LO C A L
N EWS
March 19–25, 2015
YO U
C A N
U S E
‘Bye, Bye Birdie’ Honors SCHS Anniversary PAGE 15 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12
Dream Finally Fulfilled Second phase of Courtney’s SandCastle playground opens this weekend EYE ON SC/PAGE 7 Courtney’s SandCastle namesake Courtney Smith and City Recreation Manager Pam Passow with one of the new water features at Phase II of the universal access playground, which was created to stimulate all five senses. Photo: Jim Shilander
San Diego Water Quality Board Turns Down TCA Extension Effort EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
Adopted Units Provide Updates on Service SOAPBOX/PAGE 10
www.sanclementetimes.com
Tritons Win in Dramatic Fashion Against Dolphins SPORTS/PAGE 21
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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING City Attorney Clarifies Hospital Zoning Issues, Board Meeting Looms
What’s Up With...
Five things San Clemente should know this week TCA Request Denied by San Diego Water Quality Board THE LATEST: The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board on Monday upheld their June 2013 decision to reject the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency’s request for a required water quality permit for a project that would extend the 241 Toll Road. After a short deliberation, the board voted 6-0, unanimously rejecting the Tesoro Extension, from its terminus at Oso Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita, 5 miles south to Cow Camp Road in San Juan Capistrano, just north of San Juan Creek. Monday’s meeting was scheduled in response to the TCA’s July 2013 petition to the board to reconsider their June 2013 denial of the project. The board based their June 2013 decision on testimony and evidence that led them to conclude the project would cause water quality impacts and finding the project description to be inaccurate, incomplete and an effort by the TCA to build the road in segments—with the intention to eventually extend the 241 south of San Juan Creek to connect with Interstate 5 at the Orange County/San Diego County line. The original application for water quality certification by TCA in 2006—rejected by the board, the California Coastal Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2008—was for an extension all the way through to San Onofre State Park. The TCA withdrew its application in 2009 and came back to the board with a new application in August 2012. This 5-mile Tesoro Extension was billed by the TCA as a standalone project. WHAT’S NEXT: In a press release dated March 11, the TCA acknowledged the water quality control board’s recommended action to deny the permit at the meeting and contended there is no legal basis for the board to deny the Tesoro Extension due to independent utility, as it “can function to provide traffic relief independent of any future extensions; therefore, it has independent utility and should be judged on its own merits.” The statement also says the extension is desperately needed and the TCA is determined to find a solution that addresses mobility challenges San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
Surfrider Foundation CEO, Chad Nelsen, addresses the San Diego Water Quality Control Board at their Monday meeting where the board voted to deny the TCA a permit for the Tesoro Extension of the 241 Toll Road. Photo: Courtesy
Estrella Plaza Improvements Pass Council Vote
and minimizes environmental impacts.” –Andrea Swayne
Residents Call for North Beach Historic District THE LATEST: A number of residents, including former mayor Wayne Eggleston, asked the City Council Tuesday to look at the process of turning North Beach into a historic district, in an effort to boost the area as the dual Marblehead projects come online. “North Beach has languished for too long,” Eggleston said. “It needs to be a top priority, and we need to be ahead of the curve. Many from Marblehead will make their way to North Beach.” Charles Mann also spoke in favor of the proposal, saying “the city deserved better,” given its number of historic buildings. Historic districts, he said, have been a key economic engine in San Juan Capistrano, Orange and Pasadena. WHAT’S NEXT: City Councilwoman Kathleen Ward, as well as Mayor Chris Hamm, offered to meet with Eggleston and other residents interested in the proposal to discuss the issue further, and city staff was directed to investigate the process of establishing a district. During last year’s City Council election, Ward made a North Beach Historic District a centerpiece of her campaign. Ward, Eggleston and Mann were all active in the campaign against Measure A in 2011, which would have allowed for mixed use development in a portion of the city’s North Beach parking lot. FIND OUT MORE: Eggleston is scheduled to discuss the proposal at an upcoming SC Times Beachside Chat at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar, on April 3. —Jim Shilander
THE LATEST: In an unusual move, the developers of the Estrella Plaza asked the San Clemente City Council to approve the minutes of the March 9 Planning Commission meeting where signs for Sprouts, Stein Mart and Sports Authority were approved. Steven Usdan of Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties told the council that any delay in the process could be catastrophic for the development, since it might not allow for Stein Mart and Sprouts to open by the end of 2015, which would give both retailers the ability to get out of their leases. At its March 9 meeting, the commission unanimously approved a discretionary sign permit to allow for façade signs larger than typically permitted by the city (although one member, Vonne Barnes, had expressed some opposition to the façade signs during discussions), and approved, by a 4-3 vote, a freeway-facing sign for Sports Authority, the tenant on the southeast side of the development. Sports Authority had indicated that getting the sign was a “deal-breaker” for them. Councilmembers did express concern about aspects of the approval, with Bob Baker calling the façade signs “way too big.” Kathy Ward, who was on the Planning Commission when the redevelopment of the plaza was approved last year, said she had issue with the approval of a freeway sign, though she was supportive of the effort as a whole. WHAT’S NEXT: By a 4-1 vote, with Ward dissenting, the council approved the minutes and declined to call up the approval for another hearing, but indicated that members would hope to work with Kornwasser to find ways to work on decreasing the size of the signs.—JS
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THE LATEST: New San Clemente City Attorney Scott Smith told the City Council Tuesday that after reviewing the legal implications of Measure V, he believed the council could allow acreage near Avenida La Pata to be rezoned to allow for a hospital without having to put the issue before voters, though the council could allow a referendum to go forward if it so chose. City Manager James Makshanoff said March 4 that the city had identified 10 acres of property that could potentially serve as an alternative site for a hospital if MemorialCare chose to close the Saddleback Memorial San Clemente campus and was not able to secure legislative relief to allow for emergency services to continue at the site if it became an advanced urgent care center. WHAT’S NEXT: Residents on both sides of the hospital issue spoke to the council at what might be the last meeting before the health system’s board makes a decision on whether to move forward with plans to raze the hospital facility and replace it with an advanced urgent care facility. MemorialCare officials said after the meeting they are making every effort to encourage a legislative fix to allow for emergency services at the site if it was changed to an urgent care center. The council asked that MemorialCare officials come to their next meeting, Tuesday April 7, to discuss the issue. —JS
Mobility Task Force Examining Circulation Issues THE LATEST: The newly rebooted Mobility Task Force is examining several potential ways of reducing traffic in the city, including taking another look at a potential circulator and finding ways to give frustrated residents an outlet to express anger at upcoming work on Interstate 5. At a meeting Monday the task force, which includes city staff, members of the City Council and Planning Commission discussed a number of potential efforts the city could undertake in the future, including the practicality of a commuter “circulator” that would run within city limits and provide greater information to residents on the city’s website about upcoming traffic issues. WHAT’S NEXT: The task force expects to make a presentation of findings to the full City Council in May. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the meeting, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER
Junior Lifeguard Program Test Dates Set The San Clemente Junior Lifeguard program is an ocean and beach safety program for 9- to 17-year-olds. Participants will receive education in ocean safety, first aid, lifesaving skills, lifeguard operations, bodysurfing and surfing. There is a change to the program this year, resulting in more class time for each student and more flexibility for families. Three class sessions will be offered this summer. Each session will run for three weeks, three hours per day and five days per week, Monday through Friday. The first session runs from June 22 to July 10, the second from July 13 to July 31 and the third from Aug. 3 to Aug. 21. Students may enroll in either a morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) class. The fee is $185 for San Clemente residents and $200 for non-residents. Scholarships for residents may be available to qualified students based on financial need. Scholarship applications are available and approved through the Marine Safety Division. A swim test is mandatory for new participants, which must be passed prior to joining. Swim tests will be held in April at the San Clemente Aquatics Center. The tests are free, but students must be pre-registered. Walk-ins are not permitted. Students passing the swim test will be eligible to register for the Junior Lifeguard Program beginning in May. Test dates are April 4, 11, 18 and 25 (Saturdays) from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., April 14 and 21 (Tuesdays) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and April 16 and 23 (Thurs-
days) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To sign up for a swim test, please enroll for one of the swim test dates at www. san-clemente.org/jg. Parents must bring proof of age (birth certificate or passport) and proof of residency for San Clemente residents (utility bill). To pass the test, students must swim 100 yards (four laps) in under two minutes. Previous participants who passed the swim test or are returning must also go online at www.san-clemente. org/jg. Priority registration for San Clemente residents begins May 6. Open registration for all students begins May 20. Registration for all students closes June 7. For more information call 949.361.8261.
