January 24, 2013

L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S EJ A N UA RY 24 – 3 0, 2 0 1 3

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4

www.sanclementetimes.com

7TH ANNUAL BEST OF SAN CLEMENTE ISSUE

SONGS Meeting Scheduled for February 12

in Capistrano Beach EYE ON SC/PAGE 27

San Clemente Resident a Part of NASCAR Program

SPORTS/PAGE 38

Court Date Set in Election

Defamation Suit EYE ON SC/PAGE 27

theREGULAR ISSUE

LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE

IN THIS ISSUE

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Best...Appetizers 10Bagel 7Bar 12Billiards 12Breakfast 7Breakfast Burrito 8Burger 10Cup of Coffee or Tea 7Donut 7Happy Hour 4International Eats 4Lunch Spot 8Margarita 12Menu for Healthy Choices 8Overall Restaurant 4Pizza 10Restaurant for a Date/Romantic Evening 4Sandwich 8Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth 12Sushi 10Venue for Live Music 12

and More...WATERING HOLESEateries

At theSHOPS

Best...Beach 24Golf Course 24Park 24Place to Take Out-of-Towners 24Surf Break 24

Best...Barber Shop 20Car Repair 20Customer Service 19Dry Cleaner 22Pet Care & Grooming 20Gym 20Hair Salon 19Jeweler 22Lodging 22Manicure & Pedicure 19Spa for Massages, Etc. 22Tire Shop 22Yoga/Pilates Studio 20Best...

Antiques 16Arts and Crafts Supplies 15Clothing 15Home Decor and Furnishings 16Jewelry 15Kids Apparel & Toys 15Place to Buy Flowers 19Place for Buying and Viewing Art 16Store to Buy the Perfect Gift 16Surfboard Shaper 19Surf Shop 16Wine Selection 15

To-Do ListON THE

Services

GETTINGOutside

7th ANNUAL BEST OFSAN CLEMENTEPEOPLE’S CHOICE OLE AWARDS

EYE ON SC

Top Five 27

News Bites 28

Police Blotter 28

City Calendar 28

SOAPBOX 30

GETTING OUT 33

SC LIVING 34

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Scoreboard 38

Triton Report 40

SC SURF 44

San Clemente Art Supply is the readers’ choice for best place to buy arts and crafts supplies in the city. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Best Happy Hour

Golden Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar 611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

From Monday to Friday, Fisherman’s offers something different, delicious, and above all, affordable. In the mood for a great deal on Mahi tacos and a Long Island iced tea on a Friday evening? Head on down to the Fish-erman’s. How about ribs and a Mai Thai on Tuesday? You know where to go. All this and more is served all week long, right on time to cap off the end of a busy work day. —AC

Silver Ole Sundried Tomato American Bistro821 Via Suerte, 949.388.5757, sundriedtomatocafe.com

NOMINEES: Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Cassano’s Pizza • Crispins Comfort Food • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Grill • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Subway • Sunsets at the Pier • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Cellar • The Shore • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Velvet Yogurt • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

Best International Eats

Golden Ole Mongkut Thai 212 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3871, www.mongkutthaifoods.com

Mongkut Thai has been serving the diners of San Clemente tasty Thai food since 1986 when Chef Ning Laitipaya opened the restaurant with a full menu featur-ing her homemade Thai recipes. Not only is the food delicious and all natural, but the intimate and friendly atmosphere of the family-owned restaurant mimics the feeling of being treated to a traditional Thai meal in someone’s home.—AC

Silver Ole Village Mediterranean Rim 123 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.8970, www.villagemediterraneanrim.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Agostino’s by the Sea • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Brick Pizzeria • Café 207 • Café del Sol • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Crispins

Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Del Mar Sushi (Closed) • El Jefe • El Mariachi • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • IHOP • Inka Mama’s • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizzeria • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Galette Creperie • La Rocco’s • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Little Thai Hut • Los Patios • New Mandarin Garden • Miyako • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • Nobu Sushi • Nomads Canteen • Panda Express • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pick Up Stix • Ralphs • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunset’s at the Pier • Super Bowl Express • Surfi n’ Donuts • Sushi Gallery Miki • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar • A Taste of China • Tequilas Mexican Grill • Thai Palace • Thai Paradise • The Cellar • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • The Shore • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold tie: Vil-lage Mediterranean Rim, Mongkut Thai; Silver: Taka-O Japanese Restaurant

Best Overall Restaurant

Golden Ole Nick’s San Clemente 213 Avenida del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

To be voted as the best overall restaurant, you’ve got to have it all. Located in the heart of our beautiful beach city on Avenida del Mar, Nick’s has location, a friendly attentive staff and a chic and luxurious atmosphere, complete with open window seating and a fi replace. Of course, the menu is chock full of mouthwatering choices. Having only been open for three years, Nick’s has already proven to be one of the most happenin’ places in San Clemente. —AC

Silver Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Café 207 • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • China Wall • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Donut House • El Jefe Café • El Mariachi Res-taurant • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • A Taste of China • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Inka Mama’s • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizza • La Gallette Creperie • La Rocco’s • La Siesta • Little Thai Hut • Los Patios • New Mandarin Gardens • Village Mediterra-nean Rim • Mongkut Thai • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pizza Port • The Rider’s Club Café • Rocco’s • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • S.C. Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • The Surferosa Café • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine • ZPizza 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Nick’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

and More...WATERING HOLESEateries

Best Restaurant for a Date/

Romantic Evening


When it comes to romance, it’s all about location, location, location. And Fisherman’s has got that nailed. Imagine sitting with your date high above the gentle crash of the waves, the sun descending behind the horizon, casting a golden glow. What better place to fall in love, or remember why you fell in love, than sharing a sunset on the pier in this little slice of paradise? —AC

Silver Ole St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine 211 North El Camino Real, 949.361.2079, www.vinesanclemente.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Agostino’s by the Sea • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hotdogs • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Casa Romantica • Cassano’s Pizza • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Daphne’s California Greek • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizza • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Roccos • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pizza Port • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar • Tequila’s Mexi-can Grill • The Cellar • The Rider’s Club Café • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: St. Roy at VINE

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Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Grill • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Subway • Sunsets at the Pier • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Cellar • The Shore • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Velvet Yogurt • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine Bar; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

Best International Eats

Nick’s San Clemente. Photo by Ariana Crisafulli

Mongkut Thai. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Congratulations to the People’s Choice Ole Award winners.

Keep up the great work!

Visit our website at www.sanclementetimes.com for more stories and to sign up for breaking news alerts.

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.

Best Cup of Coffee/Tea

Golden Ole Zebra House Coffee1001 South El Camino Real, 949.218.6976

Zebra House Coffee offers the perfect drink or snack for anyone needing a tasty pick-me-up, from coffee, lattes, espressos and smoothies, to pastries, muffi ns and sand-wiches. The cozy sitting area features artwork from local artists and is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious treat. In a hurry? No worries; Zebra House also offers drive-thru service.—KD

Silver Ole Starbucks300 South El Camino Real, 949.369.9520, 1001 Avenida Pico, 949.369.5649, 638 Camino de los Mares, 949.496.5900, www.starbucks.com

NOMINEES: 7-11 • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • Bread Gallery • Café Calypso • Café Expresso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Cinnamon Productions • La Gallette Creperie • Denny’s • Dreamy Sweets Pastries • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hanson’s Market • IHOP • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Kaylani Coffee Co. • Kelly’s Donuts • Lavender Lounge Tea Co. • McDonald’s • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Peet’s Coffee and Tea • Pipes Café • Posh Peasant’s Tea Room & Café • SC Donut • S.C. Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • The Cellar 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Starbucks; Silver: Antoine’s Café

Best Donut

Golden Ole Surfi n’ Donuts1822 South El Camino Real, 949.492.1249

Located on the south side of town near the El Camino Real entrance to the I-5, Surfi n’ Donuts is a popular stop for morning commuters heading off to work. And the impressive assortment of donuts and pastries in the display case makes it nearly impossible to choose just one. Some of the best selling items include old fashioned and jelly-fi lled donuts, apple fritters and the Tiger Tail—a glazed twist donut with cinnamon and chocolate. —KD

Silver Ole SC Donuts806 East Avenida Pico, Ste. G, 949.498.7837

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Bagel Shack • Donut House • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Kelly’s Donuts • Pipes Café • Ralphs • Rose’s Donuts & Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Starbucks • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • Sunrise Café • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Surfi n’ Donuts; Silver: S.C. Donuts

Best Bagel

Golden Ole Bagel Shack 777 South El Camino Real, 949.388.0745, www.thebagelshack.com

For a delicious, fi lling and quick breakfast, this is just the spot. The Bagel Shack offers a large selection of fresh bagels, both sweet and savory. Choices include blueberry, cinnamon raisin, onion, jalapeno cheddar and many more. Bagel sandwiches named after local surf breaks are popular options. Try the “Old Man’s” with cream cheese, avocado and lemon pepper. —KD

Silver Ole The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts202 North El Camino Real, 949.492.8450, www.downtownsanclem-ente.com/sanclementedonutshopsurfi ndonuts

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Antoine’s Café • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Café Calypso • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Hanson’s Market • Kaylani Coffee Co. • Pipes Café • Ralphs • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s • Starbucks • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • The Cellar • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Bagel Shack; Silver: Surfi n’ Donuts



Best Breakfast

Golden Ole Antoine’s Café 218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

What separates Antoine’s Café from the other break-fast-serving multitudes, besides their amazing menu of delectable and unique items, is their loyal group of regulars. For 22 years, Antoine’s has been serving San Clemente’s citizens in a friendly hometown atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see owner Veronique Price chat-ting with customers while they chow down on Antoine’s impressive variety of delicious meals—from healthy, to down-right indulgent. —AC

Silver Ole The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts 202 North El Camino Real, 949.492.8450, www.downtownsanclem-ente.com/sanclementedonutshopsurfi ndonuts

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Always Inn Bed & Breakfast • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • The Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Bull Taco • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carrows • Cinnamon Productions • Coco’s Family Restaurant • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Denny’s • Donut World • El Mariachi Restaurant • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • IHOP • Irons in the Fire • La Gallette Creperie • La Siesta • Las Golondrinas • McDonald’s • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mr. Pete’s Burgers • New Mandarin Garden • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pipes Café • Rose Donuts & Café • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • S.C. Café • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sunrise Café • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Tommy’s Family restaurant • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Antoine’s Café; Silver: S.C. Café

Clockwise from left: The friendly staff at Antoine’s Café (L to R) Kailey Beals, owner Veronique Price and Cassandra Haas, serve customers delicious food with a smile. Photo by Ariana CrisafulliZebra House Coffee serves up lattes and treats that are a delight for all of the senses. Photo by Kevin Dahlgren Bagel Shack owner Brock Meserve is well known for his wide variety of freshly made bagels, both sweet and savory. Photo by Andrea Swayne

the açaí bowl with granola, the veggie melt or the popu-lar Bombay Melt—curry chicken with melted cheese, tomato and onion on an English muffi n. Yum! —KD/AS

Silver Ole Hanson’s Market415 East Avenida Pico, 949.218.1690, www.hansonsmarket.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s • Baja Fresh • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat • Seafood & Deli • Board & Brew • Bread Gallery • Brick Pizzeria • Burger Junkies • Bull Taco • Café Ca-lypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Chipotle • Cinnamon Productions • Crispins Comfort Food • Kultured Kitchen • Daphne’s California Greek • El Pollo Loco • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Flam Broiler • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Juice Stop • La Siesta • McDonald’s • Miyako • The New Mandarin Gardens • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads • Panera Bread • Quizno’s • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • SC Nutrition • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Stillwater Café • Sub-way • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taka-O • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Habit • Ralphs • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Velvet Yogurt • Village Mediterranean Rim • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Captain Mauri’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

Best Lunch Spot

Golden Ole Board & Brew 979 Avenida Pico, 949.498.2739, www.boardandbrew.com

Great sandwiches and craft beers keep the local lunch crowd coming back for more. Only the fi nest ingredi-ents are heaped on to freshly-baked breads and wraps to create tasty favorites like the Roast Beef Spicy —roast beef, melted Swiss, onions, jalapeños, mayo and Dijon on a toasted baguette and served with au jus. Board & Brew really delivers when it comes to taste and quality and the relaxed atmosphere refl ects San Clemente’s beach town vibe.—AS

Silver Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar 611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Bamboo Bamboo’s Chinese • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Billy’s Meat Seafood & Deli • Bread Gallery • The Brick Pizzeria • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Bull Taco • Café Calypso • Café

Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Chipotle • Chronic Tacos • Cinnamon Produc-tions • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • El Pollo Loco • Guicho’s Eatery • Hanson’s Market • The Habit • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Kultured Kitchen • La Gallete Creperie • La Siesta • La Tiendita • LaRocco’s • Las Golondrinas • Little Thai Hut • Los Patios • Mongkut Thai • Mr. Pete’s • New Mandarin Gardens • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pipes Café • Pizza Port • Posh Peasant’s Tea Room & Café • Red Fox Lounge • Rice Temptation • Rider’s Club Café • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • S.C. Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • South of Nick’s • Stillwater Café • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunrise Café • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taco Bell • Taka-O • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zebra House Coffee • ZPizza 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Board & Brew

