LO C A L
N EWS
December 25-31, 2014 YO U
C A N
U S E
Reviewing the Year in San Clemente Sports PAGE 17
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 52
EYE ON SC/PAGE 5
www.sanclementetimes.com
Looking Back at the Best of the SC Sheriff’s Blotter EYE ON SC/PAGE 6
Tom Blake: A 2014 Christmas Message for Singles SC LIVING/PAGE 13
Honoring Our Grom of the Year, Jett Schilling SC SURF/PAGE 14
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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Advocates for keeping Saddleback Memorial San Clemente hospital spell out “SOS” on the beach near San Clemente Pier. Photo” Courtesy Erik Leist
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Hundreds Rally at the Pier to Save Hospital THE LATEST: A crowd numbering in the hundreds gathered near the San Clemente Pier Saturday, the culmination of several days of efforts for advocates of keeping the current San Clemente hospital and emergency room facility. Saturday, the nonprofit group “Save San Clemente Hospital” made a show of force and numbers on the pier, spelling out “SOS” in enormous letters as photographs were taken via drone. At the event, Mayor Chris Hamm, who also presides over the city’s hospital advisory committee, spoke before the crowd. “The machine that kept this story underneath the radar for the first couple months was doing a fantastic job, but with everybody out here today, we’re making people aware of what’s happening in our community,” Hamm said. MemorialCare announced in August that the company was exploring the potential of razing the current San Clemente hospital and replacing it with an advanced urgent care facility. That decision would result in the loss of both the in-patient facility and emergency room, since state law currently does not allow an emergency room without an in-patient wing. At Wednesday’s meeting of the hospital advisory board, committee members discussed potential ways of delaying the proposed March decision date by the MemorialCare hospital board, as well as San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
potential ways of maintaining emergency room services without an in-patient facility. Hospital administrator Tony Struthers told the board that while a vocal part of the community wanted to see the emergency room, it’s not enough under current law. “Residents want to keep the emergency room, but I’m not sure an in-patient hospital is as high on the list,” Struthers said, adding that residents simply were not seeking care at the hospital in numbers sufficient to make it financially viable. WHAT’S NEXT: A two-year pilot program to study the potential for transporting certain emergency patients to outpatient facilities is underway, however, it is unlikely that San Clemente could be included, although three sites in Orange County are already involved. A legislative solution, allowing for a freestanding emergency room could also be sought, though it may take several years. Struthers said the hospital would be open to designing the new site in such a way as to allow it to accommodate such a facility. Hamm and a city administrator will also meet with MemorialCare to see if it might be possible to delay a final decision on the hospital’s fate to allow the city to collect additional information. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com — Jim Shilander
Council Will Consider Planning Commission Reduction THE LATEST: While approving moving forward with interviews to fill terms on the Planning Commission, Coastal Advisory Commission and Investment Advisory Board, the San Clemente City Council also agreed at its Dec. 16 meeting to explore reducing the number of members of the
planning commission to five. Councilman Tim Brown, who had to miss a portion of the council’s Dec. 2 meeting where the topic had first been broached—at that point, the council was divided 2-2 on the issue—said he felt there was an issue with “quality” of the proposals coming before the council from the Planning Commission in recent months. Brown said the council should be open to having a “policy discussion” on the issue. Kathy Ward’s election to the City Council opened up a spot on the commission earlier this month. That term expires on June 30, as does the vacant Coastal Advisory Commission seat. Councilwoman Lori Donchak noted that during past council interviews for the positions, members of the body had lamented not being able to have more seats for the number of applicants. Planning Commission, she said, should have as many voices as possible to handle the body’s large workload. Brown said the city should be able to make a change if they found a process was not effective. Commissioner Don Brown told the council such a move would likely reverberate elsewhere, such as having to restart a traffic commission or to create a separate design review committee. WHAT’S NEXT: Brown said he hoped the discussion to take place sometime in March or April. The council will likely meet with candidates for the three positions on Tuesday, Jan. 13. FIND OUT MORE: Postings for the three positions and information on how to apply will be available at www.san-clemente.org. – JS
Beach Parking Question Clarified THE LATEST: The City Council unanimously approved extending its own self-imposed deadline to use remaining funds in the Beach Parking Impact Fee fund until Dec. 31, 2016, due in part to the ongoing appeal of a judgment against the city. The council had voted in July 2013 to return all unexpended funds if it had not identified any new projects by Dec. 31, 2014, or determined that additional projects could be undertaken, the funds would be returned. However, city attorney Jeffrey Oderman and city staff determined that with the funds currently locked in place, pending the appeal decision, it was prudent for the city to extend the deadline. The ongoing case, Oderman said, actually prevented the city from returning the unexpended funds. WHAT’S NEXT: The appeal is set to be decided in 2015.— JS Page 3
CUSD Looks to Cut Dana Hills Intervention Specialist THE LATEST: The future of Dana Hills High School’s intervention specialist position, held by former CUSD trustee Mike Darnold, is now in limbo, following a letter from Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital, which calls for the elimination of the School Intervention Program. Since the inception of the intervention program in 2009, Darnold, who is contracted and paid by the city, has collaborated with the city, the sheriff’s department and school faculty to support at-risk students and students battling drug and alcohol-related problems. The Nov. 19 letter from Vital states that, “Despite the School Intervention Program providing benefits to students, the District is forced to terminate the MOU and pursue a different direction. District concerns include, but are not limited to, employment status of the consultant, professional licensing requirements and student privileges.” Darnold’s position was the inspiration for an effort made earlier in 2014 to get city funding for a social worker to be at San Clemente High School full time, partly using city funds. That position was declined by the council during its budgeting period, but another effort may come to the body in 2015. WHAT’S NEXT: Currently, the district is in talks with the city about Darnold’s position. Until the district and the city figure out what’s next, Darnold will continue supporting the students of Dana Hills High School. “The city and the school district will figure it out, and I’ll keep helping kids,” Darnold said. “I’m hopeful.”—Allison Jarrell
City Seeking Wall of Recognition Nominees THE LATEST: The city is seeking nominations for the next name on its “Wall of Recognition” at the San Clemente Community Center. The wall honors “the outstanding efforts of individuals who dedicate time and effort to the betterment of the community.” WHAT’S NEXT: Written nominations may be submitted to the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672. The deadline for submittals is by 5 p.m. on the last Friday of February each year. Submittals received after the deadline will be returned to the sponsor unopened. FIND OUT MORE: For further clarification regarding qualification and submittal requirements, call the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department at 949.361.8237—JS www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC and instead focus on the proposed Tesoro extension. MAY
Developer Steve Craig led a tour of the Outlets at San Clemente Plaza property in March. Photo: Jim Shilander
San Clemente’s Busy 2014 Year saw tight election races, project starts BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
W
ith one eye toward what promises to be a busy 2015, let’s take a look back at San Clemente’s eventful 2014 with some of the year’s biggest stories, broken down month-by-month.
