November 21, 2013 by San Clemente Times

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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 47

Community Spirit Grassroots effort aims to clean up one of San Clemente’s maligned neighborhoods EYE ON SC/PAGE 4 Residents of the Calle Del Comercio neighborhood in south San Clemente are looking for ways to give a new sense of community to the area. Photo by Jim Shilander

www.sanclementetimes.com

TOP 5: Marines Killed in Pendleton Accident, La Pata Bids Rejected

Former Triton QB Travis Wilson Faces Uncertain Future

Tom Blake on His Connection the McStay Family Tragedy

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 18

SOAPBOX/PAGE 9

EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The San Juan Capistrano City Council decided not to move forward with an investigation into allegations of council misconduct Tuesday after receiving a peacemaking strategy from the Chamber of Commerce. The council reversed course from its November 5 decision to spend $25,000 for an independent investigator to look into Councilman Larry Kramer’s allegations of ethical and legal violations by councilmen Roy Byrnes and Derek Reeve. The council decided to take up the chamber’s suggestion to reaffirm their commitment to the Brown Act and drop the investigation in favor of an opinion from the state Attorney General’s office. Mayor John Taylor and Kramer voted to take a stance against the ongoing recall effort against Allevato, with Byrnes abstaining. Reeve, who was absent, wrote in a letter that any decision to recall would be up to the residents.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GOIN G O N I N OU R NE IGH BO R I N G TOWN S

A state appellate court upheld a lower court’s ruling that a San Clemente medical-marijuana user did not have standing to file suit against Dana Point, because he failed to establish that the city’s zoning code infringed upon a protected right. Jeff Schwartz alleged the city’s crackdown on dispensaries violated his right as a patient to control his own health care decisions. Schwartz, an attorney, was a member of Beach Cities Collective, whom he represented in litigation. He also represented fellow Beach Cities member, Malinda Traudt, of San Clemente, who unsuccessfully sued the city. The appellate court said that although Schwartz did not have convenient access to marijuana, the city had not prohibited him from cultivating, processing or using it. The court also found that neither the state’s Compassionate Care Act nor the Medical Marijuana Program creates a right to convenient access.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…the Fatal Camp Pendleton Explosion?

THE LATEST: The four U.S. Marines killed November 13 while clearing unexploded arms from a training area on Camp Pendleton were experts on an explosive ordnance disposal team, all with combat experience, military officials said. The Marines, identified as Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Marsh, Sgt. Miguel Ortiz, Gunnery Sgt. Gregory J. Mullins and Staff Sgt. Eric W. Summers, were clearing the Zulu training artillery range of obstructions, in the northern interior of the base, around 11 a.m. when the incident occurred. The Zulu impact area is used for firing explosive munitions such as grenades, mortars, artillery and rockets. Munitions may also be dropped from aircraft into the area. While live-fire training was being conducted on an adjacent impact area, officials said no live-fire training was happening in the Zulu area the day of the accident. WHAT’S NEXT: The cause of the accident is under investigation. Officials said the clearing of ordnance from ranges is considered routine maintenance. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – Jim Shilander and Andrea Papagianis

… La Pata?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors has set aside initial bids for the extension of Avenida La Pata and will reopen the bidding process. Project manager Harry Persaud told the San Clemente City Council Tuesday that irregularities and errors in the initial bidding, as well as a wide gap between the low bid, of approximately $61 million, and the high San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

bid, a revised $108 million, led supervisors to reject the three received bids on the project.

plants in all three scenarios. The study found similar impacts for off-site storage.

WHAT’S NEXT: Persaud said to keep the project on schedule to begin construction early next year, the board will open a new set of bids December 10 and potentially award a contract the same night. The county is also hoping for more bids in total, he told the council. FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS

WHAT’S NEXT: Anti-nuclear activists said the plan needed to be site specific, rather than a generic one to cover all plants across the country, citing special circumstances facing the storage of nuclear fuel in Southern California, including earthquake and tsunami concerns. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS

…SONGS Waste?

THE LATEST: Anti-nuclear activists attacked a new proposal for on-site storage rules of nuclear waste Monday at a Nuclear Regulatory Commission meeting in Carlsbad. The new proposal, a Waste Confidence Generic Environmental Impact Statement, was mandated by a 2012 court decision that nullified a previous rule created in 2010. The agency was required to rewrite its report as a result. It includes research into whether facilities on-site at nuclear power plants throughout the country, including San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, can house nuclear waste and for how long. The report includes research on the projected impact of housing spent nuclear fuel indefinitely if no central repository becomes available for various lengths of time. The report looks at short-term storage, 60 years beyond the licensed life of a nuclear reactor, first in spent fuel cooling pools and then in dry cask storage. It also addresses long-term storage, 100 years beyond short-term storage, as well as housing waste there permanently. The report states that continued on-site storage of waste would be expected to have a “small” impact in the areas around the

…Downtown Building Height Limit?

THE LATEST: The issue of a proposed two-story height limit in the downtown TZone came before the City Council again Tuesday. This time, the issue confronting the council was just what constitutes the T-Zone. After city officials submitted potential language for the proposed restriction, which would set a height limit at 35 feet for a two-story building, with allowance for council approval to go higher if topography allowed, Councilman Tim Brown suggested he was unclear about the area the language would effect. Brown, a former member of the General Plan Advisory Committee, said his belief was the restriction included the entirety of Avenida Del Mar to Avenida Serra, as well as buildings on avenidas Cabrillo and Granada and El Camino Real. City staff’s version only included properties along Del Mar. Brown also suggested restricting height to 33 feet, as it is mandated elsewhere in the general plan. Councilwoman Lori Donchak said she was concerned that changing the scope of those effected by the change could effectively delay the general plan, if property owners along Cabrillo and Granada object

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to their inclusion without notice. Brown countered that he believed the original T-Zone definition had been in place all along. WHAT’S NEXT: The council voted 3-2 to accept a version of the map that included properties on the south side of Avenida Cabrillo and north side of Avenida Granada. The council hoped to approve a final version of the general plan at a special meeting December 10, but the need for additional language may cause a delay into 2014. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS

…Train Horns?

THE LATEST: An audible warning system intended to provide pedestrians with notification at the at-grade rail crossings along the San Clemente Coastal Trail is on hold. Efforts by the city and the Orange County Transportation Authority to obtain California Public Utilities Commission approval for using this stationary alert in place of a train blowing its horn were halted in August when a state appellate court ruled the CPUC has no jurisdiction to approve the system. WHAT’S NEXT: The CPUC appealed the ruling in September to the State Supreme Court to take up the issue and is awaiting a response on whether the court will grant or deny a review. On November 12, a one-page order extended the time for the Supreme Court has to respond until December 13. City Manager Pall Gudgeiresson said the city is hoping the court will hear the case and, in the interest of saving money, allow all improvements to be built at one time. FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Cleaning Up Comercio Community effort seeks to revive neglected Del Comercio neighborhood By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

ory Scurlock just wants her son to have good memories of the neighborhood he grows up in. Scurlock said when she began thinking about the blight her son might see as the two of them walked down Calle del Comercio to school at Concordia Elementary School, she decided she wanted to make a change. “I live on the street and my son started kindergarten at Concordia Elementary in September. I’d been walking down the street and it hit me that this would be the image that my 5-year-old would have as long as we live in the neighborhood.” That led to a desire to clean up the area, and to try and make it better. The community has rallied behind the initiative, organizing a neighborhood watch program, a community garden effort and an arts initiative. The effect, organizers hope, will be to transform one of the city’s often maligned neighborhoods into an area with its own sense of place. First, Scurlock said, the trash needs to be taken out. “The first thing that came to mind, at that point, was the trash,” she said. “The block is made up of so many apartments, there was, at any given point, a couch, a mattress or some large piece of furniture from the consistent move-in, move-out we

