March 8, 2018

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

City Council Approves Signs Permit for Outlets at San Clemente

THE LATEST: A decade-long debate may have been put to rest late Tuesday night when the San Clemente City County unanimously approved a sign exemption permit and the necessary environmental records to allow for a maximum of 25 permanent signs to be placed on the exterior, freewayfacing of the Outlets at San Clemente. Of the signage, 17 are freeway-facing signs that will be for businesses with a maximum of 10 constructed on the east side of the wall (only seven can be placed on the east side until Phase II of the Outlets construction is completed), five will be placed on a hotel with two of the signs

not being illuminated after 9 p.m. Four will be for identification of the Outlets and will be larger than the business signs, two of which are 200 square feet and two will be 100 square feet. The signs are to have “halo backlighting” to reduce their brightness, and the city approved a monochromatic dark bronze color to be used for all signs.

It’s unclear at this time if the Outlets owners would accept the city’s decision.

The Outlets, by way of Villa San Clemente, LLC, are still contesting several civil lawsuits regarding the signage at the mall.

Originally, the Outlets applied for a total of 34 freeway-facing signs that would have the colors of respective trademarks. Officials with the city argued the color scheme wouldn’t matter so long as the emblems were clear.

Residents in the Marblehead Coastal development, The Broadmoor and other subdivisions in the city with views of the ocean either obstructed by the Outlets or affected in some way by lighting have been fighting any signage at the Outlets since the beginning.

Some of the signage will go on a 45-foot tower that hasn’t been built yet, which will hold identification signs with the insignia of the Outlets.

The main argument for the Outlets is that they want to be able to attract freeway motorists to their location in order to identify itself as more than a large blank wall facing I-5.

The main argument of opponents is that the signs will affect their property values and cause light pollution.

Susan Jenrich, the general manager of the Outlets, said the businesses have generated significantly more sales since the temporary signs at the Outlets were put in place and that permanent signage would continue to increase sales, translating to more revenue for San Clemente. When the Outlets were approved, it was devised that sales tax would help maintain San Clemente’s various sports parks and recreational activities.

During the meeting, San Clemente approved to increase the amount in legal fees its paid to firms to fight lawsuits filed by the Villa San Clemente, LLC regarding the signs, which totaled to about $500,000.

WHAT’S NEXT: Phase II of the Outlets, which includes the construction of a hotel, the establishment of a movie theater and more, will not start until the first phase is completed. As part of the agreement, the temporary signs are to be removed soon. —EH

Emotions Run High During Homeless Population Discussion

THE LATEST: San Clemente residents were livid at the March 6 City Council meeting following the discovery that people who are homeless were moved from the Santa Ana riverbed to San Clemente.

City Manager James Makshanoff reiterated that the city was never made aware that hotels and motels in San Clemente would be contacted by the county about housing the Santa Ana riverbed’s homeless who were removed Feb. 14. He said when he contacted the county’s Public Administration office he was told 15 of the people removed from the riverbed had left the hotels they were assigned, but he said he wasn’t told if they were at San Clemente hotels.

Lt. Mike Peters, chief of San Clemente Police Services, said there are many factors that have contributed to the increase of homeless people in San Clemente, but the way residents respond to problems needs to be more effective than posting on social media, which is very active in San Clemente. Although Peters said the police do monitor public groups, stating something on Facebook isn’t the same as calling a report in.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Council voted 5-0 to give $11,000 to Family Assistance Minis-

tries (FAM) to help the nonprofit’s efforts in assisting homeless people. The money will be used for transportation to FAM, outreach and case management, client supplies and more. A Public Safety Task Force meeting, which examines crime and other issues within the city, is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21 at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville. If you have a nonemergency criminal report to make, call 949.770.6011. Call 911 for emergencies.

Public Watchdogs Challenges Settlement of SONGS Decommissioning

Rate

THE LATEST: The La Mesa-based group Public Watchdogs announced on Feb. 28 that it is challenging the new settlement agreement between the owners and ratepayers of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

A settlement was reached in March that absolved about $1 billion of the funding related to decommissioning the now-shuttered nuclear power plant.

The settlement agreement has yet to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Charles Langley, the executive director of Public Watchdogs, filed the motion for party status, a CPUC legal process to intervene on proceedings prior to a decision rendered by the commission.

“The motion argues that the California Public Utilities Commission’s pending approval of the bailout, which has cost ratepayers billions of dollars, is unlawful and violates Public Utility Commission standards that prevent the Commission from allowing a utility to charge ratepayers for useless equipment,” a press release from Public Watchdogs stated.

Public Watchdogs is contesting ratepayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for the remaining cost of decommissioning as the steam generators used at SONGS were faulty and caused the eventual closure of the plant, something the utility customers couldn’t control.

The cost of decommissioning SONGS is estimated to be a whopping $5 billion, about $3.4 billion of which ratepayers were on the hook, but a lawsuit settled between another oversight group in January, Citizens’ Oversight Projects, reduces that amount to about $2 billion, which attorneys in the case said would pass savings to ratepayers of electricity produced by SONGS when it was operational.

Langley said he was concerned about the way the attorneys who litigated against

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SCE were compensated for their years of work. He said the CPUC has a reimbursement process for interveners who bring things to the commission’s attention and that process wasn’t followed this time. He said that’s significant because it opens the door for utilities to pay off whistleblowers and settle out of court.

WHAT’S NEXT: The CPUC is expected to examine the new agreement between ratepayers and in the near future. —EH

CUSD Discusses $100 Million Bond for San Clemente Schools

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District board of trustees at its meeting on Feb. 28 discussed a potential $100 million school facilities improvement bond (SFID) to go toward upgrades to San Clemente schools.

San Clemente High School Principal Chris Carter presented some items to the board which would go toward the high school. Some improvements included a $15 million ‘Ole Hanson’ sports complex, a $10 million pool and bleachers, a $16 million performing arts center and a $16 million library and student services building.

“These are all critical components of what you would expect if you were to build a new high school,” trustee Patricia Holloway said. “These are the things that any new high school in the state would have— so I think we need to go out into the community, find out what each school wants, come back and see what it costs and what assessments support that. Especially for the high school because every student will end up in the high school.”

The bond—a maximum tax levy of $29 per $100,000 assessed value—would apply to the San Clemente High School boundary (essentially most of San Clemente), with the exception of Talega. A facility conditions assessment estimated the total cost of facilities needed across the schools within the San Clemente family of schools are $70.9 million for just existing needs, a CUSD report said.

Schools included in the bond would be every San Clemente school except Vista Del Mar Elementary School. The board also discussed including $12.8 million in existing needs for Palisades Elementary School, in Capistrano Beach, into the bond.

An initial proposal to the board suggested that the bond could be placed onto the November 2018 general election ballot but chose to wait and moving forward will discuss a 2020 bond to allow for more time to gather public feedback.

WHAT’S NEXT: In addition to the bond, the board discussed allocating funds to go toward polling and survey research to get a potential scope of a local bond measure.

Also, the surveying would take a look at the potential support for a bond measure. Holloway supported the idea to engage with the community to see what they want because they could want more, she said.

—Emily Rasmussen

CUSD Votes to Remove

College and Career Planning From Graduation Requirements

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District board of trustees on Feb. 28 voted to remove College and Career Planning (CCP) as a graduation requirement.

