CD 9/22/2023

Medicare options are complicated. Understanding them shouldn’t be. Your Medicare Plan Annual Notice of Change

If you’re currently on Medicare this applies to you if you have a Medicare drug plan or if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO). This does NOT apply to your Medicare Supplement plans, such as Plan F, G, N etc.

The Annual Notice of Change is a document you receive showing if your Medicare plan made changes for the upcoming year. Some changes that you would see on your ANOC are increases or decreases in your monthly premium, changes to your co-pays, deductibles and the plan’s drug formulary.

An ANOC will list 2 columns, one is what your benefit is for the current year, the other column will show what it will change to in the new year.

The biggest o ender of changes prompting people to make a change to their current coverage is the “Stand Alone Medicare RX plans” that people who use Medicare as their primary insurance coupled with a Medicare supplement plan have. These plans seem to always be giving an increase to the deductible, premium and co-pay amounts. Unfortu-

nately knowing how to go about finding the right Medicare drug plan on their own isn’t something most Medicare beneficiaries know how to do.

The good news is that I do! So, if you get surprised by your ANOC this Fall, be it your Medicare HMO plan, Medicare PPO plan or your Medicare RX plan, feel free to reach out to me, I’d be happy to help you.

Discover an elevated lifestyle with the perfect blend of independence and personalized support at Watermark Laguna Niguel , Orange County’s newest and most innovative community for seniors. Designed around what matters to you, life is filled with refined residences, signature dining, resort-style amenities, award-winning programs, integrated wellness o erings, and expert care that always includes empathy and a loving approach.

More than just an inviting place to call home, this is a spirited setting where individuals have easy access to the things that make life worth living.

Mayor Hart Emphasizes Importance of Equestrian Heritage in State of the City Address

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Three aspects of San Juan Capistrano set it apart from its neighboring towns in South Orange County, Mayor Howard Hart boasted last week.

First, is the town’s “unparalleled history.”

“Now, one would be hard-pressed to write the history of Orange County without starting in San Juan Capistrano,” he said Sept. 14.

Second, Hart noted, is that San Juan is a small town with a vibrant city center, where although its residents have di erences of opinions, there’s much for everyone to be proud of.

“We’re like a big, sometimes, dysfunctional family … we might often bicker among ourselves,” Hart said. “So, we are one proud city.”

The third component of San Juan’s identity that makes it stand out is its equestrian heritage, Hart explained during the annual State of the City address hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce at the Inn at the Mission.

“For as long as I remember, I always associated San Juan Capistrano with horses,” he said before highlighting the city’s recent endeavors with local organizations and businesses to preserve that equestrian component across San Juan.

“A few years back, the future of our equestrian community was threatened,” Hart claimed. “However, thanks to a combination of private investment, community involvement, and a council committed to ensuring that San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian heritage remains a feature of our community, rather than a part of its history, I’ve seen recent progress.”

This past June, a City Council majority approved a long-term lease agreement with Robert and Hillary Ridland for the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

The agreement requires the Ridlands to make improvements on the property regarding water quality as it pertains to what’s called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, which applies to equestrian activities—a result of a 2017 lawsuit filed by the environmental nonprofit Orange County Coastkeeper.

“This agreement allows the Ridland group to make the necessary investments and improvements to meet their own environmental obligations while taking

the park to a new level of excellence as an event-centered community asset,” Hart said.

Hart also pointed to the council’s recent decision to unanimously approve a license agreement with Frontier Real Estate Investments for short-term operations of the historic Swanner House venue at the Northwest Open Space.

Hart noted that improvements to the city-owned property are almost complete, which promises to preserve the space’s rustic environment. The project, he said, also included consideration of an equestrian component.

“The bottom line is, looking at where our equestrian community is now, compared to where we were at three years ago, we see a community that is once again on solid footing for the foreseeable future,” Hart said of the latest e orts to preserve San Juan’s equestrian amenities and programs.

Near the onset of Hart’s speech, he expressed how honored he was to address the business community and its leaders.

“The City Council is committed to creating a healthy and secure environment for our retail businesses and shops,” Hart said, adding that “2023 has been a tremendous year for San Juan Capistrano; business is booming.”

One recent example of that boom was the opening of the long-awaited Ganahl Lumber location on Stonehill Drive.

Additional business developments set to open in the near future, he noted, are the new In-N-Out Burger franchise on Del Obispo and the River Street Marketplace shopping and community center.

And earlier this year, he continued, the city and Jamboree Housing Corporation, a nonprofit housing developer, broke ground on the project to construct an a ordable housing complex and a new City Hall facility on the site of the old City Hall on Paseo Adelanto.

The project, which will include 49 affordable housing units and one additional unit for an on-site manager, is intended for veterans, low-income families, and formerly homeless people.

“When complete, this transformational project will combine a ordable housing with best practice services for 50 individuals with disabilities and the lengthy history of homelessness,” explained Hart, a retired Navy captain. “Important to me, those veterans who served our country will have priority placement in 10 of those units.”

Hart further noted the benefits of incorporating a permanent supportive housing model to combat homelessness.

“This is not a Band-Aid solution. Those who enter permanent supportive housing have a 90% success rate in avoiding a return to homelessness,” he stated, then adding : “Although we have a long way to go, this council remains committed to fighting homelessness.”

The City Hall complex, Hart said, is expected to open in late 2024. As part of the project, the Council Chamber, which is currently located in the Nydegger Building on La Matanza, will be relocated to the San Juan Capistrano Community Center this December.

In closing, Hart stated that the city has had an eventful year, adding that everything he highlighted was done all “while maintaining a balanced budget and a healthy reserve fund.”

“But none of these achievements would have been possible without the collaboration and cooperation of so many people in our organization,” Hart said, later adding: “Looking ahead, we face new challenges and opportunities. We’ll continue to work to attract and retain businesses and visitors.”

Editor’s Note: An extended version of this story can be found at thecapistranodispatch.com.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

Challenging Cancer

10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@ yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 26

Cultural Heritage Commission

4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will publicly meet to discuss agenda items and matters pertaining to city business. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Because I Love You (BILY)

6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video c e e ce d i e m t e t Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27

Planning Commission

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will publicly meet to discuss agenda items and matters pertaining to city business. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

Design Review Committee

4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

Co ee Chat

8:30 a.m. A town hall forum on community i ue . e t id e i t e month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. ll ee t ce information.

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart delivers the 2023 State of the City address during a dinner ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Inn at the Mission on Sept. 14. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

(Cont. from page 3)

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

City Council

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at the Nydegger Building. Members of the public can either attend in person or watch the livestreamed version online at sanjuancapistrano.org. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4

Learning English Class

10-11:30 a.m. The La Playa Center is hosting free English classes for adults on Wednesdays. Students will be provided materials and workbooks. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. crossculturalcouncil.com.

CUSD Board of Trustees

7 p.m. The governing board for the i t i ed c l i t ict ill c ve e meeti . Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11

Planning Commission

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will publicly meet to discuss agenda items and matters pertaining to city business. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

Design Review Committee

4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano e i evie mmittee ill ld regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

The next print issue of The Capistrano i tc publishes.

Greek Fest to Celebrate 10 Years in San Juan, Invites Community to Savor Flavors of Greece

BY HAYZE LAW

In a culinary and cultural extravaganza, the delights and wonders of the Mediterranean will be right here in San Juan Capistrano this weekend at the 10th annual Greek Fest.

Hosted by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, the milestone event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 24, from noon to 9 p.m., at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

Guests will have the opportunity to discover a wide array of authentic food, pastries and beverages, as well as enjoy vibrant traditions through live music, dance performances, Greek imports and more.

While Greek Fest is a celebration of everything in Greek culture, the heart of the festival lies in its culinary o erings.

