L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S EAU G U S T 2 5 – 3 1 , 2 0 1 1

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 34

www.sanclementetimes.com

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE

Varsity Triton football players suited up for practice last week. Photo by Brian Miller

State Supreme Court Puts End to ‘Enemies

List’ CaseEYE ON SC/PAGE 3

8 - PAG E P U L LO U T

SC Girls Softball Ends Season on High at State

Games of AmericaSPORTS/PAGE 22

MURPHY: Back to School Bittersweet

this Year SC LIVING/PAGE 16

Locked In and Reloaded

Despite setbacks, San Clemente Tritons poised to run the gauntlet in 2011

Courtesy of DolphinSafari.com

TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW:

THE LATEST: A private investigator’s recent findings into financial improprieties with defunct Lapes Athletic Team Sales led Capistrano Unified School administrators to remove San Clemente High football coaches last week, district officials said this week.

At a meeting Monday about the deci-sion to put the coaches on administrative leave, Principal George Duarte, backed by Superintendent Joe Farley, addressed the nearly 100 parents in the Triton Center and fielded their questions. The adminis-trators spent about 45 minutes assuring parents they were doing their best to keep the student-athletes’ best interests at heart while discussing the bare-bone basics of a months-long investigation into alleged kickbacks.

Last week, Triton head football Coach Eric Patton and four additional coaches were abruptly pulled from their coaching jobs, leaving players and their parents frus-trated and concerned about a season only days away from starting.

None of the coaches has been charged criminally, but Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Depart-ment, said his agency is investigating Lapes Athletic and coaches.

Both Duarte and Farley indicated that coaches at other high schools, in other districts and even some retired may be af-fected by the probe.

WHAT’S NEXT: Already, several of the coaches placed on leave last week have been reinstated, including freshmen Coach Jaime Ortiz.

Since Jon Hamro had been named head coach, he has already brought on an as-sistant head coach in former New England Patriot Pat Harlow and former Chicago Bear John Allred special teams and tight

What’s Up With...S A N C L E M E N T E ’ S T o p 5 H o T T E S T T o p i C S

… San Clemente High’s Coaches?

1

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEyE on SC

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 3

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANOThe investigation is continuing into the cause of

a fiery crash that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Dana point man. Witnesses said the Jeep driven by

Alexander August Goodrich, 21, was traveling at a high rate of speed—as much as 100 mph—north on Del obispo in San Juan Capistrano on August 16 when it sideswiped another vehicle, careened

across the southbound traffic lanes and plum-meted down a steep slope and slammed into a

concrete-block equipment building at the Marco Forster sports fields. Goodrich, a 2008 graduate of Dana Hills High School who played on the baseball

squad, escaped. His passenger, Bryan Dakota Ferguson, was trapped in the flaming vehicle

and killed. orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jim Amormino said investigators are examining evidence and reviewing witness state-

ments to determine what caused the crash.

News Next Door

DANA POINTDana point and Dana point police Services have announced the launch of “it’s Your Busi-ness,” a Business Services Team that with the city, police Services, the Chamber of Com-merce and the community, will evaluate the needs of local businesses. The team began on August 23 by starting the process of asking local businesses for feedback via a survey intended to shed light on both what the city is doing well and in what areas exist opportuni-ties for improvement. Surveys will continue through November 9. From code enforce-ment issues to business safety, no concern or compliment is too big or too small, said city officials. This program is being rolled out by the city’s Community-based policing team as a follow-up to the city’s nationally recognized “Hide it, Lock it or Lose it” program.

WhAT’S gOINg ON IN OUR NeIghbORINg

TOWNS

SCSan Clemente

THE LATEST: A coyote attack of two dogs in a Talega neighborhood has put resi-dents on edge.

Pat Simon, who lives on Corte el Brazo, said two of her neighbor’s dogs were at-tacked when they were let out of the house and into a gated yard last week. One dog died as a result of the injuries and another was severely injured, she said.

“My response was full panic,” said Simon who owns three dogs.

Simon, who’s lived in her house for six years, said she believed their five-foot fences were high enough to keep wildlife out, but the coyote cleared the fence. She has gone house-to-house to let others know.

WHAT’S NEXT: Andrew Hughan, a spokes-man for the California Department of Fish and Game, said it’s important that people are aware of coyotes’ presence and to take precautions, particularly vigilant with small pets.

“A coyote is a very cunning predator and it will do whatever it takes to feed,” he said.

Hughan said coyotes rarely attack humans and no confrontations have been reported this year.

FIND OUT MORE: To learn more, visit www.dfg.ca.gov. —SNG

… Coyotes?2

THE LATEST: With five simple words, the

…‘Enemies List’ Case?3

state Supreme Court has likely pushed the so-called enemies list drama firmly into Capistrano Unified’s past. The court on August 17 declined to act on a request from the District Attorney’s Office to “depublish” an appellate court’s ruling re-garding former Assistant Superintendent Susan McGill.

In McGill’s case, the appellate court’s said flatly, “The matter is now final.”

McGill was charged with perjury in the case that targeted former Superintendent James Fleming for allegedly using district resources to create a list of those who signed recall petitions against all seven CUSD trustees in 2006. Charges were ultimately dropped when appellate justices said Fleming, as superintendent, would have been acting within the scope of his official duties and sought to find out who was unhappy with CUSD leaders.

McGill was snared on the perjury charge when she told a grand jury she didn’t know what became of the lists. Appellate justices ruled the charge was unfair because she was called before the grand jury not as a target, but as a witness in the Fleming investigation.

WHAT’S NEXT: All of the charges against Fleming have been dismissed—the Su-preme Court declined to act in his case.

FIND OUT MORE: See the “Beyond the Blackboard” blog at www.sanclement-etimes.com —Jonathan Volzke

THE LATEST: San Clemente knows how to reduce, reuse and recycle. The city waste diversion, or recycling rate, was 71 percent in 2010, according to the California Inte-grated Waste Management Board. The state mandates a 50 percent rate.

Last year, San Clemente diverted more than 81 tons of food waste in less than six months, a major factor in the city’s suc-cess. Seven years ago, the city had a 27 percent rate, but implemented initiatives like a green waste recycling, construction recycling and a pilot food waste program, according to the city.

“Kudos to our residents, business lead-ers, the city’s environmental services staff and CR&R (Waste Services) for a coopera-tive approach to recycling,” said Mayor Lori Donchak in a news release.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city currently has 24 waste diversion programs, covering a wide range of ways to recycle.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.san-clemente.org for more information. —SNG

… Recycling?5

THE LATEST: The City Council voted unanimously to create a city ordinance that prohibits picketing activities targeted at a residence in a residential area.

The change comes after months of picketing on West Avenida San Antonio of resident Eliot Schneider. Painters & Allied Trades District Council 36 has been

… Picketing?4

protesting since April, even bringing an inflatable rat to his house to protest his busi-ness GPS Painting and Wallcovering.

The staff report prepared by Lt. Paul D’Auria said the ordinance was created in part “to protect residents and their neighbors from harassing or intimidating demonstration activity targeted at specific residences within the city.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The ordinance must be published and goes into effect 30 days after adoption, but it hasn’t stopped picketers who were out in front of Schneider’s house yesterday morning.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.san-clemente.org to see the staff report. —SNG

ends coach. The athletic director stressed that the two were not replacements but additions.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.sanclement-etimes.com. —Stacie N. Galang

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 6

EyE on SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

Compiled By erik GaBaldon, StaCie n. GalanG and jonathan volzke

all information below is obtained from the orange

County Sheriff’s department website. the calls

represent what was told to the deputy in the field

by the radio dispatcher. the true nature of an

incident often differs from what is initially reported.

no assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should

be drawn from the content of the information pro-

vided. an arrest doesn’t represent guilt. the items

below are just a sampling of the entries listed on

the oCSd Web site.

Wednesday, August 24

RECKLESS DRIVINGAvenida La Pata/Avenida Pico (10:51 a.m.)A woman was reported driving on the wrong side of the road and on the sidewalk in a beige Cadillac. She was described as in her 80s.

CITIZEN ASSISTCalle Recodo, 1000 Block (9:17 a.m.)A business owner reported someone was sending emails that he was going to ruin the business.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLEAvenida Barcelona, 200 Block (5:49 a.m.)A caller reported hearing two cars pull up. As the resident watched, someone dumped trash onto the street. One car left toward the beach, while the other vehicle was left behind, empty and still running.

Tuesday, August 23

DISTURBANCECalle del Comercio, 2600 Block (5:56 p.m.) A caller reported hearing a man hit his 10- or 11-year-old son. The caller said it has happened before.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESCalle Puente, 1100 Block (5:35 p.m.) Deputies received a call about two to six juveniles in the pavilion area of Max Berg Park smoking an illegal substance.

WELFARE CHECKAvenida Presidio/Interstate-5 Freeway (5:13 p.m.) An elderly man was seen lying down under the freeway overpass. He was picked up and given a ride home.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/CIRCUMSTANCESAvenida Santa Inez, 100 Block (4:43 p.m.) A man, described as in his early 20s, was reported standing outside the caller’s house. He was hiding behind the trees near the trash cans and drinking from a paper cup. The man was slurring his words and stumbling around. He left the house, went down the street and around the corner.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYAvenida Victoria, 600 Block (4:10 p.m.) Deputies were called to assist lifeguards with a male pier jumper who was being questioned. He was cooperative.

DISTURBANCEAvenida Victoria, 500 Block (3:30 p.m.) A man, described as wearing red shorts and no shirt, was reported shouting and swearing at other residents because one of them asked him to move his car because it was blocking other garages.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESOcean Drive, 100 Block (2:43 p.m.) A caller reported a man on a bike was drag-ging a limping Doberman on a leash. The caller was concerned the dog was being harmed.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESCamino de los Mares/Bonanza (2:39 p.m.) Two kids were reported dropped off from a green Ford van. The caller told deputies one kid took off on Camino de los Mares and the other on Bonanza. Both were going door to door.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESEsplanade, 200 Block (1:36 p.m.) A woman called to say she saw two men, who looked like trouble, outside her home. She believed they were casing the house.

DISTURBANCEAvenida San Diego, 100 Block (12:18 p.m.) A caller reported a verbal fight with a neighbor who was holding hedge clippers.

DRUNK IN PUBLICEl Camino Real, 2300 Block (11:56 a.m.) A caller reported a man who kept falling down. He appeared to be drunk.

DISTURBANCEAvenida Pico, 500 Block (7:25 a.m.) A man, with a cut on his face, was reported shouting and knocking over trash cans. He appeared to be bleeding from the face. Orange County Fire Authority responded.

Monday, August 22

DISTURBANCEAvenida Presidio/Interstate-5 (10:53 p.m.)A woman reported that her husband threatened to kill her. The couple was

supposed to stay at the San Clemente Inn, but the husband did not want to go there, the woman said before her call was lost. When deputies called back, they learned the couple had been driving a Dodge Intrepid. They could not find the woman, and the man reportedly left on foot.

