February 1, 2018

A Golden Opportunity

Local longboarders lead Team USA to gold at ISA World Longboard

Surfing Championship in China

SC SURF/PAGE 28

North Beach Residents

Gather to Discuss Local Homeless Population

EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

Moving on Up: Tunnel Vision to Release New Album; Signs with Record Label

SC LIVING/PAGE 23

SCHS Girls

Water Polo Wins Second

Consecutive League Title

SPORTS/PAGE 24

SC

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

Final Draft of Coastal Land Use Plan to be Heard

Feb. 8 at Coastal Commission Meeting

THE LATEST: Two of the most divisive issues that are part of the city’s coastal land use plan (CLUP) will be discussed in an upcoming California Coastal Commission (CCC) meeting on Thursday, Feb. 8. These issues revolve around the governance of short-term lodging units (STLUs) and the conditions set for coastal property owners to protect and alter their homes.

A consistent issue among some residents in San Clemente is the requirement the Coastal Commission is proposing that would mandate any property owner who is the keeper of a structure built after 1977 in the coastal zone to waive their rights to be able to maintain a revetment wall or other protections if they altered their structure in a significant manner. Such alterations include renovations, additions and other augmentations. The coastal zone is designated as from the shoreline throughout California up to 1,000 yards inland.

“There’s no date for existing development in the Coastal Act, so we’re concerned with that language, and at the California Coastal Commission hearing (in December), they preliminarily brought that up,” San Clemente Community Development director Cecilia Gallardo-Daly said.

Gallardo-Daly said the city of San Clemente wrote a letter to the Coastal Commission recently that outlined some of the city’s concerns. The letter can be found attached to this article at www.sanclementetimes.com.

“I think for the most part, the city worked well with the Coastal Commission to update the land use plan to be consistent with the city’s recently adopted General Plan, and we’re generally in agreement with the suggested modifications the CCC is recommending, with the exception of some proposed changes. (Mostly), the policies regarding hazards and the prohibition on protective devices for the bluffs or seawalls,” Gallardo-Daly said. “The city is not in agreement with Coastal staff recommendation to require waivers from everyone so they can’t protect their property.”

Eric Wills, a resident of Capistrano

Shores subdivision, and Eric Anderson, the general manager of the subdivision, have been studying this proposal since it appeared in the city’s original CLUP in 2015.

Wills successfully argued in court, in a somewhat related issue in 2016, that he should be allowed to replace the mobile home on his lot as no ground was disturbed in the process. He said the new proposed date from 1977 concerns him and that property owners have constitutional rights to protect their homes.

Vacation rentals, short-term lodging units and other forms of vacation rentals will also be addressed at the Coastal Commission meeting. Various residents throughout San Clemente claim these temporary lodging situations are a detriment to residential areas. Their argument is that because they operate in areas meant for families or quiet living, people on vacation continue to abuse local rules and make parking problematic.

Joe Janis, who is part of the Protect Our Neighborhoods group, said he wants to see more oversight of such operations and STLUs shouldn’t be permitted in residential areas.

The city took action on this matter in 2016 when it set a “visitor-serving” zoning change. STLUs and vacation rentals are currently allowed to operate under a permit, not within 300 feet of one another in a zoning overlay, most of which is west of Interstate 5.

“(The Coastal Commission) is laying out a very general policy to allow vacation rentals, but also understands there needs to be reasonable protections,” GallardoDaly said. “In the implementation phase, the Coastal Commission will look at the STLU ordinance the city adopted and

then go into the details to determine if it’s consistent with the Coastal Act.”

The city wrote in its letter to the Coastal Commission that staff also had concerns regarding beach access in certain areas that would bifurcate private property. This has been a contentious issue with residents of Cypress Shores and Cypress Cover subdivisions in San Clemente.

WHAT’S NEXT: After the CLUP is approved by the Coastal Commission, the city will have six months to decide on whether to adopt it into its code. Should the city adopt the LUP, there will then be a period where city and Coastal Commission staff discuss an implementation plan for land uses.

The next Coastal Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8 in Cambria. If you can’t make the meeting in person, it will be live-streamed on www. coastal.ca.gov. —Eric Heinz

New Lawsuit Against Owners of Miramar Event Center Filed in Federal Court

THE LATEST: In 2013, Barry Baptiste came to San Clemente City Council claiming he had obtained ownership of the Miramar Event Center through a lawsuit and bankruptcy proceeding with Marc Spizzirri, the main owner of what was then named the Miramar Theater. Spizzirri said Barry Baptiste was never granted ownership of the theater or the adjacent bowling alley, and he has since moved forward with plans to renovate the facilities.

On Jan. 17, Craig Baptiste, the brother

of Barry, and Mach-1 Auto Group, which Barry owns, filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging many of the same issues over ownership that were subject to lengthy litigation in county court.

The lawsuit claims there have been Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO Act) and Fraudulent Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act violations committed by the defendants.

It’s not just the owners of the Miramar the lawsuit names. There are 37 defendants listed.

The lawsuit brings up a bankruptcy filing Spizzirri and Raymond Dixon made with other defendants listed.

“During the (bankruptcy) proceeding, and even afterwards, facts were discovered that demonstrate that Defendants engaged in violations of law amongst others and as an Association-In-Fact to deprive Plaintiffs of their rights to millions of dollars,” the lawsuit claim stated.

It was through that bankruptcy proceeding that Barry Baptiste said, at the time, he had gained control of the Miramar as a form of back pay due to an investment gone sour, which Spizzirri disputed.

In essence, the Craig Baptiste alleges the defendants “siphoned” money off of a dealership to pay for debts with the help of the three-dozen defendants.

“At present, there are two Orange County Superior Court cases pending relating to Spizzirri, Dixon and several entities to recapture ownership of several parcels of real property,” the lawsuit stated.

Spizzirri said this would likely result in the same rulings that were made in county court.

(Cont. from page 3)

“All these matters have been adjudicated,” Spizzirri said in a phone interview on Jan. 30. “I could not possibly come up with a rational argument that this has any validity, and in my opinion, I believe this is frivolous. But I trust the court process to repeat what’s already been done, and justice will be served. It’s a nuisance for a lot of people, and some will endure and be victorious when it’s over, again.”

Spizzirri said he put up a lease sign at the Miramar and that he’s received “a great deal of interest” for vendors looking to set up shop in the event center once it’s cleaned up. He said he received at least 50 calls last Saturday.

Craig Baptiste filed a lis pendens against the owners of the Miramar, which means a notice is expected to be sent to any stakeholders or lessees of the establishment regarding the litigation.

Calls to Craig Baptiste’s attorney, Brendan K. Ozanne, requesting comment from him were not returned by press time on Wednesday, but Ozanne did say he would speak with his clients on the matter when called on Jan. 26. San Clemente Times will include comments from the plaintiffs once they are reached.

The owners of the Miramar were recently granted a coastal use permit from the California Coastal Commission to establish some boutique restaurants, an outdoor bar and to renovate the theater to turn it into an event center.

The Miramar has been shuttered since at least 1992.

WHAT’S NEXT: The plaintiffs are seeking actual and general damages to be determined through a civil case trial, and a decision to restore ownership of the Miramar to the Baptistes and several other related items.

Spizzirri said he plans to continue business as usual in seeking vendors for the Miramar.

Court documents on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) website didn’t state when a hearing would take place. More details on the matter will be provided when they become available.

To view the original complaint, view this article at www.sanclementetimes.com.

—EH

Atmosphere of Concern

Prevalent at Meeting on North Beach Homeless Issues

THE LATEST: Residents of San Clemente, mostly from the North Beach area of the city, gathered at a meeting on Jan. 24 at Casino San Clemente to address issues related to the homeless population in their area.

