June 11, 2021

JUNE 11-24, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 11

CELEBRATE

SUNDAY, JUNE 20

Graduations Return Class of 2021 Perseveres Through Pandemic SPECIAL SECTION

thecapistranodispatch.com

The San Juan Hills High School Class of 2021 was all smiles as they walked to the graduation field on June 3. Photo: Collin Breaux.

City Plans for Capital Improvement Projects

CVC Boys Volleyball Wins First CIF Title

Editor’s Pick: El Presidente Ball

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 30

GETTING OUT/PAGE 26

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 2

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Council Approves Capital Improvement Plans, City Budget

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Street maintenance, synthetic turf for Stonefield Park, and other city projects are on the horizon after the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved the city’s operating budget for fiscal year 2021-22 and seven-year capital improvement program during a June 1 meeting.

Under the budget, city staff proposes focusing street funding on the city’s “highest priority” street rehabilitation project that would resurface and reconstruct Camino Capistrano from Avenida Aeropuerto to the Costco entrance, according to an agenda report.

“The total estimated cost for the Camino Capistrano Pavement Rehabilitation Project is $4.0 million, of which $1.8 million is proposed to be funded in Fiscal Year 2021-22,” the report said.

Synthetic turf will be installed at Stonefield Park under the seven-year plan, on land owned by Capistrano Unified School District. City staff is working with CUSD on a potential partnership and long-term joint use agreement, ac-

cording to Ken Al-Imam, the city’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Staff recommends that $300,000 of the design phase of the project that is currently scheduled for 2022-23 be advanced to 2021-22,” Al-Imam said. “If this is approved, this would allow the construction phase of the project to stay on schedule in 2022-23, and as well allow staff opportunities to explore additional sources of funds.”

The fiscal year capital budget further includes $3 million in funding for the proposed skateboard park, which is reportedly scheduled to be constructed in fiscal year 2021-22. Seattle-based company Grindline Skateparks, Inc. will design the new park, which will be on cityowned farmland adjacent to the town’s sports park and community center.

A temporary part-time intern position and environmental programs analyst classification will be added to city staff, the latter to be funded when the city’s water and utility operations are officially transferred to the Santa Margarita Water District.

The general fund budgeted revenues will exceed expenditures by almost $1 million after taking adjustments into account, Al-Imam said.

“Major contributors to this result are the elimination of the prior structural deficit which was a result of last year’s reorga-

Stonefield Park is expected to get synthetic turf, under the city’s long-term capital improvement plan. Photo: Collin Breaux.

Business Community Raises Concerns of Labor Shortage Amid Declining Unemployment

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO , THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The nationwide unemployment rate fell to 5.8% during the month of May, the lowest it’s been since the pandemic began, signaling a growing return to normalcy as more Americans reenter the workforce and employers continue to fill jobs that were lost in the economic crisis.

According to the national jobs report that the Bureau of Labor Statistics released late last week, employers added 559,000 new jobs to the labor market, with the largest gains (292,000 positions) coming from the leisure and hospitality industry.

Employment in public and private education also contributed a significant amount to the growth in jobs, adding 53,000 positions in local government education, 50,000 in state government, The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

and 41,000 in private education.

The latest unemployment rate, down from the 6.1% reported in April 2021, marked a steady decline since April 2020, when 23.1 million Americans were out of work, bringing the national jobless rate to its highest point during the pandemic at nearly 15%.

In California, the next jobs report for May won’t be released until later this month. For the month of April, though, statewide unemployment was reported at 8.3%, matching the previous month’s jobless rate, according to the latest report released on May 21.

“Of the 2,714,800 total nonfarm jobs lost in March and April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, California has now regained 1,302,100 jobs (48 percent) since Page 4

nization, the rapid recovery of sustaining revenues, and continued higher-than-normal development revenue,” Al-Imam said.

“We expect that the general fund revenues exceeding expenditures will continue over the near- to mid-term horizon.”

The cost of law enforcement services from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is $11.3 million, which will maintain existing service levels.

“This is a 4.4% increase over the cost of fiscal year’s 2020-21 cost,” Al-Imam said.

A five-year law enforcement services agreement was initiated in July 2020, requiring the county to submit a proposed staffing level and financial obligation update each year to the city for approval.

The budget also includes an expansion of services from Mercy House for homelessness outreach, from a part-time

position to full-time.

Councilmember Sergio Farias said the city is heading in the right direction under the budget.

“We’ve been fortunate in having competent city councils that we can keep putting our city in a more fiscally sound position, at the same time recognizing the value that our employees give us,” Farias said. “I think, hopefully, we can keep heading in that direction.”

Mayor John Taylor thanked city staff and colleagues for putting the budget together and getting the city out of a structural deficit.

City staff expects to bring forth options this summer on how to handle $6 million in recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, including for street maintenance—a major concern in San Juan.

May 2020,” the state’s employment office said in its report.

Locally, Orange County and the three South County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano saw continued declines in their respective unemployment rates. Countywide unemployment was listed at 6.2% for April, down from the 6.3% reported in March.

Orange County Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, the Fifth District representative, said the most recent jobs report from the state’s Employment Development Department showed the county has made progress since a year ago, when unemployment was at its highest point, topping 14%.

“We still have a way to go from the county, but we are making progress,” she said.

“The leisure and travel (industries) are just starting to get back and hiring employees again. We’re hoping, in each subsequent month, we’re going to have a drop in unemployment as staff gets hired again.”

Collectively, the aforementioned three

South County towns had an unemployment rate of 5.5%. San Clemente had the largest jobless rate of 5.5%, while both Dana Point and San Juan each reportedly had unemployment rates of 5.3%.

Though unemployment continues to fall, the city of San Clemente’s economic development office, Jonathan Lightfoot and the local business community noted that companies have struggled recently to fill open positions for both low-wage and higher-paid jobs.

Several employers who have spoken with Jim Wynne, chairperson for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, said they’re “having a difficult time finding employees to work.”

Wynne added that the shortage is seen across the board, as many business owners—especially in the Rancho San Clemente Business Park—have said they’re unable to find workers, including for manufacturing jobs that earn about $25 an hour.

(Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Aims to Combat Human Trafficking with Enhanced Massage Parlor Regulations

Fairmont Schools’ New SJC Campus Keeps Students Safe During Pandemic

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved initial steps during a June 1 meeting that will—in theory—strengthen local regulations, with an eye toward stopping alleged human trafficking in city massage parlors.

Amendments to local regulations suggested by city staff include having only one customer entrance in a visible and well-lit location, prohibiting locks for massage rooms, requiring owners to provide all names and aliases used over the past 10 years, and declaring ordinance violations misdemeanors punishable by fine.

The changes approved were a first reading. The ordinance becomes official after a second reading is approved during a future meeting.

The focus on human trafficking and alleged illicit massage parlors had been brought up by Councilmember Howard Hart, who was newly elected to the dais last year and emphasized the issues during his campaign. In February, Hart authorized city staff to review the city’s existing massage parlor regulations and work with the i-5 Freedom Network—a San Clemente-based nonprofit that raises awareness of human trafficking—in doing so.

“I’m really here to encourage and commend the city of San Juan Capistrano (and) their courageous and committed efforts to address this issue,” said Brenda Wells, founder and executive director of the i-5 Freedom Network. “San Juan Capistrano has the opportunity to become a model city. We’ve been working with other cities trying to get this thing, because, as we know, municipal enforcement is necessary at this level.”

Hart said the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force will assist with the matter.

City Manager Ben Siegel said enforcement is handled by both code enforce-

ment and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“Our code enforcement officers work closely with the Sheriff’s Department and coordinates in terms of addressing these types of issues, but this would be a local municipal code, and our code enforcement staff is already proactively conducting inspections and would be monitoring compliance with these types of provisions,” Siegel said.

Mayor John Taylor said he was not initially aware that human trafficking was an issue in San Juan before Hart brought it up.

“I really commend the work that Howard has done and the i-5 Freedom Network,” Taylor said.“It’s disheartening to think that could be happening in our community.”

The council also approved a resolution declaring the city’s commitment to fighting human trafficking.

The neighboring towns of San Clemente and Dana Point have also taken similar steps to address human trafficking and massage parlors.

Taking over a campus from another private school is already a challenge— during a pandemic, even more so.

For Fairmont Schools, though, they rose to the challenge and have provided students educational opportunities while not putting them in danger during the COVID-19 health crisis.

With the school year now over, campus director Dana Vasquez reflected on the unique start for their new San Juan Capistrano private school location—previously helmed by Saddleback Valley Christian School—during an interview with The Capistrano Dispatch.

“It was a pretty heavy time with COVID,” Vasquez said.

Temperature checks and plexiglass became standard on the Oso Road campus, and the school received a waiver for in-person instruction for elementary grades in August shortly after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kids became accustomed to the new school and got used to wearing masks on campus. Other grade levels eventually came on campus for in-person learning, and there were no campus-wide spreads of COVID-19 despite some outside cases.

