february 13, 2014

L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S EF E B R UA RY 1 3 -1 9, 2 0 1 4

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7

www.sanclementetimes.com

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

SC Hall of Famer Greg Long Returns to Site of Near Drowning

SC SURF/PAGE 22

SCHS Athletes Make Their Signing

Day Decisions SPORTS/PAGE 21

TOP 5: Mayor Brown Among Those on SONGS

Decommissioning Committee EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

General Plan aims to adapt to San Clemente’s new realities

Planning for a New City

EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

San Clemente’s new General Plan took the efforts of dozens of city staff members, volunteers and consultants to complete. The resulting document aims to provide guidance for a city that has greatly changed in the last 20 years. Photo by Andrea Swayne

What’s Up With...S A N C L E M E N T E ’ S T O P 5 H O T T E S T T O P I C S

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON SC

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times February 13-19, 2014

Have a story idea? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANOSan Juan Capistrano City Councilman Roy Byrnes last Tuesday compared three of his colleagues to World War II dictators Adolf

Hitler and Benito Mussolini, as well as the Ku Klux Klan, because of their recent attempts to oppose a recall campaign against Mayor

Sam Allevato. The comments came after recall supporter John Perry said Allevato and council-

men Larry Kramer and John Taylor, along with others, stood behind signature gatherers at

Vons, saying, “Don’t sign the petition.” In ad-dition to comparing the three men to WWII

intimidation squads, Byrnes likened them to “a meeting of the Klan without the burning cross or the white hoods.” Taylor took offense to the

comment and Allevato refuted Byrnes. City Attorney Hans Van Ligten said both sides—for and against the recall—were protected by the

First Amendment.

NEWS NEXT DOOR

DANA POINTMore questions were asked than answered Monday as the Dana Point Planning Com-mission continued a public hearing on the proposed Doheny Hotel that has drawn the community’s ire. One thing was certain, how-ever. The hotel’s fate will not be decided until at least April 14. Initially, Beverly Hills Hospitality Group introduced a 250-room hotel on three lots at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive and asked for a height variance to the city’s 35-foot limit to accom-modate five stories. On Dec. 9, the developer announced the proposal would be modified, to include 0.76 acres of parkland to ease access to the hotel’s entrance, house parking and taxis and serve as an additional loading dock. As it originally stands, a single loading dock would be located on PCH. Such use would require City Council and county approval.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING

TOWNS

SCSan Clemente

THE LATEST: Mayors Lisa Bartlett, Tim Brown and Sam Allevato, of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, respec-tively, are among the members of the com-munity engagement panel formed for the decommissioning process of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The mayors will be joined by Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees President John Alpay, Orange County Su-pervisor Pat Bates and Gene Stone, a leader of the local environmental movement and founder of Residents Organized for a Safe Environment.

Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, the majority owners of the plant, announced the formation of the com-mission two weeks ago as part of a broader statement of principles for decommissioning the plant, which was announced last June.

Other officials include representatives from the San Diego Board of Supervisors, city of Oceanside, law enforcement officials, the plant’s labor unions and members the business community. The group will be chaired by David Victor, an expert in energy markets and a professor at UC San Diego. Representatives of the military have also been invited to participate.

Stone said he did not hesitate about being part of the panel when he was contacted by Edison. He hoped to keep the decommis-sioning process “transparent.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The commission is currently chartered for two years. Edison and SDG&E could then come to a decision about whether to continue. Membership will be limited to six years.

FIND OUT MORE: The charter of the com-mission can be found at www.songscommu-nity.org. – Jim Shilander

THE LATEST: As the city’s building depart-ment completes its review of planned utility work at the Capistrano Shores Mobile Home Park, residents told the City Council last week that they fear for their safety due to old utilities in the park.

Residents said a multi-million dollar plan to replace the utility lines, which no longer comply with code, as many of the lines are placed directly under homes, was approved by the California Coastal Commission last year. The city had not yet approved it after several rounds of review and revisions to the plan.

Resident Niels Pearson raised the specter of San Bruno, a San Mateo County city that suffered a gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people. Residents of the park are paying for the utility replacement. The city and the park have been in conflict over the area’s zoning designation, open space, which residents believe has led to improvement projects being delayed. Residents of the park believe the zoning change, which was made in the 1990s, is invalid.

Councilman Jim Evert urged city staff to expedite the approval of the project.

WHAT’S NEXT: City building official Mike Jorgensen told the council he anticipated the review being completed this week. City Attorney Jeffrey Goldfarb said the zoning designation would need to be ap-proved by city voters, though attorneys for residents disagreed.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS

THE LATEST: A portion of the newly ap-

THE LATEST: The Government Finance Offi-cers Association has awarded the city of San Clemente with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual budget for fiscal year 2013-14. The award is given to cities whose budgets serve as a policy docu-ment, guide for operations, a financial plan and as a means of communication.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving over 17,800 government finance professionals throughout North America.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city’s budget process for the next fiscal year begins this month. The City Council is scheduled to meet Feb. 25 at the San Clemente Community Center to discuss long-term financial planning and priorities.

FIND OUT MORE: For news updates follow @S_C_Times on Twitter. – JS

THE LATEST: A man and a woman found dead in their San Juan Capistrano home early Sunday morning have been identi-fied, according to a release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The man was identified as Bradford Hans Sachs, 57, and the woman as Andra Resa Sachs, 54. Records show that the Sachs were divorced but were residing together, the release said.

Their bodies were discovered at their home at 32271 Peppertree Bend, follow-ing an emergency call just before 2 a.m. Sunday. An 8-year-old boy, who remains

… the SONGSOutreach Committee?

…Capistrano Shores?

… a Homeless Shelter?

… the City Budget Process?

… San Juan Homicides?

1 2

3

5

4

proved San Clemente General Plan could allow for the creation of an emergency homeless shelter within the city. However, the city itself would not be required to build the shelter, officials said.

The new housing element of the general plan includes a program designed to com-ply with Senate Bill 2, a law passed in 2007 that requires cities and counties to desig-nate a zone where emergency shelters and transitional housing can be placed. The city’s new housing element includes such language, according to Denise Obrero, the city’s social services program planner.

WHAT’S NEXT: Obrero said in an email that the designated zone for such housing will likely be put in place for the entire Rancho San Clemente Business Park area. However, the city does not have to actually build a shelter as a consequence of the law.

San Clemente-based homeless advocacy organization iHope has lobbied in the past for the creation of a shelter, as there are currently none south of Laguna Beach, which gives priority to Laguna Beach residents first.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanclement-etimes.com for updates. – JS

unidentified, was also found at the scene with serious injuries. He was transported to Mission Hospital, where he remains and is expected to survive, said Capt. Steve Concialdi, spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority.

All three suffered gunshot wounds. Two teenage girls were also inside the home at the time.

WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities are requesting anyone with information call 714.647.7044. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Or-ange County Crime Stoppers at 855.847.6227 or online at www.occrimestoppers.org.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay with www.sanclement-etimes.com for updates. – JS and Brian Park

San Clemente Times February 13–19, 2014

EYE ON SC

Thursday, February 13

Pajama Storytime 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Wear pajamas and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dream-land at the San Clemente Library. 242 Ave-nida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Coastal Advisory Committee Meet-ing 7 p.m. Ole Hanson Room in the Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Friday, February 14

Dark Friday City offices closed. www.san-clemente.org.

Seniors Valentine’s Party Noon. Holi-day celebration and entertainment by Tony Rogers at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center. 117 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.3322.

Monday, February 17

Listen to Your Eyes 11:30 a.m. Optham-ologist Roger Ohanesian presents a free talk on vision problems and eye care at Saddle-back Memorial Medical Center, Conference Room C. Lunch served for $10 at the door. 654 Camino De Los Mares, 949.366.5928.

Tuesday, February 18

City Council Meeting 5 p.m. Closed session in the Oceanview Conference Room. 6 p.m. Business meeting in City Hall Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Goal Zone Sports: Soccer After-school soccer sessions for kids begin today; meets through March 11. $30 per session. More info: 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Wednesday, February 19

Kiwanis Meeting Noon. The club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

SC Rotary Club Noon. Irons in the Fire, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org.

