September 7, 2017

EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

City Council Approves Extension of Trolley Program to Oct. 1

THE LATEST: After what city of San Clemente staff called a successful summer, the Trolley Program will be extended for another month.

The city was required to maintain at least six to 10 riders per hour on every trolley, but staff members at the Sept. 5 City Council meeting said the trolleys had exceeded 50 riders per hour, which amounted to about 90,000 total riders, when they run Thursdays through Sundays. The cost to extend the program is $35,000 from the air quality fund.

Council member Lori Donchak said during the meeting that San Clemente has had the most successful system, in terms of ridership, within the county. The city paid for about 10 percent of the costs of the $1 million to fund the service through the Orange County Transportation Authority’s program. Another portion was donated by the Friends of San Clemente Foundation.

All trolley rides are free.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Trolley Program will continue to run during its normally scheduled times from Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 1. City Council will discuss possible opportunities for advertising on the trolleys and could consider expanding the trolley routes for next year. —Eric Heinz

Point in Time Study

Published by 2-1-1 Orange County

THE LATEST: After months of compiling data from volunteers and homeless assistance organizations, the Point in Time Study, which takes a census of the homeless population in Orange County, has been released. The study shows that Orange County’s homeless population has risen 7.6 percent from 2015 to 2017, a total of 4,792 homeless people counted. The census was conducted in January. The study also showed an increase of about 300 of unsheltered homeless people.

The studies across the county are compiled by 2-1-1 Orange County, a private, nonprofit organization.

During the meeting, Anthony LaFrano, a concerned resident of San Clemente, continued his campaign of keeping Avenida Pico clean. In the canyons along the north side of the street, many homeless people have camped out in the area, as evidenced by discarded mattresses, bicycles and many other items.

City officials said San Clemente’s chronic homeless population is about 70 permanent, but that’s just the ones they found. The survey did not take into account transient or temporary homeless people.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Council passed the 2013-2021 housing element at the Sept. 5 meeting, which designates an overlay at Rancho San Clemente Business Park for an emergency or homeless shelter, as required by state law. The city has been trying to get its housing element up to par with the state’s requirements in order to have an injunction on permitting in certain areas of the city, after a lawsuit found the city was out of compliance. A hearing about the injunction was scheduled for Sept. 8, but City Attorney Scott Smith told San Clemente Times that hearing is likely to be continued to November. —EH

City Approved $1.16 Million on Pier Rehabilitation, Bird Deterrent Contract

THE LATEST: Since the Orange County Healthcare Agency began monitoring water quality at the San Clemente Pier, the city has seen constant warnings of bacteria and other indicators of poor quality. City Council voted unanimously to

approve a $1.16 million contract with Associated Pacific Contractors at its Sept. 5 meeting. The bird deterrent is expected to include netting from the base of the Pier to Tower 1. The city will also look to add more netting all the way to the end of the 1,290-foot Pier, but want to seek additional funding in the time between projects.

The San Clemente Pier was listed on Heal the Bay’s Top 10 Beach Bummer list this year due to the constant warnings from the agency.

WHAT’S NEXT: The timeframe to implement the bird deterrent nets could take six to eight months, as the city wants to relocate the pigeons and put in other features before the netting is installed. Currently, the organization Pier Pride is trying to raise $1 million for costs of repairing and maintaining the Pier in hopes of establishing a bank account. The organization was formed following the state’s discontinuation of redevelopment funds for municipalities, which used to be the source for most Pier-related costs. —EH

San

Clemente’s

Kendall Stier Honored for Gold Medal at U.S. Paralympics

THE LATEST: San Clemente’s Kendall Stier was recognized for winning a gold medal at the 2017 U.S. Paralympic National Championships for women’s shot put as well as her academic achievement at the Sept. 5 City Council meeting. Stier, a Saddleback Valley Christian School student, also won the inaugural CIF seated

shot put state championship in 2016.

WHAT’S NEXT: Stier was born with cerebral palsy and advocates for awareness of the condition as well as helps inform other students with disabilities that there are sports available to them.

“While I am proud to hold the state and national championship titles, I am more passionate about informing other disabled high school students, who are often rejected when it comes to sports,” Stier said during her acceptance speech of the city’s plaque.

Stier also mentioned athletic scholarships are now available at some colleges for student athletes with disabilities. —EH

Coalition to Save San Clemente to Host ‘Not My Toll Road’ Concert

THE LATEST: In its efforts against the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) toll road proposals, the Coalition to Save San Clemente will host an event on Saturday, Sept. 9, at The Reserve Clubhouse and Park, 1120 Colina Rodante, San Clemente, from 4-7:30 p.m. The festivities are expected to include activities for children and feature 80s music by San Diego band The Groove Factory.

“The fundraising event will help to raise funds to halt the planned 241 Toll Road Extension into South Orange County via legal challenges and other grassroots efforts,” a press release from the coalition stated. “Those wishing to attend can support the cause by making a suggested $15 donation for adults and $5 for children.” There will also be a silent auction and raffle.

WHAT’S NEXT: The TCA is currently studying possible areas where a new tolled thoroughfare could possibly be constructed through San Clemente. Officials with the agencies have presented information about increased traffic congestion in the next few decades could hamper South Orange County’s mobility. Opponents to that notion say once the I-5 Pico expansion is completed, motorists will experience significantly reduced congestion in the area.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information about the coalition, visit www.coalitiontosavesanclemente.com. More information on the proposed toll roads can be found at www.getmovingoc.org. —Staff

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The Flame of Hope

COA holds candlelight vigil for International Drug Overdose Awareness Day

BY BY ERIC HEINZ , SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

hen a group of about 20 people, standing in a circle and holding candles for remembrance, was asked if they knew of someone who died from a drug overdose, everyone rose their hand.

A candlelight vigil was hosted in memory of locals who passed away as a result of a drug overdose on Aug. 31 at the Community Outreach Alliance (COA) headquarters in San Clemente for International Drug Overdose Awareness Day.

Pondo Vleisides, the executive director of COA, led the vigil at the headquarters of the organization with intermittent, positive music between speeches. At the end of the event, people came together to heal and talk about their experiences.

“Across the nation, it’s a time to collectively remember those who passed from overdoses and to bring education and awareness so we can find ways to change the culture,” Vleisides said. “It’s a way to reach out to those who are lost and end up using heroin or any other drug.”

Vleisides was a pastor of Talega Life Church, but he said during the vigil that he is no longer part of the clergy because he couldn’t bear overseeing another funeral of a young person who died as a result of an overdose.

But Vleisides’s faith hasn’t been shaken. He said he wants to continue to fight against opioid deaths and give people alternatives to drugs.

He said San Clemente recently had another death just a few days prior to the vigil.

“There were probably five or six people

Effects of Harvey

San Clemente locals help repair low-income housing in Texas

BY BY ERIC HEINZ , SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A51-year-old man, bound to a wheelchair and living on a fixed income, sat in the basement of his apartment complex in Rockport, Texas, as the roof and other portions had just been ravaged by Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 26.

