San Clemente Times

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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 46

End of the Line Is San Clemente’s population boom ending?

E Y E O N S C / PAG E 5

Residential development in San Clemente has exploded over the last two decades, but the amount of buildable land is quickly running out. File Photo by Scott Winer

www.sanclementetimes.com

SONGS Public Meeting Now Up in the Air

San Clemente Longboarders Set to Compete in China

Mann Apologizes to Chamber for Mailer Statements

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SC SURF/PAGE 26

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EYE ON SC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

DANA POINT

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO San Juan Hills High School was temporarily locked down Tuesday, October 31, due to a fractured natural gas pipeline caused by a construction accident. Construction crews digging near the intersection of La Pata Avenue and Ortega Highway struck the pipeline, causing an 8-inch fracture. Officials from Southern California Gas Co., the owner of the pipeline, as well as those from fellow Sempra Energy utility company, San Diego Gas & Electric, were joined at the scene by police and fire officials to coordinate repairs and administer traffic control. Traffic was reopened and students and staff were released around 4 p.m., after a nearby valve was shut off. The shutdown temporarily left the school and 16 homes without service and Southern California Gas is investigating the cause of the accident, according to spokesperson Angela Fentiman.

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GO I N G O N I N OU R NE IGH B O R I N G TOW N S

The city of Dana Point is expecting nearly 11,000 participants at the 35th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. The race and festival offers something for everyone from elite runners to beginners and walkers with a 10K, 5K, Mission Hospital Kids’ Gobble Wobble as well as the Aviir Health and Wellness Expo. Event proceeds will benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group’s efforts to help our Camp Pendleton-based active duty 5th Marines and Sailors during the holidays. Advanced registration is available online at www.turkeytrot.com through November 19. Onsite registration will be available November 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dana Marina Plaza parking lot at the northwest corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern, near Mahé Restaurant. Race day registration will run from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…the Chamber Lawsuit Against the Manns?

THE LATEST: San Clemente development opponent Charles Mann has issued an apology to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for making false statements about the Chamber in mailers sent in opposition to Chamber endorsed City Council candidates Jim Dahl and Mike Mortenson.

“I have egg on my face,” Mann said. “We had no intention of ever making a statement that’s false or incorrect.”

The Chamber’s attorney had sent a letter to Mann and his wife Jeri on Monday demanding an apology for what he termed “false” and “libelous” statements made in two mailers sent out by Mann’s political action committee, Watchdog for San Clemente Responsible Government. The mailers included allegations that the Chamber was using taxpayer funds in support of Dahl and Mortenson, and that the Chamber’s support of Dahl represented a “kickback” to Dahl for past council votes in support of the Chamber.

WHAT’S NEXT: Mann said the statements were the result of misunderstanding the nature of the relationship between the Chamber and its political action committee. Mann said he now fully understood the difference, and would be sure that the Watchdog group, which he said would continue moving forward, would not make such a mistake again.

FIND OUT MORE: To read the full story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com.

— Jim Shilander

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…the Latest SONGS Meeting?

THE LATEST: After announcing last week that a meeting to discuss Southern CaliSan Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

fornia Edison’s proposed response to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s confirmatory action letter regarding repairs and maintenance of the nuclear plant would be held in Dana Point, the NRC has announced that the location, and perhaps the date, of its meeting will change.

A release put out by the NRC indicated that the meeting would be held at a Dana Point hotel on November 16. However, Victor Dricks, a spokesperson for NRCRegion IV, which has oversight over San Onofre, stated that “last minute issues” had put both the location and date of the meeting into question.

replaced in 2010 and 2011. However, it did provide FOE with the ability to petition the chief administrative judge of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel to consider whether the confirmatory action letter sent to Edison by the NRC constituted a de facto license amendment and subject to a hearing.

The decision also stated “restart of SONGS was not imminent.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The NRC has not yet announced a new date and location for the meeting. Dricks said this week that a new time, date and location for the meeting would be announced via a press release, but no announcement had yet been made at press time.

WHAT’S NEXT: While the group expressed disappointment with the decision not to have the adjudicated hearing, it expressed positive feelings about other potential oversight measures announced by the commission, including a directive the commission’s staff to reexamine whether a license amendment review should have taken place, as well as whether a future license amendment review should be undertaken in light of past actions by Edison.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates on the future date and time of the meeting, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. — JS

FIND OUT MORE: For future news on SONGS, visit www.sanclementetimes. com. — JS

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…An Edison License Review?

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission rejected a petition last Thursday by environmental group Friends of the Earth for a license amendment review at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The decision was made at a public meeting in Rockville, Md. The license amendment review process had been championed by advocates of anti-nuclear activists as a way to get an outside review of the plant’s safety record and viability.

The Commission rejected FOE’s argument that a license amendment process should have been undertaken when the steam generators at Units 2 and 3 were

…the Christmas Tree?

THE LATEST: Last month, the San Clemente City Council approved the purchase of a new Christmas tree from nursery stock, to replace the tree damaged and removed in August. However, Beaches, Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Heider told the council Thursday that when staff arrived to look at the tree, it was not the same quality of the previous one, or that the department had expected it would be. Instead, Heider told the council, department personnel had identified a tree that was already growing in San Clemente, and had it moved, via truck, to the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville, where it would serve as the city’s Christmas tree.

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WHAT’S NEXT: Heider said the tree would be in good shape to last at least through the holiday season, though it would need to grow out more. The tree had largely been crowded out at its previous location, she said, so it should be expected to thrive in the newly open space, assuming the transplantation succeeded.

FIND OUT MORE: For information on the tree lighting, visit www.san-clemente.org.

— JS

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…No Centerline Striping?

THE LATEST: Some San Clemente streets that are less heavily trafficked may not be getting centerlines as the city resurfaces a number of streets.

City Transportation Engineering Manager Tom Frank told the City Council that a number of studies had shown that drivers typically slow down on streets that lack a center dividing line. Franks said the traffic studies had found that drivers would often stick closer to the center of the road without the centerline.

Franks said many cities with similar demographics the San Clemente had adopted similar policies. Franks said city staff had met with people in neighborhoods where striping was being considered were notified of the possibility and allowed to choose whether they wanted striping or not.

WHAT’S NEXT: Franks said that the initial candidates for the pilot project were below 3,000 average daily trips, so the policy would not affect any major arterial streets. If more than 50 percent of a neighborhood asked for striping, however, Franks said the centerline could be put in place.

FIND OUT MORE: For the whole story, as well as a listing of the streets being considered for the project, visit www.sanclementetmes.com. —JS www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

This is It: San Clemente is ‘Built Out’ With fewer areas in which to build new housing, city’s population boom likely ending

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

T

uesday night, members of the San Clemente City Council celebrated the accomplishments of the General Plan Advisory Committee, which has spent three years working on a plan for the way the city is expected to develop over the next two decades. Much of that discussion, and much of the talk in the recent City Council election, focused on how the city would develop commercially in that time, how it would expand its tax base and whether it should be more welcoming to larger development projects. But there’s another side to development as well, the residential side.

San Clemente has grown dramatically over the last two decades. According to Census data, the population of the city was just over 41,000 in July of 1991, and had a population less than 40,000 in the ‘80s. At those numbers the city would be considered a good-sized, but small, southern California beach town. But the population of the area has boomed, fueled by developments like Talega. Between 1999 and 2001, for example, the city added an additional 8,000 people—20 percent of its 1991 population—in just two years.

The city’s estimated population passed the 60,000 mark in 2007. The last year of Census data, 2011, puts San Clemente at just under 65,000 people. That’s an enormous jump in just over 20 years, an increase of about 59 percent. Between 2000 and 2010, San Clemente grew at a rate five times higher than Orange County, 27.2 percent to just 5.8 percent. Much of that population, however, has been added in singlefamily housing built on land that was readily open to development. There isn’t much of that land left.

Jim Holloway of the San Clemente planning department said the city wouldn’t be seeing the same sort of growth that it’s seen over the last 20 to 30 years in the next 20 to 30.

“We’re built out,” Holloway said. “In terms of green fields, we’re built out, for all practical purposes.”

