January 29, 2015 by San Clemente Times

LO C A L

January 29-February 4, 2015

N EWS

YO U

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U S E

SCHS Honors its Greatest Basketball Players at Friday’s Game PAGE 15

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5

To the Summit

San Clemente residents trek to the city’s highest point SC LIVING/PAGE 12

www.sanclementetimes.com

San Clemente resident Jim Thordahl signs the journal he brought to replace one he brought last year for visitors to sign upon reaching San Clemente Summit, the city’s highest point. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Residents Get Look at Proposal for Urgent Care Facility EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Capistrano Beach Resident Saves Young Surfer at San Onofre SC SURF/PAGE 18

Community Development Director Holloway Reflects on Decades with City EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING solution, moving beyond Yucca Mountain, is providing a legal framework for states to have meaningful regulatory authority over waste, to go along with giving states consent over whether a repository could be placed within it. David Wright, a former member of the South Carolina Public Service Commission, said any interim storage solution would likely require a “bottom-up” approach, where communities agitated for the right to store fuel as a potential economic boost. San Clemente City Councilman Tim Brown said he worried that an interim solution, such as storing fuel on the site of plants, could become a permanent one. Other potential solutions suggested were efforts at a second, or additional repositories, or for casks to be taken from decommissioned sites to operating plants.

A rendering of the potential look of a proposal for a medical pavilion at the current site of the Saddleback Memorial San Clemente campus. Photo: Courtesy MemorialCare

What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Proposal for Medical Offices Comes into Sharper Focus THE LATEST: San Clemente residents on both sides of the debate over the future of San Clemente’s hospital got a closer look at some of the proposed design of an advanced urgent care facility at Saddleback Memorial San Clemente campus Thursday at an open house at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. The presentations included potential looks for the proposed facility created by NexCore, a health care real estate developer. NexCore’s Todd Varney said the proposed facility would be built on four levels, with one below grade and three above grade. The proposal would add to the number of parking spaces utilized at the site. The basement level would include an outpatient surgery center, with urgent care, labs, imaging and a women’s health center on the first floor. The top floors would be reserved for primary and specialty care offices. Critics of the proposal, announced in August, maintain that the city would be left bereft of emergency care as a result of the proposal, since, under current law, a medical facility cannot have an emergency room without an in-patient hospital. San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

MemorialCare officials have indicated a willingness to pursue legislation to change the rules to allow for a freestanding emergency room. Members of a nonprofit group created to fight the closure have encouraged MemorialCare to sell the facility if it is not committed to providing emergency care. Hospital officials have countered by saying that they are open to providing emergency care but that projections for the future of inpatient care indicate that it will be difficult to make it work economically. WHAT’S NEXT: A second open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. in Dana Point to discuss its current plans for the hospital property.—Jim Shilander

WHAT’S NEXT: On a panel about regional solutions, panelists noted it is important for localities looking to get rid of waste to consider not just the effect on the final destination but the “corridor” communities it would pass through. Chris Thompson, Southern California Edison’s Vice President for Decommissioning, noted that the utility had worked with others for the creation of a private repository for storage in Utah, on tribal land, but the effort was blocked by the state. Marni Magda, an activist who participated in the panel, said the effort should be made statewide to take waste from plants to the desert, ideally to a military base, where it could be protected. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the meeting, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. –JS

Council Approves Beach Trail Grant

Panel Notes Obstacles facing SONGS Waste Removal THE LATEST: A panel of experts on the state of storage of nuclear waste in the United States admitted Tuesday at a San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Community Engagement Panel at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center that on a national level, there was a significant lack of urgency about the issue of spent nuclear fuel and how best to dispose of it. The CEP and panelists from the Bipartisan Policy Commission’s nuclear waste program were brought together to get an assessment of just what could be done about spent nuclear fuel, such as that stored at SONGS. Geoff Fettus, an attorney for the National Resources Defense Council said the

THE LATEST: San Clemente is moving forward with ways to finance the completion of its Beach Trail project to San Clemente State Park. At its meeting Jan. 20, the City Council approved a $100,000 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy, which provided more than $1 million in grants during the building of the trail in 2006. The new grant will go toward design of the extension. WHAT’S NEXT: The city has been looking to find ways to complete the trail, which currently terminates at the Calafia State Beach parking lot, since the completion of the current trail. The council appropriated $100,000 to match the potential grant in January. The council also approved landscape designs for the bicycle and pedestrian trails along the northern section of El

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Camino Real between North Beach and Camino Capistrano. That would create protected bicycle and pedestrian paths moving to and from Dana Point along the city’s northern gateway. That project is currently set to begin construction in the fall.—JS

City Waiving Christmas Eve Tickets THE LATEST: The City of San Clemente has announced that it is waiving 182 parking citations issued on Christmas Eve. The citations were handed out largely as a result of regularly scheduled street sweeping enforcement. In a city news release, Mayor Chris Hamm indicated that the decision to waive the fees was one of common sense. “The City Council understands how busy the holiday season can be and though street sweeping is a priority, common sense must prevail,” Hamm said. “Moving forward, staff is working to amend the city code to ensure that street sweeping will not occur on Dec. 24 in the future and the definition of “city holidays” will be clearer.” WHAT’S NEXT: The city release indicated that it would reimburse residents who have already paid the tickets.—JS

I-5 Closures Congest South OC Traffic THE LATEST: The next three weeks are going to be rough for many Orange County commuters. Beginning Monday, Jan. 26, crews are closing two of the five lanes on the southbound Interstate 5 freeway from just south of the Camino Capistrano exit to just north of the CA-1/Camino Las Ramblas exit, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority. Lane closures will take place from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will continue Monday through Friday for three weeks, OCTA officials said. Drivers should expect delays on southbound I-5 during the closures and allow extra time to reach their destinations. WHAT’S NEXT: The closures are necessary for crews to perform pile driving for a retaining wall that will accommodate the future widening of the freeway, which is part of the I-5 South County Improvement Project.—Allison Jarrell

