December 10, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

December 10-16, 2020 YO U

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INSIDE: 2020 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 15, ISSUE 50

Under Lockdown

Elected Officials, Restaurants React to Regional Stay-at-Home Order E Y E O N S C / PAG E 6

Orange County and the surrounding Southern California region are now under a three-week, stay-at-home order, as the area’s available intensive care unit capacity has dropped below the state’s 15% threshold. Photo: Chloe Anady

Assemblymember Brough Faces Allegation of Rape EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

City Looking at Speedy Resolution on Train Horns EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

sanclementetimes.com

Rip Curl Sets Up New HQ in San Clemente EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Woman Accuses Assemblymember Brough of Rape in 2015 THE LATEST: Outgoing Assemblymember Bill Brough, who formerly served on the Dana Point City Council, now faces an accusation of rape as he concludes his third term in the State Legislature.

Patricia Todd, who previously worked as a legislative aide for Sen. John Moorlach (RCosta Mesa), has recently filed a criminal complaint against Brough for allegedly raping her after a 2015 dinner in Sacramento.

In May of this year, Brough was removed from his positions on California Assembly committees after an investigation was conducted by the state Legislature’s Workplace Conduct Unit, concluding that Brough would provide “political help” in exchange for sexual favors.

According to documents released by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon’s office, the unit found that Brough had insinuated he would provide political help if an accuser went back to his apartment with him. In a separate complaint, the unit found that Brough had placed his hand on the small of an accuser’s back and told the accuser he did not live far away from the bar they were in.

“Come on, you know you need to party,” Brough is alleged to have said.

The conclusion of the investigation came after Brough previously had faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of campaign finances. Brough has since expressed his disagreement with how the investigation was conducted and told San Clemente Times that he was considering legal action.

In June of 2019, Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, also a former Dana Point Councilmember, came forward to the Republican Party of Orange County regarding an incident in 2011 in which Brough allegedly forcibly grabbed her. Brough asserts that Bartlett’s claims, as well as others’ allegations of sexual misconduct, are political retaliation for his proposed Assembly Bill 1273, which would have vastly restricted the TCA’s authority.

“At the time (March 21, 2011 incident), I felt the action was retaliation for several council votes, and I feel the political timing now is retaliation for my questioning of the TCA,” Brough previously said. “I have been on the end of many political attacks, but I will not stand for personal attacks on me San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

San Clemente

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 12/8/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

1,023

12

LAST 30 DAYS

384

edly told law enforcement about the photos and dated medical records.

For a longer version of this article, visit sanclementetimes.com. This is a developing story.—Lillian Boyd

City Looking at Speedy Resolution on Train Horns LAST 30 DAYS

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

As a Metrolink train rolls into the Pier Bowl on Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, it sounds its locomotive horn to warn pedestrians of its impending arrival. Photo: Chloe Anady

and my family. I have done nothing wrong.”

Bartlett currently sits on the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, which manages the 73 Toll Road, stretching 15 miles from Costa Mesa to San Juan Capistrano in southwest Orange County.

Brough has not returned requests for comment regarding Todd’s rape allegation.

Todd is at least the sixth woman to accuse Brough of sexual assault or harassment in the past decade, and she is the first to publicly accuse him of rape. The Orange County Register reported that Todd is the first alleged victim to report an attack to both the Legislature’s Workplace Conduct Unit and to law enforcement in Sacramento.

Todd told the Register that she hopes Brough, who lost his bid for reelection in March, will serve prison time for the incident that left her contemplating suicide.

In the criminal complaint, Todd said she was at the State Capitol on July 7, 2015 when she encountered Brough. He allegedly asked her to dinner to discuss a job opportunity of working for the California Irish Legislative Caucus.

Over dinner, Todd alleged in the complaint that Brough offered “perks” to go along with the job description. When she questioned that comment, Todd said Brough winked and said, “You know.” Todd said she told Brough that wouldn’t happen, reminding him they were both married.

When Todd drove Brough home, he allegedly asked her to pull over. Todd told the Register that Brough had had a lot to drink and she wasn’t sure what was wrong. After pulling into a parking lot, she said Brough attacked her and pinned her down on the center console of her car and raped her repeatedly.

“I could not move and at one point I could not breathe,” she wrote in the complaint. “I was hoarse from screaming.”

She said Brough asked her to drop him off at another bar afterward. Todd developed bruises following the incident, which she photographed, and sought medical attention for the bleeding and injuries.

WHAT’S NEXT: Todd filed the criminal complaint on Nov. 30, and she has report-

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THE LATEST: A decision on whether to approve a new waiver request for the city to maintain quiet zones along the train tracks through San Clemente could come down from federal regulators as early as the first quarter of 2021, according to the nation’s railroad agency.

Warren Flatau, the Federal Railroad Administration’s deputy director of public affairs, told San Clemente Times via email this week that should the city submit the new waiver renewal by the end of the month, the earliest that the FRA’s safety board could review it and issue a decision is the early part of the next year.

The FRA late last month denied the city’s initial renewal for another five-year waiver that allowed the use of Pedestrian Audible Warning Systems, or PAWS, at seven crossings in San Clemente.

The warning systems, implemented in 2015 as part of a decade-long effort by the city and county, had essentially established quiet zones along the train tracks, providing nearby residents relief from the trains sounding their horns while passing through town.

Without the waiver in place now, trains are required, per federal regulations, to sound the locomotive horns four times ahead of each crossing—two long bursts, one short, and then one more long blast.

Officials with the FRA, which had found a handful of compliance issues related to the PAWS during previous inspections this past April and June, have agreed to conduct an expedited inspection this month.

A report on the upcoming inspection, which will need to be included in the waiver application, is also expected to be submitted to the Railroad Safety Board’s January 2021 meeting, Flatau said, further noting that since the Nov. 24 denial, the city and Metrolink have been conducting conference calls with the agency to discuss next steps.

In its Nov. 24 denial, the FRA cited compliance concerns identified during the previous inspections, including warning systems not operating as intended, as well as poor conditions of signage, emergency exit swing gates and the fencing to keep pedestrians away from the tracks.

During last week’s city council meeting, interim City Manager Erik Sund explained that the city is working with the FRA to remedy the situation and reestablish the quiet zones.

He also indicated that the denial came without warning on the eve of Thanksgiving, noting that while there were some maintenance issues, they “were repaired and (Cont. on page 5) sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

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EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) addressed and reflective in Metrolink’s inspection report that they also concluded on.”

As of press time, city management had not responded to SC Times’ request seeking further comment.

When asked about any warning of the potential denial submitted to the city, Metrolink, the Orange County Transportation Authority or any other stakeholder prior to Nov. 24, Flatau referenced a June 23 inspection that “was carried out specifically to determine if the corridor was being maintained in accordance with the waiver requirements.”

“Representatives from San Clemente and Metrolink were present during the inspection and were aware of our findings,” he said in the email. “Those findings were sent to the Safety Board for review to inform their decision.”

San Clemente’s waiver is limited to a five-year period, because it opted to go with the PAWS instead of the standard wayside horn system that’s used to establish an officially designated quiet zone— like ones implemented in North Beach.

According Tom Bonigut, head of the city’s public works department, the PAWS is supposed to produce an 80-decibel reading, while standard wayside horns are set at 92 decibels. The sound of a train horn is about 112 decibels.