Read With Chloe 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Kids can practice reading skills at the San Clemente Library with Chloe, a certi-fied therapy dog. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

Planning Commission Meeting6 p.m. Study session in Council Chambers; 7 p.m. Regular meeting in Council Cham-bers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

CITY ANDCOMMUNITY CALENDAR

Have something interesting for the community?

Send your information to [email protected].


NEWS BITESP R O P S , R E C O G N I T I O N S A N D M O R S E L S O F I N F O

Compiled by Jim Shilander

San Clemente First Responders Honored By Elks

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 hosted its 44th annual South Orange County First Responders Apprecia-tion Awards Dinner Saturday, Feb. 1, for over 150 firefighters, law enforcement personnel, community leaders and family members being recognized for their work over the past year.

Two San Clemente first responders were recognized as part of the event, San Clem-ente Deputy of the Year Jared Streeter and OCFA Battalion 6 Fire Captain of the Year Jon Walla.

SC Residents Top Fall 2013 Dean’s Lists

Six San Clementeans were named to their college or university’s Dean’s lists last semes-ter. They include:

Michael Scott Sickles was named to the Dean’s List at The Citadel, The Military Col-lege of South Carolina, for academic achieve-ment during the fall semester. Dean’s List recognition is given to those students whose grade point average is 3.2 or higher with no grade below a C for the previous semester’s work. Sickles is majoring in business admin-istration.

Maddy Vollebregt received honors at the University of Rhode Island. To be included on the Dean’s List at URI, students must have completed 12 or more credits during a semester for letter grades with at least a 3.30 quality point average.

Nicole Stavro was named to the Fall 2013 Dean’s List at Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Students who achieve a 3.4 and have no grades below a C are named to the list.

Monique Pruitt, who is majoring in market-ing, has been named to the Dean’s List at

Clemson University, in Clemson, S.C. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student achieved a grade-point average between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale.

Microbiology major Madison Huffman was named to the President’s List at Clemson University for the semester for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Elizabeth Griffin earned a spot on the Loyola Marymount University Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List have completed 15 semester hours and earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. Additionally, a student must have completed all of his or her courses and never received an F in any course.

National Charity League Fashion Show Next Month

The Capistrano Coast Chapter of the National Charity League will host its annual

fashion show fundraiser Sunday, March 9 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point.

Proceeds from the fundraiser help support the philanthropies of the chapter, including after school programs, U.S. military support, food banks and senior activities. Funds are also earmarked for college scholarships given each spring to graduating seniors.

Last year, the event raised over $39,000. This year, the show’s theme is “Shop ‘til You Drop—A Day in Support of Our Philan-thropies!” Models in the show will be the chapter’s 11th grade members. Contact [email protected] for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Presenting Emergency Classes

Emergency Preparedness classes will be offered at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 310 Ave-nida Vista Montana in San Clemente. Each class will cover a different topic related to emergency preparedness, including storing and managing fresh water, how to survive the first 72 hours of a disaster, food storage and family health and what to do if the power grid goes down.

Classes will be held on four consecu-tive Thursdays, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 6 and March 13. All classes are free.

The Feb. 20 class will address the current California drought situation, including how to conserve water, alternative fresh water sup-plies and how to safely store enough water for a family to use during any emergency.

Tax Assistance Services Available

In conjunction with the United Way and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Vol-unteer Income Tax Assistance will provide free-electronic preparation and filing of 2013 federal and state income tax returns through April 13.

These services are provided primarily to English and Spanish speaking families and individuals whose 2013 annual income is less than $60,000. Complete printed copies of federal and state tax returns, including all supporting documents, will be provided to taxpayers after electronic filing.

Services will be provided in Room E of Mc-Gowan Hall at Our Lady of Fatima, located at 105 N. La Esperanza in San Clemente. Times are available on Thursdays, through April 10, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays until April 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays, through April 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. For an appointment in English, call 949.429.1571, for an appointment in Spanish call 949.429.1543.

Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Jared Streeter was honored by the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 as Deputy of the Year. Courtesy photo

Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge Vice President No. 2444 Derek Randles, OCFA Battalion 6 Fire Captain of the Year Jon Walla and Division 3 Chief Kirk Wells. Courtesy photo

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times February 13–19, 2014

EYE ON SC

hen the San Clemente City Coun-cil voted 5-0 approving the city’s new General Plan, it represented

the completion of more than four years of work by dozens of volunteers, committee members, consultants and city staff.

But now, the city’s work on implemen-tation must begin. While some aspects of the plan, such as the debate over the two-story height limit on Avenida Del Mar, have been controversial, that is just one part of a much larger document.

A NEW REALITYThe council’s longest tenured mem-

ber, Lori Donchak, made the motion to approve the plan. Donchak said when the city embarked on the process, she knew it was a necessity.

“I saw the need for a new plan when I realized that the old plan was approved in the 1990s,” Donchak said. “Roughly speaking, San Clemente’s population was half the size than it is now. With the new plan, all of us are represented and we’ll be a stronger community because of it.”

The city also developed a vision and strategic plan at the start of the process, which consultant Brian Judd, from the Santa Ana-based The Planning Center DC&E, said greatly helped in developing the document, especially with regard to what area to focus on.

“Most of the city wasn’t expected to change, but there were a few areas we could focus in on,” Judd said. Early on, the consultants also looked at the last general plan, which was adopted in 1993, to find what plans had been accomplished, as well as those that were no longer relevant or where proposed changes had not worked.

Alan Korsen, one of co-chairs of the Gen-eral Plan Advisory Committee, which was made up of dozens of members represent-ing all corners of the city, was on the City Council when the plans for building up the inland ranches were being developed.

“At that time, we rewrote the general plan for the city, and it was a lot easier being on City Council during that pro-cess than being on the GPAC,” Korsen said. This was partly due to the levels of oversight above the GPAC, the Planning Commission and Council but also due to a lack of constraints.

“We put the entire city on hold,” Korsen

Beyond the Controversy

W

said. “We designed Talega, we designed Forster Ranch and we designed Rancho San Clemente. Up until then, they were nothing but barren hills. That was a lot of fun, and it took less time than to do just the eight (focus) areas we were respon-sible for,” he said of this general plan.

However, those areas being built out meant the new plan needed to manage the growth of what was already in place since, aside from Marblehead Coastal, there are no large tracts remaining to be developed within the city limits. Instead, the city opted for a more subtle approach.

“We spent a lot of time on detail,” co-chair Bill Hart said. “I think the committee should be proud of the entire general plan.”

Rather than focusing on larger devel-opments, the general plan instead has eight separate “focus areas” of the city, including Los Molinos, North Beach, the Pier Bowl, Avenida Del Mar, Camino de Estrella/Los Mares, the Rancho San Clem-ente Business Park and South El Camino Real, both east and west of Interstate 5. Some of those areas, like the Pier Bowl, got somewhat less attention, while others where more opportunity to affect change could be found, received more.

“The focus areas we paid particular attention to were areas like the Trestles neighborhood (South El Camino Real, east of I-5 to the county line), Los Molinos, where there are plans to do some exciting things in those areas,” Hart said.

What was not covered was also impor-tant. Because a development agreement with the city was already in place for the property, Marblehead Coastal was not included as a focus area, and the GPAC largely stayed away from discussion of the planned outlet mall and residences.

However, Judd said it was important to consider the impact of the development in neighboring areas, like in Los Molinos where an architectural overlay was added to allow for additional office space that could be used for a university extension or other use beyond what it is currently zoned for, especially since the retail market for the

area had already been established.“From an impact standpoint, we had to

(take Marblehead into account),” Judd said. “We wanted to make sure each of these districts in the city aren’t competing with each other. We took into account what was coming. We looked and said is there some kind of alternate future for this area.”

Planning Commission chairwoman Julia Darden said that while the plan may seem dry to most of the public, it definitely will have an effect.

“There are so many provisions that will have a long lasting impact on quality of life,” Darden said. “In reality, it’s going to impact everyone in town.”

LOCAL CONTROLAnother important goal of the plan is to

provide the city with more local control of its planning decisions. By adopting a Local Coastal Plan, the city can begin the process of handling zoning decisions that fall within the Coastal Zone.

“This allows us to have a little bit of au-thority to do things that, up until now, only the California Coastal Commission could do for us,” Hart said.

