August 7, 2014

LO C A L

N EWS

August 7-13, 2014

YO U

C A N

U S E

Meet SCPGA Champ and Shorecliffs Student Alex Pak PAGE 27 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 32

Battling the Elements

South County man and former Marine completes Pacific coast SUP journey SPORTS/PAGE 23

www.sanclementetimes.com

Will Schmidt just completed a solo stand-up paddleboard journey between the Canadian and Mexican borders. Photo: Courtesy

Familiar Names Added to Council Candidate List EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

New Column Focuses on Keeping Kids Safe SC LIVING/PAGE 21

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide PAGE 13

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

ning Commission voted to ask the council develop such a policy in concert with a larger tree ordinance. The committee will discus the use of private golf carts on the municipal course, which are currently not allowed due to financial concerns.

Residents previously expressed hope the ban would be overturned in order to bring additional “ambiance” to the course at the committee’s July meeting. – JS

Five things San Clemente should know this week Familiar Names Coming to City Council Ballot THE LATEST: As the close to the filing period for November’s election approaches, a couple of familiar names have added themselves to the ring for the three San Clemente City Council seats to be contested.

Former 16-year City Councilman and mayor Jim Dahl will pursue another term after a two-year absence from the body.

Dahl is among the six candidates who have taken out papers. Mayor Tim Brown, Planning Commissioner Kathleen Ward and resident Fred Olsen have also pulled papers in the last two weeks. Event planner Mikii Rathmann and incumbent Councilwoman Lori Donchak, who has already secured enough verified signatures to be placed on the ballot, signed up earlier.

Dahl decided to run again due to what he called “a lack of leadership” when it came to representing San Clemente’s business community, wanting to be involved in the implementation of a sand replenishment program and to once again serve the community. Dahl finished third in 2012’s election, leading to his replacement on the board. He had previously spent 38 years as a firefighter and four terms on the council.

Ward, who has served on the Planning Commission for the last year said she decided to make her first run for office after surveying the current field and deciding she could provide something different.

She is particularly hopeful about being able to steer the community through its adjustment to the Outlets at San Clemente and Marblehead Coastal residential project, which she said would change the city in dramatic ways over the next 10 years.

Olsen, who had applied for several commissions earlier this year, is a relative newcomer to city politics. In an email, Olsen said he was still examining the process and whether or not he wanted to go forward. He said he would focus on fiscal responsibility and continued growth.

Brown had been noncommittal about joining the race before formally doing so Tuesday. He said he wanted to help provide stability during a period of change for San Clemente.

“There are also a few things I’d like to get done that I haven’t been able to in my first term that I’d like to be able to do by San Clemente Times August 7-13, 2014

West Nile Cases Increasing Despite Drought

Tim Brown added his name Tuesday to this list of candidates for City Council at the City Clerk’s office at San Clemente City Hall. Photo: Jim Shilander

the time I leave council,” Brown said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Incumbents have until 5 p.m. on Friday to return paperwork with 20 verifiable signatures of registered San Clemente voters. If an incumbent chooses not to run, other candidates have until Wednesday, Aug. 13 to submit nomination papers. Councilman Jim Evert has not yet filed papers and has given indications he would not seek to run again.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned to www.sanclementetimes.com for more on the election in the coming months. – Jim Shilander

showed fuel would be held in dry-cask storage though the end of 2049. The utility then would take three years to restore the property and terminate its easement with the Department of the Navy.

WHAT’S NEXT: The report will be the subject of the next meeting of the utility’s Community Engagement Panel meeting.

The group was scheduled to meet Aug. 14 in Oceanside, but that meeting has been postponed and no new date or location announced.

FIND OUT MORE: The complete document can be found at www.songscommunity. com – JS

Edison Provides Early Timeline for SONGS Decommissioning

Golf Course Committee to Discuss Carts, Views

THE LATEST: Southern California Edison is hoping to complete the demolition of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station by the end of 2032, which the utility estimates will cost $4.4 billion.

Both the timeline and cost estimate are among details in a draft version of the post-shutdown decommissioning activities report released last week.

The plant, located just south of San Clemente in San Diego County, ceased operations on June 7, 2013. The utility has $4.2 billion in decommissioning trust fund to pay for the process.

The timeline provided by the company currently indicates that spent nuclear fuel, currently in cooling pools, would be transferred into dry-cask storage by June 2019. Edison’s preliminary timeline

THE LATEST: Thursday’s meeting of the Golf Course Committee will likely draw a larger crowd than others, as commissioners are scheduled to take up two hot-button issues: the use of private carts on the course and view protection.

On the latter issue, the committee has been preceded by the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission, which have provided differing answers to the City Council. The council had tasked the three committees with helping to formulate a view protection policy that would allow residents to pay for the replacement of city trees that block their views. The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission narrowly voted to move forward to develop a policy with a subcommittee in July, while the Plan-

Page 3

THE LATEST: Human cases of the West Nile Virus, along with incidents of dead birds found to have the mosquito-borne disease, are rising in Orange County, the county’s vector control district reported last week.

Of the 56 dead birds collected, a plurality, 20, come from Santa Ana, as do four of the five reported human cases. However, birds have also tested positive as far south as Irvine, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Costa Mesa accounts for the other human case.

WHAT’S NEXT: Vector Control is asking residents to take precautions, including conducting routine property inspections for mosquito-breeding sources. Residents should look for any standing water around the house or neighborhood and either remove the water source or contact OCVCD for help. Residents are also asked to call OCVCD as soon as possible if a dead bird is found. – JS

DMV Office to Reopen this Month THE LATEST: After several months of questions, the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced this week that it would be reopening the San Clemente office, located at 2727 Via Cascadita near Camino Capistrano and Avenida Vaquero, later this month.

The office has been closed since January for remodeling but was initially supposed to open in May. Residents had been sent to offices in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hill and Oceanside in its place.

WHAT’S NEXT: The office will officially reopen Monday, Aug. 25. The office was also closed in 2013 for four weeks for a roof replacement project. – 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

Community Meetings

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

Strength in Support Hosts Golf Tournament Seeing a need for affordable access to mental-health services among their military clients, founders of the nonprofit Strength in Support began working to ensure military personnel, both past and present, and their families have needed low- to no-cost counseling at hand.

The organization is now asking for community support to further strengthen their operation. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Strength in Support will host its inaugural golf tournament where participants will play alongside those who served their nation. The event will also remember the men and women who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks and those who followed in the nation’s wars.

After 13 years of war, an estimated 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from the anxiety disorder known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some 1.8 million living veterans from America’s wars battle with substance abuse, according to Strength in Support.

The tournament will be held at Monarch Beach Golf Links, located at 50 Monarch Beach Resort. Registration begins at 10 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Individuals can sign up to play for $300 and foursomes for $1,200. There are also opportunities to sponsor a veteran.

Find out more about the event or organization at www.strengthinsupport.org.

Auditions for Saddleback Theatre Open to Public Open auditions for Saddleback College’s Fall 2014 Theatre Arts productions of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Lend Me A Tenor” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 26 and 27.

Callbacks will be held Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28 and 29th. All auditions will be

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

Golf Course Committee Meeting 7 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

Strength in Support, a local nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost counseling to active military members, veterans and their families, is hosting a golf tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 10 to aid their outreach efforts. Pictured here, the organization hosts a stand-up paddleboard clinic at Baby Beach, just one of the many activities it offers Orange County’s military population. Photo: Andrea Papagianis

held at 6 p.m. in the McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

To be considered, visit www.saddleback. edu/arts and fill out and download four audition forms. Additional information for each show can be found on the same website.

