June 9, 2023

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TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City to Study Proposal for New Performing Arts Center, Apartment Complex

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The San Juan Capistrano City Council has signed off on commissioning a study examining a potential project that would bring about a new performing arts center at the eastern part of Historic Town Center Park.

The approval was unanimously given on Tuesday, June 6, and recommended by city staff.

The proposed center would be 49,000 square feet, Development Services Director Joel Rojas said.

Going ahead with the study is not an overall approval of the project itself, which will come before the Planning Commission and City Council later with more details for review. The study will merely examine the potential for future code amendments and is the initial step for required rezoning measures.

The new performing arts center has long been promised by local developer Dan Almquist, who recently purchased the Camino Real Playhouse property and plans to turn that into a parking structure.

The Playhouse is required to eventually vacate the premises. Playhouse administrators are currently searching for another venue in San Juan and funding for a relocation.

Almquist’s project would also bring about a 95-unit apartment complex at the former Kimpton Hotel site on El Camino Real. The complex would be 110,224 square feet and have three- and four-story buildings, a resort-style pool,

and clubhouse building.

A commercial component would also include a single-story, 4,294-square-foot restaurant adjacent to Camino Capistrano and a 3,000-square-foot fitness center.

“It’s in the central part of our downtown,” Rojas said.

In a letter to city staff, Project Manager Brent Little said Almquist’s company is “excited to make this request and believes the project will provide the community with important housing to meet regional needs and recreational facilities to provide entertainment to the community.”

Mayor Howard Hart said traffic impacts by the project are likely on everyone’s minds.

“There is going to be a traffic impact analysis prepared that will look at all the impacts—not just the residential component, but the entirety of the specific plan,” Rojas said.

Councilmember Troy Bourne said initiating the study is important, because the performing arts center and apartment complex have been discussed “for a long time in the city,” and he wants to understand how a residential downtown

area would look.

“At some point in the future when we have the data in front of us, then we can make an informed decision on whether or not we want to move forward with the projects,” Bourne said.

Councilmember John Campbell said there are lots of questions to be answered regarding the configuration of the buildings.

“I don’t think that’s an appropriate conversation at this point, so I’d also be in favor of the study,” Campbell said.

Hart said his vote to initiate the study

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Citizens’ Climate Education

10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. Email larrykramerccl@ gmail.com to receive a link to join.

Wednesday, June 14

CUSD Board of Trustees

7 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will meet to decide on local education matters. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

Coffee Chat

8:30 a.m. A town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday session of the month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

City Council

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

Learning English Class

10-11:30 a.m. The La Playa Center is hosting free English classes for adults on Wednesdays. Students will be provided materials and workbooks. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. crossculturalcouncil.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

should not be implied to be full “support for this project as I see it.”

“I want to learn more about the implications,” Hart said. “I believe it deserves a study at this point, from my perspective. I prefer to make my decisions based on data, rather than first impressions.”

The next steps will involve processing the entitlement applications for the project and working to amend the specific land-use regulations for the sites, Rojas said.

“The study will also include the preparation of an environmental im-

pact report, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act,” Rojas said. “Once the environmental impact report has been completed, the project will be reviewed by the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission, Design Review Committee, and Planning Commission.”

“Eventually, the applications and General plan amendment, code amendment, and all the land-use changes are going to be back to the City Council for the final decision on the application packet,” Rojas continued. “We estimate the public hearings will occur sometime in late 2024.”

Developer Dan Almquist wants to build apartments at the former Kimpton Hotel site—seen here in 2021—on El Camino Real. Those plans and another project intended to build a new performing arts center nearby will be reviewed by city staff and officials. Photo: Collin Breaux

Otra Mas Celebrates 10th Anniversary with San Juan Community

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Otra Mas, a nonprofit horse therapy center in San Juan Capistrano, has been operating for a decade and celebrated that milestone with supporters and San Juan Capistrano residents on May 25.

The equine area, which operates out of the Ortega Equestrian Center on Calle Arroyo, held an open house in conjunction with the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce to recognize the milestone. Attendees got to tour the center grounds and visit with horses.

A ribbon-cutting was also held to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

“Ten years ago, Kathy Holman and her late husband, John Holman, saw there was this huge need that would take in retired horses that could no longer be ridden and give them a forever home and new purpose in life,” Otra Mas Executive Director Belinda Kiesecker said of the purpose and history behind the therapy center.

“The most common outcome for horses that cannot be ridden anymore is they are euthanized. They could be, otherwise, be happy, healthy horses that just have an injury,” Kiesecker continued.

In its 10-year time span, Otra Mas has gone from working with clients six days a month to six days a week, Kiesecker said.

Equine therapy service clients include military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. One particular client, a combat nurse who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, turned to

Otra Mas because she wanted to work on trust and confidence, Kiesecker said.

“I pulled the horse out, tied the horse up. We sat down, did this deep meditation where we just got completely relaxed, grounded, and present in the moment,” Kiesecker said.

The client then ran her hands along the horse with her eyes closed, which can allow people to get to a comfortable place.

“She called me after Thanksgiving

San Juan Hills Golf Club to Build ‘Passive’ Park on La Novia Avenue

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Under a 30-year lease agreement with the City of San Juan Capistrano, the San Juan Hills Golf Club will facilitate a new “passive” park at the corner of La Novia Avenue and San Juan Creek Road that would see the planting of a small citrus grove, pollinator garden, boardwalk, planting of three trees, and other features.

The City Council unanimously approved the lease and plans for the park on Tuesday, June 6.

The lease calls for the golf club to pay the city $50,000 a year for the 3.3-acre area, which will fund the cost of park maintenance and supplement mainte -

nance of public improvements the city plans to undertake near the park.

The land is owned by the city, currently undeveloped, and intended for park and recreational purposes, an agenda report said.

“For several years, the golf club and the city have been engaged in discussions regarding the golf club’s interest in purchasing or leasing a portion of the northwest portion of city-owned property,” said Matisse Reischl, assistant to the city manager.

An agenda report said the leased area, which is adjacent to current golf club

and said she did that exercise while she was at Thanksgiving with her family, because that big crowd and event overwhelmed her,” Kiesecker said. The horse activities can be used so people can find peace and happiness, she said.

Other Otra Mas programs are available to help teenagers and team-building capabilities. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

“Horses will reveal and react to your

property, would be utilized by the golf club for future golf course improvements to be “reviewed separately pursuant to standard City process.” Approval of the proposed lease would “not bind the City Council to any future approvals related to the golf club’s forthcoming submittals,” according to the report.

A 20-year extension is available on the lease, Reischl said.

“The provision of the lease would be for the golf club at their cost to construct the passive park at the northwest corner,” Reischl said. “There would be a 30-day period following lease execution for the golf club to obtain permits, 90 days following to begin construction, and 180 days to complete construction.”

Councilmember John Taylor thanked the golf course for “all the work they put in over the years.”

inner emotional state, inner mental state, inner physical state, and then give you that information back in a way that no other activity does,” Kiesecker said.

“Horses have a unique ability to help people see themselves and how they relate to the world around them and how they relate to other people without having to think or talk about it like a traditional therapy session,” Kiesecker continued.

“It’s been quite a journey, and we’re finally just about here,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be a great park and great opportunity for the golf club to move on with their plans. The golf club has become a big part of the community, so it’s a great asset to have in our town.”

Mayor Howard Hart also said the park will be a “great attribute to the community and to the neighborhood I live in.”

“I think it’s going to be such an attractive feature of our community, and I think people are really going to appreciate it when it’s done,” Hart said. “I really look forward to it. It took a long time. It took a lot of perseverance, and probably over a dozen years for this to get done with all the effort and heartache and setbacks and delays and questions and restarts and pandemics and everything else—but we’re here.”

Otra Mas Executive Director Belinda Kiesecker visits with one of the horses during an open house celebrating the equestrian therapy center’s 10th anniversary on May 25.

Photo: Collin Breaux

Shea Center Expands Horse Therapy Services

BY COLLIN BREAUX

If people seeking mental health care don’t want to simply talk in a room with a therapist, they can instead try to lead a horse around an outdoor obstacle course while discussing their issues.

The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is expanding the range of equine therapy services that they offer to include sessions for people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, and other conditions.

Non-therapeutic, horse-assisted learning is also available for people, couples, families, and business groups to build life skills and team dynamics.

The horse-involved sessions take place in a round pen on the Shea Center grounds and can help clients identify problems and behavioral patterns to work on. For instance, learning to guide a horse—particularly if it becomes leery or uncooperative—around a pole can teach clients assertiveness and communication skills.

The program was created by Shea Center therapist Leeanna Rice, who leads the nonprofit’s mental health care services.

“What that’s done is it gives clients the opportunity to learn about themselves and their experience as it relates to another being, which really opens up the door for people to grow and develop and not feel judged while they do it,” Rice said.

The open-air setting is one people can feel particularly comfortable with on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

“It’s been a pretty wonderful experience to start something new, yet so effective,” Rice said.

Equine therapy differs from traditional therapy, as clients can project things they struggle with onto some -

Ugandan Representative Visits San Juan Capistrano Nonprofit

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Charles Mayiga—the prime minister of Buganda, a kingdom within Uganda— visited the office of Wells of Life in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday, June 7. Wells of Life is a nonprofit that builds water wells in Uganda.