The meeting was hosted by the North

Photo: Eric Heinz

Beach Community Association (NBCA) and Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel from San Clemente Police Services.

Concerns brought forth during the meeting included many typical grievances: people sleeping in canyons and in fireprone areas, people defecating in public, safety concerns and others.

Lt. Mike Peters, chief of San Clemente Police Services, made a point at the beginning of the meeting that it is not illegal to be homeless—although people can’t sleep in their cars, must vacate parks and beaches when they close.

Peters also touched on recent voterapproved legislation that’s made it difficult for officers to arrest people for offenses that are now a citation. Propositions 47 and 57, as well as AB 109, are commonly connected in law enforcement to an increase in drug-related crimes and misdemeanor behavior. The laws have made certain offenses misdemeanors that were once felonies, and the result has contributed to a more frequent homeless population, as offenders are typically released the day of for certain crimes.

In order to help officers with homeless people who commit crimes, Peters said residents need to be willing to provide clear evidence of such behavior and to be willing to provide a statement to police.

Peters spoke about an incident where a man was reportedly committing lewd actions at a public park, among other accusations, and when police apprehended him, the resident would not come back to identify him. Therefore, by law, the police had to let him go.

Peters also showed a crime “heat map” that indicates frequency of reported crimes in San Clemente. Most of the map was unaffected, but North Beach and further south along N. El Camino Real

CEO of Carnegie OC; Jaimee January, a survivor support specialist; and Lt. Mike Peters, the San Clemente Chief of Police. Human trafficking has been detected frequently along Interstate 5 in Orange County and many other parts of California, as it provides traffickers with a wide berth of transportation.

“Probably our biggest accomplishment in the last year is how we expanded our audience,” Brenda Wells, the executive director of i-5 Freedom Network, said. “We started in hospitality, but we found that a lot of other audiences were interested in this; we’ve done (training to identify human trafficking) with law enforcement, women’s groups, the Outlets. I think more and more people are learning about it.”

up to Avenida Del Mar was dark red, an indication that most crimes reported comes from those areas. The map data was compiled by OCSD.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the meeting, Peters said it’s important for people to call their legislative representatives if they want to see certain laws changed.

Peters said the increase of people purchasing home surveillance equipment has aided law enforcement in finding criminals who commit property theft, although he didn’t liken homelessness to those crimes.

On Jan. 30, the San Clemente City Council was scheduled to discuss an ordinance that would ban camping on city property and areas designated as open space. The reasoning behind the ordinance is to try to prevent any wildland fires from makeshift camping sites. The City Council meeting takes place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at City Hall, located at 100 Avenida Presidio.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the NBCA, visit www.memberplanet. com/nbca. —EH

Be a Big Cheese 2 Emphasizes Need for Awareness of Human Trafficking

THE LATEST: For its second consecutive year, the i-5 Freedom Network hosted its Be a Big Cheese event, which raises funds for the organization’s classes on combating human trafficking.

More than 120 people registered for the event, which was hosted at The Cellar, and auction items were sold for as much as $2,500 each—the event raised a total of $15,000.

Speakers included Geri Cerkovnik, the

Wells said by putting more momentum behind awareness of human trafficking, more people are becoming motivated to get involved. She said the next planned event is the Walk for Freedom in July. Wells said they’re also trying to get more legislation passed at the state level related to the prevention of human trafficking. She said i-5 Freedom Network had a few bills introduced that didn’t pass in the last session.

WHAT’S NEXT: Wells said the organization is going to start working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the near future to help train newcomers on detecting possible human trafficking operations. For more information, visit www.i5freedomorg.publishpath. com. —EH

‘Shirtless’ Resident Saves Driver from Fiery Wreck in San Clemente

THE LATEST: San Clemente Police Services, the local Orange County Sheriff’s Department outlet, reported that a man saved an underage drunk driver after he crashed into a median on Camino de los Mares early Saturday morning, Jan. 27. Photos posted on the Police Services’ Facebook page showed the car turned upside-down and on fire.

In a post on the social media page, Police Services called the man a “shirtless” resident who sprang into action after witnessing the damage.

“As your deputies were arriving, a shirtless resident crawled inside the vehicle and extricated the unconscious driver #Hero,” the post stated. “The driver’s injuries were amazingly minor for the crash.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Lt. Mike Peters said a report on the incident would not be available until after the San Clemente Times’ press time on Wednesday. An update will be provided at www.sanclementetimes. com when the information becomes available. —EH

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY STAFF

St. Anne School Students Sing for Pope Francis in Rome

Members of the Laguna Niguel-based St. Anne School’s HarmonKnights Show Choir recently traveled to Vatican City to participate in the third annual Youth and Young Adult Choir Festival for Epiphany. The students sang for the mass at the Basilica of St. Francis and the Papal Mass for the Feast of Epiphany at St. Peter’s Basilica in front of Pope Francis I. San Clemente eighth-graders Melia Hahn and Garrett Reissmueller were part of the choir.

“The students were directed by St. Anne School choir director Karen Franson and the Director of Music Ministries and Organist for Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange California, Dr. John A. Romeri.”

While on the trip, students also had the opportunity to explore ancient Rome, including the Roman ruins, 17th-century palaces, 15th-century churches and 20thcentury monuments.

St. Anne School President John O’Brien said, “We are so proud of our students for being such wonderful ambassadors for St. Anne and their families. We are also blessed to have such talented students, as well as dedicated colleagues, like Mrs. Franson.”

Glenn Brumage Named Executive Director of Surfing Heritage and Culture Center

The nonprofit organization Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) has appointed Glenn Brumage as its new executive director, the board of directors announced in January. “As SHACC has matured, improved its programming and community engagement, the board of directors recognized the need for new leadership that will facilitate the necessary evolution and elevation of the organization,” said Denny Michael, president of SHACC. “Glenn has stepped up to prove himself a driven and competent leader, especially over the last year. We couldn’t have asked for a better trial period than his three-year tenure on the board of directors and his leadership as president,” reported founder Dick Metz. Brumage stepped down from his position as board chair in order to accept the position of executive director. His professional career has spanned 40 years in executive management of board-sports companies. For 10 years, he has been driving the development of surfing in China and runs the annual “Silver Dragon” professional surf contest in Hangzhou. Most recently,

he has been consulting for businesses and mentoring young entrepreneurs. He also serves on the board of the International Association of Skateboard Companies.

“Surfing is my passion,” Brumage said. “While I come from a business background, I’ve served on two nonprofit boards of directors, and as president of SHACC’s board. I understand the differences as well as similarities between commercial and nonprofit management. I sincerely look forward to sharing the importance of surfing history and surf culture with future generations.” Glenn can be reached at glenn@surfingheritage. org or at 949.388.0313. SHACC is located at 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. www. surfingheritage.org.

South OC I-5 Improvement Project to Host Facebook Live on Feb. 1

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will host a question-andanswer session on Thursday, Feb. 1, on their Facebook satellite page, OC I-5 South County. The live discussion begins at 11:30 a.m. People will be able to submit questions via the comment section during the session. The OC I-5 Facebook page is dedicated to presenting information regarding transportation projects in South Orange County.

City of San Clemente Citizen of the Year

Nominations Now Open

Each year, the city of San Clemente seeks to honor a community member whose selfless efforts have made the city a more productive and enjoyable place to live, work and play. City staff are looking for a person whose contributions have made and/or continue to make a difference in the community.

Residents can nominate someone they think deserves to be recognized. The se-

lected nominee will be named to the Wall of Recognition. A nonprofit organization, or 10 or more residents, may submit a onepage letter to the city’s Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department explaining the nominee’s contributions. Nominations can be submitted online at www.san-clemente. org/nominate. The deadline for submitting a nomination is 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Sweeet Repeeet Fashion Show Tickets on Sale

Sweeet Repeeet will host its annual Fashion Show Fundraiser for Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25. Appetizers and mimosas will be served, and the fashion show will take place at the store location, 538 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

Tickets are $20 each, but presale tickets for $15 will be available until Sunday, Feb. 4. For tickets and more information, call 949.429.3100 or visit the store.

