January 30, 2020

LO C A L

January 30-February 5, 2020

N EWS

YO U

C A N

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Editor’s Pick: People Against Bullying March PAGE 9

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5

PCH: A Tale of Two Highways Traveling up California’s Iconic Pacific Coast Routes S C L I V I N G / PAG E 1 0

Dana Point’s monument to PCH harks back to a 125-foot-tall Richfield tower that stood nearby for more than 40 years, built as a beacon for motorists and for nighttime aviators.

Photo: Fred Swegles

Santa Ana Dismisses Lawsuit Against City EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Remembering Kobe, Local Crash Victims SPORTS/PAGE 16

sanclementetimes.com

Stabbing, Arrest Prompt Concerns over STLUs EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

GO TO SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

SC EYE ON SC San Clemente

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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Five things San Clemente should know this week Santa Ana Dismisses Lawsuit Against South County Cities THE LATEST: In a surprise turn of events on Thursday, Jan. 23, the city of Santa Ana voluntarily moved to dismiss its homelessness-related lawsuit against the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, while keeping the County of Orange as the primary defendant.

The move came less than two weeks after Santa Ana had filed its complaint in federal court, accusing the South County cities of transporting their homeless residents to the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program at the National Guard Armory in Santa Ana. The three cities have disputed that charge, arguing that none of the cities had transported any homeless individual to the Santa Ana Armory. Those assurances, Santa Ana stated in a press release on Friday, Jan. 24, are what led to the cities being dropped from the lawsuit.

“The cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have assured the City of Santa Ana in writing that they have not transported homeless individuals from their cities to Santa Ana and have no plans to do so,” the press release stated.

San Clemente Mayor Dan Bane previously acknowledged that his city had offered a round-trip transport service to and from the armory; however, not a single homeless person accepted it. And Dana Point City Attorney Patrick Muñoz argued that his city “never transported, or arranged for the transportation of any homeless person to the Armory.”

In a joint press release sent out Friday morning, the three South Orange County cities said they were pleased to learn about the dismissal, noting that each of the three cities “dedicated significant funding to helping people experiencing homelessness.”

“The claims made in this case were legally and factually baseless, and Santa Ana’s action today will avoid further unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer dollars and instead allow the three South County cities to focus their limited resources on actual issues associated with homelessness,” the joint press release stated.

The cities also stated that they will continue to work collaboratively with the County of Orange, the Orange County San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

Tents line the fence along the former homeless encampment on Avenida Pico in San Clemente. Photo: File/Cari Hachmann

Sheriff’s Department and other local stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, to come up with “long-term and balanced solutions.”

With the cities being removed from the case, the county now remains as Santa Ana’s primary target in the suit, which accuses the county of establishing “homeless services almost exclusively in Santa Ana, thereby further contributing to the dense concentration of homeless individuals therein.”

Santa Ana’s press release last week claimed that it has shouldered “a greater and inequitable share of the burden of a countywide problem.” It also noted that that the 200-bed armory in the wintertime is supplemental to the county-operated, 450-bed, year-round shelter in downtown Santa Ana, as well as its own 200-bed shelter specifically for the Santa Ana homeless.

In its lawsuit, Santa Ana alleged that the county and the three South County cities have encouraged the establishment of homeless services within its city limits, with the knowledge that Santa Ana’s population of roughly 341,000 is 78% Hispanic and has a median household income that’s near the lowest of all cities in the county.

“This practice has continued unabated for years, as only underscored by the plan

by Defendant County to site a replacement shelter for The Courtyard within Santa Ana and the plan by Defendants Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano Cities . . . to transport their homeless residents to the Santa Ana Armory,” the lawsuit states.

The city of Santa Ana is seeking monetary damages as a reimbursement for the costs associated with providing homelessrelated services and resources.

“In recent years, the city of Santa Ana has been compelled to spend millions of

dollars from its general fund to address health and safety concerns attributable to the homeless population now living here,” Santa Ana stated in its press release.

WHAT’S NEXT: A preliminary injunction hearing for the case is scheduled for Feb. 4, at 8 a.m.—Shawn Raymundo

GOP Organizations Call for Brough to Resign from 73rd Assembly District Seat THE LATEST: Ahead of the March primary election, three prominent Republican organizations are now calling for Assemblymember Bill Brough to resign from office.

Active investigations are underway regarding complaints against Brough that allege sexual misconduct and campaign finance misuse of nearly $200,000.

On June 17, Orange County Supervisor and Chairperson Lisa Bartlett spoke at the OCGOP Central Committee meeting about an alleged incident that occurred in 2011, while both Bartlett and Brough served on Dana Point City Council. Brough and Barlett had been at a retirement party when Brough allegedly approached Bartlett and gripped her shoulders tightly while insisting they get a drink. She cited the incident as reason for the party not to endorse Brough in his bid for reelection in 2020. Brough argues that this was in retaliation for his position regarding the Toll Roads. Bartlett serves on the San Joaquin Hills and Foothill Eastern TCA Boards. At least three other women have made similar allegations.

The Lincoln Club—a Republican organization that has helped pave Orange

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County politics for 50 years—recently announced its endorsement for Laguna Niguel Mayor Laurie Davies’ bid for Brough’s district. In a press release, the club stated Brough was plagued with scandal and that in September there was a unanimous vote to rescind its endorsement of Brough for reelection, “in the face of numerous, serious and credible allegations of sexual harassment.”

The investigations have yet to yield conclusions; however, Lincoln Club of Orange County President John Warner says the multiple sexual misconduct complaints show a pattern. “(The allegations) point to a pattern of behavior unbefitting of an assemblyman,” Warner said. “As for the $200,000, perhaps the investigation will conclude it wasn’t illegal. But it still isn’t right to take donors’ hard-earned money for luxury trips to Boston and Ireland.”

The Fair Political Practices Commission had previously released a letter saying it is reviewing allegations that Brough improperly used campaign funds to benefit himself and his family.

“Donors in Orange County are upset,” Warner said. “It’s just bad behavior.

It makes him an easy target and unelectable.”

Brough did not respond to requests for comment as of press time. However, in September, when asked if Brough intended resign amid allegations and calls for him to step down from office, Brough told San Clemente Times he felt more emboldened than ever to run for reelection.

Since then, Orange County Register has reported that the Republican Party of Orange County, the New Majority and the Lincoln Club (all Republican organizations) have called for Brough’s resignation.

WHAT’S NEXT: The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3; however, voters will have options for casting ballots in the days leading up to election day.

Brough will face two challengers: Davies and Mission Viejo Councilmember Ed Sachs. Two Democrats will also fight for a chance to face off against the Republican choice in November: real estate broker Scott Rhinehart and Chris Duncan, a retired attorney with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.—Lillian Boyd

SoCal Edison to Begin Dismantling SONGS in Late February THE LATEST: Southern California Edison announced last week that the dismantling of its San Onofre nuclear facility will get underway in late February, as the power supply company enters into a new phase of the decommissioning process that began (Cont. on page 4) sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Southern California Edison’s plan to dismantle its San Onofre nuclear power plant is expected to begin in late February. Photo: File/Cari Hachmann

(Cont. from page 3) in 2013, when the plant went offline.

The process to deconstruct much of the structures at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is expected last about eight years, according to SCE. The dismantlement will include the removal of the containment domes, as well as above-grade structures related to Units 2 and 3.

Edison had previously noted that part of the dismantlement includes the removal of “a significant amount of hazardous material from the site,” and the elimination of “prominent visual features associated with the facility.”

The offshore conduits, or large pipes SCE uses to bring and discharge ocean water for the plant’s cooling system, will be partially removed, while offshore buoys and anchors also get removed, Edison said this month.

To notify the nearby communities of the dismantlement, notices were mailed to about 12,000 residents who live within a five-mile radius of SONGS. In the mailer, Edison notes that the deconstruction activities have the potential to “disrupt traffic and daily routines.”

“To the extent possible, we’ll schedule and perform our work to minimize any inconvenience,” the mailer states, adding that Edison intends to expand its “rail capabilities on site to minimize the use of trucks, reducing potential traffic congestion.”

Edison is currently working toward completing its downloading operations to transfer spent nuclear fuel from the plant’s wet pools into the dry storage facility. Over about the next seven months, those operations will coincide with the start of the dismantling process.