“The star of the show, so to speak, is the food—that’s what we take pride in,” said event Chair Stelios Chrisopoulos.

Preparations for the grand celebration, which is steeped in tradition, have been underway for months. All the food is prepared by volunteers from the church community, using several time-honored recipes that have been passed down through generations.

From savory gyros, and perfectly grilled and seasoned lamb chops, to the flaky goodness of spanakopita—a savory dish made with spinach and feta—attendees will be transported to the Mediterranean

City Opens Nomination Period for Wall of Recognition Honorees

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Those aware of San Juan Capistrano residents who have made a substantial and positive impact on the town have an opportunity to nominate them for inclusion on the city’s Wall of Recognition.

Through Oct. 6, individuals can submit names to the City of San Juan Capistrano of those whom they believe deserve to be included on the Wall of Recognition, locat-

with each bite.

And, of course, no Greek-themed festival would be complete without the iconic baklava, and loukoumades, or honey-drenched donut holes—also known as the Greek version of donuts.

One unique delight awaiting festivalgoers is deep-fried feta cheeseballs, called “feta bites,” which are a staple that sets San Juan Capistrano apart from other festivals in the area.

As a complement to the Mediterranean flavors, Greek co ee will be o ered, including iced co ee frappés.

Beyond the food, there are areas designated for children, as well as a place for indulging in alcoholic beverages and a market to showcase Greek imports.

According to Chrisopoulos, year to year, the majority of festivalgoers are not Greek—in fact, most come from varying cultural and religious backgrounds across the greater Orange County area. In addition, the event is family-friendly and designed to cater to people of all ages.

For sports enthusiasts, a corner of the festival is reserved as the taverna, otherwise known as a bar area, equipped with two big-screen satellite TVs, ensuring that no college or NFL football action is missed.

The taverna o ers a lively atmosphere where beers, wines and spirits, both Greek and domestic, mingle harmoniously, along with the beloved ouzo, a popular Greek liqueur and Greece’s national spirit.

As for the little ones, the “kid zone” is complete with various activities and a nine-hole mini-golf course to keep them entertained.

In addition, there will be a Greek marketplace featuring several vendors for festivalgoers to meander through as they enjoy the delights o ered.

Not lacking in entertainment, the festival will boast live music performances, featuring both traditional and contemporary

Greek melodies, and the church’s various dance groups will perform, as a testament to the rich cultural heritage they carry.

Having grown significantly since its inception, the festival started out as a small event in the parking lot of an o ce complex and now occupies the expansive grounds of the community center.

“This year is expected to be the biggest and best one yet,” said Chrisopoulos. General admission costs $3, and the event is free for children under 12, as well as active military personnel and first responders. Free parking will be available. More information regarding the event can be found at sjcgreekfest.com.

ed at the local community center.

The Wall of Recognition program, which was created by the City Council, is meant “to honor those individuals whose service to the community has made the City of San Juan Capistrano a more productive and enjoyable place to live, work and visit,” the city explained in an announcement of the nomination period.

This past year’s slate of honorees included equestrian Julie Ryan Johnson, Cultural Heritage Commissioner Ann Ronan, and local volunteer Gerald “Jerry” Muir.

Based on the submissions, the City Council will select this year’s Wall of Recognition honorees, whose names will later be added to the wall as part of an unveiling ceremony at the community center.

According to the city’s nomination guidelines, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a person or a consensus of no more

than 10 people who must reside in San Juan, and councilmembers are eligible to nominate or sponsor an individual for inclusion on the wall.

For nominees to qualify, they must be San Juan residents. Their community service must have also been performed in the city or evidently benefited the city directly.

The city notes, though, that the council can waive any and all of the qualification requirements with a majority approval. Additional guidelines and information can be found at sanjuancapistrano. org/417/Wall-of-Recognition.

The nomination period closes at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 6.

Those with a question or a nomination can contact Ashley Melchor at 949.443.6380 or amelchor@sanjuancapistrano.org.

“Eftihia” dancers perform traditional Greek dances at the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival in September 2017. Festivalgoers this weekend can once again enjoy the rich culture and savor the flavors of the Mediterranean at this year’s 10th annual Greek Fest on Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, at the community center. Photo: File/Allison Jarrell

That’s the power to help prevent wildfires.

During peak wildfire season, when dangerous weather conditions occur, we may call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as a last resort. Because there’s nothing more important to us than keeping you safe. Once the weather improves, we’ll work quickly and safely to restore power to affected communities. Learn more about PSPS at sdge.com/psps.

Shea Center to Host 45th Annual BBQ & Family Faire Fundraiser

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Celebrating 45 years of serving its clients through hippotherapy, adaptive riding lessons and more, the J.F. Shea Center is hosting its annual BBQ & Family Faire fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The event o ers an opportunity for families to learn more about the Shea Center’s mission, tour its barn, and enjoy the campus as it’s transformed into a carnival, Chief Development O cer Agnes McGlone Swanson explained.

“It’s our 45th year, so that’s really exciting to have a milestone year here,” Swanson said.“It is a very unique event. It’s a time where you can be outside, experience our horses, experience our clients and have a very fine meal in our arenas; have your kids enjoy the carnival, petting zoo.”

“There’s libations for the adults, there’s fun for adults and fun for kids,” Swanson continued.“So, there’s dancing and music and tours of our barn. This year, we’re having a special entertainment duo called Infinite Flow Dance.”

Infinite Flow Dance, a nonprofit and professional dance company, aims to “use dance as a catalyst to dismantle biases and foster inclusion,” and employs dancers both with and without disabilities.

The event will feature a silent and live auction, carnival games, a petting zoo, client demonstrations, barn tours, a barbecue dinner and annual Rider Parade of Stars.

“One of the most special parts of the evening is our Rider

Otra Mas to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary, Honor Founder

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Ten years after longtime San Juan Capistrano resident Kathy Holman launched the horse rescue program Otra Mas, the nonprofit is looking to celebrate its founder at the upcoming Healing Hearts & Hooves Celebration.

Oltra Mas o ers equine therapy with retired horses, giving the therapeutic horses a forever home and a new career, Executive Director Belinda Kiesecker explained.

“We started out originally focused on adults that were facing life challenges, mostly addiction, and then we thought, well, if we could have reached these adults as kids, could we have changed the trajectory of their lives?” Kiesecker said.

“The answer to that was, yes, if you can reach kids, you have a chance of them developing some life skills that will help them as adults meet those challenges,” Kiesecker continued.

The nonprofit now works with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, as well as the Wild and Whimsy Foundation, to bring equine therapy to kids.

“We’re growing and changing, reaching out to new demographics and utilizing equine therapy programs and mental wellness programs, which are not therapy-based with the horses; they’re more

Parade of Stars,” Swanson said.“That’s really the pinnacle of the whole night, where our clients line up in a parade fashion and parade through the area where everyone is seated for their dinner, and they usually play some really powerful music.”

“They are walked through or they’re pushed through on wheelchairs, walking with their parents or caregivers, and it’s a time for us to celebrate our clients and to honor our clients through that parade,” Swanson continued.“It’s a really special aspect of the evening that a lot of people look forward to every year.”

The silent auction will run online through Monday, Sept. 25, at noon.

“What’s cool about the silent auction is that it’s done online, so anybody can participate in it even if they are not attending the event,” Swanson said.“So, that’s a really special thing; even if you’re in New York, you can still bid on the silent auction.”

The online silent auction features more than 300 items, including line dancing lessons.

The house band, Swingshift, will play live music throughout the evening.

The center expects to host about 1,500 guests during the Family Faire.

“It’s so much fun,” Swanson said.“We basically take our entire facility and transform it into a place where we can have a sit-down dinner … we just take the whole place and completely transform it to serve this event and make this event just spectacular.”

