December 17, 2015

EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

Coastal Land Use Plan

Discussions Continued

THE LATEST: As the city of San Clemente inches closer to finalizing a draft to be sent to the California Coastal Commission of its Coastal Land Use Plan, some community members still have concerns about the legal wording within some of its sections.

During the Tuesday night City Council meeting, the homeowners of Capistrano Shores Mobile Home Park and the city of San Clemente continued to iron out the details of how the homeowners can protect their houses from imminent flooding and other natural disasters. One of the provisions of the CLUP, homeowners allege, is that if 50 percent or more of their home is damaged, they would not be able to repair it or rebuild it. Also, homeowners said they believe the CCC interpretation of “repair” would be recognized as constructing a new structure, which under the CLUP would be subject to not being allowed to establish protective walls from fierce ocean conditions.

Since the CLUP was recommended to City Council for adoption, Capistrano Shores residents have collectively and individually lawyered up to address each of their concerns.

According to the homeowners, the California Coastal Act, which would be the ultimate authoritative law over the CLUP, does not require some of the provisions the city’s draft initiates.

The CCC recently enacted policy changes to not allow new revetment walls to be built to protect structures. Because Capistrano Shores has existed for decades, the homeowners feel they still have a right to protect their property.

The homeowners have said they are prepared to enter litigation with either the city or the CCC if revisions to the document are not made.

What the CLUP would ultimately do is give the city of San Clemente nearultimate authority to approve permitting in the coastal area, which is designated about 1,000 feet from the shoreline inland. Having a consistent code with the CCC would enable to city to go through a local process of development and permit approval without having to wait for a commission meeting.

The CCC would still be the ultimate authority on all activities within its jurisdiction.

WHAT’S NEXT: The current CLUP is still in draft status for City Council and needs to be approved and revised by the CCC in order for the city to adopt it. The timeline is still to adopt the CLUP by spring 2017, unless further delays occur. The discussion of the CLUP was continued to the second City Council meeting in January so that staff can have time to address the specific concerns of the Capistrano Shores Mobile Home Park homeowners.

FIND OUT MORE: A draft copy of the CLUP and its latest revisions can be found at www.san-clemente.org under the Dec. 12 City Council meeting agenda. —Eric Heinz

Grand Jury of Orange County Applications Due Jan. 22

THE LATEST: The due date to apply to the 2016 California Grand Jury is Jan. 22. The term for serving on the grand jury is one year and is a full-time position. The term begins July 1. The Grand Jury normally works a five-day week, and jurors must be flexible and able to serve some evening and weekend hours in addition to normal business hours, according to the requirements outlined by the informational documents. Compensation for service is $50 per day for each day’s attendance,

but this can be changed by the county’s Board of Supervisors at any time. Mileage reimbursement is subject to each mile traveled to specific courts.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the Grand Jury website, up to 80 percent of its role is investigating local government and civil procedures. Criminal case activity includes indictment and investigation hearings. They do not participate as a trial jury.

People who are interested in serving on the Orange County Grand Jury must mail their applications to Alan Carlson, chief executive officer of Orange County Superior Court, P.O. Box 1970, Santa Ana, California 92702-1970.—EH

Required Fees for Conducting Business on Public Space Approved

THE LATEST: City Council unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance that would require people who conduct business on public facilities, such as parks, to obtain a permit with the city.

“The maintenance of parks, beaches and trails are a significant expenditure to the city,” the staff report of the ordinance stated. “The public enjoys these amenities without fees for drop-in use. Some

activities require permits to help ensure that the space is used appropriately and to minimize impacts to the public use.”

The revenue generated from the permits and feeds would most likely be offset by the need to enforce the new ordinance.

Councilman Tim Brown said he would hope the city would be flexible on some circumstances such as children’s lemonade stands and other innocuous uses for small business.

WHAT’S NEXT: Pamela Passow, the city’s Beaches, Parks & Recreation director, said although a permit would be required, people who would like to conduct business on city land could become contractors with the city in order to reduce the costs and time spent on applying for a permit.

A rate system for the permits can be found at www.san-clemente.org under the Beaches, Parks & Recreation tab. —EH

CUSD Effectively Rejects Charter School Petition

THE LATEST: On Dec. 9, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted 3-3-1 regarding whether to deny a petition to establish the Orange County Academy of Sciences and (Cont. on page 4)

(Cont. from page 3)

Arts (OCASA) charter school within the district. Former board president Lynn Hatton-Hodson was not in attendance, resulting in a split vote.

CUSD staff’s recommendation to the board was to deny the petition due to issues including an “unsound educational program” and legal concerns.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board discussed several options before and after the split vote, including scheduling a special meeting for all seven trustees to attend and vote again, establishing a memorandum of understanding and approving the petition with conditions or leaving the vote as is and effectively rejecting the petition. The board chose the latter option, and if no further action on the petition is taken within 60 days, the vote will be considered a “constructive denial,” according to staff.

“We are disappointed, but we are not discouraged. There are no legal grounds for our petition to be denied and we are confident our school will be approved at the county level,” OCASA founding team member Kristine Darroch stated in a press release.

“OCASA will appeal to the Orange County Department of Education and still intends to open for the 2016-2017 school year. We are working with the OCDE to file our appeal and we are confident that we can achieve their decision in time to

open next fall.”

The three trustees who voted against denying the petition—Vice President Jim Reardon, John Alpay and Gary Pritchard—noted that OCASA has the option to send its petition to the county. All three agreed that the county will likely approve the petition, which they said would eliminate any oversight the district would have had in the process.—Allison Jarrell

CUSD Schools Remain Open, Vigilant, in Light of LAUSD Credible Threat

THE LATEST: While schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were closed Tuesday due to what authorities deemed a credible threat, Capistrano Unified School District schools remained open.

Parents of students attending CUSD schools received the following email from Superintendent Kirsten Vital Tuesday afternoon:

“Dear CUSD Community: This morning, LAUSD closed their schools due to what they believed was a credible threat. CUSD has been in communication with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Juvenile Services Bureau and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC), and we have been advised that there has been no credible threat

against CUSD at this time. However, as a precaution, we have been in contact with all of our school sites requesting them to inspect the campus and remind staff to be aware of their surroundings and anything unusual.

“CUSD has a safety plan that is specific to each site and is reviewed every year and we have worked to build and strengthen this plan since 2012. We have a unique relationship with law enforcement that includes daily interaction and communication.

“The District also works with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in planning and security assessments of our schools and with the OCIAC. OCIAC is an integrated, multi-disciplined, information and intelligence sharing network to collect, analyze and disseminate information on all criminal risks and safety threats to law enforcement, fire, health, private sector and public sector stakeholders in a timely manner in order to protect the residents, visitors and critical infrastructure while ensuring the civil rights and civil liberties of all persons are recognized.

“In addition, armed sheriff’s deputies are assigned to our campuses and we utilize the Sheriff’s Department’s School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team (SMART). SMART is used in school situations or incidents related to violence, threats, possession and/or use of weapons, unstable behaviors and suicidal

actions or tendencies.

“In the area of training, we conduct ongoing drills and simulated emergency exercises for our staff and this training is reviewed and modified as needed. We also train our staff to speak up and report suspicious activity they see at our school sites or offices.

“Finally, we have the benefit of many parents, students, teachers, administrators and staff on our campuses and we ask that you report any unusual and suspicious activity. Please talk to your child/children to remind them that they, too, should report anything suspicious. We want everyone on our campuses to be empowered to speak up about anything that looks out of place. Please reach out to your school principals or site administration for guidance and questions. Thank you for your support.”

WHAT’S NEXT: According to OCSD Lt. Jeff Hallock, the sheriff’s department took no specific action related to the LAUSD incident.

“We constantly make school safety a priority and monitor for anything unusual or suspicious,” Hallock said.—Andrea Swayne

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

• • • Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

First Aid

San Clemente hospital legislation to be heard in January

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Key figures in the effort to keep a hospital, or at least an emergency room, in San Clemente met Wednesday to update the public on the progress of keeping the city’s only hospital, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, operational.

Since fall of 2014, when the prospect of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center’s closure came to light, community organization Save San Clemente Hospital, state legislators and City Council members have been adamant about trying to keep the hospital open.

Assemblyman Bill Brough, who represents the San Clemente area, said there are a few ideas to present to the Legislature when it reconvenes Jan. 4. Brough said the two bills he and Sen. Patricia Bates authored, A.B. 911 and S.B. 787, will be heard by a legislative committee Jan. 12 and 13. The bills would essentially allow for a freestanding emergency room or satellite emergency room in San Clemente. Freestanding emergency rooms are currently not allowed under California state law.

Bates said the bill has drawn “strong opposition” from the nurses unions and the American College of Emergency Physicians.

“They do have a very heavy influence in legislation in Sacramento,” Bates said. “Their concerns were this would set precedence in the state that this would allow for freestanding emergency rooms

the San Clemente campus—or at least significantly reducing its functions—was because hospital representatives said it was no longer sustainable. Representatives from Saddleback said the hospital has not seen the demand for inpatient care as it had in the past, which has drained the location’s revenue streams.

