October 26, 2017

ON SC

What’s Up With...

Five

things San Clemente should know this week

St. Andrews Parking Lot, Falling Off Cliff, to be

Examined by Geologists

THE LATEST: About 20 parking spots are unsuitable for vehicles at St. Andrews by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, and they appear to be slowly falling off the side of the bluff on which the church sits.

Mike Weichman, the chairman of the Board of Trustees for St. Andrews by-the-Sea, said the parking lot problem was noticed in April when a few cracks started to form, but since then it’s become progressively worse. The small cracks are now about a foot wide in certain areas and the surface of a significant portion of the parking lot looks as if it’s melting away from the top.

“It’s a known ancient landslide area, and now it’s become active,” Weichman said. “There are many landslide areas throughout San Clemente. And right now we’re having geotechnical firms look at the situation. We’re getting proposals to see what we can to do remedy the problem.”

St. Andrews sits just back from and above Avenida Pico and the Interstate 5 corridor where the $230 million project to widen the freeway has been going on for more than three years. Whether the cause of the landslide is due to that construction has yet to be determined, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) officials said.

The fracturing of the parking lot has mainly stayed on the side of the south-facing hill, but there are some cracks along the side of the hill as well.

“There are cracks that have been there for years since the church was built about 50 years ago,” Weichman said. “The grading regulations weren’t as stringent (then) as they are now.”

Weichman said Leighton and Associates completed a report in 1988 that stated the old sanctuary wasn’t built with additional support specifications that would have been required for buildings today, but at this time the sanctuary and the adjacent buildings are not threatened by the ground movement.

“Right now we put up the delineators to block off the area, and we’re going to be putting up some fencing to better secure the area,” Weichman said, adding the church is trying to find out if it has the

insurance coverage to pay for the repairs.

The church is deeded to the congregation and operated by the Board of Trustees.

“One of the geologists that I talked to said it could be attributed to the rain, and we had a wet winter, and sometimes it takes time for that water to percolate down,” Weichman said.

More information regarding the soil under the parking lot and the church are expected to be examined during the geotechnical studies.

WHAT’S NEXT: A geotechnical investigation was performed during the design of the I-5/Pico Interchange project in 2012, said Eric Carpenter, a public relations official with OCTA. The study included subsurface investigations along the retaining wall. No additional data is being collected beyond the I-5/Pico project. But no geotechnical studies specific to the church were performed prior to the construction beginning on I-5, Carpenter said.

“...Monitoring sites on the hillside immediately adjacent to project site were selected and continue to be monitored,” Carpenter said. Weichman said inclinometers are being used to track the pace and size of the slide.

Carpenter said the geotechnical consultant is reviewing available historic data related to the hillside slope immediately adjacent to the new retaining wall.

“That data may show the material type under the church,” Carpenter stated in the email. “We continue to investigate the data and to communicate with church leaders.”

Right now, the cracks have been coming closer to the church building, but the threat is only to the parking lot at this time, Weichman said.

“It is creeping in a little, bit but so far we’re safe,” Weichman said. “Our congregation’s safety is our main concern.”

—Eric Heinz

Mediation Fails for CUSD, Teachers Union; Next Step is Fact-Finding

THE LATEST: After more than a year of negotiations, the Capistrano Unified School District and the Capistrano Unified Education Association have still not reached a contract agreement, according to CUSD and CUEA officials.

After the third mediation session between the parties concluded on Oct. 17, the mediator announced that she would send CUSD and CUEA on to fact-finding.

Contract negotiations between CUSD and CUEA officially stalled back in June. At that time, CUSD and CUEA agreed to jointly file for impasse certification with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), and a mediator was assigned to help resolve the negotiations.

Since the mediator and parties were not able to reach an agreement, the process now continues to fact-finding, where a three-person panel will review the arguments and proposals and ultimately issue non-binding recommendations.

If the fact-finding process does not result in an agreement, CUSD would be able to impose its last, best and final offer, and CUEA teachers would maintain the right to strike.

In the school district’s Oct. 17 press release, Ryan Burris, CUSD’s chief communications officer, defended the district’s last two offers with statements about the “uncertainties of future state funding,” and the “very broken Local Control Funding Formula that was created in Sacramento.”

“This formula continues to severely underfund districts such as ours and does not do anything to increase funding in the future,” Burris said.

According to countywide school district salary settlement reports listed on CUEA’s

website, CUSD’s teachers make roughly $4,700 less than the average teacher in Orange County.

CUEA officials said their bargaining goals have remained the same since negotiations began in August 2016—they want “permanent increases to the salary schedule,” and “a sustainable plan to mitigate the negative impact of increasing employee health and welfare contributions.”

WHAT’S NEXT: A date has not yet been released for the upcoming fact-finding session.

For more information on the status of the negotiations, visit capousd-ca.schoolloop.com/cuea and www.cuea.org.

To view the specifics of CUSD’s two last and best final offer options, find the online version of this story at www.sanclementetimes.com. —Allison Jarrell

Gov. Brown Vetoes Bill Giving AG Authority to Keep Nonprofit Hospitals Open

THE LATEST: As the 2017 California legislative session came to a close, one bill in particular had people in San Clemente attentive. The bill, S.B. 687, that was introduced by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, would have given the state’s attorney general the leverage to decide whether a hospital could close or remove emergency services.

On Oct. 14, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the bill, stating approval to close will not assuage the increasing.

“This bill requires a nonprofit hospital to receive approval from the Attorney General prior to reducing or eliminating services in its emergency department,” Brown stated in his veto message. “A hospital’s decision to reduce or eliminate emergency services poses real challenges for a community. This is why current law requires public notice prior to a hospital taking such an action. Removing a hospital’s authority to determine emergency service needs, however, will not solve the underlying financial issues that typically force these decisions. An Attorney General decision to prohibit a reduction or elimination of these services may hasten the reduction of other services or closure of the entire hospital.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Saddleback Memorial, the former San Clemente hospital provider, and the city of San Clemente are still engaged in a lawsuit filed by the hospital in 2016 over the city’s decision to zone the hospital land in such a way that it requires the owner to provide emergency services. City officials and advocates have claimed the hospital has not fulfilled a duty to the community by removing such emergency

(Cont. on page 4)

(Cont. from page 3) services; the hospital’s officials have argued the move was illegal “spot zoning,” which is the governance of land by targeting a specific area or issue. —EH

Outlets Loses Appeal for Temporary Banner Permits

THE LATEST: It took three and a half hours of inspection, reiterating arguments and legal jargon for the Planning Commission to decide to uphold its decision to deny the extensions of permitting temporary freeway-facing signs to the Outlets at San Clemente.

During discussion at the Planning Commission meeting on Oct. 18, those in favor of the Outlets leaving up temporary signage until the permanent sign plan is approved presented multiple slides of banners within the city, claiming they had also exceeded the limit of 180 calendar days of temporary signage.

The city’s codes allow only for a certain amount of time for temporary signage until it must be taken down.

The Outlets have contended their original plans that were approved years ago included the implementation of signage from the start.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Outlets filed for an injunction against the city in Orange County Superior Court in July challenging the decision by the city of San Clemente and the Planning Commission. The permanent signs are still being examined by the city’s staff and will eventually enter the same process. —EH

Adam Coffey, 8, of San Clemente Convinces Library of Congress to Initiate Children’s Program

THE LATEST: For a consummate reader like Adam Coffey, 8, having to wait until he’s 16 to peruse material at the Library of Congress was an injustice.

Adam decided the only way he’d have access to the voluminous treasures of information would be to make it himself, so he wrote a letter to Carla Hayden, Ph.D., the 14th Librarian of Congress. Hayden, who was impressed with Adam’s curiosity, invited him to be a “Librarian of Congress” for a day, where he was able to tour the library as well as other D.C. landmarks such as the Smithsonian Museum.

He even helped Rep. Darrell Issa, San Clemente’s congressman, vote on the House floor.

“He had checked out a book here, Secrets of Our Nation’s Capital, at our local library and found out that you had to be 16 to get a readers card, and he said, ‘Who made this rule? Why can’t I use the materials?’” said Melissa Coffey, Adam’s mother.

Adam is a Davidson Young Scholar who reads at a 10- to 12-year-old level and attends Monarch Bay Montessori Academy in Dana Point.

“Adam is such an inspiration,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in a statement to the San Clemente Times. “His passion and love for reading at an early age spotlights the Library of Congress’ role of developing lifelong learners and scholars.”

Melissa said Adam checks out books from public libraries all around South Orange County—which is out of necessity, as he constantly maxes out the limit of books per month at each.

“We have to make the rounds,” Melissa said. “We have two library cards, and we’re usually checking out between 50 and 100 books.”

Melissa said he probably reads 10 to 20 of those books a week.

Adam said he was particularly enthralled by all the attention he received on social media on the posts from the Library of Congress’ accounts with himself and Hayden working on the new reader’s cards. He also enjoyed seeing original Peanuts comic strips drawn by Charles Schulz.

WHAT’S NEXT: Adam will help design the new version of the Library of Congress card for children to obtain when the program begins, of which he will be card holder No. 1. Adam wants to be an inventor when he grows up, but he’s not sure what he wants to create. —EH

Draft Brewing

Master plan to outline city’s next 10 years of Beaches, Parks & Recreation priorities

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

After more than a year of surveys and assessing San Clemente’s recreational assets, a draft master plan for the next 10 years is nearing completion.

The master plan will outline the city’s residents’ and municipal priorities for the next 10 years in order to facilitate decision making for project needs.

On Oct. 24, the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission (BP&R) discussed the draft document for the first time to get a better understanding of what that survey data yielded. Much of it looked at what citizens want and how they are willing to fund it.

The way in which this master plan has been strategized is a bit different than traditional overarching guidelines that become analogous to law. The plan is more of a map than city code. Pros Consulting, Inc., the contractors hired by the city for the plan, took the survey data and applied it to various aspects of the city’s BP&R needs and wants, and then the city staff will come up with individual “mini-master plans” for facilities, which differs from other plans that compile everything at once and modify items as they go. The fine-tuning process could be very similar in the coming weeks.

In stakeholder group meetings, about 300 people responded to the survey, and another 700 people took the online survey.

Neelay Bhatt, the vice president of Pros Consulting, Inc., said the questions from the survey were put together by the city and then complied by his firm.

“Those were suggestions brought to us by the city staff as questions they would like to ask within the survey and see if the community was in support of that,” Bhatt said. “We’re taking a look at what the costs of things are now and what they could be in five to 10 years.”

