June 14, 2019

The Force Awakens: Inside Disneyland’s newest Star Wars experience PAGE 24

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JUNE 14-27, 2019 • VOLUME 17, ISSUE 11

A Legacy Remembered San Juan Hills’ Class of 2019 graduates remain united for ‘the brand’ SPECIAL SECTION

San Juan Hills High School holds the commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2019 at its football stadium on June 6. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Homeless Outreach Program to Launch in San Juan EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Rhyan, D’Aquila Chosen as Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year SPORTS/PAGE 28

thecapistranodispatch.com

Charter School Scam Targets San Juan Hills High Athletes EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Homeless Outreach Program to Launch in San Juan in July THE LATEST: A multi-city program to help transition homeless individuals off the streets throughout South Orange County launched in nearby cities recently and is expected to incorporate San Juan Capistrano next month.

Homeless services provider Mercy House is heading up the program, working with homeless liaison officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, as well as other groups, to get homeless individuals into the proper housing and mental health or substance-use treatment care.

The goal of the program is “to get people placed in housing,” as well as “contribute to an overall system of care that ends homelessness,” Mercy House Executive Director Larry Haynes said.

The program is being funded through a grant the county received under California’s Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP)—block grants that can be used to provide emergency services, rental assistance, capital improvements to shelters and youth-specific programming.

Mercy House was awarded $638,980 to run the homeless outreach program for two years in the county’s south service area, which incorporates the swath of cities between San Clemente and Irvine.

The duration of the service contract is scheduled to end April 30, 2021.

Through the HEAP grant funding, Mercy House is currently operating in the cities of Dana Point, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and San Clemente. Next month, the program is expected to include San Juan Capistrano, as well as Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills.

While working in those cities, Molly Nichelsen, the county’s public information manager, said Mercy House is targeting to get 10 homeless individuals transitioned from the streets every month.

“Through this funding, Mercy House has flexible funding to provide individuals with gap rental assistance, move-in deposits and other financial assistance as appropriate and necessary to individuals experiencing homelessness,” she wrote in an email.

While the name of the game is housing, Haynes explained that there’s much more nuance to the program.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

The city is estimating to need more than $8 million in order to make the upgrades to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and Eastern Open Space as mandated by last year’s settlement agreement with Orange County Coastkeeper. Photo: File

“It’s not just housing; we want to connect to whatever services they need, we want to do assessments on them . . . so the right housing strategy is deployed,” Haynes said, adding, “The end is not just a happier person off the streets. The end is housing.”

In collaboration with the county and Family Solutions Collaborative, Mercy House first connects homeless individuals and families with a coordinated entry system in which they can be evaluated and assessed.

They later get assigned to a housing program that’s based on the person’s or the family’s assessment. Haynes said some individuals, such as those who are disabled or experience chronic homelessness, would be qualified for permanent supportive housing.

The availability of housing will also play a major role in Mercy House’s efforts, Haynes acknowledged.

“As we know in OC in particular, we are facing a housing crisis,” Haynes said.

“We’re not going to end homelessness, we’re not going to get people off the streets until we solve the housing issue.”

The County of Orange declared a housing emergency based on a “substantial shortage of housing,” last year.

In the South County specifically, Haynes said there will also be challenges because there are not a lot of shelters or permanent supporting housing in the area.

San Juan Capistrano was one of several cities in South County recently named in a lawsuit by Orange County Catholic Worker, which said the cities have not done enough to provide shelters to the homeless.

“You’re going to see more success in the northern and central parts of the county, because, frankly, they’ve been more aggressive in getting permanent supportive housing,” he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Haynes said the funding

to include San Juan and adjoining cities for the program should become available in July.—Shawn Raymundo

Riding Park Upgrades to Cost City More Than $8 Million THE LATEST: Compliance with last year’s settlement agreement over allegations that the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park contributed to pollution in San Juan Creek is estimated to cost the city nearly $8.5 million in upgrades to the equestrian facility and Eastern Open Space.

The city recently updated its SevenYear Capital Improvement Program in the Fiscal 2019-20 budget to account for its planned expenses toward the water quality projects mandated by the consent decree signed in September of last year.

A 2017 lawsuit, filed by the environmental organization Orange County Coastkeeper against the city and the park’s operator, Blenheim Facility Management (BFM), claimed that the creek was being contaminated with polluted stormwater, trash and equine-based pollutants such as horse manure from the park.

The city and BFM have denied such allegations.

According to the city’s breakdown of estimated costs for the projects, $6.14 million is likely to be needed toward a stormwater treatment system at the park, which is considered a large “concentrated animal feeding operation,” or CAFO. About another $1.8 million will need to be allocated to a Stream Bank Restoration project and nearly $5,000 is to be directed to the removal of the Arizona Crossing road over the creek.

A windfall of $3 million the city is

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expected to receive from the County of Orange next month for its extended use of the Prima Deshecha Landfill is currently set aside specifically for the projects.

Based on the updated 2019-20 budget, the city is looking to spend just shy of $900,000 for the three projects in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. The city has earmarked the remaining $2.1 million for the projects in future fiscal years.

The additional funding necessary to comply with the agreement could potentially come from Blenheim or the park’s underwriter, Tokio Marine Specialty Insurance Company, both of which the city is currently suing for alleged breaches of contract over the Coastkeeper lawsuit.

The city recently filed a lawsuit against BFM and Tokio in order to recoup its losses, arguing that both companies have failed to repay the city for the legal costs associated with fighting Coastkeeper.

Blenheim has said the allegations lack merit.

The city and Blenheim agreed to several commitments under the settlement, including the installation of a “recording rain gauge” at the park, ensuring that “no drains and/or pipes” discharge directly into the creek, developing a Rain Event Action Plan (REAP) and potentially grading the area between the stables and the creek to reduce runoff.

The city has been making the upgrades to the equestrian center, some prior to the settlement agreement, according to Assistant City Manager Charlie View. The rain gauge was put in last July, and the city had submitted the REAP to the San Diego Water Board in December of 2017.

The settlement explains that the REAP is meant to reduce “exposure of stormwater” to the park’s “production areas, trash, manure, temporary bathrooms, materials, metals, and fueling areas.” It would also entail the “more robust use of sandbags, sediment traps, wattles, or similar measures before rain events.”

“REAP training was implemented through a combination of staff, consultants and BFM employees,” View said in an email. “The estimate for consultant charges for the Rain Gauge, REAP and Training Program is $3,000.”

In regard to the grading, View said, “The City is in the process of designing the San Juan Creek Slope Stabilization project, and this work is intended to include the grading of the area between the stables and the creek to reduce runoff.”

The consent decree also mandates the city meet with the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) to “explore implementation of an adaptive (best management practice, BMP), to be implemented by Dec. 31, 2019, to pump runoff from the grass field into SOCWA’s wastewater system.”

View said the city’s discussions with (Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) SOCWA regarding the feasibility of an adaptive BMP began this past fall, with talks centered on the “the size of ponding area on the grass field, typical discharge volumes and rate of input to the sewer system from a rain event.”

“The City Engineer and our water quality consultants utilized the 2019 winter rain season to assist in developing our feasibility analysis for the interim measure,” View said in the email. “This process is still being completed, and the potential costs to the City have not yet been determined.”

Currently, the city is going through the Request for Proposals process for a company to manage the riding park. The window to submit proposals to the city closed on May 23.

According to Blenheim attorney Wayne Call, Blenheim is seeking to renew its contract and submitted its proposal to the city.

View said the city received two proposals: one from Action Sports Management Group and another from Horse Services, Inc., which is doing business as Griffith Park Horse Rentals. View notes that while BFM didn’t submit an RFP, Blenheim members Robert Ridland and Melissa Brandes are principals of Action Sport.

WHAT’S NEXT: “Staff and our consultant are in the process of reviewing the proposals,” View said in the email.—SR

Franks Sells ZOOMARS Petting Zoo to River Street Project Developer THE LATEST: The ZOOMARS Petting Zoo in San Juan will soon have a new owner, as Carolyn Franks is taking her beloved children’s book character, Gillie Guinea Pig, to Hollywood to potentially star in its own animated television series.

Franks is selling the petting zoo and farm to Dan Almquist, the developer of the proposed River Street Marketplace project, which is planned to be built on the property adjacent to ZOOMARS. “I’ve been here for 15 years; I’ve taken ZOOMARS as far as I can,” Franks told The Capistrano Dispatch, noting that Almquist would be the ideal person to revitalize the property. “It needs a good facelift.”

The farm, property and staff will remain the same, according to Franks, who made the announcement to a shocked group of local residents during San Juan’s weekly Coffee Chat on Friday, June 7.

Franks explained that she had approached Almquist in December about possibly purchasing the property. If Almquist is successful in getting the marketplace built, Franks told the surprised crowd, “You’re going to see a beautiful petting zoo, a beautiful farm . . . I’m really excited.”

In 2009, Franks created Gillie Guinea Pig as part of an attraction to the petting zoo that houses several guinea pigs, as well as other farm animals. From there, The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

she wrote a book entitled The Tale of Gillie Guinea Pig, telling Gillie’s journey of how he ended up at ZOOMARS after being raised at a local pet shop.

This past November, ZOOMARS earned the “Brass Ring Award” for Best Souvenir Plush by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Franks said she has since been approached about putting together an animated television series for kids about Gillie’s adventures traveling across the country.

WHAT’S NEXT: Franks said she will remain connected to ZOOMARS while she works on developing the television series.

“We may be off to Hollywood, but Gillie’s hometown will always be in San Juan Capistrano,” she said in a press release.

“I’m thrilled that the farm’s legacy will remain in local hands.”—SR

City Holds First Public Workshop on Open Space THE LATEST: Nearly 200 community members came out to the Community Center on June 5 to attend the first of a pair of public workshops to discuss the best use for the city’s Northwest Open Space.

The city is holding the workshops in an effort to address ambiguous language on land-use designations, iron out inconsistencies in the municipal code and gather community feedback on how to use the open space.

Until the zoning language is cleaned up, all potential development on the open space is put on pause; that includes the city’s plan to construct the Native American cultural site called Putuidem Village.

Plans to build Putuidem Village have been in the works over the past few years, but setbacks including funding—and now zoning inconsistencies—have stood in its path.

Mayor Brian Maryott and Mayor Pro Tem Troy Bourne led the seminar, answering questions from audience members and addressing concerns of those who are leery of developing on the Northwest Open Space.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Chairperson Teresa Romero asked Maryott and Bourne what’s to stop the council from again delaying or “overturning” the Putuidem project once the city’s code has been adjusted.

“Nothing has been overturned; it’s been paused,” Maryott said.

Bourne also emphasized that the point of the workshops is to protect the city from any lawsuits.

“We’re trying to put your park on sound legal footing,” Bourne said.

The decision to suspend the project, as well as pause negotiations with Red Tail Acquisitions, which has proposed developing a camping and “glamping” facility on the open space, came from the city council in a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Derek Reeve opposed, during its April 16 meeting.

Last year, the city accepted bids for construction, but because the proposals

exceeded the city’s available funding, the bids were rejected, resulting in the project needing to be revised.

During the late April council meeting, city staff recommended reopening the bid process, as it had put together a scaleddown version, with costs being kept under the city’s $2.12 million budget for the project.

That same meeting, Bourne brought forth the problem with the city’s code in response to threats of a legal challenge from a former councilmember who has opposed the “glamping” facility proposal.

“I don’t think it’s a black and white issue; I think it’s a gray issue. That’s part of the reason why we’re trying to slow this down and have a richer conversation,” Bourne said, adding, “The laws are a jumbled mess of spaghetti, and there was plenty of legal liability if someone didn’t agree with exactly what we’re doing and how we were doing it. So what we said is . . . ‘Let’s pause, get the laws straight, so when we do it, it’s legally defendable and done in the right way.’ ” Assistant City Manager Charlie View explained to the audience there are some “challenges” related to the proposed uses of both the Putuidem Village project and “glamping” proposal when it comes to the Open Space’s “community park” designation.

Currently, the Northwest Open Space is classified as a “community park” under the General Plan Open Space Land Use designation. There are several classifications under Open Space Land Use, including “open space recreation,” “community park,” “general open space” and “neighborhood park.”

“The policy level is not as prescriptive, so you can make some more interpretive looks at the General Plan,” View said.

