January 14, 2022

JANUARY 14-27, 2022 | VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

INSIDE: Local Author Recounts Childhood Experiences During World War II

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Volunteers Spend MLK Service Day at The Nature Reserve

EYE ON RMV/PAGE 7

Looking Ahead Mayor Derek Reeve Vows Community Celebrations Will Return in 2022 E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Derek Reeve is looking forward to the return of the Swallows Day Parade in March and other regular local events this year. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

thecapistranodispatch.com

New Concert to Kick Off Swallows Parade Weekend

Playwriting Festival at Camino Real Playhouse

Siegel: Historic Walking Tours Are Back

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

GETTING OUT/PAGE 11

SJC LIVING/PAGE 12

The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

proposal. What that exact development would be is currently undetermined.

A traffic analysis impact report prepared for the City of San Juan Capistrano said there would be a minimal traffic impact from the new restaurant. Wilhelm said they must trust the science of the report.

Residents were at the meeting to voice their opinions on the project. Former Mayor Mark Nielsen said a previous City Council rejected a proposed In-N-Out location, and nothing has fundamentally changed since then. The safest action city officials can take on a discretionary use matter is to say no, Nielsen said.

“The traffic impact is huge, as anyone can see if they spend five minutes at any of the other local In-N-Outs. To impose this burden on the citizens might be argued if there was a huge financial benefit to the city, such as hundreds of thousands of dollars of your tax revenue,” Nielsen said. “Unfortunately, the sales tax will only result in a paltry $30,000 to $40,000 of revenue, assuming the store averages at least $3 million in annual sales as other stores.”

However, other residents—such as Joanne Marquez—support the new restaurant. In-N-Out Burger is a good company that has good food, helps young employees go to school, and also assists in the fight against human trafficking, Marquez said.

“I think the traffic has been dealt with.

I’m not worried about it,” Marquez said.

“The world was supposed to come to an end when Chick-fil-A opened. We live just (near) there. We’re in and out of Target and Chick-fil-A and DeNault’s a lot. I don’t think traffic there has been anywhere near what we were told it was going to be.”

Gaffney said San Juan Capistrano is

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Planning Commission Recommends City Council Reject In-N-Out Proposal

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Due to concerns with some of the project details, the San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission issued a recommendation that the City Council not approve conditional and discretionary use permits for a proposed new In-N-Out Burger drivethrough location on Del Obispo Street.

If the City Council abides, that effectively means the fast food company cannot build a restaurant with a drivethrough lane at the site of the current Marie Callender’s building.

The Planning Commission voted, 4-1, against the permit proposal during a meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12. Planning Chair Harrison Taylor, Vice Chair Tami Wilhelm, and Commissioners Stan Braden and Darren Fancher voted yes on recommending the permits not be allowed. Commissioner Matt Gaffney was the sole no vote.

Some commissioners—particularly Wilhelm—raised concerns over landscaping and schematic issues in In-NOut’s plan outline, as well as proposed tree removals. Wilhelm said she was unable to approve a plan that was not easy to navigate or one that couldn’t be

seamlessly presented to the City Council.

“I feel the design, as proposed, does not comply with the design parameters of the Town Center Edge District,” Braden said.

The proposed new restaurant has received significant backlash from some in the community due to an expected traffic increase for Del Obispo Street and nearby intersections, which can already see afternoon bottlenecks. Other objections raised in the community include the increasing presence of fast food restaurants in the area, which some feel detracts from the town’s quaint vibe.

“I’m concerned about the traffic. I’m concerned about the phase 2—what that would be,” Taylor said. “I’m concerned about (traffic) backing up onto Del Obispo. I’m concerned about the other businesses, the patrons that would be trying to get into the other businesses on Del Obispo, trying to make a left and battling for a spot in that left-turn lane.”

The phase 2 referenced by Taylor is an area at the northeast corner of the property that would be set aside for further commercial development under the

Local Author Draws on World War II Experiences for Tell-All Book

BY COLLIN BREAUX

San Juan Capistrano-based author Sally Anne Grillo Artese was living in Europe as a child when World War II broke out— memories she drew on for her self-published book The Letters, documenting the era and the twists her life took since then.

Her mother, an American, and father, a Frenchman, met in Paris before the war began. They fell in love, married, and began a family. Little did they know they would soon be on the run, as mortar fire broke out during the global conflict.

“They found themselves refugees with a family,” Artese said.

The family—which included Artese and her siblings—kept trying to find a safe place, including southern France.

Needless to say, it was difficult for the adults to raise a family, let alone survive.

They eventually moved to the Alps, The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

where they had a farm with sheep. Her mother learned to spin wool and knit, while her father educated himself on farming.

Artese’s book is based on journals her mother kept while the family strived to stay alive during the calamity.

“It’s really a chronicle of average citizens rising to the challenge of survival, in a tough way,” Artese said.

Eventually, the family made their way to the United States, which is chronicled in the latter half of The Letters. As Artese puts it, that’s where more personal history comes in after the war ended. Her father was an architect and eventually became a professor at the University of Notre Dame.

In 1952, her mother discovered her father was gay. Her father lost his job and moved back to France. Artese never saw

Sally Anne Grillo Artese’s experiences abroad during World War II and eventual journey to the U.S. forms the basis of her personal nonfiction book The Letters.

