March 16, 2017

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

Five

things San Clemente should know this week

SONGS Owners Awarded $125M in Faulty Steam Generators Lawsuit

THE LATEST: An arbitration panel of three members from the International Chamber of Commerce awarded Southern California Edison (SCE), the majority stakeholder of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, and other stakeholders $125 million from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the failure of its steam generators in 2012.

SCE was also ordered to pay the legal fees of Mitsubishi, and therefore would receive a net share amount of $52 million. In the arbitration process that began in 2013, owners originally sought $7.6 billion from Mitsubishi.

“We had hoped the award would more accurately reflect the true magnitude of damage caused by Mitsubishi’s defective steam generators,” SCE president Ron Nichols said in a press release on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, the arbitration panel concluded that the contract’s prescribed liability limit (of $137 million) should be respected and no additional award can be granted despite the harm caused.”

WHAT’S NEXT: What effect this could have on how much the decommissioning process will cost is yet to be determined.

“(SCE) doesn’t want to speculate until

about glyphosate use, concluding that the current use of pesticides was effective, cheap and judiciously done, and thus should be continued.

However, Jodie Cook, a San Clemente resident and landscape designer certified by the Environmental Protection Agency in sustainable landscaping, said at the meeting that though glyphosate kills weeds, it creates an unhealthy dependence on the herbicide in plants. This, said Non Toxic San Clemente organizer Michelle Schumacher, also means that when organic herbicide is used, there will be an uptick in weeds as the land gets healthy, but water needs will eventually drop and organic herbicides will be effective.

the election, but was later informed by the Orange County Registrar of Voters that wouldn’t be possible for City Council to do on its own.

Bieber wants the court to issue a statement that those mentioned in the lawsuit violated the state’s Public Records Act, to issue a ruling that they search their private accounts to disclose any other emails related to public interest and to issue an injunction that no elected official use their private email to conduct business.

Bieber’s lawsuit was filed a day after the California Supreme Court ruled that private email accounts of public officials are open to records requests if they pertain to public business.

we’ve thoroughly reviewed the decision,” spokesperson Maureen Brown said. “It’s uncertain what the steps are going forward until the redacted decision is made publicly available.”

Currently, ratepayers are responsible for $3.3 billion (or 70 percent) of the costs to fully decommission the nuclear power plant, but that amount is being reviewed by the California Public Utilities Commission. Officials with the Utility Reform Network said in 2015 that money SCE collects from Mitsubishi will be split in half with the ratepayers. —Eric Heinz

City Creates Committee to Curb Controversial Herbicide Use

THE LATEST: The San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation (BPR) Commission voted on March 14 to create a subcommittee on using organic herbicides after about two dozen residents spoke out against the city’s use of glyphosate, commonly known by its trade name, Roundup.

Speakers at the BPR meeting, largely members of the group Non Toxic San Clemente, shared stories about their kids and pets playing in areas where the city sprays glyphosate, which the state of California has deemed carcinogenic. Speakers expressed concern that although the city is judicious in its herbicide use, the chemical easily travels and interacts with other chemicals in the air.

Randy Little, maintenance manager with the city, said his department sprays about 2 ounces per acre per month to areas such as medians, parks and open space. Little said the city uses only one herbicide— Grazon—which is a glyphosate product cheaper than Roundup. City staff had spent close to a year producing a report

WHAT’S NEXT: The subcommittee will consist of BPR members Tim Shaw and John Dorey, a member of the city’s Public Works Department, and two members from the public. The subcommittee will review options—including borrowing plans from cities that have eliminated glyphosate use such as Irvine and Malibu—and determine the best way to phase out or deprioritize glyphosate. —Matt Cortina

Boys & Girls Club Starts Chess Program

THE LATEST: Joshua Host, a board member with the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area (B&GC), recently started a chess club program at the organization. Some of the children at the club have been playing for as little as five months, but Host said he wants to raise students’ skills high enough to be competitive in local tournaments.

WHAT’S NEXT: Any child who is a member of the B&GC can join the chess club. Annual memberships for the club are $60. For more information, visit www.bgccapo. com. —EH

San Clemente Man Sues City to Release Emails in Private Accounts

THE LATEST: San Clemente resident Jim Bieber filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court demanding the release of records from private accounts of City Manager James Makshanoff, City Clerk Joanne Baade, City Council members Chris Hamm and Tim Brown, and Mayor Kathy Ward.

The emails Bieber is seeking are related to Measure OO, a local ballot measure that would have raised transient occupancy tax (or hotel tax) from 10 to 13 percent. It failed by eight votes in the November election. Following the measure’s failure, the city wanted to pay to have a recount of

WHAT’S NEXT: City Attorney Scott Smith said the city intends to release the emails per the lawsuit’s request and would have done so had another records request been filed.

According to the letter to justify the withholding, the emails were withheld because they could “disrupt future deliberations” and attributed case law to the decision. Bieber said there are at least two emails that were kept from public view unlawfully.

Council member Tim Brown said this is a distraction to city business.

“We’re 100 percent focused on running the city and not worried about his (Bieber’s) petty political grievances,” Brown said. —EH

Council Member

Swartz Proposes Incentive to Local Companies on Bid Process

THE LATEST: While discussing a public works project during the March 7 City Council meeting, Council member Steve Swartz entertained the idea of introducing a city policy that may make project bidding more accessible to local businesses.

For city projects, the city is required to open bids for any licensed business to submit proposals. What Swartz’s proposal would do is “credit” businesses in San Clemente within 5 percent of their bid against outside businesses.

For example, if a company bid it would cost $95,000 and another company from San Clemente says it would cost $100,000, the city could give priority to the local business.

“A lot of other communities … have these incentives,” Swartz said. “The city would keep the money flow within the city, (and) get some back on taxes.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Swartz spoke specifically about bids for public works projects, but City Council could discuss this policy at a meeting in the near future. —EH

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

Local Artist to Showcase Work at ‘Evening with the Artists’

San Clemente impressionist painter

Kathleen Robison will showcase her landscape sceneries during the annual “Evening with the Artists,” hosted by the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation, on Friday, April 21, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Stan and Ellen Weisser Education Pavilion, located at 350 Terracina Blvd., in Redlands.

Robinson’s work is displayed at Studio 7 Gallery in Laguna Beach.

Robison will join artists Evan Roy Dahlke, Fariad, Sandy Simmons and Helen Bell for the “Evening with the Artists” event. Robison’s artwork will be available for purchase during the event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation’s art fund.

To see samples of Robison’s artwork, visit www.kathleenmrobison.com.

Tickets for the event are $25. For more information or to RSVP, call 909.335.5540 or visit www.redlandshospital.org/foundation.

