June 12, 2020

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Honoring the SJC High School Athletes of the Year PAGE 34 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JUNE 12-25, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 11

Unique Recognition

Class of 2020 Celebrates End of School Year SPECIAL SECTION

A drive-through parade in San Juan Capistrano celebrated the Class of 2020, including many students from San Juan Hills High School. Photo: Collin Breaux

Publisher’s Letter: Thanks For Your Support SOAPBOX/PAGE 26

Advocates Urge Domestic Violence Survivors to Seek Help EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

‘Black Lives Matter’ Activists Denounce Racism, Police Brutality EYE ON SJC/PAGE 9

GO TO THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

Attention Small Businesses: Grant Relief Program Now Available About the Grant Program The Small Business Grant Relief Program will support small businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19 in Orange County Supervisorial District Five, which includes San Juan Capistrano. Grants up to $10,000 will be available to eligible small businesses and nonprofits within the district.

Applicant Eligibility • Must be a for-profit business or non-profit organization • Must have been affected by COVID-19 • Home based businesses are not eligible • Small business must have no more than 25 employees (FTE) • Independent contractors and sole proprietors are eligible • Must be located within Orange County’s Fifth District • Business must provide proof of operations for the past 12 months in a city or unincorporated community within the Fifth District

• Small businesses and non-profits who received prior Federal and state disaster funding are eligible, however funding must be used on alternative eligible expenses

Criteria The business applicant must prove that their business has been affected by COVID-19 in at least one of the following ways: • Sales from the business are down more than 25% compared to the previous three months.

(Prior to March 1, 2020) • The business has had to lay off at least one of its employees (full or part time) • The business was forced to shut down by the state or local government.

Grant Selection Applicants that meet the criteria will be randomly selected based on the percentage of population of each city/unincorporated area within the district. San Juan Capistrano

businesses are eligible to receive grants.

Use of Funding Businesses and non-profits may apply for up to $10,000 in funding for use on the following eligible expenses: Rent, payroll (as long as PPP funding was not received) utilities, insurance, accounts payable, personal protective equipment (PPE) and inventory. Businesses must be able to show proof of how funds were spent.

Need Help?

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help you with your application and help awardees with additional funding requirements - at no cost.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or go online to book an appointment at: ociesmallbusiness.org Webinars available at: https://tinyurl.com/d5webinar

Application Opens June 19, 2020, 8:00 a.m. until June 23, 2020, 5:00 p.m.

For More Information Visit The Small Business Development Center at https://ociesmallbusiness.org/ocdistrict5/

San Juan Chamber of Commerce | (949) 493-4700 | info@sanjuanchamber.com | sanjuanchamber.com

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Santiago said people aren’t quite ready to return, and may not even know Las Catrinas and other Los Rios businesses are open. The number of people walking around downtown San Juan Capistrano varies according to which businesses and attractions are open.—CB

Five things San Juan should know this week

San Juan Capistrano Churches Keeping the Faith

Ganahl Lumber Project Moving Forward THE LATEST: The long-awaited Ganahl Lumber Project continues to move forward after the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to sell the 17-acre, cityowned Lower Rosan property to Ganahl Lumber Company for development, during a council meeting on Tuesday, June 2.

The proposed Ganahl project at 25865 Stonehill Drive will feature a lumber hardware store and lumber yard with 15 structures; the potential development of two drive-through restaurants; and a crushed-rock gravel area for long-term vehicle storage for nearby auto dealers.

The site is currently vacant and used for overflow parking by local auto dealers.

“This represents the culmination of a multiyear process and a very critical project for the City of San Juan Capistrano,” City Manager Ben Siegel said.

The council also approved environmental findings, a flood plain land-use permit and a tentative tract map related to the project. The project has gone through various steps before the council’s resolution of intent to sell, including an exclusive negotiation agreement in August 2017 and the selection of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) consultant.

The City of San Juan Capistrano is working with the City of Dana Point on one aspect of the project, since identified traffic impacts at the intersection of Stonehill Drive and Del Obispo Street are in an area shared with Dana Point.

A sales transaction is expected to come back before the council during a future meeting. The city will receive only a portion of the proceeds of the sale, about 10%. The remaining sale revenue will go to other entities, including the County of Orange and Orange County Fire Authority.

“I want to thank the staff for a very complex transaction. I know there’s a lot of different agencies and cities (involved) and the amount of work it takes to get this done,” Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor said. “It’s been a long time. When I was on council before, I’ve seen so many different things offered up for that property, and I just want to welcome Ganahl. It’s going to be great for the trades that are going to work in this area.”

The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

The City of San Juan Capistrano intends to sell property involved with the Ganahl Lumber Project, plans that include a lumber hardware store and lumber yard. Photo: Collin Breaux

Mayor Troy Bourne said the collaboration with Dana Point will be beneficial, because people often ask what can be done about traffic issues.

The June 2 meeting was the first one in a while that opened the council chambers to the public. The chambers have recently been closed during public meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People who attended the meeting were required to wear face masks, and everyone in attendance complied.

Hand sanitizer and face masks were also provided at the meeting, and only certain audience seats were open as part of social distancing measures.—Collin Breaux

Los Rios Businesses Cautiously Reopen THE LATEST: As San Juan Capistrano and the world continue to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic, small local businesses on Los Rios Street are cautiously and gradually reopening.

The quaint area is home to shops and businesses including Ramos House Cafe, The Cottage Gallery and Las Catrinas. The businesses are following safety guidelines issued during the health crisis. Only 10 people at a time are allowed in The Cottage Gallery—an art gallery—and hand sanitizer is available at most businesses.

Shop owners and employees are wearing masks, and they ask customers do the same. Retail businesses and certain other businesses have been allowed to reopen under state guidelines from Gov. Gavin Newsom, with safety modifications.

“We’re open now only Thursday through Sunday. Instead of seven days a week, we’re opening four days a week,” Cottage Gallery owner Dennie Hahn said. “You have a combination of staffing issues. All my staff, all but one, is over 65, and we’re trying to figure out what the business climate will be like.”

Hahn said she is happy with how many people are coming in, and how they’re

friendly and excited to get outside after the economy had temporarily closed.

People want to support the Los Rios businesses, Hahn said.

“The late afternoons have been good for us,” Hahn said. “Recently, we had a lot of people coming from L.A. and San Diego.

They had looked up things to do and found articles about how special Los Rios is. This is a nice, open, comfortable space.”

Hahn said making a decision that affects the health of artists who sell their art at The Cottage Gallery has been stressful, but taking precautions and establishing protocols made her realize she could safely do so.

Hahn said her business needs tourists, noting the area was on the verge of the Verdugo Street beautification completion and Inn at the Mission opening before the pandemic began. Verdugo Street has recently been renovated, and the Inn at the Mission is expected to open sometime in the late summer or early fall.

Las Catrinas, a boutique shop, was open Thursday through Sunday for walk-in customers as of press time.

“They (a lot of customers) came back the first week (the area was allowed to reopen), but this past week was quiet,” Las Catrinas owner Luis Santiago said on Wednesday, June 3. “I opened yesterday, actually, for a little bit, but there was hardly anybody because restaurants were not open.”

Haideh Mehr, the manager at Las Catrinas, said most of their traffic comes from visitors and people at The Tea House on Los Rios, another business in the historic district.

“Once the restaurants were able to open, I think that’s bringing more people also, so they can dine and walk around and shop,” Mehr said. “We saw a good jump and response the first week. I think this week, with things being up in the air with protests and stuff, we’re seeing less people maybe coming down. But I think that’s going to pick up again.”

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THE LATEST: Like every other institution and facet of life, churches in San Juan Capistrano have been forced to pivot and adjust operations during the 2020 health crisis.

In uncertain times, they are finding ways to continue inspiring their congregations and bringing positivity to the community.

Places of worship must limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower, under current state guidelines. Places of worship are encouraged to continue facilitating remote services and related activities for those vulnerable to COVID-19.

Todd Rodarmel, lead pastor at Mountain View Church, said they moved services online before the stay-at-home order was issued in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Service videos have been posted to their YouTube channel.

“We’ve had a lot of people that have started attending services online,” Rodarmel said. “We’ve improved the quality of it over the past few months.”

The hard part of the transition is there being no substitute for gathering together in person, said Rodarmel, who further noted people are anxious to do so.

Mountain View Church staff has also been meeting on Zoom. The church has a plan for resuming in-person gatherings but wants to roll that out slowly, Rodarmel said.

However, the church is encouraging congregation members to personally get together at home while practicing social distancing. Church members have stayed in touch during the shutdown.

“We’ve started using the phone again to make calls, which is amazing,” Rodarmel said.

The church has also been busy preparing meals and working with other organizations for community food distribution during the health crisis. People need relationships and connections outside their family now more than ever, Rodarmel said.

“I think the church is more alive than ever,” Rodarmel said. “We closed the building as far as large gatherings, but I feel we’ve reached out more than ever before.”

Matt Wish, Creative Director at South Coast Christian Church, said they’re doing great right now, though conceding the first week after the stay-at-home order was an adjustment, because they tend to have a lot of people and activities on the grounds.

(Cont. on page 6) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 4) South Coast Christian quickly moved operations online and has increased their digital presence with live-streamed sessions. Those sessions used a minimal group of participants, emphasizing social distancing and disinfecting surfaces.

“We pivoted on the fly, and I feel like we nailed it,” Wish said. “We reached our usual congregation and a lot of people in San Juan Capistrano who needed community.”

South Coast Christian recently reopened for services, which Wish called a phenomenal success. They have tried to be extremely respectful of state and county guidelines and consulted CDC guidelines on church reopenings, Wish said.

They also opened a Saturday night service and encouraged people to attend that one, so service crowd totals don’t become excessive. Service attendees have their temperature taken and have to wear face masks.

Wish estimates 60 to 70 percent of church members have returned. South Coast Christian is still offering livestreamed services and is not pushing for people to attend in person.

“We had a really good turnout,” Wish said. “A lot of positivity.”

Church staff aimed to come out of the closure different and better, Wish said.

The church has partnered with the City of San Juan Capistrano for the Meals on Wheels program during the pandemic.

“We want to be a light in our community, and love and serve everyone,” Wish said.

“I’m proud we did that.”—CB

Businesses, Organizations Make #BlackoutTuesday Posts THE LATEST: Numerous San Juan Capistrano businesses and institutions made #blackouttuesday posts on social media on Tuesday, June 2, amid national protests over the death of George Floyd.

Accounts on Instagram and other social media platforms posted black pictures with no text as a means of solidarity and awareness surrounding the death of Floyd in Minneapolis after former police officer Derek Chauvin forcibly kneeled on his neck while Floyd was subdued on the pavement. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Three other officers who were on the scene with Chauvin during the arrest, all of whom have since been fired, are charged with aiding and abetting in Floyd’s death, news outlets reported.

Five Vines Wine Bar, Hennessey’s Tavern San Juan Capistrano and Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano posted blackout pictures on Instagram, as have numerous national celebrities and public figures and institutions.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

Parents and children display signs during a demonstration calling for no masks or social distancing for students when they return to campus. Photo: Collin Breaux

“We will listen! We will learn!” a caption on the Five Vines post said. “We will support! We will stand with you! We will be part of the solution!”