Photo: Collin Breaux

him again, and part of The Letters is about her attempt to reconnect with him.

Artese said her father was hard to pin down, while her mother wanted to establish roots.

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the halfway point for people going from Los Angeles to San Diego, and that a majority of people stopping at the proposed location would be coming off the freeway and eating there. Families visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano don’t have many nearby food options that are “economically feasible,” he further said.

“I don’t think this is going to be much of an issue at all,” Gaffney said. “The traffic study says it’s going to work. I’ve sat on this (Planning) Commission—I did this—with Costco. I did it with Chickfil-A. Everything was the end of the world, and it never is.”

Cassie Ruiz, the applicant for the new location on behalf of In-N-Out Burger, said the city will get a refurbished building if their new restaurant is allowed.

“This property has fallen into a state of disrepair and deferred maintenance over the years. We will bring a well-designed (and) completely new development using high-quality building materials, energy-efficient mechanical equipment, brand-new surface pavement, and updated water quality treatment,” Ruiz said. “Sales-tax revenue will help fund much-needed services.”

Wilhelm said the Planning Commission is not unfriendly to business, and willing to work with In-N-Out provided they make necessary changes to the location’s details.

The new restaurant has come before local government boards due to the proposed drive-through lane, which requires conditional and discretionary use permits. A mere sit-down restaurant with no drive-through lane could be built at the Del Obispo site without City Council approval.

“What is his secret life all about?” Artese said. “I had to write the book. I had to get it out my system.”

While spending time in France was “quite an adventure,” Artese grew up being “very, very American.”

“We didn’t understand any of what was going on or why things were the way they were,” Artese said of how she and her siblings processed growing up during wartime.

Artese eventually made her way to California, first in Laguna Beach and for a second time now in San Juan Capistrano by way of Seattle. She lives in San Juan with her second husband, whom she has been married to for 40 years.

Her younger brother assisted with getting the book published, and the people who have read The Letters have reportedly enjoyed it.

The Letters is available for purchase on Amazon and via other online book retailers.

“I’ve been stewing about this for 10 years,” Artese said. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett Announces Run for 49th District Seat

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Orange County Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett recently announced her candidacy to represent California’s newly drawn 49th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Bartlett will run as a Republican against incumbent Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat, as well as against fellow Republicans Brian Maryott—the previous district challenger and former San Juan Capistrano councilmember—and Christopher Rodriguez.

Bartlett serves as a supervisor for the county’s Fifth District, which encompasses Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and other cities south of Irvine, and has been on the board since 2014.

“Never in my lifetime can I remember a point where Congress was this far out of touch with the everyday experience of working-class Americans and families,” Bartlett said in her announcement. “Much like California, our country is headed in the wrong direction and in desperate need of new and common-sense leadership.”

“At a time when families are struggling to pay for gas, put food on the table, and deal with the cost of inflation, Mike Levin is literally cheering on tril-

lions of dollars in government spending, much of which is for pet projects,” Bartlett added, referring to Levin’s support of the Build Back Better Act, a $2 trillion bill that passed the House in November and awaits a Senate vote.

Bartlett pledged to focus on the issues of quality of life, the economy, education, and public safety.

“This great country has given me everything, and I will do everything I can in return to help get us back on track,” she said.

In addition to her role on the OC Board of Supervisors, Bartlett has been publicly active in the area over the past 30 years. She served two terms as Dana Point’s mayor in 2009 and 2014, which came during her time on the City Council from 2006 to 2014.

She is also on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Transportation Authority, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Transportation Corridor Agencies, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, according to her campaign website.

According to the FEC, Levin has raised more than $1.44 million in campaign contributions. Maryott has raised $852,135.74 toward his war chest.

New Year Brings New Laws

fornians, including new tools to boost our housing supply, improve workplace conditions and build a stronger state,” Newsom said in a press release.

In response to the pandemic, Newsom signed a bill that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and vaccines. This bill would also apply to future diseases that prompt a declaration of a public health emergency by the governor of California.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits insurance providers from placing the cost of testing and immunizations on its members. The bill would apply retroactively, beginning on March 4, 2020, when Newsom declared a state of emergency.

“I am signing Senate Bill 510 to ensure Californians have timely and equitable access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations,” Newsom stated in an October press release when signing the bill.“This bill will ensure uniformity in testing payment and access rules throughout the state.”

Another pandemic-related measure will ensure that Californians can continue to cast their vote by mail—a method deployed statewide following a May 2020 executive order, which required election officials to send vote-by-mail ballots to

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

New state laws impacting health care, voting, affordable housing and other issues were among the 770 new state laws to take effect in the new year.

With the pandemic remaining an ongoing issue, the California State Legislature focused on measures to address COVID-19 and health care issues.

Housing affordability, another ongoing issue, was at the forefront of the bills that lawmakers passed and subsequently enacted by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In a late December press release, Newsom highlighted some of the new laws taking effect this year that he said “make meaningful progress on an array of issues that matter deeply to Californians across the state.” He also thanked the state senators and assemblymembers for their work in the 2021 legislative session.

