September 19, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE S E P T E M B E R 1 9 –2 5 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 38

Triton Fall Sports Preview Teams look to overcome challenges and make history SPORTS/PAGE 20

San Clemente sophomore Sarah Duncan tees off in a South Coast League match against Laguna Hills on September 17. The Tritons are looking to shake up the top of the league standings, which have been dominated by rival Dana Hills and Tesoro in recent years. Photo by Steve Breazeale

Lehman Brothers Representative Updates Marblehead Progress

Former Triton of the Year Wins Journalism Award

Special Insert: The Shea Center BBQ and Family Faire

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SC LIVING/PAGE 18

PAGE 13

EYE ON SC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The city of San Juan Capistrano has filed an appeal challenging Orange County Superior Court Judge Gregory Munoz’s August 28 ruling that found the city’s tiered water rates illegal. The city will be able to continue billing customers based on that structure, despite Munoz’s determination that it should be abandoned. Munoz’s decision sided with a lawsuit brought by the Capistrano Taxpayers Association. The case moves onto the 4th District Court of Appeals, but both sides confirmed last Wednesday that negotiations have been initiated to find a solution out of court. State law prohibits courts from forcing local governments to stop collecting fees for necessary services, like water. In a statement, the CTA urged residents to pay their water bills under protest, either with a letter or note on their checks.

DANA POINT

NEWS

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

The California Supreme Court will not hear cases regarding gates and hours of access at Strand Beach that have swirled in debate since their implementation in 2008 and pitted the city of Dana Point against the Surfrider Foundation and California Coastal Commission. In June, a state appellate court remanded the cases back to a San Diego trial court where the city must prove it acted in “good faith” when it established the gates and hours of access. Surfrider has held the city has violated the public’s right to beach access, and the CCC has argued the city skirted proper protocol by not gaining commission approval before limiting beach access. The city holds these measures were necessary to protect the public on the two of five pathways from Strand Vista Park to the beach below, which crisscross through a neighborhood.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… Marblehead?

THE LATEST: A representative from Lehman Brothers told the San Clemente City Council Tuesday the company was proceeding with a number of infrastructure improvements to the Marblehead property before selling it to allow for a planned residential development.

Lehman representative Lisa Gordon said the company hired a general contractor to manage work at the site. She said highest priority items were the completion of both West Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico, as well as making progress on two planned parks and the first phase of the sites trail system.

Gordon also said the investment bank would not build the residential development, but planned to sell off the asset after completing the infrastructure work.

Lehman declared bankruptcy five years ago this week, setting off the nation’s financial crisis.

WHAT’S NEXT: Gordon said work on Pico would be completed in the first quarter of next year, with Vista Hermosa following in the second. The question, she said, would be whether enough progress would be made on the trails and parks to allow the roads to be opened to commuters.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. sanclementetimes.com—Jim Shilander

2

… the Beach Trail?

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council directed staff to formulate an ordinance allowing bicyclists to ride on a larger portion of the Beach Trail next summer.

The new ordinance, which would allow riders to bike south of the wooden bridge at Trafalgar Canyon, where they previously San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

had been directed to walk their bikes during the busiest use time in the summer.

The policy does allow for restrictions on holidays and during major events.

The proposal did not receive an endorsement from the city Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission, which cited safety concerns. Marine Safety Chief Bill Humphreys said city staff believes the area can accommodate riders safely.

WHAT’S NEXT: In approving the proposal, the council included a provision to allow the policy to be revisited after a year if the new rules proved to be unsafe.

FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com-—JS

3

… the Clean Ocean Fee?

THE LATEST: The Coastal Advisory Commission received additional clarity Thursday on the next steps being taken on a vote to renew the Clean Ocean fee.

The fee is one paid by property owners on a monthly basis that supports a number of initiatives, including cleanup efforts at Poche Beach, urban runoff mitigation and street cleaning. A portion of the funds also go to other city departments to assist with cleanup efforts.

On August 20, the City Council approved moving forward with an effort to renew the fee. The renewal would include the first increase in the fee since 2002, moving from $5.02 per month for single family residences on public streets to $6.23 each month.

Tom Bonigut, the assistant city engineer, said the increase was necessary to provide the same level of service amidst cost increases. The council unanimously voiced support for renewal.

WHAT’S NEXT: Bonigut said the City Council will hear any protests, as well as

other public comments, on the proposal at its October 15 meeting. If a majority of property owners in the city protest the proposal, an outcome Bonigut said was extremely unlikely, no vote will take place.

Assuming a vote goes forward, ballots would be sent to property owners within a week.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, vistwww. sanclementetimes.com — JS

4

… a Decommissioning Meeting?

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a public meeting September 26 in Carlsbad, to discuss the decommissioning process for nuclear power reactors, including the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

A technical presentation will last approximately 45 minutes and cover the decommissioning process and regulations, followed by public questions.

Southern California Edison announced June 7 that it would retire Units 2 and 3 of the plant permanently. The final fuel was removed from Unit 2 in July, beginning the decommissioning process for the plant. Unit 3 had its fuel removed in 2012 after a leak was detected in the steam generator tubes in January 2012.

Unit 2, which was down at the time, also showed signs of tube wear and was held out of service as the utility assessed the damage.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting will be held at the Omni La Costa Hotel, 2100 Costa del Mar Road, in Carlsbad, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. to allow extra time for security screening.

5

… the Water District?

THE LATEST: In a closed session meeting Monday, the South Coast Water District board of directors and Betty Burnett, the district’s interim general manager, agreed to stop discussions regarding her taking on the position permanently.

Burnett was selected by the board to assume the general manager position on an interim basis following the October retirement of longtime general manager Mike Dunbar. Burnett had previously served in the assistant general manager and legal counsel roles at the district.

The board opened a search for candidates nationwide and received submissions from over 50 applicants, a water district press release said. In April, the board unanimously chose Burnett as the “most suitable candidate” and began contract negotiations, the statement said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board and Burnett have held frequent meetings on Burnett’s contract and specific job duties, but according to the release these discussions did not result in an agreement.

“All of us on the board look forward to Betty’s continued work with the district,” said Wayne Rayfield, president of the SCWD board of directors. “And, regarding filling the position, we know there are a variety of well qualified candidates who remain interested in the job.”

Burnett will resume her previous roles at the district, and the search to fill the general manager position will reopen. A portion of San Clemente is covered by the water district.

FIND OUT MORE: For more water related news, visit www.sanclementetimestimes. com.—Andrea Papagianis

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. sanclementetimes.com. – JS Page 3

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

CUSD Adapts to the Common Core New national standards mean the district will be going through an adjustment period dards will only be applied in English and math, with cross-curricular lessons also expected as more subject areas will be brought into the fold the next year, according to Hatchel.

Common Core also changes when some subject material is taught, most notably in math, where algebra will be pushed from the eighth to ninth grade.

“I’m not thrilled about that, but that’s an issue we’ll have to address as we move forward,” Alpay said.

By Brian Park San Clemente Times

T

he first day of school is often accompanied by feelings of nervous anticipation and optimism. In recent years, budget cuts in school districts across the country have added an increasing sense of uncertainty to that mix, as education officials have been forced to tighten their purse strings while working to mitigate the effects of a recovering economy.

Now, those sentiments have been magnified further as students, teachers, parents and school administrators begin to wrap their heads around what’s considered to be the most dramatic reform to the U.S. public education system since the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001.

The Common Core is a new set of educational standards that was released in 2010 and has since been adopted in 45 states, including California, and the District of Columbia. Common Core advocates say the new standards fill gaps created by No Child Left Behind, which introduced stringent forms of student and teacher assessments but highlighted, and in some cases created, disparate standards from state to state, all in the race for federal funding.

While supporters of Common Core say it levels the playing field for students across the country, some critics believe implementing new national standards improves the baseline at the expense of schools that have thrived under the previous model.

In the Capistrano Unified School District, where classes began Monday, September 9, Common Core elements were first introduced last fall and spring, but the real rollout begins this school year, with full implementation in 2014-2015.

“We’re poised to move in that direction,” said Assistant Superintendent Julie Hatchel. “It’s going to be an ongoing work in progress, but as we do now, we’ll continue to develop a stronger methodology as our teachers and students become more familiar with Common Core standards.”

Discussions regarding Common Core over the last several months have shown a divide among the CUSD Board of Trustees.