Dr. Steven Cullen, a physician at St. Joseph Health Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach, spoke to some of the numbers the San Clemente hospital faces.

“The hospital serves three cities: San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, and it is licensed for 73 beds,” Cullen said. “At one point, that building was licensed for about 104 beds. Between inpatient and outpatient care, the hospital admits about 4,000 people a year.”

Cullen said between 2013 and 2014, 73 percent of all 911 emergency medical calls that came from San Clemente had patients transferred to the city’s current hospital.

options to scale it down. Some of the alternatives to pushing for legislation to allow for a freestanding emergency room would be to make Saddleback a “micro hospital,” which wouldn’t be able to care for as many patients but would retain emergency services. Certain specialty treatment may or may not be provided under a micro hospital system. Other sizeable options for the hospital are also available, but whether Saddleback Memorial wants to do that remains to be seen.

Public Input

Currently, the city of San Clemente is looking to rezone the area on which Saddleback Memorial Medical Center is located. The zoning would designate the land could only be used for a hospital.

not attached to an accredited hospital. We countered that our situation was specific to San Clemente.”

Bates also said the legislators spoke to the community involvement that has surrounded the hospital’s potential closure.

“We were told early in the year that legislation would be the only option to maintain a satellite emergency room,” she said.

Brough said the ongoing efforts to keep a hospital or emergency room in San Clemente have been a key issue for him.

“This has been our top issue of the year,” Brough said. “Our staff is on call every week with all the stakeholders, trying to find solutions.”

Brough said a number of coalitions and associations have been tapped to figure out how to keep at least an emergency room in San Clemente.

“We were unsure what was happening, but we came up with our own legislative deadline and Senator Bates and I put in two placeholder bills,” Brough said. “(The Assembly) knows the issue going on down here. The disappointing thing for me is there are issues with health care, and it’s not just San Clemente.”

Brough said these issues will continue until policy changes are made.

In September, members of the California Legislature’s health committees and representatives facing similar problems in their communities toured Saddleback Memorial Medical Center to understand the nature of the challenges the hospital faces.

“We have to have emergency services in our community, and we believe that this business model can help do that and keep hospitals (financially) healthy,” Bates said.

Numbers and Finances

Bates said the efforts made by legislators must also address the financial issues that hamper these situations. The main reason Saddleback proposed closing

The opening of the Outlets at San Clemente, the ongoing construction of the Interstate 5 freeway and the decommissioning and deconstruction of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (which is expected to take 15 to 20 years) are all factors that bring in more people to the area, Cullen said.

The average drive time from San Clemente Hospital to Mission Hospital is 16 minutes and to Laguna Beach’s hospital was just longer than 23 minutes.

“Between the years of 1995 to 2010, the number of emergency room visits (statewide) went up 34 percent,” Cullen said. “Over that time, the number of emergency rooms dropped 27 percent.”

Mental health issues have also become more prevalent and severe, Cullen said.

“Mortality rates go up 5 percent to 15 percent in local areas when their emergency rooms close,” Cullen said.

Alternatives

Rather than completely scrap the hospital for inpatient care, there may be some

“When the city of San Clemente became aware of the potential closure of the Saddleback Memorial Care San Clemente Campus in late 2014, the city took immediate steps to understand the impacts, seek community input, involve stakeholders and seek plans to mitigate this potential impact to the city,” a City of San Clemente press release from Dec. 9 stated. “The city conducted a series of public meetings with the Saddleback Memorial San Clemente Hospital Advisory Committee. This Advisory Committee recommended seeking legislative relief to authorize a satellite Emergency Department.”

Some community members who spoke during the meeting said they would not want the city to change the zoning of the land where the hospital is located because it could deter healthcare providers from keeping the hospital and set precedence that would deter other business owners.

Most of those from the audience who spoke at the meeting shared stories about how they or loved ones may have suffered catastrophic injuries if San Clemente’s hospital had not been available. SC

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

San Clemente Youth Cheer Squad Places Fifth at Nationals

On Dec. 8, the South Coast Youth Football Pop Warner Pee Wee Triton Cheer team won fifth place at the 2015 Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships held at Disney World Resort in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This is the first team ever from SCYF to compete at nationals.

The cheer team is made up of 17 San Clemente girls, ages 9 to 12 (Samantha, Tiki, Taylor, Alexa, Casey, Paige, Coco, Emma, Alexa, Devyn, Audrey, Galileah, Lauren, Mila, Caylin, Juliana and Sophia), coached by Jen Rector, Christine Page, Michelle Zandona, Kaitlyn Vilardo and Caily Perry.

Triton Cheer was supported by the Nick Pasquale Foundation.

Our Father’s Table Looks to Help Homeless

Our Father’s Table street outreach ministry is seeking donations to help the chronically homeless. The organization hopes to help 100 homeless people get off the streets in 2016.

An announcement from the organization said monetary donations assist the organization in its work, and people are asked to give a financially affordable amount.

“No amount is too small; every dollar counts, helps and is needed,” the organization’s website stated.

For more information, visit www. ourfatherstableus.org. Call 714.343.8760 to donate.

Vittorio Durant Named to Honor Roll at Army and Navy Academy

The Army and Navy Academy announced Dec. 10 that Vittorio Durant of San Clemente has been named to the Honor Roll (students with a grade point average of 3.50 or higher) for the second grading period of the 2015-2016 school year.

This accomplishment was achieved through the academy’s “unique college preparatory curriculum, which includes leadership training in addition to the core subjects,” a press release stated.

The Army and Navy Academy is a private, not-for-profit institution that provides character-based education for young men, grades seven through 12. It is the only private boarding school in San Diego County and the only private military academy for high school-age students in California and surrounding states.

State Public Health Officer Urges Travelers to Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer

Dr. Karen Smith is urging Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites if traveling to Mexico or Latin America, where there have been increased reports of the mosquito-borne diseases chikungunya and dengue. Travelers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of dengue on the Big Island in Hawaii, and precautions against mosquito bites are advised; there are no reports of dengue transmission on the other Hawaiian Islands.

“We want all Californians to be extra careful when traveling to these regions and take steps to avoid mosquito bites,” Smith stated in the release. “The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and dengue are aggressive daytime biters.”

Chikungunya is a viral disease characterized by acute onset of fever and severe joint pain. Dengue, another viral disease, is characterized by high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash and, in severe cases, bleeding manifestations. For both, treatment is supportive, the disease is not contagious person-to-person, and there is no vaccine.

Three California residents have acquired dengue during the recent outbreak in the Big Island in Hawaii. There have been no cases of chikungunya and dengue acquired locally in California.

CDPH recommends that travelers prevent exposure to mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. DEET can be used

The bundles of meth weighed 37.04 pounds and have an estimated street value of $370,400.

Agents turned the man and drugs over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Last fiscal year, Border Patrol agents at the San Diego Sector intercepted 1,797 pounds of methamphetamine.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of security at corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact the San Diego Sector at 619.498.9900.

Mission Hospital Debuts New Program for Adolescents

safely on infants and children two months of age and older. In addition, make sure that your hotel or lodging has air conditioning or doors and windows with tightfitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Chikungunya was first introduced to the Caribbean in late 2013, and by Nov. 30, 2015, more than 25,000 confirmed cases were reported from the Caribbean and Central, South, and North America, including more than 9,000 cases in Mexico. Dengue transmission has also been prevalent throughout Latin American countries in recent years, and the risk of dengue is present in several Mexican states, including Baja California Sur (home to the popular tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas and La Paz).

If you have returned from an affected region and have fever with joint pain or rash within two weeks of your return, contact your medical provider and report where you have traveled. If your doctor suspects chikungunya or dengue, protect yourself against mosquito bites until you recover. This will prevent spread of the virus to mosquitoes and potentially humans here in California.

Border Patrol Seizes 37 Pounds of Methamphetamine

The San Diego Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 35-year-old man who had bundles of methamphetamine stashed inside the trunk of his car on Friday, Dec. 11.

About 9 a.m., agents initiated a vehicle stop on a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt near the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 5. As agents questioned the driver, their K-9 alerted officers to the rear of the car. A search of the trunk revealed two large black bags filled with 28 bundles of methamphetamine.

Mission Hospital Laguna Beach is launching a program for adolescents who are struggling with both psychological issues and chemical dependency. The program is intended to help adolescents 14 to 17 years old cope with mental health issues, a press release from the hospital stated. The program is structured as an afterschool intensive outpatient program. The adolescents attend three groups a day from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

“The evidence-based treatment curriculum was created with the goal of helping adolescents become motivated for positive change to occur, learn ways to achieve and maintain sobriety, as well as manage co-occurring mood and behavioral disorders,” the release stated.

The groups teach coping skills that help teenagers develop good mental health practices and lifelong sobriety, which also incorporates the 12-step approach.