In further comments to The Capistrano Dispatch, Suzy Fairchild—one of the owners for Five Vines—said they understand that they do not completely understand, but they “will do much better because no one should stand alone!” Fairchild said Five Vines lost a few social media followers since the post, but that doesn’t bother her when she says something she stands for.

Discussions have taken place across the country lately on white privilege, racial disparity and the extent to which white people should be involved in matters of racial injustice and are aware of ongoing racism and police brutality.

Other local and regional businesses and institutions that posted blackout photos or messages of support for racial equality included Mayfield, Laura’s House, Oak + Agave Market, Los Rios Rock School and JSerra Football.

“I have lived a life of privilege as a white male that grew up in rural England and so do not want to pretend that I can comprehend the intensity of hurt that the black community is feeling today. It is, however, very much a part of my belief system that all humans should be treated as equals, and it’s clear that this is very much not the case in America today,” Mayfield owner and operator George Barker wrote in a statement to The Capistrano Dispatch.

Mayfield is planning to open in late June or early July in downtown San Juan Capistrano, but it is also monitoring ongoing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to an opening date.

The #blackouttuesday posts have come under criticism from some people who say the posts block out crucial information from black organizers and organizations, since posts with the #blacklivesmatter hashtag might hinder digital organizations and fail to provide relevant information for

the movement.

Protests have been organized in numerous areas, including San Juan Capistrano.

The San Juan protest was peaceful.—CB

Demonstrators Call for No Masks or Social Distancing When Students Return to Campus THE LATEST: An estimated crowd of 50100 people demonstrated outside Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) offices on Wednesday, June 10, in favor of schools returning to pre-pandemic conditions when campuses reopen. Parents attended and brought their children.

Some of the parents at the event said they are against masks or social distancing being required of students. They also said they are against reopening guidelines recently brought forth by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, including rotating school attendance. The demonstration was organized

by Parent Supported Action Plan-CUSD, which recently formed and has an Instagram account outlining their views.

“We want to work with the school district. We’re not anti-Capo Unified,” said Sarah Beck, a parent and one of the organizers. “We love our schools and our school district. We want to stand up for our kids so they can have a positive experience.”

Beck said she would homeschool her kids and remove her family from CUSD if masks are required, since masks can make non-verbal communication and facial expressions difficult to interpret.

“Kids need to have social interaction,” Beck said when asked about social distancing. “It’s important for human growth, for their development.”

When reached for comment, Ryan Burris, CUSD Chief Communications Officer, said they “appreciate hearing from

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our families” and “are grateful for their support and partnership as we develop plans to safely reopen our classrooms for students and staff.”

“Our objective is to open on schedule, as normal as possible, if conditions and resources allow us to do so,” Burris said.

“While we are developing reopening options that we will share publicly this Friday, specific health and safety guidelines will not be adopted until we are closer to opening school.”

CUSD is currently using guidance provided by the California Department of Health to guide their work. CUSD has sent parents surveys asking their feedback on what education should look like going forward.

A compromise suggested by Beck included continuing to provide distance learning for families not ready to return to campus. The parents at the June 10 demonstration also advocated for handwashing to keep students safe. Demonstrators walked around the CUSD parking lot holding signs, some of which said, “We need to breathe play interact no masks!” and “Normalize schools!”

“I would like to see five days a week, six hours a day, just like normal,” Beck said.

“I am open to kids having their temperature taken as they come into school. We don’t want kids with fevers at school. We never have.”

Carla Leigh is a single parent who has to work full-time to provide for her family, and she said teaching her kids at home would mean she wouldn’t be able to work.

Katie O’Mara, another parent at the event, expressed skepticism toward the effectiveness of masks, as have others in South Orange County. Health experts recommend wearing face masks in public to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19, at the beginning, we all respected that. In the first month, it was like, is this the plague? What is this?” O’Mara said. “Now, we don’t need to be as afraid to go on with our lives. Any day could be our last day, so we might as well do the best that we can.”

Dana Halverstadt, another CUSD parent, asked how teachers are supposed to instruct students while wearing masks.

“I have a third-grader. She’s going into fourth grade. Her sign said, ‘Kids like me want to go back to school,’ ” Halverstadt said. “They yearn for their friendships at school. She did well at home with me, but she needs to be in school. She needs to be in recess.”

Some people who viewed online video of the demonstration disagreed with the demonstrators, saying they were endangering others and ignoring science.

WHAT’S NEXT: The CUSD Board of Trustees and CUSD officials are expected to discuss what reopening could look like during a June 17 meeting. Families can share feedback then.—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Within These Walls Advocates Continue to Urge Domestic Violence Survivors to Seek Help

BY LILLIAN BOYD AND COSTA BEAVIN-PAPPAS, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Patricia Wenskunas has a message for survivors of domestic violence: You are not alone.

“Hang onto hope. There are people that care, and they can help you break the cycle,” Wenskunas said. “You can survive and thrive. Please reach out for help.”

Wenskunas is the CEO and founder of Crime Survivors Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to provide resources and assistance to victims of crimes, including murder attempts, rape and human trafficking. She says that with resource availability shifting, victims may have trouble reaching out.

When a survivor of domestic violence lives with his or her abuser, their safest hours could be during the workday, when they are apart.

Since California has enacted its stay-athome order in March to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the hours that a survivor spends with an abuser have likely been extended.

But monitoring domestic violence cases and responding to a victim’s outreach poses its challenges.

In Dana Point, domestic violence-related calls to Orange County Sheriff’s Department had decreased in March, compared to the same time last year, and had more than tripled in April, compared to the same time last year. In San Clemente, OCSD received five domestic violence calls in March 2019 but received 12 calls in March 2020. April also saw a slight increase, with eight calls in April 2019 and 10 calls in April 2020.

San Juan Capistrano has seen slight upticks each month of 2020 compared to the same months last year.

But not every survivor chooses to call law enforcement to report the abuse, whether that be due to fear of repercussions, fear of law enforcement or fear of their abuser getting in trouble. Those fears have been further complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.

“A lot of victims may be thinking, ‘If I stay home, I may be abused, but if I go to the hospital, I may die of COVID-19,’ ” Wenskunas said.

Wenskunas says that with resource availability shifting, victims may have trouble reaching out.

“Based on the calls we are getting, victims feel deterred when walk-in offices for police services are closed,” Wenskunas said.

“Abusers tell victims things like ‘If you leave, come back and get us infected, I’m going to kill you.’ That kind of fear leads most victims to just want to keep their families together.”

Wenskunas says that Crime Survivors The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

Domestic Violence-Related Calls to OCSD in San Juan Capistrano 7 6

6

5

5

5

4 3

4 3

3

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

2019 2020

4 3

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MARCH

APRIL

San Juan Capistrano saw an uptick in domestic violence-related calls in April, but according to advocacy groups, survivors of violence typically do not report violent incidents to the police. Graphic: Chelsie Rex

Inc., as well as other nonprofit organizations and agencies responding to domestic violence, have had to get creative in adapting to the circumstances.

“We need to listen to victims. Victims can tell us what they need; when we hear from them, we can create something better than what we were doing before,” Wenskunas said.

Crime Survivors Inc. has held weekly roundtable Zoom meetings for all Southern California counties. About 150-300 individuals representing service providers, various district attorney offices, sheriff’s departments, probation offices and advocacy groups join in on the call to better coordinate between agencies.

“We saw a spike in our hotline calls from the week of the stay-at-home order to the following week, by 40%,” said Andrea McCallister, Director of Development and Communications for Laura’s House, a domestic violence shelter in Orange County.

Nonprofits have been communicating with each other to help each other fill in the gaps for available hotel rooms, diapers, groceries and more. They’ve also assisted each other in adapting to social distancing.

McCallister says Laura’s House was quick to respond to the orders, knowing that victims of abuse would be relying on the organization. On March 18, Laura’s House counseling and therapeutic services were converted to a telehealth format, with clients meeting with therapists and legal advocates using a secure, online platform.

The emergency shelter was prepped and put into effect new policies and waiting periods for entering new clients, and the safetynet hotel night program ramped up, enabling coordinators to help those in urgent need by offering them bed nights with one of the local hotel partners.

From the week of March 16, when the stay-at-home order was issued, to the following week, Laura’s House saw a 40% increase in calls to its 24-hour Crisis Hotline. Coordinators also enabled the Heart Chat, (text and IM feature for teens) to be used for the general population, and provide another way for victims of abuse to reach out to them for help.

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, a Laura’s House Board Member, has reported that domestic violence-related calls to the Sheriff’s Department are up 20% over last year at this time.

By the end of the first four-week period of the stay-at-home order, domestic violence calls to the sheriff were up about 25% from a year earlier, according to Barnes’ statements during an April 16 county news briefing on COVID-19. He added that calls involving family disputes also were up about 24% during the same period, and that his department had taken eight calls for child abuse, compared with three during the same time period in 2019.

McCallister says that for those considering reaching out for help, the 24/7 hotline is the best way to start. Advocates who handle calls are able to coordinate resources and safety plans tailored to the individual’s circumstances and can figure out what will work out best for the survivor.

“The first 72 hours of when a victim leaves the abuser is the most dangerous,” McCallister said.

Laura’s House has since been able to reduce the waiting period for a safety net hotel stay. Temperature checks for staff and residents are part of new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We hope to work together to meet the needs of victims of abuse here in Orange

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County and our surrounding counties,” McCallister said. “We know that for many, it is a difficult time to reach out, but together we will be ready and positioned to help, inspiring hope and empowering change for a life free of abuse.”

For those who have not experienced domestic violence, Wenskunas asks allies to be patient, understanding and compassionate.

“The majority of survivors don’t want others who haven’t walked this journey to ever have to know what it feels like,” Wenskunas said. “Listen and hear what a victim says without judgment, without shame, without blame, without guilt. Try to to be in that moment with that victim so that there is hope and healing.” CD

How to Seek Help ALL HOTLINES OPERATE 24/7

• Human Options 877.854.3594, humanoptions.org • Laura’s House 866.498.1511 or text HEART to 949.484.8440, laurashouse.org • Orange County Adult Protective Services 800.451.5155 • Orange County Child Abuse Registry 800.207.4464 • National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233, thehotline.org • Women’s Transitional Living Center 877.531.5522, wtlc.org, or email info@wtlc.org

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Peaceful Protest Draws Hundreds

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A “Black Lives Matter” protest in San Juan Capistrano denouncing institutional racism and police brutality ended with hugs, calls for action and hundreds taking a knee in silence.

The demonstration on Wednesday, June 3, was peaceful and had no incidents of violence. Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) officers were at the protest to monitor the situation, observing the event from the sidelines. Officers spoke with protesters before the event began to find out their plans and ask for a peaceful demonstration.

Officers did not take a knee with protesters when asked to do so, which disappointed some in the crowd.

Young people made up a portion of the multicultural gathering. Some of the young activists—such as Kevin Collins of Laguna Niguel and Ranielle Hoffman of Mission Viejo—told their peers to vote in the November elections, call out racist comments from parents and encouraged Generation Z to stay involved.

