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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 50

Dahl Reflects on Council Term 16-year councilman looks back on changes to the city E Y E O N S C / PAG E 6

Former San Clemente City Council member Jim Dahl says he is proud of all the changes in the city during his 16 years on the council. Photo by Jim Shilander

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Plastic Bag Ban May Be Reexamined

SC Runner Wins National Championship

Former SC Police Chief Hunt Cleared

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 20

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SC

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Mayor John Taylor was attacked and injured by two assailants Saturday night, while walking with his wife from a Christmas party, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m., as the Taylors were walking southbound on Los Rios Street. The two heard footsteps behind them and moved aside when one of the attackers punched Taylor in the head, knocking him to the ground. Both suspects began punching and kicking Taylor in the face area and didn’t stop until shortly after Taylor’s wife yelled that they were attacking the mayor. Authorities are now looking for two suspects, described as Hispanic males, about 6 feet in height and about 220 pounds. Taylor was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and then released.

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GOI N G O N I N OU R NE IGH B O R I N G TOWN S

DANA POINT The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI’s Bank Robbery Apprehension Team are continuing the search for a man who robbed a Dana Point bank December 13. According to OCSD spokesman Jim Amormino, a man who appeared to be in his late 30s, robbed the Downey Savings Bank at 33621 Del Obispo in Dana Point at about 9:30 a.m. The man was described as 5 foot, 11 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a black beret, presented a teller with a note demanding money. No weapons were seen during the hold up. The subject fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. The FBI has so far been unable to match surveillance photos of the suspect with any known serial bank robbers, Amormino said. The investigation is ongoing.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…Former Police Chief Bill Hunt?

THE LATEST: An Orange County Superior Court has ruled in favor of former San Clemente Police Chief Bill Hunt, restoring Hunt’s rank and back pay after a coordinated retaliation campaign directed against him by former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona. Hunt, who had run against Carona for the office in 2006, had been demoted from lieutenant to deputy as a result of the campaign and resigned his position as chief of police services. After leaving the Sheriff’s Department, Hunt founded his own private investigation firm. As part of the ruling, he was also given back pay, as well as reimbursement of attorney fees. WHAT’S NEXT: San Clemente City Manager George Scarborough said the city itself does not face any jeopardy as a result of the ruling. Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jim Amormino issued a statement on behalf of the department. “Sheriff Hutchens’ administration had no part in the disciplinary actions taken against Lt. Hunt,” Amormino said. “The actions described by the court’s ruling were undertaken by Sheriff Carona and his former administration. The county is reviewing the court’s ruling and weighing its various options.” FIND OUT MORE: For the complete story, see www.sanclementetimes.com — JS

…A Plastic Bag Ban?

THE LATEST: San Clemente’s Coastal Advisory Commission appears ready to make the case again for a citywide ban on singleuse plastic bags to the City Council. San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

Potential city bans of single-use bags have gone forward twice in recent years. Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said cities had been much more successful in the last number of years in defending such bans in court, and the steps taken by a number of those cities could easily be replicated in San Clemente. Commission members who had been involved with previous attempts at a ban indicated they would be willing to make the case to the city council again. Member Peter Salgado indicated a willingness to prepare some of the research outlining research to support a ban. Chairman Bill Hart said it was important that the commission, as stewards of the area’s beaches and watersheds, be prepared to confidently make the case for a ban.

must also compete in San Clemente. Leagues receiving the designation receive priority scheduling for fields, as well as discounted rates on their use compared with other organizations. The council also approved negotiating with San Clemente Aquatics for it’s own agreement. Since the area’s pools can accommodate more than one activity at a given period, the organization hoped to come to a different agreement than one that would be in place for field sports.

WHAT’S NEXT: Bonigut indicated that a pitch for the ban could be made when the council sets its priority list for the year in February.

FIND OUT MORE: For the entire story, check out www.sanclementetimes.com. — JS

WHAT’S NEXT: The Council tabled the discussion of a partnership for Elite Soccer. The commission had recommended denying the league’s application due to having lower levels of recreation level participation, as well as paying coaches, officials and staff.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, see www.sanclementetimes.com. — JS

…City Sports Partnerships?

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council approved partnerships with four San Clemente recreational sports leagues, as well as negotiations with San Clemente Aquatics for a new partnership agreement. The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended each of the four approved leagues, American Youth Soccer Association, San Clemente Little League, San Clemente Girls Softball and South Coast Youth Football, for “senior partnerships.” The designation is given to organizations serving more than 300 area children, 90 percent of which must be from San Clemente. The leagues

…The Oxford Prep Cheating Allegations?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District released a statement Tuesday publicly exonerating Oxford Preparatory Academy of allegations that teachers at the charter school helped students cheat on state standardized tests. “An investigation did not support allegations of testing irregularities at the school,” Superintendent Joseph Farley said in the statement. “The students, teachers and parents at OPA have been, and deserve to be, congratulated for their successes on the California STAR tests.” In its inaugural year, Oxford Prep, the south Orange County branch of the Chino-based charter school, achieved a 993 out of 1,000 API score—the highest mark in the district and the second high-

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est in the county. Allegations against the school first arose just prior to the election season. Both the district and the school conducted their own investigations and found no credibility to the allegations. WHAT’S NEXT: The next regular meeting of the CUSD Board of Trustees will take place Monday, January 7, at 7 p.m. FIND OUT MORE: To view the API scores, visit dq.cde.gov/dataquest. For updates, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. —Brian Park

…The SONGS Restart Hearing?

THE LATEST: Southern California Edison officials met with Nuclear Regulatory Commission engineers at the NRC’s Maryland headquarters Tuesday to discuss the utility’s proposal to restart Unit 2 at 70 percent power for five months. While the meeting largely focused on the technical aspects of the proposal, NRC officials did indicate that they had some additional questions about the proposal, which would be forwarded to Edison, with hopes of being answered by the beginning of January. NRC officials did say there may still be additional rounds of questions, and did not rule out additional inspections of Unit 2. WHAT’S NEXT: The current NRC timeline calls for another public meeting in Southern California to discuss the utility’s restart proposal in mid-February. Currently, according to the timeline on the NRC’s website, a decision on the restart proposal will not be made before March. FIND OUT MORE: To take a look at the NRC’s timeline, see www.nrc.gov/infofinder/reactor/songs/tube-degradation. html. — JS www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, December 20 Winter Extravaganza Concert 7 p.m. The San Clemente High School orchestra, band and choral ensembles perform a old-fashioned holiday musical event in the school’s Triton Center. Tickets $10. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.sctritons.com.

Friday, December 21 Dark Friday City offices closed. Christmas Lunch 12 p.m. Holiday lunch at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center with entertainment by Rick McClellan and lunch served by military personnel. 117 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.3322, www.san-clemente.org.

Sunday, December 23 San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve City Offices Closed City offices closed Dec. 24-25 in observance of Christmas; www.san-clemente.org.

Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day.

