LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN THE BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS J A N U A RY 5 –1 1 , 2 0 1 2
LO C A L
N EWS
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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1
A Look Ahead Busy 2012 for San Clemente E Y E O N S C / PAG E 6
Lindsay Armstrong, lifeguard at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, stands in front of the facility that will close this month for renovations. Photo by Stacie N. Galang
www.sanclementetimes.com
Toll Roads Reappointment Hits Skids
Mayor Jim Evert Sets Priorities in 2012
New Year’s Eve by the San Clemente Historical Society
EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
SOAPBOX/PAGE 10
SC LIVING/PAGE 20
Eye on SC
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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
SC S a n C le m e n te
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A Supreme Court decision upholding laws eliminating redevelopment agencies will cost San Juan Capistrano millions of dollars and force the sale of several downtown parcels, City Attorney Omar Sandoval told the City Council Tuesday. Like San Clemente and other cities, Capistrano opted to “pay to play,” and give a higher percentage of taxes from property in its redevelopment area to the state. But that law was struck down, and now redevelopment agencies are dissolved. That means the property taxes in the area, which used to go to the city, will be split among the city, school district and other agencies. San Juan loses about $11 million for affordable housing, and about $5 million in loans the city made the redevelopment agency. Also, land held by the agency, including the community playhouse, will be sold off.
News
Next Door W hat ’s going on in our n e ig h b oring towns
DANA POINT Dana Point City Council is starting 2012 off, not only with a new mayor, but also with a new meeting schedule. At the December 12 meeting, 2011 Mayor Pro Tem Lara Anderson was selected by fellow council colleagues to serve as mayor in the new year, following Scott Schoeffel’s 2011 term. Anderson was elected to the council in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. She served as mayor in 2006 and holds the distinction of being Dana Point’s youngest council member and mayor. Council meeting days, which have been held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month since 2008, will change to the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The first meeting of the year is set for January 17, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 33282, Golden Lantern in Dana Point.
S A N C L E M E N T E ’ s T o p 5 H o ttest T o p i cs
What’s Up With... 1
... a Representative to the Toll Roads?
THE LATEST: Council member Jim Dahl remains a board member on two Transportation Corridor Agencies’ committees but it’s unclear how much longer that will last. Mayor Jim Evert and Council woman Lori Donchak voted Tuesday, January 3 to reappoint Dahl to the boards for the Foothill Transportation Agency and the San Joaquin Transportation Agency. But council members Bob Baker and Tim Brown said they didn’t want to reappoint Dahl because his most recent votes to continue the toll road to Ortega Highway had not reflected the will of residents. “I’m very disappointed in (Dahl’s) vote,” Baker said. “I don’t think he’s doing an adequate job of it.” “Frankly, on his recent vote, I was also disappointed,” Brown said. Dahl, who asked to be reappointed, had to recuse himself from the vote and left the chamber. WHAT’S NEXT: The tie vote meant Dahl would remain as the city’s representative to both toll road boards, at least for now. But since no majority prevailed, City Manager George Scarborough wanted City Attorney Jeff Goldfarb to research the council’s next steps to ensure members didn’t violate ethics restrictions. Scarborough also preferred to continue the talk of the TCA appointments to the next meeting. The TCA’s next board meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of the month at its headquarters at 125 Pacifica, Irvine. FIND OUT MORE: To watch the council’s discussion online, visit the city’s website at www.san-clemente.org. — Stacie N. Galang
San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
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... Sports Parks Name?
THE LATEST: Vista Hermosa Sports Park is the name the City Council gave the megapark expected to open this month. On a 3-2 vote, the council opted to go with the name recommended by city staff. Parks Director Sharon Heider said Vista Hermosa worked because it fit in with the Spanish names used throughout the city and indicated the location of the park. But Bob Baker and Jim Evert said they preferred the name reflect the entire city and contain San Clemente. The taxpayers had funded the construction, Baker noted. “I think we’re doing people a disservice,” Baker said. “I mean, this thing is a big deal to the city.” Later, the council voted to name the pool area around it the San Clemente Aquatics Center though city staff had recommended naming it the Vista Club. The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department had actually solicited names from the public, receiving about 150 suggestions. The department had also sought corporate sponsors for the city’s largest park but no corporations came forward. WHAT’S NEXT: Heider said the city still plans to open the newly named Park January 28 at 10 a.m. FIND OUT MORE: See www.san-clemente. org. —SNG
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... Fire Severity Zones?
THE LATEST: Some areas of the city are now considered at higher risk for fire, while others have been downgraded. With a second passage this week, the City Council adopted ordinance changes at the recommendation of the Orange County Fire Authority and with city staff’s own scrutiny of updated maps of the city.
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones were established by the state in 1996 and later adopted by San Clemente, according to the staff report. Structures built in the worst zones must be built with fire resistive features. The highest severity zones tend to be near the outskirts of the city line to the south and east, but a small swath in the northwest portion of the city is also affected, according to maps provided by the fire authority. The staff report said that the changes in designations should not affect homeowner’s property insurance. WHAT’S NEXT: The city received the updated maps in October and had 120 days to adopt them. FIND OUT MORE: To view the maps, visit www.san-clemente.org. —SNG
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… Vandalism at Park Semper Fi?
THE LATEST: Vandals tore out planters and left a wake of trash on New Year’s Eve in Park Semper Fi to the dismay of those who maintain the small park with a statue of a Marine. After discovering the mess, volunteers cleaned up the beer bottles and cigarette butts and fixed the lighting that had been tinkered with to aim away from the monument. “Fortunately none of the fixtures were broken, but we will probably have to prune the rest of the damaged shrub next week,” said Glen Frohlich in an email to Wayne Eggleston, executive director of the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation. Frolich maintains landscaping at the park and received a call about the first calls about the vandalism. WHAT’S NEXT: Eggleston described the vandal’s work as an “outrage” and sent
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a letter to Lt. Paul D’Auria, chief of police services, and the City Council. “This is not the first time as it is becoming a regular issue,” Eggleston wrote. “I have gone up there at night but have not seen anyone — and will continue to go up there at night.” FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanclementetimes.com for updates. — SNG
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...Sears Closing?
THE LATEST: The cycle is complete. The Sears Essentials store on Camino de Estrella is closing and will reopen as a Kmart. The store, at 550 Camino de Estrella, was a Kmart for decades until converted to a Sears more than five years ago. Kmart is owned by Sears, merging in 2005. A clearance sale, advertising discounts as high as 70 percent, is underway, but customers are warned that all sales are final. Merchandise purchased at the San Clemente store cannot be returned at any other Sears or Kmart. The roots of the Sears chain go back to 1886, when railroad station manager Richard Sears, already selling lumber on the side, launched the R.W. Sears Watch Company in Minneapolis. By the 1890s, he and Alvah C. Roebuck were running a profitable mail-order business. Today, Sears has more than 800 full-line and more than 1,350 specialty stores in the United States although the retailer just announced plans to close 80. The first Kmart opened in Michigan in 1962. Today, there are more than 1,300 Kmart stores across the United States and its territories. WHAT’S NEXT: Kmart is expected to open in March. FIND OUT MORE: See www.searsholdings. com. —Jonathan Volzke www.sanclementetimes.com
Eye on SC City and Community Calendar Thursday, January 5 Golf Course Committee Meeting 7 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.sanclemente.org. Bingo 1 p.m. Games at The Dorothy Visser Senior Center with entertainment by Global Affair. 117 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.3322, www.san-clemente.org. Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 6 p.m. Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous may have the answer. 929 Calle Negocio, Suite H, San Clemente, 949.266.9631.
Friday, January 6 TGIF Party 12 p.m. Celebration at The Dorothy Visser Senior Center with entertainment by Global Affair. 117 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.3322, www.san-clemente.org.
Sunday, January 8 Rise and Shine Fitness Hike 8 a.m.-10 a.m. A brisk paced four mile morning nature hike at Ladera Open Space, East Trail. Hosted by the Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.
Monday, January 9 Toddler Story Time 10:30 a.m. Toddlertime for children ages 2-3 with adult participation at the San Clemente Library; includes stories and activities. Advanced sign up required. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.
Tuesday, January 10 SC Sunrise Rotary Club 7:15 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Heritage Grille at the Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega, 949.369.0663, www. scsunriserotary.org. After School Club 3:30 p.m. Event with crafts and more for kids 5 and older at the San Clemente Library. Advanced signup required. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org. Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 6 p.m. Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.
Wednesday, January 11 Kiwanis Meeting noon. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis. com. SC Rotary Club noon. Irons in the Fire, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org. San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
SC Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled By JONATHAN VOLZKE All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.
Tuesday, January 3 PEDESTRIAN CHECK Calle Deschecha/Avenida Pico (2:06 a.m.) Deputies checking on a pedestrian out early in the morning found he was wanted on a failure-to-appear warrant. He was arrested. DISTURBANCE Marquita, 200 Block (12:34 a.m.) A neighbor complained about loud noises coming from a home. The resident was moving out and packing loudly. A few hours earlier, the woman reported her ex-husband came over to help her move, and she suspected he’d stolen a bag with $400 in it.
Monday, January 2 WELFARE CHECK Estampida, 3100 Block (11:45 p.m.) A caller reported a friend had been drinking for two days and may hurt himself. His wife and kids had left the house. DISTURBANCE Via Merluza, 600 Block (11:50 p.m.) An apartment dweller reported the couple above him sounded like they were fighting. The resident above, the caller reported, is a Marine possibly suffering post-traumatic stress. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Plaza La Playa/Avenida La Costa (11:08 p.m.) People were burning a Christmas tree on the beach. FAMILY DISPUTE Calle Vallarta, 700 Block (9:24 p.m.) A woman reported her 17-year-old son stole a bottle of prescription medications from her. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (8:44 p.m.) Deputies were asked to check on a dog left in a car for more than two hours in front of the theater. The dog, the caller said, appeared cold. Animal control advised deputies it’s illegal to leave an animal in an unattended vehicle regardless of the weather or for how long. The deputy said the dog appeared fine and was barking.