Residents’ high-priority

The highest priority for facilities for residents was to increase or enhance special events at parks or on the beaches as well as fitness and wellness classes. Facility and amenity priorities for funding included the beach trails, increasing dog park acreage and including off-leash dog areas.

The most frequent request from the survey residents responded to was initiating a sustainable sand replenishment program.

Large portions of sand at the San Clemente beaches have washed away, leaving exposed cobblestones that can be unpleasant to walk on with bare feet.

Other projects included establishing

What’s next?

The master plan draft will be presented again at the next Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 14. Although the master plan is currently expected to be presented to City Council for approval at the first meeting in December, Commissioners said at the Oct. 24 meeting that it could take longer to formulate detailed plans for the individual facilities. More information on the draft master plan can be found in the documents linked to this article at www.sanclementetimes.com.

new parks in certain open spaces and connecting parks with existing trail systems.

Increasing facilities for the new trend of pickleball, a miniaturized version of tennis played with paddles and whiffle balls, also was part of the higher priorities within the city.

Funding the fun

Pros’ research showed the city has $8.3 million in BP&R facility maintenance needs as of today and will have an estimated total of $14.5 million for all of its facilities by 2021.

A discrepancy in the survey data, however, showed the residents aren’t coming to a consensus on how to pay for these facility needs.

The city and Pros are working to develop a capital improvement plan (CIP) that prioritizes what the city can spend and on what projects.

It was mentioned that an increase in transient occupancy taxes (TOT), or hotel taxes, could help fund the projects, but only 42 percent of those surveyed said they would be willing to vote for such an increase, which was also represented in

the ballot initiative that failed to pass last November that would have increased the nightly tax from 10 to 13 percent in San Clemente, a then-estimated revenue generation of an additional $500,000.

When it came to funding sand replenishment at the city’s beaches, 19 percent said they would be willing to vote for a local sales tax increase, 33 percent would increase rates of beach parking meters, 36 said to extend hours of beach parking meters, 24 percent rejected all the options and 8 percent submitted some other method.

Other funding methods are available across the board, but these answers were specific to the survey questions.

Bhatt said deferred maintenance in many cities has become commonplace and doesn’t seem to be shoring up within the foreseeable future.

Next steps

Samantha Thomas, the city’s Beaches, Parks & Recreation manager, said the process of putting all the priorities and individual projects in a nexus will take the collaboration of staff and elected officials in the coming weeks.

“We’ll go back and meet with (Pros Consulting) and with the assistant city manager, and we’ll review what was discussed tonight, see if it’s workable within the document that was presented tonight, edit it and then re-present it to the public,” Thomas said. “A lot of these things do affect our operations, whether it be programming or facility usage. We will include maintenance in that as well.”

Thomas said many of the items within the master plan will have an effect on public works expenditures and operations— but it will depend on what is prioritized and how far along certain facilities are on their maintenance schedules.

Speaking about individual plans, Thomas said, “it has its own merit, certainly, because we have 25 parks and miles and miles of trails, and while this document might not speak to each and every one of those, they each certainly need their own attention and focus,” Thomas said. “Linda Lane, for example, is in a residential neighborhood, and we want to speak with those people specifically (who live near the park).”

Thomas said the city’s parks are “constantly monitored” through individual assessments of needs or other monitoring.

“The end goal is for us to present something for City Council that says we need these things to be funded in the next 10 years, and that could be improved lawn bowling or a new park and we want to be able to present those very concise requests,” Thomas said. “It’s always going to be a living document (that can be changed), and we’ll have to go back for revisions.” SC

NEWS BITES

Casa Romantica Receives Outstanding Arts Organization Award from ArtsOC

The 18th Annual Arts Orange County Awards took place on Oct. 17 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens was the recipient of the 2017 Achievement Award for Outstanding Arts Organization. All of the Casa Romantica staff and Board of Trustees were in attendance, as well as the Volunteer Advisory Committee.

Executive Director Berenika Schmitz and Board of Trustees President Ruth DeNault accepted the award from Arts Orange County Executive Director Rick Stein.

“We love Casa Romantica; it is one of the most beautiful and special places in the world where people can explore arts and culture,” Schmitz said in her speech.

“The late Judy Swayne loved the Casa, and as founding member, she helped build the foundation of support necessary to make institutions like the Casa thrive.”

The Casa reported its 2017 impact report found a 300 percent increase in general admissions and a 900 percent increase in membership over the past four years since Schmitz became executive director.

Veterans Day Ceremony at Park Semper Fi is Nov. 4

On Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at Park Semper Fi, The Marine Monument will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony. Due to scheduling issues, this year’s ceremony will take place one week prior to the official observance on Nov. 11.

Guest speakers will include Major Gen. Paul Kelly, the commanding general of the Marine Corps recruiting command in Washington, D.C., and former commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“In 2002, George Key, San Clemente

resident, created two very unique flag programs,” said Wayne Eggleston, the executive director of The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. “American flags are to be disposed of in a thoughtful and patriotic manner. The preferred method is to respectfully burn the flag. Build a fire. Lower and fold the flag. Carefully place the folded flag on top of the fire. Take a moment to respect the flag. Say the pledge of allegiance. Make sure the fire is completely put out.”

Over the years, Key has collected flags from City Hall where residents have taken them for proper disposal.

The Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment in San Clemente will perform this tradition for military families, and all military services will be honored. Contact Eggleston at heritage@marinemonument. com or contact the city at 949.361.8200 for more information.“Early bird” parking will be available. For more information, visit www.marinemonument.com.

Clean Water Now Joins Anti-Toll Road Movement in South Orange County

Clean Water Now (CWN) announced recently that is has joined the regional movement “attempting to halt the 241 Toll Road at Oso Parkway in Mission Viejo,” according to a press release.

“Not one more inch of fee-based pavement should be created. The Oso Bridge and Los Patrones Parkway in Rancho Mission Viejo, currently under construction, should remain free, because in our opinion any extensions of the 241 are unnecessary for the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) to achieve mobility goals,” the release stated.

CWN stated it supports and endorses the lawsuits filed by the city of San Clemente and The Reserve Maintenance Corporation of San Clemente. It also acknowledged the Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees for voting to join the litigation that challenges the environmental impact studies for the proposed toll roads through San Clemente as well as the validity of the settlement agreement.

8th Annual OC Ride for AIDS on Oct. 28

AIDS Services Foundation Orange County will host its eighth annual OC Ride for AIDS in a fully supported one-day ride (not a race) through some of OC’s most breathtaking scenery. The ride begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Bill Barber Memorial Park, located at 4 Civic Center Plaza in Irvine. There are three routes to choose from, including routes of 30, 62 or 100 miles. There is a $50 registration fee, and each rider is required to meet a minimum fundraising goal of $125. Bill Barber Memorial Park. 4 Civic Center Plz, Irvine. For more information, visit www.ocasf.org.

Thrive Fest in San Juan Capistrano to Benefit Local Children on Oct. 28

The Fountains at Sea Bluffs is sponsoring “Thrive Fest” on Saturday, Oct. 28, to benefit Watermark for Kids. Event director Georgia Edmundson urges everyone to come out to San Juan Capistrano Historic Town Center Park and support the cause and have fun with family and friends. The festival will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free.

Thrive Fest will offer an educational petting zoo featuring an armadillo, kinkajou, hedgehog, baby alligator, boa and ferret. There will be live music plus a variety of booths and food trucks. Children can get their hair professionally cut for $3 and face painted for $2. For more information, contact Georgia Edmundson at 949.234.3000.

A percentage of proceeds from sales will benefit Watermark for Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to helping deserving local kids thrive. For more information visit www. watermarkforkids.org. Fountains at Sea Bluffs is a luxury enclave of age-restricted condominiums, with rental-assisted living and memory care. For more information, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.

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

Community Meetings

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

SUNRISE ROTARY

7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. www.scsunriserotary.com.

SAN CLEMENTE TOASTMASTERS

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

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) MEETING

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

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY

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

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.

THURSDAY, NOV. 2

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PANEL MEETING

5:30-8:30 p.m. The topic of the last CEP meeting of the year will include discussions from the Department of the Navy, the landowner of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Education booths will be available from 4:305:30 p.m. Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills. www.songscommunity.com.

SOAPBOX SC

SanClemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US

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 Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

PUBLISHER

Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Group Managing Editor

> Rachael Mattice

City Editor, SC Times

> Eric Heinz

City Editor, DP Times

> Daniel Ritz

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch

> Allison Jarrell

Sports Editor

> Steve Breazeale

Special Projects Editor

> Andrea PapagianisCamacho

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher

> Lauralyn Loynes

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Real Estate Sales Manager

> Michele Reddick

ART/DESIGN

Art Director

> Jasmine Smith

Graphic Designer

> Chelsie Rex

OPERATIONS

Finance Director

> Mike Reed

Business Manager

> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager

> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKS

Robert Miller

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco

Tim Trent

Jake Howard

San Clemente Times Vol. 12, Issue 43. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the Dana Point Times (www. danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www. thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

GUEST OPINION:

Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

Defining What Our Country Stands For

NFL players have shown ‘disrespect’ for the ‘great pyramid’

The recent kneeling for the national anthem and flag salute by National Football League (NFL) players has attracted much attention and created one of our nation’s current leading controversies.

I don’t usually write about political controversy and such things, but I have some real thoughts and perspectives on this, and I’m aware there are many competing points of view. The underlying theme by the NFL players has been to attempt to highlight racial discrimination, police brutality and to bring equality and justice to minorities.

According to the annual racial and gender report card published by TIDES, approximately 70 percent of NFL players are minorities, and there is no doubt many

Letters to the Editor

NOTHING HAS CHANGED REGARDING THE TOLL ROAD

KERRY SINK, San Clemente

So, here we go again—the debate over not the toll road itself, but its trajectory through San Clemente.

Now, Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has new and unexplored options to run its road in multiple ways to reach the end goal. Linking Toll Road 241 to Interstate 5. The obvious choice is this: connect the existing terminus at Oso Parkway, down Antonio Parkway to Avenida La Pata and out through San Mateo. The only sensible way is to revisit the Navy’s and the Marines’ claims related to national security.

Creating a plan that does not encroach on either the military base or the Trestles surf beach and protects any and all natural areas is actually not that farfetched. The toll road did not ruin Laguna Canyon and

come from various types of social and economic backgrounds that face challenges. But the contradiction in this case is that although 70 percent of the NFL players are racial minorities, they have moved above the middle class in their economic wellbeing in their own way with athletic football talent.