JANUARY
The city lost the Walker vs. San Clemente lawsuit over its Beach Parking Impact Fee Fund. On Friday, Jan. 24, Judge Thierry Colaw ruled the city did not put a plan in place to use the more than $10 million paid into the fund beginning in 1989 for specific projects within 180 days of its fiveyear report on the fund’s state. The judge ordered the city to refund money collected. The city appealed and later won a victory that attorney’s fees in the case could be paid from the BPIF fund, rather than from the general fund. FEBRUARY
After nearly four years and hundreds of hours of discussion by various city boards and the public, the San Clemente City Council approved the city’s Centennial General Plan at its Feb. 4 meeting. The council and other bodies are now working to implement the document—a process likely to last until at least 2018. With frustration building over slow progress and escalating costs on the San Clemente Library’s expansion project, which began in July, the City Council asked staff to review the potential for the city to leave the Orange County Public Library system after the project’s completion. Construction is expected to last one year. MARCH
San Clemente Chief of Police Services, John Coppock, announced that due to a promotion he will be leaving the city to take over the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s South County Operations. Lt. David Moodie replaced him. San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
San Clemente High School was locked down for several hours Thursday, March 6, following an anonymous threat discovered on a social media app called Yik Yak. Authorities find no issues on campus but the app is disabled at the school. Outlets at San Clemente developer Steve Craig led a tour of the Marblehead property for hundreds of city residents. Work on the project began in the spring, with an eye on completing the first phase of the shops in time for the 2015 holiday season. The first meeting of Southern California Edison’s Community Engagement Panel on the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station was held in San Clemente. The group met several more times throughout the year with a focus on providing the public additional information about the process of closing the plant and the storage of spent nuclear fuel. Surfing industry legend Hobie Alter passes away March 29. APRIL
Ground was broken on the extension of San Clemente’s Avenida La Pata to San Juan Capistrano. The Orange County Transit Authority project, which had been in plans for more than 50 years, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2016. Real estate development firm Taylor Morrison purchased the Marblehead residential project from Lehman Brothers. Taylor Morrison has since worked to complete infrastructure projects at the site, including the completion of several parks, a trail system and connecting West Avenida Vista Hermosa to Avenida Pico. The road is expected to open in early 2015 and model homes will follow in July. The Transportation Corridor Agencies withdrew its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement in support of the proposed extension of the 241 Toll Road to connect with Interstate 5 near Trestles,
The Planning Commission began reviewing a proposal to change the city’s zoning codes to allow a homeless shelter in the city, in order to comply with state law. The shelter issue remained a hot topic for several months, as first the commission and then City Council, debate the size and placement of a shelter. A commission decision to zone the Rancho San Clemente Business Park and an area behind Denny’s on Calle de Industrias was rejected by the council, which ultimately decided to change the city’s zoning codes to allow a shelter in designated public zones and land owned by the city in non-residential areas in August. A coalition of groups advocating on behalf of the homeless sued the city over the decision in December. A large wildfire on Camp Pendleton sent billows of smoke over the city. In the early hours, the blaze was named the “Talega Fire,” leading many in the development to worry. The fire never threatened the city. JUNE
After four years leading the Capistrano Unified School District, Superintendent Joseph Farley retired. Farley was credited with steering the district through a difficult financial and political period and providing stability after several turbulent years. The Board of Trustees hired his successor, Kirsten Vital from Alameda Unified, in June as well. JULY
In a case of a neighborly gesture being misinterpreted as something sinister, several dolls were anonymously left on the porches of a number of Talega residents, sparking fear and calls to police. The sudden appearance of the dolls garnered national attention. It turned out that a woman in the neighborhood, wishing to divest herself from her collection, wanted to provide a surprise for area girls. AUGUST
The San Clemente City Council selected James Makshanoff, city manager of Azusa, to replace the retiring Pall Gudgeirsson in the city’s top executive seat. Gudgeirsson was with the city for 20 years before serving as city manager in his final 18 months. Makshanoff’s term began in October. Memorial Care announced a proposal to raze the Saddleback Memorial-San Clemente campus and rebuild it as an advanced urgent care facility, citing a diminishing in-patient census at the hospital and changing economics in the health care industry that favor urgent care. Concerns about the proposal, and the loss of the city’s lone emergency room, anger many. The City Page 5
Council voted in December to formally oppose the proposal. The Memorial Care board is currently slated to vote on the proposal in 2015. SEPTEMBER
