LO C A L
N EWS
April 16-22, 2015
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San Clemente Woman’s Company Provides Au Pair Services PAGE 19 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 16
Blazing a New Trail New trail provides new views for city’s hikers and bikers EYE ON SC/PAGE 4
San Clemente residents got the opportunity to celebrate the opening of the city’s newest trail system Sunday at Marblehead. Photo: Alyssa Garrett
SCHS Student Saylor Voris Passes Away After Fight with Cancer EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
On Emotional Night, Triton Volleyball Sweeps Hawks SPORTS/PAGE 24
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Grom of the Week: Griffin Colapinto of San Clemente SC SURF/PAGE 26
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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING On Thursday at around 7 p.m. a fisherman reported seeing a shark near the Pier and a second sighting was reported by a surfer near T Street Friday at 11:30 a.m., said Marine Safety Officer, Ian Burton. “Following today’s 11:30 a.m. sighting the shark was spotted a third time by a lifeguard on a jet ski who went out to evacuate the water,” Burton said. “He trailed behind the shark for about an hour and a half. It was estimated to be about 6- to 7-feet long but we were unable to identify the species.” Marine Safety contacted the state lifeguards and the two authorities closed the beach at noon on Friday and posted warning signs. WHAT’S NEXT: The city reopened all beaches Sunday at 4 p.m. and there have been no sightings since.—Andrea Swayne
John Voris holds up the strands of beads his daughter, Saylor, received during her treatment for leukemia, with each bead representing a different procedure. Photo: Jim Shilander
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Saylor Voris Passes Away After Cancer Fight THE LATEST: San Clemente High School junior Saylor Voris, whose battle with a form of leukemia had helped inspire the school the last two years since her diagnosis, passed away Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the family on a Facebook page dedicated to her fight. “At around 6:30 a.m. this morning Saylor Voris passed away,” the post, attributed to John Voris, Saylor’s father, said. “She was an Adult Believer thanks to all her friends at Compass Bible Church and will go down in the History Books on Earth as one of the Great Warriors that battled Cancer and ‘ALL’ the side effects that came with it for over 592 days!! You have squeezed my heart since you were born on that Taco Tuesday at San Clemente Hospital and you have squeezed so many others by your time here… We all love you ‘Bud’… Rest in Peace…” Voris, then a sophomore at SCHS and a member of the cheerleading squad, was diagnosed with leukemia in September 2013, and spent much of the next several months at Children’s Hospital of Orange County before receiving a bone marrow transplant. After the transplant, she was moved home, where she spent the remainSan Clemente Times April 16-22, 2015
der of that school year in quarantine. In September 2014, she returned to school and the cheerleading squad. However, in recent weeks, Voris had complications resulting from infections and blood clots, resulting in intense pain and a return to the hospital. On her Twitter feed, Voris posted what became a final message to supporters before being placed on a ventilator: “I’m going on a ventilator. I may not survive, thanks for being my amazing friends. I’m truly blessed #prayforsay.” At a candlelight vigil memorial held Tuesday night at her family’s home, Voris was remembered as a fighter who inspired not just her friends, but also fellow patients. “She gave me so much love, she taught me so many things and she showed me how strong she was,” mother Konnie Voris told the assembled crowd, which numbered in the hundreds. WHAT’S NEXT: According to a Capistrano Unified School District spokesperson, counselors have been dispatched to the school. A student assembly to remember Saylor was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon after school. Services have not yet been announced. FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned to www. sanclementetimes.com for information on services. – Jim Shilander
Shark Sightings Close Beaches THE LATEST: Three shark sightings in the waters off of San Clemente prompted the closure of a 2-mile stretch of beach—1 mile north and 1 mile south of T Street— late last week.
Poche Falcon Program Approved THE LATEST: The city will continue with a falconry program used over the last two years that seems to have led to a decrease in bacteria warnings at Poche Beach, though City Council members expressed a desire for additional data to justify continuing the program next year. Senior management analyst Mary Vondrak provided information to the council that showed that with the program in place last year, the beach had only five days during the summer where it was listed on the county’s list of beaches exceeding healthy levels of bacteria in the water. The beach had previously found a consistent place on Heal the Bay’s “Beach Bummer” list for polluted beaches in the state, due largely to the sometimes hundreds of gulls that would feed and nest there. Other efforts ongoing at the beach include the placement of plastic decoy coyotes during the winter to scare off the gulls, as well as a falconry project at the county’s Prima Deschecha Landfill, which aims to cutoff a food source for the gulls. Resident George Gregory opposed spending funds on the project, saying the city had other options, including continuing the coyote program in the summer (the two do not run concurrently), or having scouts or shelter dogs patrol the area. Other residents said they favored the program, given its success over the last two years. WHAT’S NEXT: The project, which was bid out, will cost $52,800 for the summer, and be performed by the same provider in place over the last two summers. The company, Adam’s Falconry Service, also performs the service at the landfill. Service began this week and is slated to end Friday, Oct. 30.—JS
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Wheeler North Reef Has Breakthrough Year for Fish THE LATEST: The artificial reef constructed by Southern California Edison off the San Clemente Pier saw a major uptick in its fish stock last year, putting in closer to compliance for the California Coastal Commission’s mitigation requirements. The reef was constructed between 1999 and 2008 in order to provide a new kelp forest in the area following a reduction in the size of the forest near San Onofre. The reef has been meeting standards for the size of the kelp forest, hard substrate and a lack of adverse effects from invasive species for several years, but its fish stock numbers have remained lower than the 28ton standard. In 2014, however, the stock jumped from approximately 14 tons to more than 25.5 tons, potentially putting it on track to comply in the coming years. WHAT’S NEXT: David Kay, project environmental manager at Edison, said he is optimistic that the 28-ton standard will be met next year (though the stock must also be higher than 28 tons for a three year average period as well). Hypotheses for the increase include a warming trend in water temperatures in Southern California, since natural reefs used as a comparison to Wheeler North saw similar increases in their own stocks.
