October 12, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

October 12–18, 2017

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Positive Vibe Warriors Send More than 680 Surfboards to South Africa PAGE 22 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 41

Toe the Line

Stance Socks, military nonprofit host third annual Socks for Heroes event EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

First Lt. Chris From of the 1st Marine Division examines a pair of socks during the Socks for Heroes event at Stance Socks on Oct. 6.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Police Chief: Recent Business Break-Ins Linked to Organized Crime EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

SCHS Graduate Working to Build Rocket with UC Berkeley EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

www.sanclementetimes.com

Light Up the Pier Scheduled for Oct. 13 EYE ON SC/PAGE 7

VOTE FOR THE BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE AT SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

San Clemente Police Services Chief Lt. Mike Peters discusses commercial break-in statistics on Oct. 9. Peters said business owners should take preventative action, such as installing surveillance cameras and burglary alarms, to aid police in apprehending criminals. Photo: Eric Heinz

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Burglaries at Shops in San Clemente Appear to be Planned, According to Police Chief THE LATEST: A series of recent break-ins around downtown and the Outlets at San Clemente show a concerted effort by organizations coming through the city and scoping out vulnerable businesses.

“We do have some crews out of Los Angeles and Long Beach that are very well organized and planned,” San Clemente Police Services Chief Lt. Mike Peters said. “They come down, will surveil the area—they’re surveilling this coastline all the way down to Sunset Cliffs, San Diego.

We’ve arrested people, not recently, but in the past who have lists of businesses all the way down.”

Peters said these lists include details of businesses as to whether they have alarms, cameras, their location and ways to break into them. He said the burglars are inside the businesses for one or two minutes at most.

“A while back, when Tommy’s Family Restaurant and Coffee Shop (located at 1409 S El Camino Real) was burglarized, the way that they did it, they smash (the door or window), they go in and know San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

exactly where they’re going to in the location,” Peters said.

Arcade Camera, located at 131 Avenida Del Mar, Suite A, was broken into on July 30 and more than $45,000 worth of merchandise was stolen, according to police records. Designs by Nature, located at 400 S El Camino Real, Suite A, also experienced a break-in on Sept. 25.

Emails to the San Clemente Times from Designs by Nature stated the burglars likely used a crowbar. There also was a break-in at the Outlets at San Clemente on Sept. 29.

Peters said in some cases the speed of the break-ins has been aided by people who work at the establishments—or “an inside job.” But in other cases, the perpetrators will sit around the business, watch for specific weak points and return to exploit them.

“They can sometimes figure out the placement of the (surveillance) cameras,” Peters said, adding sometimes businesses use fake cameras to present the illusion of protection. “They think the crooks aren’t going to notice that or see it, but sometimes that (information) comes from inside sources.”

The groups that are coming from LA and Long Beach are likely tied to the Insane Crip gangs in Long Beach, which Peters said have been arrested in the South Orange County area for related crimes in the past. He said the methods of operations are almost identical to past burglaries.

“They know that if there are no weapons and no violence, even if they get caught, they’re not going to spend a lot of time in jail,” Peters said.

That acknowledgement of spending minimal time behind bars is tied to the effects of Prop 47 and Assembly Bill 109,

which reduced incarceration for nonviolent misdemeanors significantly throughout California. Prop 57, approved last November by voters, also reduces jail time and emphasizes rehabilitation sentencing instead.

The bills have been criticized at San Clemente City Council meetings as giving too much leniency on property crime and gives habitual criminals the leeway to continue their illegitimate practices.

Even if the crimes are enough to warrant felony charges, the actual jail time is minimal compared to the state’s old schedules.

“These thefts are happening anywhere there’s a major artery (or highway),” Peters said. “Anywhere you have a quick way to escape, that’s where they’re hitting. The closer to the artery, the better.”

Random burglaries, such as burglarizing unlocked vehicles or homes, are a different story. Peters said typically those thefts are committed by people trying to make a quick buck.

“Some of the things we see on all the thefts are people not wanting to be victims, but they want something done. Yet, they don’t want to go through the court process to get something done,” Peters said. “I think people are aware that (the burglars) are not going to be in jail very long, and it adds to the fear factor.”

According to statistics from Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the overseeing agency of San Clemente Police Services, property crime incidents in San Clemente rose 42.6 percent from 2014 to 2016. Larceny also increased during this time.

WHAT’S NEXT: A video from a break-in at Tommy’s Family Restaurant and Coffee Shop shows an example of how quickly these burglaries can take place. The surveillance footage will be posted in this article at www.sanclementetimes.com when it is available. —Eric Heinz

City Council Approves New Housing Rules to Conform to State Laws THE LATEST: In order to comply with new state statutes, the San Clemente City Council approved three different laws that would allow for accessory dwelling units as well as junior dwelling units (extra rooms in homes).

The city’s laws were a bit more prohibitive in that they did not allow for accessory dwellings if it increased the density of the lots past a certain point.

The bills, AB 2299 and 2406 as well as SB 1069, all affect the housing laws in some way. They were created in order to address serious housing concerns in California, which studies have shown is

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dwindling in major metropolitan areas as populations continue to increase.

WHAT’S NEXT: Although the city approved the new laws, the accessory dwelling units law will also come with a traffic study, which the city will pay $10,000 for, in order to see which areas would be able to accommodate the units and what impacts it could have on parking.

The areas of the study are primarily west of Interstate 5, where narrow streets and multifamily units are prevalent.

FIND OUT MORE: The entirety of the new laws is available on a link at this story on www.sanclementetimes.com. —EH

Wheeler North Reef Expansion Planned THE LATEST: At the Oct. 3 City Council meeting, representatives from Southern California Edison (SCE) presented plans to expand the Wheeler North Reef off the coast of San Clemente from 100 acres to 200 acres. The plans have been formulated because the reef is not experiencing the volume of fish needed to meet SCE’s mitigation requirements of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

Most of the requirements have been met for years, but the fish have not come along.

Patrick Tennant, SCE senior manager of mitigation and restoration section, said the reef, which is artificial, should attract the standard 28 metric tons of fish when counting takes place, and the reef has met about half of that.

“It would go north of the (current) reef, and the goal is (to make it) more linear along the ocean edge where the most fish are found,” Tennant said. “The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process will dictate the final design and the State Lands Commission will be the lead CEQA agency.”

The placement of the reef expansion is planned to grow north of its current location, which is just north of the nuclear power plant.

Council member Steve Swartz, who is in his first term on Council, asked whether the reef would increase the shark presence in San Clemente, which was a large concern this summer.

Tennant said they haven’t seen an increase of sharks.

WHAT’S NEXT: Consulting won’t take place until December, Tennant said.

Eventually the project would have to be approved by the California Coastal Commission, which monitors the reef for relative and absolute standards. If everything goes according to plan, the reef expansion could start as early as summer 2018. —EH (Cont. on page 5) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3)

San Clemente Man Seeks Consensus on Ballot Initiative against Toll Road THE LATEST: With a giant check for $5,000 behind him at the Oct. 3 City Council meeting, Charles Mann, a San Clemente activist, suggested the city should explore the possibility of putting a ballot initiative on next year’s ballot. Mann was successful in crafting ballot initiatives in the past that protect open space in San Clemente.

