July 22, 2022

JULY 22-AUGUST 11, 2022 | VOLUME 20, ISSUE 14

INSIDE: Guest Opinion: A Fossil Fuel-Free World SOAPBOX/PAGE 10

Summer of Golf:Talega Golf Club

SPORTS/PAGE 18

Local Cornerstones San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Awards Honor Man, Woman of the Year E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

State Sen. Patricia Bates highlights some of local developer Dan Almquist’s contributions to San Juan Capistrano during the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation and Awards Banquet on July 14. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

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Skatepark Construction Hits Snag Due to Lawsuit

Rancho Mission Viejo Prepares for More New Homes

Editor’s Pick: Outdoor Theater at Los Rios Park

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON RMV/PAGE 8

GETTING OUT/PAGE 13

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Chamber Awards Recognize Community Pillars

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

San Juan Capistrano’s finest community members and organizations were honored on July 14 as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation and Awards Banquet, where the 2022-2023 Board of Directors was also installed.

Kathy Hooper had the honor of presenting the Woman of the Year award to one of her best friends in Cindy Russell, as well as presenting the Man of the Year award to local developer Dan Almquist.

“There are organizations in San Juan, too many to mention, that would not be able to function without her,” Hooper said of Russell. “She loves what she does, and she takes great pride in her numerous gifts.”

Russell, a San Juan Capistrano resident who has worked for the city in numerous important roles since 1986, has long been known for her accomplishments and presence at community events.

Hooper further spoke of her friend’s kindness and consistency in getting the job done behind the scenes—qualities that helped Russell be nominated multi-

ple times for the award in previous years.

Almquist, an executive with Frontier Real Estate Investments, was recognized for his recent activity around the city in attempting to expand San Juan’s economic and equestrian successes.

In February, he held a groundbreaking ceremony for the incoming commercial village known as the River Street Marketplace, near the Los Rios Historic District.

He has also spearheaded the redesign of the Capistrano Plaza, which he owns, and has been active in proposing the establishment of a horse facility, riding arenas, and a cattlemen’s club at the Northwest Open Space, among other competitors.

“He is listening to the needs and wants of our community and feels very, very strongly that your word is your bond,” Hooper said. “His goal is to create special places that resonate with his neighbors and visitors alike to ultimately foster togetherness and continue to build a true community.”

Additionally, Almquist is involved with organizations that assist teenage mothers and seek to find homes for foster children. Hooper described Almquist as committed to honoring the city’s history and working to shape a positive future.

Assemblymember Laurie Davies gave a speech to recognize Russell, and State Sen. Pat Bates honored Almquist’s accomplishment with a California Senate

State Sen. Patricia Bates presents Project 3R founder Ryan Hickman with the 36th Senatorial District Nonprofit of the Year award during the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation and Awards dinner on July 14. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

City Undertakes Additional Bureaucratic Steps on Skatepark Project Due to Lawsuit

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The scheduled opening of San Juan Capistrano’s first-ever skatepark this year has hit a snag.

Due to a lawsuit filed against the project, the City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday, July 19, to proceed with extra regulatory steps so the park’s construction and opening can move forward as, in the words of City Manager Assistant Matisse Reischl, “the most defensible project possible.”

The council voted to rescind prior approvals of the skatepark and to also conduct an environmental impact report regarding the project, as recommended

by City Manager Ben Siegel. Regulatory steps additionally recommended by Sigel and approved by councilmembers included amending the Kinoshita Farm The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

Specific Plan allowing the park project— measures that are essentially similar to the prior approvals.

What is called a mitigated negative declaration was also previously prepared for the project, which “found that the skatepark project would not result in any significant environmental impacts with the implementation of mitigation measures,” said Reischl. The city will now undertake an additional environmental impact report (EIR) after the lawsuit filed toward the end of April by Preserve Our Farm SJC, a local community group comprised of former Mayor Carolyn Nash and other unidentified members.

Preserve Our Farm SJC alleges the city did not conduct a proper environmental review and does not have legal authoriPage 3

resolution.

Bates later named Project 3R, an organization Ryan Hickman founded that is dedicated to environmental education, as the 36th Senatorial District Nonprofit of the Year.

After developing an interest in recycling at an early age, Hickman has grown to lead beach cleanup events across Orange County and emphasize the importance of recycling to adults and all with whom he interacts.

“Ryan is responsible for recycling over 1.5 million cans and bottles,” Bates said.

“He has been recognized nationally and globally for his recycling efforts.”

Additional residents and local businesses were also recognized during the awards ceremony, including Susie Wernet as Ambassador of the Year, and the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which received the Business of the Year award.

