September 9, 2021

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SEPTEMBER 9-15, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 36

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

Never Forgotten

South County Residents Recount Harrowing Stories During and After 9/11 E Y E O N S C / PAG E 4

The American Flag at Poche Beach was initially raised 20 years ago, shortly after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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Hundreds Gather to Honor the 13 Marines Killed in Afghanistan

Editor’s Pick: SC Annual Car Show

SCHS Football to Host Military/ First Responders Night

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

GETTING OUT/PAGE 10

SPORTS/PAGE 28


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EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

Retired Navy Captain Howard Hart Recalls Personal Experiences on 9/11

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Howard Hart was at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. Hart was serving in the Navy as an intelligence officer at the time and started off the day working in his office in Arlington, Virginia, as usual. There was nothing unusual yet about the date. “The day started in Arlington, like it did in New York City,” said Hart, who has since retired from the Navy and is now a San Juan Capistrano councilmember. “It was a pleasant day—not a cloud in the sky.” That was not to remain. Hart was soon told about the initial attacks on the World Trade Center—he didn’t have a television in his office, because the room was new and hadn’t yet been cleared for one by the National Security Agency. Hart turned to the guy next to him and said he was surprised the attackers hadn’t gotten to the Pentagon. It was while processing paperwork for his job that he then heard a sound that resembled that of a car crash—as Hart remembers it, the loudest one you could ever hear.

Waving American flags and wearing patriotic attire, hundreds march down Avenida Del Mar on Sunday, Sept. 5, to honor the 13 servicemembers who died in last month’s terrorist attack on an airport in Afghanistan. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Hundreds Gather to Honor the 13 Marines Killed in Afghanistan BY LILLIAN BOYD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the intersection of Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 5, to participate in a memorial march honoring the servicemembers who died in last month’s terrorist attack in Afghanistan. Ten U.S. troops deployed from Camp Pendleton were among the 13 servicemen and servicewomen who died in the Aug. 26 suicide bombing that also injured 18 other U.S. troops and killed more than160 Afghan civilians. The nine Marines and one Navy Corpsman were part of Camp Pendleton’s 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and had been securing the Abbey Gate at the Hamid Karzai International Airport the morning of the deadly terrorist attack. At around 4 p.m. this past Sunday, the crowd—donning patriotic clothing and holding signs—marched down Del Mar, toward the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi within the Pier Bowl. Julie Ragenovich, a San Clemente resident and owner of Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta, says she felt that the community needed to come together to honor the lives lost in the attack. “San Clemente is a military town. As a community, we need to rise up and support all our (servicemembers) and especially the fallen 13 that will not return,” Ragenovich said.“Seeing the amount of people coming San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

out for this … brings tears to my eyes.” Ragenovich helped plan the event with local residents Tamara Fields-Seyhun, Laura Glynn and Cyndi Martin. Once the demonstrators arrived at Park Semper Fi, they gathered around the Marine Memorial, where Pastor Jim Glynn, a retired Marine who had served in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment from 1976 to 1979, spoke to the crowd. “It would be wrong to only focus on the lives lost in August,” Glynn said. “Since Sept. 11, 2001, 2,448 servicemembers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.” Additionally, 7,050 servicemembers have lost their lives during the military operations since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. According to a new report on military deaths published by Brown University’s Watson Institute of International Affairs, in the years since 9/11, more than 30,000 active-duty personnel have ended their lives. “That number makes what we are doing here today even more vital, because by being here and standing together, we are reaffirming our love, gratitude and support for all those veterans who have served our country in the United States military,” Glynn said. “If you are a veteran, we want you to know that now more than ever, we stand with you and beside you today and the days to come,” he continued. “We want you to know you are not alone, and we believe in the sacrifice you made on behalf of your fellow Americans.” After the event, Jay Bellamy, a San Clemente sand sculptor, honored the fallen by creating sand emblems of the Marine Corps, Army and Navy near the pier.

“It’s a sound I’ll never forget,” he said. Hart remembers seeing smoke and other servicemembers looking at him. An alarm began sounding. A second airplane—American Airlines Flight 77—was deliberately flown into the Pentagon. Hart and others were ordered to evacuate, so they headed to the parking lot and under a nearby interstate highway, where personnel regrouped. He lost 14 friends that morning. “I didn’t know how close I had come to being killed,” Hart said. “I saw all the people I was going to meet with were killed.” Hart was eventually able to contact his boss, then-wife, and others to check in. The next day, he went back to his office while accompanied by an FBI officer to retrieve the intelligence in his office. Whenever Hart is back around the Pentagon in Arlington, he visits the 9/11 memorial there to remember those killed. He eventually got to know the families of the friends he lost. Asked for what’s on his mind now during the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Hart brought up the recent withdrawal from Afghanistan—which he declined to comment on at length, out of respect for his military colleagues. Hart did say while it might be easier to claim America should not have gone there in the first place, he remembers the mood after 9/11 and initial disappointment when Osama bin Laden wasn’t captured right away. “I wish we had a different result in Afghanistan,” Hart said.

State, Navy Agree to 3-Year Lease Extension for San Onofre BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The California Department of Parks and Recreation Parks has signed an updated lease agreement that allows it to continue operating the San Onofre State Park for another three years. The amended lease agreement, the terms of which went into effect on Sept. 1 and will expire on Aug. 31, 2024, extends the 50-year lease of the property for three years while the CDPR and the U.S. Navy continue negotiating a new longterm lease. “With this extension, most terms of the original lease still apply, and California State Parks will continue managing operations of the park,” Marine Corps Installations West at Camp Pendleton said in a joint press release with the parks department on Sept 1. The state has leased the land—on a Page 3

The U.S. Navy, Camp Pendleton and the state parks department have agreed to extend the lease for San Onofre State Park for another three years. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

portion of Camp Pendleton—from the Department of the Navy since 1971. The 50-year lease was set to expire on Aug. 31. However, as anticipated, all parties have agreed on a short-term lease while they iron out new terms, as well as complete land and environmental surveys. On Aug. 31, the press release explained, “California State Parks signed a lease extension allowing time for the required real estate surveys to be completed in preparation for the execution of a new lease.” According to the amended lease agreement that San Clemente Times has obtained, the state parks department (Cont. on page 7) sanclementetimes.com


EYE ON SC

Former Firefighter Recounts Experience Assisting First Responders at Ground Zero BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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ike millions of other Americans, Gary Walsh was fixated on the news on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. A pair of airliners had crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. As smoke billowed from the upper levels of the burning buildings, hundreds of New York’s first responders leapt into action, working to save thousands. Alongside his wife, Walsh watched as Building 2, or the South Tower, began to collapse. As a captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department at the time, Walsh knew that hundreds of firefighters had just lost their lives while trying to rescue others. “I knew where I would be if I was in that situation; you know, we would be going up those buildings to rescue people,” said Walsh, now 64 years old and a retired San Clemente resident. “To me, I knew, I had this sickening feeling in my gut, and of course it all came true.” A total of 343 New York City firefighters and paramedics died as a result of the terrorist attack in New York City that day. In total, the events of 9/11 claimed the lives of 2,977 people—2,753 in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was the deadliest assault on our nation’s soil. This Saturday marks the 20-year anniversary of the day’s tragic events that unfolded after 19 men hijacked four commercial airplanes, using them to murder nearly 3,000 people—a plan orchestrated by Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaida. While the country mourned and faced one if its darkest hours in its history, it also saw shining moments of heroism and humanitarianism. “There was a huge sense of mission to avenge all of this and clean it up, and redetermine that we weren’t going to let this bring our country down,” Walsh said. “We’re not just going to take this and say there’s nothing we can do.” GETTING INVOLVED Walsh, who had a 29-year career with LACoFD, was formerly a police officer before changing careers. He said he made the switch because firefighting was more in tune with “the way I wanted to commit myself to public service.” In the days immediately following the deadly attacks, Walsh, being here on the West Coast, felt helpless. He wanted to

