August 11, 2016

EYE ON SC

on the I-5

continues, as seen on Wednesday morning from

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

I-5 Pico, Other Areas of Construction Continue

THE LATEST: Progress is continuing on the Avenida Pico widening, and next week some significant on- and off-ramp closures will take place.

“Construction on the Avenida Pico segment,(which will start the) traffic switch, marks a significant milestone that will, for the first time, transition southbound traffic onto the new I-5 bridge over Avenida Pico,” said Eric Carpenter, public information officer for the Orange County Transportation Authority. “The switch will require significant lane reductions southbound on the I-5 freeway between 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 and noon Saturday, Aug. 20. The southbound lane reductions will be between Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Palizada—a segment that totals just under one mile.”

New pavement will be put together in the area during that time.

“Right now there are four lanes of southbound traffic in that segment. Beginning at 10 p.m. on Aug. 19, traffic will be reduced to one lane,” Carpenter said. “This will allow sufficient room for crews to work in a tight space, while ensuring the safety of work crews and motorists traveling through the segment.”

The schedule calls for two lanes of traf-

fic to open on the new segment of freeway at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. Work is scheduled to be completed by noon on Aug. 20, at which time southbound traffic is scheduled to reopen to four lanes on the newly constructed bridge.

Carpenter said the benefits from this project are enhancing safety by creating “less of a curve on the freeway.”

He also said the switching of lanes is a “major milestone” for the project.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the 14-hour construction period (10 p.m. to noon) the following ramps will be closed: southbound on-ramps at Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico, southbound off-ramps at Avenida Pico and Avenida Palizada.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area during the 14-hour construction period if possible and to expect traffic delays,” Carpenter said.

The I-5 South Improvement Project is scheduled to be finished by early 2018.

FIND OUT MORE: More information on the project can be found at www.octa.net/ i5south. —Eric Heinz

Ride-Share Program Coming This Fall

THE LATEST: During the Aug. 2 City Council meeting, Council members approved a measure to accept funding for a ride-share program that is intended to fill the need for passengers who will be affected by the discontinuance of Orange County Transportation Authority bus routes 191 and 193, which run through San Clemente. The routes are expected to be cut on Oct. 9.

Councilman Tim Brown brought the idea to Council earlier this summer, after seeing similar programs in larger cities that use

the services for personal transportation. Think of the project as a public Uber or Lyft, the popular ride-sharing applications.

The way it works is people will be able to use an app on their phones to alert a driver who will take passengers to various stops along a proposed route.

“We have two years of funding and we have to have a cooperative agreement in place with OCTA,” Tom Frank, city Transportation Engineer Manager, said. “We’re likely going to publish a request for proposal and go out to multiple providers so we can address the different issues, such as people with disabilities.”

Frank said the number of vehicles running the routes will depend upon how many people utilize the service.

“Whomever is going to provide the service will be coordinating closely with us to get a pool of applicable drivers,” Frank said.

Frank said the city’s goal is to have at least six riders per hour (72 per day) between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for the first year of service. After that, the goal will be to get 10 riders per hour (120 per day). Those numbers are a little lower than the current ridership on the OCTA buses.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city has not contracted the service yet and no route has been planned, but Frank said the service will stop at most of the existing bus routes. Additionally, the city will try to get the service operational by the time the bus routes stop, but it’s going to be close.

“It’s a pretty lofty goal because there hasn’t really been a program like this in the nation,” Frank said. “We’re just trying to see if we can get the agreements in place to make it happen. So far, the companies we’ve talked to sound like they’re pretty motivated. They said they can act quickly on their side. So from my perspective, the biggest challenge is to see if we can get the legal agreements in place by the deadlines.” —EH

City Election Update

THE LATEST: Another person interested in running for City Council has pulled nomination papers as of Wednesday, Aug. 10. David Shahoian joins current Mayor Bob Baker, Dan Bane, Pamela Joy Glass, current City Councilman Chris Hamm and Steve Swartz.

Former City Councilman and current member of the Planning Commission, Wayne Eggleston, pulled nomination papers but decided not to file, citing in an email that he wants to continue his work on the Miramar.

“Thanks to all who urged me to run in 2016,” Eggleston said in the email on Wednesday morning.

Mark Taylor has pulled nomination papers for City Treasurer and Joanne Baade

has pulled nomination papers and has been certified to be on the ballot for the position of City Clerk.

WHAT’S NEXT: The deadline to pull and file nomination papers is 5 p.m. Aug. 12. If no incumbents run for clerk or treasurer, then the deadline is extended to 5 p.m. Aug. 17. —EH

Emergency Shelter Rules

Repealed

THE LATEST: The city of San Clemente repealed its current emergency shelter ordinance and will establish new zones for an emergency shelter. The move comes after a judge determined in a lawsuit that the city’s current emergency shelter plans are out of compliance with Senate Bill 2, which requires governments to establish adequate and accessible zoning areas for shelters.

The lawsuit was filed by Emergency Shelter Coalition in Orange County. The crux of the issue is that the emergency shelters could, and likely would,º be used for homeless shelters. In San Clemente, officials have identified at least 70 people who are chronically homeless, but more do come in on a daily basis. Because the city had only designated its own surplus land and not any areas where private land could be used for a shelter, it was only the city that could determine where a shelter could possibly go, and the judge found that to be out of compliance with the intention of the bill.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city must come into compliance with the lawsuit, which was decided upon July 1, within 120 days. Within that time, a new emergency shelter zoning ordinance must be adopted by the city. —EH

Mosquito Carrying West Nile Virus Identified in San Clemente

THE LATEST: A mosquito that has contracted West Nile Virus was recently identified in San Clemente, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The OCMVCD stated this was the first case of West Nile found in San Clemente this year, but on Aug. 5, officials reported the number of adult mosquitos that tested positive for the disease more than doubled in a week.

WHAT’S NEXT: To learn more about how to keep safe from the disease and to follow any West Nile Virus activating in the county, visit www.ocvector.org. —Staff

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY STAFF

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, August 9

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE

Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (5:40 a.m.) Police were called to a man who was seen “Dumpster diving.”

Monday, August 8

DRUNK DRIVING Camino Vera Cruz/Avenida Vista Hermosa (11:15 p.m.) Police were called to reports of female teens in a white Jeep.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Montalvo, 200 Block (8:42 p.m.) The caller said they could hear a female child crying for the last 30 minutes at the location.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Estacion, 1900 Block (8:03 p.m.) People were seen loitering and drinking at a fire pit north of the lifeguard tower.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Talega, 800 Block (9:44 p.m.) Police were called to about 20 people near six vehicles being loud in the area.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida Presidio/ El Camino Real (7:49 p.m.) Police were called to the intersection to inspect a call regarding indecent exposure.

ABANDONED VEHICLE Avenida Palizada, 200 Block (5:40 p.m.) A white Cadillac Escalade had been parked at the location for two weeks.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle Ola Verde, 2100 Block (2:49 p.m.) A loud party was reported with underage drinking.

Sunday, August 7

DISTURBANCE Calle Frontera, 2600 Block (9:26 a.m.) Someone was retraining a person outside of a church. The caller said they are possibly on drugs.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Calle Frontera, 2900 Block (3:18 a.m.) The caller said they were dropped off by an Uber driver at the wrong address.

NARCOTIC VIOLATION S. El Camino Real/ Avenida Valencia (12:03 a.m.) Police searched a vehicle and found metham-

phetamine, Xanax, marijuana and other medication. The subjects were cited and released at the scene for all violations.

Saturday, August 6

DISTURBANCE Calle Puente, 1100 Block (7:48 p.m.) People were seen drinking beer in the pavilion.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Calafia, 200 Block (4:41 p.m.)

A man was approaching people in the park, asking to borrow a cell phone.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS El Camino Real, 3900 Block (4:10 p.m.) Someone threw a rock at the caller’s front windshield.

TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Avenida Presidio, 100 Block (12:50 p.m.) Police were called to take a report about someone receiving obscene telephone calls.

DISTURBANCE Paseo De La Serenata, 100 Block (9:03 a.m.) A person described as “transient” was in the caller’s backyard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Pico/El Camino real (6:21 a.m.)