Those auditioning for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” are asked to bring sheet music in correct key (16-32 bars), and be familiar with the score. An accompanist will be provided. For both non-musicals and musicals, a one-minute monologue is required for each audition.

Monologues will be provided for those who do not have one prepared. Scripts will be available at the Performing Arts office in FA 304. Call 949.582.4766 for further information.

Art Association Looking for Military Artists The San Clemente Art Association is looking for military artists for its brand new Military Artist Program, kicking off on base at Camp Pendleton.

Artists don’t have to be good (or even artists), they just have to be interested.

SCAA will help them get where they want to go with free classes and live demonstrations. The program is sponsored by SCAA, the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club and San Clemente Art Supply and also includes presentations on art journaling, setting up a paint palette and bringing doodles to life.

Each military artist will receive art supply kits to get started drawing, free of charge. Other art supplies are being offered by San Clemente Art Supplies at substantial discounts for participating military members. SCAA membership is also complimentary and includes art show competition fees; monthly club meetings and art demonstrations by well-known Southern California artists and annual Plein Air Painting Competition fees in Paint San Clemente.

A Military Only Art Show and Competition will also be held with cash prizes awarded to the winners. It will take place at the San Clemente Art Association gallery at a date and time to be determined.

For more information, please contact Sandy Beeler at map_scaa@cox.net.

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

SCAA Meeting 3 p.m.–5 p.m. The San Clemente Art Association meets the second Sunday at the Community Center. Refreshments served. Members free, non-members $5 donation.

100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Surfside Quilters Guild Meeting

9:30 a.m. General meeting featuring a special guest at San Clemente Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, www.surfsidequiltersguild.org.

South Coast Detachment Marine Corps League 7 p.m. Open to all active duty,

retired or honorably discharged Marines or FMF Navy Corpsman at the San Clemente Elk’s Lodge. 1505 N. El Camino Real, 949.493.4949, 949.361.9252.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

Kiwanis Meeting Noon. The local

Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows.

620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

Blood and Marrow Drive Noon to 5 p.m.

San Clemente Presbyterian Church/ Community Resource Center, 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente, www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON APLIN AND JIM SHILANDER

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, August 5 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE El Camino Real/Avenida Pico (1:13 a.m.)

Border Patrol agents doing a sweep noticed a grey Dodge pickup backed up into a K-rail on El Camino Real. They knew the vehicle belonged to a registrant and wanted the truck removed.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE S. Ola Vista/Avenida Alessandro (12:22 a.m.) A patrol check was requested to check on dogs that were barking for three hours at a residence on Alessandro.

This was unusual for the home.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Sacramento, 1500 Block (12:10 a.m.) A woman received a text message from a man she knew saying she needed to return his sunglasses in 28 minutes “or else.”

Monday, August 4 WELFARE CHECK Calle Malaguena, 500 Block (11:36 p.m.)

A caller from Dana Point asked deputies to check on her cousin and husband. She had been trying call them all day but there had been no answer. They were 81 and 90, respectively.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Contenta, 700 Block (10:17 p.m.)

A woman, who was housesitting for a family on vacation, said she heard someone in the garage trying to get in the house by shaking the handle. The dog had begun barking.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE 100 Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (3:56 p.m.) A caller said she believed the man she was living with had fraudulently accessed her accounts and her inheritance.

Sunday, August 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Coronado Lane, 100 Block (11:38 a.m.)

A man in sweat pants jumped over a fence onto vacant property.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino de los Mares/Calle Agua San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

(7:43 p.m.) A man tried to punch a code into the Wells Fargo ATM and kicked a glass door. The man was described as 56 years old and wearing a white shirt, a grey hoodie and black pants.

Saturday, August 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle del Cerro, 1100 Block (11:35 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested at an apartment complex. A group of subjects were on scooters and smoking what appeared to be drugs. The caller called back later and said the subjects had moved to a hill at the end of the building.

WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 2300 Block (5:47 p.m.)

A caller said a man, wearing a black shirt and plaid shorts, and woman, who was wearing a grey tank top and blue jeans, were pushing a baby stroller down the street but appeared to be ill. The man was throwing up and stumbling. The woman laid down on the ground.

Max Hren, left, and Kendrick Barrington, enjoy the “megachess” set at National { I N S A N CL EM ENTE } Night Out at Vista Hermosa Sports Park Tuesday. The event featured safety information, games and displays from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and others.

Photo: Jim Shilander

SCENE

Friday, August 1 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Calle Juarez, 3000 Block (2:50 a.m.)

A caller heard two or three shots that appeared to be coming from “the rear of her house.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Al Camo, 0 Block (9:50 p.m.) A caller reported a loud knock on her front door, which, when she went to see what it was, there was nothing there. She owns security cameras but no image was registered on the camera.

Thursday, July 31 KEEP THE PEACE Avenida Hacienda, 1500 Block (7:44 p.m.) A caller reported her male roommate who cussed at her and scratched her floors when he came to pick up his property.

DRUNK IN CAR Avenida Vista Hermosa/Avenida Talega (12:45 p.m.) A man wearing dark slacks and a black polo shirt was sitting in his car drinking a Coors Light beer.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pas Gallita, 3200 Block (10:57 p.m.)

A person was seen walking around the complex with a flashlight, which is concerning due to the time.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico/Avenida La Pata (12:07 a.m.) A caller stated that he attempted to hold down a male employee who was having a verbal fight with a female employee but the fight became physical when he couldn’t hold the man down any longer.

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT Orange County’s long-discussed $140 million project to give the aging Dana Point Harbor a facelift is on hold as an appeal works its way through the California Coastal Commission.

After the Dana Point Planning Commission granted the county a development permit for the revitalization project’s landside element, a recreational boaters group appealed to the City Council. Plans include the demolition of 13 existing structures and reconstruction of seven commercial buildings with 30,000 square feet of new retail. The county also plans to build a 35,000-squarefoot park, a two-level parking structure, and, eventually, a dry-boat storage facility to house 400 vessels.

The council heard comments from boaters who raised concern that boating amenities could be negatively impacted. Harbor business owners countered, saying residents, businesses and visitors had waited long enough for infrastructure changes.

City council members unanimously denied the appeal. Boaters 4 Dana Point Harbor took their appeal to the Coastal Commission. Two coastal commissioners also appealed the development permit. A hearing was expected within 49 days of filing but a Page 7

waiver was granted, said Teresa Henry, the CCC’s south coast district manager. The hearing date has not been rescheduled.

—Andrea Papagianis

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A Mexican grocery store on the brink of closure bought itself more time but must find a solution to alleviate its parking conflict with nearby businesses and San Juan Capistrano city code.

Mercado El Rey was under a court-ordered injunction to close its doors by Friday, Aug. 1 if it did not receive a favorable decision for its permit to establish a shared parking plan by the Planning Commission.

Last week, the commission voted 3-0 to deny Mercado El Rey’s permit, but did so without prejudice, thus allowing the market and the property owner to come back to the city with a new request immediately.

The issue stems from a September 2011 decision by the City Council to approve Mercado El Rey’s permit. Dan Friess has a building and several tenants near the market. He objected to the council’s decision and sued, arguing that the market had insufficient parking and that delivery trucks obstructed other businesses.—Brian Park

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

A Sobering Discussion Cities, courts grapple with citizen complaints about residential group homes and sober-living facilities protected, and encouraged, under state and federal law STORY BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS AND JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

n recent months, residents of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have expressed increasing concern about their neighbors—many of them new. For them, the issue isn’t so much the quality of their neighbors but rather the frequency in turnover of these residents.

These neighbors come and go from residential group homes—some for children and adolescents, others for disabled adults and many for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.