Parents and teachers frequently communicated about possible exposure to the virus, and a counselor worked with students who had anxiety about returning to the classroom and other mental health issues, Vasquez said.

Fairmont was eventually able to have basketball games on campus with limited crowds and other safety measures, Vasquez said.

“Parents felt really safe leaving their students with us,” she said.

Fairmont’s San Juan Capistrano campus has reportedly gone from 75 initial students to more than 200. Vasquez at-

tributes the growth to word-of-mouth.

Fairmont Schools wants to grow its athletic program and has been working with The Treigning Lab—a gym in Placentia that works with MMA fighters and other athletes—for its program and events for student athletes, including a recent wrestling clinic that featured Olympians Kyle Snyder and David Taylor and world and national champions Bo Nickal and Anthony Cassar.

Fairmont’s athletic program works on strength and conditioning, and has former UFC fighter and accomplished wrestler Mark Muñoz as its wrestling coach.

Vasquez said their STEM (an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math) staff is amazing as well, and the school will look toward increasing robotic, surf, and equestrian student clubs.

“We felt embraced by the community here,” Vasquez said.

Since the U.S. Department of Labor released its jobs report for the month of April, showing less than anticipated job growth following the passage of the American Rescue Plan, some employers have attributed the so-called labor shortage to the extension of unemployment benefits.

Some economists and industry experts, however, contend that there is no labor shortage, arguing that there’s more nuance to the discussion of why restaurants aren’t seeing a return of employees as quickly as they would have liked to see.

“The reality is, is that there are a multitude of reasons that are keeping

people in our industry from returning to work or leaving the industry and going elsewhere,” said Joshua Chaisson, president of Restaurant Workers for America, a nonprofit advocating for food servers and tipped employees.

In California, the minimum wage for tipped workers is $14 an hour, or $13 if they’re working for an employer with a staff of 25 people or fewer.

Regardless of whether a person is earning $400 to $600 a week in tips on top of their wages, or are receiving unemployment benefits from the government, neither provides a livable wage, Kiki Louya, executive director of the Restaurant Workers Community Founda-

tion, stressed.

Orange County’s labor data from the month of April showed that leisure and hospitality led job gains, adding 17,000 positions, with 5,600 of those coming from food services and drinking places.

Those gains, Chaisson noted, are only going to continue as summer ramps up—a common occurrence in the U.S. Lightfoot said he’s begun to see some businesses offering incentive programs and signing bonuses for new hires.

“I think businesses will explore options this year, because it’s a unique time to get back into the normal swing of things,” Lightfoot said.“It’s going to be a growing pain, but I’m confident they’ll figure it out.”

(Cont. from page 3) On the subject, Lightfoot, and Chris Aitken, who chairs the San Clemente Downtown Business Association’s Board of Directors, pointed to the service industry, explaining that local restaurant owners in particular are having a difficult time hiring workers.

“We are experiencing a tremendous difficulty to staff the restaurants sector for full service,” said Aitken, who added that some restaurants have begun offering incentives to new hires. “I think the restaurants have to be very creative to become fully staffed, as opposed to where the sector was at prior to the pandemic.”

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

Councilmember Howard Hart. Photo: Courtesy of Howard Hart’s campaign

Page 4

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 UPDATES as of June 9

cases deaths

total

2,793

74

13

1

last 30 days

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

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 5

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 6

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, JUNE 12

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.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15

The recent Field of Honor event hosted at Mission San Juan Capistrano paid tribute to military veterans and service members. Photo: Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

CD | Council Keeps Focus on Future Equestrian Facility During a June 1 meeting, the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a three-year extension on a development agreement between the city and Advanced Real Estate Services for the Distrito La Novia-San Juan Meadows project, with a focus on ensuring an equestrian facility is built in town.

The project plan—which also includes new housing and commercial/retail use—was approved by the city in 2010 but has reportedly hit snags with the Regional Water Quality Control Board when it comes to the equestrian portion. The developer will have to pay an in-lieu fee if an equestrian facility is not built.

The council voted, 3-1, on the extension. Mayor John Taylor and Councilmembers Troy Bourne and Sergio Farias voted yes. Councilmember Howard Hart voted no. Hart, who has frequently advocated for preserving San Juan’s equestrian heritage, wanted the in-lieu fee to specifically be for equestrian uses.

Bourne said he agreed with the spirit of Hart’s proposal, but not the specifics, as stated.

“There’s so much in flux right now with what’s going on in the equestrian community,” Bourne said. “To your point, this is such a big win. I’d hate to get into a position where, six years down the road, we’ve got this big pile of funds and we can’t use it anymore.”

The city’s Planning Commission approved similar measures for the project in April. Equestrians are concerned their way of life could gradually dissipate due to environmental regulations.

In other news from the meeting, the The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

council approved a first ordinance reading to rename the Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission as the Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission. The new name was chosen by the commission in May. “Much easier to say,” Taylor said.

information and advocacy will be posted.

The community is encouraged to post relevant content on the page, including news and pictures about their own art or art-related business.

San Juan resident and small business owner Tina Ann is working with Heimann on the social media site. Heimann is pushing for more art in the public square since he believes it will make the town attractive for business activity and subsequently foster increased local revenue.

CD | Memorial Day Display

Draws Thousands to Mission San Juan Capistrano

CD | SJC Author Receives

The Field of Honor flag display at Mission San Juan Capistrano over Memorial Day weekend reportedly drew an estimated crowd of 4,000 people.

Flags were displayed at the historic site in tribute to military service members and veterans. The event was a partnership between the Mission and Homefront America, a San Juan-based nonprofit that assists the military community.

Each flag individually honored a specific service member, veteran, or first responder.

Vietnam War veterans James Funk and Larry Lawrence were among those honored.

“Field of Honor is about bringing people together to show their patriotism and pride in America with an experience that is positive and meaningful,” Homefront America Founder and President Mamie Yong Maywhort said in a news release.

Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said seeing hundreds of American flags “beautifully displayed” and each representing an actual person who has served the country was “pure awe.”

Recognition for Venice Beach History Book Donna Lewis Friess, who lives in San Juan Capistrano and recounted growing up in Venice Beach in her book, Growing Up Venice: Parallel Universes, was named a finalist of the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

The book was published in September and is a finalist in the Memoirs: Historical/Legacy category, a news release stated. Friess will be recognized during an online awards presentation on June 25.

Friess recounted writing the book during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and her childhood memories of seeing artists and beachgoers in the famous Venice area in an interview last year with The Capistrano Dispatch.

Her book explores the immigration of Holocaust survivors and what they went through, among other historical aspects of old Venice Beach. She interviewed various people for her book, which she calls a historical narrative written from a personal point of view.

CD | Alliance for San Juan

Art Gets Facebook Page

CD | Capo Unified School

Advocacy for public art in San Juan Capistrano is now on social media.

The Alliance for San Juan Art—a nonprofit founded by resident Rich Heimann—now has a Facebook page, where

District Appoints 3 New Principals Capistrano Unified School District Page 7

CITY COUNCIL 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting open to the public. The meeting can also be viewed at sanjuancapistrano.org. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18

COFFEE CHAT 8:30 a.m. The longtime town hall forum returns to its traditional, in-person format.

City Manager Ben Siegel will be the guest speaker. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more info. Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR Noon. Mayor John Taylor will eat at a different restaurant in SJC almost every Friday, and the public is welcome to attend. Feel free to chat with Taylor and others, though you’ll have to pay for your own meal. Check the John Taylor: San Juan Capistrano Mayor page on Facebook for more info.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

recently announced the appointments of three school principals and a new position of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, education and support services.

The appointed principals are Jamie Goodwyn for Marblehead Elementary School, Michael Hatcher for Aliso Niguel High School, and Shari Nelson for Castille Elementary School, a news release stated.

Cary L. Johnson was named to the new assistant superintendent role.

Goodwyn comes from the Ocean View School District and has been a principal for nine years. Hatcher has been the interim principal at Aliso Niguel High for the past year and CUSD site administrator for the past nine years. Nelson is also transitioning from an interim principal role at Castille Elementary and has been a classified, certificated, and administrative staff member in CUSD for 11 years.

“Johnson joins CUSD from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD), where he filled several leadership roles over the past 10 years,” a news release said. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

The San Juan Hills High School Class of 2021 was happy to graduate, especially considering the challenges they faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Collin Breaux

San Juan Hills Graduates Celebrate Resolve During Extraordinary Times

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s Ryan Marin put it, the Class of 2021’s senior year represents the messy and unpredictable nature of the real world.

Marin made those remarks to his fellow graduates during a graduation ceremony at San Juan Hills High School on June 3. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic and how his class navigated through it and other challenges during a commencement speech, Marin looked out into the faces of his classmates from the graduation stage since the ceremony returned to an in-person group format.

