LO C A L
November 20–26, 2014
N EWS
YO U
C A N
U S E
Tritons Top Fullerton in Playoff Opener PAGE 18
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 47
Triton Winter Sports Preview SCHS athletes gear up for another year on field, mats, in the pool and on the court SPORTS/PAGE 15 From L to R: Joe Iorio, Alex Drabkin, Eddie Molina and Matias Ledesma will lead the San Clemente boys soccer team on their journey to a fourth straight South Coast League title. Photo: Steve Breazeale
Plaza Owner on Changes Planned for Buildings EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
Grom of the Week: Dane Matson of San Clemente SC SURF/PAGE 22
www.sanclementetimes.com
Boys & Girls Club Names Youths of the Year SC LIVING/PAGE 10
VOTE ONLINE FOR THE 2014 BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE PEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS
SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With...
last week. Members of Trestles Community Outreach, a neighborhood group founded to foster community bonds in the Calle del Comercio neighborhood, recently sat down for an artistic photo session after someone left furniture in the street. Due to the number of apartments and temporary residences on the street, the issue of furniture being left out on the street has been an ongoing one, said resident Cory Scurlock. It’s something the group hopes to lessen over time. Last week, Scurlock and other residents “got sick” of the items in the street and decided to do something creative with it. They gathered the furniture into a driveway and set up for the portrait.
Five things San Clemente should know this week Council to Wait on Restriping Calle Frontera THE LATEST: Any potential restriping or realignment of Calle Frontera are on hold until traffic impacts from the Avenida Pico interchange project dissipate and the effects of the Outlets at San Clemente Plaza are known, the San Clemente City Council decided Tuesday. The city considered restriping the roadway, south of Avenida Vista Hermosa, to align streets with the city’s “complete streets” goal—outlined in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which was passed alongside the General Plan earlier this year. Restriping was proposed to allow for a wider bike lane and a 3-foot buffer between it and vehicular traffic. City officials got a preview of potential traffic on the road a few weeks back when a crane overturned on Interstate 5, said Tom Frank, city traffic engineer. Due to the accident, many drivers used Frontera to bypass freeway traffic to get to Vista Hermosa. According to Frank, traffic on the road nearly doubled and a number of vehicles were clocked traveling 70 mph through the 35 mph zone. Residents living along the road, particularly in the Highland Light development, urged the council Tuesday night to hold off until the Pico work is complete. Others said the proposal was not adequately publicized by the city. “This is not the time to make a major lane change on Frontera,” said resident Susan Corwin. WHAT’S NEXT: The council voted 3-1, with Chris Hamm dissenting, to hold off on making changes until Pico work is completed, which is slated for late 2017. Frank said when the city resurfaces the street, it would put paint down for the lines so they could be changed later. Councilwoman Lori Donchak also agendized a potential mobility task force for a future council meeting. —Jim Shilander
City on Solid Financial Footing Entering New Year THE LATEST: While pitfalls lay ahead, the city will enter 2015 on solid financial footing, Judy Vincent, the city’s finance manager, informed the San Clemente City San Clemente Times November 20–26, 2014
Residents of Calle del Comercio had some fun with some furniture left on the street illegally last week. A community group founded to clean up the area is making an ongoing effort to rid it of trash. Photo: Shirley Marin
Council on Tuesday night. The city’s revenues were higher than projected during the 2014 fiscal year by about $1.2 million and San Clemente had $1.9 million less in expenditures as well, Vincent noted. Vincent attributed the increased income to continued growth in sales tax revenue and positive signs in the housing market driving property tax returns—though she cautioned that could level off.
tains a similar look and feel throughout. Plans on the city’s website show a 2,000-square-foot addition to the building between the former Big Lots and Kmart, and the inclusion of a pedestrian plaza to separate shoppers and vehicles. Owner Scott Burnham, of Burnham USA, said the city has been helpful in the planning process. “It will be a beautiful project upon completion with a Spanish Colonial-revival theme, and the city has been extremely helpful in its guidance to make this project finally happen for the community,” Burnham wrote in an email.
WHAT’S NEXT: Although the city could have the first sales tax revenues from the Outlets at San Clemente by the 2016 fiscal year, Vincent said there will also be a number of financial challenges including the city taking over maintenance costs at Vista Hermosa Sports Park and repair of the Ole Hanson Beach Club. The city is also investigating an update to its information technology master plan. The City Council will hold its annual long-term financial planning meeting in February.—JS
Estrella Plaza Plans Come Into Focus THE LATEST: Plans for the former Kmart building on Camino de Estrella, including announcements of tenants, were approved by the San Clemente Planning Commission last month. The second phase of the project, involving the same architect but a different building owner, was scheduled to go before the commission Wednesday, Nov. 19. The plaza’s buildings are owned by three separate entities. The Citibank building currently has no changes planned. Owners of the Kmart and remaining buildings are collaborating so the plaza main-
WHAT’S NEXT: While Burnham declined to discuss specific tenants, he did provide information as to the type of businesses that might be coming in. “Tenants will include (an) organic grocer, sporting goods, lifestyle clothing, (an) artisan coffee purveyor, beauty, eateries and more,” Burnham wrote. Some of those references could include the Sports Authority, Stein Mart and Sprouts planned for the Kmart site. Meeting minutes from a discussion of the city’s Design Review Subcommittee reference frontages for the cosmetics retailer Ulta and discount clothing store TJ Maxx. FIND OUT MORE: The planning commission meeting took place after press time. To read about what happened at the meeting, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS
Community Turns Trash Into Art THE LATEST: A group of community activists in south San Clemente turned neighborhood blight into something creative
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WHAT’S NEXT: The group is taking a break for the holidays, but will resume monthly meetings at San Luis Rey Park in January, Scurlock said. FIND OUT MORE: View the organization’s project at, www.facebook.com/comercio. cleanup. – JS
CUSD Trustees Honor Outgoing Members THE LATEST: Outgoing Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Anna Bryson and Ellen Addonizio were honored for their service by colleagues and will-wishers last week, as both women completed eightyear tenures on the board. Both were first elected in 2006 as part of a three-person slate which also included Larry Christensen. Bryson did not stand for reelection after running unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 73rd Assembly District that was won by Dana Point City Councilman Bill Brough. Addonizio was defeated in her bid for a third term by San Juan Capistrano resident Gila Jones. Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett honored Bryson, whose district includes a portion of her city, including Dana Hills High School, as did Bill Evers, Bryson’s husband and a former assistant secretary of education. Evers read a letter from Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a friend of the couple. Bryson herself praised the district’s staff, saying she’d “never seen people of such quality in my life,” and said she would always treasure being a part of the lives of the district’s children. Addonizio was praised by San Clemente resident Laura Ferguson, who called her “a shining example of effective leadership.” WHAT’S NEXT: The board will reorganize new members Martha McNicholas and Jones at its next meeting Wednesday, Dec. 10. – JS www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER
Annual Holiday Bike Drive to Benefit Boys & Girls Club The season of giving is upon us and Urban Bicycle of San Clemente is once again hosting its annual Holiday Bikes for Kids drive, providing wheels for Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area members. Monetary donations are currently being accepted in order to purchase bicycles for children aged 4 to 12. Bikes cost about $106 each. When giving, donors can specify what type of bike they would like to help buy. Donations are being accepted now through Wednesday, Dec. 10. To donate, visit the shop at 1900 N. El Camino Real or call 949.492.5737 for information on donating and joining the effort as a voluntary “elf.” The store is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wildlife Artists Present Educational Work Saturday San Francisco-based artist Inky Gabor, whose work highlighting brightly-colored characters that has been featured globally, will present a show for wildlife conservation in San Clemente on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Last year, Gabor was one of about 30 artists selected to participate in Elephant Parade America, an exhibition of painted life-sized baby Asian elephant statues that paraded in Dana Point. Gabor’s handpainted elephant, named “Zia Skye,” which depicted scenes of California’s coast—from San Diego to San Francisco—was purchased by the city of Dana Point for $7,500. Wildlife photographer and journalist Christina Bush will also be featured. The two have collaborated to create images to educate children about endangered species through Bush’s project, Youth for Wildlife. The art and photography show, titled “The Conservation Collaboration,” will be held at San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real. For more information, visit www.youthforwildlife.com/artshow.