According to View, a “community park” designation allows for accessory uses such as soccer fields, picnic areas and museums. Putuidem Village would fit in the current designation; however, the project could possibly also be considered a passive recreational facility or an educational center, which is not allowed under “community park.”

One suggestion that was proposed during the workshop was to have the city give the public ideas on what to do with the open space and let them vote.

“It could end up there,” Maryott said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next workshop will be held on June 24 at the Community Center at 5:30 p.m.—SR EDITOR’S NOTE: The complete version of the story can be found online.

Maryott Collects More Endorsements for Congressional Bid THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano Mayor Brian Maryott’s run for congressional

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office continues to ramp up, as the Republican candidate has recently racked up additional endorsements from several mayors and community leaders in California’s 49th Congressional District.

Maryott on Saturday, June 8, also celebrated the grand opening of his campaign headquarters in Carlsbad, where he hosted several local officials, including Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall and Tony Krvaric, the chairman to the San Diego Republican Party.

Earlier this month, Maryott announced that he’s collected endorsements from Mission Viejo Mayor Greg Raths and Vista Mayor Judy Ritter—the latest to join a list of more than 80 local elected officials and community leaders who are backing the candidate and his campaign for a seat on the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020.

Both Raths and Ritter are strong advocates of the work Maryott has accomplished in San Juan, believing it will translate to the scale of the 49th District.

Ritter said Maryott has served the citizens of San Juan well and is confident he will do the same on Capitol Hill.

“He has a proven track record of working with people from all levels of government to get results for the city,” Ritter said in a press release from Maryott’s campaign.

Raths voiced his endorsement, stating he believes Maryott is the only candidate that will bring about economic development and fiscal accountability. As a fellow mayor, he said he’s impressed and admires the work Maryott has done for San Juan.

Maryott was also recently endorsed by Hall and Oceanside Mayor Peter Weiss, as well as the late San Clemente Mayor Steve Swartz before his death last month.

“The outpouring of support I have received from this community as my campaign for Congress develops has been overwhelming,” Maryott said in the release.

The San Juan mayor, who lost in California’s June Primary Election last year to Republican candidate Diane Harkey, is looking to unseat freshman Congressman Mike Levin, a Democrat. Maryott has criticized Levin over his policy views in office, believing he is too extreme and in support of socialist interests.

One policy proposal Maryott has slammed Levin for is the congressman’s support of the Green New Deal, a resolution Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced to encourage the U.S. government to take action against climate change.

“I will always fight for the interests of the 49th District and stand up to the socialists in Congress as they attempt to advance economically devastating policies such as the irresponsible Green New Deal,” Maryott said in the release.

WHAT’S NEXT: Maryott’s campaign headquarters is located at 5541 Fermi Court, Suite 120, Carlsbad.—Zara Flores and SR thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Charter School Scam Targets San Juan Hills High Students

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO AND ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

tudent athletes from San Juan Hills High School were among thousands of others statewide whose information was used as part of a charter school scam to inflate summer enrollment numbers and ultimately defraud the state of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds.

Sean McManus, 46, and Jason Schrock, 44, are being charged with several counts of conspiracy and misappropriation of public funds for allegedly funneling $50 million from the state through their network of 19 online charter schools called A3 Education.

The two ringleaders were indicted last month in San Diego County along with nine others who allegedly helped recruit private schools and sports programs to hand over student information in exchange for money, as well as educational services that were never provided.

“As part of a wide-ranging scheme, the defendants sought out small school districts with limited experience in oversight and proposed they authorize online charter schools to earn additional public funds in the form of oversight fees,” the San Diego District Attorney said in a press release.

According to news reports, 10 of the 11 defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. McManus, an Australian national, remains at large.

According to the DA’s office, the charter schools with A3 were eligible to collect about $2,000 per student from the state for those who are enrolled as regular students in the summertime. Using the students’ information from various youth-centered athletic programs that were paid for under the guise of a donation, Schrock and McManus were able to enroll those students into the charter schools and allegedly pocket the funding from the state.

In San Juan Hills’ case, A3 paid the school more than $16,000 in 2017 for the information of 83 students who had been unwittingly enrolled in a summer sports program from which they didn’t benefit.

San Juan Hills High would not comment on the indictment, and the Capistrano Unified School District could not respond to The Capistrano Dispatch’s questions, as it is currently conducting its own internal investigation.

The 235-page indictment provides a

The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

The information of more than 80 student athletes from San Juan Hills High was allegedly used in a statewide charter school scheme to beef up summer enrollment numbers and collect additional funds from the state. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

timeline of events, detailing how officials with A3 implicated the San Juan Hills football team in the scam when the players’ parents were asked to enroll the student athletes into the Prodigy Athletes’ SWAG program through Valiant Charter Schools.

In June of 2017, Nyla Crider and Kalehua Kukahiko, employees of the charter schools and defendants in the case, began discussing whether San Juan Hills High “would be interested in coming to Valiant Charter Schools.”

The following month, after getting McManus’ blessing, Crider, Kukahiko and her husband, Troy Kukahiko, also a defendant and the head of Prodigy Athletes, “collaborated” with Aaron Flowers, then the school’s football coach and athletic director, on an email to send to the players’ parents.

Flowers, who is not being charged or listed as a defendant in the case, agreed to be Valiant’s “teacher of record” for the summer course. For each student who enrolled into Prodigy, Valiant would give the school’s football program $200.

“I was approached and was told that everything was on the up and up. That’s why we did it,” Flowers said in a phone interview with The Dispatch.

The program was supposed to entail a “leadership component” in which NCAA core courses would be discussed with the students, said Flowers, who resigned from San Juan Hills High at the end of the 2017-2018 school year and is now coaching in Idaho.

“They were going to talk to the kids about it. It was stuff I couldn’t find the time in the day (of coaching) to cover it with the

kids,” Flowers said.

In mid-July, Flowers emailed the families of the players, asking if they were interested in enrolling the students in Prodigy’s SWAG program. If so, they would need to complete the “Master Agreement, which showed the start date for the course as July 1, 2017 and the end date as August 21, 2017,” the indictment read.

At the behest of McManus, the charter school employees were directed to backdate student enrollment information, allowing the schools to receive additional funding, according the district attorney’s office.

Some parents, the indictment continued, had doubts about the program and expressed some concerns. Not knowing exactly how to respond, Flowers reached out to Crider and Kalehua and Troy Kukahiko asking for guidance.

The employees consulted with McManus. Flowers was later told that the “components” of the summer program were already built into San Juan Hills High’s football program and, therefore,“didn’t require students to spend any time outside of football practice.”

Responding to the concerned parents, Flowers told them that participation in the program was not mandatory.

“I didn’t have doubts. It was their program, and I was providing it,” Flowers told The Dispatch. “They said they would make a donation. But (the Prodigy program) was not mandatory. It was an option. I let the parents know that I thought it was a great opportunity.”

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However, by early August, Flowers did begin expressing doubts, believing the $200 per student SJH High was promised was “too good to be true.” Crider reported Flowers’ doubts back to McManus, who responded via text that “he would write the check to Aaron Flowers in blood if he had to.”

A few weeks later, Crider and Schrock personally delivered Flowers a check made out to the San Juan Hills’ Stallion Booster Club for $16,600, covering payment for the 83 participants enrolled in Prodigy’s SWAG program.

Prior to that visit, Crider and Schrock had spoken about bringing with them a Memorandum of Understanding, which would outline the $200-per-student agreement, as well as “lock in San Juan Hills High School for the next five years,” the indictment states.

It’s unclear whether that MOU was agreed upon or signed by any official from the school.

When asked when he knew that the program wasn’t “on the up and up,” Flowers said he wasn’t made aware that there was an issue until two months ago, when investigators called him.

“That’s the first I heard of it,” he said.

“There was nothing about this until this past March (when I was called by an investigator). I feel terrible that the school is even involved. I feel terrible that I was misled on it. Looking back, there are things I would do differently, and I trusted people.”

“I love that school,” he said, adding that he wants “the best for that school.” CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES Community Meetings Caltrans to Hold Public COMPILED BY STAFF

Meeting on Ortega Widening Environmental Report

The California Department of Transportation is seeking the public’s input over its project to widen the 1.1-mile stretch of Ortega Highway—locally known as the “chokepoint”—in San Juan Capistrano this month.

On June 25, Caltrans will host a public meeting at Kinoshita Elementary School from 5-7 p.m. to go over the project’s Environmental Assessment that was recently released.

The longstanding plans intend to widen Ortega between Calle Entradero and the eastern city limits near Reata Park from two lanes to four. The widening would help to mitigate traffic congestion, as that stretch of road currently narrows from four lanes to two, creating a bottleneck of motorists.

To submit comments regarding the project’s environmental report, send them to Associate Environmental Planner Carmen Lo at 1750 East 4th St., Suite 100, Santa Ana, or email D12LowerSR74@dot.ca.gov.

Kinoshita Elementary is located on 2 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano.

Shea Center Raises $1 Million at Gala The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center raised $1 million in donations from its 28th annual gala in Laguna Beach earlier this month.

More than 400 guests and Shea Center sponsors came out to the Montage Laguna Beach Grand Ballroom on June 1 for the riding center’s Don’t Stop Believin’ Gala— named after famed rock band Journey’s hit song, as the theme this year was 1980s music.

The Don’t Stop Believin’ Gala “also honors the positive outlook and courage of Shea Center clients and their families, who never stop believing in their abilities and potential successes,” the Shea Center said in a press release.

The Shea Center, which turns 41 this year, provides rehabilitative programs for those with disabilities through equinebased therapy, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy. The center is supported primarily through the donations of private citizens.

The center raised the $1 million through a silent auction of nearly 200 donated items that included a collection of fine wines and high-value luxury goods.

Guests were able to bid on jewelry from Winston’s Crown Jewelers and David Yurman creations, as well as South Coast Plaza gift certificates to Giorgio Armani, Page 7

TUESDAY, JUNE 25 Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

This week’s full community calendar will be posted at thecapistranodispatch.com.

Coach, Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo and Tod’s.

Romantic getaway packages for the RitzCarlton in Laguna Niguel and Les Saisons in Sun Valley, Idaho were also offered.

During the event, the Shea Center also handed out its annual Michael Lewis Friends of the Disabled Award—named for the center’s first rider in 1978—to Jeff Cunningham of Laguna Beach.

“Jeff Cunningham gets things done,” Shea Center Executive Director Dana Butler-Moburg said in the release. “He looks at the impossible and makes it possible. He leads with grace and integrity; he’s a leader to admire and truly one of the good guys!”

The award is meant to recognize the contributions of individuals, families and companies that have made positive impacts on those with disabilities.

OCFA Firefighters Prepare to Graduate After 16 weeks of arduous training, a total of 36 firefighters graduated from Orange County Fire Authority Academy 47 on Wednesday, June 5. The recruits entered the Irvine ceremony at the Orange County Fire Authority Regional Fire Operations and Training Center Drill Tower 1 and walked away as sworn probationary firefighters. Among the graduates were three former U.S. Marines. One retired as a Sergeant Major after a 26-year career, and another did three combat tours. A third graduate followed his grandfather’s career by serving in the military and then becoming a firefighter.

In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the graduation included fire and skill demonstrations by OCFA’s newest firefighters. Following graduation, the new probationary firefighters will be stationed throughout Orange County, where they will continue to train and test for the next year. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Families Enjoy the Village of Esencia – North America’s ‘Best master-planned community’

Children gather in a tent enclosure for their time with the butterflies. Photo: Courtesy of Peter Dang

Residents Launch Club for Kids in RMV

BY ANDREA CLEMETT, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Since Rancho Mission Viejo residents Peter and Roy Dang created their movie night club for children two years ago, participation has grown from 30 to more than 300 attendees, thanks to word of mouth.

Inspired by their own children, the Dangs envisioned the club as a way to expand friendships and create an activity that was not yet established in the RMV community. The club typically receives a turnout of fifth-graders, but it also has drawn toddlers to join in the fun.

The last outdoor movie night featured films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe series, such as Avengers, when crowds of all ages came out to view the films.

Roy Dang said the community of RMV has an abundance of young children, wherein the new elementary school, Esencia K-8, expects six kindergarten classes next fall.