Sheriff’s deputies Jeremiah Prescott and Jesse Demarast speak at a recent neighborhood watch organizing meeting at San Luis Rey Park. Photo by Jim Shilander

see on the street.” Scurlock spoke with both the city and CR&R about adding additional trash pick-ups. The city was able to bring in five “walk in” sized dumpsters and helped organize a clean-up day. The dumpsters were quickly filled with the kind of oversized items Scurlock said often make the area look ugly. Scurlock said she was nervous about the initial meeting of the group, thinking not many would show up. A flier was distributed, inviting those interested in forming a community group to meet up at San Luis Rey Park. “I really thought that I’d be by myself in the park, twiddling my thumbs,” Scurlock said. “But 13 people showed up, and there we organized.” The original group has expanded into subcommittees concentrating on differ-

Residents of Calle del Comercio recently held a major cleanup day to get rid of large items that have built up around the neighborhood. Courtesy photo

San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

ent aspects of the effort, including the neighborhood watch, community garden and community arts projects. Kelly Forbes, a new resident of the area, works with youth in art programs for a living. When she saw the flier, she knew the initiative would be a good fit for her skills. “No matter where I’m living, I’m interested in doing something,” Forbes said. “It’s really a neighborhood with a bad rap but with amazing people.” Forbes said in the coming weeks and months, residents will see community art projects, mostly made by the children, beginning to brighten sidewalks and balconies. The goal is to show off the creativity of the area, she said. “Maybe it will become ‘art alley,’” Forbes said of the area often referred to as “crack alley.” Scurlock said transforming the area into a center for the arts is a long-term goal of the community group, which is hoping to ultimately hold monthly meetings where adults and children can gather, create art and enjoy meals together. The city expressed high hopes for the efforts going forward, because of the size of the group, now about 25 people, she said. “The response has blown me away,” she said. “I didn’t think there’d be this many interested, period, let alone giving their time to volunteer. Either they were waiting for someone else to do it or they didn’t know that the city would aid it.” Denise Obrero, from the city’s community development office, said it was important to have the effort come first from the community. The neighborhood had been somewhat neglected because there had been no outreach to the city. “When there isn’t someone in the community spearheading something, it’s difficult for the city and schools to move forward with improvements,” she said.

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“That’s huge.” John Jay, a resident of the neighborhood for two years, is serving as a block captain for the neighborhood watch. “It’s a great neighborhood with very friendly people,” Jay said. “It’s very slow paced and laid back. Here there are a lot of families just starting out. It’s more of a community, a family neighborhood.” That was in stark contrast to the neighborhood he was told he was moving into, Jay said. “Its reputation was Crack Alley, when I first moved here,” he said, adding that he’d taken to walking dogs with one of his neighbors and made sure to let people know he was watching them. As a former alcohol and drug counselor, he said he knew what to look for. He encouraged those who might have just been hanging out in the area to find a different place. “When we all got together for the neighborhood watch program, it just accelerated the whole process,” he said. Now, he said, the neighborhood needs help to further its goals. In walking the neighborhood to determine where to put up signs for the watch, Jay noticed there were only three streetlights along the block, one near the intersection with El Camino Real, another at the intersection with Avenida San Luis Rey and a third in the middle of the street, which only shines intermittently. “Most of the families I talk to don’t feel safe at night, because it’s too dark on the street. We want to see the city put more street lighting,” Jay said. Jay is also hoping to see additional lighting in the park. While it was heavily utilized during the day, he said, the lack of lighting keeps it from being used in the evening, especially in the winter with shorter daylight hours. A neighborhood watch organization meeting held last week might have been an indication about how far the effort has come. A couple dozen residents, including children, came to the lawn bowling court at the park to talk about crime in the area. Many said they were concerned about safety in the park for children, noting that some lights have taken weeks to replace. Others said the park is a hangout spot for vagrants after dark. Residents also reported finding drug paraphernalia in the area. Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremiah Prescott, himself a former resident of the street, said gang activity in the neighborhood has largely been curtailed as a result of the city’s gang injunction. The issue of drugs, he said, is not confined just to Comercio. “There’s a pretty substantial drug problem throughout the city,” Prescott said. “But it’s no worse here than any other part of San Clemente.” The key to making a neighborhood watch work, he said, is bonding together. “Don’t just be a street, become a community,” Prescott told the neighborhood residents. With the latest efforts of its residents, the neighborhood may just crawl out from underneath its reputation. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, November 21 Quarterly Siren Growl San Clemente sirens will be briefly growl tested during normal business hours November 20-22. 949361.6109, www.san-clemente.org. “La Cristianita” Historical Marker Dedication 10:30 a.m. “La Cristianita” historical marker dedication ceremony at Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Friday, November 22 Dark Friday City offices closed.

Saturday, November 23 Capo Bay League of Women Voters Meeting 10:30 a.m.-noon. Meeting open to the public at the Dana Point Library on the topic of money in politics. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.492.7675.

Monday, November 25 Toddlertime 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, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

Tuesday, November 26 Toastmasters 7 p.m.–8:40 p.m. Practice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly and supportive atmosphere at the Baha’i Center. 3316 Ave. Del Presidente, San Clemente, 6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

Wednesday, November 27 Book Club for Adults 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Discuss Little Stranger by Sarah Waters at the library. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org. Senior Thanksgiving Celebration Noon. Special traditional meal and entertainment by Tony Rogers at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

Thursday, November 28 Thanksgiving Holiday

Friday, November 29 Hike Off Your Thanksgiving Feast and Picnic 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Get outdoors and get some exercise at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org. San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Jim Shilander

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Charity League Volunteers Organize Boys & Girls Club Care Packs A group of 117 girls from the local National Charity League met on Monday, October 21 to assemble donations into care packages for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Women Helping Women and Family Assisted Ministries. Items were donated by members of the Capistrano Coast Chapter of the NCL and included school materials, personal hygiene products and baby supplies. The local Charity League supports 29 charitable organizations throughout south Orange County. For more information, go to www.nclcapistranocoast.org.

San Clemente Woman Organizing Philippines Relief Effort Illina Leff, a San Clemente woman with family ties to the Philippines, is looking for the community’s help in getting aid to the country recently stricken by Typhoon Haiyan. Leff has family throughout the country, including a cousin who serves in a leadership position for the police department in Tacloban, which was destroyed by the storm. She said she has yet to hear about his whereabouts or if he is safe. Leff said she began making calls about ways to connect with shipping companies who might be able to get goods to the city, before funding one last Tuesday. Leff is asking for new or gently used clothing, shoes, sandals and blankets, as well as canned food, toiletries, noodles (Top Ramen, Cup Noodles), powdered drinks and powdered milk. Items can be dropped off at Leff’s home, 1501 S. Ola Vista. She will be conducting an all-day drive Sunday, November 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drop-off. For information on volunteering and donations, call Leff at 949.842.1405.

