LO C A L
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March 22-28, 2018
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Check Out the 2018 Summer Camp and Activities Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 13, ISSUE 12
Play for All San Clemente resident, paraathlete looks to raise awareness for para sports, clinics SPORTS/PAGE 40
www.sanclementetimes.com
Kendall Stier, a para-athlete and state champion shotput competitor, sits in a specialized handmade shotput chair. Photo: Eric Heinz
OC Board of Supervisors votes to Move Homeless from Motels to Shelters, Service Centers EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
Exchange Club of SC Donates $5,500 to Youth Organizations SC LIVING/PAGE 39
San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto Snags First Perfect 10 of CT Season SC SURF/PAGE 42
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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week OC Board of Supervisors Votes to Move Homeless from Motels to Services, Shelters throughout County THE LATEST: Following the decisions rendered by a federal judge during a seldomseen Saturday, March 17 court hearing, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted on March 19 to expend $70.5 million in Mental Health Services Act funds for “permanent supportive and shelter options” for the homeless that were removed from the Santa Ana riverbed (SAR) in February. Decisions related to a civil lawsuit between the County and Orange County Catholic Worker have been dictating the paths to housing and mental health services for the homeless population that was once living on the SAR since at least Feb. 14 when, as part of an agreement, the County would remove the people living on the riverbed into motels and hotels until the County could figure out what to do with them. The lawsuit alleges Orange County has the funding and resources to provide assistance to its homeless population, but that officials are unwilling to take effective action on the matter. That housing credits, or “vouchers,” expired on March 19 but not before the Saturday hearing at the Santa Ana Civic Center, as opposed to the Central District courthouse in Los Angeles, where federal Judge David O. Carter denied a motion to stop the evictions of the homeless people from their motels and hotels, but he met the plaintiffs half-way. In an agreement, the County is to share information with plaintiffs’ attorneys about where individuals are now and what type of shelter they will be referred to. The plaintiff will have 48 hours to assess the appropriateness of referrals. No more than 100 people per day will be checked out of motels and connected to appropriate resources. According to the agreement, the County reserves the option to extend motel stays for select individuals who may need more time to have their cases examined. Carter also gave the chance for people who did not qualify or need services to come before the court on Saturday. The Orange County Board of SuperviSan Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
sors voted on March 19 to instruct the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) to do the following: 1. Return to the Board on April 17 with recommendations on how to allocate $70.5 million of MHSA Community Services and Support funding for permanent supportive and shelter options, 2. Direct staff to enter into contract with American Family Housing for a 12-unit unrestricted site that can accommodate couples, 3. Direct staff to develop the three sites for emergency shelters located in Irvine for up to 200 people, at least 100 people in Huntington Beach and 100 people in Laguna Niguel, and 4. Direct staff to return to the board with an operational plan for the three emergency sites. People who were removed from the SAR will be placed into housing in cities the order mentioned above, meaning it’s possible if Irvine is sufficient for the remaining population, Huntington Beach and Laguna Niguel may not receive any. However, that is unlikely, considering there were at least 700 people living in the riverbed, and the County is still shoring up numbers of people who need services. Nentwig said HCA staff made 200 attempts at contacting homeless people, who were placed into motels, which were unsuccessful during a first round of calling; 46 calls were unsuccessful in the second round; and five attempts were unfruitful in the third round. “The County is there when they reach the checkout date,” Nentwig said. “The County is still available to give them transportation to the (Santa Ana) courtyard and other centers that will be available for services.” Nentwig said for people who did not qualify for services or did not need them, they will be placed in the overflow shelters located in the three cities. A timeline for these events has not yet been established as the board of supervisors needs to conduct the April 17 meeting. The Board of Supervisors recently approved another $2 million for the County executive officer to increase capacity for various categories of beds. This gives the executive officer authority to expend the funds where needed without going back for board approval. Nentwig said between Feb. 28-March 9, HCA outreach workers made 1,317 referrals for homeless people in the county to various agencies and social services, including CalOptima and OC Community Resources. During that same time period, the County’s outreach personnel completed 500 assessments for people from the SAR. This decision to move the homeless and establish shelters throughout the county has already been met with opposition. Laguna Niguel Mayor Pro Tem John
Esther Mafouta, a sophomore at San Clemente High School, participates in the walkout that took place on March 14 to protest gun violence at schools and stricter gun-ownership laws. March for Our Lives, a similar campaign, will host a protest at the San Clemente Library on Saturday, March 24. Photo: Eric Heinz
Mark Jennings protested the County board’s actions while standing on Countyowned land that is within his city’s boundaries. Jennings made the statement in a Facebook video posted March 20. “Right behind me is Laguna Niguel City Hall and this is where they’re planning on putting the tent encampments, which is right next to the library where the children go to get their books and our families gather, right across from preschools, from elementary schools and from thousands of residents that live here in town,” Jennings said. “This is not the Laguna Niguel I want. Laguna Niguel people have been paying taxes to the county Board of Supervisors forever to take care of this problem, and they have been derelict in their duties. This is not our problem.” Jennings made the comparison to the Santa Ana Civic Center, where many homeless people have received services and camped out for months, saying that moving the homeless people from one location to another would not help. He also called on the Laguna Niguel City Council to host a special meeting that took place on March 20. Lawsuits to be filed against the County for the actions regarding the homeless population were approved by the City Councils of Laguna Niguel, Irvine and Huntington Beach at meetings on March 20. WHAT’S NEXT: Nentwig said the shelters would be expanded as needed and the County will explore its options as to where they’ll be placed and discuss their findings at the April 17 meeting. “People checked into the motel rooms for the 30-day point for each person, and during those 30 days the County has been conducting clinical assessments by the Orange County Healthcare Agency to
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identify resources for each individual,” Nentwig said. “Moving forward, the County will assist everyone in motels to connect them to resources including outreach workers and resources.” Where within the cities the homeless will be moved to will depend on what land the County already owns enclaved within the three cities. —Eric Heinz
‘March for Our Lives’ Protest Scheduled for March 24 THE LATEST: Following the nationwide walkout by high school students on March 14, another protest is scheduled throughout the nation called, “March for Our Lives.” The protest is similar but has a few of its own objectives. “We’re marching for school safety and ending mass shootings in schools, and there will be tons of students joining us to help organize,” said Rebecca Goodman, who is co-organizing the San Clemente protest with her sister, Amber Saldana. The March for Our Lives will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the San Clemente Library, located at 242 Avenida Del Mar. The march begins on the lawn of the library and will travel up Avenida Del Mar to El Camino Real and back to its origin. “There are a lot of different (methods) of going about this and possible solutions, one being banning AR-15s or any sort of assault rifle, raising the age limits for purchase, stricter background checks and demand that democracy does the right thing,” Goodman said. When the Sandy Hook Elementary (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) shootings took place in 2012, Goodman said she became more involved with advocacy, joining mothers’ groups and other grassroots organizations. Inevitably, there will be pushback from gun rights’ advocates who have stated openly that politicizing the issue makes gun policies less safe for everyone. “There is the Second Amendment, and we’re not trying to take anyone’s rights away, but the First Amendment is the right to life, to liberty and freedom, and they should reevaluate the Constitution,” Goodman said. According to the national website for March for Our Lives, there are 840 marches that will take place. Goodman said there will also be a voter registration booth available the day of the march. “We do want this march to be as inclusive as possible, and we are trying to shift the focus…to just getting guns out of our schools,” Goodman said. On March 20, another school shooting took place in Maryland at Great Mills High School. According to reports from The Baltimore Sun, a 17-year-old assailant was shot and killed by a resource officer. The assailant wounded two students, critically injuring one. WHAT’S NEXT: The list of changes demanded by March for Our Lives includes introducing a 30-day waiting period (as California state law requires 10 days), no sales by private owners, no gun show sales, a ban on bump stocks (which were responsible for the high death toll in Las Vegas in 2017), a ban on assault rifles, a ban on domestic violence offenders, a license requirement, introducing child lock requirements, raising the minimum age to buy a gun to 21 and require universal background checks. “On March 24, the kids and families of March for Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington, D.C. to demand their lives and safety become a priority,” according to the March for Our Lives website. “The collective voices of the March for Our Lives movement will be heard.” —EH
SONGS Panel Announces New CEP Experts THE LATEST: Since the beginning of the process to store spent nuclear fuel onsite at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), residents in the area have kept a watchful eye on the progress of the project. According to a press release, the San Onofre Community Engagement Panel (CEP), which discusses matters related to the decommissioning of SONGS, will address the process of decommissioning, where the process is in its timeline and how much spent nuclear fuel has been stored in dry casks during the panel’s quarterly meeting on Thursday, March 22 in Laguna Hills. San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
tinue working with the city to increase skate parks or at least increase the size of the existing skate park and to provide adequate lighting for them. The Ralphs Skatepark, which is tucked into the southeast section of the city, is currently unlighted and on busy days becomes too crowded.