Between the three south Orange County cities there are an estimated 25 licensed drug and alcohol treatment facilities. This estimate includes both residential homes and some medical offices, according to a report from the state Department of Health Care Services, which provides licensing oversight for such facilities.

These residential treatment facilities are considered single-family residences in the eyes of both the state and municipal governments, so long as no more than six people are residing in the home. Under that foundation, these dwellings are awarded the same freedoms as traditional single-family residences. They are licensed by the state and therefore must meet certain standards.

As far as municipal rules go, there is little to no oversight, or even enforcement measures that can be taken, because city regulations regarding such uses simply do not exist—as group homes, with six or fewer people, are permitted by right in any residential zone.

But residents aren’t necessarily pleased with that.

In Capistrano Beach, residents have raised issues with a lack of street parking, cigarette butts and late-night noise. But they remained fairly quiet until a young man was found dead inside a neighboring home on Tuesday, July 22. Many watched from their homes and their front lawns as Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrived and as the lifeless body was removed from the home.

Officials confirmed a 25-year-old man died in the home, neighbors have referred to as a sober living facility, but the cause of death will not be determined for at least 12 weeks, said Mitchell Sigal, supervisor deputy coroner with the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

In San Clemente, residents near one home on South Ola Vista made the City Council aware of issues they were having in June, when the five-member body unanimously approved spending $5,000 to support legal battles being waged by Newport Beach over group home regulations.

San Clemente Times August 7-13, 2014

CITY ATTEMPTS TO REGULATE Residents of Ola Vista said a number of recent police responses to the home had troubled them. To address their concerns, neighbors encouraged the council to regulate group homes as much as possible.

But Dana Point’s and San Clemente’s hands, along with those of other California cities, may be tied.

Sober living homes are not only protected under state law but also under federal law, making it difficult for local municipalities to step up to the enforcement plate.

Group homes, mainly those for the disabled and elderly, were encouraged in the 1970s as a way to keep people living in residential areas and interacting with neighbors.

The concept was expanded in 2000 when 60 percent of California voters passed Proposition 36, or the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act—a law cheered by public health and criminal justice advocates as a way to keep lowlevel drug offenders out of the state prison system and a means to get them into treatment and recovery facilities.

Since the law’s implementation in July 2001, an estimated 700 treatment facilities have been licensed by the state, according to numbers from the California Drug Counseling Inc., a nonprofit substance abuse treatment center in Pasadena.

With a rise in residential treatment facilities, however, came a rise in resident complaints.

In 2008, the city of Newport Beach passed a zoning ordinance regulating, and in some cases limiting to services of, group homes.

Before the ordinance, group homes were operating freely in residential areas.

But after receiving complaints from residents, much like the ones being heard in south county today, the City Council passed an ordinance that forced many group homes out of the city.

“They cared less about their interaction with neighbors,” said Newport Beach City Attorney Aaron Harp, of temporary residents. The city heard from long-time, and long-term, residents who complained about the facilities’ turnover and the way it changed the neighborhoods. The city itself was more concerned with homeowners changing a traditional residential use into a commercial one, he said.

Newport Beach’s ordinance impacted group homes, such as sober living facilities, boardinghouses, sororities and fraternities, by prohibiting new group homes from operating in most residential areas and requiring existing homes to go through a permitting process that new ones would be subject to.

Residents across south Orange County have expressed concern in recent weeks over the presence of sober living and other group homes in neighborhoods. Due to state and federal laws, however, there is little that cities like San Clemente can do at the moment. Photo: Jim Shilander

While the law’s language was neutral, group home owners fought the ordinance in court arguing that the ordinance targeted sober living homes unfairly.

In 2007, before the ordinance was adopted, Newport had 72 group homes. By 2013, there were just 27.

Two treatment organizations operating in Newport Beach, Pacific Shores Properties LLC and Newport Coast Recovery LLC, sued the city in 2009 after their permits were denied. The judge presiding over the case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, ruled in favor of the city.

Operators appealed that decision. In September, three justices with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled Newport Beach discriminated against homes for recovering addicts in applying its group home ordinance.

The appellate court also found the trial court erred in not considering evidence proving the city’s “sole objective in enacting and enforcing its ordinance was to discriminate against persons deemed to be disabled under state and federal housing discrimination laws,” Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote in his opinion. The federal Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act extend to persons recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, Reinhardt wrote.

The court has opened the door for liability issues for cities, Harp said, since the ordinance’s language was non-discriminatory. He believes the court read prejudiced intent where it was not.

Five appellate court judges, who did not hear the case, issued a dissent. Newport Beach now has plans to submit a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. Five cities have signed on in support of Newport’s appeal, including San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Claremont, Costa Mesa and Bradbury.

The city expects to know if the Supreme Court will take up the case sometime in the fall, Harp said.

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RESIDENTS RAISE CONCERNS LOCALLY Counselors with Sovereign Health, a treatment facility located in the Talega Business Park of San Clemente, refers those who have left the facility for drug and alcohol dependency to sober living homes to continue their treatment, said the organization’s spokeswoman Penny Alvarez.

However, that the organization only referred to homes that have been licensed by the state. But other homes are not operating with a license. There are 30 unlicensed facilities operating in San Clemente, said Brent Panas, the city’s code compliance officer.

A number have popped up recently in the southwest area of the city, he said.

Lisa Gaskin lives near one such home.

Gaskin believes there are “different levels” of such facilities. Some, she noted, regularly have residents picked up in a single vehicle, while others have “cars parked all over the street, many from out of state.”

People were “constantly changing,” she said, with turnover sometimes coming in less than a month.

But a larger issue is a lack of neighborliness.

On a recent day, Gaskin reported, an open window led to her overhearing graphically crude language. Another time, she reported her son was watching television upstairs when he heard very loud vomiting.

Gaskin said the family is considering moving away from their home.

Similar complaints have been heard throughout neighboring cities.

With the final outcome of Newport Beach’s case still to be determined, it is likely local residents will be left with little recourse until a final decision is made, possible one coming from the nation’s highest court. SC

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SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Lori Donchak

Please, Have a Seat

H

ave you ever wondered what’s involved in donating a bench to a San Clemente beach or park? Maybe to honor someone special or to celebrate a milestone in family life? Well, you need wonder no more. San Clemente is proud to announce a new program called C.A.R.E. that celebrates people and community.

The program provides a wonderful way for people to “Celebrate, Acknowledge, Remember and Enhance” others. The program was initiated by the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department and recently approved by City Council in response to many resident inquiries.

C.A.R.E. improves on the city’s former memorial bench program, which lacked clear guidelines about where and how benches might be donated. It received valuable input from subcommittee and city staff. My personal thanks to the subcommittee members Dagmar Foy, Michael Smith and Sherry Murphy who volunteered their time to this effort.

Here are some of the cool aspects of C.A.R.E. The new program includes the beach but importantly allows for tributes in new or renovated parks and selected areas of open space. With more than city 20 parks, there are many suitable areas.

At this time, both customized benches and picnic tables will be offered. Tile murals and tiles on public stairways are also possible areas of tribute under development.

Next, C.A.R.E. will phase in more choices such as trees in parks and on trails, drinking fountains and even table tennis and chess and checkers tables (very popular with kids these days) to CITY COUNCIL enrich the San Clemente CORNER recreation system in a

By Lori Donchak wonderful way.

Resident Skip Davenport spoke at the July 15 council meeting and shared how much he enjoyed participating in the process of developing C.A.R.E. which, in his words, “represents a community that cares about people.” Mr. Davenport said, “About 150 enthusiasts in San Clemente have a passion for this and all share a common bond in seeing the program implemented.”