The protest was organized in the wake of a widely circulated video of George Floyd’s death while in police custody in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. Former officer Derek Chauvin forcibly placed a knee on Floyd’s neck while Floyd was on the pavement, causing him to gasp and struggle to breathe.

Chauvin was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, and charges of aiding and abetting have been brought against three other officers on the scene.

“I want to start off by saying thank you to all the allies, because clearly you have checked in on your black friends. You clearly see what’s going on. You clearly see the fear,” activist Dwight Williams Jr. said during a speech to fellow protesters as the San Juan demonstration wrapped up. “If you can see me right now, you can see I’m literally twitching, and that’s only because the cops are right there. Yes, there may be good cops, but I see so many things in the media that only highlight the bad cops, that only highlight what’s happening.”

Williams encouraged the crowd to ask their friends what their grandparents and parents have been through, saying now is not a time to be silent.

The crowd of protesters gathered at Historic Town Center Park, walked throughout town—including down Del Obispo Street and in front of Mission San Juan Capistrano—and held signs while chanting “Racist cops have got to go!” and “Black lives matter!” OCSD estimates 600 people attended.

There were no arrests, injuries or damage to property.

“It is a united front. This is for everybody,” The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

A crowd estimated by Orange County Sheriff’s Department of 600 gathered at Historic Town Center Park takes a knee in honor of George Floyd, whose death sparked global protests against racism and police brutality. Photos: Collin Breaux

said Vanesa, a protester who gave only her first name. “We’re here to show we’re no longer tolerating any police brutality.

Change needs to happen, and we’re going to make sure it happens.”

Holding law enforcement accountable was a solution mentioned by Vanesa.

Vanesa’s boyfriend is in the military, an institution she said holds its members accountable.

San Juan Capistrano residents Joel and Randi Peshkin, a married couple, came down to show solidarity with the community. Joel said, by and large, the police in the local area are good and have a relationship with the community, but that isn’t so elsewhere.

“I think it’s important that nationwide and worldwide, we’re sending a message that relations between police and minority communities are critical and need serious work, even though it’s not such a pressing problem right here at where we live,” Joel said.

“I’m very happy to see our sheriff’s deputies are out here. They’re ready for things, but they’re not dressed like soldiers. They’re dressed like the deputies we all know from foot patrols and community events. That’s the right way to do it.”

One protester who identified himself only as Ed said police departments should be defunded if they’re not helping people, since the purpose of police is to protect human rights. San Juan city staff declined to comment when asked about calls to defund the police.

“Our rights are being taken away,” Ed said.

Celina Corley, a crime prevention specialist who works for OCSD and the City of San Juan Capistrano, welcomed protesters to the town before the event began.

“We support your First Amendment right to exercise your voice. We ask that you partner with us in the sense of keeping the peace,” Corley said. “We ask that you secure your safety as you exercise your voice, and that if you do want to take some sort of route to parade, that you inform us so that we can make sure that you don’t impede traffic and that you stay in the sidewalks.

We have the utmost concern for your safety

and the safety of the residents.”

Protester Angeles Loya also called for peace after Corley’s remarks, saying the event will exhibit love and fight for justice.

Loya said anyone with hate in their heart should go home.

“Anybody who has lost their lives, including our black brothers and sisters, that’s all we’re fighting for,” Loya said. “Love, peace, and we’re gone.”

Some local businesses closed before the protest began, as a precaution.

Regional political leaders have weighed in on the protests, including Rep. Mike Levin, whose district includes San Juan Capistrano.

Levin, a Democrat, released a statement saying he does not support the “small minority of individuals who have taken advantage of the situation to commit violent and criminal acts, and we cannot allow them to define these overwhelmingly peaceful protests.”

Levin added that he will focus on listening, showing compassion, and trying to understand what it means to be black or brown in America—something he will never know.

“We need new laws to strengthen transparency and accountability in law enforcement. We need to ban unnecessary and excessive uses of force, including chokeholds, and we need to end the militarization of local police departments,” Levin said. “As we work toward real reforms, we also need to acknowledge that the vast majority of police officers are honorable people—fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, our neighbors—who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. As we saw with San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit’s decision to ban the use of a chokehold by his officers, they can and must be a part of the solution.”

Brian Maryott, who is running against Levin for the 49th Congressional seat in the November election, also released a statement. Maryott, a Republican, said the Floyd video showed a “wanton disregard for human life” and was “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing that most protests have been peaceful. Maryott praised sheriffs in Orange County and San Diego County for their handling of and response to recent protests.

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“Sadly, many cities around the country have also seen riots and other criminal conduct, particularly during the evening hours.

There is no excuse for this kind of activity,” said Maryott, who also sits on the San Juan Capistrano City Council. “If it doesn’t stop, it seems inevitable that there will be further loss of innocent life. Should that happen, it will pile more sadness and heartbreak on what is already a mountain. We remain hopeful for calm and healing in our communities. We seek justice for George Floyd."

State Sen. Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), whose district includes San Juan, said in a statement that the “deeply troubling” death of Floyd has “rightly sparked outrage and demands for justice across the nation,” and that most protesters recently have been peaceful.

“However, some have used the protests as a pretext to commit criminal acts. The looting, vandalism, and violence that have ravaged many communities are inexcusable. The most basic job of government is to provide law and order to keep all residents safe. This means ending the lawlessness by all necessary lawful actions,” Bates said.

“However, ‘law and order’ are more than just ending the violence. ‘Law and order’ also means ensuring justice for Mr. Floyd’s family and holding accountable those who have violated their oaths to serve and protect their communities. It means holding the people accountable who have violently attacked innocent civilians and law enforcement officers across the nation.”

In a statement on Facebook, San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember Derek Reeve said he was “so proud of San Juan Capistrano,” as the protest occurred peacefully and without incident.

“I would like to thank Chief of Police Services Lt. Bulanek for his leadership and oversight of a very large contingent of deputies from around the county,” Reeve said. “All of the deputies supporting the event acted with professionalism, allowing the protesters to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights while abiding by state and local laws. OCSD ROCKS!” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC CUSD Summer Lunch Program to Begin June 15

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Capistrano Unified School District’s (CUSD) annual Summer Lunch Program begins on Monday, June 15, and runs through Friday, July 31, according to a press release from CUSD. It will provide meals to local children ages 18 and under.

Meal pickup will be held at three school sites: San Juan Elementary (31642 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano); Las Palmas Elementary (1101 Calle Puente, San Clemente); and Marco Forster Middle School (25601 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano).

According to CUSD, the meal pickups will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. More information can be found on CUSD’s Food & Nutrition Services Department website or by calling 949.234.9501.

State Clears Way for Bars, Gyms to Potentially Reopen Bars, gyms, professional sports, movie theaters and certain other businesses could reopen with modifications by Friday, June 12, Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced.

Those businesses previously had not been allowed to officially reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement marks the latest step forward in Newsom’s four-stage, phased approach to reopening the state’s economy amid the ongoing public health crisis. Late last month, California restaurants were allowed to begin offering dine-in service again, while maintaining social distancing measures such as limiting seating and spacing out tables.

Certain thresholds with regard to number of coronavirus cases will need to be met in order for counties to begin reopening bars, gyms and professional sports, according to the Associated Press.

EDITOR’S NOTE: These details could change as conditions develop.

Orange County Public Chief Health Officer Resigns Orange County chief health officer Nichole Quick resigned on Monday, June 8, amid hostility toward a countywide order requiring people to wear a face mask while out in public, according to news reports. The masks are intended to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wearing masks has become a source of controversy for some. Quick faced threats and protests at her home, CBS News reported. Some people in South Orange County wear masks while out in public, while others don’t.

Mission SJC Reopening to Public Saturday Mission San Juan Capistrano will reopen the historic site “gradually and carefully in the coming days,” according to online announcements.

The Mission’s first official public reopening date is planned for Saturday, June 13, Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said in an announcement posted on the Mission’s website. The Mission will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at certain hours following the public reopening.

“It seems we have been closed a long time, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our beautiful Mission San Juan The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

Capistrano Unified School District’s (CUSD) annual Summer Lunch Program begins on Monday, June 15, and runs through Friday, July 31. Photo: Courtesy of CUSD

Capistrano,” Adams said. “Our mission, or purpose, has always been to keep everyone healthy and safe during any visit to the Mission. However, these unprecedented times call for us to review our process and develop an opening plan that assures everyone of this commitment.”

The reopening will come with modifications, including asking guests to bring their own drinking water, wear masks and practice social distancing. In addition, a few rooms and features will be temporarily closed upon reopening. Mission staff is also encouraging that membership and ticket sales be done online. Occupancy in the Mission Store will be reduced, and there will be no large group tours.

The announcement comes as other parts of San Juan Capistrano and elsewhere are also gradually reopening with modifications, including the city council chambers.

Hoag Hospital Equipped to Treat Patients During Pandemic Hoag Hospital is well-equipped to treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with other conditions, said Senior Vice President and Chief Hospital Operations Officer Marcy Brown.

Hoag was one of the first hospitals to treat a known COVID-19 patient in California this past January, and since that first patient, their command center has “meticulously tracked” the number of available beds, ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), pharmaceuticals and more on a daily basis, Brown said.

“Hoag’s readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic also includes daily communication with OCHCA authorities in

order to stay abreast of rapidly evolving best practices. This guidance allows us to ensure that we are keeping our patients and our health care workers safe as we face this challenge,” Brown said. “Hoag was one of the hospitals selected as a clinical trial site for Remdesivir, a possible therapeutic option for COVID-19.

We were also among the first hospitals to use convalescent plasma in critically ill COVID-19 patients.”

Orange County’s case numbers have been lower than Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside, with one of the reasons cited by Brown being the community adhering to the state’s shelter-at-home measures.

Only 2% of Hoag’s hospital beds and 2% of their ventilators are in use for COVID-19 patients, and they reportedly have enough supplies and personal protective equipment to care for the community and assist other nonprofit and civic organizations as well.

“As we continue to provide top-tier care for our COVID-19 patients, we cannot emphasize enough that Hoag’s facilities are safe and well-prepared to provide exceptional care for all patients,” Brown said.

“It is critical that anyone experiencing potentially life-threatening medical conditions, such as strokes and heart attacks, seek emergency care immediately.”

Rotary Club Donates Face Shields The San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club recently assembled and donated 250 face shields to local business owners so people can limit the spread of COVID-19.

The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce reportedly assisted with the shield deliveries.

Page 10

Equestrian Fundraiser Going Virtual This Year The annual Two Stepping Under the Stars fundraiser hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition will be a virtual silent auction this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Coalition members.

The Coalition’s Facebook page expects to have more updates on details for the event.

In terms of how the pandemic has generally affected the local equestrian community, Coalition President John Berney said trainers, veterinarians and other people considered essential workers have been able to take care of horses. Riding lessons and camps have had to pause, though.

“Horse shows have been canceled, which is a huge hit,” Berney said.

The horse show season is expected to slowly restart in June in accordance with new health guidelines. The San Juan equestrian community has an annual economic impact of $50.1 million, Berney said

Serra’s Pantry Now Open The community foodbank Serra’s Pantry, 31611 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano, is now open for people who need food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

People are asked to limit visits to once per week, and not bring children on site. They are also asked to practice social distancing and handwashing, wear a mask and stay home if sick. Visit missionparish.org for more information.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Rancho Mission Viejo resident Margo Sorenson is excited about Calvin Gets the Last Word, her new children’s book publishing this fall. Photo: Collin Breaux

Author Publishing Children’s Book in October

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Author and Rancho Mission Viejo resident Margo Sorenson has a new children’s book coming out in October titled Calvin Gets the Last Word.

