August 27, 2021

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 16

INSIDE: Special Section

The Show Goes On

Camino Real Playhouse Reopens for Performance Season E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

Actors rehearse The Nerd, which premieres on Sept. 17. Front row, from left: Kat Sanchez, Robert P. Purcell, and Martin Balcaitis. Back: Anthony Baratta. Photo: Collin Breaux

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Ramos Street Resident Raises Concerns over Parking Expansion

Recall Election Voter Guide

San Juan Hills Falls in Season-Opening Test

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SPORTS/PAGE 30

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Camino Real Playhouse Celebrates Return of Performance Season

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Rehearsals were underway in March 2020 for The Nerd when Camino Real Playhouse had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than a year later, the comedy will finally be performed at the San Juan Capistrano performing arts center.

Camino Real Playhouse’s regular inhouse performance season opens again on Sept. 17 with the first night of The Nerd. The show runs through Oct. 3.

“We had to replace a couple of people, but for the most part, (most of the cast) is coming back,” said President and Artistic Director Leslie Eisner. “I’m glad we’re opening with this show, because I really wanted to open with a comedy. I wanted to have a season that’s heavy on comedy, because I think everybody needs it.”

Playhouse staff and actors are vaccinated. Social distancing will not be in place at the theater, since it is neither possible at the venue nor required under current

guidelines.

Camino Real Playhouse has been the recent host venue for various other performances and stand-up comedy shows.

Audience members were asked to wear masks during the comedy shows.

“We’re going to take it as it comes to us with whatever the county and the state determines we need to do as a theater,” Eisner said of whether masks will be required for the upcoming season. “If we’re in a smaller setting, it’s probably not a bad idea to have everybody with a mask on. We’ll do whatever it takes to make our audiences feel comfortable to come back.”

Volunteers have been working at the performing arts center during the shutdown.

“We’ve remodeled. We’ve repainted,” Eisner said. “We just installed all brandnew seats in the theater, so when the audience comes back, they’re going to see a facelift on the theater.”

Actors Robert Purcell (left) and Anthony Baratta rehearse a scene from The Nerd, which premieres at Camino Real Playhouse on Sept. 17. Photo: Collin Breaux

Ramos Street Resident Raises Concerns over Parking Expansion

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Given downtown San Juan Capistrano’s popularity with visitors and locals, the city is planning to expand parking spaces adjacent to the existing Ramos Street lot near the corner of Paseo Adelanto—particularly for employees of the area’s restaurants and businesses.

However, one nearby resident takes issue with possible effects from the new parking spots.

Dave Hutchins, who has lived on Ramos Street since 2004, is concerned about dust being kicked up by vehicles, noise, and bright lighting that could be installed as part of the expansion—all of which he feels would intrude onto his property.

“I rarely sit on the front porch anymore,” Hutchins said. “The lights come in at night and light up the stairwell.”

New LED lights were put up during a previous expansion of the Ramos Street lot last summer.

Hutchins—who said the lot is 100 feet away from his dining room table and affects the other side of his living area— The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

also feels the city did not adequately reach out to Los Rios Historic District residents before plans were set in motion for this recent phase.

“This got proposed and accepted but was snuck in,” Hutchins said. “They didn’t give us an opportunity to voice our concerns. No yellow cards were sent out.

Blame it on COVID.” When reached for comment in response to Hutchins’ remarks, Public Works Director Tom Toman said staff has been in communication with neighboring property owners, including Hutchins, to answer questions and receive comments regarding the project—and he looks forward to continued feedback throughout the design process to ensure any concerns are heard and corresponding mitigation efforts described.

“The expansion project, currently in preliminary design, will be constructed on the vacant city-owned parcel adjacent to the existing Ramos Street public parking lot north of Los Rios Park,” Toman said.

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Venue staff and performers have gone through “withdrawals” with no audiences, Eisner said. She was almost brought to tears during a recent comedy show because of the live laughter.

“I just feel like we’ve done everything we could possibly do. We waited a long time and we’re ready,” Eisner said. “We’re over-ready to come back.”

Other performances scheduled after The Nerd include A Christmas Story, Blithe Spirit, and Young Frankenstein. Directors and actors have been asking when they

could return, Eisner said.

“We have a full gamut of productions,” Eisner said. “We’ve not cut back on anything.”

Camino Real Playhouse is fortunate to have received help from supporters and patrons, compared to other venues that permanently closed due to financial fallout from the pandemic, Eisner said.

“We’re going to welcome (audiences) back with open arms,” Eisner said.

For tickets or more information, visit caminorealplayhouse.org.

“In addition to parking spaces, the project will include a new pedestrian connection point to Los Rios Park, focused security lighting and an ample landscape buffer including new trees to mitigate potential impacts to adjacent properties.”

Staff anticipates the expanded parking lot will be constructed and available for public use in late fall 2021, Toman said.

The project will accommodate 60 to 70 additional parking spaces, and was approved by the city council in March.

Hutchins has also frequently spoken about his concerns during local government meetings and personally communicated with city representatives. Asked what he wants to see happen going forward, Hutchins said the city plans to look at buffer zones/berms and plantings to mitigate noise and lighting issues.

“At this stage, I’m trying to make this a livable situation,” Hutchins said. “It is affecting my health, my lifestyle, and my property value.”

Hutchins said this all comes about as Los Rios Street restaurants are simultaneously requesting extended service hours and alcohol allowances under an accessory use permit process.

“Can you imagine the noise and disruption of employees getting off work

into the late evening?” Hutchins said.

In related news, City Attorney Jeff Ballinger reported at the Aug. 17 council meeting that the council approved a settlement agreement with the owners of The Tea House—a restaurant on Los Rios Street near the parking lot—to resolve a property line dispute near the lot, in lieu of initiating litigation.

“Under the agreement, the parties will revise the property boundary through a lot line adjustment, recordation of quitclaim deed and construction of a new fence,” City Manager Ben Siegel said the day after the meeting. “The Tea House owner will be required to pay the cost of survey, engineering and legal to process a lot line adjustment. The city will build the new fence as part of our Ramos Street parking expansion project this fall.

This settlement will allow our parking lot expansion to move forward, and increase the number of public parking spaces that can be included as part of that project.”

Hutchins said while the property line issues are resolved, The Tea House has encroached into city park land.

“Why is the city gifting .20 of an acre to a private property owner?” Hutchins said in an email. “No agenda for public discussion?” thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Local Small Business Owner Celebrates Success, Sobriety

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Since some people are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they might want to beautify their personal space—which is a good thing for Alexxis Torres.

The Laguna Niguel resident is the owner of Bella Lexie, a small business that sells dry flowers. Dry flowers are exactly that: real flowers that go through a preservation process, which means they can, as Torres puts it, “last—essentially—forever.”

Dry flowers are popular as gifts or event decorations. Torres said she has seen an increase in demand since the pandemic began, and got into dry flowers when she started selling pampas grass. Torres began Bella Lexie last August, and it did very well financially at the start. While demand has recently slowed down, the business is still relatively successful, Torres said.

Bella Lexie has a warehouse in San Juan Capistrano and is primarily an online business at shopbellalexie.com.

Customers are as close as Ladera Ranch, and as far away as Canada and Australia.

Along with her business success, Torres is also celebrating 10 years of sobriety. She has struggled with depression, suicidal attempts, and substance abuse. Torres is sharing her story in hopes that it can help and inspire others who are in a dark place.

“From research, nature brings healing,” said Torres, who is a nutritionist and majored in psychology in college. “I like bringing nature indoors.”

Torres said mental health issues run in her family, and she used alcohol to self-medicate when she was younger.

“I started my journey when it comes to my substance abuse and mental health,”

Local small business owner Alexxis Torres sells dry flowers and other home décor through her online businesss, Bella Lexie. Torres has battled through mental health issues on her way to personal success. Photo: Pop Media LA

Torres said. “I realized if I wanted a different path, I had a choice to make.”

Everyone has the potential to get better—no matter how far gone or dark their story may seem, she said. While she has experienced her own lowest of lows, she is still here.

LAFCO Approves Annexation Agreement with Santa Margarita Water District

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

An annexation agreement that will transfer San Juan Capistrano’s water utilities over to the Santa Margarita Water District—a process years in the making—took yet another step toward becoming reality after the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the transfer during a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 19.

There will be a 30-day period to allow for community comments and protest.

The official transition is anticipated to happen this fall.

Officials in San Juan and with SMWD have said utilities are being transferred The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

from the city’s purview and into a wider regional network because the city does not have the infrastructure to support providing water services—a responsibility for which SMWD is better equipped.

The annexation area in San Juan includes 14 square miles and a little more than 36,000 residents. SMWD’s current service population is estimated at 165,000 people.

The coming annexation proposes to continue current service levels, improve infrastructure, stabilize utility rates, and enhance water reliability.

For the first transition year in Fiscal Page 4

“After 10 years, I’m really grateful I didn’t die,” Torres said.“It’s a message of hope that you can stay sober and have fun.”

As for her business life, Torres is reaching out to wholesalers and event planners to heighten awareness for Bella Lexie. Popularity with Ladera Ranch resi-

dents has come through word-of-mouth, she said.

Her journey toward success and sobriety came about through reaching out to a network of mentors, coaches, therapists, and psychologists.

“I couldn’t do it alone,” Torres said.

Year 2021-22, expenditures are expected to exceed revenues by $6.3 million, though that shortfall will be covered by reserve funds. Revenues and expenditures are then expected to stabilize in coming years, and revenues will be allocated for reserve funds.