Mayiga and other Ugandan representatives met with Wells of Life staff and trustees, got a tour of the office from Wells of Life founder Nick Jordan, and were treated to lunch at the office during their visit.

“It’s such an honor to have him here,” Jordan said. “He’s had quite a journey, but I think he’s kept the best to last.”

Wells of Life helps provide water for Ugandan residents by either drilling new wells or restoring existing ones. The Christian organization drilled its first

well in 2010.

The nonprofit was formed by Jordan, an Irish immigrant who worked in the Orange County real estate industry and also raised money for African schools. Jordan, who lives in San Juan Capistrano, became aware of the clean-water access issues for Ugandan residents after taking an overseas trip.

“Thank you very much,” Mayiga said while meeting with Gianna Carlile, a student at JSerra Catholic High School who has helped raise money for Wells of Life by organizing fundraising drives and raising awareness of the nonprofit within the local community.

Carlile said the event, which was attended by other JSerra students, was a wonderful opportunity, in that Mayiga is

thing else “safely and effectively,” she said.

“In a traditional therapeutic setting, oftentimes people will really struggle with having an issue but also having a lot of shame and embarrassment about the issue,” Rice said. “They don’t want to talk about it and bring it to light because of how it makes them feel about themselves.”

“With equine therapy, what I can do is set things up for clients to be able to almost project that onto a horse or obstacles in the arena that we set up, and that gives them the opportunity to have a degree of separation from that guilt and shame and really uncomfortable feeling,” she added.

The expanded mental care offerings add to the Shea Center’s current mission of helping disabled people through horse riding and care sessions. Equine sessions at the Shea Center help clients dealing with cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions.

With Rice’s program, she walks with the client and horse during arena sessions. During the initial session, Rice talks with the client about what’s happening in their life and struggles and issues going on.

“At the end of that, we talk about what mental health goals they want,” she said. “Based on those goals, I pick a horse the next week with them, because the horse partner is really important. After that, the sessions are all going to be unmounted, at liberty. At liberty means the horse is not really connected to anything.”

Rice will also notice and point to tendencies during sessions, asking clients if such habits translate to and affect their daily lives.

“It becomes really helpful for them to learn how to work on whatever they’re struggling with, because they’re seeing that issue play out in real life with a thousand-pound animal,” Rice said. “You have to figure out how to identify the issue and then actually put in some practical application to make it work.”

bound to be inspirational to other teenagers who can help.

“Our goal is to eventually reach all of Uganda, and so we need all the help we can get,” Carlile said.

“The fundraising has come along very well. In the past couple of months, I have now reached my 12th well because of some very generous donors.”

More dollars contributed to Wells of Life means more Ugandan people who get access to clean water, Carlile said.

Wells of Life moved into office space in San Juan in July 2022 but regularly

has staff on the ground in Uganda who make sure water wells are providing adequate water. The nonprofit drilled its 1,000th well this year.

Leeanna Rice, who leads the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s mental health care services program, uses equine therapy to help clients dealing with mental health issues. Rice is seen here with therapy horse Gina.

Photo: Evan Lancaster

Charles Mayiga (left)—the prime minister of Buganda, a kingdom within Uganda—was given a tour of the Wells of Life office in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday, June 7, by the nonprofit’s founder, Nick Jordan (right). Wells of Life helps build water wells for Ugandan citizens. Photo: Collin Breaux

Reata Glen Resident Wins Medals in Swim Meet

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Jeanne Little has enjoyed swimming for much of her life.

Little, who is 86 years old and lives in the Reata Glen retirement community in South Orange County, got started in masters swimming around 40 years ago.

“I knew how to swim. I didn’t know I’d be a good swimmer,” Little said. “That came fairly quickly, and I was hooked.”

Little’s passion paid off when she received two gold medals in the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals in Irvine, held this past April. She won first-place recognitions for the 50and 100-meter freestyle in the 85- to

89-year-old age group.

“I’ve done quite a bit of local swim meets and national swim meets,” she said.

The Irvine competition was a large meet, from Little’s perspective. Her age group doesn’t tend to have as many participants as other age brackets, because swimmers may gradually drop out as they get older, she said.

“Even when I was younger and competing with many, many more people, I did quite well,” Little said. “I had some national championships and local championships. This swim meet, I had about five other competitors. One of

them beat me, and the rest of the swims I won.”

Little also won two silver medals and a bronze.

Little got to do relay races, which she called a “lot of fun.”

“You build camaraderie, and it’s kind of exciting to get up there on the block and go off,” she said.

Getting to participate in the Irvine meet was thrilling for Little, as she doesn’t work out as strenuously as she used to.

“I was quite thrilled to win,” she said. “At a big meet like that, even though I’m only competing in my small age group, it’s an exciting thing to be part of a national swim championship. There’s so many interesting people and fast races to watch.”

Swimming has always felt good for Little and not an activity she’s had to grind through.

“It’s easy. It’s comfortable to me,” she said. “I enjoy the competition, but I think, most of all, I’ve enjoyed the other swimmers—being at a meet with them or working out with them. It’s quite an unusual connection. It’s been a really good part of my social life for many years.”

Little is looking forward to other upcoming local swim meets.

She initially got into swimming when she was 10 years old.

“I had polio when I was 6 or 7, and have a curvature in my spine from that,” Little said. “It was suggested that swimming would be a good sport for me. I did start swimming locally in Iowa, where I lived.”

She was part of a small swimming team that initially consisted of her sisters.

“Unfortunately, in those days, women were not allowed to swim in high school or college,” Little said. “I really kind of quit swimming through high school and college. I did get back into it in my 40s.”

Little said she remains active.

“I play bridge,” she said. “I do some charity work and so forth, but swimming is still No. 1.” CD

EVENTS AT THE RANCH

JUNE 14

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

7-8:30 p.m. Take the first step in becoming an official volunteer at The Nature Reserve. Participants will get to learn about the outdoor area’s history, purpose, and other relevant information, as well as how to communicate that to the public. The event will be held at The Ranch House. Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

JUNE 19

SUMMER DAY CAMP

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids will get to learn how to survive in the wild with this hands-on camp at The Nature Reserve, from putting together shelter to figuring out how to stay safe on outdoor trails. There will also be games, art projects, and other activities. The camp is for children ages 6 to 11 years old. Drop-off is at 8:30 a.m. Campers must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on June 16. Cost is $200. Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

Capistrano

Reata Glen resident Jeanne Little’s enthusiasm for swimming has nabbed her numerous medals at a recent swim meet in Irvine.

Photo: Courtesy of Gary Findlay

Jeanne Little, who lives in the Reata Glen retirement community, has turned her passion for swimming into frequent wins and medals at competitive meets. Photo: Courtesy of Jeanne Little

PUBLISHER’S

A Perfect 10

Let the celebrations begin!

Picket Fence Media has won 10 coveted California Journalism Awards from the California News Publishers Association (CNPA) for our editorial efforts in 2022, including our first-ever “General Excellence” award in print for Dana Point Times

To be recognized as the best newspaper in California at its circulation level is an amazing accomplishment, and fitting that this is our 15th anniversary publishing the DP Times

I’m also super proud of the diversity of awards we won for writing, photography, design and digital. Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh led the charge with three individual awards, Shawn Raymundo won two, and Breeana Greenberg, Collin Breaux and Jayden Smith each won one. Huge congrats also go to freelance photographer Alan Gibby, who earned a well-deserved award for sports photography.

Congrats, too, to the rest of our editorial team who were equally instrumental in helping us earn these awards: Copy Editor Randy Youngman, Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex and Special Projects Art Director Jasmine Smith. Here’s a complete list of our winning entries:

2022 CNPA CALIFORNIA JOURNALISM AWARDS

PRINT

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

First Place, Dana Point Times (Weeklies 4.3K-11K)

ENTERPRISE NEWS STORY OR SERIES

First Place, Zach Cavanagh—”Summer of Golf,” San Clemente Times (Weeklies 11K-25K)

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

Third Place, Zach Cavanagh—”Last Triton Standing,” SC Times (Weeklies 11k-25K)

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

Second Place, Zach Cavanagh—SCHS Baseball, SC Times (Weeklies 11K-25K)

Third Place, Alan Gibby—DHHS Football, DP Times (Weeklies 4.3K-11K)

PHOTO STORY/ ESSAY

Third Place, Shawn Raymundo—Office Chair Races, SC Times (Weeklies 11K+)

COVERAGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Third Place, C. Jayden Smith & Collin Breaux—”Contending with Coastal Erosion,” SC Times (Weeklies 11k-25K)

DIGITAL

HOME PAGE LAYOUT

First Place, San Clemente Times (Monthly Unique Visitors < 100K)

NEWS PHOTO

First Place, Shawn Raymundo—Kurt Reinhold Protest, SC Times (Monthly Unique Visitors < 100K)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE

Second Place, Breeana Greenberg—“Music Preserves Wraps Up Music History Program,” DP Times (Monthly Unique Visitors < 100K)

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HOW TO REACH US PICKET FENCE MEDIA

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EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

Shawn Raymundo

City Editor, Capo Dispatch

Collin Breaux

City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg

City Reporter, SC Times

C. Jayden Smith

Sports Editor

Zach Cavanagh

Digital Producer

Evan Lancaster

Columnists

Tom Blake

Special Projects Editor

Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP)

Advertising Sales

Debra Wells (CD)

ART + DESIGN

Group Art Director

Marc Hostetter

Special Projects Art Director

Jasmine Smith

OPERATIONS

General Manager

Alyssa Garrett

Group Operations & Production Coordinator

Inna Cazares

Local Distribution

Tim Trent

FINANCE

Accounting & Finance Manager

Tricia Zines

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, Issue 11. 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 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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LETTER: By Norb Garrett, Picket Fence Media Founder/CEO

NORB GARRETT CEO & FOUNDER

Listening to the Most Important Voices: Yours

We have been very busy in Sacramento these past few months drafting and reviewing new bills for the 2023-24 session. With more than 2,500 bills authored by members of the state legislature, it takes a great deal of time to review.

