November 9, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

November 9-15, 2017 YO U

C A N

U S E

Dana Outrigger Canoe team heads to South American Championships PAGE 17 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 45

Fin Krikorian movie theater closes after about 20 years in San Clemente EYE ON SC/PAGE 7

Workers deconstruct the inside of the Krikorian San Clemente Cinema 6 movie theater, which abruptly closed on Nov. 2.

The theater had been in operation for about 20 years. Photo: Eric Heinz

City Raises Water Rates; System Changes Start Jan. 1 EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

San Clemente Celebrates Veterans Day a Week Early at Park Semper Fi SC LIVING/PAGE 12

www.sanclementetimes.com

SCHS Hosts Hundreds of Students for Special Olympics Event SPORTS/PAGE 20

VOTE FOR THE BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE AT WWW.SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week Community Engagement Panel Discusses Navy Interests on SONGS, Future Items THE LATEST: The Community Engagement Panel (CEP) listened to a presentation on Nov. 2 from its Camp Pendleton representative Tom Caughlan about the Navy’s plans for utilizing San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) following its full decommissioning.

The CEP is a panel of nuclear energy experts from Southern California Edison (SCE) as well as representatives from local municipal and various agencies.

Caughlan said the Marines and the Navy may want to use existing structures of the nuclear power plant, if they’re safe, for training purposes.

“It might be that we like having part of what you now call ‘the plant,’ the two domes, we might want to (leave) there because it makes for a very complex training facility,” Caughlan said. “Once it’s cleaned up, they may want to use that. We don’t know that yet. Whatever is left has to be cleaned up…and safe for use.”

A transmission switchyard, or substation, will also be constructed at the end of the campus to ensure the flow of electricity with the absence of SONGS. WHAT’S NEXT: CEP Vice President Tim Brown, who is also a San Clemente City Council member, said he is hoping to invite Neal Driscoll of the University of San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography to speak to the city’s City Council in the near future, and he encouraged other cities to do the same.

Driscoll spoke to the CEP earlier this year regarding earthquakes and fault lines near SONGS and the threat of seismic activity. During that presentation, he said it’s unlikely an earthquake strong enough to do significant damage to the area could take place, but critics said they are still not convinced that the dry-cask storage would be able to withstand such a jolt.

During the earlier portions of the meeting, officials discussed a current Nuclear Regulatory Commission document that is exploring the ways in which the commission assesses reliability and consistency of storage of spent nuclear fuel.

San Clemente Times November 9-15 2017

The public comment period is available online and will be open for comments until Dec. 26.

Additionally, Brown is stepping down from his post as the CEP’s vice president to continue work in San Clemente as a City Council member.

FIND OUT MORE: Links to the documents for public comment of the NRC’s policy proposals are available in this article online at www.sanclementetimes.com. The full video of the meeting can be found at www.songscommunity.com. —Eric Heinz

City Approves Raising Water Rates, Changes to Rate System THE LATEST: Water base rates are going to increase and a new rate system for usage will be in place by the new year, which will replace the city’s current tiered rate system.

The City Council voted 3-0-2, with Council members Chris Hamm and Steve Swartz absent, to enact the measures by Jan. 1.

The new rates have been formed to make up the difference the city lost in its reduced water usage—which was mandated by the state in 2015 and 2016. Because less water was used, revenue decreased and the city’s enterprise fund was forecasted to not be able to sustain itself.

Instead, a consumer price index estimation has been added to the base rates.

In 2016, the city contracted with Carollo Engineers to study the current water rate system.

People who spoke during the meeting had concerns related to the costs that could result in their monthly rent being raised, what home owners associations that look after open space and larger parcels of land will have to pay for non-potable water and that the rates would exceed the city’s cost of service. Enterprise funds cannot make a profit and must show cost of service, according to California’s water laws and Prop 218.

The Cost-of-Service Study recommended a total increase of 12 percent in revenue, city officials said.

Representatives from Carollo Engineers said during the meeting that some of the rates are related to “demand service,” which would be enforced if the demand of water does not meet what is already a fledgling revenue to pay for water services, maintenance and other needs.

Those costs will be based on a variable of how much the state could require in water use reductions.

A chart from the water study conducted

by Carollo showed figures that if the city continued on its current tiered rates, the costs to residents and commercial accounts during high-usage months would be more than if the city changed to the

U.S. Coast Guard officials rescue boater from sinking vessel near San Onofre State Beach. Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard/Petty Officer 2nd Class Joel Guzman/ U.S. Coast Guard District 11 PADET San Diego

new rates.

A majority protest of 50 percent of property owners in the city would have been needed to stop the new rate from taking place. The city received nowhere near that many protests.

WHAT’S NEXT: To view the new rates, visit www.san-clemente.org under Government, City Council and find the agenda for the Nov. 7 City Council meeting.

A document explaining the increase was provided to San Clemente Times after the print deadline, which can be viewed at www.sanclementetimes.com —EH

El Camino Real On- and Off-Ramp Project Halfway Complete THE LATEST: Caltrans officials gave a presentation at the beginning of the Nov. 7 City Council meeting explaining some of the changes to the off- and on-ramp construction at the El Camino Real exit from I-5.

Abdulla Ahmed, the Caltrans project manager for I-5 south, said the Camino Real Curve Correction project was established for safety reasons. The southbound off-ramp did not give enough visibility to drivers, and statistics showed that a correction was needed.

Ahmed provided statistics from 2005 to 2008 at the current location that involved 36 accidents, two of which were fatal, due to improper driver behavior, speeding, DUI and other types of violations. Most happened during day and dry conditions, he said.

The project is now halfway complete with retaining wall reconstruction taking place. The total cost of the project is $17.6 million.

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WHAT’S NEXT: Signage on I-5 will also change to conform to what Ahmed said was a global initiative to have centermedian signs instead of on one side of the highway. The entirety of the project is expected to be completed by fall 2018. —EH

Video Shows Coast Guard Rescuing Man on Nov. 6 off Coast of San Onofre THE LATEST: U.S. Coast Guard officials reported they rescued a man after his vessel began taking on water on Nov. 6 off the coast of San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente.

“At approximately 11:20 a.m. on Nov. 6, a man aboard an 18-foot boat contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego’s Joint Harbor Operations Center and reported that his vessel was taking on water approximately 12 miles west of San Onofre State Beach,” a press release from the Coast Guard stated.

The Jayhawk crew arrived on scene and remained with the vessel while awaiting the arrival of commercial assistance, according to the press release.

U.S. Coast Guard officials said what caused the boat to sink has not yet been determined.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., the man abandoned his vessel after it began to rapidly sink. The Jayhawk crew deployed a rescue swimmer to rescue him.

He was transported to Coast Guard Sector San Diego with no reported injuries.