There will be special drawings, sales and opportunities to learn more about FAM.

Free Tax Help with AARP Tax-Aide

Trained and certified volunteers will be offering free tax help to low- to moderateincome taxpayers, especially those 60 and older, through the Tax-Aide Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program.

The program is available at the Dana Point Senior Center, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street in Dana Point, starting Thursday, Feb. 1. For more information and to schedule an appointment, stop by the Senior Center or call 949.496.4252.

The program is also available at the San Juan Capistrano Senior Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion, on Tuesdays beginning on Feb. 6 by calling 949.493.5911.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com by Monday the week of publication.

Community Meetings

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SALE

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by the bookstore and score with super bargains from your favorite authors. Reservations for the Meet The Authors Luncheon on Feb. 24 are still available. San Clemente Friends of the Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar. 949.276.6342. www.sanclementefotl.org.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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

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.

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, FEBRUARY 7

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.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

6 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission will host its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.sanclemente.org.

SOAPBOX SC

SanClemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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San Clemente Times Vol. 13, Issue 5. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Hamm

San Clemente Continues to be Unique 90 Years Later

As we approach our 90th birthday, a lot has changed in San Clemente, but we still manage to hang on to that thing that makes us special.

It’s the small-town feel with residents who value community and take pride in our history. It’s the annual parades on Avenida Del Mar that recognize our one town, one team spirit. It’s the summer concerts on the sand with surfers in the background. It’s those things and others that uniquely make us the Spanish Village by the Sea.

Our founder, Ole Hanson, came to this area in 1928 with a dream of building a community that complemented the beauty of the natural, rolling contours of the land and promoted a way of living that was about enjoying the beach and the splendor of the surrounding land. As years went on, our 5-mile-long and 1-mile-wide town became built out with Spanish-style architecture, a municipal pier, swimming pools, dozens of parks, miles of trails and tens of thousands of residents.

Regardless of San Clemente’s growth and expansion over that past 90 years, our downtown area has been steadfast in remaining the heart of our community. Downtown San Clemente has become a

Letters to the Editor

TOLL ROAD SETTLEMENT SHOULD BE REOPENED TO INCLUDE SAN CLEMENTE

LAURA FERGUSON, San Clemente

The Save San Onofre Coalition’s (SSOC) advertisements in the San Clemente Times remind us of their great compromise with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and sellout of San Clemente. The 12 elite environmental groups that comprise SSOC entered into a $28 million settlement agreement with the TCA and continue to use diversionary tactics while residents worry about their quality of life, wildlife, open space, home values and schools in the path of a proposed toll road. The SSOC advertisements tug at the heartstrings of residents who equally cherish the environment. Many rallied alongside SSOC to help prevent the loss of waves at Trestles, preserve the watershed at San Mateo and protect the state

CITY COUNCIL CORNER

By Chris Hamm

hub for residents and visitors who come to the area to celebrate, shop and socialize. In focusing on the downtown area, I would like to extend a special thank you to Michael Kaupp who recently stepped down from his 23-year term on the board of the Downtown Business Association (DBA), of which he was president for 17 years. It was under Mr. Kaupp’s tenure that the downtown area grew to be the bustling hotspot of businesses and entertainment that have come to help support the cherished culture of San Clemente. Some of the highlights in his service to the DBA include the improvement and beautification of the bulbouts along Avenida Del Mar, which incorporated tile murals and benches for visitors to utilize while visiting the area. He was also instrumental in the addition of the hanging flower baskets that you can see on light poles along the street. His service to the DBA has provided the city and our residents with a better downtown area.

parkland, yet along the way, the SSOC decided that a toll road through the park would have a graver impact than a toll road through the heart of San Clemente. What good is the protection of the park if the consequence is the destruction of an established town?

Why does the SSOC think their avoidance area is more important than San Clemente’s dedicated open space? These elite environmental groups’ stance on what they perceive as the only important natural resources endanger the quality of life for all of San Clemente.

The SSOC took advantage of San Clemente and continues to do so with its misleading advertisements. If they cared about San Clemente, they never would have agreed to forego opposing TCA toll road proposals outside the avoidance area. Instead, they would also ask the TCA to reopen the settlement agreement and include San Clemente’s and the HOAs’ natural resources in the designated avoidance area.

The sad truth is the SSOC did not have to enter into a settlement agreement to protect the natural resources they fought to save because multiple government agencies already killed the preferred TCA

As a community, we must continue to support the downtown businesses and the events hosted in the area if we want to see them thrive in the “Amazon era.” With more new shops and restaurants opening up in the coming year, Avenida Del Mar and its surrounding area will continue to be a unique nucleus of quaint boutiques and exciting culinary adventures.

To celebrate our history and the outstanding progress of the past 90 years, the city is throwing a birthday party on Saturday, Feb. 24 and the entire community is invited. The day of celebration will afford residents with opportunities to visit a few of our most iconic and historical spots in town, including Casa Romantica, the municipal Pier, Ole Hanson Beach Club, St. Clement’s by-the-Sea and Las Palmas Elementary School. Activities will include a youth fishing derby, a free swim at the Beach Club, historical trolley tours and more. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting day.

Let us continue on in Ole’s dream of red-tile roofs and sprawling vistas for all to enjoy. Happy birthday, San Clemente! Chris Hamm is the Mayor Pro Tem of San Clemente. He was elected to City Council in 2012 and re-elected in 2016. SC

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with

riety of opinions from our community, the

Opinion opportunities in which

provides

columnists’ opinions are

are

in

The opinions

those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

route. Their actions were greedy and selfish, and in doing so, the TCA bought off and eliminated a major obstacle.

These environmental groups wield great influence—influence that is no longer available to San Clemente—and what they have done is the truest form of capitalism.

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

EVA O’KEEFE, San Clemente

For the last several months, the citizens of San Clemente have written 12,000 emails to elected officials at the State Assembly and Senate, as well as the Orange County Transportation Authority and the Board of Supervisors. They have been asking that the TCA be stripped of its eminent domain powers, and that a toll road not be built within 1,000 feet of our schools. All of our elected officials have sent letters of support to San Clemente saying that these routes are unacceptable.

We really appreciate their comments. However, it’s time for action. It’s time for our elected officials to introduce legislation to protect their constituents—not just

a letter or a bumper sticker. Loretta Sanchez was able to introduce legislation to protect the San Onofre State Park, which is something that I applaud. It’s time now to protect the San Clemente State Park, the Vista Hermosa park for children with disabilities, San Clemente High School, Marblehead Elementary, Concordia Elementary as well as the hundreds of homes occupied by seniors who are in danger of having a toll way constructed nearby. #NOMI, not one more inch! Stop the toll road at Oso Parkway.

LEASH YOUR DOG

GLENN SOUTHARD, San Clemente

Our recently rescued little dog and dog sitter were viciously attacked by two large unleashed dogs. They required serious medical attention. The dogs have attacked before! The laws and penalties for vicious dogs are very weak and need to be strengthened. Dogs are not usually the problem, it’s the owner. The disturbing issue with our case is the owner of the attacking dogs is a Huntington Beach paramedic who clearly should know better. Please, help me remind people to keep their dogs leashed and report unleashed dogs and attacks.

ANTI-TRUMP PROTEST/RESIST AT THE OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE

HARRY TOUART, San Clemente

I stumbled upon a highly organized protest gathering at the Outlets at San Clemente on Jan. 20. While grabbing a coffee at Starbucks around 8 a.m., I noticed close to 200 people gathering under the parking structure. Most were carrying antigovernment slogans, such as slurs toward President Donald Trump, #Resist and #BlackLivesMatter signs. Several people were wearing those ridiculous looking protest beanies with the two knots on top.

