January 28, 2022

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 13, 2022 | VOLUME 20, ISSUE 2

INSIDE: Citizens’ Climate Education: Attempt to Avoid Single-Use Plastic Failed

SOAPBOX/PAGE 8

RMV Video Podcast Series Discusses Well-Being EYE ON RMV/PAGE 6

A Future Without Junipero Serra?

City Leaders Gather Community Input on New Seal Design E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

thecapistranodispatch.com

City officials are considering a different town seal, which might no longer depict Saint Junipero Serra. Photo: Collin Breaux

Editor’s Pick: Taste of San Juan

Car Show Returns in February

Siegel: In Tribute to Ilse Byrnes

GETTING OUT/PAGE 12

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

SJC LIVING/PAGE 13

The Capistrano Dispatch January 14-27, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 13, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

City officials are considering changes to the San Juan Capistrano seal and welcoming input on a new design from the public. The current seal depicts Saint Junipero Serra with a Native American boy. Photo: Collin Breaux

What’s Up With...

also alluded to further inappropriate connotations of the image, given it is of a Catholic priest with a boy.

Reeve said he hopes Serra will remain on the new seal and that while contemporary perceptions of Serra have changed, Mission and Native American history should be reflected in the new seal. Descendants in the Juaneño and Acjachemen communities—the indigenous people of San Juan Capistrano— have said they would like to see their culture reflected in the new seal.

“I don’t have a problem with (wanting to change the seal). What I have a problem with, though, is effectively canceling Junipero Serra, canceling the Mission, canceling Native American history—all of which without San Juan Capistrano would not exist,” Reeve said.“I understand the argument that was brought up about cell phones and simplicity, but I generally do not believe that is the reason why we’re here. I think that was more of a way out, but that’s not the real reason we’re here.”

Farias said Reeve was bringing up the term “cancel” on the dais, and that councilmembers had previously done a good job of not bringing up mainstream controversial issues and instead focusing on city issues.

Councilmembers also debated the exact mechanism for selecting a new seal, and ultimately decided on getting input from the community and Cultural Heritage Commission—steps mentioned in Decem-

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Council Continues to Discuss Changes to City Seal

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The San Juan Capistrano City Council has decided to extend the deadline for a new city seal until the end of 2022, instead of the middle of the year—though Saint Junipero Serra could still be effectively removed from the town’s emblem.

The topic again came up for discussion at a council meeting on Jan. 18, after Mayor Derek Reeve had placed the item on the agenda for discussion. While the council previously discussed the matter during a December meeting and voted to enact a new seal by the middle of 2022, Reeve—who is in favor of keeping Serra on the seal—wanted to revisit the issue.

Serra’s legacy has come under scrutiny in recent times due to his role in the genocide of indigenous people while establishing missions throughout California.

Serra—also known as Father Junipero Serra due to his role as a Catholic priest—is The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

considered instrumental in the founding of San Juan Capistrano and Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark.

Councilmembers Troy Bourne and Sergio Farias were the ones to suggest changing the seal, with the official reason that the current one featuring Serra and intricate designs does not show up well on a smartphone. However, they acknowledged the controversy surrounding Serra during the council meeting during dialogue on the dais that was, at times, heated.

“It’s, frankly, something I’ve avoided discussing, because I do have personal feelings as someone who is of Native American heritage—not of the United States but of the Americas,” Farias said.

“It’s not something that I want to bring to the dais. It’s something I’m avoiding talking about. I have feelings about these statues that you reference on the seal.

It’s not an innocent depiction. It comes with a certain attitude of European explorers when they came here.”

The depiction in the current seal referenced by Farias is of a Native American boy standing in front of Serra. Some see the image as one of subservience. Reeve Page 3

ber. The possibility of the city spending up to $10,000 for a graphic designer to draft some options was suggested by Reeve, but that ultimately was not approved as an official motion. Bourne also mentioned some graphic designers who live in the area have already made suggestions.

“Just come to the (Cultural Heritage Commission) meeting and voice whatever you want. Draw up your own city seal. Voice all your opinions. Everybody is open to do that,” Bourne said to Reeve.

“I think we’re talking about process tonight. We’re trying to keep this about process, and you want to make it about popular culture and divisiveness. None of that was in the original motion. Not only was it not in the motion, it wasn’t even part of the discussion. It never came up until you raised it.”

“It was never brought up, because no one wanted to bring it up,” Reeve said.

“For a reason,” Bourne said.

A potential new seal design introduced in December by Bourne and Farias features a Mission bell and a swallow bird.

Reeve has said he does not like the design and referred to it as a “Taco Bell” design.

Councilmember John Taylor also said he is not fond of the proposed design, but he would prefer that design being selected over keeping the current seal with Serra and the Native American child.

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Howard Hart said while he was not thrilled with the alternative design proposed by Bourne and Farias and that it looks “plain” compared to the seals of neighboring cities, the City Council has decided to change the current seal since what was depicted 60 years ago has now acquired new meaning.

“Lacking any artistic talent myself, I am asking for your assistance in designing a new San Juan Capistrano city seal,” Hart said. “Council requests that any seal that is proposed pay homage to our unique historical influences—namely, the Mission and our Native American past. Depiction of Fr. Serra is considered desirable, too, as are horses and swallows.”