“We’re very fortunate to have a facility this big where we can do this, and it’s so much fun,” Swanson said.“It takes some time to set up and make it special, but it’s just really an exciting, very special, extraordinary event.”

One of the Shea Center’s arenas is also transformed into a carnival, Swanson added, where families can play traditional carnival games and win prizes.

In addition to touring the therapeutic center’s barn, families can enjoy a petting zoo that the Shea Center will bring in,“so they can experience a full petting zoo, in addition to meeting our horses,” Swanson said.

Through the fundraiser, the nonprofit aims to raise at least

feel-good-based,” Kiesecker said.

Kiesecker added that seeing all that the nonprofit has accomplished over the past decade “makes me dizzy.”

“To see that we are branching out into these new populations of people that need mental health support, it just fills our hearts,” Kiesecker said. “It is our mission, it is our purpose, and we are doing it, and we’re living it.”

The nonprofit raises funds to o er scholarships that cover between 70-100% of the costs to provide its program to clients, to keep the costs a ordable for its clients, including the Boys & Girls Clubs and local veterans, Kiesecker said.

Kiesecker noted that the nonprofit offers meditation and opportunities to bond with the horses.

Since horses are prey animals, “their No. 1 concern in life is safety,” Kiesecker said. “So they are constantly evaluating everyone and everything in their space for safety. They see a person, and they want to know, ‘Who are you, what do you want, why are you here, and can I trust you?’”

Those working closely with horses learn to show up authentically, Kiesecker said.

“They don’t care what that authenticity looks like,” Kiesecker said. “They don’t care if you’re scared, they don’t care if you’re competent, they don’t care if you’re anxious, they don’t care if you’re depressed … they just want to be able to read you so that they know who you are.”

Kiesecker added that to have a successful relationship with a horse, it’s important to trust yourself, the animal and to communicate clearly.

“So, we have these exercises that we do

“I

Proceeds

Riding Center

aid for the therapeutic riding center’s clients. The event o ers attendees the chance to see the center’s impact on its clients, featuring horse-riding demonstrations by clients and barn tours to meet the therapy horses.

The event is mobility-device-accessible, and American Sign Language services will be provided.

More information about the event and purchasing a ticket can be found at sheacenter.org/bbq.

that are very much geared at teaching the kind of life skills that you need in order to be successful in life, because those are the same ones that you need to be successful with the horse,” Kiesecker said.

“You have to be present, aware of your surroundings at all times,” Kiesecker continued. “Connected, aware of your communication and then, are you leading or following? Are you trustworthy? Are you calm and relaxed? Are you grounded? All the things that the horse will respond to.”

For children participating in Otra Mas’ programs, Kiesecker added that many kids walk away more confident and feeling accomplished.

“For these kids, being able to handle this giant horse at the end of two hours, really, truly, has the ability to build their self-esteem in a way. What else can you do in two hours to get that?” Kiesecker said. “The results are immediate.”

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Otra Mas, the nonprofit will honor Holman for her lifelong dedication to the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community, Kiesecker said.

“She’s been in San Juan since she was a little girl and managed the equestrian center for over 40 years and has just given back in many, many ways to the equestrian community,” Kiesecker said.

The nonprofit will present Holman with the inaugural Icon of Capistrano Award at its upcoming Healing Hearts & Hooves Celebration on Oct. 6.

“We are presenting her with the first-ever Icon of Capistrano Award, which we will make an annual award,” Kiesecker said. “So, every year when we have this event,

In honor of the 10-year anniversary of Otra Mas, the non ro t ill reco ni e its founder athy ol an (pictured here accepting the American Red Cross’ ni al elfare ero ard in for her lifelon dedication to the San Juan Capistrano equestrian co unity at the u co in ealin earts ooves Celebration on Oct. 6. Photo: File

we will be picking a new person to be the Icon of Capistrano given from Otra Mas.”

Attendees of the event can expect to learn more about the nonprofit and its philanthropic e orts, as well as enjoy live entertainment and a dinner at El Adobe de Capistrano.

More information about Otra Mas, purchasing tickets or making a donation can be found at otramas.net.

$1.2 million, Swanson said.

think a lot of people don’t realize that we are this premier center right in their backyard, and last year we served 76 di erent diagnoses, so we are really able to help so many

di erent types of challenges that young people, adults face,” Swanson said.“So, it’s great to be that service for families here in Orange County and beyond.”

from the event help fund services and financial

The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center will transform into a carnival for its 45th annual BBQ and Family Faire on Saturday, Sept. 23, when there will be live music, carnival games, a petting zoo, the Parade of Stars and more.

Photo: Courtesy of the J.F. Shea Therapeutic

The ‘New’ Weight Loss Drugs—Friend or Foe, Part 1

Ihave delayed the hot topic of “weight loss” drugs for some time now, as I have tried to figure out how to “feed” this information to you in a useful and intelligent way. Hence, the need for a “Part 1”; I have way too much to communicate.

Next month, I am going to talk about the specific drugs, their costs, how they work, projected outcomes, as well as potential side e ects. It is important to understand the medications and if you should consider them, but this month we talk about the reality.

The bottom line is that these drugs “give the people what they want,” which is an easy path to weight loss. Unfortunately, these medications are not the panacea, meaning that the patient must be participatory, and not a passive observer, to actually lose the weight, improve their health, and most importantly, sustain these outcomes.

In the weight-loss world, people clearly understand the concept of being on a diet and restricting calories. Back in the early days of dieting, the ’70s and ’80s brought the diet gurus who focused on cutting calories and did so by removing or adding certain foods and food groups.

Anyone remember the “cabbage soup” or “grapefruit” diets?

We then moved into other controlling diet approaches including the Atkins diet, which limited calories and carbs, and the Scarsdale diet, which focused on curbing calories and fat. And now, we have every iteration of dieting styles with intermittent fasting, keto, timerestricted eating, paleo, vegan, carnivore, flexitarian, Mediterranean and more.

At the end of the day, we as a nation are fatter and sicker than ever before. Why, you ask? Blame the multibilliondollar diet industry, partnered with the influx of inexpensive, readily available, highly palatable foods chock-full with salt, fat and sugar.

Mix that with the countless “nutrition and weight loss” experts at your fingertips via the internet, as well as

social media spewing so much noise that we no longer have a clue as to what a “healthy eating pattern” is nor how to put it on one’s plate. In addition to the latest pills, injectables, potions, and diet approaches, we can’t fail to mention weight loss surgery. The bariatric surgery world actually considers these surgeries a tool that aids in a patient’s weight loss.

When the stomach size is reduced via surgery, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed, weight loss is inevitable. But the surgery also reduces the ability to properly digest and absorb nutrients, which then forces these patients to take supplements to make up for the nutrient loss.

And now those providers are adding in the new medications on top of this “tool.”

All this being said, I have seen this medication in full e ect in my community, and I am concerned. What I know is that many people have an emotional attachment to food, similar to

any other addiction.

These medications actually calm that call to food (and drink). This allows these patients to have more self-control when it comes to overeating. In some cases, they are able to eat very little, which accelerates their weight loss, but it comes with a price tag called malnutrition.

If you need to lose weight and improve your health, these medications can be the impetus for helping you get there. The caveat will always be to understand the value of instilling a healthy eating pattern that will allow you to propel your health gain and then sustain your weight loss for a lifetime. Otherwise, this is just one more very expensive diet.

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is your local nutrition expert, chef, and fitness professional, with her BS in Nutrition and MS in functional and integrative nutrition. She uses a food-as-medicine approach for weight loss to health gain, and everything in between. Follow her on social media @mamagslifestyle, and check out her website mamagslifestyle.com to learn more about her programs and freebies o ered throughout the year. CD

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

HOW TO REACH US

PUBLISHER

Steve Strickbine

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Nadine Johnson • 480.898.5645 nadine@timeslocalmedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS

Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING

Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION

Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

TIMES MEDIA GROUP

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, Issue 14. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes.