‘San Clemente’s Got Talent’ Tickets Go on Sale

San Clemente Sunrise Rotary is hosting its annual “San Clemente’s Got Talent” show from 6-10 p.m. on March 31. Proceeds from the event go toward local charities and programs for children. The event will take place at Casino San Clemente, located at 140 Avenida Pico. The 12 finalists, which includes acts from performers ages 12 to 81, will compete for cash prizes. Food and a silent auction will be available. Tickets are $75 for premium and $55 for general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www. scsunriserotarygottalent.eventbrite.com.

Earth Day in South Orange County

Volunteers are needed for two annual Earth Day cleanup projects in San Clemente and Dana Point on April 22.

At Doheny State Beach, 200 volunteers are needed to help remove diseased/ dead non-native shrubs and trees from the campground and replace them with a variety of native shrubs and trees. Contact Vicki Wiker at 949.310.2546 or by email at vwiker@parks.ca.gov for more information and to sign up.

At San Clemente State Beach, about 75 volunteers are needed to clean up and restore the nature trail, restore native plants, install an interpretive display and cleanup the day use and picnic bowl areas. Contact Cryssie Moreno at 949.366.8594 or by email at cryssie.moreno@parks.ca.gov for more information and to sign up.

2017 West Coast Warrior, Veteran, and Family Member Brain Health Expo

The Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital Department of Mental Health, in collaboration with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, will be hosting the 2017 West Coast Warrior, Veteran, and Family Member Brain Health Expo at the Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital from 8 a.m.-noon on March 22.

The Expo is being conducted in coordination with Brain Injury Awareness Month (March) and is focused on ways to make your brain healthier, stronger, more resilient, and how to protect your brain from traumatic brain injuries. The target audience will be warriors, veterans and family members. Officials said they are expecting more than 1,500 to 2,000 visitors.

“In the past, this event had a clinical focus, but this year we are interested in ways to get the information directly to the end user and primary stakeholders,” a press release for the event stated. “We expect to have 50 to 70 exhibitors, most with a brain health, strength, resiliency or protection mission, theme or topic.”

For more information, email Clint Pearman at Clinton.D.Pearman.ctr@mail.mil or call 760.687.8787.

Dance Companies Coming to Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has commissioned three of Southern California’s contemporary dance companies to create choreography for the center’s Casa Kinetic dance series.

Casa Kinetic: Contemporary Dance Collective will premiere on Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m., with performance locations set throughout the institution’s historic estate. This unique participatory event is the first of its kind in Orange County.

Award-winning dancers from Los Angeles-based Helios Dance Theater, Orange County-based The Assembly, and Orange County-based Orange County Ballet Theater will perform at the showcase. The evening will be split into two parts, with a strolling performance portion and a seated performance portion. During the first part of the evening, patrons will experience original choreography commissioned by Casa Romantica at three architecturally significant locations. Patrons will walk from performance to performance, each of which will be performed three times.

The second part of the evening will include performances in Casa Romantica’s

Main Salon. Helios Dance Company will perform duets from its newest repertoire piece “Minor Obsessions.” Their Casa Romantica performance will be the work’s Orange County debut. The assembly will perform an experimental work called “Brusque,” which uses kinetic movement to provoke discourse about communication. Tickets to Casa Kinetic: Contemporary Dance Collective are $25 and are available for purchase at www.casaromantica.org, by calling 949.498.2139, or by visiting the institution at 415 Avenida Granada in San Clemente. Tickets to the VIP after-party, with access to meet the performing artists, are available for an additional $10.

Local Travel Agent Wins National Business Award

The home-based travel agency Cruises, Inc. is celebrating Women’s History Month in March by honoring a female vacation specialist with the third annual Outstanding Performance and Leadership (OPAL) Award for Women. The company named San Clemente resident Lori Foster the 2017 recipient.

The OPAL Award recognizes a female vacation specialist who demonstrates the qualities of the award. The honoree is active in community and civic organizations, is among Cruises Inc.’s top selling agents and has exhibited strong business skills.

“Lori’s active involvement in her local public schools, the Cub Scouts and her neighborhood community, coupled with her high-level of engagement in the Cruises Inc. network make her a worthy recipient of the third annual Cruises Inc. OPAL Award,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president at Cruises Inc.

Hanaeleh Celebrates ASPCA Help A Horse Day

Hanaeleh will be celebrating the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) national Help A Horse Day from April 22-24 and competing for a chance to win up to $25,000 in grant prizes to assist with efforts to protect horses. To celebrate the day and to help promote its Equine Assisted Coaching program for military veterans, Hanaeleh will be hosting a celebration of horses and veterans at 6 p.m. on April 22. In honor of the ASPCA’s 150th anniversary celebration, the contest has been expanded to include a total of $100,000 in grant prizes, including a grand prize of $25,000.

Hanaeleh is an all-breed, nonprofit horse rescue business in Trabuco Canyon that has worked to rescue and rehabilitate horses since 2004. Hanaeleh also works to promote horse advocacy and help to educate the public about horse-related issues. For more information about Hanaeleh and the event, visit www.hanaeleh.org.

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

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Monday, March 13

BIKE STOP Camino de los Mares, 600 Block (1:44 a.m.) A bicyclist was stopped and had a meth pipe with residue on it. The cyclist was cited for possession of paraphernalia.

Sunday, March 12

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pelayo/Avenida Aragon (11:46 p.m.) The caller said someone was singing too loudly.

DISTURBANCE 0 Block (5:08 p.m.) Juveniles were seen throwing rocks and balloons at pedestrians.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Escalones, 100 Block (3:17 p.m.) A man who said he was being chased jumped over the caller’s balcony.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 1800 Block (1:35 p.m.) The caller said a man was being verbally aggressive with employees and customers.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Canada, 200 Block (1 p.m.) Police were called to reports of someone draining the contents of their washing machine into the street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Pico, 900 Block (10:59 a.m.) A man said two other men were loading a street light into the back of a truck. However, because it was Sunday, the caller said he didn’t think anyone would be working, so he assumed they were stealing it.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Pico, 500 Block (9:06 a.m.) A woman at a restaurant was screaming at customers that someone stole her phone. The caller said she went into the women’s restroom, and that she might be on drugs.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 500 Block (9:01 a.m.) Someone threw coffee on the counter then walked outside.

DISTURBANCE Bonanza, 2900 Block (3:46 a.m.) A woman said an unknown person was banging on her door, ringing the doorbell and leaving before she could open the door, but she couldn’t see anyone.

GRAND THEFT Avenida Vista Montana, 200 Block (3:36 a.m.) A woman said she spoke with her neighbors when they were having a verbal argument, but that diamonds went missing from her purse in the time she was speaking with them.