One of the best aspects of C.A.R.E. is that it is inclusive and embraces all kinds of important times in our lives where recognition is appropriate. The committee provided these definitions for the program: • Celebrate—an anniversary or special event • Acknowledge—a hero or graduate • Remember—a loved one • Enhance—a public park or public amenity Resident Bill Thomas and his wife Diane

have public amenities named after them at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park. I asked Bill, who is a director of both the Friends of San Clemente and Courtney’s SandCastle foundations, what these mean to him and Bill said, “Our family, like so many others, is proud to have helped make the Vista Hermosa Sports Park and Courtney’s SandCastle realities. Our painted tiles, a bench and playground pavilion enable us to happily greet you on a daily basis. The names of donors are visible in many places. There are still many ways through which everyone can contribute to its continued growth.”

Beginning Oct. 1, those interested can go to www.san-clemente.org to learn how the program works and to place an order.

The program is designed so that donated benches and tables are installed within one year of a completed order.

I look forward to seeing the program unfold in our community. It’s a meaningful way to express your support and create a lasting tribute, while contributing to the good life in our Spanish Village by the Sea. Lori Donchak is in her second term as a member of the San Clemente City Council and served as mayor in 2011. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Letters to the Editor TOUGH CHOICES NECESSARY FOR BEACH REPLENISHMENT W.R. BROOKS, San Clemente

A fantastic, long-overdue article on the disappearing beach in San Clemente recently run in the SC Times (“Can this Beach be Saved,” July 24).

As an ocean science teacher, I have some expertise in littoral cells and beach sand. In order for sand to “stick” on a beach the surf must be able to reach the bottom of the cliff during periods of high tides and high surf. The problem in San Clemente is the structures that prevent this from happening.

The problem goes back all the way to 1888 when the railroad completed the coast line between Santa Ana and Oceanside. Since that time, Capistrano Shores Trailer Park was built on the sand as well as bathrooms, snack bars and lifeguard headquarters. The beach was also paved at the base of the Pier. The city allows lifeguard employee parking, Fisherman’s San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

Restaurant management parking and food deliveries on our beach. I’ve even noticed city employees driving and parking on our beach between the pier and lifeguard headquarters for their lunch break.

These impacts all effect the long shore current and sand movement. The railroad tracks and Capistrano Shores are now protected by rip rap, causing the sand to no longer “stick” on the beach in front of the rip rap.

The littoral cell to the north of us is the San Pedro cell and one of the rivers feeding sand to this cell is the Santa Ana River. Like the San Juan Creek, the Santa Ana River is controlled by concrete barriers and development exists in its water shed. Because Huntington Beach has little development on its beach, that beach isn’t losing sand like we are.

Adding sand to our beach is a shortterm fix.

For San Clemente to have the wide expanse of sand we once had, we have some hard decisions to make. All vehicles

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso.

Dr. Patty Drown and Suzanne Ansari of the Community Resource Center of San Clemente will be this week’s guests. Ansari will debut a new column next week spotlighting nonprofit organizations in the city. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander. All are welcome.

beside those for emergency and maintenance need to be off the beach. Bathroom, snack bar and lifeguard office buildings need to be located off the beach. The asphalt at the base of the Pier needs to be removed and the pier needs to be extended to Avenida Victoria.

We also need to work with the transit authority and owners of the railroad tracks to reroute the tracks along Interstate 5 or perhaps even under the city. Ultimately, dwellings on the beach and at the top of the cliffs will need to be removed.

(Cont. on page 10) Page 9

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HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

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

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

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ART/DESIGN

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente) San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 32. 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.

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SOAPBOX

FROM THE MIND OF ZELESKI Letters to the Editor (Cont. from page 9) We have to restore the ocean’s ability to move sand all the way past the berm of the beach and to the base of the cliffs to have a beach again. That won’t come without a lot of unpopular decisions for certain stakeholders in our city. I’m glad the SC Times is beginning to get citizens to think about this problem.

LAWS IN SAN CLEMENTE NOT ALWAYS EVENLY ENFORCED GEORGE GREGORY, San Clemente

Is it enforcement or persecution for profit that we only fine cars in the way of street sweepers in the multi-family housing areas and not the remainder of San Clemente?

It is a selective assault on the pocketbook of the poorer families in our community. Are their car tires dirtier than the remainder of San Clemente? No. San Clemente has other laws that are selectively enforced and written, like no ladders, pipes or hammer handles on or sticking out of pickup trucks, because that right has been reserved for giant corporation’s trucks and council’s vehicles.

This leaves our citizens at the mercy of an unopposed sheriff who does not know or care about taxation with no representation selective enforcement or the constitutionality of unfair laws.

COUNCIL SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR LISTENING TO ALL SANDRA WEAVER, San Clemente

I attended the last meeting of the City Council on July 15. I believe the decision to postpone a vote and look at other homeless shelter zoning options was a mistake.

However, I commend the council for listening to all speakers and making an effort to reach a decision that would be in Page 10

the best interest of all concerned.

The objective of that meeting was to select a site presented by the Planning Commission that would best serve the homeless population. Any site that would have been presented would have met with objections from those within its proximity.

I understand the council did not want to choose one site over another and be accused of favoritism and again, I commend them for that. The Planning Commission spent hours diligently researching the various sites and had public input as well during that search. It seemed an easy and workable answer to let the churches solve the problem.

However, many churches are not equipped to provide the services that a center might, and many also have children present during the day and evenings. The churches can offer shelter but a center that would also offer counseling and other services is what is needed.

I do not know much about using city facilities. It was indicated Dana Point does and I look forward to more information on that option. I urge the council to consider what best fits the needs of the homeless to enable them to get the help needed to regain their lives and become contributing members of the community.

I also urge the citizens of San Clemente to support the kind of compassionate action that will help to make our city a “homeless and hunger free” community.

Please put aside your fears and projections of what will happen should be shelter be zoned near your home or business.

Instead, work with those who will be involved in making the shelter safe and secure for all concerned.

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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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Lucy,’ the Great and Powerful

UPCOMING EVENT

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 07 ART TALK: RUNWAY MADNESS Noon-1 p.m. One week after the popular Festival of Arts runway show, participating artists will discuss their designs, inspiration and let guests get an up close view of their creations. Admission $4–$7. Festival of Arts Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800.487.2787, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

MARC “SELLY” SELIGSON 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Taste blends from the West Coast’s smallest, finest wineries accompanied by vibrant small plates and live music. Wine tastings run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

Friday | 08 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. See more events at www.danawharf. com. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603.

FIRST ANNUAL KIDS AND TEENS ART SHOW 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come by San Clemente Art Supply during the North Beach Art Walk to see what young students have created during their summer classes. Free, 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

PIER PRESSURE IV 8 p.m. Live instrumental surf music at the North Beach Art Walk after party at Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2410, knuckleheadsmusic.com.

Saturday | 09 BACKYARD SKILLS: FOOD AS MEDICINE 1 p.m. Explore the world of culinary herbs and learn which herbs are best for your particular constitution. Take home seeds and seedlings to grow your own blend of health-based herbs. $20 for members, $30 for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

L

Casa Romantica Aloha Spirit exhibit curator Jim Kempton with a ukulele. A lecture on the history of the instrument will be held July 14 at Casa Romantica. Photo: Steve Sohanaki

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14: HISTORY OF UKULELES 7 p.m. Learn about the history of ukuleles, their origins, development and contribution to popular American music by Timothy J. Cooley, Department of Music, UC Santa Barbara and author of Surfing About Music. Panelists will include Jerry Silverman, master collector, Jim O’Mahoney, President of the Santa Barbara Surf Museum and Tom Morey, ukulele historian at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. Tickets $15, $10 for Casa members. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

GHOST THE MUSICAL 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Relive the iconic moments from the Oscar-winning, love-story Ghost in this new brand of Broadway musical that follows Sam, a man trapped between two worlds who refuses to leave love Molly when he finds out she’s in grave danger. Tickets start at $25. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

EARL THOMAS & THE RHUMBOOGIES 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.

silent auction. Individual player fee $250, dinner tickets $50. For more info, visit www.laurashouse.org.