INFORMATION REPORTEl Camino Real, 800 Block (3:34 p.m.) A man was reported for grabbing a woman’s buttocks while she walked in the alley behind a laundry mat. The attacker would not let go of the woman and began to pleasure himself. The man was described as about 18 years old, about 5-feet-7-inches tall and with shaved brown hair. The suspect was reported to be wearing a dark, long-sleeve shirt and dark baggy jeans. He was last seen on foot heading towards Esplanade.

WELFARE CHECKAvenida del Mar, 100 Block (2:48 p.m.) A man seen bleeding from the face and head was reported heading toward the Pier.

DRUNK IN PUBLICEl Camino Real, 300 Block (12:47 p.m.) A caller reported seeing a man who appeared to be drinking alcohol from a bottle covered in a paper bag.

Sunday, August 21

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPONLa Ronda, 100 Block (10:36 p.m.)Four or five males announced they were from San Juan Capistrano and hit a woman’s husband with a baseball bat. They walked away after hitting the man, who refused medical aid.

DISTURBANCEAvenida Vista Hermosa/Via Marfino (9:15 p.m.) Kids were throwing eggs at passing cars. They were hiding in the golf course, a caller said.

HIT AND RUNAvenida Serra/Ola Vista (9:04 p.m.)A woman who turned 31 last month was taken into custody after someone hit a parked car and took off. She listed her occupation as security. Two people reported being injured in the incident.

GENERAL BROADCASTSan Diego Freeway/Pacific Coast High-way (8:38 p.m.) Callers reported a black Volkswagen Jetta on the freeway had two men and a woman in it; the woman appeared to be trying to get out of the car and the men were grabbing at her. A similar call came in moments earlier, when a caller reported a woman being pulled into the vehicle and leave at 75 mph. That caller yelled at the men to leave the woman alone. The men ap-peared to have been drinking.

Thursday, August 25

Network OC Mixer 5 p.m. County mixer event at Strawberry Farms. Cost $10-$20. 11 Strawberry Farms road, irvine, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

No More Medicine Mayhem 10 a.m.-11 a.m. presentation at the Senior Center on medications and how to safely use them. 242 avenida del mar, 949.498.3322.

Saddleback Emeritus Seniors’ Class10:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Class titled “history of Freethought in the Western World.” 242 avenida del mar, 949.498.3322.

Friday, Aug 26

Birthday Celebration 12 p.m. join the Senior Center for a party with entertainment by harold’s South Coast dixie jazz Band. 242 avenida del mar, 949.498.3322.

Saturday, Aug 27

Mayor’s Walk 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. the City of San Clemente invites members of the com-munity to participate in the mayor’s Walk at our lady of Fatima Church. 105 n. la esper-anza, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

VIP Lifeguard Reception 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Celebrate 80 years of lifeguarding and a rich surfing heritage at the Surfing heri-tage museum. Cots $15. 110 Calle iglesia, 949.361.8261, www.san-clemente.org.

Monday, August 29

Children’s Fall Program Signups 10 a.m. Signup for fall 2011 children’s pro-grams at the library. 242 avenida del mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday, August 30

San Clemente Toastmasters 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Group meets to help develop and improve public speaking skills at the library. 242 avenida del mar, 949.892.8121.

Wednesday, August 31

Book Discussion Group 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. meet at the San Clemente library to discuss 1000 White Women by jim Fer-gus. 242 avenida del mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

French Conversation Club 2 p.m.–4 p.m. Come and chat at Cafe Calypso every Wednesday; no fees, no registration. 114 avenida del mar, 949.493.5228.

Thursday, September 1

Sunset Networking Mixer 5:30 p.m. Chamber event held at the next door. Cost $10-$20. 647 Camino de los mares, Suite 126, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

City andCommunity Calendar

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 7

EyE on SC

News BitesP r o P s , r e c o g n i t i o n s a n d M o r s e l s o f i n f o

compiled by stacie n. galang

Parent’s Efforts Paint Way for Varsity Cheer Squad Season

u Parent Bryan Barras helped paint 52 step-ping stools, 22 boxes, a gazebo and offered support of the parents the varsity cheerlead-ers at san clemente High school. His work helped make a difference for the school and the cheer squad. Barras’ painting equip-ment was stolen recently and troy Painting of laguna Hills loaned him the equipment to complete the job quickly, and the paint was donated by Vista Paints. Barras arrived here in san clemente from Prescott, ariz. in october 2010 and enrolled his daughter at san clem-ente High.

Hollywood Comes to Casa Romantica Exhibit

u casa romantica cultural center and gardens brings Hollywood to san clemente in its cinematic fall exhibition salute to Hol-lywood, which opens tuesday, august 30 at 6 p.m. with a special opening night event that includes exhibition viewing with live music and refreshments.

the display features iconic costumes, photos and movie artifacts and captures the innovation and creativity that infused the birth of movie-making, from the early silent movies through the glamorous golden age of Hollywood. the exhibit also spotlights great Western movies symbolic of the era and of-fers a special feature on the many well-known movies shot in orange county. salute to Hollywood will bring artifacts from the collec-tions of the autry national center together with exhibits on loan from orange county Parks and the orange county archives. also on display will be an entertaining collection of photographs from the comprehensive work on films shot in orange county by notable author and historian, Jim sleeper. the san clemente Historical society will also have a display.

the opening is followed by a music perfor-mance by rising-star and los angeles-based jazz vocalist Jules day. admission to the exhibition opening is $5 for adults and free to casa romantica members and children 12 and under. tickets to day’s performance are

$20 adults, casa romantica members $15, children 12 and under $10 and includes the opening night reception and exhibition view-ing. for further information, contact Karen ahola at 949.498.2139 ext. 11.

San Clemente Rotary and Hurley Celebrate Surf Festival

u the first Hurley-rotary club of san clemente celebration of surf is expected to draw 4,000 from the surf industry as well as orange county and north san diego county. the event at steed Park will feature live music from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. september 17. the festival was created by local leaders to tie in with the annual Hurley Pro trestles contest that begins on september 18. Party-goers are encouraged to bring their blankets and low-backed chairs. Visitors will enjoy music and dancing on the lawn or the outfield while enjoying food and drinks for purchase. ViP passes are available and grant seating in the infield, nearest the music. no coolers are permitted. food sales benefit local charities. the bands include common sense, members of Honk, Questions, so lag Vibrations and Mike Wilson. local surf and skate industry businesses, musicians and artists will be featured in booths and on stage throughout the evening.

local charities are encouraged to partici-pate by operating food booths. the profits of such sales will go directly to the charities that operate the food booths. the net profit from admissions, beer and wine sales and ViP seating-dining area will be used by the san clemente rotary club to support more than 30 local and international programs. the cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children and free for children age 2 and under or $50 for the ViP pass. to learn more, visit www.sanclementerotary.org or www.celebra-tionofsurf.com.

2nd Battalion, 4th Marines Attend Deployment Barbecue

u the Marines and navy corpsmen of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines attended a pre-deployment barbecue friday, august 19 at camp Pendleton’s lake o’neill. Volunteers

from the city helped serve 1,400 Marines and their families. the city of san clemente, the san clemente Military support group and the chamber of commerce helped with the event. Bad to the Bone provided the food. the battalion will deploy to afghani-stan this fall. “after the performance the men put in training in twentynine Palms, i think we’re going to write another chapter in history,” said lt. col. Bill Vivian, command-ing officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Vivian thanked the city for its support and sponsorship of the 2/4. to learn about the Marines in the 2/4, visit www.sanclement-etimes.com every Monday for 2/4 corner.

Shopper Wins iPad 2

u san clemente resident and down-town san clemente shopper diane Mayer received an iPad 2 from the downtown Busi-ness association after a raffle august 10 at carbonara restaurant. the iPad giveaway was part of the association’s promotion of local shopping. for every $50 spent downtown between June 15 and July 31, participants received one raffle ticket for a total of six per customer. in all, 45 people participated, representing almost $11,000 in raffle-related sales. the downtown Busi-ness association is comprised of about 90 members representing downtown busi-nesses and neighboring areas. Membership is open to any business owner within the city with memberships ranging from $55 to $75 a year. for more information, call 949.218.5378 or email: info@downtown-businessassociation.com.

Mayor’s August 27 Walk To Tour Our Lady Of Fatima Grounds

u the city invites residents to participate in the Mayor’s Walk on saturday, august

Have something interesting for the community?

Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

Forward a picture along, too! we’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.”

send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Bryan Barras paints stools used by the San Clemente High varsity cheer. Courtesy photo Michael Kaupp, president of the Downtown Business Association, hands Diane Mayer her iPad 2. Courtesy photo

27 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at our lady of fatima church at 105 north la esperanza. Participants can access the site from avenida Presidio and park and meet behind the softball backstop on the property. the walk is not strenuous but walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes as they tour the construc-tion site and learn all about the development plans for this site, which involves a four-phase plan to replace the fellowship hall, the 50-year-old church, the parish school and gymna-sium. the walk will take participants through the progress made so far to reconstruct these facilities.

Lt. Col. Bill Vivian, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, addresses his Marines and their families August 19. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

The team at San Clemente Dental Group provided service August to those in need. Courtesy photo

Dental Office All Smiles After Providing Free Care

u san clemente dental group provided pro-bono treatment to those in need august 13, helping over 40 community members. employees of the dental group teamed up with family assistance Ministries, Heritage christian church, gilchrist House and Joshua House. along with many fillings and extrac-tions, nine same-day crowns and ten root canals were provided to participants. to learn more about this office, visit www.sanclement-edental.com.

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 8

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com

CITY EDITOR

Stacie N. Galang, 949.388.7700, x109 sgalang@sanclementetimes.com

ADvERTISING

Print and Online

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DISTRIbuTION

racks, driveways, subscriPtiOns

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113aswayne@sanclementetimes.com

buSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@sanclementetimes.com

HOW TO REACH US

San Clemente Times, Vol. 6, Issue 34. The SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistrano-dispatch.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 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

CEO Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch> Jonathan Volzke

City Editor, SC Times> Stacie N. Galang

City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Swayne

ART/DESIGN

Senior Designer> Jasmine Smith

Graphic Designer> Heidi Mefferd

ADvERTISING/MuLTI-MEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher> Lauralyn Loynes

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

> Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano)

Sales AssociateAngela Edwards

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Distribution Manager> Andrea Swayne

INTERNSSawyer Hardie, Halee Michel, Austin Reagan, Rebecca Turley, Krysta Worthen

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist

CONTRIbuTORSMegan Bianco, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

SCSan Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

The Flip Side: Interest Rate Risk and Return

economic environment, the city earns less on its investment portfolio, which re-sults in less money available for projects and ongoing operating expenses. In fact, interest earnings have declined from $3.3 million in 2010 to $2.5 million in 2011. A classic case of two sides of the same coin.

