December 7, 2018

Inside: 2018 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

DECEMBER 7-20, 2018 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 23

San Juan Winter Sports Preview Local high school sports gear up for the season S P O R T S / PAG E 2 0

Saddleback Valley Christian’s Aidan O’Neill drives to the basket against University of Irvine. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Kimpton Hotel Property Sold EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Local Pro Fisherman Readies for 2nd Season EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Mission Hosts First Christmas Tree Lighting SJC LIVING/PAGE 17

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Site of Kimpton Hotel Sold to O’Neill Strategic Investments THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano’s downtown site for a four-star, 102-room hotel and restaurant has a new owner: a partnership of Rancho Mission Viejo and Frontier Real Estate Investments.

Local resident Steve Oedekerk’s O Properties sold the 3.17 acres at 31872 Camino Capistrano to O’Neill Strategic Investments on Oct. 31.

The partnership brings together Rancho Mission Viejo’s CEO, Tony Moiso, and Frontier’s managing partner, Dan Almquist.

This will be a single-purpose LLC, Almquist said. “Tony and I have worked on things in the past,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and the ranch. They really do care a great deal about San Juan.”

The parcel, located along Camino Capistrano at the intersection of Forster Street, won City Council approval in 2016 for a Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton. But the project has since been tied up in a lawsuit challenging the city’s approval.

“It’s obviously unfortunate, the litigation,” Almquist said. “Our goal is to make this positive, moving forward. We sincerely want to be good stewards of the property. We want what’s best for the city.”

Mike Balsamo, RMV’s senior vice-president of government relations, said the ranch is “excited about the opportunity.”

He praised improvements the city has made to the downtown and said the ranch already holds other investments downtown, including El Adobe, the Swallow’s Inn and Mission Promenade.

“This is a continuation of other properties that we own downtown, investments we’ve made in the community,” he said.

“We think the downtown location has fantastic potential. We love the character of the community.”

Almquist said he partnered with Moiso on Capistrano Plaza downtown. Almquist also is working on two prominent San Juan projects, River Street Marketplace and a proposal to convert the Camino Real Playhouse site into a performing arts center with shops, restaurants and underground parking.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

A pedestrian walks past the site for Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton on Nov. 30. Visible behind the fence is a fountain that is to be preserved, along with piles of rubble from former buildings on the site that were leveled in February, 2017, to clear the way for the hotel. Photo: Fred Swegles

Asked if the new owners of the Kimpton site are looking to see the current Kimpton hotel plan through to fruition, modify it or pursue something else, Balsamo said it is too early to say.

“We are just in evaluation mode,” he said. “We don’t have any specific plans at this point in time. All options are on the table.”

In March, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled against the city in the lawsuit filed by Bill Griffith, who owns adjacent properties on Camino Capistrano and is the developer of a rival downtown hotel project, 124-room Plaza Banderas on Ortega Highway next to Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Griffith’s suit challenged the city’s approval of the Kimpton hotel on grounds that it was inconsistent with the city’s general plan and building allowances.

Griffith said he wants whatever is built there to fully conform to codes and the general plan.

The city and O Properties have appealed the court’s ruling. The city has asserted that its approvals were proper.

Opening briefs for the appeal are due Dec. 31, said Jacob Green, assistant city manager, via email.

The city, meanwhile, is working to resolve inconsistencies between the Historic Town Center Master Plan and the San Juan Capistrano General Plan.

Green said that the city “has had preliminary discussions with the new property owner” but could not say more.

WHAT’S NEXT: Oedekerk could not be reached for comment about the sale.

Almquist said that Oedekerk approached him several months ago about purchasing the site.

“We have given Steve our word that we fully intend to be good stewards of the property and see it through to develop-

ment,” Almquist said in a statement.

He said the new ownership is continuing to talk with Kimpton while exploring options and preparing to work with the city.

Mayor Sergio Farias said he wishes the new owners well. He called it unfortunate that Oedekerk, a local resident and landowner whose background is Hollywood entertainment, not development, found himself involved in protracted litigation over a project the city wanted, a project he had envisioned to benefit the city.

“He was trying to do the right thing for the town,” the mayor said.

“Steve really does have a heart for the city,” Almquist said.

Farias said he continues to hope the new group will be able to bring in a quality 4-star boutique Kimpton hotel to the site.

“They are very experienced developers,” he said. “They know what they are doing.” —Fred Swegles

CEP Meeting Lays Out Enforcement Schedule, Resumption of Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel THE LATEST: It was an emotional meeting for many members of the public as well as the Community Engagement Panel (CEP).

On Nov. 29, the CEP met to discuss the next steps of enforcement related to a canister incident at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) on Aug. 3.

Going forward, Southern California Edison (SCE), the majority owner and operator of SONGS, will take part in a public hearing in Texas, where the NRC’s Region IV is headquartered, in order to determine how the operators will better train staff and ensure anyone who starts working for the contractors will have the appropriate knowledge and skillsets.

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The root cause of the canister incident was identified as contractors without the proper training working on the transfer process. As the properly trained contractors left, there apparently wasn’t enough oversight to make sure the contractors had the necessary training.

“This event was unacceptable. We failed to provide the oversight, and the contractor failed. We own this and Holtec owns this,” Tom Palmisano, SCE’s vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear officer, said during the CEP meeting.

Holtec International, Inc. is the designer of the latest canisters being stored at SONGS and is contracting services for the transfer process.