Some areas, he said, may see some back fill that would allow for development, but that would be “peanuts,” compared to the kind of development the city had seen since essentially doubling the city population in 30 years.

A study of larger regional population trends says the same thing. The Southern California Association of Governments, which tracks and plans development for six counties, including Orange County as well as hundreds of municipalities, conducted a region-wide study of population trends beginning in 2008. The intent of the study was to develop region-wide plans for how to deal with a changing population, San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

Members of the city’s General Plan Advisory Committee were honored by the City Council at Casa Romantica Tuesday. The group has spent the last three years trying to develop ideas for how San Clemente will grow and change over the next 20 years. Photo by Jim Shilander

in terms of infrastructure, transportation and other potential areas of cooperation.

Taking in information from the 2010 census, SCAG projected San Clemente to grow to a population of approximately 68,000 by 2020, a much slower rate than seen recently (there was a jump of 2,000 residents from 2009 to 2010 alone). But then the population growth was likely to slow even more.

“In 2035, we project a population of 68,300,” Huasha Liu, who studies land use and environmental planning for the organization, said.

That’s an increase of just 300 residents projected over 15 years. The region as a whole is projected to grow by 4.2 million people by 2035.

Liu said the projection takes past growth and other trends into account, and was sent back to the city for validation. Liu said this stagnation of population growth was not confined to just San Clemente.

“Overall, for coastal areas, especially in Orange County, we do see a stagnation as a result of build out,” Liu explained.

While the housing market as a whole may turn around, that’s not likely to change that fact, she said.

While the trends say another boom is unlikely in the near future, San Clemente may not be in the best shape to handle it if it does come. Without large, developable tracts of land available, the solution to an increasing population may have to be increasing density in some parts of the city. Essentially, since the city lacks the ability to build out, development would have to go up.

However, current zoning largely prevents that from happening, Holloway said.

“One of the big mistakes that the city made in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s was that a number of areas along the freeway were up-zoned, which allowed for a lot

of tri-plexes or quad-plexes, which really impacted congestion in those areas. Any future changes like that are going to be highly scrutinized by the city.” Holloway added, however, that he did anticipate there might be a few areas where some revitalization could take place, particularly along El Camino Real.

There are a number of natural checks on where San Clemente can grow. Camp Pendleton provides a hard and fast barrier to development to the south and east, along with San Onofre State Park. And Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano prohibit additional growth for San Clemente north or west. That means any future physical growth of the city would require currently unincorporated county land. Holloway noted that the city has not readily annexed any unincorporated areas without a natural reason to do so.

“Some cities have essentially an egodriven need to become bigger,” Holloway said. “Over the years, San Clemente has been very careful. We have only annexed land when it made sense.”

During the development process in Talega, for example, about half the development laid within city limits, while the other half was in unincorporated county land. Holloway said the city worked with the developer and with the county to bring the remaining portion into the city.

That way, those living in that half of the development could receive city services such as fire and police protection. “As you get further and further out, it may or may not make sense to annex land, but to annex for the sake of annexation would be a mistake,” Holloway said.

Future work is likely to focus on improving transportation and other infrastructure within the city, to allow more people to work and live in the area, he added.

“The business park is mostly built out too. We’ve had discussions at GPAC about Page 5

increasing the intensity in the business park, however. Part of quality of life is being able to work and live in the same place. That family orientation is strong in San Clemente.”

A recent City Council decision illustrates some of the problems with the rate of growth experienced by the city. While voting in favor of a finance agreement for expansion of the city’s recycled water system into one of the business parks along Avenida Pico, the council heard testimony that the expansion would allow for more businesses to utilize the city water system, but that not all businesses in the area could be added because the topography of the area simply made it not economically feasible.

Mayor Jim Evert agreed with the assessment that the city had essentially been built out.

“The last really significant development we’re probably going to see for a long time is at Marblehead,” Evert noted, referring to a planned residential area that would be built along with the Marblehead Coastal outlet mall project. But, he advised, that development would be substantially smaller than past projects like Talega. One other area of potential addition might be annexation of a portion future housing project.

Brian Judd, the city’s consultant on the new general plan, said the GPAC had not really focused on residential planning, aside from keeping current restrictions and rules in place. Judd said the current GPAC plan made one large change, allowing for some mixed-use (commercial/ office and residential) development on South El Camino Real.

“But that’s really the only new area we’ve identified,” Judd said.

For the city, it seems large-scale development, or high-density development, may not be necessary in the near future. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, November 15 Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m.

Regular meeting in Council Chambers.

100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Friday, November 16 Chamber Membership Orientation 12 p.m. SC Chamber event hosted by OC Tavern. 2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Saturday, November 17 In-n-Out “Cover to Cover” Program Ends Last day to turn in your reading log to the library and claim your certificate for a free burger at In-n-Out. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

Monday, November 19 Help With Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Anger 10:45 a.m. Recovery International provides help to gain control over distressing emotions. Free. El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, 949.458.2504, www.recovery-inc.org.

Tuesday, November 20 Toddlertime 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m. Children ages 2-3 are invited to the library Mondays or Tuesdays for stories and learning activities; sign-ups required. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m.

Regular meeting in Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.sanclemente.org.

Toastmasters 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Practice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly and supportive atmosphere at the library, 242 Ave. Del Mar, 949.361. 8463, www. sanclemente.freetoasthost.net.

Wednesday, November 21 Seniors’ Thanksgiving Celebration 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Event at Dorothy Visser Senior Center with lunch served by military personnel and entertainment by Tony Rogers. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

FAM’s Thanksgiving Dinner and Adopt-A-Family 5 p.m.-7 p.m. You can volunteer, adopt a family or attend the annual dinner for families in need at the San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.8477, www.family-assitance.org.

Thursday, November 22 Thanksgiving City offices closed in observance of the holiday. www.san-clemente.org.

San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Jim Shilander

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Sunrise Rotary Holding Holiday Food Drive u San Clemente Sunrise Rotary is holding its annual holiday food drive at two local Ralph’s stores in San Clemente.

Rotarian volunteers began collecting food donations at the newly remodeled Ralph’s on Camino de Los Mares on November 10 and will begin collecting food from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at the newly opened Ralph’s on South El Camino Real on November 17.

Volunteers will organize and distribute the meals to families before Thanksgiving.

Charities benefiting the holiday food drive include Camp Pendleton Marines, Laura’s House Shelter for Women and their Children and the Family Assistance Ministries.

Customers can make donations by purchasing food items from a list distributed at the store and bringing them out to the volunteers after their shopping trip is done, or by making cash donations, which will be used to purchase perishable items closer to the holidays.

Soul Food Features Maani Performance u Soul Food/Music and the Faith will hold a performance November 18.

Soul Food is a free program where people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds can come together to reflect on and celebrate diversity.

The performer at this month’s event is Nasim Maani from Arizona. Maani grew up living in different cultures (Iran, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, New Zealand and the United States). Maani blends folk, jazz and world music into a mix of her own. Her album, “The Longing,” is the result of two years of her international cooperation with musicians and studios in Austria and the United States.

The event begins at 11 a.m. Refreshments will follow the program. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Baha’i Center of San Clemente, 3316 Avenida del Presidente.

Military Family Outreach Seeking Food Items u San Clemente Military Family Outreach, an all-volunteer nonprofit that has provided an estimated 7,000 Thanksgiving turkeys and traditional meal fixings over the past five years, is asking the public for help this time around.

Facing an anemic economy that has slowed donations, the Outreach is working with area churches to supplement the preThanksgiving giveaway by providing many of the non-perishable items. The organization is asking the public to provide grocery bags with items like stuffing mix, cans of vegetables and cranberry sauce.

San Clemente landscape artist Susan Cox is donating proceeds from the sale of a print of one of her paintings to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Fifty-percent of the proceeds from sales of “Star of the Show,” will go to The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, which is providing ongoing support for hurricane victims. For information on the painting, visit www.susancoxart.blogspot.com.

The bags will be collected and transported to the November 19 distribution site at the on-base San Onofre commissary, where the turkey and pie provided by the organization will be added.