Owners of a Camino de Estrella shopping center receive the first approvals to move forward with filling the empty Kmart with three new businesses—Sports Authority, Stein Mart and Sprouts. The effort will include a major redesign of the shopping center. The owner of the Big Lots property also announced a new tenant, T.J. Maxx. SC Times cartoonist George Zeleski passed away Sept. 30. OCTOBER
Cindy Rosier, the owner of Bliss Boutique, was murdered by her estranged husband in her Avenida Del Mar shop Oct. 25, shattering an otherwise calm Saturday afternoon and shutting down downtown San Clemente for several hours. John Patrick Dillard, the gunman, also killed himself. Later that week, Linda Sachs Gimbel of San Clemente was murdered by her estranged husband during a child custody exchange in Mission Viejo. He also killed himself. NOVEMBER
Tim Brown, Lori Donchak and Kathy Ward come out on top of a seven-person field to be elected to terms on the San Clemente City Council. Brown and Donchak are reelected to their second and third terms, respectively, while Ward, a planning commissioner wins her first election. Former Mayor Jim Dahl, small-business owner Mikii Rathmann, attorney Ricardo “Rick” Nicol and retired executive Fred Olsen are the other contenders. Incumbent Councilman Jim Evert decides not to run. An arrest was made in the murder of the McStay family. The family, former San Clemente residents, went missing in 2010 from their Fallbrook home. Their bodies were discovered in San Bernardino County in Nov. 2013 in shallow graves. A former business associate, Charles Merritt, has been charged in the case. DECEMBER
Chris Hamm was elected as the city’s new mayor, with Bob Baker, who served as Mayor in 2013, selected as Mayor Pro Tem. The council approved a final project plan and construction contract for the reconstruction of the Ole Hanson Beach Club, which is scheduled to break ground in January 2015. Longtime Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area director Kent Campbell retired after 32 years at the club. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
Best of the Blotter COMPILED BY STEVE SOHANAKI
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.
DECEMBER KEEP THE PEACE Via Presa, 1000 Block (Sunday, Dec. 7, 2:48 a.m.) A taxi driver reported that a customer ran into his residence and failed to return with payment. The customer did text the driver this message though, “Thanks for the ride. I have no money to pay you.”
NOVEMBER CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 500 Block (Saturday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m.) The caller gave his money to a friend to pick up food in Laguna Beach. His friend never returned. TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Calle Vallarta, 700 Block (Sunday, Nov. 23, 9:36 p.m.) A subject, who had recently been released from police custody, threatened to burn down the caller’s house if they refused to help pay the bail bondsman. CITIZEN ASSIST Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (Friday, Nov. 21, 9:56 p.m.) A drunken woman who had been taken to the hospital locked herself in a restroom and refused to come out.
OCTOBER SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8:40 a.m.) The caller’s brother was following her around and whispering “sweet nothings” into her ear. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Presa, 200 Block (Friday, Oct. 24, 8:07 p.m.) A man told police his roommate is “plotting” against him. WELFARE CHECK Calle Del Cerro, 1100 Block (Sunday, Oct. 19, 7:12 p.m.) Authorities received complaint from a woman whose neighbors leave their dog on the patio where it barks all day. After being advised to file a complaint with animal control the caller said, “I will just kill the dog,” and hung up. DRUNK DRIVING Calle Valle, 1400 Block (Monday, Oct. 13, 1:15 p.m.) A man said San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
his wife consumed multiple margaritas before driving to work to play and trade video games. CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Ameno, 0 Block (Monday, Oct. 13, 2:23 p.m.) The caller’s neighbor threatened to poison all of the animals in the neighborhood. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Mira Costa/Camino De Los Mares (Wednesday, Oct. 8, 11:45 a.m.) A caller complained that a man wearing a green hat was practicing archery in the park and shooting the arrows too close to the street. DISTURBANCE Avenida Monterey, 200 Block (Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1:41 a.m.) The caller’s boyfriend was “nagging her to the point that she can’t sleep.” Children also live in the residence.
SEPTEMBER
been an ongoing issue where the neighbor was harassing the caller’s family. A record search indicated that San Clemente Water Department workers had also been threatened by the neighbor. The subject allegedly told a department employee that he owns firearms and if he steps on his property again there would be a problem. DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (Saturday, Aug. 16, 9:43 p.m.) Two men got into a physical altercation. One had a pitchfork. INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida De La Estrella, 100 Block (Saturday, Aug. 16, 9:31 p.m.) A heavyset, bald man defecated on himself and ran through the hallways with his pants down. He was described as being in his early 60s and wearing a gray shirt. CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 100 Block (Saturday, Aug. 15, 9:15 p.m.) The caller waited outside a business where bouncers had confiscated what they believed to be a fake identification card. The caller said the ID was real and wanted authorities to verify his identity so he could get his card back.
