Call or email Susie Lantz at 949.388.7700, ext 111 or slantz@picketfencemedia.com
Call or email Susie Lantz at 949.388.7700, ext 111 or slantz@picketfencemedia.com
Lantz at 949.388.7700, ext 111 or slantz@picketfencemedia.com.
Five things San Clemente should know this week
Scheduled for Nov. 4 at Park Semper Fi, The Marine Monument
THE LATET: At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation will host a Veterans Day ceremony and dedicate the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines insignia plaque at Park Semper Fi.
Speakers will include Ret. Col. Stewart Navarre, the former commanding officer of the Marines 5th Regiment, and Lt. Col. Warren Cook, the current commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, the city of San Clemente’s adopted Marine Unit.
WHAT’S NEXT: Any resident who has a loved one who has died and served in the military can be honored by having the American flag flown at City Hall, said Wayne Eggleston, the executive director of the Heritage Foundation, which is part of a program that was started by San Clemente resident George Key. “This can be a funeral flag or one supplied to the family or another American flag,” Eggleston said. “A small ceremony is done at the time of hoisting the flag. The South Coast Detachment of the Marine Corps League will continue with this tradition.”
All branches of the military will be honored. Contact Wayne Eggleston at heritage@marinemonument.com or contact the city at 949.361.8200. —Eric Heinz
THE LATEST: Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) officials said the motorist who crashed into the fence of the Baron Von Willard Memorial Dog Park, located at 301 Avenida La Pata, at almost midnight on Oct. 27 was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence at the time of the incident.
San Clemente Police Chief Lt. Mike Peters said the motorist drove over the curb and smashed through the fence in a 2008 four-door Mercedes-Benz, which was towed from the scene of the incident. No injuries
were reported from the crash, and the name of the suspect has not yet been released.
WHAT’S NEXT: The city posted an announcement on its website, www.sanclemente.org, on Oct. 28 stating that the park would be closed until the fence of the large portion of the park is mended. City officials said the large portion of the park is expected to be closed for the next few weeks, and the process of seeking bids from companies to repair it has already begun.
Because the cost is estimated to be less than the city’s threshold to spend on the repairs, which is $25,000 or more with a minimum three-bid requirement, maintenance crews will not need to wait for City Council approval.
Additionally, a large bee hive hanging from the shade structure at the small dog park caused the city to close that portion, but officials said the hive was removed during the weekend and the park has been reopened. —EH
THE LATEST: At the Oct. 17 City Council meeting, City Attorney Scott Smith said his firm Best Best & Krieger, which is contracted with the city of San Clemente for legal services, found documents almost 20 years old that show agreements for protective mitigated space in San Clemente, particularly in the Forster Ranch subdivisions.
“Those are the main agreements, and there are some related (agreements) that came after, but they are conditions of approval on city entitlement,” Smith said in a phone interview on Oct. 31. “The projects were created to mitigate (the development of Forster Ranch), and the city required it in most cases. Our position is that because they were designed to mitigate the impacts of urbanization, you can’t urbanize them,” which, Smith said, would include a toll road.
Smith said the city’s position is that, as a third-party beneficiary to those agreements, it would or should have the authority to enforce those agreements.
“It made sense to write the (federal) agencies about this and alert them that we’re paying attention and to encourage them to not undo the agreements,” Smith said.
Smith mentioned the local restrictions, which were voter-approved about 10 to 15 years ago, require unified consensus of using open space for any kind of development.
WHAT’S NEXT: Whether the agreements will give the city any strength in its fight against the Transportation Corridor Agencies remains to be seen. The documents provided to the San Clemente Times by the
city and Best Best & Krieger are linked to this article at www.sanclementetimes.
com. —EH
THE LATEST: The fourth quarterly meeting of the Community Engagement Panel (CEP), a panel of experts and community liaisons that discusses matters related to San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s (SONGS) decommissioning, is scheduled to host the Department of the Navy.
The Navy representatives will discuss the lease of the land where SONGS is located, as well as updates regarding decommissioning of the nuclear power plant.
Additionally, Marri Lopez-Keifer, who is a member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, is being added as a Native American representative to the panel. Lopez-Keifer is replacing a vacancy left by Dr. William Parker of the University of California-Irvine who left earlier in the year, according to Southern California Edison (SCE) officials.
WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Laguna Hills Community Center, located at 25555 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills, with public comment slated for 7:10-8:10 p.m. Educational booths provided by SCE will be available for the public at 4:30 p.m. —Staff
THE LATEST: As the Interstate 5 Pico expansion project continues, traffic lanes are
starting to open and the project is coming to a close.
“On the morning of Oct. 23, the traffic on the I-5 freeway shifted to the most recently constructed bridge at Pico, four general-purpose lanes in each direction of the I-5 in their final configuration,” said Eric Carpenter, a media relations specialist for Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in an email. “The lanes that are not yet open are the HOV lanes— one in each direction—in the median of the freeway.”
Carpenter said work is continuing on the freeway ramps, which will consist of installing lighting, landscaping and irrigation.
WHAT’S NEXT: Regarding what happens next with the freeway on and off ramps, Carpenter said they will eventually be restored to their original design now that the project is entering its final phases.
“While the temporary configurations have met federal highway standards, we understand that some drivers were uncomfortable with how they had to merge on or off the freeway,” Carpenter said. “We understand that major construction like this is an inconvenience and we appreciate the patience of drivers.”