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

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

New San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force Created San Clemente has a new task force working to help identify gaps in local services for victims of domestic violence and their families. The San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force is a volunteer committee formed in 2014 with the goal of creating coordinated community responses to deal with domestic violence in the community. The Task Force is seeking to improve the integration of services through the collaboration of agencies and organizations. Members constitute a cross section of victim advocates, civic leaders, and professionals from local churches, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, legal and social services organizations. Although the San Clemente Domestic Task Force was formed prior to the death of San Clemente resident and business owner Cindy Roiser, the Task Force is dedicating their work and findings to her memory and the memory of all victims of domestic violence in our city. The Task Force is looking to develop a volunteer core that will be trained to assist victims in accessing the legal system. They also plan to create an outreach group to educate junior high and high school students in hopes of providing a better understanding and preventing domestic violence. The San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force meets quarterly and plans on delivering a final report on the state of Domestic Violence in San Clemente to the San Clemente Human Affairs Commission and City Council later this year. For more information on the San Clemente Domestic Violence Task force efforts and how to get involved, contact scdvtaskforce@gmail.com.

Sea Scouts Embark on Winter Cruise Mariners Sea Scouts 936 recently used a

long weekend to allow 27 youth and their adult advisors to head to Catalina Island for their annual winter cruise. Quartermaster candidates Sofia Maranto of San Clemente and James Talay of Mission Viejo completed their cruise requirement during this trip by each taking command of a vessel with a crew of sea scouts for 40 consecutive hours, including two nights, during which time they delegated and supervised all duties. Requirements included anchoring, docking, maintaining a course, and remaining underway for an extended period during darkness. On the island, the youth enjoyed hiking, kayaking, swimming, and great food prepared by the crew and at the local eateries in Avalon. Mariners 936 is based out of Dana Point harbor and is open to co-ed youth ages 1418. Mariners offers a year-round program that includes supervised Saturday sailing and two seasons per year, during which youth may participate in Sea Scout activities and competition. No previous sailing experience is necessary to join. Mariners is a youth-led adult advised program that promotes leadership and teamwork. A shorter seasonal program is available to youth ages 12-14 offering sailing and water craft instruction. A new season kicks off on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. with an open house for prospective new members and their parents at Sea Base, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. For more information go to www.mariners936.com or for weekly updates and events at www.facebook.com/mariners936seascouts.

PEO Chapter Honors SCHS Graduate San Clemente chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, OR Chapter recently awarded a $3,300 scholarship to a local student, Julia Lacayo, who just completed her first semester at UC-Berkley. Lacayo was chosen from a group of well qualified applicants. She graduated with honors in 2014 from San Clemente High School where she was a homecoming princess and active in student government, volleyball, and the performing arts. She was a member of the California Scholastic Federation and also

received the Macy Bright Spot award. In addition to her studies, she is currently volunteering with Camp Kesma, a theatre arts camp for children who have cancer or whose parents have cancer. PEO is a non-profit international charitable organization founded in 1893 whose members raise funds to promote the education of women.

Sunrise Rotarians Host Annual Holiday Party for Deaf Children Fifteen local members of the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club took a one-day trip to Guadalupe, Mexico to host their annual “Merry After-Christmas Party” for the young students and staff of Rancho Sordo Mudo School for the Deaf (RSM). The club has supported RSM for 15 years, both financially, and with their Christmas party, held each January when the children return from Christmas break with their families. In many cases, it is the first and only time the children have received presents, new clothing or enjoyed a Christmas party. Each Rotarian member “adopts” a child for Christmas and is given a list of sizes, wishes and ideas for that child. Staff members of RSM, who are all volunteers, are also “adopted” and enjoy a gift from their wish list, too. This Rotarian project garners 100 percent participation from members—whether it is buying presents for the children, shopping for the party, preparing the pizza lunch or delivering carloads of food and presents to the school. On Feb. 3, Luke Everett, one of the founders of Rancho Sorda Mudo, will be speaking to the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club about the school’s progress and plans for the future. Contact club President Michael Studenka at studenkarotary@gmail.com if you would like to attend and hear more about this Rotary project. Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Community Meetings FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

Dark Friday

City offices closed. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Groundhog Day Spanish Conversation

11 a.m. Meet at Café Calypso for coffee and conversation. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.9803.

German Speaking Group

2 p.m.–4p.m. German conversations at Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.8436. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. Regular meeting. Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Kiwanis Meeting

Noon. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows Restaurant. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

French Conversation Club

2 p.m.–4 p.m. Come and chat at Cafe Calypso every Wednesday; no fees, no registration. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.493.5228.

Planning Commission

7 p.m. Regular meeting Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org.

EYE ON SC

Jim Holloway was hired as San Clemente’s Community Development Director 28 years ago and tasked with guiding the city through a period of significant growth. Holloway retired last week. Photo: Jim Shilander

Saying Goodbye

im Holloway, San Clemente’s recently retired Community Development Director said after 28 years, it was time to find some new challenges. Holloway said his recent 66th birthday, the arrival of his first grandchild, and his youngest daughter’s impending graduation from college led him to decide to move on. “I’ve heard people say it before, and it is ethereal, but when the time is right, the time is right,” Holloway said. “You just kind of know it’s time to do something else. I’ve enjoyed my career, but I’m really looking forward to retirement.” When Holloway was hired as Community Development director from the same position in Steamboat Springs, Colo., San Clemente was about half the size it is today but ready to embark on a period of anticipated growth. Holloway’s specialty before coming to the city had been in growth management. The city council, he said, provided him a lot of leeway in how to handle that growth. “At the time the Community Development director was responsible for nearly everything in the city,” Holloway said, including engineering, water and sewer. “I’d had the title, but it was remarkable I had that much responsibility and authority at such a young age. It was just a good fit.” That growth, included the development

of Marblehead, Talega and other ranch developments to the east of Interstate 5. While there may have been missteps along the way, Holloway said the final product has been one the city can be proud of. “By many measures it’s worked out really well,” Holloway said. “I know, from talking to my colleagues that San Clemente today is the envy of many. There’s area we can still improve upon, that’s always true. And residents here are appreciative and protective of what we’ve got.” That experience the city has undergone over the last 20 years, Holloway said, is an instructive one going forward, as another round of changes, including the Marblehead residential and retail centers, are coming down the pipeline. Many of those projects have been in development for much of Holloway’s tenure. But it’s a different type of change. “The next 15 to 20 years is going to be very different because, by any measure, there’s been major, big change. We’re built out,” Holloway said. “In the next 20 years, you’re going to see refinement, attention to detail and the final brush strokes of a really nice painting. But they’re not the big bold strokes we’ve seen in the last 20.” The most difficult project of his tenure, Holloway said, was the development and completion of the city’s Beach Trail, which he helped initiate and worked to put together the grants for, as well as handling the permitting and other processes. “It would not have happened without a whole bunch of people doing good work,” Holloway said. “But when you see the people’s faces walking on the trail, that’s really fun.” Holloway also noted the number of development agreements that were necessary to get Vista Hermosa Sports Park built, which was a process that took eight