Estrella Plaza Signage Again on Council Agenda April 18 THE LATEST: The fate of signage for the Estrella Plaza redevelopment project may be decided by the City Council at its meeting next week. The council, due to the absence of Tim Brown, was deadlocked on the issue of allowing a freeway sign for Sports Authority, the proposed tenant for the northern easternmost section of the former Kmart store, which is proposed to be developed into three stores. The developer of the project has said the project could lose funding without Sports Authority’s presence, and that the retailer, which is concerned about visibility from the street due to its location, has a termination clause in its lease if it did not get the freeway signage. Opponents have voiced concerns about the potential precedent set by such a proposal, especially with the Outlets at San Clemente Plaza and other businesses who might desire freeway signage. The existing shopping plazas above the northbound side of Interstate 5—across from the Estrella Plaza—have freeway oriented signage. WHAT’S NEXT: The council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. – JS www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
Blazing a New Trail Newest trail system provides new vistas for hikers, bikers and walkers BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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couple dozen San Clemente residents got an up close look at the city’s newest recreational amenities Sunday, as city officials provided an official grand opening for the city’s new trail system at Marblehead, a part of the Sea Summit residential development. The four-mile system was officially opened by Mayor Chris Hamm almost a year to the day that Taylor Morrison purchased the residential development from Lehman Brothers. As part of that development, the developer was bound to complete infrastructure projects, including West Avenida Vista Hermosa through to Avenida Pico (which opened Saturday afternoon), the trail system and five parks, some of which had been started by Lehman. “It’s not every day we get to open up an amenity like this for the community,” Hamm said before cutting the ribbon. “A lot of people think this is going to be a private trail system, something for the (development) community. It’s for everyone, for all of San Clemente. At the end of the day, it’s all of us who got this trail system.” In addition to the trails, more than 100 acres of open space was preserved as a natural conservancy. Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut has helped manage the process on the city side. “People were really excited to see it happen,” Bonigut said. “Some folks had already gotten sneak peaks and thought it was a very cool thing to have. The message was, ‘What a great amenity to have in San Clemente.’” The trails are not yet completely finished. Work is still going on to add signage, including way-finding and “interpretive” signage scattered throughout the trails that would provide information on, for example, the wetland habitat being created as a storm water collection basin as well as information about the canyon habitat and endangered species that make it their home. Bonigut said these should be in place by the end of the month. Park planner Aeryn Donnelly said it was great getting to see people enjoying the system, saying she’s already heard the areas described as “beautiful,” with particular emphasis on the open space at the site. “For the most part, I’ve gotten a lot of very good feedback on it, that people can be out there and it’s legal,” Donnelly said. However, there is still building activity there. “We’re getting ready to start construction on the first two of the five parks,” Donnelly said. “It’s safety first. We want to keep people as much out of the construction as possible while allowing them to be able to enjoy the views and have access to the coast from Vista Hermosa as much
The city has provided a map for the newest trail system at Marblehead, the star represents the trailhead near the West Vista Hermosa bridge. Photo: Courtesy City of San Clemente
as possible.” The first two parks to be constructed will be Vista del Sol (formerly Sunset Park) and Canyon View Park, which will go up at approximately the same time, Donnelly said. After that, Pico Park and Ocean View Park, accessible to the public but managed by the Sea Summit Homeowner’s Association, will be constructed, with the Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park opening at the start of 2016. The first two parks, with Pico Park to follow shortly thereafter, are expected to be completed by the time Taylor Morrison opens the first of its model homes, likely in July or August. Ocean View may also be completed around that time, but will have fewer amenities than the other parks, primarily serving as green space.
Phil Bodem of Taylor Morrison said the company is pulling model permits later this month. The company believes there will be enough progress that families will begin moving in by the end of the year. Of the 309 homes to be built in the community, 303 will have two stories— the six adjoining Colony Cove will be single-story. There will be four neighborhoods built in the community, 24 will be homes of 4,500 to 5,000 square feet. Eighty-one homes will be built on 5,500-square-foot to 6,000-squarefoot lots (homes will be 3,700- to 4,400-square feet), 77 will be placed on 5,000-square foot lots (homes will range between 3,300-and 4,000-square feet), with the remainder being 2,200- to 2,700-square foot homes on 3,000- to 3,500-square foot lots. SC
EYE ON SC
State of the City Luncheon Mayor Chris Hamm presents bright outlook for city’s projects, programs BY ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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ommunity leaders, business owners and government officials gathered to celebrate San Clemente’s annual State of the City luncheon hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club on April 10. The afternoon’s opening remarks were made by Senator Patricia Bates and San Diego Gas & Electric spokesman Duane Cave, who introduced the keynote speaker, Mayor Chris Hamm. Hamm’s State of the City address, complete with a PowerPoint and video presentation, covered updates on construction projects that are underway, as well as projects and community members who are positively influencing the city’s future. Hamm’s speech, titled “Under Construction, Please Pardon Our Dust,” be-
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER
Art Association Show this Weekend The San Clemente Artist Association’s Summer Judged Show will be held this weekend, with a “meet the artists” event Saturday, April 18, and a reception and show on April 19. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the artists will gather for the April 19 event at the San Clemente Art Gallery, 100 Calle Seville in San Clemente. Entrance to the gallery faces Avenida Del Mar. The artists’ work will be judged by category. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded for top-placing competitors. The event is free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for sale. The gallery’s award-winning handmade jewelry pieces from the recent judged jewelry show will also be on display. The art association was founded in 1953 by artist Lilian Finlay to appreciate all facets of arts and crafts and establish and support an eclectic art community in San Clemente. Now with over 350 members and eight art shows each year, the association continues to grow and reach out to the local artists and community in meaningful and creative ways. For more information, contact Pam Hill at 949.369.0260. San Clemente Times April 16-22, 2015
Mayor Chris Hamm presents the annual State of the City address during a luncheon at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club on April 10. Photo: Allison Jarrell
gan with presentations on projects such as the recently-opened West Vista Hermosa connection, Marblehead public trails, bicycle lanes, the San Clemente Coastal Trail expansion, Courtney’s SandCastle Sensory Garden, the recycled water expansion project and the city’s non-functional turf removal and irrigation retrofit. “Fortunately for us, we’re at a time where we’re seeing a lot of these projects come to fruition,” Hamm said. The mayor also spoke about the city’s
Auto Academy Fundraiser April 25 Shadetree Automotive will host an oil change fundraiser for the San Clemente High School Auto Academy Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a $40 donation, drivers will receive a free oil change, with oil and filters donated by O’Reilly Auto Parts. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the auto academy. Shadetree is located at 1635 N. El Camino Real. An appointment is required. For more information call 949.498.6470 or visit www. shadetreeautorepairsanclemente.com.