Hart said the public is welcome to submit ideas to city staff or to him.

In other news from the meeting, the council approved a recommendation from Reeve to consider renaming the portion of Ortega Highway from Del Obispo Street to Camino Capistrano to something that mentions the Mission.

That area is near Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Reeve brought up the matter after talking with Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and due to a desire to further reflect the local importance of the Mission. The Cultural Heritage Commission will give input on a new name, and city staff will also reach out to the California Department of Transportation to make sure they have no objections. A new street name could be selected later this year. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Design Review Committee Considers Details of New City Hall, Affordable Housing Project

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Members of the San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee heard about the ongoing plans for a mixed-use project that would build a new City Hall facility and a 50-unit, affordable housing apartment complex at the current City Hall site on Paseo Adelanto during a Jan. 13 meeting, in which they also gave their feedback on architectural aspects of the proposal.

The City of San Juan Capistrano agreed to enter into an exclusive negotiation agreement with Jamboree Housing Corporation in April 2020 for the project.

The Paseo Adelanto Mixed Use Project, as it’s referred to in the DRC agenda report, would demolish the current City Hall building to make way for a new one. The building style will reportedly be Spanish Colonial, reflecting the town’s look.

Though the current City Hall building has been around for decades, it is considered temporary. The planned new City Hall would be 16,338 square feet— slightly bigger than the current building, which is 15,000 square feet. While most city staff and public business—including handling permits—would still be handled at the Paseo Adelanto site, City Council meetings could be moved to the Community Center, where there is more room for audience members. Public meetings that do not attract such big crowds, including the DRC, would still be held at the Paseo Adelanto site.

The apartment complex would be on two adjoining lots totaling 2.22 acres, according to the agenda report. Potential residents would be formerly homeless and very low-income people who need permanent supportive housing and have been vetted by the County of Orange, according to meeting discussion. Jamboree Housing partners with the county in determining who would live in the apartments.

The Paseo Adelanto building will have 88 parking spaces—56 for City Hall, 28 for apartment residents, and four shared between the two uses. The number of residential parking spaces is lower than the number of housing units, because all the residents might not own a vehicle.

Members of the DRC spoke about numerous project details, including bike storage. In response to DRC Chair Geoff Sumich asking if a resident who lives on the third floor of the building would have to carry their bike up to the residence, project representatives replied that residents would instead be able to store their bike in an outside parking area.

San Juan resident Rob Williams said he was “underwhelmed” when he saw the architectural plans.

“This does not depict the City Hall in San Juan. This looks like the City Hall or a building you would see in Aliso Viejo. The architecture is substandard by far,” Williams said. “If you look at just the thought process, this is a program-driven block design based on units and then what the exterior’s going to look like based on unit design. There’s no rhyme or reason to the architecture. There’s no style to the windows, no style to the roof.”

DRC member Stan Braden said he didn’t mind the project is “horizontally mixed-use,” even though he initially thought the two uses would be vertically integrated—where the City Hall facility would be “tucked under” a podium deck and the residential use would be above that. The latter design would not be economically feasible.

“It is tight,” Braden said. “The things that I look at that I’m not happy with architecturally is—and you can’t design this—do we have enough story height on the first and second floor? Where’s

The current City Hall facility is expected to eventually be replaced with a new city building that will also include affordable housing. Photo: File

Preservationist Ilse Byrnes Remembered as Passionate Community Advocate

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Ilse Byrnes—a community member instrumental in the establishment of San Juan Capistrano’s notable trail system and a tireless supporter of other local initiatives—recently died from a stroke, according to her loved ones. She was 94.

Byrnes was also noted as being a voice in pushing for national recognition of the town’s historic landmarks and—along with her late husband and former mayor Dr. Roy Byrnes—had a The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

town hiking trail named in her honor.

She was also a longtime docent volunteer for the Montanez Adobe on Los Rios Street.

“My mother was an adventurous woman who traveled throughout the world with my father, Roy Byrnes. They had been married for over 64 years when he passed in 2019,” said her daughter, Barbara Byrnes. “She had an aptitude for languages, speaking the Swiss German dialect, German, French, Page 4

the mechanical equipment going that drives City Hall?”

Nate Franklin, who also sits on the DRC, said the project is an “important” one that has to be done properly. Franklin said the proposed courtyard could be improved, including through the addition of a fountain—which project representatives said would not fit into the budget.

“Just looking at the rendering—and maybe it’s just a rendering—but it doesn’t really feel like a City Hall. It does just feel like a residential building, and it’s almost like the City Hall entrance is the leasing office for the residential building,” Franklin said. “I don’t know if there’s a way to make it grander.”

Sumich said while the City Hall architectural plans are underwhelming, he was excited about the affordable housing component.

“This is a great location for affordable housing, because the people that live here will be able to walk to downtown,” Sumich said. “They’ve got bike paths, they got (the) train station (nearby), so it would really work for them.”

Sumich further said while the City Hall should adequately reflect who the people of San Juan are and the town’s heritage “in a perfect world,” city officials have to “pick our fights.”