Water utility rates are expected to increase over the next 10 years.

“We’re very excited to go forward,” SMWD General Manager Dan Ferons said. “We’ve got staffing in place ready to really hit the ground running.”

San Juan Mayor John Taylor said the annexation process was a long journey for the city, and that he was pleased LAFCO approved the agreement.

“After working with Santa Margarita board members and staff over the past two years, I could not be more impressed

with their expertise, commitment to customer service, and innovative approach to improving our water supply and reliability,” Taylor said.

Transferring utilities to a regional system will allow the city to focus on core services such as public safety, parks and roads, Taylor said.

LAFCO Commissioner and Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said a long-term water supply has been a challenge for San Juan residents and businesses.

“We went through a very open, transparent, and accountable process with multiple vendors coming forth,” Bartlett said.“I think we have a great selection before us today with the Santa Margarita Water District.”

The city began considering moving utilities to a wider network in 2015. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEW BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

SATURDAY, SEPT. 4

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.

CD | Vehicle Plows into

Downtown Gift Shop A driver was arrested on suspicion of drunk diving after ramming into Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post in San Juan Capistrano on early Tuesday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies responded at approximately 2:50 a.m. on Aug. 24 to assist the Orange County Fire Authority in the incident.

The vehicle was reportedly on fire.

Nearby lanes on Camino Capistrano were temporarily blocked off and telephone poles were down following the crash.

Store owner Bill Ortega was in New Mexico at the time of the incident and heard about it from employees. During a phone interview on Tuesday afternoon, he said he was waiting on a damage assessment from a structural engineer.

Ortega said there have been other vehicle crashes near the intersection over the years.

“This happens every so often,” he said.

The store was closed following the crash, and protective blocks were up at the entrance as of Tuesday.

“Hopefully, we’ll be open by the weekend,” Ortega said.

CD | School Staff, Students

Return to Campus as Pandemic Persists School campuses are full of life again as kids and educators return to classrooms in-person for a full, five-day-a-week schedule. Kids listen while in their seats, hang out during lunch breaks, and walk around on campus with backpacks in tow.

The start of the 2021-22 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 17, seemed like a normal time—except everyone was still wearing masks while indoors.

The mood at Capistrano Union High School in San Juan Capistrano—a continuation school open to students throughout the district for those who need credit recovery, have behavioral issues, or just want a smaller campus experience—was one of joy and relief, as classmates and educators got to see their peers in-person again.

“Easy. Smooth sailing. Knock on wood,” Principal Brittany Casey said of how the first day back went. “No issues. We did a student expectations assembly, which was new. We did doughnuts—kind of a celebration of being back, after being gone for so long.”

School Counselor Shannon Halbert said students obeyed rules and had no The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7

City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting open to the public. People can attend in-person or watch online through the city website.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post was closed after a vehicle plowed into the store on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Photo: Collin Breaux

complaints. Students also reportedly had no issues with wearing masks.

Over at San Juan Hills High School, the campus was also full of life as students caught up with friends during lunch and walked around campus. Principal Manoj Mahindrakar said the return of so many students required some acclimation. One student reportedly even cried, because she was so happy to be back on campus.

$12,000 at this point—but I would like to see the money go to something tangible,” Mayor John Taylor said.

The existing $12,730 does not have to be spent immediately, Councilmember Howard Hart said.

City officials and staff will next consider exactly what that tangible depiction could be and where it could be placed.

The matter is expected to return to the council for consideration at a later date.

CD | City Reviews Uses for

CD | CUSD Outlines Goals

Historic Preservation Funding

for Years Ahead

Chick-fil-A has provided what essentially amounted to seed money for historic preservation in San Juan Capistrano.

The fast food restaurant chain paid $12,730 in in-lieu fees to the city instead of having a historical depiction of the town inside the new development, as required by city regulations. The Chick-fil-A location on Del Obispo Street opened in January.

City officials will now figure out how exactly to use those funds to raise historical awareness for the local area and honor the town’s heritage. During a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 17, the city council decided to take no action on a staff recommendation to use the funds for activities such as a student writing competition and guided tours during the annual Historic Preservation Month in May. Such activities were recommended by the San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission.

Councilmembers instead said the money from Chick-fil-A could be saved for now, and possibly used to build toward a wider historical presentation if other inlieu fees come in.

“When I see the money, it’s only

Capistrano Unified School District intends to improve communications with families through text messages in a family’s native language, launch more College and Career Centers at high schools, and create a multiyear proposal to secure funding for facility upgrades, according to discussions between CUSD staff and trustees during a Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

District staff outlined various goals for CUSD and how to achieve them for the 2021-22 school year, which started on Aug. 17 as students returned to campus, and for the years ahead. District officials said bonds were one of the only options to fund upgrades to aging campuses, and the need for such should be emphasized to local residents.

Voters did not approve bond measures placed on ballots in November 2016 and March 2020 that would have funded school facility renovations.

“We’ve got to think what and where the root causes are,” Trustee Amy Hanacek said of bond hesitancy.

As for the new text message communicaPage 5

Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting. Viewing options are similar to the city council meeting.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10

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 inperson gatherings on all other Fridays at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan 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 to see where he’ll be.

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

tion to families, Trustee Krista Castellanos said text messages would help with transparency and communication for parents.

“The emails coming in are overwhelming, and if you have multiple children, you have different sites with 14-page emails coming in, and you just can’t keep up,” Castellanos said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Longer versions of some of these stories are available at thecapistranodispatch.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Photo: Courtesy of Tim Mossholder/Unsplash

VOTER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

HOW TO VOTE AND WHERE

California’s Road to the Recall Election

BY LILLIAN BOYD

W

hile every governor in California since 1960 has faced a recall attempt, the state will see only its second recall election in history this year.

The 2021 California gubernatorial recall election will have voters decide on Sept. 14 whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. Ballots for the recall election were mailed out to California’s voters beginning Aug. 16.

Besides the upcoming recall, the only other attempt that ever reached an election was in 2003, when Gray Davis, a Democrat, was ousted, losing to Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Criticism over Newsom’s policies and how he handled his personal life throughout the coronavirus pandemic sparked a GOP-led petition to recall the governor, whose term is set to expire Jan. 2, 2023. That effort eventually garnered enough signatures from supporters.

The recall campaign officially started in February 2020. However, it gained traction as the pandemic hit, regulations tightened, and Newsom particularly faced fire for participating in an indoor event at a Napa Valley restaurant.

In November 2020, Newsom

attended a private birthday party at The French Laundry, despite having urged Californians to socially distance and not travel.

“While the First Partner and I followed the restaurant’s health protocols and took safety precautions, I should have modeled better behavior and not joined the dinner,” Newsom said in a statement following the controversy.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber certified the recall reelection on July 1, verifying that of the more than 2 million signatures supporting the recall effort, a little more than 1.7 million were determined to be valid.

The recall marks the second major election for Californians in as many years. Similar to the 2020 Presidential Election, the results of next month’s recall could have a significant impact on how the state addresses key issues including COVID-19, housing, homelessness, education, and more.

Recall leaders include a retired law enforcement officer and the former chair of the California GOP, but it has also drawn support from anti-vaxxers, militia members and conspiracy theorists.

When registered voters fill out their ballots, they’ll decide on two

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

separate items. First is whether to vote “yes” or “no” to the question of removing Newsom from office. The second question asks voters to select a replacement candidate.

Voters who support the recall can vote to remove Newsom from office and then pick a replacement candidate. Those who vote no on the recall may still choose a replacement candidate should the recall effort succeed.

If a majority of the voters vote “yes” on the first question, then the recall is successful and Newsom will have to step down from office. The replacement candidate who gets the most votes is elected to serve out the remainder of the term, which is a little more than a year.

If 50% or more of the voters vote “no” on the first question, then the recall has failed and Newsom stays in office. The state’s next regular gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2022.

Any California registered voter may vote in a gubernatorial recall election.

To check your voter registration status, go to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

To update your voter registration or find out whether you are eligible to register to vote, visit the state’s Online Voter Registration page at registertovote.ca.gov. CD Page 6

With the recall election on the horizon, local residents might have questions about how to participate in the process: How do I vote?

Where can I drop off my ballot? When does voting start and end?

We checked with the Orange County Registrar of Voters and other resources, and here’s what we found out. More information is at ocvote.com.

WHERE DO I GET A BALLOT? Voters will get their ballots by mail beforehand, and can also return them by mail.

WHEN DOES IN-PERSON VOTING OPEN? In-person voting at select Vote Centers will begin on Sept. 4, with an additional set of Vote Center locations opening on Sept. 11.

Dana Point Community Center (34052 Del Obispo St.) will be open Sept. 11-14; San Clemente Aquatic Center (987 Avenida Vista Hermosa) and San Juan Capistrano Community Center (25925 Camino Del Avion) will be open from Sept. 4-14. A drive-through ballot drop-off option will be available at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

WHAT ABOUT BALLOT DROP BOXES? Ballot drop boxes are open to voters through Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Locations include the Dana Point Library (33841 Niguel Rd), Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park (560 Avenida Vista Hermosa) in San Clemente, San Clemente City Hall (910 Calle Negocio), San Clemente Municipal Golf Course (150 E. Avenida Magdalena), and La Sala Auditorium (31495 El Camino Real) in San Juan Capistrano. The San Clemente City Hall and Municipal Golf Course sites are drive-through only. The other locations are walk-up.