“I thank Pro Tem (Toni) Atkins and Speaker (Anthony) Rendon for their leadership in advancing historic measures to improve the lives of CaliThe Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, pictured here waving to the crowd during a Swallows Day Parade in 2019, announced on Dec. 30 that she will challenge incumbent Rep. Mike Levin for California’s 49th Congressional District seat. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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Christopher Rodriguez, a Marine Corps veteran and Oceanside councilmember, has raised $475,842.44 for his congressional campaign.

Levin won his reelection bid for the 49th District by just over 24,000 votes in November 2020, earning a 53.1% majority against Maryott’s 46.9%.

Bartlett will join a crowded field of challengers, but she received a vote of

confidence from her finance chairman, Steve Craig.

“Lisa Bartlett’s experience, leadership skills, and values will make her a great representative on behalf of Californians,” Craig said. “Lisa is the right person, at the right time, to help bring the change so desperately needed in Congress, and I am very proud to support her.”

all registered California voters for the General Election.

With Assembly Bill 37, vote-by-mail is here to stay in California. The bill calls for all active, registered voters to receive a vote-by-mail ballot ahead of elections.

The minimum wage in California saw another increase on Jan 1. Minimum-wage workers employed by large companies in California will see an increase in their hourly rate from $14 to $15. The minimum hourly wage for those at workplaces employing 25 people or fewer also saw an increase from $13 to $14.

The incremental increase in California’s minimum wage comes as a result of Senate Bill 3, passed in 2016, which committed to raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022 for large businesses and by 2023 for small businesses.

The California Legislature also passed several bills to address housing affordability in the state. Senate Bill 8 extends the provisions of the 2019 Housing Crisis Act, many of which were set to expire in 2025, until 2030.

According to a press release from the office of the governor, the bill aims “to

accelerate the approval process for housing projects and curtail local governments’ ability to downzone, among other provisions.”

Two other housing-related measures that Newsom signed include Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 10. SB 9 creates a process to allow homeowners to build a duplex or split their lot in a residentially zoned area. Under SB 10, city or county governments could adopt an ordinance before Jan. 1, 2029 to zone any parcel for up to 10 residential units near transit-reach areas or urban infill sites.

The sculpture of Junipero Serra on State Capitol grounds may be replaced by a monument to the California Native people of Sacramento. Assembly Bill 338 authorizes tribal nations in Sacramento to plan, construct and maintain a monument on State Capitol grounds, replacing the sculpture of Junipero Serra.

Plans for the monument will need to be submitted for review and approval by the Joint Rules Committee.

Assembly Bill 855 removes Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, as a judicial holiday. Instead, “Native American Day” on the fourth Friday in September will be designated as a judicial holiday. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Juliet Patino will work with local businesses to enhance their support of Mission San Juan Capistrano as the Mission’s new corporate giving officer. Photo: Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

CD | Swallows Parade

Kick-Off Concert to Feature Country Artist Walker Hayes The annual Swallows Day Parade is on tap to return in March—and with it, a new concert to kick off that weekend’s festivities in San Juan Capistrano.

The musical event will be held the day before the parade on Friday, March 11, at The OutPost venue in the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. Country artist Walker Hayes is the headliner.

Hayes’ songs have racked up millions of listens on Spotify and other platforms, including his hit “Fancy Like.”

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting on Friday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m., and can be purchased at sanjuanoutpost.com or eventbrite.com.

General admission tickets are $39 and limited-capacity “Golden Circle” tickets are $55.

A portion of all ticket proceeds will go to support the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, a nonprofit that organizes the parade and related events.

CD | Mission Aims to Increase

Local Stewardship Through New Corporate Giving Officer In order to facilitate increased stewardship and care for the landmark site from the local business community, Mission San Juan Capistrano has hired a corporate giving officer—a new position for the historic location.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

Juliet Patino will serve in the role and comes to the Mission with an extensive background in the nonprofit sector, which she has worked in with various programs and fundraising efforts for the past 14 years.

Patino was recently the corporate relations manager at Orangewood Foundation, where she helped to increase philanthropic efforts with corporations and individuals supporting the county’s foster and community youth, a news release said.

“Businesses are home to wonderful and caring individuals who want connection to their passion, and they are using their voices, time, and commitment to enrich their community for all to enjoy,” Patino stated in the news release.

“Building the bridge to bring corporations, individuals and nonprofits together is my passion.”

Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said she was drawn to Patino because of her “ ‘all-in’ attitude for working collaboratively with business owners” and focus on “finding new ways to ensure mutual success.”

“I am looking forward to working with her closely to ensure the Mission’s continued success and mutually beneficial partnerships with area businesses,” Adams said.

Patino lives in South Orange County with her husband and two daughters.

no person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.

Those who are exempt from wearing a mask include: persons younger than 2 years old; persons who have a medical condition, mental health condition, or a disability that prevents wearing a mask; persons who require the ability to see the mouth to communicate; or those for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work.

In a press release, the CDPH cited the increased spread of the Omicron variant across the state and the country as a reason for continuing the mandate.

“Over the last two weeks, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by more than sixfold and hospitalizations have doubled,” the release read.

Additionally, the department referenced areas of California with a low vaccination rate or low vaccine coverage, overcrowded hospitals, and impacted staffing levels within medical facilities.