For the Chamber’s Nonprofit of the Year, that honor went to the Fiesta Association, and the Rancho Capistrano Winery garnered the CEO President’s Award of Excellence.

zation of the development of Kinoshita Farm, “contrary to voter-imposed restrictions on such development and the funds used to acquire the site,” a court filing for the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit was filed after the City Council’s prior approval of rezoning to facilitate the skatepark, which was expected to be built near The Ecology Center.

A design for the skatepark has already been settled on with Grindline Skateparks, a Seattle-based company.

“The EIR would study the current design prepared by Grindline,” Reischl said.

“Staff is not recommending re-initiating the design process.”

The city will set up a professional services agreement with third-party environmental consultant Dudek in order to get the EIR going. The contract will not exceed $75,000.

Next steps for the project include going before the Planning Commission

for review, and then back to the City Council for final approval. It is estimated that process will take nine to 12 months.

Construction was previously expected to begin this summer.

The skatepark project will be on a oneacre site, include a restroom and play structure for children, and be accessible to skaters of various skill levels.

Some members of the local community have spoken in favor of the skatepark finally being built after learning about the delay, including San Juan resident Anthony Thomas.

“Skateboard camp is one of the only activities parents have for their children in terms of structured participation at an early age,” Thomas, who has two young children, said in an email sent to the city before the meeting. “Nearly every activity, including most arts and crafts programs, have an age restriction of 5 years and older. It is crucial for my (Cont. on page 5) thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

The current City Hall facility on Paseo Adelanto will be demolished and a new facility will go up in the same spot. Photo: File

Council Approves Further Regulatory Steps for New City Hall, Affordable Housing Facility Within the next two years, City Council meetings are expected to move to the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, and a new City Hall facility will take the place of the current one on Paseo Adelanto.

The City Council approved regulatory steps on Tuesday, July 19, so plans for the new facility—which will incorporate some affordable housing on the same site—can continue to move forward.

The project has been discussed and gone through various bureaucratic approvals this year.

City staff and officials are scheduled to vacate the current City Hall site toward the end of this year, and the new City Hall facility is expected to be completed by fall of 2024. City Council chambers will move to the Community Center at 25925 Camino Del Avion, by Kinoshita Elementary School.

“It’s anticipated that if we vacate this

property in December, we would have a new Council chamber in summer of 2023,” said Charlie View, project manager for the new City Hall project. “It would include new technology in terms of audio/visual. This (current) facility is pretty limited in terms of what it can do.”

Another issue with the current City Hall site is sometimes crowds for Council meetings can’t fit into the chamber, View said.

“The Community Center is a much larger facility,” View said.

In the interim during construction, city staff will work out of a temporary site at 30448 Rancho Viejo Road.

As for the affordable housing component, that will comprise 50 units—one of which will be for the housing manager. The spaces are intended for at-risk populations, including people who have struggled with homelessness and sub-

stance abuse. Some of the units will be set aside for military veterans. Jamboree Housing Corporation, which handles housing throughout Southern California, will oversee the housing element. “(The affordable housing) addresses what is considered a significant at-need and at-risk population, including folks who are coming off the street, folks who have other supportive needs,” View said.

“One of the key terms is supportive housing. There’s services available, and Jamboree Housing provides on-site services, along with the county.”

Mayor Pro Tem Howard Hart—a retired Navy captain—asked for some housing to be set aside for veterans after visiting a Jamboree Housing site in Santa Ana. The current City Hall facility—which has been around since 1970 and considered temporary ever since—will be demolished. The new proposed City Hall facility is 16,338 square feet.

“A couple of highlights compared to our current City Hall facility: there’s a much more significant plaza area. It’s anticipated

(Cont. from page 3) children to have access to activities and safe participation with others at an early age.”

Thomas further said his family wants to have as many safe activities as possible and safe areas “especially” for the youth.

For at least a decade, numerous San Juan residents have voiced support for the town building a skatepark.

Mayor Derek Reeve said the city is committed to having a skatepark.

“I know people are disappointed that we’re not having the construction already take place, within this past month or so. This is a very popular item, and the City Council chose to do what’s called a mitigative negative declaration, as opposed to a full EIR,” Reeve said. “This is very bureaucratic talk, but it’s done commonly. There were no negative environmental impacts, and there was no opposition expressed to a skatepark.”

“Unfortunately, at the last minute,

we had a former councilmember and allegedly others—for their own reasons that I won’t speculate on—file a lawsuit,” Reeve continued. “Really, what we’re doing today is taking the prudent action to go back and take the full EIR out for the best interests for the residents and taxpayers. They will be evaluating both this site and other sites, and then we’ll be back here in about nine to 12 months to address that and move forward with the skatepark somewhere.”

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

Page 5

there’ll be a flag in that location,” View said.“There’s two conference rooms that will serve both staff, as well as commissions and committees when there’s a smaller meeting that doesn’t necessarily need the large community room.”