Egg Painting Event at Senior Center March 26 The Egg Paint, a free intergenerational event, will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center of San Clemente, 117 Avenida Victoria. All ages are invited to attend and paint large foam eggs with the assistance of artist Jack Knight. A Family Home Care is donating the “eggs” for this fun event. Please RSVP to the Senior Center at 949.498.3322.
Noll Gallery Offering Portrait Exhibit Noll Surfboards and Gallery, 1709 N El Camino Real San Clemente, will present “Surfers Through Time,” by Newport Beach portraitist Michele Leal. The exhibit opens to the public Friday, March 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include live music by local folk singer Dylan Cox. Jed Noll will kick off the night with a live surfboard shaping demonstration in the
gallery at 6 p.m. The opening reception will include food, beverages and an opportunity to meet with Michele Leal. Growing up surrounded by beach culture and the ocean—and being a surfer herself—Leal’s current series of portraits explores her longstanding interest with surfing and the heroes of surf culture, both contemporary and historical. She works exclusively on large-scale canvasses, employing rich tone and texture in her acrylic and oil brush work, creating an almost heavy-handed representation of her subjects that has been described as raw and organic in nature. “Surfers Through Time” will be on exhibit daily at Noll Surfboards and Gallery from March 20 through April 12.
SCHS Blood Drive Friday, March 27 The San Diego Blood Bank will host a blood drive at San Clemente High School’s Triton Center, 700 Avenida Pico, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 27. Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.sandiegobloodbank.com and clicking on “Donate Blood,” selecting “appointments” and providing a sponsor code, “SCLM.” Students who participated in the Nov. 7 and Jan. 17 blood drives are not eligible to donate and must wait six months between donation. Donors are encouraged to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating. A picture identification is required. More information can be found at 800.469.7322. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
Students from the { IN S A N CL E M E NTE } Aniar Irish Dance Academy perform at the Exchange Club of San Clemente’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance Saturday at the San Clemente Community Center. The event also included traditional corned beef and cabbage and raised money for a number of charities supported by the Exchange Club.
SCENE
Community Meetings SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Courtney’s SandCastle Grand Opening 10 a.m. Phase II of Universal Access playground opening. Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, www.san-clemente.org. MONDAY, MARCH 23
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, MARCH 24
Toastmasters
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Practice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. 3316 Avenida del Presidente, 949.361.8463, http://6463. toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
Kiwanis Meeting
Noon. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.
SC Rotary Club
Noon. Pride of the Pacific Bar & Grille, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org.
French Conversation Club
2 p.m.–4 p.m. Come and chat at Cafe Calypso every Wednesday; no fees, no registration. 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.493.5228.
CUSD Board Meeting
7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District board meets in the Education Center Board Room, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.9200, www.capousd.org. FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Dark Friday
City offices closed
Photo: Jim Shilander
San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
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www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
SC Sheriff’s Blotter
COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.
Tuesday, March 17 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Paseo Flamenco, 3400 Block (5:33 a.m.) Border Patrol detained a subject with a license, three debit cards and one credit card. Police contacted the woman to whom the cards belonged, to see if she had been a victim of theft. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSATNCES Via Armilla, 0 Block (1:13 a.m.) A car was heard rolling up the dirt access road behind a residence. The access road could only be reached through the dead end of Talega. CITIZEN ASSIST Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (12:52 a.m.) Hospital staff would not allow a discharged woman to spend the night in the lobby until the busses were operating again in the morning.
Monday, March 16
PATROL CHECK Avendia Victoria, 600 Block (8:41 p.m.) Two men and two women wearing all black were drunk and breaking bottles on the boardwalk area next to the pier. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Camino De Estrella, 500 Block (8:16 p.m.) A man was seen living in an old, tan recreational vehicle that had cardboard covering the windows. The RV was in a parking lot. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Serra, 200 Block (7:02 p.m.) A woman in her 40s with blonde hair, wearing a tan or leopard print tank top and jeans, was yelling and holding a bong in her hand. The woman lived at the location, had been up for three days and “was possibly on meth.” She believed everyone on her street were police. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico/5-Freeway (3:45 p.m.) A sign on a business’ door said they would be back at 2:45 p.m. but it was past that time and no one could be seen inside. The caller, who had been there for five minutes and is there often, said the business is never closed.
Saturday, March 14 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Vista Hermosa/Avenida Pico (10:43 p.m.) Multiple subjects were believed to be hiding somewhere in a construction site.
DISTURBANCE Calle Del Comercio, 2600 Block (10:08 p.m.) A caller reported having a verbal argument with their roommate. Throughout the call, the caller slurred words, saying it was due to “night meds.”
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Estacion, 1900 Block (1:17 p.m.) A man at the lifeguard tower reported a suspicious subject on the beach who approached small children, then ran away after seeing a parent.
CITIZEN ASSIST West Canada, 100 Block (10:52 a.m.) A woman called police stating she was in a fishbowl and that all of her neighbors were talking to her through instruments. Outside agency assistance was requested.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (11:37 a.m.) A subject who had previously jumped from the pier was back and possibly going to jump again.
STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Seville, 200 Block (10:10 a.m.) A man living in an apartment complex undergoing construction reported his small, white U-HAUL trailer had been stolen the night before.
Sunday, March 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Primavera, 200 Block (10:44 p.m.) A man was seen attempting to open a gate. When the informant approached him and said, “Hey,” the subject ran away. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Granada, 100 Block (9:48 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a 42-year-old woman wearing a white tank top and black pants who was drunk and sleeping in a driveway. San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
PATROL CHECK El Camino Real, 2300 Block (10:10 a.m.) Police were requested because there were “a lot of weird people walking around.” The woman who called said she saw four men and the situation didn’t look “right.” DISTURBANCE Avenida Palizada, 100 Block (3:32 a.m.) Two possibly drunken men wearing fatigues were near a white Ford truck, engaged in an argument.
