January 13, 2023

Mayor Howard Hart, seen here at the Northwest Open Space, vows to protect San Juan Capistrano’s natural fields. Photo: Collin Breaux

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SJC Resident Writes Self-Help Book Encouraging Men to Embrace Connections

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Mark Warren was at an event 18 years ago when he was approached by someone asking about his network of friends and how he creates accountability in his life.

That question spurred Warren to get together regularly with a small group of friends for breakfast, where they talk about what’s going on in their lives—the good, bad and ugly.

He calls these gatherings the “Power of 4,” a concept he encourages other men to embrace. Warren, along with friend Steven D. Bagley and writer Michael Ashley, wrote a self-help book about this idea called Power of 4: How Christian Men Create Purposeful Lives By Not Going it Alone.

“The Power of 4 concept is—generally speaking—as men age, they start to lose relationships and friendships. They also lose the opportunity to be vulnerable with others,” said Warren, who lives in San Juan Capistrano and has worked in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. “Because of that, it puts them in the position where they can get stuck and they can’t change, or they don’t have the opportunity for change or growth as they’re aging.”

Warren and his friends modeled their dynamic after Jesus’ group. Though Jesus had 12 disciples, he also had an inner

circle of three other men with him, Warren said.

“What we call it when we’re together is coming ugly. We have this opportunity to just discuss what’s going on in life,” he said. “Because of that, it’s helped us become better husbands, better fathers and better stewards of the community.”

Warren and Bagley began writing the book during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, because they thought about other men who weren’t able to meet then.

“What about other men that made connections that just kind of withered away with COVID?” Warren said. “We just worked on it during the two years of the COVID epidemic and published it (in November of last year).”

Warren and Bagley drew on their own experiences for the guide, because they’ve dealt with divorce, addiction and “other trials of men.”

“Our prayer would be for men to get into groups with other men so they can share what’s going on in their lives in a healthy way on a consistent basis to create deeper relationships and bonds,” Warren said. “Also, because it’s a Power of 4, it gives you a chance to have other men to look at you from different perspectives—how to solve problems and

Proposed South OC Charter School Seeks Approval from OC Board of Education

BY COLLIN BREAUX

After not getting approved by the Capistrano Unified School District, a proposed new charter school in South Orange County named California Republic Leadership Academy is instead looking to get the green light from the Orange County Board of Education.

The OCBE, which hears appeals for charter school petitions, is expected to give a final vote on whether to approve CRLA in February.

Leadership Academy had an appeal hearing before OCBE on Jan. 4.

Proponents behind the charter school—which would have a classical-focused education and require students to wear uniforms—turned to OCBE after

the CUSD Board of Trustees rendered split votes on both approving and denying the charter, which essentially resulted in no definitive action.

Several OCBE trustees announced their support for CRLA during the Jan. 4 hearing.

“How many charter schools have we approved that are doing extremely well? All of them,” Trustee Ken Williams said.

“This is the type of public school that parents want. They want to have leadership. They want to get back to the basics and teach our kids critical thinking skills. That’s what this classical education is going to do.”

Williams also said he disagreed with

identify challenges and blind spots in your life.”

Warren feels such connections are missing for a lot of modern men.

As for his own background, Warren came to California from Baltimore in 1979 for college and started his career in the financial sector afterward. In his spare time, he is one of the lacrosse coaches at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and even helped start the program 22 years ago.

“That’s a real joy for me there, be-

CUSD staff’s earlier assessment of the charter that said the curriculum was unclear and would not be successfully implemented by the school’s operators.

Gary Davis, California Charter Schools Association Vice President of Civic and Political Affairs, and San Clemente parent Kevin Pratt, instrumental figures behind the charter petition, spoke about the school’s aim during the hearing.

CRLA plans to instill an appreciation for America’s national heritage, and foster creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit in students.

“Our goals are to develop thinkers, entrepreneurs, statesmen and stateswomen to lead our community, our state, our nation,” Davis said. “We’re putting our faith in our ability to impact the next generation and get it right. We will teach our scholars how to think, not what to think, in a nonpartisan, nonpolitical way.”

cause I get to speak with high school kids about leadership and character development,” Warren said. “I love that part of my life. Twenty-two years, we’ve impacted a lot of really nice young men and women at St. Margaret’s.”

Like many other South Orange County residents, Warren also enjoys surfing.

“My family and I have been really blessed, and we just want to help other people,” Warren said.

Power of 4 is available for purchase on Amazon.

Cellphones will not be allowed in classes. CRLA will also make use of mentors and community service projects to emphasize servant leadership.

Pratt said their model is based on the John Adams Academy in Northern California and FranklinCovey Leader in Me program. Pratt’s children were previously enrolled in a Texas charter school, which he’s using to pattern CRLA’s rules.

He found no similar options after moving to South Orange County.

“We did a little survey, just through our grassroots efforts, to say if there was a K-12 classical academy, would you be interested in it?” Pratt said. “Ninety-eight percent of the people said definitely or maybe so. Now, of course, that’s biased.

That’s just our own network. That’s not totally representative of the whole area, but it was encouraging.

San Juan Capistrano resident Mark Warren has co-written the advice book Power of 4: How Christian Men Create Purposeful Lives By Not Going it Alone Photo: Collin Breaux

Salaries in Job Postings, Permitting Jaywalking: What to Know About New California Laws in 2023

BY COLLIN BREAUX

A new year is upon us, and so, in California, there is a slate of new laws.

Legislation going into effect for 2023 covers a wide variety of issues, from labor to court trials. Here’s an overview of some legislative changes in the Golden State:

Pay Transparency

Senate Bill 1162 requires an employer to include the pay scale in a job posting if they have 15 or more employees. The bill was introduced by State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) and approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2022. State Assemblymember Cristina Garcia and State Sen. Nancy Skinner are co-authors.

