November 12, 2021

NOVEMBER 12-25, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 21

INSIDE: Turkey Trot Returns to RMV EYE ON RMV/PAGE 9

Celebrating the Area’s Indigenous Heritage SJC LIVING/PAGE 21

Net Gains

City Plans to Put Up New Pickleball Courts on Camino Capistrano E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

One of two tennis courts in San Juan Capistrano will be converted into pickleball courts, to satisfy the growing popularity of the latter sport. Photo: Collin Breaux

Council Approves Sale of Calle Arroyo Parcel

Wall of Recognition Gets New Names

Editor’s Pick: On-Site Sketch Tour at the Mission

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

GETTING OUT/PAGE 16

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 2

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Approves Sale of Calle Arroyo Parcel

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

An approximately one-acre parcel of land at Calle Arroyo and Rancho Viejo Road will now belong to R&H Land Partners, after the City of San Juan Capistrano agreed to sell the property.

A purchase and sale agreement to the limited liability company—represented

by Robert Socci, owner of the nearby Ortega Cottages business park—was approved by the city council during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2. The city intended to sell the parcel, because stand-alone public use of the area is considered “generally infeasible” due to it being landlocked and not having a method of legal access.

“The Calle Arroyo parcel is currently operated under a license agreement with the Ortega Equestrian Center as part of a larger equestrian operation that’s undertaken primarily on the adjacent St. Margaret’s Episcopal School property,” City Senior Management

San Juan Capistrano Makes Plans for New Pickleball Courts

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The City of San Juan Capistrano is joining in on the growing popularity of pickleball, a topic that came up during a council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

A modified motion by Councilmember Howard Hart directing city staff to convert one of the two tennis courts on Camino Capistrano (by Capistrano Union High School) into several pickleball courts was approved by his peers on the dais with few objections.

“Over the past two years, a pickleball course has been offered through the Community Services Department at the westerly Camino Capistrano tennis court.

This class involves temporary court markings and is well-attended,” Hart said.

“Additionally, this past summer, Public Works staff received a request from the Open Space Foundation to permanently

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Analyst Matisse Reischl said during a presentation to the council. “The Ortega Equestrian Center operater accesses the property through an informal agreement with the Ortega Cottages business park owner.”

The city accepted Socci’s purchase offer of $150,000, which was higher than the appraised value of $120,000.

“The sale to the adjacent property owner is envisioned to create opportunities for long-term use of the site, as well as mitigate potential risks and maintenance obligations of city ownership,” Reischl said. “The parcel is also located in the floodway adjacent to San Juan Creek, where FEMA restrictions prohibit certain types of development on the site—for example, the construction of permanent structures. While Mr. Socci has not yet identified a specific use or project for the parcel, he has expressed interest in working with staff on a potential project that would be consistent with the existing zoning and land-use designations.”

Allowed uses for a wide variety of open-space recreational uses include parks, playgrounds, riding and hiking

An acre of land at Calle Arroyo and Rancho Viejo Road will continue to be used by the Ortega Equestrian Center, after R&H Land Partners acquired the property through a sale from the City of San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

convert one of the two Camino Capistrano tennis courts to four new pickleball courts.”

Pickleball is a new sport that mixes in aspects of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong. Participants use paddles to hit a small ball over a net on a tennis-style court. Games can be played one-on-one or two-on-two.

“We were looking at what can we do to give back to the community that wasn’t as expensive as a big capital improvement such as Reata Park, which was millions of dollars and tons and tons of volunteer hours. We came up with this pickleball court proposal as a board,” Open Space Foundation President Harrison Taylor said. “We would also like to propose resurfacing the tennis court, because additionally when we put this proposal together, we wanted to just focus on pickleball, but then we realized if we resurface these four courts, the adjacent tennis players are going to feel like they’re forgotten.”

Though Taylor said the Open Space Foundation could assist with costs, City Manager Ben Siegel said funds are avail-

Page 3

trails, bicycle trails, golf courses, and agricultural uses, a city staff report said. Socci wants to work with current

Ortega Equestrian Center operator Kathy Holman for continued use of the site, Reischl said.

able in the existing city budget.

“We can probably have it done in the first or second quarter of 2022,” Siegel said.

Siegel also recommended the conversion be wrapped into plans to install another pickleball court at Cook La Novia Park, which the city also plans to do in early 2022 as part of a previously approved capital improvement project.

Hart’s original recommended action was for city staff to explore the potential of putting up up new pickleball courts along Camino Capistrano.

Other opportunities for the Open Space Foundation to financially contribute to other projects might be available in the future, Siegel said.

Councilmember Troy Bourne said pickleball is popular with residents and visitors at Reata Glen—a senior living facility in nearby Rancho Mission Viejo that he oversees—and is a “neat little intergenerational thing that allows people to play at all ages.”

Mayor John Taylor, who is Harrison Taylor’s father, said pickleball is appealing because people can get into it on

their first try, and it is not as frustrating to play as tennis or similar sports.

“If this all were to come to fruition, we’d love to have a kickoff, invite the community, hand out free paddles, really try to include everyone and not just people that are already pickleball players,” Harrison Taylor said.

The only two tennis courts owned and maintained by the city are the ones on Camino Capistrano. Councilmember Sergio Farias said he doesn’t support the new courts on Camino Capistrano as much as the one at La Novia Park since the city only has two tennis courts left.

“I understand the popularity of one sport versus the other. I think we could make the same argument for eliminating the rest of the baseball fields in town and just make them all soccer fields,” Farias said. “You start to see that in other municipalities, but I wouldn’t support that, either, because you’ve got to preserve certain sports and have something for everybody.”

Despite Farias’ comments, the vote to approve the four new courts was unanimous.

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Works to Rectify Controversy Over ‘Rock Snake’ Removal

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

City leaders and staff in San Juan Capistrano recently addressed an outcry from residents over the temporary removal of a visible trail of inspirational rocks in the community.

Staff with the Public Works Department removed the long line of colorful rocks adorned with feel-good messages from the Peppertree Trail on Thursday, Oct. 28, due to a residential complaint that the rocks were unsightly and not permitted. The “rock snake” was started

by Herb Langefeld, a local resident who is confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. City officials were not aware of the removal beforehand.

“I know I speak on behalf of the city council when I say we appreciate all of the emails and heartfelt messages we’ve received from the community and the neighbors over the past several days,” City Manager Ben Siegel said during a council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2. “I think they’ve done a very effective job of describing what the rock snake, placed over the past year during the pandemic, meant to the community.”

