February 28, 2020

INSIDE: 49th Annual Festival of the Whales Guide SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 12, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 4

2020 Spring Sports Preview San Juan High School Teams Eye Larger Success S P O R T S / PAG E 2 8

San Juan Hills baseball looks to capture its first league title with a deep pitching staff and a strong mix of seniors and newcomers. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

City Council Honors SJHHS Football Title EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Reata Glen Gives Back to Community

EYE ON RMV/PAGE 5

thecapistranodispatch.com

Annual Kids’ Pet Parade Draws Crowd SJC LIVING/PAGE 26

GO TO THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

The players are phenomenal and the family atmosphere created through the football program will be something they always remember, Frith said.

“We are honored and humbled to (bring home a championship), and to be here this evening is a dream come true,” Frith said.

In other meeting news, several residents suggested public art installations be put up around town to enhance the appearance of San Juan Capistrano.

Five things San Juan should know this week City Officials Addressing Downtown Parking Issues THE LATEST: People visiting downtown San Juan Capistrano on the weekend will likely find it difficult to get a parking spot—an issue that hasn’t gone unnoticed by city officials, who are taking steps to address the problem.

City staff plans to present options to the city council in the near future on what to do about the parking congestion.

Possible options include valet parking, validated parking and a proposed parking lot just north of the Los Rios Park that could be called the Paseo Adelanto Parking Lot because it would be accessible from that street. That parking lot is still in the design process.

“We had approval from the council in December to go ahead and expand that lot in time for summer 2020,” Public Works Director Tom Toman said. “The goal of that is to provide dedicated employee parking for downtown employees and then overflow parking for the Los Rios Historic District patrons and the Los Rios Park folks on the weekends.”

Parking lots often are filled to capacity due to people working downtown and visiting the area on the weekends; in the words of city officials, San Juan Capistrano is a year-round destination community.

A report on parking was presented to city officials by city staff in October 2019 on a summer parking pilot program that the city had implemented last year. Two key components of the program were metered hourly parking in the Franciscan Plaza parking structure and valet parking near the entrance to the multi-modal parking lot.

Assistant City Manager Charlie View said city staff regularly engages in discussions with downtown businesses about parking.

“Their input is critical, because the whole goal here is to create a successful downtown environment,” View said.

“Relatively early in the morning, midmorning through late at night, there’s a lot of activity. We want to make sure that continues.”

View said the city council will also provide direction on how to handle parking.—Collin Breaux

A full parking lot in downtown San Juan Capistrano. City officials are looking at options to address parking issues. Photo: Collin Breaux

CUSD Considering Math Education Options for Students THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified School District is exploring options for math instruction for students, particularly those in the fifth and sixth grades.

The CUSD Board of Trustees heard an informational presentation on the topic during a board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Options for consideration included focusing on focusing on fifth-grade standards in fifth grade, rather than introducing sixth-grade content and increasing support to middle school students for accelerated education.

“We want to focus on fifth-grade standards in fifth grade, based on the fact that our data shows that our students still need continued exposure and support in fifth-grade standards,” said Susan Holliday, Associate Superintendent, Education Services.

Recommended options for additional support include an extension for elementary school students through focusing on fifth-grade standards and maintaining current middle school math pathway options.

“Fifth grade needs more time to develop deep understanding of math concepts,” an informational slide presented at the meeting on the options said.

With the middle school option, an informational slide said the current model allows schools to offer geometry in eighth grade and that any other model would require the compacting of four years of standards into two years of instruction.

Such compacting “would create master scheduling challenges and does not have the support of our teaching staff,” an informational slide said.

Trustees discussed various aspects of math and advanced education, including Advanced Placement and math education not necessarily being representative of the entire student body population, students being discouraged from STEM careers because they don’t have necessary math

The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

skills and some students being naturally inclined toward math.

The Board of Trustees did not vote on anything related to the matter, because the presentation was an informational item only.

WHAT’S NEXT: Math education options are expected to come before the Board of Trustees again in the future, and further discussions on the topic will be held.—CB

City Council Recognizes San Juan Hills Football Team for CIF-SS Title THE LATEST: The San Juan Hills High School football team was recognized by the San Juan Capistrano City Council for their CIF-SS Division 4 championship win during a council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The San Juan Hills football team won its first CIF-SS championship in a 21-15 win over Loyola of Los Angeles in November 2019. Mayor Troy Bourne read the names of players and coaches during the recognition and even put on a San Juan Hills sweatshirt at the start of the meeting to show his support.

“I’ve been waiting to wear this sweatshirt,” Bourne said. “I got to attend most of the games, and it’s the best season of high school football I’ve ever seen in my entire life. We got to be part of some really exciting games.”

Recognition certificates were given to the team. The team contributed in a meaningful way to what it means to be proud of the area, Bourne said, eliciting applause from the audience.

Coach Rob Frith said he and the team were honored to receive the recognition.

“Thank you, Mayor Bourne and City Councilmembers, for having us,” Frith said. “It is extremely flattering to be the head coach of this football program. For me, personally, it’s a pleasure each and every day to serve this community and work with these young men.”

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WHAT’S NEXT: The next council meeting is scheduled on Monday, March 2. The meeting is being moved from the usual Tuesday slot because of the primary elections on March 3.—CB

Historical Society Meeting Will Contain Downtown Development Information THE LATEST: Information about development in the downtown area will be given by developer and local resident Dan Almquist of Frontier Real Estate Investments during San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s General Meeting on Sunday, March 1. The meeting will be at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is open to all guests, free of charge.

Several projects will be discussed, including Heritage Barbecue and River Street Marketplace. Heritage Barbecue will open near the Mission Grill. River Street Marketplace will have restaurants and businesses on land bordering the Los Rios District.

Updates on the Historical Society’s activities will also be given by Historical Society President Tom Ostensen. The annual election of board members will also be held.—CB

Health Screenings Being Offered in March THE LATEST: Health screenings will be held Monday, March 23, at Community Presbyterian Church (32202 Del Obispo St. in San Juan Capistrano) by Life Line Screening. The affordable screenings will enable residents to learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other serious conditions, a press release said.

The screenings can also check for plaque build-up in the arteries, as well as thyroid conditions.

Pre-registration is required. Call 877.237.1287 or visit lifelinescreening. com for more information.—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

WHERE TO VOTE IN THE TRI-CITY AREA

COMPILED BY STAFF

Orange County Declares Local Health Emergency Due to Coronavirus

Vote Centers are currently open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 29 through March 2, they’ll be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. March 3, the centers will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 DANA POINT | VOTE CENTERS

Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection announced in a press release the appointment of Executive Chef Aaron Obregon to lead the culinary team in the spring 2020 hotel opening.

Originally from Mexico City, Obregon began his professional culinary journey in Los Angeles as a student in Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

“Each day that we live, we are presented with unexpected discoveries,” Obregon said. “My discovery was learning the value of Mexican cuisine and seeing the real colors of Mexico.”

Selma’s Sustains Damage from Late-Night Fire Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria in downtown San Juan Capistrano sustained damage from a late-night kitchen fire on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

No one was hurt in the fire, and the business was cleaning up the next day. An exact date for when Selma’s would re-open was unknown as of Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Capo Girls Softball Holds Opening Day Opening Day for Capo Girls Softball was on Saturday, Feb. 8. There are 280 girls participating this season, ranging in age from 4 to 12. The first pitch was thrown out by Peyton Leonard, a varsity pitcher at

SAN CLEMENTE | DROP BOXES

Dana Point Community Center

Orange County issued a local health emergency declaration on Wednesday, Feb. 26, due to concerns about the coronavirus.

The declaration enables “flexible and nimble” responses to the coronavirus such as requesting mutual aid, county officials said during a Feb. 26 press conference.

The declaration is about preparedness and does not necessarily indicate an increased risk, County Supervisor Andrew Do said.

“This is in preparation for what we might need to do in the future,” County Health Officer Nichole Quick said.

Orange County residents who go to a hospital and are tested for the flu can also be tested for coronavirus. Residents are encouraged to wash their hands, not go to work if they’re sick and cover their mouths when they cough.

There was one case of coronavirus in Orange County, but that individual is said to have recovered.