Trustee Anna Bryson has been a vocal opponent of the new standards, saying that it hurts high-performing districts like CUSD. “California has had the highest standards in math and English. It’s sad to think that across the state, many districts will implement these lacking, lowered standards,” Bryson said. “The Common Core is not the ultimate answer. There are better ways of helping our students achieve at a higher level than imposing a blanket standard across the nation.”

San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

Implementation of national Common Core educational standards marks a time of adjustment for the parents, students and educators of the Capistrano Unified School District. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Board President John Alpay acknowledges that the district will have to quickly adjust to the intricacies of the new standards, but, he said, the Common Core reinforces existing strengths while improving inadequacies in the former system.

“Common Core is not to be feared.

The devil is in the details, but as we move forward, we’ll learn,” Alpay said. “We’re not dumping by the wayside all the things we’ve done well up to this point. It’s just an evolution of what we’ve done and allows us to improve our game.”

Although they will have to take their cues from Sacramento, California school districts maintain some discretion. The state budget has allocated $1.25 billion in one-time funds to help districts implement Common Core standards. During a presentation to the board on Wednesday, September 11, district staff explained how it would use the $10 million it will receive for training teachers, instructional materials and technology over the next two years.

In that meeting, Superintendent Joseph Farley opened the discussion by reassuring the board and parents that the coming changes in standards would not be as jarring as they have been made out to be in the national discourse.

“One thing I want to disavow folks of is the notion that the Common Core is the next great reform in California education,” Farley said. “It’s really just a natural extension of what we’ve done.”

What is Common Core?

Common Core standards were developed in 2009 and released a year later by the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers to address a growing concern that high school graduates were entering the workforce ill prepared and that college entrants, at both two- and four-year

institutions, were having a difficult time graduating.

During the planning and development of the Common Core, representatives from the nation’s workforce provided input on what skills graduates would need in the coming years. From that discussion, the basic philosophy of the Common Core was developed: students needed to have greater critical thinking and problem solving skills; effective written and oral communication skills; collaborative skills; and the ability to work creatively and innovate.

When those pillars are applied in the classroom, Common Core aims to teach students to be more analytical and rely less on rote memorization. Teachers are being trained to lecture less and act as facilitators, encouraging discussion among students, who will not only give answers, but share their problem-solving process and reasoning. In CUSD, teachers will undergo three days of Common Core training.

“It’s really about student engagement versus just going up there and lecturing,” Trustee Lynn Hatton said. “It empowers students to take control of their own learning. When you empower them and teachers are more comfortable with giving them control, more powerful discussions take place. When you’re actively involved, you’re going to retain more and be more excited about learning.”

Under previous standards, Common Core supporters say students were taught a wide breadth of material but lacked an intimate understanding of some subject matter. As such, Common Core standards will scale back on what is taught in schools, in terms of volume, to spend more time on individual concepts.

“It will present a different level of complexity of how students demonstrate their understanding of content,” Hatchel said.

In the early going, Common Core stan-

Page 6

Testing Under the Common Core The state Legislature on Tuesday, September 10, passed a bill, AB 484, that will suspend California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting system this year and replaces it with the Measurement of Academic Performance Progress in 20142015. Gov. Jerry Brown has indicated his support for the bill and is expected to sign it into law in the coming days.

The bill does not, however, mean students will avoid any standardized testing this year. District officials and trustees anticipate pilot tests adhering to Common Core standards will be administered to students.

California will not be the first to administer a pilot test, which is currently being developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, one of two multi-state consortia that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

In Kentucky and New York, Common Core testing resulted in 30-point percentage drops in reading and math. Common Core decriers point to those figures as examples of the ineffectiveness of the new standards, while supporters maintain lower scores were expected in what was essentially a trial run.

“Children are not to be experimented with,” said Bryson, who expressed concern that STAR testing, which has been administered in California since 1999, would be eliminated. “If our students are learning and achieving, why take it away?

Why did we trash the nation’s best math and English standards?”

Hatton, who served as executive director of the Princeton Review in Irvine, applauded the change since STAR testing would not have applied to Common Core standards. In doing away with the old system, Hatton said teachers will be able to focus on teaching Common Core without worrying about preparing students for different test standards.

“It would have been a mismatch. We want our teachers to start teaching for what they’ll be accountable for,” Hatton said. “Accountability drives behavior. If you’re accountable to a test that emphasizes cognitive thinking, you’re going to teach that way, and that’s what Common Core is.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

‘Toast’ to Highlight New Casa Offerings Fundraiser will honor tradition and begin new era

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

A

Casa Romantica board members, staff and restaurateurs will again present the annual “Toast to the Casa” fundraiser September 28 at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Photo by Jim Shilander

fter a year of change and loss, the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will celebrate a new start while honoring what’s come before at its largest annual fundraiser September 28.

The 11th installment of the Toast to the Casa fundraiser, “A Night in Wine Country,” will serve a number of different roles, board president Ruth DeNault and executive director Berenika Schmitz said.

“It’s about a fresh start but it’s also honoring the past,” Schmitz said.

While there will not be many new additions to the fundraiser itself, there will be a greater variety of musical entertainment, the event will mark Schmitz’s first large fundraiser as director, and the Casa’s new slate of events, “Casa Captivating 20132014” will be unveiled.

“The theme is something kind of fun and new,” Schmitz said. “It’ll be more about being transported to Napa Valley and the wine country and with the décor, the feeling will be kind of fresh and new.”

New gardens supervisor Jodie Cook is also preparing the grounds for the event to align with the theme.

Schmitz said the new programs at the Casa include expanded offerings for children (Casa Kids), classical music (Casa Classic), jazz (Casa Cool), a speaker series (Casa Up Close), a wellness program (Casa Wellness Wednesdays), a series of openings for visual artist exhibitions (Casa Up close), a dance series (Casa Kinetic) and continuing the current coastal exhibition (Casa Coastal).

“It’s a nice reason to celebrate the Toast, to toast the new programs and all the people who have made it possible,” Schmitz said. “We have a number of new board members who’ll be participating as trustees for the first time. Our volunteers and staff have always been so involved with the toast and making it happen. We’ll be toasting their future too. They’ve been a real asset to me in moving these things forward, and they’ve been enthusiastic and open.”

The event will also honor restaurateur Tony Carbonara, who passed away in January. Carbonara, along with Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar operations manager Bob Novello, helped to inaugurate the Toast more than a decade ago by bringing together the restaurant community to support the organization, DeNault said. The

first Casa fundraisers were actually held in the courtyard in front of Carbonara’s Trattoria. Carbonara’s daughter, Christina will continue the family’s involvement with the event on the Toast committee, along with Novello, founding President Guy Varriano, Lisa Merryman and Michele Parrish.

“It is special for my family to celebrate the Toast, in honor of my father this year.

He was such a big part of the Casa’s history, and we’re touched at the recognition of his tremendous contribution to the Casa.

He will be with us,” she said. “The Toast is a uniquely Casa event, which is how my father envisioned it from the beginning.

He recognized the special opportunity to support a special San Clemente landmark.

Anyone who knew my father knew he was tremendously generous and the Toast is a testament to that.”

The live auction portion of the event actually already took place last month, at a men’s cigar social event honoring Carbonara. A silent auction will held in conjunction with the Toast, with food provided by 17 different San Clemente restaurants.

The event goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets are $200. Information on the event can be found at www.casaromantica.org.

SC

EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, September 19 Harbor Cruise Fundraiser 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Dana Wharf hosts a ocean cruise to benefit the Dorothy Visser Senior Center. $25. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

Friday, September 20 Membership Orientation Noon.

Chamber event hosted by OC Tavern.

2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Sunday, September 22 San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

The San Clemente Historical Society Annual Meeting 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville. Raad Ghantous will be giving a presentation on Virgil Westbrook, the architect of iconic local buildings such as the Ole Hanson Beach Club. Light refreshments will be served along with appetizers by Carbonara’s Trattoria. The meeting is free and is open to the public.

Monday, September 23 Toddler Storytime 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m. Children ages 2-3 are invited to the library for stories and learning activities; sign-ups required. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

Tuesday, September 24 Special City Council Meeting 4 p.m.

Meeting with an introduction to the proposed centennial general plan; held in City Hall Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Toastmasters 7 p.m.–8:40 p.m. Practice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly atmosphere at the Baha’i Center. 3316 Ave. Del Presidente, 6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

Thursday, September 26 Networking Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Chamber event at Ricardo’s Place celebrating their 10th anniversary. Cost $15 (lunch).

32082 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Nuts and Bolts of Publishing 7 p.m.