San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

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Longtime Community Development Director Jim Holloway retires BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

steps, from allowing for the purchase of the land, the grading of the land, the addition of infrastructure to the planned park all the way leading up to the sale of the Target property to help finance the park at a time of economic uncertainty. “The initial reaction in the development community when I was approached about taking that land was, ‘What do we want that for?’ I told them, ‘We’ll figure something out.” Holloway said the major focus, moving forward, is resolving the tension of wanting to protect what residents currently have with potential future changes. “Local residents have a high appreciation for what we’ve got and are therefore very protective,” Holloway said. “And some people will just say no to everything. But if you take a step back, you can see growth can be very positive.” A good example of that, Holloway said, is downtown San Clemente. “Today, it’s a very dynamic and fun place. It’s where people take their friends and family to show off San Clemente. To say no to everything doesn’t get you that kind of positive change. You’re always going to be careful and questioning about proposals. But eventually and hopefully, good stuff does get approved.” For developers or property owners who have criticized the city’s development or permitting processes in the past, Holloway said the city actually has a good record of approving projects that meet codes, with a

few exceptions. It was only when developers began to ask for things that went beyond the scope of the city’s codes, he said, that approvals became dicier. Councilman Tim Brown said the city was losing a champion with Holloway’s retirement. “Jim has been a real advocate for the city of San Clemente,” Brown said. “He’s had the city’s best interest in heart and he’s been an exemplary leader for the city of San Clemente. Now he’s just got to focus on planning his vacation.” Brown said he admired the “diplomatic” way Holloway dealt with residents, and the respectful way he and his staff worked with residents. Holloway plans to stay in San Clemente, along with his wife Patricia. Holloway actually grew up summering in San Clemente, even serving as a lifeguard for eight years before going on to become a planner, working first in Visalia and then in Steamboat Springs. It was there that he suffered a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down in 1983. He now plans to support his wife’s efforts in civic engagement, which includes the founding of the San Clemente Tree Foundation. “I’ll be her assistant” Holloway said. “She got a master’s degree from Berkley in planning and she’s really supported me academically, psychologically and emotionally for all this time. So I just want to be able to support her and her projects.” SC

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO

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

Monday, January 26 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino De Los Mares/Calle Agua (10:28 p.m.) A woman sat crying and moaning outside a CVS pharmacy. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Victoria, 500 Block (8:59 p.m.) A daughter called authorities saying her mother may have, “fallen off the balcony, down the cliff.” DRUNK IN CAR Camino De Estrella, 500 Block (7:27 p.m.) A female driver passed out behind the wheel of a parked, green Honda Civic. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1700 Block (6:30 p.m.) Dispatch received notice of

kids trying to purchase “either cigarettes or sweatshirts.”After leaving the store, the caller said the children threw an item at the window. DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (1:18 p.m.) A man wearing a trench coat screamed.

Sunday, January 25 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Estacion, 1800 Block (11:55 p.m.) The caller reported a man and woman who were jumping in front of oncoming trains. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Frontera/Avenida Vista Hermosa (9:56 p.m.) A man showed another man a shotgun or rifle outside of a white truck. DISTURBANCE Avenida San Gabriel, 100 Block (8:20 p.m.) A woman hit her neighbor with a car door and got into an argument. DISTURBANCE Avenida Crespi, 400 Block (5:26 p.m.) A group of juveniles recorded with drones other residents in the neighborhood. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Valle, 1500 Block (4:53 p.m.) A boy tore off his clothes, hit himself and said, “I know you want to beat me.”

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Sarmentoso, 1200 Block (3:11 p.m.) A boy fell off his bike and became unresponsive. He was described as being about 12 years old. Blood was visible.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida De La Grulla, 100 Block (7:39 p.m.) A man tried to get into a white truck. He was described as having a plaid shirt, blue jeans, a mohawk and a bottle of vodka.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida La Cuesta, 100 Block (2:29 p.m.) Authorities were informed of a passed out man on the curb at the upper campus of school.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE El Camino Real, 3900 Block (1:35 p.m.) Two men were seen smoking marijuana in a fourdoor sedan.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (11:06 a.m.) Two men and a woman were slowly driving a maroon Jeep Cherokee with luggage on top of the car’s hood. They were reportedly picking up “discarded receipts.”

Saturday, January 24 DISTURBANCE Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (11:53 p.m.) A taxi driver drove to the driveway of the police station because two customers were not cooperating. DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares/ Avenida Vaquero (9:30 p.m.) Sheriff’s deputies were alerted of kids throwing eggs. CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 300 Block (7:56 p.m.) A caller’s friend took the caller’s gloves.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC El Camino Real, 300 Block (8:43 a.m.) A drunken woman passed out at a table.

Friday, January 23 DRUNK IN PUBLIC El Camino Real, 900 Block (11:36 p.m.) A patrol check was needed for an 18-year-old man stumbling and telling others that he was drunk. PATROL CHECK Calle La Veta, 3300 Block (9:56 p.m.) A caller reported someone ringing the doorbell at the residence. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1500 Block (7:51 p.m.) A caller informed officials of people yelling and climbing on top of the roof of a restaurant. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Del Mar, 300 Block (3:43 p.m.) A drunken man walked into a home and the resident walked out.