Local Medical Student Acknowledged Brianne Smith, a second-year medical student from San Clemente, has been named a Student D.O. for October at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tenn. The program recognizes an outstanding first- and second-year student each month. Criteria for the honor include leadership, community service, attendance, initiative, attitude and professionalism. A graduate of San Clemente High
Newest Historic Murals Make Debut on Del Mar BY JACQUELINE DEMARCO AND STEVE SOHANAKI, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
he Downtown Business Association and the Historical Society hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for two of Avenida Del Mar’s newest landmarks Friday, Nov. 14. Eight years ago a program was created by the Downtown Business Association and was joined by the Historical Society and the City of San Clemente to memorialize historic buildings and buildings that no longer exist in San Clemente through tiled murals. Two new murals were introduced at the ceremony, one depicting the Ole Hanson Beach Club and another of the Bartow House. The Bartow House stood above the Pier Bowl on the south side until it was destroyed illegally, in the middle of the night, 41 years ago. This destruction was the catalyst for the formation of the Historical Society. There are currently eight murals and six more planned that will be created over the next three years as funding becomes available. Artist Jay Fisher created the original artwork that the tiles are based on and Michael Kaing produces the tiles. The work represents the time period when the community of San Clemente was founded. San Clemente Times November 20–26, 2014
A mural depicting the historic Bartow House was unveiled Friday. Photo: Jim Shilander
“The inception of the community by Ole Hanson was 1926, so it is authentic to the era that San Clemente was formed,” said Raad Ghantous, president of the San Clemente Historical Society. Other efforts have been made to beautify the city such as engaging with local artist to paint utility boxes and trash enclosures. Former president Larry Culbertson was effusive with praise for the effort. “We’re absolutely delighted with this work,” Culbertson said. “It gives the citizens a better sense of the city’s history and history is very important in San Clemente. It’s good for the citizens and it helps promote tourism.” SC Page 4
School, Smith received her bachelors degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC-Davis before pursuing a masters of science in toxicology at San Diego State University. She is the daughter of Brad and Kathie Smith.
SCHS Grad Teaches Coding, Web Design to Students San Clemente High School students had the opportunity this fall to take a five-week course on coding and designing web pages from an industry insider. The instructor, Justin Estrada, a recent graduate of SCHS, is a developer for www. headfunder.com—a startup firm located in Mission Viejo. In partnership with the Wellness & Prevention Center, located on the school’s campus, Estrada agreed to teach the class as a way to help high school students explore their interest in coding. Estrada hopes to steer students toward pursuing a career in computer science. This week marks the conclusion of the class as students showcase their work in a friendly design competition. For more information, or if you have a particular area of expertise you would like to share, contact Susan Parmelee at 949.680.0516. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
Community Meetings THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Assistance League of Capistrano Valley General Meeting 9:30 a.m.- noon. Meeting every third Thursday. More info and location: 949.492.2800, www. capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org.
Hospital Advisory Committee 11:30 a.m. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, www.san-clemente.org. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
SC Sunrise Rotary Club 7:15 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Meeting at Signature Grille at the Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega, 949.369.0663, www.scsunriserotary.org. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Kiwanis Meeting Noon. The local
Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.
EYE ON SC
SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY JACQUELINE DEMARCO
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.
Monday, November 17 TRAFFIC HAZARD Avenida Talega, 1100 Block (2:34 p.m.) The driver of a black suburban blocked traffic lanes and refused to move until she could pick her child up from school.
Saturday, November 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (8:41 p.m.) A caller witnessed a man digging through a dumpster and believed there was some type of rifle in a trash bag. WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 100 Block (7:32 p.m.) A store employee, who was not working at the time, told a dispatcher she noticed the business’ lights were on more than an hour after it was closed. The caller could not make contact with the on-duty employee. She then reported that the store’s alarm went off and said she could hear someone in the location’s bathroom.
Friday, November 14 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Marquita, 100 Block (3:53 a.m.) Someone
News Next Door WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved rezoning for the incoming Spieker Senior Development on Nov. 4, but a group of residents are now trying to repeal that decision. At the council’s Nov. 4 meeting, Mayor Sam Allevato and Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor voted in favor of rezoning the 35-acre plot of land off Del Obispo Street from agricultural to business use, while Councilmen Roy Brynes and Derrick Reeve opposed the project. The council vote went against the previous planning commission recommendation to deny Spieker Senior Development’s Laguna Glen community. A group of citizens is collecting signatures to try and reverse the council’s approval of the Spieker development. They have until Nov. 20 to collect 1,782 signatures, according to the City of San Juan Capistrano. If Page 5
was loudly banging on the caller’s front door but she was too afraid to look outside to see who it was. The caller was home alone and not expecting anyone. She told officials she had a large dog inside the residence.
Thursday, November 13 CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Verano, 3500 Block (5:44 p.m.) A neighbor threw a potted plant at the caller’s house. WELFARE CHECK Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (11:36 a.m.) A man was standing on the train platform too close to passing trains, possibly trying to get hit. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1000 Block (5:51 a.m.) A man, who appeared to be homeless, was loitering behind Zebra Coffee House. The caller asked the man to leave and warned of calling the cops. The man responded that he “would give him something to call about.” The caller felt threatened by this.
Wednesday, November 12 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Solona/Calle Sarmentoso (1:44 p.m.) A bearded man was sitting in an oldermodel, green Toyota Camry at the Forster Ranch Community Park when he pulled out a camera and started taking pictures of the children at the park. When the caller looked over at him he left right away. DISTURBANCE Calle Del Cerro, 1000 Block (10:04 a.m.) The caller requested a restraining order against his neighbor, whom he reported had harassed him and spent 10 minutes taking photographs of him.
they succeed, the development would be up for reconsideration.