Free workshop at The Writing Loft. RSVP. 209 Avenida Del Mar, Suite 201B, San Clemente, 949.272.0556, www.thewritingloft. com/sanclemente.

San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Jim Shilander

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO North Beach Beautification Committee Improves 7-Eleven Site

Hospital Guild Hosting Open House Thursday

Members of the North Beach Community Association’s Beautification Committee spent the morning of September 7 adding new landscaping to 7-Eleven at the corner of Avenida Pico and El Camino Real.

A handful of volunteers gathered early in the morning to dig, add soil and plant new plants around convenience store’s sign at the corner of its parking lot. The group consulted local nurseries on the best plants for the site given the high traffic and visibility of the corner.

“This truly was a perfect example of what this association is all about,” said Elly Harris, the chair of the committee. “A group of residents and business owners coming together to take small steps to make North Beach a better place.”

The beautification committee has identified about five projects around North Beach that they believe will make a large visual difference.

The 7-Eleven site was a priority since it sits at one of the gateways into San Clemente from Pacific Coast Highway and Pico.

For more information on the committee’s work, contact Elly Harris at info@northbeachcommunityassociation.org.

The San Clemente Hospital Guild will host its annual open house at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, San Clemente campus, at 654 Camino De Los Mares, Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event includes tours of the center’s new technology and improvements and a visit to the award-winning emergency room. Appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, call 949.275.5046 or 949.218.1940.

CalRTA Will Sell Quilt Raffle Tickets at District Meeting California Retired Teachers (CalRTA) of the Orange County coast will hold a luncheon meeting Monday, October 21, at 11 a.m. at El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. There are 500 members in the regional Division 42. Through the organization’s “giving back” program, $200 will be given to at least five schools in the Capistrano Unified School District for the library, technology center or whole school enrichment ideas. One member of the CalRTA has made a queen-size quilt to be raffled off.

Monday, September 16

SC Sheriff’s Blotter 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 website.

Tuesday, September 17 DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Presidente, 3100 Block (11:42 a.m.) Five or six men were passing marijuana back and forth while jumping out in front of cars. The men would wait for a car to drive down the street before stepping in front of the vehicle.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Avenida Calafia, 200 Block (6:04 a.m.)

A man said people were using bushes for restrooms on his street. He told deputies people were living out of a recreational vehicle parked on the street, which did not have a restroom on board.

WELFARE CHECK Camino La Pedriza/Calle Pacifica (9:51 p.m.) A man requested a welfare check on a boy with a skateboard, wearing jeans and a T-shirt. The caller told deputies the boy was sitting down and when he got up, he picked up his skateboard and was holding his arm. The caller asked the boy if he was OK and the boy replied, “No.” The caller said the boy seemed “not at all there” and was last seen walking on Camino La Pedriza.

BURGLARY REPORT Calle Juarez, 3000 Block (9:30 p.m.)

A man called deputies and reported being robbed by his son and brother. The man alleged the pair took over $6,000 from his safe.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Ola Verde, 2100 Block (8:01 p.m.)

A man called authorities on behalf of his wife, who said their neighbors came to her window to complain about her cooking. The caller said this was an ongoing problem.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Avenida Calafia, 200 Block (7:00 p.m.)

A woman was heard screaming, “help me,” from a nearby canyon. The call was made with a passerby’s cell phone.

Page 9

Raffle tickets are being sold now with all proceeds going to benefit area schools. The drawing is scheduled for May 2014. Only 300 tickets are available and will be sold at the next four division meetings throughout for $5 each, or five for $20. Information can be found at www.div42.calrta.org.

Kitten Adoption Event at Shelter Through October 15 The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter is hosting a “no kitten left behind” promotion through Tuesday, October 15.

The regular cat adoption fee of $100 will be reduced to $50 during this period on kittens under the age of one, to encourage the adoption of a number of kittens that came to the shelter toward the end of kitten season. The shelter has 20 kittens at the shelter awaiting permanent homes and many more in foster care. The reduced adoption fee includes the shelter’s services, including a veterinary exam, vaccinations, microchips, spaying or neutering and flea treatment.

View the available kittens at www.petprojectfoundation.org or visit the animal shelter at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

The shelter hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

DISTURBANCE Via Paquete, 0 Block (5:05 p.m.) An argument broke out between a mother and her 18-year-old son because he refused to give her the television remote.

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Calle Del Cerro/Lorca (10:14 a.m.) A man witnessed a large industrial van without a logo, knocking down a turn sign and then continuing westbound on Calle Del Cerro.

The witness followed the white van onto the freeway and gave deputies the van’s exact location.

WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real/5-Freeway (9:04 a.m.)

A caller requested a welfare check on a young boy who looked “dirty,” with stringy hair and no shoes, walking across the bridge with an adult man. Deputies found out the boy was the adult’s son and they were just walking to the state park.

Sunday, September 15 CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Pico/5-Freeway (2:05 a.m.) A U.S. Marine supervisor went to pick up several drunken Marines from the city.

One of the men he was picking up fled on foot after not paying for fast food he ordered. The supervisor called and asked deputies to help find the man before he gets arrested. www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

PRINT AND ONLINE

S a n C le m e n te

San Clemente Times, Vol. 8, Issue 38. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

ADVERTISING

SC

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US

Michele Reddick, 949.388.7700, x103 mreddick@sanclementetimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Shelley Murphy, Darian Nourian, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

Sales Associate Angela Edwards

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

The Luck of the Draw Sometimes the little things add up to success

I

t is an old but well worn maxim that if we work hard, persevere, stay positive and always do our best we will be successful. In fact that is our formula for success. But there is another ingredient necessary for rising to peak positions in an otherwise extremely competitive world—a little bit of luck. You can’t get to the top without working hard, remaining optimistic, never giving up; it’s true. But you can do all those things and not reach the summit without a little lightning striking at the right moment. And most the time we don’t even know when we receive it.

Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Outliers (his fascinating book on luck and success) has noted a number of examples of luck that we frequently fail to recognize.

He noticed for instance, that research showed more than 70 percent of Canadian pro hockey players were born in the month of January. This seemed so strange.

He investigated further and found that 90 percent were born in the months of January, February and March. How could this be?

Well it turns out the cutoff dates for enterWAVELENGTHS ing the youth hockey

By Jim Kempton program is December. So the oldest kids are those born in January, some more than 11 months older than the kids coming in who were born in December. Now we all know that between an 8 year old and a 9 year old there can be a giant difference—in size, strength, speed, coordination and emotional development—so it is not surprising that the kids born in January would be more likely to be the top performers on the team.

No one would be paying much attention to this—but the results are undeniable.

Older kids usually perform better.

As they excel they receive more praise, which gives them more confidence, which motivates them all the more—a powerful upward spiral of momentum and achievement. Significantly, it is just the opposite for most of the younger kids. They struggle against bigger, faster and stronger competitors. Then at age 10, Canadian hockey divides the “good athletes” and the less talented ones. At that stage the top group gets special coaching and better equipment. They practice on the superior rinks. They appear to progress even faster.

And so it goes, right into high school, college and the professional ranks. January players end up dominating the pro ranks, almost none of the December kids even make the high school team. Everyone thinks it is because they are superior athletes but a great deal of it simply has to do with when they were born.

All those December kids went through their young years thinking they just didn’t have the chops to play the game, but that wasn’t it at all. To a large extent it was simply the luck of the draw.

Jim Kempton is an enthusiastic but mediocre sportsperson who has always been taken by his athletically superior friends into situations often way beyond his skill level.

His survival in a multitude of challenging circumstances in sporting activities from surfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking can only be explained as the luck of the draw. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ sanclementetimes.com.

Letters to the Editor NEW SCHS PRINCIPAL WELCOMES NEW SCHOOL YEAR MICHAEL HALT, San Clemente

San Clemente High School is off to a great start for the 2013-2014 school year.

We welcomed just over 3,100 students and their families back to school on Monday, September 9. Our administrative staff and custodians worked hard all summer to prepare the school for opening day. Many of our teachers took part in professional development courses this summer and worked hard revamping their curriculum.

The support San Clemente High School receives from the community is phenomenal. On behalf of our entire staff I would San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

like to take the opportunity to thank Valerie Woodstra and the PTSA for serving the faculty with a wonderful breakfast on the teacher preparation day. I would also like to recognize the ASB president Carter Juncal and all of the ASB leadership students who gave up their time this summer to help plan and facilitate freshman orientation and student registration. We are also very fortunate to have the support of the San Clemente Educational Foundation. I have been incredibly impressed by the efforts of this group in helping to enrich and expand the educational experiences for all San Clemente High School students.