Most players received college-level educational opportunities, but many chose to cut them short and did not graduate, merely using college as a “stepping stone” to the millions of dollars in NFL salary.

The first major issue in this is whether they have the “Constitutional right” to protest as they have, provided by the Bill of Rights, or whether the Constitution prohibits such behavior and requires them to “stand for the national anthem and flag salute.”

My own opinion is that they are not required by the Constitution to stand and salute. However, I think these demonstrations miss the real issue, which is respect for our country and those who have brought the country from its beginning to the great country it is today, which gave these NFL players the opportunity to become wealthy and move to the upper class economically.

I view our country as a “great pyramid”—the wide base at the bottom is the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War, both of which set us free. Building the pyramid upward are many

it won’t ruin Trestles, if measures are taken to just be careful. It all depends on location and execution.

What is the goal of this toll road? To alleviate gridlock in South Orange County, or to provide another exit in case of a nuclear waste spill or other disasters. But is there another factor?

I think everybody knows that the TCA has its heart set on finishing this project, but will the toll road ever recoup its investment? How many users will actually pay to get to the Riverside area. Will it ever turn a profit?

I personally think that the TCA is a sham, totally in cahoots with the state and Department of Motor Vehicles, just generating revenue while knowing it will never reach fruition. I mean really, with as much as this state pays in gas and registration fees and other taxes, these roads should be free. We don’t really get a say in the building or location of any of this.

So, what are we going to do, and do we really have a say? It only makes sense to me that the toll road should have been planned to go from Oso to San Mateo. Avenida La Pata should have been four lanes in each direction and at minimum be

factors such as the Constitution, states’ rights, elected governance, freedom of information, religious freedom, citizens’ rights to vote, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, educational opportunities, right to work laws, gender respect, health standards, charitable organizations, public education, labor standards, Selma/Little Rock and the right to protest.

At the very top and peak point, the “pinnacle” of the pyramid, is the American flag and national anthem of the United States. Those two symbols represent all that our country is and stands for and, to no small degree, those who have given their lives for our country since its beginning in 1776.

I think respect for all that the pinnacle stands for is the issue here. In this case, the NFL players have shown significant disrespect for it. I would hope that they could look at their own personal success in our country and become examples of how one can succeed in the U.S., regardless of ethnic, social or economic background, and support others to become successful too.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He was a director of the Talega HOA and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 20052013. SC

directed to Avenida Pico until a deal could have been worked out with the military. Now, because of wasteful intolerance and lack of cooperation on all parts, we will have perpetual gridlock in San Clemente. Nothing changed, no common ground and nothing accomplished.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NEEDS TO INCLUDE NUCLEAR ENERGY

ROGER JOHNSON, San Clemente

Congratulations to Jim Kempton for pointing out, in the Oct. 19-25 edition of the San Clemente Times, the most critical issue facing Orange County: the current plan to store large quantities of uranium and plutonium a few miles from here for the indefinite future. He is right that both the public and the decision-makers are minimally informed. He is also correct that Southern California Edison has been distributing inaccurate and incomplete information and appears to be engaged in an effort to trivialize the dangers of possible radioactive fallout over large areas.

I attended what was advertised as a “Fun Emergency Preparedness Fair” in (Cont. on page 10)

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor

(Cont. from page 9)

San Clemente on Oct 21. I also attended a much larger event on the same day on “Disaster Preparedness” sponsored by Orange County and the city of Mission Viejo. Both events focused only on conventional emergencies such as fires and earthquakes. All the tents and exhibits and all the literature distributed contained not one word about a radiological emergency. The emergency preparedness people I spoke to appeared to be uninformed and unprepared for radioactive fallout. The “Ready OC” brochure carefully lists every possible emergency except what is now the most dangerous and most likely disaster. The “Alert OC: Stay Informed” document is uninformative, misleading and appears to rely on Edison public relations. It suggests that we should not worry because “even our bodies give off small amounts of radiation.”

There is only one way that zip code 92672 will not become a nuclear waste dump, and that is massive public opposition. So far, that is not happening. Kempton is correct in stating that everyone is in the dark. Perhaps that is the master plan for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the nuclear industry: cultivate a public that is compliant, complacent and uninformed. The plan seems to be working.

DEVELOPMENT FEES AND THE TOLL ROADS

EVA O’KEEFE, San Clemente

Most people know that the toll roads exist. What most people don’t know is how they get their money. The toll roads get their money in three ways. The first way is they sell bonds to investors. The second way is through tolls. The third way is through development fees. Development fees are essentially a tax (fee) on new homes, businesses or substantial remodels. For example, many of the homes in Forster Ranch and Talega had to pay $5,500 to the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) because we were in the TCA zone. The new homes in Rancho Mission Viejo pay about the same fee of $5,000. When John Wayne Airport was remodeled in 2012 a dispute arose between Subway, Caterina’s, Paradies, Vino Volo and Hudson Group for $157,000 in fees to the TCA. The restaurants/shops say the fees were calculated in an absurd way, and they wanted their money back. A court case decided this and they lost. They had to pay the TCA.

Imagine if all these fees would be used for not just the TCA and their bloated salaries, almost twice as much as the Caltrans director with 38 times greater budget, lobbyists, public relations and sponsoring every event in the community, from golf events to plays and even offering honey baked hams to entice drivers to use the toll roads to the overall regional mobility. Let’s not forget, the TCA builds toll roads

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, October 27 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

This week’s guest will be Pastor Brenda Bos who will speak about her program Laundry Love and other homeless services in San Clemente. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, located at 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

only. Enough! Pay down the bonds, make the toll roads free as promised and truly improve mobility in the region. P.S.: You can get the coupon online for the honey baked ham.

TCA MISSED THE POINT IN SURVEY

JIM SMITH, San Clemente

I saw that the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) just spent $114,780 for a telephone and online survey that concluded South Orange County traffic on Interstate 5 is congested and needs to be fixed. They are using this public relations effort to support their goal of extending Toll Road 241 through the middle of San Clemente.

It seems odd they decided to call people while the I-5 was undergoing major construction in San Clemente. Of course the traffic is bad; there’s a $230 million, threeyear project going on to try and fix it! I went to the website of the research company the TCA paid (SmithJohnson) and found they also have an odd perspective on telephone surveys. On the company’s homepage, it says the following: “Do telephone surveys still work?” The answer is a qualified “Yes,” but things are changing fast, and it may not always be the best way to spend your research dollars.

Given this inconsistency, I’m not surprised that Mayor Kathy Ward wonders how genuine the whole TCA campaign is. It’s also another reason to support a proposed ballot initiative to find out what residents think about a toll road coming through our town. Please contact City Council and let them know you want this issue on the next ballot.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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.

www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT SC

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

Thursday | 26

YAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN

4-7 p.m. Bring the pup in their Halloween costumes for some fun. A panel of judges will determine which canine will take home the top prize. Donation to enter the contest is $10 per dog per category. The Ritz-Carlton. 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point.

CHAIN COMEDY IMPROV

8 p.m. Check out Chain Comedy improv group at OC Tavern. No cover charge. This event is 21 and over. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.

AUTUMN CHILL JAZZ SERIES

6:30 p.m. Enjoy Mel Collins and her quartet take on the Great American Songbook while noshing on a fall flavored meal. Tickets are $10-25. Casino San Clemente. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www.thecasinosanclemente.com.

Friday | 27

CASA CREEPY

Casa Romantica will host a 1920s-themed haunted house and gardens from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 27, 28 and 31. Werewolves, vampires and ghosts wait behind every corner of the historic home. All participants must sign a waiver for this event. Admission is $7 for children 7 and younger and $12 for ages 13 and older. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

HAUNTED HOUSE IN SAN CLEMENTE

6 p.m.-10 p.m. The Haunted House will take place Oct. 27 and 28. Proceeds donated to Families Assistance Ministries San Clemente Family Run. Admission: canned goods. Goodie bags and glow sticks given to children. The haunted house has a noscare policy for those who request it. 1601 Via Ameno, San Clemente.

SPOOKY SEAS

6-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a night of full of fright as guests navigate through the labs and ships. The haunted adventure begins on the Brig Pilgrim then through the boathouse and into the Ocean Education Center. The tour is for ages 8 years and older, and the activities are for any age. $5-10. The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28: YACHT ROCK-OWEEN

7 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit Waves for Water to help the relief efforts in Puerto Rico. There will be live music performed by Yachty by Nature and The Cholulas. A raffle drawing will take place at 9 and 9:30 p.m. There will also be a grand prize for the best Halloween costume. Entry fee is $20. OC Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.

LIVE THEATRE: ‘CHARLY’

8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents the amazing story of a man with the mentality of a 5-year-old that becomes a genius in just a few weeks through an experimental surgery, previously only tried on a mouse. The play runs through Nov. 12. $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.PamelaPealProductions.com/ charly-2017. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 28

THRIVE FEST

11 a.m. Join the Fountains at Sea Bluffs for Thrive Fest to benefit Watermark for Kids. Watermark for Kids is a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping deserving local kids in need. The festival will offer an education petting zoo, live music, food trucks, and a variety of booths. San Juan Capistrano Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.3000. www.watermarkcommunities.com.

CANDY CRAWL

1-4 p.m. Join the Outlets at San Clemente for free Halloween fun and safe trick-or-treating. Collects treats from stores while supplies last. There is a costume contest, live music, and balloon animals. Treats are for costumed guests only, but leave your masks behind. The event is free to attend. Bring your own trick-or-treating bag. 101 W. Avenida

Monday | 30

COA FIRST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 12:30 p.m. Community Outreach Alliance will host its first benefit golf tournament. Proceeds will go toward the alliance’s programs. Cost to enter is $150 individual golfer, $600 for a foursome, or $50 dinner only. Prizes will be given for closest to the pin, longest drive, longest putt, holes in one, low gross and most eagles, birdies and pars. There will be live dinner entertainment, raffles, a silent auction and more. Bella Collina San Clemente, 200 Avenida La Pata. www.communityoutreachalliance. com/golf-tournament.

PUMPKIN SPLASH AT THE OLE HANSON BEACH CLUB

3-6 p.m. Join the city of San Clemente for a pool-side pumpkin patch with spooky music, and pumpkin games. Free event for all ages. 101 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.431.2959. www.olehanson.com/events.

Tuesday | 31

BEND & BREW

Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

SPOOKY SAN CLEMENTE

4-7 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center presents a family fun Halloween celebration. Join them for scary fun and hours of freight. There will be a haunted house, games, a maze, pumpkin crafts, candy crawl, and Hotel Translyvania will be playing on the lawn. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.sanclemente.org.