I HEART YOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Join fellow yogis at Lantern Bay Park for an hour-long class each day, rain or shine. Evening classes held Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Classes also held at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Historic Town Center Park in San Juan Capistrano. Donations suggested. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.iheartyogainthepark.com.

Tuesday | 12

Sunday | 10 THE GRASS HARP 2 p.m. The On-Impulse Acting Troupe and Emmy-nominated producer/director Pamela Peak present an auto-biographical story by playwright Truman Capote.

Tickets $15, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Monday | 11 HOPE GOLF TOURNAMENT 11 a.m. Laura’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to providing domestic violence prevention, hosts its second annual charity golf tournament at Marbella Country Club.

The tournament includes a putting contest and box lunch, followed by a shotgun start at noon and concludes with an awards reception at 5:30 p.m. with wine and spirits, a stationed dinner, entertainment and a

MATT STEPHENS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar.

156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Wednesday | 13 CAPO BEACH FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Visit the area’s latest weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., 949.573.5033, www.danapoint.org.

WAYNE POE 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. San Clemente singer plays the softer side of classic rock.

Zona’s Italian American Cuisine, 647 Camino De Los Mares, #126, San Clemente, 949.940.8845, www.zonasitalianrestaurant.com.

Page 12

ast year Scarlett Johansson starred as a seductive, man-eating alien in the indie hit Under the Skin and maintained all the knowledge in the world as the title character of the acclaimed Her. Her newest role is a combination of both as the invincible young woman in Luc Besson’s latest sci-fi blockbuster, Lucy. Already exceeding expectations, reaching No. 1 at the box-office on its opening day, the film proves both its filmmaker and movie star haven’t lost their mojo after two decades of success.

In Taipei City, Taiwan, an American student abroad named Lucy (Johansson) is tricked into delivering a suitcase to a dangerous Courtesy photo gangster (Min-sik Choi). Lucy is manipulated by the gangster’s team to deliver the illegal content out of the country by sewing the drug into her stomach.

When she doesn’t cooperate, Lucy absorbs too much of the synthetic drug attached to her body and becomes stronger and more powerful by the minute.

Morgan Freeman co-stars as a biologist who helps Lucy and Analeigh Tipton plays her roommate. Besson’s direction here is some of his artsiest in a long while, especially for an action flick.

Johansson marvels around a catchy soundtrack and cool editing, but there are also continuity errors in the story— the most obvious being the power behind the drug, which includes an out of date scientific fact.

Nevertheless, while Lucy isn’t particularly brilliant or mind-blowing, it’s entertaining enough for devoting 90 minutes to on a weekend. —Megan Bianco

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

2001 Avenida Salvador, San Clemente Ocean view! Beautifully remodeled home on one of the best streets in San Clemente! Cape Cod inspired Architecture with a modern touch, very open, light and bright floor-plan with many upgrades.

Cool, neutral tones, brand new interior paint, trim, wood laminate floors, carpet, tile baths and all new fixtures. Natural light pours through windows and sky lights. Gorgeous kitchen with Composite Quartz counter tops, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances and a wine refrigerator.

Dine in the kitchen, or formal dining area. Relax comfortably by either of the fireplaces offered in the living and family room! Large laundry off the kitchen, downstairs office and ½ bath. Double car garage. Huge master bedroom with stunning views of the ocean and sunset. Walk-In Closet off the gorgeous master bath. Completely remodeled with custom double sink vanity, and stunning tile! Relax in a hot bath with an ocean view! Bedrooms offer mirrored closet doors and ocean and hill views. Large rear balcony that runs the width of the house. All new exterior paint and trim with fresh, beautiful landscape.

Gabe Smith REALTOR #01704776

Harcourts U.S.A. 949.533.4490 Gabe.Smith@harcourtsusa.com www.GabeSmithRealEstate.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

New Developments PARADISE JEWELERS 166 Avenida Del Mar 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com.

Paradise Jewelers has landed on Avenida Del Mar. After 34 years in the business, Rick and Debbie Dunning have built what Rick calls their “dream store,” in an expanded space at 166 Avenida Del Mar. With the new store, the couple hopes to handle a volume of business that overwhelmed them at their former location on El Camino Real.

The new store includes the addition of new showcases and a larger showroom, providing the ability to display goods, such as sports memorabilia and collectibles that used to hide in safes due to lack of room.

The store offers large selections of engagement rings, wedding bands, Swiss watches and GIA certified diamonds, in addition to custom and antique jewelry.

“We used to do a couple custom designs a month when we first opened here in San Clemente, Dunning said. “Now we are doing three or four per week. With our in-house master jeweler and the ability to now do our own molds and laser work, we can keep up with all production and repair orders brought to us.”

A second bench jeweler may be added in the near future should business go as expected, he said.

The Dunnings said with the new location, they can work more closely together.

Paradise II Boutique will continue selling designer silver jewelry from around the

world and local designers but can now refer customers to the sister store more easily.

Dunning said customers would often go into the boutique wanting battery replacement, repairs or diamond jewelry that were on sale at the other store.

“They seemed hesitant to get in their cars and drive to the other location,” he said. “It will now be ideal should one store or the other get overly busy to just move our employees back and forth.”

Paradise Jewelers has won the SC Times People’s Choice Ole award for Best Jeweler eight years straight.

This has been flattering, Rick says, but is a result of hard work, dedication to his customers and long hours.

“Our new store on Del Mar will continue to be my second home for years to come,” he said. “You don’t win a popularity contest for eight years without doing something right.”

BANZAI BOWLS 120 S. El Camino Real 949.218.4533, www.banzaibowls.com.

Banzai Bowls’ first two months have been a success. The store and company’s following among the surf and skateboarding communities is a big part of that, said manager Adam Arredondo. Pictures tagged in the windows are of members of the company’s surf team and the skateboards that adorn the interior walls are further proof.

“We had our own built in following,” Arredondo said. “A lot of people in San Clemente were going up to our Laguna location, so we’re happy about being here.”

The restaurant focuses primarily on acai and pitaya bowls, along with smoothies using both fruits.

“What we’re known for is quality,” Arredondo said. “The fruit we use is fresh, then frozen. And we prepare our bowls in the traditional Brazilian style, which is

Banzai Bowls manager Adam Arredondo said the store’s fresh ingredients and appeal to younger surfers and skaters has already made it a favorite. Photo: Jim Shilander

thicker.” They also utilize all non-laboratory genetically modified foods.

With a number of prominent young surfers on the company team, Arredondo said, their customer base often tends to flow from young to old.

“Young kids come in with their parents to try it and they find they love it,” he said.

seeds of small business are growing, we like to help people build their dreams.”

While the property managers can work on marketing with their renters, the building can mostly speak for itself, she said.

“It’s a woman’s dream come true,” Bogan said. “It’s one stop shopping for everything they’re looking for.”

PHENIX SALON SUITES 801 Avenida Talega, Units 102 and 103 949.533.5847, www.phenixsalonsuites.com.

Phenix Salon Suites focuses on providing a total experience for both customers and stylists.

The suites, site manager Molly Bogan said, opened July 5, and have filled a number of spots, but still have room for more.

Rather than focusing on hair care, Phenix manages a collection of suites, which primarily cater to stylists, aestheticians, massage therapists and others involved in the beauty industry.