Funding for the housing project will come from a variety of sources, including the county, the city’s housing in-lieu fee fund, and the Orange County Housing Fund Trust, according to an agenda report. The total expected cost for construction of the new City Hall building is approximately $10.2 million, with $8.7 million coming from proceeds of the sale of an existing City Hall site portion to Jamboree Housing.

Councilmember Troy Bourne said he loved the overall project.

“I’m tremendously proud of this project,” Councilmember John Taylor said. “What a monumental difference it’s going to make in our community. It just has so many great aspects to it—a new City Hall, after all these years, without any debt. Forty-nine units for people having trouble.”

The new City Hall will be one that “benefits our city,” Hart said.

“We’ll finally have a building that will inspire civic pride—not only in our residents, but also those that have to work here, day in and day out,” Councilmember Sergio Farias said. “It’s really depressing that we’ve been here for this long. For those that have to serve their communities as a councilmember and mayor, it’s really sad when you go through this building and doors don’t close right.”

“My reaction seeing City Hall for the first time wasn’t something that inspired pride in my city. I think everyone’s reaction since then has been very similar.

They’ve had much more colorful comments,” Farias continued. “I don’t think my mother had ever been here until I got elected. Her reaction wasn’t a positive one. I look forward to either stepping down in the new City Hall or being sworn in in the new City Hall. Whichever it is, I’ll be proud to be in the new facility—whatever the circumstances.”

Nash, who served as mayor in 1995, wrote an editorial published in The Capistrano Dispatch in March 2020 expressing opposition to development of the property. The residents of San Juan Capistrano own the farm, because residents voted in 1990 to give the city $21 million of their property taxes over 20 years to buy the Kinoshita Farm—and, thus, the city is “supposed to be caretaker of the Farm and preserve it permanently for all of us and for future generations,” Nash wrote then.

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, JULY 26

COMPILED BY STAFF

Cultural Heritage Commission 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

CD | Rotary Club of San Juan

Capistrano Recognized as Best in Regional District The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano was recently honored as the best rotary club in Rotary International’s District 5320, which covers all of Orange County and parts of Los Angeles County.

The criteria for the annual ranking among the 48 clubs include projects that improve the human condition based on humanitarian, intercultural and educational projects, a news release said.

The award was announced at the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano’s meeting grounds by Rotary District 5320 Governor Cisca Stellhorn.

“The San Juan club does it all and always in a big way,” Stellhorn said. “And, boy, do they have fun.”

The club’s activities over the past year included car shows, sponsoring the Festival of the Butterflies, giving Christmas gifts to children and donating Thanksgiving meals to families.

“The Rotarians built a house for a family in Mexico, donated 200 pairs of shoes and provided a dental and vision clinic,” the news release said.“They supported middle school students in running the L.A. Marathon and provided over 20 scholarships. On Swallows Day, they served breakfasts to Fiesta Association workers and Camp Pendleton Marines, donated $40,000 to Ukraine Aid and much more.”

CD | Public Welcome to Play

Piano in Front of Camino Real Playhouse If you’ve been in downtown San Juan Capistrano lately, you might have noticed a colorful piano in front of Camino Real Playhouse—on El Camino Real, of course.

Turns out, whoever wants to sit down and play it can do so. In fact, that’s the whole idea behind why it’s in such an accessible location.

“The piano is one I donated to the Playhouse many years ago. We use it regularly for the melodrama and periodically for other events,” said Tom Scott, Camino Real Playhouse founder and president emeritus. “It was a standard brown color and someone decided to liven it up with the blue and white paint! The sole purpose of setting it outside during the beautiful San Juan summer is to make it available for anyone to play.”

“Some folks will come by with friends, and we’ve even had some group singalongs, and some cast members from musicals sing their songs,” Scott added.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

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 27

Jerry Neve (left), past president of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, accepts an award for best rotary club in the regional district from Rotary District 5320 Governor Cisca Stellhorn. Photo: Courtesy of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano

“It’s just for fun.”

received scores below benchmark, but above the threshold for intensive support.

Students who receive core support are hitting at or above the DIBELS benchmarks.

By the end of this past school year, there were 425 fifth-grade students who needed intensive support, Executive Director Meg Ervais explained.

“This information will be utilized immediately to position students for intervention and support classes in middle school and tutorial support within the first weeks of school,” Ervais said.

Fifth-graders’ formative testing data will now be in the hands of their sixthgrade teachers for the first time ever, Merwin explained.

According to the 2021-22 data, from sixth to eighth grade in both math and literacy assessments, the number of students placing early-on-grade level or mid- or above-grade level grew from fall to spring semester, while the number of students placing below-grade level decreased.