SWALLOW’S COSTUME CONTEST

9 p.m. Come out to Swallow’s Inn for a Halloween costume contest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Music by The Road Kill Kings. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949. 493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 29

SPOOKY 5K & 10K, SUPER HERO KIDS RUN

8-11 a.m. Renegade Racing will host the Terrifying 10-Miler and Spooky 5K and 10K at Salt Creek Beach Park. The kids can join the Super Hero quarter-mile kids run. All participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume. There will be costume contests, kids pumpkin painting contests, a pumpkin patch, expo booths and more. Salt Creek Beach Park. 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. www.active.com/dana-point-ca.

6 p.m. Bend & Brew is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. And best part is, it’s only $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente.

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 | 01

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.

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.

Welcome

This year’s Crib to College includes a plethora of stories tailored to inform and appeal to students of all ages, parents, academic instructors and community members. Teens and parents with teenagers will be able to soak in the teachings of South Orange County experts on the topics of mental health, what new drivers need to know about insurance coverage, learning how to be a financially sound student in preparation for college and more.

Taking Your Foot Off the Brake

Rules,

insurance coverage information parents and new drivers should know about

BY ELAINE LAVINE

Learning to drive is a classic rite of passage for any young person, but along with the excitement and the freedom of driving come new responsibilities. Adding a teen driver will likely lead to changes in your household, as well as changes to your auto insurance policy.

Because teens are high-risk drivers, adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy will lead to an increase in your overall premium. Why?

The facts are telling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States.

Below are a few tips to keep your teen safe and to keep the costs down:

• Safe driving discounts. Enroll in the Steer Clear® Driver Discount Program. Your teen will need to log their supervised practice drives, sign a parent/teen agreement, do a pre-and-post program assessment, and meet with your State Farm® agent.

• Good student discounts. In some states, some insurance companies actually offer discounts for students who maintain a

high grade point average. Consistently earning high grades is one of the most effective ways your teen can save you money on your auto insurance.

• Driver safety training. It’s important to make sure your teen is aware of the new risks and new costs associated with driving, as well as the importance of maintaining a clean driving record. Traffic violations will often lead to even higher premiums. Know and enforce your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing laws.

If additional driver safety courses are available in your area, encourage your teen to enroll in them. In some states, attending classes beyond what’s required to earn a driver’s license can lead to additional savings. See the State Farm Teen Driving resources for more information about teen driver safety and tools for new drivers and their parents at www.statefarm.com.

Elaine LaVine is an insurance agent for State Farm of Dana Point. She is an expert on driver safety, auto insurance and program assessment. She can be reached at elaine. lavine.a493@statefarm.com.

FUNDING

YOUR FUTURE

Pair your ingenuity and hard work to get through school without racking up the debt

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS-CAMACHO

This is a cautionary tale. Not one meant to scare, but one aimed to prompt action—careful planning coupled with dedicated execution. Stay your course, stay engaged and you can get through this. College that is. Hopefully without a heap of debt under your feet as you start into the world.

Let’s start off with a couple of facts: (these are all about undergraduate education)

• Community colleges across California have the same state-mandated enrollment fee: $46. That’s $46 per unit. So if you take a full course load—or 12 units—that comes to $552 in course fees.

• Students enrolled in the California State University system pay the same base tuition fee: $5,742. This figure is for in-state students attending school full time (six or more units a semester).

• California residents attending a University of California campus full time

pay the same in system-wide tuition and fees: $12,630. You can add about $1,000 in campus-specific fees to this number.

This is just tuition costs. And these, as you may soon learn, are subject to increasing without much notice. There are other things that come along too. You’ve also got to take into account housing, books, supplies, transportation and the ever important necessity, food—coffees, snacks and late-night cravings included.

It’s overwhelming. But you aren’t alone.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some 20.4 million students are attending American colleges and universities this fall—that’s about 5.1 million more college students than in 2000. It’s safe to say there are a few people in the same boat, navigating the college-funding waters.

the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates that American students carry a massive $1.31 trillion in outstanding student loan balances. Upon graduation, nearly half of student loan borrowers owe at least $20,000. That’s double the share from a decade ago, according to a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. While loans may be inevitable, you can try to keep the amount you borrow on the low end.

One more fact before we get to the goods. The nation’s outstanding studentdebt is on the rise. As of Dec. 31, 2016,

Because here’s the thing: Everyone should be able to affordably access a quality education.

Here are a couple ideas to help you win funds and keep your costs down: (be sure to share your newfound knowledge)

• FAFSA. Learn the acronym. Apply, apply every year.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education gives out more than $120 billion in the form of federal grants, loans and work-study funds to some 13 million college students. It’s the largest provider of student financial aid, and, the money received doesn’t have to be repaid. This year, NerdWallet found that some $2.3 billion in financial aid went unclaimed due to some 36 percent of high school graduates not applying for FAFSA. Use NerdWallet’s FAFSA Guide to ease the application process. Once you have everything in order, it takes about 30 minutes to complete. The 2018-2019 application opened on Oct. 1. What are you waiting for?

accepted year round. You just have to look for them. Lucky for you the internet makes this fairly simple. We’ve even found a couple sites to help you out. Sign up for Scholly (www.myscholly.com). Web or mobile app, Scholly has you fill out eight parameters then delivers a verified, personalized list of scholarships. It also has management tools to help you track deadlines and progress. Also check out U Can Go 2 (www.ucango2.org). Here you’ll find a running list of scholarships, sorted by deadline dates and into categories.

• Apply for scholarships. Lots of them. Never underestimate yourself. There is a scholarship, or 10, for everyone. And scholarship applications are being

• Look at alternative-housing options. While campus housing is fun and a great place to meet new people, it’s often expensive and not for everyone. If you are attending school close to home, maybe stay a little longer. You can save on housing and food while focusing on school and getting involved on campus. Take the time to join organizations, volunteer and apply for a campus job. Or, look for off-campus housing. It’s often less expensive when you are splitting costs with roommates. A couple of other things to consider. Textbooks are expensive. If you can, avoid purchasing new books. You may be able to cut costs by sharing a book with a friend or roommate and by looking for a former class taker to purchase a book from. Book stores often buy books back for little to no money, so it could be a win-win for you and the seller. Also, think about skipping campus food. It’s pricey and not all that good. Sure, there may be a salad bar, but the French fry smell from around the corner is enticing. In the dorm or off campus, think about splitting groceries with roommates and eat your meals at home.

To Homeschool or to Not?

Weighing the pros and cons of home education for your child or teen

BY JEANNINE WILLS-KOFFORD, M.D.

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular educational opportunity for our children. In California, 2.8 percent of students are now homeschooled, and that number is increasing every year. Interestingly, it was the choice of many of our forefathers before the 1850s, when homeschooling and apprenticeships were more the norm. Many founding fathers and great Americans were home-educated, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and the Wright brothers. George Washington preferred to spend his time dancing and horseback riding than in a schoolhouse. Famously, Thomas Edison’s public school expelled him at age 7 for being “feeble-minded.”

In our day, parents are recognizing the academic and social freedom afforded to our children with home education. There are many reasons to homeschool: academic excellence, academic challenges, religious freedom, vaccination laws, health issues and bullying. Whatever the reason, there has never been more options.

There are three main ways to homeschool: with California

state curriculum under the supervision of your local school district, private hybrid homeschooling through a private or charter school where the student attends class a few days a week and the curriculum is supervised, or independently with a curriculum of the parent’s choosing. The third option offers the most freedom for your child, but involves more work for the parent. In California, you must file a private school affidavit annually between Oct. 1-15 should you choose the independent option. A fourth option is private tutoring by a credentialed California teacher.

A great resource to visit is Homeschool Legal Defense Association at www.hslda.org to get started with the legalities and local resources. Also, visit the Christian Home Educators Association of California website for an extensive list of private school satellite programs at www.cheaofca.org.

The most often asked question is, “What about socialization?” Think of what parents do before their child enters school: play dates, moms’ groups, sports and church groups. Those things all may continue, offering a rich social experience for your child. Home education offers many more opportunities for “socialization outside the box.” There are more, not fewer, opportunities for community involvement

and participation such as volunteering and interacting with positive role model adults and older or younger children.

Another often asked question is, “What about college?” Today, homeschooling is a well-recognized and legitimate educational option. Even Ivy League universities accept home-educated students, provided their college entrance exam scores are strong. Many colleges recognize homeschool students are unique and creative thinkers. Over twothirds of homeschoolers eventually graduate from college. Homeschoolers also consistently outperform traditionalschooled students on standardized testing.

Still not sure? To summarize, below is a list of pros and cons associated with homeschooling:

Pros: Family bonding time; academic advancement; time to address academic challenges; unique and custom coursework not offered in public or private schools; cost effectiveness; travel; field trips; free days; exploring the outdoors; low stress levels; no bullying; no drugs; opportunities for specialization in art, theater, music and sports; community participation.

Homeschooled students learn to manage their time, and by their junior or senior year of high school, they assume more responsibility for their own education.

Cons: Requires a high level of parental participation and organization; time management; potential educational gaps (which also could occur in traditional school settings).

For whatever your reasons, dive in and enjoy the rich diversity of educational experiences available to your child as a home educator. Education in our modern tech savvy world can be as diverse and unique as your own children.

Get Active Within the Community!

Fall and Winter 2017 Events Calendar for Children and Teens

October

Big Kat Youth Wrestling Club

Become a life champion in a sport where life lessons happen on the mat. Any youth in kindergarten through eighth grade can join. Winter season starts Oct. 30. Recreation is $70 per month; elite competition is $80 (two months due at registration). Register at www.bigkatwrestling.com. Meet at Capistrano Valley High School Wrestling room. 26301 Escolar, Mission Viejo. 949.307.4390.

Youth Painting Classes

Von Lortz Sidestreet Gallery, San Clemente’s original painting gallery, offers painting classes for youth and adults. Youth classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:305:30 p.m., and every first and third Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. 205 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.7244. www.sanclementeartclasses.com.

The Arts Project of Orange County

The Arts Project is a one-stop shop for all things art. The studio offers classes in theatre, music, dance, vocals and art for all ages and levels. Spots are still open for this season’s production, Annie. Email the director for acting or crew opportunities at emily@theartsprojectoc.com or call the front desk. The ensemble performs Dec. 14-16. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

Ballet/Tap Combo Class

A beginning combination class of ballet and tap, using popular children’s music for ages 3-4. Classes begin Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 and run through Dec. 11 and 12. Monday’s class is from 10-11 a.m. or on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. It’s $60 for residents and $63 for non-residents. The class meets at SCAC Friends Meeting room, San Clemente Aquatics Center. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Registration is available through www.san-clemente.org.