Heritage of San Clemente Foundation Raising Funds for Marines The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation and its Marine Support Group work in support of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, one of San Clemente’s adopted Marine Corps Units. The organization will host a Christmas party for 600 Marines and their families, including 150 children, Friday, December 6. The party will take place at the Marine Corps Air Station in the HMLA 469 hangar on Camp Pendleton and include a holiday dinner buffet served by support group volunteers. The group is seeking contributions to make the event possible. The foundation is a nonprofit and contributions are tax deductible. Any contribution is appreciated. Those

Nation Charity League volunteers Madyson Siu, Erin Levinson, Ann Spencer and Olivia Wyckoff deliver care packs to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capistrano Valley. Courtesy Photo

contributing $100 or more will receive two tickets to the holiday party and have the opportunity to meet the Marines and their families, and take a tour of the various helicopters in the hangar. Donations can be sent to The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation at P.O. Box 456 San Clemente, CA 92674, or contribute online at www.marinemonument.com. For questions, call 949.498.4958.

P.E.O. Sisterhood Hosts Fashion Show and Fundraiser Luncheon P.E.O. Sisterhood of San Clemente recently hosted a fundraiser luncheon with a silent auction and a fashion show presented by Chico’s at the El Niguel Country Club. Honored guests at the luncheon were 2013 scholarship recipient, Mackenzie Castruita of San Clemente and her mother, Diana Castruita. P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization, helps educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College, a private woman’s college located in Nevada, Mo.

Fun on the Run Honored by League of California Cities The League of California Cities has selected the city of San Clemente as a 2013 Helen Putnam Award winner. The 2013 winners were honored during the Opening General Session of the League of Cities’ annual Conference & Expo at the Sacramento Convention Center in September. San Clemente won an award in the category of health and wellness programs for its Fun on the Run Fitness Program. The community-based childhood obesity prevention program provides underserved youth with free mobile recreation, after school sports, swim lessons and nutrition

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education. Launched in 2007, the program serves approximately 6,500 children annually. It visits four low-income neighborhood areas every week and is designed to keep children engaged and active after school. The program also offers an additional fitness element called Goal Zone. This low-cost after-school sports program runs three times a year where participating children learn and review basic sport-specific techniques, go through skill drills, participate in scrimmages and receive nutrition education.

Three San Clemente Residents Named to Biola Dean’s List Three San Clemente residents were among 1,422 students named to the Dean’s List at Biola University for spring 2013. They include Carina Espinosa, Gaston Espinosa and Hannah Foerstel. Biola students are placed on the Dean’s List to honor those with a grade point average of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit units and having a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.2.

Mayor Baker to Meet with Residents Saturday Mayor Robert Baker has scheduled his next “Meet the Mayor” event for Saturday, November 23 at Panera Bread in the Talega Village Center, 802 Avenida Talega, Suite 100 in San Clemente. The public is encouraged to stop by between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to discuss city-related issues with Baker.

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

EYE ON SC

Exchange Club Honors SC’s Finest and Bravest

15 percent, Coppock said. Sheriff’s volunteers typically help manage traffic at events and at the San Clemente Pier, as well as handling vacation home checks and foot patrols in high traffic business areas. The second sheriff’s department award had previously been given to

police employees, but was rebranded last year to honor volunteers. Getz said he thought the honor was a joke being played on him at first. He said he appreciated being able to help sheriff’s department officers stay on the beat. “We get a lot of recognition in public,

especially at the pier, (from people) who thank us for our service,” Getz said of his fellow volunteers. “The fact that we’re out there, doing a lot of work for the deputies, helps them stay on the street.” Career Firefighter of the Year Craig Covey, is the crew chief for the Orange County Fire Authority’s Air Operations Section, and an urban search and rescue instructor. Covey said being chosen by his peers for the honor made it special. “We all strive to do a good job of it,” Covey said. “A big part of it is that peer recognition.” Fire Employee of the Year Tim Duffy is a San Clemente resident who works primarily as an emergency transport technician, helping to drive ambulances and serving as a paramedic. “I work with a lot of great people who are all deserving,” Duffy said. “I’m honored to be the recipient. You take pride in working in the city.” Duffy annually sponsors a family during the holidays. He said he began doing so after encountering a family in need while on a call, prompting him to become involved with Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente. “I really enjoy it. It’s something all of us should do,” Duffy said. SC

DISTURBANCE Esplanade, 100 Block (10:19 a.m.) Two men were seen having a physical fight in a nearby driveway. One was described as being “all bloody.”

able to walk. The man then attempted to purchase alcohol inside the gas station. He was last seen driving his black Chevy southbound on Interstate 5.

Numerous teens were observed standing around a white Ford Bronco yelling at each other. The caller suspected they were getting ready to fight each other.

Saturday, November 16

Thursday, November 14

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Avenida Mastil, 2400 Block (6:31 p.m.) A man reported a dispute between himself and his 25-year-old son. They were fighting over power tools and both accused the other of being crazy. When police arrived, one was reported as being “assaultive towards deputies.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Los Olivos, 700 Block (6:55 p.m.) A child called for help in Ocean View Plaza and an unidentified man put his hand over the child’s mouth and told him to be quiet.

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

ome of the top law enforcement officers and life savers in San Clemente were honored Thursday by the San Clemente Exchange Club. The organization has been honoring the city’s police officers since 1966, and firefighters since 1987. Deputy Jared Streeter received the honor of Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year. Streeter has responded to over 2,800 calls in the last two years, said Lt. John Coppock, chief of San Clemente Police Services, logging nearly 36,000 miles and making 80 arrests. Streeter, a former U.S. Marine, also serves as a field training officer and as a member of the department’s critical incident response team. Back when he was being assigned to patrol duty, Streeter said he wanted to come to San Clemente because it is one of the busier cities in the county. “It’s also just a great city to work in,” Streeter said, adding that the award had come as a pleasant surprise. Jim Getz, the city’s Sheriff’s Volunteer of the Year, joined the department in 2011, and has logged 1,100 hours on the beat, with his load in 2013 increasing

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY QUINN CONWAY 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.

Monday, November 18 DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 3000 Block (5:21 p.m.) A caller said a transient was asleep on their front door and would not leave. Deputies made contact and sent the man on his way. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 1800 Block (3:26 p.m.) A man wearing a black shirt and dirty blue shorts, was harassing customers and asking them for money. San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

The Exchange Club of San Clemente honored the city’s fire and police employees of the year last week. Honorees included (L to R) Jared Streeter, Jim Getz, Craig Covey and Tim Duffy. Photo by Jim Shilander

Sunday, November 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Vaquero/Camino De Los Mares (4:31 p.m.) A subject was being aggressive toward passengers on a bus. WELFARE CHECK Calle Lobina, 2300 Block (2:18 p.m.) A caller reported hearing a disturbance, as well as “slapping sounds” near her location. The caller was concerned there were children in the home who were potentially being abused. FRAUD REPORT El Camino Real, 100 Block (12:46 p.m.) A woman attempted to use fraudulent credit cards. She was carrying multiple cards with a man’s name on them and attempting to use them without identification. The subject was described as being in her 40s with blonde hair. She was last seen on El Camino Real near the StellaLucy Market.

