7TH ANNUAL BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE ISSUE J A N U A RY 24 – 3 0 , 2 0 1 3
LO C A L
N EWS
YO U
C A N
U S E
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4
www.sanclementetimes.com
SONGS Meeting Scheduled for February 12 in Capistrano Beach
San Clemente Resident a Part of NASCAR Program
Court Date Set in Election Defamation Suit
EYE ON SC/PAGE 27
SPORTS/PAGE 38
EYE ON SC/PAGE 27
IN THIS ISSUE 7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Eateries
WATERING HOLES
and More...
Best... Appetizers Bagel Bar Billiards Breakfast Breakfast Burrito Burger Cup of Coffee or Tea Donut Happy Hour International Eats Lunch Spot Margarita Menu for Healthy Choices Overall Restaurant Pizza Restaurant for a Date/ Romantic Evening Sandwich Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth Sushi Venue for Live Music
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At the
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Antiques Arts and Crafts Supplies Clothing Home Decor and Furnishings Jewelry Kids Apparel & Toys Place to Buy Flowers Place for Buying and Viewing Art Store to Buy the Perfect Gift Surfboard Shaper Surf Shop Wine Selection
San Clemente Art Supply is the readers’ choice for best place to buy arts and crafts supplies in the city. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Services
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GETTING
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Beach Golf Course Park Place to Take Out-of-Towners Surf Break
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Outside
EYE ON SC Top Five News Bites Police Blotter City Calendar
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SOAPBOX
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GETTING OUT
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS Scoreboard Triton Report
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LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE www.sanclementetimes.com 3
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
Eateries
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
WATERING HOLES
and More...
Best Restaurant for a Date/ Romantic Evening Golden Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar 611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
When it comes to romance, it’s all about location, location, location. And Fisherman’s has got that nailed. Imagine sitting with your date high above the gentle crash of the waves, the sun descending behind the horizon, casting a golden glow. What better place to fall in love, or remember why you fell in love, than sharing a sunset on the pier in this little slice of paradise? —AC
Silver Ole St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine 211 North El Camino Real, 949.361.2079, www.vinesanclemente.com
NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Agostino’s by the Sea • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hotdogs • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Casa Romantica • Cassano’s Pizza • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Daphne’s California Greek • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizza • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Roccos • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pizza Port • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Cellar • The Rider’s Club Café • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: St. Roy at VINE
Nick’s San Clemente. Photo by Ariana Crisafulli
Best Happy Hour Golden Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
From Monday to Friday, Fisherman’s offers something different, delicious, and above all, affordable. In the mood for a great deal on Mahi tacos and a Long Island iced tea on a Friday evening? Head on down to the Fisherman’s. How about ribs and a Mai Thai on Tuesday? You know where to go. All this and more is served all week long, right on time to cap off the end of a busy work day. —AC
Silver Ole Sundried Tomato American Bistro
Best Overall Restaurant
NOMINEES: Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Cassano’s Pizza • Crispins Comfort Food • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Grill • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Subway • Sunsets at the Pier • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Cellar • The Shore • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Velvet Yogurt • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill
Golden Ole Nick’s San Clemente
821 Via Suerte, 949.388.5757, sundriedtomatocafe.com
Best International Eats Golden Ole Mongkut Thai
212 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3871, www.mongkutthaifoods.com
Mongkut Thai has been serving the diners of San Clemente tasty Thai food since 1986 when Chef Ning Laitipaya opened the restaurant with a full menu featuring her homemade Thai recipes. Not only is the food delicious and all natural, but the intimate and friendly atmosphere of the family-owned restaurant mimics the feeling of being treated to a traditional Thai meal in someone’s home.—AC
Silver Ole Village Mediterranean Rim
123 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.8970, www.villagemediterraneanrim.com
Mongkut Thai. Photo by Andrea Swayne
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Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Del Mar Sushi (Closed) • El Jefe • El Mariachi • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • IHOP • Inka Mama’s • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizzeria • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Galette Creperie • La Rocco’s • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Little Thai Hut • Los Patios • New Mandarin Garden • Miyako • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • Nobu Sushi • Nomads Canteen • Panda Express • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pick Up Stix • Ralphs • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunset’s at the Pier • Super Bowl Express • Surfin’ Donuts • Sushi Gallery Miki • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar • A Taste of China • Tequilas Mexican Grill • Thai Palace • Thai Paradise • The Cellar • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • The Shore • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold tie: Village Mediterranean Rim, Mongkut Thai; Silver: Taka-O Japanese Restaurant
NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Agostino’s by the Sea • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Brick Pizzeria • Café 207 • Café del Sol • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Crispins
213 Avenida del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com
To be voted as the best overall restaurant, you’ve got to have it all. Located in the heart of our beautiful beach city on Avenida del Mar, Nick’s has location, a friendly attentive staff and a chic and luxurious atmosphere, complete with open window seating and a fireplace. Of course, the menu is chock full of mouthwatering choices. Having only been open for three years, Nick’s has already proven to be one of the most happenin’ places in San Clemente. —AC
Silver Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Café 207 • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • China Wall • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Donut House • El Jefe Café • El Mariachi Restaurant • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • A Taste of China • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Inka Mama’s • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizza • La Gallette Creperie • La Rocco’s • La Siesta • Little Thai Hut • Los Patios • New Mandarin Gardens • Village Mediterranean Rim • Mongkut Thai • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pizza Port • The Rider’s Club Café • Rocco’s • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • S.C. Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • The Surferosa Café • Surfin’ Donuts • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine • ZPizza 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Nick’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
Congratulations to the People’s Choice Ole Award winners. Keep up the great work! Visit our website at www.sanclementetimes.com for more stories and to sign up for breaking news alerts. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Clockwise from left: The friendly staff at Antoine’s Café (L to R) Kailey Beals, owner Veronique Price and Cassandra Haas, serve customers delicious food with a smile. Photo by Ariana Crisafulli Zebra House Coffee serves up lattes and treats that are a delight for all of the senses. Photo by Kevin Dahlgren Bagel Shack owner Brock Meserve is well known for his wide variety of freshly made bagels, both sweet and savory. Photo by Andrea Swayne
Best Donut Golden Ole Surfin’ Donuts
1822 South El Camino Real, 949.492.1249
Located on the south side of town near the El Camino Real entrance to the I-5, Surfin’ Donuts is a popular stop for morning commuters heading off to work. And the impressive assortment of donuts and pastries in the display case makes it nearly impossible to choose just one. Some of the best selling items include old fashioned and jelly-filled donuts, apple fritters and the Tiger Tail—a glazed twist donut with cinnamon and chocolate. —KD
Best Breakfast
Silver Ole SC Donuts
Golden Ole Antoine’s Café
806 East Avenida Pico, Ste. G, 949.498.7837
218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com
What separates Antoine’s Café from the other breakfast-serving multitudes, besides their amazing menu of delectable and unique items, is their loyal group of regulars. For 22 years, Antoine’s has been serving San Clemente’s citizens in a friendly hometown atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see owner Veronique Price chatting with customers while they chow down on Antoine’s impressive variety of delicious meals—from healthy, to down-right indulgent. —AC
Silver Ole The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts
202 North El Camino Real, 949.492.8450, www.downtownsanclemente.com/sanclementedonutshopsurfindonuts NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Always Inn Bed & Breakfast • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • The Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Bull Taco • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carrows • Cinnamon Productions • Coco’s Family Restaurant • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Denny’s • Donut World • El Mariachi Restaurant • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • IHOP • Irons in the Fire • La Gallette Creperie • La Siesta • Las Golondrinas • McDonald’s • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mr. Pete’s Burgers • New Mandarin Garden • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pipes Café • Rose Donuts & Café • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • S.C. Café • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sunrise Café • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Tommy’s Family restaurant • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Antoine’s Café; Silver: S.C. Café
Best Cup of Coffee/Tea Golden Ole Zebra House Coffee
NOMINEES: Albertsons • Bagel Shack • Donut House • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Kelly’s Donuts • Pipes Café • Ralphs • Rose’s Donuts & Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Starbucks • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • Sunrise Café • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Surfin’ Donuts; Silver: S.C. Donuts
1001 South El Camino Real, 949.218.6976
Zebra House Coffee offers the perfect drink or snack for anyone needing a tasty pick-me-up, from coffee, lattes, espressos and smoothies, to pastries, muffins and sandwiches. The cozy sitting area features artwork from local artists and is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious treat. In a hurry? No worries; Zebra House also offers drive-thru service.—KD
Silver Ole Starbucks
300 South El Camino Real, 949.369.9520, 1001 Avenida Pico, 949.369.5649, 638 Camino de los Mares, 949.496.5900, www. starbucks.com NOMINEES: 7-11 • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • Bread Gallery • Café Calypso • Café Expresso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Cinnamon Productions • La Gallette Creperie • Denny’s • Dreamy Sweets Pastries • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hanson’s Market • IHOP • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Kaylani Coffee Co. • Kelly’s Donuts • Lavender Lounge Tea Co. • McDonald’s • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Peet’s Coffee and Tea • Pipes Café • Posh Peasant’s Tea Room & Café • SC Donut • S.C. Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • The Cellar 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Starbucks; Silver: Antoine’s Café
Best Bagel Golden Ole Bagel Shack
777 South El Camino Real, 949.388.0745, www.thebagelshack.com
For a delicious, filling and quick breakfast, this is just the spot. The Bagel Shack offers a large selection of fresh bagels, both sweet and savory. Choices include blueberry, cinnamon raisin, onion, jalapeno cheddar and many more. Bagel sandwiches named after local surf breaks are popular options. Try the “Old Man’s” with cream cheese, avocado and lemon pepper. —KD
Silver Ole The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts
202 North El Camino Real, 949.492.8450, www.downtownsanclemente.com/sanclementedonutshopsurfindonuts NOMINEES: Albertsons • Antoine’s Café • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Café Calypso • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Hanson’s Market • Kaylani Coffee Co. • Pipes Café • Ralphs • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s • Starbucks • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • The Cellar • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Bagel Shack; Silver: Surfin’ Donuts
www.sanclementetimes.com
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7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Best Breakfast Burrito Golden Ole The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts
202 North El Camino Real, 949.492.8450, www.downtownsanclemente.com/sanclementedonutshopsurfindonuts
Need to enjoy a hearty breakfast on the go? Why not enjoy your eggs and bacon wrapped up in a tortilla. Chorizo, steak, sausage, cheese, potatoes and fresh salsa are also popular ingredients for creating the perfect portable meal. The breakfast burritos at The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts are big enough to share; or save some for a mid-morning snack. —KD/AS
Silver Ole Pedro’s Tacos
