February 6, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

February 6-12, 2020

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INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 15, ISSUE 6

One Town, One Dog Park Group Implores City Not to Turn Park into Outdoor Homeless Shelter S C L I V I N G / PAG E 7

A group of local dog owners are voicing concerns with the city’s plans to potentially convert part of the San Clemente Dog Park into an outdoor homeless shelter. (From left) Denise McDonald, with her Husky, Twilight; Alvin Field, with his Golden Retriever, Jake; Jim Dorsey, with his Miniature Schnauzer, Olie; and Lynne Spiegel, with her Treeing Walker Coonhound named Buddy. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Business Park Parcels Sold to Shelter Coalition EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

CoastLines 1970: What SC Was Like 50 Years Ago SC LIVING/PAGE 27

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Super Bowl Champ Coach Connects to SCHS SPORTS/PAGE 29

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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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Five things San Clemente should know this week Business Park Parcels Sold to Shelter Coalition THE LATEST: The Rancho San Clemente Business Park Association and the Emergency Shelter Coalition recently finalized a sale agreement for 10 acres of open space property along Avenida Pico, where the nonprofit intends to develop a shelter for the homeless.

Ed Connor, an attorney representing the homeless advocacy group, confirmed that escrow closed late last month for the 10 acres, comprising a pair of land parcels located on the north side of Pico opposite Calle del Cerro.

The finalization of the sale comes more than a month after business owners had voted 2-to-1 against ESC’s request to terminate the CC&Rs. The termination of the CC&Rs—or rules and guidelines over the property—had been a condition of the deal, but ESC decided to move forward with the sale, anyway.

Another condition of the sale agreement guarantees that ESC won’t build a shelter within the main part of the business park, which lies within the city’s Emergency Shelter Overlay Zone—the area of the city where emergency shelters are approved to operate.

To comply with the state’s mandate under Senate Bill 2 that requires local municipalities to come up with a plan for providing homeless shelter access, the city, back in 2016, identified the Business Park as a section in the Overlay. Commonly referred to as an SB2 zone, the Overlay allows as many as 70 shelter beds for the homeless.

Acknowledging that many in the community are staunchly opposed to the group’s efforts to build a homeless shelter in San Clemente, Connor cautioned that they shouldn’t lament just yet, as ESC is likely to encounter some bureaucratic roadblocks.

“As everyone knows, the property is subject to open space zoning restrictions and permitting requirements that will pose rather formidable obstacles to ESC’s ability to construct an emergency shelter complex on the property,” Connor said in an email.

One such restriction is the city’s Measure V ordinance, a voter-approved initiative that mandates any open space project covering more than one acre has to go to a San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

Pictured is a Verizon cell tower within a neighborhood of the nearby Rancho Mission Viejo community.

The placement of the tower in the spring of 2019 prompted concerns from RMV residents regarding potential health care risks. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

vote of the people. It was unclear, at press time, how large of a shelter facility ESC is planning.

“Nevertheless, where there’s God’s will, there is a way,” he said in the email, noting that the Shelter Coalition is seeking divine intervention in the hope of constructing the shelter. “That is why ESC decided to buy the property. We are simply trying to put our religious beliefs into action.”

Connor went on to quote Biblical scripture, citing the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah, who said, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.” He also explained that Jesus, a central figure in the Christian faith, instructed followers to provide food, drink and clothing to those in need.

Bob Adams, president of the Business Park Association, was not available to comment, as of press time.

The Emergency Shelter Coalition purchased the two parcels from the Rancho SC Business Park for $19,500. According to the Association, the land had a low appraisal value of $12,000 because of the open space restrictions.

The Association, which said it has spent an average of $20,000 annually for maintenance-related costs, had wanted to offload the property for years. At one time, it offered it to the city, but city officials weren’t interested.

That was until news broke of the sale agreement with ESC last October. While the property was still in escrow, the city of San Clemente, as well as Olen Commercial Properties, had expressed interest in purchasing the land for $20,000 if the proposed sale fell through.

City officials, including Mayor Dan Bane, previously explained that the city wanted to acquire the parcels and turn them into a conservation easement as a means of preventing one of the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ proposed toll road route extensions.—Shawn Raymundo

Council Approves Ordinance Regulating Sites for Cell Towers THE LATEST: City council voted on Tuesday, Feb. 4 to introduce an ordinance that will establish regulations and guidelines for proposed cell towers within San Clemente, setting up minimum distance requirements between such wireless facilities and schools and homes.

The ordinance, which was approved in a 3-2 vote—Councilmembers Chris Hamm and Gene James were opposed—would restrict telecommunications companies from placing cell towers within 500 feet of a school or a residence, as well as 300 feet from another cell site.

According to the city, the ordinance is meant to address additional regulatory limits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently imposed on municipalities when considering a site’s use-permit application.

One of the recent provisions imposes a “shot clock” in which a city can determine whether to approve or deny the application. According to the shot-clock rule, a city must act within 60 or 90 days of the submittal of an application, and failure to do so would allow an applicant to “immediately pursue expedited judicial remedies.”

Another provision does limit the city’s authority on design standards, but it can impose aesthetic requirements so “long as they do not result in actual or effective prohibition of small cells,” the city noted in its report to the council.

The ordinance had also come on the heels of a request by AT&T last year to install a series of 4G-capable small cell towers on light poles near residential neighborhoods. The city’s Planning Commission denied those applications, but the company appealed two of them to the council this past fall.

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That action stirred controversy among a group of residents who believe the towers will eventually be upgraded to 5G technology and likely expose families to harmful radiofrequency waves. The towers, they have also opined, will obstruct views and create eyesores, potentially lowering property values.

As part of the city’s current conditions for approval of cell sites, companies are stipulated to conduct a field test within 30 days to determine the radiofrequency level of its towers, ensuring it complies with FCC standards.

AT&T last November tabled its plans for the cell sites until the city passed its ordinance.

The city had previously explained that officials can’t consider the health impacts of towers when imposing regulations, because the federal government has already determined that the impact from such technology is minimal.

Councilmember James on Tuesday night claimed that while the FCC is a regulatory body of the federal government, “you can’t really see much difference between the industry and the regulators,” adding that “the industry goes into the FCC and regulates.”

He then pulled out his cell phone to read the disclaimer that advises to use the speaker phone option in order to reduce risk of exposure to RF energy.

“I will vote an adamant no on this, because (the towers are) so damn ugly,” James said, eliciting robust applause from many in the audience.

Councilmember Hamm later expressed support for James’ decision to vote against the ordinance.

“I’ve been a firm believer that if we have a community that rises up and has a serious concern that we need to fight it and represent the community,” Hamm said.

While a majority of public speakers were overwhelmingly against the permitting of such cell sites, Michael Farrahar, a representative of Verizon Wireless, stated that there’s a need for such infrastructure, as more than 50% of households are wireless-only, with the average American household using 13 mobile devices.

“Without the critical infrastructure, without the buttressing of the existing service, there will be a degradation of service; there will be a diminishment to the current levels of service and certainly no new addition of technology in the future,” Farrahar told the council.

Initially, the ordinance had proposed a minimum separation of 100 feet between a cell tower and residential or mixed-use property. However, following the lengthy public hearing in which more than a dozen local residents had advocated for a larger separation, Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson proposed an amendment expanding (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC (Cont. from page 3) the minimum distance to 500 feet.

Associate Planner Katie Crockett had explained to the council that the city staff had set the minimum distance at 100 feet, believing that anything more would have been prohibitive and would allow the applicant to seek exceptions.

“While staff may have liked to put in a larger separation between residential properties, when we really mapped it out, it started to look to staff that it would be somewhat prohibitive and exceptions would become the rule,” Crockett said.

“And that was not our goal.”

A provision in the ordinance allows applicants to request exceptions to requirements “in instances where the ordinance or Standards would cause a prohibition of any personal wireless service any carrier wishes to provide.”

According to the city’s report, the 500foot distance requirement rendered nearly all of the public rights-of-way as off limits for cell sites, with the exception of Avenida La Pata and portions of Avenida Pico near the Rancho San Clemente Business Park.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council is expected to formally pass the ordinance during its second reading at the next regular meeting on Feb. 18.—SR

OCSD’s Police Services to Move into City Hall THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will likely have a new home in San Clemente, as the council voted on Tuesday, Feb. 4 to move forward with plans of establishing a police services substation on the second floor of the city hall building on Calle Negocio.

The move comes more than eight months after asbestos was discovered at the former San Clemente Police Services Station building, forcing officers and other OCSD personnel to evacuate and relocate to the Aliso Viejo Substation.

In a 3-2 decision with Councilmembers Chris Hamm and Kathy Ward dissenting, the council approved a proposal by Councilmember Gene James to begin designing the space within the new city hall building for OCSD. Leading off the council’s discussion on the dais, Hamm first commended James for expediting the issue, then stated, “In my mind, there couldn’t be a worse location than the second story of the city hall.”

Citing conversations with previous police lieutenants, Hamm said there’s an accessibility concern, as the building’s location, which is within the Rancho San Clemente Business Park just off Avenida Pico, is difficult to get out of during certain hours of the day because of the heavily trafficked arterial road.

