LO C A L
N EWS
June 12–18, 2014
YO U
C A N
U S E
Plein Air Show Saturday a Showcase for Artists PAGE 5
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 24
CUSD’s Mr. Fix It Leaves the Stage
Superintendent credited with stabilizing district retires this month EYE ON SC/PAGE 7 Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joseph Farley is retiring at the end of the month following four years at the district. He is credited with stabilizing the district following turmoil over the past decade. Photo: Brian Park
City Moving Forward with Additional Motorcycle Officer EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
Thousands Delight in Classic Cars on Del Mar SC LIVING/PAGE 12
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Triton Rocky Fenton Wins State Discus Title SPORTS/PAGE 20
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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING the project, which was estimated to take anywhere between 25 and 33 months. The cost was estimated at $200,000 for design, which would have come from this year’s budget, and $900,000 for construction of the approximately .3 mile extension. City Planner Jim Pechous said he was already preparing to meet with the Coastal Conservancy about the project, and is exploring potential grants. He told the council he felt there was a good chance to receive some funds, but that the city needed to show that it was making progress on the project.
The current terminus of the beach trail at Calafia, near San Clemente State Beach. The City Council voted last week to put off formal planning for extending the trail to the state beach for at least a year. Photo: Jim Shilander
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week San Clemente to Maintain Four Motorcycle Officers THE LATEST: San Clemente will keep a fourth motorcycle deputy for at least one year after changes to the city’s proposed police budget were approved at last Thursday’s City Council meeting. Chief of Police Services Lt. David Moodie created a revised version of his department’s budget that will allow for the fourth motor deputy to stay in place. In exchange, a vacant Deputy II position was defunded. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department office at City Hall will also change hours. It will now be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, but will be closed to the public Fridays and on the weekends. Previously, the office was open on either Fridays or Saturdays. Moodie said a majority of the city’s ticket revue comes from motorcycle officers. City budget estimates put that figure at $70,000 in fines per officer. The sheriff’s department increased the city’s contract with the county by 4.5 San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
WHAT’S NEXT: Councilman Jim Evert said he had a hard time putting the trail extension ahead of another budgeted proposal under consideration—a beaches, parks and recreation master plan that would include a survey of community needs. The council did seem willing to look into the project next year, and encouraged Pechous to solicit ideas and funding opportunities for the effort. Councilwoman Lori Donchak, a member of the Orange County Transit Authority board, said she would be willing to explore the issue from that perspective. – JS
percent in the coming fiscal year. The city expects there will be a similar increase next year, largely due to increases in pension costs.
Bill Authorizing Beach Replenishment Signed
WHAT’S NEXT: Council members had debated the proposal over two meetings, before voting 3-1 Thursday to adopt the revised version of the budget. Councilman Bob Baker, the lone dissenting vote, said he preferred seeing an officer assigned to traffic duty in a car, for safety reasons, though Moodie countered that motorcycles could often be useful in situations cars could not get navigate. Baker warned that with increases expected in the future, the council will have to make hard decisions on public safety. “At some point you have to draw a line in the sand,” Baker said. “I do not want us to sweep it under the rug and ignore it.” Councilwoman Lori Donchak told Moodie he should try and find ways to not do things “business as usual” in order to find ways to cut costs. The council is scheduled to formally adopt the city budget at its next meeting, June 17. – Jim Shilander
THE LATEST: San Clemente’s beaches have moved a step closer to large-scale replenishment, but there is still no certainty that a project will be coming to the city in the near future. President Barack Obama signed the Water Resources and Reform Development Act Tuesday, which provides authorization to the Army Corps of Engineers to consider beach replenishment for San Clemente, amongst other projects. Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said the bill authorizes the project to be funded, but doesn’t guarantee that funding. Before the signing, however, the project was unable to receive money. The project would add approximately 50 feet of beach to an area between Linda Lane and the south side of T Street beach. “It’s an important milestone,” Bonigut said, though he added that the authorization did not provide any guarantees that the project would move forward.
Beach Trail Extension Will Wait
WHAT’S NEXT: Now, Bonigut said, the city and Army Corps can begin work on the project’s design and the city can seriously begin exploring how to pay its $4 million share. – JS
THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council declined, for the next fiscal year, to begin formal planning of an extension of the beach trail all the way to San Clemente State Park from its current terminus at Calafia. The council had expressed interest in
City to Allow Bikes on Beach Trail Boardwalk THE LATEST: Bicyclists will soon be legally
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allowed to ride the Mariposa Boardwalk on the San Clemente Beach Trail, following a 3-1 City Council vote Thursday and a change in CalTrans rules. The state had changed its rules regarding the height of railings allowable near train crossings, reducing its allowable height to 48 inches from 52, Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said. This meant the boardwalk would be considered safe to allow for bicycles. The boardwalk and bridge actually was designed to be ridden by bicyclists, but state rules forced the city to require bicyclists to walk the bridge. WHAT’S NEXT: The council asked the city’s Marine Safety staff, which provides enforcement of beach trail regulations to let them now if there were problems on the trail as a result of the decision. If there were, council members said they would be willing to revisit the vote. The new ordinance must still receive a second vote by the council at a later date. – JS
Temporary Library Search Still Underway THE LATEST: The Orange County Library system is still searching for a temporary home for the San Clemente library. The current library on Avenida Del Mar will close Monday, June 16, and construction on an expansion project will begin 10 days later. That effort is expected to last approximately a year. The county originally proposed using a trailer on the lawn between the library and San Clemente Community Center to house both a smaller version of the library and Friends of the Library bookstore. That has since been nixed, due to the number of events already scheduled to use the space. WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson said the county was working with the city to identify potential sites. One, located on Camino de los Mares, was identified last week, but a restaurant had also put in a bid for the property. Gudgeirsson said the county was continuing to examine sites in that area. No sites were considered suitable or available downtown, he said, and other areas of the city were considered too expensive. – JS
Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? ••• Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
Paint San Clemente Opens Saturday Competition supports emerging artists, collectors BY AMANDA HUFFMAN, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
A
hundred artists will soon spread across San Clemente, painting the city’s iconic Spanish style architecture and ocean views, as part of the San Clemente Art Association’s annual fundraiser. From June 14 to the 22, competing artists will be painting outdoors during the 13th Annual Paint San Clemente Plein Air Competition. All artwork must be painted outside in San Clemente or the San Onofre State Park, and each competitor may submit up to two works for judging. Local artists will be joined by competitors from across the nation. The nine-day event opens Saturday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m. with a Quick Draw competition and sale on the Community Center lawn at Avenida del Mar. Plein air painting begins in the afternoon and continues through June 21. Submissions are due the morning of June 21, and the Plein Air Gala starts at 6 p.m. that evening. Competitors will have the opportunity to win over $13,000 in cash prizes. An outdoor exhibition and sale of the paintings will be held on June 21 and 22,
open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Community Center lawn. Unlike other art competitions, Paint San Clemente is open to everyone on a first come, first serve basis. “There is a range of experience in the competition,” said Steve Kell, co-chairman of the event. “This is good, not only for the artists, who can always learn from watching others, but also for the collectors, who may ‘get in on the ground floor’ of an emerging artist.” Paint San Clemente is organized by San
It’s exciting to see “something created out of
nothing. At the beginning of the week you have nothing, but by the end there are hundreds of paintings.