A man was jumping in front of cars.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 200 Block (2:31 a.m.) The caller’s friend was drunk and trying to walk back to his car.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Rosa/El Camino Real (1:38 a.m.) Juveniles were heard yelling and throwing bottles.

DISTURBANCE Calle Puente, 1100 Block (1:23 a.m.) People were heard being loud near the restrooms.

Friday, August 5

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 3900 Block (11:10 p.m.) A woman was running around the area holding a baby.

DISTURBANCE Camino Vera Crus, Costa (10:03 p.m.) Juveniles were throwing hard-boiled eggs at passing vehicles.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Mar/Ola Vista (9:07 p.m.) Juveniles were seen walking to the beach, and the caller heard “cussing and were being loud and carrying beer to the beach.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Pico, 100 Block (5:46 p.m.) Someone was defecating in public.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Avenida Del Mar, 100 Block (5:13 p.m.) The caller reported $40 worth of lotion was stolen the week prior.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

El Camino Real, 300 Block (1:47 p.m.)

Police conducted a search for three people described as “homeless” in the alley between Farmers Insurance and the keyhole

parking structure. The caller said they were “smoking from pipes.”

STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Abril, 4000 Block (1:45 p.m.) The caller said his ex-roommate refused to return his vehicle.

DISTURBANCE Calle La Quinta, 3800 Block (9:02 a.m.) A woman said a man twisted her arm because she is not doing her job right.

DISTURBANCE Coronado Lane, 100 Block (8:21 a.m.) A man said a woman broke through the bathroom screen window and spent the night at the location.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Cabrillo, 100 Block (6:17 a.m.) At Nomads Hotel, a woman described in her mid-40 with brunette hair entered a room without permission and was found asleep in it that morning. The woman was heard yelling in the background while the caller spoke with police on the telephone. During the call, the woman began running toward Avenida Del Mar.

DISTURBANCE Camino Mira Costa/Calle Guaymas (2:37 a.m.) A man was shouting profanities “into the air.”

Thursday, August 4

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

0 Block, Calle De La Luna (4:18 p.m.) People jumped on the roof and into the balcony.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-INJURIES UNKNOWN

Camino San Clemente/Via Socorro (2:10 p.m.) A woman crashed into a garage. The caller said she may have been drunk.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Vista Hermosa, 200 Block (4:12 a.m.) The caller said he heard his neighbor’s voices through his phone.

Wednesday, August 3

DISTURBANCE

Paseo De Cristobal, 300 Block (10:27 p.m.)

Several juveniles were throwing rocks at the street light and revving the engine of their vehicles.

DISTURBANCE S. El Camino Real/Avenida San Gabriel (9 p.m.) The suspect was in possession of a shopping cart and was cited.

9-1-1 HANGUP

El Portal, 100 Block (7:39 p.m.)

A 23-year-old man was arrested for battery and misdemeanor assault. He is currently in custody at the Theo Lacy Facility with no reported bail set.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Pico, 900 Block (12:30 p.m.)

A person was asking people for money and following them out to their cars, refusing to take “no” for an answer and making them “uncomfortable.”

Community Meetings

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

FAM Second Saturday

9-11 a.m. USDA food items and clothing are available during the event. 1030 Calle Negocio. San Clemente. 949.492.8477. www.family-assistance.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

San Clemente Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

Monday Nighters Car Group

6-8 p.m. Every Monday night. People can bring their classic cars to Panera Bread at the Outlets at San Clemente. The event takes place until October. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, jkarennew1@hotmail.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

Sunrise Rotary

7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega, www.scsunriserotary.com.

BILY Meeting

7 p.m.-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida De La Estrella, www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

San Clemente Rotary

Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.233.7981, www.sanclementerotary.org.

San Clemente Toastmasters

7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 805.794.0653, www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

NEWS BITES

ERIC HEINZ

BY

COMPILED

San Clemente Artist selected for National Art Exhibition

Rick Delanty of San Clemente recently had one of his works of art selected by the American Impressionist Society for its 17th Annual National Juried Exhibition. “The Seawall” is the title of Delanty’s painting. He is a signature member of the society and has been juried into the annual show three times. There were 1,349 total entries submitted and 140 were selected. The accepted paintings will be on view at the Howard/Mandville Gallery near Seattle, Washington, between Sept. 29 and Oct. 30. More information about the event may be found at www.americanimpressionistsociety.org. Delanty’s work, including the accepted painting, may be viewed at www.delantyfineart.com.

Voting for the 2016 SUP Awards Begins

Voting for the 2016 SUP Awards is now open at www.supawards.com and will continue through the end of August. The SUP Awards, now in its sixth year, are standup paddling’s highest honor, recognizing the absolute best athletes, videos and accomplishments the sport has to offer each year.

The SUP Magazine editorial staff collected input and nominations from nearly 50 top industry insiders to determine the final nominees. Now it¹s up to the public to rank SUP’s top three male and female paddlers and determine “Movie of the Year” and “Top Expedition.” There are prize incentives just for voting from sponsors including Tommy Bahama, GoPro, Kona Deep and California State Parks. Honorees

States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy. The event is free and open to all students in grades nine through 12 who are interested in applying to one of the five Military Service Academies and learning more about the application process. Send your RSVP to Sunana Batra at sunana.batra@mail. house.gov or call 760.599.5000.

Limited Seats Left for Ohana Luau

This year marks the debut of Ohana Fest, a two-day music festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, featuring performances by Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, Band Of Horses and more. The festival will take palce Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28.

blood.org or calling 1.800.733.2767. To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.

Ocean Festival T-Shirts Still Available at The Post Stop

If you missed your chance to pick up your annual San Clemente Ocean Festival T-shirt, there are still some white and navy T-shirts, small to extra-large available. The Post Stop in the Krikorian Theater Plaza, 647 Camino De Las Mares No. 108, will be selling them until Labor Day weekend. Quantities are limited, and no more shirts will be ordered. More information can be found at www.oceanfestival.org.

will be awarded at the SUP Awards show presented by Tommy Bahama, Sept. 28. at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, Calif. Follow SUP magazine on Facebook and Twitter @SUPthemag for updates on SUP Awards voting. Use the hash tag #SUPAwards to start the conversation. Go to www.supthemag.com to vote.

San Clemente Village Needs Volunteers

San Clemente Village is a new nonprofit that is preparing to launch a membershipbased program in September designed to keep senior citizens independent and living in their homes for as long as possible.

San Clemente Village organizers said they intend to provide prescreened volunteers and service providers who will help with transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, and errands, simple home maintenance and basic tech problems with electronics, yard care and assistance with pets, referrals to pre-screened and vetted local businesses, social activities such as field trips, shared interest groups, workshops and lectures.

People who are interested in being a volunteer may contact San Clemente Villages at 949.441.1348 or by email at info@ scvillage.org. For more information visit www.scvillage.org.

Rep. Darrell Issa to Host Military Service Academy Night at Outlets

Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) will host a Military Service Academy Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11 in the Community Room at the Outlets at San Clemente, located at 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Presentations will be made by all five Military Service academies: the United

The night prior to the event, Friday, Aug. 26, Eddie Vedder and Kelly Slater will host The Ohana Luau, a kick-off celebration at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point. The event will be hosted by “The Roast Master” himself Jeff Ross, alongside Eddie Vedder, Kelly Slater and friends. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The San Onofre Parks Foundation, a California nonprofit that cooperatively works with California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the recreation and experience of California’s unique and beautiful coastal parks.

Ohana music festival admission and tickets for The Ohana Luau charity gala can be found at www.luau.theohanafest.com.

The intimate event will be capped at 500 attendees.

Funds will support maintaining coastal access at South Orange County state beaches.www.sanonofreparksfoundation.org.

Blood Drives in San Clemente

The American Red Cross is urging blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome what it is calling “a critical summer blood shortage.”

“The summer months are among the most challenging times of years to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs,” Red Cross officials stated in a press release. “Many regular donors delay giving while they take vacation and participate in summer activities.”