“The reality is how many people actually go to City Hall or see City Hall unless

City Hall’s located right in the middle of town? Think of any town you know of,” Sumich said.“You only actually experience it unless you’re going to pick up a permit or it’s located in the middle of the town.”

San Juan’s City Hall is instead on the outskirts of town, said Sumich, adding he focuses his energy more on the downtown area since more people go there.

“If the city—the client—is happy with this, this gets a pass from me on the architecture,” Sumich said. “If the city’s happy with it, then I’m happy with it.”

Grant funding is being sought for the project. Braden expressed a desire for the DRC to further look at the project as it goes along, with an eye toward reviewing details. The DRC would not redesign the project or make it more expensive, Braden said.

“I was thinking the same thing. Is there a way that we could have more time to work some of these things out with the City Hall piece and not delay the project?” said Joel Rojas, the director of development services for the city. “The key is as long as it’s not delayed, I think we would be open to such input.”

Securing the grant funding depends on meeting deadlines with the project.

The project has been reviewed by other city boards and could eventually go before the City Council for final review and approval this year.

Italian, English and Spanish fluently. She enjoyed meeting people and finding out about their lives.”

Ilse Byrnes raised Barbara Byrnes and her three siblings while managing the billing and accounting of her husband’s business. She was born in Switzerland and eventually moved to Los Angeles.

Ilse and Roy Byrnes were living in San Juan Capistrano by the late 1960s, as a 2018 article noted.

In what was perhaps a preview of her tendency toward activism, Barbara Byrnes said her mother often taught the kids to “find something to do” when they complained of being bored.

Along with her support for open space preservation and local history, Ilse By-

rnes was an advocate for equestrianism and “countless other projects,” according to Barbara Byrnes.

“What I treasure about my mother was her compassion for animals,” Barbara Byrnes said. “Growing up, we always had lots of different types of pets— birds, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, horses—you name it. She taught us not only how to care for animals but also to respect them.”

No service is planned, but there will be a celebration of Ilse’s life in late spring. Her loved ones want to wait until the weather is warmer and people can safely gather outside, Barbara Byrnes said. The celebration will be in San Juan Capistrano. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

TUESDAY, FEB. 1

City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regular meeting open to the public. People can attend in person or watch online through the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

CD | Car Show

Returns in February The annual San Juan Capistrano Car Show organized by the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano is generally a fun time that brings the community together to check out classic vehicles, eat food, and help raise money for a good cause.

The 19th edition of the event returns on Feb. 12 to its usual spot at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park. More than 400 cars are expected to be on display this year.

The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 for children ages 11-17. Children under 11 can get in free.

There will be vendors and exhibits, and food and adult beverages will be available for purchase. If there is a rain delay, the show will be rescheduled for Feb. 19.

CD | Kato Kaelin to Perform

Stand-Up Comedy at Camino Real Playhouse Kato Kaelin, known to many for his role in the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995, is scheduled to be one of the performers for Camino Real Playhouse’s monthly Second Stage Stand-up comedy show on Feb. 12.

“Kaelin has performed stand-up for many years now since his brush with fame in the 1990s,” a press release from the San Juan Capistrano theatrical venue said. “In addition to his stand-up performances, Kaelin has appeared in numerous films, television shows and in other media.”

Other comedians on the bill for the show include San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor, headliner Jay Hewlett, Richard Daryl Osborn, and Mike Hughes.

CD | Country Music Concerts

Return to Riding Park More country music concerts are coming to The OutPost at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano this year, with two scheduled in March.

Walker Hayes will headline the official Swallows Day Parade kickoff weekend with a performance on Friday, March 11, and Jon Pardi will perform on Thursday, March 17.

Tickets for Hayes are on sale at sanjuanoutpost.com and eventbrite.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

FRIDAY, FEB. 4

Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The discussion will be held over Zoom. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, FEB. 8

Country musician Jon Pardi will perform at The OutPost in San Juan Capistrano on March 17. Photo: Courtesy of The OutPost

Tickets for Pardi, known for hits such as “Head Over Boots” and “Heartache on the Dance Floor,” will go on sale to the general public at those websites on Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m.

Park operators have made bringing in more musical and entertainment events a priority at the request of city officials, who are negotiating with current operators Hillary and Robert Ridland to secure long-term operations for the park.

The Ridlands are partnering with entertainment company TAG Presents for these events.

dent, and once you find your passion, it can change your trajectory.”

Numerous courses are offered in CUSD for various sectors and career pathways. More than 150 courses are available. “Forty-two percent of those courses are articulated, meaning students are earning college credit,” Romo said.

The percentage of high school students in the program earning college credit is said to be the highest in Orange County, at 34%.

“The average in the state is 3%,” Romo said. “We score a 42 out of 44 as being (a) California Department of Education highly qualified CTE program. We really think that increased career guidance is going to help us earn that perfect score.

In those efforts, we have hired a new college and career guidance coordinator.”

CUSD also has more than 500 business and industry partners who provide internships and field trips, serve as guest speakers, and help advise with the curriculum. CUSD is partnering with the University of California, Irvine to offer a six-week class on e-sports this spring, and again next summer, utilizing the school’s e-sports lab.

