January 30, 2014

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE J A N U A RY 3 0 - F E B R U A RY 5 , 2 0 1 4

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VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5

City Loses Beach Parking Suit More than $10 million ordered to be paid back to residents EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

The city has lost a lawsuit over its fund to build beach parking to reflect the city’s population growth. The ruling may mean a refund of more than $10.5 million to residents who built homes in the city’s non-coastal zone. Photo by Brian Park

www.sanclementetimes.com

Talega Residents Win CUSD Vote on Refinancing

‘Lone Survivor’ Film has San Clemente Connection

Unique Football Camp Begins Saturday at SCHS

EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SC LIVING/PAGE 9

SPORTS/PAGE 10

EYE ON SC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A drunken driver of a red Mercedes Benz crashed into the outdoor dining area of the historic El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant on Sunday, Jan. 19, causing minor structural damage, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman. Three patrons, who were dining just a few feet from the accident, were unharmed, said Lt. Gary Strachan. Authorities were notified of the incident at around 7 p.m. The Mercedes plowed through a metal guard rail, coming to a stop after striking a brick pillar. “The guard rail was wrapped around the front of (the car),” said Chris Ingerson, general manager of the restaurant. “There were three people that were sitting here. If it wasn’t for (the pillar), they would have been hit.” The driver, identified in the sheriff’s blotter as 61-year-old Jose Santiago Brema, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.

DANA POINT

NEWS

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

Nearly a week after the city’s Jan. 15 application deadline for vacation rental permits, speakers from Niguel Beach Terrace urged City Council last week to recognize their applications. The city has so far denied permits in the condo community because the neighborhood’s covenants, conditions and restrictions do not allow vacation rentals, City Attorney Patrick Munoz said. But speaker after speaker contested this, pressing the city to issue permits or lose out on revenues.

Munoz said the city’s rental ordinances were structured to give neighborhoods the right to choose, and added that homeowners needed to vet the issue internally. Multiple owners mentioned a recent HOA rule allowing vacation rentals. But with the homeowners association’s CC&R reading, “No owner shall be allowed to lease his unit for hotel and transient purposes,” according to Munoz, that rule is invalid.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…the Talega CFD Re-vote?

THE LATEST: Talega residents received good news Wednesday, Jan. 22 as the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees decided to refund taxpayers about $17 million from a refinancing of the area’s community finance district—or MelloRoos—between 2014 and 2033.

Board members voted in August to keep the Mello-Roos funds for at least one year, citing facilities needs at San Clemente High School. Talega residents, angered by the decision, organized and asked for a rehearing. It was granted last month.

Along with a number of residents, San Clemente Mayor Tim Brown urged the board to return the money. He said he understood elected officials were dealing with “an infinite amount of needs and desires” with finite financial resources.

WHAT’S NEXT: Residents have also asked the board to re-examine a 2006 refinancing that could provide an additional return. Residents discovered the refinancing should have reduced their tax burden by $4.7 million.

Superintendent Joseph Farley said he hopes to provide the refund. Because the 2006 refinancing was passed, it will not require a second vote, but district staff will investigate the motion to determine the prior board’s intent.

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

– Jim Shilander

2

…Alpay’s Mello-Roos Recusal?

THE LATEST: Some Talega residents are questioning Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustee President John Alpay’s recusal decision during a debate San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

on a recent refinancing of one of the development’s two Mello-Roos community finance districts.

Alpay has recused himself at previous board meetings, including the Jan. 22 meeting, saying he was advised by counsel that, as a Talega resident who owns property in the development, his vote could compromise any action taken by the board.

Some of the Talega residents who petitioned the board for a rehearing viewed his decision differently.

Andrea Ewell said it was clear to her that Alpay should have chosen not to recuse himself. Alpay lives in a portion of Talega not covered by the community finance district in question, she said.

“He did not have to recuse himself. He chose to recuse himself,” Ewell wrote in an email. “San Clemente taxpayers were left without representation. John Alpay chose not to represent the taxpayers who voted him into office.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Alpay said he was told a vote could be reversed if he had participated.

“I was advised by staff that I should recuse myself,” Alpay said in an email. “If I had participated in the matter and the Fair Political Practices Commission later determined that I should not have participated, then the vote would have been null and void and taxpayers would not realize any savings.”

FIND OUT MORE: For news updates, follow @S_C_Times on Twitter. – JS

3

…the Chamber’s New Home?

THE LATEST: The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will soon be moving to a new home in the Talega Business Park, chamber President Lynn Wood confirmed.

The chamber’s new offices are located at 1231 Puerta del Sol. Wood said escrow on the building closed Wednesday.

Chamber and city staff were engaged in discussions on extending the chamber’s rental agreement at the city-owned building at 11 N. El Camino Real. But chamber leaders decided to make the move and secure the Talega property rather than wait to come to an agreement with the city.

nent U.S. resident was also apprehended.

The man was driving a commercial truck carrying cars. Anomalies in two of the cars, both Acura makes, were discovered using X-ray equipment. Agents searched both vehicles and found false compartments in the rear bumpers. The compartments were filled with bundles of currency totaling almost $1.5 million, an agency release said.

Both the vehicles and cash were seized by the agency.

WHAT’S NEXT: Wood said the move should be completed by the end of February. Contrary to previous statements, the chamber will continue to serve as the city’s tourism bureau despite its new location. Wood also said that while the location is away from downtown, it is more central to the city’s population.

WHAT’S NEXT: The man in the cocaine bust, vehicle and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency for prosecution.

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

4

…the Border Patrol Busts?

THE LATEST: A pair of busts at the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol checkpoint south of San Clemente led to the seizure of more than $8 million in illegal drugs and cash Friday.

U.S. Border Patrol agents seized 670 pounds of cocaine, worth $6.7 million, at the Interstate 5 checkpoint early Friday morning, according to an agency release.

The cocaine was discovered after an immigration inspection led to the arrest of a 54-year-old male Mexican national, who lied to agents and claimed he was a U.S. citizen.

Agents searched the man’s vehicle and discovered large cardboard boxes, each containing several wrapped packages of cocaine, 53 in all.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday, a 27-year-old Uzbeki national and perma-

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FIND OUT MORE: For updates, “Like” the San Clemente Times on Facebook. – JS

5

…the Rancho San Juan Apartments?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council rejected a proposed apartment complex near San Juan Hills High School Tuesday, Jan 21. That rejection may allow for expansion of the school, which Talega children are slated to attend once Avenida La Pata is completed.

