December 3, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

December 3-9, 2020 YO U

C A N

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide

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SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 15, ISSUE 49

A Bright Future Chris Hamm Bids Farewell to Public Office E Y E O N S C / PAG E 1 4

In a sit-down interview with San Clemente Times, Chris Hamm looked back at his time on the city council while touching on his hopes for next city council. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Railroad Administration Denies Waiver Renewal for Quiet Zones EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Ward, James Appointed to Council Leadership EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

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State Warns of Potential Hospital Overcrowding EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

“At this point, that is where we’re at, and I’ll be working with the FRA looking at the best solution to get back on track, no pun intended,” he said.—Shawn Raymundo

Ward, James Appointed to Council Leadership

Five things San Clemente should know this week Railroad Administration Denies Waiver Renewal for Quiet Zones THE LATEST: Over the past week, San Clemente residents living near the train tracks or walking the Beach Trail have been met with the unwelcome sound of train horns blaring through town ahead of each pedestrian crossing.

For the past five years, trains weren’t required to sound the horn while traveling through San Clemente thanks to a special five-year permit, or waiver, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) had granted the city, which had installed audible warning systems at the crossings.

That waiver, however, is no longer in effect, as the FRA last week denied the city’s waiver renewal for the Pedestrian Audible Warning Systems (PAWS), citing a handful of compliance issues found during inspections this past spring and summer.

According to the Nov. 24 denial from the FRA’s Railroad Safety Board, it “found that the issues with noncompliance during the inspections, the overall poor condition of the required fencing, and apparent lack of maintenance and communication processes and procedures between the City and Metrolink, are concerning.”

Notifying the city council of the denial on Tuesday night, Dec. 1, interim City Manager Erik Sund acknowledged that while “there were some things that needed to be addressed on a repair and maintenance standpoint,” those issues “were repaired and addressed and reflective in Metrolink’s inspection report that they also concluded on.”

Sund also noted that those inspections took place with officials from both the RFA and Metrolink in the early part of 2020.

“However, it wasn’t until Nov. 24 that we received notice from RFA that they were denying our waiver application and in essence turning the horns back on,” he said.

Back in 2015, “quiet zones” were essentially established in San Clemente, as the FRA granted the city its five-year waiver to bar the use of the train horns at seven public highway-rail grade crossings under the condition that the city operate the PAWS at those locations.

Unlike officially designated quiet zones that have standard wayside horn systems— preventing municipalities from having to renew approvals—the city went with the PAWS system, which has a lower audible San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

The Federal Railroad Administration has denied the city’s waiver extension to continue “Quiet Zones,” which has spared the city from the train horns blaring through town for the past five years. Photo: Fred Swegles

decibel reading and, therefore, requires a renewal of the waiver every five years.

“When the city took on this initiative, the residents were vocal in wanting the lower horn system for the city of San Clemente, so with that want, it put us in a position of having to ask for the waiver every five years,” Sund explained.

Tom Bonigut, the city’s head of public works, noted on Tuesday that crossings at North Beach, which is officially designated a “Quiet Zone,” are not subject to the waiver renewal.

“At North Beach, that serves the Capistrano Homes mobile community, and the pedestrian crossings that serve North Beach, those two crossings are in an actual designated quiet zone. They would not be impacted by this current action,” Bonigut said.

According to the RFA, the city had put in for a renewal back on April 27, 10 days after an inspection with officials. Those inspectors reviewed five of the seven crossings—because two were inaccessible at the time—revealing a series of noncompliance issues.

Such issues included the PAWS not operating as intended at various locations, with sound levels below the 80-decibel minimum, and poor or inoperable conditions of signage and emergency exit swing gates.

“Several areas of fencing designed to prevent pedestrians from trespassing on the tracks were found to be ineffective due to sand buildup, making stepping over the fence possible,” the Nov. 24 letter to the city also stated.

Furthermore, the RFA noted in its denial that “the City failed to timely request renewal of the relief,” as the “relief expired on April 14, 2020.” The agency also noted “that

the City’s April 27, 2020, waiver request was not jointly filed with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink),” as reportedly required.

The FRA went on to highlight repeated issues with the PAWS system found during a subsequent inspection this past June.

The RFA stated that while the city performed maintenance to the system, some PAWS “were still not in compliance.”

“With FRA’s assistance, each PAWS was adjusted on-site to meet the 80 dB(A) minimum, but FRA learned that the City has experienced reliability issues with the PAWS and that the dB(A) level is difficult to maintain,” the letter stated.

Lastly, the FRA found that the city and Metrolink haven’t been conducting joint periodic testing of the PAWS’ decibel levels to ensure they’re operating as intended.

“In fact, Metrolink reported being unaware of the portions of the crossings it was responsible to maintain (emergency pedestrian exit swing gates and attached signage), and those items were left in disrepair over the last 5 years,” the denial stated.

An official with Metrolink would only confirm to San Clemente Times on Tuesday that the waiver request was denied, referring all further questions to the city.

“Grade Crossing and Trespassing issues account for 95% of total railroad-related deaths,” the FRA added. “The Board additionally found that granting the City’s request in light of the concerns noted above would not advance safety in this critical area.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Sund on Tuesday said that the city is working with RFA, Metrolink and the Orange County Transportation Authority “to remedy the situation.”

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THE LATEST: For the second time in her tenure on the city council, Kathy Ward has been appointed mayor of the city of San Clemente, putting her at the helm of the dais to lead a newly installed council that faces significant decisions in 2021.

“I promise to run an efficient meeting and represent the people,” Ward said on Tuesday, Dec. 1, after being named mayor by her colleagues. She also vowed that under her stewardship, all councilmembers will have a chance to “get ideas out, and I do want to work in a more collaborative fashion this year.”

During the council meeting on Tuesday night, newly elected Councilmembers Chris Duncan and Steven Knoblock took their (virtual) seats on the dais, along with incumbent Councilmember Gene James, after being sworn in during an in-person ceremony at Park Semper Fi a day earlier.

They joined Councilmember Laura Ferguson, who this year held the title of mayor pro tem and acting mayor following the departure of Dan Bane this past April, to round out the full, five-member council body.

James, now a sophomore on the council having completed his first year after winning a special election to fill the seat left behind by the late Mayor Steve Swartz in 2019, was appointed mayor pro tem on Tuesday and will serve as Ward’s lieutenant for 2021.

“I’m looking forward to serving with this council. I think we can come together,” James said.

James, along with Duncan and Knoblock, took the time Tuesday to thank their constituents and supporters who had voted for them last month, but most importantly, they also recognized their spouses for efforts to support their campaigns.

“Wise men always thank their wives,” Ward said jokingly.

The installation of the new council concludes a particularly divisive period on the dais, as several decisions this year ended in 2-2 stalemates, preventing certain projects from moving forward.

WHAT’S NEXT: One major action looming for the council is the continued search and appointment of a permanent chief executive—a role currently being held in the interim by Assistant City Manager Erik Sund.

“These are divisive times, but I really believe—we may have our differences— but we all want the same thing; it’s a city that’s beautiful, prosperous and safe for our residents,” Duncan said.—SR (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3)

State, Newsom Warn of Potential Hospital Overcrowding as OC Remains in Purple Tier THE LATEST: In a state update on Monday, Nov. 30, Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the state’s continually rising coronavirus case rates, the potential overcrowding of hospitals and ICU units, as well as the forthcoming first steps of vaccine distribution as 51 California counties, including Orange County, slid further into the purple “widespread” risk tier.

The state’s four-tiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system is the main component of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for determining in what capacity different sectors, businesses and activities can reopen safely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Nationally, the United States has more than 13.5 million coronavirus cases, with well over 100,000 new cases reported each of the past 28 days. There have been 268,045 deaths in the U.S., and the national sevenday average testing positivity rate is at 9.71%.

As of the state’s most recent tier update on Saturday, Nov. 28, California’s case rate and positivity rate continued to rise, as the state reached 30.5 daily new cases per 100,000 residents and the 14-day testing positivity average rose to 6.6% from the 6.2% as of early last week, and the 4.6% of the week before that.