Collection of the grocery bags of nonperishables began last week at several churches in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. The filled bags can be dropped off at St. Andrews by the Sea, 2001 Frontera in San Clemente, Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm, and at St. Margaret’s Church, 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano. Items requested are: packaged bread stuffing, boxed potatoes, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, and a can of corn, yams or green beans. A foil-roasting pan is also welcome.

For more information, call Christine Gonzalez at 760.889.0026 or contact Linda Morales at linda.morales@smes.org or 661.0110, ext. 301 to coordinate pickup of donations.

Designs By Nature Hosting Event in Conjunction with “Glitz” u Designs By Nature will hold its “Going On 20” anniversary by holding a special artist’s reception. The bi-annual reception will be held on Saturday, November 24, at the gallery from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the Downtown Business Association’s “Puttin’ On The Glitz.”

The reception will feature jewelry artist Laura Moore of Newport Beach. Moore is a highly creative and imaginative artist whose original cast jewelry designs in fine silver have been crafted using many natural substances.

Refreshments will be served and there will be opportunity drawings throughout the evening.

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Designs By Nature is located at 400 South El Camino Real, Suite A in downtown San Clemente. Please visit our gallery or call us at 949.498.8358. The website is www.designsbynature.com.

New San Clemente Business Donates Sign Frames to City u The owners of new San Clemente business Public Safety Industries have donated 30 sign frames to the city for use on the Beach Trail. The new frames will help to provide brand recognition for the city, as well as to protect the signs themselves from wear. The covers are valued at $5,000. Owners Rick Wilson and Ben Benumof presented the signs at the San Clemente City Council meeting Thursday.

Local Realtor and New Jerseynative Accepting Sandy Donations u Debra Gietter of Luxre Realty in San Clemente has partnered with the American Red Cross to turn her office into a donation center for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Those interested in helping can visit 222 Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente or online at www.luxrerealty.com to make a donation.

Gietter is originally from New Jersey. She stated that her parents were able to evacuate to safety before the storm hit the state.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY KEVIN DAHLGREN 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, November 13 KEEP THE PEACE Camino Costado, 4800 Block (9:16 p.m.)

A woman called saying that she had brought her ex-husband to her father’s residence to help her move but that he was reading, smoking or sleeping, rather than helping her. The woman was on medication due to recent dental work.

CITIZEN ASSIST Rosalinda, 3000 Block (4:52 p.m.) A caller told the dispatcher he was concerned about his friend, who he said he had not heard from since Sunday. The caller said he had received two text messages from his friend, one saying he was “dead,” and the other saying he was “lost.”

DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block ( 2:51 p.m.)

A caller reported a white male with long hair, described as “filthy,” who had been panhandling all day near the San Clemente Pier. The man had a bicycle and bed roll.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/CIRCUMSTANCE S. El Camino Real/Aenida San Luis Rey (1:23 p.m) A caller reported male and female transients with a Labrador retriever.

The pair were under the influence of drugs and were yelling at the dog. The caller believed the duo were possibly doing drug deals.

ABANDONED VEHICLE Via Alegre, 300 Block (12:36 p.m.) A blue GMC was seen parked in the same spot for more than two weeks without moving. The owner of the car was contacted and asked to move the vehicle.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 2700 Block (12:08 p.m.)

An employee of the Motel English called police after a woman who had been sleeping on the grass outside the hotel with her dog refused to leave. The employee told police the woman was a transient who lived somewhere in the area and liked to lie on the grass.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 3600 Block (9:09 a.m.)

San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

A patron at the San Clemente Surf Inn called police after witnessing two males and a female in a physical altercation outside the lobby. The caller said that one of the males had an “iron rod” in his hand.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (7:34 a.m.)

A suspicious male was seen urinating on the roof of a building. The caller believed he might also attempt to break into the building. The man was described between 30 and 35-years-old with a shaved head and last seen walking east on El Camino Real.

Monday, November 12 ILLEGAL PEDDLING Via Ameno/Avenida de Nogales (6:33 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for the area after a man was seen selling something door-to-door. The caller did not speak with the man but saw him knock on the doors of several houses.

The man was last seen walking southbound on Via Ameno wearing a black jacket with patches on it.

ILLEGAL PEDDLING Via Otono, 700 Block (2:03 p.m) A resident called police after two solicitors knocked on his door asking for money for military veterans, but the caller said they did not look like they were in the military.

The caller described the men as early 20s, both 5 feet 10 inches, one heavy set with dark hair, and the other was skinny with blonde hair.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTUNKNOWN INJURIES Calle Negocio, 900 Block (11:07 a.m.)

An accident involving a motorcycle was reported to police by a witness. The caller told dispatch the motorcycle had driven over a curb and into a tree. Orange County Fire Authority transported the driver to San Clemente Hospital after he complained of back pain.

TRAFFIC HAZARD El Camino Real, 2300 Block (9:17 a.m.)

A call to the police reported a stop sign that had been knocked over near OC Tavern. City officials were notified and crews were sent to the location to fix the sign.

Sunday, November 11 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE East Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (7:37 p.m.) A man called police after he saw a man lying down in the middle of the street. The caller thought the man was playing a prank because he saw the man get up and walk to the sidewalk and back to the middle of the street where he lied down again.

TRESPASSING Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (5:52 p.m.) The manager of the Ralph’s gro-

cery store reported an elderly woman who was refusing to leave the store.

DRUNK DRIVING Avenida Del Mar/Alameda Lane (4:50 p.m.) Police were called after a woman was seen stumbling on Del Mar before getting into her black Toyota RAV4. The caller could see three children in the vehicle and was worried the driver was too intoxicated to drive safely.

DISTURBANCE Calle Real, 3900 Block (1:51 p.m.) A caller reported a former resident was loitering around the property. The resident was no longer allowed on the property but was looking for his keys to move his vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Adobe, 100 Block (7:51 a.m.)

A local resident called police after seeing two men sitting in a black sedan near the caller’s house. The second occupant of the vehicle had arrived in a separate car, which was parked directly behind the black sedan. Deputies located the vehicle and contacted the occupants. The men worked with a painting company and were waiting for the rest of their crew to arrive at a house in the area.

Saturday, November 10 DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (11:41 p.m.)

An employee of a local business called police when an elderly woman began hitting the workers of the business. The 60-year-old woman was upset the store did not have an item in stock and started slapping the employee on the back and arms.

Police were able to calm the woman down and released her to a family member.

GENERAL BROADCAST East Avenida Pico/I-5 Freeway (9:11 p.m.)

A man called police from a gas station after a white Mitsubishi sedan nearly hit his car twice on the freeway. The caller told police the driver of the Mitsubishi appeared to be trying to lure the caller into street racing on the freeway.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Vista Hermosa/Calle Frontera (6:16 p.m.) A woman called police after witnessing a man in the vehicle next to her at a stop light loading what appeared to be a gun. The caller told dispatch that she “was not 100 percent sure it was a gun, but it certainly looked like one.” The man was last seen driving southbound on Avenida Hermosa.

RECKLESS DRIVING Via Belleza, 0 Block (2L44 p.m.) A patrol check was requested after several juveniles were seen racing motorcycles on the street without a helmet. Deputies were unable to locate any motorcycles after a check of the area.

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BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Via Divertirse, 0 Block (2:04 a.m.) Several males were seen breaking into a house by climbing through the front windows of the residence. The caller told police that he could see two males entering through the front of the house but believed there may be additional people at the rear of the house. A red truck parked outside the residence was believed to be used by the burglars.

Friday, November 9 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Camino Capistrano, 2900 Block (6:06 p.m.) A woman called police after being attacked by an unattended pit bull. Orange County Fire Authority was dispatched to the scene to attend to a laceration caused by the dog. Animal control was also dispatched to the location to take the pit bull to the animal shelter.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Calle del Cerro/Avenida Vista Montana (2:53 p.m) A large tree branch was reported in lanes of traffic on Vista Montana. City crews were sent to the location to clear the debris from the roadway.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Avenida Valencia, 100 Block (2:27 p.m.)

Orange County Fire Authority was sent to the scene of a traffic collision involving three vehicles. Witnesses told police a red Porsche “pin balled” off two cars parked on the street before coming to rest on the curb. The driver of the Porsche was acting very suspicious, putting almost an entire pack of gum in her mouth and was refusing to leave her vehicle. A 39 year-old woman was arrested and later released after posting bail.