CCP is a course that works with students with college and career planning and is currently a semester-long class that is partnered with an on-campus health class. Previously the CCP course was a high school graduation requirement in CUSD, but new revisions include eliminating the graduation requirement, which replaces the five credits associated with CCP and reassigning the five credits under the area of electives, a CUSD staff report said.

The CCP course outlines a plan for high school students to graduate high school and to meet requirements for applying to colleges or universities. CCP also sparks students’ interests in what they may want to pursue in high school, which offers opportunities to complete career assessments, research career options and university programs to meet their career goals, the SJHHS website said.

There are currently 18 teachers who teach CCP on district high school campuses.

Trustee Gila Jones was against removing CCP as a graduation requirement.

The board’s first vote read 4-4, which failed the motion to remove CCP as a graduation requirement.

With some mixed emotions and slight confusion amongst trustees, the board called for a second vote.

The second and final vote read 6-2 in favor of removing CCP as a graduation requirement, with trustees Gary Pritchard and Jones against. Trustees Amy Hanacek and Patricia Holloway were the two trustees who switched their vote from against to in favor.

WHAT’S NEXT: For the 2017-18 school year, students will take health on campus and CCP as a partner course unless they enroll in health online or through summer school.

For the 2018-19 school year, students taking health on campus will be required to take CCP as a partner default course, while additional semester-long courses are being developed.

For the 2019-20 school year, students taking on health on campus will be able to take semester-long elective offerings as partner courses. —ER

NEWS BITES

Donate Used Musical Instruments to Charity

Guitars, violins and keyboards are being requested for the Kingdom Builders Ministry based in San Clemente that helps schools in Tijuana, Mexico.

The students for the program live in “marginalized communities,” according to a Kingdom Builders press release. The teachers of the ministry will give music instruction for free.

For more information and to donate an instrument, contact Don Glasgow at 949.481.0116 or email donglasgow45@aol. com.

I-5 Carpool Lane in South County Now Open

The new carpool lane on southbound I-5 is now open, following two days of daytime closures this week that allowed crews to efficiently complete paving and striping work.

“We realize the daytime closures (Feb. 28, March 2 and 4) were disruptive, and we appreciate the public’s patience as crews work to bring this project to a close,” Orange County Transportation Authority stated in a press release.

Paving and striping on northbound I-5 is still in the works. Nighttime freeway lane and ramp closures are scheduled this week from Camino Capistrano to Camino de Estrella. At least two lanes on I-5 in each direction will be open at all times.

Nighttime temperatures must be high enough to allow the striping to dry. Dates and times are subject to change if there is inclement weather or there are unforeseen operational factors.

Victim Compensation Board Announces Funding Availability for Trauma Recovery Centers

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) posted a Notice of Funds Available for Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs). The funding is for fiscal years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

TRCs provide trauma-informed mental health treatment and case management to underserved crime victims who may not be eligible for victim compensation or who may be fearful of reporting a crime to law enforcement.

All interested parties must submit a grant application packet by both postal mail and email before 2 p.m. on Friday, March 30. Complete details on eligibility criteria and application instructions can be found on the CalVCB website on the

People gather at last year’s Micro-Brew Fest hosted by Left Coast Brewing Co. This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, April 14. Photo: File

Grant Opportunities page at www.victims. ca.gov/board/grants.aspx.

Shark Sighting Prompts Closure to San Clemente Beaches on Monday

At 10:30 a.m. on March 5, the city of San Clemente announced on Twitter that the waters it patrols would be closed due to a confirmed shark sighting near the Pier.

This is the first shark sighting of the calendar year. The shark sighted was reported as an 8-foot-long great white. The closure was marked from Lasuens Beach to North Beach.

The city closes its waters for four hours at a time during confirmed shark sightings. If no sharks are sighted after that, the closure is typically downgraded to a warning, but the waters are reopened. Monday’s closure went into effect at 9:10 a.m. and was lifted at 1:10 p.m.

Intermittently throughout the spring and summer of 2017, shark sightings closed beaches from San Clemente to northern Orange County. A woman was attacked by a shark at San Onofre State Beach in April, which was the start of closures and prompted studies of shark behavior throughout the area.

Left Coast Brewing Co.

to Host Micro-Brew Fest

April 14

The 8th Annual San Clemente MicroBrew Fest will take place on Saturday, April 14, hosted by Left Coast Brewing Co. The event will feature micro-brews from all over Southern California, including Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company, The Bruery and Four Sons Brewing. Popular food trucks such as Brew Wings will serve delicious grub, and local bands, including The Kalama Brothers and Special Blend, will play throughout the day.

The brewery anticipates 750 guests

and more than 15 partnering breweries to attend. In addition to an early admission time, VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to tour Left Coast’s brewery.

Each year, the San Clemente MicroBrew Fest raises money to benefit the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s “Welcome Home Military Family Events.” The event in total has raised roughly $90,000.

The festival starts at noon for VIP and 1-5 p.m. for general admission at Left Coast Brewing Co., located at 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. General admission is $40 in advance, $45 at the door and $50 for VIP. Admission includes 12, four-ounce samples. Tickets can be purchased at www.scchamber.com under the calendar of events.

Four San Clemente Students Reach‘Spotlight’ Semifinals

The Music Center recently selected 113 of Southern California’s high school students as semifinalists in the center’s 30th Annual Spotlight Program, a free scholarship and arts training program for teenagers.

From San Clemente, Nicole Denney qualified in the ballet and non-classical dance categories. Arthur Erlanson and Jessalyn Ward qualified in the ballet division, and Marcus Sarjeant qualified in the non-classic dance category.

Semifinalists receive an opportunity to attend a special master class in their genre with highly regarded artists who share their expertise on performance technique, training and professional life.

Each semifinalist will audition again before a new panel of judges, who will then select the top two finalist performers in each category for a total of 14 grand prize finalists.

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

Community Meetings

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

7 p.m. The Coastal Advisory Committee will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. 949.361.8200. www.sanclemente.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

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

MONDAY, MARCH 12

AMERICAN LEGION POST 423 MEETING

6 p.m. Find out more information about the American Legion Post 423. San Clemente Elks Lodge, 1505 N. El Camino Real. 949.429.5003. strgeezr47@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

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.

SAN CLEMENTE VFW POST 7142 MEETING

7 p.m. San Clemente VFW Post 7142 will conduct its regularly scheduled meeting. Elks Lodge, 1505, N. El Camino Real. 949.464.8391. www.vfw7142.com.

www.sanclementetimes.com

DifferenceMaker

City’s traffic study claims arterial highways would help ease backup with no toll road

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

lanked by two billboards in the courtyard of the Orange County Hall of Administration in Santa Ana, San Clemente City Council members presented the findings of a traffic study that claims extending the 241 Toll Road through the city would have the same effect as completing arterial highways— arguing that the toll road extension is unnecessary.

A press conference regarding the study was held on March 1 in regard to the study of the roads proposed by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), the administrator of The Toll Roads.

IBI Group, the planning, engineering and technology firm hired to conduct the study, used data from Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) traffic studies to compile four packages, or possible outcomes, from the TCA’s proposed routes as well as the OCTA plans and Measure M-funded projects. The study examined vehicle miles traveled, vehicle hours traveled and delays. All of the packages except the fourth, which is to do nothing and just let the OCTA projects continue, showed data that represented similar effects.

