October 8, 2021

INSIDE:

OCTOBER 8-21, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 19

Developer Eyes Plans for Former Endevco Property EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

Mike Levin Addresses Oil Spill, Offshore Drilling SOAPBOX/PAGE 10

Growing Pains

San Juan Capistrano Community Grapples with Fulfilling Housing Needs E Y E O N S C / PAG E 3

Houses in San Juan Capistrano can be seen from the Las Ramblas trail system. The community is debating a proposed affordable housing development on Don Juan Avenue.

Photo: Collin Breaux

thecapistranodispatch.com

City Secures Funding for Street Maintenance

Council Approves Paid Parking Behind Swallow’s Inn

Editor’s Pick: Pumpkin Patch at Zoomars

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

GETTING OUT/PAGE 12

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Secures Funding for Street Maintenance

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The City of San Juan Capistrano has set a goal of getting a score of 75 or higher for its Pavement Condition Index—considered a marker of street quality—now that it has enough funds to do so, courtesy of the American Rescue Plan Act. The ARPA was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March, and it is intended to help areas bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is using those funds and other fiscal sources— including general reserve funds—to address local street maintenance, an issue residents and councilmembers have previously spoken about due to the acknowledged poor quality of such.

San Juan Capistrano currently has a Pavement Condition Index rating of 66.7, which is considered “fair” condition but among the lowest in Orange County— and the lowest in South Orange County. A score of 75 or higher is considered “good” condition.

During a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, the city council voted, 4-1, on the exact funding breakdown, as recommended by city staff. Mayor John Taylor and Councilmembers Howard Hart, Troy Bourne, and Sergio Farias voted yes. Mayor Pro

SJC Community Wrestles with Housing Needs, Development

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Alexandra Alducin is all too familiar with the California housing crisis.

The 14-year-old San Juan Hills High School student has seen friends move to other cities and states due to high-rent costs in San Juan Capistrano—where, according to recent listings on Zillow, a 2,500-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house can command $9,875 a month.

Due to those high costs and some people losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alducin and other people in the community are calling for more The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

Tem Derek Reeve voted no after expressing concerns over using reserve funds.

Hart added an amendment to the council’s motion to approve staff recommendation for staff to look at various alternatives for funding sources, so the rating can stay at 75 or higher. Current funding for city street programs comes through a combination of OCTA Measure M2 funds, gas-tax receipts, and State SB1 funding allocations, according to a staff review of the item.

A majority of the ARPA allocation—$7 million—is going toward streets, with another $5.3 million from city funds being added in for maintenance needs.

Public Works Director Tom Toman gave a presentation on street maintenance and summarized recently completed pavement projects, which have cost millions of dollars in total.

“I think the main thing I want the council to take away from this is how expensive these projects are,” Toman said.

Allowing city streets to deteriorate to the extent that they have for the past decade is irresponsible, Bourne said in response to Reeve’s concerns over spending.

“This is the blocking and tackling of government,” Hart said, using a football metaphor. “If we can’t do this, we’re not doing our job. While my heart is with Councilmember Reeve and so much of what he said, I would put this before just about anything else we’re doing as a city government. This is the very heart of

The City of San Juan Capistrano intends to address street maintenance—a longstanding issue in town—through the use of federal assistance funding and other fiscal sources. Photo: Collin Breaux

affordable housing in town.

“The rent here in San Juan Capistrano went up high, and there are people who can’t afford paying for the whole house,” said Alducin, who is also a member of the Community Leader Coalition, a citizen advocacy group that works with the city. “There are many families who will go look for somewhere else to live.”

Many people in San Juan generally agree on the importance of affordable housing, though some differ on exact mechanisms for providing it.

One proposed affordable housing development is causing widespread discussion in the area and drawing some scrutiny. In early September, AMG & Associates—a general contractor with headquarters in Santa Clarita—submitted an application to the city for development of an affordable housing project on a vacant parcel at the end of Don Juan Avenue, a residential cul-de-sac, adjacent to the I-5 freeway.

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what we should be doing as a council.”

Other local uses of ARPA funding will go toward the city’s supportive housing and city hall project—in which Jamboree Housing Corporation has an exclusive negotiation agreement with the city to potentially provide affordable housing with up to 50 units and integrated with new city hall administrative offices at the current city hall location—and ongoing pandemic responses, which include cleaning and disinfecting services.

The housing and city hall project is being allotted $1.5 million, and includes an anticipated relocation of the council chambers to the San Juan Capistrano Community Center due to square-footage limitations. A total of $100,000 is being allotted for the ongoing pandemic responses.

In other news from the city council meeting, Siegel addressed e-bikes after residents spoke about safety concerns with such, following the death of resi-

dent Jennifer Macy on Sept. 25 after she crashed her e-bike on San Juan Creek Trail while riding with her two children.

The road and adjacent area are owned and operated by the County of Orange, and a representative for Macy’s family has reportedly been put in contact with county staff and Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office.

“The city is in the process of fabricating and installing some advisory signage along our trails and that will include bike rules, no-passing zones, yield to pedestrians, etc.,” Siegel said. “The community’s going to start seeing those along certain trails, and that was already in process, along with some other educational materials that we plan to share with schools and bike shops.”

The city is also working with an established bike safety group and expects to announce information about free training classes in the next few weeks once specific dates are known, Siegel said.

The proposed project consists of two six-story buildings (five stories of housing over a one-story podium) that would provide 148 apartment units designated for lower-income households, Matisse Reischl—a senior management analyst with the city—said after an inquiry by The Capistrano Dispatch. A representative with AMG & Associates did not respond to a request for comment about the project.