The picture book is narrated by a dictionary “who’s very tired,” because he belongs to Calvin, who is always looking for the right word for his mischievous brother.

“He goes to baseball practice. He goes on a school bus,” Sorenson said while sitting in her backyard on a sunny weekday morning, surrounded by her grandkids.

“He’s in a library. Everywhere, Calvin keeps looking for the right word for his rascally brother, who makes him snort milk right out of his nose at the breakfast table, because he tells a joke right when Calvin’s mouth is full.”

Calvin Gets the Last Word is intended for children ages 4-9. Sorenson got the idea for the book as a former English teacher and previously published author.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

“I love words. I’m always looking for the right word, too,” Sorenson said. “I got an idea for a kid who always wanted to find the right word also. Then I was thinking, if he was always looking for the right word, that poor dictionary would get tired. I thought, maybe the dictionary should tell the story.”

Sorenson enjoys writing children’s books, because she read “everything I could get my hands on” when she was a kid, and she wants to give young readers that same feeling.

“It’s like taking a vacation in your brain,” Sorenson said. “It meant so much to me.

They say you write at the age you still are, which would mean I’m still not an adult.”

Writing Calvin Gets the Last Word took Sorenson about five years. As with any story, she had to figure out what the characters want and are afraid of. She hopes young readers learn to keep going and persevere after reading the book, and learning words can be lots of fun.

“You have to know your character before you can write about them,” Sorenson said.

“You make a plot up, and a plot is always your character really wants something, but something is keeping him from getting it, and he’s not getting it. So you throw one problem at him after another; you make him squirm. Finally, because of who he is himself, he solves his own problem.”

Her most recent book is Secrets in Translation, set in Italy. She did “tons of research” for the book. Sorenson calls writing a “process” and displayed a draft for a previous work. The crossed-out words and other edit marks are evident in the draft.

“Writing is messy work,” Sorenson said.

“You have to keep revising and changing.”

Sorenson is excited for the book to come out later this year, saying she isn’t nervous since she’s had numerous other books published. She’s already received positive feedback from another author, and her grandchildren have already read the story.

Page 12

Sorenson was born in Washington, D.C., and spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, according to a biography.

She graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles, taught high school and middle school, and raised a family of two daughters. She is now a full-time writer, primarily for young people, and has received the national Milken Educator Award.

Sorenson was also a 2003 Minnesota Book Award finalist.

“I think I’ve been very blessed and lucky to have been in the right place at the right time, because there are a lot of talented writers out there and some of them never get published at all,” Sorenson said. “I just feel really fortunate, and my family has always been really supportive of me.”

Visit her website, margosorenson.com, for more information. You can also keep up with Sorenson on Twitter @ipapaverison, through Instagram @margosorensonwriter or on Facebook at Italia Writes. thecapistranodispatch.com

GRADUATION

SPECIAL

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2020 Capistrano Unified School District’s news source CUSD Insider said an in-person graduation ceremony has been postponed to the end of July and will require social distancing restrictions.

Emanuel De Jesus Abad Diana Natalia Acero Sebastian Efren Aceves Nancy Belen Aguero Anthony Justin Aguilar Lexa Angelina Aguilar Arika Ashanty Aguirre Juan Angel Aguirre Liam Charles Aguirre-Stanton Grace Michele Aitken Grant David Alarid Lama Ali Alshehri Maxwell James Ambrosino Alina Apostolache Jordyn Apostolache Cristiano Frank Arbiso Andrew Tyler Arizala Ethan Scott Armstrong Mandy Nicole Arzetti Tarik Assami Avery Kathleen Austin Pablo Ayala Mendez Sabrina Marie Aylor Daniela Ray Bagan Camryn Grace Baker Marisella Lucielle June Banda Alan Banos Penaloza Regan Alexandra Barclay Brian Alexander Barfield Gisele Barough Edgar Barrera Eloisa Barrera

Jazmyne Isabel Barriga-Ortiz Lucas Barrosa Marissa Renee Barry Lauryn Nicole Barys Ava Jolie Basson Juliana Elisabeth Bauccio Jack Thomas Baughman Miles Grayson Bearbower Laurence Tanner Beck Jennifer Jeane Becker Nina Lee Benjamin Allison Cate Berger Race Mason Bernal Merino Giuseppe Bertola Ajay Bhatia Luke Emmanuel Binoya Brady Robert Blackwell Kaia Marie Bogue Connor Robert Bonnell Avery Lee Bonnette Amir-Hadi Boroumand Jacob Alexander Boshman Alexandre Cruz Bouquet Cole Andrew Bourne Garrett Walker Bowman Mia Michelle Brady Kirsten Nobuko Brehmer Lochlan Brett Brown Grace Elizabeth Brummell Jaden Thomas Bryan Lily Kate Buchanan Charlotte Reese Bushman

Samuel Noll Kai Butler Sarah Cahill Andres Benito Cain Ethan Gallagher Cappasola Alexis Alexander Cardenas Jesse Cardoso Cruz Jake Nils Carlson Araceli Tan Carreon Bryan Ulises Carrillo Tommi Justine Carvalho Jaiden Castellanos Juan Pablo Castorena Jackson Richard Catalano Nereida Ceja Barroso Jimmy Celedon Skylar Richard Celer Cinthia Guadalupe Cervantes Emma Lauren Chase Ryan Thomas Chase Mia Sharon Chavez Kaila Calysta Chen Logan Shane Childs Sara Yuri Chong Brynn Marie Christenson Noelle Christenson Christiana Penelope Tui Chua Benjamin Lee Chung Avery Scott Clark Ethan Christopher Clark Konner Steven Clarson Marti Yael Cohen Grace Joanna Colburn

Anastasia Patricia Collins Matthew William Collins Julia Elizabeth Conover Alexander Contreras Mckinzie Lorraine Cook Reilly Allen Cook Marissa Marie Cooper Kaden Thomas Cordero Jack Corral Samuel Josef Cowan Andrew James Cox Sarah Ann Cox Bryce Douglass Crider Jose David Cruz Gutierrez Emmanuel Cruz Mendez Kyle Christian Cullers Lauren Elisabeth Culwell Dylan James Curialle Brayden John Currier Travis Owen Dade Emily Margaret Damron Ashley Ann Darden Beau Daniel De La Torre Allen Francis Dela Cruz De Leon Sofia Marie De Leon Brenda Delgado Jimena Delgado Brooke Natalie DeLorenzo Charlie Randal Dempsey David Paul Denayer Natalie Ann DeStefani Jason Torres Diaz

Ernesto Diaz de Leon Conner Michael Difilippo Maximilian James Difilippo Brianna Aimi Diiorio Allison Lynn Dimler Gage Carlton Doble Teoman Matthew Dogan Quinn Elise Dohman Jeremy Michael Dostis Jillian Grace Dostis Joshua Ian Dostis Dylan Jax Doubleday Ellie Rene Dowling Kyle James Duffield Kyle Robert Dugan Madolyn Rachel Duplanty Matthew Odell Duplissey Krystal Guadalupe Duran Micah James Edgerton Weston Kent Eichner Howard Mark Emond Sebastian James Engels Cabrera George Arthur Enriquez-Castillo Addison Dean Epp Kiley Elizabeth Espineira Valentina Etchepare Stephanie Everastico Bradley Alan Faanes Aidan Christopher Falk Kimora Antonina Farry Kiana Mae Felix Bethzy Zugey Felix Iyescas

Isabel Marie Fernald Nylah Mireya Fernandez Daniel Fernandez Sanchez Morgan Danielle Finelt Julia Grace Finman Jacy Fischbeck Jade Larkin Fischbeck Christian Tyler Fisk Valeria Fitz Jimenez Porter Jonathan Flake Karina Lopez Flores Stephanie Flores Ryan Dana Forbes Tina Lilian Fotouhi Cameron Charles Fox Asher Foy Ella Leigh Friess Eric Harper Fritz Isabella Natalie Frutos Sanchez Italie Juliette Frutos Sanchez Ian Fu Fernando Fuentes Noemi Daniela Fuentes Morales Delaney Rose Fuller James Raymond Gaines Edlin Garcia Jagger Steven Garcia Juliana Garcia Kyrin Marcel Garcia Renzo Andres Garcia Carolina Garcia Camas Alexia Garcia Ocampo Abigail Garibo Luiza Sartorio Gava Grace Emily Gentry Lauren Ann Gleason Eric Rudy Goerner Gilbert Yair Gomez Jose Manuel Gonzalez Niles Eliseo Gonzalez Riley Ann Goodfellow Lia Ashley Goodwin Isabella Ida Gorlick Jaden Tate Gorman Giselle Aurora Grajeda Ivan Granados Jocelyn Granados Sage Cassidy Groves Gabriella Rose Guarino Mel Bataglin Guidorizzi Vagelie Marco Guillen Izabella Rose Gula-Beard

Erika Gutierrez Rolando Gutierrez Alexandra Noel Guzik Miguel Angel Guzman Elyse Breanne Hall Jake Ryan Hall Madeline Grace Halliburton Gracie Kate Hammond Noelle Wrigley Hansen Misha Harneja Christopher Kyle Harrison Haley Ann Hassmann Sophie Eva Hasson Brix Hazen Sarah Kathleen Heaton Ryan Stephen Hellwege Ashley Hernandez Cira Isabel Hernandez Gary Hernandez Nicole Isabella Hernandez Vanessa Hernandez Aaron Hernandez Diaz Lorena Guadalupe Herrera Alvarez Jaxon Charles Hill Jackson Noble Hirchag

William Joseph Hobert Lucy Ryan Hodge Austin James Hogan Victor Holcberg Sophie Kirsten Holland Omid Hosseini Aubrey Ellyn Howell Tyler James Hsieh Vincent Sabino Huaracha Courtney Anne Hudson Eric Huerta Corinne Hunnicutt Sean William Hutchinson Kyler Isaoglu Anthony Ray Israel Angelie Victoria Jackson Tessa Elizabeth Jacobs Daniel Nkuse Jakana elena Marie Je erson Malea Kristen Jenkins Julia Makayla Jeralds Amanda Elaine Johnson Hannah Britt Johnson Jonah Burr Johnson Megan Grace Johnson

Noah Ronald Johnson Riley Andrew Johnson Isabella Jones Trevor Ryan Jones Maximiliano Juarez Mendoza Aimae Elizabeth Kehler Taylor Nicole Kellermann Edward William Kemp Jason Kepple Amber Aline Khamis Cooper Kitaen Lillian Kate Kloepfer Matthew Michael Kolson Kenzie Kosco Evan William Kovaleski Edward Ernest Kreutinger Keri Carissa Kruger Skylar Jade Kutnyak Kayley Rose Lafreniere Nicholas William Lagestee Jake Andrew Lambrakis Payton Christian Landaas Jessica Young Lee Nicole Amber Leick Ronald Joseph Levesque

Jaxon Colin Keikialii Lewis Skye Alexandra Lewis Hannah Lindeman Erin Kate Lindsey Reynalyn Poblete Linis Ashley Lorene Lopez Jessica Lopez Chloe Nicole Loughnane Zayda Lozano Matthew Alexander Luzuriaga Malia Robyn Lynde Cassidy Reese Lyon Nolan Matthew MacDougall Daniel Alexander Magana Charlotte Mona Magee Anabelle Rose Mahshi Madelyn Clare Mallen Rachel Manea Haley Nicolle Maniscalco Lucy June Mansell Vanessa Manzano Kevin Marin Ingrid Noemi Martinez Jessica Martinez Joshua Tyler Mastropaolo Ashlynn Mathews Emily Paige Mattera Isaiah James Matthews Shayla Christine Murphy Mauerman Sean Michael Maurer Maxwell Thompson Maver Nicholas Ryan McCarty Melissa Marie McElroy Claire Madeline McLeroy Madison Marie Mede Diego Medina Vega Rahul Amar Mehra Emmanuel Mejia Deyvi Anderson Melendez-Santos Hayden Dana Melin Daisy Mena Alejandro Menchaca Skyler Jane Mermelstein Henry Meza Leilani Xanthal Miklos Garrett Reese Miles Je rey Daniel Millan osales Maxwell Miller Isabella Joy Mincer Nikki Molnar Milana Makenzie Ann Moncrief Brooke Elizabeth Montgomery

CLASS OF 2020

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY COLLIN BREAUX

Local graduating students celebrated during a drive-through parade in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, June 4.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to traditional graduation ceremonies for now.