The complex is owned by Step Forward Communities, a nonprofit based in San Clemente that helps rehabilitate rundown complexes. It had just been renovated to the tune of $2 million in June. Most of the complex’s roof had been destroyed and it is not habitable at this time. Most of the residents, including the man bound to a wheelchair, are in shelters, in other cities or with family members.

Duane Henry, executive director of the nonprofit Step Forward Communities in San Clemente, and Bill Rice, the owner of Triton Community Development, are currently helping residents in the area get back on their feet after what analysts have called the most devastating hurricane in U.S. history.

improve them.

here tonight who had lost someone within the last three years,” Vleisides said. “The people here really want their loved ones to be remembered and bring awareness to the stigma that there really is no problem in these cities in South Orange County when there really is.”

Vleisides said it isn’t uncommon for people to hide the fact that they or their loved ones are struggling with addiction and don’t seek help because they don’t want other people to know.

“The biggest step we need to take is to figure out how to stop this,” Vleisides said. “We need to mentor and give kids extra motivation to not slip into the downfall. In the last 10 years, it’s been a big problem in San Clemente. Lately, it’s been spiking high.”

Although COA is working to provide alternatives to drugs, there are other ways people become addicted to opioids, such as abusing prescription medication. That can lead to using opioids from other drugs such as heroin or fentanyl.

The vigil was held just two weeks after a report by the Orange County Health Care Agency and the Sherriff’s Coroner’s Office found that in 2015 (the latest year for available data) San Clemente’s opioid overdose emergency responses rose from 53 to 71 between 2014 to 2015. Opioidrelated deaths increased from one to six during that time.

The Centers for Disease Control declared opioid overdoses were a national epidemic earlier this year.

For more information about COA, visit www.communityoutreachalliance. com. SC

At the Step Forward complex Fifty Oaks Apartments, residents pay 30 percent of their income, Henry said. The complex had 55 families living in it, all of whom survived.

“Every single roof got some damage or some kind of hole in it except for the office,” Rice said. “That caused water damage to get into the walls and floors. The sides are in good shape.”

Rice said their rehabilitation probably saved the majority of the units from further damage, but they’ll have to redo a lot of it. Power was out for at least a week, and it took the city of Rockport at least five days to get running water restored.

“What we focus on ourselves is trying to preserve properties that may have been built as affordable housing but could lose that designation,” Henry said. “They’re at risk of losing their affordability, and we bring them up to code.”

Henry said the company spends about $40,000 per unit, sometimes more, to

Step Forward works with lenders and investors to receive Section 42 low-income housing tax credits to develop affordable housing. Henry said the foundation typically buys properties that are 30 or 40 years old and rehabilitates them. Step Forward is also a social service provider for the low-income housing residents in California and Texas.

Now, Rice and Henry are working to rebuild what was destroyed or heavily damaged. They spent a few days in Texas last week and will continue to make trips to help out.

A GoFundMe page has been established under the name Fifty Oaks Apt, Rockport, Texas. SC

OTHER LOCAL EFFORTS

San Clemente-based company Ethika stated in an Aug. 30 press release that it sent more than 14,000 pairs of men’s, women’s and children’s underwear to help people who were affected by Hurricane Harvey. The release stated the items were sent directly to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, where more than 10,000 people are being housed.

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY STAFF

San Clemente Groups Prep for International Coastal Cleanup Day

From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., San Clemente Beach Conservation Program and Team Zissou will collaborate to participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 16, at T Street.

The conservation program works on an international level and Team Zissou, a San Clemente High School club, works to promote conservation of the environment and to curtail plastic pollution in the ocean.

Pies from Blackbird Pies, coffee from Beach Coast Coffee, pasta and pizza from Sonny’s and food from Rubio’s will be provided. Other fun events will take place. Other efforts will take place with Orange County Coastkeeper and various other organizations.

Constitution Week to Be Celebrated at the Mission

In 1955, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually for the observance of Constitution Week, a time of education, remembrance and celebration. It was on Sept. 17, 1787, that the United States Constitution was signed by 40 of America’s forefathers. San Clemente Island DAR chapter members will meet at Mission San Juan Capistrano on Sunday, Sept. 17, where the mission bells will ring out at exactly 1 p.m. in celebration of the signing of the Constitution. This is a nationwide event called “Bells Across America.” Everyone is welcome to attend. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the Mission and celebrate this historic day in history.

Recently Knighted Classical Concert Pianist Returns to San Clemente for Recital

Soprano Megan Weston and pianist Michael Fennelly, Ph.D, will return to San Clemente for a classical voice and piano recital at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley, located 1201 Puerta Del Sol. Cost to attend is donation based.

The two recently toured in China, Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, Antarctica as well as six other countries and the United States before returning for their San Clemente concert, the town where Fennelly grew up. This summer, the Knights of Malta conferred a knighthood upon San Clemente native Fennelly for his completion of George Gershwin’s lost choral version of “Rhapsody in Blue,” which was premiered in Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall last season. Weston was called “superb and dramatic”

will help champion beach cleanup around T Street and the San Clemente Pier. Photo: Eric Heinz

by the Woodstock Times in the role of Constance in the premiere of The Three Musketeers at the Phoenicia International Festival in August.

The California natives will perform music by Chopin, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Gottschalk, Scriabin, Puccini and Gershwin. Megan Weston, Fennelly’s wife and accomplished artist, will join him on stage for the recital. Weston was raised in Orange County, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University Fullerton. She was the overall winner and vocal area winner of the CSUF Music Associates Competition and won the CSUF Kim Allman Opera Performance Award twice. Megan has performed with the Tulsa Opera, the San Diego Opera, the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, at Carnegie Hall among many venues.

For more information or directions to the Center, visit our website at www.cslcv.org or visit our blog at www.cslcv.blogspot.com.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) Meeting

The next meeting of the Orange County South Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) will be on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 a.m.-noon at St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Frontera in San Clemente. The meeting will include a video conference with Dr. Shi-Ling Hsu, who is the John W. Larson professor and Associate Dean for Environmental Programs for the Florida State University College of Law and author of the book The Case for a Carbon Tax: Getting Past our Hang-ups to Effective Climate Policy.

“The book remains the most comprehensive general treatment and argument for carbon taxation,” a press release from CCL stated. “The purpose of CCL is to create the political will for climate solutions by enabling individual breakthroughs in personal and political power.”

CCL is a grassroots advocacy nonpartisan organization. The South Orange County Chapter is one of over 400 chapters worldwide and meets the second Saturday of every month. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in our meetings.

Leadership San Clemente Program Still Accepting Applications

Each year, the city of San Clemente offers a Leadership San Clemente program that is free to San Clemente citizens. The 2017 program will take place every Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m., commencing on Sept. 21. Each class will focus on a different aspect of San Clemente’s municipal government, which include general government, finance and administrative services, community development, public works, beaches, parks and recreation, law enforcement, fire services and the Capistrano Unified School District. The final session will take place on Nov. 9 and will include a tour of the city, followed by a graduation ceremony and reception. The class is limited to 23 citizens and is expected to fill up quickly. If you would like to participate in this year’s class, call 949.361.8200 to request an application, or log onto www.san-clemente.org to download an application. Because applications are accepted on a first-come, first-accepted basis, the city asks interested people to apply as soon as possible.