Charles Langley, the executive director of the La Mesa-based advocacy group Public Watchdogs, speaks at the first CEP meeting of 2017. The next CEP meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on March 22 at Laguna Hills Community Center. Photo: File
Tom Palmisano, vice president and chief nuclear officer for Southern California Edison (SCE), will brief the panel on decommissioning milestones through major structure removal and the current work to transfer used nuclear fuel from storage pools to on-site dry cask storage. “Several changes in the panel’s volunteer leadership will be in effect at the meeting,” stated a press release from SCE, the majority owner of SONGS. “Dan Stetson of the Nicholas Endowment, previously secretary, becomes vice chairman of the panel. He replaces Tim Brown, who is stepping down from the panel as he assumes new duties as mayor of San Clemente. The new secretary is Oceanside City Council member Jerry Kern, who has been on the panel since its inception in 2014. David Victor of the University of California-San Diego remains chairman of the panel.” In an additional email, SCE officials announced a new panel of experts will be part of the CEP. The experts are Kristopher Cummings, an industry fuel storage expert and engineer with Curtiss-Wright Nuclear Division; Allison MacFarlane, a former Nuclear Regulatory Commission chair and former commissioner to the president’s Blue Ribbon Commission; Garth Lanthrum, a former director of the National Transportation Program for Yucca Mountain; Richard Moore, a radiological materials consultant who also worked with the Blue Ribbon Commission; and Josephine Piccone, a former U.S. representative to the IAEA Radiation Safety Standards Committee with radiation control expertise. The expert panel was formed as part of a settlement to a lawsuit in August 2017 that contested the validity of a permit to store spent nuclear fuel onsite at SONGS. “…The panel will support development of transportation and strategic plans to assess the feasibility of relocating the used fuel,” Tom Palmisano, the vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear officer for SCE, stated in the email. “We believe this distinguished panel of experts will make significant contributions to a growing industrywide effort to achieve off-site
storage of used nuclear fuel.” The full press release can be read in this article online at www.sanclementetimes. com. WHAT’S NEXT: The regular quarterly meeting will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills. Staffed information booths will be open from 4:305:30 p.m. There will be a public comment period toward the end of the meeting, and the entire CEP meeting will be live-streamed at www.songscommunity.com. —EH
City Adopts Beaches, Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Keeps the Door Open for Modifications THE LATEST: After about a year and a half of research, meetings and community outreach, the San Clemente City Council voted to approve the Beaches, Parks & Recreation division’s master plan. The master plan is intended to guide the city’s decisions for maintenance and improvement of its existing facilities and reflects the public’s desires for new facilities and amenities. Some of the top priorities the city’s residents listed throughout the surveys and questionnaires included beach trails and hiking opportunities as well as special events at parks and wellness events on the beaches. A sport that’s rapidly growing in popularity, establishing pickleball courts within the city has been advocated by people since the beginning. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, more people spoke during the public comment session asking to transition unused or underused tennis courts into pickleball courts, which are smaller and usually require smaller nets. Stephanie Aguilar, who co-leads the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition, said she was appreciative of the city’s efforts and the master plan, and she said she hopes to con-
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WHAT’S NEXT: The master plan doesn’t set these priorities in stone. Neelay Bhatt, the vice president of Pros Consulting, Inc., which conducted the master plan, said master plans for recreational facilities are typically supposed to be updated every five or six years, or at least that it’s “best practices” to do so. Before Tuesday the city hadn’t updated a master plan for recreational facilities since 1999. The Beaches, Parks & Recreation master plan is available at www.san-clemente. org under the government tab of the City Council agenda for March 20. —EH
San Clemente to Apply for Daily Trolley Funding; Lyft Rideshare Funding also Sought THE LATEST: San Clemente’s summer trolley program exceeded expectations last season with regard to ridership, and now the San Clemente City Council is looking to expand the program to daily service starting Memorial Day Weekend and ending Labor Day Weekend. City Council was provided a few options at its March 20 meeting. The other options were to expand service north and either connect or not to the Dana Point trolley line and to expand to a South El Camino Real route. The Council voted to apply for Measure M (Project V) funding from Orange County Transportation Authority and to examine connecting to the Dana Point trolley next year, and then the south San Clemente route in two years. The appeal of connecting to Dana Point is that the service also connects trolleys through Laguna Beach. People could ride for free for about 10 to 15 miles around the area, but the logistics of this route are still being discussed. The project will cost the city a $12,500 match (10 percent) of the $125,000 grant. City Council also voted to apply for $157,000, with the same match, to continue its Lyft Rideshare program. The city is trying to add a phone number for people to call the service as well as increase credits for people who use the service frequently. Council member Lori Donchak said the city should make it a point that this program was established in lieu of the two bus routes, the 191 and 193, that were discontinued by OCTA in 2016. WHAT’S NEXT: The decision as to whether the city is approved for the grants will come in the next few weeks to a couple months. —EH www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC southbound freeway curve near Pacific Coast Highway, and reconstructed the Avenida Pico interchange. The improvements at Avenida Pico included widening the northbound on-ramp to three lanes, adding dual left-turn lanes from Pico to the northbound and southbound freeway ramps, and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access and safety along Pico under the freeway. The project costs more than $230 million and began in early 2014. Funding for the project came from Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements and from a mix of state and federal funds. While the bulk of the work is now complete, some intermittent closures of lanes may still be necessary as crews put the finishing touches on paving and striping through the area. For updates, visit www.octa.net/i5south.
Community Meetings FRIDAY, MARCH 23
PLAYSCHOOL SPRINGTIME EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m.-noon. A special day of activities for young children will take place, including activities with the Easter Bunny. This is exclusively for children 3-5 years old, and registration is required. Tierra Grande Park, 399 Camino Tierra Grande, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org SUNDAY, MARCH 25
SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, MARCH 27
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. 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, San Clemente. 805.794.0653. www.sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org. 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, MARCH 28
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 meets on most Wednesdays. Fratello’s Italian Restaurant, 647 Camino De Los Mares No. 126, San Clemente. www.sanclementekiwanis.com. San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
As part of the Junior Lifeguard program at the San Clemente Marine Safety Division, the lifeguard hopefuls take a jump off of the end of the San Clemente Pier after completing their training. Photo: File
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF
Junior Lifeguard Swim Tests Begin this Weekend Swimming tests for the San Clemente Junior Lifeguard program will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the San Clemente Aquatics Center, located at 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa. Participants are required to bring proof of age (birth certificate or passport, printed copies are accepted), proof of residency for San Clemente residents (a printed utility bill), nonresidents do not need to show proof of residency. Applicants will not be tested without the required documentation. Applicants must successfully swim 100 yards (four laps) in under 2 minutes to be considered. No refunds, and walk-ins are not permitted. For more information, call 949.361.8261.
Hands on Literacy Program (HOLP) The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley (ALCV)’s philanthropy called Hands on Literacy Program (HOLP) buys, wraps and personalizes books for special needs children in Capistrano Unified School District schools. The program allocates approximately $16 per student in order for teachers to pick prime book selections. “We thoroughly enjoy returning the books to the teachers for distribution and seeing the happy faces of the children,” said Carol Garcia, chairman of HOLP. HOLP members visit classrooms once a week to read to children with special needs. There are currently 12 members from ALCV who serve six elementary schools in the Capistrano Unified School
District: Harold Ambuehl, Clarence Lobo, Wood Canyon, Reilly, Marblehead and Del Obispo. Elizabeth Norman, a member of HOLP, takes her therapy dog, “Sweetie Pie,” to her reading sessions. “The children really love seeing Sweetie Pie,” Norman said. “The children especially look forward to our visits every Tuesday because they get to read to my 12-year-old therapy dog, a miniature schnauzer.” The reading program as well as the therapy dog program take place once a week. Twice a year, the ACLV donates the books to students in need, which takes place typically during Christmas and the end of the school year in May or June. Visit the ACLV website to donate a children’s book or to make another kind of donation for this year’s giveaway. For more information about the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, visit www.assistanceleague.org/capistranovalley.
I-5 HOV Lanes Now Open in Both Directions A new carpool lane in each direction of Interstate 5 in South Orange County is now open to drivers, according to Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), marking the completion of a freeway improvement project that is intended to ease traffic congestion for tens of thousands of daily commuters through San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. The improvement project, led by OCTA in cooperation with Caltrans, adds about 6 miles of carpool lanes in each north and south direction between Avenida Pico in San Clemente and San Juan Creek Road in San Juan Capistrano. The project also made improvements to freeway on-ramps and off-ramps in the area, enhanced safety by improving the
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Team Lilly Foundation Voted as Sheckler Foundation’s New Beneficiary Ryan Sheckler, a San Clemente native and multiple X Games gold medal winner, and the Sheckler Foundation announced the Team Lilly Foundation will be its next “Be the Change” recipient. As a beneficiary, Team Lilly will receive a $10,000 grant from Ryan and the Sheckler Foundation to help families battling pediatric cancer. Team Lilly Foundation’s mission is to bring light to the reality of childhood cancer, while providing a hand to the families affected. With the grant and support from Ryan and the Sheckler Foundation, the Team Lilly Foundation will help families with bills, travel expenses, birthday and cancerfree bashes, holiday care packages that are sent to 200 children three times a year and, if necessary, funeral expenses. Ryan Sheckler’s “Be the Change” initiative was created to help injured action sports athletes and children in need, which was founded in 2008.
