January 21, 2016

EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

City Approves Re-Zoning of Hospital Land

THE LATEST: Per a zoning ordinance passed unanimously by San Clemente City Council on Tuesday, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center will be bound to provide emergency care services on the land on which the hospital sits.

The zoning amendment requires emergency services to continue on the 6.8-acre land currently owned by Saddleback San Clemente, but that does not mean the hospital owners would not be able close its doors altogether, as the hospital is operated by a private entity operating as a nonprofit for public benefit which is able to operate in lieu of taxation.

People who spoke during the public forum said the time it would take to go to Mission Hospital or Saddleback’s Laguna Hills location would be too long when life or death situations arise.

During the meeting, hospital administrator Tony Struthers said he would not be able to commit to a five-year extension proposed by the city in order to ensure the hospital could continue to operate efficiently. Struthers said because the hospital does not have the inpatient numbers needed to sustain itself, this would further hinder the services it could provide.

Councilman Tim Brown said he would have liked to have be able to have a more amicable discussion regarding hospital options, but as the situation for emergency health services is in a critical state, he said he had to vote in favor of the re-zoning.

“This site and property has been operating as a hospital since before I was born, and it could save the lives of those who need emergency care,” Brown said. “The problem is the residents of San Clemente lose a very important option if they don’t have this hospital.”

On Jan. 12 and 13, legislative representatives of San Clemente’s district presented similar bills to respective state Assembly and Senate Health committees with the support of city officials that would allow for a free-standing or satellite emergency room in San Clemente. Both bills failed to move forward in the Legislature after committee members had concerns regarding the services Memorial Care could provide, as well as questions regarding an adequate blood bank and cardiac or stroke emergency care.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the meeting, representatives from Memorial Care said they would be prepared to take legal action against the city, citing the action would be discriminatory spot zoning that prohibits them from adjusting to an acute medical facility.—Eric Heinz

Short-Term Rentals

Discussion Continued

THE LATEST: Over the course of a threehour discussion during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the debate about putting more requirements on short-term lodging units in San Clemente could not be settled. Both those in opposition and in support gave their opinion on a code amendment that would require homeowners to occupy their residence for 275 days per year and allow them to rent to visitors

to protect STLU owners already operating with a license and within compliance to stay only one day out of the year at their residence until 2021. Then they would be subject to the city’s code.

Mayor Bob Baker and Councilwoman Lori Donchak did not want to take action on the item as Baker said the document had just been presented and the public had not been able to view it with adequate time to respond.

City Manager James Makshanoff said the city plans to put the grandfather clause document on the city’s website, www.sanclemente.org.

WHAT’S NEXT: STLU codes are expected to return to City Council during the next meeting, but it will be the discretion of the council as to whether it is put on the agenda. The Planning Commission was expected to discuss the zoning issues of STLUs at its Wednesday night meeting, and the discussion or decisions from that were not available until press time. Visit www.sanclementetimes.com for an updated version of this story.—EH

Community Forum with CUSD Superintendent on Jan. 25

90 days out of the year.

Additional amendments included parking arrangements, the requirement of obtaining a business license and others. The code amendment was added to the Tuesday night agenda following the failure of a temporary moratorium the city planned to put on the establishment of STLUs.

STLU is defined as lodging under 30 days within a residence.

Over the course of the debates, homeowners have stated that renting their home is a major contributor to their personal income.

On the other hand, residents against STLUs in their community say they’ve become a trendy nuisance, bringing rambunctious behavior, unwelcome noise from guests at late hours and putting a squeeze on parking.

Toward the end of the meeting, Councilman Chris Hamm brought forth a proposal that would establish a grandfather clause

THE LATEST: Parents and community members are invited to participate in a “Conversation with the Superintendent” of the Capistrano Unified School District. The discussion will focus on the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports plan and provide an update on CUSD’s counselors and the impact they are having in helping our students achieve school and life success. Counselors are available in grades K-12 and are located at all school sites. The goal of MTSS is for all students to be college and career ready and help students who are at-risk. MTSS was developed to provide a systematic approach for identifying at-risk students through universal screening. Interventions are in place to meet the needs of academic, social-emotional and behaviorally at-risk students.

WHAT’S NEXT: The “Conversation with the Superintendent” will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, at the CUSD Education Center, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano.—EH

CUSD Board Seeks Higher Pay for Substitute Teachers

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted

(Cont. on page 4)

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unanimously Jan. 13 to have staff analyze a pay increase for the district’s substitute teachers, marking the group’s first pay raise in more than 15 years. While the district currently employs 651 substitute teachers, staff noted a shortage of subs throughout California has emerged as the economy improves and more baby boomers retire. Capistrano Unified substitutes are paid the lowest daily rate, and the highest long-term rate, of the districts CUSD surveyed in the county—$90 a day, $100 per day after 10 days and $221 per day after 40 days of work. Staff said several veteran substitutes recently “sent letters or have simply resigned, citing insufficient pay as the reason.”

only district with an increase in pay after 40 days.

The majority of trustees agreed that pay rates need to be increased beyond $105 per day in order to become competitive with other districts and asked staff to analyze increasing the proposed rates to $115 per day and $130 after 40 days.

WHAT’S NEXT: Staff will present their findings and recommendations to the board for approval at a future meeting

—Allison Jarrell

Teachers Urge District to Settle Labor Negotiations

THE LATEST: Well over 100 teachers and supporters displaying lime green “Settle Now!” stickers filled the Capistrano Unified School District board room on Jan. 13, occupying many of the seats and lining the back wall during the brief, two-item meeting.

During public comment, two representatives from the Capistrano Unified Education Association spoke to the group’s

reasons for attending the meeting, including shedding light on labor negotiations between CUSD and CUEA that have been ongoing since September.

CUEA president Sally White told the Board of Trustees that teachers are “tired of begging for a raise.”

“They have been worn out and worn down by constant changes to education that come from above,” White said. “Since 2007 to 2008, they’ve only seen 2 percent added to the salary schedule; that’s 0.25 percent a year.”

Michael Hulse, a 13-year history teacher at Dana Hills High School and member of CEUA’s executive board, added that while his job in CUSD was initially the envy of all his peers, today “qualified teachers no longer wait patiently for an opening in our district.”