Delanty Chosen for Exhibition For more than two decades, the Oil Painters of America has presented an annual exhibition selected from artists’ submissions sent in from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This year marks the 24th OPA exhibition, and submissions numbered over 2,000. A panel of jurors selected 208 paintings for this year’s exhibit. “Denizen,” an 11x18 oil painting by San Clemente landscape artist Rick Delanty, was among those selected for the show, which will open May 1 at Cutter & Cutter Fine Art in St. Augustine, Fla. A reception for artists and the public is set for
efforts to minimize the impacts of construction by developing a transportation management plan, partnering with the Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation like biking and walking. San Clemente will also be looking to neighboring cities for advice regarding maintaining thriving businesses during construction. After presenting San Clemente’s Green Campaign and an overview of the city’s financial report, Hamm ended his presentation with an update on Saddleback Memorial Hospital, including the city’s initial analysis of opening a new hospital if Saddleback were to close. Hamm said the city is contemplating options including rezoning city-owned land on Avenida La Pata from open space to commercial use. The mayor ended with a call to action, asking the community to join in collaboration and civic involvement and pride. “If you’re not already, please get involved,” Hamm said. “This hospital is a truly important issue. Please, if you haven’t yet, reach out to the city, reach out to SOS (Save San Clemente Hospital Foundation), reach out to MemorialCare, and let’s work together to do everything we can to protect our citizens.” To view the mayor’s PowerPoint and video presentations, visit www.san-clemente.org. SC
May 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the gallery. “It is a distinct honor to have my work represented in this distinguished company of fine artists and accomplished oil painters,” said Delanty. More of Delanty’s work may be viewed on his website at www.delantyfineart.com.
Interfaith Coalition Meeting Saturday The San Clemente Interfaith Coalition Against Human Trafficking will hold its first meeting Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. at San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida de la Estrella. Those looking to learn more about what the faith-based community is doing to fight domestic human trafficking and how you can get involved can attend, visit www.scpres.orhg or call 949.682.6355.
Gomez Named to St. Mary’s Dean’s List Lauren Gomez of San Clemente was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind. A student must achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale with at least 12 graded hours to earn academic honors at Saint Mary’s. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
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Community Meetings THURSDAY, APRIL 16
SONGS Community Engagement Panel 6 p.m. Meeting focusing on security and used fuel storage. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion. www.songscommunity.com. FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Fifth Annual Dancing for a Cause
6 p.m. Fundraising event for area charities based on “Dancing with the Stars.” Silent and live auctions, the dance competition, and dancing for everyone will round out the evening at Casino San Clemente. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event. Proceeds of the event go to the participating charities. 140 Avenida Pico, www.thecasinosanclemente.com. SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Earth Day San Clemente
8:30 a.m. Beach clean-up event at San Clemente Pier, followed by an event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including live music, displays, demonstrations and artists. 949.366.2326 and www.scwatersheds.com. TUESDAY, APRIL 21
City Council Meeting
6 p.m. Regular meeting in City Hall Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.
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, APRIL 22
SC Rotary Club
Noon. Pride of the Pacific Bar & Grille, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org.
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org.
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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.
Monday, April 13 WELFARE CHECK North El Camino Real/Avenida Pico (2:22 p.m.) A drunken woman walking around a 7-Eleven parking lot was showing everyone her breasts. CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (9:01 a.m.) A man complained of an ongoing issue with his neighbors calling him names. CITIZEN ASSIST Avenia Presidio, 100 Block (5:51 a.m.) Police received a call from a man who was requesting help picking up another man who was “extremely ill.” The caller was planning on picking the man up at Del Taco and taking him to the Veterans Affairs hospital in San Diego. OPEN DOOR Avenida Talega, 800 Block (5:18 a.m.) A door to a home was wide-
open. There were no lights on or cars parked outside the residence, and no one is usually seen there until 8:30 a.m. DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 600 Block (12:43 a.m.) A 28-year-old man who was upset over prices threatened to harm an employee.
Sunday, April 12 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (9:48 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a blue van parked in a yellow zone. The caller believed the owner of the van was selling drugs. The man who was driving was seen leaving the vehicle on a skateboard. CITIZEN ASSIST No Street Listed, 0 Block (8:17 p.m.) Deputies were requested after a subject harassed the caller by toilet papering their residence and smashing plants. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY El Camino Real, 2400 Block (5:17 p.m.) An employee who witnessed a traffic collision in the parking lot stated one of the two parties involved was refusing to exchange information. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Vaquero, 100 Block (4:25 p.m.) A man and a woman were arrested for having sex in a vehicle parked in a private parking lot.
OBITUARY
Mark Robert Schmitt Mark Robert Schmitt sadly and unexpectedly lost a battle with leukemia on April 7, 2015. Born in 1954 to Robert and Mary Schmitt, Mark spent his youth in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, graduating from Wheeling High School and attending various colleges. In 1981, he moved to San Clemente, CA, where he raised his family and shared his talents with the community. Mark’s forty one year career passion was insurance. His work in the industry allowed him to successfully cofound an insurance company and became Senior V.P. of risk acquisition for both national and international reinsurance markets for Assurant. Mark was also an owner of a cheesecake business in Chicago with his childhood best friend. Mark enjoyed the simple aspects of travel, community service, philanthropy, sports, music (especially Bruce Springsteen), and time with his friends and family. Following his children closely as they grew up, Mark was involved in Indian Princesses & Guides as well as coaching softball, baseball and basketball. His passion for his community brought him to the Boys and Girls Club, where he served as a board member and past president. Civically, Mark was a Tri-City Municipal Water District election winner, a past San Clemente Planning Commissioner and General Planning Commissioner of San Clemente. He also
sat on a SC Parks and Recreation Task Force. He set the highest standards for family and friends and steered them all towards success. Aside from these communal pleasures he enjoyed the idyllic frustrations of golf and the lessons hidden inside history books. With a photographic memory, a remarkable financial sense, and a habit of “saying-it-like-it-was”, he always shared his knowledge with others. His passion for learning did not stop and he always spoke about the day he would retire and finish a degree in the historical sciences. Mark’s love of family was evident in everything he did. Married for 32 years, he is survived by his loving wife, Kitty; children, Caitlyn & Matthew; sister, Karen Wells Zelinski; his dog, Sadie, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will dearly miss his loyalty, love, keen wit, and German ethics. Memorial services will be held on May 9th 2015, at 11 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 200 E Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente CA. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area in San Clemente P O Box 3042, San Clemente CA 92674.
9-1-1 HANGUP El Camino Real, 1100 Block (4:25 p.m.) A woman called 9-1-1, yelling into the phone about “someone trying to steal soldiers from Camp Pendleton.” CITIZEN ASIST Costa Rustico, 5100 Block (1:02 p.m.) A woman called in regards to another woman who found her son’s phone and wanted money in exchange for it. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Vista Valinda, 600 Block (10:14 a.m.) A “very upset” caller informed police their dog had been hit by a car. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Real, 3900 Block (9:18 a.m.) Multiple subjects in an older white Jaguar were seen with syringes. The caller believed they were doing illegal drugs.