Last week, the State Assembly voted on over 600 individual pieces of legislation. When it comes to deciding how I vote, I listen to the most important voices: yours. When constituents reach out to my office and urge me to vote one way or another, that is the most critical piece of information I use when deciding how to cast my vote.

There are many bills that have been supported by the entire Assembly. I am proud that four of my top priority bills had 100% support from my Assembly colleagues. My pieces of legislation are critical for our region, as they range from increasing public safety in our neighborhoods to combating the ever-growing threat of coastal erosion we have in our communities.

On the public safety front, I was able to pass both Assembly Bill (AB) 76 and AB 303. AB 76 tackles the underground cryptocurrency market by ensuring digital assets can be an eligible form of currency under our state’s money-laundering laws.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen a growing trend in the drug and human-trafficking rings using this currency, and I am hopeful that my bill will begin to address this underground illegal activity.

Additionally, I passed AB 303, which will give law enforcement more information about individuals in our cities who are illegally possessing firearms. We must do all we can to tackle gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of those who should not, by law, own firearms.

When it comes to our environment, I was able to also pass two bills to help us

combat coastal erosion. I’m pleased to share that both AB 882 and AB 966 will require the state to start identifying which state grant programs are the most effective for localities to apply for mitigation projects.

Furthermore, they will also task the State Coastal Conservancy with studying which beaches along our coastline are the most in danger of eroding so we may begin directing funds to those areas most in need. We must be proactive and innovative when it comes to using our tax dollars on environmental projects.

On June 15, state lawmakers will vote on the budget. This is extremely im-

portant, so our cities and communities receive the money they need to support their local efforts. Unfortunately, with the record spending from last year, our state is facing a record deficit.

I will continue to work with my Assembly colleagues to help prioritize the most pressing needs of the state and our local communities.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss any issues at one of my community meetings, Before Work Coffees, this summer. In San Clemente, I will host two next month; the first is scheduled for Zebra House Coffee at 8 a.m. on July 14.

I will be scheduling more dates in Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano soon. This is a casual way to meet and talk about what is on your mind.

CORRECTION: A feature story profiling the executive chef of Five Vines Wine Bar on page 20 of The Capistrano Dispatch’s May 26 edition incorrectly reported the spelling and title of the chef’s name, as well as incorrectly referenced the nature of the establishment. Omar Ramirez is the executive chef of Five Vines, which is a wine bar in Downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of any assistance. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and I’m honored to represent you in the State Assembly.

Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County—down through Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County.

GUEST OPINION: Laurie’s Letter by Assemblymember Laurie Davies

Assemblymember Laurie Davies recently introduced Assembly Bill 966, which would require the Division of Boating and Waterways to study shoreline erosion control and the effectiveness of programs aimed at protecting public beaches. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

LAURIE’S LETTER BY LAURIE DAVIES

JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY 31495 El Camino Real San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 493-1752

CAPISTRANO LIBRARY 31495 El Camino Real San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 493-1752

12 - July 20

June 12 - July 20 Mon - Thu | Noon - 1pm

Letting Our VOices sing Out

BY SCHOLAR OF SCHOLARS KENT LAU

GOOD EVENING, CLASS OF 2023, as well as administration, parents, teachers, and Trustee Parham.

This is it. Gathered here today is the last class of San Juan Hills High School who knew what this school was like before the pandemic.

And what an adventure the last four years have been. From winning CIF football to taking the AP Euro test online at home to getting roasted by the underclassmen at the Clash of the Classes, it has been a wild ride.

For the last four years, I have had the pleasure to sing with this talented group next to me in the choral program.

What I find so fascinating about vocal performance is that you are your instrument—each person’s voice has its own style and timbre. This extends into who we are as people: each of us from different backgrounds with our own strengths and shortcomings.

Yet, all of us come together, each with our own quirks, our own beliefs, our own unique voices, and form this rich tapestry of harmony—all of us together stronger than if we were one voice.

We bring to life the stories trapped in the sheet music through the union of our different experiences.

Class of 2023, we are the same. Throughout our four years here, we have grown: intel-

lectually, physically, emotionally, mentally. But just as important are the relationships that you all have built with each other here.

Whether it’s the (and I might be somewhat biased here but the) emotional release of our music programs, the storytelling of our

fantastic theater department, the overcoming of limits and failures of our athletic teams, or the educational instruction and immersive projects from countless other classes, each of you has contributed to this beautiful harmony here at San Juan Hills.

We Are the Class of Resilience

Whew—we made it, Class of 2023! It was a rough one, but we are the class of resilience.

Just starting our high school journey, we were sent home, and stripped away of two years that we will never get back. But we took those years as a beneficial opportunity.

I know many may have reservations about this because well … COVID was, of course, truly tragic. But for our Class of 2023, we rose from the—well, let’s face it— ashes of the pandemic with phoenix-like brilliance.

We all immediately said, “Well, this is awesome, we have a two-week break!” and fled to the beach and hung out with all of our friends—probably not the greatest things to say or do—but this was quickly prevented, and we were all pushed deep

BY JACK SANSEVERINO

into our rooms.

Yet still, our class succeeded.

Once COVID hit hard, Enzo Sarayba became deeply intrigued by the public health issue, and now interns at a local urgent care, planning to study and shadow pulmonary care.

Cruz Magee—yes, the inflatable gorilla you see running around—seized this time to create a successful company, End Result Cleaning Services. (Yes, Cruz, there’s your business promo.)

Taylor Zielenbach was inspired to serve through the crisis and modified her organization at CHOC hospital to accommodate scoliosis patients online through the pandemic.

I reiterate that these are only a few of the many resilient stories of our class.

Fellow members of the Class of Resilience, we were not born into a world where the only issue was a pandemic. Today and tomorrow,

we face and will continue to face the innumerable challenges of our dysmorphic world. But, if there was anyone to rise to the occasion, it is us

And … as a class, we already have through organizations like No Place for Hate and Stallion Start-Up. Here, students like Brandon Sotelo and Rosa Hernandez have worked to reduce divisiveness, and to increase inclusiveness, leveling the walls that separate us all.

I believe there is an abstract metaphor for our class—stay with me here—we were the saplings within the cracks of a boulder. We were hindered from the start, yet, we grew anyways. We grew despite the isolation and the malnourishment brought by the shadow-casting rock wall that surrounded us.

We grew further than that little crack should have allowed us, splitting that damning rock, and growing to be 300 feet tall.

Class, truly wherever we go, we will carry

As a choral performer, I have learned, “You perform, not to impress, but to inspire.” We go on stage not just for applause, but to emotionally resonate with people.

However, I think this applies to more than just art. Think back on your high school experience. Did you spend countless hours volunteering and studying for tests to show off that perfect, flawless, beautiful transcript covered in A’s to colleges?

If you did, well, that makes two of us. Hmm … Maybe I didn’t learn my lesson after all …

Where was I going with this…?

Oh, right. In all seriousness, fellow students, it has been an honor to learn and grow with you, but now is the time for our voices to sing out into new territories.

Students, right now, look around. You are very likely surrounded by those who have molded you during your time here: friends, families, teachers, fellow classmates.

As the curtains close on this stage of life, I urge you to remember those who have touched your life and to take their impact with you.

Class of 2023, go venture into your passions, your academic pursuits, your career pursuits, your life pursuits, not just for personal fulfillment but also to inspire change in others, making the world a better place.

with us the experience of breaking barriers and escaping restriction, for we are the ones who were dealt a rotten hand and came out with the jackpot.

Class of 2023, in the walk of life, we have many hills that loom ahead, but nothing can compare to the Everest we have already conquered.

Kent Lau.

Photo: Collin Breaux

Jack Sanseverino. Photo: Collin Breaux

Congratulations to the Class of 2023

BY PRINCIPAL DR. MANOJ MAHINDRAKAR

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE, Class of 2023, families, faculty, and staff. I’m honored to stand before you today as your principal and celebrate together this momentous occasion.

First and foremost, congratulations. Let that sink in. Congratulations. You have worked incredibly hard and overcome countless obstacles to reach this point. Whether you excelled academically, athletically, or artistically, you’ve all made us proud.

To those where the last four years maybe were a struggle, I’m proud of you, too. Every chapter in life may not be a fairy tale or go as planned, but what matters is that you made it. I hope the next chapter will be the opportunity for you to blossom and shine.

Also, congratulations to everyone here in attendance. I know an achievement like this is not earned alone. It’s been a family and community achievement.

Graduates, again, I’m so proud of all of you. You’ve made being the principal of San Juan Hills High School an absolute dream job. It’s been an honor to watch you all grow, learn, and ultimately succeed.