Carpenter said the lanes for merging on and off at some of the ramps have been restored to original lengths.
The northbound on ramps at Avenida Vista Hermosa is still a tight squeeze.
“The entire I-5 South County Improvements Project—through San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente—is set to be completed by early spring 2018,” Carpenter said. “That is subject to change depending upon the amount of rain and any unforeseen issues. We will keep the public updated on an exact date as completion nears.” —EH
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
DEL MAR FARMERS’ MARKET
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
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. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You (BILY) helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY
Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.233.7981. www.sanclementerotary.org.
KIWANIS SAN CLEMENTE
Noon. Kiwanis San Clemente works to help maintain the quality of life for all people through volunteerism. Fratello’s Italian Restaurant, 647 Camino de Los Mares. 949.366.5423. www. sanclementekiwanis.com.
VFW POST 7142 MONTHLY MEETING
6 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7142 monthly meeting will take place. San Clemente Elks Lodge, 1505 N. El Camino Real. 949.464.8391. www.vfw7142.com.
COMPILED BY STAFF
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), recently awarded 719 DrugFree Communities (DFC) grants totaling $89 million through its support program.
The Wellness & Prevention Coalition from San Clemente was one of the grant recipients and will receive $625,000 over 5 years in DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth.
“Our goal is to make San Clemente a safe and drug-free place for our youth,” said Susan Parmelee, LCSW, Program Director. “Prevention is a powerful tool to counteract drug use in our community, and we will use this funding to help youth in San Clemente make healthy lifestyle choices.”
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, created by the DrugFree Communities Act of 1997, is the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use.
More information can be found at www. whitehouse.gov/ondcp.
The 19th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational Gala took place on Oct. 15, and fine artist and landscape painter Rick J. Delanty of San Clemente was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA). For service to the organization and body of work, Delanty received recognition from his peers and the LPAPA Board. Rosemary Swimm, LPAPA’s executive director and San Clemente resident, was on hand to present the award to the artist, who has been with the organization since 2006 and has been a signature member since 2010. LPAPA signature members are artists who have been juried for this level of professional designation by renowned authorities on Impressionism, collectors of plein air art, and artist peers, who have reviewed examples of both their plein air and studio body of work to determine eligibility. The designation of “signature artist” in any artists’ association is an acknowledgment by experts and peers that an artist is worthy of special distinction for his/her remarkable talent and capability in creating a work of art.
Delanty has been invited to participate for the past 10 years consecutively in the Laguna Invitational, which is a week-long event involving the exhibition of 35 nationally-known artists who paint Laguna and
Deputy and Firefighter of the Year • Orange County Fire Authority fire apparatus engineer Brian Brown, left, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy Jeremiah Prescott were honored as the city of San Clemente’s firefighter and deputy of the year, respectively, on Oct. 26 at Wedgewood at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. The awards luncheon was hosted on behalf of the Exchange Club of San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy
its surroundings for a week, then present their works in a culminating exhibition.
Delanty’s artwork may be viewed on his website at www.delantyfineart.com.
Russell Fischer Car Care, located at 1731 N. El Camino Real, will provide free car washes to veterans and current military service personnel on Saturday, Nov. 11. Washes will be given at all Russell Fischer sites located in Norwalk, Huntington Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana and Newport Beach. The free washes are given to honor and recognize those that have and are serving in the armed forces.
For Russell Fischer locations or to obtain more information, email bri@russellfischer. com or visit www.russellfischer.com.
South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (SOCGEMS) will present a discussion titled, “Finding Opals Down Under.” The speakers have gone to Australia at least 12 times since 1985 and have travelled all over the continent looking for opals. This will be a presentation of those trips and how to find your way to the mines of Australia.
Not only will they bring opals with them—both rough and finished, as well as books and maps—they will also be speak-
ing about cultures in the various parts of Australia and their favorite mines in Coober Pedy. Bring your questions or your pieces you’d like identified.
The meeting takes place 7:15-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. socgems.com and find them at www.facebook.com/socgems.
Joel Randall, a freshman at Biola University and resident of San Clemente, was among 153 incoming freshmen who received one of the college’s highest scholarships, the President’s Scholarship, for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Students are considered for this scholarship upon admission to the university based on the combination of their grade point average (GPA) and SAT, both math and English, scores. The average recipient of the President’s Scholarship has a GPA of 3.93.
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.2 to continue to receive the scholarship the following year.
Recipients of the President’s Scholarship were honored at a special reception on Oct. 27.
Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com.
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San Clemente Times Vol. 12, Issue 44. 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: City Council
Corner by Mayor Kathy Ward
s we go into the last two months of 2017, my year as mayor comes to a close and this is my last column as your mayor. I thought it fitting to say something about the past year and tell you about some exciting events coming up.
This year has been a wonder to me. I have been honored to serve as your mayor and I have worked diligently to represent you. The city has reorganized its Community Development, Building Department, Code Enforcement Division and Planning Division. All of this was done to better staff our departments and serve the needs of our changing community.
The wonder I felt this year also comes from this city and its residents. If I ever
ADS ON SCHOOL FENCES ARE ‘UNSIGHTLY’
DON PALMER, San Clemente
We moved to San Clemente in July from Monrovia, our home for 24 years, and we are so glad we chose San Clemente. We are really enjoying all it has to offer.