In a news release issued in February 2022, Limón’s office said SB 1162 is intended to “help close the wage gap by requiring the disclosure of salary ranges on all job postings, and to make employer internal promotional opportunities available to current employees.”

Protection Against Liabilities for Abortions

Abortion has been a hot topic of national discussion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. Several state measures are addressing the matter, including Assembly Bill 2223, which prohibits a person from being subject to civil or criminal liability, “or otherwise deprived of their rights,” for an abortion or actions related to pregnancy.

The bill would also authorize anyone whose rights are protected by the Reproductive Privacy Act to take legal action if those rights are interfered with by a statute or other state or local rule.

State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) authored AB 2223.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage in California will increase to $15.50 an hour—a $1.50 increase for employers with 25 or fewer employees, a 50-cent increase for employers with 26 or more employees.

Senate Bill 3, enacted in 2017, sought to gradually increase the minimum wage over the years. The minimum wage was $10 back in 2017.

Jaywalking

If you’re at a crosswalk where no cars are coming and the pedestrian go sign hasn’t signaled, you’re free to cross without a risk of being ticketed.

Assembly Bill 2147 allows pedestrians to go over a crosswalk without being stopped by police or ticketed “unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power.”

AB 2147, also known as the Freedom to

Walk Act, was authored by State Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

“It should not be a criminal offense to safely cross the street. When expensive tickets and unnecessary confrontations with police impact only certain communities, it’s time to reconsider how we use our law enforcement resources and whether our jaywalking laws really do protect pedestrians,” Ting said in a prepared statement.

“Plus,” he continued, “we should be encouraging people to get out of their cars and walk for health and environmental reasons.”

Using Rap Lyrics in Court Trials

Prosecutors may sometimes use lyrics recorded by hip-hop artists in criminal cases against a defendant.

That will be limited in California this year.

Assembly Bill 2799 requires a court, in criminal proceedings, to balance “creative expression” against “the substantial danger of undue prejudice.” In other words, rap songs recorded by a defen-

dant—which may discuss crime—can’t automatically be used against them.

Whether songs or other artistic works would be allowed at trial would be determined beforehand and away from the jury.

State Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer wrote AB 2799. The governor’s office said rappers Tyga, YG, Meek Mill, Too $hort, Killer Mike, E-40 and Ty Dolla Sign partnered with Jones-Sawyer and Newsom on the legislation.

Pink Tax

Women may no longer be charged more for products marketed to them under what’s known as a “pink tax.”

Assembly Bill 1287, introduced by State Assemblymember Bauer Kahan (D-Orinda), intends to prohibit similar items being priced differently based on gender.

“ ‘The ‘pink tax’ is a gender-based penalty that harms women who are already paid less,” Bauer-Kahan said in a prepared statement. “This type of arbitrary gendered pricing has no place in California. It’s long past time to eliminate this type of inequality.”

(Cont. from page 3)

Cary Johnson, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for CUSD, said district staff identified several categories of concern when recommending CUSD trustees not approve the petition.

“One, the petition presents an unsound educational program. Two, the petitioners are demonstrably unlikely to implement the program set forth in the petition,” Johnson said. “Three, the petition does not contain reasonably

comprehensive descriptions with the 15 required charter elements. Four, the charter school is demonstrably unlikely to serve the interests of the entire community in which the school is proposing to locate.”

Johnson said the educational philosophy is “copied” from multiple sources, but the program itself has not been developed into a “coherent” plan specific to CRLA.

“While the petition does include standards and multiple resources, specific curriculum and instructional

designs are missing,” Johnson said. “This is evident in the fact that the curriculum map, by grade level, does not integrate the FranklinCovey curriculum, nor do they include the specific classical literature being taught with the standards and activities.”

An exact location has not been selected for CRLA. Pratt has mentioned looking into using existing campus space at underutilized schools under existing legislation known as Proposition 39. A list of campuses viewed as having low enrollment provided by Pratt included

Marblehead Elementary School in San Clemente.

District officials and staff have said that if Proposition 39 were enacted, the district would need to first do an analysis of available school sites before making any such decision—and that decision would be up to the district.

CRLA’s proposal has drawn backlash from some parents and community members, including in the Marblehead community, because of concerns the new school could take over an existing school’s campus.

A slate of new laws in California for 2023 includes those addressing pay transparency, the price gap in gender-marketed items and jaywalking. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Rainstorm Delays Completion of South OC Train Track Stabilization

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Recent rainfall in California has impacted daily life in the Golden State, as numerous communities have been threatened with flooding and mudslides.

In South Orange County, it’s also slowing down the overall construction schedule of railroad track stabilization in south San Clemente.

A project update given to the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Monday, Jan. 9, said construction is now expected to be complete later than initially expected because of the torrential rain.

“We are losing some time right now due to equipment getting stuck in muddy conditions after the heavy rains last week,” said Jim Beil, executive director for capital programs with OCTA. “We have more significant rain predicted this week, and that may require some dry-out periods, so it’s looking like this will push our critical installation work out into March.”

The OCTA Board of Directors authorized emergency work last fall because of movement on the track, which is near a slope that frequently gets hit by ocean waves. Construction began in November, and it initially was expected to be completed in February.

“The slope in San Clemente has continued to hold up well against the rain and high surf, and work continues

as much as possible through the heavy rains,” OCTA spokesperson Eric Carpenter said in an email. “Monitoring for any track movement is ongoing and around the clock. Substantial work has already been completed on the project, including the installation of the first row of soil nails and tie backs.”

Communication between OCTA and its partners, including the contractor and Metrolink and Amtrak, is ongoing and a decision about when to safely resume passenger service is expected in February, Carpenter said.