WHERE CAN I ACCESS SAMPLE BALLOTS? Voters can use the Voter Look Up Tool located on the Registrar’s website at ocvote.com/vlt/ to view their registration status, check the status of their ballot, review their voter history, and more.

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EYE ON SJC

Meet the Candidates

California’s recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom has presented a bevy of candidates who are vying to replace the Democrat from the state’s highest office. Because of the Sept. 14 special election’s extensive list of 46 replacement candidates, presented here, we’ve highlighted only five of the prominent ones based on the amount of campaign contributions raised and data from a UC Berkeley Institute of Government Studies poll that Los Angeles Times co-sponsored in July. With Newsom at the center of this recall election, we’ve also summarized his political career and time in office.

GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM (D) • The 53-year-old is serving his third year as governor after defeating current-recall candidate John Cox in the 2018 gubernatorial race.

• From 2004 to 2010, Newsom was elected lieutenant governor, and had served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1997 to 2004.

• As governor, he’s halted the death penalty by placing a statewide moratorium on executions; approved a phase-out of fracking, with an official ban in place for 2024; and expanded the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit to provide a boost to lowwage workers, particularly those with young children.

JOHN COX (R) • A 66-year-old businessman and accountant from Rancho Santa Fe. • Cox lost the 2018 gubernatorial election to Newsom and is running to reduce homelessness and cut taxes.

• Supports treatment first before housing when it comes to the homeless. He’s also proposing more crackdowns from law enforcement, redirecting housing-first initiative funding to treatment-first programs, and cutting costs for building homes.

• To lower taxes, he proposes vastly reducing state income taxes by $30 billion; ending tax breaks for corporations; eliminating wasteful spending; and operating on “zero-based budgeting.”

LARRY A. ELDER (R) • The 69-year-old broadcaster, author and columnist is also host of “The Larry Elder Show,” a nationally syndicated talk-radio program.

• Known as “Sage from South Central,” the Los Angeles resident is running to recall Newsom based on a handful of issues, including the governor’s COVID-19 response and spending spree.

• Has advocated against a minimum wage, supports school choice and believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned, leaving states to decide abortion restrictions.

• Wants to combat homelessness and jump-start housing development by suspending the California Environmental Quality Act.

KEVIN L. FAULCONER (R) • The 54-year-old businessman and educator spent 12 years on the San Diego City Council before serving as the city’s mayor from 2014 to 2020.

• Believes fire safety is the state’s top priority and promises to not cut wildfire funding; rather, wants to double spending on prevention.

• Has vowed to take on homelessness statewide by increasing shelters and cracking down on tent cities and unlawful camping in public areas.

• Proposes a tax-cut plan that would eliminate income taxes for the first $50,000 a person earns.

LIST OF CANDIDATES DEMOCRATIC Holly L. Baade John R. Drake Patrick Kilpatrick Jacqueline McGowan Kevin Paffrath Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato Brandon M. Ross Joel Ventresca Daniel Watts

REPUBLICAN David Alexander Bramante Rhonda Furin Ted Gains Sam L. Gallucci David Hillberg Doug Ose Chauncey “Slim” Killens Jenny Rae Le Roux Steve Chavez Lodge David Lozano Diego Martinez Daniel Mercuri Robert C. Newman II Sarah Stephens Denver Stoner Joe M. Symmon Anthony Trimino Nickolas Wildstar Leo S. Zacky

GREEN Heather Collins Dan Kapelovitz

KEVIN KILEY (R) • Kiley, 36, of Rocklin, has been a state assemblymember since 2017.

• Would address homelessness by making shelter beds available and then connecting individuals to mental health, substance abuse treatment, and job training services. Would eliminate housing market regulations to lower prices.

• Wants to undo the “sanctuary state” designation and reverse Medi-Cal benefits for undocumented individuals.

• Supports school choice, pushing to have a voter initiative on the 2022 ballot that would create a “savings account” for K-12 students’ parents to pay for private or charter schools.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

CAITLYN JENNER (R) • Jenner is a 71-year-old Malibu resident, businessperson and television personality, who won an Olympic gold medal in 1976. She later came out as a transgender woman, transitioning in 2015.

• The candidate is running to cut overly restrictive regulations, and is proposing a sunset law to review state regulations every 10 years.

• Will address the homelessness crisis by removing restrictions hindering developers, charities and other stakeholders from building affordable housing.

• Plans to veto all tax-hike proposals, as well as cut duplicate programs.

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LIBERTARIAN Jeff Hewitt

NO-PARTY PREFERENCE Angelyne James G. Hanink Kevin K. Kaul Michael Loebs Denis Lucey Jeremiah “Jeremy” Marciniak David Moore Adam Papagan Dennis Richter Major Singh

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

OUTDOOR CAMP AT RANCHO MISSION VIEJO TEACHES KIDS ABOUT NATURE, COMMUNITY

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hen Laura Tatum—the RanchLife Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator for Rancho Mission Viejo—visited one of the community’s farms in the Sendero neighborhood with her young stepdaughter, Kylie, she was struck by something Kylie said about people needing to disconnect from their phones and enjoy the outdoors instead.

With that observation in mind, Tatum was encouraged to bring to life a new program aimed at teens and tweens called Ranch Life Camp, which brought kids out to Rancho Mission Viejo for various outdoor activities.

The pilot program this year took kids out on Friday trips in July and August once a week.

Tatum wants to expand the camp into a weeklong program for next year, as opposed to one day a week.

Kids got to learn about ranching, sustainable agriculture, and other topics during the trips.

“They got to learn about composting techniques,” Tatum said. “They got to harvest food from the ground and taste it.”

The number of kids on the trips averaged 10 to 13, and it also included a visit to the

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

horses on-site. The children also went on hikes, searched for wildlife using binoculars, and were reminded to not litter.

The last day of this year’s program finished up with a pool party. RMV partnered with YMCA to help facilitate operations and team building activities, such as games and sports activities, during field trips.

The kids had the option to attend all four weeks, or pick a particular topic or trip that seemed interesting. Ranch Life Camp was also intended to introduce kids to environmentalism, particularly as young people become more active in discussing climate change and related topics.

“They really enjoyed it,” Tatum said. “We would end the day with opportunities for open feedback from the kids. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”

Comments provided by kids expressed how excited they were to meet new friends, and how the trips made for an adventurous summer.

“You get to learn, see, and experience amazing things that are just blocks away that you never would’ve noticed before,” said Ella, age 13. CD

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A recent series of field trips at Rancho Mission Viejo gave kids a chance to learn about the outdoors, wildlife and farming. Photos: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo.

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SOAPBOX

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EDITORIAL Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP)

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, Issue 16. 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 August 27-September 9, 2021

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Karl Reitz

stitute tariffs on imports from countries that have no price on carbon. This mechanism is called a border adjustment. The European Union and Canada are currently working on plans to institute such an adjustment. These tariffs could apply to carbon-intensive products such as CITIZENS’ CLIMATE steel, concrete and EDUCATION possibly agricultural

BY KARL REITZ products. Since the United States has no price on carbon, its products might be subjected to such tariffs. The tariffs would benefit the citizens of those countries; whereas, if the U.S. had a price on carbon, we would benefit.

If the United States were to introduce a price on carbon, its carbon-intensive goods would become more expensive to produce. As a result, if a company exported its products to a country without a price on carbon, it is likely that those items would not be competitive with locally produced goods. Therefore, in order to keep U.S. companies competitive, border adjustments would include a mechanism to compensate these companies and allow them to maintain

PRICE ON CARBON AND BORDER ADJUSTMENTS

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s the world grapples with how to respond to the climate crisis, many countries (including the European Union and Canada) are instituting a price on carbon, which often comes in the form of a carbon tax or a system of cap and trade. Currently, the United States has no such national policy, although there are a number of bills before Congress that would establish one.

As more countries adopt a price on carbon, one of the mechanisms that will keep their industries competitive is to in-

suitable target, and then pounce!

But you don’t have to be a victim!

If surprised and surrounded by a pack of salivating Canis Latrans, do not panic.

Compliment the group on their cool gang colors, sit before them (the lotus position is best), and then gingerly stroke the fluffy throat of the gang leader . . . and you’ll be fine.

(The leader is the GUEST OPINION one who looks like

BY MARK LOPER Marlon Brando.)

OK, now you’re safe from carnivorous four-legged creatures (and those with feathers), but what about that silent killer with eight legs?

That’s right; I’m talking Loxosceles reclusa, or the brown recluse spider!

The brown recluse, shy and without any social media presence, is often called the J.D. Salinger of the arachnid world.

Uncomfortable with crowds, the brown recluse is usually found in woodpiles and at Walden Pond.

This innocuous-looking spider can be identified by a black violin shape on its underbelly or, in some cases, a teal clarinet.

And this arachnid is sneaky.

You probably won’t feel its furtive bite, but within 24 hours, you’ll have a fever, the infected area will swell to 10 times its size, and you’ll forget your manners.

GUEST OPINION | by Mark Loper

Saving Yourself in the Wilds of South OC – Part II

I

t’s disheartening that a “Part II” is necessary to alert South Orange County residents of the predators anxious to take their lives.

But here we have it.

So, another frequent threat prowling in our neighborhoods is the Canis Latrans, or coyote, an animal that respected palm readers believe is closely related to the werewolf.

Keep in mind that coyotes usually subsist on a diet of rabbits, squirrels, and Chihuahuas.