“The best candidates often have offers before they ever finish their credential programs,” Hulse said. “We now hire from a shrinking pool of candidates and hope for the best.”

White noted that Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2016-2017 budget recently delivered good news with increased funding for education. Brown wrote that “relative

to years past, the state budget is in good shape” and “education funding is at its highest level ever.”

White asked CUSD trustees to reflect that increase in the district’s budget.

“Please show them by your budgeting that they matter … that someone is noticing what they’ve been doing a shoestring for too many years,” she said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Negotiations between CEUA and CUSD are set to continue on Jan. 22.

“All of the districts around us have gotten very good increases in the last few years, and we haven’t been able to do that,” White said in an interview. “ This year, we’ve gotten the most amount of money from the state. If we can’t get a good raise this year, we’re never going to get one.”—AJ

In order to become more competitive with neighboring districts, staff recommended increasing pay to $105 a day, which would be offset by decreasing long-term pay. Irvine Unified pays substitutes $110 per day and $150 after 15 days; Laguna Beach Unified has a daily rate of $125 and $150 after 14 days, and Saddleback Valley Unified pays subs $90 a day and $100 after 10 days. CUSD is the up and was barely breathing.

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

ERIC HEINZ

BY

COMPILED

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, January 18

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Cartama, 0 Block (11:38 p.m.) A caller was awoken by the sound of crashing glass and screaming.

PATROL CHECK El Camino Real, 2300 Block (6:40 p.m.) Sheriff’s deputies conducted a patrol check throughout the night regarding an ongoing issue with transients breaking in and possibly doing drugs.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Domador, 2000 Block (5:54 p.m.) Two people were reportedly going door to door asking for money to go to barber school.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Optima, 0 Block (12:58 p.m.) A man said he has been receiving phone calls from an unknown person claiming the man’s deceased wife owes him money.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (9:53 a.m.) A man who was a patient in the intensive care unit of the hospital pushed a nurse and left without wearing any shoes.

CITIZEN ASSIST Ola Vista, 800 Block (8:52 a.m.) A woman said her house was egged.

HIT-AND-RUN MISDEMEANOR 900 Block, El Camino Real (2:06 a.m.) Police were called to reports of a man who hit a light pole with his Honda Civic and drove off. The caller said the car and the pole were “significantly damaged,” and the driver parked at an auto body shop. A 25-year-old man, who works in the service industry, was arrested and later released.

Sunday, January 17

WELFARE CHECK Corte Pasillo/Camino Silla (2:20 p.m.) Three 7-year-olds were reported riding motorcycles.

WELFARE CHECK Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (12:14 p.m.) A group of 10-year-old boys were playing chicken with vehicles.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE El Camino Real, 2400 Block (3:50 a.m.) People who were drunk from a wedding were yelling and disrupting other residents.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 3300 Block (2:15 a.m.) A man was in an altercation, getting “aggressive and pushing other people.” He was described as in his mid20s, shirtless and standing outside a bar.

Saturday, January 16

DISTURBANCE Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (11:38 p.m.) A caller said two men were banging on the door of his neighbor’s home for “quite some time,” and then they entered the apartment. The caller said a baby could be heard crying.

STOLEN VEHICLE Avenida Monterey, 200 Block (12:19 p.m.) A man was arrested for stealing a vehicle when the owner was on vacation. A 23-year-old man, described as a framer, is currently in custody at the Central Men’s Jail, and bail has been set at $150,000.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (4:01 a.m.) A man was seen lurking and twitching near the “rear dock” of the location, described as 28 years old and wearing a colored sweater and jeans.

Friday, January 15

BATTERY El Camino Real, 400 Block (10:48 p.m.) A woman said one person headbutted another employee.

BATTERY South El Camino Real/Avenida San Luis Rey (3:23 p.m.) A man said a woman broke off his rearview mirror and hit him in the face. A 46-year-old woman was arrested in the incident and is in custody at the Central Women’s Jail, and bail has been set at $100,000.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE El Camino Real, 500 Block (2:28 p.m.) A man had been beaten

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

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

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Santa Barbara, 200 Block (1:39 p.m.) A woman said she just left her residence and saw a man hiding on her patio.

Thursday, January 14

DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (11:55 p.m.) A caller said people were filming on the tracks and it looked dangerous.

PATROL CHECK Avenida Victoria, 200 Block (9:36 p.m.) Orange County Fire Authority were en route to a man who kept calling and was “high on marijuana.”

GRAND THEFT Avenida Pico, 900 Block (7:39 p.m.) A man reportedly stole 20 cell phones out of the display cases and left in a blue Subaru hatchback, traveling north on Avenida Pico.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria/Ola Vista (7:07 a.m.) Police were called to the fire station regarding a man who was defecating on the sidewalk.

Wednesday, January 13

DISTURBANCE Avenida Algodon, 100 Block (4:25 p.m.) A man said a neighbor dumped trash all over his lawn.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (9:33 a.m.) Police were called to the alley for a homeless man who was waving a stick and made the caller feel threatened.

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Meet the Authors Luncheon Tickets Now on Sale

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to socialize naked? Probably not, but Mark Haskell Smith has and he has written about his adventures in nudity in his hilarious “Naked at Lunch: A Reluctant Nudist’s Adventures in the Clothing-Optional World.” Mr. Smith will amuse audience members at the Meet the Authors luncheon, hosted by the San Clemente Friends of the Library.

Joining Mr. Smith will be Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the “Odelia Grey” mystery series and the steamy “The Winnie Wilder Romance” series under Meg Chambers. Jaffarian has more than 20 novels to her credit and has also performed stand-up comedy. Her writing blends humor, suspense and romance.

Jan Moran is the author of “Scent of Triumph,” a historical romance set in Europe during World War II. Other books include “Flawless,” “Beauty Mark” and “Runaway.” Moran is the recipient of The Stevie Award for Women Entrepreneurs. She is an expert in the perfume and beauty industry and has created perfumes for Sephora. Her historical romances often explore the world of perfumers using her expertise to create another level of storytelling.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course, 26772 Avery Parkway, in Mission Viejo. Tickets are now on sale for $60. Pick up an order form at the FOL bookstore next to the San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, or call Alma Savage at 949.493.5504.