Friday, November 15 DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (9:24 p.m.) A woman reported a bartender groped her before kicking her out of a bar. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Cordoba, 300 Block (11:59 a.m.) A hospital patient threatened to jump off a ledge.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Camino De Estrella, 500 Block (3:35 a.m.) A man appeared to be inebriated at a gas station. The caller reported he was barely

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 2300 Block (9:20 a.m.) A man reported a group of transients was harassing him as well as several of his customers. DISTURBANCE Paseo De Cristobal, 200 Block (12:34 a.m.)

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SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Tinaja, 200 Block (5:19 p.m.) A woman reported her 16-year-old daughter was followed home by a suspicious person. WELFARE CHECK Calle Campana, 600 Block (4:55 p.m.) A female subject posted on a social media site that she is a cutter and possibly suicidal. A concerned informant reported the posting and requested that police check on her safety. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Salvador, 700 Block (4:41 p.m.) Three teenagers were on the cell tower near the reservoir tanks. The caller reported that one had climbed halfway up the tower while the other two were sitting at the top. The girl who had climbed halfway up the tower was described as having brown hair and wearing a tie-dyed shirt. www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 8, Issue 47. The SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Dwight Was Right We worry about small things our taxes pay but big things sometimes go unnoticed

omic Larry the Cable Guy recently asked a hilarious question: “Does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington, but they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country? Maybe we should give each of them a cow.” After I stopped laughing I thought of a second question: For decades we have been paying the CIA $60 billion a year— why are we still looking for the terrorists? Congress’ answer? Order 60 more fighter jets at a price tag of $178 billion. It is important to note that we have more planes than the rest of the world combined and that one fighter has been shot down in the last 40 years.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor just introduced a bill in Congress to get rid of $40 million in food stamps, to help balance the budget. Heck, if they just cut back to 40 new planes we could all WAVELENGTHS get food stamps for a deBy Jim Kempton cade. We spent $3 trillion on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we still think our debt problems come from undocumented aliens and welfare moms. It’s not that I think welfare cheating and sneaking across the border are OK. I just think we need to tackle the 800-pound outof-control gorilla in the room. It is not about the issues of spending that I disagree with. It’s the priorities. If we want real spending control we need to realize what we spend our money for.

These wars brought us an $800 billion dollar deficit. And for perspective, one nuclear sub costs more than all the welfare cheats since the beginning of time. Meanwhile the heroic soldiers doing our forgotten dirty work can’t even get paid because our politicos shut down the government. And even when they do get paid, that $800 billion the military industrial complex spent sure ain’t going to them. Congress is all in a dither over waste; meanwhile losing $25 billion in economic losses because of their shut down. Think there‘s any waste or cheating on military spending by the huge conglomerates that provide defense contracts? If you don’t, I’ve got a great real estate deal to sell you in Baghdad. It’s right next to the weapons of mass destruction we spent 12 years and $3 trillion looking for. “The military industrial complex is the

Letters to the Editor IF PARKING LAWSUIT SUCCEEDS, UNJUST ENRICHMENT SHOULD NOT OCCUR RICARDO NICOL, San Clemente

If the city loses the lawsuit that comes to trial soon, it would have to refund the $10 million Beach Parking Impact Fund to about 6,000 current owners of homes for which the developers paid fees of $750 to $1,500, starting in 1989. But the current owners of the properties may be several ownerships removed from the original buyers and may not even be aware that a beach parking impact fee was paid by the developers. The current homeowners may be the beneficiaries of unjust enrichment if the lawsuit succeeds. The fee was paid to mitigate the impact San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

biggest welfare system the world has ever known. We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” Just ask Dwight Eisenhower. He said it. Jim Kempton holds our talented, resourceful, courageous military personnel in the highest regard. He wishes Congress would listen when pointing out that their pork is frequently unneeded to do the superb job our armed forces perform. 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.

FR OM THE MI ND O F ZELES KI

on beach parking by the occupants of the home, whether owners, renters or visitors. The property was deemed to generate the impact on beach parking, and the fee was paid before the home was occupied. If the city must refund the fees they should accrue to the properties, just like sewer or water connection fees, which are paid before a home is occupied and run with the property. 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. Page 8

www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: By Tom Blake

Heartbreaking News Hits Home Former relative reflects on the discovery of bodies of the missing McStay family

or me, Friday, November 15, 2013, was one of the most difficult days of my life. The reason why is very personal and hard to write about. But, if writing about it helps brings attention to a homicide, I feel I must speak up. In the late 1980s, and early 1990s, I helped raise two stepsons—Joseph “Joey” and Michael “Mikey” McStay. Their mother Susan and I were married for six years. We lived in Dana Point. On February 4, 2010, Joey, his wife Summer and their two young children, ages 4 and 3, disappeared from their north San Diego County home. They left food on the table, their beloved dogs behind and $80,000 in the bank. So it didn’t appear they left voluntarily. However, four days later, their car was found parked in a shopping center near the Mexican border. People speculated they had left on their own. After almost three years of investigating the case, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department decided that’s what had happened, and dropped the investigation. National media featured the case, including “America’s Most Wanted” and

other national shows. People across America were baffled by the family’s disappearance. Almost every day since, I kept hoping that I would hear positive news or Joey would call me saying that he and his Tom Blake family were safe. On Thursday night, November 14, I received a phone call from Mikey. I could tell by the sound of his voice that the news wasn’t good. He said, “They’re all gone.” I couldn’t process his words. I kept asking, “Are you sure?” Earlier in the week, an off-road motorcyclist noticed human bones in the San Bernardino desert near Victorville. He notified authorities, who found the remains of four people in two shallow graves. Dental records confirmed that two of the bodies were Joey and Summer. The other two bodies had not been positively identified at the time, but were presumed to be those of the two boys. A press conference about the case was held Friday morning, November 15, at

the San Bernardino sheriff’s office. The conference was broadcast across the nation. To see my former wife, Susan, and her son, Mikey, in such a state of grief tore my heart apart. I muddled through the rest of the day, unable to process the news, unable to comprehend such a terrible act. It seemed every time I turned on the radio, the television or the Internet, the news regarding the discovery of the McStay family remains was featured. Reality struck at about 3:30 p.m. for me. I was pulling into the shopping center near Del Avion and Golden Lantern streets in Dana Point to have my cell phone inspected at the AT&T store. On KNX radio, Scott Pelly of the CBS-TV national evening news was doing a promo for his show that night. The entire two minutes was devoted to the McStay family. I thought to myself, “Oh my God, I was in this very shopping center at least 25 times with Joey when we lived together.” It just seemed so surreal. Yes, I have spoken to Susan. She said, “I am numb. I never imagined this outcome. I never gave up hope. Now, there’s a new focus on the case.” She’s a brave woman.