“The schedule remains subject to

Capo Unified Trustees Announce Termination of Superintendent’s Contract

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Days before Christmas, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees announced that Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte’s contract would be terminated on Dec. 31.

Trustees voted on the matter during a special closed session meeting on Dec. 21. Board President Krista Castellanos did not give a reason for the termination when announcing the decision following the closed session.

Trustees Gila Jones, Lisa Davis and Judy Bullockus voted against ending Brulte’s employment with the district. Jones and Davis left the meeting after the closed session.

Brulte had been the superintendent since 2014.

In an email sent to CUSD families afterward, Castellanos said the board

voted, 4-3, on the decision to terminate Brulte’s contract.

“It is important to emphasize that the action taken was not for cause, and we wish the Superintendent the best in her future endeavors,” Castellanos said. “The District’s contract with the Superintendent, like most contracts with school district superintendents, contains provisions that allow either party to terminate the contract before it expires, without cause.”

“The contract has included a severance provision since 2014, and counsel for the District and for the Superintendent will be working on an agreement to implement that provision,” Castellanos continued.

As of Jan. 1, Deputy Superintendent Clark Hampton assumed the role of in-

change, depending upon weather conditions,” Carpenter said.

The recent rain has drawn national attention, including from CBS News, which reported that the storms were responsible for at least 14 deaths as of early Tuesday morning, Jan. 10.

“The National Weather Service said rain was expected to continue through Tuesday after dumping up to 14 inches at higher elevations in central and Southern California,” CBS News reported.“After a brief respite, another storm was expected to barrel into the state in a few days, adding to the misery and further saturating areas

already at risk of flooding and debris flows.”

Storms have flooded roads, caused power outages for some people and further contributed to concerns about ongoing coastal erosion and mudslides.

Amid Tuesday’s storm, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple advisories for hazardous weather conditions in San Clemente.

According to OC Public Works, the county was expecting to receive 2-3 inches of rainfall through Tuesday evening.

The NWS said the downpour is the result of an atmospheric river that’s moving slowly southeastward.

terim superintendent while CUSD engages in the recruitment and hiring process for the district’s next chief, Castellanos further said.

“We want to assure our students, employees, and families that this will not affect the extraordinary work of our teachers, classified staff, and administrators who provide an excellent instructional program every day. We will keep our CUSD community informed as we move through this process,” Castellanos said.

Board Vice President Michael Parham said he would not provide any additional information about the rationale behind the decision, because “personnel matters are highly delicate.”

“I look forward to beginning the process to identify a permanent replacement, a process which will include public input and a thorough search to attract the best candidates from around the state,” he said.

Davis said she, Jones and Bullockus voted to keep Brulte on as superintendent.

“She is an excellent superintendent that has led CUSD with strength, integrity and grace,” Davis said. “She has gotten us out of the mess we were in before she came on board.”

Brulte was instrumental in the “safe and early reopening of CUSD schools,” a decision that “reduced the learning loss that all other districts are dealing with today,” Davis further said.

“She stood up for kids, kept CUSD schools open, not forced the vaccine but worked on choice, and protected our district from the influences of neighboring counties,” Davis added.

Trustee Amy Hanacek, who voted to end Brulte’s contract, had no additional information but, as a personal comment, said “it is fairly unique in K-12 (schools) to have a Superintendent serve as long as Kirsten Vital-Brulte has and that I appreciate her service to Capistrano Unified School District.”

Brulte’s salary under her most recent contract, which was due to end on June 30, 2026, was $361,262.

Final touches on emergency train track stabilization in south San Clemente have been pushed back because of recent rainstorms. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

NEWS BITES

CD | Mission Preservation Foundation Board

Adds New Members

Two new members were recently announced for the Mission Preservation Foundation Board of Directors, both used to interacting with the San Juan Capistrano community.

Trevor’s at the Tracks owner Trevor Baird and Providence Mission Hospital Chief Executive Seth R. Teigen are the new members of the board, which oversees maintaining Mission San Juan Capistrano and its place in Orange County.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be considered to join such an esteemed group of professionals who are so deeply invested into the preservation of the Jewel of the Missions,” said Baird, who lives in Laguna Niguel and opened his downtown San Juan restaurant in 2017.

Baird grew up in South Orange County and, like many other locals, visited the Mission when he was younger.

Teigen also lives in Laguna Niguel, has 27-plus years of experience in health care and has spoken at San Juan Capistrano Coffee Chat forums about health aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The history and beauty of the restoration of this site is a reminder to us all what a community can accomplish when they come together around a common cause, and I am excited to continue living out that legacy,” Teigen said.

Mission Preservation Foundation President George O’Connell said the addition of the two “competent and engaged community leaders” will keep the future of the Mission intact.

“I’m grateful that they accepted the invitation and know that they will bring a lot to the table as together we look ahead to casting a wider net of support for the care, preservation and stewardship of Orange County’s only Mission,” O’Connell said. “They are both terrific people and will no doubt bring additional enthusiasm and new insights.”

CD | New Homes for Sale in San Juan Capistrano

Homes began opening for sale this week in Avelina, a new neighborhood near the intersection of Calle Arroyo and Paseo Tirador.

“This new collection of High Performance Homes is perfectly located in an exceptionally popular area of South Orange County, known for its overall quality of life, walkability and historical charm,” said Patrick Higgins, Vice

President of Sales and Marketing for the Southern California Division of Landsea Homes, the homebuilder, in a news release. “Interest for homes at Avelina has been strong since the first announcement, and the area is very popular with new home buyers.”

The community includes 89 townhomes over 1,700 square feet with three to four bedrooms. The price range begins in the high $700,000s.