CRIB TO COLLEGE

Students are able to explore, discover and learn so much and are so well supported here because they have a world of interests, natural talents and exciting paths to pursue. Vigorous academics, expert faculty, boundless opportunities and choices, engaging, vibrant learning environments, leading technology and resources. A spirit of excellence and innovation fuels a transformative experience that nurtures our students’ development, well-being and character, and challenges them to their fullest potential.

Imagine the lifelong impact of what our everyday would mean for your child.

2023 ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

For more information and to register, please visit: smesopenhouse.org

Lucy Creatives

Emphasizes Creativity, Artistry in Music Lessons

By Shawn Raymundo

At Luc e tive mu ic d t c l i t leme te tudi u de d te c e Me de l t el tee e tude t mu ic l uneys where they can learn who they are as an artist.

e e ll cu c e tivit ti t d im t t t t i t e c ild e e ddi : t ll ut devel i t e ti t d t t i d t we do here.”

de e l i t t ile e t e tude t t le t l t e te t ei i t ume t uc i d u ulele it im t t t e t t t e e i t u de t d t e e and style of music and art vibe with them.

it eve t i e d e d t t t u t te c mu ic e . e l t t el t em ec me t e ti t t t t e e d t e u t eel c ild e .

leme te tive de tte ded u vi Lut e c l ic em i ed mu ic. ve e i t e c l i t e l d i t e mu ic l eve e li e m tte what; and so, my siblings, all of us, we can all sing, and we’re all musical,” she says of her musical u i i ddi : t i it ec u e e e e u t li e i t t e vi me t m ve young age.”

ut ec d de de e le i t l t e i d e e e t e t uit ic e di l i t e cl m d ll e tude t t l . ll m tude t l t t uit it ve ull ci cle e . ut e t t e e it ll t ted. ... ve ee l i mu ic m le li e d i i d i i i li e c i i i in bands.”

tl te de du ted m u d ive it i t Me it e e l mu ic de ee cu ed v ice d i e c ed d ul m m d c e ted m ll le i d t t ei me t ei c ild e t c ti ue le i t et e du i t e demic. e ed i e uld te c t e id mu ic. e e e le t ee it m ll d c t lled ile t e id c uld t e t c l. i d

See CREATIVES e

lu i t lle vide cl e t t e ee i t u de t d t e u ce d im ct t ei utu e ci l deci i .

We also dove into how local community college districts are endeavoring to show their v lue l c t ti t d t e i t a four-year university.

e u tu te e lit i t t e t workdays don’t end at the same time as their children’s time at school, which can leave them c m li e e ic i t ccu their children’s time before going home. t e i t ide e ve i li ted le t u m vided t e citie t e school district and local organizations that can satisfy any child’s needs.

Campus Connections:

South Orange County Community College District Shares Lesser-Known Benefits of Attending Community College

By Breeana Greenberg

mmu it c lle e e tude t tu it t c ti ue t ei educ ti l ue it ut i u ive it c t et e t i t ut i c l te year or in mid-career.

ile it idel t t c mmu it c lle e tuiti i i i c tl le e esive than four-year universities, South Orange County Community College District ie mmu ic ti ffice Letiti l e l i ed t t t e di t ict i i t de ti m ti e t e c mmu it c lle e e e ie ce d e d e e t e e e t it e . uiti t ll li i c mmu it c lle e i t e me t u it l e l i ed. u e t i ull l d it u u ll le t eme te d u e l e di le i e tuiti t me u e u ive itie c t e u it l id. u t ti t ei u de du te educ ti t c mmu it c lle e tude t c te c m lete t ei de ee it little t de t l ted. e t e it t e u e u ive itie t e u e t t e e ll t e c e e ui eme t so, essentially, a student not only can but should start with the community colleges to get all their c e e ui eme t t le t t e e vi u t t e e level e ui eme t e e u eve e te i t eci c e m l id. u c t e ll t e e c e li m t cie ce c u e t t e c mmu it c lle e level d i t t t ve c m etitive tuiti te d t e u c e il t e l c ti ued. South Orange County community colleges also have robust foundations to raise funds for tude t c l i l e l i ed. e c l i te el tude t it t ei tuiti ce they’ve transferred to a four-year university after attending a community college, Clark said. u t ted t c mmu it c lle e u d ell u de e d d u l i t c li tu itie t e c mmu it c lle e u d ti c ctu ll el tude t et m e t transfer to, let’s say, their dream school,” Clark said. l dded t t c mmu it c lle e tude t ve t e ilit t t e t t tie c lle e . ct it l little e ie tude t t et i t e tude t ec u e e -

e ti ll t e li e i te l id. e li e i te t et i t L t e student than it is as an incoming freshman.”

i c l tude t c l c m lete i i c t ti t ei c e e ui eme t t u du l e llme t m . e t e it i c l ll ve t e e i t ll i c l tude t t t e t e c e c mmu it c lle e c u e ile t e e i i c l t e time t e i i c l t e c uld ve eve l c edit u de t ei elt i t e i m e l e u t e c uld ctu ll e t ei ci te de ee e e t e i i c l l id. l ted t t t e c mmu it c lle e di t ict i i t e d e e ut it educ ti l tu itie v il le t e ide t d t elimi te t e ti m t t c mmu it c lle e are somehow less than or inferior to a four-year degree.”

mmu it c lle e i uc e t ti t t t t ve m e t eceive t e c e e ui eme t t t u eed d e e e ll i t c e te c m u e vi me t t ll t e c mmunity colleges that feels like that college environment, with a lot of activities, clubs, resources,” Clark said.

u e i t d t t e eci ll i li i t e e muc i ve tme t m de i t c it l im veme t t t it eel d t e c m u l c ti ued.

mmu it c lle e e e u ce d u t t el t ei tude t ve c me c lle e Clark said.

t uc u tu i e vi me t e e t t i t e d t ve t e tud ill i t e d t ve ee u t t c el i c e ti c ducive le i e vi me t t e e e m eu ce t el it c ild c e it d it e t m e t t t e u de i t e t t t it can’t be overcome,” Clark said.

dditi t c ti i i c tl le t tte d c mmu it c lle e l ted t t c m u dmi i t ti ve m de e t t ec uit i l illed cult t u c m etitive e d e e t c e .

e cl e t t e le e t i t t e c mmu it c lle e level ticul l i li i e i t u t e ve i level ec u e t e cult t t e te c i t em l id. u i t e demic l ted t t c mmu it c lle e di i e llme t eve e llme t d t e t e di e e demic um e .

M e t tude t e e lled t vi e lle lle e d m e t e lled at Saddleback College, Clark said.

u l u d t e i l t e ull cl e e ull e e t e e ie ci t e u tic with canceling classes because we don’t have enough enrolled,” Clark said. “We are really seeing a e t u tic i e llme t.

ll i t e demic vi e lle lle e m e t tudents enrolled. Photo: Courtesy of the South Orange County

Saddleback College has more t tude t e lled following a decrease in enrollment during the demic.

CLINICS ARE FILLING UP QUICKLY!