Inspired by the painted lady butterfly migration in South Orange County this past spring, Peter Dang came up with a way to not only show movies to entertain the children, but to provide them with an environment for learning as well.

“We have done a lot of projects with our children at home, and they get so much out of it,” Roy said. “I also think it’s great for little girls to spark interest in the science field and not just push the boys, especially when they are able to participate in interestThe Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

ing projects where you can really see their brains turning.”

Peter opted to try a science-infused event, in which the children raised painted lady butterflies that were later released into the wild. The participating children purchased caterpillars and raised them in their own homes.

A few days before the butterflies fully metamorphosed, the children took the cocoons to the school, where the Dangs put them into a large tented enclosure with vented windows. A second tent was also put up, full of plants where the children could release ladybugs, with the intent to educate kids about natural pesticides.

On May 18, the day of the metamorphosis, which attracted more than 250 guests, groups of kids were able to spend 5-10 minutes in the enclosed butterfly tent, which had been decorated with chandeliers of origami and oranges for the butterflies to feed.

More than 200 butterflies hatched out of the cocoons that day, the Dangs said.

The Dangs anticipate their outdoor movie night calendar for this summer to feature Disney films, and they’re planning on organizing a Halloween dance this fall for both kids and parents to dress up in costumes.

Peter Dang said he is currently in the process of developing a few one- to twohour summer science-based events open to children in fifth grade and younger. The club will post its finalized schedule for these events on their Facebook page and on the Ranch Life website.

“The goal of the club is also to be educational and make learning fun,” Roy said. “These events are great opportunities for people to meet other people outside of their neighborhoods. That is something we strive for, where everyone is invited and no one is excluded.”

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The Village of Esencia at Rancho Mission Viejo is North America’s Best Master-Planned Community, an honor that reflects a lifestyle residents have always enjoyed! Heather and Freddie Tartaglia live in Esencia with their three sons, Asher, Ryder and Hunter—and all of them are very big fans of the awardwinning village.

“The way of life is so refreshing,” said Heather. “If people would just come out here and see everything Esencia has to offer, I’m sure they’d immediately buy a house, too.”

Her husband, Freddie, adds, “This is it! This is where I want my kids. This is where I want us. I think we are going to have a great life here!”

From its scenic South Orange County hilltop location, the Village of Esencia offers a full range of single-level and multi-story Napa-inspired homes, ranging in price from around $500,000 to more than $1 million.

The beautiful homes were designed for a wide range of lifestyles, including first-time homebuyers, couples, families, adventurous empty-nesters and, at the Gavilan neighborhoods, for residents aged 55 and up.

Residents enjoy the inter-generation-

al village’s focus on nurturing neighborliness among all ages and life stages, utilizing award-winning amenities and thoughtful programming to create a vibrant social life in neighborhoods that overlook a historic ranch featuring thousands of acres of permanently protected open space.

No other planned community in Orange County can match Rancho Mission Viejo’s huge offering of amenities and family-oriented activities, which include workshops, classes, health and wellness programs, happy hours and resident-led clubs, among many others.

At completion, the villages of Rancho Mission Viejo will occupy approximately 6,000 acres or 25% of the historic 23,000-acre Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County’s last working ranch, which has been held in the O’Neill/Avery/ Moiso family since 1882.

About 17,000 acres, or 75% of The Ranch, will be preserved for ranching, farming and the phased formation of a large habitat conservation area known as The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

To learn more, visit RanchoMissionViejo.com or visit the Village of Esencia Visitors Center located within The NorthWalk Neighborhoods at Esencia.

Inside a home in the Alma neighbored by Del Webb in the Village of Esencia.

Photo: Courtesy of The Ranch

A D V E R TOR I A L thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION:

By Mark Nielsen, former mayor of San Juan Capistrano

Open Space No Longer Open to Public?

T

he City of San Juan Capistrano is holding public workshops this month on the fate of our Northwest Open Space.

I urge you to make your voice heard at the last hearing on June 24 at the Community Center or by email to the city clerk and city council. As a primary author of Measure X—the Open Space Initiative the citizens overwhelmingly passed in 2008—I feel compelled to speak out on the city’s attempt to lease our Northwest Open Space for private use, either as a “glamping” and RV park or as a winery/restaurant complex (private commercial projects).

This would transform our public natural open space into essentially a privately controlled resort or business enterprise with significant buildings, concrete and limited public access for decades.

Most of us believe that our open space is a critical component of what makes San Juan Capistrano so unique. In particular, the city’s NW Open Space makes a major statement as to our character and heritage.

It was what first drew me here.

I remember driving south on Interstate-5 from my office in Irvine one night while looking for a residence after first arriving from Chicago. As I passed Avery Parkway, the lights suddenly went out, and I felt I had been transported to an oasis—with the

smell of orange blossoms!

To immerse oneself in the natural beauty of our creeks and trails allows you to be transported from the daily grind back to a simpler life that was enjoyed by the ranchers, farmers and Juaneños of yesteryear. While walking or riding through the NW Open Space trails, or picnicking in the meadow, one can still look at the natural hillsides, creeks and vegetation and see what our ancestors saw more than 100 years ago.

Now the majority of our council is poised to destroy a major piece of our city’s character, apparently in fear that we need to generate revenue from whatever source we can find or deciding that conversion of our natural open space into privately controlled recreational facilities better serves our quality of life.

Abandoning the soul of FORMER MAYOR our city’s character is not OF SJC the answer without a vote Marc Nielsen of the citizens.

Because open space is such an important part of our town’s defining character, it makes sense that citizens reserve to ourselves any loss or major change of this key asset. That is what we did in 2008 with Measure X. I disagree with city staff that changing the Land Use classification will not trigger Measure X voter approval. Not only would the change to the parcel’s current designation require a vote, but so would modifications to the permitted uses. This kind of change was precisely what we anticipated when we added the following ordinance language: “This voter approval requirement is intended to preclude any form of amendment to any existing General Plan designated open space parcel by any future City Council by a process of change or amendment to ‘definitions’ or other state-

ment of permissible uses . . . unless such change or amendment is submitted to and approved by a vote of the people.”

And on voter intent, let us not forget that in 1990 our citizens passed Measure D, which provided the money to purchase this NW Open Space. The intent of the citizens and promise of the city for the use of this parcel was made clear in the 1992 Open Space Master Plan that stated, “The Northwest Park Site is to be a rural community park . . . one that provides the opportunity for a variety of informal recreation use, nature study, equestrian use, historic interpretation, picnicking . . . a park that one can enter . . . and feel you’ve arrived in a natural area with minimum intrusion by man-made improvements and formed naturally, as if it has always been there. It also continues the function of a natural open space buffer to the City.”

Hardly a use that is consistent with either of the two private development options being considered by the city council.

I urge you to tell our city to remain true to the promise and vote of our citizens in both Measures D and X. To do otherwise is a breach of duty to our voters, opens the city to legal liability and forever destroys a major component of our unique character that makes clear to all traveling south that they have entered the bucolic oasis known as San Juan Capistrano.

Mark Nielsen is a local business executive and resident of San Juan for more than 30 years. He served on the City Council from 2006 to 2010 and was Mayor in 2009. He also chaired the city’s Open Space Committee. To respond to Mark’s guest opinion, send your comments and letters to letters@ thecapistranodispatch.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

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

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PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LARRY KRAMER —JOHN A. CALDWELL, San Juan Capistrano We are celebrating Larry Kramer, who becomes an octogenarian this month.

Those of us who know and have worked with Larry recognize what a high quality person he is. He truly deserves celebrating.

Besides being a good neighbor and family man, his life history reflects clear thinking, dedication to his personal beliefs, and good leadership. In the past, Larry served his country as a Naval Captain of nuclearThe Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

powered submarines, served as president of our San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club, served as a city Councilmember and as the mayor of our town. Today, he serves as an active advocate, addressing the reality of climate change. He reaches out to legislators from the city to the federal level. Once again, Larry has become a pillar of clear thinking and an effective motivator.

Many of us have taken on climate change as an important cause through Larry and the Orange County South Chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL).

Eileen and I are wishing Larry Kramer a happy 80th birthday by making our next car electric, changing light bulbs to LEDs, using less hot water, checking tires for proper inflation, learning to live with the AC unit set two degrees higher in the summer and the heat set two degrees

lower in the winter, going to town for more than one stop and, lastly, spreading the word about climate change.

Thank you, Larry. Happy birthday.

For more information about Citizens’ Climate Lobby see citizensclimatelobby.org.

Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@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.

Art Director > Jasmine Smith

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Letter to the Editor

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Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent EDITOR EMERITUS Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 17, Issue 11. 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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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Halston’ Becomes Vogue Again

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.

Saturday | 15 GARDENING WITH DESERT PLANTS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tree of Life’s Kevin Alison will give a talk on the plants of California’s deserts, covering the evolution of desert habitats as well as common adaptations of desert plants that allow them to survive and thrive in hot, dry climates. Alison will also highlight desert plants that can be planted throughout the summer and will add summer color to your garden. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685.

CaliforniaNativePlants.com.

SPORTS TRIVIA 3-5 p.m. Rally up your sports fanatic friends for an evening of drinks and fun at BrewHouse. Winners will get gift certificates as well as claim the title of BrewHouse Trivia Champion. The BrewHouse.

31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

Wednesday | 19 LADIES WINE AND SELF-DEFENSE NIGHT 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attention, all ladies, Pride Martial Arts is hosting a free self-defense series the third Thursday of every month and is inviting the whole community to join in a fun night of practical self-defense.

The event is open to all ladies 21 and older. After the class, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while networking with the other ladies in the community. Pride Martial Arts, 31103 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.218.8333. sjc@prideata.com. Prideata.com.

Thursday | 20 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-9 p.m. Five Vines Wine Bar presents its Open Mic Night every Thursday. Five Vines is looking for musicians, comedians, poets—anyone who wants a mic and an audience. Must be 21 and older. 31761 Camino Capistrano, #11, San Juan Capistrano. 949.800.9145. fivevineswinebar.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

EDITOR’S PICK Bodhi, an Australian Shepherd, took home prizes in the commands and agility contests at the 2017 Old Town Doggy Showdown. Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, JUNE 22: OLD TOWN DOGGY SHOWDOWN 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Fur-Ever Home for its third annual Old Town Doggy Showdown fundraiser and adoption event. No fee for entry, and the event features a live DJ, adoptable dogs and puppies, prize drawing, vendors, food trucks and doggy games. Historic Town Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.444.9154. fur-ever-home.org.

ACOUSTIC THURSDAYS AT BARNOA 7-9 p.m. Live music every Thursday. A rotating cast of Orange County’s most talented musicians play acoustic covers and original music. Enjoy a great wine selection, craft beers, tasty appetizers and Barnoa’s full dinner menu. Must be 21 and older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. barnoawinebar.com.

Saturday | 22 WARM-SEASON VEGETABLES 9-10 a.m. Do you still have time to plant warm-season vegetables? Or have you planted them and the weather is getting hot? Join the UCCE Orange County Master Gardeners to learn how to care for these crops—irrigation, pest tips and harvesting.

Register by calling 949.493.5911. Reata Park & Event Center, 28632, Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Mgorange.ucanr.edu.

PICNIC WITH POINTERS Noon-4 p.m. Bring your two- and fourlegged family for a fun-filled afternoon enjoying this fundraising and picnic event to benefit the German Shorthaired Pointers of the California GSP Rescue. Food, entertainment and merchandise will be available. The cost of admission for adults is $25; $20 for children aged 5-15. Tickets for well-behaved dogs are $15. This event is being held at a private residence in San Juan Capistrano. Once you purchase your tickets to the event, you will be given the

address. gsp-rescue.org.

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30-9:30 p.m. Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series is a fundraising concert series in support of preservation and sustainability of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Each concert features a top-notch tribute band lineup, celebrating a variety of timeless and nostalgic classics in popular music at the beautiful and historic setting of the Mission. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. Missionsjc.com.

Sunday | 23 MUSIC BINGO 7-9 p.m. The BrewHouse is calling all music whizzes to join its fun night of music bingo. The BrewHouse. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano.

949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

Thursday | 27 HORSEMAN’S HAPPY HOUR 6-9 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition to enjoy beer and horse talk with fellow equestrians at Docent Brewing. The Happy Hour is open to all SJCEC members and their friends.