CHOC Hosts Fundraiser to Benefit Medical Programs The Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Los Ninos Guild held its annual fundraiser at Bella Collina San Clemente on March 15. The organization thanked local businesses that supported the guild in making this “a huge success so we can support CHOC at Mission Hospital,” according to a press release. The event acknowledged contributors who gave $100. The guild has about 50 members and raises about $50,000 each year for the neonatal unit and child life program at Mission Hospital. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com by Monday the week of publication. www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Historical Happenings by Tom Marshall
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San Clemente Times, Vol. 13, Issue 12. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
Historic Weathervane to Return to the OHBC
D
uring last month’s 90th birthday party for the city of San Clemente at the Ole Hansen Beach Club, hundreds of people viewed the San Clemente Historical Society’s displays set up for the day. Many people were curious about the replica of the weathervane that used to grace the top of the beach club. The original depicted a woman diving into the sea. It blew down decades ago and was never replaced. The Historical Society is having the original weathervane replicated based on photographs from the era. The society will donate the new weathervane to the city HISTORICAL and have it installed on HAPPENINGS By Tom Marshall the building as soon as the final drafts have been approved. We have been working on this project for over a year with Lisa Spinelli of local art firm Lisa B. Designs. It has been quite a challenge to ensure that the replica is as accurate in size and design as we can make it. The process has been laborintensive and, as it turns out, costly. What started out as a simple plan has mushroomed into a several-thousand-dollar project. But, it will be worth it to restore the beach Club to its full original greatness. The city has already spent $6 million to restore the building and the pool.
GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs
What We Buy and Why
D
o you lease a fancy motor vehicle, wear the latest name-brand clothing and regularly eat meals in the most exquisite restaurants? If so, welcome to the world of the upwardly aspiring. A person’s possessions speak volumes on what that individual regards as important. The advertising industry, devoted to identifying what the citizen considers significant, manipulates the market to create those choices. With massive sums to be spent, the competition is as fierce as it is grotesque. What brand of watch do you wear? Whether it’s a top-of-the-line Rolex, a fashionable Cartier, a respectable Bulova, or an economy Timex, recognize that all keep excellent time. The day of the mechanical Swiss movement is a thing of the
The weathervane on top of the Ole Hanson Beach Club in this photo circa 1940s is to be replaced by the San Clemente Historical Society. A replica weathervane was placed on top of the club in October. Photo: Courtesy of the city of San Clemente
As a result of these costs, the Historical Society is asking for financial help from our supporters and everyone in the community. There is a way you can help that will cost you nothing. It’s called the Ralphs Community Contributions Project. A portion of your bill at any Ralphs Supermarket will be automatically donated by Ralphs to the historical society. If you do not have a Ralphs Rewards Card, go to the Ralphs website and click on “Create Account.” You can also call Ralphs at 1.800.443.4438. Then, or if you already have a Ralphs card, register in the Ralphs Community Contributions Program, by logging onto www.ralphs.com. Click on “Sign In.” Enter your email address and password. Click on “Welcome Valued Customer” (In the
past. The current battery-operated models all do a better job than the “precision” pocket watch your Uncle Elmo carried as an engineer on the Lackawanna Railroad. The only justification for a high-priced model is self-image and, let’s face it, the illusion of prosperity. What can be said about wristwatches is equally true about other highly promoted products. These include magazine offerings, timeshare projects, $300 per ounce bottles of perfume, Las Vegas weekend getaways, $1,800 ballpoint pens, and the purchase of lottery tickets, just to name a few. As a rule of thumb, the more overpriced the STRAIGHT TALK merchandise, the more By Al Jacobs innovative its promotion. Perhaps there’s a connection, if only because moderately priced items that reflect honest value incur less sales resistance, so need not be touted with such vigor. Reflect, for a moment on the recognizable voices and faces that make the outrageous claims. If there’s a benefit to this, perhaps
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top right hand corner.) Click on “My Account.” Scroll to the bottom of your account. Link your card to the Historical Society by clicking on “Community Rewards” and typing in San Clemente Historical Society. Then press “Search.” If you have forgotten your Ralphs Rewards Card number, you can use your phone number. Once enrolled, your contributions will be automatically made by Ralphs at no cost to you. You do not have to tell the checkout person to do so. The cash register does it automatically. You can check on the contributions you have made by accessing your account online at www. ralphs.com. Ralphs assures us that all of your information will be kept confidential. They will never sell, trade or rent their customers’ personal information to outside companies. All the money will go toward paying for the weathervane or future historical society projects such as replacing more than 400 local history books for all San Clemente grade schools. That will be the subject for a future column. Tom Marshall is a member of the board of directors of the San Clemente Historical Society and a retired journalist. 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.
it’s that the association of certain marketing celebrities with a product of any sort saves you the effort of analyzing the offering; you may reject it out of hand. In short, how you conduct your affairs as a consumer relates to what’s important in life. As a person with limited resources but aspirations for the future, embrace thrift and discipline. As the years pass and your net worth increases, modify your conduct accordingly but keep in mind that these are deliberate choices. Don’t let advertising pressures or market manipulators preempt your decisions. And as a last word, remember, if a vendor must buy a dozen pages of advertising to say how wonderful its product is, it can’t be. Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-century, issues weekly financial articles in which he shares his financial knowledge and experience. You may view them on www.roadwaytoprosperity.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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SOAPBOX
Letters to the Editor SHORT-TERM LODGING ORDINANCES HAMPER PROPERTY OWNERS BOB LUTZ, San Clemente
I have lived in San Clemente for 45 years. For the past four years, I have rented my home during the summer as a short-term lodging unit (STLU) for a little extra income, as I am retired. Yesterday I received a letter from the city that says I won’t be able to do this anymore because my home is not in an approved zone. According to the city’s ordinances, your home must be near the downtown area, along El Camino Real or the Pier area to be approved for a short-term rental. However, there is an area on S. El Camino called “Surfers Row,” which is a residential area that was approved and can accommodate short term rentals. Why the city designated that area for STLUs is still unknown. The City Council said they were getting way too many complaints from neighbors close to these STLUs. From the meetings I went to, it seemed that the complaints were from people that just didn’t want the rentals in their neighborhood. NIMBY: Not in My Backyard. As stated, I have rented my home to vacationers for the past four years without one complaint from neighbors. It seemed like the logical thing for the city to do was implement a two- or three-strike rule for complaints because a few homes are getting all of the complaints. Why punish the rest of us for the few? And why would the city want to do this as they tax the STLU owners about $700,000 a year in TOT revenue? Not to mention the millions of dollars that the vacationers spend in our city. Three-quarters of the STLUs are affected by this new law. It would seem like our city would benefit from this extra income in light of the fact that the Outlets haven’t brought in the sales-tax dollars the city expected. I hear there is another lawsuit pending on this matter. Our city doesn’t need another lawsuit, so I do hope the city will come to its senses and do the right thing and rescind this new law.
SONGS SPENT FUEL STORAGE COULD FAIL US
public and elected officials need to know they cannot trust the NRC nor Edison to protect our safety. SONGS spent fuel must be inspected and stored in thick-wall casks before it can be safely transported. To do otherwise risks permanent evacuation of our communities. Fifty-three canisters are already loaded, some 15 years old, each holding roughly a Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The NRC admits once a crack starts it can grow through the wall in 16 years. If water enters canisters, they will go critical—an uncontrolled nuclear fission reaction. They assume there won’t be cracks by making the unbelievable claim there isn’t enough humidity at SONGS to corrode the metal, ignoring frequent fog and on-shore winds and surf. A 2-year-old Diablo Canyon canister has conditions for cracking. No one knows if it’s cracked because they cannot inspect for cracks. A Koeberg nuclear plant tank leaked in 17 years. The NRC said these are comparable to SONGS canisters. SONGS has high-burnup fuel, which burns longer in reactors and causes fuel rods to become brittle. The NRC is still studying whether they will fail in transport. The NRC engineers said high burnup fuel in aging canisters must be inspected before transport. Edison has no way to inspect welded canisters. The NRC says canisters cannot be shipped with cracks. Edison cannot inspect for cracks. High burnup fuel creates metal hydrides. Five percent air in canisters can trigger a hydrogen explosion. Edison’s response is to ask their AREVA vendor to reduce safety standards (NRC Amendment 4) to reduce reporting radiation levels from outlet air vents, where radiation levels would be highest, and to demolish empty spent fuel pools as part of decommissioning to eliminate Edison’s only method to replace failing canisters. Thick-wall casks are the only option. Learn more at www.sanonofresafety.org.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, email 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.
DONNA GILMORE, San Clemente
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s (SONGS) nuclear waste thin-wall canisters can crack and leak in the shortterm. Southern California Edison has no method to prevent or stop radioactive leaks. Edison and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) refuse to require proven thick-wall casks that can be inspected (inside and outside), maintained, repaired and monitored to prevent leaks—requirements we would expect for a car. The San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, March 23 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. Page 9
SC GETTING OUT San Clemente
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO
Thursday | 22 TABLE TENNIS FOR SENIORS 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All seniors 55 or older are welcome to join the Table Tennis Club at the Shorecliff Terrace Mobile Home Park. Any skill level is welcome and entry is free. 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente. 949.481.2275. jnl5555@yahoo.com. DANIEL SMITH DEMONSTRATION 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sales Representative for Daniel Smith Manufacturing, Scott Steven will answer questions about all things paint. The presentation will begin with the history of Daniel Smith Manufacturing and end with a chance to sample a selection of paints. Admission is $5 with a credit to any Daniel Smith product in stock. San Clemente Art Supply. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.