Best Sandwich

Golden Ole Board & Brew979 Avenida Pico, 949.498.2739, www.boardandbrew.com

Board and Brew’s variety of sandwiches and quality of ingredients leads it back to the top spot for the second consecutive year. Co-owner Mike DeSanti said roast-ing meats fresh in house, along with having fresh baked bread makes a real difference for popular items like the Turkado, pastrami sandwich, Baja chicken and chicken club. And the restaurant’s secret sandwich sauce makes you want to change the saying “icing on the cake” to “sauce on the sandwich.” —JS/AS

Silver Ole Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli 111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5924, www.downtownsanclemente.com/billysmeats

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Albertsons • Antoine’s • Bagel Shack • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Café • The Bread Gallery • Bud’s Famous Hot Dog’s • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Cinnamon Productions • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Guicho’s Eatery • The Habit • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Kultured Kitchen • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Panera Bread • Pipes Café • Quizno’s • Ralphs • The Rider’s Club Café • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Stillwater Café • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Pier Shack & Grill • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Board & Brew; Silver: Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli



Best Breakfast Burrito

Golden Ole The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts 202 North El Camino Real, 949.492.8450, www.downtownsanclem-ente.com/sanclementedonutshopsurfi ndonuts

Need to enjoy a hearty breakfast on the go? Why not enjoy your eggs and bacon wrapped up in a tortilla. Chorizo, steak, sausage, cheese, potatoes and fresh salsa are also popular ingredients for creating the per-fect portable meal. The breakfast burritos at The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts are big enough to share; or save some for a mid-morning snack. —KD/AS

Silver Ole Pedro’s Tacos 2313 South El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908, www.pedrostacos.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Board & Brew • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Bull Taco • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carl’s Jr. • The Cellar • Chronic Taco • Del Taco • Denny’s • Donut World • El Jefe • Hanson’s Market • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Kelly’s Donuts • La Siesta • La Tiendita • Las Golondrinas • McDonald’s • Mr. Pete’s • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pipes Café • La Cocina de Ricardo • Rose’s Donuts & Café • S.C. Café • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Stillwater Café • Rose’s Sugar Shack Café • Sunrise Café • Surferosa Café • Surfi n’ Donuts • Talega Golf Club • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts

Best Menu for Healthy Choices

Golden Ole Captain Mauri’s Counterculture149 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.8098, www.captainmauris.com

Captain Mauri’s offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, fruit smoothies, honey vanilla shakes and veggie burgers that even meat lovers approve of. For a healthy and delicious lunch option, look no further than this longtime downtown eatery. You don’t have to be a health food purist to enjoy the tasty meal combos like Brew • Bread Gallery • Brick Pizzeria • Burger Junkies • Bull Taco • Café Ca-

lypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Chipotle • Cinnamon Productions • Crispins Comfort Food • Kultured Kitchen • Daphne’s California Greek • El Pollo Loco • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Flam Broiler • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Juice Stop • La Siesta • McDonald’s • Miyako • The New Mandarin Gardens • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads • Panera Bread • Quizno’s • Rice Temptation • Rocco’s Restaurant • SC Nutrition • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Stillwater Café • Sub-way • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taka-O • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Habit • Ralphs • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Velvet Yogurt • Village Mediterranean Rim • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zebra House Coffee

health food purist to enjoy the tasty meal combos like

Captain Mauri’s quaint downtown spot offers a wide variety of healthy options including açaí bowls, salads, sandwiches, smooth-ies, soups and vegetarian burgers. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts earned top breakfast burrito, for their massive concoctions fi lled to your liking with a variety of fresh ingredients. Photo by Kevin Dalghren

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Bravo • Bud’s Famous Hot Dogs • Burger Junkies • Burger Stop • Café Mimosa • Carl’s Jr. • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Del Taco • Denny’s • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • The Habit • Humphry’s • Jack in the Box • McDonald’s • Mr. Pete’s Burgers • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Randy’s on the Pier • Rosie’s Sugar Shack Restaurant • Selma’s Chicago Piz-zeria • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • The Surferosa Café • Surfi n’ Donuts • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Pier Shack & Grill • The Shore • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Riders Club Café; Silver: Biggie’s Burgers & More

Best Sushi

Golden Ole 9 Style Sushi 102 Avenida Victoria, 949.366.3669

As one might expect, 9 Style Sushi owner Q Komatsu primarily credits the freshness of his fi sh for winning his restaurant fans.“That’s my goal,” Komatsu says. But beyond just assuring that he has the freshest fi sh avail-able, Komatsu says he insists that his employees also think hard about customer service, whether it be just a friendly smile, or a longer get-to-know-you talk. —JS

Silver Ole Tako-O Japanese Restaurant425 North El Camino Real, 949.498.7111. www.taka-orestaurant.com

NOMINEES: Albertsons • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Ralphs • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • Jizaki Sushi • Mi-yako Japanese Restaurant • Nobu Sushi • Rice Temptation • Sushi Sono • Sushi Gallery Miki • The Cellar 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Taka-O Japanese Restaurant; Silver: 9 Style Sushi

Best Pizza

Golden Ole LaRocco’s 122 South El Camino Real, 949.366.8890, www.laroccospizzaonline.com

La Rocco’s has been a San Clemente favorite for a num-ber of years. Manager Brennan Bernadini noted that the restaurant had tried to keep adding new selections (like the new “Rhode Island” pizza), as well as a number of different pies that each had their own followers and fans.

Bernardini also noted that the pizzeria’s consistency and quality also has won it fans throughout the city.—JS

Silver Ole Pizza Port301 North El Camino Real, 949.940.0005, www.pizzaport.com

NOMINEES: 2 for 1 Pizza • Agostino’s by the Sea • Brick Pizzeria • Cassano’s Pizza • Costco • Domino’s Pizza • Denny’s • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Ital-ian Cravings • Izza Pizzeria • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing • Papa John’s • Papa Murphy’s • Pizza Hut • Romano’s Pasta & Piz-zeria • Round Table Pizza • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stuft Pizza • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • The Cellar • Surfside Pizza • ZPizza 2011 WINNERS: Gold: La Rocco’s; Silver: Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta



Best Taco

Golden Ole Pedro’s Tacos2313 South El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908. www.pedrostacos.com

Consistency has helped to make Pedro’s Tacos a multi-year winner in the Best Taco category. With a veteran staff that aims to make every taco the same way they did when the restaurant fi rst opened. While the fi sh tacos remain the city’s favorite, the menu features a number of both traditional and non-traditional versions that made the stand a longtime local favorite. —JS

Silver Ole La Siesta Mexican Restaurant920 North El Camino Real, 949.498.3094, www.lasiestasanclemente.com

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Baja Fresh • BeachFire Res-taurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Bull Taco • Café del Sol • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Del Taco • Dos Patios • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • El Jefe • El Mariachi • El Patio • El Pollo Loco • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hapa J’s • La Cocina • La Siesta • La Tiendita • La Pata • Las Golondrinas • Los Patios • El Mariachi • Nick’s San Clemente • Ole’s Tavern • Pipes • La Cocina de Ricardo • Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill • SC Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nicks • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taco Bell • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Wa-hoo’s Fish Tacos 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Avila’s El Ranchito

Best Burger

Golden Ole The Rider’s Club Café1701 North El Camino Real, 949.388.3758, www.ridersclubcafe.com

Rider’s Club Café has made itself a San Clemente favorite in pretty short order, winning Best Burger in all three years it’s been eligible. “I feel it’s the quality of food and our service,” manager Kyle Robinson said. Combining those winning attributes with fi tting a need in the area for burgers with high quality ingredients and craft beer with reasonable prices, Rider’s Club Café takes the beef. —JS

Silver Ole Biggie’s Burgers & More 1017 South El Camino Real, 949.492.9182

Best Appetizers


Keeping things fresh has been the key for The Fish-erman’s, both in terms of new appetizer offerings and old San Clemente favorites. This year, classic offerings like the Manilla clams and fresh Pacifi c Northwest oysters have been joined by Poke made from fresh yellow fi n tuna. Customers have come to expect and appreciate the consistent freshness of the seafood and other offerings, said Bob No-vello, operation manager of the restaurant. —JS

Silver Ole Nick’s San Clemente 213 Avenida Del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Brick Pizzeria • Carbonara’s • Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Cinnamon Productions • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Denny’s • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s Restau-rant • La Siesta • McDonald’s • Mongkut Thai • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pizza Port • Rocco’s • San Clemente Wine Clemente • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • South of Nick’s • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • The Surferosa Café • Taka-O Japa-nese Restaurant • The Shore • The Village Mediterranean Rim • Vine • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Nick’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

Pedro’s Tacos tops the list once again for San Clemente’s favorite fi sh taco. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Best Bar


Known for its spectacular sunset views and Old Man and The Sea motif bar, Fisherman’s is SC’s most favored liberation spot, offering fresh fi sh entrees and a full cocktail, wine and beer menu. Themed Happy Hours - that change nightly - feature $3-$5 plates weekdays. Located at the shoreline of San Clemente Pier, Manager Emily Marshall credits “our friendly staff” for their long-standing popularity. —RWD

Silver Ole Nick’s San Clemente213 Avenida del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carbonara’s Trattoria • The Cellar • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nicks • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • The Shore • Vine • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Red Fox Lounge

Best Venue for Live Music

Golden Ole Iva Lee’s Restaurant555 North El Camino Real, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com

It began seven years ago when Blues musicians Bernie Pearl and Nathan James started packing the house Wednesday nights. Today, twenty jazz and blues bands perform throughout the year - Wednesday through

Saturday nights. The venue has proved so immensely popular, the New Orleans Southern cuisine restaurant is expanding its music space. Says Eric Wagoner, “This Spring, we’ll debut the only proper music venue in SC.”—RWD

Silver Ole BeachFire Restaurant Bar and Grill204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232, www.beachfi re.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • The Cellar • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Goody’s Tavern • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knucklehead’s • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Nomads Canteen • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Red Fox Lounge • The Shore • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Casino San Clemente • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar & Grill; Silver: The Cellar

Best Billiards

Golden Ole Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill204 South El Camino Real, 949.481.2040, www.dukesgriddlengrill.com

A casual atmosphere that draws a laidback surfer crowd, Dukes has something for everyone. Combining live music, an American fare restaurant and two pool tables successfully under one roof, ten television screens (three above the bar) broadcast sports lovers events nonstop. Billiard leagues gather here on Wednesday nights. Sunday nights a game of pool is free. Manager Lea Kohberger recommends a burger between plays. —RWD

Silver Ole Knuckleheads Sports Bar1717 North El Camino Real, 949.492.2410, www.knuckleheadsmusic.com

NOMINEES: Big Helyn’s Saloon • Dukes • Goody’s Tavern • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Red Fox Lounge • Sunsets at the Pier • The Shore 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Ole’s Tavern; Silver: Duke’s



Best Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth

Golden Ole Velvet Yogurt 120 S. El Camino Real, 949.276.4625, www.velvetyogurt.com

Velvet Yogurt gets its share of not only those looking for a quick, sweet fi x, but those looking for something a bit more substantial. Plenty of customers stop by for helpings of the acai bowls and vanilla frozen yogurt with lots of mix-in ingredients as a meal replacement, not just as a dessert. There’s even sorbets and other items for those with dairy “issues.” —JS

Silver Ole Schmid’s Fine Chocolates99 Avenida Del Mar, 949-369-1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Albertsons • Baskin Robbins • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Brick Pizzeria • The Cellar • Cinnamon Productions • ColdStone Creamery • Dreamy Sweets Pastries • Edible Arrangements • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Golden Spoon • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Kymmie’s Cook-ies • La Gallette Creperie • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Nick’s San Clem-ente • Oh for Sweet’s Sake • Panera Bread • Ralphs • Rite Aid • Rocket Fizz • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nick’s • Spoon Deep • Sugar Blossom Bake Shop • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Surfi n’ Donuts • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Zebra House Coffee • Yogurtland on Del Mar 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Velvet Yogurt; Silver: Baskin Robbins

Best Margarita

Golden Ole South of Nicks110 North El Camino Real, 949.481.4545, www.thenickco.com/southof-nicks.php

With nine tasty sophisticates in their Margarita mixol-ogy - each made with fresh ingredients and hand-shaken - is it any wonder such innovative offerings as the jalapeno-infused tequila with muddled blueberries and rimmed with pop rocks (called “Spicy Lover”) have garnered the gold. Managing Partner Brian Harrington pledges that if it’s not on the menu, “Just ask us. We will handcraft one custom made for you.” —RWD

Silver Ole Avila’s El Ranchito204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5000, www.avilaselranchito.com

NOMINEES: Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Brick Piz-zeria • Café 207 • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Tequila’s Mexican Grill • Dukes • El Jefe • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Hapa J’s • Iva Lees • Knuckleheads • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Los Patios • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Nicks • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Red Fox Lounge • La Cocina de Ricardo’s • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • South of Nicks • Sundried Tomato American bistro • Sun-sets at the Pier • The Shore • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Avila’s El Ranchito; Silver: La Siesta Mexican Restaurant

Whether it’s on the rocks or blended, South of Nick’s serves up the best margaritas in town, according to SC Times readers. Photo by Brian Park

Billiards enthusiasts have chosen Knuckleheads as the best place to shoot pool. Photo by Brian Park

standing popularity.