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

Retired Capt. Gary Walsh of the Los Angeles County Fire Department shares photos of his stint assisting New York firefighters, rescue crews and other first responders at Ground Zero in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Photos: Shawn Raymundo

be in New York, assisting in the rescue efforts or helping in any way he could. Talking with colleagues, it was apparent that he wasn’t the only one who felt that way. “After a couple of days, I went back to work and started talking to some of the other captains in nearby firehouses at a drill we had. All of us were just bugged,” Walsh recalled. “We all kept saying we have to do something.” The Southern California firefighters, however, were told that they weren’t needed, nor was there a mission for them out there. To many of those first responders who were trained to rescue and help those in need, sitting on the sidelines wasn’t an option, and neither was waiting on FEMA and the fire department to authorize aid teams. “Some of the other guys I had been in contact with there at my department, we all said we know if this happened here in LA, there would be 500 guys from New York showing up here to come help do something,” Walsh said. “That’s just the way we are; we respond and we do stuff. We find ways to help. So, we just decided let’s go out there and figure it out ourselves.” Without the department’s official blessing to go to New York, Walsh and four other LA County firefighters planned to travel to the East Coast on their own time and dime. “We didn’t even know where we were

going to stay, we didn’t know exactly what our mission was going to be, but we knew there was a mission there for us; we just had to go find out what it was going to be,” Walsh said. The band of five LA County firefighters—Walsh, Jeff Duran, Tom Ewald, Craig Ross and Ted Garcia—landed in New York on one of the first airlines to resume flight operations in the wake of 9/11. There, one of the group members contacted a Brooklyn firefighter he had met during a nationwide firefighters’ sporting event. “We drove over to Firehouse 252 out of Brooklyn. We arrived at this place, and again, we still didn’t know where we were going to be or what we were going to do,” Walsh said. “We brought sleeping bags, thinking we might need to sleep on sidewalks.” At the firehouse, Walsh noticed that 252’s fire engine was gone. It had been destroyed, he said, in the devastation at WTC. But even worse, Walsh and the others were told, five firefighters from the 252 squad had lost their lives. When the firefighters of 252 asked the West Coast visitors what they were hoping to do, Walsh and Co. said they wanted to provide any type of support that was necessary. “We told them, we’re just here to support you guys, whatever you need us to do; if you want us to come out and help you, yes, that’s what we’d like to do, Page 4

go find survivors out there at the World Trade Center, bring you water or equipment,” Walsh said. The LA County crew even offered the Brooklyn firefighters to go to their homes and help with any projects they may have had, knowing that they’d be spending much of their time in the coming weeks at Ground Zero. “We’ll do whatever you guys want us to do; you tell us what your needs are,” Walsh’s group had offered the 252 Firehouse. “They were so taken aback by this, they just said, ‘Well, where are you guys going to stay?’ and we said, ‘Well, we don’t know; we’ll figure that out,’” Walsh recalled. With the 252 crew unable to run calls out of the firehouse because they didn’t have an engine, they were primarily working at WTC in two shifts—a day shift and a night shift. The firehouse dormitory would be free to use, so the 252 firefighters insisted that Walsh and the group reside there for the time being. RESCUE AND RECOVERY As a thank you for giving them use of the dormitory, Walsh’s group offered to cook the Brooklyn firefighters meals and even clean their firehouse. However, it had only been a day that they were there before the 252 crew asked the LA firefighters to join the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. Each morning, an FDNY van would come by the firehouse to pick up Walsh and the rest of the group, taking them to Lower Manhattan. “Our first time driving up there, it was just so surreal,” Walsh recalled, further noting that “it was such a surreal scene, because there’s a big cloud kind of still over, with the dust still in the air and everything, even days later. “And as we got closer, you begin to notice everywhere around Lower Manhattan, everything is covered in dust; it’s like this grayish effect,” he continued. “Everything is just gray, because of all the dust, all the debris; and there’s debris everywhere, the trees and up on fire escapes.” Walsh also recalled seeing people on the street holding up signs with photos and descriptions of their loved ones who hadn’t been accounted for yet. They were holding out hope that rescue crews would be able to find those people alive, trapped somewhere under the rubble. sanclementetimes.com


EYE ON SC

“We came across the corner, I took one look at that cement pile of stuff and thought, ‘I don’t think anyone is going to survive this,’ and I think the next day it was announced that it was changing from a rescue to a recovery operation,” Walsh recalled. The LA crew, Walsh said, had expected to find a lot of bodies amid the debris. “But we didn’t find anything,” he said. While working at what was referred to as “the pile,” Walsh said, crews would dig and dig, but on occasion, they’d find only a shoe or a tie. A few times, he added, the partial remains of a firefighter would be found. “We’d stop all operations out there while we removed that part in the most dignified way we could,” Walsh said.“That’s why in pictures you’ll see people standing and saluting while a crane lifted it, and it was generally just a small body part.” FORGING BONDS Day in and day out, Walsh explained, the LA County crew would work at “the pile,” helping the New York City crews. “Those guys are very strong,” Walsh said of the New York first responders. “What grit, they were so determined to find their brothers.” After a shift, they’d return to the firehouse, where they listened to the 252 firefighters share stories of their fallen comrades. “It was amazing how many of these guys had close ties to somebody who had died that day … every one of them: ‘Oh, that was my father-in-law, or my brother or the best man at my wedding,’” they would describe to Walsh. “Every one of them seemed to know somebody who passed away. So, we just listened to the stories … different stories that reflect back on ‘Oh, remember when he did this or did that?’” Being there for the 252 Firehouse, Walsh said, allowed both crews to grow close to each other. The five Los Angeles firefighters would even join 252 crew members whenever they attended funerals for many of the New York firefighters who died on 9/11. “They really appreciated that,” Walsh said. “We got really tight with these guys, and we’ve been part of their (memorial) ceremonies for quite a while. Since then, 2001, they invite us back every year.” During one of the earliest memorial ceremonies, Walsh said, he was gifted a small metal cross by the 252 crew. Only about 45 crosses were made. The metal for the crosses had come from a beam recovered at Ground Zero. It was that beam, researchers believe based on DNA evidence, that had pinned the five fallen 252 firefighters. “They surprised me by giving me one of those crosses. It was one of the most cherished things I have,” Walsh said, adding: “That was kind of their way of saying we recognize all you’ve done.” San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

A small metal cross created from a beam that’s believed to have pinned down five Brooklyn firefighters during the attacks at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, was gifted to Walsh during a 9/11 ceremony at the 252 Firehouse in New York.

Over the years, the bond had continued to stay strong, as Walsh has kept in touch with the guys from 252. Some have flown to Southern California and stayed at his home. And in 2013, they also came out to attend Walsh’s retirement party. Walsh admits that he hasn’t been back to Brooklyn since the 10-year anniversary. But with this being the 20-year mark, Walsh and most of the guys he went with in 2001 will be making the trip to participate in 252’s ceremony on Saturday. “They’ve indicated that this is their last big one, just because of the 20-year mark, and because, frankly, a lot of the firefighters who were there at the time have passed away,” he said. “I think they told me like 90% of those firefighters who are on the job now weren’t on the job in 2001.” A FIREFIGHTER’S COVENANT After returning to Los Angeles, several firefighters looked to Walsh and his team for advice on ways they could also help. He noted that in the wake of 9/11, hundreds of Southern California firefighters made similar trips to assist the New York City firefighters. Asked what his biggest takeaway was from working at Ground Zero, Walsh, who previously sat on the city’s Public Safety Committee, said the experience was a lesson in community service and the commitment all firefighters make with the people they’re sworn to help. “Your community counts on you, and you need to answer the bell when it rings. That’s our covenant,” he said. “When people tell you that there’s nothing for you to do, do what you believe you should do,” he later added. “Take risks, and be kind and be helpful for others. When something happens, think about ‘How can I help?’” To learn more about the tragic events of 9/11, as well as to look up victims’ names, find ways of commemorating the 20th anniversary and even donating to The Never Forget Fund, go to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website at 911memorial.org. SC Page 5

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NEWS NEXT DOOR: OC Parks Presents Future Possibilities for Capo Beach BY LILLIAN BOYD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

OC Parks, the agency leading efforts to protect Capistrano Beach Park and formulate both short- and long-term planning for the site, presented an update to the California Coastal Commission last month. California Coastal Commissioners anticipate having a finalized plan to vote on by year’s end. The presentation explored several different options for preserving the portion of coastline south of Doheny State Beach, including installing cobblestone buffers to try to save what remains of the beach. Agency officials also proposed creating sand dunes and planting vegetation, or taking out a section of the parking lot. According to data collection from a public access survey, the public most values the beach and coastal trail of all Capistrano Beach’s amenities. According to the survey, 60% said they want to maintain the same number of parking spaces or even increase availability, while 39% supported removing parking. Five short-term concepts were analyzed, some adding cobblestone and sand dunes to the north area, or adding cobblestone buffer to the southern reach. The Aug. 13 presentation explored removing parking spaces to move beach space inward, while acknowledging this could possibly put nearby homes at risk. Within the “Nature-Based Pilot Project Study Report,” which was prepared in June, lessons learned are summarized regarding shoreline cobble berm projects. The report also outlines a total of five different concepts at two locations

(Cont. from page 3) must make an initial payment of $1 for the extension—the same price the state paid for the original lease in 1971. However, by 2024, the state will owe the Navy the annual market rental value of the property for the additional three years of the lease. The parks department can either pay the Navy with state coffers or with in-kind consideration, according to the agreement. Under the 1971 lease agreement, the state was given roughly 2,000 acres of property for public recreation, beaches and campgrounds. That year, the San Onofre State Beach was officially created under a Presidential Decree, according to the San Onofre Parks Foundation. Steve Long is founder of the local nonprofit that has for years led educational San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

Capistrano Beach has been pounded during high-tide coastal events, causing erosion and damage to its parking lot and beach trail. Photo: Lillian Boyd

on-site, including buried cobble berms, cobble berms with vegetated dunes, and combinations of those with removal of public parking amenities. The three alternatives, selected from the five original concepts, are a partial retreat of the southern reach of the Capistrano Beach public parking lot and installation of a buried cobble berm and vegetated dune; a full retreat of the southern reach of the parking lot, with a buried cobble berm and vegetated dune; and a buried cobble dune and vegetated berm extending from immediately north of the parking lot entrance up the coast to the Doheny State Beach public parking lot. The study indicates that implementation of a nature-based adaptation pilot project at Capistrano Beach concludes that construction of a pilot project in the northern reach would have the greatest chance of success and provide the most useful information for future adaptation efforts. The feasibility study did not, however, include a determination regarding whether it would be feasible for OC Parks to propose to implement any of the alternatives analyzed in the study at this time.

