March 29, 2018 by San Clemente Times

LO C A L

N EWS

March 29-April 4, 2018 YO U

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‘March for Our Lives’ Draws Hundreds to San Clemente PAGE 5

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 13

Rhythm and Resin The waves, and the beat, roll on for Danny and Damian Brawner of Brawner Surfboards SC SURF/PAGE 15

Father and son, Danny, left, and Damian Brawner, share a laugh inside their family surf shop in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

Our Savior’s Lutheran School to Close Elementary School EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Mixology Competition Shows Best in Bartending in San Clemente SC LIVING/PAGE 10

www.sanclementetimes.com

Boys Volleyball Digs Itself Out of Deficits to Defeat Dana Hills SPORTS/PAGE 13

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

A student prays during the beginning of the day on March 22 at Our Savior’s Lutheran School, which students and teachers do at the beginning of each school day. The school’s officials announced on March 20 that it would not provide first- through fifth-grade education next year due to dwindling enrollment and financial hardships. Photo: Eric Heinz

What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Our Savior’s Lutheran School will Suspend its Elementary School Next Year; Preschool, Kindergarten to Stay THE LATEST: A message that was signed by the Our Savior’s Lutheran Council and School Board on March 20 announced the school would not offer first- through fifthgrade classes next fall and will offer only preschool and kindergarten classes due to low enrollment. The school board stated it gave families until March 19 to submit the school of which they’re dedicated to enroll in next year. The letter from the board stated the school needed at least 44 elementary school students to offer kindergarten, first- and second-grade combination classes and third- and fourth-grade classes. But by Monday, officials said it had only received 22 responses stating Our Savior’s San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

Lutheran School (OSLS) was their school of choice. “It is with great sadness that we announce that for the 2018-2019 school year we are suspending our first through fifth-grade elementary program due to low enrollment. Our preschool and kindergarten programs will continue,” the letter from the board stated. It wasn’t long ago the school had at least 100 students, said Theresa Alvarez, a parent and member of the school’s parentteacher foundation (PTF). “I think it’s multifaceted. A lot of schools are declining (in enrollment) and we’re really working on getting families involved,” said Pastor Jeff Frohner, who leads the church congregation as well as the school. Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) has been going through its own pains of declining enrollment, but OSLS is a private school outside that jurisdiction or membership. Tuition to the school is between $8,200 and $8,800, though Frohner said it costs about $10,000 to educate each student. The difference is made up through fundraisers. Frohner said the school had been operating at a deficit for at least the last three years. In addition to the declining enrollment, the congregation is on the hook for a building with a $500,000 mortgage. Such capital improvements in public schools are typically bonded out or paid through by voter initiatives. Some members of the PTF said there

was as much as $800,000 to $1 million in reserves for the school as early as a few years ago, but that reserve was siphoned in order to pay the deficits of the school. The school had consultants assist officials with finding alternatives to closure, such as non-paid scholarships that would fill classrooms and other methods, but as early as September, the parents of the school were notified of a potential closure, according to emails sent from OSLS. Liz Hueg, the president of the PTF, said the parent organization covered the deficit for the school for the 2017-18 year after the school used reserves to pay off the mortgage for one of its buildings. Additionally, the school pays a $70,000 fee to the church congregation to use the building each year, Hueg said. The congregation and the school board are overseen under one entity but achieve budget goals separately, according to sources close to the situation. The school is overseen by a board that is selected by either the pastor or the church congregation. Members of the PTF contacted a bishop at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but the faction said it could not intervene. “Quite simply, successive years of low enrollment and operating budget deficits have reached a point where offering a full elementary school program was no longer viable,” said Linda Howard, a school board member, in an email. “We did feel that we could restructure and offer a modified

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program next year if we could reach a confirmed enrollment of 44 but, unfortunately, that did not happen.” Cindy Baas has been at the school for more than 30 years and said she was crestfallen when she heard the news. Baas said when she had cancer, families at the school had helped her with day-today activities. Without the school in place, she said she’ll have to find another place where she can help shape young minds. WHAT’S NEXT: OSLS will finish the remainder of the school year and then transition to just preschool and kindergarten in 2018-19. Pastor Frohner said the elementary school could return if enrollment commitment rose. As for the teachers, who will be let go, Frohner said the school would do “everything in its power to help them.” “We’re going to go forward, rebuild and continue to serve San Clemente,” Frohner said. “We know there’s lots of grieving among the families, and we love them all. We respect them all.” Editor’s note: The San Clemente Times attempted to examine the tax return documents that would have been submitted by most nonprofit organizations, but as the school operates under a church, it is not required to file 990 tax forms. A cursory search of the IRS website revealed no submissions from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or school. —Eric Heinz (Cont. on page 4) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3)

OC Board of Supervisors Rescind Plan for Homeless Encampments THE LATEST: It’s been a raucous week in the arena of issues related to the homeless in Orange County, which will resume from whence it started in February—in Federal Judge David O. Carter’s chambers. On March 19, the Board of Supervisors voted to schedule three locations in the cities of Laguna Niguel, Irvine and Huntington Beach to receive homeless people from the Santa Ana riverbed—all of which vowed legal retaliation. Then on March 22 at a federal court hearing presided over by Carter regarding a lawsuit between the County and Orange County Catholic Worker, supervisors said they made the decision to relocate the homeless out of “haste.” Then on March 27, the board voted unanimously (with Supervisor Michelle Steel of the second district absent) to rescind the three-city decision and directed the County’s staff to further study locations for homeless shelters. The board also voted to enter into a contract with American Family Housing for 12 additional housing units to accommodate couples and to continue to authorize an expenditure of $70.5 million of Mental Health Services Act funds. Supervisor Shawn Nelson of District 4 and current vice president of the board, commended the County on its efforts during the March 27 board meeting. “This has been handled exceptionally,” Nelson said to a response of jeers from audience members. Nelson pointed the finger at Los Angeles County and its own homeless population as a comparison, which is about 50,000 compared to Orange County’s estimated 5,000. “Please, understand that everyone wants to help, but we need shelters, and some communities have been shouldering that burden,” Nelson said, adding Fullerton and a few other cities he represents already had shelters in place. County officials said Orange County re-

ceives money from the state annually from the Mental Health Services Act, which can roll over if the funds aren’t used. The lawsuit from Orange County Catholic Worker alleges the County didn’t spent that money in such a way that would help people who are homeless into housing. “With the cities’ cooperation, we can start to spend those dollars, and we have a lot of projects coming forward,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who represents San Clemente’s, Dana Point’s and San Juan Capistrano’s fifth district. “But without cooperation, we can’t implement any long-term solutions. We (made) a hasty decision with a process we needed to fix, and we needed to hit the reset button.” WHAT’S NEXT: The hearing in which all cities’ mayors and managers in Orange County will be present is still scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3 at the Santa Ana federal courthouse. A letter from the city of San Clemente to Carter stated a laundry list of items it had accomplished in the last few years to address homelessness. —EH