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Verano, 3500 Block (6:54 p.m.) A man reported finding what he believed was human hair with blood in it on his porch. CITIZEN ASSIST Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (6:36 p.m.) A man wanted to talk to deputies about a 16-year-old neighbor he suspected was involving his 14-year-old son in drugs. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (5:04 p.m.) A woman reported seeing a car circle a convenience store several times before four “gang types” jumped out and tried to attack another man. DISTURBANCE Del Gado Road, 100 Block (4:34 p.m.) A woman reported her daughter was out of control in the garage. Dispatchers could hear a woman screaming and throwing things, then the woman, 38, took off down the street. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Del Verdor, 4:15 p.m. (4:20 p.m.) A teen-aged boy asked a resident for a drink of water. The resident thought that was suspicious and noted the area had been hit by burglaries recently. SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES North Ola Vista/Avenida Granada, (3:47 p.m.) Somebody was using the water at a business to wash a Camaro, even though the business was closed. GENERAL BROADCAST Camino de Los Mares/Calle Campana (2:07 p.m.) Deputies were asked to be on the lookout for teens throwing water balloons and shooting spitwads from a black SUV. WELFARE CHECK Via Nada, 200 Block (1:29 p.m.) A father reported his son’s roommate told him his son hadn’t been seen since Friday night, although his truck was still out front. The man’s bedroom door was locked, but the roommates were afraid to break in. PROWLER REPORT Avenida Serra, 100 Block (8:59 a.m.) A woman reported a neighbor across the street was peeping into her windows. UNKNOWN TROUBLE Camino Vera Cruz/Avenida Pico (11:42 p.m.) A woman reported her 13-year-old daughter was walking home from school when she heard a woman yelling “I don’t want to lose my virginity like this.” Deputies searched the area, even patrolling on foot, but could not find anything amiss.
Sunday, January 1 DISTURBANCE Calle Neblina, 400 Block (7:57 p.m.) A woman reported kids were throwing eggs
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at her house. Deputies rounded them up and released them to their parents. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Caballeros/El Oriente (7:42 p.m.) A caller saw a bunch of teens near a silver Audi that appeared to have gone off the side of the road. The kids said they did not need any help. Deputies found the airbags had been deployed and a flatbed tow truck was needed. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Camino de Los Mares/Portico del Sur (7:54 p.m.) Firefighters notified deputies that the driver of a single-car accident was walking away. The man was described as white, in his 50s with short gray hair. He was wearing blue jeans, a shirt and brown hiking shoes. DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Mar, 200 Block (4 p.m.) A shopkeeper reported a man and woman in their 50s were throwing flour at people walking by the store. GRAND THEFT Calle Amistad, 100 Block (11:58 a.m.) A woman reported her son stole more than $1,000 from her —and she wanted to press charges. SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (8:47 a.m.) Someone threw a rock through a bank window. At 7:08 a.m., deputies responded to a report that the door at a pizza place in the same area had been kicked in. BATTERY REPORT Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (5:04 a.m.) A man in the emergency room with a broken arm reported he was jumped near the pier. DRUNK IN PUBLIC El Camino Real, 500 Block (2:48 a.m.) A man, obviously drunk, reported that he could not get a taxi to take him home. He called 9-1-1 to ask deputies for a ride, saying he’d otherwise drive while under the influence. DISTURBANCE Avenida de La Rivera, 200 Block (12:55 a.m.) A caller reported that someone was beating up her friend. A homeowner said the girl came to the door distraught, asking to use the phone. The girl’s knees were cut; the homeowner did not know where the friend was. UKNOWN TROUBLE El Camino Real, 300 Block (12:26 a.m.) Dispatchers overheard a fight through the phone lines: A woman was screaming “stop hitting me,” with a male voice in the background. Another male was also heard, and the woman was yelling “you don’t get to drive.” The woman then said she had everything under control. A 26-year-old man, who listed his occupation as a “manager,” was taken into custody. www.sanclementetimes.com
Eye on SC
A Look Ahead: Busy 2012 for San Clemente From the Ole Hanson Beach Club to the La Pata Extension, the city has a packed agenda By Stacie N. Galang San Clemente Times
Advisory Committee approved the second draft of its goals and policies and an early draft of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was received, according to Scarborough. Other parts of the document are being prepared and fine-tuned. The adoption of the General Plan, at least according to the city’s website, is expected to come this year. “The balance of draft General Plan goals, policies and implementation measures are being prepared,” Scarborough said. “The consultant and staff are also working on a strategy to integrate the General Plan’s implementation program with the long-term financial plan, council priority setting and annual budget processes.”
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ou don’t need a crystal ball to know San Clemente will be busy in the coming year. Last year, the city checked off some of its biggest projects off its to-do list, namely the openings of the Target Store and the Dorothy Senior Center and adjacent fire station. From the Ole Hanson Beach Club to the city’s General Plan to the La Pata Extension, the city has major projects on the docket for 2012. Parks and Recreation This year — and in fact this month—the city hopes to open its newly named Vista Hermosa Sports Park, a 45-acre complex with a football hub, soccer hub, youth baseball hub and aquatics center. The facility will also have a miniature golf course and a Flow Rider surf area. Discussions of the park began as early as mid-2004 and after nearly seven years of planning and construction will open within days. “The new community park will provide a significant boost to our community youth athletic programs,” City Manager George Scarborough said in a statement. “In particular the new aquatic complex provides an important, much-needed, resource to our community aquatic programs.” The city manager predicted the park and aquatics center would be among “best youth athletic resource in South County.” And with the opening of the new park comes the closing of the Ole Hanson Beach Club, which will be assessed for renovations. The City Council selected Architectural Resources Group to start investigating the building and determine the work for the historic renovation, according to Scarborough. The architect’s plan is also expected to provide a detailed cost estimate for the building overhaul. Very early projections put the cost into the $1.5 million range. Georgette Korsen, president of the San Clemente Historical Society, said her organization will play the role of oversight. “The only thing that I can say is we obviously want the integrity of the building maintained,” she said. The beach club was designed by architect Virgil Westbrook, who lived and worked in San Clemente. Since the original structure was built, some elements — such as windows — have been eliminated, Korsen said. She hoped some of the lost elements could be restored. “We appreciate being brought into the fold,” she said. “The city is bringing us in at an early time.” La Pata Extension Last year’s earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Fukushima, Japan brought to San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
Key permits are expected to come this month and help with the cleanup of Poche Beach. File photo
the fore the need to work on other routes out of San Clemente. City and county officials have made it a priority to get the $83 million La Pata Extension project underway, at least the funding and fine details of the plan, said County Supervisor Patricia Bates. The goal is to break ground by 2013 and complete the project by 2015, she said. “It’s really about rounding up the dollars,” she said. “So we’ll continue that effort and reach out to every opportunity that’s there on the funding front to ensure we can break ground in 2013 or 2014.” The extension is important to mobility in the area, particularly east San Clemente, Talega and Forster Ranch, the supervisor said. It’s one of Bates top work programs this year. The county supervisor said she hopes Congress will add language for evacuation routes to key transportation bills. If lawmakers do affirm the addition, Bates believes La Pata will be more competitive for federal tax dollars. “We do have enough money to begin the project and get some more permitting things out of the way,” Bates said. Key to keeping down costs on such a large project will be planning and taking advantage of the favorable bidding climate, the supervisor said. “Every delay in the front end makes it cost more money,” Bates said. “We’re going to hope we get in that window.” Scarborough said the La Pata extension to Ortega Highway would provide an important secondary route to enter and exit the community and provide traffic relief on both Avenida Pico and Vista Hermosa. The city manager noted that the county has $65 million in funding and in addition to federal money, he hoped county Measure M grant dollars could also help with project costs.
Long-term Beach Improvements If San Clemente is known for one thing, it’s the beaches. Short-term work to reduce pollution at Poche Beach and long-term work to bring back more sand are on the horizon in 2012. While it’s been said before that the cleanup of embattled Poche Beach will get its fix soon, this time key permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to do the work at the county-run beach are expected to come this month, according to Bates office. The only remaining hurdle will be the Coastal Commission. “I understand it’s on target,” Bates said. “The stars are aligning and, yes, they shine brightly.” Bates said she believed the longstanding pollution issues at Poche would be solved in 2012 and make it a better year for residents and other people who frequent the beach. Dovetailing with the cleanup of Poche will be continued work to plan for sand replenishment along San Clemente’s shoreline by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Scarborough said that with the review period and final feasibility completed for the replenishment, it’s just a matter of time for the corps to prepare a final study, which in turn is expected to go to follow the chain of command up to Congress. To that end, the city approved an additional $45,000 contract with its lobbying firm Marlow and Company, of which $20,000 was to be set aside for the shoreline erosion project. The General Plan Progress is being made on the city’s roadmap to its future — the General Plan. Last month, the 25-member General Plan
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The Library Expansion Now that the senior center moved to its new digs, the county-run library renovations will get underway. Thus far, the county has hired an architect to design the expansion and designs should be completed this summer and construction this fall, according to Scarborough. He estimated the upgrades would double the size of the existing library and provide better services to San Clemente residents. Bates said the county project would bring a newly refurbished and accessible library for the city. “Everyone’s really excited about that,” she said. “Hopefully, that’s going to be up and running the first of the year (2013) so that’s great.” The $1.5 million expansion will double of the size of the current library and significantly improve library services. On the Bubble: Transportation Projects Scarborough said that the single most important project to relieve traffic congestion in San Clemente will be the Pico Interchange project, which will widen the interchange and add lanes. The city manager said the environmental and design work is planned for 2012 and 2013 and construction will begin in summer of 2014. The project, overseen by Caltrans and Orange County Transportation Authority, will be paid for by a combination of federal and county dollars, he said. While plans begin with the Pico Interchange, city street improvements will need an upgrade. The city’s Street Improvement Program paid for since 1996 with gas tax funds, has expired and this year will be the last the city can put the funds in its coffers, Scarborough said. The city manager said the city is preparing a report on the state of city streets and deciding whether to continue the program that has helped keep Volkswagen Beetles from driving into gargantuan potholes. To keep the program, the city is required to take the issue to city voters, according to Scarborough. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
Eye on SC
News Bites
Compiled by Jonathan Volzke
P r o ps , R e c o g n i t i o n s a n d M o r s e ls o f I n f o Spread the Love Donates Items
Library Luncheon Set
u Bernice Ayers Middle School students who are members of the Spread the Love Club, collected toys to give to the children at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and coordinated a tube sock and canned meat drive for the Los Angeles Mission Homeless Shelter. The students in this club meet each week during lunch period to brainstorm and plan ways to make a positive difference in the community. The club’s teacher -coordinator is Kari Woods. “I want to let them know that teenagers are making a difference,” she said by email. “I started this campaign because I wanted to give my students a hands-on project to let them know that they can help shape their world. They have that power.” The coordinator, parent volunteers and 25 club members delivered the children’s gifts December 16. Woods, who started the group in 2004, said the group plans to do more fundraisers, selling everything from bracelets to T-shirts with their motto on it. For more information, visit www.spreadthelove.us.