Aug. 19: 12:30-6:30 p.m., San Clemente Community Center, 100 N Calle Seville

Aug. 26: 12:30- 6:30 p.m., San Clemente Community Center, 100 N Calle Seville

Aug. 28: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 105 La Esperanza

Aug. 30: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Seacrest Apartments, 240 Avenida Vista Montana People can schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross-

Longtime RSVP Member Honored for Lifetime Achievement

San Clemente Jim Lusk was honored for his 30 years of service to the San Clemente Retired Senior Volunteer Program during the 5th Annual Presidential “Lifetime Achievement” Awards Luncheon held at the Radisson Hotel Newport Beach. The event showcased approximately 125 retired and senior volunteers who received the prestigious “Call to Service Award,” recognizing those who have served 4,000 or more hours. Volunteers with 10, 15 or 20 years or more of service to their community were also honored.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com by 7 p.m. on Monday for possible inclusion in that week’s edition.

www.sanclementetimes.com

Start Your Engines

La Pata connection to open Sunday, ribbon cutting Saturday

BY ERIC

an Clemente and San Juan Capistrano’s silk road is set to open at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14.

La Pata has been a dream for local residents for many years who sought quicker access between the communities and better distribution of traffic in the area.

Tom Frank, the city of San Clemente Transportation Engineer Manager, said the road has been in the city’s General Plan for more than 20 years. Frank said the road will have numerous benefits beside traffic control, including routes for emergency medical teams and as well as provide or an additional evacuation route. San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), about two miles south of San Clemente, has made some residents want an alternate route should anything go wrong.

Environmental studies on the area began in 2009 and ended in 2011. The road is about 2.3 miles and was extended 1.8 miles to connect the two cities.

La Pata, starting from San Clemente and traveling north, has a pedestrian bridge people can utilize. Two other bridges are crossings for landfill operations, which look like culverts but are actually meant for garbage trucks that run under the road to the Prima Deshecha Landfill. The garbage trucks will only come from San Clemente, Frank said.

Construction of the road began in 2014, and the first phase is all but complete.

Phases Two and Three

The next phase in the project is to complete the La Pata widening on the San Juan Capistrano side of the project.

Two additional lanes will be installed at the north and southbound La Pata entrances near San Juan Hills High School.

Phase three will include roundabouts for Camino Del Rio in San Clemente, where La Pata will feed into a portion of the way north from Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Frank said the city has completed the design stage and is working to get the project out to bid to contractors this fall.

“The county said the Camino Del Rio connection completion is around April,” Frank said.

The cost for the roundabouts is $1 million.

“We’re resurfacing the entire city portion of Camino Del Rio,” Frank said. “The intersection improvements will help manage the traffic, especially near that greenbelt where there’s a lot of pedestrian traffic.”

Near Avenida Sarmetosa and Del Rio is Bernice Ayer Middle School in a largely

residential neighborhood.

“We’re going to stripe (Del Rio) as a three-lane roadway, with one travel lane going down from La Pata to the existing Del Rio with two lanes going up,” Frank said, adding that the improvements should calm traffic noise.

“A lot of San Clemente residents will likely use La Pata rather than I-5 north,” he said.

Local Officials ‘Thrilled’

San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker said he is eager to see the traffic benefits for the residents of San Clemente as well as neighboring citizens.

“I think it’s going to be a terrific traffic reducer, and now for all the folks who live in Rancho Santa Margarita and Forester and Talega, if they want to go to Mission they have to go south and then north,” Baker said. “La Pata will make the trip much easier for them, and it’ll be great for everyone.”

Like most major projects, it takes time to complete something of such a grand scale.

“The bottom line on this is funding, and we cobbled together county funding with different sources from some assistance from the city and taking money promised in the future and spending it now,” Baker said.

In the end, Baker said the establishment of the route is a positive addition to the area.

“I am absolutely thrilled that this project is coming to fruition, and we’re going to have this route,” Baker said. “It’s going to be a tremendous time-saver for people. We all spend plenty of time in our vehicles in Southern California, and this will be good for everybody.”

County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett said the completion of this project should have major benefits not only for local commutes but also for emergency medical service providers.

Frank said county officials have been speaking with local EMS personnel.

“The opening of La Pata with the gap closure is really significant for the county because it improves regional mobility in that entire area,” Bartlett said. “We’re in gridlock most of the time in our major arterial routes, and we’ve only got the I-5. So this will provide for a redundant route and allow for the residents to choose an option for traveling around South Orange County.”

Bartlett said the opening of the Avenida La Pata connection will help emergency medical personnel get to residents and Mission Hospital.

“I think common sense will show that having that gap open will increase mobility and routes and options for first responders,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett said although obtaining funding can delay projects, some unforeseen circumstances did arise in the process of

By the Numbers:

Below is a list of funding sources of the La Pata Extension Project and their amounts, provided by Orange County Public Works. The funding sources are for all three phases of the La Pata Extension Project combined.

Measure M and Proposition 1B: $28.4 million

OC Public Works Road Fund (Gas Tax): $28.3 million

Ladera Community Facilities Districts: $25.9 million

Rancho Mission Viejo: $25 million

La Pata Fee Program: $9.8 million

OC Waste & Recycling: $9.1 million

Total: $126.5 million

The expected average daily traffic is 20,000 vehicles when the roadway opens and 31,000 vehicles in year 2035. Additional lighting will be near the Camino Del Rio intersection and on the on and off ramps to the Prima Deshecha Landfill.

If you go: A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place in the middle of Avenida La Pata from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. There will be vendors and classic cars on display during the celebration. Avenida La Pata will open for normal traffic at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14.

constructing the road.

“During the excavation period, our crews discovered fossils of ancient sea life, and those are some of the things that caused a slight delay in the project because we had to get archeological teams out there to uncover all of the artifacts,” she said.

Air quality improvement by alleviating traffic density is another benefit likely to be seen from the opening of La Pata.

Although the road should make travel easier, there isn’t much lighting after drivers make their way just past the entrances from Vista Hermosa or Ortega Highway near San Juan.

“Our Public Works Department has addressed all the issues concerning lighting, and it’s important to have adequate lighting for the ridership, but at the same time we don’t want to have light pollution for the surrounding residents,” Bartlett said. “Public safety is our primary concern on La Pata.”

In preparation for the road’s completion, the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously on June 21 to move forward with renaming La Pata Avenue in San Juan to Avenida La Pata, making it consistent with the road’s name in San Clemente. Councilman Sam Allevato volunteered to work with San Clemente’s City Council and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office on the coordinated name change effort. SC —Allison Jarrell contributed to this report.

FOR BASILONE ROAD REALIGNMENT AT MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 United States Code §§ 4321-4370h, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1500-1508, and Marine Corps Order P5090.2A, Change 3, Chapter 12, dated 26 August 2013, Environmental Compliance and Protection Manual, a Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the above named project is being prepared that identifies and evaluates the environmental effects of the Proposed Action.

The Proposed Action is to realign a segment of Basilone Road at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton to improve transportation safety. This section of Basilone Road has several tight horizontal curves and a steep grade that have contributed to an elevated number of vehicular accidents. An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared (and a Finding of No Significant Impact was signed) in 2006 to analyze the

environmental impacts associated with re-aligning the segment to improve safety. The project was not implemented and a modified road re-design has since been identified. The Proposed Action is similar to, but would have a larger impact area than, the route analyzed in the 2006 EA.

The Proposed Action would entail the construction of up to 8,864 feet (2,702 meters) of new roadway. The Proposed Action would include clearing and grubbing, demolition of existing pavements, earthwork (cut and fill), grading, drainage structures, full depth pavement (base material and asphalt concrete), curb, erosion control, hydroseeding, guardrails, signage, and pavement marking. The existing road segment would be abandoned-in-place. Further information about the Proposed Action or the NEPA process can be obtained by contacting the U.S. Marine Corps Point-of-Contact listed below. The SEA is expected to be completed in 2017.

Point-of-Contact: Mark Anderson, Basilone Road SEA Project Manager MCIWEST-MCB Camp Pendleton | Environmental Security Office Box 555200, Bldg. 22165, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055

Email: mark.w.anderson4@usmc.mil | Phone: (760) 725-9736

GUEST OPINION: by

Kathy Carchidi and Sherry Reams of San Clemente Village

Let’s Change the Experience of Aging in San Clemente

hat is the San Clemente Village (SCV)? It’s an exciting national movement that’s about friendship, freedom and community.