“All homes at Avelina contain Landsea Homes’ High Performance Home features including smart home automation technology utilized by the Apple HomeKit environment and energy savings to make life at home healthier and more comfortable,” a news release said. “The smart home automation features include an Apple HomePod mini, wireless network internet throughout the home, entry door locks, thermostat control, garage door opener control, light dimmer switches, doorbell camera pre-wire, and white glove service with an individualized training session.”

Homes are also open for sale in neighboring community Petra.

CD | Chris Lane to Perform Country Show at Riding Park in March

Country music will continue to stake its place in San Juan Capistrano this year when Chris Lane performs at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park during the spring.

Lane will perform at The Outpost venue on March 5. Tickets are available at sanjuanoutpost.com.

Lane is known for songs “Big, Big Plans,” “I Don’t Know About You,” and other hit tunes.

General admission tickets are $39.

CD | Investigation Underway for Missing Birds

A San Juan Capistrano woman is missing three birds believed to have been stolen from her business, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has joined the search.

Michelle Martin, who owns the Capistrano Beach pet store Feed Barn, has turned to the public to help her locate

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

City Council

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18

CUSD Board of Trustees

7 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will hold its regular public monthly meeting to discuss and decide on local educational matters. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube for anyone who can’t attend in person. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 19

Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A 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, JAN. 24

Cultural Heritage Commission 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

her trio of birds that went missing from the shop in December.

“It’s been 3 weeks since my store was broken into and my birds were stolen. 3 weeks of wondering if they’re ok,” Martin said in a public social media post.“3 weeks of endless internet searches and friends driving all over Southern California to meet people from craigslist and go to swap meets and bird marts, etc. 3 weeks of calls and emails to police investigators. 3 weeks of following leads that don’t pan out.”

Martin is asking the public to share information and contact OCSD if they know anything.

OCSD spokesperson Sgt. Scott Steinle said the department responded on Dec. 12 to a call of a burglary where birds were allegedly stolen from Feed Barn.

“There is an ongoing investigation into the burglary and the suspects that took the birds,” Steinle said.

Local restaurant owner Trevor Baird has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Mission Preservation Foundation, which advocates for Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy of Karen Reuter Photography

Mayor Howard Hart Aims to Preserve San Juan Capistrano’s Outdoor Areas

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

One thing San Juan Capistrano is known for is the abundance of open outdoor space.

Mayor Howard Hart wants to keep that going in 2023.

Hart recently spoke with The Capistrano Dispatch about what the new year holds in store for the historic town. One of his chief concerns is ensuring the state government does not encroach on the community and build housing in spots where people are used to going for walks or horse rides.

“We kind of got a head start on it in December, when we got a long-term lease for The Ecology Center—a 40-year lease there. A big emphasis is going to be solidifying the future of our open spaces,” Hart said. “That means pursuing and, hopefully, finalizing the extension with the (Rancho Mission Viejo) Riding Park, and I think we’re very close there— probably within a couple of months, hopefully, of doing that.”

Hart is referring to the city negotiating with current operators the Ridland Group to secure a long-term agreement for managing the popular equestrian and event space. City officials opted to begin negotiating with the Ridlands in December 2021. The Riding Park frequently hosts horse riding shows and country music concerts and is also open for people who just want to enjoy a natural area.

“We are also, of course, in an exclusive negotiating agreement with Frontier Real Estate Investments for the Northwest Open Space,” Hart said. “The key there is, really, to preserve our ability to maintain these spaces as they were voted on by the residents of San Juan Capistrano some 30 years ago. The State of California, in their need to address housing, is really taking away the discretionary authorities of local governments to locally zone their own land.”

A proposal previously submitted by Frontier—which is headed up by local developer and resident Dan Almquist— would involve the establishment of what would be called Legacy Ranch, incorporating equestrian and hospitality elements, among other features.

Potential future amenities could include a horse facility with riding arenas and spectator seating, along with an outdoor amphitheater and café. Almquist is partnering with local equestrian Kathy Holman and Trevor’s at the Tracks owner Trevor Baird on the project.

“(Preserving open space) maintains the character of our town,” Hart said. “When most people look at San Juan Capistrano, you look at the ridgelines and open spaces. It keeps us from being wall-to-wall strip malls and condo complexes.”

On a personal level, Hart said he is honored to serve as mayor for the first time. Hart was elected to the City Council in November 2020 and has a military background, as a former Navy captain. He was even at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks.

Hart’s colleagues chose him to be mayor for 2023 this past December. Councilmembers generally serve a rotating one-year term as mayor during their four-year terms on the dais.

“Someday, perhaps, it will settle in,” Hart said. “I had no intention, quite honestly, of getting involved in politics when I retired from the Navy and moved back home. Like many other people, I came into politics because I saw a need for people to get involved, and I was disturbed by some things that I saw that (were) going on with the Council at the time.”

Hart began his local political endeavors on San Juan’s Planning Commission, which advises the City Council on upcoming decisions and issues.

“When you look at San Juan Capistrano, growing up here next door in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano is always unique,” Hart said. “We’ve always had this amazing history as exemplified by the Mission. We’ve had the equestrian component, and we’ve had this unique

downtown that sets us apart from nearby communities. To be the mayor of that, it’s a very humbling experience. It’s like you’re made custodian of a long legacy that you must protect.”

In addressing the criticism from some residents that the City Council’s votes on projects and proposals is overly pro-development, Hart said city officials have to consider the alternatives if they say no. Hart has previously said that if Almquist’s plans for office and retail space at what is now the Camino Real Playhouse property were not approved, high-density housing with no parking might be put there instead, with no local oversight.