Peek at La Pata Event on Friday, Jan. 22

To welcome a healthy New Year and bring people of all ages together in San Clemente, Councilmember Lori Donchak invites the community to participate in “A Peek at La Pata” hike from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, along the Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail. The event will begin at the Camino Del Rio trailhead at the end of Camino Del Rio, where street parking will be permissible during the hike.

The trail is hilly with lots of ups and downs and spans approximately two

miles. Walkers of all ages are welcome and advised to wear a hat and closed-toe hiking shoes and to bring a water bottle. The hike is not conducive to baby strollers. Domestic pets are not allowed in the county’s construction zone per its permit conditions.

Participants will see up close the progress being made on the county’s Avenida La Pata/Camino Del Rio Extension Project, which is designed to complete the planned improvements identified in the County of Orange Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The improvements will reduce congestion and improve regional mobility in South Orange County by providing a north-south alternative to Interstate 5 between Ortega Highway to the north and Avenida Vista Hermosa to the south.

Joining Councilmember Donchak are the City’s Deputy Public Works Director Tom Bonigut and Nardy Khan, the Orange County Public Works’ Manager of Project Management Division and Strategic Communications Officer Shannon Widor, who will be available to answer questions about the project and highlight the public benefits. The views from the trail provide 360-degree scenic panoramic views of the La Pata project, Catalina, Dana Point, Saddleback Peak, and Camp Pendleton.

Los Molinos Last Pole Out Ceremony on Jan. 26

The city of San Clemente welcomes members of the public to attend the Los Molinos Last Pole Out Ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Calle Bonito near Calle Valle in the Los Molinos District. Street parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

City and San Diego Gas & Electric representatives will provide a brief presentation and then SDG&E will use a specialized truck to remove the last pole to celebrate the completion of the project.

This underground conversion project, which placed overhead electric power, telephone and cable facilities underground, began in 2014. A significant benefit of undergrounding is the aesthetic improvements that result for the area. The project also consisted of the replacement of several existing SDG&E-owned streetlights, plus the addition of 10 new streetlights to provide better lighting of public streets and sidewalks. The new streetlights look similar to the City’s standard streetlights.

For more information, call 949.361.8254 or email fergusonl@san-clemente.org.

Park Semper Fi Thanks Donors for Christmas Toys

Community Meetings

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

San Clemente Farmers Market

the generous donors who donated Christmas toys to its adopted HMLA 469 Marine Corps unit.

In December Park Semper Fi had a terrific Christmas breakfast and party for 400 Marines and their families. The group would like to thank the anonymous donor who contributed two Hot Wheel Jeeps, which were given away at a drawing.

San Clemente Women’s Legacy Club Hosts First Meeting

The San Clemente Women’s Legacy Club was founded earlier this month. The group’s mission is to work with other organizations, businesses, San Clemente residents and the City to plan and execute long-term lasting legacy projects. All members are dedicated to giving time, skills, financial contributions and in-kind donations to make San Clemente the best it can be now and for generations to come.

The group’s first meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 18, at the Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast, 177 Avenida Cabrillo. Women who are interested in our mission are invited to attend. The group will be discussing the legacy projects planned for 2016 and 2017. Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in sponsorships can contact Freda D’Souza at 949.374.4944 or via email at owner@ alwaysinn.com.

San Clemente Choral Society Seeks New Members

San Clemente Choral Society will begin rehearsals for its spring season on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella. The concert is titled “Move to the Music” and features an exciting collection of dance songs, from classical to pop. The concert will be held at San Clemente Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. on April 30, 2016.

For more information about the San Clemente Choral Society, visit www.sccsarts.org, email membership@ sccs-arts.org or phone 949.272.8435

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

San Clemente Rotary

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

Legislative & Transportation Council

Noon. The event provides guidance and makes recommendations to San Clemente Chamber members on city, county, state and federal legislation. Also, deals with various issues of importance to businesses in general. 654 Camino de los Mares, Saddleback Memorial Hospital, San Clemente, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

Low-Cost Vaccination Event

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter invites the community to participate in a low-cost vaccine clinic at the Dana Point Community Center, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street in Dana Point. Must be residents of Dana Point or San Clemente. Rabies: Free, DAPP: $10, Bordetella: $10, Microchip: $15. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.492.1617, www.san-clemente.org.

San Clemente - Are you an “Empty Nester” who needs a home for the future? Is it time to downsize or to move into another home more suitable for your glorious retirement years?

Like thousands of residents in our area, you may be discovering that after years of non-stop child traffic in and out of your doors, toys on the floor, music floating throughout, suddenly you can hear a pin drop over the quiet hum of the refrigerator. Your rooms are filled with pictures and memories of this wonderful time of your life, but there are many empty rooms gathering dust now that your children have moved on. The freer years ahead are exciting ones to look forward to, and it’s time for you to move on as well. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re in vast and good company. And what that means is that there are many wonderful opportunities for you to create this new

chapter in your life...if you know what is takes to get the most out of the equity you’ve built up in your current home.

To help you understand the issues involved in making such a move, and how to avoid the 9 most common and costly mistakes most Empty Nesters make, a new report called “Empty Nester: How to Sell the Place You Call Home” has been prepared which identifies these issues, and shows you how to steer clear of the mistakes that could cost you literally thousands of dollars. To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.SanClementeEmptyNesters.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-865-1417 and enter 1013. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can fly your empty nest with the most cash in your pocket.

Ride of a Lifetime

Motorcycle club seeks to help those struggling with alcohol, drug dependency

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Seeing the asphalt passing rapidly underneath the steel frame of his motorcycle is therapeutic for Cipher.

He described it as being similar to the waves passing under his surfboard when he was younger, but now he finds new adventure with the help of some friends.

“There’s something about it that’s akin to surfing when I’m riding my bike, and there’s no floor of the car, and it’s similar to surfing over the tops of the reefs,” he said.

As he recovered from substance dependency, an activity that reminded him of childhood and youth helped him relax and focus on staying clean, he said.

Brotherhood of United Bikers Motorcycle Club-San Clemente is designed to include anyone who is looking to find solutions to their problems brought on by the struggles of alcohol or drug abuse. Prospective members must prove they have remained sober for at least three months before they can be considered.