DISTURBANCE Via Barracuda, 600 Block (Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:52 p.m.) A woman called police to report that both her male and female roommates were yelling at her for taking too long in the shower. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 100 Block (Monday, Sept. 29, 12:56 a.m.) The caller was kicked out of an establishment by a bouncer, whom he said “manhandled him and pulled his hair,” even after he agreed to leave peacefully. The disgruntled customer wanted deputies to arrest the bouncer in order to “teach him a lesson.” He also claimed he was hurt but refused medics. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (Sunday, Sept. 21, 12:20 p.m.) A man had an issue with his wife: He believed she had attempted to poison him. The caller told authorities he had gotten sick and said his wife admitted to the poisoning.
CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 100 Block (Sunday, Aug. 10, 11:06 p.m.) A caller said he was punched in the head by a bouncer. VANDALISM Marquita, 200 Block (Sunday, Aug. 10, 10:14 a.m.) The caller’s neighbor shot at his window with a BB gun. DISTURBANCE Avenida Magdalena, 100 Block (Friday, Aug. 8, 6:18 p.m.) While a wedding was taking place on the field, a golfer was practicing hitting balls.
JULY DISTURBANCE Calle Pacifica, 0 Block (Sunday, July 6, 11:34 a.m.) A caller said her neighbor, who had just gotten out of jail for assaulting a police officer, was making sexual gestures toward her and her children with a garden hose. The neighbor was mad because she’d made the call that led to his arrest.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Nuevo, 3000 Block (Saturday, Sept. 13, 2:54 p.m.) A man was going door-todoor to get public speaking experience. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Seville/Avenida Palizada (Monday, Sept. 8, 2:36 p.m.) A man was dancing and waving at vehicles.
JUNE
KEEP THE PEACE El Camino Real, 3600 Block (Monday, Sept. 1, 10:32 p.m.) A pedestrian called for police assistance. He was waiting by a wall, holding a puppy and a guitar.
AUGUST DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Del Oceano, 200 Block (Monday, Aug. 25, 10:58 a.m.) A caller said a male neighbor was spraying their property with a hose. This has
BATTERY REPORT Plaza Estival, 400 Block (Saturday, June 21, 7:37 p.m.) Authorities were notified of an assault where the caller reported being attacked by several juveniles who were skateboarding in the neighborhood. The caller said a mother in the group joined in the assault as well. INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (Friday, June 6, 12:22 p.m.) A man in his 70s, wearing a black overcoat with nothing underneath, was flashing people.
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DISTURBANCE Avenida Cornelio, 100 Block (Monday, June 2, 6:31 p.m.) The caller’s stepson refused to take out the trash. Dispatch could hear the stepson in the call’s background saying, “They won’t do anything.”
MAY ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Avenida Del Presidente, 2600 Block (Sunday, May 18, 3:13 a.m.) A groom told authorities that one of his drinks had been drugged. INDECENT EXPOSURE El Camino Real, 100 Block (Monday, May 5, 6:34 a.m.) Authorities were notified of a man driving without pants.
APRIL SUSPICIOUS PERSON CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Escollo, 5000 Block (Saturday, April 15, 10:32 a.m.) An elderly man with missing teeth and wearing a dark gray trench coat was looking at houses when the caller approached him and asked if he needed any help. He said “No,” and that he was running for president.
MARCH DISTURBANCE Calle Gaulteria, 0 Block (Saturday, March 22, 11:44 p.m.) A mother told officials her son and his friends “TP’d a bunch of houses.” A neighbor reportedly confronted one of the 15-year-old boys and punched him in the face. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1300 Block (Monday, March 3, 9:06 p.m.) A man asked a woman at the Ocean View Inn whether or not hookers would be provided if he rented a room. The woman’s husband asked the man not to talk to her in that way and the man began cussing and hitting windows. The man was wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and had three bags draped over his shoulders.
FEBRUARY DISTURBANCE El Camino Real/Avenida Victoria (Monday, Feb. 17, 11:17 p.m.) Authorities were called after an unknown man jumped on the caller’s car as she drove by. The caller proceeded to make a U-turn and the man jumped on her car again. She claimed the man wanted to fight her boyfriend.
JANUARY WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 2200 Block (Monday, Jan. 13, 10:11 a.m.) A woman called ranting that a man had been “kidnapped by the Mormons” and they had cut off his arms. The call then disconnected.
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EYE ON SC
Biking Santa Beckons Shoppers
Cycling Santa waves at passersby, inviting them into Stewart Surfboards BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
W
ith holiday shopping in fullswing, Bill Stewart was searching for a way to draw attention to
his shop. Stewart, owner of Stewart’s Surfboards in San Clemente, wanted to remind shoppers of all the great shopping to be had among the city’s small businesses and share some holiday cheer at the same time. Competing for the holiday dollar for small locally-owned shops is difficult with so many people heading to the malls in favor of local businesses, he said. “They’re going to the malls and we need them to stay here in town,” Stewart said. To promote the Wheele Surf Trailer, a shop exclusive and great gift idea according to Stewart, he landed on the idea of
Bill Stewart, owner of Stewart Surfboards in San Clemente, built an animated Santa on a bicycle towing a surfboard trailer for display on the roof of his shop. Photo: Andrea Swayne
building a life-sized animated Santa Claus riding a bike with the surfboard trailer attached and then mounting the entire creation on the shop’s rooftop. The project took 40 hours of building over a two-and-a-half-week period to complete. So far Stewart’s cycling surfer Santa has been getting rave reviews from the community. “I’ve even been told, ‘You are a genius,’” Stewart joked. “And I love being called a genius.” Stewart Surfboards is located at 2102 South El Camino Real and can be reached at 949.492.1085 or online at www. stewartsurfboards.com. Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com to read the full story and see a video of Stewart’s Santa being built.