Saturday, March 13 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Pico, 900 Block (2:45 p.m.) A caller from Walmart informed police of a man who was acting suspiciously, trying to get a petition signed. He was telling people they could sign twice, possibly committing voter fraud. Page 6
EYE ON SC
Dream Finally Fulfilled
After more than 10 years of work, Courtney’s SandCastle is finally complete BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
his Saturday, a more than decadelong journey will come to an end. Courtney Smith, now a senior at San Clemente High School, and a seeming legion of adults who helped to shepherd the dream of a universal-access playground into reality, will celebrate at 10 a.m. Saturday as the second phase of the Courtney’s SandCastle playground will officially open to the public. The new portion of the park will help transform it into a learning center for children with disabilities to celebrate all five senses. Phase two additions bring a pair of water features—including a simulated tide pool—musical panels and a path which children can touch and smell different varieties of plants designed to stimulate the senses. This second phase completes the park, which opened in 2012 along with the rest of Vista Hermosa Sports Park, and is designed to be accessible to children of all ability levels. “It is an absolute, surreal dream come true,” Smith said. “It’s amazing, and way better than anything I ever thought it could be. They took an itty-bitty space and turned into a huge, Disneyland-like park. It’s surreal and wonderful to be in it.” Smith, who currently hopes to attend the University of Washington to study computer science engineering, said she typically comes up to the park “every couple of weeks” to watch children play there. She also gets stopped by people at stores with exaltations about how much their family enjoys going to the playground. “It’s absolutely amazing,” Smith said. “It’s a dream come true to have it done at all, but to have it be able to serve as a finale to my time in San Clemente before I go off to college is the perfect end to my childhood.” Working to Make it Happen Making that dream a reality took work. While serving as president of the Junior Woman’s Club, Mina Santoro, the president of the Courtney’s SandCastle Foundation, first heard about the work Smith’s family had put in to just let her play. Smith and her mother had made a presentation asking for support for Smith’s riding lessons at the Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano. “When I met her, she mentioned that they were looking for a playground, rather than traveling to Griffith Park, more than
San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
Mina Santoro of the Courtney’s Sandcastle Foundation, park namesake Courtney Smith and recreation Director Pam Passow are all smiles underneath the new shade structure. Photo: Jim Shilander
It’s probably the most “unique children’s playground in the state of California. ”
—Bill Thomas
an hour away, and they would like one in the city,” Santoro said. The project was initially slated to go into Steed Park, then at Marblehead Coastal (in what will eventually become the Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park), but when the residential developer went bankrupt, the project seemed to be dead in the water. Bill Thomas, who was serving on the city’s Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission at the time, as well as on the board of what is now the Friends of San Clemente Foundation, said after the Marblehead proposal went bust, he went around taking pictures at different city parks trying to find a place that might be able to accommodate the playground, and came to the conclusion the only place was the Vista Hermosa Sports Park, especially since the additional costs could be better accommodated there. “When the plan was extinguished at Marblehead, we thought we’d lost it,” Thomas said. At that point, Don Glasgow, a hardcharging volunteer, came on board the effort, hoping to work on “regenerating enthusiasm” for the project. “I realized how important it would be to a left-behind segment of our population with special needs,” Glasgow said. Glasgow helped move the Courtney’s SandCastle Foundation out from under the Friends’ umbrella, as an independent entity, and began raising funds once the organization received its federal nonprofit status. He and other volunteers used that time, and the time afterward, to begin “building a brand” for the organization. “We met with almost every civic group
This simulated tide pool is one of two water features in the second phase of the Courtney SandCastle playground designed to provide sensory stimulation. Photo: Jim Shilander
in town,” Glasgow said. “We wanted them to see the plan and for them to get involved.” That got groups like the city’s Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs involved in the effort. A donation of 1,000 sandals from Rainbow Sandals ended up raising $35,000 when Glasgow and his wife sold them on eBay. Personalized tiles, situated on the walls of the restrooms at the facility, also helped to raise money. Due to the cost of the project, the phased approach was used at the initial construction. The first phase, including the “castle” and “ship” play areas, was opened along with the rest of the sports park in 2012 with the hope of adding the second phase soon after. A $110,000 pump-priming contribution by the city later that year spurred another year of fundraising to reach the $340,000 goal to match the city’s $450,000 budget. However, the project ultimately had to go to bid three times before the city got a bid close enough that funds could be brought from elsewhere in the city’s coffers, coupled with a $70,000 contribution by new Marblehead residential development builder Taylor Morrison and a final $50,000 from the Courtney’s SandCastle Foundation. “It’s a textbook case of resiliency,” city councilwoman Lori Donchak, who also
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serves on the Courtney’s SandCastle Foundation board, said. The second phase of the project was eased by the process involved in getting the project off the ground, she said, because it gave everyone involved experience, in terms of grant-writing and “value engineering” the project to make the most of what was available. Thomas said seeing the potential of the park’s impact in the years it’s been opened only steeled the resolve to get the final push done. “I’m just thrilled with what’s happening with the users,” Thomas said. “I wish we had more special needs kids using the playground. And now, with the sensory garden, the playground will let people recreate. It’s probably the most unique children’s playground in the state of California.” City Recreation Manager Pam Passow said city staff is working on the best ways to maintain the facility. “This is a unique park, and we will need to take care to keep the maintenance at a high level. The public works staff have taken particular care to understand what is needed to prolong the life of the amenities, and I am confident that they will continue to do a great job,” Passow wrote in an email. Some projects may be done on a volunteer basis, she noted, though day to day maintenance would be handled by the city. Santoro said the foundation is now focused on creating and maintaining a depreciation fund for the playground for upkeep and maintenance, as well as helping to fund transportation to the playground and the installation of accessible equipment at other parks in the city. The city has already begun that process at Max Berg Park, which received accessible equipment in 2013. Passow said she feels the experience of Courtney’s could be repeated elsewhere. “By having a successful universally accessible playground with the sensory garden in our city, it shows that this is a doable project,” Passow wrote in an email. “This park is already well loved by the community and appreciated by our patrons of all abilities. I believe that we will look for opportunities to add accessible amenities and pathways as we renovate our older playgrounds in the future. We may look to new groups to partner with or ask Courtney’s SandCastle Foundation to help with other parks. By having this symbiotic relationship, we helped each other achieve our ultimate goal to finish the original dream of the park.” Santoro said Saturday will be the culmination of more than a decade of work, and that it will be an experience she won’t soon forget. “I’m sure I’ll cry like a baby,” Santoro said. “It’s been 13 years, and to finally see the vision and dream that Courtney had, and bring it to all the kids, is going to be emotional. We’re going to be extremely happy we were able to complete the dream.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com
HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE
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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett
> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)
EDITORIAL
> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)
Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne
Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick
City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Kevin Dahlgren, Evan Da Silva, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent
San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 12. 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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San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
Good News for Waistlines An extensive study indicates eating great food at local restaurants may be good for us
I
t has been said that there is no more sincere love than the love of food. In San Clemente that would include all 67,000 of us. From fanatic foodies to down-home grill masters, we cook, eat and drink with obsessive exhuberence. While the gusto of our culinary pleasure is hard to disparage, it does have one minor downside. According to statistics, two-thirds of adults in America are overweight. Most of us try to deal with the problem—mainly by avoiding things that make us fat—like mirrors, scales and unflattering photos. America seems fixated on fabulous chefs, chic restaurants and innovative menus, while at the same time becoming increasingly distressed by our ever-mounting weight gains. Unfortunately for us food lovers, eating out is one of the main causes of our predicament. Meanwhile, our hometown has become a mecca for outstanding restaurants, with a wide range of options for binge grazing, gratuitous gorging, or simply overeating on a glorious yet gluttonous level. I’m not blaming the eateries, mind you. It’s just that with all the delicious cuisines available locally now, it’s hard to resist spending money on marvelous meals or maintain any self-discipline whatsoever.