Our athletic and extracurricular pro-

grams are all in full swing. Many thanks to the coaches, advisors and booster clubs who have worked hard all summer to set our teams up for success. Please come out and show your support for our student athletes. Visit www.sctritons.com/athletics for a weekly list of athletic events.

Sadly, last week our Triton Family suffered a huge loss with the passing of Nick Pasquale. Nick was a true Triton and his family has helped make the San Clemente football program what it is today. Nick touched the hearts of so many and he will always be a role model for every student athlete who wears the red and black.

On a personal note, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the San Clem-

Page 10

ente High School community for the warm welcome I have received. San Clemente is a very special town and I am honored to serve as your high school principal.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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. www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

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

thursday

WINE TASTING EVENT 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The Women’s Council of Realtors of South Orange County hosts an evening of wine tasting and dinner at Sarducci’s. $30. Reservations online.

26701 Verdugo, San Juan Capistrano, www.wcrsoc.org.

19

TOM CURRAN 8 p.m. Live at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

ERNIE BROOKS ART EXHIBIT 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The Ocean Institute hosts an exhibit with work by famed underwater photographer Ernie Brooks at the Forster Mansion. $40. 27182 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

FRIENDS OF NATHAN 9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire.

204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

friday

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Nick Charles, “Australia’s Solo Artist of the Year,” performs for the Lord of the Strings concert series at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

20

IRON MAN CONTEST 7 a.m. The Sheckler Foundation hosts an unconventional Iron Man Contest benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Coast Area featuring competitions in golf, darts, pool, ping pong, Frisbee golf, lawn bowling and basketball free throws. $150. Begins at Shorecliffs Golf Club. 501 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, 949.484.0197, www.begreatsanclemente.org.

BALLROOM BASH 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. A tropicalthemed ballroom bash at the SC Community Center featuring a lesson in salsa followed by open dancing to all kinds of music. Every third Friday. Tickets $10, includes light snacks. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: MEET ‘THE FAMILY’ There’s a not-so-surprisingly tongue-in-cheek reference to GoodFellas in Luc Besson’s new gangster flick The Family, starring GoodFellas’ Robert De Niro.

The amusing thing is, the reference goes on for an entire De Niro-centric scene—almost as if it’s the filmmaker’s and star’s way of saying, ‘We know you’re comparing this film.’ But fortunately for this new feature, there’s more comedy and less drama rendering comparisons insignificant. In Normandy, France, a much wanted mobster named Giovanni Manzoni (De Niro) is recently relocated from Brooklyn with his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer), daughter Belle (Dianna Agron) and son Warren (John D’Leo) as the ‘Blake’ family. While adjusting to the new country, Warren develops his own con tricks, Belle finds a © 2012 EuropaCorp. TF1 Films Production. Grive Productions. All Rights Reserved. new appreciation for boys, Maggie learns the new French culture and Giovanni decides to write a memoir. Tommy Lee Jones co-stars as Giovanni’s witness protection agent and the film is adapted from the book Malavita by Tonio Benacquista. Directed by Besson, famous for The Professional and The Fifth Element, there’s plenty of over-the-top violence throughout to warrant the film’s R rating. But The Family is also the perfect blend of De Niro’s GoodFellas and Pfeiffer’s Married to the Mob that everything from the direction to the casting of the parents flows together. For those who enjoy mob films, The Family delivers just enough to keep viewers satisfied. — Megan Bianco

TEDXORANGECOAST 2013 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Two-day conference of TED talks themed “Beautiful Minds” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets $90 per day.

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org, www.tedxorangecoast.com.

FRIENDS AND ENABLERS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live classic rock, blues country rock and folk music at Adele’s. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

ROMANCE OF THE MISSION BENEFIT GALA 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts its annual gala, concert and dinner presented by the Mission Preservation Foundation. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

KARL STRAUSS BEER TASTING 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

Sample beers from the well-known brewery at San Clemente Wine Company. 212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

DALE VELZY SURF CONTEST AND LUAU 6 a.m.10 p.m. The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association’s surf contest followed by a luau starting at 3 p.m. all at Doheny Beach with surfing, food, awards, music and more.

25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.dohenylongboardsurfingassociation.org.

13TH ANNUAL SC OPEN SKATE CONTEST 7 a.m.

Skate competition for all ages at the Ralph’s Skate Park with prizes and more. Entrance fee $35. 241 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.429.8730, www.san-clemente.org.

SUGAR LIPS 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern.

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

IF DEAD TREES COULD TALK WALK 5 p.m.7:30 p.m. Family-friendly walk where participants will learn what a dead tree would say if it could talk at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Call for info, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

SOUL DROP 8:30 p.m. Live music at Sunsets. 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

POUL PEDERSON 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting that starts at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

saturday

THE BLASTERS 8 p.m. The all-American roots music band at The Coach House, also with The Delta 88’s and The Hot Rod Trio. $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

GREEK FESTIVAL 10 a.m.10 p.m. Festival at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church featuring food, performances, music, wine and much more. Free admission. 27129 Arroyo Calle, San Juan Capistrano, 949.542.3445, www.sjcgreekfest.org.

21

COUNTYWIDE OPEN HOUSE EVENT Surterre Properties hosts a south Orange County open house event, September 21-22, featuring listings from Newport Beach to San Clemente. 33522 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.545.2000 or 621 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.373.8600, www.surterreopenhouseevent.com.

FRENCH BARNOA WINE BAR—GRAND OPENING 5 p.m.–7 p.m. Free First Pour. Live Music after 7 p.m.

Supporting Young Life. Donations welcome. 831 Via Suerte, #106, 949.388.4378, www.barnoawinebar.com 29TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 9 a.m.-Noon. Head to your local beach and join the California Coastal Commission in the state’s largest volunteer event to clean up the beaches. For a list of locations in Orange County, visit www.coastalcleanupday.org.

Page 12

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOWS 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Live music with Family Style; and at 8:30 p.m. live music with Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

sunday

PIRATES OF PENZANCE 6 p.m. Comic operetta at Lantern Bay Park featuring the South Orange County School of the Arts. Tickets $10-$25. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

22

2013 SUSAN G. KOMEN ORANGE COUNTY RACE FOR THE CURE 6:30 a.m. Run, walk, stroll or cheer in support of Komen’s mission starting at Fashion Island with multiple 5Ks, one-mile walks and more. $35. 700 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, www.komenoc.org.

(Cont. on page 17) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) REFLECTIONS OF THE OCEAN CLASSICAL KEYBOARD SERIES 2:30 p.m. Concert pianist Dr. Susan Boettger and guest artists perform at Saddleback College in McKinney Theatre. $15. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

COMEDY BRUNCH 1 p.m. Comedy fundraiser with a brunch buffet at the Irvine Improv to benefit 4Life Rescue and animals. Tickets $35. 71 Fortune Drive, Suite 841, Irvine, 949.854.5455, www.improv.com.

WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for an evening cruise aboard the OCean Adventures catamaran in the Dana Point Harbor and sample wines from The Organic Cellar, with cheese, crackers and fruit. Cost $49 each. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

BLUE WHALE DISCOVERY CRUISE 1 p.m. Ocean Institute marine biologists lead the cruise aboard the Sea Explorer, in search for blue whales and more sea life.

Cost $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

MICHAEL TOMLINSON 7 p.m. Solo singer/songwriter in concert at The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

FALL BRIDAL SHOWER 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wedding expo featuring formal wear, cakes, photographers, makeup, music and much more at El Adobe de Capistrano. Free admission. 31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

monday

23

WINE COLLECTIBLES CLASS 6:45 p.m. Learn about the top collectibles at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

ELEPHANT PARADE - WELCOME TO AMERICA Elephant sculptures are on display throughout Dana Point including local beaches, public parks, resort properties, Dana Point Harbor and other high-traffic locations to increase awareness and benefit The Asian Elephant Foundation. More info at www.elephantamerica.com.

SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Get on stage at BeachFire, every Monday. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

tuesday

ANYTHING GOES 7:30 p.m.

Tony-award winning musical at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Segerstrom Hall. Shows through Sept. 29.

Tickets start at $20. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

24

SAN O FOUNDATION PHOTO EXHIBIT 6 p.m.8 p.m. The San Onofre Foundation’s “Coastal Presence,” a photography exhibit with a display of photos for sale and much more. 3030 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.366.8599, www.sanofoundation.org.