Docent Brewing, 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuanequestrian.org.

Page 10

Photo: CNN Films

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hen the topic of legendary fashion design comes up, you typically hear the usual names: Valentino, Dior, Gucci and Yves St. Laurent. One name that was huge back in the mid-20th century, but has simmered a bit over the years is Halston. Why is this? Documentary filmmaker Frédéric Tcheng profiles the man’s life and career as the once most successful American-born fashion designer in the 1970s through his new feature, simply called Halston.

From 1961-1981, Roy Halston Frowick had an influential reputation as the go-to designer for high-class fashion.

He instantly became a household name for creating the famous pillbox hat First Lady Jackie Kennedy wore, and he made hot pants popular in the U.S. in 1969. His models included Iman, Marisa Berenson, Jerry Hall and Pat Cleveland. He had superstar clients such as Cher, Liza Minnelli, Cybill Shepherd and Bianca Jagger. Then things started spiraling downward when his brand merged with JC Penney in 1983 and, ultimately, to his premature death in 1990.

Tcheng is the director of the previous, well-received fashion design documentary Dior & I (2014), and here he picks up where he left off, but with a bit more personal slant.

The best parts of Halston are when we get to hear about his rise from a small-town, Midwest upbringing to the New York high life, as well as all of the personal memories from the famous models and actresses. The second half of the documentary focusing on the designer’s darker moments drags a bit, as does the unnecessary addition of millennial fashion writer/ actress Tavi Gevinson for narration.

But the film is interesting enough as an intro to a cultural icon. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

UNIFYING

Under a Common Goal

By Brandon Tong, San Juan Hills High School 2019 Scholar of Scholars, 4.9 GPA

G

ood evening, Principal Smalley, teachers, parents and, most importantly, students.

In Federalist No. 10, our future president, James Madison, would warn us about the danger of factions. These factions would divide us into competing groups, with no one group taking control.

Although this was published over 200 years ago, if James Madison was in a golf cart driving around campus today, he could see it clearly; it is our senior class.

Students who show up late to class every day, students who get a perfect attendance pencil at senior awards, and students who are somewhere in between.

Students who clap after AP tests are over, students with a serious case of senioritis, and students who just take the tests.

Yellow robes, White robes, Blue robes.

Now, I’m not saying factions are a bad thing. If everyone were the same, with no different groups, we would all be boring.

However, when split like this, sometimes we forget our common goal, to graduate from San Juan Hills High School and move forward.

But, we’re still different.

Look around you; there’s someone different near you.

We’ve all walked our own paths to get where we are. We all have our own experiences. We all look, talk, and act differently.

But, we’re not that different.

Imagine we had no mirrors, no reflections or cameras, nothing to show us who we are. Well, look around you; there’s a mirror to your left and a mirror to your right.

We’re all moving toward something, even those who ditch every day. We can see that in every one of us, there’s something there that makes us who we are.

Everyone’s had a turn at the pottery wheel shaping us into the sculpture we are today. So why not give a hand back to those people who are there for you? It doesn’t matter if they shot you in Assassins, there’s drama, or just some bad vibes between two people.

Let’s not forget how similar we really are.

We are coolmathgames.com.

We’re a collection of different stories, of different games that all reside on the same website. Sometimes we’re even blocked by the district, but always come back every time, just like the website. Because you can’t block something so many people love.

You can’t block the Class of 2019.

This nation of students cannot leave this school like groups of people. We’re groups of stallions. That means we ride for the brand, and stand together helping each other out because we know it’s the right thing to do.

San Juan Hills High School gave us the opportunity to be different than the previous graduating class of 2018.

And we definitely exceeded expectations.

But, just because we’re not all dressing up, doesn’t mean we’re a boring class. It just means we unify under our common goal.

• Remember when we got Justin Nguyen voted as homecoming king?

• Remember when we came together and voted up a prom court no other class can match?

While we may all be tiny dots in a big universe, let’s be like Dippin’ Dots and all hang around each other.

Before we take this next step in our journey, let’s be more like a senior nation.

Let’s show James Madison how we really deal with factions in 2019.

San Juan Hills High School CLASS OF 2019

Elise Marie Abedi Alexandra Aguilar Celia Janet Aguilar Carlos Daniel Aguirre Omar Al-Ali Cade Ryan Albright Daniel Amador Sergio Fabian Anaya Bejarano Alissa Brooke Andrade Austin Michael Aragona Caitlin Elizabeth Armstrong Keila Stefanie Astono Ryan Edward Aswegan Akshat Ketan Ataliwala Veronica Dela Cruz Atayde

Jamie Finnegan Auer Jaime Ivan Ayala Lindsay Lauren Backer Gabrielle Genevieve Baillargeon Lindsay Ann Bain Sophia Camille Bak-Boychuk Nicole Christine Baker Richard James Ballew Daniel Banda Lopez Benjamin Robert Bandettini Jonathan Jamal Barber Alyssa Teagan Barkwell Kennedy Marie Barns Arianna Barrera Madison Julianne Beebe

Kyle Kale Bengelsdorf Isabella Victoria Benice Colin J Benson Luciana Spring Benzan Hanna Marie Berkompas Brandon Lee Besler Pazinah Hoshang Bhadha Ty Lynn Birtles Zoey Clare Bjorkman Rylen Charles Bockrath Isabelle Brooke Bolotin Hailey Marie Bond Chase Andre Bouquet Conner Ryan Boxell Tiffany Dawn Breig

Derek Christian Lee Brenneman Kay-Cee Asagra Broadhurst Megan Elizabeth Brooks Savanna Rae Brooks Katherine Elizabeth Brubaker Bailey Sage Bruton Kenyi Dayana Bucio Rachel Campuzano Hannah Keli Carlson Tony Carlson Kyler Kristofer Carney Samuel James Cartledge Alma Rosa Castaneda Christian Castaneda

Raquel Rae Castillo Sabrina Claire Castro Ernesto Cayetano Javier Cervantes Logan Christopher Chavez Victor Daniel Chavez Chloe Faye Chen Lindsey Grace Chin Samantha Wai Choi Eli Hansen Chon Nicole Kimberly Tui Chua Ibeth Cibrian Jacquline Cirilo Garrett Daniel Clime William J Codd

John Robert Coffey Jack Robert Collins Claire Michele Cone Syann Rayne Conway Salvador Contreras-Vega Landon Scott Cook Marcos Cortes Blanco Katya Paola Cortes-Reyes Madeline Ana Cowman Nicolas Taylor Criscito Elizabeth Cruz Nicole Cruz Collette Madeline Curtis Reilly Lauren Daggett Nathan Anthony Daigneault Joshua M Dalo Tiffany Crystal Dang Emma Rachel Dart Jason Ryan Daser Abbey Clarice Dayton David Andres De Anda Leonardo Goncalves Barbosa De Araujo Cole Richard De Cecco Giovanna Christine DeJohn Alessia Marie Del Monico Ethan Jeffrey DeLaurie Yesenia Ascencion Delgado Grace Llewellyn Dennen Ashlynn Rose Desco Angel Armando Diaz Jesus Adrian Diaz Timothy Jon Diersing Jordan Nicholas Difilippo Bianca Isabella DiVerde Isabel Soleil Donaldson Connor William Drasler Audrey Elizabeth Dunn Joshua Robert Dunphy Brandon Scott Duplanty Adia Edwards DeShun Edwards Olivia Sarah Eiler Adam William Engelke Esperanza Esquivel Jose Felix Estrada Guerrero Liam McCool Fahey Marco Navarro Fajardo Iridiana Farias Jackson Dean Farner Zain Ahmed Faruqi Abigail E Fehlman Connor James Ferguson Zachary Ray Ferguson Mia Gabrielle Ferjulian David Fernandez Anthea Rose Fisher Emily Anne Fletcher Armando Florentino Dalton John Flores Jose Flores Uriostegui Elibeth Dafne Flores-Medina Gavin Grant Fluegge Amanda Jaye Fohrman Donovan Lewis Foley Matthew San-Chuen Fong Sabrina Nicole Fortier

Caden M Foy Cameron Bernard John Freestone Dylan M French Joshua Sterling French Berenice Galindo Eric Agustin Garcia Francisco Agustin Garcia Rory Conor Gavin Sierra Nicole Gaynor Kevin Daniel Gazga Giovanni Vincent Gentile Sarah Calista Gick Blake Harrison Gifford Morgan Rose Gill Susan Lynne Gill Jacob Gillis Tyler Preston Giraldin Nathan James Giraud Dylan Gage Goffinet Stephanie Lynne Goldbaum Sloane Jorja Goldfader Tara Lane Goldhammer Josue Daniel Gomez Alexander Louis Gonzalez Angelica Charlene Gonzalez Kira Jacqueline Goodman Jack Campbell Goodwin Jack T Gow Ian Matthew Gray Neily Gwendolynn Green Savina Lei’Ilima Green Autumn Nicole Ground

Eleni Grace Guerena Nicolas David Guerena Angel Sergio Gutierrez Jose Guzman Amanda Isabella Haimes Lacey Jane Hall Rachel Nicole Hall Jacob Ryan Hamblin Summer Kay Hamilton Kyle Scott Hampson Katherine Esme Hansen Ausna Haris Camille Haroutunian Olivia C Harry Jenna Rose Hartstein Abby Elizabeth Hazen Chloe Mae Heesch Riley Lynn Heesch Savanna Rose Henderson Emily Kamille Hernandez Yahel Hernandez Seyla Raine Herranen-Ricketts Giselle Herrera Ashley Arelis Herrera-Valentin Sean Rowan Higuchi Zachary Grant Hilde Brigham Spencer Hill Liza Kate Hladek Keaton Colleen Hodges Dakota Kai Frances Huckabaa Avery Grace Hudson Olivia Grace Huff Hannah Sophia Hughitt

Mitchell David Hunt Jenna Rose Husli Christian Vichit Huynh Neema Gavin Jabbour Darius Arman Jackson Marisa Chantelle Jacobsen Julian Alain Jarricot Kellan Rose Jenner Angela Jijon Bonny Jimenez Urbano Alvarado Jimenez Ethan Scott Johannes Connor Jordan Johnson Katherine Rose Johnson Kristian David Johnson Sadie Marie Jones Jinous Isabel Jooyan Aria Kajeh Maximillian Colton Kalb Samantha Marie Kamp Chloe Camille Kern Justin Alexander Kern Nathanael Yaechan Kim Emma Claire Knutson Valentina Michelle Komarov Cameron Alexander Kosmides Lucas San Miguel Krall Victoria Da-Jung Kraus Tyler Kreider Mathias Bang Kristensen Connor Alan Kuczynski Chancey Thomas LaBrecque Ryan Bret Lachemann

Isabella Lara Andrei Tudor Lasc Lucy Isabella Law Faith Jihae Lee Morgan Marie Lehr Carson Kilroy Lewis Kobe JH Lin Trent Joseph Warren Little Jiayue Liu Samuel Liam Lockhart Alexa Marie Lopez Brandon Lopez Diana Lopez Ustin Zaith Lopez Yanaisa Lopez Cole Thomas Lowey Noah Deitrick Lugo Taylor Melay Luna Tayler Renee Lynch Marydith Jelene Macabale Elliot Scott MacAdam Uriel Felipe Macias James Patrick Mahoney Joseph Shin-Ang Maloney Matthew Robert Mansoor Stephanos Andrew Margaretis Mirka Berenice Marquez Alyssa Lizette Martinez Ramone Daniel Marzolo Kurtis Jeffrey Maulin Seth James McCaughey Caroline Anne Mcclaskey (Continued)

(Continued) Jordan Aley McFadden Griffin Davenport McGowan Brian Edward McKeagney Palmer David McKeague Amy Elizabeth MedranoGuerra Mia Lauren Meltzer Nancy Adriana Mendez Nicolas Ryan Mendiola Elsa Mendoza Jessica Mendoza Haile Mestiza Flores Elizabeth F Mettler Madison Kathleen Midland Calib Mel Mihalczo Benjamin C Mitaux-Maurouard Robert Joseph Mitteco Megan Mohler Marilyn Molina Adrian Michael Molinar Rylee Shea Monaghan Chase T Monarch Hannah Arielle Moodie Lauren Ahreum Moon Thomas Michael Moore Kamille Morales Luis Angel Moreno Jennifer Erin Moriarty Makailey Marie Motte Yasmin Mousa Jillian Lee Moyer Rory Moyles Skyler William Mudge Katie Elizabeth Muniz Ashley Brianna Nannis

