division, facing a small-scale south swell in the water and a ton of talent from all over the Golden State.

“Couldn’t be more stoked on my biggest win yet,” McCarty shared with his friends and fans on Instagram.

For McCarty, who’s been ripping lately, San Clemente Times September 2-8, 2021

Finn McCarty. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

both in and out of a jersey, the win was the icing on a great summer of surfing.

The goofy-footer’s air game is quickly reaching new heights, and he’s got style

for days.

Earlier in the year, McCarty went on a tear and finished second in the Under-12 division of the USA Surfing Championships at Lowers. For the effort, he earned himself a spot on the USA Surfing Development Team, where he’ll be able to continue to get more heat strategies dialed in, fine-tune his technique and take his surfing to the next level.

And with the prime surf season of fall and winter almost upon us, don’t be surprised to see McCarty and his crew doing their thing up and down the coast and in Hawaii. More good things are surely on the horizon. SC Page 34

Water Temperature: 64-66 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-10 Thursday: A mix of Southwest and Northwest swells for thigh to waist high waves, (2-3’).

Light/variable breeze in the early morning, followed by light+/moderate west winds the rest of the day.

Outlook: Friday’s surf holds at thigh to waist high, (2-3’), while light+ west winds persist for most of the day. A fresh South/ southwest swell fills in on Saturday, setting up waist to chest high waves, (3-4’), then Sunday’s surf peaks in the chest high to a foot overhead range, (4-5-6’). Light/variable winds Saturday morning, turn to a light+/ moderate sea breeze in the afternoon. Light Southwest winds for most of Sunday.

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