–Rick Delanty
An artist paints other artists working with a model at last year’s quick draw event at the San Clemente Community Center. Photo: Jim Shilander
Clemente Art Association and serves as a fundraiser. The surplus funds go towards supporting art programs in public schools and awarding art scholarships to high school seniors. “It’s exciting to see something cre-
”
Community NEWS BITES City Hosting “Bark in the Meetings Park”
San Clemente Republican Women Honor Local Graduate
COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting
7 p.m. Community Center, Ole Hanson Room, 150 Avenida Magdalena, www.san-clemente.org. TUESDAY. JUNE 17
City Council Meeting 3 p.m. Council interviews with commission candidates. Regular meeting follows at 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
City Council-Committee and Commissions Interviews 4 p.m. Council
interviews with commission candidates. Conference Room A, 910 Calle Negocio, www.san-clemente.org
Planning Commission 6 p.m. Regular
Meeting. Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org. San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
The city of San Clemente will host a free family event to celebrate new rules allowing dogs on-leash in city parks at the “Bark in the Park” event on Saturday, June 14. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bonito Canyon Park, located at 1304 Calle Valle. City park monitors and the Coastal Animal Services Authority will lead the event for a morning of information on the city’s dog ordinance, licensing and wildlife facts. The event will also feature a special presentation of flying disc dogs. For more information, visit the city website at www.san-clemente.org or contact the San Clemente Aquatics Center at 949.429.8797.
Assistance League Provides Clothing for Marine Children On Thursday, May 29, members of the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley provided clothing to infants and toddlers of Marine and Navy families based at Camp Pendleton.
ated out of nothing,” said Rick Delanty, a two-time winner of the competition and a member of this year’s judging panel. “At the beginning of the week you have nothing, but by the end there are hundreds of paintings.” SC
The Daniels family, Nathan and Tiffany and kids Chloe, Camryn, Calissa and Cohen, were among the Marine families who received support from the Assistance League last month. Courtesy photo
A total of 370 children each received two new outfits provided by the Capistrano Valley chapter as well as diapers and wipes provided by the Laguna Beach Chapter of the Assistance League. Additionally, Marine families received donations of handmade quilts from Heart to Heart quilts of Long Beach. Massage therapists from Joint Medical offered free chair massages. This project is funded by the Bargain Box in San Clemente. The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley has been helping to clothe children at Camp Pendleton for more than eight years and participates in events four times a year. For more information on the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, visit www. capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org or call 949.291.8408.
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The San Clemente Area Republican Women, Federated, awarded Jennifer Czech from San Clemente their annual scholarship at their luncheon meeting on Wednesday, June 11, at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. Czech, a graduate of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, met all the requirements, excelling in her advanced college prep courses and volunteering with several local groups such as an animal shelter, at an assisted living facility, a food bank and at the Special Olympics. She was on her school’s varsity lacrosse team (top scorer and best offensive player), the track team and Model United Nations, along with a number of academic honors. She was also a member of the Pink Ribbon Club and participated in walks to raise funds for breast cancer research. Her overall GPA is 4.7. She also created a website, www.youngconservativeoc.com, to reach out to like-minded young conservatives in Orange County. Her award of $3,000 will help with her continued studies at UC Davis, where she will major in biology and economics. Have something interesting for the community? We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
SC Sheriff’s Blotter
COMPILED BY AMANDA HUFFMAN
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, June 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Del Presidente/Cristianitos Road (8:45 p.m.) A woman with black hair had been sitting in front of a gated community since 3 p.m. She said she was waiting for a ride. The woman was described as “sunburned,” and was wearing a blue and white striped shirt. The caller believed she was suffering from a mental illness. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real/Avenida Pico (8:04 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a “creepy” man wearing all black clothing.
News Next Door WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO After nearly a decade of planning and fundraising, and just over six months of construction and furnishing, the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library have their new bookstore. The Friends, the all-volunteer group that supports the San Juan Capistrano Library, gathered with their own friends and city officials on Sunday, June 1 for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for their new store, simply called “The Bookstore.” “We are dedicating this bookstore to you, the residents of San Juan, for good learning and good reading,” said President Mary DeMers. The bookstore was relocated from its original location in the back of the library to the former Bland Garden, fronting El Camino Real. The store was designed by Planning
The man was reportedly screaming at cars and walking in the middle of the street. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle De Los Molinos, 200 Block (12:22 p.m.) A woman called from Irvine concerned about her mother, who was at an automotive repair shop. A former shop employee was reportedly yelling and screaming, telling those inside not to call police. The man was described as being 29 or 30 years old, with dark hair, tall and heavy set. No weapons were mentioned.
Sunday, June 8 DISTURBANCE Camino Vera Cruz/Avenida Pico (1:09 p.m.) An apparently homeless man asked for money and became angry when the caller refused. The man was described as wearing a gray or green beanie and pushing a shopping cart. DISTURBANCE Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (3:21 a.m.) A man was throwing things from the gas station into the street. He was also reportedly punching signs.
Saturday, June 7 CITIZEN ASSIST Escalones, 200 Block (1:07 p.m.) A woman’s house was egged. She believed a former employee
Commissioner Roy Nunn and received the approval of renowned architect Michael Graves, who designed the library.
DANA POINT The Dana Point Library and Friends of the Library Bookstore will soon undergo closures for a roof renovation project that will replace large aging skylights that cover much of the library. The Friends, the all-volunteer group that supports the Dana Point Library, raised $70,000 toward the project that will provide more light and improve the library’s energy efficiency. Target closure dates for the library are Monday, June 30 through Monday, September 1. Library patrons are being asked to visit nearby branches in Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano during construction for services. The San Clemente library will also be closed for construction later this month.
The Friends of the Library and their supporters are joyous after cutting the ribbon to their new bookstore. Photo: Brian Park
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
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did it. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block (9:59 a.m.) A stocky man with paint on the side of his face was loitering by a red Mini Cooper. He was asking for money and acting aggressive.
Friday, June 6 DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVED Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (8:39p.m.) A caller said multiple drivers were “driving like maniacs” in the school parking lot. The drivers were drifting and doing doughnuts. INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (12:22 p.m.) A man in his 70s, wearing a black overcoat with nothing underneath, was flashing people. BUGLARY IN PROGRESS Calle Frontera/Avenida Pico (10:02 a.m.) The caller watched someone break into his car and wanted to chase after the attempted thief with a knife.
Thursday, June 5 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino de Los Mares, 600 Block
(1:23 p.m.) A man who appeared to be homeless was asking people to buy him alcohol because the store wouldn’t sell him any. DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Santiago, 100 Block (12:58 a.m.) A caller reported their neighbor for loudly “strumming his guitar” and singing.
Wednesday, June 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Mira Costa/Calle La Veta (6:26 p.m.) A caller reported a man carrying a tote bag “full of beer,” who was “smashed out of his mind” and “just hanging out” on the street. CITIZEN ASSIST Paseo Flamenco, 3400 Block (5:29 p.m.) A man who claimed to be a dent repairman was hired to fix dents on a woman’s car, but ended up making them worse. The woman refused to pay him full price. She reported him for repeatedly calling her house. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real, 2400 Block (12:43 p.m.) A man and a woman were seen digging in their bags and throwing clothes in the planters near a bus stop.
EYE ON SC
The Steward of Capistrano Unified
take something incredibly complex—you could name it, there’s one every day in the school district—and I’ll have to communicate that to someone.” After his first year, trustees, school administrators and parents praised Farley’s open-door policy and his honesty, even when the news was not always good. Farley challenged educators when he took over, said George Duarte, the former principal at San Clemente High School and current principal at Ladera Ranch Middle School. “He recognized the high performance of the district, but he also said we could do better to meet the needs of all children,” Duarte said.