November

Youth Basketball League

Join youth basketball for boys and girls 6-9 years of age. This is a low-key instructional basketball league, emphasizing teamwork, respect and fun. Practices begin early November 2017. $50 for residents of Dana Point and Capistrano Beach; $65 for non-residents. For information, contact Kolleen Wallace at kwallace@danapoint.org. 949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org.

Club Literacy Book Bunch

Book Bunch at Club Literacy is available for first through third-graders. Children are en-

couraged to become great readers and writers through powerful literature. There will be a lot of journal writing, providing learners with techniques that will propel them to achieve the highest standards in school. The class meets on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. starting Nov. 6. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 105, Dana Point. 949.717.6624. www.clubliteracy.com.

December

Danman’s Music School

Danman’s has eight private teaching studios and a recording studio. Parents can purchase single lessons, a package of four or more, academy program lessons and semi-private lessons. There are 20 or more qualified music teachers that give lessons on the guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice, violin, flute, banjo, ukulele, clarinet, viola, cello and more. 24699 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.496.6556. www.danmans.com.

South Coast Conservatory

South Coast Conservatory offers recreational pre-academy dance classes for children ages 2-7, and academy classes for those ages 8-17 in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, tumbling and musical theatre. 400 Camino De Estrella, Suite C, San Clemente. 949.682.7977. www.scconservatory.com.

Beach Cities Rock Club

For those who want to learn to rock, Beach Cities offer affordable instrument and singing lessons. They are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente. 949.463.1968. www.beachcitiesrockclub.com.

January

Teen Winter Ceramic Classes

Hand-build and work on the wheel to make cool projects and have fun. It’s an 8-week session starting Jan. 18 and runs through March 15 for teens ages 12-17. Class meets Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Fee is $199 and a $35 materials fee. 31878 Del Obispo Street Suite 106, San Juan Capistrano. 949.412.9241. www.theceramicstudio.com.

Musical Theatre at Acting Academy for Kids

The Musical Theatre series is an educational experience for children ages 5-16. The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish. No previous experience is required, and everyone gets a role. The next season begins Jan. 2018. Z Playhouse. 35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente. 949.427.0072. www.actingacademyforkids.com.

An In-Depth Look…

at some local schools and exclusive programs

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

The dreams we have for our children are based on hopes for a lifetime of success, happiness and purpose. At Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, we believe the foundations of those dreams are built on a rich academic program coupled with an emphasis on spiritual and moral development. Our students learn through a program that values and develops critical thinking, innovation, creativity and foundational skills to prepare them for life after graduation. Visit our website and get a sense of the dynamic learning environment we have created in order to prepare our students for success in all their future endeavors.

CVCS has been serving students from junior kindergarten through high school for more than 40 years. 32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5683. www.cvcs.org.

Goodwill of Orange County

Our Mission: Goodwill is in the business of helping people who are facing barriers to get and keep jobs, which provides purpose, pride and dignity. We believe the power of work changes lives.

Through our retail stores, our e-commerce platform, shopgoodwill.com, and our business services, we create jobs and provide job training and education, helping people and our local community to thrive.

Thank you for making our mission your mission.

410 N. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92703, 714.547.6308, ocgoodwill.org.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Academy

Nurture ~ Encourage ~ Empower

OLF Academy cultivates faith-filled learners whom daily demonstrate spiritual and academic excellence, 1:1 technology acquisition, and dedication of service to their

community. Visitors to our campus witness an engaged learning environment that is centered on family values. Fully accredited, OLF is blessed with exceptionally dedicated teachers and is proud to be Home to San Clemente’s Teacher of the Year. OLF’s academic rigor is complemented with enriched course offerings such as Spanish, Music/ Piano, Art, Academic Decathlon, Choir, P. E. and Drama and a distinctive offering of Junior High electives. Our students cultivate a zest for life-long learning, develop effective communication skills, and advance as globally responsible citizens. OLF’s exceptional Transitional Kindergarten is specifically designed to provide 4 and 5 year old children the “developmental gift of time.” Utilizing a cross-curricular approach to instruction, all students experience daily differentiated opportunities in which to explore, investigate, and integrate their academic abilities. Participation in the PAL Sports League, and providing After School Day Care, Programs and Homework Help round out OLF Academy.

105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.7320, www.olfschool.net, kwindes@olfschool.net.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs and activities; competitive, characterbuilding athletics; and an award-winning arts program—all in a nurturing, Christcentered environment—Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally. Santa Margarita has the distinction of being the county’s only Catholic International Baccalaureate high school and is ranked as the top Catholic high school in Southern California by The Washington Post. The school’s beautiful 42-acre campus includes a Digital Media Studio, Eagle Athletic Center, Academic Services Center, modernized Library Media Center, Olympic-sized pool and Sacred Heart Chapel. Recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School, Santa Margarita’s Oneto-One Tablet PC Program provides an immersive educational experience preparing students for college and beyond. The Class of 2017 received $42.1 million in scholarship offers with 99 percent of the class attending college. Visit SMCHS at 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita. Info: www.smhs.org.

St.

Anne School

Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School, a private, independent Catholic school that welcomes preschool through grade 8 students of all faiths. St. Anne’s mission is to develop future generations of creative thinkers, innovative problem solvers, effective communicators and emerging leaders, guided by the Catholic faith, to influence our local and global communities for the greater good.

The St. Anne experience promotes a love of learning through rigor¬ous academic, artistic and athletic programs. With the guidance and dedication of faculty, students gain a solid foundation rooted in problem solving, collaboration, creative expression, leadership, faith, technology and global citizenship.

We invite you to see for yourself all that St. Anne has to offer. Join us for our Admission Open House on Thursday, January 11 from 9-11 a.m. RSVP to admissions@st-anne. org, or call 949.276.6753.

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.276.6700, www.st-anne.org.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Members of the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School community will tell you what an extraordinary and special place it is, unlike any other. Some will tout the leading preschool through grade 12 academic program that nurtures and challenges every student to his

or her full potential. Others will avail you of stories of dedicated and expert faculty who know and love every student, going above and beyond every day. Some are awestruck with the world of opportunities available to every student from vibrant performing and visual arts, to a thoughtful physical education program focused on sportsmanship, teamwork and the scholar-athlete that culminates with 24 varsity sports.

St. Margaret’s says the true answer resides in the school’s Episcopal identity, shared mission and deep commitment to nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of every student, who they are today and who they are becoming for tomorrow. This focus on a “transformational Tartan experience,” is vitally important work, and it fosters a spirit of excellence and innovation in every aspect of the St. Margaret’s experience.

St. Margaret’s is a premier, independent college-preparatory school educating 1,234 students in preschool through grade 12. The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates. California Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, Emory University, Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame, Princeton University and Stanford University are some of the fine institutions that welcomed St. Margaret’s graduates from the Class of 2017 this fall.

St. Margaret’s is situated on a picturesque 22-acre campus with world-class technology-rich learning environments, including dedicated performing and visual arts centers, library, 18 maker spaces and studios for science, computer science, engineering, robotics and media art, technology labs, athletics fields, gymnasiums and campus commons.

St. Margaret’s students and 2,200 alumni are recognized for their integrity, character, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others.

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org

BY JIM TAYLOR

An average of one per day. That is the estimated number of people who die by suicide in Orange County. It is probable that number is higher, maybe even much higher given the overall stigma casting a shadow on not just suicide but mental health issues in general. Religious and societal pressures can cause suicides to go unreported as a cause of death. This stigma is very present in death and it can be worse in life.

But what about our children?

According to the latest statistics regarding suicide and self-harm from the Orange County Health Care Agency, San Clemente is included in the cities with the highest teen suicide rate. At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) annual conference held in Irvine this year, it was revealed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now tracking suicides in 8-10-year-olds.

In an informal survey conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with eighth-graders in Pennsylvania, a rhetorical question was asked.

“Give me an example of an adult you would talk to if you were struggling.”

The students were silent. When asked why they wouldn’t even tell their parents if they might have thoughts of suicide, the response was, “because your parents want you to do well, so I’d be ashamed to tell them.”

Even in children there is shame in admitting a mental issue.

Why? Stigma.

There is no shame in telling someone you have the flu. People don’t get embarrassed if they have cancer. Somehow, we need to alleviate and ultimately remove the barriers society has put in place to discourage people—and our children—from discussing something that can be harmful or even fatal.

So how do we do it?

• Talk about what happens in the news. When a story surfaces on the news about a suicide, talk about it. At times, people who cannot conceive the thought of taking their own lives will denigrate the victim. Yes, victim. Saying things like the individual was a “fool,” “how could they do this to their family” or sweeping it under the carpet with the “they were sick” comment doesn’t help.

To a person without suicidal thoughts this bounces off of them. However, to a person currently struggling, it reinforces the idea that their thoughts are sick, hurtful to others and selfish. Talking about suicide casually in conversation without labeling can work wonders in letting someone know that per-

Mental Health

DISCUSSION EARLY STARTING THE

How to encourage teens to reach out when they need help

haps they can be helped.

• Words are powerful and so are the way they are phrased. Most people in the suicide prevention arena do not use the phrase that someone “committed suicide” as though the person committed a crime. We say, “died by suicide.” Even the Associated Press has included this in their style guidelines, and the California Department of Education utilizes this phrase on their Youth Suicide Prevention page. The Suicide Hotline has been renamed to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline too. Simple changes like these can start to promote positive change.

• Attend a workshop or orchestrate one. Many suicide prevention organizations, including AFSP, have presentations and seminars on the subject, including training on how to speak to someone who appears to be struggling. They also discuss how to provide resources to those who need them most, and ultimately, get them to a healthcare professional who can help.

• Get involved with a mental health or suicide prevention organization. Even just showing up at an event and being present

makes a huge difference. There is comfort in knowing you are not alone. Almost 2,000 people attended the Out of the Darkness Walk in Fountain Valley last September. This was an event to shine a light on suicide, to get people talking about suicide and to lessen the stigma associated with it.

• Give them a safe environment to talk. If you have the slightest suspicion that your child may be depressed or if they are becoming more withdrawn, talk to them about it in a positive way. People get sad and some people get more than sad. The thought that a person has something wrong with them mentally, and that possible illness is a societal taboo, only compounds the problem. If they feel safe talking about it they will. You need to make them feel safe before they will open up.