“Once you build on open space, it’s gone forever,” Mann said. “…The residents can actually dictate whether they want to dedicate certain places of open space for development.”

Mann said his donation is to help ensure the city keeps its open space and blocks any toll roads proposed. He also said he wanted the city to adopt an advisory action to see if they would want a toll road

Rocket Ambitions San Clemente native works on suborbital craft with UC Berkeley club

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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great divide between engineering and other disciplines prompted a college club at the University of California, Berkeley to include people with various academic backgrounds to collaborate on a rocket that the club intends to launch in 2018.

The project, known as Project Karman, is building a rocket that would travel 575,000 feet just before exiting the Earth’s atmosphere and then return back to earth at a safe speed by parachute. The name of the rocket is EUREKA-1.

Autumn Kleinman, a recent San Clemente High School graduate, is an example of the inclusive nature of the club. Kleinman said she doesn’t really have the technical background to work on the rocket (she’s majoring in political science), but says she has always been fascinated with space exploration. Her role in Project Karman is its marketing manager.

“We would be the first college team to build and fund the rocket itself, and that would demonstrate the ability for students to do things that were once exclusive to government and nonprofits and larger organizations,” Kleinman said.

Kleinman said the club was designed last year, but started as a “fragmented team.” There were many different people

San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

through town.

“This will put San Clemente at a point of leadership and leverage to where we could potentially stop the toll roads from coming through San Clemente forever,” Mann said.

Although it’s unclear whether the initiative would create law to prevent such construction, Mann said this would empower the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: The ballot initiative has not been drafted at this time, but former San Clemente mayor Wayne Eggleston said they are looking to move forward on a proposal in the near future. The deadline to gather signatures and submit the initiative would tentatively be July 2018. —EH

San Clemente Woman’s Supreme Court Case Resurfaces in New Argument THE LATEST: The Supreme Court an-

who were getting involved, but it wasn’t structured to the point where they were ready to collaborate on building a rocket.

“I went to a space policy debate event on campus and talked with one of the members and asked if there was a role for me, and they intentionally wanted to make it multidisciplinary and to be accessible to people of all majors,” Kleinman said.

Eric Pillai, the chief technical officer of the club and the head of the design branch, is an industrial engineering student who helped commence Project Karman. He said the ability to send a rocket to suborbital space has been possible since 1943, however, it has not been done by a college club.

“The challenge is getting that $1 million budget…and the overall point is to really make it cost-effective and environmentally sound,” Pillai said during a phone interview on Oct. 9. “The real multidisciplinary stuff came together this semester, as a one-man design team is not the best idea, even when the person is 100 percent qualified. So we wanted…to take (ideas) from something one person can do to make something that’s ready to fly.”

The organization is trying to raise funds for the project through crowdfunding on its project website. The rocket needs $250,000 to be completely funded on the students’ end, and grants and other donations will cover the rest of the cost.

As a way to motivate other colleges to get involved, Project Karman is challenging other students to enter what they call “the college space race” to see who can launch a rocket first. But Project Karman may already have the upper hand, with sponsorship and support from NASA and various science and research organizations.

“We’re in the midst of World Space Week, and we’re trying to use social media

nounced plans to hear petitions, during its October session, for a case related to overturning a case that gives states the ability to require public employees to pay dues to unions in lieu of not joining them.

In Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, the same argument is being made that it is unconstitutional to compel people who work for an agency to join or fund a union that Rebecca Friedrichs of San Clemente made in her 2015 appeal to the Supreme Court.

A list of other cases has been attached to the Janus arguments. The arguments made in the cases state that compulsory dues would violate the First Amendment in that unions frequently make contributions to political action committees that may not represent the same views as those who pay into them.

“As someone who has taught in the public schools for 28 years … in my view, every individual has the right to choose the organization that advocates on their behalf,” Friedrichs told the San Clemente

Times in January 2016. “I admire the history of unions and the spirit in which they were born. But in recent years, unions have become what they used to fight: powerful, entrenched organizations.”

Friedrich’s case was on the docket for the Supreme Court last year, and it was looking like the court would overturn a case that required payments to a union, a law that was decided in 1977. However, former Justice Antonin Scalia died right as the discussion was approaching its apex.

The court ruled 4-4 and the case law was never enacted.

The case, which has a fairly strong conservative backing, is now expected to overturn the 1977 case, as Justice Neil Gorsuch is likely to rule in favor of ending the requirement.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to an analysis from the SCOTUS Blog, the petitions of the case could be heard this month. The exact date of the hearing has not yet been determined. — EH

Autumn Kleinman, a San Clemente High School graduate, is a political science major but is working as the marketing director for Project Karman, which is looking to be the first college club to launch a rocket into suborbital space. Photos: Courtesy

to let people know about Project Karman and to challenge other schools to independently do similar things,” Kleinman said.

The rocket would presumably be

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launched from Spaceport America in Sierra County, New Mexico in 2018.

For more information about the project, visit www.berkeleyse.org/eureka1. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Toe the Line

event that socks are definitely an important part of what deployed Marines need.

“Honestly, getting anything when you’re overseas when you’re deployed is a great feeling,” Mante said.

Letters of appreciation from children were his favorite thing to receive.

Rachel Tice, whose husband is in the Marines, had her two children in tote while she perused the scores of socks.

“We came to the event scratching our heads, thinking what kind of sock party it would be, and we realized what an amazing event (Socks for Heroes) really is,” Tice said. “This is our third year coming, and once we bought the socks, we were hooked. So now we look forward to the socks and the party.”

Tice said friends from around the state all gathered to meet her at the event. Her husband is currently deployed in Iraq.

“We have a recreation program through the city, so we give grants to families so mom can take the kids to swim lessons and have an hour break during the day,” Carla said. “We also have programs to help keep them busy too. Marines are typically deployed for 10 months or more at a time.

They’re wonderful people, and I think the tie to the community is important to them. I want them to feel comfortable in our town. I want them to know that people really … want to support the military and that they care about their well-being, and I think we’ve accomplished that.”

A seemingly reasonable end to the program, Jim said there’s only one major future milestone he wishes to cross.

“We look forward to one day stopping shipment of our socks overseas, but until there are no more wars and nothing to put Americans overseas in harm’s way, we’ll keep doing it,” Jim said. SC

Stance Socks, military nonprofit host third annual Socks for Heroes event

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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f military members find themselves in a high-stress situation while lugging heavy equipment into unfamiliar territory with potential threats, the last thing they should be thinking about is their sock supply. That’s where San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group comes in.

A program called Socks for Heroes, which is managed by the nonprofit organiRachel Tice examines a pair of Stance Socks during the third annual Socks for Heroes event on Oct. 6. zation San Clemente Marine Corps Support Photo: Eric Heinz Group, donates thousands of pairs of socks to Marine and Army units deployed in adverse areas, such as Iraq or Afghanistan. military personnel, but also on their famiare sent to units in combat areas.