Ole’s Tavern Donates $4,000 to Boys & Girls Club

The 11th Annual Ole’s Tavern Golfapalooza was held on Aug. 6 at Shorecliffs Golf Course. The fundraiser garnered $4,000 for the local Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area in San Clemente.

Local Middle School Girls Honored by AAUW San Clemente-Capistrano Bay

The San Clemente-Capistrano Bay Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) sent seven local students, chosen from nineteen applicants, to Tech Trek camp at University of California Irvine (UCI) July 9-15. Twenty-one Southern California branches were represented by one to 10 girls each at UCI with a total of 117 participants. The program’s goals are to motivate and encourage incoming eighthgrade girls to study STEM subjects through hands-on problem solving and encounters with women role models in science, technology, engineering and math. Tech Trek helps girls see their futures while having nonstop fun. For more about Tech Trek, go to www.aauw.org/what-we-do/stem-education/tech-trek/.

New members are welcome at AAUW meetings and donations for Tech Trek help foster continued support to inspire middle school girls to explore STEM careers. For more information go to www.sccb-ca.aauw. net.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

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.

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (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, SEPTEMBER 13

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 works to help maintain the quality of life for all people through volunteerism. Tommy’s Restaurant, 1409 S. El Camino Real. 949.366.5423. www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

NORTH BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET

3-6:30 p.m. The Market at North Beach features vendors of food, jewelry and other wares, and live music. 1501 N. El Camino Real.

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

VFW POST MEETING

7 p.m. San Clemente VFW Post 7142 will host its monthly meeting at the Elks Lodge, located at 1505 N. El Camino Real. 949.464.8391. www.vfw7142.com.

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Council Member Lori Donchak

San Clemente’s Open Spaces, Protected Place

IBy Lori Donchak

n the 1920s, San Clemente founder Ole Hanson envisioned a town that preserved the natural beauty and tranquility of San Clemente’s rolling hills and ocean breezes. He said, “I am going to build a beautiful city on the ocean where the whole city will be one great park.” Since incorporation in 1928, the city has carefully and consistently planned development to align with Hanson’s vision. The city strives to preserve environmental interests essential to our quality of life and our “Spanish Village by the Sea” identity. Did you know that open space comprises 50 percent of our town, and that this is by design? Our open space includes Ole Hanson’s rolling hills, nature preserves, coastal canyons, beaches, trails, parks, playgrounds and golf courses. Environmental groups, community members and city staff have a rich and long history of pulling together to protect our natural habitat, the sanctuary for deer, coyote, bobcats, roadrunners, mountain lions, redshouldered hawks and barn owls and a full complement of local plants like Coulter’s Saltbush, Indian Paintbrush, Coastal Sage Scrub and more.

Fast forward to 2008. It’s hard to believe almost 10 years have passed since we residents approved the San Clemente Open Space Ordinance to protect our community from over-development. Today, the ordinance, referred to as Measure V, gives us the right to vote on proposed changes in the permitted use of openspace lands. An overwhelming 72 percent of us voted in favor of Measure V. In a town where diverse views are common, a super majority rallied around the need to

Letters to the Editor

LACK OF LOCAL BUS ROUTES MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

SALENA THEIRRIEN, San Clemente

Growing up means becoming independent, which you can do by going to school, work or even the store without relying on someone telling you when or how to get there. I’m sure some people can walk outside and get in a car to go to Walmart,

preserve and cherish our open space, and to stand up and fight for it when it might be threatened.

In that spirit, a toll road—or any new road for that matter—plays no role in San Clemente’s long-term commitment to our founder’s vision if it cuts through or compromises our open space. As the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) contemplates ways to connect the 241 Toll Road to the Interstate 5 freeway, we must be clear that degrading San Clemente open space is not an option. Open spaces knit our neighborhoods together. Open spaces benefit our air quality. Open spaces—whether original ranchlands or pristine beaches—are the foundation and the essence of San Clemente. It’s unthinkable that there are possible alignments intended to override the vote of the people. More can be done to solve transportation issues in lieu of a toll road. Because of this, my fellow Council members and I have engaged traffic consultants to help develop ideas that will use surface streets and multimodal transportation tools to address anticipated South Orange County traffic needs. La Pata is an excellent example of a situation where a road connection improved mobility without degrading communities or harming protected open space, and there are more projects we can do through similar participation in regional transportation planning.

Often I hear from residents asking, “What can I do?” Become educated on this issue and have a voice in South Orange County transportation solutions. Make time to attend TCA and City Council meetings, and/or write your elected representatives on the state, county and federal levels. This information is available at www.san-clemente.org/about-us/citynews/toll-road-information.

Please join me on a “Toll Road Trek” from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Forster Ridgeline Trail. We seek to help citizens learn more about the impact of the alignments being studied by the TCA. A naturalist will be on hand to point out some of our natural gems. Meet at the trailhead at Avenida La Pata and Camino Del Rio and park on Camino Del Rio in Forster Ranch. Carpool if you can. This can be a strenuous hike (2.5 miles with hills on a dirt trail) so bring a water bottle and a hat and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Dogs on leashes are welcome. I hope to see you there.

As always, please email me your questions or comments at donchakl@ san-clemente.org.

Lori Donchak was re-elected to City Council in 2014 and is a city member of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, as well as the city’s liaison to San Clemente’s Orange County Library.

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

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

Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

Albertsons or Target, but for me and many others, doing that takes more time than needed. Not everyone has a car.

Bus routes like the 191 in San Clemente stopped by the store and in front of San Clemente High School.

However, these routes have been taken out leaving the bus stops with a sign saying take a Lyft or an Uber; however, I do not make enough money to take some taxi everywhere I need to go. The bus was affordable and convenient when I needed it, but now it is gone. Personally, I would like to try to bring it back if others feel the same as I do. Thank you.

CORRECTION: In the article “Additional Assistance” in the Aug. 31-Sept. 6 edition of the San Clemente Times, the phone number for San Clemente Tutoring was incorrect. The correct phone number is 949.415.4935.

TCA’S TOLL ROAD PROPOSALS ‘DISGUST’ CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

CHRIS HAMM, San Clemente City Council Member

The fight that never ends. Of course, I’m talking about the toll road. Just when

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SOAPBOX

(Cont. from page 8)

we think we’ve stopped the worst idea they could come up with: building a freeway through San Onofre, we are shocked to find out that they have traded that idea for something just as insane. There are no words to describe my disgust with the thought of building a toll road next to three high schools, bisecting multiple neighborhoods and destroying acres of parks and trails that are set aside as open space.

“ Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s stand united. Log onto San-clemente. org to find out who you can write to and the next steps in the fight. Toll roads are not traffic solutions.”