“Living a substance-free lifestyle is our vision for all teens in South Orange County,” Fred Richmond, Ph.D., executive director of Behavioral Health Services at Mission Laguna Beach Hospital, stated in the release. “Our new services for adolescents will play a major role in making this vision a reality.”

To further enhance the program, individual therapy time for each adolescent will be provided by licensed clinicians. Multi-family sessions are included in the group treatment schedule.

A parenting program will run one evening a week in order to equip parents with skills to effectively parent and support their children. Each family unit will be required to meet individually with a therapist at least once a week to discuss challenges specific to them and obtain strategies on how to overcome them.

For more information, call 949.364.7783 or visit www.mission4health.com.

Have

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED

BY

ERIC HEINZ

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, December 14

TRAFFIC HAZARD East Canada/El Camino Real (5:30 a.m.) Palm tree debris had blocked all lanes of traffic.

Sunday, December 13

DISTURBANCE Avenida Del Mar, 200 Block (8:32 p.m.) A man was punching and kicking a woman because she “took his meth and it dissolved in the rain.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Pico/Calle Del Cerro (6:29 p.m.) A man in a red Ford Mustang was driving on the wrong side of the road.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Camino De Los Mares, 300 Block (2:42 p.m.) A teenager was seen skateboarding on the roof of a building, and five more teenagers were in the area.

CITIZEN ASSIST Camino Ibiza, 900 Block (12:49 p.m.) A man said he let someone use his vehicle, and he has not returned it.

CITIZEN ASSIST Paseo de Cristobal, 100 Block (12:42 p.m.) A caller said people were shooting oranges and limes into his backyard.

HIT-AND-RUN MISDEMEANOR Avenida Vista Hermosa/Camino La Pedriza (10:50 a.m.) The suspect was reportedly in a gray Toyota and hit a red Suburban at the location.

DRUNK DRIVING El Camino Real, 600 Block (10:37 a.m.) A man and a woman, who were believed to be drunk, were trying to enter a fast-food drive-through.

WELFARE CHECK Calle Agua/Camino De Los Mares (9:43 a.m.) The driver of a black Ford Mustang, which was parked and facing uphill with its engine running, was unconscious inside the vehicle.

Saturday, December 12

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Pico/Camino Vera Cruz (11:21 p.m.) Police were called to check on an “elderly” man standing alone. The caller said he thought it was too late in the day for someone that old to be out alone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo

De Cristobal, 300 Block (10:56 p.m.) A caller said four people were trying to get inside the gate.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Presidio/El Camino Real (10:19 p.m.) A man was found drunk and on the ground.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Monterey, 200 Block (9:54 p.m.) A drunk man who lives downstairs from the caller was in a physical altercation with the people who live above him.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Lobeiro, 200 Block (4:33 p.m.) A man said he was hit by a cyclist.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Camino De Los Mares/Calle Agua (2:34 p.m.) Police were called regarding a man who was looking into vehicles.

TRESPASSING Avenida Pico, 900 Block (2:05 p.m.) A woman called about a man on the property who had been harassing one of the business’ employees.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 2500 Block (1:44 p.m.) A caller said a transient man was hanging out in the lobby. A 44-year-old unemployed man was arrested and was still in custody as of Monday.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Presidio, 900 Block (1:53 p.m.) Police were called to check on a woman with two children standing at the corner and asking for money.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (3:07 a.m.) A man said a homeless man was sleeping on his doorstep.

Friday, December 11

DISTURBANCE Camino Marinero, 6300 block (11:01 p.m.) Four juveniles were seen fighting.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Monterey, 200 Block (10:25 p.m.) A caller said two juveniles were smoking some kind of controlled substance.

DISTURBANCE Camino Mira Costa/Camimo De Estrella (7:30 p.m.) Police were called to reports of juveniles running around and screaming.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 300 Block (6:54 p.m.) A woman said multiple used syringes were found at the location.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (4:09 p.m.) A caller was approached by a mentally unstable person.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 1500 Block (2:22 p.m.) A caller said a drug deal was taking place in the alley.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Vista Hermosa, 900 Block (11:32 a.m.) Police were called to reports of a woman who was covered in mud.

BATTERY REPORT Riachuelo, 2800 Block (1:37 a.m.) A man said he was assaulted by someone he knows.

Thursday, December 10

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Amistad, 100 Block (7:25 p.m.) A man said a caregiver attempted to take money from his friend’s elderly mother. No other information was provided.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (6:49 p.m.) A caller, who was uncooperative with dispatchers, said there was a person in the area trying to start a fight with people.

TRESPASSING El Camino Real, 400 Block (4:07 p.m.) A caller said a man was “singing, dancing, fighting with the air, grabbing himself and talking to himself.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Estacion, 1800 Block (3:39 p.m.) A caller said three people were taking advantage of a homeless man and “might try to take his money.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE El Camino Real, 3000 Block (2:24 p.m.) A patrol check was conducted for a black SUV occupied by a man who the caller said had been there every day of the week, staring at children being picked up.

VANDALISM REPORT Christianitos Road, 100 Block (2:09 p.m.) A woman said someone threw paint on her car and she suspects it was her neighbor because there was a trail of paint.

WELFARE CHECK Camino De Los Mares/ Avenida Vaquero (10:49 a.m.) A possibly drunken man, described as in his late 20s or early 30s wearing a black top hat and a green overcoat, was weaving in and out of traffic through the red light and playing chicken with the vehicles, causing them to slam on their breaks.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (10:21 a.m.) A caller said a homeless man wearing all black was yelling “I’m coming in and taking over.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Camino Real, 2400 Block (8:48 a.m.) A man said two people gave a “pelvic thrust move.” The caller said they are not doing their laundry and he wants them to leave.

Wednesday, December 9

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 400 Block (3:38 p.m.) A man with a shopping cart was heard yelling.

Community Meetings

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Exchange Club of San Clemente Noon. The Exchange Club of San Clemente will host its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center, 150 E. Magdalena, www.exchangeclubsc.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

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.

San Clemente Toastmasters 7 p.m. The club meets every Tuesday for social and networking time. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 805.794.0653, www.sanclementetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23

San Clemente Rotary

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

Noon. The San Clemente Kiwanis meet most Wednesdays for lunch at Tommy’s Restaurant. 1409 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.5423, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

San Clemente City Office Closed City offices will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 1 and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4. During the City Hall closure, certain city staff will be on duty for scheduled building inspections, and for emergencies related to water, sewer and utilities operations. www.san-clemente.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

Christmas Day

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year’s Day

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

My Aunt Margaret

She was the Happiest Person I Ever Knew; Her Secret was Like a Christmas Carol

Doesn’t everyone have a favorite relative? Mine was my Auntie Margaret.

She was one of those special souls who made people feel like they should always be giving each other presents. Every morning felt like Christmas at Margaret’s home.

My aunt could make a card game seem like a visit to Vegas and a simple trip to the grocery store like a shopping spree on the Champs-Élysées. With my aunt behind the wheel, riding in her Chevrolet Impala felt like riding an African Impala.

Margaret never had a big house, expensive furniture, a VIP job or a fancy car. But her house had welcoming warmth; she always left the back porch light on and the key under the mat. I remember every piece of furniture she owned—her armchair and sofa became a symbol of comfort and calm and contentment for more than 50 years. Her delight in even the smallest things made them seem priceless. I learned to treasure her possessions too. They had meaning; they were a reflection of her. Margaret wasn’t looking for things to make her happy; she was already happy looking at all the things she had.

Letters to the Editor

THERE’S A NEED FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT

BRAD MALAMUD, San Clemente

The City Manager meets individually with City Council members within 48 hours of Council meetings. When asked for documents related to these meetings, the City refuses to provide them invoking a little-known “Deliberative Process Privilege.” This privilege is invoked so that the thoughts of our Council are not known (to allow unfettered deliberation). We are not told what is discussed. These meetings are contrary to the intent and purpose of the Brown Act Open Meeting Law. The City Attorney’s law firm presentation states these “Hub and Spoke” meetings are illegal. Yet the City Attorney defiantly claims these meetings are legal. Legal or not, these meetings must cease. If the City has nothing to hide, why is it hiding behind the deliberative process privilege?

Kempton

Her secret, I think, was constantly acting out her optimism. My Aunt Margaret made me truly understand that it isn’t the cards we are dealt, it’s how we play them— attitude is more important than aptitude; having our family love us is more important than having anything else in the world; always thinking of and remembering others is so much more rewarding than thinking of ourselves.

In short, Margaret showed us that choosing to be happy is not only an option, but also the secret to a wonderful life. She was my favorite aunt (maybe my favorite person) not because of how much she had but because of how much she gave. Margaret had a career, too, and in business she led by example. Everyone who ever worked with her (or for her) did better work, had more fun, created greater customer satisfaction and built stronger companies than any other job they ever had.

My aunt had no more opportunities or lucky breaks than the next person. And

Council should approve a Sunshine Ordinance for Open Government. San Francisco and other cities adopted Sunshine ordinances years ago. If Council refuses to do so, we should elect Council members who will.