Herb Langefeld was at the meeting, and he cried at different times. His sister, Heidi Langefeld, accompanied Herb to the meeting and spoke in support of the rock snake returning.

“The last rock that was added before it got removed was Herb’s that he painted, the happy one-year anniversary,” Heidi Langefeld said. “It had been there one year and almost one week before it got swept away. At that point, it was 277 feet long, which equates to over 1,300 rocks—of which Herb maybe painted 30. That tells you the contribution to not only our neighborhood, but all the people that walk that trail, the bikers, (people) on their horses.”

Heidi Langefeld and other residents said the rock snake makes people happy when they walk by. Andrew Hoffmann, a neighbor who lives across the street from the rock snake’s location, said the rocks are Herb Langefeld’s way of communicating with the community.

“He would do these little rocks, and you’d see it, and he’d say hello to people,” Hoffmann said. “He’s trapped inside, talking to us through these rocks.

So, the snake went away, and I was like, ‘Wow’. I don’t think we want to be the heartless town. There’s no harm in it.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

A line of colorful and inspirational painted rocks started by resident Herb Langefeld, who is confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, became a rallying point for the community following outrage over a recent temporary removal by city staff due to a residential complaint.

Photos: Courtesy of Ping Lam.

Anybody that’s protesting (that) there’s liability concerns—it’s completely unjustified. No one’s tripping over these rocks. They are set aside.”

The rocks were returned to the Langefeld family after the removal.

“I understand the frustration among many neighbors, and we will be working with those neighbors to, hopefully, identify an appropriate long-term home for the rock snake,” Siegel said.

Councilmember Howard Hart tabled a motion he had placed on the meeting agenda to direct city staff to prepare a policy that would establish a process to allow privately funded art to be installed at city-owned and maintained public spaces, which mentioned permitting the rock snake on Peppertree Trail. Several residents spoke in favor of more public art in town, including members of The Alliance for San Juan Art—a nonprofit established by resident Rich Heimann.

Page 4

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 5

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Parents, Students Praise CUSD Cultural Proficiency Plan

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Capistrano Unified School District’s Cultural Proficiency Plan—intended to address racial and inequity issues, among other matters—continues to draw reactions from community members, this time mostly in support.

Parents and students complimented ongoing work under the plan and aspects of its goals during a CUSD Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 3. A quarterly report on the plan, which was approved in December 2020 and has been in the works since at least late 2019, was presented by district staff as part of the meeting.

Specific goals and actions under the plan include a targeted reduction in reported harassment among Asian, Black, Hispanic, and other student groups by June 2023; anti-bullying training with specific focuses on race, gender, and other qualities; providing language interpretation at parent meetings; committing to exploring and implementing changes that support LGBTQ students; and reducing suspension rates for certain groups that include homeless and disabled students.

Bethany Padilla, a senior student at San Clemente High School who is a member of the San Clemente High School Against Racism and No Place for Hate initiatives, thanked the district and community members for supporting efforts toward cultural understanding.

“It is so necessary maintaining progress towards a supportive educational environment, as we still see actions of hate on our campuses, which we are resolving much quicker and in a more supportive and more inclusive manner,” Padilla said.

“Our students of color deserve support and attention in a very intersectional way.”

Vanessa Santos, a parent with two children in CUSD schools, had similar words of praise and said focusing on inclusion and addressing inequity are important.

Local Nurse Receives Assistance to Pursue Health Care Career

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Jaime Osborn recently passed an exam to become a nurse and is in training as a dialysis nurse in the San Juan Capistrano The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Students and other community members protested outside the Capistrano Unified School District Offices during the summer of 2020 to call for more diversity and cultural inclusion with CUSD’s curriculum and operations. CUSD subsequently passed a Cultural Proficiency Plan intended to address those matters, an initiative that had been in the works before the protests. Photo: Collin Breaux

“We should all be able to agree that every child that steps through Capistrano Unified School (District) doorways should feel seen and loved,” Santos said.

“The cultural proficiency curriculum is about trying to tell more diverse stories so this can happen in classrooms.”

Some parents and community members have criticized the Cultural Proficiency Plan due to a belief that it equates to Critical Race Theory, a topic that has become a controversial educational issue across the country. CUSD officials have frequently denied the plan is CRT and provided evidence of such on their online Family Resource Center through a FAQ from the Association of California

School Administrators that explains what CRT is and how it is not taught in California K-12 schools—as well as providing detailed examples of the age-appropriate lessons provided for students under the plan.

“I am also asked about whether our social and emotional work—specifically, our cultural proficiency lessons—have any Critical Race Theory woven throughout. The answer is no,” Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte said. “We are not hiding CRT in anything. By using words like equity or cultural proficiency or racism, these are not words connected to CRT. We are promoting inclusion and safety and acceptance for all.”

Emily Penner—an assistant professor of education at the University of California, Irvine whose research interests include K-12 educational policy and inequality—explained what Critical Race Theory is in an interview with The Capistrano Dispatch ahead of the meeting.

CRT is a method of legal analysis that examines how race is a social construct and maintains hierarchies, particularly in terms of perpetuating marginalization, she said.

There is not much evidence to suggest Critical Race Theory—which can include examining legal decisions—is being taught in K-12 schools, according to Penner.

area—a journey on which she received help through Bridge to Your Dreams, an assistance program provided by DaVita, a health care provider.

Bridge to Your Dreams assisted Osborn with tuition reimbursement and repayment for books and her nursing uniform.

The program is intended to help out people in nursing school.

Osborn said she couldn’t afford aspects of her time in nursing school without

assistance.

“I have always wanted to go to nursing school,” she said. “Life happened.

Family happened. I didn’t think nursing school would be able to happen. I’m grateful.”

Osborn began working in the health care industry about 15 years ago, starting in a DaVita business office. She transitioned to patient care several years ago, and she has been learning how to

provide dialysis patient care. Along the way, she established a family, which she tries to balance with her career.

Osborn will continue training for the next few weeks before she is placed in a regional clinic. She hopes to remain in the San Juan area.

“I really think there’s a big shift in the workforce, and the health care industry is a good route for people to go into,” she said.

Page 6

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEW BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, NOV. 13

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 | Council Approves

New Additions for SJC Wall of Recognition Former longtime Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ronald Denman, equestrian Kathy Holman, and past Mayor Joe Soto will be added to the San Juan Capistrano Wall of Recognition as 2021 honorees.