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera
A City of Performing Arts What will it take to make San Clemente a true arts destination?
L
ast month, I wrote about Casa Romantica’s presentation of the Royce String Quartet and suggested that San Clemente is a world-class music city as a result. December, of course, is a month for religious and holiday festivities—particularly in the areas of music and dance. In early December, the Casa presented live performances of “The Nutcracker Suite” on stage. While this performance was by a local Orange County group, it was exceptionally beautiful, invigorating and exciting. There were some 40 performers, ranging in age from 7 years old to adults—both male and female, performing on the “Casa’s living room’s” small stage. In addition, there were some 130 spectators packed into the Casa’s limited space. Both dynamics made the performances special and thrilling, for we were so close it seemed like the performance was, in fact, in our own living rooms. This provided for a very special connection between the audience and performers. So much credit
is deserved by the leaders at Casa Romantica for their vision and accomplishments in bringing these special events to us. As I talked with others at the event, I began to think about other arts performances in San Clemente and the unrealized potential this city has. While we have much talent and many events, they are not broadly known. However, if promoted, these people and productions could well provide for San Clemente becoming a recognized “city of the performing arts.” In the area of music we currently have many accomplished church choirs, some of which perform public concerts, the many excellent San Clemente High School music groups, the excellent San Clemente Choral Society, and occasional outside groups LEW’S VIEWS such as the South Coast By Lew Avera Singers. What we don’t have, but which Dana Point does have and which could be very feasible for San Clemente, is a symphony orchestra. If Dana Point can have a symphony, why can’t San Clemente? I have spoken with several musician friends of mine who play in other orchestras around Orange County and they have said they “would love to have a San Clemente symphony.” Dancing is a second area of performing arts which has much room for expansion in our city. It merges with music, but is still a separate art and skill. I know we have several studios in town and many young people who participate, learn and stage small studio performances, and of course, the very highly recognized groups at SCHS. However, from
my perspective, we have not developed a dance performance that embraces and attracts the entire community and which could also contribute to building San Clemente’s “world-class arts reputation.” But, with imagination and community support, this could be realized. The third area of performing arts in this View is that of what I call dramatic acting on stage. We have the Cabrillo Theater that brings excellent events; however, it is limited. This is not to suggest Cabrillo should be replaced. Nothing is further from the truth, and there is a real place for its extraordinary and quality performances. It’s just that there is room for added, larger acts. Finally, we could use a high-class venue for such large and expanded performances—in other words a performing arts center. In fact, we have such a facility—Miramar Theater—which has been lying dormant for so many years, and the subject of much controversy concerning its restoration. If that facility could be restored, it could be the physical portion of the dynamic leading to San Clemente becoming a world class city of performing arts. I am convinced the expanded music, dance and dramatic groups, along with the physical facilities, are within our grasp. It will take community effort, but it can be achieved. Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. 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
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GUEST OPINION: 2/4 Corner by Lt. Col. Mike Wilonsky, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, The Magnificent Bastards
Holiday Wishes from Okinawa This holiday season, remember your adopted Marines
H
appy Holidays San Clemente. Your adopted Marine Corps division, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, made it safely to Okinawa, Japan and we are doing well. Since our arrival to the island, we have grown by a few hundred as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s battalion landing
San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
team (BLT) was formed. BLT 2/4 is capable of inserting three-rifle companies, from ship to shore, utilizing three special platforms—helicopter, small boats and amphibious armored vehicles. We also have an artillery battery attached to us, Fox Battery, which provides the BLT with long-range fires capability. This month we met our deployed parent command, the 31st MEU, and quickly began our interoperability exercises. We did very well and BLT 2/4 showcased our capability on numerous situational training exercises in, and around, Okinawa. In the next few weeks, we will slow down a bit for Christmas and New Year’s. We’ve got some upcoming BLT events to keep busy, but I encourage everyone back home to take a minute during your hectic holidays and keep us close in your thoughts. There are a lot of junior Marines and Sailors that have never been away during the holidays and they need your support back home. Christmas Eve we have a BLT run/shoot competition where we will run 3 miles— filled with numerous Cross-Fit stations—
There will be no Beachside Chat Friday, due to the holiday. Weekly chats will resume Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander every Friday at Café Calypso. All are welcome.
shoot on the rifle range for score and end the day with a warrior holiday feast. It’s sure to be a fantastic time and I look forward to wishing the BLT, and every San Clementean, a happy and safe New Year to come. As the commanding officer of San Clemente’s battalion, I look forward to bringing you updates each month on your Marines and Sailors from the storied 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines—affectionately known as the Magnificent Bastards. SC
Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN
Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke
Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
Finance Director > Mike Reed
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jacqueline DeMarco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent
San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 52. 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
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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
EDITOR’S PICK
What’s going on in and around town this week
Wednesday | 31
COMPILED BY STAFF
Wednesday | 24
RAYA NEW YEAR’S EVE 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Specialized four-course holiday menu and limited a la carte menu. $115 per person. Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.
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. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT SAN CLEMENTE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Family Services. 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m Communion Candlelight. Nursery care is available during services. The San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 North Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente, 492.6158 or go to our website at www.scpres.org.
Thursday | 25
Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.
Photo: Courtesy
NIGHTLY THROUGH JANUARY 4: ILLUMINOCEAN HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For 40 nights the Dana Point Harbor will be lit up with holiday lighting displays including 22 large-scale ocean-inspired holiday sculptures and 23 miles of glowing LED strands. Weekends will feature street performers, glow merchandise and “Whale Eyes” 3D glasses that give the lights a holographic look. The event is free to attend and will be held through January 4. Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.mydanapoint.com/dana-point-illuminocean. members; $1 for members. 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com.
produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.