The case is now being investigated as a homicide by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Let’s hope whoever murdered this family is brought to justice. EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Blake is the owner of Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point and the regular contributor of the bi-monthly column in the San Clemente Times, “On Life and Love After 50.” In the late 1980s, Tom was married to Susan McStay, mother of Joseph McStay, whose remains along with his wife, Summer, and two young boys, Gianni and Joseph Jr., were found in San Bernardino County on Monday, November 11. Using dental records, authorities confirmed the identities of Joseph and Summer last Friday. The family lived in San Clemente where Joseph owned a business. The McStay’s moved to San Diego County shortly before their disappearance in February 2010. 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

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES: ‘DALLAS BUYERS CLUB’ HIGHLIGHTS AIDS CRISIS Nine months after Steven Soderbergh’s Side Effects, Jean-Marc Vallée’s Dallas Buyers Club blasts the pharmaceutical industry and medical profession again. Side Effects was a story set in the present day about the abuse of prescription meds while Dallas Buyers Club is based on a real moment in time when hospitals were giving AIDS victims a less reliable drug while denying them superior, but unapproved, medicine. In 1985, womanizing cowboy and cocaine addict Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) is admitted to a Dallas hospital after an electric shock, only be told he is HIV-positive and has only one month to live. Determined to stay alive and beat the illness, Ron teams up with a transgender AIDS victim named Rayon (Jared Leto) to trade and sell their own supply of foreign meds from Mexico and Asia. That is until the Federal Drug Administration sets out to bring them down. Jennifer Garner plays a local doctor who wants to help Ron medically and personally. Griffin Dunne and Steve Zahn also co-star. McConaughey is already getting award attention for his tour-de-force performance, but it’s Leto and Garner who shine throughout the movie. With this film, Vallée, most famous for the period piece The Young Victoria (2009), makes a successful move to a contemporary setting. Some nice quick cuts and a painful ringing effect used when Ron feels sick add drama. Dallas Buyers Club joins Philadelphia (1993) as one of the essential portrayals of living with HIV/AIDS. —Megan Bianco

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

Courtesy artwork

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

thursday

AN EVENING WITH MARTIN SHORT 8 p.m. A special performance by the acclaimed comedian and one-man show in Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $39. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

TARYN DONATH 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. FARM TO FORK: ADULT COOKING CLASS 6 p.m.8:30 p.m. Visit The Ecology Center to explore the garden, harvest and prepare a meal alongside a professional chef. For 18 and older. Cost $40-$50. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org. VON COTTON 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com. CAR WASH 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Support the staff of Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute by getting your car washed at the shopping center off Pico in San Clemente near Carl’s Jr. and Michaels. More info: 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. TRAIN YOUR BRAIN 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Free workshop on brain dominance control for athletics and academics based on research and led by Dr. Calvin Ross, of Ross Wellness Center, at the El Toro Library. 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, www.trainyourbrains.com.

friday

HART & SOUL 7 p.m.-10 p.m. The popular musicians perform at Adele’s. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

BILLY WATSON 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

THANKSGIVING WINE PAIRING EVENT 5 p.m.11 p.m. Flights of the prefect wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal at San Clemente Wine Company. Tasting includes complimentary cheese plate and chocolate. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com. POUL PEDERSEN 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting starting at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. FRED’S ACOUSTIC LIVE 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Fred’s every Friday and Saturday. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.218.8508, www.fredsmexicancafe.com. SONIC PARK 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com. NATE HANCOCK 8 p.m. Live music and dinner at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. THE UNTOUCHABLES 9 p.m. Live ska/reggae at StillWater Spirits and Sounds. $5. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. SHADES OF J 9 p.m. Live music at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TOTEM 8 p.m. Special performance at the Orange County Great Park. Shows through December 29. Tickets online. 6950 Marine Way, Irvine, 866.829.3829, www.cirquedusoleil.com.

saturday

RUN OR DYE O.C. 8 a.m. Run in the world’s most colorful 5K in which you get doused with color at the Orange County Great Park. Entry fee $57 each. 6950 Marine way, Irvine, 801.981.4235, www.runordye.com.

SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 The fourth annual surf competition at Salt Creek where you can dress up like Santa and raise money for Surfers Healing and children with autism. Entry $60. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, www.surfingsantacontest.org. Page 10

CHRISTMAS AND FALL DECOR SALE 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shopping event with seasonal and holiday decorative items at St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. 202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, 949.492.3401, www.scbythesea.org. LUXURY DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari presents whale watching on a new luxury power catamaran with stateof-the-art research equipment. Call for departure times. Trips are 2.5 hours. $65. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828,www.dolphinsafari.com. SATURDAY PRODUCE BASKET 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Saturday get fresh-picked $20 veggie/fruit baskets at Villagio Giardino at the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.697.0032, www.vrgreenfarms.com/Basket. CAPO BAY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MEETING 10:30 a.m.-noon. Meeting open to the public at the Dana Point Library on the topic of money in politics. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.492.7675. THEO & THE ZYDECO PATROL 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. SASHA EVANS 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting starting at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. AL JARREAU 10 a.m.-noon. Seven-time Grammy Awardwinning vocalist Al Jarreau will be at Saddleback College for the “Breakfast with Gary and Kelly” radio for TV broadcast. A studio audience will be welcomed in for the show in McKinney Theater. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu. NATE HANCOCK 8 p.m. Live music and dinner at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. RUM SOAKED RAISINS 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com. MARC FORD 9 p.m. Live music at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com. (Cont. on page 15) www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) MYTHBUSTERS: BEHIND THE MYTHS TOUR 7:30 p.m. All-new, live stage show that features on-stage experiments, audience participation, video and behindthe-scenes stories at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

On Stage at The Coach House:

MARK CHESNUTT

sunday

SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL’S WINTER FANTASY 10 a.m.6 p.m. The 23rd annual winter art festival with 175 artists displaying and selling original creations with holiday specials including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing and more. Final day December 15. Admission $3-$6. Sawdust Festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030, www.sawdustartfestival.org.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine. ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING 4 p.m. Holiday music, an appearance by Santa, a toy drive and more, topped off with the tree-lighting at the RitzCarlton. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com. MOZART, SCHUBERT AND MORE 3 p.m. Performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $65. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org. GOT UKULELE? 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Ukulele players and fans are invited to a Hawaiian music lesson and jam session every Sunday. Call for location and details. 949.829.2675, www.ekanikapilakakou.com. HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. Meet at the depot platform for the Historical Society’s guided tour of San Juan Capistrano. Every Sunday. Cost $2-$4. More info: 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com. BACKTRACK 6 p.m. Dance party with live music at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. ELLIOT ON PIANO 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. MIKE HAMILTON Noon-4 p.m. Live music at Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.missiongrillsjc.com.