The council approved the nominees during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2. The three community members were chosen from a pool of four honorees, with developer Dan Almquist also nominated but not chosen. City officials wanted to stick with a limit of three honorees. The Wall of Recognition is intended to honor community members who have made a substantial positive impact on the area, and it is on display at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

Councilmember Howard Hart nominated Denman, citing his 46 years of residency in San Juan and his key role in establishing and naming Reata Park. Holman was nominated by the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort Foundation due to her role in maintaining and promoting San Juan’s equestrian heritage. Soto was nominated by numerous community members, including Tom Hribar and John Caldwell, because of his support of local institutions that include CREER and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Almquist was nominated by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society due to his downtown properties and development projects playing a role in revitalizing the area through business income. A subcommittee comprised of Mayor John Taylor and Councilmember Troy Bourne reviewed the nominations.

CD | Goin’ Native Announces

New Executive Director Marianne Taylor, founder and longtime executive director for Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens—a nonprofit in San Juan Capistrano that teaches special-needs people and military veterans, among others, about gardening in Los Rios Park and other local outdoor locations—is handing off the executive director reins to Kelly Kneubuhl.

“I’m excited to join the Goin’ Native family,” Kneubuhl said in a prepared statement. “These very special environments have been cared for by incredibly dedicated volunteers and enjoyed by so many who need them the most.”

Kneubuhl comes from a family farming The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

MONDAY, NOV. 15

Parks, Equestrian & Community Services Commission 5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission will hold a regular meeting.

The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Local equestrian Kathy Holman is among the new names going up on San Juan Capistrano’s Wall of Recognition.

Photo: Collin Breaux

American flags. Restaurant or retail gift cards with available amounts of $5 or more are also encouraged.”

Collection bins will be located in the dealership’s service section. Customers can also make cash donations to 211OC in support of veterans.

“Our goal is to make a positive impact on the community around us that we love. In a land of plenty that was supported by these veterans, there is still a lot of need, and 211OC is helping solve that need,” said Brendan Harrington, general manager of Capistrano Valley Toyota.

211OC President and CEO Karen Williams said they are delighted to partner with Capistrano Valley Toyota, thanking them for helping assist local veterans in need. The dealership is located at 33395 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, call 949.429.0405.

background in Los Angeles County and the South Pacific Islands. She lives in Laguna Niguel with her partner, Dan, as well as her daughter and his two sons. Kneubuhl plans to continue Goin’ Native’s gardening work with developmentally disabled adults, military families, and others.

“Kelly has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 11 years, serving underprivileged families, at-risk youth, and seniors,” a biography said. “She is a proud caregiver for two young adults with autism, one who has been visiting the garden for the past two years.”

The leadership transition was effective on Nov. 1. Taylor was the executive director for eight years.

CD | Capistrano Valley

Toyota Partners with 2-1-1 Orange County to Assist Local Veterans

CD | Capistrano Lights

Holiday Program Returns to Mission San Juan Capistrano

Capistrano Valley Toyota is pairing up with 2-1-1 Orange County—a nonprofit that maintains an information and referral system for community health and human services and support—to collect useful items for gift bags that will be distributed to Orange County veterans in need.

“To encourage donations of the items during the month of November, the dealership will give customers a 10% discount on all vehicle services and parts purchases, except tires,” a news release said. “Acceptable donations include military coins, American flag keychains, small notebooks, movie tickets, along with non-politically labeled items such as new and unused Thermos-style drink containers, coffee mugs, tumblers, plastic, or stainless-steel water bottles and hats, plus hats with

An annual holiday tradition is returning to a famous South Orange County historical site at the end of the year.

Capistrano Lights, which features seasonal decorations and other fun activities, will be showcased at Mission San Juan Capistrano on select dates in December starting on Dec. 4. The events will start at 4 p.m. on the select dates, which run through Dec. 30.

“As Orange County’s very first Christmas was most likely celebrated here, we take great pride in delivering a meaningful tradition for those looking to experience the religious, spiritual and emotional value of the season with loved ones,” Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Page 7

FRIDAY, NOV. 19

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.

TUESDAY, NOV. 23

Cultural Heritage Commission 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a regular meeting. The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24

Planning Commission 6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting. The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 26

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said in a prepared statement.

Tickets became available on Nov. 2 for Mission Preservation Society members and on Nov. 9 for the general public, and they can be purchased at capistranolights.com. Planned festivities will include holiday carolers, a nightly tree lighting, photo opportunities with Santa, and children’s craft activities.

The Serra Chapel will also be open during evening hours, and prayer candles will be available to remember loved ones. thecapistranodispatch.com

OBITUARY

Pat Marshall Murphy June 2, 1925-October 12, 2021

Pat Marshall Murphy, aged 96, passed away at his beloved San Clemente home on Tuesday, October 12.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Eileen, and son Pat Jr. He loved his family, sports, history, medicine, music and dancing.

Pat was born in the heart of Los Angeles on June 2, 1925. He graduated from Glendale High and immediately joined the Navy, where he served as a corpsman in the Pacific theater of WWII. He attended Pepperdine College, where he

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

played football and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Soon after, he met his future wife Eileen McCready, an RN. Pat joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1953, and after a few years on the job, he and Eileen moved to the San Fernando Valley to start their family. In 1969, the parents of seven moved to their treasured San Clemente beach house. “Mr. Murf” spent the rest of his years playing cards at Second Spot, loving his community and watching his family grow. He is greatly missed.

He is survived by his children; Sherry, Dennis (Kelly), Tim (Rhonda), Shauna (Jerry), Mike, and Jamie (Laura), along with 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. -Private Memorial

Page 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Nature Reserve at RMV Brings Back Student Internship Program

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

n 2020, The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo tried out a program with local high school students in which they took trips to the outdoor area to learn firsthand about ecology and environmental stewardship.

Given how well it went, the program is returning this year.

John Foster, who heads up the program, said they again received good applicants when sending out feelers. The internship is intended to connect students with science and land management experts, and to potentially get the kids interested in careers within those fields.

“They’ll see where that degree will take them,” Foster said.

The internship program began on Oct. 22 with an online orientation meeting and will run through the second week of January. About a dozen students are participating, similar to the number of kids in the 2020 program. As part of this year’s activities, students will visit the Reserve site and take over its social media accounts to share what they learned.