During the inspections, the FRA found that the PAWS at various locations were operating below the 80-decibel minimum.

“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 FRA said in its denial letter.

A first inspection back in April had also found that signs and gates were in poor or inoperable condition, while fencing to ward off trespassers from the tracks was ineffective because of sand buildup.

The FRA also based its decision on the timing of the city’s request, which was submitted on April 27, two weeks after the initial waiver’s official expiration on April 13.

“FRA recommends that municipalities request such extensions at least six months before an existing waiver expires,” Flatau said in the email.—Shawn Raymundo

First Batch of Vaccines Coming to Orange County THE LATEST: Orange County is preparing for its first allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine.

OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA) officials were notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Dec. 1 that the agency should prepare to receive 25,350 doses of the Pfizer-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 15.

“COVID-19 isn’t over yet,” said Michelle San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

Steel, chairwoman of the OC Board of Supervisors. “But this first batch of vaccines will help stop the spread of the virus.”

The announcement comes as Southern California is now under a three-week, stayat-home order that was mandated after the area’s available intensive care unit capacity dropped below the state’s 15% threshold late last week.

The OCHCA says it will distribute this initial vaccine supply to Orange County hospitals for prioritization of their highrisk health care workers as part of “Phase 1a” of a multi-phased plan developed through the CDPH Community Vaccine Advisory Committee.

Per state guidelines, Phase 1a calls for the vaccine to be offered to people at direct risk of exposure in their non-clinical roles, such as, but not limited to, environmental services, patient transport or interpretation, as well as residents of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and similar long-term care settings for older or medically vulnerable individuals.

Local hospitals, however, will need to determine which segments of their employee population are at higher risk for contracting the virus due to this limited quantity. This may include those who work in emergency departments or intensive care units. The HCA will provide the first shipment to hospitals that are prepared and ready to administer the vaccines.

According to state health officials, the vaccines will not cause COVID-19, nor will they cause recipients to test positive on viral tests used to see if there is a current infection. If the recipient’s body develops an immune response, which is the goal of the vaccine, there is a possibility they will test positive on some antibody tests.

According to a county news release, OCHCA is currently assessing readiness, which includes enrollment in the state of California’s COVIDReadi system and ability to safely store, transport and administer the vaccines in compliance with the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations.

Hospitals must attest that they have a plan to distribute all vaccine doses within five days of receipt.

This first shipment is one of several in a planned allotment of Phase 1a doses from the CDPH if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves an Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccines.

Additional doses, which are expected to be a combination of Pfizer- and Moderna-manufactured vaccines, are slated to arrive by the end of the month if this approval is granted.

As more doses of vaccine become available, a greater portion of the Phase 1a population can anticipate vaccine availability in late December into early 2021.

This includes residents of long-term care facilities, such as skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities that will coordinate obtaining doses through national retail pharmacies being supplied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials have said the COVID-19

vaccine is likely to become more readily accessible to the general public in the spring of 2021.

“Our goal is to get the vaccine distributed to local hospitals, in accordance with state directives, as quickly as possible,” said OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. “Distribution of the vaccine is going to require significant coordination with our hospitals in terms of logistics, and I am pleased to see that efforts are already underway to ensure a smooth and secure distribution process.”—LB

Rip Curl Sets Up New HQ in San Clemente THE LATEST: Rip Curl’s roots run deep into San Clemente, as it is home to the surf brand’s flagship shop at Lower Trestles.

Even the name “Trestles” is featured on the company’s original wetsuit logo. So, it was only fitting that Rip Curl would eventually bring its base of operations to town.

“We were previously based in Costa Mesa for roughly the last 15 years, and I think deep down we’ve always had a deep connection with San Clemente,” said Dylan Slater, president of Rip Curl USA. He added, “Naturally, we always had ambitions to make it back here.”

Over the past few months, the company has been relocating its headquarters from Costa Mesa to San Clemente, within the Rancho San Clemente Business Park, becoming neighbors with Stance Socks.

The decision to move, Slater said, came about as the company was remodeling the flagship store at Trestles. When it reopened in May, the company wanted to use that opportunity to be closer to the original shop.

“For us, it was being closer to our core customers, being closer to the roots of our brand,” Slater said when asked what went behind the decision to move to San Clemente, adding that it also meant driving “future creativity of the brand in this environment and being closer to the surf.”

Slater explained that the moving process, which began in September, has been slow because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Even as of this month, he said, the building, which the company acquired from Stance, hasn’t been fully occupied.

The offices, he said, are set to house the company’s North American headquarters, comprising executives, products, retail, sales, marketing, operations and finance.

“It’s all based here in this headquarters,” Slater said.

While searching for the new offices, Slater said, the company had always intended to stay within Orange County, but the ongoing pandemic certainly brought about some challenges.

“We had to be open-minded to all different options,” he said. “That ranged from staying close to where we were before to all the way down here. And the goal was to find the perfect place here in San Clemente, which I feel like we did, but we certainly had to be open-minded.”

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That opportunity came when the company learned Stance was no longer going to be using the space.

“It was almost an opportunity too good to be true,” he said, before expressing gratitude toward the San Clemente-based socks company. “I’d like to thank Stance for their partnerships and making this happen.”

WHAT’S NEXT: As to what the move will mean for the community as a whole, Slater said Rip Curl intends to engage with the town “on a deep level.”

“We’ll be looking to engage with the local community in various initiatives where we give back,” he said. “I think in terms of what else that they can expect, again, this is a long-term move, where we’re reconnecting with our long-term roots. I think the goal here is forever.”—SR

King Tides Returning to California Shores this Sunday THE LATEST: Californians will have a chance to observe another set of King Tides early next week, providing an additional opportunity to photograph the event meant to help preview the impacts of sea-level rise and understand how the shoreline is affected by high water.

With the King Tides expected to roll into the California coast by Dec. 13, lasting through Dec. 15, the California Coastal Commission is again looking to the community to participate in the California King Tides Project.

The photos taken and shared of the King Tides will help the commission map out and record changes to the coast and estuaries. During the November King Tides, more than 600 photos were uploaded to the project.

A map displaying photos from November has been published on the California King Tides Project 2020-2021 website.

“The photos you take during the December King Tides will be added to that same map,” the CCC said in a press release. “If you can help us fill in the gaps, that would be fantastic, but it’s also helpful to get multiple photos of a location.”

The photos can be uploaded online through the Coastal Commission’s website at coastal.ca.gov or through the free Survey123 app. Step-by-step instructions on how to upload the photos online or in the app can be found at the commission’s website.

The CCC notes that taking and uploading photos is easiest with a smartphone. It also encouraged those looking to participate to “watch out for wildlife, and always respect the power of the ocean,” while also practicing social distancing and wearing masks.—Staff EDITOR’S NOTE: Find extended versions to many of these stories at sanclementetimes.com. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

OC, Southern California Under Regional Stay-at-Home Order as ICU Capacity Falls

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, COLLIN BREAUX AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

range County and the surrounding Southern California region are now under a three-week, stay-at-home order, as the area’s available intensive care unit capacity dropped below the state’s 15% threshold on Friday, Dec. 4.

The new stay-at-home order, triggered by the dip in the region’s ICU-bed availability, decreasing from 20.6% to 13.1% from Thursday to Friday, went into effect this week, prompting a wave of renewed restrictions on multiple economic sectors and businesses.

