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

An Interview with Local Equestrian Darlene Rudkin

Local resident Darlene Rudkin explains to the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, in her own words, how spending time with horses is “good for the soul.”

“When the pandemic hit, it changed my world, along with everyone else’s. I was informed that my 24-year Nike career has come to a close,” Rudkin said. “The changes the company was making as a result of the pandemic resulted in an elimination of my role. Wow, I thought to myself, what am I going to do now?

“By this time, our daughter had been eventing for about 2 years. I started spending more time around the barn with the horses, as it felt good for my soul,” she continued. “I began taking lessons and learning the core basics of horse care and riding. I was spending four hours a day, five days a week, at the barn, and before long, I had my first lease, Bentley. As my riding improved, my husband secretly worked closely with our trainer, Auburn Excel-Brady, to surprise me with my own horse. By November 2021, Carlo R had become my new partner.

“To write that the barn had provided me with the therapy I needed during a time where I was ‘decompressing’ professionally, is an understatement. Having this space literally saved me. The horses and the time spent at the stables kept me from depression. It also provided me with a purpose and has brought me so much joy. I am now certified to provide equine massage to my furry friends, which also brings me joy to be able to give back to them.

“While I have since found employment, I still make time for horses as a dressage competitor, and I serve as a board member and active volunteer with Surf & Turf Therapy. Founder Dr. Jillian Stewart and I met while I was volunteering at another facility. She and I share a love for horses and the ocean, so it was an instant bond. It was really awesome to watch this manifestation come to life and to be a part of such an amazing organization that is connected to the community and brings wellness to clients looking for alternative therapy that the therapists and volunteers at Surf & Turf provides.

“Just remember, the equestrian community is an inclusive community. If there is interest in getting involved, everyone I have come in contact with is ready, willing and able to assist and connect anyone with the appropriate person to help dreams become reality.”

We appreciate Darlene sharing her story, and if it inspires you, please reach out to your local stables to find out about introductory lessons and programs.

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

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com. Darlene Rudkin recently shared her journey toward renewed purpose with the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition. Photo: Courtesy of the Equestrian Coalition

Letters to The Editor

PARKING IN SJC

BILL STEWART, San Juan Capistrano

Claudette Poole’s recent letter published in The Dispatch pointing out the parking problems in our town should be a wake-up call for all residents of San Juan Capistrano. She is not a resident. We have lived in San Juan Capistrano since I left the Air Force in 1976. Going to town for dinner, shopping or just to walk around was a regular happening. Now, we don’t do that. We all know the problem. Parking is too difficult to make it worthwhile. My wife used to meet her friends in town for lunch. Now, they go to Cheesecake Factory or Sol Agave. Town seems to be for those who arrive by train or tour bus or are willing to walk from remote parking.

Our City Council represents the residents of the town. I have yet to hear any plans to solve the parking and traffic problems that have developed over the last few years. We voted for these City Council members to represent us. What is the plan to return our town to the residents?

I think for the short term, until the problem is fixed, there should be parking spaces reserved for residents. The city should issue parking permits to all residents of San Juan Capistrano for use of those parking spaces and for parking in town without charge. EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was also sent to the City Council.

SMALL-TOWN VIBES

CAROL CHESTEK, San Juan Capistrano

I have been a resident of San Juan Capistrano since 1980. Yes, that is a very long time, and, yes, I have seen many changes. Some I enjoy and some I don’t like, but I realize you can’t please everyone all the time.

I was motivated to write this letter because of the comments made by a candidate for City Council for District 3. I am not in District 3, but if elected, he will serve as a councilmember making decisions for the entire city, so his opinions are important to me.

Specifically, I take issue with his comments regarding “keeping small-town vibes,” “ensuring responsible development,” and “keep(ing) Los Rios Street, Los Rios Street.”

The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful hotel that any city should be proud of, but in my opinion, it doesn’t exude “small-time vibes.”

As to “ensuring responsible development,” I would like to point out that currently the Planning (Commission) has 17 major developments in various stages of approval. One is a four-story parking structure and a two-story building where the Playhouse now sits. I can’t think of anything that would take away more from the charm of Mission San Juan Capistrano, Cedar Creek Inn and the Inn at the Mission hotel than a four-story parking structure.

Additionally, I think it is going to be very difficult to “keep Los Rios Street, Los Rios Street” with the construction of the River Street Marketplace.

This town is being developed into a major tourist destination. Be it the right

CORRECTION: A story about an award on page 8 in the Aug. 26-Sept. 8 issue of The Capistrano Dispatch incorrectly identified who gave and presented the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano an award. The award was given by the 11th Marines Ceremonial Garden Executive Board and presented by David Thomas.

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.

decision or not, let’s be honest and accept the fact that the ship has sailed for keeping San Juan Capistrano a small town.