“Professionals will show them techniques in the field, things they’ll be doing,” Foster said. “It will give students an overall chance to be out and about.”

Among those professionals will be geologists to teach students how to read geology maps and arborists to talk about taking care of trees—particularly during droughts.

An internship program at The Nature Reserve in Rancho Mission Viejo for local youngsters returns this fall, after an inaugural run in 2020. Photo: Courtesy of The Nature Reserve

“We’ll talk a little bit about the formations we have, as well as how that connects to the community,” Foster said.“I’m really hoping they’ll take an opportunity to take what they’re learning in the classroom and ask questions of professionals, and how they ended up doing what they’re doing.”

The Nature Reserve worked hard to

have a diverse group of professionals on hand—including women and people from various backgrounds—so students of similar identities can see themselves represented in the field.

“It’s important for students to see people like them doing these things,” Foster said.

Students can also share positive ex-

Full-Scale Turkey Trot Returns This Year to Rancho Mission Viejo

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

nce you finish chowing down on turkey—or even beforehand if you want to work up an appetite—you’re welcome to head to Rancho Mission Viejo on Thanksgiving for the community’s fifth annual Turkey Trot.

The fun race will revert to its usual in-person format at The Ranch, after having to pivot to a self-guided individual format last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition for many individuals and families, and we’re very excited to welcome people back for in-person races this year. ParThe Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

ticipants will be able to choose from two races, a 5K and the 1K Little Gobbler’s run,” said Amaya Genaro, Vice President of Community Services for RMV. “Our 5K starts in the Village of Esencia and winds its way through the beautiful topography of The Nature Reserve to the Village of Sendero. Sendero Field hosts our 1K run.”

Participants can register at turkeytrotontheranch.com. The 5K is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and costs $45, while the Little Gobbler’s Run is from 10-10:30 a.m and costs $15. Volunteer opportunities are also available if people want to help with runner registration, hand out water and snacks along the Page 9

course, or assist with event parking.

The Turkey Trot is a “great way” for the runners to bond with family members, connect with neighbors, and take part in a healthy event. Donations collected through the event directly benefit The Nature Reserve at RMV, which is an outdoor preserve that hosts educational events for local students and community hikes—among other events.

“The Nature Reserve connects Orange County residents, young and old alike, to nature. It’s a beautiful and wild place that teaches us how to properly care for the land, and also helps foster an appreciation for the

periences from the program with their classmates, Foster said.

The internship will also cover climate change. Some students who were in last year’s program went on to help underdeveloped communities have a voice when it comes to discussing local development, Foster said. CD

EVENTS AT THE RANCH NOV. 17

TRAIL CLEARING & WEEDING 9 a.m.-noon. Pitch in to help tidy up the trails at The Nature Reserve.

Volunteers will pick weeds and get to enjoy the outdoor scenery in South Orange County on a weekday morning.

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Sign up at rmvreserve.org.

land,” said Genaro.“At The Ranch, we have always been guided by,‘Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.’”

To date, $70,000 has been raised to support The Nature Reserve’s public school program. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

PUBLISHER’S LETTER | By Norb Garrett

Changing of the Guard O

ne of my favorite parts of this job and profession is providing talented journalists a platform to help launch and/or develop their careers as writers, photographers or designers across Picket Fence Media’s multiple hyper-local media platforms.

In the almost 16 years we’ve been in business, we’ve been honored to work with numerous outstanding journalists who have served our communities through challenging periods, such as recessions and now a pandemic.

This month, we’re saying goodbye and thanks to Picket Fence Media Senior Editor and Dana Point Times City Editor Lillian Boyd as she heads off to Tucson, Arizona to continue her journalistic career as the assistant editor for Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun. Lillian started with us three years ago and has excelled in her role as city editor for the Dana Point Times and eventually as PFM’s senior editor, contributing to all three of our area papers.

During her time here with us, Lillian (who attended high school nearby at Aliso Niguel High School) established herself as

GUEST OPINION | The Levin Letter by

Rep. Mike Levin

BUILDING BACK BETTER FOR SOUTH OC

C

ongress is considering two historic pieces of legislation that would lift up working families and create millions of good-paying jobs across the country.

While these bills are still working through the legislative process, both the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would deliver on key priorities for South Orange County.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

From left: Norb Garrett, Lauralyn Loynes, Lillian Boyd, Bret Boyd and Maria Boyd. The City of Dana Point and its city council recognizes outgoing Senior Editor Lillian Boyd at a Nov. 2 meeting. Photo: Courtesy of Robin Gray

a hard-working, fair, thoughtful journalist, which earned her numerous statewide and regional writing and photography awards.

She also served on the board of the Orange County Press Club, and has earned the respect of her fellow journalists in Orange County.

While Lillian exits stage left, I’m excited to welcome Breeana Greenberg, our new Dana Point city reporter. Breeana, who hails from Newport Beach, joins us after a stint as a freelancer for the Laguna Beach Independent, where she covered city hall and the recent oil spill.

Prior to that, Breeana graduated with a degree in English with an emphasis on journalism, from Chapman University, where she worked for the ChapBook magazine.

So, please join me in thanking Lillian for all of her great work here while wishing her all the best at her new job, and at the same time welcoming Breeana to the Picket Fence Media team. CD

I know that the recent oil spill off our coast is still top of mind for many of us, which is why I’m proud the Build Back Better Act includes a provision similar to my American Coasts and Oceans Protection Act by prohibiting new offshore drilling activity off the California coast and elsewhere.

The Department of Interior would be banned from issuing any new leases for drilling offshore of Southern California, and existing offshore drilling and pipeline operators would also face stricter oversight of their infrastructure to better ensure safety and prevent spills.

I also know South Orange County families are concerned about the effects of climate change on our coastal communities, which is why I’m incredibly proud the Build Back Better Act will be the largest single investment in climate action in American history.

This legislation accelerates the action we need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet for future gen-

DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP)

EDITORIAL Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC)

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith

Breeana Greenberg joins the Picket Fence Media editorial team as the Dana Point Times reporter.

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

Breeana Greenberg

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Dana Point Times City Reporter bgreenberg@picketfencemedia.com 949.388.7700, x112

erations. It will facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, reduce energy costs for consumers, and make rooftop solar energy more accessible for families, all while ensuring the clean energy technology of the future is manufacTHE LEVIN LETTER tured right here in

BY MIKE LEVIN America, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs.