“Right around this time last year, we were at risk of running out of ventilators,” said Jim Keany, associate director of emergency management at Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo.

“With this current Omicron surge, we don’t seem to be that off on the inpatient side, but the impact on the ER has been even greater than it was last year.”

From his observations, a majority of COVID-19 patients—most of whom are unvaccinated—recover within a week or less, as opposed to Delta patients who remained hospitalized for several weeks or months.

Keany cautioned that each new variant will inevitably carry unpredictable features, which forces doctors and hospitals to wait to know how every individual strain will play out among the population in terms of staying power and impact.

He noted that the Omicron variant differs from Delta in that it is more highly contagious.

“Look, the county’s positive rate, I think, is 16% right now and climbing, where last year we were hitting highs of 10% or 12% positive,” Keany said.“It’s definitely way

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, JAN. 18

City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting open to the public. People can watch online through the city website.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 20

Districting Workshop 6 p.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano will be setting district boundaries this year and invites the community to participate.

This workshop will give an overview of the process and the criteria for redistricting.

Another workshop will be held at the La Sala Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 21

Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook to see if the meeting will be held over Zoom and for information.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26

Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting. The public can watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 28

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

more contagious than it was last year.”

According to Keany, hospitals now lack the capacity to deal with other high-urgency cases due to the recent surge.

CD | California Extends

Indoor Mask Mandate The California Department of Public Health announced on Jan. 5 that the state will extend the indoor public mask requirement through Feb. 15. The move came just days before the initial reissue of the mandate was set to end on Saturday, Jan. 15.

All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks in all indoor public settings, and the CDPH added that Page 5

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EYE ON SJC

Mayor Derek Reeve: 2022 Will Bring Back ‘Fun’ Community Events

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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hen considering what 2022 holds in store for San Juan Capistrano as the community continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing development, and a slew of local projects and challenges, Mayor Derek Reeve brings up a quirky pop culture reference—“back to the future.”

Back to the future, meaning the town will still move forward—but with some familiar events in place that will hopefully be a good time for all.

One of the first events Reeve mentions is the return of the 62nd annual Swallows Day Parade, which as of now is still scheduled for March 12 following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The parade season also means other events hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, including Hoos’Gow Day, are back on.

“We’re going to bring back our Summer Nites Concerts that people love and participate in so much. We’re going to have a full four of those, as well as our Fourth of July celebration and our (Christmas) tree lighting again at the end of the year,” said Reeve, who just started his second term as mayor. “As many of those social aspects that we have if we can, those are what make San Juan Capistrano so unique. It brings pride to everyone in our community.”

Though San Juan undoubtedly faces policy issues that city leaders and staff are expected to address, focusing on community celebrations is important in the context of the viral outbreak and associated hardships, Reeve said.

“It’s been hard, because it’s been frustrating,” said Reeve, explaining what it was like to not experience the parade for the past two years. “We really wanted to do it last year and, of course, it’s out of our control. We tried to delay it, we tried to do it in another month in the summertime, but there’s a lot of coordination that goes on with it. The longer we waited, it got to the point that we might as well just wait until 2022.”

As for local projects on the horizon, Reeve mentions River Street Marketplace—an agrarian-themed retail and community center in the Los Rios Historic District currently under construction. Reeve said the center will be exciting for locals and visitors.

Reeve also drew attention to the Ganahl Lumer Company property along Stonehill Drive, which will house a future hardware store, lumber yard, and other business amenities. Escrow closed on the former city-owned property in mid-2021, at which time the company was prepared to start construction.

“It won’t be done until 2023, but that is actually a really historic landmark event in San Juan Capistrano,” Reeve said. “They had plans for that (property) for multiple decades, and every time we started to do something, The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Derek Reeve is looking forward to the return of the Swallows Day Parade, which is scheduled for March 12. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

something else would come up from the state or what have you that would just sort of (throw a) wrench into it.”

Other key issues on tap include a decision on a potential new In-N-Out Burger location on Del Obispo Street, which has drawn controversy from residents over a potential increase in traffic. In-N-Out wants to set up shop in the current Marie Callender’s building, which would necessitate a new drive-through lane at the property—and thus requiring the City Council approve a conditional and discretionary use permit.

The City Council could render a final decision on the contentious matter this year.

Reeve also pointed to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and Hillary and Robert Ridland, who are expected to continue as long-term operators for the park. The city elected to enter into negotiations with the Ridlands so they can stay on as head operators.

“I think we’re all optimistic we’ll be able to work out the details of that, but that really preserves the Riding Park, preserves an equestrian aspect in a critically important area of San Juan Capistrano,” Reeve said. “The thing that I really pushed was other items (in addition to) equestrian—such as concerts, big-name concerts, and making San Juan Capistrano an anchor for the entire county in terms of entertainment.”

For the local skateboarders, they can also rest assured the town’s long-awaited skate park near the Community Center and Ecology Center is scheduled to open this year. Reeve and his peers on the City Council have worked on the project for a while.

“This is something members of our community have been wanting for years,” Reeve said. “I think it’s going to be an outstanding contribution to the community. We’re really set on getting that built and kids skating on it by this summer.”

Scooters and BMX bikes will also be welcome at the skate park.