TRAFFIC STOP Calle de Industrias/Calle de Los Molinos (11:36 a.m.) A man was arrested for drunk driving after being pulled over by an officer for running a red light. The deputy smelled alcohol and the driver was taken into custody after failing a field sobriety test. The man was later released from jail after posting bail.

Thursday, November 8 INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (11:03 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for the parking lot of the Ralph’s shopping center after a homeless man was seen inside of a cardboard box in a parking space. The caller was unsure if the man was hurt or sleeping but did not think medical attention was needed.

DISTURBANCE Estribo, 2900 Block (2:25 p.m.) A resident called police after hearing his neighbor say, “I’m going to get you, you’ll see.” The caller was unsure who his neighbor may be talking to but told police his voice did not sound pleasant. www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

CITY EDITOR

San Clemente Times, Vol. 7, Issue 46. The SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com

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EDITORIAL Senior Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne Sports & News Reporter > Steve Breazeale City Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak INTERNS Kevin Dahlgren, Darian Nourian, Adam Herzog

WAVELENGTHS: By Jim Kempton

GUEST OPINION: By Nanci Mavar, Board Member

Opposite Attracts

Help Marines Here for the Holidays

Sometimes our Presidents end up doing exactly the reverse of what we imagined

I

f you are like many Orange County residents who were disappointed in the recent election results, here’s something that might give some cheer. We often think we know what we should expect from our politicians (many would say not much). But as history shows, we can often be surprised. Sometimes, frequently even, men of power are attracted to exactly the opposite decisions we assume they might make.

Take Richard Nixon: he was solidly probusiness yet he started the Environmental Protection Agency. A small government conservative, he never-the-less admired the free spirit of surfers and deeded us the San Onofre State Park (including Trestles). Staunchly anti-communist, he opened relations with Mao Zedong’s China, one of our most virulent enemies.

Only a bleeding heart liberal like Bill Clinton could have passed welfare reform.

A Democrat with decidedly populist leanings, he none-the-less pushed through the NAFTA free trade policies Republicans had wanted for years. And as a politician known as a ‘feel your pain’ kind of guy, he is the only President in the 20th Century to actually shrink government.

George W. Bush ran on a platform that America was not in the business of “nation building” and then took on the two largest nation building projects in US history. As a fluent Spanish speaker he proposed liberal immigration policies that are far to the left of his party’s stand today. Whether or not you agreed with Bush, those decisions sure weren’t what the country expected from him.

Ronald Reagan said government is the problem—and then doubled its size. He called Russia “the Evil Empire” and then got downright cozy with their leader Gor-

San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

bachev.

Southerner Lyndon Johnson passed the 1965 Civil Rights Act. Even though he knew that it would be extremely unpopular within his party, LBJ arm twisted, WAVELENGTHS harangued and browbeat

By Jim Kempton the congress to pass the most important legislation in a decade.

Many perceived Obama to be so far left he has been called a pacifist socialist. Yet his use of drones to kill terrorists has been unsparing. And of course he nailed Bin Laden—where others were unsuccessful.

Dwight Eisenhower, a conservative often accused of playing too much golf, was actually a busy activist, using taxes to fund some of the biggest public infrastructure projects. He built the Interstate Highway System, forever changing America’s ability to move goods across the continent.

Eisenhower was also a military man, one of our finest. But in his farewell address to the nation, he railed against the “Military industrial complex” as being the most dangerous threat facing America’s future.

It just goes to show that even in politics, opposites attract and expectations should not be counted on—either to please or disappoint.

Jim Kempton is a hawkish liberal bleeding heart conservative moderate. Elected to office early in life as ASB president of both his high school and college, he was fond of political humor. His problem with political jokes today is that we elect them too often. SC

Watershed Task Force presents Adopt-a-Marine event

H

ave you been on our wonderful Beach Trail lately? It is incredibly popular. There are walkers, runners, baby strollers, bikes and dogs all maneuvering around to keep pace and it seems to work just fine. There are still a few people not following the rules (not picking up after their dogs or not walking bikes where designated) but overall, most are courteous and respectful. Many will say good morning or smile, others wear earbuds listening to music or books-ontape, and some are simply lost in their own little world.

Our Adopt-a-Beach program includes the trail. However, it doesn’t always get the maintenance it may need. Next time you use the trail, take along a bag and pick up any trash you see along the way.

Grab the papers, plastic cups, Styrofoam, balloons and other items before they blow onto the beach and into the ocean. After all, the trail belongs to all of us and we should pitch in to keep it clean and safe.

A few years back, a Marine battalion joined the Adopt-a-Beach program and regularly cleaned a section of the beach near the pier until they were deployed to Iraq. We wanted to give back to the troops somehow, and we learned there were Marines on base not allowed to go home for the holidays because they were still training. We came up with the idea of planning a nice holiday dinner, spread the word and

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.

collected close to $2,000 in donations. Last year we collected $3,500 and enabled us to invite 80 Marines. This year, our goal is $4,500 and the 4th Annual Adopt-a-Marine Holiday Dinner will be bigger and better than ever. Taking place on December 16 at the Holiday Inn Express, a $25 donation will pay for a Marine’s dinner, beverages, a gift and entertainment. Capistrano Toyota/Scion has donated $1,000 and if you would like to adopt a Marine, please send a check payable to SC Watershed Task Force, 555. N. El Camino Real A425, San Clemente 92672, or you can email info@SCwatersheds.com for more information (The Task Force is a tax exempt, non-profit organization).

Finally, the Watershed Task Force is accepting nominations for the Blue Water Awards to be handed out at Earth Day San Clemente on April 20, 2013. The Blue Water Awards are presented to local businesses, schools and associations that make use of creative methods to reduce their impact on our creeks, beaches and ocean. If you would like to submit a nomination, please go to our website, www. scwatersheds.com, and click on the Blue Water Awards tab to print out an application, or give me a call at (949) 500-0494. SC PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.

Voting for the SC Times Best of San Clemente People’s Choice Ole Awards is now open!

Visit www.sanclementetimes.com to vote for your favorites. Polls close December 31 and the results will be published in the January 24 issue of the SC Times.

Page 10

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor MOTORCYCLISTS CAUSE HEADACHES JOE SOUSA, San Clemente

What could be done to stop some of the noise and speed of motorcyclists who travel El Camino Real?

The noise at times can scare the h--- out of you. There are a lot of seniors at Palm Beach Park. The noise is so bad, it could give someone a heart attack.

If San Clemente wanted to raise money to put a police officer somewhere on PCH, they could write tickets all day long for speeders. Sometimes they go 80 to 100 miles an hour.

This is a disaster waiting to happen.

THANKS TO COUNCIL FOR ART MARVIN DENNIS, San Clemente

I want to give a big thanks to Lori Donchak and the other Council members who voted to paint five area traffic signal boxes. It seems like such a simple thing but it takes a little vision and a little courage. There’s no way to put a value on these pieces so some bean counters might object. I’ve seen all of them and have to smile every time I pass one by.

Recently the General Plan Advisory completed their work. One element that got a great deal of support was the continuing expansion of art in public spaces. San

Clemente has a tremendous pool of artistic talent. Artists are always looking for places to do their work. It’s a perfect fit. The ceramic walls and floors in the two bulb outs on Del Mar are fantastic. Thank you.

Thoughtful details on the T-Street Bridge were a nice addition. Tile murals at the Mariposa underpass, paintings at the Pier, sculptures in parks…we have a variety of fine artwork around town. The members of the GPAC determined that we need more.

Our council listened, agreed and acted.

Thank you.

THANKS TO ADRIAN COOK MARIE-FRANCE SMITH, San Clemente

Twenty-five or so years ago, I happened to see on the local television Adrian Crook demonstrating his fitness regimen. Then a ballet student and instructor, I was so impressed that I called him right away. For more than a year, I was fortunate to be one of Adrian’s students and to learn first-hand the incredibly smart Chinese stretching exercises. To this day, the latter have kept me in shape, and more importantly, injury and pain free.

Now a busy 60-year-old French teacher, I wake up at 5:15 a.m. to do as many exercises as I can.