The violations the NRC cited related to the incident were the improper loading of the canister and SCE waiting too long to make an official notice of the incident.

The canister could have dropped 18 feet due to a lack of tension in its line when the operators were lowering it into a concrete repository, which has concerned many people who follow the issues at SONGS closely.

Palmisano said that may be able to happen by late January. A detailed process of the next steps for SCE include committing to better training programs, more detailed procedures, more “intrusive and effective” oversight, improvements to canister loading by installing cameras and alarms, as well as creating a corrective action program.

Prior to the meeting, a man had visibly irked CEP board chairman David Victor, Ph.D., and was nearly escorted from the QLN Conference Center.

Some audience members frequently interrupted the meeting, angry about the lack of notice the operators gave regarding the incident. Many people who criticized SCE for its handling of the operations said they want the California Coastal Commission and NRC to revoke SONGS licenses to store the fuel on-site.

Multiple public speakers said they had concerns with SCE going forward with the storage of spent nuclear fuel near the San Clemente coastline.

WHAT’S NEXT: SONGS officials said during the meeting that they could resume transferring nuclear fuel rods to dry cask storage, as long as the operators can demonstrate they can safely and effectively complete the transfer process and that certain operational procedures are improved.

FIND OUT MORE: A special extreme situation CEP meeting is still planned for the first quarter of 2019, but an official date had not yet been announced. —Eric Heinz (Cont. on page 5) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3)

County Supervisors Table New Road Proposal for January THE LATEST: As the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) continues its study of eight different ideas for traffic alleviation in South County, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is poised to consider a new road alignment.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who is the sponsor of the decision, has put together an alignment that would not require the taking of private property by the government and is mapped to run along the east side of the Prima Deshecha Landfill. It would start at Cow Camp Road and finish at Avenida La Pata on the San Clemente side of the road.

The new road is being billed as the Los Patrones Parkway Extension (LPPE), which would be a northern and southern road with two lanes in each direction.

Bartlett’s office has estimated the new road would cost about $130 million, but there are some contingencies.

“This can change with scope (interchanges vs. intersections). Until a project is further studied, we won’t have a better (engineer’s) estimate,” Bartlett stated in an email. “There are a few projects we can compare LPPE to: Avenida La Pata was originally estimated at $72 million. Final cost was $129 million. It had significant funding challenges along the way. Los Patrones Pkwy was estimated at $103 million.

Final cost is projected at $95 million. Los Patrones was privately led.”

San Juan City Councilmember Brian Maryott, who is the city’s liaison to the San Joaquin Transportation Corridor Agency of the TCA, said he would like officials to study the traffic estimates of the route to the point of the other eight alignments.

“This whole effort is wrapped in the strategy for regional traffic relief. I don’t know in the end it will be so much of a TCA toll road extension as it will be a collaboration of agencies and resources and The Ranch,” Maryott said.

Rancho Mission Viejo paid for the fourlane Los Patrones Parkway, but the extension is part of a county and TCA effort.

“I think for San Juan Capistrano, we are a little unnerved by the off and on ramps at the Ortega/La Pata intersection; there’s already heavy traffic,” Maryott said, adding that there may be grant funding available to help with the cost. “We have been underwhelmed by the routes that connect directly to the 5, none of them with widespread, regional approval.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The alignment is expected to be on the Jan. 29 Orange County Board of Supervisors agenda after they postponed the decision on Dec. 4. The The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

Miles Howe of San Juan Capistrano is looking forward to his second season on the Fishing League Worldwide. Photo: Courtesy of FLW

decision will be whether to suggest the alignment to the TCA. A Nov. 7 letter from Darrell E. Johnson, the CEO of Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), said he had concerns about some of the proposals from TCA, as some of the projects are in conflict with the county’s long-term Measure M2 plans, which include extending the HOV lane from San Clemente to San Diego County.

TCA’s Idea 21 proposes expanding those lanes even further, something that’s also not popular with San Clemente residents.

Joel Zlotnik, a media affairs official with OCTA, said the transportation authority has already begun preliminary studies on the HOV lane.

“We have completed the first step in the development process and submitted a project study report to Caltrans,” Zlotnik said.

“We are waiting for Caltrans to approve that report, and then we can move into the environmental phase, which we expect to take approximately three years.”

A few other projects north of San Clemente could also be affected if some of the ideas come to fruition, Zlotnik said. —EH

ment (OCSD) officials told The Capistrano Dispatch at the time.

Shin is accused of killing 32-year-old Christopher Ryan Smith of Laguna Beach, who was his partner in a lead generation and advertising business, called 800XChange, that was located at 29222 Rancho Viejo Road.

Laguna Beach police initially investigated Smith’s disappearance, as he hadn’t been seen by his family since June 2010, when evidence indicated Smith was killed in the San Juan Capistrano office. The family had hired a private investigator, who turned over his findings to Laguna Beach Police.

Shin is also accused of hacking into Smith’s email account in an attempt to make it seem like Smith was still alive, authorities said. Smith’s vehicle, a 2009 Land Rover, was found in San Jose.

Jury Trial Begins for Man Accused of Killing Business Partner in San Juan Capistrano

Local Professional Bass Fisherman Looks Ahead to Second Season

THE LATEST: The trial of a man accused of killing his business partner in 2010 in their office in San Juan Capistrano began on Monday, Dec. 3.