There has been misinformation spread to stop us from joining forces and putting the toll road to bed for good. They will have you believe that the residents of San Clemente want the toll road to go through San Onofre. Let me set the record straight:

1. I applaud and support the Save San Onofre Coalition (SSOC) for their work in protecting the park for future generations.

2. I have been fighting to stop the toll road for 20 years and will fight until my last breath to end the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).

3. Under no circumstance will I support any decision to build a toll road through the State Park. I will not support the toll road being built an inch past where it currently ends.

So, what can we do? We must stand strong together and not be divided by detractors that want to continue the “King’s Highway.” If you live in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo, or you’re a parent of a student at San Clemente High, Tesoro High, San Juan Hills High—you need to stand up and fight. If you’re a mountain biker, hiker, surfer, camper or just enjoy the undeveloped open space around South Orange County—you need to stand up and fight. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s stand united. Log onto San-clemente.org to find out who you can write to and the next steps in the fight. Toll roads are not traffic solutions.

Here’s the city of San Clemente’s position: The city’s lawsuit does not challenge the SSOC settlement agreement; it challenges the agreement that binds CalTrans to the settlement agreement and removes all traffic solutions from CalTrans except a toll road through South Orange County. The city supports studying arterial solutions that relieve

traffic. To show this support, the city has pledged $89,000 to complete a mobility study that looks at ways to improve traffic circulation (without a toll road).

We have been fighting the toll road for a lifetime; over the last 20 years the community has stood strong against the TCA. Make no mistake, the TCA is hoping that we end up fighting each other instead of uniting against them. Do not be fooled, it is time to abolish the TCA.

KUDOS TO REPRESENTATIVE ROHRABACHER

MICHELE MONDA, Laguna Beach I would like to thank Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, CA-48, for his help with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane noise over South Orange County and putting the SoCal Metroplex on the radar. Rep. Rohrabacher wrote to the FAA requesting that the planes fly farther out in the ocean and cross land at higher altitudes to minimize the noise and pollution. He received what amounts to a pat-on-the-head, stock answer from the regional director of the FAA—pabulum— saying that any adjustment to the flight path (that they just instituted in March) would have to be studied and reviewed. Funny that they didn’t do that when switching from the old flight paths—which is precisely what the Newport Beach/ Laguna Beach/Orange County lawsuits are all about. Rep. Rohrabacher then went one step further since he received no real response from the FAA. He added two amendments to H.B. 2997 or the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Bill. They basically say that planes shall fly no lower than necessary for safety over the SoCal Metroplex and that safety should be considered first and community concerns be second in analyzing changes to the flight path. This is extremely important because this was not done before they created the new flight paths in March. I would think that Newport Beach/Laguna Beach and the Orange County Board of Supervisors would be very happy to use this information in the mediation proceedings for their lawsuit. Thank you, Rep. Rohrabacher.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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GETTING OUT SC

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPT. 8-10: TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL

EDITOR’S PICK

The Ocean Institute’s 33rd annual Tall Ships Festival will take place in the Harbor from Sept. 8-10 with a variety of activities to celebrate maritime history. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

Thursday | 07

IDOL X NFL KICK-OFF PARTY

5-11:30 p.m. Idol X and Infused Spirits will be hosting a NFL kick-off party. StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.com.

CHILEAN WINE TASTING

7-9 p.m. Try Chilean wines during a tasting event at Barnoa Wine Bar in San Clemente. Tickets are $25 per person. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106. 949.388.4378. www. barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE KALAMA BROTHERS

7:30 p.m. The Kalama Brothers will perform at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Friday | 08

OHANA MUSIC FESTIVAL

2:30 p.m. The first day of the weekend festival will include Social Distortion, Pixies, TV on the Radio, The Orwells, Simon Townshend and more. Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.theohanafest.com.

LIVE MUSIC: DJ BLING THEORY AND MARK EVERETT

9 p.m. DJ Bling Theory and Mark Everett will perform. 21 and over. OC Tavern, 2396 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.

Saturday | 09

TALEGA RUN CLUB

7:30 a.m. Doing your first 5k or your 50th Marathon? Run with other new and experienced runners. This is a free run club with post-run goodies. Peet’s Coffee in Talega, 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. 949.558.5054. www.facebook. com/2XUSanClemente.

SUP YOGA

8-9:30 a.m. Join Westwind Sailing and iHeartYoga for Stand up paddleboard yoga. Classes are $35 with board rental, $25 without. Sign up at iheartyoga.com. The class is the second Saturday of every month. Westwind Sailing, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

STAND-UP COMEDY: BIL DWYER

7:30 p.m. Headliner Bil Dwyer is an accomplished stand-up comic, who has appeared on many late-night television talk shows, hosted his own half-hour standup special on Comedy Central and was a finalist on Season 4 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Tickets are $17.50. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.comedyintheoc.com.

Sunday | 10

BEND & 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.

Monday | 11

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.

TASTE THE WINES OF BAJA CALIFORNIA

6 p.m. Wines from the exciting wine region of Valle de Guadalupe. There will be live music performed by Spanish guitarist Ruben Gonzalez. Tickets are $65 per person, which includes five wine tastes and antojitos. Tickets are available at www.thecellarsite.com/events. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.310.8439. www.thecellarsite.com.

Tuesday | 12

PAINT NIGHTS WITH PAINTS UNCORKED

7-9 p.m. Join Paints Uncorked for an evening of food, wine and paint at StillWater. A professional artist will lead the group to recreate the night’s featured painting while music plays. Price is $45 per seat. Register online at www.paintsuncorked.com. Stillwater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.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 | 13

FREE COMEDY AT BLOOM’S IRISH SPORTS BAR

8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Bloom’s Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS

9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

At the Movies: Revisiting ‘Close Encounters’ 40 Years Later

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Steven Spielberg’s first sciencefiction feature Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) is both a product of its time and has aged incredibly well. The film was the hitmaker’s follow-up to Jaws (1975) and reunited him with Richard Dreyfuss to equal success. Even though it came out the same year as the mega-blockbuster Star Wars: A New Hope, Close Encounters still was a big winner with audiences and critics.

Forty years later, we still follow Roy Neary (Dreyfuss) and Jillian Guiler (Melinda Dillon) on their obsessive dedication to discover why they feel a psychological connection to an extraterrestrial sighting. Roy becomes so obsessed that he begins to neglect his family, while Jillian wants to find a way to get her son Barry (Cary Guffey) back who has been abducted. Meanwhile, scientist Claude Lacombe (François Truffaut) is ahead of the curve on knowing what’s to behold with the UFOs.

Teri Garr, Bob Balaban and Lance Henriksen make famous early appearances, and John Williams’ iconic five-note motif throughout the score is still an earworm. Close Encounters’ new re-release to theaters is a reminder of just how breathtaking a film shot on traditional film projected onto the big screen is. The special effects, cinematography and location landmarks all look great, and Dreyfuss, Garr and Dillon give some of their most impressive performances. Close Encounters doesn’t just make us wonder if alien life is near us, but also looks back at how dysfunctional family life could be in the mid-20th century. SC

BANDEJA COLOMBIANA AT LA COLOMBIANA ON THE MENU

The portions of the Bandeja Colombiana are only part of what will leave guests feeling full after a visit to La Colombiana in North Beach, San Clemente.