2313 South El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908, www.pedrostacos.com NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Board & Brew • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Bull Taco • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carl’s Jr. • The Cellar • Chronic Taco • Del Taco • Denny’s • Donut World • El Jefe • Hanson’s Market • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Kelly’s Donuts • La Siesta • La Tiendita • Las Golondrinas • McDonald’s • Mr. Pete’s • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pipes Café • La Cocina de Ricardo • Rose’s Donuts & Café • S.C. Café • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Stillwater Café • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • Sunrise Café • Surferosa Café • Surfin’ Donuts • Talega Golf Club • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts
Best Menu for Healthy Choices Golden Ole Captain Mauri’s Counterculture
149 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.8098, www.captainmauris.com
Captain Mauri’s offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, fruit smoothies, honey vanilla shakes and veggie burgers that even meat lovers approve of. For a healthy and delicious lunch option, look no further than this longtime downtown eatery. You don’t have to be a health food purist to enjoy the tasty meal combos like
The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts earned top breakfast burrito, for their massive concoctions filled to your liking with a variety of fresh ingredients. Photo by Kevin Dalghren
the açaí bowl with granola, the veggie melt or the popular Bombay Melt—curry chicken with melted cheese, tomato and onion on an English muffin. Yum! —KD/AS
Silver Ole Hanson’s Market
415 East Avenida Pico, 949.218.1690, www.hansonsmarket.com NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s • Baja Fresh • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat • Seafood & Deli • Board & Brew • Bread Gallery • Brick Pizzeria • Burger Junkies • Bull Taco • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Chipotle • Cinnamon Productions • Crispins Comfort Food • Kultured Kitchen • Daphne’s California Greek • El Pollo Loco • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Flam Broiler • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Juice Stop • La Siesta • McDonald’s • Miyako • The New Mandarin Gardens • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads • Panera Bread • Quizno’s • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • SC Nutrition • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Stillwater Café • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • Taka-O • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • The Habit • Ralphs • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Velvet Yogurt • Village Mediterranean Rim • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Captain Mauri’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
Best Lunch Spot Golden Ole Board & Brew
979 Avenida Pico, 949.498.2739, www.boardandbrew.com
Great sandwiches and craft beers keep the local lunch crowd coming back for more. Only the finest ingredients are heaped on to freshly-baked breads and wraps to create tasty favorites like the Roast Beef Spicy —roast beef, melted Swiss, onions, jalapeños, mayo and Dijon on a toasted baguette and served with au jus. Board & Brew really delivers when it comes to taste and quality and the relaxed atmosphere reflects San Clemente’s beach town vibe.—AS
Silver Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
Captain Mauri’s quaint downtown spot offers a wide variety of healthy options including açaí bowls, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups and vegetarian burgers. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
8 www.sanclementetimes.com
NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Bamboo Bamboo’s Chinese • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Billy’s Meat Seafood & Deli • Bread Gallery • The Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Bull Taco • Café Calypso • Café
Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Chipotle • Chronic Tacos • Cinnamon Productions • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • El Pollo Loco • Guicho’s Eatery • Hanson’s Market • The Habit • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Kultured Kitchen • La Gallete Creperie • La Siesta • La Tiendita • LaRocco’s • Las Golondrinas • Little Thai Hut • Los Patios • Mongkut Thai • Mr. Pete’s • New Mandarin Gardens • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pipes Café • Pizza Port • Posh Peasant’s Tea Room & Café • Red Fox Lounge • Rice Temptation • Rider’s Club Café • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • S.C. Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • Stillwater Café • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunrise Café • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • Taco Bell • Taka-O • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zebra House Coffee • ZPizza 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Board & Brew
Best Sandwich Golden Ole Board & Brew
979 Avenida Pico, 949.498.2739, www.boardandbrew.com
Board and Brew’s variety of sandwiches and quality of ingredients leads it back to the top spot for the second consecutive year. Co-owner Mike DeSanti said roasting meats fresh in house, along with having fresh baked bread makes a real difference for popular items like the Turkado, pastrami sandwich, Baja chicken and chicken club. And the restaurant’s secret sandwich sauce makes you want to change the saying “icing on the cake” to “sauce on the sandwich.” —JS/AS
Silver Ole Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli
111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5924, www.downtownsanclemente.com/ billysmeats NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Albertsons • Antoine’s • Bagel Shack • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Café • The Bread Gallery • Bud’s Famous Hot Dog’s • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Cinnamon Productions • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Guicho’s Eatery • The Habit • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Kultured Kitchen • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Panera Bread • Pipes Café • Quizno’s • Ralphs • The Rider’s Club Café • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Stillwater Café • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Pier Shack & Grill • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Board & Brew; Silver: Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Pedro’s Tacos tops the list once again for San Clemente’s favorite fish taco. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Best Taco Golden Ole Pedro’s Tacos
2313 South El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908. www.pedrostacos.com
Consistency has helped to make Pedro’s Tacos a multiyear winner in the Best Taco category. With a veteran staff that aims to make every taco the same way they did when the restaurant first opened. While the fish tacos remain the city’s favorite, the menu features a number of both traditional and non-traditional versions that made the stand a longtime local favorite. —JS
Silver Ole La Siesta Mexican Restaurant
920 North El Camino Real, 949.498.3094, www.lasiestasanclemente.com NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Baja Fresh • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Bull Taco • Café del Sol • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Del Taco • Dos Patios • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • El Jefe • El Mariachi • El Patio • El Pollo Loco • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hapa J’s • La Cocina • La Siesta • La Tiendita • La Pata • Las Golondrinas • Los Patios • El Mariachi • Nick’s San Clemente • Ole’s Tavern • Pipes • La Cocina de Ricardo • Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill • SC Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nicks • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets • Surfin’ Donuts • Taco Bell • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Avila’s El Ranchito
Best Burger Golden Ole The Rider’s Club Café
1701 North El Camino Real, 949.388.3758, www.ridersclubcafe.com
Rider’s Club Café has made itself a San Clemente favorite in pretty short order, winning Best Burger in all three years it’s been eligible. “I feel it’s the quality of food and our service,” manager Kyle Robinson said. Combining those winning attributes with fitting a need in the area for burgers with high quality ingredients and craft beer with reasonable prices, Rider’s Club Café takes the beef. —JS
Silver Ole Biggie’s Burgers & More 1017 South El Camino Real, 949.492.9182
10 www.sanclementetimes.com
NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Bravo • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Burger Junkies • Burger Stop • Café Mimosa • Carl’s Jr. • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Del Taco • Denny’s • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • The Habit • Humphry’s • Jack in the Box • McDonald’s • Mr. Pete’s Burgers • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Randy’s on the Pier • Rosie’s Sugar Shack Restaurant • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • The Surferosa Café • Surfin’ Donuts • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Pier Shack & Grill • The Shore • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Riders Club Café; Silver: Biggie’s Burgers & More
Best Sushi Golden Ole 9 Style Sushi
Bernardini also noted that the pizzeria’s consistency and quality also has won it fans throughout the city.—JS
Silver Ole Pizza Port
301 North El Camino Real, 949.940.0005, www.pizzaport.com NOMINEES: 2 for 1 Pizza • Agostino’s by the Sea • Brick Pizzeria • Cassano’s Pizza • Costco • Domino’s Pizza • Denny’s • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Italian Cravings • Izza Pizzeria • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing • Papa John’s • Papa Murphy’s • Pizza Hut • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Round Table Pizza • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stuft Pizza • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • The Cellar • Surfside Pizza • ZPizza 2011 WINNERS: Gold: La Rocco’s; Silver: Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta
Best Appetizers
102 Avenida Victoria, 949.366.3669
As one might expect, 9 Style Sushi owner Q Komatsu primarily credits the freshness of his fish for winning his restaurant fans.“That’s my goal,” Komatsu says. But beyond just assuring that he has the freshest fish available, Komatsu says he insists that his employees also think hard about customer service, whether it be just a friendly smile, or a longer get-to-know-you talk. —JS
Silver Ole Tako-O Japanese Restaurant
425 North El Camino Real, 949.498.7111. www.taka-orestaurant.com NOMINEES: Albertsons • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Ralphs • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • Jizaki Sushi • Miyako Japanese Restaurant • Nobu Sushi • Rice Temptation • Sushi Sono • Sushi Gallery Miki • The Cellar 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Taka-O Japanese Restaurant; Silver: 9 Style Sushi
Best Pizza Golden Ole LaRocco’s
122 South El Camino Real, 949.366.8890, www.laroccospizzaonline.com
La Rocco’s has been a San Clemente favorite for a number of years. Manager Brennan Bernadini noted that the restaurant had tried to keep adding new selections (like the new “Rhode Island” pizza), as well as a number of different pies that each had their own followers and fans.
Golden Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar 611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
Keeping things fresh has been the key for The Fisherman’s, both in terms of new appetizer offerings and old San Clemente favorites. This year, classic offerings like the Manilla clams and fresh Pacific Northwest oysters have been joined by Poke made from fresh yellow fin tuna. Customers have come to expect and appreciate the consistent freshness of the seafood and other offerings, said Bob Novello, operation manager of the restaurant. —JS
Silver Ole Nick’s San Clemente
213 Avenida Del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Brick Pizzeria • Carbonara’s • Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Cinnamon Productions • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Denny’s • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • La Siesta • McDonald’s • Mongkut Thai • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pizza Port • Rocco’s • San Clemente Wine Clemente • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • South of Nick’s • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • The Surferosa Café • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Shore • The Village Mediterranean Rim • Vine • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Nick’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
Best Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Golden Ole Velvet Yogurt
120 S. El Camino Real, 949.276.4625, www.velvetyogurt.com
Velvet Yogurt gets its share of not only those looking for a quick, sweet fix, but those looking for something a bit more substantial. Plenty of customers stop by for helpings of the acai bowls and vanilla frozen yogurt with lots of mix-in ingredients as a meal replacement, not just as a dessert. There’s even sorbets and other items for those with dairy “issues.” —JS
Silver Ole Schmid’s Fine Chocolates
99 Avenida Del Mar, 949-369-1052, www.schmidschocolate.com NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Albertsons • Baskin Robbins • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Brick Pizzeria • The Cellar • Cinnamon Productions • ColdStone Creamery • Dreamy Sweets Pastries • Edible Arrangements • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Golden Spoon • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Kymmie’s Cookies • La Gallette Creperie • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Oh for Sweet’s Sake • Panera Bread • Ralphs • Rite Aid • Rocket Fizz • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nick’s • Spoon Deep • Sugar Blossom Bake Shop • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfin’ Donuts • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Zebra House Coffee • Yogurtland on Del Mar 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Velvet Yogurt; Silver: Baskin Robbins
Best Margarita Golden Ole South of Nicks
110 North El Camino Real, 949.481.4545, www.thenickco.com/southofnicks.php
With nine tasty sophisticates in their Margarita mixology - each made with fresh ingredients and handshaken - is it any wonder such innovative offerings as the jalapeno-infused tequila with muddled blueberries and rimmed with pop rocks (called “Spicy Lover”) have garnered the gold. Managing Partner Brian Harrington pledges that if it’s not on the menu, “Just ask us. We will handcraft one custom made for you.” —RWD
Silver Ole Avila’s El Ranchito