OC Parks staff suggested that funding and sand supply may be significant barriers to implementation of a pilot project. Capistrano Beach once had enough sand stretching along the coast to offer fire rings, volleyball court, basketball court and boardwalk. A portion of the boardwalk and steps collapsed due to high surf on Nov. 29, 2018, with further damage seen the next day. OC Public Works soon installed more than 1,000 tons of rocks in place of the boardwalk. More rock boulders and sandbags were placed throughout the past few years to delay the destruction of the beach, walkway and parking lot, as officials try and figure out how to proceed. But the hard armoring is a controversial method that some environmentalists say causes more harm than good by interfering with natural sand flow. Denise Denison-Erkeneff, president of Surfrider Foundation’s South County chapter, said strips of plastic torn from the sand cubes are commonly seen during beach cleanups along nearby coastline. She also asserted that leaving the parking lot in place doesn’t solve the

programs and campaigns to preserve San Onofre and San Clemente State Beaches. Long recalled that about five years ago, he and the foundation’s founding president, Bob Mignogna, began assembling stakeholders who would be helpful in “gently” nudging officials from the two departments to the negotiating table, reminding them of the lease’s impending expiration. “It led to the interaction of state parks and the Department of the Navy,” Long told San Clemente Times. “But that’s all handled (negotiations) at the internal level and while we developed good friendships, and have had folks from both sides that have shared information with us; that’s how we’ve come to this point.”

City Invites Skaters to Register for SC Open Skateboard Contest SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Young skaters will have a chance to show off their skills in a series of competitions next weekend, when the city hosts its 20th annual SC Open Skateboard Contest at Ralphs Skate Court. In conjunction with the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation, the city is inviting skaters aged 5 through 17 to compete in various male and female divisions, as well as Page 7

unsafe conditions of frequent flooding and damage to sidewalks and pavement that require regular closures. Denison-Erkeneff presented drone footage of waves hitting the beach, as well as the nearby homes on Beach Road, during a high-tide event—which Coastal Commission Vice Chair Donne Brownsey called “shocking.” “I’m trying to get a sense of the tidal impact to this resource, because it looks pretty profound,” Brownsey said. “We know, right now, we’ve had a great deal of sea-level rise … the beaches here are extremely vulnerable; they’ve been eroded.” Some community members say the beach has been deprived of sand for years, which is the cause for the erosion. Toni Nelson, founder of Capo Cares, pointed to the fact that sand had been placed years ago when the Dana Point Harbor was constructed, but a lack of replenishment is the reason why there’s little beach left, she said. “The point I really want to make here, we don’t have much left. We don’t know how long we’ll have it,” she said. “Every day that the public gets to enjoy the beach, every day matters.” Nelson cast her support for adding cobblestone to the north end so the path could be saved, but did not support tearing out any more of the parking. “There is a level of uncertainty here as to whether there will be a livable shoreline in the future,” said Joseph Street, staff geologist for the California Coastal Commission. “You can just see those waves pounding the coast in that video.” While the commission was not required to take a vote for the agenda item, staff said they will continue to coordinate with OC Parks on longer-term adaptation planning efforts for Capistrano Beach. Commissioners expect to receive a long-term plan proposal by the end of the year. That plan will require the commission’s approval.

open skate and trick contests. The contest, which kicks off with a band performing the opening ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, will also feature a vendor fair and food and beverages. There will be two awards ceremonies, one at 5:45 p.m. for skaters 11 and younger, and another at 7:40 p.m. for those 12 and older. Early-bird registration for the event is $20 per skater through Friday, Sept. 17. Skaters can still register for $35 the day of the event, starting at 1 p.m. The city emphasizes that all participants will be required to wear safety equipment such as a helmet and knee and elbow pads. To register with the city online, head to san-clemente.org/home. sanclementetimes.com


SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | The Levin Letter by Rep. Mike Levin

Federal Relief Arrives for Cherished Local Businesses S

outh Orange County residents know the value of the small businesses that anchor our community. Locals and tourists alike come together to build memories in the many restaurants, recreational venues, and other locally owned establishments that line our streets. Amidst a pandemic that threatened many of these small businesses, federal relief has enabled many to keep their lights on. By now, you’ve probably heard of the American Rescue Plan, a comprehensive federal effort to address the public health and economic crises we face. What you may not have heard is how this legislation is making a difference for the local establishments we cherish. The American Rescue Plan not only provided a lifeline to help everyday people struggling to make ends meet, but it also delivered crucial support to local small businesses through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant has brought nearly $19 million in relief for 28 venues in our district. Among the local recipients is the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Founded in 1776, this “Jewel of the

Missions” has weathered storms for centuries, both physical and economic. As the pandemic brought economic activity to a crawl at most gathering places, the Mission fell well short of its 300,000 average annual visitors, missing out on substantial revenue. Fortunately, a federal THE LEVIN LETTER grant has brought BY MIKE LEVIN much-needed relief to pay for maintenance and other costs at the 246-year-old venue. Local restaurants, bars, and other dining establishments have also benefited greatly from American Rescue Plan funding. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has supported more than 100,000 businesses across the country, including many great establishments in South OC. Among these are Tamarindo Restaurant and The Fuel Shack in San Clemente, and It’s All About the Cake in Dana Point. The fund has helped these business owners keep employees on payroll and cover other operating expenses. While I’m thrilled to see these programs serve our community, I also recognize that not all eligible businesses have

received relief. That’s why I am supporting the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act, which would enable thousands of more restaurants access to an additional $60 billion in critical federal assistance. Like so many successful businesses across the country, our local establishments took a hit during COVID-19 through no fault of their own. Because of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and Restaurant Revitalization Fund programs, we have been able to help many of these local business owners stay alive and thrive. These small businesses help keep our economy turning and the spirit of entrepreneurship alive. I encourage all residents to find time to safely support our local businesses—I know I will! U.S. Representative Mike Levin represents the 49th Congressional District, which includes the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. He was reelected for a second term in 2020 and resides in San Juan Capistrano with his wife and two children. 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.

OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACH TOWN— THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY San Clemente may soon have the opportunity to become free of our dependency on imported water by developing our own source of fresh drinking water from the Doheny Ocean Desalinization Project currently being proposed by the South Coast Water District. CITY COUNCIL Ninety percent of CORNER BY STEVEN KNOBLOCK our drinking water San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Laura Gaffney • 949.388.7700, x103 lgaffney@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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comes from hundreds of miles away in Northern California and the Colorado River. These sources could be threatened in a number of ways by manmade or natural disasters, including, but not limited to, regularly occurring major droughts and earthquake fault lines intersecting our regional water pipeline delivery system. Other coastal communities such as Carlsbad, Huntington Beach and Santa Barbara have already installed, or are close to installing, their own ocean desalinization plants. San Clemente is at the end of the MET

water delivery pipeline. If there is a serious interruption, we will be the most impacted and the first to feel the effects. If the day comes when disaster halts the flow of water to our homes, we don’t want to have to look at each other ashen-faced and wish we had all done something about it sooner. An unlimited water supply is truly at our disposal. We should move forward with the SCWD on this amazing opportunity.

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THE GOOD:

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Copy Editor Randy Youngman

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

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

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(Cont. on page 10) sanclementetimes.com


SOAPBOX

rights, right up there with our freedom of speech and religion. These freedoms are being eroded at the federal and state level and, sadly, by city government, too. Last month, the city council voted, 3-2—with myself and Councilwoman Laura Ferguson voting no—to restrict groups of 50 or more citizens from freely assembling in public places, without getting permission in advance from city hall and paying a fee. Groups including nonprofits, service clubs, churches, political parties or even family gatherings will now require advanced government permission or face arrest and fines. The purported rationale for this draconian restriction of our constitutional liberties is that the city had to pay extra last year for enhanced police security for a local pro-Trump rally and an earlier Black Lives Matter rally. Securing and maintaining our liberties does cost, but the cost of restricting these liberties is much, much more expensive. Our sheriff’s deputies did a fine job at both events and should be respected and honored, for their courage and professionalism, especially at a time when many would disparage, berate and defund them. Our freedoms must remain free.

THE UGLY:

A city ordinance provides that if any

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

citizen unsuccessfully challenges a city ruling, they have to pay all city-related expenses, including hearing officer’s costs, the city attorney’s costs, independent legal counsel costs, consultants’ costs, the cost of staff time, etc. This could cost a taxpayer thousands of dollars. Sort of like requiring someone who unsuccessfully challenges a traffic ticket, to have to pay the prorated salary of the judge, bailiff, court clerk, court stenographer, district attorney, and all related overhead expenses. The ordinance was recently rescinded. Unfortunately, the council adopted a revised ordinance—again with Ferguson and myself opposed—requiring citizens to pay a $500 fee up front before they can get a fair and impartial hearing. If the appeal is unsuccessful, none of the fee is refunded. This fee has a chilling effect on our citizens who may have a sincere disagreement with city hall. P.S. My desire for our beautiful beach town is that our freedoms be preserved and advanced and that the rising tide of oppressive government regulations does not overtake us. Steven Knoblock was elected to a twoyear term on the San Clemente City Council in 2020. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

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Letter to The Editor ON ‘CALIFORNIA’S ROAD TO THE RECALL ELECTION’ CHALONE WARMAN, San Clemente Lillian Boyd’s biased reporting mischaracterizes Recall Newsom supporters as “anti-vaxxers, militia members and conspiracy theorists,” while she carefully omits any list of Newsom’s incompetent policies which led to the recall. Placating the demands of a major donor, California’s teachers union, led to the disastrous decision to shut down the public schools for over a year. His dutiful obeisance to another major donor, the prison/guard union, is leading to the release of 63,000 dangerous prisoners, including nearly 20,000 who are serving life sentences, while California homicides have jumped by 31% overall and 58% in LA County. His misguided environmental policies have created water and electrical shortages, skyrocketing housing costs and uncontrollable forest fires.

