July 9, 2021

JULY 9-22, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 13

INSIDE:

Siegel: SJC Rebounds from Pandemic SJC LIVING/PAGE 12

Levin: Don’t Let Offshore Drilling Devastate Economy SOAPBOX/PAGE 8

Stirring Up Interest Ramen Chef Plans to Open New Restaurant in Downtown Area E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

Ramen Shack chef Keizo Shimamoto hopes his soon-to-open restaurant in San Juan Capistrano will be a destination spot. Photo: Collin Breaux.

thecapistranodispatch.com

Editor’s Pick: MissionFest

Butterfly Release Brings RMV Community Together

Library Bookstore Reopens

GETTING OUT/PAGE 11

EYE ON RMV/PAGE 6

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

Page 2

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Ramen Chef Brings Talents to New Restaurant

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

As a sign of how seriously he takes his craft, chef Keizo Shimamoto spent years honing his ramen crafting skills abroad.

The Orange County native—raised in Huntington Beach and now living in Irvine—traveled to Japan to study ramen preparation after he discovered his passion for ramen through a blog in which he documented eating the dish throughout Southern California.

Shimamoto will now use his skills for Ramen Shack, a new restaurant expected to open in downtown San Juan Capistrano this summer—next to Hennessey’s Tavern and across the street from the upcoming FKN Bread bakery.

“I used to be a programmer and worked in finance,” Shimamoto said while enjoying coffee at Hidden House Coffee, around the corner from his planned new ramen spot. “After the subprime meltdown, I got laid off from a couple of jobs, and then it was just hard to really find a job again—so I just took the plunge and quit everything and

moved to Japan to study ramen.”

He spent four years in Japan working at various shops before returning to the U.S. in 2013, but this time on the East Coast in New York.

“It was one of those things where I never thought I would become a ramen chef,” Shimamoto said. “But just my love for ramen and wanting to know more about it kind of led me into becoming a chef, because there’s so much you can eat and the only way to really learn more is actually make it.”

While in New York, Shimamoto created a dish called the Ramen Burger, which went viral. The Los Angeles Times reports the dish is a “burger consisted of a shoyu-glazed beef patty placed between two secret-recipe ramen buns.’”

“Through all that success of the Ramen Burger, I was able to channel everything back to my love for ramen, and I opened up Ramen Shack back in New York City,” Shimamoto said. “From there, I started to get a cult following from the locals, and the ramen community was very supportive of me. People would come from all over the states to try my ramen.”

Shimamoto is now back in California, where all his family lives. Returning home during the COVID-19 pandemic made sense, he said.

A soon-to-open restaurant in San Juan Capistrano will offer ramen dishes. Photo: Courtesy of Ramen Shack.

Comedy About Aliens, Robots and Medieval Times Comes to San Juan Capistrano

BY LILLIAN BOYD, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A play about aliens and their robot companion crashing onto Earth amid medieval times in Europe may be one of the most theatrical returns to maskless, live-stage performances at the Camino Real Playhouse.

The Tools of a Jester, a comedy co-written and co-directed by Riley Lenthall and Evan Gordon, aims to poke fun at bizarre, yet real traditions and events of the Middle Ages, while telling the story of how the main characters’ attempts to return home inadvertently impact history.

Lenthall, a 17-year-old Dana Hills High School student, and Gordon, a recent graduate from Dana, first began developing the play in December 2020. Now, The The Capistrano Dispatch July 9-22, 2021

Tools of a Jester comes to Camino Real Playhouse on July 16-17 and July 23-24.

But why aliens? Why medieval times?

“We wanted to pick a period of time where something like aliens crashing would drastically shift the course of humanity,” Lenthall said.

“We also agreed that medieval people would have the best reaction to aliens,” Gordon added.

The Tools of a Jester playfully alludes to real-life moments in history, including animals being tried in court for crimes and the human tendency to associate magical or God-like powers unto the unknown.

For Lenthall, The Tools of a Jester will Page 3

Ramen Shack could open in San Juan in late July or early August.

“I remember coming here for field trips in elementary school, going to the Mission. There’s kind of a special place here. I always remembered it as a kid, even driving down the 5 (Freeway),” Shimamoto said. “To move back here and come see how the town is growing, and you have all these really nice restaurants—Heritage and Mayfield—I

instantly felt like, oh, this could be the next culinary destination.”

Shimamoto misses serving people and seeing the excitement on their faces.

“I think it will be like a destination spot,” he said. “I have a lot of fans that are willing to travel. Having the train station right here and the Mission, there’s stuff to do in San Juan. Get a bowl of ramen, go get Heritage Barbecue, grab a coffee here, go to the zoo.”

be his writing and directorial debut. In 2019, he first took to the stage after auditioning for Dana Hills’ summer musical Seussical Junior—where he met Gordon.