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Patriot Aims

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

‘American Sniper’ unflinchingly explores the unintended consequences of our complicated international entanglements

ike many Americans, this month I attended our local theater to see American Sniper. The splendid screenplay and acting aside, the film verifies the superb capability of America’s armed services personnel. From novice corporals, to knightly SEALS to outstanding officers, there may never have been a more magnificent military than ours. Unmatched in might, superior in strategy, and overwhelming in firepower, the skill, courage and teamwork of our men in uniform is as impressively effective as the film itself. Eschewing jingoism, Eastwood’s tense, incisive direction relies on wrenching vignettes while resisting rigid characterizations. Barbed with editorial ambivalence, Eastwood constructs a multitude of moral angles as if scanning a combat zone for targets. Similar to his two previous cinematic companion pieces about Iwo Jima, he offers nuanced observations on the thorny dilemmas of American warriors and their Iraqi counterparts. From the outset, the crisis confronting the characters in Sniper are focused and magnified like a telescopic rifle sight—sharp and unsparingly accurate. Within the first battle scene—horrific and indelible—a chilling possibility occurs: what if the roles were reversed? A foreign army invading California and occupying southern Orange County may seem far-fetched but imagine the scenario: Foreign military vehicles control the roads. Enemy tanks rumble down the streets. Electricity has been cut off. Water supply is restricted to four hours a day. A spirited resistance from the tri-city citizenry has resulted in the enemy’s retaliatory destruction of all societal institutions, from the harbor to the pier. To curtail civilian defiance and the occupying army has seized homes for safe-house quarters, confiscated all weapons, and restricted any group assemblies. Apprehensive attempts to increase security beget constant home invasions often conducted in the middle of the night. Across the city, heavily armed troops move stealthily from house to

San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

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

Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@sanclementetimes.com Bradley Cooper stars in ‘American Sniper,’ which has led Jim Kempton to look at ways Americans might handle an incursion onto native soil. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment

house, breaking down front doors, yelling commands in a foreign language, and neutralizing anyone who makes an active attempt to physically resist. Inside our homes, men are thrown on the floor and strip-searched and personal belongings are torn apart as terrified women and children cry, cowering at gunpoint. But Americans are a plucky and determined bunch. One day, as the dreaded Humvees and tanks clank down the street, one of the strong, unbowed California women tucks a loaded explosive into her Macy’s WAVELENGTHS satchel and, with her By Jim Kempton 10-year-old son in toe, walks calmly out to face the uniformed foe. Nearing the patrol, she hands the device to her son who attempts to throw it at the soldiers. But before he can, a foreign sniper blows his head off. Mad with grief and hatred for these invaders of her home and her street, her city, the mother lunges forward grasping the ordinance herself as horrified neighbors gape, trembling from their windows. In mid-release, a second sniper salvo shatters her spine. Who would we in America see as the heroes of this scenario—the San Clemente child and mother mowed down in their attempt to resist occupation—or the men with helmets and lethal weaponry? Would we explain to our own children that these superbly trained shooters were just doing their job—saving their brave comrades from being killed by our own irrational resistance and blind bitterness? Would we tell our wives that the slain mother was attempting an act of terror and should expect no less from the valiant visitors who wish only to bring peace and security to our city? Seeking culpability, the fault cannot be pawned off on our combat troops. Caught in the crosshairs of constant peril, facing

daily do or die decisions, our armed forces have acquitted themselves with all the dignity available given the task ordered. Yet imagining the specter of that young boy and his mother standing defiantly before foreign tanks at Mission Capistrano or Park Semper Fi—would we Americans assign them to the axis of evil or place them in our pantheon of patriots? And would their memory inspire millions more of us to fight by any means necessary to defeat these invaders? It is a haunting question pugilistic politicians should seriously contemplate before sending our matchless heroes on a fool’s errand again. Jim Kempton grew up on military bases in Guam, Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines, and believes our own history should be our guide. Redcoats in Boston, Mexicans at the Alamo and Confederates at Gettysburg encountered a Yankee citizenry, ferociously unwilling to submit to military invasion. 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

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso. Patricia Drown, the founder of the new San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force, will be this week’s guest speaker. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

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> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

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City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

OPERATIONS

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jerrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale 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, Kevin Dahlgren, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 5. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Historical Happenings by Raad Ghantous

The Economics of Heritage It’s time for San Clemente to take advantage of its history

an Clemente is rich in its historic resources. Those resources include not just individual buildings but historic districts and historic landscapes, like downtown Avenida Del Mar, North Beach and Max Berg Park—originally Plaza San Clemente. Those and many other sites along with our surfing legacy and culture provide the precious threads in the rich unique tapestry of our common local heritage. The stewardship of this heritage should always be encouraged by us all in the Spanish Village because of the educational, cultural, aesthetic, social and historical values these historic and cultural places represent. We are both heirs and guardians of those historic resources. If we are good stewards of our inheritance it will be available for our children and their children. The values incorporated into these places ought to be reason enough to protect them, but the reality is, in challenging economic times, educational, cultural, aesthetic, social and historical values may be insufficient to make the case for preserving our legacy. The good news is, historic preservation is also good for the economy and historic preservation is, in and of itself, sustainable development with a demonstrated and measurable economic value. In the last 15 years, dozens of studies have been conducted throughout the United States by different analysts using different methodologies. Results of those studies are remarkably consistent—historic preservation is good for the local economy and historic buildings are anchors of a growing community. They inspire people living today and connect us all with generations past. Preserving our common heritage inheritance gives us a collective sense of who we are, gives us our San Clemente charm and is what makes us unique in Orange County and Southern California. In a recent study it was documented that for the same amount of dollars, renovation and preservation work creates 14 jobs compared to 9.2 from manufacturing and 10 from new construction. Additionally, economist Donavan Rypkema, has for many years now presented research based statistics that conclude preservation programs are possibly the strongest, dollar-for-dollar, economic development programs our local, state and federal governments can embrace. Historic buildings are by their very nature authentic to their community and thereby endow and perpetuate our identity. Remember, visitors and tourists are Page 8

