February 26, 2021

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 11, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 4

Inside: SPECIAL SECTION

Back in Action Football, Water Polo, Multiple HS Sports Can Start Seasons S P O R T S / PAG E 22

Outdoor sports are back on in Orange County, as coronavirus cases continue declining. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

thecapistranodispatch.com

Teachers Union Raises COVID Safety Concerns with CUSD

Architect Roy Nunn Leaves Lasting Legacy

Days of Our Lives in SJC: The Final Chapter

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

SJC LIVING/PAGE 20

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

San Juan Capistrano Plans to Review Massage Parlor Regulations

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Living up to a promise he had made while campaigning for city council, Councilmember Howard Hart made a motion authorizing city staff to review San Juan Capistrano’s ordinance on massage parlors—with a focus on halting human trafficking and illicit activity—that was passed during a Feb. 16 council meeting.

Hart identified massage parlors as an issue he was concerned with during his bid for the District 5 seat, which he won in the November election.

The council last updated its ordinance on massage parlors in April 2018 to comply with changes in state laws, adding certain provisions intended to reduce the risk of such establishments being used for illegal activity.

“To ensure the city’s health and safety of workers and patrons and the public, I recommend staff be directed to evaluate the existing ordinance for possible fur-

ther enhancement,” Hart said. “Pending council support for this effort, I request staff work directly with the i-5 Freedom Network when considering potential modifications to the ordinance.”

The i-5 Freedom Network is a San Clemente-based nonprofit that seeks to end human trafficking. The council voted, 4-0-1, to approve Hart’s recommendation. Mayor John Taylor and Councilmembers Hart, Troy Bourne, and Sergio Farias voted yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Derek Reeve was not at the part of the meeting open to the public.

Emily Chen, a victim of sex trafficking in Irvine, spoke about her experiences during the meeting. Chen, who does not live in San Juan Capistrano but grew up in California, said she was held hostage for six months.

“When I hear residents talk about how they want to improve the city and how much dedication you all want to put into making this a safer place for not only your

City staff will work with the i-5 Freedom Network to review San Juan Capistrano’s massage parlor ordinance, under the direction of new Councilmember Howard Hart, who wants to stop human trafficking.

Photo: Courtesy of Howard Hart’s campaign

kids but anyone else that wants to live in this vicinity, I felt the need to be here today to speak upon that,” Chen said. “Please don’t let anything happen to anyone else.”

If a change in the municipal code is identified, staff would return with a draft ordinance at a future council meeting. A first and second reading of the ordinance would be required, and it would be adopted 30 days after being approved, City Manager Ben Siegel said.

CUSD Board Clears Way for Return to Letter Grades in P.E. Classes

quired unanimous approval by the board.

Students who fail physical education classes will automatically get no credit.

They will be provided with additional opportunities during summer school— or through credit recovery or other programs during the school year—to make up work or retake a class for credit.

A no-credit designation will not have a negative impact on a student’s gradepoint average, according to a staff report.

“If I had a child who was failing a class, I think my child would feel more motivated by getting a ‘no credit’ than by getting an F. An F is you failed. You did bad,” Jones said. “Whereas no credit is not, to me, as hurtful. It doesn’t stab you in the heart the way an F does.”

In other CUSD news, an agenda item that would have adopted Cultural Proficiency Lessons for grades K-12 was pulled, and instead is expected to come up again during an April meeting. The lessons are intended to teach students about anti-racism, privilege, empathy, stereotypes, prejudice, and other cultural issues. The item was pulled, because district staff will modify the lessons based on community feedback.

The proposed new curriculum drew comments from public speakers during the meeting, who variously spoke in favor

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Middle and high school students could again have the option of receiving an A grade in physical education classes, if they feel they have earned one and want it.

The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees set up bringing back the option of letter grades for secondary physical education students during a regular meeting on Feb. 17.

A designation of credit or no credit—instituted due to difficulties with the online APEX management system used for physical education classes during the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of the district’s “do no harm” policy for students during the health crisis—will remain the default evaluation if students do not request a letter grade.

District staff looked into revising the grade policy after Trustee Amy Hanacek initially brought up the matter during a January board meeting. Trustee Gila Jones made a motion during the Feb. 17 meeting for “credit or no credit” to be the default designation, while still allowing for the possibility of letter grades per student request, due to concerns that the The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

district would not be able to adequately reach out to non-English-speaking families about the policy revision.

“One thing we learned with APEX is it’s a very language-based curriculum. A lot of kids who are not very fluent in English do well in P.E., normally because there’s not a lot of language,” Jones said. “Kids who are doing well can make the request (for a letter grade). We will let them make the request for an A or a B or even a C.” Jones’ motion for credit or no credit as the default evaluation differed from district staff recommending teachers assign letter grades based on discussions with physical education teachers, who have advocated for letter grades. Staff recommendations still kept the “credit or no credit” option, though.

The policy revision allowing for letter grades is expected to become official when it is placed under the consent calendar and approved at a future board meeting.

The changes could have become official at the latest meeting during a first reading but did not when they failed to get a rePage 3

The neighboring cities of San Clemente and Dana Point have also recently brought forth ordinances intended to address illicit activity at massage parlors.

In other news, an agenda item for the Feb. 16 meeting to discuss the sale of city-owned property at Calle Arroyo and Rancho Viejo Road to R&H Land Partners was continued to a future meeting.

R&H Land Partners is represented by Robert Socci, a real estate representative in Anaheim. The parcel is 1.09 acres and situated between property owned by St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and the Ortega Cottages Business Park.

The Calle Arroyo parcel is currently operated under a license agreement by Ortega Equestrian Center and used for office space, support facilities and a riding ring, in conjunction with a larger commercial equestrian and stable operation located on an adjacent property owned by St. Margaret’s, according to a city staff report.

“Upon receipt of an informal purchase offer for the Calle Arroyo property from the Ortega Cottages owner, in October 2019 staff contacted St. Margaret’s and the operator of the Ortega Equestrian Center to gauge interest, if any, in potentially acquiring the property from the City,” the report said. “While discussions with St. Margaret’s and the Ortega Equestrian Center did not mature into a formal purchase offer from either, the owner of the Ortega Cottages business park, Mr. Socci, submitted an offer of $150,000.”

of and against the lessons. Some supported the lessons since they raised awareness among kids and wanted the item to be placed on the March meeting agenda, while others opposed the lessons since they felt it pushed a political agenda and would increase division among children.

A separate agenda item introducing novels for high school students that express a diverse array of perspectives from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, and marginalized characters and authors—as part of the district’s Cultural Proficiency Plan—was approved.

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 UPDATES as of Feb. 24

cases deaths

total

2,692

62

245

28

last 30 days

est. population • 36,821 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

Vandalism of Mission SJC Under Investigation

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is looking for information regarding a break-in at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

An overnight break-in at Mission San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Feb. 19, is being investigated, with Mechelle Lawrence Adams, the landmark’s executive director, alleging that eight individuals vandalized the historic site, bursting through doors and climbing on the grounds.

The incident reportedly occurred at 3:33 a.m. and was caught on surveillance video, according to Adams, delaying the Mission from opening on time on Feb. 19.

Adams declined to share further details of the vandalism.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the incident is under investigation, and suspects the perpetrators are juveniles.

The apparent breaking and entering comes after the historic site recently dealt with the front entrance being vandalized in a separate incident. The Mission had recently reopened for a second time

following a temporary closure forced by the most recent stay-at-home order throughout much of California.