Other local priorities include $350 million in the bipartisan infrastructure bill for the Army Corps of Engineers to fund projects such as the San Clemente Shoreline Project, which is focused on protecting the critical Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) tracks that run immediately adjacent to the Orange County coast.

(Cont. on page 15) Page 10

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

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, Issue 21. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

FOLLOW THE CAPO DISPATCH

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

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 11

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 12

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 13

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 14

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | by Mark Loper

A PREDATOR YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT. . .UNTIL TOMORROW!

W

ow!

Three days and two nights at a resort property in Hawaii, New York City, or Las Vegas!

And for only $69!

What’s the catch?

Well, you just have to attend a 90-minute presentation on the mating habits of tree frogs, and this ridiculously cheap vacation package is yours!

And if you believe that, then you’re still expecting a windfall from your “investment” with the Nigerian prince.

OK, OK, you’ve all probably figured out I’m describing the exciting but daunting timeshare presentation.

But, to be unfair, let me delve deeper into this Squid Game-like experience.

Because I’ve been there . . . and I survived.

You arrive at your presentation venue and, if not at the actual “vacay property,” then a neutral off-site location like Guantanamo.

Here, you’re met by a “greeter,” an automaton who smiles brilliantly and

asks innocuous questions—such as “How was your drive over?”“Beautiful day, isn’t it?”“How do you feel about mail-in ballots?”—lulling you into a passive, take-my-kidney frame of mind.

Next, a “tour guide” takes over, instantly becoming your best GUEST OPINION friend (tour guides atBY MARK LOPER tend the same training program as car dealers), and shows you around the property.

If the property is on the ocean, you’ll visit the luxurious room fronting the crashing waves, the ivory sand and the splashing dolphins.

But you can’t purchase this room, because it’s the closing room, the room where you meet the “Closer” (aka the Harbinger of Bankruptcy, the Killer of Dreams, and the Mean Person Who Made My Parents Cry).

The Closer will first lead you out on the balcony and shake his head as if he

(Cont. from page 10) I’m also proud that both bills invest more than $20 billion in wildfire risk reduction to protect our communities that are constantly threatened by wildfires, including the Bond Fire last year. That funding would go to local governments or forest owners to help prepare for future wildfires.

Finally, I’m optimistic the Build Back Better Act will include an increase of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, which has unfairly hurt middle class families in our region and continues to be one of the issues I hear about the most. Addressing the SALT cap has been one of my top priorities for the bill.

This historic progress is fully paid for without raising taxes on small businesses or anyone making less than $400,000.

These bills will deliver on key priorities for South Orange County and make a real difference for working families. I’ll be proud to send both bills to the President’s desk.

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

Letters to The Editor

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

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

almost can’t believe the pounding surf, he’ll nod at the graceful, swaying palms, and he’ll ignore you when you say the dolphins look odd and seem to be jumping in the same spot every five seconds.

Then, dispensing with niceties, you’ll be asked innocent questions such as where do you like to vacation, how much do you usually spend on your vacations, and what’s the limit on your credit card?

The Closer will then whip out a sheet of paper (from his sleeve, which should make you instantly suspicious), start drawing boxes, and fill them in with numbers.

This matrix is, ostensibly, showing you the inexpensive cost of owning your own unit compared to the exorbitant cost of renting a hotel room for two weeks every year for the next thousand years.

A thousand years is commonly used in justifying your expenditure (and missed in the fine print) since you can pass your ownership to your heirs.

But, with a little research, you’ll discover Charlemagne’s ancestors still can’t

unload his timeshare in a castle.

And the Closer might fail to mention how your annual “maintenance” fees will rise each year and soon dwarf the GDP of Guyana.

And he might fail to mention how, if you’d like to swap timeshares with another sucker . . . uh, owner, your only choice will be a trailer in Tornado Alley.

And you can bet he won’t tell you anything about those damn dolphins.

Mark Loper has been a San Juan Capistrano resident for more than 30 years and has written for several kinds of media, including The Capistrano Dispatch. His writing has been scorned and rejected countless times, but, while hanging onto a wisp of self-esteem, he’s managed to have the occasional scribbling published in book form, in columns, online, on TV and as advertising. He has yet to tweet. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

IN RESPONSE TO PROTESTS AGAINST THE STUDENT VACCINE MANDATE WILLIAM HAGEN, San Juan Capistrano While your cause is noble, your energy is misplaced. Get the vaccine and stay healthy. Dying by suffocating to death in your own body fluids is not a good way to die. Take your fight for freedom to something else and get vaccinated and stay alive and use your voice while you still can.

ADA COMPLAINT PARKING DIANE SAUNDERS, San Juan Capistrano On Monday, November 8, 2021, I notified the City of San Juan Capistrano that their ordinance which covers parking spaces for people with disabilities may not be in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), in that people who have mobility-equipped (chairlift or ramp) vans may not be able to find open van-accessible parking spaces in the city. This is because people who are disabled but do not drive a mobility-equipped vehicle are parking in the van-accessible spaces. This prohibits

Photo: Hakan Nural on Unsplash

people who do drive mobility-equipped vans from gaining access to such parking, as required by the ADA. There also must be one van-accessible space for every 6 non-van or car parking space that is signed as disabled parking. (2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design) The width of the parking space must be at least 132 inches for the van-accessible space, with at least a 60-inch access aisle on the passenger side of the vehicle. Car access spaces must be at least 90 inches wide next to the access aisle for the van-accessible space or another car-accessible space. The width for the van-accessible space is designed such that a lift or ramp can be extended out from the side of the vehicle to allow egress of the disabled person. Vans canPage 15

not park in car-accessible spaces, because there is not enough room for the ramp or lift to extend.

I hope the city will recognize this deficiency in their ordinance and fix it.

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.

thecapistranodispatch.com

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 | 12 COAST FILM FESTIVAL 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. The Coast Film Festival, an annual event in Laguna Beach that showcases adventure films from the land to the sea and all of the places in between, continues through Sunday, Nov. 14. Films are curated to entertain, inform, and inspire audiences of all ages.