204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5000, www.avilaselranchito.com NOMINEES: Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Brick Pizzeria • Café 207 • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • Dukes • El Jefe • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hapa J’s • Iva Lees • Knuckleheads • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Los Patios • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Nicks • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Red Fox Lounge • La Cocina de Ricardo’s • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nicks • Sundried Tomato American bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • The Shore • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Avila’s El Ranchito; Silver: La Siesta Mexican Restaurant
Billiards enthusiasts have chosen Knuckleheads as the best place to shoot pool. Photo by Brian Park
Best Bar Golden Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
Known for its spectacular sunset views and Old Man and The Sea motif bar, Fisherman’s is SC’s most favored liberation spot, offering fresh fish entrees and a full cocktail, wine and beer menu. Themed Happy Hours - that change nightly - feature $3-$5 plates weekdays. Located at the shoreline of San Clemente Pier, Manager Emily Marshall credits “our friendly staff” for their longstanding popularity. —RWD
Silver Ole Nick’s San Clemente
213 Avenida del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carbonara’s Trattoria • The Cellar • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nicks • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • The Shore • Vine • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Red Fox Lounge
Best Venue for Live Music Golden Ole Iva Lee’s Restaurant
555 North El Camino Real, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com Whether it’s on the rocks or blended, South of Nick’s serves up the best margaritas in town, according to SC Times readers. Photo by Brian Park
12 www.sanclementetimes.com
It began seven years ago when Blues musicians Bernie Pearl and Nathan James started packing the house Wednesday nights. Today, twenty jazz and blues bands perform throughout the year - Wednesday through
Saturday nights. The venue has proved so immensely popular, the New Orleans Southern cuisine restaurant is expanding its music space. Says Eric Wagoner, “This Spring, we’ll debut the only proper music venue in SC.”—RWD
Silver Ole BeachFire Restaurant Bar and Grill 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com
NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • The Cellar • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Goody’s Tavern • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knucklehead’s • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Red Fox Lounge • The Shore • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Casino San Clemente • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar & Grill; Silver: The Cellar
Best Billiards Golden Ole Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill
204 South El Camino Real, 949.481.2040, www.dukesgriddlengrill.com
A casual atmosphere that draws a laidback surfer crowd, Dukes has something for everyone. Combining live music, an American fare restaurant and two pool tables successfully under one roof, ten television screens (three above the bar) broadcast sports lovers events nonstop. Billiard leagues gather here on Wednesday nights. Sunday nights a game of pool is free. Manager Lea Kohberger recommends a burger between plays. —RWD
Silver Ole Knuckleheads Sports Bar
1717 North El Camino Real, 949.492.2410, www.knuckleheadsmusic. com NOMINEES: Big Helyn’s Saloon • Dukes • Goody’s Tavern • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Red Fox Lounge • Sunsets at the Pier • The Shore 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Ole’s Tavern; Silver: Duke’s
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
At the
SHOPS Best Jewelry Golden Ole Paradise II
210 Avenida Del Mar, (949) 361-6662, www.paradisejewelers.com
A sequel to the Paradise family of fine jewelry, Paradise II’s unique custom jewelry is the kind of bling stars like to wear on the red carpet. Owner Debbie Dunning’s accessories include the “Mary Francis” collection of beaded evening bags. Produced in limited quantities, every handbag is named and numbered. Her sterling silver pieces - crafted by jewlery designers from around the world - are equally popular. —RWD
Silver Ole Paradise
808 North El Camino Real, (949) 361-4367, www.paradisejewelers.com NOMINEES: Ally’s Baubles • Angel Wings • Antiques and Uniques • Bliss Boutique • Bunny’s Secrets • ERBA • Eyeland Lash • Fifi Lala • Gifts on Del Mar • Gino’s Jewelers • J. Toma Designs • Lincoln Street Boutique • Melrose in the OC • On the Rocks Jewelers • Plum Precious • Revival • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Art Gallery • Sand & Sea Jewelry • Talega Day Spa • Target • The Third Eye • Variant • Villa Cucina • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Paradise Jewelry; Silver: Erba
Best Wine Selection Golden Ole The Cellar
156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com
Surrounded by dark panel floors, cozy lighting and community length tables, The Cellar is a connoisseur’s paradise. Flight menus offer samplings of imported and domestic wines, beers and sakes. Every member of your party is made to feel at home, including your dog. They offer a “For the Dog” pooch treats menu and an open patio for parking the bark alongside your seating. Welldone! —RWD
Mac & Madi provides children and parents with a wonderful place to find clothing, toys and books. Photo by Jim Shilander
Silver Ole San Clemente Wine Company
212-1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com NOMINEES: Albertsons • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Bob’s Fine Wine • Brick Pizzeria • Café Mimosa • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Daphne’s California Greek • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Fred’s Market Liquor • Hanson’s Market • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Ralphs • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Vine • Trader Joes • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Wine Company; Silver: The Cellar
Best Kids Apparel & Toys
Silver Ole Michaels
937 Avenida Pico, 949.940.0465, www.michaels.com NOMINEES: Artwistic Creations • Bliss Boutique • Casa Romantica • La Casa Verde de Granada • Ralphs • Staples • Strands Knitting Studio • Target • The Third Eye • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Michaels; Silver: San Clemente Art Supply
Golden Ole Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique
Best Clothing
Gold winners - six years in a row, M&M is a treasure chest of unique children’s through tween products. A checkerboard floor connects special rooms dedicated to picture books, tiny footwear and special toys - all kiddies enjoy. They carry a line of skin and hair care for mother and child, four kinds of baby blankets, strollers and party dresses that turn tomboys into fairy princesses. —RWD
Golden Ole Lincoln Street Boutique
203 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6226, www.macandmadikids.com
Silver Ole Target
990 Avenida Vista Hermosa, 949.456.8668, www.target.com NOMINEES: BC Surf Shop • Cottage Bliss • Hobie Surf Shop • Jack’s Surfboards • Kmart • Petite Bonhomme • Rip Curl • Roulette Clothing • Salvation Army • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Mac & Madi; Silver: Petit Bonhomme
Best Arts and Craft Supplies Golden Ole San Clemente Art Supply & Framing 1531 North El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com The Cellar offers a variety of different wines for different tastes and moods. Photo by Jim Shilander
brushes, canvases, mattings, children’s coloring books and frames fill their 1928 Ole Hanson historic building. There’s even a studio for art classes. “I believe in good customer service,” says Herdell. That’s a sentiment put into practice daily. —RWD
Like the poster on the wall says, “Make Art, Not War”. Owners Patti and Richard Herdell have been encouraging people to do just that. An assortment of paints,
141 Avenida Del Mar, 949.705.7753, www.lincolnstboutique.com
Its doors only opened nine months ago but no wonder the town is talking. Pumpkin-colored walls and snowflake hanging lamps caste an upbeat shopping mood over a smart selection of clothing and accessories designed for stylish women of all ages. Says owner Mendy Conrad, “I wanted to create a shopping experience where mothers, daughters and even grandmothers could shop together and leave feeling happy.” —RWD
Silver Ole Angel Wings
204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.5258, www.downtownsanclemente. com/angel_wings_san_clemente NOMINEES: 5 for $10 T-Shirts • Angel Wings • Asana FIT Yoga • Assistance League Bargain Box • BC Surf Shop • Bijou • Bliss Boutique • Blue Eyed Girl • Bunny’s Secret • Café Rae • Catalyst • Eyeland Lash • Fits Fashion • Fresh Produce San Clemente • Goodwill of San Clemente • Heavenly Couture • Heavyweight Collections • Hobie Surf Shop • Icons of Surf • Jacks Surfboards • Johnny D’s • Republic of Kalifornia • La Tienda Thrift Store • Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique • Melrose in the OC • The Pac-Rat • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Ladies • Rip Curl • Ritual • Roulette Clothing • Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique • Shadow Lounge • Styles For Less • Sunny Days Retail • Sweeet Repeeet • Swirl Boutique • Target • Trestles Surf Outlet • Variant • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Angel Wings; Silver tie: Bliss Boutique, Hobie Sports
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7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Best Place for Buying or Viewing Art Golden Ole San Clemente Art Gallery at Community Center 100 North Calle Seville, 949.361.8264, www.paintsanclemente.com
Open year-round, the gallery is a refuge of arts and craftwork from a talented collective of artisans residing within South Orange County. Showcasing impressive works and - reasonable priced - the exhibits run eight weeks. Alongside them - the City supports a roster of SC Art Association’s contests and exhibitions during the summers. Their prestigious Plein Air Competition has national appeal, attracting painters throughout the country. —RWD
Silver Ole Kona Gallery
412 North El Camino Real, 949.481.3747, www.thekonagallery.com NOMINEES: Village Art Fair • Bamboo and Beyond • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • C’Siren Day Spa • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Casa Romantica • Gallery 104 • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Gavin Arts • Ink Gallery • Pizza Port • Revival • Rick Delanty Studio & Gallery • Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Art Supply • San Clemente Gym • Sushi Gallery Miki • Target • The Cellar • The Mint Fine Art Gallery • THUMP Gallery • Walmart • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar & Grill; Silver: The Kona Gallery
Best Home Decor and Furnishings
Above: A selection of intricately carved antique canes makes for an interesting display at San Clemente Antiques. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Left: Jamie Wood, Josiah sprigs and Wendy Miller work the counter at San Clemente Antiques. Photos by Andrea Swayne
Golden Ole Villa Cucina Home & Kitchen
124 Avenida Del Mar, (949) 388-7512, www.villacucina.com
Foster said the store has made an effort to integrate both old and new items, making it appeal to a wider demographic. The store, known for its “Husband’s Bench,” out front, has also acquired loyal customers locally and from regular tourists, who make yearly pilgrimages there. —JS
A unique ensemble of hand-crafted furniture from recycled materials, antiques and other specialty wood give rise to VC’s gold status in home decor. Italian earthenware, pearl-beaded cushions, table lamps, textiles, linens and wall plagues (each inscribed with a light-hearted sentiment or words of wisdom) deck their halls, complimenting a mecca of inspiration for homemakers every direction one turns. You’ll want to get lost here. —RWD
Silver Ole Luxe Home Furnishings
210 North El Camino Real, 949.218.4700, www.luxehomefurnishings. net NOMINEES: Antiques & Uniques • Backstreet Home Décor • Bamboo and Beyond • California Cove Designs • Christopher-Lee • Ltd. • Consignment Design Concepts • ERBA • Home Consignment Design Center • La Casa Verde de Granada • La Tienda Thrift Store • Laura’s House of Treasures • Lowes • Pier 1 Imports • Re-Finds Consignments • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • South Coast Furniture & Mattress • Stanford Court Antiques • Target • The Kona Gallery • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Luxe Home Furnishings
Best Store to Buy the Perfect Gift Golden Ole Villa Cucina
124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512, www.villacucina.com
With an eclectic assortment of bracelets, earrings, jewelry, handbags, scarves, scented candles, art cards, books and Italian kitchenware, Villa Cucina is a treasure chest of unforgettable gifts. As style-setters, their friendly staff love their jobs and it shows - from the moment you step inside their doors. No wonder VC has been the chosen spot for ‘shoppers of taste’ two years in a row. —RWD
16 www.sanclementetimes.com
Silver Ole La Casa Verde de Granada
130 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2560, www.lacasaverdestore.com
Silver Ole ERBA
114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Antiques & Uniques • Asana FIT Yoga • Bamboo and Beyond • BC Surf Shop • Bliss Boutique • C’ Siren Day Spa • California Cove Designs • The Cellar • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • ConRev • Consignment Design Concepts • Cottage Bliss • Del Mar Beauty Supply • Del Mar Watch and Clock Repair Shop • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Enchanted Fine Florals • Eyeland Lash • Fred’s Market Liquor • Gifts on Del Mar • Hobie Surf Shop • Inner Limits Smoke Shop • Irish Eyes • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jack’s Surfboards Outlet Store • Kelly’s Hallmark Shop • The Kona Gallery • L Design Downtown Flowers • La Casa Verde de Granada • Lincoln Street Boutique • Lowes • Luxe • Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique • Melrose in the OC • Ocean Gifts of San Clemente • Oliver’s Olive Oil • Paradise II • Paradise Jewelers • T. Patterson Surfshop • Petite Bonhomme • Pier 1 Imports • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Ladies • Re-Finds Consignments • Revival • Rip Curl • Rocket Fizz • Russell’s Stationers • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • The San Clemente Florist • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Seaside Skin Care • Stewart Surfboards • Swirl • Talega Day Spa • Target • Three Dog Bakery • The Mint Fine Art Gallery • The Mole Hole • The Third Eye Beads & Gifts Gallery • Tuesday Morning • Variant • Walmart • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Erba
Best Antiques Golden Ole San Clemente Antiques 214 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.2992
The ability to provide more than just antiques helps San Clemente Antiques top this category. Owner Brenda