As you move on to the next chapter of your lives, I want to remind you that success is not just about what you achieve but also about the impact you have on those around you. I hope you’re not defined just by your grades and your wins and your awards. I know I’ll remember you for your character, your compassion, and the contributions you’ve made to those around you.

I do have some advice, and it’s simple. Be kind, be curious, be courageous, and be genuine. We’re living in a world with social

media—and now, teachers, AI—and that’s going to promote something that may not be genuine. Who knows if it’s real? It can be tempting to present a false image to the world, but I think true success will come from being authentic and genuine to who you are, and a lot of hard work.

The world is going to try to tell you who to be. We see it all the time. You turn on your phone, and there’s some version that you feel like you’re supposed to be, but only you can decide that—and those you trust and your family.

Embed yourself and anchor yourself in the values that you know guide you. We think technology might make some things easier, but I don’t think there will ever be a replacement or shortcut for true support or friendship and care that we must show each other. Those are the things that ultimately got you here.

Of course, I wouldn’t be a proper principal if I didn’t leave you with some homework, so here it is: In your mind, write down three things that you want to accomplish in the next three years, next five years. They can be big

or small, personal or professional, but they should be meaningful to you.

Here’s the thing: share it with someone you trust—a friend, a family member, a mentor, someone who’s just supported you along the way, to hold you accountable. There’s the key piece. You can’t do it alone. That’s one thing I’ve seen being a principal and working in education.

None of us can achieve goals on our own. We need each other, and we need support. We need encouragement, and we need to inspire each other. That’s what this is all about. It’s community.

As you go off into the world, remember that you’re not alone. You’re a part of something much bigger than yourself. You’re a part of a legacy of excellence, compassion, and resilience. We’re all here cheering you on, every step of the way.

Students, what you do next is up to you. I want you to see that success is a community experience, so look around. Really, look around. This is a lot of people, and they’re all here because they believe in you. They’ve been a part of this somewhere along the way.

We want you to succeed, because when you succeed, that means this whole community has succeeded.

Class of 2023, I know in my heart you’ll continue to make us proud, and I sincerely hope you make yourself proud as well. Take that next step knowing you are deserving, you’re capable, and ready to do extraordinary things.

Again, Class of 2023, congratulations and—as always—RFTB.

Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar. Photo: Collin Breaux

SAN JUAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Amir Abedi

Sebastian Acero

Geody Aguero Guerrero

Verenisse Aguilar

Kaden Aimer

Andy Alarcon

Gavin Albert

Elias Albo

Octavio Albuquerque

Yaseen Aldawood

Laurence AlizadehFakori

Alyssa Allado

Kyla Altheide

Christopher Alvarez

Mario Anaya

Cade Anderson

Miriam Angeles

Alissia Ardiley

Juan Arevalo

Derick Argujo

Anais Arntsen

Jacqueline Arvizu

Angelina Ashford

Mason Ashmore

Ava Asil

Ava Avalos

Brody Averell

Marie Aviles

Jadyn Babb

Itzel Bacilio Martinez

Jack Baer

Alyssa Bailey

Hannah Baird

Ryan Baird

Thomas Baker

Aleksander Bakovic

Jordan Bales

Derek Bao

Parker Barney

Sophia Barney

Kadon Barns

Gianna Barough

Mason Beaver

Christabella Becerril

Mariella Beck

Ashlyn Beebe

Brenden Bellavia

Graciela Beltran-Hall

Logan Benvenuto

Enzo Benzan

Chloe Besler

Taylor Besler

Shangze Bi

Justin Bibelheimer

Elle Billington

Gavin Blackwell

Tyler Blaser

Brayden Bockler

Tara Boenker

Cain Bojorquez

Elysia Bojorquez

Tessa Bologna

Olivia Boucly

Sophia Boucly

Rebecca Bourne

Sadie Bradley

James Branning

Jessie Bravo-Delgado

Connor Bruton

Joel Bryan

Kira Burke

Bryana Burnes

Trey Bushman

Jed Butler

Dayana Cabral

Alexander Calabro

Avery Calahan

Dylan Calkins

Camila Calvo

Everett Campbell

Diana Carandia Garcia

Lizeth Cardoso

Jessica Castro

Emma Chapin

Eliana Chapman

Grace Chapman

Briseyda Chavez

Ismael Chavez Pimentel

Ryan Cheng

Jeremy Chiani

Nathaniel Chin

Karly Clarson

Logan Connot

Adam Cook

Leah Cook

Matthew Cook

Declan Cooper

Kathleen Coppola

Kelya Cortes-Reyes

Eileen Cortez

Fernando Cortez

Leslie Cortez

Levi Crider

Avery Crocker

Andrew Cruz

Angel Cruz

Domenic Cruz

Tobey Cummings

Jordan Dade

Taylor Daggett

Blake Davenport

Lily Davenport

Tara De Bellis

Julissy De La Puente

Angel De Leon

Matthew De Neve

Isabella De Oliveira

Jordan De Ramos

Ron Degtyar

Anthony Delgado

Shaili Desai

Mia DeSantis

Lindsey DeStefani

Alyssa Dickinson

Timur Dogan

Ava Dohman

Julia Donahue

McKenna Douglas

Chloe Downing

Mya Drinkwater

Braden Duff

Marissa Duffield

Jaret Dunaway

Shelby Duncan

Jaci Dunham

Tyler Dunn

Mark Duplissey

Andrew Easton

Amanda Edwards

Carter Ellis

David Engle

Lily Esparza

Trent Etter

Daniel Fajardo

Beckum Femino

Adan Figueroa

Chloe Fisher

Catherine Flaherty

Eric Fletes

Jaden Florentino

Saul Flores

Ryan Flowers

Noah Fortes

Austen Freda

Campbell Freeman

Kate Friess

Calvin Fu

Gustavo Fuentes

Elouise Fuhs

Samantha Gaines

Yeremy Galeana

Aidan Gallade

Madison Galovan

Austin Gandy

Evelyn Garcia

Kimberly Garcia

Maia Garcia

Nathan Garcia

Samantha Garcia

Stephanie Garcia

Ocampo

Justin Garcia Zambrano

Benjamin Gardner

Wesley Gardner

Lindsey Gattis

Elsa Gilmore

Jillian Glossbrenner

Mariah Gomez

Rafaela Goncalves

Barbosa De Araujo

Joshua Gonzalez

Julieta Gonzalez

Paola Gonzalez

Austin Goodpaster

Emma Gottlieb

Alexis Gould

Mia Graham

Mikayla Graham

Maximiliano Granados

Mia Granados

Jacob Grande

Nyah Grande

Maxwell Green

Kate Grim

Kayla Grofsky

Peyton Guarino

Ella Gustavino

Colin Guthrie

Gustavo Gutierrez

Kayla Hallbeck

Lauren Hambrick

Darrin Hanlon

Erik Hansen

Noah Hardin

Logan Harrington

Wyatt Harris

Zachary Haugsland

Zoe Heck

Vaughn Heiting

Lauren Hellwege

Zoe Hendon

Jacob Henretta

Bryana Hernandez

Jimmy Hernandez

Zachary Hernandez

Rosa Hernandez Diaz

Emily Hernandez-Torres

Daisy Herrera

Madelynne Hing

Reagan Hirchag

Ellie Ho

Lennon Hodges

Evan Holley

Brady Howsmon

Tyler Howsmon

Ziyi Huang

Abraham Huizar

Simon Huntington

Ethan Hutchinson

Kaylene Huynh

Henri Ibarra Angon

Adia Ishibashi

Aaron Iverson

Jasmine Ixtacuy

Monica Iyer

Bryanna Jacinto-Vazquez

Shawn Jahangiri

Melissa Jaime

Ivan Jaimes

Maxwell Javaheri

Jackson Jeralds

Audrey Johnson

Kaleb Johnson

Sydney Jorgensen

Haley Juarez

Hector Juarez

Dylan Kaminski

Kyle Kato

Aren Kazanciyan

Austin Keetch

Jayden Kelsch

Sathvik Keshireddy

Hunter Kessler

Rylan Kies

Reed Killion

Syrus King

Peyton Kirkner

Jacob Kittler

Kaitlyn Kittredge

Jackson Klein

Kaitlin Klein

Wade Kolasinski

Jack Kovacs

Alexa Kreider

Katie Krzywicki

Zachary Kulinski

James Landrigan

William LaPalme

Carly Lapes

Kaylee Larson

Kyla Larson

Owen Larson

Nicholas Lau

Nathan Lawson

Madison Lax

Roman Lee

Regan Legg

Peyton Leonard

Carter Levy

Mylan Leykauf

Yaratza Lievanos

Danika Lindgren

Rowan Lindsey

Ella Linn

Hayley Little

Cailyn Liwski

Carina Locke

Luke Loftus

Genesis Lopez

Leilanie Suyette Lopez

Payton Love

Alondra Lua

Betsy Luengas

Gavin Lynde

Ryan MacDougall

Dahlia Macedo

Maresa Mackenziedel Toro

Joseph Madariaga-

Benavides

Alexander Madero

Seamus Magee

Kim Mai

Matthew Majdanics

Caleb Manea

Elaine Mansfield

Noel Mardikian

Samantha Markow

Axel Marmolejo

Gerry Marmolejo

Briggs Marquis

Kaitlin Marschall

Christian Martinez

Brooklyn Mazzo

Calum McBean

Briana McCartney

Jack McCook

Lola McDonough

Jessica McEachenCramer

Graydon McGowan

Jonathon McGraw

Jackson McKay

Emma McMillan

Alan Medel

Katterina Mehring

Fritz Melchert

Citlalli Mendez

Antonio Mendez-Melo

Ethan Mendoza

Jr Mendoza

Mina Metelmann

Bridget Miller

Heath Miller

Brayden Mims

Adan Montalban

Jennifer Moody

Lukas Morawiec

Angelica Moreno

Garrett Moreno

Maria Moz Ramirez

Anthony Perez

Estrella Perez

Jack Perez

Karina Perez

Brooke Petrucci

William Pezold

Samantha Phillips

Grace Phippen

Vendela Phoenix

Evelyn Picon Estrada

Alexander Piil

Christian Pioche

Samuel Pittman

Alondra Policarpo

Anali Policarpo

Ethan Ponce

Thomas Porchas

Gabrielle Porter

Travis Porter

Caitlin Pratt

David Riberos

Maximus Ricaurte

Luke Ridder

Joven Rimorin

Nathaniel Robert

Kieryn Roberts

Joel Robinson

Angela Rodriguez

Mia Rodriguez

Samantha Rodriguez

Sophia Rodriguez

Alexa Roemer

Riley Rojo

Travis Rosenbaum

Evan Rovge LaFave

Ronny Ruiz

Jorge Ruiz Cisneros

Evan Rylance

Kristina Sabad

Natalie Sackett

Lucy Sedgwick

Cassidy Segrell

Marllera Sei-Ichi

Emmanuel Serrano

Oscar Servin

Siyona Shah

Justin Sheehan

Isaac Sierra

Nicole Silverman

Ethan Simmons

Adler Simons

Lillian Sisson-Burack

Rowan Smark

Vendela Smedeby

Jack Snyder

Tyler Solomon

Alejandro Sotelo

Kamila Soto

Samantha Spiegler

Jude Spradlin

Amanda Mui

Maxwell Mullick

Giovanni Muniz

Nabor Muniz

Reyli Munoz

Sophia Nahirny

Damian Najera-Serrano

Mariam Namuq

Oscar Nango

Jesse Nava

Joselyn Nava-Granados

Hudson Neafcy

Nima Nei

Mia Isabella Nelson

Raden Nelson

Kendall Newlon

Timothy Ngoy

Claire Nguyen

Sage Nichols

Obinna Njaka

Riley Norgaard

Luke Novinger

Amadeus Nunez

Leilani Obana

Crystal Ochoa

Connor O’Farrill

Makenna Okumura

Jasper O’Loughlin

Daisy Olson

Stephanie Olvera

Lily O’Malley

Alexis Ordaz

Bridgette Pacheco

Jaden Padayao

Karson Padilla

Hannah Palmer

Baker Pascual

Allessandra Peak

Xitlali Pedraza-Payta

Anthony Pedroza Flores

Daniel Pelaez

Faith Peponis

Alexis Presser

Ella Proctor

Owen Profancik

Ethan Purkis

Brock Purnell

Sarah Quan

Jesus Ramirez

Juan Ramirez

Jonathon Rangel

Lillianne Ransom

A-Lan Rashaad

Finnigan Raubach

Steven Raubolt

Kalani Ray

Olivia Reasoner

Amanda Reeves

Harrison Regalado

Gabriela Resendiz

Joanna Reyes Gonzalez

Daniel Salinas

David Sanchez

Desiree Sanchez

Lisette Sanchez

Gavin Sanchez-Brown

Madeline Sanchez-Jijon

Brandon Sandoval Nava

John Sanseverino

Lucas Sanseverino

Natalie Santana

Aaliyah Santos

Lorenzo Sarayba

Carter Saunders

Samantha Scalia

Sophia Schaller

Lilyan Schindler

David Schmitt

Thomas Schmitt

Emma Scholz

SENIOR SENDOFF

Mae Stafford

Ruby Stanton

Aaron Stark

Elle Sterner

Matteo Steves

Ella Stock

Charlie Stoelzing

Chloe Stone

Savanna Straw

David Strope

Delaney Sullivan

Kylie Sullivan

Sherissa Sutjipto

Ethan Sutter

Matthew Swaim

Alexa Swift

Megan Swift

Barnabas Szekely

Ella Szkotnicki

Evelyn Tadeo

Ryan Taghizadeh

Kimberly Tamayo

Taylen Tamburrino

D Angelo Tapia

Jordan Tapia

Roxy Thornton

Kai Tinney

Lyla Tjepkema

Megan Toal

Lucas Tofoli

Julia Tonai

Jake Topartzer

Ayden Topping

Alexander Torres

Brandon Torres

Lorissa Torres

Garrett Trice

Sheila Trinidad

Marissa Trudeau

Rachel Turney

Jesus Ulloa

Adam Underdahl

Spencer Ure

Lance Urgell

Daniel Uribe

Valeria Uribe

Ethan Valencia

Drew Valladares

Jaika Van Vlasselaer

Carter Van Zanten

Charlotte VanZweeden

Oswaldo Vargas

Evelyn Vargas Jimenez

Marcus Varner

Allison Velazco

Jacob Verde

Evelyn Victoria Arevalo

Presley Villalba

Jayson Villamil

Sandy Villamil

Anna Villar

Ella Voris

Adam Vuoso

RFTB Is More than Just Four Letters

BY LINDSEY GATTIS

Dr. Mahindrakar, parents, faculty, and Class of 2023 seniors:

As we sit here today, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Nostalgia, because we are leaving behind four years of memories and experiences that we will cherish forever. Excitement, because we are about to embark on a new journey, one that will shape our future and define who we are as individuals.

The future graduating classes are going to have huge shoes to fill. I mean, the Class of 2023 had not one, not two, but three senior ditch days.

In all seriousness, I am proud to have been a part of a class that really made the most of their high school experience—a class that greatly contributed to the community that is held together by the phrase, “Ride for the Brand.”

Ever since we stepped foot on campus in 2019, Riding for the Brand has slowly gathered more and more meaning. At first, R-F-T-B was just the four letters that we would shout from the back of the student section as freshmen at our first Friday Night football games.

But four years later, we feel a deeper sense of belonging and Stallion pride every time we hear “Ride for the Brand.”

RFTB is what we felt in the theater, amazed at the talent in outstanding performances like Chicago. RFTB is what we felt while sitting in the freezing cold bleachers, cheering on our classmates in their winter sports seasons.

RFTB is what we felt at club rush as we gathered around each other’s passions. RFTB is what we felt at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night setting up our gym for a pep rally. And it’s also what we felt when the Class of 2023 took home this year’s Clash of the Classes trophy.

I never thought I would feel this connected with a school community as I have these past years. We formed a community through all of our different interests and talents, and we always rooted for each other.

The Stallion staff has gone above and beyond in getting us to where we are sitting today. Teachers like Mrs. Gonzalez made an effort to form a personal connection with each and every one of their students.

Supervisors like Ms. Kim, who whipped around in her golf cart with the biggest smile, spread a bit of joy on campus every day. You might have been sitting at lunch one Friday, minding your own business, and out

Holly Walker

Jake Wally

Kylie Ward

Zachary Ward

Asher Warther

Scott Weitzel

Dylan Wersching

John West

Natalie White

Sophia White

Riley Whiteside

Austin Williams

Brett Williams

Carah Williams

Grant Winer

Ella Winger

Eden Woffinden

Sydney Wolfe

Tyler Wolter

Emma Wood

Kimiko Yanaura

Richard Yartz

Samuel Zabrocki

Julie Zamarripa

Jashley Zaragoza

Ebony Zavala

Taylor Zielenbach

Marcos Zlatich

Mason Zoller

Adam Zucker

Gabriella Zuniga

of nowhere, Dr. Mahindrakar told you a bad principal joke, and in just a matter of seconds, you were famous on his Instagram account. It was little moments like these that really made our high school experience unique— something that you could only understand if you RFTB.

During my time here at San Juan Hills, I have learned a vital life lesson. Whatever you put into something is what you get out of it. The more you invest, the more you get back.

As students on this campus, we have been blessed with a multitude of opportunities to grow—not only academically, but as individ-

uals. The Class of 2023 has not only taken advantage of these opportunities, but has turned each experience into an unforgettable memory.

As much as I am going to miss this school and the community that comes with it, I am so excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of us.

I encourage us all to make the most of the rest of our lives, just like we have made the most of this memorable journey at San Juan Hills High School.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! We did it!