WHAT’S NEXT: A video of the rescue can be seen at www.sanclementetimes.com. —Staff (Cont. on page 5) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont.from page 3)

More than 2,000 Volunteers Attend Church’s Event to Ship 810,000 Meals to South Sudan Refugees THE LATEST: More than 2,100 volunteers attended the Heritage Christian Fellowship (HCF) charity event on Nov. 4 to package meals and raise funds to benefit the southern Sudan humanitarian crisis.

As the south Sudanese humanitarian crisis continues in Africa, refugees are spilling across the northern border of Uganda.

The region is experiencing what human rights groups are calling one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, which began with a civil war that started in late 2013, causing famine and other health problems.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the total number of refugees has exceeded 1 million since the civil war started.

Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente is trying to help the refugees’ situation by packaging nonperishable meals to the refugee camps located in the northern region of Uganda.

Roger Gales, the pastor of HCF, said the congregation has been in contact with a church member who is living on the northern Uganda border.

The project, called One Million and One Meals for Refugees, is organized by Kids Around the World, a San Clemente-based Christian ministry.

Gales said the biggest need for the event was volunteers to help pack the meals and donations of money to pay for the meals.

The event raised enough for 810,000 meals, of which 540,000 were packed at the event and another 270,000 meals are

being shipped by Kids Around the World.

The United Nations reported it has nearly 17,000 total peacekeeping personnel in the Ugandan region, although those efforts have been repeatedly hampered by the conflict. On Wednesday, the UN’s News Centre reported it is considering reestablishing a greater presence in the region.

“Millions of refugees (are) living in camps, and most are unaccompanied children,” Gales said. “Children are dying of starvation, and thousands more arrive daily.”

Gales has worked with organizations that have established a school for Christian children in persecuted areas of Pakistan. He hosted an event last year with author and humanitarian Josh McDowell to raise funds for that school through a sale of worldwide artifacts and miscellaneous items.

WHAT’S NEXT: Although the event has passed, HCF representative Theresa Matarazzo said there are people in the community who are trying to make up the difference of about 190,000 meals that weren’t packaged on Nov. 4.

“This was started as a one-time event, but it is turning into a movement,” Matarazzo said. “Kids Around the World has a list of around 25 people who want to do events to reach 1 million. I believe we will definitely get to that by the end of the year. There is still one large outstanding donation coming. Youth With A Mission (YWAM) said they would donate more containers of food.”

Another container of food was donated by (YWAM) and is being shipped, which accounted for 810,000 meals.

“The two containers, are on their way.

They are both going on the same ship that leaves Nov. 13 and will be in Uganda Jan. 14 or 15,” Matarazzo said.

More information about the church can be found at www.heritagesc.org or by calling 949.361.1022.—EH

More than 2,100 volunteers participated in the Nov. 4 charity event at Heritage Christian Fellowship to send packaged meals to refugees in northern Uganda. Photo: Courtesy of Heritage Christian Fellowship

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

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EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

National Charity League Chapter to Host Membership Drive The Laguna Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) has opened its annual membership drive and invites interested mothers and daughters from the city of Laguna Niguel and surrounding South Orange County communities—including Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano—to apply for the graduating classes of 2021 to 2024. The Laguna Chapter will host a meet-and-greet from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, located at 31 Santa Barbara Drive, Aliso Viejo.

The chapter works with more than 20 local philanthropies including the Ocean Institute, Shea Center and Family Assistance Ministries as well as its own awardwinning Handmade Brigade and Sunshine Readers program. This year, the chapter’s mothers and daughters have served more than 6,000 hours.

RSVP to Autumn Connot at autumnconnot0615@gmail.com or visit www.laguna. nationalcharityleague.org/membership-information to find out more about membership. NCL Laguna is accepting applications through Jan. 15.

OCSD Arrests Man Who Threatened Soka University Employee in YouTube Videos David Kenneth Smith, 40, of Los Angeles, was arrested on Nov. 2 for suspicion of felony criminal threats after he allegedly threatened a staff member at Soka University in Aliso Niguel.

The arrests came after what Orange County Sherriff’s Department (OCSD) officials called “bizarre email exchanges” between Smith and a professor at the school and a YouTube channel rant.

OCSD deputies received reports that a former university student was upset by disciplinary actions for suspected marijuana use while attending the school in 2008.

“The suspect’s frustration in the email correspondence escalated until he finally emailed the staff member a link to a You-

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS DANA POINT

Route 91 Shooting Victim Natalie Grumet Emphasizes Gratitude in Recovery After suffering a gunshot to the face in the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on Oct. 1, Natalie Grumet, Dana Point, continues her recovery at home under the care of her husband, Jason.

Covering the healing tracheotomy tube hole in her neck in order to speak, Natalie spoke of the importance of gratitude in a candid interview at her home.

“Not a single day goes by that I don’t think about the people that died that night, think of those that risked their lives to save us, and anyone that was injured that night,” Natalie said. “I sincerely want to thank everyone that has given me a donation, sent me a prayer, even a good thought.”

With her jaw wired shut, Natalie receives her nutrition through a feeding tube. Due to a sensitive stomach, this is a slow process that can take almost two hours. Natalie said that she often takes this time to respond to messages and connect with other Route 91 victims through a Facebook group.

“Everyone thinks my whole day is about relaxing and Netflix, they are amazed when they see how busy I am,” Natalie shared with subdued laugh.

Jason, who had not attended the concert with Natalie that night, said he received phone calls from multiple friends San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

Natalie Grumet and her husband, Jason, speak about the night she was shot, Oct. 1, at the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas as well as her recovery process.

Photo: Eric Heinz

who had said Natalie had been shot, and that there was an active shooter at the Mandalay Bay. After receiving a call saying that Natalie was being transported to Sunrise Hospital, Jason rushed there partially by foot before receiving a ride from a friend.

Doctors were able to locate two major nerves in the back of Natalie’s jaw that allows them to remain hopeful for a full recovery. Anyone wishing to contact or support Natalie may visit www.facebook.com/warriorNatalie. —Daniel Ritz SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

City Moves Forward with Studying River Street Proposal On Nov. 7, the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted 4-1 to move forward and initiate work on an environmental

Tube video that showed him sitting with a semi-automatic pistol on his chest talking about the university,” a press release from OCSD stated. “His YouTube channel also included multiple videos recorded in recent days, in which the suspect talked about his desire to engage in a ‘killing spree.’ In some of the videos, the suspect is seen holding a firearm.”

Members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) worked on the case with OCSD investigators.

After Smith was in custody, OCSD stated deputies confiscated nine firearms from his residence, all of which were registered to him. The firearms were loaded when they were confiscated by investigators.

“Extensive resources were dedicated to the case to ensure the suspect did not have the opportunity to carry out his stated plans. Investigators believed the suspect’s threats were credible and an attack possible.”