Adams said while the past year has been difficult, she believes staff and supporters of the Mission will get through it.

“Each of these occasions reminds us of the sturdiness of the Mission,” Adams said, saying Mission staff and supporters will do whatever is necessary to move forward. She also said the outpouring of support from the community after the latest incident is a reminder that the site means a lot to many people.

“These distractions do hurt our morale,” she said.

Adams asked people to respect the buildings and history of the Mission, saying everyone needs to be a caretaker for what can be considered the heartbeat of San Juan.

“Come and visit the Mission,” Adams said.

Teachers Union Raises Concerns with CUSD Over Pandemic Safety, Communication Issues

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A local teachers union alleges there has been inadequate contact tracing and delayed notifications of positive COVID-19 cases on campuses.

Alleging lapses in communication from school administrators and concerns about COVID-19 protocol lapses not being taken seriously, the Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA) is calling for tightened safety measures and better responses from Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).

In response, the school district said there has not been a single case of transmission at schools and that health measures are being followed.

CUSD is one of approximately 60 school districts in California utilizing a hybrid education model in which students can either attend classes on campus or continue learning online from home. Campus capacity for CUSD is limited, and social distancing and masks are required of students on campus. CUSD began its staggered campus reopening in September.

CUEA President Joy Schnapper said the union has been involved in ongoing conversations with CUSD, and she believes everyone is doing the best they can, but CUEA members felt they were being “put off” while raising concerns with school administrators.

Among CUEA’s allegations are that some members came into close contact with an individual who had COVID-19, The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

without being notified by CUSD the individual had tested positive for the disease, and that notifications of cases at schools were not sent out within the required 24-hour time frame.

Schnapper said there were also times when people went to administrators with concerns about safety issues, but those apprehensions weren’t validated by administrators.

“We really did try to address these at the lowest level,” Schnapper said. “We really wanted to be taken seriously.”

CUSD spokesperson Ryan Burris said the district wants to assure its teachers that district leadership and department heads hold weekly meetings with Schnapper.

“The purpose of these meetings is to address concerns and, when necessary, investigate issues and discuss next steps,” Burris said.“We are grateful for the collaboration and partnership as we work together to support our teachers and certificated staff.”

Schnapper said the recent tension is a wake-up call and that she believes CUSD will work on the issue. CUEA will check back in with members to see if there has been improvement, and legal options are available if conditions don’t get better, such as filing a California Occupational Safety and Health Administration complaint, she said.

“We’re not kidding around,” Schnapper said.

The Capistrano Unified Education Association has raised allegations of inadequate contact tracing and delayed notifications of positive COVID-19 cases on school campuses, against the Capistrano Unified School District.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Burris said CUSD’s first priority during this pandemic has been to keep district students, teachers, staff, and families safe.

“While we were one of the only districts in the state of California to open our classrooms in September and October, to date, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency, which reviews each case of COVID-19 connected to our schools, we have not experienced a single case of COVID-19 transmission in our schools,” Burris said.

Though transmissions have reportedly not spread on campuses, CUSD does track active cases of COVID-19 at schools, which can be seen on a publicly available dashboard.

Burris also pointed to the district following the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines, including keeping most student desks at least six feet apart as space allows, following all contact tracing protocols and submitting each case to the Page 5

Orange County Health Care Agency, and following all notification timelines.

“Our record of health and safety speaks for itself,” Burris said. “Our extraordinary teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to adapt to changing health and safety guidelines, the challenges of teaching in small cohorts, and teaching hybrid and online lessons.”

CUSD commits to its teachers and staff that the district will follow up and investigate any concern brought to their attention, and looks forward to working with CUEA to keep people safe, Burris said.

Asked what CUEA would like to see from CUSD in this situation, Schnapper said members want better communication with district officials and for concerns to be taken seriously.

“We’re asking for the basics to be followed, for the health and safety of our employees,” Schnapper said. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Reata Glen Celebrates Couples’ History

Reata Glen residents Carole and Jim Ward display a photo of their wedding in 1956 in Long Beach, as part of a monthlong recognition the retirement community is hosting for its couples.

Photo: Collin Breaux

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

It was the 1950s in Paris when Carole and Jim Ward first met overseas.

Carole approached Jim for help with making a phone call, and he ended up traveling throughout Europe with her.

“We courted in Vienna for several months,” Jim said.

In 1956, they got married in Long Beach after returning home to the United States. Come 2021, the couple displayed a wedding photo at Reata Glen, as part of a monthlong celebration of the couples and people who live there.

Residents are displaying vintage wedding dresses and photographs at the retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo, in celebration of the most recent Valentine’s Day. Their memorabilia can be seen in the halls of the community center.

The Wards recounted their life story to The Capistrano Dispatch. After returning to the U.S., they eventually focused on their respective careers. Carole got a business degree and went to work as a geologist for an oil company, while Jim

became an attorney and then a judge.

Jim frequently commuted to San Francisco, where Carole had family, meeting often on Sundays during meals.

Their love of travel never diminished and became a hallmark of their marriage.

Jim, in particular, came to California after growing up in South Dakota. The two lived in South Dakota and Riverside for a bit before heading to Reata Glen, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That sort of became the theme of our life,” Jim said.“We’ve traveled everywhere.”

Carole said the key to a long marriage is not taking everything seriously.

“You’ve got to have the right attitude,” Jim said.

Jayne Austin, Life Enrichment Director for Reata Glen, said they wanted to bring the residents out and give them something to enjoy since they’ve had to deal with the ongoing health crisis.

“We decided to display their gowns, and they were very excited about participating in it,” Austin said. “We have well

Property Landlord Addresses Criticism of Proposed New In-N-Out Location

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Andrew Stroscher, who owns property that houses the new Target and Chickfil-A locations in San Juan Capistrano, said there was a time when people predicted there would be massive traffic impacts and dire consequences from those businesses opening.

Stroscher says that didn’t happen in either case—and, from his perspective, the story will be similar if a new In-NOut Burger location opens at the current Marie Callender’s building nearby on Del Obispo Street, on property he also owns.

The proposed new fast food restaurant in the downtown corridor has been criticized by some residents—including past councilmembers who rejected a previously proposed In-N-Out location— due to an anticipated increase in traffic, among other reasons. Residents have spoken out against the restaurant coming in during recent city council meetings.

What type of businesses open and where they are located is a matter generally up to property owners, and not necessarily city officials, Councilmember Troy Bourne said in regard to those concerns.

Stroscher—whose family owns much of the corridor property, which was once filled with orchards—doesn’t think there has been that much of a community outcry, saying the complaints come from a “small slice” of the community that has The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

spoken out against commercial developments for the past 30 to 40 years.

Stroscher said traffic studies done on these sorts of developments generally state traffic in the area is “transient”— meaning it comes from people passing through and heading to the nearby I-5 exit ramps. One reason In-N-Out Burger was selected to potentially open on Del Obispo is it will serve the largest possible portion of people in town, he said.

People are generally happy to have such businesses locally, Stroscher said.

“It’s considered a perk in town if you don’t have to leave town to get something,” he said.

The city council voted in October, 3-2, to authorize a discretionary use permit review process—including a traffic study—for the proposed restaurant site.

In-N-Out wants to demolish the current Marie Callender’s building on Del Obispo Street and build a new restaurant in its place, with a drive-thru lane. The existing building does not currently have a drive-thru lane—hence, the study coming before the council for consideration.