On a more divided note, Reeve did address the proposed change to the city seal—which would effectively remove Saint Junipero Serra from the seal. Councilmembers Troy Bourne and Sergio Farias have pushed for updating the seal, with a proposed design that features a swallow bird and Mission bell. The change has drawn strong reactions from people both for and against it, with some applauding removing Serra from the seal and others against it due to wanting to preserve history and honor Serra’s role in founding the town.

Serra’s legacy has come under scrutiny due to his role Page 6

in the genocide of indigenous people, though Bourne has said the change is because the current seal featuring Serra and intricate designs does not show up well on a smartphone. A new seal could be adopted by the middle of the year, per council approval.

“It’s one of those things that we’ve discussed for years in what I describe as ‘offline’—meaning we’ve never had a formal discussion about the city seal, but I’ve heard people make comments about it,” Reeve said. “It made a lot of sense when the city was first established, but I think our perceptions of a number of issues have changed and evolved over the years. The City Council voted to adopt a new seal, but I felt very strongly it essentially canceled San Juan Capistrano history and culture. I’m going to be bringing it back to the City Council at the next meeting to have a discussion again and express the importance of our history of the Mission and of Junipero Serra and our Native American history.”

Reeve hopes to essentially keep the same current seal, but perhaps change out the current image (which has Serra with an Acjachemen child) for one of Serra with a Native American adult.

On the business front, Reeve said San Juan—particularly downtown—becoming a foodie hub with all the new restaurants opening in the past few years is exciting.

“We’re really encouraging it. Now, it’s hard with the pandemic. Restaurants have just been getting killed because of the pandemic, labor shortages, some of the additional regulations that may be required by the state,” Reeve said. “It’s really been difficult and challenging, but we’ve been really trying to be as facilitating as we can—allowing them to go out into sidewalks and parking areas to keep them going during these challenging times.”

The amount of investment in the downtown area is reason for optimism, Reeve said. City officials are expected to have more discussions on what will happen with current property at and near the current Camino Real Playhouse property, including a possible new performing arts center and a proposed apartment complex.

Details on what happens with the Playhouse site could become clearer this year, and community input is still being considered with the apartment complex plans.

“Those are all things that we still have to play out, but those are all things in downtown that are exciting and worthy of discussion,” Reeve said.“The future of Orange County is right here in its past, and that’s in San Juan Capistrano.”

Other projects—more in the bureaucratic realm— that the city will tackle in 2022 include an update to its housing element (required every eight years by the state and intended to satisfy state housing requirements) and redistricting. The state mandates municipalities are able to prove they can provide housing for all varying income levels, generally through zoning regulations.

“That’s something we’ve been working on with the state and with our residents, and I think we’ve got a very good plan, but it’s going to be challenging every eight years,” Reeve said.“It’s a top-down approach. I understand the motivation of the state. They want to increase residential units in areas where, maybe, they’re not very popular.”

As for redistricting, city staff and officials will gather public input on the process (required every 10 years for every city that has district-based elections following census data) before adopting a final map in March. San Juan moved to district elections for the November 2016 election.

“This was something I supported—going to districts—but we just did this a few years ago, so I’m not expecting a dramatic change from our current districts,” Reeve said. “There might be a few streets that are on one district that maybe move over to another district, but even that is questionable.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Nature Reserve Volunteers Will Give Back on Martin Luther King Service Day

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Volunteers will help spruce up trails, plant native vegetation, and help out in other ways at The Nature Reserve on Jan. 17 as part of a national service day. Photo: Jenna Ross

A

popular slogan to describe the Martin Luther King Service Day is, “A day on, not a day off.”

Come Jan. 17 at The Nature Reserve in Rancho Mission Viejo, that description should hold true.

Volunteers will get to participate in restoration projects such as removing invasive plant species and planting native plants in the outdoor area’s pollinator garden.

“Volunteers will also help restore trails and teaching areas used during our many school field trips, spring and summer day camps, and community events hosted at The Nature Reserve headquarters,” said The Reserve Connection Executive Director Leeta Latham.

The Martin Luther King Day of Service is annually observed as a federal holiday and national service day on the third Monday of every January.

“We’re so grateful for the many volunteers who observe this day and spend their time giving back to The Nature Reserve to improve and enhance our community,” Latham said.

The MLK Day of Service has been held at The Nature Reserve since staff The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

members for the outdoor preserve moved into their offices five years ago.

Since then, volunteers have created an outdoor classroom for students visiting on field trips, an exploration area for summer campers, and a natural playscape for kids. In perhaps a sign of how important it is for The Nature Reserve and its volunteers, the event’s capacity is full and no longer able to accept signups.

“Making time to volunteer for MLK Day of Service has been a great way to engage with and educate our residents and the community at large while honoring the legacy of Dr. King,” Latham said.

Latham further said volunteers “mean the world” to The Nature Reserve and make a difference whether they’re restoring lands and trails, helping share the area’s mission at community events, or assisting with “much-needed” office work.

“They are developing their own deep connection to The Nature Reserve land while also making sure that it’s sustained for years to come and can be enjoyed by all,” Latham said. CD Page 7

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 20, Issue 1. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

GUEST OPINION | Health and Nutrition

101 by Gina Cousineau

Winning for Life

I

n the sports world, we clearly understand that without a good defense, games will be lost. As a nutrition professional and sports enthusiast, I often use this concept to motivate clients on their health journey.