Inn at the Mission Announces Executive Chef

Community Meetings

San Clemente Municipal Golf Course

34052 Del Obispo Street (11-day)

150 East Avenida Magdalena (drive-thru only)

Dana Point Branch Library

Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park

33841 Niguel Road (four-day)

560 Avenida Vista Hermosa

Dana Point Marina Inn

San Clemente City Hall

24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive (four-day)

910 Calle Negocio

DANA POINT | DROP BOXES

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO | VOTE CENTERS

Dana Point Branch Library

Reata Park & Event Center

33841 Niguel Road

28632 Ortega Highway (11-day center) La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real (four-day center)

SAN CLEMENTE | VOTE CENTERS

San Juan Capistrano Community Center

San Clemente Community Center

25925 Camino del Avion (four-day center)

100 North Calle Seville (11-day center)

Capistrano Unified School District

San Clemente Aquatic Center

33122 Valle Road (four-day center)

987 Avenida Vista Hermosa (four-day) San Clemente Library

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO | DROP BOXES

242 Avenida Del Mar (four-day) The Volarè Resort

La Sala Auditorium

111 South Avenida de la Estrella (four-day)

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Hills High School. Festivities also included a parade, dunk tank and raffles.

tor installed the underground utilities, irrigation and electrical conduits.

“Also, Verdugo Street between the Regency Theater and the westerly cul-desac has been paved and is now open to pedestrians,” the Feb. 13 update said.

Gala Raises Money for Mandarin Immersion Program Local business, political, and education leaders raised $65,000 on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the 9th annual Fundraising Gala for the Mandarin Immersion Program at Marian Bergeson Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, part of the Capistrano Unified School District.

The gala was hosted at The Hills Hotel in Laguna Hills and included a keynote speech by CUSD Trustee Gila Jones.

The funds will be used to help pay for assistant teacher salaries, Mandarin substitute teachers, and other resources.

The Mandarin Immersion Program seeks to educate students through a blend of instruction in both Mandarin and English.

Verdugo Street Work Progressing Renovation on Verdugo Street has been proceeding on schedule, according to weekly updates from the city manager.

Construction of the Verdugo Street Beautification Project continued with installation of curb and gutter along the north sidewalk adjacent to the Capistrano Plaza and paved crosswalk at Camino Capistrano, a Feb. 20 update said. Installation of pavers and landscaping is also occurring.

A Feb. 13 update said the city’s contrac-

The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

Wisconsin Man Running Through South Orange County to Support Kids with Cancer This April, Peter Halper of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin will begin running across the United States to rally support for kids with cancer.

The route starts in Dana Point and will pass through San Juan Capistrano. Halper’s path will take him through the South Orange County area from June 13-18.

The run is called Emery’s Thunder Run and will be 3,076 miles, coast-to-coast across the United States.

The idea of the run came to him after the loss of his great-niece, Emery Smith, the namesake of the run, a press release said. She passed away at the age of 3 during her battle with neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer.

For more information and donations, visit emerysmemoryfoundation.com.

Longtime Docent Honored Longtime docent Mary Susa was awarded the Edna Kimbro Award at the California Missions Foundation Conference in Monterey on Saturday, Feb. 15.

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City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting. The date is being changed from the usual Tuesday slot because of the March 3 Primary Election. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

MONDAY, MARCH 9 Youth Advisory Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Youth Advisory Board will hold a meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will have a meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meets every Tuesday.

Because I Love You (BILY) is free and can help parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect). San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. bilysc.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 The next issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

Susa was one of the original members of the first California Mission Studies Association Conference in 1984 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Susa has been on the board of the California Mission Studies Association, as well as the California Missions Foundation. Susa is currently still active in the docent community.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Events at The Ranch FEB. 28

Hilltop Bar Night & Swirl. Sniff. Sip.

5-9 p.m. The spacious event bar at The Hilltop Club is open every Friday evening, so come grab a drink, then stay to hang out with good friends and close neighbors. This is a Ranch-resident-only event. 65 Esencia Drive, Rancho Mission Viejo. 949.768.1882. ranchomissionviejo.com.

FEB. 29

Shooting Stars Wildflower Talk

8-11 a.m. Look for wildflowers such as the Padre Shooting Star while exploring The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Local wildflower expert Bob Allen will guide the trip. Event is for ages 8 and up.

Participants must be registered by 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

MARCH 9

Yoga in Nature

Reata Glen residents and staff organized a clothing drive after a fire burned down the Working Wardrobes warehouse in Irvine. Photo: Collin Breaux

Reata Glen Gives Back

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t was Sunday, Feb. 2, when the Working Wardrobes warehouse in Irvine burned down in an early morning fire.

Nearby, in the Rancho Mission Viejo retirement community of Reata Glen, resident Eileen Padberg heard about the tragic news, which left her sad but determined to help. Working Wardrobes aims to empower and help people so they can enter the workforce and dress professionally for job interviews and work.

Padberg has been involved in the organization, so she and her friend and fellow Reata Glen resident Sue Thomas organized a clothing and supply drive for Working Wardrobes.

“Working Wardrobes has been around

for over 30 years—well-known, well-respected. Jerri Rosen, the founder and CEO, is one of the best CEOs in the county,” Padberg said. “Sue and I have known Jerri for a long time, so we said we had to do something to help right away.”

The Reata Glen community collected thousands of items that filled up an entire bus, which was packed on Thursday, Feb. 20. Donated items included shoes, jewelry, ties, scarves, shirts, suits and shoes.

“Reata Glen has been a great support for us, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the staff and higher-up people giving us space to work with,” Thomas said. “It’s been a tremendous outpour of support from all the residents.

Everyone wanted to help and called friends to bring in clothes, too.”

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Troy Bourne is also partner for Spieker Senior Development Partners, which developed Reata Glen. He said the donation drive is reflective of the type of people who live in the community.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

“They’ve done some amazing things and lived really interesting lives and had opportunities to dress in professional settings. A lot of the clothes being donated are perfectly appropriate for those types of work environments,” Bourne said.

Seeing the support for the donation drive was overwhelming for Padberg.

“It’s wonderful the community came together,” Padberg said. “They are, for the most part, activists. They’ve been involved in their own community events.”

There were so many donations, organizers ran out of closet space and had to stuff items in bags.

Reata Glen had another charity event for Camp Pendleton, which raised more than $3,000 in Target gift cards for the Marines there, and it recently donated $1,000 to Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano.

“We don’t just play bridge,” Thomas said, referencing a slogan Padberg likes to use that emphasizes how active Reata Glen residents are.

Page 5

10-11 a.m. Stretch and work on your flexibility while enjoying the beauty of the natural outdoors in South Orange County.

Certified teacher Dale Eisenberg will lead you through traditional poses, breathing exercises and meditation practice. Bring your own mat and water and wear comfortable shoes. Event is for ages 18 and up. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters, 28811 Ortega Highway.

949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

MARCH 12

Emergency Preparedness

7-8:30 p.m. Learn what to do in an emergency situation through this presentation.

Get tips on how to handle earthquakes, use emergency alert systems, taking care of yourself and loved ones and putting together an emergency kit. The Guest House in Rancho Mission Viejo, 11 Brioso St. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

MARCH 14

Saturday Trail Clearing and Weeding

1-2:30 p.m. Enjoy the outdoors and give back by helping to keep The Reserve trails accessible to visitors. Bring work gloves if you can. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

This event is for ages 10 and up. Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board of Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett

Coastal, Southern Regions in Orange County Hit Harder Than Most by Opioid Crisis

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 PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.322.4765 debra@wellsadsolutions.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Collin Breaux Senior City Editor, DP Times > Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times > Shawn Raymundo Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Real Estate Sales > Debra Wells (SJC) Multi-Media Assistant > Kendra Burns ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

L

munity—our youth. This initiative is near and dear to my heart, as the Fifth District includes some of the hardest-hit areas in Orange County for opioid-related deaths.

You may have seen the TV ad currently running on local cable channels. It is my hope that this information will draw awareness to the dangers of opioid addiction and encourage those using opioids to consult with a doctor on other options that may be available to manage pain. If you have not seen the ad, it can be viewed by visiting wrongforyou.com.

While the County is investing time and resources in this important educational campaign, it is going to take a multipronged, all-hands-on-deck, approach to reduce the number of individuals suffering from opioid addiction.

ike much of the country, Orange County is battling an opioid crisis.

Alarming numbers of residents are overdosing and dying each year as a result of abusing prescription painkillers.

In South County, deaths resulting from an opioid overdose are most prevalent among older white males. According to the HCA, “Geographically, opioid-related mortality rates decreased between 2016 and 2018 in Orange County as a whole; however, coastal and southern regions of Orange THE BARTLETT County consistently had BULLETIN higher rates during the

By Lisa Bartlett 3-year period.” Residents in South County areas of Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente had higher opioid-related emergency department rates during the same 3-year time frame. You can learn more at ochealthinfo.com/opioids.