“So, while I understand the desire for a new location and I support the need, I San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

couldn’t have picked a worse location,” Hamm said, recommending a site that’s “more accessible,” such as the previous homeless shelter on Avenida Pico.

Confirming with Assistant City Manager Erik Sund that the city has $4.5 million of public safety mitigation fees in the budget, as well as other general fund monies to help construct a substation, Ward asked why it was necessary to rush the process “when maybe we should do something better, long-term.”

James, touching on OCSD’s strained relationship with the city, said there’s a morale problem among officers serving San Clemente. He’s hopeful, James said, that by having them share a roof with city staff, they’ll be able to reconnect with San Clemente.

“Bringing those police services in one building with the city and giving them some connection with the city, which I don’t think we have right now, that’s why I’m looking at expediting this right now,” James said.

Interim City Manager Robert Dunek also noted that with the city’s officers operating out of a larger space in Aliso Viejo, OCSD is beginning to charge the city extra rent while also accounting for other additional travel costs between there and San Clemente.

On Tuesday, the council was presented with two options related to the police substation: spend $75,000 to either begin designing the space on the city hall’s second floor or launch a study to evaluate alternative locations.

Such alternatives included the vacant lot next to the Water Reclamation Plant on Avenida Pico—where the city had previously established an outdoor homeless shelter—and a vacant field at Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

According to the city, an asbestos remediation project was conducted at the police services station, which is located at the former city hall building on Avenida Presidio. The work is now done and could potentially rehouse the officers.

However, with the city currently exploring the possibility of selling that building, OCSD voiced concern about moving back into the space and later having to relocate again if the site were to eventually be sold.

San Clemente Police Chief Lt. Edward Manhart confirmed to the council on Tuesday that it would be beneficial to have police services and city staff working in the same building.

“When we were kicked out of the building downstairs, I asked to be back to city hall, because it would be important to connect with the city,” he said, adding: “Having the entire staff in the city hall is instrumental to the relationship with the city.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The city, Sund said, is hopeful there will be minimal construction on the second floor, but noted that

some improvements are likely going to be needed, such as installing a kitchen, a locker room or gun storage.

With the council’s action “tonight, we’ll start a stakeholder group shortly thereafter with OCSD to start working with our design,” Sund said.—SR

Public Invited to Photograph King Tide Event This Weekend THE LATEST: The Feb. 8-9 weekend is expected to see a phenomenon of an especially high tide event for the second time this year, and several agencies are asking the public to help document the event with photos and video.

While the “king tide” isn’t technically a scientific term, the California Coastal Commission refers to the phrase and phenomenon to illustrate and contextualize the potential impacts of sea level rise.

When king tides occur during floods or storms, water levels can rise higher and have the potential to cause great damage to the coastline and coastal property, in a way that can offer insight on future effects of sea level rise. The previous king tide event was Jan. 10-12.

“By documenting and sharing photos and sharing what they notice, participants will help others understand that they’re part of a community that cares about climate change,” a CCC news release stated. “In addition, the images shared by the public are used by State and local officials as well as climate change researchers to validate sea level rise models and better assess local flood vulnerabilities.”

The content will also be available for educators, students, and the general public to explore flooding impacts on the shoreline and to visualize near-term climate change For several decades, Surfrider Foundation has monitored development and coastal erosion along the shoreline.

Stefanie Sekich-Quinn is the coastal preservation manager for the foundation’s Climate Change and Coastal Preservation Initiative.

“There’s been an uptick in extreme weather events, and we don’t see that getting any better,” Sekich-Quinn said.

“When you have a king tide lapping up against a community, it can give you a bird’s-eye view of what we could need to do in the future to mitigate.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The CCC is encouraging the public to document current flood risk in coastal areas through video and photos. For those who would like to participate in the commission’s King Tides project, use your smart phone to take and upload photos of king tides through the King Tides Photo Upload form at coastal.ca.gov/kingtides.

“The tides are going to be most noticeable in lower-lying areas, like a low-lying Page 4

sidewalk,” said Sekich-Quinn. “If you can safely do so, take a picture of anything you think is striking . . . see how a wave goes up against infrastructure.”

The CCC cautions the public to be safe and take extra precautions when walking on slippery areas or near big waves.

Do not turn your back on the ocean and be mindful of shore birds taking refuge in areas above the shoreline. If you post your images to social media, the CCC will like and share photos with the hashtag #kingtides.

Ocean Institute will be leading a guided king tide tour on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8-9 at 10:30-11 a.m. Visit oceaninstitute.org to book a reservation. Admission is $5 per person and free for Ocean Institute members.—Lillian Boyd

Sen. Moorlach Releases Financial Report Card for Cities THE LATEST: State Sen. John Moorlach released his report assessing the financial soundness of each of California’s cities, ranking San Clemente in 12th place out of Orange County’s 34 cities—or 127th out of California’s 482 cities.

As Moorlach states in his report, all government entities in California must send the state audited financial statements so public officials, private watchdog groups, journalists and private citizens can review them. The most common name for these statements is an Annual Financial Report. Cities send the state a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Moorlach analyzed California cities’ financial statements by dividing the city’s unrestricted net position (UNP) by the municipality’s population. The UNP includes both a municipality’s assets and liabilities, which can be either a positive number or a deficit number.

Moorlach’s office found the statement of net position per city in the city’s basic financial statement and specifically used the “unrestricted” dollar amount. “This number is the key, because it is about purely governmental activities,” the report states.

Moorlach then divides the unrestricted net position by the city’s population, giving the UNP per capita. This amount demonstrates how the individual resident is impacted. According to Moorlach, if the UNP per capita is a positive number, that is good—the higher, the better. If it is a negative number, that could come with some issues.

The current report from Moorlach includes only information from 2017 and 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) from cities. With the numbers from those years, San Clemente’s UNP per capita came out to $361.—LB sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Group Implores City Not to Turn Park into Outdoor Homeless Shelter

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

potential plan to turn a section of the city’s only dog park into a new outdoor shelter for San Clemente’s homeless has garnered the attention of a group of local dog owners who frequent the park and are questioning the city’s rationale behind the idea.

“Why here?” said 74-year-old San Clemente resident Jim Dorsey, pondering the possibility during a recent visit to the park with his dog. The retired police officer noted that the location doesn’t allow for convenient access to resources such as groceries or public transit.

“I measured it, and we’re a mile and a half from Albertsons,” Dorsey said. “So, they (the homeless) have no source of food.”

Located at 301 Avenida La Pata—near the San Clemente Skatepark and the sports fields at the Richard T. Steed Memorial Park—the San Clemente Dog Park literally marks the end of the road.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s nearest bus stop, on Avenida Pico and El Camino Real, is nearly a 4-mile walk from the park. With no immediate access to public transportation, local dog owner Trinity Willis, 27, pointed out, the homeless individuals who might utilize the campsite are likely to feel stranded.

“Is there even any bus access out here?” she inquired. “That’s going to be harder for them to get out of homelessness if there’s no bus access around here, because public transportation for homeless is really important. If they don’t have access to that, they’re just stranded . . . they can’t do anything.”

The private golf club Bella Collina San Clemente, which neighbors the whole region of local parks, has also expressed concerns, stating that while it understands the city’s dilemma in locating a feasible location for the homeless, it prefers that it not take away a public park to do so.

In an emailed statement from the golf club, it said that the “taking of a public park area, even a dog park that is immediately adjacent to a children’s skate park and baseball field, the Richard Steed Memorial Park is probably

San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

Clockwise from left: Alvin Field, 93, launches a ball for his Golden Retriever, Jake, to fetch, during a visit to the San Clemente Dog Park on Monday, Feb. 3. Denise McDonald, 66, plays a game of fetch with her Husky, Twilight. Jim Dorsey, 74, and his Miniature Schnauzer, Olie, enjoy a morning at the city’s dog park. Photos: Shawn Raymundo

not a wise consideration.”

Emphasizing that the plan is still subject to review and approval by both the Planning Commission and city council, Assistant City Manager Erik Sund explained that the park is one of the few pieces of city-owned land that’s vacant and can accommodate such a shelter.

“Basically, it was a piece of city land that could accommodate this, keeping in mind the city doesn’t have a lot of city-owned land that’s vacant,” Sund said, adding: “I think it was just the fact that it was available city property that could accommodate this.”

RECLASSIFYING THE LAND The park is made up of two sections, one for big dogs and one for small dogs. The large-dog section, a dirt lot, is where the city is considering establishing another outdoor homeless shelter, similar to the recently shuttered encampment on Avenida Pico.

This past December, roughly a week after the city had closed the Pico camp, in part because of a dwindling use of the lot, the city council approved the initiation of a general plan amendment meant to reclassify the dog park’s land-use designation to allow for public safety uses.

According to a city report on the amendment, the 0.6-acre site was identified as a feasible location for a potential interim campsite. It’s currently zoned as “open space—public” within the Rancho San Clemente Specific Plan.

“The goal of such an amendment would be to provide the City with more discretion and regulatory flexibility to address issues that adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare,” the city stated in the report.