BROKEN RECORDS 7 p.m. Live music at StillWater.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

wednesday

INDIAN SUMMER OF RUM 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Mixology lesson featuring rum at The St. Regis Lobby Lounge. Cost $45 each. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, N. Dana Point, 949.234.3200, www.stregismb.com.

25

STORY TIME FOR CASA KIDS 10 a.m. Every Wednesday kids ages 3-5 are invited to hear stories at Casa Romantica. Free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

A 14-venue “pub crawl” featuring seasonal micro/craft brews and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700, www.facebook.com/microbrewsbythemission.

WRITING CLASS FOR KIDS - FREE DEMO 2 p.m.

Info session for a new writing class for students secondthrough fifth-grades to help children learn to love writing.

Classes will be held Wednesdays and Fridays, starting Oct. 2, at the SJC Community Center. 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911.

THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

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

Hat’s Off to Hatoff

Former Triton of the Year wins national journalism award for reporting on mental health at Harvard

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

W

hen 2011 Triton of the Year Quinn Hatoff crossed the country and arrived at Harvard University to begin his college career two years ago, he was about to be confronted with something different, and a kind of pressure his new classmates were also facing.

“Harvard, when you approach it at first, is just completely overwhelming,” Hatoff said. “There are opportunities to travel anywhere, there are opportunities to engage in any activity, there are thousands of clubs, thousands of classes.”

Hatoff said many of his colleagues can feel burdened by the accomplishments of their fellow students.

“I think that if you talk to the average student, they’ll tell you the classes and the activities and activities they’re engaged with are not substantially more stressful to deal with than other universities,” Hatoff said. “But, there’s also a sense that if you take every valedictorian, every class president and every AP scholar with honors, and you put them in one place, there’s going to be a huge amount of room for individuals to feel inadequate.”

Hatoff said with classmates and roommates publishing books and receiving national awards, some students don’t see their own accomplishments as being as important, which leads to increased anxiety.

Hatoff was a part of a number of organizations at San Clemente High School, San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

2011 Triton of the Year Quinn Hatoff spent part of the summer in Buenos Aires as part of a Spanish culture program at Harvard. Courtesy photo

including The Triton, the San Clemente student newspaper. During that time, Hatoff helped to cover the death of Daniel Mendez, whose suicide four years ago sparked questions about the culture of the SCHS campus. That interest carried over to Harvard, and its newspaper, The Harvard Crimson. Hatoff decided to tackle the issue of mental health, an issue, he said, seemed to be boiling under the surface.

“Mental health at Harvard has always been a topic on students’ minds, but it hasn’t really been an active, open conversation on campus. Throughout my freshman year I’d hear some of my friends talk about the issues they face, including long waits for care, and a sense of a lack of communication between the student body and the administration. But there was never really a way to approach the story, since people really didn’t want to talk on the record,” Hatoff said.

Hatoff first began looking into Adderall use by students at the school and wrote a

story largely using anonymous sources.

The success of that report, he said, brought him to the attention of another student, who asked Hatoff to look into the treatment of mental health at the school.

That student then began putting Hatoff in touch with other students who had similar concerns.

Hatoff began looking into the veracity of the student’s claims, as well as the school’s claims about its rate of suicide, which was below the national average.

Hatoff discovered, however, that the numbers used by the school did not factor in students on a university approved leave of absence, and when those numbers were factored in, it was five times higher than Harvard’s stated figure and much higher than the national average. Hatoff contacted coroner’s offices and family members of those who had committed suicide in order to compile accurate numbers.

Hatoff said the school has different types of leaves of absence. Any student can request to take a leave of absence to

Page 18

travel or take time off.

“But there has been this rumor that you always hear on campus that Harvard pressures students to take time off when they’re seen as a risk to themselves or a risk to other students,” Hatoff said. “And that line tends to be blurry, according to many students on campus. Because that decision is not made by University Health Services themselves, it’s made in conjunction with the administration, which is usually involved in cases of discipline and cheating. There’s a sense that mental health care doesn’t get as much say as the administration and many students feel intimidated to go and talk in front of this administrative body in order to discuss what’s best for their own health care.”

The series, which was done in three parts, created a new discussion of mental health on campus at the school, and even protests in front of the school’s administrative building, and the founding of a group to champion reform of the school’s mental health system. Hatoff was honored with a national award for in-depth reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Hatoff has also been keeping busy elsewhere. He spent a part of the summer in Argentina to study Spanish language and culture, then taught journalism ethics to Chinese high school students in Beijing.

“It was definitely striking to hear their comments. When you asked them how many siblings they had, most of them had one, two or three siblings,” Hatoff said.

“You’d ask them, ‘How is that possible, in light of China’s one-child policy,’ they’ll tell you that if your parents are in a high position in business or politics, the one-child policy disappears. So these are the future leaders of China, who acknowledge that one party rule is not sustainable and are envious of the free press in other parts of the world, and that was really exciting to see.”

Hatoff said he’s most interested in pursuing higher level courses in politics and journalism, and hopes to combine the two in a future career. He’ll also continue covering student government and mental health for the Crimson. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

New Worries During a Stressful Time Junior year brings a lot of concerns

L

ast week my younger son started his junior year of high school.

Everyone will tell you—even if you don’t ask—that for the college-bound high school student, the junior year’s the most intensive and important. One reason for its significance is it’s the last full year of grades an admissions panel reviews when determining a student’s fate.

From September to June, the junior year is filled with standardized tests: PSAT/NMSQT, AP placement tests, SAT subject exams, SAT, ACT, and this doesn’t count the classroom quizzes or college prep courses.

In addition to test-taking, college-bound 11th-graders are expected to create a resume highlighting their high school achievements, including academic and athletic accomplishments, volunteering and community service, awards and honors, work experience, leadership roles, clubs and hobbies.

By the end of the junior year the three Rs no longer represent reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic; instead, they’re replaced by readiness, responsibilities and recommendations.

It’s a lot to worry about, and I worry a lot.

If worrying were an Olympic sport, I’d be the most decorated athlete in history—just ask my husband.

Worrying involves painstaking training and I’ve been practicing LIFE’S A BEACH daily for almost 20 years;

By Shelley Murphy specifically, my training began on June 11, 1994 and intensified on September 29, 1996.

In addition to worrying about my boys, I habitually read health studies—as if I don’t have enough to worry about with a junior in high school shackled by stressful school work and a sophomore in college ensconced in secret fraternity rituals.

Recently I came across this alarming headline: “Sitting is the New Smoking.”

We have Dr. Anup Kanodia of Ohio State University to thank for the new health scare. His study coined the catchy phrase and concluded that extended sitting increases the risk of disease and death.

Researchers found Americans sit an average of nine hours a day, and doctors agree this sedentary lifestyle is a modern-day health epidemic. Doctors’ link prolonged sitting to an increase in

heart disease, diabetes and cancers of the breast, colon and prostate.

Even gym rats and those engaged in hours of weekly exercise remain at risk.

The benefits of exercise are many, but the study found if the majority of waking hours are spent sitting (more than six hours a day), the health benefits of exercise depreciate. The bottom-line is the longer you sit on your bottom the shorter your projected lifespan.

Dr. Kanodia’s assumption that my desk chair is killing me takes all the fun out of sitting at my computer indulging in online shopping. He’s even made me think twice about sitting for hours gabbing with girlfriends over lunch or long evening escapes to the movie theater to catch the latest blockbuster.

To combat our sedentary ways and fight disease, one scientist suggests trading the cherished office chair for a stability ball.

I find it difficult to chew gum and walk at the same time, so the chances are slim that I could balance on a ball while concentrating at my computer. If I were a circus performer, I’d be on the road with Barnum and Bailey.

For those of us unwilling, or unable, to control the stability ball, experts suggest

lacing-up your sneakers and jumping on the growing treadmill desk trend. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel writes while walking on his treadmill, and NBC’s “Today” show personality Al Roker predicts the weather from his walking desk.

Fortunately, I found an article with an obvious and quick cure for the sitting epidemic: get up and move every 30 minutes.

It’s far from revolutionary but reveals breaks as short as one minute to walk or stretch can interrupt the pattern of sitting and help improve longevity and health.

If only I could find the study proving worrying is a healthy alternative to exercise and standardized 11th grade tests are overrated.