• Friendships formed with members and volunteers

• Freedom to remain independent and confident in your home

• Connection to our community

The purpose of the Village is twofold:

1. To provide social and educational events and programs for people 55 and over to connect and engage with other members in our community.

2. As we age, some tasks may become more challenging. To support this, SCV will utilize pre-screened volunteers and local vendors so that older adults may comfortably and safely stay in their homes as long as possible.

San Clemente Village is a membership organization, supporting the belief that we all have a choice when it comes to growing older. SCV aims to enable its members to be able to choose how and where to grow old.

How does the Village do this?

By getting to know our members’ desires and needs, SCV will develop and provide programs to enhance the wellbeing of its participants. Trained volunteers will be available to assist in basic tasks such as trips to the doctor or grocery store or simple assistance around the house (minor yard work, simple repairs, technology help, dog walking, etc.).

Social engagement at any age is important. From a member recently retired to one becoming newly single or a couple looking for a new group to join, connecting with other like-minded people for new interests and adventures is a positive, feelgood experience for all. We are never too old to learn and grow.

What makes the SCV different?

SCV is the one-stop shop that will see members through retirement and into their third chapter of life. This is done with support, connections and having fun along the way. Outings and interest groups will be created based on input from the members. The ideology is about meeting each individual’s circumstances to attain the best possible and positive quality of life result. SCV is community-based—hence

the “Village” concept. We not only keep our members connected; we keep them connected locally.

Research has shown that good health and wellbeing largely come from staying socially connected and engaged with others. Our programs meet the challenge whether you are looking to stay more actively engaged, learn a new skill, meet new friends or whether you need assistance with rides, everyday tasks or more to stay in your home. From active seniors who seek to stay that way as long as possible to those whose needs require more support at home, everyone wants to feel valued and needed, and SCV provides that with our members and volunteers. We are in the final stages of becoming a nonprofit, having dotted all our I’s and crossed all our T’s with a group of hard working, dedicated volunteers including our executive board kmembers.

The San Clemente Village is ready to celebrate its launch. The celebration will be held at the Outlets of San Clemente in the VIP Lounge from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 21. Prospective members and/or volunteers are invited to join us and enjoy refreshments, entertainment from local Mike Chamberlin and learn about the enrichments that come from participating in SCV.

Explore San Clemente Village online at www.scvillage.org. Call us at 949.441.1348 or email at susanb@scvillage.org. Join by Sept. 30 to take advantage of charter membership at discount prices. Become one of our champions and help us change the experience of aging in San Clemente. 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.

Letters to the Editor

INCUMBENTS KNOW BEST

AL CULLEN, San Clemente

Would you believe it’s that time again to make two important voting decisions that will impact our lives in either a positive or negative way?20 We currently have Bob Baker as Mayor and Chris Hamm as a sitting Council member who have made the preponderance of their Council decisions in favor of the citizens of San Clemente and not for special interest groups. There are only two choices to be made in the upcoming election—Bob and Chris are the only candidates that are urgently needed to continue the good decisionmaking and keep San Clemente as a city that we all cherish.

BOOKS HELP IN OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

TUYA PEARL, San Clemente

I related with a San Clemente Times article written by Tom Blake in “On Life and Love After 50” (July 28-Aug. 3, 2016). Tom begins his piece titled “Adversity Inspires San Clemente Woman to Write a Book” by saying, “The underlying message in my previous article—opportunity often arises from adversity—struck a chord with several readers.” I am definitely one of those readers; I am a San Clemente woman over 50 and I did just that—I wrote a book about how we can grow from adversity, and it was just published. The book, Tell Me Your Story, includes my story and many others, and it illustrates the courage it takes to open up and overcome life’s difficulties and emotional baggage. It’s not easy to talk about our wounds and losses, but often, it’s the very place where we are most human and the way we heal and inspire one another. A psychotherapist in San Clemente for the past 20 years, I opened the therapist’s door to showcase what happens in secret, share stories and tools, and illustrate the healing process.

Thank you!

RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT

CORD BAUER, San Clemente

This week’s guest will be San Clemente Chamber of Commerce board member Nancy Hunt who will speak about the upcoming San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival, which takes place on Sunday, Aug. 14. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

An unresponsive City Council is why I think we’re seeing a push for district elections in San Clemente. Increased crime, transients, drugs or even see-through beach bathrooms seem to get a tone-deaf response from the Council. Thousands of residents have joined online crime forums, have written letters and signed petitions, and yet the net result from our Council is

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

Group

City

City

ART/DESIGN

Art

ADVERTISING/MULTI-

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Real Estate Sales Manager

> Michele Reddick

OPERATIONS

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Business Manager

> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager

> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKS

Robert Miller

Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco

Debra Holm

Amanda Giannelli

Tim Trent Kyle Coughlin

Erin Hawkins

the addition of a “half deputy.”

For you conspiracy theorists, the Council meeting to bring up these concerns just prior to voting on the budget this year was canceled.

Now, the district question is coming to the residents of San Clemente, but somehow the City Council has found a way to delay the legal ballot measure. And even though their excuse is that they want to study the issue, they could do that from now until November while still allowing the vote to happen. But they want to delay a public vote by up to two years. How does that make our Council look? How about smell? Do their actions pass the smell test?

District elections and mixed elections (mainly district with an at-large mayoral election) are used in the majority of medium and large municipal governments in the United States, and that number is growing. You heard that right. The Council is delaying a ballot measure by two years to study a type of municipal government that takes place now all over the U.S. District elections have smaller voting areas, reduce the cost to get elected and help ensure every area and minority of a city is represented on the Council. Most importantly, it helps take special interest money out of elections. Voting by district happens in Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, San Jose and even San Juan Capistrano, population 36,282. Newport Beach has been voting by district since 1906.

Mayor Bob Baker said this ballot measure is “dumb,” and that he wants to “squash this.” Other Council members are more reflective but still negative. And that’s fine, but it should be up to the voters now, not the Council. Don’t stop the democratic process.

If the ballot measure is successful, the City Clerk must empanel the District Elections Task Force within 30 days. The Task Force will look at all the issues and make sure districting works for San Clemente. City Council, the district ballot measure is not about how we vote; it’s about responsive government. Right now, we don’t have one. A link to the information provided above

Thank

You to Rachael

Serceki, Our Summer Advertising Intern

As the sun sets on summer for many college students, we bid farewell to our summer advertising intern, Rachael Serceki.

Serceki, a San Clemente High School graduate, is starting her sophomore year at San Diego State University. She is majoring in journalism with an advertising emphasis and will likely minor in marketing.

Serceki said after college she wants to work for an advertising agency and possibly abroad.

When not at school, you might see her

can be found at www.nlc.org/build-skillsand-networks/resources/cities-101/cityofficials/municipal-elections.

MARINE FUNDRAISERS

WAYNE EGGLESTON, San Clemente

Dear Marine Corps Friends and Families, The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation, founded in 1995, is a non-profit 501(c)(3). We built and currently maintain The Marine Monument, Park Semper Fi, located in San Clemente.

We have two adopted Marine Corps units: 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (The Magnificent Bastards) and HMLA 469 (Vengeance), Camp Pendleton. Both units are on deployment. Both units total approximately 2,000 Marines and Sailors. We support both units by all types of family assistant programs, welcome home barbecues, Christmas parties and Fourth of July fireworks potlucks at Park Semper Fi, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Pier. We also fund activities for their families when they are on deployments.

We are raising funds for their “Welcome Home” celebrations in October and November. Funds will be used for barbeques, food, prizes and children’s gifts.

These celebrations mean so very much to them by showing them that their neighboring community cares for them and wishes to show their appreciation for their sacrifices to our country.

We will be most appreciative for your support and will thank you for your contributions. As a non-profit 501(c)(3), your contribution is tax deductible.

Please visit our GoFundMe page to donate and share on Facebook and Twitter: www.gofundme.com/2vgz93vd

If you haven’t already, please like our Facebook page: facebook.com/ marinemonument, and visit our website: www.marinemonument.com.

