June 25, 2021

JUNE 25-JULY 8, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 12

INSIDE: Special Section

Face to Face

In-Person Socializing Resumes After State Lifts Pandemic Restrictions E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

Community members danced the night away during the El Presidente Ball on June 19. Photo: Collin Breaux.

Editor’s Pick: Fourth of July

Guest Opinion: The Cowgirl Designer

Face Mask Debate Continues in CUSD

GETTING OUT/PAGE 23

LIVING/PAGE 24

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25–July 8, 2021

Page 2

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

data,” Davis said. “Teachers, staff, and administrators can be fully vaccinated by the fall.”

The board voted, 5-2, in favor of the resolution. Davis, Martha McNicholas, Pamela Braunstein, Judy Bullockus, and Gila Jones voted yes. Amy Hanacek and Krista Castellanos voted no. Though mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals and other pandemic restrictions have been lifted in California, there has been no change to the current guideline of requiring masks in K-12 schools.

Castellanos said while she knows about the challenges of masks and is eager to say goodbye to masks since she regularly teaches in them, safety guidelines are in place for a reason.

“It would be difficult for me to sign my name to this resolution demanding CDPH to expedite their research to accommodate the needs or demands of some parents,” Castellanos said. “At the end of the day, I’m not an expert in public health, and it’s vital that these decisions are made by our health care professionals.”

Bullockus said the CDPH is not comprised of educators and doesn’t realize

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

CUSD Trustees Approve Resolution on School Mask Guidance

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

In an effort to get the California Department of Public Health’s attention, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a symbolic resolution Wednesday urging a change in mask guidance for people on school campuses—effectively requesting masks be optional, particularly for students.

Students, teachers, and school staff have been required to wear masks while indoors on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether they are required to do so is set

by CDPH guidelines, and the school district has no jurisdiction on the matter.

Mask requirements have become

a contentious topic with parents and trustees, with some speaking out against masks and others urging the district to continue following public health guidelines.

The proposal urging a change to CDPH was brought forth by Trustee Lisa Davis. The resolution was originally on a previous meeting agenda, but other trustees suggested revisions to the item’s language before bringing it back for approval.

“Masking students in school for a disease that has minimal risk for them blatantly disregards the available clinical

what goes into planning for a school district, in terms of what goes into students returning to school and what that looks like.

“We are trying to urge the CDPH to get off the stick and make a decision, sooner rather than later,” Bullockus said. “If they’ve got some kind of major research that they’re waiting for results to come in, in the next two weeks or the weeks ahead, let us know—but we’re not hearing that.”

Gregory Merwin, the CUSD’s chief academic officer for education and support services, said the district anticipates updated health guidelines for K-12 schools.

“We are waiting and watching every single day so that we will be prepared,” Merwin said.

The Wednesday meeting marked the first one since the pandemic that did not fully implement mask and social distancing requirements. Fully vaccinated people did not have to wear masks inside the board room, while unvaccinated people were required to continue wearing masks. Most of the people in the room were without masks, though a handful wore masks.

City Manager Outlines Upcoming SJC Projects

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

San Juan Capistrano has a lot to look forward to as it emerges from the pandemic based on anticipated steps forward outlined by City Manager Ben Siegel, who spoke about what’s in store for the town while a guest speaker at the local Coffee Chat forum on June 19.

The city has started the gateway landscaping project, which will make aesthetic enhancements at the intersection of Ortega Highway and Del Obispo Street to match the landscaping and architecture at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The intersection is currently fenced off for construction and considered a key entry point for the downtown area.

“On the park side, we started the long-awaited Putuidem Village at the Northwest Open Space,” Siegel said.

“We’re going to open that this summer.”

Putuidem Cultural Village is intended to honor the area’s indigenous Acjachemen people and will include a presentation area at the city’s Northwest Open Space with seating, a discovery trail, shade trees and various depictions of Acjachemen culture.

Design work has also been started on the skatepark project, another new amenity long anticipated in the community. The skatepark will be on farmland adjacent to the town’s sports park and The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

The Ecology Center, and people will be able to enter the 1-acre skatepark from the sports park.

“We plan to start construction probably next spring, and we’re hoping to open that in the summer of 2022,” Siegel said. “We know that Dana Point kids are going to use that skatepark, so we worked with the City of Dana Point cooperatively.

They agreed to provide the funding in perpetuity to maintain that park.”

The city has also signed a 10-year franchise agreement with its waste hauler to meet compliance with changing organic and food waste disposal and recycling.

As for San Juan’s coming water and utility annexation into the Santa Margarita Water District, Siegel said he anticipates the city will go before the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission—which will give final approval on the annexation—for a hearing later this summer or early fall, “where we’ll really turn the keys over to Santa Margarita, probably, at the end of the year.”

Regarding the Ganahl Lumber Project—which is expected to bring about a hardware store and lumber yard, drivethrough restaurants, and a long-term vehicle storage area for auto dealers at the Lower Rosan property along Stonehill Drive—the city has been working

Putuidem Village and the Ganahl Lumber Project are some developments coming up in San Juan Capistrano, as discussed by City Manager Ben Siegel. Photo: File.

through challenges, such as the property being in a floodplain. The city council approved a purchase and sale agreement Page 3

with Ganahl Lumber Company for the property in December.

(Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Alcohol Service Regulations for Los Rios Restaurants Under Review

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Underscoring the contentious and complex nature of the topic, the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted on June 15 to table an agenda item setting specific hours and regulations for alcohol service at The Tea House and Ramos House Café.

City staff had recommended councilmembers introduce an ordinance that reinstates an accessory use permit process but only allowing those two Los Rios Street food establishments, which were granted AUPs in the 1990s, the ability to amend their AUPs for expanded alcohol service. Proposed staff recommendations also called for alcohol service to not go past 9 p.m.

The two restaurants had proposed alcohol sales be allowed until 10 p.m.

A council subcommittee will review the matter further before bringing the item back for discussion. Councilmember Troy Bourne said the community can generally agree everyone wants to make the Los Rios Historic District a better place and that the neighborhood is changing.

“We start to disagree about what Los Rios is supposed to be as it’s changing,” Bourne said. “There’s some fundamental disagreements. Should we light up the street? Should we remove residential requirements? Should we have the hours be the same as the evening businesses on the other side of the tracks?”

Bourne said that while discussion had come up about other details of the matter, he was mostly concerned with the process.

Councilmember Howard Hart said

he personally saw some advantages of expanding hours when it comes to the summer season and homelessness.

“When you have emptiness, that’s where the homeless tend to congregate,” Hart said. “When you have a little more traffic, they probably don’t. I’m afraid if we just grandfather in the number of AUPs but expand hours, are we then opening up Pandora’s box with all the other legal issues?”

Damian Orozco, operator of The Tea House, said his business is requesting to offer dinner service and “high-end cocktails.”

“For anyone that has visited or joined me as a guest there, you’ll know it’s a very experiential place. The ambience, service, food, and beverages are not recreated anywhere else in South Orange County, let alone San Juan Capistrano,” Orozco said. “The goal of this is not to become the next Trevor’s at the Tracks or Swallow’s Inn, both of which I patronize and love, or something that will be opening at River Street Marketplace, backing up to the historic district as well.”

Mayor John Taylor recused himself from the vote since he is a homeowner in the Los Rios area, but he did speak about the topic as a resident. A decision on the issue will be another change for local history and could have consequences down the road, Taylor said.

“The Los Rios District has been really pushed these last couple of years with River Street and all the changes with parking lots and so forth,” Taylor said.

“I just ask you, enough is enough--with

(Cont. from page 3) “We will probably close escrow later this month,” Siegel said. “We’re hoping that they can start grading. They’re going to elevate the site up to grade with Stonehill. There’s going to be a couple of restaurant pads out in front. There’s a lot going on there. We’re talking probably a two-year construction period.”