“Our original baseline schedule anticipated 15 months of overlap, so activities have been well-analyzed and are understood,” John Dobken, spokesperson for Edison, said in an email. “Fuel transfer operations will take priority over dismantlement work, and such work will be monitored and coordinated. Until fuel transfers are completed at mid-year, dismantlement work will focus on areas away from where fuel transfers occur.”

According to Dobken, the company has downloaded 47 canisters containing nuclear waste into dry storage and has San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

another 26 to go. Assuming Edison keeps a pace of downloading one canister a week, Dobken said they’re targeting a completion time frame of July to August.

Since 2013, Edison has been working to decommission the plant, which currently sits on land owned by the U.S. Navy. Per the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Edison has 60 years to complete the decommissioning.

The U.S. currently doesn’t have a permanent repository to store spent nuclear fuel, leaving the nation’s plants, including SONGS, to store their own radioactive waste on-site. In 2015, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) approved Edison’s development permit to build its Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) for the dry storage of nuclear waste.

Back in October, the coastal commissioners unanimously approved a separate development permit allowing Edison to begin dismantling the plant. The approval did include several caveats meant to “protect the quality of coastal waters, ensure biological productivity, and protect against the release of hazardous materials.”

A report from the CCC explained that SCE’s plans to remove the infrastructure would leave “significant amounts of foundation, footings, and other existing material in place,” potentially leaving the coastal environment and community vulnerable to safety risk.

One condition of approval for the development permit requires SCE to provide annual progress reports to the Coastal Commission every June. In a press release from Edison this month, SCE Vice President Doug Bauder explained that the company would also be publicly providing quarterly reports of the work.

“We’re going to be a good neighbor throughout the decommissioning process, and that means providing timely, usable information to the community and to the people who use the recreational resources next door to us,” Bauder said in the release.

WHAT’S NEXT: Deconstruction activities are expected to start no earlier than Feb. 22.—SR

City Council Votes to Amend Agenda-Setting Polices THE LATEST: The city council voted on Tuesday, Jan. 21, to approve a couple of changes to its procedural policies regarding council agendas and how topics are brought up for deliberation.

With Councilmembers Kathy Ward and Chris Hamm absent from the discussion last week, the rest of the council voted, 3-0, in favor of the pair of amendments that Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson had

proposed.

In one amendment, the council’s operating procedures would require that the city manager and mayor meet to have an agenda-setting conference. The second amendment would reduce the number of council votes needed to place a proposed item on an agenda from three to two.

Under the previous council policy, the city manager was “responsible for determining items to appear on City Council meeting agendas” unless a council majority had voted to have an item put on the agenda—commonly referred to as “agendizing.”

“We all represent the same constituency; we’re elected at large, and I think everyone’s voice deserves to be heard,” Ferguson said during the council’s discussion on her proposal to lower the agenda-setting threshold.

Initially, Ferguson had requested to require only one councilmember to agendize an item, but Mayor Dan Bane advocated instead for the “middle ground,” suggesting that the requirement should be a two-vote minimum.

“I think what that does is it does allow the minority to get things on the agenda; it at least respects staff time and provides that at least two folks want to discuss the item,” Bane said, adding: “We can figure out how to get that done and represent the people without wasting time.”

When Ferguson had asked to agendize the discussion of amending the policy during the council’s Dec. 17 meeting, Councilmember Hamm issued a stark rebuke, stating that such a change would waste the city’s time, as the minority would agendize items for discussion that the majority wouldn’t support.

And while Bane was supportive of giving the mayor some authority in setting the agenda by having a conference with a city manager, he noted that it would burden him with additional duties. He cautioned that he would give it a chance, but if it isn’t working out, he would request to bring it back to the council to amend the policy again.

“I’m willing to do that if the council thinks that’ll be more productive. . . . I can do my best to give it a try, and if it doesn’t work out, I may be coming back to council and saying, ‘It’s not working out, and we need to adjust,’ ” Bane said.

A third proposal Ferguson had, which was shot down by her fellow councilors, was an amendment to have confidential minutes of the council’s closed-session meetings. According to Ferguson, confidential minutes had been a previous practice of the council in the past.

However, Bane, citing his experience as an attorney, said that having confidential minutes is likely to compromise the council in litigation, as opposing firms could request those documents and use them against the city.

“I think that would be a really bad idea,” Bane said. “And the reason is, any Page 4

time the city gets sued, the first thing that a law firm on the other side is going to do is request our confidential minutes. . . . I’ve seen cities lose battles on releasing those minutes.”

Councilmember Gene James also expressed hesitation with that recommendation, stating that he’s “freer” and feels “more comfortable with an exchange of ideas without that being memorialized and being discoverable at some later point.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The city council is scheduled to meet for its next regular meeting on Feb. 4.—SR

Council Approves Reorganization of Committees THE LATEST: A proposal to reorganize the city of San Clemente’s committees and commissions passed in a unanimous vote of the council on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

With the council’s passage of the ordinance, all current committee and commission members’ terms would officially expire on June 30, as the new composition and make of the bodies will be restructured effective July 1.

After a review of how each standing committee is structured last summer, the council decided on the reorganization plan, which is believed to improve the efficiency of city staff while expected to save $5,530 annually.

Under the new ordinance, many of commissions would be reduced from seven members to five and would also meet less frequently—every two months. Those bodies include the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission, the Coastal Advisory Committee and the Human Affairs Committee.

The Golf Course Committee and the Investment Advisory Committee would both also be reduced to five members and hold meetings on a quarterly basis. The city’s Planning Commission would essentially stay as is, remaining a seven-member body that meets twice a month.

The ordinance also created the Public Safety Committee, comprised of six members, five of whom would be public safety professionals and experts appointed by the city council. The sixth seat would be reserved for a representative of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, selected by San Clemente’s police chief, to serve as an ex-officio member.

WHAT’S NEXT: All members would continue to serve two-year staggered terms, according to the city. City Clerk Joanne Baade is currently tasked with determining a date and time to conduct interviews for the membership positions.

Per Mayor Dan Bane’s request, the city is targeting a March date for those interviews.—SR sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

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Fundraiser for the Australian Wildlife Fund A group of third-grade girls from Truman Benedict Elementary School in San Clemente raised more than a $1,000 earlier this month to aid in the efforts of saving the wildlife from the massive wildfires that have ravaged Australia in recent weeks.

Camryn Mills and a number of fellow third-grade classmates sold lemonade and cookies near the San Clemente Pier on Friday, Jan. 17, helping them raise $1,040 for Aussie Ark, an organization dedicated to protecting Australia’s threatened wildlife. “(Camryn) heard through the news about the tragedy in Australia and asked how to help,” said Shannon Mills, Camryn’s mother.

The group of about eight girls, Shannon Mills said, joined together about two years ago and have been organizing events meant to better the community, such as hosting beach cleanups and assisting the elderly.

“Just things that need extra love,” Mills said.

To learn more about Aussie Ark, go to aussieark.org.au.

City to Host San Clemente Day Fishing Event for Children To celebrate San Clemente Day, the city of San Clemente and Fish for Life are hosting the third annual Kids Fishing Derby on the pier at the end of February. Registration is now open for the event, as spots can be reserved at san-clemente.org.

The derby is open to children between the ages of 6 and 13 and requires advance registration. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.

Fishing poles, bait, and hooks are available for children who need to borrow equipment, while supplies last. Participants are also welcome to bring their own fishing gear.

Each child will receive a medal, T-shirt, and a chance to compete for categories such as biggest fish, most fish, smallest fish, and most unusual fish.

During the derby, which is also supported by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, guests are encouraged to partake in the other family-friendly activities and face painting on the San Clemente Pier.

The derby is scheduled on Feb. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact the city’s Recreation Division at 949.361.8264 or 949.429.8797, or visit sanclemente.org/recreation.

C2BK to Host March The anti-bullying organization Cool 2 Be San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

CHALLENGING CANCER 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group meets every first and third Saturday of the month at Heritage Christian Fellowship, 190 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting.

100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente.

949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

On Friday, Jan. 17, a group of Truman Benedict Elementary School students set up a stand near the San Clemente Pier and raised $1,040 to help save the wildlife in Australia, where massive wildfires have ravaged the country in recent weeks. Photo: Courtesy of Richmond Mills

Kind will host its second People Against Bullying March in downtown San Clemente on Saturday, Feb. 1.

The march is meant to coincide with other anti-bullying events throughout the world as part of the weeklong Blue Ribbon Week in early February, endorsed by the National Association of People Against Bullying.