I stopped by to ask the security guard what was up. He told me an organization had rented out the parking structure to bus everyone to an antigovernment protest. This was obviously a very clandestine place to set up and well-planned, out of the public eye, hidden inside the parking structure. There were four large buses inside the structure that were loaded with people to ship to a protest. Some political organization spent a large sum of money to set this up.

If the owners of the Outlets of San Clemente are supporting this antigovernment movement, then I will never spend another dime there and will boycott the Outlets, which already has a sore spot with much of the local population, and now they are offering support to disrupt our republic. What is it about these people that want to see our nation fail?

A TALE OF TWO LETTERS ON SONGS

JIM SMITH, San Clemente

As a longtime communications professional, I was amused by the juxtaposition of two recent letters in the Jan. 18-24 edition of the San Clemente Times about San Onofre fuel storage. One letter writer gives background on his qualifications; the other gives none. One offers facts on the design and safety record of the storage containers; the other mentions an accident that had absolutely nothing to do with storage containers. Finally, one letter writer uses clear, unambiguous language while trying to educate the reader about a complex topic. The other uses vague, emotional language like “thin” and “precarious” to threaten the reader. Given facts versus fog, let’s hope everyone had their “critical” thinking caps on when reaching a conclusion.

MORE ATTENTION NEEDED TO SONGS

JERRY COLLAMER, San Clemente

If a San Clemente resident wants to instantly put our City Council into deep sleep at Council meetings, walk up to the public comment mic (you have 3 minutes, everyone is welcome) and say these words, “What are we going to do about the potential nuclear holocaust, brewing down at SONGS, if the gazillion tons of leftover super-crazy-hot nuke fuel rods there are stuck in the sand, feet from water’s edge in ‘known’ inferior cans / containers, in a ‘known’ tsunami zone?” A deafening silence will ensue.

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.

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso

This week’s Beachside Chat guest will be representatives of the city of San Clemente’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which helps out local law enforcement. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

Where We Are Going and How We Are Getting There

In reflecting on the year that just passed and looking forward to the year ahead, I realize that the work county and local governments have been doggedly engaged in can be summarized in a single word: motion.

In July, we cleared ourselves completely from the last vestiges of the 1994 bankruptcy and we are speeding forward with a focus and alacrity befitting our inspired community. This year, residents across the county will marvel at where we are going, and how we are getting there.

From the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization project to the John Wayne Airport General Aviation Improvement Program to continued improvements on Interstate 5 in South County, the projects we are putting into motion will literally propel more residents, tourists and business leaders around the county.

The stunning—and hard-fought—improvements in transportation and public works will affect all of our day-to-day living and prospects for our future, as Orange County alleviates traffic burdens while simultaneously attracting more businesses and tourism dollars to our already thriving community.

We’ve also made relatively small changes that will result in incredibly big changes for many of our residents. For example, we have reduced taxes for homeowners and business owners participating in Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones for the City of San Juan Capistrano, protected neighborhoods from unregulated commercial marijuana in unincorporated communities and commenced the next phase of flood protection projects in San Juan Creek.

Of all of our accomplishments, I am particularly proud of the Public Private Partnership (P3) model we invested in for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization project. After 20 years of discussions, debates and regulatory challenges, the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization plan is underway through a P3 model that allows us to leverage private sector expertise, create jobs, spur commercial retail growth and reduce our use of public funds—all while creating a celebrated gateway to the entire Orange County region.

Of course, new projects are not our only metric of success. As a county, we are responsible not only for infrastructure and growth but for one another.

By Lisa Bartlett

This past year, we allocated additional resources toward the creation of permanent supportive housing for the homeless. Our plan will place more mentally ill homeless people into housing and connect them with the health care and other resources they need to get back on their feet. This $15 million mental health services allocation will reduce our cost to care for these individuals, while providing them with stable homes and improved health outcomes. We are also making government services more accessible to everyone. With the launch of three award-winning mobile apps, including myOCgov, Senior Resources Mobile App and myOC eServices, the county has increased the efficiency and effectiveness of government.

We’re making changes this year to our brick-and-mortar operations, too. Having approved a new Civic Center Master Plan, the county is on its way to building a new Civic Center that will feature a customercentric “one-stop” public service center for many government agencies. The effort will streamline interactions and improve public engagement, so the public can spend less time standing in lines and filling out forms.

And more time in motion.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett represents the 5th District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, (portions of) Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. SC

CORRECTIONS: In the Jan. 25-Feb. 1 edition of the San Clemente Times article, “Locker Board, Wahoo’s Founder Speak at Business Event,” the charity Locker Board will work with in the future was misstated. The charity is Ocean Unite.

In the same issue in the story “Law, but Order?” the word for the sensation of reverberating eyes while under the influence was misspelled. The correct spelling of the condition is nystagmus.

SC

SanClemente

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

Thursday | 01

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.

TABLE TENNIS FOR SENIORS

10 a.m.-1 p.m. All seniors 55 or older are welcome to join the Table Tennis Club at the Shorecliff Terrace Mobile Home Park. Any skill level is welcome and entry is free. 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente. 949.481.2275. jnl5555@yahoo.com.

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER

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

RIVER CRUISE NIGHT

7-8 p.m. Do you want to learn about river cruising around the world? Join Foster Cruises in an informational seminar about river cruises through Europe, Asia and Africa. Admission is free. Bella Collina. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.391.9294. www.fostercruises.com.

Friday | 02

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE

5:30 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard the luxury catamaran. The cruises run Friday and Sunday evenings. Tickets are $49. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE VINTAGE STEAKHOUSE

6-9 p.m. Local musician, Mike De Bellis, plays smooth jazz to enhance your dining experience every Friday and Saturday. Enjoy a twist on a classic American steakhouse while dining in a fully restored Pullman train car. The Vintage Steakhouse. 26701-B Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2: DANA POINT SYMPHONY

7:30 p.m. Join The Dana Point Symphony as they perform the music of Tchaikovsky. Some of the pieces include the Romeo and Juliet Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Number 4 conducted by Miguel Campos Neto. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and military. St. Edward Catholic Church. 33866 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. 949.496.1307. www.stedward.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT BARNOA WINE CO.

7:30 p.m. The artist Felisha will perform. Barnoa Wine Co., 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www. barnoawinebar.com.

24 HOUR CREATIVE AUDITIONS

8 p.m. Six writers, six directors and a group of actors put their minds together to write, audition and cast six short plays at the Camino Real Playhouse. Auditions for this event will be held in the main stage. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 03

TALEGA RUN CLUB

7:30 a.m. Whether you are about to tackle your first 5K or you are just keeping your cardio and running prowess in top form, be sure to stop by Peet’s Coffee in Talega. Every Saturday a group runners of varying skill level take a brisk three-mile run around a pre-determined course. Admission is free. 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. 949.588.5054. www.facebook. com/2XUSanClemente.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES SORTING PARTY

8 a.m.-2 p.m. Family Assistance Ministries is asking for volunteers to help sort the many boxes of donated items FAM has stored. All help is welcome and any hours you can give will make a difference. Family Assistance Ministries. 1030 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.492.8477. www.family-assistance.org.

SAN CLEMENTE BEACH CLEANUP

9 a.m. Find the volunteers of the Orange County Coastkeeper at Calafia State Beach and engage with local community members to help protect Orange County beaches and waterways by removing trash from the beach. Learn about ocean pollution and the danger it poses to local the local ecosystems, citizens and economy. San Clemente. 714.850.1965. volunteer@ coastkeeper.org.