Ganahl Lumber Company is a “major sales-tax generator” that is expected to be a top sales-tax producer for San Juan, Siegel said. San Juan Capistrano has worked out an agreement with Dana Point for contributions on widening Stonehill Drive toward the I-5 freeway, which will add an additional east lane.

Siegel also discussed private investments anticipated for the downtown area with River Street Marketplace, an agrarian-themed and pedestrian-oriented commercial village that will border

the Los Rios District and have the main entry off River Street. The project is helmed by developer Dan Almquist.

Permits will “hopefully” be pulled later this summer, Siegel said.

“We’re going through the El Camino Specific Plan process right across the way here, at our downtown playhouse site,” Siegel said. “There’s a proposal moving forward. In fact, the city is in an exclusive negotiation agreement with Dan Almquist to look at the potential of a mixed-use commercial office project there—really beautiful renderings— that would, then, extend through the park.”

A potential new performing arts center that would effectively replace the existing Camino Real Playhouse has also been discussed, and Almquist has further proposed a residential project at the nearby former Kimpton Hotel site,

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

A sign at The Ramos House Café gives public notice of their involvement in a request to officials for extending alcohol sale hours. Photo: Collin Breaux

Page 4

all due respect to my neighbors, that we stop and really rethink this and not make any more changes as have been requested.”

Monica Mukai, who owns other property in the Los Rios Historic District, has also submitted separate AUP applications. Councilmembers said they did not want to pick “winners and losers” when considering the matter, and discussed concerns over the exact number of properties to consider.

Councilmembers also said the effects on foot traffic and parking for the upcoming River Street Marketplace development are currently unknown, but they are something to keep in mind, as well.

The city’s Planning Commission and Cultural Heritage Commission have also reviewed the matter and come to differing recommendations, according to a staff report. The Planning Commission’s recommendations included allowing alcohol to be served until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from June to September and until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from October to May, as well as reinstating the AUP process.

“The CHC is recommending that that the City Council reinstate the AUP process, allow no more than three AUPs to be approved and prohibit alcohol service after 5 p.m. all year long (except for private events),” a staff report said.

which Siegel said “deserves significant study and deliberation by the community and the council.”

Almquist’s projects will “play out” over the next year as environmental review processes move forward.

Down the road, Siegel discussed street maintenance—a concern with residents, and a matter Siegel said is on the list of “upcoming challenges.”

“Where I see the real unmet need is our street rehabilitation and maintenance program,” Siegel said. “It has a long, storied history. I’ve spent a lot of my time trying to figure this out. So here’s the deal—San Juan has some of the worst streets in South County. It’s not good.”

Siegel said the poor street conditions are not the fault of city staff and councilmembers, given funding for maintenance wasn’t available.

“Streets are expensive. We have spent over $4 million to redo the Meredith Canyon streets,” Siegel said. “A couple of years prior, we did all the streets in the villas.

We’re spending money. We’re spending about $2 ½ million dollars a year on streets programs.”

Funding comes from various sources, including gas taxes, but it’s “not enough,” Siegel said.

“Frankly, our streets program has been underfunded for decades, and you’re seeing that now,” Siegel said. “The challenge is the longer the streets go unimproved, the more expensive it is, exponentially.”

The potential “ray of sunlight” is the city is in better fiscal condition than it’s been in for years, and potential federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act could provide funding. Funding options will be presented to the council probably later this summer, Siegel said. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25–July 8, 2021

Page 5

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, JUNE 29

COMPILED BY STAFF

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

CD | Capo Unified Appoints

New Principals New principals have been named to Capistrano Union High School and Las Flores Middle School. The new roles will be effective on July 1, a news release said.

“Brittany Casey was appointed as principal of Capistrano Union High School, filling the vacancy created when Meg Ervais was recently promoted,” the release said. “Casey has been at Dana Hills High School for 14 years, with three years as a site administrator.”

Michael Kim is the new principal at Las Flores Middle School. He will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Tim Reece and has been a site administrator and Assistant Principal at San Juan Hills High School for the past four years.

Casey has led progressive discipline initiatives and overseen athletic programs, while Kim was a teacher and math department chair.

CD | Mission SJC Hosts

Historic Photograph Display An archival display depicting restoration efforts at Mission San Juan Capistrano is now available for viewing at the historic South Orange County landmark.

The exhibit is titled “Resurgam: The Rise of the Mission in the 1920s” and is the first exhibit for the Mission following recent pandemic closures. Resurgam is Latin for “I shall rise again,” according to a news release.

“Our newest exhibit celebrates the Mission’s evolution and revival over the past 100 years as a result of dedicated and ongoing preservation,” Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said in the release.

The exhibit is in the West Wing museum building and on display for a limited time. The Mission is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

CD | Ecology Center Hosts

Special Dinner Series The Ecology Center will have live-fire dinner evenings intended to entertain guests and stimulate discussions through food, music, art, and experiences through a series called HEARTH, a news release announced.

“HEARTH dinners will be open to 40 guests per evening from 4:30-8:30 p.m. timed with dusk and sunset,” the release The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

FRIDAY, JULY 2

COFFEE CHAT 9 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday of the month will be held on Zoom and in-person gatherings on all other Fridays at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

The historic photo exhibit titled “Resurgam: The Rise of the Mission in the 1920s” is now on display at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux.

friend’s funeral who passed away with no notice … and realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow.”

She started writing the first chapter after her children went back to school last fall and produced 50,000 words in three weeks. She signed an exclusive publishing rights deal with Amazon for the first 90 days for the Kindle, paperback and audio version of the book six months later.

“I’m am excited to see what’s next as I continue this journey of encouraging newly single parents to take the road less traveled (a poem that starts out the book),” Commisso said. “The book is very practical and problem solving-oriented, to encourage parents to be mindful as their world is falling apart, with a bit of humor at times.”

said. “Act 1 will run July 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31, and Act 2 on August 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and each will incorporate different artisans, makers, musicians, and more.”

Tickets are $200 per guest—inclusive of dinner, wine and cocktail pairings, tax, and gratuity—and available to purchase at theecologycenter.org. The dinners were conceptualized by The Ecology Center Founder and Executive Director Evan Marks and award-winning chef Tim Byres, the latter of whom will live on-site at The Ecology Center for four months in an Airstream trailer situated in the middle of the farmland.

Guests will also get to experience an welcome ceremony and farm tour.

Ticket sales support The Ecology Center’s mission to give back 20% of what it grows to feed local food-insecure community members. Visit theecologycenter.org for more information.

CD | Shea Center Gala

Raises Over $600,000

CD | Local Counselor Pens

A recent gala for the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center featuring dinner, drinks, and entertainment raised funds so the center can continue its mission of helping others through horse-riding.

The gala was held at Montage Laguna Beach and raised more than $600,000 and counting.

“As guests arrived on the lawn, they were welcomed by a light jazz trio,” a news release said. “The vista was a field of friends catching up with each other, a tequila tasting station, photo opportunities, a caricature artist, personal Haiku poetry, a wine wall, posters offering high-value live auction items, an open bar, and gifts for every guest.”

Divorce Advice Book Torrey Commisso, a counselor in South Orange County, took her struggles and found something beneficial.

Commisso wrote Surviving to Thriving: A Single Parent’s Practical Guide to Post-Divorce Fallout, a guide for helping parents recover from divorce in their first year, after going through her own divorce experiences.

“In September of 2020, I had five clients in the same week tell me I should write a book and thought that’s hard to ignore … one day,” Commisso said. “The next week, I went to a dear childhood Page 6

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

SATURDAY, JULY 3

HIKE WITH THE MAYOR 8 a.m. Mayor John Taylor will host a hike, open to the public, on the first Saturday morning of every month. The hike meets at the Las Ramblas trailhead and goes up to the Patriot Hill flag. Enjoy the outdoors while discussing community issues.

