September 3, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

September 3-9, 2020 YO U

C A N

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 15, ISSUE 36

An Uphill Battle

Coastal Bluff Property Proposal Under City Review, Prompts Resident Opposition E Y E O N S C / PAG E 8

The new owners of property on La Rambla, where a 1966 landslide destroyed a series of homes, are looking to develop the coastal bluff with seven new homes. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Council Initiates Challenge to TCA Fees EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Council Approves Funding for Health Care District Survey EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

sanclementetimes.com

County Expected to Move into State’s ‘Red Tier’ EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Council Initiates Challenge to TCA’s Development Fees THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council has reset its sights on the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), as it took steps on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to challenge the development impact fees (DIF) the toll road operator has imposed on residents and developers who have not benefited from the now-abandoned SR-241 road alignment.

Councilors continued to target the TCA on Tuesday night by also calling on Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer to investigate allegations that an unknown member on the agencies’ Boards of Directors influenced the approval of a contract award to a firm in which he or she had a personal stake.

The council voted unanimously in favor of sending a letter to Spitzer’s office, asking that he launch an investigation in the conflict-of-interest allegation that was first raised in an Orange County Grand Jury report on the TCA this past June.

In the report, which had found that the TCA had continued to place itself in road planning projects that likely were outside of its legislative purview, the Grand Jury said that an unnamed board director “acted favorably on a TCA contract with a firm where he/she had a personal or political interest.”

In an email to the San Clemente Times, the TCA responded to the council’s vote by stating “the discussion and vote to send a letter to the District Attorney based on unsubstantiated, non-specific statement from a Grand Jury report fraught with misinformation is also unfortunate.”

“The Grand Jury report provided no facts regarding the alleged event or even any indication as to whom it was referencing,” the TCA continued. “This act appears to be part of the City’s continued effort to manufacture public antagonism towards TCA and its Board of Directors.”

The motion from Councilmember Gene James, a director on the San Joaquin Hills TCA board, also included a direction to the city that a similar letter seeking an investigation be sent to the U.S. attorney of the Central District of California and the state’s attorney general, if Spitzer doesn’t reply within two weeks.

While backing James’ motion, Councilmember Kathy Ward, the city’s representative on the Foothill Eastern TCA (F/ ETCA) board, noted that she had recently San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

The city council voted Tuesday, Sept. 1, to initiate steps toward challenging the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ development impact fees that have been imposed on residents and developers in San Clemente for years. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

asked her fellow TCA directors if they would consider hiring an investigator to review the conflict-of-interest claim.

As of press time, it was unclear what resulted from that request from Ward at the TCA meeting.

Following discussion on the investigation, the council turned its attention to the TCA’s development impact fees, which the TCA collects from property owners of new developments built within the cities and unincorporated areas that benefit from the toll roads.

According to the Grand Jury report, between 1986 and Fiscal Year 2019, the TCA collected approximately $703.6 million in development impact fees.

DIFs, the TCA stated, “are paid by developers as agreed to by the County and member cities—including San Clemente when the Agencies were formed. These fees are applied to the costs incurred in constructing and improving the roads, which have undoubtedly benefitted the residents and businesses of the member agencies, including San Clemente’s.”

The city, however, is arguing that, despite paying approximately $46 million

over the life of the fees, San Clemente residents and developers have not benefited from a proposed portion of the 241 Toll Road that was never completed.

In 2016, the TCA abandoned plans to complete the southern alignment of the 241 to Interstate-5—a connection referred to as the “green alignment.” The initial alignment was contested by environmental groups that eventually led to a settlement agreement establishing an “avoidance area” that included the San Mateo Watershed and Trestles south of San Clemente.

That agreement eventually prompted the TCA to consider alternatives to connect the 241 to I-5, including proposed—and contentious—routes to have the toll road cut through portions of San Clemente.

However, this past March, the TCA directors unanimously voted in favor of pursuing an untolled, arterial route from the 241 to the San Clemente city limit, officially abandoning the 241-extension plans The “TCA has built only a portion of the Foothill corridor, yet it continues to collect the DIFs to fund the entirety of it,” the city stated in a staff report to the council. It went

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on to note: “With TCA’s elimination of a major segment of SR-241 in 2016, San Clemente’s share of DIFs no longer corresponds to its share of infrastructure improvements.”

Councilors on Tuesday voted, 3-1, in favor of notifying the TCA that it has breached its Joint Powers Authority agreement with the city by eliminating the road alignment in “San Clemente’s area of benefit without even studying commensurate reduction in San Clemente DIFs.” The council’s vote also authorized the city to solicit a consultant to help calculate a fair share reduction in San Clemente’s DIFs, as well as initiate an amendment to San Clemente’s TCA fee ordinance.

The city’s report stated that challenge to the TCA could serve as a prerequisite in getting refunds for San Clemente residents who paid the fees to the TCA. Tuesday’s vote also allows the council to consider taking legal action that seeks a judicial decree in finding the TCA in breach of the JPA. Such a decision to go that route could cost the city about $100,000 in legal fees.

Acting Mayor Laura Ferguson, the sole no vote on challenging the TCA’s fees, expressed concern over taking the litigation route, noting the city doesn’t have the funds in its war chest for such a legal expense.

City Attorney Scott Smith agreed that the city didn’t have the money, but he explained that the approval Tuesday night only is intended for the council to consider the legal option but not necessarily move forward with it.

“The action would be brought when the council thought that it had the funds to do that,” Smith said.—Shawn Raymundo

Council Approves Funding for Survey on Health Care District THE LATEST: Residents will soon have an opportunity to weigh in on a medical operator’s funding plan to reopen San Clemente’s shuttered hospital by creating a new tax on property owners and forming a health care district in the city.

The council on Tuesday, Sept. 1, approved a $45,000 allocation to fund a community survey meant to gauge local support for the proposal from Palomar Health, a San Diego County-based medical system that expressed interest in expanding its hospital district in San Clemente.

Expressing his support for the survey, Councilmember Chris Hamm said it was “high time” that San Clemente “get an emergency room back.” He added that the poll would help the city “determine whether or not we want to put our money where our mouth is.”

This past February, Palomar submitted a proposal as part of the city’s ongoing (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) process to find a hospital operator interested in taking over MemorialCare’s former medical campus on Camino de los Mares. That process had been put on pause because of the pandemic, but it was reinitiated this past July.

In its proposal, Palomar said that to pay for the relaunch of the hospital, it was interested in issuing a general obligation bond, which would be funded through local property taxes—a strategy, it said, was successfully used in San Diego County.

“Not only would this provide initial funding for the relaunch of San Clemente’s hospital, it would also create strong ties from the community to ‘their’ hospital,” Palomar said in its proposal. “This could be coupled with the formation of a new Healthcare District, or used as a stand-alone approach to provide the startup funding boost.”

Health care districts are voter-created and funded through tax dollars. In California, there are currently 78 health care districts, which are governed by locally elected boards of directors, according to the Association of Healthcare Districts.

The city has previously estimated costs to renovate the hospital at about $62.81 million, while the construction of a whole new facility is anticipated to cost $163 million.

During Tuesday’s discussion on the survey, the council voted, 3-1, in favor of its approval, with acting Mayor Laura Ferguson opposed. Ferguson questioned whether the city could afford a $45,000 contract for a survey given the state of the city’s finances amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While praising Palomar Health as a “great medical institution,’ she had hoped a medical provider would come forward that was willing to pay for the hospital.

“I’m pleased to see (Palomar) wanted to be here, but they just don’t want any skin in the game,” Ferguson said, later adding: “I’m not going to be able to support this item at this time. I hope a provider-operator comes forward that is willing to help pay for this, but at this time it’s not prudent.”

The bulk of the funds for the survey—$35,000—will come from the city’s Council Contingency budget, while another $10,000 will comprise professional services monies, according to the city.

With the $45,000 funding allocation, both the city and Palomar would collaborate on the questions that will be asked, as well as on the selection of a consultant to conduct the poll,” acting City Manager Erik Sund explained.

San Clemente hasn’t had a hospital since 2016, when MemorialCare closed its Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

MemorialCare wanted to turn the facility into an urgent care location. However, residents and the city council at that time rejected that plan, advocating instead for an emergency room and hospital facilities.

The disagreement eventually led to the city rezoning the parcel for emergency services, prompting a years-long legal battle, as MemorialCare sued the city over claims that the city’s “spot zoning” was San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

counties within tiers and modifying the activities within those respective counties.”

