December 16, 2021

INSIDE:

DECEMBER 16-22, 2021 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 50

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

California Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate

U S E

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

New Recording Studio and Surf Shop Looks to Fuse 2 Very Similar Cultures SURF/PAGE 22

The Perfect Pitch

South Coast Singers to Take the Stage Again G E T T I N G O U T/ PAG E 10

The South Coast Singers will perform concerts this Friday and Saturday for the first time since the COVID pandemic started. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

sanclementetimes.com

Council Adds Crossing Guards for Shorecliffs Middle School

Amtrak Increases Involvement to Protect Coastal Route

Fotheringham to Declare for NFL Draft

EYE ON SC/ PAGE 3

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

SPORTS/PAGE 16

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN CLEMENTE SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Council to Add Crossing Guards Near Shorecliffs Middle School

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Parents of Shorecliffs Middle School students can now breathe easier in the morning, as the City Council unanimously voted last week to add five crossing guards near the campus.

The move is another step in an ongoing saga in which local parents and teachers have worried about young students’ safety in crossing the intersections of the Interstate 5 northbound on- and off-ramp and Avenida Vista Hermosa.

The council voted to amend the city’s crossing guard contract for the 2021-22 school year, stationing an additional three guards to the I-5 and Vista Hermosa intersection at the start of the next semester. Originally, the meeting agenda solely listed a $16,077.60 appropriation to add two guards to the intersection of Vista Hermosa and the Outlets/Shorecliffs access road.

Kiel Koger, San Clemente’s Public Works director and city engineer, said the city will spend an additional $25,000 to station the three guards near the I-5 intersection.

Safety concerns reached their highest peak after a reported incident on Aug. 25 in which a child riding an electric bike was struck by a vehicle that was trying to turn onto Vista Hermosa from the I-5 exit.

The driver posted details to Nextdoor and planned to speak at the council’s Dec. 7 meeting, but didn’t get a chance to because a public hearing on another subject ran long. Several other parents and children who attended to advocate for the student safety measures also left early.

Amy Swanson, a mother of a Shorecliffs student whom she noted did

California Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

California on Wednesday, Dec. 15, reinstated a month-long statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces.

Health officials on Monday, Dec. 13, San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

not walk to school due to the previous dangers of the route, did speak at the meeting. She filed an inquiry and request to the City Council several months ago that eventually brought the contract amendment to the meeting agenda.

Swanson said in an interview on Dec. 10 that she had crossed the I-5 intersection many times, and that it makes her and other parents in the Marblehead community “very nervous.”

“After the Nextdoor post, a parent reached out to me and asked me if I might weigh in to the situation to see if we can get a permanent fix on that,” she continued.

She went on to call the city, the California Department of Transportation, and CUSD Trustee Lisa Davis to determine who had the responsibility for adding crossing guards and fixing the intersection.

During Swanson’s public comment to the council, she voiced her displeasure with the city staff’s agenda report that neglected to include a conclusion that crossing guards were needed at the I-5 intersection, in addition to the one at the Vista Hermosa/Shorecliffs access road.

“I am asking that you demand an explanation from your staff, I am asking for you to listen to the residents of your city, I am asking for you to protect your children, and I am asking for adult crossing guards at that intersection,” Swanson said.

Mayor Gene James said after the public comments had ended that there was a general public consensus that the northbound exit was “terribly” engineered.

“Anyone who’s ever made a right on a red (light) there will know that in order to make that right on a red, you as a driver … do have to put yourself all the way into the crosswalk lane,” James said.

James then made a motion to provide the additional three crossing guards at the I-5 intersection, which received support from the other councilmembers, who also commented on the danger of the area.

Koger explained that the city didn’t

Elizabeth Sullivan, a San Clemente crossing guard for about 20 years, escorts Marblehead Elementary School teacher-assistant Laurie Headrick across the Vista Hermosa and Via Turqueza intersection on Wednesday morning, Dec. 15. Five more crossing guards like Sullivan will soon be stationed down Vista Hermosa, near Shorecliffs Middle School, to help manage a well-known and dangerous intersection near the I-5. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

announced the latest masking order, which will remain in effect until Jan. 15 and comes as California’s daily COVID-19 case rate has risen by 47% over the past 2½ weeks. The order also comes on the heels of the coronavirus variant Omicron spreading throughout the world.

“We know people are tired and hungry for normalcy. Frankly, I am, too,” Page 3

recommend the addition of three crossing guards at the I-5/Hermosa intersection because it only met one of the three necessary criteria: pedestrian volume, conflicts with vehicles, and sight distance for drivers.

He also responded to the criticism that the city was conducting a “wait-and-see approach” with Caltrans, which could also step in to help fix the matter. He said city staff was waiting for the state agency to finish its study of the intersection before revisiting whether to add guards.

Caltrans was looking into the geometry of the area at the time of the council meeting, according to Koger.

“They said that they could possibly reorient the two crosswalks to make them more visible,” he said. “Geometrically speaking, it makes sense. They said they could possibly add some signs, some other bells and whistles, to bring to people’s attention (in) this area.”

Cars taking the Vista Hermosa exit can make a “free right turn” in a lane that is uncontrolled by a signal but has pedestrian access. The turn is approached by vehicles coming from the direction of the Outlets at San Clemente and heading

onto the I-5 northbound freeway.

“Ultimately, it would be amazing if they would put pedestrian access on both sides of the road, and bike lanes, and all of the things that you need for good pedestrian travel, but that would require redoing the bridge, and I don’t see Caltrans doing that,” Swanson said on Dec. 10.

She added that with the incoming movie theater at the Outlets at San Clemente that will draw children, she and other parents know more needs to be done.

The amended contract is meant to address the urgency of the matter while the city waits for Caltrans to conclude its study and take any action.

“The City Council’s unanimous decision to approve crossing guards to add safety for our children walking to and from school is a very good step in addressing that bridge at the I-5 intersection,” Swanson said.

The San Clemente Times reached out to both the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Caltrans for comment. Neither was available to provide comment before this story was published.

California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said during a Monday press briefing. “That said, this is a critical time where we have a tool that we know has worked and can work.”

As of Wednesday morning, the state was seeing 13.6 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. In Orange County, it was 9.2 cases per 100,000, according to the

same data.

According to news outlets, travelers returning to or visiting California are advised to get tested three to five days ahead of arrival. And unvaccinated individuals looking to attend indoor events where there will be at least 1,000 people will have to provide a negative test within one or two days. sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, DEC. 18

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. 21

City Council 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting in person at the San Clemente Community Center, as well as virtually.

The meeting will be livestreamed on city’s YouTube channel. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

The National Rail Passenger Corporation, or Amtrak, plans to increase its involvement in discussions with regional stakeholders regarding the Pacific Surfliner route, according to a report the company released on Dec. 6. Photo: Fred Swegles

Amtrak Increases Involvement to Protect Coastal Route

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Amtrak has determined a need to increase its awareness of potential operational risks along its Pacific Surfliner route in light of recent environmental incidents in San Clemente and Del Mar that have resulted in shutdowns.

That conclusion was made after the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the country’s sole nationwide passenger rail service released a report on Dec. 6.

Since 2018, the corporation has dealt with at least six bluff failures in the Del Mar Bluffs area. The most recent incident occurred in February 2021, when a 60-foot seawall collapsed at the base of a 1.7-mile-long section of tracks.