“Four hundred and forty-seven days of Zoom calls and Canvas assignments later, and here we are,” Marin said. “For most of us, getting here wasn’t easy—though as tough as this year was, it’s also tested our resilience.”

Marin said he is proud of everyone for graduating during the health crisis, and he encouraged his peers to do good things and continue riding for the brand.

Graduation was split into two ceremonies to accommodate crowd capacity limits, and masks were required for those in attendance. A drive-through senior celebration parade was held the day before graduation, along Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. The parade was also held last year, when the pandemic caused uncertainty on whether a graduaThe Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

four of them, because of the tickets and COVID. They’re here. Everything they’ve done to get you here, give them a round of applause.”

Mahindrakar thanked teachers and staff for not giving up during a “crazy year,” which also earned a round of applause. San Juan Hill’s sense of community stayed intact despite the virus taking so much, he said.

“Were we challenged? Yeah. Were we pushed? Absolutely,” Mahindrakar said.

“Were we broken? Never. Through all the loss, sacrifice, dreams deferred, plans changed, our community led by our students was never broken. In fact, these students in front of you collectively rose.”

Mahindrakar further noted that students continued going to work, providing for their families, and helping their younger siblings get through school during the tumultuous year. The Class of 2021 proves humanity is alive and well, can do good things when faced with challenges, and brings endless value to the world, he said.

Graduate and commencement speaker Samantha Dragna said their junior year became monumental when the football team became the first in school history to be CIF champions.

“We as a graduating class will leave a legacy like no other—and, no, I am not talking about a legacy destined by a pan-

tion would happen.

The face-to-face graduation ceremony marked a return to tradition after last year’s graduation was a drive-through ceremony due to high COVID-19 metrics. The smiles on students’ faces as they walked out to the ceremony field, and jubilation during the traditional turning of the tassel, were clear signs everyone was thrilled to get back to some sort of normalcy.

Parents came out to celebrate, including Adrian LeBlanc, whose daughter, Kylie LeBlanc, graduated. He was happy to see the customary ceremony again, particularly after kids went through online learning.

“It was great to be able to get out and enjoy something like this. We weren’t sure it was going to happen,” LeBlanc said. “There was a lot of uncertainty, but they pulled it off really well. To be able to do this in this kind of venue and have all the people come out and be able to support their kids, it’s phenomenal.”

Principal Manoj Mahindrakar said graduation is a day that parents have been looking forward to for almost 18 years.

“Today is certainly about our graduates and what they have accomplished, but if raising our young ones takes a community, then we will certainly celebrate as a community,” Mahindrakar said. “Students, look out in the stands.

All your loved ones are here—or at least Page 8

demic,” Dragna said. “The legacy we leave as the Class of 2021 is one of persistence.

During the year to test all patience and then some, we have prevailed.”

Graduate Elizabeth Meshkin, the third commencement speaker, said they are a unique class. Everything “broke” at the height of their junior year, though the Class of 2021 never lost their purpose or relationships with the community and one another, she said.

“We became confined to our homes where those big screens became small, haunted reminders of all we had lost,” Meshkin said. “Our new normal has us less focused on screens and more focused on living a life without regret and with purpose.”

After the ceremony concluded, students and parents continued celebrating in the parking lot, taking pictures and hugging. Chris Picarella was one of the graduates enjoying the moment with loved ones that Thursday afternoon.

“It’s exhilarating. It feels real. This whole pandemic, a lot of things been feeling fake, but this feels real for sure,” he said of what a traditional graduation felt like. “There was a big moment of empathy. We all felt the same thing. We’re all ready to get done.”

As for his mood post-graduation?

“Ready to party, man,” Picarella said.

“Ready to get stuff done.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 9

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Esencia Homes Sell Out in Rancho Mission Viejo

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

H

ome sales continue to stay strong in Rancho Mission Viejo, as officials with the master-planned community recently announced the last available home was sold in the community’s Esencia development. The Esencia community has a total of 2,776 homes.

“This is a historic day for Rancho Mission Viejo as we celebrate the completion of the Village of Esencia,” said Paul Johnson, executive vice president of community development for RMV, in a news release. “Although Esencia is officially sold out, those who wish to experience The Ranch’s unique lifestyle won’t have to wait long, as we are slated to grand open the Village of Rienda in Spring 2022.”

The first phase of Rienda—billed as being a short drive from downtown San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Doheny State Beach—will have

Home sales are staying strong in Rancho Mission Viejo, where the Village of Esencia is now sold out and the Village of Rienda is scheduled to open next year. Photo: The New Home Company.

671 homes.

“Our consistently strong sales–despite all of the challenges of the past year–

demonstrate how new homebuyers are attracted by the appeal of our wide-open spaces, Nature Reserve, trails, and ex-

EVENTS AT THE RANCH JUNE 16

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING 7-9 p.m. Take the first step in becoming an official volunteer at The 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 over Zoom. Sign up at rmvreserve.org.

traordinary community lifestyle on The Ranch,” said Johnson. “We are thrilled to be taking the momentum and excitement around Esencia and carry that into the Village of Rienda. Hundreds of people have already signed our interest list, and we look forward to updating them as models are built.”

Esencia opened in 2015 and offers hilltop views of the nearby mountains, as well as the recently opened Esencia Sports Park. Esencia is the second soldout village in RMV; Sendero sold out in 2015 after opening in 2013. CD

RMV Postpones Annual Rodeo Until 2022

BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

ue to continuing concerns about COVID-19, Rancho Mission Viejo officials announced plans to postpone the community’s annual rodeo until August 2022.

The RMV Rodeo, a tradition that was launched in 2001, is a two-day event in which contestants compete for a purse of more than $200,000 and a spot at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

The rodeo features various events, food vendors, and live performances. Tony Moiso, the chairman and chief executive officer of Rancho Mission Viejo, said the large crowd that the rodeo attracts is a concern during the pandemic.

“There are still just too many worries for us to be comfortable committing to host and stage this year’s rodeo,” Moiso said. “That weekend, we welcome up to 10,000 guests to ‘The Ranch’ and San Juan Capistrano.”

Proceeds from the rodeo are donat-

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

While some events are returning this year, the annual rodeo will not be one of them. Photo: File.

ed toward local charities in San Juan Capistrano to honor the cowboy tradition

of “passing the hat” to those in need.

Throughout the span of its 19 years, the

Page 10

RMV Rodeo has raised more than $2.6 million to organizations including CHOC at Mission Viejo, J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, CHOC at Mission Hospital, and the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. While the rodeo has been canceled this year, people can donate to the organizations directly.

The event’s 20th anniversary was previously canceled last year. In lieu of the event, RMV produced a video on the history of the rodeo and The Ranch.

While the rodeo has been postponed for a second time, Rancho Mission Viejo officials are looking forward to having the event next year.

“Although postponing this year’s rodeo is disappointing, our planning team has set their sights on hosting the 20th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo in just 15 short months on August 27 and 28, 2022,” Executive Vice President of Ranch Operations Gilbert Aguirre said. “We hope all of our friends, fans and sponsors will save the date now and plan to join us.” CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 11

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 12

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

SAN JUAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Graduating Class of 2021

Rylee Bautista Abiang Yusuf Ali Ahmed Kylee Elizabeth Aitken Sabrina Akil Carter Michael Akin* Brianne Susan Albright Juliana Marie Alcala* Brandon Aldama-Moreno Abdullah Aldawood* Rayden Michael Allen Vincent Anthony Amaro* Salvador Amezcua Hernandez + Viridiana Briget Anaya Samuel Douglas Andersen Ruby Aparicio Galeana Jordan Elizabeth Apt Kimberly Arcos Alberto Arias* Christopher Armenta-Navarrete* + Madelyn Mackenzie Aspling* Kaleb James Averell* The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Jorge Avila Jayson Ayala Reyes Aaron Azami Arianna Brielle Azcarraga Alfonso Bahena Leslie Bahena Stefan Filip Bakovic Enelea Demi Balba Dominic Gabriel Balla Giselle Maya Ballew Zhaxi Bandan Henry Mark Bandettini Jhovanny Banos Penaloza Angelina Rose Barnes Zach David Barry Benjamin Thomas Bartlett* Tyler Anne Bates Rex Troy Baughman* Israel Bautista Tyson Brian Bell Dylan Michael Belli*

Keegan Pekelo Bengelsdorf Dylan Tyler Bennett Adam Robert Benzan Eva Spring Benzan Zianya Berdeja-Sanchez Maya Renee Berkompas* Brent Allan Bernstein* Charlene Michele Berry* Ashleigh Roberts Best* Jacob Matthew Betts Raj Bhatt Thomas Maxwell Biglin* Dane Mic Birtles Kelly Guadalupe Biviano* Elianna Grace Bjorkman* Beau Garrison Blakely Keana Boessler* + Presley Ann Boland Ellie Hope Bologna Zoie Mae Bonnette Jack Anthony Bonura Page 13