The names of the men quoted in this article have been kept anonymous because they are still part of the 12-step program, which protects members’ identities. “Rabbit” is the club’s Sgt. at Arms, “Cipher” the secretary, “Nugget” the vice president and “Revered” serves as president.

“For me there are times when you do everything you can to (stay sober) to the best of your ability, but things come up and times get bad,” said Reverend, who has been sober since March 25, 2013. “There have been times in my life where

the only thing that kept me sober was my commitment to this club.”

Although the main chapter of Brotherhood of Bikers began in 2005 in New York, the San Clemente chapter was founded in 2013. The San Clemente bikers had to prove to other affiliations they were serious about recovery and not just a biker group in the traditional, social sense.

Reverend said members who fail to stay sober are stripped of their symbolic patch. The patch is recognized by bikers throughout the nation as a way to indicate their dedication to a new lifestyle.

“It’s mainly a way to show that you can still have fun in sobriety,” Nugget said. “A

served jail time. He said he used to ride Japanese sports bikes for years before deciding to ride the more mellow hog bikes.

Riding together gives them a sense of belonging, Rabbit said, and like any club it comes with its benefits.

“It’s the fraternity of it,” Cipher said. “When you break down in a car, you’re going to wait for AAA; you break down on a motorcycle, chances are someone’s going to stop and help you—especially if you’re wearing a patch.

Nugget said he had ridden motorcycles for some time but hadn’t done it seriously until he met people through the 12-step program.

Reverend recently came back from a 9,000-mile ride across the country.

lot of people get sober and they think they won’t have fun anymore, but we started this club … to show people it’s possible to live a fulfilling life in sobriety.”

The former San Clemente president connected with the mother chapter in New York, but members said it was more difficult to start their club than they originally thought.

“It was going through a lot of hoops to get an MC patch to get recognized by other bikers in the community,” Nugget said. “If you don’t have these patches, you’re basically a riding club.”

The other clubs affiliated with Brotherhood of United Bikers Motorcycle Club in the Southern California region had to vote unanimously for the San Clemente chapter to be recognized and members had to attend certain events hosted by the clubs.

WHY THEY RIDE

Revered said he made the choice to get sober after repeated incidents of ending up in hospitals from drinking alcohol too much. He said these health-related issues motivated him.

“For me it was jail and trying to keep my family together,” Nugget said.

Rabbit said he had a series of issues that made him want to seek something more constructive than alcohol in his life.

“Alcoholism is a separate road that took me to places I didn’t want to go—emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually,” Rabbit said. “It broke my family down and kind of allowed me to go to places I didn’t want to be and people I didn’t want to be around. I’ve only been riding a little over 18 months and I met some of these guys at a meeting.

“(The club) has been kind of a safe haven for me,” Rabbit said. “All the people who I associated with were drinkers and some of them did drugs. But when I started riding with these guys, I had something better to do. On the weekends we go to meetings together, have breakfast, go out on rides and it’s just been a really positive thing.”

Cipher also said because of his excessive drinking he had strained relationships and

“I’ve been riding about 13 years, always riding by myself,” Revered said. “I came across a member at a 12-step meeting and I had never been interested in clubs before because … we weren’t going down the same path. But when I ran into a sober club, I was all for it. I like going into an event and people may not know your name but they’re happy to see you. You’re like a brother to them, especially in the motorcycle clubs.”

The additional attention required to handle a motorcycle safely helps focus the rider and leaves all other thoughts in the rearview mirror, Rabbit said.

“I had no idea until I started riding, but as soon as I joined the club everyone is waving at you and acknowledging you,” he said. “It’s the feeling of being on a motorcycle. Whether I’m happy or stressed out, it’s always good to get on the bike.

“Life just gets put on the backburner for a while,” Rabbit said.

The club also helps in social situations where there may be alcohol but club members support each other not to indulge.

“I personally just don’t like being around people,” Reverend said. “So for me, this has helped me become a more functioning person in society instead of sitting around in my own house.”

For those who are in similar situations but want to join, Reverend said it doesn’t matter what they ride—they shouldn’t be intimidated and are welcome to come ride with the organization.

“We don’t exclude people, and they can make their choice if they are interested in being a prospect,” he said. “It’s a lot easier than it seems.”

VOLUNTEERISM

The motorcycle club also hopes to do more charity and volunteer events in the future, but that’s still in the works.

“We did the autism ride, some kitchen work at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church,” Nugget said.

The club also raised money for Laura’s House in San Clemente so they could buy equipment as well as co-sponsored a barbecue for 12-step programs in Irvine. SC

For more information about the Brotherhood of United Bikers Motorcycle Club-San Clemente, visit www.bubmc.org. The club is international and has chapters from the East Coast to Australia.

SOAPBOX SC

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelenghts by

Jim Kempton

Why is California Completely Ignored in National Primaries?

lmost 12 percent of Americans reside in California.

It’s the most productive, inventive, governmentally efficient state in the union. Not only the most populous state (by a wide margin), but also more citizens live here than in the least populated 22 states combined. You would think we Californians would be instrumental in the presidential nominations from both major parties. But in reality, when choosing our chief executive candidates, Iowa’s tiny electorate has a much bigger say.

What’s up with that? Iowa has 3 million inhabitants—less than 1 percent of U.S. residents. Yet because they hold the first national primary, every single coffee shop, bowling alley or American Legion hall becomes preeminent. Every homeowners’ association, PTA, business group, Elks Club, church congregation or League of Women Voters is canvassed, coddled, cosseted and cooed over as if they were critical to the nation’s economic, cultural and political life support.

By Jim Kempton

Meanwhile, Orange County, with just more than 3 million residents, has a populace equal to Iowa. In fact, we have a larger gross national product than those last 20 states put together. Iowa grows corn. Orange County grows the nation’s sixth largest county economy. We pioneered biotech, built the lifestyle industry and host hundreds of corporate headquarters as well as seven of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies. Did anybody ever ask us what we thought about the candidates or the issues?

This seemingly forgotten California supplies more than half the nation’s fruits and vegetables, most of its technology and nearly all of its movies. We have led the world in computer science, aerospace, medical advances and environmental progress. Are California’s concerns ever considered by the political front-runners?