The state has sailed far past the previous mid-July highs in new cases and case averages that were passed last week. The 14-day rolling average of daily new cases rose to 13,123.8 on Sunday, Nov. 29, from the 10,605.8 on Nov. 23, with the previous high average being 9,504 on July 24.

The largest single-day number during the pandemic of 18,350 cases was posted on Nov. 24. The single-day high for cases in July was 12,807 on July 21.

However, Newsom put California’s rising case totals into perspective. As the most populous state in the nation, California’s raw totals will always be high, but Newsom pointed to the national numbers for sevenday average case rate per 100,000 residents.

California comes in 39th of the 50 states at 34.5 cases per 100,000, while North Dakota (112.3), Wyoming (111.7), South Dakota (111.5) and Minnesota (104.6) top the list.

Newsom also reported that the state expects that roughly 12% of those daily COVID-19 cases will lead to hospitalizations within two weeks of reporting, which, with those rises in case rates and the 89% increase in hospitalizations over the past 14 days, is concerning to state officials.

Newsom warned that hospitalizations could increase two or three times the current total in one month if there was no change in behaviors. Currently, 59% of California’s hospital beds are in use, with 11% of those being COVID-19 cases, and San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

San Clemente

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 12/01/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

887

11

LAST 30 DAYS

265

2

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 65,405 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

75% of all ICU beds are occupied, with 23% of those being COVID-19 cases.

Based on current rates, the state projects that by Dec. 24, 79% of the state’s hospital beds could be in use and 112% of the state’s ICU beds could be occupied, including 107% of Southern California’s ICU beds.

Newsom mentioned that there is the potential for another stay-at-home order for purple tier counties if the hospitalization and ICU capacities continue toward those levels.

Nearly all of California is now in the purple tier, with 51 of the state’s 58 counties at the highest risk level. There are only six counties at the red “substantial” risk level, one county at the orange “moderate” risk level and none at the yellow “minimal” risk level. Just five weeks ago, only nine California counties were purple.

Newsom remained confident that California would be ready to handle the surge and touted the state’s personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile. Newsom reported California’s PPE stockpile is the largest in the country, even larger than the federal stockpile, with 40 million more N95 masks in the state inventory than in the national stockpile.

With regard to the forthcoming vaccine, Newsom said the state anticipates getting 327,000 doses from Pfizer in mid-December, with Moderna’s vaccine to follow.

These would be the first doses of the vaccine, with the second doses following within three weeks.

Newsom said the plan for Phase 1A distribution will be out this week, as a state workgroup is drafting guidelines and recommendations for the distribution plan. The plan will then be reviewed by the Community Advisory Vaccine Committee before being announced.

Orange County’s coronavirus monitoring metrics continued to rise this week.

Daily new cases per 100,000 continued to trend upward this week. The daily new cases per 100,000 jumped to an adjusted 18.7 daily new cases per 100,000, up from the 17.2 new cases last week.

The metric jumped to the purple level at

10.8 two weeks ago. The state uses an adjusted number based on volume of testing, and Orange County’s unadjusted number is 25.6 daily new cases per 100,000.

The county also saw a continued rise in its testing positivity, as the countywide number climbed higher in the red level to 7.6% from last week’s 6.8%. The metric was at 4.6% two weeks ago. The threshold for the purple tier is 8%.

The county’s health equity positivity rate was listed as unavailable this week.

The health equity rate was 5.5% when last reported on Nov. 10. Since being introduced on Oct. 6, the health equity rate has been at a red tier level. The health equity rate measures the testing positivity in county’s low-income and more racially diverse neighborhoods.

To move back down to the red tier, Orange County would need to have its metrics at red levels for two consecutive weeks. If the county’s daily case rate is stable or declining but not at the next level, there would be the possibility of moving down if the testing positivity and health equity metrics meet the level for two tiers lower—that is, orange tier levels while in the purple tier.

The red tier requires the case rate to sit between 4.0 and 7.0, the testing positivity between 5.0% and 8.0% and the health equity rate between 5.3% and 8.0%. The orange tier requires the case rate to sit between 1.0 and 3.9, the testing positivity between 2.0% and 4.9% and the health equity rate between 2.2% and 5.2%. The yellow “minimal” risk tier, the lowest of the four tiers, requires a case rate lower than 1.0, testing positivity below 2.0% and health equity rate lower than 2.2%.—Zach Cavanagh

City, Business Community Launch Shop Local Campaign

THE LATEST: With the ongoing health crisis driving more shoppers to online retailers this holiday season, the city, in

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conjunction with San Clemente’s business community, has launched a “Shop San Clemente First” campaign, asking residents to support local restaurants and shops.

On the city’s website, residents can find the new Shop San Clemente First webpage containing a list of local retailers and eateries, as well as links to their sites to purchase and order products online.

Jonathon Lightfoot, the city’s economic development officer, said the goal of the campaign is intended to encourage local businesses to step up their online presence so shoppers, hesitant to face potential crowds during the coronavirus pandemic, can still support the local shops while being safe.

“A lot people want to support local business, but also you don’t have a lot of people going out, and to those who aren’t looking to go out can still go online,” Lightfoot said. “So, putting it in one place, they can jump to find a good fit or two.”

“Ultimately, the big goal is that all these retailers would build up their own sites,” Lightfoot said. “But this will be a helpful bridge, to help people find their favorite stores in one place.”

The webpage breaks down the businesses by categories, including retail/ merchandise, restaurant/food/beverage and lodging and activities, among others.

It also provides direct links to purchase gift cards from each of the retailers.

Lightfoot said that the city, along with the San Clemente Downtown Business Association and San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, wanted to partner so the shoppers didn’t neglect the brick and mortar businesses in town.

“We wanted to emphasize that there are more ways to shopping online,” Lightfoot said.

Based on a FlashVote survey the city had conducted to gauge residents’ interest and participation in shopping local, the city found that nearly 54% out of 54 locals who responded said they were expected to do more online shopping than usual this holiday season.

The survey also asked participants what percentage of their household purchases were from businesses within San Clemente city limits. About 31% of the respondents said almost all of their purchases were made locally, while 29.5% said most (between 51% and 75%) were local purchases.

Another 31% said some of their purchases (between 26% and 50%) were local.

Asked what would make them more likely to shop locally, more than 57% of the respondents agreed that it would take an improved online presence for individual businesses. Such improvements included updating websites and posting a list of offerings and reviews.

According to Lightfoot, there have been “a lot of local businesses that have done a good job of transitioning to online.” He also noted that the Orange County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has offered consulting for businesses to (Cont. on page 13) sanclementetimes.com

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EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 4) develop their online presence.

Lightfoot did recognize that some businesses may feel hesitant to offer products online, as there are impacts to consider such as additional costs for shipping, maintaining domain names and credit card transactions.

“So, there’s some of those things that can come into play,” he said, before adding: “I was actually pretty impressed by the amount of businesses that have transitioned. So, it’s pretty easy to get set up.”

He later noted that an investment in online services would likely provide benefits such as increased traffic, helping move more products. Considering the weight of those who are likely to shop more online this season, he said, “Just the sheer volume that’s going through that traffic alone necessitates an online presence.”—SR

Radiation Study at SONGS Finds No Leakage THE LATEST: A recent independent survey of the dry cask storage system at the San Onofre power plant found no evidence of contamination or radiation leakage coming from the canisters containing spent nuclear fuel.

Based on radiation readings taken at the outlet vents on the 51 storage modules where nuclear waste is being stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), Southern California Edison concluded that its canisters are not leaking—as purported by some members of the community.

“No contamination was found on any of the 51 outlet vents, which indicates that there has never been any leakage from the canisters, and there is no indication of any airborne radioactivity at any of the modules,” Eric Goldin, a certified radiation protection professional, said at SoCal Edison’s quarterly Community Engagement Panel Meeting on Nov. 19.

According to a summary of the radiological survey, which SoCal Edison released ahead of last month’s CEP meeting, the dose rates measured at the outlet vents ranged from as low as 0.04 millirem per hour to 0.3 millirem per hour. The federal dose limit is 25 millirem per year to the public.