“We really take care of the property management side of it,” Bogan said. “But we try and provide support. Where the

Molly Bogan of Phenix Salon Suites said the company’s location sells itself as a one stop shop for women.

Photo: Jim Shilander

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Paradise Jewelers employee Josh Gusse assists a customer at the jeweler’s new location on Avenida Del Mar. Photo: Jim Shilander

San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

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 Page 19

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

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Safety Becoming a Focus of Fiesta New bands, business expo among the additions to Sunday event

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

C

oncerns about safety and drunkenness have been heard. Now, steps are being taken to keep crowds at Sunday’s 61st annual Fiesta Street Festival more family and neighborhood friendly, said San Clemente Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Wood.

“What we know about the fiesta is alcohol comes in from outside of the street, that’s not been purchased at our event,” Wood said. “We only have beer and wine coolers. This year, we’re working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and sheriff’s special officers, who also work at the airport, will be patrolling the perimeter.”

Wood said police would be posted near entrances, and have people discard their beverages before they enter the event.

“Every year that’s our biggest problem, its people bringing in outside alcohol,” Wood said. “They’re in sippy cups or what have you. This will be in addition to our presence inside. We’re excited because

Thousands are expected to come to Avenida Del Mar this Sunday for the Fiesta Street Festival. Photo Jim Shilander

it brings another level of security to the event.”

The now annual car show will return for its second year at the San Clemente Community Center. There will also be three stages with music performances and contests, to go along with a business expo arts and crafts displays.

The event’s traditional salsa challenge will feature more than 23 entries, mostly from individuals, as well as restaurants.

More awards will be given out this year:

16 in all. There will also be 10 food booths manned by area nonprofits, as well as game stands featuring raffles and photo booths.

Among the performances at center stage will be Sharp Turn Ahead, a teen band who recently performed a the youth pavilion at the San Clemente Ocean Festival, a dance troupe from the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, country music artist Rob Staley, Irish dancers, a performance by the San Clemente Dance

& Performing Arts Center, R&B cover artists Pop Vinyl, World Tour-Legends of Rock, who also performed at the Ocean Festival, and singer-songwriter Addey Lane.

A number of kid-centric events, such as an ice-cream eating contest, a “Diaper Derby” and piñata contest are also featured.

Free shuttle service will be available from San Clemente High School beginning at 9:30 a.m. and running to 6:30 p.m.

SC

GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Prevention Starts at Home

Parents can take easy steps to prevent youth substance abuse

W

hile most San Clemente youth make the choice to not use alcohol or illegal substances, there is problematic substance use among youth and adults in San Clemente. Of course, the substance abuse epidemic is not unique to San Clemente but we should all be aware that our community is not immune.

Families and community members can be a part of the solution. There are several important steps we can all take in our homes to prevent unhealthy activities: Lock up your meds. Prescription and over the counter drug abuse is the now the No. 1 killer of youth ages 16-24 in Orange County. More than 3 in 5 teens say prescription pain relievers are easy to get from a parents, grandparents, friends or relatives’ medicine cabinet.

So, even if you do not have children in your home, this is an extremely important issue for our community’s safety.

The most commonly abused medications are Oxycontin, Vicodin, Xanax,

San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

Valium, Fentanyl, Opana, Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin, Prozac and cough or cold medications.

Any medication can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Please also dispose of WELLNESS AND medications safely. MediPREVENTION cations should never be

By Susan flushed down a toilet Parmelee or thrown away. There is a drug disposal box at San Clemente Police Services, 100 Avenida Presidio. It’s available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment needed, no questions asked.

Keep an open and honest dialogue about substance abuse in your home. Children in the fourth grade have heard about drug use and I have known teens who started smoking marijuana and drinking as young as 8 years old.

Parents should be reinforcing the posi-

tive messages children are getting from school, sports, activities and the media.

Children and youth want guidance and clear rules from their parents.

Parent’s actions send messages to children—children notice what you say and do. When you use a designated driver kids get a clear message that you value safety and responsibility.

As your child gets older, dispel wrong beliefs such as, “everybody drinks” and “marijuana is medicine, so it is safe.”

Learn the facts about the harmful effects of drugs so you are ready for any argument your teen throws your way.

Talk to your child about being safe and give them many ways to say no. Such as “I can’t—my parents drug test me.” “No, I want to be healthy for my sports team (dance, orchestra, surfing).”

One of the best tools is the voluntary random drug-screening program at San Clemente High School.

These forms can be found in the high

Page 21

school registration packet that you or your student will be picking up this week. By agreeing to be part of this program, your teen can use his participation as a reason when faced with a difficult decision. Several times a year California Youth Services randomly chooses students whose parents have agreed to the service to screen for alcohol and illegal drugs.

The results of these screens are sent to the parent listed on the permission form and the school does not know who tested positive. All families are strongly urged to participate in this program as a prevention tool.

Susan Parmelee is a social worker who works during the week at San Clemente High School in the Wellness & Prevention Center and at Western Youth Services. 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

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Battling Depression and Setting Records Will Schmidt paddles from Canada to Mexico

BY STEVE SOHANAKI, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

ive years ago, Laguna Niguel resident Will Schmidt considered taking his own life.

After a long battle with depression and anxiety, his struggle reached the point where he decided suicide might be the only way to end his misery.

While pensively standing in his bedroom, the former U.S. Marine got an unexpected call from his mother. She told him she “sensed something was wrong.” She feared he wouldn’t make it through the day and advised him to go out paddling on the water because it had always made him happy in the past.

That marked the beginning of Schmidt’s remarkable journey.

Shortly afterward, in 2012, he began stand-up paddleboarding long distances in order to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project, an organization that assists combat veterans suffering from injuries and mental illnesses.

“I knew there was something more to what I was doing,” Schmidt said. “Around that time, my friend came back from serving in Iraq and committed suicide. He left behind a wife and two daughters. I knew I needed to spread awareness about vets with depression.”

On the first of Schmidt’s long distance solo treks, he paddled from Dana Point Harbor to Catalina Island. Next, he paddled across all of the Channel Islands, landing on each of the eight islands in the process.

And in his latest feat, Schmidt traveled 1,386 miles unassisted from the Canadian border down to Mexico.

He began this epic trip on May 24 at

Will Schmidt recently completed an unassisted solo stand-up paddleboard journey that stretched from Canada to Mexico. Courtesy photo

the Washington side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Canada. Before reaching Border Field State Park at the U.S.-Mexico Border on July 26, Schmidt made many stops on land to rest. One of those stops included Dana Point and he hugged the coastline of San Clemente as he headed south.

The trip lasted 61 days in its entirety, with Schmidt stopping for only three complete days of rest in between. For 58 days, six to eight hours per day, Schmidt

paddled his way down the West Coast.

He estimates he made roughly 1.25 million paddle strokes and burned an average of 3,850 calories per day, causing him to lose more than 20 pounds by the end of the trip. He also suffered blisters all over his hands, two broken toes and lost two fingernails.

Despite all of the physical challenges of the trip, Schmidt maintained that the hardest part of completing the journey had little to do with his body.

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The SC Tritons Water Polo Club 12U girls team won the gold medal in the gold division at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics on August 3. Courtesy photo

San Clemente Times August 7-13, 2014

WATER POLO The SC Tritons Water Polo Club 12U Girls team traveled north and came away with a gold medal at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics 2014 in San Jose on Aug. 3.

The local club competed in the gold division of the prestigious tournament.

The SC Tritons started their gold-medal run with two straight losses but rallied back to take their final six in a row.

The team includes: Grace Pelkey, JuJu Clark, Aidan Flynn, Madison Neuhausen, Ashley Lord, Alex Higginson, Lang Csira, Samantha Algernon and Savannah Burns.