The order is expected to last through at least Dec. 27, affecting the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. After those three weeks, the region will be reviewed weekly for its projected four-week ICU capacity, and if that capacity is projected to be at least 15%, the order will be lifted.

Under the new stay-at-home restrictions, private gatherings and the mixing of households are prohibited, while maskwearing is required in all sectors. Also, all in-person dining, bars, breweries, wineries, hair salons and barbershops, and personal care services must remain closed.

Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery, and retail and grocery stores will remain open with 20% customer capacity.

Schools that are open can remain open, and religious services and protests can still take place outdoors. Critical infrastructure—including health care, emergency services, food and agriculture, energy, water and communications services, among others—also remains open.

“While we are all tired from the long fight against this pandemic, it is important that we take steps together to slow down this surge in cases,” San Clemente Mayor Kathy Ward said in a press release from the city on Dec. 4.

“We need to make sure that our hospitals can maintain beds and ICU care for those who need it. Keeping our San Clemente families, friends and neighbors healthy is our first priority,” she continued in the release. “Please also continue to support our local businesses that are being impacted, by ordering takeout or safely shopping with our retailers.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom first announced the potential for the regional stay-at-home orders on Thursday, Dec. 3. The orders are targeted at slowing the exploding hospitalization rates in the state that, according to a recent update from the state, could fill San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

ICUs past capacity by Christmas Eve. California was divided into five regions that correspond to state health care systems: Northern California, Greater Sacramento, the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.

Over the weekend, the Southern California region’s ICU bed availability continued to fall and sat at 10.1% as of Tuesday, Dec. 8, according to the state health department.

While the regional drop in available ICU beds prompted the new order, per the state’s requirement, Orange County last Friday actually saw a rise in availability, moving up from 17% the day prior to 20%.

According to the county health office’s latest COVID-19 report on Tuesday, ICU bed availability in Orange County was at 13%, with 238 patients requiring treatment in intensive care. In total, the county had 946 coronavirus patients admitted in hospitals.

The numbers from Tuesday’s report saw the sixth consecutive day of record hospitalizations, which have sharply risen since late October, when there were 150 patients—the lowest total since the early days of the pandemic.

The weekend also saw three consecutive days of double-digit deaths reported in Orange County, with 17 on Friday and 15 on both Saturday and Sunday for a total of 1,633 deaths over the course of the pandemic.

Speaking with San Clemente Times on Monday, Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett expressed disappointment with the regional stay-at-home order since certain industries such as restaurants have complied with changing guidelines.

“They’ve spent a lot of money safeguarding their premises, staff, and patrons,” said Bartlett, who heard from numerous businesses and restaurateurs about the new order which, in part, only allows takeout and delivery service for restaurants.

“Everyone is uniformly disappointed, and I understand their disappointment,” Bartlett said.

Restaurant owners such as Nour Tillo, of Village Mediterranean Rim in Downtown San Clemente, shared Bartlett’s sentiments, criticizing the latest order and calling it unfair toward the restaurant industry, which is among the hardest-hit sectors in the nation.

“It’s not fair for the restaurant business, what they’re doing. This is not fair to the

Tables outside of Iva Lee’s were empty in the early afternoon Monday, Dec. 7, as Orange County and the Southern California region started a three-week, stay-at-home order from the state. Photo: Chloe Anady

restaurant business,” he said, repeating himself for emphasis. He later added, “We’ve been hurt more than any other industry in the country. Hundred-thousand restaurants shut down so far, and with this thing, believe me, it’s going to double.”

Tillo, like proprietors of a few other establishments in downtown, has decided to keep his outdoor dining area open, defying the shutdown order.

“I either shut down now and say goodbye or I try to survive,” he said. “I am not trying to break the law.”

The restaurant, Tillo said, simply can’t survive on takeout alone.

“I’m not a takeout restaurant; I’m a sitdown restaurant. I’ve been here 23 years, I’ve survived every single possible thing.

I don’t think I’m going to survive this,” he said, before noting that he has received a lot of love from the community.

“Maybe (we’ll survive), you know, because people here in San Clemente support us,” he continued. “It’s wonderful.”

Besides his own business’ survival, he said, he also has to worry about the livelihood of his employees, who “are broke.”

“I’m giving them money from my own pocket to survive this thing, and I don’t have enough money to pay them,” he said.

“They’re hurting, everybody is hurting; this is just not fair. They’re putting the order, the people who are putting the order, they’re getting a paycheck; we’re not.”

In an emailed statement to his patrons, Mike Trebing, owner of Barnoa Wine Company in Talega, said that though he doesn’t “agree with the decision” from the state, believing “outdoor dining and Barnoa’s approach, in particular, provides a safe environment for customers, we will comply with the edict.”

Barnoa, like many restaurants through-

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out town, has refocused their services on to-go orders, much like was required of them at the start of the pandemic, when the state imposed its first stay-at-home order.

Bartlett—whose district includes Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano—said counties should have more local control with the ongoing pandemic.

She said she is focused on attempting to reduce the size of the Southern California region and increasing ICU bed capacity to no longer be under the stay-at-home order.

Currently, there are 11 counties in the designated Southern California region, but Bartlett said the region instead should be broken up into smaller and more manageable areas, with perhaps four counties or so to a region.

Southern California was the first of the five regions to trigger the stay-at-home order and covers the counties of Orange, Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

The San Joaquin Valley was next to fall under the stay-at-home orders, as it had a 5.6% available ICU capacity on Tuesday.

The Northern California region had a capacity of 25%, while the Bay Area had 24.5% ICU available capacity. The Greater Sacramento region had 18.8% capacity.

While the restrictions affect many sectors, the state encouraged outdoor and physical activities in the announcement of potential shutdowns on Thursday. Some of the state-recommended activities included going to a park or beach, hiking, meditating, practicing yoga or skiing.

The stay-at-home order encourages mask-wearing and physical distancing, as health officials have maintained throughout the pandemic. SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES Community COMPILED BY SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Bernice Ayer Middle School Recognized as Model in Student Achievement With the implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process, Bernice Ayer Middle School (BAMS) in San Clemente was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement, the school announced this week.

The school credited the use of the Professional Learning process, or PLC, as a major contributing factor in the improved achievements of the students at BAMS. PLCs, according to BAMS, are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students.

The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to focus on learning, build a collaborative culture and create a results orientation. Only about 200 schools and districts in the U.S. and Canada receive the honor from Solution Tree.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious national recognition, but what is more rewarding to our staff is the individual learning of each of our students,” BAMS Principal Nick Stever said in a press release.

“BAMS’ efforts as a PLC would not have been possible without the support of CUSD leadership and our amazing school community here in San Clemente,” he continued in the release. “Additionally, the entire staff at BAMS deserves acknowledgement and praise for their continual pursuit of improvement, which has resulted in four consecutive years of awards.”

Those awards include the 2017-2018 National Schools to Watch; 2018-2019 California Distinguished School; 2019-2020 Platinum PBIS; and 2020-2021 Model Professional Learning Community at Work.

Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period, the school explained.

Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration to the PLC Review Committee.

According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment.”

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

Meetings SATURDAY, DEC. 12

CITIZENS CLIMATE EDUCATION 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences.

Email larrykramerccl@gmail.com to receive a link to join.