Tender marinated carne asada and grillbranded chorizo are accompanied by the South American standby of white rice and beans. A fried egg is topped with heaping portions of avocado framed by fried plantains (patacones). An arepa, a cornbased pancake popular in Venezuela and Colombia and similar to the Mexican gordita or Salvadorian pupusa, is paired with several salsas to add the right amount of spice to this hearty mixedplate.

La Colombiana owner and manager Eddie Bashoor, who came to California from Colombia when she was 21 years old, described the Bandeja Colombiana as “a great introduction to the best Columbian food, my pride and joy.” She also explained that Colombian food is inherently gluten-free, almost all corn-based as opposed to flour.

La Colombiana opened in 2014, with Bashoor managing operations alongside her son Harold Alzate. Guests can regularly find

On Stage at the Coach House: Pat Boone

BY ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

any recording artists have created their own rendition of “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano,” but how often do you get to hear the legendary Pat Boone sing his 1957 hit?

As it turns out, Boone’s show at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Sept. 23 may be fans’ last chance to hear him sing the iconic tune in the song’s namesake town.

“This is my last go around,” Boone said. “I’m not saying goodbye, but I won’t be here to do this show again. It’s been such an incredible, unbelievable career, and I get to live it over again at The Coach House.”

It’s true that Boone isn’t necessarily saying goodbye to San Juan Capistrano—he and his wife, Shirley, drive over from Beverly Hills every Sunday to go to church at The Effect in San Juan.

Boone, now 83, was barely 22 years old when his career took off in the 1950s. Throughout the years, he became known as a singer, songwriter, actor, TV host, producer, author, motivational speaker, radio personality, record company head, TV station owner, sports team owner, family man, humanitarian, and as a man unafraid to air his views.

three generations working in La Colombiana, the warm family vibe reinforced by the hearty portions and unique combinations.

La Colombiana Weekly Specials

Happy hour: Tuesday-Friday 3-6 p.m. featuring $2 off all appetizers, beer, wine and Soju Cocktails.

Bottomless mimosas: $12 on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m.-noon.

“Arepa Tuesday” featuring Eddie’s own arepa tacos.—Danny Ritz

La Colombiana 1640 N. El Camino Real Suite-A, 949.441.7656

Over the course of his storied career, Boone sold more than 45 million records. He recorded 38 Top-40 hits and holds the record for having a single on the Billboard charts for 220 consecutive weeks. Boone is ranked No. 9 on Billboard’s list of the Top 100 Top-40 artists from 1955-1995.

With five decades of recording history behind him, Boone said he’s looking forward to sharing a slice of his life at his upcoming Coach House show. The evening will include video clips of past performances in addition to Boone singing some of his biggest hits, ranging from patriotic tunes to spiritual songs.

And of course, there’ll be one about the swallows of San Juan Capistrano.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50. Boone said he’ll be out front after the show to talk with attendees and sign records or books.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. SC

16 Anacapa Lane, Aliso Viejo

Welcome to this Stunning Contemporary home located in the prestigious Country Club Community of Glenwood in Aliso Viejo. This beautiful 5 Bedroom 4.5 Bath plus an office, offers panoramic views, elegant designs, high-end upgrades such as beautiful Oak hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and Western sliding patio doors. A Chef’s designer kitchen with a large island that opens to a spacious light and bright family room and dining room. The sliding doors lead to the patio and backyard create an open and inviting indoor/outdoor living space with a built-in BBQ perfect for entertaining. Upstairs is the grand Master Suite with a patio and panoramic views of Saddleback Mountain. The luxurious spa-like master bathroom has a walk-in shower and an oversized walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms upstairs, a convenient laundry room with storage cabinets, and an office/media room opening to the patio and panoramic view. Additional highlights include a first floor Guest Ensuite with a full bath leading to the patio space and backyard.

Jason Carey | Luxury Property Specialist

(949) 412-8582

jasoncarey@bhhscal.com

CalBRE#: 01755218

SC LIVING SC

SanClemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by

Susan Parmelee

Celebrate Wellness: “Leader in Prevention,” the Honorable Matthew S. Anderson

The Wellness & Prevention Center provides supportive mental health and prevention services to youth and their families in South Orange County. On Sunday, Sept. 17, from 4-8 p.m. at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, located at 105 W. Avenida Pico, the center will host its first fundraising event, “Celebrate Wellness,” where organizers said they hope to raise funds to continue to provide their valuable services.

The Wellness & Prevention Center will recognize the Honorable Matthew S. Anderson with their first “Leader in Prevention” award for the outstanding prevention work he provides to the residents of Orange County.

WELLNESS AND PREVENTION

By Susan Parmelee

Judge Anderson is a frequent speaker throughout Orange County where he speaks to teens and parents about pop culture and the media’s portrayal of alcohol and marijuana. He explains how our lives are affected by daily messages imprinted in our minds through newspapers, music, television and social media. He understands that our youth are deeply impressionable and easily swayed by celebrity messaging. Anderson is particularly passionate about explaining the influence of the marijuana industry, explaining the impact youth marijuana use has on the lives of the DUI and drug offenders he presides over in his courtroom.

Since 2000, Judge Anderson has been presiding over both the drug and DUI courts within the Orange County Collaborative Courts programs. Under his tenure, the DUI court at the Newport Beach Harbor Justice Center was designated as one of four academy courts, serving as a teaching site and model for other jurisdictions.

In 2002, Anderson was awarded the Community Education Award by the South Orange County Community College District for his work in drug courts, and in 2004 he was named Judge of the Year by the Orange County Narcotics Officers’ Association. In 2016, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals presented Anderson the national DWI Court Leadership award.

I recently watched an afternoon of drug court proceedings in Anderson’s courtroom. As I sat in the jury box, used

for collaborators and guests, I observed the judge create a therapeutic, kind and supportive atmosphere, where he is both gentle and firm while enforcing the rules of the court—like an effective parental figure.

The participants in DUI court are postconviction repeat offenders who are given the opportunity to participate in drug or DUI court with the goal of overcoming addiction. Strategies and sentencing for achieving this goal include participation in mental health therapy, regular drug testing, participation in athletics and outings, completing educational goals and working with program mentors.

Sitting at the table in collaboration are professionals from the Orange County Health Care Agency who provide group and individual therapy, the probation department, the district attorney and a very caring courtroom sheriff who hands out tissues as the participants read their personal statements.

At many sessions, clients graduate from the program after completing all requirements and ending their sentence. These sessions have a festive air with family, friends, mentors and program therapists joining in the celebration.