The mental health world is changing for the better, but it is a slow change. This year, Governor Brown signed AB 2246 which requires California schools to adopt suicide prevention policies for students in grades seven through twelve. We can keep the momentum going by changing the way we think about mental health issues, reduce and eliminate the stigma, shine a light on the problem and save lives.

Jim Taylor is the Chairman for the Orange County Chapter of

Freshman Advantage

Saddleback College smooths the transition to higher education

BY JAMIE CARGO

Leaving high school for college can feel as scary as entering the haunted house down the street. But don’t worry, Saddleback College is here to illuminate the path to your success.

Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) high school students can start by taking Counseling 100 for free in the spring. Saddleback College brings professional counseling expertise to the high schools, where students can learn about concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities. The college plans to expand its concurrent enrollment soon by offering a variety of college courses at each area high school.

The class of 2018 can also get in on the Freshman Advantage program, designed for new incoming freshman of any age who will be attending Saddleback College in Fall 2018. Eligible students can enroll in classes before the majority of continuing students.

Counseling 100 and Freshman Advantage help students receive priority registration and get the classes they need to hit the ground running during their first semester in college.

Maybe you haven’t found a career you love yet. At Saddleback, you can choose from over 300 associate degrees, certificates and occupational skills awards in 190 program areas taught by a faculty renowned for its expertise, experience and commitment to student success.

Give back as you learn

Over the summer, students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) began creating upper limb assistive devices for those in need through the e-NABLE hand project, a group of volunteers

from across the globe that use 3D printers to create free prosthetics.

The Saddleback College team recently advanced to creating its own design by integrating Arduino Uno technology with a sensor that detects electrical activity of muscles to control robotic hand movements of the device. Using a 3D CAD design software, students engage in group projects led by engineers from San Clemente’s Swift Engineering Inc., and faculty and staff from Saddleback College. Students get real world experience involving physics, engineering, manufacturing, mathematics and computer science, which will help them explore potential majors and careers.

“The students are learning as much from each other as they are from us,” said Katlin Choi, the grant project manager. “They learn project management aspects such as how to brainstorm and make decisions as a team and how to take a lead role for a particular project component as well as the content of the project.”

Mechanical engineering major Chris McDonald found the project challenging and fulfilling.

“I’m surprised by the complexity of this project and that it’s almost impossible to replicate the natural hand,” he said. “Being able to apply the knowledge I’ve learned in a way that helps out someone else is very rewarding. I want to make an impact in this world and doing a small project like this is one step closer to doing that.”

Bryce Martin, a second-year mechanical engineering major, discovered a career path, saying, “I found through helping in the project that I want to pursue an internship next summer with a company that designs and manufactures prosthetics.”

The students in turn inspire the faculty.

Larry Perez, chair of the Computer Science Department, said, “I’m very excited to be part of this project working alongside our students promoting (STEM) awareness in the spirit of the maker movement.”

Jamie Cargo serves as the public information officer at Saddleback College, which provides dynamic, innovative and student-centered postsecondary education and training to the greater South Orange County community. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.

Innovative Minds

Nurturing the entrepreneurship drive in children and teens

BY RYAN DAHLEM

The concept of entrepreneurship has certainly evolved as it applies to young people in recent years. For many parents, entrepreneurship evokes memories of running a neighborhood lemonade stand with the thrill of tending a cash box while learning the basics of a balance sheet. Today, however, the barriers of entry to starting a business are so low that a young person with access to the internet and a desire to change the world can set out to do just that.

Children and teens should be encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied not only in the alluring world of start-ups, but more importantly, in how they approach bringing ideas into reality, whether it be a new app or considering where they may attend college. Here are five areas of focus for developing an entrepreneurial mindset:

1. Be a “need finder,” not a “problem solver.” While it is tempting to begin by developing a solution to an assumed problem, the best entrepreneurs are experts at finding true needs. To identify needs, talk to people. Conduct ethnographic interviews with them about their daily experiences and listen for true needs that would make their lives better if solved. That is the beginning of a compelling product or solution.

2. Learn the design thinking process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test). Innovators have been implementing this process for years and it has yielded a variety of game-changing inventions, from the computer mouse to the stand-up toothpaste tube. Empathizing with your potential “end-user,” defining needs from their point of view, “ideating” solutions through brainstorming, prototyping rough versions of your solutions to test with your end-users for feedback, and then iterating your prototype based on feedback accelerates the design process and moves you toward innovative solutions more quickly. This method is best described by the Stanford d.school where you can take a free design thinking workshop.

3. Don’t go it alone. Entrepreneurs know the value of networking within an ecosystem and the creative power of “radical collaboration,” as described by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Stanford University d.school professors and authors of “Designing Your Life.” Creativity is contagious and idea sharing

breeds better ideas. Young people should connect with one another about their creative ideas and seek mentors who can share valuable lessons from paths already traveled and provide inspiration to take new risks.

4. Failure is part of the process. Thinking like an entrepreneur means acting on an idea that often involves taking risks. Things rarely succeed on the first try. That’s okay! Think back to the design process—it’s time to iterate and test again. “Failure is not the opposite of success,” said Jason Goldberg, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School alumnus ‘13 and entrepreneur. Jason is the founder and president of VYRL, an exchange-based ecosystem for influencers and brands, and has partnered with St. Margaret’s on a high school entrepreneurship course. “Failure is a means of learning important lessons to be applied later.” This can be difficult for young people who have been insulated from failure in other aspects of their lives. A helpful mantra used by many entrepreneurs is to “fail forward.”

5. Start with your passion! Young people sometimes have a difficult time identifying a passion. Instead, ask them, “If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do with it?” Entrepreneurs invest an incredible amount of time in their projects, and your passion is a good place to start need-finding through research and talking to people. “I had a passion for video games growing up,” Goldberg said. “So, my first companies were in that space. That’s when I realized I could own the servers the players were playing on.”

Encouraging young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset has benefits that extend far beyond founding the next big invention or start-up. Believing one can bring an idea into reality, and possessing the skills to do so, will not only affect the way they see the world, but also their outlook on themselves and what is possible in their futures.

Ryan Dahlem is the Assistant Head of School for Strategic Initiatives with St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and is leading the development of an entrepreneurship program based in innovation and design thinking methodology. Mr. Dahlem has participated in design thinking workshops including the Educator’s Workshop for Entrepreneurial Studies and Innovative Learning Conference, and teaches an entrepreneurial studies course at St. Margaret’s.

Nourishment for the Soul

Creative programs offer teens a self-expression outlet; prepares them for future beyond school

BY RACHAEL GARCIA

Many parents assume that creativity is an inherent talent that their kids are either born with or not. But creativity can be more of a skill than inborn talent, and it is a skill parents can help their kids foster.

This is something Heather Linberg of Rancho Santa Margarita, did for her daughter Ava Domini. Domini, a 14-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist whom has performed solo at the House of Blues Anaheim, Los Angeles and New Orleans, among other venues, was exposed to different instruments at a young age.

“I would leave instruments out for her to experiment with when she was a toddler, just as I would leave vegetables out so that Ava would learn to grab for them rather than unhealthy snacks when she was hungry,” Linberg said.

Constant exposure lead to skill, passion and a healthy outlet for Ava to express herself.

At eight years old, Domini learned how to play a whole song in her first 45-minute guitar lesson which lead Linberg to find in-house instructors and after school programs where her daughter could strengthen her skills.

Linberg believes it’s important that Ava interacts with other kids who share the same interests and dedication. She did a lot of research and one of the places she found was Community Outreach Alliance (COA).

COA is a nonprofit organization based in San Clemente that offers fun and healthy activities to the community to help curb the use of drug and alcohol abuse among teens. They also offer acoustic guitar lessons, piano lessons and an improv comedy night.

Domini attends COA’s open mic nights for teens, where she connects and networks with other teens who also use creative outlets to express themselves.

“Whenever I’m emotional, happy or sad, being able to express myself through playing or writing a song helps cleanse my feelings,” Domini said.

Orange County High School of the Arts

Some teens crave a different high school experience, rather than just after school programs, where other teens and instructors

who are dedicated to creative outlets surround them. In such cases, these teens can apply for admission to the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCSA).

Olivia Ross of Ladera Ranch was a gymnast and a violist getting ready to start high school at San Juan Hills. Her mom Valerie Ross had always encouraged her to participate in enrichment programs.

“I always wanted something more fulfilling for Olivia, something that she can take with her throughout her life,” Valerie said.

Olivia was passionate about both of her extra-curricular activities, but gymnastics was taking up all of her time. She decided that she wanted to focus all of her attention on the viola. The very day she quit gymnastics, she decided to apply to OCSA.

“OCSA is a positive environment where the passion for arts is contagious and everyone can be themselves,” Olivia said.

Students at OCSA score 20 percent higher than the state average on the SATs and ACTs. Forty-six percent of OCSA alumni go on to have math and science careers, and 54 percent continue with careers in music.

Olivia’s mom Valerie noticed that whenever she goes to productions, the student body that participates in the music program is passionate about life, education and music.

“The level of dedication spills over into all areas of their lives. It definitely helps them prepare for the future beyond high school.”

OTHER CREATIVE PROGRAMS IN THE TRI-CITY AREA

The Ceramic Studio in San Juan Capistrano: Offers ceramics classes for children ages 2 to 17. They are located at 31878 Del Obispo, Suite 106, and can be reach at 949.412-9241 or at www.theceramicsstudio.com.

Tspoons Cooking Classes in San Juan Capistrano: Offers child and teen cooking classes and camps. They are located at 31770 Camino Capistrano, Suite D and can be reached at 949.218.5218 or at www.tspoons.com.

Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano: Provides instrumental instruction in guitar, drums, piano and all rock instruments, as well as vocals, songwriting, theory, sight-reading, engineering and recording. They are located at 32124 Paseo Adelanto, Suite 5 and can be reached at 949.456.1081 or at www.losriosrockschool.com.

On Stage at the Coach House: Tal Wilkenfeld

BY ALLISON JARRELL, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Tal Wilkenfeld, a renowned Australian singer, songwriter, bassist and guitarist, is stopping by The Coach House on Wednesday, Nov. 8, for a show that is sure to be filled with enough rock ‘n’ roll to satisfy fans of the genre.

The 30-year-old musician got a remarkably early start on her career. After coming to New York City in 2006 as a teen, she found herself playing with the Allman Brothers onstage before releasing her instrumental debut, Transformation, touring with Chick Corea, and eventually joining Jeff Beck’s world tour. Wilkenfeld also played at Eric Claption’s 2007 Crossroads Festival in Chicago—a performance that became one of her defining breakout moments.