Edward Younghoon Shin, 41, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport as he was boarding a plane to Canada, Orange County Sheriff’s Depart-

WHAT’S NEXT: Because prosecutors say the murder was motivated by financial gain, they may seek the death penalty. The Capistrano Dispatch will provide updates to the trial as they become available. —Staff

THE LATEST: It’s pretty uncommon to find avid bass fishers in South Orange County, let alone someone on a professional tour, but Miles Howe of San Juan Capistrano made a splash in his rookie professional year and now looks forward to his second season.

Howe placed 70th out of about 185 pros last season on the Fishing World League (FWL), the top-tier league for competitive

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bass fishing in the United States.

Howe said he qualified for the tour in 2011 but couldn’t participate because he and his wife had a new baby to look after. Now that he’s had some more time, he’s been able to compete with the best bass fishers around.

The FLW tournaments are a five-fish count, meaning they weigh your heaviest five but can’t keep more than that on the boat at any time. The fish are released back into the lake at the end.

Howe has been able to garner a couple local sponsors along the way, including Lost Winds Brewing Co. and Electric Sunglasses.

“It’s always been kind of a dream. I started my own company in 2009 just to give me a foundation and at some point be able to do this and do what I love to do, which is fish,” Howe said. “My mom kind of got me into it. She tells me, and I don’t even remember, I’d sit down by the lake and fish all day, and she could not pull me away.”

Howe is already heading out to some of the lakes on the 2019 tour schedule to prepare for them as best he can. He said he enjoys the sporting qualities of bass fishing most of all.

“I think it’s just the challenge and wanting to be the best and having to compete against the best,” Howe said. “And some of the guys who you’re up against, they’ve learned from their great-great grandfathers. They’re really skilled anglers, and it’s a challenge.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Unlike some individual sports, the FLW requires each competitor to participate in all of its seven tournaments, with the FLW Cup at the end of the season. The first one kicks off Jan. 10-13 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas. For more information about the league, visit www.flwfishing.com. —EH www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo Beats Disney and Sea World in Souvenir Competition ZOOMARS Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano beat both Disney and Sea World in a souvenir competition at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention.

Gillie Guinea Pig was designed by ZOOMARS’ owner Carolyn Franks for her Orange County attraction–a petting zoo that houses 100 guinea pigs and other farm animals on its historic two-acre site. The life-sized plush toy won IAAPA’s “Brass Ring Award” for Best Souvenir Plush. The victory beat out two other finalists, Hong Kong Disneyland for Cookie the dog and Gold Coast Australia Sea World for Slyder the sea lion.

“I wanted to create a lovable character who could teach children about overcoming fear, including respect for their animal friends here at the zoo,” said Franks.

Her book, “The Tale of Gillie Guinea Pig,” is an illustrated story in which Gillie’s courage helps him scurry out of a pet shop and into the job of his dreams. Gillie also has an album of songs available on iTunes, produced by musicians local to San Juan Capistrano, a fan club, a website and is honorary sheriff of the petting zoo.

ZOOMARS is in the Los Rios Historic District of San Juan Capistrano and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1980, it became the Jones Family Farm, owned by Gil and Millie Jones. Franks purchased the zoo in 2005 and paid homage to the couple who started it by naming her character Gillie, a combination of their names.

New Senior Living Facility Offers Variety of Amenities For about four decades, Molly Murphy has played tennis—a sport that has kept her feeling young at the age of 80. Within the next year, she’ll be able to continue practicing her drop shots at San Juan Capistrano’s newest Life Plan Community, Reata Glen.

“I can’t wait to be within walking distance of the new court,” Murphy said in a news release. “There will be so many new activities and hobbies for me to try out for the first time.”

Reata Glen will be located on 60 acres of land at Ortega Highway and Reata Road, offering 480 residential living apartment homes, with 20 unique floor plans. According to the release, 13 percent of the population has reached senior years and the number is expected to double by 2040 as baby boomers age.

“We’re proud to bring this incredible new community to seniors in the Rancho The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

FRIDAY, DEC. 7 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome.

Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

MONDAY, DEC. 10

Students at San Juan Hills High School participated in Kindness Week to spread kindness and compassion in response to the campus shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Photo:Courtesy of SJHHS

Mission Viejo area, which will not only celebrate their social energy, but also their intellectual spirit, all in a beautiful and engaging atmosphere,” said Troy Bourne, marketing director of Reata Glen.

The facility will offer more than 200 activities and amenities, including a movie theater, performing arts theater, a stateof-the-art fitness center and spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, multiple dining venues, billiards and cards rooms, greenhouse and gardening areas, as well as walking and cycling trails with access to San Juan Creek Trail, leading directly to Doheny State Beach. Reata Glen will also offer care at the adjacent health center, where future residents will have access to assisted living, memory care and long-term care in a skilled nursing center.

Construction on the community is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2019.

The community will offer an estimated 300 jobs in the San Juan Capistrano area.

JSerra Brings in Thousands for November Fundraiser JSerra Catholic High School raised more than $4,000 through their “Movember” fundraiser to gift the young students of St. John the Baptist School with their first “Snow Day.” With donations, JSerra students and staff were permitted to grow facial hair and wear sweatshirts during November.

Every year the administration secretly chooses a day before final exams to usher in up to 15 tons of snow to create a winter wonderland in the quad. Leading the activity every year has been Fr. Damien Giap, the former chaplain at JSerra, well known for his expertise in packing and throwing snowballs.

With Fr. Damien’s recent transfer to St. John the Baptist, an elementary school in Costa Mesa, JSerra decided to honor Fr.