Anderson is saving lives. He knows that many of these clients may have continued the destructive path of addiction without their participation in this program. He stated, “Successfully treating addicts is a complex and difficult task. Breaking deadly habits takes consistency with enforced accountability.”

On the afternoon I sat in the courtroom, I heard many pearls of wisdom from the judge and from DUI court participants. One young adult man who had successfully made it to graduation said, “I have this program and Judge Anderson to thank for my ability to remain sober and to be happy.”

In honor of Anderson, the Wellness & Prevention Center will donate $250 to the Collaborative Courts Foundation. The mission of the Collaborative Courts Foundation is “to provide support and services to participants in the Orange County Collaborative Court programs, so they will overcome obstacles and become productive members of society.” The Foundation provides funding for education, facilitates participation in sports leagues, mentors and meets other needs as they arise. Simply put by Judge Anderson, “… the Foundation has led the way, linking services with needs, opportunities with interest,

and experiences with dreams.” Anderson presides over his courtroom but could just as easily be considered a teacher, a therapist, a social worker, or a coach who clearly believes in human potential as one of the most powerful tools to conquer the disease of addiction. His compassion for his work is contagious and is one of many reasons we will award him our first “Leader in Prevention” award.

Please join us at “Celebrate Wellness” and congratulate Judge Anderson. Register for the event at www.celebratewellness.auction-bid.org or consider

donating, purchasing a raffle ticket, or participating in our online silent auction. All proceeds will go to the Wellness & Prevention Center.

Susan Parmelee is a mental health social worker and one of the founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center, San Clemente. She can be reached at susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.com.

FROM THE ARCHIVES The San Clemente Pier was built in 1928 and rebuilt in 1985 after a vicious storm damaged it significantly. The Pier remains one of San Clemente’s most treasured icons.

Every week the San Clemente Times will feature a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to share, please send the photo, your name for credit as well as the location of the photo to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

PET OF THE WEEK: WINK

Hi my name is Wink. I am a female, gray Domestic Shorthair. I am about 1-year and 6 months old and I have been at the shelter since July 19.

You may have noticed that I only have one eye, but that doesn’t stop me! When I arrived at the shelter I had a severe injury to my eye, but the shelter staff, veterinarian and volunteer group made sure that wouldn’t set me back. They made sure I got the medical treatment I needed, and now I am all healed up and ready for my new home!

I love to run around and play with toys, and bask in the sun. I love all the attention, so I would do best being the only cat in the home.

Stop by and see me at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente or call 949.492.1617.

The Venture Begins

La Ventura Event Center starts taking reservations

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

After two years of planning and another year of construction, La Ventura Event Center is starting to take reservations for weddings, corporate events and more.

Don Kappauf, the owner, and Eric Wagoner of the restaurant Iva Lee’s, which will be the exclusive caterer of the venue, have been pursuing this endeavor together.

The main center is 5,000 square feet and the wedding courtyard is 1,500 square feet. The center also provides free chairs for events.

Outside, the wedding ceremony area is tailor-made for the bride to enter through two large doors with jasmine flowers in the

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

background. Inside, the large reception hall is accommodating for larger weddings, with the catering kitchen right next to it. A room for the groom and a room for the bride are situated to ensure the couple do not see each other before the wedding. Through a combination of rates, people can book what kind of food and other preparations they want for their event. The venue is able to hold 150 people at maximum.

“We’re really excited to get started,” Wagoner said.

La Ventura is located at 2316 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente.

For more information, visit www.laventuraeventcenter.com. SC

Business Beat

News from San Clemente’s business community

BY DANNY RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

New Business

CAFÉ HERMOSA

979 Avenida Pico, San Clemente 949.481.9550

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Café Hermosa is the brainchild and life-long dream project of San Clemente native Jamie Madison. A refreshing breath of personality and healthy energy in the largely commercial space of east Avenida Pico, Café Hermosa has quickly become a local favorite through Madison’s passionate presence.

Jamie, along with her husband, Joe, opened Café Hermosa this past May.

“This is my baby,” Jamie said.

After working at Fratello’s for 16 years, which she also co-owns with her husband, Madison said she knew it was time to branch out on her own.

“I knew that I could do it,” she said. “I had worked for so long, and we all worked so hard making Fratello’s what it is. It’s a family business, but I wanted to make something with my vibe, my energy.”

Designed with the help of local designer Becki Owens, Café Hermosa exudes Madison’s positive energy. While Owens completely restructured the space over a nine-month timeline, Madison turned her own creativity to designing the menu.

“I designed the menu to reflect what I like to eat,” Madison said.

Predominantly organic, responsiblysourced healthy food options are plentiful on the menu, and are reflected in the clean, open-air feel of the restaurant.

The salads at Café Hermosa, abundant in proportion as well as taste, are the highlight of what is quickly becoming a lunch-time go-to for San Clemente locals.

“It’s been so refreshing. This is a new clientele for me, different than Fratello’s,” Jamie said. “All my friends, all the new faces, and all the locals working at the businesses near here make me feel so blessed to be able to do this in a place that I love so much.”

New Business

KONARED HAWAIIAN COFFEE

1101 Via Callejon, Suite 200, San Clemente 808.212.1553

www.konared.com

KonaRed Hawaiian Coffee, operating out of San Clemente, has successfully managed to find a new take on coffee, the second most traded commodity in the world.

Instead of simply refining the end product, founder Sean Roberts decided to take an alternative approach.

In the late 2000s in Kona, Hawaii, Roberts began purchasing the fruit of the coffee berry, the little-discussed fruit from which coffee beans are harvested. Typically, they are considered waste at that time and widely seen as fleshy remains that endangered the health of the soil and welcomed pests.

But Sean established positive relationships with the largest coffee farms in Kona.

The coffee berry, which company President and COO Kyle Redfield described as looking similar to a cranberry, actually has super-fruit characteristics similar to acai and pomegranate.

Mixing the refined coffee berry additive to complementary natural flavors such as apple and pineapple, KonaRed has established a progressive, sustainable and delicious product line that continues to push industry standards.

Always remaining true to their roots of the nutrient-rich coffee berry and the flavorful juices KonaRed produces from it, Redfield explained that they have expanded their product line while maintaining quality and authenticity, to engage a variety of customers.

“We were one of the first to enter into cold-brew coffee before it took off,” Redfield said concerning their now top-selling product.

Redfield explained that KonaRed is currently overjoyed with their product lineup and looks to grow the presence of their current product line. Found in a wide variety of large retailers such as Hansen’s and Vons, KonaRed can also be found served in a wide range of local businesses around San Clemente.

“We love being here in San Clemente,” Redfield said. “We are always looking to engage the community, and feel that we want to support the community that supports us.” SC

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Fall Sports Preview

SCHS student-athletes head into new season

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The 2017 fall high school sports season is underway. In our annual season preview, we get you caught up-to-date on all the Triton teams that will be in action this fall.

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the SCHS teams, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

GIRLS GOLF

Experience and depth are on the side of the San Clemente girls golf team this season.

The Tritons return nine players from last year’s team, which won a share of the South Coast League title.