Thank you, Adrian, for being an outstanding teacher and for changing my life.

“PEANUT GALLERY” MADE VOICE HEARD IN ELECTIONS JERRY COLLAMER, San Clemente

I’ve often told the story, when Carol and I considered moving to San Clemente from our over congested beach hometown, Hermosa Beach, our reasons were obvious: San Clemente was still a classic Southern California beach town not yet ruined by over-development.

How much, is too much of a good thing?

Drive past Huntington Beach’s pier area to see what over development at the beach is.

It ain’t pretty.

Different strokes for different folks wanting to live at the beach in Southern California’s congested 21st century.

We chose San Clemente because it wasn’t ruined by development.

When Jim Dahl moved to San Clemente, according to his pre-election campaign speeches at the various council forums, he described how he built five houses here, and would have kept on but was offered a job as a San Clemente fireman and took it.

I’ve heard Mr. Dahl owns various properties in SC, which might explain his consistent pro-development stance when those issues came to council during his 16-years on council.

In my 15-years here, I don’t recall Mr. Dahl ever saying “No” to any large devel-

opment proposal.

In my humble opinion, that’s why Jim Dahl is no longer on council and why his development-friendly running mate, the politically ambitious young Mr. Mortenson, lost his bid.

A while ago, at City Council, the issue of over-development was being hotly debated.

Residents opposing a certain big-project were vocally labeled, “the Peanut Gallery”

by Councilman Dahl.

In the run-up to this election, Mr. Dahl kept up his labeling efforts, referring to his opposition as “Storytellers,” and the “Dark side.”

He bragged, he always gains the most votes in any election he runs in.

SC’s Peanut Gallery just changed that.

SC’s Storytellers spoke truth to power and won. Mr. Dahl’s labeling of simple truths as “the Dark side” swept him out to sea. Residents of San Clemente are “the Bright side,” not the dark side. Residents of San Clemente don’t tell stories, they talk facts.

San Clemente’s “Peanut Gallery” is alive and kicking, and somewhere today, Ole is smiling.

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.

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

CASA CLASSICS: PIANO AND FLUTE CONCERT 7 p.m. Acclaimed musicians Robert and Florence Estrin return to Casa Romantica to perform an exceptional program of classical piano and flute music. Tickets $10-$25. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

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MEMPHIS KINGS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

OUR TOWN 6 p.m. The San Clemente High School Theatre Arts presents the play in the Triton Center with shows through Nov. 17. Tickets $10-$12. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.schstheatrearts.com.

friday

16

THANKSGIVING WINE PAIRINGS EVENT 5 p.m.9 p.m. SC Wine Company features staff selected wines, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, with cheese, crackers and chocolate. Try seven tastes for $15. 212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com ROD FRIAS 9:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Acoustic guitar and harmonic instrument at The Shore. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.481.6089, www.theshoresanclemente.com.

DAVINE WINE TASTING AND LIVE MUSIC 6 p.m.8 p.m. Live music with Marc “Selly” Seligson and wine tasting at DaVine Food and Wine (tastings start at 4 p.m.).

Tasting cost is 5 wines for $15. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

WINE AND MUSIC CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf’s cruise on a luxury catamaran with wine, snacks, music and more. Tickets $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

MARK FORD 10 p.m. Live music at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar and Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

AT THE MOVIES: ‘SKYFALL’ REIGNS SUPREME Who is the fictional secret agent based on the popular stories by Ian Fleming celebrating his 50th anniversary on the silver screen with Skyfall? It’s Bond. James Bond. Starring Daniel Craig, the sixth actor to portray Agent 007, and debuting six years after the stellar Casino Royale and four years after the underwhelming Quantum of Solace; Skyfall jumps back in an outstanding way. After failing to take down the villain who stole a list of important British secret agents’ identities and being shot by his own partner (Naomie Harris), Bond goes into hiding leaving the rest of the world believing he’s dead. Meanwhile, someone has hacked into the computer of Military Intelligence, Section 6 (MI6) agency head M (Judi Dench) © Sony Pictures and is planning to attack both her and MI6. This turn of events encourages Bond to get back in the game and track down the menace behind the stolen list. Ralph Fiennes co-stars as MI6’s new chairman, Ben Whishaw plays Q, Bérénice Marlohe is the second Bond girl and Javier Bardem is the latest Bond foe. Skyfall is the first 007 feature with a completely original script (by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan) not based on one of Fleming’s stories. Oscar winning director Sam Mendes delivers great Bond-worthy action sequences, but the real draw and heart of the film shines as the origins of the secret agent himself are studied and challenged. The theme song by Adele isn’t too shabby either. —Megan Bianco

saturday

BACKYARD SKILLS: RAIN BARREL WATER CATCHMENT 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts a class to teach how to harvest your rainwater in order to save water and money. Cost $10-$15. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

17

SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 a.m. Dress up like Santa and participate in the surf competition at Salt Creek to raise money for Surfers Healing and children with autism. Entry $40-$50. www.surfingsantacontest.org.

DANA POINT INTERPRETIVE GARDEN 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Help plant a new “Interpretive Garden” around the Dana point Nature Interpretive Center and learn from an expert about native plants and how to care for them.

34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

RUSH 7:30 p.m. Live in concert at the Honda Center. Tickets start at $50.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

WHAT THE ROBIN KNOWS BOOK SIGNING AND TALK 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Jon Young, guest speaker and author of “What the Robin Knows,” at Tree of Life Nursery.

33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

WARTIME RADIO REVUE BIG BAND DANCE 3 p.m.6 p.m. The Casino San Clemente hosts a big band dance featuring Pete Jacobs and The Wartime Radio Revue playing hits of the big-band era, plus much more fun.

Tickets $25. 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.369.6600, www.thecasinosanclemente.com, www.petejacobsproductions.com.

SMALL WORKS ART SHOW 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Art exhibit on display with winners announced in the San Clemente Art Gallery at the San Clemente Community Center.

Runs through Jan. 3. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

monday

COMEDY AND KARAOKE 9 p.m.–1 a.m. The night starts with live comedy and continues with karaoke at 11 p.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern. No cover.

34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

19

tuesday

20

MIKE DEBELLIS 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

FLOCK OF 80’S 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern.

206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com.

BENNY / FLAMENCO 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

SUPER DIAMOND AND ATOMIC JONES 8 p.m.

Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

wednesday

sunday

THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS 2 p.m.

Authentic performance in McKinney Theater at Saddleback College. $32. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

18

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING 4 p.m. Special holiday event at the Ritz Carlton with a tree lighting, music, Santa and more. 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

Page 17

FAM’S THANKSGIVING DINNER AND ADOPT-A-FAMILY 5 p.m.-7 p.m. You can volunteer, adopt a family or attend the dinner for families in need at the community center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.8477, www.family-assitance.org.

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TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. $30.50-$33.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.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

SC LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

SC

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

S a n C le m e n te

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

Retired SC Minister Writes First Book

LIFE’S A BEACH: By Shelley Murphy

Taking Turns at Tradition

King looking to make latest writing effort not his last

J

ames King retired from ministry at St. Andrew’s by the Sea Methodist Church in San Clemente in 2010.

When he did so, he decided to start on a project he’d been putting off for a long time.

“I’d wanted to write a book for some time,” King said. “I thought now would be a good time to do it. Now that I’m retired I have more time to do this sort of thing.”

King had written some columns for newspapers and had written sermons for years but wanted to do something new when he wrote his first book, “Wide Horizons.”

King said he was returning to some of the themes of his sermons and other previous writing but didn’t want his book to be just that. But he didn’t want to go too far a field either.

“I have more time to go through my thoughts now, but the themes are pretty consistent, just as they were in my sermons. The basic concept is that we have more resources than we realize,” King said. By resources, King said he meant things like untapped personal ability and drive. “That’s what’s behind the title, that we have unlimited horizons and ways to deal with things.”

King said that while he believed that much of the potential came from God, he didn’t think of his book as a devotional.

“It comes from God, but it’s actually something that we have ourselves,” he said. “It’s not a devotional, in the sense that it has a lot of scripture. I think all of the concepts I deal with have a spiritual connotation, but someone who doesn’t go

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday?