Wilkenfeld relocated to Los Angeles and recorded with artists such as Prince, Macy Gray, Jackson Browne, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr and Brian Wilson. Encouragement from Jeff Beck and her collaboration with Jackson Browne motivated Wilkenfeld to transition to singing and songwriting as well.

Most recently, Wilkenfeld released her first single, “Corner Painter,” and opened for The Who during their The Who Hits 50! Tour. She’s now headlining her own tour and will be performing in cities across California this fall.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

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

At the Movies: Oh, Pooh: ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The term “Oscar bait” has lost nearly all of its meaning the past few years, with most just using the phrase for films they don’t like. Oscar bait is usually attributed to dramatic costume dramas with sweeping music scores, or weepy dramas, or romantic “dramadies,” and so on. Of course, not all of these types of films are complete schlock, but the stereotype still exists and is proven all the same. The latest victim of this trope might be Goodbye Christopher Robin

In WWI, playwright Alan A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) serves in the war and ultimately suffers long-term posttraumatic stress disorder back home. His wife Daphne (Margot Robbie) doesn’t understand his suffering and frustration, but soon they welcome a son into the family named Christopher “Billy” Robin (Will Tilston and Alex Lawther). While stuck without Daphne or nanny Nou (Kelly Macdonald) for a weekend, Alan is inspired to write a children’s book while playing with Billy.

Director Simon Curtis tries another hand at biopics after My Week with Marilyn (2011) with Goodbye Christopher Robin It isn’t terrible or insufferably schmaltzy, but it is still flawed, unfortunately. The first act has some surprisingly rushed editing, and the tone of the film is rather bleak for a piece on the author of Winnie the Pooh. Granted, the real family’s life did have serious moments, but this is a film that probably would’ve benefitted from some sugar coating along the lines of Saving Mr. Banks (2013). Christopher Robin is informative, but not entirely enjoyable. SC

The Red Sea

Hundreds march down Avenida Del Mar to promote anti-drug use

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The nationwide epidemic of drug abuse and overdoses has required the diligence of community outreach to try to curb these issues. Red Ribbon Week, an annual drug abuse awareness week campaign held during the last week of October, was celebrated amongst San Clemente schools, city officials and community members with a parade and pep rally down Avenida Del Mar on Oct. 23.

Founded by the National Family Partnership in 1985, the Red Ribbon Campaign was created to encourage citizens to take a stance against drug abuse.

San Clemente has been an active participant in the national awareness week for more than 20 years, encouraging youth in the local community to pledge abstinence of illicit and addictive drug use. Every school in the city was represented during the parade.

San Clemente’s Mayor Kathy Ward and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Brown spoke to the audience of hundreds and asked them to promise to stay away from drugs—the theme of this year’s Red Ribbon Week is “The Future is Key; Stay Drug Free.”

According to a report released in August from the Orange County Health Care Agency, as of 2015, San Clemente continued to have one of the highest drug overdose hospitalizations and death rates in the county. As discussions among legislators, advocates and families affected by these issues continue, opioid abuse and deaths due to heroin and fentanyl overdoses continue to increase at an alarming rate. SC

FROM THE ARCHIVES

BIRDS

OF A FEATHER “I remember talking with the human of the pair; he told me he and the pelican were often side by side while fishing,” Ed Brownson said of this 2002 photo he captured at the San Clemente Pier. Every week, the San Clemente Times will publish a historical photo. Online, SC Times will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photos, please provide information about the photo along with your name for credit to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.

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

Pet of the Week: Piper

Always ready to greet you at the door with a friendly meow, Piper is a particularly attentive kitty looking to find her forever human. She is 3 years old and has a mellow, happy personality. With her pretty green eyes and sweet disposition, Piper would be a good match for almost any household. If you would like to know more about Piper, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. SC

Times

City of San Clemente celebrates Oktoberfest at North Beach

At a new location this year, San Clemente’s Oktoberfest continued the flow of fun—and beer—during its annual Oktoberfest. This year’s event took place at North Beach with various competitions and revelry.

Stein-holding contests, hula-hooping with beer, keg bowling, music by San Clemente locals Tunnel Vision and more was enjoyed by patrons.

To see a full photo gallery of San Clemente’s Oktoberfest in North Beach, visit this article online at www.sanclementetimes.com. SC

Clockwise from top:

Hula-hooping while drinking a beer is probably harder than it looks, as showcased at the San Clemente Oktoberfest on Oct. 21.

The men’s stein-holding competition was a test of endurance during the San Clemente Oktoberfest on Oct. 21.

Musical performances of all kinds took place at the San Clemente Oktoberfest, as Vinnie and the Hooligans displayed on Oct. 21 at North Beach.

Photos: Rachael Garcia, for the San Clemente Times

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

Searching for Famed Penguin Glen Miller

In the 1940s, the song “Tuxedo Junction” was the name of a No. 1 hit by bandleader Glen Miller. In a four-year period, Miller had 23 number-one hits, more than Elvis or The Beatles. On Dec. 15, 1944, during World War II, while Miller was in Europe entertaining our troops, his plane disappeared over the English Channel.

In 1984, the San Francisco Zoo opened a temperature-controlled enclave to house 69 magellanic penguins that had come from the Patagonia area of Chile. The zoo named the aquarium, “Tuxedo Junction,” as the penguins looked to be wearing natural formal wear.

To help the zoo pay for “Tuxedo Junction,” the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper sponsored a contest to name each penguin. For $50, readers could send in a penguin name, and if the name sent in was chosen to be one of the top 50 names, a plaque with the penguin’s name and the person’s name would be put up at the aquarium.

I entered the Chronicle’s contest. My penguin’s name: Glen Miller. It was one of the 50 winners.

Now, 33 years later, my partner Greta

and I are on a cruise through Patagonia, the most southern part of the world above Antarctica. We have traveled through Chilean fiords, seeing multiple glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

On Saturday, our ship docked in Punta Arenas, Chile, which is two hours away by boat from Magdalena Island, where the Chilean Natural Monument, “Los Pingüinos,” (the Penguins), is located.

By Tom Blake

Greta and I decided to take a tour there to search for penguin Glen Miller, or at least one of his relatives or descendants. Only 30,000 people visit there each year.

We boarded the ferry boat Melinka, for the twohour ride to Magdalena Island, where 120,000 mating magellanic penguins reside from October to February. We were bundled up—winter coats, gloves and Greta even wore earmuffs (with little penguins on them). The temperature was 40 degrees Farenheit. But on the Straights

of Magellan, where the island is located, the wind chill was near 25.

As the Melinka approached the island, there was a buzz among the passengers. We could see penguins walking around on the land. People were excited. We had been briefed by the boat’s personnel to stay on the designated paths and to not touch or feed the penguins.

“Just let them do their thing,” we were told. “Do not use the flash on your camera under any circumstances, as it affects their vision.”

Greta and I stepped ashore. I said, “How are we going to find Glen Miller among 120,000 penguins?”

She said, “A better question is, ‘How are we going to get close enough to one so we can get a photo of you standing near it?’”

That photo-op happened within minutes. I was convinced that Glen Miller’s cousin was staring at me. Greta snapped the photo. Our mission in traveling to the southernmost part of the world had been accomplished.

Our stay on the island was one hour. With numb fingers from the cold, we snapped lots of penguin pictures, as we walked a half-mile up a hill to the monument lighthouse.

Before we knew it, we were back on the boat returning to Punta Arenas. The fivehour journey was well worth our time. And what became of Tuxedo Junction at the San Francisco Zoo? It’s now the largest captive magellanic penguin colony in the world and is called Penguin Island. Many penguins have been born there and shipped to other zoos.

Greta and I felt very blessed to visit their native land.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50. com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55. com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. SC

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Best Ball

Marc Reyes wins city golf title in tourney debut

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Maybe course knowledge isn’t what it’s all cracked up to be. Marc Reyes of Torrance won the San Clemente Men’s Amateur Golf Championship on Oct. 22 despite never playing the tricky San Clemente Municipal Golf Course before. Rather than scout out the grounds or get a practice round in before competing for the city’s highest golfing honor, the former Orange Coast College golfer decided to tee it up blind and test his luck.

The strategy paid off, as Reyes, 22, carded back-to-back rounds of 68 (-4) to shoot a winning total of 136 (-8), clearing 2016 champion Mark Warman by one shot. Warman, who set the tournament scoring record one year ago, had a quiet opening round of 71 (-1), but charged back into contention early in Sunday’s second round. Warman shot a 66 (-6), good for the low round of the day, but it was not enough to catch the long-hitting Reyes.

During his first round Reyes noticed he

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

SC’s Running Attack Too

Much for San Juan Hills in 31-13 Win

It didn’t take long for the San Clemente football team to establish a running attack playing on the road against San Juan Hills on Oct. 20.

On just the third play from scrimmage, senior running back Austin Whitsett took the ball through a host of Stallion defenders for a blistering 73-yard touchdown run. San Clemente continued to pile up yards running the ball, scoring all of their touchdowns on the ground in a 31-13 South Coast League victory.

Led by Whitsett, who ran for a seasonhigh 172 yards and two touchdowns, San

could take advantage of his length off the tee. He began to swing away without fear on most of the Muni’s par-4’s and par-5’s.

“On certain holes it opens up if you hit it far enough,” Reyes said. “I love hitting driver off the tee. If I have a chance, I will.”

Reyes opened his tournament on the back nine on Saturday, where he birdied the par-4 16th and par-4 18th holes to go out in 2-under-par. He lost a ball playing the front nine, his final nine, but still came in at 4-under for the round.

On Sunday, playing in the second-to-last group, he kept the pressure on the field, firing off six birdies and two bogeys to finish.

“Today, I played a lot safer. I didn’t take too many risky shots like yesterday. I was just trying to keep it in play and finish strong,” Reyes said.

Reyes grew up in Torrance and attended Venice High School. He lettered in golf and went on to play one year at OCC before putting the clubs down to focus on his education. He is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at California State University, Northridge, but still makes time for golf.

As for what he thought of the Muni and his blind approach strategy?

“Honestly, the course has teeth. It looks easy but, honestly, the greens were very tricky, especially the speed. I really had to adjust. I could tell there was a lot of local knowledge out there,” Reyes said. SC

Clemente’s backs ran for a combined 326 yards. Quarterback Brendan Costello rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown and Sean Turcotte added 85 yards and a score.

Offensive linemen Thomas Wade, Deven Harrington, Tyson Mehrens, Jack Bystry and Brayden Young paved the way up front.