Superintendent Joseph Farley took a troubled district and set it on a better path BY JIM SHILANDER AND BRIAN PARK, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
W
hen a journalist “buries the lede,” it means he or she fails to quickly get to the crux of a story. For Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joseph Farley, a former newspaper reporter, writing the story of the district’s recovery from years of turmoil meant opening with a strong lede and acknowledging the problem from the start. “I was absolutely, brutally honest about the flaws and the strengths of the school district,” Farley said of his first days at the head of CUSD in 2010. “My essential message was we’re going to stop all these squabbles, all this political conduct that’s absorbing our time, and we’re going to focus on classroom instruction and on kids.” Four years later, Farley’s deadline has now arrived. As he promised when he was hired, Farley will retire at the end of his contract, June 30. “Everyone knew from the first day I’d only be here for four years, then they would transition into another superintendent who would take the district from some relative tranquility and stability to even greater levels of achievement, which I think will be possible,” Farley said. The school board has had a more difficult time writing a follow-up story—that is, finding Farley’s replacement—than expected. The district planned to name its next superintendent in May, after hiring the national search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, which initially recruited Farley and where he is expected to take on a part-time job. But last month, trustees hired a new consultant, La Quinta-based Leadership Associates—the same firm that recruited Farley’s predecessor, A. Woodrow Carter, who clashed with the board and was fired in 2009, after just two years on the job. Trustee Anna Bryson, who was board president when Farley was unanimously hired, said the board was looking for someone specific to follow Farley. “He has laid a magnificent groundwork that for whoever comes they will be very fortunate because the hardest turning around has been achieved and now it’s full steam ahead,” Bryson said.
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
Superintendent Joseph Farley is set to retire at the end of June. As an administrator, he is credited with steering the district through a tumultuous political and financial period back to safer, calmer waters. Photo: Brian Park
INTO THE FIRE When Farley was hired in 2010, he became the district’s seventh superintendent in four years. Longtime superintendent James Fleming retired in 2006, but less than a year later, he was indicted for allegedly compiling an “enemies list,” which identified parents who had been critical of the district. Five superintendents followed, including Dennis Smith, who resigned after one month, three interim administrators and Carter. The board fared no better. In 2008, disgruntled parents successfully recalled trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper and replaced them with Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox. But in 2010, Maddox and Mike Winsten were recalled and replaced by current Board President John Alpay and Trustee Gary Pritchard. Trustee Lynn Hatton was also elected over incumbent Larry Christensen. That year, before the election, the teachers union also went on a five-day strike over pay cuts. When he came in to interview, Farley said he had to be brought in secretly to avoid picketers. “That was kind of an unusual circumstance,” Farley said. At the time, the job was far from ideal, given the myriad of controversies surrounding the district, as well as the statewide financial crisis that would force the district to cut $150 million from their budget and shorten the school calendar. But for Farley, the job was perfect. MR. FIX IT Farley, who has been an educator for 41 years, developed a reputation as a problem solver. Before coming to CUSD, he spent five years as superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District. Like CUSD, he brought an end to a period of high turnover, which saw three superintendents in as many years.
Public confidence in Anaheim Union was low, and just over a week after Farley started, the Orange County Grand Jury began an investigation into the district’s management of a multi-million dollar construction bond. A year later, the Grand Jury praised Farley’s work in handling the situation and said it was a model for other districts. Bryson said Farley’s reputation as a problem solver was a definite factor in his hiring, which she called, “one of the proudest things I’ve ever done.” “He had confronted problems that were very severe in his prior district, and with calm intellect and consistent strength of administrative oversight, he righted that ship,” Bryson said. Alpay said early on in his dealings with Farley as a trustee, he understood the focus would be on the classroom. “It became very clear to me that he was trying to reassert control,” Alpay said. “It was really a ‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,’ kind of thing.” That attitude was key, Alpay said, to reestablishing a sense of district stability, reminding board members of their responsibilities to students. Alpay said that had carried over to the relations between the board members themselves. “We don’t agree on everything, we’re seven people with seven different opinions,” Alpay said. “But I can say wholeheartedly that we’re all unified in our objective to provide our children with a quality education. I think we’ve all learned to be respectful and get along with each other because we’ve understood our interests are aligned.” Farley said, as a journalist, he enjoyed taking complicated issues and explain them as simply as possible. He applied those skills as a school administrator. “I have to teach something. I have to do it briefly and succinctly with the fewest words possible,” Farley said. “I’ll
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FUTURE ISSUES COME INTO FOCUS Having restored a full school year, Farley said the district was on surer footing financially going forward. The greatest challenge, however, that will likely confront Farley’s successor is having to deal with the aging facilities found throughout the district. During the height of its fiscal crisis, the district was forced to raid its deferred maintenance reserves, meaning issues at some schools have not yet been addressed. “It’s not just old campuses. It’s new or relatively new campuses that also have needs that when you total them up represent an awful lot of money,” Farley said. He also noted that the district is not growing evenly. Some schools, such as Marblehead Elementary in San Clemente and parts of Dana Point, have seen declining enrollment in recent years. The district must also prepare to house Rancho Mission Viejo students and is already planning for a K-8 school there. “The trouble is that the growth isn’t where we have the decline,” Farley said. Solutions could be found, but they would take time, Alpay said. The district also faces attendance boundary issues and must work to unravel its community facilities districts, especially dealing with population pressures at San Juan Hills High School. Farley said the district needs to find a way, over the course of several years, to fund the modernization of some of its facilities. The district currently has 10 MelloRoos CFDs, which have restrictions about using funds for maintenance of existing buildings. Solutions might include creating a district-wide facilities bond or one specific to certain areas, after paying existing CFDs. The board, while aware of the issue, has not yet formally discussed the solution, which would require public input. “We didn’t get here overnight and it’s going to take a couple of years to get back out,” Alpay said. But despite future challenges, Alpay said Farley has lived up to his reputation as a fixer. “We’re a great school district,” Alpay said. “We had self-inflicted wounds and he came along and made a very good school district again. Because of him, we’re in a position to become an incredible school district.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
Letters to the Editor SAN CLEMENTE’S DOGS A WELCOME SIGHT BEVERLY HANES-SIMON, San Clemente
When I first read Mr. William Hubbard’s letter (“San Clemente Has Gone to the Dogs,” May 8) in regard to his opinion on dogs in San Clemente, I thought it was a joke. Possibly the SC Times, tiring of letters fixated on our Interstate 5 “parking lot,” or what will become of us if the “nuke plant” isn’t dismantled, had paid someone to come up with yet another issue? Sadly, I think the man actually hates dogs. This first subject on his agenda is Ole Hanson? I don’t know if I qualify as an “old San Clementean,” but my family has been here since 1960, when my mom and dad bought a vacant lot from Ole “Bob” Hanson, one of Ole Hanson’s 10 children. Mr. Hubbard, last time I checked, Mr. Ole Hanson was not on the list being “fast-tracked” to sainthood. He was a run-of-the-mill land developer, who had been mayor of Seattle for one year before
resigning. After that he toured, giving anti-Bolshevik speeches. He saved up that money and bought the land, developing what is our city of 65,000-plus people today. Alas, when the Depression hit the developer lost everything and retreated to Los Angeles. Funny, in my reading on Mr. Hanson, his opinion of dogs was never mentioned. I wonder where Mr. Hubbard found Ole’s written laws, in regards to “not allowing pets in public areas,” as I can find nothing on that. He did state San Clemente should go no further inland than 1.5 miles. Maybe we should get rid of those people farther out, with the dogs? In my opinion, Ole Hanson would be “turning over in his grave” if he saw this clogged up mess of a freeway going through his land development, not the dogs. Approximately half of the U.S. population owns a dog. I am one of 10 percent who owns three dogs. For your edification, the city of San Clemente allows you to own four dogs, licensed to your household. I am involved with the Beagle Freedom Project, and one of my dogs is “Rico Suave,” a beagle, rescued after living five horrific years in a medical testing facility in Spain.