“It’s very important if you believe in local control,” Hart said. “Ever since the Coastal Act passed in the 1970s, some property owners have had to go all the way up to Long Beach to process coastal permits that are sometimes very routine. We get to assume that and it allows us to serve our citizens better.”

Judd said part of that ability will be the move to make the plan web-based, which is currently being undertaken by the city. The goal, he said, would be to allow residents or developers to be able to ac-cess everything. It also allows the city to re-format the plan to make it easier to use as technology changed.

“Everything is going to be much more readily available at the fingertips of the people using the document,” he said.

Korsen said there’s also still much to be decided in the ways that other areas develop, including North Beach and the

By Jim ShilanderSan Clemente Times

San Clemente’s new General Plan attempts to provide direction to built-out city

Members of the General Plan Advisory Committee were honored for their service by the city in 2012. The two co-chairs of the committee said having a single purpose allowed the body to overcome some of the contentiousness that had been a part of the city in the preceding years. File photo by Jim Shilander

Pier Bowl. He hoped that some of those might be flushed out as the city adapts its economic development plans for the new general plan.

OVERCOMING CONTENTION Much of the early discussion of the

general plan took place during some come rocky times in the city, including several contentious council elections and a special election that resulted in the defeat of Playa del Norte. Many GPAC members had been on opposite sides of those issues and elections but managed to find a common purpose.

“Going into the process there’d been a lot of divisiveness in the community, but many of the members set aside those divisions and treated each other with great respect,” Hart said. “Everyone got to speak. Not everyone agreed, but every-one’s opinions were treated with respect, which in many ways had been missing in some of the prior dialogue. That was the most important thing that happened on the GPAC as far as I was concerned.”

Judd said those divisive issues might have slowed things down in some ways, but because the general plan really does not deal with the level of detail of an indi-vidual project, that was largely overcome.

Korsen, an advocate for the most divisive portion of the plan, the two-story height limit on Avenida Del Mar, said that he was most happy to see that included. But, he said, the length of time spent working on the document ultimately improved it.

Darden said that while she had voted against the height limit, she thought the time spent on the entire document pro-duced something worthwhile.

Donchak credited city staff with helping make this happen.

“City staff did a masterful job of making sure people were heard. The process also did a good job of creating consensus to the extent possible. We are a very involved community and I think the end result is very strong as a result.” SC

San Clemente Times February 13–19, 2014

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY CATHY MANSO

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, February 11

TRAFFIC HAZARDAvenida Pico/Calle Deschecha (6:49 a.m.)An unknown individual crashed into a block wall. Blocks were scattered on the road.

Monday, February 10

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEAvenida Estacion, 1700 Block (8:56 a.m.)Dispatch received notice of a 6-foot-tall man, near the railroad tracks, staring at his hands. The man was described as being in his 20s and wearing a flannel shirt. The caller said the man “looks” to be on drugs.

Sunday, February 9

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCECamino Vera Cruz/Costa (10:06 a.m.)A caller requested a patrol check after hearing four gun shots from the previous night. Officials were asked to look for gun casings because “there are bad guys in the park.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEAvenida Montalvo/Avenida Calafia (4:24 a.m.) Three hooded men were reportedly looking into cars.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Cabrillo/El Camino Real (1:06 a.m.) A citizen called authorities after being attacked by two women and a man. Weapons were not used but the attackers had been drinking.

Saturday, February 8

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEEast Avenida Palizada/Avenida De La Estrella (10:36 p.m.) A caller informed sheriff deputies about two flannel-wearing men hiding behind a building. The caller thought they were suspicious “because they would only show their faces around the building.”

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Calle La Veta, 3300 Block (10:05 p.m.)

A woman said her 17-year-old daughter walked out against her wishes five days ago, and she is concerned for her safety. The daughter was described as a brunette, wearing a gray and burgundy flannel shirt, black pants and black boots.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE East Avenida Pico/Calle Del Cerro (9:29 p.m.) A tall, long-haired man jumped out in the middle of traffic and threw rocks at passing cars.

Friday, February 7

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEEast Avenida Pico/Avenida La Pata (7:22 p.m.) A concerned caller informed officials of two young girls selling Girl Scout cookies without adult supervision.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEBurriana/Montilla (5:09 p.m.) An indi-vidual, described as wearing a mask and all green clothing, was spotted behind a bush “putting bullets into a gun.”

DISTURBANCEPaseo De Cristobal, 200 Block (2:02 p.m.)A resident called authorities about a group of juveniles skateboarding on his driveway and refusing to leave.

Thursday, February 6

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOROla Vista, 1700 Block (6:53 p.m.) A woman informed officials that her son was struck by a vehicle while walking home and pushed into the bushes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEEl Camino Real, 100 Block (2:26 p.m.)A young child was left in a parked van without any adult supervision.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESouth Ola Vista/Avenida De La Riviera (12:18 a.m.) Officials were informed of a man sleeping on a lawn.

Wednesday, February 5

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida San Antonio, 100 block (6:37 p.m.) A woman alerted officials to three people near her fence.

DISTURBANCECalle Puente/Avenida Del Poniente (12:09 p.m.) A patrol check was request-ed by a cyclist. He said a man in his 20s, driving a white Chevrolet, tried to run him over and then followed him. The driver then cut off the cyclist, yelled and chal-lenged him to a fight, the cyclist said.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCECalle Frontera, 2000 Block (7:40 a.m.)A patrol check was requested by a pedes-trian after spotting two men with back-packs “loitering in the parking lot, near the school.”


ayor Tim Brown and officials from Dana Point and San Clemente became the first key area leaders

to play a role in a Marine Core Combat Readiness Evaluation at Camp Pendleton on Feb. 8.

MCCRE is a five-day training exercise that creates a fake event, such as a natural disaster, invasion or other extreme catas-trophe, for U.S. Marines to practice proto-col and drills they have learned in training and play out in real time. The simulation began at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, and ended Saturday, Feb. 8, by sunset.

On the final day, Marines were tasked with helping citizens return to a normal state of life—known as transition space, after an invasion. For Saturday’s exercise, the country of “San Diego” represented by the Marines, invaded “Camp Pendleton.” Local officials were there to play the lead-ers of the invaded country. During this time, Marines had to work, and cooperate, with public works, local authorities, press and civilians.

Maj. Benjamin Fiala, a Marine event coordinator, organized the exercise which took three months of planning.

To create this exercise, “You have to know what you want and have a great team around you,” Fiala said. “This exercise has different people and different desires and makes it right for everybody.”

Camp Pendleton Uses O.C. Officials for Marine Exercise

M

By Catherine MansoSan Clemente Times

Col. Jason Bohm expressed the impor-tance of such exercises to the Marines about to be deployed.

“(It’s important) to be able to go into an area that may have some kind of crisis or contingency occur and to help them reestablish those essential services and meeting the needs of the people,” Bohm said. “But we don’t know what we don’t know. So we have great communities out there like Dana Point and San Clemente who have that expertise.”

Brown and other officials had the op-portunity to tour a village used for the ex-ercise, known as the K2 Combat Town. Role-playing civilians interacted with Brown and the Marines, many of whom had not slept in more than 96 hours.

“It was a real honor to participate in these exercises. I enjoyed watching the tremendous professionalism involved,” Brown said.

Members of the press were also invited to attend the simulation and par-ticipate by interviewing Marines on the set up situation.

More than 1,000 marines were involved in the exercise. This simula-tion occurs before a battalion is set for deployment.