Initially, the city had previously explained, the council did start to evaluate the feasibility of another vacant city-owned lot on Avenida Fabricante, located in the industrial park zone, but later told city staff to explore additional sites for establishing a camp.

Sund had previously noted that the council’s action in December merely started the process of making the amendment.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Sund said the city is primarily focusing on the dog park to utilize as an outdoor shelter. He added that while the city could potentially review other sites to create an alternative dog park, nothing else is officially being considered at this time.

Asked whether the move would mean pet owners of both big and small dogs would have to share the small-dog section, Sund was uncertain. “I think we would maintain the park as a small-dog park, but that’s something we still haven’t reviewed yet,” he said.

ONE TOWN, ONE DOG PARK Should city councilors decide to move forward, converting the large-dog section of the park into an outdoor shelter, opponents of the idea opine that it’ll only leave the small-dog section available to accommodate their fury companions.

SC Times recently met with a handful of the regulars who gather at the dog park just about every morning. According to Dorsey, one of those regulars, the city hasn’t been doing a great job of maintaining the small-dog section, as it’s typically muddy year-round.

“The park across the street is the park that I used to go to, but it’s so muddied all the time—summer, winter, it doesn’t matter— and the dogs just get trashed there,” he said.

Fellow park regular and San Clemente dog owner Lynne Spiegel, 70, noted that it wouldn’t be ideal to force big and little dogs to share the same park space. While some in the group of regulars do have small dogs that are comfortable playing with the other big dogs, that won’t always be the case, she said “Every once in a while, somebody with an aggressive dog will go over there by themselves, and it’s fine ’cause we do have little dogs here, and it’s fine,” said Spiegel, who owns a Treeing Walker Coonhound named Buddy.

Olie, Dorsey’s Miniature Schnauzer, is one

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of those little dogs that’s used to socializing with the bigger dogs in the group. But, Dorsey said, there should at least be the option for those who don’t feel comfortable with their timid dogs being near big dogs.

“If somebody does have a timid dog, there’s no way of separating them if you have a small park,” Dorsey said, adding: “People like that need to feel safe and be separated from these big guys. I mean, we don’t worry about it, because our dogs are acclimated to it.”

Denise McDonald, whose Husky, Twilight, does get along with Olie, echoed Dorsey’s comments, emphasizing that it’s tough to have big dogs and small gods mixed together in one area.

“Yeah, you can’t mix small dogs with big dogs, especially with my Husky,” McDonald, 66, said. “No way. She would be chasing those little dogs like crazy, and then I would be worried and I wouldn’t come.”

THE HOMELESS DILEMMA The group of dog owners stressed that while they’d like to save the dog park from turning into an outdoor campsite, they’re supportive of constructing a homeless shelter and providing them with resources elsewhere in the city.

“It has to happen; they can’t be just out in the brush and the communities,” Dorsey said of the city’s homeless population. He also stated the Pico lot was a preferable site, because it was centrally located, being near bus stops and places to purchase food.

“I know a lot of people who objected to it were the same people who objected to homeless people, period,” he said, adding: “The reality is it needs to be someplace like that, that needs to be centrally located; it has a bus, it has shopping, it has everything that those folks need.”

Reiterating Dorsey’s sentiments, Spiegel said that “none of us are against homeless; we just want them to be put someplace safe.” SC sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Community Meetings MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

AMERICAN LEGION POST 423 6 p.m. American Legion Post 423 meets regularly on the second Monday of each month. San Clemente Elks Lodge, 1505 North El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.429.5003. strgeezr47@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

The city’s contractor currently making repairs to the Marine Safety building will also replace damaged timber piles at the San Clemente Pier. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Become a Hero Club to Host Blood Drive at SCHS San Clemente High School’s Be a Hero, Become a Donor Club will host a community blood drive in the Triton Center at the end of the month.

On Friday, Feb. 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the local community is invited to the school to participate in the drive by donating blood that could help save lives.

Adults who participate will be able to go to the front of the line. No appointments are necessary, but participants must first register in the school’s front office.

In 2008, then-San Clemente High senior Liam Smith started the school’s club chapter for the organization, following the death of 9-year-old Evan Cousineau. Since then, the club has hosted two donor drives a year, collecting 2,961 units of blood and saving 8,883 lives through the blood donation efforts.

Gina Cousineau, Evan’s mother and a San Clemente resident who founded the BAHBAD organization, said she’s “appreciative to SCHS for allowing our community to participate, sharing our vital resources and giving life, as giving in this way is the ultimate in recycling.”

“Evan’s legacy remains strong within the student body, and the Cousineau family is grateful,” she said in an email.

City Approves Replacement of Timber Piles at Pier The city council approved a plan last month to allow the contractor currently making repairs to the Marine Safety buildSan Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

ing to also replace previously damaged timber piles at the San Clemente Pier.

The council’s approval at its Jan. 21 meeting authorized a $216,675 change order in the city’s contract with Jilk Heavy Construction, Inc. The money, according to the city, will come from the pot of General Fund coffers earmarked for Pier Structural Construction The Gardena-based construction company was hired last August to make bulkhead repairs to the building that houses San Clemente’s lifeguard operations. The nearly $2 million project is underway and expected to wrap up this May. With Jilk already working nearby, city staff believed the most cost-effective route to replace the pier’s timber piles was to also have the company perform the task, as it’s already fully mobilized and has a permit for transporting heavy equipment and materials across the railroad tracks.

According to the city, one of the timber piles at the pier broke last May, but because the location of the broken pile wasn’t critical and surrounded by other uncompromised piles, city staff felt the plan to replace it could be temporarily postponed.

This past October, the city conducted an inspection of the pier’s vinyl wrappings per a California Coastal Commission permit that requires an inspection every couple of years. During the latest inspection, the city identified two additional timber piles that were damaged and required replacement.

Metrolink to Conduct System Improvements to Tracks in DP, SC Metrolink is currently conducting system improvements along a portion of the railroad tracks between Dana Point and San Clemente, according to the city.

Crews were scheduled to conduct the improvements to the tracks adjacent to Beach Road in Dana Point and near North El Camino Real between Camino San Clemente and Avenida Estacion in San Clemente, beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The work will be done on the weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., the city noted.

The Metrolink crews are expected to complete the work by Friday, Feb. 14.

During this improvement work, there are likely to be such impacts as noise from the equipment backup alarms and heavy machinery; noise, vibration and dust from the construction-related activities; and lights from the light towers.

While the work area is taking place next to a designated Quiet Zone, per the Federal Railroad Administration’s safety regulations, it’s likely that trains will be required to blow their horns because of the crews working on or near the tracks.

Outlets Hosts Lunar New Year Event South County families gathered at the Outlets at San Clemente on Jan. 25 for the shopping center’s fifth annual Lunar New Year Celebration, which featured performances from a handful of local organizations.

The free, family-friendly event included a 30-foot Dragon Dance, interactive Lion Dances, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts activities, face painting, Red Envelopes and more, according to a press release from the Outlets.

Among the groups participating in the celebration were the Irvine Chinese School, student ambassadors from Capistrano Unified School District’s Mandarin Immersion Program based in Laguna Niguel, and the Three Treasures Cultural Arts Society based in San Diego.

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BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6-8 p.m. The San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting.

100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente.

949.361.8200.san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

SAN CLEMENTE AREA REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED 10:30 am.-1 p.m. The San Clemente Area Republican Women Federated meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Talega Golf Club. The meetings include a three-course, sit-down lunch and an informative speaker. Reservations are required. 990 Avenida Talega. scarwf.org.

DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE 4-5:30 p.m. The San Clemente Design Review Subcommittee will conduct a meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

VFW POST 7142 7 p.m. The San Clemente VFW Post 7142 meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Elks Lodge, 1505 N. El Camino Real. 949.464.8391. vfw7142.com.

As part of the celebration, the Outlets hosted a weeklong Red Envelope Giveaway through Sunday, Feb. 2. The giveaway included special offers, deals from retailers and a chance to win a $108 Outlets at San Clemente gift card, redeemable at the centers’ stores and restaurants.

Red envelopes are gifts presented at social and family gatherings during holidays such as Chinese New Year, according to the center. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck in Chinese culture and is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Have something interesting to submit to our News Bites section?

Submissions are due by 10 a.m. the Monday of the week you’d like published. Email sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com. sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

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Toll Road Process Needs Your Comment Now

T

he Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are currently conducting a study for toll roads and toll lanes.

The TCA came out in 2016 with a destructive proposal to extend its 241 Toll Road through local neighborhoods in order to connect it to Interstate 5 at Avenida Pico.

The TCA and Caltrans have also proposed to widen the freeway by two lanes on each side for toll lanes, which would destroy homes and businesses along I-5 and El Camino Real, greatly impacting the buildings and homes that are left.

TCA wants to put toll lanes on I-5 through San Clemente so it can build and connect toll lanes into San Diego County. San Diego has plans to build toll lanes between Oceanside and La Jolla, where the traffic is heaviest, but it does not plan to build lanes north of Oceanside to San Clemente.