But, on occasion and when diverting from its Paleo diet, the coyote will form a gang (several treatises have been penned on coyote gang rituals, appropriate behavior, and acceptable tats), find a Page 9

their markets.

Similarly, a U.S. price on carbon along with a border adjustment would create an incentive for other countries to institute their own price on carbon. This solves the problem of getting other countries to meet their responsibilities with respect to the climate crisis.

Given the serious consequences of the climate crisis, countries of the world will need to reduce the release of carbon into the atmosphere. The best market-based method of accomplishing this is via a price on carbon. This will also necessitate the introduction of border adjustments. In order for the United States to keep its industries competitive, as well as to do its part in addressing the climate crisis, passage of a price on carbon accompanied with a border adjustment is our best alternative.

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.

But this painful and embarrassing experience doesn’t have to be yours.

Arachnologists recommend that if you come face-to-face with a brown recluse, you DO NOT make eye contact, DO hum the first few bars of Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto” and, if possible, gently caress under the spider’s chin ... and you’ll be fine.

OK, OK, now you’ve faced down several terrifying assailants and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself.

But there are always more bad guys; I mean, just watch John Wick.

As an example, don’t forget that silent killer, the black widow spider, notorious for poisoning her spouse and draining his bank account.

But, for the most part, just follow these guidelines, folks, and you’ll be fine.

Well, except for car dealers.

I have no solution for those predators.

Mark Loper has been a San Juan Capistrano resident for more than 30 years and has written for several kinds of media, including The Capistrano Dispatch. His writing has been scorned and rejected countless times but, while hanging onto a wisp of self-esteem, he’s managed to have the occasional scribbling published in book form, in columns, online, on TV and as advertising. He has yet to tweet. 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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The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

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CRIB to COLLEGE

WELCOME TO

CRIB TO COLLEGE Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose its challenges to education, our schools, families and community are working to ensure our children are able to learn. In this edition of our annual education guide, “Crib to College,” we have information to help guide parents through this unprecedented journey. Prepare your child with the healthiest packed lunches within Gina Cousineau’s column. Learn about available resources for any extra assistance your child might need outside the classroom, through public library programs and top tutoring programs. To nurture your child’s curiosity beyond an academic environment, local organizations including Casa Romantica, Ocean Institute and The Ecology Center have ideal programs to suit a variety of interests. For kids looking ahead to the next chapter of higher education, Saddleback College also offers programs for youth. We hope this guide helps bring some peace of mind as we continue navigating our world despite the obstacles of COVID-19 and serve our children’s access to education and opportunity.

How to Communicate with Your Teen

By Shawn Raymundo

W

e were all young once—a shocking revelation, I know.

But growing up, we all remember what it was like hitting those angst-filled and awkward teenage years.

There’s a desire to become more independent, which naturally leads to becoming a bit more distant—particularly when it comes to interacting on personal and deeper levels. As teens, it’s simply not easy to open up about any mental health struggles we’re going through in general, let alone with our folks.

When it comes to the perception of our parents and guardians, Susan Parmelee, the executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center at San Clemente High, noted in a November 2020 column that many teens just don’t believe the adults in their lives have the will or are capable of talking about mental health.

To dispel that belief, she often challenges those teens to take the first step in opening up to their parents, which, she says, usually leads to meaningful dialogue.

While that bridge can be a tough one to build for both the teens and parents, there are a handful ways that adults can also help lead the charge in having, what’s referred to as, “The Talk.”

According to a list of useful tips from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the organization first suggests being genuine with the teen, who “can see right through an adult who is ‘faking.’ ”

“If you’re feeling uncomfortable in a discussion with a young person, admit it,” the council advises. “Say something like, ‘This is hard for me to talk about, so I totally understand if it’s difficult for you, too.’ ” Adults should also refrain from using slang terms in order to sound hip or cool, and they should be patient, giving the teen time and space to express their feelings by not interrupting moments of silence.

Doing so, the organization says, “may prevent someone from having enough time to formulate their thoughts.”

Another helpful tip for parents or guardians is to choose the proper setting for those tough conversations.

The organization finds that talking things out during activities such as washing dishes, walking the dog, or going for a drive—which all require minimal eye-contact—can make the conversations more comfortable.

Lastly, the organization advises that adults shouldn’t trivialize the teenager’s feelings.

“Mental health challenges occur at any age,” the organization notes.

“Wondering what a young person has to be depressed or anxious about implies that their life experiences and emotions are less valid just because of their age.”

For more information on how parents can better engage with their teens and have “The Talk,” head to the Wellness & Prevention Center website at wpc-oc.org.

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CRIB to COLLEGE

Parents of Special Education Students Find Community in Capo CAC

By Collin Breaux

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s Rachel Niemeyer-Sutherland puts it, they’re a very involved group of parents.

Niemeyer-Sutherland is the chairperson for the Capistrano Unified School District Special Education Community Advisory Committee—or Capo CAC, for short. The group meets almost monthly throughout the school year and is committed to ensuring special students are successful and lifelong learners.

The CAC consists of parents and community members, and it is mandated for school districts throughout California.

“It has to be made up mainly of parents with students enrolled in that school district,” said Niemeyer-Sutherland, whose daughter is starting her freshman year at Dana Hills High School.

Other members of the Capo CAC include people such as Jillian Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of Surf & Turf Therapy, which uses equine and water activities to help disabled children. Capo CAC’s executive

board regularly meets with district staff to discuss concerns not addressed at school campus levels, and to hear about special education programs.

The meetings also often have a guest speaker. Upcoming meeting speakers will discuss post-secondary education options, for instance.

Capo CAC also helps families who are transitioning between grade levels, including for students starting high school. The group facilitates informational opportunities so families know what to expect when making the big leap, and provides support for parents and students.

One of the fun parts of Capo CAC is its annual Sunshine Awards, which honor educators and other district staff members who help brighten the lives of special education students.

“There was a security individual we honored,” Niemeyer-Sutherland said. “We have a lot of transportation people who are honored.”

An event is usually held in which award recipients are honored with pins.

“We have special education students

perform,” she said. “We read off everyone’s names. It’s a beautiful time.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Capo CAC meetings—like most other meetings—have been held over Zoom video conferences. The attendance for those has been 50 to 60 people, close to the average number they had for in-person meetings, Niemeyer-Sutherland said.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS HELP KIDS THROUGH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

By Collin Breaux

S

ometimes, kids might need more of an educational push beyond textbooks and the classroom—and that’s where a new supplementary program working with schools in Capistrano Unified School District steps in.

Active Discovery and Team Long Run—which promotes literacy and physical fitness in kids through reading and exercise activities—have provided educational kits for students in R.H. Dana Elementary School and Las Palmas Elementary School that variously contain musical instruments, bilingual activity books, and cooking instructions. The kits are intended to get students interested in various activities.

Mary Ann Sprague—founder and executive director of Active Discovery, which spun off from Team Long Run, of which she is the West Coast director—said she recently started the initial program in Maine with a friend before moving out to the West Coast. When considering how to help kids in need, the programs ended up focusing on ensuring kids are able to read at their grade level.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

Team Long Run and Active Discovery are getting kids involved in reading, music, and other activities through kits they work on with their families. Photo: Courtesy of Mary Ann Sprague

Literacy reduces the risk for homelessness and other adverse conditions, Sprague said.

In addition to reading, getting children’s heart rates up for at least 10 minutes a day is also emphasized in the program to ensure the children’s well-being.

In order to make the reading lessons fun

and interactive, the kits usually contain some activity the students can do themselves.

“It’s one thing to learn to read for the sake of it,” Sprague said. “It’s another thing to read something with cooking instructions, so they can make their own cookies. Our sense of learning is to help them find something to love.”

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Email capocac@gmail.com if you’d like to learn more information. All their documents are translated into Spanish for Spanish-speaking families.

“We really welcome anyone who would like to join us and learn more,” Niemeyer-Sutherland said. “We love to collaborate. We could use more help.”

Sprague said there are different kits sent out so the students can learn about all sorts of things, including computer coding. The kits are also tailored to include the whole family.

“We want the parents to be able to do something with them,” Sprague said.

The outreach programs are intended to reach low-income kids so they don’t feel left out in musical and sports activities. Team Long Run has also filled supplementary needs by giving out running shoes to students. Last fall, they gave nearly 100 pairs of new shoes to students who previously had only hand-medown shoes, Sprague said.

A Team Long Run manifesto shared by Sprague sheds light on how physical activity is linked to a student’s success.

“Every product we give has activity included, because research shows students who are physically active (even for just 10 minutes a day) tend to have better grades, school attendance, memory, and on-task behavior,” the manifesto said.

Team Long Run and Active Discovery work with the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, and they have also teamed up with YMCAs throughout Southern California.

“We believe that we can help level the playing field by giving at-risk kids and their families opportunities (through our products) they don’t currently have, and this can lead them to grow in how they see their future and give them a pathway to progress regardless of their current circumstances,” the manifesto said. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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CRIB to COLLEGE

Events and Programs for Kids Around Town Compiled by staff s the new school year begins and kids get back to campus, there are additional educational opportunities for them outside the classroom.

Casa Romantica and The Ecology Center have numerous activities for children to engage in and have fun and experience a little culture.

generous underwriters, continues its commitment to providing family-friendly events at little to no cost for the local community,” says Amy Behrens, Executive Director.

Casa Romantica also has recurring free admission events: Storytime at the Casa every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and D. Yoder Family Sundays held every first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with different crafts and activities each month.