“The developer believes that the proposed project is eligible for a streamlined ministerial review and approval process pursuant to state law (Senate Bill 35),” Reischl said. “Effective January 2018, state law allows eligible affordable housing applications to bypass typical environmental review and significantly limits a city’s discretion in imposing development standards.”

That is a “much different review process” from what would be applied to a “proposed market-rate residential de-

velopment project,” Reischl further said.

The law was enacted by the state as part of an ongoing and expanded effort to facilitate production of affordable housing throughout California.

City staff is continuing to review the proposed project in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office to determine the appropriate review process allowed under state law, Reischl said.

During a city council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, City Manager Ben Siegel further addressed the project following some resident remarks against the development.

“The city’s discretion is extremely limited, if not altogether precluded, by state law in terms of discretionary development standards. With that in mind, staff from multiple departments has been reviewing this project in accordance with objective standards,” Siegel said. “We certainly still have the ability to apply (Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

(Cont. from page 3) objective standards and that would include sewer provision, water provision. Very importantly, I heard some of the speakers reference public safety, fire access.”

That review is underway, and the city’s response to the developer—which will include the objective standards assessment—is due on Oct. 21. Objective standards do not cover assessments on the development’s desirability in the community or if the project is suitable for the surrounding environment.

Residents who spoke against the project during the council meeting were against the development for numerous reasons, including concerns about expected impacts to traffic, possible difficulty with fire truck access, and a perceived lack of adequate parking. Geoff Sumich, who lives near the vacant parcel, said the area is a small and old neighborhood not made for heavy traffic.

“I’m all for affordable housing, but it’s got to be in a safe, rational way—and this is completely irrational,” said Sumich, who sits on the city’s Design Review Committee. “This is a traffic and public safety issue.”

Planning Commissioner Tami Wilhelm also has concerns about the potential new housing, and she has generally spoken against the state superseding control on housing matters from municipalities at public forums. San Francisco and the state capital of Sacramento are trying to make the whole state behave like them and assume building homes will solve transportation issues—despite differences in Southern California when it comes to the number of cars, Wilhelm said.

Forcing residential development can end up destroying neighborhoods and doesn’t give city officials the opportunity to raise objections with developers, Wilhelm said.

“Why shouldn’t a city’s jurisdiction be to understand the needs of its residents and plan for them?” Wilhelm said.

Others, however, have a different perspective. Affordable housing advocate Heather Chapman—who, along with her husband John Chapman, is the co-executive director of UNIDOS South OC, which assists underprivileged communities in San Juan Capistrano—said market-rate housing cannot meet the needs of fellow San Juan residents due to the spiraling nature of California housing costs and stagnant wages in the service sector over the past several decades.

“The current proposal is one baby step in the right direction. It’s actually a couple hundred yards from my house, and I would be pleased if it goes through,” Heather Chapman said. “It won’t solve our housing crisis, but it will help by making sure that applicants from San Juan—my current neighbors and friends—are considered first.”

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

Paid parking is expanding in downtown San Juan Capistrano, as the area continues to see increased activity from locals and visitors. Photo: Collin Breaux

Council Approves Instituting Paid Parking Behind Swallow’s Inn

office, and four new pay stations will be put up. The city is appropriating $60,000 to fund the new pay stations.

Space availability has improved in parts of downtown where paid parking has been instituted, Public Works Director Tom Toman said.

Paid parking will also be instituted in what is known as the Love-Mitchell parking lot, which is behind the Old Barn Antique Mall. The Love-Mitchell lot is owned by the city and has 58 spaces.

“I also want to highlight the fundamental point, which is paid parking or monetized parking really is about effectively managing your parking resources.

The city has limited resources,” City Manager Ben Siegel said. “We’re a destination community. We have visitors coming, both from within the community and outside the community, to our downtown area with a scarce resource, which are those coveted parking spaces.”

Parking issues have also arisen due to downtown business employees parking their cars in area lots during their shifts.

The city has instituted measures and is undertaking other ways to provide parking for local employees, including a parking permit program that exempts permit holders from posted parking hour limits in certain lots.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

In order to facilitate more open parking spaces in downtown San Juan Capistrano to accommodate visitors in the popular recreational hub, the city council approved an agreement to allow paid parking at the Mission Promenade/ Swallow’s Inn lot.

Paid parking for the lot—which includes 53 spaces and is privately owned

by Rancho Mission Viejo—would be $2 an hour, with a four-hour limit every day from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Rancho Mission Viejo reached out to the city about facilitating paid parking after the city had instituted a similar program at the San Juan Capistrano multi-modal lot—which is near Trevor’s at the Tracks and Rancho Capistrano Winery—and the nearby Franciscan Plaza parking structure.

Parking revenue would be evenly split between the city and Rancho Mission Viejo. The agreement will be instituted as soon as possible by the city manager’s Page 4

The council voted, 4-1, to expand paid parking downtown. Mayor John Taylor and Councilmembers Howard Hart, Troy Bourne, and Sergio Farias voted yes. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Reeve voted no.

Farias said downtown traffic congestion has caused him and his family to avoid the area sometimes, and available spaces are important if people want to enjoy downtown restaurants and entertainment.

“I think it’s worked out in the multi-modal lot and the parking structure, and I think this area as well,” Farias said. “There’s places we’d like to go visit there, but we avoid them. Why? Because there’s no convenient parking.”

Reeve said he expected the hourly parking rate to incrementally increase.