In late September, coastal erosion and high tides forced the tracks in San Clemente to shift 14 inches. All those events led to temporary closures of the Pacific Surfliner line.

Trains in the two areas operate on a single track that is subject to ongoing erosion, with the Orange County Transportation Authority responsible for maintaining safe conditions in the San Clemente San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

of company actions in response to that event.”

Over the course of the study, OIG staff reviewed the company’s safety plan, interviewed managers in various departments, and made visits to both San Clemente and the Del Mar area to meet with regional officials.

The staff learned through their conversations with the company’s vice president for operational safety that the formalized process the company used to assess the safety risks in San Clemente indicated that their approach is “maturing.”

They concluded that due to Amtrak’s lack of participation in discussions with regional stakeholders regarding erosion and other issues along the Pacific Surfliner route, the company may not be receiving up-to-date information.

“The company acknowledges it can increase its role in ensuring the safety of its passengers and employees when it is operating as a tenant railroad,” the report said, adding: “Such participation would help it stay current on emerging risks and options under consideration that could affect company operations.”

In a memo to other Amtrak officials, Scot Naparstek, executive vice president and chief operating officer, stated that the company will tap a representative

area as the owner of the track and host railroad. The North County Transit District in San Diego has the same responsibilities for the Del Mar area.

After the ground shift, OCTA performed inspections and worked with freight railroad and tenant Burlington North Santa Fe (BNSF) to move boulders to reinforce the railbed. Amtrak, BNSF, and another tenant, Metrolink, paused passenger service while OCTA worked.

Amtrak initiated a formal risk assessment of the track conditions in the meantime, sending an expert in slope stability and drainage from its engineering department to meet with OCTA and its contractors to understand the actions necessary to restart service.

Once it established a working relationship and the expert shared knowledge from a similar situation in New York to assist OCTA’s process, Amtrak was assured service could resume, and did so on Oct. 4.

“Our initial objective for this report was to assess the extent to which the company is evaluating the risks associated with operating service on tracks on the Del Mar bluffs,” the report read.

“Because the service disruption in San Clemente involved similar issues along the same route and occurred during our work, we also performed a limited review Page 4

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22

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

from the Operations Department to engage in ongoing discussions about the evolving coastal conditions and potential route realignment.

“Amtrak is confident that the measures outlined here address the OIG’s considerations and support Amtrak’s proactive risk management strategy,” Naparstek wrote. sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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EYE ON SC

Hostetter Claims to Have Been Target of FBI Operation

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

San Clemente resident and U.S. Capitol riot defendant Alan Hostetter is asking the court to drop the case against him because, he claims, he was the target of an FBI counterintelligence operation that used several of his own former associates as informants.

In the latest court filing last week, the former La Habra Police chief and yoga instructor said the charges against him, including conspiracy and obstructing an official proceeding, were the result of “outrageous government conduct.”

For roughly 80 pages, Hostetter accuses several of his former allies, law enforcement officers, as well as a local artist, of covertly working as government operatives assigned to infiltrate and surveil the American Phoenix Project, a group he started to protest pandemic-related restrictions.

Hostetter, in his Dec. 6 motion, further alleged that some of his associates worked with law enforcement to stage and amplify their own arrests during anti-lockdown rallies. He also speculated that the alleged informants may be working with secret societies, including Freemasons and Skull & Bones, or religious groups such as Scientology and Mormonism.

Hostetter this past June was one of six people arrested on federal conspiracy charges in connection to the Capitol riot in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6. He was indicted on charges that include conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding and unlawful entry on a restricted building or grounds.

Federal prosecutors have accused Hostetter and co-defendant Russell Taylor of being part of a group of rioters who pushed through a line of police officers on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol and had urged others to follow.

Through the American Phoenix Project, Hostetter and Taylor organized marches against COVID-19 lockdowns and led rallies to burn face masks in San Clemente and other Orange County cities last year.

Hostetter, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, also organized “Stop the Steal” rallies in California, as well outside the U.S. Supreme Court the night before the march on the Capitol.

Prosecutors allege that Hostetter used the now-defunct American Phoenix Project to “advocate violence against certain groups and individuals that supported the 2020 presidential election results.”

Hostetter in his motion denied the claim, arguing that the group was started to “protect the constitutional rights of all Americans,” was “not a militia group” and “has not engaged in any criminal activity.”

“Defendant, at no time prior to arriving at the Capitol, had made any plans San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

San Clemente resident and U.S. Capitol riot defendant Alan Hostetter, pictured here being arrested for at the Pier Bowl parking lot in May 2020, is asking the court to drop the case against him because, he claims, he was the target of an FBI counterintelligence operation that used several of his own former associates as informants. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

with anyone to commit an illegal act, nor did he have any intention of moving past any police perimeter lines or disrupting the proceeding inside the Capitol Building,” Hostetter said in the court document. “The only plan or intention that day was to peacefully and lawfully protest a stolen election.”

Hostetter’s motion comes on the heels of U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth granting the defendant’s request to represent himself in court.

According to the indictment from this past June, Hostetter made plans to attend the Jan. 6 rally that Trump had tweeted about on Dec. 19, 2020.

“I will be there, bullhorns on fire, to let the swamp dwellers know we will not let them steal our country from us,” Hostetter wrote from his American Phoenix Project Instagram account the same day.

“I hope you can join me!”

While Hostetter, Taylor and the other co-defendants were making travel plans for the Jan. 6 march, prosecutors allege, the men shared details about “gear” and weapons and firearms they were planning to bring on their cross-country road trips.

The prosecutors cited text-message exchanges between Hostetter and Taylor in which they discuss whether to bring firearms.

Hostetter, however, explained in his motion why march-goers would need to bring weapons, and other communication devices such as walkie-talkies to the rally: counterprotests from Black Lives Matter and Antifa.

“Defendant believed that any discussions or messages being circulated

by others and about carrying ‘personal protective gear’ that day had to do with being able to defend oneself against a possibly violent and large BLM/Antifa counterprotest that might occur, thereby placing Trump supporters in physical danger,” Hostetter’s motion stated.

In his motion, Hostetter outlines the numerous protests he organized in San Clemente and elsewhere over the course of the pandemic, as well as details his encounters and relationships with several of his allies whom he’s now accusing of being government operatives.

One such ally Hostetter believes to be an informant is Taylor. Hostetter went as far as to claim, without evidence, that Taylor worked with a government handler to determine which route to take onto the Capitol grounds.

“Taylor was defendant’s friend at the time, so defendant joined his friend and followed him. Not having any idea where Taylor was headed, other than generally in the direction of the Capitol building, defendant simply followed him,” the motion stated, and later added, “In hindsight, the route Taylor was leading defendant along was suspiciously clear and with few people blocking the route.”

Taylor’s attorney, Dyke Huish, late Friday night, Dec. 10, referred San Clemente Times to the statement he gave to the Orange County Register regarding Hostetter’s claims.

“Mr. Taylor is grateful to be in a Court that is conscientious, extremely well versed in the law, and highly experienced in its evaluation of all motions. We are confident that the Court in its ruling will Page 6

be able to sift through that which is true and that which is unfounded speculation,” Huish told the Register last week.

