July 8, 2022

JULY 8-21, 2022 | VOLUME 20, ISSUE 13

INSIDE: Siegel: College Tuition Help for Juaneños

SJC LIVING/PAGE 15

Summer of Golf: SC Municipal

SPORTS/PAGE 18

Come Together

The Ecology Center Unites Community Through Outdoor Dinners E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

Ongoing Friday night dinners at The Ecology Center are chances for people to mingle over freshly prepared meals. Photo: Courtesy of Todd Prodanovich

thecapistranodispatch.com

Dennis Quaid to Serve as 2023 Swallows Parade Grand Marshal

What Happened to Blenheim Farms?

Editor’s Pick: Country Music at the Riding Park

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

SOAPBOX/PAGE 8

GETTING OUT/PAGE 10

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Ecology Center Dinner Series Brings Together People, Fresh Food

BY COLLIN BREAUX

On Friday nights at The Ecology Center, members of the local community have a chance to gather near the organization’s farm and break bread—sometimes literally.

The Ecology Center regularly hosts what is called Community Table, ongoing nighttime dinners where attendees can share a meal specially prepared by a guest chef. The idea behind the program is to both cultivate local harmony and offer people freshly harvested food.

Guests must purchase a ticket to attend a dinner.

Community Table reflects The Ecology Center’s emphasis on seasonality and storytelling, since the ingredients used are seasonal and diners have a chance to talk to each other and the guest chef, said Jonathan Zaidman, director of impact and partnerships for The Ecology Center.

The chefs have come from Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and even

across the country and bring their “unique expression” to the meals, Zaidman said.

Chefs for upcoming dinners include Daniel Villanueva and Brian Bornemann.

The chefs have enjoyed coming to The Ecology Center and sometimes see it as an opportunity to “play” and experiment with new ingredients, Zaidman said.

The meals are fixed courses, and guests are seated at outdoor tables. The dinners generally have a 60- to 70-person capacity limit.

“Every dinner we’ve had has been sold out pretty quickly,” Zaidman said.

“Even before people come, there is a great deal of enthusiasm.”

A significant percentage of guests are repeat guests, according to Zaidman.

The night starts with a cocktail hour and storytelling from the chef, with the chef’s kitchen set up right in front of the audience. The chef then cooks live and

OC Grand Jury Report Examines State Recycling Fee Funds and Where Those Go

encouraged facilitating recycling centers in areas considered convenient for consumers, such as supermarket parking lots, where people could drop off recyclable items for cash redemptions.

However, the report notes the reality of that has been a challenge.

“More than 1,369 supermarket redemption centers have closed since the peak in 2013,” the report said. “Just over 1,200 redemption centers remain in operation in California, compared to nearly 2,600 centers in 2013.”

Citing three separate surveys, the report went on to state that “supermarket chains and other beverage retailers legally obligated to be recyclers of last resort are refusing to redeem consumer deposits up to two-thirds of the time.”

The Orange County Grand Jury’s investigation further noted that more than half of California’s redemption centers have closed since 2013 because of underpayments from the state and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Redemption centers have faced financial hardships due to both scrap price declines and inadequate payments from CalRecycle,” the report said.

In August 2019, rePlanet—California’s largest redemption recycling operator—announced the closure of several hundred redemption recycling centers throughout California, including its

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Only a portion of recycling fees that California consumers pay are redeemed by the public, according to a recently released report by the Orange County Grand Jury.

The grand jury took a critical look at the fees California residents pay on recyclable beverage containers, finding that the majority of funds instead goes to waste haulers. The jury scrutinized what is called the California Redemption Value, also known as the California Refunding Value, or CRV, for short. State residents reportedly pay the state more than $1.4 billion each year for the program.

The CRV, a regulatory fee set by state legislation enacted in 1986, was intended to “increase the recycling rate to 80 percent of all recyclable containers and to provide for convenience in redeeming consumer deposits,” the report said.

The legislation—known as the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, or Bottle Bill—also The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

Freshly prepared tacos by a visiting chef are some of the meals that have been offered through a special Community Table dinner series at The Ecology Center. Photo: Courtesy of Todd Prodanovich

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can answer questions that guests have about the food and meals. Art, paired drinks and appetizers are part of the dinner experience.

One impetus for the series is to give people a chance to see where their food comes from and who prepares it, Zaidman said.

Diners’ expectations are generally surpassed when they actually go through the experience, according to Zaidman.

“You can literally see the farm 50 feet away,” Zaidman said.

Visit theecologycenter.org for tickets and more information.

then-remaining 284 locations.

The company closed because of the continued reduction in state fees, the depressed pricing of recycled aluminum and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, and the rise of operating costs resulting from minimum-wage increases and required health and workers’ compensation insurance.

Consequently, because of the shrinking number of recycling redemption sites, waste haulers have become the default beneficiaries of CRV funds and are paid the CRV redemption for containers collected curbside, the report said.

“Millions of dollars in CRV fees still go unclaimed,” the report said.“Currently, this amount is over $600 million, a portion of which belongs to Orange County residents.”