In an effort to combat this crisis, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a major advertising campaign aimed at drawing awareness to the opioid epidemic affecting this segment of our population. In the spring, HCA will be launching another campaign aimed at creating awareness among the most vulnerable in our com-

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

SOME WAYS WE ARE EXPLORING TO REVERSE THE TREND INCLUDE: SAFE PRESCRIBING Nobody is going as far as to say that opioids have no place in medicine. The overarching idea is to be more careful, educate patients better and to potentially screen in advance instead of just prescribing opioids as a knee-jerk reaction. There are alternatives for pain management, including prescribing non-opioid pain medications as well as physical therapy,

Copy Editor > Randy Youngman

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Letters to the Editor

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

MORE PUBLIC ART

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

> Traci Kelly (SC) > Debra Wells (SJC)

EDITOR EMERITUS Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 18, Issue 4. 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 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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—RICH HEIMANN, San Juan Capistrano My wife and I recently moved to San Juan and, needless to say, we love this town and have joined various groups for our own benefit and enjoyment. We are proud to be living here. We moved from Mission Viejo, and while that’s not a long distance by the road, it is indeed a long distance relative to the many historic sites, cultural icons and the culinary arts. From Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Los Rios District, the adobe homes, Native American legends, to the equestrian community, the Camino Real Playhouse, the many open spaces and many fine restaurants, San Juan Capistrano is indeed unique and cannot be mimicked. But we can do more–culturally! In my opinion, the city begs for more public art. I’m thinking of sculptures like the “Riders on Horses,” officially “Binding Contract,” along Del

The Capistrano Dispatch February 27-March 12, 2020

Obispo that Dan Almquist commissioned on his property; it’s beautifully done and merits a long look when passing by. On a larger scale, I would suggest that the city officials might consider emulating the “Art in Public Places” that the City of Brea has so successfully accomplished.

Since 1984, that city has commissioned over 175 sculptures for their collection.

Our neighbor, Dana Point, has a similar program. San Juan has grand and historic themes around which sculptures could be commissioned. Wouldn’t it be touching and yet amusing to see a couple of bronze Padres sitting on a city bench outside of the Mission Store, perhaps including Fr. Martin? A large sculpture on each of the corners at Del Obispo and Ortega would make an awesome statement when entering the city. A flock of flying swallows, a horse in all its majesty, and a replica of St. Juan Capistrano would be a few fitting and memorable renditions of San Juan’s rich heritage. There are numerous spaces around the downtown area that could ac-

Page 6

yoga, and acupuncture.

CLOSING THE TREATMENT GAP Patients need education and outpatient care as well. CalOptima, our county health plan, gave a large grant to the Coalition of Federally Qualified Health Clinics with the goal of increasing capacity for outpatient treatment for substance use disorder.

SAFE DISPOSAL We are telling people that unused opioids should be disposed of properly and not kept on the shelf “just in case.”

Overall, we need to continue to raise awareness; so please, share this column, post the TV ad on your social networks, tell your friends and family about the potential dangers of opioid misuse. This campaign focuses on reaching that higherrisk population. We need everyone to get involved to help spread the word.

Be on the lookout for our ads, and let me know what you think. I welcome your ideas. We are in this fight together!

Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was reelected in 2018. 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 The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

commodate a very noticeable work of art or sculpture.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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. 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.

CORRECTIONS: On page 3 of the Feb. 14 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch, a story on waste handling service fees incorrectly reported a container/volume size. The correct amount is 96 gallons.

On page 18 of the Feb. 14 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch, an archive photo incorrectly reported the decade. The correct decade is the 1960s or 1970s. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’

What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Dispatch by going to thecapistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event”under the “Getting Out” tab.

Friday | 28 ‘THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR’ 8 p.m. Enjoy live theater with this Southern-flavored comedy about a family reunion. A red velvet cake figures into the entertaining plot. Gina Treasure is directing. Tickets can be purchased online. Performances run through March.

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

Saturday | 29 WILDFLOWER TALK 9:30-10:30 a.m. Learn about the upcoming wildflower season with Sarah Bryant and Emyle Rogers. Get tips on where and when to check out wildflowers during the spring, how to plant seed mix and what will be attracted to your garden depending on the type of flowers you have. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. californianativeplants.com.

Tuesday | 03 GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY 10-11 a.m. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held for a new memory care residence coming to San Juan Capistrano in 2021: Serra Sol Memory Care. “A joint partnership between Protea Senior Living and Agemark Senior Living, Serra Sol will provide expert and loving memory care for nearly 80 community residents. We’re committed to creating moments of joy for those facing Alzheimer’s or dementia,” the event description said. Serra Sol Memory Care, 31451 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano. 402.302.0454.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY 10:30 a.m. Visit the library for stories, songs, movement, and activities to help children prepare for and succeed in school. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of Lilies Films / Neon Films

Trevor’s at the Tracks. Photo: Chelsie Rex

SATURDAY, FEB. 29: LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sawyer Auger will perform. Order a meal and enjoy the California sunshine on the outside patio while you listen to music. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

Wednesday | 04 RITE OF THE WOMB CEREMONY 7:30-9:30 p.m. Participants are invited to attend a ceremony that celebrates life, creativity and well-being. “The womb contains the mystery of life, of birth, and tremendous creative power. Acknowledging this, we flourish as sacred women with the wisdom to manifest the true longings of our soul, which is in harmony with the collective soul’s longing,” the event description said. Attendees are welcome to wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or cushion. Donations are welcome but not required. Perspektive Studio, 32773 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. dharmayogahouse.com.

Thursday | 05 BOOTS, BOWS & BBQ 6-10 p.m. The evening event will benefit the San Clemente High School Cheer and Stunt Team. There will be food, music and line dancing. Tickets can be purchased online. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. cheerschs.com.

Friday | 06 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LENTEN DINNER 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a three-course meal with the Knights of Columbus (who help Mission Basilica School) every Friday night during the Lenten season. Mission Basilica

The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

School, 31641 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1385, ext. 2. missionbasilicaschool.org.

Saturday | 07 SIGNATURE HORSE SHOW AT SYCAMORE TRAILS 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Signature Series is a wonderful chance for family-friendly equine entertainment. Sycamore Trails Stables, 26282 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.1755. sycamoretrails.com.

Sunday | 08 LIVE MUSIC AT BAD TO THE BONE BBQ 3-6 p.m. The Missiles of October will perform. Chow down on barbecue while listening to a mix of Americana blues, rock and soul. There is no cover charge for the event. Bad to the Bone BBQ, 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.218.0227. badtothebone-bbq.com.

Saturday | 14 PHOTOGRAPHY ARTIST RECEPTION 1-3 p.m. Photographer Karen Joy Jackson will have an artist reception celebrating her new solo photography exhibit, Fabulous Finland and Vivacious Venice. The exhibit is on display at the San Juan Capistrano Library until March 30. You can see the exhibit daily except Fridays. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

Page 8

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

or what I hope will be my last article to reference the underwhelming 2019 awards season, I’ll now discuss another overlooked, underrated—by audience standards— quality feature film that was more intriguing than those that won accolades: Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire. One of the best received foreign films of last year is now finally getting a general theatrical release in the U.S. In late 18th century France, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is a young painter following in her father’s footsteps and is assigned to create a portrait of a young, aristocratic fiancée named Héloïse (Adèle Haenel). Héloïse’s mother and French-Italian countess (Valeria Golino) thinks an arranged marriage to a wealthy nobleman in Milan will make her life more satisfactory and respectable. Héloïse disagrees and keeps sabotaging the painters hired for her portrait before the wedding.

Stuck together for a week on an island of Brittany, Marianne and Heloise get to know each other in more ways than they were expecting.

Sciamma has grown to be one of the most respected modern French filmmakers for the past decade with critical coming-of-age hits. Now she reunites with Haenel from Water Lilies (2007) for a more mature, regal love story. Portrait has two characters who aren’t exactly uncomfortable with themselves, but know they can’t freely express their feelings given the time period. Haenel and Merlant are stellar as the leads, particularly Merlant, who has to do a lot of reacting and pondering without much dialogue. For a refreshing and bittersweet romance to end February, Portrait of a Lady on Fire would be the top choice. CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

Greetings

FROM THE DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!® Dana Point is excited to once again celebrate the fascinating and awe-inspiring migration of gray whales along the Southern California coast as part of its Festival of Whales, the longest-running whale festival in the world. Now in its 49th year, this annual celebration occurs over two weekends: March 7-8 and March 14-15.

This Festival embraces one of the remarkable aspects of our coastal city, because Dana Point has the best access to where gray whales frequent as they migrate each year between Alaska and Mexico. That’s why Dana Point has been named the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. If you’re like me, you look forward to the opportunity to glimpse these gentle marine mammals as they travel along our shore, sometimes even capturing sight of a mother and baby. Plus, you’re bound to see so many other wonderful marine wildlife, including humpback whales, fin whales, sea lions, dolphins and so much more!