Residents of the city voiced concerns that students from San Juan Capistrano might be pushed out of the school to allow students from Talega and Ladera Ranch in, since those developments helped fund construction of the facility. San Juan students might then have been forced to attend other surrounding high schools, including San Clemente High School.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Capistrano Unified School District Board has expressed an interest in making a move on the property in order to secure space to expand the school.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. sanclementetimes.com – JS and Brian Park www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, January 30 Business Networking Luncheon 11:30 a.m. Chamber meeting at Beach Garden Café. Cost $15 for lunch. 618 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Friday, January 31 Dark Friday City offices closed; 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Saturday, February 1 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.

Sunday, February 2 San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

Monday, February 3 Trail Clearing & Weeding 7:30 a.m.– 9:30 a.m. Spend time in the beautiful outdoors and volunteer to clear/maintain trails at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Free. 949.923.2210, www.theconservancy.org.

Tuesday, February 4 After School Club 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Crafts, stories and more for kids 5 and older at the San Clemente Library 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

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 Avenida Del Presidente, 6463.toastmastersclubs.org.

NEWS BITES

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Community Resource Center Seeking Volunteers The Community Resource Center of San Clemente needs volunteers to help with the movement to end hunger. The center is looking to package more than 10,000 meals on Saturday, Feb. 8. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Resource Center of San Clemente, in the lower level of the San Clemente Presbyterian Church at 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella. For more information, contact Suzanne Ansari at 949.303.0353 or via email info@crcsc.org.

Woman’s Club Presents Funds to Elementary Schools The San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club presented San Clemente’s six elementary schools (Concordia Elementary, Vista del Mar Elementary, Truman Benedict Elementary, Clarence Lobo Elementary, Las Palmas Elementary and Marblehead Elementary) with donation checks totaling $4,080 Monday, Jan. 13. This donation was made possible by proceeds raised at the 2013 Holiday Boutique. For the past four years, local elementary schools have been the beneficiary of this event.

Kiwanis Meeting Noon. The club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

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

French Conversation Club 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. Come and chat at Cafe Calypso every Wednesday; no fees, no registration.

114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.493.5228.

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

The San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club recently presented funds to the principals of San Clemente’s six elementary schools. Courtesy photo

Huffman Feted at Pratt San Clemente resident Amanda Huffman, a student at the Pratt Institute, in New York City, was among more than 1,000 students who made the President’s List in the Fall 2013 semester. Recipients are defined as students whose term grade point average is 3.6 or higher and who have completed 12 or more credits in that term with no incomplete grades.

Blue Ribbon Week to be Held Feb. 7 Through 14 Blue Ribbon Week—originally brought to uties saying an unknown man had called his 17-year-old daughter out of school.

The father said that he had just located his daughter’s car in front of a 20-year-old man’s house, but did not know the exact address of the house.

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real/Avenida Del Mar (6:29 a.m.) A concerned citizen contacted authorities after witnessing a homeless man inspecting a door knob and door jam. The witness said it looked like the man was trying to break into the building. The man was described to be wearing a dark, heavy jacket with the hood up.

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.

Monday, January 27

Tuesday, January 28

Wednesday, February 5

Compiled by Jim Shilander

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Algodon, 100 Block (9:22 a.m.)

A woman had been arrested for an outstanding warrant over the weekend. After her release, she contacted deputies saying the owner of the motel she and her family had been staying at decided to kick her out even though she had paid the month’s rent.

KEEP THE PEACE Camino San Clemente/Via Socorro (8:29 a.m.) A concerned father called dep-

MISSING JUVENILE Avenida Santa Margarita, 300 Block (4:02 p.m.) A woman said her 15-year-old daughter had jumped out of the window of their residence and was walking away on foot toward Trestles surf spots. The daughter was described as being 5-feet 11-inches tall, with long brown hair and blonde streaks and wearing a “Bride of Frankenstein” sweatshirt.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Camino Mira Costa, 3500 Block (11:35 a.m.) A company manager said a woman continued calling the business every day regarding an interview she had for a job she had not been hired for.

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San Clemente by the San Clemente High School Cool 2 Be Kind Club—is a week of focusing on kindness and anti-bullying, which will be celebrated for the fifth year between Feb. 7 and Feb. 14. The events are sponsored by the city of San Clemente, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the San Clemente Cool 2 Be Kind Club, San Clemente Family of PTAs, Southern California Edison, the California Teachers’ Association and the San Clemente Kiwanis Club.

A presentation will be conducted by the National Association of People Against Bullying at San Clemente High School on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. in the upper campus multipurpose room. Parents from all schools are invited to attend.

Several schools in the San Clemente Family of PTAs, in addition to the Junior Woman’s Club, will sponsor a canned food drive to benefit Family Assistance Ministries.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too!

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Vallarta, 700 Block (12:07 a.m.)

A caregiver contacted deputies because their patient was missing a lot of medication. The caregiver thought the patient might have already ingested them because the patient was drooling and looked extremely tired. Deputies told the caregiver they would take the patient to San Clemente Hospital.

Sunday, January 26 9-1-1 HANGUP El Camino Real, 200 Block (4:56 p.m.)

A bartender called deputies after a man walked into the bar, pulled out prison papers, asked for a drink and then screamed “white power.” The bartender went on to say the man had walked out of the bar and was standing in the Goody’s parking lot threatening passersby. The man was described to be about 6-feet tall, with a shaved head and red eyes.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Hermosa/Via Turqueza (4:32 p.m.) A caller said a man in a green Toyota Camry had hit his family in Marblehead Park. The witness told deputies the man then left the family at the park to follow the driver. The man’s vehicle was last seen turning onto Via Frontera from Hermosa. The witness said he was on his way back to the park to check on the family. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

City Loses Beach Parking Suit Money in fund must be repaid to homeowners

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

S

an Clemente residents who paid into the city’s Beach Parking Impact Fund since 1989 could soon get a refund as a result of a lawsuit decided last week in Orange County Superior Court. What effect the result will have on development of a new parking lot in North Beach, however, is still not known.