DYSMORPHIC DISORDER CULPABLE IN TRANSSEXUALITY

JEFFREY HERMAN, San Clemente

There is a mental disease called dysmorphic disorder in which a patient believes that an arm, leg, eye, or other body part is foreign to them and strongly desires to have that portion of their body removed. Rather than attempting to treat this disorder, some surgeons will actually abide by the patient’s wishes and remove that body part.

Up until recently, feelings of transsexuality was an indication of having dysmorphic disorder, but today a certain political movement has convinced the public (and news media) that it’s perfectly normal for someone to pretend that they are of a different gender. Rather than treating the disease, we are instead giving that person special rights and privileges (e.g., boys being allowed to use girls showers and bathrooms). It’s not normal—it’s a mental

she certainly had her share of adversity and heartbreak. Yet I never heard a complaint or an unkind word from her—no matter what her own hardship. She never went on holiday to St. Tropez, shopped on Rodeo Drive or dined at Wolfgang Puck’s. But she lived as if she had. Margaret thought of her life as a great and beautiful adventure. And so it was: she somehow understood that a happy life was not about enduring hardships but overcoming them. In the end, her life was like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: it taught my family what happiness means, what real success is and what love can do. She was living proof that given a glass half empty or half full, choosing the half-full glass always makes the drink taste better. Merry Christmas! Jim Kempton consults companies on optimizing their business. If the CEOs he advises all experienced the three spirits of Scrooge and operated like his aunt, their corporations would light the world on fire.

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.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Dec. 18 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

This week’s guest will be San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker. He will be speaking about the city’s upcoming year and answer questions from the public. 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.

disorder and should be treated as such.

Our gender is determined by the chromosomes we’re born with: XX = female, XY = male. It’s the patient’s choice to accept that or not, but their choice should not burden society.

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.

HOW TO REACH US

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

Picket Fence Media

Group

City

> Allison Jarrell

Sports Editor

> Steve Breazeale

Special Projects Editor

> Andrea Papagianis

ART/DESIGN

Art Director > Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Real Estate Sales Manager

> Michele Reddick

OPERATIONS

Finance Director

> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager

> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager

> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKS

Robert Miller

Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco

Melissa Calvano

Debra Holm

Tim Trent

GETTING OUT SC

The List

What’s going on in and around town

Thursday | 17

OPEN ARTIST STUDIO

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists. Free. Ages 16 and up. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

SOUTH COAST QUARTET SINGS

CHRISTMAS AT CHAPAROSA GRILL

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Christmas favorites performed by the South Coast Quartet at Chaparosa Grill. Let the quartet’s singing get you into the holiday spirit while you dine. Reservations accepted but not required. Chaparosa Grill, 30271 Golden Lantern, Ste. D, Laguna Niguel, 949.363.9888.

JSERRA CHOIR AT THE BASILICA

7 p.m. The choir program will host its annual Christmas concert the Mission Basilica. This is a free event for general seating, but tickets for preferred

(reserved) seats can be purchased for $20. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1360, www.jserra.org/ christmasconcert.

SHOWDOWN

7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Friday | 18

‘A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a nostalgic story of Christmas day—from its quiet, magical beginning full of thrilling expectations, to bedtime, replete with the joy of a perfect Christmas. Shows run through Dec. 20 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse. org.

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. 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.

(Cont. on page 16)

HARRY CONNICK JR.’S ‘THE HAPPY ELF’

6:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 19 and 20, with a 2 p.m. show Dec. 19. The musical Harry Connick Jr.’s

“The Happy Elf” will be performed by the students of The Arts Project of Orange County.

“The Happy Elf” tells the tale of Eubie the Elf, a lovable fellow who wants to spread Christmas joy throughout the town of Bluesville. Pre-sale tickets are $12; $15 at the door and subject to availability. The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.tapocthehappyelf.brownpapertickets.com.

(Cont. from page 14)

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Watch at water’s edge or take in the view from aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari or Ocean Institute harbor cruise as boaters from all around Orange County decorate their vessels with sparkling lights and add costumes, music and animation to fit with each year’s theme and vie for prizes including Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Original and more. This year’s theme, “A Galactic Holiday” promises a variety of Star Wars and related themed boats. Viewing is free from anywhere in the harbor. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danapointharbor.com.

SHORECLIFFS GOLF COURSE TO HOST TWO HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

6 p.m. George Butts performs live music Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 19, the Pizarro Brothers will perform at the same times. Both performances feature dinner specials. Shorecliffs Golf Course, 501 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, www.shorecliffsgolfclub.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE

5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor every Friday and Sunday. Tickets are $49. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

SENIOR CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY DINNER

11:45 a.m. A traditional Christmas dinner with entertainment by impressionist, singer and entertainer Danny Jakobson. A special appearance from that favorite red-suited gentleman is also anticipated. Suggested donation of $4.50 for attendees 60 and older. Guests under 60 are $6. Also, the San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club “Angel Tree Gift Program” will take place. For lunch reservations, call the center at Dorothy Visser Senior Center of San Clemente, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322, www.san-clemente.org.

Saturday | 19

CASA LA PAZ HOLIDAY SALE & HONEY TASTING

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tree of Life Nursery’s Casa La Paz plant and bookstore is having a holiday sale, with select items discounted throughout the store. There will also be a honey bar for tasting local honey. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

SPARK SOME CHRISTMAS LOVE

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Dana Point Jet Ski hosts a day of holiday activities for the entire family held in conjunction with its annual participation in the ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters Spark of Love Toy Drive. Bring toys for donation and take photos with Santa, local firefighters and their engine. The free event also includes firefighter helmets and stickers for kids, a raffle and popcorn. Dana Point Jet Ski and Kayak Center, 34671 Puerto Place, Dana Point Harbor, 949.661.4947.

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM

7 p.m.-8 p.m. Every Saturday night, join OC Parks for a campfire program that may include a presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Topics may vary weekly. All ages are welcome. Admission is free; parking is $5 per vehicle. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Sunday | 20

BEACH CHURCH

8 a.m. Visit Christ Lutheran’s Beach Church on the sand at San Clemente North Beach near the Metrolink station. Worship and fellowship for all ages—with the ocean, dolphins and an occasional train as a backdrop. Call 949.496.2621 or visit www.clcsanclemente.org for more information.

EDITOR’S PICK

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

SOUL FOOD AT SAN CLEMENTE

BAHA’I CENTER

10:30 a.m. An atmosphere for reflection and spiritual growth, combining live music, audio-visual pieces, readings from faiths and philosophers, authors, leaders and indigenous cultures. Konj Kav is a singer/guitarist who played with two groups of musicians called “Long Beach Acous-tic Musicians” and “South Bay Acoustic Musicians” about three years ago. This month’s program theme is “Dance of Life.” Free admission. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.791.9192, www.bahaicenter.com.

PAPERMOON GYPSYS

3 p.m.-6 p.m. Live music every Sunday at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

WINE DOWN SUNDAYS

4 p.m.-10 p.m. Half price wine by the glass Sundays at Salt Creek Grille. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast

At the Movies: Rough Sailing for ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ I

f there is one actor who seems to have been fated with misfortune throughout 2015, it would have to be Thor star Chris Hemsworth, beginning the year with the quickly forgotten Blackhat and then followed up with the disaster reboot Vacation. Even Avengers: Age of Ultron received mixed reactions. Now Hemsworth’s second collaboration with Ron Howard, In the Heart of the Sea, is being ignored by movie fans—most likely due to Star Wars frenzy. Does it deserve the failure as much as the earlier flops? Sort of.

In 1820 New England, avid boatman Owen Chase (Hemsworth) leaves pregnant wife Peggy (Charlotte Riley) for an assignment as first mate of the new whaling ship the Essex. Though he was promised to be the captain, Owen is passed over for George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) due to nepotism. Owen and George don’t

Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Monday | 21

ALL THINGS ART CAMP: HOLIDAY THEME

9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 21-23. Parents can take part in the holiday All Things Art workshops. Sing holiday songs, make holidaythemed presents and artwork, decorate gingerbread houses and perform skits. People can come one day or all three. Cost: $45 (sibling and multiple-day discount). The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.theartsprojectoc.com.

see eye-to-eye on the voyage, but Owen befriends teen sailor Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland) while one big, mean whale causes havoc on the ship.

Ben Whishaw co-stars as Moby Dick author Herman Melville being told the story by a grown-up Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson). One big problem with Howard’s Heart of the Sea is that despite the impression elicited by movie trailers, audiences don’t see nearly enough of the whale. Another is that the characters’ interaction and development seem to be treated as an afterthought—especially evident among supporting roles. The special effects are visually pleasing, but not enough to make up for the lacking structure. Hemsworth plays a decent lead and his performance is entertaining, but this just isn’t his year. In the Heart of the Sea offers an entertaining 122 minutes, just not the meaty story moviegoers have come to expect from Ron Howard. SC

TEEN TIME

4 p.m-6 p.m. Teens 12 to 17 years old can enjoy a different activity every week in the Library Meeting Room. This week’s feature: a special BBC holiday celebration. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday | 22

LEROY

4 p.m. Music at Waterman’s Harbor, 34661 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com. (Cont. on page 18)

(Cont. from page 16)

Wednesday | 23

JOY OF LIVING BIBLE STUDY

9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. Women of all ages are invited to this interdenominational group that meets Wednesdays through June 1. A start-up fee of $30 is requested. Free child care is provided. The study includes worship, discussion groups, inspirational talks and monthly luncheons. Talega Life Church, 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.493.1980.