Lindsey Gattis. Photo: Collin Breaux

JSERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATES

Ava Abeyta

Aiden Aguayo

Emily Allegaert

Jake Alves

Mason Appelbaum

Nathan Aquino

Anthony Arriola

Thomas Ashby

Athian Athian

Ryan Attenborough

Shane Auci

Carson Bader

Jessica Bakhsh

Sophia Balkhi

Johanna Barmettler

Kennedy Barnes

Aisley Barrette

Gabrielle Basa

Delaney Belanger

Robert Belli

Kai Benumof

Luke Blower

Vance Blyth

Nolan Boesch

Ava Noelle Bohn

Joseph Bond

Sophia Boultinghouse

Jake Bourne

Emma Brandon

Keenai Braun

Nixon Broders

Everett Bryson

Cameron Burroughs

Hudson Byrne

John Cameron

Trent Caraway

Ethan Carpenter

Jenna Carter

Shea Carter

Kealani Caster

Victoria Champine

Zachary Champine

Brandon Chang

Ariel Che

Alex Chen

Cici Cheng

Maximus Chiotis

Michael Cho

Elliot Chung

Anna Ciraci

Adrian Clark

Alexander Clark

Casey Coady

Sophia Coffin

Austin Cole

Lleyden Collins

Gavin Conniff

Mia Contreras

Samantha Cotter

Madeline Crawford

Sophie Criger

Brendan Cruz

Joie Cuevas

Annaliese Cuzick

Sophia D’Auria

Tyler Dallape

Alexander Davidson II

Gary Davidson II

Kylie Davidson

Ava De Santos

Jack DeSplinter

Dominic DiCarlo

Sidney Dina

Haley Dodd

Julia Domanskis

Tom Dong

Dylan Duplanty

Katherine Dygean

Elise Early

Jackson Ecker

Reese Eckstein

Hailey Ellingson

Ryann Englhard

Natalie Enriquez

Antonio Esseily

Vanessa Esteban

Amanda Everett

Audrey Everett

Eric Fickinger

Katherine Fonseca

Rachel Fonseca

Sarah Freeman

Grace Friedl

Jose Frutos III

Lou Fujiwara

Jake Gabrielian

Andy Garcia

Trevor Garrison

Liam Geoghegan

Aiden German

Simran Ghai

Aubrey Gibson

Matthew Gilbert

Delara Gitibin

Fia Good

Grace Graham

Alexander Granata

Jayden Graves

Emma Grevemberg

Nicole Griffith

Mia Grund

Angelica Guia

Gabriel Guinane

Lindsey Haines

Ashley Han

Shaughnessy Han-

negan

Donovan Harris

Faith Hauke

Hutton Heil

Logan Heil

Morgan Heinig

Jack Helfer

Ethan Heric

Chelsea Hernandez

Jose Herrera

Reagan Heslin

Owen Holder

James Hollis

Andrew Houfley

Kate Hovland

Emma Huang

Perry Huang

Austin Hughes

Lindsey Hughes

Alexander Huynh

Jack Ingwersen

Adesh Jessel

Cloe Jewgieniew

Linda Jiang

Ellie Johnson

Justin Joiner-Greer

Joshua Jornadal

Thomas Kane

Claire Kaushek

Julien Kechejian

Matthew Kechejian

Brennan Keena

Audrey Kemp

Julia King

Haley Kirchhoff

Brynn Kitcher

Caden Klein

Margaret Knauft

Ava Lauren Knebl

Jaden Kopp

Michael Kotchian

Kathleen Kraiss

Matthew Krugh

Andrew Lamb

Siena Lambert

Samuel Langley

Colin Leigh

John Lentz III

John Leslie

Evan Leukanech

Zachary Lewis

Cindy Li

Fiona Liu

Julian Liu

Matthew LoDuca

Valentina Lozano

Lucy Lu

Dariusz Lukowski

Cameron Maloney

David Manning

Dillon Martin

Alex Martinez

Marina Martinez

Micaela Martz

Yasmin Mashour

Makenna Mason

Faith McAdam

Fionnuala McClain

Christina McClennen

Ronan McKeagney

Ryan McLaughlin

Catelyn McMackin

Grace Medina

August Melschau

Jonathan Mendez

Megan Michel

Delaney Mills

Arman Mobayen

Sophia Moncur

Luke Monson

Maverick Montez

Sophia Montoya

John Morreale

Cameron Murphy

Kal Myers

Thomas Nail

Maxwell Nelson

Seamus Neppl

Brielle Normandin

Madalyn O’Campo

Faith O’Neill

Ysabella Padua

Clara Pancake

Rebekah Patin

Sydney Paulson

Ashton Peasley

Noah Pechuls

Mateo Peguero

Ayva Poggi

Payton Polana

Mason Presley

Brodie Purcell

Christopher Qozi

Reid Rabara

Michael Ray

Caylin Rector

Sofia Recupero

Thomas Reeves

Benjamin Reimers

Lizbeth Reyes

Cameron Ricciardi

Eric Riegelsberger

Jackson Riley

Grayson Rosal

Ava Rosandic

Sofia Roy

Cole Rudkin

Sienna Sacchetto

Landon Sachs

Andrew Sandford

Joseph Santy

Alana Savage

Alexa Scampini

Callie Schreiber

Nathan Schrodt

Brendon See

Cade Sego

Sebastian Serna

Betty Shen

Michael Simonian

Luigi Smaldino

Anastasia Snodgrass

Grace Sojian

Jake Stafford

Duncan Starkenburg

Maxamillion Starr

Jacob Steinberg

Ryan Strickland

Jonathan Sum

Jackson Summers

Jayden Summers

Jenny Sun

Pierce Tanghal

Carrie Teichrow

Langdon Thomas

Johann Thrall

Lauren Tonsich

Taylor Trujillo

David Tuliau

Breanna Ursetta

Andrew Vangrin

Stefanos Veziris

Gretchen Voyer

Andrew Walker

Colin Wallace

Kendall Wallin

Natalie Walters

Claire Wang

Nick Wang

Julia Watson

Nolan Webb

Hailee Weinmeister

Dallas White

Dylan White

Emma White

Logan Wilhelm

Ryan Woodards

Gary Xu

Rising Yang

Isabella Yanis

Tyler Yasukochi

John Yeager

Macallister Zawistoski

Ava Zell

Jason Zeng

Ao Zhang

Carl Zhang

George Zhao

Lux Ziebarth

Angelica Zizzo

St. Margaret’S epiScopal ScHool gr aDUateS

Shane Christopher Aitken

Andrew John Ashman

Patricia Baena

Maia Niaz Baird

Avery Rose Balint

John Alexander Basombrio

Madeline Elizabeth Bendzick

Talia Cate Besikof

Owen Riley Binder

Liesel Gabrielle Blau

Alexandra Nicole Botuchis

Alexis Rose Bullock

Julius Vincent Caggiano

Keegan Lucas Carnell

Itzel Yanira Castellanos

Emely Jasmin Ceballos

Yuanxi Cheng

Kevin Chou

Bailey Wilford Clark

Nicholas John Clute

Alden Baines Copps

Czarina Cecilia Couig

Marcelo Cruz-Sanchez

Michael Gabriel Cuda

Geneva Grace Dandel

Jordan Grant Denes

Sam Dunnell

Mari Grace Edler

Ella Kathleen Eggert

Ella Margaret Etchandy

Emma Katherine Evanson

Wyatt Fischer Fales

Caden Michael Gazzaniga

Dmitrios George Georgiades

Kayla Gerayli

Andrew James Golubow

Mark Walter Gonzalez

Emma Catherine Griffin

Caroline Ruby Gunderson

Audrey Lea Harrington

Samuel Paul Harvey

Lucinda Katherine Hill

Mary Kendall Hogan

Alexander Holland

Tristan Christopher Horgan

Sarah Drew Jenkins

David Jiang

Dylan McCaffrey Johnson

Ava Sophia Karahalios

Isabella Vivianna Karmis

Megan Avery Kenner

Alexander Kenny

Amelia Lynley Kerr

Sabrina Junyoung Kim

Nideline Lagunas

Lauren Hong Lam

Jonathan Jesse Lee

Kate Yujin Lee

Xintong Li

Makena Kalia Lim

Alexis Noelle Lindenfelser

Oliver Liu

Vanessa Linchan Liu

Yichen Ma

Tina Braelynne Mai

Hayden Randolph Mann

Minka Mei Martinez

Carson Alexander Mather

Malcolm William Matthew

Michaela Sarah McCusker

Andrew Curran Miehe

Brandon Nicholas Miller

Nadia Momtaz

Sophia Susan Moran

Katherine Brady Moseley

Keyon Namdar

Ryan Namdar

Noelle Myra Nash

Charlotte Campbell Newman

Eric Trang Nghiem

Elle Dalsey O’Donnell

Caroline Catherine Otterbein

TJ Pavia

William Francis Peffer III

Charlotte Anne Quintanar

Jordan Beth Reder

Jake Ryan Reeves

Luke Andrew Reinkensmeyer

Natalie Gayle Roby

Leila Marie Rooney

Eileen Azimi Sadati

Katelyn Su-Chang Saiki

Madeleine May Sapra

Ashley Grace Shanahan

Kevin Bo Shen

Derek Ryan Smith

John Stahl

Kaitlin Ashley Tam

Annabel Sophia Grace Thiel

Devin Scott Thomas

Chloe Amanda Thompson

Kian Mody Vargo

Luciana Varkevisser

Gabriela Velazquez

Winston Sterling Verdult

Leslie Villamil

Andrew Richard Welling

Matthew Thane Welling

Celeste Marie Windes

Henry Bertram Wohlgemuth

Lucy Caroline Young

Renee Yu

Qixin Zhang

CApistr Ano VAlley ChristiAn sChool Gr ADUAtes

Kennedy Abang

Christopher Arai

Jack Armstrong

India Barbosa Leao

Jacob Beauchaine

Garrett Beeson

Adrian Blanchet

Davin Bosu

Hayden Carlson

Caleb Chan

Kylie Cox

Bora Eralp

Harper Finley

Sydney Futscher

Madison Gomez

Tomas Gomez

Jonathan Goodman

Nathaniel Griffin

Joshua Gustafson

Kaitlyn Hackney

Maryn Harris

Emelia Helsel

Isabelle Hemsley

Audrey Hilgert

Elijah Howard

Rylan Hunziker

Sadie Johnson

Sonomi Katoh

Michiru Kawashita

Logan Kelly

Yuna Kim

Serhii Kriachko

Avery Kurz

Sarah Le Drew

Jack Leetzow

Megan Lemery

Emily Lohrman

Hunter Long

Evan Loucks

Jack Maguire

Gaia Mammano

Kaimana Martinez

Ariik Mawien

Anna Mayou

Joshua Mitchell

Scott Moore

Anders Nilsson

Shunsuke Nishio

Mark Oberon

Emily Polanco

Luke Powell

Mia Powell

Joshua Richie

Aidan Romero

Cole Sampson

Logan Sanders

Joshua Savalle

Hailey Snyder

Yina Song

Daniel Spencer

Connor Susag

Brooke Thornton

Cydney Thornton

Kate Walter

Thomas Woods

Linfeng Xie

Ryan Zaengle

Jinge Zhu

Yinuo Zou

Hailey Bernal • Aiden Memary • Alex Hairapetian • Kamyar Najafinia • Itai Roe Kozorovitsky • Charles Harnish • Tristan Posner • Mia Taliaferro

PRESENTING the CLASS of 2023

Congratulations graduates! You have grown and excelled in the classroom, in the arts, on the athletic field, in leadership roles and in service to your community. You have demonstrated incredible perseverance and grace in these unprecedented times. You are an extraordinary group of young adults headed to colleges and universities across the nation and the world, incredibly well prepared for the remarkable journey ahead. We are very proud of you, and have great faith in you. Remain true to yourselves and your Tartan values. We look forward to seeing your lives unfold with meaning and purpose.

Godspeed Tartans! Tartans Forever!

Editor’s Pick

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!

Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 09

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN

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

SATURDAY |10

STRAWBERRY U-PICK

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked.

Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER

9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Cover band Your Mom will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