I also look forward to engaging with our local community and the many visitors who will join us to experience our city. Did you know that the Festival draws more than 50,000

visitors each year over these two special weekends? Its popularity is apparent when you consider that the Festival of Whales truly offers something for everyone.

In addition to whale watching, exciting activities include sand sculpting, live music, the Dinghy Dash, Art in the Park, delicious Harbor eats and lots of learning experiences and educational hands-on activities for all ages.

One of the more colorful activities of the event, the Festival of Whales Parade will begin Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. The City of Dana Point is pleased to announce that the Festival of Whales Parade is moving down to Dana Point Harbor this year. Parade staging will occur on the west end of the Island from Dana Point Yacht Club to Island Way. Attendees can view the parade along Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

Wrap up the Festival with the Whale of a Concert barbeque and live music at Baby Beach on Sunday, March 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In closing, let me share once again how honored the City of Dana Point is to celebrate the Festival of Whales and how much we look forward to two splendid weekends along our beautiful coastline!

—Mayor Richard Viczorek

The Festival of Whales is a part of the fabric of this community. For just shy of 50 years, celebrating the annual migration of California gray whales past the shores of Dana Point has been a tradition that has brought the people of this city by the sea together to witness a magical migration. This migration brings pods of gray whales together in a coordinated effort to continue their , -plus-mile, round-trip journey between the warm birthing and calving waters of Baja Mexico and the cold Arctic feeding waters of the Bering Sea; generation after generation.

For the whales, although it’s simply a part of their instinctive survival behavior, enthusiastic breaches and slapping tail ukes seem to demonstrate a joy in the gathering. For confirmed whale nerds, the sight of these magnificent creatures is a passion, having gained an appreciation via awe-inspiring interactions. For the uninitiated setting out for the first time seeking such interactions, prepare to be amazed. The whales often eagerly swim up alongside boats filled with excited humans, perhaps as curious about us as we are about them. In that moment when our eyes meet, there is communication. And when the water droplets of a spouting whale catch the sunlight just right and the colors of a rainbow turn it into a “rain-blow,” there is magic.

For either pod, cetacean or human, this springtime gathering is about togetherness. In that spirit, this year’s 49th annual Festival of Whales is bringing the city’s opening-day Magical Migration Parade back to the Harbor, where the rest of the Festival’s events are held. The March 7 parade route will begin on the island side of the Harbor and proceed over the Island Way Bridge, terminating at the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern in the Brig Restaurant parking lot. The Pet Project Foundation’s post-parade street fair—“Whales, Tails & Ales”—will also be held in this parking lot. Join us and be a part of what the locals know makes Dana Point the Whale Watching Capital of the World, and incidentally a whale nerd’s paradise.

—Andrea Swayne, Event Coordinator

The Shape of Things to Come Festival of Whales Artist and Logo Are Announced for 2020

By Lillian Boyd Mika Denny’s roots take her back to the Orange County coastline. With childhood visits to the Ocean Institute and residing in Dana Point during her art school days, it’s only fitting that the experiences that shaped her artistry have led her logo design to be selected for the 49th annual Festival of Whales in 2020.

Denny, who currently resides in Santa Ana, submitted an entry in a previous year’s design contest for the festival. The Festival of Whales Foundation Board was very impressed with the submission, says festival coordinator Andrea Swayne.

“This design really stuck out to the Board,” Swayne said.

“Mika’s artwork is the perfect celebratory feel to represent all the fun new additions we have planned for the Festival of Whales in 2020.”

Denny solely used Adobe Illustrator to create her design.

She says it all came down to color and shape.

“I picked out the complementary colors that I know would make the eye happy,” Denny said. “I love playing around with interesting shapes. I love distinguishing shapes within other shapes. And I think that’s pretty evident in this design.”

Denny says she was inspired by Japanese woodblock art for some of the design.

“The splash of the whale tail makes the design pop out,” Denny said. “There are a lot of moving parts to it. The fun part of my creative process is playing around with shapes to create movement.”

Denny was born and raised in Laguna Beach, which has served as prominent inspiration for her love of the ocean and nature.

“Whales, in particular, are such an amazing thing to me,” Denny said. “They are so massive. In Dana Point, they just cruise on by. It’s awe-inspiring. You can’t believe that something that big can exist and be so close to us.”

Denny attended Cal State Fullerton for her degree in graphic design. After retiring from an in-house creative

Mika Denny’s Japanese woodblock-inspired logo design was selected for the 49th annual Festival of Whales. Photo: Courtesy of Mika Denny

director position to be a full-time mom, Denny had more time to dabble in painting, mixed media work, children’s book illustrations and even jewelry-making.

“I’m all over the place with my art. But ever since I was little, I’ve been drawn to it,” Denny said. “I’m so thrilled that something I’ve created is going to be part of something so big. It’s an honor.”

Although a logo design contest has not been held for the past couple of years, the plan is to revive it for the Festival’s golden anniversary event coming up in 2021.

Stay

Golden

Gold anniversary logo contest announced for next year’s 50th Festival of Whales

By Lillian Boyd For the 2021 golden anniversary celebration, the Dana Point Festival of Whales will once again be opening up a logo design contest to the public.

“Fifty years is quite a milestone for a festival that started when the arbor first opened and the very first whale watching boats began taking passengers out to experience the wonders of meeting these giant ocean mammals in the waters off Dana Point,” said ndrea Swayne, event coordinator. “ t seems only fitting to allow members of the community who have long supported this event to once again have a chance at playing such an integral role in its history.”

Don Hansen started the Festival of Whales to bring awareness to the California gray whale. Hansen and his team recognized that until the Festival of Whales started, the public had limited access and knowledge of the whales migrating past Dana Point.

“Whale watching at that time was largely a school field trip activity, and most adults did not whale watch,” said Donna Kalez, Hansen’s daughter and the General Manager for the company he founded, Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching. “The festival helped to bring public whale watching to the forefront, and the whale watching tour was born. Don’s love for the gray whale promoted people to come to Dana Point each year. Like the return of the swallows to San uan, the gray whales always return to Dana Point.”

The Festival quickly became a family tradition. Visitors returned yearly, not just for the gray whales but also for the merchandise, including the logo T-shirt, sweatshirts and posters.

Throughout the Festival’s history, the logo has been chosen in a variety of ways. In some years, a local artist was chosen and voluntarily tasked with its design. long the way, there also have been some very high-profile artists commissioned to provide the iconic artwork representing the event. ig names such as world-renowned marine life artist Wyland 99 and ohn an amersveld , creator of the iconic The Endless Summer movie poster as well as album covers for the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, efferson irplane and the Grateful Dead, have both contributed their talent to the Festival’s collection of logos.

In 2011, an update was made to the original 1992 design in celebration of the Festival’s 40th anniversary.

From 2012 to 2016, art students at Dana Hills High School were granted exclusive access to a logo design contest open only to them. Then in 2017, the Festival of Whales Foundation Board opened up the logo design contest to the general public for two years. In those years, the Board was introduced to so many great artists and their work, the choice of logo designs for the 2019 and 2020 Festivals was made from among past entries.

Past contestants may resubmit designs they have tried before; however, all entries must adhere to a strict set of guidelines that will include criteria such as using a maximum number of five total colors being submitted as ai, psd or eps file and including an image images of a gray whale, among other requirements. The full list of requirements for submitting print-ready artwork for the Festival will be posted on festivalofwhales.com, and information will be available at the Festival.

2009 / Rick Erkeneff Rick Erkeneff is a Dana Point resident, surfer and artist who holds a seat on the South Coast Water District’s Board of Directors. He created the 38th Festival of Whales logo in 2009.

2017 / Alex Ban Brasch Using his love of whales as inspiration for a design, Alex Van Brasch took home the top prize in the 46th Festival of Whales logo design contest.

He used colored pencils and pen, then digitally edited the logo with text and alignment.

2015 / Alec Brady Alec Brady was named the first-place winner in the Dana Hills High School logo design competition. Entries were received through the school’s art department, and the Festival of Whales committee selected the winner as well as four runners-up.

2012 / Carver Moore Carver Moore was the first-place winner in the Dana Hills High school logo design competition for the 41st Festival of Whales. He went on to earn his BFA in Motion Pictures and Television Editing and works as a colorist in Los Angeles.

EVENT MAP

PARADE TIME SHUTTLE ROUTE 7:30 A.M.-NOON MARCH 7 ONLY

GETTING AROUND THE FESTIVAL WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM OCTA BUS STOP For those guests that are utilizing the OCTA bus stops on PCH, you can reach the Festival by walking down Dana Point Harbor Drive to the Harbor’s Golden Lantern entrance area or you can enter Doheny State Beach (direction sign at bus stop near bridge), walk along the barrier fence, then proceed towards the beach to the marked Festival of Whales shuttle stop. Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.