As we move into the new year, resolutions and proclamations abound, most with the goal of modifying one’s weight and improving their health. But why should the results of 2022 be any different than in years past? Below, I will outline my game plan, starting with using real, wholesome food as our first “defense” against all that ails us.

The issue we run into with our desire to make change is wanting the end result quickly and easily. Just like with your favorite sports team, every single game matters to actually get to the “big game.” So, I appeal to your desire to win, aka achieve your goals for good, and consider employing a good defense with food leading the way.

And when I speak of food, I am not talking about a punitive and restrictive diet that eliminates major food groups.

I’m talking about eating a variety of foods, finding exciting ways to prepare them, and really understanding the value of eating a mostly plant-based diet.

Such meals should include lean protein and healthy fat mixed in, which can allow you to extend your life and limit your risk

Letter to The Editor AN OPEN LETTER TO THE DOWNTOWN SJC BUSINESS COMMUNITY: LARRY NORTH & MARILYN WITT, San Juan Capistrano Do not let the SJC City Council give a Conditional Use Permit and Discretionary Use Permit (they’d need to give both!) to the owners of the building currently housing Marie Callender’s restaurant to allow the property to put in a traffic-nightmare, fast-feeder burger joint (In-N-Out)!

The City Council does not have to allow this.

It is not a property right of the owner of that property to put in just any sort of business.

This was put in place in 2009 by the (then) City Council, in order to protect the historic Page 8

of lifestyle diseases that are the leading cause of death in this country.

In 2022, food choices are limitless, not only in terms HEALTH AND of getting what we NUTRITION 101 desire, but getting

BY GINA COUSINEAU them at any time of day or night. This poses a risk to all of us with over-consuming calories, and the fact is, whether you want to believe it or not, calories count.

Choosing foods as close to how they were grown/raised will always be the best choice, as this allows us to limit the addition of excess salt, sugar and fat, which are most typical of more processed foods that are easily consumed, are highly palatable, but have less nutrition, causing us to over-eat calories.

The old adage, “You can’t eat just one Lay’s potato chip,” should resonate with many of you who understand the inability to be satisfied with these options.

With the ability to get information with the stroke of a keyboard, I encourage you to do your research that is based on science and evidence, looking to health organizations such as the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Kidney Association, Colon Cancer Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation, which all share the same defensive strategy I am speaking about.

No need to look for the latest pills, potions, or crazy diets, as these represent a temporary solution to weight loss and will not allow you to get to the big game of life, which should be to increase your lifespan and decrease years of disability.

Here is the game plan I suggest:

downtown from new fast-feeder restaurants destroying the city’s charm and heritage.

Having now enjoyed living in San Juan Capistrano for over 22 years, which is absolutely the longest time we’ve ever lived in any single city, we have seen a steady decline in being able to navigate toward the ‘burger boulevard’ part of our city, including downtown. It was OK when the Caltrans re-design of the Ortega/ Camino Capistrano corner changed the patterns, eliminating one fast feeder, and making the on-ramps to the I-5 and travel toward Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo better.

But then Chick-fil-A and Target arrived and wrecked all that had been improved. It absolutely stinks going that way down Camino Capistrano now, and I’m finding myself more frequently turning southward, heading toward Dana Point and Ocean Ranch when we need to grocery shop, get hardware, and frequent restaurants. Is that what you in the City Council want—that your residents avoid driving toward the downtown area because navigating there is nothing but a headache?

We promise to forever “go west” when we leave our neighborhood, skipping doing business with the downtown merchants, movie theatre, restaurants, etc., and take our cash to another city. We used to like what the city was doing to improve the look, feel, heritage; we have a hard time saying that lately. Please say “no” to the In-N-Out development/building that is being considered. We deserve and can do better . . . or we’ll just take our business elsewhere.

• Get enough sleep experts recommend 7-8 hours a day • Stay hydrated drink a water-based beverage with every meal/snack • Start a walking program work up to 150 minutes/week • Reduce stress • Socialize • And eat a wide variety of foods, mostly plants, with lean protein, nonfat/lowfat dairy or other foods rich in calcium/ protein, and healthy fats mixed in Start slowly, choose one task to practice, and allow that to become part of a healthy routine, then add another.

Defense does win championships. And in the game of life, having a strategy that incorporates all of these items should be the ultimate goal for living that long, healthy independent life we all desire.

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education—a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition—chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness professional allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@ mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle. Register for her complimentary weekly newsletter at mamagslifestyle.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.

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.

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

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 | 21 ON-SITE SKETCH TOUR AT THE MISSION 2 p.m. Take a tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano and sketch what you see during the trip. The tours will go over basic techniques such as how to draw architecture, shapes, one- and twopoint perspective, and shading. Guests are welcome to bring a small folding stool to sit on during the tour; art materials will be provided. The sketch

Enjoy weekend theater performances at Camino Real Playhouse. Photo: Monica Silvestre

FRIDAY-SUNDAY | 14-16 SHOWOFF! 2022 INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 7:30 and 2 p.m. (check times for specific days). Camino Real Playhouse is hosting the last weekend for this festival. There will be seven 10-minute plays from various playwrights and directors, and the audience gets to vote for the winner. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

SUNDAY | 23

tours will be held on the third Friday of the month. Cost is $5 for the general public and $3 for Mission members.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 11 a.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music

AT THE MOVIES

Joel Coen’s ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ Is a Visual Treat Page 2

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hile we are at a high in technical advances for the arts and specials effects, film these days seems to be taking advantage of old-school, traditional elements like black and white and 1:33 aspect ratio.