In another section of the motion, Hostetter also claimed that his arrest in May 2020, when he led a protest to remove fencing around the Pier Bowl parking lot, was staged by the FBI and local partners to create a “‘radical domestic terrorist aura around” him.

“Deputies allowed defendant to enter the restricted area and then allowed him to hang on to the fence for roughly 60-90 minutes as people in the crowd encouraged defendant and heckled the deputies,” Hostetter said in the motion. “There is no legitimate explanation for why deputies allowed entry into the restricted area and did not immediately arrest defendant when he entered it.”

During the May 2020 protest, Hostetter had clung to the fence while officers held his arms in place. Hostetter remained in place for more than an hour while the bulk of the protesters crowded the sidewalk in front of him for support, as well as to chant and berate the officers.

“So, what we would see in a typical passive resistance-type stance is somebody that is in violation of law but is not actively fighting deputies,” Capt. Jeff Puckett of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department explained to reporters the day of the incident.

Hostetter is facing separate charges connected to his arrest at the Pier Bowl parking lot protest.

There are no court hearings currently scheduled for the case, according to court records. sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

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

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San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

GUEST OPINION | Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

THE ULTIMATE GIFT: YOUR HEALTH E very day, my clients tell me how difficult this time of year is with all the holiday events and not-sowholesome goodies placed in their paths. Human beings are fascinating, as we cling to the nostalgia of Christmas’ past and continue to return to particular foods and habits that we believe bring us joy.

While the human body is incredibly resilient, as we age, we HEALTH AND just can no longer NUTRITION 101 get away with these

BY GINA COUSINEAU behaviors. Here are a few suggestions to help you through what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.

First, instead of trying to “save” calories in preparation for the big meal, try to eat more mindfully throughout the day with healthy meals that include a plethora of veggies, whole grains and legumes, lean proteins, fruit, and wholesome fats.

Fill a quarter of your plate with protein and a quarter with a starch/grain, and the other half of your plate with veggies. This will allow you to have more willpower and resiliency at the actual event.

Then consider limiting yourself to one

alcoholic beverage, not only to limit added calories, but also to prevent the loss of inhibitions, which only add up to a binge fest. Sticking to a glass of wine or beer, then moving to seltzer, is logical for not only your health, but for the safety of others.

And, finally, choose treats and splurges that are really special—i.e., things that you can’t get year-round, like your Aunt Mary’s pecan pie or Uncle Mike’s eggnog, and do so in moderation, as these things will be there again next year.

As you ponder the New Year and attempt to enjoy the moment, I would like to provide the following hacks to help you be a healthier and happier human.

1. Eat more healthfully. Stick to plantbased approach with added lean proteins/healthy fats 2. Exercise with regular frequency.

150 minutes of moderate activity each week; walking is completely acceptable for most 3. Sleep approximately eight hours per night. Get into a routine and practice good sleep hygiene techniques 4. Maintain reasonable body weight.

Know that a 5-10% weight loss can dramatically improve health

Letter to The Editor

freedom, bodily autonomy, and the right to in-person education over a mandate for a vaccine that doesn’t prevent people from getting or transmitting COVID. Based on estimates I’ve heard from those tracking participation at the rallies, if the mandate was to be enforced, CUSD could lose 40% of its student population, which would cripple the district.

Reports from the CDC and WHO show that COVID is endemic. It is not going away. We need to learn to live with it while retaining our personal freedoms and right to in-person education.

To follow “the science” means to continually seek out data with a critical eye and understand that one perspective is not the only perspective. It is possible to be a critical thinker, while allowing others to also be critical thinkers who come to conclusions different from one’s own.

We are a nation based on freedom and acceptance of diversity. The lack of civil discourse over this matter and so many other issues is another deeper level of trouble the mandate reveals.

Our country needs us to do better and have respectful discourse and honor di-

ANOTHER RESPONSE TO ‘YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE’ RACHEL WALTERS, Dana Point In response to Rosemarie Allaire’s question about opposition to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, I hear and understand your fear. I have immunocompromised family members who are triple-vaccinated, because that is the best choice for them.

Along with many parents, I am not opposed to the vaccine, but am to the mandate, especially when we have no long-term data on the effects on children.

In our schools, everyone is masked indoors, and unvaccinated teachers are tested weekly. CUSD COVID-19 cases are low, in a state with a low case rate.

Children have been in public schools in person during COVID since October 2020. We do not need to lose medical Page 7

5. Seek ways to reduce stress and change unwanted behaviors. Seek professionals to help in these areas as needed Bottom line, there is no one solution to lose weight and improve your health. You must consider the “nutrition, sleep and exercise” triad. In the Mama G Lifestyle, we address all of these aspects in our lives.

Visit mamagslifestyle.com to register for our first-ever “12 Days of Christmas” Recipe Giveaway. Also, consider joining our 12-week group virtual “Cooking Your Weigh to Health” Jumpstart Program that begins in January.

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office.

Her extensive education—a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition—chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness professional allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle. com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle. Register for her complimentary weekly newsletter at mamagslifestyle.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.

versity of choices. Our government needs it. Our schools need it. Our children and their futures need it.

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

Join SC Times for the last Beachside Chat of the year this Friday, Dec. 17, at 8 a.m. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues hosted by PFM Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria. All are welcome.

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San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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GETTING OUT

muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts.

The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

Editor’s Pick

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

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

THURSDAY | 16 WINTERSCAPE Times vary. Enjoy live music, appearances by Santa, ice skating, ice curling, and more throughout December (ending Dec. 23) during this new event at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.299.7219. sanjuanoutpost.com.

THIRD THURSDAY ART EVENT 4-6 p.m. Every month on the third Thursday, join a Mission Fine Art Gallery artist for a workshop or demonstration on the beautiful grounds of Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Jennifer Matthews will teach participants how to make a ready-to-hang canvas ornament.

Enjoy tapas and a glass of wine while you get into the creative holiday spirit.

Reservations can be made online. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.503.5700. marriott.com.

CASA LUMINA HOLIDAY WALK 5-7 p.m. Now through Dec. 22, roam around Casa Romantica’s historic seaside home and gardens, which are transformed into an illuminated and festively decorated winter wonderland at night.

This is a fun, family-friendly experience for all, as each night will include an illuminated walk through Casa Romantica, live entertainment from local artists, San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

Photo: Courtesy of the San Onofre Parks Foundation

SATURDAY | 18 EVENING SHOPPING AT SAN CLEMENTE STATE BEACH 5-8 p.m. Stop by the Visitor Center Gift Shop to do holiday shopping and support the local nonprofit San Onofre Parks Foundation. All proceeds benefit the education, protection and preservation programs at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches.

There will be holiday music, complimentary hot beverages, and light refreshments.

The state beach also hosts the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org. crafts including Letters to Santa, and a hot cocoa bar. General admission is $12; children 12 and under get in free. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

Admission is $25. Masks will be required while inside the theater. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR 7 p.m. Singer-songwriter Matt Vitale, based in Los Angeles, will perform. Check out several more artists who will perform at The Cellar throughout the week.

The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3663. thecellarsite.com.