Other craven Newsom policies have increased gas prices to the highest in the nation, increased homelessness by over 17% since 2017, and ordered a lockdown that destroyed tens of thousands of small businesses throughout the state. None of these are partisan issues. They are self-inflicted wounds directly attributable to Gavin Newsom’s policies.

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

No Beachside Chat This Week The chat will resume on Sept. 17. Beachside Chat, a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo on Friday mornings.

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GETTING OUT

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.

Editor’s Pick

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

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at sanclementetimes.com/weekender

THURSDAY | 09

Photo: File

SATURDAY | 11 SAN CLEMENTE ANNUAL CAR SHOW 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Clemente Downtown Business Association’s 25th anniversary Car Show promises to be a day of old-fashioned family fun. There will be more than 250 show cars—classic, muscle, exotic, woodies, and vintage trailers on display in San Clemente’s downtown corridor on Avenida Del Mar. There will also be live music, food trucks and vendors of all kinds for guests to enjoy. Local restaurants and shops will also be open. To get to the show, guests can catch a free shuttle service from San Clemente High, or hop on the SC Trolleys from many stops in town, including the Outlets at San Clemente. Downtown San Clemente, along Avenida Del Mar. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org

DRIVE-THRU FOOD DISTRIBUTION 2-4 p.m. Nonprofit organization Love San Clemente hosts this food distribution event. The line opens at 2 p.m. and distribution depends on arrival—first-come, first-served, while supplies last. Drivers open their trunks and then remain in their vehicles through the line. Those looking to volunteer can contact the nonprofit by emailing randy@lovesanclemente.com. Volunteers should arrive by 1:30 p.m. Gloves and masks are required. San Clemente Calvary Chapel, 1031 Calle Recodo, San Clemente.

Aris, by FEMA to New York City on 9/11, and Angie Kardashian, a Southern California resident who moved to New York City to cook food for the responding fire departments. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

THE NEXT WAVE WITH GREG LONG 6-9:30 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation invites the community to join Greg Long as he shares his global experiences witnessing the awe-inspiring majesty of the oceans and their waves. As part of the SOPF’s Summer Speaker Series, Long will give his first-hand accounts, relating the unfolding tragedies that are accelerating in every corner of our oceans and along our coastlines. Advanced tickets are $15 at greglongsept8.eventbrite.com. Tickets can be purchased at the door (if seats available) for $20. Historic Cottage at San Clemente State Beach Campground, 225 Avenida Calafia. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in to the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 7 p.m. Join Casa Romantica for a free lecture to hear the inspiring stories of first responder Bob Wank, an OCSD sergeant who was deployed with his K-9 partner,

‘THE FUTURE IS FEMALE COMEDY SHOW’ 8 p.m. Enjoy “The Future is Female Comedy Show” at Knuckleheads. See the most talented comedians you never knew

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

existed from L.A., Orange County and Las Vegas. This free, star-studded show has one of the most diverse comedy lineups. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

FRIDAY | 10

MARITIME FESTIVAL 4-9 p.m. The Ocean Institute in Dana Point will host the 37th annual Maritime Festival all weekend, with activities on Saturday, Sept. 11, and Sunday, Sept. 12, slated to begin at 9 a.m. The Maritime Fest, formerly known as the Tall Ships Festival, is a weekend full of events that will offer unique experiences for all ages. It will feature six visiting tall ships that will participate in cannon battle sails. Visitors can explore maritime history while experiencing the thrill of mock cannon battles at sea. At the dock, ships will showcase life as a sailor during the Ship and A Sailor’s Life Tours. The price for general admission is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Ocean Institute will offer first responders, active servicemembers and veterans free admission on Saturday. oceaninstitute.org/maritime-festival/

SATURDAY | 11 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car

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VINYL RECORD SHOW 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Clemente High School Instrumental Music Program is hosting this Vinyl Record Show at the campus, where there will be multiple vendors selling records, CDs and cassette tapes. Admission is $3 starting at 10:30 a.m., but SCHS students with a school ID can get in for free. Those looking to shop right at 9:30 a.m. can pay the Early Bird price of $5. All admission proceeds go to the school’s music program. Masks will be required indoors. San Clemente High Triton Center, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. tritonmusic.org.

SUNDAY | 12 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

TUESDAY | 14 LESLI BONANNI ACRYLIC DEMO 3-5 p.m. Join the San Clemente Art Association Gallery for a unique acrylic demonstration by abstract expressionist Lesli Bonanni. This demo is free for members, and $5 for non-members; the $5 can go toward an Association membership. Each attendee will receive a ticket for a raffle to win a piece Lesli donated to SCAA. Check out her art at leslibonanni.com. Ole Hanson Fireside Room, 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente. Contact SCAA Demo Chair Catherine Singer for questions at catherine@catherinesinger.com. LIBRE TUESDAYS AT JD’S 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Head to JD’s Kitchen and Bar every Tuesday this summer for $5 libre shots and margaritas, as well as to enjoy reggaeton, Latin and other top hits, as spun by DJ Romanero. Solotacos Catering will also be offering $2 street tacos. JD’s, 215 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.481.2115. jds-sanclemente.com. (Cont. on page 12) sanclementetimes.com


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GETTING OUT

(Cont. from page 10)

WEDNESDAY | 15 BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-your-number game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com. BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

AT THE MOVIES

‘The Protégé’ Barely Stands Out on Her Own BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

If the pandemic era didn’t exist, something like Martin Campbell’s latest action flick, The Protégé, would have probably just been dumped in theaters at the end of summer, with hardly anyone even noticing it was even in theaters. And some of that is true, as it got a late August theatrical release. But at the same time, I saw just as many ads and trailers for The Protégé as I did the new Marvel blockbuster. The title character, Anna Dutton (Maggie Q), is an exceptionally trained and skilled secret assassin who moonlights by day as a vintage bookkeeper in London. Her life is turned upside down when her mentor, Moody (Samuel L. Jackson), and a handful of other people in her professional life are killed one night. Rather than go into hiding, Anna vows revenge for Moody, and along the way, she gets mixed up with another assassin, Michael Rembrandt (Michael Keaton). When she finds

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films

the bad guys are abroad, Anna is forced to revisit her past in Vietnam, the same location where Moody rescued her after she was orphaned as a child. The Protégé is one of those forgettable action movies that’s right between being legitimately good and being so bad it’s unintentionally amusing. Campbell knows his stuff when it comes to blockbusters, as he is the man behind two of the best James Bond efforts: GoldenEye (1995) and Casino Royale (2007). The cast is decent, with Q reminding us she

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can fit right into the action heroine role nearly a decade after leading the CW’s Nikita (2010-13), while Keaton and Jackson do their usual schticks. Unfortunately, as far as the screenwriting goes, the plot and especially the dialogue of The Protégé are very schlocky and pedestrian. This is also probably one of the more visually gruesome releases you’ll come across lately. The fights and explosions are well-directed and shot, but the clichés and unmemorable characters hold The Protégé back from being intriguing. SC

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Photo: JPVSPHOTO

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THE WORLD TITLE RACE COMES TO TOWN 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONS TO BE DECIDED AT LOWER TRESTLES AT INNOVATIVE NEW RIP CURL WSL FINALS

F

or the first time in the history of professional surfing, the 2021 world title will be decided in a single day of action called the Rip Curl WSL Finals—and it’s all going down at Lower Trestles. Based on their end-of-season rankings, the top five men and women on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour have made the cut and will have a shot at the title. The No. 1 seeds include four-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore from Hawaii and two-time world champion Gabriel Medina, who hails from Brazil. For the women, rounding out this inaugural class will be seven-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, Brazil’s Tatiana WestonWebb, Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons and France’s Johanne Defay.

And for the gentlemen, 2019 world champ Italo Ferreira, coming off an Olympic gold medal, will be looking to defend his title (there was no world champion crowned in 2020 due to the pandemic). He’ll be joined by Brazilian countryman and San Clemente resident Filipe Toledo, California’s Conner Coffin and Australian rookie sensation Morgan Cibilic. The pressure couldn’t be higher nor the stakes greater for this one-day, winner-take-all showdown. For decades, Lower Trestles has been considered one of the world’s most high-performance waves, and with its perfect left and right A-frame peak, it’s an ideal location for Moore, Medina and the best surfers on the planet to throw down. Everyone should get ready, because Rip Curl WSL Finals’ new format and a new vision of how surfing’s world champions are crowned will be showcased right here in our backyard on one day in a competitive window spanning from Sept. 9-17.