THURSDAY, JULY 8

DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 9

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

After dinner, Shea Center CEO Dana Butler-Moburg and Shea Center board chair Susan Chaney-Purel welcomed guests and gave a brief update on activities so far this year and from last year.

Live auctions were held for various destinations, including Catalina Island.

“The black tie-optional event was in a familiar setting, with 250 new and longtime Shea Center friends,” the release said. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25–July 8, 2021

Page 7

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

San Juan Capistrano Community Celebrates Return of Events, Normalcy

The vibe at Swallow’s Inn is back to normal after state-imposed pandemic restrictions were lifted on June 15. Photo: Collin Breaux

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

ome people spent their Saturday night dressed in Western attire while dancing and hugging in a crowded room—and without a mask in sight.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that San Juan Capistrano scene was from before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it actually occurred on June 19, 2021—more than a year after coronavirus concerns first became a fixture of daily life.

Since pandemic restrictions were lifted in California days beforehand due to low case numbers and relatively high vaccination rates, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association’s El Presidente Ball and other regular events have returned.

The back room was filled for the ball at El Adobe de Capistrano, where community members ate and chatted without having to worry about social distancing or capacity limits.

“It was nice to see we’re taking the steps we need to take to get back to some sense of normalcy,” Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor said. “I wasn’t expecting 177 people to come. The event sold out a while ago. It’s a good thing.”

In another light at the end of the tunnel, the annual Swallow’s Day Parade is scheduled again for March 12, 2022, after being canceled in 2021 and indefinitely The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

dressed man and Kim Washington won for best-dressed woman.

The day before the ball, the San Juan Capistrano Coffee Chat forum returned to its traditional, in-person format at Hennessey’s Tavern for the first time since the pandemic, with a full audience inside. The town halls have been held over Zoom during the health crisis.

“It’s been 67 weeks since we met in person,” host Erin Beyer said. “We’re super happy to see this many people back this morning. Obviously, we’ve all been waiting a long time for this opportunity.”

Organizers waited for restrictions to be fully lifted before bringing back the in-person forums. For now, Coffee Chat will still be held over Zoom on the first Friday of each month.

“We’re trying a hybrid. Everything is fluid. Things can change,” Beyer said.

“Who would have ever guessed, 68 weeks ago, that we would have ever done a Zoom Coffee Chat? It wasn’t even anywhere in anybody’s brain that it was even a possibility. We’ll just continue to adapt, because one thing we have learned is that Coffee Chat is super important and will never die.”

On reopening night, people danced and enjoyed live music inside Swallow’s Inn. The interior of the popular bar reopened on June 15 after restrictions

postponed in 2020.

“It should be relatively not-so-bumpy planning,” Taylor said. “The lineup’s done, and as long as the majority of the entries re-up for the parade, it’s a parade in a box.”

It is hoped with other mass gatherings scheduled to happen beforehand—including the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano’s car show at San Juan Hills Golf Club on July 10 and the Festival of Butterflies at Los Rios Park on Aug. 7—the parade will signify a sure sign of regular life, and not just the end of the pandemic.

“By the time we hit Swallow’s Day, if the variants are under control and the vaccinations are all figured out, then I think it may be the first normal thing that happens,” Taylor said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to—oh, wow, not everybody’s suffering from cabin fever. I’d be real happy if it was just a normal event.

This has been a horrifying 10, 15 months.”

The Fiesta Association was given numerous proclamations by local and regional officials, including from Mayor John Taylor (no relation); Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett; and representatives from the offices of State Sen. Pat Bates, State Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, and Congressman Mike Levin.

Scott Roma won the contest for bestPage 8

were abolished.

“We reopened at 8 o’clock in the morning with about 25 people waiting to get in, and it’s been pretty steady ever since,” manager Cal Grimes said. “It’s been 14 months, almost to the day, in the making.”

Swallow’s Inn had been partially open with its outdoor back lot throughout the pandemic. To be able to serve drinks outside in accordance with state health guidelines, Swallow’s also had to serve hot dogs, since regulations up until now had prohibited indoor bar service while allowing outdoor bar service with food.

“We have upwards of sometimes 850 people on a night,” Grimes said. “On Memorial Day, we had over 1,000 people come through on one day—but there’s nothing like being back inside. It’s a little bit of normalcy back in our lives.”

Grimes said he is thankful for the support, and practically everyone there to celebrate the full reopening had supported the bar throughout the health crisis. Masks, hand sanitizer, and ample outdoor space are available at Swallow’s, said Grimes, who did not want the full reopening to be interpreted as the business “thumbing their nose” at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I’ve done everything by the book,” Grimes said. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 9

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 10

thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021

SUMMER IN SOUTH OC

Welcome

to Go.See.Do Summer 2021

Live Music

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Activities are roaring back to life in South Orange County as pandemic restrictions loosen—including local concerts in San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. Here are some upcoming concerts and spots to enjoy them this summer: OC TAVERN GRILL AND SPORTS BAR This San Clemente sports bar and restaurant is a popular spot to hang out with friends and family, as well as catch some punk rock shows and other types of music along the way. OC Tavern has hosted Dréa Sheva, Jack Brand, and other acts. Visit OC Tavern’s social media pages to check out what concerts are coming up.

A

fter more than a year of an ongoing COVID-19 health crisis disrupting many aspects of daily life, we know our tri-city communities are more eager than ever to enjoy this summer.

Tuesday, June 15, marked a milestone in California, as state officials reopened the economy. We’ve compiled a guide to help you take full advantage of the months ahead.

Activities are roaring back to life in South Orange County as pandemic restrictions loosen—including local concerts in San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano.

Use Go.See.Do Summer 2021 as a reference point for live summer music in Orange County. For car enthusiasts, read on for a profile on the father-son duo that founded South OC Cars and Coffee, a staple weekly event in the local community.

And, in light of COVID’s influence and incentivization of the alfresco dining experience, we’ve compiled some of the best outdoor eating experiences in the tri-city area.

Wherever you go and whichever events suit your tastes, Go.See.Do Summer 2021 contains summer activities suitable for everyone. We hope you have fun and make up for lost time this summer.

2639 South El Camino Real. 949.542.8877. octavern.com.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK The City of Dana Point is bringing back free Concerts in the Park at Sea Terrace Park, starting on July 18 and going through Aug. 15.

The concerts will start at 3 p.m. and feature two bands each. Check the city’s website to see who plays each date.

Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road.

949.248.3536. danapoint.org.

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERTS Bring a blanket and the family to Historic Town Center Park in downtown San Juan Capistrano for a night of fun and relaxation. The free concerts will be held Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 from 6-8 p.m.

31872 El Camino Real. 949.493.1171. sanjuancapistrano.org.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE SERIES Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host a night of entertainment aboard the 95-foot Dana Pride on July 31. Relax with music while you enjoy the sunset at Dana Point Harbor. The boat will have a full bar and mixed drinks. Additional dates include Aug. 28, Sept.

18, and Oct. 16.

34675 Golden Lantern. 888.224.0603. danawharf.com.

THE COACH HOUSE Concerts are back on at this popular music venue in San Juan Capistrano. Grab a bite to eat while you sit and enjoy a diverse array of musical stylings. Artists scheduled to play include Buckcherry, Aaron Neville, The Spinners and Berlin. Listed dates are subject to change.

33157 Camino Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 11

thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021

Top: Spectators, car enthusiasts and motorheads admire the rows of luxury, classic and sports cars at the weekly South OC Cars and Coffee in the the Outlets at San Clemente parking lot on Saturday, June 5. Photos: Shawn Raymundo. Above: (From left) South OC Cars and Coffee founders Simon Wehr, Chip Foose and James Wehr. Photo: Courtesy of Jay Philippbar

Cars& Coffee Weekly Car Show Becomes Staple Event for Local Community

BY ERYKA FORQUER

F

ather and son duo Simon and James Wehr have transformed a local car exhibition into the self-proclaimed largest weekly car show event in the world, attracting caffeine devotees and car enthusiasts from all over Southern California.