Damien by raising the money necessary to create a Snow Day for his new school.

Once JSerra reached its goal, the school presented Giap with the good news and a customized sled at a ceremony during lunch on Wednesday.

The money raised over the amount needed for St. John the Baptist’s Snow Day will go to a non-profit for testicular cancer.

“It’s such a thoughtful act of kindness to bring the Snow Day tradition to another school,” Fr. Damien said in a news release.

“It speaks volumes about the JSerra community that they would spend a whole month raising funds to give the Snow Day experience to kids twenty miles away.”

The date for the St. John the Baptist Snow Day will be announced shortly.

Students from JSerra will attend to assist the youngsters as well as offer such treats as hot chocolate and snow cones.

Kindness Week Created to Spread Compassion at SJHHS During mid-November, San Juan Hills High School celebrated “Kindness Week,” the brainchild of the school’s Compassion Crew.

The Compassion Crew, a group of volunteer teachers and staff members dedicated to spreading positivity and kindness around campus, was formed last year following the tragic events of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida.

“We want to be a school that believes in empathy and compassion and respect for one another. We hope that this week was able to highlight and build upon these qualities, which we believe are already present at SJHHS,” said Compassion Crew Member Kristen Osborne.

This year, during each day of Kindness

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City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet at San Juan Capistrano City Hall Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Youth Advisory Board Special Meeting 5:30 p.m. The Youth Advisory Board will hold a special meeting at San Juan Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

TUESDAY, DEC. 11 Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 12 Zoning Administrator Meeting 5 p.m. The meeting will be held at San Juan Capistrano City Hall Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Visit www.capistrano.org to watch a live streaming or to see the meeting agenda.

FRIDAY, DEC. 21 The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

Week, different activities were planned for students and staff, planned by the Compassion Crew and supported by school administration and ASB. These activities included “Be Kind” bracelets being distributed and a “Kindness Wall” that hung in the quad for students to spread positive messages.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

The History of the First Christmas Traditions

T

he Christmas season is a time of traditions. Whether they are the traditions of family or the Church, they are traditions that have kept the holiday alive for over 2,000 years.

The tradition of the Christmas tree is a European one that spread to the United States. In San Juan Capistrano, the tradition of the Christmas tree did not arrive until the late 19th century. The Nativity Scene, which is also a European tradition, was very popular in South and Latin America. The Spanish and the Mexicans who came to Alta California brought the tradition of the Nativity Scene with them.

Today in San Juan Capistrano, there are families who display the Nativity Scene but do not put the baby Jesus in the crib until after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The Missionaries who came to Alta California were Franciscans. And it was St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, who staged the first Nativity Scene in 1223.

In the Middle Ages, most of the populace was illiterate. The Church services were in Latin, which almost no one understood. There had to be a way to

Letters to the Editor U.S. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS URGENCY TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE —LARRY KRAMER, San Juan Capistrano Climate change is real, with both worldwide and local effects. The federal government just issued a report discussing its real-world effects. The report concludes “that the evidence of human-caused climate change is overwhelming...” While the cause is worldwide, we are seeing the effects in our local area, including extreme heat in the summer, more drought, a gradual change from a Mediterranean climate to a desert

The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

attract local people to the Church. Miracle plays were created as not only a form of entertainment but as a way of telling the stories of the Bible to the illiterate masses.

St. Francis understood the importance of visual observations to attract the populace to the Church. He was able to get permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals, an MOMENTS ox and an ass, in a cave IN TIME

By Jan Siegel in the Italian village of Grecio. It was to remind the people that Jesus was born for them and that He was born into a poor family like theirs.

St. Francis was so emotional about the story that he could not say “Jesus” and instead referred to Him as the “babe of Bethlehem.” According to the earliest biographer of St. Francis, the hay used by St. Francis “miraculously” acquired the power to cure local cattle diseases and pestilences.

The popularity of the Nativity Scene grew with every passing decade and century, and the cast of characters also

climate, more danger of fires, tropical diseases moving north, sea-level rises and the ocean becoming more acidic.

We are past the point of discussion. It is time for action. You can either sit on your hands or begin to take action. Do you want to tell your children and grandchildren that you knew about climate change but did nothing? Most positive changes in our society have begun by a few people at the local level.

There is much that the city can do and has already done and much that you can do. Feel empowered. Tell the City Council, your state and federal officials that you are concerned. Look for ways that you can reduce your use of carbon fuels.

Do you want examples? When buying a car or truck, look for the most fuelefficient models. The Ecology Center is a great place to buy locally grown food, reducing fuel usage for transportation.

Buy a bike and ride it for local errands.

Consider installing solar power. Plant

increased. The scenes were not always Biblically correct, but this is where tradition is born. Today, the three wise men and the shepherds are integral parts of any Nativity Scene. But nowhere in the Bible do shepherds and wise men appear together. Of the four gospels of the New Testament, only Luke and Mathew describe Jesus’ birth. Matthew mentions wise men, and Luke comments on shepherds. There is also no mention of any farm animals in the manger. But the Nativity Scene lives on. It is part of the tradition of Christmas.

During this holiday season, take a Moment In Time to enjoy your special family traditions. You can even decide to start a new tradition and hope that future generations will embrace it.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Jan Siegel is a 28-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 18 years.

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

drought-tolerant plants. Give up meat one day a week. Wash clothes in cold water.

Change to LED lighting.