RITZ-CARLTON HOLIDAY BUFFET Seating from noon-3:30 p.m. $115 for adults, $57.50 for children. Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.
BOXING DAY WITH JUMPING JACK FLASH 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.
Monday | 29
Friday | 26
Saturday | 27
WINTER BREAK KIDS CRAFTS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fill your stockings with homemade crafts at Mission San Juan Capistrano. A different craft is featured every day of the week through Jan. 2. Monday: lasso/jump rope; Tuesday: miniature adobe brick house; Wednesday: cornhusk dolls/action figures; Thursday: mini coiled clay pot; Friday: arrowhead necklace. Parent or sitter must be present to participate. No crafts on Dec. 24 or 25. $3 for non-
LIVE MUSIC AT OC TAVERN 9:30 p.m. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Free. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.
SMOKEY KARAOKE 9 p.m. Weekly karaoke event at BeachFire Grill. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com/events.
Tuesday | 30 RUBEN GONZALES 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.
Sunday | 28
OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at the Point Restaurant open mic.
SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION 7 p.m.-11 p.m. The Community Outreach Alliance presents a clean and sober New Year’s Eve celebration featuring, food, music, dancing and DJ Jules. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, www.communityoutreachalliance.com. NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL 7:30 p.m. Live music and DJ at Iva Lee’s. $65 per guest includes a three course dinner, masks and beads. Reservations recommended. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. MILLERTIME BOOGIE BAND 8:30 p.m. to Midnight. Live music at Zona’s Restaurant. 647 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.940.8845, www.zonasitalianrestaurant.com.
Thursday | 01 NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH AT THE RITZ-CARLTON 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $80 adults, $40 children. One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.
For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com
On Stage at the Coach House: The English Beat BY CATHERINE MANSO
T
Dave Wakeling of The English Beat. Photo: Bryan Kremkau
San Clemente Times December 25–31, 2014
he English Beat, starring Dave Wakeling, is coming to The Coach House on New Year’s Eve. The Birmingham-bred band with the infectious reggae, ska, punk and pop sound, is back and ready to celebrate the New Year with fans from south Orange County, Wakeling’s “adopted home.” The set list will be pulled from the band’s impressive catalog of songs spanning three decades, including such hits as “Save it for Later,” “I Confess” and “Tears of a
Clown.” Songs from General Public, another band Wakeling co-founded, will also be performed—“Tenderness,” and “I’ll Take You There,” included. The New Year brings a new start for The Beat with the 2015 release of their fourth studio album, “For Crying Out Loud.” Wakeling promises to reveal a few pieces from the new album—“If Killing Worked it Would Have Worked by Now,” and “The Love You Give Lasts Forever”—songs he says will have the audience dancing. Members of the current touring band
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include Rythmm Epkins on drums, Matt Morrish on sax, Kevin Lum on keyboard, Larry Young on bass, Jared Palozolla and Wakeling on guitar. “I always look forward to the Coach House … I’ve been playing there for decades,” Wakeling said. “From the stage it looks like a fiesta.” Doors open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $48 and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. For tickets, call 949.496.8930 or go to www.thecoachhouse.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50: By Tom Blake
A 2014 Christmas Message for Singles
E
ach year, the Christmas week column is the most difficult article to write. This year is no exception. Why? Well, Christmas is a joyous time for families and children and one would expect that a columnist would come up with some joyous message or experience that fits right in with the Christmas spirit. But my primary focus is on singles age 50+. Yes, married people tell me they read the column as well, and I appreciate that, but my main concern is the singles. For many of those singles, the December holidays are a sad time—a reminder that they don’t have a significant other in their lives. Sure, many will get to spend Christmas day with their families and relatives, and that is a treasure. But there is also an emptiness that goes along without having a gift under the tree from or for a lover. Not to mention that singles are often reminded this time of year by well-meaning friends and family that they don’t have a mate. They hear comments like, “What a shame that you don’t have someone to share Christmas with,” or, “You should work a little harder to meet someone.” Most singles just finesse those comments outwardly, but inside, the comments can grind at them. The December holidays magnify emotions. Some people decide to get divorced or to break up during this time. It’s probably because they want to start the New Year off heading in a new and different direction. But when that happens, it can be a real downer for both sides of a busted relationship. I speak from experience. On Christmas Eve, 1993, my wife of six years cleaned out the house and moved out of my life. No notice, just, “See ya later Thomas.” I was pretty shocked, unprepared and angry. Christmas wasn’t very merry that year. But out of the ashes came opportunity. A better life. And it opened the door for
me to meet Greta, with whom I’ve been blessed to spend 16 years. That event also launched my writing career, although when it happened, I wasn’t a writer. However, six months later, my first newspaper column was ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 published, titled “Home By Tom Blake Alone with Only Dogs for Company.” Since then, I’ve written more than 3,000 columns on Finding Love After 50, published four books, and appeared on the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” These things would have never happened had my ex not left. My message this Christmas for all older singles: adversity and loneliness often lead to opportunity, hope and a new direction in life that can be rewarding and exciting. But, it’s up to each person to look for that opportunity, seize it, and move forward with a new bounce in his or her step. Everybody has a talent, all you need to do is find it, and grow it. I often think this time of year of what a woman reader told me long ago: “I’ve been married and unhappy and single and unhappy. And single and unhappy is better— because I am free to make changes to my life today, tomorrow or next week, without having to go through the divorce process.” So rejoice in your singleness this Christmas, because a new and exciting life awaits you. Seize the opportunity. Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating. For dating information: www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. To comment: 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