South OC Cars and Coffee was first launched in 2015 by Simon Wehr and his group of car fanatic friends who were seeking an outlet where they could gather and converse about their shared passion of cars after the Cars and Coffee gathering in Irvine closed.

The car show was initially located at the Target on Avenida Vista Hermosa, but two years later, Wehr and his friends relocated the

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

event to the Outlets at San Clemente due to the large number of cars that attended weekly.

“The reason we chose Outlets at San Clemente was because we had hosted some Saturday evening cruises from there and had developed a great working relationship with the management team,” Simon Wehr said.

“The location is also perfect, with large open parking lots and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops for attendees.”

From the very beginning, Wehr said that there was a clear visualization for the future of the car show and a strategy on how they were going to promote it.

“James handles Instagram and does the photography for it,” Simon said. “He specifical-

ly targets the exotics, European and Japanese Domestic Market cars and owners, aiming mostly at the younger crowds. I handle the website, YouTube and Facebook, and target the older crowd with muscle cars, hot rods, vintage and classics. Our monthly social media impressions are around 6 to 6.5 million, with 1.8 million reach and 1.2 million interactions.”

South OC Cars and Coffee’s social media is filled with photos of varying cars, and its YouTube channel gives viewers a virtual walkthrough of the show as the camera snakes its way through the parking lot.

With all of this content, Wehr and his son are able to focus on a specific age demographic and aim so attendees feel like the show is

Page 12

designed for them.

“We are very big on making everyone feel included and welcome, no matter what they drive,” Wehr said. “We are about car culture and how much you love your car, not how much money you make and how expensive your car is. There is enough of that already in Orange County!”

The father and son developed a passion for cars in a process that Wehr called natural evolution. While growing up in Australia, Wehr was surrounded by car enthusiasts, and his father, brother and friends helped spark his own interest. As he grew older, he passed that same interest on to his son, James.

“And for James, he was coming on car cruises with me and helping wrench on cars from a very young age,” Wehr said. “It was in his blood, too.”

The event, which can attract 1,000 to 3,500 cars weekly, features a mix of vehicles that includes supercars, exotics, classics, pickups, motorcycles and sports cars.

Wehr said that the event has also displayed prototype and pre-production showcases by manufacturers including the McLaren Elva, Maserati MC20 and Jaguar Project 8 cars.

While the car show has even featured celebrity cars such as Paul Walker’s R34 Skyline, Wehr said the most memorable vehicles are the ones with history.

“For me, it has been the old cars with history, like the 1952 Ferrari 212 that was built for the New York Auto Show, or the Lancia Stratos that won the 1984 World Rally Championship or the 1986 Ford RS200 Evolution,” he said.

The San Clemente-based car show, which is widely recognized among the car community, has also reached celebrity visibility. Wehr said The World According to Jeff Goldblum shot an episode at South OC Cars and Coffee, and the car show also has participated in Amy’s Depot charity events with TV celebrity Chip Foose.

Since 2015, Simon and James have grown South OC Cars and Coffee into a staple event for both the car and local communities, and it takes place on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.

Through its journey, the Wehrs said that their favorite experience has been creating the show with each other.

“For James and I, it’s that moment each Saturday when we stand together to look around and take it all in,” Simon said. “We see the show that we started as father and son, the amazing merchandise selection my wife, Sarah, has designed and produced, the 50 or so volunteers that give so selflessly of their time, and the thousands and thousands of adults, kids, families who are enjoying it. That is the gold.” thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021

Hopping AboarD Summer Trolleys

Dana Point Trolley

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

S

ummertime trolley services are back up and running in the towns of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, providing locals and visitors with free public transportation, as well as opportunities to connect to the neighboring cities.

Over the past few weeks, trolleys have operated only on the weekends—Fridays through Sundays—but beginning on Friday, June 25, services expand to seven days in both Dana Point and San Clemente.

In San Juan, only weekend operations will continue to be offered, with the exception of a few key dates, including Sept. 6 for Labor Day, and on Aug. 18 and Sept. 15, when the city hosts its San Juan Summer Nites Concerts.

The trolley routes through each of the cities include several key stops at popular destination areas such as downtown corridors, shopping centers, beach access points and public parking lots, in addition to providing a connection to the next town over.

Dana Point’s unique location, nestled between Laguna Beach, San Clemente and San Juan, makes it the unofficial hub that connects all four cities and their trolleys.

At the northwest end of Dana Point, at the Ritz-Carlton, trolley riders can catch a connection to Laguna Beach. In the southeast part of Dana Point, the stop at Stonehill Drive and Del Obispo connects to San Juan’s trolley, and at the southernmost end, in Capistrano Beach, the stop at Camino Mira Costa and Camino de Estrella connects to San Clemente.

Dana Point’s trolleys run on two routes, a North Loop and a South Loop, with shared stops throughout the city’s Lantern District and along Golden Lantern.

The trolleys on Monday-through-Thursday will operate from noon to 9 p.m.; Fridays, from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 13

Fourth of July and Labor Day—the final day of services—the trolley will run from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

San Clemente trolleys similarly run on two routes, a Red Line and a Blue Line, which both meet at the Outlets at San Clemente for riders to transfer. The Blue Line covers San Clemente’s northern section, from El Camino Real in North Beach to Camino Capistrano in Capistrano Beach.

The Red Line travels along El Camino Real from North Beach to Avenida Del Mar in Downtown San Clemente. From there, trolleys take riders to and from downtown to the Pier Bowl.

Weekday services (Mondays through Fridays) in San Clemente are from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Independence Day, trolleys will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. San Clemente’s trolley service will end on Sept. 26.

In San Juan, the trolleys perform a single loop around the city. Traveling north on Camino Capistrano, the trolleys cover the downtown district, offering stops at Verdugo and near Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The trolleys then come back around to turn onto Del Obispo Street, then Camion Del Avion, then Del Obispo again, where it connects to Dana Point’s trolley on Stonehill Drive. From there, the trolleys loop back around toward Camino Capistrano.

San Juan’s trolleys operate Fridays, 5-9 p.m.; Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For San Juan’s Fourth of July and Summer Carnival celebrations, occurring from July 2-4, the trolleys will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On Labor Day, Sept. 6, the trolleys will also operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and for the nights of the summer concerts, they’ll run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021 Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen 34091 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.449.2822, coastalkitchendanapoint.com

Prior to the pandemic, Coastal Kitchen established itself as one of the best patio dining options in Dana Point, with its chic and sleek design and optimal Lantern District location. But owners Michael and Christina Grant rose to the occasion to transform the neighboring parking lot into an expanded, comfortable patio for diners.

The mission at Coastal Kitchen is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again, Christina Grant says.

“Before COVID, we offered great outdoor dining with our large La Cantina doors that open up to our patio, bringing the indoors out and the outdoors in, with firepits, umbrellas and light music,” Christina said. “When COVID brought us completely outdoors, we had to expand, and it was important for us to provide an inviting environment in addition to our delicious food.”

Outdoor Dining

Top Five Outdoor Dining Spots in Tri-City Area COMPILED BY LILLIAN BOYD

The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.6390, thefishermansrestaurantsanclemente.com

The Fisherman’s dining experience places the customer right over the shore break of the San Clemente Pier with optimal outdoor seating long before COVID incentivized the alfresco meal. While The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar adapted to state regulations to accommodate customers amid the coronavirus pandemic and expanded its outdoor seating along the pier, this coastal gem has been a repeated gold winner for Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining in San Clemente.

Fisherman’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as an oyster bar on the bar side of the restaurant. But the most optimal mealtime to be had is at sunset. Diners can enjoy discounts on Happy Hour plates, seafood and drink specials while taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean horizon and surfers catching waves right below the restaurant.