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso. John Dorey of the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation will be this week’s guest. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander. All are welcome. Beachside Chat is held every Friday at Café Calypso. The founder of this organization put a second trust deed on her home to finance the rescue of 40 Spanish laboratory Beagles, that were going to be executed as the testing facility was closing. It is hard to believe compassion such as that is still present in our society. Oh, Mr. Hubbard, I actually found myself “disgusted” today, but then I hugged my three fur babies, and realized I am truly blessed, dog feces and all. To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.
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San Clemente is awash in small town memories and charm
O
ne of my favorite reflections on life in San Clemente is from about 20 years ago. I’d had several old engravings framed and matted at The Frame House when it was still located at the top of Avenida Del Mar. I was so pleased when I returned home and gazed at the pictures hanging on my wall. On impulse, I decided to send Margo, the woman who had helped me with the framing, a few chocolate almond turtles from a candy store that used to be a short distance down the block, hoping they’d deliver them. However, I couldn’t remember the shop’s name to give them a call, so I telephoned The White Rabbit, a gift store sandwiched between the two businesses, confident they’d know. The White Rabbit’s owner answered, supplying the store’s name and phone number, adding that if they weren’t able to do the delivery, she’d gladly do it. I thanked her heartily and proceeded to call the candy store. A clerk said they’d wrap them up with a pretty bow and deliver them to Margo straight away. I began to rattle off my credit card number when the woman interjected that they San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
didn’t accept credit cards. Frustrated that I was home and not nearby, I paused, and then heard her ask if I was local to San Clemente? I assured her that I was, when she graciously added, “OK, Georgette Korsen just stop in next time you’re downtown to pay me.” A warm sense of satisfaction washed over me, as I realized I’d been able to discover the shop’s name, get its phone number, procure two people enthusiastically willing to deliver my gift, and had accomplished all without having to leave my home or supply a single penny, knowing I was trusted to pay later. How priceless. Another memory is from a time when I called Dan, the past owner of Dave’s Mexican Restaurant in north San Clemente, located where The Riders Club is today. Our family was in the mood for Dan’s amazingly delicious, totally vegetarian, spicy homemade broccoli soup—a recipe he’d gleaned from an old woman in a tiny village deep in Mexico, he’d explain. Not on the menu, it was offered only as a special, so we called ahead, hearing him
say that he was out of it, but that if we’d be willing to wait 40 minutes before coming in, he’d make some for us. Not to be outdone, years later our daughter, now married and living in San Clemente, also called Dan to inquire about his supply of broccoli soup. He apologetically said he was out and couldn’t even offer to make it because he didn’t have any broccoli. She enthusiastically shot back, “No problem, I’ll go to the market and drop some off.” Now you know that soup had to be good. The years have passed, and we’ve all witnessed a multitude of changes as San Clemente’s population has continued its upward march. But it’s memories like these that have reminded our family to be ever grateful for the gift of a place that never seems to lose its small town heart. Georgette Korsen is Director and Past President of the San Clemente Historical Society. SC
City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park ART/DESIGN
SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke
Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)
Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Kevin Dahlgren, Amanda Huffman, Catherine Manso, Sean Robb, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent
San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 24. 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 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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
Page 8
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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente
On Stage at the Coach House: Spencer Day
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF
Thursday | 12 THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. OPEN MIC AND COMEDY 8 p.m., Every Thursday night starting at 8:30 p.m. local comedians bring their funniest jokes. Admission is free. And, if you think you’re funny, come down at 8 p.m. to sign up for five minutes of stage time. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2410, www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.
Friday | 13 CLASSICAL GUITAR 6 p.m. Every Thursday and Friday night Ricardo entertains at Carbonara Trattoria Italiana. 111 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.1040, www.carbonara.com.
EDITOR’S PICK
FINE ART SHOW 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Explore the area’s talent through this art show sponsored by the Dana Point Fine Arts Association, where student paintings, ceramics, photographs and multimedia designs will be on display. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.danapointfinearts.org. MOVIE IN THE PARK: DESPICABLE ME 2 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Pack lawn chairs, blankets and snacks as Steve Carrell voicing the reformed villain Gru, his beloved minions and three adopted daughters provide the night’s entertainment. Popcorn is free. Refreshments available for purchase. Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org. JIMMIE JAMES 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.
Father’s Day Brunch sail • June 15 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Celebrate dad with brunch aboard the Ocean Institute’s tall ship Spirit of Dana Point. Steer the ship, raise the sails and watch the crew fire the cannon. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for children 4 and up. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.oceaninstitute.org.
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
Courtesy photo
Day received national attention with his debut album “Vagabond,” and his performance credits include the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Great American Music Hall and the Herbst Theater. Day’s resume, and fan following, grew even stronger after opening for Rufus Wainwright at the Napa Valley Opera House. See Spencer Day at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, on June 22. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Dinner reservations are also available. For tickets and a full schedule of upcoming shows, visit the Coach House online at www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930. — Victor Carno
Saturday | 14
Monday | 16
Wednesday | 18
BEST OF BARBERSHOP 2 p.m. The South County Sound men’s chorus shares the stage with barbershop quartets and high school singers at the Concordia University Center for the Performing Arts. $20 for adults, $10 for students in grades 1 to 12, free for kids under 5 and $15 each for groups of 10. 1530 Concordia, Irvine, 949.661.2394, www.scsound.org.
HELP WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS, ANGER 10:45 a.m. Recovery International provides help with gaining control over distressing emotions and tools to improve coping skills. Meetings held every Monday. Donation requested but not required. El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, 949.380.0809, www.lowselfhelpsystems.org.
LIVE MUSIC AT OC TAVERN 8:30 p.m. The Cold Hard Cash Show and Three Chord Justice perform live. Tickets $10. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.
SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts a lineup of four comedians on the second Saturday of each month. Admission $15. To purchase, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.comedyintheoc.com. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www. caminorealplayhouse.org.
Tuesday | 17
FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Noon-7 p.m. Spend the day in Dana Point sampling food and wine. Event includes art exhibitions, cigar bar, kids’ zones, live music, street performers and the Great Southern California Beer Festival with more than 100 beers. Free shuttle service available from Dana Hills High School. Sea Terrace Community Park, Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road, Dana Point, www.foodwineandmusicfestival.com.
Sunday | 15
HOUSE OF DESIGN TOUR 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents its 22nd home as part of its House of Design fundraiser. Proceeds help fund music programs for youth. Tickets $40-$50. Tour runs through Sunday, June 29. Closed Mondays. Designers will be available for meet and greets Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free parking at Strand Vista Park. Shuttle runs every 10 minutes. Selva Road at Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 714.840.7542, www.philharmonicsociety.org.
PLAY ON 2 p.m. Theatrical Performance. Tickets $20, $15 for students. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts for kids 3-6 at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Occurs every Tuesday. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.
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.
NOAH LEKAS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.
BLUE LARGO 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.