MARINE MONUMENT TOY DRIVE

The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi is collecting Christmas toys for HMLA-469, San Clemente’s adopted Marine Corps Unit, to be distributed at the HMLA-469 “Breakfast with Santa” event on Dec. 23. Toys can be dropped off in the red bins at the following locations: City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio; San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville; Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa; and Coastal Castles Realty, 1520 North El Camino Real, No. 1, 949.498.4958, www.marinemonument.com.

Friday | 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

Saturday | 26

WINTER BREAK KIDS CRAFTS

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano offers crafts for children ages 6-12 from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. Monday: lasso/jump rope, Tuesday: miniature Adobe brick house, Wednesday: cornhusk dolls/action figures, Thursday: mini coiled clay pot, Friday: arrowhead necklace. No crafts on Dec. 24 or 25. $1–$5 in addition to admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

ENGLISH BEAT

8 p.m. English Beat performs live at the Coach House. Tickets are $26. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

SLAPBAK

9 p.m. Live music at StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Sunday | 27

SMASH MOUTH

7 p.m. Smash Mouth performs live at the Coach House. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 5 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Monday | 28

ALL THINGS ART CAMP: ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ THEME

9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 28-30. Follow the yellow brick road to a fun-filled day. Sing, dance, act and create art, all with the fun theme of “The Wizard of Oz.” People can come to the event one day or all three. Cost: $45 (sibling and multiple-day discount). The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzado San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.theartsprojectoc.com

PJ STORYTIME WITH THE SUNSHINE READERS

7 p.m-8 p.m. Reading event for children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wear your pajamas if you like. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday | 29

FAMILY GAMING AFTERNOON

1 p.m.-2 p.m. Family game time in the library meeting room. Attendees can play the Wii, Xbox Kinnect or traditional board and card games. No registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

DRAWING WITH LAURA

1 p.m-2 p.m. Learn how to draw from local author and illustrator Laura Seeley. Children and parents participating in the lesson will take home two drawings. Seeley will sign books after the activity. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday | 30

ADULT BOOK GROUP MEETING

10 a.m. Adult Book Group meets the last Wednesday of every month. December is BYOB (bring your own book). Bring your favorite books of the year to share. For more information, inquire at the library’s service desk. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

LEGO BUILDING

1 p.m-3 p.m. Free building with Legos for school-age children. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

DREAM BROTHER

4 p.m. Live music at Waterman’s Harbor, 34661 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com. (Cont. on page 20)

GETTING OUT

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Courtesy

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31: ROTARY NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CASINO SAN CLEMENTE

7 p.m. The night kicks off with a social hour, hors d’oeuvres and gaming. Family Assistance Ministries will be a major beneficiary of proceeds from the event. Some proceeds will help fund local San Clemente charities. New Year’s Eve event sponsors include the San Clemente Casino, Burns Investment Group, Memorial Care, Aegis Living, The Toll Roads and Rug Design Gallery. Guests must be 21 years of age; cocktail attire is suggested. For more information about events, ticket prices and more, contact Tom Miller at 626.893.3917. Tickets are available at www.rotarynewyears2015.eventbrite.com.

(Cont. from page 18)

Thursday | 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE

SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEE

2 p.m.-4 p.m. This event is for children of all ages with a parent or caregiver. Call the library for the current movie title. No preregistration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.5517, www. ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL

Three-course chef’s menu at Iva Lee’s with live music by Missy Andersen and dancing. First seating $55, second seating $65 and VIP lounge seating $95. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

OC TAVERN’S ANNUAL

NEW YEAR’S EVE BLAST

9:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve Blast kicks off with a space party (house music) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. 21 years old and older only. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

MIDNIGHT AT THE CLIFFS

NYE CELEBRATION

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Ring in the New Year with friends and family in the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom with live music by ’80s tribute band Flashback Heart Attack, drinks, small bites and a midnight champagne toast. VIP booth packages and New Year’s Eve room packages available. Early bird tickets are $125 per person. General admission is

$140. Tickets can be purchased at www. midnightatthecliffs.eventbrite.com. For VIP package info, call 949.487.7521. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.lagunacliffs.com.

YEAR OF THE MONKEY CELEBRATION AT THE CELLAR

The event will celebrate the Chinese Zodiac’s year of the monkey with an East and West Coast toast. Reservations are $65. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

SWALLOW’S INN

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

7:30 p.m. Ring in the New Year at the Swallow’s Inn, featuring live music by Dawson. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and include party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and midnight snacks. Tickets are limited—see a bartender to purchase in advance. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT SALT CREEK GRILLE

4 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy a holiday-inspired menu by Executive Chef Scott Green and then dance the night away to live music by The Society Band before ringing in the New Year with a champagne toast. Call for reservations. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

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

www.sanclementetimes.com

El Portal

Reopens

Beach access point reopens after eightmonth closure

BY

Easy access to El Portal Beach in San Clemente is open once again, as the city debuted the new staircase that leads from Buena Vista to the Pacific Ocean.

The access point was closed for eight months as the city constructed the new staircase, which is made of anodized aluminum rails, cable and Alaskan yellow cedar wood.

Comprised of 112 stairs in six sections, the planning phase of the project began two and a half years ago.

“The previous staircase had met its useful life, and it’s a big opportunity for the city of San Clemente to provide a safe and beautiful beach access that links the

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

Thriving and Surviving the Holidays with College Kids

Taking a break from my online holiday shopping spree—pausing only for my credit card to cool down—I searched the Internet for humorous holiday reading. Instead, I found a surprising number of articles providing parents with survival tips while their college freshmen are home for winter break.

California Coastal Trail and San Clemente Beach Trail,” said Aeryn Donnelly, the city’s park planner. “We were able to do improvements to the upper landing and new amenities and new signage. There was also opportunity for the public to step forward to donate a bench for the Celebrate, Acknowledge, Remember and Enhance program.”

The staircase also has custom, handpainted tiles that decorate the sides of the steps at the bottom of the access point.

At the top of the entrance, California native plants have been put in to help with beautification efforts and decrease erosion.

“We basically timed the project so we could miss the busy season and avoid the rain, which luckily worked,” Donnelly said.

As for functionality, the stairways have been widened so two surfers can pass each other while traveling in opposite directions on the staircase. There is also a viewing platform about two-thirds of the way down.

“This is a great way for the people in the area to have direct access,” Pamela Passow, the city’s Beaches, Parks and Recreation director, said. “It makes it pleasant, and people have been (using) them for exercise.” SC

I count myself as one of the parents excitedly anticipating my boys’ arrivals and plan on thriving, not surviving, during my freshman son’s seasonal vacation. Until my younger son arrives home, I’ll keep my cell phone close and count down the days until we trade our quick calls for homecoming hugs. Our conversations are brief, frequently interrupted with shouts of “Hey, how’s it going?” directed at friends and always end abruptly with, “I gotta go.”

My waiting for his calls and texts stops just in a few days when my college newbie finally returns home. He’ll walk through our threshold, slinging a large sack over his shoulder. Unlike Santa’s sack brimming with gifts, my son’s bag will overflow with laundry.

As I read some of the online articles, I flashed back to my older son’s first freshman holiday. I remembered his arrival home that winter break and with hindsight will admit it’s an adjustment for both parents and students.

Freshmen students are apt to return home exhausted from the final weeks of a semester filled with collegiate papers, projects and parties. After dumping their laundry on the floor, some college kids may drop as well, but it’s more likely they’ll rally and race out the door they just walked through.

One of the most noticeable changes in returning freshmen is the fierce protection of their newfound independence. Parents will soon discover their freshmen college kids aren’t too fond of resuming the rules they lived under in high school.

The perfect storm hits when parents enforce “my house, my rules” and young adults rebel after becoming accustomed to unrestricted freedom. The most common clashes occur over parental expectations, household duties and family commitments.

Experts quoted in the articles I read claim the key to avoiding conflict is a healthy mix of mutual respect, communication and compromise. For our family, the compromise involves distinguishing the difference between living in our family home and living in the fraternity house.

Attempting to adjust to our college kids’ vampire-like lifestyle presents another challenge.

If history repeats, I’ll notice how nocturnal my younger son has become. His current sleep schedule will likely resemble his infant sleep pattern when he mixed-up his days and nights—content to wail through the night then sleep soundly during the day.

Both my sons can’t wait to get home and reconnect with their high school friends. I’m proud of the achievements my boys accomplished at our hometown high school and equally proud of the longlasting friendships they maintain.