FRIDAY | 17 HOLIDAY HARBOR LIGHTS Dana Point Harbor Partners is spreading seasonal cheer with the annual holiday light display that will illuminate the Harbor through Jan. 2. Each night throughout the holiday season, the Harbor’s magnificent light display will illuminate the evening sky for guests of all ages to enjoy. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor will include Candy Cane Lane, a popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch, lighted trees and much more.

‘NAUGHY & NICE COMEDY SHOW’ 8 p.m. Those looking for some laughs and holiday cheer can enjoy the “Future is Female Comedy Show” at Knuckleheads. See the most talented comedians you never knew existed from L.A., Orange County and Las Vegas. This free, star-studded show has one of the most diverse comedy lineups. This week’s show will be hosted by Saint Nick Pelais.

Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

SATURDAY | 18 HOLIDAY HIKE IN TALEGA WITH ASSEMBLYMEMBER DAVIES 8 a.m. San Clemente Councilmember Laura Ferguson is hosting this Holiday Hike in Talega, where she invites residents to take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and join Assemblymember Laurie Davies for an opportunity to discuss local issues affecting the community. Participants should gather at Ferguson’s home at 406 Camino Flora Vista in San Clemente.

A CABRILLO HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 7:30 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents this holiday show for the whole family.

Join the playhouse, along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as it celebrates the holidays and sings traditional and contemporary songs with some audience participation. The show will run Friday and Saturday night, Dec. 18, as well as Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m.

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, Page 9

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 10-11:30 a.m. Pets Plus San Clemente offers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. Vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams, and diagnostic testing available on-site. 415 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

SUNSETS WITH SANTA 3-5 p.m. Bring your cameras and take your photo with Santa on the San Clemente Pier with the Christmas tree and the ocean as your backdrop. Santa Claus will be at the pier, in front of the big Christmas tree, available for pictures on Dec. 18 and 19. There will also be Christmas music playing in the background and some special guests singing holiday cheer.

CAPISTRANO LIGHTS 4-6 p.m. This annual seasonal tradition returns to Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Enjoy holiday programs, Christmas tree lightings, a nativity scene, and more on select nights in December at one of South Orange County’s premier historic venues. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SUNDAY | 19 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 | 22 BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30.

The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-your-number game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

South Coast Singers to Take the Stage Again

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he South Coast Singers are returning to the stage as a group for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began its spread in early 2020.

They will first perform the musical All is Well on Friday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo. The group has another show on Saturday, Dec. 18, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in San Clemente at 4 p.m.

All is Well is based on artist Michael W. Smith’s 1989 album Christmas, which features a song with the same title as the musical.

The two-hour program aims to put the audience into the Christmas spirit, while South Coast Singers hopes to raise money to give away as scholarships during the “Our Stars of Tomorrow” event that they put on each year.

For the past 17 years, the organization has given thousands of dollars in scholarships to talented high school students in the area. Funds to pay for scholarships are raised by putting on shows every June and December.

“What we need to do is, we need to get grants or people willing to support us,” said member Barbara Brient. “(With that support), maybe it won’t be such a headache each time trying to come up with selling tickets, because there's nothing worse for a singer to be singing to a half-empty hall.”

Ahead of their upcoming concerts this weekend, the South Coast Singers rehearse at Christ Lutheran Church in San Clemente on Tuesday night, Dec. 14. The concerts will mark the group’s first time performing since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

The pandemic hit the group hard, as it cut down the number of singers going into 2021 from 52 to 26. Some members simply decided not to come back for this year’s concerts, which added to the stress of trying to organize an orchestra and selling enough tickets.

Instead of singing together in 2020, multiple small groups of three or four people formed to perform at weddings, parties, and other events.

Members also pooled their old family recipes to create a cookbook titled South

Coast Singers Presents: Our Greatest Cookbook Hits, Cherished Family Recipes from Our Kitchen to Yours.

Brient said it has been “huge” to see each other again. Since the group started practicing in September, one of the members has baked cookies for each of their Tuesday rehearsals.

“I kid you not, it’s been amazing,” she added. “Everybody hugged (in September), and it was that feeling of joy to be back again.”

Despite the time that has passed, the

AT THE MOVIES

‘C’mon, C’mon’ Has a Unique Charm for This Winter

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A decade ago, I never would have bet on the acclaimed, under-the-radar actor Joaquin Phoenix legitimately settling down as a family man, both on camera and off. But he’s done just that with real-life fiancée Rooney Mara and their baby son. And on screen, he does so in Mike Mills’ latest critical darling C’mon, C’mon.

Following in the same vein as his previous hits, Beginners (2011) and 20th Century WomSan Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films

en (2016), Mills reminds us that he is at his best when he finds the quaint and endearing aspects of dysfunctional families.

Set in the present day, Johnny (Phoenix) is an audio producer traveling through every major city in the U.S. to record documentary

comments from real-life teens on their thoughts of everyday life and how they see the future.

Back home in Los Angeles, his younger sister, Viv (Gaby Hoffmann), lives a hectic schedule of working—aiding her on-again/ off-again lover, Paul (Scoot McNairy), who is Page 10

singers still sound great, according to Brient, who has been in the group the longest, at 26 years.

“I’m happy for those of us who have stayed in it,” she said.

“We love singing, we love music; it’s our passion. We’ve got nurses, we’ve got teachers … we’ve got engineers, we’ve got all kinds of people in there building up a choir, so it’s just a fun, loving way to get together twice a year.”

The group hopes to take the audience back in time with their performances and have them relive the memories of their childhood, therefore putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Conversely, they enjoy the compliments they receive after the shows are finished, as they greet the audience members walking back to their cars.

“You don’t know what that does to make us feel good, because that’s what we’re there for,” Brient said. “We want to (make) people-pleasing music, to make somebody smile when they leave and uplift their spirits to say, ‘Wow, that was worth the $20.’”

Children aged 10 and under get in for free, while groups of 10 or more get in at $18 each. General admission is $20.

For tickets, call 949.661.1159. Interested parties can also visit southcoastsingers.org or call 949.613.7840 for more information.

South Coast Singers is also inviting any person who desires to join the choir for next year to call. SC

unpredictably manic and paranoid up north; and raising their eccentric 9-year-old son, Jesse (Woody Norman).

To help ease Viv’s load, Johnny offers to watch over Jesse for three weeks while he works on the East Coast as she tries to convince Paul to get professional help.

Despite the R rating (which is only for two brief instances of foul language), C’mon, C’mon might be the best family film of 2021.

Like Kenneth Branagh’s own family piece Belfast, Mills’ movie is shot in black and white, but with a more introspective quality.

Phoenix and Norman have a natural, candid chemistry that flows between them in scenes, which makes you feel like a fly on the wall. Norman successfully comes across as a legitimately precocious, yet adorable, kid; and Phoenix is his usual stellar self on film.

The film has some striking cinematography from Robbie Ryan and a lovely, retro soundtrack

by Aaron and Bryce Dessner. Phoenix’s and Hoffmann’s performances as brother and sister make it one of the best sibling castings in recent memory. Altogether, C’mon, C’mon is one movie to catch this month. SC sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Wellness &

Prevention by Marci Mednick

Teens & Impaired Driving

P

arents and guardians have been protecting their child from dangers on and off the road for many years and then they suddenly find themselves handing over the keys to the family car during the teen years.

While a teen may look and sound like an adult once they get their license, they still lack real-world experience when it comes to operating a vehicle. Experts agree that it takes at least five years for teens to reach the skill level of most other drivers.