Cool 2 Be Kind (C2BK) clubs are student-run, anti-bullying clubs. The first chapter started in San Clemente in 2009 after the death of Daniel Mendez. Since then, more than 100 Cool 2 Be Kind clubs have popped up internationally, including countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, Scotland, Thailand, and Tanzania.

The San Clemente High School C2BK club first brought this national anti-bullying week to Orange County in 2010 and plans to continue the efforts to combat bullying and spread awareness of the importance of kindness among students.

From Feb. 1 through Feb. 5, San Clemente High students in C2BK will be tying blue ribbons throughout other local school campuses and communities—a display of solidarity and support for kindness.

Other activities planned include students creating anti-bullying posters at their respective schools to be displayed across their campuses and setting up Compliment Walls to encourage students to share kind words for each other.

The San Clemente C2BK will also be present at anti-bullying assemblies throughout the county, including Bernice Ayer Middle School and Shorecliffs Elementary School.

The week of festivities will first get rolling with the Feb. 1 march from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students, teachers, parents and siblings are encouraged to meet the students by

the grassy area of the San Clemente Community Center, located on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville.

City Awards Contract for Consultant on Historic District Nomination City council on Tuesday, Jan. 21 approved a contract award for a consulting firm to assist the city in its application process of getting the North Beach area nominated as a nationally recognized historic district.

Utilizing a $20,000 grant received from the state’s Certified Local Government Program in 2019, the city has entered into a professional service agreement with GPA Consulting, a historic preservation firm, to work with staff on nominating the North Beach Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places.

“Historic districts are ones the (San Clemente) Historical Society has wanted to see happen for a very long time. North Beach is ripe for the designation,” Larry Culbertson, president of the local group, told the council last week. “It’s never looked better, and now the Miramar is about to join that renaissance.”

In early December, it was announced that the Miramar Theatre, one of the four historic structures in North Beach, was sold to a Southern California restaurateur, who intends to turn the building into an event center, per the development entitlements the city approved in 2017.

According to the city, GPA Consulting will be tasked with coordinating research for the district and preparing the nomination forms.

“The primary goal of National Register

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SUNRISE ROTARY 7:15-8:30 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Club Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. scsunriserotary.com.

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS 7-8:40 p.m. The San Clemente Toastmasters meets every Tuesday, with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. so everyone can greet each other.

San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente. 858.900.6175 sanclementetoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

PLANNING COMMISSION 6-10 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission conducts its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

recognition is to provide education and awareness of the North Beach historic properties that supports the City’s General Plan goal of promoting heritage tourism,” the city said in its report to the council.

Jonathan Lightfoot, the city’s assistant planner, previously stated that the city is looking to have the supported documents completed and ready to submit to the California Office of Historic Preservation, which can then forward the North Beach Historic District nomination to the National Register, by about August and September.

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

EYE ON SC

Stabbing at House Party Prompts Concerns over Vacation Rentals

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

n the night of Jan. 19, around 7 p.m., Chris Steblay remembers pulling up to his San Clemente home on Avenida Cordoba, where several young individuals were congregating. From one house over, a well-known shortterm vacation rental, he could hear loud music thumping.

“It was obvious something was brewing,” Steblay, 35, said of that evening—the night before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. To call it a party, he added, would be “an understatement.”

Party, bash or otherwise, the invitation to it leaked on social media, attracting hordes of teenagers from nearby high schools, including San Clemente High, to the residential neighborhood on the 100 block of Avenida Cordoba.

While it’s unclear exactly how many people attended, witnesses who have spoken with San Clemente Times estimate the head count to have ranged anywhere between 100 and 200 people.

“Over 100,” Steblay recalls. “People were coming and going, but the house, a two-story house, was packed, like standingroom-only. They had a DJ and a dance floor; just seeing inside, it was shoulder-to-shoulder.”

A group of students from Mission Viejo High School made the booking to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a party. The teens, according to 16-year-old Robert Ruggiero, one of the organizers, invited only a fraction of those who attended.

“It was only supposed to be like 30 to 60 people, and that’s how many were only supposed come, and then over like 200 people—because the address got leaked—over 200 people came,” Ruggiero told SC Times.

While the party was meant to be a celebratory occasion, it ended with one individual being stabbed multiple times in the leg, and one of the organizers’ friends, 18-year-old Ariya Rajab, being arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

The wild party and the stabbing incident at the local vacation rental, commonly referred to as “Hotel Cordoba,” has sparked outrage and renewed criticism from the community over the city’s allowance of short-term lodging units, or STLUs. VACATION RENTALS During the latest city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, a handful of residents spoke out about the incident, expressing frustration with the city and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department over their inability to prevent the whole ordeal.

That night, Mayor Dan Bane assured residents that the city and code enforcement were aware of the situation and had been in contact with chief of Police Services. Lt. Edward Manhart to address the issue.

In May of 2016, amid a myriad of complains related to the businesses operating in residential neighborhoods, the city adopted ordinances to regulate STLUs and establish designated areas of San Clemente where such rentals could be permitted.

The action, however, prompted a legal challenge by the San Clemente Vacation Rental Alliance, a coalition of local vacation rental owners and property managers. The proponents of the STLUs had argued that the city should punish only people who cause distress for their neighbors, while noting such a business is a primary means of income.

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

Acknowledging that the card had been declined, Ruggiero said he and his friends didn’t know it at the time of the party, as they never received a notice and had already been given the information to access the house.

“So when (my friend) put in the credit card, it gave him all the access; it said the key will be in the mailbox at 4 p.m.,” Ruggiero said.

A recent house party at a local vacation rental, commonly referred to as Hotel Cordoba on the 100 block of Avenida Cordoba in San Clemente, has raised residents’ concerns over the city’s allowance of such lodging units. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

To settle the lawsuit, the city council in the fall of 2017 proposed to relax many of the provisions in the ordinances. Some of the amendments included the elimination of STLU-specific parking standards and expanding the allowed areas to include lots on Avenida Montalvo and Buena Vista, according to city reports.

HOTEL CORDOBA As Steblay recalls, he and his girlfriend were unable to escape from the wild gathering of teenagers that was happening next door, as strobe lights began to shine through the windows, which lit up the inside of his home.

“It felt like a club in Downtown L.A. in our house,” Steblay said, adding: “We knew this was going to be an issue. We’re used to seeing groups there, because it’s a rental, but this was a different breed.”

Wanting to stop the house party from growing, Steblay and his girlfriend, along with several of their neighbors, began calling the authorities, as well as the rental property’s managers, Steven and Lynn Moodie, who quickly drove to the home and were “shocked with what was happening.” “(Steven Moodie) explained that was not supposed to be happening,” Steblay said.

“I called police services as well to reiterate the urgency that we knew it was getting out of hand,” he said.

According to those who spoke with the SC Times, when a deputy did respond, he was unable to help the Moodies stop the party and remove the guests, because the teens had reportedly rented the property for the night—a point the Moodies dispute.

According to OCSD spokesperson Carrie Braun, deputies called to the scene “responded as allowed by law.”

“When handling noise complaints, they are handled the same way regardless of whether the property is owned, leased, or rented,” Braun later explained in an email. “Property owners’/managers’ rights to remove a tenant would need to follow eviction processes. That is an issue that has to be dealt with through a civil process.”

In a prepared statement emailed to SC Times, the Moodies explained that they had tried to kick the students out of the house, notifying the officer that the minors weren’t authorized to be there and that the city’s ordinance on STLUs didn’t allow for parties.

“The deputy advised that the party did not exceed the noise complaint levels at that time. The (property manager) was told by the deputy that he could not remove anyone from the house and demanded that he wait across the other side of the road. He was further advised that he would be detained if he tried to enter the property.”

Furthermore, the Moodies explained, the teens weren’t authorized to be there in the first place, as the credit card that was used to make the booking was declined.

“The parent’s credit card was declined, and no rental agreement was made,” the Moodies’ statement said.

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THE STABBING After telling the property managers and neighbors that the party couldn’t be stopped, the officer left, according to those who were there.

Around 9 p.m., according to Braun, officers responded to calls of an assault, as a man in his 20s had suffered multiple stab wounds to his leg. Six people were detained, and Rajab was determined to be the suspect in the stabbing.

He was arrested and booked into jail for one count of assault with a deadly weapon, Braun said.

While Ruggiero doesn’t dispute those details, he offered another perspective of the incident, claiming that Rajab was acting in self-defense.