Silver Ole213 Avenida del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

NOMINEES:Restaurant Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carbonara’s Trattoria • The Cellar • Duke’s Griddle ‘n’ Grill • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomads

sets at the Pier • The Shore • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine Gold: Avila’s El Ranchito; Silver: La Siesta Mexican Restaurant

Silver Ole San Clemente Wine Company212-1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

NOMINEES: Albertsons • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Bob’s Fine Wine • Brick Pizzeria • Café Mimosa • Car-bonara’s Trattoria • Daphne’s California Greek • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Fratello’s Italian Restaurant • Fred’s Market Liquor • Hanson’s Market • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Ralphs • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Vine • Trader Joes • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Wine Company; Silver: The Cellar

Best Kids Apparel & Toys

Golden Ole Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique 203 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6226, www.macandmadikids.com

Gold winners - six years in a row, M&M is a treasure chest of unique children’s through tween products. A checkerboard fl oor connects special rooms dedicated to picture books, tiny footwear and special toys - all kiddies enjoy. They carry a line of skin and hair care for mother and child, four kinds of baby blankets, strollers and party dresses that turn tomboys into fairy princesses. —RWD

Silver Ole Target990 Avenida Vista Hermosa, 949.456.8668, www.target.com

NOMINEES: BC Surf Shop • Cottage Bliss • Hobie Surf Shop • Jack’s Surf-boards • Kmart • Petite Bonhomme • Rip Curl • Roulette Clothing • Salvation Army • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Mac & Madi; Silver: Petit Bonhomme

Best Arts and Craft Supplies

Golden Ole San Clemente Art Supply & Framing 1531 North El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com

Like the poster on the wall says, “Make Art, Not War”. Owners Patti and Richard Herdell have been encourag-ing people to do just that. An assortment of paints,

brushes, canvases, mattings, children’s coloring books and frames fi ll their 1928 Ole Hanson historic building. There’s even a studio for art classes. “I believe in good customer service,” says Herdell. That’s a sentiment put into practice daily. —RWD

Silver Ole Michaels 937 Avenida Pico, 949.940.0465, www.michaels.com

NOMINEES: Artwistic Creations • Bliss Boutique • Casa Romantica • La Casa Verde de Granada • Ralphs • Staples • Strands Knitting Studio • Target • The Third Eye • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Michaels; Silver: San Clemente Art Supply

Best Clothing

Golden Ole Lincoln Street Boutique 141 Avenida Del Mar, 949.705.7753, www.lincolnstboutique.com

Its doors only opened nine months ago but no wonder the town is talking. Pumpkin-colored walls and snow-fl ake hanging lamps caste an upbeat shopping mood over a smart selection of clothing and accessories de-signed for stylish women of all ages. Says owner Mendy Conrad, “I wanted to create a shopping experience where mothers, daughters and even grandmothers could shop together and leave feeling happy.” —RWD

Silver Ole Angel Wings 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.5258, www.downtownsanclemente.com/angel_wings_san_clemente

NOMINEES: 5 for $10 T-Shirts • Angel Wings • Asana FIT Yoga • Assistance League Bargain Box • BC Surf Shop • Bijou • Bliss Boutique • Blue Eyed Girl • Bunny’s Secret • Café Rae • Catalyst • Eyeland Lash • Fits Fashion • Fresh Produce San Clemente • Goodwill of San Clemente • Heavenly Couture • Heavyweight Collections • Hobie Surf Shop • Icons of Surf • Jacks Surfboards • Johnny D’s • Republic of Kalifornia • La Tienda Thrift Store • Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique • Melrose in the OC • The Pac-Rat • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Ladies • Rip Curl • Ritual • Roulette Clothing • Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique • Shadow Lounge • Styles For Less • Sunny Days Retail • Sweeet Repeeet • Swirl Boutique • Target • Trestles Surf Outlet • Variant • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Angel Wings; Silver tie: Bliss Boutique, Hobie Sports

At theSHOPS



Best Jewelry

Golden Ole Paradise II 210 Avenida Del Mar, (949) 361-6662, www.paradisejewelers.com

A sequel to the Paradise family of fi ne jewelry, Paradise II’s unique custom jewelry is the kind of bling stars like to wear on the red carpet. Owner Debbie Dunning’s accessories include the “Mary Francis” collection of beaded evening bags. Produced in limited quantities, every handbag is named and numbered. Her sterling silver pieces - crafted by jewlery designers from around the world - are equally popular. —RWD

Silver Ole Paradise808 North El Camino Real, (949) 361-4367, www.paradisejewelers.com

NOMINEES: Ally’s Baubles • Angel Wings • Antiques and Uniques • Bliss Boutique • Bunny’s Secrets • ERBA • Eyeland Lash • Fifi Lala • Gifts on Del Mar • Gino’s Jewelers • J. Toma Designs • Lincoln Street Boutique • Melrose in the OC • On the Rocks Jewelers • Plum Precious • Revival • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Art Gallery • Sand & Sea Jewelry • Talega Day Spa • Target • The Third Eye • Variant • Villa Cucina • Walmart 2011 WIN-NERS: Gold: Paradise Jewelry; Silver: Erba

Best Wine Selection

Golden Ole The Cellar156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com

Surrounded by dark panel fl oors, cozy lighting and community length tables, The Cellar is a connoisseur’s paradise. Flight menus offer samplings of imported and domestic wines, beers and sakes. Every member of your party is made to feel at home, including your dog. They offer a “For the Dog” pooch treats menu and an open patio for parking the bark alongside your seating. Well-done! —RWD

The Cellar offers a variety of different wines for different tastes and moods. Photo by Jim Shilander

Mac & Madi provides children and parents with a wonderful place to fi nd clothing, toys and books. Photo by Jim Shilander

Silver Ole ERBA 114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Antiques & Uniques • Asana FIT Yoga • Bamboo and Beyond • BC Surf Shop • Bliss Boutique • C’ Siren Day Spa • California Cove Designs • The Cellar • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • ConRev • Consignment De-sign Concepts • Cottage Bliss • Del Mar Beauty Supply • Del Mar Watch and Clock Repair Shop • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Enchanted Fine Florals • Eyeland Lash • Fred’s Market Liquor • Gifts on Del Mar • Hobie Surf Shop • Inner Limits Smoke Shop • Irish Eyes • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jack’s Surfboards Outlet Store • Kelly’s Hallmark Shop • The Kona Gallery • L Design Downtown Flowers • La Casa Verde de Granada • Lincoln Street Boutique • Lowes • Luxe • Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique • Melrose in the OC • Ocean Gifts of San Clemente • Oliver’s Olive Oil • Paradise II • Paradise Jewelers • T. Patter-son Surfshop • Petite Bonhomme • Pier 1 Imports • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Ladies • Re-Finds Consignments • Revival • Rip Curl • Rocket Fizz • Russell’s Stationers • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • The San Clemente Florist • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Seaside Skin Care • Stewart Surfboards • Swirl • Talega Day Spa • Target • Three Dog Bakery • The Mint Fine Art Gallery • The Mole Hole • The Third Eye Beads & Gifts Gallery • Tuesday Morning • Variant • Walmart • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Erba

Best Antiques

Golden Ole San Clemente Antiques 214 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.2992

The ability to provide more than just antiques helps San Clemente Antiques top this category. Owner Brenda

Foster said the store has made an effort to integrate both old and new items, making it appeal to a wider de-mographic. The store, known for its “Husband’s Bench,” out front, has also acquired loyal customers locally and from regular tourists, who make yearly pilgrimages there. —JS

Silver Ole La Casa Verde de Granada 130 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2560, www.lacasaverdestore.com

NOMINEES: Amy Herron • Antiques & Uniques • Backstreet Home Decor • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • Del Mar Watch and Clock Repair Shop • La Tienda Thrift Store • Plum Precious Antiques • Re-Finds Consignment Shop • Salva-tion Army • Stanford Court Antiques • The Warehouse 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Antiques & Décor; Silver tie: Antiques and Uniques, Stanford Court Antiques

Best Surf Shop

Golden Ole Hobie Surf Shop 151 Avenida Del Mar, 949.542.3400, www.hobie.com

With a strong presence in the community since 1954, Hobie’s has once again proven to be San Clemente’s favorite surf shop. Whether you’re in the market for surfboards, gear, clothing, gifts or that special decorative item to compliment your home’s beach town vibe, Hobie Surf Shop has it. And the delightful and attentive staff makes shopping there a joy.—AS

Silver Ole Stewart Surfboards 2102 South El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Basham’s Factory • BC Surf Shop • Catalyst • Cole Surfboards • Dewey Weber Factory Showroom • eBodyboarding Bodyboard Outlet • Icons of Surf • Jack’s Surfboards • Noll Surfboards & Gallery • Republik of Kalifornia • Rip Curl • San Clemente Surfboards and Art • T. Patterson Surfboards • Terry Senate Surfboards • The Warehouse • Trestles Surf Outlet • Usedsurf at the Warehouse 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Hobie Surf Shop; Silver: Stewart Surfboards



Best Place for Buying or Viewing Art

Golden Ole San Clemente Art Gallery at Community Center 100 North Calle Seville, 949.361.8264, www.paintsanclemente.com

Open year-round, the gallery is a refuge of arts and craftwork from a talented collective of artisans residing within South Orange County. Showcasing impressive works and - reasonable priced - the exhibits run eight weeks. Alongside them - the City supports a roster of SC Art Association’s contests and exhibitions during the summers. Their prestigious Plein Air Competition has national appeal, attracting painters throughout the country. —RWD

Silver Ole Kona Gallery 412 North El Camino Real, 949.481.3747, www.thekonagallery.com

NOMINEES: Village Art Fair • Bamboo and Beyond • BeachFire Restaurant Bar & Grill • C’Siren Day Spa • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Casa Romantica • Gallery 104 • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Gavin Arts • Ink Gallery • Pizza Port • Revival • Rick Delanty Studio & Gallery • Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Art Supply • San Clemente Gym • Sushi Gallery Miki • Target • The Cellar • The Mint Fine Art Gallery • THUMP Gallery • Walmart • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar & Grill; Silver: The Kona Gallery

Best Home Decor and Furnishings

Golden Ole Villa Cucina Home & Kitchen 124 Avenida Del Mar, (949) 388-7512, www.villacucina.com

A unique ensemble of hand-crafted furniture from recycled materials, antiques and other specialty wood give rise to VC’s gold status in home decor. Italian earthenware, pearl-beaded cushions, table lamps, textiles, linens and wall plagues (each inscribed with a light-hearted sentiment or words of wisdom) deck their halls, complimenting a mecca of inspiration for homemakers every direction one turns. You’ll want to get lost here. —RWD

Silver Ole Luxe Home Furnishings 210 North El Camino Real, 949.218.4700, www.luxehomefurnishings.net

NOMINEES: Antiques & Uniques • Backstreet Home Décor • Bamboo and Beyond • California Cove Designs • Christopher-Lee • Ltd. • Consignment Design Concepts • ERBA • Home Consignment Design Center • La Casa Verde de Granada • La Tienda Thrift Store • Laura’s House of Treasures • Lowes • Pier 1 Imports • Re-Finds Consignments • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • South Coast Furniture & Mat-tress • Stanford Court Antiques • Target • The Kona Gallery • Walmart 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Luxe Home Furnishings

Best Store to Buy the Perfect Gift

Golden Ole Villa Cucina 124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512, www.villacucina.com

With an eclectic assortment of bracelets, earrings, jewelry, handbags, scarves, scented candles, art cards, books and Italian kitchenware, Villa Cucina is a trea-sure chest of unforgettable gifts. As style-setters, their friendly staff love their jobs and it shows - from the moment you step inside their doors. No wonder VC has been the chosen spot for ‘shoppers of taste’ two years in a row. —RWD

Pizza Port • Revival • Rick Delanty Studio & Gallery • Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle

Gold: BeachFire Bar & Grill;

Above: A selection of intricately carved antique canes makes for an interesting display at San Clemente Antiques. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Left: Jamie Wood, Josiah sprigs and Wendy Miller work the counter at San Clemente Antiques. Photos by Andrea Swayne

then choose a fabulous new outfi t with the assistance of the boutique staff. The Salon Zinnia team takes pride in their service and enjoys offering special treats to customers, such as their “Girls Night Out,”—a makeover with wine on the side. —AC

Silver Ole The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar 611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