San Clemente (2-0) started the season off with a bang, sweeping a two-match nonleague series against Aliso Niguel last week. The Tritons tied with the Wolverines the first match, but won thanks to a winning card-off score. The Tritons cruised to a 10-stroke victory in the next match.

On both occasions, the Tritons’ cumulative score was in the 190 to 200 range. San Clemente posted a solid team score of 193 in the second match of the season.

San Clemente returns four solid sophomores who made varsity as freshmen, and three seniors with experience.

Senior co-captain Olivia French is averaging one stroke over par and so is sophomore Mariana Gandia-Mak. Senior co-captain Julia Kalez, junior Prair Wahlin and sophomores Maile Benumof and Jessica Cornelius have all been playing well to start the year, Parker said.

“We have a big group that’s consistent. Everyone is posting about the same scores right now and no one is separating themselves,” Parker said. “They’re all right there with each other every day, which is good. So we have depth with all six golfers right now.”

San Clemente will host the Lady Triton Rainbow Sandals Golf Invitational at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course on Friday, Sept. 22. The tournament will feature dozens of top teams from the area.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The San Clemente girls cross country team will run its first official varsity race at the Cool Breeze Invitational in Pasadena on Thursday, Sept. 7. The next day, dozens of other runners will compete at the Laguna Hills Invitational.

It will be a busy two-day stretch for the

Tritons and coach Dave Proodian, who is still waiting to see how things will shake up roster-wise before entering the heart of the season.

At the top of the Tritons rotation will be senior Chandler Horton and sophomores Hana Catsimanes and Belle Sachse. Horton and Sachse were part of the Tritons’ 2016 squad that placed 11th at the CIF-SS Division 1 Finals.

Catsimanes is a newcomer to the team, but has the potential to be a strong contributor. As a freshman on the track and field team last spring, she ran the 1,600-meters in 4:54.99, the second-fastest time in school history.

Six seniors who ran on varsity last season, including Horton, return. The group includes Mia McFadden, Nicole Anderson, Rylee Kerr, Lota Jones and Katelyn McNeal.

“We’ve got two or three really strong runners that are going to be the ones to beat for our team,” Proodian said. “And then we’ve got a good core below that. But I say it every year, our league is really strong. We’ll be vying to be in the top-3 (in league), which is going to be tough.”

San Clemente returns to the Sea View League. The Tritons placed third in league last season.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

A large group of returning sophomores and juniors will lead the San Clemente boys cross country team into the 2017 season.

The Tritons competed at the Riverside Invitational on Sept. 2, and were tested by the heat. Battling high temperature, the Tritons finished 12th overall out of 30 teams. The Tritons’ No. 1 through No. 5 runners all finished within 32 seconds of one another.

Senior Josh Nullmeyer, along with

juniors Patrick Riley, Harrison McNee and Elijah Sech are the core group of Triton runners with extensive varsity experience.

Juniors Walker Redomond and Jackson Stark and sophomores Conrad Collins, Caleb Mettler and Zac Meyler will all look to contribute.

“It’s a little early in the season but the kids are very enthusiastic and are working very hard,” coach Dan Johnson said. “We are pushing them harder early in the season than we have in the past and they’re responding well.”

The Tritons will run at the Laguna Hills Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 9.

GIRLS TENNIS

San Clemente has proven to be the team to beat in the South Coast League over the past three years. The Tritons have claimed at least a share of the league title every year since 2014 and, thanks to a loaded singles lineup, are poised to contend for a fourth straight title in 2017.

The Tritons return all three of their top singles players from last season. Senior Lindsay Hung is the team’s No. 1 and will be joined by senior Sami Neilson and Jenna Yeam at the top of the rotation.

“Having those three back is huge because we go into a lot of matches with a lot of confidence knowing that we’re going to win a good number of singles sets,” coach John Stephens said. “It gives us a chance to be very competitive in a lot of matches.”

Through six matches, Hung and Yeam have yet to lose.

The Tritons took a hit on the doubles side due to graduation and will need to piece together teams if they are to repeat last year’s success, Stephens said. The Tritons advanced to the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships in 2016.

San Clemente is off to a 5-1 start to its season and will open league play at home against Mission Viejo on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

(Cont. on page 36)

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

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 949.388.7700, ext. 104 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 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 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

REALTORS

Sherry Wild, LuXre Realty BRE # 01480453, 949.275.8937 www.LuXreRealty.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

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

DRONE FOR SALE

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced For Sale By Owner. Asking Price $1,000. Items included: DJI Phantom Advanced 3 Drone, DJI Controller, Polar Pro Controller Anti-Sun Shade, DJI Charger, 5 DJI Batteries!!! LoweProDrone Bag/Backpack Multiple Sets of DJI Propellers Please call (949)350-1312

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.

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

COOK TRAINEES NEEDED No exp. needed – will train. All shifts available. Apply within: Hennessey’s – 31761 Camino Capistrano, SJC. Hennessey’s Tavern –34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

Call us today!

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

(Cont. from page 33)

BOYS WATER POLO

San Clemente felt snakebit for most of last season.

The Tritons played in 10 games that were decided by two goals or fewer in 2016 and lost nine of them. That stretch included seven, one-goal games in which the Tritons picked up just one win.

As a result, the Tritons finished below .500 and placed fourth in the South Coast League. Despite being ranked third in the final CIF-SS Division 3 polls, San Clemente was kept out of the playoffs.

Chalk it up to a tough schedule and some bad luck for then first-year head coach Logan Powell and his squad.

Now in his second year, Powell believes a strong group of returners is ready to flip the script and compete not only for a league title, but a deep playoff push.

Center Alex Lunt, defender Charles Campbell, attack Ryan Farrier and lefty Ty Matson make up a core group of returning juniors. Two sophomores, Everett Prussak and Christian Hosea, have broken into the starting lineup and will play key roles.

San Clemente was moved up from Division 3 to Division 2 due to CIF-SS realignment this offseason.

The South Coast League, as usual, is filled with tough opponents like Dana Hills, El Toro and Aliso Niguel.

“It’s been a long (league title) dry-spell here for the boy’s program,” Powell said. “We’ve got a young contingent, but we’ve got a lot of solid players. It will be competitive, but I think we have a good shot at making a run at it.”

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Despite losing 11 seniors to graduation, the San Clemente girls volleyball team has

not missed a beat to start the new season.

The Tritons kicked off their season with a nice run through Foothill’s Queen’s of the Court Tournament in Anaheim on Aug. 19. San Clemente placed fifth in the highly competitive elite division.

While coach Tom Beard is still tinkering with the lineup, the Tritons have been led by a mix of veterans and newcomers in the early going. Junior setter Mia Yim is in charge of running the offense, which features a strong group of middle blockers like Ella Gardiner, Lindsey Waikle and Katelyn Ostrander.

Beard believes Gardiner, a physical and versatile two-sport athlete that was named the basketball team’s MVP last season as a sophomore, has the potential to be a breakout star.