Having said that, I cannot understand why or how the governing locals allowed business signage to be placed on the fence in front of the high school along the main artery of Avenida Pico. It is absolutely unsightly from the street. I assume the businesses paid the school district for the right to “hang their shingle” on the fence, but that does not justify the view. So I’ve vented my view and will simply look the other way when passing by while I thoroughly enjoy the other 9,999 things that are rewarding about living in San Clemente.
JIM COSHLAND, San Clemente
The foul smell of corruption doesn’t only affect distant places. It is near and far
doubted how much this town and its people mean to each other, the way everyone has responded to this year’s challenges have proven with certainty that San Clemente is important to all, and we are all San Clemente. In only a matter of months, the residents mobilized behind the San Clemente City Council to oppose a toll road though our city. The sudden proposal of a toll road through San Clemente received swift and complete opposition from residents in every corner. There is even a “No Toll Road” sign in the Triton end zone. Like I said before, the opposition comes from every corner, including our high school.
On Nov. 3, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Taste of San Clemente” at The Casino San Clemente. This is a wonderful event and not to be missed.
On Dec. 2, from 5-9 p.m. the Downtown Business Association will host “Puttin’ on the Glitz” and close off Avenida Del Mar. The city decorates El Camino Real and Del Mar with many strands of lights to get you in the holiday mood. The festive events will begin with the annual tree lighting ceremony and snow at 5 p.m. at the San Clemente Community Center, located at
right here in our beloved nation. To find it, as the old adage goes, “follow the money” and look for the politicians who benefit most.
The astronomic waste of our citizen’s money by the bullet train project is an example of corruption maximus. California as well as U.S. taxpayers have been bled and face huge future financial bleeding. Construction unions and companies who have bribed politicians by way of donations and support are mostly to blame. Payoffs include juicy contracts and prevailing (read Sacramento area union) wages paid to ditch diggers in rural areas inflate the payoffs even more.
Closer to home, the money dedicated by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) to the so-called “Settlement Agreement” to the people who have no regard for San Clemente ensured their support in trying to throw San Clemente under the bus. Obviously, Toll Road 241 construction was halted mid-stream until they could pay their way in. The city was thrown under the bus by not only the non-residents, but also those involved in the settlement.
Look at a map, get your pencil and, using common sense, you too can draw a route that connects the 241 along the eastern city limits and connect it with Interstate 5 south of town. It is a no-brainer, but when money is used for influence, common sense and doing the right thing
100 N. Calle Seville, to usher in the spirit of the season, followed by Christmas at the Casa from 5-7:30 p.m. Children can have their picture taken with Santa and delight in a night filled with holiday fun, carolers, cookie decorating and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
I would like to wish the San Clemente High School Tritons continued success. For the residents and business owners of San Clemente, I wish you great success in the holiday shopping season. Shopping locally helps everyone. I hope every company in San Clemente makes their deadlines and quotas set for the year.
I wish everyone peace, joy, health and success in all you do in 2018. My wish is that our city stands strong; facing obstacles with determination and the knowledge that there is an answer to every problem and we will find it together. We are one town, one team. Go Tritons! Mayor Kathy Ward was elected to City Council in 2014 and served as mayor this year. The next mayor of San Clemente is to be appointed by the Council at the Dec. 5 meeting. SC
PLEASE NOTE:
takes a back seat.
By the way, just a small portion of the wasted bullet train money would be enough for the state to buy the TCA’s toll road bonds and convert them to freeways as they originally should have been.
Wake up, people, before our city gets ruined.
GEORGE GREGORY, San Clemente
After failing to build beach parking at the Pier Bowl (because they offered nothing to the residents and citizens but density, crowds and traffic) Wayne Eggleston, Jim Holoway, the down town merchants (DBA) and the Historical Society all tried to misappropriate the $11 million beach parking fund and land for themselves and their friends’ interests.
This resulted in the funds loss through poor and no reporting from legal staff and expensive studies.
Now these same interests are trying to misappropriate our last remaining beach parking for themselves and their friends’ profits.
I now ask you what parking or land use is more important to you and your family? I ask you to list a few of them in order of importance with comments regarding our last open beach parking at North Beach parking and access.
FRANK MARTIN, San Clemente
I respectfully disagree with Mr. Avera’s opinion in the Lew’s Views column in the Oct. 26-Nov. 1 edition of the San Clemente Times regarding the NFL players who choose to take a knee during the playing of our national anthem.
First, I want to point out that their protest is entirely peaceful. They do not shout or make negative gestures. They do not attempt to intimidate fellow players into joining them. They kneel. This is a sign of humility. To me, they are saying in the most respectful way possible that they have a deep concern and they are asking us to consider it.
Three times in his essay, Mr. Avera mentions the wealth and opportunity the players have received as a reason not to demonstrate. But I would like everyone to consider the following things. Yes, the players have acquired much, but that means that they are risking more by their actions. There is no guarantee that they won’t be punished by the league and the fans. They put their careers on the line is an act of bravery. Secondly, let us look at the comments about their compensation in another way: If I pay you a lot, does that mean you have an obligation to ignore injustice?
Our founding fathers were, for the most part, men of means. They risked everything when they spoke out against the injustice of King George III. Should their wealth have kept them silent? I don’t think so.