Rad Brat 34091 La Plaza, Dana Point, radbrat.com

Where in Dana Point can you order a hot dog drizzled in peanut butter and loaded with bacon, with outdoor seating, live music events and trivia nights?

Rad Brat, a hotdog and beer joint that opened in December 2020, next door to Hennessey’s Tavern, offers just that—dubbed “The Big Ugly” on the menu. But Rad Brat offers dogs for those with a variety of palates, as well as nearly 30 different beers on tap.

The menu also offers salads, milkshakes, the “Rad Fat Burger,” and appetizers including french fries, onion rings and pretzels with cheese sauce— something for everyone to enjoy.

Trevor’s at the Tracks 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.9593, trevorsatthetracks.com

Rancho Capistrano Winery 26755 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.9593, ranchocapwinery.com

Rancho Capistrano Winery The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Not only can you enjoy some of the best wine, dinner and ambience that Orange County has to offer at Rancho Capistrano Winery, you can also bring your furry best friend. With a 3,000-squarefoot, dog-friendly patio and an award-winning menu created by Chef Adrian De La Torre III, vino lovers have more than 40 different wines from which to choose.

Rancho Capistrano Winery prides itself on its generous portions and a flavor-forward profile that blends perfectly with its wines. Menu favorites include the cheese plate and flatbread selection, but be sure to take advantage of all-day Happy Hour on Mondays. There’s also a second location off Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente.

Page 14

Located in San Juan Capistrano’s historic 1894 train depot, Trevor’s at the Tracks offers a “globally inspired” menu that is locally sourced. In addition to its dishes, Trevor’s is known for its outdoor patio experience, placing diners right by the train stop and offering live music. Trevor’s kitchen works with local vendors such as The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, West Coast Prime Meats located in Brea and Ingardia Brothers Produce in Santa Ana. “We don’t like to go too far from our backyard, because we believe this is how our food tastes the freshest,” owner Trevor Baird said.

In 2015, Baird invested in the Sarducci’s Restaurant Depot, managing and running it for nine months before renovating the space for another nine months after that. Trevor’s at the Tracks opened in February 2017, and it has attracted outdoor patio diners ever since. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 15

thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021

Exploring Catalina ISLAND

Editor Collin Breaux details first trip to Catalina Island

BY COLLIN BREAUX

A

s the saying goes, the third time’s the charm.

I had booked two previous trips to Catalina Island—one in December—but canceled both because of surges in COVID-19 cases.

But given the recent turnaround in conditions, when the chance came up again to take a trip out there for this travel story, I figured it was time. I took a solo day trip on June 6, a little before the full state reopening on June 15.

It was my first time out to the island (I moved to California in October 2019 from Florida), so I wasn’t sure entirely what to expect—particularly given the new world we live in.

I’m always up for new experiences and exploring, though, so I stuffed a few items in a backpack and headed out.

I had to book my trip out from the Long Beach port since there weren’t any available from Dana Point that day. I have a feeling that could be a sign people are eager to get out after being cooped up for a year. My boarding time was after 2 p.m.

COLLIN BREAUX I made the drive to Long Beach and fired up some true crime podcasts to listen to along the way. Long Beach is an awesome place, in my opinion, so I didn’t mind having to go there.

I pulled up to the ferry spot based on my GPS direction, and as usual when arriving at a new location, I spent a few minutes figuring out exactly where to go. Driving into the parking garage, I parked my car and slipped on my mask.

The parking fee was $19 for a 24-hour period, which didn’t seem a bad deal at all.

Even with restrictions loosening, I figured masks would still be required. Turns out, I was right. There are signs everywhere reminding you to wear a mask.

I scanned my ticket at the ferry terminal and walked out back to get in line for the boat. There was already a relatively long line, and I got there a few minutes before the ferry took off.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

I met a guy who works out on the island.

“First time?” he asked me.

Given I had a backpack and was wearing a tank top, board shorts, and a hat—as well as the camera around my neck and my overall body language—that was probably obvious to everyone. We ended up chatting while in line and on the ferry. I told him how I’m from New Orleans after he saw the fleur-de-lis tattoo on my left bicep, and he told me about a trip he took there and how much he liked the city. I asked him his favorite part about the island, and he replied it is the scenery.

The ferry takes about an hour to get to the island. I found it relaxing, watching the water and just sitting in my seat.

The ferry crew demonstrates how to put on a life jacket at the start of the trip, and passengers are split up into two lines when they get off, based on who brought luggage and who didn’t. Most people bring luggage.

I was awestruck when we arrived. Catalina Island is truly beautiful. It looks like something out of a movie, reminding me of footage I’ve seen of the canals in Italy. My family and friends back in Louisiana and Florida marveled at the pictures I took. I loved seeing all the yachts sitting in the water, and people parasailing in the background. There are plenty of benches and seats if you want to sit.

I took time to walk around the island—mostly Avalon— and enjoyed the beach. Being hungry and wanting to try out the local delicacies, I decided the first thing I would do is eat at a restaurant. I chose Maggie’s Blue Rose and was not disappointed. I got a veggie burger, which is my go-to order at most places since I’m a vegetarian, and ate it on the beach. Chowing down while sitting in the sun and on the sand, while watching people enjoy the water, was cool.

After finishing my meal, I explored the island some more.

There are all sorts of interesting shops and places to go— even a library, which wasn’t open on the Sunday afternoon I was there. I was even surprised to see a police substation.

The architecture has an old-time stucco look.

Seeing a sign for a toy shop and being something of a toy

Page 16

nerd, I hunted it down and stopped in. It was a small shop with cute trinkets. I chatted a little bit with the shopkeeper, who had a small bulldog, but didn’t buy anything. I then walked all the way to the Catalina Island Casino, since it’s a big structure that caught my eye. It also wasn’t open. I later found out it used to be a movie theater. I also relaxed at the Avalon city park, which has the usual playground amenities.

Golf carts and bicycles are common on the island.

There were plenty of other people there when I went, and it seemed to be a mixture—some were couples, some seemed like friends, some were families. Everyone else also seemed to be taking in the sights and having a good time.

Crowds tend to gather and be lively at the Avalon square, and thin out and get quieter the more you get away from there.

I walked all the way back to the beach cabana area, and took in the incredible cliff scenery. As someone who grew up in the Deep South, I’m not used to hills and cliffs, and the mere sight of them still blows my mind.

The day turned to night, and my time to board for the return trip was approaching. I stopped in a candy shop to get some candy and a cappuccino before I left (I have a sweet tooth and need a caffeine fix), and sat on a bench to enjoy my treats before leaving. After the tumultuous year we’ve all been through, it felt nice to escape to a literal island and get away from everything for a few hours. Catalina is pretty, though it can be chilly at night.

I took my place in line again, and the return queue drew another crowd. There was definitely a mixture of contentment and fatigue among the late ferry crowd—it was after 10 p.m. by the time we got off—and seeing a ferry full of people wearing masks at night is a memory I’ll never forget.

I exited the ferry, got back in my car, and drove back home to Orange County. I definitely recommend a trip to Catalina, and would like to try parasailing and other activities when I go back. Catalina Island is a relaxing and fun diversion we can all use after going through the pandemic.

thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021

Pickleball Popularity Surge Continues

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

A

merica’s fastest-growing sport is pickleball.

It may be evident to anyone who’s frequented tennis courts in San Clemente, but maybe not as evident to anyone wandering Dana Point or San Juan Capistrano. However, no matter the location, the numbers bear out that pickleball, which had already been rising in popularity, exploded in popularity over the course of 2020.