Having been casted within the same year in Gordon’s play Souvenirs—which was also performed at Camino Real Playhouse—Lenthall approached Gordon with the idea to team up for a play.

“I knew I wanted to create something, but I had no prior experience,” Lenthall said. “Gordon had that experience, so we were able to build off of that while still exploring my own ideas.”

The co-directors say they each overcame refocusing their different creative directions throughout the play’s development, but both Gordon and Lenthall agreed from the start that they wanted this play to be performed by a maskless, vaccinated cast.

“We knew we wanted to get back to normal,” Gordon said. “There’s a level of

separation when people are in masks.

The audience can’t see what their faces convey. The cast can’t project their voice and tone.”

Gordon says he learned from experience after putting on a COVID-proof play in his backyard that implemented masks and distancing.

“This play is really the perfect way for the community to come support theater kids who didn’t get to do any theater for the last year,” Gordon said.

The Tools of a Jester comprises of a nine-person cast and five-person creative team—all current or former Dana Hills students.

Camino Real Playhouse is located at 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call the Playhouse at 949.489.8082 or visit caminoplayhouse.org. To purchase tickets, find the event page by searching “The Tools of a Jester” on eventbrite.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Source of Oil Spill off San Clemente Island Remains Unidentified

BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

With the source of an oil spill off San Clemente Island reported by the captain of a whale watching boat yet to be identified, local environmental groups are pushing for further investigative efforts from authorities and voicing their concerns on the widespread repercussions of oil spills.

On June 19, Domenic Biagini, the captain of Gone Whale Watching, reported a large oil slick approximately 14 miles off San Clemente Island while conducting a whale watching tour with about a half-dozen passengers aboard.

In drone footage that he shared on Instagram, Biagini captured a pod of dolphins swimming through the rainbow-colored sheen. Three days later, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted an overflight of the area and did not report sighting of the slick.

“Despite my reporting of this larger spill area on Saturday, the Coast Guard claims that somehow that report didn’t reach command,” Biagini wrote on Instagram. “It was almost 72 hours before they went looking for the spill, which is of course either no longer in the same place due to ocean currents or has diluted enough to not be visible.”

Despite its report of not seeing the oil spill, the Coast Guard suspects that the sheen was caused by diesel fuel, a petroleum-based product that dissipates within a day or less, according to California’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

“There is some good news,” Biagini wrote on Instagram. “As far as spills go, diesel fuel is one of the less ‘tragic’ ones.

It eventually spreads and dilutes in water fairly quickly, hopefully limiting longterm environmental impact.”

While the source of the spill remains unknown, Jonathan Bishop, the oil spill coordinator for the California Coastal Commission, said it is not uncommon for the source of spills to remain unidentified.

“There are a large number of small spills that occur every day,” Bishop said.

“Many small spills go unreported, and the cause or source of some spills are unknown. Lots of small spills add up to bigger problems.”

Orange County Coastkeeper Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Spinuzzi stressed the importance of the Coast Guard’s investigation.

“This particular oil spill off San Clemente Island obviously is concerning because of the silence that we have had from a regulatory agency,” Spinuzzi said.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9-22, 2021

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the severity of an oil spill depends on a few factors: where the oil was spilled, what type of oil was spilled and the different plants and animals found in the surrounding habitat.

While diesel oil is considered to be among the less toxic types of oil, it can be dispersed by waves and transformed into droplets that move with the currents. When ingested, diesel oil can cause mortality for organisms including invertebrates, fish and birds. Crabs and shellfish can also be impacted by diesel spills in shallow areas where they absorb and depurate the oil for several weeks after being exposed to the spill.

Alissa Deming, a doctor at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, said oil impacts mammals through external and ocular exposure, ingestion of the oil and the inhalation of fumes at the water interface.

“Each route can be associated with different heat impacts,” Deming said.

“Topical skin and ocular exposure can cause skin and eye irritation/damage, and ingestion can result in more systemic effects like impacts on immune function, decreased reproductive success and heart problems. Inhalation can cause chemical irritation of the airway and lungs.”

Oil impairs the insulating ability of mammals with fur and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers. It traps juvenile sea turtles and is mistaken as food by fish, dolphins, whales and other marine organisms. The ingestion and inhalation route of oil in mammals can result in short-term and long-term health problems, depending on the dose of oil and the duration of exposure.

While the impacts of an oil spill can be compromised in a physical sense, Deming said that oil spills can have a damaging snowball effect on the entire structure of an ecosystem. Oil spills can cause populations to decrease, leading to a shift in the landscape and environmental patterns.

In addition to environmental impacts, marine oil spills also have negative repercussions on the economy in coastal communities. Tourism is a major source of income in coastal areas, attracting people to local businesses and beaches where they can participate in recreational activities including boating, swimming and diving.