A recommendation from the grand jury encourages Orange County municipalities to research and apply for grant programs from CalRecycle that focus on retaining more CRV funds for residents, assessing the value of CRV funds received by waste haulers when cities and the county renegotiate contracts, and developing community outreach programs to educate the public about CRV funds.

“Orange County and most OC Cities do not make CRV redemption and recycling a priority when negotiating their waste hauler contracts, which results in missed financial opportunities and convenience for their residents,” the report said.

The grand jury surveyed the 34 cities of Orange County for the report. Of the 14 cities that responded, more than 40% reportedly “failed to offer an organized program for public outreach and education regarding CRV redemption and recycling,” according to the report. The number of cities that responded is not listed in the report, though Brea and Laguna Beach are mentioned.

“Many relied on their waste haulers to make recycling available and to educate their community,” the report said.

When sent the report and asked for comment, San Juan Capistrano City Manager Ben Siegel said city staff would be reviewing the report and that the city is planning a response to the findings and recommendations.

In the meantime, Siegel provided some information about local recycling opportunities in San Juan Capistrano.

“We are aware of three retailers in San Juan Capistrano that offer in-store CRV redemption options: Farmers Market: 31109 Rancho Viejo Rd; Rite Aid Pharmacies: 32121 Camino Capistrano; Vons Food & Drug: 32401 Camino Capistrano,” Siegel said.

CR&R—the waste hauler for San Juan, as well as San Clemente and Dana Point—recycles CRV materials placed in mixed recycling bins and carts by (Cont. on page 5) thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

Classic Volkswagen Enthusiasts Organize Local Car Show

Link likes facilitating the meet-ups— which he says he doesn’t profit from— because he gets to see smiles on the faces of fellow car enthusiasts when they get together.

The upcoming car show at Capistrano Volkswagen came about when Capistra-

no Volkswagen General Manager Gary Willenborg met Link through previous car gatherings, and the two discussed plans for and ultimately hashed out details for the San Juan show.

The public can expect a “cool collection” if they go to the Sunday show,

Willenborg said.

There are a “lot of people” who are fans of the classic Volkswagen era, an appeal attributed to the vehicles’ appearances and the vibe they represent, Willenborg said.

“It’s kind of an expression of freedom,” Willenborg said. “It’s a culture unique to itself.”

Retro Volkswagen owners like to use the cars for weekend or even cross-country trips, according to Willenborg.

Asked for his take on the appeal of classic Volkswagens, Link said the designs are unique, iconic and can come in many different colors. The Volkswagen bus can be found on coasters or other merchandise, Link said.

“They’re all very easy to work. I think that draws people to them,” Link said.

“They’re all just neat-looking.”

Link himself owns two Volkswagen buses, which tend to be a conversation starter with other people when he stops at a gas station.

Some of the classic cars for the July 10 show will be displayed outside at Capistrano Volkswagen, and premier vehicles will be inside.

“It’s just these guys hanging out and having a good time,” Willenborg said.

“We’re excited about everything the bus represents—past, present and future.”

Participants are able to graduate early if they demonstrate enough proficiency.

Knuth highlighted the importance of continuing education for program graduates, because the auto repair industry is one that can change over time.

APAC ATI training will take place at Star Motors (32961 Calle Perfecto in San Juan Capistrano), a luxury repair shop that has served South Orange County drivers for more than 30 years.

Knuth came up with the idea for APAC ATI when he and his wife went to Uganda with friends in January 2020. He saw there was a need for car-repair skills there, and subsequently wanted to set up a project to address the deficiency.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to those international plans.

“I thought I would just start a nonprofit in California,” Knuth said. “This training model was created from the apprentice program we’ve had at Star Motors since 2014.”

The nonprofit’s ambitions already went through what could be considered a pilot program of sorts, since two apprentices hired last year by Star Motors have since gone on to work in the Star Motors shop as technicians after going through a similar program.

The first step for potential students is filling out an application for the program, which is available on the nonprofit’s website at apacati.org.

“Once (they fill out an application), we will screen them for aptitude,” Knuth said.

Part of that screening involves an interview.

The potential for a second chance at life that students are offered isn’t just merely turning their life around. It could be an opportunity to live comfortably, since Knuth notes it’s common for auto technicians to make six figures.

That pay range can be more appealing when one considers that recent college graduates who didn’t go the trade route can be saddled with student debt.

“Our students are going to come into this debt-free,” Knuth said.

As for how the reception has been so far in the local area toward APAC ATI, Knuth said people in San Juan Capistrano have been welcoming.

“The grand opening was awesome.

It was fun to bring the community together and celebrate this,” Knuth said.

“I’ve had my head down for the past two years working on this. What made an impact on me during the ribbon-cutting was members of the community voicing their support and seeing how this was needed.”

Knuth hopes that endorsement continues as APAC ATI further takes shape.

“I was intentional about making it a nonprofit, because I want the support of the community,” he said.

(Cont. from page 3) residents and businesses, Siegel said.