SONGS Officials Say Spent Fuel Canisters Were Sent Back to Manufacturer Following Discovery of Design Flaw THE LATEST: At least 39 canisters that were to be filled with the spent nuclear fuel rods at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) will be returned to Holtec after personnel discovered some of the ventilation systems that keeps the fuel cool were damaged. Southern California Edison (SCE), the majority owner of SONGS, provided more information at the March 22 Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting in Laguna Hills. Tom Palmisano, the vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear engineer at SCE, said newer designs of the canisters have small pins at the bottom to help circulate air. Some of the canisters had pins that were damaged or broken off

completely. The portions of the canisters are necessary to keep the spent nuclear fuel cool, as it’s still radioactive and extremely hot, even after sitting in cooling tanks within the remaining units of SONGS. Palmisano said Holtec will correct these issues and replace them. WHAT’S NEXT: Toward the end of the informational portion of the meeting, members of the CEP said they wanted to have another meeting to discuss defense in-depth, which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission defines as the method of ensuring nuclear power facilities prevent any kind of accident. —EH

Audit of Wastewater Plant Shows Funds were Mismanaged THE LATEST: A legislative audit found a local wastewater authority’s bookkeeping to be out of sorts. The State Auditor’s office announced on March 22 that South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) had not, until recently, adequately tracked money it collected from its customers for 15 years and therefore could not sufficiently account for any lack of funds. SOCWA has $18 million in unfunded obligations to pensions for its employees, and its Joint Powers Agreement doesn’t hold customers liable for that lack of funding. The auditor’s office also said it had been slow to correct any deficiencies noted. SOCWA, on the other hand, said it was pleased with the State Auditor’s report. This all started when SOCWA asked for funds from Moulton Niguel Water District, it felt was due for capital improvements to a facility in Laguna Beach. When Moulton refused to fork over nearly $1 million, SOCWA sued the district in 2017, but it was Moulton who claimed SOCWA didn’t have the authority to charge it for those improvements as they pulled out of the facility about a year earlier. The subhead of the audit fact sheet was a bit more optimistic than the findings, titled “It Should Continue to Improve Its

Accounting of Member Agencies’ Funds and Determine whether Members Are Responsible for Its Unfunded Liabilities,” implying that the wastewater authority is in fact making improvements; they just need to come quicker. The city of San Clemente is a member of SOCWA but did not pay into the treatment plant as it has its own facility in town. WHAT’S NEXT: The State Auditor recommended that new Joint Powers Agreements should be forged and that all existing members communicate better. It also said SOCWA should continue to investigate cash balances and develop or amend policies for better accounting. —EH

City’s Weed Abatement Program Begins THE LATEST: Every spring, the city of San Clemente notifies the owners of undeveloped parcels and vacant, developed parcels of their responsibility to remove weeds and debris from those properties. The native and naturalized landscape of San Clemente is susceptible to fire, due to the growth of both weeds and native habitat. “As we approach summer, it is especially important to reduce this fire potential,” a press release from the city stated. “Once a property owner has cleaned their properties and trimmed all weeds to a height no higher than 1 inch from the ground, it must be maintained for the remainder of the year. Properties with existing native habitat should be thinned by 50 percent,” according to the Orange County Fire Authority. WHAT’S NEXT: The city deadline for the removal of weeds and refuse is May 15. For those properties that remain unabated after that date, the city’s weed abatement contractor will clear the lots as required and then bill the cost of removal to the property owners. Questions or further information regarding the city’s weed abatement program can be directed to Stewart and Associates, the city of San Clemente’s weed abatement contract administrator, at 949.498.9250. —Staff

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‘I Lost My Dear Friend’ Hundreds attend San Clemente ‘March for Our Lives’ to protest gun control laws BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

arkland, Florida residents Jami Haggarty, her 13-year-old son, Blake, and Gabriella Fajardo came to San Clemente on March 24 to let people know one thing: they’ve had enough. They’re exhausted from seeing children killed in schools by semi- and fully automatic weapons. They knew some of the 17 people who were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, which was one of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings at a school. Blake’s middle school is located adjacent to Stoneman Douglas. “I was about…two football fields from the incident. I was in my speech and debate class when our teacher said we were on lockdown and told us to stay in place and get under our desks,” Blake said. “Then my friend, who is a ninth-grader at Douglas, texted me saying there was a school shooter and to take cover. Everything after that seems like a blur.” Jami, a former educator at Stoneman Douglas, and her family had planned to visit California on vacation prior to the shooting and decided to attend Saturday’s satellite march in downtown San Clemente. “Later on that day…I’ll never forget when I found out that I lost my dear friend,” Blake said. “I knew four of the victims. That was the hardest thing I had to face in my life. Now, I use it as motivation to make a positive difference.” Hundreds of people came to the march at the San Clemente Library at the west end of Avenida Del Mar. There didn’t appear to be a counter protest on Saturday during the march, but some fringe dissent was noticeable from passersby. Organizers of San Clemente’s march included groups of students as well as local advocates of changing gun control laws. The objectives of the nationwide movement include placing stricter laws on buying firearms including increasing the wait time to purchase, banning high-capacity magazines that fire 10 rounds rapidly, universal background checks, ending the ability to buy weapons (especially assault rifles) at gun shows, which march advocates call a “loophole,” and to vote for candidates who pledge to push for such legislative changes. Speakers also said it would be unwise to expect educators to be trained and armed with guns as it’s not their profession to do so. A resource officer stepped in and killed a lone gunman at a school in Maryland

San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

Hundreds of people came to the quad of the San Clemente Library for the March for Our Lives protest on March 24. Middle and high school students gather on March 24 at the San Clemente Library following a local satellite protest of the March for Our Lives. More than 800 marches took place nationwide to protest current gun laws. People marched up and down Avenida Del Mar on March 24 as part of a national protest against current gun laws. Photos: Eric Heinz

earlier this month, and increasing the number of trained officers at schools is one argument people who don’t want to see gun laws changed, or just want to see more security at schools, have made. Amber Saldana, who helped organize the San Clemente march with her sister, Rebecca Goodman, said people have to be willing to do something. “We cannot allow one more student to be shot at school,” Saldana said. “We cannot not allow one more teacher to make a choice to jump in front of an assault rifle to save the lives of their students. Our schools are unsafe. Our children and teachers are dying, and we need to make it a top priority to save their lives.” People at the march were critical of the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) stance on gun control and the organization’s unwillingness to bend its position on highpowered firearms. The California branch of the NRA on Twitter recently posted and retweeted stories indicating a need for better mental health review before selling a gun to someone, but it also appreciated examples of times when “good guys” with such firearms were able to act. A voter registration booth set up by the march organizers was available on the San