Join the Citizens’ Climate Lobby for our monthly meetings as we discuss ways to move forward. We are a nonpartisan group meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at St. Andrew bythe-Sea United Methodist Church at 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to eheinz@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

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HOW TO REACH US SENIOR EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x108 eheinz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves

ART/DESIGN

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

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City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

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OPERATIONS

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Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 16, Issue 23. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘The Favourite’ is a New Kind of Cinderella Story

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Dispatch by going to www.thecapistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Monday | 10 COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR 6-10:30 p.m. Stop by the Swallow’s Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Wednesday | 12 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS AT THE MISSION 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Wednesday, San Juan Capistrano residents receive free admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano with a $10 purchase made in the Mission store. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. For more information, go to www.missionsjc. com or call 949.234.1300.

Sunday | 16 SANTA COMES TO ZOOMARS’ PETTING ZOO 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with your farm friends at Zoomars’ Petting Zoo. Santa will be available for photos. There is also a Christmas tree farm available throughout December. Purchase a fun kidsized Christmas tree to decorate their little rooms. 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550.

BEND & BREW 11 a.m.-12 p.m. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. $10 entry. Left Coast Brewing Co., 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.2699. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 17 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Every day, visitors are welcome The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

Photo: Atsushi Nishijima/Fox Searchlight Pictures

EDITOR’S PICK

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Celebrate the season as the nativity scene is lit, while enjoying food, drinks and music. Photo: Courtesy of Saddleback Church

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8: NATIVITY SCENE LIGHTING EVENT 5 p.m. Come and celebrate as the biggest nativity scene in the area is illuminated for the Christmas holiday season. A tamale, rice and beans dinner will be served while live jazz is being played. There will be activities for the children and a chance to reflect under the stars. Invite your friends for this free event. Saddleback Rancho Capistrano Church, 29250 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. www.saddleback.com.

to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

IHEART YOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation-based outdoor yoga for everyone. A variety of classes and styles are offered every day at 10 a.m. in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point in Lantern Bay Park. Join hundreds of yogis weekly at this beautiful oceanfront class. Bring your dog, kids and friends to Dana Point’s most popular yoga class. Suggested donation $8. No reservations needed. Lantern Bay Park.

25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www. iheartyoga.org.

Wednesday | 19 YOGA BUNGALOW AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO REGIONAL LIBRARY 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mission Hospital Wellness Corner shares healthy recipes and cooking tips to make your life happier and healthier. This is part of the Eat. Move. Grow. Healthy Living Series. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

Thursday | 20

Tuesday | 18 TACO TUESDAY AT SWALLOWS INN 5 p.m.-12 a.m. The Swallows Inn will be offering food and drink specials in honor of Taco Tuesday. Enjoy $2 Macho Tacos, $2 Bud Light on draft and $2 drink specials.

DJ Bait will be providing musical entertainment throughout the night. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 8-11 a.m. Join experienced birders for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Over the years, more than 80 species of birds have been seen at The Reserve.

Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. If not, The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo has plenty for you to borrow. This bird count will take place alongside a private road. Counters will drive from site to site to look, listen and count the birds. Please wear neutral-colored clothing and register online ahead of time. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Page 8

A

ccording to screenwriter Deborah Davis, it took almost 20 years for The Favourite to finally become a major motion picture.

Supposedly back in 1998, Hollywood was claiming period pieces as unpopular and the lesbian arc too risqué.

Over the years, attempts had been made to get the film officially greenlit, with A-list actresses such as Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet rumored to be attached. Now we get arthouse filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos’ first film without himself as an additional writer: The Favourite.

In the early 1700s, Queen Anne of Great Britain (Olivia Colman) has to deal with political relations and possible war with France while fighting serious health issues after contracting gout. While ill, the majority of Anne’s government duties are taken over by her longtime close friend and personal advisor, Duchess Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz). At the same time, Sarah’s cousin and newly appointed castle employee, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), aids Anne as an assistant. Soon jealousy, secrets and betrayal are exposed among the three women.

Nicholas Hoult and Joe Alwyn co-star as the male supporting characters. The Favourite has all the aesthetics and necessities of a quality costume drama, but with Lanthimos’ usual quirky and slightly bizarre style to make it uniquely intriguing for fans of period films.

Stone portrays possibly her most interesting and versatile role to date, and Weisz is a powerhouse. The sexual content and foul language might feel too much at first, but the taboo content ultimately works in context. The dark satire is like a racy Cinderella—if the poor maid had found her way into the castle how Eve Harrington did in All About Eve (1950). CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Holiday Happenings FRIDAY, DEC. 7

The Nutcracker at Casa Romantica

7-8 p.m. See the holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Orange County Ballet Theater in the cozy Main Salon of the Casa. Tickets are $40. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

7:30 p.m. Boaters will decorate their boats to vie for awards and light up the harbor with a parade. Event also happens at the same time on Dec. 8, 14 and 15. People can watch the parade for free anywhere in the harbor or make reservations to view it from one of the nearby restaurants. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

Take a Santa Selfie

4:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your your cameras to the Dana Point Harbor to get a selfie with Santa. The event will also take place on Dec. 8, 14 and 15. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

Holiday Lights Viewing Party

6:30-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for hot cocoa (bring your own mug), gold panning, country line dancing and other activities as part of their annual viewing party for the Dana Point Harbor Drive Boat Parade of Lights. Tickets for the party are $15. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

SHARING THE SPIRIT HOLIDAY PARTY

9 p.m. For the 12th year, The Happiness Project and Festival of Children Foundation present the largest initiative to help homeless children in Orange County. The two organizations will take over South Coast Plaza after it closes on Friday, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. to give these children the best night ever. The celebration includes taking pictures with Santa, a warm meal with dessert, more than 30 activity stations, and gift bags customized to age and gender. You can make a donation at www.helpockids. org or get more information on how to volunteer. The Happiness Project is located at 16692 Burke Lane, Huntington Beach.