“We also plan to build our own e-sports lounge, and we’re looking at a couple of high school sites right now,” Romo said. “In South Orange County, that would serve as a hub for all the high schools that have a more difficult time getting in the college-level labs.”

More than 5,900 students earned industry certification last year, and the district expects to double that number this year, Romo said.

More than $16 million has been received in grant funds for CTE use from 2016 to 2020. That money has been in-

CD | CUSD Gives Update

on College and Career Advantage Initiative Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte asked district staff to provide a more cohesive career technical education program about six years ago, with multiple options for students.

At a CUSD Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 19, Pati Romo, executive director of college and career readiness for the district, presented an update on how that initiative is going.

Enrollment numbers in the program have increased in the years since the initiative was emphasized in the district.

Since 2016, enrollment grew from 5,197 to 15,161. A majority of high school graduates who took two or three career technical education courses in high school—91%—enrolled in college, according to an informational slide shown at the meeting.

“Of that number, 80% meet their post-secondary goals,” Romo said. “That data shows us that CTE is for every stuPage 5

In-N-Out Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a special meeting open to the public to discuss the proposed In-N-Out Burger location on Del Obispo Street. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 9

Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting.

The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 10

Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a regular meeting open to the public.

People can attend in person or watch online through the city website.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 11

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

vested into classes and educational labs, including for culinary arts, dental assistant programs, and theater production at all high schools.

“By the way, we are the only district in California that offers surgical tech for our high school students,” Romo said.

Free educational courses are also offered for adults in careers that include cybersecurity, hotel and hospitality, and pharmacy technician.

“It’s amazing. I love it,” Trustee Lisa Davis said after Romo’s presentation. “I love all the options. I love the direction we’re going and where we’ve moved in the last six years.” thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

RMV Podcast Series Puts Spotlight on Well-Being

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he master-planned community of Rancho Mission Viejo is emphasizing well-being lately, including through a new partnership with the Global Wellness Institute.

The South Orange County area is now turning to video podcasts—an increasingly popular method of communication and entertainment—to further bring peace of mind to the forefront.

RMV’s new video podcast series is called Flourish and features talks with experts about health and quality of life, including from the Global Wellness Institute. In addition to physical and mental well-being, the conversations will also cover finances and technology.

“Well-being is at the forefront of everything we do here on The Ranch, and Flourish is a first-of-its-kind look at how wellness can be better understood and experienced on The Ranch,” said Amaya Genaro, vice president of community services of Rancho Mission Viejo, through a news release. “We not only explore the different aspects of well-being as it relates directly to life on The Ranch, but also explore advice and expert tips that carry into all aspects of one’s life and to making it the happiest and healthiest it can be.”

Season One will have seven episodes, two of which can be currently viewed by signing up for the Village of Rienda interest list at flourishranchomissionviejo.com.

A third episode will premiere in early

EVENTS AT THE RANCH FEB. 3

GETTING FRIENDLY WITH FUNGI 7-8:30 p.m. Join this free virtual event from The Reserve to learn about wild mushrooms. Mycologist Joanne Schwartz will go over the mushroom’s importance to nature.

Fungi-themed food and drink recipes will also be shared, if you want to take the experience to a personal level.

Registration for the talk closes on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. RSVP online. rmvreserve.org.

FEB. 5

A new video podcast series from Rancho Mission Viejo will provide insight on different aspects of living a good life, as the community is emphasizing personal well-being. Photo: Courtesy of PhotoMIX Company

February, with the remaining episodes throughout the year.

“Reflecting on the opportunity to share my thousand-day journey decon-

structing courage as part of the Flourish series was a joy,” said Ryan Berman, who discusses courage in one of the episodes.

“My hope is this conversation inspires

FUN FINDING-FUNGI MUSHROOM WALK 9-noon. Learn all about mushrooms, such as why they grow with oaks, whether you can eat them, if you can pick them, and how to identify and photograph them. Event is for ages 16 and up.

Participants must be registered or on the wait list before the event occurs. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy.

949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

others to not simply embody or embrace change, but to have the courage to create the change they aspire to see in themselves or their world.” CD

County Board of Supervisors Votes to Expand Landfill Operations at Prima Deshecha Landfill

BY BREEANA GREENBERG, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an amendment to the Prima Deshecha Landfill General Development plan that will extend the estimated closure date another 50 years.

Prima Deshecha is split up into five zones. The landfill zone currently in use, Zone 1, which is within the city of San Juan Capistrano, is expected to reach its capacity in about 30 years. The amendment will coordinate the development of Landfill Zone 4 within unincorporated territory to extend operations.

Zones 2 and 3 comprise recreational trails and native vegetation habitats. Of

The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

the county-owned landfill, 570 acres are within San Juan Capistrano, 133 acres are in San Clemente, and 827 acres are in unincorporated territory.

As of the end of 2020, Zone 1 was expected to be completely filled by 2050 if fill operations remained in that zone alone. With the additional landfill operations in Zone 4, the Prima Deshecha Landfill’s closure is expected to take place in 2102. The amendment will allow for concurrent landfill operations within the two zones before Zone 1 is completely filled.

However, operations will alternate between the two zones, and the Prima Deshecha Landfill will not accept refuse

for disposal at both lots at the same time.