Clemente Library lawn during the march. San Clemente High School students Sutton Loughran and Jackson Hinkle spoke during the rally prior to the march. Hinkle led the high school’s walkout on March 14 on campus. Loughran talked about the trivial things schoolchildren should worry about, like going to dances, what to wear that day and sports—not worrying about getting shot. She said she used to live in Centennial, Colorado in 2013 when Arapahoe High School experienced a shooting and that her middle school matriculated into Arapahoe. “School shootings are becoming too easy,” Loughran said. “To some of you, that may sound unreasonable, but I can assure you that my sister didn’t go to school on Dec. 13, 2013 expecting that her school would be next, either. Arapahoe was not a mass shooting. Two people were killed, one being the shooter, but that was enough to change the entire community’s perspective on the world forever.” U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made a statement that those who do not comply with regulations related to background checks would face consequences. President Donald Trump on March 23

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sent out a tweet blaming his predecessor’s actions on bump stocks, which are intended to help people fire assault rifles easier but were used as an enhancement in the Las Vegas shooting that killed 50 in October. Across the nation, the March for Our Lives headquarters reported more than 800 individual marches took place. In Washington, D.C., thousands marched on the U.S. Capital building to listen to some of the students who have become figureheads in the national gun debate. Scouring the internet’s most thorough reports on mass shootings from Propublica and the FBI’s crime statistics, it can be difficult to render a trend. The definitions of mass shootings, as Propublica states, are classified differently, can be confusing, but ultimately offer no comfort to those who have been affected. “Kids shouldn’t have to worry about being in danger while going to school,” Blake said. Following a rally at San Clemente Library, hundreds of people marched around Avenida Del Mar and back down to the library. Editor’s disclaimer: The author of this story is from Denver, Colorado, and his mother attended Arapahoe High School in what was then Littleton, Colorado, class of 1976. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, MARCH 31

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 10-11:30 a.m. The group is open to all and there is no cost to attend. Heritage Christian Fellowship, 190 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.637.8161 or or 714.255.1261. linda_crdv@yahoo.com or donnavigil2@gmail.com. SUNDAY, APRIL 1

DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del TUESDAY, APRIL 3

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will host its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www.sanclemente.org. SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 805.794.0653. www. toastmastersclubs.org. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING 7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You (BILY) helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

KIWANIS SAN CLEMENTE Noon. Kiwanis San Clemente works to help maintain the quality of life for all people through volunteerism. Tommy’s Restaurant, 1409 S. El Camino Real. 949.366.5423. www. sanclementekiwanis.com. 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.

San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

Avenida La Pata will experience temporary closures and delays into April, and Orange County Transportation Authority and Orange County Public Works will put on finishing touches. Photo: File

NEWS BITES

complete forum of all Congressional candidates for District 49 is scheduled.

COMPILED BY STAFF

San Clemente Area Republicans Federated Host Candidates Forum More than 100 interested San Clemente residents attended the March 14 General Meeting of San Clemente Area Republican Women (SCARWF) at Talega Golf Club for a Candidates Forum where eleven Republicans running for national, state and countywide offices in the 2018 midterm election had an opportunity to present their platforms followed by a Q&A. Questions to the candidates ranged from concerns about the proposed Toll Road through San Clemente, placement of the homeless from the Santa Anna riverbed in San Clemente to questions about effects of California being a sanctuary state or the level of crime in the county and city, according to a press release from SCARWF. Current District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and former Assistant District Attorney and current third District County Supervisor Todd Spitzer spoke about the job they have done as prosecutors and their vision of the future of the Orange County Justice System. At the SCARWF general meeting in May, the organization stated it plans to continue its candidate forum with appearances by Assemblyman Travis Allen, candidate for governor, and San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, Candidate for Congressional District 49. Anyone interested in attending the next candidate’s forum will find information at www.sanclementerepubicanwomen.org. Editor’s note: Due to scheduling conflicts, the San Clemente Times was not in attendance to the luncheon but will provide equal coverage to other political parties when a

San Clemente Woman’s Club Offers Scholarships to High School Seniors The San Clemente Woman’s Club is looking for high school scholarship recipients who are well-rounded, bright students who not only excel academically but are also actively involved in their school. These leaders are passionate, serviceoriented, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to bettering their community, leading by example and serving others. Scholarships are limited to students who are current San Clemente High School seniors attending school, a resident of San Clemente, anticipate completing their high school diploma at the time of application and have a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school. The deadline for applications is Monday, April 2 and can be obtained on the San Clemente High School website at www. sanclementewomansclub.org.

OC Sheriff’s Department will Track Inmate Release under SB 54 On Monday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) said in a statement that it would publicly monitor inmates through the “Who’s in Jail” online database. “This action will enhance communication between the Sheriff’s Department and our law enforcement partners to remove dangerous offenders from our community,” the statement read. Senate Bill 54 went into effect this year to place restrictions on local law enforce-

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ment and federal agents from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which OCSD viewed as an impediment to its duties. Critics of the department view this as a way for OCSD to continue its campaign of assisting ICE in deporting undocumented people. The sheriff’s department was one of the few in the nation that committed to helping ICE and not recognize the status of sanctuary cities, which are intended to protect undocumented people living in the United States. “SB 54 makes local law enforcement’s job more difficult and requires bureaucratic processes that could allow dangerous individuals to fall through the cracks of our justice system,” Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said personally in the statement. OCSD significantly reduced the details of one of its public outreach methods, the blotter, last year by reporting calls but giving no context to the nature of the dispatch.

La Pata Improvements Update Motorists traveling in both directions of Avenida La Pata will experience lane transitions between April 2-11. One travel lane in each direction will remain open at all times during construction. Flag personnel will be present as a traffic control measure. There will be brief traffic stops, and the speed limit in the project area is 35 MPH during construction activities and 55 MPH during non-construction hours. Completion of the overall widening improvements along Avenida La Pata is expected to be completed in April.