SUNDAY, DEC. 9

1st EVER PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING

4 p.m. For the first time, Dana Point will host the first public lighting of a 9-foot Hanukkah Menorah. Festivities after the lighting, which will be held on the last night of Hanukkah, will include music, dancing, latkes, doughnuts, photo booth, crafts for the kids and more. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.290.0628. www.jewishdanapoint.com.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS PET ADOPTION FAIR

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The City of Irvine Animal Care Center will host its 12th annual Home (Continued)

Holiday Happenings (Continued) for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair. More than 30 pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring about 600 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals for adoption. For more information email dharris@cityofirvine.org or call 949.724.7740.

Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine.

FRIDAY, DEC. 14

2nd Annual Holiday Concert

7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony will be having its second annual Holiday Concert. Guests will be able to hear a number of classic holiday hits during the concert, not only from the symphony itself, but also from the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church Choir. Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for seniors, students younger than 18 and active military. www. danapointsymphony.com. 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point.

SATURDAY, DEC. 15

Gingerbread House Making

10-11 a.m. Have your kiddos experience some old-timey holiday magic at Casa Romantica by having them make ginger bread houses using gingerbread, frosting and candy. Event is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 16

Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie Decorating

2-4 p.m. Get your family together at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel to make gingerbread houses and holiday cookies. Children can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.

The cost is $175 per Gingerbread House. Call to reserve your space. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 20

Christmas Bird Counting at The Reserve

8 -11 a.m. Head to The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and participate in the annual Audubon Christmas bird count. More than 80 species of birds have been seen at The Reserve in previous years. Participants are encouraged to visit Audubon’s website to learn more about the event, one of the oldest “citizen science” events in the country. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www. rmvreserve.org.

MONDAY, DEC. 31. – JAN. 1

New Year’s at San Juan Hills Golf Club

8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Ring in the New Year at San Juan Hills Golf Club with a DJ and a special guest band. The event will feature tapas, appetizer stations and a Champagne toast. Guests will be able to take home a souvenir photo from a New Year’s-themed photo experience. Tickets are $100. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1167. www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Cool PIcks: gift ideas for everyone on your list

Stone Skulls – Sold Separately

Award Winning Salon Book your Holiday Appts now

Malachite – 1 ¾” x 1 1/8” • Pyrite – 2” x 7/8” Chevron Amethyst – 2” x 1 ¼” • Sodalite – 3” x 5 ¾”

Brush Salon 31770 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano • 949.496.8800 brushsalon.com

Designs By Nature 400 South El Camino Real, A San Clemente • 949.498.8358 designsbynature.com

Wine Tasting Gift Certificates & Bottles 10% off wine bottles to go

Audio-Technica Turntable

Also Offering Craft Beer and food

Five Vines Wine Bar 31761 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 11 San Juan Capistrano • 949.800.9145 fivevineswinebar.com

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AT-LP60 turntable

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Moldy Toes Records 217 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.444.8275 facebook.com/moldytoesrecords

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

First Christmas Tree Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts first Christmas tree lighting THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

San Juan Capistrano was enlivened by the colorful lights of two Christmas trees Dec. 1. The Mission San Juan Capistrano hosted its first tree-lighting ceremony and the city hosted its annual display.

Capistrano Lights at the Mission will take place until Jan. 6.

No 5 p.m. tree lighting and music program on Monday, Dec. 24; Tuesday, Dec. 25; and Monday, Dec. 31.

For more information, visit www.missionsjc.com. CD

The city of San Juan Capistrano hosted a Christmas tree lighting and winter environment, as Mission San Juan Capistrano hosted its first tree lighting on its grounds on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photos: Scott Schmitt

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Keeping Spirits Bright

A

s we transition from Thanksgiving into the winter holidays, I find myself both excited and a little anxious, as in the past I was known in my family for being so worried about the perfect Christmas that I often turned into the Grinch.

Now a few years older and wiser, I can enjoy the traditions that we have built over the past 30 years as a family.

For many of us, relaxing and lowering the anxiety that accompany the holidays can be difficult. In many households, a lot of the planning often falls on one person, and that can be overwhelming. After several years of struggling, my family started sitting down in the beginning of December to discuss our holiday commitments, helping everyone to enjoy the season and keeping the Grinch out of our home.

Prioritizing events and activities is particularly important for families with teens.

Involving the entire family in choosing which parties, family dinners and community events to attend allows each family member ownership of the calendar. Parents should be prepared that teens might like to be excused from some holiday events in order to have some down time or to spend time with friends.

This can be a tough transition for some families, and parents can have some nonnegotiable commitments on the calendar.

By planning the month out ahead of time, family disputes may be avoided. Teens need to feel they have some ownership over their social life, and inclusion in the planning

empowers them to identify some of their social priorities.

The one mistake I made as my children hit the high school years was dropping some of our regular holiday traditions.

My thought was that some of our annual events were not for older kids. I had forgotten that family traditions offer important connections to each other and continuity with the past, which is critically important in our fastpaced society.