WEDNESDAY | 21: SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT

6-8 p.m. The free outdoor concert series presented by the City of San Juan Capistrano is back on this year, in full form. Classic rock act The Trip kicks off the fun on June 21. Bring a lawn chair and blanket to relax while you soak up music in downtown San Juan. There will also be food trucks, adult beverages for sale, and booths featuring local businesses and groups. A free trolley service will run on concert days from 4-9 p.m. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.

SUNDAY |

11

GHETTO RESCUE FFOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

3-7 p.m. The Ghetto Rescue FFoundation is hosting a fundraiser, with proceeds going toward the spaying, neutering, adoption, and care of dogs in need. Live music will be performed by the Missiles of October and other bands. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance at The Coach House or by contacting Barbara Gentosi or Tami Baumann. Raffle prize tickets are available for purchase the night of the event. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.361.1038 or 949.295.8913. ghettorescue.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB

4-7 p.m. Dream Brother will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

MONDAY | 12

BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit

owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

OPEN JAM

7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 13

STORYTIME AT THE SJC LIBRARY

10:30-11 a.m. Bring the kids to storytime, held every Tuesday morning. Children will get to read books and sing songs. The event is geared for the 2- to 6-year-old age range. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

WEDNESDAY | 14

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896

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Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

H.H. COTTON’S LIVE MUSIC

SHOWCASE

7-10 p.m. Every Wednesday, H.H. Cotton’s will host this live music showcase to feature talented local musicians from around the area and will occur in the restaurant’s Hamilton Room (the back room). H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. hhcottons.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS

8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

THURSDAY | 15

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS LARGE GROUP SHOW

10:30 a.m. Participants of this educational live animal program will meet and explore a variety of animals from all over the world. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER

7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. U2 tribute band The U2Xperience will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE

8:30-10:30 p.m. Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness the curiously beautiful phenomenon. A meter net is deployed 600 feet deep to capture thousands of these drifting organisms, which can make their own light. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

People dance to Motown act Blue Breeze Band in 2022 during the San Juan Summer Nites Concert series.

Photo: Collin Breaux

‘You Hurt My Feelings’ Not Too Much

BY MEGAN BIANCO

Beginning her career as an apprentice for fellow New Yorkers Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, Nicole Holofcener broke through her own filmmaking career in the 2000s with slice-of-life romantic dramedies including Lovely and Amazing (2001) and Friends with Money (2006).

Like with Nancy Meyers’ work, Holofcener’s characters are usually older, upper middle-class women going through some kind of dilemma, usually involving her relationship or family. With Holofcener’s movies, we get a bit more casual, laid-back tone that we now associate with indie and mid-budget flicks.

Her latest effort, You Hurt My Feelings, is familiar territory for fans, but delivers what the writer-director does best.

In modern day Manhattan, Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a writer who is struggling to get her second book

published. While her first book was a memoir about her early life, this time she’s giving fiction a shot.

Her husband, Don (Tobias Menzies), is a psychiatrist who is second-guessing his strength and interest in advising his clients, while their son, Elliott (Owen Teague), is a college graduate running a marijuana dispensary.

When Beth overhears Don secretly reveal he doesn’t think her current book is that good, her ego is shattered, and she starts having doubts about both her talent and their marriage. Meanwhile, Elliott is having his own quarter-life crisis and confesses he doesn’t think Beth and Don were good enough parents.

You Hurt My Feelings reunites Holofcener with Louis-Dreyfus for the first time since Enough Said (2013), and it reminds us the two naturally mesh just as well as Holofcener with her favorite female lead, Catherine Keener, during the first decade of her directing career.

Louis-Dreyfus, who somehow seems to not bat quite as well in film as she does on TV, exudes nicely here, and has finally found the best creator for her cinematic material. Though it’s a bit jarring to hear the English actor with an American accent at first, Menzies does well, as Don and the supporting cast of You Hurt My Feelings are a treat, too.

The plot isn’t too complicated or mind-blowing, but it’s nice to have a swift, 93-minute movie focus on everyday occurrences and end on a heartwarming note.

While I would have preferred the script to be a tiny bit more fleshed out, You Hurt My Feelings is just fine for an easy night viewing. CD

Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Recognizing the Chamber of Commerce’s 100-Year Anniversary

The citizens of San Juan Capistrano have always come together for the common good of the community.

That is how the Chamber of Commerce first appeared in our town. It began in 1923 for the purpose of supporting worthwhile projects. The first work undertaken by the Chamber was the building of the Ortega Highway.

To help keep business in town during the construction, the Chamber staged weekend events to keep the downtown viable.

Town beautification was another project. The Chamber purchased 200 palm trees. These were sold to any resident wanting them at the cost of $1 each. The Chamber made no profit on the sale of these trees.

Many of those palm trees still exist today in the older neighborhoods of San Juan Capistrano. La Matanza and Los Cerritos are two of the streets that benefited from this project.

The first president of the Chamber was R.W. Whitaker, who was a banker in town. The original Board of Directors read like a who’s who of San Juan Capistrano history. Directors in 1923 included J. S. Malcolm, C. L. Congdon, Walt Congdon, Dr. Paul Esslinger, C.A. Hankey, O.J. Guilbert, F.A. Stoffel, and Father St. John O’Sullivan.

Unfortunately, at the height of the Depression, the bank failed, and many local businesses followed. As a result, after the completion of the Ortega Highway, the Chamber of Commerce disappeared in town.

In 1948, a few San Juan Capistrano businessmen formed a luncheon group, and it became the San Juan Business Association. Paul Phelps,

Bart Conners, and Harold Smith were among the leaders of the group, and Phelps was the first president.

and restaurants.”

“The downtown is buzzing with new exciting additions like Trevor’s at the Tracks and the Mission store and gateway,” he said.

nity, insuring public safety during the Swallows Day Parade, and the return of the Annual Vintage Wine and Food Festival later this year.

You can spend a “Moment in Time” and visit the Chamber of Commerce office at 31421 La Matanza Street and see how they see our community now and in the future. To celebrate the 100th anniversary, you can attend the Annual Awards dinner on July 20 at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. For further information, call the Chamber at 949.493.4700.

BY JAN SIEGEL

Art Morria, Fred Newhart, Eugene Streit, William Steele, and Charles Ruerup followed as presidents of this group. One of the first accomplishments of this group was to bring street lights to town, which they did in 1950.

It was from this membership that the Chamber of Commerce was reestablished in San Juan Capistrano. Stan Geach was the first president, followed by Larry Hernandez, who was instrumental in getting the downtown area rezoned with the help of the county planning commission.

For the past 100 years, the Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in every important aspect of our community’s growth. For the past 75 years, that role has been continuous.

The Chamb er is involved in the redevelopment of the downtown, much as it was in 1948, with its support of the completion of the La Pata extension, the development of the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, and the move of the Ganahl Lumber Company.

After seven years, Mark Bodenhamer stepped down as CEO of the Chamber in 2017.

He summed up his time in San Juan Capistrano, stating, “When I got here, there were a lot of empty storefronts. There was a general consensus that the downtown was struggling, but now there are a lot of new storefronts

In 2018, George Peppas replaced Bodenhamer as Chamber CEO, just in time for the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for the Chamber.