According to the Safe States Alliance, motor vehicle crashes currently rank as a leading cause of injury among individuals under 24 years of age. In fact, novice teen drivers are twice as likely as adult drivers to be involved in a fatal crash.

Teen drivers are involved in car crashes not because they are uninformed about the rules of the road. Rather, studies show that teens are involved in crashes because of inexperience and risk-taking, especially when driving with a teenage peer.

In a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study, teens were two and a half times more likely to engage in risky behavior while driving with a teen peer rather than alone. The likelihood increases to three times when traveling with multiple teen passengers.

While new drivers might be more vulnerable to peer pressure, driving fast, and distraction from their mobile phones, the greatest risk they face is impaired driving or riding with an impaired driver.

Impaired driving is operating a car under the influence of alcohol or any other type of drug, including prescription medications. In the U.S., a person is killed every 50 minutes by an impaired driver.

Alcohol and marijuana aren’t just illegal for teens to consume; use can be deadly if they drink or use and drive.

Impaired driving is entirely preventable when teens understand its dangers. It takes all of us—parents, schools, and the community—to make sure adolescents are equipped with the facts about San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Usually, it isn’t the impaired driver who is injured; it is everybody around them. The knowledge that your teen could injure or kill another person is alarming enough, but there are serious consequences for driving while impaired. California has the strictest DUI laws in the country. There are large fines, jail time, and a loss of license for anyone under the age of 21 with a BAC of 0.01% or more.

Despite feeling like your teen may listen to their friends more than you, numerous studies have shown that parents make a huge difference in their teens’ decisions when it comes to alcohol and other drug use.

It’s important to talk to your teen about your expectations when it comes to alcohol and other drugs, and that safety comes first. Let them know you won’t be angry if they find themselves in a situation where they don’t feel safe

impaired driving.

The legal limit for adults over the age of 21 is a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%, but impairment begins long before one reaches the 0.08 level. Research shows that some of the skills needed to drive safely begin to deteriorate even at the 0.02% blood-alcohol level. Alcohol reduces brain function by impairing WELLNESS & thinking, reasonPREVENTION ing, and muscle

BY MARCI MEDNICK coordination—all essential to operating a vehicle safely.

Make sure your child knows the dangers of riding with an impaired driver.

Before going out for the evening, discuss the options they have to get home safely.

Let them know their safety is your primary concern.

Page 12

and that you will be there when they need help.

Remember: You have more influence on your teen’s driving than you realize.

Teach them well and stay involved— whether they’re a driver or a passenger—to ensure their safety and your peace of mind.

Marci Mednick, community development specialist, leads Providence Mission Hospital’s youth substance use prevention initiative, including raisinghealthyteens. org and strengthinnumbersoc.org, which bring evidence-informed strategies to South Orange County. She can be reached at marci.mednick@stjoe.org. Providence Mission Hospital is a member of the Wellness & Prevention Coalition. 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

sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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SC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

Traditional Controversy This Holiday Season

D

ecember ’tis the season of traditions. The big guy in the red suit comes to town next week, and in anticipation, the halls are decked and stockings are hung.

Holiday traditions handed down from generation to generation create treasured memories and cherished celebrations— it’s why there’s no place like home for the holidays.

My family kicks off the Christmas season before the turkey leftovers are gobbled. The day LIFE’S A BEACH after Thanksgiving,

BY SHELLEY MURPHY from dawn to dusk, I transform the interior of our home into a merry winter wonderland.

Maybe it’s the toll of the past two years, but this month I yearned to cut back my copious collection of Christmas clutter.

I ran the idea by my husband, but he didn’t share my less-is-more outlook. Instead, Mr. Griswold strung so many bright lights outside that I’m certain Santa sees our house from the North Pole.

Before putting my plan in place, I asked my sons which seasonal decorations are most important to them. They agreed, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the trimmed tree and the staircase garland.

Then I asked my younger son, “You’re sure you won’t miss the drumming nutcrackers and dancing Santas?” He replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I revel in our holiday traditions, but there’s one ritual I relish—and it’s considered controversial.

Alas, the arrival of December always

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Chandler

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

rekindles the heated and decades-old debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

My answer: yes.

It’s not Christmas in my house until John McClane boards his holiday flight bound for Los Angeles and Nakatomi Plaza.

Skeptics disagree, including its star Bruce Willis, but there’s no denying the facts. First, the movie takes place at a holiday office party and on Christmas Eve. Second, its score is seasonally centric, and the soundtrack includes holiday classics and remixes of “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bells.”

Also, John McClane’s estranged wife’s name is Holly Gennero. A coincidence? I think not.

Perhaps director John McTiernan said it best: “We hadn’t intended it to be a Christmas movie, but the joy that came from it is what turned it into a Christmas movie.” Yippee-Ki-Yay… Another questionable holiday tradition is the Christmas pickle.

I first faced the Christmas pickle in September 1990, when I opened a wedding gift. The package contained several Christmas tree ornaments, including a bright green glass dill pickle.

The present came from an old family friend and, at the time, I considered the object a humorless joke or early dementia.

Only recently, I realized the American origin of the Christmas pickle dates to the late 1800s.

Like many heartwarming traditions, its creation is credited to a retailer who used it as a marketing tool to boost ornament sales.

The gimmick, or tradition, is to hide the pickle among the ornaments on the tree.

Then, on Christmas morning, the first

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Hi, I’m Chandler, a male 8-month-old brown tabby. I am a sweet boy and have been waiting for my forever home. I get along with other kitties, so having another feline friend at home would be awesome. I like to play with my mousey and love looking out the window at the birds. I need to be an indoor kitty. I would love a home for the holidays.

If you are interested in adopting Chandler, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.

Contributor: San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES San Clemente police officer Alex

Jimenez and Chief of Police Arthur Daneri stand next to their patrol car in front of the city’s first police and fire station at 104 Miramar in the late 1940s. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

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

person to find the pickle gets an extra gift or gets to open the first present; hence, also instigating the first sibling squabble of the day.

Maybe the most contentious Christmas tradition is that impish Elf on the Shelf.

The children’s book, and toy, arrived in 2005, too late for our family to adopt the mischief-maker. Parents are divided; they either love or hate the elfin rascal.

Lots of parents loathe the nightly task of relocating the playful elf.

I like to think I would’ve enjoyed the scout elf’s seasonal stay and gladly aided in his nighttime hijinks.

Sure, it’s bothersome, but the threat of an all-knowing elf reporting my boys’ naughty behavior back to Santa would’ve been worth my time.

But, then again, I’d also live in terror

the entire season for fear I’d forget to “return” the mischievous elf to Santa at the North Pole on Christmas Eve. From the ridiculous to the sublime, time-honored traditions foster our seasonal nostalgia and sense of belonging.

I hope this season, once again, finds families gathering together and celebrating their treasured traditions—for the holidays, you can’t beat home, sweet home.

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. 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

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 Page 15

See the solution in next week’s issue.

sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

TRITON REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

SCHS Grad Cole Fotheringham to Declare for NFL Draft

University of Utah tight end Cole Fotheringham has one more great college football game in his career, as the Utes prepare to play in their first-ever Rose Bowl against Ohio State on Jan. 1, but the 2016 San Clemente graduate already has his sights set on the next level.