Smith is being held on $1 million bail.

He was scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 6 and faces three years in State Prison for the felony charge.

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

study and traffic impact analysis for the proposed River Street open-air marketplace off of Los Rios Street.

City Manager Ben Siegel will now execute a professional services agreement with Placeworks to prepare the initial environmental study of River Street (pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act), as well as a separate professional services agreement with Linscott, Law & Greenspan to conduct a traffic impact analysis, which will likely be prepared later this month.

Since the City Council first initiated a study of a potential amendment to the Los Rios Specific Plan last October, the River Street project has become a hotbutton topic in town, with residents both for and against the development showing up at Council meetings to debate the proposal’s merits during public comment.

The River Street marketplace proposal includes general retail, eating and drinking establishments, and office and wellness uses on the 5.6-acre Ito Nursery property, located east of Paseo Adelanto and south of River Street.

Now that the Council has approved the environmental study and traffic analysis agreements, the project is on its way to eventually be reviewed by city committees and the Planning Commission before ultimately going before the City Council for final approval. Public input will be received at Commission and Council hearings throughout the process.

For more information on River Street, visit www.riverstreetsjc.com. —Allison Jarrell

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Community Meetings FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10

VETERANS DAY City Offices Closed SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday.

Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

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.

WELLNESS AND PREVENTION COALITION MEETING 4-5:30 p.m. The Coalition will meet to discuss drug and alcohol issues and prevention tactics. San Clemente High School upper campus, 189 Avenida La Cuesta, 949.680.0516. www.wpc-oc.org.

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente. 805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org.

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

Because I Love You (BILY) 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, NOVEMBER 15

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets 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. Fratello’s Italian Restaurant, 647 Camino de Los Mares. 949.366.5423. www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

The Krikorian movie theater was in business in San Clemente for about 20 years. The owners of the theater announced in a letter taped to the ticket window that Nov. 2 would be its last day of operation. Photo: Eric Heinz

As San Clemente’s only movie theater closes, another is planned at the Outlets

BY ERIC HEINZ SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

sign taped to the ticket window of the Krikorian San Clemente Cinema 6 movie theater said it all.

“Krikorian Premiere Theatres San Clemente 6 is closed for business,” the letter stated on Nov. 2. “We have loved being a part of the San Clemente community and we will dearly miss it.

Thank you for all your support in the past and all the amazing memories. If you have any questions about pre-purchased tickets or gift cards, please e-mail us at tickets@kptmovies.com.”

Many people on social media were crestfallen by the news, having recalled many memories at the movie theater.

Calls to Krikorian Premiere Theatres have not been returned since Nov. 2.

City Manager James Makshanoff said the city was unaware the closure of the theater was taking place, and that there hasn’t been an application filed for another business to infill the location.

Although the Krikorian has closed for business, Steve Craig, the president and CEO of Craig Realty Group, which owns the Outlets at San Clemente, said there is “no question” that a 10-screen complex will be established at the shopping center.

Craig said he’s hoping to have the contracts with a cinema operator finalized by the end of the year. The operator has not yet been disclosed by Craig Realty Group.

“We’re trying to take some things to a higher level,” Craig told the San

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Clemente Times on Nov. 3. “We’re entering a competitive market. We want great seating and great food. We’re looking to put in fully reclining seats with food service.

Craig said there also could be an opportunity to establish a restaurant and bar in the theater complex. He said the Outlets will be looking to construct the theaters throughout 2018.

“There are some modifications that need to be made to the space, which will include raising the roof a few feet in the existing room, and an addition to the rear side of the building, which has already been approved,” Craig said. “It’s important we stay within our approved footprint. Everything will conform to the original (approved designs); we just need to shuffle a few things around a bit.”

Craig said the size of the theaters will vary; some will have anywhere between 40 and 50 seats while the larger theaters will have 150 to 175 seats. People will be able to reserve tickets days to weeks in advance.

“It’s meant to be very efficient for people, and we’ve spent a lot of time clocking the time from when you park your car to the time you’re in your seat,” Craig said.

“There will be a lot of technology that will go with it to make the experience all the better.

“We’re excited about the addition to the property and to see some of the things that we’ve been planning come to fruition,” Craig added, also mentioning the Outlets is having a financially successful year, with growing numbers of visitors and businesses opening. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: View from the Pier by Herman Sillas

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CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Tim Trent Jake Howard

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) San Clemente Times, Vol. 12, Issue 45. 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.

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San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

A Walk Down Pier Memory Lane with John Yamada

T

he San Clemente Pier is a great gathering place. I know it has been for me. I remember the feeling as I first walked on the planks. I took my two fishing poles, bait and wagon. It became the place where I went every Saturday and Sunday morning to fish. It also became the place where I met a lot of San Clemente folks. One such person was John Yamada.

When World War II started, John was a young boy. Because his parents were Japanese, John and his brothers and sisters were sent to a camp for the dura-

Letters to the Editor DISASSEMBLING ACA IS SHAMEFUL LEO GALCHER, San Clemente

I’m a Harry Truman democrat. I have kept my eye on the Republican Party over the years and never doubted that the democrats’ proposals offered a better future for the U.S. Now, there can be no debate. The positions of the GOP, if anyone speaks for them, or the “Trumpites,” are so appalling and contrary to basic human nature that anyone could support them.

What is especially appalling is the uncontested attack by Trump supporters on a functioning health plan (the Affordable Care Act) that provides needed health care to babies, the poor, the aged and the unemployed. How can the wealthiest and most modern nation in the world deny basic health care and human needs to its citizens? By having no shame.

KNEELING DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM DOES NOT DISRESPECT MILITARY

tion of the war. They had one day to pack and were then shipped off. When the war ended, John and his family came back to California. One day, John’s father took him fishing at the San Clemente Pier. Like me, he instantly fell in love with the place.

Later on in life and after a decade of employment, John started to work at a farm producing fruits and vegetables. His Saturdays though were saved for fishing on the San Clemente Pier where he would bring his poles, wagon, net and bait. He would always arrive early to secure a spot.

When I started going out there in the 1980s, he was already there, and eventually, we met. We THE VIEW compared our catches FROM THE PIER

By Herman Sillas and told each other fish stories. John would always have two lines out on the Pier, one on each side. Over time, we became fishing buddies. There was even an artist who used to sit by the beach and he painted John and I. We were forever immortalized.

But John began to have trouble walking and it took him a long time to take his equipment out. I suggested that he call me

country or the flag.

These players are not turning their backs or demonstrating any other form of disrespect. They are simply calling more attention to the racial disparities and inequities that have existed in this country since its inception. These issues remain prevalent and have only been magnified by the election of a dangerous, ignorant and narcissistic sociopath as our president.