Courtesy photo
D
escribed as an artistic vagabond, Spencer Day is making a stop at the Coach House on Sunday, June 22 to showcase his newly released album “Daybreak.” Born in Utah, Day moved to Arizona before eventually deciding to pursue music in San Francisco. This subsequently led to his move across the country to the New York music scene. Day truly lives up to his musical vagabond image. Picking up musical styles everywhere he went, Day’s nomadic tendencies really show through his music. “I wanted to create a musical hybrid,” Day said in his artist bio, and he did just that. Pulling together several genres—including big band, jazz and a touch of pop—Day refuses to be pigeonholed while simultaneously appealing to listeners across the music spectrum.
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Upcoming: Saturday, June 21
SOUTH COAST SINGERS 7 p.m. The group of more than 50 talented singers from across Orange County perform jazz, swing, Broadway, classical, gospel, rock, patriotic tunes and more. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Circle St., Aliso Viejo, www.southcoastsingers.org. 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 SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
San Clemente Turns Out in Droves for Car Show Annual downtown event celebrates 19th year BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
housands from around Southern California made their way to Avenida Del Mar Sunday to enjoy the latest edition of the San Clemente Car Show. The event included more than 300 vehicles of all types, from the massive Mercedes Unimog to the tiny Morris Mini, woodies and muscle cars from all eras. The event also included a number of awards. Mayors Choice: Presented by Mayor pro tem Chris Hamm Craig Legacy, Chevy Apache 1959 Best Mustang: Wally Ruziecki, Ford Mustang 1964 Best Corvette: Tim and Gale Osborn, Chevy Corvette 1963 Best T-Bird: Michael Trapasso, Ford T-Bird 1955 Best Chevy 1953-1957: Frank Mercier, Chevy Bel Air 1955 Best Ranchero or El Camino: Jeanne Thompson, Chevy El Camino 1959
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
Best T-Bucket: Don Yeagan, Ford TBucket 1923 Best Roadster: David Lockwood, Ford “T” 1925 Best Firebird: Stand Bressler, Pontiac Firebird 1967 Best Camaro: Steve Aguilar, Chevy Camaro Z28 1971 Best Station Wagon: Paul Austin, Chevy Nomad 1956 Best Truck, Modified or Custom: Jim Perez, Chevy Pickup 1958 Best Truck, Stock: Mike Marte. Chevy Pickup 1958 Best Woodie: Chuck and Leigh Mountjoy, Ford Woodie 1947 Best Muscle Car, 1959 and Up: Dennis Steadman, Chevy Corvette 1970 Best Foreign: Steve Cox, Datsun 2402 1970 Best Stock Car: James Dunk, Ford Coupe 1936 Best Modified & Custom 20, 30s and 40s: Ray Malzo and Mike Montoya
Writing What You Know
SC man uses pharmaceutical background for first novel BY STEVE SOHANAKI, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
W
Clockwise from top: A surf-styled hood ornament adorns a Cadillac. Thousands filled up Avenida Del Mar. Many car lovers took the opportunity to get an up close view of their favorite vehicles. Judge Antoine Price presents an award. Many cars showed off their custom or stock engines and the work that went into them. Photos: Jim Shilander
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alking through the cosmetics section of a department store, it’s nearly impossible not to notice the endless assortment of health and beauty products lining the shelves. For San Clemente resident David Power, the thought of there being a single product, a super drug, to make all the rest unnecessary, was an intriguing idea. It was the inspiration for his first novel, Fountain of Youth. Power originally conjured the idea while working as a marketing director for the pharmaceutical company Allergan. His 22 years there gave him insight into the trends and demands of what consumers desired in pharmaceutical products. “There’s a huge demand Author David Power. for products that Photo: Steve Sohanaki help people look younger,” Power said. “Drugs like Botox are in high demand. Allergan built a whole new business model around aesthetics.” Power thought if there was a health and beauty super drug that slowed down the aging process and could even reverse it, the impacts on society would be tremendous. “If such a drug did exist, what would be its impact on society,” Power said. “If you could keep your youth well into your 90s and live 40 years longer, what would happen to the job market, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security? And how would the government react to this?” For Power, detective and mystery fiction, especially Stephen King novels, had always interested him. So when he thought of the idea about an aesthetic super drug, he felt a compulsion to write a fictional story about it. Upon retiring two and a half years ago, he was able to devote much of his time to writing and finishing the novel. “The story is complex with three story arcs that come together and lots of mystery as well,” Power said. Power explained that his story, like many others, has a strong moral message. “The moral of the story is: be careful what you wish for,” he said. “There’s a character in the story who obtains the drug before it’s legal, and the results aren’t what you’d expect.” Power’s first book signing will be at the Book Corral, 25571 Jeronimo Road, in Mission Viejo on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
o
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da e y, n Ju h ne o 14 u • 1 se 23p m
tu r Sa
205 W. Avenida Valencia, San Clemente, Ca 92672 Located in one of the finest areas of Downtown San Clemente, this property boasts a flawless display of California architecture. A fascinating interplay of indoors and outdoors unfolds in this 4 bedroom, 3 and half bath home. Grand vaulted ceilings, exposed beams in the family room & kitchen make this home an amalgam of sophistication, warmth and coastal living. A large 700 square foot outdoor deck takes advantage of the ocean views, with dining and lounge areas. The master Suite is a true oasis. Complete with a fireplace, sitting area, luxurious shower enclosure and jetted-jacuzzi tub. With just a few steps to the beach and all it’s amenities, this home is the picture of California living.
Offered by Kevin Hood office: 949.492.0090 • cell: 949.350.5495 Email: kevin@greentreeproperties.net Website: www.greentreeproperties.net GreenTree Properties
SC LIVING
Stepping into Seaside Luxury Philharmonic Society’s house tour supports music programs for area youth BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Nineteen designers from across Orange County came together to create a cohesive feel throughout a Strand at Headlands-located home for the Philharmonic’s house tour. Wendy Ann Miller, of Orange, designed the dining room, pictured above. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Beverly Stadler, an interior designer from San Clemente, stands in the hallway she designed for the Philharmonic Society of Orange’s annual home tour. A painting by local artist Rick Delanty hangs in the background. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
T
ucked behind security gates, among home lots with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, sits a pristine household. Situated high above Dana Strand Beach along the bluffs of Dana Point’s Headlands, it is a sight few have seen. But thanks to the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, visitors can now step into the coastal luxury of the Strand at Headlands while supporting youth music education programs. In its 22nd year, the annual Philharmonic House of Design event brings together 19 local interior creators, who have transformed a 7,500-square-foot home into a cohesive design. With a color pallete in hand, this year’s designers created a fluid space where the transition from one artist to the next is seamless. “None of us wanted to fight the beauty of the ocean, everyone wanted to keep things neutral so the ocean was the one doing the talking,” said San Clementebased interior designer Beverly Stadler.