DANA POINT The cause of a fire at a Dana Point condominium community on Saturday that left one dog dead has yet to be determined, Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority said. Firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire at 1:08 p.m. on the 10 block of Los Cabos in the Encantamar complex bringing it under control by 1:58 p.m. A miniature schnauzer perished in the blaze but a cocker spaniel mix—covered in soot and having difficulty breathing—was rescued and is expected to make a full recovery. No injuries to human residents of the community were reported, however one firefighter suffered a minor ankle injury while battling the flames. The fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damages, completely destroying the unit where the flames originated, along with minor smoke, water and fire damage to four surrounding units. www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
Letters to the Editor THINGS NOT CHANGING FOR THE BETTER DAVID LEES, San Clemente
As a 30-year San Clemente resident, it pains me to realize that we are getting a mall we obviously do not need—and losing an emergency room we obviously do.
RESTAURANTS SHOULD DO THEIR PART IN DROUGHT Sandra Ackerman, San Clemente
I frequent the restaurants in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. I’m noticing all too often that the wait staff automatically puts a glass of water on the table without asking if I want it, which I personally don’t. I wonder if the restaurant owners and managers are aware that we are in a severe drought and aside from the water in the glass, it also take water to wash the glass. I think it would be polite if the patron is asked if they want the water. I’m prompted to write this because a friend and I were shown to a table for four, because it was all that was available, and the gentleman immediately put four glasses of water down. I try very hard in my home to save on my water usage. I would like to see some of the restaurants doing their part.
SOLUTION NEEDS TO BE FOUND FOR TREE LOSS CAROL BAEZ, San Clemente
Is anyone as upset as I am to see our beautiful landscape on Interstate 5 between Camino de Estrella and Vista Hermosa being bulldozed down? As a 25-year resident of San Clemente, it is depressing to see those beautiful 100-plusyear-old eucalyptus trees turned into giant piles of kindling. It is stripping the beautiful personality of San Clemente which is what initially drew me to our lovely town. It was hard enough to see the new Ortega Highway/I-5 interchange stripped of all
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso. Jessica Sweredoski of the Downtown Business Association will be the guest this week to discuss the upcoming Puttin’ on the Glitz. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome. San Clemente Times November 20–26, 2014
the beautiful mature trees, but now it appears the “asphalt jungle” is creeping its way down to us. I know there is probably a need to increase freeway lanes, especially due to the anticipated increase of traffic that the metal monstrosity, the huge outlet mall, will bring (don’t even get me started on that) but I am hoping significant plans have been made to replace these trees. Years ago, when the Space Shuttle Endeavour had to lumber its way through the streets of L.A. to its permanent display at the California Science Center, many mature trees along the street route had to be taken out to make room for the huge wings that needed clearance. The City Council recognized the problem (and the need) and vowed to replace every removed tree with two new ones. Have we considered something like this? I’m not a radical “treehugger” at all, but if I had wanted to live in a mass of concrete and asphalt, I would have stayed up in L.A. I am just concerned that the beautiful ambience of our lovely community and the removal of these beautiful majestic giants be considered. I guess even if new saplings are planted, we can wait another 100-plus years for them to grow to reach the same size—unless by then “progress” has paved over our parks and beaches because we needed to make way for more parking lots because of all the expansion.
COMMUNITY HOME EFFICIENCY RETROFIT PROJECT CATCHES THE TOWN’S ATTENTION
education and saving homeowners millions of dollars in utility costs while dramatically increasing the comfort, indoor air-quality and value of their homes. To get a more complete understanding of the programs, we recorded the meeting in two parts for you. They are available on YouTube by searching “PACE Financing Tools” and “CHERP program.” Three lucky winners were awarded free energy assessments of their homes. They will be used as ongoing case studies, documenting their paths toward a better quality of life. San Clemente Green is taking names of people interested in group discounts for more expensive energy investments. Together we can make this happen. Follow the progress in our case studies and let us know when you are interested in getting an energy assessment for your home. This in-depth analysis is valued at well over $500, but CHERP is giving us all a great deal to do it for $200. Just write to gary@sanclementegreen.org to be put on the interest list. San Clemente Green is grateful to everyone who made it to the meeting and to the other co-sponsors from the City, CHERP, the Capistrano Bay League of Women Voters and the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter.
LET MIRAMAR PLAY PART IT WAS MEANT TO EDWARD BEYER, San Clemente
GARY HEADRICK, San Clemente
On Thursday evening, Nov. 13, 60 or so “movers and shakers” attended an energy efficiency meeting intended to bring more comfort, health, and wealth to our community, while responding responsibly to climate change. It was a solid kick-off for an outreach program offering a timely opportunity to retrofit your home, earn thousands of dollars in rebates and qualify for energy efficiency financing—all while reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint. A recent action by our City Council approved two financial programs designed to help the typical homeowner reduce energy and water consumption. Costs for these home improvements, big or small, can now be attached to your property tax bill without having to qualify for a long term loan. These investments (with rare exceptions), transfer financial responsibility to the new homeowner in the event of a sale. At the town hall meeting, Tom Bonigut, San Clemente assistant city engineer, reported on the financing program. Devon Hartman, executive director of Community Home Efficiency Retrofit Project, shared CHERP’s success in community
The good people who ran for City Council have all promised us the same rhetoric, that is, to protect our lifestyle. I have heard that same campaign speech for 35 years, and all the city councils have kept their word and have preserved the ugly Miramar Theater and bowling alley. I have an idea. Convert the disgusting structure to a mausoleum that the “hysterical” society (no, I did not misspell it) thinks is an icon. According to my calculations, approximately 2,000 crypts, selling at approximately $5,000 to $10,000 each could be sold at this mausoleum. Imagine, if you will, the names of the deceased carved into the concrete on the exterior of the building. I propose that hysterical society members be given a break on the price when they pass on. The bowling alley would make an outstanding chapel for the families of those entombed there. The name of this chapel could be called: “Sea You Later...” This idea would preserve the Miramar Theatre for a thousand years. 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.
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HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE
Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@sanclementetimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@sanclementetimes.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com
PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett
> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)
EDITORIAL
> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)
Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne
Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick
City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander
OPERATIONS
City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jerrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN
Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke
Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
Finance Director > Mike Reed
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jacqueline DeMarco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent
San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 47. 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.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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SC GETTING OUT San Clemente
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
Tuesday | 25
UPCOMING EVENT
DUSTIN FRANKS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.
What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF
HALF-PRICED 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. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.
Thursday | 20 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net. STEPPING OUT 8 p.m. A suspenseful Sherlock Holmes mystery. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.
Friday | 21 GREETINGS! 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $20, $15 for students. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org. LIVE MUSIC AT OC TAVERN 9:30 p.m. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Free. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.