In March, the Fifth Marine Regiment is headed to Darwin, Australia for six months. During their time in the Pacific, the Marines will be a part of integrated training with the Australian Defense Force. SC

San Clemente Mayor Tim Brown was among a number of officials from San Clemente and Dana Point who participated in a weekend training exercise at Camp Pendleton. Photo by Catherine Manso


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

CITY EDITOR

Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 [email protected]

ADVERTISING

PRINT AND ONLINE

Michele Reddick, 949.388.7700, x103 [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, [email protected]

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 [email protected]

HOW TO REACH US

San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 7. The SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodis-patch.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 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Group Senior Editor> Andrea Swayne

City Editor, SC Times> Jim Shilander

Sports Editor> Steve Breazeale

City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Papagianis

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch> Brian Park

ART/DESIGN

Senior Designer> Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher> Lauralyn Loynes(Dana Point)

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)Locals Only Business Listing Manager

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Cathy Manso, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

SCSan Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

FROM THE MIND OF ZELESKILetters to the EditorRHETORIC OVER FUEL DANGERSUNFOUNDED

DAVID DAVISON, San Clemente

In response to Gary Headrick’s fear mongering editorial (“Letter to the Edi-tor: SONGS Dangers are Real, Not Just Rhetoric” Jan. 23), describing the spent fuel pools as “vulnerable” is nonsense unsupported by no body of analysis. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has recently stated “previous evaluations of spent fuel pool structures have deter-mined that seismic margins are very large” and goes on to say that because of the low decay heat level after only a few months (the San Onofre Nuclear Generat-ing Station has been down 24 months), even beyond design basis, accidents pro-ceed slowly enough that mitigation actions could be completed successfully. Indeed, with no operator action and no electrical power, SONGS fuel would pose no danger to the public for more than six weeks. You could build and carry pumping equipment in a Sopwith Camel from Outer Mongolia in less time.

Headrick’s suggestion that there is some sort of cabal between the NRC and the nuclear industry is again, bunk. Although the NRC has stated there is no benefit from a safety standpoint of moving fuel to dry cask storage, Headrick’s efforts are wasted because that is precisely what SONGS intends to do. The faster they can move the fuel to dry cask storage, the faster they can lay off the rest of the work-ers, leaving behind a small security force. Thus, Edison and the Headrick interven-ers are, on this issue, on the same page.

Therefore, those who desire to expedite the transfer of spent fuel out of Orange County should petition the government, for it is purely a political decision, one that the Obama administration fumbled. However, regardless of whether the fuel remains here in pools, dry cask storage,

or transferred elsewhere, the spent fuel is safe.

WHO WILL OVERSEE EDISON IN THE HANDLING OF WASTE?

GARY HEADRICK, San Clemente

Recently, Southern California Edison appointed what they call a committee of “diverse stakeholders” to sit on their com-munity engagement panel, regarding the decommission process about to begin at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. As displayed by past actions, we can’t expect Edison to do anything other than meet their legal obligations and quickly shed their financial liability as custodians of nuclear waste. Safety is paramount on this issue, and Edison’s track record on safety is questionable. Creating an advisory committee handpicked by the owners of the plant, where it appears that all but one person is for nuclear power, is a thinly veiled attempt to obscure their intentions to continue to act in their own

best interests.But who will oversee Edison and make

sure this is all done in the best way pos-sible? History has demonstrated that we can’t count on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The NRC is funded by the in-dustry and is currently under congressio-nal investigation for their role in allowing the faulty steam generators to be installed in the first place.

The fact that San Clemente Green was not offered a seat at the table creates doubt over Edison’s true objectives. Did they think the public would not notice that the largest and most vocal local citizens’ group was passed over? If we had been asked, it would have taken some thoughtful deliberation before replying. But after seeing the lineup of panelists, it is perfectly clear that our involvement would only lend the lopsided committee more undeserved credibility. While we are grateful to have Gene Stone of Residents Organized for a Safe Environment on the panel, he does not represent San Clem-

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at [email protected]. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.

ente Green. Fortunately, there are aspects of decom-

missioning that we can all agree on. There is highly radioactive waste that is cool enough to be put into dry cask storage im-mediately. That takes it out of overcrowd-ed pools, leaving the hotter nuclear waste better protected and the already cooled waste more secure and ready for transport as soon as there is somewhere to take it.

However, best practices should not be hampered by “judicious investing,” which is one of the goals stated by Edison. To be-gin with, investments should be made now to avoid a nuclear disaster in the event of a major earthquake. Serious questions about storing and transporting nuclear waste need to be resolved by highly qualified independent nuclear experts. A robust staff of nuclear technicians, NRC inspectors and emergency responders should be on site, not the skeleton crew that Edison has left in place now.

San Clemente Green will continue to hold Edison and the NRC accountable to the public they serve. We will do our best to make a positive contribution to the com-munity engagement panel, even though we are not part of the committee selected by Edison. We intend to continue repre-senting the public’s best interests in the same effective ways we have done in the past, with a sense of civic duty and factual credibility.

SOAPBOXGUEST OPINION: Culbertson Chronicles by Larry Culbertson

Cazador Home a Test of City’s Standards

n Feb. 19, the Planning Commis-sion will decide the fate of one of San Clemente’s more important

historic buildings.The residence at 418 Cazador Lane is

important because of a person who lived there, its location and its beautiful archi-tecture. It is known as the Gloria Swanson House because the late actress once lived there. The location is important because it is on a highly visible corner lot, with a commanding ocean view, at the end of Cazador Lane. The end of Cazador Lane was the hub of what was once known as the Pasadena Colony. A number of wealthy people from Pasadena built elegant Span-ish Colonial Revival mansions there and on Pasadena Court, which is a short street off of Cazador Lane. The Ann Harding House, Judge Warner House and Robison House are three other very important his-toric houses that abut 418 Cazador Lane.

The 1,596-square-foot home with servant’s quarters downstairs was built in 1926. A 540-square-foot addition was com-pleted in 1948. The house has a number of interesting and unique architectural features.

Modifications have been proposed to

the building that are outside accepted standards. On the west façade, original windows would be replaced with larger ones to improve the view. On the north façade, a new architectural feature would be added by cutting a new door with a Juliette balcony. On the south façade, a bay window that has been there since the 1948 addition would be demolished and replaced to increase floor area. The proposed alterations would be contrary to our city design guidelines, contrary to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards and in violation of the California Environmen-tal Quality Act (CEQA).

San Clemente design guidelines specify, “New improvements to renovate or alter a historic site should demonstrate a diligent effort to retain and rehabilitate the his-toric resource.” And, “distinctive stylistic features shall be treated with sensitivity.” Demolishing character defining features is certainly not retaining them or rehabilitat-ing them or treating them with sensitivity.

The city design guidelines go on to specify, “Historic buildings which are renovated are encouraged to follow The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabili-

Alterations may destroy fabric of historic building

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 columni sst 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 [email protected]

tation of Historic Buildings.”Other applicable standards include:• The historic character of a property

will be retained and preserved. The re-moval of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relation-ships that characterize a property will be avoided.

• Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of his-torical development, such as adding con-jectural features or elements from other historic properties will not be undertaken.

• Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

• Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that character-ize a property will be preserved.

This project would trample these standards. Distinguishing qualities like its unique windows would be demolished. Adding a new balcony is falsifying the design of the original architect. Alterations done in 1948 are being considered non-historic, when in fact they have, “acquired significance in their own right.”

The strongest protection this and other historic buildings have is the CEQA. This California law prohibits demolition or significant negative impacts to historic resources if there are reasonable alter-natives to the project. The reasonable alternative is to accept this historic house with its existing exterior character defin-ing features. There is no need to destroy features or add new ones just to add square footage, improve a view or facilitate furniture placement.

If you have never visited Cazador Lane, please do. It is a beautiful street. Check out 418 Cazador Lane. Let the Planning Commission know how you feel about permitting alteration of this city landmark.

Larry Culbertson has been President of the San Clemente Historical Society since 2012. SC

O

VALENTINE’S CRUISE4 p.m.-6 p.m. Celebrate Val-entine’s Day with a romantic whale watching cruise aboard the Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching vessel

Dana Pride. $35 per person includes champagne and chocolate treats. A full cash bar will also be offered. Res-ervations required. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

LUNAR LOVE HIKE 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Take your Valentine on a full-moon hike through The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. $10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

VALENTINE’S DAY AT IVA LEE’S 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s hosts a three-course dinner with music by Blue Largo. $65. Reservations required. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

VALENTINE’S WINE AND CHOCOLATE FOUN-TAIN 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Special Valentine’s wine tasting at San Clemente Wine Company. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

FALL IN LOVE AT BEACHFIRE 8 p.m. BeachFire hosts a lobster dinner for singles or couples. Cost from $35 to $100. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP: FRUIT TREE PRUNING 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center teaches how to properly prune, care for and maintain a fruit tree to enjoy

an abundant harvest of fresh fruit. Tickets $20 for mem-bers, $30 non-members. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

INTRODUCTION TO DSLR PHOTOGRAPHY 10 a.m.-noon. Free digital photography workshop at Saddleback Church. 1311 Calle Batido, San Clemente, 949.609.8215, www.saddleback.com/sanclemente.

CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m. Dinner and music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about whales on an approximately 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area. Free. Call or email to reserve a spot. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, 949.248.3527, www.danapoint.org.

BILLY WATSON AND ROBIN HENKEL 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live blues music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

ART OF SABRAGE VALENTINE’S EVENT 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Demonstration and certification event, featuring champagne, chocolate, and cheese at DaVine to kick off Valentine’s weekend, with guest, Marcelino Cosio from Young’s Market. $50 each or $80 couples. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.


SCSan Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

THE LISTA day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

thursday 13

friday14

saturday15

Robert Randolph and the Family Band is dropping by the Coach House Thursday, Feb. 27 to showcase their latest album, Likety Split, during their North American tour. “Lickety Split is a great album, we really got back to our roots and were able to cover a few cool songs,” said Randolph. Picking up one of the most complex and intricate of instruments at the age of 14, the lap guitar, Randolph recalls playing in church in a rock n’ roll gospel service. The familiarity Randolph has with his lap guitar is readily apparent when you see him rarely looking down at his fingers during a performance. “Sometimes I don’t even know what notes I’m about to play, just because most of our songs are improvisational jams,” he said. Randolph seems to fly under the radar, but he has worked with such acts as Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy on this latest album alone. Before Robert and the gang take stage, come out and enjoy the

two opening acts, Harlis Sweetwater and Ana Popovic. Come out and see Robert Randolph and the Family Band at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, on Feb. 27. Doors open at 6p.m., show starts at 8p.m. Tickets are $35. For tickets and dinner reservations, visit their website www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930. — Victor Carno

ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BANDAT THE COACH HOUSE

Have an event?Send your listing to [email protected]

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Courtesy photo

SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Your turn to get on stage at BeachFire. 204 AvenidaDel Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

BAHIA ORCHESTRA PROJECT 8 p.m. Symphony orchestra concert at Soka Performing Arts Center. Tickets $48-$58. One Univer-sity Circle Street, Aliso Viejo,

949.480.4000, www.soka.edu.

monday17

tuesday18

CHA-CHA AND SALSA DANCE CLASS 8:25 p.m.-9:25 p.m. Week-ly dance classes offered tonight through March 26 at the SC Commu-

nity Center. Fee $60. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

CASA ART EXHIBIT 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica’s art exhibit titled “The Mystery of the Ordinary” featuring the work of neo-realist painter/artist Michael Ward is on display through Feb. 23. Admission $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

SALSA NIGHT 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live band, DJ, danc-ing and more at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

wednesday19

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. Meet at the De-pot Platform for the Historical Society’s guided tour of San Juan Capistrano. Every Sun-day. Cost $2-$4. 949.493.8444,

www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

sunday16

PRESIDENT’S DAY

VALENTINE’S DAY

MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE 10 a.m. Board the Ocean Institute’s R/V Explorer for the opportunity to see fish, dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife along the coastline. Cost $22 kids, $35 adults. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

VALENTINE’S FOOD + WINE TANGO 6 p.m. San Juan Hills Golf Club presents a six-course meal with wine pairings, live music and dancing. $65 per person; $130 per couple. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1167, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS 8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents a contemporary song-cycle award-winning musical that ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage. Tickets $18. Shows through March 3. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.


SUDOKUby Myles Mellor

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

Last week’s solution:

SOLUTIONSOLUTIONSOLUTIONSOLUTION

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.4SCSan Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITYSC LIVING

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

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

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 colum-nists’ 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 [email protected]

s a columnist, I’ve written more than 3,000 articles and e-newsletters since July 4, 1994, when my first piece appeared in print. Many of the articles are

based upon comments and emails from readers, some poignant, some a bit off the wall.

Recently, I received an email from Gail that puzzled me. She wrote, “I think your comments regarding dating women with horses are quite unfair. Those of us with horses enjoy male company as much as our horses. Please don’t stereotype us.”

My initial reaction to Gail’s email was, “What is she talking about?” And then it dawned on me. About 15 years ago, I wrote an article titled, “Avoid Single Women Who Love Horses,” which Gail must have found in my archives.

It was a tongue-in-cheek article, written innocently. I never expected it would stir up the female horse owners in south Orange County. But oh my, did I get a lot of flak back then, particularly from women who have their horses boarded at stables in San Juan Capistrano. Some threat-ened to boycott future columns.

The column was about a single man who shared the experiences he had dating women who own horses. He admitted in the article that he liked seeing the women in their tight riding pants. That sentence alone elicited a bevy of negative comments.

He said: “I assisted a voluptuous lovely in delivering

To Horse Owners: A Mea CulpaChanging my tune: Why dating a woman with horses is a good thing

her horse to Winchester/Rancho, for a weekend ‘seminar’ in hunting and jump-ing. When Saturday was over, she asked me to spend the night in her motel room because ‘the drive home was too long.’ Later, the wide brim of her hat knocked out one of my contact lenses while danc-ing at a cowboy bar.”

And then he said the plot thickened back at the motel.

He said, “Guess what she did when she emerged from the shower and sat on the bed wrapped in a towel? She telephoned her husband. She told him where she was, that she’d be spending the night, and yes, that I was still with her. My expectations for the evening changed in a hurry. I muttered to myself, ‘Why don’t you just tell hubby what my name is, what hotel room we’re in, etc.’”

He added, “It turns out the marriage was an arranged one for her residency status. Nevertheless, her horse took priority over any guy. I’ve been involved with two women who would rather spend time with and/or give more con-sideration to their horses than a prospective relationship.”

Based on his experiences, he recommended that men avoid dating women who own horses.

I reread the old column, and then responded to Gail: “I wrote that column 15 years ago. It amazes me what can be

Adredged up on the Internet. But Gail, I’ve mellowed. I’ve softened my position regarding dating women who own horses.

“Why? I own Tutor and Spunky’s deli in Dana Point and recently hired a woman who owns horses. She’s lovely, and a very nice person. And while there are days when she has to leave the deli early to go feed the horses, I know a hard-working, highly visible guy who works in a highly-visible San Juan Capistrano business who admires her and her dedication to her horses.

“So Gail, I’ve changed my tune. Men should cherish women who own horses and feel fortunate if they can even get a date with one, although they may have to share her affections with a four-legged stud.”

To comment, email Tom at [email protected]. This month’s Meet and Greet for singles 50 and over

will be at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point, Thurs-day, Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call 949.248.9008 for questions.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.com. SC

hile the size of the drug problem in San Clem-ente was up for debate at Talega Life Church Monday night, the presence of drugs in the com-

munity and the effect they can have was not.The producers of the anti-drug documentary Overtaken,

including Joni Barber, who lost her son to a prescription drug overdose, San Clemente activist Lauren Spencer-Leland and staff from various San Clemente schools were among those who spoke at the event.

Former addict Ryan Ries, who has founded a ministry that targets young adults and children also testified about

his conversion and call to ministry.Barber and her co-producer, Christine Brandt, told parents

it is important to report doctors who over-prescribe medica-tions to children and to lock up their own medications.

Social worker Susan Parmelee, who works at San Clemente High School, said there are issues with drugs at the school, but the majority of students are non-users. However, there are still challenges, she said.

SCHS head football coach Jaime Ortiz said parents needed to know that while drugs were on most every campus, there are efforts being made in San Clemente to combat the issue.

“We’re on the forefront and we’re on the battle lines,” Ortiz said. “We’re doing the best we can.” SC

Talega Church Addresses Drug ‘Epidemic’

Anti-drug filmmakers Joni Barber and Christine Brandt speak to a crowd at Talega Life Church Monday on the effects of drug abuse. Photo by Jim Shilander

By Jim ShilanderSan Clemente Times

W

SC LIVING

ars have been on my mind. Other than natural health things, and plot-ting to get to the mountains soon,

I’ve been thinking a lot about vehicles. Driving more frequently than ever and being keenly aware of it, today I entertain a personal vehicle history report, with subsequent thoughts on transportation.

In the last year, I purchased an ex-cellent blue ‘96 Toyota 4-Runner. I say excellent because it’s been found to run noticeably better with encouragement. It was the best decision under the circum-stances. The sellers were a local Hawai-ian couple who used it for longboard transportation and were expecting a baby at any moment. Every time I see that obnoxious electric blue, I am grateful—mostly because I rely on it so heavily right now, and also because life doesn’t always warrant car ownership.