PARKING AND FREE SHUTTLE INFORMATION The FREE shuttle runs each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and services most parking lots and event locations. Daily and $3 per hour ($6 min/$15 max) parking is available at Doheny State Beach at the numerous automated payment machine kiosks located throughout the park, or better yet through the Passport Park-

The 2020 Dana Point Festival of Whales merchandise offerings include a colorful array of long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirts, zip front and pullover hoodies, trucker hats, backpacks, tote bags, lapel pins, notecards and posters. There’s something for everyone!

Items may also be purchased at select Harbor retailers and festivalofwhales.com.

ing app available for smartphones and tablets at https ppprk.com park . The benefit of the Passport Parking payment application is, in addition to making the initial payment for parking, time can also be added remotely from your phone or tablet. Free parking is available in and around the Harbor, along with paid ($3 per hour/$6 min/$15 max) parking.

PARADE (March 7 only) Parade starts at 10 a.m.

PARADE TIME SHUTTLE (March 7 only) On parade day, a special shuttle route will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

HARBOR CRUISE ffered daily during the Festival between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute from noon to 5 p.m. Round trip tickets are $5 per person. Take in all the great sights from the water! Your captain will share interesting facts and features about the Dana Point area and its fascinating history.

WHALE OF A CONCERT SHUTTLE (March 15 only) FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

MERCHANDISE BOOTH LOCATIONS MARCH 7 • Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

MARCH 8 • Ocean Awareness Day at Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

MARCH 14 • Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

MARCH 15 • Near the Concert on the Water at Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

WEEKEND ONE

WEEKEND TWO

Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition

Kids’ Fun Zone

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash & Expo

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking Lot on Golden Lantern between Harpoon Henry’s and Dana Wharf 6

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Boat Builders’ Brekky and BBQ on the Beach

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 9-9:45 a.m. OCean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m. Dana Drive > Island Way > Dana Point Harbor Drive 1-2; Parade Announcer 8

Street Fair, “Whales, Tails & Ales” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern 2

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

So Cal Woodies Car Show

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

The Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 6

So Cal Woodies Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

The Legendary Corvette Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 8

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Art in the Park

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Kids’ Fun Zone 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking Lot on Golden Lantern between Harpoon Henry’s and Dana Wharf 6

Ocean Institute Education Center British Invasion Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Just Havin’ Fun Car Club Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 9

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Diamond Dig

Noon-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks 3

Noon-4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Harbor Music Series

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Walking Tour of Town Center

Walking Tour of Town Center

p.m. lue antern Street Pacific Coast Highway 16

p.m. lue antern Street Pacific Coast Highway 16

2-3 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center 7

9 a.m.-noon. Doheny State Beach 14

Dana Hills High School & San Juan Hills High School Young Artists Show & Sale

Whale of a BBQ

Capt. Dave’s Presents “Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?”

Whale of a Beach Cleanup

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking Lot on Golden Lantern between Harpoon Henry’s and Dana Wharf 6

10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Whale of a Pizza Party

9 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Dana Wharf Dock 3

Kids’ Fun Zone

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6 Noon-2 p.m. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 4

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 8

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Capt. Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival

8 a.m.-noon. Baby Beach 15

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

British Invasion Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 8

Ninth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 8

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Whale of a Concert on the Water Noon-5 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden 12:30-4:30 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45-5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 3

EVERY DAY OF THE EVENT 8 A.M.-4 P.M.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching 8 A.M.-4 P.M.

Campfire Talk with Ranger Serpa: Whales, the Mighty Monarchs of the Ocean

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

6:30-7:30 p.m. Doheny State Beach, North Day Use Picnic Area A 14

Ocean Institute

10 A.M.-12:30 P.M. 8 A.M.-4 P.M.

luff-top viewing at eadlands Nature Interpretive Center

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on opposite page.

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on previous page.

Set Your Sights on Whale Watching While in Dana Point for the Festival of Whales, don’t miss one of the many great options for experiencing sea life up close. Choose from multiple whale watching experiences, offered daily, by land and by sea.

Ocean Institute

Capt. Dave’s Whale Watching Safari

Join the Ocean Institute’s scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. The 2 1/2-hour cruises will start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on each day of the festival. Test your new knowledge in the search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Assist staff in collecting samples of sea oor mud and the smallest organisms on Earth. Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.com.

Capt. Dave’s provides trips aboard their customized catamarans, which allow guests to get up close to sea life. The Manute’a offers underwater viewing pods and eye-spy dolphin and whale tram nets. Multiple trips are planned for both weekends. Tickets for the Manute’a are $65 per adult (13 and older) and $45 per child. Tickets for the FAST CAT are $65 per person. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.488.2828. dolphinsafari.com.

Land Locked?

Dana Wharf Whale Watching Hop aboard one of Dana Wharf’s adventure cruises for a chance to catch a glimpse of the huge variety of underwater sea life with their multiple whale watching trips every day.

Cruises depart on the hour and are narrated by expert captains aboard a variety of vessels. Ticket costs vary, ranging from $15 to $55.

34675 Street of the Golden Lantern. 949.496.5794. danawharf.com.

Walk along the bluff-top Dana Point Nature nterpretive Center’s three miles of trails to view the whale migration from above.

The Center is open daily from 10 a.m-4 p.m., and the trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset. 34558 Scenic Drive. 949.248.3527. danapoint.org.

By Lillian Boyd Aura Gonzales has always lived near the ocean, growing up to admire how it impacts our daily lives and how our daily lives impact the ocean.

“I want to be a marine biologist,” Gonzales said. “Being so close to the water has given me a unique appreciation for the ocean.”

Gonzales, a senior, is a student in Randy Hudson’s marine ecology class at Dana Hills High School. She’s already applied to several colleges noted for their marine biology programs. Experiences such as going out at sea on the Dana Pride only affirm her belief she is on the right path. ach year, students from D S fine arts classes set sail out of the Dana Point Harbor.

The goal is for the students to channel their experience out on the water into their creative projects, which will be displayed and sold during the annual Festival of Whales celebration. Dana Wharf Whale Watching donates a whale watching trip each year to take a group of art and science students from Dana Hills on the trip.

“We just taught about marine mammals, so this trip has been perfect timing,” Hudson said. “We talked about plankton, whales and all mammals in between.”

During the field trip, the students were able to see a gray whale breach several times. Each time the gray whale was sighted, the captain repositioned the Dana Pride to safely follow the whale. Students had their smart phones and DSLR cameras at the ready, aiming to capture the breach.

“It’s so important that young kids get a chance to see these kinds of creatures out in

This year, students from both Dana Hills High School and San Juan Hills High School were given the . Photo: Lillian Boyd

Cetaceans Inspire Imagination LOCAL STUDENTS LOOK TO THE OCEAN TO GUIDE THEIR INSPIRATION FOR ART, SCIENCE AND BEYOND

the wild,” Hudson said. “Now that we’ve had a chance to see whales breaching, the students have that experience, that connection, and they can relate on a more personable level when we go back to the classroom. Whales are directly impacted by human activity, so it is crucial that this next generation is educated

and develops an appreciation for these great species.”

Students taking classes in multimedia design, ceramics, drawing and painting, marine ecology, as well as digital photography, got to partake in the annual field trip to seek creative inspiration through whale watching.

This year, for the first time ever, students from San Juan Hills High School also were able to enjoy the whale watching experience.

One retired teacher was also able to board the trip as a naturalist for Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching. Nana einer taught at John Malcom Elementary School in Laguna Niguel. Several of her former middle school students were also on the trip, now as high school students.

“I taught for 31 years with Capistrano Unified School District,” einer said. “ started being a naturalist for Dana Wharf in 2018 after I retired from teaching. Now I run into students and families all the time who come out whale watching. It’s wonderful to see the community come together to appreciate these mind-blowing whales migrating along our coastline.”

This year, the students have the opportunity to enter a Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission juried contest to compete for a chance to have their work chosen to be on display at the Dana Point Community Center in April and May. Dana Point City Council will recognize the winners at a City Council meeting. The work will be for show and sale on March 15 at the DHHS/SJHHS Young Artists’ Show and Sale at the Festival of Whales.

“The annual inspiration field trip fulfills an important part of the Dana Point Festival of Whales Foundation’s mission to share an appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the ocean environment and its inhabitants,” said Andrea Swayne, Festival coordinator. “We hope something as awe-inspiring as the sight of a breaching whale can plant a seed that will grow into a lifetime of environmentalism.”

By Captain Todd Mansur Imagine what life would be like as a gray whale traveling from the Bering and Chukchi Seas all the way to Baja Mexico.