Sudoku 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 San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
A select group of children and siblings at the Boys & Girls Club of the South { IN S AN CLEMENTE } Coast Area received new bicycles from community donors thanks to Urban Bicycle Outfitters. 2014 marked the third year for the bicycle giveaway. Children receiving the bikes were chosen for their dedication to completing their homework and being respectful and polite to others at the club. Photo: Jim Shilander
SCENE
Pageant of the Masters 2015 Seeking Models SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
R
esidents looking to be part of a south Orange County tradition will get their opportunity in the coming weeks. Anyone capable of standing still for 90 seconds, may be a part of Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. In preparation of the 2015 show, “The Pursuit of Happiness,” the pageant is looking for men, women and children to volunteer. People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the world’s most famous presentation of tableaux vivants (living pictures). The casting call will be held at the Irvine Bowl Park (650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach) during the following times: Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The summer 2015 performances of the Pageant of the Masters will run nightly at 8:30 p.m. from July 8 to Aug. 31, 2015. Call 949.494.3663 for additional information. Casting call is a fun experience for all involved. Prospective volunteers will
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Volunteers are being sought to participate in next summer’s Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Photo: Courtesy
be measured and photographed, enjoy refreshments and meet the behind-thescenes pageant staff. No theater experience is necessary. The only requirement is the ability to stand still and have fun. Pageant volunteers are also needed for positions in the wardrobe, make up, and headdress departments, as well as cast area coordinators and refreshment servers, among other positions. By volunteering for the pageant, students can earn credit towards community service requirements. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
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 slantz@sanclementetimes.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@sanclementetimes.com
San Clemente Times December 25–31, 2014
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www.sanclementetimes.com
SC n te S a n C le m e
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
San Clemente Times December 25–31, 2014
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www.sanclementetimes.com
Locals Only
BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT
Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program
2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com
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
CHIROPRACTIC
Thompson Chiropractic
629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com
CHOCOLATE/CANDY
Schmid’s Fine Chocolate
99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com
CONCRETE
Costa Verde Landscape
Lic.: 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
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
HARP LESSONS & RENTALS
Wendy-Harpist
949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com
HEATING
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
OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com
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
Lic.: 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
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
POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL
SC Pool & Spa Works
1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com
Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.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
“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax
949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
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
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage
SC Rider Supply
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
LIST
USE
LOCALS ONLY
LOCALS ONLY
In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.
MUSIC LESSONS
Danman’s Music School
949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $175. 949.533.9761
FOR SALE 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. CASH REGISTER Cash Register for sale-All in working order. Great for a small or new business. Keys included. $60. Please contact: 949.933.0122 BED FRAME Metal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes. $35/obo. New condition. 949.533.9761
LOST & FOUND LOST WHITE GOLD DAVID YURMAN BRACELET with heart in Forster Ranch. $200 reward. Please call 949-338-7103
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.
LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733
MORTGAGES
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com
SERVICES
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
CLASSIFIEDS
Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
San Clemente Sports Year in Review COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE
APRIL
A
Gellatly Earns 300th Career Win A 6-0 win over San Juan Hills on April 23 marked the 300th career win for San Clemente baseball head coach Dave Gellatly. Gellatly, a San Clemente High School graduate, has been coaching at the school for 20 years.
s 2014 draws to a close, we look back at the stories, people and moments that shaped the San Clemente sports scene over the past 12 months.
JANUARY
Tritons Soccer Places Third in National Showcase The San Clemente boys soccer team travels to Florida to compete in the Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament and places third at the high-profile showcase. The event featured six teams ranked in the top-25 in the U.S. FEBRUARY
Triton Student-Athletes Sign NLI’s In a service on campus at San Clemente High School, 19 student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to play at the collegiate level. Players from the school’s soccer, football, lacrosse, track and field, water polo, cross country, diving and cheer teams were all represented.
MAY
Insley, Garrett Inducted into SC Sports Hall of Fame San Clemente High School graduates Trevor Insley and Dean Garrett are inducted into the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation Sports Hall of Fame. Insley, a former Tritons wide receiver, had a stellar collegiate career playing for the University of Nevada-Reno and played in the NFL and NFL Europe. Garrett, a former all-county basketball player, played collegiately at San Francisco City College and Indiana University (where he won a national championship), before embarking on a career in the NBA.
MARCH
Marine Corps Trials Return to Pendleton More than 300 wounded military personnel descend upon Camp Pendleton to take part in the Marine Corps Trials. The eightsport Paralympic event featured active duty teams, veterans and an international team. Soccer Team Wins CIF-SS Championship The San Clemente boys soccer team caps off a successful season with a 1-0 victory over Servite to claim the CIF-SS Division 1 Championship on March 2.