Saturday | 22 SANTA’S ARRIVAL AT TALEGA VILLAGE CENTER Noon. Come out to Talega Village Center for a fun, free day with Santa, arts and crafts and much more. Bring your furry friends and cameras and take your pet’s
Wednesday | 26 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28: PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ The Downtown Business Association will host its annual Christmas Season opener down Avenida Del Mar. Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining and local entertainment including a visit with Santa Claus, holiday carolers, roasted chestnuts and many more holiday treats. For more information call 949.218.5378 or visit www.villagesanclemente.org.
photo with Santa Claus. Talega Village Center, 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente.
produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.
THE CONSERVATION COLLABORATION 1 p.m. Artist Inky Gabor and wildlife photographer Christina Bush host an art show benefitting wildlife conservation. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, www.youthforwildlife. com/artshow.
MIKE HAMILTON Noon-close. Enjoy live music at Mission Grill each Sunday with guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.
Monday | 24
THE FOUR CORNERS BAND 8 p.m. Live music at Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub, 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120.
CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.
Sunday | 23 SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh
ROD FRIAS 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. FAM THANKSGIVING DINNER AND ADOPT-A-FAMILY EVENT Family Assistance Ministries supply a turkey and all the fixings for less fortunate residents and provide gifts to children for Christmas. For more information, 949.492.8477 or www.family-assistance.org.
Thursday | 27 THANKSGIVING DAY: 37TH ANNUAL DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Compete in the 10k or 5k race and have kids run in the Gobble Wobble race. Stop by the two-day health fair, Wednesday-Thursday, and enter the costume contest on Thursday. Cost: $1235. Dana Point Harbor, Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. To register go to www.turkeytrot.com. For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com
At the Movies: ‘Interstellar’ Catapults Fans into Space BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T Left to right: Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway in Interstellar. Photo: © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
San Clemente Times November 20–26, 2014
wo years after completing his mega popular Dark Knight trilogy for Batman fans, blockbuster king Christopher Nolan released his sci-fi epic Interstellar. Only a year after the wondrous Gravity, viewers are taken back to space with Matthew McConaughey’s first movie since his Oscar-winning comeback (Dallas Buyer’s Club), which also reunites Nolan with his Catwoman, Anne Hathaway. In theory, Interstellar has all the ingredients for a surefire hit, but is surprisingly not the big mind-
blower audiences might have expected. In a dystopian future, Earth has entered its final years as oxygen, water and food become scarce. Running out of options on their home planet, a pilot turned farmer named Cooper (McConaughey) and scientists Brand (Hathaway), Doyle (Wes Bentley) and Romilly (David Gyasi) are sent to travel through time and space to search for another inhabitable planet. Back on Earth, Cooper’s daughter Murphy (Mackenzie Foy as a youth and Jessica Chastain as an adult) dedicates her life to discovering if life off Earth is possible.
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Topher Grace, John Lithgow, Casey Affleck and Michael Caine also appear throughout the film. Like all of Nolan’s movies, the aesthetics, effects and actors of Interstellar are top notch and worth the experience on a big screen. But also like most of Nolan’s work, the script and characters are lacking in depth. The dialogue is pretty stale, particularly in the first hour, and an additional robot character is a little hokey. Nonetheless, Nolan’s new picture is eye candy for those who enjoy adventures in space. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Youths of the Year Honored by Boys & Girls Club Elba Martinez and Tanner MacPherson have served as volunteers, mentors BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
B
oth Elba Martinez and Tanner MacPherson were new to the area when they first set foot in the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area. Now, the place where they discovered friendships and learned more about themselves has honored them. Martinez, 16, a junior at San Clemente High School, has been named the club’s 2014 Youth of the Year. MacPherson, 12, a student at Shorecliffs Middle School, was chosen as Junior Youth of the Year. Martinez said she first came to the club when she was 8, knowing no one other than her younger sister. She was in second grade. “I’d just arrived here from Mexico,” Martinez said. “Those first days were scary because we didn’t know any English or know anybody. Since my mom worked late, we’d sometimes have to stay here past 8 p.m. to wait for her.” Martinez said the club became “a second home,” one she spent more time at than her actual one. “I spent every day here,” Martinez said. “They helped me learn English in the
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Elba Martinez and Tanner MacPherson have been named the Boys and Girls Club of the South Coast Area’s Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year, respectively. Photo: Jim Shilander
learning center, the staff tried to help me learn new words.” Martinez is focused on a career in engineering and technology, which she was drawn to after witnessing a presentation as a freshman at SCHS, though she’s always had a passion for math and science. She’d like to attend Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo to focus on chemical engineering. She said she was surprised to receive the honor, since she’s not coming to the club as often as she had earlier. However, she is still involved in club volunteer efforts and in mentoring children who come to the club in a similar situation to hers. She also led a tae kwon do class at the club for younger students. “There was a little girl last week, she was outside crying,” Martinez said. “I asked her ‘What’s wrong?’ and she said that her mom was late picking her up. It happened to me all the time. I sat down with her, talked and started drawing with her.” Club staff member Andy Brosche said
staff chose Martinez due to her long tenure at the club and her role as a volunteer. As Youth of the Year, Martinez will serve as the public face of the organization throughout the year. “When she was young, we were constantly saying, ‘She’s going to be a
great Youth of the Year one day,’” Brosche said. “This year was the year for her to do that.” MacPherson has been coming to the club since he was 6, after his family moved to the area from Texas. He said he enjoys being involved in all of the activities there, including mentoring work for younger students. “It was weird being here the first couple of days, since there really wasn’t anyone I knew here, but I’ve got to know a lot of people,” he said. “I’ve gained a lot of friends here and responsibilities.” MacPherson was “always a go-getter,” Brosche said, who was constantly getting involved in club activities, giving tours to new children and recruiting friends and classmates. “Any time we were running programs, he was the first to sign up,” Brosche said The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area will host its annual “Great Futures Start Here” dinner and auction at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point on Saturday, Nov. 22. Last year’s event raised more than $200,000 for the club. The club will also honor director Kent Campbell, who will be retiring at the end of the year after more than 32 years of involvement with the club. Information on the event can be found at www.bgcsca.org. SC
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
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
Did you know that... • So far this year in San Clemente, 794 homes have sold with an average sales price of $845,749 and total of over $670M in sales • The average market time before a home has sold in San Clemente is approx. 79 days before selling
• Over 94% of all sales in San Clemente are standard, non-distress sales • Back in the 1930’s great depression, interest rates were in between 2-4%, while during the mid 80’s, they were between 12-16%, and over the last 3 years, they have been between 3.5-4.5%
SC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy
Thankful for the Bonds of Motherhood Giving thanks along the road to the empty nest
L
ast week my sister-in-law invited me to lunch to catch-up and celebrate Thanksgiving. We live in the same school district, barely, but she with two younger girls and I with two older boys rarely see each other more than a couple times a year. My husband’s family isn’t cut from the tightest of knit but rather the loosest weave of fabric. Although not related by blood, my sister-in-law and I share a stronger bond: motherhood. We met at the restaurant and before being seated she said she had big news. Her older daughter, a high school freshman, has her first boyfriend. She nervously described driving them on dates to the movies and followed every detail by adding, “But it’s cute.” Then she whipped out her phone to share the first homecoming photos of her daughter’s group gathering for park pictures and a traditional dinner. The young couple recently celebrated their one month anniversary; to mark the occasion my sister-in-law sent a text to the boyfriend’s mom asking to meet for coffee since they’ve not met. The boy’s mom routinely circles my sister-in-law’s street; he jumps out of the car and into their house.
back to my older “son’sI flashed first real girlfriend as a
freshman. I admit I reacted similarly to my sister-in-law and peppered his girlfriend’s innocent mom with curious questions.