According to Ruggiero, who admits he didn’t witness the incident, Rajab, a former classmate of Ruggiero’s, was jumped by members of a local gang and used a knife he carried in his waistband to defend himself and flee from his alleged attackers.

Friends at the party told Ruggiero and others that Rajab had gotten into a fight and ran upstairs.

“He just moved here from Iran, and he’s not the kind of guy that would get in a fight. We heard that and started running through the crowd upstairs . . . he was all bloody,” Ruggiero said, adding that when he and his friends went to find the people who beat Rajab, they found the victim downstairs, “lying in a puddle of blood.”

The SC Times’ attempts to reach out to Rajab for comment, through Ruggiero, were unsuccessful as of press time.

CODE ENFORCEMENT According to the Moodies, a city code compliance officer arrived at the scene “who did attempt to shut the party down, telling the students it was over and to leave.”

Assistant City Manager Erik Sund said that the code compliance officer did witness some violations and cited the property managers.

Sund added that while the city is still doing its due diligence, conducting fact-finding missions, “it’s safe to say obviously these issues warrant the review of revocation.”

WHAT’S NEXT As part of the city’s fact-finding mission, Sund stated, the city does plan to hold a meeting with the neighbors to discuss what transpired. Afterward, he plans to present all the information to city councilors at their next meeting on Feb. 4, allowing them to determine the next set of steps.

“The city wants to do due diligence before determining next steps,” he said, adding, “I think after the next meeting, we’ll have council direction to move forward to abate this issue and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

As of Wednesday, Jan. 29, the listing for the vacation rental was active on VRBO, which also showed that the property currently has availability near the end of the months of February and March.

In their prepared statement, the Moodies said they’re “currently working with the community, city officials and law enforcement towards resolution of this matter.”

And as for Ruggiero, he said he doesn’t have any regrets over what happened.

“I don’t have any regrets; I’m trying to forget about the whole thing,” he said, before stating that he missed Rajab, who at the time of the interview was still in police custody.

“The only thing I have to say is, free Ariya,” Ruggiero said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The full version of this story can be found at sanclementetimes.com. SC sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board of Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 sanclementetimes.com

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Vote Centers Coming to Orange County

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ne of the greatest powers the citizens of our country have is the power to vote. Voting gives each of us an opportunity to affect the course of how our communities are run today and for future generations. It is the responsibility of our local governments to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and convenient elections that allow our residents to practice their right to vote. Orange County is fortunate to have Neal Kelley, one of the nation’s leading Registrar of Voters. Neal has served on multiple national boards and organizations and has been the recipient of numerous state and national awards, including being awarded “Public Official of the Year” by the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks. Neal is dedicated to our county and dedicated to advancing and protecting the integrity of our elections.

In 2016, the voters passed the Voter’s Choice Act, which requires county Registrar of Voters to change their systems of voting in order to allow voters to choose how, when, and where to cast their ballot either by mail, in-person early voting or casting a ballot at a vote center within the county with new and updated technologies and voting systems. Under Neal’s leadership, Orange County is now moving to this model not only to comply with this state mandate, but because our vot-

ing technology was in desperate need of a refresh. Our now older election system and technology were at the end of useful life, no longer supported for repairs, and did not include new state-of-the-art features. Also, and most importantly, old legacy voting systems were to be decertified by the California Secretary of State.

With roughly 1.6 million registered voters in Orange County, we want to make sure every voter has a convenient and, most importantly, safe and secure voting experience for our elections.

Starting this upcoming Primary election on March 3, the County of Orange will be moving to a new voting system and procedure that will THE BARTLETT make our elections safer BULLETIN and more convenient.

By Lisa Bartlett Now, every registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot to mail in or drop off at one of the 110 ballot drop-off locations that will be placed around the county. We will also be switching to a vote center model instead of the older precinct polling location model. In Orange County, there will be 188 vote centers across the county staffed by trained officials. Vote Centers will be open for the 11 days leading up to Election Day starting on February 22.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote at any vote center, no matter where you are registered to vote, and also get registered at any vote center. This is different than the traditional precinct polling locations utilized in prior years. The new advanced system in use at these vote centers will be updating in real time! So, for example, the system will show if and where a person is registered, if they have turned in an absentee ballot already, if they have voted already at another vote center, and will print in real time the correct ballot for your registered address. One of the greatest advantages in moving to this new model is the elimination of provisional ballots.

This is a necessary change in order to protect the sanctity of the ballot.

To find out more information and where the closest vote center or ballot drop-off location is, please visit ocvote.com. Be sure to look out in your mailbox for your vote-by-mail ballot in the upcoming weeks.

I hope you will join me in exercising your right to vote on or before March 3.

Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was reelected in 2018. 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

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 5. 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 January 30-February 5, 2020

Letters to The Editor SAN CLEMENTE YOUTH NEED MEASURE H SUSAN PARMELEE, San Clemente

Please vote yes on Measure H and Prop 13; both are vital to the capital improvements that our local schools drastically need to ensure our children continue to receive high quality education.

Please note that if Prop 13 passes (and it is predicted to pass) without Measure H, we will be paying for state bonds that we do not benefit from—these funds are only available in conjunction with the passing of a local bond measure.

Contrary to other opinions published in the San Clemente Times, Capistrano Unified School District has a detailed plan for

use of Measure H and includes provisions for public oversight and independent audit procedures.

The mechanism that determines state funding allocations to school districts leaves CUSD in the lowest ranks of dollars per pupil, and these monies are only for operating and maintaining schools.

Capital improvements to schools in the state of California are only funded through the passing of state and local bond measures. No other funding exists to complete all necessary vital improvements.

Without Measure H, our schools will continue to deteriorate. A large portion of Measure H funds are designated for San Clemente High School, with the remainder going to elementary and middle schools in San Clemente and Capo Beach.

San Clemente High School, and all of our San Clemente elementary and middle schools, have fantastic teachers, staff, administration, and students. However, the world class education they receive takes place on a 55-year-old campus that no longer meets the technological or environ-

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mental needs of our youth and education professionals.

If you would like to see the plans for updating the campus to 21st-century standards, visit the Capistrano Unified School District website. Or take advantage of the upcoming school facility walks led

by Principal Chris Carter (contact SCHS for more details).

As a parent of three San Clemente High School alums, I look forward to a real auditorium for our talented musicians and theater performers, a pool that is up to the level of our fine aquatic athletes, classrooms adequately wired for today’s technology, and adequate administrative office space for the administration and support staff.

Let’s give our children the learning environment they deserve and need.

NOT ANOTHER SCHOOL BOND TAX VICTORIA BINGGELI, San Clemente

So the Capistrano Unified School (Cont. on page 8) sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX San Clemente

(Cont. from page 7) District wants us to pass another school bond tax on ourselves for another 30 years.

We are already paying on a prior school bond (Measure A from 1999), plus all of the taxes and extra taxes (Propositions 30 and 55, as stated in Craig Alexander’s guest column about this subject), high gas taxes and more.

Plus, it appears the CUSD requested money from taxpayers in 1999 and now wants more money to pay for the some of the same things again. As Mr. Alexander asked, why are they asking us to pay for the same things twice?

And the district has declining enrollment, which will likely cause it to close some school sites over the next few years. All this, plus the large amounts of our tax dollars CUSD is paying its employees while neglecting its school buildings, are not a wise use of our tax money.

Wow, the District pays the top two employees (the superintendent and deputy superintendent) each more than the previous governor of California.

Everyone wants nice buildings for students to attend, but this district needs to prove it is worthy of our trust with our tax dollars.

They have not earned mine, and I am voting no on Measure H.

RESPONDING TO PAUL AND ANN-MARIE HINES’ LETTER ANN WORTHINGTON, San Clemente

I’m sure everyone is concerned about a potential increase in property taxes because of ballot Measure H. But there is a difference between being critical, skeptical or cynical, and being totally uninformed.

For facts about the Measure H bond, please visit the Capistrano Unified School District’s website, attend an informational meeting, or talk with your local CUSD Board of Trustee member, and get the real data from a credible source.

Property owners are being asked to spend $34 for every $100,000 in assessed home value. Many San Clemente residents have low assessed values because they’ve owned their homes for many years.

If your property’s assessed value is $500,000, you will pay an extra $170 per year on our schools. If your assessed value is $1,000,000, you will pay $340 per year. That’s less than a dollar a day to invest in San Clemente’s future.

Our aging schools are the heart of our community. Our teachers, students, and staff deserve better. San Clemente deserves better. Measure H is the best

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

in high school.