At issue are the development fees Orange County residents pay that are supposed to be for local benefit only. So, could these development fees be used for improvements in San Diego County?

All of the cities within the TCA agreed to

charge residents for two toll roads only, the Foothill and Eastern and the San Joaquin Hills Toll Roads. The fees have been collected for those and should not go to anything else.

San Clemente did its own traffic study in order to get the truth about traffic in South County.

The study indicated that toll lanes would provide little benefit, and the same could be accomplished with less damaging arterial road improvements. Our study confirmed TCA’s initial studies that indicated there was a low traffic count on the 241 Toll Road CITY COUNCIL that ends at Oso Parkway.

CORNER In 2006, TCA stated its

By Kathy Ward toll road would save drivers 31,000 vehicle hours by 2025. But in 2017, a TCA preliminary study reported it would save only 1,740 vehicle hours and not until the year 2050, which is another 25 years later.

TCA hasn’t been able to build this 241 extension. They were told they would never be able to build a toll road through Trestles and never would receive a coastal

Letters to The Editor

see the vibrancy of the debate and how we challenged the staff at every turn.

Although we were appointed by the board, we did not take direction from the board and took our charter seriously. I commend the board for adopting both measures for the voters unanimously, because the idea of creating a safe and amenable environment for our children should not be up for debate.

I remembered a conversation I had with an Aliso Niguel student who was jealous after we finished a meeting at JSerra, and I told him to have faith and stay strong— and this Wolverine is now in his first year at UC Berkeley studying engineering.

For me, this journey has been about him and the thousands of other kids who look to us to make sure we create a future of which they can be proud.

I remain hopeful and optimistic.

permit. Since the death of the road in 2008, TCA has spent millions of dollars trying to come up with something else.

The toll road is bad for San Clemente’s future and our quality of life. No transportation agencies build roads through established cities, because it is well known the damage it will do to the community.

The existing toll roads were built in open space and the cities were planned and built around them later.

The time is now to express your concerns. Please go to sctre.org to do so.

The deadline to have your voice heard is Friday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m. Toward the bottom, there is a link to write comments.

Please make sure your voice is heard.

Kathy Ward is a city councilmember who was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.

EDITOR’S NOTE: San Clemente Times was unable to verify the claim that the TCA estimated its toll road would save 31,000 vehicle hours by 2025. 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

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco and Jake Howard

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes San Clemente Times, Vol. 15, Issue 6. The SC Times (sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (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 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

AS OUR COMMUNITY GOES TO THE POLLS MIKE POURARYAN, San Clemente

It is great to be witness to democracy in action. This is especially poignant for me personally, as Measure H and Measure I will be before the voters to transform several schools throughout the Capistrano Unified School District.

What led to Measure H and Measure I began two years ago when I made a decision to apply to serve on the Finance and Facilities Advisory Committee, and the board took the risk to appoint me to the committee and the privilege I had to serve as its vice chair during deliberations.

It was quite a journey, as I was witness to selfless souls who truly lived up to Victor Hugo’s admonition to make sure one always looked to the future, because if the Almighty wanted humans to go back to the past, human heads would have had an eye behind them.

One of the most important aspects of our committee’s work over the past two years was its independence. I was so proud to

Page 10

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

Join SC Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Feb. 7 at 8 a.m., Dorothy Visser Senior Center This week’s guest speaker will be John Dobken, media relations manager for Southern California Edison. He will speak about the company’s plan to begin dismantling the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, expected to get underway this month.

Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Shawn Raymundo every Friday. The chat will be held at Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria.

All are welcome.

CORRECTION: On page 18 of the San Clemente Times’ Jan. 30 edition, a photograph of Dylan Young incorrectly ran to accompany the Grom of the Week column. The photograph was supposed to feature Jacob Crouse. The online version of the column features the correct photo of Jacob.

On page 6 of the San Clemente Times’ Jan. 30 edition, a story regarding a stabbing at a house party incorrectly named Lynn Moodie as one of the property managers for the Hotel Cordoba vacation rental. Steven Moodie is the only property manager and representative for Hotel Cordoba.

sanclementetimes.com

13 Corte Cabrito, San Clemente Enviably nestled on a cul-de-sac in Carillon, one of Talega’s most sought-after enclaves, this stunning residence offers soothing ocean views from its hillside setting in San Clemente. State-of-the-art solar energy powers the home, which extends approximately 3,975 square feet and is appointed with five bedrooms including a main-floor ensuite, four-and-one-half baths, a bonus room, casita, upgraded chef’s kitchen, a formal dining room, and a living room that shares a see-through fireplace with a library. Generously proportioned at approximately 8,642 square feet, magnificently landscaped grounds feature a courtyard, loggia, flagstone decking and hardscape, a BBQ bar, fireplace, and a pool and spa with fountains and a new pump.

DOUG ECHELBERGER | Realtor® Pacific Sotheby’s Intl. Realty 949.498.7711 | Doug@Echelberger.com DRE# 01176379 | Broker DRE# 01767484 www.Echelberger.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

THE HELEN FLEGAL LECTURE 4-5 p.m. Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the 15th Surgeon General of the U.S., will offer a public lecture entitled “Why Observe Black History Month?” San Clemente High School’s a cappella choir directed

by C.J. Daniel will perform prior to Dr. Elder’s address. This community event is open to the public. St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea UMC, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

949.492.2537. sabts.org.

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

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

Thursday | 06 DISCOVER GIRL SCOUTS —SONGS & S’MORE 6-7 p.m. Join the Girl Scouts of Orange County for a fun experience at its Songs & S’more event. Learn all about Girl Scouts, build a yummy marshmallow tower, sing campfire songs, make new friends, and so much more. Concordia Elementary, 3120 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente.

949.461.8800. girlscoutsoc.org.

THIRSTY THURSDAY WOOD WORKSHOP 6:30-9:30 p.m. Join AR Workshop for a DIY class to make one of many wood projects.

Choose from a plank wood sign, porch sign, bath tray, framed wood sign, round lazy Susan, centerpiece box, wood clock, plank wood tray, cake stand, pedestal tray, or wood photo frame. AR Workshop, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

CASA CLASSIC: ‘LA SERVA PADRONA’ 7-8 p.m. La Serva Padrona is a witty opera buffa (comic opera) that stands the test of time. Written by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi in 1733, the brisk 45-minute musical performance tells the comedic story of a maidservant who hoodwinks her boss in order to get the job title that she really wants—wife. Admission is $20-$25. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

Friday | 07 HARBOR WALKING TOUR 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a walking tour around the historic Dana Point Harbor. This family-friendly tour teaches about the history and development of the harbor, from Native Americans to the recreational harbor it is today. On the tour, you will explore historical ruins with expert guides who will teach you how to spot local marine animals along the way. Entry fee is $15 per person.

Space is limited, so advanced registration recommended. Ocean Institute, 24200 San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

Monday | 10 EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Shawn Raymundo

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6: TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association invites everyone to its Taste of San Juan event, which marks the kickoff celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season.

With 25 restaurants serving specialties under one roof, enjoy the best of San Juan Capistrano, as the Taste of San Juan brings many of the area’s restaurants and caterers together to tempt you with their finest offerings. The cost of general admission is $40. VIP tickets are $60 and include general admission, valet parking, a taste cup and swag bag. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632, Ortega Highway. 949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com.

Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

Saturday | 08 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee is the U.S.’s largest weekly car meet, attracting a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No registration is required; spectators are welcome. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

NATIVE PLANTS AND THEIR POLLINATORS 9:30-10:30 a.m. California native plants support a large diversity of pollinators, from tiny wasps to acrobatic hummingbirds and everything in between. Many of these pollinators go unnoticed unless one stops to look and engage with native gardens and natural spaces. Join local biologist and author Bob Allen as he explores the diverse world of pollinators that both support and rely on native plants, and learn how you can attract a wide range of our local pollinators to your natural garden. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.728.0685. californianativeplants.com.

THE SAN CLEMENTE SHINE FESITVAL 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The San Clemente Shine Festival is partnering with the Shine Education Foundation, with a goal to help raise

funds to support the first faith-based private K-12 school in San Clemente. The event will feature live music from local musicians, bounce houses and games, nutritious and delicious food served by local vendors, plus a not-to-be-missed ’80s-themed Fun Run for the entire family, entertainment and so much more. San Clemente Shine Festival, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.324.4927. scshinefestival.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8-9:30 p.m. As the sun sets on the walls of the ruins of the great stone church, the dead walk the streets of old San Juan Capistrano. Join the newest venture into the dark and the macabre through the historic streets of one of California’s oldest cities. Tours meet just outside the brick visitors’ information booth near the train tracks located behind the Franciscan Plaza Parking Structure at the end of Verdugo Street. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

PTSD WARRIOR GROUP 7 p.m. Warrior Groups are fellowships for combat veterans and their families to share their experiences, testimonies of healing, compassion and hope in overcoming the invisible wounds of war. PTSD Foundation of America-Southern California, 216 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 619.362.0642. ptsdusa.org.