The study does not bind the council to any future approval on the project.

The traffic analysis is expected to be complete in April, according to City Manager Ben Siegel. It will include the “study of several issues including, but not Page 6

over 100 photographs of residents from all of their weddings, which has been spectacular.”

The displays are a reminder of how blessed the residents are and the love they share, Austin said.

“It’s fun here at Reata Glen to see couples that have been married a long time and still in love with each other,” Austin said.

Reata Glen also offered a second

COVID-19 vaccine clinic in mid-February.

The first clinic was in January, when many residents received their first shot.

“We’re getting the Pfizer vaccine. The residents are over-the-moon excited about being able to come down,” Austin said. “It’s brought life into the community.

They’ve seen each other. They’re joyful of that. There’s also a light at the end of the tunnel for them, that they can get back to what our new norm will be.”

limited to, vehicular turning movements to and from the project site, internal circulation on the project site, the project’s traffic impact on nearby intersections and roadways, parking demand and the queuing adequacy of the proposed drivethrough lane,” Siegel said.

Councilmembers Bourne, Sergio Farias, and Derek Reeve voted yes on approving the review. Mayor John Taylor and then-Councilmember Brian Maryott voted no.

Carl Arena, Vice President of Real Estate & Development for In-N-Out Burger, said the company is currently in the development application process for the new location, and so it’s “still too early to say when, or even if, we will be able to open a restaurant” at the Del Obispo site.

“Being a good neighbor is very important to us at In-N-Out, both at our current locations, as well as at prospective restaurant sites,” Arena said. “Throughout the planning process, our intent is to be sure that any concerns are satisfied, and to make any necessary adjustments in the hope that our business is nothing but a positive presence in the community.”

Once In-N-Out begins construction on a new location, it usually takes five to six months to build the restaurant and open for business, Arena said. In-N-Out knows the San Juan Capistrano area is a wonderful community, and the company is excited about the prospect of opening a new location in town, Arena said.

In other local business news, Stroscher shared an update on what’s happening at Plaza Del Obispo. Stroscher said three new tenants will go up next to the new

Target—a financial company, a medical company and, ideally, a relocated Marie Callender’s location in the middle of the other two. He declined to identify the medical and financial companies.

Stroscher also talked about the openings of the new Target and Chick-fil-A locations. Target has been a big success, and people overall are happy with Chickfil-A, he said. “(Target) is a huge asset in the city.

There are things you can buy in Target that you can’t get anywhere else in town,” Stroscher said. “We’re a small city, and we do need a general store to provide for us.”

Stroscher met with the franchisee of the Chick-fil-A location several times before it opened to iron out opening logistics, and he personally went through the drive-thru several times on the opening day. One concern with drive-thrus is making sure the line doesn’t reach the street, and the layout of In-N-Out ensures that won’t happen, Stroscher said.

“I’m very hands-on with all these developments to ensure they don’t interfere with the town, considering it’s my hometown,” Stroscher said.

As a San Juan native who grew up in town and attended the local schools, Stroscher said he is thoughtful about what type of businesses will open in the area, emphasizing that he considers businesses that will serve the largest portion of the community when reviewing development proposals on his property.

“Capistrano is very important to me,” Stroscher said. “This is my great-grandfather’s orchard.” thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5 p.m. The city council will hold a meeting. The public can watch the meeting online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org.

CD | Longtime Architect

Roy Nunn Leaves Lasting Legacy in SJC Roy Nunn, a longtime San Juan Capistrano resident who designed numerous buildings in town and served as a community official and volunteer, died on Feb. 7 from aspiration pneumonia. He was 71.

Nunn was an architect whose legacy lives on in the buildings around town and throughout Orange County that he designed, including Serra Plaza, the Fluidmaster building, and the local Volkswagen sales office.

Nunn also served on San Juan’s Planning Commission and Design Review Committee, and he coached youth sports.

He was born in Bakersfield and raised in Lakewood, before arriving in San Juan Capistrano.

His widow, Leslie Nunn, described her late husband as kind and caring. She has numerous photos of him in their home, as well as notes of condolences from loved ones and friends.

“He was a good man,” Leslie said. “He fought for 30 years with all the different illnesses he had. He had four types of cancer, Parkinson’s for 21 years, a brain bleed, stroke, and heart attack.”

Roy and Leslie were married for more than 50 years and lived in San Juan for 42 of those years.

When Leslie passes by one of the buildings he designed, she thinks about the work he put into them.

“He was incredibly creative and artistically talented,” she said. “They make me smile.”

With his passing, she feels a sense of relief that he is no longer suffering.

“I’m incredibly proud of him, and I miss him,” she said. “He just loved what he did.”

CD | Developer Removes

Vegetation for La Novia Project Advanced Real Estate Services has recently removed non-native vegetation along the La Novia Avenue area as part of a private development project that will eventually establish housing and an equestrian facility.

The removal of vegetation is to make way for Distrito La Novia/San Juan Meadows Project, approved by the city in 2010.

The 154-acre project will involve the remediation of the former Forster Canyon Landfill, 94 single-family residences, an equestrian facility for up to 500 horses, The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

COFFEE CHAT 9 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs virtually on Fridays through Zoom. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

Roy Nunn, an architect who designed numerous buildings in San Juan Capistrano and Orange County, commemorated his 40th anniversary with his wife, Leslie Nunn, with a picture frame. Roy Nunn died on Feb. 7 at the age of 71. Photo: Collin Breaux

Troy High School in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District also won first place in Division 2. About 350 students from 32 schools participated in the event, OCDE said. There were three overall school divisions.

The majority of events, and the awards ceremony, were online. San Juan Hills, along with nine other winning schools, will now head to the California Academic Decathlon in March. The national competition will occur in April.

“We are thrilled to have 10 teams invited to the state decathlon this year,” OCDE Coordinator Kristin Rigby said in the news release. “I’m so proud of our students for demonstrating such grit and determination through this challenging time, and it was particularly fun to see some new schools invited, including Beckman, Garden Grove, Esperanza and San Juan Hills.”

130 multi-family units, 75,000 square feet of commercial/retail use and 16,000 square feet of office use, City Manager Ben Siegel said.

The Distrito La Novia portion of the project—multi-family housing, retail, and office space—is located north of La Novia. The San Juan Meadows portion of the project—landfill remediation, single-family homes, and an equestrian facility—is located south of La Novia.

“In February 2020, the project developer, Advanced Real Estate Services, began removing invasive and non-native vegetation on the project site as required by the project’s approved habitat restoration plan,” Siegel said on Feb. 16. “Two weeks ago, the project developer informed the City that additional non-native vegetation removal on the project site would begin; that activity has now concluded.”

Grading work on the project site is anticipated to occur sometime later this year.

Robb Cerruti, Vice President for Advanced Real Estate Services, said they are moving forward with the improvements to the old landfill and grading for the project first, and then will turn their attention to the equestrian facility—which requires approval from the Regional Water Quality Control Board—at the “appropriate time.”

CD | CUSD Celebrates

WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh goods at this community farmers market, held every Friday. Masks are required.

Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. farmakisfarms.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6:30 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will hold a meeting.

The public can watch the meeting online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING 4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Committee will hold a meeting. The public can watch the meeting online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

THE NEXT PRINT ISSUE OF THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH PUBLISHES.