Former San Clemente city councilman Jim Evert poses with Trevor Insley, left, and Dean Garrett at the 2014 San Clemente Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo: Jim Shilander JUNE
Fenton Wins State Discus Championship San Clemente senior discus thrower Rocky Fenton posts a mark of 184-feet10-inches to win the CIF State Championship on June 6. Fenton also won the South Coast League championship and the CIF-SS Division 1 title. JULY
Darnold Chooses USC after Stellar Summer San Clemente’s Sam Darnold has a breakout summer camp performance, featuring an appearance in the Elite 11 Finals as part of The Opening. Darnold, a quarterback, received 13 offers from high-profile collegiate programs, ultimately deciding on USC. More than 300 wounded warriors traveled to Camp Pendleton to take part in the Marine Corps Trials in March. Photo: Patrick Onofre
AUGUST
SC Water Polo Club Wins Gold at Junior Olympics The SC Tritons Water Polo Club’s 12U girls team wins the gold medal at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics in San Jose on Aug. 3. After losing their first two games, the San Clemente team rallied to win six in a row to close out the tournament. Allard Makes His Mark on the National Stage San Clemente senior left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard dazzles at the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park on Aug. 10. Allard struck out the side on only 12 pitches, touching 96 mph with his fastball, earning game MVP honors. SEPTEMBER
Hundreds gathered at San Clemente High School to take part in the inaugural Live Like Nick 5K Run and Walk on Sept. 7. Photo Jim Shilander
San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
Live Like Nick 5K Draws Hundreds The inaugural Live Like Nick 5K Walk and Run is held at San Clemente High School on Sept. 7 to honor the memory of Nick Page 17
Pasquale and to raise money for the foundation that bears his name. Fundraising efforts at the event went directly towards the Nick Pasquale Foundation’s efforts in raising money for scholarships, to be awarded to deserving student-athletes. OCTOBER
Locals Shine at Battle of the Paddle San Clemente’s Candice Appleby (Elite SUP Elite) and Rob Rojas (Distance SUP Individual) won their respective stand-up paddleboard race divisions at the seventh annual Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle at Salt Creek Beach Oct. 4-5. NOVEMBER
Tritons Football Wins League Title The San Clemente High School football team defeats Aliso Niguel 56-15 on Nov. 7 to claim the outright Sea View League title for the first time since 1999. The Tritons went 4-0 in league play in 2014. SC Girls Cross Country Makes it Nine in a Row Following their performance at the CIF-SS Prelims, the San Clemente High School girls cross country team advances to the CIF-SS Finals for the ninth consecutive year. DECEMBER
Tritons Football Falls to Mustangs in CIF-SS Finals San Clemente runs through the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs and faces Sea View League rival Trabuco Hills in the division finals. The Mustangs scored 14 unanswered points during a span of two minutes in the fourth quarter to claim a 44-37 victory over San Clemente. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SURF
SC
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
San Clemente
Go Groms Go By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times
E
ach week a young surfer (or surfers) from the area is chosen as “Grom of the Week” and featured with a photo, profile and rundown of recent accomplishments. This week we highlight the groms of 2014 once again. So here’s to them, to those we will meet in 2015 and to watching as a bright future for the sport of surfing, and our community, unfolds as they grow. SC
SURFING AMERICA PRIME EVENT NO. 3 LOCAL FINALISTS
ALEXXA ELSEEWI AND GUS DAY MALIA AND HENDRICK OSTERKAMP
ALLYSON HEINEMEYER
DAWSON TARNOWSKI
TIA BLANCO
CROSBY COLAPINTO
JACK SMALL
KEITH CHRISTL
NOAH HOHENESTER
LILY BENJAMIN
JIMMY WYNNE
ELIJA SCHOENIG
RILEY NATTRASS
NOA DUPOUY
RICKY FODOR
SAMANTHA SIBLEY
SURFING AMERICA USA TEAM
CONAN CRAIG
RHYN CHAMBERS
MALIA WARD
SEBASTIAN MENDES
JAYME LINNES
JASON PARSONS
GAVIN PELLKOFER
LEXI ALSTON
BEN BRANTELL
JOSH GREENE
HEATH HAWKINS
ERIKA HUNTING
ALAINA HEATER
JACK FRANCHEK
MATTHEW FRANCHEK
SHAE FOUDY
HANA JOHNSON
AZURE REEF TRUJILLO
KOLTON SULLIVAN
SAWYER LINDBLAD
MAX BEACH
DEISEL RATHGEBER
BLUE ENGELKING & KEATON ROSE
KEVIN KRAATZ
BELLA KENWORTHY
IZZY HOPKINS
KEI KOBAYASHI
SC HIGH SCHOOL SURF TEAM
HAYDEN MILLERICK
DANE MATSON
HAGAN JOHNSON
MADDIE OBERG
COLE MEZAK
GROM OF THE YEAR
JETT SCHILLING
Jett Schilling, 10, of San Clemente has come a long way since first being featured as a Grom of the Week in January of 2012. Back then he had less than a year’s worth of competition under his belt, but caught our attention with wins in the Micro Grom divisions of the San Clemente Seafest and Western Surfing Association contests. At
San Clemente Times December 25-31, 2014
that time he had recently relocated to San Clemente from Northern California and was enjoying practicing every day, getting to know his new home breaks. Since then, this uber-talented goofy footer has become one of the area’s most formidable competitors. Currently rated No. 8 in the NSSA Explorer Boys and No. 2 in NSSA Open Boys, Jett has also qualified to join the invitation-only elite ranks of the Surfing America Prime series. At the last Prime event, Dec. 14 at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, Jett mas-
tered the big swell all day, building on his performance round-by-round. In the final, he became apex predator of The Point, killing it to seal the win on a big left set wave. Jett airdropped in late and immediately squared off the bottom, setting himself up for a committed floater on a super ledgey section. He then followed that up with two high-noon-vertical hits on the inside for a perfect 10-point score. We can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for this dedicated and skilled athlete.—Andrea Swayne
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Jett Schilling. Photo: Jack McDaniel
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