Fotheringham announced his intention to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft following the Rose Bowl in an Instagram post on Monday, Dec. 13.

“I am beyond grateful for the experiences that this University and football team have provided me with,” Fotheringham wrote in the post. “The time goes by fast, and I have tried my best to be present through it all. Now, looking back, I am humbled and honored to have been part of so many special teams. I don’t doubt that the relationships I have made will carry with me through the rest of my life.”

Fotheringham is a fourth-year junior, due to an extra year of eligibility provided after the pandemic season of 2020. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound tight end has caught 13 passes for 109 yards this season, but he has also been cited as a key blocker in Utah’s run to its first Pac12 Conference championship.

“With that being said, I am excited to finish my college career with one more go at it in the Rose Bowl with my brothers,” Fotheringham wrote. “I will be declaring for the 2022 NFL draft with the hopes of continuing my football career.

Whatever happens in life, I am confident that my experience here at Utah will have prepared me to face whatever success or adversity may come.”

If Fotheringham is selected in the NFL Draft on April 28-30 in Las Vegas, he would be the fifth San Clemente High School alumnus to be selected and the first since former USC quarterback Sam Darnold was selected No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in 2018.

The other four Triton draft picks were Darnold, offensive lineman Sean Harlow (drafted in 2017 fourth round by Atlanta out of Oregon State), offensive lineman Kyle Murphy (drafted in 2016 sixth round by Green Bay out of Stanford) and quarterback Bill Kenney (drafted in 1978 12th round by Miami out of Northern Colorado).

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

University of Utah tight end Cole Fotheringham (pictured here as a San Clemente High School senior in 2015) announced his intention to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Fotheringham will play one final college game as the Utes take on Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Photo: File

If Fotheringham plays in the NFL, he’ll be the eighth former Triton to do so. In addition to the four drafted San Clemente alumni, offensive lineman Kevin Murphy (undrafted in 2012 out of Harvard) played with the Minnesota Vikings, offensive lineman Brian de la Puente (undrafted in 2008 out of Cal) played with the New Orleans Saints and wide receiver Trevor Insley (undrafted in 2000 out of Nevada) played with the Indianapolis Colts.

Heading into the Rose Bowl, Fotheringham has played in 33 games over three seasons at Utah with a career total of 37 receptions for 398 yards and three touchdowns.

At San Clemente, Fotheringham played in 34 games over three varsity seasons with 100 receptions for 1,244 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a senior, Fotheringham had 45 receptions for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 50 receptions for 585 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.

The Tritons lost in the CIF-SS championship game in both of those seasons.

As a sophomore, Fotheringham was one of a handful of Tritons who stepped in at quarterback for then-junior Darnold, who went down with an injury early in the 2013 season. Fotheringham was also a basketball teammate with

Darnold, as Fotheringham was a fouryear varsity player on the San Clemente boys basketball team.

Soccer Teams Continue Unbeaten Starts

The San Clemente boys and girls soccer teams remain unblemished in the loss column to begin their 2021-22 seasons.

The Triton boys have played on a tight edge through their first five games, but San Clemente has a more than positive record at 3-0-2. The Tritons have three 2-1 wins and two 1-1 draws. Host San Clemente played Edison to a 1-1 draw on Monday, Dec. 13.

San Clemente has received scoring from a variety of spots, including seniors Hayden Beauchemin, Aidan Tarango and Niko Kaczmarcyzk, plus sophomore Max Gonzalez. Beauchemin had a two-goal game in a win over Orange Lutheran on Dec. 8.

San Clemente’s boys are next scheduled to play in the SoCal Nike Classic in Oceanside from Dec. 27-30 before starting league play against Capistrano Valley on Jan. 5.

The Triton girls have allowed only one goal over three games for a 2-0-1 record.

San Clemente’s latest game came on Dec. 9, when the Tritons won at Dana Hills, 4-0.

Junior Mackenzie Gutowski, sophomore

Page 16

Charleen Coche and freshmen Sophia Yeskulsky and Taylor Hernandez each scored against Dana Hills, and senior Emily Sanchez and junior Rylie McLeish put together their second combined shutout of the season with seven saves.

San Clemente’s girls host Oceanside on Thursday, Dec. 16, and then play in the vaunted Excalibur Tournament in Costa Mesa from Dec. 27-29. The Tritons open league play against Aliso Niguel on Jan. 4.

Roundup

San Clemente boys basketball dropped its only game last week with a 66-54 loss at La Costa Canyon in Carlsbad on Dec. 9.

The Tritons have lost three in a row and play just once this week at Yorba Linda on Friday, Dec. 17. San Clemente then takes on Portola in the North-South Challenge on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Tesoro and hosts Dana Hills on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

San Clemente football senior offensive lineman Ethan Rooney was selected to the South roster for the Orange County All-Star Classic. The annual North vs.

South game, presented by the Los Angeles Chargers and Costa Mesa United, is scheduled for Feb. 5 at Newport Harbor High School. The South is coached by San Juan Hills coach and San Clemente High School alumnus Rob Frith. SC sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ATTORNEY

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Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY Call Lauralyn for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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Perfect for campfires, beach fires, home fires.

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING

Hoover Construction License B-774675 949.292.6778

MUSIC LESSONS

REALTORS

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

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

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

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

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

SALONS

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

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

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

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

Page 18

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

Page 19

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1723 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its Regular Meeting of December 7, 2021, adopted the following urgency ordinance: Urgency Ordinance No. 1723 entitled AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE ADDING CHAPTERS 16.50 AND 17.86 AND AMENDING SECTION 17.52.020 TO THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REGULATE URBAN LOT SPLITS AND TWOUNIT PROJECTS UNDER SB 9; AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA A full copy of the aforementioned Urgency Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California. Persons interested in receiving a copy of the Urgency Ordinance are invited to contact the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8301 or by email at campagnolol@san-clemente.org.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the above-referenced Urgency Ordinance was adopted at the Regular City Council meeting of December 7, 2021 by the following vote: AYES: DUNCAN, FERGUSON, KNOBLOCK, WARD, MAYOR JAMES NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NOS. 1721, 1722 and 1724 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its meeting of December 7, 2021, introduced the following ordinances: 1. Ordinance No. 1721 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 13.28 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WASTE DISCHARGE PRETREATMENT AND SOURCE CONTROL PROGRAM. 2. Ordinance No. 1722 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING TITLES 8 AND 12 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING SHOPPING CARTS, CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE NOT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. 3. Ordinance No. 1724 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE AS IT RELATES TO THE CITY MANAGER’S AUTHORITY TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE CITY CONTRACTS. Persons interested in receiving an inspection copy of the Ordinances are invited to call the Deputy City Clerk at (949) 361-8301 or by email at cam-

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

pagnolol@san-clemente.org. Copies will be emailed or mailed to you at no cost.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente will consider adopting the aforementioned Ordinances at its meeting of December 21, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Community Center Auditorium, located at 100 N. Seville, San Clemente.