The city’s total investment portfolio in all 37 of our funds or companies, amounts to $144 million with a current investment return of 1.4 percent, as compared to the current state investment pool return of .37 percent. These investment assets are largely reserved for major capital and projects such as the La Pata-Vista Hermosa Park, utility and street infra-structure and various reserves. Our City Council adopted investment policy is de-signed to protect these taxpayer funds by focusing on the key investment objectives of: Safety, liquidity and return. To achieve these, the city only invests in short-term, less than five years, fixed-income securi-ties that are authorized by state law and

n last month’s By the Numbers column, I described the upside

of low interest rates on the refinancing of bonded debt. Following the pub-lication of that column, Community Facility District bonds were sold, and we ended up saving

the Plaza Pacifica Center a total of $500,000 in present value dollars, with an average interest rate of 4.98 percent on the $5 million refinancing. This was a better than anticipated result because the underlying strength of the bonds as well as lower than projected market interest rates.

If we look at the flip side of the coin, however, there is an unfortunate downside to lower interest rates: Less interest earn-ings. We can thus conclude that for debt issuance, lower interest rates are good and for purchase of investment securities, they are bad. Because of the low rates in today’s

“Two sides of the coin to choose from, Two sides of the coin, they are mineTwo sides of the coin, I’m getting’ weary…” —Ace Frehley for band Kiss

I

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willing-ness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.

further specified in the investment policy. These include highly rated U.S. Treasury or federal agency securities, a little lower rated than a few weeks ago, as well as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and corporate notes. State law prohibits municipalities from investing in the equity or stock market except for pension funds.

As we hit new lows in investment yields, there is sometimes a temptation to become more aggressive, or less conservative, in order to increase yields. For example, we might determine that we can increase returns by extending our maturities further on what is called the yield curve. This means that rather than purchasing a two-year treasury note at .19 percent we might purchase a five-year treasury at .93 percent. We need to be aware that there is an inherent interest risk in doing that since we would be lock-ing in a rate for the next five years. Con-sequently, if interest rates increase before maturity, we would be unable to take

ONlINE POllHow do you think Capo unified

handled the football coaches removal?

Make sure to sound off on the “SC Times Poll of the Week” at www.sanclementetimes.com. bookmark San Clemente Times today! SC Times Online Polls are not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of the SC Times.

Poorly. The team has precious little time to adapt.

59%

OK. At least it wasn’t midseason.

6%

Fine. It’s about as best as can be expected.

35%

Letters to the Editortion of pristine coastline looking like the Interstate-5 and 73 Toll Road Interchange in Mission Viejo, and they smartly feel that spending half a billion dollars on a few miles of highway for the use of a se-lect few is hardly prudent in this day and age. It’s ironic that Mr. Lustman spends an entire letter laying out his own self-interest in seeing the 241 extension built, and then calls the rest of us NIMBYs. Rather than try to conform the majority of us into solving his particular situation, perhaps he should consider relocation as an answer to his commute.

Toll RoAd oPPonenTs PRefeR CoAsTline PReseRvATion

MIke NOVAk, San ClementeMr. Lewis Lustman (SC Times, August

18) apparently believes that the majority of San Clemente residents oppose the 241 Toll Road because, well, they don’t go anywhere. For extra measure, he throws in the old escape plan, fear-mongering talking point to back up his support – a concern that evidently didn’t stop him from settling his family in San Clemente. The majority of San Clemente residents don’t want the 241 extension because they don’t want a sec-

By THE NUmBERS: by Pall Gudgeirsson, assistant city Manager & city treasurer

Pall Gudgeirsson

advantage of those increased rates. Addi-tionally, we also must plan our maturities to coincide with cash flow needs, for example, funds that must be available to expend for major capital projects when required in order to avoid selling securities at a loss. Of course, we could also invest in securities that bring a greater return, but may be far less secure resulting in more portfolio risk. The art of investing is to strike a balance between cash-flow needs, that is, not sitting on too much idle cash while ensuring a rea-sonable market rate of return, not missing out on suitable investment opportunities and safeguarding principal, investing in safe and highly rated securities. That is what we do.

I believe that we all like to keep change in our pockets, and I do pick up pennies in the parking lot. Our citizenry can be assured that the city manages its debt and invest-ment portfolios, the two sides of the coin, in a safe and prudent manner. We don’t just flip a coin and see where it lands. SC

noT All BReeds Known foR feRoCiTy, BiTinG

JAMeS W. TAYLOR, San ClementeI truly cannot recall the last time a

Jack Russell terrier (SC Times, August 11) killed its owner. Is there something I missed?

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. 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.

CORRECTION: In the August 18 edition of the San Clem-ente Times, the last name of the Grom of the Week, Nick Melanson was misspelled. Also, a story mentioning big wave surfer Rusty Long’s recovery from a July 24 accident incorrectly reported his release date from the hospital, which was August 13. The SC Times regrets the errors.

Flag Football Skill teSt & DraFt 9 a.m. City of San Clemente teaches kids the fundamentals of football at Forster Ranch Field No. 3. Info: www.san-clemente.org.

ViP liFeguarD recePtion 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Celebrate 80 years of lifeguarding and a rich surfing heritage at the Surfing Heritage Museum. Cost $15. 110 Calle Iglesia, 949.361.8261, www.san-clemente.org.

Free FitneSS boot camP 9:10 a.m. San Clemente Boot Camp has a free workout at the RSC Tennis & Fit-ness Club for ages 18 and older. 111 Avenida Vista Mon-tana, San Clemente, www.SanClementeBootCamp.com.

rolling the StoneS 8 p.m. Rolling Stones tribute band in concert at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

The San Clemente Criterium will be held for the second time this Sunday, August 28. The .81-mile, eight-turn course will take place at the Rancho San Clemente Business Park. The race begins at 7 a.m. and includes eight different categories. The last race starts at 1:10 p.m. The Criterium is notable for its course, which in-cludes tricky corners and elevation changes, and cyclists who are tired of the same basic courses welcome the challenge. USA Cycling is even offering double points for those competing in the race, which is the last on the SoCal Cup schedule. All participants are eligible to receive the John Cuchessi Memorial Trophy, named after the man who inspired Event Director Rodney Runolfson to create the race. Although Cuchessi passed away due to heart complications during a group bike

ride, his legacy continues on in the way Runolfson runs the Criterium. In honor of the Cuchessi family’s support for Family Assistance Ministries, all proceeds will go to the nonprofit organization. Runolfson not only hopes to give back to the com-munity, but to promote the sport of cycling among families and spectators alike. While many community events in San Clemente are based around water, this terrestrial race offers something newer to the city and provides an event nearer to the homes of those located further inland. It’s also free to watch the cyclists sprint through course. —Rebecca Turley

Jaloha 5:30 p.m. Live music and happy hour at Irons in the Fire. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, 949.542.3900, www.beachfire.com.

elViS liVe! 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Elvis impersonation at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

the memPhiS kingS 7:30 p.m.–11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

nathan JameS & FrienDS 9 p.m. Back-porch blues at BeachFire. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

SunSet harbor cruiSe 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cruise offered by Dana Wharf. Adults $25, kids (3-12) $15. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 10

SCSan Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

The ListA day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. Compiled by Tawnee prazak

thursday 25

FriDay night garDen grilling 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Both Friday and Saturday, Goin Native hosts an interactive cooking class event themed “A Night in Verona, Italy” with a five-course

meal and take-home recipes. Cost $55 each. 31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

karaoke night 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Fun night of karaoke at Shorecliffs Golf Club. Bar and snack bar will be open. No cover. 501 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, 949.492.1177.

nate hancock anD the Declaration 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

ShakeSPeare in the Park 6 p.m. Dana Point pres-ents classic plays at Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.291.5083, www.danapoint.org.

friday26

FeSS Parker anD ePiPhany Wine taSting 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Welcoming Deborah Ellis of Fess Parker & Epiphany Wineries. $15 for seven wines. San Clemente Wine Company, 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

bunch oF guyS 9 p.m. Live music & Aloha Friday at BeachFire. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clem-ente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

hate mail 8 p.m. New comedic play full of love and hate debuts at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $18. Weekend shows through September 4 only. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

SimPle liFe 9 p.m. Live music at Molly Bloom’s. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

SPecial SPaceS FunDraiSer “beDazzleD” 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Special showing of the popular drag queen show at Adele’s. Tickets $10 advance, $15 door. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

lil Wayne 7:30 p.m. Concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Go to www.livenation.com for tickets. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.212.0360.

saturday 27

emergency PrePareDneSS exPo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The city of Dana Point presents the annual expo at Dana Hills High School featuring exhibitors, vehicle displays and more. 33301 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.248.3579, www.danapoint.org/expo.

elkS & lemonDroP Dance 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Live band (the Vertikals, formerly with Beach Boys), a DJ and dancing in the San Clemente Elks Lodge Ballroom. Public welcome. Tickets $10. 1505 N. El Camino Real, San Clem-ente, 949.378.6600, www.LemonDropClub.com.

rancho miSSion VieJo roDeo 2 p.m. Two-day ro-deo featuring live music, rodeo events (riding and roping), a Saturday night concert and dance, and more. Sunday begins at 11:30 a.m. Corner of Ortega Highway and Anto-nio/La Pata, San Juan Capistrano, www.rmvrodeo.com.

JoShaFry concert 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Gary Wright’s Band, owner of Killer Dana Surf Shop, in concert at Hu-laville. $5. Reservations required. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

biolumineScence cruiSe 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Marine animals to glow in the dark on the Ocean Institute’s cruise. $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

South coaSt roller Derby Scrimmage 4 p.m. An open Black & White Inauguration Scrimmage at Laguna Hills Sports Rink. $5. 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, 310.869.4870, www.southcoastrollerderby.org.

kathy griFFin 7 p.m. Female comedian live at Seger-strom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $46. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER8.25 Mostly Sunny H: 82° L: 65°8.26 Mostly Sunny H: 83° L: 65°8.27 Mostly Sunny H: 81° L: 64°

8.28 Mostly Sunny H: 79° L: 63°8.29 Mostly Sunny H: 77° L: 60°8.30 Partly Cloudy H: 75° L: 59°8.31 Sunny H: 74° L: 59°

Summer concertS in the Park 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. The City of Dana Point presents a free concert at Sea TerracePark featuring Chicago Trib-ute Authority, a Chicago

Music. Pacific Coast Hwy. and Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

sunday 28

go.SEE.Do San Clemente Criterium

(Cont. on page 20)

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Book Discussion Group 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Adults meet at the San Cle-mente library to discuss “1000 White Women” by Jim Fergus. 242 Avenida

Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

AstounDinG rivers of ice 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Ocean Institute presents a special presentation on ice and our environment given by professional cruise line speak-ers and Ocean Institute volunteers. Cost is $7 per person, or $25 for a family of four. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

HArt & soul 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Lively live music at Adele’s. 2600 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.AdelesInTheSanClementeInn.com.

nik & sAm 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

kiDs storytime At tHe cAsA 10 a.m. Casa Romantica hosts storytime for youngsters ages 3-5; free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

missy AnDersen 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

JAreD from “knockout” 9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 12

GETTING OUT

212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3871

BEST KNOWN FOR: Green curryMOST POPULAR ITEM: Drunken noodles

This month, perennial favorite Mongkut Thai celebrates 25 years in downtown San Clemente. The restaurant’s Gina Dursa said Mongkut’s consistently good food whipped up daily by owner and chef Ning Laitipaya has kept locals returning year after year. It helps that her husband Donny Laitipaya is on hand nightly to greet customers. The Thai restaurant seats nearly 40 at simply decorated tables. Paintings depicting popular Thai folk tales adorn the walls and a local artist displays two works that are swapped out regularly. The eatery’s menu boasts 124 items, from chicken satay to an egg noodle dish called Thai adoration silk. Dursa, a longtime waitress and sometimes cook, said many customers know the menu so well they don’t even look. Bangkok-born Ning Laitipaya’s curries, stir-fry sauce and peanut sauce have grown so popular she started a separate retail business selling them beyond San Clemente. Lucky for locals, the

restaurant will prepare them for take out, Dursa said. It’s an easy way to impress guests at any dinner party.