Tuesday | 11 CASA CINEMA: ‘HIS GIRL FRIDAY’ 6-9 p.m. His Girl Friday (1940) is an American screwball comedy film starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Widely recognized as one of the fastest-paced comedies of the genre, the plot is filled with twists, comedy and action. The story centers on a newspaper editor named Walter Burns who is about to lose his ace reporter and ex-wife Hildy Johnson to another man, with whom she plans to retire when they marry. Walter hooks Hildy back into the press room with a news coverage offer so hot she can’t refuse it—but can he win her heart back, too? Admission is $5. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

BEGINNING HULA CLASS 6:30-7:15 p.m. Have fun and learn basic language, songs, dance steps, motions and meanings. Includes work with poi balls (Maori culture from New Zealand), Hawaiian hula, Tahitian, Samoan music/dance forms. All are welcome. Hula Connection, 3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite J, San Clemente. 949.842.0662. hulaconnection.net.

Sunday | 09

Wednesday | 12

BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Start with a fresh fruit martini and a selection of pastries, then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu. Cost is $72. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com.

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

A Q&A session and a dance will be held after each story. Admission is free. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

Page 21

sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: Pat Boone

BY COLLIN BREAUX, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

P

at Boone has seen and done it all—he’s been a musical performer, author, humanitarian, and all-around pop culture icon.

A Feb. 15 performance at The Coach House could be one of his last times performing music on stage, according to the man himself.

Boone will be 86 in June and while he still sings, rides his bike and stays active, he feels it could be time to wind things down.

“I know the clock is ticking, and this will be my last performance in the area,” Boone said. “My career spans 65 years now.”

Besides the San Juan Capistrano concert, the only other concert Boone has on the horizon is one in Branson, Missouri. The Branson show will be at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, which Boone finds to be an appropriate location for a finale.

“It’s fitting, because Dick Clark and I were very close friends,” said Boone, who appeared on Clark’s TV show, American Bandstand.

When Boone takes the stage at The Coach House, he plans to perform all his hit songs, including “Speedy Gonzales.”

He’ll even perform one he doesn’t usually do but holds local relevance: “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.”

“I’m rehearsing these songs knowing this may be the last time I ever sing these songs,” Boone said.

The Feb. 15 show will also feature a tribute to his late wife, Shirley Boone, who died in January 2019. Along with his personal memories of his wife, Boone also wants the tribute to connect to the older couples and widows and widowers in the audience, and he is thinking of the Feb. 15 concert as his Valentine’s Day show since the performance is a day after the holiday.

“I sing this for them,” he said.

Boone reflected on his life and career in general, including the time he was

Page 22

One of Pat Boone’s last concerts ever will be at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

Photo: Courtesy of Harry Langdon

shunned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) for getting involved in heavy metal. Boone, a devout Christian, flirted with the heavy metal look and genre with a wink-wink attitude at one point in his career, which TBN initially wasn’t amused by.

“I had judged heavy metal music and the performers, but when I covered the music, I found I could perform some of the songs myself,” Boone said.

The audience members at The Coach House will be there because his music was woven into their life at some point in some way, he said—a connection he also feels on his end.

“If they come to The Coach House, they will be part of my life,” Boone said.

“I hope every seat will be full, because this will be a very memorable night.”

Even though Boone’s time on stage is coming to an end, he isn’t unhappy about stepping away from the spotlight and said his music will live on. He will continue to spend time with his family and attending to his other endeavors, including missionary work.

“It’s been an incredible career. I want it to be a party and a happy time,” Boone said. “I want to go out with flair, singing and feeling good. I won’t be sad by any means. This is going to be the capstone to an amazing career.”

The Coach House concert is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $49.50. Visit thecoachhouse.com for tickets and more information. SC sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50, by Tom Blake

Why I Keep Valentine’s Day Low-Key

R

ecently, a buddy said, “As the finding love after 50 columnist, what plans do you have for you and Greta to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?”

I think he expected to hear me describe something fancy, such as a romantic evening for us at one of the nearby five-star hotels. Two of them—the Monarch Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel—are within walking distance of our Monarch Beach home.

I hadn’t thought about our plans for Valentine’s Day—Greta and I hadn’t even discussed it—so I replied, “We’ll probably stay home. We might splurge by preparing a lobster dinner with spinach salad, and a glass ON LIFE AND of Big Churn, my favorite LOVE AFTER 50 Chardonnay, topped off

By Tom Blake with a piece or two of See’s Candies. We’ll probably be in the sack by 10 p.m.”

Surprised at the modest plan, he questioned, “Churn Chardonnay?”

“Yup,” I said, “Seven bucks a bottle at Trader Joe’s.”

I added, “I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. Granted, it’s good for the economy. However, greeting-card companies, restaurants, candy makers and flower shops mount such an overwhelm-

SINGLES MEET & GREET THURSDAY, FEB. 27 The next Senior Meet and Greet will be Thursday, Feb. 27, at Tutor & Spunky’s Deli, 34085 PCH, Dana Point, from 5-7 p.m. Admission is free, as are the appetizers; beer and wine are $6 per glass.

ing marketing blitz, I feel it takes some of the romance out of Valentine’s Day. “Similar to New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day can make people without a mate lonelier than they already are. That’s why I avoid making Valentine’s Day a big deal in my columns. I don’t want the lonely people to feel worse.”

My friend’s questions reminded me that when I was younger, I experienced some lonely Valentine’s Days.

In a column I wrote in 1996, I said this about that day: “I’ve taken a few romantic hits lately: divorce, rejection, etc. Funny, how sometimes life drags us through the gutter before it starts to improve.

“But, even though there’s no one special in my life on this 1996 Valentine’s Day, most importantly, I have my health, a nice roof over my head, and a job where I can eat when I’m hungry.” (That’s when I owned Tutor & Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point.)

Two years after writing that article, in June 1998, I met Greta, so the missing ingredient in the above paragraph entered my life. To us, every day is Valentine’s Day, so we don’t make a big deal out of Feb. 14. We appreciate very much what we have.

We both enjoy great families and lots of wonderful friends. And nice readers like you.

I think the most thoughtful thing people

Sudoku

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.

can do on Valentine’s Day is to reach out to those who may be spending the day alone. They might be lonely. Invite them to join you and your friends for lunch or dinner. Share the love of the day with them.

And look after them the rest of the year.

Loneliness isn’t just a Valentine’s Day reality. It’s year-round.

The best thing about Valentine’s Day is it’s a day of giving—just like Thanksgiving—helping to make other people feel special and loved.

Oh, and by the way, a rose or an orchid is always appreciated.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating.

See his website at findingloveafter50.com.

To comment: 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

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Last week’s solution:

San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo of people overlooking the San Clemente Pier was taken by Jack Lashbrook and titled “Early San Clemente.” It’s unclear when this photo was taken.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Janus

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Contributor: OC Public Libraries

J

See the solution in next week’s issue.

anus is an adorable, neutered, male juvenile dwarf-mix rabbit. He was rescued along with several other bunnies from Dana Point Harbor and is now available for adoption. About a year old, Janus is inquisitive and loves to boldly explore his new surroundings. He has good litter-box habits and would make a great addition to a loving home.

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

Page 23

Janus. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON FEBRUARY 18, 2020 A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: Consideration of Ordinance Expanding ‘No Smoking’ Regulations in Public Places Public Hearing to consider a City Council initiated request to consider the adoption of an ordinance that would prohibit smoking in all public places in San Clemente.

Staff recommends the City Council introduce an ordinance to expand smoking prohibitions in all public places including sidewalks, streets, walkways, alleyways, and public parking lots.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville, and is available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department at (949) 3618237. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearing.

To allow staff adequate time to confirm software compatibility, individuals wishing to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentations at the meeting must submit the electronic files to the City Clerk by no later than 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting. Only compatible electronic formats will be permitted to be used on City audio/visual computer equipment. Staff makes no guarantee that such material will be compatible, but will use its best efforts to accommodate the request.

Notice is further given that said public hearing will be conducted by the San Clemente City Council on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing or to provide written communication to the City Council to express their opinion for or against the request.

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS Arterial Street Pavement Maintenance – FY 2020 for El Camino Real (Ave. Estacion to Ave. Gaviota) and Ave. Pico (El Camino Real to Calle Los Molinos), Project No. 10320; and Pavement Repairs for the Water Division, Project No. 24400; and Pavement Repairs in Various Locations, Project No. 27306 Sealed bid or proposals will be received at the office of the City Clerk, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2020, and will be publicly opened and read on said day and time at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California.

The work to be done consists of furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidentals as required by the specifications and contract documents for the Specifications for the Arterial Street Pavement Maintenance – FY 2020 for El Camino Real (Ave. Estacion to Ave. Gaviota) and Ave. Pico (El Camino Real to Calle De Los Molinos), Project San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 100 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

No. 10320; and Pavement Repairs for the Water Division, Project No. 24400; and Pavement Repairs in Various Locations, Project No. 27306 in the City of San Clemente, California.

Reference is hereby made to these Specifications for further particulars, and same are by such reference incorporated herein and made a part thereof, the same as though fully set forth hereunder.