Friday | 23 HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the wild West to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association dress in traditional black-and-white, western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’Gow. For more information, visit www.swallowsparade.com. FROG JUMPING CONTEST 4 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s fourth annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at the Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, www.swallowsparade.com LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians performs at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott every Friday and Saturday night. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.
Saturday | 24 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, San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
EDITOR’S PICK Photo: File
SATURDAY, MARCH 24: 60TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE & MERCADO STREET FAIRE 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, the Swallows Day Parade is the grand finale of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas and one of the largest non-motorized parades in the country. The parade begins promptly at 11 a.m. rain or shine. During the parade and afterward, the Mercado Street Faire will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Mercado Street Faire features an array of food and entertainment vendors at the Historic Town Center Park (on El Camino Real, just off Ortega Highway). Ortega Highway and El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com.
be sure to stop by Peet’s Coffee in Talega. 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. MOM2MOM MARKETPLACE 9 a.m.-Noon. San Clemente Presbyterian Church and Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) is hosting its 2nd annual Mom2Mom Marketplace. Over 40 vendors will sell crafts and gently used clothes and toys. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will benefit MOPs and San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. 949.492.6158. www.scpres. org. GROUNDBREAKING GIRLS WITH ALLISON ADAMS 6-9 p.m. Members of the public are invited to a special gallery event featuring local artists and newest OC Contemporary Gallery house artist, Allison Adams. Allison will be exhibiting her Groundbreak-
ing Girls portraits, celebrating inspiring women. Food, drink and live music will be served up all throughout the event. OC Contemporary Gallery. 1509 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 888.948.0086. www.occgallery.com. D.O.P.E. MOVIE PREMIER 7 p.m. The Community Outreach Alliance and The Noble Path Foundation present the premier of the documentary D.O.P.E. Death or Prison Eventually, narrated by actor Danny Trejo. The film takes a look at legendary skateboarders as they reach fame and struggle with drug use. Special guests include skateboarding legends Christian Hosoi, Dennis Martinez and Dave Hackett. A skateboard demo, music, food and a Q&A will be held during the event. Admission is free. Community Outreach Alliance. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com. LASS YOUR AFF OFF 7:30 p.m. Be sure to stop by Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn for live stand-up comedy
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from Ron Ruhman, Jonny Loquasto, Jake Leos and Suzette Masters. Admission is $15 plus a minimum purchase of $10. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www.comedyintheoc.com.
Sunday | 25 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. YOGA ON TAP 11 a.m. Yoga on Tap 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. (Cont. on page 35) www.sanclementetimes.com
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
WELCOME TO THE 2018 SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE
School’s (Almost) Out for Summer!
tart early on planning and pre-registering for your child or teen’s summer camp and activities-filled time off from the Capistrano Unified School District’s schedule. Local camps offer youngsters a plethora of options to fulfill every interest and hobby, including surfing, science, reading, acting, exploration and much more. Our annual Summer Camp & Activities Guide— featuring a mix of half-day and full-day activities in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding cities—will provide information to help you and your child plan an endless summer of adventure.
Fair Game
Benefits of enrolling kids in project, goal-based activities BY EMILY RASMUSSEN
rojects engage children and come in a variety of forms, ranging from science fair competitions, entering crafts or photography in local fairs to volunteering for a long-term cause. Whether it’s a friendly competition between peers or collaborating as a team for an ultimate goal, working on projects teaches children and teens how to manage time, be responsible for their work and take constructive criticism. Long-term benefits of projects can help children build resilience and learn how to set appropriate benchmarks, said Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist and parenting educator in Los Angeles, in a PBS article titled, “How to Help Your Child Set and Reach Goals.” According to Hurley, working on projects with long-term goals teaches children: • Responsibility: Success or failure depends on what they put into it. • Time management: Kids learn how to manage their time to meet their goals. • Confidence: Nothing beats the feeling of meeting your own goal. • Resilience: Kids learn to cope with the small setbacks that might stand in their way. • Perseverance: They learn to keep trying and rework their steps until they meet their goals. There are a myriad of opportunities in Orange County for students to become
involved with a goal-based project, whether it’s independent or with a group. One option to foster team building skills is with the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, which includes education, art and physical programs. An example of a unique program to the Boys and Girls Club is their character and leadership development clubs, such as the Keystone Clubs or Torch Club. “Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs,” the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley website said. “They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to (the) club and community and celebrating our national heritage.” For more technical projects and goals, OC
Science—a student-run nonprofit organization that focuses on science and engineering—is an example of a challenging educational program. OC Science is affiliated with the Orange County Science & Engineering fair, but also has more frequent projects for students. One of the OC Science projects is Problems of the Week, which engages elementary and middle school students to challenge themselves with sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences. “As opposed to traditional competitions, OC Science allows students one week to think out their answers and come up with creative solutions to free response questions,” the OC Science website said. With the program running from October to March, students who perform well and show a deep understanding of the topics are invited to compete in the Science Bowl,
which takes place in April. Extracurricular projects and goals aren’t limited to competitions. With volunteer opportunities that can range from working with faith-based groups or helping the environment, there’s interests for any field your child may be interested in. Plus, some volunteer groups allow adults to join, so parents can use this as an opportunity to bond with their children while doing a fun and productive activity. OneOC. com is a resource that families can use to find volunteer organizations, with some that will satisfy service-learning hours. Regardless of the resume-building skills that children or teens will learn while being involved in goal-based projects, the personal knowledge acquired will prepare them for an array of challenges both inside and outside of the classroom. •
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
Carter, 14, San Clemente
Carter, a student at Bernice Ayer Middle School, attends a summer camp that is geared more towards education and his foreseen career path in technology. Carter started going to iD Tech camp at the University of California-Irvine at age 12 and plans to continue going each year. “It seemed very interesting and it’s the right way to go if I want a career that involves technology,” Carter said. “Technology seems like (a growing field) in the future; we’re going to need more people in technology because that’s where everything’s going.” With hobbies including reading and video games, Carter said that learning skills at the iD Tech summer camp—including how to code, create software and build computers—were fun for him. “It shows you different aspects of technology: 3D printing, design and game development,” Carter said, adding that he is comfortable working with all of these technological facets. Although still unsure about which venue of technology he hopes to grow his career, Carter said that his interest is in design, since going to the summer camp. Also, he added, the camp has created a support system for him, in that other attendees of the iD Tech camp who are passionate about technology like he is, become close and valuable friends.
Caden, Dana Point, Pictured at 10
Seasons in the Sun Local kids learn valuable lessons in summer camp, with some fun BY EMILY RASMUSSEN
very child has their own unique experience at summer camp with an even wider variety of takeaways from their time at the youth getaways. With local summer camp offerings ranging from technology to horseback riding, students in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano learned valuable skills that could apply to their college and career paths—not to mention they had some fun along the way. Here are some of their favorite memories.
Caden, 17, Dana Point
When this San Juan Hills High School student started going to YMCA Camp Oakes when he was 10 years old, he was somewhat doubtful of summer camps because he was homesick his first year. Although the week-long camp of activities including horseback riding and rock climbing were enjoyable, Caden said that he wasn’t used to sharing his space with so many people and at the time, and just wanted to go home. “The first time I went, it was new for me
—my first time out of the house for more than a couple days, I missed my bed, my own food, being able to go into my room and have my own space,” Caden said. “I had to be around new people every second of the day—I was kind of homesick the first year, but when I got home I couldn’t wait to go back next year.” Since that first year, Caden went to YMCA Camp Oakes—based in Big Bear— every year for three years. “It’s always going to be something new to go out and be on your own, but it is so fun,”
Caden said. “You meet new people, try all of these different activities—it’s something different than your house and family.” In addition to the camp allowing for Caden to try new, interesting activities, he said that the camp also helped him grow a sense of independence and maturity. “It was a great real-world experience without having your parents there to coach you on everything,” Caden said. “You have older role models who aren’t full-on adults, the counselors really help—you look up to them and they’re not your parent.”
Kate, 15, San Juan Capistrano
After participating in Westwind Sailing camp in Dana Point for four years, San Juan Hills High School student Kate has her sails set on becoming an assistant instructor. “It’s helped me to try new things, work with groups and learn how to communicate better with other people,” Kate said. The camp, which typically has groups of three per boat, teaches attendees how to sail. It’s a physically and mentally challenging task for someone who has never set to sea before, Kate said. “It’s really fun and you learn a lot; it’s a nice skill to have if you enjoy the beach,” she said. The skill has also helped Kate learn how to adjust to unfamiliar settings and how to not panic in situations that you would need to act fast, she added. For Kate’s foreseen career and college route in the medical field, these mentalities are important to develop, she said. •
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
Five
Health Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Camp BY EMILY RASMUSSEN
hether it’s sailing a boat for the first time or learning a new technical skill, summer camps push the intellectual boundaries of what children are used to on a daily basis. Camps give your child an opportunity to grow in a variety of ways, whether it’s a chance to develop a new skill or to have some adventurous fun. Here’s five health and psychological benefits of enrolling your child in a camp.
1.Sense of independence
If your child has attended camps before, you may have noticed changes in their selfconfidence. Camps can help children grow by allowing them the opportunity to try experiences on their own, growing their sense of independence and overall maturity. “It is in the crucible of this community that children gain self-esteem with humility, overcome their inflated sense of self, and develop a lifelong sense of grace and wonder,” Bob Ditter, licensed clinical social worker specializing in child and adolescent treatment, said to the American Camp Association (ACA) in their article “Benefits of Camp: Psychological Aspects.”