You say you support the players’ right to protest, but when they do, you call them out as disrespectful. You talk about “Building a Pyramid,” but to include states’ rights and World War I is ludicrous, but at least you didn’t include the recent two wars based on lies. No, Mr. Avera, money and financial success does not “trump” basic racial and socioeconomic issues in our or any country. If you haven’t looked, some of our civil rights, to include voting rights, are being rolled back right in front of your eyes. In case you might consider me one of those “left-wing” nut jobs, I served on active duty at least as long as you did, and retired at a higher rank.

PHONE SURVEYS MISLEAD RESIDENTS

PAUL A. WEHRLE, San Clemente

JERRY COLLAMER, San Clemente

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Avera’s take on the issue of kneeling by the NFL players for the national anthem at recent football games. Kneeling is not, in any way, a sign of disrespect for our veterans, the

I have been reading in our local papers how, via phone surveys here in South County, most folks would approve of a toll road blasting straight through San Clemente.

Obviously, another Transportation Cor-

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and I would help him bring his supplies from his car. To express his gratitude, he started bringing Cora and I fruit and vegetables from his farm and Cora would cook Mexican food for him in return.

Eventually, he had to quit coming to the Pier because he couldn’t walk. But he still managed (and still does) to come by the house to bring his produce. We talk about sports and remember some of our adventures fishing. John never married, but he tells us of his brothers and sisters.

We recall our friends at the Pier. Some have passed on, but the Pier has bonded us forever. Fishing together has allowed us to grow over the years. I know that Pier has done that for many who have walked its planks, not just fishermen. Walking out over the ocean is an experience you will always treasure. That is the view from the Pier.

Herman Sillas is an artist, writer and formerly the United States Attorney of the Eastern District of California. He may be reached at sillasla@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

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Nov. 10 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.

ridor Agencies (TCA) phony phone survey paid for by TCA’s marketing department.

If you’ve never been hit by a TCA phony survey, it goes something like this.

“If you lived in outer Mongolia, 4,000 miles from anywhere and were promised a toll road from your place to civilization, would you want that?” If you answer “yes,” then TCA publishes, “Everyone in Orange County loves toll roads!”

I know how they work because TCA used to make the mistake of calling me.

Knowing the answers they wanted, instead I’d tell them what I wanted, “Abolish TCA!” Click.

STANDING FOR THE ANTHEM KERRY SINK, San Clemente

In the United States we have the most freedom in the world.

In China or Russia, if you have a good idea, you get to give it to the government. www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX If you protest the administration, you are jailed or worse. In India and Africa, the religious persecution has reached the levels comparable to the Middle East.

South America has poverty beyond belief, and there are many other examples.

All over the globe, there are human rights being trampled on by their own government or neighboring tribes. The world sucks in a lot of places.

In the United States, we do have police brutality, sleazy movie directors, corrupt politicians and other societal maladies. We have white supremacists, anti-Semitism and homophobia, just to name a few.

What we do have that is better than a lot of these places is our rights: the right to protest, assemble and keep your own ideas. You can start a tech company or a rap demo. We can surf and jog and go to work and earn a better life. We are protected from our enemies and get some social security. We have infrastructure to help us get to where we are going. Yes, we pay for this, but isn’t it worth it?

Let’s all stand for the flag and the anthem it deserves and leave knickknack politics to the politicians. We are better than that, aren’t we? I know I am.

NFL KNEELERS EXPRESSIONS ARE ‘VAINGLORIOUS’ MARY FRANTA, San Clemente

Last week’s San Clemente Times featured a few letters with misguided opin-

“

Not everyone agrees with these football players, as they kneel during our anthem. True Americans do not wish to see them disrespect our flag because it is our national symbol of those brave men and women who fought, bled and died for our freedom ... I take deep offense to those who kneel, and I refuse to support the —Mary Franta NFL any longer.

”

ions regarding the NFL and their kneeling during our national anthem. Everyone gets to have an opinion in this great nation of ours, and in the interest of being fair, I must represent the opposing view.

Not everyone agrees with these football players, as they kneel during our anthem.

True Americans do not wish to see them disrespect our flag because it is our national symbol of those brave men and women who fought, bled and died for our freedom. Kneeling is disrespectful to our military, our police and our nation. I take deep offense to those who kneel, and I refuse to support the NFL any longer.

The excuse that these kneeling players give for kneeling is that they say there is unfair treatment of minorities by police.

By kneeling, do these players think that their actions will make the world any safer,

stop police brutality or racial inequality?

I would be willing to bet that most of the kneelers have not spent one hour or one dime to study these problems and/or provide any sort of remedy to this problem.

It’s all vainglory; cry me a river when I visit these players in their $20 million homes. They live in the bubble of their own closed-off world of wealth and fame.

The time to show respect for our nation is during the 90 seconds it takes to stand and place one’s hand over one’s heart to demonstrate gratitude and honor for those who give everything they have for our freedom.

Like any private business in the free world, the NFL can limit what players say or do during working hours. These players are wearing the company uniform and act as role models for our youth. There is no acceptable excuse for disrespecting our

flag during the anthem, and I say that it’s high time to stop kneeling, stand up like men, and get back to business, which is get back to playing football.

BANNERS AT SCHS NOT ‘UNSIGHTLY’ MATT RICHARDSON, San Clemente

In response to Mr. Don Palmer’s letter regarding the banners placed on San Clemente High School’s fence by local businesses being “unsightly,” I respectfully disagree. The banners obviously are paid for by these businesses to support the efforts and endeavors of our school district, and they are not unsightly to the residents of San Clemente that have been here for longer than four months. While we welcome you to our beautiful community by the sea after living in Monrovia, I think the other 9,999 rewarding things that you mentioned about living in San Clemente should have been enough to dissuade you from writing such a ridiculous letter to the editor.

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.

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 | 09 TASTING EVENT: BUBBLES! 7-9 p.m. The sparkling wines that will be tasted are Bouvet-Ladubay Excellence Brut Rosé, Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaïque, Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée, Laurent-Perrier La Cuveé Brut NV, Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française.

Tickets are $30 and includes appetizers.

Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte Ste. 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. Los Rios Park.

31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

LIVE MUSIC: ARTISAN GUITAR ENSEMBLE 7 p.m. Laguna Beach Live! Presents Artisan Guitar Ensemble at the Laguna Art Museum. The Ensemble is Max Mendoza, Andre Giraldo and Daniel Ramirez. The concert is free to museum members and to non-members with museum admission. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

949.715.9713. www.lagunabeachlive.org.

Friday | 10 LIVE MUSIC: EASY WIND 9 p.m. The tribute band to the Grateful Dead, Easy Wind will perform at OC Tavern. Tickets are $10 at the door. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.

LIVE THEATER: HAIRSPRAY JR. 1 p.m. Capistrano Acting Academy presents the musical all about hair, dancing and social change. Their cast of children (and a few adults) has been hard at work and can’t wait to share this performance with you. $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 11 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. Whether you are about to tackle your first 5k or you are just keeping your cardio and running prowess in top form, be sure to stop by Peets Coffee in Talega.