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

working at Peet’s in Talega. She’s an awesome barista!

“Rachel is very creative and great with clients,” said Susie Lantz, advertising manager of the San Clemente Times, who mentored Serceki throughout the summer. “We hope she will come back to help this winter during our Best of San Clemente Ole Awards.”

What Serceki said she liked about her internship included learning how to work with our clients to create ads and learning the importance of advertising for the local business community.

For info regarding Picket Fence Media’s advertising internships, please contact Susie Lantz at slantz@sanclementetimes.com. SC

GETTING OUT SC

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

Thursday | 11

OCEAN INSTITUTE FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT: ANIMAL ADVENTURES

6-8 p.m. The final Family Night features a live animal presentation from Terri Hernandez of Adventures in Science. $10 per person, $35 for a family four-pack. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

POUL PEDERSEN

7-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

SUMMER NIGHTS JAZZ SERIES AT THE CASINO

7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available for the Aug. 11 showing in the Summer Night series. Jazz vocalist extraordinaire Elizabeth Lamers performs a tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. www.thecasinosanclemente.com.

Friday | 12

CASA ROMANTICA SEASON PREVIEW

7 p.m. Executive Director Berenika Schmitz and the Casa Romantica team will unveil the 2016-2017 Casa Captivating Season. An opening wine and cheese reception will be followed by a special preview performance by virtuoso violinist Aya Kiyonaga. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

BALLROOM BASH COMMUNITY DANCE

7:15 p.m. The night starts with a short Foxtrot lesson, followed by food, friendship and fun. After the lesson, people can dance to Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba and Salsa music. $10 admission. It’s for couples and singles 18 and older. Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, 32202 Del Obispo. 949.498.0233. www.ballroombash.com.

Saturday | 13

KIDS SAFETY DAY

9:30 a.m.-Noon. The seminar will cover children’s safety basics and feature six interactive safety stations. Kids are invited to jump into the Life Time pool with a lifeguard to learn key water safety tips at the swim safety station and participate in a

EDITOR’S PICK

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17:

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION SUMMER LECTURE SERIES

8 p.m. Sherri Sullivan, Camp Pendleton Wildlife Biologist, speaks on “Bison, Beaver, Bobcats and Beyond,” exploring the diverse wildlife that resides within the vast reaches of the San Onofre zone. The San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Summer Lecture Series will feature special presentations throughout the summer. www.SanOnofreParksFoundation.org. Coming up on Sept. 21, Steve Pezman, founder, publisher and editor of The Surfer’s Journal, brings his captivating storyteller skills to “Surfing USA,” which explores the San Onofre influence on surf culture. For more information, visit www.SanOnofreParksFoundation.org.

The San Clemente Times is a sponsor of the San Onofre Parks Foundation Summer Lecture Series. 3030 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. www.SanOnofreParksFoundation.org.

helmet fitting while learning about proper safety and bike maintenance at the bike safety stations. The event is free. Life Time Athletic Laguna Niguel. 25600 Rancho Niguel Road. 949.238.2700. www.lifetimefitness.com.

FESTIVAL OF ARTS FASHION SHOW

1-4 p.m. Festival of Arts exhibiting artists compete for cash prizes by designing the most imaginative “found” design where at least 80 percent of materials used are reclaimed, reused or recycled. A panel of judges chooses the winning looks, while the crowd gets to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice Award.” Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 800.487.3378. www.foapom.com.

Sunday | 14

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

12:30 p.m. Motivational speaker, entrepreneur and community leader, Jeffon Seely, a 30-something visionary from Atlanta, Georgia, will speak during the Sunday service during his workshop “Unlock Your Greatness.” Cost to attend is donation-based. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to gain a step-by-step understanding of how to accomplish their goals. Center for Spiritual Living, Capistrano Valley. 949.240.6463. www.cslcv.org.

SO CAL BOOT CAMP SUMMER MIXER

3 p.m. Meet bootcamp buddies for mingling,

or hanging out at the beach. Boneyard Beach Café, Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S

8 p.m. Karaoke every Sunday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400.

Monday | 15

BUCCANEER ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP

9 a.m.-4 p.m. The weeklong summer camp begins for children age 7-8. The buccaneers will explore the seas and learn how to sail. There will be hands on activities, including crafts, rowing, story telling, treasure hunts and more. The price for the summer camp is $350, for members $265. Register online at www.ocean-institute.org or call 949.496.2274 for more information. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

BRIDGE AT THE SENIOR CENTER

1 p.m. If you are an intermediate-level player, join the San Clemente Senior Center. The game is play party/social bridge; partners change every sixth hand. People can sign up in the office or just show up. Come five to 10 minutes early to claim a seat. Monday and Thursday at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.940.5702. www.san-clemente.org.

(Cont. on page 16)

‘Suicide Squad’ Box-Office Death

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

After nearly a decade of Marvel’s cinematic universe breaking through to mega success, the superhero hype has been dying down a lot the past couple of years. Warner Bros. and DC are finally trying to play catch up, and it’s backfiring terribly. Both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice were negatively polarizing, and their newest addition, Suicide Squad, suffers from many problems itself.

One of the maladies is its script. Suicide Squad has popular villains like Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Rick Flagg (Joel Kinnaman), Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) recruited by U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to bring down the Joker (Jared Leto) and a dangerous, enigmatic entity. This would be an easy enough plot for an R-rated action movie, but because Warner Bros. gave filmmaker David Ayer a PG-13 movie to work around, the film is stuck with never being daring enough and coming across as a corny live-action cartoon instead. Another issue is the editing. Suicide Squad allegedly had up to eight ghost editors and it really does feel like it when you view the film. There is no proper introduction to the feature, and the pacing is off for the entire runtime. The one saving grace is the underappreciated chemistry between Smith and Robbie. The two previously worked together on the also underwhelming Focus last year, and despite the mediocre content they’ve been given, they clearly enjoy working with each other and are naturals together. Maybe one day we’ll see the pairing put to good use. SC

GETTING OUT

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14: DANA POINT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

EDITOR’S PICK

San Clemente Gets Superfused

Tom Ducey, originally from San Clemente, and his rock and roll band, Superfused, will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Knuckleheads Sports Bar & Grill, as part of their Orange County tour. Ducey graduated from San Clemente High School, class of 1987.

Ducey performed in bands in the area from 1992 to 1996. He said his style of music relates to the grunge and beach flavors of the mid-90s.

“One of the bands I was in had a guitar player (Paul Weaver) from Wigan, England. I met Paul through the musicians section of LA Reader in 1994,” Ducey said. “So, we formed a band together and called it B9. We played all over Southern California in 1994 and 1995. When the band broke

up Paul moved back to England. In 1996 I moved to the Memphis area and returned to the West Coast in 2004, eventually landing in Reno, Nevada, for the past 10 years. I did not hear from Paul again until a few years ago when he found me on Facebook.”

Weaver and Ducey are now back together to try another band project, and they’ve written songs together with thousands of miles between them, Ducey said.

“We have found a great and talented musician from Los Angeles named Martin Blasick to join our band as bass player,” Ducey said. “Martin helps us complete S uperfused in fine style.”

Knuckleheads is located at 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

For more information on the band, visit www.facebook.com/superfused. SC

2:30 p.m. Brent Payne plays from 2:30-4 p.m. Craig Wayne Boyd (Season 7 winner of The Voice) plays from 4:30-6 p.m. Food and drinks available for purchase. Sea Terrace Park, 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point. www.danapointconcertseries.com.

(Cont. from page 12)

FREE GUITAR LESSONS

5-6 p.m. Free group lessons starting from the beginner level. Ages 12 and up. Bring your own guitar. Email coamusicarts@gmail.com to sign up. 1050 Calle Negocio. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 16

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING

10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

Wednesday | 17

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB

2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French Flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No

cost to join. Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, 949.369.5482.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S

9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

UPCOMING: AUGUST 19

OC COAST LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

Noon. OC Coast League of Women Voters at will host Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the University of California-Irvine Law School, who will speak at Marie Callendar’s in San Juan Capistrano. The topic is “Issues Confronting the Supreme Court with the Absence of Justice Scalia.” Lunch is $25 or speaker only is $5. Reservations are required. 31791 Del Obispo. 949.786.1669. www.ocilo.ca.lwvnet.org.