Saturday, March 11

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle Amistad, 100 Block (8:16 p.m.) The caller said “loud ghetto music” was heard at the location.

DRUNK DRIVING Camino de Estrella, I-5 Freeway (8:12 p.m.) A man exited a white Ford Expedition and was stumbling, unable to stand on his own.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES I-5

Freeway/Avenida Pico (4:44 p.m.) Police were called to a man skateboarding on the roof of an abandoned building.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Pico, 900 Block (3:50 p.m.)

A man was jumping in front of cars.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

El Camino Real, 300 Block (11:30 a.m.)

A man locked himself in the bathroom and there was feces all over the floor. The man was incoherent when officers tried to make contact with him.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Salvador/Avenida San Pablo (8:18 a.m.) Someone was shooting at birds with a BB gun.

DISTURBANCE Avenida San Pablo, 100 Block (6:27 a.m.) Someone was yelling about spitting.

Friday, March 10

FOLLOW-UP REPORT La Ronda, 100 Block (9:58 p.m.) A woman said her husband was in a verbal argument with “gang members.”

DISTURBANCE Avenida de la Estrella, 100 Block (9:27 p.m.) Police were called to teens who egged several cars.

DRUNK DRIVING E. Avenida Palizada/Avenida de la Estrella (9:24 p.m.) A man in a white truck was seen stumbling to his vehicle.

911 HANGUP-WIRELESS Avenida Junipero, 0 Block (7:46 p.m.) The caller was mumbling and asked for the “desk to hold on,” and then the line was disconnected.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Lobina, 2300 Block (5:46 p.m.) A man said two juveniles were trying to pry open a screen door.

DISTURBANCE

Calle Puente, 1100 Block (5:03 p.m.)

A man was walking around a school

Bomb Squad Removes Live Grenade from San Clemente Business

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad removed a live grenade from a local tattoo business, located on the 100 block of Avenida Victoria, on Wednesday, March 8.

A customer called police after seeing the device and thinking it might have been real.

At about 4:30 p.m. on March 8, the bomb squad determined the device was real and took it to be destroyed, Lt. Lane Lagaret said.

No arrests or citations were made in the incident, and no injuries were reported. Lagaret said the grenade was being used as decoration inside the shop. —Eric Heinz

yelling at people, and the caller said he appeared to be drunk.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Serra, 200 Block (1:23 p.m.)

Police walked around the caller’s home and tried to enter, as the homeowner had a suspect detained.

Thursday, March 9

DISTURBANCE La Paloma, 200 Block (8:16 p.m.) A woman said she could hear a man yelling and throwing things.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (6:14 p.m.) A man was yelling at people and getting in their faces.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Camino de los Mares/Camino Vera Cruz (5:38 p.m.)

The caller said two people were inside a storm drain and it looked as if they were up to mischief.

WELFARE CHECK Avenida Estacion, 1700 Block (4:25 p.m.) A man was seen inside the beach club hitting himself.

Wednesday, March 8

PROWLER Via Toluca, 100 Block (8:26 p.m.) A woman said she heard a “loud rattling” sound outside her home.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Puente, 1100 Block (4:09 p.m.) Police were called to a black Honda Accord with people doing drugs inside.

TRESPASSING El Camino Real, 300 Block (3:41 p.m.) The caller had a camera on the property and saw a man with long hair and a beard in the upper level garage.

Community Meetings

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

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.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6 p.m. The San Clemente City Council will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www. san-clemente.org.

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS

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

BILY MEETING

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

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.

KIWANIS SAN CLEMENTE

Noon. Kiwanis San Clemente members meet to discuss projects that affect the area. Tommy’s Restaurant. 1409 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.366.5423. www.sanclementekiwanis.com

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

6 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission will host its regularly scheduled meeting. City Hall. 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

Mix It Up Pierside Kitchen + Bar to host annual mixology competition

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The time of year is upon us when the most complex concoctions of fruit juice and alcohol are blended in real time. Yes, the San Clemente Mixology Competition will return on March 23, from 3-6 p.m., at Pierside Kitchen + Bar, located at 610 Avenida Victoria in San Clemente. The event is for ages 21 and up.

Having home-field advantage this year is Pierside’s Nate Duffy, who competed last year but did not win in any of the categories.

“There’s a couple different ways to look at how to make cocktails, but basically you want to accentuate the main spirit that you’re using, whether it’s gin, whiskey or vodka,” Duffy said. “You want to find flavors that will match up with that properly. It can get more extensive when you get into different alcohols, but basically it’s all about the pairing.”

Duffy said he has been bartending for six years while he trying to finance his culinary studies. He said he has learned a lot about mixology from working with food and flavor combinations in the kitchen. But the craft of mixology has taken off and risen in popularity over the last decade.

“Everybody is trying to make something better for cheaper and still make it delicious,” Duffy said. “I think it’s just people are tired of the same thing over and over, and there are bartenders who want to do something different from every other restaurant in their town.”

The drink that wins for best cocktail will be served on participating menus throughout the city and be known informally as the “drink of San Clemente.” This year’s

contest participants include:

Big Helyn’s South Side Saloon Mixologist: Stefanina Stephens Drink: Ye Scallywag

Ole’s Tavern Mixologist: Yvonne Kimball Drink: SC Bubble

The Shwack Cantina

Mixologist: Alyssa Montoys

Drink Name: Pisco Del Sol

BeachFire Bar & Grill

Mixologist: Tim McAuley

Drink: Peach Julep

Cafe Mimosa

Mixologist: Ian Rice

Drink: The Monte Carlo

Red Fox Lounge

Mixologist: Sally Daniel

Drink: San Clemente Sunshine

Antoine’s Cafe

Mixologist: Vincent Price

Drink: Napoleon

Taka-O Japanese Restaurant

Mixologist: Raven Everly

Drink: O.C. Tini

Inka Mama’s Peruvian Cuisine

Mixologist: Kevin Standley and Whitney Lastra

Drink: Sandia Mía

Pierside Kitchen + Bar

Mixologist: Nate Duffy

Drink: Libre Old Fashion

H.H. Cotton’s

Mixologist: Elena Noel

Drink Name: Cottons’ Blossom

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the event, and officials said tickets are still available, but they are selling fast. Call 949.492.1131 for more information or visit www.scchamber.org.

If you can’t attend this year’s competition, visit the various restaurants around San Clemente to try the entries for yourself. SC

GUEST OPINION:

Wavelengths by Jim

Kempton

Forgetfulness is a Virtue

There is a serious concern today about the importance of memory— whether about the history of atrocities, the dates of catastrophes, great wars or even your spouse’s birthday. Which, if you forget the last one, can likely create the first three.

Nevertheless, forgetfulness may be a useful hindrance for remaining both sane and serene.