TUESDAY, DEC. 15

CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council 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. 16

PLANNING COMMISSION 5:30-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube channel. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

Senior Center Looking to Community to Adopt a Senior for Christmas The Dorothy Visser Senior Center and Age Well Senior Services this month launched the Adopt a Senior for Christmas program in which members of the community can support those seniors who will be alone this Christmas because of the pandemic and renewed restrictions.

“This year, there will be a lot of seniors spending the holidays alone because of the pandemic,” Age Well said in an announcement. “We want to make sure that they get a holiday meal and some holiday cheer.”

People are encouraged to donate $25, which will provide each senior with the makings for a holiday meal, a small gift of good cheer and a personal note from the individual donating to the cause.

The Meals on Wheels drivers will be out delivering the packages on Dec. 24.

To participate or learn more about adopting a senior, call senior center Director Beth Apodaca at 949.498.3322.

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.

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SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Letters to The Editor

You Need Us, We Need You

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS CHRIS KRAMER, of the Citizens Climate Lobby, San Juan Capistrano

“Nature. That’s the one thing that tips the balance in terms of living here in California. Within minutes, I can be in a desert, at the ocean, in a park, and that’s the most nourishing food for my soul,” English actress Lara Pulver once said.

Whether we were born here or are transplants, we love our parks, but climate change is having a negative impact on them.

The warming ocean and air temperatures concurrent with the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions skyrocketing since the industrial revolution have dire consequences on our more than 280 California State Parks.

A rising sea level and an expected increase in shoreline erosion will shrink popular California State Park beaches, and threaten many facilities.

We have already seen that at Doheny State Beach, with the loss of parking spaces, and at the beach south of Doheny, with the loss of bathrooms, erosion of the walking/bike trail and the loss of the basketball court.

Tide pool animals typical of Southern California are replacing colder-water species along the central coast, competing with local species.

A few inches of sea-level rise could mean the loss of thousands of acres of valuable wildlife habitat.

Some spring wildflowers are already blooming earlier than before, disturbing their relationship with pollinators.

In Joshua Tree, the loss of trees will reduce bird species by 40%.

The State Park System’s 1.6 million acres are a rich storehouse of biodiversity, and the park works to preserve, protect and expand park wildlands to make it possible for many climate-threatened species to survive.

Our parks are doing their part to reduce greenhouse gases by making their facilities more energy-efficient, relying more on solar power, and using lower-emission vehicles.

But even with these actions, humancaused emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are changing California. Regardless of Earth’s historical fluctuations between warm and cool, wet and dry, the proven relationship between increasing temperature and dramatic CO2 levels since the 1800s is fact.

To save the planet from runaway temperature rise, we must stop the increase in the atmospheric C02.

BY NORB GARRETT, OWNER AND PUBLISHER OF PICKET FENCE MEDIA

A

s we enter Week One of the new three-week “stayat-home order” imposed

by Gov. Newsom, a return to “normal” seems further and further away from reality.

Even with the promise of new vaccines to help combat COVID-19, the reality of the shutdown and its dramatic negative impacts on families, businesses—both big and small—the service economy and just about everyone, short of Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, is both palpable and daunting.

All of us here at Picket Fence Media are working hard to continue to keep our communities informed and moving forward. Despite seeing a short period of “recovery” in September and October, our local businesses are again reeling from the impacts of government-mandated regulations.

Closures are hitting close to home: Just two weeks ago, I learned that our printer of 15 years was shutting down, leaving us scrambling to find a new printer before the holidays.

To date, COVID-19 has caused the closure of more than 20 community newspapers in California, and we’re hell-bent not to join that list.

This week, we’ve launched a new initiative seeking monthly or annual support from you, our readers, to ensure we can survive and continue to provide critical local news during this crisis and into the future.

Our new campaign asks readers to commit to a monthly or annual “Insider” membership to help us offset advertising revenue shortfalls.

During the summer, more than 400 readers voluntarily stepped up to support for our efforts, which was hugely helpful and appreciated.

As we enter 2021, we know we will need at least 4,000 total “Insiders” from our communities to help us

NORB GARRETT OWNER & PUBLISHER OF PICKET FENCE MEDIA

keep our content free and accessible to the more than 100,000 digital readers and 40,000 print readers we reach.

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phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US C I T Y E D I TO R Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

O P E R AT I O N S

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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

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

San Clemente Times, Vol. 15, Issue 50. 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.

FOLLOW THE SC TIMES

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

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San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

Page 9

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SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 8) Please read the excellent web version of the park’s brochure “Climate Change and California State Parks” for more information.

And don’t be discouraged. You can make a difference by reducing your “carbon footprint.”

RECENT LETTER TO THE EDITOR PAUL A. WEHRLE, San Clemente

I read the recent Letter to the Editor, “Response to Registrar to Conduct Audit” with interest and no surprise. I have been wondering how long it would take for the believers in conspiracies, deep states and followers of fake-news outlets to surface on this page.

If this gentleman had paid attention to the words and actions of our bipartisan voting officials, notably Christopher Krebs, who was the director of the CISA and was appointed by President Trump himself, he would have heard loudly and clearly that there was absolutely no nationwide fraud in this past election.

Yes, a few ballots were deemed erroneous, but this is not fraud. There is no evidence whatsoever that software was, or even could be, programmed to switch votes. Ballots were not accepted past the

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

dates set by different states and were not accepted with unmatched signatures.

Yes, envelopes were discarded, but there are other glaring examples of potential tampering by Republican operatives in North Carolina in 2019 and then from the unofficial “drop boxes” set up

by Republicans in California.

In Florida now, dark Republican money funded a non-candidate with the same last name as the incumbent Democrat who lost by 31 votes. This non-person received about 3,000 votes. It is under investigation.

Dead people can vote, as long as their ballot was properly filled out and sealed before they died and mailed in time.

I am not certain how you assume that these minor irregularities only benefit Democrats. Maybe the election commissions should look more closely at those precincts where Trump narrowly won.

This newspaper is hardly representative of “partisan yellow journalism.” I think that the writer of this letter is simply a “sore loser” and looks to quasi-journalism sites to reinforce his unsubstantiated claims and preconceived notions.

MASK-BURNING RALLY RICHARD GREEN, San Clemente

This law-abiding citizen of San Cle-

mente wonders when Sheriff Barnes will shift his approach to public health orders from his chosen method of “education first.”

The sheriff has chosen this non-enforcement approach from the beginning.

His “education first” policy has obviously failed.

The infection rates in OC are quadrupling while public health orders are violated with impunity. What a horrible shame.

wear masks. Trump’s adoring supporters follow him blindly. They do and believe everything he tells them.

Just think, if the President had encouraged us all to wear masks, these same people who throw their masks in a bonfire would do his bidding, and we would be in a much better situation today.

We could give the health care workers a much-needed respite and show them appreciation and respect for the work they do.

MASK-BURNING IN SAN CLEMENTE ALBA FAFAGLIA, San Clemente

This Thanksgiving, our small gathering of three gave thanks for the doctors, nurses, aides, custodians who work in hospitals, nursing homes, for all health care workers everywhere. They take care of us. They are the best of us.

So, I was saddened to read about the large gathering of mostly Trump supporters burning their masks in protests of regulations put in place to control the pandemic.

We are (in) a purple tier, and COVID-19 is affecting more people every day, overwhelming the hospitals and care facilities.