Counties will only be allowed to move one tier at a time, and the metrics will be assessed weekly, every Tuesday.

Newsom also warned that the new system allows the state to toggle counties back and forth between the tiers based on whether they meet the criteria for two consecutive weeks.

“We also have criteria that not only toggles forward but also toggles back— moving back if you fail to meet the criteria for at least two straight weeks, you’ll have to move back into the old tier,” Newsom said.

As of Aug. 31, some business sectors within counties under the purple tier have been allowed to reopen with modifications, according to the state.

Those sectors include all retail, shopping centers—at 25% maximum capacity—and hair salons and barbershops for indoor operations.

Orange County, currently listed on the state’s color-coded monitoring map under the purple tier—the highest risk level for coronavirus cases—is expected to drop down to the lower red tier next week. Photo: Courtesy of the California Department of Public Health

unfair and made it difficult financially to support the hospital.

The two parties reached a settlement agreement in June 2019. Since then, the city has intended to reopen the hospital, providing inpatient acute care, as well as surgical, outpatient clinical and emergency-room services.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city said the due diligence survey of San Clemente’s residents would be the “first step in determining the feasibility of Palomar Health’s proposed model.”—SR

County Expected to Move into State’s ‘Red Tier’ for Coronavirus Risk Level THE LATEST: Orange County next week is likely to move down a tier, to a lower-risk level, on the state’s new tiered monitoring system to track coronavirus cases, county officials announced on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

According to a press release from the Orange County Health Care Agency, County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau reportedly got confirmation from the state health department on Monday, Aug. 31, that the county “is on track to enter into the red tier” on Sept. 8.

The move down from the purple (widespread) tier—the highest-risk level—to the red (substantial) tier hinges on whether the county can maintain its current metrics on new cases and test positivity rate.

To qualify for the red tier, a county must have between four to seven new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity rate between 5% and 8%. Currently, Orange County has 5.6 new cases and a 5% test positivity rate.

The announcement on the county’s anticipated downgrading to a lower tier follows remarks Gov. Gavin Newsom gave on Friday, Aug. 28, when he unveiled the new monitor-

ing system, which replaces the previous watch list that had identified counties experiencing rises in cases and hospitalizations.

During that announcement, Newsom indicated that counties that had just recently come off the watch list, yet found themselves in the highest-risk level—Orange County being one of them—were likely to move down a tier over the coming days.

“With the new criteria, we captured a couple (of counties) that were just coming off that (watch list). They’re likely to come out very, very shortly,” Newsom had explained this past Friday.

The rollout of the new system, referred to as the “Blueprint for a Safer Economy,” had come less than a week after the county had been removed from the watch list.

The county was added to the watch list back in early June amid a surge in cases that had put in place renewed restrictions on several economic sectors. On Sunday, Aug. 23, the county was able to come off the list, as case and hospitalization rates had improved to acceptable levels.

Under the tiered system, which Newsom described as “simpler,” yet more “stringent” and “steady,” a county’s rate on new cases and positive tests will determine the risk level in which they belong—just two statistical categories compared to the five measured for the watch list system.

According to the state, there will be a 21-day mandatory wait time before a county can be transitioned into a lower tier. Counties must also meet the state’s metrics for the next tier for two consecutive weeks.

“We’re going to be more stubborn this time and have a mandatory wait time between moves,” Newsom said last week.

“We didn’t do that last time, and that is a significant distinction between what we have learned from the past and what we now are advancing in this more stringent but, we believe, more steady approach to moving

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WHAT’S NEXT: The reopening of schools had been previously dictated by the watch list system, with schools allowed to physically reopen after their county had been off the list for 14 consecutive days.

Under the new tiered system, schools would be allowed to reopen when their county has been in the “substantial” (red) tier for 14 consecutive days.

According to OC Health, as long as the county maintains its metrics and moves to the red tier, all K-12 schools could be eligible for reopening in-person classes as early as Sept. 22.—SR

City’s Tree Service Contract in Limbo as Council Deadlocked on Contract Award THE LATEST: The city council on Tuesday, Sept. 1, reached an impasse over how to proceed with awarding the city’s contract for a multi-year tree service agreement, delaying again the solicitation process, which had put an Anaheimbased company as the top bidder.

Tuesday’s deadlocked decision on whether to award the contract to West Coast Arborists (WCA) or reject all bids marked the third time in more than four months that the council has ultimately deferred a decision on the matter.

After receiving bids for a three-year tree service contract, the city council in late April had voted to reject bids from Rod’s Tree Service and WCA—the lowest bidder and staff’s recommendation for the contract. Staff was then directed to put out a new bid for a five-year contract.

In early June, the city presented to council another recommendation to select WCA based on the new bids for the five-year service agreement. That recommendation (Cont. on page 6) sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

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EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 4) was shot down again, as the council voted to redraft the solicitation process, putting it under a personal service agreement, instead of a maintenance service agreement.

The following month, the council approved a new city policy related to the procedure and selection of contractors. The new policy was meant to allow the city to consider other factors besides cost when it came to tree maintenance services.

Public Works Director Tom Bonigut on Tuesday noted to the council that the new policy shaped the latest RFP process, which evaluated the bidders based on a 100-point system with the updated criteria.

Three companies vying for the five-year service contract had submitted bids for the latest round of proposals, with United Pacific Services coming in as the lowest bidder at $196,500. WCA submitted a bid of $219,200, while Rod’s, a San Clementeoperated business, submitted a bid of $266,620.

Based on the criteria under the new policy, a panel comprising city department heads—Utilities Director Dave Rebensdorf, Community Development Director Cecilia Gallardo-Daly and Bonigut— evaluated the three bids, resulting in WCA again ranking as the top contender.

According to the city, WCA had received the highest marks from each of the panelists and had an average score of 85. Evaluations were based on adequate knowledge of local conditions, experience of key project staff, work plan and approach, project experience and cost proposal, among others.

United Pacific received an average score of 79 from the panel. Rod’s, which had overwhelming support by members of the community Tuesday night, received an average score of 78, according to the city’s report.

Bonigut noted that the cost factor made up less than a third of the point score.

“Cost was less than a third of the total score, and 70% of the 100-point total were based on factors other than costs,” Bonigut said. “So, compared to bid solicitations, cost was actually a greatly diminished factor.”

Following a lengthy public-comment portion, in which residents raised claims questioning WCA’s safety record, acting Mayor Laura Ferguson asked Bonigut whether safety records were part of the criteria.

“In terms of safety, we go on what’s in the proposal. I’m aware of a lot of these issues raised by commenters; I can just tell you that your staff is not concerned that West Coast Arborists can provide a safe working environment,” Bonigut said, adding that many of the claims raised “were frankly not even attributable to (WCA).”

Ferguson later noted that safety records should have been a factor in the proposals.

She also noted that Rod’s has been the city’s tree service vendor for more than 40 years.

“They’re very unique. To have a fullservice tree maintenance company . . . because West Coast has so many clients all over, I can’t imagine those cities have what we do with Rod’s right here, front and center,” Ferguson said.

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees was scheduled to meet for a special session Wednesday evening, Sept. 2, to vote on a phased reopening plan for students to return to campuses for in-person learning. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Amid the mounting pressure to award the contract to Rod’s, Councilmember Gene James proposed another rejection of all the bids and that a new RFP process should be initiated, considering safety records as part of the evaluation criteria.

“Rod’s Tree Service has been a part of this community, and I’m just not going to be able to walk away from them,” James said.

Prior to making his motion, James asked City Attorney Scott Smith whether the city faced any exposure if the city didn’t select WCA for the contract.

“There’s some pretty significant exposure here if we don’t do that. This is left to the council’s discretion, and we would defend any decision you made,” Smith said, before noting that while councilmembers privately can decide where to shop based on subjective criteria, on the dais, they don’t have that prerogative.

“State law requires that awards of contracts be awarded and given competitively and given on competition and not on favoritism and past successes,” Smith said. “The city in this case had criteria in place that mandate award based on low bid; West Coast won that twice, and we set aside that for criteria, which takes into account subjective factors.”

Councilmember Chris Hamm pushed back on the motion to reject the bids, calling it a “dumb decision,” while simultaneously giving a full-throated endorsement of Rod’s, calling the company “rad” and thanking its service to the community.