u New York Times best-selling crime and mystery writer Don Winslow is among those who will be featured as San Clemente “Friends of the Library” presents the Twelfth Annual Meet the Author’s Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, February 25 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf and Country Club in Mission Viejo. In addition to Winslow, featured authors include Jonna Doolittle Hoppes and Dianne Dixon. Professional artist, Robin Wethe Altman, will design the program and display her paintings. Winslow has authored 15 crime and mystery stories, and his Savages is in film production, directed by Oliver Stone. Also, Warner Brothers is producing his novel, Satori, with Leonardo Di Caprio in the lead role. Jonna Doolittle Hoppes is a military historian. Her book, Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle, is a memoir of her grandfather’s heroic deed of bombing Tokyo in April, 1942. Diana Dixon, a television wrier and winner of the Humanitas Prize of Excellence in Screen writing, will speak on her 2010 book, Language of Secrets. Artwork is being donated by Robin Wethe Altman, renowned artist of the 2011 “Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair.” Altman is a 10-year participant in the Laguna Beach Art Festival and is represented by Laguna Watercolor Gallery. The Friends of the Library’s main goal is to support the San Clemente Library and its current expansion. In 2011 the “Meet the Authors Luncheon” raised more than $10,000 and book store revenues contributed another $50,000. The Friends sponsor Summer Children’s Programs for 2,617 children, as well as, the entire adult and teen programs. 1000 children’s books and craft materials are major purchases by the Friends. The organization pays for a third of all library books, including critical reference books, and all audio and visual material. The San Clemente Library is requesting state assistance for a $2 million expansion of the library. Councilwoman Lori Donchak stated that there is an $800,000 funding shortfall. The local community and its volunteers are needed to continue the expansion and to update the library resources and its programs. For more information, see www.sanclementefol.org or contact event Chairwoman Pam Cariker at 760.702.6837 or pcariker1@ roadrunner.com.
Long Trip for Beagle Ends with San Clemente Residents u Residents Josephine and Stephanie Walton have adopted a 5-year-old beagle rescue after viewing a plea for help from the Beagle Freedom Project as reported on ABC 7 news just prior to Thanksgiving. The beagles were used in animal experimentation in a research laboratory in Spain that was closing down, and the fate of the 90 beagles was likely death. All 90 beagles were rescued and flown to various countries—the U.S. receiving 40, which were flown to California and The Beagle Freedom
Monty, the beagle, was rescued by Josephine and Stephanie Walton. Courtesy photo
San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
Spread the Love club members display their items to donate. Courtesy photo
Project. The Waltons applied, and waited as the adoption process proceeded. They received their new addition on December 19, just in time for Christmas. Monty, as he is now named, is getting used to his new surroundings, taking walks, feeling the sunshine on his face, and having the loving company of humans. He has a long road to recovery and is learning how to be a dog— and has some extra help from their 2-year-old shih tzu, Binks, who up to now has been running the show.
Watch Pro Golf; Support the Boys & Girls Club in SC u The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is participating in the Tickets Fore Charity program, a unique fundraising opportunity by the PGA Tour’s Northern Trust Open, which is scheduled for February 13-19, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Through Tickets Fore Charity, the Boys & Girls Club has the opportunity to sell Northern Trust Open tickets, with 100 percent of the net proceeds from these ticket sales donated directly to charity, 80 percent to the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area and 20 percent to the LA Junior Chamber of Commerce Charity Foundation. The Tickets Fore Charity program is offering a Daily Grounds ticket for $30; a Weekly Grounds Ticket Book for $80; and a Weekly Clubhouse Ticket for $275. To purchase tickets or for additional information about the Tickets Fore Charity program, call Teri Halliday at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area office at 949.484.0197 or tickets can be purchased online at www.BeGreatSanClemente.org.
Katherine McKernan. Courtesy photo
Student Wins Poetry Award in Cricket Magazine Competition u Katherine McKernan, 9, of San Clemente received first place in the September 2011 Cricket League poetry competition. For this contest, each entrant was asked to submit an original poem about a special moment. Katherine’s poem “Dusk,” appears on the Cricket League pages of the January 2012 issue and is posted at www.cricketmagkids. com/contests. Cricket features the best short stories, poems, and articles by the world’s finest children’s authors and is illustrated by the best artists from here and abroad. Katherine’s poem: Dusk My favorite time of the day Is when the sun decides to go to sleep for the night. The moon wakes up and signals for the stars. I slip into my bed, turn off the lights, Darken dream’s doorstep, And slip off into the night.
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HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Stacie N. Galang, 949.388.7700, x109 sgalang@sanclementetimes.com Advertising
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Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne ART/Design Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd
ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING
Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett
Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne
> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)
INTERNS Austin Patrick Reagan
> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)
SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist
Sales Associate Angela Edwards OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle
City Council Corner: By Mayor Jim Evert
Economic Development in San Clemente a Focus in 2012 H appy New Year San Clemente! I am enthusiastically looking forward to representing our city as your mayor this coming year. I’d like to welcome 2012 as the year for economic development expansion in San Clemente. Not only am I proud to live in San Clemente, but proud to be part of the United States, which has the largest economy in the world. Likewise, California’s economy is the eighth largest in the world. With these positive national and statewide figures, there’s no reason San Clemente can’t play off this momentum and be poised to rev up its economic engine in 2012. It is my goal to make San Clemente one of the best places in Orange County to do business. We already know it’s the best place to live. Realtors say, “Location, location, location.” I say, “Jobs, jobs, jobs.” I know it’s what everyone is talking about now and for
good reason. A lot of people are still out of work. As a City Council, we need to do our part here to make business startups easier. This starts with San Clemente becoming more Jim Evert business-friendly and providing a better road map for business people to maneuver through the city regulatory processes. We already manage a website with a wealth of static information and a video library that can be useful to businesses considering relocation to San Clemente, and we publish reports and materials helpful to new businesses, including reports with economic trend data. But there are more things we can do, such as aggressively work to maintain current
Letters to the Editor Public Parks Not for Toll Roads Randal Seech, San Clemente
I am so weary of the arguments surrounding the 241 extension. I thought the issue was settled. The Coastal Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce agreed that the toll road extension should not go through the San Mateo State Park, but that other routes are still options. Of course, it would be easier to put a road through an undeveloped, protected area, but the reason for that is that it has been protected from most development. State parks should not be land development savings accounts to be developed once everything else has already been built up. The city of San Clemente and developers have planned poorly. Over the years they themselves have made alternative routes difficult to access by San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
the way they developed the areas east of Interstate-5. Instead of planning for building the extension through an area under city control, they preferred to push it through a protected habitat - a state park, which is not in their control. It’s almost as if they could not believe they wouldn’t get their way. No one should be surprised that everyone isn’t enamored with the idea of putting a multi-lane thoroughfare through a public state park. Poor planning is not a good reason to compromise our parks. One of the writers to your paper made the claim that opposition to the San Mateo alignment “is all about holding down” the number of surfers at Trestles. I, for one, am not a surfer. I seldom use the beach at that end of (Cont. on page 11)
business retention efforts; maintain a list of inventory of vacant sites and buildings; and develop marketing strategies to recruit new business, just to name a few. With a new Target on board, I think we’ve made good progress in this area, but there’s more work to be done. Target employs 225 people at their San Clemente store and approximately 80 percent of these employees are San Clemente residents. This is significant, considering 7.4 percent of San Clemente’s workforce is out of work. It’s progress like this that helps us get residents back to work, plus the community benefits from a healthy sales tax revenue which, from the new Target, is projected to be $300,000 a year. This is not to say I advocate changing our unique village character or small-town atmosphere—these things we cherish. I do wish for us to strike a balance as we manage our growth and development while we concurrently improve our economy and local job opportunities. The new General Plan document that is being crafted makes a point of this. Through a third-party survey conducted in 2009, residents were asked specific questions about San Clemente’s future. A large percentage of those surveyed said economic development programs that improve the city’s tax base, 82 percent, and attract new businesses and jobs to San Clemente, 71 percent, were high or medium priorities for the city. Another development project of tremendous benefit for our town is the Marblehead Coastal “The Plaza at San Clemente” retail project. I am pleased this project is showing signs of resurgence. The construction plans for this project received city approval several years ago, but has been unable to move forward because the infrastructure commitments are the responsibility of the residential developer of the adjacent property, which filed bankruptcy in 2008. A bankruptcy settlement
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has been reached and the project is back on track to build an approximately 640,000 square-feet specialty retail center with 100 upscale outlet shops, restaurants and a boutique hotel. The developer, Craig Realty Group, anticipates upwards of 1,000 local jobs at build-out. I speak on behalf of your City Council when I say we will remain very close to this project to help it along a viable path in 2012. To accomplish economic development expansion, communication will be key. I plan to be visible in the community and I want to hear from you. I plan to continue some great communication tools already in place by my predecessor councilwoman Lori Donchak, and I plan to introduce some new tools, too. My fireside chats will be a fun and personal activity where I can come to your place of business, your residence, your neighborhood clubhouse, or other venue to speak to small groups about any topic. I understand so many of you lead busy lives, working, raising children and more and don’t always have the time to speak at City Council meetings. I want to make sure you are informed and you have access to answers and ensure your concerns are addressed. Here’s how we can accomplish this together: • Mayor’s hours Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Fireside chats upon request • Mayor’s walks to be announced • City Council meetings • Email me at EvertJ@san-clemente.org • Phone me at 949.361.8322 Again, it is my privilege to serve you, and I look forward to making San Clemente another great year to remember. Jim Evert was elected to the City Council in 2010. SC PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.
www.sanclementetimes.com
SOAPBOX
Letters to the Editor (cont.) town. However, I am opposed to public parkland being used for thoroughfares. The writer also states that “scientific facts” have destroyed the claim that the 241 would have a negative impact on the state park. What “scientific facts” disprove that highway noise and run-off will have a negative impact? The entire valley would be filled with highway noise. Wildlife would be cut off from their established corridors. Oil, trash and chemicals would enter the creek from the road and from accelerated upstream development. State parks are places for protecting and enjoying nature, not for developing major highways. In my opinion it is time to follow the decisions that have already been made and seek out an alternative route, even if it’s not Transportation Corridor Agency’s preference. The fight will go on, I suppose, and we will fight to protect our park while others fight for a road.