Brendan Omid Bost* Stephanie Marie Botros Rhett Michael Bourne Alyssa Michelle Boutelle + Nicholas Steven Bova Quinn Patrick Boxell Anthony Joseph Briganti Noah Riley Brooks Lauren Roselyn Broussard Mia Sheree Burge Thomas Edward Burleson Brayden Connor Burnes Ethan Wesley Burnett Nguyen Natalia Anna Burns Ryan Christopher Bustos Allan Camarillo Aidan Carter Campanale Dawson Riley Campbell Melvin Alexander Campos Caden James Cantor Declan John Cappasola*

Alexa Maria Capua Karla Yamileth Cardenas* + Edgar Cardoso* Leah Rachel Carey Anna Lee Carlson Kendall Patricia Carney Massimiliano Caselli Adriana Castillo Jennifer Castro Isabel Marie Catalano Beyoncee Ceballos Hector Manuel Cervantes Perez Siena Katarina Chacon Ethan Alexander Chambers Max Chance III Esmeralda Giselle Chavez Salgado + Matthew Kyle Chin* Carissa Lyn Chinnery Ethan Ryan Chittick Jean Choi Madelyn Mei Choi Dawson Grant Church* thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

Jack Matthew Cimino Spencer Riley Cinco* Juan Antonio Cirilo Ryan Bennett Clark Tyler Michael Cobb Faith Michelle Coley* Christian Anderson Collins Matthew James Connell Avery Lauren Rose Connot* Caroline Grace Conover Alexandra Contreras Jose Alfredo Contreras Adolfo Contreras Navarrete + Alexia Joellen Cook Ryan Michael Cook Jaidyn Renee Cooper* Aidan Daniel Cox Thomas Michael Crist Camryn Hannah Crotty Luis Jesus Cruz Josue Ismael Cruz Diaz Clarence Jakob Curtis Michael Daniels Russell Hyrum Dart Spencer Joseph Dart Allyson Shana Daser Chloe Julianne Dayton Brendan Luke De Filippo Phillip Robert De Gree Elliot De Groote The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Daniel Renee De Jesus Diana Olivia De Jesus Arely Lizbeth De Leon Brandon De Leon Samantha Adalay De Paz Chloe Michelle DeFrance Cooper Edward Depenbrok Maximiliano Desiderio Adam Paul Diersing* David James Dingus Eden Caroline Doezie Annaliese Doran Avery Douglas Sadie Raye Douglas Carson Peter Downing Macy Ann Doyle* Ryan Drollinger Gracie Rose Dryer Ivan Anthony Duarte Kevin James Dugan Sydney Rae Dunn Noah Patrick Dunphy Sam Wyatt Durand Dylan Edward Eaton Joshua Thomas Edwards* Ameen Jamal El Arabi Gilberto Elijio Jack Steven Elliott Ryan Elizabeth Ellis Bradley Dana Engelke*

Lucas Darryl Erb Anthony Menitme Esquivel Marina Esquivel Cisneros + Kayla Aislin Fahey Jesse Fajardo Miguel Angel Fajardo Amezcua + Mitchell Lee Farner Paul Nicolas Fedorovsky Haidyn James Femino Jaden Steve Fernandez Ceja* Grace Ann Fernquist Hannah Marie Fezian Skye Morgan Fielder + Christian James Finnigan* Jack Thomas Finnigan Hailey Lynnette Flandro Andrew Robert Fletcher* Justin Elijah Fletcher Luis Fernando Flores + Daniela Flores Cervantes* Christian Theodore Flowers Hailey Rain Flowers Kate Anne Foerster Nikita Destinee Fontaine Francesca Marie Fortier Zachary James Foster Jacksyn Kenneth Foti Andrew Carlson Frady Jack Bryson Frank Annika Lin Freda Page 14

Emily Aiko Freeman Samantha Allison Freeman Ashley Friess Lola Delaney Fuhs Michelle Elizabeth Gagliardotto Evelyn Gallardo Carson Scott Galovan Brenda Gabriela Galvan Jaden Alexander Gant Noah Garcia* Ashley Garcia Manuel Alexander Garcia Zambrano Garrett Loren Gattis Gwendolyn Elizabeth Gaylord* Srijita Ghosh Trent Gilliam Samuel Davis Giraud William Gleed Neema Keon Golbabaie Sebastian Evan Gonzales Jason Emiliano Gonzalez Yaretzi Gonzalez Savanna Jane Goodpaster Mayson May Goodsell* William Lucas Dirk Gordon* Aunya Hanorah Graham Nathan James Grande* Emma Elizabeth Gray Parker Kekoa Green Garron Bryce Grim Luke Gundlach

Alondra Judith Gutierrez Zoe Marie Gutmann Nicole Elizabeth Haghani Hunter Lee Hakes Grant Thomas Halliburton* Owen Sarkis Hanenian* Hunter Melvin Hanes* Ethan Michael Hansen Kylie Paige Hansen Sarah Rowe Hansen Shane Tristan Harris* Diego Alexander Harrison Maxwell Kendall Hashemi Ryan James Healy Jacob James Heiting Giovanni Tizoc Hernandez Jade Paris Hernandez* Maleni Herrera* Billy Keith Hester Travis Dean Hill Taylor Jean Hilton Luke Timothy Holley Zoe Catherine Hotmer Brandon Scott Howell Sydnee Ann Howes* Miya Gutierrez Huber* Lucy Grace Hughitt Andrik Jaret Ibarra Angon Darlyn Alexa Inocente Sarina Iyer David Anthony Jabczenski Edith Mwagale Nampima Jakana Sabrina Shay Javorsky Natalie Silei Jefferson* Jeremy Lee Jenkins Jack Alan Johnson* Jenna Rose Johnson Madeline Nicole Johnson Hudson Edward Monroe Jones Sohum Abhijit Joshi Valerie Marilyn Juarez Pena Payton Marie Jump Kayden Enriquez Kadri Joshua Michael Kaminski* Emily Elizabeth Kamp Marc Andrew Kamradt Sarah Taleen Karamians* Joshua Michael Kato Maxwell Alexander Katz Justyn Bailey Kelly Zoie Evelyne Ketcheson Lilas Abdul Khalek Ryan David Kilkenny Danielle Y Kim Kaylin Catherina Kim Chloe Felicia Klein Karina Rose Klein Zachary Thomas Klingler Renee Nicole Knight Kevin Joseph Kohl Jordan Anthony Kong Matthew James Kovacs Logan San Miguel Krall Frederikke Bang Kristensen Emily Marie Kuczynski Luis Alfredo Landa Vivian Verenisse Landa* Christopher Philip Landaas Lauren Alyssa Leick Eavin Lauren Leitner-Woolf Macey Jean Leonard thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 15

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL Jacob Douglas Levy Jamie Lyn Lewis Michael Bradley Lewis Rebecca Bin Li Zongru Li Michael Thomas Liebig Phoebe Lin Drew Tyler Lines* Dylan Matthew Link Ryan Robert Little Cristyan Hector Lopez James Lopez Samantha Stephany Lopez* Tea Garnett Lopez Taylor Ashylnn Love* Brenna Paige Lucero* Kaylie Alexis Luehe* Huy duc Luu Andrew Mark Luzuriaga John Robert Lyon Jack Warren MacDougall Amberly Macias + Cristian Alejandro Mackenziedel Toro Jacqueline Katie Magnelli* Isabella Olivia Mahar* Kathleen Nicole Mahoney Lana Majeed* Drew Liam Maldonado Isabella Rose Malloch Jazmin Manriquez Trisha Mantri Jeanette Manzano Jacob Gregory Marano Ryan Alexander Marin Juan Luis Marmolejo Christopher James Marquis

Lindsey Michelle Marschall Marie Marsh Jackson Windu Marshall Evelyn Martinez + Koby McNeil Maulin Grace Robin Maver* Hayden M Mazzone Emma Mae McChristie* Patrick Peter McClemmy Maxwell Wayne McDonough* William Lawrence McFadden Joshua Matthew McGonigle* Jennifer Lee McGuire Isabella Grace McKay Maile Linn McMillan* Evelyn Elizabeth McNeil Ashley Medina Maria Naomi Medina + Keyla Anabell Medrano + Mason James Meeker Dominic Casey Mencarini Melissa Mendoza + Bryan Mendoza-Diaz* Carissa Cecilia Mercado* + Elizabeth Catherine Meshkin Mya Michelle Metcalf Haley Marie Meyer Kaitlyn Anne Meyers* Lexington Elizabeth Micklin Joshua Matthew Mihalczo Ethan James Miller Namiah Shelby Miller Cooper Jordan Miltenberger Emma Jean Minier Jeremy Alain Mitaux-Maurouard Makenna Sterling Moelke