Pickleball is a combination of the major racquet sports of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It’s played on a badminton-sized court, which is about half the size of a regulation tennis court. The net is about two inches shorter than a tennis net. The equipment are paddles and a wiffleball, which are essentially larger versions of your traditional ping pong paddle and ball.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

From 2016 to 2019, the average yearly growth for the sport was 7.2% for a total over 23% over those three years. In 2020 alone, pickleball grew by an astounding 21.3% to a total of 4.2 million players in the United States, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

Why this surge? Why in pickleball?

Pickleball has attracted players of all ages, as it is fairly simple to play and set up. It has less movement than tennis due to court size, but it is still an active sport. It’s also fastpaced, but not so blindingly fast like ping pong can be. It’s more accessible than many sports.

The sport’s age demographics speak to that accessibility. According to USA Pickleball, the average age for all players is 43.5 years old with the average age for the sport’s core players, people who play eight or more times in a year, was 51.5 years old. Of the age groups broken down by USA Pickleball, 8-34 was the largest group at 27.9% of players with 65+ at 21.1% and 35-54 at 20.9%. Of the sports core players, 38.7% were 65 and older and 21.3% were 55-64.

As mentioned before, the sport’s surge has made its way to South Orange County, and particularly to San Clemente.

Three years ago, there were about 50 pick-

Page 17

leball players in San Clemente, and there are now about 500 in the community. There are dedicated pickleball courts at San Gorgonio Park with local groups pushing for more, and pickleball can be played at the tennis courts at San Luis Rey Park. There are also pickleball lessons through the City of San Clemente, which resumed at the beginning of June and a second session starting July 14. However, the classes are extremely popular, and if players are interested, they can act fast at san-clemente.org under recreation and further under recreation, classes and programs, or email Bill Miller at miller.william22@gmail.com.

San Clemente is also set to host the Orange County Cup professional pickleball tournament from Thursday, June 24, to Sunday, June 27, at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.

The event will feature nearly 1,000 athletes, including the world No. 1 male and female players, competing for a $65,000 payout. Organizers expect more than 3,000 spectators, and the event will be broadcast live on ESPN+, Facebook and YouTube. For more information or to buy a grounds pass for the event, go to ppatour.com/events/orange-county-cup.

Elsewhere in South Orange County, San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Mission Viejo have options to play the sport. In San Juan Capistrano, the city offers pickleball classes through its recreation programs, and the classes are at the SJC Tennis Courts at 31450 Camino Capistrano. In Rancho Mission Viejo, pickleball can be played at Sendero Field Park and Esencia Sports Park.

thecapistranodispatch.com

Go.SEE.DO. // SUmmer 2021

Southern California Theme Parks Lift Restrictions

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

N

ow that the state has fully reopened its economy, lifting social distancing guidelines and face mask requirements, Southern California theme parks are following suit and ramping up capacities as we head into the summer.

At every one of the six major theme parks— Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland and Sea World—fully vaccinated visitors can ditch their face masks.

Only visitors aged 2 and older are required

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

to wear face coverings in indoor public settings if they’re unvaccinated. Both Disneyland and Legoland noted that they won’t be requiring guests to show proof of vaccination.

Disneyland stated that guests will only need to “self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.” The Anaheim-based theme park last week also ended its moratorium on guests from outside California, now allowing all visitors to “self-determine distancing.”

As for reservation requirements, that’s one aspect of the pandemic-related protocols that is remaining in place for a few of the theme

parks. Disneyland, Legoland and Knott’s Berry Farm will maintain their reservation systems for guests to book visits.

Universal and Six Flags announced last week that they’ve done away with their booking requirements.

At Disneyland, guests must purchase their tickets ahead of time online and select their date of visit. Online, they can select the number of tickets they wish to purchase, type of park pass—single park or park-hopper—and then the date they plan to go.

For park-hopper tickets, visitors must

Page 18

choose which park they intend to start the day at, either Disney California Adventure Park or Disneyland Park. Park-hopper ticket holders will be able to enter the second park only after 1 p.m., at which time they’ll be able to go between parks.

Similarly, at Legoland, guests can choose between a one-day admission pass, or one with entry to its Sea Life Aquarium or the water park, and then the date of the visit.

More information about each park’s safety protocols and ticketing information can be found at their respective websites. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 19

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Page 20

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Equestrian Community Advocates for Keeping Horses a Priority at Riding Park

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan Capistrano and the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park are synonymous in the eyes of many with horse riding, a tradition the local equestrian community fears could vanish if action isn’t taken.

Members of the community advocated for keeping the park focused on equestrian activities during a city council meeting held on June 15. During a February meeting, councilmembers had approved a request for proposals for uses at the riding park that would permit considerations of a variety of uses, including non-equestrian activities.

City staff expects to receive use proposals this summer, and is aiming to have an operator selected by this fall after reviewing submissions. Discussion on the park was not on the June 15 agenda, though the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition encouraged people to speak about the topic at the meeting, ahead of an operator being selected.

“We, the concerned citizens and equestrians and friends of the horse, would like you to consider our heritage and choose an equestrian vendor,” said Julie Ryan Johnson, a board member of the Equestrian Coalition and a San Juan resident.

The park is the regular site for the annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, which has been postponed until next year due to lingering COVID-19 concerns.

City staff recommended the extended request for proposals after a previous request for proposals, which was limited to equestrian activities, drew only two responses—one from a small operator in Los Angeles and the other from Blenheim Facility Management (BFM), which currently operates the park. Neither was considered adequate to cover the millions in costs for required water improvement projects at the city’s Eastern Open Space, a part of which the riding park occupies.

The improvements are required under a consent decree reached after Orange County Coastkeeper sued the city and Blenheim Facility Management in 2017 over the water quality. The city owns the park property after purchasing it in 2010.

Jim Carter, founder of American Horse Products, said the town caters to outside people through equestrian activities.

“We are the only ones that I know of

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Equestrians, including Julie Ryan Johnson, are pleading with local officials to keep the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park focused on equestrian activities. Photo: Collin Breaux

in Orange County that have a reputation for having horses and facilities for horses, and great excitement for the community,” Carter said.

Jessica DiCostanzo, another Equestrian Coalition board member and longtime equestrian, said she grew up going to the riding park and pleaded with city officials to keep the riding park for horse riders.

“If you’ve ever been through town and see someone riding on their horse, and they stop and let kids pet their horse, there’s nothing more heartfelt than that,” DiCostanzo said. “I have families that ask me all the time, ‘Hey, I see this big park over off the Ortega. What’s the scoop there?’ You can go. You can go anytime.

It just makes their day to know they can watch people jump really big jumps or watch the rodeo.”

Mayor Pro Tem Derek Reeve said having such civil dialogue is “critically important” and that city officials will not

allow the town’s equestrian heritage and culture to disappear.

“This city council is 100% committed to the equestrian community here in San Juan Capistrano,” Reeve said. “We do have challenges, obviously. We have a multitude of variables that you know we have to consider. We did have activists that invited trial lawyers into the town, with the intention of kicking out Blenheim.”

The council voted in February, 3-1, to approve the request for proposals. Mayor John Taylor and Councilmembers Sergio Farias and Troy Bourne voted yes. Councilmember Howard Hart voted no. Reeve was not at the February meeting.

Any uses of the park are subject to city and Rancho Mission Viejo regulations, under an agreement the city previously had reached with Rancho Mission Viejo.

A video celebrating San Juan’s equestrian community and encouraging the culture stay intact was played at the June 15 meeting. Members of the equestrian

Page 21

EVENTS AT THE RANCH JULY 14

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING 7-9 p.m. Take the first step in becoming an official volunteer at The Reserve.

Participants will get to learn about the outdoor area’s history, purpose, and other relevant information—as well as how to communicate that to the public.

The event will be held over Zoom. Sign up at rmvreserve.org.

community are generally concerned the equestrian lifestyle could gradually vanish due to environmental regulations, including those governing CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operations). CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith

GUEST OPINION | Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Amazing Grant Opportunity for ArtsRelated Small Businesses and Nonprofits

A

re you a small business or nonprofit in South Orange County’s art community and struggling to stay afloat because of COVID-19?