WAVELENGTHS

By Jim Kempton

In Albert Einstein’s biography, there is a beautiful story recounted by one of his students. After listening to a lecture on the “Theory of Relativity” given by Einstein, the student happened to see his erstwhile professor later that day at the entrance to the university’s cafeteria. As the story goes, he approached the revered thinker with a request.

“Sir,” he said, “I wonder if you could be so kind as to answer a question I have about the physics of the universe.” Einstein readily complied, quickly providing

Letters to the Editor

TRASH IS TRASHY

KAREN ECKHARDT, San Clemente

Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, San Clemente is so beautiful in the spring. But what’s with the trash littering our streets and sidewalks? I walk from North Beach to downtown and back several times per week. The amount of garbage I see is disgusting, and it appears to be getting worse. Our little Village by the Sea is looking trashy. Do you remember the “No Littering, $50 Fine” signs? How do we get some, and how do we make sure the law is enforced?

MOTORCYCLES ARE PROHIBITED ON RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE’S RIDGE ROUTE TRAIL

VONNE BARNES, San Clemente, RSCCA Board President

Rancho San Clemente Community Association (RSCCA) wishes to thank

a concise and comprehensive explanation. When he finished, he said, “Now, I wonder if you could be so kind as to answer a very important question I have as well?”

“Of course!” said the young scholar, thrilled to be asked anything by the supreme scientific mind of the 20th century. “Well,” said Einstein, “when you stopped me here in front of the cafeteria, was I coming in or going out?”

The student thought carefully for a moment and replied, “You were definitely coming out sir.”

A look of relief came across Einstein’s face. “Oh good, very good,” he surmised. “That means I’ve eaten.”

“... forgetfulness may be a useful hindrance for remaining both sane and serene. ”

Forgetting whether I’ve eaten lunch or not is probably the only thing I have in common with the world’s greatest physics theorist. We may both wander about, consumed by relative riddles, (in my case, which relatives will be attending the annual camping event) but at least Einstein had an excuse. He was busy discovering the mysteries of the cosmos. I, on the other hand, not only can’t remember if I’ve eaten, I sometimes forget at which restaurant I left my credit card after arriving

the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) officer who intercepted and issued a citation to the motorcyclist on the city’s Ridge Route trail (RRT).

RSCCA has been working diligently with the city and the OCSD to enforce Municipal Code 10.68.010 that prohibits motorcycles on the RRT.

The RRT is a paved road that runs 4.5 miles through “very high severity fire hazard zones” consisting of open space on either side of the zone. Motorcyclists threaten the safety of pedestrians, including hikers, joggers, families with strollers and dog-walkers, who all wish to enjoy the trail. Motorcyclists riding at dare-devil speeds are known to frequent the RRT, ignoring posted signs, roaring by lawful trail users.

Motorcyclists who venture off-trail into the closed fire zones can spark fires, grind illegal trails, damage the open space, destroy indigenous watershed areas and cause safety and liability issues.

RSCCA appreciates the police presence on the Ridge Route Trail and encourages OCSD to continue patrolling this area and issuing citations for safety in our community.

back home.

Speaking of always forgetting, how about computer entry passwords? The only person these supposed security codes prevent from breaking into my computer is me. And today, computers require more than just one password. A different password is required for each and every site, media platform, app or program. So, after trying the half dozen ones I most commonly install, the smarmy little machine shoots back a pop-up: “User name or password is incorrect.” Well, could you at least narrow it down to one of the two? But to return to my original premise about lack of memory being a good thing (which I had altogether forgotten about), there are five all-important things that can help make a healthy, happy life. Laughter is the vitamin we need to take daily. Purposeful work is the exercise for mind and body. A loving family is the chicken soup that nourishes the soul. Forgetting everything bad is the potent antibiotic that prevents infection. Shoot, if I could remember the fi fth one, I wouldn’t be late with this story.

Jim Kempton is an Orange County writer and memorialist, who struggles with vague recollections of his editorial deadline until his long-suffering editor reminds him (monthly) that his due date hasn’t changed for the last nine years. 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.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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.

CORRECTION: In the March 9-15 edition of the San Clemente Times, the article “Funding for City Projects Forecasted to be Tight” misstated the department the city expects to pay an increase in pension contributions. The correct department is the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, March 17 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

town

CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING

PRINT AND ONLINE Susie Lantz, 949.388.7700, x111 slantz@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

Group

Real Estate Sales

Manager

> Michele Reddick

OPERATIONS

Finance Director

> Mike Reed

Business Manager

> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager

> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKS

Robert Miller

Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco

Debra Holm

Tim Trent

Jake Howard

GETTING OUT SC

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 16

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS

8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER

7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together. Stillwater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE DIRTY COWBOYS

7-10:30 p.m. Listen to music from The Dirty Cowboys at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘TUMBLEDOWN’

7:30 p.m. Saddleback College will present a stage reading of Tumbledown, a world premiere play by award-winning poet/ playwright Red Shuttleworth. According to Shuttleworth, what Tumbledown started with (in his head) was a rawhide-tough, weathered and lean “desert rat” who has been on a desert peregrination for a long, long time… a man pulling a small wagon with a mounted coyote fixed upon that wagon. The event is free. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Friday | 17

MISSION ART WALK

11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

ST PATRICK’S DAY AT STILLWATER

Noon. Pair green beer, Guinness and Irish whiskey with corned beef tacos and “Irish pizza” at Stillwater Spirits and Sounds’ St. Patrick’s Day celebration. RSVP to reserve a table. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22: FIESTA GRANDÉ

6-9 p.m. Stop by The Swallow’s Inn for the annual Fiesta Grandé. This year’s Wild West celebration continues the Swallows Day Parade season with music, drinks and a series of Western-themed costume and grooming contests, including Hairiest Man, Best Prairie Woman, Best Saloon Girl, Best Belt Buckle and much more. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com.

LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE

4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE MUSIC: ‘BIG BAND SWING THING’

7:30 p.m. Jazz Studies at Saddleback College presents a night of big band and swing music. Joey Sellers and Saddleback’s own Big Band, along with vocalist Lauren DeMarco, will perform songs by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and more. Tickets are $20. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

LIVE MUSIC: THE CHRIS ANDERSEN BAND

7:30-11 p.m. Listen to music from The Chris Andersen Band at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘THE MIRACLE WORKER’

8 p.m. Based on a remarkable true story, this inspiring and unforgettable play is an American classic that tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, Helen Keller. Tickets are $20, and the show runs through March 26. Stage II at the Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

and Caring for Your Native Garden.” Tree of Life owner Mike Evans shares his 35 years of experience with native plants and teaches guests about site preparation, initial irrigation techniques and working with tricky landscape situations. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

A WALK THROUGH DANA POINT HISTORY

9-11 a.m. Participants will learn about the “Woodruff” Era of the 1920s and ’30s, the surfing heritage, and the harbor construction. The walk is about 1.5 miles long. RSVP to dpnaturalresources@danapoint. org. Dana Point Nature Interpretative Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.3527.