Community College District

Photo: Courtesy of the South Orange County Community College District

u t t ted te c i d me little cu iculum t t c e ted e ec ll l te e u di :

u t c e ti t e e ec u e c uld t d t t li ed li e t e e e t ett d li e eve t i t e e uti ul.

ti t d mu ici de d it im t t t t t e e t e id u e t le e t i i i d e uti ul t t em.

t ted c e ti d u t u i t t it t e id t u t t em ve e . d t e it u t e d li e d e d. d e e m it u t e d e d e u til d m little cl e d tude t t t eeded ce. u de did t ece il l ec mi te c e it t e cl e t t e elieved e uld e e t t it d e c u ed e t t t .

te e ti l m e t e e l telli me u d e e t te c e u uld e te c e ut did t e ll eel li e d t did t i t t m t e ddi : m de itel me e li e t d multi le t i . li e t ec d mu ic li e t l live. l l ve t te c . li e t c e te t e cu iculum d li e t c e te t e le t i . Rather than teach in a traditional classroom setting at a school, though, Wade’s creative drive led e t l u c e mu ic c l Luc e tive t ve id el M i t e i . m t c e tive d t i ut ide t e . uld t ve ee le t t ive i t t evi me t de . ut e e t l ve t e m t l ve c e tivit . t t d ive me. d et t e c e tive eve d . l e e ed t Luc e tive i clude Mu ic l e te ce M ulele e i e i Little e tive d de v ite ite lu . t u t i i i t e t e id ite t e e d ee l t ei ce li t u d t e u t e ud t t t e te de . d t e t ei e t e ud u it u t c l.

t de ut ide t e t i i e i c te t d d ce i t t e mu ic l cu iculum. e m le du i t e u ulele cl t e tude t ill le t e t t e i t ument by coloring on a sheet and designing the “ukulele of their dreams.”

“So, they’re way more invested in learning, because they created their dream ukulele design, d t e t ei i emem e t e t muc e ie d e l me d m e it e ll u t emem e de e l i . e utili e t e me c l i tec i ue t le t t t e i t et e . e e t i t le i u u le it u t em. e d t e me t i . e c l t i i ile e i t e d li te t t e d t e c e te t ei little t e i ti t e t e c l i eet . e t e time t e e d e c l i t e t e d t e e ve d l it u ulele.

Luc e tive mu ic c l i t leme te t e c e tive c e it c me t i t ucti u ti t d mu ici t l i t ume t uc uit i d u ulele ell i i d d i .

ve t i e d i c e tive i t t t t it ctu ll tic t e id d t e e t u t li e e e t e c u e e t e l ic l t e e . t t m e it ull imme ive e e ie ce. e cl e e e e ll mi ute t u l . de ee t e cl i e m ll t ut ei t e e u tude t . e te t t ut e ld i d time t t t le i . d ile de i t e m i te c e e d e ve d ce te c e d t eci li t el it t e c u e d e ite c me i t ti i t l te c . ve t i ve c e tive d t e e l ul c t l t t i ic i di e e t t l t t e te c i mu ic de ddi : t t em t e i i ed d home and write their own songs.”

M e i m ti ut Luc e tive d i i u cl e c e u d t luc c e tive .c m d t e tudi t m Luc e tive .

Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Creatives

Saved by the Bell:

A Parent’s Guide to After-School Activities

By Clara Helm

Wit tude t c i c l t i ll e t te t u le t d ctivitie t ei c ild c tici te i ce t e ell i .

d t t e d t e c l di t ict v i u i ti d t e citie leme te i t d u i t ll e e te ivete c l mmi .

A host of athletic activities including skateboarding, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, c ee le di d l cl e e v il le t u t e t ee citie ec e ti de tme t . im le e e t t ee id u te c l ile l le i li e vi ill . leme te id c tici te i . . . . iv te im le d m e dv ced imme c i . . . . t e d diti i u l e . e le e i e dv ced imme u M d t u u d t t e leme te u tic e te m : : .m. For a child who likes to move and groove, dance classes are a great way to get out their after-school energy.

id c le d ce u d me t l d e tec i ue i leme te e i e llet cl uit le e d ce et ee t e e d . e cl e t t t : .m. d e d t .m. ide l te c l d . e c l tici te i i t d ce ic cl t e ld t t meet eve t e u d m : .m. t e cl d i l c le d l ceme t iti ic tu d um . id ti m e t emed te c l d ce e e ie ce t e c tici te i cl e uc leme te t i cl e u i t e i e d i te mediate ballet folklórico classes.

Mu ic ll i cli ed tude t c tici te i e i e d i te medi te uit d u ulele le t u t e citie leme te d i t. id e d u c le im le chords and new songs in the after-school classes. t e te c l c e tive utlet c e u d i d t tudi ild e d ee i leme te ic t cl e id e t d e cl id e t eve ue d .

e t e l ti cl e i m : .m. t : .m. time l t ll tude t t e l e c e tive tec i ue uc etc i i tm i cul tu e te c l i ti canvas, and more mediums.

idc e te tudi i i t l e ee l t educ ti cl e e t ee i c i te t t m.

e e e l m ctivitie t t c te t id eci li ed i te e t ic c lle e t em t le e ill . leme te ec e ti de tme t e te c l c m ute c di me design biology, and CPR classes for students.

t e i it t e i t i ed c l i t ict ddle c lle e e t e e e d te c l ic me t m ic let tude t t e v iet e hour classes right after school ends.

e cl e e eld t eleme t c l d c l i e v il le c ild e uld li e t tici te i t e m.

it cl e i m c demic c e t iti t i l u e leing, elementary-aged students can engage in interactive activities before heading to another te c l m i me.

e t e ll eci te vi t ei c ild e e le t e l e t e di e e t classes,” said Arron Searcy, assistant di ect mmu it duc ti t ddleback College. “Whether it’s a dance class, a Broadway class where they’re doing musicals, a coding class, or a chess cl it ive id v iet di e e t things to try.”

u i e t c t ic u t ei c ild t e m me t

See AFTER-SCHOOL e

CASA KIDS IS UNDERWRITTEN BY GLORIA WIDMANN

Paint & Play Classes • Ages 2-5

Tuesdays, September 26 - October 17, 2023 @ 10:15 AM

$50 per session (FREE for Family Household members)

Enjoy painting and drawing activities with your toddler!

Little Folk Club • Ages 3-5

Saturday, October 14, 2023 @ 10:30 AM • Included with admission Country music artist Victoria Bailey shares songs and stories of American folk music in a special concert just for children aged 3-5 years.

Journeys to the Past • All Ages

Saturday, November 18, 2023 @ 10:30 AM • Included with admission

Jacque Nunez and her family bring to life Native American culture & history.

LEARN MORE

Cookies and Cocoa with Mrs. Claus • All Ages

Saturday, December 9 @ 10:15 AM • $12

Spend the morning getting ready for Christmas with Mrs. Claus!

Go.CasaRomantica.org/Casa-Kids

Saturday, Sept. 30 10am-12pm 11U -12U 12pm-2pm 13U-14U

Sunday, Oct. 1 10am-12pm 11u -12U 12pm-2pm 13U-14U

$35 IBYOUT FEE Includes a t-shirt and player evaluation for both days

MAKE UP TRYOUT:

Oct. 2 4pm - 6pm

SIGNING DAY: Oct. 3 5pm - 7pm 949vb.com I

South Orange County entities and organizations including Saddleback mmu it lle e e te c l mmi id ll e m t e l ti t me el e t t c e t ei child. Photo: Courtesy of Saddleback Community College