W

ithout a doubt, Thanksgiving ranks as my favorite holiday.

Trick-or-treaters are still eating their Halloween candy when I start planning the Thanksgiving feast.

Long before the fourth Thursday of November, I display treasured holiday decorations, including my boys’ tiny feathered turkey hands and well-worn buckled pilgrim hats. I also reread yellowed, handwritten school assignments answering the question: What are you thankful for?

It’s a question as old as the first Thanksgiving, and the answers are as diverse as the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe who gathered at Plymouth in 1621.

My first Thanksgiving memories are of family trips to Pasadena, where we’d gather at my grandparents’ home to celebrate the holiday. My grandmother would rise early, while we slept, to stuff the turkey she called Tom and then tuck him into her small oven to cook for hours. She would work tirelessly all day, dividing her time between tending to the bird baking in her oven and preparing a cornucopia of traditional casseroles.

As the turkey turned golden brown, she’d slave over the stove stirring a roux of flour and fat and mixing it with the bird’s giblets and gizzards to somehow create mouthwatering gravy. Witnessing this annual culinary ritual greatly impacted my decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

I’ve since inherited my grandmother’s traditional turkey plates, but not her penchant for preparing the bird from scratch—I pass on brining, basting, and barbecuing. I realized years ago that as long as the turkey lands on the table, no one really questions its journey.

On Thanksgiving, I rise before dawn, but it’s to run the annul Turkey Trot, not to labor in the kitchen. Instead, I buy a fully-cooked and perfectly oven-roasted San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

turkey, pop it in the oven before the guests arrive and the house smells just like it did when poor Tom sweltered in the oven for hours in Pasadena.

Needless to say, I also buy the ready-made gravy LIFE’S A BEACH to keep my kitchen from

By Shelley Murphy resembling a gruesome crime scene from CSI. As a vegetarian, and mediocre cook, I never thought I’d enjoy harvesting the feast and cleaning-up afterwards with a “Gobble ‘til you Wobble” kitchen towel.

But nowadays I actually look forward to hosting the annual holiday and cooking traditional, but creative, dishes.

Recently, my search for an inventive potato recipe led me to buy Oprah’s holiday magazine. But instead of discovering a tasty twist on mashed potatoes, I found an article by Dr. Mehmet Oz suggesting ideas for holiday table talk—he recommends using the family gathering to discuss your loved ones comprehensive medical histories.

According to Dr. Oz, he wants us “to put it all on the table” and question family members about their health history during the festivities.

Sure, knowing one’s family medical tree can help prevent illness, but I don’t think the Thanksgiving table is really the best place to ask grandpa if he’s recently found any precancerous polyps or to quiz my mother-in-law on the prescription pills she takes.

I’m going to skip the doctor’s orders and stick with the tradition of putting my family’s favorite casseroles on the table instead of data charting their mortality.

Today, Thanksgiving holds greater meaning for me than in the past. When my husband and I first married, it meant time

to travel; we escaped family reunions to explore exotic islands.

When the kids arrived, we felt the tug of obligation and joined get-togethers in the valley of Dysfunction Junction. Then, when schools adopted a week-long holiday schedule, we again traded mileage points for tropical retreats.

Page 19

Retired San Clemente minister has written his first book, ‘Wide Horizons.’ King said the book hits on themes that will appeal to everyone, not just religious people. Photo by Jim Shilander

to church, or who has a grounding in the Christian faith could get something from this.” Topics discussed include dealing with stress, moving past failure, how to keep growing, reaching out to others and learning to look beyond a person’s current horizons.

King said that he looked back on his previous work for inspiration and nuggets for the book, but he’s hoping that in future works, he’ll move on to some different subjects.

Those interested in purchasing the book can do so at Mathom House Books in San Clemente. King said he’s also sold copies at church on Sundays, as well as at Family Assistance Ministries, where he is a board member, as well as the Rotary. SC —Jim Shilander But now the holiday has come full circle and I’m the one embracing old traditions.

Instead of departing for distant destinations, I’m anxiously awaiting my son’s arrival home from college and a cozy house filled with extended family, delicious food and loud laughter.

And that is what I am thankful for. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Business Beat

BY JIM SHILANDER

News and updates on San Clemente’s business community

MILESTONES u San Clemente’s Asana FIT is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. Jessilynn and Bruce Gilbank have operated the studio since just after Jessilynn took a job working for the previous owner.

“When I moved here to California from Michigan, I was a figure competitor,” Jessilynn explained. “I was getting sick from all of the dieting. When I saw the sign for ‘health, healing and wholeness,’ I went in, and it was exactly what I needed.” She said that after that, she knew she wanted to be involved with it for the rest of her life. Soon after, she saw an advertisement for front desk help at the location and started working there.

Shortly thereafter, she overheard the previous owner saying she was preparing to sell.

“I went to my husband and asked if we could buy it,” Jessilynn said. “I knew they wouldn’t keep it the same, and I felt like I wouldn’t be able to live without it.”

Two years later, the studio expanded, taking on an additional storefront from another tenant, which created a lobby to join the two sides of the studio. “It’s beautiful now,” Jessilynn said. u Gary Coleman of Douglas Printing is taking the opportunity to savor a particularly sweet anniversary. Coleman started Douglas Printing in his garage 15 years ago, while he was working as a press operator for another printing company.

“While I was working there, I decided to branch out on my own,” Coleman said.

“I wanted to start the business because I wanted to start a family, to have something to provide for my wife and children. And I needed to do something on my own.”

While he didn’t do many print jobs in the garage, Coleman said he was able to find a spot for his business in a couple of months, in the old City Plaza, before moving five years ago to the Los Molinos business district.

Douglas often does work for the city of San Clemente and prints brochures, business cards and invitations, as well as providing graphic design. Being an owner-operator,

Jessilyn and Bruce Gilbank, the owners of Asana FIT, in San Clemente, are celebrating five years at the yoga, fitness and health studio. The couple bought the business after Jessilynn had started working at the front desk. Photo by Jim Shilander

Coleman said, helps him respond to the needs of his clients.

“A lot of what we do now is design, as opposed to where we started,” Coleman noted.

Coleman said he was grateful for the success the business has enjoyed, which essentially started from the beginning.

“For the first year, things were a little bit sketchy,” he admitted. “But we were able to turn a profit right away. We were never in the red. We’ve always been in the black.” u Dawn Mednick, owner of The Cellar in San Clemente, was named one of Farmers & Merchants Bank’s “Women of Courage,” for Orange County earlier

this month. The award is presented by the bank’s Orange County branch managers. u Debbie Ferrari of The Mantelli Group, a San Juan Capistrano/San Clemente real estate agency, was elected to the board of directors of the National Council of Exchangors at the organization’s October conference in Las Vegas.

Ferrari is also chairperson of the group’s Internet committee and was 2009 NCE President. She has been a member for 33 years.

NEW DEVELOPMENT u

Bijou Boutique, located at 132 Avenida

Del Mar, has changed ownership. The new owners are David Docherty and Tracy White. White said she purchased the store from a friend because she wanted to get back into the fashion business, which she’d been a part of for 16 years before taking a corporate job.

“I also wanted to be self-employed,” White said. “That was always my goal.”

The women’s clothing boutique offers a number of clothing lines, as well as accessories such as monogram and trendy necklaces, earrings, shoes and boots.