14TH ANNUAL ROTARY CAR SHOW

9 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Rotary presents its annual car show, featuring more than 400 hot rods, muscle cars, classics, cruisers and vintage autos at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center & Sports Park, located at 25925 Camino Del

Avion. The event also features a disc dogs exhibition, refreshments and vendors. Money raised benefits the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort and other charities. Admission is $5, $2 for children 11 to 17 and free for kids under 11 years of age. To register a car, visit www.sjcrotary.org.

Sunday | 04

GUIDED NATURE HIKE

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

SOBER SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

2 p.m. The youth coalition at San Clemente High School (SCshift) in partnership with Community Outreach Alliance (COA), OC Health Care Agency and Wayfinders are hosting a Super Bowl event for families. The purpose is to provide youth and their families a fun and safe event free of alcohol and drugs. The event is free to attend. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE: ‘DEATHTRAP’

2 p.m. In the play Deathtrap, Sidney Bruhl, a writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a “dry” spell, which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. He tells his wife, Myra, that a break in his fortunes occurred when he received a script from a student that he recognized immediately as a potential Broadway hit. Sidney tells Myra, of a scheme: he’ll lure the would-be playwright to the Bruhl home, kill him and market the sure-fire script as Sidney’s own. But shortly after Clifford arrives, it’s clear that things are not what they seem. The play runs until Feb. 11. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Monday | 05

KOI FISH FEEDING

12:45 p.m. Everyday visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS

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

COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR

7 p.m.-Midnight. Stop by the Swallow’s Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day. Enjoy a steak dinner for $13. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 06

YOGA ON TAP

6-7 p.m. Yoga on Tap is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a

At

EDITOR’S PICK

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8: TASTE OF SAN JUAN

6-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association invites everyone to the Taste of San Juan event. Come and enjoy the best of San Juan Capistrano and launch the kickoff celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. Taste of San Juan brings many of the restaurants and caterers serving San Juan Capistrano by tempting guests with their finest dishes. Tickets are $35. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road. Visit www.swallowsparade.com for more information.

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. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S

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

Wednesday | 07

CASA KIDS: STORY TIME

10-11 a.m. Casa Romantica welcomes children ages 1-7 for a picture book reading every Wedneday in their courtyard. A question and answer session and a dance will be held after each story. Admis-

sion is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

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.

OLD CAPISTRANO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET

3-6 p.m. Stop by and check out some locally grown, organic produce and artisan goodies at a farmers market that has been going strong for over 15 years. Free admission. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY

7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR

8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms 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.

the Movies: Lampoon Gets the Last Laugh in ‘A Futile and Stupid Gesture’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

To many who grew up in the late 1970s and 1980s, National Lampoon was a big turning point in pop culture for those transitioning from childhood to adulthood. The modest risqué, crude humor magazine quickly found a cult following in 1973, and then eventually began producing their own popular raunchy comedies like Animal House (1978), Caddyshack (1980) and Vacation (1983). This past week, Netflix released the biopic A Futile and Stupid Gesture on Lampoon

founding member Doug Kenney’s brief life before dying at age 33 in 1980.

Comedy filmmaker David Wain, who has his own cult fanbase, with a definite love-itor-hate-it type of humor, might appear to be a good match for the Lampoon backstory. But it quickly becomes prominent that the film is a missed opportunity elsewhere. With Wain’s efforts, we get a very ironic, tonguein-cheek account through narration provided by 73-year-old Martin Mull as an “old” Kenney; and 45-year-old Will Forte portraying Kenney from his college years up to his

death. Domhnall Gleeson plays Kenney’s creative partner, Henry Beard; Emmy Rossum appears as Kenney’s girlfriend, Kathryn Walker; and Joel McHale plays Chevy Chase.

A Futile and Stupid Gesture shows the quick rise to stardom of the eccentric man and his magazine and its influence, particularly on Saturday Night Live. But the pacing is almost too quick and gimmicky to be fully appreciated, with the casting and meta tone all over the place. Longtime fans of Lampoon might want to stick with the original book with the same title by Josh Karp. SC

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New Pathways to a Thriving Adulthood

TBy Pam Roy

he Holy Grail for children in our society is college acceptance. From a very young age, we prepare our youth for the educational marathon that will define their lives. All too soon, youth learn that grades and test scores are the measurements of their worth. The mental and physical exhaustion of this marathon has exacted a heavy price. Our children are exhibiting epidemic levels of anxiety, depression and suicide. But we all must endure this price so they will have a chance at college, right? What if college wasn’t the only pathway to a successful life? As a market researcher, parent and grad student, I have been on a quest to find out and the news is encouraging. Not everyone has to follow the same path. There are now pathways offering advanced training for well-paying jobs without the large debt or long-term commitment of a four-year college degree.

2017, which includes data scientists, digital project managers and Salesforce administrators. Many of the listed jobs do not require a four-year degree.

To fill the gap, lower-cost, shorter-term training programs are rapidly emerging. These are offered in the form of certificates, credentials and even “mini” degrees and can be found through:

• College extension programs

• MOOCs (massive open online courses) such as Coursera, edX and Udacity

• Industry-specific online and blended training programs (WozU)

• CTE/Vocational Training

Coursera, edX and Udacity all started in 2012 with a shared mission to “democratize education.” As their popularity has grown, they are increasing partnering with businesses to offer affordable, fee-based training programs. For most of these, no previous experience is required.

Google just announced a new certificate program offered through Coursera that trains students for the 150,000 entry-level IT support positions that are open and unfilled. The program can be completed in eight to 12 months at a cost of $49 per month. Requiring only eight to 10 hours a week, it is an ideal fit for those who need to work.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

An aerial view of San Clemente shows a site graded for development by Watt Industries at Cypress Cove on Aug. 23, 1981. The photo was reprinted on June 12, 1983, with this caption: “The presence of the Richard Nixon Library is expected to increase tourism and revenue in the quiet beachfront town of 28,000.” The library later was built instead in Yorba Linda, Nixon’s birthplace.

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.

This month, Susan Parmelee asked the Wellness and Prevention Center’s Teen Toolbox speaker for February, Pam Roy, to be the guest columnist and to introduce her topic to entice readers to join them for a discussion on the rapidly evolving workplace. SC GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Pam Roy

Technological advances have reshaped every aspect of our lives, especially the workplace. With this dizzying pace of change, colleges being the sole provider of higher education may not be capable of delivering all the skilled workers needed in this new economy. The disconnect is exemplified by 6 million unfilled jobs across many industries. Indeed, some job list websites compiled the best jobs of

Pet of the Week: Calico

Calico was named for her pretty, spotted markings, but could easily be named Sweetie for her mellow personality. Her favorite activity is sunbathing and she is an avid birdwatcher. Six years old and fully declawed, Calico would be very well-suited for a quiet home. If you would like to know more about Calico, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

In healthcare, CTE/vocational programs offer pay-as-you-go training opportunities. Modern Technology School in Fountain Valley offers an x-ray technician/medical assistant program that takes 11 months. It costs about $18,000, less than two years’ tuition at a state college. Graduates earn salaries of $40,000 to $52,000. Additional training offers higher earnings potential with the progression and timing left up to the individual.

Many companies have well-established internal training programs that enable advancement based on competency. Ernst & Young, IBM and others have announced that they no longer require degrees for applicants. Apprenticeship programs, which

allow students to be paid as they learn, have been expanded and funded at the state and federal level. Additional pathways are opening in a multitude of fields to serve the immediate demand for workers. For many youth, college will continue to be the chosen path as a valid transition into adulthood and for certain careers. However, alternative pathways can now be compared to the college option, which has been under increasing scrutiny because of its high costs, large debt burden and poor returns. Rarely mentioned in the discussion of college options are some harsh realities:

• It now sometimes takes six years to complete a four-year degree (only 37 percent will obtain a degree in four years), according to Complete College America.