As a way to continue providing the eslies and friends.

“The way the cycle works is we pursential socks to armed forces, the group “It’s not just about those who are going chase containers (of socks) and then ship hosts an annual event at Stance Socks, forward, it’s about the families who are left them to different areas, which takes 60 a socks manufacturer, at the company’s behind,” Jim said. days to manufacture the socks and anothheadquarters in San Clemente. The event “A lot of people don’t realize the stresses er 10 days to get to the Marines,” Jim said. sells socks at markdown prices and the the families with deployed Marines are unThe program and its beneficiaries are parproceeds are given to der,” Carla added, “especially a wife who’s ticularly important to the the nonprofit. Stance living in California for the first time who Hogans, as their son, Masocks are typically has two or three kids, sometimes more. rine Lance Cpl. Donald We look forward priced at $15 to $30. At Their communications are not that great Hogan, died during a tour to one day stopping the event, military famiwhen their husband is deployed. They’re in Afghanistan in 2009. lies are able to pick up constantly under stress when their loved For the last three shipment of our socks years, the Hogans have a pair each for free, and one is far away. Plus, they’re trying to run then additional pairs can the whole family by themselves.” partnered with Stance, overseas, but until be purchased for $4 to a company that has had support the group.

From families to soldiers there are no more wars meteoric success by More than 800 people Marine Sgt. Christopher Mante of the licensing with major and nothing to put RSVP’d to the event on 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, said at the sports affiliations, includOct. 6. ing an NBA all-star game.

“We’ve been fortunate Americans overseas in “They’ve done this because we’ve enjoyed a event for us to make harm’s way, we’ll keep sure that we have adlot of support in the community as well as support doing it. equate resources to pronationwide,” Jim Hogan vide the troops socks, — Jim Hogan and also to provide for said, treasurer of the San Clemente Marine Corps the families here,” Jim Support Group. “(The event) is a winner said. “It started in 2011, when we shipped on many levels because it provides the Maabout 500,000 pairs—or about 43 tons. We rines and their families an opportunity to ship about 10,000 pairs a month now.” get out and enjoy themselves. They can feel appreciated by the local community and Why socks are so important meet people who they may not normally Jim said a Marine officer once told them have an opportunity to (meet).” the three most important items to have San Clemente Marine Corps Support while deployed are ammunition, food and Group president Carla Hogan, said socks socks. Putting boots on the ground for Sgt. Christopher Mate listens to music with his family during the third annual Socks for Heroes event at Stance are one of the most important articles of long periods of time comes with its wear Socks on Oct. 6. Photo: Eric Heinz clothing for troops, who may not be near and tear, as well as possible foot diseases. sanitary cleaning areas for weeks at a time.

“If you’re an infantry Marine, you’re on “They’re far from places with laundry your feet 12 hours at a time every day,” CarSocks for Heroes facilities, which is one of the reasons why la said. “The terrain can be very difficult: San Clemente High School and Tesoro High School football teams compete each year they need socks,” Jim said. “The Marine it could be wet, it could be rocky, it could to see who can raise the most for the Socks for Heroes program. The winner for this Corps doesn’t buy them and the Army be muddy, it could be the dry desert. Their year will be announced at the two high schools’ game on Friday, Oct. 13, at Thalassa doesn’t buy them; they have to buy them for feet are an import part of their job, and they Stadium in San Clemente, located at 700 Avenida Pico. For more information, visit themselves or get them from their families.” go through socks rapidly. Often, if they’re www.tritonfootball.com or drop off brown crew socks at the SCHS admissions office or The socks the program sends to the out in the field, they don’t take their boots at the ticket booth at the game. For more information about the San Clemente Marine Marines are low-cost and disposable. The off. They have to be prepared if there’s an Corps Support Group, visit www.scmcsg.org. troops are able to wear them three times incident. Most of them sleep in their boots.” and then discard them. Most of the socks Not only is deployment difficult on the

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San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

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www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Light Up the Pier to Take Place on Oct. 13

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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or the second year in a row, the organization Pier Pride will host a fundraising event to continue its efforts in establishing a trust for maintenance of one of the city’s most iconic structures.

On Friday, Oct. 13, supporters of the organization will create a dazzling display as the sun sets to celebrate the many aspects of the Pier.

“At sunset, line the rails of the Pier and light your cell phones in unison to symbolize your commitment to preserving this uniquely San Clemente experience,” a press release from Pier Pride stated.

During the event, Casa Romantica will host a donors party at the gardens, located at 415 Avenida Granada, which has a perfect view of the twinkling cell phone flashlights.

Maintenance of the Pier is about $450,000 on average and used to be aided by the state’s redevelopment agency fund-

Participants at last year’s Light Up the Pier event hold out their cell phones for an aerial photo in showing support of the San Clemente Pier. This year’s fundraiser will take place on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Pier. Photo: File

ing, until the program was discontinued in 2012. The goal of Pier Pride is to subsidize the lack of funding the redevelopment funds left behind.

At a recent City Council meeting, October was declared Pier Pride Month in San Clemente.

Later this month, Pier Pride will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Chipotle Mexican Grill, a fishing derby on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Pier and another fundraiser at Blaze Pizza on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

For more information, visit www.pierpride.org or on Facebook. SC

Shopping Extravaganza Raises $56,495 for Charities

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a dedication wall and ribbon set the backdrop of the third annual Shopping Extravaganza charity fundraiser on Oct. 7, which raised $56,495 to benefit 38 local nonprofits.

Outlets at San Clemente is partnering with Susan G. Komen Orange County for Pink Saves, a monthlong fundraiser in October to take action against breast cancer. Photo: by Kait McKay Photography SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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utlets at San Clemente hosted 2,000 attendees at its third annual Shopping Extravaganza charity fundraiser on Oct. 7, which raised $56,495 to benefit 38 local nonprofits. Consumers received exclusive discounts at more than 45 participating stores, while Outlets at San Clemente donated $25 for every $35 ticket purchased to a local nonprofit organization of the shopper’s choice. Last year’s event raised $42,150 to benefit local nonprofits. For more information about Outlets at San Clemente or participants of the funds, visit www.outletsatsanclemente.com. SC

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www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC screening appointment until Friday, Oct. 20. After that, appointments will be scheduled on Nov. 10 for veterans based on each patient’s needs.

Smiles for FREEdom is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was started in Reno, Nevada to aid, assist and encourage local dental offices to provide free dental services to the veterans and service men and women in our Armed Forces.

Residents Eligible for Mental Health Treatment, Medical Expenses, Funeral and Burial and More Students of Concordia Elementary School came together to make “get well soon” cards for Marines injured on Sept. 29. Photo: Courtesy of Concordia Elementary School/Shannon Rurup.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Concordia Elementary Students Send Well Wishes to Marines Injured in Training Accident Students of Concordia Elementary School in San Clemente came together on Sept. 29 to make “get well soon” cards to U.S. Marines who were injured in a fiery training accident at Camp Pendleton on Sept. 13.