David Nathan Morales Noah Andrew Morales Ethan Jacob Moreno Jessica Bailey Morey Shamir Manasseh Ephraim Moy Michelle Moz Vivanco Martha Berenice Muniz Gomez Anna Elizabeth Munoz Devan Parker Murphy Cooper Bernard Murr Nicolas William Myers Nicole Stephanie Nalbandian Nicholas Michael Nazemi Eden Amelia Nedelykovic Cameron Marie Newman Cassandra Rose Newman Toby Ngoy ailey Cecilia icolo Alyssa Niedziela Jillian Nicole Nine Michael Ochoa Delgado Fiorella Ochoa Espinoza Chloe Marie O’Connell Ivy Rose Ondo

Drake Daniel Orr Diana Catherine Osorio Can Oz Iman Alexander Palizi Abraham Michael Palmer Julianna Lyn Paris Hailey Kristan Parker Lucas William Henry Pattinson Savannah Rose Paxton Matthew Thomas Payne Enrique Isaac Paz Gonzalez Isabelle Sterling Imatani Peloso Evelyn Pena Tania Michelle Pena Anthony Steven Perez Isaac Jeremiah Perez Sebastian Thomas Perez Margaret Lynn Perry Kylie Alexis Peyton Lauren Marie Philpott Amanda Sierra Picariello Mia Marie Pietrowski Nicolette Roya Pirghibi Laila Jesus Ponce

Ethan James Pope Sadie Lynn Port Kamryn Elise Price Maya Lea Prokopowicz Gianmarco Joseph Psotka Cole Michael Quillin Amanda Nicole Quinn Ariana Julia Quinonez Megan Susanne Radley Aileen Ramirez Gabriela Ramirez Rosa Maria Ramirez Torres Alfredo Ramos Lopes Cristian Michael Ramsey Sophie Raubach Juliette Maxine Raubolt Grace Kelly Rea Ashli Marie Reichner Andrea Restrepo Mireya Reyes Dylan Michael Reynolds Natalie Ximena Reynolds Cassady Laine Richey Grace Anne Ridgeway

The usual graduation ceremonies for senior students have been thrown into disarray for the Class of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the community turned to something di erent for recognition. A drive-through parade was held in downtown San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, June 4, to celebrate the students—many from San Juan Hills High School—who hadn’t been able to take their customary walk across the graduation stage. Students waved from cars while onlookers cheered and held congratulatory signs from the sidewalk.

Bailey Nicole Ridley Madison Riley Tyler Stevenson Ripperger J Viken Roberts Lauren Brooke Robertson Madison Elizabeth Robertson Mikayla Paige Robertson Jacob Connor Robinson Logan Maria Robinson Marycarmen Rodrigo Annette Daniela Rodriguez Christian Jacob Rodriguez Claudia Angelica Rodriguez Hugo Emmanuel Rodriguez-Garcia Mercedes Nicollette Roel Kylee Anne Rogers Raymond Diaz Rojas Alexander Robert Roland Holland Jarrosiak Rolapp Wendy Paola Rosales Joshua Garret Rosen Kallihan Genevieve Ross Kensington Patricia Ross Zachary Allan Rothman

Isabel Antoinette Royal Kylie Amelia Rucker Oliver Stewart Rudolph Audrey Nicole Ruiz Eduardo Ruiz Cisneros Kevin Diego Ruvalcaba Edward Chase Rydell Avery Nicole Rylance Mark Anthony Saba Bellise Marianna Sacchetto Gloria Nathalia Saenz Brisa Melinda Salgado Karla Sanchez Samantha Sujey Sanchez Tatum Renee Sanchez Uzziel Eduardo Sanchez James David Sanders Augustine Stephen Sandoval Julien James Sanseverino Lauren Elena Poblete Saradpon Una Patricia Sarayba Sophie Angelene Schlesinger Zoe Maria Schmitzer Evan Gabriel Schrimp

Victoria Christine Schultz Taylor Anne Schwalbe Jordyn Elissa Schwartz Caleb Heninger Sedgwick Zakary Porter Seewall Mohona Sen Alondra Servin Hanna Zulaikha Sharq Claire Elizabeth Sheehan Kaylin Leann Shepard Paul Jee Min Shin Austin Nicholas Shreeve John Michael Shukur Gil Mar Abug Sia Kathy Denise Sigala Janeth Silva-Mercado Keaton Scott Silver Sydney Jade Simon Prabhleen Singh Kiley Maree Skousen Colin James Smith Aryanna Brooke Soares Angelica Sosa Sierra enee S arnes S a ord Royston Stenlake Grace Renee Stephenson Andrea Olivia Stone Sophia Alyssa Swigart Jordyn Elizabeth Tagle Hanna Talieh Alondra Michelle Tapia Grace Elizabeth Taylor Luke William Taylor Alejandro Tellez

Anthony Tellez Rhiannon Souviney Thelander Peyton Michael Thornburg Abigail Joy Thorstenson Emily Grace Thrall Bernard Montano Tillano Makena Tinney Emily Ann-Katrin Tme Jessica Kimiko Tonai Kayvon Torabzadeh Zachary Noel Torgeson Cheyenne Marie Torres Cam Nicholas Traverso Jake Alexander Traverso Cole Robert Trotta John William Anthony Uhl Daniel Cristobal Urdaneta-Carrera Maren Janean Ure Anne Elizabeth Urman Zachary John Van Blarcom Aileen Vargas Skyler Teagan Vargas Stephanie Jacqueline Vargas Jorge Luis Velazquez Lucas Vo Verde Suraay Verma Nathan Dee Vigil Christopher Carlos Villafana Citlaly Villagran Jesus Daniel Villanueva Maria De La Paz Viveros Bronson Brody Voss Clayton Andrew Walburger Emily Jenn Wale

SENDOFFS

James Seddon Wale Kade Patrick Ward Sophie Annelise Weber Brenden Douglas Webster Tyler Jason Wegis Adam Joshua Weingard Ivana Marisol Weintraub Schaefer Thomas-Allen Welch Jayden Seth Wells Karlee West Brandon Michael Weston Sofia hi a er uiles Alexander John White Isabella Victoria White Parker David Whitham Joshua Alexander Williams Shayna Brieann Williams Carly Lauren Wilson Savannah Catherine Wilson Owen Wine Lucas Gavin Winkler Cayla Christine Wood Avery Elizabeth Woolbert Julia Elizabeth Wright icholas ay yc o Jessica Ann Yaccino Cameron Davis Yartz Madelin Jeeyun Yi Trent Zabrocki Lian Zhu ylie Marie i Annie Lorraine Zollinger Kyarah Zuniga

BY COLLIN BREAUX

C

ustomarily, graduating seniors get to walk across the stage to receive diplomas with the rest of their classmates.

The COVID-19 health crisis put a stop to that for the Capistrano Valley Christian Schools’ (CVCS) Class of 2020—so the school instead brought the graduation to their homes.

School officials dro e o s uden homes on riday May or personal ceremonies acul y and s a s ood in ron la ns o celebrate the graduates and hand over diplomas, while students were surrounded by family and friends.

Two of those students were twin sisters Mikaela and Alyssa Arnone, who live in San Clemente. “It’s been unusual, and I’m happy we’re able to do something,� said Alyssa, 17, on the unique school year. “It was hard to get through this time and not know what was going to happen.�

Alyssa said i as nice o finally ha e some sor o radua ion ceremony after the 2020 pandemic had upended school and daily life. Alyssa said she and her other classmates had been waiting for graduation to mark the next chapter in their lives. he final school year has een in eres in Alyssa said as hard o get through once we hit March and quarantine happened. Sports had to end, but it was OK.�

As with other schools throughout South Orange County and elsewhere, CVCS students have been taking part in online learning while campuses are closed. Alyssa said it was normal since they already do a lot of education online.

Mikaela also was excited about the ceremony, sayin i as nice o finally radua e and e done with the school year. “It’s nice, a light at the end of the tunnel,� said Mikaela. “(The school year) was absolutely chaotic, but we made it in the end. I’m glad to be here.�

Mikaela also said she got through online education. She has kept in touch with her friends during the pandemic, and they celebrated with her during the home graduation.

Mikaela is planning to attend San Diego State University, while Alyssa is looking at California Baptist University in Riverside.