“California is a coastal economy,” Spinuzzi said. “The closer you get to the beach, the more expensive things are and the more people come here for tourism. The further you get away, the less money people are spending on tourism, and that is because the coastal resources and keeping them clean is what drives our economy.”

A large oil spill reported off the coast of San Clemente Island has prompted local environmental groups to call on regulatory agencies to further investigate the incident. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Oil spills also impact fisheries, including any portion of the economy that is related to fishing. Other large economic impacts include the costs of cleanup and compensation.

The Coast Guard is responsible for cleaning up oil spills and taking reports of all maritime safety incidents, including chemical and oil spills. Oil spill reports in California are included in a long list of spill reports composed by the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, which can be filtered by city.

The types of spills range from chemical, sewage, railroad and petroleum.

When looking for spill reports in San Clemente, the OSPR lists about 150 reports that date back to 2006 and includes about 50 petroleum spills. The OSPR lists about 120 reports for Dana Point that date back to 2006 and includes close to 80 petroleum spills.

In addition to the OSPR, oil spill reports can also be tracked by an interactive map created by the environmental nonprofit organization SkyTruth, which uses data collected from the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center.

“Those are reports of accidental and hazardous oil material spills, and many of these reports are actually submitted to the Coast Guard by the polluters themselves,” said John Amos, founder and president of SkyTruth. “Each of those red pins on the map is a leak or spill report, and the map will show you the most recent 100 of those reports based on your display.”

SkyTruth, founded in 2002, uses radar satellite imagery to map offshore infrastructure and detect marine oil spills. Using two satellites operated by the European Space Agency, the organization receives 1,500 black-and-white radar images a day that are automatically Page 4

analyzed by a machine learning model for the detection of an oil slick. In the radar imagery, an oil slick will appear as a black line.

“It’s a pretty distinctive thing when you see an oil slick from a vessel,” Amos said. “It’s practically a slam dunk when you see a big, bright spot at the end of the slick and that bright spot is the vessel that is causing that pollution.”

“That is what we found when we started looking at radar satellite imagery around San Clemente Island to see if we could find anything indicating the source of a diesel fuel spill that was captured on video on the night of June 19,” he continued.

Amos said he was unable to detect any oil slicks on June 19 off San Clemente Island due to weather conditions. The area was covered in fog that Saturday, and he was unable to see the surface of the water in the radar imagery. However, Amos did detect an oil slick in the area on May 23 that was left by a vessel the size of three football fields.

While he was unable to detect the June 19 oil slick, Amos suspected that the spill could have occurred from a collision of vessels, a leak during a refueling operation out at sea or a refueling exercise conducted by the Navy that had gone wrong.

“These relatively small oil spills happening out in the ocean far offshore used to get ignored,” Amos said. “Technology has just evolved to the point where we can uncover these problems and make them visible, knowable, measurable, and hopefully that means actionable.”

While there have not been any recent updates pertaining to the source of the oil, Adam Stanton, a Coast Guard public affairs specialist, said the spill is still being investigated. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

SATURDAY, JULY 10

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences.

Email larrykramerccl@gmail.com to receive a link to join.

CD | San Juan Capistrano

Library Bookstore Reopens It was March 2020 when the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library bookstore had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After more than a year, it finally reopened on July 6, 2021.

There were reportedly more than 21 customers in before noon on the day of the reopening. The bookstore is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The bookstore and library are at 31495 El Camino Real, near Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting open to the public. The meeting can also be viewed online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano.

Bibliophiles can again peruse the bookstore at the San Juan Capistrano library. Photo: Collin Breaux.

CD | Spa Opens at New Hotel If you’re planning to stay at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, you can now get a massage while you’re there.

The new downtown boutique hotel, which opened in September, had a grand opening for its spa on June 24—nearly a year after the hotel itself opened. The event was attended by members of developer Bill Griffith’s family, hotel staff, members of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, and other community representatives.

“Our team is proud to open the doors to Spa at The Mission, helping our guests find balance inside and out by providing moments that are authentic to the history of the area and experiences that are Exactly Like Nothing Else,” Pam Ryan, general manager of Inn, said in a news release. “Through the leadership of our new spa manager, Donna Sullivan, Spa at The Mission is ready to invite travelers and our community to discover this sacred space to nourish and renew the mind, body and spirit.”

The 2,500-square-foot spa features four treatment rooms, treatments utilizing natural oils infused with on-site herbs, and facial treatments. Yoga and meditation services are expected to be eventually offered.

Visit innatthemissionsjc.com for more information.

CD | Rotary Club Assists

Boys & Girls Club The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano recently presented an $8,000 check to the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. The gift is part of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club’s Community Services initiatives.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9-22, 2021

Mariner a year is chosen.

Last year’s winner was Hannah Carter, who was also the National Sea Scout Boatswain. Hannah also was awarded Sea Scouts highest honor of Quartermaster, though all the events for her in April 2020 were canceled.