2. Making friends
This may seem like an obvious reason, but it’s arguably one of the most important. Building relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds can help grow your child’s community of friends and mentors. “Each summer at camp, a unique setting is created, a community is constructed that allows participants to get in touch with a sense of life that is larger than one’s self,” Bruce Muchnick, licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps, said to the ACA. “The camp community seeks to satisfy children’s basic need for connectedness, affiliation, belonging,
safety, and feelings of acceptance and appreciation.”
3. Change of scenery
Even with school field trips or family vacations, a child’s sense of the world might be limited to their neighborhood or city. Breaking out of the norm can enlighten your child’s grasp on what else is out there. “It gets them away from a neighborhood or situation that may exist in their neighborhoods that isn’t healthy,” former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and former chair of America’s Promise - The Alliance for Youth, said to the ACA. “It teaches them how to get along with others—both young people as well as adults. To give our children a safe place to learn and grow–camp does that.”
4. Taking risks
This may be your child’s first time trying something exciting outside of school or home. Regardless of its size, taking risks is an important lesson for children to learn. “What makes camp a special community is its focus on celebrating effort. In this less pressured atmosphere, children learn more readily what positive things to say and do when they make mistakes and face challenges,” Michael Brandwein, noted speaker and consultant to the camp profession, said to the ACA.
5. Different perspectives
Camps can serve as a catalyst for understanding people’s differences. Often, children will be obliged to hear other ideas—whether they agree with them or not—which is a healthy start for having an open mind to other people’s thoughts and feelings. “Campers are urged to include, not exclude, others,” Brandwein said to the ACA. “They are praised for choosing new partners and not always the same ones. They are encouraged to respect the differences between people.” •
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
DIY Camp
Try these affordable, at-home activities this summer ooking back at your own childhood, some of the best summer memories are those that were spent at home or in the backyard. With heavy travel and activity schedules for both parents and kids, it’s refreshing (and financially sound) to spend time in the comfort of one’s home. That doesn’t mean it has to be all work and no play. Adventures for your kids can still be found with a few household items, a jump rope or basketball and craft supplies.
Get Crafty Stop by a local arts supplies store and pick up construction paper, markers and crayons. Encouraging kids to explore their creative side by making decorations for their room, mimicking the solar system or even making cards for local military members currently deployed is an easy and affordable way to bring out their artistic side.
Up-Cycle Art Take crafting a step further and turn cardboard boxes into space ships and milk jugs, and cartons into space packs or use recycled plastic lids to create a solar system. Kids can take a spin around the world in their rocket ship or sail over the seas with a jetpack then draw images of what they saw on their journey.
Play Around Physical exercise like playing tag, going for a hike, skateboarding or beach volleyball are simple and free forms of fun. According to the Power of Moms website, including daily rewards after chores or must-do lists is another stimulating and healthy way to keep children busy throughout the summer months.
T U R N T H E PAG E F O R O U R
5-Day Activity Outline!
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
5-Day Activity Outline Making your own summer camp and activities this summer for your kids is guaranteed to be both affordable and memorable!
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Make-it Monday
Trip Tuesday
Wet Wednesday
Think Thursday
Friend Friday
Whether it’s learning how to make a few treats for the family barbecue or Fourth of July party, or building a fort out of old cardboard boxes and leftover firewood, children can explore this day of the week with inventions and innovation.
Grab bikes from the garage and ride along the San Clemente Beach Trail, visit the Blas Aguilar Adobe in San Juan Capistrano or throw Frisbees in Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point. Trips do not have to be four-hour drives through heavy Southern California traffic.
Cool off from the hot weather with the kids and visit the Ole Hanson’s Beach Club pool or one of the countless Pacific beach entrances.
Ever wonder how laffy taffy is made at the county fair? What about the ecosystem of our local waters? Compile your own fun facts for kids, pick up a new book or take them to a museum to get them thinking about different ideas.
Socializing with peers is an integral part of healthy development and happiness. Take turns with other parents so children and teens can surf with friends, roast marshmallows at a beach bonfire or head to Ralphs Skate Park.
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
The Ecology Center
Giving Back Local nonprofits offer vol nteering opport nities for o t
s the bell rings and finals are completed, students begin to look forward and think of their summer plans. Amid beach time, summer camps and visiting with friends, volunteering at a local nonprofit organization in South Orange County is a rewarding way to dedicate spare time. Students won’t have to look far in order to find a local organization in need of an extra hand this summer. Here are a few choices.
Family Assistance Ministries
Community Outreach Alliance www.communityoutreachalliance.com
Community Outreach Alliance (COA) focuses on equipping students with the necessary tools to make smart decisions and act as community role models, staying free from drugs and alcohol. Give back while also having fun, as COA empowers kids to lead Youth Alliance clubs and activities that include videogame events, fishing trips, comedy nights and more. COA is more than simply volunteering, it is a lifestyle open to all ages.
The Ecology Center
www.family-assistance.org
www.theecologycenter.org
Headquartered in San Clemente, Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization with one mission: assisting those in need in Orange County. Whether it be with food, shelter or counseling, FAM casts such a wide net of help that there is an assortment of volunteer opportunities; anything from helping organize a food drive, to clerical duties, to tutoring a child. Reach out to the organization for upcoming fundraisers and event opportunities.
A wealth of knowledge, The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is a one-stop shop for all information regarding the preservation of our planet. The Water Effect is a program ran by local student ambassadors to further educate schools and communities on simple tips to help conserve water, while challenging locals to use reusable water bottles. The Ecology Center runs eco-friendly workshops throughout the summer to give local kids tools to help the environment. •
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
Local Camps
Capistrano Acting Academy
Make it a memorable summer
949 Volleyball
In just six years, 949 Volleyball Club has earned eight Junior Olympic Volleyball medals and has four National Championships of their own. At 949 Volleyball Club, our goal is to teach beginning players the game’s fundamentals and to prepare juniors and seniors for NCAA-level competition. The club promotes sportsmanlike behavior both on and off the court. With each player, we instill the values of integrity, dedication and hard work all while having fun and learning to play the game. Space is limited. Be sure to register early. 32701 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. 949.374.2890. www.949vb.com. Email Justin@949vb.co for more information.
Acting Academy
Summer Performing Arts Camps serving ages 4 - 13. Campers are guided through a full theater immersion experience via four daily classes—music, acting, dance and fusion. The culminating event will be a Friday performance on one of our three main stage theaters! Children can participate for one week, the entire summer or anywhere in between. It’s time to watch your star shine at Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente; CommunityRoots Academy PAC, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel; OC Music & Dance, 17620 Fitch Avenue #160, Irvine 92614, 949.427.0072, www.actingacademyforkids.com.
Excitement and adventure await your kids with loads of Summer Fun! Camp begins June 25 and encompasses six separate weeks, each with a different theme. We accept ages 6 - 16. Each play is an original script with tons of laughter – for both the kids and the audience. Along with enjoying theatre games, these amazing kids learn their lines, blocking, timing and are costumed and made up to perform by Friday at 2 p.m. They offer sibling and return student discounts too. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www. capistranoactingacademy.org.
Basics of Skateboarding
Basics of Skateboarding is a hands-on camp designed to bring kids together with their community. At this camp, children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other camp participants. Our camps are here to guide participants with little to no skateboarding experience through the basics by providing structured lessons. We also offer intermediate and advanced camps. Camps are open to young skateboarders ages 3-12. 949.922.9922. www.basicsofskateboarding.com.
Bella Collina Kid’s Summer Golf Camp
Evidence suggests regular physical activity may help improve a student’s academic performance. This summer, challenge your child by introducing them to the exciting world of golf. Each weeklong session includes instruction by experienced, nurturing golf professionals. Campers enjoy confidencebuilding activities, on-course play and fun games. Golf achievement medals are awarded at the end of each week. Clubs, lunch and snacks are provided. Runs from June 18 to August 10. Cost is $289 per week ($229 for members). 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.498.3771. www.bellacollinasanclemente.com.
Johnson Academy
Did you know that one out of every five children struggle in reading? Children who receive intervention before third grade have a 90 percent chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever. At the Johnson Academy, located in San Juan Capistrano, they offer evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact the academy to find out more information. 31831 Camino Capistrano, Franciscan Promenade, Suite 100, San Juan Capistrano. 949.487.5251 scheduling@ocsllcinc.com.
City of San Clemente
Adventures are now open with early bird savings lasting until April 14. The city of San Clemente is offering more than 300 courses and camps this summer. Explore a variety of programs from sports to performing arts, cooking and more. Visit Camp Palooza at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts and enjoy recreational swimming. For information and registration visit www.san-clemente.org/recreation or call 949.429.8797.
JP’s Surf Camp
Come join the fun at JP’s Surf Camp, San Clemente Pier. Our summer camp, for ages 6 through adult, runs June 11-August 3 daily from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. sessions. Small group instruction is provided for beginner through intermediate surfers and surfboards and wetsuits are included. Full week sessions are $275 and single day sessions are $65/day. Early Bird Special pricing runs through April 14. 647 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente. 949.547.2088. www.jpssurfcamp.com.