Remodeled College and Career Centers Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) will hold grand reopenings this year for upgraded high school campus centers that help students prepare for the working world and assist with college applications.

Three college and career centers—at Dana Hills, Aliso Niguel, and Capistrano Valley high schools—are reopening in spring, a news release from CUSD said.

Reopening ceremonies for Dana Hills and Aliso Niguel were held Thursday and Friday. Capistrano Valley’s event will happen in May. Services offered at the centers include college funding assistance (FAFSA), early college program information, and student mentoring programs. New flooring,

CD | San Juan Hills High

Scores Big at Academic Decathlon San Juan Hills High School captured first place in Division 2 of the 53rd annual Orange County Academic Decathlon, held over three consecutive Saturdays from Jan. 23 through Feb. 6, a news release from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) said.

Page 7

paint, furniture, desks, and computers were part of the upgrades.

“We need to make this a little more ‘wow’ so students will want to come in,” said Pati Romo, executive director of college and career readiness for CUSD, on why the district is revamping the centers.

CUSD aims to get kids thinking about attending college and working toward a career, and having a plan in mind for doing so, Romo said.

The upgrades are funded by the K12 Strong Workforce Program and Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, both state programs. Other revamped centers throughout CUSD are expected to open in the near future, Romo said. thecapistranodispatch.com

eye on rmv

Sen. Bates Proposes Legislation to Cement NEV Use in RMV

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

here are times when Rancho Mission Viejo residents like to use neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) to go shopping at Sendero Marketplace or to the community parks, instead of hopping in a car to do so.

Given such use, State Sen. Patricia Bates recently brought forth legislation that sets NEV use in stone for the master-planned community. Senate Bill 214 intends to remove a previous January 2022 sunset date—set in an existing law—for authorizing the County of Orange to establish a NEV transportation plan for The Ranch.

Bates’ bill, essentially, makes permanent the county’s authority to establish the plan for the unincorporated area.

The sunset provision goes back to Senate Bill 956, which passed in 2007 and authorized Rancho Mission Viejo to develop a plan to support NEV usage within the community.

“As the Vice Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, I want

ty,” Balsamo said.

RMV officials are reportedly in regular communication with Bates and her office. A report on NEV use at The Ranch, submitted in 2020 to state legislators, said there were no documented impacts to traffic flow or record of unsafe use.

“NEVs are environmentally friendly and have been designed to directly fit into the infrastructure of the community,” Bates said. “The county benefits from having reduced gasoline demand and vehicle emissions.”

As of press time, the legislation is currently awaiting a hearing date in the Senate Transportation Committee. Bates said she looks forward to working with her colleagues to get the bill passed this year.

“I believe SB 214 has a good chance of becoming law, and we will continue to see the increased use of NEVs,” she said.

“The Legislature has approved similar bills in the past with bipartisan votes.

This bill would simply remove a sunset date in current law.” CD

to support innovative efforts that will help Californians live a more sustainable lifestyle,” Bates said. “Encouraging the use of NEVs in a community such as Rancho Mission Viejo would help achieve that objective.”

NEVs are similar to golf carts and generally have less impact on the environment than other vehicles.

Mike Balsamo, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for RMV, said he was pleased Bates introduced the bill. Balsamo said The Ranch’s initial NEV plan authorized by the 2007 legislation was, to some degree, a pilot program.

There has been good participation from the community and a solid safety program in place under their plan, Balsamo said. Residents can take NEVs on the multi-purpose trail systems in the area.

RMV residents support the plan in place, according to Balsamo. Many of them take their NEVs to community events, and such use is encouraged within The Ranch.

“It’s a source of pride for the communi-

EVENTS AT THE RANCH MARCH 3

YOGA NEAR NATURE 10-11 a.m. Stretch while surrounded by the scenic beauty of The Reserve.

The area will have plenty of room to accommodate social distancing. Increase your flexibility, get guidance on centering yourself and take the opportunity to meet new people. An additional yoga day will be held on March 10. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

Rancho Mission Viejo COVID-19 UPDATES as of Feb. 24

cases deaths

total

321

<5

last 30 days

49

N/A

est. population • 10,000 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

THE RESERVE TRANSITIONS TO VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

P

rior to the coronavirus pandemic, students in the local area visited The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo in person to learn about nature and science.

The health crisis has put a stop to that for now, though kids are still getting educational lessons with the South Orange County preserve.

The Reserve has instituted live virtual field trips, which students can take whether they’re attending class on campus or learning from home. The program started in November and currently has 70 schools involved, with about 30 students on average per trip.

“Everyone is able to participate with the virtual experience,” said Bonnie McQuiston, Education Coordinator for The Reserve. “It gives them a chance to see the natural beauty of The Reserve.”

Students are able to ask questions and give feedback during the virtual trips as they learn about geology, animal adaptations, Native American life, and other The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

Bonnie McQuiston, Education Coordinator for The Reserve, said their virtual field trips give students a chance to safely continue learning about science and nature. Photo: Courtesy of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

subjects. Field guides also teach students about trail activities and show them

equipment used at The Reserve.

“They can watch how erosion hapPage 8

pens,” McQuiston said.

The field trips give students a chance to learn about and see things they normally wouldn’t be able to in their classrooms, including live animals. Activities are given for students to do before and after the trips.

Rocio Sandoval, a second-grade teacher from San Juan Elementary School who participated in the program, said students are engaged during the experience.

Her students get to experience the valleys in the nearby area that they don’t get to personally witness while in the classroom or at home.

“They were making the connections to what we were learning on campus,” Sandoval said. “They were all participating.”

Another advantage of the virtual trips is students from outside South Orange County—including in Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area—also get to experience The Reserve, McQuiston said.

“It’s been neat to not only serve our community, but students from all over that wouldn’t normally be able to come,” McQuiston said. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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The Festival of Whales: The Grays are Golden

Welcome to 50 Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales th

2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales.

It’s such an honor to celebrate 50 years of our community’s rich heritage as a destination for whale watching.

Earlier this year, Dana Point became the first Whale Heritage Site in the U.S., a distinction it shares with Hervey Bay in Australia, the Bluff in South Africa and Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area in Spain. A Whale Heritage Site recognizes outstanding destinations for responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching. I am proud of the work done by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari in helping to earn this important global recognition for Dana Point.

Simply put, our community takes great pride in its distinctive role in the migration of thousands of whales each winter season as they pass through Dana Point. We are excited to mark the occasion on March 6 and 7.

While this year’s Festival of Whales will be modified due to COVID-19 related restric-

tions, there are still many wonderful events planned in addition to whale watching. From the Splash Dash Virtual Run to art lessons, lectures and music, there will be something for everyone. I am especially looking forward to seeing Wally the Whale, and our staff from the City of Dana Point Recreation Division riding through Dana Point Harbor and handing out sea-life-themed crafts for kids on a specially decorated Under the Sea Trolley.

Join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Festival of the Whales and in welcoming the gray whales back to the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®.”

— Mayor Jamey Federico

Festival of Whales Names 2021 50th Anniversary Logo Design Winner

1ST PLACE Lynlea Michaels, Irvine

BY LILLIAN BOYD ynlea Michaels wanted to capture the exhilaration one feels when they first lay eyes on a whale in the ocean.

She drew on her past whale watching experience, most recently in Hawaii, just ahead of the lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“You feel this sense of freedom,” Michaels said. “Obviously, whales are not animals we get the privilege of interacting with very often. If you’re an animal lover, there’s this amazing feeling that comes when you see such an incredible being.”