If so, then I invite you to apply for my Arts Related Small Business & Nonprofit Grant Relief Program.

Approximately $1 million in grant funding is available to support qualifying arts-related small businesses and nonprofits impacted

by COVID-19. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 for nonprofits based on organizational BARTLETT revenue, and $5,000 BULLETIN to $12,000 for small

BY LISA BARTLETT businesses based on the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTE).

The online application process opens on June 24 at 9 a.m. at charitableventuresoc.org/artsreliefd5/.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come,

first-served basis. Awardees will be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred from Jan. 1 to the present (as long as other relief program funds were not received for the same expense).

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate

often used to cover a whole host of changes, which include warmer, drier conditions in some places, more severe storms in others and even the possibility of extreme cold waves.

Another change is now occurring. Scientific American recently announced that it would no longer be using the term “climate change” in its publications and instead use the term “climate emergency.” Others are using the term “climate crisis.” As with the change from “global warming” to “climate change,” this more recent change is the result of a growing consensus among scientists that the word “change” does not adequately reflect reality.

The reality is that world governments have not done enough in response to both predicted and actual changes to the world’s environment. Actual changes include loss of glacier and arctic ice, the rise in world average temperatures and the increase in acid levels in the ocean.

Incorporating these changes into the current predictions results in some truly frightening possibilities, such as ocean level rises close to 100 feet, hundreds of thousands of climate refugees, and parts of the world becoming uninhabitable.

A recent study out of MIT shows that it is possible for the world to stabilize

In order to qualify, your business or nonprofit must meet the following eligibility requirements: • Must have no more than 25 employees (FTE).

• Must be a for-profit business or nonprofit organization 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) and eligible to receive federal funding.

• Home-based businesses are eligible (home mortgages or owner’s salary are not permissible expenses).

• Independent contractors and sole proprietors are eligible, but funds cannot be used for salary, lost profits, or lost income.

• Must have been in operation on/before Feb 15, 2020 and have not permanently

closed.

• Main place of business must be located within the Fifth Supervisorial District.

• Must be willing to attest to a statement that the award was used as a response to the negative economic impact of COVID-19 and attest to compliance with all local, state, and federal COVID guidelines and orders.

• Funds cannot be used for tax revenue replacement, loan payments, or overtime.

• Detailed requirements can be found at charitableventuresoc.org/artsreliefd5.

So, don’t delay. Gather the required documents and submit an application today.

Lisa Bartlett sits on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the 5th District. She was reelected in 2018. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines

Social Media/ Digital Coordinator Kolette Morehead

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Eryka Forquer

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, Issue 12. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPO DISPATCH

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

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

Education by Karl Reitz

WORDS MATTER

A

lthough some scientists warned about the dangers of the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for many years, it did not receive widespread attention until the mid-’80s. Because carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acted in a way similar to how the glass around a greenhouse holds in the heat, carbon dioxide and other gases like methane were called greenhouse gases. Similarly, the CITIZENS’ CLIMATE effect on the Earth EDUCATION was called “global

BY KARL REITZ warming.” However, because the effects of atmospheric warming did not necessarily result in uniform warming and sometimes even resulted in local extreme cold, scientists advocated a change in terms. The term “climate change” became the term most

Page 22

the atmosphere and keep the worst from happening by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is doable, but it means significant changes in how we produce energy. A large majority of economists and policy experts agree that the biggest step we can take is to pass legislation assessing fees on industries that result in the release of greenhouse gases. One such proposal is the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act now before Congress.

Karl Reitz, PH.D., is an environmental science educator, a member of the South Orange County Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Education/Lobby, and a retired professor of social sciences from Chapman University. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

CORRECTION: A listing of graduates with the San Juan Hills High School Class of 2021 in a special section of The Capistrano Dispatch’s June 11-24 issue did not mention graduates Ashley Friess and Max Chance III. We regret the error.

thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

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

Editor’s Pick

The List

SATURDAY | 03 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles.

Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing.

Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

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

FRIDAY | 25 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live music at this well-known local bar, which is open indoors again with no pandemic restrictions in place. Road Kill Kings will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SATURDAY | 26 OUTDOOR THEATER 5:30 p.m. Creative Kids Playhouse will present a youth theatrical performance in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Tickets are $15. The cast will perform Into the Woods, presented by the Excalibur Players. Another performance will be held earlier in the day at 1:30 p.m. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.297.6257. creativekidsplayhouse.com.

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

SUNDAY | 27 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

The standard Fourth of July fireworks display is back on this year. Photo: File.

SUNDAY | 04 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Noon-10:30 p.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano is again hosting its annual Fourth of July festivities, this time at usual full capacity. The fireworks display is at 9 p.m.

There will also be food, exhibit booths, live music, and more. The celebration will be a weekend-long event, with summer carnival from 4-10 p.m. on July 2 and noon-10 p.m. on July 3. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Full concerts are back on at this popular South Orange County venue.

Los Angeles-based band Wild Child will pay tribute to The Doors and Jim Morrison. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

WEDNESDAY | 07

unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Brandon Wildish will perform. Luke Westin will perform earlier that day at 2 p.m. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

WEDNESDAY | 30 BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Perform-

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

AT THE MOVIES

to be a staple for some comedy fans’ vacations, but those who might not be into the stark, slightly mean-spirited tone of the farce, there’s a more wholesome and relatable piece in Greg Mottola’s Adventureland (2009), with Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart working at a local amusement park during summer of 1987.

Similarly, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s The Way, Way Back (2013) is another modest, quaint family drama set on summer vacation, where Liam James’ protagonist takes a seasonal gig at a water park. And yet another, retro-ish summer flick that takes place during camp is Wes Anderson’s charmingly twee Moonrise Kingdom (2012).

Billy Wilder’s classic midlife-crisis comedy

The Seven Year Itch (1955) is most famous for its sequence with Marilyn Monroe standing above a breezy subway gate, but the movie also takes place during summer.

Spike Lee’s controversial masterpiece Do the Right Thing! (1989) takes place entirely during the hottest day of the year on a Brooklyn street. John Stockwell’s Blue Crush (2002) is a romance-themed summer flick in which Kate Bosworth is a local Hawaii surfer with potential also moonlighting as a hotel maid, when she meets a pro football player played

by Matt Davis.

Whether you’re out of the house or on the couch this season, the options are still available. CD

Less-Popular Summer Movies

BY MEGAN BIANCO

F

or those of us movie fans still waiting for all our most-anticipated blockbusters to hit theaters again, there are still at-home options, as always. Let’s take a look at some lesser-known flicks to fit the sunny mood.

David Wain’s summer camp-set cult flick Wet Hot American Summer (2001) has grown

Page 23

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist

GIFTS FROM GOD, HORSES & THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

A

ccording to the World Economic Forum, 99.9% of businesses in the U.S. are considered a small business.

Small businesses are the backbone of our country, and right now many of them are either reopening or starting over. I can relate to the pain of losing your life’s work of building a business you assumed would support you the rest of your life. After the crash of 2009, when my last interior design assistant walked THE COWGIRL out the door, I knew DESIGNER things would be

BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST changed forever.

I sure wish I had known about The Golden Circle earlier. It would have made my life post-2009 a whole lot easier. It changed how I thought about myself, helping me embrace who I was and integrating my authentic self into my company. The Golden Circle presents the theory (in business marketing) that you need to show your audience why you do what you do, then how you do it, ending up with what you do … in that precise order.

However, most businesses put the what before the why. Using this proven theory as a guide while you reopen or reorganize your business, you can make a monumental difference in your overall success. I guarantee if you take the time to make these discoveries, you will be

more profitable and happier, and save time.