NOMINEES: Amy Herron • Antiques & Uniques • Backstreet Home Decor • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • Del Mar Watch and Clock Repair Shop • La Tienda Thrift Store • Plum Precious Antiques • Re-Finds Consignment Shop • Salvation Army • Stanford Court Antiques • The Warehouse 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Antiques & Décor; Silver tie: Antiques and Uniques, Stanford Court Antiques
Best Surf Shop Golden Ole Hobie Surf Shop
151 Avenida Del Mar, 949.542.3400, www.hobie.com
With a strong presence in the community since 1954, Hobie’s has once again proven to be San Clemente’s favorite surf shop. Whether you’re in the market for surfboards, gear, clothing, gifts or that special decorative item to compliment your home’s beach town vibe, Hobie Surf Shop has it. And the delightful and attentive staff makes shopping there a joy.—AS
Silver Ole Stewart Surfboards
2102 South El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com NOMINEES: Basham’s Factory • BC Surf Shop • Catalyst • Cole Surfboards • Dewey Weber Factory Showroom • eBodyboarding Bodyboard Outlet • Icons of Surf • Jack’s Surfboards • Noll Surfboards & Gallery • Republik of Kalifornia • Rip Curl • San Clemente Surfboards and Art • T. Patterson Surfboards • Terry Senate Surfboards • The Warehouse • Trestles Surf Outlet • Usedsurf at the Warehouse 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Hobie Surf Shop; Silver: Stewart Surfboards
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Services ON THE
To-Do List then choose a fabulous new outfit with the assistance of the boutique staff. The Salon Zinnia team takes pride in their service and enjoys offering special treats to customers, such as their “Girls Night Out,”—a makeover with wine on the side. —AC
Silver Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
Tommy Patterson’s boards are a favorite choice of groms and pros alike. Courtesy photo
Best Surfboard Shaper Golden Ole T. Patterson Surfboards, Timmy Patterson 1409 North El Camino Real, 949.366.2022
Timmy Patterson’s boards have been in high demand among up-and-coming groms as well as professional surfers since he founded the brand in 1980. Patterson learned his craft from legends such as Dale Velzy, Chris McElroy, Mickey Munoz and Terry Martin early in his career and went on to become a true expert in the art of design and hand shaping. To see a master in action, stop by the newly expanded shop to watch a live demonstration by Patterson in his in-store shaping room.—AS
Silver Ole Cole Surfboards, Cole Simler 129 Calle De Los Molinos, 949.940.9044
NOMINEES: BC Surf Shop • Bill Stewart • Black Duck • Brian Bulkley • Brian Clark • Clay Huntington • Coolbreaze Surfboards • Darryl Butsko • Dave Boehne • Dev • Dewey Weber Surfboards • Donald Brink of Brink Surfboards • Edit Surfboards • Ellis Surfboards • Fly • Garth Day of G.Day Surfboards • Hamish • Hobie Surfboards • Icon • Infinity Surfboards • Jed Noll • Jeff Wiedner • Kaysen • Jerry O’Keefe of Soul Stix • John Robertson of Robo • Kevin Kunhart • Lost Enterprises • Mark Reynolds of BK • Matt Biolos • Matt Parker of Album Surfboards • Maurice Gyenes of Move or Die • Mayhem • Milton Whilar • Paul Carter • Perry Faanes • Robert Kennedy of BOSS Surfboards • Ryan Polfer of Polfer Hull Design • Ron House of RWorld • • Ryan Engel of Nation Surfboards • Steve Boehne • Terry Martin • Terry Senate • Tim Marshall of Midget Smith Surboards • Tom Whitaker • Tuttle • Tyler Warren 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Bill Stewart/Stewart Surfboards; Silver: T. Patterson Surfboards
Best Overall Customer Service Golden Ole Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique
641 Camino De Los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com
Salon Zinnia provides a unique service to its customers—a full lifestyle makeover. Customers can treat themselves expert hair, nails and skin care services and
NOMINEES: Always Inn Bed & Breakfast • Angel Wings • Antoine’s Café • Asana FIT • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bamboo and Beyond • Beach Cities Barbershop • BeachFire • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf • Billy’s Meat • Seafood and Deli • Bliss Boutique • Board and Brew • Bonded Cleaners • Bread Gallery • Brick Pizzeria • C’Siren Day Spa • Café Calypso • Café Rae • California Cove Designs • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Casa Tropicana • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • CleanRite Drop-Off Laundry & Laundromat • Consignment Design Center • Coolbreeze Boardworks • Courtesy Automotive Services • CVS • Daphne’s California Greek • Dave Wert Automotive • Del Mar Beauty • DeNaults True Value Hardware • DingDrX Surfboard Repair • Dreamy Sweets Bakery • Edible Arrangements • El Camino Automotive • El Mariachi Restaurant • El Patio Mexican Restaurant • Enchanted Fine Florals • Erba • Eyeland Lash • Farmers & Merchants Bank • San Clemente Farmer’s Market • Fast Signs • Flowers and Friends • Gifts on Del Mar • Griffin Optometric Group • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Hobie Surf Shop • Holiday Inn • Holly’s Tires • Humphrey’s Sandwich Shop • Iva Lee’s • Izza Pizzeria • Jack’s Surfboards • Janelle Marcoe Studio • Jimmy’s Tire Center • K & S Cleaners • L Design Downtown Flowers • La Casa Verde de Granada • La Galette Creperie • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Lincoln Street Boutique • Little Thai Hut • Lowe’s Home Improvement • Luxe Home Furnishings • Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique • Mathnasium • Melrose in the OC • Mike’s Pet Care • Café Mimosa • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • OceanaFit Yoga • OceanMinded • Ole’s Tavern • Pacific Coast Veterinary • Paradise II Jewelry Boutique • Peet’s Coffee • Pizza Port • Pregnancy Resource Center • Pure Yoga • Ralph’s • Rascals Ladies • Red Fox Lounge • Revival • The Riders Club Café • Rocco’s Restaurant • Salon Bamboo • Salon Bleu • San Clemente Antiques and Décor • San Clemente Art Supply • San Clemente Computer and Network Services • San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa • San Clemente Gym • San Clemente Inn • San Clemente Scooter and Cycle Supply • San Clemente Veterinary • San Clemente Wine Company • S.C. Café • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Seaside Skin Care • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Senor Barber • Shade Tree Motors • Shore Gardens Nursery • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • South County Mobile Electronics • South of Nick’s • Staples • Star Real Estate South County • Starbucks • Sundried Tomato • Sunset’s at the Pier • Talega Day Spa • Talega Window Washing • The Beach Garden Café • The Beachcomber • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • The Mint Art Gallery • Three Dog Bakery • Tina and Vince’s • Trader Joe’s • Universal Press • Variant Boutique • Villa Cucina • Villa Romano Green Farms • Village Book Store • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Wahoo’s • Wheenk! Physical Therapy • Wildflower Florist • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Restaurant • ZPizza • Zuma Press 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
Best Place to Buy Flowers Golden Ole Flowers and Friends
1844 North El Camino Real, 949.366.9150, www.flowersandfriendssanclemente.com
Flowers and Friends is the first thing you see as you enter San Clemente from the north and the last thing you see as you leave from the south. Located at North Beach, the shop has become a landmark and a staple of San Clemente life. Owner Keith Jones says longevity, quality and customer service are what secures the shop’s place as a San Clemente favorite.—AC
Silver Ole L Design Downtown Flowers 111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.7062
Flowers and Friends, owned by Keith Jones, is not only a San Clemente landmark, but also the city’s go-to floral shop. Photo by Andrea Papagianis NOMINEES: Albertsons • Beach City Florist • Enchanted Fine Florals • San Clemente Farmer’s Market • Shore Gardens Nursery • Flower Company of San Clemente • Hanson’s Market • Inga’s Bloom • Kelly’s Hallmark Shop • Kimberly’s Flowers • McKenna Floral • Ralphs • San Clemente Florist • Shore Gardens • Trader Joe’s • Wildflower Florist 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Flowers & Friends; Silver: Downtown Flowers
Best Manicure and Pedicure Golden Ole Mingee’s Nails
164 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1818; 132 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.1139
Mingee’s Nails & Spa has developed a reputation as a great place for large parties stopping in San Clemente for weddings and other events, but also a nice option for locals. Having two locations along Avenida Del Mar also allows for convenience for customers who might not want to wait in line. The salon also offers a variety of services to meet client’s needs. —JS
Silver Ole Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique
641 Camino De Los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com NOMINEES: Allure Nails & Spa • Beauty Nails • Bellagio Nail Spa • Final Touch Nails & Spa • Hairwaves Beauty Salon • Happy Nails and Spa • Kim’s Nail & Spa • Nails by Karen • Natural Nails by Edith • SC Nail Lounge • Sunset Glow Nail Spa • Sweet Escape • Talega Day Spa • The Perfect Ten • V Nails Boutique 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Mingee’s Nails & Spa
Best Hair Salon Golden Ole Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique
641 Camino De Los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com
Salon Zinnia owner Jodi Pickering credits her staff, first and foremost, for making the salon San Clemente’s favorite. “It’s an amazing group of women that I work with,” Pickering said. Beyond that, however, Pickering said it was important that the salon offered more than just typical salon experience, including boutique items, coffee and loose-leaf tea. “We offer more than anyone else,” Pickering says. —JS
Silver Ole Salon Bamboo
150 Avenida Del Mar, Suite A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com NOMINEES: A Cut Above • Alicia’s Barber & Styling Salon • Carlisle’s Hair Design • Clips ‘n Curls • Ermanno DeVito Hair Studio • Fantastic Sam’s • Hair Affair • Hair Sculptors Salon & Spa • Hairwaves Beauty Salon • Ma Jolie • Modest Spot Salon • Popeye’s for Hair • R Tistic • Ray’s Barber Place • Revival • Salon Bleu • Salon de Prelude • Salon Incognito • Salon Real • Sanctuary Salon • Senor Barber • Shake It Design • Supercuts • Syrens Hair Parlor & Art Gallery • Talega Day Spa • The Look Hair & Makeup • Toba Salon • Trade Winds Hair Salon 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Salon Bamboo
www.sanclementetimes.com 19
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS San Clemente Gym both inspires and promotes that makes it a consistent winner in this category. The gym, located downtown, is an active participant in all sorts of community events, and has developed a loyal following of customers who appreciate the gym’s being a locally owned and operated small business with a long history. —JS
Best Barber Shop Golden Ole V’s Barber Shop
802 Avenida Talega Suite 105, 949.429.7770, vbarbershop.com
V’s Barbershop has become such a local favorite, owner John Renaud, says, because it provides the top-level services its clientele have come to expect. “We’ve got the best barbers in town,” Renaud said. Customers are also coming out for consistent, full-service offerings they can’t find elsewhere in San Clemente. “We may be doing more shaves than anyone else in Orange County,” Renaud noted. —JS
Silver Ole CrossFit Orange County
950 Calle Amanecer, Suite 200, 949.682.8577, www.crossfitorangecounty.com NOMINEES: Anytime Fitness • Asana FIT • BeachFit CrossFit • BodyMovin’ Yoga • Dance & Wellness Studio • BT Fitness • Curves • Finish Strong MMA • Fitness 19 • Fitness Elite • Gracie Barra San Clemente Martial Arts Studio • Guillobel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • North Beach Kettlebell • San Clemente Boot Camp • Wendy’s Boot Camp 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Gym; Silver: Fitness 19
Silver Ole The Señor Barbers
401 South El Camino Real, Suite F, 949.361.0762, www.thesenorbarber. com NOMINEES: A Cut Above • Alicia’s Barber Shop • Beach Cities Barber Shop • Downtown Barber Shop • Fantastic Sam’s • Jerry’s Barber Shop • JP’s Barber Shop • Neptune’s Den Cuts for Men • Popeye’s For Hair • Ray’s Barber Place • Revival • R Tistic • Salon Bamboo • Salon Incognito • Salon Zinnia • San Clemente Barber Shop • Shore Cliff Barber Shop • Sport Clips • Stud Cuts • Supercuts • The Haircutters 2011 WINNERS: Gold: V’s Barbershop; Silver: The Señor Barber
Best Yoga/Pilate’s Studio
Best Grooming/Pet Care
Asana Fit’s focus on getting to know its customers has won it a large number of fans in San Clemente. Manager Michelly Young credits the studio’s emphasis on getting to know its customers—including their injuries and ability levels—and the studio’s experienced instructors for its success. “They make the classes work. That’s important in this type of business,” Young said. —JS
Golden Ole San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa 801 Via Suerte, Suite 101, 949.391. 7297, www.ocgroomer.com
Tamara Muslin, the owner of San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa, said that the shop’s location, its amenities and staff were all key in making her business a favorite in San Clemente. Muslin said the location in Talega provides friendly service to the area that wasn’t being met otherwise. The spa also offers the option of allowing owners to bathe their own pets. —JS
Silver Ole VIP Pet Spa
810 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.7473, www.vippetspa.com NOMINEES: Camp Bow Wow • Pet Critters • Hilary’s Mobile Grooming • Manicured Mutt Grooming Salon • Mike’s Pet Care • Paws Pet Resorts • The
Golden Ole Asana Fit
102 South Ola Vista, 949.492.0110, www.asanafit.com
San Clemente Gym owner Eric Lucy, a 17 time World Champion body builder, inspires health and fitness among locals. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Pet Palace • Pet Treasures • Unleashed by Petco • San Clemente Veterinary Hospital • Talega Animal Hospital 2011 WINNERS: Gold: VIP Pet Spa; Silver: San Clemente Veterinary Hospital
Best Gym Golden Ole San Clemente Gym
Silver Ole Oceana Fit
929 Calle Negocio, Suite C, 949.388.6700, www.oceanafit.com NOMINEES: Bikram Yoga • Body Awareness • BodyMovin’ Yoga • Dance & Wellness Studio • BT Fitness • City of San Clemente Recreation • CrossFit Orange County • Fitness Elite for Women • Hot Yoga of San Clemente • Pure Yoga • Total Body Conditioning • Zen Den Yoga Studio 2011 WINNERS: Gold: AsanaFIT; Silver: OceanaFit Yoga
123 South El Camino Real, 949.361.1007, www.sanclementegym.net
Owner Eric Lucy said it’s the sense of community that
Best Car Repair Golden Ole Shadetree Automotive 1635 North El Camino Real, 949.498.6470, www.shadetreeautorepairsanclemente.com
Shadetree Automotive is now serving its third generation of San Clemente drivers, owner Paul Huffman notes. The shop has grown from being a Volkswagen-only shop to one that provides honest and friendly service to all makes and models. Huffman credited his staff with creating a positive atmosphere for customers that helped to perpetuate their relationship with the garage. —JS