“Sometimes, the development we’re approving is a better alternative than what exists, as far as preserving that heritage,” Hart said. “It’s not that I object at all to more housing or to low-income housing and making San Juan Capistrano more affordable. We just need to be able to plan it in a manner where it benefits our community. When you look at how we rezone for (the Regional Housing Needs Assessment required by the state), we’ve been able to do it in a manner that’s less intrusive to our community.”

Another local project on the horizon is the transition to a new City Hall and moving the City Council Chamber to the Community Center. The City Council held its final meeting at City Hall last year, while city services have since transitioned to temporary office space on Rancho Viejo Road. The old City Hall facility will be demolished to make way for a new City

Hall building that will incorporate affordable housing. Construction is anticipated to finish in two or three years.

Hart said mixing in the affordable housing component for homeless people is an example of a solution that works when it comes to addressing housing needs.

Meanwhile, the new City Council Chamber at the Community Center is expected to be complete later this year.

“I’m actually amazed at how well it came out in December, when we moved into the Nydegger Building temporarily for the City Council Chamber, and how well the staff did in creating an atmosphere that worked for our city,” Hart said. “The designs for the new City Hall are certainly impressive, and I look forward to seeing that later this year. I think we’re talking about an October or November time frame (for) opening up the new City Council Chamber.”

The city is further engaged in a longterm street repaving project, which began last year on Camino Capistrano. The next stage of that will see neighborhood streets start to get repaved.

“This is going to be a multi-year project,” Hart said. “It’s not going fast enough for anybody, including me, but I ask for everyone’s patience on that.”

As for the fun part of San Juan, Hart is one of many looking forward to this year’s Swallows Day Parade. The annual festival will take place downtown in late March to celebrate the birds’ annual return and— barring more unforeseen circumstances— should have horses, as usual. Actor Dennis Quaid will serve as the Grand Marshal.

“I’m very excited about that. I know we’ve got a terrific parade planned,” Hart said. “I look forward to, hopefully, getting a selfie with Dennis Quaid. Anyone who grew up in the ’80s remembers him. I can’t wait to be involved with that. I can’t wait to get San Juan Capistrano out and, once again, show it off to the world.”

Skateboarders should also take note: city officials are looking at reintroducing a motion this year for an environmental impact report on San Juan’s long-awaited, first-ever skate park. That project hit a snag last year when former mayor Carolyn Nash filed a lawsuit over environmental concerns about the project.

“We had hoped to do it later this year, but, quite honestly, it was just bandwidth on the staff with the move and so on,” Hart said. “Hopefully, by this time next year, you’ll be talking to the next mayor about moving forward with that.” CD

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart, shown here at the city’s Northwest Open Space, said that 2023 holds plenty in store for the town—including moves to keep its land intact. Photo: Collin Breaux

Rancho Mission Viejo Announces Opening of More Rienda Homes

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

People looking to buy a home in the Rienda development now have more options.

Officials with Rancho Mission Viejo announced on Tuesday, Jan. 10, that the second phase for the new residential community is now open. A total of 279 homes in four new neighborhoods are now eligible to purchase.

Costs for the new homes start at $700,000 to the low $1 millions. The homes range in design, from Progressive Spanish to contemporary, with two and four-bedroom options available.

“Homebuyers will find exceptional, high-quality homes at Dahlia at Rienda, in the renowned master-planned community of Rancho Mission Viejo,” said Richard Douglass, Southern California Division President of Trumark Homes, one of the designers. “Dahlia’s distinct, single-family homes feature spacious two-story floorplans and flex spaces to meet the needs of today’s new home buyer, including an incredible array of resort-style amenities and recreational experiences.”

Some of the homes are reserved for senior citizens—145 of them, to be specific. Those homes are exclusive to what RMV calls its Gavilán collection, which is

tailored to people 55 years of age or older.

Gavilán amenities include clubhouses, pools, and spas. A new amenity opening this spring is called The Perch, which includes a pool, spa, outdoor dining patio, outdoor entertaining room equipped with soft seating and a fireplace, according to a news release.

“We’re very excited to provide more opportunities for homebuyers to own in Rienda and experience the unmatched lifestyle, community connectivity and social vibrancy found on The Ranch,” said Stephanie Walker, vice president of sales and marketing for Rancho Mission Viejo. “Rienda has experienced strong

sales since opening last April, and that demand continues to grow, with especially strong interest in our Gavilán 55+ homes. So far, 19 homes have been sold in this newest phase.”

Rienda’s first phase of 671 homes was reported to be nearly 50% sold out, as of press time. CD

Volunteers Aim to Help Out at Nature Reserve During Service Day

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Martin Luther King Day is often a time for volunteers to help out and give back to their community.

The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is one example of this.

The outdoor preserve hosts an annual MLK Day of Service on the third Monday in January, during which volunteers will help with a variety of projects. This year’s Day of Service will be held

on Jan. 16 from 9-11 a.m.

“They will assist in removing invasive non-native plants like Russian thistle and mustard,” Nature Reserve Executive Director Leeta Latham said. “They’ll also be clearing out trails and teaching areas used during our field trips, day camps, and other events. Additionally, volunteers will be trimming trees and removing brush to help keep a defensible space around the site in the event of a fire.”

Part of what makes Rancho Mission Viejo so special is the beauty of its land and the open space set aside at The Nature Reserve, Latham said.

“There is a ‘culture of care’ on The Ranch, and we are so grateful to the many volunteers who participate every year on this day in order to help preserve this land and take care of it, so that it can be enjoyed by all for years to come,” Latham said.