MACRAME WORKSHOP

2-4 p.m. Learn the craft of macrame with iHeartYoga. The $60 admission price includes instruction and materials. Reserve a spot online. 34485 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘ANGEL STREET’

8 p.m. Angel Street focuses on a seemingly normal couple, but it turns out the suave Jack Manningham is slowly torturing his wife, Bella, into insanity under the guise of kindness. Angel Street was a hit on Broadway and still stands as one of the longest-running non-musicals in Broadway history. Tickets are $20, and the show runs through March 26. Cabrillo Playhouse. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC: FELISHA

8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Felisha at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Saturday | 18

GARDENING CLASS: GROW PERFECT TOMATOES

9 a.m. Stop by Armstrong Garden Center for a class on growing tomatoes in your garden. No registration required. 32382 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP

9:30-10:30 a.m. Tree of Life Nursery’s popular Replace Your Lawn workshops return with a class entitled, “Creating

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with music from West Coast Strayz at 2:30 p.m., followed by a performance by Eli Locke at 8:30 p.m. Food from Lisa’s Kitchen will be available throughout the afternoon. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE CHOLULAS

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

LIVE MUSIC: THE SHOW KILLERS

8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from The Show Killers at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Sunday | 19

GUIDED NATURE HIKE

8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

BEND AND BREW

11:30 a.m. iHeartYoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente. It’s a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

(Cont. on page 12)

GETTING OUT

At the Movies: ‘Kong: Skull Island’ is More Style than Substance

BY

ranchises are at an all-time high in Hollywood right now. “Soft reboot” is a gimmicky phrase to describe a new movie in a classic franchise that could be viewed as either a remake or a sequel. There are plenty of those going around right now too. So of course, movie viewers are going to want to see a new King Kong movie, with fresh characters, right? Maybe, maybe not.

Kong: Skull Island is the same basic premise as always with Kong, but instead of a movie crew traveling to a secret location to make a wildlife film, it’s a military squadron mapping out the lost island. The beautiful blonde (Brie Larson) this time is an independent photographer in pants. The title character himself is also ten times bigger than before, and the

other creatures that inhabit the island are scarier as well. The CGI visual effects are quite impressive, as is the retro soundtrack and sound mixing… and that’s about it.

It’s funny that my main complaint about Rogue One last year was the lack of interesting characters and hokey dialogue, and here it’s exactly the same thing, but possibly worse. We almost literally don’t know anyone’s name in the film. There isn’t enough backstory. The female characters have no motive. The themes and tone are way too heavyhanded. The jokes are stale. The whole experience of Skull Island actually gave me a new appreciation for Peter Jackson’s 2005 King Kong, which I previously felt was tediously long for a Hollywood adventure movie. SC

t’s not uncommon for foodies and food professionals to order a dish at a restaurant without knowing exactly what it is. It is, however, uncommon to finish the plate clean and still be unsure of what you ate.

Now that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement, but it is. It’s like if you went fishing in a small mountain brook for trout and you reeled in a whole rotisserie pig—you can’t explain what just happened, but you’re ecstatic.

That’s Molly Bloom’s corned beef boxty— the rotisserie pig of mountain brooks. It’s large chunks of herby corned beef, pickled cabbage and hot mustard, wrapped in a potato pancake. And if you’re thinking a crispy latke potato pancake, think again. It’s a doughy, not too sweet, legitimate pancake. The corned beef is tender and moist, and spiced warmly with something like fennel or anise. The cabbage is just crisp enough and adds its characteristic earth tones and bite to the dish. The spicy mustard, which passes through the nostrils like air in a breezeway, provides the perfect amount of moisture and adds necessary complexity about halfway

through the boxty. And then there’s the pancake, which retains its integrity throughout the meal and serves as a capable vessel for the other elements on the plate.

It’s the busiest week at Irish pubs across the country, and Molly Bloom’s will likely be no different. Corned beef and cabbage will enjoy its annual pilgrimage to the top of the food world, and with it, the perfect ridiculousness of the boxty will get its moment in the sun.

Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar and Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

(Cont. from page 10)

Monday | 20

FREE GUITAR LESSONS

5-6 p.m. Free beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

FOURTH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley host the fourth annual St. Patrick’s Golf Tournament at Tijeras Creek Golf Club. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by a putting contest, a round of golf, cocktail hour, live auction and dinner with awards. 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita. www.bgccapo.com.

Tuesday | 21

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING

10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S

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

Wednesday | 22

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB

2-4 p.m. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN

7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY

7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportu-

nity to make and taste three cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE MOON POLICE

7-10:30 p.m. Listen to music from the The Moon Police at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 23: SAN CLEMENTE MIXOLOGIST COMPETITION

3-5 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce hosts the 13th annual Mixologist Competition, a contest between local bartenders to see who can create the best drink. A judging panel will select the winner, and that drink will then be known as the “drink of San Clemente” at participating restaurants throughout town. Admission is $25 for Chamber members, $35 for prospective members, and includes appetizers and samplings of the entries. Pierside Kitchen + Bar. 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. www.scchamber.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23: CASINO SAN CLEMENTE SPRING JAZZ SERIES

7 p.m. The second edition of Casino San Clemente’s Spring Jazz Series features music from the Ramon Banda Quintet. General admission tickets are $10; and tickets that include a chicken or salmon dinner are $25. 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www.springjazzseries.brownpapertickets.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24: HOOS’GOW DAY AND FROG JUMPING CONTEST

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join in on a San Juan tradition with Hoos’Gow Day and the fourth annual Frog Jumping Contest. Fiesta Association deputies will rove around town and “arrest” city slickers and other folks not wearing Western attire, and any man who is clean shaven. The Frog Jumping Contest at 4 p.m. is fun for all ages. The frog jumping contest will be held at Mission Grill. The festivities precede the 59th Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 25. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. www.swallowsparade.com.

SC LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

Parents’ Worry: Reasons Change, Stress Remains

am a worrier. My worry isn’t constant or paralyzing, but rather it ebbs and flows. It’s similar to a mosquito bite. Sometimes I’m immune to the mild irritation, and other times I scratch and itch until it consumes my thoughts.

A single scent can cause a mosquito to bite, and a single text from my sons can trigger my anxiety.

My younger son’s mere mention of spring break sends my mind racing faster than the lead car at the Indianapolis 500 toward thoughts of tattoos, tequila and typhoid.