One of the Marines, Staff Sgt. Marco Alires, is known to be one of the parents of the school, according to an email from principal Rob McKane. The email stated Alires was “the last to get out of a vehicle that had caught on fire, suffering third-degree burns to the point that his treatment would include being put in a medically induced coma.”

Fifteen Marines were injured in the incident, three of them in critical condition.

Students gathered during the weekly flag salute and surrounded a get well soon banner for a couple of photos to be sent to the injured Marines. These photos will be fixed to a couple of giant cards that students later had a chance to sign.

San Clemente Garden Club Fall Plant Sale Oct. 14 The San Clemente Garden Club’s annual fall plant sale offers a sale for people to spruce up their gardens and planter pots.

Horticultural advice will also be available.

The sale begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville.

Proceeds from the annual sale benefit the garden club’s annual horticulture scholarships as well the Junior Gardeners Program, city beautification activities and San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

other club projects. The San Clemente Garden Club and the city of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department sponsor the annual sale.

For additional information, visit the San Clemente website at www.sanclementegardenclub.com or on Facebook.

Weekend Closures at I-5 Pico Interchange The southbound Interstate-5 on-andoff-ramps at Avenida Pico are scheduled to close from 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16. The extended closure will allow crews to complete reconstruction of the ramps and install final striping. More information can be found at www.octa.net under “I-5 South County Improvements.”

South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society Meeting Oct. 18 Artist Jeff Fulkerson will present “Stone-On-Stone,” setting a cabochon on top of another cabochon, during the South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (SOCGEMS) meeting at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the San Clemente Community Center. He will be going through the particulars of the process, from choosing the cabs to drilling and then fabricating the settings.

Visit www.socgems.com of www.facebook.com/socgems for more information.

Free Dental Care for Local Veterans on Nov. 10 Shoreline Dental Studio will offer a day of free dental care for local veterans on Nov. 10 in partnership with Smiles for FREEdom.

Veterans can call Shoreline Dental Studio at 949.498.4110 to set up an exam and

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) stated victims impacted by the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 can contact them at 1.800.777.9229 for assistance, guidance and aid.

Help is available for survivors of those who were killed, anyone who was injured and those in attendance at the concert, as well as their immediate family members.

CalVCB can help pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, mental health treatment, lost wages and more. Applications are available on CalVCB’s website at www. victims.ca.gov.

For those who would like assistance in applying, or want to know more about resources available, contact your local victim advocate at www.victims.ca.gov.

Dr. April Cubbage to Speak on Gender Inequality at AAUW Meeting The San Clemente-Capistrano Bay branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet on Saturday, Oct. 21. The guest speaker is April Cubbage, Ph.D, a sociology and gender studies professor at Saddleback College, who will speak on the topic of gender inequality. Dr. Cubbage is also the chair of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program and co-coordinator of Online Education for Saddleback.

Prior to teaching full-time at Saddleback, she taught at both Riverside Community College and at the University of California Riverside. She has also worked with numerous local nonprofits, focusing on domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy and assisting victims of crime. Her research interests lie in gender inequality and the social construction of gender.

Meeting location is Café Mozart, 31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

Cost for the breakfast meeting is $20 per person and will take place at 8:45 a.m. For more details, go to www.sccb-ca.aauw.net.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

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Community Meetings SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

SUNRISE ROTARY 7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille.

990 Avenida Talega. www.scsunriserotary.com.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio, City Council Chambers. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING 7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday.

Because I Love You helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices.

Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.233.7981. www.sanclementerotary.org.

KIWANIS SAN CLEMENTE Noon. Kiwanis San Clemente works to help maintain the quality of life for all people through volunteerism.

Tommy’s Restaurant, 1409 S. El Camino Real. 949.366.5423. www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

NORTH BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET 3-6:30 p.m. The Market at North Beach features vendors of food, jewelry and other wares, and there could be live music. 1501 N. El Camino Real.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The Planning Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. City Council Chambers. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: The View from the Pier by Herman Sillas

San Clemente Pier More than Just a Structure

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ora and I came to San Clemente at the invitation of our next-door neighbors in Glendale. They had spent a week on vacation in San Clemente and loved their stay. They invited us to join them as partners and owners of an apartment.

Our first venture to San Clemente didn’t prove fruitful, but we came home with the card of a real estate agent. He promised to contact us if a place opened up. About two months later he called Cora and said a small apartment was available. It was a block away from the Pier. We headed out that evening and saw the unit. We fell in love with it and made an offer. We called our neighbors and they joined us along with another partner.

Each partner would be entitled to the apartment every third week.

The first weekend Cora and I came to San Clemente I was out at the Pier at 5 a.m. No one was there yet. I couldn’t explain how I felt. I had such a sense of

freedom. As other fishers came out we exchanged salutations. I finally went to our apartment around 10 a.m. I knew from that day that I would go out every weekend onto the Pier. That was back in 1984.

Eventually, our partners sold their interests to us. Every morning a group of walkers came out to the Pier for coffee.

They stayed at the end of the Pier for a couple of THE VIEW hours and then headed FROM THE PIER

By Herman Sillas back to their homes.

Each morning was filled with conversations. I began to know them and their names. We had a great time retelling stories or what had happen the day before. Over the years the numbers that strolled out to the Pier diminished. Some moved or passed away. A few are still here

Letters to the Editor

private property without having consent on file of the owner, even if they’re a fire and safety hazard.

Second, adopt the new ordinance created by Dana Point that prevents unlicensed sober living homes from operating in their city. It’s unfortunate that when sober living home residents break the rules or run out of insurance money, they’re often tossed out onto our streets. With no place to go, they’re a target for drug dealers and soon are added to our homeless population.

Next, hire a city prosecutor. Our own inhouse lawyer can focus on the bad actors who refuse to leave our town, and when they’re busted, can make sure that they’re prosecuted. If not, the “system” will likely reduce their charges, and they’ll be committing more crime again in no time.

Last, vote against any politician who is soft on crime, even if it means going against your own party. The safety of San Clemente is not a partisan issue.

ACTION NEEDED ON HOMELESS ISSUES IN SAN CLEMENTE CORD BAUER, San Clemente

San Clemente does not have a prison. We don’t have a mental institution, and we don’t have the authority to decide if persons who are caught doing crimes in San Clemente are punished or not. All of the above power resides with the state of California.

But California has given up this responsibility for the last few years, instead saying that our laws have been too harsh and too unfair. AB 109, Prop 47 and Prop 57 have changed the way we incarcerate people and have reclassified crime. You can now get caught stealing a $949 television with heroin in your pocket and you’ll be issued a misdemeanor citation.

Los Angeles and San Diego are cleaning their sidewalks with bleach to prevent a Hepatitis A outbreak. The Santa Ana riverbed by Angel Stadium has its own “tent city.”