“It’s not going to be $2,” said Reeve, who also voted no in April on instituting paid parking in the multi-modal lot. “I’m not saying this council has any intention to go over $2, but it’s just too darn tempting for future politicians to get on the council, trying to figure out how do we pay for things like streets, and that’s going to go up.”

Councilmembers recommended city staff look into ways to provide residents parking permits, similar to the one for downtown employees. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

Trick-or-Treating, Ghost & Legends Tour Events Return to Los Rios for Halloween

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Costumes, candy, and eerie historical stories will return to the Los Rios Historic District come Halloween weekend.

The community is gearing up for more fun activities at the end of October—including a second annual trick-or-treating event on Sunday, Oct. 31, along the street and neighborhood, in which businesses and residents will hand out candy to families and others strolling past.

The first-ever, trick-or-treating event was held last year and is partially the brainchild of neighborhood resident and San Juan Capistrano Historical Society member Harrison Taylor, who felt it was time the historical and popular area became a hub for Halloween activity. “(The trick-or-treating event) starts at 5:30 (p.m.) Basically it’s two hours, 5:30 to 7:30,” Taylor said. “Last year was such an amazing event. We had, we think, between 1,500 and 2,000 people. In the past, we’ve never had any trick-or-treaters on Los Rios. I grew up down here, so we would go elsewhere.”

The tradition can hopefully continue as time goes on, Taylor said. Some business owners and residents ran out of candy last year—so Taylor and others are preparing this year by buying enough candy.

“I think it’s going to be even bigger,” Taylor said. “I’m excited to see how much it will grow this year.”

Along with the new trick-or-treating event, an old favorite is returning: the Ghost & Legends Tour from the Historical Society. This year marks Taylor’s

Developer Eyes Plans for Retail Space at Former Endevco Property

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Currently, an industrial building at 30700 Rancho Viejo Road sits vacant and dilapidated.

However, Dedeaux Properties—a Southern California-based developer with offices in Los Angeles and Santa Monica—has plans to establish retail The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

Los Rios Historic District residents and married couple Harrison and Anna Taylor pose at the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society with their children, Jack Taylor (5), Olivia Taylor (3), and Isabelle Taylor (1). Trick-or-treating and the Ghost & Legends Tour are returning for Halloween in the area this year. Photo: Collin Breaux

fourth year as the director/producer for the tours, which he estimates have been going on for about 40 years.

The tours generally involve actors in costume recounting bits of San Juan Capistrano history with macabre flourishes for in-person groups, along different stops in the Los Rios area. The tours last year were forced to shift to a self-guided format in which people could scan QR codes to play story videos on their

phones due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the event will return to the traditional face-to-face group gatherings for 2021.

“This year, it’s changing in a way. We’re really focusing on immersive theater,” Taylor said. “The actors are going to be more interactive with the audience. We want people to feel almost like that show Westworld, where people traveled into this Western world and they felt like they were living in a different time.”

People are eager to get back out, including actors, after being cooped up during the pandemic, Taylor said.

The Ghost & Legends Tour will take place on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, before Halloween. General admission is $15. VIP admission is $75 and includes a dinner at the Historical Society and other amenities, though seating is limited. Visit sjcghosttour.com for tickets and more information.

space at what’s known locally as the former Endevco Corporation property, which is considered an eyesore by residents.

Marice DePasquale, who is representing Dedeaux Properties on behalf of the project, said they’ve heard “loud and clear” that the property’s existing conditions are not acceptable from community members. The developer intends to immediately clean up the area and make it acceptable if plans for the project go through, DePasquale said.

The developer is in the initial stage of providing plans to the city and receiving feedback. Representatives for the project recently received recommendations

on exact details from Design Review Committee members during a workshop on Sept. 23.

Dedeaux Properties has been reaching out to a number of different businesses about using the property and is allowing for a broad range of tenants, DePasquale said.

Despite community chatter that the site could be a future Amazon warehouse or location, DePasquale shot down those rumors and said Amazon is not looking at the site right now.

Dedeaux Properties finds underutilized properties and redevelops them, according to DePasquale.

“It’s a fantastic location,” she said.

“It’s in Orange County. It’s by the I-5. It seems like it’s the right time for redevelopment.”

Previous plans to turn the site into a gated residential community by a separate developer were withdrawn after residents and planning commissioners had raised concerns about aspects of the community’s design, including the density of proposed townhome buildings.

DePasquale said they are “keenly aware” of those past issues, so they are reaching out to neighbors in the area in order to be transparent. The site was formerly used for manufacturing before it became vacant.

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EYE ON SJC

NEW BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, OCT. 9

COMPILED BY STAFF

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. Email larrykramerccl@ gmail.com to receive a link to join.

CD | Shea Center Raises

Over $1 Million from Annual Fundraiser The full in-person return of the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s annual “BBQ and Family Faire” fundraiser on Sept. 18 was a fun time for the community to get together—and raised more than $1 million in the process.

Funds will go toward continuing to provide therapeutic riding services for children and adults with special needs.

The $1 million-plus raised is 21% of the Shea Center’s annual operating budget, the Shea Center said in a news release.

“There were many highlights and extremely generous people and organizations that made the 2021 BBQ and Family Faire a huge success, including the $335,315 generated by the (Penny and Jon) Fosheim Rider Support Fund for priority programs, horse care, and rider financial aid,” the news release said.“Next year, the BBQ and Family Faire will be on September 17.”

This year’s fundraiser was the 42nd such event.