JOHN WILLIAMS, San Clemente
People justifiably don’t like violent demonstrations. We don’t appreciate demonstrations that obstruct our roads, highways and bridges. Now it appears that large portions of our society don’t like peaceful demonstrations either. What is more American than a demonstration?
As a Vietnam War veteran, I am consistently dismayed by other veterans who fail to continue upholding the oath taken upon induction or enlistment. Our oath did not include defending a flag or a song. It did not include deviating from our oath when our personal opinions differ from circumstances.
The oath we took specifically required defending the Constitution of the United States. That includes the amendments, without exception.
Mr. Avera cites the benefits that NFL players enjoy, which are not available to the majority of the population. These figureheads are seen by many as influential people who can help promote a cause; their occupation neither validates their claim nor invalidates the claims. Their purpose stands on its own merits. By taking a stand of moral consciousness, today’s athletes are following an American tradition that predates the establishment of this country. A tradition that includes Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul-
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Nov. 3 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso
This week’s guest will be Cathy Lee, the director of the San Clemente Senior Center, who will speak about the center’s programs, progress over the last year and more. 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.
Jabbar, Jim Brown and the list goes on. Instead of criticizing the exercising of their rights, it may be beneficial to embrace the goals of their cause to make America an equal opportunity for everyone.
LOBART IKLE, Laguna Beach
I have no fear of goblins, witches, or evil clowns lurking on Halloween.
What really scares me is the meat industry. This is the industry that deprives, mutilates, cages, then butchers billions of cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens annually—animals who feel joy, affection, sadness and pain, as we do. The industry exposes undocumented workers to chronic workplace injuries at slave wages, and exploits farmers and ranchers by dictating market prices.
The industry contributes more to our epidemic of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer than any other, then it bullies health authorities to remove warnings from dietary guidelines.
That sanctions world hunger by feeding nutritious corn and soybeans to animals, instead of people.
The industry generates more water pollution than all other human activities, spews more greenhouse gases than all transportation and destroys more wildlife habitats than all other industries.
These are the things that keep me up at night.
Fortunately, my local supermarket offers a rich selection of plant-based meats, milks, cheeses and ice creams, as well as a colorful display of fresh fruit and veggies. It gives me hope and courage for my future. But I still fear for my friends and neighbors.
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.
SanClemente
What’s going on in and around town this week
COMPILED BY STAFF
Thursday | 02
GARDEN ANGELS
8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. No experience is necessary (they’ll teach you), but you should bring gloves and clippers. No class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.
THANKSGIVING WINE PAIRING TASTING EVENT
7-9 p.m. Wines for Thanksgiving will be offered. $25 tasting fee includes light apps. Call to make reservations in advance. Barnoa Wine Bar, 831 Via Suerte No. 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com
LIVE MUSIC: LEROY
7:30 p.m. The band Leory will perform at Iva Lee’s, 555 N. El Camino Real Suite E. 949.291.4859. www.ivalees.com.
LIVE MUSIC: MIKE DE BELLIS
6-9 p.m., Saxophonist Mike De Bellis plays music for dining and listening Fridays and Saturdays at The Vintage Steak House, 26701 Verdugo St. suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.
FULL MOON HIKE
7-9 p.m. Enjoy the November full moon at The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Listen for owls, bats and other spooky creatures of the night while hiking beneath the moonlit oaks. $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Call for directions. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.
CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS
‘CHARLY’
8 p.m. Emmy-nominated producer/director Pamela Peak and producer Lauren Zeiner bring the On-Impulse Actors back to the Cabrillo Playhouse. The play, Charly, is about a middle-aged man who struggles with disabilities but eventually overcomes them. Tickets are $20.
EDITOR’S PICK
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3: TASTE OF SAN CLEMENTE
6-10 p.m. The annual gathering of the city’s restaurants and chefs will commence at the Taste of San Clemente. Sample various fare of the culinary arts and enjoy an evening of community fanfare. As of Oct. 30, tickets will not be mailed out and no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased online at the San Clemente Chamber website or by calling. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.
Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www.comedyintheoc.com.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit the San Clemente Friends of the Library Bookstore to choose from a large selection of holiday books, DVDs, and audio books all at 50 percent off. Stock up on your favorite CDs at 50 cents each. Scan the extensive fiction area for recent additions of your favorite authors such as Jodi Picoult, Dean Koontz, David Baldacci, Nora Roberts, more. San Clemente Friends of the Library. 242 Avenida Del Mar 949.492.3493. www.ocpl.org/liboc/sc.
VILLAGE ART FAIRE
9-3 p.m. First Sunday of the month, The Village Art Faire offers an array of exceptional work handcrafted by gifted artisans, including fine art, jewelry, woodwork, fused and blown glass, sculpture, ceramics, home decor, candles, knits, botanicals and much more. Free parking is at the library. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.395.7008. www.villagesanclemente.org.
SENIOR CENTER PILATES
9-10 a.m. Join the San Clemente Senior Center in its weekly event of pilates. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.
FREE GUITAR LESSONS
The show runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 12. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949 439.8735. www.pamelapeakproductions. com/charly-2017.
Saturday| 04
LOST WINDS ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Noon-8 p.m. Lost Winds Brewing Company will host an anniversary party with live music, food trucks and beer. The event is for ages 21 and up, no entry fee. 924 Calle Negocio, Suite C, San Clemente. 949.293.3714. www.lostwindsbrewing.com.