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

Every Saturday a group runners of varying skill level take a brisk three-mile run around a pre-determined course. Admission is free. 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. 949.588.5054. www.facebook. com/2XUSanClemente.

EDITOR’S PICK

RESTAURANT WEEK 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sister restaurants Mozambique and Skyloft Restaurant are celebrating the release of their new winter menu debut by hosting their very own restaurant week. Inexpensive items on the menu will be available for guests along with their usual happy hour menu. 422 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949.715.1550. www.skyloftoc.com.

OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE’S SECOND ANNIVERSARY 12-3 p.m. Celebrate the Outlets at San Clemente’s second anniversary with discounts all weekend long, just in time for the holiday season. On top of the sales, there will be wild animal shows, prize wheels and free entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday. 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

DRIFTWOOD FESTIVAL 12-9:30 p.m. Walk the shores of Doheny State Beach while listening to country music with barbeque and beer in your hands.

Attendees 21 and over may show up at 1 p.m. for a complimentary tasting glass and access to a wide variety of craft beers and artisan food. The music kicks off at 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and artists include; Frankie Ballard, Kip Moore, Chase Rice, plus many more. General admission tickets start at $49. Children under seven are free after 4 p.m. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.driftwoodfest.com/doheny.

Sunday | 12 BEND & BREW 11 a.m. Bend & Brew is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE MASTER CLASS 2:30 p.m. Reflections of the Ocean Classical Keyboard Series is presenting a Master Class with concert pianist and renowned chamber musician, Andrew Park.

Tickets are $10 for general admissions, $7 for seniors and $5 for students during their presale. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu/art.

Photo: Stephen Hill

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: LAST WEEKEND OF ‘CHARLY’ 8 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sunday) The Cabrillo Playhouse presents the amazing story of a man with the mentality of a 5-year-old who becomes a genius in just a few weeks through an experimental surgery, previously only tried on a mouse. The play runs through Nov. 12. $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.pamelapeakproductions.com/charly-2017. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Monday | 13

Wednesday | 15

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

CASA KIDS: STORY TIME 10-11 a.m. Casa Romantica welcomes children ages 1-7 for a picture book reading every Wedneday in their courtyard. A question and answer session and a dance will be held after each story. Admission is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

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.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

Tuesday | 14 KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real.

949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

FAVORITE APPETIZERS COOKING CLASS 6:30-9 p.m. Observe French chef Caroline Cazaumayou demonstrate how to make delectable appetizers including smoked salmon rillettes, roasted mini sweet peppers with goat cheese and many more.

Full payment of $60 is due upon reservation. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.492.1763. www.antoinescafe.com/ cooking-class-san-clemente.

Page 10

FREE COMEDY 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. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT ON THE MENU

SHAKAZOO SLIDERS AT THE SHWACK

Shakazoo Sliders from The Shwack Beach Grill. Photo: Erin McFaul

BY ERIN MCFAUL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

ith a name inspired from owner Max Fisher’s love of surfer lingo, The Shwack Beach Grill was opened by the Dana Point local in 2011 with the mission to provide flavorful food at low prices.

“The whole point in opening Shwack was to have a beach-friendly, ocean-friendly, surf-themed spot for locals to come get inexpensive, high-quality food,” Fisher said.

Fisher said the most popular items among customers tend to be the burgers, tacos and rack of ribs.

If customers are looking to share a round

of appetizers, known as “shwackatizers” on the menu, the Shakazoo Sliders pack blasts of flavor within each of the three savory sandwiches. The sliders are filled with a heap of tender pulled pork and are covered in a tangy garlic-chipotle barbeque sauce.

Bursting out of the bun and spilling onto the plate, the crispy fried onions add a salty crunch to the dish.

Even with The Shwack Beach Grill’s reasonable prices, the restaurant offers a happy hour as well as Taco Tuesday specials.

The Shwack Beach Grill 24502 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.218.2731 www.theshwack.com

At the Movies: ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ May Keep Superhero Movies Afloat a Bit Longer

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

guess if 2017 has taught us one lesson in filmmaking it’s that if you want to make your superhero movie memorable and interesting, set it in space. Between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and now Thor: Ragnarok, it seems to be the most intriguing setting. Nearly a decade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, people are finally starting to become fatigued and the storytelling is almost becoming stale. But the third installation of the Thor features may keep it afloat a bit longer.

After the death of their father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are at it again with their sibling rivalry of Thor’s good versus Loki’s evil. But then Thor is reunited with old friend and fellow Avenger Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), when they’re both imprisoned on the planet of Sakaar, led by a partier who calls himself the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). On top of that, Odin’s secret, eldest child Hela (Cate Blanchett) has come to take over Page 11

On set with Director Taika Waititi and Chris Hemsworth. Photo: Jasin Boland, Marvel Studios

the land of Asgard from her brothers.

Ragnarok is directed by Taika Waititi of the indie hits What We Do in the Shadows (2014) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), and he knows how to direct comedy and has created possibly the funniest Marvel film thus far. There’s plenty of comic relief that is good and executed well from the cast, for audiences who are fans or just casual viewers. The tone and pacing, however, are a bit of a mess and hold the film back from being great. Ragnarok is a fun and enjoyable— although flawed— blockbuster for the holiday season. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Stand and Salute San Clemente celebrates Veterans Day (a week early) at Park Semper Fi

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he Heritage of San Clemente Foundation hosted a star-studded Veterans Day ceremony at Park Semper Fi on Nov. 4, a week before the official day on Nov. 11, due to scheduling conflicts.

During the ceremony, a plaque was dedicated to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) honoring their service.

The 2/4 is the city’s adopted Marine unit.

Col. Stewart Navarre (Ret.), the former commanding officer of the 5th Marine Regiment, and Lt. Col. Warren Cook, the current commanding officer of the 2/4, spoke during the event, as well as the venerable Gen. J.K. Davis, a former assistant commandant of the Marine Corps who is now a San Clemente resident. SC

Audience members salute the color guard. Photo: Eric Heinz

Flavor Full

Chamber of Commerce hosts annual Taste of San Clemente

City officials and members of the military unveil the 2/4 plaque on Nov. 4 at Park Semper Fi. Photo: Eric Heinz

Friends and business representatives gathered during the Taste of San Clemente. Photos: Eric Heinz

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Former Mayor Wayne Eggleston, the executive director of The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation, speaks to the audience during a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 4 at Park Semper Fi in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

S

an Clemente restaurants and food industry businesses gathered again for the annual Taste of San Clemente at Casino San Clemente on Nov. 3. The event was hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. Hundreds of people sampled the local fare while music played and a silent auction was held.