CD | Nonprofit Offers

Free Language Programs in San Juan Capistrano La Playa Center, a nonprofit adult English-as-a-second-language (ESL) program, is partnering with the San Juan Capistrano Community Center to offer a free adult beginning English class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m.

“All texts and materials for the classes are provided free of charge for students,” La Playa Center said in a news release.“Online registration can be found at crossculturalcouncil.com or by picking up a registration form at the Community Center.”

The Community Center is at 25925 Camino Del Avion, near The Ecology Center. For information on becoming a volunteer ESL teacher, contact laplayaenglish@gmail.com.

CD | Resident, Deputies

Receive Awards for Apprehending Suspect San Juan Capistrano resident Roy Heine and three San Juan deputies who helped him were recently given awards for apprehending a suspect who had allegedly attacked an elderly woman.

Heine and 54 members of the Orange The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

THURSDAY, OCT. 14

Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a meeting open to the public. The meeting can also be viewed online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano. org. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano.

More than $1 million raised this year from the Shea Center’s annual BBQ fundraiser will go toward their therapeutic riding programs. Photo: Collin Breaux.

County Sheriff’s Department were recognized by the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council on Sept. 30 “for heroic acts and exemplary service” at the 33rd annual Medal of Valor.

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes personally recognized Heine with a Sheriff’s Medal of Courage, which the three deputies also received.

“Thirty-one medals for Lifesaving were awarded, along with 14 medals of Merit and nine medals of Courage,” a news release from OCSD said.“K-9 Rosco also received the Canine Medal of Merit for his work apprehending a knife-wielding suspect.”

That requirement will also go into effect once the FDA gives full approval.

Currently, all public-school employees in the state are required to either be vaccinated or undergo regular testing for COVID-19.

“We hope this encourages folks to get vaccinated,” Newsom said. “We have no trepidation, no hesitancy, in encouraging local school districts to move forward more expeditiously. You’ve seen that in a number of districts in the state that have moved forward more quickly.”

Los Angeles Unified School District and San Diego Unified School District have already instituted vaccine mandates for eligible students. Capistrano Unified School District has not.

“I believe we will be the first state in America to move forward with this mandate and requirement, but I do not believe—by any stretch of the imagination—we’ll be the last state,” Newsom said. “In fact, I anticipate other states to follow suit as well.”

Exemptions will be in place for medical, religious, and personal-belief reasons.

Newsom recently survived a recall attempt, which arose, in part, over his vocal support for pandemic restrictions and measures.

Masks are required statewide indoors at school campuses.

CD | Newsom Issues Vaccine

Mandate for Students Marking a major change in California’s COVID-19 pandemic measures and education policy, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that California students ages 12 and older will have to be vaccinated to continue attending school in person, once the Food and Drug Administration has fully approved the vaccine.

Newsom said his administration will work with districts and parents in the meantime to build confidence with communities and figure out the logistics for administering the vaccinations. Students who are not vaccinated will go into independent study, according to news reports.

“We will begin to apply that requirement in the next term—either Jan. 1 or July 1, whichever comes sooner,” Newsom said during the announcement on Friday, Oct. 1. “Concurrent with that, we also want to see all of our (K-12 school) staff— paraprofessionals, not just teachers, bus drivers, custodial staff, and the like, folks that really make the school system operational—get vaccinated as well.”

CD | Metrolink Resumes

Services in South OC Metrolink services resumed for the San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside train stations on Monday, Oct. 4.

Services had been temporarily halted for emergency repairs, as crews worked to stabilize a portion of the railroad in south San Clemente, where movement in Page 7

FRIDAY, OCT. 15

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, with in-person gatherings on all other Fridays at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

Lunch with the Mayor Noon. Mayor John Taylor will eat at a different restaurant in San Juan Capistrano almost every Friday, and the public is welcome to attend. Feel free to chat with Taylor and others, though you’ll have to pay for your own meal. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

TUESDAY, OCT. 19

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

FRIDAY, OCT. 22

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

the tracks was found.

“The regional rail agency immediately began efforts to stabilize the toe of the slope by placing boulders—known as riprap—adjacent to the track,” Metrolink said in a news release.

Train speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure, according to Metrolink.

Pacific Surfliner operations also have resumed in the area. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Health Company Establishes Presence at Los Patrones Business Park

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

aroline Beckman has been interested in health and working in the wellness industry for a while, which eventually led to founding her own wellness company called Nouri in 2018.

Products sold by Nouri include probiotic omega oils. Their products have launched in Whole Foods, and Beckman wants to continue growing her start-up.

Part of that expansion includes leasing space at Los Patrones Business Park, the new retail center in Rancho Mission Viejo—with plans to build an office and set up a warehouse there.

“I saw the power of consumer products, health and wellness, and the collision of those two,” Beckman said on the motivation behind her business.

Beckman, who lives in Dana Point, has become interested in microbiotics, and gut health in particular. She wants to work on gut health solutions, so her products are targeted at such. Products such as Nouri’s digestive health capsules are intended to address that issue.

Beckman said she started with supplements because those are some of the first and primary solutions people turn to when they have gut health issues. When considering what to make and sell, Beckman factors in scientific research and what it will take to create and market items.

“We don’t do science for science’s sake,” Beckman said. “We do science for consumer goods.”

Beckman has experience forming other health-minded start-ups, saying entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from ones that fail.

Beckman, who was born and raised in California, said that keeping Nouri in Orange County is intentional, because Rancho Mission Viejo is a beautiful, family-minded community.

The availability of a spot at the retail center was also a selling point.