You might have to add a few miles if you decided to start a little bit further north at The North Pole because the food was better. That’s clocking in 5,000 to 7,000 miles one way, all to enjoy a warm swim in the Mexican lagoons, where the whales will continue mating, calving, nursing, and socializing.

It’s an amazing concept if you think about the life of the official California marine mammal, the California gray whale, as it migrates from the north to the south and back again, enduring the many hurdles of boats, predators, and massive weight loss and fasting by these majestic creatures.

Gray whales have a different body shape than those of rorqual whales, such as the blue, humpback, and minke whales, in the way that they eat and travel. It’s almost like comparing a hybrid to a gas-guzzling vehicle averaging a loss of one gallon of fatty lipids for every 16 miles traveled. The gray whale’s shape and lack of multiple ventral grooves do not allow them to pull in large amounts of water like the humpback or blue whale when feeding.

The gray whale is different in how they get food as bottom feeders; they focus on amphipods—small shrimp-like organisms that live in the mud, as well as mollusks and tube worms. They get fat and happy creating large reserves of fatty lipids in the Bering Sea, as they can’t eat and travel as they make their migration along the coast to their final destination of Baja Mexico.

Gray whales are recognized in appearance by barnacles, whale lice, gray-and-white-freckled modeling skin, lumpy back, heart-shaped spout, and absent dorsal fin. They are unique in how they grow their population while mating during their travel. The female ovulates first in November, giving opportunity for conception during her southbound migration and, if unsuccessful, also 40 days later.

That would be her second and last ovulation of the year, which would have her mating in the lagoons. Fifty

percent of gray whales will be born north of Los Angeles, with gestation of 12 to 13 months along with their annual migration.

This is why we see numerous calves traveling southbound in waters off Southern California.

The average calf will nurse six to Captain Todd Mansur eight months, with fatty lactation being most important in the first five to six weeks, creating the build-up of blubber and fat protein to keep them warm. It is the hardest thing for them to thermalregulate in their migration back to the cold-water temperature of the Bering Sea, as well as give them the energy and strength needed to travel the 5,000-mile trip to the Bering Sea with their mother. A calf averages 12 feet long at birth and will grow at a rate of two pounds an hour, gaining up to 48 pounds a day. The average calf leaving the lagoons with its mother will be 18 feet long.

I think that people forget how unique the gray whale is.

We are pretty darn lucky here in Southern California to be able to experience these “friendly whales” as they migrate from November to April along our coastline, peaking in our backyard off the coast of Dana Point in February and March.

Dana Point is a landmark for whale sightings due to its weather, underwater canyons,

shallow waters, large kelp beds, and the close proximity of the continental shelf, which creates the “perfect navigational highway,” allowing us to have close accessibility to see the gray whale in its natural state. Their migration is different than any other in how they travel close to our shore, adding 3,500 extra miles to the already long adventure.

In California, we have judicial guidelines to keep these beloved creatures free of risk by honoring their space with a safe distance, just like you would a fire engine with its lights and sirens on—pull over, create space behind, and do not cross paths intentionally in order to protect them.

They were once hunted into near-extinction in the mid1800s and once again in the 1900s. They became overhunted in Southern California and Mexico and were once called the “devil’s fish,” as they became aggressive once they knew they were in unfriendly waters during the whaling period. The history of how they were hunted is not a history we want to repeat. It is one of the natural wonders of the world to see the way the mothers and calves interact in the Mexican lagoons, allowing us to touch and kiss their young, living up to the name “friendly whales.”

Now is the perfect time to come learn more about the California gray whale as we celebrate them during the 49th annual Festival of Whales here in Dana Point. Come wave hi to them aboard a whale and dolphin watching adventure, as they play along our shores. This time of the year is a special time, as we have witnessed so many of them with their young. Come and enjoy a free, pre-trip Marine Mammal Lecture Series about the gray whales from me—your whale expert, Captain Todd Mansur—at Harpoon Henry’s at 10 a.m. on March 14, before you board your whale watching vessel.

Captain Todd Mansur has had a career on the ocean for the past 32 years with Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

Through a variety of experiences, he has had the opportunity to observe hundreds of marine species, both fish and mammals. He is the Director of Marine Mammal Education Programs for Dana Wharf Whale Watching, A Certified Marine Naturalist with the American Cetacean Society, he is on the Board of Directors for the Gray Whale Foundation and leads all field trips and assemblies. For more information, visit danawharf.com and graywhalefoundation.org.

Cetacean Sensation

Dana Point is Officially the “Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World”®

By Lillian Boyd Dana Point is now, officially, the “Dolphin Whale Watching Capital of the World,” thanks to two local women who took on the initiative in . Donna ale , of Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching, and Gisele nderson, of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari, teamed up despite the competition between their whale- and dolphinwatching charters in Dana Point arbor. nderson and ale will be walking in this year’s Festival of Whales parade together for the first time as co-founders of Dana Point’s newest registered trademark. The duo states that with a variety of year-round whales, more dolphins per s uare mile than anywhere in the world, pristine coastline, calm seas, the first and longest running annual Festival of Whales and a captivating harbor minutes from the open ocean Dana Point, California, is indeed the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. The Festival of Whales parade will be held on Saturday, arch at a.m., and it will begin at Dana Drive and sland Way in Dana Point arbor.

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Lying About One’s Age on a Senior Dating Profile

T

his month, Arlene, a South Orange County resident who’s in her mid60s, shared a story about a man who contacted her on a senior dating website.

His profile stated he was 71, just a few years older than she.

Arlene emailed, “A guy wrote that he’d like to meet me at Starbucks. The location was near where I live, so I agreed.

“His photo looked OK. He lives about 20 miles from me. I was sitting outside waiting for him, even though it was a bit chilly.

When he walked up, he seemed much older than his photo.

“He had seen a picture in my online profile of me on a cruise. He asked if I liked to cruise, to which I replied: ‘Yes, it’s my favorite thing to do.’

“He told me he’d been in the Navy and on many ships. I asked if it was during the Vietnam War; he told me it was during the Korean War. Since I’m a Baby Boomer, guys in my age group were in ON LIFE AND the Vietnam War, NOT LOVE AFTER 50 the Korean War.

By Tom Blake “I reminded him that his profile stated he was 71. He told me he’d ‘fudged’ his age a bit; he was 81! I let him ramble on for an hour about himself, then told him I had many errands and had to leave.

“He had the nerve to contact me online again the next day. I told him we were not a match and that 81 was NOT 71!

“These guys never stop trying.”

I wondered why he lied to Arlene. I pondered what he may have thought; I’m only

guessing, but perhaps it was something along this line.

He saw her profile on the senior dating website. Her picture appealed to him; he found her attractive. She lived close enough to him that dating her would be convenient.

He thought her interests and hobbies meshed with his. After all, he had been in the Navy onboard ships, and he noticed from her profile picture that she was on a cruise ship.

Perhaps she had the characteristics he sought in a mate. From her profile, it appeared to him that they could be a good match.

There was just one problem, of which he was oh, so aware—probably because he had experienced it previously, more than once—he was too old for her.

If he listed his true age, he wouldn’t get a date with Arlene, because she was more than 10 years younger.

Maybe he was convinced if he could just get to meet Arlene face-to-face, she might think he was so wonderful that their 10-to17-year age difference (whichever it was), wouldn’t matter. He may have thought he was being creative and didn’t think he was kidding himself.

To improve his chances of getting a date with Arlene, he simply shaved 10 (or more) years off his true age, on his profile.

Technically, he was lying. But he believed it was just a little white lie. Besides, he promised himself that he’d reveal his true age when they met, after, of course, he’d had a chance to show her what a potentially great catch he’d be. Is lying to get one’s foot in the door wrong?

Perhaps he knew from previous experiences that the only way to get first dates with younger women was to lie on his profile.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Cecily THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

ecily is the shelter’s longest-tenured resident and has been there for more than 4½ years. As a baby bunny, she and her siblings were abandoned in a local park, and she practically grew up at the shelter.

Cecily is now a sweet adult rabbit who can sometimes be a bit unsure of people entering her space, but once she’s in your arms, she enjoys being petted. She can be a bossy bunny and tells you just what she wants with cute little grunts and thumps. Cecily has good litterbox habits and would make a great house bunny in a loving home.

If you would like to know more about Cecily, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or Cecily. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. CD The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts the San Juan Capistrano Library in a past era.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. 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.

Again, I can’t say if this is how his thinking went, or if any of my speculation is true, but, I imagine, some of it is.

Christine Baumgartner, an Orange County dating and relationship coach, once told me, “When I work with my clients, I always insist they tell the truth about themselves, including their age. It’s very important not to lie.”