The dose readings, Goldin said, are “so low that a radiation area posting is not required according to federal regulations.” He added, “We’re way, way below federal limits.”

The survey, which SoCal Edison contracted Philotechnics Ltd. to conduct, was meant to serve as a response to concerns

by San Clemente resident Donna Gilmore, who runs the website San Onofre Safety and has alleged that the Nuclear Horizontal Modular Storage (NUHOMS) San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

canisters at SONGS are leaking.

“Gilmore has essentially postulated the NUHOMS canisters are ‘leaking,’ and that is why Southern California Edison has not surveyed the outlet vents on the top of the storage modules—only the inlet vents at the bottom of the modules,” Edison said in its summary of the survey.

While Edison touted the survey as an effort in transparency, Gilmore on Tuesday, Dec. 1, said she doesn’t trust the findings, mainly because the utility company didn’t photograph or record a video of a reading or measurement taken by a technician from Philotechnics.

“Edison at the previous meeting, they promised they would video or take pictures of the readings, as they were taking them as a measure of trust, and they didn’t do that,” Gilmore said. “There was not one video or photo of the measurements next to the vents. They showed people, but they did not show that. So, I don’t trust them.”

She also questioned why Edison would hire a third-party company, which—Edison noted—was recommended by the Radiological Branch of the California Department of Public Health.

Acknowledging that she doesn’t know much about the company and can’t state for certain whether she trusts it or not, she said the fact that they were chosen by SoCal Edison was enough reason to give her pause.

“It seems strange to me that they would hire somebody … how can somebody be independent when they hired you” to perform a job, she said.

Asked what evidence she had to support the belief that there’s a leak, Gilmore said she didn’t know for certain that there’s a leak, which is why the survey needed to be done.

Responding to Gilmore’s remarks, Edison spokesperson John Dobken said, “The truth of the matter is we went out and hired a contractor recommended by the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch to conduct a survey with calibrated instruments. They did the survey, and we posted the results in the interest of openness and transparency.”

SoCal Edison publishes radiological data from monitoring devices on its Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation to the state’s health department.

The company explained in its summary that there are no regulatory requirement and specifications when it comes to measuring the outlet air vents, “because the canisters in the storage modules are welded closed and airtight.”

Dobken further explained that because they’re welded shut, “there’s no pathway for material to exit the canister and go through the outlet vent.” Welds, he continued, “are far better than the mechanical seals” such as bolted-lid casts, when it comes to keeping materials inside the canisters.—SR Page 13

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EYE ON SC

Chris Hamm Bids Farewell to Public Office

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

hris Hamm is looking forward to doing quite a bit of surfing and playing golf now that he’s no longer on the city council. But what he says he’ll enjoy the most about no longer being in public office is the time he’ll have to spend with his wife and son.

“Just focusing on my family, focusing on my wife, my son, who’s 2 ½ years old. Spending time with them,” he told San Clemente Times this week when asked what he’s looking forward to most following his eight-year tenure on the San Clemente City Council.

“I’d say they suffered the most through this just because of the time spent away from them, with city council and then, of course, time spent away being a firefighter,” said Hamm, adding: “I’d say just refocusing on my family is the biggest thing I’m looking forward to.”

Tuesday, Dec. 1, was (technically) Hamm’s final day on the council, concluding a two-term run as an elected official in the town where he was raised, surfed, graduated from high school and where he’s now raising a family of his own.

While sitting down with SC Times at the end of the pier on Monday, Nov. 30, the “homegrown” councilmember reflected on some of his accomplishments while in office, as well as some of the projects he had hoped to get done but couldn’t.

And with a new makeup of the city council taking office, he weighed in on the long road the incoming councilmembers have ahead as some key votes and decisions are on the horizon for 2021.

Harkening back to why he ran for a seat on the dais back in 2012, Hamm recalled that he was drawn to public service when he was in high school after seeing a lot of changes occurring—many related to development and with which he said he didn’t agree.

“I asked as a kid, ‘Why are we allowing these things to happen in our backyard?’ And the response I got from my parents most times was, ‘It’s just the way it is; there’s nothing you can do about it,’ ” he explained.

“And I don’t know what it was about that, but it lit a fire inside of me that said, ‘Well, I’m going to do something about it.’ ” Hamm noted that he didn’t run for public office because of one particular issue, but rather he wanted to keep San Clemente “great for generations.”

“I didn’t get into San Clemente politics because I had this core issue that I cared about. It was because I wanted what was best for the community,” Hamm said.

During the interview, the question came up on how he thought he’d be remembered vs. how he hoped the community would remember him. After taking a long pause to think about his answer, Hamm said he’d likely be remembered as the youngest mayor in the city’s history.

As for how he wished he would be remembered, he said he’d want it to be as “someone who’s approachable.”

“Every decision I made was what was best for the residents as a whole. I didn’t look at business interests, or any one interest,” he said. “I looked at what’s best for residents.

And I hope that when people look back, whether you agree with my decisions or disagree, you recognize that I was making those decisions from a resident’s perspective.”

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

In a sit-down interview with San Clemente Times, Hamm looked back at his time on the city council while touching on his hopes for next city council. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Looking back at what he considered to be accomplishments, Hamm found it difficult to narrow it down to just one project or initiative. He noted that every project or development he voted in favor of that got approved by the rest of his colleagues was something of which to be proud.

One policy he long sponsored was the two-term limit for councilmembers. Voters last month had a chance to vote to approve such an initiative, or Measure BB as it was displayed on the ballot. San Clemente overwhelmingly supported it with more than 77% of constituents voting yes.

“When I got on, I beat Jim Dahl, a 16-year incumbent,” Hamm said, noting that he “had this massive uphill battle to face against somebody who was in office when I was in high school … the measure of entry is really difficult when you’re running against an incumbent with that much experience.”

Hamm said the purpose of setting a term limit was to “open the doors for people, to bring in fresh perspectives” and “get rid of this stagnant” atmosphere of the city council.

Regarding the things he couldn’t accomplish, Hamm noted a couple of initiatives such as an effort to have the Beach Trail extend further south, past Calafia, and the “road diet project”—the recent proposal to reduce the lanes along El Camino Real in North Beach from two lanes in each direction to one.

Hamm said the road project would have meant less road noise and provided more opportunities for businesses that suffer from the high speed of motorists who don’t see the local shops while driving past.

Another project that Hamm will no longer have an opportunity to push is the reopening of a local hospital. Hamm Page 14

has been a proponent in getting an emergency room back in San Clemente and was working with Councilmember Gene James this year on the solicitation process in finding medical providers interested in taking over the shuttered facility.

Since he’ll no longer be joining James, who was appointed mayor pro tem on Tuesday, in continuing talks over the hospital, Hamm endorsed newly appointed Mayor Kathy Ward or freshman Councilmember Chris Duncan as his potential successor.

“I think Gene’s been a very good advocate of bringing back the hospital,” Hamm said of his former colleague.

“We just need to find someone (else) who is as well …

Kathy definitely has a good idea of it, and I think Chris would also do well.”

Aside from endorsing her to take over the reins on leading the hospital effort, Hamm had also backed Ward as the city’s next mayor, believing her experience previously in the role would serve the council well.

“I think Kathy would do a fantastic job as mayor; she has the experience, she knows how a meeting is supposed to be run, she can bring the consistency to council that has been much-needed for the past two years,” he said, not knowing his hope would become reality the next night.

Looking ahead, Hamm cautioned that new Councilmembers Duncan and Steve Knoblock will have their work cut out for them.

“If any councilmember who just got elected, whether Chris or Steve, think they’re going to be on easy street, they’re in for a rude awakening,” he said, noting that because the council has operated a member short for much of the past two years, that “put our calendar way behind and a lot of that stuff has been pushed back because it would inevitably be a 2-2 vote. They have a lot of work ahead of them in 2021.”

One item of particular importance will be the recruitment and appointment of a new city manager, an endeavor that began back in January when James Makshanoff, the city’s former chief executive, resigned.