“The long-term plan allows for concurrent operations in Zone 1 and Zone 4,” OC Waste & Recycling Public Communications Manager Fran Bangert wrote in an email. “This will contribute to our ability to mitigate potential impacts during seasonal conditions.”

The project will also include the construction of a source-separated organics recycling facility, which processes compostable waste separate from other, non-organic waste.

Throughout construction, the hard rock material called San Onofre Breccia at Zone 4 will need to be blasted, excavated, crushed, relocated and stockpiled

Page 6

to prepare the area for landfill operations. The removal of the breccia rock is anticipated to occur from 2023 to 2042.

According to Bangert, the final phase of Zone 4 development is expected to be constructed in 2088-2089.

“Residents may notice typical construction impacts,” Bangert wrote.

“However, those nuisances are regulated, and OCWR will mitigate them to ensure compliance.”

Construction of Zone 4 is expected to begin in 2022. Landfill operations are expected to begin in Zone 4 in 2024.

Residents may report any concerns to OC Waste & Recycling online through the Neighborhood Support Portal. CD

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The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 13, 2022

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Judith Anderson

HOW MY ATTEMPT TO AVOID SINGLEUSE PLASTIC FOR 1 MONTH FAILED

M

y experiential learning began on Dec. 1, with the simple goal of not buying any single-use plastic until Jan. 1, 2022.

On day 2, Dec. 2, my plan was shot. I visited three stores to collect cleaning supplies for a depleted inventory at home. Heavy duty cleaners with low toxicity led me to consider one-quart or half-gallon jugs coded P.E.T. or PETE, the No. 1 recycling category, denoting the petrochemical industry favorite polyethylene terephthalate.

I validated my purchase by planning to refill and reuse existing squirt bottles.

I bought a gallon of reliable Simple Green, a one-liter plastic bottle of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, and some Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products in the largest size offered.

Nixing window and glass cleaning solutions for the cheaper DIY method of diluted vinegar, I CITIZENS’ CLIMATE still felt I needed an EDUCATION abrasive booster for

BY JUDITH ANDERSON tough jobs. I bought the largest 12-pound sack of Arm & Hammer’s Baking Soda, the standard of purity.

But an unfamiliar symbol appeared on the upper left of the package: a horizontal figure eight-tipped with arrows and the name ‘Terracycle.’ On the backside was the printed tip to recycle this bag through terracycle.com, or alternatively put in the trash. So, I couldn’t just mindlessly toss it into the CR&R brown bin for curbside recycling?

I decided to call to find out more about such contradictory advice, and how Terra-

Letter to The Editor GET VAXXED RUTH A. CLARK, Capistrano Beach We got rid of small pox, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, mumps, measles, polio, influenza, shingles, pneumonia, and some others, because—in my 90 The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

and with renewed urgency for innovative solutions for world-changing impact, 2022 is only eight years away from sustainability goals for 2030.

Tackling the source of the problem with plastic reduction policies, and bans of single-use products, is essential. But they take time. At least in California, the legislature passed SB 270, the plastic-bag ban in 2016, and at least eight other states have similar laws enacted.

By becoming “plastic clever,” I’ve made an oath to refuse and reject single-use products, primarily by ditching the big four single-use plastic polluters: straws, bags, cups, and utensils. Although each one of us is a mere droplet in the rising tide of an ocean filled with more microplastic than fish, I feel a minimal sense of accomplishment with daily action.

So, walk softly, my friends, and carry your own bag, cup and fork.

For further research, citizen action support and practical resources check out How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum, or Plastic Wars, a Frontline documentary released in March 2020, available on YouTube. You can also visit: esrag.org; terracycle.org; and how2recycle.com.

Judith Anderson has lived in San Juan Capistrano for 31 years, is a portrait and culture photographer, an architectural assistant and architectural tour guide for the SJC Historical Society and the Friends of the Library of SJC, as well as a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby/Education of South Orange County. CD

An attempt to cut down on single-use plastic by local climate-change activist Judith Anderson did not go as planned. Photo: Courtesy of Judith Anderson

cycle would collect and process this sack for successful reuse. My brief chat with an Arm & Hammer representative explained this particular bag was made of mixed-plastics; specifically, nylon and polyethylene.

But it was not coded with the decades-old recycling symbols I, a willing consumer, had become reliant on. As I had continued buying goods in plastic (single-use or not), discarding these ubiquitous plastics in curb-side collectors had become a therapeutic act, calming my innate guilt of increased consumption.

Not quite defeated, I also started gathering single–use plastic containers, bags, and film wrapping (previously bought but now finished). After two weeks, my dedicated trash can was overflowing with these items. In spite of my earlier pledge, it still contained take-out food packaging or excess produce wrapping.

The family couldn’t seem to avoid it.

I’m admittedly discouraged. It appears we now live with planetary pollution so insidious it is increasingly choking us out of existence. Falling into the rabbit hole of this plastic pollution pandemic,

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.

years on this Earth—we rushed out and got vaccinated. We stood in long lines for the polio vaccine. We have a long history of successful vaccines.

So why is COVID such a problem? Why has it become so political and religious instead of using our brains?

If everyone would rush out to be vaxxed, we could be rid of COVID also.