“It is now visually clear that students are making progress across grade levels and subjects,” Ervais said. “However, while significant progress was made, there is a clear need to continue to improve our systems of support for our students who are not yet working at grade level.”

According to Ervais, students who completed testing at home performed better across the grades and subjects.

This year, all testing was done at the school site, Ervais said.

For middle school, the number of students earning D and F grades decreased each quarter from the 2020-21 school year to the 2021-22 school year.

Similarly, the number of F grades for

CD | CUSD’s Formative

Assessment Data Shows Positive Trends in Academic Performance Fewer students at Capistrano Unified School District schools required intensive and strategic support during the 20212022 school year, according to formative assessment data that district officials presented to the Board of Trustees last week.

The report, which also found that there was a decrease in the number of students receiving D and F grades, was based on the first full year of CUSD’s academic plan, referred to as the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)—an academic plan to provide support to students struggling to meet certain benchmarks.

Across kindergarten through fifthgrade levels, the number of students requiring intensive and strategic support decreased from the beginning of the school year to the end of the year, while the number of students requiring only core support grew throughout the year.

“This is a snapshot,” Associate Superintendent Dr. Gregory Merwin said. “Our elementary teachers are using more than this … to assess our students’ progress, but for us to get a snapshot districtwide, this assessment allows us to do that.”

Intensive support is meant to address K-5 students with scores well below early literacy benchmarks based on DIBELS, or Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. Students requiring strategic support Page 6

Community Meeting with Assemblymember Davies 8:30 a.m. State Assemblymember Laurie Davies invites constituents to come out and chat over coffee. Discuss matters and legislation in the 73rd District. Délice Breton, 31451 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 103, San Juan Capistrano. ad73.asmrc.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 29

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, AUG. 2

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, AUG. 12

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

high schoolers decreased between the two school years; however, the district saw a slight increase in the number of students receiving D grades.

Preliminary state standardized test scores are coming in; however, final test scores will not be available until the late summer or early fall. CUSD staff will be back to present the Board of Trustees with the final test scores once the data is available and will share how the state testing results are correlating with the district’s formative assessment results.

Staff will also return next February for a mid-year update on the academic data.

—Breeana Greenberg thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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EYE ON RMV

Rancho Mission Viejo Prepares for Even More New Homes

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

fficials with Rancho Mission Viejo—an unincorporated community in South Orange County—recently announced that three neighborhood builders will facilitate the construction of 279 homes for the next phase of development in the Village of Rienda.

Lennar, Tri Pointe Homes and Trumark Homes will oversee the building of four new neighborhoods: Botanica, Dahlia, Haven and Pearl. Botanica and Dahlia will feature two-story, single-family homes, while Haven and Pearl will offer single-story and two-story homes for people 55 years of age and older.

“Due to the huge demand for homes at the Village of Rienda, we have accelerated our building plans and are very excited to announce the neighborhood builders for our next phase,” said Paul Johnson, executive vice president of community development for RMV. “Our first phase, which opened in April, is selling at a fast rate, and interest remains very strong. Homebuyers are eagerly responding to the opportunity to buy in this new village and experience the unmatched quality of life found at The Ranch, and our next phase will help meet that demand.”

Homes in the next phase will mimic progressive Spanish, farmhouse and contemporary designs with a variety of floorplans ranging from one bedroom to four bedrooms and one to three bathrooms, said Stephanie Walker, vice president of marketing for RMV. Haven and Pearl will be under RMV’s Gavilán brand, which is tailored toward the 55-and-over crowd.

“Gavilán residents enjoy the perfect balance of entertainment and privacy with Gavilán-exclusive amenities and programs that are open only to those who reside in The Ranch’s 55+ neighborhoods,” Walker said in an email. “However, Gavilán residents also have access to all amenities throughout The Ranch, including clubhouses, pools, spas, parks and open-air retreats, and an extensive list of programs and events.”

The Perch—a new amenity in Rienda exclusively for Gavilán residents—will include a pool, spa, outdoor dining patio and an outdoor open-air entertaining room.

“The community’s remarkable location, in addition to bright, open

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

EVENTS AT THE RANCH

JULY 25

Nature Art Activities 10-11 a.m. Bring the kids so they can make their own outdoors-inspired craft pieces. Natural and recycled materials will be available for budding young artists to use. No reservation is required, and walk-ins are welcome.

The event is also self-guided, though attendees are asked to arrive within a half-hour of the start time. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Ladera Ranch Library, 29551 Sienna Parkway. thenaturereserve.org.