The hours in front of the TV watching The Year without a Santa Claus, Rudolph, and The Grinch were just as important as the packages WELLNESS AND on Christmas morning.

PREVENTION These moments allow

By Susan our family to be in touch Parmelee with the cycle of the seasons and memories of earlier years.

Over the past few years, we have had the benefit of adding two daughters-in-law to our holidays. They bring added creativity and recipes to our annual New Year’s pasta party, include our sons in their family traditions and add some challenges to how we schedule events to accommodate both sides of their families.

These are happy challenges, so long as we remember to recognize everyone’s voice in planning activities and opting out when necessary. Teens and young adults as well as parents need some down time during these weeks. High school and col-

Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES A view of a weedy corridor at

Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The Capistrano Dispatch regularly publishes historical photos as part of our From the Archives feature in print and online. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to agroves@picketfencemedia.com.

lege students just finished hectic semesters and late nights studying for finals.

Planning a pajama day when everyone stays home to watch movies is also one of my favorite family traditions and probably the one I look forward to the most.

The next Wellness and Prevention Coalition meeting will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 189 Avenida La Cuesta. The Coalition will discuss its upcoming Wellness Fair, held in February

Susan Parmelee is a mental health social worker and one of the founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center, San Clemente.

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

Pet of the Week: Pixie Sudoku

Pixie. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

BY MYLES MELLOR

T

Last week’s solution:

aped inside a small cardboard box and discarded in a parking lot, Pixie was initially very nervous when she first arrived at the shelter. Through the gentle care of volunteers and staff, she began to trust again and has become quite the sweet kitty. Pixie is estimated to be about 5 years old and would do best in a quiet home, where she can get all the love she deserves.

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

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

Page 18

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED-RDA/RDAEF We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care. Three to four days a week, possible leading to full-time.

Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority. Bilingual is a plus!Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: southcountyperio@aol.com

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

949.388.7700 ext. 104

*2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area?

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

Page 19

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2018 San Juan Capistrano Winter Sports Preview

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he winter sports season is well underway as the bump-up of the CIF calendar extends to the fields, pools, courts and mats. In our annual preview, we highlight some of the winter sports programs at San Juan Capistrano’s five high schools as they enter the holiday tournament season and approach league play in the new year.

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports.

SAN JUAN HILLS BOYS BASKETBALL The San Juan Hills boys basketball team made a solid run in Sea View League play last year to capture a playoff spot, but San Juan Hills returns no starters from last season’s group.

In fact, the Stallions’ lone senior starter, star football defensive end Cade Albright, hasn’t played basketball at San Juan Hills until this season.

“We’re very young,” San Juan Hills coach Jason Efstathiou said. “We’re very inexperienced. We’re learning how to win, how to play. It’s a challenge.”

Junior guard Adam Weingard has emerged as the team’s leading scorer with over 20 points per game. Weingard has shooting ability and, at 6-foot-4, can also drive inside for points, rebounds and to draw contact.

Albright uses his sensibilities as one of the better defensive football players in Orange County to be a monster rebounder, and he isn’t afraid to dive on a loose ball.

Efstathiou also praised sophomore Niko Trimino as the starting point guard and senior guard Jacob Gillis as the most experienced of his group. Junior guard Cooper Kitaen will also be a strong contributor.

The Stallions have a strong tournament schedule and difficult nonleague dates including a trip to JSerra on Jan. 4.

Efstathiou said he purposefully schedules strong, and his teams usually are pretty solid once they hit league play.

San Juan Hills opens league play at El Toro on Jan. 7 and hosts Tesoro on Jan. 14.

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS BASKETBALL The San Juan Hills girls basketball team

The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

San Juan Hills boys basketball is a young group that can form the building blocks for future success. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

did not close out last season the way they wanted.

However, with one more year of experience, a new coach and a move into the Sea View League, San Juan Hills is ready to change its fortunes.

Paul Edwards takes over the reigns as former coach Nicole Riscica takes the same position at St. Margaret’s, and Edwards inherits a team with its top players returning.

Senior Liza Hladek is the leading returner for the Stallions. The senior led the Stallions in scoring as a junior at 12.8 points per game and is scoring 11 points per game through nine games this season.

Leading rebounder Grace Gentry also returns as a junior and is leading the team again at 10.6 rebounds per game. Gentry and senior Jordan Parkhurst have both stepped up their scoring output to fill in the few graduated spots.

San Juan Hills went 8-17 overall last season, but the Stallions are already near that season victory total with an early 6-3 record through tournament play.

San Juan Hills opens Sea View League play at home against Laguna Hills on Jan. 8.

JSERRA BOYS BASKETBALL JSerra is one of the strongest boys basketball teams in South Orange County, and the Lions aren’t short of storylines.

The Lions have a new coach in Keith Wilkinson. Former coach Zach Brogdon quickly raised JSerra in the Trinity League standings in his two years at the helm before retiring to become a youth pastor in Idaho.

Wilkinson comes in with Division 1 college experience with five years as an assistant at UC Riverside and was also an assistant at University of Texas-El Paso.

Wilkinson played for Capistrano Valley and USC and in Ukraine before beginning his coaching career.

Wilkinson takes over a talented roster that starts with its returning leading scorer in D.J. Rodman. Rodman, a senior listed at 6-foot-5, 208 lbs., led the team in scoring as a junior at 16.1 points per game and was its leading 3-point and free-throw shooter.

The Lions also get some impact transfers, including junior guard Ian Martinez, who is already making a strong impact.