CRV-eligible containers placed in CR&R’s recycling bins are not sent to the landfill.

“Additionally, CR&R offers free 30-yard roll-off boxes to local schools to collect CRV from students and families,” Siegel said. “When these containers are filled with CRV, CR&R provides the redemption value to the school as a fundraising source.”

Through State Beverage Container grant funds, the City of San Juan Capistrano has provided recycling containers to elementary schools along with education workbooks for the students, Siegel said.

As of press time, representatives with the cities of San Clemente and Dana Point, as well as CR&R, had not responded to requests for comment.

As for other places where people can recycle, consumers can use Next Generation Recycling #2 at 27771 Center Drive in Mission Viejo and CRV Recycling Solutions at 26901 Aliso Creek Road in Aliso Viejo.

The grand jury’s investigation methods included interviewing waste and recycling management experts at the state and local level; researching the issue; reading report studies issued by CalRecycle and other organizations; and touring Orange County landfills.

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Retro Volkswagen buses and cars are emblematic of the 1960s counterculture, California and times gone by—and still driven and appreciated by classic car fans.

Come Sunday, July 10, local Volkswagen enthusiasts will get a chance to see vintage vehicles in person and bond over their shared appreciation for time-honored models.

Buses by The Beach, a car fan group that has organized meet-ups at local beaches, is hosting a classic Volkswagen car show at Capistrano Volkswagen (32922 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano) from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. A food truck will also be on-site for anyone who gets hungry.

Charlie Link, who organizes events for Buses by the Beach, said the gathering is intended to celebrate Volkswagen cars in a public area.

Volkswagens have a special meaning for Link, since he met most of his closest friends and loved ones through the vehicle. Seeing how people personally style their vehicles is “a lot of fun” for him.

Star Motors Owner Starts Nonprofit to Teach AutoMechanic Skills

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The trade workforce is lacking nowadays—particularly when it comes to auto mechanics, according to Star Motors European Service owner Chris Knuth.

In order to rejuvenate that sector and give those in need a second chance, Knuth has started a nonprofit that will teach people professional car repair skills—with an aim towards securing employment in a shop.

Knuth is the founder of APAC Automotive Institute (ATI), a nonprofit intended to instruct veterans, people reentering society from incarceration, individuals who are recovering from substance abuse and other at-risk populations. He hopes to get the program fully operational this month after hosting a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on June 28.

Students will go through a free 10-month training program that includes various modules and an eventual graduation. They will then get to work in a shop, as long as that shop offers ongoing education and employee benefits.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

Travel back in time to enjoy a display of classic Volkswagens at Capistrano Volkswagen on Sunday, July 10.

Photo: Courtesy of Capistrano Volkswagen

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EYE ON SJC

unique setting, and members of the Mission will be captivated by South Coast Repertory’s incredible theatrical production of Million Dollar Quartet,” Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said. “Together, we will marry our best assets to create something magical and worthy of experiencing. We can’t wait to welcome theatregoers who are discovering our partnership for the first time and seeing them leave with an experience to remember always.”

The Mission and SCR first partnered last year for outdoor theater performances at the historic South Orange County site.

“In Mission San Juan Capistrano, we found an ideal partner that shares SCR’s passion for community and culture,” SCR Managing Director Paula Tomei said. “As we head into our second summer of this initiative, we are excited to collaborate with them once again to share this extraordinary musical theatre experience with audiences.”

The music in Million Dollar Quartet will include classics such as “Blue Suede Shoes,”“Long Tall Sally” and “Great Balls of Fire.”

“To experience this inspiring story, bursting with the energy and music of four rock-and-roll legends, in the beautiful surroundings of Mission San Juan Capistrano will be truly special,” SCR Artistic Director David Ivers said. “Outside SCR was born last year out of the need for families to experience world-class theatre in a safe, engaging setting and to connect with one another—and for SCR to engage with communities outside our Costa Mesa home. After an enthusiastic response to our first Outside SCR in 2021, we are elated to return to the Mission and the Southland communities that welcomed us so warmly.”

Tickets range in price from $25 to $42, with special pricing for those age 25 and under. They can be purchased online at scr.org or by phone at 714.709.5555.

Paradegoers at the 2023 Swallows Day Parade can get a chance to glimpse Dennis Quaid, who will serve as the Grand Marshal for next year’s event. Photo: Courtesy of Derrek Kupish

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

CD | Election Year Begins

for San Juan Capistrano Council Seats The filing period to run for City Council in Districts 2, 3 and 4 will open on July 18 and ends Aug. 12, according to a news release issued by the City of San Juan Capistrano. The seats for Districts 2, 3 and 4 are currently held by Councilmembers Troy Bourne, Derek Reeve (the current mayor), and John Taylor.

The General Municipal Election will be held on Nov. 8.

“Candidates have until 4:30 p.m. on August 12 to file nomination documents and statements of qualification for office,” the news release said. “The deadline extends to Wednesday, August 17, if an incumbent is not running for re-election and does not file papers by the August 12 deadline.”