DAY OF THE DEAD
12-3 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for their Day of the Dead celebration. Activities include a themed art exhibit, including an altars/ofendas exhibit, face painting, sugar skull making and other crafts, Mariachi music, Aztec dancing and ballet folklorico and live poetry readings. 949.493.1752. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.
BEAVER MOON GONG BATH AND SOUND
7-8:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga’s relaxation specialist, Alan Hostetter, to celebrate this year’s “Beaver Moon” and bid farewell to Daylight Savings Time with a gong bath, sound healing and a guided moon meditation. $20 pre-registration, $30 day of the event. iHeartYoga, 34485 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.org.
OF STAND-UP CLASS REUNION
7:30 p.m. All the performers on this show have gone through Orange County’s Students of Stand-up Comedy Workshop at least once over the last eight years. After only a short time in the comedy business, many have gone on to perform at The Improv, The Ice House, Flapper’s, and The Laugh Factory just to name a few. Jennifer Arundale, Samantha Burgland, Marianne Connors, Allison Ehret, Mario Hirose, Mike Hughes, Adele Lux, Sean McCormack, Jenna Perry and Seth Sultan will perform. Tickets are $12. 2600
5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.
OPEN MIC NIGHT
6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.
KARAOKE AT GOODY’S
8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.
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(Cont. from page 10)
Wednesday | 08
FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB
2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.
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.
WBY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES riter-director Jason Hall’s military drama Thank You for Your Service might as well have been released on Halloween weekend, as its target audience wasn’t compelled enough (based on poor box-office weekend returns) to support it, and it probably wouldn’t have succeeded during any other month. Although it is essentially a loose, modern remake of the classic The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), it appears to be not patriotic enough for some viewers and a bit esoteric for others. Despite the poor box-office feedback, Hall’s film is still a fascinating character study, with an ironic movie title.
Sgt. Adam Schumann (Miles Teller), Specialist Tausolo Aieti (Beulah Koale) and Sgt. Billy Waller (Joe Cole) are returning home after serving tours in Iraq. Adam is having trouble opening
up to his wife Saskia (Haley Bennett) about his experiences; Solo is still reeling from his military tour and doesn’t feel right at home with pregnant girlfriend Alea (Keisha Castle-Hughes); and Billy returns to his house only to discover his fiancée has moved out.
Hall also adapted the script for Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper (2014), and his directorial debut is even more impressive than his previous feature with a Hollywood film legend. The portrayal of soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Thank You is stark and graphic, and takes the theme even further than Sniper did. Teller and Koale give two very strong and emotional performances, and Teller in particular is back in fine form after a string of duds the past couple of years. Thank You borders on anti-war rhetoric and themes, but never overwhelms the viewers with bias. SC
www.sanclementetimes.com
Brand New Custom Home in Southwest San Clemente. Rare opportunity to buy in one of San Clemente’s finest neighborhoods, located 3 blocks from Lost Winds Beach. Designed in a “California Beach House” style, complete with a huge ocean-view deck. Amenities include: Four beds, each with en-suite bath, powder room, upstairs teen room, and wine storage room with glass door. Master suite with fireplace, barn door to walk-in closet, stand-alone soaking tub and walk-in shower. Gourmet kitchen with Wolf range/double oven, drawer microwave and two Bosch dishwashers. 10ft kitchen island, stone countertops, custom cabinetry with soft close drawers and walk-in pantry. 9 ft+ ceilings throughout both levels and 8 ft doors. Complete landscaping and drainage. Tiled roof deck prepped for spa and gas fire pit/ heater, plus decks off the master and front bedroom. Outdoor room with heaters, fan and BBQ. Wired for home automation, Central TV control, Wi-Fi and security. LED lighting. Open House: Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
City of San Clemente hosts free event to give pumpkins to children
BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Ole Hanson Beach Club’s smaller swimming pool was transformed into an interactive pumpkin patch on Oct. 30 where dozens of children swam among the buoyant autumn hallmarks. The city of San Clemente event, called Pumpkin Splash, gave a small pumpkin to each child who participated. For a full photo gallery of the Pumpkin Splash, visit this story online at www.sanclementetimes.com. SC
949.589.0892 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com.
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
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
Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com
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.
VIEW LOT- RUNNING SPRINGSARROWBEAR PARK- 5,500 SQ FT. Close to Snow Valley, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead. $25,000 or trade for equal value. 949-345-5157
FURNITURE FOR SALE
I have: 2 Henredon China Cabinets ... large, glass split doors, glass shelves, lights, 82x44x15 “. Two Marble Top Tables circa 1890. One computer cabinet w/folding door/ Two wooden chairs. Must see to appreciate. Price negotiable. rkgrubbs@prodigy.net
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2017
8am-12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los 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.
Susan Parmelee
Iam pleased to announce that the White House Drug Policy Office awarded $625,000 through the Drug Free Communities program to the Wellness & Prevention Coalition to prevent youth substance use in San Clemente over the next five years. The Wellness & Prevention Center has a new social worker, Lauren Gallegos, who will take on the role of Community Prevention Director. Lauren will be responsible for leading the Wellness & Prevention Coalition as well as other prevention activities in the South Orange County area.