Gina Hazlett provided an excellent synopsis of the Because I Love You (BILY) program, the local chapter of which she founded in 2015, in a recent edition of the SC Times’ Wellness & Prevention column.

As a mother who tragically lost her son to suicide in 2013, I only wish this organization had been available to me during the last few years of his young life as he battled depression and alcoholism.

What a wonderful resource BILY is to parents of teens or young adults who are struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or other behavioral problems.

Parents feel utterly helpless when they see their precious son or daughter spiraling out of control.

Our community is so very blessed to have available such an organization as BILY, that not only assists parents in navigating the many obstacles we are faced with but can actually improve the overall family dynamic in the process.

San Clemente has some amazing resources available for our youth and their parents.

In addition to BILY, we have the Community Outreach Alliance (COA) and its wonderful “Thrive Alive” program; Susan Parmelee’s Wellness and Prevention Coalition and San Clemente High’s counseling resources; San Clemente Chaplain Resources headed by Pondo Vleisides; the Boys and Girls Club; and various church youth ministries.

Parents are encouraged to access the many sources of support, coping tools, and referrals available through these local efforts that are working so hard to help the San Clemente community as a whole.

chance we have to make our schools great again.

LOCAL INVESTMENT IS OUR OBLIGATION MARY CRAPO, San Clemente High Math Teacher

As a teacher and coach at San Clemente High School for the past 33 years, as well as a former Triton (’81), I can personally attest to the desperate need for repair and modernization of our 55-year-old campuses in SC. The Measure H bond for CUSD would provide the funds for repairs to plumbing, HV/AC, and electrical, as well as the creation of STEM classrooms, modern facilities, and access to the technology necessary for 21st-century education.

We have never had an opportunity like this in the Capistrano Unified School District, where the funds are specifically mandated for repairs and modernization of only SC and Capistrano Beach schools, and cannot be used for any other purpose.

We teachers have seen the plans and are excited. With minimal cost to each homeowner, we can have a positive impact on the learning environment for thousands of youth, be eligible to receive matching funds from the state, and raise our property values. The investment is worth it.

Many questions, misinformation, and rash statements are out there about this bond. I encourage everyone to form their opinion on Measure H based on the facts. CUSD invites you to tour SCHS to learn about Measure H and potential upgrades and repairs to meet the same academic and safety standards.

Join Principal Chris Carter to learn more about SCHS, including the cost of Measure H to property owners, at one of these tours: Jan. 28 at 10 a.m., Jan. 30 at 4 p.m., Feb. 5 at 9 a.m., and Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. You can just show up and meet at the front of the Administration Building.

Also visit the website at capousd.org.

San Clemente, this is your high school and has been a focal point of our community for the past 55 years. Local investment is our obligation. There is no better way to express your “One Town, One Team” loyalty than to pass Measure H in March.

REMEMBERING GEORGE CARAVALHO GREG HULSIZER, San Clemente

George Caravalho was a great city manager. He was also my friend and mentor.

During my time working side-by-side with him at city hall, he taught me how a leader uses strength, persistence, humility, teamwork and a sense of humor to get things done.

A true people person with a quick smile and laid-back Hawaiian style, George was always a joy to be around.

He led our city during some of our most challenging times. In the city management profession, George left a legacy of accomplishments and dozens of protégés who went on to become city managers and other local government and private sector leaders.

George had a deep, lasting impact on me. I use what he taught me every

BILY IS A BLESSING TO THE COMMUNITY EILEEN SPATZ, San Clemente

I am a longtime resident of San Clemente (34 years) and have been fortunate to know the Hazlett family for decades now. In fact, our sons were close friends

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day, and I will always be thankful for the chance I was given to know him.

Aloha, my friend.

YES ON MEASURE H LOUIS SHEPARD, San Clemente

I am 87 years old, a lifelong California resident with 20 years here in San Clemente. My wife and I will vote yes on Measure H even though our children are grown adults and live elsewhere.

I believe that education is the most important function of our government following defense. A wise man said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

My wife and I, as well as our children, have benefited enormously from our education in California, including graduation from the state college and university system.

We all live very happy, productive lives.

The Greatest Generation, a book by Tom Brokaw, described how returning military after World War II went to college free on the GI Bill of Rights and built this nation into the economic powerhouse it is today. There may be no better way to see the value of a free education.

San Clemente is the most wonderful place to live. I urge everyone to vote yes on Measure H.

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 the SC Times for Beachside Chat, on Friday, Jan. 31 at 8 a.m., at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center 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.

sanclementetimes.com

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

ente. 619.362.0642. ptsdusa.org.

BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month.

Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

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

HAVE AN EVENT?

Tuesday | 04

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

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.

Thursday | 30 PRESCHOOL FORUM 10 a.m.-noon. Join the MOMS Club of San Clemente for this forum in which you can learn about the town and the surrounding area’s most popular preschools. Disneyland tickets are the door prize. Bring your kids to play while you get all the information you need. Serra Preschool, 1005 Calle Puente, San Clemente. 949.492.8188. serrapreschool.org.

ACOUSTIC THURSDAYS AT BARNOA 7-9 p.m. Live music every Thursday. A rotating cast of Orange County’s most talented musicians play acoustic covers and original music. Enjoy a great wine selection, craft beers, tasty appetizers and Barnoa’s full dinner menu. Must be 21 and older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. barnoawinebar.com.

Friday | 31 TAILGATE ‘PAWTY’ 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Camp Bow Wow San Clemente will be celebrating the Puppy Bowl early with a day of play. It will be “broadcasting” its Camp Bow Wow Tail Gate “Pawty” live on its Instagram story from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Camp Bow Wow San Clemente, 220 Calle Pintoresco, San Clemente. 949.218.7387. campbowwow.com.

Saturday | 01 SAN CLEMENTE BEACH CLEANUP 9-11 a.m. Join Orange County Coastkeeper at Calafia Beach for Coastkeeper and Coastal Playground’s monthly San Clemente Beach Cleanup. Engage with your local community to help protect Orange County beaches and waterways by removing trash from the beach. Learn about ocean pollution and the danger it poses to local ecosystems, citizens and the economy.

Calafia State Beach, 225 West Calafia, San Clemente. 714.850.1965. coastkeeper.org.

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

EDITOR’S PICK Cool 2 Be Kind organizers march in 2018 in Laguna Beach. Photo: File/Eric Heinz

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: PEOPLE AGAINST BULLYING MARCH 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Cool 2 Be Kind for its People Against Bullying March. The march demonstrates the community—represented through teachers, students, siblings and parents alike—taking a stand against bullying and hate of any kind. Meet on the grassy area by the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.607.7539. c2bkclub@gmail.com.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday, Goody’s Tavern hosts a karaoke night, which includes a great sound system, stage, a fair rotation and good vibes. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

Wednesday | 05 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.

Sunday | 02 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Head to Downtown San Clemente the first Sunday of every month for the Village Art Faire. The Faire offers an array of exceptional handcrafted works by gifted artisans, including fine art, jewelry, woodwork, fused and blown glass, sculptures, ceramics, home decor, candles, knits, botanicals, and much more. Downtown San Clemente, 100 block of Avenida Del Mar. 949.395.7008. villagesanclemente.org.

D. YODER FAMILY SUNDAYS 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Held on the first Sunday of each month, this free event includes

activities and a program thematically based on Casa Romantica’s Casa Captivating programs. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

SUPER BOWL LIVE PARTY 2020 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Join Goody’s Tavern for the 54th Super Bowl Sunday. The bar will have free food, including a taco truck, free raffles, penalty shots, and more. Goody’s Tavern, 206 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The RitzCarlton, 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/lagunadining.

Monday | 03 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 Clem-

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LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Join Iva Lee’s for live music every Wednesday through Sunday. For the ultimate live music experience, be sure to reserve a lounge table on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their website for the latest scheduled performances. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. ivalees.com.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition and craft beers among friends during the BrewHouse’s weekly trivia night. Food trucks are on site during the trivia contest.

The BrewHouse. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

BLOOM’S FREE COMEDY WEDNESDAYS 8:30 p.m. Doug James hosts a free all-star comedy show every Wednesday featuring top national acts. Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant, 2391 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9-11:30 p.m. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights.

So come down, grab a drink and go for it.

Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com. sanclementetimes.com

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY TALE OF TWO HIGHWAYS

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

PCH: A Tale of Two Highways O

ne of our area’s best-kept secrets is a historical marker celebrating California Highway 1.