By Shelley Murphy

It’s not surprising I worried in January when my older son, a native Southern Californian residing in the Midwest, decided to embark on a five-hour drive through an ice storm to see his favorite professional football team in a playoff game. I suggested he skip driving in a snowstorm and cheer on his team from the safety of his couch. He assured me he’d be fine, adding the two friends he’d travel with grew up driving in freezing weather and then teased that their trio would fit perfectly into his friend’s Fiat.

My son took the trip in a sizeable truck, but not before declaring, “You’re crazy and the only parent in the world who worries about stupid stuff.”

My son’s statement doesn’t offend me at all—he’s not a parent. He’s yet to hold his newborn in his arms for the first time and look deep into the eyes staring up at him, feeling a love so strong that in the moment he promises to protect his son from everyone and everything that could cause him harm.

Jeremy Conrad

949.542.8348

Jconrad@conradrealestate.com

Bill Conrad

949.542.8349

BillC@conradrealestate.com

I’ve read countless books and tried numerous techniques to rewire my brain. I sought advice from my best friend whom I’ve known since we were two-year-olds. She has kids and cause to worry but bans anxious thoughts from her brain. Once, facing a fretful fate, I asked her secret and she replied, “There’s nothing I can do about it, so why worry?”

If logical thought worked for me, I wouldn’t be the Imelda Marcos of handbags. I’d simply tell myself, “I don’t need another purse. Therefore, I won’t buy one.” I’ve tried this, and it doesn’t work either.

On a recent morning, I walked by a television broadcasting The Today Show and stopped in my tracks when I heard these familiar words: “parents” and “worry.”

I watched Matt Lauer introduce all five television guests (four men and one woman) sitting around the table as parents with kids of various ages and then ask them, “When your kids are young, can you describe the type of worry you have about them?”

Their consensus: “Constant.” They shared fears of their little ones sticking forks in light sockets or falling into pools. I’d finally found my kindred spirits.

After commiserating Lauer asked, “When your kids are older and leave the house, does that level of anxiety go down?”

The two parents with kids grown and flown shouted simultaneously, “No!” Al Roker added that his level of worry increases as his kids grow older.

Then a hopelessly misguided Carson Daly with kids ages 2, 4 and 7 said, “I keep thinking there’s a finish line, and when they’re 13 they’ll be more self-sufficient and I won’t have as many problems.”

My new soulmate, Al Roker, shook his head and said, “It’s like my dad used to

Dream Works

Special Spaces gives SCHS student battling leukemia a room makeover

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Trevor Salman, a freshman student at San Clemente High School, was greeted by dozens of fellow classmates, neighbors, friends and family members on Sunday, March 12, for a “Big Bedroom Reveal” by Special Spaces. The organization redecorated Salman’s room with themes of the ocean, surfing and music. Salman is currently battling leukemia and is going through treatment. The mission of Special Spaces is to help make dream bedrooms for children who are affected by illness. For more information on Special Spaces, call 949.697.3944 or email Paula Oblen, the director of Special Spaces Orange County, at paula@hotelement.com. SC

say, ‘When you have bigger kids, you have bigger problems.’”

Lauer ended by reporting a new study confirms that while the reasons may change, parents still lose sleep worrying about their grown children.

A national television report confirming I’m not the only parent who worries is comforting, yet my worries persist. The study indicated parents of grown children find their worries change throughout the years. I disagree; my core concerns remain my sons’ safety, health and happiness.

When my cell phone chimes at 1:30 a.m., my heart still skips a beat; and I don’t think that makes me crazy but, rather, a semi-sane mom who loves her kids.

Shelley Murphy has lived in San Clemente with her husband for the past 17 years, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. SC

• San Clemente market is hot- currently 223 Active homes on the market with 167 closed or pending sales in last 30 days

• The average active listing home price in San Clemente is $1,727,000, while the average closed sale price for 2017 is lower at $970,691

• Distress sales today in San Clemente are almost non-existent, and account for just .03% of the current marketplace

Going Green

Exchange Club of San Clemente celebrates 50th St. Patrick’s Dinner and Dance

On Saturday, March 11, the Exchange Club of San Clemente hosted its 50th St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Corned beef was served with potatoes and cabbage, traditional garb was donned, and the students of Aniar Academy School of Irish Dance performed at the Community Center. Here are some of the photos captured at the event. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

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

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Close Calls Preparing Tritons for League Play

Six games into the season and the San Clemente baseball team already knows what it feels like to have the pressure on them.

The Tritons have found themselves in one close game after another, which could be a good thing when they open South Coast League play on the road against El Toro on March 17.

The South Coast League will present the Tritons (3-3) with the difficult task of playing the Chargers, sixth-ranked Mission Viejo, Aliso Niguel and Capistrano Valley. With such a quality league, games are expected to be tight.

With the exception of Mission Viejo (5-2) the other four South Coast League squads are hovering right around .500 on the season after playing their nonleague schedules.

“You look around the county and it’s like everybody is beating up on everyone else,” San Clemente coach Dave Gellatly said. “Nobody is getting off to a really hot start. So we’re right with everyone.”

San Clemente is getting used to playing in close games.

Half of the Tritons’ six games this year have been decided by one run, and the Tritons have won two of them. One of San Clemente’s wins came in a 2-1 victory over Santa Margarita in the Loara Tournament on March 9.

The Eagles and the Tritons squared off again on March 14, but this time the Eagles prevailed in a close contest. Santa Margarita got strong pitching from starter Alex Schrier and reliever Chandler Champlain to pick up a 3-0 win.

The key to San Clemente’s steady start has been its pitching. The Tritons pitchers entered Tuesday’s game against the Eagles with a collective 2.16 ERA.

Senior pitcher Nathan Fleuriau turned in a solid effort on the mound against Santa Margarita on Tuesday, but fell victim to a tough frame after going strong for 5 2/3 innings.

Santa Margarita scored twice in the sixth inning with two outs. Josh Nickoloff started the scoring with an RBI double, which drove Fleuriau from the game, and Cole Heslar singled him home to increase

the visitor’s lead.

San Clemente had its chance in the home half of the sixth.

The Tritons loaded the bases when Brent Riddle and Mike McGreevy collected singles and Cade Conrad earned a walk. The Eagles then turned to Champlain, a 6-5 USC commit, in relief.

Champlain, facing the heart of the Triton batting order, recorded three strikeouts to get out of the jam.

It was another close contest that the Tritons can rely on for experience when they square off against their league rivals in the coming weeks.

“We’re just going to have to manufacture runs and execute, and we’re going to have to win these close ballgames,” Gellatly said. “I think that’s the way the South Coast League is going to go this year.”