Letters to the Editor CHANGES AT THE HOSPITAL NOT FOR THE BETTER AUDREY BORGENS, San Clemente
I have been a donor and a volunteer at Saddleback San Clemente Hospital for five years and have seen the intended decline in hospital services by Saddleback Memorial. They discontinued “Dancing to a New Beat” and other fundraising events, removed foundation representatives and fundraisers from our hospital, failed to replace employees who left, transferred functions and positions to Laguna Hills and arranged for doctors to send patients to Laguna Hills instead of San Clemente for tests and outpatient procedures. Now, since August, it is a “feasibility study.” However, they have gradually transferred employees to Laguna Hills or given them incentives to leave or retire. They now have a skeleton staff. Furniture has been sent to Laguna Hills, put in storage, or
Cash and calories are our two biggest obsessions—and we burn far too much of one and not nearly enough of the other. However, there is hope. A new San Clemente report funded by local businesses has concluded that being overweight is not as harmful as is commonly believed, and actually confers some surprising benefits. The research indicates that being five to 10 pounds overweight could prevent ailments ranging from stomach pangs to forgetfulness. Those carrying 15 to 25 extra pounds are better able to recover from WAVELENGTHS By Jim Kempton adverse conditions such as bad moods, unpleasant memories and flatulence. Thirty to 40 pounds of flab could help fend off dizziness, stress and indigestion. And an extra 50 pounds on the scale may improve disposition, reverse baldness and cure the common cold. In general, the report concludes, overweight people are better lovers, more successful in business, show increased likeability and improved intelligence. Some of you may be skeptical at this
otherwise disposed of. All of the longtime volunteers have seen the decline since MemorialCare took over. Closing our hospital has been their intent since the beginning. We need an emergency room and beds for those who need to be hospitalized for more than one day. Why should we have to drive to Laguna Hills to be with our friends and family? We need to be close to home and to our doctors. I realize that many visits to the ER are for minor problems that can be treated at an urgent care center, but for those that require surgery or have other major problems that require long-term hospitalization, we need beds to put them in here, not a drive up our dangerous freeway to Laguna Hills. Speaking of “beds,” another donor and I donated special ICU beds (not inexpensive) to Saddleback San Clemente and have been asked to sign them over to Laguna Hills. However, when confronted with this at a City Council meeting, Geidt said, “I don’t know anything about beds. We don’t need any beds.” Another person from Laguna Hills has said, “think of the sick person who needs a bed.” What about the sick people in San Clemente who need hospital beds and will not find any available?
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point. But you can’t argue with the research when everyone involved agreed with the findings. The study was conducted by Iva Lee’s, Burger Stop, Riders Club, Sonny’s, Mongkut Thai, Pipes Cafe, Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn, Guicho’s, Board & Brew, Las Golondrinas, Pizza Port, Pedro’s, Nomads, Carbonara’s, Mimosa, Poche Kitchen, Surfside Pizza, Fisherman’s, Vine, Carbonara, Café Rae, Ellie’s Table, Taka-O, Active Culture, Brick, La Siesta, Rocco’s, Nick’s, La Colombiana, Tommy’s, Avila’s El Ranchito, Beach Fire, Hapa J’s, China Well, Sunrise Café, Selma’s, Café Calypso and Surfin’ Donuts. So for your own good, please patronize these (and all the other wonderful restaurants in town.) Just keep in mind that it’s not the minutes at the table that puts on the weight—it’s the seconds. Jim Kempton is a self-confessed closet food lover who knows that if losing weight was only as easy as losing his keys, his temper, or his cell phone, he would look like Brad Pitt. 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, March 20 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso. SC Times columnist Jim Kempton will serve as guest host for this week’s chat. 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.
Last, but not least, my friends at Laguna Woods (Leisure World) and Laguna Hills, say they do not want to use Saddleback Laguna Hills and use Mission Hospital whenever possible because it is a much better hospital. If Geidt thinks Urgent Care is so great, why not change Laguna Hills to an Urgent Care Center? Saddleback Memorial is greedy, deceitful and stubborn. To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes. com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.
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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: View from Vengeance by Lt. Col. Edward “Peanut” Powers, Commanding Officer, HMLA 469
HMLA-469 Serving as Ambassadors Commanding officer of HMLA-469 provides update on unit’s activities
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o the City of San Clemente, It is with great pleasure that I send you greetings from across the Pacific, along with the gratitude and well wishes of all of Vengeance Marines and Sailors. I would like to take this opportunity to relate the exploits of your adopted aviation unit as we reach the midway point of our deployment. Vengeance has the distinction of being the light attack squadron that reinitiated the Unit Deployment Program (UDP), being forward deployed to Okinawa as part of the greater shift to the Pacific. The UDP was on hiatus during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, but is back in full swing. This integral mission of the Marine Corps is intended to give the Joint Chiefs of Staff a flexible quick response force to support combat, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, or any other situation that arises. We previously deployed two smaller detachments to Okinawa over the past year to lay the groundwork for the main squadron deployment currently underway. HMLA-469 reported to Marine Aircraft Group 36, stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, in mid-November and quickly gained the reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the skies above Okinawa. Vengeance conducted a significant amount of high-value training, resulting in advanced qualifications for several pilots
Marines from HMLA 469, as well as 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, recently received care packages from residents and the city of San Clemente. These deployment boxes were sponsored by the city of San Clemente, Eagle Scouts Tyler Hickey (who sent 72 boxes to HMLA 469) and William Brown (who sent 68 boxes to 2/4), The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi and the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. Photo: Courtesy
and aircrew, who continue the long line of Marine Corps Aviation excellence. Vengeance Marines have taken advantage of several opportunities to embrace local customs and enjoy the variety of Okinawan historical sites. Several Marines have learned to Scuba dive in the inviting turquoise waters, and our squadron softball team posted impressive victories against fellow squadrons on the flight line. Throughout all our activities and enjoy-
ment, Vengeance Marines recognize the importance of our roles as ambassadors for the Marine Corps and the United States of America. Several of our Marines reinforced VMM-262, the composite aviation combat element squadron of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Located just next to us on the flight line, the MEU squadron provides ship-based flight support, integrating the assault support of their
Ospreys and Super Stallions with the firepower of our Hueys and Cobras. They are currently assigned to the USS Bonhomme Richard, afloat for training and immediate response to any crisis in the region. As mentioned above, several Vengeance Marines preceded us in Okinawa for sixmonth deployments, and most of them are the backbone of our remain behind element (RBE) at Camp Pendleton. After paving the way for us in Okinawa, these Marines continue to support Marine ground units with their hard work stateside. They assist us with aircraft part acquisition, technical support, administration issues and a myriad of other necessary tasks that keep us focused on the mission and ready when called. They are flying with HMLAT-303, fulfilling air support requests, maintaining proficiency and continuing to build a foundation for the squadron’s transition to the AH-1Z. We are blessed to have the wonderful support of the people of San Clemente; it is an integral part of our morale and our mission. We hope to serve honorably to represent your community and our nation. Semper Fidelis! 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.
GUEST OPINION: 2/4 Corner by Lt. Col. Mike Wilonsky (Bastard 6)
Officially Underway Unit prepares for shifting strategic focus while training and patrolling the Pacific
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reetings Bastard Family, Friends and Followers, We are officially haze gray and underway. As I write this tonight, on Super Bowl Sunday Eve, over half of the Battalion Landing Team is embarked on the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), while the other half of the Battalion Landing Team continues to train on Okinawa, Japan. Our original plan to train with our Thai Marine brothers has changed this week, and it looks like we will continue to train in and around Okinawa for a bit longer. This is a fantastic opportunity to work and integrate with our closest partner—the United States Navy. As our nation refocuses on the Asian Pacific and all of our close partner nations, we have the opportunity to get on combat ships, patrol the Pacific, prepare to train with our partners and are prepared to respond to anything—from humanitarian assistance to full spectrum battle. The San Clemente Times March 19-25, 2014
Marines and Sailors of Battalion Landing Team 2/4 have trained for over one year to get to this point, and it is worth it. As combat operations have ended in Afghanistan and we get back to our naval roots, we are the few Marines actually embarked on Naval shipping—and it feels good. The last few days, we’ve put our Boat Company in the water to ensure their combat rigid raider crafts are seaworthy and fully operational, we have 2/4 CORNER By Mike Wilonsky set the conditions for our special capabilities and contingency operations by standing up our Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personal Platoon and our Reactionary/ Reinforcement Company. Tomorrow morning we will board our Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon onto
the ship. In a few weeks we will find ourselves visiting one of our closest partner nations in the region, and we will make our first port visit to enjoy a few days off. Believe it or not, everyday is a work day at sea. It takes a lot of folks, and hard work, to make this ship run like clockwork, and it begins everyday at 5:30 a.m. by standing in line with 3,000 of your closest friends. When breakfast is over, you actually have to start getting in line for lunch, and dinner is right after that. In between, you try to get a workout in, clean your weapon and work on your professional education. It’s quite an experience for our young men; however, each of them is doing well and rising to the occasion. The other half of the Battalion Landing Team on Okinawa is continuing to execute multiple small arms, rockets, mortars and demolitions ranges—and enjoying every minute of it. Next month, we will embark the Okinawa Marines on to two Page 10
additional ships and work our way around the Northern Asian Pacific to work with additional Partner Nation Militaries. It will be fantastic to get the entire Battalion Landing Team together for the remainder of our patrol. Until next month... As the Commanding Officer of the Magnificent Bastards, it is my pleasure to update you on San Clemente’s adopted infantry battalion each month while we are forward deployed. Thank you to our many supporters out there. We appreciate you taking time to send care packages and notes to the men. If you are interested in supporting, please contact our friends at the San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group at www.scmsg.org. 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
WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE? THE MUSICAL 2 p.m. Musical at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Runs through Sunday, March 29 with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 949.492.0465. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
EDITOR’S PICK
What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF
Thursday | 19 JAZZ WITH CHERYL SILVERSTEIN 5:30 p.m. Live music, art, jewelry food and music. Purchases at event include 20 percent discount at Inspiration Boutique & Gallery, 31815 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.3600, www.facebook.com/inspirationsjc. CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. DUSTIN FRANKS & THE TRADERS 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.