CASA ROMANTICA

THE ECOLOGY CENTER

Family-friendly performances under the Casa Kids Concert Series will begin at Casa Romantica—a nonprofit cultural center—starting in October.

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards will perform on Oct. 9; Pacific Trio: Music of China will perform on Jan. 29; and The LA Troupe: Alice in Wonderland will perform on May 14. All the concerts will be on Saturdays at noon.

All performances take place in Casa Romantica’s outdoor Redmond Amphitheater and are included with general admission ($5 for ages 13 and up; free for children age 12 and under) to Casa Romantica, a news release announced.

“Casa Romantica, with support from our

The Ecology Center—a nonprofit farm and environmental educational institution—offers various school-aged programming, including a hands-on learning experience for kids and families called Eco Tots.

Eco Tots is for children up to 5 years old and held Saturday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. Instructors will guide children through feeding and interacting with chickens, watering gardens with compost tea and harvested rainwater, and other activities.

The Ecology Center will also offer field trips for school groups, starting in September. For more information, email colleen@theecologycenter.org.

A

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, casaromantica.org

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, theecologycenter.org

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CRIB to COLLEGE

HOW TO MAKE SCHOOL LUNCHES FUN FOR ALL

By Gina Cousineau

A

s a mother of four, I spent 23 years making school lunches in some capacity. Like the household chores, you better learn to like it or you could spend a large portion of your life fighting the inevitable.

Back in my days of raising adolescents, life was less complicated. Today, with the plethora of food choices made available to our youth, I see lunchboxes full of high fat and sugar-laden “packaged items,” putting our children at risk for “adult diseases” and health challenges early in life, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

My hope with this column is to help you come up with a plan for the entire family to participate in what should be a bit of a game, rather than a chore, and get back to more wholesome food choices.

Allow the kids to choose their lunchboxes.

Be sure to inquire where lunches will be stored at school, as I often see backpacks containing lunches hung in direct sunlight. It is imperative, regardless of whether lunch contains an icepack, which I highly recommend, that lunches are stored inside the classroom and away from the sun.

It is important to know that younger children don’t need large quantities of food. “Bento” style boxes are ideal for little ones, helping provide a variety of options for this age group.

As kids grow, they seem to prefer insulated coolers with small containers, which help to separate items and keep them fresh. And high schoolers typically desire the old brown bag, but, again, keeping their food safe with an icepack is suggested. A small Thermos to hold hot food leftovers like soup or chili is often a hit.

Try to have the kids, regardless of age, participate in packing their lunch the night before tidying up from dinner. Parents need to allow kids a few choices from each category below, but they may not stray from those choices.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

Even if the child doesn’t eat the item, we know that these exposures will eventually get them to try the food.

Think about these four food groups with each lunch: 1. Fiber: Pick from whole grain/wheat (most of the time) versions of bread, pretzels, crackers, tortillas, and more.

2. Veggies: Raw or cooked veggies paired with a dip like Ranch or hummus, or stuff celery with nut butter and raisins.

3. Fruit: Choose fresh, frozen, dried, or single-serving packaged items, preferably with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

4. Protein: Hard-boiled eggs, oven-roasted deli meats (low sodium and nitrate-free, preferably), leftover chicken leg or tenders, nuts/ seeds, beans; and/or dairy or soy products for both a protein and calcium boost.

And, lastly, do allow one packaged item to make its way into your kid’s lunch. Make sure it is single-serving. Read the ingredient and nutrition facts label to assess the quality of the food stuff. And always attempt to include a small treat/splurge, making it a surprise, if possible, be it a few malted milk balls, a special note, a small toy, etc. Recall how much fun it was to get the little treat in the bottom of the Cracker Jack box.

And, remember, in a blink, the kids will be out of the house, and while you won’t miss the lunches, you will miss the chaos. Enjoy each moment.

Here are two credible sources to help you though the school year: • holleygrainger.com offers 125 lunchbox ideas and so many other wonderful ideas.

Holley is a mom and registered dietitian.

• superhealthykids.com is another wonderful website with loads of inspiration for your kids’ lunches. Both can be followed on social media.

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, sees clients in person and virtually out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education and training—a BS in dietetics, MS in integrative and functional nutrition, chef training, and more than 30 years as a fitness professional—allow her to help clients with finding a practical nutrition that works for their lifestyle. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle.

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Between the Pages What Your Local Library Has to Offer for Early Learning

By Lillian Boyd

W

ith students returning to the classroom, parents and families may be relieved to know that OC Public Libraries have been open for in-person services as of June 15.

Service hours for branch libraries throughout Orange County are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online services continue to expand with e-book checkout and Virtual Programs, which include virtual storytimes, Zoom book clubs, crafting, food literacy, reading programs, and more.

You can make sure your family has access to public library resources and robust digital services available to library cardholders, 24/7 free access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, resources and more. You can also enjoy virtual programming. A digital card

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

DANA POINT LIBRARY

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY

SAN CLEMENTE LIBRARY

33841 Niguel Road 949.496.5517

31495 El Camino Real 949.493.1752

242 Avenida Del Mar 949.492.3493

ocpl.org/libraries/dana-point

ocpl.org/libraries/san-juan-capistrano

ocpl.org/libraries/san-clemente

gives you access to a wide variety of downloadable media.

In order to get your child ready for kindergarten, Orange County Public Libraries have compiled book lists, e-learning links, rhymes of the month, readiness activities and more.

Children who enter kindergarten with basic reading, math, and social skills are more likely to achieve success in school, attain higher levels of education, and secure employment. OC Public Libraries have compiled resources and

designed programs to support your families in getting ready for school: • Early Childhood OC is a resource to ensure that young children reach their developmental potential and are ready to succeed in school and life. The community collaborative was formed to develop Orange County’s Early Childhood Policy Framework. The Framework helps to guide communities, businesses, and organizations in prioritizing children and families, which results in economic and social

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benefits for all of Orange County.

• Early Years OC is an emotional wellness program that offers parents of newborns through age 8 living in Orange County with supportive services to address concerns in their child’s developmental and social/emotional health.

• Families and Communities Together: Families and Communities Together (FaCT) is a network of Family Resource Centers (FRCs) located throughout Orange County’s highest-risk communities providing essential family support services, education, and resources.

• Help Me Grow: Help Me Grow connects children and their families to developmental services to enhance the development, behavior and learning of children from birth through 8 years.

• Kindergarten in California: Guidance material designed to address several public school kindergarten issues.

Visit ocpl.org for more information on these resources.

Additionally, most Friends of the Library Bookstores are now open. Donation acceptance will vary by Friends of the Library locations. Please call your local branch for updates on Friends of the Library bookstores and if they are accepting donations.

If you have questions, please contact any branch during service hours or library staff at admin@occr.ocgov.com, via social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or use library chat at ocpl.org.

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CRIB to COLLEGE

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

BEACH CITIES ROCK CLUB Located in San Clemente, the Beach Cities Rock Club was founded by professional musicians on the idea that the joy of music is for everybody! A place where anyone, of any background, can learn to understand and communicate in the language of music. We believe goals are paramount to the measurement of success and that nobody’s goals are exactly the same.

With that philosophy, we hatched our school’s MISSION STATEMENT: to guide students toward artistic achievements in a safe, creative, and goal-oriented environment.

The “Rock Club” is an after-school music program that operates in the back of Record Stores in an effort to help those cultural centers stay open and continue to enrich their communities.

As a pillar in our community’s art & music scene, we keep a direct line to the music cultures in and around our area. When you visit BCRC, you are faced with a buzz of creative energy. It’s a place where shows are being booked, music videos filmed, people are learning and practicing. A place where an old vinyl is played up front while a new song is recorded in the back! The Rock Club offers different things for different students. Some students simply aim to become proficient at their instrument. Some students want a fun, after-school activity that keeps their mind stimulated in a healthy way. Some want the experience of writing and recording. Others are looking for positive outlets to cope with difficulties in their life. At the Rock Club, we cater our lesson plans to each individual student to best support them whatever their goals may be.

73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.463.1968, beachcitiesrockclub.com

Bella Collina is a premier venue for your next social celebration, meeting, corporate retreat, golf tournament or awards gala. The unique Tuscan-inspired design at Bella Collina will give you and your guests the experience of a lifetime. Their award-winning wedding and events facility sits on 230 acres of lush rolling hills with panoramic views.

Custom designed packages are available for charitable organizations.

Bella Collina San Clemente is currently welcoming new golf, junior academy, and social members. New golf memberships enjoy one month of free dues!

Bella Collina is located at 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, CA 92673. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit bellacollinasanclemente.com or call 949.498.6604.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE SOUTH COAST AREA The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is here for your family this new school year and always. Our affordable after-school program, open until 6:30 p.m. daily, provides academic support, extracurricular activities including sports, drama, and arts and crafts, and so much more. For high schoolers, our College Bound Program provides comprehensive support from freshman through senior year in every aspect of the college admissions process—from choosing classes and homework help, to submitting applications and determining a plan to pay for college, we’re here every step of the way. Our club is a fun, safe, encouraging environment for kids to be kids again! Our programs are affordable for every family, with financial aid available. Visit our website at bgcsca.org or call us at 949.492.0376 for more information.

1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente, 949.484.0122, bgcsca.org

BELLA COLLINA SAN CLEMENTE Nestled in the rolling foothills off Avenida La Pata, Bella Collina is the only private golf club in San Clemente.