drawn to authenticity and genuine environments, and cultural tourists spend twice as much as others and stay longer. This unique historic environment identity is a huge part of our brand HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS and as such essential By Raad Ghantous for our Unique Value Proposition. What is a Unique Value Proposition you may ask? It is one of our most essential business success and marketing messages. It is a powerful succinct statement that describes how we are unique and therefore differentiates us from our competition— neighboring cities. It is what we offer that is our special competitive advantage as a community and is a draw to residents, visitors and businesses. Furthermore there are economic benefits of designating historic districts. Throughout the U.S., during the recent recession, there were fewer foreclosures in local historic districts than in areas not identified or designated. General property values improve in designated districts creating sustainability. In San Clemente, it’s time we designated our historic districts. The purpose of this column is to hopefully help broaden our collective community willingness to look beyond a perhaps myopic viewpoint when it comes to economic vitality and development in order to understand the contribution that our local historic resources are making and can make even more if seriously championed to our local economy and long-term sustainable social and financial vitality. Yes, it is true that by protecting our historic resources we may be honoring the investments of our grandparents. But at the same time we are also helping create a healthy economy for our grandchildren. Raad Ghantous was elected as president of the San Clemente Historical Society in September 2014 for a two-year term. He is an interior designer whose work includes the refurbishment of Casa Romantica. He is also the manager of the Facebook group “What Do You Think San Clemente?” which serves as a forum to discuss city events. 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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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 29 GARDEN ANGELS 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. PRAY4TAY 9 p.m. Fundraising event on behalf of Taylor Pearcy, a San Clemente girl who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle in December. OCTavern is sharing 20 percent of the proceeds for the evening. Surf reggae band Tunnel Vision will play. Free, but suggested donation of $10. A fundraising site is also online at www.gofundme.com/PRAY4TAY. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com. Anne Hathaway as Franny and Johnny Flynn as James in Song One. Photo: Courtesy of The Film Arcade

Saturday | 31

AN INSPECTOR CALLS 8 p.m. Set in an English industrial city, a young girl is thought to have committed suicide and an eminently respectable British family is subject to a routine inquiry. The play by J.B. Priestly runs through Feb. 8, Thursday, Friday and Sat at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

POWDER AND POOFF! 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Female impersonator show. Dinner Reservations recommended starting at 6 p.m. for best seating. Show reservations can be made by calling in advance at 949.481.1222, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

Friday | 30

SAN CLEMENTE FARMER’S MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

WINTER WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See more events at www.danawharf.com. Dana Wharf Sportfishing &

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

year ago at the Sundance Film Festival, the indie romance drama, Song One premiered. What originally began as a music-centered project between friends Kate Barker-Froyland, Anne Hathaway and Jenny Lewis now finally sees the light of day for general audiences. However the finished product is unlikely to satisfy their fans’ expectations. Franny Ellis’ (Hathaway) trip to Morocco is cut short when she discovers her brother Henry (Ben Rosenfield) has been hit by a car and rushed to the hospital in a coma. After years of distance from him and their mother (Mary Steenburgen), Franny now has to come face to face with all of each other’s issues. At the same

Sunday | 01

THE VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Shop and stroll along Avenida Del Mar, in the heart of historic downtown San Clemente on the first Sunday of every month, where close to

EDITOR’S PICK

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1: SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. In honor of Father Serra’s 300th birthday celebration, tour the Serra Chapel, the oldest operating church in California. Tours are every Sunday. Admission $2-$3. Price is in addition to museum admission for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com. San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

At the Movies: ‘Song One’ Music is Star time, she attempts to wake her brother by playing him his own songs, as well as the bringing in his favorite musician, James Forester (Johnny Flynn) to perform bedside. After bonding over her brother, Franny and James fall for each other. Song One is Barker-Froyland’s directorial debut, and had potential to be a cute, indie romance, but instead plays out more like an indie soap opera. Hathaway and Flynn have the skills to play music, but the story is bloated with too many subplots and ridiculous concepts. The clunky dialogue and exchanges doesn’t help either. On a positive note, the footage of live music shown throughout the film are the most intriguing parts, and the music composed by Lewis and Johnathan Rice, is quite good and worth a listen.

70 gifted artisans sell their hand-crafted art and fine crafts. Explore a variety of exceptional work including fine art, photography, ceramics, woodwork, botanicals, knits, jewelry, leather goods, metal work, organic textiles, natural body products, fused and blown glass and much more. 949.395.7008. www.villagesanclemente.org.

are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Monday | 02

Wednesday | 04

TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Spend some time in the great outdoors and help other volunteers clear the trails at The Richard & Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Register by 4 p.m. Feb. 1. Ages 10 and up. Free. To RSVP and for directions, call 949.489.9778 or visit www.rmvreserve.org.

THE FAMOUS CHRIS COOK 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.

Tuesday | 03 HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips Page 10

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

COMEDY NIGHT 9:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Live comedy at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar every Wednesday night. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomsirishbar.com. For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Fond Farewell MAC & MADI UNIQUE CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6226, www.macandmadikids.com. After more than a dozen years, Corey Bauman will be shutting the doors and Mac & Madi for the last time at the end of this week. Bauman said declining sales, nervousness about the potential impact of the Outlets at San Clemente Plaza and a lack More than 50 people gathered for the city’s second annual San Clemente Summit Hike, Saturday. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Sudoku

Second Summit

BY MYLES MELLOR

City hosts second annual group hike to San Clemente’s highest point

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

ore than 50 people gathered Saturday to take part in the second annual group hike to San Clemente Summit, the city’s highest point. Last year’s inaugural walk marked the official naming of the trail chosen from among suggestions by the public. The San Clemente Summit Trail—an approximately 3-mile round trip hike—is accessed at the terminus of Avenida Talega and is actually the northern part of the Christianitos Trail and tops out at 1,008 feet above sea level offering sweeping mountain and ocean views. Some of Saturday’s hikers were first-timers who wanted to experience the trail as part of the annual group summit and some were back for year two, already having adopted it as personal or family tradition.