Michaels, 32, used pencil, pen and Adobe Illustrator to design her submission for the Festival of Whales’ 50th anniversary logo contest. The festival’s foundation announced in February that Michaels is the winner, and her logo will become the official logo of the Festival of Whales’ golden anniversary cele-

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The Capistrano Disaptch February 26-March 11, 2021

2ND PLACE Matt Rinehart, San Clemente $100 and 2 whale watching tickets

3RD PLACE Gabriella Kohr, Dana Point $50 and 2 whale watching tickets

bration. This year’s event is set for March 6—a departure from the traditional two-weekend format, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“For this design, I wanted to capture the energy of the ocean and the thrill of seeing such amazing animals playing and enjoying the California sun,” Michaels said. “The groovy text and mid-century colors give a nod to Dana Point’s history as a thriving surf community and the city’s eclectic vibes.”

Michaels’ design was the top vote-getter from among 72 entries in the January public online voting period.

Michaels, an Irvine resident, is a local designer and artist specializing in costume design and fashion illustration. She studied fashion and media in New York City before embarking on several years of world travel and exploration. Now back in Southern California, she is pursuing an advanced degree in

4TH PLACE Michael O’Connell, Clearwater, FL $50

Costume Design from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Michaels’ win cements her place in the Dana Point Festival of Whales’ half-century-long history, placing her among a distinguished and talented group of logo designers including local amateur artists, Dana Hills High School art students and internationally known professional artists such as John Van Hamersveld and Wyland.

“I was really surprised and honored to learn I had won,” Michaels said. “There were a lot of entries that were awesome. I was thrilled. It’s such an honor to have my work shown in that capacity for such a prolific festival. I feel like I’m being part of history.”

The winning logo will appear on Festival of Whales 2021 promotional materials including logo merchandise, print and digital media advertising, the official event program, event signage and news media.

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BY ANDREA SWAYNE, EVENT COORDINATOR he celebration of a golden anniversary is a momentous occasion, no matter what the subject of the festivities. Here in Dana Point, a party for our beloved annual California gray whale migration is one such 50year tradition that must not be allowed to slip by unacknowledged because of this pandemic situation we humans have found ourselves in over the past year. How undignified it would be to let these majestic leviathans of the ocean, the largest animals alive on Earth, be forgotten. Will we have to make adjustments? Yes. Will we let it dampen our Dana Point spirit? No! After all, the whales choose to grace our shores on their 10,000-mile-plus roundtrip journey between the warm birthing and calving waters of Baja Mexico and the cold Arctic feeding waters of the Bering Sea, generation after generation.

This year’s Festival of Whales will not include many of the customary activities eventgoers have grown to know and love over the years, but the stars of the show are making their presence known and whale sightings have been increasing by the day. Boat capacity and COVID-19 protocols have been in place to provide safe and comfortable whale watching excursions throughout much of the past year, and many opportunities to see these magnificent creatures will be available during the Festival weekend and beyond. Virtual whale watching experiences have also been added to this year’s lineup, along with a number of other virtual experiences, such as lectures and replays of past years’ events. There will be some safely distanced live experiences at the Ocean Institute as well.

We have even added a few altogether new events this year. Among this year’s firsts is the Splash Dash 5K and Fun Run virtual race.

View a special welcoming and blessing of the whales with local surf legends and indigenous Acjachemen dignitaries in our Pod Cast series.

And pay a visit to downtown’s newest restaurant and brewery, Station Craft to try the Festival’s first official beer, Spyhopping, in a custom can featuring the Festival logo.

Be sure to shop the Dana Point Harbor merchants and enjoy the great restaurants, as many are offering grab-and-go options and al fresco dining that will allow you to enjoy some great live music while you eat.

Due to the added rigors of planning caused by the pandemic, visitors are encouraged to check the Festival website often for new events being added to the lineup daily. And don’t miss out on purchasing your commemorative 50th anniversary T-shirts, hoodies and lapel pins, available on-site near Dana Wharf Plaza.

Since 1971, when the Harbor was first being built and whale watching was just getting started, the Festival—founded by Don Hansen of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and the late Dana Point historian Doris Walker—has become more than a tradition. This springtime fete is part of our culture. And now it’s golden.

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Schedule of Events Saturday, March 6

DANA POINT HISTORICAL SOCIETY VIRTUAL TOUR

UNDER THE SEA TROLLEY WITH WALLY THE WHALE

9-9:45 a.m. Marine muralist Wyland continues the Landmark Whale and Dolphin Adventure “Art Lessons in the Wild,” facilitating the most creative experience on the water. Each child participant receives a free gift from Wyland with free coffee for the adults. Children will create their own work-of-art aboard one of the Dana Wharf vessels. Art will be judged by Wyland himself, with multiple winners and a grand prize winner. The grand prize is a special work of art by Wyland, framed and signed, called “A Living Sea” valued at $2,000. Visit festivalofwhales.com to book a reservation.

Tune in online for the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour. See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, S. H. Woodruff’s 1920s planned community and Bluff Top harbor views, c. 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history.

The tour will include an interactive map, a video presentation of the route on YouTube and a web page that will contain the above resources along with additional artifacts.

Find the link at festivalofwhales. com on March 6, where it will be available throughout the month.

Wally the Whale and staff from the City of Dana Point Recreation Division will be riding on the decorated Under the Sea Trolley and making stops at different locations in Dana Point Harbor to hand out sea life-themed crafts for children to take home and be creative. The Under the Sea Trolley will stop at Dana Point Harbor Drive and Baby Beach from 9-9:45 a.m.; Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way from 10-10:45 a.m.; Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern from 1111:45 a.m.; and Mariner’s Village walkway area by Harpoon Henry’s from noon to 12:45 p.m.

CAPT. DAVE’S VIRTUAL SAFARI 8 a.m. Can’t get out on the water?

Join Capt. Dave’s for a fun and educational virtual dolphin and whale watching safari. You’ll meet the magnificent whales and dolphins found off the coast of Dana Point, California, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® on a pre-recorded safari with live narration from our experienced marine wildlife naturalists. Find the Zoom link at festivalofwhales.com.

STORY TIME WITH NONA THE NATURALIST (DANA WHARF DOCK)

KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP (DANA WHARF DOCKS) 12:15-12:45 p.m.; 1-5:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dockside fishing clinic to learn hands-on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 1-5:30 p.m. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for free. An extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life. This trip includes equipment. For more information and reservations call Dana Wharf at 949.496.5794 ext. 7. Pre-registration is required.

THE POD CAST: VIRTUAL MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES

This special lecture series is perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience; marine biologists and guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Visit festivalofwhales.com for more information.

SPLASH DASH VIRTUAL 5K AND 1-MILE KIDS’ FUN RUN Come together by staying apart at this year’s Dana Point Festival of Whales Splash Dash Virtual Race. Register online for the 5K or Fun Run at rundanapoint.com. All FIN-ishers will receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary T-shirt and race medal. Pick-up your race items on Friday, March 5 from noon-6 p.m. (or have them shipped directly to you) in the Dana Point Harbor.

All proceeds from the Splash Dash benefit the Dana Point Festival of

Whales Foundation and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry’s restaurant.

Watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pastels and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit, visit danapointfinearts.org.

HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon-3 p.m.