Home Sweet Home San Clemente-based Rip Curl Eyes Epic Finale For Rip Curl North America president “Rip Curl is a pure surf company,” said Dylan Slater, the stars are aligning over Slater. “We believe in our surfers and San Clemente and Lower Trestles, where believe in crowning a world champion. all eyes in the world of surfing will focus This year is a major evolution (in how a from Sept. 9-17—when the World Surf world champ in surfing is crowned), and League hosts its Rip Curl-sponsored seawe decided to be a part of that vision and son finale and crowns world champs for be a part of that history.” both men and women. Three male team riders in the finals “Rip Curl in the U.S. started here in San will be rocking Rip Curl wetsuits: Gabriel Clemente—Trestles is even Medina, Conner Coffin and in our original wetsuit logo,” Morgan Cibilic. said Slater, who moved the The new format and coniconic surf brand’s headtest window will allow for Rip quarters and its 70 employCurl to host numerous events ees to San Clemente from during that week, including Costa Mesa in September beach cleanups, autograph 2020. sessions at Rip Curl’s newly “So, it’s fortuitous that upgraded flagship store in (the move to San Clemente) South San Clemente (at 3801 aligned with the fact the South El Camino Real) and a WSL Finals will be here,” live mural painting by local Slater continued. surfer and artist Jeff Lukasik. Rip Curl North America president This year’s format is Rip Curl will also use the Dylan Slater. Photo: Norb Garrett brand-new, featuring the opportunity to launch its five top-ranked men and women surfing in new E7 Flashbomb Heatseeker wetsuit. a one-day contest to crown a champ. The “It’s the pinnacle wetsuit that combines WSL will pick the one day with the best flexibility with warmth,” Slater said. “We’re wave conditions to hold the new format, utilizing the event and platform to celeensuring that a world champ is crowned at brate multiple parts of our brand.” the finals. (See page 17 for details.) — Norb Garrett

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Rip Curl WSL Finals

WHO to WATCH

Photo: © WSL / Heff

There will be a total of 10 surfers at the Rip Curl WSL Finals—five men and five women. But before we get into whom to keep an eye on, it’s going to be important to understand the format of this unique event. Slated to take place in one day of action during primetime Lowers season, it’s going to go down like this: The No. 1-rated male and female surfers at the end of the 2021 WSL Championship Tour—Gabriel Medina and Carissa Moore, respectively—will both receive a bid directly into what the WSL is calling the Title Match, which will consist of a best-of-three showdown to determine the world champ.

“The Brazilian Storm”—Medina, Italo Ferreira and Filipe Toledo—are the obvious favorites. Medina has been the surfer to beat all season long. He’s won at Lowers in the past and will be fresh and focused when he hits the water for the Title Match. That said, Ferreira’s coming off a gold medal performance at the Olympics and will be looking to defend his 2019 title. Plus, local shaper Timmy Patterson, who makes Ferreira’s boards, will know exactly what he should be riding. Meanwhile, Toledo lives in San Clemente, has won at Lowers and may be the best pure performer in the draw. If he can put all the

All of the other surfers will be seeded into the bracket based on their rankings. At the beginning of the day, which will start with the women, the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds will surf one heat against one another. The winner of that match will move on to face the No. 3-ranked surfer. From there, the winner advances to face the No. 2-ranked surfer. Whoever is still standing will earn a spot in the Title Match against the top seed, either Moore or Medina. The world title will be decided by the first surfer to win two out of three heats. So, whom should you keep an eye on? For the men, the surfers who comprise

pieces together, he’s going to be really dangerous and could go on to win his first world title. The two outliers are California’s Conner Coffin and Australia’s Morgan Cibilic. Growing up surfing NSSA events at Lowers, Coffin, who’s from Santa Barbara, has a ton of experience here and will be feeling comfortable in what constitutes his home waters. Rookie Cibilic has been defying expectations all season long and could be a huge spoiler at Lowers. He’s been hanging around town for the last couple of months and has the right at Lowers pretty wired. For the women, stopping No. 1 seed Moore is going to be a huge challenge. She’s been on another level all year long, and with Olympic gold around her neck, she has all the confidence in the world. That’s not to say she’s not beatable. In fact, all but one of her losses on the Championship Tour in 2021 came at the hands of Rip Curl WSL Finalists Stephanie Gilmore, Johanne Defay and Tatiana Weston-Webb—and she’s lost twice to Gilmore and Defay, which is a crazy stat considering how dominant the Hawaiian has been this year. Gilmore, who comes in at the fourth seed, will be looking to claim her record-breaking eighth world title. Fresh off a win in Mexico last month, she’s got the momentum and energy to go the distance. Between Gilmore and Moore, the two most dominant women in pro surfing over the past decade, they’re sitting on a collective 11 world titles and know what it takes to get to the top. But for Sally Fitzgibbons, Defay and WestonWebb, the vision of claiming their first title will serve as plenty of fuel for their competitive fire. The waiting period for the Rip Curl WSL Finals runs from September 9-17. The event will take one day to run, with the surf deciding which day.

How Trestles Became Epicenter of Progressive Surfing in America From Phil Edwards in the ’50s, to the heady Vietnam years, to today’s Rip Curl WSL Finals, Trestles has always held an important place in high-performance surfing BY JAKE HOWARD

F

or the better part of 70 years, Trestles—or The Trestle—has loomed large in local surf lore. Decade after decade, the pristine watershed with its multitude of wave-riding options has served as an epicenter for state-of-the-art, progressive surfing. From the very first surfers to frequent the area to the crowning of the WSL World Champions here in San Clemente this month, Trestles has always been a draw to the best of the best. “Miki (Dora) and I spent one summer together at San Onofre, and we’d look up at the point and ask these old guys what it was like up there,” recalls Phil Edwards, surfing’s supreme stylist in the 1950s and

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’60s. “They’d say, ‘Oh, well, we went back up there in ’38 and Peanuts Larson got this big wave … blah, blah, blah.’ Anyway, Miki was 16, and I was 13. He had a car, so we drove the car up there and walked through the railroad tracks and around the swamp, and that’s how we started surfing The Trestle,” continues Edwards, placing his “discovery” with Dora around 1951 or 1952. “We didn’t tell anybody, so we had it all to ourselves for a while; it was kind of neat. I graduated high school in ’56, so it would have been before that,” adds Edwards. Edwards originally hailed from Oceanside, but it was at Trestles and nearby Doheny and Killer Dana where his well-deserved reputation as the epitome of good surf style was born. “He was the first guy to sleep under the bridge at Doheny,” jokes his wife, Mary.

It didn’t take long for word to get out about the quality of surf on offer at Trestles. Located at the far southern end of San Clemente at the mouth of the San Mateo Creek, the migratory sandbars and cobblestone points of Uppers, Lowers and Church provided an ideal location for the area’s best surfers to hone their talents, test their equipment and escape the everyday rat race in a truly beautiful Southern California beach setting. But the utopia couldn’t last forever. In 1969, President Richard Nixon established the “Western White House” at La Casa Pacifica (originally built in 1926 by one of San Clemente’s founding fathers, Hamilton H. Cotton) on the bluff above the aptly named Cotton’s Point. With the Vietnam War raging, surfing at Trestles was quickly forbidden for security reasons. There are plenty of stories about

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surfers sneaking out for a few waves anyway and having their boards seized by the military police, but it was Surfer magazine’s founder and publisher, John Severson, who really went toe-to-toe with Nixon. The feud between the two—one, a proponent of free expression and the counterculture movement; the other, a hard-to-love politician—famously went back to some photos that Severson had snapped of Nixon on the beach and sold to Life magazine. White House attorney John Ehrlichman eventually invited Severson over to try and broker a peace between the leader of the free world and the leader of the heady surf scene. “He was one tough cookie,” Severson, who passed away in 2017, wrote in his memoirs. “I tough-cookied him right back.” “When Nixon was in town, there were armed guards on the beach and a big Coast

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2021 Men’s Final FIVE 1

GABRIEL MEDINA

2

BRAZIL

ITALO FERREIRA

3

BRAZIL

43,400 PTS

FILIPE TOLEDO

4

BRAZIL

31,660 PTS

CONNER COFFIN

5

UNITED STATES

30.735 PTS

MORGAN CIBILIC AUSTRALIA

25,355 PTS

25,270 PTS

2021 WOMen’s Final FIVE 1

Carissa Moore

2

HAWAII

37,770 PTS

Tatiana Weston-Webb BRAZIL

34,715 PTS

3

Sally Fitzgibbons AUSTRALIA

33.000 PTS

4

Stephanie Gilmore* AUSTRALIA

32,035 PTS

5

Johanne Defay FRANCE

32,035 PTS

Photos: © WSL / Heff, © WSL / Diz | *Awarded tiebreaker over Johanne Defay for greater average heat score.