Bernice Ayer Middle School Receives Award for Continued Excellence Bernice Ayer Middle School was named one of the top middle schools in California and the nation for the 2017-2018 school year. The school’s ranking is part of the nationally recognized Schools to Watch Program. The award is given to a select few outstanding middle schools that strive to continually develop programs to meet the needs of all students in the areas of academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures. The Schools to Watch Program serves to identify ideal models of middle school programs so that other schools across the nation can learn from and adopt the best practices that are in place to meet the needs of the students enrolled in these schools. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com by Monday the week of publication. www.sanclementetimes.com

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GUN REFORM CANNOT STIFLE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS DAVID “D.M.” GUYOT, San Clemente

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Letters to the Editor

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 13, Issue 13. 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 29-April 4, 2018

It was great to see all the folks out marching downtown on Saturday. The main theme was to make our schools safe. I think everyone agrees that these shocking and disgusting shootings must stop. The underlying theme was anti-National Rifle Association (NRA) and anti-gun. This is where many start to disagree. Let’s look at a little history. The founders of the United States did not write the Second Amendment to protect hunters and target shooters. They understood that governments rule by force. Without proper checks, they will likely become tyrannical. Even in the 18th century when our constitution was written, history was replete with tyranny and genocides. The founders were prescient. Just 124 years later, the 20th century began. Genocides, defined as governments systematically killing ethnic or minority groups of people, killed between 20 and 40 million people from 1900 to 1999. If you throw in systematic starvation deaths from the Russian and Chinese communist revolutions, add another 70 million. If you take the lower number, that’s a little over 3,000 deaths a day for 100 years. Disarming the citizenry was the first thing these despotic governments did. If we could ask these Chinese, Russian, Armenian, Jews, Polish, Cambodians, Bangladeshis, Rwandans and dozens of others who were murdered, if they would have liked the right to bear arms, the answer would have been yes. Can’t happen in the U.S. with our Constitutional protections? Ask a descendant of a black slave or American Indian or a living Japanese American. This is why the NRA defends the right to bear arms. We need to come together to find common sense solutions to end these tragic shootings. Bashing the NRA and sane, law-abiding gun owners might make you feel better, but it is not the answer.

LOOK TO STATISTICS TO SAVE STUDENTS JOHN KIM, Dana Point

This is not to disrespect those lives lost in school shootings, and I completely support the right of students to stand up for issues they believe affect them. But some perspective is in order. The U.S. cause of death statistics are readily available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. For 2015, the leading causes of death for the 15-19-year-

old demographic were: 3,919 deaths from accidents (mostly automobile accidents and drug overdoses), 2,061 deaths by suicide, 583 deaths from cancer, 306 deaths from heart disease and 195 deaths from birth defects. In comparison, the number of non-gang, non-suicide fatalities in school shootings nationwide (K-12, not just ages 15-19) averages about 15 per year (and has been declining). Since there are approximately 51 million K-12 students in the U.S., a student’s chances of being killed in a nongang, non-suicide school shooting in any given year are about 1 in 3.4 million. You are roughly three times more likely to be struck by lightning (1 in 1.08 million). Like airliner crashes, school shootings are one of these extremely rare, statistically insignificant events whose emotional impact creates a large amount of social interest. This causes a disproportionate amount of press coverage, leading people to wildly overestimate the actual danger. If you really want to save high school students’ lives, teach them to drive safely and buckle their seat belts, not to use drugs, seek counseling for depression, stay out of gangs, eat healthy and exercise, get the flu shot, don’t smoke, don’t eat too many sweets and avoid teen pregnancy. All of these will save many more lives than all the hand-wringing over school shootings.

NEW MEDICARE CARDS COMING, BUT SCAMMERS STILL LURK RAYMOND MARTIN, Newport Beach

There is great news for Medicare enrollees, and a bit of caution regarding scammers. The good news is that Medicare will be sending out new Medicare Cards to each recipient. The cards will arrive sometime in April and will be completed by April 1, 2019. The new cards will not have the enrollee’s social security number, as they do now. This is a major accomplishment for Medicare and is being done to help put a stop to identity theft. This program has been rampant nationally and is very serious business for Medicare enrollees who have had their cards compromised by internet bandits. The new cards will have an 11-digit number that even the holder will not be able to decrypt. It was announced that California will be in the first wave of states being sent new cards. But, the bad news is that Medicare scammers have already jumped into the game. There is more than one technique involved, but these are the two most used. First, scammers are calling Medicare recipients, sometimes identifying themselves as Medicare or “government” officials, and telling them that the new cards are coming out, but that they will have to send $30-$50 to get the new cards. That is bogus—there is no charge for the new

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Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, March 30 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. cards—and CMS/Medicare does not call people—it only uses U.S. Postal Service to communicate. The second technique is for the scammer to say that they have a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan available, but then they request personal information so that the new plan can be utilized. This is also bogus. Whatever you do, do not fall for this. Medicare information is personal. If you receive one of these calls, just hang up and report the activity by calling 1.800.MEDICARE.

COUNTY REPRESENTATION DOES NOT USHER VOICE OF THE PEOPLE MICHELLE SCHUMACHER, San Clemente

I am gravely concerned that our fi fth district Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett is not able to represent her constituents due to conflicting positions. The cities of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and Laguna Niguel are united against the 241 Toll Road Extension. Lisa Bartlett is not able to represent us as she has spent many years pandering the Transportation Corridor Agencies from even before she was elected to represent us. She cares more about extending an unneeded road than the people, homes, schools and neighborhoods it will destroy. I know that in the past when an elected official has a conflicting position, they need to step down or recuse themselves. How can we have this happen? It is unthinkable that the same people who pushed the bullet train fiasco are now pushing for the unneeded 241 Toll Road extension—stop this tax payer waste and abuse. We need Orange County clean of these conflicts and lobbyists pandering cannot continue. Please stop this assault on our communities. Thank you.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words. www.sanclementetimes.com

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 | 29 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. SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together. StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Friday | 30 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 5-6 p.m. The TLC Ministries invites members of the public to their Good Friday church service at the San Clemente Pier. Pastors Pondo Vleisides and Brenda Bos from San Clemente’s Christ Lutheran Church will lead the service. Community Outreach Alliance performers Merissa Macchiorola, Corey Angeli, Olivia Ooms and Triple Braided will provide live music and entertainment throughout the service. San Clemente Pier. 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.493.1980. www.tlcministriessc.com. LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7:30-11 p.m. Your favorite local band Millertime Boogie makes its Iva Lee’s debut. Enjoy their unique style of blues, rock and originals while dining on really great food. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Saturday | 31 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. Whether you are about to tackle your first 5K or you are just keeping your cardio and running prowess in top form, be sure to stop by Peet’s Coffee in Talega. Every Saturday a group runners of varying skill level take a brisk three-mile run around a predetermined course. Admission is free. 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. 949.588.5054. www.facebook.com/2XUSanClemente. EGG HUNT 10 a.m. Children up to age 10 are San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: File