Nuclear Industry Distorts Data Roger Johnson, San Clemente
It is revealing when those in the nuclear industry resort to personal insults to silence critics of San Onofre (SC Times, December 15). Mr. Peters wants us to believe that insiders like himself are completely objective and automatic experts while others are not qualified to comment. This reminds me of a famous quote by Upton Sinclair. “It’s difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on him not understanding it.” How can a nuclear engineer argue that plutonium is not dangerous? Plutonium is one of the most toxic substances on earth. Twenty micrograms of plutonium indeed can be lethal. Invisible microscopic particles of plutonium cause bone, liver and lung cancer. It is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. Those within the 50-mile danger zone should realize that San Onofre produces isotopes of plutonium every day. Mr. Peters is correct that Ralph Nader, whom I never mentioned, overestimated the casualties caused by an airborne release of a pound of plutonium dust. We now know that only 2 million would die. Should we feel safe because Mr. Nader was wrong? Mr. Peters goes on to ridicule studies, which predict 50,000 casualties from a meltdown. One such study was commissioned by the NRC in 1982 and carried out by the Sandia National Labs. It is called the Calculation of Reactor Action Consequences or CRAC-II study and one scenario estimates 50,000 deaths, 150,000 injuries and $274 billion to $314 billion in property damage, not recoverable by insurance. When the NRC, which is funded by the nuclear industry, learned of these damaging results, it naturally criticized the study. Others point out that the consequences might be much worse today because of huge population San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
Wavelengths: By Jim Kempton
January 1: Déjà vu All Over Again
Our New Year’s resolutions are often popular with the rest of society and frequently turn out to be the same as last year’s
N
ew Year’s reminds us that earth has once again orbited the sun. We acknowledge being back at the same point in the universe – and yet somehow 12 months older. Struggling to change our personal position on this hurtling globe of ours, we end up where we started. Take the millions of recent New Year resolutions Americans just made. Does it seem like we make the same ones each year? Recent polls show that the No. 1 New Year’s resolution — voiced by more than 50 percent of Americans — is the promise to “appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.” That same resolution has been the No. 1 vow for more than a century now. Of course, there is a good reason why these same pledges repeat themselves. New Year’s resolutions have the unfortunate habit of going right in one year and out the other. But since I know all of you were wondering, here are the other four most common New Year’s resolutions: 2. Getting Fit Regular exercise is associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. But does it
warrant sweating, straining and struggling four times a week? It is the most often broken. And guys – riding in a golf cart does not count. 3. Losing the love handles Jay Leno points Wavelengths out that, “There are By Jim Kempton more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average, which means you’ve already met your New Year’s resolution.” That’s my kind of thinking. 4. Quitting Smoking Even with all the reduction in numbers of smokers this still remains a big one. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. For everyone else’s sake, if not your own, just do it. 5. Enjoying Life More With the state of our economy and the financial position of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. But is the best one in my opinion. And, of course, there are resolutions that have a much better chance of suc-
increases. As for highly enriched uranium, Mr. Peters distorts what I said, showing once again that no one can trust statements from the nuclear industry. I never said that the plant had highly enriched uranium. But San Onofre does produce 500 pounds of highly toxic, radioactive waste every day and now stores 2,500 very dangerous radioactive fuel rod assemblies on site. This is why the City of San Clemente resolved that the 20-year renewal that Edison seeks should be denied until all radioactive wastes are removed. Orange and San Diego counties should not become a Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage facility. Our equivalent of the uninhabitable dead zone at Fukushima would mean all the way to Crown Valley Parkway. Who other than those in the nuclear industry wants to risk this?
temperature stations and from satellites, which measure temperatures both at the Earth’s surface and its lower atmosphere. Glaciers, sea ice, and ice sheets are all receding. Sea levels are rising. Spring is arriving earlier. And the warming is continuing. The 2000s were hotter than the 1990s, which were hotter than the 1980s, which were hotter than the 1970s. The amount of greenhouse gases, especially CO2, has been rising steadily since the advent of the industrial age, and this rise has been demonstrated by evidence that it is clearly due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. The damaging effects of Global Warming and Climate Change need to be realized by our citizens and the myths of the deniers need to be accepted as scientifically false. The U.S. Government needs to hear from it citizens about the reality of Global Warming and Climate Change. Our government has failed so far to “lead, not drag” in working to get world governments to do the necessary to reduce greenhouse gases. It is our, and the world’s, children and grandchildren, not today’s adults, who will suffer tremendously from inaction to curb greenhouse gases.
Global Warming Persists Despite Efforts by Right Wing Paul Carlton, San Clemente
Especially since 2010 and the birth of the Tea Party conservatives, there has been a massive largely successful attack on the reality of global warming and climate change by commercial, media and right-wing Republicans who apparently do not believe in science. The scientific facts are really indisputable; the planet is warming according to surface
Keep Sears Essential as is Rod Hillerts, San Clemente
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I noted an ad in recent issue of a local
ceeding. Try these if you really want to keep your promises. I will: • Think of a password that isn’t “password;” • Start being more suspicious; • Procrastinate more; • Quit wandering around in my underwear while reading the paper before breakfast. OK, that last one may be difficult, but at least give it a try. Your kids will really appreciate it. Mine did. And consider: The value of celebrating this date may not be to have a new year of life. It is more perhaps to have a new view of it. Jim Kempton is an amateur historian and irrepressible optimist. He believes that the Mayan calendar’s ending in 2012 portends the end of the world as we know it. In preparation, he is looking for a new mortgage rate and urging his kids to finish college. SC PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.
YOU’RE INVITED! 8 a.m. Friday, January 6 at Café Calypso with guest speaker Mayor Jim Evert Please join us the first and third Friday of every month for our open community forum.
newspaper that our wonderful Sears Essentials store is going to revert to a K-Mart store again. What? I originally thought that when they changed from the K-Mart to the Sears store a while back, that this was a great move to up grading the area the store is in. Now, if one were to want to shop a Sears store, one would have to travel up San Diego Freeway North to the Sears at the Laguna Hills Mall. No thanks. I would like to see the store stay the Sears Essentials. I never did like the K-Mart. To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit readersubmitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.
www.sanclementetimes.com
GETTING OUT
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
SC S a n C le m e n te
The List A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. Compiled by Tawnee Prazak
thursday
05
Harland Williams 8 p.m. The popular comedian does a show at Irvine Improv. Tickets $22. 71 Fortune Drive, Suite 841, Irvine, 949.854.5455, www.improv.com.
Taryn Donath 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.
friday
ShowOff 8 p.m. International playwriting festival at Camino Real Playhouse with seven original 10-minute plays by seven different directors. Shows through Jan. 15. Tickets $18-$34(gala). 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.
06
Run For Wife 8 p.m. A new comedic play debuts at Cabrillo Playhouse. Shows through Jan. 29. Tickets $15. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
AT THE MOVIES 2011 Year in Review Oscar bait has become a sort of tradition, with movie houses releasing the most critically anticipated films at year’s end. Here’s a look at some of the more memorable films of 2011. This summer, audiences got a chance to see J.J. Abrams’ latest sci-fi adventure Super 8, which showcased the talents of child stars Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney and played as a fun homage to classic kid friendly adventure films of the 1980s. Comedy wise there were the ensemble, romcom pieces Crazy, Stupid, Love and Our Idiot Brother for the Frat Pack or Apatow-type fans. But the biggest hit of the summer talent and box-office wise became Woody Allen’s latest film, Midnight in Paris. Featuring French culture, love and the Allen-esque personalities ranging from Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams to Marion Cotillard and Adrien Brody, a real winner was found. The school season brought us the chilling, star-studded Contagion from Steven Soderbergh, the actionpacked art film Drive with Ryan Gosling and the tear-jerker dramedy 50/50. Contagion had the cast, but Drive the great direction and 50/50 one of the year’s best performances from Joseph Charlize Theron in Young Adult. © 2011 Paramount Pictures. Gordon-Levitt. After Christmas, the modern silent film The Artist, David Fincher’s American adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the latest Jason Reitman-Diablo Cody collab Young Adult all work. Film buffs will fall in love with Michel Hazanavicius’ ode to early Hollywood, and Fincher delivers again with one of the most thrilling crime features of the year. Charlize Theron makes a noticeable comeback in the surprisingly bleak Young Adult as well. In 2011, we have one of the greatest years for movies in a while. SC — Megan Bianco
saturday
Research Vessel Visit 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Ocean Institute welcomes the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot steel-hull sailing research vessel, which will embark on a 7,000-mile expedition through the Pacific Ocean’s “Western Garbage Patch Gyre” in May. Visitors can tour the vessel and view exhibits highlighting the focus of its exploration; $3 adults, $2 children 4-12. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.
07
Chris Berry 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com. Family Film Feature 11 a.m. The San Juan Capistrano Library shows the film Kung Fu Panda 2 with free admission and popcorn. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org. An Evening of Comedy and Magic 7:30 p.m. Event in Saddleback College’s McKinney Theatre featuring the master magician Jonathon Pendragon, hilarious multi-award winner Brian Gillis and many more for a nice of comedy and magic. Tickets $25-$32. The Minimum 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com.
sunday
Ryan Heflin 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Live guitar and vocals at Quench Bar & Bistro. 2 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.276.7900, www.quenchbarandbistro.com.
Rise and Shine Fitness Hike 8 a.m.-10 a.m. A brisk paced four mile winter morning nature hike at Ladera Open Space, East Trail. Hosted by the Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.
First Friday Film 7 p.m. San Juan Capistrano Library shows the historical documentary “The Last Play at Shea” that chronicles the waning days of Shea Stadium through a tapestry of performance. Fee $2. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org.
Tools for Change 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ecology Center’s interactive exhibition, featuring sustainable household products, a play area and learning space for children, and weekend events. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.