Their father, Tony, called the graduation a unique e en and said he pandemic as a difficul si uaion and a difficul ime ha e re in ri h no “Sometimes, this is the best that we can do, and

hopefully we tried to create something memorable for them today,� Tony said. “The only piece that we can’t adjust is they wanted to have their graduating class members with them. That’s the part that they probably lament the most. They really wish they could have all of them here.�

Tony said he didn’t know if the moment had fully hit him yet. His daughters are very accomplished, with honors recognitions and a choice in universities after being accepted to multiple schools. “As parents, my wife and I are extremely proud of the young ladies that they have become,� Tony said he radua ion par o i is difficul ecause i seems li e fi e minu es a o e carried around o carriers. They grow up very fast. I’m exceptionally happy that a lot of their friends were able to show up, given the circumstances.�

CLASS OF 2020

Alyssa Arnone Mikaela Arnone Amelia Ascroft-Franks Una Barasevic Alyssa Briseno Mark Bublik Heather “Katie� Cairns Augustine Cali

Ezra Carvajal Guanyu “Derrick� Chen Nuo “Kristin� Chen Yingtao “Frank� Cui Makaela Curammeng Rome Demongin Zijian “Curry� Ding Xinyi “Cindy� Fan

Connor Ferguson Cole Flynn Jake Flynn Juan Gomez Tyler Henry Kasey Hill Yong “Tim� Jin Max Johnson

Lily Kelso Michael “Mike� Kim Madeline Kunkle Ella Landino Xunan “Nan� Li Zixuan “Doris� Liu Michael Longfellow Simeon Marton

Cameron McAlpin Ian Meitzler Pablo Moser Ngoc Bao Chau “Hannah� Nguyen Dafne Pluhar Daniel Powers Stefan Purgason

Dylen Roberts Joshua Sears Paxton Stein Zheng “Allan� Tian Vy Tran Kejian “Max� Ye Jie “Jay� Yin Xinyuan “Regina� Zhang

ho o Cour esy o i any Currier

CLASS OF 2020

Ian Acosta Ashton Acquanita Avery Acquanita Victoria Aguilar Natasha Akroush Jennifer Alvarado McKenna Alvarez Sarah Anderson Aidan Auci Peter Barr Julian Barreto Natalie Barrios Rachel Bastone Patrick Bayeh Isabella Beltran Hunter Benson Carolyn Bissontz Jacoy Sean Bolokowicz Francesco Borra Summer Bouquet Creighton Braun

Logan Bredek Zachary Brooks Aiden Brotman Angelique Brown Morgan Burroughs Brian Byrd Marco Caldarone Mary Cameron Ryan Campbell Colby Canales Chen Cao Megan Carlisle Nathan Carnnahan Kennedy Carter Taylor Caudill Valentino Cavaricci Jalin Cerillo Samuel Chan Hanqi Chen Ye Chen Yihuan Chen

Yuelin Chen Aidan Chenault Mackenzie Childers Natasha Chiotis Ryan Choi Ruth Christensen Ryan Christensen Cole Cisakowski Drew Clark Hugo Clarkin Jeremy Clements Mariclare Coffin Anthony Collins Mia Conti Cameron Cooke Brett Cormack Kylie Cragun Madison Cummings John Cunningham Serena Curran Kevin Dang

Nicolai Dejbakhsh Andrew Dierckman Kasen Doan Andrew Domanskis Kyle Dougherty Aleah Edwards Cole Ellison Rylan Engels Mackenzie Espinoza Hannah Everett Lorenzo Fabela Matthew Fanticola Antonia Fiorello Morgan Fischel Brandon Fleiss Taylor Fleiss Gordon Foerstel Grant Fredley Sebastien Fregeau Kendyll Fritts Shih-Hung Fu

Bridget Garcia Jordyn Gather Yanghao Ge Garrett Geoghegan riffin ershenson Isabella Ghanbari Megan Giacobetti Cory Girard Peyton Gleich Jared Glenn Kooper Glick Scott Goerner Katharine Golbranson Elizabeth Goodwin Andrew Grant Allison riffi h Anthony Grover Kristienne Guerry Pingxu Hao Katherine Harms Jennifer Haton

Hope Haythorne Halani Heimuli Jonathon Heinrich Riley Heit Noah Herrera Jaden Hill Nathan Hill Christian Ho Estefany Holmen David Hornung Dawei Hu Alexandra Iemsisanith Corbin Jacques Jacob Jameson Sophia Jarosz Avery Jeanneret Xinyi Jiang Emma Johnson Sophia Kangas Megan Kelley Sophie Kempf

Charles Kendall Lauren Kitcher Catherine Kotchian Zoe Kramer Elizabeth Krjenitski Julie Krjenitski Jisoo Ku Emma Kuntz Gahret Kutscher Emily LaCilento Catherine Lan Hu Xuzheng Lang Jacob Lazarus Aourell Le Guen Patrick Leavey Jonathan Lee Mitchell Lee Emma Lentz Rylie Lewis Jiatong Li Yinhong Li

BY COLLIN BREAUX

T

he JSerra Catholic High School Class of 2020 has had an unusual year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they haven’t been forgotten by their teachers and the school.

JSerra held a Senior Swag Day celebration on Wednesday, May 27, in hich s uden s ere con ra ula ed y acul y and s a as hey dro e y in vehicles while music played and balloons were hung along the route.

Students also picked up their caps, gowns and special gifts.

Students and adults alike wore masks to prevent the spread of the virus. Aiden Brotman, 17, said the school did a good job with the celebration. “I didn’t expect it to be as extravagant as it is,� Brotman said. “It’s super sanitary. I’m really grateful we have such an amazing JSerra community, and we can come together to celebrate this despite the circumstances.�

Brotman is taking the health crisis seriously and has an older brother who is at-risk for the virus.

He hasn’t been out of the house much lately and thinks JSerra has done well transitioning to the di eren condi ions rou h a ou y he pandemic

Yutong Li Zeyu Li Zhihan Li Longer Lizao Katherine Macfee Sara Mahmood Kirk Malcolm Maria Christiana Marasigan Karson Mariboho Ian Martinez Dante Maser-Moceri Colin McAdam Allison McCa rey Miles McClain Andrew McIntosh Caden McMackin Kehra McTague Ryan Meany Montserrat Mendoza Teresa Mendoza

Jeo ry Micali i Olivia Molfetta Hailey Moncur Austin Monroe Max Montoya Jailene Morales Tyler Moran Samuel Mudd Sean Muldoon Christian Myers Remi Nagashima Keegan Netherton Aryana Noorian Maria Valentina Osorio Ryan Oymaian Doyoung Park Vivika Parmar Milin Patel Charles Peguero Blake Perduk Je rey ersi

Garrett Phillips Avalon Pierce Joshua Pierce Payton Pierce Alexandra Pincus Katie Polich Maxx Principale Shihan Qi Justin Que Joshua Quenga Joshua Quick Grace Quinn Elliot Randolph Walter Rasic Carson Rector Jacob Richman Avery Riddle Jonah Ridinger Dylan Rios Gavin Rissling Angel Roberts

“I graduated with better grades than I thought I would, with the help of the teachers and administration,� Brotman said.

Students at JSerra and other schools throughout South Orange County have switched to distance learning, another term for online education, while campuses are closed. “The teachers are available almost 24/7, which is really remarkable,� Brotman said. “It almost feels like remote learning is the way to go.�

Brotman is next heading to Tulane University in New Orleans to study management and public health.

Katherine Robinson Elijah Robles Mason Rosal Stephanie Rosenstein Hayden Round Kathryn Rowan Daniella Sanchez Lily Sanchez Sofia San oro Jared Schafer Benjamin Schreiber Storm Seeley Thomas Senske Julia Shaver Sarah Shaw Lily Sheybani Bethany Shrove Troy Sicaeros Jazmine Simon Morgan Snyder Ryan Spaeth

Georgia Sprague Ryan Stanley Austin Stawski Alison Steinker Christopher Street Zoe Strickland Riley Sullivan Juliana Sum Yu Sun Ryan Sveningson Avery Sysyn Alexa Taba William Tanner Jakob Taylor Shelley Teichrow Alexandria Teske Avery Tritz Brooke Tritz Madison Turner Nadia Vochoska Rachel Voyer

English teacher Eileen McKeagney came out to congratulate the students. She said the teachers were delighted to see their students. “We’ve missed them so much,� McKeagney said. “You can just see from the turnout here how much we’re thirsting for that ability to congratulate them and make them feel like, yes, this is an unconventional time, but you are unconventional people.�

The pandemic has been rough on everyone, but JSerra has pulled through, McKeagney said. The administration and other teachers supported McKeagney as she put her curriculum online. no my ids did no su er academically,� McKeagney said. “I know we all struggled emotionally here and there, but also we had that camaraderie that helps us get through it.�

Distance learning hasn’t been ideal, but it is better than not interacting with students at all, McKeagney said. “I think we’ve been really blessed,� McKeagney said. “The Catholic education we’re able to give the kids is so much more than just the curriculum. It’s by the grace of God we’re able to come together even when we’re apart.�

Students picked up their diplomas on Saturday, May 30, in small groups while practicing social distancing during a drive-up commencement ceremony. President Rich Meyer has previously said JSerra is making e ery e or o reopen he campus y Au us 10 for next school year if that is allowed.

Nicholas Vu Matthew Wagner Dylan Walker Jing Wang Siqi Wang Xipeng Wang Yanwei Wang Ziyao Wang Kaden Wayer Leping Wen Madison Wendt Ray Weston Justin Williams Samantha Williams Emily Wilson Krystina Wilson Olivia Winters Samuel Wolter Faith Wong Kenneth Woodsum Emma Wray

Evan Wright Weiwei Wu Yunze Xin ShiLiang Yao Amber Zakhour Tianchu Ze Tianai Zhang Xiaozhe Zhang Chongming Zhao Jiawen Zhao

CLASS OF 2020

*Valedictorian: Lara Hairapetian **Salutatorian: Serena Carson Jasper Charmion Adams sa ella Louise infield Arundale Juliet Kathryne Ballard Yuki Bannai Kennedy Jade Barlow Lorelei Michele Blau John E. Boranian Logan Conor Burke Carson Alexander C de Baca

Mitchell Carmer James Edward Carreon Jr. Luca Francesco Carson Serena Daniela Carson** Campbell Elyse Case Camilla Valleria Cassinelli Siyuan Chen Dean Chong Brent Ethan Chou Jalyn Joanne Chun Avery Grace Clarke Mary Elizabeth Collier

Anthony Constantino Kyla Lorene Cruse Alex Charles D’Amaro Matthew Christopher Slade Duma Madeleine Sheehan Edwards Sally Fales Nadia Mehri Farjami Shaudeh i any ar ami Emerson Maya Flornes Esme Elizabeth Fulford Grace Patricia Giusto Robert Andrew Gonzalez

Chaochen Guo Chaoye Guo Samantha Haft Lara Kathryn Hairapetian* Olivia Ann Hale Samantha Evelyn Hasani Robert Roy Healy Parker James Lovett Hogan Shea Brennan Hueston Thomas Dilworth Hughes Valerie Aiko Ihara Blake Daryoush Jafari Sydney Irene Johnston Ashley Nona Jones Charlo e Duffie Jones Kyle Klaholt Juergens Whitney Paige Kaemmer Ella Marie Kang Isabella Michelle Karahalios John William Kenner Jr. Wesley Young Kim Johnny Gregory Kurtz Audrey Sherwood Larson Jacqueline Diana Leung Daniel Sun Lew Alexander Jacob Liang Thomson Liu Matthew Jayden Lizarde Brennan Mafi Marek Andrew MagaĂąa Jack Lawrence Manor Andrew Thomas McAleer Angela Genesis Mendoza Ortega Alexandra Nalini Meyer Colin Pierce Miehe Nathalie Emad M Gayed Mikhael Chloe Aryanna Miller Matthew John Underhill Miller Jacklyn Chloe Mok Nate Michael Mouchawar Christopher Michael Mullen Nihar Bala Nanjappa Alec Sevan Ohanesian