JULY 30

Saturday Morning Hike 7:30-9:30 a.m. Enjoy an early weekend hike at The Nature Reserve. The 3.5mile loop walk will go through Gato Road to Middle Ridge. Cost is $5 for children ages 10-17, $10 for adults and free for Reserve supporters. Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

AUG. 6

The Village of Rienda in Rancho Mission Viejo is expected to offer more homes for sale this year, some of which will be exclusively for people 55 years of age and older. Photos: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo

floorplans, thoughtful design details and a focus on sustainability, make for a winning combination to meet the needs of the most discerning 55+ homebuyer,” said Lennar California Coastal Division President Jeremy Parness.

Walker further addressed specific details when it comes to ongoing Rienda home sales.

“Sales have begun for the first phase of the Village of Rienda, and, so far, 179 homes have been sold, with first moveins expected this month,” Walker said.

“The first phase will include a total of 671 homes in seven neighborhoods.”

When asked about criticism from some South Orange County residents

that RMV contributes to excessive local development and traffic congestion, Walker said transportation and traffic planning are an integral part of the community design process in order to support community and resident needs and minimize impact.

“During the master planning process, we conducted a comprehensive traffic study to ensure roadways would support the new neighborhoods in Rienda,” Walker said.

As for the upcoming new homes, Richard Douglass—Southern California Division President for Trumark Homes—said Dahlia will be Trumark’s first neighborhood in RMV. Page 8

Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Come enjoy the farmers market held at The Pavilion (2 Tierno Road) on the first Saturday of every month. There will be vendors, food and sometimes live music. The event is hosted by the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce. Playtime for kids is available inside The Pavilion Gym during the event. Follow the Farmers Market on The Ranch page on Instagram for updates and more information. laderaranchochamber.org.

“We are excited to offer homebuyers this distinct collection of high-quality, single-family homes featuring spacious two-story floorplans and flex spaces, integrating the amenities and flexibility homebuyers value most,” Douglass said.

Prospective new homebuyers thinking about moving into RMV can join the community’s interest list at ranchomissionviejo.com/homes.

Sales for the 279 new homes are expected to begin in late 2022, according to Walker. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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SOAPBOX

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith

Photo:Courtesy of Jan Antonin Kolar/Unsplash

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate

Education by Karl Reitz

A Fossil Fuel-Free World

F

ossil fuels have transformed the lives of humans since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

They have given us incredible mobility, technological achievements, comfortable homes and products from around the world.

We have become so used to their benefits that it is hard to imagine being without them.

However, there will come a time when humanity will have to do without fossil fuels.

There is a reason fossil fuels are often called non-renewables. Their supply is limited. How humanity deals with the end of fossil fuels leads to drastically different The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

futures. Do we use them up until they are gone, or do we leave substantial reserves in the ground?

Humans could decide that we should use fossil fuels until the day when the cost of retrieving them is larger than the CITIZENS’ CLIMATE profit that would be EDUCATION derived from their

BY KARL REITZ sale. Unfortunately, the result would be a huge increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and a dramatic increase in global temperatures.

Some estimates of the increase range as high as 20ºC. If this were to happen, most glaciers would melt, the sea level would rise by hundreds of feet, much of the Earth would be unlivable, and a large proportion of the planet’s species would go extinct.

We can only imagine a world in which humanity transitions away from fossil fuels as soon as possible.

It would be a world in which the air we breathe is free of pollutants, the noise of combustion engines is gone, cities are walkable and resemble forests with trees everywhere, and public trans-

portation is clean and easy to use.

Imagine a world where energy is plentiful and its price independent of events halfway around the world. A world where communities everywhere control their own energy sources instead of being held hostage by corrupt corporations and countries.

Imagine an energy supply that will last as long as the sun shines and the wind blows.

Which scenario would you prefer for your children and grandchildren? I believe that most of us would choose the second. It will take effort and commitment, since powerful forces benefit from the status quo.

Our forefathers and mothers had a vision of democracy and freedom that has now spread around the world. I am confident that we will again take a stand for a better world.

Karl Reitz, PH.D., is an environmental science educator, a member of the South Orange County Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Education/Lobby, and a retired professor of social sciences from Chapman University. 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.

Page 10

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

AT THE MOVIES

‘Thor: Love & Thunder’ Not So Thunderous

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

Enjoy free entertainment this weekend when the Round About Players stage a short historical play at Los Rios Park on Saturday. Photo: Collin Breaux

SATURDAY | 23 OUTDOOR THEATER AT LOS RIOS PARK 2 and 3 p.m. Take a trip back in time when the Round About Players present 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.

Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

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

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 | 22 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 The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ROOFTOP 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a night of outdoor entertainment at one of San Juan Capistrano’s newest restaurants. Kim Johnson will perform. Get ready to order some food and drinks and enjoy the patio view of downtown San Juan. The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar, 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 301, San Juan Capistrano. 949.503.3358. rooftopoc.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 11 a.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, food and a close view of downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Orange County-based duo 3 Mile Radius will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. Vinyl Vault will perform.

Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

SATURDAY | 23 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

HORSE SHOW AT THE RIDING PARK 4 p.m. Check out equestrian show jumping during the Summer Festival Grand Prix. The event will be family-friendly, with free admission and parking. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic bites to eat, though there will also be food available for purchase. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. theridingpark.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 San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. Whiskey Ridge Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

(Cont. on page 14)

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aika Waititi’s Thor: Love & Thunder almost works as a cautionary tale for what happens when you buy into your own hype as an artist.

The writer-director’s brand of wacky humor seemed to work for his previous Marvel sequel Thor: Ragnarok (2017), based on the solid critic and audience reception.

What happened to make Love & Thunder not only one of Waititi’s lowest-scored films on Rotten Tomatoes, but also one of Marvel’s?

The title, Thor: Love & Thunder, already sounds like a cheeky play on an episode of a 1980s morning cartoon. The use of classic rock music for the soundtrack, as is the case with many MCU movies, also fits.

Based off the cast—from Thor regulars such as Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder himself; Natalie Portman as his on-again/offagain flame Jane Foster; Tessa Thompson as soldier-turned-New Asgard leader Valkyrie; and Waititi as sidekick Korg, who is mostly CGI comic relief; to Christian Bale and Russell Crowe joining as two latest big names to appear in an MCU flick—Love & Thunder should make for decent entertainment.

Even so, the underwhelming posts and tweets continue this week on social media.

Well, here’s my take. Picture the familiar cliché of the hotshot quarterback who wins the big game at the end of the school year and is going steady with the prom queen to his prom king. You know, the one in which said big shot peaks in high school and never fully recovers or moves on?

That’s Thor in Love & Thunder. He helped save the universe with the Avengers and is now just coasting along defeating local threats and dangers. The Guardians of the Galaxy are even dodging his contributions to the superhero team, and he’s still pining over Jane, who is seemingly occupied with her huge success as a scientist and author.

This new portrayal of Thor is lovingly played for laughs at the hero’s expense, but I actually found it mostly cringeworthy and missing the mark.

Portman and Thompson are awesome as Jane and Val ready to kick butt, yet are sidelined often for the male lead.

Crowe has an amusing cameo as Zeus, though one has to wonder what accent he was going for during that sequence, while most of Bale’s screen time is wasted as a knockoff of Harry Potter’s Voldemort.

Some parts of Love & Thunder showed potential, such as a scene in “The Shadow Realm” where the film suddenly turns to black-and-white.

But as of July 2022, I would officially rather watch completely fresh, original stories or my favorite movies again over anything new in the MCU. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

(Cont. from page 13)

SUNDAY | 24 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 5 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Dance band Sound Cake will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

WEDNESDAY | 27 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.

THURSDAY | 28 BIG KAHUNA KARAOKE 8-11 p.m. Paddy’s Station hosts a karaoke 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

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

OUTDOOR THEATER AT THE MISSION 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and light jacket for this nighttime staging of Million Dollar Quartet by South Coast Repertory. The performance depicts a historical jam session between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in 1956. Tickets can be purchased online. Performances run through Aug. 21. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 714.708.5555. scr.org.

Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

FRIDAY | 29 ‘FRI-YAY FUN’ WOOD WORKSHOP 6-9 p.m. Spend a Friday night crafting a unique item to call your own. Customize a wood sign, bath tray, photo frame, or other item during this hands-on workshop. Registration can be done beforehand online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

SUNDAY | 31

SATURDAY | 30 BARKS & BREWS 2-5 p.m. The dog rescue nonprofit Heer to Rescue will be at the Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, with a few dogs available for adoption. Heer to Rescue will also have a table set up at the venue.

Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs to the event, and 10% of beer sales will go toward rescue efforts. A food truck is scheduled to arrive at 4 p.m. if you get hungry. Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, 27122 Paseo Espada, Suite 904, San Juan Capistrano. heertorescue.org.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Ukulele performer Taimane will perform.

Tickets are $32.50. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SATURDAY | 06 FESTIVAL OF BUTTERFLIES 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens will host the 4th annual Festival of the Butterflies. There will be a kids

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parade, butterfly headpiece contest and more fun activities to celebrate nature, gardening and the outdoors. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. goinnative.net.

TUESDAY | 09 MISSION CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring the kids to Mission San Juan Capistrano for hands-on, fun educational activities in the Mission Clubhouse space. Youngsters can weave baskets, build structural arches with miniature blocks, and engage in more Mission-themed tasks. Clubhouse events are scheduled every day from Tuesday through Sunday. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.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. The event is fun for kids and families, and is scheduled every day from Tuesday through Sunday. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

thecapistranodispatch.com

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. GARAGE SALE - JULY 23 & 24 Saturday, July 23, 9:00–2:00 and Sunday, July 24, 9-Noon. 121 East El Portal North Beach. Coastal Decor and More: Classic to Kitschy-tableware, vintage pottery, art, yard art, furniture- tropical style desk, outdoor furniture, shells, and the usual misc. household stuff. Please no early birds!