Guard boat outside the break, along with a flock of helicopters cruising above,” recalled former U.S. Surfing Champ Corky Carroll in a 2016 story in the Orange County Register. Carroll was one of the few surfers given permission to access the area after he wrote a letter to the Secret Service explaining that he needed to surf Trestles to continue training. “I would check in on the beach and paddle out to perfect big summer south swells either all alone or with Rolf Aurness. Rolf’s dad was the actor James Arness (dropped the “u” for television) and he had a home there, so they could also surf,” continued Carroll. By 1972, the Trestles area was reopened for surfing. Ultimately, Nixon proved not to be the complete evil villain he was portrayed as. After original talks to create a California State Park fell apart around 1970, the plan was shifted south to San Onofre. Thanks in part to Nixon’s appreciation for this pristine bit of coastal wilderness, on Aug. 31, 1971, a 50-year lease was signed by the state and the U.S. Marines, who control the land as part of Camp Pendleton. That lease was set to expire this year, but it was extended for three years while the State

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of California, the Marines and local interest groups figure out what’s next. In terms of surfing, Trestles enjoyed a golden era in the ’70s and ’80s, when crowds were still relatively light and just getting down to the beach was more of a mission than it is today (yeah, I’m looking at you, e-bike riders). By the second half of the ’80s, the surf industry was booming, and Trestles became one of the de facto hubs for area pros and photographers. With surf companies and magazines based in San Clemente, Uppers and Lowers offered the perfect spot to, once again, hone talent, test equipment and help the sport progress to the next level. In 1989, Christian Fletcher, a young San Clemente radical who was pioneering aerial surfing, won the Body Glove Surfbout at Lowers. Banking $30,000 for the effort, it was the first shot across that bow that wave-riding was about to take another huge leap forward. Then, in 1990, a young, fresh-faced kid from Florida named Kelly Slater made his professional debut at Lowers. He famously signed what then was the biggest contract in pro surfing history on the beach, and then went on to win the Body Glove Surfbout.

Thanks to Fletcher in ’89 and Slater in ’90, Lowers’ reputation as the hotbed for progressive surfing in the United States was cemented. By the early 2000s, it was a stop on the WSL Championship Tour, drawing the best surfers from around the world every year. In 2004, the contest, then called the Boost Mobile Pro, enjoyed all-time, classic Lowers conditions. It started off with 3- to 5-foot surf before a swell dubbed the “Monster Down Under” served up sets that topped out in the 10-foot range. Eventually won by Australian Joel Parkinson, who beat 11-time world champ Slater in the final, it was one for the history books. “It is one of my favorite places in the world,” says Slater, who got Parkinson back in 2012 as he notched his 50th career world tour victory and third win in a row at Lowers. And now, the Rip Curl WSL Finals will crown the 2021 world champions at Lower Trestles, where the top five men and women on the leaderboard will be featured. At this point, the smart money to win the title is on what’s been dubbed “The Brazilian Storm.” Anchored by world champs Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira, as well as San

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Clemente transplant Filipe Toledo, the crew represent the leaders of a high-flying, hard-charging generation of surfers from Brazil who are pushing the sport yet further forward. “I love this wave; it’s a large part of why I moved my family to San Clemente,” says Toledo. “There’s so many possibilities at Lowers.” In the mid-2000s, Surfrider Foundation released a study breaking down the economic impact that the Trestles area has had on surfing and the local community. The findings were revealing. In 2008, it reported that there were more than 330,000 “surf visits” to Trestles during the year, which contributed $10 million to the local economy. More than a dozen years later, those numbers have surely grown, as surfing is coming off its Olympic debut and is more popular than ever. Whether you’re a top-flight pro or regular old local getting your daily fill of waves, there really is something for everyone down at Trestles—and, oh, the stories we could tell.

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A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF PRO SURFING AT LOWERS There’s a lot more to winning at Lowers than just surfing well

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t’s the morning of the final,” Kelly Slater famously uttered en route to his 1990 professional debut at Lower Trestles. The moment was captured in a Quiksilver video called Black and White, and it basically served as the launchpad for the Florida surfer’s now-storied career. It was, after all, on the beach at Lowers where he signed what then was the biggest contract in pro surfing history and then went on to win the contest. What you don’t hear nearly as much about—but definitely should because it ties directly into state-of-the-art surfing today—is that in the previous year, local boy Christian Fletcher beat the establishment at Lowers, courtesy of his brash, unapologetic approach to both abovethe-lip and power maneuvers. The godfather of aerial surfing, the unseeded Fletcher won a cool $30,000 for the effort, beating North Hollywood’s Joey Jenkins, Cardiff’s Colin Smith and San Clemente’s Noah Budroe in the final. Local icon Dino Andino, father of Kolohe

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

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Andino (who just represented the United States in surfing’s Olympic debut in Tokyo), finished the event in fifth. Thanks to Fletcher in ’89 and Slater in ’90, today, a top-level pro contest at Lowers is career-defining. Over the decades, we’ve seen world champions such at Carissa Moore, Mick Fanning and Andy Irons all post huge victories here. Moore calls it one of her favorite waves in the world. She’ll be setting her sights on winning a fifth world title at Lowers this month. The last WSL Championship Tour event to come to the cobblestone point was back in 2017, when it was a Brazilian sweep, as Filipe Toledo and Silva Lima topped the podium. And now, 30 years after Slater exploded onto the scene at Lowers, it’s back. Perhaps the biggest competitive moment Lowers has ever seen is about to unfold. The Rip Curl WSL Finals will crown the 2021 men’s and women’s world champions, and it is fair to say that never before has San Clemente enjoyed a victory celebration like what’s about to go down— and that’s saying a lot!

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San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Senior Cohabitation: Moving In Is Easier Than Moving Out

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ecently, two senior women emailed regarding difficult cohabitation situations with men they are dating. Both women admit to ignoring red flags in the early days of their respective relationships. Jeanne wrote that she met a man on ourtime.com in 2015. In 2018, she allowed him to move in with her. Jeanne said, “His landlady knew he and I were dating; she called to tell me that he might ask to move in with me. She kicked him out of her house because of ‘lifestyle differences,’ namely that he was a hoarder and had boxes piled high in his bedroom. “The landlady was right; he did ask to move in with me. It was easy; just open the door and let him in. I admit I ignored

some red flags. “I thought he would weed out the boxes before moving in. But, no, the boxes came with him and into my garage and house. He has more stuff in a neighbor’s garage. “He is very quick to anger. Incessant talker and takes over conversations and hates being interrupted or countered. Two wives left him; apparently, they hated being lectured to and his always wanting to be right and having it his way. “He refuses to get rid of the bicycle, motorcycle, and kayak. He isn’t going to use them, as he’s in his late 70s and out of shape. “His flaws are too much for me; they killed my love for him. I didn’t like the person I had become—yelling and

fighting back or shutting myself in my bedroom. “We don’t have a written cohabitation agreement. He says that I can’t kick him out, and the only way he will leave is if I sell my house. MayON LIFE AND LOVE be I had better ask BY TOM BLAKE my lawyer! Getting him to move out is nearly impossible.” Beth (not her true name), 70, wrote: “Sixteen months ago, I started dating an older gentleman (79). We met on match. com at the beginning of COVID-19. We missed the dating process because of COVID shutdowns. “We walked often, and I cooked for us and cooked for him before I went home. We face-timed every night we weren’t together. He’d call eight times a day, asking when I would come to his house. He asked me to marry him early on, but I said no. “He wanted me to move in, but I said no. He started to fail physically, losing his balance and falling occasionally. I started going to doctor appointments with him. I went from girlfriend to caregiver in a few short months. I was cooking and cleaning with no days off for three months while staying at his house. “He was very demanding of my time.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Roland

He had brain surgery. I had to shower him. I started pushing back and told him when he got well, I was returning to my home. He asked me to stay another month. “One day while he was on the phone, I packed and left. I felt guilty for leaving, but knew no time would be a good time to leave. I am so burned out, and I’ve decided to just enjoy my life.” Tom’s seven lessons learned from these two situations. BEFORE COHABITATING: 1. Heed red flag warnings 2. Trust your instincts 3. Get to know the person well 4. Don’t rush your decision 5. Agree to a written exit plan before the move, in case it doesn’t work out 6. Don’t do it to just to save money 7. Remember, moving in is easy; moving out is difficult. Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.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

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

This handsome guy is Roland, a 2-yearold Doberman Pinscher now available for adoption. Due to his sweet and silly personality, his walkers often call him a “lovable goofball.” Roland is looking for an active family with older children and space for him to run and play. Could this happy fellow be the one for you? If you are interested in adopting Roland, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.

Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Trials for the 1932 Olympics were held at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, which had close to an Olympic-size swimming pool. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

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

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

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:

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

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SC LIVING

BRINGING BACK THE FIRE New Owner Has Big Plans for BeachFire Bar & Grill BY NORB GARRETT, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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ike a bee to honey, restaurateur Edgar Carbajal lives for the thrill of entertaining his customers. “Hospitality is my passion,” said Carbajal, who has been in the restaurant business ever since moving to the United States from Mexico as an 18-year-old in 1997.“Live music, great food and entertainment—that’s what I live for.” After coming to the U.S., Carbajal landed his first job washing dishes at Hennessey’s in Dana Point. He spent 15 years there, eventually becoming a bartender. He later had a brief three-year stint in Seattle. Fast-forward to 2021, and after a successful, hard-earned career in the area restaurant scene, Carbajal is embarking on his second area restaurant launch in the past 10 years—this time acquiring the BeachFire Bar & Grill in Downtown San Clemente, along with partner Dustin Ramsay. He has big plans to reignite the iconic dining spot on Avenida Del Mar.