Judge Thierry Colaw issued a ruling late Friday that the city must return approximately $10.5 million currently in the city’s beach parking account to residents in San Clemente’s non-coastal zone. In his decision, Colaw said the city will not have to return the approximately $170,000 it has already spent from the fund. Attorneys from both sides briefly argued the case Jan. 10, after submitting briefs to the court last year.

Colaw ruled that the city did not, within 180 days of the filing of its second “5-year Report” in December 2009, set a date for beginning construction of parking facilities.

State law requires the city to file regular reports on the status of the fund and determine whether the city was justified in keeping the collected fees in order to complete the facilities built using the fund.

Specifically, Colaw said the city’s report indicated funds were in place to add beach parking but had not set a date to put construction plans in place. As such, Colaw said the money collected must be refunded.

“The city determined that sufficient funds had been collected to complete any beach parking lot development/ improvement (as of the filing of the report),” Colaw wrote.

“The city was required ‘to identify, within 180 days of the determination that sufficient funds have been collected, an approximate date by which the construction of the public improvement will be commenced, or refund’ the money.

The city did not, and still has not, determined when construction will begin on any beach parking project. As a result, the money must be refunded.”

The fee was instituted in the late 1980s to provide the city with money to build additional parking for planned growth in the non-coastal zone—especially east of Interstate 5.

The fee was assessed on private individuals and developers building homes. The program was amended in the ’90s to reduce the amount being paid, from $1,500 to $750.

Brad Malamud, the San Clemente resident and attorney who brought the lawsuit against the city in August 2012, called the ruling “A great victory for all the citizens who paid into the fund.” Malamud estimated that approximately 6,200 property owners could receive refunds from the suit, even if they were not the property owner at the time the fee was initially paid. Malamud would be among those property owners, since he paid into the fund when he built his own home.

“The judge had to make some close calls,” Malamud said. “We thought we would win, but courts do what courts do.”

Malamud said he and the other attorneys for the plaintiffs raised a number of points that could have led to the money’s return, but that the ruling did not necessarily touch on all of them. That Colaw decided as he did was not an indication of weakness of the other issues raised, Malamud said, such as whether there was a beach parking shortage.

“By finding on these grounds, he didn’t address the San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

Attorney Brad Malamud won his case against the city of its Beach Parking Impact Fund Friday. Photo by Jim Shilander

other grounds,” he said.

The ruling does not place a time limit or set any instructions for how the money should be returned. Malamud said he anticipated working with the city to return the funds. He also said he hopes the city will not appeal.

City Attorney Jeffrey Goldfarb said he believes the city “definitely” has grounds for an appeal, noting that Colaw rejected many of the arguments made by the plaintiffs. As a result, Goldfarb said he was “surprised” by the ruling.

The decision to appeal, however, is ultimately up to the San Clemente City Council. Goldfarb said he will inform the board of its options, including whether or not to appeal, at an upcoming meeting during closed session.

City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson confirmed the ruling would be on the council’s closed session agenda at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 4.

“This is the residents’ money. If they receive the benefit from additional parking or if they receive it by having the money returned, they will receive a benefit from it.”

– Mayor Tim Brown Mayor Tim Brown said Tuesday he’d been able to review the decision and was prepared to talk about it with council next week. He noted the city council already decided to return unused money from the fund in July, regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome.

“This is the residents’ money,” Brown said. “If they receive the benefit from additional parking or if they receive it by having the money returned, they will receive a benefit from it.”

The issue of how to pay the money back—should the city not appeal—was broached during case discussions, but not for very long and not in great detail, Gudgeirsson said. In addition, only $4 million of the $10.5 million in the fund was principal, he said. More, $6.5 million, was interPage 5

est, and it was not immediately clear how those proceeds would need to be distributed.

Malamud said he did not believe that should be an issue but that the city must ultimately return all of the $10.5 million. He also disputed the amount of principal, saying he believed it was closer to a reverse of Gudgeirsson’s numbers, approximately $6.5 million in principal. He proposed giving residents who paid into the fee earlier the interest earned since they paid the fee.

Malamud proposed that if a resident paid $1,500 in 1990, after the fee was put in place, they would get the $1,500 back, plus the interest generated on that amount since. Someone who paid into the fund in 2013 would receive $750 and the interest for one year.

He also said he believed the city had erred in going to court.

“I hope they can learn they can sit down with people,” Malamud said. “We tried to settle this case, and the city would have received more than they got from the court, plus money. They rejected that. I made every attempt to resolve this short of litigation and it was rebuffed by their attorneys and council.”

The city must determine whether it could pay for planned construction at its lot on North El Camino Real, between Kaylani Coffee and Ichibiri Restaurant, Gudgeirsson said. The lot was purchased using proceeds from the fund. The court’s ruling allows the city to move forward with plans to put more than 30 spaces in the lot. However, the city may have to pay for such construction from its general fund rather than from the beach parking fund.

Resident Ricardo Nicol, who has criticized the current design of the lot proposal at previous City Council meetings, said he was sorry to see the case lost.

“I think it’s disappointing we lost the $10 million,” Nicol said.

However, Nicol said the city should move forward with building a parking lot. He hopes the loss of funding might prompt another look at the design in order to provide a more affordable option.

“I think it should be used for what it was intended for when it was acquired by eminent domain,” Nicol said. “It always has been intended for public use, including public parking.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

Become a Volunteer San Clemente offers a wide variety of opportunities to help the community

A

s I was thinking of a subject to talk about this week, something close to my heart—volunteers or volunteering—came to mind. It became immediately apparent that I would need to define what I meant by “volunteers” since perhaps we are volunteers in many walks of our lives other than our employment or working jobs. For example, athletic teams in high school and college are all volunteers. Those holding political office— whether elected or appointed, paid or unpaid—are volunteers in the sense that they are not “required” to perform these tasks. And, of course, all of our military personnel are volunteers.

With this in mind I narrowed the definition down to social services. In other words, volunteering with organizations and in situations which contribute to the well-being of our communities and the people therein.

Moreover, as I began to think about San

Clemente I realized that our wonderful city is virtually warmed by a very rich volunteer blanket.

From the southern to the northern tip and from the shoreline to the eastern boundary, I know many LEW’S VIEWS volunteer organizations

By Lew Avera and so many wonderful volunteers contribute to our city and its people to make it what it is. And these volunteer efforts are not restricted to just the city but reach far beyond.