The course features a 27-hole, Gary Player-designed golf course, complete with driving range, chipping and putting greens. The clubhouse features restaurants, fitness facilities, patio dining, and a fully stocked golf shop. Golf members and their guests enjoy 27 holes, and fast rounds 7 days a week with no lotteries!

The club offers an engaging schedule of tournaments and social events. From festive holiday celebrations, kids club activities, and wine dinners, to live music, golf clinics and more, there’s something for everyone at Bella Collina.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Welcome Back to the 2021-2022 School Year!

Kirsten Vital Brulte, Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District While the events of the 2020-2021 school year were endlessly changing, one thing remained constant within Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)––our unwavering commitment to student success. I am honored to welcome our students, families, teachers, classified staff,

PAID ADVERTISING SECTION and administrators back to school for a full day, every day!

Every school year is an opportunity for a new beginning, and this school year is no exception. Throughout the pandemic, our work has been dedicated to providing engaging and flexible learning options for all students and families. We are thankful to offer a traditional in-person learning model this year, as well as options for online learning. Students who wish to remain in a fully remote learning setting may enroll in Capistrano Home/Virtual School (K-8), or California Preparatory Academy (9-12).

In support of a strong academic and social emotional learning environment for the 2021-22 school year, and because of state and federal COVID funds, we have hired over 300 more teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists, counselors, and classified staff this summer. We have also worked to reduce class sizes, increase electives, bring credentialed physical education teachers to elementary schools, purchase 35,000 new Chromebooks, and continue a strong investment in professional development for our certificated and classified staff.

I want to assure our community that we are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment to all students and staff. We will continue to monitor and receive guidance from state and local agencies and public health officials to ensure our schools and classrooms follow all safety protocols.

I am grateful for your partnership and support. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work to follow guidelines provided to us by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

I wish you a wonderful school year!

Visit capousd.org for more information and to view our School Safety Plan.

FAIRMONT SCHOOLS Providing Academic Stability During Uncertain Times Your child is unique and full of potential. As a parent, you want to give them the very best opportunity to learn and grow. Educating in the age of COVID has been quite challenging. Yet, Fairmont students have not only survived academically during the pandemic, they’ve thrived—test scores confirm they did NOT experience the “COVID Slide” that affected so many others!

Fairmont has prioritized two pillars in our response to the pandemic, both of which have informed all of our decision-making during this unprecedented time: protecting the health and well-being—both physical and emotional—of our community, and providing academic stability for our students.

Fairmont meets children where they are—from high achievers to “late bloomers”—and provides a rich learning environment where excellent instruction and accelerated curriculum are paired with athletics, the arts, clubs, and activities. Our secular, co-educational P-12 educational program balances time-honored fundamentals with innovative approaches to learning, taking into account intellectual, as well as social and emotional, growth.

We are pleased to offer families a choice of two learning opportunities: • On-campus, In-person (5 full days/week)—Fairmont spent considerable time preparing for on-campus

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learning last year, which led to a zero transmission rate at our campus. Those extensive preparations are propelling us toward a healthy 2021-22 school year. We continue to follow enhanced health and safety precautions and sanitization procedures, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health.

• Remote Learning (5 full days/week)—Fairmont successfully delivers academic stability through our innovative remote learning program. Testing data reveal that our remote students scored at the same level as our on-campus learners. The remote program provides live-stream classroom instruction, creating an immersive experience.

Fairmont is now enrolling P-12 grade students at our San Juan Capistrano campus. To learn more, visit FairmontSchools.com/SJC or call 714.984.0289.

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Academic Excellence | Culture of Innovation | Transformative Tartan Experience We believe in our students—their natural curiosity, talents, interests and intellectual vitality. St. Margaret’s surrounds students with a vibrant and engaging learning environment that guides their individual development, character, well-being and intellectual pursuits. St. Margaret’s is active and alive with students who are motivated and excited to be here, learning and growing together.

From Early Childhood to Upper School, our everyday leaves a lifetime impact on our students.

A vigorous liberal arts academic program and expert faculty challenge and inspire students to discover, learn, grow and excel to their fullest potential. Opportunities abound in arts, athletics, STEAM, experiential and service learning, and leadership.

We advance our academic program with a student-centered innovation strategy. We invest in new curriculum and teaching approaches, modern technologies, world-class learning environments, community partnerships and collaborations that pave relevant, exciting and rewarding paths for students.

St. Margaret’s students are known for their character, poise, thoughtfulness and integrity. An inclusive, loving community rooted in shared values and our Episcopal identity is the foundation for a transformative student life program that fosters belonging, life skills, purpose and well-being, instills a strong moral compass and inspires responsibility, leadership and service to the world.

St. Margaret’s is a premier, independent school educating 1,234 students, preschool through grade 12.

The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates.

31641 La Novia San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, smes.org thecapistranodispatch.com

CRIB to COLLEGE

SADDLEBACK PROGRAMS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS

By Shawn Raymundo

S Tutoring Resources Mathnasium

Give your child an edge in school this fall with Mathnasium. They’ll get the personalized instruction they need to accelerate their math skills and take on the rest of the school year with confidence.

Mathnasium offers live, face-toface instruction either online or in-person. There are Mathnasium locations throughout South Orange County, with instruction costing from $30-$75 an hour depending on the tutor.

24841 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.240.6284; 1051 Avenida Pico, #A, San Clemente, 949.481.6284; mathnasium.com

Kumon

Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Contact Kumon directly for an estimate on pricing.

801 Via Suerte, Suite #102, San Clemente, 949.429.8008, kumon.com

Under Pressure Homework Help

Tessa Tutors

Tessa Weinstein is fully vaccinated and offers in-person tutoring, which starts at $75 within a 25-mile radius of her home in San Juan Capistrano, with no mileage charge.

All in-person visits are followed up with a summary of the session, including observations and suggestions. Expertise includes math levels from algebra to Calculus 1, 2 and 3.

San Juan Capistrano, 949.229.9326, tessatutors.com

Acumen Tutoring

Acumen Tutoring offers assistance and enrichment in all math and physical sciences from pre‑algebra to AP Calculus, from 6thgrade science to AP Physics and Chemistry. Sessions are charged by the hour as follows: four hours in advance: $85 per hour; 10 hours in advance: $75 per hour.

31726 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 106, San Juan Capistrano, 949.357.3798, acumen-tutoring.com

San Clemente Tutoring

Under Pressure Homework Help’s tutors teach to the needs and styles of your student. Their tutors effectively tailor every session to your student’s specific needs, whether it is homework, test preparation, remedial work or advancement. Tutoring is available for students near Dana Point, including cities of Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach.

Tired of feeling helpless in that math class? Not getting that grade you want on your chemistry labs?

San Clemente Tutoring offers experts in various subjects and makes sure that the focus lies with you. At San Clemente Tutoring, students can benefit from private face-toface sessions in individual rooms with your personal tutor. Bring in your questions, homework, or study guides. The hourly rate for individual tutoring is $69/hour and $30/hour for group tutoring.

34091 Unit B Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.283.4646, underpessurehomeworkhelp.com

111 Avenida Del Mar, Suite 205, San Clemente, 949.415.4935, sanclementetutoring.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

addleback College has a handful of Learning Pathways comprising a plethora of programs, courses and curricula to help young college students discover the right educational track that will ideally lead to their dream jobs and the careers of the future.

Among those programs are Health and Wellness; Science, Engineering and Pre-Med; and Applied and Advanced Technologies. Those programs specifically include majors that happen to correlate with some of the most in-demand jobs in the coming decade.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing practitioner was listed among the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, second only to wind-turbine service technicians. Nursing practitioner jobs, which had a median annual income of $111,680, are expected to grow by 52% between 2019 and 2029.

“Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics explained.

Becoming a nurse practitioner, or related fields of nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, requires a master’s degree. However, Saddleback’s Health and Wellness pathway includes a nursing program that prepares graduates for a career as a registered nurse, putting them on the path toward a master’s degree for a nurse practitioner.

The Health and Wellness pathway also includes majors that could lead students to careers as medical and health services managers—expected to grow by 32% between 2019 and 2029—as well as restaurant cooks, a job category expected to

grow by an estimated 23% in the same period.

Under Saddleback’s Science, Engineering, and Pre-Med pathway, students can find majors and courses that will prepare them for becoming statisticians or data and mathematical scientists.

Statisticians, a job with a growth rate of 35%, had a median annual salary of $92,270. Data scientists similarly had a median salary of $98,230—a job projected to grow by 31%.

BLS explained that statistician roles are projected to grow because “businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.”

As for the Applied and Advanced Technologies pathway at Saddleback, it has a certification program for students interested in a career as a cybersecurity or information security analyst—a job estimated to grow by 31% between 2019 and 2029. The median yearly income for an analyst in 2020 was $103,590.

The program, Saddleback described, “provides students the opportunity to master the necessary computer information security concepts to implement safe, secure, digital systems and also the ability to detect and repair various cyberattacks.”

According to BLS, the position of a security analyst is expected to be in very high demand, “as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.”

These are among a handful of programs and majors that Saddleback College offers, and they represent just a few of the most in-demand jobs of the future. To find out more about Saddleback’s pathways, head to saddleback.programmapper. com/academics, and for a complete list of the fastest-growing jobs, head to bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm.