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband and two sons for the past 14 years. She’s a freelance writer and contributor to the SC Times since 2006. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

SCOR E BOAR D SKATEBOARDING

FOOTBALL

The 13th Annual SC Open Skateboard Championships will return to Ralph’s Skate Park on September 21. The event will promote local skateboards as well as raise funds for the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation. Event organizers anticipate around 100 youth athletes to participate with upwards of 1,000 spectators. The entry cost in $35. Pre-registration can be made online at www.san-clemente.org. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. the day of the event. Among the highlights of the day will be the “Best Trick” contest, which begins at noon, and will feature a $100 prize to the skater who shows off the best trick of the day. For more information on the event, call 949.429.8797.

The San Clemente Triton Black Pop Warner Pee Wee team assisted in a food drive for the Family Assistance Ministries on September 14.

Following their football game, the team brought The San Clemente Triton Black Pop bags of canned food to Warner Pee Wee team with Casino San Clemente owner Linda Sadeghi.

Casino San Clemente to Courtesy photo donate to the organization, which helps serve the undernourished and underprivileged population of southern Orange County.

San Clemente Fall Sports Preview Tritons start new season with eyes on the winner’s circle

By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

Follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for updates on all the San Clemente fall sports teams.

Tritons Boys Water Polo Facing Change Head On Going into the summer, San Clemente boys water polo head coach Marc Parker thought he had his varsity roster set. Several starters were slated to return for their senior season until three decided to transfer to JSerra Catholic, leaving holes in the Tritons depth chart. The usual senior turnaround, coupled with the transfers, have the left the Tritons searching for help in-house.

Four returning starters and three players from last year’s team have been working to mesh together for competition in the South Coast League. They are joined by young players who Parker would normally have playing at the junior varsity level. But in the mix and match world of high school sports, where anything can happen, they will be called upon to help the Tritons reach the playoffs.

“Their cohesiveness is going to be the big thing they have to focus on … these guys are new together and we have a tendency to be a little more individualized and they have to get that team cohesion together,” Parker said. “If they do that I think we can be very successful.”

One missing piece to the puzzle that could solve some of the depth issues is Drew Papilion, who is waiting to hear from the CIF-SS offices on when he will be eligible to play for the Tritons. Papilion, a standout center defender and Mater Dei transfer, is likely to be eligible for San Clemente on September 25, Parker said.

Junior Chase Hamming will provide the offensive firepower for the Tritons, as he did in 2012. As a sophomore Hamming led the team in goals.

Senior Taylor Russell, junior goalie Adam Sandor and attacker Colton Hamming all started last year and will be crucial to the Tritons success this time around.

Players like Coby Larinde, Ben Chong and Michael San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

Hamming all saw time last year and are poised to step into starting roles.

With the loss of key seniors and transfers, the Tritons have started to shift to a different style of play that better suits their current personnel. Parker believes that this version of the Tritons squad is better conditioned than last year’s. They may not be as big size-wise but they have the potential to wear opponents down over the span of four quarters.

“It’s going to have to be a little more movement based and draw the ejections and man advantages,” Parker said.

“Swimming-wise we’re faster this year than we were last year so maybe we can get a few easy counter goals and transition goals.”

Girls Volleyball Hoping Past Experiences Pay Off Last weekend, at the annual Dave Mohs Tournament at Edison High, San Clemente girls volleyball head coach Rob O’Rear saw his team’s potential. The Tritons went a less than desirable 1-6 in the elite tournament that (Cont. on page 24) Page 20

The San Clemente boys water polo team will rely on a core group of veterans and a key transfer to keep them competitive in the South Coast League. Photo by Steve Breazeale

Boys Water Polo Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

9/19-21 Clovis West 9/24* El Toro 9/26-28 SoCal Tourn.

10/1* Capistrano Valley 10/7 Tesoro 10/10 Carlsbad 10/11-12 SoCal Tourn.

10/15* Aliso Niguel 10/18 Villa Park 10/22* Dana Hills 10/24* El Toro 10/26 University 10/29* Capistrano Valley 11/5* Aliso Niguel 11/7* Dana Hills

LOCATION

TIME

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

*denotes league game

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY HOME DÉCOR

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

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

949.492.5589

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.492.5589

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

949.361.9656

MANAGEMENT - HOA

ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com AMMCOR 949.661.7767 910 Calle Negocio, Ste. 200, www.AMMCOR.com

ART GALLERIES

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

BOOKS Village Books 949.492.1114 99 Avenida Serra, www.DowntownSanClemente.com

Lure of Chocolate, Gourmet Foods & Gift www.LureofChocolate.com 949.439.1773 Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 949.369.1052 99 Avenida Del Mar, www.schmidschocolate.com

COINS 949.350.4692 Kevin

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

949.361.9656

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, www.drericjohnson.com Kristen Ritzau DDS 949.498.4110 122 Avenida Cabrillo, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com

949.361.1045

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST

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

Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209 Equity Coast Mortgage, a division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

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

949.498.1025

MUSIC LESSONS

949.496.6556

REAL ESTATE Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631 San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.com Marcie George - Star Real Estate South County marciegeorge@cox.net 949.690.5410

Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

PLUMBING 949.498.6245

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

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

949.496.9731

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

949.498.6204

SALONS Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com Salon Bleu 949.366.2060 207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com

GARAGE SALES YARD SALE 9/21 7AM TO 12PM...

Yard furniture, electronics, clothes, household products. 2385 S Ola Vista, San Clemente

2 FAMILY GARAGE SALE, SAT. 9/21 6:30 to 10:30. Lots of baby things, maternity Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com & baby clothes, furniture, tools, misc. household items. 603 Calle Fierros, San Clemente.

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 526 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.5589 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org

949.496.0123

949.215.2323

949.366.9386

PEST CONTROL

PHARMACIES

949.444.6323

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@sanclementetimes.com.

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) 949.492.3459 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

HAIR SALONS

Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.293.3236

ROOFING CONTRACTORS Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias

949.492.5589

949.215.2323

PSYCHOLOGISTS

RESTAURANTS

OFFICE FURNITURE

Sea View Pharmacy 665 Camino De Los Mares, #101 Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 www.seaviewpharmacy.com 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

WINDOW TINTING

SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com www.sandyandrich.com

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

WINDOW CLEANING

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

PRESCHOOLS

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

MORTGAGES

Danman’s Music School www.danmans.com

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

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. Printing OC 949.388.4888 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

MOLD REMOVAL

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kreative Hair Design 173 Avenida Serra

Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

Contact Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@ sanclementetimes.com.

PRINTING

PAINTING

ELECTRICAL

Lange & Minnott 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203

949.492.5589

Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com

DENTISTS

Arcadia Electric www.arcadiaelectric.com

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

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

MATTRESSES

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

TUTORING Tutor Toes 949.429.6222 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com

FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday September 28, 2013 8am to 12pm. Xst’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares

ESTATE SALE – SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SAT 9/21 - 8:00 to 1:00 27539 VIA FORTERMITES TUNA. Exit I-5 Ortega east, right La Novia, Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 left Via Cerro Rebal, 4th street on the right, 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com (2nd access to Via Fortuna)

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

SERVICES

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

714.757.3490 Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

WATER DAMAGE Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous.

Excellent references. 949-456-2376

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or email mreddick@sanclementetimes.com

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or email mreddick@sanclementetimes.com

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

San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

Page 23

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 20) features top teams from Southern California, but he felt like the team made strides to start off what could be a bounce back year.

The team started two freshman and two sophomores in 2012, en route to a 1-7 South Coast League finish. Much of that same starting lineup is back, with valuable experience now under their belt. They are now more familiar with each other on the court, which they proved by taking one game against top-ranked Mater Dei at the tournament.

“We were all sensing it. It was right in front of us, that next little step. We just couldn’t quite get to it at the tournament,” O’Rear said.

The Tritons will have five returning starters on their roster in 2013. They picked up a middle blocker in freshman Cassie Stewart and have been giving the nod in the early going to sophomore libero Camille Davey. Both the middle blocker and libero positions were spots the Tritons needed to fill over the offseason.

Injuries have been a thorn in their side so far in the early going, as standout outside hitter Cali Hoye and Tatum Harvey are nursing lingering back injuries. Hoye led the team in kills last year and Harvey had the highest kill percentage on the team in the preseason until she was sidelined by her injury. With Hoye and Harvey out, O’Rear expects Stewart to become more of an offensive focal point.

Even though a majority of the Tritons roster saw time last year on varsity, O’Rear still considers them a young team. At any time there could be a combination of one freshman and four sophomores out on the court. What O’Rear is hoping for, is that by the time league play rolls around, this young team will have found what was just out of reach at the Dave Mohs Tournament.