Consider this: excluding Florida, the five most important primaries are Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada and Colorado—which combined includes a whopping 3.5 percent of the U.S. population. So with more than three times as many voters here in the Golden State than in all those primary states put together, we let Iowa determine our presidential contenders.

The current system provides the opportunity for nearly every state to vote in primaries before California. By the time candidates are campaigning here, the choices are already firmly set. The result is that the most populous, successful, efficient, entrepreneurial, innovative state in the nation is essentially shut out of the electoral process of choosing our presidential nominees.

Letters to the Editor

I’m not resentful that other states that have fewer people than Orange County put their primaries at the front of the list. I don’t even mind the sometimes comical horserace that passes for a selection method. But “by George,” as Jefferson used to say to Madison, the 38 million proud, successful Americans in California ought to somehow have their voices heard too.

Jim Kempton is a writer and Orange County resident who hopes that the half of Americans who read newspapers is the same half that votes for candidates before California gets a chance. SC

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

GETTING OUT SC

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

Thursday | 21

LIGHTNING TRAIN

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.

SHOWOFF! INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL

8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents seven original 10-minute plays written by seven different directors. Tickets are $18. Shows run through Jan. 24 on Thursday, 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.

Friday | 22

OCEAN INSTITUTE RED HOT JAZZ FESTIVAL

5:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 6 p.m. Jan. 23. The Ocean Institute’s popular jazz fundraising weekend event combines renowned jazz artists with an elegant evening of epicurean dining, cocktails, and live and silent auctions. Featured performers include Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Louis Price. Since 2003, this event has raised more than $1 million to benefit Ocean Institute hands-on, ocean-oriented educational programs. Tickets from $95. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.oijazzfestival.com.

UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE

7 p.m. The L.A.-based improvisational comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade comes to Casa Romantica. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 general admission. Food and wine will be provided by The Cellar. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

HART AND SOUL AT ADELE’S IN THE SAN CLEMENTE INN

7 p.m. Hart and Soul Band returns to its regular fourth Friday night at Adele’s in the San Clemente Inn. Jennifer Hart, vocals; Hal Ratliff, keys; Mark Isbell, sax; Bob Forte, drums. Reservations are recommended, $5 cover. 2600 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesinthesanclementeinn.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27: FREE YOGA AT TALEGA LIFE CHURCH

8:45 a.m. The free yoga class with Tiffany Martin is open to the public through Community Outreach Alliance, which operates out of Talega Life Church in San Clemente. 1050 Calle Negocio, 949.388.0114, ext. 205, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Saturday | 23

LUCIDIOM AT OC TAVERN

9 p.m. The show will feature some songs from different incarnations of David Haycraft’s career and material from the album “Flux,” released independently by LUCIDIOM in 2012. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. OC Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

BINGO AT THE DOROTHY VISSER SENIOR CENTER

4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. There will be $100 game cash prizes, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The cost is $45 per person (must be 18 years or older), which includes dinner, four cards for each game and two drink tickets for your choice of beer, wine, soda or water. The evening is sponsored by MemorialCare Medical Group, and all proceeds benefit the Dorothy Visser Senior Center activities program. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322, www.san-clemente.org.

Sunday | 24

COMMUNITY TABLE DINNER

4 p.m.-7 p.m. The Ecology Center’s Community Table will features chefs Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbaks of Stedsans in Copenhagen, Denmark, applying their expertise to locally sourced California produce for a truly unique meal. Tickets are $115 for members, $125 for non-members and can be purchased at www.theecologycenter.org. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223.

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. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

Monday | 25

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. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Tuesday | 26

WINTER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Winter After School Club series runs on Tuesdays from Jan. 5 through Feb. 23 for children ages 5 and older. A variety of activities are provided, including stories and crafts. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/libloc/

Wednesday | 27

PAINTING AND VINO

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a painting class. Supplies provided. $45. Register at www.paintingandvino.com. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

At the Movies: Spotlight Slightly Misdirected

BY

Despite the irony that Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight won Best Acting Ensemble, Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture at the Critics’ Choice Awards last weekend, your local movie critic doesn’t feel entirely confident with those accolades. Two weeks ago, Spotlight’s hype was overshadowed by The Revenant at the Golden Globes, and now it’s up in the air which of the films could win big at the Oscars. As for the quality of Spotlight compared to the other contenders, let’s take a look.

Editor Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) is hired at The Boston Globe in 2001, and right away he thinks the paper’s top priority should be investigating overlooked incidents of child molestation among Catholic priests. He gives the assignment to the spotlight department for long-term research consisting of journalists portrayed by Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo and Brian d’Arcy James.

The things that Spotlight does well is give the viewer plenty of thorough information on the tragedy, and McAdams, Stanley Tucci and Schreiber don’t miss a beat with their acting. But the tone and structure of the film feels a bit too technical, while some directing choices from McCarthy are a bit heavyhanded. Most confusing is the fact that Ruffalo—who displays fidgety characteristics that are distracting and almost seems like he’s in a different movie—is getting the most performance hype. Spotlight is a good way for those who want to learn more about the subject, but as far as Best Picture contenders go this season, I’m still with The Big Short and Fury Road SC

by

Shelley Murphy

Aspirations Spark Anxiety in the New Year

s I say goodbye to 2015, I bid a bittersweet final farewell to the Capistrano Unified School District calendar. I miss the structure of CUSD’s calendar and the daily dependability that once determined my sons’ schedules.

By Shelley Murphy

In 2016, I’m replacing the solid CUSD calendar with a questionable collegiate calendar. My new calendar isn’t as predictable, yet I rely on its scheduled winter holiday and summer break with the promise of family reunions.

Reviewing my 2015 calendar, the only day circled in red confirmed my younger son’s move to his college campus and the ensuing emptying of our nest. The one date circled in scarlet in my 2016 calendar celebrates my older son’s college graduation. Or, as my fiscally focused husband says, “The day one son is off the payroll.”

December’s winter break reunited my son’s friends from the Class of 2012. Predictably, their conversations have evolved from “What colleges did you get into?” to “What are you doing after college?”

Some of his friends have found jobs, some sought internships, some applied to graduate school and some, like my son, are in limbo.

Once my son’s friends returned to their respective campuses, I jumped at the chance to talk with him about graduation—but my excitement was matched by his apathy. I couldn’t understand the

confusing dichotomy. He’s submitted his graduation evaluation, and it’s verified that he’ll indeed graduate in May.