This “blanket” has two dimensions. Horizontally, there is hardly a square block anywhere within our boundaries where there is not either a volunteer organization or volunteers residing. Vertically, these volunteers run all the way from elementary/middle school children doing outreach work which affects the community, all the way up to the very senior and retired folks

who have the time and donate so much of it to others.

Reading this, many will be saying, “Yes, I know all about volunteering so this is nothing new.” However, I hope these thoughts will reach those who do not presently volunteer and motivate them to inquire into opportunities. Once involved, you will be thrilled at the contribution you can make to so many others and the community and the feeling of reward you will have.

Clearly, specific examples of volunteer situations would be helpful. However, there are so many it would be impossible to cover the ground, and not seem to slight many of the finest people and organizations. In lieu of specifics, I will refer to a very unique grouping of volunteers— The San Clemente Collaborative. As the name implies, this is a local group which pulls together many of the efforts of local organizations and people and has a huge impact on volunteering in San Clemente.

Their website, www.sanclementecollaborative.com is very informative. Go to this website for real-time information which can lead to immediate opportunities.

I will discuss this important topic further in Lew’s Views next month.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He was a resident of San Clemente in 1963-1965 while serving as a Company Commander at Camp San Mateo. He returned to San Clemente in 2001 when he retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers as a senior managing director. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. SC

but instead, on all qualities a town can have.

I formulated a new thesis: San Clemente is the best town in the world. I’ve found this thesis much more manageable.

Much more provable—not bound by the limitations of existentialism. I collected all the concrete, non-existential evidences I could. And I present the 10 most striking here for you: • The president of the most powerful nation in the world decided to live here instead of in the White House.

• Trestles is the only permanent World Championship Tour surf spot in the contiguous United States.

• We have two used book stores and a library.

• Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen is run by actual Italians.

• Guillobel’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is run by actual Brazilians.

• We are home to Greg Long, the only big wave surfer to win at the Eddie, Mavericks and Dungeons.

• We have a train station.

• And a pier.

• And our own brewery and the San Onofre Surf Club.

• And, of course, (arguably) the best climate in the world.

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 SETTLING WHOSE BEST ANDY JEZUITSKI, San Clemente

When I first moved to San Clemente I remember being passed on the freeway by a car with a license plate frame that read: San Clemente: Best Climate in the World. The next day, in what I can’t imagine considering a coincidence, I saw a similar meteorologically bold license plate frame: Capistrano Beach: Best Climate in the World.

Being a new resident of San Clemente, I took great offense to this second license plate frame which, only a day removed from the crowning of my new hometown’s climate, had so boldly made claim for the throne. I thought to myself, “This will not stand,” and started an investigation.

San Clemente Times January 30–February 5, 2014

The investigation was thorough. It had to be. I kept detailed notes. I noted when one town had a slight one or two degree Fahrenheit advantage over the other.

Noted when it was cloudy in one town but not the other. Noted when a cloudbank started over Capistrano Beach and then, with the help of a northerly ocean wind, pleasantly blew south to cover San Clemente instead.

Defeated, I abandoned the original thesis. It was only affecting my mental health (in a negative way). That is to say, my original thesis was too small. I should not have been comparing San Clemente to its neighboring town, but instead to all the towns across the world. And I should not have focused in on only weather systems,

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San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit readersubmitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Please limit your letters to 350 words.

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GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

AT THE MOVIES: HERE’S WHY IT’S ‘THE PAST’ 2013 ended with France’s Blue is the Warmest Color and Italy’s The Great Beauty as the most acclaimed and popular foreign films of the year. But the year began with Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi’s follow-up to his universal hit A Separation (2011) called The Past, as the most anticipated. The movie succeeded throughout the festival circuit last year, but by the time award nominations were announced, The Past seemed forgotten. The film opens with Marie-Anne (Bérénice Bejo) picking up her soon to be ex-husband Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa) from a Paris airport after a long visit back to his homeland in Iran. Ahmad plans to stay in town only to quickly sign the divorce papers, but soon discovers Marie has some newly grown issues involving her current boyfriend Samir (Tahar Rahim) and her teen daughter Lucie (Pauline Burlet). Bejo won Best Actress at the © 2013, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics Cannes Film Festival last summer and it’s no surprise as she delivers the best performance in the film. Rahim and Mosaffa are fine as the two men connected to Marie’s life and Elyes Aguis as Samir’s young son delivers an impressive effort as well. Farhadi knows how to deal with family problems on screen, as was proven with A Separation, but The Past suffers an underwhelming third act that seems more fitting for network TV and loses its focus by the end. Because of this, the feature would best be appreciated by mainly fans of the cast or Farhadi. —Megan Bianco

THE LIST

YOGA FUNDAMENTALS 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Workshop to learn and/or master common yoga postures at Sun Salute Yoga Studio. Fee: donation-based. 24655 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.371.6097, www.sunsaluteyoga.com.

thursday

CASPERS PARK FOUNDATION NATURE TALK 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Lecture on native plants in association with the monthly meeting of Caspers Park Foundation.

33401 Ortega Highway, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com.

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

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NATE HANCOCK 7 p.m.10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

DOG SCHOOL 6:30-7:30 p.m. Five-week dog obedience school starts today at Paws Pet Resorts. Cost $150 for all classes. 1285 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, 800.964.7297, www.pawspetresorts.com.

COMEDY UNZIPPED 7 p.m. Stand-up comics from the Improv, Laugh Factory and Comedy Central land at StillWater Spirits & Sounds for a live comedy show. Free.

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

friday

BRIDAL EVENT: TASTE OF JAY’S 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Bridesto-be are invited to the Casino San Clemente for a tasting

by Jay’s Catering. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.369.6600, www.thecasinosanclemente.com.

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RED, WHITE AND BREW FLIGHTS 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Wine and beer tasting at San Clemente Wine Company with cheese and chocolate. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

DOKKEN 8 p.m. Concert featuring the popular ’80s band at The Coach House. Tickets $30. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CHICAGO 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Award-winning Broadway hit onstage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Tickets start at $29. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

sunday

WHAT’S A GMO? WITH FARMER HOWARD VLIEGE 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Learn about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and why they matter, at The Ecology Center. Free. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

02

VILLAGE ARTS FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The first Sunday of the month, stroll and shop downtown San Clemente where more than 60 vendors offer arts, crafts and more.

Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

THE AMAZING WILDCATS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m.

Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

MIKE DE BELLIS SATIN EXPRESS JAZZ DUO 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Jazz on the Patio every Sunday at Ciao Pasta Trattoria. 31661 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.5002, www.ciaopasta.net.

JAMKWEST 9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire.

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

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

saturday

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DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, crafted goods, flowers and more at La Plaza Park in Dana Point. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

monday

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COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Page 7

COOKING CLASS: VALENTINE’S DINNER 6:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Day-themed cooking class with Chef Caroline Cazaumayou at Antoine’s Café featuring pancetta-wrapped filet with Cabernet glaze. Cost $50 each; includes recipes, dinner and a glass of wine. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com.

SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Your turn to get onstage at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

tuesday

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OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m.

Brio Tuscany Grille.

24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

wednesday

THE ABC’S OF FALCONRY 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Presentation on the sport of falconry at the RMV Presentation Center at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Free. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba in San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 FATHER DAUGHTER DINNER DANCE 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The Girls Pioneer Club presents a father daughter fundraiser dance and Italian themed dinner at South Shores Church. Girls 4-18 and their father, or special male role model, can pre-order a keepsake photo, flower boutonniere and corsage during online registration.

Tickets are $15 for girls and $25 for adults. 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point. For more information, email girlspioneerclub@gmail.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

SC

SUDOKU

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

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

S a n C le m e n te

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

Business Beat

BY JIM SHILANDER

News and updates on San Clemente’s business community GIVING BACK San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Center, 1321 Calle Avanzado, 949.498.7571, www.sanclementedance.com San Clemente Dance will get a head start on its performance season with a benefit event Saturday.

The studio is presenting its third annual Dance for a Cause event, a program conceived to benefit various charities.

Gretchen Akers, who works at the studio and has two children as members of its dance teams, said the project was initially started by her son, Jake Esten, then a senior at Saddleback Valley Christian, as part of a senior charity project. The first event benefitted research into multiple sclerosis.

Since then, the event has benefitted charity organizations with ties to families at the studio.

This year’s event benefits Project Cuddle, a charity organization dedicated to battling child abandonment.

Allan Guarino, whose daughter dances at the studio, said he and his family became involved with the foundation a few years ago, when his wife served on the board of another charitable organization and was told about Project Cuddle from another board member. The Guarinos were also pursuing an adoption at the time, which created an instant passionate tie to the foundation.

Guarino said his family loved the “family atmosphere” created by the dance studio, and said his daughter had found a very friendly atmosphere there.

All of the company’s 16 teams will be performing at the event. Akers said competition season for dance teams begins in February, so the event can serve as an early preview of the work being done by the students, who range in age from 6 to 18 years old. The studio has been in its current location in the Talega Business Park for two and a half years. Other dance companies will also be

Popular fundraiser moves to Wednesdays

u

San Clemente Times January 30–February 5, 2014

FOOD TRUCKS RETURN TO SCHS

By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

A Late San Clemente restaurateur Tony Carbonara was remembered by friends Friday.

Photo courtesy Raad Ghantous

made through that route will be noted in the program for the event.

UPDATES

The San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Center will host a charity event to benefit Project Cuddle, a national organization focused on preventing child abandonment. Gretchen Akers’ son helped to create the event. Photo by Jim Shilander

performing at the event.

The event will be held at the studio facility. Tickets are available for $10 at www. brownpapertickets.com or by calling the studio. There will be two shows, at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Donations of baby items for Project Cuddle can also be made at the studio. Other donations can also be made by calling Guarino at 949.584.8125. Donations

u San Clemente Department of Motor Vehicles, 2727 Via Cascadita, 800.777.0133, www.dmv.ca.gov The San Clemente office of the Department of Motor Vehicles closed Wednesday, Jan. 22, for remodeling. The branch is scheduled to reopen in mid-May. The office was closed for several weeks in 2013 for a roof replacement. Residents are advised to go to the Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Oceanside field offices until it opens again. u Friends Honor Carbonara Friends of late San Clemente restaurateur Tony Carbonara gathered Friday to remember their late friend at Café Calypso.

Carbonara friend Rick Anderson helped to organize the event through the San Clemente Dons, an organization he and Carbonara belonged to.

Page 8

fter taking a break for the holidays, the San Clemente Triton Marching Alliance’s food truck fundraiser has started again, now moving to Wednesdays.

The food trucks, which had been appearing in Mondays throughout 2012 and 2013, will be returning to the San Clemente High School parking lot, after taking a month off at the end of the year.

Parent Mary Ann Tinsdale said the band has had a mutual, but friendly, break with the company that brought the food trucks out to the high school.

Parents are now handling the booking themselves and have already managed to fill up January and February.

“The parents stepped up to make this happen,” Tinsdale said. “It got our name out there for the food trucks. It’s too good a thing to let go.”

Tinsdale said the decision to move days was a practical one. Because food trucks often operate through the weekend, many operators take Mondays off, she said. Wednesdays provide for more availability, she said.

Future events will include performances from band members, who also set up and take down tables for the fundraiser, which helps pay for instruments, uniforms and nearly every aspect of the band aside from the teachers themselves, Tinsdale said.

The event will be held Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

The Heritage’s ‘Lone Survivor’ Ill-fated Operation Red Wings mission has San Clemente ties

By Megan Bianco San Clemente Times

I

n the last week of December, filmmaker Peter Berg’s longtime pet project of adapting Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson’s memoir Lone Survivor finally came to the big screen in limited release in Los Angeles (allowing it to be eligible for awards). It only took two weeks before Lone Survivor swept the country with record breaking numbers at the boxoffice and became the first No. 1 movie of 2014 and managed to sneak in two Oscar nominations.

The film itself recalls events of the ill-fated Operation Red Wings mission, in 2005, during the War in Afghanistan, where a group of Navy SEALs, played

by Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch and Ben Foster, were assigned to kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah.