We should fear COVID-19 and its variants, not science.

Don’t be misled by lies and misinformation. Save lives … your own and your loved ones, and get vaxxed. It’s free.

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

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

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

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 20, Issue 2. 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 27-February 13, 2022

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PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE 2022 REDISTRICTING Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau revises census blocks, and local governments are required to use the new census data to draw their district lines to reflect how populations have changed. The City of San Juan Capistrano is beginning this process now, and we want your input.

Schedule of Redistricting Public Hearings and Workshops • Thursday, January 20, 2022, 6:00 p.m. Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion • Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10:00 a.m. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real • Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

visa los bloques del censo, y los gobiernos locales tienen la obligación de utilizar la nueva información del censo para trazar las divisiones de los distritos para reflejar los cambios en la población. La ciudad de San Juan Capistrano está iniciando este proceso ahora, y queremos su opinión.

Horario de las Audiencias Públicas y Talleres de Redistribución de Distritos Electorales • Jueves, 20 de enero del 2022, 6:00 p.m. Centro Comunitario, 25925 Camino Del Avión • Sábado, 22 de enero del 2022, 10:00 a.m. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real • Martes, 1o de febrero del 2022, 6:00 p.m. Sala del Ayuntamiento, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Martes, 15 de febrero del 2022, 6:00 p.m. Sala del Ayuntamiento, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Martes, 1o de marzo del 2022, 6:00 p.m. Sala del Ayuntamiento, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Martes, 8 de marzo del 2022, 6:00 p.m. Sala del Ayuntamiento, 32400 Paseo Adelanto • Martes, 15 de marzo del 2022, 6:00 p.m. Sala del Ayuntamiento, 32400 Paseo Adelanto Para mayor información y mapas interactivos, por favor, ingrese a sanjuancapistrano.org/Redistricting2021 949.493.1171, redistricting@sanjuancapistrano.org

For More Information and interactive maps please visit sanjuancapistrano.org/Redistricting2021 949. 493.1171, redistricting@sanjuancapistrano.org.

PUBLIC NOTICE Redistribución de Distritos Electorales 2022 Cada 10 años, la Oficina del Censo de EE.UU. re-

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 13, 2022

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

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

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

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

HELP WANTED

Bookkeeper Picket Fence Media seeks a part-time bookkeeper for its community media business based in Capistrano Beach, CA. Basic requirement is 2 days weekly (5 hours per day). Can be flexible as job duty requires more hours the first two weeks of the month than the last two weeks of the month. Responsibilities include managing A/P, weekly cash flow reports, month-end closing, sales rep commission calculations, monthly financial reporting and annual budgeting and tax filings. Ideal candidate experienced in QuickBooks and proficient in Excel and Word. Interested candidates should email Alyssa Garrett at agarrett@picketfencemedia.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.

Call us today!

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

The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

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GETTING OUT

949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

Editor’s Pick

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 2-6 p.m. Come enjoy a drink and enjoy some live music at this famous downtown bar. Whiskey Ridge Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

The List

THURSDAY | 03

What’s going on in and around town this week

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Will Heard will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

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

SATURDAY | 29 LIVE MUSIC AND TRIVIA AT THE BREWHOUSE 6-8 p.m. Come spend a Saturday night sipping drinks, testing your knowledge, and enjoying live music at one of San Juan Capistrano’s coolest spots. Steely Dan tribute band Kids of Charlemagne will perform. Trivia will cover the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, so brush up on those leg warmer and grunge factoids. 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano.

949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 7 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks.

Face masks are required on all tours until further notice. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

SUNDAY | 30 PERFORMING FOR PUPS! 2 p.m. Have you ever seen dogs watch a play? If not, this is your chance. Come see adorable canines available for adoption view a live 10-minute theatrical performance. The event is free to the public, though donations are welcome.

Registering online beforehand is encouraged. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

SATURDAY | 05 Trevor’s at the Tracks owner Trevor Baird offers samples at the 2020 Taste of San Juan. The event is returning this year. Photo: Collin Breaux

THURSDAY | 03 2022 TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6-9 p.m. A community tradition hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association returns to kick off the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. Sample selections from San Juan restaurants, pubs, and wineries. General admission is $45. Mark Liddell and the Wranglers will provide live music. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.615.1920. swallowsparade.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Alternative rock band Dramarama will perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

AT THE MOVIES

‘Parallel Mothers’ Shows Almodóvar, Cruz Still Have It

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

egendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and his favorite muse and actress, Penélope Cruz, are back again for their seventh project, Parallel Mothers.

Almodóvar somehow has an equal knack for creating realistic, complicated women as much as complicated men. Part of it is his talent and craft, and another is his trust and chemistry with the actresses with whom he works, such as Cruz.

Their modern classic, Volver (2006), remains one of my favorite films, and Parallel Mothers proves that over two decades into their artistic partnership, they’ve still got it.

In modern-day Madrid, Spain, 40-year-old Janis (Cruz) and 17-year-old Ana (Milena Smit) give birth at the exact same time while sharing the same hospital room. Both women’s pregnancies were unplanned and outside of relationships, with Janis happy to suddenly become a mother, while Ana is more cautious.