Jake Ryan Monarch Adriana Isabel Monroy + Jessica Elizabeth Moody Josie Morales* Catalina Morales Belilla* Valeria Moreno Gomez Maverick Maguire Motte Jonathan Alexander Muniz Angelica Estefany Muniz Gomez Alyssa Ryann Murakami Kalin Rose Myers + Christabel Hanna Naddour David Nava Zuniga Ana Paula Neciosup Sanchez Dylan Alexander Nelson* Sean Matthew Newkirk Joshua Alexander Nguyen* Presley Christine Nicholson* Julianna Angelina Nicoloff Alec James Nine Tyler Justin Norgaard Jonah Keith Norgren Troy Curtis Norman Leslie Nunez Elizabeth Pedraza Ocampo Jack Ryan O’Connor* Juliette Mai Okey Kaylee Elizabeth Oliveras Kimberly Maribel Olvera Contreras + Ashley Ortega Hernandez* + Hanne Susana Ortiz Lorenzo Ernesto Ortiz Jazlyn Oseguera + Genevieve Elaine Paquette Catherine Rose Pardee* Shaili Kiranbhai Patel

Corey Joseph Patton* Jacob Ryan Patton Jake Daniel Paulsen Omar Peralta Christopher Perez Jesus Perez Tello Natalya Marlene Perkins Ryan Gino Perucci* Grant Dominic Petrucci* Carter Joseph Peszt Baylor Timothy Peterson* Jimena Kennedy Petronilo Valentina Maxine Petronis Aileen Thuy Linh Pham Katie Rose Phillips* Rasmus Noel Phoenix Christopher Michael Picarella Vincent Blair Pirro Aidan James Pittman Lizbeth Policarpo* Brooke Ann Poman* Elijah Joseph Ponce Alekhya Pushadapu Tierney Grace Puthuff Hanna Arezo Qaderi* Diego Gabriel Quinonez Blake Steven Radice Cesar Ramirez Marco Antonio Guadalupe Ramirez Jonathan Ramirez Lopez Fernando Ramos Lopes + Jaritza Rangel-Sanchez* + Isabelle Grace Raubach Amelia DeAnne Ray* Parker Owen Reese* Faith Elizabeth Rendeiro

Giovanni Reyes Gonzales* McKinley Jo Reynolds Jae Daryl Rimorin Amanda Kathleen Ripic* Desiree Rivera Emily Roach Jaycee Lynn Roberts Garrett Wayne Robertson Charlie Sinclair Robinson Jacob Jeffery Rodriguez Rosa Maria Rodriguez + America Daisy Rosales Olivia Nicole Roselli Dashiel Grey Ross* Olivia Helen Ross Samuel Olson Roush Kyler Elliott Rowzee Eve Heather Ruedisueli Elvin Ruiz Emily Sakai Adam Henry Salen Annemarie Danielle Salen Trevor Thomas Salisbury* Miguel Angel Sanchez Orozco Daniel Sanchez Pedraza Morgyn Mackenzie Sanders Aidan Tate Santana Nicholas Santana Andrew Thomas Sauer* Gabriella Lianne Tee Say Brooke Elizabeth Scanlon Tanner Schneeweiss Gavin Inman Schumacher* Isabelle Suzanne Schunk* Jasmine Seveah Scott* Kai Jorden Segraves* Sydney Grace Segrell

FAIRMONT SCHOOLS

Graduating Class of 2021 Allison (Allie) Audet Ava Blair Conor Brazney Katherine (Katie) Brownley Dylan Crane Leilani Cranford Carson Cummings Porter Davis Madison (Madi) Duerr Amelia (Mia) Falshaw John Gaita Ezekiel (Zeke) Greene Grace Homan Hollen Howard Jeremiah (JJ) Jenkins Tristin Johnson-Scherer, Costantinos (Dino) Leventis

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 16

Scarlett LiRocchi Minghze (Arthur) Lu Jazilin (Jazi) Markum Anthony Martinez Mia McKee Christopher Miller Blake Morales William Reichert Hallie Robertson Sam Rosa Jordan Shaw Victoria Snapper Griffin Strier Parker Wood Jiaming (Jeremy) Xu David Yang Kaydin Zirretta

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

Angel Serrano Ivan Serrano + Ryan Joseph Servin Sean Michael Sexton* Suhina Sharma Abigail Han Sheehan James Patrick Sherwood Tamsin Page Sherwood* Marco Antonio Sierra + Ryan Kane Silverman Aidan Simons Thea Sinha* Gianni Yosef Sirgy Alanis Makenzi Smith* Blake Alan Smith Brady Patrick Smith* Reid Brock Snow Emma Jane Snyder Joanna Marie Solis Julian Sotelo Zambrano + Angela Gabriela Soto* Kaela Jade Soto Ethan Uzi Spradlin Ashton Elizabeth St Germaine Carter Nicholas Stam Daniel Killian Stapley Madeline Sara Stern* Luke Adam Stoelzing* Jeremy Philippe Stoner Adam James Stuckey Hunter Thomas Stull Alida Lucy Sumich David Douglas Sung Jovanna Sitha Sutjipto* Abbey Jane Sweeney Anastasia Marcia Swords Jillian Madison Tabone Amanda Rylee Tacconelli Richard Jacob Tapia Anthony Mario Tasso Alexander Tate Miguel Tellez Heather Nicole Tenenbaum Ella Claire Tetley Maycie Renee Thaut Jack Iles Thompson Maurice Cole Thornton Elizabeth Grace Todd* The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Christopher Tokatlian Nadine Martina Tong Natalia Alexis Tong Zachary John Topartzer Madeline Olivia Torres Maria Del Rosario Torres Jarquin + Rachelle Anh Tho Tran Nicholas Robert Trimino Kainoa Zato Tsuyuki Bianca Ulloa Barriga + Warren Gus Unzueta Henry Allen Vangelos Chandler Stockwell Vaught Mariaelena Vega Judith Velasco Jayden Alejandro Velasquez Maya Morales Velasquez Candelaria Victorino Navarrete Elizabeth Villamil + Ella Josephine Villar Elias Voris* Dallin Milo Waldron* Brooke Christine Walker Chance Byron Douglas Waller Lacie Elayne Wally* Blakely Eveleen Walters Kaide David Ward Amanda Michelle Weckerly Tanner Macallen Weeks Kylie Wells Natalie Vanessa Whitfield + Luke Allan Whittaker Trinda Lee Wild Carissa Ruth Wiles Ethan David Williams Zachary Stuart Wilson Kaitlyn Nicole Wishart Jaden Richard Arthur Wolfson Elizabeth C Woods Elise Jacquelyn Wyckoff* Dong Hoon Yu Alexandria Caitlyn Yuen Angel Zamora + Leslie Zamora Natalie Grace Zamora Austin Rose Zielenbach Isabella Grace Zuniga + Page 17

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Graduating Class of 2021

Natalie Abel Nathan Aguilar Michael Aleman Kayvon Alipour Ailin Alvarez Gabriela Alvarez Leonel Álvarez Fernández Ana Andrade Kennie Arriola, Jr. Joshua Ashkenaze Aidan Ashwal Jacob Baker Taylor Barnes Addison Barrette Brett Batey Rebecca Baum Nolan Bell Cole Bergman Hailey Black Colin Blanchard

Shelby Blanchart Bryce Blattman Jacob Bledsoe Charli Bouquet Brock Bowman Maximiliano Bowman Brooke Bowyer William Brady Joshua Brooks Paxton Burzell Emily Bush Michael Bussone Aiden Byrne William Cadieux Yuqi Cai Jalen Calloway Clare Calo Juliana Calo Kristina Calvo Lyucheng Cao

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Maile Cao Curry Ellie Carolan Devin Carrion Nathan Carter Maxwell Carvalho Kathryn Castillo Sean Cavanaugh Teila Cerillo Jillian Chade Bo-Rui Chen Emily Chiang Carlie Childers Mateo Chi-Sing Taylor Clark Luke Conniff Dominic Corado Elizabeth Cota Abigail Cox April Cracraft Tiffany Cracraft

Ashley Craig Heather Crayton Angel Cuevas Rodney Culwell III Glenn Cunningham Alexandra Cuzick Carrie Cvar William Cvar Christopher Cyr Gabriel D’Arcy Gabriel Daniel William Davidson Daniel Day II Rachel de Jesus Braeden Delaney Sean Delaney Yinyi Deng Tre Dessalines Bryan Ding Carson Dishno