If the monument in Dana Point were better known, it could become a selfie destination for many fans of the scenic coastal drive.

The monument is a 31-foot-tall tower spelling out PCH in golden letters.

“The Most Beautiful Drive in America,” a storyboard proclaims.

The tower rises alongside northbound Pacific Coast Highway, just past the Highway 1 bridge over San Juan Creek.

In a car, it’s easy to zip by without noticing.

Most people who pause to read three historical display panels are bicyclists and pedestrians who discovered the monument while plying PCH’s sidewalk or San Juan Creek’s nearby trail.

“California’s fabled road begins here in Dana Point and winds north along the scenic California coast linking waterside destinations, secluded stretches and California’s biggest cities,” a storyboard says. “The road ends near Leggett in Mendocino County.”

If it comes as a surprise that Dana Point is the starting point for PCH, don’t fret.

TWO ‘COAST HIGHWAYS’

California history produced two Pacific Coast Highways— federal and state. U.S. Highway 101 was designated in 1926 as a route from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, known as Coast Highway through much of San Diego County and into Orange County through San Clemente.

At Capistrano Beach, 101 curved inland toward Los Angeles.

The PCH that Dana Point’s tower immortalizes began at the Capistrano Beach curve. That PCH was known earlier as U.S. 101 Alternate.

Left, this sign in Capistrano Beach marks Highway 1’s beginning. Right, this intersection marks the end of California’s Highway 1, where it meets Highway 101 in a region of giant redwood trees. Photos: Fred Swegles

People driving north on 101 from San Clemente could continue inland on 101 to L.A. or turn onto 101A at the curve to take the coast. The left turn would take them beneath a railroad underpass that today allows only southbound traffic.

A second underpass—near what is now the entry onto Highway 1 from Doheny Park Road—used to place Highway 101 traffic coming from San Juan Capistrano onto 101A. As Dana Point’s Highway 1 monument states, “The sudden popularity of cars in the early twentieth century meant a sudden need for reliable roads. Highway planning began in 1919 and construction started in 1921. By 1937, crews hung up their pick-axes, and California COASTLINES opened its first north-south corridor.”

By Fred Swegles What would become Highway 1 was built in segments. Dana Point’s was completed in 1929. In 1926, El Heraldo de San Clemente already was boasting that San Clemente was “wonderfully blessed” with highway access to both Los Angeles and San Diego—what became known as Highway 101.

Highway 101 was the West Coast’s first U.S. north-south corridor, from San Ysidro to Port Angeles, Washington. The lengthy coastal route that Dana Point’s monument salutes didn’t get its “Highway 1” designation until 1964, when California renumbered its state highway system.

“The road is only called PCH in Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties,” the storyboard says. “North of Ventura, people use its alternate name: California Highway 1.”

At its inception in 1926, Highway 101 in San Diego County wasn’t a single road. The San Diego Union Tribune, researching the road’s origins, found that route planners cobbled together a patchwork of existing roads—some paved, others not—to post with 101 signs so drivers could navigate their way from Tijuana into San Diego, La Jolla and on up to Los Angeles.

The 101 evolved into a single, major road.

Construction of Interstate 5 in the 1950s-1960s replaced Highway 101 with a freeway in San Diego County and Orange County. Today, you have to drive I-5 into Los Angeles to commence traveling north on the 101 Freeway.

WAY DOWN SOUTH

San Diego County is proud of “Historic Route 101.” Historical signs adorn the roadway between Del Mar and Oceanside.

The website sandiego.org has a Historic 101 page, promoting each beach town and its tourist delights.

In San Clemente, old Highway 101 was always known as El Camino Real. Today, you can find at least two replica bells in San Clemente that reflect how historic Highway 101 generally followed the path of the Spanish king’s highway, which after 1769 linked a chain of missions started by Father Junipero Serra.

One San Clemente bell is on a sidewalk south of Tommy’s Restaurant. The other is outside Sit & Sleep. Don’t be confused by the city’s mission-style street lamps beside it. The replica bell looks much older, has a historical inscription and has no lamp.

Along 101 through Central California, you’ll pass numerous “El Camino Real” commemorative bells.

Dana Point’s PCH monument describes how the Highway 1 route originally was called Roosevelt Highway honoring President Theodore Roosevelt, who died in 1919, when road

DID YOU KNOW? • Old Highway 101, south of San Clemente, was infamously dubbed “Slaughter Alley” until a divided freeway replaced it.

• The old Highway 101A underpass at Capistrano Beach is not the “Dead Man’s Curve” immortalized in a 1960s Jan & Dean song.

The lyrics state, “He passed me at Doheny then I started to swerve, but I pulled her out and there we were, at Dead Man’s Curve.” It’s in Los Angeles, snopes.com affirms.

• Highway 1 begins in Dana Point on a bridge over San Juan Creek. The road’s final stretch of Mendocino Coast takes you over a Juan Creek bridge.

• Highway 101’s bridge over San Clemente’s Poche Creek was built in 1928. The year is embossed in the concrete.

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

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• If you ride a bicycle south from San Clemente through San Onofre State Beach, you’re on old Highway 101. A bridge over San Mateo Creek went up in 1946. The year is inscribed in the concrete.

• If you ride a bike south past the state park, you’re on an abandoned stretch of 101 through Camp Pendleton. A mileage sign there used to state it was 12 miles to San Clemente, 48 miles to Anaheim and 76 miles to Los Angeles. The sign survived the demise of Highway 101 until a wildfire took it out. See a photo at gbcnet.com.

• If you start on Highway 1 in Dana Point and take Highways 1 and 101 north, hugging the coast wherever possible, it could take you more than 18 hours and some 700 miles to reach California 1’s terminus.

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

PCH MONUMENT Dana Point dedicated the PCH monument in 2019, coinciding with dedication of a bronze sculpture of surf pioneer Phil Edwards.

“As a part of the South Cove development behind the park plazas, the developer, Zephyr, donated the land and paid additional parks fees, which funded the improvements,” said Kelly Reenders, Dana Point’s economic development manager.

The PCH tower drew scant media attention at the dedication. Surfers drew the headlines.

The PCH monument was inspired by a Sunset Magazine article about historic Highway 1.

“The city looked at this project as an opportunity to improve a major entrance to town and mark the official start of PCH in a more ceremonious way,” Reenders stated.

planning began. Construction of the Dana Point section coincided with the town’s birth.

San Clemente became a popular spot for Highway 101 road trippers to stop and dine, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. One eatery called the Halfway House today is Antoine’s Café.

Dana Point’s PCH monument displays three panels: one about Highway 1; one about indigenous people, town namesake Richard Henry Dana and other local history; and one telling the story of a landmark Richfield tower that stood nearby, 125 feet tall, from 1928 to 1971. Today’s PCH monument is a miniature version.

LANDMARK BEACONS

The original tower, the monument says, was one of 36 that Richfield Oil erected at roughly 50-mile intervals from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Motorists could always know a Richfield station was ahead. Atop each tower, a powerful beacon light also helped aviators find their way at night.

Aviators had no radar in 1928.

At least two former Richfield towers still exist—at Mount Shasta and at Willows, Northern California. The bold neon lettering “Richfield” is long gone. The Mount Shasta tower still

says MS at the top, alerting aviators which tower they were overflying. The Willows tower presumably once had a big W. Today, a modern ARCO gas station operates where Richfield’s Capistrano Beach tower once stood, demolished in 1971 to widen PCH. Dana Point businessman Richard Deffenbaugh preserved the beacon light in 1971 for posterity. In 2014, he donated it to the Dana Point Historical Society, which displays it in its visitor center at city hall.

Design-wise, Richfield’s beacon stations in California were uniform—Spanish—from Palm City (just above Tijuana) north to Willows. Beyond that, stations had an alpine design. At Paso Robles, a small Spanish building identical to the onetime Willows and Capistrano Beach Richfield stations still exists.

It’s a bus stop. The Willows building is a trucking company.

ROUTE 1’s LEGACY

California 1, which recently turned 90 years old, runs from Dana Point north to Oxnard, merging there with 101. Highway 1 recurs near Lompoc, then branches off from 101 at San Luis Obispo for the most celebrated stretch, to Big Sur and to San Francisco. There, 1 merges with 101.

Motorists can choose Highway 1 north of San Francisco as a scenic alternative to 101, plying the rugged Mendocino coast to Leggett, where Route 1 ends by intersecting with 101.