The different packages looked at various scenarios in which the toll road connects to Interstate 5, is never built, roads are constructed following the OCTA Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) and a combination of the scenarios.

Mayor Tim Brown led the press conference and was accompanied by David Chew of IBI Group, San Clemente City Council members Kathy Ward and Steve Swartz as well as Mark McGuire, a San Clemente resident and land use attorney who has been working with the city on toll road issues.

Ward is also the city’s representative on the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency on TCA. Swartz is the city’s representative on the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency. The two agencies make up the TCA joint board.

“The general trend (was) that between the packages as well as the project, we were observing very similar results in terms of (traffic alleviation),” Chew said during the press conference. “Along the key corridors, we found that the volumes for the 241 extension, the project, and the La Pata extension from package two, were relatively low, coming out to be less than 12,000 trips on the 241 extension and less

than 250 trips on the La Pata extension.”

Chew said the Los Patrones (F Street) connection from Oso Parkway to Ortega Highway would be less than 21,000 trips per day, which means there are alternative methods to alleviating traffic in South Orange County that won’t cost as much as constructing a toll road.

In a press release, the city quoted Mike Arizabal of IBI Group stating that completion of the MPAH would be better for traffic alleviation and cost much less.

“The TCA has not built any new roads since 1996,” the city’s press release stated, “existing solely to continue to collect development fees, to manage the existing roads, and to propose new toll roads to justify the TCA’s continued existence while spending millions to battle Orange County residents and other stakeholders who oppose TCA projects.”

The release continued by claiming the toll roads through San Clemente would not benefit any Orange County residents but would service Los Angeles-to-San Diego commuters.

The study was intended to examine a possible toll road that would continue south and connect to I-5. It did not consider the proposed route that was introduced by the TCA in February that connects the 241 to La Pata and adds lanes to the highway between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

“What I heard from the traffic engineer this morning confirms what many of us have thought and suspected, that there is simply no basis for the TCA to blaze a toll road through San Clemente’s protected open space and very near homes and schools in order to connect the 241 to the I-5 in a location never planned,” McGuire said at the press conference. “I look forward to diving into the details of the IBI study.”

McGuire asked county and traffic officials

to take the study results to heart and to seek alternatives to the current proposals.

The study showed doing nothing would create longer hours on the road for motorists but would not cause as many delays as the toll road proposals. The study also used projections for the year 2040 related to population-growth estimates.

San Clemente has been fighting the notion of a toll road through its city for years. The proposed toll roads that go directly through the city have caused the most recent uproar. The TCA is studying eight possible traffic alleviation ideas, five of which are toll roads and three other are optimizing existing routes.

The study was commissioned by the San Clemente City Council in July for $89,000 and $102,000 for Englander Knabe & Allen for strategic planning services to combat the 241 extension.

How the city of San Clemente calculated a $2 billion price tag for the proposed toll road is a bit theoretical. The city assessed the $100 million to $1 billion estimates presented by the TCA in 2016 for the toll road proposals as well as interest from bond debt as the factors driving the cost. The city was also critical of the debt already accrued by the TCA from bonds to build the existing toll roads.

“If you take what TCA has spent previously for the length of the roads that they’ve done and factor in current costs, what it takes to build a road now, $2 billion is the estimate,” Ward said.

As the toll roads are still going through environmental studies and a draft report has not yet been published, it’s difficult to say definitively how much the toll road will cost.

“None of that has been considered, and there isn’t a figure associated with that,” said Nico Melendez, a spokesperson for Venture Strategic, which represents the

TCA for public information.

In a prepared statement, the TCA responded to the city’s report.

“Everyone knows there is a worsening traffic problem on I-5 in South Orange County,” the TCA’s statement read. “According to OCTA, traffic delays are expected to increase 66 percent by the year 2040. Seventy-eight percent of South Orange County residents believe doing nothing is not an option.”

The statement went on to blame San Clemente City Council for not “taking responsibility” for future planning and that the TCA would continue its mission to study and provide traffic alleviation solutions.

Later, on March 1, Melendez distributed a press release in response to the city’s study, which can be read in this story online. The release stated that the SR-241 extension that was studied isn’t applicable as it was nixed in a settlement agreement between the TCA and the Save San Onofre Coalition, a collection of environmental organizations that have fought to keep toll roads from being built through Trestles in South Orange and North San Diego counties.

“Traffic results are presented in the IBI study as Average Daily Volumes (ADTs) and do not illustrate critical daily and weekend peak hour congestion levels regularly experienced in South Orange County,” the release stated. “Caltrans, the agency providing independent oversight of the South County Traffic Relief environmental study, has a policy to study, analyze, and design for, the recurring peak conditions of traffic congestion.”

A full explanation of the report was given at the March 6 City Council meeting.Editor’s Note: This article was first published on March 1 on www.sanclementetimes.com. SC

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San Clemente Times Vol. 13, Issue 10. 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.

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GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

A New Shelter and New Era for Animal Care in Orange County

With so many different breeds of dogs, have you ever considered which one is your favorite?

Labrador retriever? Shih tzu? Boston terrier?

We asked this same question to W. Bruce Cameron, the author of the bestselling book A Dogs Purpose at our South County Pet Expo last year. His response was simply, “a rescue dog,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Here in Orange County, our animal care services began back in the 1940s with a shelter that had 26 dog kennels. Nearly 80 years later, it’s estimated there are over 1.4 million companion animals in OC, and more than 15,000 came through the county’s shelter in 2017 alone.

Animal services and rescue animals aren’t always at the forefront of a person’s mind or public policy debates; however, in OC we’re establishing a new foundation and transforming the culture for how the county provides animal services by placing our constituents and pets as the primary mission, creating more effective, efficient and community oriented services.

With these considerations in mind, I am thrilled to announce we will open the doors to the county’s new and modernized animal shelter in Tustin, which will serve our communities’ lost and homeless pets. The new shelter sets the stage for a new era of animal care in Orange County.

Letters to the Editor

AN EXTINCTION PARADOX

JOANNA CLARK, San Juan Capistrano

There have been five major extinctions over the last 4.6 billion years, according to the BBC Nature’s article “Big Five Mass Extinction Events.”

The conditions that caused these extinctions occurred over millions of years, not a few hundred years.

With the arrival of our Industrial-Age in 1750, in less than 300 years we have set ourselves on a course that could very well result in a sixth mass extinction.

Prior to the beginning of the Industrial Age, atmospheric CO2 remained relatively stable at 280 parts per million (ppm), ac-

By Lisa Bartlett

To design a shelter that benefits our community and functions with animals’ well-being in mind, our county staff and I worked collaboratively with some of the most prestigious consultants and veterinarians to help guide us through the design and development of the new facility. For example, Dr. Jyothi Robertson, of JVR Shelter Strategies, LLC spent months with the county, analyzing current approaches to our shelter policies and practices. The assistance of industry experts such as Dr. Robertson, allowed us to focus on novel strategic designs and programs to ensure our shelter’s furry companions will see a dramatic improvement over their previous conditions.

The shelter’s cats, for example, are moving from two cramped portables with stacked cages to a climate-controlled building with access to far more natural light and space. The strategic layout promotes stress reduction, which helps to limit common infections among shelter cats. For our canine companions, we have created daily enrichment programs that will help increase each dog’s adoptability,

cording to NASA Global Climate Change. As our demand for coal, oil and gas intensified, we released more and more CO2 back into the atmosphere, exceeding the ability of the natural carbon sinks to maintain equilibrium. This has resulted in an exponential increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As our planet’s natural carbon sinks became overwhelmed by rising CO2 levels, the environment began to destabilize, causing a gradual warming of the planet. This warming has driven climate change, leading to the collapsing of our glaciers, ice shelves, and the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, originally held back by the ice shelves.