Richard Santiago Nava Maralynne Navarro Preston Jack Nelson Nathan Christopher Newkirk Justin Duy Viet Nguyen Kayla Thao My Nguyen Sabrina Huynh Nguyen Alison Michelle Nicolai Liam Padraig O’Connor Jose Leonardo Olivo Kaitlyn Elizabeth Ord Christian Lawrence Ortiz Eduardo Ortiz Marcos Ortiz Hernandez Case Rennolds Ostrom Jordan Rachel Parkhurst Bryan Parra Jaylan Patel Courtney Paulson Abraham Calderon Peak Addison Pearlman Jonathan Pedroza Grace Lynn Pemberton Jasmine Diana Pena Chloe Estelle Pereida Brian Perez Melanie Heidi Perez Marlene Perez Tello Joanna Eden Gates Perlas Catherine Key Petersen Robert Edward Peterson Cole Kumar Gregory Phillips Nicole Marie Pinto Nicholas Tristan Platt Mariela Ponce Mendoza Phoebe Anne Popplewell

Hayley Kathryn Port Noah Zachary Porter Lauren Precioso Olivia Price Boone Keiichi Purnell Delaney Noelle Puthuff Alejandro Quintana Espinosa Donovan Ramy Quomsieh Najah Qureshi Gloria Ramirez Jerry Emmanuel Ramirez Leslie Ramirez Maritza Ramirez Roger Ramirez Yajahira Neftali Ramirez Pimentel Danielle Faith Randolph Julia Truth Ransom Cooper Ethan Rapp Joshua Masaki Rauterkus Cole Michael Rawlings Kyle Stewart Rawlings Marlee Ellis Ressler Jennah Elizabeth Reyes Sean Michael Rhyan Cynthia Jannet Rivera Enrique Daniel Rivera Trevor Ethan Rizzi Shane Thomas Roberson Randy Rodriguez Taylor Renee Rodriguez Clarissa Susanna Roh Emily Katherine Romaniolis Melanie Rae Rooten Nanci Estephanie Rosales Connor M Rose

Aaron Alexander Rothman Chelsea Edith Ruiz Ethan Joshua Sakach Skylar Joy Sako Thomas Michael Salmon Ebander Sanchez Jazmin Sanchez Luis Sanchez Claire Marie Sandefur Anthony Sandoval Nava Ross Martin Sangalang Skylar R Santana Anthony Patrick Sarantos Solei Aliyah Sarmiento Samuel David Satossky Megan Young-Hee Schmid Henry Eriksen Schreiner Joshua Dylan Schroeder Sophie Elizabeth Mary Scullion Anya Neomie Searle Sydney Wai Ling Segraves Jenna Deanne Sentman Jules Rivera Serlin Delainey Bren Shadjareh Sydney Christina Shields Sean Harrison Sidles Makena Christian Siebert Omar Silva Sanchez Linus Simpson Monica Miyu Sivayavirojna Sophia Anne Skarvan Lauren N Skinner Cole Everett Smith Matthew Darrel Alexander Smith Matthew Steven Smith

Payden John Smith Victoria Mariko Smith Virginia Smith Jose Kabir Snell Sianna Lenae Soto Dylan Brenneman Stam Samantha K Stewart Robert A Stoica Emma Kristine Stokes Riley Nicole Stonger Nicole Janelle Strauch Lana Majdi Suleiman Ella Miro Sumich Jeffrey Joshua Sung Justin Paul Supe Alicia Devika Sutjipto Gavin James Taylor Allison Lorraine Teas Taytum Tercenio Brennen Joseph Thomas Michelle K Thomas Eduardo Tiempos Chloe Carol Tilton Casey Rosemarie Tindall John Joshua Tizuela Max Douglas Tobin Brandon Kingsley Tong Elianett Jaquelinne Torres Sutton Garrett Tucker Kayden Dawn Turner Emma Rae Twardy Elise Rose Tysdal Kaleyah Celine Aquino Uy Gustavo Valle Joseph Valverde Cole Jace Vander Broek Mateo Gabriel Vargas Sasha Kamaile Vargas Nicole Vargas Martinez Halle Elisabeth Varner Mariel Aylen Vas Tomas Gabriel Vas Caden Ray Vaughn Julyanna Vazquez Kevin Vazquez Perez Gianna Velasco Ashley Velazco Racquelle Marie Vellandi John Michael Lagamon Victorino Yenifer Calixto Vidal Yuridiana Vidal Rosendo Villegas Sofia Grace Votava Trent Joseph Wagner Savannah Marie Wagoner Chase Thomas Rowe Waller Dylan Kane Warther Ambriel Faith Wheeler Bryan Daniel Whitfield Megan Isabelle Winkelmann Trenton Wood Devin Forrest Wright Olivia Jane Wyckoff Kylie Ann Yamano Sierra Kate Young Sydney Jayne Young Dong-Hyun Yu Raquel Zaragoza Sharon Kimberly Zumwalt

Sharing the GOLD Memories of the Last Four Years B Y S A N J U A N H I L L S H I G H S C H O O L P R I N C I PA L J E N N I F E R S M A L L E Y

T

rustee Jones, Chief Communication Officer Burris, former principals, parents, staff and, most importantly, the graduates for the Class of 2019 …

Welcome to your graduation day at the Badlands Stadium!

I begin this afternoon wanting to acknowledge that this particular graduating class and I share a special kinship.

We began our journey together here at San Juan Hills High School at the same time.

As you all began your first year of high school, I, too, began my first year as your principal. During our freshman year together, we learned very quickly what it meant to be a Stallion: We experienced the intensity that vibrates through the gym during a Pep Rally, the chanting of R.F.T.B. at football games, and we read The Express newspaper that reported on important topics such as mental health and immigration. Walking through the halls, moving from class to class, we all started to find our stride in this new home.

As Jenna Hartstein reminds us, “Four years ago, you may have been unsure of what your experiences at San Juan Hills High School would look like. But over the years, you decked yourself out in bright colors to cheer on our football team. You laughed at the boat races—especially the ones that sank. You tutored students through Link Crew and NHS. You got involved in clubs, performed in our theater and founded organizations.”

Now, as I look out at the Class of 2019, I see a diverse group of students who

not only worked hard to make our school distinguished in all areas, but they did it with remarkable grace and kindness. All of your families and loved ones, and those of us who saw you in our classrooms, on our fields, in our studios and on our stages, watched how you achieved some tremendous feats: Cooper Rapp created our first-ever Ride for the Brand poster that all future students will see for years to come.

We celebrated Zain Faruqui and Jenna Husli as they won Best Vocalists at the Macy’s Awards, which is the first in our school’s history.

We praised our AVID seniors who won numerous scholarships this year—the most ever for our school, including David Fernandez, San Juan Hills’ first Angel’s Scholar, who won a full scholarship to UCI. We cheered on our athletes. UCLA-

bound Sean Rhyan is the No. 1 offensive lineman in California and No. 3 in the nation. BYU-bound Abbey Dayton was on varsity volleyball all four years and accomplished the almost impossible feat of never losing a league game.

The Class of 2019 led San Juan Hills to a record number of league championships this year. Football, Girls Basketball, Girls Water Polo, Girls Soccer, Softball and Baseball got further in the playoffs than they ever have and Boys Tennis brought in the second CIF championship in our school’s history. And we can’t leave out how excited BYU’s fans are to meet Cade Albright and his former mullet.

We saw our seniors work together on teams to compete and succeed in winning awards in so many areas: from Model United Nations, Academic Decathlon, and Virtual Enterprise.

These are just a few of the many incredible achievements and legacies the Class of 2019 leaves behind for all future Stallions to celebrate.

Alec Tighe reaffirms this idea when he said, “Four years ago, I would not have believed how much my life has changed.”

While the next adventure in life leads you away from all of us here, it is important to take everything you achieved during your time as a Stallion and embrace the new.

As Fiza Qureshi shared, “It is time to open a new chapter, one that is filled with endless opportunities that are waiting for you to accomplish. As you begin your next journey, whether it be starting to work, attending a vocational school, community college, or a four-year institution, never forget to take risks and opportunities that come your way.”

Stallions, you have worked really hard to reach this moment. All of us here applaud those moments where you fought against your own self-doubt during the last four years, and turned that energy into potential and promise.

While looking at this year’s yearbook, I reflected on the words the 2019 staff so eloquently wrote, “Our memories should be the best ones. . . . Let these good memories be the GOLD that shines through.”

Class of 2019, my first freshman class, thank you for four years of GOLD memories.

As you walk out of the Badlands Stadium this evening, your home away from home, no matter where you go, what you do, or who you meet, know that these four years of GOLD memories go with you.

You will forever be a Stallion, and always remember to ride for the brand!

Capistrano Valley Christian School CLASS OF 2019 Zachary Alessi Sanaz Babaie Jace Baqui Amanda Brooks Michael Cairns Shay Carpenter Esmeralda Chagoya Mukai Chen Ying “Bridget” Chen Grayden Fanning Christian Harris Jacob Hazzard Lawrence Henry Hanyue “Ciel” Hu Jacob Juarez Preston Ketel Lance Koen Yunxuan “Fiona“ Liao Zihan “Austin” Lin Yifan“Oliver” Lu Aaron Mansfield

Photo: Courtesy of AccentPortraitsbydiana.com

Nathan Marchand Sean McDaniel Charlie Miller

Mikayla Mindte Festus Ndumanya Kahlil Peterson

Blaine Petronis Riely Petronis Sabel Piper

James Porrello Austin Rapp Hannah Rauh Caleb Richie Jack Roberts Keara Rutz Mason Sinner Christian Smith Sage Stein Haoyuan“Eason” Sun Yilin“Elaine” Sun Rachel Torok Khanh “Anna” Truong Xinyuan “Tony” Wang Keegan Wellons Trennon Williamson Robert Wood Zixi “Bella” Yang Seth Yu Xiaoya “Amy” Zhou

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School CLASS OF 2019 *Valedictorian: Natalie Yee will be attending University of Pennsylvania in the fall. **Salutatorian: Taylor Wong will be attending University of Notre Dame in the fall.

Master List Indigo Rose Agan Andrew Ethan Ahn Claire Marie Allison Stephanie Nicole Amoukhteh TomĂĄs Anderson Comas Hugo Francisco Aviles II Tiana Asal Baird Duke Christian Ballard Solomon Leonard Banks IV Madison Brown Barkate Samantha McGee Behle Gracyn Michelle Benck Charles Thomas Bienert Allie Mackenzie Binder Isabella Montanya Blount Paul A. Boranian Kendall Olivia McIntosh Bottjer Elyse Jacqueline Bryant Trevor Andrew Camp Andi Wynn Carnell Jennifer Caroline Carpenter Wes Reynolds Carr Ashlee Malia Caruana Christopher Braden Chan

Scott Lee Choi Gilbert Chung John Morgan Clarey II Matthew Ryan Colglazier Samantha Cruz-Sanchez Linna Rose Cubbage Stephen Robert Deck Grayson Robert Dow Kenton William Dow Juliette Emma Duran Tristen William Egdorf Michael Dominic Etchandy Jr. Amy Fabian Janey Morgan Fales Nicklaus Thomas Falshaw Mina Ashley Farahbod Brandon Armando Fernandez Nicholas Paul Fournier Jason Maurice Garrett Miranda Rose Gilbert Maximillian Tristan Goffman Robert David Graham Kevin Serrell Groeninger Veronica James Guerinot Annalee Adeline Gunderson Lauren Kay Haller Zane Handy Mason Zachary Harline Natalie Alexandra Haugan Ethan Ernest Hill Henry Harris Jacobs Charles Cyrus Jafari Truett Ethan Karstetter