The recruitment process has been in limbo for several months—an issue Councilmember Laura Ferguson lamented in June, when she raised the concern that certain officials weren’t willing to move forward.

Hamm at the time had said city managers want “a unified vote in support in order for them to accept a job offer.” He repeated that sentiment on Monday, stating that having a four-person council was an issue for him, as a “city manager wants to have unanimous support.”

Offering advice for the council, Hamm echoed his philosophy on “doing the best for the residents of San Clemente.”

“You’re there to do what’s best for the residents, best for the community,” Hamm said. “You’re there to do a great job.”

As for his own political future, Hamm swore he has no ambitions of running for any other elected office, believing the only thing that matters is what happens in San Clemente.

“That was never on the agenda in my ‘political career.’

I only ran for city council because I love San Clemente,” he said, later, adding: “What’s important is inside San Clemente’s city limits. (I have) no future endeavors to run for political office of any kind.”

Whether he’ll again seek a seat on the city council, he said he’s certainly open to it, but not until after he retires from his day job as a firefighter.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind doing it again when I retire.

One of the things that’s difficult is juggling a career, family and city council,” he said. “That’s a lot on your plate … I don’t have any interest until I’m retired, and we’ll reevaluate at that time.” SC sanclementetimes.com

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EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Police Searching for Man Suspected of Pointing Handgun at Child Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man suspected of pointing a handgun at a 10-year-old boy in San Clemente this past October.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department last week put out a call for help, asking members of the public to come forward with information about the incident that took place on Oct. 21 around 3:30 p.m. near Camino Celosia and Camino Silla.

According to OCSD, the child had been walking his dog “in an isolated greenbelt area when the suspect passed him. When the victim turned around, the suspect pointed a gun at the boy and chased him a short distance.”

The suspect, described as a Hispanic man in his 30s, was reportedly seen by witnesses in the area “exhibiting strange behavior prior to the incident.” OCSD said the suspect is about 5’9” and has a stalky build with a mustache and spiky hair.

Anyone with information should contact Investigator Sanders at 949.425.1844 or cysanders@ocsd.org, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1.855.TIP.OCCS.

Exchange Club Holding Toys for Tots Drive The Exchange Club of San Clemente is looking to the community to donate children’s toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, as the nonprofit this year is again hosting a Toys for Tots drive, collecting toys at various locations around town.

“During these challenging times, the need is so great,” the group said in an announcement.

The club is asking those participating to bring unwrapped toys to donation boxes located at Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar and at OC Tavern, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and at the customer service center at the Outlets at San Clemente and Mikii’s on Del Mar, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another donation box will be open for dropoffs at the San Clemente Senior Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30: p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

For more information, contact Exchange Club President Larry Rannals at 949.374.2635.

Local Republican Women’s Group Donates Turkeys to Marine Corps Families Ahead of Thanksgiving last week, the San Clemente Area Republican Women San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

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

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

TUESDAY, DEC. 8

HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 3:30-5 p.m. The city’s Human Affairs Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Daily’s Sports Grill staff and volunteers put together turkey sandwiches in the restaurant’s kitchen for the homeless on Thanksgiving Day. Photo: Courtesy of Daily’s Sports Grill

Federated (SCARWF) delivered 70 turkeys, as well as several side dishes and pies, to Marine Corps families at the DeLuz Community in Camp Pendleton.

“SCARWF’s annual event enables the members to meet each family, wishing them a happy Thanksgiving while thanking them for their service to the country,” the group said of the Nov. 24 event in a press release.

With the help of Albertsons, located at 989 Avenida Pico, members of the local group were able to raise the funds necessary to feed the military families.

“We would like to give a special thanks to Albertsons for all their help,” the group said.

Daily’s Staff, Volunteers Give to Homeless on Thanksgiving

the food,” Daily’s owner Steve Vlahos said in an email to San Clemente Times. “These employees and volunteers took time out of their Thanksgiving Day to help those in our community.”

Vlahos credited the entire effort to restaurant manager Christy Smith and her fiancé, Dan Forster, who organized the event, found volunteers and collected donations.

“She did all of this without telling anyone,” a proud Vlahos said of Smith and Forster, adding: “All of the food was provided by Daily’s; Christy and Dan solicited others that put together care packages, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, blankets and clothes.”

School District Considers Tweaks to Bullying Policy

While Daily’s Sports Grill was closed to customers for Thanksgiving, the local restaurant kept the kitchen open so a group of employees and volunteers could prepare turkey sandwiches for the homeless.

The group also put together care packages that included shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, blankets and clothing.

“They loaded up their cars and drove around San Clemente distributing the care packages. We did not ask them to do this, but we’re glad to participate and donate

In the wake of “Black Lives Matter” protests this summer and calls from students and alumni to address cultural and racial inequity, Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) is considering modifications to its policy on bullying.

A first reading of the revised policy was read to the CUSD Board of Trustees during a meeting on Nov. 18. A second reading for a formal vote of approval is expected to come back before the board at a Dec. 16 meeting.

District staff reviewed CUSD’s policy

Page 16

BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6-8 p.m. The city’s Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9

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

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

after members of CUSD Against Racism highlighted topics of concern regarding marginalized groups, particularly when it comes to harassment experienced by students over their ethnicity and appearance, as well as for other reasons.

“The language changes more in the sense that it clears up or clearly defines bullying and what groups may be potentially targeted,” said Susan Holliday, Chief Administrative Officer of Education and Support Services.

Bullying can include sexual harassment, hate-motivated behavior, discrimination, cyberbullying, hazing or initiation activity, extortion, or harassment, according to the proposed revisions.

Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

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

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

Page 17

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

O P E R AT I O N S

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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

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

San Clemente Times, Vol. 15, Issue 49. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: The Downtown Buzz by Chris Aitken

Happy Holidays from the San Clemente Downtown Business Association

W

minimum June of 2021. Many restaurants are expanding their outdoor offerings with heating equipment and lighting.

As the trees are already lighted throughout the downtown area, come and visit your local favorite dining spots in a very experiential atmosphere this holiday season.

On behalf of the San Clemente Downtown Business Association, we wish you and your families all the best during this holiday season. Shop and dine local, and see you downtown!

Chris Aitken is the chairman of the Board of the San Clemente Downtown Business Association. Chris is also involved with two businesses in the downtown area, including being the co-owner of H.H. Cotton’s restaurant and a partner of the personal injury law firm Aitken Aitken Cohn. SC

ith the most recent shutdown, the Downtown Business Association is committed as ever to the support of our local small businesses as we enter perhaps our toughest challenge to date.

San Clemente, we are asking you to shop and dine “local” in the support of our small businesses in this typically slowest time for our businesses, the winter season.

In that regard, the DBA has collaborated in various initiatives to assist our small businesses and also enhance the downtown experience for our community.

First, the DBA has led and partnered with the city of San Clemente, and the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce to bring a new program entitled “Shop San Clemente First!” This online program, found at san-clemente.org/shopsc, allows all our local businesses to feature their specials and offer their gift cards, which make perfect presents during the holiday season.

Second, the Downtown Business Association, with gratitude to the city, has

brought back the beloved Village Art Faire to Downtown San Clemente. For health and safety reasons, the Village Art Faire has been brought back to the Community Center parking lot on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

The Village Art Faire provides a healthy outdoor environment for our local artists to exhibit their creations.

Come see us at our next show this Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.

Third, the DBA is exploring, with the city, a pilot program to allow local restaurants to provide THE DOWNholiday offerings in the TOWN BUZZ

By Chris Aitken bulb-outs on Del Mar. For more information about this program, please contact us at info@scdba.org.

Finally, we continue to support our local restaurants downtown, and throughout San Clemente, in their outdoor operations, which will be presently available until at

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

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Councilmember Laura Ferguson

doing my job of holding city management and the city attorney accountable, voicing my opinions publicly, disseminating information, distributing non-privileged documents, and announcing closed-session votes to the public after the city attorney failed to do so.

No crimes were even mentioned. I was censured without evidence and proper due process, a cornerstone of our Constitutional rights. The goal was to embarrass, humiliate me, and harass me using city funds, two city-retained attorneys and staff time for purely political purposes.