CONCERT AND MOVIE IN THE PARK

6 p.m. Panjive, a band of steel drum performers, will kick off the event. At 7:30 Finding Nemo will be shown. The event is family-friendly. San Gorgonio Park, 2916 Via San Gorgonio. San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

Penne Pasta with Blush Sauce

For local foodies who struggle to choose between pairing their pasta with a light tomato sauce or a rich, creamy alfredo—your prayers have finally been answered.

Al Shan, owner of NYC Café & Catering in San Juan Capistrano, is now bottling and selling his homemade blush sauce, crafted with local ingredients like onions, garlic and herbs. Initially, the creamy tomato sauce was only available on the restaurant’s dining and catering menus, but after receiving positive feedback over the last eight years, Shan decided to make blush sauce available to the masses.

It isn’t hard to see why the sauce has gained a following locally. It’s rich, but not too heavy, and is full of robust flavors—the cream and garlic balanced seamlessly with fresh tomato and herbs. That combination pairs well with pasta, seafood and lasagna, and for those with dietary constraints, Shan’s blush sauce is gluten free and all natural with no preservatives.

To pick up a bottle, stop by the café, or check out the San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Yorba Street between Camino Capistrano and El Camino Real.—Allison Jarrell

SC LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

The Tale of Two Post-60

Online Dating Experiences

nline dating is one of the tools seniors can use for meeting a mate.

Two women contacted me this week, sharing their vastly different online dating experiences. One found success; the other was met with frustration.

By

Cheryl said, “I would like to share my recent good fortune and experience with online dating. I began corresponding with a widower in October 2015 on the dating site OkCupid, which allows subscribers to write detailed information on their profile and also offers thousands of questions that can be answered on a variety of topics. I have been divorced twice.

“When we started corresponding, he had answered nearly 500 questions, and I had answered over 600, and we both had added comments to many of our answers. So we already knew a lot about each other.

“We remained on the site communicating for a few weeks before moving to personal emails, both agreed to progress slowly and eventually we moved to phone calls and then to Skype. This occurred over a period of several months.

“Early on, I verified information he gave me (checked his website and ‘Googled’ him). Our correspondence enabled us to learn more about each other and gain confidence in our relationship. We are both 69 and live 600 miles apart. When I flew to meet him in April, there were no surprises. We totally enjoyed each other’s company and made a commitment to continue to develop our relationship.

“He drove to my home in July. We spent two and a half weeks together, during which time he met my family, friends and my church family. Everyone ‘approved’ of him! We have been blessed to have found love and have made a commitment to travel ‘the rest of the journey’ together.

“Our correspondence and willingness to be totally open and honest with each other along with both of us wanting a long-term relationship were the keys to our success.”

Cheryl’s point about both of them wanting a long-term relationship is vital to relationship success. Also, she and her man emphasized the benefit of using Skype before meeting in person.

She said, “Skype enables each person to see the other’s facial reactions and enhances the intimacy of the communication. We both feel that Skyping before meeting in person made us feel much more

comfortable with each other when we did meet than if we hadn’t Skyped.

“During my 15 months online, I encountered some suspected scammers, whom I reported to the site. But I also met and/ or communicated with some really nice, caring men. My online dating experience was very positive. I will be moving to live with him in September. “He often says, ‘life sings,’ and we feel very lucky to be singing a duet.”

The second woman, Annise, was married 25 years before becoming a widow six years ago. After many online dating attempts, she met a wonderful man who later died in a plane crash.

She said, “I jumped back on the Internet and have met and dated a few interesting and scary fellows, including a lawyer, who wore more jewelry than I, a convicted felon, a recovering alcoholic who is mixed up with lots of baggage, a man who prefers non-English speaking women because they are more subservient and many other characters. Anyway, I’ve been trying!”

She said, “Yikes! What am I doing wrong? Being widowed, I have a better than average appreciation for time; that ‘Life is short’ jingle is brutally true. I would rather spend time in a relationship than spend time in online dating.”

Despite the tragedies that Annise has endured, she continues to have a sense of humor and zest for life. One of her requirements of the men she is meeting: “He cannot be at war with his ex.” Internet-wise, the only suggestion I have is she might try other dating websites to avoid meeting so many bizarre characters. Other than that, Annise’s energy, positive attitude, resiliency, and determination to never give up looking for a mate are what it takes to find success in senior dating.

Seniors who use the Internet for dating should proceed slowly and must be prepared for any quirk that might surface. But love can be found, as Cheryl experienced.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter60.com; www.Vicsta.com and www. Travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. SC

Beat of the Street

SC Chamber of Commerce hosts 63rd Annual Fiesta Music Festival on Avenida Del Mar

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

One of the biggest parties of the year salutes the end of summer in San Clemente, with dancing, live bands and a gathering of many local institutions.

The 63rd Annual San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival is sure to draw tens of thousands to the city to experience the music, food and festivities available on Sunday, Aug. 14.

About 15 bands will perform throughout the day on stages throughout Avenida Del Mar.

Many of last year’s competitors will be returning to the popular Salsa Competition, said Lynn Wood, San Clemente Chamber of Commerce executive director. Restaurants and individuals will compete for the best overall salsa, the judge’s favorite and best in their division.

“This year, we have really good children’s contests,” Wood said. “We have a really good diaper derby, and all those activities are free.”

There will also be a mobile “fun on the run” truck the city’s Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department supports and goes throughout the city.

Wood said the San Clemente chamber has been working to enhance the children’s competitions, which start in the morning.

Arts and crafts will be on display, and various businesses and nonprofit organizations will host booths along Del Mar.

Parking will be available at San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico, with a shuttle that will take people from the school to downtown.

For more information on the event, visit www.scchamber.com. SC

When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14 (Shuttle runs until 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

For a list of bands and a detailed schedule of events during the fiesta, visit www.scchamber.com.

Business Beat

News from San Clemente’s business community

New Product

THE SOCKIT

www.thesockit.com

Joe Briganti, inventor of the Sockit, wants to grow the sport of soccer, but he also wants to help children who are struggling with more than their kicking skills.

The Sockit is a product that children, intended for ages 5 to 12, strap around their feet to teach them to kick a soccer ball with the top part of their foot, rather than punching at it with their toes.

When kids kick the ball successfully, the product lights up briefly.

“We need to have soccer as soccer,” Briganti said. “I’m in my 40s and didn’t have soccer growing up on the East Coast. My two daughters are both playing, and when they were younger, they did the toe kick. Every practice the coach would gather them around and explain to them. But they eventually went back to the toe kick.”

Briganti said he went to various stores to find a kicking aid for his children, but nothing seemed to fit what he sought. Eventually he started trying to develop the Sockit, and recently his patent for the design was accepted.

His product is lightweight and lasts for about 8,000 kicks, about the life of the product’s battery.

But this isn’t a money-maker for Briganti, he said. This is something to not only help train children, but he said he donates a portion of the revenue from the product to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. His goal is to raise at least $50,000 for the hospital.

He said he wants each patient upon release to receive a Sockit.

So far, Briganti estimates they’ve sold about 2,000 units. He said he’s also been contacted by directors from the show Shark Tank to try to convince millionaires and billionaires who participate in the show to invest in his product.

“We’re just now going into retail, and it’s been a great experience for my kids, and my kids love it,” Briganti said. “If you think about any country in the world, each has some kind of youth soccer, and we hope to be part of it.” —Eric Heinz

New Business

THE SHWACK CANTINA

1527 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente

A Dana Point-based restaurant has extended its family with The Shwack Cantina in San Clemente.

The restaurant opened its doors for the first time a few weeks ago.

On Tuesday, customers sat along the bar and on the patio, where brightly colored pillows adorned a bench seat. Open doors welcomed in the coastal breeze. Within 10 minutes of the door opening, multiple customers walked in to try the new eatery.