Dana Point’s monument to Highway 1 isn’t likely to ever match the tourist allure of a landmark road sign in Key West, Florida. Hordes of tourists pose for selfies where U.S. Highway 1 starts its run from the Florida Keys to the Canadian border.

But for road trip fanatics who cherish California’s scenic Highway 1, a pilgrimage to Dana Point’s PCH monument is well worth the drive.

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

Clockwise from top. A historical view looking south along Coast Highway in Dana Point shows Capistrano Beach’s landmark Richfield tower, which stood 125 feet tall from 1928 to 1971, when torn down to widen the highway. Photo courtesy of Dana Point Historical Society. Two aging mission-style bells along San Clemente sidewalks commemorate former Highway 101. Photo: Fred Swegles. This map is from a 1920s brochure promoting Ole Hanson’s new Spanish village, San Clemente. Old Highway 101 runs today through San Clemente, known as El Camino Real. Just to the south, at Trestles, is the old Highway 101 bridge built over San Mateo Creek in 1946, still in service to bicyclists and surfers. Photo: Fred Swegles

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

Page 11

sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Historical Happenings by Tom Marshall

San Clemente First to End Prohibition

O

ne hundred years ago this month, Prohibition was enacted by the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, banning the manufacture and sale of all alcoholic beverages.

The effort to outlaw booze backfired big time. People actually drank more after the ban was imposed. It also gave rise to criminal enterprises, including the Mafia.

Thirteen years later, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution ended Prohibition. To make alcohol consumption legal again required the issuance of new liquor licenses. A couple of restaurants in San Clemente received the first two liquor licenses in the entire nation.

According to newspaper clippings at the time, immediately after the 21st Amendment became law, the San Clemente City Council voted unanimously to issue permits to sell light wines and beer to the Aquarium Café (where O.C. Fresca now sits at North Beach) HISTORICAL and Travaglini’s Café (on El HAPPENINGS

By Tom Marshall Camino Real, where South of Nick’s operates today.)

That our little Spanish Village by the Sea would be the first in the nation to legally sell alcohol should not have surprised local residents at the time. San Clemente had gained quite a reputation for bootlegging activities.

There was a trap door at the end of the pier at the time. So-called “rum runners” would pull their boats loaded with illicit hooch under the trap door in the dead of night.

According to the late Jack Lashbrook and other old-timers previously interviewed, if any

Contributor: OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured is the 1933 Class of San Onofre School in San Clemente.

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.

tourist or local citizen happened to be walking on or fishing from the pier, some big guy with a crooked nose would ask, “You’re not going to be here long, are you?” The correct answer was, “I’m just leaving.”

The cases of booze would then be hoisted up through the trap door and loaded onto a waiting truck. To ensure safe passage through town, one of the bootleggers would call the police to report a terrible crash on “Blood Alley” south of town. The two onduty cops would rush down there. Meanwhile, the truckload of spirits would leave town in the opposite direction.

After a time, the local police became sus-

Sudoku Last week’s solution:

San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

mente Matriarch Lois Divel, among others, confirms that our fair city was known at the time for having the best stocked liquor cabinets in Southern California.

So, on this 100th anniversary, hoist one for San Clemente’s role in ending Prohibition. You can use sparking apple juice, if you prefer.

Tom Marshall is a member of the San Clemente Historical Society and a retired journalist.

SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Velvet

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

picious of these false alarms. The next time scofflaws tried that trick, law enforcement was waiting for them at the top of Avenida Del Mar. The bootleggers were arrested.

This happened on a weekend, so the question became what to do with all the hooch. It was decided to store it in the judge’s chambers for safe keeping until court opened on Monday.

Again, according to Lashbrook, when court opened Monday morning, half the booze had disappeared. We are told that not a lot of time and effort were spent trying to find out what happened to it.

Longtime resident and current San Cle-

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

L See the solution in next week’s issue.

ooking for an active and outgoing kitty? Three-year-old Velvet may be just the pet for you. Velvet is a furry bundle of fun who loves to play and socialize. She loves meeting new people, but would prefer to be the only cat in a home where she doesn’t have to share the spotlight.

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

Page 13

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

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 ORDINANCE NO. 1689 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its meeting of January 21, 2020, adopted the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 1689 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 8.86 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE (RELATING TO PUBLIC CAMPING) IN ITS ENTIRETY, REPEALING ORDINANCES NOS. 1673, 1674, AND 1675, AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. A full copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s Department, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California (949) 361-8301.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the abovereferenced Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting of December 17, 2019 and was adopted at the City Council meeting of January 21, 2020 by the following vote: AYES:

FERGUSON, JAMES, MAYOR BANE

NOES:

NONE

ABSENT: HAMM, WARD JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 1684 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente, at its meeting of January 21, 2020, introduced the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 1684 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 2.28, 2.32, 2.36, 2.40, 2.42 AND 2.43 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, RELATING TO THE BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, PLANNING COMMISSION, GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE, HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, RESPECTIVELY. A full copy of the aforementioned Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California San Clemente Times January 30–February 5, 2020

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NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of San Clemente will consider adopting the aforementioned Ordinance at its meeting of February 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., which will be held in the Council Chambers, located at 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, California.

JOANNE BAADE City Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Council PUBLIC NOTICE LIEN SALE 2/10/20 10AM AT 4355 W. ARTESIA AVE, FULLERTON 00 YAMAH CF# 351596X LGTH: 6 00 HIN# YAMA40351596 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.

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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 20196563377 The following person(s) is doing business as: LUVAMERICA.ORG 6205 COLINA PACIFICA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673-7104 Full Name of Registrant(s):

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The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: N/A /s/ROBERT STADICK This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 12/30/2019 Publish: San Clemente Times January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20196562411 The following person(s) is doing business as: TMS HIGH PERFORMANCE SALES 647 CAMINO DE LOS MARES SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92673 Full Name of Registrant(s): CARY SERKLEW 28082 LAS BRISAS DEL MAR SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 This business is conducted by a limited liability company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: 12/12/2019 PERFORMANCE SALES & MARKETING /s/CARY SERKLEW, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 12/16/2019 Publish: San Clemente Times January 9, 16, 23, 30, 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 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 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.

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San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

St. Margaret’s student and mother, Payton and Sarah Chester, die in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash

that we all shared. We also send our prayers and condolences to the Zobayan family.”

The Chesters and the rest of the victims were flying through the foggy weather to Bry-

ant’s youth basketball academy in Newbury Park, the Mamba Sports Academy, for a travel basketball game.

Payton Chester, 13, was a middle school

basketball player at St. Margaret’s and a member of the Team Mamba academy team.

“Payton had a smile and personality that would light any room, and a passion for the game of basketball,” the Chester family said.

“She found joy on any court and loved all of her teammates and coaches.”

Sarah Chester, 45, was a mother, sister and daughter in a close and loving family. She was also a member of St. Margaret’s Board of Trustees.

“Sarah was full of life and the glue of our family,” the Chester family said. “She was a tireless force in support of her family. The love we feel from so many today is a testament to the community she created for us.”

The Chesters came to the St. Margaret’s school from Harbor View Elementary in Corona del Mar. Todd Schmidt, a former principal at Harbor View, posted his feelings for the Chester family on Facebook.

“As a principal, we work with some amazing families . . . the Chesters were one of those . . . engaged, supportive, encouraging, and full of mischief and laughter . . . and they had the best kiddos!” Schmidt wrote. “This family made such a huge impact at Harbor View . . . they were genuine, kind-hearted, and caring . . . to the staff, to other families . . . and yes, especially to me.

“While the world mourns the loss of a dynamic athlete and humanitarian (Bryant), I mourn the loss of two people just as important . . . their impact was just as meaningful, their loss will be just as keenly felt, and our hearts are just as broken.” SC

especially here in Southern California and Orange County.

Kobe was a five-time NBA champion, twotime Finals MVP, NBA MVP, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. In his second career, Kobe won an Oscar, was a diversified businessman and was working on a children’s book.

Beyond his career successes and, maybe most importantly, Kobe became a devoted father and husband and an inspiring leader.

San Juan Hills girls basketball coach Paul Edwards met him as a father three years ago, when he was coaching a youth team that

By Zach went up against Kobe and Cavanagh his daughter Gianna.

“Of course, there is a gasp as our team sees him; everyone is aware of who he is,” Edwards said. “He sees our team there waiting, and he walks right up to me, reaches out his hand and says, ‘Hi, my name is Kobe, coach for Newport

Mesa,’ as if I wasn’t aware who he is.