Saturday, April 11 DISTURBANCE Calle Del Cerro, 1100 Block (9:38 p.m.) Multiple juveniles were seen lighting shirts on fire and holding them over a pool. DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle Puente, 110 Block (4:44 p.m.) A party that had a city permit was reported for using microphones and being excessively loud. The caller believed municipal codes were being violated. SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Paseo Halcon, 3300 Block (2:26 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol
check for a white Toyota that appeared to have a camera facing out of the back window. DRUNK IN PUBLIC Via Pico Plaza, 0 Block (12:17 p.m.) A drunken, apparently transient woman who had soiled herself, was asking people for beer. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMTANCES El Camino real, 1800 Block (4:15 a.m.) A woman, called 9-1-1 three times on the evening of April 11 and was “rambling on about victims’ assistance and human trafficking, but refused to provide an address.” The caller was acting “very paranoid,” thinking she was in some sort of danger. A man could be heard in the room trying to calm her down.
Friday, April 10 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (7:32 p.m.) A subject on a bike was seen looking into vehicles in a parking lot. TRAFFIC HAZARD Avenida Pico/FWY-5 (4:05 p.m.) A subject was riding a bike against traffic while pulling a suitcase. WELFARE CHECK Avenida Pico, 800 Block (11:17 a.m.) A drunken man called police asking for help, but could not provide an address. He said he needed to go to a rehab center, however, when offered medical assistance, the man disconnected.
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton
The News is Desperate as Usual Is the world really as bad as it seems when watching the six o’clock news?
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very day media treats us to a constant stream of carnage, crisis, chaos, corruption and catastrophe. Everywhere things are awful. TV is bad enough but how about social media? Doesn’t it seem like everyone has a personal calamity to bleep about? If newscasts make us uneasy, social media is downright confusing. On Twitter, we get excited if someone ‘follows’ us. In real life, we go straight to our car and lock the doors. Today’s headlines remind me of an old Kingston Trio song I fondly remember from childhood: “They’re rioting in Africa, they’re starving in Bahrain; There’s hurricanes in Florida and Texas needs rain; The whole world is festering with unhappy souls; Palestinians hate Israel and Russians hate
Letters to the Editor IS THE SPANISH VILLAGE BECOMING THE STANDARD VILLAGE? MIKE COTTER, Escondido
In 1932, the syndicated feature Ripley’s Believe It or Not astonished newspaper readers with the headline, “There is a Spanish City in the USA!” They were talking about San Clemente, which founder Ole Hanson had envisioned in 1925 to be a unique “village in the manner of old Spain.” By 1930, Hanson had built over 500 Spanish Colonial Revival structures. But the Great Depression hit, Bank of America foreclosed on many properties, and a court overturned the restrictive “white stucco walls and red tile roof” building code in 1937. The hope was that loosening building restrictions would spur investment, but that didn’t happen. Like all other communities in the country, San Clemente would have to wait until the end of World War II San Clemente Times April 16-22, 2015
the Poles; The Bosnians hate Yugoslavs, Indonesians hate the Dutch; And we don’t like anybody very much…” OK, I updated a few countries to make it more relevant today, but the rest of the lyrics are the same. More importantly, the concept is still exact: The news is desperate as usual. That observation has been getting more desperate and more usual since the phrase was first coined in Tom Robbins’ brilliant satiric novel “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.” Sissy Hankshaw, the book’s main character, was always going out on adventures in the wild. When returning to civilization she would naturally notice the newspaper WAVELENGTHS By Jim Kempton headlines were frantic, anxious, distraught and panicked. “The news,” Sissy would always note, “was desperate as usual.” At least back then international news stories were about (literally) earth-shaking events—atomic bomb tests in Russia, earthquakes in China, Tsunamis in Alaska. If we heard about a murder or a rape or child abduction it was usually one that had happened in our own town, which, no matter where you live, is pretty rare. So is humanity’s condition getting worse, or do media outlets just have a lot more hours of content to fill? With the 24-hour news cycle that must be fed inces-
to see construction recover. Imagine how the “City of White Houses” would look today had the building requirements remained strictly Spanish over the past 90 years. It would be a marvel. But Hanson’s unique, bold vision was replaced by a milder, more generic plan. The city has made numerous attempts in the last few decades to recapture its historic Andalusian charm: establishing a Designated Historic Resources and Landmarks list; becoming a state certified local government and a Preserve America community with a historic Main Street program. The city has even re-established a Spanish architectural overlay in the Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real T-zone, the heart of the Spanish Village. But the pendulum swings. From time to time, the local business community seems to forget the city’s official slogan “The Spanish Village by the Sea.” A 1982 photograph shows a forlorn and empty downtown T-zone with insipid non-Spanish facades on nearly every building—a sorry picture of “Anywhere, USA,” or “Generica.” And while the T-zone has recovered some of its bold Spanish architectural roots in the last few years, downtown merchants recently adopted a rather tame
santly, we hear about child abductions in Mexico City, rapes in Calcutta and murders in Durban as if they were happening in our own backyard. Not to mention car chases in Atlanta, shootouts in Chicago and train wrecks in Wichita. It feeds the false impression that we are barely safe to walk outside our homes—let alone allow our children to walk to the local pizza parlor. But in reality it’s not that our current situation is growing worse, it’s just that we are hearing about a lot more bad things from a lot more places, a lot more often. Worrying about the crimes, crises and celebrities is probably counterproductive. Sorting the sensational from the significant isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. After all, the media provides us with a wonderful platform of information from around the globe to contemplate worldwide problems, evaluate policies, or help our fellow humans. Unfortunately, we mostly get bank robberies or Kim Kardashian instead. Jim Kempton is an incessant newswatcher who finds some real newscasters to be funnier than Comedy Central’s fake newscasters. The real ones just don’t realize they’re being funny. 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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Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick
City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, April 17, at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso. Watershed Task Force founding board member and fisherman Ken Nielsen will serve as guest this week’s chat. He’ll discuss the upcoming Earth Day event in the Pier Bowl scheduled for Saturday. 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.