• For every 100 youth entering college, 40 percent will drop out without a degree.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

• Only half of those graduating will find a job requiring a degree. What would life be like if we didn’t spend so much time and energy preparing our children for college? What would our family life be like? Most of all, what would our children be like? Join us on Monday, Feb. 12 at 6:45 p.m. at San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico, in the Little Theater to learn more, ask questions and join the discussion.

Business Beat

News from San Clemente’s business community

BY SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

New Business

SOUTHERN ROOTS

638 Camino de los Mares, Suite 230

949.481.3499

www.southernrootsoc.com

A salon with an ocean view has Southern Roots owner and stylist Cheryl Hoss excited for what the future will bring.

“Our staff is highly trained in all aspects of hair while focusing on continuing education to stay on top of the latest trends of cuts, color techniques like balayage and color melts, extensions and smoothing treatments,” Hoss said.

Hoss said waxing and facial services will also be available soon. She said highlights, full weaves, Brazilian blowouts and various other hair stylings are offered at the salon for men and women.

Hoss has been in the hair styling industry since she was 18 years old. Following the death of her husband, Hoss said she moved to San Clemente to be closer to his family 10 years ago.

The name of the business is a playon words, but also a metaphor of Hoss’ upbringing.

out to California in 1989, but it’s basically about Southern California,” Hoss said.

All of the employees at Southern Roots were working at the previous salon that operated in the same location.

“We’re looking for more stylists,” Hoss said, adding there are 11 chairs in the salon. “I want to really focus on making people look their best.”

The business opened on April 1, 2017.

Coming Soon

HOMEGOODS

550 Camino de Estrella, Suite A www.homegoods.com

A bright pink sign outside a storefront of the Estrella Plaza shopping center announced HomeGoods, a home decoration and supply store, will fill out the remaining space of the shopping center.

HomeGoods is a part of T.J. Maxx, which also has a location in the Estrella Plaza. Details of when the store will be open have not yet been announced, per the business’ media website.

The city of San Clemente approved permits for the signage and the renovation of the location on Oct. 5.

{ IN SAN CLEMENTE }

The T-Street Overpass is seen through a glass orb during sundown. The city of San Clemente is currently planning to make repairs to the overpass in the near future, such as repairing parts of the deck surface, with temporary closures at times.

Moving on Up

Local

band Tunnel Vision signs with record label; new album ‘Days Away’ debuts March 9

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

From summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro to performing at local events, such as Oktoberfest and Fiesta Music Festival, local band Tunnel Vision has connected with some of the most notable names in the reggae and ska genres.

The band recently signed with LAW Records, which is co-owned by Yesod Williams, the drummer for the rock-reggae band Pepper that gained notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tunnel Vision met with members of Pepper and LAW Records a few years ago, and now the partnership has come to fruition.

“Our manager used to work for Pepper back in the day, and we’ve known them forever. (We) went to their home garage studio and worked with them,” said Tunnel Vision bassist Jacob Hernandez.

“We’re trying to get as much music out there as we can, keep busy, get new fans,

make new friends and keep the party going.”

On the band’s next album, “Days Away,” which is scheduled to debut March 9 on iTunes, Spotify and other downloadable sites, Reel Big Fish’s horn-section—including trombonist Billy Kottage, saxophonist Matt Appleton and trumpeter Johnny Christianson—contribute to a few songs.

The band’s first self-titled album, released three years ago, incorporated themes of the beach lifestyle and surfing, stacked with many mellow songs. “Days Away” is promised to be a bit different, Hernandez said.

“This album is a lot faster. I feel like this one revolves around being on the road, and all the good and bad things that come with it,” Hernandez said. “I feel it’s a little faster. It’s a little more rockin’. We’ve got a fun little build-up to our album release. For about 30 days, we’ll be doing little skits to keep fans interested in the release.”

Tunnel Vision is currently doing some tours around the northwestern U.S. and recently finished a small tour in Mexico.

“It was a nice little surf/work trip (to Mexico), and we’re going up the northwest for five days and then we’re on to One Love Cali Reggae Festival at The Queen Mary in Long Beach,” Hernandez said.

For more information on the band, visit www.tunnelvisionsc.com. SC

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SanClemente STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Making a Splash

With back-to-back league titles in hand, San Clemente looks toward CIF success

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For the elite girls water polo programs of Southern California, league titles are commonplace.

They’re certainly nice to have, but ultimately, like most people’s DVD collections, they just pile up in the corner and collect dust.

It’s not just the league titles that set them apart. It’s the CIF championships that are polished and put up on the mantle.

San Clemente is getting the league title thing down pat. Tritons clinched back-toback South Coast League titles and their 10th league title in 16 years in a 15-5 win over El Toro on Jan. 30. However, with just one CIF-SS title and two appearances in the final to their name, postseason success is the next step.

“I think we can win (Division 2),” San Clemente coach Logan Powell said. “That’s been our goal from the very beginning. I think it’s kind of an ‘any given Sunday’ deal with these teams in D-2. Anyone can beat anybody. Scores are up and down all over the place. I think we’ve got a good shot.”

San Clemente won the 2011 Division 2 title and made the final in 2015. Barring an extremely late surge up the combined Division 1 & 2 poll from their No. 16 spot, the Tritons figure to be in Division 2 again

and are confident in their ability.

“Honestly, I think we can win a title if we play to our full potential like we should,” junior captain Brooklyn Aguilera said. “We’re so capable of doing great things.”

San Clemente has scored a torrent of goals in league, but is quite balanced overall in that department.

Aguilera is second on the team with 40 goals just behind sophomore Caroline Christl with 41 goals. Senior captain Alison Echelberger is third with 31 goals.

San Clemente is also strong defensively, allowing just over five goals per game on average and is led by senior goalkeeper and captain Sophia Noble.

“Noble is probably our biggest strength,” Powell said. “The goalie is probably the most important position in the pool, and I think she’s really come a long way since last year. That’s been a difference-maker for us.”

Aside from the stats or the strength of their counterattack and defensive rotations, the girls credited a sense of unity created by most of the varsity players competing with the same offseason club team.

“We’re more of a family this year,” Noble said. “In past years, we didn’t really play together on the same clubs. We’re able to communicate better in the pool and know each other’s strengths. We’re able to play off of each other.”

It’s the intangibles that can separate the really good teams from the championship contenders.

Beyond their current championship aspirations, the run of success and the make-up of this team has the Tritons program in a great position.

“We’re young,” Powell said. “One of the things that’s good is we have a lot of room to grow. The girls are willing to learn and I think we’re getting better as the season goes on. It should be a fun postseason.” SC

Triton Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For in-game updates, news and more for all San Clemente High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports

Boys Basketball Entering Make or Break Week

If San Clemente has aspirations for capturing its fourth straight South Coast League title, it comes down to this week and specifically Friday, Feb. 2’s home game against Aliso Niguel.

As of press time, the Tritons (16-7, 3-2) sit a half-game behind Aliso Niguel in the league standings. San Clemente has three games to play, and the Wolverines have four games remaining. San Clemente played Trabuco Hills on Jan. 31, but the results were not available at press time.

For a shot at even a shared league title, San Clemente needs to beat Aliso Niguel after the Wolverines took the first matchup, 57-54, on Jan. 17.

“I’d say that we all know where we are and what we have to do,” junior Anthony Smetona said. “We take every game at a time and every game is going to be a challenge.”

San Clemente is currently without its leading scorer Jacob Nemeth. The senior guard injured his ankle last week and couldn’t play past the first quarter against Tesoro on Jan. 26. San Clemente rallied for a huge fourth-quarter comeback win in that game.