Friday | 20 HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing Western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir.
Tuesday | 24 SATURDAY, MARCH 21: 57TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 57th Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., and the Mercado Street Faire will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebrates the legend of the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades and takes place throughout downtown San Juan. For more information call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com. For more information call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.
Saturday | 21 WYLAND’S ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays through April 25. Kids ages 3-12 are invited to an art lesson, for a $5 donation, presented by Wyland via video feed, followed by a free two-hour whale watching trip. Free trip must be taken the same day and child must be accompanied by an adult who has prepurchased a whale watching ticket. All art submissions will be judged by Wyland for a chance to win prizes. Dana Wharf Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. CAMPFIRE PROGRAM 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Every Saturday night, join OC Parks for a campfire program that may include a presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children,
a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Topics may vary weekly. All ages are welcome. Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers. POWDER AND POOFF! 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Female impersonator show at Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn. 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.
Sunday | 22 SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.
OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at the Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com. SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: OPERA NIGHT 7 p.m. Event at Casa Romantica. Tickets: Non-members $23, members $18, students $7. Call 949.498.2139 to purchase tickets. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, www.casaromantica.org.
Wednesday | 25 CALAFIA STONES 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
At the Movies: Another Happy Ending for ‘Cinderella’ BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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fter the string of mediocre, liveaction updated interpretations of fairytales the last half-decade including Snow White & the Huntsman (2012), Maleficent (2014) and La belle et la bête (2014), Walt Disney Pictures and Kenneth Branagh finally get it right with the latest screen adaptation of Cinderella. In an era of superhero flicks and buddy comedies, an entertaining blockbuster aimed at young girls without “Hunger Games” in the title is here, thankfully.
San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
As the classic story goes, the movie begins with both of Ella’s (Lily James) parents having passed away by the second act, and the orphan girl left to clean and cook for her cruel stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and obnoxious stepsisters (Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera). After Ella bumps into the Prince (Richard Madden) one day, her fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) assists in her preparing for the castle ball, where he is searching for a new queen. Since Disney made the classic animated Cinderella in 1950, naturally the studio would
have the new live-action feature contain direct references throughout. Branagh, who has always been at his best adapting classic literature, has his most fun, light-hearted film since Much Ado About Nothing (1993). About a Boy’s Chris Weitz’s script is appropriately cute without coming across as corny or stale. One of the best things about this Cinderella, is that the filmmakers don’t feel the need to redeem their villain like Maleficent did, and just let Blanchett be evil all the way. Families looking for a magical time this weekend can find it here. SC
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Photo: © Walt Disney Pictures
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SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Girls scream for Conrad Birdie (Parsa Alihemanti) during ‘Bye, Bye Birdie.’ Photo: Evan Da Silva
Kids Today SCHS theater department producing ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ to celebrate school’s anniversary BY EVAN DA SILVA, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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n celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary, the San Clemente High School Theatre Arts Department will be producing a modern twist on the Broadway classic, Bye Bye Birdie. After Conrad Birdie (Parsa Alihemati), a pop star and teenage heartthrob, is drafted into the United States Army, his manager looks to send-off the performer in a dramatic and lucrative fashion. With the help of his secretary and longtime girlfriend Rosie Alvarez (Alex Shultz), Birdie’s manager and struggling songwriter Al Peterson (Evan Harris) formulates one last publicity stunt that lands the trio in Sweet Apple, Ohio. The city is sent into a frenzy
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It’s time to expect more… Established 1963
as Birdie is set to preform Peterson’s new song “One Last Kiss” and give a farewell kiss to the lucky Kim MacAfee (Paris Hull), a member of his fan club, on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Peterson must ensure the success of his plan to finally hit it big and marry Alvarez, his longtime sweetheart. The setting of the play, written by Michael Stewart, Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, has been time-shifted from 1958 to 1964, to coincide with SCHS’s opening. Director Daniel Ingram is excited about the chance to tackle what he feels is a large undertaking for the department and a new challenge for himself. “It’s the biggest musical I’ve done. My forte is more in acting and set design. It’s a bit of a learning curve for me, putting all the puzzle pieces together,” he said. “The kids have done the shows before, so they have a lot of experience.” Ingram admits that initially, he wasn’t sure which musical he wanted to produce. However, upon realizing this year was the school’s 50th anniversary and after collaborating with other members of the arts department, “Bye Bye Birdie” was the perfect fit.