The Trip, a band that plays music from the 1970s to the 1990s, performed during the event with an open dance floor. SC

Al Potenza, a retired U.S. Marines Corps major, stands to be recognized as a pilot who was involved with the Battle of Dai Do in the Vietnam War. The battle was one of the 2/4’s most intense in Vietnam.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Page 12

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

Cruising around Cape Horn and North to Rio

I

n my previous column, I wrote about seeing penguin Glenn Miller near Punta Arenas, Chile, while on a 34-day cruise from San Diego around Cape Horn, the southern tip of South America, and north to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the final week of the cruise, our Holland America ship, the MS Zaandam, stopped in five ports, before arriving in Rio. The main takeaway from the cruise: how fortunate the passengers, including my partner Greta and I, were with the weather and sea conditions in this part of South America. We were prepared for rough seas and ice-chilling weather; neither materialized.

Our first port after Punta Arenas was Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. To get there from Punta Arenas, we cruised for two days on the Strait of Magellan, through Glacier Alley, viewing snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and beautiful glaciers with a blue hue.

We had been briefed on board that Ushuaia might be almost a ghost town since we were arriving there on a Sunday, when many businesses close, plus it was Election Day in Argentina. Bundled up in ON LIFE AND winter coats, gloves and LOVE AFTER 50 scarves, Zaandam pasBy Tom Blake sengers were prepared for the worst in going ashore, aware that weather there can change in minutes.

But what a surprise. The sun was out and the temperature was in the high 50s. I saw a few passengers go ashore in shorts, which was more for bravado than fashion.

The first place in Ushuaia tourists go is the “End of the World” sign, located in a park near the shoreline. It’s the busiest place in town for photos.

After stopping there, Greta and I walked the downtown streets for nearly three hours. The place was teeming with folks.

Bars, restaurants and shops were open, happy to see the first cruise ship of the season in port.

Most of the time, we carried our winter coats. When the sun ducked behind a cloud, we put them back on. Ushuaia is a hip city with delightful, friendly people.

The next stop was Stanley, Falkland Islands. A steward in the ship’s dining room told me that in 2015, in the five Holland America cruises that scheduled a stop in this port, passengers could only go ashore once due to treacherous winds.

Stanley is a tender port, where passengers can only reach the city from the ship by taking smaller boats; the ship dropped anchor two miles away.

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

When Greta and I stepped off the tender boat at the dock in Stanley, we couldn’t believe our luck. The sun was out; we had to unzip our winter coats.

Stanley is British through and through.

We stopped for coffee and to use WiFi at a café called Bittersweet.

While walking around this attractive, quaint city, we checked out the Globe Tavern, a true British pub. It was packed with Brits; you couldn’t move in the place.

England retained control of the Falkland Islands in the war with Argentina in 1982. Christ Church, the most southern Anglican Church in the world, is filled with memorial plaques of Brits who fought in WWI and WWII, and in the war with Argentina. It was interesting to read the messages on the plaques.

The next port was nearly 1,000 miles north of the Falklands, Montevideo, Uruguay. Greta and I visited there 10 years prior. We decided to walk into the city from the port. Within 10 minutes, the rain started. We entered a restaurant that advertised coffee on a chalk board. Turns out, the restaurant, Urbani, served the best hot chocolate we’ve ever had.

The rain was coming down in buckets with wind gusts of 60-70 mph. We stayed for lunch. We had been there for three hours hoping the rain would let up. We asked our server to call us a taxi, to take us back to the ship. The cab company wouldn’t answer their phone—too busy.

The ship was scheduled to depart in two hours. We had no choice: put the rain ponchos on and walk back to the ship.

Once on board, we made a beeline to the hot tub. We didn’t see much of Montevideo.

The next day was a sharp contrast to the previous day. In Buenos Aires, the sun was out, temperature near 70—a welcome change to Cape Horn.

Buenos Aires is known as “The Paris of the South.” It’s big, diverse, beautiful and fascinating. We only had a few hours so we decided to take a Hop On, Hop Off bus around the city. We sat in the upper, open deck. This is a great way to see as much of a city as possible in a limited time.

Commentary about each building, neighborhood, park, statute and monument is described via earphones.

For three and a half hours, we never left the bus. When the tour ended, we both felt exhilarated. We saw the “pink building,” where Eva Peron lived and addressed thousands from an upstairs balcony. We saw the oldest restaurant in Buenos Aires, Café Tortoni (founded 1858), where we had seen a tango show on our previous visit.

As the ship sailed away, we raised a

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL El Camino Pharmacy is pictured here in the 1930s in San Clemente. The old architecture style of the building, Spanish Colonial Revival, is maintained throughout the city today.

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:

glass of wine, while standing on the stern deck, saying, “To Buenos Aires, one of the greatest cities in the world.”

Our final port, before arriving in Rio, was Punte del Este, Uruguay. This is a resort city, with hundreds of high-rise apartments on sandy beaches.

We visited its most famous landmark, a statue in the sand called, “The Hand,” named because four huge fingers and a thumb stick out of the sand.

We had a wonderful trip with amazing weather. After disembarking in Rio, we rented a car and drove 180 miles south to Itamambuca Beach, where we are staying at a beach house for two weeks.

You get spoiled on a cruise ship: three meals a day, all you can eat, ship’s personnel waiting on you hand and foot.

At the beach house, reality hit me. Who Page 15

See the solution in next week’s issue.

is going to prepare our meals? Oops, time for me to put on an apron and head for the kitchen, Greta would like her morning coffee.

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

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Paddling in Peru Dana Outrigger Canoe team heads to South American Championships

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he six-member team of Dana Outrigger Canoe paddlers are excited about the new hats and jerseys they will be taking with them to South America next week.

Standing on the sand of Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor, their large outrigger canoe hoisted up and ready for transport, they talk about how cool this year’s designs are. The outline of California, with a red star highlighting Dana Point’s spot on the Golden State, is embroidered on the side of the cap.

The American flag stands alongside the

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Tritons Draw Rancho Cucamonga in First-Round Matchup As the San Clemente football team kept piling up wins this season, the possibility of a playoff berth became more real. With that came the fun practice of trying to anticipate who the Tritons first-round opponent in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs would be.

With six Trinity League teams in the mix, would they draw a local private school power? Maybe a matchup with a familiar foe, like Murrieta Valley?

On Nov. 5 the answer was revealed. San Clemente (9-1) will travel to play Rancho Cucamonga (9-1) in the first round on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Rancho Cucamonga is the second place team out of the Baseline League. San Clemente, which lost to Mission Viejo 49-21 on Nov. 3, is also a second-place team.

The matchup between the Cougars and the Tritons is the only first-round draw in Division 1 that features two public school programs.

“You don’t see two 9-1 teams matched up in the first round very often … that shows how tough that Division 1 bracket is,” San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz said.