SATURDAY, MARCH 31: SENSATIONAL SPRINGTACULAR AND SPLASHTACULAR 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The city of San Clemente Beach, Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a day-long event, full of games and activities for children at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park Meadow. Start the day with Springtacular activities including an egg hunt, train rides, a pony derby and much more. Be sure to stick around for summer camp discounts, an instructor meet and greet and plenty of giveaways. Finish the day with the Splashtacular Party at the aquatics center. See site for details. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.429.8797. www.san-clemente.org.

welcome to Pines Park or Sea Canyon Park for an Easter egg hunt. The hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. and guests are asked to bring their own baskets. Admission is free. Pines Park. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach. Sea Canyon Park. 33093 Santiago Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. www.danapointchamber.com. EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Shore Church in San Juan Capistrano is hosting their annual Easter Eggstravaganza on the day before Easter Sunday. This free event is complete with food, drinks, an egg hunt and plenty of activities for the kids. 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.4991. www.southshores.org. THIRD ANNUAL EASTER CELEBRATION AT THE OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE 12-3 p.m. Families and pets are invited to the Outlets at San Clemente on Easter weekend for a celebration that includes a photo-op with the Easter Bunny, live animal shows, face painting and more.

Admission is free. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Beach Resort. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point. 800.722.1543. www.monarchbeachresort.com.

Sunday | 01

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.

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. EASTER AT MONARCH BEACH RESORT 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Start off Easter Sunday at AVEO Table + Bar for an Easter brunch complete with seafood bar, omelet station and much more. After brunch, children are welcomed to take part in Monarch Beach Resort’s complimentary Easter egg hunt before enjoying some fun and games at the Easter Carnival at noon. Brunch is $139 per adult and $59 for children 12 and under. Admission to the Easter Carnival is $40 per child. Monarch

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Monday | 02 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Everyday visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT 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.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Tuesday | 03

Wednesday | 04

AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND LIFE STORIES WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-Noon Instructor Linda Berkshire invites members of the public to further their writing skills and storytelling with a two-hour autobiography workshop. Sharpen your writing by telling your own story or the stories of your ancestors. Admission is $30 for four classes. Registration is online and class dates are April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. 949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org.

CASA KIDS: STORY TIME 10-11 a.m. Casa Romantica welcomes children ages 1-7 for a picture book reading every Wednesday 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.

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.

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. 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.

At the Movies: Dogs Rule in Anderson’s ‘Isle’

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ne of the most successful independent filmmakers in modern Hollywood cinema is Wes Anderson. From instant cult classics like Bottle Rocket (1996), Rushmore (1998) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), these films led him to further big-screen success with Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). His new feature is Isle of Dogs, his second stop-motion animated film since Mr. Fox and is just as visually stunning. In a dystopian Japanese region called Megasaki City, Mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura) calls for a widespread exile of all dogs, stray and housebound. Many dogs have been infected with a rampant dogflu virus and all have been banished to an isolated location simply referred to as Trash Page 9

Island. American exchange student Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig) theorizes that the mayor has a bias against dogs and conspired the whole flu epidemic. Meanwhile, Kobayashi’s nephew, Atari (Koyu Rankin), secretly runs away to the island in search of his own beloved dog, Spots (Liev Schreiber). The many dogs in the film feature an all-star cast of voiceover performances, including Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston and Scarlett Johansson. Isle of Dogs has been getting rave reception for its impressive animation effects and clever dialogue in the dog sequences. But there has been some divisive reactions to a white Texan filmmaker’s portrayal of Japanese culture in fiction. There is a conversation to be had there, but for a theatrical experience, Anderson’s animated movie is definitely worth viewing on the big screen. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

12 Rounds, Judges’ Decision Mixology Competition sees a dozen concoctions from San Clemente’s adept barkeeps BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

rinks with varying degrees of flavor and heat—literally—were displayed before a panel of judges at the annual Mixology Competition on March 22 at The Shwack Cantina in San Clemente. The annual event is hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. Pierside Kitchen + Bar and mixologist Nate Duffy won the 14th annual San Clemente Mixology Competition “Judges’ Choice Award” and “Best Presentation” with the cocktail named “Pier Pressure.” Duffy’s drink was placed in a festive mug and set on fire with some potent liquor. In the “People’s Choice” category, it was a tight contest. Home-field advantage aided The Shwack Cantina and mixologist Christian Rodriguez’s “Dragon Fire Margarita” was the favorite. Ole’s Tavern won the esteemed “Best Team Spirit Award” for their themed costumes. The panel of judges included City Council member Kathy Ward; First Lt. Brendan Adams and Gunnery Sgt. Ray Sotelo of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines; Adabel Medina of San Diego Gas & Electric; and Nicky See of the Outlets at San Clemente. SC

HomeGoods home décor and furnishing store opened its San Clemente location in the Estrella Plaza on Sunday. Photo: Courtesy of HomeGoods

Business Beat News from San Clemente’s business community BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

New Business HOMEGOODS Camino de Estrella Plaza, 550 Camino de Estrella, San Clemente 949.496.4260 www.homegoods.com The final piece to the Estrella Plaza has been completed. HomeGoods, a national chain of home décor and accent stores, opened for business on March 25 in its San Clemente location. “We’re an off-price retailer that has the ability to offer a treasure hunt,” said Lisa Zahn, a spokesperson for HomeGoods. “(Customers) can find unique things throughout, like house rugs and decorative accessories.” Zahn said HomeGoods works with vendors from around the world who have

Mixologist Nate Duffy, upper right, from Pierside Kitchen + Bar won the “Judges’ Choice Award” and “Best Presentation” with their fiery “Pier Pressure” drink on March 24 at The Shwack Cantina. Costumes and décor were part of the San Clemente Mixology Competition on March 24 at The Shwack Cantina. Amanda Baird (lower right) presents her “San Clemente Sunset” drink from OC Tavern on March 24 at The Shwack Cantina for the annual Mixology Competition. The “Dragon Fire Margarita” from The Shwack Cantina won the “People’s Choice Award” for its vibrant taste and color. Photos: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

excess inventory and then takes those products to sell at its store. Therefore, HomeGoods constantly changes the products offered. “We have buyers all over the world,” Zahn said. “We have a ton of domestic vendors all the way to the far corners of Africa. Sometimes we find handmade pottery that was chosen with a vendor or a closeout sale and we’re able to scoop it out.” Zahn said the stores have trucks that come with products weekly. “We’re the home department store on steroids,” Zahn said, adding HomeGoods saw San Clemente as a new opportunity, an untapped market for diversity in bringing in various home products. The store brand is owned by T.J. Maxx. HomeGoods differs from its sibling brand in that it doesn’t provide any e-commerce for its products. “In the age of e-commerce, when you can get something online…the one thing that’s held true for HomeGoods is that we have fresh items day-in and day-out; it’s really hard to replicate that experience.” HomeGoods is open from 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday.