William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth was known as “The Scottish Play” for centuries over an infamous superstition that speaking the play’s title would cause bad luck. Joel Coen, here for the first time without his brother and filmmaking partner Ethan, The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films

brings his vision to this classic with an eerie, fantasy-like setting to cap off the end of the holiday movie season.

In 1580s Scotland, Lord Macbeth (Denzel Washington) is visited by three witches (all portrayed by Kathryn Hunter) who claim he is destined to be the king of the country. More

than convinced and now determined to make this fate an instant reality, the royal secretly visits the current king (Brendan Gleeson) to assassinate him while he is sleeping.

Macbeth’s wife (Frances McDormand) becomes increasingly distressed over her husband’s crime, while others around the couple,

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at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Roderick Chambers and Guillermo Otero will perform later in the day. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

including Prince Malcolm (Harry Melling), Macduff (Corey Hawkins) and Ross (Alex Hassell), become suspicious and vengeful.

Shakespeare is so iconic, so old and so recognized, this is one of the instances in which it doesn’t seem to matter that American and English actors are using their real accents to play Scottish characters.

While everyone knows Washington as a global movie star, the actor is actually classically trained and already familiar with the theatrical material. Here, he gives an impressive performance.

Though not as über-gruesome as Roman Polanski’s Macbeth (1971) or as quirky as Billy Morrissette’s modernized Scotland, PA (2001), Coen certainly knows how to set a tone for a film. There’s an appropriate and accurate uneasiness lurking throughout the feature, while the respected filmmaker’s style and signature cues can be subtly noticed at the same time.

For fans of either Shakespeare or the Coen Bros, The Tragedy of Macbeth would be an interesting way to begin your 2022 movie viewing. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Cultural Tours Are Up and Running

H

ope everyone had a great holiday season seeing family and friends. What a difference from last year. But the more that we got to celebrate with each other, the more we got to eat and enjoy foods that we have not had or made for more than a year. So, for the first time in that span, we may find that we have put on some extra pounds. Now may be a perfect time to enjoy the historic walks in our town.

Although the library is going to be closed for interior refurbishing for a few months, the Friends of the Library will still be offering the Architectural Walking Tour on Saturdays at 10 starting at the kiosk at the train depot. This 90-minute walk covers 200 years of architecture from Mission to Post-Modern. The walk ends at the Michael Graves Library, and even though it will be closed to the public, the story of the library can still be told. Also, the Friends Book Store will still be open. A $5 donation to the Friends of the Library is recommended for this tour. Group tours will be

The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

available during the library closure. For more information, call 949.489.0736.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society MOMENTS IN TIME Walking Tour is

BY JAN SIEGEL on Saturday at 1 p.m. and starts at the kiosk at the train depot. The 45-minute tour includes all of the buildings on the Society property and a short walk down Los Rios Street, the oldest residential neighborhood in California. A $5 donation supports historic preservation for the Society. Group reservations can be made by calling the Historical Society at 949.493.8444.

Walking the Mission grounds is always a pleasant experience. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission is $14 per adult. For further information or a schedule of special events, visit the website at missionsjc. com. Headsets allow the visitor to hear the story, the culture, and the history of

the birthplace of Orange County.

San Juan Capistrano is unique in so many ways, but one that stands out is that we have a working farm right in the middle of our town. The Ecology Center has taken over South Coast Farms, and every Saturday at 2 p.m., they offer a community farm tour on this 28-acre site. The tour is free to the public. See and learn how organic crops are grown.

Following the tour, the visitor can purchase local produce at the farm stand.

The Ecology Center is located at 32701 Alipaz Street.

And don’t forget the newest addition to our history. Putuidem Village is located at the Northwest Open Space on Camino Capistrano. This outdoor cultural center is the site of the Acjachemen people who populated this area thousands of years before the missionaries came. The Blas Aguilar Adobe is also the museum of the Mission Band of Native Americans and is open on weekends for exploring.

You can spend a “Moment in Time” walking through all of the cultural and

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historic places. We celebrate our past. We remember our past. And in the words of St. Serra, “Look forward, never back.”

The City motto—”Preserving the Past to Ensure the Future”—is always a work in progress. Enjoy your visits.

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. 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.

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GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER - ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, January 15. 7am - 11:30am. Located in the “Senior” Parking Lot. Great Bargains... come shop and support the Dolphins! We will also be selling breakfast items like donuts and bagels.

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 & Rancho Mission Viejo area?

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SAN JUAN

PREP SPORTS

ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

San Juan Hills Grad Sean Rhyan Declares for NFL Draft UCLA junior Sean Rhyan, a San Juan Hills alumnus, declared for the 2022 NFL Draft on Monday, Jan. 10.