Wednesday, December 26 Adult Book Group 8:30 a.m. Meet at the San Clemente Library and “Bring-Your-OwnBook” to share with the group. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org. TOPS Meeting 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly San Clemente, the international weight loss support group, meets at the Community Resource Center of San Clemente, in San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, 949.498.3052.

NEWS BITES

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Boys & Girls Club Adds Technology Room u Children at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area in San Clemente got a special surprise Friday. Thanks to donations from technology companies Microsoft and Ingram Micro, as well donations from the Jeff Peters Memorial Gift and Woodcrafters Custom Cabinetry, the club unveiled a new educational technology center Friday. Andy Brosche, program director of the club, said the technology center, which includes 18 PC workstations and 10 tablet computers, had been a major priority given the organizations 2012 focus on improving educational opportunities at the club. Students will be required to spend 80 percent of their computer time on educational activities, Brosche said. The primary tool will be an educational program called Successmakers, which will attempt to improve students’ math and science through testing and reinforcement. Brosche said the program would also allow struggling students to get individual attention from teachers at the Boys & Girls Club. In addition to the educational software, students will also receive instruction on how to conduct themselves online in a safe and civil way.

SCHS Secret Santa Group Collects Clothes for Salvation Army u Members of San Clemente High School’s Secret Santa Club collected more than 40 bags of clothing Saturday at the Albertson’s near the corner of Avenida Pico and Avenida La Pata. The clothes will be donated to the Salvation Army. The club has 15 members, president Matt Parker said, and had been planning the event for “a couple of months.” The organization is also planning to not only donating some of the clothes to less fortunate people in San Clemente, but also to spend time talking with them as well. The goal of the organization is to spread “Random acts of kindness,” Parker said. As an added gesture, the club also col-

SC Rotary Club 12 p.m. Irons in the Fire, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org.

San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

Children at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area will have new educational opportunities at the facility’s new technology room. The students will be able to play educational games and receive lessons about civility online. Photo by Jim Shilander

lected more than $400 for the victims of the Newtown, Conn., shootings.

Local Collection Point Set Up for CHOC Program u Legos for Leukemia CA (Orange) delivers donated Lego boxes to kids with leukemia and other life threatening diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Legos for Leukemia was founded in 2009 by Christian Flanders of Denver as a way to honor the memory of his father and as a way to give kids fighting cancer and other life threatening diseases a fun and creative way to deal chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. Locally, Janell Torres created a similar program for the kids at Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC). Torres’ son Alex was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Locally, boxes can be dropped off at Estrella Veterinary Hospital in Capistrano Beach. Donations can also be made at CHOC. For more information, check out www.facebook. com/pages/Legos-for-Leukemia-CA-Orange/169615956515868.

San Clemente Police Citizen Academy Accepting Applications

Kiwanis Meeting 12 p.m. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

French Conversation Club2 p.m.–4 p.m. Come and chat at Cafe Calypso every Wednesday; no fees, no registration. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.493.5228.

Compiled by Jim Shilander

Members of the San Clemente High School Secret Santa Club collected clothing and donations Saturday at Albertson’s. Among those present were Zachary Ellis, Kevin Mariano, Bryan Dunn and Matt Parker. Photo by Jim Shilander

u The Orange County Sheriff’s Department/San Clemente Police Services and the city of San Clemente are inviting members of the public to register for the inaugural 2013 San Clemente Police Services Citizen Academy. The Citizen Academy will meet for 12 consecutive weeks, commencing February 25 from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. in the Community Center’s Fireside Room at 100 N. Seville, San Clemente. A graduation

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ceremony and dinner will be on May 20. The San Clemente City Council approved the program at its October 2 meeting. Adults in San Clemente who reside or work in town will be able to register for the classes, which are designed to increase understanding of local law enforcement operations. Individuals with a felony conviction, a misdemeanor conviction in the past three years or a pending criminal case will not be admitted into the program. Participants will learn about various topics from department personnel with expertise in specific areas, including: patrol operations, investigations, narcotics, criminal street gangs, traffic, SWAT, aviation, hazardous devices, DUI, and forensics. Participants will also play a part in realistic simulation exercises. Participants will gain an overall knowledge of San Clemente Police Services, how the department is organized, how its deputies serve the community and how they respond when citizens call. The Citizen Academy is not intended to provide formal training and successful completion does not constitute graduation to law enforcement status. More information, including the required application form, is available on the San Clemente Police Services Facebook page, on the City’s website at www.sanclemente.org, or in person by visiting San Clemente Police Services at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente.

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.

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EYE ON SC

Jim Dahl: Despite Growth, San Clemente Still Small Town Outgoing councilman reflects on the accomplishments, regrets of 16 years in office By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

im Dahl, who ended 16 years on the San Clemente City Council earlier this month, following his third-place finish in November’s election for two slots on the council, said there isn’t one particular accomplishment he’ll remember, but instead, he’ll focus on the large number of changes to the city since he came into office. “There’s so many, the Vista Hermosa Sports Park, the Beach Trail, the new senior center, two new fire stations, building a new clubhouse at the golf course, along with improving public safety,” Dahl said of the most important accomplishments in his time in office. “And always doing it with a balanced budget.” Dahl has seen the city grow by leaps and bounds since moving to San Clemente in the ’60s. After working as a firefighter in the area for over 30 years, Dahl ran for city council first in 1994, finishing fourth, then again in 1996, receiving the highest number of votes in the next three elections. He continued to serve as a firefighter before retiring in 2008. He also noted the revitalization of downtown, which not so long ago was fairly sleepy in the evenings, as an important recent development. “It’s extremely important. The city has spent a lot of money and put a lot of effort into revitalizing downtown. The intensity of the businesses has increased, which helps bring in sales tax revenue,” he said. Stemming the “bleed” of sales taxes due to San Clemente residents shopping in nearby cities but not at home was an important change, Dahl noted. With the new additions of Target and Walmart, as well as the coming Marblehead commercial development, Dahl said he was hopeful that the flow could not only be stopped, but be reversed in the coming years. Marblehead developer Steve Craig’s willingness to stay with the project, Dahl said, was another example of a change in the city. In the ’80s, he explained, the city didn’t bond many projects, leading to trouble when developers abandoned them, and the city would be left holding the bag. “From that point on, we’ve bonded all city improvements. We’ve done a lot to make sure developers don’t walk away.” Dahl said his biggest frustration as a council member was the difficulty in making things happen quickly. “It takes so long to get anything done,” Dahl said. “A project dies of a thousand paper cuts. It if takes too long, it dies,” Dahl said. While there were some cases, such as the Vista Hermosa Sports Park, where projects took a long time but still worked out, Dahl said there were many others, like the North Beach LAB, that had taken San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