Candidates must be registered voters and reside in either of the districts up for election.

“Nomination papers must be signed by no less than 20 or more than 30 registered voters residing in the district in which the candidate resides,” the news release said. “Each candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interest disclosing investments and interests in real property when the nomination papers are returned for filing. There is no The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

cost for filing nomination papers.”

Candidates can also prepare a statement that includes name, age, occupation, and a brief description of no more than 200 words about the candidate’s qualifications. The statement is filed with the nomination papers and included in the sample ballot materials mailed to district voters.

The cost for providing this service is approximately $600 and payable at the time of filing nomination papers, according to the city.

Candidate packets containing nomination papers and election materials will be available when the filing period begins. Appointments to obtain the candidate’s packet and review the information with the City Clerk are required.

The City Clerk’s office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call 949.443.6309 for more information.

CD | Dennis Quaid to Serve as

2023 Swallows Day Parade Grand Marshal Actor Dennis Quaid has been in plenty of movies and recently brought the house down with a rollicking musical performance at The Coach House.

Come next year, he’ll be back in San Juan Capistrano—this time as the Grand Marshal for the 2023 Swallows Day Parade.

Jim Taylor, president of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association—a volunteer group that organizes the parade and related events—announced the big news during the city’s Fourth of July celebration at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park.

Taylor asked Quaid about serving as

CD | Outside Theater Returns

to Mission San Juan Capistrano Mission San Juan Capistrano will host performances of Million Dollar Quartet

by South Coast Repertory from July 30 through Aug. 21. The theatrical rendition will portray a legendary December 1956 jam session between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.

“Patrons of SCR will be enthralled with the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Page 6

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, JULY 9

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. To receive a link to join email larrykramerccl@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 12

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY) will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

CUSD Board of Trustees 7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, which makes decisions on local education matters, will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public.

CUSD Board Room, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 15

Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday session of the month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, JULY 19

City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 22

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

Grand Marshal during Quaid’s show at The Coach House, an opportunity the Great Balls of Fire! actor has accepted.

The 2023 Swallows Day Parade will be held on March 25. Parade organizers plan to bring horses back for next year’s parade, since they weren’t allowed in the 2022 parade because of an equine virus outbreak.

Local photographers and married couple Scott and Diana Schmitt served as the Grand Marshals for the 2022 parade.

Actor Eric Roberts, who has been in The Dark Knight and other films, was a celebrity guest for the 2022 parade. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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SOAPBOX

Martin plans to fine-tune the facility for performance show horses and rehabilitation. The facility features Kayla McQuaig as the resident trainer for horses in the disciplines of all-around Western and English events for AQHA, APHA, and PtHA, such as trail Western pleasure, Western riding, ranch riding, ranch trail, horsemanship, showmanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, performance halter, and ranch conformation. Dr. Jennifer Clarke, highlighted in a previous article, will continue her rehab program out of 5M Ranch with Martin’s blessing and support.

We are grateful for Devon Martin in our equestrian community and happy to hear she loves San Juan Capistrano because of its equestrian heritage.

Jessica DiCostanzo is a San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition Board Member, lifelong equestrian, and co-founder of equivont.com. CD

GUEST OPINION | A Little Bit About San Juan by Jessica DiCostanzo

Devon Martin and 5M Ranch

S

o, who bought the private estate formerly known as Blenheim Farms? Will it stay a premier horse farm? The mystery is over, and we can thank the horse gods for the competitive western rider, Devon Martin.

Even more fortuitous is that Devon is an Orange County native and understands the importance of preserving the equestrian community in Southern California.

Like most of us, Martin’s parents enrolled her in camp at Rawhide Ranch as a kid … and that was it! She was hooked on horses. Martin continued to ride and take lessons at Seahorse Stables in Newport Beach. Though she describes herself as “awkward and gangly,” she recalls the

confidence that being around horses gave her.

Devon took a hiatus from riding during her late teens, but she was hit hard with the “horse bug” 15 years later during a family vacation at a dude ranch. She and her husband, Kevin, went all in. The Martins bought a horse property in Santa Ana Heights, where they kept their horses and boarded a few additional horses until they outgrew the facility. This property gave her the confidence and the experience to pursue what is now known as 5M Ranch (formerly Blenheim). As she looks around and envisions the future, she “feels very blessed to be here.”

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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

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HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR RESPONSE TO TRAFFIC STORY IN LAST ISSUE ROGER BÜTOW, Laguna Beach Depending on whom you believe, either Benjamin Disraeli or Mark Twain said, “There are lies, there are damned lies, and then there are statistics.”

The city manager (CM) seems to be hiding behind a data point or two and gives them more weight than the voices of outrage within the community that he serves. Now add the fact that he and his family live 10 miles away here in Laguna Beach, so what does he personally know about navigating SJC year-round?

Many of these angry voices are longterm residents and this, unfortunately, resembles our issues here in Laguna Beach; hence, our local controlled growth initiative on the ballot this fall.