In my own personal journey with The Golden Circle, I discovered that some of the things I thought (in my own head) were my cons were such a huge part of me—I could not ignore them. I consider myself a sophisticated designer, but also a cowgirl, so how could those two worlds possibly meld? Do I hide one of them behind the mask of the other? I am a cowgirl who just happens to be a designer, so I started to use that in my marketing.

The very word cowgirl is often misunderstood. It encompasses something in a person that is more than a love of horses. Cowgirls are brave, love God, their family, and their animals. You need to be brave to run your own business, so I admire any person who has embarked on that journey. There is at least a little bit of cowboy/cowgirl in all of you, so embrace that!

Happy summer to everyone. See you next month with a discussion about the importance of how an interior feels and how it can translate into more profits for your retail business, or more enjoyment and productivity in your home office.

Marlene Holmquist is the owner of Luxury Ranch Interior Design. She holds a BFA in Illustration from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She recently relocated from a 5-arcre ranch/ studio in Ramona, CA, to Monarch Beach in 2020. She now boards her cow horse

Photo: Courtesy of Harley Lobo and OC Public Libraries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Felice Lobo in San Juan Capistrano in the early 1900s.

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

Zeke at Shady Maples ( formerly Tar Farms).

Marlene is currently a member of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. luxury-ranch.com. CD

Sudoku

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Ulysses

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium SOLUTION:

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 24

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

U

lysses is a 2-year-old Dachshund mix who is looking for his perfect match. Full of joyful energy, Ulysses has an adorable charisma that is evident from the moment you meet him. He would make a wonderful companion for someone searching for a lovable little canine.

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

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

DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HUGE GARAGE SALE— SATURDAY JUNE 26 @ 8AM 26661 Via Sacramento, Capo Beach, CA. LOTS of great stuff..Don’t miss this one!!

GARAGE SALE—SATURDAY JUNE 26TH 8am to 11am. Potted plants, refrigerator, record player, boom box, misc. Corner of Calle Juanita/ Calle Carmelita, Capo Beach.

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY Contact Debra for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 104

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

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

Page 25

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Silver Sluggers JSerra baseball team takes runner-up in program’s first-ever CIF-SS title game

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he JSerra baseball team had never been to this level before.

The Lions were playing in their first-ever CIF-Southern Section championship game on Saturday night, June 19, and despite knowing what to expect from their opponent in No. 2 seed Harvard-Westlake, top-seeded JSerra didn’t know what to expect from itself.

The result was not one the Lions will want to dwell on, but the night still marked an achievement in program history.

Harvard-Westlake scored three unearned runs and held JSerra to just one hit to defeat the Lions, 3-0, and leave JSerra as Division 1 runner-up in the CIF-SS title game at Cal State Fullerton’s Goodwin Field.

“I’ve got to do a better job of getting them ready,” JSerra coach Brett Kay said.

“I didn’t want to try and overcoach them.

We kind of knew exactly what they were going to do, how they were going to pitch us. I thought we had two really good practices on Thursday and Friday, and I thought they were ready. I don’t know if it was the environment or whatever it was. They beat us three times (this season), and at the end of the day, you tip your cap and say, ‘You beat us. You’re better than us.’”

Harvard-Westlake beat JSerra twice in the regular season in two tight tournament games: 2-1 in San Juan Capistrano on March 23 and 6-4 in Studio City on April 7.

Harvard-Westlake was playing in its third CIF-SS title game in the past five seasons, and the Wolverines finally got a win for their first championship since 2013.

The season wasn’t completely over for JSerra, because the Lions qualified for the inaugural CIF Southern California Regional Baseball Championships as the No. 2 seed in Division I. Harvard-Westlake opted out of the regionals.

The Lions posted a mercy-rule victory over Liberty of Bakersfield, 10-0 in five innings, in the first round on Tuesday, June 22. JSerra then hosted Trinity League rival Orange Lutheran for their fourth matchup this season in the semifinals on

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25-July 8, 2021

After a 4-5 start, JSerra won 23 of its next 24 games to storm to the Trinity League title and to the Lions’ first-ever CIF-SS championship game. JSerra also qualified for the inaugural CIF Southern California Regional playoffs. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Thursday, June 24. JSerra had defeated Orange Lutheran in two of the final three regular-season games to win the Trinity League championship.

Results were not available at press time, but the JSerra-Orange Lutheran winner will host the winner of Ayala-Bishop Amat in the Regional Final on Saturday, June 26, at 4 p.m.

The CIF-SS Final was billed as a pitchers’ duel, and it lived up to it, with JSerra’s Eric Silva, a UCLA signee, on the mound against Harvard-Westlake’s Christian Becerra, a Cal signee.

Becerra was impeccable, pitching a one-hit shutout with seven strikeouts and three walks in a complete-game, seven-inning performance. Silva threw six innings, allowing two unearned runs on three hits with eight strikeouts and two walks.

Harvard-Westlake’s two runs off Silva came on an error by Silva in the third.

The Wolverines got two men on with a single and a walk, and on an ensuing bunt attempt, Silva fielded the ball down the third-base line and threw wildly to first base. The two runners on base scored on the play, and the bunting batter was thrown out at third base.

Those runs were all the Wolverines needed, as Becerra never let a JSerra runner past second base. Luke Jewett hit a double in the second inning, Gage Jump and Gabe D’Arcy had back-to-back walks in the fourth, and Colin Blanchard

walked in the fifth. However, that was all of the Lions’ action on the basepaths.

“I honestly don’t know what happened,” Silva said. “We weren’t us at the plate. Usually, we’re attacking fastballs, attacking strikes. I think we were just trying to do too much.”

In the seventh inning, Harvard-Westlake got one more run on the board by reaching on an error and scoring on an error for the third unearned run of the game and the final score, 3-0.

No matter what the result in the regional playoffs, the 2021 campaign will be remembered for ages by anyone involved at JSerra.

Before the season even started, JSerra was logging miles just to play some catch and get into form after the 2020 season was cut short due to the pandemic.

“Just surreal,” Kay said of the past 16 months. “To not knowing you’re playing, to we were No. 1 in the state last year, 11-1 and rolling, then our worlds get turned upside down. We traveled to Dallas, Utah, Arizona three times to play, because we couldn’t play on our own field, couldn’t play catch, to this, to this entire season.”

The 2021 season featured a special lineup for JSerra, which started seven seniors and boasted 13 Division 1 college-bound players. Despite the pedigree and their early 2020 form, the season didn’t open to anyone’s expectations.

JSerra began with a 4-5 record, which

Page 26

included those two early losses to Harvard-Westlake.

That stretch proved to be an anomaly, as JSerra quickly got back on track and won its next five games by a combined score of 41-8. The Lions extended that stretch to 18 consecutive wins and ultimately a 20-1 stretch through the end of the regular season and a Trinity League title.

“We’re so close,” Silva said.“I can call each and every one of those boys my brother. I’ll probably invite all of them to my wedding.

It’s a special group to me. The camaraderie was the best I’ve ever seen.”

After a bye as the top seed, JSerra opened the Division 1 playoffs with a combined no-hitter over Capistrano Valley. It was the Lions’ third no-hitter of the season, with Jump and Tristan LaMaison combining on the effort. Silva threw a solo no-hitter on May 5, and LaMaison combined with Matt Champion on the season’s first no-no on March 22. JSerra had only two no-hitters in program history before this season.

JSerra then posted a strong win over Yucaipa in the quarterfinals, 7-1, and broke out the big bats over Ayala, 11-7, to advance to the first CIF-SS championship game in the program’s 18-year history.

The win over Ayala was only JSerra’s third-ever semifinal appearance.

JSerra still has another shot at a championship, but either way, 2021 was the most successful season in Lions baseball history. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25–July 8, 2021

Page 27

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 25–July 8, 2021

Page 28

thecapistranodispatch.com