Jim Dahl (in cap), along with other city officials, helps cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Ralph’s on El Camino Real earlier this year. Dahl said he’s proud of efforts to bring businesses like Ralph’s to help staunch the flow of sales taxes outside the city. File photo by Andrea Maben

too long. “As a firefighter, you get to a job and you get the job done. The frustrating thing is that it takes so long. The political attacks on the North Beach project came because people were disgruntled because it took so long.” Dahl also acknowledged that he’d become a divisive figure in San Clemente in his time on the council. He blamed “a faction” in the city that he said “stirred up a lot of animosity and controversy when controversy didn’t exist.” “There’s a lot of ‘storytellers,’ as I call them, who tried to stir up fears and animosity. But that sort of thing has been cyclical. It seems to come up every 15 years or so. The last 16 years have been very positive. But there is that group; the ‘3 percent-ers’ who want to start something, who make things up. People believe them, and it’s sad. They’re very mean and aggressive. They’re just jerks. But by and large the community has been supportive.” Dahl said his involvement with the Toll Roads had also been a major issue in provoking ill-feelings. He said he felt those who were against the toll roads had their own agendas, and didn’t understand the inter-regional transit needs of the area. “They have their motives that I just don’t understand. They spread these stories, and they inflame the public. We’ve built 51 miles of roads in Orange County. There are 27,000 transponders in San Clemente. We’ve taken 300,000 trips off the freeways. If those were back on the regular freeways,

it’ll be clogged up totally. Time is money for people.” Dahl said one aspect of service that many don’t understand is the number of other boards council members serve on, and just how much time gets spent working on city business. “I was on so many different boards and committees; the animal shelter, the toll road, Fire Authority, where I served as chairman. I’m going to miss the fire authority. I probably spent 30 hours a week on city business during my 16 years on the council.” Dahl said he’s unsure about whether he’ll run again, but appeared to be leaning against a run in 2014. He said any decision would likely rest on whether the three current council members slated to run in 2014—Tim Brown, Jim Evert and Lori Donchak—do, but said he didn’t envision running at the moment. He will remain the city’s representative on the Vector Control Board for the next year, but will also remain a presence locally as a volunteer. Dahl said he and his family would still be volunteers at Ocean Fest, and he would remain active in community organizations like the Exchange Club. After the election, he said he’d spent a lot of time fielding phone calls, asking for advice. “There’s still a lot of things to do,” Dahl said. For the coming years, Dahl offered some advice for the council. “Don’t be parochial in your ideas. Consider the whole community, not just the few who support-

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ed your campaign. Be pro-business, it’s so important to the city. And keep a balanced budget.” Dahl said the kind of funding the city would receive from the state would remain in doubt in the coming years, and credited the city staff for good work. “The state still owes us a couple million dollars,” Dahl noted. “It’s been getting tougher for local governments to provide basic services. That’s why we went to the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority, for the economy of scale. The city employees have done an absolutely fantastic job doing more with less. It’s always a challenge to bring high quality people to a small town.” He also thanked those who’d served on the other city boards, like Planning Commission, the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission and Coastal Advisory Commission. Dahl said that while the city had grown, it’s still, in a way, the same kind of small town he raised a family in over the last 50 years. “It’s hometown USA. It’s like a little town in Kansas, except there’s an ocean there. Even in tough times, people here are always working together. We’ve watched this town grow from 10,000 people to 60,000 people. But El Camino Real is still El Camino Real. It doesn’t change. There’s been some investment in Avenida Del Mar, but it’s still Avenida Del Mar. It’s still a small town. Our whole family is in San Clemente.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ARIANA CRISAFULLI 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.

December 16 PROWLER Avenida Miramer, 200 Block (11:43 p.m.) A woman called to report a man with a pit bull who was continuously wandering around her front yard. The woman reported that he kept looking at and touching the exterior lights on her house. PROWLER Avenida Madrid, 300 Block (10:00 p.m.) A woman called about someone attempting to open her front door. When she looked out her window, she saw another woman run away from her front door and jump into a silver Hyundai with a child in it and drive away. The woman returned later and was peering through the informant’s windows. DISTURBANCE Calle Guaymas, 300 Block (7:33 p.m.) An informant called to report her upstairs neighbors, who were being noisy and slamming doors while drinking. The informant said that her elderly neighbors were complaining about them but didn’t want to call the police because they were afraid of the upstairs tenants who reportedly carried weapons around in the past. The informant also mentioned that the couple had a 6-year-old daughter and they were all concerned about her welfare. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Cristianitos, 100 Block (6:07 p.m.) A woman called concerning her husband, who had taken five Xanax and was drinking. The woman told OCFA that she was getting her children out of the house and would call back when they were safe. OCFA was concerned that the man was trying to kill himself but the woman assured them that he was just trying to “numb out” and had no intention of harming himself. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (5:30 p.m.) A man and a woman were seen to be fighting in Goody’s parking lot. An onlooker called to report the disturbance. When the police arrived the woman was on the San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

ground and both parties were uncooperative. SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico, 900 Block (4:43 p.m.) Three teenage boys in a red jeep were seen in the Wal-Mart parking lot in a red jeep carrying what appeared to be guns. When the police went to investigate, the guns were found to be BB guns and air soft guns. WELFARE CHECK Calle Dorado, 300 Block (2:27 p.m.) A man called concerning his friend, whom he believed was being abused by her two daughters. The subject is in her late 70’s and lives with her daughters. DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 700 Block (10:55 a.m.) A caller parked in the San Clemente High School parking lot reported that a man in his 50s ran by his car and slammed his fists into the hood. The man then continued running toward I-5.

December 15 KEEP THE PEACE Calle Ola Verde, 2100 Block (1:59 p.m.) A call was made reporting a 30-year-old man in silver Lexus who the informant said was off his medication. The informant was worried that the subject would become unstable and disruptive. He informed the police that he thought the man, if confronted, would be uncooperative. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida de la Paz, 100 Block (5:47 a.m.) A patrol check was requested after a man was knocking on the caller’s door saying that he was in a “life and death emergency.” The subject then took off in an unknown vehicle. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 1800 Block (5:17 a.m.) A call was made reporting three juvenile subjects, two males and one female, who were attempting to take things from a business. The informant recovered the items and the subjects left, heading toward the beach, but the informant requested a patrol check on the three subjects. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pas Luna, 0 Block (3:41 a.m.) An informant called reporting an unknown vehicle that was parked in his garage. There was no one in the vehicle and the informant did not see who was driving it or when it was parked there. DISTURBANCE Avenida Cabrillo, 100 Block (1:42 a.m.) A fight was reported between a man and a woman. Passersby were trying to get the man under control but he eventually passed out. At least three people were keeping an eye on the man while they waited for the police to arrive. When he came to, he decided to cooperate with the police. Page 8

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com

CEO Norb Garrett

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 7, Issue 50. 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.