Later, I realized I’m not the only one clinging to the calendar. For most of my son’s life, he’s depended on a school schedule and the security of knowing where to be and what to expect.

At commencement this May, when my son crosses the stage and receives his diploma, he loses the steady footing of student life to teeter on the precipice of adulthood.

Investing in a college education is one of the largest financial endeavors of a young adult’s life, and the pressure for the investment to pay off is powerful.

As my son seeks a career utilizing his college degree, he fears underemployment as much as unemployment. According to a recent article in Forbes, “44 percent of college grads in their 20s are stuck in low-wage, dead-end jobs—the highest rate in decades.”

Not all graduates face an abyss of ambiguity. A 2015 Gallup-Purdue Index national survey of college graduates found students felt their education was worth the cost and contributed to workplace success if they established mentoring relationships with professors, worked an internship related to their education and participated in extracurricular activities

My son followed the advice in the Forbes article, and he’s trying to connect the dots leading to his dream career while confronting his first “real” job jitters. In just five months, my son moves from the place he’s called home (and I’ve called school) for the past four years and embarks on an uncharted journey.

I’m entering new territory, too; 2016 marks the first time in two decades that I can’t call both my boys students. As my older son faces this year of uncertainty, I’m confident I’ll watch proudly as he accepts his college diploma and discovers what his 2016 calendar holds for him. 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

SCENE

{ IN SAN CLEMENTE }

Gregg Grothjan snapped this photo of large surf on Jan. 12 at the San Clemente Pier. Waves were as high as 10 to 12 feet in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.

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

Did you know that...

Conrad

In all of an lemente, total homes sold in , with an average of , sales price.

Of all the homes sales in an lemente for , only were sold as a bank owned property or short sale, which is less than of the total sales.

In all of Orange ounty, there are active listings, compared to the average of about active listings in a normal anuary month.

SanClemente

SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

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

Spectacular Second Half Sends Tritons Hoops Past El Toro

At the onset of the opening whistle of the second half, the San Clemente boys basketball team transformed into a swirling vortex of outstretched hands, shuffling feet and pure hustle on Jan. 15.

The defensive effort on display caused El Toro, the team tasked with managing the Tritons, to go ice cold when shooting from the field while San Clemente clamped down, securing a 70-57 South Coast League victory.

its lead to nine points midway through the fourth quarter, Shelmidine patiently broke down the Chargers zone defense and found a wide open James Paterson, who scored down low, drew a shooting foul, and converted the three-point play to put the Tritons up 60-48 with just over three minutes to play.

Shelmidine finished the night with 11 points and nine assists.

“Gage played about as perfect of a half as you’d want from a point guard,” San Clemente head coach Marc Popovich said. “He kept finding guys for wide-open looks and that made our offense real easy.”

Fotheringham was a thorn in the Chargers side throughout the second half. The senior scored 14 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and recorded a game-high seven steals, four of which came in the second half. Fotheringham ignited the most exciting play of the Tritons third-quarter push when he corralled a pass from teammate Jake Cameron, who stole a Chargers pass on the baseline, and sent a two-handed outlet to Waikle downcourt. Waikle emphatically finished the play off with a two-handed dunk to give San Clemente a 42-40 lead they would not let go of.

The Chargers (14-6, 1-1 league) led the Tritons (14-5, 3-0) by three at the halfway point but fell victim to a third quarter run during which they were outscored by the visitors 20-8 in eight minutes of play.

The driving force behind the Tritons resurgent second half was twofold. San Clemente was led by 6-foot-5-inch forward Cole Fotheringham and 6-foot-11-inch Dillon Waikle, who crashed the boards at will, pulling in a combined 10 second-half rebounds, igniting the Tritons’ second key to success, the free-flowing play of point guard Gage Shelmidine.

The Tritons won the battle of the boards in the final 16 minutes and the defense recorded eight steals, which allowed Shelmidine to push the tempo at his desired speed. After San Clemente extended

Sharp 3-point shooting gave El Toro the lead in the first quarter. Four different Chargers scored 3-pointers in the first and, in the second, El Toro pushed its lead to 32-24 following a Bruce Haidrey mid-range jumper with two minutes to go before the half.

The Tritons, who came back in a similar fashion against Mission Viejo on Jan. 13, now sit alone at the top of the league standings.

“It’s a great win for us. Our guys really stepped up,” Popovich said. “After that first quarter, we weathered the storm … our defense was spectacular in the second half.”

The Tritons will continue league play with a home game against San Juan Hills (4-13, 1-1) on Jan. 21.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

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

Shoreline Dental Studio

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

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back 949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

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

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling Call Robert 949.973.6288

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

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

MUST SELL!! NISSAN PATHFINDER 4X4 2009 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $13,900/OBO 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.

HENREDON PECAN DINING SET- EXCELLENT CONDITION Table 40 x 52” with 6- Cane Back Chairs (42 x 96” w/ 2 leaves) incl. leather pads. $300 OBO. 949-350-2407 or 949-388-6935

GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 9AM- 3PM 26951 Calle Dolores, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Furniture: Bookshelves, end tables, coffee tables Treadmill Lamps Various treasures Vases, glassware

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com. Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

Finally, We Get A Team... But Will We Embrace Them?

Confessions

of a

26-year-old sports fan who grew up in NFL limbo

Are you ready for some football?

For many in Southern California, excluding those in the San Diego area, that answer is, and has been, an emphatic ‘Yes’ for some time.

The Los Angeles Rams, formerly of St. Louis, are returning home thanks to team owner Stan Kroenke and his relocation initiative that was approved by NFL owners in a 30-2 vote last week. Kroenke plans to build an estimated $2.6 billion, 298-acre state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex on the grounds of the old Hollywood Park racetrack in Inglewood by 2019, right next door to The Forum.

By Steve Breazeale

And while the Rams are set for a triumphant return home, I can’t help asking myself, ‘Will we embrace them?’. My gut says yes, we eventually will, but I’m left with a feeling in the back of my mind that it will not be easy to win everyone over. I know for a fact that it’s too late for me.