The usual 2020 season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the program continued through Zoom, with some sailing and hands-on instruction resuming as restrictions were lifted.

There will be an informational night in early September for new and returning Mariners. The fall season runs September to November, and spring from March to May. There is also open sailing throughout the year to the Mariners. Mariners 936 is open to youth ages 14-18, and there is Mariner Juniors for ages 12-13.

Visit mariners936.com for more information.

CD | ‘100 Horsemen Strong’

Challenge Announces Winner Unidos South OC was selected as the winner of a fundraising campaign intended to promote the equestrian lifestyle in San Juan Capistrano.

Unidos, a nonprofit that helps underserved members of the San Juan Capistrano community, will use grant funds to help those they serve get acquainted with horses and horse riding.

Other finalists will also receive $1,000 grants: Surf and Turf Therapy; The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area; The Alliance for San Juan Art; The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding; and Otra Mas and the San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation.

The “100 Horsemen Strong” challenge was created by the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, which is advocating for preserving the town’s horse culture amid concerns it could vanish due to environmental regulations and other challenges. Funds were raised through community donations.

CD | SJC Man Gets Prison

Sentence for Sexual Assault Alejandro Hernandez Garcia, 45, of San Juan Capistrano, was sentenced on July 6 to 156 years to life in state prison for sexual assaults on a 16-year-old girl and a young woman in Orange County, City News Service reported.

Garcia was convicted on March 18 in a non-jury trial.

“Garcia was convicted of two counts each of forcible oral copulation and sexual penetration by foreign object and force, and one count each of rape, sodomy by force, attempted rape while a victim is unable to resist and assault with intent to commit a sex offense—all felonies,” City News Service reported.

The assault on the 16-year-old happened in a garage in San Juan Capistra-

CD | Mariners 936 Announces

Scholarship Winner The Mariners 936 (South Coast Sailing Team) held its Bridge of Honor for the first time since the fall of 2019 outside at Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point on June 27. The event is usually held twice a year after each season and under more formal circumstances. Mariners 936 (South Coast Sailing Team) is a nonprofit focused on youth sailing and boating by building confidence and leadership skills.

Olivia Atkins is the winner of the 2021 Cvengros Scholarship at $10,000. One Page 5

FRIDAY, JULY 16

Coffee Chat 8:30 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, 31761 Camino Capistrano.

Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

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 for more information.

TUESDAY, JULY 20

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

THURSDAY, JULY 22

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 23

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

no, while the assault on the young woman happened in her car at a gas station in Irvine—reportedly within a five-week period in 2016. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Butterfly Release Brings Community Together

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

R

ancho Mission Viejo residents usually get to adopt a baby caterpillar and oversee its eventual transformation into a butterfly before releasing the reborn creature, as part of a regular community tradition.

The event did not happen last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it returned this year for a third annual release—on June 19, 2021, to be specific.

As much as the butterfly release is about caterpillars growing and spreading their wings, the recent event can be seen as the local neighborhood springing back to life from the pandemic.

“It’s something to do, to give people a purpose,” said resident Peter Dang, who organized the event with his partner, Roy Fenn. “People hang out. They bought food at the food truck.”

Residents raise the caterpillars in a container with food before setting them free. This year, due to potential concerns over crowd proximities, the butterflies were released in special canopies that accommodated individual RMV families.

The butterflies were gathered beforehand and released through the canopy zippers, along with ladybugs.

The event is additionally intended to educate children and families about the ecosystem, Dang said. More than 400

Families in Rancho Mission Viejo came together for a butterfly release event last month. Photo: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo.

families attended the celebration, which included a DJ and farming representative to answer questions residents may have had about the outdoors.

Safety was a top priority while planning the event. Organizers worked with

RMV management heading into the event and have also partnered with management for other safe events, including for Easter, Dang said.

The response and participation in the event were overwhelming, Dang said.

Neighbors got to meet each other in person after building online connections during the pandemic.

Organizers would definitely like to hold the event next year if they can, Dang said. CD

RIENDA PLANS REMAIN SET FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

P

lans for a new housing development in Rancho Mission Viejo are still on track.

RMV officials announced in a June 29 news release that escrow had officially closed on land for the new Village of Rienda.

“Closing escrow is a very important and exciting step forward in the development of the Village of Rienda at Rancho Mission Viejo,” said Paul Johnson, executive vice president of community development for Rancho Mission Viejo, in the news release. “We are looking forward to all that’s to come over the course of the next year, and know that homebuyers will be blown away by the community lifestyle we’ve created.”

Rienda is still scheduled to open in spring 2022. The first phase is planned to include 671 homes in seven neighborhoods.

Rienda residents can expect to enjoy The Capistrano Dispatch July 9-22, 2021

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.