Upon moving to Southern California five years ago, my boyfriend and I shared a Subaru. We traded off times pedaling to work. My trip was a forgiving 1.5 miles up the hill, his a 14 miler to the San Clem-ente Pico business park from downtown Laguna, on a vintage road bike. I was

A Memoir in AutomobilesMusings of time spent driving prompts rethinking of priorities

spoiled. Life then also included many adven-tures on the Orange County Transportation Authority buses, a time consuming endeavor. Nevertheless, it kept things interesting. Visit www.scag.ca.gov for a hopeful public transpor-tation outlook.

Beyond that, there was an adored ‘87 BMW. Personal style really can trump sensibility. During those years, I learned a ton about working on old German ma-chinery, specifically the convertible type with weathered and shrinking tops—a mysterious concept. My San Clemente mechanic became a good friend.

Eventually the golden Beamer was re-moved by the city for curbside occupancy of over 72 hours, but I was staying in Chile at the time and it seemed inargu-able, so I couldn’t be too upset.

Upon returning, a dear friend loaned me a manual Ford Ranger and a short ro-mance immediately ensued with a truck, to which I am also forever indebted. This

brings me to the 4-Runner, and my first experience driving an SUV on smooth California freeways and tiny beach towns maxed out with cars, many of them bulky SUVs.

Again I think, is this really necessary? How can I downsize to free up a bit in other areas, to cause less pressure on the system and self? Specifically speaking, how can we drive less? What if a work commute fell within a certain range that made it a mandatory walk or bike? It might not be intolerable with a tweaked perspective: a healthy challenge, stron-ger lungs and early sunrise enjoyments.

Maybe we can amend our routines just slightly in favor of efficiency, like “going to town” for all errands in a single swoop, instead of spazzing out and making four grocery runs a week, draining our wallets, time, and spinal elasticity. It’s difficult to change sometimes when we don’t have to, but what if small somewhat “inconvenient” change created awesome outcomes we may have overlooked?

Questioning how I’d ideally be spend-ing this driving time shifted me to priori-ties. What’s most important to me, and

how can I make my life look more like that? Right now I might not be able to change what is required of me (job com-mute) but perhaps I can change what I require of myself (running the beach trail vs. driving to the gym).

Let’s control what we can and become more flexible. Perhaps if we take the time to consider what is changeable in our own lifestyles, we won’t always have to live life in the fast lane. Simply more fuel for thought.

Meryl Gwinn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, has studied yoga, health, food and humans around the globe. She is a constant pursuer of natural medicine and whole-healing solutions. She believes in the power of choice, simplic-ity and plants as preventative medicine. She is committed to inspiring this change in self and in system. Gwinn welcomes reader feedback at [email protected]. SC

C

GUEST OPINION: Conscious Living by Meryl Gwinn

CONSCIOUSLIVING

By Meryl Gwinn

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide va-riety 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 [email protected]

BUSINESS DIRECTORYLocals Only

ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

APPLIANCES

Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.132131648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

AIR CONDITIONING

AMMCOR 949.661.7767910 Calle Negocio, Ste. 200, www.AMMCOR.com

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

MANAGEMENT - HOA

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/RESTORATION

San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com

ART GALLERIES

DENTISTS

Sea View Pharmacy 949.496.0123665 Camino De Los Mares, #101www.seaviewpharmacy.com

Lange & Minnott 949.492.34591201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203

PHARMACIES

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045www.arcadiaelectric.com

Organics Out Back 949.354.2258449 Avenida Crespi. www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Lure of Chocolate, Gourmet Foods & Gift www.LureofChocolate.com 949.439.1773

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 949.369.1052 99 Avenida Del Mar, www.schmidschocolate.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY


FURNITURE

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles 949.350.4692www.gracorpcoins.com Kevin

Village Books 949.492.111499 Avenida Serra, www.DowntownSanClemente.com

COINS

BOOKS

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.44641218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.35581218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com

Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731www.chicks-plumbing.com

PLUMBING

SC Pool & Spa Works 949.498.76651311 N. El Camino Real, www.scpoolworks.com

Printing OC 949.388.488827134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

PRINTING

Café Calypso 949.366.9386114 Avenida Del Mar #4

RESTAURANTS


The Bargain Box 949.492.2800526 N. El Camino Real, www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org

SECONDHAND/CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control 949.361.25001402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.comSalon Bleu 949.366.2060207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com

Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.58021041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com

SALONS

San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

Offshore Construction 949.444.6323www.offshoreconstruction.org

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Tutor Toes 949.429.6222111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com

TUTORING

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.53881393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

WATER DAMAGE

Jim Thomas Roofing 949.498.6204162 Calle de Industrias

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

REAL ESTATEAntonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.com

Marcie George - Star Real Estate South County [email protected] 949.690.5410

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMaxwww.sandyandrich.com 949.293.3236Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656

License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27), www.costaverdelandscaping.com

CONCRETE

IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488117 Del Gado Road, www.imgs.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Colony Termite Control 949.361.25001402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

PEST CONTROL

KC Painting & Decorating 949.388.68293349 Paseo Halcon, www.bringcolorintoyourlife.com

PAINTING


HOME DÉCOR


MATTRESSES

Kreative Hair Design 949.498.6245173 Avenida Serra

HAIR SALONS

Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.132131648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

HEATING

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.53881393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209Equity Coast Mortgage, a division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

MOLD REMOVAL

MORTGAGES

SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE


OFFICE FURNITURE

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556www.danmans.com

Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388413 Calle Pueblo, [email protected]

MUSIC LESSONS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS)1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com

LANDSCAPING

LIST YOUR BUSINESSIN “LOCALS ONLY”

This go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential

customers 24/7.

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED TODAY.

Call at Debra Wells at 949.589.0892or [email protected]

B U S I N E S S • S P O T L I G H T

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

Sign up to be featured as our monthly

Locals Only Business Spotlight for only

$100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email

[email protected]

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, www.drericjohnson.com

Kristen Ritzau DDS 949.498.4110122 Avenida Cabrillo, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BED FRAMEMetal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes.$35/obo. New condition. 949.533.9761

ARTFUL TRAVEL, CURATED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU www.artful-travel.com

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references.949-573-8733

FOR SALE

TRAVEL

SERVICES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to

[email protected]. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

MENS SMALL WETSUIT Mens Rip Curl Wetsuit, short-arm, full suit. New condition. Size small $85. Call or text 949.533.9761.

LAWN MOWERSnapper, rotary, self-propelled 5-horsepow-er motor. Very good condition $260. (949) 498-0890


BUSINESS DIRECTORYSCSan Clemente

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD

HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 103

or email [email protected]

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD

HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 103

or email [email protected]

5SCSan Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS


SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

The inaugural Pacific Coast Shootout is coming to Southern California, and it is bringing some high-profile heavy hitters of the lacrosse world with it.

The event, which will take place on March 8 at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, will feature match-ups between four collegiate lacrosse programs, including an NCAA Divi-sion 1 tilt between No. 4 University of Denver and No. 5 Notre Dame. A match between Men’s Collegiate Club Division 1 Loyola Marymount and UC-Santa Barbara will be the other featured match.

College Lacrosse Elite Set to Compete in SoCal

S C O R E B OA R D

The Marine Corps Trials offers wounded, ill or injured Marines a chance to join together and compete in an eight-sport Paralympic-style event. For the fourth year in a row, that event will take place at Camp Pendleton. More than 300 wounded war-riors will descend upon the camp from Mar. 4-7 and compete in two or three events, including archery, shooting, swimming, track and field, cycling, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. The event kicks off when the Marines ar-rive on Mar. 4, where more

than 50 coaches will meet them and set to work on training them before competition. The training will run through Mar. 6, with the actual competition taking place on Mar. 7. Participants will be organized into four competing teams; two active duty teams, a Marine veteran team and an international team made up of wounded soldiers from across the globe. Some of the international wounded warriors will hail from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Spectators and military personnel are welcome to at-tend and parking and admission are free. To read the full schedule of events, visit www.woundedwarriorregiment.org.