The team is coached by Allison Russell and Logan Powell.

Page 23

“My lower back would get really sore and my hands and feet would be very swollen in the mornings,” Schmidt said.

“After a while though, it stops being a physical challenge and starts being mental. At a certain point, it just becomes all mental.”

During his time on the water, there was rarely a moment when he was far from danger.

“There were times when the fog would roll in and you couldn’t see the shoreline,” Schmidt said. “The shore wasn’t always there as a guide. I would have to rely on GPS and satellite tracking.”

The furthest Schmidt ever distanced himself from the shoreline was 12 miles.

On average, he stayed one to two miles away from the coastline.

During his stops, Schmidt would either sleep on the beach, in a sea cave or in a hotel room. One night he washed up on a private beach house in Smith River, California. Schmidt told the residents what he was doing. They were so impressed they allowed him to stay in their guesthouse.

“Every day I had a very high point and a very low point,” Schmidt said. “At least once a day I’d think this was the greatest idea I’ve ever had, and then it would get to a point where I’d think ‘What the hell am I doing?’ In the end, it was all worth it.”

As for the future, Schmidt said he’s not sure what task he’s looking to take on next, but he said he wants to continue spreading awareness and helping the Wounded Warriors Project by paddling long distances.

For more information about Schmidt’s stand-up paddling, visit www.areyouinspiredyet.com. SC SOFTBALL The Capo Girls Softball 14U All Star team ended their most successful season to date with a fifth-place finish at the American Softball Association 14B Western National Tournament on Aug. 3.

The local club, which draws players from San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point, came into the tournament fresh off a win at the ASA C State Championship tournament.

The Capo Girls Softball 14U team won both of their pool play games and played in four games in the knockout rounds.

The team includes: Riley Dungan, Caitlyn Sung, Alexis White, Angelica Gonzalez, Taylor Hopper, Nicole Arico, Claire Steines, Grace Collier, Kyra Massucco, Alyssa Peterson, Alyson Salas, Mariah Bohl, Elibeth Flores and Regan Salas.

The team is coached by Dan Massucco. www.sanclementetimes.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@sanclementetimes.com

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San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

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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

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST 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

Village Books

99 Avenida Serra, 949.492.1114, www.DowntownSanClemente.com

Oasis Heating & Air

31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

HOME DÉCOR CHIROPRACTIC

Thompson Chiropractic

629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.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

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

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

Janet Poth - Violin & Viola

413 Calle Pueblo, 949.922.6388, janpoth@aol.com

REAL ESTATE

Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group

Lange & Minnott

HEATING BOOKS

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

San Clemente, 949.842.3631, www.forterealtygroup.com At Thompson Chiropractic we utilize a variety of chiropractic techniques, physiotherapy modalities and soft tissue therapies to relieve your pain as fast as possible. Dr. Russell Thompson and his staff are committed to getting you back to the things you love. Schedule an appointment or walk in today. 629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.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

929 Calle Negocio Suite D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at 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 QUEEN SIZE PILLOWTOP MATTRESS - NEW - Never Opened - $150 Made by SERTA, still sealed in the MFRs original factory plastic; Not refurbished, Not used. 949-842-9994 TV STAND High end black glass TV stand for sale. 3-tiered. Very good condition. Please text for photos. $100/obo. 949.533.9761

GARAGE SALES COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Seaview Townhomes HOA Sat. August 9th – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm La Esperanza and Vista Encanta – San Clemente GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

OBITUARY

Donna Posner Donna Posner passed away peacefully at home with her husband, Allen, and her family at her side. She was born in Pacific Grove, CA but lived most of her life in Orange County.

She had an illustrious career as an interior designer and was accepted to the ASID in 1973. She spent her life making the world a better place, one room at a time. Her talent was only exceeded by the number of her clients who became fast, and life-long, friends. She was an active member of her community, including the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, the Carter Center, and numerous charities. She was a vibrant and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

She was always generous with her time and energies. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Allen Posner, her children Cindy Cole and Greg Cole, her grandson Christopher Cole, and her greatgrandson Keaton Cole.

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Clemente’s Alex Pak won the SCPGA Junior Match Play Championship on July 30. Courtesy photo

Q&A With SCPGA Champion Alex Pak

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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horecliffs middle school eighth grader Alex Pak did not feel comfortable about his golf game heading into the Southern California PGA Junior Match Play Championship on July 28. His swing left him during the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in mid-July, leading to a T-74 finish, and he was untested in match play format, which pits one golfer against another rather than an entire field.

But when the San Clemente native reached the par-5 ninth hole at Oak Creek Golf Club in the opening round of the match play, one 200-yard shot that landed 15 feet from the pin changed his entire fortunes at the tournament.

Pak would barnstorm his way to the tournament title, winning three of his four matches in convincing fashion, including a 4 and 3 win over Jordan McBrayer of Carlsbad in the championship match.

We caught up with Pak days after his big win to talk about his golf game, the tournament and how one shot gave him his confidence back.

San Clemente Times: Match play is a different type of golf competition. How familiar were you with the format before the tournament. Do you enjoy playing like that?

Alex Pak: Match play is definitely a different atmosphere. Usually golf is you against the course. However, in match play, it is you against another person, so the concentration is focused on your opponent. That didn’t make the match more stressful in any way, in fact, it was much more enjoyable because you know how well you are doing and you can always judge your decisions more clearly. That suited me since I play aggressively and I can get away with a slip or fall without having to pay for lost strokes when others are gaining strokes.

SCT: You went into the tournament as

San Clemente Times August 7–13, 2014

the No. 3 overall seed. Did that add any pressure on you?

AP: Being given the third overall seed didn’t disturb me at all. The case might have been different if I was the first or last seed, but to me, third became ideal.

SCT: How did your swing and overall game feel heading into the tournament?

Did you like your chances?

AP: I was not confident at all. Two weeks prior, I had completely lost my game at the Callaway Junior World Championships (on July 14). I entered the tournament expecting failure and I had only wanted to learn how match play worked.

But after seeing the results of my qualifying rounds, I started to feel confident that I possibly could play well again.

SCT: You won your first match by a wide margin, 6 and 5, is that what gave you the confidence back?

AP: My 6 and 5 win in the first round changed my whole perspective. I realized that match play really fit my style of play and I could possibly win the title with a few more rounds of my best play.

SCT: Was there a particular shot or moment early on that made you think, “Ok, I can win this thing”?

AP: I had a 200-yard shot into the par-5 ninth hole at Oak Creek Golf Club in my first round. I swung the club and the ball obeyed my command, landing 15 feet from the hole, where I drained my eagle putt to go five up on my match. That is when I understood that I could possibly win.

SCT: Given how you were in a funk earlier this month, how does it feel now knowing that you could overcome it for a big win like this?

AP: Winning this tournament ended my drought and I put me back on the right track. Defeating the best young players in Southern California helped boost my selfesteem and this experience will help me with many other events like this. SC Page 27

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

In the City of San Clemente Recreation sports co-ed softball league, The Burpees won the D1 Division championship. Courtesy photo

San Clemente Rec League Roundup COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

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an Clemente’s men’s and co-ed recreation department’s summer sports seasons are coming to an end. The men’s and co-ed softball leagues wrapped up their division championships last week and the soccer league championships are slated to begin on August 10. The men’s basketball league playoffs will start on September 17.

The recreation department is also gearing up for their fall season, which will feature all three sports. For more information on how to register, email the department at recreg@san-clemente.org.

Here are the updated finishes and standings for the summer league season.

CO-ED SOFTBALL D+ Division: This division was Duke’s to lose, after rattling off eight straight victories to close the season and entering the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and team to beat. Dukes defeated OC Tavern in the semifinals and took the two out of three-game series against Killer Dana in the finals.