Hamm continued to slam the motion, as well as Ferguson, for repeatedly supporting fiscal conservatism, yet unwilling to award a service contract to the lowest bidder.

“What I do find comical about all this is I hear the term fiscal (conservatism) being thrown out. You, Laura, you covered the term transparent, you’re against legal costs . . . but with you, a fiscal conservative, you’re willing to look away from $344,000 over five years,” Hamm said.

“I just don’t like people throwing out edicts of what they live by until it most benefits them and their friends, which in this case, clearly, your friends are Rod’s Tree Service,” he added.

Hamm and Councilmember Kathy Ward

voted against James’ motion, while Ferguson voted yes. In a tie vote, the status quo is upheld.

WHAT’S NEXT: Ferguson asked Smith to weigh in on what this means going forward and whether the city’s current month-to-month contract with Rod’s continues. Smith responded that the city has likely “done that as long as we can,” and that he would have to review the options the following day.—SR

CUSD Board to Vote on Timetable for Students Returning to Campus THE LATEST: As Orange County continues trending downward in terms of coronavirus statistics, the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees was scheduled to discuss and vote on a phased plan for students returning to campus for in-person instruction during a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 2—after San Clemente Times had gone to press.

The agenda for the meeting said a board report from CUSD staff will go over the state’s new “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” reopening plan, student discipline for facial coverings, critical components of the reopening plan in response to key community values and reopening campuses.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a revised reopening plan on Friday, Sept. 28, that replaced the state’s coronavirus monitoring list. Orange County came off the monitoring list on Sunday, Aug. 23, with campuses then expected to have permission for reopening 14 days later.

CUSD had announced its phased timetable before the state’s revised reopening plan was brought forth, setting proposed reopening dates at Sept. 14 for special education programs and services; Sept. 21 for elementary students; and Sept. 29 for high school students.

Soon after Newsom’s announcement, an amended statement from CUSD said district officials did not know how the new criteria impacted the reopening timeline for the schools.

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“The district is working with contacts in Sacramento, the Orange County Department of Education, and the Orange County Healthcare Agency to identify impacts. The district hopes to have clarity early next week,” district spokesperson Ryan Burris said Friday in the amended statement.

OC Health Care Agency also addressed school reopenings after Newsom’s announcement, saying all K-12 schools could be eligible to reopen on Sept. 22.

The new reopening plan announced by Newsom uses a color-coded and tiered system that tracks coronavirus cases, with purple representing the highest risk and red representing comparatively less risk. Orange County was in the purple tier as of press time.

In a post on its Twitter account, OC Health Care Agency said County Health Officer Clayton Chau had received confirmation from state health officials that Orange County is on track to enter into the red tier on Sept. 8. Projected campus reopenings would be permitted, with a 14day wait period, if Orange County meets the red-tier metrics.

In CUSD’s original reopening announcement, Burris had said the district’s priority “is to reopen campuses safely for their 47,000 students and 5,000 staff and teachers, and to minimize any chance of future disruption.”

The CUSD campus reopenings would be under guidelines set out in a flexible reopening plan the Board of Trustees had previously approved in July. Under the plan, students were able to pick the option of returning to campus when allowed to do so or continuing with virtual learning.

For grades K-5, students had the option of spending the day on campus, half of it being academic instruction with teachers and the other half in activities such as art or music with another teacher or staff member.

K-5 students can also spend half the day at home with a parent or another adult.

The option for students in grades 6-12 was to do half of their instruction on campus and the other half online. Students in all grades also had the option of 100% online learning if families so chose. Class sizes will be limited.

Students and staff returning to campus will be required to abide by health guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.

A majority of families surveyed by CUSD have said they preferred students return to campus.

CUSD campuses closed in March as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. Students took part in distance learning after campus closures, which CUSD officials acknowledged had shortcomings. District officials have said the online learning for this school year will be different from the online learning used last school year, which the district was forced to transition to abruptly.

The reopening plan also provides flexibility to adapt to the rapidly shifting circumstances of the ongoing health crisis.

—Collin Breaux sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

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EYE ON SC

An Uphill Battle

Coastal Bluff Property Proposal Under City Review, Prompts Resident Opposition

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

t was in May 1966 when a landslide destroyed a series of single-family homes that once sat atop a coastal bluff just south of T-Street. A large block had slid on a clay seam roughly 52 feet below the ground surface, causing the destruction of the homes.

In the 50-plus years since the devastating landslide, the lots have sat vacant but not necessarily unused. Over the years, the bluff located at the end of the culde-sac on La Rambla has become widely known to locals as a lookout spot and entry point to get to the Beach Trail.

The property has changed hands over the years, with various developers hoping to build new single-family homes. A few had been successful in gaining approval from the city; however, the California Coastal Commission has been a tougher hurdle to clear.

The most recent attempt came in 2010, when five property owners looked to develop homes on as many vacant lots. After receiving city approval, their application went before the CCC in 2011. That application, however, was never completed, according to the commission.

For about the past decade, the bluff property has remained idle. That was until this year, when new property owners submitted plans to the city to construct seven homes.

The proposed homes, according to city filings, are to be three stories and average about 6,077 square feet of living space. The development of the homes would also require the use of stabilization methods by implementing caissons to support the foundation.

City officials have emphasized, though, that the current proposal is in the very early stages of its review process and that it’s subject to environmental challenges, city approval and then, ultimately, CCC approval.

But also standing in the way of the already uphill battle that awaits the most recent developer is a group of residents determined to maintain the bluff as a lookout and easement for the public. The group, Save SC Bluff, has argued that such developments would visually disrupt the natural look of a site that has become a local attraction to enjoy views of the coast.

The Project

Though the project is in the early stages of the application process, Paul Douglas, the project manager for the latest proposal, boasts about the architectural design and concept of the seven prospective homes.

“The design of the project is really top-shelf San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

. . . absolutely terrific design, very, very firstclass architecture and landscape design; very expensive homes to build,” Douglas said, gushing about the proposed development.

Two of the lots, Douglas said, are designated to go to the two property owners, who intend to sell the remaining five homes.

Included in the project is also a proposal to implement several public easements across each lot, so the public can continue to have access to the beach, as well as provide a public lookout area for visitors— conditions that had been previously outlined in the abandoned 2010/2011 project.

“We have offered a public access easement right down to the sand . . . and we’ve also included a public lookout at the very top of the project,” Douglas said. “So, the access of the lookout is provided for in the design.”

In the Project Narrative filed with the application to the city, the owners are also seeking a road abandonment, proposing that the city turn over an uncompleted portion of La Rambla to the owners. The abandoned street, the narrative states, would be absorbed into the properties.

Citing city records, Stephanie Roxas, the city’s project planner, noted that La Rambla, which currently ends at the culde-sac right before the bluff starts, is supposed to be longer.

“The applicant is proposing not to build that (street) and requesting from the city a street abandonment, meaning that this unused piece of property gets turned over to the adjoining owners,” Roxas said.

And just like the previous applications that had come before it, the latest project also requires foundational support by implementing a series of caissons—columns built deep into the ground that are intended to stabilize structures in the event of landslides and earthquakes.

Environmental Challenges

Touching on the overall history of the site and the fact that it’s been sold multiple times over the years, Roxas noted the biggest challenge in developing the site.

“There are environmental challenges, because it would require significant work to make it a developable site,” Roxas said.

“Because when you’re dealing with loss from when ground eroded from this landslide, you have to demonstrate that this site is safe to build on.”

While caissons are meant to stabilize properties, Roxas said that such reinforcement techniques have their own set of challenges, as they could potentially be detrimental to other lots in the vicinity.

“For example, what happens in our coastal bluff lots, sometimes there are issues with the foundation, and they come to the city wanting to repair or put in caissons … Once you add those improvements to fix one lot, it could degrade the rest of the coastal bluff and possibly create a domino effect in terms of affecting other lots,” she said.

Expounding on Roxas’ explanation, City Planner Gabriel Perez added that the developer will have to demonstrate they can con-

The new owners of property on La Rambla, where a 1966 landslide destroyed a series of homes, are looking to develop the coastal bluff with seven new homes. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

struct homes on the site and address hazards on the bluff. A major part of the review process, he also said, will make sure the project is consistent with the city’s Coastal Land Use Plan, as well as with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

“Since we are in the initial phase, we will be reviewing all of that with all of the departments in the city, and so we’ll also need to make the findings that the project is consistent with (CEQA),” he said.