San Clemente hosted Foothill in a nonleague match on Aug. 30 and Beard saw flashes of how he wants his team to compete. The Tritons lost the match, but battled back after dropping the first two sets in a four-set loss.

“We talked about being more aggressive this year on our serving, hitting and passing,” Beard said. “We want to start risking

some passes, getting them up to the net which allows us to run a varied offense, and that showed itself against Foothill. This team will get better as the season goes on.”

San Clemente will play a difficult nonleague schedule, dotted with games against Laguna Beach, Beckman and rival Dana Hills, before entering the competitive South Coast League. SC

Scoreboard

MEN’S SOCCER SQUAD WINS OC KICKOFF CLASSIC

The OC Warriors, a San Clementebased men’s soccer team, won the 45+ age division at the inaugural Orange County Kickoff Classic Tournament on Aug. 27.

The team, made up entirely of San

Clemente residents, played five games spaced out over two weekends at the Great Park in Irvine, and came away with the first-place trophy.

The team includes: Johnny Jackman, Uwe Zwayschka, Elliot Sarabia, Brandon Hernandez, James Cahill, Ramon De La Cruz, Frank Ripullo II, Lloyd Cox, Lance Yurada, Paul Konrad, Robert Mellon, Alejandro Paez, Kader Sherzoy, Jim Burror, Mike Zapata, Pascal Barth and Sean Reis.

Behind The Trophy

Every Hurley Pro title has a backstory

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

t’s a dream come true,” said Richie Lovett in 2003 when he won the Boost Mobile Pro—the contest that would eventually become the Hurley Pro. “It’s the first time I’ve made a (CT) final, and I’ve been trying for eight years now. My family never gave up on me; my friends never gave up on me...This is just a dream day.”

Two years later, the Australian’s dream morphed into a nightmare. Diagnosed with a form of malignant bone cancer called clear cell chondrosarcoma, doctors told him he needed surgery to remove the tumor and that the top third of his femur, as well as some muscle tissue, also had to go. For a man that made a living using his legs, it was not the news he wanted to hear.

“The day before the biopsy surgery, I rode down to Lowers. It was winter, and there wasn’t anyone around. I just needed a moment, and I sat there staring out at the ocean just thinking about what was about to happen,” Lovett told the WSL in 2016. Thankfully, the same grit and determination that took Lovett to the top of the podium at Lowers would get him through his battle with cancer. Today, he’s back in the water and is a successful surfboard designer. He also works with a number of well-established brands in the industry.

Lovett’s story may be the most

GROM

THE WEEK JETT SCHILLING

BY

ett Schilling’s epic summer continues. Currently ensconced in Austin, Texas, for a surf trip, he’s been on the road a lot lately. Fourteen-year-old Schilling and a small crew, including …Lost mastermind Matt “Mayhem” Biolos, headed out to sample the NLand Surf Park. Prior to that, Schilling logged some proper competitive experience at the Vans Pro in Virginia Beach. But the highlight of the season came in July when Schilling and a small group of international rising stars joined former world tour stalwart Damien Hobgood in Indonesia for a SURFER Magazine trip. The objective of the trip

inspirational of any the world tour victories at Lowers over the years, but every one of them has a backstory. The most famous may be Kelly Slater’s 1990 debut at the Body Glove Surf Bout III. The emerald-eyed kid from Florida had already been making waves for a few years, but the legend was born on the cobblestones at Lowers.

As the story goes, Slater had just signed a monumental contract with Quiksilver and was eager to prove his worth. Sleeping on the floor at his friend Richard Woolcott’s house, who was working in Quik’s marketing department at the time and would later go on to co-found Volcom, the whole episode was captured in the classic

was for Hobgood to help get the groms used to surfing heavy, hollow waves.

“The kids charged way harder than I ever imagined they would,” recounted Hobgood to SURFER Magazine. “I think I

surf video “Black and White.” Taking home a $30,600 first-place check for the effort, seemingly overnight Slater became a household name. He’d go on to star in the TV hit Baywatch, win 11 WSL World Titles and capture world tour victories at Lowers in 2005, ’07, ’08, ’10, ’11 and ’12.

When the Los Angeles Times asked him what he would do with his newfound funds, Slater joked, “Keep it!”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about giving some of it to the Surfrider Foundation,” he quickly followed. “And I’ll never get around to doing it unless I say I will. I don’t know how much I’ll donate yet, but I want to help.”

For an 18-year-old kid from humble

was able to push them right to that edge and have them grow and learn that they can really handle this stuff.”

“On the big day, I was about to paddle over this one wave, and I just heard Damo yell, ‘Go, go!’ So, I turned around and went,” told Schilling. “I was dropping into this wave, and I was like, ‘Oh, shoot, I’m not gonna make it.’ I was thinking I would just kick out, but it was too low-tide, so I just pulled in, and this chandelier hit me in the barrel and threw me off my board. There was a big one behind that wave, and I was trying to paddle away from the dry reef, because your leash can get caught on the coral. I tried to get my leash off, but I couldn’t, so I bailed, hit bottom, and got a little bit cut up. But it wasn’t too bad, so I was stoked.”

Stoked is right. Win, lose or bounce off the reef, Schilling’s act is as core as they come. SC

beginnings, it was clear early on where his priorities laid in terms of the environment. Today, at the top of the org chart of his own brand called OuterKnown, Slater and his business partners are helping revolutionize the clothing industry through their sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. He’s been one of the most outspoken surfers when it comes to preserving and protecting the planet.

“I wasn’t trying to send a message,” Slater would later say of his first win at Lowers. “I wasn’t trying to promote something else. There is an innocence about that time for me that felt really nice and refreshing and pure. I mean, ... I would love to go back and live that again right now.”

More recently, Mick Fanning came into the Hurley Pro in 2015 not with something to prove to the world, but something to prove to himself. After being attacked by a Great White shark in the final of the J-Bay Open in South Africa only two months prior, he still had some jitters to overcome.

Staying with longtime friend Taylor Knox down in Carlsbad, Fanning used his time in California to recharge his batteries and get his head back in the game. “I came in early and we had amazing waves. I’ve had such a great support team here. I’ve been having a lot of fun. My mum’s been here too which has been really special.”

“It’s been a wild year for me,” said Fanning after beating Brazilian Adriano De Souza in the final.

Every year we’re lucky to see these stories unfold right before our eyes. From battling cancer, to stepping out onto the world’s stage for the first time, to regaining one’s own sense of purpose, a win at Lowers means a lot more than a payday and a cool trophy. What’s the story going to be this year? SC

Water Temperature: 68-72 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-7’ Poor-Fair; Catalina: 15’ Fair

Thursday: Small SSW and NW windswell mix. Look for the exposed breaks to see knee-waist high (23’) surf, while standout breaks are more consistent overall. Light/variable onshore winds through the morning, with a light-moderate onshore flow developing in the afternoon.

Outlook: Small surf for second half of the week with a weak blend of NW and Southerly swells. Morning winds are light, building onshore flow in the afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.