EVENTS AT THE RANCH

JANUARY 19

COUGAR TALK 7-8:30 p.m. The Nature Reserve Manager Laura Coley Eisenberg will discuss cougar life, their status throughout California, how they shaped The Nature Reserve and more. Cocktails and appetizers will be available. This event is for ages 21 and up. Cost is $20. Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

Rancho Mission Viejo continues to expand its home sale offerings with the second phase of Rienda. Photo: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Recognizing the History of Los Rios Street

When you live in a historic town, every year is significant and an anniversary of some event that took place within the community. The year 2023, though, has a number of major events that happened 40 or more years ago and still impact our community today.

One of the reasons for the incorporation of San Juan Capistrano as an independent city in 1961 was that a number of local residents were concerned about the loss of our local history if San Clemente tried to annex this community.

It took a while, but in 1978, the first Los Rios Street Specific Plan was adopted. Without this plan, the area would have been redeveloped with commercial and industrial uses.

The nomination application to place the historic district area on the National Registry of Historic Places was submitted to the state in 1976 by local historian Ilse Byrnes. Ilse recognized that Los Rios Street, as the oldest residential neighborhood in California, was worth preserving. Los Rios Street was finally placed on the National Registry in 1983. This is the 40th anniversary of historic recognition for Los Rios Street. It is also the purpose of the Cultural Heritage Commission, created by the City Council, to ensure that the architecture and history be protected and preserved.

The buildings within the Historic District span more than 200 years. Built in 1794, the Montanez, Silvas and Rios adobes, three of the original adobes from the Mission era, are on the street. The Rios Adobe has the additional distinction of being the oldest house in California with the same family living in it. Ten generations of Rioses have resided in the adobe. The first Rios was a lieutenant attached to the Mission.

Native Americans built both the Rios and Montanez houses. Polonia Montanez was the first recorded deed holder of the adobe in 1850. She was midwife in the village and in charge of children’s religious education when no priest was at the Mission. The city acquired the property in the 1970s and began restoration in 1980.

Single-wall construction of wooden frame houses from the late 1800s and early 20th century vernacular and

craftsman-style homes adorn the street. Some of the homes have been moved into or adjacent to the Historic District, but the majority of the homes are original to the area.

The Los Rios Historic District is a unique area in the busy downtown of San Juan Capistrano. The residential neighborhood enjoys specialty shops and restaurants.

The Historical Society, Friends of the Library and the Blas Aguilar Adobe offer tours through the historic area. For further information, contact their web pages.

Spend a “Moment in Time” and stroll down Los Rios Street and enjoy the ambience and the history that San Juan Capistrano has experienced for more

than 200 years and 40 years of recognition on the National Registry of Historic Places. CD

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 Capistrano 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.

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

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MOMENTS IN TIME BY JAN SIEGEL

The Montanez Adobe is one of the notable historic structures on Los Rios Street, a road famed for its picturesque charm and longevity. Photo: File/Allison Jarrell

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Editor’s Pick

AT THE MOVIES

Top 10 Movies of 2022

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

What started out as a decent year for new films, including Jeff Tremaine’s Jackass Forever and the Daniels’ Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, ended on a disappointing note with the likes of A.G. Iñárritu’s Bardo and Damien Chazelle’s Babylon

1950s-1960s set drama starring Paul Dano and Michelle Williams, while Montana Story is more straightforward about two siblings (Owen Teague and Haley Lu Richardson) reconnecting after years apart. Both are executed successfully and do the most with modest productions.

FRIDAY | 13

SHOWOFF! PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse’s annual showcase for playwrights returns. There will be various 10-minute plays from different playwrights covering numerous genres—and the audience gets to vote for the winner. The festival runs through Jan. 15. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Bobby Gray and Fuel singer Brett Scallions will perform live. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SATURDAY | 14

CAMPESINO BRUNCH 10 a.m.-noon. The Ecology Center is providing a preview of its upcoming café menu. The sneak peek will include a four-course, family-style meal. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 11 a.m. 3 Mile Radius will perform live. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SUNDAY | 15

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S 6-9 p.m. Tricia Freeman will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo

SATURDAY | 21

STAND-UP

COMEDY NIGHT

7:30 p.m. Have some laughs during this stand-up comedy event. San Juan Capistrano community fixture Jim Taylor will perform, along with Daniel Eachus, Eddie Jarvis and Rachel Burch. Tickets are $21.50 for a table seat or $19.50 for the mezzanine section. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

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

WEDNESDAY | 18

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETWEAVING DEMONSTRATION 10 a.m.-noon. Want to learn how local Indigenous people craft a basket? On the third Wednesday of the month, local Native American representatives Teeter Marie Olivares Romero, Ellen Sue Olivares, Susie Fimbres, and Wanda Jo Gennaro will demonstrate the craft. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge when it comes to music, movies and other subjects. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

FRIDAY | 20

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

But, like most of the time, there are still plenty of recent flicks to recommend and watch, from indie dramas to character studies to horror films to crime thrillers. Something I quickly noticed this year was how many solid family films came out in 2022.

This is a genre that has left my radar over the years, but within the past 12 months, I came to fall in love with Céline Sciamma’s Petite Maman and Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun, both about little girls (Joséphine Sanz and Frankie Corio) coming to terms with their distant parents (Nina Meurisse in Petite Maman and Paul Mescal in Aftersun).

The film community seems to be currently interested in telling dysfunctional family tales through the eyes of the child rather than the grown-up, to a refreshing welcome from viewers. Along with Dean Fleischer-Camp’s charming Marcel the Shell with Shoes On for the animated output, we have some quality choices for adults and older kids who enjoy indies.

For more family stories that aren’t strictly focused on children, Scott McGeHee and David Siegel’s Montana Story and Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans touch on more serious subjects such as affairs, divorce, death and abuse.

The Fabelmans has Spielberg’s usual whimsy and optimism through the retro,

Also on the smaller production scale, John Patton Ford’s Emily the Criminal was a pleasant surprise for crime drama fans wanting to see a feature through the eyes of a woman (Aubrey Plaza) who gets involved with underground fraud and scamming.