Page 18

Connor Dunn Kamille Duran Claire DuRee Frances Dygean Presley Easton Jacob Eminger Austin Ermisch Isabella Fernandez Olivia Fetzer Preston Fickes-Drisdale Diego Flores-Casados Melissa Foley Reagan Foster Nicholas Galletta Aimée Garibay-Gutiérrez Gunnar Gash Jaden Genova Samantha Gettinger Kowalski Andrew Gibson Jack Gibson Katherine Giddings Priscilla Gillies Lola Godoy Thomas Golbranson Jonathan Goodwin Valerie Grimaldo Olivia Grund Chujun Guo Sijie Guo Shengxian Hao Colin Hatfi eld Emily Hazelip Mengyu He Yiwa He Ben Hemphill Karleigh Hirose Marco Horan Ryan Horio Morgan Horvath Kaley Houshmand Chang-En Huang Haley Hughes Ethan Hunt Heejo Hyun Maxwell Imhoff Claire Janda Paige Janda Ethan Janis Leo Jay Richard Jennings II Luke Jewett Ziyi Jiang Nicole Johnston Gage Jump Hunter Kampff Brandon Kang Aleena Karageozian Madison Kelly James Kemp Nicholas Kiani Brian King Erich Kisvarday Brian Klement Jacqueline Knutte Virginia Koritz Lauren Kramer Matthew Salvagio Nima Samini

Kale Sandland Cody Schrier Alicia Schuster Paris Schwalbe Kiana Sedigh Roland Serna Jr. Parker Sharratt Ireland Shigo Ryan Shihabi Colton Siegel Ryan Sills Eric Silva Spencer Simis Carter Smith Madeline Smith Jack Stanley Alexander Stein Nicholas Stevens Emanuelle Stewart Pierce Stolle Lauren Stovesand Mattias Stromberg Jiazuo Sun Isaac Sylvester Ryan Tabrizi Aoba Takahashi Zipeng Tang Julia Tanner Natalie Tassinari Shay Thiede Natalie Thielman Haley Thomas Jack Thompson George Tirado Jane Torphy Lachlan Treister Jonah Umans Daniela Valdez Jordan Velligan Lilianna Vultaggio Sarah Wadman Reagan Wagner Olivia Wagstaff Connor Walcott Hosanna Walker Dawei Wang Haohong Wang Qiwen Wang Jordan Washington Dana Watson Hannah Weinmeister Jack Wharrie Brenden White Erik Wieboldt Edwin Wilkins III Alexandra Williams Megan Workman Nicco Wray Jack Wright Mengqi Wu Tianqing Xia McKenna Yates David Yorkman Jun Yu Jifan Zhao Kaibin Zheng Xiaoyu Zhong Eli Zublin Nicasio Zuccato

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Graduating Class of 2021

*Valedictorian: Evan Lee **Salutatorian: Saurabh Mallela Chloe Penelope Abracosa Nicole Marie Acacio Jackson Cooper Adelman Claire J. Ahn Jack Thomas Aitken Ryan Joseph Anthony Gianfranco Armani Madeleine Caldwell Arundale Caitlin Grace Ballantyne Emma Hope Ballantyne Seychelle Yasmine Balog Olivia Raye Barnett Lauren Elizabeth Basombrio Eli Richard Bernstein Justina Monique Brandt Richard Chandler Todd Bridgford Marie Byun Calvin Edward Capelle The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Bryce Allyson Chan Tatiana Rose Cloobeck Jessica Eleni Clute Thomas Reed Colglazier Katherine Lyn Collier Morgan Elaine Czepiel Italivi Diaz Phillip Joseph Doyle Kaelyn Cole Dunnell Shane Dunigan Dzwilewski Holden Nicolas Egdorf Connor John Eiserman Antonio Fabian Delaney Alexis Frost Espen Gerald Garner Molly Elizabeth Green Margaret Esther Gunderson Keith Christian Harvey Ashleigh Claire Susan Haugan Jack Joseph Holder Nicholas Stefan Jacome

Joonyoung Jeon Christine M. Kao Daniella Karras Claire Yunsuh Kim James Doe Hoon Kim Joshua Junhyuk Kim Brendan Kong Alice Korolev Katherine Korolev Ryan Patrick Krall Andrew Stephen Kramer Zachary Joseph Kratzer Evan Lee* Wenhua Liang Isabel Lim Eduardo Angel Loya Saurabh Venkata Mallela** Victor Paul Marron Maxwell Joseph Maryott Caden Patrick McGlinn Mason James Mellard Page 19

Marlene Rebecca Mendez Karen Emad Gayed Mikhael Robert Charles Milo III Claire Elise Mullen Seiyoung Na Rachel Nellmapius Taylor Ann Nock Joannes Lucasse Nolet Nicholas Scott Ostlund Theron Omega Pate III Tiana Angelina Pavia Tyler Lawrence Payne Sarah Angela Pence Dylan Marie Pruitt Joseph Vincent Purcell Ulises Ramirez Ruiz Whitney Riley Mallory Todd Rogers Gabriela Celeste Sanchez Nathan Israel Sanchez Nicholas Ryan Saunders

Julia Mae Schulze Claire Robinson Sele Cameron Nicholas Sharifian Benjamin Charles Simpson Samantha Ann Swift Nicole Lily Tavoussi Alexia Sylvia Taylor Camellia Ihilani Thomas Lucas Webb Tingler Sophia HY Wang Camden Joseph Windes Charles Joel Wohlgemuth Logan Harper Wojcik Alexis Jordan Woods Xinyi Wu Caleigha B. Xu Olivia Lauren Young

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Graduating Class of 2021

Sarah Arrigotti Reilly Baggs Saul Blanchet Aidan Canty Anna Casper Brittany Chen Lipeng Chen Claire De La Torre Ryan DeVore Scott Dingwall Brock Discenzo

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Catalina Emond Austin Faulk Caleb Faulk Hayden Fitzpatrick-Brintle Daniel Fournier Diogba G’bye Sarah Gao Adam Garza Meredith Gibson Abigail Grebel Katherine Green

Maura Griffin Rylan Harris Alexandria Horwood Wendy Huang Christina Iverson David Jiang Peter Kelso Carson Ketel Esther Kim Michael Kordik Hailey Krugh

Page 20

Owen Kurz Logan Kushner Conrad LeDrew Hongye Lin Kara Lin Justin Liu Ashton Livesay Peter Long Camilla Magni Nicholas Maiure Angus Mak

Isabella Marcovecchio Joshua McDevitt Albert Ni Mallory Nogle Noah Olson Faythe Piper Ember Qiu Peter Qu Aidan Rajkowski Josh Randall Emma Reed

Noelle Rutz Ethan Sego Ava Sin Lloyd Stackhouse Vivian Tran Hazel Walker Shayla Williamson Jane Wu Richard Xia Zac Xu

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 21

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 22

thecapistranodispatch.com

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

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA 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 City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | By Lillian Boyd, PFM Senior Editor

Welcome Kolette, Our New Social Media Coordinator I n alignment with The Capistrano Dispatch’ commitment to bringing the community “Local news you can use,” we welcome our recently hired social media coordinator, Kolette Morehead. In an effort to make our local coverage more accessible on digital platforms, Morehead has joined our team to help amplify the stories that make our city great.

LETTER FROM Morehead, an THE EDITOR Oceanside resident,

BY LILLIAN BOYD grew up in Carlsbad and graduated from Carlsbad High School. Throughout her four years there, she was part of Carlsbad High School Television (CHSTV)—the student broadcast program—as well as the water polo, swim and surf teams.

“My cousins taught me to surf around age 10 at T-Street,” Morehead said. “Now, San Onofre is one of my favorite surf spots.”

Inspired by her nickname “Koko,” Morehead launched her podcast and

brand “Hot Koko” about a year and half ago when searching for a creative outlet after high school.

“From there, I’d interview people who I thought had fascinating experiences or could empower listeners,” Morehead said. “It took off from there.”

She even glassed and shaped her own bubblegum pink surfboard with her Hot Koko logo. As someone who has cultivated a significant following on TikTok and Instagram for her Hot Koko brand, Morehead plans to implement her methods of social network engagement to expand Picket Fence Media’s social media presence.

“I’m looking forward to expanding our social media, incorporating more video and integrating what I’ve learned from Hot Koko and growing the Picket Fence Media brand,” Morehead said.

Morehead just wrapped up her last semester at Mira Costa Community College after earning two associate degrees, one in communications and the other in social sciences/liberal arts, within the span of just a year and a half.

“Now, I just plan to hit the ground running and focus taking our social

GUEST OPINION | By Maria Ortiz

“first generation” and that my parents were immigrants, but was aware that we were different.

I used to be my mom and dad’s interpreter during parent-teacher conferences, at the grocery stores, and at the doctors. I don’t think most of my GUEST OPINION friends had to do

BY MARIA ORTIZ that. My family was also unique in another special way—we were a large family.

Having a big family has been great but also challenging at times, especially for the women in the family. My three sisters and I grew up helping my mom cook, clean the house, and pick up after all my six brothers. It was a huge task.

I don’t remember exactly when I started, but I grew up questioning why only the women of the household had to clean, and the answer I got was, “That’s

Kolette Morehead joined Picket Fence Media’s news team last month as the new digital coordinator for all three newspapers.

media and websites to the next level,” Morehead said.