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 San Juan Capistrano + the Rancho Mission Viejo area?

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Call Debra at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

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

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SJC LIVING

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

No. 32—Was It a Senior Moment?

J

eff Freeman sells high-quality bed sheets at the Saturday La Plaza Dana Point Farmers Market.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jeff’s E-Z UP booth is near The Hat Man’s booth, where Vince “The Hat Man” and his partner, Julie, sell their custom-designed hats. I’ve known Vince for 32 years. He and Julie are friends of mine.

I visit Julie and Vince for a few minutes almost every Saturday morning at the market. In doing so, Jeff and I have also become friends. He’s a sports buff and loves to chat about the latest news in the sports world.

A week ago, shortly after I arrived at the market, I heard Jeff say, “Hey, Tom, you’re wearing Magic’s number.”

I had no idea of what the heck Jeff was talking about.

He said, “Step over here and turn around.” I reluctantly did.

Then he said, “Look at the back of your cargo shorts.” I looked behind me. I was embarrassed, horrified and thought, “Is old age catching up to me?”

On my spanking-new navy blue cargo shorts, there was a vertical yellow strip with several 32s running down the back (32 was Magic Johnson’s number with the Los Angeles Lakers).

I quickly reflected on where I had been before coming to the market that morning. Oh, no! I had been at Ralphs, the Costco gas station, and at Baby Beach.

I wondered how many people had seen that strip of 32s on my shorts and had thought, “Look at that old guy; he has no idea those numbers are on his rear. He forgot to take the size-32 tag off after he purchased them.”

Had Greta seen me leaving the house with that strip on my shorts, she would have stopped me.

I removed the yellow strip and thanked Jeff profusely for helping me avoid further embarrassment.

So, what was the deal? A few days before, I had purchased the pair of cargo shorts from Costco. All the shorts on the sales table had colored tags running down the back. I had considered grabbing a size 34, but I remembered that most of the shorts in my closet were size 34, just too darn large for me now that I’ve lost weight and need a size 32.

Since selling Tutor & Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli in 2015, I was no longer The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

eating Italian subs with tasty cold cuts and cheese; I’ve slowly shed about 20 pounds in seven years.

I thought about Magic Johnson. He came into the deli several times. Greta and I became friends with him.

ON LIFE AND LOVE A few months

BY TOM BLAKE after first meeting Magic in 2009, I was invited to be a speaker at the AARP National Convention in Las Vegas. So, Greta and I were there. Plus, because I was a newspaper columnist, Greta and I were given press badges that gave us entry into all AARP events.

And Magic was a speaker at the same convention. Before his speech, Magic appeared at a press conference, which Greta and I attended along with 22 other members of the press.

Magic had no idea that I was anything other than the owner of Tutor and Spunky’s. At the press conference, Magic started to answer questions from reporters, and then he spotted Greta and me in the front row. I could tell he was puzzled why two deli owners would be sitting there. He nodded to us. Then, he raised his hands as if to call a timeout in basketball.

Magic said to the press corps: “See those two people in the front row?

They make the best sandwiches west of the Mississippi.”

I have never seen a press corps so confused. I’m certain they were wondering, “What the heck is Magic talking about?”

After the press conference, I explained to Magic that I was a columnist. He, Greta, and I had a good laugh.

So, here it was, 13 years later, and I was at the Dana Point Farmers Market, wearing Magic’s No. 32—but not for long. Thanks, Jeff Freeman, for erasing the senior moment.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Photo: Courtesy of Harley Lobo

This photo depicts Filomena Rios in San Juan Capistrano. The year is 1909.

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.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Mary

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

This pretty kitty is Mary, a 5-year-old sweetie just looking for her purrfect match. Apart from her silky grey fur, she has a winning personality and is quite friendly and attentive. There’s just something about Mary; once you meet her, you’re sure to fall in love.

If you are interested in adopting Mary, please visit petprojectfoundation.org 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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR SOLUTION:

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.

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SUMMER OF GOLF

Talega Golf Club Provides Great Golf, Lacks Extra Value 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.

Talega Golf Club does provide a pleasurable golf experience from its rolling fairways into the canyons of San Clemente to the joy of simply driving the cart around the course, but does the rest of the experience provide enough value for the price? Photos: Zach Cavanagh

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he course at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente has so much going for it.

The Fred Couples “signature” championship course is one of the best tracks to play in all of Orange County with its acres of rolling fairways leading back into the canyons of San Clemente. There truly isn’t a bad hole in the bunch, as even the holes a below-average golfer would call “bad” offer unique designs and challenges.