“When you look at space in South Orange County, it’s tight,” Beckman said.

Beckman wants to continue expanding her business and being successful in addressing health issues, and she intends to have Nouri products in other stores as time goes on. There are plans to eventually introduce beverages and kids’ juices.

“For us, it’s a very busy time. We’re still learning a lot,” Beckman said. “By and large, our category has grown, and The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

EVENTS AT THE RANCH

OCT. 13

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING 7-8:30 p.m. Take the first step in becoming an official volunteer at The Nature Reserve. Participants will get to learn about the outdoor area’s history, purpose, and other relevant information—as well as how to communicate that to the public. The event will be held over Zoom. Sign up at rmvreserve.org.

OCT. 20 Nouri, a health and wellness supplement company focused on selling beverages and capsules intended to help with digestive health and other issues, is setting up an office and warehouse in Rancho Mission Viejo. Photos: Courtesy of Mary Hannah Harte

we’re seeing wonderful responses from retailers.”

Symptoms of gut health problems include poor digestion, a weak immune system, and lack of energy, according to Beckman. Addressing gut health is important because many people deal with

gut issues, and it can also correlate with obesity, Beckman said.

“One of our visions is to get ahead of these problems before they start,” she said.

Visit dailynouri.com for more information. CD Page 8

TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 9-11 a.m. Spend some time outdoors while helping to make the Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy an accessible area. Drinks and snacks will be provided for volunteers.

Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct.19. Sign up at rmvreserve.org.

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | The Levin Letter by Rep. Mike Levin

Californians Have Made It Clear—No More Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along Our Coast

O

ur coastal communities are experiencing another grave ecological disaster. The oil spill that began on Saturday, Oct. 2, off the coast of Orange County is devastating, and it’s devastating to see the wildlife and marine animals that are being harmed or killed by this spill. I’m also thinking of all of the Californians who deeply cherish our coast and ocean, as well as the small business owners who rely on our coastal activity for their livelihoods.

This kind of disaster is exactly why I introduced my American Coasts and Oceans Protection Act to prohibit any new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas along the Southern California coast, from San Diego to the northern border of San Luis Obispo County.

It’s time to put our environment and our coastal economy first, not the fossil fuel companies that profit while polluting our coastline. Now, we’re seeing, yet again, what happens when we put the fossil fuel industry ahead of our communities and our planet.

For every massive oil spill like this one, we are not only adding to the pollution of our oceans, but also directly jeopar-

dizing thousands of coastal-related jobs.

This isn’t the first time our communities experienced an oil spill disaster. More than 4 million gallons of oil have been released into the Pacific Ocean as a result of the 1969 Santa Barbara blowout, the Refugio Beach spill of 2015, THE LEVIN LETTER and other leaks from

BY MIKE LEVIN oil rig and pipeline activity, affecting more than 935 square miles of ocean. This spill has pushed that number even higher.

This isn’t a partisan issue. I consistently ask constituents if anyone wants to see more drilling off our California coast. No hands go up. No Republican hands, no Democratic hands, and no Independent hands. Californians have made it clear that they are strongly opposed to new offshore oil and gas drilling along our coast.

The previous administration in Washington repeatedly pushed to expand offshore drilling and rolled back crucial safety regulations that help prevent spills, and now, here we are once again in the aftermath of a catastrophic spill. We

need to be focusing on cutting emissions and protecting coastal communities from rising sea levels, not extracting more oil so the fossil fuel industry can profit. That is why the Build Back Better Act is so crucial.

I’m proud to say that we successfully secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act that mirrors my legislation to end new offshore drilling activity off the Southern California coast. In fact, the provision would protect the entire West Coast.

I’m committed to passing the entirety of the President’s Build Back Better agenda, and in the wake of this environmental disaster, it’s more important than ever that we get that legislation across the finish line.

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP)

CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

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

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

RIDING PARK MANAGEMENT GAIL FAYAD, San Juan Capistrano

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

HOW TO REACH US

Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake

Letter to The Editor I strongly urge the city to support the Ridland Group as management for the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

Tried and true equestrians who know and will protect the history and roots of this town. A group who appreciates, treasures and will safeguard the open space that the riding park offers. Open space that is so conducive to equestrian use and a chance for non-equestrians to enjoy what little is left of open space in this town.

We all used to marvel at the 360-degree view of hills from the riding park.

Now, at least half of those views are riddled with buildings. Please do not destroy the park with buildings, an am-

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

Photo: Collin Breaux

phitheater, or anything else.

Don’t be fooled by offers to kowtow to English and Western riders with more events. As I’ve said before, we haven’t even tapped half the uses of the park.

Between the Ridland Company, the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and all the local equestrians, we can come up with tons of great ideas without the construction of buildings on the property.

Remember: where one building goes, many will follow!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

Page 10

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

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

Page 11

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

The List 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 | 08 SOUTH COAST FARMS U PICK WEEKENDS 9 a.m.-4 p.m. South Coast Farms, a small family-owned business that farms off Ortega Highway at Tree of Life Nursery, will host U Pick events on the weekends (Fridays-Sundays) in October. All the crops grown are now open to the public to pick their own fruits and vegetables, without reservations needed. In October, visitors can pick strawberries, watermelons and cantaloupe; spaghetti, acorn, delicata and butternut winter squashes; zucchini squash, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, radishes, turnips, and, soon, carrots and green beans. South Coast Farms encourages people to come out and pick their own food and enjoy an old-fashioned day of fall harvest. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.9381. southcoastfarms.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. Family Style will perform. Have fun, grab some drinks, and dance during this local performance. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

SATURDAY | 09 ‘SYMPHONY ON THE GO!’ 5:30 p.m. A free symphony chamber concert will be hosted by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. The free performance is expected to last 45 minutes. Concertgoers are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The event will be family-friendly. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

Pick out a pumpkin at Zoomars at River Street Ranch, to decorate with the family or place in your front yard. Photo: Jill Wellington

ALL MONTH | OCTOBER PUMPKIN PATCH AT ZOOMARS 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get into the Halloween spirit by picking up a pumpkin at Zoomars at River Street Ranch. Sizes and prices vary.