Silver Ole Jay’s Car Repair
1504 Avenida De La Estrella, Unit E, 949.492.7990, www.jayscarrepair.mechanicnet.com NOMINEES: Advanced Auto • Arnold’s Auto Repair • Auto Medic • B&M Auto Body Shop • Beach Cities Auto Collision • Big O Tires • Bill Brewster Automotive • Bob’s Auto Repair • Certified Rebuilders • Coastline Automotive • Coastal Automotive • Courtesy Automotive Services • Dave Wert Automotive • Discount Tire Center • El Camino Automotive • Frank’s Collision • Holley’s Tire Services • Klink’s Auto Repair • Littlepage Automotive • San Clemente Auto Collision • San O Mechanic • Shorecliff’s Auto Services • Star Tech Motors • Victoria Auto Repair 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Shadetree Automotive; Silver: Coastline Automotive
The staff of San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa provides sharp looks and treatments for pets for residents throughout the city. Photo by Jim Shilander
20 www.sanclementetimes.com
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
Silver Ole Seaside Skin Care
108 S. Camino Real, 949.276.2777, www.seasideskincare.com NOMINEES: 5 Elements Spa • Ageless Generation Day Spa • Apure Natural Healing • Bonnie’s Skin Salon • Brow Boutique • C’Siren Day Spa • Divine Inspirations • Eyeland Lash • Kim’s Nails • MaJolie Salon • Massage Envy • Massage Works • Thai Body Works • Ritual • Salon Bamboo • Salon Zinnia • Simple Touch Skin Care • Soul Intentions • Spa Works • The Green Room • The Right Call • The Soul Intention • Waves Beyond Skincare 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Talega Day Spa; Silver: Salon Bamboo
Best Dry Cleaner Golden Ole Bonded Dry Cleaners
1221 North El Camino Real, 949.498.1183,www.bonded-cleaners.com
Greg Suding, owner of Bonded Dry Cleaners, and Gabriela Hernandez, a 6-year employee before the morning rush of customers. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Best Tire Shop Golden Ole Jimmy’s Tires Center
911 Avenida Pico, 949.492.4500, www.jimmystirecenters.com
For the second straight year, Jimmy’s Tire Center is San Clemente’s choice for the best place to patch, repair or replace a tire. While the San Clemente location has been around for 12 years, the family-owned operation has more than 35 years in the business, and many of the same customers keep coming back to get their tires serviced. Jimmy’s Tire Center also provides wheel alignments, tire rotations and brake service. —Bran Park
Silver Ole Holley’s Tire Services 1225 North El Camino Real, 949.492.4733
NOMINEES: Big O Tires • Bill Brewster Automotive • Dave Wert Automotive • Discount Tire Center • El Camino Automotive • San Clemente Auto Center • San O Mechanic • Wal-Mart Tire Center 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Jimmy’s Tires; Silver: Holley’s Tire Service
Best Spa for Massages/ Facials Golden Ole Talega Day Spa
1161 Puerta Del Sol, 949.429.5757, www.talegadayspa.com
For folks looking to relax and be pampered, the Talega Day Spa has been one of San Clemente’s top destinations for several years. But recently, the spa has catered to a new clientele with different needs. “People have become more educated and found that a day at the spa is preventative,” said Minh Luong, spa coordinator. “A lot of guys come in, people with sports injuries or folks recovering from accidents.” In addition to massages and skin and body treatments, the spa also features an infrared sauna, which Luong said can increase the amount of toxins released from the body by 20 percent. —BP
Bonded Dry Cleaners has had a strong 30-plus year run in San Clemente despite limited advertising. Most of their business comes from word-of-mouth, said owner Scott English, who took over for his parents in 1995. Friendly service and consistency are hallmarks of Bonded Dry Cleaners, whose services also include minor alterations, suede and leather cleaning and wedding dress preservation. —BP
Silver Ole K&S Cleaners
114 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.5424, www.sanclementedrycleaners.com NOMINEES: Baroni Cleaners • Celebrity Cleaners • El Camino Cleaners • Nelson’s Cleaners • Pico Cleaners • Presidio Cleaners • San Clemente Dry Cleaners • Seaside Cleaners • Silver Dry Cleaners • Sunny Fresh Cleaners • Talega Dry Cleaners 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Bonded Cleaners; Silver: K&S Cleaners
Best Lodging Golden Ole The San Clemente Inn
2600 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.492.6103, www.sanclementeinn.com
The historic San Clemente Inn has stood for more than 50 years and, for a while, housed President Richard Nixon’s staff when he lived in nearby Casa Pacifica. The inn is separated into five buildings with a total of 97 rooms, ranging from studios all the way up to a one bedroom that sleeps six. Adele’s Café is open to both guests and the public, and the inn features several outdoor amenities and a video library free of charge for guests. —BP
Silver Ole Beachcomber Motel
533 Avenida Victoria, 949.492.5457, www.beachcombermotel.com NOMINEES: Always Inn • Best Western Casablanca Inn • Day’s Inn • Hampton Inn & Suites • Holiday Inn • San Clemente’s Little Inn by the Sea • San Clemente Cove • Seahorse Resort • Travelodge 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Beachcomber Motel; Silver: Casa Tropicana
Best Jeweler Golden Ole Paradise Jewelers
808 North El Camino Real, (949) 361-4367, www.paradisejewelers.com
“Paradise Jewelers has made itself an institution in San Clemente by providing experienced professional services on staff, but also by providing the best possible values to customers,” general manager Joshua Gusse said. Since Paradise buys at estate sales, he noted, they can often offer jewelry to customers at far below wholesale prices. Gusse also said the experience at the store has led many to refer friends. —JS
Silver Ole Gino’s Jewelers Christian Figueroa of Jimmy’s Tire prepares to work on a tire. The family owned business has spent over 35 years in patching, replacing and repairing tires. Photo by Jim Shilander
22 www.sanclementetimes.com
NOMINEES: Del Mar Watch and Clock Shop • Fifi Lala’s • Jewelry Forever • On the Rocks Jewelers • Paradise II • Plum Precious • Target 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Paradise Jewelers; Silver: Gino’s Jewelers
7th ANNUAL BEST OF
SAN CLEMENTE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
GETTING
Outside
Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners Golden Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com
Given its placement elsewhere on this list, it’s obvious that The Fisherman’s is a favorite restaurant amongst locals here in San Clemente. The combination of the love for the restaurant, plus its location on the San Clemente Pier, with a lovely view of the Pacific, make it a can’t miss option for impressing visitors with what it’s like to live in San Clemente all the time.—JS
Silver Ole San Clemente Pier NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Angel Wings • Antoine’s Café Asana Fit • Beach Garden Café • Beachcomber • BeachFire • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Billy’s Meat • Seafood & Deli • Board and Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Cabrillo Playhouse • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Casa Romantica • Cassano’s Pizza • C’Siren Day Spa • Avenida Del Mar • Duke’s • Eyeland Lashes • San Clemente Farmer’s Market • Biggie’s Burgers • Guicho’s • Hapa J’s • Hobie Surf Shop • Ichibiri • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Knuckleheads • Kona Gallery • La Siesta Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomad’s Canteen • North Beach • Pedro’s Tacos • Pizza Port • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Boutique • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Salon Zinnia • SC Art Gallery • San Clemente State Beach • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • State Beach • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato Café Sunset’s at the Pier • T-Street Beach • Taka-O • Talega Day Spa • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfin’ Donuts • Trestles Beach • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: San Clemente Pier
Best Beach Golden Ole T Street T Street—short for Trafalgar Street—has long been the training grounds for local surfers and bodyboarders, especially during the winter months. In summer the
24 www.sanclementetimes.com
Located atop the San Clemente Pier, The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar has won favor as the best place in the city to take visitors from out of town. Photo by Ariana Crisafulli
stretch of beach is off limits to surfing between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 15 making the water safe for wading and swimming. Restroom facilities and a snack bar, T Street is ideal for families. —AS
Silver Ole San Clemente Pier Area NOMINEES: 204s • Cotton’s Point • Cyprus Point • Lasuens/Lost Winds • Linda Lane • Mariposa • North Beach • Old Man’s • Poche • Riviera • San Clemente State Beach/Calafia • San Onofre State Beach • The Hole • Trail 4 • Trail 6 • Trestles 2011 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: Pier Area
Best Surf Break Golden Ole Lower Trestles As the home of such high profile professional surf contests as the Hurley Pro and Nike Lowers Pro, this famed cobblestone beach has become known as one of the premier surf breaks on the planet. Venture down to the beach, pretty much any day of the week, and you will likely find some of the best surf talent in the world— from groms in training to seasoned professionals.—AS
Silver Ole T Street NOMINEES: 204s •Church Beach • Clock Tower • Cotton’s Point • Dog Patch • Lasuens/Lost Winds • Mariposa • Middles • North Beach • Old Man’s • Pier • Riviera • San Clemente State Beach/Calafia • San Onofre State Beach • The Hole • Trail 4 • Trail 5 • Upper Trestles 2011 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: Trestles
for a variety of sports. The park includes three baseball fields, two regulation soccer fields, a football/lacrosse field and a multi-purpose field, all with nighttime lighting. The Aquatics Center is home to a 50-meter competition pool and an activity pool with a play feature for kids.—AS
Silver Ole Linda Lane Park NOMINEES: Baron Von Millard Memorial Dog Park • Calafia • Courtney’s Sand Castle • Forster Ranch Community Park • Leslie Park • Liberty Park • Marblehead Park • Max Berg Plaza Park • Mira Costa • Park Semper Fi • Parque Del Mar • Rancho San Clemente • Richard T. Steed Memorial Park • Ralphs Skate Court • San Clemente State Park • San Gorgonio • San Luis Rey • San Onofre State Park • Talega Park • Tierra Grande/ Red Barn Park • Verde Park 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Gorgonio Park; Silver: Max Berg Plaza Park
Best Golf Course Golden Ole San Clemente Municipal Golf Course 150 E Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.8380, www.sanclementegc.com
San Clemente Municipal Golf Course has won the hearts of local duffers regardless of skill level, head professional Dave Cook said. “Good and bad players both like it,” Cook explained. “It’s easy to walk and easy to ride.” The reasonable costs of rounds at the course also helps make it a favorite, Cook said, as well as the ease of finding a tee time. —JS
Best Park
Silver Ole Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club
Golden Ole Vista Hermosa Sports Park
NOMINEES: Shorecliffs Golf Club • Talega Golf Club 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Municipal Golf Course; Silver: Talega Golf Club
The latest addition to San Clemente’s city parks, Vista Hermosa Sports Park offers state-of-the-art facilities
200 Avenida La Pata, 949.498.6604, www.bellacollinagolf.com
EYE ON SC
1
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
SC S a n C le m e n te
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO For the first time in its history, the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians will be led by an all-woman council following the tribe’s election Saturday. Teresa Romero was elected chair, defeating longtime tribal leader and incumbent Anthony Rivera. Jacque Nuñez will serve as vice chair, defeating Anthony Vaughn and the late Francine Yorba, who passed away in December but whose name was left on the ballot out of respect. Kim Leone and Kristina Yorba, who both ran uncontested, are the new secretary and treasurer, respectively. Ruthie Stoffel and Heidi Perez are the two newest members-atlarge. The state-recognized tribe continues to work toward federal recognition after they were denied in 2011.
NEWS
NEXT DOOR WH AT’S GOING ON I N OU R NE IGH B ORIN G TOWNS
DANA POINT City Council voted to bring the international Elephant Parade—a public art exhibit aimed to promote awareness and support the conservation of Asian elephants—to Dana Point in October. With strong support from the Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District, the council approved the $150,000 contract on the group’s behalf. City Manager Doug Chotkevys assured the council that the money would come directly from the $3-a-night bed fee and not the city’s general fund. For eight weeks, painted elephant statues will be placed throughout the city. The event will culminate with a gala and auction, where funds from the artwork sold goes to the Asian Elephant Foundation and participating artists.
SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS
What’s Up With... 1
…the Election Flier Suit?
THE LATEST: Charles Mann has responded to Marblehead Coastal developer Steve Craig’s defamation lawsuit against him and his political organization, Watchdog for San Clemente Responsible Government, calling the suit an attempt “to punish and intimidate.” The suit stems from a flier produced by the organization during last year’s San Clemente City Council election campaign. Craig alleges that the flier created the impression he had given funds to candidates Mike Mortenson and Jim Dahl to influence a potential vote on allowing large signs for his proposed outlet mall project. Mann’s attorney, Bradley Hertz, states in the complaint that the 11,000 fliers distributed by the organization through the mail and at public events is constitutionally protected political speech. The brief also states that because Craig had previously donated to city council candidate Steve Knoblock in 2008 and supported Mortenson and Dahl in the last election by allowing their signs to be placed on his property, he had “voluntarily inserted” himself into a public controversy. As such, the complaint stated, Craig must prove “actual malice” was intended by the allegedly libelous statements in the fliers. WHAT’S NEXT: An email sent by Mann to the San Clemente Times indicated that a hearing in the case is set for Friday, February 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, see www.sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
— Jim Shilander
2
… Another SONGS Hearing?
THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Tuesday that it will hold a public meeting February 12 in Capistrano Beach to discuss the status of its review of Southern California Edison’s restart plan for Unit 2 of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The meeting will include discussion of the inspection and technical evaluation of Edison’s response to the NRC’s March 2012 Confirmatory Action Letter on the steam generator tube degradation that caused the shutdown at Unit 3 a year ago. WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Capo Beach Church (formerly Capo Beach Calvary Chapel), 25975 Domingo Avenue. The facility has seating for 1,100. The public will be able to ask questions of NRC staff and Edison concerning the inspection and technical evaluation activities, according to a NRC release. FIND OUT MORE: For more information and updates, see www.sanclementetimes.com — JS
3
…Dogs in SC Parks?
THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council unanimously approved allowing leashed dogs into 10 additional city parks Tuesday, an increase from the current two. Beaches, Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Heider noted that there had been a great deal of “passionate
discussion” on the issue, on both sides, in considering the proposal. According to the new rules, dogs will be allowed, on leashes, in the additional parks. Citations for failure to pick up dog waste will be increased to $100 from $50. No dog beach access was included as a part of the proposal. WHAT’S NEXT: The city did not include monies to pay for dog waste bag stations at the parks themselves. Heider told the council that the city had found that providing bags does not necessarily mean that waste would be picked up more often, such as on the Beach Trail. Heider said providing the bags is ultimately the responsibility of the dog owners themselves, and that the city has found peer pressure to be an effective way to get people to take care of the problem. FIND OUT MORE: For the full story and a list of the parks included in the new regulations, see www.sanclementetimes.com —JS
4
… a SONGS Task Force?
THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced the creation of a special San Onofre Review Panel, which will oversee Southern California Edison’s proposed restart plan. The panel includes Art Howell, the deputy regional administrator for Region IV, which oversees SONGS and other plants in the southwest. Howell has been a vocal presence at a number of public meetings on technical issues with Edison personnel. Other members of the body include members of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and the senior resident inspector of SONGS.
Page 27
WHAT’S NEXT: The panel will be responsible for coordinating public meetings with Edison, as well as providing a recommendation to senior NRC officials as to whether to approve the restart of Unit 2. The NRC has publicly stated that a restart will not be permitted until there is assurance that the plant can be operated safely. FIND OUT MORE: For additional information, check the NRC’s San Onofre site, www.nrc.gov. —JS
5
…Violence Prevention in CUSD?
THE LATEST: In response to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., as well as an ongoing effort to prevent bullying, the San Clemente Family of Parent, Teacher, Student Associations, or PTSAs, and San Clemente Police Services will hold a forum on bullying and violence. The event will include a presentation from Jeff McKinney, FBI special agent on the law enforcement response to school violence, Mary Fortmeier, a certified trainer for the Olweus Bullying Prevention program. Rod Valdez, school resource officer, will also discuss the Gang Reduction and Intervention program. WHAT’S NEXT: The program will be held February 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church Fireside Room. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is being implemented this year at Clarence Lobo Elementary School. FIND OUT MORE: For updates, see www.sanclementetimes.com. —JS www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, January 24 San Clemente Collaborative Quarterly Meeting 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Ole Hanson Beach Club. 105 Avenida Pico, 949.547.7260, www.sanclementecollaborative.com.
Friday, January 25 Birthday Celebration 12 p.m. Celebration at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center with lunch and entertainment by James Wells. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.
Monday, January 28 Investment Advisory Committee Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, Oceanview Conference Room. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. Help With Anxiety, Depression, Stress & Anger 10:45 a.m. Recovery International provides help to gain control over distressing emotions and improve general well-being. Free. El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, 949.458.2504, www.recovery-inc.org.
Tuesday, January 29 After School Club 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Activities including stories, crafts and more for children ages 5 and older at the San Clemente Library. Advanced signup required. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.
Wednesday, January 30 Adult Book Discussion Group 8:30 a.m. Meet at the library for a book discussion. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org. Kiwanis Meeting 12 p.m. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com. French Conversation Club 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. Come and chat at Cafe Calypso every Wednesday; no fees, no registration. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.493.5228.
Thursday, January 31 Health Assessments Make an appointment at at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center for a free health assessment. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322. San Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
NEWS BITES
Compiled by Jim Shilander
PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO San Clemente Woman’s Club Celebrating Anniversary u The San Clemente Woman’s Club will celebrate 82 years of community support on Tuesday, February 5, at the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club restaurant. Special honorees will include past presidents of the club, many of whom are still actively involved in the various club projects. Mike Cotter from the San Clemente Historical Society will present a program about San Clemente’s past. In addition to providing food and monetary donations to Family Assistance Ministries, the Woman’s Club awards annual scholarships to San Clemente High School seniors, supports the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area and assists with the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program, as well as providing cash donations to
SC Sheriff’s Blotter
the Center. Year-round money raising projects, such as the Spring Fashion Show in April, provide the funds for the annual awards. The San Clemente Woman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, with the exception of June, July and August. For membership information or reservations for the February Birthday Party, please call President Cathy Wagner at 949.492.7941 or go to www. sanclementewomansclub.org. The club also elected its 2013 officers at its January meeting. This years officers are Kate Mills, Judy Starr, Cathy Wagner, Donna Cassidy, Susan Meyers, Lora Ward and Barbara Biggs.
Free Flu Shot Clinic Saturday u Mission Health will be providing a free flu shot clinic Saturday, January 26, at Max Berg Plaza Park, located at 1100
SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Pico, 900 Block (9:29 a.m.) A man was seen roaming around the store picking up items and placing them in a plastic bag that he came in with. When the caller approached him, he immediately began to curse at her. The man was described as being in his late 50s, wearing a dirty green jacket and jeans.
Sunday, January 20
COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO 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.
Monday, January 21 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE La Placentia, 100 Block (4:21 a.m.) A man called police to report a suspicious, charcoal grey vehicle at the corner of La Placentia and Revuleta. The caller said there was an unknown object on the sidewalk nearby. The vehicle was parked on the side of the street with no houses, near the Holiday Inn. DRUNK DRIVING Avenida Pico/ 5 Freeway (5:54 a.m.) A 29-year-old security guard was taken into custody for drunk driving after officers observed him stumble from his vehicle while going through a drive-through. He is being held on $10,000 bail while awaiting his January 22 court appearance.
GUNSHOTS HEARD Calle Portofino, 0 Block (9:34 p.m.) A woman reported hearing three loud gunshots go off near her residence. She also heard a man yell and whistle. A second informant called in the same occurrence but reported seeing people walk out from a backyard on Calle Portofino carrying fireworks TRAFFIC HAZARD El Camino Real/Marquita (1:03 p.m.) A caller reported a man standing in the middle of the street by Pedro’s Tacos yelling at on-coming traffic. The man was described as tall, wearing a brown T-shirt and jeans. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Pico/ Boca de la Playa (10:09 a.m.) A man told police he believed there was a homeless man living on top of the Ole Hanson Beach Club. The man was seen walking across the street to the 7-11 from the club. All of his belongings were believed to still be atop the Beach Club.
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Calle Puente, across from Las Palmas Elementary School. No appointment is necessary. Vaccines are available for ages 9 years and older. Parents must be present for children under 18 years of age. For more information, call the Health Line at Mission Hospital, 949.364.1770. Another event will be held in San Juan Capistrano in the gym at Mission Basilica School from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, January 27. The school is located at 31641 N. El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.
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.
HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Avenida Ramona, 100 Block (1:28 a.m.) A man reported seeing a driver cause an accident and then flee the scene. The informant followed the hit and run driver to a new location and was waiting outside for police to arrive.
Saturday, January 19 HIT AND RUN PARKED CAR Avenida Granada, 200 Block (9 p.m.) A witness reported a hit and run that took place in a parking lot. The caller stated that a white, late-model GMC Sierra hit a parked, silver Chevy Silverado and that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. The driver briefly stepped out of his car and then left. A small child was seen inside the vehicle. The driver was last seen headed westbound on Granada. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE El Camino Real, 2700 Block (4:45 p.m.) A caller reported seeing two suspicious looking men in in a gold four-door Mercedes. The driver was described as being in his 30s with salt and pepper hair. The passenger had a black sweatshirt pulled over his head. Both subjects were seen smoking, what looked to the caller to be methamphetamine, from a glass pipe. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Camino de los Mares, 600 Block (3:12 p.m.) A woman wearing a turban, a hospital gown and multiple hospital bracelets was standing near Ralphs grocery store and exposing herself to people as they walked through the parking lot. www.sanclementetimes.com
SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com
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San Clemente Times, Vol. 8, Issue 4. 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 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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GUEST OPINION: By Donia Moore, San Clemente Watershed Task Force
Why Do We Need a Plastic Bag Ban in San Clemente? In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at soapbox@sanclementetimes.com
S
an Clemente may soon follow the communities of Laguna Beach and Dana Point in enacting a ban on plastic, single-use bags. Our City Council is establishing priorities for 2013 and a similar ban for San Clemente is under consideration. There is a lot of information, both pro and con (yes–there are arguments against the ban) circulating. Yes, the bags are ugly in the environment. Yes, they are responsible for injuries and death of marine life. And yes, their demise may end up costing us ten cents per reusable bag at the grocery store if
we forget to bring our own. The Clean Ocean Project, supported by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, approaches the problem of plastic bags from a scientific point of view. There are serious repercussions of using petroleum-based plastics irresponsibly, such as ending up in a gyre. What is a gyre? A gyre is a largescale circular feature made up of ocean currents that spiral around a central point. This creates a whirlpool effect that pushes water and marine plastic debris to its center. As plastic enters the marine environment through our watersheds or trash, currents collect and transport it like a giant ocean conveyor belt loaded with garbage bound for the North Pacific Gyre, which is where our little bit of paradise is located. There are five major gyres in the world: the North and South Pacific subtropical gyres; the North and South At-
lantic subtropical gyres; and the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre. Because more data has been collected in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, scientists have a better understanding of marine plastics issues and impacts on the environment in this area. It goes far beyond the plastic bags we see floating in the ocean or washing up on our beaches. Plastic and toxins in the food web Floating plastic breaks up into ever-smaller pieces. It begins to make its way into the marine food web. Many marine animals mistake these small, colorful pieces of plastic for food and ingest them. If the plastic cannot pass through the animals’ digestive system, it fills their stomachs with garbage that has no nutritional value, and with no room for its natural food, they can slowly starve to death. The smaller pieces of plastic eventually, over time, become plastic dust, which never biodegrades, and retains all of its original chemical com-
pounds. Scientists have determined that all the plastic ever made, unless incinerated, remains in the environment. As plastic builds up in the food chain, carrying with it increasing amounts of toxins, there is the potential that it could reach the fish and seafood that we consume, because everything that they have consumed, we, too, consume. There is growing evidence that toxins associated with plastic particles in the gyre are responsible for an increase in health problems in humans such as endocrine cancers, brain damage, and reproductive and cardiovascular damage. San Clemente Watershed Task Force meets the second Tuesday of every month. For more information please call Nanci Mavar at 949.500.0494 or email info@scwatersheds.com. The San Clemente Watershed Task Force is a citizen’s group that works to reduce litter and pollutants ending up on the beach and area watersheds. SC
know that no matter how hard we work, San Clemente city officials seem to be lacking in their support of the needs of their own downtown (and even employ efforts that hurt local business, i.e. frequent ticketing). Very few people can shop and dine in two hours. I live here as well, and I know that most of the time you can rarely find Del Mar parking, even in the outlying all day slots. No parking structure is available nearby— or even in the city’s plans to be created. So as merchants and restaurants work to attract people, frustration is most often felt by customers who cannot find a spot to park, and when they do, often get ticketed for shopping too long.
This is most definitely hurting business downtown and results will be seen as the economy continues to struggle. Why not offer some metered parking, make time limits more clear, extend the time to three hours, or investigate the possibility of adding a parking structure of some kind to the downtown? Some help from the city concerning parking, or lack thereof, would be appreciated. Let’s not create a barrier to business by dismissing the needs of a growing city.