“If Jacob is hurt, someone’s got to step up,” senior Chris Kane said. “We were a little shaky in the first half and then we kind of hunkered down. We realized this

is us. Jacob can’t save us anymore. It’s got to be us.”

Coach Marc Popovich expects Nemeth to be able to play on Friday for senior night against Aliso Niguel, but the Tritons have to prepare contingencies without their best shot-creator.

“We have to run stuff for our guys,” Popovich said. “We have to manufacture our own shots. That’s kind of what we did down the stretch against Tesoro. That’s what we’ve spent time in practice on the last few days.”

The key to evening the series with Aliso Niguel will be rebounding. The Tritons were uncharacteristically outrebounded against the Wolverines, but board play has a direct win-loss link for San Clemente.

“That can’t happen again,” Popovich said. “In all of our wins, we’ve been plus on the boards and in both of our league losses, I think we were minus-12 to Aliso and minus-8 to Tesoro.”

Whitsett Named All-CIF

San Clemente senior Austin Whitsett was named a first-team All-CIF running back on Jan. 29.

Whitsett ran for 1,187 yards on 186 carries and 14 touchdowns in 2017 to lead the Tritons in each category.

Whitsett has received college offers from Army, Air Force, University of San Diego and Cornell as well as a preferred walk-on offer from Stanford.

Girls Soccer Looks to Clinch League Title

San Clemente maintained its hold on first place in the South Coast League with a win over Dana Hills, 2-1, on Jan. 25. Briana Mendoza scored two goals in the win. The victory puts the Tritons (15-1-4) in position to win their first league title since 2012. San Clemente can clinch the title with a win over Aliso Niguel at home on Thursday, Feb. 1.

Human Submarines

Underwater Torpedo League hosts first ‘Aquabowl’ Championship in San Clemente

Just spectating the sport can make one gasp for air.

Underwater torpedo, a new submerged sport played in the depths of a swimming pool, has started gaining interest as it evolves.

The Underwater Torpedo League (UTL) is the governing body of the sport and was designed by Prime Hall, a former U.S. Marine Raider. Hall, along with many other active and former service members, pitted teams from San Clemente and Oceanside against one another for the first ever Aquabowl Championship on Jan. 27 at the San Clemente Aquatics Center, which San Clemente won two games to none in a best-of-three series.

Underwater torpedo is played in a deep swimming pool—Saturday’s matchup was in the San Clemente Aquatic Center’s

14-foot deep end—where players try to throw a downward-buoyant device into the opposition’s net.

Making it more endearing, players are not allowed to possess the torpedo above water. Players can come up for air at any time, so long as someone else has the torpedo. Players are also only allowed to

engage the person in possession of the torpedo two at a time, in order to reduce complete dogpiles at the bottom of the swimming arena.

The game commences once the referee throws the torpedo in the middle of the pool, and teams swim to obtain it. The team that scores then throws the torpedo to the

other team, sort of like a kickoff in football.

Players are allowed to block and push one another, but more flagrant fouls, such as removing an opponent’s goggles or holding someone down, are not permissible.

For more information and to see videos of how the game is played, visit www. underwatertorpedoleague.com. SC

SC SanClemente

ACCOUNTING

Chris W. Johnston, CPA, MBA 34184 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point, 949.240.8015, www.cwjcpacorp.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

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

ELECTRIC BIKES

Murf Electric Bikes

212 N. El Camino Real, 949.370.3801, www.murfelectricbikes.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.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

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

Panagia Music: Music Lessons and More! 949.705.7573, panagiamusic@gmail. com, www.panagiamusic.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL

Accurate Termite and Pest Control 949.837.6483, www.accuratetermitecontrol.com

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 Susie Lantz at 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com

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

REALTORS

“Sandy & Rich” RE/MAX Coastal Homes 949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

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 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

WEBSITE DESIGN

San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad at www.sanclementetimes.com

FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS UNITS FOR RENT

3 Available units near beach, Open floor plans, Ample parking, community restrooms, pre-wired internet, individual utilities, month-to-month. Approx 550 and 850sq ft. Move in ready! 26944 Camino De Estrella, San Clemente. Contact Nina 949422-8320 or Chris 949-441-1043

FOR SALE

CUSTOM AREA RUGS

You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets: 949-240-1545.

OBITUARY

Robin Susan Myers

June 29, 1961 – January 23, 2018

Robin Susan Myers, 56, of San Clemente, CA passed away on the evening of January 23, 2018 of a stroke. Her loving husband Robert Myers, her daughter Katherine Menges, and son-in-law Patrick Menges, held her hands as she joined her mother Lila Gill, father Gerard Lotz, step-mother Polly Lotz, mother-in-law Patricia Myers, and other beautiful souls in heaven. Robin is survived by her sisters Jerrie Downey and Beth Ann MacDonald and brother Gerard Lotz II, all of whom she loved fiercely along with their families. She had a special place in her heart for each of them, along with her new family through her daughter’s marriage. With her own marriage of 28 years, Robin gained a beautiful family in the Myers’ whose love and companionship she always treasured. As a barber, she touched the hair and hearts of many while listening to their stories and sharing her own. She cared about everyone and loved her family and friends with all her heart.

In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Call at Susie Lantz for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 111 or email slantz@picketfencemedia.com.

A candlelight vigil will be held for Robin at 5pm on Saturday, February 3 at the San Clemente Pier. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Stroke Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or ALS Association. Rest In Peace

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

A Golden Opportunity

Local longboarders lead

Team USA to gold at ISA World Longboard Surfing Championship in China

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The United States national surf team is celebrating its first-ever team gold medal after running the table at the 2018 ISA World Longboard Surfing Championship at Riyue Bay in Wanning, China. A lion’s share of the credit goes to local Orange County surfers. San Clemente’s Tory Gilkerson, who won the women’s division, and Dana Point’s Rachael Tilly led the charge in the competition’s Aloha Cup, and Kevin Skvarna from San Juan Capistrano came away with a copper medal in the men’s division.

“It was such an amazing experience,” said Gilkerson, who caught up with the San Clemente Times this week after returning home from China. “The team camaraderie was so much fun. It was my first ISA Longboard Championship, so it was all new to me. We were high-fiving, waving flags. It was definitely a team effort.”

The U.S. team was comprised of four surfers—the only one of them not from South Orange County was North Carolina’s Tony Silvagni. All four surfers got off to a hot start at the onset of the contest, blitzing their way through round after round.

“There were days our team was surfing 10 or 15 heats, it was pretty intense,” said

Gilkerson.

With the swell on the decline, the contest was on hold midway through the waiting period. Call it fate, but the timing couldn’t have been better. Gilkerson was hit by a stomach flu that laid her low for a couple of days.

“It was pretty rough, but the team rallied and took care of me. By the time the contest was back on, I was feeling pretty good,” Gilkerson continued.

By the time the final day rolled around, the Americans held a slim lead over the rest of the world. The Australian team only trailed the U.S. by 410 points and it was still very much anybody’s game. When Aussie ace Declan Wyton was knocked out of the contest, the door swung wide open for the U.S.

Silvagni and Skvarna found themselves

in the same elimination heats three times throughout the contest, but by deftly applying team tactics, both were able to advance all the way to the final. They came away with bronze and copper medals, respectively, in the men’s division.

For the women, Tilly stumbled in the main event while Gilkerson kept marching forward. Reveling in the unique Chinese surf heat after heat, the San Onofre aficionado surfed in fine form during the event.

“It was so cool to be part of the U.S. longboard team winning their first gold medal,” said Gilkerson, quick to give credit to the rest of the squad.

“We were coached by longboard world champ Colin McPhillips, and he had so much insight and experience to share. I felt like I was learning something new all the time,” Gilkerson added. “And Greg Cruse (Surfing America CEO) showed up with a suitcase full of snacks and jars of peanut butter and jelly. He was making sandwiches and cheering everyone on. It was a really special experience.”