Although Max Fisher, owner of the Shwack restaurants, grew up in Dana Point, he knew he wanted to expand his restaurants outside of the city. Finding the location in San Clemente, he said, fit the Shwack atmosphere.

That vibe—a surfing and family environment—is something Fisher has continued to foster from the Dana Point location.

“It seemed like this would be a good fit; there are a lot of families around here,” Fisher said.

Fisher said he looked to open a cantina in Dana Point, but it wouldn’t have been under the Shwack name.

“But when we found this space, it made sense,” Fisher said.

Fisher said he enjoys seeing his Dana Point customers in San Clemente and knows some regulars from San Clemente who can travel a little less distance.

“They like that it’s different food, so they can go to both, and I like hearing that,” Fisher said.

The menu may be different from the The Shwack Beach Grill, but Fisher said they will continue their tradition of hosting fundraiser nights for organizations around the city.

In the future, Fisher said he hopes to have four or five locations in the coastal communities. But for now, he’s working fulltime at the Cantina.

“I don’t pass up on opportunities,” Fisher said. “If something came up and it’s a good spot, we’d make it work.”

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

SCENE

{ IN SAN CLEMENTE }

David Bales,

left, really wanted a flag from the city of San Clemente—so much, he had the emblem tattooed on his left forearm. The city is now selling a limited number of 12-by-18-inch flags for $25 at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, 150 E. Avenida Magdalena.

The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. —Kristina Pritchett

New Business

LOST WINDS

2411 S. El Camino Real

800.747.9211

www.lostwinds.com

Eric Martin, owner of Lost Winds, a business that specializes in snorkeling, free-diving, surfing, spearfishing and scuba gear, is preparing to open his first brick-and-mortar location.

Originally from San Clemente, Martin said he wanted to be the first shop specifically dedicated to diving sports.

“We’re doing more of a showroom… rather than a store where products are just on top of themselves,” Martin said. “We carry specific masks that are made especially for each sport.”

Martin said he wants customers to be able to talk to someone who is knowledgeable about the product instead of just leaving people to figure out what they might need.

Before coming back to San Clemente,

Martin was in the Bay Area working at a similar job to promote the sports.

The business will feature spear guns, surfboards, snorkels, wetsuits and local products from San Clemente. Scuba equipment is coming along and should be available in the next few months, Martin said.

“I just really wanted to open my own business and do what I wanted to do,” Martin said. “I came back to San Clemente where I grew up, and I’ve always been near the ocean. Even though I was near the ocean when I was up there (in San Francisco), it just wasn’t the same.”

Martin has been the go-to guy when it comes to product referrals among his compadres.

“My friends always come to me, asking what kind of products they should buy,” Martin said.

Martin is also a major component of the Lucid Surf Foundation, which gives children living with disabilities a chance to surf with trained instructors for a day. The business will host a ribbon cutting event at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the shop. —EH

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air

2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

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

ART GALLERIES

San Clemente Art Association

100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Chiropractic 647 Camino de los Mares, Suite 220, 949.616.5470, www.spinalvitality.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

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

CONCRETE

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

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com Shoreline Dental Studio

Kristen Ritzau, DDS 122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back 949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters

Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

LANDSCAPING

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

MATTRESSES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

MORTGAGES

Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast

Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Attention, Behavior and the Brain Concerned about your child’s future due to attention or behavior issues? With a natural approach we resolve the underlying problems in the brain and body to improve school and home life – from ADD and dyslexia to the autistic spectrum. www.theblissprogram.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1218 Puerta Del Sol, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

SC Pool & Spa Works

1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

REAL ESTATE

Marcie GeorgeStar Real Estate South County 949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax 949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

RESTAURANTS

Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

JOYCE HUTCHINSON of San Clemente, California passed away peacefully on August 3, 2016. Joyce was born on a cattle ranch outside of Tombstone, Arizona on January 30, 1925. She graduated from Bisbee High School in 1943 and went on to attend the University of Arizona joining the Alpha Phi Sorority while pursuing a degree in microbiology and certification as a laboratory technologist. After raising her son, Robert, she relocated to San Clemente in 1972 and opened the new laboratory at San Clemente Hospital. Joyce continued to work there for 25 years. Always organized and goal oriented, Joyce pursued many interests outside of being a loving daughter, wife, and mother. She was a national award winning speaker as a member of Toastmistress, belonged to University Women and also obtained a degree in cosmetology. In 1986 she

SALONS

Salon Bamboo

150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

Salon Bleu

207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com

Syrens Hair Parlor 217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

SWIMMING SCHOOL

Waterbabies Swim School 142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

TERMITES

Colony Termite Control 1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

began taking art classes and painting became her passion. Many friends were recipients of her work. Joyce dearly loved all of her friends at San Clemente Presbyterian Church, her Circle Group as well as the new friends she gained at The San Clemente Villas. Joyce is survived by her husband, Jim Wentz, son and daughter-inlaw, Robert & Pam Hutchinson, granddaughters, Kendra & Kaitlyn Hutchinson, step children, Jay Wentz, Jan Connell & Julie Wentz as well as seven step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren.

Joyce was caring and generous to friends and family and with a gleam in her eye always ready for a good laugh or conversation. She was so loved and will be missed by all.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR RENT SAN CLEMENTE

Spacious furnished 1 bedroom + living room with wet bar, microwave, large refrigerator + large private bathroom. Includes all utilities, Wi-Fi, DirecTV...Part of luxurious home. $1,400. Call (949)310-1805 or (949) 310-1804

GARAGE SALE

Saturday, August 13 7AM-4PM 2938/2940 Calle Grande Vista and others up & down the street! Antiques, vintage, collectables, house hold items, craft items, tools, lots of misc. and fun stuff!

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

HOUSEKEEPING - Housekeepers, housemen, laundry room – Full time – Immediate openings, paid holidays and vacation time.

FRONT DESK CLERKS/RESERVATION AGENTS – Part time, weekends. Apply in person – Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629. 949-496-1203

HANDYMAN CHRIS

Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris –949 510 6645

WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD

Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris949 510 6645

Large U.S and International Postage Stamp Collections. Nick, 619-672-0434

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SC

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SanClemente STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Aiming for Gold

San Clemente’s David

Higgins set to compete in Olympic shooting event

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

When he steps to his mark at the Olympic shooting range in Rio de Janeiro on August 12, David Higgins will finally be standing in the exact spot he envisioned himself being in since April. The San Clemente native, who attends the Air Force Academy, has spent months visualizing the moment, preparing his mind and body for the pressure of competing for the United States in the prone 50-meter rifle event.

As an elite shooter, Higgins must be in total control of his body, heartbeat and all. His breathing has to be perfectly timed and his movements have to be incredibly precise in order to hit the small target downrange. It’s a state of mind and body that will be tough to manage in an Olympic atmosphere.

But Higgins believes he is ready for the pressure, and the San Clemente Times caught up with him this week to discuss how he is preparing for the event and talk about his Olympic experience.

San Clemente Times: What has been your game plan heading into the Olympics?

David Higgins: When I made the team in April, I came up with a good plan for the Games to make sure I was at my best. I

went to a lot of training camps in Europe and around the U.S. and I’ve been learning a lot.

One of my weaknesses at the beginning of the summer was reading the wind and adjusting. I competed on some of the windiest ranges in the world this summer and I think I’ve gotten a good handle on it. As long as I keep my head on straight, I think we’re going to see a good performance. Is the range in Rio any different from the standard range around the world? What kind of challenges will it present?

It’s one of the best ranges in the world, and it’s beautifully laid out. It’s got different conditions every day, and one day we might have no wind and the next day it’s switching back-and-forth. It really keeps you on your toes. Fortunately, I’ve been here for over a week and I think I’ve seen everything the range has to offer.

What have you been doing to stay focused and not let the moment get too big for you?

Every time I get on the line, I try and say, ‘This is the Olympics,’ and I get my heart beat up as much as I can and get myself nervous on practice days. That will help me on Friday. Ever since I made the team, my coach at Air Force said to constantly think about the Olympics so it doesn’t hit you anymore. (The pressure) needs to become old hat. You want it to be where that doesn’t give you any sort of spike. That takes a long time to work on, and I think every shooter at every level works on that.