”
My sister-in-law said his mom never replied to her inviting text. She couldn’t understand why she didn’t share her enthusiasm to meet and discuss the teenagers dominating their lives. Interrupting I replied, “He must be the youngest.” She reacted as if our napkins turned to tarot cards. She asked how I knew and added he’s not only the youngest but has married siblings. I laughed and said, “His mom’s over it—forget coffee.” My sister-in-law sat in stunned silence. I flashed back to my older son’s first real girlfriend as a freshman. I admit I reacted similarly to my sister-in-law and peppered his girlfriend’s innocent mom with curious questions. My son’s girlfriend happened to be the younger of two siblings, but thankfully her Page 12
mom patiently and kindly calmed my anxieties without ever suggesting I seek therapy. Today my older son’s a junior in college and younger son’s a senior in high school, and this LIFE’S A BEACH teenage milestone feels By Shelley Murphy like a lifetime ago. I envy my sister-in-law sitting in her full, feathered nest unaware how empty it feels to have one flown and grown. She walks down a hallway to see her daughter. I drive down a freeway to visit my son. She picks-up her daughter from high school and talks about the details of her day. I send my son text messages between college classes hoping for an emoticon reply that day. She tucks away and turns off her cell phone at night so she can sleep. I place my phone on the nightstand and pray it stays silent while I sleep. She waits evenings for her daughter to walk through their door at curfew. I wait mornings for my son to call indicating he made it home at some time. She planned a week-long family vacation during her Thanksgiving break. I pleaded for 48 hours of family time during his two-day Thanksgiving break. Reminiscing with my sister-in-law over our Thanksgiving lunch, I remembered my freshman fears and empathize with her. We share a strong bond, but we’re still separated by the defining high school graduation divide. As mom of a freshman in high school, my sister-in-law’s holding on and finding her footing. Me, as a mom of a senior in high school, I’m letting go and losing my footing. My sister-in-law’s just merging onto the empty nest highway looking out the windshield marking heartwarming high school firsts. Whereas I’m nearing the end of the road looking in the rear-view mirror counting down heartbreaking high school lasts. As we left lunch we hugged, and I reminded my sister-in-law to give thanks for every minute of motherhood. The rearview mirror doesn’t lie: the empty nest is closer than it appears. Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband and two sons for the past 14 years. She’s a freelance writer and contributor to the SC Times since 2006. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com
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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
San Clemente High School Winter Sports Preview Tritons sports teams begin march into new season BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND STEVE SOHANAKI, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
he 2014 prep sports winter season is on the horizon. In our annual preview, we get you caught up on all the San Clemente High School winter sports programs as they head into the new year. Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for in-game updates, stories, news and more for all of the winter sports teams.
BOYS BASKETBALL Last Season: Finished second in the Sea View League and reached the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1AA playoffs. Players to Watch: Nick Crankshaw, Sam Darnold, Joe Mann and Dillon Waikle. Circle ’em: The Tritons will play in the Diablo Inferno Tournament (12/1-5) and the Irvine World News Tournament (1215-20). Big league games include contests against El Toro (1/16) and rival Dana Hills (1/23). Outlook: This version of the San Clemente High School boys basketball team went through a lot of adversity last season. The Tritons entered 2013 as the team to beat, having won the Sea View League championship in 2012, but saw those prospects shrink as injuries plagued their roster. Head coach Marc Popovich believes this team, which returns eight players from last year, has weathered the storm and is ready for a move to the South Coast League. “I think last year we kind of got down on ourselves with all of the injuries and it was tough to get through that middle part of the year especially,” Popovich said. “So now we kind of want to show this is what we’re capable of. They want to show that last year was just a fluke.” An injury to Sam Darnold caused the Tritons momentum to halt last year. Darnold, the 2012 Sea View League MVP, missed time early in the season recovering from a broken foot, and then broke his San Clemente Times November 20–26, 2014
Senior Nick Crankshaw, left, cuts around a screen set by Dillon Waikle during a boys basketball practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale
BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 12/1-5 • Diablo Inferno Tourn. at MVHS, TBA 12/9 • Woodbridge at Woodbridge, 7 p.m. 12/13 • La Jolla at SCHS, 7:30 p.m. 12/15-20 • Irvine World News Tourn. at Irvine, TBA 12/23 • Corona Del Mar at El Toro, TBA 12/26-30 • Cactus Jam Tourn. at Phoenix, AZ., TBA 1/6 • Troy at SCHS, 7 p.m. 1/9 • San Juan Hills at SJHHS, 7 p.m. 1/14* • Aliso Niguel at ANHS, 7 p.m. 1/16* • El Toro at SCHS, 7 p.m. 1/21* • Mission Viejo at MVHS, 7 p.m. 1/23* • Dana Hills at SCHS, 7 p.m. 1/30 • Tesoro at SCHS, 7 p.m. 2/4* • Aliso Niguel at SCHS, 7 p.m. 2/6* • El Toro at ETHS, 7 p.m. 2/10* • Mission Viejo at SCHS, 7 p.m. 2/12* • Dana Hills at DHHS, 7 p.m.