The consequences listed above have shown an increase in storm severity, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, flooding, extreme heat waves, drought and wildfires, according to NASA.

The risk of wildfires increases exponentially during extended heat waves and droughts. They release CO2 and

which include various playgroups and trainings. These programs will decrease an animal’s anxiety and significantly increase their adoptability and chances of finding their forever home.

Every year, I’m pleased to host the South County Pet Expo to make animal adoptions more accessible to residents and help pets find a family. The annual event features over one hundred petrelated businesses, as well as pet owner information and entertaining demonstrations. This year’s Expo will take place Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m-2 p.m. at Lake Forest Sports Park. In addition to this event, our partnership with the city of Lake Forest to support the Pet Adoption Center of Orange County is a sustained effort to make adoptions more efficient and accessible in South County.

While there are many pressing issues countywide, the new animal care system highlights what we can do when we turn over every stone in order to make something better. In my years of service as your Orange County Supervisor, it has been my pledge to support policies that lead to effective county services that matter to residents.

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

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

reduce the number of trees available to absorb CO2, “a double whammy for the atmosphere,” said the Associated Press in “Wildfires Deliver a Double Whammy” from 2008.

Today, our continued development as a species depends upon our destruction of the planet’s natural environment. Yet our future depends on the survival of that very same environment.

We are facing a catastrophic future if we cannot put our many irrational and tribal differences aside and work as one to solve the paradox that threatens each of us. We can become an unstoppable force for change and the common good, if we put our irrational and tribal differences aside and unite as one to solve the paradox we created.

PROTECT OUR HIGH SCHOOLS WITH OFFICERS

GREGG NEWBURY, San Clemente

Not many people had heard of

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Columbine High School prior to 1999. Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida is in the news now because of a mass shooting by a former student. Sandy Hook Elementary School, Las Vegas and Aurora took place in between. What can be done to reduce the possibility of such attacks?

Schools are targeted in part because they are no-gun zones. A person wanting to do harm on society knows they will be the only one with guns when they show up at a school. This dynamic needs to change. Every time we have a mass shooting, we hear “ban guns, outlaw bumpstocks, tighten background checks, eliminate the gun show loophole, increase the age to buy guns, arm the teachers.” I heard an idea recently I really like.

A caller to the Rush Limbaugh radio show told a story about his local police department running out of office space in their city hall building, so they created a satellite office at their local high school. What a wonderful idea. This placed a trained, armed, skilled and experienced officer at the high school at all times. And it is their duty to protect citizens. The added expense to cover the schools is minimal.

I am suggesting that this idea be considered in San Clemente so we can remain a sleeping, unknown town on the Pacific Coast with a view of Catalina Island.

AND THE SURVEY SAYS…

CORD BAUER, San Clemente

Last year, in response to thousands of calls for more officers in San Clemente and more than one Facebook group being formed simply to talk about crime in San Clemente, the City Council acted. They acted by commissioning the Matrix survey. The survey said that although we’ve got half the officers per capita as our neighboring cities, the most important thing that could be done for safety in San Clemente was increased “dialogue” between our sheriffs and the community. Really? More talk will solve our problems?

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) recently commissioned a self-serving survey that showed Orange County loves toll roads and wants more of them.

They actually used the term “throughpass” instead of toll road, which indicates the level of lies and deceit that the TCA will use to push their agenda.

A review of the survey by a senior methodologist from the Gallup Corporation showed that the survey was extremely poorly written and little more than a “push poll.” That is, the survey was designed simply to justify the actions of the TCA. No one is surprised, and yet the TCA uses this fake survey to get what they want, not the public.

There’s a new survey on the horizon from Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). What do you suppose will be the outcome from the survey? Perhaps that our schools need more money and that CUSD knows how to spend it? Perhaps a new bond measure (just like last year) will be released after the survey, in order for CUSD to “continue to bring excellence to our children?”

The next time you see a survey from the state or local government, look beyond the multiple choice questions. Are they trying to find out what you want or are they trying to justify what they want?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, email 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

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

Thursday | 08

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.

Friday | 09

LIVE MUSIC: WATERMAN’S HARBOR

4-7 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE MUSIC: BILLY WATSON

7:30 p.m. Billy Watson will perform live music at Iva Lee’s, 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www. ivalees.com.

LIVE THEATER: THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN

8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents The Cripple of Inishmaan every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 25. The Cripple of Inishmaan is delves into the great tradition of Irish storytelling and has been called “An entertainingly boozy brew of humor both sweet and savage”, according to the Camino Real Playhouse press release. Tickets are $20. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

FRIDAY, MARCH 9: ‘DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER’ AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE

8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse is always casual but reminds you: Don’t Dress for Dinner, which is now playing. Dinner for two is interrupted when an uninvited guest shows up. A cook, a friend, a husband, a wife play out as who’s who in this hilarious comedy. Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 10

OC WINEFEST

1-5 p.m. The OCWineFest brings wines and brews from around the world to your doorstep in a fun, relaxed environment. The fest also serves up boutiques to browse, gourmet nibbles and artisan merchandise for sale and a chill vibe. The event runs March 10 and 11. A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.2063. www.ocwinefest.com.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN

2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music from rotating bands at the Swallow’s Inn. Burgers and wings from Lisa’s Kitchen also are available. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

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 of 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.

FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING

8 a.m.-noon. The city of San Clemente

invites the public for a day of safeguarding yourself against identity theft. Stop by the San Clemente Maintenance Yard to properly discard any document with vital personal or financial information. Guests are limited to 10 banker boxes, plastic bags or paper bags per vehicle. Newspapers, magazines, soiled or wet paper will not be allowed. 390 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.498.9436. www. san-clemente.org.

47TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES

8 a.m. Enjoy the second weekend of the 47th Annual Festival of Whales. Families are welcome to join in on countless activities including art lessons, street fairs and car shows all weekend long. After a weekend of fun, be sure to stop by the Whale of a BBQ at Baby Beach Park for some lunch on the beach. The event also takes place on Sunday, March 11. For a complete list of events, visit www. festivalofwhales.com. Dana Point Harbor. 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.1045.

Sunday | 11

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.

YOGA ON TAP

11 a.m. Yoga on Tap is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www. leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 12

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. coamusicarts@ gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

(Cont. on page 12)

GETTING OUT

(Cont. from page 10)

BINGO AT GOODY’S

7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a Bingo night for a charity of the week. Cards are $1 per sleeve (3 cards), and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949. 492.3400. www. goodystavern.com.

Tuesday | 13

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.

GETTING FRIENDLY WITH FUNGI

7 p.m.

Mycologist Joanne Schwartz is holding a lecture at the Guest House in Rancho Mission Viejo about identifying wild mushrooms in Southern California. Hear tales of fungal folklore all while learning which mushrooms are okay to eat and farm. Admission is free. RSVP for this lecture at rmvreserve.org. 11 Brioso Street, Ladera Ranch. 949.625.6500. rmvreserve.org.