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

flags of Brazil, Chile and Peru—some of the other countries that will be competing— and a handful of other countries on the back of their new green jerseys.

The Dana Outrigger team, which features several San Clemente residents, will be representing not only that small, red star and the Golden State when they travel to Lima, Peru for the South American Canoe Championships. They’ll be competing for the entire United States as the country’s only representative in the field.

The Dana Outrigger team will paddle against some of the best teams in the world off the shores of Lima on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The team competed in the event last year, placing fourth overall. With some new additions to the team, they feel they have a group that can compete for a top-3 finish.

They’re excited to compete with the best and celebrate the sport with other cultures.

The team includes San Clemente residents John Skorstad, Bryan Pesartic and Dave Brosowski, along with Gerald Montes, Ray Owen and Manny Barela.

For a full version of this story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. SC

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Ortiz said the draw against the Cougars went in line with the feeling he had in his gut. As the season wore on, San Clemente began to make a crawl up the CIF-SS Division 1 polls, jumping from No. 9 on Oct. 16 and finishing in the seventh spot on Oct. 30.

That meant the Tritons were guaranteed a draw with a similarly seeded opponent.

Ortiz said Rancho Cucamonga, which is led by 2,200-yard passer Nick Acosta, plays a style similar to Murrieta Valley or Edison, teams the Tritons defeated earlier this year.

The Cougars have three receivers with at least 25 receptions, led by junior Jeremiah Criddell (32 catches, 674 yards, eight touchdowns).

“They have a talented receiving corps,

The San Clemente High School football team.

Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

A team from the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club will compete in the South American Canoe Championships on Saturday, Nov. 18. Photo: Steve Breazeale

are very sound on offense with a big line.

But it all starts with their quarterback,” Ortiz said.

San Clemente hung tough early but faded late on the road against Mission Viejo in the final regular season game of the season. After offensive lineman Thomas Wade pounced on a fumbled ball in the end zone, the Tritons found themselves cutting into the Diablos’ lead 21-14 after falling into a 21-0 hole to begin the contest. Big plays by the Diablos and turnovers contributed to the eventual Mission Viejo rout.

“It showed we can play and go toe-to-toe, but the kids learned a valuable lesson. We have to play for all four quarters and we have to play clean (football),” Ortiz said.

The winner of Friday’s game will play the winner of St. John Bosco-Bishop Amat in the quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 17.

for CIF-SS competition.

Junior Elijah Sech placed second with a time of 15:13. Sech will run as an individual at the CIF-SS Prelims this weekend.

CDM Pulls Away Late From Tritons in Second Round Win A second-half charge mounted by the Corona Del Mar boys water polo team downed San Clemente 12-8 in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs on Nov. 4.

The Tritons and Sea Kings were tied at 8-8 in the third quarter, but the Sea Kings defense made a stand and held the Tritons scoreless over the final quarter to seal the win and advance.

San Clemente defeated Los Osos 14-9 in the first round on Nov. 2.

Girls X-C Places Third at League Finals, Head to CIF Prelims

San Marino Upsets Tritons Tennis in Second Round

Racing in the Sea View League Finals on Nov. 3, the San Clemente boys and girls cross country teams placed fourth and third, respectively.

The girls team was powered by several top 20- finishes, including Chandler Horton’s third-place finish. Chandler Horton, Ella Horton, Kelsie Yamano, Lota Jones, Belle Sachse, Hana Catsimanes, Nicole Anderson and Reagan DiMeco will represent the team at this weekend’s CIF-SS Championship Prelims in Riverside.

The boys placed fourth and had several high finishers but missed out on qualifying

The San Clemente girls tennis team was upset by No. 9 San Marino, 11-7, in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs on Nov. 3.

San Clemente breezed its way past Santa Margarita of the Trinity League, 162, in the first round on Nov. 1. The Tritons’ singles trio of Sami Neilson, Jenna Yeam and Lindsay Hung swept all nine possible points in the rout.

Hung, Neilson and Yeam will compete in the CIF-SS Individual Championships on Monday, Nov. 20. Hung will compete in the singles bracket and Neilson and Yeam will compete in doubles.

Page 17

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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.

ACCOUNTING

Chris W. Johnston, CPA, MBA 34184 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point, 949.240.8015, www.cwjcpacorp.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

ELECTRIC BIKES

Murf Electric Bikes

212 N. El Camino Real, 949.370.3801, www.murfelectricbikes.com

ELECTRICAL

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Arcadia Electric

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

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

Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

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

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

Salon Bamboo

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

Salon Bleu

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL

accuratetermitecontrol.com 949.837.6483

Colony Termite Control

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

PLUMBING LANDSCAPING

BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters

Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

REALTORS

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com 207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com

Syrens Hair Parlor

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

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

SURF SHOPS

Basham’s Factory & Surfshop

213 Calle de los Molinos, 949.361.2203, www.bashamssurfshop.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

SC Rider Supply

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

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR RENT ROOMATE WANTED Quiet Roommate wanted to share condo with older woman. Separate bedroom/bath and entrance.

Parking. White water ocean view. $850 per month. No smoking or parties. Call Sheila 949-683-4494

FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size.

Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point.

Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too!

Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Saturday, November 11, 2017 7am-12pm. 312 Avenida Valencia San Clemente, CA 92672 Featuring home décor, furniture, books, clothes, jewelry, kitchenware, and more. Cash only.

NOV 11TH... YARD SALE Clothes, furniture, jewelry, cell phones and electronics and much more. 7am to 12 pm... 2385 S Ola Vista, San Clemente Ca 92672 GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

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

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Call us today!

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SC n te S a n C le m e

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

Page 19

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The Triton Pee Wee Black Pop Warner football team won the Division 4 Orange Bowl on Oct. 29. Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

TRITON PEE WEE BLACK WINS ORANGE BOWL The San Clemente Tritons Pee Wee Black football team won the South Coast Youth Football Division 4 Orange Bowl on Oct. 29, capping off a great season.

The local team started the season 0-3-1 but rallied back to finish with a 5-4-1 overall record. The Triton Pee Wee Black team defeated a team from Santa Margarita 26-6 in the Orange Bowl championship game.

The team defeated squads from La Mirada and La Habra to reach the title game.

The San Clemente Tritons Pee Wee Black team includes: Wyatt Ankrom, Connor Bachhuber, Kelly Batson, Thomas Borgquist, Auston Diaz, David Diaz, James Diaz, PJ Flanagan, Battle Gideons, Thomas Hartanov, Rafael Hurtado, Gus Janson, Billy Kessler, Will L’hommedieu, Will Lokkesmoe, Frankie Martinez, Marcus

McCarty, Russel Metcalf, Blake Mitchell, Axel Olander, Broderick Redden, Xander Rex, Will Sanders, and Gunnar Wright.