Stadler, who has been involved with the Philharmonic Society for more than a decade, designed a first floor powder room and hallway, complete with blue marble countertops, crinkled-linen wallpaper and a specially-created painting from San Clemente artist Rick Delanty. This is the second time Stadler has participated in the House of Design event. It is a contribution she sees a highly important for the arts. “I feel that in my business it is critically important to give back and to give back some of the talent, that as designers, we have,” Stadler said. Funds raised through the Philharmonic’s House of Design go on to benefit area youth through music programming and performances. The Philharmonic Society’s music programs reach nearly 200,000 students from kindergarten through high school each year. Since its founding in 1956, the society has introduced millions of children to classical music and has facilitated programs bringing artists, concerts and other educational programming to students countywide. The House of Design tour runs through Sunday, June 29 and is closed on Mondays. Home tours are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday touring starts at 10 a.m. and designers will be on hand for meet and greets with visitors from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sunday, the home can be seen from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking is available at Strand Vista Park, located at Selva Road and Pacific Coast Highway, and a shuttle service will run visitors to and from the home every 10 minutes. Tickets cost $40 to $50 and are available for purchase online at www.philharmonicsociety.org. SC
Casa Romantica to Host Lecture on Spanish Revival Style Architecture BY STEVE SOHANAKI, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
A
uthor D.J. Waldie will be giving the final lecture of this year’s “Casa Up Close” series at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente, Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The lecture, called “Modern Romance: California Homes in the Spanish Revival Style,” focuses on how the architects of Spanish revival made homes in fully planned communities in California, such as Rancho Santa Fe, San Clemente and Palos Verdes Estates. The architectural design of these communities was modeled after the Spanish style while still accommodating the needs and conveniences of modern life—sufficient space for automobiles, practical access to outdoor facilities and comfortable rooms that displayed a connection to California. In a description of the style, Waldie
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
gave some details of Spanish revival homes in Southern California. “They were houses of white stucco and red tile, of deeply recessed doorways, windows and portals. Of rustic field tiles and rudely forged iron. Of sunny gardens and shaded corners. Of airy loggias and quiet arcades leading into the light.” Waldie has established himself as an expert on Southern California architecture. In 1995, he wrote a book titled Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir, which shared his experiences growing up in Lakewood in the 1950s—the largest planned suburb in California at the time. Casa Romantica is located at 415 Avenida Granada in San Clemente. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.casaromantica.org. Admissions are priced at $10 for Casa members, $15 for non-members and free for students under 18. SC Page 17
Photo: Catherine Manso
SCENE { I N S A N CL EM ENTE }
Students from San Clemente High School gather at Pines Park in Capistrano Beach before making their way to prom Saturday. The dance was held
at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda.
www.sanclementetimes.com
SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
Against All Odds
Sometimes, just sometimes, older men out number older women
I
n the 20 years I’ve been writing about dating and finding love for the age 50 plus group, the biggest complaint I’ve heard from single women, by far, is the lack of available single men. Often ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 these comments come at By Tom Blake the monthly age 50 plus singles meet and greet social gatherings at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli. The deli has sponsored these events from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month for two years. Without fail, women have always outnumbered men. The ratio varies from two women to one man on a good day and has been as high as 5-to-1 on a bad day. I’ve seen women show up, see that there aren’t enough men to go around, and leave. When women comment about the lack of men, I explain that we do our best to recruit guys but we have to keep finding new ones. Why? Fifteen romantic couples have formed who have met at the meet and greets, including a 92-year-old man and his female friend. Once a couple, they tend not to come back. When I see the guys later around town, I ask them why they don’t attend anymore. Some wink and say words like, “She doesn’t want me to. With all of the nice women there, she thinks I might become interested in someone else.” A woman named Joy didn’t attend but
the shortage of women. Perhaps it was the adult beverages. Bob kept cupping his hands and jokingly yelling, “Where are the women?”
emailed, “Bob and I are engaged. We are so blessed and are in the process of moving me into his home. We celebrated our nine-month anniversary of having met at your August 29 mixer. Without you, I don’t know if our paths would have ever crossed.” It’s not just at our meet and greets where the ratios are difficult for women. I’ve given speeches to groups where the women-to-men ratios have been 15-to-1 or larger. It’s just the way it is in the age 50 plus dating world and it happens all over the United States. Plus, the older singles become, the greater the disparity between the number of women and men. A RARE EVENT Our most recent meet and greet was May 29. Something happened against all odds. The first nine people to arrive were men. When Bob, one of our regulars entered, he said, “Where are the women?” I hesitated, grasping at straws, and said, “They are running a little late tonight.” By the time everyone had arrived, including Hyam, a delightful 96-year-old sculptor, who looks 70, the ratio was just plain bizarre: men outnumbered women by 2-to-1, which is absolutely unheard of for a 50-plus singles event. The women loved it. Dee called her daughter on her cellphone and said, “Guess what? I’m sitting here with three men at my table and Tom just bought me a beer.” Dee was all smiles.
Joy and Bob made a connection at one of Tom Blake’s Tutor & Spunky’s single’s events. Courtesy photo
The men were speculating on what happened. One suggested that the women were home watching the NHL KingsBlackhawks playoff game on TV. Another guy corrected him, “No, that game is tomorrow night.” We were all puzzled. My partner Greta commented on how much fun everyone was having despite
COMING UP This month’s meet and greet will be held at Tutor and Spunky’s, located at 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, suite 116, on Thursday, June 26. It starts at 5 p.m. Carl the DJ will be spinning oldies. Carl’s music always brings the women through the door. They love to hit the dance floor. I bet when the word gets out, the ratio will readjust itself. Also, on Sunday, June 22, at 4 p.m., singer and entertainer Joe Cannon will perform at Wind & Sea Restaurant, 34699 Golden Lantern. He knows the words to 750 songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. I used to see him in Sun Valley, Idaho, after skiing. He’s terrific. Tickets at the door are $15. For more information, call 702. 860.3172. Greta and I will be there. Say hello. For more stories visit, www.findingloveafter60.com and to comment, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.com. 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
The women loved it. Dee “called Sudoku her daughter on her cellphone and said, ‘Guess what? I’m sitting here with three men at my table and
Tom just bought me a beer.’
”
Dee was all smiles. –Tom Blake
BY MYLES MELLOR
Last week’s solution:
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
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Triton Report BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Clemente High School sports teams, and for community sports news, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.
Track and Field Athletes Finish Season at State Meet Four San Clemente track and field athletes capped off their 2014 seasons at the CIF State Championships in Clovis on June 6. Senior distance runner Melissa Eisele finished 13th in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 10:36.32. Eisele was the fourth girls track and field team member to advance to the state meet in the past 20 years. Senior Arik Nesbit’s third and final jump of 45-08.75 in the boys triple jump finals earned him an 11th-place finish. Senior thrower Kelsey Benoit placed 10th in the shot put. He tossed a 56-07.50 on his third throw. Senior Rocky Fenton won the discus following a throw of 184-10. Fenton, Benoit and Nesbit combined for 10 total points and a t-14 placement in the state finals. The trio combined to finish third at the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on May 24.