Carly Anne Kellner Grant Patrick Kinsey Alexander Franklin Kratzer Declan Alexander Landau Alexander James Lanham Ava-Rose Emily Lawler Kayla Danielle Leahy Luke Walter Linaweaver Tate Marie Lissaur Kyle Patrick Lynds Gillian Margaret Mann Baxter Barry Marcus Matthew Alan Margason Julia Lena Martin Zoe Campbell Mellard Nicole Michelle Miles Andrew Grant Moore James Douglas Mott III Connor Daniel Nock Chantz Norris Lily Joy Norwood Hannah Olsen Lauren Cecilia Otterbein Rhiannon Harmony Stodden Parker Magdalena Perez-Quintana Elena Madeleine Plumb Daniel Joseph Policicchio Jr. Stuart Marley Pollard Kelly Christine Ramm William David Reinkensmeyer William Richard Riddle Allison Marie Roy

Romina Tiffany Sahafi Erik Lyman Scheel Eloise Juliet Scott Layla Izabell Shakerin Langston Bayer Sholl Alexander Joseph Smith Michael Lewis Smith Lauren Taylor Standiford Katelyn Morey Stephens Emily Margaret Sun Keyon Talieh Harrison Gerald Yoshinori Tanaka Lillian Alohilani Thomas Sarah Lila Thurin

Koa Henry Todd Megan Elizabeth Vandenburg Christopher John Vartanian Andrew Booth Vollero IV Nico Vorzimer Jordan Taylor Westendorf Anne Elizabeth Weston Finian Thomas Williams John Benjamin Wohlgemuth Jack Blaise Wojcik **Taylor Kathryn Wong Keely Gwynne Yeargin *Natalie Emma Yee Jack Mitchell Young Kevin Zhu

JSerra Catholic High School CLASS OF 2019 Isabella Helena Abusaid Faith Whitney Adams Milan Paige Alessandra Jacob Dwight Allison Jacob Khalifa Alshammiry Andrew Carl Anawalt Nicole Arabella Andri Jacob Ryan Angel Ellie Grace Antonic Andrew Ray Antonius Ryan Chandler Arzu Sarah Jena Ayala Alison Sheree Baarstad Zhanpeng Bai Leila Estelle Baumberger Caden Joseph Bell Gysel Bequer Caden Gray Blyth Mariah Jewel Bohl Joren Chase Bowling Aidan Matthew Boyer Jake Joseph Boyle Lance Jeffery Brack Luc Michael Bragdon Patrick Christopher Brahney Emerson Riley Broders Patricio Gerardo Brook Velasco Samuel Allen Brooks Connor Jordan Brown Victoria Anne Brown Matthew Christopher Burkhardt Sofia Amin Burton Gianna Elizabeth Calo Peter Spencer Cameron Jose Maria Carvajal Delgado Douglas Scott Cavanaugh Sophia Louise Cestari Hao Chen Jia Jia Chen Rui Chen Zhuoyao Chen Camden Brooke Chenault Michael Greco Cifarelli Victor Donnell Clanton Jr. Zachary Weston Clark Conor Patrick Clarke Calvin Lee Cole Anthony Joseph Collica Makenna Eileen Collick Hunter Thomas Cranton Michael James Curialle Grace Marie Currie Jacquelyn Nicole Dalke Morgan Ann Daly Cole Daniel Isabella Louise D’Aquila Danielle Louise Darrow

Isabella Malia de la Fuente Maria Belen Dentzel Helmy Peyton Joelle Dewers Fan Diao Addison Anne Didier Emilie Marie Dufault Maria Kristiana Duran Kevin Christopher Dwyer Lydia Marie Eberling Joshua Michael Evans Ryan Alexander Farmer John Michael Ferletic McKenna Elizabeth Fitch Emilee Gretchen Foerstel Jacob James Fonseca Olivia Fonseca Hagen Cole Foreman Kyle Christopher Foster Shayne Marie Francisco Dianhong Fu Hakeem Olajuwon Ganiyu Peiyao Gao Matthew Daniel Geary Carlos Agustin Germann Kayla Ghodsi Charles Spencer Gibson Lauren Nicole Gibson Jacob Steven Gosselin Alyson Cheryl Graham Emma Catherine Gray Zoe Reese Gray Dylan Joseph Griffin Megan Isabelle Griffith Sean Miller Griswold Mark Elias Gross Lara Irene Guidotti Abigail Louisa Guinane Rang Guo Xuran Guo Jacob Robert Hager Allison Brown Haggarty Brooke Adam Haggarty Brooke Elyse Hall Grace Patricia Hanlon Taylor Nicole Hanna Ryan Thomas Harding Jack Jeffrey Harlow Sydney Jade Harvey Shea Arthur Hastings Emma Grace Hayes Kristina Hayrapet Jason He Jack Thomas Hemphill Nicholas King Hendrick Bruno Hernandez Shannon Michelle Hernandez Peter Ryan Herold Breanna Marlene Hickey

Aliya Hidirlar Christine Ann Honda Giulia Maria Horan Katherine Joan Hormuth Yu-Wei Huang Jeongwoo Hyun Mackenzie Kelly Isaksen Sophia Ann Isales Nena Mai Jamison Dylan Michael Jaquez Mengqian Jiao Charles Joseph Jimenez Chloe Desiree Julian Jessica Faith Kardish Elizabeth Mary Karzak William Chase Katafias Jenner Thomas Kay Jillian Mary Kay Matthew Joseph Kearney Isabella Leticia Kechejian Trevor Austin Keenan Jordyn Kendall Kerley Sophie Anya Kharileh John Augustine Kheriaty Jonas Alexander Kiani Nathaniel Austin Kirk Blake Andrew Klassen Max Dieter Kleinhammes Sean Anthony Klement Kaitlin Marie Knight Bridgette Alexandria Kohl John Paul Boyle Kraus Julia Suzanne Krueger Jillian Ann Kurlfink Frances Carmela Lange London Storey Langley Cassidy Ann Larkin Amanda Margaret Lauener Justin Andrew Lebeauf Allison Marie Leukanech Enji Li Jiahe Li Manzhen Liang Yiwen Liu Garrett Michael Louie Averi Ann Lozinski Tarik Demond Luckett Seth Michael MacKellar Claire Angelyn Maiona Riley Joseph Majano Claire Therese Manning Athena Mene Manta Paul Mathews Munir Mustafa McClain Robert Cole McCutcheon Madison Elizabeth McGuill Lily Michael McNamara Justinas Antanas Memenas

Christina Merrifield Richard Thomas Meyer Andrew John Miller Etuate Ofahelotu Moala Asal Matilde Mobayen Kelly Irene Mohr Quantraill Jomar Morris Walker Christiaan Settimio Mosconi Calvin Thomas Mouisset Caitlin Jean Mueller John Daniel Muri Mariam Elise Murphy Patricia Belen Neciosup Sanchez Shawn Patrick Nielsen Brennan Bjorn Noring Ericka Evelyn Oden Noelle Marie Ohmann Katherine Grace Outhwaite Mollie Kathleen Owen Griffin Lee Paler Charles Bradley Parr Alexandra Pavy Shaye Ariana Pettis Braeden Ryan Phillips Christiana Alexis Prekopa Connor Michael Presley Catarina Nicole Presutto Maxim Henry Prosser Yu Han Pu Yue Qin Qiance Qiu Camille Emily Quinn Joseph Vincent Ragsdale Michael Christopher Ramirez Keeley Shay Rasich Blake Urban Reed Katrina Leilani Reinart Ashley Frances Rescigno Grant Timothy Ristoff Paul Andre Roche Dennis Thayne Rodman Marissa Helen Rodriguez Hannah Catherine Romano Jessica Anne Ronan Parker Gregory Roseen Zachary Dane Round Brett Rudy Daniela Sharlene Rugeti John Otto Rydell Andrew Gregory Sad Taylor Jo Sanchez Parker Michael Santos Roman Daniel Schrock Christian Davis Schrodt Takoda Manuel Shelby Ashley Gwyneth Shelter

Elizabeth Louise Sherwood Tyler Austin Shimomura Sydnie Elizabeth Soucek Luke Stuart Spencer Zachary Ryan Stephen Dylan Patrick Stewart Hunter James Stovesand Natalie Rita Strazzulla Skylar Rose Strickland Morgan Alexandra Strnad Faith Nicole Styck Zhanqi Su Yu Jin Suh Ryan Suliafu Sydney Allison Sweet Gabriela Nin Swonk Patrick Thomas Szyman Nadia Loren Tabrizi Daniel Bremer Thomas Pengwei Tian Daniel Toan Ton-That Ben Rhys Topkis Matthew John Tyler Reese Michael Valeriano Ronnie Pernell Vaughn Elise Noelle Velau Lillia Grace Velau Paige Frances von der Linden Antonino Michele Vultaggio Andrew Charles Wager Emily Hazel Wagner Payton Skyy Walker JiXiang Wang Shengyuan Wang Yichen Wei Kevin James White Nicholas Ryan Williams Olivia Williams Ashton Alexandra Woodbury Jerry Wu Luwei Wu Wanqian Wu Zhiyu Wu Zitai Xiong Hao Xu Tianjuan Xu Lang Ye Hannah Yeager Joseph Patrick Yezbak Yilei Ying Matthew Michael Yorba Haochen Yu Hailey Xavia Zehren Hanlun Zeng Suyu Zhang Nike Zheng Chenyang Zhou Jiayang Zhou

Saddleback Valley Christian School CLASS OF 2019 Mason Scott Allen Jacob Edward Armstrong Ashley Grace Bahorich Payton Annabel Blair Raquel Marie Boatman Allie Nicole Boyce Nicholas Robert Brunstetter Cade Gerald Carter Christa Aneska CatalanGomez Jackson Aubrey Combs Carissa Jean Counts Logan Elizabeth Cranford Maxwell George Crevier Isabella Faith D’Avanzo Jehla Lachell Davis Abigail Leigh Deever Grace Kay deViso Kyle Christopher Douphner George Noble Dyer

Regan Mae Eberhart Robyn Tary Eilts Esther Chie Fanger Markus Lee Flathmann Bradley Steven Foreman Gustavo Ruben Garcia Jr. Ethan Thomas Glass Lauren Caroline Glass Casey Lee Goodman Elijah Lewis Todd Gordon Logan Michael Griffith Douglas Edison Hamada Zehua Han Johanna Maria Heltsley Kel Edward Robert Henjum Isaiah Rikio Howard Carly Rose Huebner Noah Douglas Hyepock Shayne Rae Ingoglia Ryan Audrey Jensen

Maryjane Louisa Johnson Zachary Davis Kish Jacob Anthony LaBruna Avery Sage Lalor Emma Riley Lalor Cameron Joy Landry Jiajing Li Yifan Li Tiara Rose LoCicero Xinrui Luo Shae Austin Mackler Tanner McGuire Malone Jacob Taylor Martin Timothy James Martin Brendan David Martinez John Paul McCain Maric Edward McDonnell Caden Andrew McGauley Elijah Thomas McLaughlin Skyler Robert McLaughlin

Ezri Taylor Miller Miranda Rose Moore Isaac Moreno Hailey Hanna Park Trinity Katherine Powell Zachary Thomas Puente Nolan David Purdy Cole Thomas Reinecke Kendall Joy Reinecke Kylee Alyssa Ruiz Jocelyn Anastasia Rutman Michaela Brooke Sampson Dont’e Lamont Seltzer Jr. Cole Edward Sexton James Christopher Shunk Johannes William Starks Kendall Gianna Stier Madison Gabrielle Stier Joel Graham Stockstill Jack Patrick Sweeney

Allyson Renée Thomas Jackson William Tippner Victoria Ruby Verruto John Anthony Wahlmeier Sterling Isaac Walbrink Yepeng Wang Nathan Thomas Ward Ziqi Wei Lauren Amber Westcott Madeline Lydia Wilson Bella Christiana Withers Jenna Joyce Wood Wenyi Yang Luke Woodson Zapp Samantha Lynn Zehring Hanchen Zeng Longdan Zhang

GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: Crystal Bowersox

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

rystal Bowersox is used to performing songs in front of a live audience.

The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, who is back on the road this summer and will be debuting some new material, particularly enjoys interacting with her fans during and after the shows.

“I really enjoy meeting people after the shows and hearing stories from people about how my music has played a role in their lives or maybe helped them get through something difficult or even just helped them celebrate something like a wedding or love,” she said.