Project specifications and contract documents are posted in the City of San Clemente PlanetBids System Vendor Portal website at www.san-clemente. org/vendorbids. All bidders must first register as a vendor on the City of San Clemente PlanetBids System website to participate in a bid or to be added to the prospective bidders list.

No bid will be received unless it is made on a proposal form furnished by the City Engineer. Each bid must be accompanied by cash, certified or cashier’s check, or bidder’s bond, made payable to the City of San Clemente for an amount equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, such guarantee to be forfeited should the bidder to whom the contract is awarded fail to enter into the contract.

possess a Class “A” California State Contracting License in good standing.

The City of San Clemente reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Dated: To be published: and:

January 30, 2020 February 6, 2020 February 13, 2020

_____________________________ Tom Bonigut Public Works Director / City Engineer PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON FEBRUARY 19, 2020 PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO THE FOLLOWING: APN 679-021-05 – Specific Plan Amendment 19-014/Tentative Parcel Map 19-021/Site Plan Permit 19-022/ Architectural Permit 19-023/ Conditional Use Permit 19-094 – Artis Memory Care Facility

The contract does call for monthly progress payments based on the engineer’s estimate of the percentage of work completed. The City will retain 5% of each progress payment as security for completion of the balance of the work. At the request and expense of the successful bidder, the City will pay amounts so retained upon compliance with the requirements of Government Code Section 14402 and the provisions of the contract documents pertaining to “substitution of securities.”

A request to construct and operate a single-story, 72-bed State-licensed residential care facility for the elderly dedicated to memory care residents on approximately 2.5 acres of vacant land to be addressed as 2401 Calle Frontera. The project also includes the subdivision of a 5.6-acre parcel and text amendments to the Marblehead Inland Master Specific Plan. The project site abuts the I-5 freeway to the south, Faire Harbour condominiums to the east, and Pacific Coast Church at 2651 Calle Frontera to the west.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, in accordance with Section 1770 of the California State Labor Code and in accordance with the terms of the Southern California Master Labor Agreement, has heretofore established a prevailing rate of per diem wages to be paid in the construction of the above entitled work. The said wage rates are herein referred to and adopted in this Notice as though fully set forth herein, and said scale is made a part of this Notice by reference.

Staff recommends that the project be found consistent with City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan and its certified Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2013041021). An environmental analysis was prepared and, as demonstrated in the analysis, the proposed project is consistent with the findings of the General Plan EIR. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, the project qualifies for an exemption from additional environmental review.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771.1, no contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Furthermore, all bidders and contractors are hereby notified that no contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations.

431 Calle Gomez – Cultural Heritage Permit 19-250 – Marloe Residence A request to consider a new 3,386 square-foot two-story, single-family residence on a vacant lot located at 431 Calle Gomez, adjacent to a historic resource. The project site is in the Residential Low (RL) Zoning District.

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771.4, all bidders are hereby notified that this project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

Staff recommends the project be found Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that all bids must be on the Bid Form provided, and the outside of the envelope must read as follows:

These applications are on file at the City of San Clemente Community Development Department, 910 Calle Negocio, and are available for public inspection and comment by contacting the Community Development Department at (949) 361-6183. If you challenge these projects in court you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of San Clemente at, or prior to, the public hearings.

OFFICIAL BID - DO NOT OPEN Project Name:

Bid No.: Bid Opening Date: p.m.

Arterial Street Pavement Maintenance – FY 2020 Pavement Repairs for the Water Division Pavement Repairs in Various Locations 10320 / 24400 / 27306 February 20, 2020 at 2:00

No bid will be accepted from a contractor who has not been licensed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9, Division III of the Business and Professions Code, State of California. Bidder shall

To allow staff adequate time to confirm software compatibility, individuals wishing to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentations at the meeting must submit the electronic files to the City Planner by no later than 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting. Only compatible electronic formats will be permitted to be used on City audio/visual computer equipment. Staff makes no

Page 24

guarantee that such material will be compatible, but will use its best efforts to accommodate the request.

Notice is further given that said public hearings on these projects will be conducted by the City of San Clemente Planning Commission and held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Council Chambers located at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, California. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearings or to provide written communication to the Planning Commission to express their opinion for or against the requests.

For further details, please call or visit the office of the City of San Clemente Planning Commission Secretary at the Community Development Department where information is on file and available for public inspection.

Secretary to the San Clemente Planning Commission PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206565950 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MSA DEPUTY INSPECTION 106 EAST EL PORTAL SAN CLEMENTE CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): MICHAEL SHANE ANDERSON 106 EAST EL PORTAL SAN CLEMENTE CA 92672 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/22/2000. /s/MICHAEL ANDERSON This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/24/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206565445 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ELITE MED LISTINGS 32240 PASEO ADELANTO, D-2 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s): ELITE LOCAL LISTINGS 32240 PASEO ADELANTO, D-2 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CA 92675 This business is conducted by a CA corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 02/01/2015.

ELITE LOCAL LISTINGS /s/ ANGELA CHATTERFIELD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/21/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206564913 The following person(s) is doing business as: BAD DAWG 237 TOPAZ STREET RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA 92694 Full Name of Registrant(s): KEVIN MACDONALD 237 TOPAZ STREET RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA 92694 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names sanclementetimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES listed above on: N/A /s/KEVIN MACDONALD This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 01/14/2020 Publish: San Clemente Times January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206564141 The following person(s) is doing business as: CLJ, INC. 26271 VIA MADRIGAL SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s): JAGICH INDUSTRIES 26271 VIA MADRIGAL SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 This business is conducted by a corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: 05/06/2015 /s/JAGICH INDUSTRIES, CHRISTOPHER JAGICH, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 01/07/2020 Publish: San Clemente Times January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206564532 The following person(s) is doing business as: FLOWERS AND FRIENDS 1844 N. EL CAMINO REAL

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): GORDON KEITH JONES 111 E AVE SAN ANTONIO SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: 04/23/1991 /s/GORDON JONES This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 01/10/2020 Publish: San Clemente Times January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2020

ONLY SC LOCALS B U S I NE SS DIRE CTO RY San Clemente

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, bodymindspiritiop.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206566643 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JAMES LOUDSPEAKER 991 CALLE AMANECER SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): DANA INNOVATIONS 991 CALLE AMANECER SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 This business is conducted by a CA corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/02/2020. /s/DANA INNOVATIONS, PATRICK MCGAUGHAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/30/2020.

Published in: San Clemente Times February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020

Schmid’s Fine Chocolates 99 Avenida del Mar, 949.369.1052 schmidschocolate.com

DENTISTS Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, drericjohnson.com Shoreline Dental Studio/ Kristen Ritzau DDS, Dr. Colby Livingston 122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, shorelinedentalstudio.com

DIGITAL MARKETING CONSULTING/SERVICES Kelli Murrow Consulting www.kellimurrow.com 949.573.7725

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, arcadiaelectric.com Braker Electric 949-291-5812 Lic# 719056 Insured

JEWELRY BUCKLEY & CO. 415 E. Avenida Pico #D 949.218.1184, BuckleyJewelry.com

MUSIC LESSONS Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, danmans.com

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad at sanclementetimes.com

GARAGE SALES Buy • Consign • Sell

949.395.5681 (24 hours) Available 7 days a week.

We also offer professional appraisals, auction services, restoration and shipping.

CASH SAME DAY Dee Coleman, CEO/Owner 2485 S. El Camino Real San Clemente Web: classicautosalesoc.com Email: classicautosalesoc@gmail.com

100% positive EBAY Seller since 2001!

PROSTHODONTICS Hamilton Le, D.M.D., F.A.C.P. 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K 949.361.4867 (GUMS) moranperio.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

RESTAURANTS Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

SALONS Salon Bleu 207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, scsalonbleu.com

GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 122 West Avenida Valencia, San Clemente New, never used 32”LG LED TV and wall bracket, new small house appliances, beach chairs, boogie boards.

Construction tools, electric sawzall, skill saw, laser, bolt cutter, shovels, picks, dig bar, underground wire locator, tool boxes and more.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: MARKETING REP We are seeking an immediate hire for a part-time street team marketing representative. Our street team is responsible for opening dialogue with local businesses and maintaining a relationship in order to develop a route list of places that we can display our concert schedules at. Please email in a basic resume to Luna luna@thecoachhouse.com

FOR SALE LIQUOR LICENSE (TYPE 47) Restaurant Liquor License for sale. Type 47. Call or text 949.510.9724 for price and more information.

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), moranperio.com

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com

San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

Page 25

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San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

Page 26

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING CoastLines by Fred Swegles

1970:

What Was San Clemente Like 50 Years Ago?

F

ifty years ago, San Clemente’s population was 17,000—barely one-fourth of today’s. But growth was stirring, jump-started by President Richard M. Nixon moving to town in 1969, putting the sleepy beach town on the international map.

Here are some snippets from the bygone era of 1970, courtesy of Daily Sun-Post newspaper archives on file at the San Clemente Library:

WAR ON POLLUTION: On Jan. 1, President Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act, announcing from his Western White House a war on pollution.

He predicted that in 10 years’ time, “an area like this will not be fit to live in. It is literally now or never. Once the damage is done, it is much harder to turn it around.”