PRICE RANGE: $6.99 - $15.99 PAYMENT: Cash, credit RESERVATIONS: Recommended for dinnerHOURS: Lunch: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 12 noon–3 p.m. Dinner: Sunday–Thursday 5 p.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

By Stacie N. Galang

Go to www.sanclementetimes.com and under “Getting Out” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

SC Times Restaurant SpotlightMongkut Thai

JAmie Arroyo outDoor ArenA soccer cAmp 9 a.m.-12 p.m. End-of-summer soccer camp for girls and boys ages 7-14 to improve skills at the Capo Sports Rink today through

Aug. 31. Cost $100; includes T-shirt. 2 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano, 949.291.2678, www.jasocceracademy.com.

smokey kArAoke 8 p.m. Sing fearlessly at BeachFire and enjoy Mojito Monday. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

JAzz fAculty in concert 7 p.m. Saddleback Col-lege Music Department presents jazz standards to kick off the new school year. $7-$10. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mis-sion Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

poul peDersen 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music artist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

monday 29

sAlute to HollywooD: from silent movies to tHe GolDen AGe 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Opening night reception for Casa Romantica’s exhibit exploring the early years of

film-making. Features music, appetizers, “Movie Music Magic” program and more. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

two-for-one At tHe wHArf Dana Wharf offers half price on all fishing trips. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Ben powell 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

tuesday 30

(Cont. from page 10)

Have an event?Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

wednesday 31

File photo

ON STAGE

raig Chaquico has made a career of spreading light and positiv-ity through his music for close to

four decades. As a central figure of the legendary multi-platinum selling rock band Jefferson Starship, Chaquico played lead guitar on all their hits from 1973 to 1990 and a seminal role in making them one of the top-selling bands in history with over 20 Gold Albums. In the early ‘90s, Chaquico emerged triumphant, bringing his fresh sounding amalgam of rock, blues, contemporary jazz and new age to the top of the charts once again.

SCTIMES: Starting your career at age 19 with Jefferson Starship, how exactly did you make the transition to smooth jazz seem so effortless years later?

Actually, the band was starting to disintegrate with mem-bers beginning to leave. I tried to form a new rock band for about a year but that went nowhere. Later on, while at home with my wife and our newborn, I was just messing around with this new sound. They called it new age then. And I asked a few friends if they thought I could do something with it, and

they told me to go for it. There was no epiphany, just wanted to do more acoustic work. Low and behold it became the No. 1 New Age album of the year, Acoustic Highway, and garnered a Grammy nomi-nation.

What kind of set are you planning for the Coach House?

It will be me solo. No band. I will be on stage with a new piece of technology called Beamz. It is a laser device that can be preloaded with any and all backing mu-sic. I am working with the company adding

preloaded musical content that anyone can use. I like to get the audience involved so I will probably bring someone on stage to try it so it should be a lot of fun.

Is there a new album in the works or other project?I am actually working on a blues-based album that will

borrow from (Jimi) Hendrix and Cream. It is tentatively called Blues for Blues and will be out in January or February.

The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, Saturday, September 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. SC —A.J. Bardzilowski

Craig ChaquiCo goes solo

C

BeAtles clAssics 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Festival of Arts presents Jason Feddy and Friends playing music of The Beatles every Sunday through August. Free with admis-sion of $7. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145, 800.487.3378, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

sAn clemente fArmers mArket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Ave-nida Del Mar in San Clemente. Rain or shine.

Blue wHAle BonAnzA Capt Dave’s Safari has daily departures for whale and dolphin watching on a high-tech catamaran. Call for more info. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

AsHun 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

trevor fennell 9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

sADe AnD JoHn leGenD 8 p.m. Concert at the Honda Center on Saturday and Sunday nights. Tickets start at $49.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

Courtesy photo

www.sanclementetimes.com

Locked In& ReloadedSan Clemente Tritons poised to run the gamut in 2011

t’s hard enough winning football games week in and week out. But going headlong into the season two weeks prior to your fi rst

game with your head coach scratched from his role, well, winning games consistently can seem downright daunting.

Eric Patton was primed to lead the San Clemente Tritons onto the football fi eld for his 13th straight season as head coach. Capistrano Unifi ed has kept tight-lipped on the matter of the coaches, but said this week their decision was prompted by a private investigator’s fi ndings about the now defunct Lapes Athletic Team Sales and alleged kickbacks.

After Patton was removed from his post last week, the high school’s football program is now left to pick up the pieces and continue moving forward. Enter SCHS alum, former offensive line coach and current athletic director Jon Hamro to save the day and the season.

With Hamro now at the helm as head coach, you can rest assured knowing that San Clemente is in good hands and will rise above the dark, passing cloud. There may be plenty of noise surrounding the program–and not the good kind. However, the Tritons are remaining poised for success both under the guidance of its new head coach and the sheer will of its roster.

“As head coach, I’m just trying to bring some sense of normalcy to a challenging situation,” Hamro said. “I mean, I’ve been coaching football for more than 20 years with 15 of those years coaching at San Clemente, and some more expe-rience coaching the football team at Saddleback College. These kids know me and they know my voice when they’re out on the fi eld. And I’m going to do my best to make sure we’re ready to go (for our fi rst game) on September 2.”

Full Steam AheadAlmost gone are the idle days of summer and

those lazy sunny afternoons. With school close to being back in session and the autumn months closing in, you can once again count on spend-ing your Friday nights with your eyes fi xed on the football fi eld of Thalassa Stadium.

Your SCHS Tritons are back in action and look-ing to take all comers in its quest to claim a CIF title. We don’t quite know yet how the season’s

(Cont. on page 3)

I

TRITONFOOTBALL PREVIEW2011

Don’t forget about SCHS Friday Night Live. Log on to www.schsfnl.com for a live Internet video broadcast of all of San Clemente’s

home and away games. Tune in 15 minutes prior to game time and join Rich Corder, Ben Villa and William Edwards and enjoy the show. Friday Night Live is in its seventh year of broadcasting. And be sure to check the archives of past games on the site.

Photo by Brian Miller

By David Zimmerle

Hamro also brought in two other San Clemente residents who boast big résumé’s in

the sport of football. John Allred, who played for both USC and the Chicago Bears, will be especially helpful in work-ing with the special teams and tight ends, while Pat Harlow was recruited from his coaching job at JSerra Catholic High School, and has been promoted to assistant head coach at San Clemente. Harlow also played football for USC and spent time as a pro on the squad of the New England Patriots.

| 2011 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW |

www.sanclementetimes.com 3

2011 San Clemente High School Schedule

Tritons in a Nutshell2010 Record: 8-3, 3-1 South Coast League (second)

Playoffs: Lost to Lakewood, 24-7, in first round of Pac-5 playoffs

Returning Starters: Offense 8; Defense 8

Offensive Set: Pro-style

Defensive Set: 3-4

Head Coach: Jonathan Hamro (entering first year at SCHS, 0-0, 0-0 overall)

Assistant Coaches: Pat Harlow (assistant head coach), Troy Kopp (offensive coordinator), Kem Lawyer (offensive line), Jeff Bailey (receiv-ers), Jaime Oritz (defensive coordinator/in-side linebackers), Dwight McKenna (outside linebackers), Dan Lowry (defensive line), Chris Culbertson (defensive line/kicking), John Allred (special teams, tight ends), Greg Wire (equip-ment), Kelly Pollard (videotape/scouting), Jack Iverson (game film), Ward Patton (endzone film)

Locked In & Reloaded(Cont. from page 1)

going to shake out; one never does until that final, sounding whistle. And though the weeks may go by like days, ultimately approaching a finish line that’s too far off to fully embrace right now, the boys who wear the black, white and red can already see their stars aligning.

San Clemente closed out its 2010 campaign having claimed second place in the always competitive South Coast League–one win shy of knocking eventual CIF-SS finalist and league rival, Mission Viejo, from its first-place platform.

Though the team rolled with the success of its silver finish, going 8-3 overall and 3-1 in the South Coast League last year, the Tritons gained plenty of experience and have several key play-ers returning to the fold that could be enough to propel the program toward a league title.

And even though they’re taking the season one week at a time, you can bet the boys, and their crew of coaches, have their sights on stay-ing alive for a final rumble come Thanksgiving when the CIF-SS title is on the line.

Offensively AstuteIf you’re already comfortable with this vet-

eran group of players, you’re in good company. Back under center this season, you’ll find the highly touted recruit Travis Wilson helping lead the brigade. After a solid 2010 campaign in which he threw for 2,020 yards and 12 touch-downs, while also pounding out 466 yards on the ground, chances are he’s bound to expand on that success.

Of note, Wilson was the county’s first recruit to commit to a school when he gave his verbal commitment to Utah late last spring. Plus, he also had the honor of being the first quarterback offered a scholarship by new Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Toss in a trip to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp in July, and you’re looking at one of the finest blue chip prospects in the county.

Anchoring the offensive line is arguably Orange County’s best football recruit in Kyle Murphy. Still uncommitted and already boasting offers from every Pac-12 school along with pro-grams like Florida, Southern Methodist Univer-sity, Duke, Michigan, Notre Dame, Auburn and Nebraska, Murphy is the one player all teams wish they had, and a guy they’ll have trouble matching up against.

Murphy also plays on the defensive line as well and thrives on stuffing the run or chasing the quarterback out of the pocket on the pass rush.

Shoring up the rest of the offensive line will be Mike Simpson, Connor O’Brien, Jacob Bryson and Sean Harlow with Chris French splitting

time between making big blocks and even bigger catches at tight end.

Wide receivers Jake Elston and Jacob Graff give Wilson crucial go-to targets during pass plays, while in the backfield fullback Mike Elespuru and tailback Herbert Gamboa give San Clemente one of the fastest tandems out there.