NOMINEES: Always Inn Bed & Breakfast • Angel Wings • Antoine’s Café • Asana FIT • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bamboo and Beyond • Beach Cities Barbershop • BeachFire • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf • Billy’s Meat • Seafood and Deli • Bliss Boutique • Board and Brew • Bonded Cleaners • Bread Gallery • Brick Pizzeria • C’Siren Day Spa • Café Calypso • Café Rae • California Cove Designs • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Casa Tropicana • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • CleanRite Drop-Off Laundry & Laundromat • Consignment Design Center • Coolbreeze Boardworks • Courtesy Automotive Services • CVS • Daphne’s California Greek • Dave Wert Automotive • Del Mar Beauty • DeNaults True Value Hardware • DingDrX Surfboard Repair • Dreamy Sweets Bakery • Edible Arrangements • El Camino Automotive • El Mariachi Restaurant • El Patio Mexican Restaurant • Enchanted Fine Florals • Erba • Eyeland Lash • Farmers & Merchants Bank • San Clemente Farmer’s Market • Fast Signs • Flowers and Friends • Gifts on Del Mar • Griffi n Opto-metric Group • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Hobie Surf Shop • Holiday Inn • Holly’s Tires • Humphrey’s Sandwich Shop • Iva Lee’s • Izza Pizzeria • Jack’s Surfboards • Janelle Marcoe Studio • Jimmy’s Tire Center • K & S Cleaners • L Design Downtown Flowers • La Casa Verde de Granada • La Galette Creperie • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Lincoln Street Boutique • Little Thai Hut • Lowe’s Home Improvement • Luxe Home Furnishings • Mac & Madi Unique Children’s Boutique • Mathnasium • Melrose in the OC • Mike’s Pet Care • Café Mimosa • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • OceanaFit Yoga • OceanMinded • Ole’s Tavern • Pacifi c Coast Veterinary • Paradise II Jewelry Boutique • Peet’s Coffee • Pizza Port • Pregnancy Resource Center • Pure Yoga • Ralph’s • Rascals Ladies • Red Fox Lounge • Revival • The Riders Club Café • Rocco’s Restaurant • Salon Bamboo • Salon Bleu • San Clemente Antiques and Décor • San Clemente Art Supply • San Clemente Computer and Network Services • San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa • San Clemente Gym • San Clemente Inn • San Clemente Scooter and Cycle Supply • San Clemente Vet-erinary • San Clemente Wine Company • S.C. Café • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Seaside Skin Care • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Senor Barber • Shade Tree Motors • Shore Gardens Nursery • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • South County Mobile Electronics • South of Nick’s • Staples • Star Real Estate South County • Starbucks • Sundried Tomato • Sunset’s at the Pier • Talega Day Spa • Talega Window Washing • The Beach Garden Café • The Beachcomber • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Mint Art Gallery • Three Dog Bakery • Tina and Vince’s • Trader Joe’s • Universal Press • Variant Boutique • Villa Cucina • Villa Romano Green Farms • Village Book Store • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Wahoo’s • Wheenk! Physical Therapy • Wildfl ower Florist • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Restaurant • ZPizza • Zuma Press 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

Best Place to Buy Flowers

Golden Ole Flowers and Friends 1844 North El Camino Real, 949.366.9150, www.fl owersandfriends-sanclemente.com

Flowers and Friends is the fi rst thing you see as you enter San Clemente from the north and the last thing you see as you leave from the south. Located at North Beach, the shop has become a landmark and a staple of San Clemente life. Owner Keith Jones says longev-ity, quality and customer service are what secures the shop’s place as a San Clemente favorite.—AC

Silver Ole L Design Downtown Flowers 111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.7062

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Beach City Florist • Enchanted Fine Florals • San Clemente Farmer’s Market • Shore Gardens Nursery • Flower Company of San Clemente • Hanson’s Market • Inga’s Bloom • Kelly’s Hallmark Shop • Kimberly’s Flowers • McKenna Floral • Ralphs • San Clemente Florist • Shore Gardens • Trader Joe’s • Wildfl ower Florist 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Flowers & Friends; Silver: Downtown Flowers

Best Manicure and Pedicure

Golden Ole Mingee’s Nails 164 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1818; 132 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.1139

Mingee’s Nails & Spa has developed a reputation as a great place for large parties stopping in San Clemente for weddings and other events, but also a nice option for locals. Having two locations along Avenida Del Mar also allows for convenience for customers who might not want to wait in line. The salon also offers a variety of services to meet client’s needs. —JS

Silver Ole Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique 641 Camino De Los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

NOMINEES: Allure Nails & Spa • Beauty Nails • Bellagio Nail Spa • Final Touch Nails & Spa • Hairwaves Beauty Salon • Happy Nails and Spa • Kim’s Nail & Spa • Nails by Karen • Natural Nails by Edith • SC Nail Lounge • Sunset Glow Nail Spa • Sweet Escape • Talega Day Spa • The Perfect Ten • V Nails Boutique 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Mingee’s Nails & Spa

Best Hair Salon

Golden Ole Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique 641 Camino De Los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

Salon Zinnia owner Jodi Pickering credits her staff, fi rst and foremost, for making the salon San Clemente’s favorite. “It’s an amazing group of women that I work with,” Pickering said. Beyond that, however, Pickering said it was important that the salon offered more than just typical salon experience, including boutique items, coffee and loose-leaf tea. “We offer more than anyone else,” Pickering says. —JS

Silver Ole Salon Bamboo 150 Avenida Del Mar, Suite A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

NOMINEES: A Cut Above • Alicia’s Barber & Styling Salon • Carlisle’s Hair Design • Clips ‘n Curls • Ermanno DeVito Hair Studio • Fantastic Sam’s • Hair Affair • Hair Sculptors Salon & Spa • Hairwaves Beauty Salon • Ma Jolie • Modest Spot Salon • Popeye’s for Hair • R Tistic • Ray’s Barber Place • Revival • Salon Bleu • Salon de Prelude • Salon Incognito • Salon Real • Sanctuary Salon • Senor Barber • Shake It Design • Supercuts • Syrens Hair Parlor & Art Gallery • Talega Day Spa • The Look Hair & Makeup • Toba Salon • Trade Winds Hair Salon 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Salon Bamboo

To-Do ListON THE

Services



Best Surfboard Shaper

Golden Ole T. Patterson Surfboards, Timmy Patterson1409 North El Camino Real, 949.366.2022

Timmy Patterson’s boards have been in high demand among up-and-coming groms as well as professional surfers since he founded the brand in 1980. Patterson learned his craft from legends such as Dale Velzy, Chris McElroy, Mickey Munoz and Terry Martin early in his career and went on to become a true expert in the art of design and hand shaping. To see a master in action, stop by the newly expanded shop to watch a live demonstration by Patterson in his in-store shaping room.—AS

Silver Ole Cole Surfboards, Cole Simler 129 Calle De Los Molinos, 949.940.9044

NOMINEES: BC Surf Shop • Bill Stewart • Black Duck • Brian Bulkley • Brian Clark • Clay Huntington • Coolbreaze Surfboards • Darryl Butsko • Dave Boehne • Dev • Dewey Weber Surfboards • Donald Brink of Brink Surfboards • Edit Surfboards • Ellis Surfboards • Fly • Garth Day of G.Day Surfboards • Hamish • Hobie Surfboards • Icon • Infi nity Surfboards • Jed Noll • Jeff Wied-ner • Kaysen • Jerry O’Keefe of Soul Stix • John Robertson of Robo • Kevin Kunhart • Lost Enterprises • Mark Reynolds of BK • Matt Biolos • Matt Parker of Album Surfboards • Maurice Gyenes of Move or Die • Mayhem • Milton Whilar • Paul Carter • Perry Faanes • Robert Kennedy of BOSS Surfboards • Ryan Polfer of Polfer Hull Design • Ron House of RWorld • • Ryan Engel of Na-tion Surfboards • Steve Boehne • Terry Martin • Terry Senate • Tim Marshall of Midget Smith Surboards • Tom Whitaker • Tuttle • Tyler Warren 2011 WIN-NERS: Gold: Bill Stewart/Stewart Surfboards; Silver: T. Patterson Surfboards

Best Overall Customer Service

Golden Ole Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique 641 Camino De Los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

Salon Zinnia provides a unique service to its custom-ers—a full lifestyle makeover. Customers can treat themselves expert hair, nails and skin care services and

NOMINEES: • Asana FIT • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bamboo and Beyond • Beach Cities Barbershop • BeachFire • Beach Garden Café • Bella Collina Towne & Golf • Billy’s Meat • Seafood and Deli • Bliss Boutique • Board and Brew • Bonded Cleaners • Bread Gallery • Brick Pizzeria • C’Siren Day Spa • Café Calypso • Café Rae • California Cove Designs • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Casa Tropicana • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • CleanRite Drop-Off Laundry & Laundromat • Consignment Design Center • Coolbreeze Boardworks • Courtesy Automotive Services • CVS • Daphne’s California Greek • Dave Wert Automotive • Del Tommy Patterson’s boards are a favorite

choice of groms and pros alike. Courtesy photo

Flowers and Friends, owned by Keith Jones, is not only a San Clemente landmark, but also the city’s go-to fl oral shop. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Pet Palace • Pet Treasures • Unleashed by Petco • San Clemente Veterinary Hospital • Talega Animal Hospital 2011 WINNERS: Gold: VIP Pet Spa; Silver: San Clemente Veterinary Hospital

Best Gym

Golden Ole San Clemente Gym 123 South El Camino Real, 949.361.1007, www.sanclementegym.net

Owner Eric Lucy said it’s the sense of community that

San Clemente Gym both inspires and promotes that makes it a consistent winner in this category. The gym, located downtown, is an active participant in all sorts of community events, and has developed a loyal following of customers who appreciate the gym’s being a locally owned and operated small business with a long history. —JS

Silver Ole CrossFit Orange County 950 Calle Amanecer, Suite 200, 949.682.8577, www.crossfi torange-county.com

NOMINEES: Anytime Fitness • Asana FIT • BeachFit CrossFit • BodyMovin’ Yoga • Dance & Wellness Studio • BT Fitness • Curves • Finish Strong MMA • Fitness 19 • Fitness Elite • Gracie Barra San Clemente Martial Arts Studio • Guillobel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • North Beach Kettlebell • San Clemente Boot Camp • Wendy’s Boot Camp 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Gym; Silver: Fitness 19

Best Yoga/Pilate’s Studio

Golden Ole Asana Fit 102 South Ola Vista, 949.492.0110, www.asanafi t.com

Asana Fit’s focus on getting to know its customers has won it a large number of fans in San Clemente. Manager Michelly Young credits the studio’s emphasis on getting to know its customers—including their injuries and ability levels—and the studio’s experienced instructors for its success. “They make the classes work. That’s important in this type of business,” Young said. —JS

Silver Ole Oceana Fit 929 Calle Negocio, Suite C, 949.388.6700, www.oceanafi t.com

NOMINEES: Bikram Yoga • Body Awareness • BodyMovin’ Yoga • Dance & Wellness Studio • BT Fitness • City of San Clemente Recreation • CrossFit Orange County • Fitness Elite for Women • Hot Yoga of San Clemente • Pure Yoga • Total Body Conditioning • Zen Den Yoga Studio 2011 WINNERS: Gold: AsanaFIT; Silver: OceanaFit Yoga



Best Barber Shop

Golden Ole V’s Barber Shop 802 Avenida Talega Suite 105, 949.429.7770, vbarbershop.com

V’s Barbershop has become such a local favorite, owner John Renaud, says, because it provides the top-level services its clientele have come to expect. “We’ve got the best barbers in town,” Renaud said. Customers are also coming out for consistent, full-service offerings they can’t fi nd elsewhere in San Clemente. “We may be doing more shaves than anyone else in Orange County,” Renaud noted. —JS

Silver Ole The Señor Barbers 401 South El Camino Real, Suite F, 949.361.0762, www.thesenorbarber.com

NOMINEES: A Cut Above • Alicia’s Barber Shop • Beach Cities Barber Shop • Downtown Barber Shop • Fantastic Sam’s • Jerry’s Barber Shop • JP’s Barber Shop • Neptune’s Den Cuts for Men • Popeye’s For Hair • Ray’s Barber Place • Revival • R Tistic • Salon Bamboo • Salon Incognito • Salon Zinnia • San Clemente Barber Shop • Shore Cliff Barber Shop • Sport Clips • Stud Cuts • Supercuts • The Haircutters 2011 WINNERS: Gold: V’s Barbershop; Silver: The Señor Barber

Best Grooming/Pet Care

Golden Ole San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa801 Via Suerte, Suite 101, 949.391. 7297, www.ocgroomer.com

Tamara Muslin, the owner of San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa, said that the shop’s location, its amenities and staff were all key in making her business a favorite in San Clemente. Muslin said the location in Talega provides friendly service to the area that wasn’t being met otherwise. The spa also offers the option of allowing owners to bathe their own pets. —JS

Silver Ole VIP Pet Spa810 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.7473, www.vippetspa.com

NOMINEES: Camp Bow Wow • Pet Critters • Hilary’s Mobile Grooming • Manicured Mutt Grooming Salon • Mike’s Pet Care • Paws Pet Resorts • The

Best Car Repair

Golden Ole Shadetree Automotive 1635 North El Camino Real, 949.498.6470, www.shadetreeautorepairsanclemente.com

Shadetree Automotive is now serving its third generation of San Clemente drivers, owner Paul Huffman notes. The shop has grown from being a Volkswagen-only shop to one that provides hon-est and friendly service to all makes and models. Huffman credited his staff with creating a positive atmosphere for customers that helped to perpetu-ate their relationship with the garage. —JS

Silver Ole Jay’s Car Repair1504 Avenida De La Estrella, Unit E, 949.492.7990, www.jayscarrepair.mechanicnet.com

NOMINEES: Advanced Auto • Arnold’s Auto Repair • Auto Medic • B&M Auto Body Shop • Beach Cities Auto Collision • Big O Tires • Bill Brewster Automotive • Bob’s Auto Repair • Certifi ed Rebuilders • Coastline Automotive • Coastal Automotive • Courtesy Automotive Services • Dave Wert Automotive • Discount Tire Center • El Camino Automotive • Frank’s Collision • Holley’s Tire Services • Klink’s Auto Repair • Littlepage Automotive • San Clemente Auto Collision • San O Mechanic • Shorecliff’s Auto Services • Star Tech Motors • Victoria Auto Repair 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Shadetree Automotive; Silver: Coastline Automotive

Pet Palace • Pet Treasures • Unleashed by Petco • San Clemente Veterinary

Asana Fit’s focus on getting to know its customers has won it a large number of fans in San Clemente. Manager Michelly Young credits the studio’s emphasis on getting to know its customers—including their injuries and ability levels—and the studio’s experienced instructors for its success. “They make the classes work. That’s important in this type of business,” Young said.