A Proposal Withdrawn

Much of the current project harkens back to that 2010 project, which had gained the approval of the city but had hit a roadblock when it went before the Coastal Commission in February 2011.

According to a Coastal Commission report on the 2010/2011 project, CCC staff had recommended approval of the application with a series of special conditions, or caveats, meant to address concerns with landslide hazards, as well as the protection of public rights to access.

In the report, the CCC notes that “no portion of the site can be developed without significant geologic stabilization measures.” The previous applicant, the report added, had considered several different methods to stabilize the site.

In the end, the proposed solution was “an array of caissons, shear pins, and caisson-supported walls, to remove unsuitable landslide material” on a couple of the lots. It went on to add that the stabilization relied on drilling about 200 caissons to “pierce the clay seam that is the greatest contributor to slope instability.”

During what was an hours-long hearing on the matter back on Feb. 9, 2011, many of the Coastal commissioners expressed concerns with the project, citing erosion as a factor and potential hazards. One commissioner also disagreed with the staff’s belief that the project would have adequately provided similar coastal access to the public as it currently does.

After those concerns were voiced, the applicants agreed to withdraw the proposal to potentially address the issues commissioners had raised during the meeting.

According to the CCC, that application was never completed.

David York, the architect for that proposal, explained to San Clemente Times that the owners of the property eventually

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sold the land after experiencing financial problems that prevented them from pursuing the proposal further.

Resident Opposition

Back in 2011, one of the loudest voices opposed to the proposed development was a group of San Clemente residents. Now with the proposal under the city’s review, the group has been revived. Using the website, savescbluff.org, the group looks to prevent another project on the landslide.

“Our mission is to raise awareness about this potential development, prevent the loss of the public’s established use of this property for over 50 years, and help avoid the devastating impact this proposed development would have on the San Clemente coastline, given the historic instability of the bluff,” the group’s website states.

For group members including Lee Strother, they share similar concerns with those Coastal Commissioners from 2011.

Strother said he believes the site should be preserved as is—a coastal lookout and beach access—and that there are several geological issues that can’t be addressed with caissons.

“Even if (caissons are) put in, it’s not necessarily stable, nor do they prevent natural erosion which could expose them,” Strother said.

Describing the look of other coastal bluffs north of the San Clemente Pier, where homes have been built using caissons for stabilization, Strother said “the exposed caissons and other bluff protection for the developments end up looking ugly and its terrible … it’s visually disruptive of what should be natural.”

Furthermore, Strother touched on the history of the bluff, noting that it’s been used for decades by the public and should remain a coastal access point, untouched by the development of homes.

Douglas acknowledged the concerns of Save SC Bluff, stating that he intends to meet with members of the group and other stakeholders after the city has completed its first review of the project.

“They have some legitimate concerns with the easement to the beach, and we addressed that . . . and they have a legitimate concern with the lookout, and we’re going to provide that,” Douglas said. “I think their concerns are legitimate, and we’re going to respond accordingly.” SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community Meetings SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

CHALLENGING CANCER 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system and people dealing with cancer.

To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8

Family and neighbors of Bill Slead’s come out to his San Clemente home on Sunday, Aug. 30, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Photo: Courtesy of Keith Orahood

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

American Cancer Society Volunteers to “Shuck Cancer” with Fundraiser Volunteers with the American Cancer Society will a host a new virtual, fundraising event on Sept. 12 called “Shuck Cancer Coast 2 Coast,” where participants can learn how to shuck, prepare and preserve oysters.

The inaugural event—the brainchild of American Cancer Society leadership volunteers Steve Bell of San Clemente and Joe Gillette from Brooklyn—will raise funds to support the global cancer-fighting organization at a time when donations are down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Shuck Cancer Coast 2 Coast was created with both bivalve enthusiasts and the oyster-curious in mind,” Bell, a colon cancer survivor, said in a press release. “No matter your mollusk IQ, you’re guaranteed to learn something! And, remember, there’s nothing shellfish about Shuck Cancer, because the funds raised will benefit two incredible charities at a time when nonprofits critically need our support: the American Cancer Society and the Billion Oyster Project.”

Eighty percent of the event’s proceeds will support cancer research and patient service programs with the American Cancer Society, and 20% will support the Billion Oyster Project.

Shuck Cancer will be held on Zoom and feature presentations and demos by Chef Robin Selden, executive chef of Marcia Selden Catering; Julie Qiu, international oyster expert and founder of In A Half Shell; Gardner Douglas, host of The Oyster Ninja Podcast; and Pete Malinowski, San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

founder of Billion Oyster Project.

Participants are encouraged to secure fresh oysters through their local seafood market or vendor in advance of the event, and to also consider ordering a few unopened oysters to practice their shucking skills.

Individuals can register for the virtual event by making a $25 donation at gofundme.com/shuck-cancer-coast-2-coast, while a household may register with a $40 donation. The first 25 registrants will receive a limited-edition Shuck Cancer Coast 2 Coast shucking knife, while others may purchase them for a donation of $10 apiece to the same GoFundMe page.

Boys & Girls Club to Host Virtual Gala In response to COVID-19, the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast area will be hosting its annual Great Futures Gala virtually on Sept. 12, with a socially distanced Drive-In Viewing at the Outlets at San Clemente.

The gala is the club’s largest annual fundraiser, which helps to support technology development, increase club staff-tomember ratios, and pay for cleaning and safety supplies.

“We are excited to offer this unique experience to our community,” Club CEO Terry Hughes said in a press release. “In this era of social distancing, we think this is a fun and safe way to come together and help kids build great futures and help families recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”

In the past few months, the club has responded to the changing needs of the families it serves by delivering 8,000 meals to families in need and offering virtual programming to engage children from home.

When some restrictions were lifted, the club reopened for emergency child care by following health guidelines from the Cen-

ters for Disease Control and Prevention.

The pre-show starts at 7 p.m. at bgsca. org/gala and those interested in attending the Drive-In Viewing can come as early as 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $75. All cars must be parked by 7:10 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. live show. The audio will be transmitted by FM to the car radio.—Costa Beavin-Pappas

SC Community Celebrates Town’s Newest Centenarian San Clemente resident Bill Slead turned 100 this week, marking a century of adventures with more adventures to come.

Slead’s milestone birthday was Monday, Aug. 31, but it was celebrated by community members on Sunday, Aug. 30. During his career, he served in the Navy and was a fire caption in Malibu and San Dimas.

According to neighbor Keith Orahood, Slead, while living in Pomona, would often make the trip to Malibu—before freeways were built—and pick up extra work on movie sets when a fire captain was needed on outdoor location projects.

Slead’s move to San Clemente started off memorably, Orahood noted, as his wife was on a lunch outing at the beach and bought their Avenida Hacienda home. She returned to tell Slead that she had bought a vacation home, which became their fulltime home upon retirement.

Slead continues to reside in the home and enjoys spending his time exercising daily and continuing to drive.—CBP Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

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

Page 9

BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6-8 p.m. The San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation 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.

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9

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

DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE 4-5:30 p.m. The San Clemente Design Review Subcommittee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

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VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 sanclementetimes.com

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

O P E R AT I O N S

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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

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

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Chris Hamm

Thanks for a Great 8 Years

S

erving the residents of San Clemente over the past eight years has been the greatest honor of my life.

I want to thank each and every one of you who put your trust in me to make difficult decisions on your behalf. During that time, I have had the opportunity to get to know the community better than I could have imagined.

I ran for city council to give back to the town that gave me so much. Being raised in San Clemente by a single mother, I was afforded opportunities that many others were not because of the charm of the San Clemente village.

My hope is that generations to come will be provided the same opportunities I had growing up here, and that I have inspired others to get involved to ensure San Clemente continues to be the greatest place to live, work and play.

In the coming years, I will continue the fight to preserve our small-town charm, to oppose any toll road through our town,

Letters to The Editor

during this pandemic.

Please write now to the Coastal Commission and protest this extension of the parking hours. You should email your comments to mandy.revell@coastal. ca.gov (Ref: App No. 5-19-1239), no later than Friday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m.

The agenda item for the Sept. 9 meeting is 13f—Application No. 5-19-1239 (City of San Clemente Department of Public Works Parking Meter Program).

EXTENSION OF PIER BOWL PARKING HOURS SCOTT ANDERSON, San Clemente

San Clemente Times, Vol. 15, Issue 36. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

and to fight to get emergency services back.