Volleyball Falls in Best of West Quarterfinals

Victories over St. John Bosco, La Costa Canyon and Bellarmine College Prep sent the San Clemente boys volleyball

sion while competing against junior and senior wrestlers on March 12.

Track Teams Begin Seasons at South County Classic

The San Clemente boys and girls track and field teams got their first taste of competitive action at the South County Classic meet at Trabuco Hills on March 10.

While there were several standout performances, there was one that stood above the rest.

Freshman runner Hana Catsimanes finished the 1,600-meter run in a time of 5:01.37, which set a freshman program record. Catsimanes placed second in the event. Her time was the fourth-fastest 1,600-meter time in team history.

What makes Catsimanes’ effort even more impressive is the fact she ran the record-breaking race with only one shoe. Coach Dave Proodian said Catsimanes lost one of her running shoes on the first lap, but the freshman was able to power through the remaining three laps in record time without stopping to replace it.

The 4x400-meter relay team of Sienna Keck, Marina McDonough, Anezka DeGree and Rylee Kerr placed fi fth. Kerr also placed fi fth in the 800-meter run, and senior Chandler Horton placed sixth in the 1,600-meter run.

Junior Jack Shippy put together a strong all-around effort, placing first in the 200-meter dash and second in the 100-meter. Shippy also took second in the long jump with a leap of 21-feet-3-inches.

Senior Carlos De Jesus won the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:19.86.

team into the quarterfinals of the Best of the West Tournament on March 12.

The Tritons, ranked seventh in the CIF-SS Division 1 coaches poll, squared off against third-ranked Mater Dei in the quarterfinals and lost 19-25, 25-17, 18-20. San Clemente (54) also lost to fourth-ranked Corona Del Mar in three sets in the consolation bracket.

Senior Kyler Presho was named to the alltournament team.

San Clemente was scheduled to play Carlsbad on March 15. Results were not available at press time.

Devericks, Moreno Shine at USA Wrestling Championships

San Clemente sophomore wrestlers Amara Devericks and Carolina Moreno traveled to Fresno on March 11 to compete in the California-USA Wrestling Folkstyle State Championship tournament.

Devericks (180 pounds) claimed the top spot in her division competing against freshman and sophomores. Moreno placed seventh in the 164-pound class.

Devericks also placed second in her divi-

Pak, Wentzel Power Golf Team to Tournament Win

Golfers Alex Pak and Christian Wentzel teamed up to post a score of 58 (-14) at Aliso Viejo Country Club on March 6 as part of a team scramble event, which helped power the San Clemente boys golf team to a first-place finish at the Aliso Niguel Golf Tournament.

A scramble allows each two-man group to play the best positioned ball after each shot, and Pak and Wentzel did not miss. The pair’s 58 is now a tournament record. The Tritons edged South Coast League rival Dana Hills by two points in the final tournament standings.

Troy Nueva, Ethan Greathouse, Logan Manning, Drayton Joseph, Ryan Moore and Christian Plasso rounded out the Tritons winning rotation.

www.sanclementetimes.com WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air 2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

APPLIANCES

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

ART GALLERIES

San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Integrative Chiropractic

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

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

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

CONCRETE

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

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.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

EDITING SERVICES

Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364

www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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

HOME DÉCOR

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

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

JEWELRY

Paradise Jewelers

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

LANDSCAPING

Costa Verde Landscape

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

MATTRESSES

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

MORTGAGES

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

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

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

MUSIC LESSONS

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

OFFICE FURNITURE

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

PET SERVICES/HOUSE SITTING

2-dogswalking.com

Ricky, 949.973.4128

Pet care –Insured & Bonded

Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection 929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

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

SC Pool & Spa Works 1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

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

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

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

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@picketfencemedia.com

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

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. Mike 949-240-1545.

TALEGA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALES

SATURDAY, April 22nd from 8amNoon. Directions: 5 fwy, east on Ave Pico. Visit www.TalegaToday. com for maps of all participating neighborhoods. There are over 100 homes participating!!!

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS

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

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Best Version Media, certified as a “Best Place to Work” by Fortune Magazine, has an open Account Executive position in Laguna Niguel.If you thrive in a supportive, encouraging, but challenging environment, we want to hear from you!Send your resume to dana@ bestversionmedia.com

MAINTENANCE DAY SHIFTIMMEDIATE OPENING

Guest calls relating to immediate maintenance needs. Guest room preventative maintenance program. Ongoing Painting and repairs. Apply in Person (Starts at $12.00 per hour – full time) Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Marina Inn. Tony.

NOW HIRING. IMMEDIATE JOB POSITIONS OPEN. APPLY NOW! Managers, Assistant Managers, Cashiers. Part and full time. United Pacific Gas Station, 795 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 92672. Please apply at: unitedpacificjobs.com

BREAZEALE BANTER:

By Steve Breazeale

A Return to the Madness

NCAA basketball tournament offers plenty of fun for the casual fan

Last year in this space I laid out my bullet-proof plan to help you win your office’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament bracket and get a little richer in the process. If you actually followed my advice, you didn’t have a good showing. Sorry about that.

This year I’m offering up my services yet again, free of charge. That’s probably what it’s worth anyways.

I definitely fall into the category of “casual college basketball fan,” which means I don’t pay close attention to what’s happening on the hardwood until late April-early March. My friends sending emails asking if I want in on their bracket pools with the subject line “How much should the buy-in be this year?” is usually what jumpstarts my frantic research.

Rather than divulge my bracket gambling secrets like I did last year, I want to help you casual fans out there pick teams to root for based on a few factors like watch-ability, likability and historical impact. If you don’t have a horse in the race, this can help guide you to one.

Here are some squads I’ll have my eyes on over the next few days.

Northwestern (No. 8 seed West Region): Did you see that video that went viral when it was announced Northwestern would be in the tournament for the first time ever? It was incredible, and it looked like the entire student body was jammed inside their arena watching on the Jumbotron. If they can get that hyped just watching the announcement show, I can’t wait to see what energy Northwestern, and their fans, will bring to their first-round matchup against Vanderbilt on Thursday. They’ve been waiting 78 years for this mo-

ment and now they get it. What’s not to like?

UCLA (No. 3 seed South Region): I’m telling you straight up, you are reading the words of a UCLA alum and self-proclaimed homer. That said, this year’s UCLA team is actually fun to watch! Not since the days of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love have Bruins fans been this excited about a team. They have a bona fide star in freshman guard Lonzo Ball, and a solid rotation of unselfish players. They also score at a ridiculous rate and are the most exciting team in the nation to watch offensively. Their play might give defensive aficionados nightmares but who cares. I’m all-in on the Bruin bandwagon.