No small irony, the CM served as our Deputy CM himself. He has a long history of experiencing and observing what happens when you throw open your community’s doors and entice and encourage year-round tourist destination hordes.

As the CM indirectly admits, what

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

that supports City Hall’s stance. Otherwise, these contractors would never get rehired. They tell governance what they want to hear and deliver what’s been pre-ordained. Otherwise, it’s next up.

And Councilmember Bourne reveals what is truly broken: the “get-out-of-jailfree card.” (That is, he admits that for members like himself, 10 years down the road is too far to allow reasonable decisions to be made.)

So, if this Council majority can’t tell good from bad long-term impact decisions, what does their decision tree actually look like?

That Mayor Reeve found no support is a definite poker tell. There is neither the will nor the staff mentality willing to face the eventual consequences head-on. The adverse ramifications will be a legacy left for subsequent councils and staff to deal with … kick the pro-development can down the road. Someone else’s problem.

was originally zoned per the Los Rios Specific Plan as several acres of passive park space within the Los Rios District is being converted to one humongous parking lot to accommodate those visitors and the increased staffs of tourist-serving restaurants and bars.

Those lots don’t serve residents, they assist outsiders—–and don’t be surprised when, like here in Laguna, SJC is end-to-end lined with parking meters and locals are forced to purchase a $100-per-year permit to park in their own town. This is, in fact, how villages morph from quaint towns into urbanized cities.

We have the identical conundrum here in Laguna. Formerly, we had respite from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Now, every day traffic and gridlock mimes peak circulation of those 3½ high-season summer months.

A local could find parking downtown the rest of the year. No mas.

Like SJC, we have a predominantly pro-growth (commerce first, residents second-class citizens) City Council these past four years.

Regardless, the sense of place and time and the character of a small community is being eroded and gradually taken away by people who appear unwilling to “just say no” to more money but lessened quality of life (why locals live in a place, sink in their roots and stay their entire lives).

Consultants are hired only if they bring back sustaining, cherry-picked evidence

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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.

City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 20, Issue 13. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. 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 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

The List

SATURDAY | 16 OUTDOOR THEATER 2 and 3 p.m. Take a trip back in time when the Round About Players presents A Fast Train to Capistrano in the Los Rios Historic District. The short performance will depict aspects of San Juan Capistrano’s history.

The events are free, so check it out while you’re strolling about. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

What’s going on in and around town this week THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

TWO STEPPING UNDER THE STARS 5-10 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is hosting this annual fundraiser to support the equestrian lifestyle and raise awareness of horse-riding activities. The event is family-friendly and will have food, dancing, games and face painting for kids, a silent auction, and a raffle. Organizers ask that attendees don’t bring in any outside food, beverages, chairs or pets, because the event is a fundraiser. Admission is free. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuanequestrian.org.

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 08 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. Local act Family Style will perform. Have fun, grab some drinks, and dance the night away. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

SATURDAY | 09 YOGA ON THE FARM 9-10:15 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this outdoor yoga session with yogi Diana Christinson and teachers from Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala.

Sessions will include breathing lessons, which you can practice while surrounded by green vegetation and the natural earth. Participants must bring their own mat and towel to place on the ground, as well as RSVP online. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 7 p.m. Ever wanted to relax with some calming outdoor live music as the trains come and go? Stop by at Trevor’s for soothing sounds … and order food and The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

competition every Thursday night in which the winners can take home $100.

Sing your heart out at this downtown Irish pub. Contest rules are posted on the pub’s website. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

San Juan Capistrano will continue to be a hotspot for country music fans when Clint Black plays at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park on July 10. Photo: Courtesy of The OutPost

SUNDAY | 10 COUNTRY MUSIC AT THE RIDING PARK 6 p.m. Clint Black and Jarrod Nieman will perform. Get ready to enjoy down-home tunes while in the great outdoors of South Orange County. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets are available online. San Juan OutPost, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuanoutpost.com.

drinks while you’re at it. Selly & the Stray will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com SATURDAY NIGHT AT SWALLOW’S 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and get ready to enjoy all the Western-style fun at one of the San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. Paul Justin Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SUNDAY | 10 MISSION BELL RINGER III 1 p.m. The third round of live boxing fights presented by Capistrano Boxing Gym is on. Come watch local athletes

STAND-UP COMEDY 7:30 p.m. Have some laughs during this stand-up show. Jim Taylor, Tom Clark, Gayla Johnson and Kipp Hart will perform. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

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slug it out. There will be 20 amateur boxing matches. Reata Park & Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 714.931.3814. capistranoboxinggym.com.

KOI FISH FEEDING AT THE MISSION 12:45 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor afternoon at the Mission San Juan Capistrano fountain while feeding koi fish. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

WEDNESDAY | 13

WEDNESDAY | 20

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT 6-8 p.m. The free outdoor concert series presented by the City of San Juan Capistrano is in full swing. Bring a lawn chair and blanket to relax while you soak up the music in downtown San Juan. There will be also be food trucks, adult beverages for sale, and booths featuring local businesses and groups. A free trolley service will run on concert days from 4-9 p.m. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY | 14 BIG KAHUNA KARAOKE 8-11 p.m. Paddy’s Station hosts a karaoke Page 10

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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GETTING OUT

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

SHOW DETAILS

SERPENTINE FIRE

What: Serpentine Fire When: Thursday, July 21. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

M

ost people are familiar with the rollicking hit songs of Earth, Wind & Fire—including classics such as “Shining Star” and “September.”