Local Boys & Girls Clubs Provide Financial Education to Students

By C. Jayden Smith

As children mature into adolescents and then teenagers who want to go out to restaut d it ie d de i e t t t dult d t e i t ci l t c it c e difficult t d time c ve ti ut m i m e t me. milie i ut e u t l c l i l lu vide e u ce that teach children about how money works, about making sound decisions with m e d etti t em elve u utu e ucce . iell Little e di ect t e i l lu t e i t lle e ut t e M e M tte : M e t u t m t t t e ti l i ti i l lu me ic ed e l e . e e t i t u t i d e e t em li e te i c l d i t t ei u dultd it te c i t em ut t l ce c ec t e im t ce vi m e d t e c ci l l it i u li e Little id. Li e it t e i l lu t e i t lle clu e d u te ed i u i t it c e i li ie d c t M it le ed e vil l c l e e t t c t i ute t e ecuti M e M tte . it e i t lle d mem e t e d e l c l ci l e vice u i e cc di t Little t e i l lu i t lle u t i ffici l m id mem e c m t i t i te c i t e ut . dditi ll t e Mi i ie c ll ted i m i t e i m ti t e clu e e t t i le d di e ti le t c ce ted e t t el e le t v i u t e t ei live u de t d im t t i m ti c ce i ce t u t e ll i vi t e e e le i t e eld c me ut i it u id e i ue ti t t t e m ve eve t i t t u t i mi t e c mm e e id Little . l t u milie t e e l t e u d li e e i c edit c d e i a checking account.” ut e c i e eci ll im t t milie e t l u e i t li d m e u mili it v il le e vice t t c i c e e t ei c ce ci l e it . Little em i ed t t ll e le uld e em e ed t t e c t l t ei ce it ut e . e i ti t ie t ut t e M e M tte m t ice e it mi ute cl e . e cu i vi e umme e i . e timi t e t e e i te d t t te u d t e i ll d i te de e di t e ll ut t e m . Little id M e M tte t e i t ei t ee t c m lete d i v il le t e d u ddi t t t e i ti t e i it i e ticul l tute t de .

WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU

e m i ue ce m t e cl m t t e i t lle clu d i t t e c mmunity has been through a grassroots form of growth. e ve u d t t e e m t ucce ul e e e i i t e te c i t u ut d t e e e e di t em me it t e i m ti id Little . et e it i t eitive l u e i it i i it li t e c t e t e t t t i le i m ti c me with them. So, those soft skills or those new kinds of teachings are then discussed at home.” e c ti ued i t t t e c ce t vi eve ce t eve d ll u e c e e t e ut ctu ll t i i ut vi t e utu e c e difficult t . t u t e l ce im t ce tude t i me d di cu i t ei e i t ei ce it t ei e t . l t c ild e i t ei clu cc di t Little m e i t te t l ed ut t me. e e eeli li e t ei itu ti i t i t it i d t t t e e tuc e t e e ll ve e d c t l t t t tive l li e t em elve t ei milie d the future,” she said.

M e i m ti ut t e i l lu i t lle m c e u d t cc .c m.

c l e d te c l m t t e c l e e e t ti . t um e edict leme t e t ve tude t it di e e t c l e d time c tici te i t e m. e m ee eleme t c l c ild e e ed d e du i t e di mi l et ee eleme t d middle c l : : .m. . e i l lu t e ut t e i leme te d i l lu i tlle i u i t vide te c l m u til : .m. id e t . M u e m l c l c l l ve t t t e i ti . e clu ive tude t l ce t c m lete me i te ct it ee d e i v lved i c e tive ctivitie . t et t e te c l m t id e u e t e i l lu t e South Coast Area, is that it is an inclusive, safe environment that creates lasting connections. t id eed i el ti i it dult c e ut t em ut ide t ei me d e uild it t em t e e dee d l ti el ti i t t l t li etime t u t it t ei ee ut l t e di ect d t e ll c e ut t em id u e .

At Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, we view each student as unique, so we prioritize a personalized approach to their learning. Low student-to-teacher ratios, coupled with di erentiated instruction, allow our gifted and caring teachers to meet students right where they are — academically, socially, and emotionally. We invite you to visit our campus and learn what the gift of a Fairmont education could mean in the life of your child.

2EDUCATORS NAMED AMONG BEST IN ORANGE COUNTY

60K SQUARE FEET IN TWO EXPANSIVE EDUCATION WINGS

625+

P-12TH GRADE STUDENTS

AFTER-SCHOOL m e

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

FRIDAY | SEPT. 22

CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE:

‘SOMETHING ROTTEN’

7:30 p.m. Watch a live performance of Something Rotten at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater, in which brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom set out to write the world’s very first musical. Showings will continue through Oct. 1. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

SATURDAY | SEPT. 23

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY AT T-STREET BEACH

8:30 a.m.-noon. Orange County Coastkeeper is hosting an opportunity for community members to contribute to cleaning their local resources. Water, gloves, buckets and spring-handheld trash grabbers will be provided. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are recommended. Each participant must sign a liability waiver, with adults responsible for signing minors’ waivers. T-Street Beach, 339 W. Paseo De Cristobal, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP: CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP

9-11 a.m. Join Stand Up to Trash at Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute for a beach cleanup followed by a Lunch and Learn at the Ocean Institute. This month’s theme is California Coastal Cleanup Day, featuring special guest speaker Sabrina Banda from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians. Georgia “Chena” Edmundson will o er face painting for kids. Lunch will be provided. Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION SOUTH OC CHAPTER BEACH CLEANUP

SATURDAY | SEPT. 23: CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

9 a.m.-noon. Join the City of San Juan Capistrano for the 39th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day at Descanso Park. The cleanup will focus on San Juan and Arroyo Trabuco creeks. The city recommends parking in the lot marked “City Employee Parking” within the orange barricades. Descanso Park, 32506 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html.

9 a.m.-noon. Join volunteers at Salt Creek (Cont. on page 18)

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

(Cont. from page 17)

Beach on California Coastal Cleanup Day to help clear the beach and waterways of debris. The local Surfrider Foundation chapter will provide materials for the cleanup, light bites and water receptacles for refilling reusable bottles. Salt Creek Beach, 33333 South Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. southoc.surfrider.org.

J. F. SHEA THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

45TH ANNUAL BBQ & FAMILY FAIRE

4 p.m. See the Shea Center transformed for its annual fundraiser featuring carnival games, horseback riding demonstrations, food, entertainment, a live auction and more. Tickets are available for purchase at sheacenter.org/bbq. Limited tickets are available, and advance reservations are required. The fundraiser supports the Shea Center’s mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The Shea Center, 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.240.8441. sheacenter.org.

SUNDAY | SEPT. 24

SQUISH SQUARES WEAVING

9 a.m.-noon. Fiber artist Meg Spitzer will teach those interested in “flu y roving” to make squish squares, or framed weavings filled with flu and woven in a cross-stitch pattern. All materials will be provided to make a 13-inch-by-13-inch piece. No experience necessary. Tickets are $125. Small Space Art Collective, 210 Calle de Los Molines, Suite C, San Clemente. smallspaceart.com.

WHALE AND MARINE LIFE TOUR

10 a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a 2½-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65-foot research vessel. Professional naturalists on board will introduce attendees to the lifestyles of ocean creatures that frequent the waters o Dana Point through hands-on activities. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

REDO VINTAGE & MAKER’S MARKET

9 a.m.-4 p.m. REDO Vintage & Maker’s Market returns to Dana Point. A portion of Del Prado Avenue will transform into a pedestrian-friendly vintage and artisan market where shoppers can stroll and explore curated vintage collections and authentic assortments of makers and artisans. Live music on three separate stages, beer gardens, classic cars and a few selected food trucks will make it the perfect afternoon destination. Parking and admission are both free. Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, info@ redomarket.com. redomarket.com.

MONDAY | SEPT. 25

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also o er classes for bridge players of di erent levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

TUESDAY | SEPT. 26

AFFORDABLE PET VACCINE CLINIC

4-5:30 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano o ers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic o ers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing on-site. Pets Plus, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 714.895.8600. vetcarepetclinic.com.

WEDNESDAY | SEPT. 27

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.

AT THE MOVIES:

‘Bottoms’

BY MEGAN BIANCO

Following a similar trend with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Josh Greenbaum’s Strays, Emma Seligman’s Bottoms is the newest slapstick comedy that doesn’t bother to ground itself in any reality and embraces its farcical atmosphere.