Again, as they have always done throughout their history, the Chamber worked together with support from the City Council to help small restaurants stay afloat by allowing outdoor eating in open-air parking areas. The Chamber also worked with the Small Business Administration to assist local businesses in applying for loans.

With the pandemic behind us, the Chamber continued to support their ongoing activities including the Farmers Market, annual awards dinner, recognizing excellence in our commu-

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 The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

This smiling guy is Jax, an affectionate and outgoing Siberian-husky-mix looking for his forever home. A world-class snuggler, Jax is an active dog who also knows the joys of just hanging out on the couch. He is potty-trained and would make a wonderful furry friend for the right family.

If you are interested in adopting Jax, 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. CD

San Juan Community Honors Fallen Servicemembers for Memorial Day

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY COLLIN BREAUX

Mild rainfall did not stop the San Juan Capistrano community from recognizing servicemembers who gave their lives for their country.

American Legion Post 721 and the City of San Juan Capistrano hosted a Memorial Day ceremony on May 29 at Veterans Park. The event included a rendition of the National Anthem, bell ringing for fallen veterans, and remarks by Mayor Howard Hard, a retired Navy captain.

Hart recalled a friend of his, Brian Ouellette, who was a Navy Seal and died in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2004.

“I had met Brian about four years earlier, and he and I hit

it off immediately,” Hart said. “It was impossible not to like Brian. He had enough charisma to light up both San Juan Capistrano and Virginia Beach, Virginia, where we were both stationed and resided. He knew what it meant to be a friend.”

Ouellette checked on Hart’s family after the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, because Hart was in the namesake building during the attack and survived.

Hart also spoke generally about the meaning of Memorial Day.

“Time has passed, but tradition born of gratitude demands that, every year, we pause to remember,” Hart said.

“It’s also a good reminder that we don’t always end up where we start. Memorial Day is unique among American holidays. It is not one of celebration, as much as it is one of reflection.”

Servicemembers honored on Memorial Day come from all backgrounds and parts of the country, Hart said.

“The men and women who sacrifice to defend our country are as diverse as our country itself, but their service instilled upon all of them common traits,” he said. “They all learned, and all possess courage, honor, and fidelity to a cause greater than themselves.” CD

GUEST OPINION | Eat my Words by Cheryl Pruett

Make Breakfast a Mini Vacation

Every restaurant meal is a mini vacation. Kick off summer with a neighborhood breakfast road trip. Since Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the season, it’s time to begin an eatery vacay.

Early birds rise and shine. Those less inclined to get up and go at the crack of dawn can still shake their night owl feathers to order the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast doesn’t always mean eggs. There are so many breakfast opportunities in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, a hungry person can fill their summer with many morning meals.

A breakfast can stand alone as a mini-vacay moment or be paired with a walk, a beach outing or even a pre-meal before a cruise to Catalina from Dana Point Harbor.

SAN CLEMENTE

Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee

provides refreshing, healthy and quick options to eat your breakfast in or grab to-go on the way to the beach or other summer activities.

Made fresh to order, the most popular bowl is T-Street with acai, granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries, coconut shavings and honey. A Sunrise smoothie is another simple option with pitaya (dragon fruit), mango and orange juice. Add-ons and gluten-free options are available. 360 Camino de Estrella. 949.388.4015; 111 W. Avenida Palizada. 949.573.1129. alohanaacaioc.com.

Café Mimosa is one of the multiple breakfast options on a walk downtown. The name is a hint of what’s to come, given there are about 12 flavors of mimosas available.

On a visit, the crème brulee French toast provides a taste adventure using ciabatta bread, custard, and crème anglaise. Or try an egg white frittata with veggies and Swiss cheese, topped with Romesco sauce.

243 Avenida Del Mar. 949.481.6780. cafemimosasc.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Mollies is like a visit home. Known for oversized pancakes, why not try the bacon pancakes? Two treats in one with bacon mixed into the batter for a different pancake treat.

The menu is jam-packed with homestyle breakfasts for this nearby morning wake-up meal.

32033 Camino Capistrano. 949.881.6015. molliessanjuan.com.

JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee provides a reason to make donuts a breakfast meal. After all, donuts set a vacation mood. So, if donuts are your

breakfast go-to, be prepared for more than the traditional donut fare.

The menu includes a taste bud vacation with such flavors as blueberry-lemon, brown butter sea salt, and maple bacon. Map out your donut journey: apple fritters, cake donuts, and a variety of glazes. Donut flavors and creations change monthly, so check what’s in store.

31878 Del Obispo St. 949.218.4483. jdflannel.com.

Cheryl Pruett is an award-winning journalist and editor, having covered Orange County city and county topics to the food scene for Orange County Register, Patch.com and local magazines. She has called Dana Point/Capistrano Beach home for more than 30 years. 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.

EAT MY WORDS CHERYL PRUETT

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit

HELP WANTED

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST.

Scott G. Lamming, DDS, (San Juan Capistrano) is looking for full-time (40 h) RDH, Assoc. degree in Dental Hygiene; CA RDH Lic, NOMAD operator lic, Diode Laser cert, at least 3 mo exp. Duties: Review pts med histories/vitals; collab with DDS on ident perio disease/decay; remove calcif deposits; take X-rays; make impressions for guards/trays; admin local anesthesia/nitrous; apply sealants/fluorides, perform teeth whitening/laser therapy. Use DENTRIX. E-Mail your resume to HR hrsanjuandds@gmail.com EOE.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

CO-BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Luke Powell

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN | GOLF

Capistrano Valley Christian senior Luke Powell capped his high school golf career with a transcendent postseason run, and for his achievements, Powell has been se-

lected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year.

Powell shot a combined 25-under-par over four CIF postseason events, including a 7-under-par 64 to win the CIF State Championship by two strokes at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach.

Powell’s 7-under state round was one shot off the event record set by current PGA Tour professional Rickie Fowler, who shot an 8-under 64 in 2006 at the Santa Maria Country Club.

Powell also won the CIF-SS Southern Regional with a 7-under-par 67 and recorded two third-place finishes at the CIF-SS Championships and CIF/SCGA SoCal Regional.

Powell will continue his career at UCLA.

CO-GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Peyton Leonard

SAN JUAN HILLS | SOCCER, SOFTBALL

San Juan Hills senior Peyton Leonard was a stalwart on the backline for the Stallions girls soccer program, and for her leadership, Leonard has been selected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes

of the Year.

The San Juan Hills girls soccer team was anchored by its defense all season, allowing just 17 goals in 20 games. The Stallions led the South Coast League in victories and finished second in the standings.

The unquestioned leader of that defensive core was Leonard, who commanded the middle of the field as the Stallions’ central defender. She also pushed up the field to collect seven goals. Leonard was named All-CIF and first-team AllLeague.

Leonard was also a fouryear contributor to the San Juan Hills softball team. Leonard will continue her soccer career at Pepperdine.

CO-GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Amanda Edwards

SAN JUAN HILLS | BASKETBALL

San Juan Hills senior Amanda Edwards left an indelible mark on the Stallions basketball program and helped lead San Juan Hills to its first CIF-SS

semifinal, and for her career records and leadership, Edwards has been selected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year.

Name a record for the San Juan Hills girls basketball team, and Edwards will either have the mark or be on the list. Edwards set the program records for points in a game (36) and career points (1,449). She was a sharpshooter with program records beyond the arc in 3-pointers made in a game (9), in a season (111), and in a career (250).

Edwards was named the South Coast League MVP for the second consecutive season and earned All-CIF honors.

CO-BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Trent Caraway

JSERRA | BASEBALL

JSerra senior Trent Caraway set a program record as he and 16 seniors led the Lions baseball team to its second consecutive CIF-SS Division 1 title, and

for his record play, Caraway has been selected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year.

Caraway set the record for hits in a single season with 49 to pass Royce Lewis, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft. Caraway hit .462 with seven home runs, 11 doubles and 20 RBIs this season.

Caraway is ranked as the No. 22 high school prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft by Prep Baseball Report and the No. 67 draft prospect overall by mlb.com.

If drafted, Caraway will have the option to go pro or go to college, as he has signed with Oregon State.

CVC senior Luke Powell won the CIF State Boys Golf Championship. Photo Courtesy of CVC Athletics.

JSerra senior Trent Caraway was named the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

San Juan Hills senior Peyton Leonard was named All-CIF as a central defender. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

San Juan Hills senior Amanda Edwards set program records for points in a game and career. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

THE COACH HOUSE

www.thecoachhouse.com

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930

6/10 SHAWN COLVIN

6/11 The Snacks / Richard Stekol Band

Missiles of October / The Code

6/15 JULIAN MARLEY / Tomorrow’s Bad seeds

6/16 AL JARDINE and His endless summer Band

6/17 AMBROSIA

6/18 PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

6/23 TINA TURNER TRIBUTE

feaTuring deBBy Holiday

6/24 PRINCE AGAIN (Prince TriBuTe)

6/25 THE WAILERS

6/28 JOHN CRUZ “we do iT island sTyle”

6/29 YYNOT (rusH TriBuTe)

6/30 THE SWEET

7/1 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES

7/5 LYLE LOVETT and His Large Band

7/6 GILBY CLARKE & The Keef Richards

7/7 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS

7/8 HENRY KAPONO