San Clemente High School head football coach Jaime Ortiz and his staff will be conducting a free football skills camp on campus on Feb. 21. Ortiz has built a brand centered on the mantra “one town, one team” and this special one-day camp will offer youth football players a chance to be a part of the Tritons football family under the lights of Thalassa Stadium. The clinic, which will run from 6:30-8 p.m., is open to play-ers in grades 5-8 and will be led by the varsity coaching staff. Four former NFL players, including Pat Harlow, Leo Barker, John Allred and Troy Kopp, will be on hand to run players through individual offensive and defensive drills. Attendees will learn training techniques for flexibility, balance, explosiveness and core strength. Players are asked to show up in football cleats or tennis shoes. For more information or to sign up, visit www.tritonfootball.com.

PARALYMPICS

FOOTBALL

We want to run your scores, results and announcements in “Scoreboard.” E-mail [email protected], fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information

to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

By Steve BreazealeSan Clemente Times

he popularity of stand-up paddle-boarding is on the rise, and boarders are constantly finding new ways to

tweak the activity. Dana Point resident Justin Van Dyck is one such person.

He recently created the XSUP SAC, which floats in the water and is designed to be swooped up by a paddle. Van Dyck, a level-3 SUP instructor, initially thought it would be a great teaching tool but as more people started using it, tossing it back and forth to one another, he saw the product’s true potential.

What followed was essentially the creation of a brand new sport, one Van Dyck has dubbed XSUP Games, and he is planning on creating a region-wide league of players and teams that stretches from San Diego to Malibu.

XSUP Games is played much like soc-cer, hockey or lacrosse. There are four players on each team, playing on a space of water that is 70 yards long and 30 yards wide. There are two, 10-yard end zones on each side and the goal of each team is to pass the sack to a teammate in the end zone. At the end of the two, 20-minute halves, whoever has the most goals, wins.

“Initially the sack worked as a great tool to get people comfortable on the board,” Van Dyck said. “But it grew from there, more people wanted to play it … I started the idea of the game, incorporating sport into SUP. It’s adding a competitive side and team aspect to it.”

The inaugural XSUP Games 10-week season is set to begin March 16. For more information on the sport, visit www.xsupgames.com. SC

Dana Point’s Van Dyck Creates New SUP League

T

The Pioneers will face the Fighting Irish at 1 p.m. The Gauchos and the Lions will square off at 3:30 p.m.

It’s not often that top collegiate lacrosse programs come to Southern California. Notre Dame is making its first regular season performance in the area since 2005. It will be just the second time Denver has played on Californian soil.

Former St. Margaret’s Episcopal standout Scott McGowan is a fresh-man on the Pioneers roster.

“It’s no secret West Coast lacrosse is booming,” event executive director

and head lacrosse coach at Corona del Mar High School G.W. Mix said in a press release. “Each year, more and more players from California are appearing on the rosters of traditional college lacrosse powerhouses. The ultimate goal of the Shootout is to pro-mote the high quality of lacrosse being played in California … while exposing these developing players and pro-grams to the best collegiate programs in the game.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pclaxshootout.com.

— San Clemente Times

Sgt. Anthony McDaniel of Pascagmla, MS. Directs his teammates during a wheelchair basketball match in the 2013 Marine Corps Trials. Photo by Patrick Onofre

Stand-up paddleboarders play a round of XSUP Games, which involves throwing a buoyant sack to teammates, attempting to score points. Courtesy photo

The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is holding a one-day sign up for their 2014 Indoor Soccer League on Feb. 22. The sign-ups will take place at the club, located at 1304 Calle Valle, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The league is open to boys and girls, ages 6-18. Division

age is based on the age of the player as of December 2, 2013. The league is among the more popular sports offerings at the club and this year they anticipate over 900 chil-dren participating on more than 90 teams. Cost to participate is $65 for current Boys & Girls Club members and $95 for non-members, which includes a one-year membership to all club programs and activities. The season is set to run from March 28-June 14. All games and practices will be held at the club from Monday-Saturday. For more informa-tion, or to learn how to sponsor one of the teams, visit www.begreatsanclemente.org. SC

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB HOLDING INDOOR SOCCER SIGN UPS

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report

By Steve Breazeale

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Clemente winter sports teams, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

BOYS SOCCER WINS LEAGUE TITLE

Following a convincing 4-0 road win over Capistrano Valley on Feb. 11, the San Clemente boys soccer team offi cially wrapped up South Coast League play, and a third consecutive league championship.

The Tritons (21-2-1, 5-1 league) junior forward Blayne Martinez broke out for a hat-trick and senior Bryce Kaminski tallied one goal and one assist in the win. Kaminski has now scored 22 goals in 22 games.

The Tritons will surely be given a high seed in the upcoming CIF-SS Division 1 Soccer Championships.

GIRLS BASKETBALL CLINCHES LEAGUE

In their most lopsided contest to-date, the San Clemente girls basketball team left no doubt as to which team will raise the South Coast League hardware in 2014 on Feb. 10.

The Tritons (16-8, 8-0) defeated Laguna Hills in an 83-18 blowout victory, ensuring a solo fi rst-place fi nish in league.

San Clemente was set to play Aliso Niguel on Feb. 12. Results were not avail-able at press time.

WRESTLING REACHES CIF DUAL QUARTERFINALS

The San Clemente wrestling team did not receive a seed in last weekend’s CIF-SS Dual Meet Championships, but went on to advance to the tournament’s quarterfi nals.

The Tritons defeated No. 5 Pioneer Valley 41-31 in the fi rst round before los-ing to Martin Luther King Jr. 45-30 in the quarterfi nals.

eb. 5 marked the fi rst day that high school student-athletes from certain sports could sign their National

Letter of Intent, indicating their college of choice. At San Clemente High School, 19 students joined friends, fellow students, family and staff in a celebration of their academic and athletic achievements.

For the Tritons who committed, the day served as a launching point as they continue on to the next level.

The San Clemente soccer programs had eight student-athletes commit during the year and two of those players, Nikki Faris and Natalie Higgins, have been linked together since they were fi ve years old.

The two seniors took to the pitch on the same youth team, the Purple Stars, as youngsters and now they will both play for Oregon State University in the fall. Higgins and Faris, two standouts on the perennial playoff contending Tritons, were heavily recruited as sophomores and both of them committed at the end of their

SC Athletes Off to the Next Level

F

By Steve BreazealeSan Clemente Times

Tritons student-athletes acknowledge their parents in the crowd during the San Clemente High School signing day ceremony on Feb. 5. Photo by Steve Breazeale

San Clemente High School seniors celebrate on National Letter of Intent signing day. Photo by Steve Breazeale

second year of high school.“It’s a dream come true, I love playing

with Nikki. We are on the same club team and we get to go to college together,” Higgins said. “We both signed at the end of sophomore year and we’ve been waiting for this day to happen and it’s fi nally here.”

“You couldn’t dream for anything better, going to college with your best friend. It’s exciting,” Faris added.

Senior tight end Jason Wright was re-cruited by both Villanova and Stony Brook University to play football, but the senior ultimately decided on Stony Brook. Wright found the program’s offensive schemes were a better fi t for his playing style as a mobile, versatile tight end.

“I really love the coaching staff and their offense is perfect for tight ends. Their tight ends do everything for their

team. The tight ends come in motion, run routes and do everything so I felt like it was a perfect fi t for me,” Wright said.

Wright plans to major in psychology and minor in music technology, an area of study that made the school more entic-ing to him. Wright plays drums for his hard rock and metal band, Industria, and produces his own music on a computer program at home.

Here is a list of all the San Clemente High School student athletes, categorized by sport, who took part in the National Letter of Intent Signing Day event.

SOCCER Natalie Higgins (Oregon State), Nikki Faris (Oregon State), Katie Milberger (Baylor), Audrey Block (Cal State University, Northridge), Allyson Lynn (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo), Dylan Struthers (Navy), Alec Cuck (Sonoma State University) and Trent Shaw (West-mont).

FOOTBALL Jason Wright (Stony Brook University) and Blake Gonzalez (Boise State University).

LACROSSE Peyton Garrett (High Point University) and Austin Streeter (Bellarm-ine University).

TRACK AND FIELD Jessica Erickson (Westmont) and Kelsey Benoit (University of Texas, San Antonio).

WATER POLO Brigette Kimbrough (San Diego State University).