More than a third of the people there were let out of prison within the last year. Here in San Clemente, our police services have been fighting “encampments.” There are people who put up tents near San Clemente High School, up and down Pico valley, by the beach or anywhere there’s open space.

We should use our Code Enforcement to contact all private property owners who may be a target of encampments. The sheriff can’t remove an encampment from San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

and go out and trade stories.

Sometimes I fished at the end of the Pier, other times I fished the middle of the Pier and other times I fished near the shore. The beautiful thing was that I got to know the regular fishers. We share stories with the new arrivals as to what was happening and bait they ought to use. Sometimes, nothing was happening, but we didn’t care. I’ve met great friends and we still get together.

Where can you walk on water and not get wet? This city would not be the same without it. That is the view from the Pier.

Herman Sillas is an author and resident of San Clemente and a former U.S District Attorney. He may be reached at sillas@aol. com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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 Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

BEWARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP SURVEYS DONNA CARTER, San Clemente

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, October 13 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome. patently false statements and confusing questions designed to trip up the public.

Beware when environmental groups start trotting out these skewed “results” as being reflective of public opinion. They are not. Those of us who live in San Clemente don’t want a toll road through our open space within the city limits destroying our home values and “Spanish Village by the Sea” character. Many of us do, however, support a toll road that ultimately connects to Interstate 5. I’m a 25-year resident of San Clemente, and I support the toll road being built through San Onofre.

On Oct. 4, I received a call from a research company. I agreed to take the survey and quickly realized it was a survey fielded by the environmental groups who secretly met with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) to devise the agreement that would prohibit building the toll road through San Onofre. This biased and badly constructed survey went on for roughly 15 minutes trying to build an escalating case of why the toll road should not be built there with a myriad of Page 10

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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.

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Tim Trent Jake Howard

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 41. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

Thursday | 12 DANA POINT SCIENCE NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Learn about current sciencerelated topics that are presented in a family-friendly format. There are generally hands-on activities and/or displays geared for children. Contact the Natural Resources Department for more information at dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

LIVE MUSIC: TARYN DONATH 7 p.m. Enjoy various wines and cheeses at The Cellar while listening to Taryn Donath. 156 Avenida Del Mar. 949.492.3663. www.thecellarsite.com/sanclemente.

LIVE MUSIC: LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE 7 p.m. Listen to live music at StillWater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Friday | 13 PLAYSCHOOL HARVEST FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The city of San Clemente Playschool presents a changing-of-theseason festival geared for 3- to 5-year-olds.

There is pumpkin decorating, a Halloween parade, harvest games, and tasty fall treats. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. It’s not mandatory for parents to stay. Tickets are $15 per child.

Tierra Grande Park, 399 Camino Tierra Grande. 949.429.8797. www.san-clemente. org/recreation.

Saturday | 14 SHACC EVENTS: VINTAGE SURFBOARD COLLECTORS CLUB 6 a.m. The Vintage Surfboard Collectors Club will be hosting its annual Surfing Heritage and Culture Center parking lot meet. Organizers will have vintage boards from every era, skateboards and other collectibles. Later in the day, from 6-9 p.m., SHACC will host an exhibition and book signing for Robb Havassy’s Surf Story Vol. 2. Free to attend. The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313 x 0. www.surfingheritage.org.

GOIN NATIVE FALL FEST 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens presents its first ever Fall Fest, where attendees can eat, drink, plant and learn. There will be food trucks, as well as craft beer and wine. The event includes children’s games and crafts, a petting zoo, speakers, exhibitors and live bluegrass music. $5. Kids under 5 are free. Bring one canned-food item and receive one pumpkin (while supplies last). Reata Park and Event Center. 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

ARTISAN GUITAR ENSEMBLE 2-3 p.m. Max Mendoza, Andre Giraldo and Daniel Ramirez’s goal is to share their own musical expression and bring a high quality musical experience into the lives of others. San Clemente Library. 949.492.3493. www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. This special eight-year anniversary show features Ron and Tom, Georgia Kelley, Danny Villapando and headliner, James P. Connolly. Admission is $17.50.

Purchase tickets at comedyintheoc.com or call 949.489.8082. Camino Real Playhouse.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.caminoplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC: THE MARTY MCINTOSH BAND 9 p.m. Listen to live music at Hennessey’s San Juan. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.441.4777. www.hennesseystavern.com.

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION ARTS FESTIVAL 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The third annual art festival will run on Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15, along the Harbor boardwalk. www.danapointfinearts.org.

LIVE THEATER: ‘DRACULA’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents Dracula, an exciting show for all who love thrills in the theater. Undeniably entertaining and exhilarating, this play is appropriate for all ages, but still has enough scary moments to keep even jaded grown-ups on the edge of their seats.

Tickets are $27-$37. Shows run through Oct. 22. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Sunday | 15

San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

EDITOR’S PICK

GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Photo: File

OCT. 12-15: CARNIVAL COLOSSAL AND FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL The San Clemente Friends Foundation presents a four-day festival of family fun, including more than 17 rides, games and food trucks, a one-day Special Needs Resource Fair from 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 12 and two days of competition by the International Highland Games Federation. The opening on Saturday and Sunday will be with Michael McLeavy singing both the Scottish (British) and American National Anthems. The carnival runs through Oct. 15. Ride tickets are $3.75-$5. The carnival will be hosted at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.276.8866. www.sanclementeparksfoundation.org.

ON THE MENU

CHICKEN KABOB PLATE AT CAFÉ MINT

BY DANIEL RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

alking into Café Mint in San Clemente, curious but relatively unfamiliar with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, new owner Ed Abdallah greeted us and asked, “Well, what do you like?”

That answer is often chicken, and Abdallah steers customers to Café Mint’s chicken kabab plate, which is a best-seller off his menu and one he considers to be his most “defining” dish.

The dish is comprised of a hearty portion of tender, lightly-spiced and kosher-rated chicken sitting on a bed of seasoned Mediterranean rice. A Lebanese salad divides the plate, adding a light, refreshing balsamic relief from the chicken’s robust flavor and is accentuated by a homemade garlic sauce.

Rounding out the meal is homemade hummus concocted onsite.

“No canned stuff here. We spice (the hummus), we soak it, we grind it and we boil it every single morning,” Abdallah said.

Authenticity is the name of the game for Abdallah. With only a few local options for high-quality Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, he looks forward to introducing what he considers a special cuisine to San

Clemente through a relaxing, family-friendly, neighborhood-restaurant feel. Café Mint features dishes from various countries, including Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Israel, Turkey and Greece.

In addition to recently added outdoor seating, Cafe Mint offers pickup as well as catering options.

Also, Café Mint is currently researching an “off-the-menu Wednesday special,” where one new international meal will be featured weekly. Details are to be determined, but Abdullah suggests that patrons visit Café Mint to take part in the testing.