Through the power of film and storytelling, the festival aims to highlight the endeavors of the human spirit and raise awareness about the planet. Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. coastfilmfestival.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 7 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Guillermo Otero will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

BLUE13 DANCE COMPANY 7 p.m. Highly energetic and theatrical, Los Angeles-based Blue13 Dance Company will perform in a modern dance style that is inspired by the classical and cultural art forms of India. This performance takes place indoors in Casa Romantica’s Main Salon. Admission ranges from $35 to $40. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

SATURDAY | 13 E-WASTE AND SHREDDING EVENT 8-11 a.m. Bring your old computers, The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

Learn how to sketch while visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano on the third Friday of the month. Photo: Collin Breaux

FRIDAY | 19 ON-SITE SKETCH TOUR AT THE MISSION 2 p.m. Take a tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano, and sketch what you see during the trip. The tours will go over basic techniques such as how to draw architecture, shapes, one- and two-point perspective, and shading. Guests are welcome to bring a small folding stool to sit on during the tour, though art materials will be provided. The sketch tours will be held on the third Friday of the month.

Cost is $5 for the general public and $3 for Mission members. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com. printers, TV sets, and documents you need to shred at this free event held in the San Juan Capistrano City Hall parking lot. Goodwill will collect the e-waste and Southern California Shredding can handle documents. Visitors are asked to wear masks, bring items in a box or bag, and remain in their cars when arriving.

San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. 949.493.1171. sanjuancapistrano.org.

business, so they’re inviting you to come celebrate with them as the holiday season gets into gear. Drinks, snacks, crafts, shopping, and more will be available.

Registration is required. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

BREWHOUSE 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Noon-9 p.m. For seven years, The BrewHouse has been a popular local hangout where people go for drinks, trivia, and book club meetings—and now they’re inviting the community to celebrate their near-decade in business. Blues Problem and Jim Plays Dan will provide live music. There will also be a food truck and new BrewHouse merchandise available for purchase. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano.

949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 2-6 p.m. Come enjoy a drink and enjoy some live music at this famous downtown bar. Neil Morrow Band will perform.

Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

AR WORKSHOP 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND HOLIDAY PARTY 4-6:30 p.m. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano has survived the COVID-19 pandemic and four years of being in

SUNDAY | 14

MONDAY | 15 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.

Page 16

WATER UTILITY TRANSFER RECEPTION 4-5 p.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano’s water utility system annexation into Santa Margarita Water District will be recognized with a reception at the city hall groundwater plant. The transfer has been in the works for years, and heralded by city and SMWD officials. For more information, contact city Senior Management Analyst Matisse Reischl at mreischl@sanjuancapistrano.org or SMWD spokesperson Nicole Stanfield at nicoless@smwd.com. San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

949.493.1171. smwd.com.

THURSDAY | 18 THIRD THURSDAY ART EVENT 4-7 p.m. Every month on the third Thursday, join one of Mission Fine Art Gallery artists for a workshop or demonstration on the beautiful grounds of Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Martha Cowan will host a painting workshop, teaching participants how to make an 8x16 canvas of a holiday nutcracker.

Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.503.5700. marriott.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

DONAVON FRANKENREITER

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

onavon Frankenreiter will say goodbye to 2021 and ring in 2022 while on stage at The Coach House.

Frankenreiter will play at the San Juan Capistrano venue for News Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The California-raised musician and surfer is a familiar face at The Coach House, having performed there plenty over the years and also one of the first people back on stage when the venue reopened this year following a pandemic-induced shutdown.

“It’s interesting times out there,” Frankenreiter said when reflecting on the new live music landscape, post-shutdown. “Some people are going out; some people aren’t.”

For those who do go out to either of his shows, they also get to hear a performance by Slapback—a funk rock outfit

SATURDAY | 20 E-BIKE SAFETY COURSE 9 a.m.-noon. The City of San Juan Capistrano will host a free e-bike safety course. League of American Bicyclist certified instructors from the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition will provide a course comprised of lecture and discussion, hands-on skills training in the city hall parking lot, and a one-hour guided ride in which participants will have the opportunity to test their newly developed skills Participants can register online.

Priority registration will be given to San Juan Capistrano residents; nonresidents may be placed on a waiting list should interest exceed capacity.

San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. 949.493.1171. sdbikecoalition.org.

SUNDAY | 21 LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Blues guitarist Coco Montoya will perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

Donavon Frankenreiter will celebrate the start of a new year at The Coach House with live music.

Photo: File

that will be performing with Frankenreiter. Christina Holmes will be the opening act for both shows and is a musician that Frankenreiter calls “amazing.” Holmes said she is “so excited” to be heading back on the road with Frankenreiter.

“Every tour we go on together is one for the books, so you won’t want to miss this one!” Holmes said.

“It’s going to be really fun and exciting,” Frankenreiter said. “We’ll merge (Slapback’s) and our songs.”

Given how quickly things change with the COVID-19 health crisis, Frankenreiter is glad to just be playing somewhere.

Even with the upcoming shows at The Coach House, Frankenreiter admitted he

and his band haven’t been playing as many shows lately as they usually do.

While gigs were steady before the pandemic, now Frankenreiter and his crew go out for a month and do numerous shows in a row before encountering a lull in tour dates.

He says something new in general comes up every month, and he’s not entirely sure what this new year will bring.

The virus has even caused Frankenreiter to tweak some aspects of his shows, since he no longer tosses around the microphone for the crowd to sing along like in previous appearances. Even with precautions, audiences should get ready for a good time with Frankenreiter’s music, which is influenced by his love of surfing and a generally mellow take on life.

“There are pockets of happiness out there,” Frankenreiter said. “The Coach House and San Juan Capistrano is one of them.”

Back when he played The Coach House in December 2019, Frankenreiter had just released the album Bass & Drum Tracks, which contained instrumental and sparse reworkings of his earlier songs.

Frankenreiter isn’t just familiar with the stage at The Coach House—he also

SHOW DETAILS What: Donavon Frankenreiter When: Friday, Dec. 31, and Saturday, Jan. 1. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

Where: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets & more info: Tickets are $55 for the Friday show and $30 on Saturday. Visit thecoachhouse.com.

knows what it’s like to be in the crowd, since he grew up watching shows there, too. Frankenreiter said The Coach House and owner Gary Folgner have been very supportive over the years.

Aside from playing concerts, Frankenreiter has been busy recording new music that fans can expect to see released next year.

“I don’t think about the negative stuff,” he said. “I try to focus on the positive stuff.” CD

AT THE MOVIES

‘Bergman Island’ Delivers for Arthouse Fans

BY MEGAN BIANCO

O

ne has to assume the origin of Mia Hansen-Løve’s new film, Bergman Island, was loosely inspired by her own past relationship with fellow filmmaker Olivier Assayas, as the two main characters in the movie are a working filmmaker and his supportive wife.