The Harbor Music Series is presented by the Dana Point Festival of Whales Foundation in the Dana

The Capistrano Disaptch February 26-March 11, 2021

Wharf Courtyard, Mariner’s Village plaza area in front of Harpoon Henry’s and El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds.

OCEAN INSTITUTE ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE 9:30 a.m. Marine Mammal Lecture and Exhibit 10 a.m. Marine Mammal Cruise departs.

The 65-foot research vessel, Sea Explorer, is an educational floating lab equipped with underwater cameras, an acoustic hydrophone, onboard computers, video microscopes, touch tanks, and a viewing aquarium. A bowsprit over the water provides any passenger with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales and sea lions.

10 a.m. Kayak Tour Check-in 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Whale Experiments on the Wharf Whale Experiments on the Wharf Page 12

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Use promo code FOW21 save $10 off all tickets, excludes special pricing at 4 p.m. For reservations call 1.888.224.0603 or visit danawharf.com.

CAPT. DAVE’S DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING SAFARI 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations, schedule, and information: 949.488.2828 or visit dolphinsafari.com.

OCEAN INSTITUTE 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information or reservations, please visit oceaninstitute.org or call 949.496.2274.

WHALE WATCH FROM LAND

9-9:45 a.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching will host “Story Time with Nona The Naturalist” aboard a docked Dana Wharf vessel, and virtually via Facebook Live. Nona Reimer, a retired Master Teacher and science mentor known as “Nona The Naturalist,” will be reading her favorite children’s book on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel while it is docked. Kids will be treated to a fun craft time after the story. Story time is limited to 15 children and one parent. The cost is $8 per child. Book your tickets today at danawharf.com/ whale-watching/story-time-with-nona-the-naturalist or call 949.496.5794.

Both Days of Festival

Both Days of Festival and Beyond

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING

WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD (OCEAN ADVENTURE)

Sunday, March 7

Whale Watching

will allow for 25 spaces per time slot.

Tickets $10 per person. Visit festivalofwhales.com or oceaninstitute.org for more information on the various experiments.

12:30 p.m. Marine Mammal Lecture and Exhibit 1 p.m. Marine Mammal Cruise 1:30 p.m. History of Whaling in Orange County (for guests of Spirit of Dana Point Sail) 2 p.m. Spirit of Dana Point Tall Ship Sail.

Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tall ship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. Members receive a 10% discount. Sign up in advance here as space is limited. Walk-ins will only be allowed when space is available.

8 a.m.-4 p.m. During this peak season, 40-50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headland’s 200-foot cliffs near the harbor as a landmark to check their migration path. Enjoy bluff-top viewing from the Headlands Nature Reserve.

All Month Long

Events offered by City of Dana Point

WHALE OF A YOUTH ART & LITERATURE CONTEST Open to children of all ages. Submit a cute story, poem or artwork themed on the California Gray Whale and email to recreation@ danapoint.org. Submittals are due by March 22. The winning entry will receive a gift card to Dana Wharf Sport Fishing & Whale Watching for a whale watching excursion and a whale/ ocean themed gift basket.

WHALE TAIL SCAVENGER HUNT Beginning March 6, embark on a fun scavenger hunt to find 10 decorative wooden whale tails hidden throughout the Dana Point Harbor area. Share a photo of your sighting on social media with the hashtags #DPRecWhaleTailSighting and #festivalofwhales to enter for a chance to win a whale watching trip for a family of four, and a $300 gift card to local Dana Point businesses. Find all 10 whale tails, take a photo standing by each, and email all 10 whale tail photos to recreation@danapoint.org by March 31.

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HARBOR MAP (0.5)

The Capistrano Disaptch February 26-March 11, 2021

Parking Information

Parking at Doheny State Beach is $3 per hour ($6 minimum/$15 maximum) at the numerous automated payment machine kiosks located throughout the park, or better yet through the Passport Parking app available for smartphones and tablets at ppprk.com/park. The benefit of the Passport Parking payment application is, in addition to making the initial payment for parking, time can also be added remotely from your phone or tablet. Free parking is available in and around the Harbor, along with paid ($3 per hour/$6 min./$15 max.) parking.

Map & Parking (no shuttle service)

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Dana Point Awarded Whale Heritage Site by World Cetacean Alliance

BY LILLIAN BOYD ana Point is officially the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, as established by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), the world’s largest marine conservation partnership, The WCA is an organization that promotes safe and sustainable whale watching. A Whale Heritage Site is defined by the WCA as “an outstanding location where cetaceans (whales, dolphins, or porpoises) are embraced through the cultural, economic, social, and political lives of associated communities, and where people and cetaceans coexist in an authentic and respectful way.”

Donna Kalez and Gisele Anderson, co-directors of the Dana Point Whale Watching Company, began the application process early in 2020 after successfully trademarking Dana Point as the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World in 2019. Kalez is the general manager of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and Anderson operates Capt.

Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari with husband Dave Anderson.

“To have Dana Point recognized as a Whale Heritage Site is a dream and has been a goal of mine for some time,” Kalez said. “Dana Point has historically been an incredible destination

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The Capistrano Disaptch February 26-March 11, 2021

to watch and learn about whales and dolphins, and now we are happy to share this with the world.”

Kalez says the criteria for acceptance are incredibly challenging, focusing on protection, sustainability, education, research, public access and awareness, as well as requiring a community effort that furthers the purpose of a Whale Heritage Site.

“Being the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas is an amazing accomplishment and serves to further recognize Dana Point and (give) the whales and dolphins that live and visit here the recognition they deserve, as well send a message to the world that Dana Point is also a place that protects and responsibly watches cetaceans,” Anderson said.

Both Kalez and Anderson credit the Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP), the harbor’s management company tasked with revitalization, for supporting their efforts to secure Dana Point as a Whale Heritage Site.

“We are ecstatic that Dana Point has been named the Americas’ only Whale Heritage Site,” said Bryon Ward, Partner of DPHP, and President of Burnham-Ward Properties.

“Marine education and specifically whale and dolphin watching is a key pillar of the Harbor’s history and future. This exciting recognition is a testament to our highly experienced whale

watching operators.”

In 2020, Dana Point was one of eight candidate destinations from around the world. The World Cetacean Alliance states that each site is unique, providing and contributing in different ways to the criteria for becoming certified. Kalez says that Whale Heritage Sites give tourists a transparent and easy way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching destinations, encouraging them to experience these incredible animals in their natural habitat, in an authentic and respectful way.

“To celebrate the abundance and diversity of these magnificent creatures in our local waters, we are currently consulting with marine biologists and artists to create educational exhibits and whale-related public art installations within the Harbor,” Ward said.

“As we further revitalize the Harbor in the coming years, we will instill the importance of education, conservation, and viewing whales in their natural habitat.”

Elizabeth Cuevas is the Whale Heritage Sites Manager at World Cetacean Alliance.

She says the Whale Heritage Site designation is the first step forward in responsible tourism.

“This site is of global significance as a place that has developed responsible whale and

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Donna Kalez and Gisele Anderson, co-directors of the Dana Point Whale Watching Company, applied for Dana Point to be designated a Whale Heritage Site in early 2020.

Photo: Courtesy of Donna Kalez

dolphin watching practices, while encouraging local people and visiting tourists to celebrate the importance of whales and marine conservation,” Cuevas aid. “The Dana Point community has set a gold standard that other whale watching sites can learn from.”