Having offensive weapons as athletic as these players puts a lot of pressure on the Tritons because expectations are running so high.

But it’s important to consider that a lot of San Clemente’s strengths lie in its ability to stay healthy, something that’s hard to do during any given season and especially when a team’s not very deep.

The varsity roster this year features about 40 players—almost half of what it was in 2010—due to a major drop-off of players in their junior year.

With Hamro calling the plays, don’t expect much deviation from what Patton had already had established, either.

“We’re sticking with the offense that (Eric) Patton had in place, so there will be no changes as far as our formation is concerned on both sides of the ball,” Hamro said. “As far as our play calls go, we’re going to go with what we’ve prepared for throughout the spring and summer. There might be some subtle changes here and there, but I can tell you that this team is still going to play with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and focus.”

All in all, it’s going to be a worthwhile chal-lenge. The Tritons play in a tough league with a lot of other good football teams, like Mater Dei and Mission Viejo High, most of which are on their schedule.

Detonating DefenseThis year’s defensive squad has also

shapes up nicely. With Murphy and Austin Baker agitating

other offenses from the tackle positions in the 3-4 defense, and Julian Perry also being productive in shutting down the attack from the nose tackle position, the Tritons’ defen-sive line is quick, burly and experienced.

And when you consider the crew of linebackers—the likes of Nico Ruberti, Chad Foster, Landon Cook and Gamboa—teams will be hard-pressed to find yards either through the air or on the ground when this unit’s clicking as one.

Lockdown cornerbacks and starters Nick Pasquale and Christian Tober give the Tritons a good shot at claiming hard-fought pass breakups and the occasional interception if a quarterback throws in either of their direc-tions.

Plus, with Xavier Washington at strong safety and Christian Bailey on the hunt at free

safety, other teams will think twice about going deep or sending its receivers across the middle of the field en route to hard-as-they-come hits.

Business As UsualIt’s a new look on many fronts for the San

Clemente Tritons. In particular, there’s a new face at head coach, but it’s one that the com-munity has also known for decades.

Hamro’s goals are the same as any other coach’s out there—win when it matters and do it with character.

“My objective won’t be different than Patton’s–that’s to win games,” Hamro said. “As a head coach (Patton) did a great job at empowering his other assistant coaches to be very vocal with the players. So, these kids know who I am and what my expectations are. I also feel that when you go through a crisis like the one we’re going through, that it has the ability to create a galvanizing force. We’re going to turn everything into a positive on the football field in light of everything that’s going on off the football field.

“We have the ability to make this a great season and I just want the focus to be on the kids. We’re going to do our best as a staff of coaches to work as hard as we can so that the kids have the chance to reach their dreams and goals. I know these kids and have watched them grow up. Their expectations and goals have not changed, and you can expect that they’ll come out ready to play.”

Now, the team braces itself, ready to face the undeniable sounds of distant drums calling for battle–beckoning them forth with every beat. As San Clemente moves forward into the foot-ball season, the ground absorbs those countless rumbling strides of uniformed young men donning pads, helmets and cleats–dispersed across the wide expanse of the gridiron–and all primed to wear the passion for the game on their sleeves.

The Tritons know that in order to win they must put it all on the line and leave their efforts on the field, win or loss. This may not be war, thankfully. But it’s still high school football. SC

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME9/2 Cabrillo San Clemente 7 p.m.9/8 Fountain Valley San Clemente 7 p.m.9/16 La Costa Canyon San Clemente 7 p.m. 9/23 Mater Dei Santa Ana Stadium 7:30 p.m.9/30 Newport Harbor San Clemente 7 p.m.10/8 West Adams Prep San Clemente 7 p.m.10/14 Trabuco Hills* Trabuco Hills 7 p.m.10/21 Dana Hills* San Clemente 7 p.m.10/28 Mission Viejo* Mission Viejo 7 p.m.11/10 Tesoro* San Clemente 7 p.m.* -- South Coast League game

Triton football players take to the field at Thalassa Stadium for practice last week. Photo by Brian Miller

Herbert Gamboa LB/RB (No. 20), Sr. A CIF-SS finalist in the 100-me-ter last spring, Gamboa is as

quick as they come on the foot-ball field–a legitimate speed guy. He was injured in the middle of last season but still managed to finish with 63 total tackles and five sacks. And he’ll also get plenty of touches at tailback, too.

Nick Pasquale DB/RB (No. 10), Sr. Pasquale is a returning veteran whose nose for the ball can swing a

series–and even the outcome of a close game–in an instant. His lockdown skills are key when the Tritons are defending the pass.

Christian Tober DB/WR (No. 4), Sr. Tober is your prototypi-cal lockdown corner who makes the most

competent quarterback sec-ond-guess his decision-making process. Roving the secondary with a knack for big plays, he finished 2010 with 59 total tackles and two interceptions. Those numbers will be on the rise in 2011.

Julian Perry DL (No. 44), Sr. A tough as nails nose tackle with a fearless attitude on the defensive line is

a must in a 3-4 formation. After amassing 30 total tackles and a team high seven sacks in 2010, Perry will continue to anchor this front with his sheer brute strength and quick reflexes.

Chad Foster LB (No. 52), Sr. Last season Foster outpaced everyone on defense with 107 total tackles

averaging 9.7 tackles per game. He hits like a runaway Mack truck with failed brakes and gets right back into the game ready to dole out punishment to those who run his way–ball in hand or not.

| 2011 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW |

www.sanclementetimes.com4

2011 SCHS Football Numerical Roster

Cornerback

End/LB

Cornerback

End/LB

Tackle TackleNoseguard

Strong Safety Free Safety

Linebacker Linebacker

Washington (36)Meredith (6)

Bailey (30)Humes (12)

Foster (52)Jordan (24)

Cook (43)Sommers (32)

James (1)

Tober (4)Crane (18)

Pasquale (10)Cesario (9)

Ruberti (29)Alvarez (42)

Gamboa (20)Klein (8)

Baker (41)Harlow (77)

Perry (44)O’Brien (50)

Murphy (78)Bryson (53)

PunterAlvarez (42)

Miller (2)

Long SnapperCruz (67)

Wide Reciever

Tackle

Tight End

TackleGuard GuardCenter

Tailback

Gamboa (20)Pasquale (10)

James (1)

French (15)Wright (83)

Elston (11)Tober (4)

Murphy (78)Witherspoon

(73)

Harlow (77)Rodriguez (74)

Simpson (55)Knauf (58)

O’Brien (50) Bryson (53)Cruz (67)

Kicker Miller (2)

Alvarez (42)

Offensive Depth Chart

Fullback

Elespuru (27)Cook (43)

Quarterback

Wilson (7)Donnelly (14)

Wide Reciever

Graff (3)Duffy (13)

3-4 Defense

Pro Set Formation

NAME POS HT WT GRDeAndre James LB/RB 5-11 180 11Bret Miller K 6-1 185 11Jacob Graff WR/DB 6-1 185 12Christian Tober DBWR 5-8 170 12Marcus Meredith WR/DB 5-11 185 11Travis Wilson QB 6-6 215 12Jake Klein LB 6-0 185 12Matt Cesario WR 5-9 160 12Nick Pasquale DB/RB 5-9 175 12Jake Elston WR 5-11 165 12Ricky Humes DB 6-0 165 11Troy Duffy WR 6-0 160 11Sean Donnelly QB 6-2 190 11Chris French TE 6-4 250 12Hunter Crane WR 5-9 130 11Herbert Gamboa LB/RB 6-0 200 12Jake Jordan LB 5-11 185 10Mike Elespuru RB 6-0 190 12Nico Ruberti LB 6-3 205 12Christian Bailey DB/WR 6-1 200 11

NAME POS HT WT GRAnthony Sommers LB/RB 5-9 175 11Xavier Washington DB 5-10 175 12Jonas Kruse WR 5-10 150 11Austin Baker DL 6-2 225 12Ryan Alvarez K/LB 6-1 195 11Landon Cook LB 5-7 170 11Julian Perry DL 5-11 220 12Connor O’Brien C 5-11 260 12Glen Thomson DL 6-2 225 12Chad Foster LB 5-11 200 12Jacob Bryson DL/OL 6-1 230 11Mike Simpson OL/DL 6-0 205 12Brian Knauf OL/DL 5-11 200 12Eric Cruz C 5-10 220 12Tyler Witherspoon OL 6-0 240 12Tyler Rodriguez OL 6-4 275 12Sean Harlow OL/DL 6-4 260 11Kyle Murphy OL/DL 6-7 285 12Luke Reher WR 5-10 145 12Jason Wright TE/LB 6-2 205 10

No.12346789101112131415182024272930

No.3236404142434450515253555867737477788083

Returning StartersRuberti, Gamboa, Tober, Foster, Bailey

Returning StartersMurphy, Harlow, O’Brien, Graft, WilsonElespuru

Defensive Depth Chart

tO WatChOFFENSE

Travis Wilson QB (No. 7), Sr. Leading the team with his arm and by ex-ample, Wilson knows San Cle-

mente’s success relies mostly on his performance under center. He’s definitely poised to surpass last year’s performance when he threw for 2,020 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 466 yards.

Kyle Murphy OL/DL (No. 78), Sr. As the top recruit in Orange County, Murphy gives the Tritons

the size and power it needs to open holes for the run game and stifle the pass rush when Wilson’s under fire in the pocket. Defensively, he’s a run stuffer and plays like a mad man every down.

Connor O’Brien C (No. 50), Sr. With O’Brien at center, San Clemente’s fortified with another good

set of hands. He saw plenty of time at the position as a starter in 2010 and hit the weight room hard during the off season. Plus, he and Wilson are very familiar with each other, making for a great duo off the snap.

Mike Elespuru RB (No. 27), Sr. Elespuru returns to the fold as a tandem, go-to guy in the back-field alongside

Herbert Gamboa. He led the team in carries last season, racking up 460 yards and 14 touchdowns off 98 touches. Plus he’s got the hands to catch the ball as a key check down target for Wilson.

Jacob Graff WR/DB (No. 3), Sr. Though he was second in total receptions and yards (34 catches, 546

yards) behind Jordan Micalef at wide receiver in 2010, Graff still led San Clemente’s receiving corps with five touchdowns. He’ll be hard to shut down when the passing attack is fir-ing on all cylinders.

tO WatChDEFENSE

Photos by Brian Miller

Game Previews

Location: Santa Ana StadiumTime: 7:30 p.mCoach: Bruce RollinsonLeague: Trinity2010-2011 record: 8-5 (3-2 league)2010 vs. SC: Win 42-12

2011-2012 Season overview: Mater Dei always poses a threat with one of the deepest teams the Tritons will face. Defense was key for the Monarchs in 2010, holding teams like Santa Margarita and Long Beach Poly to just seven and 10 points, respectively. For the rest of 2010, Mater Dei held teams to an average of just 17 points per game. The Monarchs’ 42-12 win over the Tritons last year kept San Clemente scoreless in the second half. Senior linebacker Richard Ortiz, who had 67 tackles, four sacks and an interception in 2010, will help bolster the Monarchs’ secondary.