When the father of Janis’ baby, Arturo

Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures

(Israel Elejalde), starts to notice daughter Cecilia doesn’t share any resemblance to either himself or Janis, the latter secretly takes a paternity test and is shocked to discover a secret that involves Ana. Parallel Mothers is the second psychological melodrama to be released recently that is a quasi-cautionary tale on motherhood, following Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter, which doesn’t necessarily shun the concept.

At first, Mothers is a unique ode to single motherhood, as well as for women who choose to have a baby later in life. But then the film quickly moves into the usual crazy,

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over-the-top, yet well-executed antics for which Almodóvar is famous.

Cruz truly is at her most comfortable and effortless while directed by the fellow Spaniard, and she doesn’t disappoint here, while Smit is also quite good.

Parallel Mothers features exceptional direction, acting, character and plot development, and Almodóvar’s usual message and lesson on obscure Spanish history that relates to the story. If you’re running out of award contenders for this season, and still in the mood for quality screen drama, Parallel Mothers might be for you. CD

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SJC LIVING

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Smokey

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

In Tribute to Ilse Byrnes

I

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

This handsome boy is Smokey, an 8-month-old kitten looking to make your acquaintance. Though somewhat shy initially, Smokey has a sweet personality and loves to play with his toys. He enjoys the company of other cats and would make a good kitty companion.

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

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

The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

t is with great sadness that I am writing this tribute to Ilse Byrnes, who passed away recently at age 94. Ilse was the closest person to a national treasure that San Juan Capistrano had!

Ilse was born, raised and educated in Switzerland. She spoke five languages fluently. In 1950, after receiving her degree as a lab technician, she came to Los Angeles because her uncle was Consulate General of Switzerland in Los Angeles. Ilse was hired as a lab technician by Los Angeles County Hospital. On a skiing vacation with people from the hospital, she met a young intern, Roy Byrnes. They were married in 1954. After Roy completed his military service, the couple moved to Capo Beach in 1959. In 1969, they moved to San Juan Capistrano. They built a house on a hill overlooking the ocean and the Capistrano Valley. They needed room for their four children.

Although Ilse lived in Capo Beach, she was an avid equestrian and boarded her horse in San Juan Capistrano. In 1964, Casa Grande was torn down. Casa Grande was the home of the Forster family, who had purchased the Mission after secularization and Mexico had won its war with Spain. When the United States acquired California and the Mission was returned to the Catholic Church, the Forsters were left without a home in San Juan Capistrano and built Casa Grande. The wrecking ball on that building was a wake-up call to the city that something needed to be done to save historic buildings.

Ilse Byrnes heard that call. Having been raised in Europe, she knew the value of historic buildings and the importance of maintaining local culture.

Once Casa Grande disappeared, she feared that structures on Los Rios Street, the oldest residential street in California, might receive the same fate. Ilse decided to try to get Los Rios Street on the National Registry. She started in 1976, at the time of the nation’s bicentennial. Los Rios Street was finally approved in 1983!

At this time, she also added the Rios Adobe and the Montanez Adobe as separate structures because of their unique historical value to San Juan Capistrano.

With the exception of the Mission, all of the structures on the National Registry in San Juan Capistrano are the result of Ilse’s research and dedication.

Ilse had no favorite buildings. They were all special and deserved to be preserved for future generations. But Ilse was not just interested in structures.

She established the Trails and Equestrian Commission. She worked for years

llse Byrnes was a notable community member who advocated for national recognition of San Juan Capistrano’s historic landmarks and helped establish the town’s trail system. She recently died at the age of 94. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Byrnes

with the county to insure the continuation of the Orange County trail system.

When the Trails and Equestrian Commission merged with Parks and Recreation, Ilse served on that commission, as well. She was also a member of the County Historical Board. She worked with the Fiesta Association for the SwalMOMENTS IN TIME lows Day Parade.

BY JAN SIEGEL Ilse served on the Board of the Blas Aguilar Foundation, was a docent at the Montanez Adobe, and volunteered for many events at the Historical Society.

The late Huell Howser was led by Ilse through the Historic Los Rios District for his PBS show California Gold. You can still see that program on YouTube.

She was also known as the “Bird Lady” of Orange County. She took care of large wild birds, found by the rangers, which needed nursing back to health and eventually were put back into the wild.

And in her “free time,” she swam with the International Olympic Seniors in world competitions. Even among the seniors, she was known as “Mom” as much for her personality as her ability to speak many languages. She won numerous awards for her age group.

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Besides saving buildings in San Juan Capistrano, Ilse Byrnes was also instrumental in the National Registry adding Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach; Casa Romantica and the Goldschmidt House in San Clemente; and Greystone Villa on Ortega Highway.

Ilse Byrnes was named San Juan Capistrano Woman of the Year in 2006 and on the Wall of Recognition in 2001.

Ilse was the epitome of how one person can make a difference. Hers was a life truly well-lived. And while she will be missed, her legacy will live on forever in San Juan Capistrano.

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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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.

Defense Leads the Way in South Coast League Girls Soccer Title Race The old saying in American football is that “defense wins championships,” and that maxim extends to the greater expanse of the world’s football, even to the top of the South Coast League’s girls soccer title race.