Mark Chesnutt. Courtesy photo

monday

MACARON CLASS 5 p.m. A special French macaron class with Chef Kat at The Cellar. Cost $65. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Get on stage at BeachFire for karaoke behind a cloud of theatrical smoke, every Monday. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

tuesday

HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING Noon and 2 p.m. Two-hour whale watching adventures are half-price year-round at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Cost $22.50. Times may vary. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

DREAMBROTHER 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. ALICE COOPER 7:30 p.m. One of rock music‘s most theatrical superstars in his Raise The Dead Tour at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $49. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

ark Chesnutt is set to take the stage at The Coach House, Friday, November 22, as part of a five-show tour through California. Chesnutt hit the country scene in the early 1990s with his debut album Too Cold at Home and has since released a staggering 15 full-length albums. Chesnutt’s musical resume includes 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records—not to mention a substantial amount of radio play on traditional and satellite radio. What’s next for this 30-year veteran of the music industry? Chesnutt said he loves releasing singles, his main focus of late, but he also has a new CD in the works. He also expressed excitement about the California leg of his tour. “I love playing in California, the people in California always stood by me,” Chestnutt said. “I have a strong core audience (here) and I’ll do what it takes to keep my fans happy.” Skyline Drive will open for Chesnutt. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased, along with dinner reservations, online at www.thecoachhouse.com or by calling 949.496.8930. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. SC —Victor Carno SADDLEBACK COLLEGE CHOIR’S CHARITY CONCERT 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Community Chorale and Concert Choir present a free Christmas performance that will benefit Mary’s Kitchen in the form of donations from the audience. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

wednesday

FAM’S THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY DINNER AND ADOPTA-FAMILY 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Annual Thanksgiving meal for people in need at the San Clemente Community Center. Volunteers welcome. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.8477. ext. 115, www.family-assitance.org.

LIVE COMEDY 9 p.m. Live music at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com. LIVE OAK REVIEW 9 p.m. Indie rock at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

S a n C le m e n te

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

Business Beat

BY JIM SHILANDER

News and updates on San Clemente’s business community MILESTONE San Clemente Orthopedic Rehabilitation, 653 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 110, 949.496.0122, www.scorpt.com Daniel Souza of San Clemente Orthopedic Rehabilitation, or SCOR Physical Therapy, said recent developments in health care have seen some of the biggest changes of his career, which now spans 25 years in San Clemente. “Health care has changed a lot, we’ve had to learn a ton the last few years,” Souza said. “I’ve certainly loved working in the area, but the last two or three years have been very difficult.” Specifically, insurance companies have cut back on reimbursements as a result of u

the Affordable Care Act, he said. Knowing the changes were coming, Souza recently completed a doctorate degree in physical therapy to further enhance his practice. The rehabilitation gym has also been expanded and modified, utilizes state-of-theart equipment and provides a positive and healing environment for his patients. Staff members are chosen based not only on their physical therapy expertise, but also on their caring nature and attentiveness, Souza said. “The reason we’ve been so successful for 25 years is our culture, where customer service is primary. Also, since 1988 we have been providing sports medicine services to San Clemente High School,” said Souza. “All these things have helped make SCOR an integral part of this community.” Souza opened his offices in San Clemente in 1988, and added a satellite office in Rancho Santa Margarita in 1992.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Daniel Souza, physical therapist and owner of SCOR Physical Therapy in San Clemente, celebrates 25 years in business. Photo by Andrea Swayne

San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

u Three Dog Bakery, 174 B Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.3364, www.threedog.com Denise O’Connell says the very short move Three Dog Bakery has made allows for a fresh start for the business. The store recently completed its move one door down from its previous location. “It’s actually a little smaller, but it’s allowed us to design from scratch,” O’Connell said. “There’s more going on in the store.” O’Connell said the new location also gives her business better line of sight, both to and from the street, as well as inside the store. Three Dog Bakery will celebrate its grand re-opening Saturday, November 30, the night of the annual Puttin’ on the Glitz event put on by the Downtown Business Association.

Page 16

TURKEY TROT TRADITION LIVES ON Military discount offered for Thanksgiving Day races By Andrea Papagianis San Clemente Times

ith the turkey in the oven and Santa Claus rolling down New York City’s 34th Street in the annual Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving morning, thousands will gather for Dana Point’s guilt-free, calorie burning holiday tradition. In its 36th year, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s annual Turkey Trot races will bring more than 15,000 participants to the Dana Point Harbor on Thursday, November 28 to share in a Southern California holiday custom benefitting area nonprofits. Each year, the chamber donates a portion of their proceeds to charitable organizations, and this year’s chosen four—the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, Family Assistance Ministries and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934—will have a little extra help for their services

Local Real Estate By Local Experts

benefitting youth, families and members of the military, both past and present, throughout the holidays. Online registration for the 5K, 10K and kids Gobble Wobble is available at www. turkeytrot.com, but closes on Monday, November 25 at 11:55 p.m., when race entry fees increase by $10. Now through race day, veterans and active duty members of the military will receive a 50 percent discount on their registration. Participants can register onsite starting Wednesday, November 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Dana Marina Plaza, located on the northwest corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern. The plaza will also be home to participant packet pick-ups and a two-day health and wellness expo hosted by Keurig®. Race-day registration opens at 6 a.m., with the first race kicking off at 7 a.m. So, get there early to register, gear up and warm up to “run the race before you stuff your face.” SC

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• In San Clemente over the last 90 days, the average price of all closed sales was Jeremy Conrad almost $850,000 949.542.8348 • Over 91% of purchase loans in 2013 Jconrad@conradrealestate.com were Fixed, 15YR or 30 YR mortgages • The average market time before a Bill Conrad home sells is less than 2.5 months for 949.542.8349 all homes sold in Orange County BillC@conradrealestate.com • There are only about 250 Bank or Short sales on the market in all of Orange County, compared to over 4,000 in 2011 and over 5,800 in 2008 • Over 90% of Orange County sales are standard/normal sales, compared to It’s time to expect more… under 40% back in 2009 since 1963.

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

Christmas Creep I t’s my favorite time of year. I think. I’m a bit confused about what time of year it is exactly. My calendar tells me Halloween’s over, even though I’m still finding secretly stashed candy. My turkey’s ordered and preparations are underway for Thanksgiving next week, but Santa’s already shimmied down the chimney and landed in the mall. Borrowing a line from singer Robin Thicke, I hate these “blurred lines.” The calendar confusion can be blamed on what’s commonly called the “Christmas Creep.” It isn’t a new phenomenon, but one that continues to expand and extend its tentacles to reach retail stores before Halloween goblins are gone. This year’s earlier than usual arrival of the Christmas Creep is attributed to an abbreviated holiday shopping season. Last year we had 32 days and five weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas to shop. This year, retailers have just 26 days and only four weekends to compete for our Christmas cash. Six days less on the shopping calendar causes marketing madness, since many retailers realize as much as 20 to 50 percent of their yearly sales come during the holiday season. Most big brand stores kicked off their shopping season weeks ago, foregoing the traditional sales bonanza on Black Friday. Nordstrom remains one of the last department stores immune to the Christmas Creep and waits until the day after Thanksgiving to display their holiday decorations. I’m blaming Costco for leading the charge of the Creep. I remember shopping at Costco in late August for school supplies, and when I returned a couple weeks later, Christmas had crept in with toys, trees and all the trimmings. On November 1, for its 16th year, Starbucks signaled the start of the holiday season when they rolled out their iconic red cups that customers covet as much as the craved eggnog lattes they contain. Retailers aren’t the only ones caught up in the Christmas Creep. The great Christmas

tree race began early too. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is generally acknowledged as a national symbol of holiday commencement and on November 8, the 76-foottall Norway spruce arLIFE’S A BEACH rived from Connecticut to By Shelley Murphy take its place on the plaza. San Clemente—or as it’s renamed this time of year, Santa’s Village by the Sea— started decorating the first week of November by wrapping strands of holiday lights around trees lining Avenida Del Mar. At least the city’s holding off on its tree lighting ceremony until December 7, when it hosts the annual Holly Jolly Hoopla featuring snow sledding and a visit from Santa. Casa Romantica celebrates Christmas at the Casa on December 7 too. I love the festive trees, twinkling lights and merry carolers. I just like them better after hurdling the Thanksgiving holiday— and statistics say I’m not alone. According to a recent holiday readiness survey of 2,500 Americans, by technology and performance testing company SOASTA, Inc., 75 percent of people say stores shouldn’t deck their halls until after the last piece of pumpkin pie is served on Thanksgiving Day. December 25 occurs only once a year, but the season’s blurred lines stretch the holiday to span almost three months of our 12-month calendar. The Christmas Creep is a snowy, slippery slope. At this pace, it’s only a matter of time until we see patriotic Fourth of July parade routes lined with candy canes and hear Uncle Sam shout, “Ho-Ho-Ho!” 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