“There was no pretense about him; he was merely a sixth-grade basketball coach there to help his daughter. . . . It was all about the kids.”

San Clemente athletic director Jon Hamro and his family encountered Kobe as a celebrity but with a personable side.

Hamro, his wife and two sons saw Kobe while at dinner at Javier’s in Newport Beach.

They saw Kobe in a back room, and Hamro’s sons went to get closer. They were turned away on a first attempt, but the boys went back a few minutes later to try again.

“This time Kobe saw them, maybe again— not sure—but he waved for them to come back to his table,” Hamro said. “He stopped whatever was going on and engaged both Miles and Owen in conversation. Both boys were playing youth basketball at the time, and Kobe asked if they played and specifically asked Owen what hand he was, and Owen responded that he was right-handed.

Kobe told Owen to start using his left hand

and then proceeded to sign autographs for both of them.”

“I told everyone from that point on, I was a Kobe fan,” Hamro said. “That short interaction with our two boys spoke volumes about the character and man Kobe was.”

I never had a personal interaction with Kobe. I only saw him out and about three times. I regret never being able to see him play live.

However, the bit of Kobe that sticks with me aren’t any of the titles or any single shot or dunk. It’s Kobe’s passion and tenacity, his “Mamba Mentality.” It’s about constantly trying to be your best self, setting a goal and using all your focus and determination to reach that, no matter what is in your way.

That’s not only career goals, but life goals and family goals.

Kobe had said he wanted his greatest legacy to be one of inspiration, and to me at least, it is.

Thank you, Kobe.

Mamba out. SC

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S

t. Margaret’s eighth-grader Payton Chester and her mother Sarah were two of the nine people that died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday, Jan. 27.

“Yesterday, we lost our mother and wife, Sarah, and sister and daughter, Payton,” the Chester family said in a statement on Monday. “We are devastated by this loss. Sarah and Payton were the lights of our family. We are thankful for the love and support of our family, friends and community.

Please allow us privacy to grieve during this time.”

The Chesters are survived by husband and father Chris and sons and brothers Hayden and Riley. The brothers both attend St. Margaret’s and are 16 years old.

All St. Margaret’s athletics contests on Monday were canceled.

“We are a community in deep mourning over (this) unimaginable loss,” St. Margaret’s Episcopal School said in a statement. “On behalf of our entire St. Margaret’s community, we send our love and prayers to surround the entire Chester family in this devastating time of loss.”

The crash also took the lives of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa; basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan. There were no survivors.

“Our prayers and condolences go out to the Bryant, Altobelli, and Mauser families,” the Chester family statement read. “We were all blessed to be a part of Team Mamba, and we will always remember the fun and love

Column: Remembering Kobe Bryant, ‘Mamba Mentality’

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

T

here were many sides to Kobe Bryant.

There’s still that deep sinking feeling in my stomach talking about the Lakers legend in the past tense.

Kobe died at age 41 in a helicopter crash on Sunday, Jan. 26, that also took the lives of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; St. Margaret’s eighth-grader Payton Chester and her mother, Sarah Chester; John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli; Christina Mauser; and Ara Zobayan.

In the days since, all of those many sides have been discussed time and time again, San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

Payton, left, and Sarah Chester died in a helicopter crash along with Kobe Bryant on Sunday, Jan. 26 in Calabasas. Photo: Courtesy of the Chester Family

Page 16

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Page 17

SC San Clemente

SC SURF

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Surf Club with a Smile How the Dana Point Surf Club is looking to serve the community in 2020

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

“W

e’ll have water—make it sparkling,” says Eric Diamond as we sit down at a patio table at Bonjour Café & Bistro in Dana Point.

It’s a sunny afternoon, and we’re getting together to talk about what the next 12 months hold in store for the Dana Point Surf Club. Our glasses of water arrive, and we take a minute to enjoy the quiet weekday atmosphere.

Eric, an artist and designer by trade, and I laugh that we could be sitting in a Parisian café, except the atmosphere here is better.

A two-story building, the space directly above Bonjour’s kitchen is where Bruce Brown pieced together the seminal surf movie The Endless Summer. The building should be a historical landmark, or there should at least be a plaque put up.

It’s the kind of thing people don’t know but would get a kick out of learning. I could make the argument that there’s no building more important in Dana Point, but that’s a story for another time.

Down the street is the home the Brown family lived in during those golden days.

Today, it is desperately clinging to the edge of the cliff.

“We have a lot going on this year,” Dia-

mond explains, steering the conversation back on point. “The biggest thing is that we are now a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

We’re going to be putting a lot more focus on service and giving back to our community; that’s what we’re going to be all about.”

Diamond’s already been guiding the club in that direction over the past couple of years, adding a surf day partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and an annual fishing day to their calendar of events.

This year, they’re planning on more of the same, including a float in the Festival of Whales Parade in March, more scholarship opportunities for aspiring young surfers and a luau later in the summer. And starting Feb. 1, the Dana Point Surf Club will be kicking off its annual membership drive.

“This is full community involvement at the roots level. We have such a special beach culture here, we want to share that with everyone and have everyone involved in what’s happening around here,” Diamond explains.

With the West Coast Board Riders competition season in full swing, the Dana Point Surf Club will also compete against some of California’s most famous beach towns for bragging rights and to be named the best in the West.

Dana Point will compete in an event on Feb. 22 in Huntington Beach. Then, on April 4, the club will be hosting an event at Salt Creek.

“We’ve got a great team, and the competition is another aspect of it all,” Diamond says. “It’s a lot of fun to get all the surf towns together and enjoy that friendly rivalry. But now that we’re a nonprofit organization, that’s not the only focus we have.

We want to be leaders in our community.”

To learn more about how you can get involved, go to danapointsurfclub.com. SC

In Support of Junior Lifeguards SC Rotary Foundation helps keep the fun in the sun going

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

n lifeguard news, the San Clemente Rotary Foundation stepped up huge this past fall to support the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Foundation. A $2,500 contribution to the organization will be used for scholarships to help those of less means get involved

(From left) Rod Mellot, Rita Bandaruk, Greg Hulsizer, Noah Burns, Bill Blackwill, George Scarborough and Jayden Blanc-Hall. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Rotary Foundation

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

JACOB CROUSE

Water Temperature: 59-61 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

O

ne of the Dana Point Board Riders Club’s favorite groms, 13-year-old Jacob Crouse, “is the epitome of froth and stoke,” says club president Eric Diamond.

Learning to surf when he was 9 years old at Thalia Street in Laguna Beach, he spends his days as a Salt Creek shredder and eighthgrader at Marco Forster Middle School.

“I’m inspired by places to surf around the world that I see in The Surfer’s Journal and other surfers with ‘steezy’ style that do fast turns, punt airs, and long barrel rides,” Jacob said when asked what fires him up.

“I like the way surfing makes me feel,” he said. “When I surf, I don’t think about anything other than the wave. So, I guess I like being in the moment.”

As far as who his favorite surfers are, Jacob San Clemente Times January 30-February 5, 2020

in the program and cover the costs of participating in the junior lifeguard program next summer.

A special thanks to Noah Burns, Mark Taylor and Gary Stevens from the San Clemente Rotary for organizing the fundraiser and making this opportunity possible.

Junior lifeguards serve a vital role in our beach communities. Every summer, thousands of kids across the country participate in programs up and down the California coast.

But it’s more than just a summer camp, as kids are taught lifeguard skills, they’re educated about the ocean environment, and they get one heck of a workout in the process.

Junior lifeguards also learn responsibility, discipline, teamwork and all that good stuff that make you a better human being, as well as serving as a feeder program for professional lifeguard programs.

Thanks to everyone for supporting the youth and making our beaches a healthier, happier and safer place. SC

Thursday: Easing Northwest swell mix with waist-stomach-chest high waves (2-3-4’).

Light offshore winds in the morning shift to a light+ west sea breeze for the afternoon.

Jacob Crouse. Photo: Courtesy of Crouse Family

notes that he looks up to “surfers that can skate like Curren Caples . . . he is insane!”

“I don’t really have any idols, though,” he

said. “I look up to guys with positive vibes in and out of the water, and it could be anybody.” SC Page 18

Outlook: New combination of Northwest and South/southwest swell moves in Friday with waist to shoulder high surf, (3-4’+). Light offshore flow in the morning, turns light West/ northwest 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 afternoon. For the latest details be sure to visit Surfline.com.

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