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WAVELENGTHS: By Jim Kempton

Jimmy Stewart’s role in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ isn’t just a character in a Christmas film

indefatigable energy and persuasive powers to talk the city government into accepting an ordinance to save the original red-tiled Ole Hanson structures that now define our city as the Little Spanish VilWAVELENGTHS lage by the Sea? Or Ray By Jim Kempton Kroc, who gave us the chimes that waft beautiful melodies across our town? It is people like these who keep our lurching train of life on the rails—by putting their small but critical coal in the engine. City employees like Leslie Davis, who fought her whole career to provide affordable housing for the low-income workers who do San Clemente’s many indispensible tasks but cannot afford to live in the city they clean and care for. Doctors like Dan McCann, who provided health services to the poor while running a full time practice. Journalists like Fred Swegles, who in a lifetime of news has never slanted a position in his own favor. Civic pillars like Lee Van Slyke, Denny

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak INTERNS Ariana Crisafulli, Kevin Dahlgren, Darian Nourian, Adam Herzog

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

George Bailey Was Right he staying power of the holiday season’s favorite film has its roots in the common core faith Americans have about themselves: that we are at once a united people and a nation of fiercely independent individuals. It’s a belief that we can make a difference if we chose. It’s about plain people going the extra mile when nobody is looking. Our town is full of them. Like George Bailey, the lead character in It’s a Wonderful Life, these quiet individuals’ contributions are often invisible and yet immeasurable. What would we have done without Don and Sherry Card who ran our local 1,700-strong AYSO program for nearly a decade as volunteers? Or Georgina Korsen who pushed and pressed and stamped her cute little feet to help get our Animal Shelter in town? Who would have filled the shoes of Rod Rodriquez who has volunteered in every year of the last four decades of city life; Father Okie, the quiet, gentle associate pastor at St. Clement’s Church who served for 20 years there—after he retired? Or Blythe Welton, who used her

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Lindeman and Paul Henry of the Rotary Club who raise charity money each year for the needy. Men like Steve Long, who dedicated his career to the State Park. Or women like Debbee Pezman, who worked every Wednesday in her mother’s soup kitchen for the homeless. Without Kathryn Stovall-Dennis and Stephanie Dory’s countless hours, there would be no Coastal Trail as we know it. Without Rick Anderson, there would have been years past when San Clemente would have had no fireworks on the Fourth of July. We should celebrate these people. Not because they are so good. Lots of people do good. More because they were so selfless in their contribution, so quiet and un-needing of the accolades so many seek to achieve. You don’t know about these contributors to our general good because they were not working all the time to make sure they got credit for it. Often without even realizing it, these unknown christian soldiers (small c) have enriched the lives of their fellow citizens and left a lasting legacy in deeds rather

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 reader-submitted 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. than the aggrandizement of crystal cathedrals and redundant foundations named after themselves. We have a whole town full of unrecognized George Baileys. My only regret in writing this piece is leaving out all the hundreds more who are equally deserving of our gratitude. And as Jimmy Stewart would say, “By Golly, I just might.” Jim Kempton is a writer who unrepentantly believes good guys should finish first and that George Bailey was right. Even in the face of unrelenting modern evidence to the contrary. 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.

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

AT THE MOVIES: ‘THE HOBBIT’ LACKS MAGIC Ten years ago, when Harry Potter was the most popular and successful franchise for anyone under 15 years old, Lord of the Rings was the most popular and successful franchise for anyone over 15. Eight years ago, Return of the King won 13 Oscars, including Best Picture. Now, nearly a decade later, Peter Jackson and company are back with the most anticipated prequel of the year: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The story begins with hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) 60 years younger and urged by Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to join 12 dwarves on an adventure to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. The party—lead by the last dwarf prince, Thorin (Richard Armitage)—is also being pursued by a group of large, savage orcs on the hunt for them as well. Lord of the Rings regulars Elijah © 2012 Warner Bros. Ent. Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. Wood, Ian Holm, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee and Lee Pace appear in cameos throughout the film. Freeman gives an impressive performance as the young protagonist and Aidan Turner becomes the most memorable dwarf. While the original trilogy was phenomenal and mesmerizing, The Hobbit comes off indulgent and tedious in pacing as well as over-the-top visuals. By the end of the movie, the audience is left to wonder why Jackson didn’t just make one epic blockbuster instead of a new nine-hour trilogy. —Megan Bianco

THE LIST

saturday

thursday

PANCAKES WITH SANTA 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Enjoy pancakes with Santa, as well as photos, at The Lodge at Aliso Creek Inn. $10 plus gratuity. 31106 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.499.2271, www.alisocreekinn.com.

A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

WINTER EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT 7 p.m. The San Clemente High School orchestra, band and choral ensembles perform in the school’s Triton Center. $10. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.sctritons.com.

A CHRISTMAS TOGETHER 8 p.m. Third annual Christmas special show at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. BILLY WATSON 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. CASA HOLIDAY EXHIBITION 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the nostalgia of Christmases past with Casa Romantica’s holiday exhibition featuring vintage cookie tins, doll houses, trains and more through Jan. 5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

friday

A TUNA CHRISTMAS 8 p.m. Comedy play at Cabrillo Playhouse. $15-$20. Shows through Dec. 23. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

MAYAN END OF THE WORLD PARTY 7 p.m.-10 p.m Old Money Jim performs a special show at San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1167, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com. DAVINE WINE TASTING & MUSIC 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music by Angelika Wilson and wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine. Five wines for $15. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. WINE & 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. San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

THE NUTCRACKER 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Professional dancers perform at Irvine Barclay Theater. $35-$40. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646, www.thebarclay.org

SOUTH COAST SINGERS “MERRIEST SEASON OF ALL” CONCERT 4 p.m. The South Coast Singers perform their annual holiday concert at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Church. Tickets $20. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.613.7840, www.southcoastsingers.org. PET ADOPTION 12 p.m.-4 p.m. The Ark’s cat and kitten adoption at Petsmart in the Costco Plaza. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org. CARRY THE ZERO 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com. LEMONDROP SINGLES HOLIDAY PARTY 7 p.m.midnight. Holiday dance for singles with live bands, DJs a free dance lesson, and more at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. Tickets $15. 25092 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.378.6600, www.lemondropclub.com.

sunday

SANTA’S WONDERLAND 10 a.m.-10 p.m. A magical Christmas experience with Santa, elves, Mrs. Claus and more, in a 23,000-sq foot facility featuring exhibits, activities and much more. Tickets $25. 2719 White Road, Irvine, 855.578.6425, www.santaswonderlandoc.com.

SMALL WORKS ART SHOW 10 a.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. SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine. Page 12

monday

CHRISTMAS EVE: CONCERT & LATIN MIDNIGHT MASS 10 p.m.-midnight. Festive bilingual mass at Mission Basilica in Serra Chapel, beginning with a concert followed by the service. Earlier services held as well. 31522 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

HOLIDAY “FANTASEA” GINGERBREAD DISPLAY 12 p.m. See the Ritz-Carlton’s Holiday “FantaSeaLand” Gingerbread Display, which the pastry team spent more than 400 hours to create. Free to view. 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

December 25

wednesday

Christmas Day

ADULT BOOK GROUP 8:30 a.m. Meet at the library and “Bring-YourOwn-Book.” 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

ELF CRAWL 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Dress up like an elf and participate in the Elf Crawl that starts at Sundried Tomato and travels to nearby restaurants/bars in the downtown San Juan Capistrano area, ending at Swallow’s Inn. Kids invited except at Swallow’s. More info on Twitter: @SJCElfCrawl. MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Restaurants and bars in downtown San Juan offer microbrews and food at great prices the last Wednesday of every month. More info: 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com. JETT PINK 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. BF JONES 8 p.m. “The most interesting band in the world” at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.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

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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.