“I think there is a lot of commonalities between ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and today,” said Ingram,” they were coming out of World War II, we’ve just come out of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the sensationalism of Justin Bieber and all these boy bands is universal. It’s part of the teenage experience. There’s always going to be these fads that people go through that’s going to drive a wedge between the older generations and the younger generations.” Students in the production share Ingram’s excitement, looking forward to the modernized choreography created by chorographer Tod Kubo, and period authentic music compiled by conductor Tony Soto and musical director Jeremy Wiggins. “I’m super excited for the dances,” Harris said. “The dances in the show are really spectacular, something I can’t wait to show everyone.” Cast members are equally enthusiastic about the play’s message of staying young at heart, living life in the present and making the most of what one has. “I hope people take away that they shouldn’t try to move faster than life. Enjoy where your life is right now,” said Jon Crawford, who plays Hugo Peabody. “You really get a sense of how people
develop as characters and individuals. That’s really what the play is about, finding yourself,” said Alihemati. Others will appreciate how the age-old struggle of parents trying to relate to their children is played-out. Some even find themselves identify more with the parents than characters of their own ages, like Colin Horan, who plays Kim’s father, Mr. MacAfee. “It’s weird because in class or even talking to other people I find myself thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I am Mr. MacAfee,’” said Horan. “I feel like, at heart, I’m an old man.” Ingram ultimately hopes people take away the need to dispose themselves of cynicism and avoid growing up too much. “It’s important to keep hold of your adolescent ideals and sort of balance that with real-world practicality,” he said. Performances will be held at the San Clemente High School Triton Center, 700 Avenida Pico, March 19-21, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. with the final performance on March 28 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15 and $12 for seniors, military personnel, students and children. Tickets are available for purchase at the Triton Center box office or can be purchased online at www. schsdrama.com. SC
Girls anticipate the arrival of their crush, Conrad Birdie. Photo: Evan Da Silva
Did you know that... • So far in 2015, 141 homes have sold in San Clemente with an average sales price of $868,000 • San Clemente has 231 standard home sales for sale, compared to 8 bank owned or short sales on the market • Pending home sales in Orange County have almost doubled since January from 1400 pending sales to over 2900 pending sales
SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy
Taming the Beast Showcasing San Clemente’s hometown High School
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pring is the season of growth and renewal. So I find it fitting that last week San Clemente High School hosted its showcase presentation. I volunteered at the event, which combined the school’s annual open house with its eighth grade parent information night. Seven years ago, if someone said to me I’d someday be standing in the SCHS gym promoting its virtues, I would’ve politely suggested they seek immediate psychiatric help. When my older son graduated eighth grade, I begged him to attend a smaller or private school, and he refused. Convincing my husband proved impossible, he flatly rejected sending our sons anywhere but to their hometown high school. The high school scared me. For years I’d drive by the beast beckoning to my boys in the backseat of our car and I’d stare back at its buildings stretching blocks while silently vowing to keep my boys far from its belly. But, as usual, my sons and husband deemed me and my fears irrational. Out of options, I reluctantly enrolled our son as a freshman at SCHS. Seldom do I admit my husband is right, and rarely in writing, so it pains me to concede he was correct. Our boys belonged at their hometown high school. At last week’s showcase, I sympathized with the anxious parents flooding into the crowded gym. Enrolling a child in high school can be overwhelming; it’s a painful parenting step on the lonely road of letting go. Greeting parents of prospective freshmen, I recognized a familiar panic on some faces. As an admitted overanxious parent, I’m quick to spot a fellow tribe member. I empathized with their expressions and remembered my apprehension as my older son approached high school. Most of my anxiety stemmed from the school’s big buildings and sprawling campus, I feared my son would be lost—figuratively and literally. I sought advice from a trusted girlfriend
whose kids were enrolled and enjoying SCHS. The advice she gave me seven years ago holds true today: “He’s got to get involved in something, anything. I don’t care if it is the Pokémon Club, get him involved.” I thought she was crazy. How could joining a club tame the beast? But she’s right, getting involved shrinks the size of the school and provides something we all seek - a sense of belonging. Taking her advice to heart, both my boys found their connections through academics, arts, athletics, clubs and other programs. But even connected kids struggle to survive high school; it is emotionally, physically and academically challengLIFE’S A BEACH ing—at least that’s how I By Shelley Murphy remember it. My kids encountered their share of potholes along the high school road and through their experiences learned valuable lessons inside and outside their classrooms. I agree, 50 years after its opening, the high school lacks curb appeal. But looking past its exterior and peeking inside reveals a spirited student body, supportive professional staff and rigorous academic coursework. SCHS embodies spring’s spirit of growth and renewal as it welcomes prospective freshmen embarking on their four-year journey and prepares to say goodbye to graduating seniors commencing on their adventures. Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband and two sons for the past 14 years. She’s a freelance writer and contributor to the SC Times since 2006. 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 March 19-25, 2015
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
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SC San Clemente
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
One More Round San Clemente Dance capping off season in national competition BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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ith a state competition behind them, the San Clemente High School Dance Team is hoping to make a splash at this weekend’s national competitions, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. “The State championship went really well,” coach Kaely McPhee said. “We took home a first place in the solo division, with Gabby Cullen, and the team took home three second places and two third places (second in medium hip hop, character and medium dance, third in intermediate and medium lyrical.). We’re really proud. We’re up against some really tough competition.” McPhee has taken on more responsibility this year. She had been serving as the team’s head coach and the school’s dance teacher, but added the role of director for the team after her mother, Jeane, retired. “I basically do the work of three people,” McPhee said. “But the kids make it worth it, and I’m learning a lot.”
Senior soloist Gabby Cullen took home a state championship at the California Association of Dance/Drill Team Directors State Championship competition last weekend in Tustin. Photo: Courtesy
Cullen has been with the program for the last two years. McPhee described her as “a great competitor” who has seen major growth in her final season. Cullen’s winning dance actually changed half-way through the season, McPhee said, moving from a traditional lyric dance to one set to a spoken-word poem. “She truly connected with it as an artist and a dancer,” McPhee said. “She was able to show so much more emotion and be able to connect with it on such a different level. It was a game-changer.” The national competition primarily consists of teams from the western U.S. and consists of two days of competitions. After the competition is over, the team will begin preparing for its spring concert for the community in May. “It’s a really exciting end to our season,” McPhee said. SC
Golf Tournament to Benefit Sean Lynn Set for May 29 COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE
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ean Lynn, a native of San Juan Capistrano and longtime San Clemente resident, was in the passenger’s seat of his friend’s Jeep, driving through Ocotillo Wells Recreational Park in Borrego Springs last January, when a twist of fate would change his life forever. The Jeep veered off course and crashed, causing Lynn to suffer a C5 spinal cord injury, confining him to a wheelchair. Lynn has since undergone countless hours of physical and occupational therapy every week, working to build up his strength, stamina and independence. When Lynn’s longtime friend Jeremy Conrad of Conrad Realtors learned of the injury, he and his company helped establish the HelpHopeLive for Sean Lynn Golf Tournament, which will be held at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Friday, May 29. Funds raised for the tournament will go San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
towards the Lynn family’s therapy expenses and home renovations. HelpHopeLive is a nonprofit organization that provides community-based fundSean Lynn, along with his wife Sienna and twin sons. raising guidance to patients and their Photo: Courtesy families. Cost per golfer at the tournament will be $125. Cost for a foursome is $450. Entrance into the tournament includes golf, gift bag, prizes, food and drink. There will be an after-golf event hosted at OC Tavern at 5 p.m., which will feature raffle prizes and a silent auction. To register for the tournament or to donate to Lynn’s cause, visit www.bit.ly/ golftournamentseanlynn. SC Page 17
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
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
SC Rider Supply
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT
YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!
“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax
949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
SALONS
Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.
Salon Bamboo
Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
Salon Bleu
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
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com 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
SWIMMING SCHOOL
Waterbabies Swim School
142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com
TERMITES
Colony Termite Control
1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
San Clemente Website Design
949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
REAL ESTATE
Marcie George Star Real Estate South County
949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net
Danman’s Music School OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
www.sanclementetimes.com
GARAGE SALES MOVING/GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY, 3/21!!!! 8am-2pm **please do NOT come before 8 am! We have tons of stuff that must go! Furniture, Tools, Clothes, Shoes, Books, Linens, Home Decor and more! **We will accept CASH and CREDIT CARDS! 705 Avenida Columbo San Clemente, CA 92672 ESTATE SALE MARCH 22 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bedroom furniture, buffet, dining room table, glass kitchen table, chairs, china, dishes, home accents, lamps, linens and more. 242 West El Portal #B San Clemente. LARGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE. Saturday, March 21st, 8am. Antiques, furniture, quilts, art work, chandelier, housewares, kids items, toys, clothing and much more. 608 Via Promontorio, San Clemente.
HELP WANTED PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT/OFFICE ASSISTANT Days needed are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Entry level position. Must be tech savvy and a team player. Please call 949-241-6633
WEBSITE DESIGN
MUSIC LESSONS 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at
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MARKETING & ADVERTISING INTERN Picket Fence Media (San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch) is seeking a polished and enthusiastic advertising intern to start immediately. Enrolled college marketing and communications student required. Must be available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons, one to two days a week. Great phone manner and attention to detail a must. Knowledge of sales and eye-fordesign a plus. This is a non-paid internship and a great opportunity to obtain some hands-on work experience and college credit (if available through your school). Send resume listing school and work experience to Susie Lantz at slantz@sanclementetimes. com. No phone inquiries without resume.
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San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
Page 19
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS
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.