WELLNESS AND PREVENTION
By Susan Parmelee
The Wellness & Prevention Coalition is comprised of community members from 12 different sectors who volunteer their time to assess needs, create goals for change, develop a 12-month plan and implement strategies to lower youth substance use.
The Coalition’s leadership devotes extra time to overseeing the success of the coalition’s goals and strategic plan. The 12-sector leaders are Zulma Diaz representing our youth; the city of San Clemente’s Community Development Director, Cecilia Gallardo-Daly; Pondo Vleisides from Community Outreach Alliance; Sgt. Clayton Cranford from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department; Susan Jenrich from the Outlets at San Clemente; Aron McKay from the Table Community Church; Marci Mednick from Mission Hospital Community Benefit; Jen Anthony, representing parents; William H. Carson from Picket Fence Media; Chris Carter, principal of San Clemente High School; Kelli Krecker-Lewis from National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Orange County; and Mike Darnold from the San Clemente Rotary Club.
Many of the youth and adult Wellness & Prevention Coalition members have received training in evidence-based prevention tools. The philosophy behind the Drug Free Communities funding is that communities know best how to change patterns of youth substance use in their communities.
To receive this funding, the Wellness & Prevention Coalition completed a communitywide assessment through surveys, focus groups and interviews with local key informants involved with youth health and safety. The results of this assessment revealed that our youth could use more support in lowering their use of alcohol and marijuana. While the majority of San
Clemente youth choose not to use alcohol, marijuana and other drugs, the community needs to help lower rates of underage use in order to prevent addiction.
The success of the Wellness & Prevention Coalition’s five-year plan depends on contributions from the community. All Coalition meetings are open to the public and the Coalition depends on communitywide participation to meet the goal of lowering substance use. Please plan to attend town hall meetings and education events that the Coalition sponsors. Participation at these events is vital to building healthy communities. There is also a very active youth coalition, SC Shift, which is focusing on underage drinking. The leaders of this group have received extensive training in proven prevention techniques and invite other youth to join them.
“ While the majority of San Clemente youth choose not to use alcohol, marijuana and other drugs, the community needs to help lower rates of underage use in order to prevent addiction. ”
—Susan Parmelee
We encourage everyone in the community to offer their time, talent or financial support to help our youth lead healthy substance-free lives. The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match, including volunteer time in order for the coalition to continue to receive funding. You can donate online at www.wpc-oc.org. To volunteer time and talent, please email info@www.wpc-oc.org. The Wellness & Prevention Coalition meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-5:30 p.m. in the former Ole Hanson/ San Clemente High School upper campus administration building, now the home of the Wellness & Prevention Center at 189 Avenida La Cuesta.
Susan Parmelee is a mental health social worker and one of the founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center, San Clemente. She can be reached at susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.com. SC
SAN CLEMENTE PIER UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The San Clemente Pier was constructed in 1928, and next year locals will celebrate its 90th birthday. In this photo, planks are applied toward the end of the Pier, as Ole Hanson’s house sits in the background.
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.
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
respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com
leven-month-old Cyan is a spayed Lionhead Lop who is just waiting for the right person to call her own. Having originally come into the shelter in very poor condition, Cyan sometimes takes time to trust people, but once she knows you she is friendly and calm when picked up. She would make a great house bunny for someone who is willing to get to know her and doesn’t mind a bit of grooming. If you would like to know more about Cyan, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC
Battle Gideon won’t let lack of hearing stop him on the field
BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
f there was a football player destined to play with a physical style and relentless motor, there are none with a more fitting name than Battle Gideons.
Battle plays for the Triton Pee Wee Black team of the South Coast Youth Football league. It’s his first season playing tackle football and while he was a main contributor on the Triton’s Orange Bowlwinning championship team, showing great upside and improvement in just a few short weeks, the hurdles he has overcome to do it all are just as impressive.
Battle Gideons was born deaf.
He received his first hearing aid at the age of three, got his first cochlear implant at 16 months and received his second implant in the other ear a month after his sixth birthday.
Now, wearing a special custom helmet that allows him to wear an aid in one ear, Battle is doing what he enjoys most—making plays on the field.
An early interest in basketball made Battle and his family aware that he could be a talented athlete. When Battle would play in youth hoops leagues, his hearing aid would sometimes get swatted off his head by an opposing player and Battle, never one to quit on a play, would not break stride and instead kick the costly device off the court and continue to play on.
That same motor translated to his first year in pads on the football field. Battle found a home at defensive tackle for
the Triton Pee Wee Black team midway through their season. The team beat a Pee Wee team from Santa Margarita 26-6 on Oct. 28 to close out its season with an Orange Bowl championship, thanks in part to the Tritons ability to stop the run on defense.
“(Battle’s) name fits him perfectly,” said Triton Pee Wee Black Coach Brian Bachhuber. “Off the field he’s very unassuming and a very polite, respectful kid. But when he gets on the field he turns it on.”
When the family moved to San Clemente several years ago, Battle, now 12, played in the city’s Friday Night Lights flag football league with reckless abandon.
“He would be just crazy aggressive. His dad would say he was the most penalized kid in flag football,” Battle’s mother, Valli Gideons, said with a laugh. “He kept begging us to let him play tackle.”
Valli and her husband, Christopher, had
their concerns about their son playing tackle football at an early age. There was the possibility that a hit to Battle’s head could dislodge his implant, but the family was assured the odds of that happening were microscopic.