One of the things that makes San Clemente so great is the employees, many of whom are your neighbors. They are the unsung heroes who work every day to make sure our streets are paved, our water flows, and our public programs keep running.

I would ask that the next time you see an employee wearing our city seal, thank them. Every good thing that happens in San Clemente happens because of our great employees.

During this pandemic, our employees have stepped up to serve in amazing ways.

I want to thank the CITY COUNCIL following departments CORNER for their excellent

By Chris Hamm service to the residents: Public Works; Community Development; Utilities; Beaches, Parks and Recreation; Finance; Administration; the clerk’s office; city management; Marine Safety; and all contract services.

Specifically, I would like to thank our Marine Safety Division for their excellent work on July 4. Our lifeguards made countless rescues during the largest swell of the year while San Clemente was one of the only beaches open.

Our dysfunctional city council, several months ago, approved a proposal to extend the metered parking in the Pier Bowl till 10 p.m. every night.

Currently, the time limit is 5 p.m.

The proposal was sent to the California Coastal Commission, which in turn sent it back to the city for a number of clarifications. Now it is scheduled to go before the Coastal Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

It is my belief that this proposal is antibusiness and will likely impact struggling businesses, including the hotels in the Pier Bowl, the residents who live there, due to very limited parking, and also the many fishermen who are there every evening catching fish for their families

‘YES IN MY BACKYARD BY THE SEA’ DUANE PAUL MURPHY, San Clemente

Like the state of California, many local communities in Orange County are facing a housing crisis, especially further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the potential rise in evictions.

A wide variety of reasons are the root causes of this particular situation that impacts nearly everyone who either owns or rents a place to live in.

Rules and regulations such as singlefamily residential zoning, mandatory parking minimums and maximums, exclusionary zoning, building-height restrictions and Proposition 13—the 1978 ballot initiative that capped how much

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This election season, we have many important decisions to make. One of those decisions is something I have been fighting for since I was elected. Term limits are vitally important for us to pass.

The ballot measure known as “Measure BB” would limit councilmembers to eight consecutive years. In recent history, we have had councilmembers serve 12 and even 16 years on council. A community as engaged as ours should present opportunities for new members to step up and bring fresh perspectives.

This November, I will be voting yes on BB, and I ask you to do the same. While you are at the polls, pay attention to the records of previous officials who are running, do your research, and elect people who will move us forward, not draw us back to the past.

Finally, I would like to thank my family for the support they have given me over the past eight years. I love you and thank you.

Chris Hamm is a San Clemente city councilmember. He was elected to the council in 2012 and reelected in 2016. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

all local governments statewide could collect from all local property taxes— have been known to stagnate the rate or development of building more residential housing.

Also, commodities for the rich such as country clubs, mansions and golf courses, which take up significant amounts of natural resources, have become recent obstacles toward easing the housing crisis.

Additionally, tenants’ rights are currently either not strong enough for protection enforcement or lack protection enforcement. Because of these reasons, we need to embrace a pro-housing “Yes in My Backyard” (or YIMBY) policy approach to expand housing for all.

These policies must include abolishing single-family residential zoning, mandatory parking minimums and maximums, exclusionary zoning, building-height restrictions and historical preservation altogether, and implementing a total ban on all short-term residential property rentals and leases in order to increase the number of residential units or spaces.

Also, repealing Proposition 13 and implementing progressive taxation to fund permanent supportive housing for sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX homeless individuals, social housing for low-income earners, universal housing assistance programs, housing cooperatives, community land trusts and resident-owned communities could make residential housing more cost-effective for ordinary working people.

If cities such as San Clemente were to implement these particular pro-housing solutions, as well as pro-tenants’ rights protections, we can expand our local economy.

We as a coastal community in the most populous state in the country must modernize toward the future and not stick with the bygone eras of the past when it comes to housing development, so let us say yes, in my backyard by the sea.

H2O supply above sea level on this continent, there is theoretically enough water to raise the sea levels to dangerous heights.

However, with an average temperature of 35 degrees below zero—and ice melts at 32 degrees above zero—the temperatures would have to increase considerably to melt enough ice to increase water levels to cover Miami. And nobody is predicting any more than a modest few degrees of global warming.

Do you know where the water will come from?

A RESPONSE TO ‘NUCLEAR WASTE’

A recent letter to the editor from Michael Smith illustrates the popular trend toward feelings over science.

He not only missed the point of my letter, that there’s little scientific evidence how much protection masks offer. He also mistakenly presumes that I don’t ever wear a mask.

There was, however, a positive result from Mr. Smith’s letter. In true “feelings first” form, he wrote, “Please wear a mask when in public for us who care.”

That caused me to ask, what does “in public” actually mean?

According to the California Department of Public Health, people must wear face coverings when they are in highrisk situations. They go on to list six such places. Most are where social distancing is not practical. You can find the information and a link to the document at: covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/.

Finally, there’s no comprehensive research available to rate social distancing versus masks versus other forms of behavioral change to limit the spread of COVID-19. Mask wearing does get the unintended consequence of emboldening rioters and looters.

The result has been hundreds of police officers injured and millions of dollars in property damage. “The Lone Ranger” is not happy.

BILL PRESTRIDGE, San Clemente

A recent letter to the editor blamed Harry Reid, Barack Obama and the Democrats for the closure of Yucca Mountain as a repository for nuclear waste.

This is true, but not the whole story.

Yucca Mountain was also closed because of geological studies of water infiltration and instability due to earthquakes.

It was also opposed by 75% of the citizens of Nevada, and the Trump administration did not support funding for it, either, although Trump opposed it to get votes from the citizens of Nevada.

CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSED SEA LEVEL RISE GREGG NEWBURY, San Clemente

Cities all along the coastline and countries all over the world are making plans to deal with rising tides as a result of climate change. I am wondering where the water will come from. Water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface; it will take an awful lot of water to raise the level of the ocean waters.

Any talk of large storage of water would naturally consider the poles of Earth. And they couldn’t be more polar opposites. North Pole is water surrounded by land, and the South Pole is land surrounded by water.

The Arctic Circle in the north contains the Arctic Ocean surrounded by Alaska, Russia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, and Canada. This is home for polar bears. Any snow and ice are pretty much a result of ocean water freezing from the cold temperatures. As such, there is not much storage of water there.

The Antarctic Circle contains the continent of Antarctica surrounded by the Southern Ocean (which, in turn, is surrounded by the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans). This is where the penguins live.

Wikipedia says the snow and ice average a mile thick. With 85% of the Earth’s San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

equally as absurd and divisive. We are long enough into this “pandemic” that there is ample time and information for people to do their own research, instead of relying on a dangerously biased media that has been proven guilty of false information and fear-mongering.

If I don’t wear a mask for legitimate personal health reasons—that, by law, I do not have to reveal to anyone—then Michael Smith compares me to “good and considerate folks around me who take the CDC guidelines seriously.”

Meaning, I am not a good and considerate person. Really? After reading that statement, I had to respond. This letter writer considers Dr. Fauci a notable and respected health expert. For those of us who’ve done our research on Dr. Fauci, of which there is plenty available, we know for certain that he is far from those titles.

Therefore, nothing he says can be trusted. COVID-19 has about a 99% survival rate, yet the case and death reporting are still flawed to the degree that it is still being reported as accurate and keeping people who need to know the truth entirely in the dark, believing lies, and living a life of unnecessary fear.

We are now over 150 days beyond the 15-day strategy to flatten the curve, and that goal was achieved long ago. This is still a problem, and I am part of the solution as I speak out against what the biased media is criminally indoctrinating the public with, and that is misinformation, lies, and more fear, resulting in further division.

A RESPONSE TO ‘IT MAY NOT BE A FACT, BUT I KNOW IT’S TRUE’ JIM SMITH, San Clemente

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL ROGER JOHNSON, San Clemente

It is unfortunate that reader Bob Carrick wants to politicize the nuclear waste issue and advance Yucca Mountain as a solution. One of the main reasons for disqualifying this site was the discovery of volcanic activity nearby and important underground aquifers below.

Scientists concluded it was too dangerous to locate nuclear waste near a water table. Also troubling is its location only 70 miles from Las Vegas.

One of the main recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future was local consent. Nevada never produced any nuclear waste, and it is little wonder that residents strongly oppose becoming a nuclear dumping ground. The state already suffered enough from the 928 nuclear tests at the Nevada Proving Grounds.