Some senior singles say, if people lie about their age, anything they say might be suspect.

I responded to Arlene: “He may have even been fudging a bit more. The Korean War was from 1950 to 1953. If he was, let’s say, 17, in 1950, that would make him approximately

87 now. If he was 17 in 1953, he’d be about 84 now. If he was older than 17 during the Korean War, he could be in his late 80s now.”

Lying about one’s age isn’t recommended; the truth will emerge sooner or later.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating.

See his website at findingloveafter50.com.

To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Solution:

Page 25

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Furry Friends Flaunt Fashion Kids’ Pet Parade Draws Crowd for Costumed Creatures

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The annual Fiesta Association Kids’ Pet Parade once again brought the community together for an adorable experience.

Kids and adults got to display different animals, including dogs and horses, in various costumes. The dignitaries for this year’s Fiesta de las Golondrinas season served as judges for the event, which was held at Los Rios Park.

THE WINNERS: DOMESTIC PET 1ST PLACE Lara and Lana with Lawrence the poodle 2ND PLACE

Hattie and Hunter with Sammy the French bulldog

TEAM COSTUME 1ST PLACE Persia with Chloe the hot dog pug 2ND PLACE Supergirls Aurora and Naomi with Spur the pony

FARM/BARN 1ST PLACE Lyla with Domino the goat 2ND PLACE Emma and Lily with Harley Davidson the pig

EXOTIC 1ST PLACE Emma and Lily with Baylor the Flemish giant rabbit

YOUNG AT HEART Nina Leone with Stan the Man

JUDGES’ CHOICE Supergirls Aurora and Naomi with Spur the pony

Top: Aurora and Noami Gonzalez, along with Spur, will be in the 62nd annual Swallows Day Parade after being selected overall winner of the Kids’ Pet Parade. Bottom: Participants and their furry friends march in the Kids’ Pet Parade. Photos: Collin Breaux The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

Page 26

Aurora and Naomi Gonzalez will go on to be in the Swallows Day parade with Spur.

Ricardo’s Place sponsored the pet parade. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY MARCH 14 March 14 8am- 12pm. Moving / Downsizing. Furniture, Electric Bike, Collectables, Home Decor and more.

15 Santa Lucia, Dana Point, CA

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

FOR SALE RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SALE (TYPE 47) Type 47 Restaurant Liquor License for sale. Text or call for details 949.510.9724

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

Submit your info online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area? *2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

Page 27

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2020 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW For in-game updates, news and more for all of the SJC high school sports programs, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SouthOCSports

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he busiest portion of the CIF-SS sports calendar is upon us as the spring sports season kicks off across Southern California.

It’s especially busy here in San Juan Capistrano, as the city’s high schools compete in the 11 sports that the spring season offers.

From baseball to softball, lacrosse to track and much more, many San Juan Capistrano teams can expect some level of success.

Let’s check in and see how several San Juan Capistrano high school teams will fare in 2020:

SAN JUAN HILLS BASEBALL Last season for the San Juan Hills baseball team was the most successful in school history.

For the first time in the 12-year history of the Stallions baseball program, San Juan Hills won a playoff game. The Stallions actually won two, defeating Northwood in a Division 3 wild-card game and winning on the road against Marina in the first round.

It was a big first in the Stallions’ second year under coach Bret LeVier, and San Juan Hills is ready for more this season.

Playoff success will be tougher as the Stallions move up to Division 1, but San Juan Hills is stronger in a competitive Sea View League field. The Stallions have never finished better than 7-5 or in second place in league play, but this could be the season San Juan Hills breaks through.

San Juan Hills’ strength begins with its deep pitching staff led by senior right-hander Ethan Pope. Before the start of his junior season, Pope broke his left hand, which left him out of the batting order and allowed him to focus on pitching. Pope posted a 1.93 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 65 1/3 innings, all top team marks.

This season, Pope will slide back into the batting order and start at third base when he’s not pitching.

LeVier said he has up to 11 throwing arms that he’s comfortable putting on the mound to be competitive. Pope and senior Isaiah Matthews are the go-to starters. Seniors Ryan Forbes and Matt Payne, juniors Mitchell Farner and Josh McGonigle and sophomore Luke Kovalevski are all solid options out of the bullpen.

In the field, the Stallions are led by a pair The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

San Juan Hills baseball looks to capture its first league title with a deep pitching staff and a strong mix of seniors and newcomers. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

of three-year starting juniors in shortstop William Gleed and catcher Jake Curtis. Gleed committed to UC Irvine over the offseason and was second on the team in hits and runs scored last season. Curtis is a strong defensive catcher and was fifth on the team in hits last season, including a team-high six doubles.

San Juan Hills was 4-2 on the season as of press time, with two wins over Brea Olinda and victories against Dana Hills and El Modena.

The Stallions open league play at Aliso Niguel on March 6 and host Trabuco Hills on March 11. The Stallions play at San Clemente on March 13, host the Tritons on April 15 and play at San Clemente again on April 16.

SAN JUAN HILLS BOYS LACROSSE The San Juan Hills boys lacrosse team enters the 2020 season with promise as the Stallions begin their first full CIF-SS participation campaign.

Lacrosse had been a CIF-SS sponsored sport for several years, but with team membership not high enough, the local U.S. Lacrosse chapters in Orange and Los Angeles counties organized playoffs, with the county champions meeting for the “Southern Section” title.

Now, with team membership finally crossing the necessary threshold and the

proper votes applied, lacrosse is an official CIF-SS organized sport. That means multiple divisions, weekly polls and official CIF-SS playoffs.

San Juan Hills was placed into Division 2 and opens the season at No. 7 in the firstever CIF-SS preseason divisional poll.

The Stallions return 11 players from last year’s team, including their top two scorers in seniors Nick Lagestee and Josh Mastropaolo.

Lagestee scored 42 goals with nine assists last season, and Mastropaolo scored 32 goals with nine assists.

Boise State-committed senior Dylan Reynolds returns to lead the defensive corps, and his brother, sophomore Brayden Reynolds, returns in net after a strong freshman season.

The Stallions also have a new coach. Tim Reynolds, father of Dylan and Brayden, takes over as head coach. Reynolds had previously been a head coach at El Toro before joining San Juan Hills as an assistant last season.

San Juan Hills is off to a perfect 3-0 start on the season, featuring landslide wins over JSerra (23-7), Norco (16-1) and Sage Hill (18-2). The Stallions next host Northwood on Friday, Feb. 28 and Orange Lutheran on March 6.

San Juan Hills opens league on March 24 at home against Laguna Hills and plays at Dana Hills on March 31. The Stallions host league champion Aliso Niguel on April 18 and finish the season at home against Capistrano Valley on April 29.

Page 28

JSERRA BASEBALL The JSerra baseball team had a strong 2019 season, but the victories didn’t necessarily come where they wanted them the most.

The Lions had an undefeated run through the Boras Classic tournament, and won what some have called the “de facto” state championship game against the Boras Classic North champion Archbishop Mitty. However, JSerra came up short in the Trinity League, five games behind league champion Orange Lutheran, and lost in the Division 1 first round at Mira Costa.

Going into 2020, the Lions graduated some seniors who were certainly vital to their success in UCLA’s Michael Curialle, Arizona’s Blake Klassen and Chapman’s Ryan Farmer.

As always, though, JSerra does what JSerra does, and the Lions have plenty of talent to step up in their place.

The most notable returner is junior shortstop Cody Schrier. In November, Schrier was named the 2018 World Baseball Softball Confederation International Baseball Player of the Year for his performance as MVP of the U-15 Baseball World Cup in 2018. (These awards are given every two years.)

In stats listed on MaxPreps, Schrier, a UCLA commit, was second on the JSerra team in RBI as a sophomore and also second in home runs and runs scored. thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The St. Margaret’s boys lacrosse team has a new coach for its traditionally strong program that reloads with talent to defend its U.S. Lacrosse titles in the new CIF-SS playoff era. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Early in the season, JSerra has been riding the strength of its pitching staff. The Lions have thrown three shutouts in their 6-0 start to the year and are ranked No. 4 in the CIF-SS Division 1 preseason poll.

Junior Gage Jump is a leading returning pitcher for JSerra. Jump has been making impacts with the Lions since his freshman season. In his latest start on Wednesday, Feb. 6, Jump struck out seven batters in three innings as JSerra defeated Palm Desert in the Newport Elks Tournament, 3-2.

JSerra opens its Trinity League campaign with a three-game set against Santa Margarita, ranked No. 6 in Division 1. The Lions host the Eagles on March 10, play at Santa Margarita on March 11 and host again on March 13.

JSerra again participates in and hosts the Boras Classic beginning on April 14 before taking on Orange Lutheran, ranked No. 3 in Division 1, on April 21. The Lions host the Lancers on April 22.

moves forward.