Business Beat

COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

News and updates on San Clemente’s business community

NEW DEVELOPMENTS u Classic car owners in San Clemente have a new option to take care of their beloved vehicles. Coastal Auto is bringing experienced hands to restoration and maintenance of these vehicles. Jim Benitez, who has years of experience working with hot rods and the restoration of classic cars, shifted operations from San Diego to San Clemente in July. Already, business partner Sandra Gattie said, many of the car lovers Benitez had been working with from San Diego and Orange County have already made their way to the new shop on Calle Negocio. The San Clemente location is closer to Benitez’s home in Dana Point than his previous shop in Escondido. Benitez is well known for his quality workmanship in restoration circles. Gattie is handling the business side of the operation, in addition to operating an insurance office out of the location. Benitez is strictly taking care of the cars, which Gattie said he’s more than capable of taking care of. “What’s unique is that he can do everything,” Gattie said. “He can do all of the work on any car himself, he doesn’t have to sub-contract anything out. You have one person working on it, and it’s unlikely that anyone would be able to find someone with the reputation that he has. And he’s quick.” u The Habit Burger Grill has been a hit in the Camino de los Mares shopping center since it opened in late November, with lines out the door a regular sight during both lunch and dinner rushes. Mike Mirkil, vice president of marketing for the Irvine-based chain said the company has opened several restaurants in Orange County in the last few months and were very happy with the results they’d seen in San Clemente. “We always look for communities with strong family populations and population densities, as well as locations near schools

San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

ent styles of chicken wings in 10 different sauces made to order, along with sandwiches and traditional side items. Sonenshine said the company has traditionally partnered with schools and sports teams on fundraisers, and that was already the case here in San Clemente since the restaurant opened November 29. The restaurant helped with a fundraiser at Marblehead Elementary last week and is talking with other schools and teams, she said.

MILESTONES

Jimmy Benitez, left, and Larry Fullerton are the mechanics behind Coast Auto. Benitez is well known in car restoration and hot rod circles in Southern California as a top mechanic. He recently opened his own business in San Clemente, closer to his home in Dana Point. Photo by Jim Shilander

and homes in the area,” Mirkil said. “We need to have both day and evening populations (of diners) in order to succeed. And that’s been borne out so far in San Clemente.” The chain had been very happy to see the long lines, Mirkil said, noting that the restaurant was seeing a steady run of customers throughout, rather than simply relying on lunch and dinner rushes. “It may be a bit of a honeymoon, but seeing good levels throughout the day is a good sign,” Mirkil said. The company had scouted several locations but said the de los Mares area—near a hospital, movie theater, grocery store and freeway, as well as a number of dense housing developments in the area—had a number of the things the company prized. The company has tripled its number of restaurants in recent years, jumping from 21 in 2008 to 63 today. While largely based in Southern California, the chain has also opened a location in Arizona and is planning one for Utah in the new year. The recent

growth in Orange County, Mirkil said, was a way that the company was “catching up,” with its 2008 move to the area, as most of its restaurants had previously been located in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. u Kerri Sonenshine, one of the new owners of Wing Stop, a chicken wing franchise located on Avenida Pico across from San Clemente High School, said the restaurant is filling an important food niche in the area, namely, a chicken wing-focused restaurant. Sonenshine said she and her husband Danny already own several other franchises throughout Orange County, including locations in Irvine, Lake Forest and Rancho Santa Margarita. “This is our 21st location,” Sonenshine said. “We felt like there was a void here in south Orange County, especially for wing restaurants. We think it’s a great location for a good wing restaurant.” The company offers a selection of differ-

Page 15

u Terry and Jenny Shapiro of Cafe Rae near North Beach are in the midst of celebrating the restaurant’s fifth anniversary. Jenny Shapiro said spending much of that time with the same clientele has brought them new friends. “We’ve really gotten to know our customers,” Shapiro said. “Most of them are the kind who keep coming back again and again.” Terry serves as the primary cook at the restaurant, which serves breakfast all day, along with a number of specials that change each week. “Everything is homemade and fresh,” Jenny said. “It’s a little bit of good homecooking.” Jenny has also gotten to indulge her artistic side, taking the opportunity to decorate the restaurant herself. “It makes it a little more artistic and cheerful,” she said. u Tamara Muslin, owner of two area pet grooming centers, San Clemente and Dana Point Grooming and Pet Spas, recently won a year’s supply of grooming products after winning a contest from pet care company Lambert Kay at an industry trade show in Las Vegas. Muslin said she would be using some of the company’s new products at both the San Clemente and Dana Point locations.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING LIFE’S A BEACH: By Shelley Murphy

Cards May Go Away, But Christmas Spirit Doesn’t Christmas cards and family newsletters are more rare these days

t seems to me each year fewer families send Christmas or holiday cards—it’s 10 days into December and I’ve only received nine. In 2004, the estimated number of cards received by American households dropped to 20, down from 29 in 1987. Despite the decline, Hallmark reports 1.5 billion Christmas cards are purchased and sent every year in the United States. The very first Christmas card spread holiday cheer across England in 1843 and contained the familiar phrase, “A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to You.” A hand-drawn illustration included an image of a child drinking what appears to be red wine sparked controversy. Critics feared the card promoted drinking and would encourage drunkenness—a predication eventually proven at office holiday parties everywhere. For many, Christmas cards offer a rare opportunity to correspond using pen and paper, instead of instant computerized messaging via email, Twitter or Facebook. I still mail handwritten Christmas cards, and I look forward to finding cards

from friends and family stuffed in my mailbox. Every year I send a photo card and I like receiving picture cards in return. Over the years, I’ve saved a huge stack of these cards; and, anLIFE’S A BEACH nually, as I dig through By Shelley Murphy boxes of decorations, I look back over the pictorial record of childhood transformations. Our first family photo card featured our boys standing side-by-side and that tradition continues today. Surprisingly, adding me and my husband to the card to document the onset of my wrinkles and his gray hair never really appealed to me. Last year, we chose to include Santa in our holiday photo. Our boys sat with an overly eager Mr. Claus who kept adlibbing and adding an annoying thumbs-up or silly face to each pose; fortunately, Santa finally cooperated and we ended up with our favorite card to date. It’s a sharp contrast to this year’s card. We couldn’t corral both boys in the same

zip code long enough to snap a picture, so I sorted through old photos settling, for a shot my husband took on vacation in July. Sadly, this year probably marks the end of our family photo card. In August our oldest son left for college and with our other son not far behind, the tradition seems destined to become another casualty on the road to college and adulthood. As much as I enjoy holiday photo cards, my favorite cards arrive accompanied by a seasonal newsletter, or what’s commonly called the Family Christmas Letter. I find most family newsletters are like Christmas sweaters—tacky yet irresistible. Newsletters usually follow a similar format starting with Yuletide greetings then detailing personal triumphs and tragedies peppered with health hazards, prestigious promotions, thrilling travel, or the zany antics of a pet or young child, closing with a pithy holiday wish for “Peace on Earth.” Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but it won’t be Christmas until I read the one family newsletter I

wait for all year. It comes from one of my father’s old fraternity brothers, but it’s written by his second wife and chronicles a year of minutiae about his kids, her kids and their grandkids. The newsletter is two-sided, single spaced and crammed with stories that make the cast from Jersey Shore seem sane. The wife (and author) always shines brightly and unabashedly boasts about her booming real estate business and embellishes her accomplishments by adding lots of exclamation points(!!!). She spends the rest of the letter bemoaning about the family she’s stuck with, including her “good old” hapless husband and their flock of black sheep. It is obviously not the caliber of It’s a Wonderful Life, but to me it’s a Christmas classic. Wishing you health and happiness in 2013 (and Peace on Earth). 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.

SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY te Sa n Cl em en

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.sanclementetimes.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS FALLBROOK F& B OPERATORS INC. IS ALSO DOING BUSINESS AS SAN CLEMENTE WEDGEWOOD This will serve as notice that Fallbrook F&B Operators Inc. is doing business as San Clemente Wedgewood in the city of San Clemente at The San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Located at 150 East Avenida Magdalena San Clemente, California 92672. Anyone with inquiries regarding this posting should contact Reggie Parks at 949-542-4856.

FOR RENT DANA POINT HARBOR OCEAN VIEW CONDO WITH POOL!! 2 Amazing 2 bedroom, 2 bath gated condo with panoramic ocean view from your balcony. Includes W/D hook ups, upgraded flooring & restrooms, recessed lighting, new paint & appliances. 2 underground parking spaces available. Property is ready to move in! Please call (909) 391-2129 for more detail information or viewing.

San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

OBITUARY

Marjory Morris

Born in Flagstaff, Arizona, the middle daughter in the family of a college professor, Marjory was outgoing and social. She spent most of her youth in Albion, Michigan. When her father got a position at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, her family relocated and Marjory graduated from Theodore Roosevelt HS. Known for her quick wit and sharp mind, she enjoyed her days as a Theta at Drake University. Marjory met and married Richard Morris, a pharmacy student at Drake. The couple moved to Glendale, California, and Marjory worked as an elementary school teacher at the Westlake Girls School for a couple of years. After having her first child, Patty, they moved to Canoga Park, CA, and had Betsy, Jennifer, and Tom. Marjory was active with her interest in conservative politics, religion, water skiing, bridge and social events. The family then moved to Northridge, where her last child, Fred, was born. Fred’s birth came quickly and he was delivered by his father at home! Marjory helped out at the pharmacies, most recently Sea View Pharmacy in San Clemente. The family joined a tennis club and Marjory enjoyed playing tennis. Raising five children was a big job; she ran a strict but loving household. She instilled the importance of eating a healthy and natural diet in the home, and fully involved herself in her children’s Page 18

sports and art activities, giving her support and tireless time. She became more focused on her Christian faith and her love for her Lord and Savior, leaving a legacy of faith in her family. You could always spot her on Sunday with a hat and beautiful jewelry, matching her coordinated ensemble. The family moved and lived in San Clemente, CA, for many years, after vacationing here in 1973 and falling in love with the town. Sadly, Marjory and Richard divorced, but she found strength in God, her family and friends and chose to see the glass half full. Marjory enjoyed traveling throughout North America, Europe and parts of Asia. She worked hard at relationships with her family and friends, keeping and loving many of her high school, college and church friends all of her life. Next, Marjory moved to a smaller house in San Clemente after a few years as an empty nester and started developing some health issues. She relished all the seasons and took pride in decorating for every holiday. Finally, Marjory resided at the Villas, where she renewed her zest for life. She enjoyed the security, activities, meals and new friendships. Marjory is remembered for her honest, determined, devoted spirit. Faith, family and friends carried her to the end of her life. She leaves five children, two sons-in-law, two daughters-inlaw, ten grandchildren, two grand daughters-in-law, and two great grandsons. She is survived by sisters Evelyn Shaver of Nebraska, and Sue Kemmerer of Iowa. She will be missed, but we celebrate the beginning of her eternal life. A service in celebration of the life of Marjory Morris will be held on December 22 at 1:30 PM at South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Monarch Beach, CA 92629. Gifts in Marjory’s memory may be given to South Shores Church. www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY GLASS SCRATCH REMOVAL

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

APPLIANCES

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.215.2323

GRAPHIC DESIGN

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

HAIR SALONS

ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 Kreative Hair Design 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com 173 Avenida Serra

ART GALLERIES

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

BEAUTY SUPPLY

949.498.6245

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

Del Mar Beauty Supply 949.492.8180 HOME DÉCOR 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste D, www.delmarbeauty.com South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, BOOKS www.southcoastfurniture.com Mathom House Books 949.361.1633 83 Via Pico Plaza, www.mathomhousebooks.com INSURANCE Village Book Exchange 949.492.1114 Complete Business Insurance 949.943.9081 99 Avenida Serra 647 Camino de los Mares Ste. 108, CHIROPRACTIC CARE www.HelpYouInsurance.com 949.240.7445 Christiansen Chiropractic 949.276.2956 GIS/Galvez Insurance Services, Inc. 940 Calle Negocio, Ste. 170, gisgalvez@yahoo.com 903 Calle Amancer, Ste. 230, www.christiansenchiro.com

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

COINS 949.350.4692 Kevin

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

CONCRETE Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656 License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com

COSMETICS

MUSIC LESSONS

DENTISTS

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 www.danmans.com 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 www.drericjohnson.com 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com

ELECTRICAL

OFFICE FURNITURE 949.361.1045

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

949.492.3459

FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION Red Point Digital www.redpointdigital.com

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

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

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 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 949.496.0123

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

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION

PHOTOGRAPHY Memories Of Me Photos www.memoriesofmephotos.com

Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias

949.361.0680

Kohler Tile Contracting

714.768.3077

WATER DAMAGE

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 PLUMBING 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656 TUTORING License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 949.429.6222 MATTRESSES 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com Tutor Toes 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com 949.496.9731 South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, WEBSITE DESIGN www.southcoastfurniture.com PRESCHOOLS San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345 MOLD REMOVAL www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025 Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 163 Avenida Victoria, WINDOW CLEANING www.sanclementepreschool.com 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 MORTGAGES PRINTING www.baysidewindowcleaning.com Clear Windows 949.485.8793 Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209 Printing OC 949.388.4888 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com V.I.P. Independent Mortgage Inc. 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com www.vipmtginc.com/team/brianwiechman WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE AVON 949.370.0433 Annie Kyle, www.youravon.com/anniekyle SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 Mary Kay Cosmetics 949.248.2868 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com www.marykay.com/madams2

Arcadia Electric www.arcadiaelectric.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

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

LANDSCAPING

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

801.573.2370

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

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Offshore Construction Manny Tau, Psy.D., PSY14892 888.949.5150 www.offshoreconstruction.org 300 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 218, www.drtau.com

949.444.6323

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

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) Café Calypso 949.366.9386 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com 114 Avenida Del Mar #4 Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040 PEST CONTROL 111 Avenida Del Mar, #B, www.carbonara.com 949.492.5589 Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 The Cellar 949.492.3663 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com 156 Ave. Del Mar, www.thecellarsite.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7. GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED TODAY. Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@sanclementetimes.com.