Silver Ole

San Clemente Gym owner Eric Lucy, a 17 time World Champion body builder, inspires health and fi tness among locals. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

The staff of San Clemente Grooming and Pet Spa provides sharp looks and treatments for pets for residents throughout the city. Photo by Jim Shilander

Best Spa for Massages/Facials

Golden Ole Talega Day Spa 1161 Puerta Del Sol, 949.429.5757, www.talegadayspa.com

For folks looking to relax and be pampered, the Talega Day Spa has been one of San Clemente’s top destina-tions for several years. But recently, the spa has catered to a new clientele with different needs. “People have become more educated and found that a day at the spa is preventative,” said Minh Luong, spa coordinator. “A lot of guys come in, people with sports injuries or folks recovering from accidents.” In addition to massages and skin and body treatments, the spa also features an infra-red sauna, which Luong said can increase the amount of toxins released from the body by 20 percent. —BP

Silver Ole Seaside Skin Care 108 S. Camino Real, 949.276.2777, www.seasideskincare.com

NOMINEES: 5 Elements Spa • Ageless Generation Day Spa • Apure Natural Healing • Bonnie’s Skin Salon • Brow Boutique • C’Siren Day Spa • Divine Inspirations • Eyeland Lash • Kim’s Nails • MaJolie Salon • Massage Envy • Massage Works • Thai Body Works • Ritual • Salon Bamboo • Salon Zinnia • Simple Touch Skin Care • Soul Intentions • Spa Works • The Green Room • The Right Call • The Soul Intention • Waves Beyond Skincare 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Talega Day Spa; Silver: Salon Bamboo

Best Dry Cleaner

Golden Ole Bonded Dry Cleaners 1221 North El Camino Real, 949.498.1183,www.bonded-cleaners.com

Bonded Dry Cleaners has had a strong 30-plus year run in San Clemente despite limited advertising. Most of their business comes from word-of-mouth, said owner Scott English, who took over for his parents in 1995. Friendly service and consistency are hallmarks of Bonded Dry Cleaners, whose services also include minor alterations, suede and leather cleaning and wedding dress preservation. —BP

Silver Ole K&S Cleaners 114 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.5424, www.sanclementedrycleaners.com

NOMINEES: Baroni Cleaners • Celebrity Cleaners • El Camino Cleaners • Nel-son’s Cleaners • Pico Cleaners • Presidio Cleaners • San Clemente Dry Clean-ers • Seaside Cleaners • Silver Dry Cleaners • Sunny Fresh Cleaners • Talega Dry Cleaners 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Bonded Cleaners; Silver: K&S Cleaners

Best Lodging

Golden Ole The San Clemente Inn 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.492.6103, www.sanclementeinn.com

The historic San Clemente Inn has stood for more than 50 years and, for a while, housed President Richard Nix-on’s staff when he lived in nearby Casa Pacifi ca. The inn is separated into fi ve buildings with a total of 97 rooms, ranging from studios all the way up to a one bedroom that sleeps six. Adele’s Café is open to both guests and the public, and the inn features several outdoor ameni-ties and a video library free of charge for guests. —BP

Silver Ole Beachcomber Motel533 Avenida Victoria, 949.492.5457, www.beachcombermotel.com

NOMINEES: Always Inn • Best Western Casablanca Inn • Day’s Inn • Hampton Inn & Suites • Holiday Inn • San Clemente’s Little Inn by the Sea • San Clemente Cove • Seahorse Resort • Travelodge 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Beachcomber Motel; Silver: Casa Tropicana

Best Jeweler

Golden Ole Paradise Jewelers808 North El Camino Real, (949) 361-4367, www.paradisejewelers.com

“Paradise Jewelers has made itself an institution in San Clemente by providing experienced professional services on staff, but also by providing the best possible values to customers,” general manager Joshua Gusse said. Since Paradise buys at estate sales, he noted, they can often offer jewelry to customers at far below whole-sale prices. Gusse also said the experience at the store has led many to refer friends. —JS

Silver Ole Gino’s Jewelers

NOMINEES: Del Mar Watch and Clock Shop • Fifi Lala’s • Jewelry Forever • On the Rocks Jewelers • Paradise II • Plum Precious • Target 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Paradise Jewelers; Silver: Gino’s Jewelers



Best Tire Shop

Golden Ole Jimmy’s Tires Center 911 Avenida Pico, 949.492.4500, www.jimmystirecenters.com

For the second straight year, Jimmy’s Tire Center is San Clemente’s choice for the best place to patch, repair or replace a tire. While the San Clemente location has been around for 12 years, the family-owned operation has more than 35 years in the business, and many of the same customers keep coming back to get their tires serviced. Jimmy’s Tire Center also provides wheel align-ments, tire rotations and brake service. —Bran Park

Silver Ole Holley’s Tire Services 1225 North El Camino Real, 949.492.4733

NOMINEES: Big O Tires • Bill Brewster Automotive • Dave Wert Automotive • Discount Tire Center • El Camino Automotive • San Clemente Auto Center • San O Mechanic • Wal-Mart Tire Center 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Jimmy’s Tires; Silver: Holley’s Tire Service that sleeps six. Adele’s Café is open to both guests and

the public, and the inn features several outdoor ameni-ties and a video library free of charge for guests.

Silver Ole533 Avenida Victoria, 949.492.5457, www.beachcombermotel.com

Christian Figueroa of Jimmy’s Tire prepares to work on a tire. The family owned business has spent over 35 years in patching, replacing and repairing tires. Photo by Jim Shilander

Greg Suding, owner of Bonded Dry Cleaners, and Gabriela Hernandez, a 6-year employee before the morning rush of customers. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

stretch of beach is off limits to surfi ng between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 15 making the water safe for wading and swimming. Restroom facilities and a snack bar, T Street is ideal for families. —AS

Silver Ole San Clemente Pier Area

NOMINEES: 204s • Cotton’s Point • Cyprus Point • Lasuens/Lost Winds • Linda Lane • Mariposa • North Beach • Old Man’s • Poche • Riviera • San Clemente State Beach/Calafi a • San Onofre State Beach • The Hole • Trail 4 • Trail 6 • Trestles 2011 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: Pier Area

Best Surf Break

Golden Ole Lower TrestlesAs the home of such high profi le professional surf contests as the Hurley Pro and Nike Lowers Pro, this famed cobblestone beach has become known as one of the premier surf breaks on the planet. Venture down to the beach, pretty much any day of the week, and you will likely fi nd some of the best surf talent in the world—from groms in training to seasoned professionals.—AS

Silver Ole T Street

NOMINEES: 204s •Church Beach • Clock Tower • Cotton’s Point • Dog Patch • Lasuens/Lost Winds • Mariposa • Middles • North Beach • Old Man’s • Pier • Riviera • San Clemente State Beach/Calafi a • San Onofre State Beach • The Hole • Trail 4 • Trail 5 • Upper Trestles 2011 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: Trestles

Best Park

Golden Ole Vista Hermosa Sports ParkThe latest addition to San Clemente’s city parks, Vista Hermosa Sports Park offers state-of-the-art facilities

for a variety of sports. The park includes three baseball fi elds, two regulation soccer fi elds, a football/lacrosse fi eld and a multi-purpose fi eld, all with nighttime lighting. The Aquatics Center is home to a 50-meter competition pool and an activity pool with a play feature for kids.—AS

Silver Ole Linda Lane Park

NOMINEES: Baron Von Millard Memorial Dog Park • Calafi a • Courtney’s Sand Castle • Forster Ranch Community Park • Leslie Park • Liberty Park • Marblehead Park • Max Berg Plaza Park • Mira Costa • Park Semper Fi • Parque Del Mar • Rancho San Clemente • Richard T. Steed Memorial Park • Ralphs Skate Court • San Clemente State Park • San Gorgonio • San Luis Rey • San Onofre State Park • Talega Park • Tierra Grande/ Red Barn Park • Verde Park 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Gorgonio Park; Silver: Max Berg Plaza Park

Best Golf Course

Golden Ole San Clemente Municipal Golf Course150 E Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.8380, www.sanclementegc.com

San Clemente Municipal Golf Course has won the hearts of local duffers regardless of skill level, head professional Dave Cook said. “Good and bad play-ers both like it,” Cook explained. “It’s easy to walk and easy to ride.” The reasonable costs of rounds at the course also helps make it a favorite, Cook said, as well as the ease of fi nding a tee time. —JS

Silver Ole Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club200 Avenida La Pata, 949.498.6604, www.bellacollinagolf.com

NOMINEES: Shorecliffs Golf Club • Talega Golf Club 2011 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Municipal Golf Course; Silver: Talega Golf Club



Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners


Given its placement elsewhere on this list, it’s obvious that The Fisherman’s is a favorite restaurant amongst locals here in San Clemente. The combination of the love for the restaurant, plus its location on the San Clemente Pier, with a lovely view of the Pacifi c, make it a can’t miss option for impressing visitors with what it’s like to live in San Clemente all the time.—JS

Silver Ole San Clemente Pier

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Angel Wings • Antoine’s Café Asana Fit • Beach Garden Café • Beachcomber • BeachFire • Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Billy’s Meat • Seafood & Deli • Board and Brew • Brick Pizzeria • Cabrillo Playhouse • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Casa Romantica • Cas-sano’s Pizza • C’Siren Day Spa • Avenida Del Mar • Duke’s • Eyeland Lashes • San Clemente Farmer’s Market • Biggie’s Burgers • Guicho’s • Hapa J’s • Hobie Surf Shop • Ichibiri • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Knuckleheads • Kona Gallery • La Siesta Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Nomad’s Canteen • North Beach • Pedro’s Tacos • Pizza Port • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Boutique • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Salon Zinnia • SC Art Gallery • San Clemente State Beach • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • State Beach • St. Roy Chef’s Pub at Vine • Sundried Tomato Café Sunset’s at the Pier • T-Street Beach • Taka-O • Talega Day Spa • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Trestles Beach • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: San Clemente Pier

Best Beach

Golden Ole T StreetT Street—short for Trafalgar Street—has long been the training grounds for local surfers and bodyboarders, especially during the winter months. In summer the

GETTINGOutside Located atop the San Clemente Pier, The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar has won favor as the best place in the city to take visitors

from out of town. Photo by Ariana Crisafulli

www.sanclementetimes.comSan Clemente Times January 24–30, 2013

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

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON SC

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANOFor the first time in its history, the

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians will be led by an all-woman council following the

tribe’s election Saturday. Teresa Romero was elected chair, defeating longtime tribal leader and incumbent Anthony

Rivera. Jacque Nuñez will serve as vice chair, defeating Anthony Vaughn and the late Francine Yorba, who passed away in

December but whose name was left on the ballot out of respect. Kim Leone and Kristina Yorba, who both ran uncontest-ed, are the new secretary and treasurer,

respectively. Ruthie Stoffel and Heidi Perez are the two newest members-at-

large. The state-recognized tribe contin-ues to work toward federal recognition

after they were denied in 2011.

NEWS NEXT DOOR

DANA POINTCity Council voted to bring the inter-national Elephant Parade—a public art exhibit aimed to promote awareness and support the conservation of Asian elephants—to Dana Point in October.With strong support from the Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District, the council approved the $150,000 con-tract on the group’s behalf. City Manager Doug Chotkevys assured the council that the money would come directly from the $3-a-night bed fee and not the city’s general fund. For eight weeks, painted el-ephant statues will be placed throughout the city. The event will culminate with a gala and auction, where funds from the artwork sold goes to the Asian Elephant Foundation and participating artists.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING

TOWNS

SCSan Clemente

THE LATEST: Charles Mann has re-sponded to Marblehead Coastal devel-oper Steve Craig’s defamation lawsuit against him and his political organiza-tion, Watchdog for San Clemente Re-sponsible Government, calling the suit an attempt “to punish and intimidate.”