The new high school comedy has been called Paul Weitz’s American Pie (1999) and Greg Mottola’s Superbad (2007) “for lesbians,” but a lot of the movie’s DNA also reminded me of Joel Gallen’s Not Another Teen Movie (2001) and Maggie Carey’s The To Do List (2013).

It’s making fun of its own genre more than actually establishing a proper, realistic universe for the characters in which to live.

Set at your typical, suburban high school, Bottoms depicts PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) as two unpopular, awkward students who want to have girlfriends and lose their virginities before the year is over.

Josie has a thing for a cheerleader, Isabel

FRIDAY | SEPT. 29

TEA TALK WITH MAYOR HOWARD HART AND STATE SEN. BLAKESPEAR

9-10:30 a.m. Join State Sen. Catherine Blakespear and San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart at The Tea House on Los Rios for a discussion of state and local issues. Find the flyer for event contact information and registration instructions at the city’s website. The Tea House on Los Rios, 31731 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org

PACIFIC SYMPHONY ON-THE-GO CONCERT

6-7 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful music event in the heart of the Historic Los Rios District as Pacific Symphony On the Go hosts a free 45-minute community concert on the plaza at Los Rios Park. The concert will feature family-friendly Classical, Jazz, Pop, and Broadway standards. Don’t forget to bring a chair. For more information, call the Community Services Department at 949.493.5911. Los Rios Park Plaza, 31747 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

SATURDAY|

SEPT. 30

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Pop artist lecturer

Garrison Keillor will perform for a night of stand-up, storytelling, audience song and poetry. Tickets are $45. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SUNDAY| OCT. 1

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano in the 18th century historic Sala in remembering your loved ones by placing their name on the Día de los Muertos altar or ofrenda. The Día de los Muertos altar will be on display through Nov. 5. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SATURDAY | OCT. 7

REATA ROUNDUP BBQ CONTEST

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society at the Swanner House Event Center for this Kansas City barbecue competition. Guests can purchase samples of competition barbecue. There will be food vendors, roasted corn, turkey legs, an outdoor marketplace, as well as a beer and wine garden. General admission is $10. Advance ticket sales and discounts can be found on eventbright.com. Kids 15 and under get in for free. Swanner House Event Center, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. reataroundupbbq.com.

(Havana Rose Liu), who is dating the star quarterback of the football team, Je (Nicholas Galitzine). Meanwhile, PJ has a crush on Isabel’s best friend and fellow cheerleader, Brittany (Kaia Gerber).

In an attempt to boost their chances with the girls, PJ and Josie organize a campus “fight club” in the guise of a self-defense/ boost for other misunderstood girls at school.

Bottoms is Seligman’s follow-up to her critical hit Shiva Baby (2020), and is co-written by Sennott, who also starred in the previous movie.

Sennott and Edebiri are both having huge moments in indie and mid-budget Hollywood, and they continue their streak, with Bottoms e ortlessly leading the way.

Seligman, like Gerwig, is a millennial who is clearly in tune with the cultural tropes of her generation, and familiar with the teen movies from her childhood that she is playfully mocking.

This includes making fun of school cliques, love triangles and actors in their mid-20s cast as teenagers while barely looking like teenagers. Everyone involved with the film is in on the joke and works well

comedically.

But if you generally don’t care for the ironic/absurd anti-humor schtick that is all over Bottoms, you might find many portions of the movie borderline tedious.

“It’s an obvious bad joke, and that’s why it’s funny!” line of thinking doesn’t work for me, personally.

There are small circles on social media that this movie totally caters to and seems to be working for presently. But on a wider scale, it might come o as a bit too niche. CD

Photo: Courtesy of Patti Perret/Orion Pictures

Wellness & Prevention

by Sophii Sandoval

September Is National Suicide Prevention Month

Youth suicide is a growing concern, a ecting millions of families across the world. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2021, suicide was the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. In our own community, 18% of high school students reported experiencing thoughts of suicide in the past year, according to a California Healthy Kids Survey report from 2021-2022. The reasons behind these alarming statistics are multifaceted. Issues such as bullying, academic pressure, trauma, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and the stigma surrounding mental health treatment are some of the many contributors to this crisis.

September is Suicide Prevention Awarness Month, and this sets the stage for advocates, mental health professionals, and survivors of suicide nationwide to

come together to spread messages of hope and information about how we can create change in our communities.

The first step toward addressing youth suicide is breaking the silence that often surrounds it. Open dialogue, empathy, and destigmatizing discussions about mental health are crucial in fostering an environment where struggling youths feel comfortable seeking help.

Schools, parents, and communities play a pivotal role in creating this supportive atmosphere. Initiatives such as mental health education programs, peer support groups, and school-based counseling services are essential in encouraging young individuals to share their thoughts and feelings.

Prevention begins with early intervention. Teaching young people coping skills and how to manage emotions is critical. We also can learn how to recognize the

signs of distress and depression in young people.

Mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, and a decline in academic performance can all be indicators of mental health issues. You can learn more about signs and symptoms at asfp.org.

It’s crucial that parents, teachers, and friends reach out and o er support when they notice these signs. Encouraging young people to seek professional help can be a life-saving step. Talking about suicide can feel scary, but you do not have to be a mental health expert to let somebody know you are there for them.

The power of connection cannot be overstated, as one smile, one acknowledgement, one hello, can be enough to show a person going through a di cult time that they are not alone. A young person’s problems likely look very di erent from your own, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot connect with them over the things in their life causing them distress.

Being able to sit with a young person, giving them the space to share their experiences without judgment, or shame, is one of the best gifts we can give to

them.

Rather than supporting suicide awareness and prevention for one month per year, we ask that you consider supporting organizations that are providing the services of suicide awareness and prevention all year long.

Every person we lose to suicide is one too many, and the Wellness & Prevention Center is committed to helping as many people as we can get connected to the services they need. We can be reached at 949.649.9460 and info@wpc-oc.org, or you can call 211 to get connected to health and human services in Orange County.

You do not need to be in a crisis to be deserving of support from a mental health professional.

To anyone who might be struggling, you are loved, you are needed, and most importantly, you are not alone. Please reach out for support. You deserve it.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. Call or text the NAMI OC Warmline, available 24/7, at 714.991.6412. Call 911 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

Sophii Sandoval is a licensed clinical social worker and the Clinical Director at the Wellness & Prevention Center. CD

BY SOPHII SANDOVAL

Say hello to Thelma, a 1-year-old sweetie with a great personality. After raising three strapping male kittens as a single mother, Thelma is ready for a fresh start. She is an easy-going girl and enjoys spending her days birdwatching in a sunny window. Thelma doesn’t mind other cats, but she would do best in a quiet home where she can finally have some “me time.”

If you are interested in adopting Thelma, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@ scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S 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

FROM THE ARCHIVES

A little girl poses for the photographer as her mother looks on in the background (out of frame). They are in front of an old San Juan Capistrano home.

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 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

Photo: Courtesy of Burton O. Burt/Los Angeles Public Library

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

VYING VOLLEYS

Early results shape incredibly tight South Coast League girls volleyball race for defending co-champ San Juan Hills

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

There may not be a more competitive league in any sport all year than South Coast League girls volleyball.

Last season, there was a three-way split for the league championship among San Juan Hills, San Clemente and Aliso Niguel. San Clemente went on to the quarterfinals of CIF-SS Division 2, and Aliso Niguel was the divisional runner-up.

Through two match days this season, the standings are upside-down, and it’s clear that this league will be anyone’s for the taking in a season-long battle of attrition.

“I don’t know if the math works to have even more than three (champions),” San Juan Hills coach Jessica Papell said, “but it’s possible.”