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

Triton Report

By Steve Breazeale

WRESTLING • There was one number lingering above the heads of the Triton wrestlers when they entered their gym to play visiting league rival Laguna Hills on December 18. The number, 25, was the consecutive years in which their opponent, the Hawks, had not lost a league match. It was a daunting ﬁgure that San Clemente head coach Mark Calentino kept returning to in the buildup to the showdown between the league’s top two teams. In the end the only numbers that mattered were 31-29, the ﬁnal tally that had San Clemente on top, breaking their opponents long-standing record and giving them an edge in the competitive South Coast League. The Tritons will now take that momentum to Las Vegas, where they will compete

SC’S EISELE WINS NATIONAL X-C CHAMPIONSHIP

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

The San Clemente girls cross country team’s season may have come to an end after racing in the state championships on November 24, but junior Melissa Eisele still had another race left in her. On December 8 Eisele traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to compete in the 2012 USTAF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships and placed first overall in the Young Women’s division. Eisele’s time of 19:15 was a full 11 seconds ahead of her next closest competitor and she finished the 5K race with a mile pace of 6:11. The race was held at Balloon Fiesta Park, which features unpaved dirt trails and hills at

in the Las Vegas Invitational from December 21 to December 22. BOYS BASKETBALL • The San Clemente boys basketball team saw a 15 point first quarter lead disappear against Carlsbad on December 12 in the opening round of the Fallbrook Tournament and the Tritons went on to lose 62-59. Carlsbad was able to scrap their way back into the game and erase the Triton lead by pulling even to start the fourth quarter. The Tritons (5-5) shot a season high 52 percent from the field and pulled in 31 total rebounds in the contest. The Tritons rebounded nicely from the loss against Carlsbad by rattling off two wins in a row, the first, a 77-56 victory over Oceanside on December 13 and the other, a 74-46 win over Fallbrook on December 14. Senior big man Jake Terkoski recorded a double-double in the game against Oceanside, pouring in 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Next Game: 12/21 vs. Huntington Beach, at El Toro High, 6:30 p.m. GIRLS BASKETBALL • In the most lopsided San Clemente girls basketball

San Clemente High’s Melissa Eisele, sporting the medals she won by placing first at the 2012 USATF National Cross Country Championships on December 8. Courtesy photo

victory of the season, the Tritons defeated visiting Mira Mesa 86-8 on December 14. Statistically, it was one of the best games the Tritons (5-2) have played all year. The team shot a season high 58 percent from the ﬁeld, recorded a season high 19 steals and only turned the ball over eight times, another season best. The Tritons now hit the road to compete in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix Arizona. Next Game: 12/20 vs. Red Rock of Sedona, TBA, 6:45 p.m. BOYS SOCCER • Playing host to the reigning CIF-SS Division 3 champion, Paramount, the San Clemente boys soccer team came away with a 2-1 non-league victory on December 14. Junior midﬁelders Alek Cucuk and Oscar Martinez each scored a goal while senior goalie Dylan Digiacomo recorded six saves. As of December 17, the Tritons were ranked No. 2 in the CIF-SS Division 1 coaches’ poll. The Tritons were set to play against Santa Ana on December 19. Results were not available at press time. GIRLS WATER POLO • The No. 8 ranked San Clemente girls water polo

an elevation of over 5,800 feet. The win capped a successful season for Eisele, who helped lead the way for the Tritons throughout their season. She was the top finisher for San Clemente at the South Coast League finals, when the Tritons narrowly edged rival Dana Hills by the score of 48-49, and she played an integral role in the Tritons postseason efforts. At the CIF-SS Finals on November 17 Eisele broke the 17-minute mark with a 16:59 time and was the top finisher for the Tritons, who finished fourth overall in the Division 1 race. The Tritons finished eighth at the state championships. —Steve Breazeale

team has not played a game since their 11-8 win over Cathedral Catholic High on December 8. The team was set to play against Laguna Beach on December 19. Results were not available at press time. GIRLS SOCCER • The visiting Capistrano Valley girls soccer team scored three goals in the second half against the Tritons to claim a 3-0 non-league win on December 13. The Tritons, who are ranked ﬁ fth in the CIF-SS Division 1 polls, will join many of the other top programs in the county at the Mater Dei Premier Invitational, which began on December 19. The Tritons ﬁrst match will be against Canyon on December 20, after which they will move on to play No. 10 ranked Harvard-Westlake on December 21. FOOTBALL • On January 4 San Clemente tackle Sean Harlow will play in the annual Semper Fidelis All American Bowl at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Harlow entered the 2012 season as a highly touted prospect and is committed to the University of Washington. Triton head coach Jaime Ortiz will be an assistant coach for the East team in the game.

SCOR E BOAR D LOCAL FLAG FOOTBALL TEAMS WIN BIG There were several local flag football teams that celebrated championship victories recently. In the San Clemente five on five U14 division the Ravens defeated the Packers 18-13 to claim their league’s championship. Players on the Ravens are: Zack Zalta, Matthew Hooper, Jack Regalado, Micah Regalado, Mitch Olesinski, Trevor Stephens, Zander Nishti, Luke Wade, Hunter Duringer, Thomas Aguiar, Ethan Waters and Arron Worcester. Barry Zalta and The Chargers. Courtesy photo Steve Regalado coached the team. The Trojans and Chargers, both San Clemente based teams, represented the city at the 2012 Southern California Municipal Athletic Federations annual tournament, held in Newport Beach from December 8 to December 9, and placed first and second, respectively, in the C Division Championship. The first place Trojans went 2-2 while the Chargers went 1-2 competing in the 18-team field made up of teams from around Orange County.

San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

CA YARD DAWGS CLAIM 16U CHAMPIONSHIP After 12 weeks of competition the CA Yard Dawgs made their way through a 40-team field to claim the California Competitive Youth Baseball 16U Division Championship on December 9. Several San Clemente residents were on the winning squad, including Chris Puckett and Dylan Riddle, who are in the San Clemente High baseball program. The CA Yard Dawgs won the 16U CCYB Division Championship on December 9. Courtesy photo Other members of the team are: Drake Wood, Tyler Krazat, Caleb Lew, John Nelson, Jason Carbonell, Mark Burleson, Brian Carbonell, Andrew Cohen, Haydn Gilman, Nick Jacobson Karl Fischer and Corey Newcomb. The team was coached by Irvine Valley College’s Tony Cappuccilli and former UCI shortstop, and Major League prospect, DJ Crumlich.