I was 6 years old when the Rams left town for St. Louis. With no NFL team nearby, the NBA and MLB reigned supreme in my world. Kobe, Shaq, Piazza, Mondesi, Karros, Hearn and Scully were the names, voices and faces of Los Angeles sports to me. The NFL, while always on my radar, remained a blip in the distance. My friends and I filled the football void, instead, by watching the Trojans and Bruins duke it out on Saturdays.

The life of a now 20-to-30-something Los Angeles-area football fan has been a weird one. Rumors of a team returning to L.A. swirled around me from the time I learned how to ride a bike, when I got the keys to my first apartment and up until the first time I had to pay for health insurance. Talk about a longtime tease. We have been kept waiting in the wings, watching other cities and franchises have all the fun.

As a result, the area’s football allegiances have turned into a giant melting pot. There is a large, local camp of San Diego Chargers fans (who might get a belated Christmas gift if the team announces it will join the Rams in L.A. in the near future), and then there is everyone else. Southern California is home to plenty of Raiders and San Francisco 49ers fans and I see Patriots jerseys and Packers cheeseheads emerge every January when the playoffs roll around.

While there are many native Angelinos, the vast sprawl of Los Angeles County is full of transplants from all across the nation. When I tune in to watch the Rams play in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum next season for the first time, my fear is seeing a large swath of visiting fans cheering for the 49ers or Seahawks, not the home team.

I may sound jaded, but can you blame me? Living in NFL limbo is not exactly a fun spot to be in.

It may be too late for me to fully embrace these Rams, but there are two key demographics the team needs to tap into if they are to become the darling of the Southland: the very young and those who remember.

There is a sizeable and loyal fan base of Rams fans over the age of 30 who felt betrayed when the team up and moved to St. Louis in 1995. Some still hold a grudge against the franchise for skipping town 21 years ago, but many, based on the outpour of emotion and positivity online, seem to be happy that the team is back.

I asked my dad, a disenfranchised Rams fan, what he thought about the team returning to L.A. He said the people of his era would be eager to welcome the Rams back into the fold and hopes the franchise can build on its L.A. tradition.

There is no doubt Kroenke’s endeavor will make money hand over fist. The Los Angeles market, the second largest in the nation, has been starved of the country’s most popular sport for two decades. Once Kroenke builds his massive Kubla Kahn of a stadium/entertainment complex, the people will come.

But if the franchise wants to fend off the army of visiting fans that is sure to invade its territory in the coming years, as well as plant new roots of its own, then the Rams need to capture the attention of the Los Angeles-area youth. It’s too late for my generation to get swept up by this

team, but youngsters from Los Angeles to Orange County will have a chance many of us missed out on to have a team they can confidently call their own.

They will get to see those brilliant blue and gold uniforms take the field on Sundays with a clean slate and with fresh eyes. Many will grow up knowing only the Rams, and possibly the Chargers too, and L.A. football.

Which is why it is important for the Rams to win and win soon. The team has been mired in mediocrity for years. The Rams have compiled a 50-109 overall record with zero playoff appearances over the past 10 seasons. A huge part of the Rams’ ability to succeed with the fans in L.A. will be their ability to capture the attention of the kids, re-capture the trust of the bitter ones and honor the devotion of the diehard holdovers. The best way to do that is simple: by winning.

After all, they will be playing in Los Angeles, and there is nothing that market loves to do more than embrace winners.

Steve Breazeale is the sports editor of the San Clemente Times. He is still slightly bitter that both the Raiders and Rams left town when he was in first grade. SC

SC SURF SC

SanClemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Legacy of Love

Third

annual Big Kahuna Koncert for a Cause to raise funds for children with special needs in honor of the late Terry “Tubesteak” Tracy

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Terry “Tubesteak” Tracy of San Clemente died in 2012 leaving more than his legacy as a surfing pioneer—his passion for helping children with autism and other special needs has also endured in the form of the annual Big Kahuna Koncert for a Cause.

The third annual benefit concert is set for Saturday, Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to midnight at OC Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente.

The event will feature live music by Common Sense and Missing Persons, DJ Fluffy of Venice, art displayed by Roy Gonzalez, raffles and a silent auction.

Tickets are $25 online at www.octavern. com or at the door. OC Tavern will also be donating 20 percent of all food and drink purchases.

Proceeds will benefit some of Tracy’s favorite charities: Surfers Healing, a San Juan Capistrano-based surf camp for kids with autism; Rock the Autism, a San Clemente-based music program for kids with autism; Therasurf, a surf camp in Malibu for all kids with special needs; Red Autismo, an organization providing therapy services for children 2 to 12 with autism spectrum disorders in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico; Great Opportunities,

GROM OF THE WEEK SIERRA DOWNER

e caught up with Sierra Downer, 10, of San Clemente, following her Girls U12 semifinal heat at the Western Surfing Association event No. 6, on Jan. 17 in Oceanside, where she battled through big waves and strong current to make it through to the semifinal round. Directly after her semi, the remainder of the event was postponed due to the conditions. Her strength, bravery and confidence in the water are testament to the hard work she’s put into the sport since she first paddled out at the age of 6. Not from a surfing family, Sierra first took an interest in wave riding, thanks to her friends. Since then she’s practiced a minimum of two days a week, coached by Collin Crook and Neco Padaratz.

“I told my parents I like to try new things and I really want to learn to surf,” she said. “And they have always been super supportive.”

a San Juan Capistrano program helping disadvantaged kids learn about the ocean; and OC Autism, an organization providing information and guidance for individuals with autism and their families in Orange County.

For more information or to donate raffle or silent auction items, call 949.370.1083. SC

The highlight of her amateur career so far was taking a big win at last year’s Stoke-oRama at T Street.

“I want to thank my coaches, my parents and my friends for cheering me on and helping me be a better surfer,” Sierra said. “And l love living in San Clemente because the people are really nice and the whole town kind of supports us surfers.”

Although surfing is Sierra’s favorite sport, she also enjoys golfing, basketball, soccer and football.

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 57-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 4-8’ Poor-Fair, Catalina: 8-14’ Poor-Fair THURSDAY: Old West-WNW and SW swells ease through the day. The blend will continue to provide waist-chest-shoulder high+ surf for the better exposures of the county, with some lingering plus sets at combo standouts. NoteBig high tide early in the morning keeps many spots sluggish. Favorable conditions as light/variable offshore wind prevails in the morning, before a light to moderate onshore sea-breeze rises up over the afternoon.