In the end, the U.S. came away with the gold while Peru finished second. Hawaii claimed the bronze and Brazil rounded things out with a copper medal. The Aussies slipped all the way down to sixth, finishing behind the U.K.

All told, it was a good week of waves and relatively friendly competition in China, and with the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan only two short years away, things are definitely coming together for the international surfing community.

“ISA World Longboarding is back! What an amazing week!” the ISA’s Robert Fasulo said in a statement. “There is no doubt that Riyue Bay has delivered as an epic venue for world-class longboarding. The ISA’s vision is simple—we want to create a better world through surfing.” SC

GROM OF THE WEEK

MAX BEACH

BY

Every week, we feature an up-andcoming surfer who is celebrating some kind of accomplishment. Maybe it’s a contest win, scoring on an exotic surf trip, or even successfully shaping a surfboard, but what sometimes gets overlooked is spotlighting the day-in and day-out dedication and hard work that leads to these successes. Case in point: San Clemente goofy-footer Max Beach.

Lately, Max has been in Hawaii, charging the North Shore scoring rides he’ll probably never forget. The North Shore is more or less surfing’s proving ground. With waves like Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea, the power of the breaks there is unrivaled, and learning to tame these beasts takes years of experience. Rather than wait until he’s battling for rating points on the WSL’s Qualifying Series in a few years, Max has taken it upon himself to put in the time on “the rock” to better understand the waves and conditions. True to form, he notes that Pipeline has become his favorite wave in the world.

“There’s nothing better than getting barreled and having enough speed when you come out to do anything,” Max reveled. Given Max’s passion and work ethic, don’t be surprised if you see more of his work on the North Shore in the years to come. SC

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 58-60 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair

Thursday: Small blend of NW/WNW swell and SSW swell. The combo is really only good for knee-waist high (2-3’) waves, while standout winter and combo exposures see occasional slightly larger sets around the more favorable tides. Light and variable winds for the day, staying under 10kts.

Outlook: Small but rideable WNW swell and S Hemi swell the back half of the week. Look for mostly ankle-waist high (1-3’) surf. Winds are mostly favorable through the mornings. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Liquid Gold

Dana Point’s Brandon Phillips looks to lead USA Surfing to Olympic Gold in 2020 games

BY DANIEL RITZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

On Sept. 28, 2015, the Olympic Organizing Committee announced surfing as an officially recognized Olympic competition in the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan.

In January, Brandon Phillips of Dana Point was declared the assistant coach for USA Surfing, the official sanctioning body of surfing for the United States Olympic Committee.

Phillips, a Salt Creek local and father of three, joins head coach Joey Buran in leading team USA toward a gold medal in what the International Olympic Committee has called, “the most exciting new sport in the Olympics in 2020.”

‘I Remember My Heroes’ Phillips’ family roots go back three generations in South Orange County, and he currently resides in Dana Point.

Catching his first waves at Salt Creek, Phillips quickly developed an interest in a variety of alternative sports. He had a professional career as a snowboarder before working for Etnies, a board-sport footwear company, where he worked in marketing and team management.

Following his career at Etnies, Phillips opened Vert Performance in San Clemente where he relied upon his diverse passions in surf/skate/snow as well as physical training and management to groom the next generation of board-sport athletes.

His unique experience in physicalperformance training as well as athlete management affords Phillips a particular insight into the deep relationships involved in modern surfing competition.

“I remember the guys that used to take interest in the kids at Creek that really showed passion,” Phillips said. “Whatever I’ve done, wherever I’ve been, I’ve always had this drive to keep my finger on the pulse of these kids here in South Orange County.”

When a coaching hero of Phillips’, former Pipe Master Joey Buran from North County San Diego, was announced as the USA Surfing head coach in the beginning of 2017, Phillips took interest.

Phillips reached out to Buran, and after some time, was invited to join Buran and his squad for a USA Surfing training session in Oceanside where he observed Buran, further soaking in his techniques.

“It was nice because I was able to sit back and watch, and I was comfortable in my zone because I knew a large amount of the kids from competitions, and from Vert Performance,” Phillips said.

Buran, commenting on this initial meeting, said he immediately appreciated Phillips’ positive attitude and style with the kids, noting that he had a “unique” sensitivity to not just physical technique but the emotional and social complexities that surround young competitive athletes.

Earlier in January, after a series of training sessions with the USA Surfing team attended by Phillips, Buran invited Phillips to attend the first USA Surfing Prime event of the 2018 season at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz.

On Jan. 12, Phillips’ 31st birthday, Buran and the USA Surfing staff announced that Phillips would be the new assistant coach.

‘Coaches Need Coaches Too’

“It was just so humbling,” Phillips said. “I had this vision, and it felt like it was all finally working, coming together. You hear the stories of the hard work and the long hours, and it hasn’t all been roses on this path, but I believe in this. I believe in this program.”

Phillips said he occasionally feels overwhelmed when he considers the pedigree of surfing coaches in South Orange County from which he was selected.

“Guys like Kevin Dean (of DSC Performance in San Clemente), Jim Hogan and Erik Krammer, those guys have put in so many hours,” Phillips said. “This means the world to me, and I want to be a part of what I think is best for the sport of surfing.”

Integral to what Phillips said he believes is a positive progression for the sport of surfing is the validation and resources of support the Olympic Committee provides.

“Support from the Olympic committee is absolutely next-level. To learn from, and to be surrounded by gold-winning programs and coaches, that’s going to help us become gold-winning coaches and produce gold-winning athletes,” Phillips said.

He’s also excited to participate in what he called “crossover coach-training,” and that recognition by the Olympic committee does come with a sense of validation for surfing.

Phillips said the inclusion of surfing in the Olympic Games puts the sport of surfing in an unarguable position for financial and resourceful support from local governments and community members.

“This brings credibility to everything I’ve been doing—that we’ve all been doing. These kids chose surfing, and in a way, the Olympics recognize that it was a good choice,” Phillips said.

‘We Want to Create a Dynasty’

This February, the International Olympic Committee will unveil the official qualification system for the 2020 Olympic Games, which will be governed by the International Surfing Association (ISA).

For Phillips and Buran, there is no time to waste, as coaching the USA Surfing team requires much more than simply producing a team for the 2020 games.

“You can think of it as a ‘farm-league’ of sorts,” said Buran, when describing their positions as coaching the next generation.

“The ultimate goal of the USA Surfing team is to identify and train athletes who are trending toward Olympic-caliber performance in order to win gold for the United States in the Olympic Games.”

This involves training and management assistance for these young athletes, who Phillips and Buran said they hope to shield from distractions as they train to become Olympians.

USA Surfing consists of an Under-18 team, Under-16 team and development programs for both male and female surfers. The initial focus for Phillips and Buran is on performing well at the 2019 ISA Junior Championships in Lima, Peru. Buran and his team won gold in the World Juniors event in 2017, but in 2019, the World Juniors competition carry some extra weight. Earlier this year, the ISA confirmed that the Olympic games will consist of 40 international surfers comprised of World Surf League competitors and the remainder will qualify through the ISA Junior competitions.

To repeat gold, USA Surfing will be counting on Phillips’ technical coaching skills as well as his nuanced sensitivity in reading into the intense psychological and emotional atmosphere of competitive surfing.

“He’s got a servant’s heart,” Buran said of Phillips. “We come from similar perspectives. We both want to give these kids the true Olympic experience.”

Maybe after giving so much, the next thing Phillips can claim for himself will be a gold medal.

Learn more about USA Surfing on their website, www.surfingamerica.org. The Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, are set to take place from July 24 to Aug. 9, 2020. San Clemente Times will offer an update on the official Olympic surfing qualification system when information becomes available. SC