San Juan Hills, ranked No. 12 in the combined Division 1 and 2 poll, dropped its league opener to Tesoro in four sets on Sept. 12. Dana Hills, ranked No. 4 in Division 3, won in a sweep at Aliso Niguel on the same day. Dana Hills followed up with a five-set win over Tesoro last Thursday, Sept. 14, and San Juan Hills swept San Clemente, ranked No. 15 in Division 1 and 2, in the Tritons’ league

SAN JUAN PREPS ROUNDUP

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

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

JSerra Boys Water Polo Sweeps South Coast Tournament, Captures Title

If the state of California wasn’t already on notice about JSerra Catholic’s boys water polo team, everyone knows after

opener last Thursday.

The South Coast League’s three co-champions lost their league openers, and last season’s bottom two teams are the top two teams through the first week of league play this season.

“It’s exciting,” San Clemente coach Casey Swenson said. “You want our league to be this competitive all of the time. You don’t want to have easy matches. You want every match to be a battle like this. It’s good for the game. It’s good for our area.”

San Clemente beat Dana Hills in five sets at home on Tuesday, Sept. 19, and was at Aliso Niguel on Thursday, Sept. 21. San Juan Hills was at Dana Hills on Thursday. Results for Thursday’s matches were not available at press time.

Last week’s matchup between San Juan Hills and San Clemente was the first meeting of any of the South Coast League’s reigning co-champions, and the Stallions made a hard and fast statement over the Tritons in a sweep, 25-11, 25-23, 25-23.

Montana-bound senior Alex Stone led San Juan Hills with 17 kills on a stellar .536 kill rate, and Annie Gilmore recorded 11 kills. Natalie Chapman drove the o ense with 24 assists and five service aces, and Ella Dinnie led the defensive

e ort with 13 digs.

San Juan Hills felt as if it blew an opportunity in its league-opening loss to Tesoro, and the Stallions went out for redemption at home against San Clemente. Stone said the team’s mantra was “W.I.N.: What’s Important Now.”

San Juan Hills used that focus to blow away San Clemente in the first set, as the Stallions never trailed and pushed out to an early 10-2 advantage in the 25-11 win.

“I wish we’d come with a little more of that energy and focus right from the start,” Swenson said, “because once the match settled in, it was a good, hard battle. Both sides were going at it. They took a tough loss on Tuesday, so we knew they were going to be up for it and ready and they showed us.”

For as much of a buzzsaw San Juan

Hills was in the first set, the margin was razor-thin between the Stallions and Tritons in the next two sets.

San Clemente edged out a three-point advantage in the second set before San Juan Hills battled back to tie the match at 18-18. The teams traded the next 10 points to a 23-23 tie, but the Stallions persevered to close the set, 25-23.

After matching points early in the third set, San Juan Hills pushed out on an 11-2 run and looked primed to easily close out the sweep with an 18-11 lead. San Clemente found its own bounceback to tie the set at 22-22 and 23-23, but once again, the Stallions earned the edge for the sweep, 25-23.

The Tritons and Stallions will lock horns again on Oct. 3 at San Clemente High School. CD

last weekend.

The Lions breezed through their five South Coast Tournament games, ending their slate with the second victory over Harvard-Westlake in three days to win the tournament.

Through seven games, the Lions were undefeated, with their next match scheduled at Loyola on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Results were not available as of press time. JSerra gets a week of rest before hosting Orange Lutheran to open Trinity League play.

San Juan Hills Football Remains Undefeated; JSerra Upset on the Road

The Stallions traveled to Manhattan Beach on Sept. 15 and escaped with a 2820 victory over still-winless Mira Costa.

San Juan Hills came out flat, allowing the Mustangs (0-4) to jump out to a 14-0 lead by the middle of the second quarter,

and the Stallions trailed, 17-14, at the break. The Stallions rallied to take the lead for good with 5:16 remaining.

Now ranked No. 24 in CIF-SS by Calpreps, San Juan Hills looks to return to form on a short week of rest. The Stallions played at El Modena on Thursday, Sept. 21. Results for Thursday’s game were not available at press time.

Up north near Fresno, JSerra (3-2) closed out non-league play in the worst way possible, turning the ball over four times in a 23-7 loss to Clovis North (5-0).

JSerra, now No. 12, has a bye before starting Trinity League play at home against No. 6 Orange Lutheran on Sept. 29.

St. Margaret’s fell to Santa Ana, 49-36, last week, and Capistrano Valley Christian edged Santa Rosa Academy, 7-6, on Saturday, Sept. 16.

JSerra Girls Go Undefeated in El Toro Flag Football Tournament

On Saturday, Sept. 16, 24 flag football teams came together for a day full of fierce competition at El Toro High School, including three from South County.

JSerra (3-3) beat Quartz Hill, 7-6; blanked Dana Hills, 12-0; and outlasted Santa Margarita, 14-12.

Dana Hills, which came into the tournament 1-6, won two out of its three games. The Dolphins beat Portola, 13-6, and Godinez, 25-22, sandwiched around a shutout loss to JSerra.

San Juan Hills (5-4) split its games on Saturday, rallying after being shut out, 270, by Newport Harbor to defeat University, 26-13.

The Stallions defeated Dana Hills (3-8), 12-6, at home on Tuesday night, Sept. 19, and the teams turned around for another game at Dana Hills on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Results were not available at press time.

The Lions fell at Santa Margarita on Tuesday, 12-6.

San Juan Hills girls volleyball was one of three co-champions in the South Coast League last season, and early results portend an even tighter race for the league title. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

THE COACH HOUSE

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930

9/22AL STEWART

9/23BEATLES VS STONES

- AMusicalShowdown

9/24MOLLY HATCHET

9/25DAVE MASON

9/28 KOFIBAKER’SCreamFaith

9/29JOHN WAITE

9/30GARRISON KEILLOR TONIGHT 10/3ABC

10/5 GEOFF TATE /IvoryLake/ plus specialguest Mark Daly & the ravens

10/6BULLETBOYS w/ specialguests XYZ

10/7RONDSTADT REVIVAL (linDa ronDstaDt tribute)

10/8LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN

10/12 CRYSTAL BOWERSOX

10/13 DESPERADO (eagles tribute)

10/14 DESPERADO (eagles tribute)

10/15JOURNEYMAN (eric clapton tribute)

10/18 FUNNIEST HOUSEWIVES

10/19 PAT TRAVERS BAND

10/20 ORIANTHI

10/21 PAT BOONE

10/22MIKE PETERS

presentsTHEALARMAcoustic

10/25CHRISTOPHER CROSS

10/27 PIANO MEN: Generations

10/28 ALO withspecialguest shira elias

10/29 MARTIN SEXTON

10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS

11/1RIDERS IN THE SKY (acousticwesterncowboyMusicanDhuMor)

11/2ZEBRA

11/3LED ZEPAGAIN

11/4LED ZEPAGAIN

11/5BEN OTTEWELL / IAN BALL (of goMez)

11/8RODNEY CROWELL

11/9THE YOUNG DUBLINERS

11/10WHICH ONE’S PINK?

11/11WHICH ONE’S PINK?

11/12 WISHBONE ASH

11/15 LEONID&FRIENDS

11/16 LEONID&FRIENDS

11/17FOGHAT

11/18 ABBAFAB (abbatribute)

11/19 COCO MONTOYA

11/22QRST (Queen/rush/styx tribute)

11/24 JUMPING JACK FLASH (stones tribute)

11/25 BUFFETT BEACH (JiMMy buffett tribute)

11/26ARETHAStarring CharityLockhart 11/30 THE MUSICAL BOX

12/1THE MUSICAL BOX

12/2LEE ROCKER

12/8GENE LOVES JEZEBEL BOW WOW WOW

12/9PETTY CASH (toM petty / Johnny cash tribute)

12/16GARY HOEY’S rockin holiDay show

12/17DAVID BENOIT 12/22AMBROSIA holiDay show

CASTRO

USA