Orange County Wine Cruise 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts a wine-tasting cruise Friday through Sunday on their luxury catamaran through the Harbor. $49 per person. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.
Blue Whale Bonanza Capt Dave’s Safari has daily departures for whale and dolphin watching on a high-tech catamaran. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.
Flock of 80’s 10 p.m. Live music at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.
San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
08
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San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine. Trackmatic 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The guys from Jaloha perform blues and roots rock at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.
monday
09
Smokey Karaoke 8 p.m. Sing fearlessly at BeachFire and enjoy Mojito Monday. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.
Monday Night Laughs 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live standup comedy at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.
tuesday
10
Poul Pedersen 7 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissancedanapoint.com.
Preschool Story Time 10:30 a.m. The Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.
wednesday
Salsa Night 8 p.m.– 12 a.m. Juan Carlos and his band spice up the scene at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.
11
Comedy 9:30 p.m. Live comedy at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com. Vine Wine Tasting 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Educational wine tasting at Vine featuring four wines paired with food; $40 per person. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.9376, www.vinesanclemente.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com www.sanclementetimes.com
35851 Beach Road One-of-a-kind stunning home. Custom Cape Cod-style oceanfront estate on two beachfront lots. A rare opportunity to own in the guard-gated Beach Road community. End of road location and very private. Large decks offer panoramic whitewater views stretching from the San Clemente Pier to Dana Point Harbor. Gorgeous seafront courtyard with stone fireplace, lush landscape, sandy fire pit lounging area, built-in barbeque and glass enclosure. Featuring a main floor movie theater, wine cellar, four interior and two outdoor fireplaces, remote control window coverings, hardwood flooring, wood beam ceilings, surround sound, custom paint and lighting, paneled wainscoting and an alarm security system. Chef’s gourmet kitchen with spacious breakfast nook and fireplace, extended granite and marble island, stainless steel appliances and white panel built-ins. Family room accommodates separate full wet bar with extending NanaWall design folding doors. The master retreat is breathtaking with an extended view deck, marble set grand master bath, fireplace and private study area. • Four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths • Approximately 4,032 square feet • Approximately 10,599 square foot lot • Three-car garage • Situated on two beachfront lots • Guard-gated community • Oceanfront estate with private beach • Custom movie theater and wine cellar
www.35851BeachRd.com
Real Estate
Expert’s Corner SHOULD I REFINANCE? Say Hello To Some Of The Best Rates In History The question I get all the time is should I refinance now or wait for a lower rate? In today’s economy things are changing very quickly and you can chase rates for a while but you don’t want to miss the boat. We’re in historic lows so I would advise all readers to determine a rate that makes sense and once rates hit that level, lock, close, and move on. Rates could go lower, but there is much more room above for rates to go higher then below for rates to go lower. And keep in mind, LIFE happens, things can change, you could simply be late on 1 payment to a credit card and your credit could fall and now you don’t qualify. Just two years ago rates where 1% higher then they are now, 3 years ago they were 2% higher. So, as you can see, things can move quickly. Many readers are hoping to lock at the lowest point of rates, but here is the problem with that strategy: No one will know what the lowest rate will be until rates move higher! I was having a conversation with one of my clients the other day, he has a rate in the upper 5’s and due to credit he doesn’t qualify for the best rates but still can get a rate which was lowering his mortgage payment by $220 a month, almost 10%. Even if rates got a .25% better for him it would save him an additional $55 per month, an additional 2% reduction in payment. So, I asked him this question. If your boss approached you today and said he would give you a 10% pay hike, would you tell him that you want to hold off until you receive a 12% hike? I don’t thing anyone reading this would. So, what this client must consider is should he continue to pay $220 more then he has to each month to hope for a better rate. Rates may be lower 6 months from today but if he waited 6 months he would have over paid by $1,320 during that time and maybe secured a lower rate, OR maybe NOT. And even in time if he got a .50% lower rate, it could take several years before he recouped what he lost with the higher payment all those months. Life happens, his credit could suffer, could lose his job, etc… I have had clients in the past who wanted to wait for “the lowest rate”, but then life happened to them and they couldn’t refinance. Maybe the property value went lower due to foreclosures in there area, maybe due to a sagging economy their employer had to cut their position or reduce commissions/bonuses, etc. There will always be a risk with waiting, with risk can come reward or failure. As mentioned above, when a rate makes sense, and is beneficial overall for your needs (lower rate or payment, longer term, etc), grab it and move on. Rates have only been this low 2 out of the last 39 years, it doesn’t get a whole lot better than this. You’re safe at that point, once locked the rate can’t go up. If rates take a big dive again you can capitalize on that as well, you’re in a good position all the way around.
Caryn Schultz 949.276.4124 | www.pointbrealestateservices.net CA DRE Brokers License #01491016 | NMLS #271319
SHORT SALES
Summarized
By now, anyone who even casually follows the real estate market knows about short sales. In simple terms, a short sale is when a property sells for less than what is owed against it (the mortgage amount). This occurs as home values decline. Following are the four most common questions people have regarding short sales. CAN THE LENDER PURSUE ME FOR THE DEFICIENCY ON THE LOAN? Both Federal and State governments have instituted safeguards for borrowers who have innocently found themselves in this situation. In most cases, it is disallowed by law for the lender to pursue the borrower for the shortfall. In California, the laws have been expanded (as of July 15, 2011) to even include junior lien holders, refinances and income properties. Exceptions to this protection include commercial properties and fraud. WILL I HAVE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? Again, lawmakers have imposed temporary protections for borrowers who are in danger of losing their homes. One major component is with regard to the issuance of a 1099 for the deficiency. In the past, the deficiency would have been considered regular income and the borrower (or home-seller) would have to pay income tax on this amount. For now, there is a moratorium on this requirement if the property being sold is the borrower’s primary residence (other restrictions apply). HOW WILL MY CREDIT SCORES BE AFFECTED AND CAN I BUY ANOTHER HOME IN THE FUTURE? If you stay current with all your other obligations, your credit will hold up better. Also, if the short sale is completed quickly, there will be fewer late charges reported to the credit bureaus, reducing the impact on your overall scores. For the most part, we are seeing people’s credit scores bounce back quickly, provided they are paying all their other bills on time and their credit cards are not maxed out. There is no specific reporting by credit agencies for a “short sale.” HOW LONG WILL THE SHORT SALE TAKE? Some banks are very quick, while others still take many months. It also depends on if you have one loan or two (or three or four...). The agent who compiles and submits your package, and negotiates on your behalf is a huge factor. We have closed some shorts sales in as little as one month, while some go on for much longer. On average, we are seeing 60 – 90 days for approval. CONCLUSION More than with any other real estate transaction, experience counts. Only select an agent who is well-versed in these complex and very serious matters. The results may impact you for a long time. Having dealt with hundreds of these transactions, we at the Csira Group are always available for a free, confidential consultation. The Csira Group 1088 no. Coast Hwy • Laguna Beach, CA 92651 www.CsiraGroup.com • 949.509.7700
California
Affordability Index
Top 10 Credit
“Don’ts”
45 39
40
34
Percentage
35 30 25
27
25 22
20 15
Many are taking advantage of interest rates at historic lows, either by restructuring debt with a refinance or purchasing property. However, the recent economic crisis has created even tougher guidelines and credit requirements and there are some things that borrowers must be aware of when applying for a loan. Here are my top 10 credit don’ts during the loan process that will avoid a red flag to be raised by the scoring system. This can help you get your arms around those things that can unknowingly wreak havoc on your loan transaction.
11
10 5 0 1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
YEAR
Jeremy Conrad Realtor/Broker 949.697.0721 Jconrad@ConradRealEstate.com
Bill Conrad Realtor/Broker 949.285.5797 BillC@ConradRealEstate.com
“Proudly Serving Orange County Since 1963” Please visit our website for Featured Listings, Foreclosure Radar, Easiliy Search All Homes in MLS, and Much More!!
www.ConradRealEstate.com
1
Don’t make any large purchases, car, furniture, appliances
2
Don’t apply for new credit of any kind
3
Don’t pay off collections or charge offs
4
Don’t max out or over charge on your credit card accounts
5
Don’t consolidate your debt onto 1 or 2 credit cards, no balance transfers
6
Don’t close credit card accounts
7
Don’t pay any trade line late by even one day!
8
Don’t change or open bank accounts
9
Don’t dispute anything on your credit report
10 Don’t lose contact with your mortgage and real estate professionals
Caryn Schultz 949.276.4124 | www.pointbrealestateservices.net CA DRE Brokers License #01491016 | NMLS #271319
California Median Sales Price Single family residence 600,000 550,000
522,670
500,000 450,000 PRICE
400,000 350,000
303,010
300,000 241,350
250,000 193,770
200,000 150,000
119,860 99,550
100,000 50,000
178,160
24,640 41,600
There’s nothing more exciting than opening the door to your first new home and knowing that it’s actually yours! No landlord bothering you about every little thing. No silly rules about what colors you can paint or what renovations you want to make. And while this is a great feeling, and the pride you feel is natural and well deserved, don’t allow yourself to get too carried away with your newfound freedom. You worked hard to earn this opportunity and you don’t want to potentially jeopardize your investment by letting your emotions get the better of you. Take a few moments to think about the practical side of home ownership before you start making any major changes or renovations.
Get properly insured Before you decide to build or tear down anything, be sure that you are properly insured. Even if you enjoyed the full $8,000 tax credit for firsttime home buyers (or the full $6,500 tax credit now available to qualified “repeat” buyers), sit down with your insurance provider and make sure you’re covered on all fronts before you do anything. It doesn’t make sense to spend your tax money upgrading your home if you’re not protected in advance.
YEAR
Maintenance before makeover It’s true that you no longer have a landlord looking over your shoulder for every little thing. But, you also don’t have a landlord to turn to if something should go wrong. So, before you think about beautifying your new home, think first about fortifying it. Invest in necessary repairs first and avoid surprises down the road.
Bill Conrad Realtor/Broker 949.285.5797 BillC@ConradRealEstate.com
Go with the pros When the time does comes to make those changes, be sure to hire the best, most qualified people. This doesn’t mean you can’t paint or do the little things that can make a big difference. But when it comes to the big stuff, hire the pros for the best results and to avoid injury. Remember, your new home is an investment and it deserves the highest care and attention you can give it.