City of San Clemente

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council

Governmental: General Government 7,451,563 438,392 7,013,171 Public Safety 29,789,255 2,757,490 27,031,765 Public Works 22,810,969 6,529,132 16,281,837 Community Development 7,018,388 3,351,128 3,667,260 9,710,744 3,392,134 6,318,610 Beaches, Parks & Recreation Interest and fiscal charges 1,125 - 1,125

In accordance with the State of California Government Code Section 40804, each city is required to publish a summary of its Annual Report of Financial Transactions. Following is a summary of Fiscal Year 2021 financial transactions for the City of San Clemente, based on the City Financial Statements.

Total Expenditures

PUBLIC NOTICE SECTION 00100 Notice Inviting Bids

Program Revenues

Net Expenditures/ (Excess) Revenues

Business: Water 23,374,090 25,828,212 ( 2,454,122) Sewer 13,963,910 10,923,878 3,040,032 Other 4,642,488 3,132,081 1,510,407

SHORECLIFFS GOLF COURSE STORM DRAIN REPAIR Project No. 12609

1. Notice. Public notice is hereby given that the City of San Clemente (“City”) will receive sealed bids for the following project:

118,762,532

56,352,447

62,410,085

General Revenues Taxes 56,361,038 Investment Earnings 616,364 Miscellaneous 135,349

SHORECLIFFS GOLF COURSE STORM DRAIN REPAIR, PROJECT NO. 12609 2. Electronic bids must be submitted prior to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, on the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal, at which time or thereafter bids will be opened and made available online. Bids received after this time will be considered non-responsive. Prospective bidders must first register as a vendor and then bid on this project via the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente.org/vendorbids.

Excess/(Deficiency) of General Revenue Over Net Expenditures

(5,297,334)

Beginning Fund Balance/Working Capital

495,702,950

Ending Fund Balance/Working Capital

$ 490,405,616

lowing classification: Class “A”. Failure to possess the specified license(s) at the time of bid opening shall render the bid as non-responsive and shall act as a bar to award the contract to that non-responsive bidder.

3. Project Scope of Work.

The work to be performed, in general, consists of furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor, and incidentals as required by the Plans, Specifications, and contract documents for CCTV inspection of existing storm drain facilities upstream and downstream of the storm drain repair zone, the removal of damaged 21” CMP storm drain, overexcavation and stabilization of the scour hole, construction of one (1) new manhole, new 27” RCP, concrete collars, scour hole backfill, native soil cap, and replanting sod to match existing golf course landscaping.. The general method of the storm drain repair work includes coordination with Shorecliffs Golf Course manager and maintenance staff to access the project site, develop, and maintain a staging area on Golf Course property proximate to the repair site, construction with small equipment to the greatest extent possible, secure the project site with perimeter fencing, construct tempory storm drain bypass, dewatering if required, shoring if required, removal and replacement of storm drain facilities within City’s storm drain easement, export unsuitable material, import crushed miscellaneous base, and minor erosion control BMP’s.

5.2. Department of Industrial Relations Registration. Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to perform public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”).

No bid will be accepted nor any contract entered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the DIR to perform public work. If awarded a contract, the Bidder and its subcontractors, of any tier, shall maintain active registration with the DIR for the duration of the Project.

5.3. City Business License. Prior to the Notice to Proceed for this contract, the Contractor shall possess a valid City of San Clemente business license.

6. Contract Documents. Bid documents, including instructions to bidders, bidder proposal form, and specifications (not including other documents incorporated by reference) may be downloaded, at no cost, from the City’s PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente.org/vendorbids. Bidders must first register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids system to view and download the Contract Documents, to be added to the prospective bidders list, and to receive addendum notifications when issued.

4. Contract Time: The work must be completed within thirty (30) Working Days from the date specified in the written Notice to Proceed.

Note: the work may be performed during the winter months and rainy season. The Contractor MUST include any additional costs and time in its Bid Price for any potential delays and/or bypassing methods of storm waters during construction.

7. Bid Proposal and Security.

7.1. Bid Proposal Form. No bid will be received unless it is made on a proposal form furnished by the City. Bidders must complete line items information (PlanetBids Line Items Tab), and attach a scanned copy of the paper

5. License and Registration Requirements.

5.1. State License. Pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 3300, the City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid California contractor’s license for the fol-

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Bid Form (SECTION 00400), Bid Bond (SECTION 004100), Non-Collusion Declaration (SECTION 00420), Contractor Information and Experience Form (SECTION 00430), List of Subcontractors Form (SECTION 00440), Iran Contracting Act Certification (SECTION 00450), Public Works Contractor Registration Certification (SECTION 00460) completed and uploaded in the PlanetBids “Attachments” Tab. 7.2. Bid Security. Each bid proposal must be accompanied by security in the form of cash, certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount. Personal checks or company checks are not acceptable forms of bid security. All certified and cashier’s checks must be drawn on a responsible bank doing business in the United States and shall be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bid bonds must be issued by a surety company licensed to do business in the State of California and must be made payable to THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE. Bids not accompanied by the required bid security will be rejected. For electronic submittal of bids, the bid security must be received at the City of San Clemente Public Works office, 910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100, San Clemente, CA 92673 within 24 hours of the bid opening date and time (excluding weekends and holiydays). The bid security must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, and the outside of the envelope must read as follows: OFFICIAL BID SECURITY - DO NOT OPEN SHORECLIFFS GOLF COURSE STORM DRAIN REPAIR Project No. 12609 Bid Opening Date: 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022 The bid security shall serve as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into a contract. Such guarantee shall be forfeited should the bidder to whom the

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM contract is awarded fail to enter into the contract within 15 calendar days after written notification that the contract has been awarded to the successful bidder.

8. Prevailing Wage Requirements.

8.1. General. This project is subject to the prevailing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes.

8.2. Rates. Prevailing rates are available online at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR and also available at the City of San Clemente Public Works Department Office at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673. Each Contractor and Subcontractor must pay no less than the specified rates to all workers employed to work on the project.

The schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. The rate for holiday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half.

8.3. Compliance Monitoring. Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby notified that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Relations. In bidding on this project, it shall be the Bidder’s sole responsibility to evaluate and include the cost of complying with all labor compliance requirements under this contract and applicable law in its bid.

9. Retention. Pursuant to the contract for this project, five percent (5%) of each progress payment will be retained as security for completion of the balance of the work.

Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of retention amounts from progress payments is permitted pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22300. Refer to the contract for further clarification.

10. Performance and Payment Bonds. The successful bidder, simultaneously with execution of the contract, will be required to provide Faithful Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Bonds are to be secured from a surety that meets all of the State of California bonding requirements, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, and is admitted by the State of California.

11. Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting. A Non-Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held for this bid solicitation at the job site on December 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Attendees shall congregate at the intersection of Avenida Vaquero and Calle Vicente, San Clemente, CA 92673 before walking to the site. Refer to the Instructions to Bidders section on how to submit any pre-bid questions.