Later this month, fans in South Orange County will be able to relive that funky feeling when tribute act Serpentine Fire takes the stage on July 21 at The Coach House.

The cover band is named after an Earth, Wind & Fire song and is excited to soon perform in San Juan Capistrano, lead singer Tyriq Johnson said.

“It’s going to be a great time,” Johnson said.

Serpentine Fire formed to cover Earth, Wind & Fire, because the latter is a premier funk band whose music has stood the test of time, according to Johnson.

The rhythm and beats of their music— which mixed in elements of pop and R&B—stood out to Johnson when he was starting out as a young musician.

Johnson began putting the cover band

Where: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets or more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $25.

The night of July 21 will get funky, as Earth, Wind & Fire cover band Serpentine Fire is set to play at The Coach House. Photo: Courtesy of Serpentine Fire

together about seven years ago. The Midwest native initially sang in Las Vegas before joining up with the band, which did a variety of pop songs at first.

Part of their set list included Earth,

Wind & Fire songs, which got big responses from the crowds for whom they performed. From there, Serpentine Fire decided to then go all in on drawing from the legendary ensemble.

AT THE MOVIES

‘Elvis’ Dazzles at Full Speed

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t’s hard to believe, but Baz Luhrmann’s new film, Elvis, based on the life of superstar Elvis Presley, is the first theatrically released biopic on “The King of Rock & Roll.” There have been a handful of TV biopics in the past, but never one actually experienced on the big screen until now.

After viewing Luhrmann’s latest visual spectacle, I’ve come to many conclusions, including how future Presley-related projects should have more creative titles beyond simply “Elvis.”

Luhrmann’s interpretation has all the usual takes in movies on music legends, such as the childhood tragedies, the rise to stardom out of nowhere, the excess, pressure and manipulation that come with fame, and the self-destruction.

Here, we’re given Presley portrayed

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

Photo: Courtesy of Bazmark Films / Warner Bros Pictures

by Austin Butler, and his careerlong Svengali manager “Colonel” Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). Olivia DeJonge is Presley’s wife, Priscilla, and Helen Thomson and Richard Roxburgh appear as the musician’s parents.

The highs of Elvis are mostly the man’s music itself and Butler’s performance. It takes a lot of courage to play

someone as iconic as Elvis Presley, especially following an actor like Kurt Russell in John Carpenter’s Elvis (1979), who had a well-received performance.

But Butler takes the task seriously and doesn’t come off too campy or goofy. His interpretation feels natural and not distracting. We’re also reminded, even with cinematic reenactments,

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“People wanted to see more of this, so I have to keep this thing going,” Johnson said.

Speaking of crowds, the musicians in Serpentine Fire are happy to be entertaining audiences in person again following the pandemic-induced shutdown.

Johnson said he has also observed that music fans are also happy to be back out and enjoying live music once more.

“It’s rejuvenating,” Johnson said.

Some of those live performances are still in Las Vegas, but come the latter half of July, they’ll hop over to California for The Coach House show.

“This is a show you don’t want to miss,” Johnson said. CD

Presley’s music is best enjoyed in a big, vibrant theater.

What is campy are Luhrmann’s direction and Hanks’ acting. While Luhrmann’s flashy, flamboyant style works for Presley’s aesthetic, it’s also a borderline eyesore at times, with a script that doesn’t go beyond the surface.

Like a lot of biopics, Presley’s life is pretty sugar-coated regarding his love life, substance abuse and association with Black musicians.

Hanks chose to give Tom Parker a thick Dutch accent in Elvis, despite the fact the real man actually disguised his voice with a softened American-like dialect in public.

Unfortunately, this tactic works against him, as do the makeup and prosthetics to make the manager’s heavier build. The choice of having Parker as the narrator of Elvis could have been interesting, but instead is inconsistent with focusing too much on him at times, especially as he’s being portrayed as a cartoonish villain.

At 160 minutes, Elvis is both too long in pacing and too short for the full tale.

Technically speaking, I’ve seen a lot worse biopics. But Elvis still feels like a missed opportunity to really dig into the rock star’s legacy. CD

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2022

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SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

College Tuition Help for Juaneños O FROM THE ARCHIVES n April 28, 2022, the University of California Native American Opportunity Plan began covering tuition and student service fees for Naive American students starting in fall of 2022! Students must be academically accepted by the university.

It includes undergraduate and graduate students. But there is a caveat—the students must be members of a federally recognized tribe! So, what about the Juaneños who have been in our community for 10,000 years? Sorry, students must be from a federally recognized tribe. So, if you are a Hopi, Apache, or Cherokee living in California, you qualify; but if your ancestors have been here for thousands of years, you do not.