I’ll thrive in our chaotic holiday house full of boys and the treasured tradition of watching them rush to reunite. One of the true joys of the season is the nostalgic reunion of friendships that span miles and years. This holiday season I won’t settle in for long winter naps. I know there’ll be nights I put a pillow over my head drowning out the roaring laughter and booming music from downstairs—and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I enjoy our empty nest’s transformation into a merry and bright home.

Alas, the joy of the season is fleeting. After several weeks of seeing my boys nestled all snug in their beds, the grouchy Grinch will appear and stop Christmas from continuing. Too soon the weeks of festivities will end and college kids’ conversations will change from catching up to, “When do you go back?”

One by one, my sons’ friends will dash away and return to their respective college campuses.

Then the time will come for my boys to leave. After they drive away from our home and back to their lives, I’ll return to my computer—this time searching for tips for surviving their absence and another heartbreaking goodbye.

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband for the past 16 years. She’s a freelance writer and contributor to the SC Times since 2006. SC

Business Beat

News from San Clemente’s business community

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

New Mobile Application

MEDHERO

905 Calle Amancer, Suite 115, 949.207.3603, www.medhero.com

Private urgent care facility MedHero recently debuted a telemedicine mobile app for people to contact urgent care physicians for medical examination and assistance.

“A patient downloads the app and puts in their medical information and calls for urgent medical help through the app, and that gives us access immediately,” MedHero Dr. Greg Moreno, emergency medical physician, said. “We will call them back to find out what their urgent medical need is.”

People have the option to upload their medical information or not, but Moreno said it’s easier for the doctors to identify the client’s problem by submitting it. The information is sent to the doctors to respond to the medical problem via text chatting.

The app is also equipped with an option to call 911 immediately if the problem goes beyond urgent care.

A cost of $75 is assessed when the patient submits his/her complaint. The first time a patient uses the app it’s free and so is downloading the app.

“The idea came from mostly interacting with friends and family in the last few years who were looking for urgent medical care and had some kind of barrier to getting it from their regular physician,” Moreno said. “It’s essentially now having an emergency physician for someone in the family, and they’re immediately able to get advice and potentially not have to get care in the clinic.”

The app debuted about two weeks ago, Moreno said. So far, the app has received several responses.

Although it makes accessing medical advice easier, Moreno said there are insurance companies that cover telemedicine malpractice. Moreno said a number of

facilities around the country have begun foraying into telemedicine because it is becoming validated. He said the physicians would not want to “overstep” their boundaries by treating something that must be diagnosed in person.

“The alternative is sitting in the waiting room, and if they can start immediately engaging with the (healthcare) provider, we may be able to save them a trip to the emergency room or urgent care if they don’t need to be in there,” Moreno said.

The service is currently available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“We’re looking at having someone do night services as well,” Moreno said.

New Business

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE ACADEMY

1302 S. El Camino Real, 619.767.8329, www.itsadogslifeacademy.com

Last October, It’s A Dog’s Life Academy opened to help train dogs and make them more obedient.

“We’re hands-on a lot with the dogs,” co-owner Alecia Nelson said. “We pretty much do doggy training and classes, and we’re finding a lot of people want one-

on-one training. We start at the home because a lot of the structure is created at home, setting boundaries and limiting distractions from the outside.”

Nelson said the business is getting more calls regarding “troubled” dogs, and they also work with puppies.

Nelson, a dog trainer for more than 15 years, and her business partner Fiona Kemptin started the business in Maine but returned to their home of California. While in Maine they received accolades from trade magazines.

“We do daycare and doggy adventures, going on walks, hikes up trails,” Nelson said. “We can split up some of the walks for older dogs or if they’ve had hip dysplasia and things like that.” Nelson, whose dog surfs professionally and is sponsored by SONY and other companies, said she wants to do some dog surf training through the academy.

“It depends on if the dog loves the water, otherwise you have to adapt them slowly and see if the dog wants to get their feet wet,” Nelson said.

It’s A Dog’s Life also hosts boarding for dogs and offers retail items such as dog collars.

10th Anniversary

MIKE’S PET CARE

949.246.3835, www.mikespetcare.com

In January, Michael Russell will celebrate 10 years of business in San Clemente. The animal technician turned care provider said he worked at an animal hospital for years before deciding to branch out into his own venture.

Russell said he offers pet care as well as medical assistance—anything from walking a pet to overnight stays to giving animals their daily medication.

Russell said he credits the longevity of his business to being honest and “treating people right.”

“I offer something that’s a little unique, but that’s taken a while to get going because you have to make strong relationships with veterinarians,” Russell said. “You have to do the marketing well to be seen.”

Russell said it’s impossible to know how many animals he’s cared for over the years, but he said he’s completed at least 15,000 appointments.

“I’m fairly consistent now, and I see about 200 appointments a month, work seven days a week and I bring a lot to the table,” he said.

Russell said he also works with some exotic animals. He said the most challenging aspect of his work is when an animal he cares for dies.

“You’re not just apathetic to the situation; you bond with the animals,” he said.

Russell runs his operation on his own. Over the next 10 years, he said he wants to continue his business but not necessarily expand.

“I’m making a decent living and helping a lot of people in town,” he said.

New Location

EM & TESS CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES 220 Avenida Del Mar, 949.547.0463, www.emandtess.com

After 10 years of business in San Clemente, Emily Schoenig and Tesse Canfield have moved their clothing and fashion accessory business from Talega to downtown San Clemente.

Their business model aims to cater to a wide variety of styles.

“I feel like we have something for everyone,” Schoenig said. “We have things that are kind of trendy, a little comfy, things you can wear when you’re going out.”

The business partners said their previous location wasn’t big enough for their expected inventory and they wanted more room.

“We kind of stumbled upon this spot and fell in love with all the light,” Canfield said. “We needed something better and we wanted to be in the heart of San Clemente.”

“We’re happy to be in the hub of San Clemente, and it’s a great vibe down here,” Shoenig added.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

AIR CONDITIONING

Oasis Heating & Air 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.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

Thompson Chiropractic 629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.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

Kristen Ritzau DDS 122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, www.KristenRitzauDDS.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

HARP LESSONS & RENTALS

Wendy-Harpist

949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling Call Robert 949.973.6288

HEATING

Oasis Heating & Air

31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.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

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing 929 Calle Negocio Suite D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

SC Pool & Spa Works

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

Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

REAL ESTATE

Marcie George -

Star 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

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

NISSAN PATHFINDER 4X4

2009 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $15,500 949-633-3860

CUSTOM AREA RUGS

You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

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 Chris - 949 510 6645

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by

Elizabeth Bottiaux

The Cousin Experience

They’re on every young child’s holiday wish list. Our house certainly doesn’t need more of them. Toys are quickly forgotten, broken, outgrown or sucked up by the vacuum. Instead of giving in to their trendy toy desires, our extended family has created the “Cousin Experience.”

There are eight young cousins in our family. They range in age from 5 to 13 years old. Every year we parents would frantically communicate with each other about our children’s top toy picks. Kids’ lists would include a wide variety of materialistic junk. We’d stress over ideas, race to stores, wrap the gifts and then haul the whole mess over to the celebration.

By Elizabeth Bottiaux

Family Christmas gatherings would yield a towering mountain of plastic packaging and heaps of shredded wrapping paper. Was there a way to improve upon the cousin Christmas? There had to be. We put our heads together and hatched a plan. I’m no Grinch, but limiting the amount of stuff our kids received sounded like a worthy idea.

With parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents and Santa delivering presents aplenty, kids were ending up with sleigh loads of stuff. Stuff is fun for a while. But, I can’t recall a single gift any of my kids received from a cousin over the years. It’s all mass-produced, forgettable paraphernalia. Stuff is only special for a short while. When I asked them, there was a long awkward pause before my kids said simply they too couldn’t quite remember cousin gifts from Christmases past.

When the kids were younger we did allow them to exchange gifts. Cousins picked names from a hat and got a present for that person. In the early days, that route was easier than embarking on an experience. A few years ago we switched it up. What a great decision that was. We’ve

Jeremy Conrad

949.542.8348

Jconrad@conradrealestate.com

Bill Conrad

949.542.8349

BillC@conradrealestate.com

never looked back.

Vivid memories of our day at the CHILL event at the Queen Mary in Long Beach last year are alive and well at family gatherings. Ice skating with eight wobbly skaters rendered many screeches and plenty of hearty laughter. We narrowly avoided disaster when my daughter carelessly formed an arabesque on ice and nearly beheaded a nearby skater. Flying down the indoor ice hill on a sled, frigid wind blowing through their hair, beside cousins is priceless. Soaring through the air on swings from Neverland Ranch together 20 times in a row is a memory they’re sure to savor for years.

One year we experienced an interactive pirate dinner theatre show together. Although the meal was barely fit for humans, the cousins bonded over watching skilled dancers fling themselves around on a giant pirate ship. They even braved the stage together at the show’s finale. It’s fun rehashing those pirate memories.