Rancho Mission Viejo plans to offer more housing options, this time through the upcoming Village of Rienda.

Photos: Eric Figge and The New Home Company.

amenities common at The Ranch, including fitness classes, happy hours, and other gatherings and events.

Four neighborhood builders—Lennar, Meritage Homes, PulteGroup and Tri Pointe Homes—will be involved in bring-

ing Rienda to life.

“With its unmatched location, variety of amenities and spectacular natural surroundings, Rienda at Rancho Mission Viejo is a one-of-a kind community and a perfect fit for Pulte Homes,” said Chris Page 6

Edgar, PulteGroup’s division president for Southern California. “We are thrilled to offer our innovative home designs that give buyers the ability to create personalized spaces to fit their everyday living and entertainment needs.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

Page 7

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SOAPBOX

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

| by Picket Fence Media CEO/Founder Norb Garrett

Check Out ‘The Weekender’

R

ecently, we launched a brandnew free e-newsletter called The Weekender. Every Friday, The Weekender will highlight our editor’s picks of the best entertainment, events, activities, restaurant openings, etc., happening that weekend in South Orange County.

As life begins to return to normal following the pandemic, we wanted to help our readers returning to outdoor activities and fun by creating a helpful, curated guide to the best events our communities have to offer.

It’s also a great way for us to support our local businesses and event operators who have arguably suffered the most through the lockdowns, as The Weekender will spotlight their efforts as they come back online.

You can rest assured that all of the

events are chosen by our editors; none of them are paid placements.

If you’ve already signed up for our daily e-newsletters, you will automatically receive The Weekender. If you haven’t

BY NORB GARRETT yet signed up for the OWNER & PUBLISHER daily newsletter but you’d like to get The Weekender, please go to thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender to sign up today.

True to our tagline, “Local News You Can Use,” I hope you’ll find The Weekender yet another invaluable tool that helps you get better connected to your community.

If you have an event you’d like us to consider for The Weekender, please email

the information at least two weeks prior to the event date to weekender@picketfencemedia.com.

As always, thanks for reading the The Capistrano Dispatch, and we’ll see you around town! CD

Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith 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 13. 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.

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 9-22, 2021

GUEST OPINION | The Levin Letter by Rep. Mike Levin

We Can’t Let New Offshore Drilling Devastate the South OC Economy

A

s most people in South Orange County know, our coastal waters are the lifeblood of our local economy. From boating to surfing to hospitality, ocean-based economic activity employs tens of thousands of Orange County residents.

However, offshore drilling threatens our waters, along with the communities that rely on the ocean to make ends meet. We must eliminate the possibility of new drilling along our shores.

That’s why I introduced the American Coasts and Oceans Protections Act. This bill would prohibit new oil and gas leasing along the California coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

According to Oceana, fishing, tourism, and recreation along California’s coast support nearly 600,000 jobs and generate roughly $42.3 billion in gross domestic product.

In Orange County, tourism and recreation alone employ roughly 100,000 people at nearly 4,000 establishments— including many locally owned small businesses. These businesses and their employees could lose everything if we suffer a catastrophic oil spill.

Like many South Orange County resi-

dents, I was disturbed when the previous administration announced plans to allow new oil leases in 2018. Fortunately, they ran out of time before these harmful changes could be implemented.

While that effort failed, the threat THE LEVIN LETTER remains. We cannot

BY MIKE LEVIN simply hope that future administrations will share our priorities when it comes to banning offshore drilling. We need a guarantee that our local economy and coastal habitats will not be jeopardized by new oil and gas leases.

The American Coasts and Oceans Protections Act provides this necessary legislative assurance. Now, we need to pass the bill in Congress and make it the law of the land.

I am pleased by the local support this movement has generated. The San Clemente City Council recently authored a letter of support for my bill, and more than 90 municipalities along the Pacific Coast have formally opposed offshore drilling over the past few years.

These local governments recognize Page 8

that clean coastal waters help fuel our growth. Expanded offshore drilling threatens to wash away the jobs and revenue generated by our thriving coastal economy—all to profit reckless fossil-fuel executives. We can’t let this happen.

Memories of the horrific, 4-million-gallon oil spill in Santa Barbara in 1969 remind us what is at stake. And the more recent spills along the California coast confirm that this problem won’t go away without bold action.

An overwhelming majority of business owners, beachgoers, and South OC families agree: offshore drilling is not worth the risks it poses. Now is the time to shut the door on new oil and gas leasing along our shores, once and for all.

U.S. Representative Mike Levin represents the 49th Congressional District, which includes the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. He was reelected for a second term in 2020 and resides in San Juan Capistrano with his wife and two children. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

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OBITUARY

Paul Eldon King October 23, 1949 – May 6, 2021

Paul Eldon King was born Sunday, October 23, 1949 to Paul Douglas and Mildred Elise King in Salt Lake City, Utah. Myra was Paul’s older step-sister. Charlie was Paul’s younger step-brother. Paul died in his home with his sons in San Juan Capistrano, California, Thursday, May 6, 2021. Paul was preceded in death by his father.