At the Movies: ‘Red Sparrow’ Flies South of Expectations

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

As the 2017 awards season ended with a rather uneventful Oscars ceremony, with The Shape of Water winning “Best Picture” and “Best Director” as well as Three Billboards and Dunkirk getting their share of wins, 20th Century Fox decided to release its latest espionage thriller, Red Sparrow, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton. Lawrence has been spending her post-Oscar win since 2013 primarily with studio films that don’t quite meet their potential, and Sparrow unfortunately fits that bill as well.

In modern-day Russia, prima ballerina Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) has her career sabotaged by rival dancers when they conspire to break her leg during a performance. Her uncle, Vanya (Matthias Schoenaerts), recruits her to a special

Wednesday | 14

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 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 pro-

fessional 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.

On Stage at The Coach House: Steve Tyrell

The captivating tunes of Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Steve Tyrell and his band are returning to the stage at The Coach House on Friday, March 16.

With hits such as “I’ve Got a Crush On You” and “The Simple Life,” Tyrell’s career in singing, songwriting and production spans nearly five-decades.

Most recently, the 73-year-old legend came out with his new album A Song For You, which features a blend of cross-decade songs and melodies.

“This album is a mixture of the great American songbook from the 20s, it has some of the classic songs that I kind of started doing and modern songs,” Tyrell said.

loves the audience’s fun atmosphere at the San Juan Capistrano venue.

intelligence agency where she is trained to use her sexuality as a weapon. One of her first assignments involves CIA agent Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton), who is living in Moscow and doing his own investigation on her.

Jeremy Irons, Mary-Louise Parker and Joely Richardson make up the rest of the famous cast. Red Sparrow is directed by Lawrence’s Hunger Games collaborator Francis Lawrence and is based on the 2013 novel by Jason Matthews. Unlike last year’s flawed but fun Atomic Blonde, which had exciting action sequences and a catchy soundtrack, Sparrow has a tone problem. It’s just as graphic sexually and violently as Blonde, but way too bleak to be accessible to a mainstream audience. The atmosphere and characters are so harsh that the film is almost a turn-off. My advice to Jennifer in the future would be to try indie films again. SC

Some of Tyrell’s more modern songs include hits from the 70s and 80s, including the album’s opening song “Someone Like You,” by Van Morrison in 1987. The album’s title is also named after “A Song For You,” by Leon Russell and Willie Nelson in 1979, which Tyrell covers.

Tyrell said his plan at The Coach House is to perform tunes from his new album—which he anticipates will soon make it to No. 1 on Billboard for traditional jazz.

“Each thing is different, like my last album had songs from the Carole King era and the songwriting era from the 1960s,” Tyrell said. “This (new album) is a blend of Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Jerome Kern, Burt Bacharach—kind of a fusion of all of these different eras.”

At The Coach House, Tyrell said that people can look forward to the audience singing along to classic hits with him and have an overall good time.

With a handful of past performances at The Coach House, Tyrell said that he

“I’m hoping I have people who come back and forth to that place,” Tyrell said. “Every night that you perform live music is a new night, so it always feels the same basically. You have the expectation to try to be good, lock in on something musical and magical. Every night is different and every venue is different.”

Recently, Tyrell has been traveling all over the nation to a variety of performances ranging from Palm Beach, Florida to jazz cruises. His performances, accompanied by his steady band of piano, bass, drums and guitar, have continued with his repository of multi-generational songs.

“Each one of these songs that I’ll be playing will be great, they’ve weathered the test of time all of these years,” Tyrell said.

The doors open for the show at 6 p.m. and it starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16 at The Coach House, located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. Tickets are $38 and can be bought online at www.thecoachhouse.com. SC

LIVING

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom

Blake

Eight Red Flags if Widow Allows Man-Friend to Move In

n 24 years of writing columns about senior romance, I’ve often been asked about senior couples cohabitating. The most recent question in that category came from Sally (not her true name), 69, a widow of four years.

Sally emailed: “I am financially secure, healthy, fit and attractive. I have been doing volunteer work for the last two years, which is how I met the man I am now seeing.”

Sally explained that she met him last spring when he visited the museum where she volunteers as a docent. He lives 34 miles from her. They’ve been dating on weekends since mid-May. He’s 56, 13 years younger. He told her the age difference doesn’t bother him.

“I like the way our relationship is now. We get a chance to miss one another because we don’t live together,” Sally said. “We have had some misunderstandings but have worked through them and grown in our relationship.

By Tom Blake

“He is hardworking and loves his sisters and 86-year-old mother, who live in Kansas. We visited them last November. He is not as financially secure as I and he still works full time, which is good. I am a retired teacher and I own a nice, large, mortgage-free home.

“He has never married. My late husband and I had a solid, loving marriage for 39 years and then he became ill and died suddenly.

“I always felt I would never marry or live with a man again, but I did want to find a special person with whom I could share a

committed relationship.

“My man-friend wants to move in with me; we are ‘discussing’ it. I know what it’s like to be married; he does not. He has had a few live-in relationships of a few years each. What are your thoughts on his moving in with me?”

EIGHT RED FLAGS IF THE MAN MOVES IN:

1. What you have now is a LAT, a living-apart-together relationship, which is becoming more common among seniors who want a partner in their lives, but who also want to keep their independence. You say you like the way things are now, that you get a chance to miss each other because you don’t live together. Living with a person can change the relationship dynamic from day one. Why risk that?

2. You’ve seen each other only on weekends. Have you tried weekdays as well?

3. You’ve already had differences. Living together isn’t easier; it’s harder. More differences could surface.

4. I worry about his track record, namely, the “few” live-in relationships he’s had, none lasting more than a few years. Plus, he has never married. How do you know you two will get along living 24/7 under the same roof?

5. The age gap is significant. Why is he interested in a woman 13 years older than him? With all due respect to you and your wonderful qualities, I suspect he likes that your home is paid off and you are financially set. Do you want to risk the financial security you worked so hard to accumulate?

6. Moving someone in is easy. Getting

Pet of the Week: Yum Yum

um Yum is an 8-year-old kitty looking for a new start. Calm and mild-mannered, she enjoys sunbathing and having her fur brushed. Yum Yum is declawed and would do best as the only pet in a quiet home.

If you would like to know more about Yum Yum, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. SC

FROM THE ARCHIVES People line the Pier to fish in this photo taken in San Clemente in 1982. Fishing derbies and regular fishing is still a popular activity at the Pier.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

someone to move out can be a nightmare. Do you want to take that chance?

7. If he moved in, would he commute 68 miles roundtrip to work? Or, would he retire and be around the house seven days a week? That would drive you crazy because you treasure your private time.

8. Why does he want to move in? To live on your money? What about finances? Would he pay rent and share expenses?

Sally, allowing him to move in is too risky; there are too many issues. Give it time. It’s only been eight months. And, even then, proceed with caution. You’ve got too much to lose and too little to gain.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

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

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

Madam President

Elks Lodge selects first woman to head its San Clemente branch

BY

or the first time in its 60-year history, the San Clemente Elks Lodge No. 2068 has elected a woman as its president.

Susan Phillips has been an Elk for 17 years and has spent the last two as the San Clemente branch’s secretary and one year as the treasurer. She is slated to be sworn in as the San Clemente Elks Lodge president on Saturday, March 17.

“It seemed like a great charitable thing to do,” Phillips said. “I can’t stop myself from volunteering.”