0 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Jeremy Conrad Realtor/Broker 949.697.0721 Jconrad@ConradRealEstate.com
Practical Advice for New Homeowners
“Proudly Serving Orange County Since 1963” Please visit our website for Featured Listings, Foreclosure Radar, Easiliy Search All Homes in MLS, and Much More!!
www.ConradRealEstate.com
Caryn Schultz 949.276.4124 | www.pointbrealestateservices.net CA DRE Brokers License #01491016 | NMLS #271319
SC LIVING
4
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
SC S a n C le m e n te
SUDOKU by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:
SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
Historical Society’s Event a ‘Resounding Success’
Clockwise from top left: Flamenco dancers from Los Angeles-based Cuatro Caminos Arts & Flamenco; Matt Tinker and his date enjoyed the evening in the Casino; Raad Ghantous and his girlfriend Mary Anne Rose take a break from dancing; Alan Korsen and a friend partook in the festive New Year’s Eve event; Mary Ann Comes, Kathryn Stovall-Dennis and her husband Marvin Dennis share a laugh. Courtesy photos
By Stacie N. Galang San Clemente Times
T
he San Clemente Historical Society — and 120 of members’ closest friends — rang in the New Year with Spanish flair at Casino San Clemente. Society event chairman Raad Ghantous described the New Year’s Eve celebration as “very warm and intimate.” “It was more of a festive mood throughout San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
the evening,” he said. “The (disc jockey) had everyone on the dance floor. Everyone was dancing all the way through the end.” The New Year’s Eve party was a departure from the previous two years, embracing a theme and encouraging those who attended to dress the part, he said. In fact, Zoro was spotted in the crowd. In keeping with the Spanish theme, the society also brought in special performers and offered authentic food.
“The Flamenco dancers were astounding,” Ghantous said. “They were really wonderful.” The meals also had guests returning for seconds and more, he said. “It was a resounding success,” the chairman said. “I wished were able to share it with more people.” Society President Georgette Korsen said the party was different in every way to past New Year’s Eve events and much
Page 20
fun for all those who attended. The difficult economy brought fewer people out for the night yet it didn’t put a damper on the evening. “It was a very successful event,” she said. “We loved it.” Ghantous said he was pleased to draw people from beyond San Clemente and share the Spanish village aspect of the city. “I think it was a great success,” he said. “I think everybody had a blast.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SPORTS
5
& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE
SC
5 BEST BETS HOCKEY
BASKETBALL
GIRLS BASKETBALL
BOYS SOCCER
BOYS BASKETBALL
Islanders vs. Ducks Honda Center
Warriors vs. Lakers Staples Center
Titans vs. Tritons San Clemente High
January 6, 7 p.m.
January 6, 7:30 p.m.
Diablos vs. Tritons San Clemente High School
Hawks vs. Tritons San Clemente High School
The Ducks get after it on home ice as Anaheim skates into a hard-hitting battle royale against another nemesis from out east. Info: www.ducks.
Following a road game up in Portland, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers head back home to face off against the Golden State Warriors. Info: www.nba.
nhl.com
com/lakers
By David Zimmerle
BOYS BASKETBALL • The Tritons (8-6) went 2-for-2 at the Beckman Tournament December 12-17, beating crosstown rival Dana Hills 54-47 in the opening round before losing 69-57 to JSerra in second round action. The team next bounced back with a 58-46 win against Segerstrom High on December 16 before closing out the tournament with a 67-61 loss to Temecula Valley the very next day. San Clemente then faced Marina on the road December 20 and left with a 52-46 win in hand. The boys then took on Corona del Mar at the neutral site of El Toro High on December 22 and lost 82-61 to the Sea Kings. Next up, the team participated in the Century Tournament December 26-29 and rolled to a 70-52 win against Rancho Alamitos in the opening round. But the Tritons had trouble with Valencia on December 28 losing 84-77 to its opponent. The team closed out the tourney against Irvine on December 29 before going on to face El Toro in more nonleague play on January 4. Next 7 days: Jan. 6 at *Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.; Jan. 11 vs. *Laguna Hills, 7 p.m. GIRLS BASKETBALL • The Lady Tritons (7-4) picked up four straight wins at the Las Vegas Tournament December 17-21 as the girls rolled past Green Valley 69-41, beat Faith Lutheran 61-37, crushed Boulder City 72-40 and closed with a 47-36 win against host Las Vegas on the final day of the tournament. Then, from December 26-29, San Clemente competed in the Costa Mesa Tournament, opening with a 62-50 loss to Hanford before also losing 55-44 to Yorba Linda on December 27. However, the next day of tourney play yielded a solid 53-48 win against Chapparal. The team closed out the tournament against Foothill of Henderson, Nev. before facing Dana Hills on January 3 and El Toro on January 5—both South Coast League games. Next 7 days: Jan. 10 vs. *Mission Viejo, 7 p.m. BOYS SOCCER • After losing 1-0 to Foothill on December 14, The Tritons (9-2-2) hit a hot streak in nonleague play as the team beat Corona del Mar 2-1 on December 16, blanketed Dana Hills in a 4-0 shutout win on December 20 and edged Edison 2-1 on December 21. Next, the team competed in the So Cal Classic December 27-29, opening with back-to-back 3-0 shutout wins—the San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
The Lady Tritons hit up home court at the high school’s gym all set to compete in South Coast League action against Mission Viejo High.
January 11, 3:15 p.m. San Clemente High School’s boys soccer team sprints to the pitch for a key South Coast League match against Tesoro High School. Info: www.sctritons.com
January 11, 7 p.m. After shredding through its nonleague schedule of games, the Tritons host a Sea View League showdown against Laguna Hills Info: www.sctritons.com
Info: www.sctritons.com
S a n C le m e n te
Triton Report
January 10, 7 p.m.
first against Kofa while the second came against Madera Fresno. On December 28 the team shutout St. John Bosco 3-0 before wrapping the tournament with one final match. San Clemente finally hit its South Coast League portion of its schedule with a match against El Toro January 4. Next 7 days: Jan. 11 vs. *Tesoro, 3:15 p.m. GIRLS SOCCER • The Lady Tritons (7-2-4) worked through two straight tournaments recently—the Mater Dei Tournament from December 15-19 and the Excalibur Tournament December 26-28. At Mater Dei, San Clemente beat Beckman 2-1 on December 15 before edging perennial powerhouse Los Alamitos 2-1 on December 16. The girls then took in double duty on December 17, tying Long Beach Wilson 1-1 before beating Esperanza in a 1-0 win. But the girls lost a bit of their momentum following a 3-1 loss to Aliso Niguel in the championship match of the tourney on December 19. Amanda Simkins got the lone goal for the Lady Tritons. San Clemente next got off to a hot start at the Excalibur Tournament, opening with a 2-1 win against Woodbridge and a 2-0 victory against Walnut with both matches being played on December 27. The team tied Canyon 1-1 on December 28 before going on to play Chaminade in the final match of the tourney. The Lady Tritons then took on El Toro on January 3 in its first South Coast League match of the season. Next 7 days: Jan. 10 at *Trabuco Hills, 5 p.m.; Jan. 12 vs. *Mission Viejo, 5 p.m. GIRLS WATER POLO • The Lady Tritons (2-5) picked up the action on December 22 after a week out of the pool, and lost to Laguna Beach 11-6. San Clemente trailed throughout this one and saw most of its offensive production come in the fourth period with three goals scored. The team next faced Los Alamitos at Capo Valley High on December 29 before hosting its first South Coast League game of the season against El Toro on January 3. The girls next traveled to Capo Valley on January 6 to take on Agoura in nonleague play. Next 7 days: Jan. 10 at *Tesoro, 4 p.m.; Jan. 12 vs. *Laguna Hills, 4 p.m. WRESTLING • The No. 4 ranked Tritons (10-0) got down to business at the Colton Classic Tournament December 16-17, posting a second-place finish with 215.5 points, behind first place San Jacinto (230 points) and in front of third place Hemet High (207 points). Top individual placements are as follows: Daniel Garcia (106, third place), Jacob Sandoval (113, third), Jacob Page 22
Clifton (120, third), Tim Parten (126, second), Tony Flores (152, third), Ryan Cameron (195, third) and Cody Cornish (285, third). Next 7 days: Jan. 6-7 at Londos Invitational at Orange Glen, 3 p.m. and 9 a.m.; Jan. 11 at *Laguna Hills, 7 p.m.
Intermediate dance team members perform their routine, which won best choreography at the state competition. Courtesy photo
DANCE - BIG SURPRISES FOR SCHS DANCE TEAM • The San Clemente High School dance team began its 2011-2012 competition season with surprising results last month. At the California Association of Dance and Drill Team Directors Dance Celebration at Mater Dei High School, the team initially learned that its hip hop routine—usually a contender for a National Championship—did not earn one of the top three trophies. Next, the girls soon learned that they earned another unexpected result for this early in the year, taking first place in the character, intermediate dance and large lyrical divisions. The intermediate dance routine, choreographed by Kaely McPhee, won the award for best choreography of all dances in the competition. To conclude the competition, the team also received the sportsmanship award, voted on by all the teams and awarded to the team who not only competes well, but enthusiastically encourages other teams and dancers in the competition. The Tritons also enjoyed success in the morning solo competition, with seniors Marisa Prolo and Kylie Waskowski awarded first place trophies in their respective divisions, while junior Chandler Boyd and freshman Jennifer Otsuki took home third place. The team will return to competition at West Covina High School January 28, with all eyes on the end of March and nationals.
* Denotes league play
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS
SCOR E BOAR D YOUTH VOLLEYBALL SVVC 2012 Winter Program starting Saddleback Valley Volleyball Club’s (SVVC) VolleyHigh 2012 Winter Program started up on January 4 and will run through May 12. No tryouts are necessary and players of all skill levels are encouraged to join at any time. Throughout the season, players will compete in six tournaments either at San Diego Volleyball Club or at Saddleback Valley Volleyball Club. Age groups include 12s (sixth-graders and under), 14s (eighth-graders and under) and High School (ninth-graders and above). The total cost for the program is $1,450 and is broken down in monthly installments throughout five months. Practice times for age groups vary. For more information, contact SVVC at info@svv.occoxmail.com, 949.380.7858 or visit www.svvc.com.