To celebrate the transition The store is offering a free manicure at the shop next door, Mingee’s Nails, to customers who purchase $150 or more until Christmas Day. SC

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY FLOORING

AIR CONDITIONING Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

APPLIANCES

Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mares, Ste. G -105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 FURNITURE 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS www.southcoastfurniture.com ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 GLASS SCRATCH REMOVAL 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com

ART GALLERIES San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175 100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com

BEAUTY SUPPLY Del Mar Beauty Supply 949.492.8180 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste D, www.delmarbeauty.com

BOOKS

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.215.2323

Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com

HAIR SALONS 949.498.6245

Mathom House Books 949.361.1633 83 Via Pico Plaza, www.mathomhousebooks.com HEATING Village Book Exchange 949.492.1114 Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 99 Avenida Serra 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

CARPET Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mares, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

CHOCOLATE/CANDY Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 949.369.1052 99 Avenida Del Mar, www.schmidschocolate.com

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.492.5589

Complete Business Insurance 949.943.9081 647 Camino de los Mares Ste. 108, www.HelpYouInsurance.com GIS/Galvez Insurance Services, Inc. 949.240.7445 940 Calle Negocio, Ste. 170, gisgalvez@yahoo.com

MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY Janet M. Seymour, PsyD 1443 N. El Camino Real, Ste. B

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

949.633.0813

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.350.4692 109 Calle de los Molinos, Kevin www.southcoastfurniture.com

949.492.5589

MOLD REMOVAL

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

COSMETICS

MORTGAGES

AVON 949.370.0433 Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209 Annie Kyle, www.youravon.com/anniekyle V.I.P. Independent Mortgage Inc. Mary Kay Cosmetics 949.248.2868 www.vipmtginc.com/team/brianwiechman www.marykay.com/madams2

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

DENTISTS

SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, MUSIC LESSONS www.drericjohnson.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 ELECTRICAL www.danmans.com Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045 Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 www.arcadiaelectric.com 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST Lange & Minnott 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203

Red Point Digital www.redpointdigital.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

949.492.3459 South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION

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

Santa is back! Ho Ho Ho... Here is the deal...

A special session with Santa includes session for 1 child, 15 minutes (additional child is $10) Parents and Doggies are FREE! All digital, printable, high-res. images on a CD are yours to keep!

November 24 & 25, 11am- 4pm for $79.

December 1 & 2, 10:30am- 3:30pm for $89.

December 8 & 9, 10:30am- 3:30pm for $99. Reserve your spot! 949.361.0680 or www.memoriesofmephotos.com

PEST CONTROL Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

PHARMACIES Sea View Pharmacy 665 Camino De Los Mares, #101 www.seaviewpharmacy.com

949.496.0123

Memories Of Me Photos www.memoriesofmephotos.com

949.361.0680

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com

PRESCHOOLS San Clemente Preschool 163 Avenida Victoria, www.sanclementepreschool.com

949.498.1025

PAINTING

949.388.6829 801.573.2370 KC Painting & Decorating 3349 Paseo Halcon, www.bringcolorintoyourlife.com

Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com

SECOND HAND/THRIFT SHOP South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 526 N. El Camino Real, www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org

TERMITES Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

PRINTING

INSURANCE

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

COINS

HOME DÉCOR South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kreative Hair Design 173 Avenida Serra

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION

Printing OC 949.388.4888 Kohler Tile Contracting 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

714.768.3077

WATER DAMAGE

PSYCHOLOGISTS

949.362.5388 Barbara M. Thomas, PsyD 949.547.0833 Jarvis Restoration -24/7 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com 655 Camino de Los Mares, Ste. 117 Manny Tau, Psy.D., PSY14892 888.949.5150 TUTORING 300 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 218, www.drtau.com Tutor Toes 949.429.6222 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com

REAL ESTATE Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631 San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.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 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax www.sandyandrich.com 949.293.3236

REMODEL 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

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

WEBSITE DESIGN San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345 www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com Clear Windows 949.485.8793 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

WINDOW COVERINGS Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926 638 Camino de los Mare, Ste. G-105, www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or email mreddick@sanclementetimes.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or email mreddick@sanclementetimes.com

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FOR RENT DANA POINT HARBOR OCEAN VIEW CONDO 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Gated Condo For Rent. Condo has hook-ups and 2 car underground parking garage. Please call (909) 391-2129 for more information.

GARAGE SALES HUGE CHURCH PARKING LOT SALE Heritage Christian Fellowship Church. Sat Nov 17 th 8 am till noon. 190 Avenida La Pata,San Clemente. Great quality stuff-Many families particiating FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, December 1, 2012 8am to 12 pm. Xst’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino Los Mares YARD SALE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17. 7AM - 11AM 4 West Avenida Ramona. Leather Couch, Love Seat and Ottoman, mini dirt bike, 53” rolling TV, furniture, speakers, camera/electronic accessories, lamps, clothes, bags, frames, books, toys and more.

San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

HELP WANTED SUPERVISOR, UPHOLSTERY SPECIALIST Sprvs, coord & participte in activities of upholsterers.Refurbish, restore & create all types of custom upholstery.Measure&cut material using methods to minimize waste. Read work orders & assign duties.Plan & estab work schd & prod. sequence to meet production goals. Report hrs & submit prod reports.Order supplies & materials. Contact Recuirtment & Employment Office, Attn: Job Ref#: S&J46156, Phone: 949-498-5576

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Exclusive cleaning services, senior servies, Catering and hosties , Pet care ...Native San Clementean ,honest and reliable...Book your Holiday needs now! Call 949-492-3363 Happy Holidays!!!

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-456-2376

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

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

Page 23

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS

5

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SCOTT SAVAGE AND U18 TEAM USA WIN TOURNEY

San Clemente’s Scott Savage lines up a shot playing for the U18 USA National team in the 4 Nations Tournament. Photo

by Jonathan Knight

San Clemente native Scott Savage and the U18 USA National ice hockey team came away with a tournament victory at the Four Nations Tournament, which took place from November 6 to November 10 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Four Nations Tournament is among the more prestigious amateur ice hockey events in the world and this year’s field was comprised of teams from the United States, Finland, Switzerland and Sweden.

Savage, a defender, had a productive tournament for the USA squad. In four games, Savage had four shots on goal and a plusminus rating of +2 while on the ice.

The USA team stumbled in the second game of the tournament against Switzerland,

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

Beach Millikan 18-8 on November 6 in the first wild card round. Sophomore Chase Hamming had a very productive game for the Tritons, notching nine goals, two assists and four steals to help push the Tritons into the next round.

In the first round match against Corona del Mar, the Triton offense that was so potent in the wild card round, slowed to a crawl. Only three Tritons contributed with goals while the Sea Kings had eight different players find the back of the net. Corona del Mar goalie Patrick McKenzie had a game-high 13 saves against the Tritons.

Hamming led the team with 11 goals in the playoffs. Senior Derek Cousineau was the team leader in assists with five and senior Robby Stiefel led the team in steals with six. Sophomore goalie Adam Sandor tallied 15 total saves in the team’s two playoff games.

Triton Report

By Steve Breazeale

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY • Another meet, another win.

That’s been the story for the San Clemente girls cross country team in the second half of the season in 2012.

Racing in the Division 1 Varsity Women’s heat No. 4 at the CIF-SS Prelims at Mt. SAC on November 11, the Triton girls came away with a heat victory and a top seed heading into the CIF-SS Finals. The Tritons beat their next closest competitor, Dana Hills, by 20 points. The Tritons had 44 point to the Dolphins’ 64.

Junior Mellisa Eisele has come on strong in the last half of the season and finished second as an individual in heat No. 4 at prelims. Her time of 18:17 was 16 seconds behind the first place finisher and three seconds ahead of third place. Eisele also had a strong showing at the South Coast League Finals on November 1, a meet in which the Tritons captured the first league title in school history.

Eisele’s time of 17:03 at league finals was good enough for a fourth place finish.

Sophomore Kelsey Carroll finished close behind Eisele at the prelims, coming in fourth place after posting a time of 18:25 in the heat. Sophomore Gracie Georgi was another Triton to finish in the top 10 by posting an 18:38 time, good enough for a sixth place finish.

While 20 points separated the Tritons from league rivals Dana Hills at the prelims, their showdown at the league finals was much closer. The Tritons ended up having

losing 5-4 after a seven-player shootout. The early loss only motivated the team to finish strong, according to Savage. “(After the game against Switzerland) we got into the locker room and said ‘We don’t want to do that again,’” Savage said, “We knew we had to step it up and play better.”

Savage and the USA team went on a tear after the loss to the Swiss, defeating Sweden in back–to-back games, including the final, to claim the title.

“It was a great feeling winning the tournament on U.S. soil,” Savage said. “It’s the only tournament we can play in the U.S., so it was a big deal to experience that in our own country.” —Steve Breazeale

three runners place inside the top 10 and narrowly edged out the Dolphins by the score of 48-49. Eisele, Carroll and Georgi were once again the top finishers for San Clemente.