their game plan. “We have more size than we’ve ever had since I’ve been here … We’re going to be able to score down low more than we’ve ever been able to before. That’s going to give us a different dimension,” Popovich said. Senior Joe Mann and junior point guard Gage Shelmidine return. San Clemente moves, along with Dana Hills, to the South Coast League this season, where they will join a group that includes Mission Viejo, El Toro and Aliso Niguel. –Steve Breazeale
GIRLS BASKETBALL
*--denotes league game
hand midseason. Darnold played in only eight games, averaging just over 14 points and nine rebounds. Senior Nick Crankshaw, who Popovich pegged as the team’s unquestioned leader, has added to his game every year since arriving on campus. Crankshaw was among the most well-rounded players on the Tritons roster last season, averaging 10.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and five assists per game. Darnold (6-5) and Crankshaw (6-4), along with returning junior Cole Fotheringham (6-5) and junior Dillon Waikle (6-8) provide an asset most Tritons teams in the past haven’t had—size. The Tritons have proven in years past they can shoot the ball from the perimeter and the size on this year’s roster adds a new component to
Last Season: The Tritons claimed their second straight South Coast League title and advanced to the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1AA playoffs. Players to Watch: Emma Bankson, Jenna Rodriguez and Serena Saba. Circle ’em: Preseason highlighted by a trip to Santa Barbara for the Tournament of Champions (12/19-21). League play begins with a game against Aliso Niguel (1/9). Outlook: All of the pieces appear to be in place for the San Clemente girls basketball team to make a run at a third straight league title and another deep playoff run. The Tritons return four of their starting five from last season, and all of them are seniors who have played alongside each other for years. The big loss to the rotation was the departure of Jessica Degree, who led the team in scoring and rebounds in 2013. Degree was a productive player in the paint, but the Tritons return a pair of forwards in senior Jenna Rodriguez and sophomore Charlotte Vurgun. Rodriguez had a breakthrough junior season that saw her average 12.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. All three of the Tritons guards from last year return, including the team’s best shooter Emma Bankson. Senior point guard Victoria Mendez averaged nearly four assists per game and will facilitate the ball and lead the Tritons up-tempo offense. With such a veteran team, the Tritons have been able to pick up where they left off last season without any hiccups. “We’ve been playing together for over four years, some even before high school. So we all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how to make each other successful on the floor,” Bankson said. Senior Serena Saba played in only 11 games last season and averaged just over four points, two rebounds and two assists per game. Head coach Lacey Burns anticipates her minutes and production to go up this season. —SB GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 12/1-7 • University Tourn. at University, TBA 12/14 • Fairmont Prep at SCHS, 5:30 p.m. 12/19-21 • Tourn. Of Champions at Santa Barbara, TBA 12/27-30 • Vegas Holiday Tourn. at Las Vegas, TBA 1/6 • Edison at Huntington Beach, TBA 1/9* • Aliso Niguel at ANHS, 7 p.m. 1/13 • San Juan Hills at SCHS, 7 p.m. 1/16* • Capistrano Valley at SCHS, 7 p.m. 1/20 • Rosary at Orange Lutheran, 2:30 p.m. 1/21* • El Toro at ETHS, 7 p.m. 1/23* • Laguna Hills at LHHS, 7 p.m. 1/30* • Capistrano Valley at CVHS, 7 p.m. 2/6* • El Toro at SCHS, 7 p.m. 2/10* • Laguna Hills at SCHS, 7 p.m. 2/12* • Aliso Niguel at SCHS, 7 p.m. *--denotes league game
Senior Emma Bankson puts up a shot during a girls basketball practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale
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(Cont. on page 17) www.sanclementetimes.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS Winter Sports Preview (Cont. from page 15)
BOYS SOCCER Last Season: The Tritons had a successful year that saw them win the South Coast League title and make an appearance in the CIF-SS Division 1 Championship game. They appeared in the first round of the CIF Southern California Regional tournament. Players to Watch: Matias Ledesma, Liam McVicar, Eddie Molina and Fernando Vasquez. Circle ’em: San Clemente will host several top teams from California and the top team out of Arizona, Brohpy Prep, in their Lotto Showcase Tournament (12/18-20). League games against Capistrano Valley (1/9, 1/30) are always interesting. Outlook: A parallel-running academy league soccer season lured away several impact players from the San Clemente High School boys soccer team’s roster this offseason. The Tritons were slated to have nine returning players in 2014, but due to academy league restrictions, they will field only five returners that saw significant playing time. But the five players that return have the pedigree and experience that has put San Clemente in the national spotlight in recent years. San Clemente reached lofty heights yet again last season. They finished with a 254-1 overall record and were in the top-10 of several state and national rankings at season’s end. San Clemente will have a young roster, which has put an emphasis on establishing certain routines that will prepare them for another successful run, according to head
BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE 12/3 • Paramount at SCHS, 5:30 p.m. 12/6 • Tesoro at SCHS, 12 p.m. 12/6 • Santa Ana at SCHS, 6 p.m. 12/10 • Dana Hills at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 12/15 • Newport Harbor at NHHS, 5 p.m. 12/18-20 • Lotto Showcase Tourn. at SCHS, TBA 12/27-31 • Oceanside Nike Tourn. at Oceanside, TBA 1/3 • Laguna Hills at LHHS, 11 a.m. 1/6 • Santiago at Santiago, 6:45 p.m. 1/9* • Capistrano Valley at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/16* • San Juan Hills at SJHHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/21* • Mission Viejo at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/23* • El Toro at ETHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/30* • Capistrano Valley at CVHS, 4:30 p.m. 2/6* • San Juan Hills at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 2/10* • Mission Viejo at MVHS, 4:30 p.m. 2/12* • El Toro at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. *--denotes league match
coach Mike Pronier. That means establishing identities and roles on the field. The Tritons scored an impressive 80 goals in 30 games last season. Looking to maintain that offensive production will be returning senior forwards Liam McVicar and Matias Ledesma. McVicar scored three times in 19 games last year and Ledesma added five goals in 26 matches. “(Ledesma) has set a good base over the last couple of years. He’s got to want to make an impact on the scoring and assist side and I think he can,” Pronier said. The midfield will be young, but Pronier believes it is among the team’s strongest units. Sophomore Fernando Vasquez will captain the field at the center midfield position, alongside sophomore Tyler Bagley and senior Eddie Molina.
Senior forward Matias Ledesma, right, and the San Clemente boys soccer team are looking for a fourth straight South Coast League title in 2014. Photo: Steve Breazeale
GIRLS SOCCER
San Clemente junior Kira Nemeth sends a pass to a teammate during an offseason practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale
San Clemente Times November 20-26, 2014
Last Season: Finished second in the South Coast League and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. Players to Watch: Samara Bahu, Sophia Spralja, Lauren Brzykcy and Hailey Laub. Circle ’em: A tough tournament schedule includes appearances at the Aliso Cup Tournament (12/9-13) and the Mater Dei Premier Tournament (12/19-21). Matches against Capistrano Valley (1/13) and Aliso Niguel (1/29) will have league and playoff implications. Outlook: San Clemente girls soccer head coach Stacy Finnerty believes this version of the girls soccer team will be led by a formidable back line defense. The Tritons do not have many returning starters but that is not the case on defense, where goalie Lauren Brzykcy and defenders Samara Bahu and Hailey Laub return. Laub, an Air Force Academy commit, will play center back and lead a back line Finnerty described as “aggressive
On defense, sophomore Chase Paulson and senior Alex Drabkin will play prominent roles. Senior defender Jake Bettinelli had a standout junior season but suffered an injury in a recent practice. Once he returns, he will be among the leaders on defense, Pronier said. The exodus of the several players to soccer academies might have been a tough blow early, but Pronier believes
this team has the ability to maintain their status as a top team in the area. “I think we’re going to be good for different reasons. They’re focused. I think they have the potential to be a very tight unit … so there are a lot of plusses,” Pronier said. “We’ve lost a lot of really good players, but at the same time, there’s a lot to be thankful for. With the right mentality, we can do well.” –SB
and strong.” After losing leading goal scorers Nikki Faris and Natalie Higgins, who are both playing at Oregon State University, the Tritons will take a team-oriented approach to scoring goals this season. Senior Sophia Spralja and sophomores Amanda Cruz and Morgan Farrier will be players looking to find the back of the net.