Winston Kijoon Paik Amelia Summer Parker Kellen Ashok Patel Rowdie William Peets Hannah Grace Phillips Alexandra Lauren Sophia Pierce Julia Annice Pintar Christina Louise Powell Alesandra Loren Pusey Chloe Frances Reder Anna Evelyn Reinkensmeyer Aidan Alexander Rooney Matthew Chandler Rosenthal Soo Yeon Nicole Ryu Leila Rose Sapra Ian Christopher Schulze Isabelle Anne Searles Reilly Kate Shanahan Callely Grace Shaw Ao Shen Cameron Shirang Zoe Katie Annabel Shor Megan Elizabeth Short Taylor Adi Silver Caden John Smith Nathan Alexander Soto Lauren Allison Spalding Matthew Christopher Stevenson ZoĂŤ Noelle Street Sean Nicholas Sullivan Shea Marie Tomaselli Caroline Sands Ullem Emma Lauren Vakili Jacob Arnett Vandenburg Tatum Ryan Westendorf Nicholas Willis Whiting Lauryn Juliette Wilson Brayden Joseph Windes Nick Wolcott Owen Patrick Young a asha ousefi Emily Zhang Grace Gina Zhou

CLASS OF 2020

Omar Abonasser Kaitlyn Adams Arielle Anderson Grace Andriet Cole Bader Colby Banner Gabriel Beres Benjamin Bergen Lucy Bonga Thomas Brazney

Jonathan Casarez Tina Chmiel Zakarye Clark John Cloninger Madison Combe Nathanael Crandall Clayton Cranford Ava Crossan Lane Csimma Lillian Dalton

Cole Fedden Anna Gaetano Dakota Gall Delaney Golloian Rachel Gonzalez Joshua Granados Zachary Harnisch Juliana Harrison Erica Hill Matthew House

Hailey Hull Haley Hyepock Kayden Ibelle Rennie Karsten Chaeyeon Kim Kevin Kitmitto Max Koch Lesley Kraniger Jayme Linnes Gabriella Mark

James Mayou Gaven McGhee Tasha Mitchell Kate Monette Matthew Monroe Elijah Munck Joshua Muzi Maximus Mylett Ashlyn Neria Kylie Pries

Matthew Reuter Alekzander Rimando Corinne Robinson D’artagnan Robinson Matthew Rodas Tate Scott Chelsie Chino Siciliani Lucas Silva Xupeng Song Evan Spry

Chuanlong Tian Alexa Vernola Luke Wade Jacob Werkmeister Wyatt Wilson Zuowei Yang Matthew Zaengle Sui Zeng Xiaojing Zhong

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

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Thanks for Your Support

BY NORB GARRETT, OWNER AND PUBLISHER OF PICKET FENCE MEDIA

A little more than two months ago, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis that stopped life in its tracks, I reached out to our readers asking for help to support local, independent community journalism so that we could continue to deliver crucial local news and information during this unprecedented crisis.

As our local business owners closed their doors, we felt the immediate impact of the revenue losses as events were canceled, schools were closed and marketing budgets were slashed.

From the outset of the crisis, we made many changes and improvements to our operation, including launching new, community-specific daily e-newsletters (SC Times Daily, DP Times Daily and Dispatch Daily) with updates on the virus and how our communities were dealing with the crisis.

We also made significant changes in our newsroom staff in order to shift more focus on our social and digital platforms, created free online listings of all area restaurants that were open for takeout or delivery during the lockdown, eliminated operating costs and tasked our reporters and city editors with the job of increas-

Norb Garrett

OWNER AND PUBLISHER OF PICKET FENCE MEDIA

ing output to ensure that our communities were fully in the know.

The community’s response to my request to become an “Insider” to support the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch has been nothing short of amazing. In just more than two months, more than 300 readers from our three communities have contributed to support us with the goal of keeping our reporting capabilities intact.

Every day, new members join to express their appreciation while also supporting the critical role a local, community newspaper and media business plays in our towns. Their contributions help us try to offset the continued revenue losses as our economy slowly recovers, and all of us here at Picket Fence Media are appreciative and humbled by your support.

Our goal is to reach 1,000 reader con-

tributions by Sept. 1, as we are far from out of the financial woods while our local economy slowly restarts and businesses and events come back online.

As a way of thanking everyone who has contributed to support us, we launched our new membership program, “PFM Insider.” Starting in June, each month our “Insiders” receive a special discount code to use at a local business (this month it’s Bueno Bueno Mexican Kitchen in San Juan Capistrano), and we’ll feature a new “partner” deal every month.

We’ll also soon be adding exclusive Zoom chats featuring special guests for each of our three communities. I’m especially looking forward to hosting exclusive “Insider” meet-and-greets once we’re able to gather in large groups again.

If you haven’t yet contributed to support local journalism and become an “Insider,” please consider doing so now by either going to our websites and clicking on “Contribute,” or by sending your contribution directly to us at “PFM Insider, 34932 Calle Del Sol, Ste B, Capistrano Beach, CA, 92624.”

We truly appreciate your support of our ongoing efforts providing “Local News You Can Use.” We’d also like to remind all of our readers to support your local businesses as they slowly reopen and return to operations. It’s more critical than ever to spend locally in order to help our businesses rehire staff and recover from months of lost business.

We’re all in this for the long haul, and all of us here at Picket Fence Media are committed to doing everything we can to continue to serve, support and grow our communities today and in the future.

Thanks again for your support of the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, The Capistrano Dispatch and local, independent journalism. CD

GUEST OPINION: From the Inside by Dale Rosenfeldt The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 18, 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 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

Procrastination in the Time of COVID-19

M

y mother always said, “Never put off to tomorrow that which you can do today.” To all of the husbands out there who have said, “I’ll do it when I get around to it.” The time is now, but . . .

With a calendar full of tomorrows stacked like dominos to knock down one by one, I realize my mother never lived through a pandemic or anything like it.

I recently wrote about casualties during the time of COVID-19. Yet another casualty is a sense of urgency.

Annie taught us to sing, “Tomorrow,

tomorrow! I love ya tomorrow! You're always a day away!” And the ride I worked on at Disneyland in the ‘70s convinced me that “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.”

Why do things I don’t want to do when there is always more time to FROM do them? Our robotic THE INSIDE

By Dale Rosenfeldt vacuum does a good job of vacuuming up dog and cat hair, Page 26

but with no one coming over to visit, why dust? Watering the vegetables provides sustenance, but pulling weeds, not so much! Cooking each night, naturally, but the dishes can wait. Exercise must be done each day, but the sweaty laundry may pile up.

I didn’t color or cut my own hair, because I had nowhere to go and because I don’t have the skill. But when it became possible to make an appointment with a professional, I did not procrastinate, because looking in the mirror and smiling back is priceless, along with those Zoom thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: By Michaela Krum

People Exposed to Asbestos in Age of COVID-19 Asking, ‘What Now?’

M

illions of people have been exposed to asbestos through brake pads, house tiles or insulation, popcorn ceilings, and more. Unfortunately, asbestos is the direct cause of cancers such as mesothelioma and other deadly diseases. Even though asbestos was removed from the market in 1972, it still remains in many households and commercial products. People who already have limited pulmonary capacity because of asbestos-related diseases are reading the COVID-19 news and saying, “What now?”

Fortunately, significant material about asbestos and the ensuing health conditions is available through the documentary Dealing with Mesothelioma, which has been released on the RX channel and other news-streaming channels. This medical documentary is an easy-to-understand film featuring well-known actors who have battled diseases from asbestos exposure, including Steve McQueen and Ed Lauter, who tragically succumbed to mesothelioma. It also features leading medical professionals who deliver critical health information in language that is comprehendible to all viewers.

In addition to Dealing with Mesothelioma, the nation’s top medical facilities (including Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins) are producing updated material to people exposed to asbestos, a population that early studies have shown to be at the greatest risk of COVID-19. Dr. Erin Bromage has found that infection

could occur through the 1,000 infectious viral particles you receive through one breath or one eye-rub. More than 100,000 Americans have already died from the coronavirus, and June is expected to bring an escalated spike in cases. People who have been exposed to asbestos are unsurprisingly very concerned and seeking reliable medical information.

Former President Barack Obama recently called the government’s handling of the pandemic “an absolute chaotic disaster.” These are sobering times, but we must hold fast to the important truth that there is hope. There is big medicine available for big diseases like GUEST OPINION mesothelioma. Recent

By Michaela Krum news developments have been favorably compelling about vaccine developments that will likely be first available to those who struggle with pulmonary conditions, including those who have been exposed to asbestos. It’s been a long two months, but hope is on the way.

Michaela Krum is a recent Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of California, Irvine. CD

call compliments. Thanks, Vince, for making me feel pampered and beautiful again and prepared to see and be seen, but . . .

Just as we began to venture out, a series of terrible things began to occur nationwide, and it came to our cities and communities like other contagions, and retailers and restaurants who were about to open or had, boarded up, and those dominoes returned.

Never in my lifetime have I had a calendar so full of nothing: no work, no trips, no dinners, no gatherings. But as we come out of our COVID-19 coma, I feel as though I better get busy cleaning my closet, because I know there is a great big beautiful tomorrow and I want to be prepared to seize it and hold it dear.

The sun'll come out Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow Come what may Tomorrow, tomorrow!

I love ya tomorrow!

You're always A day Away!

Rosenfeldt is a consultant and trainer who travels often but is happiest at home in her art studio and with her husband, their dog and tabby cat. Her husband operates a business in town and is a commissioner and influencer. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

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@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 The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Page 27

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

Restaurant Roundup: What’s Open for Dine-In? COMPILED BY STAFF

With restaurants now allowed to have dine-in service with health-minded modifications, The Capistrano Dispatch has compiled a list of some San Juan Capistrano restaurants that are open, enabling people to sit down for a meal after being cooped up during the stayat-home orders. This list is by no means comprehensive, and is based on firsthand observations and social media posts by restaurants. If you’re offering dine-in service or have just reopened, email City Editor Collin Breaux at cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com to be included. This information is subject to change as conditions develop. Before you go, call the restaurants listed for details, and check websites for days and hours.

At the Movies: Charles Bennett’s Impact Makes Another Appearance

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

Dine-in service has returned at Trevor’s at the Tracks, but with modifications. Photo: Collin Breaux

Five Vines Wine Bar

Ricardo’s Place

31761 Camino Capistrano, Suite 11, fivevineswinebar.com, 949.800.9145 The popular downtown wine bar has reopened dine-in service, though tables are limited, so call for a reservation. They also still have delivery and curbside pickup.

Live music has returned to Five Vines, and craft beers are available.

32082 Camino Capistrano, ricardosplacesjc.com, 949.493.4941 Ricardo’s Place has reopened for in-person dining, delivery and takeout, in accordance with state guidelines.

Hennessey’s Tavern 31761 Camino Capistrano, hennesseystavern.com, 949.441.4777 Located in the heart of town near Mission San Juan Capistrano, Hennessey’s Tavern has reopened for dine-in service. Takeout service and DoorDash orders are also still available.

Trevor’s at the Tracks 26701 Verdugo Street, trevorsatthetracks.com, 949.493.9593 Trevor’s is also open for dine-in service, and like other restaurants has modified some aspects in accordance with health guidelines.

Employees are given health screenings and wear masks, the restaurant enforces social distancing, and menus are disposable. The outdoor patio offers plenty of space. CD

Outdoor Recreation Spots COMPILED BY STAFF

Though the world is gradually reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, some people may understandably be skittish about returning to restaurants and crowds. The Capistrano Dispatch compiled a list of outdoor spots so you can get out of the house without being around many people. Enjoying nature and the summer sunshine is good for your physical and mental health, particularly during a time like this. Email City Editor Collin Breaux at cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com to suggest other outdoor spots.