President Trump has been a poor role model. He makes fun of people who

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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. 11, at 8 a.m. The chat is hosted by SC Times Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday.

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2020

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San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2020

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Holiday Happenings Saturday, Dec. 12 SEE THE ‘WORLD’S TALLEST TREE’

Get a gander of what is being promoted as the “world’s tallest tree” at the Outlets of San Clemente, from now through Jan. 4. The 125-foot white fir Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta is a great spot for the family photos.

101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

HOLIDAYS AT THE HARBOR

Check out the annual holiday light display at Dana Point Harbor, from now through January 3. There will be lighted trees and themed exhibits for visitors to admire. 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. 949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com.

VIRTUAL SANTA EXPERIENCE

Schedule a video call with Santa Claus through Fashion Island. Pick a day and time convenient for you to virtually connect to the North Pole. Cost is $25. Experience is available through Dec. 24. fashionisland.com.

Saturday, Dec. 19 PHOTOS WITH SANTA FROM A DISTANCE

Noon-6 p.m. Take a free photo with Santa next to the proclaimed “world’s tallest tree” at the Outlets at San Clemente. Other available dates are

Dec. 13 and Dec. 19-23. 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

A NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT: OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

4-7 p.m. A free event featuring live music, live nativity scene, crafts for kids, and hot drinks. Experience the joy of the season through songs and scenes from the Christmas story. The entire event is outdoors, with space for social distancing. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point. 949.496.9331. southshores.org.

Sunday, Dec. 13 HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON

From now through January 2, bring the family to check out the sandthemed holiday decorations in the lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The display celebrates the ocean, surfing, and other aspects of South Orange County. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com.

HOLIDAY YOGA IN THE PARK

4-6 p.m. iHeartYoga will ring in an evening of holiday joy at Lantern Bay Park with yoga. Bring your favorite Christmas sweater and pajamas.

25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point.

949.577.6634. iheartyoga.org.

(Continued)

Editor’s note: These events are subject to change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2020

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Holiday Happenings (continued)

Wednesday, Dec. 16 HOLIDAY CAROLERS AT DANA POINT HARBOR

4-7 p.m. Listen to some seasonal tunes while enjoying the water and shops in Dana Point. Carolers will also be out on Dec. 23. 34675 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point.

949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com.

Thursday, Dec. 17 MUSICAL HOLIDAY ‘FUN RAISER’ 7 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse is hosting this virtual event. The Ron Koybiashi Trio and others will provide entertainment. The show will be available through Christmas night, and link information is to be announced. The San Juan Capistrano theater has been closed for in-person public performances during the coronavirus pandemic. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

Friday, Dec. 18 DRIVE-IN MOVIE ON THE MEADOWS

5-7:30 p.m. The City of San Clemente is hosting a screening of The Grinch at Vista Hermosa Sports Park. Vehicle registration is $15, and pre-registration is required. Visit the city’s website for information on parking and safety guidelines. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

NIGHT OF LIGHTS OC

5-9 p.m. Experience a safe drive-thru holiday experience with winter wonderland lights, music, and other seasonal sights. Expect snow, Santa, and bubbles. Tickets can be purchased online. Days, times, and availability vary. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa. nightoflightsoc.com.

Monday, Dec. 21 MONSTER OF THE MONTH: SANTA CLAUS

4-5 p.m. Author Colin Dickey and Atlas Obscura will hold a Zoom discussion about the mythology behind the Christmas mascot. Find out why leaving milk and cookies for St. Nick has become a tradition, as well as what his connection is with the Yeti.

Cost is $12 per device. atlasobscura. com.

Thursday, Dec. 31 SUNSET SAFARI ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

3-5:30 p.m. Get a chance to see dolphins and whales at Dana Point Harbor with Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, while saying goodbye to 2020. You’ll also get to enjoy the sunset and a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Wine and beer will be available to purchase. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.577.7451. dolphinsafari.com.

Editor’s note: These events are subject to change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2020

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San Clemente Times December 10–16, 2020

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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.

Saturday | 12 ART ALONG THE COAST 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Art lovers and collectors are invited to an opportunity to visit artists’ working studios and galleries featuring juried artists from the Festival of Arts Laguna Beach. More than 30 artists have gathered at a dozen locations in South Orange County to share new art, works in progress, and a glimpse into their creative processes. Art lovers can drive at their own pace on this no-cost, self-guided tour of locations from San Clemente to Santa Ana, through Sunday, Dec. 13, viewing

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

works from a premier group of professional painters, sculptors, photographers, pastel, mixed media, glass/ceramics and jewelry artists. Artalongthecoast.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

Sunday | 13 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

Wednesday | 16 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.

Photo: File

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14: DRIVE-IN MENORAH LIGHTING 5 p.m. In light of the latest COVID-19 restrictions from the state, the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente canceled its traditional menorah lighting events and will instead hold a drive-in lighting ceremony from the Outlets at San Clemente parking lot, allowing members of the community to celebrate Hanukkah from the safety of their own vehicles.

The free event will feature a grand menorah lighting and celebration on a large screen at the upper level of the parking structure. The Chabad Jewish Center will offer “Chanukah Swag Bags,” a Driedel Man, giant bubbles and a raffle. RSVP at jewishsc.com. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

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SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

The Drawing Station

“W

hy am I here?” I thought to myself on Dec. 1 as I entered the Mission Medical Plaza on Crown Valley Parkway. With the pandemic kicking up its ugly heels again, aren’t people supposed to be staying home?

And the last place people should be voluntarily visiting is a medical facility. I’m here voluntarily to have my blood drawn for my six-month routine health exam.

Due to the pandemic, I skipped my June 2020 visit. My doctor recently texted me, saying I was six months past due and encouraged me to come in to see how my body was holding up.

I figured by arriving before 7 a.m., I’d be one of the first persons in line. Not so; there were eight people wearing masks who had already signed in, sitting in socially distanced chairs waiting to be summoned to the front desk to sign paperwork.

I’m guessing the average age was 65-plus.

I entered my name on the clipboard and took the last available chair.

One man was wearing ON LIFE AND a USC face mask. AnothLOVE AFTER 50 er man approached him,

By Tom Blake and they started talking about college football. The USC guy said, “I’m here because I played football for 25 years; my knees are screwed up.”

The other man said he had played football as well, but I couldn’t hear where.

A few minutes later, I said to the USC guy, “I had a buddy who played for SC.

You probably have heard of him.”

Then he was called into the blooddrawing room.

“What was his name?” he asked as he walked away.

“Lynn Swann,” I said. He gave me a thumbs-up.

I got to know Swann in 1973, when I worked at the Victoria Station restaurant chain. Our company presented him with a college football player-of-the-year award.

Swann was selected in the first round of the 1974 NFL draft. I had dinner with him that night.

He was an All-American at USC, earned four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was MVP of the 1976 Super Bowl, and later became the athletic director of USC. Another guy was wearing an “Ohio State” sweatshirt, and a woman was wearing a UCLA sweatshirt.

When people are summoned to the front desk to sign paperwork, they are asked two questions.

“Are you fasting today?” is the first.

Everyone says yes.

And then the second question: “What is your date of birth?”

When answering, some people lower their voices, hoping no one in the waiting room will learn their age.

I respond by giving my date of birth, and then add, in a whisper with a wink, “But don’t tell anyone.”