“We knew coming in we needed to run the ball. It’s all pretty much our offensive

line,” Whitsett said. “I think that was our best job collectively that we’ve had in the run game this season.”

The ground attack allowed San Clemente (8-0, 2-0 league) to control the clock and put together efficient drives.

San Clemente forced a San Juan Hills (5-4, 1-2) three-and-out to start the second quarter and the Stallions did not see the ball again until the second half. The

Tritons strung together a massive 22-play drive that ate up nearly 10 minutes and 30 seconds off the clock. San Clemente was a perfect 4 for 4 on third-down conversions and converted a fourth down on the drive. San Clemente drove down inside the Stallions’ five-yard line, but San Juan Hills made a defensive stand that forced Tristan Trager to kick a 21-yard field goal. Trager’s kick gave San Clemente a 10-6 lead at the half.

San Clemente’s defense helped keep the Stallions off the field as well. Raymond Ferrell intercepted a pass three minutes into the third quarter, setting up another lengthy San Clemente drive that ended with a three-yard Costello touchdown run. Whitsett’s second score, a 33-yard burst up the middle, came at the start of the fourth quarter and made it 24-6.

Turcotte, who came on to replace Whitsett with the game out of reach, exploded for a 66-yard touchdown run minutes later. Turcotte shed several tackles on his way to the end zone.

The win moved San Clemente up to No. 8 in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 polls.

San Clemente will host Trabuco Hills (2-6, 0-2) for its homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 27. The Tritons are on track to play Mission Viejo (9-0, 3-0) for the South Coast League title on Nov. 3. (Cont. on page 30)

Triton Report (Cont. from page 28)

Water Polo Awaits Playoff Pairings

A strong finish to the regular season has the San Clemente boys water polo team in position to be a high seed in the upcoming CIF-SS playoffs.

The Tritons, who defeated rivals Aliso Niguel and Dana Hills down the stretch of the regular season, were ranked 17th in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 & 2 polls. The top-8 teams in the rankings will be sectioned off into Division 1 and the remaining teams will compete for the Division 2 title.

San Clemente was scheduled to play its final regular season game against Capistrano Valley on Oct. 25. Results were not available at press time.

Kalez Advances to Golf Championships

A 3-over-par score of 74 ensured San Clemente’s Julia Kalez will continue her run through the high school golf postseason.

The senior navigated her way around the Dad Miller Golf Course in Anaheim on Oct. 24 in the CIF-SS Southern Individual Regional tournament. Kalez finished in a tie for 14th place, which earned her a berth in the CIF-SS Individual Finals at River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard on Thursday, November 2. Only the top 36 golfers from the Southern Individual Regional advanced to the next stage of competition.

Sophomore Mariana Gandia-Mak and senior Olivia French also qualified for the Southern Individual Regional.

The Tritons, who went a perfect 14-0 during the regular season, will compete as a team at CIF-SS Southern Team Regional tournament at Mile Square Golf Course on Monday, Oct. 30.

Tennis Splits League Title with Dolphins, Heads to League Finals

The South Coast League was again de-

cided by the final match between the Dana Hills and San Clemente girls tennis teams.

Dana Hills took the first of the two meetings between the teams, but San Clemente was able to take the second on Oct. 12 and share the league title with their rivals.

San Clemente has now won at least a share of the league title each in the last four seasons.

San Clemente wrapped up the regular season with a 16-3 overall record, including a 7-1 mark in league. The team will compete in the South Coast League finals, which begin on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Lindsay Hung has yet to drop a match this season in singles competition. She enters the league finals tournament as the No. 1 overall seed.

Cross Country Teams Head to League Finals with Momentum

Both the San Clemente girls and boys cross country teams had strong showings at meets around Southern California last weekend, priming the two teams for next week’s Sea View League Finals.

The girls team placed third in the sweepstakes race at the Riverside Invitational on Oct. 21. The team was led by Hana Catsimanes, who placed 16th overall with a time of 18 minutes 31 seconds.

The showing vaulted the team up to 13th in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 polls, their highest showing to-date.

The boys team sent its top-21 runners to the Mt. SAC Invitational on Oct. 21. The freshmen group placed 10th, the sophomores placed fourth and the varsity squad logged a 10th-place finish.

Both teams will run at league finals at Irvine Regional Park on Friday, Nov. 3.

Volleyball Closes Out Season at Redondo Tourney

A run through the Redondo Union Power Classic tournament marked the end of the San Clemente girls volleyball’s season on Oct. 21.

The Tritons (16-16, 0-8 league) went 4-2 at the tournament, defeating Buena, West, Palos Verdes and Westlake.

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

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

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

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL

accuratetermitecontrol.com 949.837.6483

Colony Termite Control 1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL

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

REALTORS

Scott Kidd, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 949.498.0487, skidd@bhhscal.com

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

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

dwells@picketfencemedia.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

APARTMENT FOR RENT

North Beach- 3 blocks to the ocean, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, includes garage, laundry and large, private patio. $2,100/month. 949-249-6728 or 845-490-2856

ROOMATE WANTED

Quiet Roommate wanted to share condo with older woman. Separate bedroom/bath and entrance. Parking. White water ocean view. $850 per month. No smoking or parties. Call Sheila 949-683-4494

2012 HONDA RUCKUS SCOOTER

Excellent condition and barely used (323 miles). All black. $1700; cash only. Email norbincalif@gmail. com if interested.

YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER A/T TIRES

Set of four used Yokohama Geolander A/T tires with roughly 10k miles on them. $250 for the full set. Cash only. norbincalif@gmail.com.

SATURDAY

4, 2017 8am-12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De

Mares.

NOW HIRING

Americas Rehab Campuses is hiring for the following positions for two 6-bed residential programs in Dana Point with a continuum of PHP, IOP and Outpatient: RN • LVN • Therapist • BHT. Please contact Gina at 520-526-1001 or gramirez@ azrehabcampus.com.

PPC Industries, Inc. (d/b/a Pexco) seeks Plant Manager, San Clemente in San Clemente, CA, to lead & oversee the manufacture & production, quality, safety maintenance, materials management & distribution of plastic extrusion/molding products. Bach + 10 yrs exp. Proficiency in Spanish (written & spoken). To apply visit www.pexco.com/about-us/ careers.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

The Art of Upcycling

Unique surfboard building contest puts a premium on creativity and sustainability

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

When it comes to making the ocean a little bit bluer, for three years now the Upcycle Contest, sponsored by surf company Vissla, has put sustainable, recyclable surfboard construction in the spotlight where it deserves. Partnering with the Surfrider Foundation, the objective of the contest was “to take something that might be considered waste and create something that can be used in the ocean.”

This year, the festivities fittingly took place at the beautiful The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano on Oct. 20. On hand was a collection of ingenious surfboard builders from around the world who have made a concerted effort to make boards using discarded and recycled materials. Judging the contest was former

shaper and Vissla founder Paul Naude, as well as Dana Point-based designer Donald Brink and Ecology Center owner Evan Marks. What started as a grassroots movement of eclectic creatives has blossomed into something special, as the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail continues to reach new levels. Organic hors d’oeuvres were prepared by a host of local chefs and refreshments were supplied courtesy of ONEHOPE Winery and Docent Brewing. Meanwhile, Naude, Brink and Lane had the unenviable task of picking a winner.

In 2016, France’s François Jaubert won the Upcycle Contest with a board made out of recycled cardboard. Jaubert, who’s based part-time out of San Clemente, returned this year with a board built from old wood pallets and recycled styrofoam. He shaped the fins out of cardboard and fiberglass scraps he scrounged from a surf shop in Biarritz. Meanwhile, Shane Swindler took a stand-up board he acquired when he purchased a boat and converted it into a stylish little shortboard, complete with a trailer to cart the board down to the beach. The board was made using the core of the SUP, while Swindler was able to construct the trailer with the perimeter of the blank, as well as wood from a “1913 building and old aluminum golf cart wheels.”

The real showstopper of the evening came in the form of a surfboard made using 10,000 cigarette butts. Industrial

designer Taylor Lane spent over a year gathering every discarded cigarette butt he could from the beaches up and down California. He then applied his experiences engineering posture-perfect backpacks and self-sustaining wall gardens to build one very unique surfboard.

Billing his project, the “Roach Tail,” Lane figured out a way to use over 10,000 cigarette butts to make the core and fins of a surfboard. He then utilized EPS foam and fiberglass cut-offs from a nearby surfboard factory, as well as styrofoam he picked up at a local fish market, to shape and build a fully functional keel-fin, swallow-tail fish. Lane then laminated the board using soybased Entropy Resin.

In the end, Lane’s Roach Tail topped them all. Jaubert and Swindler finished second and third, respectively. For their efforts, all three designers were awarded a Vissla shopping spree.

“Everyone should be extremely proud of their work, this contest continues to demonstrate what happens when creativity and sustainability come together,” Naude said. Ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness of this nature deserves to be celebrated. When Vissla’s Upcycle Contest first started it was just something different, today, it’s turning into a full-blown movement. Thanks to a bounty of extremely creative entries, the contest continues to push sustainable surfboard construction in a very positive direction, and that’s something we should all be able to get behind. SC

SAWYER LINDBLAD

I

f Taj Lindblad isn’t careful, his little sister’s going to knock him right off the podium. Surfing in the NSSA Southwest Conference contest at Seaside Reef a week ago, young Sawyer Lindblad battled her way to a third-place finish in the Open Girls division and a very respectable second-place finish in the Open Super Girls. The contest results come in the wake of a busy summer and fall for Lindblad. She’s been participating and training with the U.S. National Development Surf Team, which has provided her with ample competitive experience and could be a pathway to bigger and better accolades in the future. She’s also recently picked up the support of women’s surfwear brand Roxy, adding their iconic logo to the nose of her board. With luminaries like world champions Lisa Andersen and Stephanie Gilmore leading the way for her, it makes sense that she’s “beyond stoked” to join the Roxy team. A graceful, fluid goofy-footer with a potent forehand hack, between Sawyer and her brother Taj, San Clemente has a dangerous brother-sister duo that’s already good and seems to get better with every heat they surf. SC

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 67-69 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair

Thursday: Fading SSW and NW swells set up waist-chest high surf (3-4’) at many breaks, with some lingering larger sets up shoulder high+ (5’) at standout spots.

Outlook: Easing and smaller surf prevails for Friday and into the weekend, with most breaks topping out around waist high (2-3’+), while best breaks are a little better. Pleasant fall weather and light wind also prevails.