But six years before Lone Survivor hit movie theaters, back in 2008, an anonymous Navy SEAL, living in San Clemente at the time, approached Marine Monument executive director Wayne Eggleston suggesting the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation put up a plaque in honor of his team leader Michael Patrick Murphy

Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy is memorialized at Park Semper Fi, along with a number of other individual sailors and Marines killed in action. Murphy was killed in the mission dramatized in the movie ‘Lone Survivor.’ Photo

by Jim Shilander

(portrayed by Kitsch in the feature).

Around the same time, a letter written by the parents of Marine Jason Dunham also served as inspiration for the honors,

as he died in action during the Iraq War. Murphy, Dunham and another SEAL named Michael A. Monsoor—who also died serving in Iraq—were all honored

for their efforts and contribution to their country with three plaques on Veteran’s Day 2008.

Eggleston himself was in attendance and remembers the ceremony as “incredibly moving and very touching.” Around 70 SEALs were present along with the men’s families and friends. As is the case with all events and ceremonies held at the monument, any citizen is open to attend, which rounded out to about 300 attendees in memory of the three SEALs. Two Navy SEALs spoke on behalf of the deceased, and a reception was held afterward at The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar to continue the memorial.

Before he began directing the Heritage/ Monument, Eggleston was the mayor of San Clemente for three terms and a City Council member from 1998 to 2010. The Marine Monument is available for all events and holidays related to the military, including Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Marine birthdays and weddings.

Eggleston says the Foundation is “very active and popular” all year and has its own website: www.marinemonument.com.

Whether in cinema or a local memorial service, it remains a proud American tradition to recognize military personnel. SC

SPORTS

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& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SC S a n C le m e n te

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Burns Qualifies for First Supercross Main Event

In his fourth event of the year, San Clemente native Brian Burns broke through for his first entrance into the upper echelon of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross circuit. Burns, 21, qualified for the circuit’s main event Jan. 25 at the Overstock.com Coliseum in Oakland.

Burns, who made it in on a last chance qualifying round, had a slow start in the main event and crashed in the fifth lap, which hindered his chances at a top finish. Burns would go on to finish 21st out of 22 racers.

Despite the finish, the fact the

rookie made it to the main event was a feat in itself. Burns had to navigate past a field of more than 50 riders and make three consecutive cuts to earn a spot in the final 22-rider event in the 250SX class. The final race took place in front of more than 40,000 fans.

“The first time I tried to (qualify) I didn’t even make it to the top-40. So to go from not making it to the main event is a huge deal,” Burns said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life. To finally do it was insane.”

— Steve Breazeale

Linemen Language

Former NFL players Pat Harlow and Lance Scott create unique football camp in town

By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

P

at Harlow and Lance Scott know a thing or two about playing the lineman position in football.

The two former players and current coaches have a combined 14 years of NFL experience under their belt and want to bring that knowledge to Southern California in the form of a unique football training camp, which starts on Feb. 1 at San Clemente High School.

The two recently created the Red Zone Elite program, which aims to develop young offensive and defensive linemen in the area. Usually, the offseason for high

Pat Harlow, pictured, and colleague Lance Scott’s Red Zone Elite training camp focuses on developing offensive and defensive linemen. Photo by Steve Breazeale

school football players can be full of 7-on-7 passing leagues and showcases for quarterbacks and running backs and other skill-position players, but Harlow and Scott realized there was something lacking for the big men up front.

“If you’re a wide receiver, quarterback,

linebacker, there’s tons of places where you can go get extra work,” Harlow said. “But for linemen … We want the best defensive and offensive linemen to work against each other here to see how good we can get.”

The camps are set to go for three weeks and will be held on the field at Thalassa

Brian Burns, left, and Rick Cadarette of SC Riders Supply pose behind Burns’ bike.

Courtesy photo

Stadium.

Harlow, a former Morris Trophy winner at USC, said the camp will focus on training high school-level players but are open to athletes ages 12-18.

Rather than form the linemen to fit specific schemes, Harlow said that Red Zone Elite training sessions will focus on the fundamentals, which start from the ground up: Proper stance, footwork, hand placement and overall technique will be stressed. From there, players will be put through two lineman-specific circuits that include dynamic stretching and strength training. Harlow believes this approach will serve players better in the long run.

“What we’re going to show players works in all schemes. There are certain basics that work everywhere,” Harlow said. “It’s like being a carpenter and giving you a bunch of tools. You may not need that tool every time but man, there’s some times, I need that tool, let’s go grab it.”

The camp wraps up with offensive and defensive linemen going one-on-one with each other while being videotaped. The players can use the tapes for their own personal highlight and recruiting reels.

For more information, visit www.redzoneelite.com. SC

Enquist, Craig Join SC Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee

By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

T

Sue Enquist, middle, will be a part of the 2014 San Clemente Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Photo by Jim Shilander

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

he Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation announced Jan. 23 that legendary softball player and coach Sue Enquist and surfing industry luminary Don Craig will join the foundation’s Sports Hall of Fame selection committee.

Enquist was among the nine-member inaugural class inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in May. She is a former All-American softball player and Pac-10 Coach of the Year. Enquist played at UCLA, where she helped the Bruins win their first national

softball championship in 1978. As both a player and coach at UCLA, Enquist was a part of 11 national championship squads.

Craig is the founder of clothing manufacturer Old Guys Rule and has been active in the surfing scene in San Clemente for decades. Craig was Quicksilver’s first U.S. sales representative and helped bring Rip Curl, which used to be based in Costa Mesa, to San Clemente.

The addition of Craig and Enquist to the selection committee swells their ranks to 10. The committee is responsible for reviewing nominees and deciding which San Clemente athletes will be adorned on the walls at the Vista Hermosa Aquatics

Page 10

Center.

Steve Pezman and Kenny Nelson were added to the Sports Hall of Fame advisory board, which makes recommendations to the selection committee.

“We believe that by adding these unique people to our voting committee we have kept the integrity, wisdom and expertise in our evaluation process,” Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation Vice President John Dorey said in an email.

The deadline for applications for the 2014 Hall of Fame Class has been extended to Jan. 31. For more information, visit www.friendsofsanclemente.org. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS Championship Subdivision Division 1 program that competed in the Colonial Athletic Association in 2013. The Seawolves went 5-6 overall and 3-5 in conference play last season.

Wright led the Tritons with 31 catches for 314 yards and scored three touchdowns in his senior year.