This year we’re planning a day trip on the train. We haven’t quite decided where our final destination lies. Maybe we’ll journey to San Diego for the day or possibly up to the City of Angels. It doesn’t matter where we go. It matters that we’ll all be together—one big, loud, laughing bunch of cousins hanging out.

It’s not always easy to carve out quality cousin time. With everyone’s hectic schedules and busy lives, it gets tough to coordinate. We make the time though. The Cousin Experience allows us to bypass plastic stuff and have fun while creating crazy, happy memories together instead.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. SC

SCENE

{ IN SAN CLEMENTE }

The Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente hosts a menorah lighting ceremony on the second day of Chanukah.

Community Notes

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Jessica

May Cancer Support

Kara Barrett, a San Clemente resident, is raising funds for longtime friend Jessica May, who has been diagnosed with a “rare cancerous brain tumor,” according to Facebook page for a fundraiser for Jessica that took place in October.

Barrett said the fundraiser garnered more than $10,000 in four hours.

“Unfortunately, this amount raised is only the start to what they will need in order to help with medical bills and daily expenses with Jessica out of work and with her second brain surgery coming up in the next few weeks,” Barrett said in an email.

The GoFundMe website can be found at www.gofundme.com/jessicasmedbills.

Norma Hernandez Fundraiser

San Clemente Chamber of Commerce staff member Norma Hernandez was recently diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. She was was scheduled to have surgery on Thursday. Hernandez is the mother of five children, ages 2 to 11. To help with medical costs, donations can be made in her name and dropped off at the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce office, 1231 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 200 during business hours.

Boys & Girls Club Toy Drive

The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is requesting toy donations for the annual holiday party. Donations must be made before noon on Dec. 22. Children who attend the club get to participate in activities, see Santa and receive, for some, a very special gift that they might not receive without community support. Contact Wendy Casteel at 949.484.0206 for details, drop off a toy at the club or donate online at www.begreatsanclemente.org/donate. SC

• San Clemente has approx. 904 homes have closed, with an average sales price of $915,000, with the lowest price of $215,000 and highest price of $7,750,000

• In all of Orange County, the average listing price for a home is $1,400,000, however, the average pending home sale is only $760,000.

• In all of Orange County, the active listings inventory dropped again to 5,388 active homes on the market, its lowest point since Jan 2015.

SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC

SanClemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Triton Girls Soccer Wins Aliso President’s Cup Tournament

After shutting out Bishop Amat for two full halves in the championship game of the Aliso Cup tournament’s President’s division on Dec. 14, San Clemente junior goalie Lauren Brzykcy saved her best for last.

The game between Bishop Amat and the San Clemente girls soccer team came down to penalty kicks, and Brzykcy was up to the task. The junior stopped three of five penalty kick attempts while the Tritons converted four of their strikes to seal a 1-0 win and claim the tournament hardware.

Brzykcy made eight saves in the championship game. The Triton defense allowed only two goals in four matches in the tournament.

San Clemente, No. 8 in the CIF-SS Division 1 rankings, tallied a 3-1 overall record at the high-profile event.

The Tritons (5-1) lost to Trabuco Hills 1-0 in the opening round, but bounced back with three consecutive wins over Long Beach Wilson, Chino Hills and Bishop Amat, respectively.

Against Long Beach Wilson on Dec. 12, Amanda Cruz, Gabi Drabkin and London Irwin each netted a second-half goal in a 3-0 victory.

The Tritons trailed Chino Hills 2-1 at halftime on Dec. 12, but rallied in the second half for a 3-2 victory. Chloe Deveze, Cassi Gohres and Kira Nemeth each scored for the Tritons in the win.

The Tritons will travel to compete in the Mater Dei Premier Invitational from Dec. 16-18. San Clemente has tournament games scheduled against Rosary Academy, Norco and Cathedral Catholic.

Following their tournament run, the Tritons will open South Coast League play with a pivotal match against Aliso Niguel, the reigning league champions and the No. 2 ranked team in Division 1.

Tritons Host Top Programs at Western Showcase

The San Clemente boys soccer team emerged from the 2015 Lotto Sport Western Showcase tournament with a 0-2-1 record. The tournament featured eight teams that were all ranked inside the Top

Drawer Soccer FAB 50 national rankings. Buchanan defeated Hamilton 3-0 in the tournament’s championship match.

The Tritons (2-2-2) opened their tournament bid against Watsonville from Northern California. Watsonville won the match 1-0 on a second-half goal. San Clemente senior goalie Cameron Dickie made seven saves. Watsonville went on to defeat Servite 1-0 in the consolation bracket.

San Clemente squared off against Loyola, the No. 6 ranked team in CIF-SS Division 1, in the team’s second match of the tournament and lost 1-0.

The Tritons drew 1-1 with Brophy Prep on Dec. 12. Brophy Prep is one of the top schools in Arizona and the No. 30 team in the nation, according to Top Drawer Soccer.

San Clemente junior defender John Granados was named to the all-tournament team.

The Tritons moved up from No. 46 to No. 31 in the Top Drawer Soccer national rankings this week.

San Clemente was scheduled to play on the road against Century on Dec. 16. Results were not available at press time. San Clemente will host Oceanside in a nonleague contest on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Triton Boys Hoops Take Down

Woodbridge, Oceanside

It’s safe to assume San Clemente senior guard Jake Cameron was in a groove against Woodbridge on Dec. 10. Cameron, a sharp-shooting guard, knocked down eight 3-pointers to tie a school record in a convincing 81-68 nonleague victory.

Cameron, who led the team with 24 points, hit two 3-point shots in the first half and erupted for five 3-pointers in the third quarter. The senior tacked on one more

shot from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter to tie the school record of eight.

Senior guard Gage Shelmidine filled up the stat sheet, recording a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists against Woodbridge. Senior post player Dillon Waikle poured in 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Tritons defense allowed a seasonbest 35 points in a 69-35 victory over Oceanside on Dec. 12.

San Clemente (4-2) holds a winning record despite playing with a less than full roster. Starting forward Cole Fotheringham and bench players Isaac Rex and Chris Kane all missed considerable time at the start of the basketball season while playing with the football team. James Paterson, another starting forward, has also missed multiple games.

Despite the thin roster, the Tritons have found success in the early going. San Clemente went 2-2 at the Diablo Inferno Tournament at Mission Viejo High School from Nov. 30-Dec. 5 and played in the championship game against JSerra. JSerra won the championship match 71-70 on a go-ahead tip-in basket with seven seconds remaining.

Waikle, Shelmidine and Cameron have formed a formidable trio. Waikle, a 6-foot-11-inch post player, is averaging a team-high 19.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Shelmidine is averaging 18.3 points, six rebounds and 6.7 assists per contest and Cameron is averaging 17.2 points per game.

The Triton offense has been efficient through six games and is shooting at a 47 percent clip from the field.

San Clemente was set to open a tournament run through the Irvine World News Tournament against Irvine on Dec. 15. Results were not available at press time.

Girls Basketball Heads to Santa Barbara

The San Clemente girls basketball team started its season off with a 2-2 run through the South Coast Classic tournament Nov. 30-Dec. 5. The Tritons picked up wins over Fountain Valley and Capistrano Valley and lost to tournament host University and El Dorado.

Since the tournament appearance, the Tritons (2-5) have dropped three straight games to Northwood, Orange Lutheran and Warren, respectively.

San Clemente will look to get back on the winning track with a road trip north to play in the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions Dec. 19-23.

Through seven games, sophomore Nicole Dutch leads the team in scoring (7.1 points per game) and rebounding (6.7). Dutch is also averaging 3.9 blocks per contest.

Tritons Water Polo Edged by Mater Dei

San Clemente girls water polo senior Amber McCutcheon’s game-high four goals were not enough to turn the tide against Mater Dei on Dec. 15. Seven different players recorded goals for the Monarchs as they moved past the Tritons 12-8 in a nonleague match.

It was a contest that pitted two top-10 teams in their respective CIF-SS Divisions against one another. The Monarchs are ranked eighth in Division 1 and the Tritons are No. 2 in Division 2.

San Clemente (4-3) has early nonleague wins over Edison, Long Beach Poly, Troy and La Serna.

The Tritons will play Rosary at Santa Margarita High School on Dec. 19.

Bowl Bound

San Clemente natives to play in collegiate football bowl championship games

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

Eight San Clemente High School alumni will appear in college football bowl games this season.

Here is a list and primer for the upcoming games that will feature former Tritons.

Rose Bowl: The stage is set for a clash between No. 5 Iowa and No. 6 Stanford in the 2016 Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Jan. 1. The game will be aired on ESPN at 2 p.m.

Starting at left tackle for the Cardinal will be senior Kyle Murphy. Murphy has had a stellar senior season at Stanford and was recently awarded All-Pac-12 first team honors.

Stanford (11-2), the reigning Pac-12 champions, will enter the game riding a three-game win streak. Two of the Cardinal’s last three opponents, Notre Dame and USC, were top-25 teams in the nation.

Iowa (12-1) lost its first game of the season against then-No. 5 Michigan State on Dec. 5.