Entering Thursday, Jan. 27, San Clemente was unbeaten in league play with a 3-0-3 record (12 standings points), and the Tritons had allowed only three goals in six league games. San Juan Hills was close behind with a 3-1-2 league record (11 points), with its only loss coming in a 1-0 contest against San Clemente. The Stallions had allowed only three league goals. Tesoro was also undefeated in league with a 2-0-3 record (9 points), and, unsurprisingly, the Titans had allowed only three league goals.

Defense is clearly the name of the game in the South Coast League, even as teams jostle for the top spot. That point was made even clearer as San Clemente hosted San Juan Hills on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Both teams traded flurries of chances late in the second half, but time and time again, both teams’ back lines swept away the danger, as San Clemente, ranked No. 8 in CIF-SS Division 1, and San Juan Hills, No. 10 in Division 1, played to a scoreless draw at Thalassa Stadium.

“I thought we had a lot of chances,” San Juan Hills coach Farrel Moore said. “We were just unlucky not to get one tonight, but soccer is like that sometimes. It’s a good battle. It’s always a battle with San Clemente.”

San Clemente and San Juan Hills both had two games remaining, including one each against Tesoro. Tesoro had three games remaining.

San Clemente remained in the driver’s seat for the league title, and the Tritons could close out the league with a variety of win-draw combinations in the final two games, depending on how the rest of the league fares. Either way, the Tritons controlled their destiny starting with a road game at Tesoro on Thursday, Jan. 27, and a home season finale against Trabuco Hills on Monday, Jan. 31. San Clemente will watch the scoreboard on the league’s final day on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

San Juan Hills trailed the Tritons by a single standings point, but all the Stallions can do for a league title chance is win out and hope for San Clemente to drop a point somewhere. San Juan Hills hosted Aliso Niguel on Thursday and closes at Tesoro on Feb. 2.

Tesoro, ranked No. 2 in Division 2, was three points behind San Clemente for first, but the Titans have a The Capistrano Dispatch January 28-February 13, 2022

San Juan Hills girls soccer has put up a stalwart defensive front this season, as has the rest of the South Coast League in a tight race at the top for the title.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

game in hand on both the Tritons and Stallions. Tesoro hosted San Clemente on Thursday, plays at Aliso Niguel on Monday and hosts San Juan Hills on Feb. 2.

Thursday’s results were not available at press time.

On Tuesday, both San Clemente and San Juan Hills were led by their stalwarts in the central defense.

For San Juan Hills, it was Peyton Leonard as the defensive lynchpin. Leonard was involved in nearly every defensive stop for the Stallions, with blocked shots and singularly winning balls struck deep by San Clemente, as the Tritons began to attack more in the later stages.

“She was outstanding for us,” Moore said. “She’s been a presence for us back there since her sophomore year.

Strong in the air, the long throws. She brings a lot of attack and defended really well tonight.”

Going forward, both teams are quite focused on the task at hand. Goals are at a premium, and both teams know they have to up their creativity to break through.

They both also know who they are as defensive units and are ready for the stretch run and playoffs after that.

JSerra Boys Soccer Battles for Top of Trinity League In what’s been a tremendous season for the program, the JSerra boys soccer team has only lost twice.

The Lions, ranked No. 5 in CIF-SS Division 1, took their first loss back on Dec. 10 in a 3-2 contest against Santa Ana Valley, now ranked No. 3 in Division 1. JSerra went unbeaten for another month before its first clash with the other Trinity League title contender, Servite, on Jan. 12. The Friars, ranked No. 1 in Division 1, shut out the Lions, 4-0, with a three-goal first half.

JSerra (11-2-1, 6-1) had an opportunity to get even Page 14

with Servite (13-2-2, 6-0-1) at home on Thursday, Jan. 27, but results were not available at press time. The Friars were coming off their first blemish of league in a 1-1 draw at Santa Margarita on Tuesday, Jan. 25, and the Lions were fresh off a 7-0 road drubbing of St. John Bosco on Tuesday.

Outside of the Servite shutout, JSerra has outscored league opponents by a wide margin, 20-4, although 11 of those goals have come against St. John Bosco. Senior Tyler Stewart leads the Lions with 11 goals this season.

Senior Sean McTague has eight goals and six assists, and junior Reagan Heslin has seven goals and five assists.

JSerra next plays at Orange Lutheran on Monday, Jan. 31, and closes out the regular season at Mater Dei on Thursday, Feb. 3.

Roundup San Juan Hills boys soccer (5-2-6, 2-0-4) is unbeaten in the South Coast League and tied for first place. The Stallions have earned four straight draws, which brought them to 10 standings points. San Clemente is 3-1-1, which is also good for 10 standings points. The Tritons host San Juan Hills on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

St. Margaret’s boys soccer (5-5-4, 4-0-1) is unbeaten in the San Joaquin League with three games to play. The Tartans have four shutouts in league and have outscored league opponents, 12-1.

Capistrano Valley Christian girls soccer is the only other ranked city team at No. 6 in Division 7. The Eagles are well ahead in the Academy League standings at 5-0. CVC is led by prolific freshman Ila Allred, who has scored 20 goals this season. The Eagles have scored a total of 53 goals in 11 games. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 13, 2022

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