On behalf of Picket Fence Media, we welcome you, Kolette, to our five communities of Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Rancho Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano. We look forward to having you on board and growing with you! CD

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, 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 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

FACEBOOK.COM/CAPODISPATCH • INSTAGRAM @CAPODISPATCH TWITTER.COM/CAPODISPATCH • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

BRIDGE TO CONNECT: Reflections on Growth

I

grew up being ashamed of my Mexican accent, and the more nervous I was, the more my accent became more noticeable. As an adult, I have come to embrace it. I am proud to be a first-generation Mexican-American in the U.S. As a kid, I didn’t know that I was

Page 23

how it is, that’s how it’s always been, accept it, and hurry up and finish.”

I did not accept this answer. Day after day, year after year, I kept asking but never got a satisfactory answer. It became more of a problem when all the chores were conflicting with my schoolwork. I was a good student who loved to read and loved math. Yes, I was a nerd and proud of it.

This coincided with the time that some of my mentors had planted the seed that I was smart and that I was going places. One of my middle school math teachers said, “You have to go to college, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.”

It was these defining moments and hard work that got me to where I am today. I have been a propulsion engineer and a program manager throughout my career over 25 years. During this same time, I have also been mentoring kids from kindergarten through college, in (Cont. on page 24) thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | The Levin Letter by Rep. Mike Levin

South Orange County Veterans Remind Us of Public Service

Photo: Sydney Rae on Unsplash

T

his past Memorial Day, those of us who are vaccinated were able to safely gather again with friends and family, returning to all of the traditions that we cherish.

While the day marked a new milestone in the pandemic—a sense of normalcy as we begin the summer—it’s important for us to remember what Memorial Day really means. The veterans honored in South Orange County continue to remind us of the service and sacrifices that have been made for our country.

I had the opportunity to join members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 in Dana Point, and was especially honored to meet veterans from World War II who were in attendance. I was proud to speak with them about my grandpa, Ted Levin, who served in that war as a gunner with the 867th Bomb Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Grandpa Ted passed away several years ago, but his influence is with me every

day I serve in Congress. Meeting with veterans of my grandpa’s generation— the Greatest Generation—was a reminder that he would be disappointed by much about today’s politics.

While he was a committed Democrat, he didn’t THE LEVIN LETTER vilify his Republican

BY MIKE LEVIN friends and neighbors. He would have honest discussions about the issues of the day without resorting to name-calling or conspiracy peddling.

He’d want me to avoid partisanship for its own sake and focus on the core responsibilities of my job. And that’s what I’ve tried to do. As I’ve said often, my name may be on the door, but this office belongs to the people I serve—Republicans, Democrats, independents, and

everyone else.

That’s why I’ve tried to remain as accessible and transparent as possible, and why I’ve held a public town hall at least once a month—so that any constituent can come and ask me any question they want.

I’ve also strived to provide the best possible constituent services. Any constituent can call our office and get one-onone assistance with federal programs.

We’ve been able to help dozens of veterans and military families get the benefits they have earned.

We recently helped a local constituent restore and increase his mother’s VA benefits. We helped another military family secure child care while one parent was deployed overseas and the other was a mission essential military member.

These may seem like small accomplishments—it’s certainly not the type of work that creates flashy headlines— but this is the type of public service my

grandpa taught me to appreciate, and it’s the kind of public service the veterans in Dana Point reminded me of this past Memorial Day. They represent the best of our country, and they continue to teach us what it means to serve our nation and protect our shared values. I’ll continue to think of them and my Grandpa Ted every day that I have the honor to represent our community in Congress.

U.S. Representative Mike Levin represents the 49th Congressional District, which includes the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. He was reelected for a second term in 2020 and resides in San Juan Capistrano with his wife and two children. CD

(Cont. from page 23) hopes that I can be a guiding light in their journey. I recently had a heart-toheart conversation with my 80-year-old mom, and she said, “I don’t know why I thought women had to stay at home;

they can do and study anything they want.”

Maria Ortiz holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Irvine and a program management certificate from UCLA, and

she presently designs, builds, and tests propulsion systems for the commercial satellite industry. She is an active mentor in the BRDG bridge to connect nonprofit, providing first-in-family college students wraparound support to transition to the

workforce. bridge-to-connect.org. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

Page 24

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.

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.

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 25

thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

THURSDAY | 17

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

FRIDAY | 11 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

SATURDAY | 12 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. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts.

The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

SUNDAY | 13 POP-UP BARBECUE COLLABORATION 11 a.m. until sold out. Heritage Barbecue will partner with Khói Barbecue and The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

items valued at $25 or more. The Dog Pawrk Brewing Co., 27122 Paseo Espada, #904, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. sanjuanchamber.com.

The El Presidente Ball returns this month for a night of Western wear, dancing, and fun. Photo: File.

SATURDAY | 19 EL PRESIDENTE BALL 6-10 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association’s El Presidente Ball is back. Intended to celebrate the Western tradition of early San Juan, attendees are encouraged to come dressed in Western or similar old-time attire. There will be contests, food, music, and dancing. Tickets are $65. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.615.1920. swallowsparade.com.

own horse. Eventually named Dream Alliance, the racehorse becomes a syndicate, with Jan, Brian, Howard and a handful of other locals willing to chip in for the horse to compete in the Grand National.

Dream Horse is based on events of a real woman named Jan Vokes and a real, prize-winning racehorse named Dream Alliance. Lyn’s new movie is pretty much exactly what you want and expect from a light-hearted horse flick.

There’s the rising underdog plot; the unlikely, yet likable group of friends who come together; the family angle; and the inspirational story.

One thing I liked a lot was that Brian seemed as if he were going to be a lazy, unsupportive husband at the beginning of the movie, but rather quickly, we instead have him supporting and aiding Jan in her vision and goals for Dream.

If you’re still looking for an excuse to have a fun night at the movie theater for the first time in more than a year, Dream Horse might do the trick. CD

AT THE MOVIES

‘Dream Horse’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ike many things in 2020, the release of Euros Lyn’s Dream Horse was held back for a whole year.

But the new film is, fortunately in many ways, one of the better choices to lead viewers back into theaters that are gradually reopening, as it has all the beats and tropes of a traditional feel-good movie.

In a small Welsh town in the early 2000s, Jan Vokes (Toni Collette) is a lower-class wife working two jobs as a bartender and a convenience store employee. She’s finding her life at a standstill with her kids grown up and her unemployed husband, Brian (Owen Teale), lounging around the house all day.

When she overhears one of her bar patrons, Howard (Damian Lewis), boasting about a horse he had bet on winning a race, she gets an idea to breed, train and race her

Convenience West, Marfa from Texas for a special pop-up barbecue event. Menu items will include Vietnamese rice noodles with rib bones and Tex-Mex brisket boudin with Mexican rice. A portion of proceeds will go to the Orange County-based Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center. Heritage Barbecue, 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. heritagecraftbbq.com.

LIVE PAINTING DEMONSTRATION 5-7 p.m. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano will host a live painting demonstration by Karen Werner in partnership with Mission Fine Art Gallery. Guests and locals are invited to watch as Werner paints and explains the process of capturing a still life through paint on canvas.

Tapas and beverages will be available for purchase. On the third Thursday of each month, the hotel hosts an “All About Art” experience. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.503.5700. innatthemissionsjc.com.

SUNDAY | 20 FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT YSIDORA RESTAURANT 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge at Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano will offer salads, clams, octopus, and other menu items as part of a Father’s Day brunch. Enjoy the outdoor patio and other amenities. The prix fixe menu is priced at $70 per person.

Reservations can be made at opentable. com. Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.503.5700. innatthemissionsjc.com.

WEDNESDAY | 23 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse will host a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

THURSDAY | 24

MONDAY | 14

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

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

WELCOME BACK CHAMBER MIXER 5-7 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce will host a welcome back mixer. Cost is $30 for Chamber members and $35 for others, and it includes two drink tickets and food.

Attendees are welcome to bring raffle

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some live music at The Coach House. Albert Lee will perform at the popular South Orange County venue.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

Page 26

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 27

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

ESTABLISHING ALCOHOL RULES FOR LOS RIOS RESTAURANTS N

ext Tuesday, the city council will be making one of the most important decisions in its tenure. The council will be asked to consider whether the Ramos House Café or the Tea House should be able to sell all alcoholic beverages—and if these restaurants can remain open until late at night and serve dinner.

All of these structures are in the Los Rios Historic District.

The District is on the National Registry as the oldest residential neighborhood in MOMENTS IN TIME California. I repeat—

BY JAN SIEGEL the oldest residential neighborhood in California. That is a big designation and the reason that so many visitors come to San Juan Capistrano. The atmosphere of Los Rios Street cannot be replicated.

The Los Rios District is first and foremost a residential area. The businesses operate within that framework. All of the people asking for change came into the District understanding the rules and regulations. While it is true that in the 1990s exceptions for beer and wine were granted to the Ramos House and the Tea House, it was only when the establishments were serving lunch. And they are allowed a few special events throughout the year.