“There’s still a lot of untapped potential in these players … I kind of like to think that with the experience we have as a team last year, by the time we get to October, we’ll be running on all cylinders … But we’ll see if we can stay consistent and healthy,” O’Rear said.

Girls Volleyball Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

9/19 9/24 9/27 10/8* 10/10* 10/15* 10/17* 10/22 10/24* 10/28* 10/30* 11/4*

Capistrano Valley Huntington Beach Capo Valley Tourn.

Trabuco Hills Tesoro Mission Viejo Dana Hills Aliso Niguel Trabuco Hills Tesoro Mission Viejo Dana Hills

San Clemente San Clemente TBA Trabuco Hills San Clemente Mission Viejo San Clemente San Clemente San Clemente Tesoro San Clemente Dana Hills

6:15 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

TBA 6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

*denotes league play

Youth Movement Helping Tritons Girls Tennis Regain Form The San Clemente girls tennis team has the benefit of returning a majority of their players that were a part of the team’s 2012 CIF-SS second-round run. But they also lost their top two singles players to graduation, allowing a young group of Tritons to leap frog their way up the ranks to gain experience and compete for wins in 2013.

There are no new freshmen on this year’s team, but several rising sophomores will make up the top of their singles rotation.

San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

Sophomore Stephanie Neilson returns a ball during a match against Mater Dei on September 16. Photo by Steve Breazeale

Girls Tennis Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

9/19 9/23 9/26* 10/1* 10/3* 10/8* 10/9 10/15* 10/17* 10/22* 10/24* 10/29 10/30

Edison Laguna Beach Tesoro Mission Viejo El Toro Dana Hills Capistrano Valley Tesoro Mission Viejo El Toro Dana Hills SCL Prelims SCL Finals

Edison San Clemente Tesoro San Clemente El Toro San Clemente Capistrano Valley San Clemente Mission Viejo San Clemente Dana Hills L.N. Racquet Club L.N. Racquet Club

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

12 p.m.

12 p.m.

*denotes league game

Sophomores Natalie Nasonghkla and Stephanie Neilson have broken in to the top three singles rotation already.

The two play with different styles, according to head coach John Stephens. Nasonghlka possesses a strong game centered on her consistent ground strokes. Neilson is a methodical player who always knows where to place the ball and thinks her way through a match.

Senior Julia Yeam rounds out the singles group and plays with an aggressive and powerful style, according to Stephens.

The doubles duo of senior Morgan Berman and sophomore Taylor Bonghi are the current top doubles unit. Seniors Jessica Scarlata and Maria Zanotti make up another team.

The players on the Tritons depth charts are relatively new to varsity-level play, which places an importance on them fine tuning their games throughout the preseason.

Once league play starts, the Tritons will have to deal with the likes of Tesoro and reigning South Coast League and CIF SoCal Regional champion Dana Hills.

“It’s a work in progress, we are continuing to learn how to compete in singles and in doubles just learning how to be tougher mentally and be more consistent,” Stephens Page 24

said. “The girls are working on trying to get rid of their little habits and tendencies that hurt their games so we’re just trying to get them to get beyond those things.

It’s a challenge but the kids are working hard and they’re trying.”

Tritons Boys Cross Country Look to Pack Running Mentality for Success A strong group of sophomores mixed with returning varsity runners will lead the San Clemente boys cross country team into the 2013 season.

As freshman, a group of runners that includes Nick Ulph, Matt Shelton and Jeremy Brady captured the South Coast League freshman title. Head coach Dan Johnson figures four of his top seven runners will be a mix of that same freshman group, who are now one year older.

There is even a freshman, Jay Greenblatt, contending for one of the Tritons top seven spots.

Seniors Matt Parker and Jake Moskowitz will look to lead the group of new varsity runners.

“We’re young but I think we’re going to be pretty talented,” Johnson said.

The Tritons do not feature a runner who gets out in front and posts a low 16-minute time. Instead, they run in a pack, which will give them bursts of points throughout a race. Johnson saw the freshman squad run in the pack style last season and has seen them carry that over to the varsity level.

“They’re all fairly close to one another, there’s not a big difference in ability. We don’t have one guy way ahead of everyone else,” Johnson said. “But we’ll have a whole bunch of guys running in the high 16’s and low 17’s on a real consistent basis. I think consistency this year is going to be much better than what we’ve had in the past.”

The Tritons will compete in the competitive South Coast League, which features returning champion Dana Hills and Trabuco Hills. www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS Girls Golf Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

9/19* 9/20 9/24* 9/26* 9/30 10/1* 10/3* 10/7 10/8 10/10 10/15* 10/17* 10/21 10/22 10/28 10/31

Laguna Hills TBA TBA Lady Triton Invit.

SC Muni 12:30 p.m.

Tesoro Tijeras Creek G.C 4 p.m.

Tesoro Bella Collina C.C. 2 p.m.

LB Wilson Invit.

Long Beach Rec. Park 7 a.m.

Dana Hills Bella Collina C.C. 2:15 p.m.

Dana Hills El Niguel C.C. 2 p.m.

Ayala Tourn.

Los Serranos 8 a.m.

San Juan Hills Talega G.C. 3 p.m.

San Juan Hills SJ Hills G.C. 2:30 p.m.

Trabuco Hills Dove Canyon 2:30 p.m.

Trabuco Hills Bella Collina C.C. 2 p.m.

SCL Finals SC Muni 8 a.m.

SCL Finals SC Muni 11 a.m.

CIF-SS Indiv. Regional Mile Square G.C. 8 a.m.

CIF-SS Team Costa Mesa G.C. TBA Championship CIF Indiv. Finals Talega G.C. 7:30 a.m.

WSCGA/State Rancho Murrieta G.C. TBA Qualifier State Championship Quail Lodge TBA

11/7 11/14 11/20

LOCATION

TIME

*denotes league play

The San Clemente girls cross country team is looking to repeat as South Coast League champions in 2013. Photo by Steve Breazeale

Cross Country Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

9/21 9/28 10/8 10/9 10/19 10/26 11/6 11/7 11/10 11/16 11/17 11/23 11/24

Woodbridge Ivit.

Dana Hills Invit.

SCL Cluster (Girls) SVL Cluster (Boys) OC Championships Mt. SAC Invit.

SCL Finals (Girls) SVL Finals (Boys) CIF Prelims (Girls) CIF Prelims (Boys) CIF Finals (Girls) CIF Finals (Boys) State Meet

Estancia Dana Hills Irvine Reg. Park Irvine Reg. Park Irvine Reg. Park Mt. SAC Irvine Reg. Park Irvine Reg. Park Mt. SAC Mt. SAC Mt. SAC Mt. SAC Fresno

TBA 8 a.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBA TBA 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Tritons Girls Cross Country Looking to Make History …

Again The San Clemente girls cross country team is coming off a historic season. For the first time in the school’s history, they emerged as South Coast League champions.

This year, head coach Dave Proodian believes the team will be even deeper, which could propel them past their fifth-place finish at the 2012 CIF Division 1 State Championships, a meet the Tritons have reached in each of the last seven seasons.

They lost three top-flight runners in Lizzy Hays, Madison Huffman and Sara Kebede, who are all running at the collegiate level, but have been able to replace them due to their talented and deep roster.

Senior Melissa Eisele is currently the top runner for the Tritons and will pace the pack. The number two spot behind Eisele, according to Proodian, could be any one of the Tritons’ top runners, which in cross country, is a good problem to have.

“It’s nice being as deep as we are … you need to have a solid five runners and if someone gets injured you have to San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

have someone to depend on to take that spot and we’re at the point where we have a lot of depth,” Proodian said.

Joining Eisele in the top rotation will be Kelsey Carroll, Gracie Georgi and seniors Jessica Erickson and Sydney Szabo.

Junior Katie Carroll and sophomore Amber Eisele have had standout races in the early season, including strong finishes at the recent Laguna Hills Invitational.

Early Success Has Tritons Girls Golf Fired up for New Season Mike Hurlbut likes his girls golf team to average around 40 strokes per nine holes. That usually is good enough to contend with and beat some of the better teams in the county. If their top five golfers can break 200 strokes— that’s ideal.

In the San Clemente girls golf team’s first South Coast League match on September 16 against Laguna Hills, they shattered all of those marks, posting a team score of 186 at Laguna Woods Golf Club. They won their match by 71 strokes but more importantly, they had five golfers all within five shots of par, including junior Alex Cooper’s round of 34 (-1). It was the lowest team score in at least four years that Hurlbut could recall.