Café Mint 1011 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92673 949.940.0224, www.cafe-mint.hub.biz

(Cont. on page 15) Page 12

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

At the Movies: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ Adds to Concept’s Legacy

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

hirty-five years after its initial release, and after four different cuts of the film re-edited and released in the past three decades, Ridley Scott’s visual masterpiece Blade Runner has now added a sequel.

But rather than return, Scott has let indieturned-studio filmmaker Denis Villeneuve take the reins on the second installment penned Blade Runner 2049. Original star Harrison Ford returns, and Ryan Gosling joins as the new lead.

In 2049 Los Angeles, artificial intelligence known as “replicants” outnumber humanity, and the newer replicant models are joining the LAPD to kill off older replicant models.

These hunters are known as blade runners.

The best of them is K (Gosling), who learns that a human and an older replicant model might have miraculously created a child, and the possible father might be former blade runner Richard Deckard (Ford).

Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas and Mackenzie Davis include some of the big-name cast. Over the years, the original

(Cont. from page 12) FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES 30TH ANNUAL HUNGER WALK Noon. Bring your friends and family out to support Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) in its goal to feed the hungry in South Orange County. All proceeds go toward helping collect resources in the local areas. Join FAM for the Finish Line Party after the walk. For more information and registration visit their website. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.492.8477. www.family-assistance.org.

CORAL 65 CHARITY FUNDRAISER Noon-3 p.m. The annual fundraiser collects money for women over 65 and their families battling cancer. There will be a buffet lunch, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $40. San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

Monday | 16 YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Classes also occur every morning at 10 a.m. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Tuesday | 17 KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

Photo: Courtesy of Atomic Fiction

1982 film has developed a big following and left an impact on the film community, so Villeneuve had a lot to live up to. Fortunately, the Canadian filmmaker is talented and smart enough to treat the new movie as his own and not try to pander older fans. The new characters feel original, yet fit right in with the old. Everything from the direction to the performances to Roger Deakins’ cinematography to Hans Zimmer’s score excites on the giant screen. 2049 is unique cyberpunk, neo-noir eye candy for this October. SC

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Wednesday | 18 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

FREE COMEDY AT BLOOM’S IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Bloom’s Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE MOON POLICE 7:30 p.m. The Moon Police will perform at Iva Lee’s. 555 North El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 555 North El Camino Real. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to San Clemente Times by going to www.sanclementetimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Page 15

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

The Sockit, invented by San Clemente father Joe Briganti, said he hopes his product will help children and novice soccer players with their techniques. Photo: Courtesy of Joe Briganti

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

New Business NEST VETERINARY NEUROLOGY 1226 Puerta Del Sol, Suite B, San Clemente, 877.563.7883, www.nestveterinaryneurology.com Michelle Murray, D.V.M., M.S., D.A.C.V.I.M., and certified in canine rehabilitation therapy and owner of NEST Veterinary Neurology in San Clemente, provides neurological screenings for pets after their owners are referred to her via a veterinarian.

“My specialty is seeing dogs and cats with neurological diseases,” Murray said.

“Patients with disorders of the brain, spinal cord or neuromuscular system” problems are all referred to her.

NEST opened a few months ago, but they’ve just started marketing the business and seeing patients on an appointment basis, according to Murray.

Neurological consultations and exams

Michelle Murray, owner of NEST Veterinary Neurology, recently opened her business to help find disorders in pets. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

such as digital radiology, MRI scans and some surgeries are performed on site.

Murray said they also do rehabilitation after pets have undergone surgery.

Murray said although it’s a small facility in the commercial area of Talega, NEST has been able to provide space for any kind of neurological tests she needs to perform.

She said she wants to have a personal and attentive relationship with her clients.

Business Venture THE SOCKIT www.thesockit.com The SockIt, a company that produces a wearable device that teaches young soccer players proper kicking technique, recently partnered with Kevin Harrington of the television shows Shark Tank, The Toy Box and Million Dollar Inventor. Harrington, the founder of As Seen on TV, will help The SockIt company introduce their product to young soccer players and their parents.

“The SockIt was born in the 2012–2013 soccer season when San Clemente resident Joe Briganti’s daughters, Natalia, 6, and Briana, 5, started to play club soccer. Like many young players, Briganti’s daughters and the other kids on the team kicked the ball with their toes,” a press release stated. “The coach would stop practice and show them how to kick their shoe laces, toe pointed down. But the kids would inevitably continue ‘toe poking.’”

Briganti came up with the device to help children kick more accurately and with better form. It lights up when the ball is struck properly.

“As a parent, watching your child fail to kick soccer balls for years is tough to watch,” Briganti said.

A portion of all proceeds from The SockIts purchased are donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital for cancer research.

Page 16

SC LIVING FROM THE ARCHIVES

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

Finding Wi-Fi in Foreign Countries as a Newspaper Columnist

M

y partner Greta and I have just completed the first week of a 34-day cruise from San Diego, traveling south around Cape Horn in South America to Rio. During the first week, the ship stopped at four ports in Mexico.

We love Mexico, all cities are unique and dramatically different. However, on this trip, the four cities had one thing in common: the temperature was 87 degrees in each city.

Going ashore meant carrying lots of bottled water and staying in the shade as much as possible. The humidity was high as well.

As a newspaper columnist, the biggest challenge on ocean cruises is finding locations where the Wi-Fi is dependable. Yes, there is satellite Wi-Fi on the ship, but it is sporadic and the reception is poor. Sending photos or attachments is nearly impossible.

The cost of using the ship’s Wi-Fi is expensive.

If you use the “pay-asyou-go,” option, the cost is 75 cents per minute.

However, it may take four to five minutes to ON LIFE AND connect, and then again LOVE AFTER 50 to disconnect. And you

By Tom Blake can lose the signal at any time. The shipboard Wi-Fi might become a last resort for me later during the cruise, especially in remote areas near Cape Horn and Antarctica.

The alternative is to find Wi-Fi locations in port. As sad as it sounds, you go ashore and first look for a McDonald’s or Starbucks, which have Wi-Fi. In Cabo San Lucas, our first stop, the ship anchored offshore and passengers going ashore rode on the ship’s tenders, small boats that took them to the dock. I found a Starbucks a mile away while walking in that incredible heat. The Wi-Fi signal was only so-so, but I did manage to get about an hour online.

Things were different in Puerto Vallarta, our second stop. The ship docked about five miles from the city center. I opted to ride a public bus into the city with the locals—at a cost of about 50 cents each way.

What a fun experience, although the bus was like an oven and traveled all the way on cobblestone streets.

After strolling around the old city for a while, I found a Starbucks near the main cathedral. Not only was the Wi-Fi signal strong and instantaneous, the air conditioning was functioning perfectly. I got caught up on my internet chores and enjoyed an ice-cold passion tea.

The bus ride back to the ship was about the same as coming into the city. On the downward side of a couple small hills, it San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

seemed the bus had no brakes—it sounded like metal on metal. We hit several cobblestone street potholes. I kept reminding myself, “This is part of the experience.” Back on the ship, rest assured that I ordered up a cold, frosty cerveza.