YOU’RE INVITED! 8 a.m. Friday, November 22

at Café Calypso San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker will be the guest at this week’s chat, where readers are invited to come and discuss goings on around the city. For the remainder of the year, Beachside Chat will be held nearly every Friday (except the Fridays after Thanksgiving and Christmas) at Café Calypso. Page 17

Mayor Bob Baker and wife Pam at the San Clemente High School Homecoming Parade earlier this fall. Photo by Jim Shilander

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SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Tritons Pee Wee Red Wins Orange Bowl, Eyes Nationals

The South Coast Tritons Junior Pee Wee Red football team is inching closer toward the National Pop Warner Super Bowl. Wins over Lake Havasu and La Verne-San Dimas in the Wescon Regional Tournament have set the stage for the Tritons to play against the Carson Ravens in the third round on November 23 at Estancia High School at 10 a.m. If the Tritons win, the team will advance to the Pop Warner Super Bowl in December. The Tritons advanced to the re-

The South Coast Tritons Junior Pee Wee Red football team, along with their cheerleaders, will play against Carson Ravens on November 23. Courtesy photo

gional tournament by winning the Pop Warner Orange Bowl on November 3. The team beat Huntington Beach

Gold Chargers 18-16. Members of the South Coast Tritons Junior Pee Wee Red include: Preston Rex, Garrett Phillips, Morgan Taylor, Bradley Armstrong, Jake Brown, Thomas McCorkle, Joey Hobert, Jimmy Cooney, Tyler Folsom, Collin Karns, Daniel Armijo, London Hannah, Maxwell Pastel, Mason Chavez, Eugene Trichell, Giovanni True, Foster McCarty, Brayden Burnes, Nathan Puckett, Ryan Mason and Dylan Mihele. — San Clemente Times

Travis Wilson Out for Season, Future Uncertain By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

tah quarterback Travis Wilson will not suit up for another game this season, and possibly never again. In a press release issued by the University of Utah Monday, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham announced that the sophomore quarterback, and product of San Clemente High School, will be shut down for the remainder of the year after a “pre-existing neurological condition” was discovered during a post-concussion test. Wilson suffered a concussion during the first quarter of the Utes game against Arizona State University on November 9. “He didn’t have any symptoms during the game or after the game, so it wasn’t apparent that it was a concussion. It was the next day that a headache and some things started to surface,” Whittingham said in the transcript. Wilson’s symptoms prompted a concussion test, during which he was given an angiogram, which uncovered what

Whittingham described as a “pre-existing problem.” “Travis is done for the season … It could be career ending. We’ll find out. We won’t know for certain for several months,” Whittingham added. “The way I understand it, this is not a life-threatening condition, but it may put him at higher risk because of it, if he were to continue to play. But that is still to be determined.” Wilson was having an up and down season in his second year as the Utes full-time starter. He rallied the team to a 4-1 start to the season, highlighted by a win over in-state rival Brigham Young University on September 21. Wilson and the Utes toppled then-No. 5 Stanford on October 12 before losing three straight to Arizona, USC and Arizona State, respectively. Wilson started nine games for Utah in 2013, completing 56 percent of his passes for 1,827 yards, 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He had 81 carries for 481 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground. SC

SC Girls Soccer Fundraiser Pulls in $5,000

ver the past several months the San Clemente girls soccer squad held a textile recycling fundraiser, collecting unwanted clothes, shoes, bags and bedding. On November 19, they pooled it all together and came up with 1,500 bags of clothing that will translate to around $5,000 worth of material. The Tritons teamed up with Compassion Clothing, a division of OC Textile Recycling, which will distribute the clothes to countries such as India and the Philippines. SC

San Clemente Times November 21–27, 2013

The San Clemente girls soccer team with their collected bags of used clothes. Courtesy photo

The San Clemente girls and boys cross country team posing after their CIF-SS Prelim meet. Courtesy photo

Triton Report By Steve Breazeale

TRITONS GIRLS X-C TAKE SECOND IN CIF-SS PRELIMS A strong showing from senior Melissa Eisele and junior Kelsey Carroll at the CIF-SS Prelims on November 16 helped vault the San Clemente girls cross country team into the CIF-SS Finals. Eisele posted a time of 18:09 in Division 1 Race 7 to earn second-place. Carroll finished in eighth. The Tritons benefitted from solid performances by senior Sydney Szabo (17th), freshman Isabella Alston (24th) and junior Katie Carroll (28th) to put the Tritons in second-place as a team. For their efforts the girls squad will compete in the CIF-SS Finals on November 23 in Walnut. The Tritons are attempting to qualify for the State Championship meet for an eighth consecutive year.

Page 18

BOYS CROSS COUNTY FINISHES SEVENTH AT PRELIMS The top six runners for the San Clemente boys cross country team were able to finish in a pack at the CIF-SS Prelims on November 16 but in the end, their seventhplace finish as a team was not enough to advance them to the next level of competition. It was the first time the boys squad had advanced to the prelims in 18 years. The Tritons top six finished within 20 seconds of one another and they were paced by Connor Dunne’s time of 16:38. Dunne finished 50th overall. Matthew Shelton (52), Matthew Parker (60), Sean Riley (64), Jeremy Brady (72) and Joshua Vollebregt (73) finished behind him. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL SEASON ENDS IN CIF-SS SECOND ROUND The San Clemente girls volleyball season came to an end on November 14 following a three set sweep at the hands of Lakewood in the CIF-SS Division 1AA Championships second round. The Tritons were defeated 25-16, 26-24, and 25-21. Cali Hoye had 10 kills to lead the way for the Tritons, who advanced to the second round after toppling Beckman 3-1 in the first round. www.sanclementetimes.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING

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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

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

PSYCHOLOGISTS 949.361.9656

REAL ESTATE

MANAGEMENT - HOA AMMCOR 949.661.7767 910 Calle Negocio, Ste. 200, www.AMMCOR.com

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

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

MATTRESSES

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

ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com www.sandyandrich.com

ART GALLERIES

RESTAURANTS

MOLD REMOVAL

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

BOOKS

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

MORTGAGES

Village Books 949.492.1114 Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209 99 Avenida Serra, www.DowntownSanClemente.com Equity Coast Mortgage, a division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, www.equitycoastmortgage.com CHOCOLATE/CANDY 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