The Lions return several top offensive performers and their top pitcher from last season.

Alison Steinker was JSerra’s RBI leader last year, nearly doubling the total of her nearest teammate. Steinker drove in 30 runs with team highs in hits (33), doubles (12), triples (4) and home runs (5). Steinker also posted a

.484 batting average.

Another strong offensive returner is Sarah Shaw, who recorded 15 RBI with 21 hits and seven doubles. This season, Shaw hit two home runs and drove in six runs against Dana Hills on Feb. 18.

Hollie Farmer was second on the team last season with 27 hits, driving in 13 runs with six triples.

ST. MARGARET’S BOYS LACROSSE

JSERRA SOFTBALL The JSerra softball program is back on its feet and running in the right direction under head coach Katie Stith.

In the Lions’ first year under Stith, JSerra didn’t make the playoffs, but it was the most successful season for the Lions in quite some time. JSerra went 12-12 to post its first season of at least .500 since 2007, topping its combined win total from the previous two seasons (11) and posting their highest win total since 2007 (11 in 2013).

All numbers are in the positive as JSerra

Taylor Caudill is the leading returner in the circle for the Lions. Caudill posted a 1.41 ERA in 15 appearances, with 84 strikeouts over 69 1/3 innings.

JSerra is 3-1 on the season and opens up the Best of the West Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 29. The Lions open Trinity League play against Santa Margarita at home on March 17. JSerra hosts league champion Orange Lutheran on April 24 and Mater Dei on April 28.

The St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team shuffled coaches in the offseason after winning its second straight county and section titles, and the Tartans return strong players to enter the CIF-SS playoff era.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

Page 29

The St. Margaret’s boys lacrosse program enters a new era on multiple fronts.

The Tartans begin their first full CIF-SS participation season as the No. 4 team in Division 1, looking to defend the final U.S. Lacrosse Orange County and Southern Section championships from last season.

St. Margaret’s will also have a new leader on the sidelines after the retirement of legendary coach Glen Miles and the hiring of new coach Brian Kelly. Miles coached the Tartans for seven seasons, amassing a record of 108-39, four county titles and three Southern Section titles.

Kelly was hired last June, but initially in a different capacity. Kelly was hired as the new St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse coach a month before Miles announced his retirement. Kelly then moved over to the boys side.

Kelly, a former outdoor Major League Lacrosse and indoor National Lacrosse League player, was previously the head coach of the men’s team at Whittier College, his alma (Cont. on page 30) thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 29) mater, compiling a 60-49 record over eight seasons.

Last year’s Tartans were loaded with talented seniors, but as much as things change with the St. Margaret’s program, one thing that stays the same is the talent level.

Junior Nate Sanchez scored four goals in each of the Orange County and Southern Section championship games last season.

Sophomore Cooper Barkate is set for a big jump, but he was also a strong playoff contributor with six total goals in the two championship games. Sophomore John Culley also scored twice in the Southern Section title game last season.

St. Margaret’s opens its season on Friday, Feb. 28 at San Marcos. The Tartans host Division 1 No. 5 Corona del Mar on March 24 and play at Southern Section championship rival and Division 1 No. 2 Loyola on March 27. St. Margaret’s hosts No. 3 Foothill on April 3 and No. 1 Palos Verdes on April 28.

ST. MARGARET’S GIRLS LACROSSE Like their male counterparts, the St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team also experienced significant changes at the top and on the roster since last season.

The Tartans open at No. 6 in the Division 1 preseason poll with a new head coach as they attempt to defend their U.S. Lacrosse Orange County and Southern Section championships.

Holly Reilly stepped down after six seasons with an 84-22 record and county and section titles in 2018 and 2019. Reilly was then replaced by Brian Kelly last June, but when boys coach Glen Miles retired, Kelly moved over to that position.

After all of the shuffling, the Tartans will be led by new head coach Mollie Stevens.

Stevens was most recently the offensive coordinator at Fresno State and was a star for the University of Florida from 2014-17.

The Tartan girls also lost a collection of senior leaders, but the girls still have plenty of returning talent in the ranks to be as formidable as ever.

Senior Campbell Case scored 31 goals with 13 assists in just 12 games last season as part of the Tartans’ offensive juggernaut.

Sophomore Grace Karstetter returns as well after 26 goals and 16 assists in her freshman campaign.

Junior goalie Olivia Young also returns to solidify the defense, as does ground-ball machine Audrey Larson.

St. Margaret’s opens the season at Division 1 No. 7 Newbury Park on Saturday, Feb. 29. The Tartans host No. 3 Westlake on March 4, play at No. 2 Mater Dei on March 20 and host No. 1 Foothill on April 3.

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS VOLLEYBALL After winning its fifth CIF-SS title in seven seasons with the Division 2 championship last season, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The Warriors were certainly led by seniors last season, but even after that graduating class, SVC will be powered by returning younger players who will be back again next season.

In last season’s Division 2 title game, the Warriors were led in kills by then-freshman, now-sophomore Andrew Sheveland. Nowjunior Gabe Dyer contributed 10 kills and was tied for the team lead in assists with Cade Martin, also a returning junior.

The Warriors benefited from the CIF-SS divisional system last season by being slated as the No. 17 team in the combined Division 1 and 2 poll to earn the No. 1 seed in the Division 2 playoffs on their way to the title. SVC could work its way into the Division 1 playoffs and be slated for a much harder road.

SVC is 4-1 on the early season, with Tesoro Tournament wins over Canyon and Godinez and two wins over Woodbridge in the same tournament.

The Warriors next host West Ranch on March 12 and host Trabuco Hills on March 17.

SVC plays at Dana Hills on March 20 and at Santa Margarita on March 26. SVC hosts St. Margaret’s on March 31. CD

The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team won its fifth CIF-SS title in seven seasons last year and brings back plenty of youth to defend the title and keep the program competing. Photo: Zach Cavanagh The Capistrano Dispatch February 28-March 12, 2020

JSerra boys basketball battled to the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals, but the Lions fell to No. 1 seed Windward of LA in a physical game on Feb. 21. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

San Juan Preps Roundup

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

For in-game updates, news and more for all of the SJC high school sports programs, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SouthOCSports

JSerra Boys Basketball Falls in CIF-SS Semifinals JSerra boys basketball led by as many as seven points in the third quarter, but No. 1 seed Windward of Los Angeles kept pace and dominated the paint on both sides of the floor in the fourth quarter to beat the Lions, 67-61, in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals at JSerra Catholic High School on Feb. 21.

“We didn’t have the physicality to match them (down low),” JSerra coach Keith Wilkinson said. “Credit their defense for protecting the paint. We had to take those (outside shots), because they packed the paint in.”

As a CIF-SS Division 1 semifinalist, JSerra qualified for the CIF State Regional playoffs.

The Lions will learn their draw on March 1 and open play on March 3.

“We’ll look forward to that opportunity,” Wilkinson said. “It’s a long time until we play. I’m really glad this group of seniors isn’t done. Probably one of the best to play at JSerra.”

Max Bowman, a junior, led JSerra (24-8) with 18 points and three 3-pointers, all three

Page 30

in the fourth quarter to match 3-pointers made by Windward (25-7). Sophomore Alpha Chibambe was electric for JSerra at times with 13 points, including a gameopening, alley-oop dunk.

Senior Justin Williams put the game on his shoulders late as he tried to propel JSerra to a victory, but Williams couldn’t add to his 10-point total. Utah-bound senior Ian Martinez was held to only five points, all in the first half. Windward’s size and length in a box-and-one defense denied Martinez his opportunities to drive to the hoop.

JSerra Girls Soccer Dropped in CIF-SS Semifinals The historic run of championships has ended for the JSerra girls soccer team.

In its fourth straight CIF-SS semifinal appearance, the three-time defending Division 1 champion Lions were downed on the road at Santiago of Corona, 2-0, on Feb. 22.

JSerra had outscored its first three playoff opponents, 10-2, to reach the semifinals.

The Lions beat Long Beach Millikan (4-0), Troy of Fullerton (4-2) and Los Alamitos (2-0).

JSerra finished 16-5 on the season and in third place in the Trinity League.

Other CIF-SS Playoff Results San Juan Hills girls soccer (10-5-4) advanced to the CIF-SS Division 1 second round for the second straight season. The Stallions lost at Los Alalmitos, 2-0, on Feb. 15 and beat Vista Murrieta in the first round, 2-1.

Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball (16-16) advanced to the CIF-SS Division 2AA quarterfinals. The defending Division 3A champion Eagles were defeated at home

by Chaminade, 73-57, on Feb. 18. CD thecapistranodispatch.com