To learn more about the Whale Heritage Sites, go to whaleheritagesites.org/sites or worldcetaceanalliance.org.

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SOAPBOX

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

HOW TO REACH US C I T Y E D I TO R Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Judith Anderson

Things to Do Now to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

T

he last year, 2020, is now tied with the year 2016 for the highest globally averaged temperatures in recorded history, according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In November 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels gave us 12 years to act to prevent a global catastrophe. Now in early 2021, with less than nine years left to act, are you “woke” yet?

battery, for close-range errands coupled with outdoor enjoyment and health benefits, nothing quite beats a pedal bike.

What can each of us do now to reduce our carbon footprint?

TRANSPORTATION • Reduce your use of high CO2-emitting vehicles.

To find out how your automobile compares to climate targets, here is a website to consult: carboncounter.com. Diving deeper into your personal footprint are alternatives such as ride-sharing, trains, and buses.

Municipalities are adopting electric-powered public transport. The historically efficient bicycle still reigns.

Whether it’s with or without an electric

AT HOME • Powering up with solar panels is here to stay. If you haven’t converted already, it’s simply smart. There are numerous factors before signing contracts. You might get started by taking a solar energy quiz and comparing companies here: consumeraffairs. com/solar-energy.

In addition, we CITIZENS’ CLIMATE Californians have EDUCATION more chances to

BY JUDITH ANDERSON convert the power of wind and solar to reduce CO2 by ditching that clothes dryer on sunny days and hanging up clothes. It’s super easy to slide clean shirts on hangers over a clothesline or backyard umbrella frames.

And in your own backyard, have you got a raised bed for winter greens or herbs established yet? Even a tray (flat) of microgreens on a windowsill is a tasty beginning to grow your own.

When considering food and taking a step toward climate conscientiousness,

the closer your food source is to the soil, the less energy is needed to produce it.

All trees, large and small, emit oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

So, planting more, whether fruiting and feeding us, along with providing shade and cooling of excessively paved cities, is a win-win.

Growing more of what you eat means less energy use in transporting produce from farm to table. And composting your daily kitchen scraps into that garden with a simple composting method in your yard means further circular living.

For further exploration on how you can track your carbon footprint, go to footprintapp.org.

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 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.

O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

GUEST OPINION | Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Macros, Calories and Exercise … Oh, My! (Part 2)

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, Issue 4. 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 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

F O L L O W T H E C A P O D I S PATC H

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The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

H

opefully, you can hear me chanting, “Lions and tigers and bears … oh, my!” as you read the title of this month’s column. People continue to be “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs” when it comes to the latest and quickest way to weight loss.

I am completely capable of helping my clients take the weight off, but as everyone knows, keeping it off is a whole other ball game.

And, unfortunately, this game is lost by most—that is, until they go on the next punitive and restrictive diet plan, and try, try again.

HEALTH AND That being said, 99% NUTRITION 101 of my clients come

BY GINA COUSINEAU to me for weight loss.

My hope, once I have had the privilege of educating and influencing them, is they not only win the weight loss game, but they gain so much more, including improved health and vitality.

Looking to the definition of “vitality,” we see the meaning to be “state of being strong and active,” and “the power giving

continuance of life.”

That’s it, folks; if you knew you could finally feel comfortable in your own skin and completely shift the trajectory of your life by modifying your food and exercise with a different strategy, could you really say no to this proposition?

While this sounds easy enough, there is a fine line between too many calories, too few calories, how food choices make you feel both physically and mentally, and the satisfaction that these calories can provide, even when you are desiring to lose weight.

Step one is finding a diet approach that you can enjoy forever, and that means regardless of whether you are in a calorie deficit (for weight/fat loss), calorie surplus (for weight/muscle gain), or homeostasis (equilibrium)—the latter being my desire for us all.

Your food choices and ability to balance meals and snacks start with foods that are wholesome, as close to nature as possible, with the perfect amount of calories; macro nutrients (foods that provide calories, as well as water and fiber) and micro nutrients (foods that provide vitamins and minerals); and variety to bring joy to you

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psychologically, as well as physiologically.

Step two, finding a nutrition professional who is both educated and experienced enough to help you execute this in your kitchen, navigating our daily lives, and the obstacles that keep getting in our way (i.e., convenience foods and lack of exercise).

Next month, we tackle the “exercise” piece of the puzzle; this cannot be ignored, but until then, sign up for my weekly newsletter by visiting my website at mamagslifestyle.com, and join me for complimentary virtual cooking classes, webinars and more.

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. 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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GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

‘I Care a Lot’ Cares About Dark Comedy Fans

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

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

Editor’s Pick Experience the beauty and legacy of Mission San Juan Capistrano from home with a virtual tour.

Photo: Collin Breaux

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

SATURDAY | 27 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

FRIDAY | 5 ONLINE TOUR OF MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 3 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is offering online guided tours of its historic grounds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Learn about the history and see the charming grounds and gardens of this South Orange County landmark. Cost is $45 for up to four devices, and the Zoom tour lasts up to an hour. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Check the Mission website for exact hours.

949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

remember when British actress Rosamund Pike broke through globally with David Fincher’s Gone Girl (2014). There were worries from film fans that the impressive, memorable performance would pigeon-hole Pike as a messed-up, crazy lady on screen. Fortunately for Pike, she hasn’t been typecast yet.

This week, movie lovers will see her revisit the villainous femme fatale type for the first time in almost seven years with J. Blakeson’s dark satire I Care a Lot, produced for Netflix.

Marla Grayson (Pike) is a successful, professional, full-time legal guardian for many elderly patients in nursing homes. What people don’t know is that she shamelessly scams and manipulates the law into letting her take responsibility of these senior citizens just so she can make money ripping off their inheritances.

Marla’s agenda is foolproof until her latest victim, Jennifer (Dianne Wiest), turns out to have a secret relative, Roman (Peter Dinklage), in the Russian mob.

Unlike Emerald Fennell’s own recent satire, Promising Young Woman, in which Carey

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Photo: Courtesy of Seacia Pavao / Netflix

Mulligan’s lead is punishing people who arguably deserve it, Blakeson’s I Care a Lot has no redeeming characters to be found.

Our protagonists are unethical frauds, and the antagonists are the mafia. Even by dark comedy standards, you’re wondering a lot during the first two acts why we should care what happens to Marla once she’s in trouble.

Interestingly, I have the same feelings with Blakeson’s film that I previously had with Fennell’s Promising Young Woman. Here we have another questionable narrative with a weak third act that is just barely saved by the last 30 seconds of the movie.

But everything technical and aesthetical in I Care a Lot is fine, and Pike is good. Depending on your tolerance for morally bankrupt characters, I Care a Lot is one of those decent new releases that is perfect for streaming at home during a free night. CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com FOR RENT

CAPO BEACH ROOM FOR RENT - $800 $800. Includes cable, internet, Parking.

No pets/smoking. Laundry available. 949-661-5879

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com

DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. GARAGE & PLANT SALE - SATURDAY, FEB. 27 Saturday, February 27, 8-11AM. Lots of household and decorative items plus furniture, no junk! Terracotta pots filled with large succulents and some tools too. 34626 Camino Capistrano, Capo Beach ESTATE SALE - SUNDAY, FEB. 28 Sunday, February 28, 2021. 8:30 AM-12:30PM 26000 Avenida Aeropuerto, Spc 210, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Items include furniture, china, glass, home decor and more.