SEPTEMBER 23Mater Dei

Location: Trabuco Hills HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Scott OrloffLeague: South Coast2010-2011 Record: 4-6 (0-4 league)

2010 vs. SC: Loss 43-192011-2012 Season overview: Finishing last in league play should be enough to motivate coach Scott Orloff’s team to a stronger 2011 campaign. Last year, the Tritons easily handled the Mustangs in a 43-19 blowout victory. On paper, Trabuco Hills just might be the most experienced team in the South Coast League. Their depth charts will be fi lled with 18 returning players who have seen plenty of time at the varsity level.

OCTOBER 14Trabuco Hills

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Jeff BrinkleyLeague: Sunset2010-2011 record: 6-5 (3-2 league)2010 vs. SC: Loss 21-20

2011-2012 Season overview: Newport Harbor lost key position players to graduation and only has seven return-ing players in 2011. The team will be without its previous quarterback and top receiver. And the Sailors’ top running back, Buzzy Yokoyama, recently transferred to Mission Viejo. The senior was an absolute force last season, car-rying the ball for 752 yards and scoring eight touchdowns —more than the Sailors’ two quarterbacks combined. If a team were to beat Newport Harbor, it must effectively shut down the Sailors’ running game, and that started with Yokoyama. He will be missed.

Newport Harbor

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Todd Rusinkovich League: South Coast2010-2011 record: 4-6 (1-3 league)2010 vs. SC: Loss 42-28

2011-2012 Season overview: After a challenging season, the Dolphins’ direction in 2011 starts with the arrival of new coach and 2003 San Clemente alum Todd Rusinkov-ich. The Dolphins’ problem last year was not scoring points but allowing too many against them—332 points, and ranking them last in that category in league play. Much of the Dolphins’ offense was run through quarter-back Trent Mason who had the versatility to run and throw the ball accurately with 61 percent passing completions in 2010. With Mason gone and Rusinkovich at the helm, you can expect the Dolphins game plan to be different.

OCTOBER 21Dana Hills

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Russell ShawLeague: Coliseum2010-2011 record: 4-7 (3-2 league)2010 vs. SC: DNP

2011-2012 Season overview: West Adams Prep didn’t boast the best record last year, but did do well in the Coliseum League, earning a playoff spot before their 63-42 fi rst round blow out by Taft. The Panthers rely heavily on their ability to run the ball. Senior Micheal Wimberly rushed for an incredible 1,026 yards in 2010, highlighted by a 210-yard performance against Fremont on November 12. West Adams averaged 68.5 passing yards last year while averaging 206 on the ground. Given the similarities to Newport Harbor, the Tritons won’t have to alter their game plan much in back-to-back weeks.

OCTOBER 8West Adams Prep

Location: Mission Viejo HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Bob JohnsonLeague: South Coast2010-2011 Record: 13-1 (4-0 league)

2010 vs. SC: Win 38-242011-2012 Overview: As usual, the Diablos will be the team to beat in the South Coast League. The 2010 unde-feated league champs did most of most of their damage thanks to a prolifi c running game, averaging 238.2 yards per game on the ground. Mission Viejo’s offense was also able to move the chains as a result of the efforts of then junior quarterback Alex Bridgford who threw for 16 touchdowns and completed 61 percent of his passes. Bridgford will return, along with 10 others from last year’s campaign, to lead the Diablos this season.

OCTOBER 28Mission Viejo

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: John ShippLeague: Sunset2010-2011 record: 3-6-1 (1-4 league)2010 vs. SC: Loss 59-24

2011-2012 Season overview: The Barons come from a historically competitive league. And with powerhouses like Edison and Los Alamitos in the mix, Fountain Valley was only able to pull off one in-league victory over the last place Marina Vikings in 2010. By the time the Barons come to town to play San Clemente, the team will already have a game under its belt.

SEPTEMBER 8Fountain Valley

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Sean SovacoolLeague: Avocado-West2010-2011 record: 8-4 (3-1 league)2010 vs. SC: Loss 28-21

2011-2012 Season overview: The Mavericks’ 2010 success was due largely to its passing game. Despite former quar-terback Garrett Krstich throwing for a league leading 22 touchdowns, the Mavericks were denied a league title by Oceanside. Aside from Krstich leaving, La Costa Canyon will have a majority of its skill position players returning for 2011. Junior tight end/linebacker Jake Jackson, who led the team in all receiving categories with 31 catches for 424 yards and four touchdowns, will have to fi nd the same groove with incoming junior quarterback Jake Sesti, who is expected to replace Krstich.

SEPTEMBER 16La Costa Canyon

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Jason BrownLeague: Moore

2010-2011 record: 3-7 (2-4 league)2010 vs. SC: DNP

SEPTEMBER 2Opening Day: Cabrillo

Location: San Clemente HighTime: 7 p.m.Coach: Brian BarnesLeague: South Coast2010-2011 Record: 8-4 (2-2 league) 2010 vs. SC: Win 23-6

2011-2012 Overview: Last year was a nice bounce back season for the Titans, who went 5-5 (2-3 league) the year before. But they still fi nished third in the South Coast League behind Mission Viejo and San Clemente, respectively. One Titan to defi nitely watch this year will be senior wide receiver and defensive back Kyle Woolbright. Woolbright averaged 55.3 yards per game in 2010 and connected with sophomore quarterback Matt Adam for fi ve touchdowns. With another year of experience under his belt, Adam, now a junior, will be expected to improve on a year where he threw eight interceptions.

NOVEMBER 10Tesoro

2011-2012 Overview: San Clemente will open its season against Cabrillo, a relatively unknown opponent from the Long Beach area. Cabrillo has not made any noise in the Moore League in recent years, thanks in large part to the dominance of in-league opponents Lakewood and Long Beach Poly. The season opener will be the fi rst game for Cabrillo under its new coach Jason Brown.

SEPTEMBER 30

| 2011 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW |

www.sanclementetimes.com6

By Steve Breazeale

and have a positive attitude.4. She must be calm and not make

mountains out of mole hills. Our relation-ship must be “drama” free.

5. She respects me.6. She gives me space and must relish

her independence as well.7. We share an attraction for each other

and each say “I love you” (often enough).8. She must have a sense of humor and

be a happy person.9. Her finances must be in order. She

must be financially independent of me. 10. She must be spontaneous, game to

do things on the spur of the moment.In reviewing my list, if I were to update

it now, I would rearrange the order of priority. I think it is particularly critical for couples to give each other space and to both have independent outside interests. That would become my number one prior-ity now.

Of course, a list should be somewhat flexible. Don’t discard somebody because he or she isn’t perfect on every item. We’re all human.

If singles don’t have a list, I urge them to create one in writing. It may not help them find a mate, but it will help them avoid being with someone not suited for them. Whether they meet a mate isn’t as important as knowing themselves and what they want in life. A list will help them stay focused on those objectives.

Want to share your list? Email me.Tom Blake is a Dana Point business

owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. To comment on his column, email him at TompBlake@gmail.com. See his website at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com SC

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 16

SUDOKUby 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

Last week’s solution:

SOLUTIONSOLUTIONSOLUTIONSOLUTION

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.4SCSan Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITYSC LIVING

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.

Key to Finding the Right Mate: Having a List

ecently, I made a speech to a group called WomanSage

in Santa Ana. There were approximately 130 people in attendance, including six men.

Following the speech, a four-person panel discussed Internet dating, including Christine Baumgartner,

who specializes in helping people with Inter-net dating issues. Christine was brilliant and showed a first-class wit as well. Women were lined up to talk to her after the session. Her website: www.ThePerfectCatch.com.

Another panel member—Teresa—revealed that the key to her finding a compatible mate was to have a list of qualities that were absolutely essential for a man to possess. She found and married her ideal partner 12 years ago. She said—as did the other panellists—that in creating the list, she learned a great deal about herself.

I couldn’t agree more about having a list. When I published Finding Love After 50. How to Begin. Where to Go. What to Do (Amazon.com), I devoted an entire chapter to the im-portance of creating a list. Having a list didn’t help me find my partner, Greta, but it sure helped me realize when I first met her that she would be a perfect companion for me.

Putting one’s list in writing is a must. Keep-ing it simple (10 items or less) and posting it prominently where it can be seen will remind the person what he or she requires in a mate. Reviewing and updating the list is important. Having a list will help singles avoid spending time with one not right for them.

For fun, here is my list from the book of the qualities I wanted in a woman:

1. I must be her top priority. 2. Being with her feels natural. We are

comfortable together.3. She must be a kind and caring person

R

On Life and LOve after 50: By Tom Blake

On Life and LOve after 50

By Tom Blake

to be a basket case.” To which he replied, “You already are.”

For the record, my official college count-down began July 18 when my son sat for his senior portraits. My countdown calendar also shares crowded space with college ap-plication, testing and financial-aid deadlines. Lately, college thoughts consume me. I admit that in May, when my girlfriend’s daughter laid the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Solider during the annual eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., my first thought was: You’ve got your college essay.

As soon as my son sends off the last of his college applications, I hope to start speaking in full sentences again by banishing the fol-lowing from my vocabulary: SAT, ACT, IB, AP, GPA, FAFSA and IGETC. If you don’t speak complex college syntax yet, congratu-lations — you still have your sanity.

Last week during yet another conversa-tion about college, my younger son said, “It’s going to be so weird when he leaves. I mean, he’s just always been here my whole life.” I’m still pulling the knife from my heart.

While I wrestle with the calendar, trying in vain to keep that diploma at bay, my son races in earnest toward his cap and gown ceremony. His rush to leave for college should not surprise me. He’s been trying to get away from me since he was in the womb. He arrived three weeks early. In hindsight, I should have recognized his swift arrival as an obvious sign of the times ahead.

I realize graduation represents a new and exciting chapter for my son, but just like any great book, I don’t want this part of the story to end. And, I really don’t want to hear these three words again: Back to School. SC

Back to School Marks Bittersweet Milestones

arents everywhere agree, these three words rank among

their favorite in the English language: Back to School.

Every school year starts the same with packet pick-up and piles of paperwork to plow

through. Then, with completed registra-tion forms in hand, it’s off to school where students anxious over class schedules and excited about fresh starts begin to gather in groups.

I always enjoy volunteering during regis-tration. San Clemente High really feels like a close-knit community during the week. It’s fun seeing familiar faces even if the lines are sometimes long. One parent who spent time waiting said, “It’s not bad—it’s San Clemente. You know everyone.”

Principal George Duarte agreed, “I am so excited about this school year. I have enormous expectations for what this year will be.”

Me too. Well, actually, I’m more anxious than excited. While school started the same as always, it’s going to end unlike any other. This year my younger son starts his freshman year and my older son his se-nior year. I’m excited for my younger son to start high school, but I am bittersweet about my older son.

And from the conversations I over-heard—along with the tear or two I spied—during senior registration, I deter-mined I’m not alone.