NOTE: ALL ATTENDEES SHOULD WEAR FACE MASKS AND KEEP AT LEAST 6-FOOT SOCIAL DISTANCING. 12. Covid Pandemic Safety. Due to COVID pandemic, the contractor and his staff/workers need to comply with all State and Federal requirements as apply. At minimum, the contractor should provide masks for all workers, wash and sanitizing stations, and implement social distancing as much as possible. Any delays and/or costs associated with the above should be incorporated in all Unit Bid Items 13. Instructions to Bidders. Additional and more detailed information is provided in the Instructions

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

to Bidders, which should be carefully reviewed by all bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

14. Questions. All questions related to this bid solicitation must be submitted in writing via email to Amir K. Ilkhanipour at ilkhanipoura@san-clemente.org no later than January 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS, TO AWARD ALL OR ANY INDIVIDUAL PART/ ITEM OF THE BID, AND TO WAIVE ANY INFORMALITIES, IRREGULARITIES OR TECHNICAL DEFECTS IN SUCH BIDS OR IN THE BIDDING PROCESS. ANY CONTRACT AWARDED WILL BE LET TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER AS DETERMINED FROM THE BASE BID ALONE.

Attorney for Petitioner: Anthony Marinaccio, Marinaccio Law 225 W Broadway, Suite 103, Glendale, CA 91204 (818) 839-5220 Published in: San Clemente Times, DEC 2, 9, 16, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE

Dated December 9, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216621027 The following person(s) is doing business as: 1. MICHELLE RAMIREZ HOMES 1820 CANARD AVE PLACENTIA, CA 92870 ADDITIONAL FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S): 1B. MICHSWEETS_OC Full Name of Registrant(s): MICHELLE RAMIREZ 1820 CANARD AVE PLACENTIA, CA 92870 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed

City of San Clemente Public Works Department 910 Calle Negocio San Clemente, CA 92673 END OF NOTICE INVITING BID PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT L. WILSON Case Number: 30-2019-01104904-PR-PW-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of Robert L. Wilson A Petition for Probate has been filed by Leigh C. Wilson in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

above on: N/A MICHELLE RAMIREZ/s/MICHELLE RAMIREZ This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder on 11/19/2021 Publish: San Clemente Times December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021

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

CLASSIFIEDS

The Petition for Probate requests that Leigh C. Wilson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: A. Date: January 26, 2022 Time: 10:30 a.m. in Dept: C08 B. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) If you plan to appear, you must attend the hearing by video remote using Microsoft TEAMS (2) Go to the court’s website at http://www.occourts.org/media-relations/probate-mental-health.html to appear for probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting to your remote hearing call (657) 622-8278 for assistance.

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

Deadline 12pm Monday.

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY DEC. 18 8am – 508 Victoria, San Clemente Beach cruisers, exercise bike, Queen headboard, unique home items, more!

LAND TRADE/EXCHANGE

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

LAND TRADE/EXCHANGE 80 acres of land, Kern County, California Trade or Exchange, Call (909)985-2677

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as

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Then you need to be in the SC Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700, ext. 103 Page 21

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SC SURF

Talkin’ About Good Vibrations New Recording Studio and Surf Shop Looks to Fuse 2 Very Similar Cultures with a Long, Storied History

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

“I

’m glassing boards this morning, I’ll be back at the shop around 11,” read a text from Damien Brawner.

Located in the Shorecliffs zone near the DMV, Brawner Boards isn’t your standard surf shop. It’s a solid dose of soul situated in the nether regions between San Clemente and Dana Point.

And the shop, in the words of The Beatles, just keeps getting better every day.

“Glassing surfboards is what my family does, but music’s in our blood,” Brawner explained when we met up at the shop last week. “That’s why I’m expanding.”

Like his father and grandfather before him, Brawner is a drummer at heart.

Playing in bands and being around the music scene his whole life, he’s decided to put his experiences to good use and has launched the R&R Music Factory.

Brawner’s dad, Danny, was also a career surfboard glasser for Hobie; hence, the new operation’s name, which stands for “rhythm and resin.”

Damien Brawner, a local glasser and musician, has decided to put his experiences to good use and has launched the R&R Music Factory, which will serve as an expansion to his Brawner Boards surf shop in San Clemente. Photo: Jake Howard

“There’s nothing like this in the area, and it’s what I’m really passionate about,” Brawner continued.

What he’s talking about is the recording studio and performance space he’s been building out over the past few months. The recording studio has it all: rooms for recording vocal, drum and guitar tracks, as well as a full soundboard and engineering room to put it all together (along with the human talent to make the magic happen).

Soundproofed and cozy, the vibes are right, and it’s going to be fun to hear what comes out of there in the months and years ahead.

They have the full capacity to record and master songs, as well as the knowhow and understanding of what it takes to get one’s music listened to, which these days means navigating the confusing waters of online streaming services.

R&R Music Factory also has rooms for lessons. Brawner has recruited a strong group of musicians to share their knowledge. From vocals, to keys, to guitar, he’s even drummed up fiddle and banjo teachers.

“We want to be able to help the music scene grow, and whether you’ve been itching to learn an instrument or are serious about your music and want to

record it, that’s what we do. We can also help bands reach whatever their goals may be,” Brawner noted.

The performance space is an extension of Brawner’s original shop. Blowing out a few walls and constructing a small stage, he’s excited to host small musical events, as well as art shows, podcasts and more.

“It’s really a creative space. We can do a lot with it,” he added.

On Dec. 18, he’s opening the doors for an art show hosted by local surf artist Roy Gonzales. He’s also been hosting podcasts with Mitch Colapinto, San Clemente teacher, lifeguard and father to a couple surf stars.

Last week, Brawner celebrated the opening of R&R Music Factory with a little holiday party and is finally ready to share what he’s been working on with the world. There are still some finishing touches to be put on things, but the heart and soul of the place is there.

“Surfing and music, it’s what I’m all about, and this is the vision that I’ve had for a while now,” Brawner said. “It’s been a lot of work to get here, and it certainly hasn’t been cheap and easy, but it’s what I love. I think that the more people that learn about it will enjoy it.

We’re really excited.”

For more information, swing by the shop—or factory—at 220 Avenida Vaquero in San Clemente or check out brawnerboards.com.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. SC

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

SCOUT MITCHELL

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

G

Scout Mitchell. Photo: Courtesy of Brawner Boards

San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

etting that true grom experience at R&R Music Factory and Brawner Boards, 15-year-old Scout Mitchell is putting in the time working at the shop that’s sure to pay huge dividends in the future.

A stylish, powerful freesurfer, as well as a threat anytime she pulls on the jersey, Mitchell can do it all. Well-traveled and successful in WSA surf events, she’s a well-liked, much-respected member of the next generation of girls who are storming the sport at the moment.

And when the wind’s up or the surf’s down, Mitchell has some serious skills on the ukulele.

“She’s an incredible young woman, so talented, and it’s so great to have her at the shop,” says her boss, Damien Brawner.

“It’s kind of perfect; she’s a great surfer and incredible musician, too. She brings so much good energy to everything she does.”

Not only does she work at the shop, but Brawner’s also been helping support her with some great surfboards to ensure that she always has a good board under her feet.

In the water, at work or a jam session, Mitchell is a true surfer’s surfer. SC If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

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Water Temperature: 59-60 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 1-3 Thursday: A combination of North/ northwest and South/southwest swells set up waist-chest high surf,(3-4’).

Light/variable winds in the morning, turn light onshore for the afternoon.

Outlook: The swell blend maintains waistchest high waves, (3-4’), through Friday, then the surf gradually winds down over the weekend. By Sunday, waves are knee-waist high,(2-3’). Light/variable morning winds are followed by a light+ to periodically moderate afternoon sea breeze Friday through the weekend.

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San Clemente Times December 16-22, 2021

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