This stunt underscores the complete disregard the CITY COUNCIL city has shown to taxpayers.

CORNER

By Laura Ferguson It is troubling that during a pandemic, when revenue is down and we have many issues to tackle, the majority faction used taxpayer funds to pay for their personal political vendetta against me and against transparency.

If there is ever a time to unify our community, it is now.

For two years, I frustrated the majority faction because, according to them, I did not go along to get along, they dislike me and my opinions, which are also the opinions of a large number of our constituents.

Because I was not contrite, when asked to publicly pledge to conform to their will in order for the censure proceeding to be dismissed, and did not testify (which was not allowed), the city council decided censure was necessary.

There is no censure policy or ordinance in San Clemente, which rendered the entire censure proceeding unconstitutional and an infringement on my Constitutional rights of free speech and due process.

It also interfered with the rights of representation of every San Clemente constituent who voted to elect me to the city council.

The majority and the city attorney simply made up the rules as they went along and reached a pre-ordained 3-1 vote to censure me, using two city-paid attorneys, while not offering me any legal assistance.

One of the charges they sustained was that I improperly released the results of a “confidential” voter opinion poll. The city manager commissioned this $25,000 taxpayer-funded survey in January, outside of the public eye.

The opinion poll was paid by our city attorney’s outside contract law firm, Best, Best and Krieger (BB&K), and the city then reimbursed BB&K under a legal billing titled “public policy” on the April 22 warrant register.

The city council never deliberated on the survey or the polling questions or answers.

Addressing the Censure and Moving On to 2021

I

am writing this column before the Dec. 1 induction of two new councilmembers. I look forward to working with them to bring fiscal responsibility and transparency to the city. It is clear that after trying to work with the outgoing current council, this was impossible to accomplish. New days bring new hope.

My hopes for 2021 include seeing COVID-19 behind us, making inroads into the homeless issues and doing what we can to safely reopen the city hall and council meetings.

On Nov. 23, the majority faction of the city council orchestrated a six-hour marathon kangaroo court to censure me for

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SOAPBOX The city could not legally keep the results “confidential.” Releasing it fulfilled the legal requirement for transparency. Withholding the document was illegal and bad public policy.

The majority could have avoided this charade and simply stated their displeasure on or off the record. I am the only councilmember censured in the 92-year history of San Clemente. I need to be the last. Enough said.

It’s December, and we have much to look forward to. This holiday season, we

should all feel and give blessings and joy living in the world’s greatest beach city.

I look forward to working with all the great people of San Clemente to bring back Puttin’ on the Glitz, the Ocean Festival, the Fiesta, the Del Mar Car Show, and so many other festivals and special events that bring our residents so much joy.

I look forward to continuing to seek a restructuring of the city management to assure openness and transparency, expedited permit approvals, and hiring a great

city manager who understands and respects the role and rule of law to lead and help all of the residents of San Clemente.

I hope the new year brings all sides together. I will work with everyone to make life even better than it is today, and life is pretty darn good in San Clemente.

It is an honor to serve the residents and business owners of San Clemente. As always, please reach out to me at fergusonl@san-clemente.org or 949.606.4537 if you have a concern about a city matter.

Letters to the Editor

dining to keep our precious “Spanish Village by the Sea” open for business.

As patrons of YNG Studios in Downtown San Clemente, we were, and are, all unanimous in our praise for the yoga studio owned and run by Deborah Miller Mace and husband Todd.

Immediately upon learning they were forced to shut the doors on their studio, Deborah and Todd, along with their yoga instructors, quickly built a superb “library” of streaming classes for members, allowing us to virtually “keep in touch” and continue our practice in our homes— so important during the stressful and uncertain days and months that lay ahead.

No one knew when or, indeed, if the studio would reopen. No one knew if our lovely San Clemente would reopen. However, dur-

ing the time of closure, Deborah and Todd— ever optimistic—turned a negative period into a positive, revamping of the studio with imaginatively used recycled materials and turning what was previously a very pleasant space into an absolutely outstanding studio.

Installing multiple blue UV lights (like aircraft are now installing in their cabins) throughout the studio ensures a clean, sanitized air flow.

With the previous approval of reopening, we were blessed to be able to not only return to our yoga practice, with multiple class offerings for all levels, but also to return to a clean, safe sanctuary filled with a calming, loving community spirit. And don’t we all need that these days.

Very well done, Deborah and Todd, and thank you from us all.

PRAISE FOR YNG STUDIOS ANNIE KELLER, DEWI HARRIS, LARA NOVAK, San Clemente

As we’re now into the final quarter of 2020—a year when not one human being has been unaffected in some way by the scourge of the virus—a few friends got together for outdoor coffees and delicious pastries at J’Adore on Del Mar to discuss how we personally have thus far ridden the “storm” and appreciating the city council on their implementation of outdoor

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

Page 19

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Laura Ferguson was elected in 2018 and served the San Clemente City Council this year as the mayor pro tem and acting mayor. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@sanclementetimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 or fewer words.

Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Join SC Times for a virtual Beachside Chat on Friday, Dec. 4, at 8 a.m. The chat is hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday.

sanclementetimes.com

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Last Call’

EDITOR’S PICK

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

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

Friday | 04 VISTA DEL MAR’S GIVING NIGHT 4-6 p.m. One of the beautiful things about the Talega community is its desire to help out others in need. This year is no exception— especially during a pandemic. The Vista Del Mar PTA is facilitating a drive-thru event and collecting toiletries, non-perishable food, gift cards, reusable water bottles, and toys for families in need this holiday season. There will be music and festive decorations, as well as Dr. Hunt dressed up as Buddy the Elf. Drive through our campus, and share the love this holiday. Vista Del Mar Elementary, 1130 Avenida Talega, San Clemente.

949.234.5950. vdmpta.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Dominion Films/K Street Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

B

Saturday | 05 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WEEKEND ADMISSION 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Ocean Institute is open for weekend admission on Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons will have the opportunity to check out the institute’s new shark and rays touch tank in the Sahm Marine Family Foundation Center. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

Sunday | 06 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

The Village Art Faire is now operating out of the San Clemente Community Center parking lot on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Downton Business Association

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5: THE VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The monthly Village Art Faire has returned to Downtown San Clemente on a new day and in a new location. The show will now take place on the first and third Saturdays of every month in the San Clemente Community Center parking lot. The new location will allow the event to offer a modified version of the old show while adhering to current health and safety guidelines, providing a safe shopping experience for the community. Visitors can expect to find some of their favorite artists, as well as some new faces. The show, hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association, offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, home décor, botanicals, textile art, and more. To adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, only 50 people will be allowed entry at a time, and face masks will be required. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org.

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.

Wednesday | 09 BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

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iopics, which aren’t foolproof with critics and audiences, are perplexing, because you would think it would be hard to mess up such a traditional screen formula.

Fortunately, in the case of Steven Bernstein’s Last Call, I can say that the new biopic is generally a good feature, despite being shelved for almost five years.

Shot in both color and black and white, Last Call portrays the final days of legendary romantic poet Dylan Thomas (played by Rhys Ifans) as he is tortured by both his craft and alcoholism in Greenwich Village, New York in 1953. Throughout the film, we see Dylan leave his wife Caitlin (Romola Garai) and their children in Wales to tour and showcase his poems and other works on American college campuses and in arts centers. Dylan’s fellow writer and friend John Brinnin (Tony Hale) is constantly reminding the Welsh writer to edit a book Brinnin is writing.

There’s a lot to appreciate with Last Call. The whole cast is exceptionally memorable and impressive, especially Ifans as the lead. I wouldn’t say the period character piece is style over substance, but the quality of the movie does depend most on the performances and Bernstein’s artistic direction.

The cinematographer-turned-director’s choice to have the Wales sequences be in color while all of the New York City scenes in black in white is clever, and the fantasy elements and non-linear structure between Dylan’s home life, poetry tours and car visits are fitting.

It’s too bad that Last Call was released in the middle of the unpredictable shuffle of 2020, because this is one of the more distinctive historical dramas to come out recently. SC sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

issued a code of ethics.