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949.350.4692 Kevin

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949.361.9656

DENTISTS 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

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric www.arcadiaelectric.com

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

Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4

949.366.9386

ROOFING CONTRACTORS Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias

949.498.6204

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 Salon Bleu 949.366.2060 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com 207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com

MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School www.danmans.com

949.496.6556

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

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

949.492.5589

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

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

TERMITES

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

PEST CONTROL

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

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION

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Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 949.492.3459 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

PHARMACIES

Sea View Pharmacy 949.492.5589 665 Camino De Los Mares, #101 www.seaviewpharmacy.com

949.496.0123

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

PLUMBING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

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A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345 Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 WINDOW CLEANING HAIR SALONS 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com Kreative Hair Design 173 Avenida Serra

949.498.6245

949.496.9731

PRESCHOOLS

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

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

Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.492.5589

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

PRINTING

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.215.2323

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION 949.498.1025

Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.444.6323

WINDOW TINTING

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

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FOR SALE PILLOW TOP MATTRESS & BOX SPRING. Brand New. Never Used. Still in Manufacturers sealed plastic with warranty. $195 Call 949.436.6850

GARAGE SALES FUND RAISER - NEW AND GENTLY USED CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS - GIFT ITEMS FOR ALL AGES Saturday Nov 23, 9:00 AM to 1 PM. Good prices - all items must be sold Saturday one day sale. St. Clements Episcopal Church 202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, across street from Max Berg Park. GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 7:00AM. 307 Acebo Lane, San Clemente.

SALONS

949.361.1045 Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

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

949.293.3236

CLASSIFIEDS

949.215.2323

GARAGE SALE!!! San Clemente 11/23 8AM2PM. Something for everyone! Just moved in-not enough room! Appliances, Furniture, Toys, Clothing, etc. 706 Calle Cumbre

OBITUARY

Harriet Elisabeth Arvan McCusker Harriet Elisabeth Arvan McCusker died peacefully in her sleep November 12th at her home of 49 years in Capistrano Beach. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Knearl McCusker, beloved daughter, Suzanne McCusker-Brunet, and sister, Eleanor Heim. Beloved mother of Michael McCusker, (Diana), Janine McCusker, Marianne McCusker-Stellar, Dianne McCusker-Leauber, and Donn McCusker, (Summer Lixia). Loving grandmother to Amy Rabine, (Jeremy), Sterling Breckenridge, (Tiffany), Diana Weeks (Christopher), Scott Brunet, Richard Brewer, Tiffany Phipps, Brian Brunet, (Leah), Paloma Moen, Matthew Moen, Chanel Moen, Kelly Brunet and Ella McCusker. Cherished greatgrandmother to Jaxon Breckenridge, Madeline Breckenridge, Christian Phipps, Isabella Phipps, and Emma Rabine. She is survived by her brother, Pastor William Arvan, (Patricia) and many nieces and nephews. Harriet was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she taught herself to ice skate, and after graduation at age 17, joined an ice skating review, where she met her husband, Knearl. They soon joined the Ice Follies and married in 1943. Family and friends will remember her as a person of “Service to Others”. Private Family Burial on Friday, November 22nd. Family and Friends are invited to Memorial at Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave. Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 Saturday, November 23rd, at 11am.

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San Clemente Times November 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, 2013

Page 21

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SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

GROM OF THE WEEK JAKE SHIROKE

Age: 14, San Clemente High School Jake Shiroke is a self-taught shortboarder who said learning to surf was just a natural part of growing up in San Clemente. Always eager to try something new, he decided to take up the sport after watching the surfers and deciding that it looked like a lot of fun. Jake was a member of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team for two years. He now surfs every day, usually at T Street or Lowers. Jake has entered a few local surf contests here and there but is planning on making his competition series debut in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour next season. This San Clemente High School freshman will also try out for the school surf team as either a sophomore or junior. Jake’s other favorite activJake Shiroke. Courtesy photo ity is soccer, a sport he has been playing for six years. His San Clemente United club team—for which he plays in the forward position—was a top five finisher in the Coastal Soccer League this year. Jake will be trying out for the SCHS soccer team this year as well. In school, he is a college-bound, straight-‘A’ student who hopes to attend UCLA after graduation. He also intends to make travel a part of his future and dreams of surfing all over the world, Indonesia being at the top of his list. “Having fun in the water and being with my friends is the best thing about surfing,” Jake said. “I also like the challenge. Every time I paddle out I try to improve each maneuver I do.” –Andrea Swayne

Ensuring Natural History, Surf Culture Live On Doheny Surf Fest organizers donate $10,000 to preservation efforts at Doheny State Beach By Andrea Papagianis San Clemente Times

RESULTS Local finishers only. SC=San Clemente. NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer, Event No. 7, November 16, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Seaside Reef MEN: 2. Dylan Sonderegger, SC; 4. Dawson Tarnowski, SC. BOYS: 1. Cole Houshmand, SC. MENEHUNE: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Ryan Martin, SC. SUPER GROMS: 2. Taj Lindblad, SC. WOMEN: 5. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS: 2. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 6. Samantha Sibley, SC. LONGBOARD: 3. Jaric Fink, SC.

ong-time surfers dedicated to educational efforts at Doheny State Beach welcomed a $10,000 check Monday from organizers of the second annual Doheny Surf Festival. “This contribution will go a long way toward supporting our ongoing education and interpretive programs,” said Ed Neely, board member with the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association. DSBIA is a nonprofit that coordinates with California State Parks to conserve the beaches, facilities, and natural refuge of the park, as well as the historical, cultural and social stories of Doheny. This year’s Doheny Surf Festival helped the association do just that, as it highlighted all things surf and directly benefitted the state beach and DSBIA. “DSBIA, in conjunction with Utopia Entertainment, hit one out of the ballpark … by getting back to the basics and restoring the good aloha vibes,” said State Park Superintendent III Richard Haydon, who oversees operations at Doheny, San Clemente and San Onofre state beaches. On Monday morning, members of the

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

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SURF FORECAST

Steve Stirrett (right), of the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, accepts a $10,000 check from Norman Kahn, CEO of Utopia Entertainment, the Doheny Surf Festival organizer. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

DSBIA board gathered at the Doheny Visitor’s Center, which has been undergoing renovations for nearly six years, to accept the donation. While the center is inching toward completion, park officials are tight-lipped on when the doors will open to visitors. “This check, along with donations from other area organizations, have helped get the center this far, and will continue to sup-

port outreach and educational efforts for years to come,” Neely said. Organizers are getting a jump start on planning next year’s surf festival, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29 at Doheny State Beach. To find out more about the DSBIA and Doheny Surf Festival, visit www.dohenystatebeach.org and www.dohenysurffest.com. SC

Water Temperature: 61-64 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’ Poor-Fair Immediate: Northwest windswell is up slightly on Thursday, as minor Southern Hemi swell blends in. Most breaks offer continued ankle-knee-thigh high (1-2’+) waves, while standout spots pull in plus sets to waist high (3’) at times. Light+ onshore winds in the morning pick up out of the west to northwest through the afternoon. Long Range Outlook: Small Southern Hemi energy continues through the weekend along with small northwest swell. Expect mainly ankle-knee-thigh high waves (12’+) for better breaks then, with potential larger sets for combo magnets. Favorable conditions may return Friday, then continue through the weekend. Check out Surfline. com for all the details!