Letters to the Editor PARKING AN ISSUE ON DEL MAR LISA RODARTI, San Clemente
Not long ago, shopping and dining on Avenida Del Mar in the historic downtown area of San Clemente was a pleasure. Shopkeepers and restaurant owners worked very hard to create a shopping and dining experience with that lovely small-town ambiance and care and shoppers enjoyed their day exploring shops and dining on Del Mar. I was dismayed to hear from several of my customers in December how frustrated they were that parking was so hard to find, and then while they had been eating and shopping received parkSan Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
ing tickets. They claimed they would not be coming back. They vented that although they enjoyed what Del Mar and downtown had to offer, they were most frustrated by getting a ticket from parking a few moments after the two-hour cut off time: they simply could not eat and shop in two hours. So, while they were busy spending their money in support of San Clemente’s local merchants—taxpaying and revenue generating companies who employ locals and constantly donate to the many requesting local charities— they now owed funds to the city for a parking violation, and they were miffed. It is frustrating as a merchant to
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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.
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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: BRAD RICHTER 7 p.m. Guitarist Brad Richter returns to Casa Romantica to perform classical guitar music with awardwinning collections. General admission $25. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.
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MOONSHINE 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. ENGLISH JOE WITH BILL STEWART 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.
friday
WINE TASTING 5 p.m.9 p.m. Special tasting of Michael Mondavi Folio Wines of Napa Valley though the weekend at SC Wine Company. $15 includes 7 wines, cheese and chocolate. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.
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LORD OF THE STRINGS 7 p.m. 2007 Acoustic Guitar Magazine “Player of the Year” winner, Peppino D’Agostino, returns to the Dana Point Community House. $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.
AT THE MOVIES: ‘ZERO DARK THIRTY’ Two of the biggest surprises from the announcement of this year’s Academy Award nominations were the absences of directors Ben Affleck and Kathryn Bigelow. Both received glowing praise for their suspenseful political dramas, Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, respectively, as well as nominations for other awards. It seems while not everyone enjoyed Zero Dark Thirty, some still found it a landmark in cinema during 2012. For nearly a decade after the events of 9/11, CIA operative Maya (Jessica Chastain) obsessively leads a worldwide search for the location of Osama bin Laden. After years of help from her coworkers, disbeJessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty. ©2012 Zero Dark Thirty, LLC. lief from her superiors and numerous terrorist attacks around the world, Maya cracks and won’t be satisfied until bin Laden is dead. The film has been getting a lot of attention and criticism for its torture sequences, which some think are unnecessary and glamorizing, in the first half-hour. This could be a theory on why Zero Dark Thirty was nominated for Best Picture and Actress, but not Director for the Oscars. While the direction and performances are fine, there seems to be, whether in pacing or narrative, a spark missing that Bigelow’s last film, The Hurt Locker, had. Nevertheless, award committees seem to think the film deserves the recognition and everyone is curious to see if Chastain will take home the big trophy for Best Actress. —Megan Bianco
LIVE OAK REVUE 8 p.m. Folk rock at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. AIR VS. WATER 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Live music at Sunsets, plus drink specials. 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.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. $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.
saturday
YOGA IN NATURE 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Special yoga hike The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Admission $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.
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COMEDY NIGHT 8 p.m. Bella Collina presents “The Funniest Housewives of Orange County” onstage and a raffle. Come at 6 p.m. for a pre-show and light dinner. $35. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.498.6604, www.bellacollinagolf.com. CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m. Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. BERLIN 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $24. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.
sunday
HART AND SOUL 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at Adele’s. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.
SPECIAL LOCAL SUNDAY SESSION 6 p.m. Special session at Cabrillo Playhouse with Leslie Lowe full band concert, also featuring a performance by Kyle and Dannielle DeAndra. $10 cash donation, with beer and wine served for donation. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.facebook.com/localsundaysessions.
DELOREANS 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com.
SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.
CALI CONSCIOUS 9:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Reggae rock at The Shore. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.481.6089, www.theshoresanclemente.com.
San Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
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CENTENNIAL FARM 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Three-acre working farm at the OC Fair and Event Center designed to educate families about agriculture and its importance to daily life with gardens, livestock and more. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1916, www.ocfair.com.
monday
SAN CLEMENTE ART ASSOCIATION WINTER JUDGED SHOW 12 p.m.4 p.m. Art show in the San Clemente Art Gallery SC Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.
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COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Dancing at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.
tuesday
WAR HORSE 8 p.m. The moving drama, filled with music, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Shows through February 3. Tickets start at $20. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.
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wednesday
MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. A “pub crawl” featuring micro/craft brews for $4, music, food and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700, www.facebook. com/microbrewsbythemission.
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MARTIN GERSCHWITZ 7:30 p.m. Special concert at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $10, available at the door. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. LUCKY WINE WEDNESDAY 4 p.m.-6 p.m. A weekly drawing, drink and food specials and more at DaVine Food & Wine. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.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
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PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
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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
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See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
Why are Online Daters Dishonest About Age? In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at soapbox@sanclementetimes.com
I
’ve heard it so often for years it’s almost comical: “I look younger than my age.” You’d think looking younger would be an asset in dating after age 50. But some people who say they look younger than their age claim it’s a problem. Annette from Orange County, wrote, “I have been single for five years. I had one relationship which I regret ending and have found it very difficult to meet anyone I am interested in who is interested in me. “I am financially successful, have a great career, have raised five amazing children...the difficult thing is I am
59 but look 10 years younger (always have) so I am interested in younger men. This makes internet dating very difficult.” It’s not just women who have this “lookyounger” problem. ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 Jim wrote, “I am 76 By Tom Blake and in excellent health. Moved to the Orlando area 18 months ago to avoid St. Louis winters and to work on my golf game. All is going well. “My issue is I am not attracted to women much over 60. I easily pass for 10 years younger. “So what I do on Plenty of Fish, SeniorPeopleMeet/OurTime, OKCupid dating sites is list my age as 66, along with information and pictures. Then, when I meet a mutually attractive woman, I tell her my true age before we become intimate. Sometimes it leads to her seeing me as a liar and ending the
relationship. “My experience is women are interested in dating within a biological age and if you are not loaded, you can’t get around that. I am not loaded, just financially sound. Listing my age as 76 almost guarantees no interest.” Looking younger than one’s age must be a very difficult problem to have. In Annette’s case, she says it’s the reason she’s always been interested in younger men. And yet, younger men aren’t interested in her. She has two choices: Make herself look older, or change her search strategy, and be open to dating men closer to her age, or heaven forbid, men even older. Think how those older men would feel when finding a young-looking woman who is financially sound. She’d be a prize to them and no longer alone. Annette’s problem solved. In Jim’s case, listing his age as 10-years-younger is getting him dates, but little else. Being dishonest about his age doesn’t pay in the end. It wastes the
time of the women he meets. I think he should do what Annette should do. Be more open to dating women closer to his age. Advice for singles who think looking 10-years-younger than their age is a problem: make it less of a problem. Forget the wrinkles. Seek a mate closer to your age who has important qualities that truly matter: kindness, consideration, caring, loving, inner beauty, thoughtfulness, a good listener, interesting, and above all, who loves and appreciates you. There’s no need to lie. Older singles should appreciate life and what they have. Those blessed with younger-than-their-age genes should be grateful, gracious and honest. That’s what will attract a mate. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.com. SC
OC REAL ESTATE BUSINESSES HELP MEXICAN ORPHANAGES
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number of south Orange County business people have donated funds to provide for the Sisters of Guadalupe Villa Infantil orphanages in Mexico. OC Angels helps provide financial support for two of the orphanages, which allows for the purchase of food and gifts for the children living in the orphanages. San Clemente resident Sandy Rabahieh organized the effort after spending a week with the children living in the orphanages. Rabahieh said by providing funds directly to the nuns, they could avoid the potential dangers San Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
of crossing through violent areas while transporting gifts or other goods. Rabahieh, an agent with Surterre Properties reached out to a number of business people connected to her real estate business before the holidays to provide funds. Among them were Terri Glenn of Escrow Source, Lynne Suzanski of All Signs and Graphics, Bob Fox of Escrow Leaders, Kim Cosbey of Gift Baskets by K.C. and Company, Kathleen Garito of KG Interior Designs and Candy Babcock of First American NHD. For more information on the effort, visit www.ocangels.com. SC —Jim Shilander
A number of Orange County businesses donated to an effort organized by San Clemente resident Sandy Rabahieh to raise funds for a pair of orphanages in Mexico. Among those donating were (left to right) Terri Glenn, Kim Cosbey, Lynne Suzanski, Bob Fox, Rabahieh and Kathleen Garito. Courtesy photo
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SPORTS
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE
SC S a n C le m e n te
TRITON REPORT: BY THE NUMBERS
57 Seconds it took Triton wrestler Austin Aceves to
pin Dana Hills’ Christian Clemente at the two teams’ dual meet match on January 22. The Tritons went on to win the match 39-20.
10
Number of shots taken by San Clemente girls soccer forward Nikki Faris in the Tritons 1-1 draw with Tesoro on January 22. Faris scored the lone Triton goal off a header in the 54th minute.
14
Steals recorded by the San Clemente boys basketball squad against Laguna Hills in a league game on January 18. The Tritons won, 76-62.
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Total rebounds pulled in by the Tritons against Laguna Hills, the teams highest rebounding totals in four games.
On the Fast Track
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The San Clemente girls basketball team’s average margin of victory against South Coast League opponents. As of January 23, the Tritons were a perfect 4-0 in league play.
12.5
Average points per game tallied by Triton senior guard Frankie Pinto. Pinto has scored a team-high 238 points on the season.
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3-point shooting percentage for Pinto on the season. She has made 25 of her 65 attempts from beyond the arc.
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Goals scored by the Tritons boys soccer team’s leading scorer Gage Zerboni. Zerboni scored his most recent goal in a 3-1 Triton victory over Capistrano Valley on January 18.
RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE U14 TENNIS CLUB WINS FALL CHAMPIONSHIP On January 6, the Rancho San Clemente Tennis and Fitness Club U14 junior tennis team took home the USTA Jr. U14 title, defeating neighboring rival Marbella, 43-39. Rancho San Clemente was one of six teams selected to represent the south county division. Six teams were also selected from the north county division to make up the 12-team field. The semifinals of the championship tournament were held on January 5, when Rancho San Clemente pulled off a comeback win over Tustin Hills despite slipping to an early 18-game deficit. The San Clemente team rallied from there and advanced to the finals, where they defeated Marbella. The Rancho San Clemente Tennis and Fitness Club U14 team includes: Jared Chang, Matthew Hooper, Sam Johnson, Erika Marangi, Parsa Nnemati, Sophie Shaw and Tovah Stevens. The team was coached by Glen Maloy.