In 2005, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) dropped a lawsuit with Elks Lodge No. 96 in New York for the right for women to join. There were other lawsuits across the country during this time that helped open the door for women to join, Phillips said.

“Under a 1995 amendment to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Elks, the national Elks organization, women are allowed to join this previously all-male

The Road Ahead

New OC Tavern owner plans to ‘spruce up’ popular San Clemente venue

BY

Rolling in from the print media industry, OC Tavern’s new owner is looking forward to his new venture.

Chris Dalgaard, the new owner of OC Tavern, was the publisher of Quick Throttle Magazine until he sold it recently.

“I was looking for the next thing that I was going to do, and I opened my mind a little bit,” Dalgaard said. “I love this place. I’ve actually come here as a music fan and had a great time. It’s funny because the more I looked into it, the more I found people like me who had been here for a party and hadn’t been back.”

Off-track horse betting isn’t going anywhere and Dalgaard said he’s even thinking about marketing the gaming

organization,” the ACLU press release from 2005 stated.

Phillips said although the Elks Lodge was a male-dominated consortium for decades, more women have steadily joined the San Clemente lodge in the past decade. About 25 percent of the membership is now female.

“I think I was the first woman who was brave enough to say ‘I’ll do it,’” Phillips said regarding her willingness to serve as president. “It started out, even in our history book, as a fraternal order, and a few

beyond South Orange County to bring in a more diverse crowd.

Dalgaard said he was ready to commit to the business once he saw the potential. He said he doesn’t want to change too much, but he does want to open up the banquet room for more parties, redo the dining room by putting in new booths and dressing up the furniture. He also said he wants to put a fireplace in the middle of the large stone wall.

“There’s a lot of different things that keep it fun,” Dalgaard said. “I kind of know my vision for the different areas of the tavern.”

A Moroccan family recently hosted a wedding reception at OC Tavern, where they made the banquet all their own.

Dalgaard said cohabitating events with the sports bar atmosphere would be ideal.

“Musicians should want to play at OC Tavern,” Dalgaard said, adding he wants to make it a very accessible venue for musicians. Dalgaard mentioned one new opportunity for musicians could be a reggae Sunday brunch during football season.

As far as the menu, Dalgaard said he wants to reduce it significantly and raise the quality of some of the popular items. He admitted, as someone originally from the East Coast, that he was slightly emotional about making a premium Philly cheesesteak. He said the jumbo chicken

members to see what monthly contributions they’ve made in their neighborhoods.

Phillips said she helped organize and promote the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano for 16 years before moving to San Clemente.

Once a month the Elks put together boxes for people registered with Family Assistance Ministries as well as books and school supplies to local schools.

“We want to show people that we’re not just here to be a social club,” Phillips said. “The Elks give away $3.5 million in scholarships each year (nationwide),” adding that the only larger provider of grant money is the U.S. government.

Each year, the California-Hawaii Elks host a “Purple Pig” drive that sponsors medical needs of children with disabilities.

Membership retention is something that Phillips said is at the top of her list.

years back, some of the wives said they wanted to be members.”

Presidents serve one year as the head of their respective lodge. Phillips ran unopposed during her election. The position is not full-time and is volunteer-based, but it requires year-long attention.

“I really want people to know that it’s not just for men and for people to come and see what we do,” she said.

Phillips said she wants to encourage making a difference in the community and as president will check in with current

“My biggest goal is to reach out to people whose membership may have lapsed and to get new members more involved,” Phillips said, adding she wants to make the San Clemente lodge more accessible to activities for children in order for them to have something to do while their parents participate in lodge business.

The lodge is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and member installments will take place on March 17.

In order to join the Elks, someone has to be nominated or sponsored to join by a current member and then have two other Elks vouch for them.

For more information, visit www.elks. org. SC

wings are here to stay.

Catering is also a feature Dalgaard wants to promote more, calling it a “little known secret” about OC Tavern.

OC Tavern was established in 2007 and recently celebrated its 11th year in business.

Chris’ wife, Lisa, helps out with the public relations and marketing for the tavern. Dalgaard is currently renting the build-

ing from the previous owners, but he said he hopes to one day own the location outright.

Last but not least, the local sports décor will hardly be altered.

“I’ve got a great hand-painted motorcycle piece that’s very 40s, way Norman Rockwell, and I have some signed sports pieces,” Dalgaard said, “but that’s about it.” SC

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SanClemente STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Clemente Spring Sports Preview

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The spring preps season is underway at San Clemente High School. In our annual preview, we feature all of the Triton programs that will be in action this season.

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

Baseball

The San Clemente baseball team is looking to bounce back from a tough league campaign and a first-round exit from last year’s CIF-SS playoffs. The Tritons will be well-rounded enough to do so as evidenced by a 5-0 start.

“We have a very good offensive team,” San Clemente coach Dave Gellatly said. “We’re going to be good defensively. I think the big question mark coming into the season was our pitching. Based on our first three games, they’ve done a very good job. They’ve surprised in the early going.”

San Clemente has scored five or more runs in three of its first five games and hasn’t allowed more than two runs in those games.

Senior Mike McGreevy gets things going for the Tritons as the lead-off hitter, starting shortstop and No. 1 pitcher. McGreevy has a home run as well as two wins in five games.

Senior Jeff Bruyntjens will be a big offensive key in the No. 3 spot and has two home runs and seven hits in 13 atbats so far.

Senior Charlie Loust will control the pitching game behind the plate at catcher.

The Tritons pitching has thrown to contact and allowed a stellar defense to do its work.

San Clemente plays in arguably the toughest league in Division 1, but Gellatly thinks his team has what it takes to succeed.

“On paper, based on the rankings, we’re supposed to be the last place team,” Gellatly said, “but I don’t think that’s what’s going to happen in the long run. I think we’re capable of beating anyone on any given day.

San Clemente opens league at Capistrano Valley on Saturday, March 17.

Girls Lacrosse

San Clemente girls lacrosse Josh Cain said he hopes his team won’t miss a beat from its 15-4 overall and 8-0 league championship season a year ago.

The offense is carried by a group of seniors and the defense is bolstered by a group of rising juniors as the Tritons look to build on last season’s quarterfinal finish.

“At this point, there isn’t too much new to teach them,” Cain said. “They know what to do, and now it’s all about executing. It’s about minimizing those mistakes and just really working to play that perfect game of lacrosse.”

Senior captains Shay Hefft, Lindsey Joseph and Jessica De Collibus along with junior Delainey Iles place San Clemente up front. The Tritons have already scored 31 goals in three games.

San Clemente graduated several seniors from its defense, but junior Catherine Yubeta and sophomore Gabriela Perez have already stepped up to keep things clicking on the back end.

The Tritons are 2-1 to open the season with wins over Los Alamitos, 10-7 on Feb. 24, and Laguna Hills, 15-8 on March 6. San Clemente has nonleague tests at home against San Juan Hills on Saturday, March 10 and Foothill on Tuesday, March 13 before opening league at Mission Viejo on Thursday, March 22.

Boys Golf

The San Clemente boys golf team had a strong finish last season and will look to build on that in 2018.

Last season, four Tritons advanced to the CIF-SS individual competition out of the South Coast League finals. San Clemente had four of the nine league representatives in the tournament.

San Clemente also finished fourth as a team at the CIF-SS South Coast Team

Divisional championships.