The team was coached by Brian Bachhuber, Byron Rex, Frank Martinez, Jason Diaz, Matt Haranov, Thomas Metcalf and Matt Redden.

SAN CLEMENTE LITTLE LEAGUE WALK-IN REGISTRATION NOV. 14 San Clemente Little League is hosting a walk-in registration day for the upcoming season on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Saddleback Church. The church is located at 1312 Calle Batido.

The session will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost to join Tee Ball to Single A (ages 5 to 7) is $195. Cost to join Double AA to Seniors (ages 8 to 15) is $250.

Parents interested in signing their children up are asked to visit www.sclittleleague.com and complete an online registration form before attending the walk-in registration.

SCHS Hosts Hundreds of Students for Special Olympics Event SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

tudents representing five schools throughout the Capistrano Unified School District came to San Clemente High School on Nov. 6 to take part in a fun-filled day of basketball and activities.

The event was held in conjunction with Special Olympics Orange County.

The students, who came from San Clemente High School, Tesoro, Dana Hills and Marco Forster, Newhart and Niguel Hills Middle Schools, were given an Olympicstyle welcome to start the day, complete with banners, music and applause. After a dance party in the gym as part of the event’s opening ceremonies, the STEP students took part in basketball and cheerleading clinics.

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A student is escorted by San Clemente cheerleaders to a Special Olympics event on campus.

Photo: Courtesy

Around 200 middle school and high school students participated in the event, which rotates to different high school venues throughout the year. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Bring On Hawaii

Local surfers Colapinto, Gudauskas and Andino set their sights on the Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L

ast year in Hawaii, Griffin Colapinto turned heads at the Triple Crown.

Thanks to a monster air he landed at the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, if last year was the San Clemente kid’s introductory party, this year has the potential to make his young career.

With the end of the 2017 World Surf League season rapidly approaching, next week marks the start of the last lap: the Vans Triple Crown on the North Shore of Oahu. The three-contest series will start with the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa (Nov. 12-24), then move up the Kam Highway to the World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach (Nov. 25-Dec. 6) before finally concluding with the World Pipeline Masters (Dec. 8-20). The first two contests are both highly rated qualifying events with lots of points on the table for up-andcoming pros looking to make the jump to the prestigious Championship Tour in 2018. Currently, Colapinto is ranked seventh on the qualifying series with a very real possibility of graduating to the big dance next year, but it’s going to take a lights-out effort at Haleiwa and Sunset to get there.

At the start of October, Colapinto was sitting in a precarious position at 10th on the qualifying series (the top 10 surfers from the qualifying series (QS) for the

GROM OF THE WEEK

BETHANY ZELASKO

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

inner of the NSSA Southwest contest at Church over the weekend, Dana Point’s Bethany Zelasko rallied in the small, autumn conditions to overtake a talented pack in the final and put herself atop the podium.

A standout with the Dana Hills High School surf program, Zelasko first started surfing when she was 12 years old, and now at 17 years old, she already owns multiple state titles. She’s had a big month.

W

San Clemente Times November 9-15, 2017

Kolohe Andino, going deep for his third-place finish at the recent Rip Curl Pro Portugal. If things go well in Hawaii, he could be joined on tour next year by fellow San Clemente all-star Griffin Colapinto. Photo: WSL

next year’s Championship Tour, putting Colapinto on the proverbial “bubble”).

Thanks to a clutch fifth-place finish at the EDP Billabong Pro Cascais in Portugal, Colapinto shot up the ratings a few spots and is now in a more comfortable position to control his future.

“My goal this year has been to win a QS event,” explained a somewhat disappointed Colapinto after getting tripped up against eventual contest winner Zeke Lau in the quarterfinals.

At this stage in the game, a win would be nice for Colapinto, but a couple solid results in Hawaii will gladly do. There are a number of surfers nipping at his heels who would love to slide into a spot on tour next year, so not only does Colapinto have to concern himself with his own performances, but there’s acute pressure coming from those breathing down his neck.

Meanwhile, a little further down the rankings, San Clemente’s Pat Gudauskas is sitting at 16th, and although he has a lot Most recently was her big NSSA win, and prior to that in early October she travelled to Tofino, Canada, and came away with a convincing victory at the Queen of the Peak contest.

“This weekend was so much fun. It was (the) perfect size,” beamed Zelasko after her first international victory. “I hope to come back here again and surf this contest. I just want to say thank you so much to the people that put on the event. They did an awesome job. They really took good care of us. The girls are just so fun to surf with and everyone is so nice. I can’t wait to come back and do it again.”

Zelasko appears to be on a bit of a roll these days. Don’t be surprised if you see her on top of a few more podiums before 2017 comes to a close. SC

of work to do at Haleiwa and Sunset, at this point in his career he’s playing the role of cagey veteran hoping to take one more shot at joining the world’s best. Gudauskas was in Portugal with Colapinto, but ended up losing out earlier in the contest. He’s had a few ups and downs this season, but it’s worth noting that Gudauskas is having his best year on the qualifying series since 2011. He did a brief stint on the Championship Tour, but fell off in 2010. He’s surfing better than ever and could prove to be a big threat to those less experienced surfers in the Triple Crown. Plus, he’ll have his brothers, Tanner and Dane, in his corner, which is always good for the positive vibes.

And speaking of the Championship Tour, hometown hero Kolohe Andino has enjoyed a solid back half to the 2017 season. After a well-earned third-place finish at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, he’s heading into the Pipe Masters (the only one of the Triple Crown contests that is a Champi-

onship Tour event) ranked eighth in the world. Safely qualified for the tour in 2018, he’ll have nothing to lose and everything to gain at the world’s most prestigious contest.

“I feel like I finally showed how I can surf, especially yesterday, so I’m stoked on that,” said Andino after the contest in Portugal. “Six years on tour and I feel like I’ve never surfed at 100-percent, and yesterday I feel like I did that, so I’m really happy.

I’m trying to be honest with myself and get better at the things I need to get better at, so I’ll continue to work hard on that.”

The world title this year is between Hawaii’s John John Florence and Brazil’s Gabriel Medina, but thanks to Colapinto, Gudauskas and Andino, there will be no shortage of local drama playing out on The Rock this winter. The Hawaiian Pro starts next week, tune into www.worldsurfleague.com to catch all the live heats and scores, and hopefully watch a couple of our boys ride to glory. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 64-67 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Thursday: Small blend of NW and SSW swells.

Better breaks are in the knee-waist high (2-3’) range, focal points seeing larger sets late in the day. Light/variable onshore winds early, becoming moderate onshore in the afternoon.

Outlook: Better SSW and WNW swell mix kicks in Friday and then continues weekend with fun size surf. Light/variable winds in the mornings, then light+ onshore flow each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Bethany Zelasko celebrates her first win of the 2017 NSSA season. Photo: NSSA

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