Martinez possesses an all-around athletic game and already has attracted offers from Pac-12 schools. JSerra will also get 6-foot-11 junior center Hugo Clarkin on the roster when the transfer sit-out period ends on Dec. 23.

JSerra battled in the Trinity League the last two seasons and posted 5-5 records each year, but with some dynamic scorers and the energy of a new coach, the Lions could be primed for much bigger success.

Page 20

JSerra is 8-0 on the season and opens Trinity League play on Jan. 9.

JSERRA GIRLS SOCCER Coming off back-to-back CIF-SS titles and back-to-back CIF SoCal Regional Final appearances highlighted by a title in 2017, the JSerra girls soccer team has been near or at the top of the national rankings throughout this run, including a No. 3 ranking by USA Today to open this season.

On top of all of that, JSerra has the national player of the year, Isabella D’Aquila, on its roster as well.

So as the Lions enter the 2018-19 season, their expectations are the same as always: to win.

While JSerra has talent up and down the field, the focus centers on D’Aquila as she enters her senior season.

Last season, D’Aquila scored 39 goals with 15 assists and was named the Gatorade State and National Girls Soccer Player of the Year. D’Aquila, who signed on to play at Santa Clara University, is also coming off a recent trip to the U17 Women’s World Cup. D’Aquila is a star, but JSerra’s biggest strength might be its defense.

Juniors Jordyn Gather, Kendyll Fritts and Rachel Bastone have been as solid as (Cont. on page 22)

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

St. Margaret’s senior Lauren Otterbein is part of an experienced and talented girls soccer team that is looking to overcome a playoff loss and succeed. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

(Cont. from page 20) any backline you can find and also possess expert passing ability and the dynamic talent to jump-start an offensive push.

They clear the way in front of junior goalkeeper Ryan Campbell, who has been a rock for the Lions since starting as a freshman. Campbell allowed only four goals in eight playoff games and posted four shutouts, including the CIF-SS title game.

Junior forward Samantha Williams is also a strong scoring option and has developed a strong chemistry with D’Aquila.

JSerra is 3-0 on the season and opens Trinity League play on Jan. 8 against Rosary.

ST. MARGARET’S GIRLS SOCCER The St. Margaret’s girls soccer team graduated a couple of impact seniors, but the Tartans had plenty of contributions from young players last season that will only be better with experience.

The Tartans allowed only 12 goals in 26 games last season and posted 22 shutouts in those games. St. Margaret’s easily went 12-0 in the Academy League without allowing a goal and didn’t allow a goal in the playoffs until its loss in the CIF-SS Division 4 semifinals.

As dominant as the Tartans were, the The Capistrano Dispatch December 7-20, 2018

loss in the semifinals was a disappointing one, and it’s a loss they hope to avenge this season.

Bryce Chan showed incredible promise last season as a freshman, including a hat trick in the playoffs, and returns as a sophomore to put even more in the net.

Seniors Andi Carnell and Lauren Otterbein also return in the midfield as part of the engine that makes the Tartan machine work.

Kennedy Barlow also returns in net as a junior, and the Tartans have already posted three shutouts in four games this season.

St. Margaret’s is 2-0-2 to start the year and opens the new San Joaquin League on Dec. 11 at Pacifica Christian.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL Coming off of a league title in the San Joaquin League, the Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team has some graduation holes to fill, but so far, the Eagles are doing so nicely.

CVC went on an incredibly strong run in Coach Chris Childress’ first year at the helm with an 11-game win streak and a run of 15 wins in 16 games. However, the Eagles lost three of their top four scorers.

The one of that top four who returns is senior Festus Ndumanya, who was second on the team in scoring last season and the Eagles’ top rebounder.

Through six games, Ndumanya, a 6-foot7 center, has proven to again be a force inside and is averaging a double-double with team-highs at 22 points per game and 13.7 rebounds per game.

CVC has also had strong efforts from seniors Blaine and Riely Petronis, who are averaging 9.8 and 8.7 points per game, respectively, and six rebounds per game.

Junior Dylen Roberts is averaging 8.7 points per game.

The Eagles are 4-2 to open the season and host their own CVCS Eagle Classic next week. CVC opens that tournament on Dec. 11 against Portola.

CVC starts league play on Jan. 8 at Fairmont Prep.

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL The Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team rode a rollercoaster of emotions last season.

The Warriors’ head coach left at midseason, but the team was able to rally and compete for a league championship.

However, the Warriors were hit with an

Page 22

ineligible player ruling, and the ensuing forfeits cost the Warriors a league title and a playoff berth.

Now, by graduation or other movement, SVC entered the season without any of its top six scorers from a year ago and only two players that had scored a point for the Warriors last season.

Coach Josh Markum, who took over at midseason last year and was named the permanent head coach ahead of this season, has turned the focus inward for his young group.

“We’ve kept it simple,” Markum said.

“Kids are resilient. We’ve just kept it on basketball, focused on us, focused on our group and building culture. We always talk about love, family and toughness. We feel like if we focus on those three things, we have a good chance against anybody.”

The two returning point scorers are sophomore twins Aidan and Gavin O’Neill.

Both have stepped up into their new roles as top scorers for the Warriors. SVC has also gotten production from two freshmen, Ethan Rimando and Justin Davis.

SVC is 5-4 through the early tournament season as the Warriors prep for a deceptively tough San Joaquin League. The Warriors open league play on Dec. 11 at Fairmont Prep. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com