For Jim Thordahl the group hike is not only an annual happening, he also makes the trek daily. On a recent trip to the top he noticed the journal, stashed inside a mailbox at the summit bench, was once again getting full of signatures so he brought along a new one. “It’s common in hiking areas to have a place for people to sign in when they’ve arrived at that milestone,” he said as he became the first signer in the fresh journal. “I understand we’ve gone through two journals in the last year at this site, so a lot of people seem to be enjoying it.” We spoke with a few other hikers at the top to find out what they thought of the trail and the now-yearly tradition of making the walk with a public group. For more of their responses, as well as photos of the view from the top, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. SC

Jackie Muhr decided to do the summit hike for the first time after reading about it in the newspaper.

The Neilsens, also first-timers, heard about the hike in the paper and from friend, city councilwoman Lori Donchak.

“It’s great to know that this is here and we can take advantage of it. It’s great to be a part of the community; that’s something we were looking for. We love San Clemente, so it was just a good time.”

“We’ve never been to the highest point, so we wanted to come up and see the surroundings. It’s a good time of year, with the green hills. The view up here is amazing.”

BY ANDREA SWAYNE AND ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

of affordable space on Avenida Del Mar led her to make the decision. Changes to the city’s downtown, as well as retail behavior of customers in general, are making things harder for small shops, she said, noting an increasing number of realtor’s offices, including one occupying her old space. Bauman said in the coming years, she feared the street may be difficult for anything other than restaurants and realtor’s offices. While she’s currently unsure about her immediate plans after the closure, Bauman said she appreciated the support of the community during her time in business. “We have great customers, it’s been so great,” Bauman said. “In 12 years we never had a bad customer.” While there are still a few items left at sale prices, Bauman has also donated a number of display cases to Clarence Lobo Elementary School for use in the school’s library.

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

Hikers gather atop San Clemente Summit to sign in on the summit journal, socialize and take in the awesome view. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Page 12

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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

HARP LESSONS & RENTALS

Wendy-Harpist

949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com

HEATING

Oasis Heating & Air

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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.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

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.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

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

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 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

Syrens Hair Parlor

217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

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

520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $175. 949.533.9761

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 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. QUEEN MATTRESS SET Two years old. Text or call 949633-3860 for pictures or more info. GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED SEEKING ENTREPRENEUR interested in action sports retail and branding to operate, manage inventory and people. Must have good finance head and experience. Ownership possible. nichebrandsc@gmail.com

SERVICES

SC Rider Supply

Danman’s Music School

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR SALE

Salon Bamboo

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LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Crankshaw and Darnold Leading Tritons Basketball in League The formula for the San Clemente High School boys basketball team’s success has been fairly simple since hitting South Coast League play: When seniors Nick Crankshaw and Sam Darnold are recording double-doubles on the stat sheet, they tend to win. Crankshaw and Darnold both put up double-double efforts on Jan. 23 in a wire to wire 58-43 win over rival Dana Hills in front of the Tritons home crowd. The win was San Clemente’s sixth in a row and moved their league record to a perfect 4-0. Crankshaw filled up the stat sheet, notching 11 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and one block. It was his third double-double of the season. Darnold recorded his fourth straight double-double, and sixth of the year, by scoring 14 points and pulling in 10 rebounds. The Tritons built an early lead and took a 27-13 advantage into halftime. The Dolphins (5-16) played just about even with the Tritons (13-7) in the second half but could not catch up. Joe Mann added eight points and seven rebounds for San Clemente in the win. San Clemente seems to have hit their stride since starting league play and have now made a full rotation playing all four South Coast members. The Tritons have outscored all four teams by a combined 254-197 margin, holding teams to just under a 50 points against average. San Clemente will take a break from league play with a nonleague match against Tesoro on Jan. 29. They return for the final stretch of league play Feb. 4 with a home game against Aliso Niguel.

San Clemente senior Sam Darnold (15) contests Dana Hills’ Grant Marocchi (33) during a game on Jan. 23. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

The Tritons (12-5-3, 3-1-1 league) unbeaten streak dated back to Dec. 20 and featured eight consecutive wins and two draws. San Clemente remains in first place atop the league standings. They will travel to play Capistrano Valley on Jan. 29. San Clemente defeated the Cougars 2-1 back on Jan. 9.

Tritons Girls Hoops Set for Rematch with Titans The only blemish on the San Clemente girls basketball team’s league record to date is a 15-point loss to Tesoro, which happened on Jan. 8. Since then the Tritons have rattled off four straight wins, including three South Coast League victories, setting the stage for a pivotal rematch with the Titans on Jan. 29 that could decide the league championship. Tesoro will enter the game with an undefeated 4-0 record while the Tritons come in at 3-1. Both teams will have three league games remaining following the tilt, giving this game title implications. The game is set to take place at Tesoro at 7 p.m.

Chargers Snap Tritons Soccer Unbeaten Streak

First-Place Wolverines Await Tritons Soccer

The San Clemente boys soccer team’s 10-match unbeaten streak came to an end on Jan. 23, when El Toro scored an early goal in an eventual 1-0 South Coast League victory over the Tritons. The Chargers Daniel Parker scored the lone goal in the win.

The San Clemente girls soccer team played one of their most complete games of the season on Jan. 20 in a 3-0 shutout against rival Dana Hills. Not only did the win bring the San Clemente back to .500 in league play and give them a realistic shot at reaching the playoffs, but the Tritons

San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

executed well in all phases of the game. They dominated possession, had three different players score goals, and limited the Dolphins to a handful of shots. After being hampered by injuries for most of the season, the Tritons have benefitted from healthy additions to the roster in recent weeks and, against the Dolphins, it all melded into a winning effort. “We got a lot of girls back, which makes a big difference. Even the level of our practice rises when you get them back. Everyone gets more encouraged, more positive,” head coach Stacy Finnerty said following the win over Dana Hills. “We’re getting it, we’re getting it. The roles are being fulfilled in different ways, I think that’s important.” Now the Tritons have had over one week to continue practicing with the new personnel and prepare for an away game against first-place Aliso Niguel on Jan. 29. The Wolverines (13-1-1, 4-0) are currently ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division 1 polls and are riding a seven-match win streak.