My countdown sort of began last Sep-tember when I dropped-off my older son on the first day of his junior year. Sudden-ly, it hit me that the following September he would be a senior. I turned to my son and solemnly said, “This time next year you’re going to be a senior, and I am going

P

Life’s a Beach: By Shelley Murphy

Life’s a Beach By Shelley Murphy

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the San Clemente Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@sanclementetimes.com.

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 18

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SHE LOOKING FOR HE TO ENJOY THE LIFEShe, from China, new settled-down in SOC, 40, beautiful, single, successful, family-oriented, want kids, like jogging at the beach; looking for He, 40-52, 5’9”+, healthy, professions, Chinese, Caucasian, like outdoor activities, good personality: optimistic, gener-ous; serious relationship only, no affairs; pls email to waysung@hotmail.com with your pic.

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coMMErciAl/tEnAntiMProvEMEntcontrActor

Curbside Pet & House Sitting 949.369.5074Sanclemente,dalmatian.love@cox.net

PEtSitting

VIP Pet Spa 949.492.7473810S.Elcaminoreal,www.vippetspa.com

PEtgrooMing

Colony Termite Control 949.361.25001402calleAlcazar,www.colonytermite.comEnvironment 1st Exterminating, Inc. 949.218.11112340S.Elcaminoreal,#13,www.freetermitereports.com

PEStcontrol

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD949.361.4867(guMS)1001AvenidaPico,Ste.k,www.moranperio.com

PEriodonticS&dEntAliMPlAntS

Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.24882927viaSangorgoinio,Ste.100,www.imgs.com

grAPHicdESign

Kreative Hair Design 949.498.6245173AvenidaSerra

HAirSAlonS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589109calledelosMolinos,www.southcoastfurniture.com

FurniturE

All Season Air 949.579.0741allseasonair@gmail.com,www.allseasonair.netOasis Heating & Air 949.420.132131648ranchoviejord.Ste.A,www.oasisair.com

HEAting

Designer’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926638caminodelosMares,Ste.g-105,www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com

Flooring

Timothy C. Metcalf, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLCwww.wfadvisors.com/tim.metcalf 949.862.1250

FinAnciAlAdviSor

Call Jeff 949.683.4972johnson4sc@cox.net

dryWAll/dryWAllrEPAir

Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040111AvenidadelMar,#B,www.carbonara.com

cAtEring

Craig Workinger CPA’s Inc 949.218.3224629caminodelosMares#307

AccountAntS

Frank J. Mogavero, DDS MS 949.493.73001031AvenidaPico#101,www.syncyoursmile.com

ortHodontiSt

MArriAgE&FAMilytHErAPyJanet M. Seymour, PsyD 949.633.08131443n.Elcaminoreal,Ste.B

Izza Neapolitan Pizzeria 949.248.4925376CaminodeEstrella,www.izzapizzeria.com

PIZZA

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.44641218PuertadelSol,www.atozleakdetection.comBill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.35581218PuertadelSol,www.billmetzgerplumbing.comChick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731www.chicks-plumbing.comSan Clemente Plumbing 949.366.2691647CaminodelosMares,Ste.108,www.sanclementeplumbing.com

PLUMBING

Radiant Pool & Spa Service 949.290.5616www.radiantpoolservice.com

POOL/SPASERVICE&REPAIR

Best Blinds & Vacuums 949.492.871973ViaPicoPlaza

VACUUMS,SERVICE&REPAIR

Printing OC 949.388.488827134PaseoEspada#B203,www.printingoc.com

PRINTING

Janet M. Seymour, PsyD 949.633.08131443N.ElCaminoReal,Ste.BManny Tau, Psy.D., PSY14892 800.865.0367300S.ElCaminoReal,Ste.218,www.drtau.com

PSyChOLOGISTS

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.53881393CalleAvanzado,www.jarvisrestoration.com

WATERDAMAGE

Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital 949.429.15551242PuertaDelSol,www.pacificcoastveterinary.com

VETERINARIANS

San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WEBSITEDESIGN

Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

WINDOWCLEANING

Best Blinds & Vacuums 949.492.871973ViaPicoPlazaDesigner’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926638CaminodelosMare,Ste.G-105,www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.comSan Clemente Window Fashions 949.498.9515www.sc-wf.com

WINDOWCOVERINGS

San Clemente Wine Company 949.429.7076212½AvenidaDelMar,www.scwinecompany.com

WINEShOP&WINETASTING

The Cellar 949.492.3663156Ave.DelMar,www.thecellarsite.com

WINEBAR

Study with Stacy 949.632.1176www.studywithstacy.com

TUTORING

Sure-Fit Screens 949.498.9412www.surefitscreens.com

SCREENS

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589109CalledelosMolinos,www.southcoastfurniture.com

SECONDhANDThRIFTShOP

TERMITESColony Termite Control 949.361.25001402CalleAlcazar,www.colonytermite.comEnvironment 1st Exterminating, Inc. 949.218.11112340S.ElCaminoReal,#13,www.freetermitereports.com

San Clemente Surf School 949.334.7649www.sanclementesurflessons.com

SURFSChOOLS

Jim Thomas Roofing 949.498.6204162CalledeIndustrias

ROOFINGCONTRACTORS

Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348150AvenidaDelMar,Ste.A,www.salonbamboo.comSalon Bleu 949.366.2060207S.ElCaminoReal,www.scsalonbleu.comSanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.58021041AvenidaPico,Ste.B,www.sanctuarytalega.com

SALONS

REALESTATE

Café Calypso 949.366.9386114AvenidaDelMar#4Carbonara Trattoria 949.366.1040111AvenidaDelMar,#B,www.carbonara.comThe Cellar 949.492.3663156Ave.DelMar,www.thecellarsite.com

RESTAURANTS

Casa Verde Homes 949.212.5800License#B906391,www.casaverderenovation.comDesigner’s Magic Flooring 949.496.1926638CaminodelosMare,Ste.G-105,www.designersmagiccarpetandflooring.com

REMODEL

The Gibbs Law Firm, APC 949.492.3350110EAvenidaPalizada,Ste.201,www.gibbslaw.com

REALESTATEATTORNEyS

Altera Real Estate - “Sandy & Rich”www.sandyandrich.com 949.293.3236Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group949.842.3631SanClemente,www.forterealtygroup.comCasa Verde Homes - Simon Wilson 949.212.5800www.casaverdehomes.comCentury 21 OMA - Eric Benson 949.584.3751www.sanclementecoastalhomes.comDoug Echelberger First Team Real Estate407W.ElCaminoReal, 949.498.7711www.echelberger.comMarcie George - Star Real Estate South County marciegeorge@cox.net 949.690.5410McDaniel Gilmore Group - Surterre Properties 949.464.3226www.livetalega.comPrue Putnins- Regency Real Estate 949.366.1984www.TheTalegaTeam.com,www.homesByPrue.comSteve Smith 949.632.8139OlympianAlteraDCP,ssmithsurfer@msn.comTarbell Realtors - The Metcalfs949.533.59991001AvenidaPico,www.Metcalf4homes.com

Costa Verde Landscape 949.361.9656License#:744797(C-8&C-27)www.costaverdelandscaping.com

WATERWISEIRRIGATION

San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025163AvenidaVictoria

PRESChOOLS

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 949.276.5752www.yorbalindatilemarble.com714.757.3490

TILE&STONEINSTALLATION/RESTORATION

Sea View Pharmacy 949.496.0123665CaminoDeLosMares#101,www.seaviewpharmacy.com

PhARMACIES

Memories Of Me Photos 949.361.0680wwwmemoriesofmephotos.com

PhOTOGRAPhy

The only directory featuring San Clemente businesses exclusivelyBusiness Directory

Locals Only

A Beautiful You Skin Care 949.370.18521502N.ElCaminoReal,www.abeautifulyouoc.com

SKINCARE

B U S I N E S S • S P O T L I G H T

CHRISTIANSEN CHIROPRACTICI’m a proud Triton Alumni and excited to be back in this beauti-ful city. Christiansen Chiropractic’s goal is to relieve pain, promote wellness and fitness. I treat many types of ailments including sports and fitness related inju-ries. Please stop by or

visit my website for any chiropractic needs, www.christiansenchiro.com, 949.276.2956.

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY”

CallAngelaEdwardsat949.682.1667ore-mailaedwards@sanclementetimes.com.

Pet Treasures 949.493.7297653CaminodelosMares,Suite100,www.theyellowbone.com

PETSUPPLIES The Termite Guy -Termite & Pest Control106W.CanadaAve., 949.940.1010www.877termite.com

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 22

Wet and Wild 5K, Wild Rivers August 27, 8 a.m.

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Wet ‘n Wild 5K, a charitable event to ben-efit children and families in need living in Santa Ana and Baja, Mexico.Info: www.wetnwild5k.

com/Home.html5SCSan Clemente

StorieS, ScoreS, ScheduleS & more

SPORTS& OUTDOORS 5 Best Bets

LD Alajuelense vs. LA Galaxy, Home Depot CenterAugust 25, 7 p.m.

Newly acquired Robbie Keane and the rest of the LA Galaxy hit the pitch against LD Alajuelense in a CONCACAF battle royale.Info: www.lagalaxy.com

Rockies vs. Dodgers, Dodger StadiumAugust 26, 7:10 p.m.

The boys in blue host a home stand against Colorado this weekend before taking in a three-game series against San Diego.Info: www.losangeles.

dodgers.mlb.com

Shock vs. Sparks,Staples CenterAugust 26, 7:30 p.m.

A successful month on the court has seen the LA Sparks battling back into contention. The team now preps for a key tussle against Tulsa. Info:

www.wnba.com/sparks

SOCCER BASEBALL BASKETBALL WALK/RUN FITNESS

Free Fitness Boot Camp, RSC Tennis & Fitness ClubAugust 27, 9:10 a.m.

San Clemente Boot Camp has a free workout ses-sion at the RSC Tennis & Fitness Club for ages 18 and older located at 111 Avenida Vista Montana, San Clemente. Info: www.SanClementeBoot-Camp.com

S C O R E B O A R D

MCQueen AnD DARnoLD SLAM THe CoMpeTiTion AT pACiFiC pALiSADeS TouRnAMenT

When the sand finally settled at California Beach Vol-leyball Association’s Pacific Palisades tournament on July 17, Hannah McQueen and Franki Darnold, both from San Clemente High School, took home the prestigious Sinjin-Stoklos Cup. The pair went undefeated throughout the day to win the title.

In their next two tournaments, McQueen and Darnold made it to the championship match, taking second place in Huntington Beach and winning another championship in Manhattan Beach.

VOLLEYBALL

Hannah McQueen (left) and Franki Darnold alongside beach volleyball legend Sinjin Smith. Courtesy photo

CRoWn VALLey DiVeRS SHine AT AAunATionAL DiVinG CHAMpionSHipS

Late last month, Crown Valley Divers of Laguna Niguel dominated the national competition, outscoring teams from California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts and Maine to win the Amateur Athletic Union National Diving Championship. In the process, the Crown Valley Divers claimed 16 gold, 15 silver and nine bronze medals total.