The suit stems from a flier produced by the organization during last year’s San Clemente City Council election campaign. Craig alleges that the flier created the impression he had given funds to candidates Mike Mortenson and Jim Dahl to influence a potential vote on allowing large signs for his proposed outlet mall project.

Mann’s attorney, Bradley Hertz, states in the complaint that the 11,000 fliers distributed by the organization through the mail and at public events is constitutionally protected political speech. The brief also states that be-cause Craig had previously donated to city council candidate Steve Knoblock in 2008 and supported Mortenson and Dahl in the last election by allowing their signs to be placed on his property, he had “voluntarily inserted” himself into a public controversy. As such, the complaint stated, Craig must prove “actual malice” was intended by the al-legedly libelous statements in the fliers.

WHAT’S NEXT: An email sent by Mann to the San Clemente Times indicated that a hearing in the case is set for Fri-day, February 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, see www.sanclementetimes.com.

THE LATEST: In response to the shoot-ings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., as well as an ongo-ing effort to prevent bullying, the San Clemente Family of Parent, Teacher, Student Associations, or PTSAs, and San Clemente Police Services will hold a forum on bullying and violence.

The event will include a presenta-tion from Jeff McKinney, FBI special agent on the law enforcement response to school violence, Mary Fortmeier, a certified trainer for the Olweus Bullying Prevention program. Rod Valdez, school resource officer, will also discuss the Gang Reduction and Intervention program.

WHAT’S NEXT: The program will be held February 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church Fireside Room. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is being implemented this year at Clarence Lobo Elementary School.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, see www.sanclementetimes.com. —JS

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Tuesday that it will hold a public meeting February 12 in Capistrano Beach to discuss the sta-tus of its review of Southern California Edison’s restart plan for Unit 2 of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The meeting will include discussion of the inspection and technical evalua-tion of Edison’s response to the NRC’s March 2012 Confirmatory Action Letter on the steam generator tube degrada-tion that caused the shutdown at Unit 3 a year ago.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting is sched-uled for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Capo Beach Church (formerly Capo Beach Calvary Chapel), 25975 Domingo Avenue. The facility has seating for 1,100. The public will be able to ask questions of NRC staff and Edison concerning the inspec-tion and technical evaluation activities, according to a NRC release.

FIND OUT MORE: For more informa-tion and updates, see www.sanclement-etimes.com — JS

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council unanimously approved allowing leashed dogs into 10 additional city parks Tuesday, an increase from the current two.

Beaches, Parks and Recreation Direc-tor Sharon Heider noted that there had been a great deal of “passionate

…the ElectionFlier Suit?

…Violence Preventionin CUSD?

1

5

… Another SONGS Hearing?

…Dogs in SC Parks?

2

3

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regula-tory Commission has announced the creation of a special San Onofre Review Panel, which will oversee Southern Cali-fornia Edison’s proposed restart plan.

The panel includes Art Howell, the deputy regional administrator for Region IV, which oversees SONGS and other plants in the southwest. Howell has been a vocal presence at a number of public meetings on technical issues with Edison personnel. Other members of the body include members of the Of-fice of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and the senior resident inspector of SONGS.

… a SONGS Task Force?4

discussion” on the issue, on both sides, in considering the proposal. According to the new rules, dogs will be allowed, on leashes, in the additional parks. Cita-tions for failure to pick up dog waste will be increased to $100 from $50. No dog beach access was included as a part of the proposal.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city did not include monies to pay for dog waste bag sta-tions at the parks themselves. Heider told the council that the city had found that providing bags does not necessar-ily mean that waste would be picked up more often, such as on the Beach Trail. Heider said providing the bags is ultimately the responsibility of the dog owners themselves, and that the city has found peer pressure to be an effec-tive way to get people to take care of the problem.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story and a list of the parks included in the new regulations, see www.sanclement-etimes.com —JS

WHAT’S NEXT: The panel will be responsible for coordinating public meetings with Edison, as well as provid-ing a recommendation to senior NRC officials as to whether to approve the restart of Unit 2. The NRC has publicly stated that a restart will not be permit-ted until there is assurance that the plant can be operated safely.

FIND OUT MORE: For additional infor-mation, check the NRC’s San Onofre site, www.nrc.gov. —JS

— Jim Shilander


EYE ON SC

Thursday, January 24

San Clemente Collaborative Quarterly Meeting 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Ole Hanson Beach Club. 105 Avenida Pico, 949.547.7260, www.sanclementecollabo-rative.com.

Friday, January 25

Birthday Celebration 12 p.m. Celebration at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center with lunch and entertainment by James Wells. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

Monday, January 28

Investment Advisory Committee Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, Oceanview Conference Room. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Help With Anxiety, Depression, Stress & Anger 10:45 a.m. Recovery International provides help to gain control over distressing emotions and improve general well-being. Free. El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, 949.458.2504, www.recovery-inc.org.

Tuesday, January 29

After School Club 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Activities including stories, crafts and more for children ages 5 and older at the San Clemente Library. Advanced signup required. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday, January 30

Adult Book Discussion Group 8:30 a.m. Meet at the library for a book discussion. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.san-clemente.org.

Kiwanis Meeting 12 p.m. The local Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows. 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.

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, January 31

Health Assessments Make an appoint-ment at at the Dorothy Visser Senior Cen-ter for a free health assessment. 117 Ave. Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.3322.

CITY ANDCOMMUNITY CALENDAR

SC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNOAll 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.

Monday, January 21

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLELa Placentia, 100 Block (4:21 a.m.) A man called police to report a suspi-cious, charcoal grey vehicle at the corner of La Placentia and Revuleta. The caller said there was an unknown object on the sidewalk nearby. The vehicle was parked on the side of the street with no houses, near the Holiday Inn.

DRUNK DRIVINGAvenida Pico/ 5 Freeway (5:54 a.m.) A 29-year-old security guard was taken into custody for drunk driving after officers observed him stumble from his vehicle while going through a drive-through. He is being held on $10,000 bail while awaiting his January 22 court appearance.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONAvenida Pico, 900 Block (9:29 a.m.) A man was seen roaming around the store picking up items and placing them in a plastic bag that he came in with. When the caller approached him, he immediately began to curse at her. The man was described as being in his late 50s, wearing a dirty green jacket and jeans.

Sunday, January 20

GUNSHOTS HEARDCalle Portofino, 0 Block (9:34 p.m.) A woman reported hearing three loud gunshots go off near her resi-dence. She also heard a man yell and whistle. A second informant called in the same occurrence but reported seeing people walk out from a back-yard on Calle Portofino carrying fireworks

TRAFFIC HAZARDEl Camino Real/Marquita (1:03 p.m.) A caller reported a man stand-ing in the middle of the street by Pedro’s Tacos yelling at on-coming traffic. The man was described as tall, wearing a brown T-shirt and jeans.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONAvenida Pico/ Boca de la Playa (10:09 a.m.) A man told police he believed there was a homeless man living on top of the Ole Hanson Beach Club. The man was seen walking across the street to the 7-11 from the club. All of his belongings were believed to still be atop the Beach Club.

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Avenida Ramona, 100 Block (1:28 a.m.) A man reported seeing a driver cause an accident and then flee the scene. The informant followed the hit and run driver to a new location and was waiting outside for police to arrive.

Saturday, January 19

HIT AND RUN PARKED CARAvenida Granada, 200 Block (9 p.m.) A witness reported a hit and run that took place in a parking lot. The caller stated that a white, late-model GMC Si-erra hit a parked, silver Chevy Silverado and that the driver appeared to be intoxi-cated. The driver briefly stepped out of his car and then left. A small child was seen inside the vehicle. The driver was last seen headed westbound on Granada.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLEEl Camino Real, 2700 Block (4:45 p.m.) A caller reported seeing two suspicious looking men in in a gold four-door Mercedes. The driver was described as being in his 30s with salt and pepper hair. The passenger had a black sweat-shirt pulled over his head. Both subjects were seen smoking, what looked to the caller to be methamphetamine, from a glass pipe.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONCamino de los Mares, 600 Block (3:12 p.m.) A woman wearing a turban, a hos-pital gown and multiple hospital brace-lets was standing near Ralphs grocery store and exposing herself to people as they walked through the parking lot.

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 Jim Shilander

San Clemente Woman’s Club Celebrating Anniversary

u The San Clemente Woman’s Club will celebrate 82 years of community support on Tuesday, February 5, at the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club restau-rant. Special honorees will include past presidents of the club, many of whom are still actively involved in the various club projects. Mike Cotter from the San Clemente Historical Society will pres-ent a program about San Clemente’s past.

In addition to providing food and monetary donations to Family Assis-tance Ministries, the Woman’s Club awards annual scholarships to San Cle-mente High School seniors, supports the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area and assists with the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program, as well as providing cash donations to

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

[email protected].

the Center. Year-round money raising projects, such as the Spring Fashion Show in April, provide the funds for the annual awards.

The San Clemente Woman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, with the exception of June, July and August. For membership information or reservations for the February Birth-day Party, please call President Cathy Wagner at 949.492.7941 or go to www.sanclementewomansclub.org.

The club also elected its 2013 officers at its January meeting. This years of-ficers are Kate Mills, Judy Starr, Cathy Wagner, Donna Cassidy, Susan Meyers, Lora Ward and Barbara Biggs.

Free Flu Shot Clinic Saturday

u Mission Health will be providing a free flu shot clinic Saturday, January 26, at Max Berg Plaza Park, located at 1100

Calle Puente, across from Las Palmas Elementary School. No appointment is necessary. Vaccines are available for ages 9 years and older. Parents must be pres-ent for children under 18 years of age.

For more information, call the Health Line at Mission Hospital, 949.364.1770.

Another event will be held in San Juan Capistrano in the gym at Mission Basilica School from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, January 27. The school is located at 31641 N. El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.


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

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HOW TO REACH US

San Clemente Times, Vol. 8, Issue 4. 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.thecapist-ranodispatch.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 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

CEO Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Group Senior Editor> Andrea Swayne

City Editor, SC Times> Jim Shilander

Sports Editor> Steve Breazeale

City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Papagianis

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch> Brian Park

ART/DESIGN

Senior Designer> Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher> Lauralyn Loynes(Dana Point)

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Sales AssociateAngela Edwards

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Shelley Murphy, Tawnee Prazak, Ariana Crisafulli, Kevin Dahlgren

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

SCSan Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at [email protected]. San Clemente Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. Please limit your letters to 350 words.

GUEST OPINION: By Donia Moore, San Clemente Watershed Task Force

Why Do We Need a Plastic Bag Ban in San Clemente?

Letters to the Editor

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

an Clemente may soon follow the communities of Laguna Beach and Dana Point in enacting a ban on

plastic, single-use bags. Our City Coun-cil is establishing priorities for 2013 and a similar ban for San Clemente is under consideration.

There is a lot of information, both pro and con (yes–there are arguments against the ban) circulating. Yes, the bags are ugly in the environment. Yes, they are responsible for injuries and death of marine life. And yes, their demise may end up costing us ten cents per reusable bag at the grocery store if

PARKING AN ISSUE ON DEL MAR

LISA RODARTI, San Clemente

Not long ago, shopping and dining on Avenida Del Mar in the historic downtown area of San Clemente was a pleasure. Shopkeepers and restaurant owners worked very hard to create a shopping and dining experience with that lovely small-town ambiance and care and shoppers enjoyed their day exploring shops and dining on Del Mar.

I was dismayed to hear from several of my customers in December how frustrated they were that parking was so hard to find, and then while they had been eating and shopping received park-

S

we forget to bring our own. The Clean Ocean Project, supported

by the National Oceanographic and At-mospheric Administration, approaches the problem of plastic bags from a sci-entific point of view. There are serious repercussions of using petroleum-based plastics irresponsibly, such as ending up in a gyre.

What is a gyre? A gyre is a large-scale circular feature made up of ocean currents that spiral around a central point. This creates a whirlpool effect that pushes water and marine plastic debris to its center. As plastic enters the marine environment through our wa-tersheds or trash, currents collect and transport it like a giant ocean conveyor belt loaded with garbage bound for the North Pacific Gyre, which is where our little bit of paradise is located.

There are five major gyres in the world: the North and South Pacific sub-tropical gyres; the North and South At-

ing tickets. They claimed they would not be coming back.

They vented that although they enjoyed what Del Mar and downtown had to offer, they were most frustrated by getting a ticket from parking a few moments after the two-hour cut off time: they simply could not eat and shop in two hours. So, while they were busy spending their money in support of San Clemente’s local merchants—taxpaying and revenue generating companies who employ locals and constantly donate to the many requesting local charities—they now owed funds to the city for a parking violation, and they were miffed.

It is frustrating as a merchant to

lantic subtropical gyres; and the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre. Because more data has been collected in the North Pa-cific Subtropical Gyre, scientists have a better understanding of marine plastics issues and impacts on the environment in this area. It goes far beyond the plas-tic bags we see floating in the ocean or washing up on our beaches.