Paul is survived by his sons Joshua, Stephen and Michael.

Paul was married to the late Ellen Elizabeth

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

(Miller) King. Paul served in the United States Army Signal Corps from July 1, 1968 to June 30, 1971 stationed in Vietnam June 6, 1969 to June 5, 1970.

Paul and Ellen raised their three sons in the Christian faith, encouraged a strong work ethic, instilled solid study habits, enjoyed playing sports in the park and yearly camping trips in the western United States. Paul worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for 38 years. Paul enjoyed serving 5 years as a neighborhood beautification volunteer “Garden Angel”. Paul expressed his love for his family and friends and said “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior” prior to his death.

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GETTING OUT

Lee Rocker. Photo: Jet Luna

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

Lee Rocker

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ike many other people, Lee Rocker is glad that live music is back.

Rocker—one of the founders of The Stray Cats—is playing The Coach House on Saturday, July 10. He’s no stranger to the venue, having performed at the notable San Juan Capistrano venue over the years.

Rocker looks forward to playing in front of crowds after more than a year of not being able to fully do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being a touring musician, I’m used to going from place to place,” Rocker said. “It was a strange adjustment.”

He will be performing a lot of material from his new album Gather Round, which came out in January, and classic material cherry-picked from his decades-long career. The new album has a fun but somewhat yearning tone, and the title track opener perfectly encapsulates the hopping rockabilly sound that fans can expect from Rocker.

Gather Round was recorded during the global lockdown. Rocker and his wife hopped in their Airstream trailer and traveled around the country while coming up with new tunes. He emphasizes that he kept away from people while driving down Route 66 and heading to the East Coast, where he’s from originally.

Rocker’s musicians sent him their contributions from their home studios.

“It’s a record I’m seriously proud of,” he said.

Rocker initially thought returning to the stage would be weird, but he compared it to getting back on a horse after

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

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a while in terms of the seamlessness. He recently saw Bruce Springsteen on Broadway, saying the feeling of seeing people in a venue again was a welcome sight.

Audience members at The Coach House can also expect a multimedia and storytelling experience, since Rocker over the past few years has incorporated screen footage and behind-the-scenes stories from his career into performances. Having worked with iconic performers such as Willie Nelson and Keith Richards, Rocker certainly has a wealth of experiences to discuss.

Rocker’s coming show on July 10 will be his second after a Fourth of July performance in New Mexico. While the weather was hot, Rocker said he couldn’t have been happier to be back in front of live crowds.

“It’s time to celebrate and have some fun,” he said.“So much of the music I’ve done over the years is about having fun.” CD

WHAT: Lee Rocker concert at The Coach House WHEN: Saturday, July 10 Doors open at 6 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m.

WHERE: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFO: thecoachhouse.com Tickets are $25.

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GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

‘The Sparks Brothers’ Finally Recognized

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

Editor’s Pick

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

FRIDAY | 09 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.

MissionFest returns to San Juan Capistrano this weekend. Photo: File.

SATURDAY | 10 MISSIONFEST 12:30-10 p.m. Music festival MissionFest returns to The Outpost at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, just in time for summer and the state reopening. Midland, Devin Dawson, White Buffalo, Daring Greatly, and The James Kelly Band will perform. Enjoy food, wine, and other outdoor activities while having a fun Western time. Check the event website for more details. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. missionfest.com.

no. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6-9 p.m. Jim Plays Dan will perform. Grab a seat and order food and drinks while you enjoy their tunes. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

SATURDAY | 10 ROTARY CLUB CAR SHOW 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano’s annual car show is back, this time at a new location. Check out the hot rods, muscle cars, and other sights.

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Gate entry fee is $45. Net proceeds support nonprofits. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. sjcrotary.org/car-show.

‘WOMEN ON WAVES’ BOOK SIGNING 4-6 p.m. Join local author Jim Kempton at Brawner Boards in San Clemente, where he’ll be signing copies of his new book Women on Waves, a history of women’s surfing. Brawner Boards, 220 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente.

WEDNESDAY | 14 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan CapistraThe Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

FRIDAY | 16 OUTDOOR THEATER AT THE MISSION 7:30 p.m. South Coast Repertory will perform You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The performance is based on the comic strip “Peanuts” and will be family-friendly.

Additional performance dates will be held throughout July and August. Tickets are available online. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 714.708.5555. scr.org.