urban logo devoid of warmth or charm. Are downtown merchants ready to do what they need to do to compete with the outlet mall looming on the horizon? Hopefully, they recognize that today’s shoppers want not just quality goods and services, but also a special experience. And hopefully they will capitalize on what the outlet mall can never provide—a unique shopping and dining experience beautifully wrapped in a romantic, rich and genuine 90-year-old Spanish patina. Olé! But not if the “Spanish Village” becomes the standard village. (Cont. on page 12)
Page 10
OPERATIONS
City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell 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, Evan Da Silva, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent
San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 16. 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 (Cont. from page 10)
WATER SHORTAGE CONTINUES A PATTERN PETER CASSIMATIS, San Clemente
In the past 40 years, the California educational system has deteriorated into an expensive and sad joke. High-school graduates cannot write a simple sentence nor make change. For 40 years, the California road system has fallen further and further behind the needs of a modern, mobile society and the solution is to force us to stop before entering our overcrowded freeways, car pool so you can park with people you know and dodge potholes to sharpen our driving skills. For 40 years, the politicians have ignored the need for
water to sustain a growing population and dithered away the money that should have been used for this critical infrastructure on “important” projects, like protecting their jobs from assault from enviro-screamers and unions. Then, they have the audacity to tell you it’s your fault for watering your lawn. For 40 years, we keep electing the same batch of self-serving politicians and buying into their mantra that what they do is in our best interest. So, when you can’t get a job, drive your car or get a drink of water you’ll know what defines 40 years of progress—Sacramento style. 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.
GUEST OPINION: By Wayne Eggleston
North Beach Coming Alive Historic district proposal a key to keeping momentum
I
am writing this article as a private citizen, not as a planning commissioner. North Beach is coming alive: Vista Hermosa and the Marblehead trails have just opened; Ole Hanson Beach Club is undergoing renovation; Avenida Pico landscape median improvements are being completed; Pacific Coast bicycle path has been designed. Our City Council has been busy focusing on making North Beach a major gateway. Mayor Hamm is proposing the idea of converting apartments into condos, thus improving home ownership and stability in the North Beach area. And there are now two organizations focusing on North Beach visibility-the North Beach Community Association and an artist association. The San Clemente Historical Society and Councilwoman Kathy Ward are lighting the spark that will ignite designating North Beach as a historic district. This idea was suggested in 2009 but was not approved by the city council. I was on the city council at that time and regret that I also voted no. Yes, city council members do reflect on past decisions. At that time there were several proposed North Beach development projects and it was thought that the timing was just not right. So what is a historic district? A historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated as historically or architecturally significant. These can be buildings or structures within a historic district. Historic Districts can vary in size from just a few or hundreds of buildings and can be comprised as a commercial or mixed-use area including residential properties. In 2009, a comprehensive report was done titled “North Beach Historic District,” by Historic Resources Group. Should anyone wish a copy of it, I will be pleased to e-mail it to you (heritagesc@ fea.net). In the report it suggested the historic district be comprised of the following
Page 12
contiguous parcel properties: Ole Hanson Beach Club, Casino San Clemente, Miramar Theatre and the Bowling Center. What was left out was Ichibiri Restaurant, which was constructed in 1931 as the Aquarium Café, and a historic residence. These two properties should be considered for inclusion. In order for properties to be included in a historic district they must have the following qualities: special historical, cultural, architectural, social or aesthetic character inherent to the city, state or nation. All of the properties listed are on San Clemente Historic Resource List, and the Ole Hanson Beach Club is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. So why a historic district? The future of North Beach has languished for far too long. Marblehead residential and commerWayne cial are being developed Eggleston and North Beach will play an important economic and visitor/ resident role for a vital area. Property values in and adjacent to a historic district will increase as evidence by a 2011 study of local historic districts and property values. Designating it as a historic district will re-vitalize and energize North Beach and move it forward as a historic gateway to San Clemente. But even more important, it will create an incentive for a vital entertainment area that we can all enjoy. Wayne Eggleston, former mayor and council member; current planning commissioner; Executor Director of The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation, The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
www.sanclementetimes.com
SC 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 | 16 OPEN ARTIST STUDIO 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists. Free. Ages 16 and up. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com. BONNIE AND CLYDE THE MUSICAL 7:30 p.m. The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback College presents the musical “Bonnie and Clyde” at the McKinney Theatre. Directed by Trevor Biship, this thrilling, gritty musical has a non-traditional score combining blues, gospel, and rockabilly music. Performances run until April 19 and begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 18, and 2:30 p.m. on April 19. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students/seniors. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Friday | 17 THE FREMONTS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Experience the quintessential California wine tasting and enjoy hundreds of California’s finest vintage wines, delicious food samples and lively
music. Wines are paired with a variety of fresh gourmet appetizers like artisan breads, cheeses, olive oils and much more. Admission is $99 in advance. Marriott Hotel and Resort, VUE lawn, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.californiawinefestival.com. SLINGS AND ARROWS: SHAKESPEARE’S HAMLET REIMAGINED 7 p.m. Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens will become a living stage for a promenade-style immersive theater experience, as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern welcome audiences to begin a journey through William Shakespeare’s haunting tale of murder, torment and revenge on April 17 and 18. General admission tickets are $25, $20 for members. Call 949.498.2139, or visit www.casaromantica. org for ticket information. This production is recommended for audiences ages 13 and up. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.
Saturday | 18 SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join guest botanist Tony Bomkamp on an exploration of The Reserve looking for spring wildflowers. Ages 8 and up. Adults $10, children $5. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on April 17.The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.
supplies will be provided. The program at Parque Del Mar by the Pier features music, educational displays, demonstrations, artists and awards for those who contribute. The San Clemente Tree Foundation will also give away 100 free trees in a variety of sizes. For information, call the Watershed Task Force at 949.366.2326 or visit www.scwatersheds.com.
Sunday | 19 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.
Monday | 20
Photo: Courtesy
MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS 10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theaters. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.
Tuesday | 21 DUSTIN FRANKS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.
EARTH DAY IN SAN CLEMENTE 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join the city of San Clemente and the Watershed Task Force in learning about how everyone can make a difference in reducing litter and pollutants. The day begins with a beach cleanup at 8:30 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes;
Wednesday | 22 COMEDY NIGHT 9:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Watch live comedy at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar every Wednesday night. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomsirishbar.com.
Wishbone Ash Comes to The Coach House BY EVAN DA SILVA, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
F
orty-six-year rock veterans Wishbone Ash will be playing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, April 23, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Creators of 24 original studio recordings and 10 live albums, the group will be visiting Southern California on the first leg of their “Pilgrimage USA Tour,” named after one of their most beloved albums and their annual touring journey. Formed in the United Kingdom in 1969, Wishbone Ash is led by founder Andy Powell on guitar and vocals, the Finnish Muddy Manninen, also on guitar, bass
San Clemente Times April 16-22, 2015
Photo: Courtesy
veteran Bob Skeat and Britain’s Joe Crabtree performing on drums. Their newest album, “Blue Horizon,” has received positive reviews across the board and prompted the band to tour the southern and western United States, for the first time in years, last spring. “I thought, why not ring the bell to see if our fans in the South and Southwest would come out and join the party,” said Powell.