There were also logistical concerns.
Battle has to take one of his hearing aids out when he plays. When he does, his hearing is limited. Speaking with someone one-on-one is no problem for Battle, but a huddle full of excited kids in the middle of a game is a different story. Battle learned to focus in and pay close attention when a play call comes through on the sidelines.
“Sometimes I have to work harder. But I just got used to it,” Battle said.
“He is one of the hardest workers on the team, if not the hardest working,” Bachhuber added.
Another factor that played into Battle having an impressive debut season on the field was the relationship with his father, Christopher. Christopher is a Colonel in the Marines and is the commanding officer of the 1st Marine Regiment stationed at Camp Pendleton. He played middle linebacker at the Virginia Military Institute and passed his love of the game on to his son.
The nature of his job causes him to miss some of Battle’s games, but through the use of an online video app, Christopher can watch tapes of the games while away with the Marines. The two have film study sessions, breaking down plays over the phone. Battle wears the number 52, which is the same number Christopher wore in college.
Battle said his favorite part of the season was the Orange Bowl championship they won this past weekend. The Tritons started the year with a losing 0-3-1 record, but rallied to finish 5-4-1 and claim the Division 4 Championship. SC
Lindsay Hung, Sami Neilson and Jenna Yeam can add the titles of South Coast League champion to their playing resumes.
The trio of San Clemente tennis players swept the top of the podium at the South Coast League finals tournament on Oct. 30. Hung, who has yet to lose a match all season, won the league singles title. Neilson and Yeam teamed up to win the league doubles title, upsetting the No. 1 seeded doubles team from Dana Hills in the championship match.
The Tritons doubles team of Jasmine Safavieh and Ariana Safavieh advanced to the tournament semifinals.
The league titles earned Hung, Neilson and Yeam a trip to the CIF-SS Individual Championships on Nov. 20. The site of the tournament is TBA.
By placing first as a team in the South Coast League, the Tritons were scheduled to begin their run through the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Nov. 1 against Santa Margarita of the Trinity League in the first round. Results were not available at press time.
The San Clemente girls golf team finished fourth at the CIF-SS Southern Division Team Championships on Oct. 30.
The Tritons shot a cumulative score of 405, narrowly missing out at placing in the top-3 and advancing to the next stage of competition.
Senior Julia Kalez will tee it up at the CIF-SS Individual Finals at River Ridge G.C. on Thursday, Nov. 2.
A 16-7 victory over Capistrano Valley on Oct. 25 clinched the South Coast League title for the San Clemente boys water polo team. It was the first league title for the Tritons (19-9, 7-1 league) since 2009.
Christian Hosea scored four goals and Everett Prussak tallied three in the win over the Cougars.
San Clemente beat league opponents Aliso Niguel, Dana Hills, El Toro and Capo Valley in order to close out the regular season.
The win guaranteed the Tritons a home game in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 Championships. San Clemente will host Los Osos (13-13) of the Baseline League on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 3:15 p.m.
There is no mistaking that Friday, Nov. 3 is a date both the San Clemente and Mission Viejo football teams had circled at the start of the year.
The two teams played each other in the final game of the regular season one year ago with the South Coast League title on the line and the Diablos cruised to an easy victory.
This year, the script reads a little differently but the stakes remain the same.
There are only four undefeated teams remaining in Orange County and the Tritons and Diablos are two of them.
Both teams enter Friday’s game with perfect 9-0 records, including 3-0 marks in the South Coast League.
San Clemente, which moved up to No. 7 in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 poll this week, is playing inspired football.
Since the team’s 14-0 win over Palos Verdes on Sept. 22, an uncharacteristically low-scoring affair, San Clemente has found its stride. In the ensuing four games, San
Clemente outscored teams 140-68 and scored at least 30 points in all three league games.
Last week, on Homecoming night against Trabuco Hills, San Clemente won behind a well-balanced effort. Quarterback Brendan Costello threw for 267 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Austin Whitsett rushed for an efficient 140 yards on just 10 carries and scored twice. He also returned a kick for a touchdown. The defense held strong as well in a 56-21 win.
“We’re mainly a run-first team. That’s what we’re powered by,” receiver Keith Jones, who had 92 receiving yards and a score last week, said. “We have a great running back in (Whitsett) and that leads to the passing game getting opened up. We have a lot of options on offense.”
The Diablos will be playing with a little extra incentive Friday night. The contest will be longtime coach Bob Johnson’s final regular season game. Johnson, who holds the Orange County record in career coaching wins, announced his retirement midseason. The school plans on hosting hundreds of Johnson’s former players and assistants at the game. Johnson’s win tally stood at 342 victories before Friday’s game.
“Our kids are excited and it’s going to be a great environment,” San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz said. “That’s why kids come to San Clemente and to Mission Viejo, to play in games like the one on Friday night.”
A key matchup will be between the veteran San Clemente secondary and the Diablos’ talented receiving corps and quarterback. Mission Viejo boasts both Olaijah Griffin, a UCLA commit, and Austin Osborne, a Washington commit, at wide receiver. The two have linked up with quarterback Joey Yellen for a combined 17 touchdowns this season.
“They definitely have weapons on offense … we’re going to have to play sound football and know where (their playmakers) are at all times. It’s going to take a total team effort in order to be successful Friday,” Ortiz said.