It decreed that a realtor should never be instrumental in introducing any “character of property, occupancy, members of Notice how El Camino Real, the any race or nationalcoast and Ole Hanson looked in ity or any individuals this Jan. 14, 1926 San Clemente whose presence will Spanish Village photo spread in clearly be detrimenthe Santa Ana Register, viewed tal to property values at newspaperarchive.com. in a neighborhood.”

The article said “real estate boards could and did expel or ostracize members who did not keep to the code. Expulsion had very real costs.”

It wasn’t until 1948 that the Supreme Court struck down such racial restrictive covenants.

Let’s Imagine Our Spanish Village’s Birth in 1925 S

unday will mark the 95th anniversary of San Clemente.

On a rainy Sunday, Dec. 6, 1925, founder Ole Hanson and his investors opened a cavernous sales tent on barren land that would become downtown San Clemente.

They offered a free lunch, hoping to attract people with ready cash willing to drive from Los Angeles or San Diego and listen to Hanson’s sales pitch.

A nationally known orator, Hanson would tell onlookers he was creating an idyllic place by the sea where lot purchasers could build a weekend cottage or a house in which to live like no other place in America.

The Spanish Village, he called it, asking buyers to invest, as well as to build right away to help establish a live, COASTLINES vibrant village.

By Fred Swegles It was a huge gamble. The initial townsite was barren ground 5 miles long by over 1 mile wide, a lonely location halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Hanson promised a master-planned community with infrastructures and amenities, designed to emulate what a coastal village in Spain might look like if transplanted in America.

He would ask everyone to imagine meandering streets dotted with buildings of creamy white stucco and red tile roofs, trees, flowers, parks, equestrian trails and sandy beach. There would be no ramshackle wooden structures.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

But was Ole Hanson’s vision viable, sprouting from scratch in the middle of nowhere?

“People drove along the highway and spoke of San Clemente as a dream and of Hanson as crazy,” wrote Homer Banks, author of The Story of San Clemente. “But the crazy man went ahead.”

Dec. 6 didn’t begin well. Salesmen’s cars were parked in ankle-deep mud, Banks wrote. At 11 a.m., no visitors had arrived. First car at 11:10. Then 25 cars by 11:30, 600 people by noon. After lunch, Hanson laid out his plan, his economics, how his dream would unfold.

The first 300 lots were for sale: $500 to $700 each. Buyers would become owners of a stylish social clubhouse and a sandy beach 1,000 feet long. In all, 5 miles of bathing beach would be “preserved from defilement forever.”

“In addition, there will be built a children’s playground, tennis courts, handball courts, and lengthy bridle trails,” The Santa Ana Register reported. “Swimming from the wide sandy beach out into the shallow surf, declared to be without a vestige of undertow, will always be a major attraction. Still another feature will be the fishing barge, San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

EPILOGUE

anchored off San Clemente beach, long a much-sought spot by surf fishing enthusiasts.”

Hanson pledged to offer the county 500 feet of public beach, “access without paying a toll,” he told The Register.

That first day, 1,000 people “toured the soggy property,” author Doris Walker wrote in The Heritage of San Clemente. Planners of the nonexistent town sold $125,000 worth of lots on faith that Hanson and his team would produce as promised.

Seven months later, Hanson said sales had reached 1,200 lots worth $1.25 million, with 60% of the buyers intent on building homes already started.

He would build a school for San Clemente. Other amenities would include an Old Spanish Plaza, a fishing pier, golf course, beach club pool and a riding academy.

ANOTHER ELEMENT

In researching this story, I came across a 1925 newspaper ad announcing the Dec. 6 opening. A discreet detail in the ad hit me like a sucker punch.

“San Clemente has perpetual race restrictions,” it disclosed, “and every house, be it a two-room loafing place or a mansion, must be of Spanish design, and exterior plans are inspected free by our architect.”

I already knew about early San Clemente’s Caucasianonly deed restriction. But seeing it in print, as if I were living in 1925, made me glad I wasn’t living then, an era of racial segregation and exclusionary practices in California and across the country.

I did a search about racial deed restrictions. They were nothing new. I learned they dated back to 1892 in California.

A magazine article titled “The Origins and Diffusion of Racial Restrictive Covenants” chronicled how the practice—together with other varieties of exclusion and discrimination—expanded across America through the early 1900s and became self-perpetuating.

In 1924, the article said, the National Association of Real Estate Boards, which for years had supported covenants, Page 22

So, this wasn’t an Ole innovation, although he and his investment team, at the very least, went along with the practice. How did Ole feel about it? I found no indications in press coverage that I searched at newspaperarchive.com.

On the other hand, given the pervasiveness of the deed-restriction practice, I had to wonder, wouldn’t trying to buck it be suicidal to the development project in a segregated society overwhelmingly Caucasian?

There was no mention of racial deed restrictions in subsequent San Clemente newspaper ads I examined.

Nor did newspaper articles I read about early San Clemente’s progress make issue of the racial restriction, although a few mentioned it.

What Hanson and San Clemente gained notoriety for was the striking growth and success of the Spanish Village experiment through its first four years, until the stock market crash of 1929 toppled America’s economy.

Eventually, Bank of America took ownership of much of the village and removed San Clemente’s Spanish architectural restrictions, encouraging economic recovery by allowing cheaper construction, Doris Walker wrote.

During explosive growth in the 1970s, grassroots local efforts set out to preserve San Clemente’s historic buildings and Spanish Village heritage. Today, in a city of 65,000, many San Clementeans cherish their “Spanish Village by the Sea.” In 1975, the city council proclaimed Dec. 6 each year to be Ole Hanson Day, a testament to what was unique about early San Clemente—a master-planned Spanishreplica beach town with village character and an abundance of amenities.

Those qualities are the uniqueness—the legacy that endures today—not the painful infliction of exclusionary deeds our nation thankfully has repudiated.

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

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2020-01166060-CU-PT-CJC To All Interested Persons: Shea Jude Ross, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Shea Jude Ross PROPOSED NAME A. Shea Joseph Ross 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: 01/05/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: October 15, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, Nov 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON DECEMBER 17, 2020 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 209 East El Portal – Tentative Parcel Map 20015 – El Portal Sharos Condominium Subdivision A request to consider a duplex condominium subdivision to allow for individual ownership of two dwelling units. The subject site is located at 209 East El Portal in the Residential Medium (RM) Zoning District.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15315 (Class 15: Minor Land Divisions) and 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

211 East El Portal – Tentative Parcel Map 20014 – El Portal Sharos Condominium Subdivision A request to consider a duplex condominium subdivision to allow for individual ownership of two dwelling units. The subject site is located at 211 East El Portal in the Residential Medium (RM) Zoning District.

Staff recommends that the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15315 (Class 15: Minor Land Divisions) and 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities).

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspecSan Clemente Times December 3–9, 2020

tion and comment by contacting (949) 361-6183. If you challenge these projects in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

Notice is further given that said public hearings will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator and held via teleconference on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. 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 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: Zoning Amendment 20-035 – Zoning Ordinance Amendments A request to consider a City-initiated amendment (ZA20-035) to the City of San Clemente Municipal Code Title 17, zoning to update erroneous text, ambiguous definitions and standards; and modifications for consistency with the General Plan and State and Federal law. The proposed amendments would update provisions for accessory structures, definitions, historic resources, nonconforming structures, accessory dwelling units, family home daycares, body art establishments, water conservation, and cottage food industries.

Staff recommends that the zoning amendments not be considered a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(2) and 15378(b)(5), because the revisions for accessory structures, definitions, historic resources, and nonconforming provisions relate to the ongoing administrative activities and organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore do not constitute a “project” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., title 14, § 15000 et seq.). Staff also recommends that pursuant to Public Resources Code 21080.17, no further environmental review is required because the amendments for accessory dwelling units implement Government Code Section 65852.2 (ADU laws); pursuant to Health and Safety Code 1597.45(d), family daycare homes are not subject to CEQA; and, pursuant to Section 15301 Class 1, no further environmental review is required because the proposed ordinance establishes cottage food operations as a type of home occupation to be conducted within an existing dwelling unit, which would involve negligible or no expansion of the existing residential use.