My name was called by the guy who would be drawing my blood. I recognized him from 12 months before. I doubt if he remembered me, as he had probably drawn blood from more than 2,000 people since then. He was wearing a mask, face shield and gloves. The room was spotless.

He worked quickly; I stood up to leave.

He handed me an orange biohazard bag. He said, “Take this home, read the instructions and return it to the lab.”

And then he emphatically added, “When you return the bag, ensure it’s

tured here circa 1925, loved riding horses. When laying out the city, he included horse trails—many of which are now streets.

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.

sealed! Do not hand it to the people behind the desk. They don’t appreciate being handed a bag of poop. They will show you where the drop-box is.”

I walked through the waiting room, hiding the bag he had given me.

As I walked to the car, I thought about the workers in the medical field who every day are putting their lives at risk so the rest of us can try to stay healthy.

Front-liners and first-responders are amazing human beings. I had seen a bunch of them in that medical building that morning and thanked them. They seemed to appreciate that.

And I also thought that the drawing station was a good place to get out and chat

up some new people and socialize, albeit a quick in-and-out.

I was happy to be returning home— even with the bag in hand—to finally get a cup of hot coffee and a bit of breakfast.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com. The San Clemente Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES San Clemente founder Ole Hanson, pic-

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Currant his handsome boy is Currant, a 3-month-old kitten who just can’t wait to meet you. Currant is an outgoing kitten who loves to play and explore with his siblings. When he is ready for a break, he enjoys being petted and held, but then is right back to his fun. Could this frolicsome little feline be the one for you?

All adoption fees for cats and kittens are reduced by 50% during the month of December.

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

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

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

Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

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

Page 17

See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206589978 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE POST STOP SAN CLEMENTE 647 CAMINO DE LOS MARES SUITE #108 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673-2806 Full Name of Registrant(s): JULIE ANN MOFFATT 23674 POMELO ROAD CORONA, CA 92883 DANIEL SCOTT MOFFATT 23674 POMELO ROAD CORONA, CA 92883 This business is conducted by a Married Couple The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 11/17/20 /s/JULIE MOFFATT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/18/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times Dec 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Full Text of Measure BB ORDINANCE NO. 1691 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW SECTION 2.04.090 TO CHAPTER 2.04 OF TITLE 2 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING CITY COUNCIL TERM LIMITS, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORS VOTING ON THE MEASURE AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 NOW THEREFORE, THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Pursuant to California Government Code section 36502(b) and subject to the approval of a majority of the voters of the City of San Clemente, the San Clemente Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Section 2.04.090 to Chapter 2.04 of Title 2 of the Municipal Code to read as follows: “2.04.090. Term Limits.

A. No person shall be eligible to serve in the office of City Council Member for more than two (2) consecutive four (4) year terms.

1. The limits set forth in this ordinance shall apply to any four (4) year term to which a person was elected to serve in the office of City Council at the November 3, 2020 general election or at any future election.

2. The limits set forth in this ordinance shall also apply to any four (4) year term to which a person was appointed by the City Council in lieu of a general election scheduled for November 3, 2020 or any future election to serve in the office of City Council, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10229 or similar State law.

3. Except as set forth in subsection (B) below, the limits set forth in this ordinance shall not apply to any partial term (less than four (4) years) to which a person is appointed by the City Council or elected at a special election to fill a vacant City Council office.

B. No person who has been elected to or held office as a member of the City Council for two (2) consecutive four (4) year terms shall again be eligible for election or appointment as a member of the City Council unless and until not less than San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

two years has or will have elapsed between the most recent date of such person’s prior service as a member of the City Council and the effective date of such person’s most recent election or appointment to such office. Notwithstanding subsection (A)(3) above, a former member of the City Council shall not be appointed or specially elected to a partial City Council term in order to fill a vacant City Council office during this two year period.

C. The phrase “two years” as used in this subparagraph B of this section shall mean the period between the date of the declaration of the results of any general municipal election held in November of any even numbered year and the date of the declaration of the results of any general municipal election held in November of any immediately preceding or immediately succeeding even numbered year even though such period may be more or less than an actual period of two years.

D. The City Clerk, or other election official authorized by law, shall not accept or verify the signatures on any nomination paper for any person, including any paper for the purpose of seeking election as a write-in candidate, nor shall he or she certify or place on the list of certified candidates, nor print or cause to be printed on any ballot, ballot pamphlet, sample ballot or ballot label, the name of any person whose candidacy, if successful, will result in a new City Council term that exceeds the limits set forth herein.”

Section 2. If any part of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of the ordinance. The City declares that it would have adopted this ordinance, and each part of it, irrespective of the possibility that some part or parts of it might be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect if it is approved by a majority of the eligible voters of the City of San Clemente voting at a General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2020, and shall only apply prospectively beginning with four (4) year City Council member terms that are elected or appointed in lieu of an election at the November 3, 2020 General Municipal Election and for each General Municipal Election thereafter. If so approved, the ordinance becomes effective 10 days after the City Council declares and certifies the results of the election by resolution.

Section 4: The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish this ordinance at least once, within 15 days after the election results are certified, in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the City of San Clemente.

I certify that Ordinance No. 1691 was adopted by the electorate of the City of San Clemente at a General Municipal Election held on November 3, 2020.

This Ordinance was adopted as a result of the passage of Measure BB. Please refer to Resolution No. 20-65 for the recitation of the election results. /s/ Joanne M. Baade CITY CLERK of the City of San Clemente, California

changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Tuong Van Thi Nguyen PROPOSED NAME A. Van Nguyen Gebhardt 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: 01/19/2021 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: November 25, 2020 JUDGE WALTER P. SCHWARM, Judge of the Superior Court Published: San Clemente Times, December 10, 17, 24, 31, 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

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01172067 To All Interested Persons: Tuong Van Thi Nguyen has filed a petition with this court for a decree Page 18

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 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

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

/s/ Laura Ferguson MAYOR PRO TEM of the City of San Clemente, California

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

• 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

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SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

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SC LIVING CoastLines by Fred Swegles

San Clemente Municipal Court.

That was big news in San Clemente. It resulted in some exciting Daily Sun-Post headlines: “Hippies Plan Monday Picket” …

“Leary, Hippies in Court Scene” … “LSD Advocate Raps Pot Laws, Cops.”

I was in my junior year of university in Los Angeles back then, so I missed all this. Craig Van Note, my predecessor as the Sun-Post’s San Clemente reporter, interviewed Leary before his arraignment.

Leary insisted that America’s establishment was uptight and that psychedelic drugs were “a peaceful, loving experience.”

He told Van Note that the only drugs he advocated were ones he called mindexpanding such as marijuana, hashish, LSD, peyote and mescaline.

“We’re against heroin, speed, amphetamines, barbiturates and alcohol,” Leary said.

His marijuana case didn’t stay in San Clemente. It ended up in Santa Ana Superior Court. A March 1970 Sun-Post story titled “Leary Given Trip to Folsom” reported that the LSD advocate was sentenced to 1 to 10 years. That was on top of another 1 to 10 years he’d been given weeks earlier for the Texas marijuana bust.

A Wild Tale that Had an Asterisk in San Clemente

H

ow did a one-time Harvard professor turned grinning hallucinogenics guru become the target of a rollicking, high-powered, 28-month worldwide manhunt?

Fifty years ago, Dr. Timothy Leary was on the run, having escaped prison in September 1970, liberated from a marijuana rap with help from wily cohorts.