Another critical hit with a complicated female lead, Todd Field’s Tár, was not only the return of an acclaimed writer-director and Cate Blanchett’s most recent praised performance, it offered a new perspective on celebrities, privilege and “cancel culture.”

If you were looking for some “back to basics,” yet solid horror this year, there are Ti West’s X—an homage to both 1970s slashers and porno origins—and Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey, a prequel to the popular Predator franchise.

Mia Goth and Amber Midthunder lead the smaller-scale spooky period pieces impressively, with both films rejuvenating their genre and series, in Prey’s case.

And to conclude my top 10 of 2022, Graham Moore’s crime drama The Outfit was a good example of how to shoot a “play on screen,” with only two or three rooms and about five actors. Mark Rylance and Johnny Flynn deliver per usual, while Dylan O’Brien and Zoey Deutch debut their effective chemistry.

I’m not sure if 2022 will go down as a stellar year in cinema history, but it’s one that left me thinking, “Eh, not bad.” CD

SATURDAY | 21

HORSE SHOW AT THE RIDING PARK

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out the equestrian event happening in one of San Juan Capistrano’s premier open space destinations. The No Show is a chance for young horses or riders to get experience and for the public to watch them perform.

Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. 949.371.6158. theridingpark.com.

MONDAY | 23

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County

Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels.

31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

TUESDAY | 24

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6-8 p.m. Come test your knowledge about different subjects during this trivia night held every Tuesday. The Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, 27122 Paseo Espada, Suite 904, San Juan Capistrano. 949.652.3379. thedogpawrk.beer.

Local comedian Jim Taylor and other stand-up comics will perform sets at Camino Real Playhouse this month. Photo: Courtesy of Jim Taylor

‘You Look Like My Neighbor’

Just before Christmas—50 days after my partner, Greta, passed away—I knew I needed to start getting out of the house and exercising. It was a beautiful, sunny day, so I decided to take a walk in my Monarch Beach neighborhood.

I came upon a woman who was walking her dog. I had seen her walk past my house several times, and we had chatted briefly, but never formally introduced ourselves. The last time I had seen her, I mentioned that Greta was ill.

She was always friendly. I was aware that she was married to Jim, whose home-improvement company had installed two windows in Greta’s San Clemente home several years before.

She said, “Hi, I’m Lilly. How is your wife?”

I mustered the courage to tell her that Greta had passed away on Oct. 29. Lilly was shocked, and gracious, and expressed her condolences. We talked for six minutes. She touched my hand and told me how sorry she was, which lifted my spirits.

I didn’t mention to Lilly that while Greta and I had been together for 25 years, we weren’t married. It wasn’t important information.

The next day, I decided to venture out again. I was in the bread aisle of the Capistrano Beach Costco. I noticed a woman walking in the same aisle. She looked like Lilly.

I said, “You look like my neighbor.” She said, “You look like my neighbor. Where do you live?”

“In Monarch Beach,” I replied.

“Me, also,” she said. And then she smiled and quickly added, “Oh, my gosh, I’m Lilly, you’re Tom; we talked yesterday. You probably didn’t recognize me without my dog.” We had a big laugh over her comment.

Then, Lilly said, “Do you like chili?”

“Yes,” I answered, “I love chili.”

She said, “I made chili last night. We have leftovers. We’ll drop some off later.”

In the checkout lines, we waved and held up identical sourdough bread packages that each of us had selected in the bread aisle. Friendly neighbors think alike, I thought.

A short while after unloading the groceries from my car, I heard a knock

on the front door. I opened it. Standing there, with a bowl of chili in his hands, was Jim, Lilly’s husband. I invited him in.

I said, “How long have you and Lilly been together?”

“Seventeen years.”

“How did you two meet?”

“Online,” Jim replied. “She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

BY TOM BLAKE

Having noticed that Lilly has a warm and friendly accent, I said, “Where is she from?”

“Costa Rica,” Jim said.

I showed Jim a copy of the How 50 Couples Found Love After 50 book that I published in 2009 and said, “Darn, had I known you two then, I would have included your story in the book.”

Jim smiled and said, “We wouldn’t have qualified. I was 43 when I met her. She was younger.”

I added, “You are right. You two were too young for the book. But it still goes to show that internet dating can bring people together, regardless of age, and even when they grew up thousands of miles apart.”

I signed a book with these words: “To Jim, Lilly and the Puppy Dog.” And handed it to Jim.

Moral of today’s story: When you’re out and about, be friendly, and talk to people. Jim and Lilly live 60 yards away from me. And now, I have two new friends.

Plus, Lilly’s chili was unbelievably delicious. And best of all, Jim said, “Lilly makes chili often. We’ll bring you more.”

I said, “Promise?”

“Each time,” he said. CD

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.

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.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts the outskirts of San Juan Capistrano in 1921.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

This pretty girl is Florence, a mild-mannered kitten with so much love to give. A tad shy with strangers, Florence quickly warms up once she gets to know you and really enjoys the company of other cats. Only 7 months old, she would make a great companion kitty in a quiet home. Could she be the one for you?

If you are interested in adopting Florence, 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. CD

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

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

Photo: Courtesy of OC Archive

ON LIFE AND LOVE

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Florence

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

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

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

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

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104

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

SAN JUAN PREPS ROUNDUP

BY C. ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

San Juan Hills Girls Basketball Building Momentum, Wins League Opener

The path to a second straight South Coast League championship started out on a strong note for the San Juan Hills girls basketball team, as the Stallions continue to showcase their depth in readying for a playoff run.