Since we had been in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta before, Greta opted to avoid the heat and stayed aboard, enjoying the air conditioning and the delicious food the ship provides.

Our third port was the beautiful city of Huatulco, my favorite in all of Mexico. The ocean water is crystal clear, and the beach in the heart of town is a five-minute walk from the ship. Greta joined me as we sat in a shaded outdoor restaurant with our feet in the sand, enjoying a decent Wi-Fi signal.

The last stop was at Puerto Chiapas, 10 minutes inside the southern border of Mexico. Reaching the city of Tapachula, population 500,000, required a 40-minute shuttle bus ride, arranged by the ship. The cost was $10 roundtrip for each of us. And the air conditioning worked perfectly!

Our first order of business was to donate clothing to the victims of the recent nearby earthquake. We had two bags that we had brought with us, and the lady who was accepting donations was grateful.

We had no idea where to find Wi-Fi in that bustling city, where very little English is spoken. So, we strolled along the streets enjoying the local flavor and came upon Café Central 33, which advertised on the front window that it was a “Ciber” café.

There were no other customers in the café.

We went inside. Two very nice women were there. We ordered coffee and used Wi-Fi for one and a half hours. The cost of 50 Mexican pesos, including coffee, was about $4. In our somewhat limited command of Spanish, Greta and I were able to communicate with the women. They were thrilled that two Americans were in their little café and visiting there turned out to be one of those unexpected wonderful moments when you travel in a foreign country.

We left Tapachula with a warm feeling for the beautiful people there.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail. com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

OLE HANSON BEACH CLUB Ole Hanson Beach Club, seen here in the 1920s or 1930s, has been an icon in San Clemente’s North Beach since the city was established.

From 2011 to 2016, the Beach Club went through significant upgrades and renovations in order to be restored.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will publish a historical photo. Online, SC Times will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photos, please provide information about the photo along with your name for credit to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Last week’s solution:

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Pet of the Week: Rusty

S

ix-year-old Rusty is a sweet little guy who wants nothing more than to be by your side. Great on leash and easygoing, Rusty would be a good companion for someone who is looking for a low maintenance dog. Could this gentle soul be the one for you?

If you would like to know more about Rusty, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

Page 17

Rusty. Photo: Courtesy

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LIST LOCALS ONLY USE 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@picketfencemedia.com.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

ART GALLERIES

San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.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

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings

Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.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

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.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

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

Salon Bleu

207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Waterbabies Swim School

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

San Clemente, 949.366.8302

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

REALTORS

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty

SWIMMING SCHOOL

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL

accuratetermitecontrol.com 949.837.6483

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

FOR SALE DRONE FOR SALE DJI Phantom 3 Advanced For Sale

By Owner. Asking Price $1,000.

Items included: DJI Phantom Advanced 3 Drone, DJI Controller, Polar Pro Controller Anti-Sun Shade, DJI Charger, 5 DJI Batteries!!!

LoweProDrone Bag/Backpack Multiple Sets of DJI Propellers Please call (949)350-1312

GARAGE SALES SEASCAPE VILLAGE ANNUAL GARAGE SALE Mira Costa at Paseo Gallita/Camino Alondra/ Paseo Flamenco. Saturday, October 14th, 8a-2p.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Mission Park at Ortega Hwy. and Via Cordova. Sat. Oct. 14. 8 am to 1 pm.

Debbie Brewington, 949-212-0733.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED LEAD COOK NEEDED Please apply in person (with your resume) @ Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Position available immediately. Experience necessary.

OTHER STUFF

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

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

NOW HIRING CUSTODIANS AND HOUSEKEEPERS For San Clemente Cove and Capistrano Surfside Inn. Please call HR at 760-828-4204 and/or email resumes@gpresorts.com for immediate consideration.

MUSIC LESSONS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

CLASSIFIEDS

LIST LOCALS ONLY

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

View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel.

The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/ the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large U.S and International Postage Stamp Collections. Nick (619) 672-0434

SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

yards) and he is averaging 245.3 yards per game in the air. He’s thrown 19 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He’s also shown the ability to run, as his 79 rushing yards per game and team-high eight rushing touchdowns can attest to.

The San Clemente offensive line will have to deal with standout Tesoro defensive lineman James Williams, who has 7 1/2 sacks.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Boys Water Polo Edges Cougars

Girls Golf Sweeps Past Mustangs to Remain Unbeaten

In an effort to keep pace with first-place Aliso Niguel, the San Clemente boys water polo team secured an important South Coast League victory against Capistrano Valley on Oct. 10.

The win kept the Tritons (15-9, 3-1) in second place in the league standings. It was the third consecutive league victory for the Tritons, who defeated rival Dana Hills and El Toro on Oct. 3 and Oct. 5, respectively.

Aliso Niguel (18-0, 5-0) remains the team to beat in league. The Tritons will travel to play the Wolverines on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

A two-match sweep of Trabuco Hills last week ensured the San Clemente girls golf team’s perfect record would remain intact.

In the second match of the week, on Oct. 5, San Clemente breezed past the Mustangs 205-221. The win improved San Clemente’s record to a perfect 13-0 on the season.

San Clemente was set to play Tesoro in a South Coast League match on Oct. 11.

Results were not available at press time.

Hung Refuses to Lose, Tritons Tennis on a Roll The San Clemente girls tennis team has played in 16 matches this season, and in every one of them senior Lindsay Hung has yet to drop a point. Hung, who is at the top of the talented Tritons’ singles rotation, is undefeated on the year. She holds a perfect 40-0 record in singles competition.

Hung’s efforts, along with fellow singles players Sami Neilson and Jenna Yeam, have been instrumental in the Tritons’ 14-2 start to the season. San Clemente is also 5-0 in South Coast League play.

The Tritons defeated Mission Viejo 18-0 and San Juan Hills 6-2 last week to continue their undefeated run in league.

San Clemente was scheduled to play Aliso Niguel on Oct. 10. Results were not available at press time.

Cross Country Squads Head to OC Championships

Maile Benumof and the San Clemente girls golf team won their first 13 matches to start the 2017 season.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Football Opens League Play Against Tesoro The San Clemente football team’s journey through the South Coast League begins with a home game against Tesoro on Friday, Oct. 13.

The Tritons (6-0) will enter the game with plenty of momentum and will be well rested. San Clemente was on a bye last week and are winners of their last 12 contests dating back to last season.

Tesoro (3-4, 0-1 league) opened league play with a 42-6 loss at Mission Viejo on Oct. 6.

The Titans have been a difficult team to gauge over the course of the season. They San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

Lindsay Hung has yet to lose a singles match this season playing for the San Clemente girls tennis team. The Tritons are in first place in the South Coast League. Photo: Steve Breazeale

opened the year with a back-and-forth shootout loss to Edison, 48-47, and got blown out by La Habra, 45-14, only to rally back with a signature 48-44 victory over Los Alamitos, a team that has fluctuated in and out of the CIF-SS Division 2 top-10 rankings all year, on Sept. 29. Tesoro also has wins over La Serna and Huntington Beach and a loss to El Toro of the Sea View League on its resume.