Republican Richard Nixon wanted the nation to build 1,000 nuclear power plants. The state was saved under Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown with the passage of the Nuclear Moratorium Act of 1976, which forbade any more nuclear power plants in California until there was a solution for the disposal of spent

ANOTHER RESPONSE TO ‘IT MAY NOT BE A FACT . . .’

GREGG LANCER, San Clemente

In my previous response to the editor, my intention was to provide patient and kind insight into certain people’s behaviors, among those who choose to persecute non-mask wearers in very unfair and unpleasant ways.

I was trying to advise people that there are those of us who cannot wear a mask or shield, and that needs to be OK with everybody. I don’t mock those who wear a mask, but that isn’t the case for a non-mask wearer.

Just like the chaos in certain cities across America, this mask issue is Page 11

nuclear fuel.

A half-century later, there is still no solution. The thousands of tons of highly radioactive uranium and plutonium in Zip Code 92672 will remain lethal for hundreds of thousands of years.

Locally, Republican Darrell Issa did almost nothing about San Onofre.

Democrat Mike Levin has done more for the health and safety of California’s 49th Congressional District in 18 months than Issa did in 18 years.

On June 15, 1980, 15,000 people protested San Onofre, but to no avail.

Now San Clemente is stuck with deadly nuclear waste for decades, perhaps forever.

Many residents are just discovering that Southern California Edison has been discharging radiation into the air and ocean here for over a half-century.

According to Nuclear Regulatory Commission records, in the five years prior to the generator failure, which shut the plant, there were 1,041 radiation releases into the ocean and atmosphere.

In 2011 alone, SCE pumped radioactive-laced water into the ocean for 518 hours at 740,000 gallons per minute or a total of 23 billion gallons dumped into the ocean that year.

It appears that the nightmare of San Onofre will continue, because the public and its officials remain largely silent and because some seek to use the issue only for political gain. This ought to be an issue where everyone of all political persuasions can join hands and demand a solution.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

Virtual Beachside Chat, Friday, September 4, at 8 a.m., via Zoom Join SC Times for a virtual BeachsideChat on Friday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a weekly spirited, town hall forum on community issues. This week’s chat will be hosted by SC Times Publisher Norb Garrett. Email Norb at ngarrett@picketfencemedia.com for a link to the Zoom video meeting.

All are welcome. sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

sign up and get moving through Sept. 10.

Prizes will encourage creativity and fun while creating excitement for the Ocean Institute Virtual Maritime Festival, which kicks off on Sept. 11. All race registrants will get an exclusive race T-shirt. Proceeds from this event will support Ocean Institute’s programs at CHOC Children’s (Children’s Hospital of Orange County).

Ocean Institute. oceaninstitute.redpodium.com

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

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

Thursday | 03

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: File

YOGA AT LINDA LANE PARK 9-10 a.m. Join EPIC Yoga for this all-levels, socially distanced yoga at Linda Lane Park.

No experience is necessary. EPIC Yoga is eager to keep its outdoor yoga practice going and continue to deepen participants’ connection with the EPIC community.

Linda Lane Park, 228 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.558.5111. epicyogasc.com.

866.446.7803.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12: VIRTUAL GREAT FUTURES GALA 7:30 p.m. The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is transforming its annual Great Futures Gala into a virtual event. In response to COVID-19 and for the safety of all, the club will broadcast the event live from Outlets at San Clemente, including a live auction, silent auction, entertainment, and testimonials from families served by the club. The program will air at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-show at 7 p.m., at bgcsca.org. For those looking to attend the live Drive-In Viewing option at the Outlets, tickets start at $75. All cars must be parked by 7:10 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. live show. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, 949.484.0122. bgcsca.org.

‘MOVE YOUR BOOTY’: VIRTUAL RACE Noon. This continuing virtual challenge

encourages individuals, families, groups, and corporate teams to get outdoors and

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

get moving in a fun way. Runners, walkers, paddleboarders, and more are invited to

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Saturday | 05 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended.

No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

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SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

SOME HISTORY TO CELEBRATE • San Clemente founder Ole Hanson built the pier in 1928 as a gift to the town.

• Townspeople united to pass a bond election and rebuild, after 1939 hurricane surf devastates the pier.

• A 1983 “Save Our Pier” fund drive again united us, after an El Niño storm toppled our icon.

Clockwise: Imagine the platform at the end of the pier to be an island, connected to land by a 1,200-foot-long bridge. It’s your island. My island. Our island. The pier is a nice spot to view San Clemente’s great houses, including Casa Romantica. You also can read about the landmark Casa on a storyboard installed by the PierPride Foundation. Pier visitors walk by a restroom, recently renovated by the PierPride Foundation and now adorned with a catchy octopus mural. President Nixon’s former San Clemente home at Cotton’s Point is far from the pier. But a telephoto lens, or a coin telescope, can bring it closer. Photos: Fred Swegles

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

THE PIER: A World of Its Own You stroll out to the end of the San Clemente Pier, turn around and gaze back at the continent. “I like it out here,” you silently muse. It’s almost as if it’s an island.

I often get the feeling there’s a different mindset at the end of our pier, more than 1,200 feet from the cares of the rest of the world.

Even when it’s crowded, it’s peaceful and happy. Enjoy it. When uncrowded, which is most of the time, the pier is more tranquil and can inspire meditation.

If you walk out to the end at dawn, you can have an awesome sunrise to yourself, watch it unfold, bringing day to the western edge of North America.

What’s New I walked out on the pier Saturday to view the PierPride Foundation’s new public art, painted onto the wall of the pier’s restroom. It’s colorful, cleverly done. It’ll be a favorite spot for selfies.

Artist Andi Goud’s image of an orange octopus peeking out from an open door actually looks sort of 3D. I’m wondering when someone texting while walking from the end of the pier will try to barge in the wrong door and be rewarded with a gushy hug from the octopus.

At the end of the pier, I took a fresh look at San Clemente’s municipal flag, waving high atop a flagpole opposite the San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

Pier Grill & Tackle concession.

I imagined, for a moment, our getaway-from-the-cares-of-the-world pier being its own republic.

If you’ve ever been to Key West, Florida, which playfully proclaims itself the Conch Republic, you know what I mean.

Key West—southernmost town in the USA, at the end of a necklace of tropical islets just 90 miles from Cuba—has nurtured a Caribbean culture around a Margaritaville Conch Republic vibe.

A Little Backround It’s not as if San Clemente ever seceded from the USA, as Key West proclaims satirically. San Clemente used to display the American flag at the end of our pier, flown by the concessionaire.

When local teen Liam Hallinan renovated the flagpole for his Eagle Scout project, there was an agreement the concessionaire would raise and lower the COASTLINES flag daily. Then a new

By Fred Swegles concessionaire took over the shop and found it to be difficult for her. I could fully understand, after seeing what it took.

The city decided against asking lifeguards to trek to the end of the pier and back twice a day to raise and lower the flag. They already raise and lower the flag above Tower Zero on the pier.

Liam offered a plan to illuminate the flagpole at night. But would that constitute “development” on the pier and necessitate the city applying for a Coastal Commission permit?

I never heard an answer. The city went ahead with an alternative—flying the San Clemente flag instead. It

wouldn’t need night illumination or raising and lowering daily.

A Different Perspective City hall’s point was that the pier already had two American flags—Tower Zero and the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. And the city flag, which doesn’t get much other public exposure, could prove to be enchanting to see at the end of our pier.

I wondered what public reaction would be. I consulted a crew of early-morning pier walkers whom I’ve long known, including Rick Divel, our town patriarch.

They loved the city flag now decorating the end of our pier.

While it would have been splendorous to see Old Glory illuminated at the end of the pier, I’ve come to conclude that town flag, designed by Rick Delanty, nicely fits the vibe that I feel during occasional morning walks to the end of the pier.

I turn around and smile back at the vast North American continent. It’s as if I’m on my own island. Our island. Connected to land by this 1,200-foot-long bridge.

In our hearts, the pier is a magical place. Its biggest fan club, the PierPride Foundation, recently dedicated the restroom renovation and octopus mural, with more pier enhancements to come. See pierpride.org.

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

Page 22

• The pier’s own “Navy,” the San Clemente Sportfishing fleet, operated there for decades, until Dana Point Harbor opened. The pier’s “Army”—children— would haul fishermen’s catch from the end of the pier to their cars in wagons.