On top of that, we also get a story-within-the-movie subplot with the female lead’s character inspired by her own issues. And in between all of this, there are some pretty clear callbacks to the classics of the man himself, Ingmar Bergman.

While on a “business trip” that’s actually moonlighting as more of a vacation, Tony Sanders (Tim Roth) and wife, Chris (Vicky Krieps), are visiting the Swedish island of Fårö for a festival screening of Tony’s new movie.

Fårö itself is also popular as the home of respected filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, and naturally Tony is interested in seeing all the landmarks and tourist attractions. Chris, on the other hand, is less a fan of the Swede and currently feeling conflicted over being away

Photo: Courtesy of Les films du losange/IFC Films

from their young daughter, as well as having her own bout of writer’s block.

Mia Wasikowska and Anders Danielsen Lie appear as Chris’ characters from the story she’s having trouble finishing through fantasy sequences.

Bergman Island is full of talent, from the writer-director to the international cast, all of whom are utilized very well. This is one of the better examples of an artist clearly imitating

Page 17

their own life with their work, and it doesn’t come across as indulgent or tedious.

At one point, we even get a character casually referred to as the actor’s first name, as if the director is winking and showing us how deep she can break the fourth wall.

Bergman Island is Hansen-Løve at her best since her previous critical hit, Things to Come (2016), and pays homage from a modern legend to a historical one. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. § 2714(c)), the P00547 Pipeline, owned and/or operated by the San Pedro Bay Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beta Operating Company, LLC, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amplify Energy Corporation (collectively “Amplify”) has been identified as the source of a discharge of oil into the Pacific Ocean off the California Coast on or about October 2, 2021. As noted by the Unified Command, as of October 8, 2021, preliminary findings estimate the discharge involved a minimum of 24,696 gallons, or 588 barrels of oil and a maximum of 131,000 gallons, or 3,134 barrels of oil. As noted by the United States Coast Guard, this discharge impacted the California Coastline from Long Beach down to about San Clemente. As the owner/operator of the facility and/or the lessee or permittee of the area in which the facility was located, Amplify may be liable for removal costs and damages and is therefore required to advertise the procedures by which persons who have claims for removal costs and damages may submit their claims.

Removal costs and damages which may be compensated include removal costs performed in accordance with the National Contingency Plan; damage to natural resources; damage to or loss of real or personal property; loss of subsistence use of natural resources; loss of government revenues; loss of profits and earnings capacity; and increased cost of public services. Claims should be in writing, signed by the claimant, for a specified amount; and should include all evidence to support the claim.

Claims presented may include claims for interim short-term damages representing less than the full amount to which the claimant ultimately may be entitled. It should be noted that payment of such a claim shall not preclude recovery for damages not reflected in the paid or settled partial claims. Claims should be mailed to the following address: Name: Chris Moore Company: McClaren’s Inc. Address: 500 W. Colorado St., Unit C PMB 144 Glendale, CA 91204 Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Claimants may call 1-866-985-8366 for information.

Any claims which are denied or which are not settled within 90 days after the date of submission to our claims representative may be submitted to: Director National Pollution Funds Center (Ca) US COAST GUARD STOP 7605 2703 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7605

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 18

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. LAND TRADE/EXCHANGE

LAND TRADE/EXCHANGE 80 acres of land, Kern County, California Trade or Exchange, Call (909) 985-2677

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Contact Debra for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 104

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

Page 19

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 20

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in

Time by Jan Siegel

Celebrating the Area’s Indigenous Heritage

T

his time of year is the period of celebrations: Halloween, Day of the Dead, Diwali, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s. The one thing that all of these holidays have in common is that they are all family celebrations.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, there is much talk about the first Thanksgiving and the role of the Indians in that event, but there is little talk about the Native Americans in our own community and how family life and celebrations are an important part of their heritage. The names below will be familiar to your children. They go to school with the families. They live in our community. They are part of our history.

In 2018, Orange County libraries put together a group of local Native Americans to talk about their family, their culture and their way of life.

Louis Valenzuela Robles spoke of what it means to be a member of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation in MOMENTS IN TIME San Juan Capistrano.

BY JAN SIEGEL “For me to be able to sit at the beach by the village where my great, great, great, great grandparents were born and know that this is the same beach that they sat on, the same stars that they sat under—there is a real connection to the land. When I look out and see Kalawpa, our sacred mountain, even though it has been renamed Saddleback, and the sun rises, my family, for generations, has seen this.”

Tribal Chairwoman Teeter Marie Olivares Romero was born on Los Rios Street and then moved to El Camino Real.

She started making baskets in the ’70s. For more than 30 years, Romero, along with a group of Native American women, met every Tuesday to make baskets and talk about the old days. All of these women are related. They are all cousins to each other.

Adrienne “Gigi” Nieblas is the daughter of Rita Nieblas, who was co-founder of the Capistrano Indian Council. Rita was also born in the Congdon House, which is now home to The Ecology Center.

Photo: Linda Freeman and OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES These photos show Irene

Howard Hunn Castro, Fred Hunn, and Ellen Howard as a little girl in San Juan Capistrano in the 1940s.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

“I have three metates, stones used to grind corn or anything else that need grinding. One stone is from my great-grandmother, one from my grandmother and one from my mother,” Nieblas said.

Harley “Wick” Lobo spoke about his brother, Chief Clarence Lobo, as being the best person to represent the tribe. He was extremely well-liked by everyone, especially the Native American community. Wick’s role is to know more of the tradition and the history of tribe so that the tribal members can be made aware of their background. He stressed the importance of relearning the Acjachemen language.

Happy Hunn, San Juan Capistrano patriarch, is very proud of his Acjachemen heritage. Hunn has collected photos of veterans from the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians. All the services are represented.

Hunn also remembers when steelhead spawned in the riverbed behind his home and fishing was a part of his life.

Domingo Belardes, president of the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum Foundation, stated that Orange County is known today for being a bustling business community. But before Western civilization came onto the land, Acjachemen had commerce and money.

“Shell beads, dentalium shells and tavelia were their money. The one thing we want people to realize is that we haven’t gone anywhere. We’re still here and that we’re still doing the things that our ancestors taught us,” said Belardes, who is the son of former Chief David Belardes.

Stephen Rios stated that to be a Juaneno in the 21st century means to be bicultural—having a foot in two worlds.