At the Movies: ‘Ex-Machina’ Quiet but Thrilling
Lynard Skynard, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden and Opeth have all cited Wishbone Ash as influences on their musical styles, primarily due to Ash’s twin guitar style. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Tickets are $20 and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. For tickets or more information call 949.496.8930 or go to www.thecoachhouse.com. SC Page 17
BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
O
nly three weeks before the highly hyped Avengers: Age of Ultron is released, comes another sci-fi trip with an artificial intelligence theme. Alex Garland’s Ex-Machina, with Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander, is near opposite to anything Marvel-related. Already familiar with science fiction as the screenwriter of 28 Days Later (2002) and Never Let Me Go (2010), Garland tries, and succeeds, at directing for the first time with his newest script. In a very near future, Caleb (Gleeson) wins a contest, the prize being the chance to spend a week assisting Nathan (Isaac), the owner of the computer company he does coding for. When Caleb excitedly arrives on Nathan’s private resort, it is not only secluded, but also completely programmed with cameras everywhere and A.I. data. Caleb soon discovers he’s been chosen to be a prompter for an interactive test with a robotic prototype Nathan has invented and calls Ava (Vikander). Both Gleeson and Isaac are also appearing in the Star Wars reboot this fall, and Garland’s film is the perfect calm before the media storm that comes with a big franchise. All three main actors of Ex-Machina have proven they are some of the most impressive players in independent cinema right now, and here they all shine and hold together a chilling feature where the action lies in the character interaction. Garland finally finds his perfect breakthrough in film, and it’s backed up by stellar cinematography and a heart-pounding soundtrack. If there’s one movie to see this month, this subtle, existential journey is it. SC
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
Making a New Life San Clemente woman makes new life bringing professional child care to United States BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
S
usan Asay came to the United States from Germany to pursue her career in finance. Now, she helps many from her home country make the same journey to take the next step in theirs. Asay, who lives in San Clemente, is the founder of ProAuPair, a company that helps to match childcare professionals from all over the world, but especially Germany, with the opportunity to hone their skills—and their English—in the United States. The company has evolved to cater especially to families with students with special needs. “I came here in 2002 to work for (financial services firm) Pimco,” Asay said. “The company I was working for bought Pimco and I was sent as part of the integration team to Newport Beach for a year. I met my husband and we started a family.” Asay said the hours she kept for work made her realize she needed help. “I didn’t have any family here, they were in Germany and in Scotland,” she said. “Mike’s family was in Hawaii, the East Coast and northern California. I looked for nannies, but couldn’t find anyone who spoke German, because I wanted my kids to speak German. And I wanted someone who’d chosen, as a career, to work with children.” Asay then began looking into the possibility of an au pair—a student often taking a gap year—from outside the United States who lives with a host family and provides child care. She found most of the potential candidates were, in her mind, too young, mostly 18 or 19 years old.
Local Real Estate By Local Experts Sponsored by
Jeremy Conrad 949.542.8348 Jconrad@conradrealestate.com Bill Conrad 949.542.8349 BillC@conradrealestate.com
It’s time to expect more… Established 1963
Susan Asay of San Clemente made a move from finance to providing families across the United States with access to professional child care. Photo: Jim Shilander
“I wanted someone who made a career choice in childcare and the existing au pair agencies—at the time there were 13—only had people without a degree,” Asay said. Asay used her contacts in Germany, including large hospitals and the German Red Cross who train pediatric nurses or preschool teachers, and sent them a job posting asking for help. “The first year, I had about 200 applicants,” Asay said. She then screened candidates and narrowed the choices to around 30, then flew to Germany to conduct a group interview. She hired two people to work in shifts, and used one of the existing agencies to get their visas. After a few months, she said, her colleagues began asking her about the experience. She provided the other names on the “short list” she’d put together, which, she said, soon became “shorter and shorter.” When the time came for a new search for the replacements for their
current au pairs, Asay and her colleagues created the company. Included among the lists were occupational therapists with experience working with children with autism. Through various connections, Asay’s company was able to place one with a family with an autistic child, and the word began to spread. “Families with special needs have an even harder time trying to find help,” Asay said. “People with a strong background in working with special needs students are interested in coming to the U.S. because it advances their career. They can learn how the therapies are done here. Over the last seven years, now 75 percent of our families have kids with special needs.” Ninety-five percent of the au pairs that have been brought over by the agency have been German, with the remainder coming from China, Poland, Hungary and recently from Mexico, Ecuador and other countries in South America. The company placed approximately 600 au pairs
last year, nearly all in the United States. In addition to screening au pairs, which Asay still does personally, the company also screens families to be sure they’re prepared for the transition. ProAupair is now Asay’s full-time job, with 70 employees working across the U.S. as well as in Germany and Australia. “The German culture and American culture are not that different,” Asay said. “Having someone from abroad coming to work with your family is easier if the cultures are similar. In Germany, the education is fantastic. The government pays for everyone to get educated and to get a profession.” The German system, she said, also provides a great deal of practical experience to go along with education. Having someone consistently at home, she said, is particularly helpful for families with autism, since they have someone with a background who knows how to work with their child. SC
Did you know that... • Today, only 228 homes are currently listed for sale in San Clemente. Compare to April 2008 at 647 active listings • US foreclosure filings are now lowest since pre-recession of August of 2006 • 217 homes in San Clemente have successfully closed in 2015, with an average price of $867,000
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!
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
SALONS
Salon Bamboo
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com
Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.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
Salon Bleu
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
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design
949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax
949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
SC Rider Supply
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
MUSIC LESSONS
Danman’s Music School
949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
www.sanclementetimes.com
FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at
LIST
USE
LOCALS ONLY
LOCALS ONLY
In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Great workout at home. $125. 949.533.9761
GARAGE SALES ESTATE SALE High-quality Furniture (Dining Room Set, Teakwood Patio Set, Antique Pub-style draw-leaf Table/Chairs, Hall Coat Rack, Upholstered High-back Chairs, Gaming Seats) Auto Parts (Mercedes 19” Alloy Wheels/Tires, 15” GMC Truck Alloy Wheels/Tires, Pair 10” Subwoofer enclosure) Misc (Encyclopedia, PingEye2 golf clubs, etc) Sunday, April 19, 9am-3pm. 27002 Azul Dr, Capistrano Beach GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!
Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.
GARAGE/RUMMAGE SALE APRIL 18, 8:00 AM-12 NOON. Come shop at San Clemente High School Main Parking Lot. Huge selection: clothes, jewelry, furniture, bikes, kitchen items, frames, and much more. Proceeds to benefit SCHS Dance Team. GARAGE SALE IN SAN CLEMENTE- TALEGA Sat, April 18th, 8-11am. 9 Corte Sagrada, SC 92673. Everything in TOP Condition: Gorgeous Pennsylvania House Dining Room Table- Seats 12, TRUE Treadmill, Drexel Heritage Sofa Table, Wii Game with All Accessories, Boys Red Toddler Mini Rod Bike, 9 ft Barcana Christmas Tree and MORE MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE this Saturday April 18th 7am to 2pm. 3395 Calle La Veta, San Clemente 92672
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
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
San Clemente Times April 16-22, 2015
Page 21
www.sanclementetimes.com
SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy
Accepted and Rejected Does an alma mater define success?
M
any high school seniors spent last week’s spring break touring college campuses at breakneck speed to meet the college commitment deadline of May 1. By mid-April most seniors receive their college rejections and acceptances, but many still labor over final decisions or sit in limbo as colleges decide their status. Just when it seemed the stressful and competitive college admission process couldn’t become more cutthroat, Harvard proudly announced they accepted a record low 5.3 percent of applicants—rejecting approximately 95 percent of the 37,307 prospective students. The class of 2019 Harvard hopefuls appear impressive with more than 16,000 applicants scoring above 700 on the SAT math test and over 3,000 of them ranking first in their high school classes yet the majority didn’t make the cut. LIFE’S A BEACH This year’s award for By Shelley Murphy most selective school goes to Stanford University, boasting a record low five percent acceptance rate. Stanford is my senior son’s number one choice, so not surprisingly he opened a letter saying due to “an incoming class of approximately 1,700 students, we must decline the vast majority of our applications each year.” My son is among the many who, after months of agonizing over applications and waiting for word from colleges, rip open envelopes to find letters starting with “I am very sorry…” As parents we want to provide our kids every advantage and we’ve been led to believe that translates to an elite education promising access to influential alum, prestigious internships and high-salaried careers. We’ve fallen prey to the admissions hysteria and believe acceptance to an Ivy or elite school punches a student’s ticket to a prosperous life.
Parents pummeled by the application process see a son or daughter’s college acceptance as their final parenting report card—after 18 years we’re ultimately graded by the decal on our car or the sweatshirt we wind up wearing. Frank Bruni, a columnist for the New York Times and bestselling author recently released “Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania.” His book puts the college application process in perspective for parents and students. Bruni says getting an education is important but what’s more important than where students go is their efforts inside and outside the classroom. He presents statistics, surveys, and the stories including those of extremely successful Fortune 500 executives who didn’t attend exclusive schools. Harvard rejected billionaire Warren Buffett who said, “What I thought was a crushing event at the time has turned out for the better.” Buffett graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I’m not knocking an Ivy or elite education, but I empathize with the many high school seniors experiencing heartbreaking rejection this month. I hope Bruni’s book helps kids, and parents, understand that the college students hail from is not the sole predictor of worth and success. Whether seniors are still deliberating or already celebrating, May 1 marks the start of an exciting chapter in their lives. The painstaking college admissions process behind them, soon they’ll navigate unfamiliar college campuses discovering new people, places and perspectives. Hopefully, on occasion, they’ll find the familiar path home, too. 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 Page 22
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
www.sanclementetimes.com
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 spring sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.
On Emotional Night, Volleyball Sweeps Hawks The color orange was ever-present during the San Clemente and Laguna Hills boys volleyball South Coast League match on April 15. There were orange t-shirts, shoes, socks, wristbands and signs all over the San Clemente gym in honor of Saylor Voris, a San Clemente High School student who died early in the morning on April 14 after fighting leukemia for 19 months. Both teams paid tribute by wearing orange, the color associated with the fight against leukemia. The Tritons wore orange wristbands while the Hawks wore orange bands around their legs. The crowd, especially the student section, was decked out in orange clothing. San Clemente senior middle blocker Matt August said it was tough to go out and play after losing a friend but the Tritons responded, sweeping away the Hawks in three sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22. San Clemente (14-3, 2-1 league) built
late leads in both the first and second sets against the Hawks, who were playing without their starting setter. Following an 18-5 run in the first, the Tritons held a 21-8 lead and San Clemente head coach Ken Goldstone emptied his bench. The Hawks immediately went on a 7-0 run and eventually narrowed the winning gap to six points. The second set was much closer and at 22-21, the Tritons bench was emptied again and three sophomores took the court while most of the starting lineup sat on the sidelines. San Clemente sophomore outside hitter Jess Hunt notched the final two kills of the set to end the Hawks’ threat. “I wanted to play some close games. If (Laguna Hills) caught up I wasn’t going to put our starters back in,” Goldstone said. “These guys need to learn how to win. I had three sophomores out there in game two. They’re good volleyball players, they’re capable.” Among the more noticeable tributes to Voris was on August’s shoes. The senior, who led the team with eight kills, had “Pray for Say” and her initials, “SV”, marked across his sneakers, a sign that when he takes the court this year, Voris’ memory does as well. “We did it for her … It especially hurt … it hit me hard,” August said. “I did it for her and I’m glad we got the win tonight. Not only tonight but for the rest of the season and forever she’ll be our inspiration.”
Tritons Baseball Returns to League After a 1-3 effort at the Boras Classic
Caleb Bozarth, right, Austin Boyer (1) and the San Clemente boys lacrosse defense held strong in a 7-4 win over Tesoro on April 14. Photo: Curtis Guillotte
tournament, the San Clemente baseball team will return to more familiar surroundings starting April 15. The Tritons were slated to return to Sea View League play April 15 and April 17 for games against third-place Trabuco Hills. The Tritons (15-4, 3-1) went 1-3 at the high-profile Boras Classic at JSerra Catholic last week but the games were all closely contested. San Clemente opened with a 3-1 win over Chatsworth, then lost the next three games, two of which were decided in extra innings. The game which did not feature extra innings for the Tritons was a 2-1 loss to Great Oak of Temecula. San Clemente opened league play earlier this year with a 6-1 win over Trabuco Hills (13-6-1, 2-2). The Mustangs entered the series on a six-game winning streak.