You walked in the opening ceremonies, what was that like?

That was the coolest thing I’ve ever done. You’re there with everybody on the team, and it’s really cool with the U.S. because we have the biggest delegation. You’re seeing Serena Williams, Michael Phelps and Kevin Durant, all the big guys out there, and you’re a part of that. Plus, the stadium had 66,000 people cheering for you. Walking out was my favorite but a close second was seeing the Olympic torch come in and get lit.

What was going through your mind at that point?

It was cool because I was thinking, ‘You’re here, you’re an Olympian and you’ve reached that goal you’ve worked on for the last 10 years.’ I went back in my memories of where I started out and everywhere I’ve been since then. SC

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, 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.

San Clemente Times August 11-17 , 2016

Standout quarterback makes much-anticipated commitment

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

S Sears Picks Duke

an Clemente High School football coach Jaime Ortiz is accustomed to watching Jack Sears, his quarterback, shake things up. So when the highly sought-after senior decided he will be heading east to play for Duke University next year after months of deliberation, the veteran coach was not surprised.

Sears was considered to be the top uncommitted quarterback prospect on the West Coast, and Southland powerhouses USC and UCLA were heavily in the mix. Instead, Sears chose to head to Durham and become a Blue Devil, where he said he felt most comfortable.

“I think it shocked a lot of people to be honest. It’s not often you get an Orange County kid to decide to go across the country to Duke and not go to USC or UCLA. But that’s Jack, he doesn’t do what people expect. He’s his own man,” Ortiz said.

Sears held over 20 offers, and eventually narrowed his list down to four schools: USC, UCLA, Utah and Duke. Sears and his family took several trips across the country and after two visits to Durham, he decided it was where he wanted to be.

Sears said he weighed each program’s coaching staff, campus culture and education and locker room atmosphere as the

most important factors in his decision.

Sears’ announcement was rather old school when compared to the social media fanfare that usually goes along with today’s highly ranked recruits. At 6 a.m. on August 8, Sears picked up the phone, called Duke head coach David Cutcliffe and told him he wanted to be a Blue Devil. At 6:15 a.m., Sears headed to the Tritons early morning practice and got back to work preparing for the upcoming fall season.

“It’s hard to put into words. It feels nice to be committed and know the next step in my life but right now I’m trying to focus back in on what I have to do (at San Clemente) for the next six months,” Sears said. “It’s definitely a weight off your shoulders … and knowing that allows you to be more free and just kind of play more loose and have fun. I’m looking forward to that and seeing what we can do this year.” SC

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SURF SC

Local Promotes Surfing at International Sports Seminar

Surfing Heritage and Culture Center’s Glenn Brumage talks surfing as sport gets spot in Olympics

BY ERIN HAWKINS, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Glenn Brumage has been promoting the sport of surfing not just as a board of directors’ member at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente, but also abroad. Back in June, Brumage was invited by the U.S. Department of State to attend the seventh annual U.S./China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) in Beijing, where both nations hold a high-level discussion on topics like sports, culture, education, science, technology, health and women’s issues.

Brumage also attended the second annual U.S.-China Sports Seminar held in conjunction with the CPE.

At this international seminar, he spoke to members of the China General Administration of Sports and Beijing Sports University, “on the subject of promoting the sport of surfing and developing an Olympic level surf training center in advance of the 2020 Tokyo games,” according to a press release by SHACC.

The San Clemente Times spoke to Brumage about his experience attending the international seminar.

Brumage said he was selected because he has been working on the ground in China to promote surfing and skateboard-

GROM OF THE WEEK

ELLE EMERY

BY ERIN HAWKINS,

lle Emery is a Dana Point native who has been surfing since she was 6 years old. Now at age 12, she said she surfs every day before or after school with a genuine love for the sport and enthusiasm for competition.

The first time Elle started surfing was at a friend’s birthday party at Doheny State Beach.

“I loved it and wanted to keep going out,” Elle said.

She said she usually surfs at Salt Creek and San Onofre, and loves to ride Infinity Surfboards.

Last year was Elle’s first year competing in the Western Surfing Association (WSA) and was ranked No. 8 in the Girls U14 Division for the Salt Life Championship Tour

ing for the last eight years.

“I have an understanding of China’s system, their culture, how it’s growing, the people who are most involved in China trying to promote the sport, and that is why they called me back,” he said.

This time last year, Brumage was also in China, and determined that surfing was getting very close to becoming an Olympic sport.

And the work of Brumage and countless other individuals and groups paid off, in part, on August 3, when the International Olympic Committee agreed to add surfing to the sports program in the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

“Surfing had gone through all the hoops they have to go through, and the ISA (International Surfing Association) has done everything they can do and now it’s coming up to a vote” he said.

Brumage said it was rewarding to hear the news of surfing’s Olympic acceptance.

“The real connection for me is that both with SHACC and with China, I’ve had a lot of contact and worked a lot with the ISA on building this sport,” he said, adding that the ISA has pursued Duke Kahanamoku’s dream of including surfing in the Olympics, which started when he presented the idea at the Stockholm Olympics in 1912.

Series 2015-2016. Her younger brother, Callan Emery, also competes in the WSA in the Boys U12 Division.

Elle also competed in the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS), an addition of the WSA for middle and high school surf teams from San Diego to Santa Barbara. She competed in the Orange County Middle School Division 1 Women’s Shortboard, where she also finished in the No. 8 spot.

One of Elle’s favorite aspects of competing is having the opportunity to surf with her friends.

She took first place in June at the Menehune surf competition at Doheny, and recently earned her first perfect 10 during a semifinal heat at the WSA contest at San Onofre Trail 6 last weekend.

Elle said her favorite pro surfers are Lakey Peterson for her style, and Courtney Conlogue for her powerful turns, but the surfer she looks up to the most is Bethany Hamilton.

This year, she will be going into seventh grade at Marco Forster Middle School. Her favorite subject to study is science,

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 69-72 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-10’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 10-15’ Fair

Brumage believes that surfing becoming an Olympic sport won’t change the sport itself, saying “surfing in its soul will stay close to the beach and close to the ocean.”

But for other countries, surfing being legitimized as an Olympic sport presents an opportunity.

“If you are a kid in China, off in the boonies where there is surf, you see this as an opportunity,” said Brumage.

Brumage explained that China is like the U.S. in the 1950s, and it’s only been in the last 10 to 20 years that China has had advances in social freedom, economic benefits, a middle class and spendable income.

“One of the things you will have in China and in other countries, you’re going to have an Olympic movement that is top down instead of bottom up” he said.

“They’re going to take the best athletes and say, ‘OK, you have an affinity for swimming and gymnastics; you’d be a good surfer,’ and they will go into a training facility and build training facilites,” said Brumage.

Thursday: Small South-Southwest swell combines with small Northwest windswell. Better breaks are in the knee-waist high (2-3’) zone, with top spots seeing the waist high sets more frequently. Light/variable wind through the early to mid morning with a light+ onshore flow starting up in the second half of the morning. Onshore westerly wind strengthens to light+/moderate levels in the afternoon.

Outlook: Surf is looking small for the work week with a continued blend of Southwest swell and Northwest windswell. Morning conditions look best with the lightest winds, then expect light/moderate onshore flow to rise up each afternoon. Better Southern hemi swell lining up for the back half of the month. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

He said that while our surf training facilities in the Unites States are on the beach, we are also behind in building training facilities, pointing to Australia’s governmentfunded facilities.

Brumage said he had the opportunity to discuss what a training facility and program would look like in China, and the specifics they would need to make it happen. SC

and she loves to do art in her free time.

“I like science because you get to learn about the outdoors, and I love art because when I’m not surfing I like to paint and draw all kinds of things” Elle said.

In the future, Elle said she hopes to compete in the National Scholastic Surfing

Association, as well as finish in the top 5 of the WSA and SSS so she can qualify for independent physical education credit at school.

Elle said if she could travel anywhere to surf, it would be Costa Rica or I Indonesia. SC

If you know a grom in Dana Point, San Clemente or San Juan Capistrano that we should feature in our Grom of the Week section, send a name and parent’s contact info to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.