By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times
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San Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
By Steve Breazeale
SCOR E BOAR D
Local race car driver Jack Madrid earns spot in NASCAR Drive for Diversity program ighteen-year-old San Clemente resident Jack Madrid has been on a tear through the lower levels of the NASCAR racing circuit. A breakout 2012, which included three top-10 finishes and a victory, has put Madrid in the spotlight and earned him a spot on the coveted Rev Racing team as part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. In 2013, Madrid is slated to compete in 14 races throughout the country in his Late Series Toyota Camry, which has upwards of 550 horsepower under the hood. The circuit he’ll be racing on is the Whelen All American Series, which has been a training ground for future NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup racers. He qualified for the spot on Rev Racing after finishing among the top qualifiers who were invited to NASCAR’s 2013 combine. After proving his worth on the track, Madrid was one of seven drivers selected. Madrid only raced in four events last season, mostly due to lack of funding. Now that he is a part of Rev Racing, the future has gotten brighter for Madrid and he is looking forward to racing more. “(Rev Racing) is developing me as a driver…They’re also developing a lot of minority drivers, who we don’t see a lot of in the national race series,” Madrid, who is of Hispanic descent, said. Madrid knows that there will be a lot of added pressure now that he is racing on a big stage with a big east coast racing team backing him. He was even recently named to Fox Sports “Drivers
SC TIMES SPORTS & OUTDOORS IS PRESENTED BY:
Jack Madrid recently earned a spot on the Rev Racing team for 2013 and will compete in NASCAR’s Whelen All American series. Courtesy photo
“I’m looking to finish in the top-3 of every race.” — Jack Madrid 25 and under to watch” list for 2013. But Madrid, who has been racing competitively since he was 8 years old, is ready for the challenge. “After my 2012 season there are very high standards…I’m looking to finish in the top-3 of every race,” Madrid said. “There’s a little bit of pressure but I should be able to handle it.” His first race in the Whelen All American Series will be in March. SC Page 38
TRITON BASEBALL AND SAN CLEMENTE LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM UP FOR FREE CLINICS In an effort to strengthen the bridge from San Clemente Little League to the high school level, Tritons head coach Dave Gellatly and little league president Sam Masotto have organized two free baseball clinics for children ages five to 14, to be held on January 26 and January 27. Children ages five to nine are invited to come out to the San Clemente High baseball field on January 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic for children ages 10 to 14 will be held on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The entire San Clemente baseball team will be on hand, taking charge of dozens of small groups to help the little leaguers work on throwing, fielding grounders and fly balls as well as sliding and base running technique. “We’ve been trying to build a better relationship with the little league and the high school program,” Gellatly said. “(San Clemente Little League) is where a majority of the kids (in the Tritons program) come from and this is one of those things that can bring us all closer together.” Little leaguers can register the day of the event and are urged to show up 15 minutes early with their baseball gear. For questions, email herbertinsurance@ email.com. SC SURF WINS TEMECULA VALLEY SHOOTOUT The San Clemente Surf U11 girls Signature soccer team swept away the opposition at the Temecula Valley Shootout from January 19 to January 20, winning four straight games en route to taking home the championship trophy. The team outscored all four opponents by a 15-2 margin. The San Clemente Surf U11 girls includes: Grace Taylor, Briana Mendoza, Piper Biolos, Caroline Christl, McKenna Alvarez, Hannah Phillips, Paige Campbell, Julia Wilson, Meagan Rowlett, Isabelle Peloso, Hadley Thorsell, Emily Lowe, Katie Hammargren and Savannah Burns. The team was coached by Shawn Burns and Ben Viloria.
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS stayed in their offensive third of the field for most of the second half. But Faris’ goal would be their lone scratch on the night. “We couldn’t finish for sure. This was a crucial match and point in the season…We should have finished (some of the shots),” San Clemente head coach Stacey Finnerty said. The Tritons now have a few days off before resuming league play against Aliso Niguel on January 29.
Triton Report By Steve Breazeale
TRITONS WRESTLING DROPS DOLPHINS, CLAIMS DUAL MEET TITLE DANA POINT— San Clemente wrestling head coach Mark Calentino admitted he was a bit uneasy about the Tritons chances before his undefeated team took to the mats against South Coast League rival Dana Hills on January 22. The veteran coach thought it might be a tossup as to who would walk away the victor. But with a flurry of successive match wins, the Tritons prevailed, defeating the Dolphins 39-20 to claim San Clemente’s first dual meet title since 2009. San Clemente finished the dual meet stages with a 4-0 record and are 15-0 on the season. Calentino and his coaches had the match scenarios drawn up as an even split before the night’s action, with San Clemente taking seven matches and the Dolphins taking seven. It would have to be an above average night for either team if they wanted the victory, according to Calentino. Dana Hills jumped out to an early 9-0 lead after heavyweight Brandon Ramirez defeated San Clemente’s Tyler Maxwell by way of pin fall and 106-pounder Clayton Brock won his match against the Tritons’ junior varsity fill-in Victor Flener. With momentum, and the home crowd, against them, the Tritons made their run. Consecutive match wins by Danny Garcia and Mark Munoz put the Tritons on top 12-9. After bumping their lead up to 27-16, San Clemente’s Tony Flores wrestled with Dana Hills’ Trevor Tribolet in the 170 pound class. The match went back and forth, with Tribolet taking an early lead until a late surge by Flores in the second and third periods ensured a 7-4 win, which gave the Tritons some much needed breathing room. “We really had to wrestle well to make something happen and they stepped up. I think Tony (Flores) winning was a gigantic match,” Calentino said. “That was a match on paper we had (Dana Hills) winning…Flores just out-toughed him.” The Tritons’ Ash Ryan continued his solid year by earning a 7-3 victory over Ryan Minoofar in the 195-pound class. Austin Aceves (220 pound) provided the quickest win of the night by pinning the Dolphins’ Christian Clemente in 57 seconds, putting an exclamation point on the night for the Tritons, who now look San Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013
TRITON BOYS HOOPS PREPARES FOR HOME STRETCH At the midway point in their league schedule the Tritons boys basketball team has yet to falter. San Clemente (148, 4-0) has already defeated every Sea View League opponent once and in the coming weeks, will get a chance to do so again. The Tritons were set to play against Tesoro on January 23 in a non-league match. Results were not available at press time. They will return to league play on January 25 with a match against third place Dana Hills, who the Tritons defeated 64-58 on January 16.
San Clemente’s Mike Marshall defeated the Dolphins’ Nick Swanson (blue) 7-2 as the Tritons went on to claim the dual meet title with a 39-20 match win over Dana Hills on January 22. Photo by Tony Tribolet
forward to the South Coast League finals tournament on February 2. Other match highlights: 126 pound- Grant Huntington (DH) def. Justin Kleinman (SC), 6-0 132 pound- Tim Parten (SC) def. Arryan Kianipey (DH), 7-2 145 pound- Brian Degenarro (SC) def. Hunter Dillon (DH), 8-4 152 pound- Austin Grimsley (DH) def. Rick Simpson 13-4 160 pound- Mike Marshall (SC) def. Nick Swanson (DH) 7-2 182 pound- Blaine Wagstaff (DH) def. Zack Adcock (SC) 16-2 GOALS PROVE SCARCE AS TRITONS DRAW WITH TESORO SAN CLEMENTE– There was certainly not a lack of opportunities for goals in the San Clemente girls soccer teams’ South Coast League matchup against visiting Tesoro on January 22. The Tritons outshot Tesoro at a 20 to five clip, but settled for a 1-1 draw, keeping them in the middle of the pack in the league standings. Despite the eye popping shot differential, the Tritons (8-5-5, 2-1-2 league) trailed throughout the first half, when an early goal by Tesoro (4-9-3, 0-4-1) in the eighth minute caught the home team by surprise. After a long ball out of the midfield found its way into the box, Tesoro’s sophomore midfielder
Giannina Battaglia beat the Tritons goalie, Audrey Block, to the spot and flicked the ball over her head for a 1-0 advantage. The Tritons would respond with a balanced offense, attempting shots from outside the box as well as building up for close range attempts. Tritons junior Kelly Jameson almost scored from distance on a rocket of a ball that clanged off the crossbar in the 12th minute. The ensuing rebound was collected by junior Ally Lynn but her shot attempt sailed wide. The Tritons controlled most of the game, running their offense through junior forward Nikki Faris. But Faris, like her teammates, would have her fair share of issues with the crossbar throughout the game. After a nice run in open space and into the box, Faris sent an arching lob shot over Tesoro’s goalie and off the post in the 26th minute, coming inches away from scoring a goal. It wasn’t until the 54th minute of the match that the Triton offense broke though for a goal on a corner kick. Sophomore Amanda Gerrain sent a low, curling ball towards the near side of the post that Faris whipped into the net with the flick of her head, tying things up at 1-1. More and more chances would come the Tritons way and the ball
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DOLPHINS UPSET TRITONS IN DOUBLE OVERTIME The San Clemente girls water polo team, currently ranked No. 9 in the CIF-SS Division 2 coaches poll, lost 10-9 in double overtime to visiting Dana Hills on January 22. Dolphins junior Molly Wilbur scored five goals, including the game winner. The Tritons (13-11, 2-2) now find themselves deadlocked with the Dolphins (9-14, 2-2) in the league standings. San Clemente was set to play El Toro January 23. Results were not available at press time. GIRLS BASKETBALL REMAINS PERFECT After taking a break from league play to compete in the Tony Matson Memorial Classic on January 21, the Tritons return to play against South Coast League rival Capistrano Valley on January 24. The Tritons (14-5, 4-0) are currently in first place in league while the Cougars sit at the bottom of the standings. San Clemente is coming off a 44-26 non-league loss to Orange Lutheran, which took place on January 21. BOYS SOCCER PREPS FOR BIG FINISH The Tritons boys soccer team was set to play a league matchup against Tesoro on January 23. Results were not available at press time. The Tritons (21-2-1, 2-0) entered the match riding a four game win streak. They will take the pitch again on January 25 in a league match against third place Aliso Niguel.
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SC SURF
6
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
SC S a n C le m e n te
GROM OF THE WEEK
Jackson Hinkle
Age: 13, Shorecliffs Middle School Seventh grader Jackson Hinkle has been surfing for two years and is looking forward to trying out for the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team next year. So far he has been entering local summer contests here and there and practicing before school as a member of his school surf club. Jackson enjoys the individual nature of surfing over team sports. He likes snowboarding and skateboarding for that reason as well. Of the three board sports, surfing is definitely his favorite. “With snowboarding you’re just going down a mountain. The terrain doesn’t move. Same with skating. But with surfing, it’s a whole different experience Jackson Hinkle. Photo by Andrea Swayne every time you ride a wave,” he said. “I like the unpredictability of it.” Jackson is a straight ‘A’ student whose favorite subject is P.E. He does enjoy his academic studies but learning new athletic skills offers him the most enjoyable part of his school day. Although college is still a few years off, he has his heart set on studying art in Hawaii. An avid artist, Jackson enjoys acrylic painting and charcoal drawing. His subject matter ranges from detailed drawings and a lot of surf-themed artwork. He has also been playing guitar for the last five years. Jackson says he loves growing up by the beach and when asked to describe a perfect day in San Clemente, his answer was simple: “Seven-foot waves, no one out.” —Andrea Swayne
Santa Cruz’n
came from Half Moon Bay, where the Mavericks Invitational was running concurrently with the Prime on Sunday. Pro surfer Peter Mel of Santa Cruz— now living in Newport—won at Mavericks, then looked on as his son John Mel won the Boys U14 division on Monday.
Local surfers travel to Steamer Lane for a Surfing America Prime contest, claim nearly half of finals spots
RESULTS
By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times
BOYS U18: 1. Jacob Davis, Capistrano Beach; 2. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 3. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente; 4. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach.
A
talented group of elite local surfers under the age of 18 cruised north to Santa Cruz for the fourth event of the 2012-2013 Surfing America Prime invitation only competition series, January 20 and 21. The talented group brought home nine of the possible 20 trophies awarded in five divisions. Mother Nature cooperated, sending sunny skies and waves in the 4- to 6-foot range, with 6- to 8-foot sets, giving the talented boys and girls plenty to work with. Competitors produced heat after heat of action-packed entertainment for the crowds lined up along the cliff top overlooking the famous Steamer Lane surf break. Many of the contestants—members of the PacSun USA Surf Team—made the trip early to attend team training
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
Erik Weisinger holds an unfinished painting of the Steamer Lane scene by beach marshal Andrea Swayne. All finalists were awarded a different version of the painting as trophies. Photo by Jack McDaniel
on Saturday, Jan. 19. Others took full advantage of the long holiday weekend to practice for the contest, and the extra time they put in showed from the first buzzer to the last. Jacob Davis of Capistrano Beach was the big winner in the Boys U18 division. Davis impressed the judges and wowed the crowd with his powerful carves and committed maneuvers carefully placed neatly in the most critical section of nearly every wave he chose to ride. San Clemente surfers Griffin Colapinto and Kevin Schulz claimed the second- and third-place trophies respectively.
No local girls made it to the U18 podium, but the Girls U16 division saw San Clemente’s Tia Blanco come away with a second-place finish and Malia Osterkamp, also from San Clemente, in fourth. In Boys U16 action, San Clemente surfers claimed the top three trophies. Griffin Colapinto—in his second final of the day—came in first, followed by Colt Ward in the runner-up position and Colin Deveze in third. Crosby Colapinto of San Clemente took the fourth-place spot in Boys U14. Some of the biggest news of the day
GIRLS U18: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2. Steffi Kerson, , Pacific Palisades; 3. Danielle Wyman, Laguna Niguel; 4. Frankie Harrer, Malibu. BOYS U16: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 2. Colton Ward, San Clemente; 3. Colin Deveze, San Clemente; 4. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach. GIRLS U16: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2. Tia BlancoSan Clemente; 3. Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. BOYS U14: 1. John Mel, Newport Beach; 2. Noah Hill, Venice; 3. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; 4. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente. SC