SC
River Covey and his crew of plank-riders put new twist on surfing’s timeless ethos
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
Spend enough time in the parking lot at San Onofre and you’ll probably notice a crew of young, hip, stylish surfers lurking somewhere around The Point or Four Doors. Perhaps they’re still too spry to venture all the way down to Old Man’s. Waiting for the tide and wind to sync up, they lounge around in their rusted out Ecoline and Volkswagen vans. Contrasting this soul scene, less than a mile up the road, is the hotbed of high-performance talent that is Lowers. Sponsored professionals huck airs in hopes of having their photo taken.
This new San O crew is not that. Harkening back to a time when surfers took more pride in the salt on their boards than the stickers, Miki Dora, not Kelly Slater, stands as their savior.
“The competitive part of it all is a whole different ballgame, a whole different camp from what I am involved in. I don’t want to think about it. It destroys the whole purpose of riding waves. I don’t like noises, I don’t like crowds, I don’t like bullhorns going off, and people giving me orders how to ride, how to do certain maneuvers,” famously said the late Dora, who built a career and a reputation as surfing’s preeminent rebel, hustler and sometimes-con man. “I’m a freak of nature and don’t fit in with anybody.”
BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
unning herd in the Kenworthy family isn’t easy, but somehow little Waylon does it. One of five dedicated surf rats, his oldest sister, Bella, has been turning heads in the surf world and on a skateboard since the time she could walk. Just like the rest of his other brothers and sisters, Waylon jumped right on board. As handy on four wheels is he is on three fins, as is the case in big families, Waylon’s doing things is own way.
Enter, 18-year-old River Covey. Born in San Diego, he moved to Dana Point when he was 11 and these days calls Capistrano Beach home. Like Dora, he’s got style for days and a penchant for taking the alternative path. When his classmates were psyching on Kolohe Andino at T-Street, he was cross-stepping down at San O.
“I had always been around the ocean and found inspiration in watermen like surfers, fishermen, lifeguards,” said Covey about his start in the game.
When it comes to his favorite surfers, he’s more traditionalist than a fantasy surfer fan.
“Butch Van Artsdalen, Phil Edwards, Lance Carson, Miki Dora, David Nuuhiwa and so many more,” he rattles off, sounding like an old editor of SURFER Magazine back in 1968 than an 18-year-old kid with nearly 40,000 Instagram followers. “The new age of longboarding is incredible to watch grow. The guys like Nick Melanson, Kyle Perez, Andy Nieblas, Noah and Ben Cardoza, and also the girls, like Makala Smith, Hallie Rohr and Karina Rozunko, have been ripping as hard if not harder
“There’s always one more way to do things and that’s your way, and you have a right to try it at least once,” said his namesake, Waylon Jennings.
“The kid’s got his own sense of style, that’s for sure,” jokes his father, Jason. “Somehow I got lucky and all my kids seem to get along best when they’re in the water or on a skateboard.”
From meandering family road trips down to the points in Mexico, to skate jams with sis, to long weekends on the amateur surf circuit, Waylon’s soaking it all in. You may see him drop into a NSSA or WSA final, and he’d be stoked if he did, but he’d be just as stoked to catch a few good waves and have some fun with his crew. SC
than the guys…and the whole jetty crew.”
This “new age of longboarding” sprouted up as a result of millennials looking for something different in surfing while the industry bottomed out in 2008. It’s a more back-to-basics perspective that celebrates the culture rather than the sport of surfing. With the World Surf League turning surfers into “athletes” and all the hype surrounding its acceptance into the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, it’s little wonder a segment of the wave-riding populous turned back to the counterculture to lead them forward.
“I recently traveled to Australia’s East Coast (and) Mainland Mexico in the last year, as well as a bunch of small trips up and down the coast to Baja and northward,” said Covey of the places surfing’s already taken him.
When asked about his preferred type of wave, he doesn’t discriminate.
“Anywhere that’s breaking, I feel like it’s important to be grateful to surf no matter the conditions,” he said.
And although a lot of up-and-coming kids around Orange County are looking to
cash in on the Sport of Kings and make a pile of money doing something as trivial as surfing, Covey’s rolling with a different set of priorities. When pressed about what he wants out of it, he’s matter-of-fact, “Long healthy life with many good times.”
More than 100 years ago, famed American writer Jack London posted up in Waikiki, Hawaii. Between flurries at the typewriter and forays into local watering holes, London also learned to surf. The former San Francisco Bay oyster pirate was immediately enthralled. After a few beatings in the whitewater and being humbled by the Hawaiians’ natural adeptness in the surf, London clamored back to his writing desk.
“Go strip off your clothes that are a nuisance in this mellow clime. Get in and wrestle with the sea; wing your heels with the skill and power that resides in you,” London wrote. “Hit the sea’s breakers, master them, and ride upon their backs as a king should.”
It’s good to know that while the times may change, some of surfing’s finer traits remain the same. SC
Water Temperature: 64-66 degrees F
Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair
Thursday: Small, leftover NW swell and minor S swell mix. Look for knee-thigh-waist high (1-3’) waves at the better exposed breaks. SW/WSW winds for the day, between 3-12kts, strongest in the afternoon.
Outlook: Small surf through this weekend as steep NW swell and minimal S/SW swell continue for waist high and under surf. Light/variable onshore winds in the mornings, then light+ onshore flow each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.