HomeGoods opened for business on Sunday, March 25. The store is the final vacant location to be filled in the Estrella Plaza in north San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy of HomeGoods

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www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Photo: Courtesy of Catherine Ewing Willison

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken of the San Clemente High School Interact Club from the class of 1972, and the contributor said she thinks a couple students may have been in the class of 1973 or 1974. 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.

Hundreds of car enthusiasts have consistently attended the South Orange County Cars and Coffee gathering on Saturdays at the Outlets at San Clemente. Photo: Brennan Stevens

Joe for the Road South Orange County Cars and Coffee is a massive weekly gathering BY BRENNAN STEVENS, FOR THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

display of motor vehicle marvel arrives every Saturday morning. It’s become one of the largest gatherings in the county. The weekly South Orange County Cars and Coffee car show took place on March 24 at the Outlets at San Clemente. People from all over Southern California attended the car show to exhibit their vehicles and admire others. Each week, the event takes place on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m., but this past weekend provided something extra special. Barry Meguiar, host of Discovery Channel’s Velocity series Car Crazy and president of Meguiar’s Inc., brought a very rare automobile that the public was eager to see. Meguiar showcased his 2005 Ford GT along with its newer model the 2017 Ford

San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

GT. When Ford released the 2017 version, more than 7,000 people applied to buy the car, but only 250 where manufactured and sold, Meguiar said. Meguiar said he found his passion for cars at a young age. Meguiar’s Inc. was founded by his grandfather in 1901 out of the family garage. Since he was a kid, he’s worked for the family business. At Cars and Coffee, car enthusiasts can also find other like-minded individuals from all over Southern California. Suzie DeCarlo came from San Diego to showcase her 1998 C5 Corvette. “I dedicated the car to my husband after he passed away in 2014. We have been doing car shows for over 50 years,” DeCarlo said. Suzie DeCarlo and her husband used to be a part of Pacific Coast Corvettes, a Corvette club located in Lake Forest. The club facilitates a wide variety of activities and enables enthusiasts to network and share their passion. However, DeCarlo said the cost of membership was too high and she had to quit the club when her husband passed away. Lucky for DeCarlo and other hobbyists, Cars and Coffee facilitates an affordable alternative to meet up and talk cars. The next Cars and Coffee show will take place at the Outlets at San Clemente on Saturday, March 31. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southoccarsandcoffee. SC

Pet of the Week: Jada SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

his big sweetie is Jada, a 2-year-old German Shepherd Dog available for adoption. She can initially be a tad shy, but she quickly shows her affectionate side. With big brown eyes and a warm personality, Jada would thrive with a patient and loving family. If you would like to know more about Jada, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

Jada. Photo: Courtesy

Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Scoreboard COMPILED BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local San Clemente youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week. Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

Vandenburg Takes Scholastic Surf Series Titles

San Clemente resident and St. Margaret’s sophomore Jake Vandenburg locked down the season championships for the Scholastic Surf Series Orange County High School men’s longboard and shortboard with the final event on March 18 in Huntington Beach. Vandenburg earned three first-place finishes, a second-place finish and a fourthplace finish in five events to blow away San Clemente junior Marc Monier led the Tritons in kills and digs in a win over Dana Hills on Tuesday, March 27. Monier is helping lead a Tritons squad that lost nine seniors from last year’s league championship team. Photo: Eric Heinz

Youth Rally

Young San Clemente boys volleyball group completes furious fourth-set comeback over rival Dana Hills BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

he boys volleyball match at San Clemente High School on March 27 marked the 30th consecutive season of competition between San Clemente coach Ken Goldstone and Dana Hills coach Oz Simmons. The two have squared off every season since 1988, when Goldstone took the head coach position at Capistrano Valley. It was the South Coast League opener for the defending league champion Tritons and the second league contest for the Dolphins. It was also one of the crazier matches either coach had seen between the longtime rivals. In a match marked with huge momentum swings and plenty of long, lead-changing runs, San Clemente overcame a 20-11 deficit in the fourth set to take the set, 2725, and close out the match, 25-21, 18-25, 25-14, 27-25, for a league-opening win over Dana Hills. “This team never gives up,” San Clemente junior Marc Monier said. “We keep fighting. We will never let the ball drop and let them get ahead of us. We’ll come back down their throats and keep going.” San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

San Clemente (15-4, 1-0) continues league with a trip to Aliso Niguel on Thursday, March 29. Both teams have had an influx of youth on the roster as the Tritons lost nine seniors and the Dolphins have three sophomores in the starting line-up. “There’s no drill or whatever you can do for experience,” Simmons said. “You have to get out there and play. Everybody goes through that at one stage or another. I can’t do it in practice. It was at their (San Clemente’s) first league game, our first time coming down to San Clemente. We’ve had great rivalries, but again, a bigger crowd, a little more intensity, you just have to get used to it.” San Clemente used the intensity to turn the match in the fourth set. Dana Hills (11-10, 1-1) looked as if it was going to cruise to the set win and force a winner-take-all fifth set, but a succession of yellow cards and a red card against San Clemente lit a fire in the young Tritons. “That made us keep being aggressive and keep going at it,” Monier said. “Swinging hard and digging every ball that comes over.” Down 20-11, the Tritons rallied with an 11-2 run to tie the match at 22-all. The teams traded points and San Clemente fought off two Dana Hills set points. San Clemente took the lead at 26-25 and senior Connor Mateer’s kill ended an entreating rally and the match in the Tritons’ favor. Monier and senior Kyle Burick co-led the Tritons with 11 kills each. Monier also had a team-high of 17 digs. Junior Cole McDaniel led San Clemente with 34 assists, and sophomore Wolf Beeuwsaert led the team with five blocks. SC

San Clemente resident and St. Margaret’s sophomore Jake Vandenburg won the men’s shortboard and longboard season titles in the Scholastic Surf Series Orange County High School division this season. Photo: Courtesy

the shortboard season competition, 9,060 points to 4,980. Second and third-place season finishes by St. Margaret’s teammates helped power the Tartans to a 5-0 undefeated season. In longboard, Vandenburg edged out the competition for the season title, 7,8207,340, despite not pulling a first-place finish in the five events. Vandenburg was the only surfer to compete in all five events and was consistent with two second-place finishes and three third-place finishes. On March 25, Vandenburg took second place at the NSSA Southwest Explorers Juniors event on March 25. Despite not surfing until he was 12 years old, Vandenburg has taken swiftly to the waves and is currently ranked sixth in the Under-18 rankings for the Western Surfing Association.