“In my opinion, (Tesoro) is better than their record shows. They took Edison down to the wire in a game they probably should have won … and they beat a good Los Alamitos team and found a way to win. I expect nothing but a close, tightknit game, which is how it should be in league,” San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz said.

San Clemente and Tesoro played common opponents in Edison and Huntington Beach. The Tritons beat Edison, 23-20, on Sept. 29 and Huntington Beach, 62-20, on Sept. 1.

Tesoro is led by senior quarterback Chase Petersen. Petersen is seventh in Orange County in passing yards (1,717

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The San Clemente boys and girls cross country teams will navigate a brand-new track at this weekend’s running of the Orange County Cross Country Championships.

The event, which will take place Friday, Oct. 13 to Saturday, Oct. 14, is moving to Oak Canyon Park in Orange for the first time after calling Irvine Regional Park home for the past 30 years.

The Tritons’ schedule over the past two weeks was somewhat hampered by the raging fires in Corona and Anaheim Hills. The Sea View League prelim meet, scheduled for Oct. 3, was canceled due to the fires.

The Triton girls cross country team competed at the Central Park Invitational meet in Huntington Beach on Oct. 7.

Sophomore Belle Sachse was the team’s highest finisher at the meet.

Volleyball Falls to Mustangs at Home The San Clemente girls volleyball team is still in search of that elusive first South Coast League victory of the season following a three-set loss to Trabuco Hills at home on Oct. 10.

The Tritons (4-9, 0-5) kept it close but lost, 25-20, 25-16, 25-23.

San Clemente will travel to San Diego this weekend to play in the Southern California Hudl Invitational. www.sanclementetimes.com

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 64-69 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 15’ Fair Thursday: Small SSW swell and NW swell mix is good for thigh-waist high (2-3’) sets at best spots.

Light winds early, becoming light+ onshore in the afternoon.

Outlook: Small to modest blend of swells through this weekend with knee-waist-chest high surf at best exposures. Morning winds are light. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Positive Vibe Warriors are sending more than 680 surfboards, pictured here on Oct. 7 at San Clemente High School, to underprivileged children in South Africa.

Photo: Courtesy of Positive Vibe Warriors

So Stoked!

Dane, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas make positivity a priority in San Clemente

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

N

othing makes me happier than seeing people glowing with the stoke, it’s a magical feeling,” reveled Dane Gudauskas less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the annual Stoke-O-Rama at T-Street.

Dane and his brothers, Pat and Tanner, have been busy lately. Running a surfboard drive through their nonprofit Super Groms: Houshmand, Matson claim Grom Search National Titles For groms these days, it seems like there’s a contest every weekend. But some are bigger than others. Last weekend in Santa Cruz, a crew of San Clemente’s rising talent made its way up north to compete in the Rip Curl Grom Search National Finals. Featuring the best up-and-coming kids from around the country, Cole Houshmand continued his winning ways by taking out the Under 16 division. Hot on his heels was Kade Matson, who won the Under 14 division and finished fourth in the Under 16 division. For the ladies, Samantha Sibley found her way to a runner-up spot in the Under 16 Girls. By winning the Under 16 Boys division champions, Houshmand now has the opportunity to

foundation, the Positive Vibe Warriors, the fundraiser came to a conclusion last week.

In the end, the boys had collected more than 680 surfboards, along with hundreds of fins, wetsuits and other surf gear from around the country. The boards and surf gear were loaded into a giant shipping container last Saturday in the San Clemente High School parking lot and will now begin its journey to South Africa. The “Can’t Steal Our Vibe” campaign was designed to benefit Surfers Not Street Children and Waves for Change, which use surfing as a tool to reach underprivileged youth in the townships and hardscrabble communities in South Africa.

“You know what’s amazing about all those boards?” inquired patriarch Tom Gudauskas. “Each one of those boards was shaped by hand. Every shaper you can think of is represented here. From Terry Martin, to Midget Smith, to Bill Stewart,

to (Matt) Biolos, to Xanadu, almost every shaper is here. Not only that, but all the glassers and sanders that helped build these boards. Then think, at one time or another, somebody loved every one of these boards. That’s a lot of love. And now they’re getting shipped to South Africa where they’re going to begin a new life.”

As if all this weren’t enough, keeping the vibe alive, the Gudauskas boys ran it back the next day, hosting their annual Stoke-O-Rama at T-Street. With more than 120 local groms hucking themselves into the heavy south swell, Dane was on the mic hooting, frothing and yelling things like, “How was that Haleiwa fade, folks!”

“I love beach marshaling!” beamed Tanner.

To say what the Gudauskas boys have accomplished is inspiring is an understatement. The stoke level in our local waters has never been higher. SC

enjoy an all-expense-paid trip to compete in the Grom Search International Final against the top eight qualifiers from around the world, set to go on the Search at an undisclosed location in spring 2018.

tion degree from Stanford University, then returned to Orange County to marry his sweetheart, Nancy. Raising three sons, Larry, John and Jeff, Polte worked as a full-time teacher/coach at Fullerton College. Following retirement in 1990, he moved to San Clemente to be closer to his beloved ocean. Over the years, he competed in over 200 openwater swims, mostly first-place finishes in his age group. In the fall of 2016, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. The “old man of the sea” fought a courageous battle, but ultimately fell victim to time and disease at 90 years old. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life for Ernie Polte will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at the La Ventura event center, located at 2316 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente.

Celebrating the Life of Ernie Polte Beloved father, mentor and friend, Ernest A. Polte, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sept. 29. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 5, 1927, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945 and shipped to the Pacific toward the end of World War II. After an honorable discharge, Polte settled in Southern California where he began lifeguarding at Los Angeles County beaches. In 1949, he set two national junior college swimming records. Two years later, he graduated with an educa-

GROM OF THE WEEK

MAX BEACH

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

D

on’t let anyone tell you hard work doesn’t pay off. Sixteen-year-old Max Beach has worked his tail off to get to where he’s at, around the San Clemente and Dana Point communities and beyond.

Surfing under the tutelage of coach and former world No. 2, Brad Gerlach, Beach’s goofy-footed approach continues to mature and develop, and the results are starting to show.

With a fifth-place finish in the Rip Curl Grom Search National Championship in Santa Cruz—held at Steam Lane, one of his favorite spots—Beach then sprinted down the coast of California to compete in the weekend’s National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) contest at Ponto in Cardiff. Rinsing off the road grime in a rising swell, he got right to work. With the year’s best southern hemi pulse running and wave heights pushing well overhead, Beach pulled off a memorable win in the Explorer Junior division.

“Your dedication and sense of humor make you a joy to work with. Keep focused, stay humble and the sky is the limit,” Gerlach said of Beach.

Our sentiments exactly. Keep up the epic work, Max. SC

Max Beach. Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Kurt Steinmetz

San Clemente Times October 12–18, 2017

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