CROSS COUNTRY Melissa Eisele (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo).

DIVING Makena Chamoures (San Diego State University).

CHEER Mikail Tudor (Arizona State University). SC

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITYSC SURF

6SCSan Clemente


SURF FORECASTWater Temperature: 59-61 degrees FWater Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’+ FairImmediate: Modest west-northwest to northwest swell mix continues through the day. Look for mainly 2-3’ surf to show for the better winter exposures, while select magnets produce occasional slightly larger waves/peaks to chest high. Light/variable to light offshore flow prevails through the morning under overcast skies, giving way to a light+ westerly sea-breeze through the afternoon. Size holds fairly steady on Friday, with generally favorable conditions continuing in the morning, before a westerly sea-breeze develops in the afternoon. Long Range Outlook: A reinforcing new north-west swell shows through the weekend, as old west-northwest swell mix fades out. Expect size to pick up a notch late Saturday into Sunday. Winds look to remain favorable for the mornings, before onshore flow develops each afternoon. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

RESULTSSurfing America Prime, Event No. 5, February 8-9, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles

BOYS U18: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente, 16.20; 2. Jake Davis, Capistrano Beach, 13.00; 3. Kirk Weissinger, Huntington Beach, 10.20; 4. Jason Belgau San Diego, 5.60. GIRLS U18: 1. Steffi Kerson, Thousand Oaks, 13.93; 2. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa, 11.10; 3. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente, 9.23; 4. Ashley Held, Santa Cruz, 6.06. BOYS U16: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente, 9.17; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente, 9.00; 3. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach, 8.46; 4. John Mel, Newport Beach, 8.30. GIRLS U16: 1. Autumn Hays, Santa Cruz, 9.66; 2. Kirra Pinker-ton, San Clemente, 9.06; 3. Juli Hernandez, Costa Mesa, 4.60; 4. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa, 3.96. BOYS U14: 1. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 16.94; 2. Tommy McKeown, Oxnard, 9.67; 3. Tyler Gunter, Newport Beach, 6.62; 4. John West, Huntington Beach, 6.50.

NSSA Open, Event No. 7, February 1-2, Dana Point, Salt Creek

MEN: 1. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente, 14.33; 2. Micky Clarke, Ventura, 7.83; 3. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach, 5.73; 4. Conner Dand, San Clemente, 4.23. JUNIORS: 1. Jake Marshall, Encinitas, 12.33; 2. John Mel, Newport Beach, 8.63; 3. Jordan Collins, Carlsbad, 8.43; 4. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente, 7.64. BOYS: 1. Noah Hill, Malibu, 9.33; 2. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 8.77; 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente, 8.27; 4. Taro Watanabe, Malibu, 5.84. MINI GROMS: 1. Levi Slawson, Encinita,s 9.43; 2. Jett Schilling, San Clemente, 8.66; 3. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente, 6.57; 4. Connor Marshall, Encinitas, 3.30. WOMEN: 1. Tia Blanco, San Clemente, 11.33; 2. Steffi Kerson, Thousand Oaks, 7.57; 3. Samantha Lamirand, Cardiff, 7.47; 4. Moana Jones, Hawaii, 6.47. GIRLS: 1. Moana Jones, Hawaii, 6.00; 2. Sydney Tisdel, Carlsbad, 4.06; 3. Kailani Jones, Hawaii, 3.04; 4. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad, 1.87.

UPCOMING EVENTSFebruary 15-16: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier March 1-2: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty March 1-2: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Ventura, C Street March 22: SSS, OC Middle School and High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street March 22-23: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and 10, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty March 29-30: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach March 29-30: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach April 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty April 26-27: NSSA Open, Event No. 10, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles May 10-11: WSA West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 15-18: NSSA West Coast Championships, Huntington Beach, Pier May 31-June 1: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Oceanside, Harbor North Jetty (New date) June 13-15: Surfing America USA Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach June 17-21: Surfing America USA Championships, San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles

By Andrea SwayneSan Clemente Times

ravery. That, along with massive amounts of training and skill, is a major component in the constitution

of a big wave surfer. To take on tower-ing slabs of water in the open ocean atop nothing but a piece of foam and fiberglass is bold to say the least. But to paddle back out after surviving a near-drowning is courageous, for both the physical act and conquering of fear.

In December 2012, 100 miles off the Southern California coast at Cortes Bank, professional big wave surfer Greg Long was pulled from the water unconscious af-ter a three-wave hold down in 30-foot surf nearly cost him his life. He was airlifted—battered, bruised and traumatized—to San Diego where he spent a day in the hospital before returning home to San Clemente.

“Three rescue skis operated by D.K. Walsh, Jon Walla and Frank Quirarte were tracking me following the initial wipeout. I was quickly located, floating face down alongside my surfboard … they pulled me onto the rescue sled,” Long said, a few days after the incident. “I began regaining consciousness during the ride back to the support boat. Humbly, I express my deep-est gratitude to the team of rescuers and fellow surfers whose training and precise response contributed to saving my life.”

One of the most well-trained and highly decorated big wave surfers in the world—from numerous Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards to winning the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau in 2009—Long embarked on a year of surfing and soul searching. At times he questioned whether he even wanted to continue his

B

Conquering Cortes

Age: 13, Connections Academy

Noah Hohenester is the No. 1 ranked surfer in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour Boys U14 Shortboard division and has surfed in a few Surfing America Prime events this season. Noah also competes in the Scholastic Surf Series as a member of the Bernice Ayer Middle School team where he is the No. 4 rated surfer in Boys Shortboard. Noah is an eighth-grade independent study student homeschooling through Connections Acade-my. He is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student focused on preparing for college where he hopes to study marine biology or something else ocean related. Noah enjoys studying math—although he finds it difficult—art and loves that his physical education credit is earned through

surfing. “I’d love to make the World Tour but I realize that it will be very difficult,” he said. “I want it bad, but my whole life isn’t depending on it. There are a lot of other things in life, like school and other sports. I really just want to keep having fun surfing and see how far I can go.” Surf travel is something he hopes to continue throughout his life, a dream reinforced by his trip to Nicaragua last year. “There were really good waves and the nature and culture was fun to explore. I really want to go back.” Noah credits his parents with playing a huge part in his success. “My parents are super supportive and back me up in everything I do,” he said. “I really appreciate their help with surfing, school and making the right decisions.”—Andrea Swayne

GROM OF THE WEEK NOAH HOHENESTER

Noah Hohenester. Photo by Joe Hohenester

Big wave surfer Greg Long returns to Cortes Bank just over a year after near-drowning

dream career. He got right back out there chasing giants all over the world—except Cortes Bank.

His most recent competition was the Body Glove Mavericks Invitational at Half Moon Bay on Jan. 24. Grant “Twiggy” Baker of South Africa took home the win. Long made the finals and is ranked No. 6 of 54 ranked surfers in the XPRESHON Big Wave World Tour.

“That week was one of the most hectic of my life. While getting ready and focusing for the Mavericks event I was also logisti-cally and mentally preparing to go back to Cortes Bank,” Long said. “I was exhausted before the contest even began so I was happy just to make the finals ... I couldn’t have been more stoked to see Twiggy win. He’s one of my best friends, the most focused and determined big wave surfer in the world right now and deserved to win more than anybody that day.”

The next day Long returned to Cortes Bank, ready for what he has since deemed the most memorable session of his life.

“I got to surf alone for eight hours in the most immaculate of conditions,” Long said. “It wasn’t the biggest day ever by a long shot, but paddling back out there was one of the greatest mental challenges I have ever faced and an experience I will remember forever.”

Footage from Long’s return to Cortes

Bank will be included in a three-episode “World of X Games” series following big wave surfers Long, Baker, Mark Healey, Shane Dorian and Ryan Hipwood on a six-month-long worldwide search for big waves. The series, titled “Hell and High Water” by TAUBLIEB Films and ESPN, is set to air in November on ABC. SC

Greg Long, conquering doubt and fear, returned to Cortes Bank on January 25, just a year after nearly drowning under a three-wave hold down. Photo by Frank Quirarte

february 13, 2014

Documents

em e n t e s

n u s efebruary

san clementes new general

n e w s y o u c

h ot t e s t

mayor sam allevato

allevato refuted byrnes

city staff members