But lately, Bowersox has embraced a new form of song writing and performing: musical theater. For the past several months, she’s been putting together a show about her life entitled “Trauma Queen,” which she says is the most personal piece of work she’s ever written.

“With my songs, there is a little bit of ambiguity with some of it, or it’s just slightly vague so that other people can insert their own experience,” Bowersox said. “With this show, ‘Trauma Queen,’ it is my story from start to finish and all the struggles and things that I’ve dealt with.”

When The Capistrano Dispatch spoke about the project with Bowersox, who was the runner-up during American Idol’s Season 9, she admits she was hesitant about exposing all of the details of her life.

“The thought of spilling all my secrets on a stage in front of people was not appealing to me,” she said.

Bowersox teamed up with playwright Willy Holtzman and songwriter Marty Dodson for “Trauma Queen” after the three had previously worked together on the musical Play it by Heart in 2017.

Bowersox said Holtzman approached her about writing the show to chronicle her life, pointing out a lack of up-to-date info on her Wikipedia page.

“I said, ‘You’re right, there’s a lot of stuff in-between the lines,’ ” she recalled telling Holtzman. “He came over to my house, we talked for eight hours. A couple weeks later, he sent me a rough draft, and we started working for about a year, sorting out the details and creating the storyline.”

“Then I worked with Marty Dodson, who has had many No. 1 hits, and he’s just such a wonderful songwriter,” she said.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

Crystal Bowersox will be playing The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, June 20. Photo: Courtesy of Titan Music Management

“I’ve been working with him on the music for the show.”

Through the process of writing “Trauma Queen” and digging into her past, Bowersox said she experienced a sense of healing.

“It’s been deeply, deeply personal; it’s been very healing to go through everything—just the songwriting is for me, as well,” she said, adding that by telling her story, it also gives those watching “permission to feel and forgive themselves for things” in their past.

If all things go according to plan, the show will premiere in Franklin, Tenn., this October.

“The first show is going to be in October; it’s all happened pretty quickly, and I’ve just been very blessed to meet an amazing group of people that helped me make it happen,” she said.

Between now and the show’s official debut, Bowersox will be playing several shows around the country this summer, including a stop at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano this month. Because it’s been a couple of years since putting out her last album, Alive, which was recorded live, Bowersox said she’ll be testing some new songs during the upcoming shows.

Aside from debuting the new material and telling “really bad, stupid jokes,” as she normally does during sets, Bowersox wants to connect with her audience, playing her music in a more intimate setting.

“When people come to the show, I want them to feel like they’re in my house and in my living room and we’re just hanging out, and more often than not, people are talking to me from the audience, and there’s no wall between me and them,” she said. “That’s how I want it to feel, and I want people to leave feeling happier than when they got there.”

Tickets to see Bowersox at The Coach House on Thursday, June 20, are $18.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit thecoachhouse.com. CD Page 23

GETTING OUT

The Force Awakens Disneyland’s newest expansion opens up a living and breathing Star Wars experience ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

long time ago in a galaxy far, far away is now here—and closer than could have ever been imagined.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the latest, and largest-ever at 14 acres, expansion at Disneyland in Anaheim, and simply put, it is an achievement.

From the instant you break off of the Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland or walk beyond the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country, you are transported to the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, all part of the fully immersive experience that is Galaxy’s Edge.

Aside from a brief flash from the top of Big Thunder Mountain or between the trees on the Disneyland Railroad, visitors cannot see into Galaxy’s Edge from the outside, and travelers—or “off-worlders,” as the inhabitants of Batuu call them— cannot see any vestiges of the outside world. The only trace may be the tip of Big Thunder Mountain, which blends in with the other various rock spires that surround Black Spire Outpost.

Inside the new world, everything and everyone is completely in-character, all inhabitants of Batuu. Disney Imagineers and Lucasfilm created a narrative, in canon with the Star Wars universe set between 2017’s Episode VIII: The Last Jedi and this December’s Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, that radiates throughout Galaxy’s Edge.

Black Spire Outpost was once a lively spaceport for trade and fueling on long journeys. However, like the interstate system to Route 66, the introduction of lightspeed travel to the galaxy meant Batuu got passed over and left behind. Now, Batuu is a hive for smugglers looking to stay out of the way and undetected. Following the events of Episode VIII, the Resistance has set up shop as they look to regroup, but the First Order has also arrived to find the Resistance and take away any sympathizers it finds.

Galaxy’s Edge opened to the public with reservations during a soft-opening period from May 31 to June 23. The general public will be allowed entry without reservations beginning June 24, although Disneyland will put a limit on capacity and require guests to check in and receive a “boarding pass” after that capacity is hit.

I got my shot to visit Galaxy’s Edge during the reservation period on June 3 and The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

5, and as a longtime Disneyland visitor and lifelong Star Wars fan, I was completely blown away. The experience of going back to Main Street, USA in Disneyland after my four-hour reservation slot was nothing short of surreal. You truly feel like you’ve been transported somewhere else.

The level of detail and care put into crafting Galaxy’s Edge is extraordinary. While clearly brand new, the land nails that Star Wars feel of futuristic, yet dirty and lived in. The sounds, from the creatures in the forest area to the sounds of spaceships arriving and taking off from the docking bay, and the sprinkling around of words written

in the Star Wars language of Aurebesh, including themed Coca-Cola bottles, hit those extra senses of immersion.

The centerpiece of the land is the Millennium Falcon, the first-ever full-size reproduction of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. It acts as the entrance to the land’s only ride for now, Smuggler’s Run. A second ride, the Rise of the Resistance, which has been touted as a revolutionary four-in-one ride, opens later this year.

On Smuggler’s Run, a six-man crew of pilots, gunners and engineers take control of the Millennium Falcon herself to steal some cargo. There isn’t much that can

match the feeling of getting to punch the Millennium Falcon into hyperspace.

Drinks and music at the cantina, run-ins with Chewbacca, Rey, Kylo Ren and First Order stormtroopers and lightsaberbuilding and droid-building attractions round out the interactive and transporting experience of Galaxy’s Edge.

As they say on Batuu, may the spires keep you! (That’s a formal goodbye, for us off-worlders.)

EDITOR’S NOTE: For an expanded look at Galaxy’s Edge, along with more photos and video from the experience, check out thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Galaxy’s Edge is the latest expansion at Disneyland in Anaheim. Photos: (Top) Richard Harbaugh/Disney Parks, Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks, (Bottom) Zach Cavanagh

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES SEA CANYON’S 8TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Cross Street-Acapulco and Golden Lantern. Saturday, June 15th 8AM-1PM. Beanie Babies, toys, art, books, DVDs, cookware, furniture, clothing & more. Sponsored by: Leilani Serrao-Baker-Realtor & Douglas Elliman Real Estate BRE #01908226 GARAGE SALE - SAT. 6/15 Yard sale, 2 families. 26532 Palisades Dr., Capo Beach. 8 am-1pm. Appliances, hardwoods, paneling, windows, some furniture, kids clothes + toys, some collectibles and art, also, lots of plants!

HELP WANTED MEDIA SALES REP WANTED Picket Fence Media, publisher of awardwinning weekly, bi-weekly community newspapers, websites and magazines in South Orange County, Calif., is looking for an experienced media sales representative.

Applicants must have 3+ years of prior media sales experience and knowledge of both digital and print media. Qualified applicants can email a cover letter and resume to: info@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.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 June 14-27, 2019

Page 25

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SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Meet and Greets popular social activities for seniors

W

hen I owned Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point, we started a Senior Singles Meet and Greet event that convened one night each month. It became a popular event for older singles.

During the two years we held the events, at least 30 singles over the age of 50 became 15 committed couples. Many of them are still together.

After I retired, the meet-and-greet events sputtered out. My partner, Greta, and I were traveling a great deal, and we couldn’t put the effort into continuing to host and promote those events.

But I didn’t retire from writing this “On Life and Love after 50” column for the Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times and The Capistrano Dispatch. Readers would sometimes ask, “Why don’t you restart those Senior Meet and Greet gettogethers at the deli?”

When the deli sold again in April of this year, the new owners, Samantha and Elena, asked if Greta and I would be willing to host the Meet and Greet events. We told them we’d give it a shot. On May 22, more than 100 seniors attended (and not all of them were singles; some were married or in committed relationships).

One couple, Fred and Joanne, who met five years ago at the first Meet and Greet,

arrived early.

Another couple at the event, Jack and another Joanne from Dana Point, explained how they had met. Joanne had read in this column about the importance for seniors to get off the couch, out of the house, and involved in activities they enjoy. She said those words inspired her to begin riding her bicycle again. Jack also liked bike riding, and that’s how he met Joanne. They ended up taking a trip to Amsterdam, the city of bicycles, where they did lots of bike riding.

I was amazed at the number of widows and widowers who joined us. Some were in their early 50s, such as Cluny, who has his own business.

Sisters Jackie and Judy, both widows, enjoyed themselves. Judy lives in San Clemente, and her sister Jackie, who used to live in South County, was visiting from Chicago.

Jackie said she’d still be in town in late June, and she and her sister would come if we had another gathering.

Mary, an accomplished flutist from Dana Point ON LIFE AND and a 25-year customer of LOVE AFTER 50 Tutor and Spunky’s, was

By Tom Blake happy not to have missed the get-together.

Dee lives with her daughter, Julie, and Julie’s significant other, Vince, in Dana Point.

They said they were happy we rekindled the Meet and Greets. They had attended all of the earlier events in years past.

Greta’s two sisters, DeDe and Jeanne, who both live in San Juan Capistrano, were at the event. And two of Greta’s married children stopped by to see how their mom was doing.

Her daughter, Terri, lives in San Clemente.

In prior years, Tony, Greta’s son in San Juan Capistrano, was the bartender at the events. At the May event, when people saw Tony behind the bar, they’d say, “Oh, my gosh, you’re back pouring the wine; how great to see you.” (I noticed he’d wink and

The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

seniors, now that we’re older, to interact with people. Some become too isolated, and that isn’t healthy. The Senior Meet and Greets provide an opportunity to make new friends and to socialize.

So we hope to see a bunch of our readers on Thursday, June 27, at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. Beer and wine will be five bucks, but the food will be complimentary. And while the focus is on senior singles, we encourage married couples and committed couples to attend, especially the ones who met at one of the events years ago. We love hearing about senior dating success stories.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites findingloveafter50.com; vicsta.com and travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at findingloveafter50. com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Vlad. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

pour a little extra into their glass.)

Jim, who owns Buy My Bikes in San Juan Capistrano, was sharing stories with others, just as he did when the events were held previously.

Of course, the question came up early and often: “Hey, Tom and Greta, when’s the next party?”

Owner Samantha checked her calendar and said, “How about Thursday, June 27, 5 to 7 in the evening?” We all agreed. And people are already making plans to attend.

Tina, from Rancho Santa Margarita, emailed to say, “Thanks so much for your column. I find it very eye-opening and informative. Appreciate you showing such concern for senior single people. I’ll be at your next Meet & Greet on June 27th!

“I’m 58 and single. It’s scary out there in the dating world. I haven’t tried online dating . . . too many con artists out there, especially after hearing about the con man and convicted felon, ‘Dirty John’ in Newport Beach! Wow . . . that’s enough to run from online dating.”

The biggest change I’ve noticed from four years ago is an even greater need for

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Vlad

T

Photo: Pexels

hree-month-old Vlad is quite the little charmer. With his big, bright eyes and playful personality, he wins over everyone he meets. Vlad is just one of the adoptable kittens waiting for their forever homes at the shelter. Come and meet your new best friend today.

If you would like to know more about Vlad, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. CD

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

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

National Flag Day: An Opportunity to Remember the ‘Greatest Generation’

F

rom Memorial Day to Independence Day, this is particularly a period of reflection for the entire country.

In between, there are graduations from high school and college. The beginning of adult life. As we have commemorated the 75th anniversary of D-Day, it is important to remember our history.

The “greatest generation” has given the rest of us a lot to live up to in defense of freedom and our way of life. But each generation can continue to improve upon what the past generation left us.

On June 14, the nation celebrates Flag Day. The symbol of the American flag is a testament to the changes in the growth of our country. The flag, known as the Stars and Stripes, was “born” in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress approved the design of a national

GUEST OPINION: Friends of the Library by Rhonda DeHaan

Annual Day of Knitting Brings in Record Participation

O

n June 1, the San Juan Capistrano Library held its biggest-ever World Wide Knit and Crochet Day. Not only did a record number of families participate, 653 items were collected for charities—more than ever before.