By Steve Breazeale

Gonzaga (No. 1 seed West Region): Every year Gonzaga throws a wrench into my bracket. They’re the team that has a solid season, earns a relatively high seed, and, because of their pedigree, I pick them to make a run then watch as they slip up in the early rounds. But this year will be different, and it’s refreshing to see the consistently strong Zags as a 1-seed in their region after such a strong season. They have an embarrassment of riches in the height and skill department thanks to 7-1 senior Przemek Karnowski and rising 7-foot freshman Zach Collins, who comes off the bench. Middle Tennessee State (No. 12 seed South Region): This is my upset special and the long shot I’m rooting for despite the fact Middle Tennessee State is not flying under the radar anymore. Last year, they shocked the world as a 15-seed that upset 2-seed Michigan State in the first round and they might have lost that element of surprise. Nevertheless, six players from last year’s team are back, and I’m pulling for the veteran Blue Raiders to repeat as bracket-busters. Their potential to take down No. 5 Minnesota on Thursday is the type of matchup that makes the tournament so appealing.

Enjoy the madness.

Steve Breazeale is the sports editor for the San Clemente Times. He has yet to win an office March Madness bracket pool. SC

“I always hear people saying it gets people into surfing, so it will translate into sales for custom boards, but that just hasn’t proven to be the case. We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed,” said Cole Simler, who’s been whittling boards in the San Clemente surf ghetto for decades. “I think people who really surf, and surf well, are always going to buy custom surfboards.”

Living in South Orange County, we have the good fortune of having access to some of the best surfboard builders and craftsmen in the world. The list is too long to name here, but from Dana Point to San Clemente there are dozens of highly talented men and women making surfboards. The industry was literally born in our backyard. But today, these businesses have been severely impacted by this wholesale surfboard business.

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 57-60 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-7’ Poor-Fair

Thursday: Small WNW/SW swell mix for surf in the ankle-waist high zone (1-3’). Morning winds are light with light to moderate afternoon onshore flow.

Outlook: Small blend of SSW and NW swells through the upcoming weekend with best spots seeing thigh-waist high sets. Morning winds range from calm to light onshore. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

that people would want to deal with the lack of performance each and every time they go surf.”

Saying no to overseas imports and yes to local surfboard builders

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

itting in the water at T Street, a friend remarked, “There sure are a lot of guys on Wavestorms out here… some of them look like they can even surf.”

A couple days later, out at Old Man’s, I noticed the same thing—a lot of dudes floundering around on Wavestorms.

But before I digress, a little background information. The Wavestorm is an 8-foot, soft, foam surfboard sold at Costco for $100 (although it comes in other sizes). In

Kaimana Takayama Support Your Local Shaper

GROM OF THE WEEK

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE

hen your last name is Takayama, paddling out on a longboard takes a certain amount of poise. Eighteen-year-old Kaimana Takayama has it in spades. Descendent of the timeless stylist and master surfboard craftsman, Donald

2015, the company that produces the board, AGIT Global, sold an estimated 100,000 boards. Started in 2007 by a former hockey player from Canada named Matt Zilinskas and his partner John Yeh, a Taiwanese businessman, Zilinskas originally landed in California in the late ’90s managing the Boogie Board brand for the toy company Wham-O. He soon teamed up with Yeh, and the Wavestorm was born shortly thereafter. The boards are currently produced overseas in a 75,000-square-foot factory.

The blue and white design is now ubiquitous with summertime as they’ve become the preferred boards for beginners. They’re affordable. They’re durable. They paddle and catch waves well enough. It’s hard to hurt yourself on one. All well and good, but here’s the rub: Wavestorms have been and continue to be a blight on local surf communities around the country.

On an economic level, the boards are largely to blame for a downturn in the custom surfboard business, according to several craft producers.

Takayama, the wave-riding DNA is strong in young Kai. Growing up in San Clemente, he calls San Onofre his cross-stepping stomping grounds, but he is quickly garnering international acclaim. Earlier this month, he headed down under for the Noosa Festival of Surfing and came away with some head-turning results. Taking first in the Men’s Open Amateur division, he upset a talented field of Aussies, Americans and Hawaiians to take the title. But he wasn’t done there. Surfing in the highly competitive Noserider Pro division, where he was pitted against some of the most talented longboard-

“I think it is important to support local shapers just like it’s important to support local businesses,” agreed Tyler Warren, who’s one of the bright, emerging shaping talents in the area. “Would you rather be seen bobbing around on a Chinese pop-out board or a Costco Wavestorm foamie, or a sweet Timmy Patterson or Cordell (Miller) that was made by people in the area?”

Globalization is a hot topic these days and it affects surfboards just the same as so many other industries. It’s cheaper and perhaps more efficient to build boards in China or Taiwan, but it doesn’t mean it’s good for surfing. Guys like Simler and Warren have spent years and years honing their craft. Warren, for example, served as an understudy of the late Terry Martin, who spent over half a century shaping for Hobie Surfboards. The knowledge and skills are passed down through the generations, and by shipping them overseas, that continuum is interrupted. Over time, that could make it a challenge to get a welldesigned, high-performing, custom board.

“No matter what ability level you are, whether a beginner or an expert, you would think you would want to give yourself the opportunity to get better at surfing,” continued Simler. “I do understand that riding those soft boards can be fun just to screw around on, but it is baffling to me

ers in the world, he managed to finish a very respectable third place.

It makes sense that a kid that grew up under the watchful eye of “Uncle Donald” and can give Old Man’s a better going over than just about anyone would enjoy such success at Noosa. Considered the epicenter for Australian longboard surf culture, for an 18-year-old kid to land on the Sunshine Coast and have that kind of an impact speaks volumes about the trajectory of his career. Keep an eye on Kai, he’s going to be gliding into all kinds of new and interesting places in the months and years to come.

For guys like Simler, Warren, Patterson, Miller, Terry Senate, Bill Stewart, Jed Noll, the Boehne family, and so many others, there is an international market for the boards they make, but at the end of the day, their bread and butter is what’s happening in local waters. They depend on custom surfboard orders and regional retail shops to put food on the table and send their kids to school. You could walk into any of their shops right now and they’d be more than happy to make you a board… with your name on the stringer.

“My house is filled with tons of Chinese stuff from Costco and Walmart. I’m overloaded,” said Scott Bass, the founder and director of the Boardroom, a semiannual surfboard show based in San Diego. “But if I can avoid another cheap widget I certainly will. I think many Americans gravitate toward hand-crafted stuff: guitars, art, cabinets, surfboards. It’s why I stop at farmers’ markets. I get a chance to talk to the character growing my oranges or producing my honey. I like that. That’s kind of cool. It’s authentic. It doesn’t mean a Wavestorm is bad, but it does mean it’s a cheap widget.” SC