The greens are soft as pool-table felt.

The fairways offer plenty of run for a rolling ball—a great help to the below-average player. The water features are picturesque and stunningly designed.

The hazards of the water, sand bunkers or out of bounds areas aren’t all that intrusive, which all in all makes for quite the pleasurable round.

Adding to the pleasure, it might just be the best driving course in South Orange County. Not driving as in hitting out of the tee box. Driving as in driving the golf cart.

That’s not to be silly, either. Talega features the smoothest cartpath-to-fairway and fairway-to-cartpath transitions The Capistrano Dispatch July 22-August 11, 2022

out of any of the courses played so far, and the sometimes-lengthy journeys between holes along the winding paths that traverse the canyons provide a certain bit of joy. That’s not to be minimized, considering how much time is spent in the cart in any given round.

Speaking of the cart, while it is a fairly regular cart, each comes equipped with a GPS navigator that is able to give all the major yardage markers to help your round, as well as track your drive distance, keep tabs on pace of play and provide warnings when the group ahead is lingering in a blind spot. Each cart also has its own side cooler, which is helpfully filled with ice ahead of each round.

Now, while this Summer of Golf series has been mostly positive or at the very least understanding of some circumstances, there are some things at Talega Golf Club that diminished the experience, despite the great play of the actual course.

When it comes to amenities for the golfers, the navigation system and iced cooler on the cart are sort of where they start and stop. For this round, there was a stop at the Signature Grill deli window, but in order to keep up with the pace of play,

there was no food purchase made. There was also no beverage cart for this 7:20 a.m. Tuesday morning round, no bag drop despite the sign for it, and while there is a detached driving range, it is a drive away from the clubhouse, and it wasn’t open yet for that time in the morning.

That comes back to a question posed in earlier installments of this series: Is the course worth its value?

Weekday morning rounds at Talega are $105, with cheaper fees in the afternoon and much cheaper fees in the twilight rounds. Morning tee times for this Friday are $120, and morning and early afternoon tee times for Saturday and Sunday are $135.

Was the experience worth that value?

While the golf itself was wonderful, I don’t know if the full experience works up to that value.

Maybe it was just my one-day experience. Readers may notice there are no comments from course management in this story, as there were in others, but efforts were made to get in contact.

The cashier at the pro shop mentioned the course was a bit understaffed, and maybe that points to the experience

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or why I couldn’t connect with course management.

Beyond all that, how does this well-maintained canyon course play?

The Round Progress has been made, dear readers.

My round at Talega Golf Club was my best scored round in my short history of playing golf. From the 6,187-yard, par-72 white tees, I shot a 33-over-par 105. My previous best was a 107 at Oso Creek Golf Course in Mission Viejo in November; however, that was a round of 47-over-par on a 3,670-yard par-60.

There were two huge factors for me here.

First, my intermediate game came to play. As noted before, I don’t have the biggest swinging driver of the bunch, and while it’s certainly become a more consistent and reliable swing, it still doesn’t go so far. On longer holes, the strokes add up when you’re topping 4-irons 25 yards at a pop. I found a groove with my 3-wood, which allowed me to make up quite a bit of ground.

Second, my short game became acceptable. I don’t even want to say “decent,” because there were certainly missteps. However, my mentality about it became better. I took a “nice and easy” approach to chipping, which didn’t always work out, but I wasn’t hopping back and forth over the green. Then, on the green, I tallied only four 3-putts with an extremely consistent run of 2-putts, even while adjusting to the quickness of the wet morning greens and the slower rolls of the soft daytime greens.

It’s those little things that add up to shave strokes off your score and salvage bad holes in other spots.

For example, I had only one true “blow-up” score, which came on No. 13.

It’s a monstrous 597-yard, par-5 with a split fairway. It was just a long, long, long hole, where I lost my ball and 3-putted on the soft green for a quintuple-bogey—a 10. However, my two pars of the round on No. 12 and No. 14, sandwiched around the bad hole on No. 13, limited the damage overall.

Overall, outside of No. 13, the rest of the holes were a pleasure to play. The challenges were fun, not frustrating. The back nine, in particular, provides those challenges, but even something like aiming blindly over the trees on No. 15 and toward a 100-foot flag marking the landing zone was a thrill.

Moral of the story: keep swinging away.

Keep fine-tuning that game. Keep playing.

Eventually, certain things lock into place, or at the very least, you get lucky, which is better than being good, honestly. CD EDITOR’S NOTE: San Juan Capistrano’s public course, San Juan Hills Golf Club, is next week’s entry in the Summer of Golf.

All previous installments and next week’s San Juan Hills round can be found online at thecapistranodispatch.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 22–August 11, 2022

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