SADDLEBACK PROGRAMS FOR KIDS AND TEENS To help children and teens prepare for those next steps in their educational journeys, Saddleback College has several partnerships and programs that are offered year-round for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Here are just a few of the programs in which you can enroll your students: College For Kids: This summer program allows kids aged 7 through 17 an opportunity to see what college life on a campus is all about. During the program, students can put together their own class schedule comprising courses such as math, writing, science, Spanish, art, film and sports, to name a few.

After-School Experience: For this program, Saddleback partners with the Capistrano Unified School District to allow students to participate in enriching activities meant to increase their intellectual, social and recreational needs. CUSD teachers lead classes on academic enrichment, art, cooking, science and sports.

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K-12 Concurrent Enrollment: Under this program, high school students could be eligible to concurrently enroll at Saddleback, taking courses recommended by their school principal.

S.T.E.P.S.: Because of socioeconomic factors, foster care youth are less likely to enroll in colleges, studies have shown. Based on those findings, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office sponsors the Foster Youth Success Initiative to help improve foster youths’ ability to access higher education opportunities. Under that initiative, Saddleback offers its Shifting Through Education Pathways (S.T.E.P.S.) Program that’s meant to support current and former foster care youth students. S.T.E.P.S. supports the students’ access to on-campus and off-campus resources to help increase retention and academic success.

For more information on Saddleback’s programs for kids and teens, head to saddleback.edu/k-12partnerships.

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6-9 p.m. Steely Dan tribute band Jim Plays Dan will perform. The event is free and open to the public. San Juan Hills Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Editor’s Pick

The List

SATURDAY | 04 LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Bow Wow Wow and The Untouchables will perform.

Tickets are $25. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

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

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 27 LOS RIOS STREET GHOST TOUR 7:30 or 8 p.m. Learn about the spooky history of one of California’s oldest neighborhoods. Hosted by OC Ghosts and Legends. Cost is $24 for adults and $17 for kids ages 15-and-under. Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. admin@ocghostsandlegends.com. ocghostsandlegends.com.

SATURDAY | 28 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.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 2 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy live music at this well-known local bar. Tightrope will perform from 2-6 p.m., and Paul Justin from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

WEDNESDAY | 08 Photo: File

SATURDAY | 28 BARKS, BREWS & BOARDS 4-7 p.m. Join Pet Project Foundation at the Outlets at San Clemente for tail-wagging fun at Barks, Brews & Boards. Enjoy craft beer, pup swag, meet-and-greets, doggie activities, live entertainment, and more. The event is free to attend, but there is a charge for beer.

All proceeds benefit Pet Project Foundation and the lost and abandoned pets at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. Oak Tree Court at the Outlets, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. petprojectfoundation.org. outletsatsanclemente.com.

WEDNESDAY | 01

FRIDAY | 03

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

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.

AT THE MOVIES

memories over the years.

The biggest highlight of Kilmer’s new retrospective is all of the behind-the-scenes footage that the star shot himself with his own video camera from the 1980s and 1990s on the sets of pictures including Tony Scott’s Top Gun (1986), Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) and George P. Cosmatos’ Tombstone (1993).

There are also some sweet home movies of Kilmer with his siblings and later his children with former wife and actress Joanne Whalley.

It’s great that Kilmer has love and support from his son, Jack, and his daughter, Mercedes, during his recent struggles, but we’re left with some questions on the past, too.

It’s public knowledge that Kilmer grew up a Christian Scientist, but this is also never properly acknowledged in the new feature. We’re not quite told where he stands now spiritually after everything he’s experienced.

We also don’t know exactly why his

‘Val’ Seen Through the Lens of His Life

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Val Kilmer is a big name we don’t really see or hear much from anymore.

To those who come across Ting Poo and Leo Scott’s new documentary, Val, on Amazon Prime, they might be surprised to learn a big reason for this disappearance was Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer.

While very sad, Poo and Scott’s doc isn’t overly depressing or too dramatic, and instead is a tribute to the actor’s career, family and

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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. Olivia Rohde will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

THURSDAY | 09 BREAKFAST CLUB WOOD WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Make your own wood project with this DIY class. Whether it’s a porch sign, bath tray, or photo frame, get your creative juices flowing with this interactive event. Register online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano.

949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

Photo: A24/Amazon Studios

marriage to Whalley ended beyond a few suggestions that his fame took a toll on their relationship at times.

Still, Val isn’t a complete vanity project, and rather inspirational to see Poo and Scott capture Kilmer’s life these days as he works around his limitations to continue working and living.

If you’re a fan of the screen star or his films of the ’80s and ’90s, Val might be of interest to you.

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist

You Will Be Hearing a Lot More About Biophilia

A

s humans, we have an evolutionary connection to nature, but we are now spending up to 90% of our lives inside buildings.

Biophilia has been a wellness trend in the world of building and interior design for years, using the influence of nature in a big way. Although biophilic design uses natural materials, daylight, plants, views of trees and plants, water features and organic shapes, studies have found that even mere representations of these elements make a positive difference.

When it comes to our homes, biophilic design can boost mood, productivity, and overall health. It can be taken to another level by using organic shapes, fractal repeating elements, and eco-friendly technologies for the interior and exterior of buildings.

And we should all be ecstatic to know that children learn 20-26% faster in biophilic environments, with more rapid brain development and expansion of social skills.

Serious bottom-line profits related to biophilic design have made health care, corporations and large retailers take note.

Hospitals have studied the result of nature on patients in hospital rooms (with equal circumstances) by comparing and measuring the effect of a brick wall view and a view of a single tree. Those with the tree view had shorter hospital stays and required fewer medications. Bank of America’s 2009 Biophilic-designed skyscraper in midtown New York has

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

O’Malley

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

reported worker productivity also accelerated; it has overshadowed its Platinum LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy Efficiency & Design) by delivering more profits to shareholders than the energy savings for which it was originally touted. Even trees located at the entry THE COWGIRL of retail stores have DESIGNER shown a dramatic

BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST improvement in sales due to the positive effects of nature.

When biophilic design was implemented inside the store as well, the employee and customer well-being translated into additional substantial profits.

We all love nature and know that it is good for us, and the results above give you a glimpse at the possibilities of biophilic design to improve our lives.

The effects of biophilia have been known to stay with you for weeks or months, depending upon the amount of exposure.

I experienced this firsthand this April, after attending a four-day trail ride in the hills of Parkfield in Northern California, with the ladies of our local Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. My annual medical exam was the day after I got back, and to my surprise, my blood pressure (measured right there in the doctor’s office after racing to my appointment), was

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Three-year-old O’Malley is quite the character. A volunteer and staff favorite, he has a playful personality and is known for rolling around on his back and making silly faces.

O’Malley is as sweet a cat as you are likely to find and would make a wonderful companion for just about any adopter.

If you are interested in adopting O’Malley, 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.

All adoptable cats and kittens have 50% off their adoption fee through Sept. 5.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Photo: Kathleen Newman and OC Public Libraries

This photo shows Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1925.

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.

better than it had been in two years … and it stayed that way for weeks!

The basics of beauty, comfort, and functionality are a standard goal for interior design. Adding nature to the recipe boosts our mood, productivity, and overall health.

Relaxing ocean waves, colorful aquariums, the mesmerizing flames of a campfire, the fresh smell of a forest, the soothing sound of a waterfall, palm fronds blowing in the breeze, the view of a horse in pasture— they all contribute to our state of wellness, both physically and mentally. In a home environment, this translates to a happier and healthier life. In business, it is proven to increase profits.

Above is just a tip of the iceberg, but you get the idea. If you would like to explore the world of Biophilic Design, please see the resources I used listed below for more detailed information. If you would like a complimentary consultation for your home, office, or retail store, please

contact marlene@thecowgirldesigner.com.

SOURCES: The Biophilia Effect: A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature by Arvay, Clemens G.; Nature by Design: The Practice of Biophilic Design by Kellert, Stephen R.; and The Economics of Biophilia: A extensive study and report by Terrapin Bright Green.

Marlene Holmquist, ASID, owns Luxury Ranch Interior Design, a full-service interior design company specializing in remodels for residences and small businesses. An avid equestrian known as “The Cowgirl Designer,” she is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. Luxury-Ranch.com or TheCowgirlDesigner.com. 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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

SOLUTION:

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

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thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

Page 27

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Sandwiches for the Soul A Book on Tutor & Spunky’s Deli Highlights History of Business and Community EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Blake is a regular contributor for The Capistrano Dispatch. In his bi-monthly column, Life and Love After 50, Blake discusses dating, romance and love for seniors.

BY LILLIAN BOYD, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

n 1988, Tom Blake says he gave up the headaches of the corporate world to make big sandwiches.

Blake had grown up in Jackson, Michigan before attending DePauw University in Indiana. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and then went on to earn his MBA. He began his career working in public relations for the airline industry. After several years, he headed to the West Coast and began working for Victoria Station, one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States in the 1970s.

“That’s where I got my exposure to the restaurant industry,” Blake said. “I worked there for eight years and really learned the ins and outs of that world.”

At its peak, there were 105 restaurant locations. Victoria Station eventually went bankrupt after the business had grown too fast, Blake said. “(After Victoria Station), I really wanted to leave the corporate world,” said Blake, who moved to Dana Point in 1987 with his then-wife. “I knew enough about the restaurant business to be dangerous.

But I wanted to create something that was my own.”

Blake saw that there was a vacancy at a storefront location in Dana Point.

“I got the lease in August and managed to open a deli by the year’s end with one employee,” Blake said.

He opened Tutor & Spunky’s Deli in 1988—named after the nicknames of Tom (Tutor) and his wife (Spunky). While Tom is no longer married to her, he decided to keep the name.