Triton Report

By Steve Breazeale

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Clemente winter sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

DE GREE POWERS TRITONS HOOPS TO CONSECUTIVE WINS San Clemente senior post player Jessica de Gree continued her stellar play and helped fuel the Tritons girls basketball team past league opponents El Toro and Laguna Hills on Jan. 21 and Jan. 23, respectively.

De Gree, who is averaging 22.6 points per game this season, scored a seasonhigh 33 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in the Tritons 68-60 win over the Chargers. De Gree also had five steals and one block. De Gree kept her double-double streak alive by scoring a game-high 21 points and securing 15 rebounds in the 60-27 San Clemente win over Laguna Hills two days later.

The Tritons (13-8, 4-0) now have a comfortable lead in the South Coast League standings. They will travel to play Capistrano Valley on January 30.

San Clemente senior Jessica de Gree, left, is averaging a double-double per game for the first-place Tritons girls basketball team. Photo by Steve Breazeale

COUGARS TOPPLE TRITONS SOCCER 2-1 Playing host to Capistrano Valley on January 24, the San Clemente boys soccer team did something it hasn’t done in South Coast League play in over 12 contests—lose.

The Tritons (17-2-1, 3-1 league) gave up two goals in the second half to Capistrano Valley and despite a goal by senior midfielder Oscar Hernandez that narrowed the visitor’s lead to one, San Clemente could not complete the comeback.

The Tritons were shorthanded on their back line, with senior Ethan Gacek still sidelined with a fractured jaw and standout defender Dylan Struthers away on a college recruiting trip. Senior midfielder Santiago di Giuseppe was again unavail-

Glasgow’s Bike Drive Exceeds Expectations

By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

D

on Glasgow has been on a threemonth long mission to collect new and gently used bicycles from around town to donate to children and families of El Nino, Mexico.

When Glasgow started out his venture in November, he had his sights set on gathering around 100 bikes. Fast forward to January and Glasgow’s garage, backyard and just about every space in his house has been overrun by donated bikes.

As of January 28, he has collected 140 bikes, which will all be donated in the coming weeks.

Glasgow has had to fix a good amount of them, which means swapping out tire tubes and adjusting or fixing broken pedals and seats. He admits he has become a pseudo expert on bicycle repair; something he never dreamed would happen in his life.

Glasgow estimates nearly 50 of the bikes are now in the hands of the people of El Nino, many of which didn’t have a means of transportation before the initiative.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to every

San Clemente Times January 30–February 5, 2014

San Clemente’s Don Glasgow poses with one of the 140 donated bicycles he collected to donate to El Nino, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Don Glasgow

donor for expressing their love of these needy families and kids,” Glasgow said.

“Believe it or not, there are many kids who have never had a bike. Now they have the chance to have one and begin their journey of fun on wheels.” SC Page 11

able to play due to a head injury.

However, the loss did provide some good news for the Tritons as it marked the return of senior midfielder Alek Cucuk to the lineup. Cuck missed the Tritons’ previous four games.

San Clemente was set to host Tesoro on January 29. Results were not available at press time.

FOOTBALL: WRIGHT COMMITS TO STONY BROOK Senior tight end and fullback Jason Wright committed to play football at Stony Brook University while taking an official visit on January 26, according to head coach Jaime Ortiz.

Stony Brook University is a Football

BOYS BASKETBALL BOUNCES BACK WITH WIN After suffering back to back losses to Trabuco Hills and Dana Hills, the reigning league champion San Clemente boys basketball team picked up a much-needed win over Laguna Hills on January 24.

The Tritons (11-10, 2-2) were without standout Sam Darnold, who broke his hand in the Tritons loss to the Mustangs, but benefitted from some career performances in the 79-61 win over the Hawks.

The Tritons were led by junior Cade Griffin, who scored a season-high 18 points. Sophomore Gage Shelmidine chipped in with a season-high 14.

The Tritons opened the game by scoring 27 points in the first quarter and took a 46-32 lead into the second half.

San Clemente was set to take a break from league play and host Tesoro on January 29. Results were not available at press time.

The Tritons will travel to play rival Dana Hills on February 1. The Dolphins defeated the Tritons 54-36 in their first meeting back on January 22.

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING

LANDSCAPING

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.361.9656

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

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

MATTRESSES

ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

ART GALLERIES

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

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.350.4692 Kevin

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

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

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 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax www.sandyandrich.com

949.293.3236

RESTAURANTS

SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com

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

949.366.9386

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

MUSIC LESSONS

949.492.5589

Jim Thomas Roofing 162 Calle de Industrias

949.498.6204

SALONS Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com Salon Bleu 949.366.2060 207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com

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

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

TERMITES

PEST CONTROL

Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com 949.492.3459 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

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

949.496.0123

PLUMBING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

WATER DAMAGE

949.499.4464 Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 A to Z Leak Detection Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 HAIR SALONS 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com TUTORING Kreative Hair Design 949.498.6245 Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 Tutor Toes 949.429.6222 173 Avenida Serra www.chicks-plumbing.com 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com

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

949.492.5589

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL SC Pool & Spa Works 949.498.7665 1311 N. El Camino Real, www.scpoolworks.com

PRINTING

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

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Printing OC 949.388.4888 Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

Call at Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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GARAGE SALES

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 949.361.1045 Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) 526 N. El Camino Real, www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com

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

Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

REAL ESTATE

MOLD REMOVAL

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

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949.444.6323

SC MULTIFAMILY GARAGE SALE Saturday 2/8. 7am- 2pm furniture, clothing, household items, collectables small appliances and miscellaneous items! 3203 S El Camino Real at the Corner of El Camino Real and San Fernando by SAN’O- MART Liquor HOUSEHOLD GOODS FOR SALE: Furniture, golf clubs, fishing equipment, tools and household goods. Call between 9 & 6 to make an appointment to view.

(949) 498-7988 OBITUARY

Robert (Bob) Dee Houlton Robert (Bob) Dee Houlton, longtime resident of San Clemente, California passed away January 9th 2014 At the age of 87.