Zoomars at River Street Ranch, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550. riverstreetranch.com.

MONDAY | 11 OPEN HORSE RIDE 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy an open ride at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park every Monday, weather permitting. Two arenas are available at no cost, and all riding disciplines are welcome. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.299.7219. theridingpark.com.

CREATIVE RECYCLING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS 2-3:15 p.m. or 3:20-5 p.m. Kids ages 9-14 are welcome to participate in this creative, hands-on lesson in using everyday materials to build inventions. This workshop is part of afternoon programs being held throughout the week called Rad Traditions, intended to teach kids about various creative endeavors. More information is available in the program section of The Ecology Center’s website.

Rolling admissions are accepted, with prorated fees. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

THURSDAY | 14 SECOND THURSDAY NUVO OLIVE OIL TASTINGS 6-8 p.m. NUVO Olive Oil will give lessons

on the history of olive oil in California and how to spot quality extra virgin olive oil. Aaron Obregon, executive chef for Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, will also give tastings for a number of dishes and refreshments, including balsamic vinegar cocktails and gelato. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.503.5700. innatthemissionsjc.com.

FRIDAY | 15 LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse is fully open again for a regular performance season, after being shut down throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Friday night is the premiere of The Long Weekend, a comedy that promises to have a lot of mischievous turns and laughs. The show runs through Oct. 31. Current health guidelines will be in place. All staff members and actors are fully vaccinated.

Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Reggae artist Pato Banton and folk musician Ken Garcia will perform. Tickets are $20.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, Page 12

33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SATURDAY | 16 PUMPKIN PARTY PICNIC 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Initiative for Vulnerable Children is hosting a free party for court-appointed special advocates and the kids they serve. There will be food, games, pumpkins to decorate, costumed characters, and more. Anyone wearing a costume is asked to wear a non-scary costume, as the event is for all ages. Register online in advance by Oct. 14. Saddleback Church Rancho Capistrano, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. funonpurpose.com.

SUNDAY | 17 NELLY CONCERT AT THE RIDING PARK 6:40 p.m. Hip-hop star Nelly will perform with Blanco Brown and Harper Grace.

The event is open to all ages, and concertgoers are welcome to bring low-profile lawn chairs and blankets. General admission is $49.50. Adult beverages will be available with ID. Check online for other admission prices. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

The OutPost at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuanoutpost.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

AT THE MOVIES

‘Blue Bayou’ is Decent Early-Autumn Viewing Blues artist JD Simo (pictured left) will be co-headlining a Nov. 11 concert at The Coach House with GA-20 (right).

Photos: Courtesy of Adam Abrashoff and Fancey Pansen

GA-20 AND JD SIMO

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

B

Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features

BY MEGAN BIANCO

J

ust like his Twilight co-stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, Justin Chon has been doing well for himself since the franchise ended.

Even more impressive, he’s expanded his reach to also working behind the scenes as an independent film director.

His last two full-length features, Gook (2017) and Ms. Purple (2019), did very well with critics and indie fans, and now comes his most recent venture with Blue Bayou.

Down in the outskirts of Louisiana’s Bayou, Antonio “Tony” LeBlanc (Chon) is struggling to land a second job as a Korean immigrant because of his past criminal record, as he needs more work to support his wife, Kathy (Alicia Vikander), stepdaughter Jessie (Sydney Kowalske) and a new baby on the way.

Though Tony has been living in the U.S. since age 3, his adoptive parents never fully completed the adoption process when he was a child. His lack of proper citizenship is used against him, along with racism and his criminal past,

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

when two rowdy, local cops (Mark O’Brien and Emory Cohen)—one of whom is also Jessie’s biological father—pick a fight with him.

Now on ICE’s radar while Kathy takes up her job part-time again, Tony has to come up with a way to pay his attorney’s $5,000 retainer and assemble a group of witnesses to prove he’s a committed American citizen.

Above all, Blue Bayou shows that Chon is genuinely talented in front of and behind the camera.

His performance, as well as visual direction, impress and capture our eyes for the whole two-hour tale.

There are a couple weaknesses with the script, though. Jessie is, unfortunately, one of those cheap/ easy cliches of a little kid spouting “cute” dialogue as exposition, especially early on in the movie.

The two antagonists are also a little phoned in as the stereotypical cops who will mess with anyone they dislike for their own amusement.

Despite this, Blue Bayou is a decent family drama with some realistic, relevant issues that will do the trick for a night of viewing. CD

lues acts GA-20 and JD Simo will be hitting the road for a nationwide tour that includes a stop at The Coach House on Nov. 11. In the words of Simo, the trek will involve a lot of record store shopping, coffee drinking, and late-night tacos.

The two acts and friends are co-headlining the show and tour in support of their new musical releases: GA-20 Does Hound Dog Taylor: Try It…You Might Like It! and Mind Control.