In that same period, the restaurants around Verdugo Street—such as Trevor’s, Hennessey’s, and others—have changed hands more times than I can recall, and they all served spirits. If serving alcohol is the reason for success, McDonald’s and Starbucks would have gone out of business long ago. The Ramos House Café and the Tea House must be doing something right. And they have been good neighbors by letting the street return to being a residential neighborhood at 6 every night.

Besides being the oldest residential neighborhood, the street is home to the Rios Adobe. Built in 1794, this home is also the oldest residence in California with the same family living in it. The Rios children are 10th generation, but noise, traffic, and crowds could cause the next generation to move if it is no longer a residential neighborhood.

Old Town San Diego and Olivares Street in Los Angeles were once residential neighborhoods and now, even though some of the buildings are from an older period, none of the ambience of the street has remained. They are both filled with just shops and restaurants no longer representing the history of the area. This could easily happen to Los Rios Street.

The lighting on Los Rios Street is not the best. With restaurants open until after dark, is the city going to spend millions of dollars updating the lighting on

Photo: Courtesy of Irene Lopez and OC Public Libraries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Mary Lindsay and Fred Nieblas at a ranch on Ortega Highway in the 1970s.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.

the street? Are the restaurants willing to take responsibility for any accidents that may happen, or will the city be liable?

How will the increased lighting affect the residents and their quality of life?

San Juan Capistrano is a very unique and special town. The city has worked hard to maintain our history and our culture while still allowing for growth and modernization. The rules and regulations for Los Rios Street are important for keeping that history and culture alive for generations.

Spend a “Moment In Time” and let the city council know how special you think that Los Rios Street is to our city, to our heritage, to our history. The city motto is “preserving the past to ensure the future.” Preserving history is worth something. It is not just a phrase. For San

Sudoku

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

April

BY MYLES MELLOR

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 SOLUTION:

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 28

Juan Capistrano, it is a way of life.

Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

pril is a pretty little kitty with a great demeanor. Outgoing and curious, April loves to explore and play with her siblings. She is 3 months old and full of playful energy. You can’t go wrong with a cute little sweetheart like April.

If you are interested in adopting April, 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. thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com FOR SALE

5 ACRE UNDEVELOPED HORSE PROPERTY La Cresta. Electricity on property. Dedicated horse trail on north end of property leading to National Forest. $199,000. 38454 Via Sereno, Murrieta. www.zillow.com

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

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

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

DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. GARAGE SALE - JUNE 12 26942 Calle Dolores, Capo Beach. June 12, 2021 - 7:30 to 11:00am. Sharp 40 inch TV, Sony PS4 w/games, Kitchen items, large dog crate, books, clothing, stuffed animals.

GARAGE SALE/ESTATE SALE - SATURDAY, JUNE 12 603 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente. Furniture, tools, clothes, toy collectibles, garden tools and more.

MOVING GARAGE SALE, JUNE 12TH 8 am to 1 pm. Tools Furniture Antiques Asian Lamps, Art Paintings JBL Speakers + Projectors. 26727 Avenida Las Palmas, Capo Beach

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

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE! JUNE 12 St. Michael’s Church. 107 W Marquita San Clemente Saturday, June 12, 2021. 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. NIGUEL SHORES GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH 33654 Niguel Shores Drive. 9a.m. - Noon

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 June 11-24, 2021

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

Page 29

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Golden Spike CVC boys volleyball wins first-ever CIF-SS championship

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hen it came to the history of boys volleyball at Capistrano Valley Christian, there wasn’t much to chronicle.

There were some scattered league championships and playoff appearances, but when it came to the small private schools of San Juan Capistrano, the Eagles were outclassed by CIF-SS finals and championships of league and city rivals Saddleback Valley Christian and St. Margaret’s.

“Were” and “was,” but no longer.

In dominant fashion, top-seeded Capistrano Valley Christian swept away Orange, 25-15, 25-13, 25-19, to claim its first CIF-SS boys volleyball championship in front of a packed and raucous home gym in the Division 6 final on Saturday, June 5, at CVCS. Capistrano Valley Christian was without its top player, UC San Diego-bound setter Gabe Dyer, for each of the last two rounds, and the Eagles were unsure if they’d have the services of junior outside-hitter Kai Taylor. However, the Eagles had still been a force through the playoffs and had only dropped one set.

Even with Dyer and Taylor coming in for Saturday’s final at only 50% to 60%, Capistrano Valley Christian had built a foundation of this revitalized program to carry them through the day.

“They’re pretty resilient, and they were bought in,” CVC coach Ryan Van Rensselaer said. “We were preaching all year that if any one of these guys are out, you’re in. You’re only as strong as your weakest guy. When we played some high-level matches, I put them in, and we would fail, but they were learning.”

Van Rensselaer recharged and boosted this CVC program to a championship level with the title-winning pedigree he and a few Eagles players had earned down the street at the former Saddleback Valley Christian.

Van Rensselaer was the head coach at SVC, now Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, from 2010 to 2020 and won five CIF-SS championships, including four straight from 2013-16. In that run of four consecutive titles, SVC won back-to-back

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11-24, 2021

Capistrano Valley Christian boys volleyball captured the program’s first CIF-SS championship with a sweep of Orange in the Division 6 title game on Saturday, June 5. Photos: Zach Cavanagh

titles in the last division (Division 5) and back-to-back titles in the next division up (Division 4). SVC kept climbing the ladder until back-to-back Division 2 title game appearances in 2018 and 2019, with a

championship in 2019.

“When I came over here, my kids were enrolled here before I took the job,” Van Rensselaer said, “and I was looking for ways to contribute to the school. They

SAN JUAN

PREP SPORTS

ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

ed Lions opened their Division 1 playoff run with a win over Capistrano Valley, 4-0, in a second-round game on Tuesday, June 8. JSerra had a first-round bye.

JSerra recorded its third no-hitter of the season, fifth in school history and the first ever in the playoffs. Full story at thecapistranodispatch.com.

Also on Tuesday, Capistrano Valley Christian upset Division 3 No. 2 seed Warren on the road, 8-5.

In the quarterfinals on Friday, June 11, JSerra host Yucaipa, and CVC hosts Arlington.

JSerra Baseball Tosses Third No-Hitter, CVC Advances

JSerra Qualfies 14 Entries, St. Margaret’s 7, San Juan Hills 1 to CIF-SS Track Finals

JSerra senior Gage Jump faced the minimum 18 batters over six innings and posted 13 strikeouts to combine with JSerra junior reliever Tristan Lamaison on a no-hitter as the top-seed-

Twenty athletes from San Juan Capistrano high schools qualified across 16 events in three different divisions for the CIF-SS Track and Field finals at various preliminaries on Saturday,

Page 30

asked if I wanted to coach the boys, and I originally said no. I don’t want to do this again after doing it for 10 years over (at SVC). Long story short, I ended up saying yes; I think I can keep doing this.”

From that 2019 SVC championship team, Dyer, junior setter Max Stegelvik and junior outside-hitter Andrew Sheveland transferred to Capistrano Valley Christian and played on this 2021 CVC title team.

“The dynamic of this team,” Van Rensselaer said, “there’s three or four guys coming from my old school. They could come in here with an ego, but there was none of it. The character dynamic was just a family. They really bought in.”

The buy-in was necessary, because beyond trying to raise the level of this Capistrano Valley Christian program, Van Rensselaer had to tackle the task in the world of the pandemic.

Capistrano Valley Christian went from outdoors and distanced plyometric workouts to having its season pushed back again from a potential December start to a March start to a CIF-SS championship.

“I told them, this is not normal adversity for high school kids,” Van Rensselaer said.

“This is a notch in your belt for life. You’re learning some valuable stuff right now.”

That stuff can now be valued at its weight in gold, as in the gold of a CIF-SS championship plaque.

The Capistrano Valley Christian boys volleyball program is now on the map, with the opportunity to create another San Juan Capistrano small-school powerhouse. CD

June 5. The Finals will be run at the same preliminaries sites on Saturday, June 12.

In Division 1 at Trabuco Hills High School, San Juan Hills’ Josh Kato qualified in the boys pole vault.

In Division 3 at Estancia High School in Costa Mesa, JSerra was highlighted by three athletes each qualifying in three events.

Georgia Jeanneret, and Anastasia Snodgrass each qualified in the girls 1,600-meter race and 800-meter race and on the girls 4x400-meter relay team among a bevy of other Lions qualifiers. Hanna Barmettler also qualified in three events: girls 300-meter hurdles, girls high jump and girls long jump.

In Division 4 at Carpinteria High School, St, Margaret’s Makenna Lizarde qualified in three events to highlight the Tartans’ qualifiers.

Lizarde qualified in the 200 and on both the girls 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays. CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 31

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 11–24, 2021

Page 32

thecapistranodispatch.com