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: The longstanding rivalry between BYU and Utah will be renewed once again in the Las Vegas desert on Dec. 19, as the Utes (9-3) will look to defend their Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl title against the Cougars (9-3). The game will be broadcast on ABC at 12:30 p.m.

The Utes will be led by senior quarterback and San Clemente native Travis Wilson.

After jumping out to a perfect 6-0 record

to start the season, Utah was eying a much bigger postseason bowl game, but suffered losses to Pac-12 conference rivals USC, UCLA and Arizona down the stretch.

Holiday Bowl: The USC football team will travel to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Dec. 30 to play No. 23 Wisconsin in the Holiday Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m.

USC, under the guidance of its newly appointed head coach Clay Helton, has three former Tritons on the roster: backup quarterback Sam Darnold and receivers Jake Russell and Christian Tober. USC (8-5), the reigning Pac-12 South champion, has won all six of its previous meetings with the Badgers (9-3), but the last time the two teams faced each other was in 1966.

Foster Farms Bowl: San Clemente’s Christian Bailey and Nebraska will take on UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Dec. 26. The game will air on ESPN at 6:15 p.m.

Bailey is a wide receiver for the Cornhuskers, who will appear in a bowl game despite owning a 5-7 overall record.

The Bruins (8-4), who were once ranked as high as seventh in the nation earlier this year, struggled to maintain early momentum and suffered four losses to bowl-eligible teams.

San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Mountain West runners-up Boise State will face Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 23. The game will air on ESPN at 1:30 p.m.

Former Tritons Terrell Johnson, a wide receiver, and Blake Gonzalez, a kicker, will take the field for the Broncos (8-4).

The Broncos were in prime position to claim the Mountain West title in 2015, but lost back-to-back matchups against New Mexico and Air Force down the stretch, settling for a second-place finish. SC

SC SURF SC

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Swell Surfing

Local Surfing America

Prime competitors brave big waves, bring home a dozen trophies

BY ANDREA

Surfing America Prime hosted a marathon event at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point last weekend, Dec. 12 and 13, and neither waves nor surfers disappointed.

Running two areas can often be problematic, as having two distinct competition zones with consistently contestable waves is more of an anomaly than a guarantee. But much to the delight of event organizers and competitors, the combination of swell and surfing prowess combined to provide an action-packed, fun and challenging event.

Saturday’s swell and weather brought large waves in the 6- to 8-foot range, and occasional sets rising to about 10 feet, giving surfers plenty of opportunity to turn in high-level performances with ample lefts off of the point and long, barreling rights out front.

Event, No. 3 of the regular Prime season began on Dec. 12 alongside makeup heats for the Boys U18 and Girls U18 divisions postponed in October at Event No. 2 at Church Beach.

Local surfers claimed four of the eight

GROM OF THE WEEK SURFING AMERICA PRIME BOYS U14 AND GIRLS U16 COMPETITORS

With a huge swell consistently producing waves in the 6- to 8-foot range along with the occasional set topping 10 feet, Surfing America Prime’s youngest surfers, the Boys U14 and Girls U16 divisions, turned in a collection of astonishing performances Saturday, Dec. 12, at Salt Creek Beach.

The four Boys U14 finalists—Kade Matson (San Clemente), Nicholas Coli (San Clemente), Jackson Butler (Encinitas) and Dimitri Poulos (Ventura) in first- throughfourth-place order—braved the conditions not one, but three times on their way to the podium.

The Girls U16 finalists also listed in firstthrough-fifth-place order—Tiare Thompson (La Jolla), Alyssa Spencer (Encinitas), Bethany Zelasko (Dana Point) and Alexxa Elseewi (San Clemente)—logged some

trophies awarded in the Event No. 2 makeup heats. Kei Kobayashi of San Clemente came in third in the Boys U18 and in Girls U18, Bethany Zelasko of Dana Point was runner-up behind Tiare Thompson (La Jolla) and San Clemente surfers Samantha Sibley and Kirra Pinkerton took third and fourth, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the makeup event, surfers’ scores were added to the competitors’ records and heat draws were determined for Event No. 3, U18 competition on Sunday.

The swell subsided and cleaned up a bit overnight but continued to deliver excellent conditions for day two.

When all was said and done, local surf-

Surfing America Prime Boys U14 finalists (L to R) 1. Kade Matson (San Clemente), 2. Nicholas Coli (San Clemente), 3. Jackson Butler (Encinitas) and 4. Dimitri Poulos (Ventura) braved huge unruly surf on Dec. 12 on their way to the trophy round. Photo: Courtesy of Surfing America

of the day’s highest wave scores in the 6.00-point-plus range. With such talent-stacked heats in both divisions, the competitors, finalists or not, delivered ride after ride of inspired, brave and skilled surfing.

Although San Clementeans Samantha Sibley and Kirra Pinkerton ended their U16 campaigns in the semifinals, both surfed up in the U18 division makeup heats for the postponed Church Beach event in October and made that final, taking third and

ers claimed eight more trophies, winning in three of five divisions.

Kobayashi earned his second trophy of the event, with a third-place finish in Boys U18. Malia Osterkamp (San Clemente) won in Girls U18 and Pinkerton came in fourth. Crosby Colapinto (San Clemente) took top honors in Boys U16. Zelasko claimed the third-place spot in Girls U16, followed by Alexxa Elseewi (San Clemente) in fourth. San Clemente surfers Kade Matson and Nicholas Coli took the No. 1 and No. 2 spot in Boys U14, respectively.

Event No. 4 of the six-event Surfing America Prime series is set for Jan. 9 and 10, at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. SC

Surfing America Prime Girls U16 finalists (L to R) 1. Tiare Thompson (La Jolla), 2. Alyssa Spencer (Encinitas), 3. Bethany Zelasko (Dana Point) and 4. Alexxa Elseewi (San Clemente) and fellow competitors earned some of the highest wave scores of the day. Photo: Courtesy of Surfing America

fourth place, respectively. Pinkerton also moved through the regular event preliminary rounds in the huge Saturday surf to take fourth place on Sunday, Dec. 13. While surfing up in U18, this dynamic duo also received the two highest average wave scores of the event among the girls: 9.50 for Pinkerton and 8.17 for Sibley.

The skill, confidence and capability shown by these elite young surfers bodes well for the future of the Surfing America USA Surf Team.—Andrea Swayne

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 60-64 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Fair

Thursday: Steep-angled WNW swell tops out, as trace Southern Hemi energy blends in. Better winter breaks are topping out in the knee- to waist-high range, with occasional larger peaks for focal points around the proper tides. Light offshore morning winds give way to a light to moderate onshore seabreeze in the afternoon.

Outlook: Similar-size surf on tap for Friday and Saturday as steep WNW swell continues. A developing low over the Gulf of Alaska sets up building WNW/ NW swell mix late in the weekend. Conditions look a little dicey then as a front moves through the region. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Learn to Play Ukulele at SHACC

The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, at 110 Calle Iglesia in San Clemente, hosts group ukulele lessons by Lincoln Kaio every third Tuesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kaio, brother of accomplished Hawaiian surfer Kealoha Kaio, was was born and raised in Laie, Oahu and is the leader of the popular ukulele group ULU. Lessons are open to SHACC members for $8 per session. To be eligible to participate, non-members can join SHACC online or sign up for membership onsite prior to class. For more information or to sign up for membership, call 949.388.0313 or visit www.surfingheritage.org.

RESULTS

Surfing America Prime, Event No. 3, December 12-13, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

BOYS U18: 1. Jake Marshall, Encinitas, 15.36; 2. Tyler Gunter, Newport Beach, 13.17; 3. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente, 12.17; 4. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach, 10.93. GIRLS U18: 1. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente, 7.40; 2. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla, 6.64; 3. Kayla Coscino, Laguna Beach, 5.50; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente, 2.30. BOYS U16: 1. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente, 13.00; 2. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 12.10; 3. Tyler Gunter, Newport Beach, 11.43; 4. Nick Marshall, Encinitas, 5.56. GIRLS U16: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla, 8.24; 2. Alyssa Spencer, Encinitas, 7.10; 3. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point, 4.26; 4. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente, 0.67. BOYS U14: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 13.56; 2. Nicholas Coli, San Clemente, 9.64; 3. Jackson Butler, Encinitas, 7.77; 4. Dimitri Poulos, Ventura, 1.17. SUN BUM HIGHEST WAVE SCORE AWARD BOYS: Nolan Rapoza, U18 Round 2, 9.50. SUN BUM HIGHEST WAVE SCORE AWARD GIRLS: Samantha Sibley, U18 Quarterfinal, 8.17.

Surfing America Prime, Event No. 2, Dec. 12, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach (Makeup event. Two divisions postponed from Oct. 3, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach)

BOYS U18: 1. Jake Marshall, Encinitas, 18.50; 2. John Mel, Santa Cruz, 14.33; 3. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente, 13.10; 4. Micky Clarke, Ventura, 10.03. GIRLS U18: 1.