The reason for the stipulation, according to the University of California’s admission website, is that tuition coverage only includes Native American students from federally recognized tribes, because California public institutions cannot legally consider race or ethnicity when providing financial aid. A federally recognized tribe is a political, not racial, classification that refers to a community that has existed for an extended period of time with political influence over its members, according to the Department of the Interior. But even that definition has political overtones, as Juaneños are aware.

However, all is not lost. A federally recognized Northern California tribe, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, will grant scholarships to non-federally represented students if they can prove a host of regulations, including a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood showing a California affiliation or descent from a person with a Certificate of Degree of

Indian Blood showing a California tribal affiliation on the California census rolls of 1928 or 1933 or on the California Judgment Fund Rolls of 1933 or 1972. For further information, their email address is FIGRUCScholarship@ gratonrancheria. com. The bad news MOMENTS IN TIME is that applications

BY JAN SIEGEL must be in by July 15 for the 2022 semester. But since this will obviously take time, starting now for enrollment in the spring or fall of 2023 seems like a good idea.

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria is a recognized California tribe by combining tribes that could not prove their legitimacy individually.

When California became part of the United States, Congress enacted legislation that basically forfeited tribal land, leaving most tribes in California landless. In 1992, Chairman Greg Sarris raised money to travel to Washington, D.C. to fight for restoration of federal status of the Miwok, but they later combined with two other tribes to form the Graton Rancheria. and claimed 152 members. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law legislation “restoring federal recognition to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.” It was then transferred to three separate groups. By 2013, the Rancheria had secured land for a casino and had become wealthy enough to be able to offer grants to non-federally recognized tribes in California.

If you are a Native American planning on attending a University of California campus in the near future, or know

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Mickey

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

T

his adorable little guy is Mickey, a 9-month-old neutered male dwarf fuzzy lop mix. He is a sweet and gentle bunny and does not mind being held. Mickey has good litter-box habits and would make a loving addition to your family.

If you are interested in adopting Mickey, please visit petprojectfoundation. org/adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.

This photo depicts Joe (Chulo)—born in 1884— and Viviana Ricardes Olivares, grandparents to Juaneño tribal member Teeter Marie Olivares Romero in the 1900s. The exact year is unknown.

Photo: Courtesy of Teeter Marie Olivares Romero

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.

someone who is planning to attend, it is worth spending a “Moment In Time” and finding out if you qualify for free tuition.

It might also mean that you can consider going for a graduate degree that you did not think you could afford. It is also important to keep working on federal recognition for our Juaneño tribe.

Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capist-

rano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. 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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 15

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CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. ESTATE SALE- SATURDAY, JULY 9 8:00 AM 413 Via Montego, San Clemente. Downsizing by half, Furniture, Home Collectibles, Home Decor, Kitchen Items, Crafts, Books, Great Clothing, Shoes, Great Prices on everything.

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JULY 9TH July 9th - 7 am to 12 pm. 529 E Avenida San Juan, San Clemente 92672 ESTATE/GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JULY 9TH Saturday July 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Lots of furniture & household items.

203 West Avenida Cordoba, San Clemente, CA 92672

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the SJC + RMV area?

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today! 949.388.7700 ext. 104

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

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SJC LIVING

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Elections will be held in the City of San Juan Capistrano on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, for: (3) Members of the City Council, from District 2, District 3, and District 4 each for full terms of four years.

If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by § 10229, Elections Code of the State of California.

Vote Centers will be open nine (9) days prior to election day between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on election day. /s/ Maria Morris Maria Morris, CMC City Clerk

Independence Day Scenes from Fourth of July Celebration

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The annual Fourth of July Celebration at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park once again attracted big crowds to enjoy the fireworks shows, carnival rides and live music.

Local singer Sydney Noelle performed the National Anthem. Mayor Derek Reeve and other members of the City Council welcomed community members to the event. Photos: Alan Gibby

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

Dated: June 22, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTIFICACIÓN DE LA ELECCIÓN POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO de que se habrá de llevar a cabo una Elección Municipal General en la Ciudad de San Juan Capistrano, el martes, 8 de Noviembre del 2022, para los siguientes Funcionarios:

Districto 2, Districto 3, y el Districto 4. (Período completo de cuatro años) Si no se nomina a nadie o solamente a una persona para un cargo electivo, se puede realizar el nombramiento al cargo elegido según lo prescrito por la §10229 del Código Electoral del Estado de California.

Los centros electorales estarán abiertos nueve (9) dias antes de la elección entre las 8:00 a.m. y 8:00 p.m. y estarán abiertos entre las 7:00 a.m. y 8:00 p.m. el día de elección. /s/ Maria Morris Maria Morris, CMC Secretaria Municipal Fecha: 22 de Junio del 2022

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in The Capistrano Dispatch.