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

“Killer & the King!” will pay tribute to Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 9 p.m-1 a.m. Enjoy live music at this well-known local bar. Sickstring Outlaws will perform indoors, while DJ James will perform outdoors. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SATURDAY | 17 POP-UP THEATER PERFORMANCES 2 and 3 p.m. The Round About Players

will present pop-up theatrical performances in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The short plays will be based on San Juan history, free to the public, and family-friendly. Additional performance dates will be on July 24 and Aug. 7, 21, and 28. The events are supporting The Alliance for San Juan Art and produced by partners Tom Scott, Beverly Blake, and Gary McCarver. Performances are 15 minutes each. The Los Rios entrance to Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

MOVIE WITH A MISSION 6 p.m. Surf and Turf Therapy will host an outdoor movie night to support their mission and recognize those involved with their program. The event will also include a carnival with games, stories, therapy horse visits, barn tours, and more. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie Surf’s Up starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online. Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center, 31441 Avenida De La Vista, San Juan Capistrano.

949.312.7227. surfandturftherapy.org.

THURSDAY | 22 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Troy Ritchie will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

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Photo: Courtesy of Jake Polonsky/Focus Features

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he average music fan in 2021 might not recognize the band name Sparks or its leaders, Russell and Ron Mael, as much as others in classic rock.

Though not completely obscure, and more the definition of cult legends, Russell and Ron are like the musical equivalent of that one actor you recognize from that one movie or show, yet don’t know their name.

With Edgar Wright’s new in-depth documentary, The Sparks Brothers, we see how and why they became semi-anonymous music legends.

Unlike other famous Los Angeles-based pop/rock acts of the 1960s, Sparks had trouble getting embraced by both listeners and the media. They were a bit too avant-garde and experimental, especially without the recreational drugs, and when Frank Zappa and Cpt. Beefheart were already around.

Still, the Mael brothers are talented and have enough potential for their rock peers to support them.

The Sparks Brothers has a pretty straightforward, linear narrative that is mostly held up by Wright’s flashy direction and the music itself.

We get a chronological education on how the duo ended up gaining a following in the UK with the pop-rock single “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us” in 1974, as well as a surprise disco hit with “The No. 1 Song in Heaven” in 1979.

The runtime makes The Sparks Brothers one of the lengthier music docs out there. But considering these guys never stopped making music—with their most recent album released in 2020 and a movie musical co-conceived by them on the way—you can’t say they waste any time covering their five-decade career.

Wright is an appropriate choice to pen the Sparks story on screen between his classic rock-heavy soundtracks on his own films, as well as having a subversive humor similar to the music duo’s.

If you’re a fan of pop culture, rock music and underdog stories, The Sparks Brothers should pique your interest. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

San Juan Celebrates Independence Day PHOTOS & TEXT BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The City of San Juan Capistrano again hosted its annual Fourth of July festivities at the town’s sports park, this time at usual full capacity. There was a fireworks display, food, exhibit booths, live music, and more. The celebration was a weekend-long event, with summer carnival from July 2-3. CD

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

SJC Rebounds from the Pandemic W

e’re back! Yes, San Juan Capistrano—after 15 months of being shut down—is back in full swing. Even Swallow’s is open again—inside! City hall is open.

Meetings are being conducted without plastic barriers or masks! The public is invited.

The Historical Society is open, and offering tours on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and group tours during the week by appointment.

The library is open to the public!

Friends of the Library Architectural Walks are, once again, being given on Saturdays at 10 a.m. starting at the train depot. And the bookstore is open!

The Montenaz Adobe, the Blas Aguilar, the Playhouse, and all the shops and restaurants are fully operational!

Mission San Juan Capistrano is open Wednesday-Sunday. A new exhibit highlighting 100-year-old photos taken by Fr. St. John O’Sullivan and Charles Lummis shows how the Mission looked as we were coming out of another pandemic in The Capistrano Dispatch July 9-22, 2021

1919. The title of the photograph exhibit is Resurgam, a Latin term meaning “I shall rise again.” This one word was carved by Father O’Sullivan and placed over the archway to the fountain area of the Mission. It was placed there as a talisman signifying his rise from near MOMENTS IN TIME death to 23 years of

BY JAN SIEGEL life and health, as he kept going simply because of his undying love for the Mission.

When Fr. O’Sullivan arrived in 1910, the Mission was in disrepair. With the help of Charles Lummis and the California Landmark’s Club, restoration began. These photographs in the exhibit highlight the work undertaken by O’Sullivan and Lummis during the 1920s. The photos are from the Mission’s archives.

Fr. O’Sullivan became known as the Great Restorer of the Mission. The photographs, some before and some after res-

toration, show how appropriate the title is for O’Sullivan. “Restoration,” O’Sullivan wrote, “is not by any means the same as building anew. It is utterly different. In new work, you may choose any style of architecture you please, but in restoration, since your problem is to fill in a part that has been torn away from the general structure, you are limited in what you may appropriately do by the character of the part that remains.”