The leader for San Clemente is senior Alex Pak. Pak finished second in the South Coast League, fifth at CIF-SS and qualified for the Southern Regional tournament.

Junior Christian Wentzel will also be a key player for the Tritons.

Second-year coach Marc Parker will look to keep San Clemente as competitive as always in a tough South Coast League. (Cont. on page 18)

Softball

The San Clemente softball team has had a strong start in 2018 after a disappointing 2017 season.

San Clemente went 10-11 overall and 1-6 in league last season, but the Tritons are off to a 3-2 start.

San Clemente lost a tight opener, 2-1, against Warren on Feb. 24, but has since put together three strong wins. The Tritons beat Woodbridge, 3-1, on Feb. 24, El Toro, 13-2 on Feb. 27, and Dana Hills, 3-1, on Feb. 28. San Clemente lost at Huntington Beach, 4-1, on March 6.

Dana Hills was county-ranked in the preseason, and San Clemente pulled out a late win with three runs in the sixth inning.

The Tritons have three seniors that are signed on to play with universities next season. Lily Aasland will play at Bryant, Grace Krantz at Harvard and Mikaela Gandia-Mak at Hawaii-Manoa.

San Clemente opens league play at home against Aliso Niguel on Thursday, April 12.

Boys Lacrosse

The San Clemente boys lacrosse team lost 18 seniors to graduation from another league championship group last season, but coach Brendan Finnerty still has a lot of expectations in his second season with the Tritons.

“We want to win,” Finnerty said. “I didn’t come down to San Clemente not to win championships, I can tell you that much. I don’t want to call this a rebuilding year, but when you lose 18 seniors, it kind

of has to be.”

The defense is a big strength for San Clemente with several returners including juniors Dylan Hartanov and Nick Amico. The consistency of the defensive group will be a rock for the Tritons.

On offense, there will be some changes as players step up and the philosophy changes. Finnerty said that San Clemente will focus on ball movement and rotations to slow the game down and take smarter

opportunities.

Senior Branden Wilson is the lone captain for the Tritons, and Finnerty is excited to have the speedy attackman back in the fold. Junior Liam Nelson scored six goals in the Tritons’ only game this season, a 10-8 win over Thousand Oaks on Feb. 24. Junior Jake Brannon will be relied on at the face-off.

San Clemente opens league at home against El Toro on Friday, March 16 and hosts county champion Foothill on Monday, April 2.

Boys Swimming

The San Clemente boys swim team is building off of a great season from a year ago, but the Tritons are still on the hunt for one more thing.

“Our open team won every meet (last season),” San Clemente coach Thomas Dollar said. “JV won every meet. Varsity won every meet except Laguna Hills. That’s the team we’ve got to beat. It’s going to be trying to get that one victory we need, that missing piece to get that league championship.”

The Tritons are looking for their first league title in over 10 years, but they might have what it takes with good allaround depth and two stellar senior leaders.

Boston Williams, bound for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall, is a powerful force. Williams has already hit a personal best in the offseason and Dollar expects another drop to come. Williams will swim the 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly.

Weston Rowan, a University of California-Santa Barbara signee, is also coming back strong for the Tritons. Rowan will swim mainly in the 200-meter individual medley and 100-meter backstroke.

“Consistent junior class, consistent senior class, sophomores who are doing a great job as well,” Dollar said. “We’re pretty stoked going into the season.”

Girls Swimming

Like their male counterparts, the San Clemente girls swim team is looking to build and add a league championship to its ledger.

“We’ve talked about how boys and girls water polo have won league,” San Clemente coach Brad Kerr said. “We’re looking to put another couple numbers up on the board and have a really strong year for aquatics.”

Kerr said he has a motivated and hard-working group that has standouts at nearly every level.

Senior Marley Macarewich returns as the captain for the Tritons and will swim in the 100-meter butterfly and medley relay. Senior Mia Edwards also returns in the backstroke.

Junior Daisy Frauenzimmer moves into the 100-meter butterfly and breaststroke. Freshman Stella Copeland will step up in distance events like the 500yard freestyle and will also swim in the 100-meter breaststroke.

San Clemente will face key league meets against San Juan Hills and Capistrano Valley.

Boys Tennis

With seven consecutive league titles in hand, the San Clemente boys tennis team will look to round out the streak to eight in 2018.

The Tritons have the talent, but San Clemente still needs to work out some early season kinks if they are to contend again.

“We have close to what we had last year,” San Clemente coach John Stephens said. “Our doubles are a little bit behind where we were last year. Singles are as strong as we were last year. We’ve got four seniors that are starting, and we’re counting on them to pick it up as the season goes on.”

San Clemente’s experience lies with its doubles groups. Caden Spenser, Devin Ursem and Michael Tilly will be the leaders here.

At singles, the Tritons’ No. 1 and No. 2 are both sophomores in Cory Angeli and Griffin Wolfe. Both gained valuable experience as freshmen in San Clemente’s league championship run.

When the Tritons return to league play, Stephens expects Tesoro to be the main challenge this season. Dana Hills had been the contender, but Tesoro has gotten stronger as Dana Hills has dropped off a little this season.

San Clemente opens league play at home against San Juan Hills on March 14. The Tritons host Tesoro on Tuesday, March 27 and travel to Dana Hills on Thursday, March 29.

Boys Track and Field

The San Clemente boys track and field team got a rude welcome to the South Coast League last season.

After years of Sea View League dominance, the Tritons finished last at league finals a year ago, but there is still plenty to pay attention to on the oval. The star for the boys track team will be senior Jack Shippy. Shippy is committed to University of California-Davis as a football player, but he is extremely valuable in various events for the Tritons. As a junior, Shippy finished third at the South Coast League finals in the 100-meter, 200-meter and long jump.

Shippy qualified for the CIF-SS preliminaries in all three disciplines and advanced to the CIF-SS finals for the long jump where he finished eighth.

Relays are also a place to look for San Clemente with seniors Nicholas Hernandez and Hayden Sanders joining Shippy on the 1,600-meter relay.

Girls Track and Field

Despite a fourth-place finish at the South Coast League finals last year, there is plenty to be excited about for the San Clemente girls track and field team.

Emilie Bennett returns in the sprints

where she finished second in both the 100-meter and 200-meter at league finals as a sophomore. Her relay teammate senior Rylee Kerr is also a name to watch in the 400-meter.

San Clemente has always prided itself with its distance running program, and this year is no different.

Senior Chandler Horton returns as the reigning 3,200-meter league champion and had another stellar cross country season in the fall. Hana Catsimanes was the league champion in the 1,600-meter race as a freshman and was similarly strong in her second cross country season.

Senior Chloe Patterson is a name to watch in the hurdles.

Boys Volleyball

San Clemente boys volleyball coach Ken Gladstone was close to hanging it up at the end of last season.

“I retired from teaching in June and had thoughts of giving it up,” Gladstone said, “but the kids that were coming back are such great kids. I thought if we start working now we might have a shot.”

For a team that lost nine seniors to graduation from a league championship group, a lot of work had to be put in through the fall, but the Tritons put in that work and are ready to go this spring.

Seniors Connor Mateer in the middle and Kyle Burick at opposite are the two returners from last year’s varsity team that will have big roles for San Clemente.

Junior Marc Monier is the team’s top outside hitter and junior Cole McDaniel will be key as the setter.