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

“Through live music, great food and entertainment, we’re going to bring back the ‘Fire’ to BeachFire,” he said. He plans to leverage some of his learnings from his first restaurant launch in 2012, when Carbajal and a few partners bought the Renaissance in Dana Point and renamed it StillWater Spirits & Sounds. He completely revamped the menu and bar list while adding live music, instantly transforming StillWater into one of the area’s hottest spots for dining and entertainment. “We are going to take BeachFire’s San Clemente style and give it a fresh, reinspired take on coastal cuisine,” said Carbajal, who lives in San Juan Capistrano with his wife, Nina Scarnici, and their dog and cat. “We’re going to ‘bring out the Fire’ when it comes to delicious food that will mirror a new, vibrant drink menu.” Aside from improvements to the menu and bar list, Carbajal will be expanding the live music offerings, as well as moving the stage area further back into

BeachFire’s new owner and operator, Edgar Carbajal. Photo: Norb Garrett

the restaurant to allow for more space and dancing around the bands and a less-cluttered (and loud) bar experience. “I want this to be the neighborhood hangout,” said Carbajal, who along with partner Ramsay plan on keeping the existing staff. “My goal is to make (Beach-

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Fire) the go-to place again. I see the opportunity, and I’m so excited. I know it’ll be a home run.” SC BEACHFIRE BAR & GRILL 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente 949.366.3232, Beachfire.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216612630 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FRIGGIN HANDMADE 3408 CALLE SIN RIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): JAMIE L BROPHY 3408 CALLE SIN RIVAL SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/01/2019 /s/JAMIE BROPHY This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/10/2021. Published in: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 305 E. Avenida Magdalena – Minor Exception Permit 21-039 – Duncan-Hughes Addition A request to consider a 1166 sq. ft. addition to an existing two-story single family residence with an existing detached casita and detached two-car garage at the rear of the property. The project proposes to encroach into the rear yard setback area and attach existing detached structures on the property with interior living space. Second floor addition includes master bedroom, bath, and loft area. Project also proposes new front yard deck and renovations to the kitchen, living area, bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry room on main floor. Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Structures). This application is on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting (949) 361-6183. If you challenge this project 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 hearing. Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held via teleconference on Thursday, September 23, 2021 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. View the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente.org/live; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Zoning Administrator electronically by using the on-line portal available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/ZAPublicComment. 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

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing Date: 10/05/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Other: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: August 25, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 429 N El Camino Real – Conditional Use Permit 21-069 – Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta Full Alcohol A request to consider full alcohol service for indoor and outdoor consumption at an existing restaurant in the Mixed Use 3.0 (MU3.0) zoning district and Architectural (A) and Central Business (CB) overlays. The legal description is Lots 89 and 90, of Tract 789, and Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 057-133-02 and 057-133-03.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Marie Le; and Does 1 through 30, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Dennis F. Penn, an individual

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! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. View the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente.org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the Planning Commission electronically by using the on-line portal available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/PCPublicComment. Transmittal by 3:00 p.m. on Planning Commission meeting days is recommended.

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.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Planning Division at (949)361-6183. Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01208843 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Angelo Deerbourne Carney Gomez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Angelo Deerbourne Carney Gomez PROPOSED NAME A. Angelo Deerbourne Vidrine Carney The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days

¡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

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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): 37-2021-00022977-CL-BC-NC Judge Cynthia A Freeland The name and address of the court is: (El Nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, North County Division 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA 92081 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff ’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del obogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Clay D. Renick 7040 Avenida Encinas, Ste. 104-285, Carlsbad, CA 92011 619-322-5695 DATE: (Fecha) 05/25/2021 N. Fabian, Clerk of the Court NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published: San Clemente Times September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01215325 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Alexis Kristine Barba; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Alexis Kristine Barba PROPOSED NAME A. Alexis Kristine Vozza-Gregg The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the

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PUBLIC NOTICES

CLASSIFIEDS

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing Date: 10/12/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Other: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: August 12, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01215333 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Sandra Lee Vozza; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Sandra Lee Vozza PROPOSED NAME A. Sandra Lee Vozza Gregg The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing Date: 10/12/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Other: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: August 12, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2021

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216612693 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HAPPY PAWS PET CARE BY KIM 714 CALLE BRISA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): KIMBERLEY STEEL 714 CALLE BRISA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a KIMBERLEY STEEL/s/KIMBERLEY STEEL, KIMBERLEY STEEL/OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/10/2021. Published in: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2021

FOR SALE AUTO - FOR SALE 2010 Honda Accord - dark gray - 75,000 miles. Good gas mileage, 4 cylinder, in good condition. $8,500.00 OBO Call (714) 349-4626

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 12pm Monday. GARAGE SALE - SEPTEMBER 11 8 to 11 am. 218 Ave. Cabrillo, San Clemente. Lots and lots of women’s and juniors clothes. 1 antique nightstand

PUBLIC NOTICE

GARAGE SALE - SEPTEMBER 11 7 am to 2 pm, 110 Avenida San Diego, San Clemente. Big Sale. Baby clothes, new crib, clothes, jewelry, furniture

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216612281 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PROST TECHNOLOGIES 42 GROVESIDE DR ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 Full Name of Registrant(s): GREGORY JARVIS 42 GROVESIDE DR ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/GREGORY JARVIS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/04/2021. Published in: SAN CLEMENTE TIMES August 19, 26, September 2, 9, 2021

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

WANTED WANTED: COIN COLLECTIONS San Clemente coin collector is buying coins and currency. Paying top dollar for old coins and currency Free no obligation appraisals Example Silver Coins 1964 and before Dollars $18.00 & up Halves $7.50 Quarters $3.75 Dimes $1.50 Buying pennies, proof sets, etc. Call or Text Dave 847 769-3590

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the San Clemente Times. EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

HELP WANTED OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE OPEN JOB POSITIONS CUSTODIAL: The Outlets at San Clemente is currently seeking to hire Full-Time Custodians to help maintain the overall cleanliness and appearance of the entire shopping center. Full-time benefits include paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, short term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance and 401k. Great atmosphere, teamwork, and benefits. SECURITY: The Outlets at San Clemente is currently hiring Full-Time Security Officers who will take initiative and ensure a safe and positive shopping experience for our employees and shoppers. Full-time benefits include paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, short term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and 401k. EXPERIENCE IS A PLUS! Guard Card Required. Great atmosphere, teamwork, and benefits. MAINTENANCE: Building Maintenance Lead-Full Time Energetic, outgoing, and personable candidate who has the will and drive to succeed would be the ideal applicant for Maintenance Lead. The applicant will exemplify the personality of what it takes to work in the retail industry. Qualifications: High School or equivalent (required) Maintenance Experience Valid driver’s license Can operate Scissor Lift, Boom, Forklift. Must have experience with electrical, plumbing, carpentry, lighting, a jack-of-all trades! Great pay and Benefits!! Visit outletsatsanclemente.applicantpro.com to submit an application

OBITUARY

John Pito April 12, 1933-August 26, 2021

John Pito - April 12th 1933 - August 26th 2021 lived a long and beautiful life and passed in peace. He was the beloved husband to Penelope Teresa Pito, father to Stefani Crofoot and Ann Coldesina, son of the late John Senior and Rose

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

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Pito and brother to the late Maryanne Maslow. He was born in East Chicago, Indiana, residing in San Clemente the last 50 years of his life. John and Penelope worked together for 27 years at the print shop they owned and ran together Concord Graphics in downtown San Clemente. Celebration of life will be on Sept the 9th 1PM - 7PM hosted at the Pito Family Residence, 17 West Avenida San Gabriel. He is forever loved and forever in our hearts.

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ATTORNEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

PROSTHODONTICS

LIST LOCALS ONLY. USE LOCALS ONLY.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

Hoover Construction License B-774675 949-292-6778

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

MUSIC LESSONS

Jack McKay, Owner 949.449.0445 mckayja29@gmail.com Call for prices. Earning money to purchase my first car. Perfect for campfires, beach fires, home fires.