Las Ramblas Trail Camino las Ramblas, San Juan Capistrano This trail system is good for hiking. Some of the elevation changes can present a challenge, and there is plenty of open space to practice social distancing. Enjoy the greenery and the views of the nearby The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano has plenty of space to enjoy while practicing social distancing. Photo: File

area, especially from the higher elevations. Mountain biking is also popular at Las Ramblas Trail.

Los Rios Park 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano Walk around this park in a historic part of downtown San Juan Capistrano, and check out the nearby garden. The train station is around the corner if you’re in the mood for people-watching.

Poche Beach 2771 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Residents in nearby Capistrano Beach can walk or jog to the access point and walk down the steps to the pedestrian underpass leading to the beach. Poche Beach is a great spot to catch the California sunset, listen to ocean waves and walk on the sand.

Reata Park 28632 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano Reata Park offers walking trails and open space, so you can walk or jog while not being in close contact with others. Reata Park also has biking trails. CD

Page 28

harles Bennett, one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets and whose life and career was exposed to the world six years ago, is the subject of a new book, The Rise of the Modern Thriller—a two-volume follow-up to his posthumous autobiography.

Originally published in 2014 and edited by Bennett’s son, John Bennett, Hitchcock’s Partner in Suspense delved into Bennett’s personal experiences as an early, semi-regular writer on scripts of Alfred Hitchcock movies. It also covered the second half of his career, when he collaborated with another Hollywood heavyweight in Cecil B. DeMille.

Considering how many iconic filmmakers and major studios Bennett was working for throughout the 20th century, it’s still baffling to think that it took until the writer’s death in 1995—the same year he was honored with the Laurel Award by the Writers Guild of America—for him to show up on the film community’s radar.

Bennett was responsible for crafting the scripts of huge hits including Blackmail (1928), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), The 39 Steps (1935), Sabotage (1936) and Saboteur (1942) for Hitchcock; Reap the Wild Wind (1942), The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944) and Unconquered (1947) for DeMille; and King Solomon’s Mines (1937), Joan of Paris (1942) and Forever and a Day (1943) for Robert Stevenson.

Bennett received his sole Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay with Foreign Correspondent (1940), also his penultimate collaboration with Hitchcock.

While Partner in Suspense was a traditional, straightforward biography, Rise of the Modern Thriller (again penned by son John) focuses on Bennett’s artistic impact on the film industry and his professional relationships, particularly with Hitchcock.

Readers get an in-depth recount of the writer’s process and inspiration for his stories. One aspect that’s especially fascinating is how Bennett had formatted and practiced his own equivalent of the now recognized “hero’s journey” structure over a decade before literary professor Joseph Campbell famously coined the concept.

It should also be noted that the new book features some serious accusations of plagiarism against Hitchcock that movie fans probably won’t like.

John Bennett, who is now a retired schoolteacher based in San Clemente, was happy with the positive reviews Partner in Suspense received from critics and historians, and he feels the new additions continue to dig further into his father’s tale.

“Only part of whole story was told with the first book,” he says.

Volume 1 begins with a forward written by renowned Hitchcock biographer Patrick McGilligan, and both volumes of Rise of the Modern Thriller are now available for purchase in online bookstores. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Our Community Has Survived Previous Disasters

T

he unintended consequences of disasters, whether it is drought, flood, earthquake or pandemic, is not new.

Lifestyle changes will certainly take place in our community, as it had in past disasters.

All of the disasters mentioned above came together in the early part of the 1860s in San Juan Capistrano.

The start of the decade was typical for California. Light rains led to vast grasslands that were needed for the herds of cattle. That changed in 1861, when the rains came, and came, and came. After a month of torrential rains, when the sun finally did come out, it actually made news in a local Los Angeles paper. Adobe homes and walls just disappeared along with streets, vineyards, and cattle. Don Juan Forster wrote in a letter, “All the old walls around town, which were not well protected, have gone down to rise no more.” In Southern California, it was reported that several hundred people had drowned.

But it would get worse. On May 26, an earthquake, which was described as worse than the 1812 quake, “caused people to rush into the street in terror and for many nights thereafter, many would not sleep in their homes,” wrote Judge Benjamin Hayes.

And it would get worse. In 1862, less than four inches of rain fell, and in 1863, only a little more than five inches of rain fell..

And then came the smallpox. The results of this epidemic are felt in our community today. According to Pam Gibson, in Two Hundred Years in San Juan Capistrano: “Silently, indiscriminately, the germs of black smallpox entered almost every home. Indians were hardest hit. The Mission death register, between the dates of November 16 and December 31, 1862, recorded 129 deaths—

all Indians. In 2007, the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians petitioned the Department of Indian Affairs for tribal recognition. Mission records were incomplete, and many records had been destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco fire, were reasons given for not granting recognition. But the one reason that seemed to carry the most weight was that the high mortality rate during a particularly lethal smallpox epidemic in 1862-1863 was one cause for the rapid decline in the number of Indians and the number of people identified as Indians living in the vicinity of San Juan Capistrano in the second half of the 19th century.” So as of today, the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians do not have government MOMENTS recognition, even though IN TIME

By Jan Siegel they can trace their ancestors back over 10,000 years.

In a court case, Don Juan Forster testified, “The climate was bone dry. . . . There was no moisture and our cattle died off in very great numbers. About that winter, almost the whole country from north to south became almost depopulated of cattle from the fact that the country had been entirely overstocked about that time. Before the year 1864 had passed away, there was a perfect devastation. Such a thing was never before known in California.”

Although the number of cattle was decreasing, sheep were increasing on the California horizon. Wool was needed for the Union army. The ranchero era was gone. After the Civil War, more farmers moved into California. Lifestyles were changing.

Betty Valenzuela, Ellen Olivares Schneider, Dennis Sommers, and Teeter Marie Oliveros Romero in front of the Los Rios Adobe on Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. The year is believed to be 1979.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. 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.

Spend a Moment In Time during this crisis and think about the lifestyle changes that may be coming as a result of this disaster.

Our community has survived before. We will again. Stay safe.

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Juaneño tribal members

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Seamus his handsome guy is Seamus, a 2-year-old Husky mix who loves to have fun. Seamus has lots of energy and likes long walks and chasing after toys in the yard. His ideal adopter would enjoy outdoor activities and be committed to his continued obedience training.

If you are interested in adopting Seamus, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptadog 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

Photo: Courtesy of Teeter Marie Oliveros Romero and OC Public Libraries

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:

Seamus. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Page 30

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Volunteers Recognized at Shea Center Drive-Through Celebration

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Volunteers at the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center have been furloughed due to the COVID-19 crisis, but they still received some recognition from a distance on Saturday, June 6.

The Shea Center hosted a drive-through celebration in which volunteers passed through the grounds in their vehicles while staff waved and cheered them on. Outstanding volunteers named by the Shea Center are Kris Yellin from Mission Viejo as Rookie Volunteer of The Year, Eva Taufaasau from Rancho Santa Margarita as Youth Volunteer of the Year and Denise Wishney of Capistrano Beach as Volunteer of the Year. CD

The Shea Center thanked volunteers with a vehicle parade on Saturday, June 6, due to social distancing guidelines in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos: Collin Breaux The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

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Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Capistrano High School Athletes of the Year

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

SAN JUAN HILLS CO-MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

JOEY HOBERT FOOTBALL

Joey Hobert was all over the field in leading the San Juan Hills football team to its first CIF-SS championship. In the Division 4 title game at Loyola of Los Angeles, Hobert scored a rushing touchdown, returned a fumble for a touchdown and blocked an extra point in the 21-15 win. Hobert also continued to punt and return kicks for the Stallions. Hobert scored 18 touchdowns receiving and one rushing, as well as returning two interceptions, two punts, a kickoff and a fumble for scores. Hobert will continue his academic and football careers at Washington State University in the fall.

JSERRA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

JSERRA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY GROVER

SAMANTHA WILLIAMS

Anthony Grover capped a nearly impeccable cross country career with a golden senior season. Grover earned his third straight Trinity League title, his second Orange County championship, his second CIF-SS Division 4 title and his third straight CIF State Division IV title. Grover also qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals for the first time and finished 21st. Grover finished first in six of his nine races and finished second at the Mt. SAC Invitational. He also took first in his only two track events this season. Grover will continue his academic and running careers at Wake Forest.

Samantha Williams was a dynamic playmaker who helped the JSerra girls soccer team advance to its fourth straight Southern California Regional championship game this season.

Williams had been an impactful player for the Lions in the midfield during a run of three straight CIF-SS Division 1 titles, and this season, Williams stepped up to center forward. Williams scored 17 goals and added 12 assists and was named All-CIF as JSerra advanced to a fourth straight CIF-SS semifinal. She scored four goals across seven CIF-SS and Regional playoff games. Williams will continue on at Stanford in the fall.

CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK

ST. MARGARET’S FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

SOCCER

SAN JUAN HILLS CO-MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

MAX MILLER WATER POLO

Max Miller was the undisputed leader for the San Juan Hills boys water polo team on its run to the CIF-SS championship game.

Miller’s team-high 163 goals blew away the Stallions’ No. 2 goalscorer with 46 goals, and his team-high 204 points was more than three times the next-highest total of 59. Miller was also second in assists with 41. With his goal-scoring prowess, Miller was named the Division 4 Player of the Year and finished his career at No. 7 on the CIF-SS all-time goals list with 512 career tallies. Miller will continue his academic and water polo careers at USC.

ST. MARGARET’S MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR SAN JUAN HILLS FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

CAMPBELL CASE

WILL KENNER FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL

LUCY HODGE

Campbell Case has been a key playmaker for the stellar St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team. Although the season was cut short after three games this season due to the coronavirus, Case was integral to St. Margaret’s back-to-back U.S. Lacrosse Orange County and Southern Section championships in 2018 and 2019. Last season, Case scored 31 goals with 13 assists and scooped 35 ground balls. In 2018, Case scored 51 goals with 37 assists and added 28 ground balls. Case was labeled as a five-star recruit. She will continue her academic and lacrosse careers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in the fall.

Will Kenner was easily the top receiver on the St. Margaret’s football team in the fall and one of the most productive in Orange County. Kenner caught 82 passes for 1,301 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Tartans, ranking him as the No. 2 receiver in Orange County. Kenner was named All-CIF in Division 6 and the San Joaquin League football Player of the Year.

Kenner was also a leader on the basketball court, as he helped lead the Tartans to the Academy League title and was named first-team all-league. Kenner will continue playing football at Cornell University.

The first official lacrosse season in CIF-SS history was cut short due to the coronavirus, but Lucy Hodge still made a major impact to close her stellar San Juan Hills career. This season, Hodge scored 44 goals in only six games for a team-high and also led the Stallions in ground balls with 26 and draw controls with 41. Hodge was on pace to nearly double her 2019 scoring output, when she scored 69 goals in 17 games.

Hodge scored 159 career goals in 57 games as a four-year varsity player. Hodge will attend UC Berkeley in the fall.

LACROSSE

The Capistrano Dispatch June 12-25, 2020

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LACROSSE

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