“We have a little more experience in the pin positions,” Gladstone said, “but we’re pretty green all the way around. We’re athletic and play hard. We’re a pretty good ball control team considering how young we are.”

San Clemente is 5-1 to start the season and opens its league title defense on Tuesday, March 27 at home against Dana Hills.

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

Nancy Mason

Nancy Mason of San Clemente passed away peacefully at home on February 26,2018 at the age of 83 with her beloved husband Don and her caretaker Rosanna “Rose Angel” by her side.

Unforgettable to anyone that crossed her path, Nancy had a joyful and generous spirit. She loved life and lived each day to it’s fullest by counting her blessings every day. She prided herself in being a homemaker and mother which she said were her life’s calling. Her talents and creativity as a seamstress had been a big part of her life and that was evident in her home as well as the homes of many friends and family. Loving wife of Donald and devoted mother to Gary (Karlyne) Van Daele, Laurie (Paul) Klett, Elaine (Phil) Siebert, Wayne (Annette) Mason

and Gail Mason Solis (Carlos). The proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren John, Jim, Sherry ,Eden, Brian, Adam, Neil, James, Kyle, Cheryl, and the late Brian (Siebert) who preceded her in death. Great grandmother of 16. We have lost the light of our lives and a beacon for us all. Nancy will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She will surely be remembered by her friendly, outgoing personality as well as her colorful and matching outfits by all who knew her at the Dana Point Harbor.

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday March 17th, 2018 11:30am

La Ventura Event Center 2316 South El Camino Real San Clemente, CA

CLASSIFIEDS

WOMEN’S BICYCLE

Beautiful, almost new women’s bike. Looks like a commuter/ cruiser with multiple gears. Light mint green frame, white seat, wire basket on the back. $250. Text for photos. 949-533-9761.

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.

SATURDAYS, 10AM TO 1PM AND SUNDAYS 9AM TO 12 Through March. Everything must go. Chairs, tables, household items, clothes, jewelry, tools, patio furniture. Also open during week. 34202 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.

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

DANA POINT MARINA INN NOW HIRING

Front desk help. Two F/T positions open. $12 to $13, per hour. Apply in person. 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629

THE

SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP

Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday 2017 when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel. The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www. gofundme.com/the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Giddy on the Goldie

Local pros ready to make their mark as 2018 WSL Championship Tour season gets underway on the Gold Coast of Australia

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

It’s almost here. The debut event of the 2018 WSL Championship Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, kicks off on Sunday, March 11, and we’ve got three big reasons to watch.

This year, San Clemente has three surfers on tour: Kolohe Andino, Pat Gudauskas and Griffin Colapinto. Big things are expected from the trio but for very different reasons. Andino first qualified for the Championship Tour back in 2012, and while his surfing and heat strategy have

ETHAN MUDGE

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

There’s a lot to be said for the surfer who can ride anything and make it look good. Longboard, shortboard, whatever the shape may be, it takes a special surfer to be able to articulate and express themselves on the sled of their choosing. Plainly put, there’s a big difference between a 6-foot thruster and a 9-foot log. Last weekend, Ethan Mudge emerged as one such multifaceted surfer to watch.

San Clemente Times March 8-14, 2018

definitely matured in recent years, it’s fair to say he’s had a few ups and downs throughout his time on tour. In his early years, he was still developing physically, then he was sidelined with injuries, but in the last couple of years, he’s come into his own and he’s consistently been finishing the year in the top 10.

“For me, the biggest thing is my attitude,” Andino said. “I started watching these guys that are really successful on tour, and when they would lose they wouldn’t live or die by every result. You just sort of have to remind yourself that you did the work and that it’ll all work out.”

Andino’s been pegged as a world title contender for years. He’s healthy. He’s in a good head space. He’s got his friends on tour with him, and 2018 could be the year he puts all the pieces together.

For Gudauskas, the 2018 season means a return to tour life. In 2013, he fell off tour and has been fighting tooth and nail to get back to surfing’s main stage ever since. He qualified again at the very end of last year and isn’t taking anything for granted this time.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that boys on the San Clemente High School’s surf team just won the state title in varsity and junior varsity. What you may not have noticed is that Mudge gave his JV squad a massive boost by winning both the shortboard and longboard divisions.

“Thanks to all of the boys for cheering me on, and to Coach Dowell for all of the advice,” Mudge said to the National Scholastic Surfing Association when it was all done and dusted. “Also, thanks Janice Aragon and Gayline Clifford for putting on the event!”

He rips on anything and has good manners? Whether you see him down at Lowers or Old Man’s, give this kid a wave. He’s going places. SC

New Year, Same Results

San Clemente schools continue to dominate NSSA Interscholastic State Championships

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The best in the west: that certainly does have a nice ring to it. Once again, San Clemente High School and Shorecliffs Middle School have captured state surfing titles. Last weekend, the 2018 NSSA Interscholastic State Championships went down at Seaside Reef in Cardiff. No doubt, it’s been a rough winter for waves, but thankfully, a little pulse kicked in to provide playful two- to three-foot surf for the competitors from up and down the Golden State. Defending high school champs San Clemente High managed to pull off a sweep in both the varsity and junior varsity divisions, while Shorecliffs came away with another title in the middle school divi-

“Pat’s going all in. Tanner and I will be there to help and give him the support he needs. He’s psyched, he’s focused, it’s going to be a great year,” said Pat’s brother Dane Gudauskas.

Finally, there’s rookie Griffin Colapinto. As the new kid on the block, people are expecting big things from him. He’s teamed up with former world tour ace Jake Paterson to help with the coaching responsibilities and he’s been getting back into the competitive groove in the early

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

sion. It was the record-smashing 16th state title for Shorecliffs.

San Clemente’s Liam Murray won the high school boys division and was joined in the final by teammates Davi Toldeo, David Economos and Elijah Fox, who finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Meanwhile, the JV team took home their fourth consecutive title in a clean sweep of the final. Ethan Mudge won the division while San Clemente surfers filled all six slots in the final.

In the middle school division, Shorecliffs did what Shorecliffs tends to do—they won. It wasn’t even close. They beat the second-place team by 60 points. Other local schools that fared well included Marco Forester, who finished third, and Bernice Ayer, who finished eighth. Shorecliffs’ “blue” team finished sixth.

Shorecliffs’ Tyrone Fomenko, Sawyer Lindblad and Aiden Sautner swept the podium in the boys, girls and longboard divisions to seal the deal. When it comes to Shorecliffs, there is no middle school program that even comes close to the success they’ve enjoyed over the years. For the second year in a row, Point Loma Nazarene took top honors in the collegiate championships.

Congrats to all that were, in the words of The Beach Boys, true to their schools. SC

stages of the Australia leg of the WSL’s Qualifying Series. He’s recently dropped a few attention-getting video clips that are only adding to the anticipation.

“He rips,” said Pat Gudauskas at the end of 2017. “He’s gonna crush it on tour. He’s the real deal.”

The waiting period for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast starts March 11. The contest will take place at Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Gold Coast. Tune into www. worldsurfleague.com to catch it all live. SC

Water Temperature: 56-60 degrees F

Thursday: Small swell and WNW swell mix. Knee-waist-chest high (2-3’+) surf shows for good spots while best combo spots hit shoulder high (4’) on sets. Light offshore winds early, trending onshore into the afternoon.

Outlook: Small to modest size NW/SSW combo swell through the weekend. Winds are mostly onshore. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.