KG Beach Camps Endless Summer Surf Camp
Learn to surf at San Clemente’s premier surf camp, where dreams have come true since 1992. Whether you have never surfed or if you want to take your surfing to the next level, we have surf instruction and coaching for you. We have day and overnight surf camps as well as private and group lessons for beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers. We also offer surf and turf camps at Talega Golf Course with PGA Teacher of the Year Randy Chang. 949.498.7862. www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com.
Come down to the Dana Point Harbor for a week of fun! There are activities from stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and tide pool walks to games, crafts and much more. Join us for an adventure on a 60-foot catamaran while we look for whales and explore the open ocean. The little ones will join us for a different adventure every day; crab hunting, treasure hunts, water games and sand castles will fill their days at camp. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.842.5211. www.kgbeachcamps.com.
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
More Local Camps
Stay engaged with these tips for your next family road trip
Mathnasium
We help kids catch up, keep up and get ahead in math. Mathnasium’s goal is to significantly increase your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward the subject. Children don’t hate math. They hate being confused and intimidated by math. With understanding comes passion. And with passion comes growth—a treasure is unlocked. 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite E, San Clemente, 949.481.6284; 22 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, 949.240.6284; www.mathnasium.com.
St. Anne SCHOOL
The Summer Knights Day Camp is the ideal combination of fun and education for kids 2 years old through middle school. Camp days are filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents. The eight-week-long camps begin June 11 with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Visit www.st-anne.org/summercamp for more information and to register. 32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.276.6711.
Going Up the Country
Waterbabies Swim School
We are known for our warm 92-degree salt pool, small classes and teaching every child to be safe and happy around water. Swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning! Swimming builds self-esteem! Swimming enhances physical, mental and emotional development! Swimming is an activity that lasts a lifetime! A trusted choice for over 25 years. 142 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com.
ummers are made for road trips. On-the-road getaways are not only a wallet-friendly means of travel, but also a family-friendly escape that keeps everyone together. Before you jam everyone into the car for fun-filled summer adventures, here are a few tips, games and tricks to make your road trip entertaining and educational.
Westwind Sailing
Welcome aboard! Westwind Sailing opened in 1987 to provide public access boating education in our community. Summer fun at Westwind includes sailing and SUP camps and classes for all ages and skill levels. We are a sanctioned US Sailing Community Sailing Center and our instructors hold US Sailing, USCG, ASI, ACA, CPR and first aid certifications. Our programs meet at the OC Sailing & Events Center, located in the Harbor at 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.492.3035. www.westwindsailing.com.
Ask for input from everyone.
YMCA of Orange County St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Be inspired, explore interests and have fun at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School this summer. Summer camps are designed and taught by St. Margaret’s renowned faculty on the beautiful 22-acre campus, in dynamic, technology-rich learning environments. STEM, Performing and Visual Arts, Athletics and Exploration camps available weekly for students Preschool through Grade 12! Registration open now, for more information, visit www.smes.org/summer. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.0108.
Discover the adventure of a lifetime! The YMCA of Orange County is proud to offer several amazing camps where any and every child can build confidence and make new friends in a safe and nurturing environment. Summer Day Camps are available during the school break and are offered at more than 40 schools across Orange County. Specialty Camps at our Health & Fitness Centers offer sports, arts, science fun and more on a weekly basis. For the ultimate summer experience, youth 5-17 are encouraged to join us for Camp E.L.K.’s summer sleepaway camp in the San Gabriel Mountains. Learn more at www.ymcaoc.org/camps. 13821 Newport Ave., Suite 200, Tustin. 714.549.9622. www.ymcaoc.org.
Whether your family is heading up the coast to Monterey, cruising to Mammoth Lakes or are loading up for a camping trip, involve your children in the planning process. Silence Siri or Alexa and put the navigational system away. Instead, buy a paper map and plot your course. Research places to stop and explore along the way—maybe a visit to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery outside San Simeon is on your trip north.
Get creative with games inside the car. Exploration isn’t exclusive outside the car. Load up your car-game arsenal and use driving time for creative, interactive games. Go through the alphabet. For this game, pick a category such as fruits, cities or
sports teams. Then take turns coming up with items starting with that letter. Play the license plate game. Keep your eyes set on passing cars. Try to find all 50 states. Ever wonder where other cars are going? Pick a car and craft a story of their travels. Let imaginations run wild.
Embark on a listening adventure. It’s inevitable. At some point in the trip, the miles will seem endless. Help beat the road-trip lull with an audiobook. The miles are guaranteed to fly by. You could opt for a family-friendly classic adventure novel like Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island or Douglas Adams’ science-fiction comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Whatever you choose, enjoy the journey where your family will be transported to far-off lands for a new adventure together.
GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10)
Monday | 26 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com. LULULEMON ATHETICA PRESESNTS: MINDFUL GATHERING 6-9 p.m. Lululemon Mission Viejo is hosting a mindful gathering discussing traumatic brain injury (TBI). This gathering is intended to help community members understand more about this topic. Speakers will include Kevin and Adam Pearce, founders of Love Your Brain Foundation, Lululemon ambassador Charmaine Shetler and a meditation led by Lululemon ambassador Maggie Gelineau. Admission is a $50 donation to Love Your Brain. The Ecology Center. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org. BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949. 492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.
Tuesday | 27 HAPA J’S TACO TUESDAY 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Join Hapa J’s for a taco Tuesday that reaches beyond your average chicken or carne asada tacos. Enjoy seared ahi poke, kalbi short rib and kalua pig tacos in addition to the more traditional selections. 2016 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.276.6675. www.hapajs.com. OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.
Wednesday | 28 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. 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.
OLD CAPISTRANO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET 3-6 p.m. Stop by and check out some locally grown, organic produce and artisan goodies at a farmers market that has been going strong for over 15 years. Free admission. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com. MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com. FREE COMEDY 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 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 at this 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.
Master Crafters Mixology Competition returns to The Shwack Cantina BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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raftspeople of dubiously delicious libations are set to challenge one another in the annual San Clemente Mixology Competition at The Shwack Cantina from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. Bartenders and mixologists compete for the best drink in town based on the judges’ choices and the people’s choices. The event is for people 21 and older. Drink masters select their favorite “homemade” drink, which will be judged by a select group of local dignitaries, according to a press release from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event every year. This will be the 14th year in a row that the competition has taken place. Last year’s competition took place at Pierside Bar + Grill, which featured drinks with flowers frozen in ice cubes and other San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
The annual Mixology Competition takes place Thursday, March 22 at The Shwack Cantina. Photo: File
dazzling displays using fruit and blended alcohol. “Unfortunately, due to limited space, the Chamber will only be selling approximately 50 tickets,” a press release from the Chamber of Commerce stated. “Chamber members are invited to attend and watch the bartenders as they mix their specialty drink and then present their beverage for judging. Ticket price for members is $25
per person. Prospective members’ tickets are $35.” Tickets will be sold on a first-come, firstserve basis. Interested attendees can call or come by the Chamber office, located at 1231 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 200. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The results of the competition will be published in the March 29-April 4 edition of the San Clemente Times. SC
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Photo: Courtesy
At the Movies: Vikander is the ‘Most Memorable’ in New Generation ‘Tomb Raider’ BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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nly two years after taking “Best Supporting Actress” at the Academy Awards for The Danish Girl, Alicia Vikander surprisingly followed up her success with signing on to be the next liveaction face of the iconic video game character Lara Croft. It’s been over a decade since Angelina Jolie originally portrayed the character on film in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and The Cradle of Life (2003). The first two films were considered mediocre despite the decent casting, but what about the new film—simply called Tomb Raider—with Vikander? In London, England, heiress Lara Croft (Vikander) lives modestly as a delivery server and boxes at the local gym. Seven years after her father (Dominic West) disappears, she’s still hoping that he is alive. When Lara discovers that her dad was in the middle of discovering a mystical curse on an ancient Japanese island, she decides to pick up where he left off with the help of drunk fisherman Lu Ren (Daniel Wu). MGM’s Tomb Raider is possibly the best video game adapted for film to date. That said, the standards in the genre of video-game movies are so low, it’s not saying much. Like most decent action films, the weakest link is the script, which has some hokey character development. The direction is interesting because it tries to distinguish itself as a film while alluding to its video-game roots with the action sequences. But by far the most memorable aspect of Tomb Raider is Vikander herself, who proves she can lead a blockbuster just as much as a drama. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC San Clemente
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
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
Locals Only BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ELECTRICAL
Arcadia Electric
949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com
HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT
Capistrano Valley Raingutters 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
MORTGAGES
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
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
Contact Susie Lantz at 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
SALONS
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
Bill Metzger Plumbing
1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com
REALTORS
“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes
949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design
949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT
Offshore Construction
877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org
949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
949.705.7573, panagiamusic@gmail. com, www.panagiamusic.com
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com
PEST/TERMITE CONTROL
Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, www.accuratetermitecontrol.com
Colony Termite Control
1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
PLUMBING
A to Z Leak Detection
1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com
Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com
FOR RENT QUALITY ROOM/PRIVATE BATH FOR RENT San Clemente Furnished Private Room/Bath. Walk to Pier & Downtown Village. Parking/Storage/ Washer-Dryer/Smoke-Drug Free Household. Military Welcomed. $895. Send Qualifications to heritagesc@fea.net.