Yamasaki, Santa Margarita Win USA Hockey National Championship San Clemente resident Brandon Yamasaki and the Santa Margarita Catholic High School hockey team won the USA Hockey High School Division 1 national championship in dramatic fashion on March 26 in Plymouth, Minnesota. The Eagles tied the game against Regis Jesuit of Colorado with just two seconds remaining to force overtime. Santa Margarita took the title with an overtime game-winning goal from Leevi Selanne, son of Hockey Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne. Yamasaki was a back-up goaltender for the Eagles in the tournament, and a goalie for Santa Margarita’s Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Division 3 team. It was the second national title for Santa Margarita, which also went undefeated this season to win the state and ADHSHL Division 1 titles.

San Clemente resident and Santa Margarita goaltender Brandon Yamasaki (front) won the USA Hockey High School Division 1 national championship on March 26 in Plymouth, Minnesota. Photo: Courtesy

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SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Rhythm and Resin The waves, and the beat, roll on for Danny and Damian Brawner of Brawner Surfboards BY DANIEL RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

ommonly placed at the back of the stage, drummers are the too-oftenforgotten, rhythmic backbones of the band. Similarly, “glassers,” those deemed responsible for sealing surfboards’ porous interiors, most common nowadays with fiberglass over foam cores, are essential and universally understood as an underappreciated part of the surfboard-manufacturing business. Since 1952, Dana Point’s Danny Brawner has been crafting and fine-tuning Southern California culture through his craftsmanship and his music in ways the masses often don’t take time to appreciate. Locals may have to read the back of an album carefully, or ask a local shaper who did the all-important, life-sustaining glasswork on that new surfboard. It may not even be recorded in some cases, but a little research will quickly reveal the Brawner name is deeply woven into the fabric of South Orange County culture. Now almost 80 years old, Danny Brawner entered the surf world when he crafted his first board in 1952. Honing his skills while working under legendary shaper Dale Velzy, Danny was soon drafted by Hobie Alter, becoming, as San Clemente Times contributor Jim Kempton described, “the lynchpin craftsman for Hobie’s Dana Point factory, which was supplying the exploding demand for new fiberglass surfboards of the 1960s.” Danny worked with legendary shapers such as Micky Munoz, Gerry Lopez and Corky Carol, and glassed, pin-lined and resin-tinted the majority of Hobie surfboard shaper Terry Martin’s estimated 80,000 surfboards, rumored to be the most shaped by any single person. One board in particular, which some at Hobie claim may have been the most important board the company ever made, was a 3-foot board turned around overnight for President Richard Nixon. Nixon’s daughter, Tricia, had ordered a board from Hobie, at the height of their notoriety in the budding Southern California surf culture, for her father for Father’s Day shortly after they arrived in the “Western White House” above Cottons Point in

San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

Clockwise from top. Danny Brawner, a drummer for the band The Sandals, which scored the music for ‘The Endless Summer,’ holds up a classic photo. Danny Brawner plays on the original drum set he used to perform music for ‘The Endless Summer,’ a legendary documentary that helped spread surf culture across the world. Damian Brawner speaks about glassing surf boards and his time as a music and event promoter at his family’s surf shop in San Clemente. Photos: Eric Heinz

San Clemente. Unfortunately, the board, presidential seal and all, fell over inside the factory and was damaged before being given to the president. “I just knew we couldn’t give this to the President of the United States,” Danny laughed. Neither Damian nor Danny Brawner were able to confirm if President Nixon ever stepped foot on the full-sized model. Somehow, during that time, Danny was doing double-time as the drummer for The Sandals, the band who created the soundtrack and theme song for Bruce Brown’s epic The Endless Summer. A littleknown fact to the now-more-than 23 million surfers worldwide is the iconic theme song to what is widely-regarded as the most important surf film of all time was created in a garage on Trafalgar Street above the rolling waves of T-Street in San Clemente. Danny, who during that time married

his wife Sharon, sprouted four children; a son, Damian Jr.; and three daughters, Jan, Deanne and Danielle. Humble and soft-spoken, Danny now works from time to time with his son, Damian, in their new retail shop off of Camino Capistrano and in their budding glassing shop as needed. “It’s so nice to have him around because he can teach us all those things; he can pass along all the things that aren’t put on paper,” Damian said of his father’s airbrush and resin-tint skills. In addition to his passion for art in the form of surfboard manufacturing, Damian also adopted his father’s love of music. Damian picked up the sticks, under his father’s tutelage, as early as sixth grade. Also lengthening and strengthening the local connection, Danny’s daughter, Danielle, married Izzy Paskowitz, a world-class surfer in his own right, of the Paskowitz tribe synonymous with San Onofre.

Page 15

Together, they founded Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that has helped thousands of people with autism across the world through surfing. Damian evolved into quite the drummer in his own right, moving to Los Angeles after playing with a number of blossoming acts, to pursue a career in promotion and event management. There, the more outspoken Damian worked at world-class venues like Long Beach Vault 350 and the Billboard Live Key Club (formerly Gazzari‘s), by booking acts in eclectic variety, such as James Brown, Janes Addiction, Prince, Van Halen, Eddie Money and Tony Bennett. “I’m a promoter at heart,” Damian said, revealing an ironic and rare diversion from his father’s generally reserved demeanor. After almost 10 years in Hollywood, Damian and his wife returned to Dana Point to raise their family. They now have two children of their own; a son Haze and daughter Sunnie. The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree, and Damian said Haze has developed an affinity for playing the drums, making him the fourth generation of Brawner to sit behind the skins. Today, Damian said he is mostly interested in passing the torch along to his kids and what his father’s era taught him. “I’ve learned that I’m not really concerned with first place or second place, to be honest. We’re concerned with the barbecue after,” Damian laughed. Opening Brawner Surfboards five years ago, Damian hopes to grow a healthy, authentic surfboard production facility with organic growth at Brawner Surfboards by showcasing local shaping talents through largely custom orders. Damian was quick to show respect for his other “second generation,” South Orange County shapers and manufacturing brethren such as Timmy Patterson, Josh Martin and Cole Simler, who also grew up in Danny Brawner’s colleagues’ spaces in the Hobie factory as well as a number of others. “Our glassing and resin work will remain at the heart of our business,” said Damian, who wanted to show respect for his colleagues and friends that have maintained a lifetime of local shaping and board production. As attentions drifted, Damian noticed gazes at a peach-colored, single-fin Lightning Bolt surfboard hanging over his head shaped by legendary Reno Abellera and glassed by Brawner’s. “It’s one of only five made,” Damian explained, shooting a glance over his shoulder to his father. “…and that one’s for my son.” To view a current board line-up, order a custom surfboard or to learn more about Brawner Surfboards, visit www.brawnerboards.com. 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

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.