Girls Water Polo Edges Royal One goal was all the difference in a closely contested match between the San Clemente and Royal girls water polo squads on Jan. 22, which ended with the Tritons squeaking out an 11-10 victory. San Clemente had five different players score goals, led by Cassidy Smithson’s four. Rachel Brownell, Alaina Cousineau and Amber McCutcheon each scored two.

Page 14

Makenna Smith tallied one. San Clemente was able to take the one-goal advantage in the second quarter, when they outscored Royal 2-1 to take a 5-4 lead into the half. The Tritons are scheduled to host Aliso Niguel in a nonleague game on Feb. 3.

Reppert Hired as New Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Brad Reppert, a former All-American attack at Towson University and professional lacrosse player in the MLL and NLL, has been hired as the new head boys lacrosse coach at San Clemente High School, athletic director Jon Hamro announced Jan.20. Reppert will replace former coach Mike Hutnick, who guided the Tritons to a South Coast League title and an appearance in the Southern Section Division 1 semifinals in 2014. Reppert has been a fixture in the Southern California high school lacrosse scene since 2003, serving as head coach at Santa Margarita and Beckman High School. The Tritons enter the preseason as the No. 4 ranked team, according to www. MaxLaxOC.com. “We’re extremely pleased to have Brad Reppert as our new boys lacrosse head coach. San Clemente High School boys lacrosse has been one of the top programs in all of Southern California and we are confident that coach Reppert will continue and even elevate that success both on and off the field,” Hamro said in a press release. www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Capistrano Coyotes Remain Perfect on the Season BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ith three games remaining on their schedule, the Capistrano Coyotes ice hockey team has a firm grasp on first place in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Division 2 standings. The Coyotes, made up of high school ice hockey players throughout the Capistrano Unified School District, are a perfect 12-0 on the season and are nine points clear of second-place Conejo Valley. The Coyotes have followed up on their impressive 2013 debut throughout their sophomore season, scoring 78 goals while conceding only 32. Their 78 goals scored is second-best in the league and their 32 goals allowed ranks second behind Villa Park, who has only played nine games compared to the Coyotes’ 12. The Coyotes most recent win came in the form of an 8-5 victory over ninth-place La Jolla on Jan. 4. The Coyotes erased a 4-1 second-period deficit with a flurry of goals from Cameron McCartin, Greg Lee and Mike Boutoussov. McCartin capped off a whirlwind offensive performance in the second period with his second goal of the game, which was the third Coyotes goal in one minute and 21 seconds. On offense, the Coyotes have four players that have scored eight or more goals, led by Max Kamper’s nine. Austin Erickson, the team’s leader in points, has 11 assists and eight goals on the season. Boutoussov is tied for second on the team in points with 14. In goal, the Coyotes have been using the goalie tandem of Curran Allison (.896 save percentage) and Braydon Doppert (.831). Allison is fifth in the league in

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The SC Surf Boys 10 team won the South County Showdown on Jan. 25. Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Max Kamper leads the Capistrano Coyotes with nine goals on the season. Photo: Leslie Bird

saves (129) and goals against average (2.57), and third in save percentage. The Coyotes defense has held opponents to two goals or less in five contests, including one shutout, which came against Newport-Mesa on Dec. 20. Allison and Erickson will represent the Coyotes at the league’s All-Star game at Honda Center in Anaheim on Jan. 29. Jett Hunter will represent the junior varsity team. The Coyotes next game will be a road match against San Diego Union on Jan. 31. The Coyotes defeated San Diego Union 6-2 in their previous matchup on Oct. 11. SC

YOUTH SOCCER The SC Surf soccer program’s boys 10 blue team won the South County Showdown on Jan. 18. The local team defeated Mission Viejo Strikers in the finals. The program’s boys 11 team reached the final of the California State Invitational on Jan. 18. The San Clemente team was set to play in the championship match but the game was called off due to weather. The California Football Academy had four youth soccer teams advance to their respective championship games at the 4th Annual Awareness Cup in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 11. The club’s boys U9, boys U11, boys U13 and boys U14 teams all vied for their respective first-place trophies, with the boys U13 and boys U14 teams coming away victorious. The U13 team went 2-1 on the weekend, defeating Legacy FC Inter of Diamond Bar 2-0 in the championship game. The U14 team went undefeated at the event, scoring

seven goals while conceding zero. It was the fourth time in the U14 team’s last five tournaments in which they’ve reached the finals. WATER POLO The San Clemente Tritons Water Polo Club is seeking donations to send players on a trip to Croatia. The club is sending their boys 14 age group and the girls 16-18 age group on the trip, where they will spend seven days training with Croatian water polo teams. For more information, contact Debbie Snow at sdebbie@cox.net. GOLF Registration is now open for the Friends of San Clemente’s 5th annual golf tournament at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course on June 26. All proceeds are given to the city’s Recreation department for their Fun on the Run initiative. The tournament includes 18 holes of golf, prizes, a buffet meal and a raffle. Cost for individual players is $150 and foursomes cost $500. For more information, visit www.sanclementeparksfoundation.org.

Tritons Basketball Honors 50 Greatest Players BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

36 of the 50 best players in San Clemente High School boys basketball team history were honored during a Jan. 23 home game. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

s part of San Clemente High School’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, the Tritons basketball team honored the 50 greatest players in school history in a halftime ceremony on Jan. 23. During halftime of the Tritons game against rival Dana Hills, 36 of the program’s 50 greatest players gathered at center court for the recognition. All 10 of the school’s head coaches were also in attendance. Several members of the All-50 team flew into town just for the event, according to head coach Marc Popovich. Paul Engstrom, from the class of 1968, was the most senior All-50 member in

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attendance and current Tritons senior standout Sam Darnold was the youngest. Notable players named to the All-50 team include: NCAA champion, San Clemente Sports Hall of Fame member and former NBA player Dean Garrett; San Clemente’s all-time leading scorer Semaj Johnson; current Tritons golf coach Mike Hurlbut; Jimmy Bankson and Cody Bean, two 2013 graduates who helped end a 38-year league title drought. For a full list of the All-50 team, visit www.tritonbasketball.com. The Tritons capped the night off with a convincing 58-43 win over Dana Hills, moving them to 4-0 in South Coast League play. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

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San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