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SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

GROM OF THE WEEK Emmy Lombard Age: 16, San Clemente High School From surfing and academics to community volunteer work, Emmy Lombard strives for excellence, and as one of the most involved teens in the community, is an all-around good citizen. She contributes greatly to the success of her school surf team and recently took first place in Girls Longboard at the league individual finals for the second straight year. She also competes in the WSA Championship Tour, where her first-place at this month’s contest in Oceanside cemented her No. 1 ranking in the Girls U18 Longboard division. In school, Emmy is and ‘A’ and ‘B’ student who juggles a full load of college prep classes and is Emmy Lombard. Courtesy photo the founder and leader of the Healing Hands Club. “We raise money to build wells and send kids to school in the West African country of Burkina Faso,” Emmy said. The club has so far raised $15,000 for wells and at an event earlier this month, raised $1,400 for African school children. Her goals include pursuing a career in the medical field and training as a professional big wave surfer. She hopes to be ready to tackle the huge surf at Mavericks by the time she turns 25. Requesting that some space in this article be dedicated to the club rather than herself, Emmy said, “Please join us at the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace on January 16 from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will donate 50 percent of the entry fees from everyone who mentions the Healing Hands Club upon entry. I hope to see you there.” —Andrea Swayne

Dana Hills High Student Earns ISA Scholarship

SURF FORECAST Water Temp: 58-61˚F Water visibility, conditions: San Clemente: 6-10’ poor Immediate: Modest Northwest wind and groundswell blend eases on Thursday with 2-3’ waves (knee-waist high) at many breaks and slightly larger sets for best winter breaks (mainly in the morning). Morning winds are light offshore for mostly clean conditions. Light onshore Northwest winds prevail in the afternoon. Long Range Outlook: A fun-zone WestNorthwest to Northwest swell moves in late Friday and continues through the weekend, as minor Southern Hemi swell continues. The surf will pick up from the 2-3’ (knee-waist high) range on Friday into the 2-3’+ (knee-waist-chest high+) range over the weekend. Conditions are favorable Friday and into Saturday morning, then become a little dicey on Sunday behind a passing trough. Check out Surfline for all the details!

Elenna “Lulu” Erkeneff of Dana Point is this year’s only USA-based recipient of the annual International Surfing Association scholarship. Surfing America Executive Director Greg Cruse presented her with the $1,000 award, on behalf of the ISA, at the Surfing America Prime contest in San Clemente on December 9. Photo by Andrea Swayne

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

ana Hills High School senior Elenna “Lulu” Erkeneff was one of 27 surfers under the age of 18 from 19 different countries chosen to receive a 2012 International Surfing Association (ISA) Individual Scholarship. The ISA Scholarship Selection Committee recognizes a group of student athletes, each year as community role models and ISA ambassadors, and presents them with a $1,000 scholarship for use in furthering their education and surfing careers. Erkeneff is the only U.S. recipient and was chosen for her impressive list of academic, volunteer and surfing accomplishments including her hard work and dedication to co-founding and leading the Surfrider Foundation Club at Dana Hills. She has an impressive competitive San Clemente Times December 20–26, 2012

surfing record that includes being named Most Valuable Player on her high school surf team for shortboarding as a freshman and sophomore, and again this year for longboarding. She also won the 2012 WSA National Championship in Girls U18 Longboard. Erkeneff will graduate with honors after successfully managing a full schedule of Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. She is also a National Honor Society inductee for 2012. The ISA is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for Surfing. Membership includes the national governing bodies for surfing in 67 countries on five continents. For more information about ISA, the scholarship program and a full list of this year’s scholarship recipients, log on to www.isasurf.org. SC

UPCOMING EVENTS December 22-23: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 7, Cardiff by the Sea, Seaside Reef January 5-6: WSA Championship Series, Event No. 6, Midget Smith Pier Rat Challenge, San Clemente, Pier January 20-21: Surfing America Prime West, Event No. 4, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane February 9-10: Surfing America Prime West, Event No. 5, San Onofre State Beach, Upper Trestles February 9: NSSA Southwest Explorer, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty February 16-17: WSA Championship Series, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier February 23-24: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek

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RESULTS NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 7, December 8, San Diego, Mission Beach, San Fernando Street (San Clemente=SC) MEN: 1. Ed Custudio, San Diego; 2. Jacob Szekely, La Jolla; 3. Spencer Bingham, San Diego. JUNIORS: 1. Jacob Szekely, La Jolla; 2. Noah Collins, Manhattan Beach; 3. Logan Laubach, SC; 4. Bryce Marino, Huntington Beach; 5. Andrew Niemann, Huntington Beach; 6. Josh Queen, Huntington Beach. BOYS: 1. Danny Kenduck, Laguna Niguel; 2. Crosby Colapinto, SC; 3. Connor Dawson, Huntington Beach; 4. Nick Marshall, Encinitas; 5. Will Reid, Palos Verdes Estates; 6. Nicholas Holdman, Poway. MENEHUNE: 1. Nick Marshall, Encinitas; 2. Noah Hohenester, SC; 3. Crosby Colapinto, SC; 4. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Dagan Stagg, Carlsbad; 6. Jett Schilling, SC. SUPER GROMS: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 2. Kai McPhillips, SC; 3. Jett Schilling, SC; 4. Keanu Igarashi, Huntington Beach; 5. Hagan Johnson, SC; 6. Taro Watanabe, Malibu. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 2. Rachel Tominaga, Manhattan Beach; 3. Izzy Gomez, Holmes Beach; 4. Alexxa Elseewi, SC; 5. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 6. Maddie Gumbrecht, Huntington Beach; 7. Madeleine Camargo, Huntington Beach. GIRLS: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 2. Samantha Cendro, Huntington Beach; 3. Malia Faramarzi, Encinitas; 4. Jada Galland, Rancho Santa Fe; 5. Madeleine Camargo, Huntington Beach; 6. Makena Perez, Carlsbad; 7. Malia Osterkamp, SC. MASTERS: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 2. Sergio Martins, San Diego; 3. Brian Stanton, Encinitas; 4. Eric Sorensen, Long Beach; 5. Ed Custudio, San Diego; 6. Tatuzisochi Zagoto, Encinitas. SENIORS: 1. Brian Stanton, Encinitas; 2. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 3. Eric Sorensen, Long Beach; 4. Sergio Martins, San Diego; 5. Lee Toresdahl, Huntington Beach. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Mike Glevy, San Diego; 2. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach; 3. Lee Toresdahl, Huntington Beach; 4. Jim Ferguson, Santa Rosa. DUKE: 1. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach; 2. Jim Ferguson, Santa Rosa. KNEEBOARD: 1. Sean Noone, Aliso Viejo; 2. Tom Linn, Laguna Niguel; 3. Evan Odom, Vista; 4. Eric Peterson, Orange; 5. Ed Quinn, Sherman Oaks; 6. Chris Bermudez, Oxnard. www.sanclementetimes.com