“Being involved and being aware of native roots, which go back many, many, many, many, many years,” Rio said, “and also being part of the mainstream dominant society.”

Rios was the first executive secretary of the California Native American Heritage Commission that was commissioned by Governor Jerry Brown to protect Indian religion and Indian culture.

Spend a “Moment in Time” during your family celebrations and remember all of those who have gone before us.

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Georgie

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

When it comes to playtime, nobody does it better than Georgie. This handsome pup simply loves to run and play. Pair that with Georgie’s snuggly nature, and you have the makings of a great companion. Only a year old, Georgie still has lots of energy and would do best with an active adopter who is willing to continue with his training.

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

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares.

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult.

Level: Medium

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.

Page 21

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Edged in Extras San Juan Hills boys water polo pushes high, falls in 4-OT semifinal

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t wasn’t the furthest the San Juan Hills boys water polo team had been in the CIF-SS playoffs, but it was the highest.

The No. 2 seed Stallions battled and battled in their Division 2 semifinal against No. 3 seed Yorba Linda, but by only the slimmest of margins, San Juan Hills was denied its third trip to a CIF-SS championship game.

San Juan Hills and Yorba Linda each scored in the final 30 seconds of regulation to force overtime, and after trading goals in the first two overtime periods and pushing into a fourth overtime period, the Mustangs netted the golden goal to eliminate the Stallions, 10-9, in a CIF-SS Division 2 semifinal on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine.

“They’re a good team,” San Juan Hills coach Ivan Buich said of Yorba Linda.“They

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.

St. Margaret’s Rolls in Division 9 Opener With the implementation of the new computer ranking-based playoff system for the CIF-SS football playoffs, St. Margaret’s could consider itself lucky to have made the field. The Tartans had a good regular season at 6-4 overall, but as a freelance team without a league to

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021

San Juan Hills (white caps) battled into the fourth overtime of its CIF-SS Division 2 semifinal, but Yorba Linda (dark caps) netted the golden-goal game-winner in the extra session to eliminate the Stallions. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

won, they beat us on a play, and they beat us on a 6-on-5. They deserve it. We fought to the very end, we had our chances, and we hit a couple bars that would’ve sealed it right away. Doesn’t go our way.”

San Juan Hills (19-12) won the Sea View League championship again this season, and after earning a first-round bye in the Division 2 playoffs, the Stallions dominated Pacifica of Garden Grove in the quarterfinals, 21-7. San Juan Hills then edged Westlake, 10-9, to reach the semifinals.

“This group was one of the most

amazing groups I’ve ever had, if not the most amazing group,” Buich said. “Every boy fought for everything they believed in. They fought for the whole season. We went through everything, and we’re still little San Juan coming up through the ranks, but this is where we should be.”

San Juan Hills has worked its way up the CIF-SS ladder during Buich’s tenure with the program. San Juan Hills qualified for the Division 5 championship game in 2016 and returned to the title game in 2019 in Division 4. There were no CIF-SS playoffs last season due to the

automatically qualify from, St. Margaret’s needed the right draw when it came time to slot teams into divisions after the regular season.

Ultimately, St. Margaret’s was the only freelance team selected as an at-large entry in the entire CIF-SS playoff field, and with a home game awarded to the Tartans in Division 9, St. Margaret’s took its opportunity and ran with it.

St. Margaret’s senior quarterback Jack Ruff threw seven touchdown passes as the Tartans dominated visiting Hueneme of Oxnard, 48-6, on Friday, Nov. 5, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.

The Tartans led, 14-0, after the first quarter, 34-0 at halftime, and 48-0 after three quarters.

Ruff completed 14 of 20 passes for 255 yards. Will Stahl was the standout wide receiver with six receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Derek Smith and Makai Todd each made two touchdown catches, and Sam Dunnell caught another touchdown pass.

Todd also led the defensive effort with 13 tackles and a sack. Riley Chester recovered a fumble.

St. Margaret’s goes on the road in the Division 9 quarterfinals, as the Tartans travel to San Dimas on Friday, Nov. 12. Find full coverage of this game on Twitter @SouthOCSports and online at thecapistranodispatch.com.

Roundup JSerra earned an at-large spot in Division 2, despite finishing with a 3-7 overall record. The Lions had a road rematch with Sierra Canyon, but despite a near-miraculous comeback in the fourth quarter, JSerra lost, 42-35.

San Juan Hills was the highest-ranked team to not make the CIF-SS playoffs. The Stallions were in the Division 3 group, but a 3-7 record had them below other at-large candidates.

Capistrano Valley Christian was left disappointed despite its 8-2 record on the season. Like St. Margaret’s, CVC was a freelance team, and the Eagles couldn’t find an at-large spot in its Division 12 grouping. CD

Page 22

pandemic, but the Stallions still got themselves within a razor’s edge from a return trip to the title game in their highest division placing yet in Division 2.

“Seven seasons ago, we were not winning any league games, five-win seasons, and now we’re playing at the highest level we ever have,” Buich said. “It’s a huge thing for our program. We’re only growing. We have great younger kids coming up, and a lot of our group is juniors and sophomores. Our main guys were seniors, but we have a lot of guys coming up.”

Seniors Landon Kies and Nick Lindsay and sophomore John Marano all led San Juan Hills with two goals each. Senior Ethan Hunnicut and juniors William Pezold and Barni Szekely each scored one goal for the Stallions.

San Juan Hills scored the first two goals of the game, but Yorba Linda came back with three straight goals to take the lead.

Yorba Linda led by one goal at halftime, 5-4, and after three quarters, 6-5.

The fourth quarter was a back-andforth sprint to the end, as San Juan Hills leveled the score three times to negate Yorba Linda’s leads. Yorba Linda scored with 22 seconds left to put San Juan Hills on the back foot once again, but with 10 seconds left, Kies fed Lindsay at the far post to slam in the game-tying goal.

Yorba Linda scored in the first overtime period on a controversial play. After a Yorba Linda shot, the San Juan Hills goalie had the ball and was collecting it on the water’s surface. A Yorba Linda attacker forced the play on the ball and muscled it into the goal for a lead, 9-8.

San Juan Hills would tie it up in the second overtime period, and from there, it was “golden goal” overtime periods, meaning the next goal wins.

The teams went scoreless in the third overtime, and Yorba Linda potted the winner in the first minute of the fourth extra session to take the match, 10-9. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 23

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch November 12–25, 2021

Page 24

thecapistranodispatch.com