GA-20’s new album, released in August, pays tribute to late Chicago blues musician Hound Dog Taylor. JD Simo’s album is set to drop on Nov. 5, and it serves as a follow-up to his self-titled album from last year.

“I can’t wait to play all these new tunes and be in the van with the fellas again!”

Simo—born in Chicago and now based in Nashville—said via email. “It’s gonna be rad!”

Simo played at The Coach House in 2019, saying he found everyone was “super cool,” which certainly makes him anticipate returning.

Simo’s upcoming release is his favorite work he’s done so far, and it came about while playing with buddies in a basement. He describes the end result as unlike anything he’s done before, and “as organic as it gets.”

While GA-20 guitarist Matt Stubbs has also previously played at the San Juan Capistrano venue, the rest of the Boston-based band (which also comprises vocalist and guitarist Pat Faherty and drummer Tim Carman) has not.

“The tour starts September 28, and we’re hitting 63 different cities, so this is the biggest tour we’ve done to date,” Stubbs said in an email. “Our new record

Page 14

has been getting a lot of positive reviews and radio airplay, and we can’t wait to play these songs live for everyone. It’ll be a good time, so we hope you join us!”

GA-20 band members have always been fans of Hound Dog Taylor and felt now was the right time for a tribute record, since this is the 50th anniversary of his debut with Alligator Records and for the record label itself, which is co-releasing the tribute album with Karma Chief Records.

As with other acts passing through Orange County and playing throughout the country, the co-headliners are readjusting to being back on stage after the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to concerts.

“I’ve only done it a few times, and it was like, ‘Oh, yeah, this is so fun,’” Simo said. “I’d kind of compartmentalized the feeling, and now to feel it again, it’s quite a new thing. It’s a different kind of feeling, having had to give it up. I had no idea it could happen, but it’s actually even more special now!” CD

SHOW DETAILS Who: GA-20 and JD Simo When: Thursday, Nov. 11. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m.

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets & more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $20.

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

Page 15

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SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

S

an Juan Capistrano is truly a special place. Right now, the entire country seems to be fighting with itself. Everything seems to be brought down to segregating one group from another. But San Juan Capistrano is different.

We celebrate our diversity. We celebrate the cultures that have embraced all of our history. Forefront on this celebration is the Historical Society. And October is the perfect month for the Society to showcase the coming together of cultures within our community.

For more than 50 years, the Historical Society has honored a patriarch or matriarch for the city. To qualify for this honor, one has to have been born in San Juan Capistrano and contributed to our history.

The appointments by the Society are for life. There have been five patriarchs since the honor has been bestowed: Mathias H. Belardes, Paul Abriso, Dick Mendelson, Julian Ramos and, currently, Happy Hunn.

There have been eight matriarchs: Vivian Oliveras, Delphina Oliveras, Lucana Georgia

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

Forster Isch, Juanita Rios Foy, Evelyne Lobo Villegas, Fay Delores Wallenberg Mecker, Helen McMullen, and Cecelia Stansiele Hunn.

Cecelia Hunn recently passed away. Her term as matriarch had a special impact on the Historical Society. She was born and raised in the Oyharzabal house, which sits on the Society property on Los Rios Street.

She learned to make Native American baskets from her mother, who was a Juaneno.

She was married to Happy Hunn, which made them the first married couple to serve as matriarch and patriarch. While we will miss Cecelia, we will always remember the impact she had on our community.

As we get ready to celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead, the Society features two exhibits in the windows of the Leck house and the Silvas adobe honoring both traditions.

And the Ghost and Legends Tour just keeps getting bigger and better every year.

Be sure to reserve your space for Oct. 29 or 30 for the ghost stories on Los Rios Street.

This year promises some amazing surprises. Food and beverages will be on-site and

for sale, with BBQ by Ted Rosenfeldt and drinks by Capistrano Brewing Company.

Tickets are $15 for the tour. Ten different ghosts will be encountered on the tour. Reservations can be made by calling the Historical Society at 949.493.8444 or by MOMENTS IN TIME visiting the website

BY JAN SIEGEL at sjcghosttour.com.

On Oct. 31, the Historic Los Rios District will have a special trick-or-treat family celebration for young and old.

On Nov. 14, the semi-annual meeting of the Historical Society will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Community Center. This is the first meeting since the pandemic two years ago. Our speaker is Bill Greenlee, who grew up on Los Rios Street, lived in the Silvas adobe, and remembers playing with the Stansiele kids next door. This event is free to the public and promises to reveal some interesting facts about life in San Juan Capistrano more than 50 years ago.

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Mark your calendars. You can spend a Moment In Time remembering how special our community is by visiting the Historical Society to see our exhibits, take the Ghost Walk, enjoy trick or treating on Los Rios Street, and hear about life in the District by someone who lived there.

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

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

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HELP WANTED Laboratory Support Technician NOVA Services, Inc. (NOVA) is a firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, special inspection, and materials testing services. We have an opening for a part time position in our San Clemente office.

The ideal candidate will possess the following minimum qualifications: • High school diploma • Basic level computer skills • Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, a clean driving record and $100K vehicle insurance • Ability to lift 40 lbs

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

The following certifications are a plus: • ACI Concrete Field or Laboratory Testing Technician or other ACI certifications • Nuclear Gauge Certification/HAZMAT Certification Position responsibilities include: • Driving to project sites for concrete cylinder sample or other sample pickups and drop offs • Support engineers/geologists with required labor for field investigations • Assist and support laboratory testing To apply, please send an email to hwilcox@ usa-nova.com with your resume and any certifications with the subject “Laboratory Support Technician.”