OUTLOOK: A new West-WNW swell will bump surf size back up Friday into the weekend. Wind continue to look favorable through the end of the work week, but are a little dicey to start the weekend. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

RESULTS

WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 6, January 16-17, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty

BOYS U16: 1. Taro Watanabe, Malibu; 2. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 3. Kai McPhillips, San Clemente; 4. Hagan Johnson, San Clemente; 5. Tanner Ford, San Diego; 6. Brayden Chalfant, San Diego. BOYS U18: 1. Hagan Johnson, San Clemente; 2. Gavin Doan, Carlsbad; 3. Quinten Rubalcava, Ojai; 4. London Almida, San Clemente; 5. Chad Clifton, San Clemente; 6. Liam Murray, San Clemente. GIRLS U18: 1. Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas; 2. Elle Sampiere, Solana Beach; 3. Brooke Young, San Diego; 4. Chiasa Maruyama, Huntington Beach; =5. Paetyn Parman, Elfin Forest; =5. Maya Saulino, San Marcos. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Jimmy Wynne, San Clemente; 2. Jonah Shannon, Pacific Grove; 3. Cash Cherry, Manhattan Beach; 4. Caden Evans, San Clemente. JR. LONG-

“When I’m in a heat I’m so excited that I got the wave,” she said. “Competing isn’t easy at all but I like it because it helps me get better and it’s a challenge. I really just want to do my best in my heats and keep getting better.”

Her surfing goals include continuing to improve in the WSA, qualifying for Surfing America Prime, landing a spot on the USA Junior Surf Team and then continuing on to World Surf League Pro Junior and Qualifying Series events.

This studious Concordia Elementary fifthgrader enjoys going to school to be with her friends but also loves learning new things and takes her grades very seriously, earning top marks.

Along with her dream of becoming a professional surfer, Sierra is also passionate about art and would like a career in that field someday as well. She also practices her art as much as possible, lately concentrating on nature scenes including the beach and sunsets, because, “It’s my favorite place. I’m a surfer so it’s where I love to be,” she said.

—Andrea Swayne

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

BOARD U18: 1. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano; 2. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 3. Benjamin Goldstein, Carlsbad; 4. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 5. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 6. Alex Fry, Manhattan Beach. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Sive Jarrard, Carlsbad; 2. Hana Catsimanes, San Clemente; 3. Molly Tuschen, San Diego; 4. Brooke Carlson, Calabasas; 5. Malia Mauch, San Clemente; 6. Claire Stokes, Aliso Viejo. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Soleil Errico, Malibu; 2. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 3. Julie Shuman, Encinitas; 4. Betsey Lee, Topanga; 5. Aine Dwyer, Coronado; 6. Naomi Collins, Bonsall. MEN 18-29: 1. Cody Canzoneri, San Clemente; 2. Even Sandison, Laguna Niguel; 3. Lucas Taub, Dana Point; 4. Drew Stanfield, Westminster; 5. Gentry Gard, Laguna Niguel; 6. Kai Matteo, Oceanside. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Jonathan Warren, Long Beach; 2. Michael Kent, Camarillo; 3. Ryan Aguilar, San Clemente; 4. James Flores, Boulder, Colo.; 5. Aparajit Bhowmik, San Diego; 6. David Morgan, Los Angeles. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Vincent Duprat, Encinitas; 2. Pedro Diaz Rangel, Oceanside; 3. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 4. Gavin Haughey, Laguna Niguel; 5. Stephen Fitzsimmons, San Diego; 6. Jason Penning, Huntington Beach. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Jeff Jessee, San Clemente; 2. Dave Hansberry, Los Alamitos; 3. Marcell Guinaldo, Huntington Beach; 4. Bill Perry, West Hills; 5. Chas Wickwire, Seal Beach; 6. Mike Glevy, San Diego. OPEN MEN: 1. Yoshiumi Ohkubo, Chiba, Japan; 2. Tyler James, Durban, South Africa; 3. Cameron Griggs, Mission Viejo; 4. Drew Stanfield, Westminster; 5. Jared Fearon, San Diego; 6. Lucas Taub, Dana Point. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Maile Davis, Carlsbad; 2. Elle Sampiere, Solana Beach; 3. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach; 4. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas; 5. Claire Loughlin, Ventura; 6. Sasha Natalie, La Jolla. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano; 2. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 3. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 4. Jameson Roller, Laguna Beach; 5. Liam OCallaghan, Carlsbad; 6. Jorge Barba, Oceanside. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Soleil Errico, Malibu; 2. Betsey Lee, Topanga; 3. Keili McEvilly, Carlsbad; 4. Bianca Dootson, Aptos; 5. Aine Dwyer, Coronado; 6. Brooke Carlson, Calabasas. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Jorge Barba, Oceanside; 2. Kurt Greenbaum, Newport Beach; 3. Kerry Pedlow, Laguna Beach. ADAPTIVE STANDING: 1. Ryan Gambrell, San Diego; 2. Danielle Burt, San Diego; 3. Rodney Roller, Oceano; 4. Matt Foushee, Orange. ADAPTIVE SEATED/PRONE: 1. Alana Nichols, San Diego; 2. Charles Webb, Oceanside; 3. Spike Kane, Seattle, Wash.; 4. Mark Thornton, Carlsbad; 5. Whitney Tyler, San Diego; 6. Chris Oberle, Los Angeles. DIVISIONS NOT COMPLETED DUE TO BIG SWELL AND STRONG CURRENT. MAKEUP DATE TBD: Micro Grom Boys U9, Micro Grom Girls U10, Boys/Girls U10, Boys U12, Boys U14, Girls U12, Girls U14, Girls U16.

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 23: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier

January 24: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier

January 30: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 4, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach

February 6-7: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 5, Encinitas, Seaside Reef

February 6-7: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

February 13-14: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier

February 20: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 4, Oceanside, Pier

February 21: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street

February 27: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 5, San Clemente, T Street

February 27-28: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Ventura, C Street

March 5: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier

March 6: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier

March 12-13: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty

March 19: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 6, San Clemente, Pier

March 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 10, Huntington Beach, Pier