Softball Players Receive All-League Honors Five San Clemente softball players were named to the All-South Coast League first, second, third and honorable mentions list recently. Juniors Lauren Gonzales and Kelsey Horton were named to the league’s first team. Gonzales led the Tritons in batting average (.500), runs scored (25) and home runs (8) in 2014 while playing center field. Horton touted a .493 batting average and led the team in hits with 35, including five home runs. Junior Lauren Kane was named to the second team. Kane was effective both at the plate (.418 batting average) and in the pitching circle, where she compiled a 9-6 overall record and a 4.13 ERA. Senior catcher Shannon McCasland (.323 batting average, 15 RBIs) was also named to the second team. Junior pitcher Jordyne Prussak earned an honorable mention. Prussak pitched 59.2 innings for the Tritons, finishing with a 4-3 record and a 2.46 ERA. San Clemente Times June 12-18, 2014
Rocky Fenton poses in front of the CIF Track and Field State Championship discus throw leaderboard. Courtesy photo
Q&A With CIF State Discus Champ Rocky Fenton Last year’s track and field postseason could not have been more different than the one San Clemente senior thrower Rocky Fenton just had. In 2013, Fenton decided to make a change to his discus-throwing mechanics the day before league finals. Instead of focusing on the rhythm and form that got him to that point, he doubted his new delivery and thought about throwing the discus out of the sector. He faulted on three throws and was eliminated. In the offseason, Fenton dedicated his time to refining his form and perfecting his delivery. It started paying off in preseason invitational meets, as he racked up multiple top-3 finishes and several wins. Fenton was able to continue his upward trend late in the season, winning the South Coast League title, the CIF-SS Division 1 Championship and ultimately the CIF State Championship in the discus throw. Fenton’s throw of 184-feet-10-inches was the best in the field at the prestigious event on June 6 in Clovis. With the meet win, Fenton became the first ever San Clemente High School individual track and field state champion. We caught up with Fenton days after his historic win to talk about his progression, his training and what it feels like to be the top high school discus thrower in the state. San Clemente Times: You really burst onto the scene early this year and stayed at that high level all season. How did you
accomplish that? Rocky Fenton: I switched up training and made it a lot more specific this year. I learned how to time out my meets, like knowing when to peak for meets. I learned you want to lay off the weights a little bit before the important ones. I learned a lot more about timing in that regard, like when to load the body on the weights and when to taper off. SCT: You and teammate Kelsey Benoit both had standout years in the throws. How often did you guys train with each other? Was that a friendly rivalry? RF: Kelsey is my best friend. We pretty much bonded over the throws. We always wanted to lift more than anyone in the weight room. Kelsey was always the biggest, strongest kid and I was always just tall and skinny. He ended up calling me a few names and I decided to challenge him in the weight room and eventually we became really good friends (laughs). We’ve always been there to push each other. I definitely would not have done anything, any of my accomplishments, if it wasn’t for him. It’s great to have someone to push on the same team. SCT: How did you feel in the build-up to the state championships? Did you think you could make a run at the title? RF: At league finals I think I threw over 170 consistently, that definitely got my confidence up. At CIF-SS Prelims I was nervous. I think it was kind of a bad week but I threw 173. It takes 171 to qualify
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for state so I knew I had that in the bag. I thought even if I didn’t perform my best I could still make it at state. At the CIF-SS Finals I went in and threw 172-09. That was the last time on the strength program and that’s when we tapered off (the weights) and the fun began. At state prelims, my first throw was technically off but I heard people clapping. The next throw was another personal record and I was pretty stoked. Along the way it just builds up. I was getting really good training and my coaches were giving me a lot of good input. I wasn’t switching up a lot of things and I was keeping everything pretty consistent. Everything just kind of lined up. SCT: Seems like you were feeling good heading into the finals. RF: Yeah, but on my first throw (in the finals) I ended up fouling way to the left. After that one of my coaches told me, ‘Listen, I know you have a lot of adrenaline going, just line it up, use good technique and let it go, it will be a big throw.’ And I said, ‘I’m calm, I’m calm,’ in the most tense voice. Everyone was pretty tense. Even my mom was freaking out. My heart was pounding and I was just a little more patient with my second throw and it went well. I threw 184-10 and I had no clue it went that far. Nobody beat that mark. Just knowing you won is incredible. I pinched myself, I just couldn’t believe it. I was so crushed after last year. Just to come back and win state, it makes it so much better. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
Locals Only
BUSINESS DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING
Oasis Heating & Air
31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com
APPLIANCES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS
ASAP Appliance Service
3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com
ART GALLERIES
San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com
BOOKS
Village Books
99 Avenida Serra, 949.492.1114, www.DowntownSanClemente.com
CHOCOLATE/CANDY
Lure of Chocolate, Gourmet Foods & Gift
949.439.1773, www.LureofChocolate.com
Schmid’s Fine Chocolate
99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com
CONCRETE
Costa Verde Landscape
License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
DENTISTS
William Brownson, D.D.S.
3553 Camino Mira Costa, Ste B, 949.493.2391, www.drbrownson.com
Eric Johnson, D.D.S.
647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com
Kristen Ritzau DDS
122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com
EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
Organics Out Back
949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com
ELECTRICAL
Arcadia Electric
949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com
ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST
Lange & Minnott
1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203, 949.492.3459
FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
IMAGES/Creative Solutions
117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com
HAIR SALONS
Kreative Hair Design
173 Avenida Serra, 949.498.6245
HEATING
Oasis Heating & Air
31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com
HOME DÉCOR
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
LANDSCAPING
Costa Verde Landscape
License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
MANAGEMENT - HOA
AMMCOR
910 Calle Negocio, Ste. 200, 949.661.7767, www.AMMCOR.com
MATTRESSES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
MORTGAGES
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage, a division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
SC Rider Supply
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
MUSIC LESSONS
Danman’s Music School
949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
Janet Poth - Violin & Viola
413 Calle Pueblo, 949.922.6388, janpoth@aol.com
OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT
YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
PAINTING
KC Painting & Decorating
3349 Paseo Halcon, 949.388.6829, www.bringcolorintoyourlife.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com
PEST CONTROL
Colony Termite Control
1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
PHARMACIES
Sea View Pharmacy
665 Camino De Los Mares, #101, 949.496.0123, www.seaviewpharmacy.com
PLUMBING
Bill Metzger Plumbing
1218 Puerta del Sol, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com
Chick’s Plumbing
949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com
“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax
949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
ROOFING CONTRACTORS
Jim Thomas Roofing
162 Calle de Industrias, 949.498.6204
SALONS
Salon Bamboo
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com
Salon Bleu
207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com
Sanctuary Salon & Spa
1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, 949.429.5802, www.sanctuarytalega.com
SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
TERMITES
Colony Termite Control
1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design
949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION
Offshore Construction
949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org
POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL
SC Pool & Spa Works
1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com
PRINTING
Printing OC
27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, 949.388.4888, www.printingoc.com
REAL ESTATE
Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group San Clemente, 949.842.3631, www.forterealtygroup.com
Marcie George Star Real Estate South County
949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net
LIST LOCALS ONLY
USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com
FOR SALE BED FRAME Metal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes. $35/obo. New condition. 949.533.9761 HARLEY HANDLEBARS Chrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties). Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures. Text or call 949-633-3860 for more info.
GARAGE SALES SEA CANYON COMMUNITY IS HAVING IT’S THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday June 14th, from 8:00 am1:00 pm. Cross streets are Golden Lantern and Acapulco. Merchandise includes toys, books, furniture, clothing and electronics. Sponsored by Leilani Serrao-Baker Realtor, Windermere So Cal BRE 01908226. 949-444-9175 GARAGE SALE-SATURDAY, JUNE 14 from 9 Am to 3PM. Clothing, books, household items and many miscellaneous items. 400 Calle Vista Torito-San Clemente
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED 60 year old San Clemente appliances & electronics Co. hiring delivery and installation personnel. Clean driving record required. Good pay and benefits: Call Alex at 949-289-5794 or email at sales@shopdeweys.com
SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733
SURF STUFF MENS WETSUITS Mens Rip Curl Wetsuit, short-arm, full suit. New condition. Size small $65. Quiksilver full suit, barely used. Size medium $75. Call or text 949.533.9761.