Newfound Chemistry Leads Tritons Baseball to Loara Tournament Title
The San Clemente baseball team is loaded with talent this year; that much was evident before the season started. As they sat atop the CIF-SS Division 2 coaches poll entering last week’s Loara Tournament, their first test of the year, success was sure to follow. But when the Tritons reached the latter stages of the preseason tournament, head coach Dave Gellatly was still waiting to see if his team had that extra gear to push through when teams started pushing back. On March 14, the Tritons faced deficits of 3-0 and 4-3 in the tournament’s championship game against rival Dana Hills. After battling back to even the score up both times and with the game on the line in the bottom of the ninth inning, the second go-around in extras, senior Will Tribucher came through with a game-winning bases loaded single to secure a 5-4 win. It was a game the Tritons seemed out of, then back in, then out of again, only to come back a third and final time to knock off the top –ranked team in Division 1. “The biggest concern of mine was our team chemistry and today was a full team effort,” Gellatly said following the win. “Honestly, it’s a special group of kids. It really is … They pull for each other. It doesn’t matter the talent level of one player or another, they just all want to win. I wasn’t sure about how important that was to them but through this tournament I’ve become a believer in all of them. In the bottom of the ninth, San Clemente’s No. 8 hitter Tanner Lawson laced a leadoff double off the Dolphins’ Justin Sterner, who was pitching his fourth inning of relief. With one out, Dana Hills (8-1) decided to intentionally walk both Tritons (7-0) leadoff man Lucas Herbert and Connor Sealey to load the bases for Tribucher, who was 2-3 with a double and a run scored before his final at-bat. Tribucher strode to the plate confident that he would come through for the team. “I knew I was going to win it right there. I was swinging on that first pitch no matter what,” Tribucher said. The Michigan-bound senior did indeed swing at the first pitch offered and it found a hole through the right side of the infield for the walk-off win. Tribucher was named the tournament’s MVP. San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
The San Clemente baseball team defeated Dana Hills 5-4 to win the Loara Tournament championship on March 14. Photo: KDahlgren Photography
Dana Hills had their chances to seal the win, getting bases loaded scenarios in both the top of the sixth and seventh innings, but could only bring home one run to show for it. San Clemente kept things rolling this week, sweeping a double header matchup with Pacifica on March 16. The Tritons open Sea View League play at home with Trabuco Hills on March 20.
Marshall Brothers Victorious at State Championship
San Clemente’s Mike Marhsall and Kyle Marshall continued their strong wrestling seasons on March 15 at the USA Wrestling-California Grade Level State Championships, earning first-place finishes in their respective weight divisions. Both wrestlers went undefeated at the event, collecting five straight match wins in the varsity division. Mike Marshall defeated Santana Ruiz 8-1 in the championship match while Kyle Marshall edged Dracius McKee 2-1 in overtime to take first place. This was the third straight year Mike Marshall has claimed a first-place title at the event. Mike Marshall, wrestling for San Clemente High School, placed fi fth at the CIF State Championships on March 14. With their wins, the two wrestlers earned a spot on the California team that will travel to Cedar Falls, IA in April to compete in the USA Wrestling National Championships.
Boys Volleyball on a Roll
The San Clemente boys volleyball team picked up three straight wins in the Best of the West Invitational last week and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost to Highland in three sets. The loss was the first of the season for the Tritons (7-1), who have solid nonleague wins over Edison, Laguna Beach, Buchanan and Santa Barbara to start their year. The Tritons were set to play Capistrano
Valley on March 18. Results were not available at press time.
Carroll Sets Meet Record at OC Classic
San Clemente senior track and field distance runner Kelsey Carroll bested the field in the 1600-meter run at the OC Classic on March 13, setting a new meet record with a time of 5:06. Carroll was behind for most of the race but came back over the final 150 meters to get the win. San Clemente throwers Madison Chronister and Anna Gillis finished fourth and fi fth, respectively, in the discus throw.
San Clemente senior distance runner Kelsey Carroll set a new meet record in the 1600-meter run at the OC Classic on March 13. Photo: John Carroll
Softball Finds Tournament Success
A combination of strong pitching and timely hitting has powered the San Clemente softball team to back to back secondplace finishes at preseason tournaments this season. The Tritons started their year with an
Page 21
appearance in the Foothill Roundup Tournament, where they went 4-1 overall. One week later, San Clemente (7-3) defeated Marina, Capistrano Valley and Huntington Beach in the Saddleback Valley Tournament by a combined score of 18-7 to reach the championship game, where they lost to Orange Lutheran 9-1. San Clemente will continue tournament play with an appearance in the Crean Lutheran Tournament this week.
Tritons Lacrosse Preps for Rematch with Foothill The last time the San Clemente and Foothill boys lacrosse teams squared off, it was for a berth in the US Lacrosse Southern Section championship game. It was a closely contested match but Foothill emerged as the winner and went on to claim the postseason hardware. The two programs will get another shot at each other on March 19 at Tustin High School at 7:30 p.m. The Tritons (1-2) enter the game coming off a 20-3 loss to Corona del Mar on March 14. Foothill (5-0) has yet to lose this year and has held their last four opponents to six goals or fewer. San Clemente picked up a 9-7 win over Newport Harbor on March 12. San Clemente held a one-goal lead heading to the fourth and held on for the win. Nick Lemus and Jack Renard each had three goals and three assists in the win.
Girls Lacrosse Takes Winning Ways into League The San Clemente girls lacrosse team suffered their first loss of the season on March 17 after falling to Temecula Valley 9-7. San Clemente (4-1) started the year off with four straight wins over regional opponents, which included wins over Dana Hills, Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo. The senior attack combo of Katelyn Miner (14 goals) and Emily Twilegar (eight) has been powering the Tritons offense. www.sanclementetimes.com
SC San Clemente
SC SURF
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
RESULTS WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, March 14-15, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty
Tom Carroll (left) and Bob McKnight speak at an event at Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point Tuesday. Photo: Tracey Engelking
Carroll Talks Shop at Hobie SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
P
rofessional Australian surfer Tom Carroll was the guest speaker at the Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point Tuesday, answering questions and sharing stories about his long and illustrious career. “The turnout was unbelievable,” Tracey Engelking of Hobie Surf Shop said. “And the best thing was that the crowd (of about 200) was full of locals. The community support was tremendous.” Engelking said Carroll was very open about his experiences, such as his famous turn at Pipe in ’91 dubbed “the snap heard
‘round the world,” being a two-time world champion and most recently, chasing the planet’s biggest waves. “He was so honest and so approachable and every question he was asked garnered a true and complete answer,” she said. “It was so refreshing to see a surfer be so open and so honest on all subjects. And his stories were hilarious. It was a great night.” The talk was moderated by Quiksilver co-founder Bob McKnight. The evening also included a free barbecue, live music, raffles, giveaways and an exhibit of some of Quiksilver’s “Modern Originals” boardshorts from eras past. SC
GROM OF THE WEEK
BRYCE MATTOX
R