D1 Division: As their 6-4 regular season indicated, The Burpees were not the favorites to claim the division title, but the team got hot at the right time in the playoffs.

The Burpees mercy ruled their opponent in the semifinals, then rallied late against Shenanigans in the championship match.

The Burpees scored six runs in the sixth inning of the final game, tied things up in the seventh and final inning, and won on a walk-off hit to secure an 11-10 victory and the title.

D2 Division: The teams with the two best regular season records, Off Constantly and Balls & Chains, squared off in this division’s championship match on July 31. Balls & Chains, who had a league-best 11-1 regular season record, came away with the hardware.

D- Division: Inka Mama’s essentially ran

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the table in this division, compiling a 9-3 overall record and a series win over Ole’s Knockers in the finals.

MEN’S SOFTBALL Tuesday D+ Division: Last-place Jihad Me at Hello upset top-seeded Sofa King in the second round of this division’s playoffs, opening the door for 1,500’s, the secondbest regular season squad, to sneak in and claim the championship on July 29.

Tuesday D Division: Liability lost only one game on the season en route to a firstplace finish over Bloom Squad.

Wednesday D+ Division: Dazed and Confused emerged as the winner of this division, which fielded only three teams.

Dazed and Confused took two of three against Board & Brew in the finals.

Wednesday D Division: Third-place Los Coyotes found themselves in the championship series against No. 1 Character Defects, but weren’t able to pull off the upset against the league’s top-seeded team.

Wednesday D- Division: The division championship series between Mound Hogs and I’d Hit That was set to take place on August 6. Results were not available at press time.

ADULT CO-ED SOCCER The first round of the league playoffs is set to take place on August 10 and will feature all ten teams.

The Sandpipers went 8-1 on the season and earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye. No. 2 seeded S.C. also earned a bye into the second round.

MEN’S BASKETBALL As of August 5, Tritons stood atop the league standings with a 7-1 overall record.

Showtime is in second with a 6-2 record.

Two games remain on the schedule before the start of the league playoffs. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Sign Up for the Stoke Registration day set for Gudauskas’ annual Stoke-o-Rama surf contest

The Gudauskas brothers (back row L to R), Dane, Patrick and Tanner, gather for a photo with the four division winners (front L to R) Kirra Pinkerton, Brayden Burch, Jett Schilling, Kade Matson and Gunner Day at last year’s Stoke-o-Rama surf contest. Photo: Andrea Swayne

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

assing the stoke on to the next generation is something the San Clemente-based professional surfers, Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas are passionate about. With their Stoke-o-Rama surf contest, they do just that, along with lending support to other local youth recreation programs.

Their third annual event will be held September 21 at T Street, the training ground where the Gudauskas brothers grew up surfing.

“This event is a highlight of our year.

We look forward to coming down and meeting the future rippers of San Clemente, hanging out with them and celebrating the fun that surfing provides,” Patrick Gudauskas said. “It is a cool opportunity to enjoy a day on the beach with friends and family while also making a difference in the community.”

Entries will be taken August 18 at Jack’s surf shop, the Surfers Outlet by Jack’s Surfboards, 176 Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente starting at 8 a.m. Registration

is free.

The event is open to 100 San Clemente boys and girls under 14 and sign-ups will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

The contest is co-hosted by and benefits the Friends of the San Clemente Beaches Parks and Recreation Foundation. Funds raised provide recreational program scholarships to youth of low-income families.

Last year $10,500 was raised, including the Gudauskas’ donation of the $25 per surfer entry fee. Funds were contributed to the San Clemente Junior Lifeguards and sponsored more than 40 kids into the program.

Last year, contestants mingled with some of their heroes, as pro surfers such as 11-time world champion Kelly Slater and San Clemente’s own Nathan Yeomans were in attendance. With the event happening this year just after the Hurley Pro, it’s a good bet that a number of the Gudauskas’ fellow pro surfers will attend, said Patrick.

For more information, visit www.sanclementeparksfoundation.org or call 949.276.8866. SC

GROM OF THE WEEK:

MATTHEW FRANCHEK

Matthew Franchek, 8, competed in his very first Western Surfing Association Championship Tour event at the season opener, August 2 and 3 at San Onofre State Park, Trail 6. He surfed a great first round and made it to the repechage in the Micro Grom U9 division. This early contest success reinforced his desire to reach for a future career as a pro surfer. “I practice about three to four days a week, usually at T Street. I’m trying to do really big cutbacks and 180s,” Matthew said. “I might want to be a motocross rider or a Navy Seal maybe too. But really, I just want to catch some really nice waves and be a professional surfer.” He is looking forward to starting third grade at Vista Del Mar Elementary School in the fall and “getting better at reading, math and science.”

Matthew is very active and enjoys a variety

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-70 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’ fair Immediate: Thursday and Friday will see a primary/holding SSW Southern Hemi groundswell, while minimal SW-SSW tropical swell and minimal NW windswell mix in.

Many of the better SSW exposures of Orange County will offer waist-chest high waves, while standouts produce occasional shoulder high+ sets. Look for marine layer to start off the early mornings, as well as calm to light/variable wind. Then skies gradually clear up through the mid to late mornings and into each afternoon, becoming sunny, while a moderate+ westerly seabreeze rises up.

Longer Range Outlook: The SSW swell discussed above will be easing through the weekend. More modest Southern Hemi swells line up for all next week and beyond. Check out Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

of sports. “I like football, soccer, lacrosse, snowboarding and pretty much every sport because they’re fun and I get a lot of exercise,” he said. Matthew Matthew Franchek. is happy to live Photo: Andrea Swayne in San Clemente and feels lucky to be growing up in the San Clemente-Dana Point area. “I like it because there’s lots of cool stuff here and it’s not dirty,” he said. “There are good beaches and the people are really nice and cool and do lots of sports.” He also credits his happiness to his family. “My brother surfs with me and helps me sometimes,” he said. “And, I really think it’s nice that my mom and dad and my aunt take me to the beach to surf and support me.”—Andrea Swayne

RESULTS Surf Results: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 1, August 2-3, San Onofre State Park, Trail 6 Local finishers only. KEY: San Clemente=SC, Dana Point=DP, Capistrano Beach=CB, San Juan Capistrano=SJC. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Sawyer Lindblad, SC; 2. Bella Kenworthy, DP; 4. Sierra Downer, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 4. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Bryce Pinkerton, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Taj Lindblad, SC; 4. Dax McPhillips, SC. BOYS U14: 2. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Ethan Mudge, CB. BOYS U16: 3. Curran Dand, SC; 6. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U18: 3. Kei Kobayashi, SC. GIRLS U14: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 4. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS U16: 4. Cameron Duby, SJC; 5. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS U18: 1. Malia Ward, SC; 3. Samantha Sibley, SC; 5.

Cameron Duby, SJC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 3. Patrick O’Connor, SJC; 4. Jimmy Wynne, SC; 5. Hayden Millerick, SC. JR. LB U18: 1. Ricky Fodor, DP; 3. Jared Bernier, SC. GIRLS LB U14: 4. Lexi Morgan, SC; 5. Izzy Hopkins, DP. GIRLS LB U18: 2. Teresa O’Connor, SJC; 4. Cameron Duby, SJC. LEGENDS 50-59: 2. Masaki Kobayashi, SC. OPEN MEN: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC; Luca Aza, SC. OPEN WOMEN: 4. Allie Frost, SJC; 5. Malia Ward, SC. OPEN WOMEN LB: 6. Izzy Hopkins, DP. For full results, visit www.sanclementetimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS August 9-10: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 1, Camp Pendleton, DMJs