Next meet: 11/17 at CIF-SS Championships, Mt. SAC.

GIRLS TENNIS • Playing as the No. 2 seed out of the South Coast League the Tritons girls tennis team made a push into the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS playoffs but were eventually ousted by University 14-4 on November 5.

The Tritons coasted through their first round match against Brentwood on October 31, defeating the visiting team from the Alpha League 14-4.

University came into their match against San Clemente riding high after a dominating 18-0 first round victory over Flintridge Sacred Heart.

BOYS WATER POLO • The Tritons boys water polo season came to an end on November 7 as San Clemente lost to Corona del Mar 12-6 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

The Tritons (17-12, 4-4 league) made a late season push to earn a wild card berth as the South Coast League No. 3 seed. They got into the first round by defeating Long

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY • The Tritons boys cross country team ran at the CIF-SS Prelims at Mt. SAC on November 11 but posted no official time in the Division 1 Varsity Men’s heat No. 4 race. The Tritons ran in the same heat as South Coast League rivals Trabuco Hills and Dana Hills, who finished first and second, respectively, in the heat.

Senior Derek Cousineau and the boys water polo team lost in the first round of the CIF-SS Championships. Courtesy photo

SC SURF

6

GROM OF THE WEEK Maddox Bray Age: 5, Concordia Elementary

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

Maddox Bray. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Maddox Bray caught the surfing bug early when he stood up on his first wave at T Street at the age of 2. Now at age 5, he and his twin brother Makai are the youngest competitors in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour. Maddox is currently ranked No. 17 of 28 in the Micro Grom U9 Push-in division. He has also played AYSO soccer for two years and enjoys football and skateboarding. Not only is he very dedicated and competitive in sports, he loves school and has even been known to request more homework. His older sister Malia, also a competitive surfer, is largely responsible for motivating his success in surfing and school and he enjoys spending time with her in both pursuits. According to his mom, he likes to be helpful around the house too, even asking for chores. Although Maddox admits he really likes to win surf contests, his main motivation for practicing is to learn to do 360s and get barreled. “I like it when it’s double overhead and I want to get tubed,” he said. “I love trophies but I’m OK if I don’t win all the time. One time my brother won a contest in Carlsbad and shared the prizes with me. He gave me a backpack.” Maddox practices four to five days a week at T Street, under the tutelage of his dad or sister. “I like to practice hitting the lip and then go home and eat a yummy turkey and lettuce sandwich my mom made,” he said. —Andrea Swayne

On a Longboard to China

SURF FORECAST Water Temp: 57-60˚F Water visibility, conditions: San Clemente: 10-15’ poor-fair-; Catalina: 15-20’+ Fair Immediate: Minimal West-Northwest swell drops to traces while some small new Southwest swell moves in. Surf is ankleknee-thigh high, as standout breaks see a few rare better sets. Light Southerly wind in the morning is followed by a light+ Westerly seabreeze in the afternoon. Conditions are generally poor overall.

Long Range: Small new Southwest swell picks up some on Friday, for ankle-kneewaist high waves at good exposures and better sets at top breaks. The surf bumps up a notch for the weekend as steep angled Northwest swell joins in and modest Southern Hemi swell builds a little further.

Most breaks still top out around waist high, with a little more size by Sunday. Southerly winds and possible rain are looking likely over the weekend. Check out Surfline for all the details!

World Champion longboarder Steinriede-Engle to defend title in China, San Clemente surfers Gilkerson and Rozunko to compete as well

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

T

hree local women are busy making preparations to travel to China to compete in the SWATCH Girls Pro China 2012, November 21 through 25 at Wanning, Hainan Island, China.

For Dana Point professional longboard surfer Lindsey Steinriede-Engle, 27, the trip will mark her return to the venue to defend the Women’s Longboard World Champion title she won at the inaugural event in 2011.

For the other two surfers—Tory Gilkerson, 19, and Karina Rozunko, 16, both of San Clemente—the trip will mark the first time either has qualified for a shot at an Association of Surfing Professionals world title.

“I am super excited to go back to China,” Steinriede-Engle said. “It was a great event last year and life has gotten so busy I haven’t done any competitions since then. I’m looking forward to getting

Tory Gilkerson and Karina Rozunko, both of San Clemente, will also represent the U.S. at the SWATCH Girls Pro China 2012. Photo by Andrea Swayne

San Clemente Times November 15–21, 2012

Lindsey Steinriede-Engle prepares to defend her ASP Longboard World Champion title during a practice session at San O. Photo by Andrea Swayne

back into the water to compete.”

As defending champion, SteinriedeEngle says she doesn’t feel a huge amount of pressure to repeat the victory she calls “the peak of her career, so far” but said she has been training more in the days leading up to the event.

“Obviously I will do my best to win but if it doesn’t happen for me this year, I would like to see someone I respect as a surfer to take it. Also, it’s nice to have a couple of other locals there with me to represent our area,” Steinriede-Engle said, referring to Gilkerson and Rozunko.

Both Gilkerson and Rozunko say they are feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness about having qualified for their first ASP World Championship. And the fact that it is so far away, in unknown territory, adds to their trepidation.

“I’m sort of nervous but really excited to have earned a spot, and to be from the same area as the current world champion is pretty cool,” Gilkerson said. “Both Karina and I look up to Lindsey and she’s already been very helpful by walking us through the whole visa process. She’s been right there to answer questions.”

Rozunko, the youngest competitor representing the U.S., agreed.

“It’s crazy to get this opportunity to surf with the world champion and see what she and the other older girls are doing,” Rozunko said. “I’m nervous, but I’ve been practicing a lot and I plan to just give it everything I’ve got, choose my waves wisely.”

Gilkerson said her strategy is similar and she will try to quell the nerves by concentrating on practicing.

Steinriede-Engle says she is happy to share her insights and experiences with the younger girls and knows just what they are feeling right now.

“Any guidance I can offer them I’m happy to give. I’d like to be someone they look up to but I think they are both experienced enough in their own right to do well,” she said.

The trio will depart for China on November 17 and are set to return November 27. SC

Page 26

RESULTS Local finishers only. KEY: San Clemente=SC; Dana Point=DP; Capistrano Beach=CB; San Juan Capistrano=SJC. WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 4, November 10-11, San Diego, Mission Beach, San Fernando Street MICRO GROM BOYS/GIRLS SB U9: 1. Dane Matson, SC; 2. Brayden Burch, SC; 3. Bane Corbett, SC; 6. Hendrick Osterkamp, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Jett Schilling, SC; 3.

Patrick O’Connor, SJC. BOYS U12: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 4. Jett Schilling, SC; 5. Ryan Martin, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Conner Dand, SC; 2. Brighton Reinhardt, DP. BOYS U18: 6. Jordan Kudla, SC. GIRLS U12: 6. Lexi Morgan, SC. GIRLS U14: 3. Alexxa Elseewi, SC; 5. Tera Richardson, CB; 6. Lily Benjamin, SJC. GIRLS U16: 2. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 3. Kirra Connolly, SC. GIRLS U18: 1. Lulu Erkeneff, DP; 2. Malia Osterkamp, SC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 5. Eland Hansler, SC. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 6. Jack Benjamin, SJC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Rachael Tilly, CB; 2. Lulu Erkeneff, DP; 3. Emmy Lombard, SC; 4. Teresa O’Connor, SJC. MEN 18–29: 2. Ricky Lovato, SC. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Lulu Erkeneff, DP; 4. Kassy Eldridge, SC. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Lulu Erkeneff, DP. Volcom VQS Surf Tour, Blowfish Series, November 11, Carlsbad, Ponto PRO-AM: 5. Brandon Hawkins, SC; 6. Shaw Kobayashi, SC. JUNIORS: 2. Colin Deveze, SC; 5. Josh Benjoya, DP; 6. Lucas Taub, SC. GROMS: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC; 5. Cole Houshmand, SC. SQUIDS: 5. Gus Day, SC. For full results, see www.sanclementetimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS November 17: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 6, Cardiff by the Sea, Seaside Reef December 1-2: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 5, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty December 1-2: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 6, Huntington Beach, Pier www.sanclementetimes.com