The Tritons will have their hands full when it comes time for South Coast League play, which features three top-10 teams in the CIF-SS Division 1 polls. The Tritons enter the season ranked No. 7, behind defending league champion Aliso Niguel, who is ranked fifth. Capistrano Valley is joining the South Coast League and is currently ranked in a tie for 10th. With only nine players returning to the team, Finnerty believes it might take some time for the Tritons to find their groove. But once they do, Finnerty expects they will continue to play a possession style of soccer that has become their trademark and has produced 10 league titles in her tenure. “It’s early just learning about them and their talents and where they’re going to fit it. It’s going to take a while,” Finnerty said. “We might take a slower start, but with talent we have to pull from, I think we’ll be able to compete in league.” –SB
GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE 12/2 • Tesoro at SCHS, 6 p.m. 12/9-13 • Aliso Cup Tourn. at TBA, TBA 12/16 • Edison at Edison, 5 p.m. 12/19-21 • Mater Dei Premier Tourn. at Mater Dei, TBA 12/26-29 • Excalibur Tourn. at Foothill, TBA 1/8* • Aliso Niguel at ANHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/13* • Capistrano Valley at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/15* • Mission Viejo at MVHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/20* • Dana Hills at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 1/29* • Aliso Niguel at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 2/3* • Capistrano Valley at CVHS, 4:30 p.m. 2/5* • Mission Viejo at SCHS, 4:30 p.m. 2/9* • Dana Hills at DHHS, 4:30 p.m. *--denotes league game
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(Cont. on page 18) www.sanclementetimes.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS Winter Sports Preview (Cont. from page 17)
WRESTLING Last Season: The Tritons finished second in the South Coast League. Players to Watch: Mike Marshall and Alexander Ames. Circle ’em: League matches against Trabuco Hills (12/16) and Laguna Hills (1/20) will be among the Tritons biggest of the year. Outlook: After taking second place behind Laguna Hills at the South Coast League Finals last season, the San Clemente wrestling team is hoping to make a comeback this year and emerge as the league champion. The league schedule presents a veritable gauntlet for teams to run through. The high-profile South Coast League includes the sixth-ranked Tritons, Dana Hills, No. 3 Laguna Hills, No. 5 Trabuco Hills and Mission Viejo. That hasn’t stopped the Tritons from aiming high. “Our goals are to go undefeated in all of our league duels, qualify 14 of our guys for CIF and then win the CIF Tournament,” San Clemente head coach Mark Calentino said. Calentino said the biggest challenge in coaching high school wrestlers is keeping them motivated to work hard. This year that hasn’t been the case. “The main difference between this year and last year is that I just don’t hear about kids slacking off,” Calentino said. “I haven’t caught any kids taking shortcuts on our runs and they’re doing plenty of hard work outside of the wrestling room too. They’re just way more self-motivated than last year’s team.” The team currently has three returning CIF place finishers and one returning state qualifier in senior Mike Marshall (182 pounds). Marshall placed fourth at
WRESTLING SCHEDULE 12/2 • SC 8-Way Tourn. at SCHS, 3 p.m. 12/5-6 • Millikan Duals at LB Millikan, 2 p.m. 12/9* • Dana Hills at DHHS, 7 p.m. 12/12-13 • Edison Beach Bash Invit. at Edison, 2 p.m. 12/16* • Trabuco Hills at SCHS, 7 p.m. 12/19-20 • Brea Olinda Invit. at Brea Olinda, TBA 12/29-30 • Reno Tourn. of Champs at Reno, 10 a.m. 1/3 • Ontario Invit. at Ontario, 9 a.m. 1/6* • Mission Viejo at MVHS, 7 p.m. 1/16-17 • Temecula Invit. at Temecula, 10 a.m. 1/20* • Laguna Hills at SCHS, 7 p.m. 1/24 • SC Rotary Tourn. at SCHS, 9:30 a.m. 1/31* • SCL Finals at Aliso Niguel, 10 a.m. *--denotes league meet
the CIF Masters tournament last season and trained with El Dorado High School’s national dual team during the offseason. “I want to place in the top five at the state tournament,” Marshall said. “I’ve improved a lot since last year and I’m really motivated.” Senior Alexander Ames (197 pounds) also trained on his own during the offseason by traveling to Minnesota and enrolling in the J. Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camp, a prominent development program headed by University of Minnesota head coach J. Robinson. “It opened my eyes to what I need to do to improve myself and gave me a mental edge,” Ames said. –Steve Sohanaki
GIRLS WATER POLO Last Season: The Tritons won the South Coast League title and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs. Players to Watch: Makenna Smith, Cassidy Smithson, Amber McCutcheon, Rachel Brownell and Alaina Cousineau. Circle ’em: Preseason games against Mater Dei (12/17) and Laguna Beach (12/31). League games against rival Dana
Hills (1/9, 1/28). Outlook: The San Clemente girls water polo team returns six starters from last year’s campaign and begins the new season ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division 2 preseason polls. Although they won the league title and made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs, San Clemente head coach Logan Powell believes his team peaked about a month too early in 2013. The Tritons had a strong fourth-place finish at last year’s Santa Barbara Tournament and followed that up with a win at the Coronado Tournament midseason. The emotional and physical toll from playing at a high level so early in the season was felt when they entered the playoffs, according to Powell. This year, the Tritons are easing their way into tournament play with their eyes set on repeating as league champions. “We started a little bit later (this year). It’s a little easier mentally in the preseason to make sure we’re fired up and ready to go when it matters,” Powell said. The Tritons have several scoring options on offense, including attackers Makenna Smith, Alaina Cousineau and Amber McCutcheon. On defense, the Tritons will be anchored by senior Rachel Brownell and junior Marissa Echelberger. Powell said the two veteran defenders play with distinctly different styles. Brownell plays with a physical presence and Echelberger uses solid fundamentals to disrupt opposing team’s centers. The Tritons defense will fuel their counter attack, which will play into the strengths of McCutcheon and sophomore Terra Richardson, Powell said. Junior Hylah Prussak and sophomore Victoria Reardon will play in goal for the Tritons. SC
Triton Report BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Tritons Make Quick Work of Fullerton, Advance to CIF Second Round The San Clemente High School football team wasted no time in making an impact in their first playoff appearance since 2012. The Tritons scored three times in the opening quarter against visiting Fullerton on Nov. 14, powering the CIF-SS Southwest Division No. 2 seed to a 42-14 first round playoff victory. San Clemente (10-1) will travel to play Foothill in the second round at Tustin High School on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Junior running back Vlad Dzhabiyev
Senior Mark Marshall practices a cradle drill on Alexander Ames during a wrestling practice. Photo: Steve Sohanaki
San Clemente Times November 20-26, 2014
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Junior Alaina Cousineau and the San Clemente girls water polo team eye a second straight league title. Photo: Steve Breazeale
GIRLS WATER POLO SCHEDULE 12/5 • Edison at Vista Hermosa, 4 p.m. 12/12-14 • Villa Park Classic Tourn. at Woollett Aquatics Center, TBA 12/17 • Mater Dei at Mater Dei, 5:15 p.m. 12/28 • Los Alamitos at Capistrano Valley, 5 p.m. 12/31 • Laguna Beach at Capistrano Valley, 11 a.m. 1/9* • Dana Hills at SCHS, 5:15 p.m. 1/11 • Rosary at Santa Margarita, 10:15 a.m. 1/14* • Laguna Hills at LHHS, 5:15 p.m. 1/16* • El Toro at ETHS, 5:15 p.m. 1/17-18 • Santa Barbara Tourn. at Santa Barbara, TBA 1/23* • Trabuco Hills at SCHS, 5:15 p.m. 1/24-25 • Coronado Tourn. at Coronado, TBA 1/28* • Dana Hills at DHHS, 5:15 p.m. 1/31* • Laguna Hills at SCHS, 4 p.m. 2/6* • El Toro at SCHS, 4 p.m. 2/8 • ML King at Vista Hermosa, 10:45 a.m. 2/13* • Trabuco Hills at THHS, 5:15 p.m. *--denotes league game
scored two rushing touchdowns and had a receiving touchdown in the win over Fullerton. Senior quarterback Sam Darnold, who only played in the first half, completed 13 of 14 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns. The Tritons defense held fast against the Indians, limiting them to 78 total yards of offense in the first half. The Tritons held a comfortable 36-0 lead at halftime.