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

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

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SALONS REALTORS

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

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

VETERINARY HOUSE CALLS

PLUMBING

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

Buy • Consign • Sell

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

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

TRITON REPORT BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Girls Volleyball Continues Strong Form

San Clemente is 3-0 after three strong defensive performances, and the Tritons host Corona del Mar on Military and First Responders Night on Sept. 10. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

GRIDIRON GRATITUDE SCHS football hosts Military and First Responders Night, unbeaten showdown on Friday BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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he San Clemente football team makes its way back to Thalassa Stadium on Friday, Sept. 10, and the Tritons will host some special guests for the occasion. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, San Clemente football hosts its annual Military and First Responders Appreciation Night, as the Tritons (3-0) take on Corona del Mar (3-0) in an undefeated showdown. For 300 of the current and retired military, fire and law enforcement that signed up for the event, San Clemente puts on a pregame dinner and will recognize those military and first responders San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

at halftime. For those interested in attending and taking in the festivities, tickets can be purchased online at gofan.co/app/school/ CA19019. Look for coverage of the game live Friday on Twitter @SouthOCSports and afterward at sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente enters Friday’s game unbeaten after another strong defensive performance and a fourth-quarter surge that paved the way to a 13-6 victory over La Costa Canyon in Carlsbad. The Tritons’ defense held La Costa Canyon to one field goal in the first half and another field goal in the third quarter as the San Clemente offense tried to find its groove. Juniors Cole Robertson and Reese McDonald again led the defense with 14 tackles and 10 tackles, respectively. Robertson made a team-high eight solo tackles and had the team’s only sack. Senior Jack Demora and junior Nolan Reid each made six total tackles, and junior Ryder Insley made five tackles, including three solo tackles. Finally, in the fourth quarter, San Clemente found the scoreboard. Senior quarterback Lachlan Van Rosmalen ran for a 2-yard touchdown to tie the game, 6-6, in the first minute of the fourth quarter. The PAT was missed, so the Tritons and Mavericks remained tied. San Clemente surged ahead with under a minute to go when Van Rosmalen hit junior receiver Thomas Hartanov on a 20-yard touchdown pass to seize the

lead, 13-6. The Tritons made one last defensive stop to seal the win. Van Rosmalen completed 11 of 20 passes for 111 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. After two strong opening games, junior running back Blake Allen was limited to 16 carries for 50 yards and three receptions for 40 yards. Hartanov caught five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. San Clemente now moves on to its toughest opponent so far this season against unbeaten Corona del Mar. The Sea Kings have showcased a strong offense, as has become the norm for the program, with a 36-20 win over Downey, 56-8 win over Paramount and a 41-7 win over Palos Verdes. Junior quarterback David Rasor has completed more than 71% of his passes for 496 yards, with 12 touchdowns and just one interception in three games. Senior John Tipton has been the main target with 13 receptions for 178 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Max Lane has been a big-gain player with seven receptions for 164 yards and five touchdowns. The Corona del Mar defense has also been impactful by forcing 10 turnovers in three games—four interceptions and six fumble recoveries. The Sea Kings have had the Tritons’ number in their past two regular-season meetings, with Corona del Mar scoring a 21-20 win at San Clemente in 2018 and a dominant 42-21 win at Newport Harbor High School in 2019. SC

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The San Clemente girls volleyball team added another staple win on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The Tritons swept Edison in the San Clemente gym, 25-17, 25-17, 25-10, to move to 9-5 overall on the season. The win over Edison was a strong bounceback for San Clemente after losing a five-set battle at Newport Harbor on Aug. 31. Newport Harbor, ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 3, took the opening set, 25-23, but San Clemente won an equally tight second set, 25-22. The Sailors and Tritons again traded close sets, with Newport Harbor winning the third, 25-20, and San Clemente taking the fourth, 25-22. The fifth set went the distance and just a bit more, but Newport Harbor earned the win, 16-14. San Clemente also went 3-2 at the California Challenge Tournament at La Costa Canyon on Aug. 27-28. The Tritons earned wins over La Jolla Country Day, Clovis North and San Marcos. The Tritons are next in action on Thursday, Sept. 9, at Mission Viejo and play in the Dave Mohs Tournament at Edison on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10-11. San Clemente opens South Coast League play at Trabuco Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 14, and is next home on Wednesday, Sept. 15, against Beckman.

Boys Cross Country Opens Season Ranked The San Clemente cross country teams will finally take to the course this weekend at the Laguna Hills Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 11. The Triton boys will open the season ranked highly in CIF-SS Division 1, as San Clemente sits at No. 4 in the latest poll released on Tuesday, Sept. 7. San Clemente sits behind No. 1 Newbury Park, with Great Oak and Loyola tied for No. 2. League rivals El Toro and Dana Hills are ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in the Division 2 boys rankings. The early cross country schedule opens with the Laguna Hills Invitational this weekend and is followed by the Woodbridge Invitational in Corona on Sept. 18. The Tritons stay local on Sept. 25 while competing at the Dana Hills Invitational. SC sanclementetimes.com


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SC SURF

Five Surfboards That Changed the Game

GROM OF THE WEEK

BROCK MCDONALD

Origins of a Few of Surfing’s Most Important Boards BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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his week, the Rip Curl-sponsored WSL Finals are coming to Lower Trestles, and with a very promising swell forecast, we’re going to see the men’s and women’s world champions crowned right here in our own backyard. Local shapers Matt Biolos and Timmy Patterson have been hard at work dialing in the equipment for a handful of the surfers, including Carissa Moore, who will be on Biolos-shaped boards, and Italo Ferreira, who will be on Patterson’s creations. Of course, it’s taken the better part of a century of refinement and evolution for surfboards to get to the point they’re at today. So, before the show gets underway, here’s a quick rundown of five surfboards that absolutely changed the game and shaped the present: JOHN KELLY’S HOT CURL In 1937, pioneer John Kelly was attempting to ride a large swell on the south shore of Oahu. The boards of the time didn’t have much rocker in them and lacked fins. After being pounded all morning courtesy of rudimentary equipment, a bedraggled Kelly, along with friend Fran Heath, went home determined to do something about it. “I took this ax and set the board up on two sawhorses, and I said, ‘Hey! I’m goin’ to whack this board and however deep this ax goes, I’m going to cut that much off the side,’” Kelly noted in a 1989 interview. Kelly, who died in 2007, added: “I took my drawknife and recontoured the board to the point where the ax had gone in.” The “vee” shape that Kelly created allowed the board to hold an edge in the face of the wave and gave the surfer the control to make the drop. NAT YOUNG’S MAGIC SAM In 1966, Australian Nat Young showed up for the World Championships in San Diego with a secret weapon. Armed with a 9-foot, 4-inch self-shaped board featuring a fin engineered by George Greenough, the board featured a narrower nose and wide point lower passed the center of the board. It also featured a rolled bottom and narrow, flat nose. “It was incredibly thin and just sunk underneath you,” Young recalled in a Surfer magazine article.“They’re not great noserid-

San Clemente Times September 9-15, 2021

Brock McDonald. Photo: Courtesy of the McDonald Family BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Nat Young at the 1966 World Surfing Championships in San Diego, riding his famous Magic Sam model. Photo: Courtesy of Ron Stoner/SHACC

ers unless you’re real tight in the pocket.” MIKE HYNSON’S DOWN-RAIL One of the effects of the Shortboard Revolution of the late ’60s and early ’70s was that surfers were better able to flirt with the barrel. The Endless Summer star-turned-shaper Mike Hynson developed the down-rail design. “I remember Herbie (Fletcher) was around, and someone else, too, and I gave it to them to take it out and their jaws dropped. It was that much of a change,” Hynson recalled in a Surfer magazine interview. The design allowed the shortened, tucked-under rail to release more, providing the board with more maneuverability in critical sections of the wave. MARK RICHARDS’ TWIN FIN In 1976, Mark Richards was surfing in the Coke Surfabout at Narrabeen near Sydney. Hawaii’s Reno Abellira was also surfing in the contest and had come equipped with a short, stub-nosed fish shape. The board featured a twin-fin setup, and Richards seized on the potential. Single-fins were still the dominant

design of the era, but they had their limitations. The “Wounded Gull,” as Richards was known, wanted to fly. SIMON ANDERSON’S THRUSTER It’s kind of crazy to think that since Simon Anderson demonstrated to the world what a surfboard with three fins is capable of in 1981, the design has changed relatively little. Anderson rode the board in the ’81 Bells Beach Classic and won it. He rode a similar design later in the year at Pipeline Master and won that contest, as well. The Thruster had arrived. The board allowed for a tighter-turning radius, more maneuverability, more drive and more speed control. After 40 years, the three-fin setup is still the de facto fin configuration on surfboards around the world. Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.SC

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There are few things that fire us up more than siblings supporting and cheering each other on. That’s exactly how 7-year-old Brock McDonald was selected for this week’s Grom of the Week—his older sister, Avery, nominated him for the honor. A couple weeks back, Brock enjoyed his first Western Surfing Association (WSA) contest at San Onofre’s Trail 6 and ended up winning the Under-9 division. “He got a 9.5 in his first heat, which is higher than I have ever scored in a contest,” explained Avery, who’s also been featured here as Grom of the Week. “Had the time of my life at my first WSA contest,” shared Brock on his newly set-up Instagram page. There are no shortage of brother and sister duos out there who have taken the surf world by storm. Perhaps most notably is Hawaii’s Mason and Coco Ho. “It’s such a special thing,” shared Mason. “We push each other, we laugh together, we watch out for one another; we’re so lucky to be able to be surfers together.” The prime surf season for Southern California is upon us, there’s a ton of surf in the forecast, and no doubt Brock and Avery are going to be on it. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 66-68 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 3-5 Thursday: A blend of South/southwest and secondary Northwest swells for waist to chest high waves, (3-4’). Wind goes from light/variable in the early morning, to a light+/moderate sea breeze over the afternoon, then back to light for the evening. Outlook: Surf on Friday and Saturday stays in the waist to chest high range, (3-4’), then a fresh South/southwest swell fills in on Sunday, with chest to head high waves, and sets to a foot overhead, (4-5-6’). Friday and the weekend have light/variable winds in the early mornings, followed by primarily light+ afternoon onshores.

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