This Daily Sun-Post newspaper archive from the San Clemente Library shows a futuristic new Pier entrance that was proposed in San Clemente in 1970. It didn’t get far.

was proposed, widening a pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad tracks and creating a rail station plaza, with seating beneath large concrete canopies. The city council decided the design was too ambitious and dumped it.

sion at North Beach fizzled when the city solicited bids from 12 potential operators and none responded. “The plan was filed for potential consideration in 1971,” a story reported.

RAILROAD RELOCATION?: The

MOTORCYCLE PARK: The city council approved a three-month permit for a controversial motorcycle park on 700 hilly acres of Reeves Ranch, which today is the Marblehead community inland of Interstate 5. Operators predicted noise would be negligible, due to topography and distance from homes.

Opponents feared the park would attract noise, “roughnecks and other undesirables.” After the summer, the city extended the permit. But the operator ceased operations, saying the park was well-patronized but not sustainable without a long-term lease.

Chamber of Commerce announced plans to “get the railroad out of San Clemente,” requesting state and federal mandates to route trains inland. Trains shouldn’t run along a beach, impeding coastal access and tourism, the Chamber said.

BEACH USE TAX: San Clemente voters

MAGIC MAJOR: Phillip

rejected a proposal to make everyone using city beaches purchase a license, $1 per year.

The idea was to help pay for lifeguards, beach maintenance and a payoff of bonds used to purchase stretches of private beach.

Bonewits, a 1966 graduate of San Clemente High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in magic at UC Berkeley, the first student in the UC system to do so.

NUCLEAR EXPANSION: Edison announced plans to add two large reactors to the two-year-old nuclear power station at San Onofre. Construction was to begin in 1971, with the new reactors in operation by 1976 and 1977. It took seven years longer than expected.

SATIRICAL SONG: Local resident Myron Ace announced he had recorded a whimsical song titled “San Clemente’s Not the Same, Mr. Nixon, You’re to Blame.” The 45 rpm record never rocked the pop charts. It’s now a collector’s item.

TRESTLES: Surfers were stunned to learn that Nixon’s residence in San Clemente inadvertently had torpedoed Camp Pendleton’s agreement to turn over 160 oceanfront acres to the state for “Trestles State Park.” Security forces vetoed the park. Nixon, supporting a park, then pushed for a site south of the nuclear plant. The result, in 1971, was a 50year lease for San Onofre State Beach, later expanded to include Trestles.

COASTLINES

By Fred Swegles

San Clemente’s 42-year-old Community Clubhouse, sparing only the south wing. The volunteer fire department was able to save paintings, books, papers and a grand piano.

A redesigned clubhouse eventually was erected.

COURTHOUSE OPENS: Criminal trials in a makeshift San Clemente courthouse ended. The county opened a South County Courthouse in Laguna Niguel. “Municipal Court Judges Richard Hamilton and Frank Domenichini, both of San Clemente, dispense justice in the two upstairs courtrooms,” a news story said.

PIER ENTRANCE: A new pier entrance

NORTH BEACH: Plans for a conces-

LANDMARK BURNS: Fire engulfed

San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

STREET NAME: The Planning Commission recommended against renaming Via de Frente, a freeway frontage road, to honor President Nixon. Nominations included Avenida Nixon, El Presidente or Casa Blanca.

Commissioners said Nixon’s home wasn’t even on that street, and he’d only be in office two or six more years. The city council, after surveying residents, named the street Avenida del Presidente.

PIER PARKING: As summer began, the city added 45 spaces to a 100-space parking lot at the pier “to help ease the crush.”

The new spaces were below the 100-space lot. You couldn’t see the ocean from there.

The two-story Resort Motel blocked the view.

HIGH SCHOOL: Just five years after it opened, San Clemente High School was forced to install portable classrooms.

Page 27

The campus, designed for 1,800 students, already had more than 2,250.

NO TRAIN SERVICE: Santa Fe announced it was ending passenger train service to San Clemente, blaming teenagers on day trips to and from the beach for vandalizing the coaches. The newspaper surmised that the kids would probably just “take the same train to Oceanside . . . it’ll give the kids more time to practice their alleged vandalism.”

OCEAN SURPRISE: A lifeguard rescuing two teenage girls caught in a rip current south of T-Street discovered they were naked. Leaving his rescue buoy with them, he swam to shore to retrieve towels they could wear as he towed them in.

The girls said they had arrived in street clothes and wanted to swim. Police charged the girls with being on drugs. Off to Juvenile Hall.

DRESS CODE: The school board approved a controversial new liberalized haircut code— allow mustaches, but not below the corners of the lip, no beards, no hair hanging into the eyes or over the ears, no hair hanging past the top collar of a standard T-shirt, and no sideburns more than one inch below the ear or flaring out to the middle of the cheek.

PARK EXPANSION?: A plan to nearly double San Clemente State Beach’s 157 campsites was proposed but didn’t happen.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with nearly five decades of reporting experience in the city. Fred can be reached at fswegles@picketfencemedia.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

slate on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and a full game behind Mission Viejo (22-5, 4-3). Mission Viejo plays at league champion Capistrano Valley on Thursday.

San Clemente was sitting strongly in second place after the first round of league play with a 3-1 record, but the Tritons dropped three straight to Aliso Niguel, Capistrano Valley and Mission Viejo to fall into dire straits.

Trabuco Hills is last in the South Coast League standings but forced a tight game against San Clemente on Jan. 15, which the Tritons won in overtime, 63-57.

CIF-SS playoff brackets for boys basketball will be released on Sunday, Feb. 9.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Wrestling Wins CIF-SS Dual Meet Championship

Girls Water Polo Hosts League Tournament

The San Clemente boys wrestling program has a long tradition of excellence, but the Tritons were able to find a championship first to add to the trophy case.

San Clemente battled through its Division 4 bracket as the No. 3 seed to capture the program’s first CIF-SS Dual Meet Championship on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Mayfair High School in Lakewood.

The Tritons won CIF-SS team championships at the 2005, 2007 and 2008 individual tournaments and were dual meet runners-up in 2005 and 2006. However, this was the first time San Clemente took the head-to-head competition.

San Clemente was strong all day and opened with two big wins over Santa Monica, 49-24, and Camarillo, 53-27. In the semifinals, the Tritons took down defending champion and No. 2 seed Mayfair, 39-25.

Beverly Hills upset No. 1 seed Royal to deny San Clemente a shot at revenge for last year’s semifinal loss, but the Tritons still cleaned up in the title match with a win over Beverly Hills, 37-29.

Next up for the Sea View League champions are the CIF-SS individual championships.

The boys wrestle in the Coastal Division tournament on Feb. 14-15 at West Torrance High School. Masters will follow at Cerritos College on Feb. 21-22 to determine state qualifiers.

The girls wrestle in the Southern Regional on Feb. 15 at El Toro High School to qualify for the CIF-SS championships at Beaumont High School on Feb. 21-22. The CIF-SS championship is the state qualifying tournament for girls.

For the second straight season, the San Clemente girls water polo team earned the right to host the South Coast League tournament and awaits its opponent in the league title game on Thursday, Feb. 6.

The Tritons swept through the South Coast League with ease, earning an eightgoal win over Aliso Niguel, a nine-goal win over El Toro, a 10-goal win over Tesoro and an 11-goal win over Dana Hills.

As the first-place team in league, San Clemente hosted the league tournament and earned a bye to the title game. The Tritons will play the winner of the Dana Hills-El Toro semifinal.

San Clemente’s last game action came at the Irvine SoCal Championships from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1. The Tritons went 3-2, with wins in the first game over Murrieta Valley and final two games over Long Beach Wilson and Redondo Union.

With their SoCal Championships performance, San Clemente (13-13, 4-0) moved up to No. 12 in the Division 1 and 2 poll.

San Clemente should be in the Division 2 bracket when the CIF-SS playoff draws are released on Saturday, Feb. 8.

San Clemente girls basketball clinched its first South Coast League championship since 2015. The Tritons clinched the title outright with a win over Aliso Niguel in overtime on Monday, Feb. 3. Photo: Kerri Husbands

ond and most important item on Monday, Feb. 3.

The Tritons rallied in the fourth quarter at Aliso Niguel to force overtime and beat the Wolverines, 61-57, to clinch the outright South Coast League championship. It was the first league title for San Clemente under head coach Kerri Husbands.

San Clemente (24-3, 7-1) swept Aliso Niguel in league for the first time since that 2015 league title.

That was the regular season finale for San Clemente, which is ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 2A. The Tritons figure to be the No. 1 seed in the Division 2A playoffs when the brackets are released on Sunday, Feb. 9.

San Clemente lost in the first round of the Division 2A playoffs last season to eventual runner-up Oxford Academy.

Boys Basketball Battles for Last Playoff Spot The San Clemente boys basketball team’s playoff fate will come down to the final day of the regular season, as the Tritons play at Trabuco Hills on Thursday, Feb. 6.