Plastic and toxins in the food web Floating plastic breaks up into ever-smaller pieces. It begins to make its way into the marine food web. Many marine animals mistake these small, col-orful pieces of plastic for food and ingest them. If the plastic cannot pass through the animals’ digestive system, it fills their stomachs with garbage that has no nutritional value, and with no room for its natural food, they can slowly starve to death. The smaller pieces of plastic eventually, over time, become plastic dust, which never biodegrades, and retains all of its original chemical com-

know that no matter how hard we work, San Clemente city officials seem to be lacking in their support of the needs of their own downtown (and even employ efforts that hurt local business, i.e. frequent ticketing). Very few people can shop and dine in two hours. I live here as well, and I know that most of the time you can rarely find Del Mar parking, even in the outlying all day slots. No parking structure is available nearby—or even in the city’s plans to be created.

So as merchants and restaurants work to attract people, frustration is most often felt by customers who cannot find a spot to park, and when they do, often get ticketed for shopping too long.

pounds. Scientists have determined that all the plastic ever made, unless inciner-ated, remains in the environment.

As plastic builds up in the food chain, carrying with it increasing amounts of toxins, there is the potential that it could reach the fish and seafood that we consume, because everything that they have consumed, we, too, consume. There is growing evidence that toxins as-sociated with plastic particles in the gyre are responsible for an increase in health problems in humans such as endocrine cancers, brain damage, and reproductive and cardiovascular damage.

San Clemente Watershed Task Force meets the second Tuesday of every month. For more information please call Nanci Mavar at 949.500.0494 or email [email protected].

The San Clemente Watershed Task Force is a citizen’s group that works to reduce litter and pollutants ending up on the beach and area watersheds. SC

This is most definitely hurting business downtown and results will be seen as the economy continues to struggle.

Why not offer some metered parking, make time limits more clear, extend the time to three hours, or investigate the possibility of adding a parking structure of some kind to the downtown? Some help from the city concerning parking, or lack thereof, would be appreciated. Let’s not create a barrier to business by dismissing the needs of a growing city.


Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty. ©2012 Zero Dark Thirty, LLC.

SPECIAL LOCAL SUNDAY SESSION 6 p.m. Special session at Cabrillo Playhouse with Leslie Lowe full band con-cert, also featuring a per-

formance by Kyle and Dannielle DeAndra. $10 cash donation, with beer and wine served for donation. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.facebook.com/localsundaysessions.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

YOGA IN NATURE 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Special yoga hike The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Admission $5-$10. Call for info and

directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

COMEDY NIGHT 8 p.m. Bella Collina presents “The Funniest Housewives of Orange County” onstage and a raffle. Come at 6 p.m. for a pre-show and light dinner. $35. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clem-ente, 949.498.6604, www.bellacollinagolf.com.

CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m. Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

BERLIN 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $24. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CASA CLASSICS: BRAD RICHTER 7 p.m. Guitarist Brad Richter returns to Casa Romantica to perform classi-cal guitar music with award-winning collections. General

admission $25. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

MOONSHINE 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

ENGLISH JOE WITH BILL STEWART 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

SCSan Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

THE LISTA day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

thursday 24

WINE TASTING 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Special tasting of Mi-chael Mondavi Folio Wines of Napa Valley though the weekend at SC Wine Com-pany. $15 includes 7 wines,

cheese and chocolate. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

LORD OF THE STRINGS 7 p.m. 2007 Acoustic Guitar Magazine “Player of the Year” winner, Pep-pino D’Agostino, returns to the Dana Point Com-munity House. $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

CALI CONSCIOUS 9:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Reggae rock at The Shore. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.481.6089, www.theshoresanclemente.com.

HART AND SOUL 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at Adele’s. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

DELOREANS 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com.

friday25

sunday27

saturday26

Two of the biggest surprises from the announcement of this year’s Academy Award nominations were the absences of directors Ben Affleck and Kathryn Bigelow. Both received glowing praise for their suspenseful political dramas, Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, respectively, as well as nominations for other awards. It seems while not everyone enjoyed Zero Dark Thirty, some still found it a landmark in cinema during 2012. For nearly a decade after the events of 9/11, CIA operative Maya (Jessica Chastain) obsessively leads a worldwide search for the loca-tion of Osama bin Laden. After years of help from her coworkers, disbe-lief from her superiors and numerous terrorist attacks around the world,

Maya cracks and won’t be satisfied until bin Laden is dead. The film has been getting a lot of attention and criticism for its torture sequences, which some think are unnecessary and glamorizing, in the first half-hour. This could be a theory on why Zero Dark Thirty was nominated for Best Picture and Actress, but not Director for the Oscars. While the direction and performances are fine, there seems to be, whether in pacing or narrative, a spark missing that Bigelow’s last film, The Hurt Locker, had. Nevertheless, award committees seem to think the film deserves the recognition and everyone is curious to see if Chastain will take home the big trophy for Best Actress. —Megan Bianco

AT THE MOVIES: ‘ZERO DARK THIRTY’

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. A “pub crawl” featuring mi-cro/craft brews for $4, music, food and more

in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700, www.facebook.com/microbrewsbythemission.

MARTIN GERSCHWITZ 7:30 p.m. Special concert at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $10, available at the door. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

LUCKY WINE WEDNESDAY 4 p.m.-6 p.m. A weekly drawing, drink and food specials and more at DaVine Food & Wine. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

Have an event?Send your listing to [email protected]

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

wednesday 30

SAN CLEMENTE ART ASSOCIATION WINTER JUDGED SHOW 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Art show in the San Clemente Art Gallery SC Community Center. 100 N.

Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Dancing at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

WAR HORSE 8 p.m. The moving drama, filled with music, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Shows through February 3. Tickets start at $20. 600 Town Cen-

ter Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

monday 28

tuesday 29

CENTENNIAL FARM 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Three-acre work-ing farm at the OC Fair and Event Center designed to educate families about agriculture and its importance to daily life with gardens, livestock and more. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1916, www.ocfair.com.

LIVE OAK REVUE 8 p.m. Folk rock at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

AIR VS. WATER 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Live music at Sunsets, plus drink specials. 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

WINE AND MUSIC CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf’s cruise on a luxury catamaran with wine, snacks, music and more. $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.


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

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

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

Why are Online Daters Dishonest About Age?

OC REAL ESTATE BUSINESSES HELP MEXICAN ORPHANAGES

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

’ve heard it so often for years it’s almost comical: “I look younger than my age.” You’d think looking younger would be

an asset in dating after age 50. But some people who say they look younger than their age claim it’s a problem.

Annette from Orange County, wrote, “I have been single for five years. I had one relationship which I regret end-ing and have found it very difficult to meet anyone I am interested in who is interested in me.

“I am financially successful, have a great career, have raised five amazing children...the difficult thing is I am

number of south Orange County business people have donated funds to provide for the Sisters of

Guadalupe Villa Infantil orphanages in Mexico.

OC Angels helps provide financial support for two of the orphanages, which allows for the purchase of food and gifts for the children living in the orphanages. San Clemente resident Sandy Rabahieh organized the effort after spending a week with the children living in the orphanages. Rabahieh said by providing funds directly to the nuns, they could avoid the potential dangers

I

A

59 but look 10 years younger (always have) so I am interested in younger men. This makes internet dating very difficult.”

It’s not just women who have this “look-younger” problem.

Jim wrote, “I am 76 and in excellent health.

Moved to the Orlando area 18 months ago to avoid St. Louis winters and to work on my golf game. All is going well.

“My issue is I am not attracted to women much over 60. I easily pass for 10 years younger.

“So what I do on Plenty of Fish, SeniorPeopleMeet/OurTime, OKCupid dating sites is list my age as 66, along with information and pictures. Then, when I meet a mutually attractive woman, I tell her my true age before we become intimate. Sometimes it leads to her seeing me as a liar and ending the

of crossing through violent areas while transporting gifts or other goods.

Rabahieh, an agent with Surterre Properties reached out to a number of business people connected to her real estate business before the holidays to provide funds. Among them were Terri Glenn of Escrow Source, Lynne Suzan-ski of All Signs and Graphics, Bob Fox of Escrow Leaders, Kim Cosbey of Gift Baskets by K.C. and Company, Kath-leen Garito of KG Interior Designs and Candy Babcock of First American NHD. For more information on the effort, visit www.ocangels.com. SC —Jim Shilander

relationship.“My experience is women are

interested in dating within a biological age and if you are not loaded, you can’t get around that. I am not loaded, just financially sound. Listing my age as 76 almost guarantees no interest.”

Looking younger than one’s age must be a very difficult problem to have. In Annette’s case, she says it’s the reason she’s always been interested in younger men. And yet, younger men aren’t inter-ested in her. She has two choices: Make herself look older, or change her search strategy, and be open to dating men closer to her age, or heaven forbid, men even older. Think how those older men would feel when finding a young-looking woman who is financially sound. She’d be a prize to them and no longer alone. Annette’s problem solved.

In Jim’s case, listing his age as 10-years-younger is getting him dates, but little else. Being dishonest about his age doesn’t pay in the end. It wastes the

time of the women he meets. I think he should do what Annette should do. Be more open to dating women closer to his age.

Advice for singles who think look-ing 10-years-younger than their age is a problem: make it less of a problem. Forget the wrinkles. Seek a mate closer to your age who has important qualities that truly matter: kindness, consideration, caring, loving, inner beauty, thoughtfulness, a good listener, interesting, and above all, who loves and appreciates you. There’s no need to lie.

Older singles should appreciate life and what they have. Those blessed with younger-than-their-age genes should be grateful, gracious and honest. That’s what will attract a mate.

To comment: [email protected] Blake is a Dana Point business

owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dat-ing. See his website at www.findingloveaf-ter50.com. SC

A number of Orange County businesses donated to an effort organized by San Clemente resident Sandy Rabahieh to raise funds for a pair of orphanages in Mexico. Among those donating were (left to right) Terri Glenn, Kim Cosbey, Lynne Suzanski, Bob Fox, Rabahieh and Kathleen Garito. Courtesy photo


S C O R E B OA R DRANCHO SAN CLEMENTE U14 TENNIS CLUB WINS FALL CHAMPIONSHIP

On January 6, the Rancho San Clemente Tennis and Fitness Club U14 junior ten-nis team took home the USTA Jr. U14 title, defeating neighboring rival Marbella, 43-39.

Rancho San Clemente was one of six teams selected to represent the south county division. Six teams were also selected from the north county division to make up the 12-team field.

The semifinals of the championship tournament were held on January 5, when Rancho San Clemente pulled off a comeback win over Tustin Hills despite slip-ping to an early 18-game deficit. The San Clemente team rallied from there and advanced to the finals, where they defeated Marbella.

The Rancho San Clemente Tennis and Fitness Club U14 team includes: Jared Chang, Matthew Hooper, Sam Johnson, Erika Marangi, Parsa Nnemati, Sophie Shaw and Tovah Stevens. The team was coached by Glen Maloy.

TRITON BASEBALL AND SAN CLEMENTE LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM UP FOR FREE CLINICS

In an effort to strengthen the bridge from San Clemente Little League to the high school level, Tritons head coach Dave Gellatly and little league president Sam Masotto have organized two free baseball clinics for children ages five to 14, to be held on January 26 and January 27.

Children ages five to nine are invited to come out to the San Clemente High baseball field on January 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic for children ages 10 to 14 will be held on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The entire San Clemente baseball team will be on hand, taking charge of dozens of small groups to help the little leaguers work on throwing, fielding grounders and fly balls as well as sliding and base running technique.

“We’ve been trying to build a better relationship with the little league and the high school program,” Gellatly said. “(San Clemente Little League) is where a majority of the kids (in the Tritons program) come from and this is one of those things that can bring us all closer together.”

Little leaguers can register the day of the event and are urged to show up 15 minutes early with their baseball gear. For questions, email [email protected].

SC SURF WINS TEMECULA VALLEY SHOOTOUT

The San Clemente Surf U11 girls Signature soccer team swept away the op-position at the Temecula Valley Shootout from January 19 to January 20, winning four straight games en route to taking home the championship trophy. The team outscored all four opponents by a 15-2 margin.

The San Clemente Surf U11 girls includes: Grace Taylor, Briana Mendoza, Piper Biolos, Caroline Christl, McKenna Alvarez, Hannah Phillips, Paige Campbell, Julia Wilson, Meagan Rowlett, Isabelle Peloso, Hadley Thorsell, Emily Lowe, Katie Ham-margren and Savannah Burns. The team was coached by Shawn Burns and Ben Viloria.

ighteen-year-old San Clemente resident Jack Madrid has been on a tear through the lower levels of

the NASCAR racing circuit. A break-out 2012, which included three top-10 finishes and a victory, has put Madrid in the spotlight and earned him a spot on the coveted Rev Racing team as part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program.

In 2013, Madrid is slated to compete in 14 races throughout the country in his Late Series Toyota Camry, which has upwards of 550 horsepower under the hood. The circuit he’ll be racing on is the Whelen All American Series, which has been a training ground for future NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup racers.

He qualified for the spot on Rev Rac-ing after finishing among the top qualifi-ers who were invited to NASCAR’s 2013 combine. After proving his worth on the track, Madrid was one of seven drivers selected.

Madrid only raced in four events last season, mostly due to lack of funding. Now that he is a part of Rev Racing, the future has gotten brighter for Madrid and he is looking forward to racing more.