Girls Cross Country Advances to CIF Finals The San Clemente girls cross country team had three runners place inside the top-30 at the CIF-SS Prelims on Nov. 15 at Mt. SAC, earning them a fi fth-place finish in the first heat of the Division 1 meet. The finish earned the Tritons a berth in the CIF-SS Finals, which will take place Nov. 22 at Mt. SAC. San Clemente senior Kelsey Carroll finished fourth overall and senior Katie Carroll finished 15th at the prelims. www.sanclementetimes.com
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REAL ESTATE At Thompson Chiropractic we utilize a variety of chiropractic techniques, physiotherapy modalities and soft tissue therapies to relieve your pain as fast as possible. Dr. Russell Thompson and his staff are committed to getting you back to the things you love. Schedule an appointment or walk in today. 629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com
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FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $175. 949.533.9761
GARAGE SALES MEGA YARD SALE San Clemente, this Saturday November 22nd, 8 a.m. Power woodworking & lapidary tools, equipment, 2-man kayak, 17 gal compressor, sewing machine, antique silverware, much more. 323 Calle Empalme (x Presidio). GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!
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GARAGE SALE Saturday Nov 22 - 800am1200N. Surf & Audio Equipment - Lots of surf items, brand new wetsuits, board bags, leashes, surfboards, surfboard carrier that attaches to bike, surfboard straps, skateboards, kids games, cell phones, cell phone cases, lots of clothes & jackets some new & lights used. All sorts of Audio Equipment, bass, amps, guitar cases, guitar, speakers, movie projector, sound bars. There is something for everyone come check it out. 35291 Vista De Todo Capistrano Beach
SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733
SURF STUFF WETSUIT FOR SALE Mens Quiksilver full suit, barely used. Size medium $75. Call or text 949.533.9761.
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San Clemente Times November 20–26, 2014
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SC SC SURF San Clemente
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Surfing Santa Contest, Surfboard Auction to Benefit Surfers Healing
A competitor from a past Surfing Santa contest takes to the air. Photo: Courtesy BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
he fifth annual Surfing Santa Competition and seventh annual Holiday Surfboard Auction are set to kick off on Saturday, Nov. 22. Presented by the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and benefitting Surfers Healing—an organization founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to surfing— are annual events which are a part of the resort’s Community Footprints program. The surfboard auction displays a large selection of surfboards for sale at the resort, featuring designs by some of the
world’s best shapers as well as artistic designs by celebrity guest contributors. The auction opens on Nov. 22 and closes at noon on Dec. 31. Bidding is handled online at www.biddingforgood.com/ surfershealing. The surf contest is held at Salt Creek Beach and includes a competition with six divisions for boys and girls, men and women of all ages on shortboards, longboards and bodyboards. Pro-am divisions are also included. A $1,000 Big Air cash prize will be awarded along with others. Contest registration is online at www.surfingsantacontest.org. SC
Doc Paskowitz Memorial Set for December 13 BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
A
memorial service and paddle out for Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. at the San Clemente Pier, his family has announced. An early pioneer of surfing who helped establish Southern California’s great surf spots such as San Onofre and Malibu, he is also credited with bringing surfing to Israel in the 50s, attempted to spread peace in the Middle East via the sport and providing medical care around the world to the needy. Paskowitz left a career as a physician and raised nine children with his wife of 55 years, Juliette, in a camper, surfing and sharing the sport through surf camps across Southern California. The life of the Paskowitz clan was San Clemente Times November 20-26, 2014
Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz, 1921-2014. Photo: Art Brewer
immortalized in the 2007 documentary, “Surfwise.” Paskowitz passed away on Nov. 10. He was 93. A legacy fund established to help Juliette, at https://secure.giveforward.com/donate/194766, has so far raised $13,776. SC Page 22
GROM OF THE WEEK
DANE MATSON
Age: 9, Concordia Elementary Dane Matson, of San Clemente, claimed back-to-back wins in the 10U shortboard divisions of the Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour and the National Scholastic Surfing Association Open conference. At the Volcom, Nov. 8 at River Jetties in Newport Beach, Dane slayed in the Squids division taking his first-ever win in the series. “I just surfed my hardest and tried to rip and win,” Dane said of the strategy he deployed in the lineup that day. “I was waiting out the back to get good waves. I picked one of a two-wave set and then just tried to rip the snot out of it.” He followed that up with another firsttime victory Sunday at San Onofre State Park, Church Beach in the NSSA Open Mini Groms. “I think I just tried my hardest at this one too,” Dane said. “I was super excited. It makes me want to win more.” It’s all part of a plan for his “No. 1
Dane Matson. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz
sport,”—to climb the ranks and eventually land a spot on the World Tour. Doing well in school is also a part of this bright fourth-grader’s plan. “I like school, making new friends, playing with friends at recess and learning new things because I want to go to college some day and I don’t want to be a hobo,” he said. “It’s important.” When asked what makes surfing his favorite activity, Dane said, “It’s the water. It’s the waves. It’s the laybacks, barrels and airs. It’s the fun.” —Andrea Swayne