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SAN JUAN

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

San Juan Hills Dominates El Toro to Notch First Win It took much longer than anyone had anticipated for the San Juan Hills football team to finally register a victory in the 2021 season, but when the Stallions finally got there, they did so in overwhelming fashion.

San Juan Hills’ defense did not allow a score, senior receiver Braden Pegan caught 11 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, and senior running back John Gaines ran for three touchdowns as the Stallions rolled to a 42-13 win in a nonleague game on Friday, Oct. 1, at El Toro High School.

Freshman quarterback Michael “Butter” Tollefson completed 14 of 21 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including a 94-yard scoring pass to Pegan, a UCLA commit. Senior receiver Cole Monach caught six passes for 100 yards, and senior receiver Elijah Barclay caught six passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Junior quarterback Colton Joseph also completed 9 of 15 passes for 96 yards.

Gaines carried the ball 25 times for 128 yards, including his three TD rushes.

San Juan Hills (1-5) gained 563 yards on offense. El Toro (6-1), which was previously undefeated, gained only 186 yards of offense, including just 64 yards passing, and did not reach the end zone. The Chargers’ only two scores came on an 18-yard, fumble-return touchdown and an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Senior defensive back Chase Schmidt led the Stallions’ stout defensive effort with a team-high nine solo tackles and a tie for the team-high in total tackles with 12. Schmidt also pulled in an interception and recorded a sack.

Freshman linebacker Weston Port made eight solo tackles and tied Schmidt with a team-high 12 total tackles. Port also made two tackles for loss.

Senior Oliver Mettler made 11 total tackles. Senior Gabe Garcia recorded a sack, and seniors Rastin Hazen and Jaden Williams also made tackles for loss. Williams also blocked an extra-point attempt.

San Juan Hills will take on another The Capistrano Dispatch October 8-21, 2021

San Juan Hills senior receiver Braden Pegan (3) caught 11 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, including a 94-yard score, as the Stallions earned their first win of the season over El Toro, 42-13. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

Sea View League opponent in Capistrano Valley at home on Friday, Oct. 8, before the Stallions enter league play. San Juan Hills kicks off South Coast League play at San Clemente in the “Battle of La Pata” on Friday, Oct. 15.

JSerra Plagued by Turnovers, Penalties in Trinity League Opener There was optimism for the JSerra football team as it entered Trinity League play on Friday, Oct. 1.

The Lions had achieved a goal of coming into league with a winning record, and JSerra had a big win on the road at Rancho Cucamonga, 48-28, and a shutout at Newport Harbor, 44-0. JSerra played host to rival Santa Margarita in the league opener, and despite a slow start, the Lions were hanging tough.

However, JSerra was its own worst enemy, as penalties extended Santa Margarita drives, enabling the Eagles to capitalize on turnovers to pull away, 3813, at JSerra Catholic High School.

JSerra (3-3, 0-1) was called for 11 penalties for 92 yards, threw four interceptions and lost a fumble. Santa Margarita (5-1, 1-0) wasn’t clean, either, with 15 penalties for 134 yards and threw three interceptions.

JSerra’s opening drive ended with a

turnover on downs, and aided by two personal fouls by the Lions, Santa Margarita scored on its first drive, as JSerra transfer quarterback Jaxon Potter ran in for a 2-yard score.

Later in the quarter, JSerra kept a Santa Margarita drive alive with a pass-interference penalty on third down and an offside penalty on a 4th-and-3. The Eagles capitalized on a 10-yard touchdown pass.

Then, in what was the biggest body blow JSerra took, the Lions fumbled away their opportunity to score in the first half and keep the game within reach. JSerra was backed up to the 22yard line on 3rd-and-goal, and the Lions connected on what looked like a scoring catch-and-run. Then Santa Margarita delivered a big hit at the 1-yard line that sent the ball flying out the back of the end zone. The play was ruled a fumble and a touchback for Santa Margarita.

JSerra did stop the next drive, but the Lions threw an interception three plays later. Two plays after the interception, Santa Margarita threw a 29-yard touchdown pass for a 21-0 lead at halftime.

Pass interference, a personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct by Santa Margarita on three consecutive plays aided JSerra’s first scoring drive, as sophomore quarterback Zander Singh threw a touchdown to Josh Jornadal.

That sparked a flurry of points, as

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Santa Margarita came back three plays later with a 37-yard touchdown pass, and JSerra immediately responded with a kickoff-return touchdown. Santa Margarita led, 28-13, through three quarters.

JSerra couldn’t capitalize on Santa Margarita interceptions in the fourth quarter, and then the Eagles jumped on a pass for a pick-six to ice the game with just under four minutes to play.

JSerra continues the Trinity League gauntlet against MaxPreps’ national No. 5 St. John Bosco at home on Friday, Oct. 8, and plays MaxPreps’ national No. 8 Servite on Thursday, Oct. 14, at Orange Coast College.

Small School Roundup Capistrano Valley Christian recorded its closest win of the season with a 14-6 triumph over Santa Rosa Academy on Saturday, Oct. 2. CVC (6-1) has outscored its opponents by an incredible 139-point margin, 228-89, in seven games. The Eagles next play at St. Margaret’s on Oct. 15.

St. Margaret’s struggled again in a 24-14 home loss to St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs. St. Margaret’s (2-4) lost its first two games, won its next two games, and has lost its past two games. The Tartans host Castaic on Friday, Oct. 8, before hosting Capistrano Valley Christian on Oct. 15. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 8–21, 2021

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