The team competed against 412 divers dur-ing the eight-day competition at Riverside City College. Head coach Curt Wilson and assistant

coaches Rich Wilson, Ila Wilson and Dave Mickle worked with their divers’ goal setting, training and conditioning throughout this past year to propel these athletes to compete at the highest level and improve their overall diving experience.

Diving at full force, Crown Valley went on to win men’s, women’s and combined team national titles. Ally Caplan won three golds and one silver, dominating the 15-year-old springboard competitions and even took home gold with synchro partner Makena Chamoures of San Clemente in the 14-15 girls 1-meter synchro. Chamoures also took silver in 15-year-old girls 1-meter and bronze in the 3-meter.

San Clemente’s Caleb Dixon also won gold medals in 13-year-old boys 1- and 3-meter, 13 and under boys’ synchro with diving partner Christopher LaBella, 13, of Laguna Niguel, and dove up in age group in the 14 and 15 boys’ synchro with Shaun Phaneuf. Dixon also nabbed silver in the 12-13 boys platform competition and was the high point winner with 92 points toward the team total.

DIVING

Makena Chamoures and Ally Caplan. Courtesy photo

SoFTBALL’S SWAT AnD SpLASH eACH MeDAL AT STATe GAMeS oF AMeRiCA

San Clemente Girls Softball was well represented at The State Games of America that took place August 4 to 7 in San Diego.

Both the San Clemente 10U and 12U All-Star teams qualified for the State Games through earlier qualifying state tournaments. The State Games included thousands of athletes from all over the country playing in 23 different sports.

It also included an Olympic-style open-ing ceremony and parade of athletes at Qualcomm Stadium. In girls softball, it was essentially a “best of the best” tournament.

The best teams from both Northern and Southern California and Nevada attended.

After the opening ceremonies, both teams did an excellent job representing San Clemente.

In the 12U division, the San Clemente Swat went 5-1 in the tournament and brought home the gold medal. The Swat’s run through the tournament included two huge comeback wins. After being down 8-4 against Rialto, Swat scored six runs in the last two innings. If that was not enough, in the next game against nemesis, Buena Park, the Swat scored eight runs in the next to last inning to overcome a 6-0 deficit.

“The girls were unbelievable, to have two wins like that when you are facing elimina-tion, they never blinked,” head coach Jeff Gustin said.

The next day, Buena Park got some revenge handing the Swat its first loss of the tournament, 11-4. However, in the “double elimination” format, BP had to beat the Swat again, which proved a lofty goal.

The Swat won the championship 8-0 behind the pitching of Sierra Garrett, timely hits on offense and their smothering defense.

Garrett scored the last run to cap off the season. And Swat went on to finish with a 35-4 season record.

In the 10U division, the San Clemente Splash went undefeated heading into the championship series before losing to an outstanding El Rio team, thus bringing home the Silver Medal. Heading into the championship, the Splash found a way to win many close games in order to reach the coveted final.

“This was a perfect way to celebrate the conclusion of our league’s 10-year anniversa-ry,” said league vice president Anthony Bradish. “These are experiences which the girls will never forget. We hope to keep growing the league by encouraging more girls to sign up and join in the experience.”

For more information about San Clemente Girls Softball, visit their website at www.sanclementegirlssoftball.org.

SOFTBALL

The 12u SC Swat took first place following its run to the championship in the State Games of America earlier this month. The team includes in front row from left Katie Rose Terkoski, Ash-ley Folia, Katie Bracken, Lauren Brzykcy, Jordyn Gustin, Melody Forstie, (back row) coach Dave Terkoski, coach Anthony Bradish, Sierra Garrett, Chloe Visca, olivia Bradish, elise Sawall and coach Jeff Gustin. Courtesy photo

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times August 25–31, 2011 Page 26

Age: 11, Bernice Ayer Middle School

Nathan Carabba will enter the sixth grade this fall at Bernice Ayer Middle School and is eagerly awaiting surf team tryouts. This summer he has been putting in the time—at least four hours a day—in preparation for it as well as both NSSA and WSA contest series. He says he hasn’t really been concentrating on any one maneuver or facet of surfing but is instead “trying to get better all around.” Summer sessions at his two favorite breaks—Rivi and Lowers—paid off in July when he placed third in Boys 11-14 at the San Clemente Ocean Fest Groms Rule Contest. Since then he has continued to spend as much time in the water as possible. Nathan already has his sights set on a future career as a pro surfer and credits his parents for supporting his dream. “My parents take me surfing pretty

much every day. I think because they like that I’m having fun and they love me,” he said. When school starts Nathan is sure that P.E. will once again be his favorite subject. “I’m a good student but I like being outside much better than being in a classroom,” he said as he promptly changed the subject back to surfing. Then, when asked what he likes most about his favorite sport, he replied, “Getting good waves. I can’t really describe it. It’s just really fun and I love it.” —Andrea Swayne

Grom of the WeeK Nathan CarabbaSCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC SURF

6SCSan Clemente

Nathan Carabba. Photo by Jack McDaniel

The French Connection

By Andrea SwayneSan Clemente Times

Professional surfers making waves in France and French Polynesia

SURF RESULTS

NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 1, August 20, Huntington Beach, 9th Street

First place and local finishers only. MEN: 1. Taylor McDole, Lakewood. JUNIORS: 1. Jay Chris-tenson, Pacific Beach. BOYS: 1. Jake Marshall, Encinitas; 4. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente. MENEHUNE: 1. Brett Naudin, Encinitas. SUPER GROMS: 1. Nick Marshall, Encinitas; 3. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente; 4. Dane Glaze, San Clemente; 5. Kade Matson, San Clemente. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. GIRLS: 1. Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. MASTERS: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego. SENIORS: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Mike Gillard, Coronado. DUKE: 1. Rick Fignetti, Hun-tington Beach. LONGBOARD: 1. Mike Gillard, Coronado. Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com to see full results.

Volcom Stone Starfish Surf Series Event No. 1, August 20, Huntington Beach, Pier

First place and local finishers only. PRO-AM: 1. Billy Hopkins, Huntington Beach. JUNIORS: 1. Breyden Taylor, San Clemente; 4. Josh Benjoya, Dana Point; GROMS: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente. GIRLS: 1. Lulu Erkeneff, Dana Point; 2. Lani Doherty, San Clemente. SQUIDS: 1. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente; 2. Trevor Sut-ton, San Clemente; 3. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente; 4. Noah Hohenester, San Clem-ente; 5. Sebastian Mendes, Agoura Hills/San Clemente; 6. Cooper Sutton, San Clemente. Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com to see full results.

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 3-4: NSSA Southwest Open Event No. 1, Oceanside, South Jetty September 10-11: NSSA Southwest Open Event No. 2, Hunting-ton Beach, Pier September 10-11: 15th Annual Surf for the Sea, Oceanside Harbor, North Jetty September 17: Dale Velzy Classic and Luau, Dana Point, Doheny State Beach September 17-18: NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 2, San Diego, Crystal Pier September 18-24: Hurley Pro, San Onofre State Beach, Lower Trestles

arlez vous Francais? Tahitian? No? No worries. Professional wave riding is the same in any language.

In the past few weeks from France to Tahiti, French Polynesia, local pro surfers have been blowing up in World Tour events across the globe, proving unequivocally, their fluency in the language of surf.

The Sooruz Lacanau Pro in France August 11 through 21 saw Capistrano Beach surfer Luke Davis and San Clemente surf-ers Nathan Yeomans and Kolohe Andino representing at the 6-star Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Europe event.

After dominating his heat in Round 1 (Round of 144) Davis fell short of advanc-ing on in Round 2 (Round of 96). Seeded into that same round, Yeomans slashed the competition handily winning his heat with a combined two wave score of 14.93 (out of 20) over the next best score (12.07) by run-ner up Dimitri Ouvre (GLP). Yeomans kept the mojo going through Round 4 (Round of 24) but his campaign came to an end in Round 5 (Round of 16) when Australia’s Garrett Parkes took the two-man heat 13.67 to Yeomans’ 10.86.

Andino had the best showing of the three as he sailed all the way through the quarterfinals taking the win in every one of his heats along the way. He hit his first snag of the contest in semifinal heat No. 1 where he faced off against Brazilian Gabriel Medina who posted 14.77 to Andino’s 8.65. An interference call against Andino early in the heat was ultimately his undoing.

“I don’t know what happened out there…I was amped to surf but then I got an interfer-

ence in the first two minutes of the heat,” said a disappointed Andino in an ASP inter-view following the heat. “It’s a great event you know, France is great. I’m stoked to make the semis. Nike 6.0 set us up in a re-ally nice house. I can’t thank them enough. I’ve been staying with Luke Davis so I’ve just been having a great time, and it’s hard to end it like that.”

Semi heat No. 2 saw Mitch Crews (AUS) beat his countryman Ryan Callinan 14.10 to 8.67. In the final it was Medina 19.23 in first over runner up Crews with 15.36. Andino and Callinan joined the two on the podium as equal third place finishers.

Just as the Sooruz was winding down, things were heating up at the Billabong Pro Tahiti at Teahupo’o.

The contest kicked off on August 20 with beautiful barreling 4- to 6-foot surf, the world’s top 34 surfers and a forecast of bigger waves on the way.

Round 1 saw San Clemente’s Patrick Gudauskas, 13.10, earning a second place finish behind heat winner Florida’s Damien Hobgood, 13.73 and beating third place Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach) who turned in a score of 8.83.

A Round 2 match up between Gudaus-kas and Brazilian Jadson Andre is yet to happen as following Day 1, a string of four consecutive lay days halted competition and officials decided to wait on a Surfline

Water temp: 65-68˚F Water visibility and conditions: San Clemente: 12-15’ Fair; Catalina: 15-25’+ GoodRemarks: Slow building Southwest swell and small Northwest windswell offers pretty mini-mal surf on Thursday. Surge is moderate, but visibility is relatively good, making for generally fair diving conditions. Short range: Size is in the 1-2’(knee-thigh high) zone on Thursday as a new Southwest groundswell slowly builds and mixes with small Northwest windswell energy. Size builds a little further for Friday with some 3’(waist high) to occasionally larger sets starting to show. Conditions look clean for the mornings, though overall conditions are generally poor to fair due to lack of size. Long range: A small mix of Southern Hemi-sphere swells keep things rideable through the weekend as minor Northwest windswell mixes in. Size is generally in the 2-3’(knee-waist high) range with fairly clean morning conditions. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

SURF FORECAST

P

projected major swell expected to hit around August 25 and 26 with even bigger—10- to 12-foot—potential by the 28th.

The Billabong Pro Tahiti waiting period runs through August 31.

Log on to www.billabongpro.com for updates and a live webcast. SC

Patrick Gudauskas in Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Photo © ASP/ Robertson