• The pier’s onetime boat club and boathouse buildings now are reincarnated as the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. • The pier is known for its fireworks shows, woody car shows, chowder/ taco cook-offs, Ocean Festival games, season-opening lobster frenzy and iconic photos of enormous fish that have been caught.

• The pier has forever been a rite of passage for youngsters leaping into the ocean, as junior lifeguards still do today.

• The railings are a vantage point for viewing two great houses: Casa Romantica (Ole’s former home) and Casa Pacifica (President Nixon’s Western White House). Coin telescopes offer a closer look.

• Our pier has inspired local characters, from Don Hansen to Kenny Nielsen, to pursue careers at sea. Through the decades, multiple personalities who frequented the pier have been dubbed “Mayor of the Pier.”

• The pier inspired local resident Herman Sillas to write a longtime newspaper column (eventually a book), View from the Pier, reflections on life from the helm of his fishing pole.

• My vote for best-loved fish caught and returned to sea from the pier is the leopard shark.

• Oh, and who could forget the giant neon fish that once was a landmark atop a cafe at the end of the pier? sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

Page 23

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Pictured are San Clemente police officers, circa the late 1950s—when the city had its own police department.

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.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Jinx SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

his round-faced beauty is Jinx, a 3-yearold kitty looking for a family to call her own. An outgoing cat, she loves to be petted and will often ask for attention with an insistent “meow.” Jinx gets along with other cats and would make a great lap cat in her new home.

If you are interested in adopting Jinx, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you

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

will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Last week’s solution:

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 24

sanclementetimes.com

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

Page 25

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 1107 South Ola Vista – Minor Exception Permit 20-120 – Sheehan Residence A request to consider a reduction of the required front yard setback by 15% and side yard setback by 20% of a corner lot property located in the Residential Low Zone and Coastal Zone Overlay District (RL-CZ), within the Coastal Exclusion Area.

Staff recommends that the project be found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15305 (Minor Alterations In Land Use Limitations).

3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite Q – Minor Conditional Use Permit 20-248 – San Clemente Health Center Accessory Massage A request to consider accessory massage services in conjunction with primary acupuncture services at 3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite Q, located in the Community Commercial 2 Zone and Medical Office Overlay District (CC2-MO).

Staff recommends that the project be found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting (949) 361-6183.

If you challenge these projects in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held via teleconference on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. Listen to the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente. org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Zoning Administrator electronically. Material may be emailed to ScottM1@san-clemente.org.

Transmittal by 1:00 p.m. on Zoning Administrator meeting days is recommended.

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

Zoning Administrator PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 115 Via Pico Plaza – Conditional Use Permit 19-346/Site Plan Permit 19-347/Architectural Permit 19-348/Discretionary Sign Permit 19San Clemente Times September 3–9, 2020

349 – Pico Plaza In-N-Out A request to construct and operate a one-story drive-thru fast food restaurant with outdoor dining area for In-N-Out, including demolition of two two-story office/commercial buildings in the Community Commercial Zone of the West Pico Corridor Specific Plan.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).

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

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held via teleconference on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. Listen to the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente. org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Planning Commission electronically. Material may be emailed to ScottM1@san-clemente.org.

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

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

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission PUBLIC NOTICE

Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., title 14, § 15000 et seq.). Staff also recommends that pursuant to Public Resources Code 21080.17, no further environmental review is required because the amendments for accessory dwelling units implement Government Code Section 65852.2 (ADU laws); pursuant to Health and Safety Code 1597.45(d), family daycare homes are not subject to CEQA; and, pursuant to Section 15301 Class 1, no further environmental review is required because the proposed ordinance establishes cottage food operations as a type of home occupation to be conducted within an existing dwelling unit, which would involve negligible or no expansion of the existing residential use.

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

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held via teleconference on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. Listen to the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente. org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Planning Commission electronically. Material may be emailed to ScottM1@san-clemente.org.

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

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

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: Zoning Amendment 20-035 – Zoning Ordinance Amendments A request to consider a City-initiated amendment (ZA20-035) to the City of San Clemente Municipal Code Title 17, zoning to update erroneous text, ambiguous definitions and standards; and modifications for consistency with the General Plan and State and Federal law. The proposed amendments would update provisions for accessory structures, definitions, historic resources, nonconforming structures, accessory dwelling units, family home daycares, body art establishments, water conservation, and cottage food industries.

Staff recommends that the zoning amendments not be considered a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(2) and 15378(b)(5), because the revisions for accessory structures, definitions, historic resources, and nonconforming provisions relate to the ongoing administrative activities and organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore do not constitute a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Page 26

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01154406 To All Interested Persons: Debora Ann Paz; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Debora Ann Paz PROPOSED NAME A. Debora Paz Laub 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: 10/07/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San

Clemente Times Date: August 12, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 27, September 3, 10, 17, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206581180 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PALOMAS 486 PLAZA ESTIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): JESSICA PINTO 486 PLAZA ESTIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 ROSSILINO PINTO 486 PLAZA ESTIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a married couple.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/Jessica Pinto This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/05/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times August 27, September 3, 10, 17, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01154854 To All Interested Persons: Brittany Colleen Hansen; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Brittany Colleen Hansen PROPOSED NAME A. Brittany Hansen Kai 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: 10/07/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: August 14, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 20, 27, September 3, 10, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01154856 To All Interested Persons: Angelina Cari Yin; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM A. Angelina Cari Yin PROPOSED NAME A. Leena Cari Kai 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: 10/07/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: August 14, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 20, 27, September 3, 10, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 20FL000512 To All Interested Persons: Orla Marie Murphy filing on behalf of Lily Ray Nicole Parker, minor, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Lily Ray Nicole Parker PROPOSED NAME A. Lily Ray Nicole Fortner The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

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

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

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: June 15, 2020 JUDGE LON F. HURWITZ, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times August 13, 20, 27, September 3, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Anne Tammel, an individual Does 1 to 100, Inclusive, ROES 1 to 100, Inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): San Clemente Times September 3–9, 2020

Arthur G. Newton, an Individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

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

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

CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 30-2019-01116581-CL-BC_CJC Judge Corey S. Cramin The name and address of the court is: (El Nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Orange 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff ’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del obogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Arthur G Newton, Law Office of Arthur G Newton 1502 North Broadway, (714) 560-8300

SC San Clemente

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

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

LO C ALS O NLY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

ATTORNEY Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, CA 92629, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

DENTISTS Benjamin Stevens, D.D.S. 3553 Camino Mira Costa, suite B, 949.493.2391, benstevensdds.com Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com Braker Electric 949.291.5812, Lic# 719056 Insured

MUSIC LESSONS Cello and Bass Academy 310.895.6145, celloandbassacademy.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, danmans.com Rock Club Music School 73 Via Pico Plaza, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com

Page 25

Santa Ana, CA 92706 DATE: (Fecha) 12-10-2019 David H. Yamasaki, Clerk of the Court, by (Secretario) Jessica Edwards, Deputy Clerk(Adjunto) Published: San Clemente Times August 13, 20, 27, September 3, 2020

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

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

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

Contact Lauralyn at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

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

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

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

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE - SAT. 9/5 Saturday, Sept. 5 from 8am-4pm. Multiple families on our street. 2920 Calle Frontera, San Clemente GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

EDUCATION TUTOR Tutoring Advanced math classes, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and IB Math California Credential. Mike Vakili 949.370.9783

REALTORS “Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, sandyandrich.com Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

RESTAURANTS Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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

sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Return to Play

SCHS football takes field with COVID-19 protocols

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

ast week, activity finally returned to the San Clemente High School athletic fields.

For the first time in more than five months, Triton teams were able to take the field together with teammates and coaches in Phase 1 conditioning camps. It was limited with small groups, social distancing, no equipment and plenty of other COVID-19 protocols, but after months of Zoom calls and individual workouts, being out on the field as a team was a welcomed experience.

“Just being out there with them and seeing their faces,” San Clemente football coach Jaime Ortiz said, “and being able to look at them and being back together as a family, it’s the first step in the process.

Hopefully, it’s a step in the right direction.”

For the football Tritons, the entire team is separated into 24 groups, each with nine players at most and with one coach. Each group has a 45-minute session, and each session is staggered by 15 minutes to avoid

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

The San Clemente High School football team returned to the practice field last week for the first round of limited conditioning camps. Photos: Jaime Ortiz

overlap and to perform the COVID-19 screening before each workout. Football is operating only on Tuesdays and Thursdays right now, with other San Clemente teams operating on the other days and more Triton teams joining in each week, including girls basketball and girls soccer.