I had heard about Leary’s post-prison escapades. So, when I learned that there is a book about it, I decided to give it a read.

I wondered if there might be anything in the book related to Leary’s five minutes of fame in San Clemente in January 1969, when the Daily Sun-Post wrote about and interviewed him.

As it turns out, there isn’t much about San Clemente in the book.

But I must say The Most Dangerous Man in America: Timothy Leary, Richard Nixon and the Hunt for the Fugitive King of LSD may just be the most captivating nonfiction I’ve read among many books during this pandemic year of 2020.

If you’re looking for a holiday gift idea for someone you think might get a kick out of this, go for it. Or get the book for yourself.

It has a San Clemente angle by default, since in 1969 President Nixon had purchased a home in San Clemente. He operated his Western White House here for part of every year from 1969-74. And the longer Leary was at large, the more intensely Nixon strove to reel him in.

This was the era of Vietnam War protests and an expanding youth drug counterculture. There were terrorist bombings and fires across the nation.

As the book describes it, Nixon felt increasingly surrounded by enemies, which led to the creation of a top-secret White House counter-espionage team.

On July 23, 1971, while Leary was in Europe seeking to avoid extradition, the White House brain trust decided that the President needed a face to put on Nixon’s War on Drugs—a villain to personify American kiddos’ descent into the abyss of dope.

The team tossed around the names of a couple of notorious Mafiosos, trying to pick “someone Nixon can capture and hold aloft as a symbol,” the book says.

A consensus emerged, documented by San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

EPILOGUE These San Clemente Daily Sun-Post headlines from 1969 and 1970 center on the then-pending trial of Dr. Timothy Leary, author of The Most Dangerous Man in America: Timothy Leary, Richard Nixon and the Hunt for the Fugitive King of LSD.

hidden microphones Nixon had installed in the White House, settling on a fugitive who had fled justice in 1970 to live in exile with a group also on Nixon’s radar—the Black Panthers—in Algeria.

The poster child for Nixon’s War on Drugs would be Leary, the high priest of LSD who had coined the counterculture phrase “turn on, tune in, drop out.”

The book recounts the COASTLINES moment:

By Fred Swegles “Leary, Leary, Leary … Timothy Leary, Timothy Leary!” Nixon and his aides began shouting. The room convulses in excited laughter. Nixon bellows triumphantly to the others: “Well, we’ve got room in the prisons for him!”

The government of the United States would need to find him, grab him and bring him home to justice.

I won’t ruin the ending for you.

Leary’s cat-and-mouse adventures and misadventures overseas, from Algeria to Switzerland to Austria, to Afghanistan and beyond, trying to elude the Feds, were a rollercoaster ride.

HOW LEARY GOT BUSTED

The book cites two marijuana busts that

sent Leary to prison in 1970. How times have changed.

“At a border crossing at Laredo, Texas, cops unearthed a tiny stash of pot in a snuff box hurriedly tucked inside his teenage daughter’s panties,” authors Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis wrote.

The other case involved two charred marijuana joints that police found in the ashtray of Leary’s car in Laguna Beach.

The two roaches were a felony in California—enough, the book says, to disqualify Leary from his announced plan to run for governor in 1970 against incumbent Ronald Reagan.

The book says this: “The Reagan-appointed judge who imposed the maximum sentence, up to ten years, called Leary an ‘insidious and detrimental influence on society … A pleasure-seeking, irresponsible Madison Avenue advocate of the free use of LSD and marijuana.”

When Leary was put behind bars, the book says, “the jailer slammed the cell door shut and sneered: ‘For you we throw away the key.’ ”

MY SAN CLEMENTE ANGLE

What the book doesn’t mention is that Leary, set to be tried in Laguna Beach Municipal Court in January 1970, asked for a change of venue. He was assigned to

Page 20

“I was born free, and I will remain free,” Leary was quoted as saying as he left court. Six months later, he would escape—not from Folsom but from the low-security institution to which he was ultimately assigned: California Men’s Colony at San Luis Obispo.

If that sounds like a lightweight escape, wait till you read how Leary did it, assisted by hardcore revolutionaries who weren’t all about peace and love. After that, Leary was given a new look and a new ID and spirited off to France and Algeria, the world wondering his whereabouts. The chase was on.

Leary soon realized he’d gotten in over his head, having to make hardcore revolutionary statements and deal with revolutionary characters he hadn’t anticipated—not just the tentacles of the U.S. government.

But he was clever. Somehow, he survived one tight situation after another.

All the while, he managed to maintain his trademark ear-to-ear grin. Don’t ask me how it ends. Read it.

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.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

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ATTORNEY

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SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Obituary Eleanor Irene Langlois

May 14, 1928 - Dec. 2, 2020 Long time resident of San Clemente, Irene left us on 12/2. Born in Wyoming, Irene met her late husband Al “doc” Langlois during the

San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

WWII effort in Washington State. Irene and Al moved to SC, where they frequently vacationed, from the Claremont/Pomona area in 1970.

Together they were long time members of the men’s and women’s golf associations and the Elks Lodge. She will be missed and is survived by her daughter Beverly Kanawi and her grandchildren: Lance Kanawi, Emerson Kanawi, Stacie Ainsworth Daniel, and Troy Ainsworth

Ready and Waiting School athletics officials continue to prepare, wait for state guidance

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

U

nder the current high school sports calendar, start dates are again uncertain, and even the endless days of drills and workouts are scheduled to take a break for the holidays.

On Dec. 1, the CIF State office announced a hold on all full practice and competition start dates, as updated state guidance for a return to play for youth and high school sports remains delayed and isn’t expected until after Jan. 1, 2021.

“These are decisions way above us,” San Clemente athletic director Jon Hamro said. “The governor is the highest (state) office, and they’re giving guidance, or lack of guidance. The last guidance was August 3, and that’s still in play. COVID is increasing across the state and country. In our area, we’re in a better place, but still (the state guidance is) something that we’re subject to.”

San Clemente High School and all others in the state are still operating off that Aug. 3 state guidance, which allowed for the resumption of youth sports workouts, conditioning and physical education with proper physical distancing. After the shutdown of school sports in mid-March and a start-stop of camps in the summer due to county guidance and counteracting state guidance, that was the first and, so far, last state guidance in that sector.

Since then, San Clemente and all Cap-

istrano Unified School District athletic programs started conditioning camps on Aug. 18. The camps started with a small and limited Phase 1, but the programs worked up into a Phase 2 and have been in a Phase 3 since Oct. 26. Phase 3 involves much larger groups and the sharing of equipment, including the passing of a ball within a stable pod of players.

Even after athletics programs break next week for finals testing and the holidays and return in the new year, Phase 3 is where all of these programs will stay until they are given the go-ahead by the state.

Hamro said they’re still thankful to be in their Phase 3, and that any next phase would be the two-week ramp-up of full practice to the start of a season.

“We can only control what we can control,” Hamro said, “and that’s adhering to the guidelines and staying positive. We’re continuing to adapt and prepare into the future. We’ll exhaust all opportunities until the last possible moment.”

Hamro said that coaches, other local athletic directors and officials within the CIF-Southern Section are all trying to work through to get the most they can out of these seasons when they’re given the green light. With last week’s CIF State announcement, the state and regional fall sports championships were canceled, which gives the CIF-SS room to push back its playoffs and give teams as much run-up room as possible to squeeze in a competitive season.