The following year, Dana Point became a city, and the deli grew as the city grew.

For the next 26 years, Tom managed and guided the deli into a $1 million yearly sales business. During that time frame, he hired 186 employees.

On July 17, Blake published his book, Tutor & Spunky’s Deli: A Dana Point Landmark, which reflects back on the deli’s history and the shaping of Dana Point as a city.

The book describes the employees, customers and celebrities who visited.

During that time, Blake also became a newspaper columnist. In the wake of his The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

Tom Blake published his book Tutor & Spunky’s: A Dana Point Landmark on July 17. Photo: Lillian Boyd

divorce, Blake began writing about his experiences dating and searching for love again during the later chapters of his life.

The columns were first published in the Orange County Register and later in The Capistrano Dispatch, Dana Point Times and San Clemente Times.

“One of the messages I’ve tried to convey in my columns and in this book is that with adversity comes opportunity,” Blake said. “You need to look for those opportunities, because they aren’t always evident.”

When a woman customer named Greta came into the deli in 1998 and ordered a freshly squeezed carrot juice, Blake says he noticed her while she waited for her juice to be prepared. He walked around the counter and said to her, “Would you like to have dinner with me?” Tom and Greta have been together ever since.

Tom and Greta were able to take some incredible trips to Europe, South America, and throughout the United States, and travel to New York City, where Tom

appeared on NBC’s Today show and ABC’s Good Morning America, while his staff held down the fort.

The book delves into major events that affected the deli, including the Dana Point Post Office shooting, the fires that decimated Laguna Beach, the local bank heists, the yacht Ponzi scheme by a well-known customer and the murder of former Dana Point resident Nicole Brown Simpson.

Blake also addresses the disappearance and murders of his former son-inlaw, Joey McStay, McStay’s wife and two children. McStay had worked at the deli when he was younger.

The McStay family murders occurred around February 2010, after the family disappeared from their home in Fallbrook, California; their bodies were found in the desert near Victorville on November 13, 2013.

The book also highlights the implementation of a Dana Point Town Center plan that forced the deli to relocate and

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the never-ending issues, challenges, and rewards of dealing with employees.

“People who dream of someday owning a restaurant will benefit from reading the book,” Blake said. “There is risk and there are rewards of having one’s own business. It’s not a cakewalk, it’s no stroll in the park, and it needs to be a total dedication that can lead to success.”

And, although Blake retired and sold the deli in 2015, Tutor & Spunky’s remains in business in 2021. The deli is currently owned by two Vietnamese sisters, Samantha Nguyen and Elena Sik. They took over ownership in 2019 and have since maintained the original menu while adding Vietnamese-inspired menu items.

Blake’s book is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle. The book adds up to 382 pages and contains more than 100 photos.

There will be two book signings at Tutor & Spunky’s Deli on Thursday, September 2, from 4-6 p.m. and on Thursday, September 16, from 4-6 p.m. CD 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. GARAGE SALE — SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 Sat., Aug. 28th, 8:00 am, 323 Calle Empalme, San Clemente Home beer-brewing equip, bottles, 12”Delta drill press, dog kennels & fences, air brush equip, hand/power ww tools, Coleman 15x13 easy up canopy, camp cookware & folding table, air-guns (brads), & much more.

GARAGE SALE — SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 MOVING TO PORTUGAL Everything FREE! Some furniture; Living Room Hutch, ottoman, chairs, etc. and various cha cha. Saturday, Aug. 28 (all day). 159 W. Avenida Ramona, SC.

HELP WANTED PART TIME RETAIL SALES Part Time Retail Sales- Coastal Karma located in the San Clemente Outlets is looking for someone who enjoys fashion and working with friendly people. Hours/ Pay Negotiable. Contact: Jessica at 415-250-4311 to hear 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

OTHER ORIGINAL ART BY BARBARA BRIENT August 28th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

7th Annual Showing at my studio.

33561 Via De Agua, San Juan Capistrano

OTHER WANTED: COIN COLLECTIONS San Clemente coin collector is buying coins and currency.

Paying top dollar for old coins and currency Free no obligation appraisals Example Silver Coins 1964 and before Dollars $18.00 & up Halves $7.50 Quarters $3.75 Dimes $1.50 Buying pennies, proof sets, etc.

Call or Text Dave 847 769-3590

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

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27-September 9, 2021

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

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Juan Hills Falls in SeasonOpening Test Against Santa Margarita

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan Hills opened its football season looking for a challenge.

San Juan Hills coach Rob Frith wanted to test his Stallions and scheduled appropriately with a Trinity League trial against Santa Margarita in the very first game at the renovated Saddleback College stadium on Friday, Aug. 20.

San Juan Hills seemingly met its challenge early, but in the end, first-half miscues and a tremendously potent Santa Margarita offense did in the Stallions.

Santa Margarita racked up an interception, fumble and blocked punt in the second quarter and scored three quick touchdowns in the final minutes of the first half to pull away from San Juan Hills and win the season opener, 38-14.

“At times, I thought we did really well, and at times, I thought we showed a bit of inexperience,” Frith said.“That is why you schedule teams like this. That’s why you can’t be afraid to play against Trinity League schools, because you have to find out where you’re at. You cannot give a team that good that many extra opportunities.”

For the challenge he wanted to present his team, Frith thought his group got what it needed to learn from this game, despite the final deficit.

“It’s an opportunity to see where this program is and play one of the best teams in the county. It’s fine if we’re not there right now,” Frith said. “The goal is to get to that level as that season progresses. This is just where we’re at right now, but I’m proud of my guys. They fought for 48 minutes.”

Santa Margarita quarterback Jaxon Potter, a transfer from JSerra, threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, and the Eagles were also paced on the ground with a 161-yard performance by Jake Foye, who also ran in for a score.

For San Juan Hills, junior quarterback Colton Joseph was a standout despite three interceptions, contributing more than 150 yards passing, two touchdown passes and several highlight runs and escapes. UCLA-committed receiver Braden Pegan caught both Stallions touchdowns.

San Juan Hills (0-1) next plays at home Friday, Aug. 27, against Cypress, and then at home on Sept. 3 against Roosevelt of Eastvale. Santa Margarita (1-0) played at Norco on Thursday, Aug. 26, and will host St. Augustine of San Diego on Sept. 3.

After the Eagles scored on their first drive, the Stallions regrouped on the legs The Capistrano Dispatch August 29-September 9, 2021

San Juan Hills opened with a challenge against Santa Margarita of the Trinity League, and despite two touchdown catches by UCLA commit Braden Pegan (3), the Eagles surged past the Stallions, 38-14, on Friday, Aug. 20, at Saddleback College. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

of Joseph. Joseph escaped pressure for a 20-yard run, and later dodged a near-sack and ran for another 17 yards. Joseph then perfectly placed a 17-yard pass to Pegan, who cradled the ball in the end zone for the score. San Juan Hills pulled even, 7-7.

From there, the Stallions held tough and kept it even.

Santa Margarita punted on its next drive, and despite an interception on San Juan Hills’ next drive, the Stallions denied points again as Cole Monach blocked a field-goal attempt.

The Eagles went ahead on their next drive as they found their ground game with Foye, and Gage Grant took a direct snap on a 7-yard touchdown run for the lead in the second quarter, 14-7.

It was a fumbled snap by San Juan Hills late in the second quarter that Santa Margarita pounced on, then turnedon its jets.

Santa Margarita found its lanes on the ground, and Foye scored on a 13-yard run for a 21-7 lead with just more than two minutes left in the half. After a San Juan Hills 3-and-out, Potter threw an 18-yard strike to Jalen Jones for a 28-7 lead with

46 seconds remaining.

Santa Margarita then blocked the Stallions’ punt on the next possession, enabling the Eagles to sneak in one more score before the break. Potter hit Jones again on a 28-yard pass for the touchdown and a 35-7 lead seven seconds before halftime.

San Juan Hills got back on the board midway through the third quarter, as Joseph hit Pegan again on a quick slant for a 1-yard touchdown pass.

San Juan Hills held Santa Margarita to just three points in the second half. Freshman Weston Port, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound defensive end, made the defensive highlights with two sacks.

“That kid is going to be really good,” Frith said of Port. “For a 14-year-old kid in his first varsity game, he’s always going to remember that.”

Santa Margarita’s last score was a 35yard field goal with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.

SJC FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

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JSerra had a rousing start to its season

opener, as junior Edward Shultz took the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. However, despite an early 14-7 lead, the Lions ultimately fell to Sierra Canyon, 40-14. JSerra hosts Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks on Friday, Aug. 27, and travels to Newport Harbor on Thursday, Sept. 2.

The JSerra-Newport Harbor game will be covered on Twitter @SouthOCSports and online at thecapistranodispatch.com.

Capistrano Valley Christian opened its season with an offensive show in a 34-20 win over Arrowhead Christian Academy on Friday, Aug. 20. The Eagles then hosted Calvary Chapel of Santa Ana on Thursday, Aug. 26 at Capistrano Valley High School. Coverage of Thursday’s game is up at thecapistranodispatch.com.

CVC next plays Godinez on Sept. 3 at Santa Ana Valley High School.

St. Margaret’s gets its season underway on Friday, Aug. 20, against Christian of El Cajon. Live coverage of that game can be found on Twitter @SouthOCSports, with postgame coverage at thecapistranodispatch.com. The Tartans next play at La Mirada on Sept. 3. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 27–September 9, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com