Cooper is among a group of three upperclassmen on the nine person roster, the rest is made up of five sophomores and one freshman.

“Our starting six is Alex Cooper, and the rest are sophomores. It sounds young but it’s the most experienced, young team I’ve ever had,” Hurlbut said.

Hurlbut accredits the team’s chemistry to their rising success. Over the offseason, several of the Tritons players devoted themselves to playing competitive junior golf, which helped hone their skills. When they returned for the team’s first practice, Hurlbut saw each golfer take notice of their teammate’s improvements.

“When they come back together and see how much each one of them has improved its like ‘Wow, this could be something special’, it’s very contagious,” Hurlbut said.

Page 25

Sophomore left hander Isabella Seeburger hits the range at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course before a September 17 league match with Laguna Hills. Photo by Steve Breazeale

Cooper and sophomore Isabella Seeburger have been setting the pace this season, with scoring averages below 38. Madison Wiedeman, Juliet Duralde and Olga Mihlaik round out the current top five.

Dana Hills and Tesoro have been battling for the league championship in recent years and if the preseason is any indication, the Tritons might have the firepower to make it a three-team race. On September 10 the Tritons beat the Dolphins in a non-league match, 195-208, at Aliso Viejo Country Club.

On Friday, the Tritons will see where they stack up against some of Southern California’s best teams, as they host the Rainbow Sandals Lady Triton Invitational at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. Top teams like Troy, Santa Margarita, Aliso Niguel and Palm Desert are set to compete. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

GROM OF THE WEEK SAIGE REALE Age: 10, Truman Benedict Elementary School

Saige Reale has been hooked on surfing and bodyboarding since her parents began teaching her at the age of 2. “I love to catch waves and do tricks,” Saige said. “Surfing is kind of like riding a rollercoaster standing up, but I really want to become a professional bodyboarder, an actor or a teacher.” Becoming a pro bodyboarder would mean following in her parents’ footsteps.

Jay Reale and Vicki Gleeson-Reale, were both professional bodyboarders and have instilled a love for prone wave riding in Saige. She is also passionate about attending acting camps and is currently participating in one that will prepare her for an upcoming role in “Seussical the Musical.” Saige is also a dedicated student who regularly brings home ‘O’ marks for her outstanding Saige Reale. Photo by Andrea Swayne work in school. For her contagious enthusiasm and repertoire of longboard tricks, Saige was honored with a Most Stoked award by the Gudauskas brothers at the Stoke-o-Rama surf contest, September 14 at T Street.

She pulled out all the stops and impressed the judges with an energetic disco dance atop her longboard that the Gudauskas brothers referred to as, “visionary.” “My favorite moves are the chicken dance, disco dance, a somersault, a head stand, the coffin and the cockroach,” she said. “I’d like to thank my parents for letting me live in San Clemente and my friends for letting me have fun surfing with them,” Saige said. “I feel pretty lucky to be here. I love the beaches, the waves, the weather and pretty much everything.” —Andrea Swayne

Feelin’ the Stoke at T Street

SURF FORECAST

Local surfers compete at Gudauskas brothers’ second annual Stoke-o-Rama

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

Above: Gunner Day was this year’s Stoke-o-Rama winner in the Boys U14 division. Photo by Jack McDaniel Below: Zoe Mortensen was stoked to meet Kelly Slater and get his autograph at the Stoke-o-Rama surf contest last Saturday. Photo by Andrea Swayne

S

eptember 14, the eve of the start of the Hurley Pro at Trestles, the brothers Gudauskas—Dane, Pat and Tanner—chose to spend their time putting on a surf contest for groms to benefit their home town of San Clemente. It was an especially selfless gesture for Patrick who would be surfing at the Hurley Pro the following day.

The Stoke-o-Rama surf contest went off without a hitch, when 100 groms and their families converged at T Street for the second annual event to benefit the Friends of the San Clemente Beaches Parks and Recreation Foundation.

An entry fee of $25 apiece, for each of the competitors, was paid for by the Gudauskas brothers so the kids could surf for free. Event sponsors also kicked in funds to benefit the Friends. Additional money was raised in a raffle.

“The waves came together for a perfect day. All the kids are having a great time and ripping. That’s all we can ask for,” said Dane Gudauskas. “All the sponsors lent huge support, not only for the kids but also for the Friends of San Clemente Beaches Parks and Recreation.”

The fun on the beach was amplified as the groms were invited to collect autographs from their pro surfer idols, the likes of 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater and from San Clemente, Nathan Yeomans as well as the Gudauskas clan.

Competitor Zoe Mortensen was thrilled

San Clemente Times September 19–25, 2013

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

RESULTS BOYS 8U: 1. Brayden Burch,

to have a chance to meet Slater and get her event T-shirt autographed by him.

“I was so stoked to meet Kelly Slater.

It was really awesome,” Mortensen said.

“I thank the Gudauskases a lot because this is just for local kids and it gives us a chance to show what we can do and stuff.”

The city held this contest in previous years as part of the SC Open surf and skate contest. It was renamed last year when the Gudauskas took charge of it.

We asked Dane Gudauskas if he and his brothers intend to continue this tradition next year.

“I hope so. It’s so fun. As long as there are groms in the community I’m sure there will be a home for the Stoke-o-Rama,” Gudauskas said.

“We’d like to thank all the volunteers for their time because everyone here is volunteering. Also to the sponsors and the city for letting us do an event like this. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do this. To see it come together is real special.”

2. Bryce Pinkerton, 3. Hendrick Osterkamp, 4. Jack Crane, 5. Noah Henderson, 6. Dane Matson. BOYS 10U: 1. Jett Schilling, 2. Taj Lindblad, 3. Hagan Johnson, 4. Nicholas Coli, 5. Jimmy Wynne, 6. Dax McPhillips. BOYS 12U: 1. Kade Matson, 2, Kai McPhillips, 3.

Noah Hohenester, 4. Gus Day, 5. Crosby Colapinto, 6. Ryan Martin. GIRLS U14: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, 2. Alexxa Elseewi, 3. Tera Richardson, 4. Samantha Sibley, 5. Zoe Mortensen, 6. Kamryn Martin. BOYS U14: 1. Gunner Day, 2. Nathan Carabba, 3. Jacob Atwood, 4.

Ethan Mudge, 5. Jaric Fink, 6. Noah Atwood.

MOST STOKED AWARD: Saige Real. TIM DOWELL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Bryce Crane. MIDGET SMITH INSPIRATION AWARD: Charlie Stevens.

The event raised $10,500 for the Friends of San Clemente Beaches Parks and Recreation Foundation which, according to Friends board member John Dorey, will go toward supporting the San Clemente City Lifeguards and Jr. Lifeguards programs.

All contestants took home a handmade medallion, goodie bags filled with prizes from event sponsors and a bright red, kidsized Fender electric guitar.

Simon Christensen, 10, was the lucky winner of a brand new Channel Islands surfboard in the raffle.

Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com to see a photo slideshow from the event. SC

Page 26

Water Temperature: 65-67 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 10-12’+ Fair+ Catalina: 15-20’+ Good Immediate: Blend of south to southwest swells and northwest windswell eases through the end of the work week. On Thursday and Friday better breaks offer mainly knee-waist high (2-3’) waves, with more size for standout combo breaks around the proper tides. Morning winds are light/variable, giving way to a light westerly sea-breeze in the afternoons through the end of the week.

Long Range Outlook: Blend of south/ southwest and northwest swells is steady Saturday, then picks up through the end of the weekend. Best exposures are good for continued knee-waist high waves (2-3’) with larger sets to chest high (4’) showing on Sunday. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

BOARD SHORTS Rip Curl to Host Team Signing and Benefit Raffle Saturday The Rip Curl Pro team will be at the San Clemente Surf Center, 3801 El Camino Real in San Clemente this Saturday, September 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to sign autographs and help raise money and awareness for the SIMA Stokes Me Foundation. Funds will be raised via a benefit raffle.

Free tacos will be served, compliments of Los Locos, and a free custom hat press will be set up.

Tom Curren, three-time ASP World Champion, Rip Curl team rider and musician will provide live music at the event. Other pros in attendance will include Mick Fanning, Gabriel Medina, Matt Wilkinson and Taylor Knox.

The benefit raffle prizes include wetsuits, watches, sunglasses and more. All proceeds will go to the 11 Stokes Me beneficiaries.

Find out more about SIMA Stokes Me online at www.stokesme.org. www.sanclementetimes.com