Robert was born October 13th 1926 to Harvey Dee and Carrie (Dayton) Houlton in Abilene Kansas.Bob served in the Navy as 2nd class seamen with an honorable discharge. His profession as an accomplished Insurance unit manager earned him many awards. He was a committed little league Manager, who provided positive encouragement. Bob was brilliant with numbers, and a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. He could roll a golf cart, land it upright, and shoot a hole in one from 146 yards. He barbequed a great steak, even if he covered it with an entire bottle of ketchup. He was a wonderful father, grandfather uncle and husband, with a heart of gold and the patience of a saint. Robert is preceded in death by his Father Harvey, Mother Carrie and Brother Jack. Robert is survived by his wife of 41 Years, Jeanette Houlton. Former wife and mother of his 4 children Edna Houlton of Sacramento, California. Daughter Cheryl Rutty, of Sacramento California. Sons, Mike of Sacramento, California. Jim of Oceanside California and Jeff of Sacramento California. Step daughter Michelle Ivanoff of Anchorage Alaska. 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. As well as several nieces and nephews. Per Roberts’s request, there will be no Funeral service, rather a Celebration of life with his family at a later date.

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

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

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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 JACK SMALL

Age: 13, Bernice Ayer Middle School Jack Small is in his second year as a member of the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team. He took third place at Scholastic Surf Series event No. 3, Jan. 11 at the San Clemente pier, helping his team claim a fourth-place finish among Orange County middle schools. A San Clemente native and member of a surfing family, Jack rode his first waves at the age of 5 under the tutelage of his dad. He now competes exclusively in longboarding but enjoys shortboarding as well. This bright eighth-grader is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student, fluent in Spanish and his favorite subject is science. Although he’s still undecided, Jack thinks he may want to pursue a career as a writer. He is also Jack Small. Photo by Mike Morse Photography a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. His other interests include playing the trumpet, skateboarding and swimming. He has been swimming competitively for two years and would like that to be his main sport in high school, although he may decide to try out for the surf team as well. Jack says he really enjoys free surfing over contests and therefore will most likely not pursue a pro career. “I will probably surf for fun for the rest of my life. I love the rush and feeling of accomplishment whenever I get a good wave,” he said. “Even though you don’t feel the accomplishment of winning when you’re free surfing, the accomplishment of learning new tricks is just as good.”—Andrea Swayne

Surfers Support Autism

SURF FORECAST

Star-studded benefit concert in Dana Point raises money for Surfers Healing

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

C

elebrities and the community joined together Jan. 18 for a benefit concert to ensure children with autism continue to have the opportunity to experience the tranquility, healing and stoke, wave riding can bring.

Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that offers free surf outings taught by professional surfers to children with autism, hosted a night of music, food, auctions and prizes at the Strand at Headlands neighborhood in Dana Point to raise money to continue their work.

The event began with cocktails and appetizers by StillWater Spirits & Sounds and a silent auction with items including a bass guitar signed by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a private surf lesson with San Clemente’s famous big wave surfer Greg Long and more. Opportunity drawing prizes included a pair of 5-karat diamond earrings and guests included myriad celebrities—actors, musicians and professional athletes. Many of the surfers who volunteer their time to the organiza-

Sarah McLachlan on stage under the tent set up atop Ashley Rosenhain’s Strand at Headlands lot as part of the Surfers Healing benefit event. Photo by Paul Gero

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2014

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 6-10’ Poor-Fair Immediate: Good-size west-northwest swell will be easing on Thursday, getting some reinforcements from the northwest through the day. Better breaks run waistchest-head high (3-5’), with some better sets for standout winter focal points going slightly overhead (6’). Conditions are semi clean with light east-southeast to southeast flow in the morning, giving way to a light+ southwesterly sea-breeze in the afternoon.

Size is down on Friday, along with less favorable conditions as a low passes by the region.

Long Range Outlook: Slower through the weekend, as old west-northwest swell mix fades out and some possible northwest windswell joins in. Winds look okay for the mornings, with much stronger afternoon onshore flow due. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

Surfers Healing founders Isreal “Izzy” Paskowitz and wife Danielle Paskowitz enjoy a performance by Jackson Browne at their Night to Benefit Autism, Jan. 18 in Dana Point. Photo by Paul Gero

tion were also in attendance, including original longtime volunteers Josh Froley and Nick Hernandez as well as Dana Point-based pros Bucky Barry and Blake Michael.

The highlight of the evening was an intimate concert for the 325 guests by Sarah McLachlan and Jackson Browne.

“We pulled it off with just a few months of planning. These people are my kind of people … no fancy dress-up planning luncheons, just a small group of us getting our hands dirty and making it happen for these kids,” said Ashley Rosenhain, Strand at Headlands resident and event co-chair.

She went on to praise the “small but mighty” team who helped her and co-chair Danielle Paskowitz put together such a top-notch evening, from Michelle Goveia who secured sponsorships and Laureen and David Demshur who hosted the VIP party, to the logistical assistance of Terri Remley, Sue Carter and Nico Germann.

“We are still finalizing the numbers but we netted somewhere in the neighbor-

hood of $200,000 which will pay for an entire year. Traveling throughout the United States and beyond with a crew of 15 guys, expenses can really add up,” Danielle Paskowitz said. “Huge thanks to the community and to everyone who helped make it a success. It was an amazing night.

Having an event at the beach in January, weather-wise, is always worrisome. But it turned out to be a nice day and we were even treated to a beautiful sunset, so we couldn’t be happier. We feel really lucky to have personal contacts with the musicians who helped make it such a stellar event.”

She went on to express gratitude for the “breathtaking site” courtesy of the Strand at Headlands for donating the clubhouse free of charge and for Rosenhain and the Demshurs for the use of their properties as well.

Surfers Healing was founded by Isreal “Izzy” Paskowitz (former pro surfer and member of the famous Paskowitz surf family) and wife Danielle Paskowitz after discovering the potent therapeutic impact

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surfing had on their son Isaiah who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. The 16-year-old organization has grown each year as word spreads about the pacifying effect of the ocean and its capacity to bring joy to children with autism. In 2013, they helped over 4,500 children and will use these funds to continue to raise that number in 2014 and also to assist families in need with travel expenses to attend the events.

“We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this a success. This support will help us keep our promise to have the most talented guys in the water provide the best and safest experience for the kids,” Izzy Paskowitz said. “We use only experienced watermen the likes of Greg Long, Garrett McNamara, the Aikaus, Josh Froley, Nick Hernandez, Kelly Slater and so many more—only the best, because the kids deserve it.”

For more information about Surfers Healing, log on to www.surfershealing. org. SC www.sanclementetimes.com