Application materials for this project are on file at the Planning Division, at 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Planning Division, at 910 Calle Page 24

Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting Project Planner Jennifer Savage at (949) 361-6186 or SavageJ@san-clemente. org. If you challenge this item 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.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15331 (Class 31: Historic Resource Restoration/ Rehabilitation), because the project is a preservation effort that is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said public hearing will be held at the meeting of the City Council on December 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm via teleconference. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may:

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development Department at (949) 361-6197. If you challenge these projects in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

1. Listen to the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente.org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the City Council electronically. Material may be submitted by completing the Public Comment Submittal form available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/ccpubliccomment.

Transmittal by 4:00 p.m. on Council meeting days is recommended. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised through written public comments delivered to the City of San Clemente.

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: 504 Monterey Lane – Historic Property Preservation Agreement 20-331 – Monterey Jones Residence Mills Act Contract Public Hearing to consider a request to establish a Historic Property Preservation Agreement (Mills Act) for a historic property located at 504 Monterey Lane (Assessor’s Parcel Number 692025-03) in the Residential High Zoning District and Architectural Overlay Zone (RH-A) within the Pier Bowl Specific Plan.

Staff recommends that the project be found categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15331 (Class 31: Historic Resource Restoration/ Rehabilitation), because the project is a preservation effort that is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings.

109 South Alameda Lane – Historic Property Preservation Agreement 20-028 –Alameda Jones Residence Mills Act Contract Public Hearing to consider a request to establish a Historic Property Preservation Agreement (Mills Act) for a historic property located at 109 South Alameda Lane (Assessor’s Parcel Number 692-023-05) in the Residential High Zoning District and Architectural Overlay Zone (RH-A) within the Pier Bowl Specific Plan.

Staff recommends that the project be found categorically exempt from the requirements of the

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said public hearings will be held at the meeting of the City Council on December 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm via teleconference. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. Listen to the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente.org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the City Council electronically. Material may be submitted by completing the Public Comment Submittal form available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/ccpubliccomment.

Transmittal by 4:00 p.m. on Council meeting days is recommended. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised through written public comments delivered to the City of San Clemente.

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: Zoning Amendment 20-258 – Lot Consolidation Ordinance A request to consider a Zoning Amendment to incorporate Section 17.24.230, Lot Consolidation, into the San Clemente Municipal Code. Section 17.24.230 establishes development standards and policies providing developers incentives for the consolidation of standard and substandard lots in compliance with objectives in the City of San Clemente Housing Element Action Plan Program 2 with the goal to promote increased housing options in residential and mixed-use zones.

Staff recommends that the zoning amendment be determined evaluated and mitigated to the extent feasible in the Addendum and the General Plan EIR under the State CEQA Guidelines Section 21166 & 15162.

In accordance with the requirements of CEQA, this project has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Section 15162 (Class 3: Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations). sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM Application materials for this project are on file at the Planning Division, at 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Planning Division, at 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting Project Planner Kyle Webber at (949) 361-6189 or WebberK@san-clemente. org. If you challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said public hearing will be held at the meeting of the City Council on December 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm via teleconference. Please note that to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public may not physically attend the meeting. However, to participate citizens may: 1. Listen to the meeting via live stream from the City’s YouTube channel at www.san-clemente. org/live or live on Cox Communications Local Access Channel 854; and 2. Submit any comments on agenda items to the City Council electronically. Material may be submitted by completing the Public Comment Submittal form available from the City’s website at www.san-clemente.org/ccpubliccomment.

Transmittal by 4:00 p.m. on Council meeting days is recommended. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised through written public comments delivered to the City of San Clemente.

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206589611 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HOONIVERSE 24658 VIA RAZA LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 Full Name of Registrant(s): JEFF GLUCKER 24658 VIA RAZA LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 9/30/2009 /s/JEFF GLUCKER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/16/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206588199 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PASSION PALM BEACH CAFE 1700 AVENIDA ESTACION SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): PASSION PALM INC. 555 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE A382 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/PASSION PALM INC, CARLOS HERNANDEZ, PRESIDENT San Clemente Times December 3–9, 2020

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/28/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times November 26, December 3, 10, 17 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2020-01168933-CU-PT-CJC To All Interested Persons: LEONORA TERESA FODDRILL HILL, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Leonora Teresa Foddrill Hill PROPOSED NAME B. Leonora Teresa Foddrill-Hill 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: 01/12/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Clemente Times Date: 11/06/2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, Nov 19, 26, Dec 3, 10, 2020

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: 01/22/2021 Time: 08:00 a.m. Dept. W10.The address of the court is West Justice Center, 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683-4593. 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: October 7, 2020 JUDGE LON F. HURWITZ Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206587991 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CHARLIE SMITH FOR SAN CLEMENTE CITY COUNCIL 23 CALLE CARMELITA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s):

CHARLIE SMITH 23 CALLE CARMELITA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673-3267 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 8/27/2020 /s/CHARLES R. SMITH This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/26/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 2020

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206587470 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PEARSON REAL ESTATE GROUP 221 AVENIDA PELAYO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): DONALD L. PEARSON 221 AVENIDA PELAYO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/01/2017 /s/DONALD L. PEARSON This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/20/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times Nov 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 20FL000650 To All Interested Persons: YANETH CHACON MASALSKI filing on behalf of, MARCO ANTONIO CHACON CHACON, a minor, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. MARCO ANTONIO CHACON CHACON PROPOSED NAME A. MARCO ANTONIO CHACON MASALSKI The Court Orders that all persons interested in this Page 25

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SC LIVING

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES San Clemente’s first train station was in North Beach and served passenger trains of the Santa Fe Railroad.

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

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Leonidas SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

en-year-old Leonidas is the epitome of sweet and gentle cats. Though he can be a bit shy at first meeting, he quickly comes around and wants nothing more than to snuggle by your side. Leonidas loves to be petted and brushed, and he would likely make the perfect lap cat in a calm and quiet home.

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

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

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

you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

Page 27

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San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

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SC San Clemente

SC

LO C ALS O N LY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

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

ATTORNEY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

CARPET CLEANING

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

Holiday Special Save 20%

GARAGE SALES

Commercial Residential Cleaning South Orange County

Aaron Lloyd Bankruptcy Attorney 949.544.9355, 2377 S. El Camino Real, lloydlegal.com Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, CA 92629, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

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

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Carpet Upholstery Tile & Grout Natural Stone Licensed & Bonded Certified Free Estimates Call 949.427.2904 or Schedule Online at CommercialResidential Cleaning.com 949.293.3236, sandyandrich.com Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

RESTAURANTS Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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

MOVING SALE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Moving sale: Saturday, December 5, starting at 8:30 am at 2922 Calle Guadalajara, San Clemente, 92673.

Beautiful plants and pots, Gas barbecue, front load LG washer and dryer antique table, chairs, double bed frame and like new Mattress set to fit, and lots of miscellaneous objects.

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

Deadline 5pm Monday.

No phone calls.

HELP WANTED P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start!

Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at sanclementetimes.com.

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

REALTORS

Contact Lauralyn Loynes for pricing 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

Season’s Retreatings

CIF puts hold on competition until likely January, cancels state championships

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n Tuesday, Dec. 1, the CIF State office announced that all full practice and competition start dates for the fall sports season are officially on hold as players, coaches, teams and athletic governing bodies all wait for updated state guidance on youth and high school sports. The CIF does not expect guidance to allow a return to play until after Jan. 1, 2021 at the earliest.

Updated state guidance on youth sports was expected in mid-November, but as the state pulled its “emergency brake” with coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continuing to surge at the same or higher rates than the previous peaks of July, the guidance was delayed.

In the CIF-Southern Section, fall sports were slated to return with boys volleyball opening for games on Dec. 12, football beginning full practices on Dec. 14 and girls volleyball, boys and girls water polo and cross country opening through the rest of the month. Now, all fall sports will have to continue in the holding pattern of conditioning workouts they’ve been running since August.