The Yarnover Truck drew people from as far away as San Diego. They came for

The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

flag reportedly created by Betsy Ross.

While there is no actual proof that Ross made the first American flag, myth and legend have given her credit.

During Revolutionary times, the flag was rarely mentioned. It wasn’t until the War of 1812 and then the Civil War that the flag became part of the national conscience, making it the symbol for freedom, liberty and justice.

The “Stars and Stripes” is one of only a few national flags that officially changed as the nation grew.

The 13 stripes continue to represent the original 13 colonies. But that was not their original intent. When the Stamp Act was announced in 1765, the proclamation read, “Counterfeiters MOMENTS … shall be publicly IN TIME whipped not exceeding

By Jan Siegel 20 stripes.”

According to Kevin and Peter Keim in A Grand Old Flag, A History of the United States Through Its Flags, “nobody living in Colonial America could have missed the meaning of a striped flag against the godly crosses of the Union Jack.”

To Colonials, the stripes were a symbol of defiance. Astrology was a popular passion for Colonial America. It is, therefore, not a surprise that after the 13 stripes, that the “union be represented by 13 white stars on a blue field representing a new constellation.”

As new states entered the Union, a new star could be added. But there was no official flag. Every state, organization and government agency could design its own.

It was not until 1912, when President

the truck and stayed for the fun. Thank you to all of the volunteers from the Friends of the Library whose hard work helped make this event such a wonderful success.

With school out for the summer, there’s extra time to enjoy more activities at the library.

Reading to a Dog with BARK continues to be one of the most popular programs at the library, where children read to very special, licensed therapy dogs.

Free to read aloud without fear of judgment, children learn to enjoy the experience of reading. Dogs from BARK FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY will be visiting San Juan

By Rhonda Capistrano Library DeHaan every other Thursday at 3 p.m. The first visit was June 13, and the program will continue through Aug. 22.

The San Juan Capistrano Library joins libraries across the nation in this year’s Summer Reading Program. From June

Image: Pixabay

William Howard Taft signed the Executive Order, that all flags made for the government and military would have the same design, size and proportions. It would take longer for Congress.

Finally, on August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day and formalizing the American Flag.

Spend a “Moment In Time” visiting Veterans Park on Camino Capistrano and reflect on those in our community who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today. Amazingly, only two members of the San Juan Capistrano community lost their lives in WWII, even though every able-bodied male served in that conflict.

Aciano Avila was killed in action in Italy in 1944. Arnold Chavarrias was killed in action and was buried at sea in 1944.

The population of San Juan Capistrano

was 900 during that war. As the flags wave throughout our community through July 4, reflect on the “greatest generation” and contemplate what the next generation will hopefully add to our history.

Jan Siegel is a 28-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 18 years.

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD

17 through July 28, children of all ages are invited to stop in to pick up a reading log and win prizes for reading.

The San Juan Capistrano Library is excited to again offer Lunch at the Library. From June 17 through August 1, Monday through Thursday, noon to 1 p.m., Capistrano Unified School District will be serving lunch free of charge to those aged 18 and under. There is no registration required, but participants are encouraged to enjoy the library, get a library card and join the Summer Reading Program.

Families won’t want to miss these special programs scheduled during June and July. Join the fun Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a cartooning class, a magician, an animal show and more.

JULY 16 • Fantastick Patrick

JUNE 18 • Cartoon Workshop with Dave Boatman JUNE 25 • One World Rhythm JULY 2 • Christopher T. Magician JULY 9 • Pacific Animal Productions Page 27

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

JULY 23 • Bubblemania Rhonda DeHaan enjoys learning about San Juan Capistrano and its history, sharing fun photographic finds along the way. She is a proud mother of two, a freelance writer and a member of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society Board of Directors. She is also serving her eighth year as member of the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission. 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

For more information about these and other activities, visit: ocpl.org/libloc/sjc/calendar or stop in the Library to pick up an events calendar. The friendly staff is always happy to see you. thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

The Capistrano Dispatch High School Athletes of the Year BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR SAN JUAN HILLS

Sean Rhyan | Football/Shot Put

JSerra’s Isabella D’Aquila was named the CIF-SS Division 1 Player of the Year and the USA Today national Player of the Year. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR JSERRA

Isabella D’Aquila | Soccer JSerra senior Isabella D’Aquila is a force.

She had already accomplished enough for several careers before her senior season began, but D’Aquila and the Lions girls soccer team did it again with a third consecutive CIF-SS championship.

For her efforts, accomplishments and capping off of a stellar career, Isabella D’Aquila is The Capistrano Dispatch’s 201819 Girls Athlete of the Year.

The number of titles and accolades that can be listed in front of D’Aquila’s name is Daenerys Targaryen-esque.

Two-time county goal-scoring leader, three-time Trinity League offensive MVP, 2018-19 Trinity League MVP, two-time Trinity League champion, three-time CIFSS Division 1 champion, three-time CIF-SS Division 1 Player of the Year, four-time first-team All-CIF, United States U15 roster member, United States U17 World Cup roster member, 2019 United States U20 roster member, 2017-18 Gatorade state and national Player of the Year, 2018-19 USA Today national Player of the Year—and Mother of Dragons.

The very last one may not be true, but with the rest of her accomplishments, it wouldn’t be hard to believe.

As a senior, D’Aquila’s feet were just as deadly as ever with 33 goals and 13 assists.

Her high school career totals cap off at 134 The Capistrano Dispatch June 14-27, 2019

goals and 59 assists.

With JSerra’s direct attacking strategy, D’Aquila was always at the front of every push, but she isn’t strictly a straightaway player. D’Aquila is incredibly technically sound with stellar ball control, and if she does lose the ball, she is relentless in getting it back.

D’Aquila and the Lions went unbeaten in the 2018-19 season with an overall record of 22-0-3. Despite the three draws coming in Trinity League play, JSerra still captured the league title and bowled through the CIF-SS playoffs. The Lions allowed only two goals in the CIF-SS postseason on their way to the Division 1 title in a 3-0 win over Los Alamitos.

D’Aquila scored the third goal against Los Alamitos in the game’s final minute.

The goal stands as her final strike in a JSerra uniform, as she did not play with the Lions in their run to the CIF Southern California Regional title. D’Aquila joined the United States U20 team in Spain then and is currently at a United States U20 team camp in Virginia.

“It was just an amazing four years,” D’Aquila said after the CIF-SS title. “I wouldn’t have changed anything or done anything differently. It changed me as a person and as a player to be at that school and to be coached by the coaches I was and play with the girls I played with. If I wouldn’t have had these girls around me and these coaches, we wouldn’t have been as successful, and I wouldn’t have been as successful.”

D’Aquila is signed on to play at Santa Clara University next year and continue her ascent and assault on the soccer field.

It would have been impossible not to notice senior Sean Rhyan around San Juan Hills High School this year.

For one, he is a mountain at 6-foot-4, 311 pounds, but beyond his size, Rhyan was transcendent in multiple sports this season. Rhyan earned a Pac-12 scholarship with his strength on the football field and captured a CIF-SS title with his meteoric launches in the shot put.

For his efforts and accomplishments, Sean Rhyan is The Capistrano Dispatch’s 2018-19 Boys Athlete of the Year.

The story for Rhyan really begins well before the start of last fall’s football season. Rhyan had some notice nationally as a college prospect on the offensive line, but after his junior season, the buzz ramped up quickly.

Through his senior season, Rhyan ended up with 14 NCAA Division 1 offers from Alabama, Nebraska, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, USC, UCLA, Utah and Washington.

After narrowing his field down to USC and UCLA, Rhyan chose to be a Bruin and signed with UCLA on the early National Signing Day on Dec. 19.

San Juan Hills rushed for 1,719 yards behind its Rhyan-led line. Rhyan also played a few snaps on defense and col-

lected 12 tackles and two sacks. The Stallions only advanced to the second round of the CIF-SS playoffs, but Rhyan was named first-team, All-CIF Division 2.

In the spring, Rhyan transitioned to the throwing ring, where he continued to shine in the shot put and improved on already impressive numbers.

As a sophomore, Rhyan won five of the seven meets in which he threw, including his first Sea View League championship.

In his junior season, he won six of the 10 events in which he threw, plus two second-place finishes. Rhyan collected another Sea View League title and finished second at the CIF-SS preliminaries, but did not compete in the finals.

Rhyan extended his throwing season as a senior and collected nine victories in 14 events, with three more podium finishes. Rhyan won the Orange County Championship with what stands as a personal-record throw of 63 feet, 3 ½ inches. He also collected his third consecutive Sea View League title and finished first at the CIF-SS Division 1 preliminaries.

This time, Rhyan did continue his track and field postseason, and took it all the way to the end. Rhyan won the CIF-SS Division 1 title with a 59-foot, 5-inch throw on May 11. He followed that up with a second-place throw of 61 feet, 10.75 inches at CIF-SS Masters to qualify for State. Rhyan made his final high school throws count with a toss of 61 feet, 6 ½ inches to take home a State bronze medal with a third-place finish. CD

San Juan Hills’ Sean Rhyan won the CIF-SS Division 1 shot put title and is signed on to play football next season at UCLA. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Six Pack

JSerra claims six selections in 2019 MLB Draft

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

J

Serra has earned a reputation as a baseball factory, and that was proven true again during the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft on June 3-5.

The Lions program had six players chosen, five from colleges and one from its graduating class.

The first JSerra player off the board was Baylor third baseman Davis Wendzel, who was selected 41st overall by the Texas Rangers with a competitive balance pick between the first and second rounds.

Wendzel, JSerra class of 2016, closed out his junior season with the Bears. This season, Wendzel hit for a .367 average with 42 RBI, 19 doubles, eight home runs and 38 runs scored. He also stole 11 bases.

The next college Lion selected was UCLA second baseman Chase Strumpf, who was selected 64th overall by the Chicago Cubs in the second round.

Strumpf, JSerra class of 2016, just finished his junior season with UCLA. Stumpf was playing in the NCAA Regionals with

JSerra senior third baseman Michael Curialle was the sixth of six current and former Lions baseball players chosen in the 2019 MLB Draft on June 3-5. Photo: JSerra Athletics

the Bruins when he was selected and hit a home run against Loyola Marymount just minutes after the Cubs had drafted him.

Strumpf and UCLA eliminated Wendzel and Baylor in the NCAA Regionals.

As junior with UCLA, Strumpf batted .279 in 63 games with 44 RBI, nine home runs and 53 runs scored. In the field, Strumpf posted a .980 fielding percentage and helped turn 29 double plays.

After Strumpf, it was a bit of a wait for JSerra, but the Lions were on the board again in the 13th round.

Micah Pries, right fielder for Point Loma Nazarene, was taken 400th overall by the Cleveland Indians.

Pries, JSerra class of 2016, also finished his junior season with the Sea Lions. Pries, a San Juan Capistrano native, hit .318 this season with 50 RBI, nine doubles, a triple,

18 home runs and 38 runs scored. In the field, he posted a .965 fielding percentage with 81 putouts.

Arizona State catcher Lyle Lin, JSerra class of 2016, was next taken at 422nd overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 14th round. It was Lin’s third time being drafted after being picked in 2016

by Seattle in the 16th round and in 2018 by Houston in the 29th round.

As a junior this season, Lin hit .299 with 50 RBI, eight doubles, nine home runs and 40 runs scored.

UCLA outfielder Jake Pries, JSerra class of 2015 and Micah’s older brother, was chosen 735th overall by the New York Yankees in the 24th round. Pries had been drafted once before in 2015 by Baltimore in the 37th round.

As UCLA’s primary designated hitter in his senior season, Pries hit .284 with 51 RBI, seven doubles, three triples, 12 home runs and 40 runs scored.

The final Lion drafted is from this year’s graduating class. JSerra senior third baseman Michael Curialle was drafted 939th overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 31st round.

Curialle, who is committed to UCLA, hit .413 and led the team in runs (17) and hits (26). Curialle collected 12 RBI and hit eight doubles and two home runs. Curialle also earned the Trinity League’s Golden Glove for defensive prowess this season. CD