FOR SALE WOMEN’S BICYCLE Beautiful, almost new women’s bike. Looks like a commuter/ cruiser with multiple gears. Light mint green frame, white seat, wire basket on the back. $250. Text for photos. 949-533-9761.
GARAGE SALES SATURDAYS, 10AM TO 1PM AND SUNDAYS 9AM TO 12 Through March. Everything must go. Chairs, tables, household items, clothes, jewelry, tools, patio furniture. Also open during week. 34202 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach. GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY MARCH 24, 2018, 8 AM TO 1 PM 214 Esplanade, San Clemente. Moving sale, everything must go: Clothing and shoes, books, small appliances, misc. GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.
HELP WANTED DANA POINT MARINA INN NOW HIRING : Front desk clerks, Housekeeping, Breakfast room, Janitorial. Full and Part time shifts available. $12 to $14 per hour. Apply in person. 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive Dana Point, Ca 92629
MUSIC LESSONS
Panagia Music: Music Lessons and More!
647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com
Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.
BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.com
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings
Eric Johnson, D.D.S.
Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!
Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty
SC Rider Supply
Danman’s Music School
DENTISTS
YOUR BUSINESS HERE!
LANDSCAPING
Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com
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HELP WANTED We are seeking CAREGivers in our local communities. Home Instead Senior Care provides a variety of non-medical services that allow seniors to remain in their homes and meet the challenges of aging with dignity, care and compassion. Variety of shift options available immediately. Competitive pay and benefits. https://homeinstead. com/301
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San Clemente Times March 22–28, 2018
Page 37
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SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake
Do Widowers Feel the Same about Single Women as They Did in 2000?
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ast week while doing spring cleaning in my office, I came across a letter in my senior dating files that had been postmarked in Los Alamitos and dated Dec. 22, 2000. At that time, I was a columnist for the Orange County Register, writing a column called “Single Again.” The letter was written by a widower, age 75, named Lawrence. He wrote: “I lost my wife just over a year ago after 49 years of a happy marriage. In your column, one lady you quoted complained that men are focused on their dead wives. Of course, we can be. After 49 years, she was my soulmate, sweetheart, friend, lover and an Earth angel. A kind, wonderful, compassionate soul whom I miss ON LIFE AND very much. LOVE AFTER 50 “She told me before By Tom Blake she passed away not to mope and grieve over her (easier said than done). She also told me to find a nice, compatible lady and maybe remarry to enjoy my last years and to not feel guilty about it. “In the past months, I’ve met many ladies at senior centers, but all the ones I’ve been attracted to are married. The unattached ones seem to have chips on their shoulders or other emotional problems. “Talking with other men, I found the men complain that there are not too many good, unattached ladies out there, that they either smoke, drink, lie a lot, a few are on drugs, and I have come to the
conclusion that the only way to go is to find (if I can, and it’s not easy) a compatible lady who lost a good hubby after a happy marriage, and is looking for a good reliable man. “Are there any such ladies out there?” I wondered what happened to Lawrence. The letter listed his address and phone number. I entered that information online and the results indicated he was still at the same location, same phone number and is now 92. I called the number. A woman answered the phone. It could have been his daughter. I explained who I was, that I had a letter he had written, and asked if Lawrence was still doing okay and if he had met a compatible woman. She said, “Lawrence never remarried. Do you want to talk to him?” Lawrence got on the phone. He explained he couldn’t hear very well so I tried to talk loud and slowly. There was static on the line, perhaps caused by his hearing aid. He asked if I could write him a letter instead, which I did. Mailed it the same day. I asked my weekly eNewsletter readers if widowers feel the same in 2018 as Lawrence did in 2000? Three women shared: India said, “I disagree that only widows who had a happy marriage are the only way for him to go. Some of us who have seen the good, bad and ugly have never been happily married. We do not smoke, drink or lie a lot, have never been on drugs and do not have chips on our shoulders.”
as retention of historical buildings along Avenida Del Mar. This photo was taken circa 1940 looking east toward what is now the Historic City Hall. Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
Inez stated, “He was comparing each woman he met to the idealized memory of the woman he lost. I’d like to know if he simply gave up or continued to open his mind and heart to a new experience with a new person.” Mary Lou wrote, “Lawrence was hurting badly at the loss of his wife of 49 years. His heart was broken, and he missed her terribly. So, of course he was drawn to the ‘taken’ ladies because they were safer. What he really wanted was his wife back. I hope Lawrence writes you back. I would love to know how his journey went.” I’m guessing in 2018 things are about the same for widowers. I’ve not heard back
from Lawrence. I will keep you posted. 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 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
BY MYLES MELLOR
Last week’s solution:
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
O
San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
FROM THE ARCHIVES Much has remained the same as far
Sudoku
Pet of the Week: Kurt ne-year-old Kurt is a poodle mix who just loves a good snuggle. His favorite thing in the world is a proper belly rub. Kurt would do best in a home with adults who can lavish attention upon him. If you would like to know more about Kurt, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC
Photo: Thomas Pulley/Courtesy of OC Public Libraries
Kurt. Photo: Courtesy
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 38
See the solution in next week’s issue.
www.sanclementetimes.com
SC LIVING
Earth First Panhe festival welcomes hundreds of visitors to historic site BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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rotecting the land and natural resources is a common theme at each year’s Panhe festival, which took place this year on March 18 at the San Mateo Campground. Aztec dancers, flute-players, storytellers and others performed during the event. There were also various educational booths for people to learn about the land, the California State Parks authority, the ecology of the region and more. Steve Garcia, who performs the eagle dance each year at the festival, gave his introduction about the importance of the dance as well as what the earth means to him. His speech touched on a connectedness to the planet and its inhabitants. The location of Panhe is where portions of the Acjachemen Nation used to flourish for thousands of years. The festival is hosted by the San Onofre Parks Foundation and the United Coalition to Protect Panhe. Members of the latter made statements regarding the protection of the land and some of the current threats it faces. Members of the organization spoke during the event to bring emphasis to their cause of preserving the historical area. The 50-year lease agreement for San
Clockwise from top left: Steve Garcia performs the eagle dance during the Panhe festival on March 18 at the San Mateo Campground. Aztec dancers performed traditional dances and ceremonies. A girl lets a butterfly rest on her nose as part of a demonstration. People joined the dancers for a circle of peace dance. Flute performers joined storytellers and presenters during the Panhe Festival. Photos: Eric Heinz
Onofre State Beach between California State Parks and the U.S. Navy will expire in three years, but officials are optimistic that the parks and the military factions that have vested interest in the land could come to an amicable agreement. The area of Panhe is also located across from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), which recently started transferring spent nuclear fuel to dry-cask
storage, a move that’s been criticized by environmentalists. The operators of SONGS can’t move the fuel unless/until authorized by the Department of Energy. Finally, the looming toll road proposals that could be built through San Clemente still makes people nervous, especially those who fought for absolution from such construction. A settlement and protective agreement was forged between the Save
San Onofre Coalition and the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) in 2016, but that settlement is being challenged by the city of San Clemente and a homeowners association, as it caused the TCA to draw toll road proposals through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and to develop other traffic-alleviating methods. There’s a few storms that are always on the Panhe horizon. SC
Luck O’ the Irish Exchange Club of San Clemente hosts annual St. Patrick’s Day party to benefit local organizations BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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Clockwise from top left: Students of the Aniar Academy School of Irish Dance perform during the Exchange Club of San Clemente’s St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 17 at the San Clemente Community Center. Bruce Hutton sports green facial hair during the St. Patrick’s Day Party. The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area members pose for a presentation of a $5,000 check to their organization from the Exchange Club of San Clemente. Father and daughter Dana, left, and Jaelyn Lane dance together during the St. Patrick’s Day Party. Photos: Eric Heinz
San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
Page 39
here’s always a thunderous, synchronized rhythm rumbling from the San Clemente Community Center each March, as the Aniar Academy School of Irish Dance students perform Irish step-dance. It’s the formidable performance of the evening, which took place March 17 this year, prior to the Exchange Club of San Clemente awarding funding to organizations of their determining. This year, the Exchange Club donated $5,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of the South Coast Area and $500 to Aniar. People were treated to a traditional Irish feast of corned beef and cabbage as well as other St. Patrick’s Day-themed activities. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Play For All San Clemente resident, record-holding para athlete looks to raise awareness for para sports and clinics BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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endall Stier is a state record-holder in the shot put. The San Clemente resident and Saddleback Valley Christian (SVC) junior is also an All-American, a National Honor Society member with a 4.0 GPA and threw six inches over her state-record mark with an 11-foot, 9-inch throw at the ACSICS Invitational at Irvine High School on March 9. Stier also has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that impairs motor function, and throws in the F-33 classification of para athletics. “Everyone has their own obstacles and their own challenges,” Stier said. “If you were to believe what everyone is saying, ‘oh you can’t do this because x, y, z,’ there’s always going to be that ‘what if.’ Then there’s your own opinion and you have to form your own ideas of ‘this is who I am’ and I’m not going to let anyone tell me who I am because I know what I want to do and I have my own goals.” “That’s basically what I’ve been doing for the last two years.” Stier joined the SVC track and field team as a freshman in 2016, the same
Triton Report BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Boys Volleyball Continues Strong Start San Clemente boys volleyball coach Ken Goldstone has been surprised by his young group’s 14-4 start to the season. “Sometimes I wonder how we’re that good,” Goldstone said. “We’ve played well enough just to get by sometimes.” March 20 seemed like one of those times as San Clemente survived a stiff test from San Juan Hills, but earned the sweep, 25-21, 30-28, 25-20, in the Tritons’ first home match of the season and a Coast View Conference crossover game at San San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
San Clemente resident Kendall Stier threw past her state record shotput mark on March 9. The Saddleback Valley Christian junior hopes to inspire others with disabilities whom follow a passion for sports to enter into competitions. Photo: Eric Heinz
year that the CIF state body allowed para athletes to compete with their able-bodied counterparts in track and field and swimming. Kendall and her mom and coach Shannon Stier saw the fight that went into getting that ordinance passed and are now taking on a new fight to have more para athletes take advantage of this opening. Kendall is a SAMbassador – SAM standing for Student Athlete in Motion – for the
Clemente High School. “I think we’re still growing,” San Clemente junior Wyatt Eberle said. “We didn’t perform our best tonight. I think in upcoming games like Dana and once we get into league, you can expect much more from us. We’re still coming together as a team and growing. I’m still proud of how we played tonight.” San Clemente is the defending South Coast League champion, but the Tritons lost nine seniors from that team. The Tritons open up their the league title defense by hosting Dana Hills on Tuesday, March 27. The second set was a highlight with a see-saw battle that saw 21 tie scores throughout. San Juan Hills looked like it was going to fight back and make a real match of things with a five-point lead, 11-6, but San Clemente came back to tie the match at 13. The teams traded points down the stretch and played through six set points before the Tritons ended it, 3028.