San Juan Hills dominated Tesoro in a 21-point win, 69-48, to open the South Coast League at home on Tuesday, Jan. 10. San Juan Hills (17-3, 1-0) next played at Aliso Niguel (5-12) on Thursday, Jan. 12, but results were not available at press time.

The Stallions had five players reach double figures against Tesoro (14-7, 0-1), with junior Aryanna Hudson pacing San Juan Hills with 17 points and a teamhigh seven assists. Amanda Edwards, a senior, was sharp from deep, hitting four of nine 3-pointers. Lily Sisson, another senior, put up 13 points.

Two Stallions also put together double-doubles, with sophomore Anna Shreeve scoring 11 points with 10 rebounds and senior Kylie Ward scoring 10 points with 11 rebounds. Sydney Peterson, a junior, led San Juan Hills with 14 rebounds. Shreeve also compiled a team-high four steals and a block.

San Juan Hills, ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 2AA, gets back to South Coast League play against Trabuco Hills on Thursday, Jan. 19, and plays at San Clemente, No. 4 in Division 2AA, on Saturday, Jan. 21.

San Juan Hills Boys Basketball

arrival.

San Juan Hills rolled over San Clemente, 72-48, on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 11, to win its South Coast League opener and snap a three-game losing streak against San Clemente (6-14, 0-1). It was also just the second win the past 11 games against the Tritons dating to 2012.

Sophomore Mason Hodges led the way for the Stallions (12-7, 1-0) with 15 points, and sophomore Adam Aziz was right behind with 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Nathan Brosch, a junior, also reached double figures with 11 points.

San Juan Hills takes on a huge challenge against Mater Dei, ranked No. 7 in CIF-SS Division 1, on Saturday, Jan. 14, before coming back to league play at home against Capistrano Valley, ranked No. 12 in CIF-SS Division 2AA, on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

JSerra Boys Basketball Drops First Three Trinity League Games

After a strong nonconference start for the JSerra boys basketball team, the Lions have been grounded early in Trinity League play.

JSerra has lost four games in a row, including its first three games of Trinity League play, with the latest loss on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at St. John Bosco, 6354. The Lions lost their opener at home against Mater Dei, 66-52, and then at Santa Margarita, 56-42.

Sebastian Rancik and Aidan Fowler have continued to pace JSerra on the scoresheet. Fowler scored 19 points against Mater Dei and 18 points against St. John Bosco. Rancik, who played for Slovakia in the European U18 Championships last summer, scored 11 against Mater Dei and 13 against Santa Margarita.

The Trinity League remains one of the toughest leagues in the state, with four teams ranked in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 poll. St. John Bosco is No. 6, Mater Dei is No. 7, Santa Margarita is No. 10, and JSerra is No. 15. All four teams are also on the CIF-SS Open Division watchlist.

tive CIF-SS Division 1 & 2 combined polls.

The JSerra boys have responded to a Trinity League-opening loss in a huge way. The Lions dropped a tight opener at home to Mater Dei, 1-0, then proceeded to dominate their next two opponents on the road by a combined 9-0 margin.

with a home draw against Mater Dei, 1-1, and followed up with a 1-0 loss at Santa Margarita. The Lions hosted Rosary on Thursday, Jan. 12, but results were not available at press time.

Freshman Peyton Marinos has been electric for the Lions with a team-high eight goals in nine games and three assists. JSerra has outscored its opponents by a combined 25-9 margin.

JSerra next plays at Orange Lutheran on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and then at Mater Dei on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Roundup

Dominates League

Opener over San Clemente

After back-to-back Sea View League championships, the first titles in program history, and its first CIF-SS championship, the San Juan Hills boys basketball team played its first-ever game in the South Coast League this week, and the Stallions loudly announced their

JSerra (13-6, 0-3) looks to get back on track at home against Servite on Friday, Jan. 13, and then plays at Orange Lutheran on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The Lions start their second run through the Trinity League on Friday, Jan. 20, at Mater Dei.

JSerra Soccer Teams Both Ranked No. 3 in Division 1

The entire soccer program at JSerra is back to its top form.

Both the Lions boys and girls soccer teams are ranked No. 3 in their respec-

JSerra (7-1, 2-1) beat Santa Margarita, 4-0, with two goals from sophomore Jake Tatch and a goal each from junior Noah Parks and senior Nathan Aquino. The Lions then beat St. John Bosco, 5-0, with two goals from Gavin Allegaert and a goal apiece from Tatch, Parks and sophomore Brody Martinez. TJ Esseily, a senior, and junior Noah Nesson combined for the shutouts in both games.

Parks and Tatch are tied for the team lead with five goals each. There have been 12 different goal scorers for JSerra this season, as the Lions have outscored their opponents by a combined 25-3 margin.

The JSerra boys continue at home against Servite on Friday, Jan. 13. The Lions play at Mater Dei on Friday, Jan. 20.

The JSerra girls have had a highly competitive start to their Trinity League schedule, but the Lions are looking for their first win since Dec. 19.

JSerra (8-1-3, 0-1-1) opened league play

San Juan Hills girls soccer (9-0-3, 1-0) remains unbeaten after its league-opening win over Tesoro, 4-0. The Stallions are ranked No. 8 in the combined CIF-SS Division 1 & 2 poll and next play at San Clemente on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

JSerra girls water polo (13-2, 0-1) is ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 3. The Lions have outscored their opponents by a combined 233-67 margin. The Lions next host Santa Margarita on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

St. Margaret’s boys basketball (14-4, 6-0) is ranked No. 7 in CIF-SS Division 4AA, and Tartans girls basketball (15-5, 4-1) is ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 5AA. CD

San Juan Hills girls basketball dominated its league opener over Tesoro, 69-48, on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The Stallions are ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 2AA. Photo: Courtesy of David Gangloff