YOUTH CROSS COUNTRY
(Back row, from left) coach Mary Mulligan-Crapo, Evan Banks, Connor Montgomery, James VanGinkel, Joey Spurgeon, Ricardo Ashe, coach Steve Crapo, (front row) Michael Moran, Kobe Cordova, Kurt Crapo, Blake Birmingham and Bren Eissmann gather for a photo after the SC Tritons All-Net team beat La Mirada in the finals of the John R. Wooden Classic at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Courtesy photo
YOUTH BASKETBALL SC Tritons 7th Grade Boys All-Net Team win championship game at John R. Wooden Classic The SC Tritons Boys 7th Grade All-Net team battled out tournament play December 10-17 to reach the John R. Wooden Classic championship game at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The team eventually took home first place after beating the La Mirada Matadors in the final Getting there was no easy feat, as the team beat both Rancho Santa Margarita and the Encinitas Thunder during pool play. Next, they came into the championship game on December 17 against undefeated La Mirada, holding the lead the entire game for the win. A majority of the players on the team have competed together since they were 9 years old and have moved up to play in a higher-level division each year. They are also currently undefeated in league and anticipate another successful season ahead.
South Coast XC Elite runners compete at National Championships South Coast XC Elite athletes Isabella Alston, Madison Dimeco, Scott Dunne, Kevin Mariano, Sergio Flores, Marina McDonough, Bella Sells and Julia Renaud advanced to the Junior Olympic National Championships held in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on December 10, 2011. The event began in true Olympic spirit with a parade of athletes carrying their state flags and banners. Dunne ran first in the Bantam Boys division and placed 163rd with a time of 12:48. In the Midget Girls, Alston finished 10th with a time of 10:54 and Madison Dimeco finished 20th with a time of 10:59, each earning the distinguished All-American status for finishing in the top 25. Marina McDonough finished in 52nd with a time of 11:19, Bella Sells finished in 115th with a time of 11:53 and Julia Renaud finished 221st with a time of 13:26. In the Intermediate Boys, Mariano finished 51st with a time of 16:52 and Flores finished 65th with a time of 17:01. The team is coached by Michael Dunne and Mario Flores, both of San Clemente.
YOUTH FOOTBALL St. Makos take middle school flag football title The city of San Clemente Middle School After Hours Program wrapped up its 10th flag football season with a playoff game between the St. Makos (combined players from Vista del Mar Makos and St. Michaels schools) and the Bernice Ayer Breakers Blue Team on December 8. The game started with back-and-forth drives by both teams, with neither finishing the drives with points. But, on the St. Makos third possession, the Breakers drove them back to their own end zone for a safety to get on the board first for the 2-0 lead. But instead of the momentum shift that the Breakers expected, the St. Makos proceeded to dominate the game from then on, finishing with a decisive 26-2 win to finish the season undefeated and claim the title of San Clemente Middle School Champions. The celebration continued for all the players and teams at the annual banquet held at the San Clemente Community Center where individual and team awards were handed out, as well as the naming of St. Makos head coach Buch Hadland as coach of the year. This middle school program offers year round sports and other before/after school activities to San Clemente Middle School students, including basketball in the winter, volleyball/soccer in the spring, guitar, dance, drama, cooking, karate and much more, as many of its athletes continue to find success at the high school and collegiate levels. More information is available by visiting www.san-clemente.org/recreation. And additional photos from the football season are available at www.facebook.com/SanClementeRecreation.
San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
PHOTO: Isabella Alston and Madison Dimeco gather for a photo with South Coast XC Elite coaches Michael Dunne and Mario Flores after earning All-American status following their big finishes at the Junior Olympic National Championships last month.
Page 24
We want to run your scores, results and announcements in Scoreboard. E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.
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SC Business Directory te Sa n Cl em en
CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.sanclementetimes.com
Business Opportunities MOM’S MAKE EXTRA CASH $$$ FROM HOME.. LET ME SHOW YOU HOW.... FINALLY ! AN EASY WAY FOR MOMS TO STAY AT HOME & MAKE EXTRA MONEY... SPEND 5 MINS A DAY BY PLACING 1 AD PER DAY FOR AN AMAZING AND GENEROUS COMPANY... JUST COPY AND PASTE AND GET PAID $$$ DAILY. WATCH YOUR MONEY GROW.... WATCH THIS VIDEO THEN CALL ME.. ASAP www.onepennybillionaire.com/christi I LOVE MY JOB...... CHRISTI 949-633-1567
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your listing: info@sanclementetimes.com. DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY NO PHONE CALLS. San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
FOR RENT House for Rent Southwest SC (below the freeway) 4 bed, 2 bath $2800 (949) 209-7305
GARAGE SALES The Shoreline Church of San Clemente High School Ministry Rummage Sale When: Saturday January 21st 7-10am. Where: 1062 Calle Negocio Suite A San Clemente CA 92673. High School students are raising money for our Winter Trip to Brian Head, Utah. All the money raised from the Rummage Sale goes directly to helping a student get to camp. We have tons of stuff to sell. Please do not come any earlier than 7am. Thanks.
SERVICES Local Housekeeper or Office Cleaning Reliable, affordable, meticulous. EXCELLENT REFERENCES. 949-456-2376
SC Times classifieds get results! Submit your ad or browse current listings online today! www.sanclementetimes.com Page 25
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Locals Only
Business Directory
The only directory featuring San Clemente businesses exclusively ACCOUNTANTS
Coins
Craig Workinger CPA’s Inc 629 Camino de Los Mares #307
949.218.3224
Air conditioning
GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com
COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES
All Season Air 949.579.0741 allseasonair@gmail.com, www.allseasonair.net Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com
CONCRETE
Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656 License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 www.costaverdelandscaping.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, CONTRACTORS - GENERAL www.southcoastfurniture.com B Construction 949.481.8444 Appliances Services & Repairs 1046 Calle Recodo, Ste. I, www.bconstruction.net ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 The Cooper Company General Contractor License #B 638754, 949.361.2538 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com www.biffcooperconstruction.com ART GALLERIES Dunham Construction, Inc. 949.492.7100 San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175 License #450880, www.dunhamconstruction.net Hutton Construction 949.492.2808 100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com www.brucehuttonconstruction.com
Auto Wrecking
BABY & CHILDREN’S GEAR OC Tykes 949.429.1714 201 N. El Camino Real, www.octykes.com
Beauty Supply Del Mar Beauty Supply 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste D, www.delmarbeauty.com
949.492.8180
San Clemente Window Fashions www.sc-wf.com
BOOKS Village Book Exchange 99 Avenida Serra
COSMETICS AVON 949.370.0433 Annie Kyle, www.youravon.com/anniekyle Mary Kay Cosmetics 949.248.2868 www.marykay.com/madams2
Dentists Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, www.drericjohnson.com
DRYWALL/DRYWALL REPAIR Call Jeff johnson4sc@cox.net
Blinds 949.498.9515
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 KC Painting & Decorating 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com
949.683.4972
ELECTRICAL
HOUSE SITTING Curbside Pet & House Sitting 949.369.5074 San Clemente, dalmatian.love@cox.net
INTERIOR DECORATING & REDESIGN
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com
PEST CONTROL Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com
Pet SITTING Curbside Pet & House Sitting 949.369.5074 San Clemente, dalmatian.love@cox.net
The Home & Garden Stylist/ 949.218.8022 PHARMACIES Vignettes of Refinement San Clemente, www.vignettesofrefinement.com Sea View Pharmacy 949.496.0123 665 Camino De Los Mares #101, JewelerS www.seaviewpharmacy.com Paradise Jewelers 949.361.4367 PHOTOGRAPHY 808 N. El Camino Real, www.paradisejewelers.com Memories Of Me Photos 949.361.0680 LANDSCAPE & DESIGN www.memoriesofmephotos.com Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656 PIZZA License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com Izza Neapolitan Pizzeria 949.248.4925 Greenscapes Landscape & Design 949.366.6564 376 Camino de Estrella, www.izzapizzeria.com 1046 Calle Recodo, Ste. I, www.greenscapesoc.com PLUMBING Living Gardens Landscape Design 949.218.7459 www.livinggardenslandscapedesign.com A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com Landscape Lighting Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.costaverdelandscaping.com www.chicks-plumbing.com San Clemente Plumbing 949.366.2691 MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 108, Janet M. Seymour, PsyD 949.633.0813 www.sanclementeplumbing.com 1443 N. El Camino Real, Ste. B
POOL/SPA SERVICE & REPAIR
Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045 MATTRESSES Radiant Pool & Spa Service www.arcadiaelectric.com South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 www.radiantpoolservice.com Gallagher Electric 949.412.6602 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com 949.492.1114 P.O. Box 986, www.gallagher-electric.com
BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICE, REPAIR 949.488.0029 OC - IT 970 Calle Negocio, www.oc-it.com
CARPET
Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Lange & Minnott 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203
949.492.3459
Catering Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040 111 Avenida Del Mar, #B, www.carbonara.com
Cheese Shop The Cellar 949.492.3663 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com
CHIROPRACTIC CARE Dr. R. Tyler Johnson DC, Chiropractic Center 1502 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.6440 www.chiropracticcenteronline.com Christiansen Chiropractic 949.276.2956 903 Calle Amancer, Ste. 230, www.christiansenchiro.com
FURNITURE South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com
HAIR SALONS Kreative Hair Design 173 Avenida Serra
949.498.6245
Heating All Season Air 949.579.0741 allseasonair@gmail.com, www.allseasonair.net Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com
949.290.5616
PRESCHOOLS
MOLD REMOVAL
Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
Financial Advisor
Timothy C. Metcalf, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 www.wfadvisors.com/tim.metcalf 949.862.1250 638 Camino de los Mares, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com FLOORING Shaw’s Carpets 949.492.8070 Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 135 Avenida Victoria 638 Camino de los Mares, Ste. G -105, CARPET & FLOORING www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com Anaheim Carpet & Flooring 949.366.6564 1046 Calle Recodo, Ste. I, www.anaheimcarpet.net
949.388.6829
Periodontics & Dental Implants
HOME LOANS
Coldwell Banker Home Loans - 949.307.7982 San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 nmls#261832. Tom Fashing, Mortgage Advisor, tom.fashing@mortgagefamily.com
Appliances
San Clemente Auto Wrecking & Repair Shop 1520 Avenida de la Estrella, Ste. B, 949.492.6121 www.sanclementeautowrecking.com
PAINTING
Home Décor 949.350.4692 Kevin
San Clemente Preschool 163 Avenida Victoria
949.498.1025
PRINTING
Printing OC 949.388.4888 SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com
MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School www.danmans.com Leslie Lowe - Ukulele, Guitar & Bass leslielowe82@gmail.com Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com
Psychologists
Barbara M. Thomas, PsyD 949.547.0833 949.496.6556 655 Camino de Los Mares, Ste. 117 Janet M. Seymour, PsyD 949.633.0813 949.292.5019 1443 N. El Camino Real, Ste. B Manny Tau, Psy.D., PSY14892 888.949.5150 949.922.6388 300 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 218, www.drtau.com
OFFICE FURNITURE South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com
Optometry San Clemente Optometry, David J. Nota, OD 224 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2029 www.sanclementeoptometry.com Seaside Eyecare 949.493.2269 638 Camino De Los Mares, #A120, www.seasideeyecare.com
Orthodontist Frank J. Mogavero, DDS MS 949.493.7300 1031 Avenida Pico # 101, www.syncyoursmile.com
Real Estate Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631 San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.com Casa Verde Homes - Simon Wilson 949.212.5800 www.casaverdehomes.com Century 21 OMA - Eric Benson 949.584.3751 www.sanclementecoastalhomes.com Marcie George - Star Real Estate South County marciegeorge@cox.net 949.690.5410 McDaniel Gilmore Group - Surterre Properties www.livetalega.com 949.464.3226 Prue Putnins- Regency Real Estate 949.366.1984 www.TheTalegaTeam.com, www.HomesByPrue.com ReMax - “Sandy & Rich” www.sandyandrich.com 949.293.3236
Locals Only
Business Directory
The only directory featuring San Clemente businesses exclusively Remodel Casa Verde Homes 949.212.5800 License #B 906391, www.casaverderenovation.com Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mare, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com
Restaurants Café Calypso 949.366.9386 114 Avenida Del Mar #4 Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040 111 Avenida Del Mar, #B, www.carbonara.com The Cellar 949.492.3663 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com
ROOFING CONTRACTORS Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias
949.498.6204
RUNNING STORE Run More 949.940.0408 303 N. El Camino Real, www.runmore-ca.com
SALONS Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com Salon Bleu 949.366.2060 207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT
Tattoo Studio & Permanent Makeup
Your business here!