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

HUGE GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, FEB. 27 Don’t Miss this One…TONS of Great Stuff. Computer Gear, Furniture, Kitchen Items, TV ect. Saturday Feb 27th 8AM Start. 27062 Via Cocida, SJC, CA 92675

HELP WANTED P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/ Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online View online at thecapistranodispatch.com Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

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SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

DAYS OF OUR LIVES IN SJC: PART 4 S ylvestro Morales was able to avoid capture. On August 20, he went to a cousin’s home near Rancho Santa Fe. He knew the 17-yearold stepdaughter would be alone. He kidnapped her. In the course of trying to get away from a posse, the pair hid in a corral. Hearing noise coming from his corral, Henry Charles went to investigate.

As he entered the building, Morales shot him and then stole his horses. Henry Charles was dead. He left an estate of more than $100,000 mostly in land holdings, including property on River Street.

Under property transfers in the Los Angeles Times on November 8, 1878, J. P. Fuller sold to Henry Charles 1.51 acres on River St. in San Juan Capistrano for $150.

Marshal Keno Wilson, who was leading the search for Morales, was able to get one of his former gang members, Ignacio Castillo, to help him capture his former boss in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Castillo knew all of Morales’ former haunts. The posse got lucky. Someone spotted Morales and his girlfriend and reported it. It was close to the home of his stepsister, so they just waited until Morales was alone. The posse was able to capture Morales without firing a shot.

Taking the girl was easy.

On his person, at the time of capture, Morales had the watch that he had taken from his first victim. He claimed that it was the watch that did him in. Without it, there would have been no case. As to the horses that he stole, he said that “‘horses just like to follow me.” He claimed murder charges were self-defense, but he was MOMENTS IN TIME convicted of murder

BY JAN SIEGEL and sentenced to life in prison at San Quentin.

Morales vowed to get even with Wilson and Castillo. In 1909, the governor pardoned Morales for good behavior. On October 14, 1910, he waited for Castillo.

When he approached Castillo, he shot him. Castillo was mortally wounded but managed to get to the ranch house and say who killed him. Wilson led the search for Morales but was never able to catch him.

Morales never got to Wilson. Wilson died at the age of 71 in 1936. Morales was never heard from again after he killed Castillo.

These are some of the figures who are

part of San Juan Capistrano history. From Pablo Pryor, to Fr. Joseph Mut, from Henry Charles to Sylvestro Morales, these are the people who have helped define our community. Spend a “Moment In Time” and reflect on all of those who have come and gone before us and how we will shape the community for the future.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Parts 1, 2, and 3 ran in previous issues. This is the final part. 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.

Kyle

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

re you looking for a friendly feline companion? Look no further than Kyle, a 2-year-old neutered male looking for his forever family. An all-around great cat, Kyle is both outgoing and affectionate.

He loves to play and even gets along well with most other cats. You can’t go wrong with a sweet guy like Kyle.

If you are interested in adopting Kyle, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares.

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult.

Level: Medium

Photo: Courtesy of Carmen Northen and OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This photo depicts Terry Martin reading to children during storytime at the San Juan Capistrano Library. The year is unknown.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Green Light: Football, Water Polo, Multiple HS Sports Can Start Seasons Football, water polo will initially require weekly COVID-19 testing

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he “scoreboard” watching is over in Orange County, as sports teams and organizations across the area got the number they needed on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Outdoor sports are back on in Orange County, after the county’s new case rate per 100,000 residents dropped below 14 to 11.9 in the state’s weekly coronavirus tier update. New state guidelines announced on Friday, Feb. 19, set the 14-per100,000 benchmark to return to play.

Despite staying in the highest risk purple “widespread” tier, Orange County’s coronavirus metrics continued to improve overall, with the testing positivity dropping to 5.4% from 7.8% and the health equity positivity rate dropping to 7.0% from 10.7%. Both of those numbers are down to red “substantial” risk levels.

Pending county and school district approvals, high school football and water polo teams can finally begin their twice-delayed seasons as early as Feb. 26, and the outdoor spring sports of soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and cheerleading can all go off as scheduled next month.

Friday’s new sports guidelines did not completely wipe out the previous guidelines that slotted each sport in one of the state’s four color-coded coronavirus monitoring tiers based on level of risk, as determined by indoor or outdoor venues and the amount of contact in each sport.

The sports are still assigned to tiers, but with the case rate threshold now in place, the tiers only affect indoor sports, which remain in the orange “moderate” risk and yellow “minimal” risk tiers.

The guidelines apply across the board to youth and adult sports, either organized or recreational.

Of the CIF-SS’ high school fall or “Season 1” sports, cross country was the first and only sport allowed to compete in the purple tier and has been since Jan. 25, when the regional stay-at-home orders were lifted across the state. Girls tennis was the first spring or “Season 2” sport to open action on Monday, Feb. 22, and can now play doubles matches under the new guidelines.

However, the spotlight now shines on high school’s big-ticket sport: football.

“We’re fired up,” San Juan Hills football coach and athletic director Rob Frith

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 11, 2021

After having their seasons delayed twice due to state guidance and stay-at-home orders, high school football and water polo can return to play this month with updated guidance and improving coronavirus numbers. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

said. “We’ve spent a lot of time preparing.

It’s go time. We get to do what we’ve been training to do for over a year.”

Football has two special stipulations for its return. First, like water polo and rugby, the state’s new guidelines require weekly COVID-19 tests for all football coaches and players, with results provided within 24 hours of competition.

The state said it will cover the cost of the testing, making it free for the schools and teams. The state and CIF-SS did not lay out any protocols for positive tests or game cancellations, with CIF-SS saying those would be decisions for districts and individual schools.

“If we have to do it, then we’ve just got to get it done,” Frith said. “We’re just going to have to be organized and proactive.”

The testing requirement could go away if the county’s new case rate per 100,000 residents goes below 7.

Secondly, CIF-SS rules require 14 days

of full practice before football games can be played and 10 days before a scrimmage against another team can be held. So, whereas water polo could start immediately on Feb. 26 if the proper approvals come through, there will still be two weeks of headway before football can officially start. With CIF-SS’ official end date for football season on April 17, every day counts in terms of the length of the season.

“There’s absolutely no way to plan for this,” JSerra football coach Pat Harlow said. “A month ago, I would’ve said we’re not playing. But now for the chance to play a limited schedule, it’s great for these kids and especially these seniors.”

San Juan Hills will open its season on March 19 at home against El Toro, then play at Capistrano Valley before opening a three-game South Coast League schedule against San Clemente, at Mission Viejo and at home against Tesoro.

JSerra will open its Trinity League

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season on March 19 against Mater Dei. St. Margaret’s and Capistrano Valley Christian will make decisions on their seasons in the coming days. Along with transitioning from being Saddleback Valley Christian, Fairmont San Juan Capistrano moved down to eight-man football this year.

For the rest of the outdoor high school sports, the start dates will trickle out over the next month.

San Juan Hills water polo will play a league-only schedule from March 8 to March 20, and JSerra water polo will play a Trinity League schedule March 4-18.

Soccer teams can open their seasons on Saturday, Feb. 27; boys tennis on Monday, March 1; lacrosse on March 12; swimming on March 13; baseball and softball on March 19; and golf and boys track and field on March 20.

The indoor sports—volleyball, basketball and wrestling—did not receive any updates and remain in their holding patterns. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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