are is the day when you won’t see Bryce Mattox, 14, carving a path down the face of a wave at Salt Creek Beach. This stoked grom is an eighthgrader and surf team member at Niguel Hills Middle School. Although he’s been surfing since his dad taught him how at the age of 5, this season is his first in competition. He is primarily a shortboarder but competes in longboard as well. Bryce has been surfing, with his team, in the Scholastic Surf Series and on his own in Soul Surf Series events. “I decided to start competing because I’ve been surfing a lot this year and feel like I have really progressed,” Bryce said. “I wanted to start out with SSS and Soul Surf events to see how it would go and then maybe start doing NSSA or WSA next season.” At the Soul Surf Series on Feb. 28 at T Street in San Clemente, Bryce was a double San Clemente Times March 19–25, 2015
Bryce Mattox. Photo: Andrea Swayne
finalist, taking sixth-place in Boys U16 Shortboard and fourth in Open Men Longboard. “I didn’t get the best results but I beat my friend who is a really good surfer, in the repechage, so I was really stoked,” he said. Bryce is looking forward to trying out for the Dana Hills High School surf team next year and continuing to improve his wave riding skills. “I definitely would like to be a pro surfer
MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Makai Bray, San Clemente; 2. Eli Park, Carlsbad; 3. Hudson Saunders, Laguna Beach; 4. Jaxson Hutcheon, Laguna Beach; 5. Ricardo Acosta, Irvine; 6. Maddox Bray, San Clemente. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Bella Kenworthy, Dana Point; 2. Mara Morales, Huntington Beach; 3. Sawyer Lindblad, San Clemente; 4. Jenna Clark, La Mesa; 5. Lauren Anderson, Long Beach; 6. Sierra Downer, San Clemente. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Dane Matson, San Clemente; 2. Lucas Owston, Oceanside; 3. Luke Butterfield, Encinitas; 4. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach; 5. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff by the Sea; 6. Jake Chandler, Pacific Palisades. BOYS U12: 1. Levi Slawson, Encinitas; 2. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach; 3. Patrick O’Connor, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente; 5. William Mitchell, Oceanside; 6. Shohei Kato, Tokyo Japan. BOYS U14: 1. Griffin Foy, Huntington Beach; 2. Caleb Crozier, Encinitas; 3. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 4. Jackson Butler, Encinitas; 5. Ryan Martin, San Clemente; 6. Parker Ruiz, Newport Beach. BOYS U16: 1. Curran Dand, San Clemente; 2. Noah Hohenester, San Clemente; 3. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 4. Tanner Ford, San Diego; 5. Ben Seaberry, Huntington Beach; 6. Micah Crozier, Encinitas. BOYS U18: 1. Jake Wetzel, Carlsbad; 2. Grayson Amthor, Encinitas; 3. Nicholas Holdman, Poway; 4. Brock Crouch, Carlsbad; 5. Ethan Grant, Carlsbad; 6. Josh Johnson, Imperial Beach. GIRLS U12: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 2. Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas; 3. Jenna Clark, La Mesa; 4. Ella McCaffray, Cardiff-by-the-Sea; 5. Noelle Walker, El Cajon; 6. Mara Morales, Huntington Beach. GIRLS U14: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 3. Kayla Coscino, Laguna Beach; 4. Joceline Marchand, Carlsbad; 5. Olivia Pessanha, San Diego; 6. Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas. GIRLS U16: 1. Kayla Coscino, Laguna Beach; 2. Sydney Tisdel, Carlsbad; 3. Peyton Slater, Carlsbad; 4. Elle Sampiere, Solana Beach; 5. Olivia Pessanha, San Diego; 6. Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas. GIRLS U18: 1. Maya Saulino, San Marcos; 2. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas; 3. Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas; 4. Izzy Hopkins, Dana Point; 5. Elle Sampiere, Solana Beach; 6. Maile Davis, Carlsbad. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 2. Ben Kappes, Laguna Niguel; 3. Patrick O’Connor, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Kasey Bowles, La Jolla; 5. Jameson Roller, Laguna Beach; 6. Jimmy Wynne, San Clemente. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 2. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 3. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Andrew Neal, Manhattan Beach; 5. Benjamin Goldstein, Carlsbad; 6. Orion Lehrmann, Carlsbad. GIRLS
but I don’t want it to be my only option,” Bryce said. “I like the challenge of contests but mostly I like surfing because it’s fun.” An ‘A’ and ‘B’ student, Bryce wants to go to college to study business management and is thinking about maybe joining his dad’s cellular phone technology business. Although he knows it is a lot of work, being an entrepreneur appeals to him for the flexibility in scheduling that comes with being a business owner. Bryce also enjoys skateboarding, riding motorcycles and surf travel. “I went to Costa Rica recently and it was like 16-foot faces at Pavones,” he said. “I got some of the best waves I’ve ever ridden in my life.” When asked for a recent example of an experience that raised his stoke level for the sport, Bryce said, “I ended up in a session with Tom Carroll at Creek on Sunday and that was really cool. He had the gnarliest board I’ve ever seen in my whole life. It was a totally white, carbon fiber, and it was super sick. He was ripping.”—Andrea Swayne
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LONGBOARD U14: 1. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 2. Betsey Lee, Topanga; 3. Lexi Morgan, San Clemente; 4. Malia Mauch, San Clemente. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Soleil Errico, Malibu; 2. Taylor Bruynzeel, Newbury Park; 3. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Isabella Gilchrist, Cardiff-by-the-Sea; 5. Izzy Hopkins, Dana Point; 6. Betsey Lee, Topanga. MEN 18-29: 1. Erick Proost, Carlsbad; 2. Nate Smithson, Camarillo; 3. Evan Sandison, Laguna Niguel; 4. Tanner Waite, Vista; 5. Andrew Fish, Venice; 6. Simon Torres, El Segundo. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Paul Pugliesi, Oceanside; 2. Logan Andresen, Malibu; 3. Michael Graney, Carlsbad; 4. Jonathan Warren, long Beach; 5. Philip Salick, Los Angeles. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Erik Krammer, Oceanside; 2. Pedro Diaz Rangel, Oceanside; 3. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 4. Neil Bern, Carlsbad; 5. Gavin Haughey, Laguna Niguel; 6. Donald Day, Topanga. WOMEN 18+: 1. Michelle Watson, Ventura; 2. Maddie LoMonaco, Santa Monica; 3. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach; 4. Katelyn Springer, Newport Beach; 5. Morgan Gore, Mendham, NJ. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Rusty Phillipy, Cardiff-by-the-Sea; 2. Jeff Jessee, San Clemente; 3. Masaki Kobayashi, San Clemente; 4. Tom Matthews, San Diego; 5. Brent Jessee, San Clemente; 6. Javier Huarcaya, Oceanside. OPEN MEN: 1. Skyler Stokes, Del Mar; 2. Cody Canzoneri, San Clemente; 3. Paul Pugliesi, Oceanside; 4. Brett William Jordan, Ventura; 5. Nicholas Holdman, Poway; 6. Jonathan Warren, long Beach. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach; 2. Maya Saulino, San Marcos; 3. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas; 4. Maile Davis, Carlsbad; 5. Maddie LoMonaco, Santa Monica; 6. Allie Frost, San Juan Capistrano. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 2. Nick Anderberg, Encinitas; 3. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 5. Philip Salick, Los Angeles; 6. Shane Smith, Huntington Beach. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Betsey Lee, Topanga; 2. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 3. Katelyn Springer, Newport Beach; 4. Maddie LoMonaco, Santa Monica; 5. Niki Katz, Hidden Hills; 6. Keili McEvilly, Carlsbad. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Lance Albright, Huntington Beach; 2. Jay Boldt, Huntington Beach; 3. Raul Cabada, Long Beach. ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Chris Oberle, Los Angeles; 2. Charles Webb, Oceanside; 3. Mark Thornton, Carlsbad. ••••• Results for WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, originally scheduled for Feb. 15 in Huntington Beach but due to a fog delay, postponed to March 15, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty, along with full NSSA Interscholastic State Championship results can be found online at www.sanclementetimes.com.
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8’+ Poor-Fair Thursday and Friday: South swell peaks on Thursday along with a WNW swell, with waistchest-shoulder high waves at well exposed spots. Slow fade in size on Friday. Slow in the mid mornings due to the deep high tide. Light variable winds in the morning, then turning light to moderate onshores for the afternoon. Nice, mild temps with mostly sunny skies and some clouds. Longer Range Outlook: The South and WNW swell combo eases over the weekend. Morning winds remain favorable. Look for a light+moderate Westerly sea-breeze to develop each afternoon. Check out Surfline for more details, daily updates, and the longer range outlook!
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