“We’re looking into all options of trying to find a way to create opportunities for our athletes to compete,” Hamro said.

“We’re hard at work, thinking outside the box, so that we’re prepared for whenever we get guidance, we’re prepared to pivot.”

Hamro said San Clemente High School has taken this all seriously, and when given the sign, the Tritons are ready to go. SC

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Obituary James B. Carson

James (Jimmy, Jim, Jimi C) Breece Carson passed away of natural causes on Oct 31 at the age of 61 at his home in Fallbrook.

He was born and in San Clemente, attending Our Lady of Fatima school starting in its inaugural year, and San Clemente HS. A fierce competitor, he played little league baseball in San Clemente,’69 to ‘72 Page 21

and played/followed sports of all kinds, including surfing, baseball, football, and horseracing. He was a regular surfer at Riviera, Lost Winds and Trestles in San Clemente and Blacks Beach La Jolla.

Photography was a passion, documenting surf contests, volleyball tournaments, and travel. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile,

and easy laugh.

Jim was a carpenter during the Orange County building boom in the 70’s and 80’s.

His final years of work were spent in Tool Rental at Home Depot. He so enjoyed his customers.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard Carson, mother Rosemary Carson Kelly, and stepfather Bill Kelly. He is survived by his son Jason Postal, brother Rick Carson, and sister Sherry Carson Walborn, and several nieces and nephews.

He will be buried at Ascension Cemetery, Lake Forest, CA on December 12th. sanclementetimes.com

SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

One Surfboard Design to Rule Them All How Hawaiian surf spots Pipeline and Honolua Bay played a role in the surfboard you’re riding today

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or a lot of surfers around here, when December rolls around, it means it’s time for the annual pilgrimage to Oahu’s famed North Shore.

I made my first trip there in 1999, bought a used 7’6” pintail off the rack at a shop in Haleiwa, paddled straight out at sunset and fell in love. For better or worse, I’ve been going back every year since—except this year.

I don’t have to tell you that 2020 is a different kind of a year. But this week, the World Surf League’s Championship Tour kicks off with the 50th running of the iconic Pipe Masters on Oahu and the Maui Pro at Honolua Bay. And while there won’t be any fans on the beaches due to health and safety regulations, it is an important chapter in the grand story of surfing in Hawaii.

What’s interesting is that Pipe and Honolua are directly tied to the surfboards under your feet today.

Earlier this year, I had a long chat with original Pipe master Gerry Lopez, who pioneered barrel riding at the Banzai reef, also pushing the innovation of surfboard

Gerry Lopez in the pit at Pipeline, ushering in what would come to be known at the Shortboard Revolution. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Divine

design at the same time over on Maui.

“Reno (Abellira) and I both bought Clark reject blanks from Fred Swartz at Surfline Hawaii, and we flew over to Maui, landed in Kahului and hitchhiked to Lahaina, where Dick Brewer was shaping at the time under his label Lahaina Surf Designs—L.S.D.,” Lopez explained about his fateful trip during the winter of 1967 and ’68.

“Reno got his board shaped. It was a refined Pipeliner gun—a 9’6”. That’s basically what I wanted,” he continued. “Every day, Brewer would put off shaping mine until more than a week went by. Finally, he goes, ‘OK, we’ll do it.’ ” As Lopez tells it, he was waiting around for Brewer to show up to his shaping shack when an all-star group of Aussies, including Nat Young, Russell Hughs, John and Paul Witzig and shaper Bob McTavish, as well

as American freethinker George Greenough, showed up on the scene. They were on a mission to test themselves at Honolua.

While the surfers chatted about the conditions and what was happening in the small microcosm that was the surfing universe at the time, the two shapers, Brewer and McTavish, got into a discussion of their own.

“Brewer and McTavish smoke a joint and start talking about surfboard design,” Lopez continued. “They’re looking at all the boards and talking. After about an hour, those other guys wanted to go surfing, so finally they pried McTavish away and off they went.

“My blank was already sitting on the shaping room rack. So, we talked over there, and I’m trying to tell RB that I want a board just like Reno’s. I want a 9’6”. I think the blank was a 10’6”, and he cuts a

foot off the nose. And I go, ‘Hey, RB, I want it 9’6”!’ But he’s just in the zone. Then he cuts another foot off the tail. And I’m like, ‘RB! What are you doing?’

“And he looks over at me and goes, ‘I got an idea, man; just flow with it.’ ” Mind you, up until this point, everyone was riding longboards or big-wave guns.

But Brewer and Lopez were about to turn things on their head. From Brewer’s “idea,” the shortboard was born. The board turned out to be an 8’6” that “was really a beautiful board, but it was just different. Super different.”

The shape got some odd looks, but when Lopez encouraged his friends to give it a try, they quickly realized the magnitude of the innovation.

“Every single board was different than the one before it,” Lopez said. “Brewer and (Mike) Diffenderfer were good enough shapers to make the same thing time and time again, but the rest of us, every board was just an experiment. You’d just have at it and go out and see how it rides. Some rode better than others. Some didn’t work at all.”

Over the next several years, the experimentation would continue until, by about 1970, the design had been refined and became the go-to board for charging big Pipeline. The innovation eventually found its way from the North Shore to breaks around the world, affectionately known as the “Shortboard Revolution.”

And, as they say, things would never be the same again.

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

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

SAILAH NICOL

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

ccording to an old adage, the best surfer is the one having the most fun. That’s usually true—unless you’re in the business of winning world titles; then things get kind of serious.

But it was certainly true last Saturday afternoon at the Trestle. The crowd was relatively light, the wind gently blowing offshore, and a few father-son pairings bobbed up and down in the lineup at Uppers.

On the inside, former world tour surfer Yadin Nicol and his daughter, Sailah, San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

Sailah Nicol. Photo: Courtesy of the Nicol Family

were scoring while big brother, Kingsley, patiently picked off corners nearby. When

the perfect three-footer would swing their way, Yadin was helping Sailah get into waves, giving her a little push at just the right time.

Once the pint-sized shredder, wrapped in pink and black neoprene from head to toe, was on her feet, she was ripping.

There really is nothing like the stoke of a kid just figuring out this surfing thing. It’s the absolute best.

When it comes to groms, time flies.

You kids grow up fast. And enjoying those magic little moments sometimes means slowing yourself down enough to enjoy a Saturday afternoon at the beach with the family. Trading waves, laughing and having a ball, Sailah, Kingsley and Yadin have this wired, and it’s a wonderful thing. SC

Page 22

Water Temperature: 58-61 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Thursday: Fading West/northwest swell rolls in with waist-shoulder-head high surf, (3-4-5’), showing largest in the morning. Light/variable winds early morning, rise to 6-10kt southerly flow from mid morning through the afternoon.

Outlook: On Friday, the West/northwest swell continues to ease, for waist-stomach-chest high waves, (2-34’). Light+ southeast winds in the morning Friday, shift to light+ westerlies by the afternoon. Fresh Southwest swell maintains waist-stomach-chest high surf, (2-34’) on Saturday, then waves pick up to waist-chest high,(3-4’), for Sunday. Light/variable early morning winds are followed by a light+ to moderate afternoon sea breeze on Saturday and Sunday.

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San Clemente Times December 10-16, 2020

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