LA84 Foundation. LA84 is a legacy from the 1984 Olympics that aims to promote youth sports and provide equal access for all sports. “It was definitely an honor,” Stier said of being named a SAMbassador in 2017. “Now I get to be a part of process of not just students with disabilities, I get to be part of a process where my opinion on what grants should go to which foundations and help other students, kids, adults
be able to play the sports they love.” Stier is using her success and platform to promote the #PlayForAll movement and spread the word about clinics for youth para athletes. “That’s a big problem,” Stier said. “Even though we, the para movement, have already fought legally to let students with disabilities play in high school and successfully won, a lot of kids don’t know that they can now compete in sports. We’ve been trying to make advertisements and post on social media and try to get awareness out. I definitely give thanks to LA84 as they’ve been getting the message out as well.” Stier has also worked as an ambassador for Angel City Sports, the only para athlete clinic in California. The fourth Angel City Games will take place on June 21-24 at the University of California-Los Angeles with clinics and competition in track and field, swimming, archery, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. Kendall will continue her work in raising awareness and raising her own game as she competes next at the Arcadia Invitational on Friday, April 6 and looks forward to another potential state title. With developments at the college level to allow para athletes to score points in regular track and field competitions in some eastern conferences, she will continue to push for that on the West Coast and try to inspire other high school para athletes to join her on the field. “All you have to do is go to your track and field head coach and say ‘I want to play’ and you’re on the team,” Shannon Stier said. “That’s it.” SC
Scoreboard COMPILED BY ZACH CAVANAGH
Olympica Gymnast Takes Silver at State Championships
Olympica Gymnastics’ Level 7-10 teams traveled to San Diego to compete at the 2018 State Championships on March 16-18 and earned seven top-three placings, including two State Championships. San Clemente’s Level 7 gymnast, Julia Rojas, won a silver medal on beam with a score of 9.575, as well as a bronze medal in the all-around with a score of 37.700. Dana Point’s Level 8 gymnast, Natalie Bray, won the state championship on floor exercises with a score of 9.500, as well as the all-around state championship with a score of 37.725 in the 13-year-olds division. Bray also won silver on bars with a score of 9.525. Ladera Ranch’s Sarah Quan won bronze on beam, scoring 9.450. In the 12-year-olds division, Allison Karner of Laguna Niguel won silver on bars with her score of 9.475.
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Some of Olympica’s Level 7 gymnasts enjoy their success at the State Championships: Parsons, Richards, Proctor, Driessen, Julia Rojas of San Clemente and Thrall. Photo: Courtesy Stacy Richards
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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Colapinto Goes Perfect San Clemente surfer scores epic 10-point ride in pumping Gold Coast conditions at Quiksilver Pro BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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ast week in this space, we wrote about how WSL Championship Tour (CT) rookie Griffin Colapinto had won his debut heat against reigning world champion John John Florence. If only we’d known he was just getting warmed up. Colapinto blitzed through the contest unlike any other rookie on tour today. The 19-year-old caught absolute fire. Taking out serious veteran talent, including Aussie icon and former world champ Joel Parkinson, his run at the Quiksilver Pro culminated with an all-time performance at one of the world’s all-time waves. For most of the week, the contest took place at Snapper Rocks (located on the Gold Coast of Australia), but when the swell pulsed and kicked up a few notches, WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow made the decision to move the contest site down the beach to the world-famous Kirra, perhaps one of the best sand-bottom point breaks on the planet when it’s on. “Scoring good waves at Kirra is on every surfer’s bucket list, so the move here today is really exciting,” said Perrow upon making his decision. “We have a massive swell with consistent 6-to 8-foot waves rolling down the bank at Kirra with the off 10-footer.” Now keep in mind, Colapinto cut his teeth surfing soft T-Street before graduating to only slightly more steep Trestles.
GROM OF THE WEEK
REEF TSUTSUI BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
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ast weekend, the skies cleared up and a little wind swell pulsed into Surf City for the latest NSSA showdown. In the end, it turned out to be a San Clemente dog fight at the NSSA Southwest Conference competition at Ninth Street in Huntington Beach. Held in tricky waist- to chest-high conditions with a heavy dose of afternoon west winds, Reef Tsutsui came away with a nailbiting win over San Clemente compadre Crosby Colapinto. The final score: 10.67 San Clemente Times March 22-28, 2018
San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto stunned the world when he locked into this perfect 10-point tube en route to a third place finish at the WSL’s Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast of Australia. Photo: WSL
Maxing Kirra’s a beast in itself. Add to that the fact that this was his first appearance on tour. It would have been understandable if he had buckled under the pressure. Instead, Colapino went out and put on a performance for the ages. Facing Tahitian powerhouse Michel Bourez in the quarterfinals, he was calm, cool and collected. He waited patiently for the waves to come to him, and eventually one did—a perfect one. When a big set swung his way, Colapinto put his head down and started paddling. He dug deep, fell from the sky, barely scratching to his feet as he pulled up into a giant, sandy-gargling tube. He came flying out with the spit and gave the judges a nod. He reset his line, setting up perfectly to backdoor the next tube section. Colapinto then parked himself behind the current once again and replicated his feat. Giddy with excitement, he gave the judges
to 10.50. Tsutsui took the win by not even two tenths of a point. It was his first win in the NSSA Southwest Open Men’s division. Overall, it was a great weekend for the local talent as our up-and-coming surfers chalked up big results throughout a number of divisions. Dana Point’s Bethany Zelasko took first in the Open Women’s division, while Bella Kenworthy finished runner-up in the Open Girls and Open Super Girls. For the boys, in the Open Juniors, Hagan Johnson locked in a runner-up finish of his own, while Hayden Rodgers and Charlie Stevens also came away with podium finishes in their respective divisions. SC
another look before a third running tube section stole his heart. He threaded the trifecta of the barrels perfectly. He came out holding his hands up to the sky as if to say, what else could I have done? The beach went mad. The judges didn’t have to deliberate too long. They threw him a perfect 10-point score. Colapinto had done it. In a contest where the judges were extremely critical and had made the surfers really work for every point in their score line, Colapinto came away with the only perfect ride of the Quiksilver Pro. “I’ve never had three barrels on one wave, so it felt amazing, particularly in a heat,” said Colapinto afterward, perhaps still a little shell-shocked from the excitement. “I think it was the best wave of my life.” He made the heat and advanced to the semifinals, where he faced an in-form Julian Wilson. Colapinto gave it his all and made Wilson work for the win, but in the
end he couldn’t rekindle the magic. He finished the contest with a very respectable third-place result, while Wilson went on to take the win. “I’m so happy to get third in my first event,” added Colapinto. “I’m loving the CT and hope I won’t be going anywhere for a very long time. I’m loving it here in Australia; the people on the Gold Coast are the best.” Other local surfers in the event, Kolohe Andino and Pat Gudauskas, finished 13th and 25th, respectively. The WSL Championship Tour now heads to Torquay, Victoria, Australia, for the Rip Curl Pro at the famous Bells Beach. The contest runs from March 28 through April 8. Based on his latest Instagram post, Colapinto’s already enjoyed his first session there and will be spending the next week getting to know the place better. SC
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Thursday: S/SSE swell tops out with shorter period W/WSW swell mix. Surf is mainly waist-shoulder high (3-4’) with some plus sets at standout spots. Light/variable winds in the morning, then light/variable to light onshore flow due in the afternoon. Outlook: Shorter period SW and West swell mix the second half of the week with some S/SSE southern hemi swell also running. Surf is mainly waist-shoulder high (3-4’) along with some larger sets/peaks at standouts. Winds are mainly onshore with possible rain. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook. Reef Tsutsui. Photo: Courtesy of Courtesy NSSA
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