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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 January 29-February 4, 2015

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 63-65 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Poor+

GROM OF THE WEEK

BELLA KENWORTHY

Thursday and Friday: Reinforcing west-northwest swell and some small new southwest swell prevail through the end of the week. Better breaks through the region go waistchest-shoulder high Thursday, with size down just slightly into Friday. Winds and conditions look favorable for the mornings followed by an onshore sea-breeze each afternoon. Longer Range Outlook: Another solid dose of long-period west-northwest swell builds for the weekend, showing the most size late Saturday into Sunday morning. Check out Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook! Josh Iwai was struck by a board nearly two weeks ago and saved from drowning by Capistrano Beach surfer Jeff Russell. Photo: Courtesy of Craig Iwai

The Rescued and the Rescuer Capo Beach man saves a life at San O January 18

BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

eff Russell says he hasn’t quite been able to shake the image that confronted him on Jan. 18 at San Onofre, a day he wasn’t sure he was going to surf. That morning, Russell came upon the seemingly lifeless body of Josh Iwai, a 14-year-old surfer from Monrovia, who was out with others from the Monrovia Surf Club. Iwai, who described it as a “normal surf day,” was paddling back out after a wave when he saw another surfer coming up fast. The surfer did not see him. “I saw his board coming at me and after that I don’t remember anything,” Iwai said. He was struck by the surfboard, and temporarily lost consciousness. But what was scarier, he said, was what happened when he came back. “I remember being in the water and trying to breathe for air but couldn’t because I was paralyzed,” he said. “I lost consciousness again.” Russell said he too was paddling out when he saw a loose surfboard. “I can’t stand people who surf without a leash,” Russell said. “I saw a board floating around. It kind of annoyed me, but I went to grab the board. I was looking for somebody swimming back, looking for their board and there was no one. Then I saw a bump, it was a wetsuit.” San Clemente Times January 29-February 4, 2015

Bella Kenworthy. Photo: Jack McDaniel

It was Iwai. Russell said it was the last thing he would see. “Your stomach just drops,” Russell said. “You think maybe it’s a kid just being an idiot, and you’re hoping that’s it. But I jumped off my board and went to grab his ankle.” Just then, a wave came and knocked Iwai’s ankle away about 10 feet, but it was enough to convince Russell this was something different. “He didn’t jerk at all, he just got washed out of my hands. If someone’s playing they’d jerk, and he didn’t,” he said. Russell immediately went after Iwai again and flipped him over. “You think you’re going to flip him over and find some dude dead,” Russell said. “I flipped him over, and here was a kid. He was bleeding from the Jeff Russell. Photo: Courtesy forehead but he was alive. And he screamed when I flipped him over.” Iwai took a big gasp of air. He said when Russell began walking him back to shore, all he could do was look at his arms uselessly and yell out that he’d been paralyzed. “He just told me, “You’ll be OK,” Iwai said. Russell said he’d heard from friends who’d made rescues before and thought it would be “pretty awesome.” His own experience was different, however. “I had no idea how traumatic it was,” Russell said. “When he screamed… I’m still trying to deal with that moment, when you realized he’s alive and it’s someone’s kid. Immediately he becomes your boy.”

Russell said the walk in was not a pleasant one, with both he and Iwai having to deal with their boards dragging behind them and trying to keep Iwai’s head above water. He took off his own leash to keep his board from impeding his way back. He also began signaling to people onshore to help. “No one was coming, there was one guy in jeans who just ignored me. I think he just didn’t want to get wet,” Russell said. “I just kept huffin’ it. Finally a dad came out to me with a baby in his arms.” Russell had the man unleash Iwai’s board when others began coming and Josh was put down on the beach. At that point, lifeguards showed up, as did a woman who helped stabilize Iwai. Iwai said he was told he was awake during the beach rescue efforts, though he has no memory of it. Josh’s father, Craig Iwai, said his son began to get the feeling back in his arms on the beach and by the time he was taken to a hospital, he’d regained all feeling in his limbs. He also sustained a concussion, as well as the gash to the head. “Without him there, he would have drowned,” Craig Iwai said of Russell. “There were a lot of surfers in the water, but nobody saw him.” Russell and the Iwais have talked regularly since the incident. “It’s been awesome,” Russell said. “(Craig) He’s been very cool. The one image that keeps coming back to you is the one where he flipped over. Craig sent me a picture of Josh doing fine, sitting on the couch in the living room. In my stressful moments, I just look at it. It helps calm my nerves.” Russell has been invited to an Iwai family event to meet Josh under less traumatic circumstances next month. “That’s gonna be pretty cathartic,” Russell said. SC

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ella Kenworthy, 8, of Dana Point, had a big weekend Jan. 17 and 18 bringing home trophies in two different sports. On Saturday, Jan. 17 she took fifth in girls 14U competition at the Vans Girls Combi Pool Classic skate contest at Vans Skatepark in Orange. She then followed that up Jan. 18 with a win in the Micro Grom Girls U10 division at the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour, Event No. 6 at Oceanside Harbor’s South Jetty. Competing against older girls at Vans was a “fun, nice experience and a challenge,” she said. “I practiced like every day to get ready for it.” When asked what secret weapons she deployed in the pool, Bella said she really felt like her laybacks, frontside grinds and backside airs are what did it. “My backside airs were high, my ollie was out of the coping and I had a quick fast layback,” she said. She then took her board riding skills to the water at the WSA for her third win of the season, further cementing her No. 1 ranking. “I tried to do lots of hits off the top, a couple hit the lips, a couple turns and a lot of snaps,” Bella said of her winning surf final, adding that she thinks that back-toback skating and surfing helps her to excel in both. “There are a lot of tricks you can do on your skateboard and surfboard and surfing helps with your skateboarding style and skating helps with your surfing style,” Bella said. “I like both because it’s fun to fly in the air and go fast.” When asked what her goals and wishes for her two favorite sports are, she said she would just like to continue to do well in both. “In surfing I want to win a season title at the WSA West Coast Championships,” she said. “And in skating I am really hoping that we get a skatepark in my home town soon.”—Andrea Swayne www.sanclementetimes.com