Boys Lacrosse Beats Rival Titans
The San Clemente boys volleyball team wore orange wristbands in honor of Saylor Voris on April 14. Photo: Lynn Hopper
San Clemente Times April 16–22, 2015
Solid play in net made goals difficult to come by in the San Clemente and Tesoro boys lacrosse South Coast League game on April 14. The Tritons’ net-minder Austin Boyer proved to be sharper than his counterpart, however, as San Clemente won, 7-4. Kieran Regan scored the lone goal in the first quarter, which gave the Tritons a 1-0 lead. Both teams exchanged goals in the second and the Tritons led 3-2 at the half. San Clemente scored three consecutive goals to open up the third. Branden Wilson scored once and Matt Keany scored twice to give the visitors a 6-2 advantage, which would not be threatened the rest of the way. The Tritons will travel to play Trabuco Hills on April 17 for a crucial league matchup. Page 24
Girls Lacrosse Notches First League Win The San Clemente girls lacrosse team shook off early season troubles in league by defeating Tesoro 10-9 at home on April 14. The Tritons (6-4, 1-3) entered the match following a close 6-5 loss to league opponent Capistrano Valley on April 3. The Tritons will host Trabuco Hills on April 17.
Girls Track Competes in Irvine Tritons track and field team members Kelsey and Katie Carroll both had successful days at the Irvine Distance Invitational on April 11. Kelsey Carroll placed first in both the 1,600 and 3,200, setting a new meet record in the 3200 with a time of 11:09. Katie Carroll finished tenth and fourth in the 1600 and 3200, respectively. San Clemente’s Amber Eisele and Sara Bageant placed 12th and 16th in the 1600, respectively.
Schwartz Leads Tritons Golf in Win Over Stallions In one of their final nonleague contests before returning to South Coast League play, the San Clemente boys golf team again put up a solid winning number in a 193-224 victory over San Juan Hills on April 14. Tritons senior Sammy Schwartz shot a match-best 36 (+1) on the front nine at Talega Golf Course to earn medalist honors. San Clemente (6-3) will play one more match against the Stallions and in the Estancia Tournament before returning to league play against Tesoro on April 21. www.sanclementetimes.com
SC San Clemente
SC SURF
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
GROM OF THE WEEK
GRIFFIN COLAPINTO
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A new Hobie Surf Shop is coming to this currently vacant space in downtown San Clemente. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Hobie Expanding in San Clemente A new Hobie Surf Shop is coming to downtown SC
BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
he empty storefront at 167 Avenida Del Mar, at the corner of Del Mar and Ola Vista in downtown San Clemente, will soon become home to a new Hobie Surf Shop. Hobie General Manager, Jake Schwaner, said interior demolition in the space is done and the company is currently going through the permitting process with the city. “Plans are approved and we are waiting for the building permit,” Schwaner said. “If all goes well, we’re anticipating an early June opening.” The new store will incorporate features similar in style to the Dana Point store, Schwaner said, with fewer brands making up a higher quality selection—Patagonia, the company’s own brand and others not typically found in surf shops. The shop will also feature unique accessories for men, including hand-crafted artisanal accessories. “The new store will be almost 3,000 square feet and designed similarly to our Dana Point store, with sustainable
building products, wood floors, LED lighting and natural light from Solatubes,” Schwaner said. The Hobie shop currently located at the top of Del Mar on El Camino Real will become the company’s second Tuvalu Home Environment store—the first being located in Laguna Beach—Laurie Alter’s coastal home furnishing and design center, featuring a full line of furniture, accessories and design services. The smaller Hobie Surf Boutique just up Del Mar from the new store will continue to focus on swimwear, active wear and the girls’ and women’s surf market. “Our goal is to bring an elevated shopping experience to the local community for both Hobie Surf Shop and Tuvalu,” said Schwaner. “As more and more discount shopping is opening up in San Clemente we feel consumer trends of the future will see customers looking for an authentic experience and genuine expert guidance on their purchasing decisions. Our goal is to satisfy their desire for innovation, quality and authenticity.” SC
riffin Colapinto, 16, of San Clemente, got one of the biggest surprises of his professional surfing career so far when he found out he was chosen to be on the cover of the latest issue of SURFER Magazine. “After golfing with my manager (Blair Marlin) he invited me over for tacos,” Griffin said. “When we rolled up to his house and opened the gate, everyone was there. It was a surprise party for me to show me the cover. I was so rattled. It was one of the biggest moments of my life. It felt just like winning a big contest, really.” Among the guests were a bunch of folks from the magazine, his family—including his grandparents—and some of his friends. Griffin was presented with an enlargement of the cover with the photo of an air section he hit at Casinos in Santa Barbara. “We—me and Colt Ward and photographer Nelly (Dave Nelson) and Kyle Boothman was filming—were at Rincon earlier that morning and it was kind of funky, not really good, so someone suggested we go check out this air wave called Casinos,” Griffin said. “We pulled up and saw Yadin Nicol was out and doing big airs and Nelly decided to shoot water. We had a couple of link-ups but I wasn’t thinking anything about it at the time.” The guys at the magazine, he said, told him they had a bunch of pictures up on the wall, to vote on the next cover, and the photo wasn’t among them. The shot, as they say in film, was on the cutting room floor. “Someone saw it on the ground and suggested it and they all agreed,” he said. “I was going for a blowtail reverse, spinning around and my rail caught and I ended up falling. I was pretty bummed I didn’t land it but the shot totally made up for that.” Griffin’s next adventure begins Friday as he heads off to Martinique for World Surf League Qualifying Series event No. 8. —Andrea Swayne
Griffin Colapinto (left) and brother Crosby with an enlargement of the latest cover of SURFER Magazine featuring a shot of Griffin, airborne in Santa Barbara. Photo: Courtesy
SIXTH ANNUAL MONGOOSE CUP SET FOR SATURDAY The sixth annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup—benefitting the Sport of Kings Foundation and presented by Salt Life—will be held Saturday, April 18 at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor. More information and registration can be found online at mongoosecup.gemininext.com or on Facebook.
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-62 degrees F Thursday and Friday: Blend of NW windswell and S/ SSW swell energy holds early Thursday, before fading through Friday. Better breaks through the region offer surf in the waist-chest high zone through the end of the work week, with sets to shoulder high during the right tides on Thursday. Light+ offshores Thursday morning, followed by a light+ to moderate westerly sea-breeze each afternoon. New NW swell starts to show Friday afternoon. Longer Range Outlook: Over the weekend a fresh blend of NW swell-mix and SW/SSW swell builds in. Size bumps back up into the waist-chest high range with better sets for standouts. Slow fade into early next week. Check out Surfline for more details, daily updates, and the longer range outlook!