“(Rev Racing) is developing me as a driver…They’re also developing a lot of minority drivers, who we don’t see a lot of in the national race series,” Madrid, who is of Hispanic descent, said.

Madrid knows that there will be a lot of added pressure now that he is racing on a big stage with a big east coast racing team backing him. He was even recently named to Fox Sports “Drivers

By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

E

On the Fast TrackLocal race car driver Jack Madrid earns spot in NASCAR Drive for Diversity program

5SCSan Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

57 Seconds it took Triton wrestler Austin Aceves to pin Dana Hills’ Christian Clemente at the two teams’ dual meet match on January 22. The Tritons went on to win the match 39-20.

10 Number of shots taken by San Clemente girls soccer forward Nikki Faris in the Tritons 1-1 draw with Tesoro on January 22. Faris scored the lone Triton goal off a header in the 54th minute.

14 Steals recorded by the San Clemente boys bas-ketball squad against Laguna Hills in a league game on January 18. The Tritons won, 76-62.

37 Total rebounds pulled in by the Tritons against Laguna Hills, the teams highest rebounding totals in four games.

22 The San Clemente girls basketball team’s average margin of victory against South Coast League opponents. As of January 23, the Tritons were a perfect 4-0 in league play.

12.5 Average points per game tallied by Triton senior guard Frankie Pinto. Pinto has scored a team-high 238 points on the season.

38 3-point shooting percentage for Pinto on the season. She has made 25 of her 65 attempts from beyond the arc.

18 Goals scored by the Tritons boys soccer team’s leading scorer Gage Zerboni. Zerboni scored his most recent goal in a 3-1 Triton victory over Capistrano Valley on January 18.

TRITON REPORT: BY THE NUMBERS

Jack Madrid recently earned a spot on the Rev Racing team for 2013 and will compete in NASCAR’s Whelen All American series. Courtesy photo

25 and under to watch” list for 2013. But Madrid, who has been racing competi-tively since he was 8 years old, is ready for the challenge.

“After my 2012 season there are very high standards…I’m looking to finish in the top-3 of every race,” Madrid said. “There’s a little bit of pressure but I should be able to handle it.”

His first race in the Whelen All American Series will be in March. SC

“I’m looking to finish in the top-3 of every race.”

— Jack Madrid

SC TIMES SPORTS & OUTDOORS IS PRESENTED BY:

By Steve Breazeale


SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report

By Steve Breazeale

TRITONS WRESTLING DROPS DOLPHINS, CLAIMS DUAL MEET TITLE

DANA POINT— San Clemente wrestling head coach Mark Calentino admitted he was a bit uneasy about the Tritons chances before his undefeated team took to the mats against South Coast League rival Dana Hills on Janu-ary 22. The veteran coach thought it might be a tossup as to who would walk away the victor.

But with a fl urry of successive match wins, the Tritons prevailed, defeating the Dolphins 39-20 to claim San Clem-ente’s fi rst dual meet title since 2009. San Clemente fi nished the dual meet stages with a 4-0 record and are 15-0 on the season.

Calentino and his coaches had the match scenarios drawn up as an even split before the night’s action, with San Clemente taking seven matches and the Dolphins taking seven. It would have to be an above average night for either team if they wanted the victory, accord-ing to Calentino.

Dana Hills jumped out to an early 9-0 lead after heavyweight Brandon Ramirez defeated San Clemente’s Tyler Max-well by way of pin fall and 106-pounder Clayton Brock won his match against the Tritons’ junior varsity fi ll-in Victor Flener.

With momentum, and the home crowd, against them, the Tritons made their run.

Consecutive match wins by Danny Garcia and Mark Munoz put the Tritons on top 12-9.

After bumping their lead up to 27-16, San Clemente’s Tony Flores wrestled with Dana Hills’ Trevor Tribolet in the 170 pound class. The match went back and forth, with Tribolet taking an early lead until a late surge by Flores in the second and third periods ensured a 7-4 win, which gave the Tritons some much needed breathing room.

“We really had to wrestle well to make something happen and they stepped up. I think Tony (Flores) winning was a gi-gantic match,” Calentino said. “That was a match on paper we had (Dana Hills) winning…Flores just out-toughed him.”

The Tritons’ Ash Ryan continued his solid year by earning a 7-3 victory over Ryan Minoofar in the 195-pound class.

Austin Aceves (220 pound) provided the quickest win of the night by pinning the Dolphins’ Christian Clemente in 57 seconds, putting an exclamation point on the night for the Tritons, who now look

forward to the South Coast League fi nals tournament on February 2.

Other match highlights:126 pound- Grant Huntington (DH)

def. Justin Kleinman (SC), 6-0132 pound- Tim Parten (SC) def.

Arryan Kianipey (DH), 7-2145 pound- Brian Degenarro (SC)

def. Hunter Dillon (DH), 8-4152 pound- Austin Grimsley (DH)

def. Rick Simpson 13-4160 pound- Mike Marshall (SC) def.

Nick Swanson (DH) 7-2182 pound- Blaine Wagstaff (DH)

def. Zack Adcock (SC) 16-2

GOALS PROVE SCARCE AS TRI-TONS DRAW WITH TESORO

SAN CLEMENTE– There was cer-tainly not a lack of opportunities for goals in the San Clemente girls soccer teams’ South Coast League matchup against visiting Tesoro on January 22.

The Tritons outshot Tesoro at a 20 to fi ve clip, but settled for a 1-1 draw, keeping them in the middle of the pack in the league standings.

Despite the eye popping shot differ-ential, the Tritons (8-5-5, 2-1-2 league) trailed throughout the fi rst half, when an early goal by Tesoro (4-9-3, 0-4-1) in the eighth minute caught the home team by surprise. After a long ball out of the midfi eld found its way into the box, Tesoro’s sophomore midfi elder

Giannina Battaglia beat the Tritons goalie, Audrey Block, to the spot and fl icked the ball over her head for a 1-0 advantage.

The Tritons would respond with a balanced offense, attempting shots from outside the box as well as building up for close range attempts. Tritons junior Kelly Jameson almost scored from distance on a rocket of a ball that clanged off the crossbar in the 12th minute. The ensuing rebound was collected by junior Ally Lynn but her shot attempt sailed wide.

The Tritons controlled most of the game, running their offense through junior forward Nikki Faris. But Faris, like her teammates, would have her fair share of issues with the crossbar throughout the game. After a nice run in open space and into the box, Faris sent an arching lob shot over Tesoro’s goalie and off the post in the 26th minute, coming inches away from scoring a goal.

It wasn’t until the 54th minute of the match that the Triton offense broke though for a goal on a corner kick. Sophomore Amanda Gerrain sent a low, curling ball towards the near side of the post that Faris whipped into the net with the fl ick of her head, tying things up at 1-1.

More and more chances would come the Tritons way and the ball

stayed in their offensive third of the fi eld for most of the second half. But Faris’ goal would be their lone scratch on the night.

“We couldn’t fi nish for sure. This was a crucial match and point in the sea-son…We should have fi nished (some of the shots),” San Clemente head coach Stacey Finnerty said.

The Tritons now have a few days off before resuming league play against Aliso Niguel on January 29.

TRITON BOYS HOOPS PREPARES FOR HOME STRETCH

At the midway point in their league schedule the Tritons boys basketball team has yet to falter. San Clemente (14-8, 4-0) has already defeated every Sea View League opponent once and in the coming weeks, will get a chance to do so again.

The Tritons were set to play against Tesoro on January 23 in a non-league match. Results were not available at press time. They will return to league play on January 25 with a match against third place Dana Hills, who the Tritons defeated 64-58 on January 16.

DOLPHINS UPSET TRITONS IN DOUBLE OVERTIME

The San Clemente girls water polo team, currently ranked No. 9 in the CIF-SS Division 2 coaches poll, lost 10-9 in double overtime to visiting Dana Hills on January 22. Dolphins junior Molly Wilbur scored fi ve goals, including the game winner.

The Tritons (13-11, 2-2) now fi nd themselves deadlocked with the Dol-phins (9-14, 2-2) in the league standings. San Clemente was set to play El Toro January 23. Results were not available at press time.

GIRLS BASKETBALL REMAINS PERFECT

After taking a break from league play to compete in the Tony Matson Memo-rial Classic on January 21, the Tritons re-turn to play against South Coast League rival Capistrano Valley on January 24. The Tritons (14-5, 4-0) are currently in fi rst place in league while the Cougars sit at the bottom of the standings.

San Clemente is coming off a 44-26 non-league loss to Orange Lutheran, which took place on January 21.

BOYS SOCCER PREPS FOR BIG FINISH

The Tritons boys soccer team was set to play a league matchup against Tesoro on January 23. Results were not available at press time. The Tritons (21-2-1, 2-0) entered the match riding a four game win streak. They will take the pitch again on January 25 in a league match against third place Aliso Niguel.

San Clemente’s Mike Marshall defeated the Dolphins’ Nick Swanson (blue) 7-2 as the Tritons went on to claim the dual meet title with a 39-20 match win over Dana Hills on January 22. Photo by Tony Tribolet

talented group of elite local surf-ers under the age of 18 cruised north to Santa Cruz for the fourth

event of the 2012-2013 Surfing America Prime invitation only competition series, January 20 and 21. The talented group brought home nine of the possible 20 trophies awarded in five divisions.

Mother Nature cooperated, sending sunny skies and waves in the 4- to 6-foot range, with 6- to 8-foot sets, giving the talented boys and girls plenty to work with.

Competitors produced heat after heat of action-packed entertainment for the crowds lined up along the cliff top overlooking the famous Steamer Lane surf break.

Many of the contestants—members of the PacSun USA Surf Team—made the trip early to attend team training

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

A

Santa Cruz’nLocal surfers travel to Steamer Lane for a Surfing America Prime contest, claim nearly half of finals spots

on Saturday, Jan. 19. Others took full advantage of the long holiday weekend to practice for the contest, and the extra time they put in showed from the first buzzer to the last.

Jacob Davis of Capistrano Beach was the big winner in the Boys U18 division. Davis impressed the judges and wowed the crowd with his powerful carves and committed maneuvers carefully placed neatly in the most critical section of nearly every wave he chose to ride. San Clemente surfers Griffin Colapinto and Kevin Schulz claimed the second- and third-place trophies respectively.

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Age: 13, Shorecliffs Middle SchoolSeventh grader Jackson Hinkle has been surfing for two years and is looking forward to trying out for the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team next year. So far he has been entering local summer contests here and there and practicing before school as a member of his school surf club. Jackson enjoys the individual nature of surfing over team sports. He likes snowboarding and skateboarding for that reason as well. Of the three board sports, surfing is definitely his favorite. “With snowboarding you’re just going down a mountain. The terrain doesn’t move. Same with skating. But with surfing, it’s a whole different experience every time you ride a wave,” he said. “I like the unpredictability of it.” Jackson is a straight ‘A’ student whose favorite subject is P.E. He does enjoy his academic studies

but learning new athletic skills offers him the most enjoyable part of his school day. Although college is still a few years off, he has his heart set on studying art in Hawaii. An avid artist, Jackson enjoys acrylic painting and charcoal drawing. His subject matter ranges from detailed drawings and a lot of surf-themed artwork. He has also been playing guitar for the last five years. Jackson says he loves growing up by the beach and when asked to describe a perfect day in San Clemente, his answer was simple: “Seven-foot waves, no one out.” —Andrea Swayne

GROM OF THE WEEKJackson Hinkle

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITYSC SURF

6SCSan Clemente

Jackson Hinkle. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Erik Weisinger holds an unfinished painting of the Steamer Lane scene by beach marshal Andrea Swayne. All finalists were awarded a different version of the painting as trophies. Photo by Jack McDaniel

No local girls made it to the U18 podium, but the Girls U16 division saw San Clemente’s Tia Blanco come away with a second-place finish and Malia Osterkamp, also from San Clemente, in fourth.

In Boys U16 action, San Clemente surfers claimed the top three trophies. Griffin Colapinto—in his second final of the day—came in first, followed by Colt Ward in the runner-up position and Colin Deveze in third.

Crosby Colapinto of San Clemente took the fourth-place spot in Boys U14.

Some of the biggest news of the day

came from Half Moon Bay, where the Mavericks Invitational was running concurrently with the Prime on Sunday. Pro surfer Peter Mel of Santa Cruz—now living in Newport—won at Maver-icks, then looked on as his son John Mel won the Boys U14 division on Monday.

RESULTS

BOYS U18: 1. Jacob Davis, Capistrano Beach; 2. Griffin Colapinto, San Clem-ente; 3. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente; 4. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach.

GIRLS U18: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2. Steffi Kerson, , Pacific Palisades; 3. Danielle Wyman, Laguna Niguel; 4. Frankie Harrer, Malibu.

BOYS U16: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Cle-mente; 2. Colton Ward, San Clemente; 3. Colin Deveze, San Clemente; 4. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach.

GIRLS U16: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2. Tia BlancoSan Clemente; 3. Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente.

BOYS U14: 1. John Mel, Newport Beach; 2. Noah Hill, Venice; 3. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; 4. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente. SC

January 24, 2013

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