The CIF State office also announced the cancellation of the fall sports regional and state championships, which would allow CIF sections to move back their playoffs and give schools and teams more runway to play as many games as possible instead of cramming a limited amount of games into a shortened season. The CIF-SS said it would update the status of its fall sports championships on Jan. 19, 2021.

Additionally, CIF moved boys volleyball and its regional and state championships back to the spring. As a consideration for gym time and space, boys volleyball had been moved back to the fall instead of its traditional spot in the spring. However, citing the fact that boys volleyball had its 2020 spring season and championships canceled, CIF did not want to see a sport canceled twice and moved boys volleyball back to the spring.

While CIF State officially has practices and competitions on hold, CIF-SS said

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As state guidance remains delayed, high school sports likely on hold until the new year, according to CIF. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

its calendar for the 2020-21 school year “is in place and will remain in place” with the provision that schedules are likely to be delayed and some postponements and cancellations may be in line.

“If schools are not able to begin practice/competition for fall sports in midDecember, as originally planned,” CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod said in an update on Tuesday, Dec. 1, “then the hope would be you can begin at a time in the future that would allow you to do so.”

With the continued delay in state guidance and the CIF State announcement, the expectation is that tournaments and nonleague games would be canceled or postponed at the start of the seasons.

Wigod said that at minimum, league play and the CIF-SS playoffs would remain as scheduled.

“If regular seasons are shortened, it would be at the front end of the season,” Wigod said, “keeping the back end of the season unchanged. It is our intention for postseason play to be a destination for schools who are able to play this fall, even more so if regular seasons are reduced at the beginning.”

Full practices and competitions first came to a halt in mid-March, and it wasn’t until June 15 that the county released guidance to allow youth sports practices. Capistrano Unified School District schools had set a tentative return to camps for July 6 before those plans were scrapped and state guidance that counteracted that earlier county guidance was announced on July 8.

CIF-SS made the announcement of its new 2020-21 schedule on July 20, and the state amended its guidance on Aug. 3 to allow for conditioning workouts. CUSD then opened its Phase 1 conditioning camps on Aug. 18 with limited group sizes and activities. CUSD programs then worked up to Phase 2 on Sept. 23 and to Phase 3 on Oct. 26, with groups of up to 20 athletes and shared use of equipment while maintaining physical distancing of six feet. SC sanclementetimes.com

SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

How Safe Is the Water at SanO?

GROM OF THE WEEK

FINN MCCARTY

Surfrider Foundation to Begin Testing Local Waters for Radiation Pollution from SONGS

Finn McCarty. Photo: Courtesy of Finn McCarty

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n Thanksgiving morning, there was a long line to get into San Onofre State Beach, and the wait was at least an hour. As Sprinter vans, Audi wagons, beat-up old work trucks and all other sorts of surf vehicles idled on the bluff, waiting their turn to get in, the giant concrete domes of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) coldly stared them down.

Enjoying a warm cup of coffee in the car and anticipating a pre-holiday surf session, I doubt if anyone gave the nuclear plant much thought. We’ve all grown accustomed to it blending into the scenery.

But just a couple of days prior to Thanksgiving, Surfrider Foundation announced that it was joining a campaign called “Our Radioactive Ocean,” which will “test liquid radioactive effluent at San Onofre State Beach.”

Collaborating with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the mission to monitor nuclear radiation in the world’s oceans was inspired largely by the 2011 meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan after it was badly damaged during a historic earthquake and tsunami event.

There has been concern from scientists and environmentalists about the impact of radiation in the Pacific ever since.

Recently, SONGS has been performing a number of Radioactive Batch Releases, which release radioactive material into the atmosphere or ocean, based on guidelines established from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The latest of these took place on Nov. 19 and released 84,000 gallons of wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. SONGS is currently the only nuclear plant in the U.S. to give liquid batch release notifications and post details on the volume, radiation dose and time of release 48 hours in advance—something for which Surfrider actively campaigned.

By coincidence, also on Nov. 19, Dr. Ian Fairlie, an expert on radiation biology, gave an online Zoom seminar entitled “Is it Safe to Live Near San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant?” Sponsored by the Samuel Lawrence Foundation and Coalition for Nuclear San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

Surfrider Foundation announced last month that it will begin to test the waters around the San Onfore power plant for radiation pollution. Photo: File/Cari Hachmann

Safety and speaking to an audience of about 150 people, he explained the risks of living within a 3-mile radius of SONGS. “All I can say is that there is a large number of studies showing that people who live within 5 kilometers—which is about 3 miles—of the nuclear power stations in many countries around the world get cancer,” Fairlie explained.

“In particular, the kids get leukemia.

So, if you’re within 3 miles, it’s serious,” he continued. “That’s why I recommended that pregnant women, lactating women, children, and women who expect to have a family should not live within 3 miles of the plant.”

This makes the new partnership between Surfrider and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution all the more vital to our public health, as well as the health and safety of the thousands and thousands of visiting surfers who use San Onofre every year.

“This project will give community scientists and organizations the rare opportunity to test the waterways before, during, and after a wastewater release to measure how nuclear effluent alters the local water quality,” reads a statement released by Surfrider.

“While the levels released by SONGS are reportedly very low as measured by Southern California Edison, the plant majority owner and operator, the new testing will provide an additional layer of public transparency into water quality levels for nearby local communities,” Surfrider adds.

As part of the program, Surfrider will be working directly with volunteers to collect water samples both in the surf, as

well as at the outfall site a mile offshore.

The samples will then be tested and processed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The main radioactive isotope they will be watching for is Cesium-137.

SONGS was closed in 2013 and continues to go through the decommissioning process. The eventual goal will be to remove the concrete domes that house the plant’s reactors. And while the site will look considerably different in a few years, the U.S. federal government still has not developed a long-term storage solution of the spent fuel.

Until that problem is solved, we will have 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste stored on-site in stainless steel canisters about 100 feet from the waterline.

“Surfrider Foundation will continue to advocate for the removal of the nuclear material away from the bluffs of San Onofre as soon as feasibly possible,” continues the Surfrider statement. “There is no question that there are better and safer locations for this material than along the densely populated coastline of earthquake-riddled Southern California.”

For more on the findings about nuclear radiation in our oceans, go to ourradioactiveocean.org.

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

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

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t’s crazy how fast kids around here develop skills on a surfboard. Seems like one day they’re getting pushed into mellow rollers by dad, and the next, they’re busting airs. Such is the accelerated development of Finn McCarty’s brilliant surfing lately.

All of 10 years old, the goofy-footer has been logging some serious water time and putting in the work. And for the effort, as well as enduring the dropping water temps, he deserves a little shine. Fine-tuning his attack, Finn’s surfing has gotten more powerful and explosive. He’s got a sick layback hack on lock, and his above-the-lip bag of tricks seems to be getting bigger by the day.

One of the things that’s most telling about Finn’s progression is how much his timeless, epic style has developed. He’s mature beyond his years, and there are some classic old-school vibes flowing in his approach, harnessing the best of resident style-lords such as Nate Yeomans, Chris Ward and the Gudauskas brothers.

In or out of the water, Finn has a killer sense of style. His boards are always colorful and have a lot of pop, the wetsuits provided by his sponsor Visla are always fun and vibrant, and he’s even been known to mow some foam now and again.

Finn is a surfer’s surfer, and it’s rad to see all the passion paying off, as he just keeps getting better and better. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-61 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Thursday: Rising West/northwest swell sets up waist to chest high surf, (3-4’), showing largest in the afternoon. Breezy Santa Ana winds in the morning, will ease during the afternoon.

Outlook: On Friday, the West/northwest swell peaks, for chest to head high waves, (4-5’). Light+ offshore winds in the morning Friday, shift to light+ westerlies by the afternoon. The West/ northwest swell winds down over the weekend, for thigh to waist high surf by Sunday. Pattern of light offshore morning winds followed by a light+ to moderate afternoon sea breeze continues through the weekend.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

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sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 3-9, 2020

Page 32

sanclementetimes.com