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

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CLASSIFIEDS 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. OCEAN VIEW APARTMENT FOR LEASE Unfurnished Fully Remodeled 1 Bedroom/1 Bath. Living/Dining Great Room. Gourmet Kitchen w/ top of the line New Appliances Steps to Del Mar and short walk to the Pier/beach. $2,400 per/month 949.622.0200 or rosemary@ bahalaw.com ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT, AMONG SC FINEST

Fresh remodel plus brand new flooring. Very large patio, Private Safe Quiet. Path to Beach. Furnished/Unfurnished. Perfect for Professional seeking stable environment. Details – 949-201-7177

FOR SALE CUTEST FRENCH BULLDOGS French bulldog puppies for sale. Beautiful coats, great with people and other animals, the perfect family pet. Call or text: Tawnya at (909) 496-5616

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 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 HIRING COOKS, CASHIERS, CREW MEMBERS ASAP (TOP PAY+BENEFITS!) Need full-time

work? Part-time work? Our clients are hiring in San Clemente! $12/ hour to $14/hour + benefits. For more information call 1-800-513-5096 or email us at contactus@therestaurantzone.com.

OTHER STUFF EASTER SERVICES WATCH LIVE! Attend church this Easter in a small town in Montana from the comfort of your own home. Good Friday 5PM - Easter Sunday 8:00AM or 10:00AM PT. www.bvcalvary.com 406-363-3431

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San Clemente Times March 29â&#x20AC;&#x201C;April 4, 2018

Page 17

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF

Another Weekend, Another Win Kevin Schulz and Ian Crane go 1-2 at the Jack’s Pro in Huntington Beach BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

n surfing circles, the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series (QS) is often referred to as “the grind” because it’s, well, a grind. It’s the minor leagues of pro surfing in which several hundreds of the world’s best surfers all vie to graduate to the Championship Tour. It’s a dog-eat-dog affair that goes on for the better part of 10 months of the year. The 2018 season is in full swing and the latest tour stop, the Jack’s Pro, landed in Huntington Beach last weekend. Held in challenging, wind-blown, knee-to-chesthigh conditions on the south side of the iconic pier, there were some big names in the draw, and it was every bit the grind that QS contests are famous for. Continuing with a familiar trend we’re seeing this year, San Clemente surfers’ presence was not lost on the competition. When the spray finally settled, it was Kevin Schulz standing atop the podium with Ian Crane happily cruising into the runner-up slot. For Schulz, it was the biggest win of his young career and his first-ever QS victory. “I surfed a lot of heats today and I’m really tired, but I can’t stop smiling—I’m over the moon,” said 22-year-old Schulz when it was all done and dusted. “My whole family is here, and to have that final with Ian was great just to keep it in town. I couldn’t hear any scores with the wind, so I was free-surfing out there and I came in from the water to my family clapping, and

Ian Crane found his way into the runner-up spot, giving San Clemente a clean sweep of the podium. Photo: WSL

couldn’t believe it.” Maybe he should stop listening to the judges and surf more often because he went out and put on a blistering performance. Stomping the landing of a big double-grab rotation, the judges threw him a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10 for the ride. Schulz finished the final with an event-best 17.10 heat score (out of a possible 20). “It’s so close to home. I grew up surfing here throughout the NSSA, and to win against the field that was here is just insane,” continued Schulz. “I couldn’t even dream of winning this thing. I feel like I didn’t peak until the final, and those leading up to it were pretty stressful, knowing I wasn’t doing my best surfing. But now I’ve got some points going and I want to keep this going to the bigger events.” For Schulz and 24-year-old Crane it

GROM OF THE WEEK

MIA MCLEISH BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

he rub on competitive surfing is that it’s sometimes considered an individualistic, perhaps even selfish pursuit. All that time spent trying to get the best waves of the day, dominating your competitor, it can be a bit one-dimensional, which is what makes the rebirth of surf clubs in San Clemente, Dana Point and up and down the coast so awesome. They’re bringing surf communities and generations together like never before. Case in point, the performance of Mia “Mouse” McLeish at the recent West Coast Board Riders contest in Huntington San Clemente Times March 29-April 4, 2018

Mia McLeish. Photo: Courtesy of Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation

Beach. At 10 years old, she’s the youngest competitor on the San Clemente Board Riders team, but she’s had a huge impact.

was a marathon day that saw them surf through five rounds of the contest. “I didn’t take my wetsuit off once today and I’m definitely feeling it,” joked Crane at the end of the day. “There were a lot of big names in the event, and just to make the final feels pretty good. Pretty bummed I lost it, but it’s the first final I’ve ever made. I’m trying to figure out the more competitive side of surfing heats still and learning what to do after I’ve made some mistakes. I’m back into the QS 6,000s and QS 10,000s again this year and my goal is to be in that Top 10 by the end of the year.” As if a pair of local surfers going one and two wasn’t enough, the Jack’s Pro also featured a specialty event for the West Coast Board Riders in which the San Clemente squad narrowly beat out Encinitas, Huntington Beach and L.A.’s South Bay.

Already a veteran of the squad, she helped lead the team to victory at the specialty competition at the Jack’s Pro last week. For the effort, the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation (PVW) named her their Grom of the Week. In the PVW Instagram announcement, icon surf filmmaker Taylor Steele took the time to say, “Congrats and ripping” to Mia. Mind you, Taylor’s the guy that put Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb and the rest of the Momentum Generation on the map. “Mia, you are my hero,” wrote Jon Walla, who is credited as being one of the first people to surf Cortez Bank and has kids of his own that surf around town. They may call her Mia Mouse, but this ripping little regular-footer has the heart of a lion. Big things are in store for her. SC

Page 18

Featuring generations of South Orange County’s best surfers, in the end, it was Colt Ward’s last left down the beach that put San Clemente over the top. A big step forward for the West Coast Board Riders, the event was supported by the WSL and featured a live webcast. From the surf club scene, to the Qualifying Series, to the illustrious Championship Tour, South Orange County is rolling at the moment. The next big event to keep an eye out for is the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, which will feature locals Kolohe Andino, Griffin Colapinto and Pat Gudauskas. The waiting period runs from March 28-April 8. Coming to Salt Creek on Saturday, April 7, the Dana Point Surf Club will be hosting the next installment of the West Coast Board Riders series. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Thursday: South swell fades with minor NW windswell for surf in the knee-waist high (2-3’) range at better breaks. Standouts see occasional plus sets/ peaks. Light winds in the morning hours, trending to a light+ onshore flow for afternoon. Outlook: Mostly South swell mix and minor NW windswell through the upcoming weekend with surf mainly around waist high (3’) along with plus sets/ peaks at standouts. Favorable winds/conditions set up in the morning hours. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.