SC n te S a n C le m e
BUSINESS DIRECTORY PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email lcosenza@picketfencemedia.com
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
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SC n te S a n C le m e
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
San Clemente Times June 12–18, 2014
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Locals Qualify for National Billiards Championships COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE
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he billiards tables at Mulligans Sports Bar in San Clemente were teeming with activity over the weekend, as 17 South Orange County American Poolplayers Association teams vied for two available spots and a berth in the APA National Team Championship in Las Vegas in August. After the first day of competition, eight eight-player teams remained in the double elimination tournament. Teams Fox Force 5 and Are We Solid? won their respective brackets on June 8 and were awarded the tournament trophy and travel assistance to the APA 8-Ball Open National Team Championships, which will run from August 17-23 in Las Vegas. The National Team Championships will consist of over 700 national qualifying teams from across the U.S., Canada and Japan, all competing for the $25,000 firstplace prize purse. Team Fox Force 5 includes: Faith Caprio, Robin Nordstrom, Julia Ung, Andrea Billeb, Heather Kruger, Trena Lemus, Matthew Amalong and captain Ginger Amalong. Are We Solid? includes: Duke Canell,
Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
GYMNASTICS Three San Clemente gymnasts had standout days at the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs West Coast State Meet at the National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino on June 1. Claire Hooper, Sammie Gill and Kristian Skorstad all qualified to compete at the USAIGC World Championships in Orlando, Fla. on June 26. Hooper placed second in both the vault and bars, while placing fifth in the floor and first in the beam. She finished second in the all-around category for the Bronze IGC division.
From L to R: Claire Hooper, Sammie Gill and Kristian Skorstad qualified to compete in the USAIGC World Championships. Courtesy photo
Team Fox Force 5 was one of two regional qualifiers in the South Orange County APA’s 8-ball tournament on June 8. Courtesy photo
Lisa Larson, Chris Maggay, Taryn Aimer, Cameron Fritzsche, Joel Holcomb, Aaron Kearns and captain Kim Henline. The South OC APA runs tournaments in San Clemente and its neighboring cities on a regular basis. The South OC APA was founded in 2006 with the goal of offering beginners and amateur pool players a competitive outlet. The league is set to run its 9-ball qualifying tournament at Mulligans Sports Bar from June 21-22. There will be 15 teams in attendance competing for one spot in the APA National Championships. SC
Gill finished second in the beam and first in the vault, bars and floor, earning her the top spot in the all-around Silver IGC. Skorstad’s second all-around placement in the Silver IGC division included second-place finishes in the vault and bars. She also finished third in the floor and fifth in the beam. YOUTH FOOTBALL The San Clemente High School football program is hosting their Rising Starts youth football camp at Vista Hermosa Sports Park from July 28-31. Early registration is now open. For more information or to register online, visit www.onetownoneteam.com. The program is also hosting its 2014 Triton Hall of Fame Golf Tournament on June 26 at Talega Golf Club. Registration is still open. For more information, visit www.tritonfootball.com. YOUTH BASEBALL The San Clemente High School baseball program is holding a series of baseball camps for youth players ages 5-13, starting June 30. The program’s eighth grade-only camp, for players ages 12-13, runs from June 30 to July 3 at Vista Hermosa Sports Park. The camp for players ages 5-9 and ages 8-12 run from July 14-17. For more information, email head coach Dave Gellatly at dagellatly@capousd.org.
WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.”
E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m. Page 24
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SC San Clemente
SC SURF
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Surfer Girls Make Waves
Two local surfers have gained attention as determined role models, successful competitors wo local surfer girls have gained national attention recently for their talent and determination. Tia Blanco and Meg Roh are both still in high school and while they have different stories, both share a love of surfing and a promising future. Blanco, 17, a junior professional surfer and vegan from San Clemente, has recently become a spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, starring in one of the organization’s newest video campaigns. “I feel great being vegan,” Blanco said. “And, I don’t want to be a part of animals’ suffering.” Roh, 15, a longboarder from Dana Point, was also recently in the spotlight after completing 1,095 consecutive days of surfing, marking her third straight year of catching waves every day. Roh’s story began while in training for a contest. After the event, she realized she had been surfing every day for the entire summer. When Roh was 10 days short of
100, she heard about a friend who did 300 days and vowed to keep going. “I did that and then I went to a year,” Roh said. “Then the goal kept getting bigger.” Both girls are top performing competitors, well on their way toward professional surfing careers. As an up-and-coming pro shortboarder, one of the select group of girls invited to compete in the Surfing America Prime series and member of the USA Surf Team, Blanco travels around the world to compete in a mix of junior and professional competitions. She is also the reigning Surfing America Prime Girls U18 champion. Roh recently finished first in her league in Scholastic Surf Series regular season competition. And, as a member of San Juan Hills High School women’s longboard team, became a Section B state champion. Roh and Blanco said they have had to make sacrifices and work hard to stay focused on their goals. One thing both said they never expected is the amount of
Tia Blanco of San Clemente stars as the spokesperson for a new PETA video campaign. Photo: Sean Robb
Meg Roh of Dana Point recently completed three consecutive years of surfing every day. Photo: Sean Robb
BY SEAN ROBB, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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support they’ve received. Although Blanco has received a lot of support for her vegan lifestyle, she has also been the target of some negativity— naysayers insisting she must not be getting enough protein and her diet could be a detriment to her performance—despite her many victories. Whether standing up against animal cruelty or surfing every day, these young ladies have become role models. “Recently I got a message on Tumblr from a girl saying that she and her friend went vegan because of me, “Blanco said.
“It really makes me happy that I’m inspiring others.” Roh also enjoys her new-found role model status. “It’s pretty cool that I’ve inspired people to surf more,” said Roh. “It’s cool that I get to do what I love to do every day.” Both say they don’t intend to give up. Roh will continue to make wave riding a part of her daily schedule, despite reaching her three-year goal, and Blanco is preparing to for the upcoming Surfing America USA Championships, June 12 through 20 at San Onofre State Park. SC
GROM OF THE WEEK
Gavin Pellkofer Gavin Pellkofer, 14, has bodyboarded for the Vista Del Mar Middle School surf team for two years. We met up with him to talk about his athletic and academic plans as he looks forward to starting high school next year: SC Times: Why bodyboarding? Gavin Pellkofer: I feel like I’m a natural at it. I’ve tried a lot of sports and bodyboarding just seems to fit. SCT: Do you do any other board sports? Gavin Pellkofer. GP: I get out there on a longboard every once in a while and I Photo: Bob Pellkofer also like downhill skateboarding. SCT: What are your plans for bodyboarding? GP: I’d like to go pro someday and travel around the world. Right now my friends and I are sponsored by Madrid Bodyboards. The owner Tom Prince has supported us throughout our journey so far. We really appreciate it. SCT: You mention your friends. How important are they to your bodyboarding? GP: We push each other to progress and without the team I wouldn’t be where I am now. It’s really important to me to have friends who share the same passion for my sport. It’s not just about pushing each other and preparing for contests. We have a lot of fun too. SCT: How are your grades in school? GP: I maintained a 3.85 GPA and earned only ‘A’s and ‘B’s throughout middle school. SCT: Are you looking forward to high school? GP: I am. I will either join AVID—it’s a college prep program—or the surf team. I’ve heard great things about AVID from past students. As a freshman I have to choose one or the other because of zero and first period scheduling. School is really important to me because I really want to get into a great college and succeed in life but my bodyboarding goals are important too. I might have to take a year off of competing and I’m OK with that. SCT: What is the best thing about bodyboarding? GP: Being out in the water is really good enough for me but riding waves and getting air is really exciting. —Andrea Swayne