Father O’Sullivan pointed out, “The object of harmonization is not to fool anybody; it is to avoid giving offense to the eye when it is too bad these things have to be touched at all, but it seems to be a case of either doing the best you can to preserve or let them disappear entirely.”

Tribute in the exhibit is also given to Jose de Gracia Cruz, also known as Acu, regarded as the last full-blooded Acjachemen, who worked closely with O’Sullivan until his passing in 1924.

There is no better time to spend a Moment In Time walking around San

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Juan Capistrano, taking some local tours, visiting the Mission and enjoying our historic town. The town is open and waiting for you to come and appreciate all that we have to offer.

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

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD

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

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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. MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE Sat., July 10th @ 7:30 am. On Calle Monte, Capistrano Beach, CA off Ave Las Palmas. Book cases, books, iron patio dining set, corner unit, tons of clothes, shoes, bags. Collectables including Orrefors, MCM Pottery, Cat Figurines, etc. Beach décor. Costume jewelry (no gold or silver) will be put out last. Check Craigslist on Friday evening for the address.

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JULY 10TH 32791 David Circle in Dana Point. Wetsuits, Collectables, Tools, Eclectic Dining ware, Clothing and more!

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 July 9-22, 2021

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SJC LIVING

The Capo Girls Softball 12U Silver team won the Southern California “C” State Championship on Sunday, July 4. The 12U Silver is one of five Capo teams to make the state championships, including the 12U Gold team that opens championship play on Friday, July 9. Photo Courtesy of USA Softball of Southern California

Photo: Courtesy of David Avitia and OC Public Libraries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Mission San Juan Capistrano in the early 1940s.

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.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Athena

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

One-year-old Athena is quite the sweet little pup. She is friendly with an active disposition and just loves to play in the yard.

Athena would do well with someone who is looking for a fun companion but is also willing to continue with her puppy training.

If you are interested in adopting Athena, 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.

Sudoku

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 July 9-22, 2021

See the solution in next week’s issue.

SCOREBOARD

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local San Juan Capistrano youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week. Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

CAPO GIRLS SOFTBALL 12U TEAMS WIN DISTRICTS, COMPETE AT STATES The Capo Girls Softball organization has had a stellar all-star season so far, with so much more for which to play.

Five of the Capo Girls Softball age-division all-star teams have advanced to the state level, at minimum, with the 12U Silver team already winning a state championship and the indomitable 12U Gold squad still to play at the state championships and at the Nationals.

The 12U Gold team is a staggering 37-0 over the course of the all-star season. The team is led by head coach Robert Aguilar and assistants Jeff Valdez, Al Quiming and David De Filippo.

The 12U Gold team was dominant in its run to the Central “B” District Championship on June 25 at Fountain Valley Sports Park. Capo Softball outscored its opponents by 31 runs over the course of four games. The 12U Gold team defeated Huntington Beach (13-6), Placentia-Yorba Linda (13-1) and the San Clemente Threats twice (7-4, 10-1) to win the district title.

The district championship qualified the 12U Gold team for the Southern California “B” State Championships, which begin on Friday, July 9, in Lancaster. The win also gave Capo Softball a berth in the USA Softball Western Nationals on July 21-25 in Roseville, California.

Not to be outdone, the 12U Silver team won the Southern California “C” Page 14

State Championship on Sunday, July 4, in Lancaster. Capo Softball went 6-0 over the course of the state championships and outscored its opponents by a 33-run margin. The 12U Silver team beat Hart (14-1), Aliso Viejo (5-0), West Garden Grove (6-0), San Diego (4-3) and West Garden Grove a second time (9-1) for the title.

The 12U Silver team was coming off another undefeated run through the Central “C” District tournament, where Capo Softball won by a combined 24-run margin over the course of five games from June 18-20.

In lower age brackets, the Capo Softball 10U Gold, 8U Gold and 8U Silver teams all advanced to the state championships.

The 8U Gold team finished second at the Central “B” District tournament.

949 VOLLEYBALL CLUB 14U GIRLS WIN NATIONALS GOLD In its first USA Volleyball National Championships since 2019, the 949 Volleyball Club found the medal stand on both the boys and girls side.

The 949 Volleyball Club 14U Girls won their division on June 29 in Las Vegas, and the 13U Boys finished second in their division on Wednesday, July 7, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The 14U Girls posted a 10-1 overall record and a 20-6 overall set record. 949 Volleyball Club won its first three matches by two-set sweeps and won its first five matches overall. The girls lost just one match in pool play, and in the gold bracket, they dropped just one set on their way to the gold medal in the 14U American Division.

The 13U boys were nearly untouched in their run through the 13 Club Division. 949 Volleyball Club won its first six matches by two-set sweeps. The boys posted three-set wins in each of their first two matches in the gold bracket, but fell in the title game by a two-set sweep to Team Rockstar. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch July 9–22, 2021

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