Highland Ink 949.481.4434 1006 S. El Camino Real, www.highlandink.us
Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@sanclementetimes.com.
Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com The Termite Guy 949.940.1010 106 W. Canada Ave., www.877termite.com
TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/RESTORATION Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. www.yorbalindatilemarble.com
SCREENS Sure-Fit Screens www.surefitscreens.com
TERMITES
949.498.9412
SECOND HAND/THRIFT SHOP
949.492.8719
South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 VETERINARIANS 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital 949.429.1555 1242 Puerta Del Sol, www.pacificcoastveterinary.com 526 N. El Camino Real, www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org WATER DAMAGE
SKINCARE
Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 A Beautiful You Skin Care 949.370.1852 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com 1502 N. El Camino Real, www.abeautifulyouoc.com Water Wise Irrigation
SURF SCHOOLS
San Clemente Surf School www.sanclementesurflessons.com
Costa Verde Landscape 949.334.7649 License#: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com
WEBSITE DESIGN San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345 www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
WINDOW CLEANING
949.276.5752 Bayside Window Cleaning 714.757.3490 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com
VACUUMS, SERVICE & REPAIR Best Blinds & Vacuums 73 Via Pico Plaza
TUTORING Study with Stacy 949.632.1176 www.studywithstacy.com Tutor Toes 949.429.6222 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com
949.361.9656
949.290.8230
WINDOW COVERINGS Best Blinds & Vacuums 949.492.8719 73 Via Pico Plaza Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mare, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com San Clemente Window Fashions 949.498.9515 www.sc-wf.com
Wine Bar The Cellar 949.492.3663 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com
Wine Shop & Wine Tasting San Clemente Wine Company 949.429.7076 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, www.scwinecompany.com
SC SURF
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Grom of the WEEK Ben Brantell Age: 6, Palisades Methodist
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
SC S a n C le m e n te
Griffin Colapinto. Courtesy photo
Ben Brantell. Photo by Madi Swayne
Kindergartener Ben Brantell has been surfing for about two years under the watchful eye of his father and says it’s one of the best things about growing up in San Clemente. “I think I want to live here for my whole life,” he said, adding that he is now helping his dad to encourage his 3-year-old brother to start surfing as well. “I took swimming lessons to get ready and my brother is taking lessons now, too.” Ben is already very active in other sports—playing team soccer and snowboarding—and says he would like to enter a few surf contests this year. He got a thrill and a big dose of inspiration at last year’s Hurley Lowers Pro when he got to see his favorite pro surfer Kelly Slater in action. He said he would love to be a professional like Slater when he grows up but his big career dream is to become a firefighter. “I like surfing because you can get a lot of barrels and get speed on the waves and shred the waves and I just love it,” he said, barely pausing to take a breath. “And, I’ve been barreled on my tummy before, right here at T Street.” Ben says he intends to practice as much as possible—at least a few times a week in the winter and every day in the summer—so that he can get his first stand-up barrel as soon as possible. —Andrea Swayne
Finding Tales from the Archives Surfing Heritage Foundation calls for entries in archival history contest By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times
H
ave you ever discovered something you didn’t know about surfing friends and family from days past, come across a surfboard shaped by and old buddy or found a personal connection to surfing history at the Surfing Heritage Foundation Museum? If so, SHF would like to hear from you. Archivist Becky Church announced a call for entries running through February 3 for the Surfing Heritage Foundation Museum’s “I Found it in the Archives” contest. The contest, inspired by a program started by The Society of American Archivists, is asking for those who have such stories to share them and possibly win a membership prize pack in the process. “Whether you’ve noticed people of significance in our photographs, used our library for research or simply been fascinated by the culture enough to cause a spark and get you out in the water, we want to hear about it,” she said. Entries can be submitted as either a two-minute or less video or a 400-word essay describing your discovery and
Surf ForecasT Water temp: 56-60˚F Water visibility and conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’ Poor-Fair; Catalina: 10-15’+ Fair Remarks: Fun zone surf prevails through the morning on Thursday as old West-Northwest swell fades, with a solid new West-Northwest swell building in over the afternoon. Surge is increasing and visibility is fair, setting up generally fair diving conditions overall. Short range: Surf size is running 3-4’+ (waist-shoulder high) for most of the region on Thursday morning, with larger sets for top winter breaks through the afternoon as a powerful new WestNorthwest swell builds in. Light winds keep the surf clean and generally fair to good overall. Solid WNW swell peaks on Friday with 6-10’ (head high+ to double overhead) surf for good exposures. Morning winds remain light for mostly clean conditions. Long range: Easing West-Northwest swell takes over for the weekend. Size is still in the 5-8’ (head high to 3’ overhead) range on Saturday morning, dropping into the 4-5’+ (shoulder-head high+) range by Sunday. Light morning winds set up clean, favorable conditions though big tidal swings are an issue for most breaks. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.
San Clemente Times January 5–11, 2012
Surfing Heritage Foundation curator and creative director Barry Haun stands among a surfboard exhibit at the museum. Photo by Andrea Swayne
the difference it made in your life. Essay entries should include a color photograph of you. “We will choose four finalists and post them on the website. The public will choose the winner,” said Church. “The finalists all receive a Surfing Heritage T-shirt and the winner will take home a copy of Peanuts, XM SurfMore leash, SHF Oral History Field Guide, SHF logo hat, a one-year SHF membership, limited edition SHF logo Rainbow Sandals, SHF logo tee, $10 Swell.com gift certificate, a one-year subscription to Transworld Surf, Sticky Bumps Wax, 2012 SHF sticker and one-year free admission to our San Clemente museum.” Winners may be asked to compete in the Society of American Archivists national competition. National winners will be invited to an award ceremony in San Diego in August. Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and have never been employed or volunteered at SHF. More information including full contest rules, voting timeline and entry forms are available online at www.surfingheritage.org. For questions, call Church at 949.388.0313 or send an email to becki@surfingheritage.org. Entries should be sent preferably via email but may also be dropped off in person at the museum, 110 Calle Iglesia in San Clemente. SC Page 30
BOARDSHORTS Surfline Founder Sean Collins Dead Surfline founder Sean Collins, 59, passed away on December 26 after suffering a heart attack while playing tennis in Newport Beach. A memorial paddle out for Collins will be held on Sunday, January 8, 11 a.m. on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier. Log on to www.surfline.com to see a tribute to his life and accomplishments. ASP Scraps Midyear Rotation in 2012 Association of Surfing Professionals spokesman Dave Prodan called the decision to deactivate the midyear rotation in 2012 “an extremely challenging” one in a December 28 ASP press release announcing the change. “We believe that the 2011 rotation brought in some incredible talent that proved they deserved to be amongst the world’s best with their performances throughout the back half of the year. However, the instability of the ASP schedule (especially in 2012) makes the concept very difficult to manage,” said Prodan adding that the unsettled schedule gives rise to questions such as where to schedule the rotation and how to ensure equitable opportunities to qualify in each rotation. “As we have been since our inception, we are a sport governed by the surfers for the surfers and it is in this spirit that we have voted to deactivate the midyear rotation in 2012. We believe this decision is best for the upcoming season and we will continue to discuss the future of the rotation within the sport,” he said. A group of surfer/stakeholders headed by Australian pro surfer Kieren Perrow originally made the motion to dissolve the rotation. Perrow noted that while it worked well this season, looking toward the future the athletes as a group felt that long term it would not serve the sport well. “This is felt by the majority of the surfers from the very top of the ASP Top 34 to the qualifiers in the Prime and Star events,” said Perrow. “What we have created is a system in which the very best surfers in the world are currently within the ASP Top 34, but the process of getting there is becoming disorganized. We don’t want that and the decision to not have the midyear rotation in 2012 is the best thing for the sport.” More information can be found online at www.aspworldtour.com. —AS
UPCOMING EVENTS January 7-8: WSA Gatorade Championship Tour Event No. 6, Midget Smith Pier Rat Challenge, San Clemente, Pier January 7-8: NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek www.sanclementetimes.com