Rhyan, an offensive tackle with the Bruins and a 2019 Stallions graduate, made the announcement in an Instagram post.

“I would first like to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made and the support they have constantly given to me,” Rhyan said in the post. He also went on to thank the UCLA coaches and staff, Bruins fans and his UCLA teammates.

“With that being said, I would like to announce that I will be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. I am excited to be able to represent UCLA and my family in my future endeavors,” Rhyan said in the post.

“Thank you, UCLA and the Bruin Nation, and remember the golden rule, God Bless.”

Rhyan, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound left tackle for UCLA, started 31 games in his three seasons in Westwood, including all 12 games as a true freshman in 2019. In more than 1,100 pass-blocking snaps for UCLA, Rhyan allowed only two sacks in his career, according to Pro Football Focus.

He was named first-team All-Pac-12 this season and was a Freshman All-American in 2019.

Rhyan is projected to go in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, which will take place in Las Vegas on April 28-30.

Rhyan was highly decorated in his time at San Juan Hills. In his senior season, Rhyan was a four-star recruit and was named All-CIF Division 2 and Sea View League offensive MVP. Rhyan was also the Sea View League, Orange County and CIFSS Division 1 champion in the shot put, which helped him earn The Capistrano Dispatch and Orange County Register Male Athlete of the Year awards.

JSerra, CVC Boys Basketball on First Open Division Watch List In the release of its latest boys basketThe Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

UCLA junior Sean Rhyan (pictured here as a San Juan Hills senior in 2018) declared for the 2022 NFL Draft on Monday, Jan. 10. Rhyan is projected to be picked in the first three rounds. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

ball poll on Monday, Jan. 10, the CIF-SS revealed its initial watch list for the Open Division, which will consist of eight elite teams selected to compete in the playoffs for the Southern Section’s top prize, regardless of original division placement.

JSerra and Capistrano Valley Christian were among the 24 teams named to the initial watch list. Teams can fall on and off the list based on results and are only listed alphabetically for now.

JSerra (11-4, 2-1) isn’t currently ranked in Division 1. The Lions lost their Trinity League opener at home to Santa Margarita, 51-42, on Jan. 5, but bounced back to beat St. John Bosco, 63-52, at home on Jan. 7 and Servite, 72-51, on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 12. Santa Margarita, No. 11 in Division 1, and St. John Bosco, No. 14 in Division 1, are also on the Open Division watch list.

JSerra next hosts Orange Lutheran on Friday, Jan. 14, and plays at Division 1 No. 7 Mater Dei on Jan. 19 and at Santa Margarita on Jan. 21. Mater Dei also is on the Open Division watch list.

Capistrano Valley Christian (13-4, 1-1) is currently ranked No. 3 in Division 2AA. The Eagles opened the San Joaquin League with a win at Pacifica Christian, 75-69, on Jan. 4, but CVC lost to fellow league title contender Fairmont Prep,

72-67, at home on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Fairmont Prep, an unranked Division 1 team, is also on the Open Division watch list.

Capistrano Valley Christian next hosts Pacifica Christian on Jan. 21 and Fairmont San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 25.

San Juan Hills Boys Basketball Opens League with Dramatic Finish San Juan Hills knew it was going to get every team’s best shot in its defense of its first Sea View League title, and the team with the best shot to strip away that title took its best shot on Jan. 8.

However, the Stallions still stand tall.

San Juan Hills overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and held off Aliso Niguel down the stretch for a league-opening win, 54-52. Senior Jacob Simon led the Stallions with 13 points, and senior Mark Reichner scored 12 points with a team-high eight rebounds and three steals. Simon also had five rebounds and two steals.

The Stallions are ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 2A, and the win over Aliso Niguel gave San Juan Hills a school record with 17 wins on the season. The Stallions are 17-4 and 1-0 in the Sea View League.

The next day, San Juan Hills took on

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a challenge at Mater Dei. The Stallions lost, 72-59, but were proud of their effort against one of the county’s top teams.

The Stallions next play in league on Friday, Jan. 14, at El Toro and play at Tesoro in a nonleague game on Wednesday, Jan. 19. San Juan Hills plays at Dana Hills in league on Jan. 21.

Roundup There are three city teams in the CIF-SS girls basketball rankings: JSerra (9-4, 1-1, No. 5 in Division 2AA), San Juan Hills (15-5, 2-0, No. 10 in Division 2A) and Capistrano Valley Christian (8-3, 0-0, No. 1 in Division 5AA).

JSerra boys soccer (7-2-1, 2-1) is the lone city team in the CIF-SS rankings at No. 4 in Division 1. The Lions’ last game was a 4-0 loss to No. 2 Servite. JSerra hosts Orange Lutheran on Friday, Jan. 14, and plays at No. 10 Mater Dei on Jan. 19.

There are two city teams in the CIF-SS girls soccer rankings: San Juan Hills (10-2-2, 2-1, No. 10 in Division 1) and Capistrano Valley Christian (3-2, 1-0, No. 10 in Division 7).

There are also two city teams in the CIF-SS girls water polo rankings: San Juan Hills (11-2, 2-0, No. 3 in Division 2) and JSerra (9-2, 0-1, No. 1 in Division 5).

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