Ortiz said they operated with seven workout stations at most, with core workouts, body-weight workouts, pushups and sit-ups in one area and running, speed and agility drills in the other. The groups switch between the workouts and speed drills on each of the two days. Again, it’s limited, but the team is making the most out of what they can do.

“No. 1, it’s the interaction with the kids.

It’s part of the mindset,” Ortiz said, “It’s

healthy for the kids. Everything else (in their current lives) is so distanced, so it’s nice to be there and have a conversation.

I think it’s something we took for granted.

Also getting them back on campus, that’s the first step. Hopefully, this continues with all sports, and we can get kids back in school.”

While the introduction of the COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing, masks and sanitizing along with the COVID-19 screenings before each workout would seem to be the newest adjustment for the players, Ortiz said the biggest change for some was simply being out on the field and going through a full workout for the first time in months.

“You can definitely tell the kids who

Page 28

have been working out and who haven’t,” Ortiz said. “The incoming freshmen (of which San Clemente has 79), normally they’ve gone through camp and they know how it’s going, but this is the first interaction with them.”

That’s still fine as a starting point, though.

Ortiz said these sessions now are almost like it would be in a normal April and May, with real practices not slated until Dec. 14 and games not scheduled until January.

Ortiz hopes to be able to ramp up the sessions to three days a week by the end of September, and he echoed hopes of every football coach across California to be able to get into the weight room or incorporate equipment sooner than later.

San Clemente did have some more positive news at the end of August with a pair of high-profile commitments.

Senior strong safety and wide receiver Cole Batson announced his commitment to Boston College on Aug. 22. Originally, Batson had verbally committed to Arizona, but Arizona was only down a Triton for less than 24 hours. Senior running back James Bohls committed to Arizona on Aug. 23.

So, while everything about these conditioning camps feels new, a pair of Division 1 commitments means things are still close to normal for the San Clemente football team. SC

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

Page 29

sanclementetimes.com

SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

In Search of Rick Griffin

GROM OF THE WEEK

From SC surf scene to San Francisco counterculture, Griffin’s influence continues to reverberate

AVERY MCDONALD

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

hen I first moved to San Clemente 20 years ago, my then-girlfriend (now wife) and I rented a small apartment. It happened to be next door to artist Drew Brophy’s house. As a fan of what Brophy and Matt Biolos had created with Lost Surfboards, it was a unique opportunity to soak up more of Brophy’s artistic musings.

Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Brophy pursued his two great passions in life by his early 20s: art and surfing, on the unforgiving North Shore of Oahu.

“I went to the North Shore to paint boards and surf Pipeline,” Brophy said.

“That was the dream.”

Eventually, in the mid-’90s, Brophy landed in San Clemente, where his talents were put to good use at aspiring shaper Biolos’ new label, Lost Surfboards. There, he designed the logo and painted boards.

But one of Brophy’s big artistic influences has roots in town that go much deeper: Rick Griffin.

Griffin loomed large as an artistic force and surfing inspiration in my life. In ’67, my parents were the cutest couple in high school in San Francisco. Dubbed the “Summer of Love,” the Human Be-In concert was held in Golden Gate Park, and it was Griffin who did the poster for the event.

My parents didn’t attend the Human BeIn; they were too straight to be flower children, which may be why the whole hippie trip intrigued me so much in my formative years. How could they have missed out on all that weirdness?

Griffin provided the psychedelic artwork for a lot of the posters for famous music halls such as the Fillmore, as well as album art for bands including the Grateful Dead. He also drew the first logo for Rolling Stone magazine. I was fascinated by it all, but like me, at his core, Griffin was always a surfer first.

In ’62, Griffin was part of Palos Verdes High School’s first graduating class. While there, his notoriety as a budding cartoonist started to take hold.

His works “usually had to do with some San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

Rick Griffin works on a painting that would eventually serve as the album cover for Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter’s 1974 release, Tales of the Great Rum Runners. Photo: Courtesy of Randy Nauert Collection

kind of student activity,” explained Vivian Skilling, a teacher and yearbook adviser at the school after Griffin passed in ’91.

“They were always humorous . . . he showed an enormous amount of talent.

We used to joke that Rick’s office was under the table,” because his classmates were so interested in watching Griffin work that he used to draw on the floor under a table so that he would not be bothered.

Griffin’s lifelong friend, Randy Nauert, had taught him to surf in ’58 and became an ardent supporter of his for the rest of their days together. Nauert played in one of the original surf bands, The Challengers, and convinced Griffin to make concert posters for the group.

Around this time, big-wave legend Greg Noll also took notice of Griffin’s talents and employed him to make a price list for Noll Surfboards.

Not long thereafter, Nauert convinced John Severson, who was working on the first issues of Surfer Magazine, to hire Griffin. That’s when the character of “Murphy” was first introduced to a mass surfing audience.

The adventures of the little cartoon gremmie was a huge hit, even gracing the cover of the publication in ’62. Nearly 40 years later, one of my first writing gigs was with the esteemed publication.

After doing his time in the San Francisco counterculture scene, by ’69, Griffin and his young family moved to San Clemente. Living on Cazador Lane (the house is no longer there), he continued to paint and create.

Reuniting with Severson for his surf movie Pacific Vibrations and with filmmakers Greg MacGillivray and Jim Freeman on their classic film Five Summer

Stories, Griffin, by this time, had asserted himself as surfing’s de facto artist.

One of the most famous illustrations Griffin did during his San Francisco days was the “flying eyeball” poster made for a Jimi Hendrix/John Mayall concert in ’68.

Transcending generations, it’s a theme that appears over and over in Brophy’s works as well.

Eventually, Griffin settled with his family north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, where he continued to surf and explore his art. I grew up surfing this rugged and exposed stretch of coast.

One of our favorite south swell breaks was a spot we called “Mysto’s.” It was also one of Griffin’s favorite spots, and after he died in a motorcycle accident in the area, all of the locals started calling it “Griffo’s.”

It seems like just another weird way our stories are intertwined.

There are a handful of Griffin’s works on display at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente, including the original painting for the iconic Pacific Vibrations poster.

And SHACC has also just uncovered a half-dozen never-before-seen Griffin originals from the bedroom walls of a house in Palos Verdes that will eventually be on display once the world gets back to some semblance of normalcy.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente.

A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC

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bout this time last year, San Clemente’s Avery McDonald was storming podiums at NSSA competitions. And she’d just earned herself a spot on the U.S. Developmental Surf Team.

Making the most of a summer without surf contests, McDonald recently joined the U.S. Developmental Surf Team down in Oceanside for two days of training and learning and ripping. Stepping up to help coach the girls and lend her sage advice was WSL Championship Tour stalwart Courtney Conlogue.

With the tour currently on hold due to the pandemic and worldwide travel restrictions, Conlogue, who hails from nearby Huntington Beach, has committed herself to the U.S. program and the development of the next generation of young women. She helped them work on things such as technique and strategy, as well as the power of a strong mind.

One of the leaders of this exciting new pack is McDonald, whose surfing is reminiscent of a young Conlogue. Powerful, stylish, impeccable rail work and an ever-present willingness to keep getting better are signatures of what she brings to the water. And she’s not only a great surfer, she’s also a great teammate.

Whenever we get around to having surf contests again, it’s going to be exciting to see how far McDonald and all of these other talented young women have come in their progression as elite surfers. Until then, they’ll be doing what they always do: surfing. SC Above, Avery McDonald. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Kenworthy

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-71 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-10‘ Thursday: Mix of southerly swells for waist to stomach high surf, (2-3’+). Light/variable early morning winds, rise to a 6-10kt West/northwest sea breeze in the afternoon then ease in the evening.

Outlook: On Friday more South/southeast swell fills in with waist-stomach-chest high waves, (2-3-4’). Light winds Friday morning, shift to light+ onshores for the afternoon. A combination of southerly swells maintains waist-stomach-chest high zone surf, (2-3-4’), through the weekend. West/northwest winds for Saturday, light+ in the morning, then moderate during the afternoon. Light/variable winds Sunday morning are followed by a light+ southerly sea breeze in the afternoon.

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San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

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San Clemente Times September 3-9, 2020

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