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors ...and more

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

Para (3) Miembros del Concejo Municipal para el

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SUMMER OF GOLF

SC ‘MUNI’ IS HOTTEST LOCAL SPOT The Summer of Golf examines the sport’s post-pandemic popularity boom at local courses in South Orange County, and showcases the play of each course through the eyes of our resident normal, below-average new golfer

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

ee times at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course have always been a hot commodity. One trip to the course, and it’s easy to understand why.

The “Muni,” as it’s affectionately known, offers a bit of everything, with several wide-open fairways, hills, valleys and several ocean views that are worth the greens fee alone. Those features—along with that attractively low greens fee of $39 for regular adults on weekdays— made the 92-year-old “Pride of the Pacific” a favorite throughout Orange County, especially for San Clemente residents who get the perk of first dibs on tee times.

“Location, and for the value, the price is not a lot, and it’s a good golf course,” Head Golf Professional Vinnie Poncino said of the Muni’s popularity. “When you look at the cost of San Juan Hills or Talega, I have to argue the course is in better condition and a better value.”

Now, in these high times that golf is experiencing, the Muni isn’t just a hot commodity. It’s the hottest ticket in Orange County golf.

“It’s always been harder to get a time here, but it just seems like we have three or four times more people trying to get those times,” Poncino said.“Then, what we’re seeing is people buying resident cards that don’t play golf but using their friends.”

Poncino said that pre-pandemic, the Muni would host 76,000-80,000 rounds

The San Clemente Municipal Golf Course boasts 92 years of history and a position as one of the hottest tickets in town. It’s competitive to grab the better tee times, but if you’re lucky enough to get one, the ocean views are worth every penny of the greens fee. Photos: Zach Cavanagh

in a year. Last year, the course hosted 89,000 rounds with anywhere from 320360 players every day on the current tee sheets. Looking at tee times on a Monday morning, the course was completely booked for the upcoming Wednesday until 5:30 p.m.

Poncino said the twilight and super twilight rounds are becoming more popular, especially with newer or less experienced golfers. The Muni can play as a long course, as we’ll note in detail later, and those twilight rounds will be shorter, as the course and driving range close at sunset. Those rounds are also more popular because they’re usually the few times that are open.

San Clemente residents and those with resident cards can book tee times up to 10 days in advance, and that’s usually when the prime real estate is snatched up. The rest of the golfing public gets access to the times seven days in advance. Those times go live online at midnight of that 10th or seventh day, so if you’re looking to go to the Muni, you’ve got to be ready to book.

Another way to snag a time at the course is to play as a walk-up single.

There may be a longer wait depending on how the tee sheets lay out for the day, but if you have the time and the desire to play the Muni, it may be the way to go.

So, how did this vaunted and extremely popular course play?

THE ROUND This is an interesting case for the less-experienced/trying-to-improve golfer.

On the scorecard, it was another tough one. I shot a 50-over-par 123, which were worse numbers than last week’s round at Shorecliffs. While the Muni is definitely a tougher course than Shorecliffs—a 121 slope rating on the Muni’s 6,066-yard white tees compared to the 119 slope rating on Shorecliffs’ 5,012-yard white tees—I don’t blame my score purely on a more difficult track.

The Muni certainly throws more at you with its length, some fairway bunkers and undulating terrain that results in more than a handful of uphill shots at the green. However, in some ways, the Muni has several holes that are easier to play than Shorecliffs. The Muni boasts some sprawling fairways on the front nine that are pretty difficult not to hit. The ball won’t roll on these fairways as much, either, but there’s plenty of room to play.

Unfortunately, this week’s score is all on my shoulders, but as I said, it’s also an interesting case.

An important thing for all golfers— rookies and old hands—is consistency and repetition. If you’re going to play this game, you can’t come in and out every couple of months and expect to tear it up. You have to play or practice regularly to maintain your mechanics.

My round at the Muni was my third round in a week, which is more than I’ve

ever played in that time. (My normal routine before this project was usually a round every two weeks, with a driving range session in between.) As a result, I was more confident with my driver than ever before. There were truly only two or three tee shots that I was unhappy with, and only one that was a total shank.

I felt as if I got the mechanics down, and I even felt as if I was able to make slight tweaks over the rounds to increase the distance. I owe that to simply playing a lot recently.

But where there’s the good, there is also the bad, and, friends, my short game was atrocious. My chip shots either didn’t pop up far enough to reach the green or were bladed and sent well past the target. My putts were too hard. My putts were too soft. It was a mess.

Even with that being said, I still felt as if I was able to dial in bits of that short game on the back nine. I navigated the hills better and even hit the hole with a chip on No. 12. Again, that I owe to playing regularly, knowing what these swings are supposed to feel like and having the opportunities to correct them in real time.

My score aside, if you can make your way through the system and get a round at the Muni, I couldn’t recommend it more. Even with my notes on the course’s length, the round still came in at a regular time of just over four hours.

It’s a track that will test you, but every swing will be worth the experience. CD

EDITOR’S NOTE: Find all stories in the “Summer of Golf” series, including last week’s first round at Shorecliffs Golf Club, online each week at thecapistranodispatch.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 8-21, 2022

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