San Clemente (16-11, 3-4) sits in the last guaranteed playoff spot in the South Coast League, a half-game ahead of Aliso Niguel (15-12, 3-5), which finished its league

Soccer Roundup

Girls Basketball Wins League Championship Coming into this season, the San Clemente girls basketball team hadn’t defeated Aliso Niguel since 2015, which was the same year as the Tritons’ last league championship.

San Clemente crossed the first item off the list on Jan. 14 and completed the secSan Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

San Clemente boys wrestling team poses with the championship plaque under the final score after defeating Beverly Hills for the CIF-SS Division 4 Dual Meet Championship on Saturday, Feb. 1. Photo: San Clemente High School Page 28

San Clemente boys soccer (19-1-3, 5-02) clinched another South Coast League championship and remains No. 1 in Division 1. The reigning CIF-SS and SoCal Regional champions finish the season at El Toro on Thursday, Feb. 6, and wait for their playoff draw on Saturday, Feb. 8.

San Clemente girls soccer (12-5-4, 3-32) is solidly in third place in the South Coast League standings with their regular-season slate over. The Tritons could tie second-place San Juan Hills or fourthplace Tesoro depending on the result of the game between the two on Wednesday, Feb. 5. However, San Clemente was swept by San Juan Hills and swept Tesoro this season. The girls soccer draw will be released on Saturday, Feb. 8. SC sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

A Chief Among Us

watch practice. Ortiz welcomed him back and had him speak to the team after a practice.

Ortiz and Reid have kept in touch since then through text messages and have tried to set up summer sessions with the San Clemente offensive staff to talk ball.

“It’s so great that this guy is preparing to play in a Super Bowl, and he responded back to me within five minutes,” Ortiz said.

“He hasn’t forgotten about us, and we certainly haven’t forgotten about him.”

Based on Reid’s public comments, he probably hasn’t forgotten about that promise of tacos, either.

Kansas City coach Andy Reid forms South County connections

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

Super Bowl championship 50 years in the making is now being celebrated in Kansas City, and soon at a beach-city burger or taco joint near you.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talked all throughout the NFL playoffs about celebrating wins by eating a cheeseburger and going to sleep. On Sunday, Feb. 2, after the Chiefs had completed a 31-20 comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers to take Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Reid said he was going to eat “the biggest cheeseburger you’ve ever seen . . . might be a double.”

However, whenever Reid makes his way to his $6.1 million summer beach home in Capistrano Beach, it’ll be Mexican food on the menu. “(After the AFC Championship game,) I said congrats,” San Clemente High School football coach Jaime Ortiz said. “Go out and win the championship and we’d go get Las

DANTE PETTIS INACTIVE FOR 49ERS IN SUPER BOWL

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid talks to the San Clemente High School football game after a summer practice in 2017. Reid’s Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV in Miami on Sunday, Feb. 2. Photo: SCHS Football

Golondrinas (food) to celebrate. He said, ‘We’ve got a deal.’ ” Reid is a Southern California native and attended John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. There, Reid lived around the corner from Walt Disney’s first California home and enjoyed Tommy’s burgers, which according to the Los Angeles Times, Reid said he orders frozen ones for mail delivery.

“I love those things,” Reid told the Los Angeles Times of Tommy’s. “It’s good for your

joints – the grease. Keeps you lubed up, man.”

Ortiz made a connection with the 21-year NFL head coaching veteran when Reid, while vacationing in South Orange County, took in a Tritons summer practice in 2017.

“He sat up in the stands, and we had no idea,” Ortiz said. “He’s a member of the Latter-Day Saints, and some of the players knew him when he came into town.”

Reid talked to Ortiz after the practice and said whenever he’s in town, he would love to

San Clemente native and JSerra alumnus Dante Pettis was listed as inactive for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. The former University of Washington standout receiver did not take a snap since Nov. 24 in a win over Green Bay, was not targeted since a Nov. 11 loss to Seattle and did not have a catch since a 21-yard touchdown at Arizona on Oct. 31. Pettis was active for the 49ers’ previous five games after returning from a knee injury suffered on Nov. 27.

Pettis was the first and only JSerra graduate to be selected in the NFL Draft when the 49ers selected him in the second round in 2018.

In 23 career games, Pettis has 38 receptions for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. SC

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC Sweeps at Pismo Pier Schulz, Lindblad take big wins at the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

he World Surf League season is off and running, and in these early days, San Clemente has much to celebrate, as Kevin Schulz and Sawyer Lindblad just took out the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach.

For Schulz, the win was a moment of sweet redemption. Finishing runner-up at the iconic Central Coast pier the last time the contest was held two weeks ago, this time he did himself one better and topped the podium.

His path to victory led him through Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson—both a childhood idol and his current friend.

“When I made the final, I knew I had to go big, and Brett was always going to be a big challenge to face,” said Schulz. “I just tried to come out of the gates quick. It’s always good to surf against your hero. I’ve looked up to Brett since I was a little kid. And now we’re good friends. To come out and win that final, it’s a dream come true. It’s almost surreal. You want to be excited and pumped, but you don’t know if it’s real.”

“This is my second event win, and it was actually kind of hard to hear out there, so I didn’t totally know what was going on; then when I came in, all the boys were standing on the beach with their hands up, so I knew I’d won at that point,” he added.

Clockwise from left: Kevin Schulz and Sawyer Lindblad, two of San Clemente’s finest, with their hardware on the Central Coast last week. Schulz takes to the air to take the win in Pismo Beach. Photos: Courtesy of WSL

For Lindblad, who surfs on the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team, the win in Pismo Beach is a defining moment in her blossoming career. A 14-year-old who’s usually found in the Grom of the Week column, Sawyer made it clear she’s elevating her game by taking out this Qualifying Series contest for her first WSL victory.

“It’s like the biggest thing I’ve ever won; this is like the highlight of my life,” Lindblad said after being chaired up the beach by her friends. “All the girls are so good. It’s just so cool to be able to surf against all of them.”

A member of the U.S. Junior surf team, Lindblad is actually coached by Simpson, which makes the results from last weekend even more interesting.

Making the semifinals of the women’s division was fellow Lowers regular Kirra

Pinkerton. The 20-year-old lost out to eventual finalist Meah Collins, but not before posting a great result.

Last year, Pinkerton finished 35th on the WSL’s Qualifying Series and is looking to make a strong charge up the rankings this year. Her eventual goal is to graduate to the elite Championship Tour.

Pinkerton started the year off with a ninth-place finish at the Corona Open China, followed up by her victory in Hawaiian waters at the Sunset Pro Junior.

“It’s always good to get a win in the beginning of the year,” Pinkerton said after her win on the North Shore. “And then coming into this one and taking the win, I’m really looking forward to going to Australia and bettering my results there.”

The WSL’s Qualifying Series will run

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

MAX BEACH

Water Temperature: 59-61 Degrees F

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’

L

ast week, the Volcom Pipe Pro went off in some pretty classic conditions at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, and it was epic to see San Clemente’s Max Beach make a few heats.

Beach is one of those kids who will forever be a grom to me, as I’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow up. But nowadays, he’s a big, strong, hard-charging young man.

Once you start making heats at Pipeline, you pretty much cease to be a grom. That’s some serious, grown-up surfing.

And because of that, Beach, this is your last Grom of the Week. You’re kicking out on top after a good run at the Pipeline—graduating, so to speak.

I’ve really enjoyed being able to showcase Beach’s surfing and celebrate his accomplishments here in this space, but it’s been more fun to share how hard he works, and that if you put your heart and soul into San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2020

throughout the rest of the year, so it’s still early, but it’s great to see our local surfers getting a jump on the season and posting some great results.

The Championship Tour doesn’t get underway for another month. The Corona Open Gold Coast at Snapper Rocks will kick off on March 26.

Kolohe Andino heads into the season ranked fifth in the world, coming off the best year of his career in which he contended for a world title. After finishing 2019 ranked 16th in the world, Andino’s buddy Griffin Colapinto will also be back on tour this year.

For what it’s worth, Andino and Colapinto were out at Uppers together last Saturday afternoon and were absolutely ripping. It’s radical how good they are—a couple of the best in the world. SC

Thursday: More West/northwest swell shows as small South/southwest swell holds, for waist-stomach-chest high waves (2-3-4’). Light offshore winds in the morning shift to a light+ southwest sea breeze for the afternoon.

Max Beach. Photo: Courtesy of Volcom Pipe Pro

something you can chase those dreams down and wrestle them to the sand.

The kid works his tail off. He’s dedicated himself to the dream, and it’s starting to pay off. From coaching sessions with Brad Gerlach, to jumping on world champ Italo Ferreira’s

old boards from Timmy Patterson, to chasing swells, he’s on the program. It’s awesome.

Beach, congrats on a contest well-surfed.

I promise I won’t make you Grom of the Week anymore; just keep acing those QS heats in 2020. SC

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Outlook: For Friday the combination of West/Northwest and South/southwest swell sets up waist to shoulder high surf, (3-4’+).

Light offshore flow in the morning, turns light+ westerly for Friday afternoon. Swell blend maintains wave size Saturday, then eases for waist to chest high surf, (3-4’) on Sunday. Favorably light winds Saturday, then rising southerly flow due Sunday. For the latest details be sure to visit Surfline.com.

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