June 28, 2019

Look for Fun and Exciting Activities in the Biannual Go.See.Do. OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JUNE 28-JULY 11, 2019 • VOLUME 17, ISSUE 12

Allegations Disrupt Party Unity Accusations of sexual misconduct made against state lawmaker E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

Assemblymember Bill Brough is currently facing accusations of sexual misconduct from a handful of women, including Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.

Photos: Courtesy of the offices of Brough and Bartlett

Planning Commission Moves Verdugo Project Forward EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Capo Classics 85+ Team Wins National Title SPORTS/PAGE 30

thecapistranodispatch.com

SMWD Certifies San Juan Creek Watershed Project EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

pedestrians from vehicular traffic to help provide a positive shopping experience,” the city stated in its agenda report for the Planning Commission.

During the meeting, Tami Wilhelm, vice-chair of the commission, asked whether the city had addressed Orange County Fire Authority’s concerns over the reduction of the cul-de-sac at the end of Verdugo from a 30-inch radius to 25 inches.

According to Parco, OCFA reviewed the plans and is OK with the turning radius.

Wilhelm also asked how potential bike traffic will be handled on the updated street.

“The main focus was pedestrian, of course,” Parco said, adding, “the sidewalks will be wider; they’ll be almost 12 feet on both sides, so it’s anticipated that ‘peds’ and the bikes could share the sidewalk.”

Five things San Juan should know this week City to Continue Working on Open Space Zone Amendments Following Workshops THE LATEST: To clean up inconsistencies and ambiguous language regarding the use of open space in San Juan’s municipal code, the city on Monday, June 24, held a second public workshop, gathering input from the community on how the Northwest Open Space should be used.

While the latest gathering at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center is expected to be the last of the workshop series, city officials noted Monday that much more work will need to be done before the city’s General Plan and zoning codes are amended.

“First, staff would seek policy direction from the city council on the uses that the council would like to see, and then staff would provide some options and then maybe a recommendation for the appropriate mechanism to implement that,” City Manager Ben Siegel told the crowd, which wasn’t quite as big as the previous turnout at the first June 5 workshop.

“Whether that be a General Plan amendment or a specific plan, there are options available, but it really starts with the policy direction,” Siegel said, completing his thought.

Mayor Brian Maryott, who ran both workshops alongside Mayor Pro Tem Troy Bourne, expounded on Siegel’s statement, explaining that the process to update the city’s language on open space will be thorough. That process, he continued, would include public hearings and “a lot of opportunity for input.”

“So it’ll be a lot of work and public process,” Maryott said.

The mayor also pointed out that the council and staff, while moving forward, will need to be mindful of Measure X—the city’s law requiring requests to rezone land from General Open Space to any other designation to be put on an election ballot.

A handful of those who asked the mayoral committee questions on Monday brought up Measure X, which has been the linchpin of the debate over the Northwest Open Space. Former Councilmember Mark Nielsen has stated he would sue the city if it didn’t hold a public vote over a The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

Mayor Pro Tem Troy Bourne (right) and Mayor Brian Maryott lead a public workshop to discuss how to use San Juan Capistrano’s Northwest Open Space on Monday, June 24, at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

developer’s proposal to put in a camping and “glamping” facility on the land.

In early March, the council voted, 4-1, with Maryott dissenting, to hold talks with Red Tail Acquisitions. The developer’s plans, if the city were to move forward with the proposal, would require a request to change the land use classification from “community park” to “open space recreation,” both of which fall under the umbrella of General Open Space Land Use. The city has stated Measure X wouldn’t be triggered in Red Tail’s case, because the land would remain General Open Space, with the request asking only to change the land use classification and not the General Plan designation.

In the aftermath of the council’s decision to go into exclusive negotiations with Red Tail, several former city officials, including Nielsen, have come out against the proposed glamping site.

On April 16, councilmembers were expected to advance the construction of Putuidem Village, a cultural site intended to honor the Acjachemen tribe on a portion of the Northwest Open Space.

Following the city staff’s presentation on the Putuidem project that night, Bourne brought to light the discrepancies in the city’s language as a response to Nielsen’s legal challenge.

Bourne’s concerns prompted the council to pause all development on the Northwest Open Space until the laws can be fixed. Staff was also directed to schedule the workshops to hear from the public.

WHAT’S NEXT: When asked whether the city had a timeline of when it intends to update the laws and potentially break ground on Putuidem, Siegel said city staff will return to council in August with a summary of the feedback.

The council could, at that point, au-

thorize staff to put the project out to bid, “so in a three- to six-month timeframe, provided that we receive direction on the zoning issues we discussed this evening,” Siegel said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of the story can be found at TheCapistranoDispatch.com.—Shawn Raymundo

Planning Commission Moves Verdugo Project Forward THE LATEST: The city’s proposed project to make Verdugo Street in the downtown corridor more pedestrian-friendly can go before the city council later this summer, as the San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission on Tuesday, June 25 passed a resolution recommending final plan approval.

In a unanimous vote, the commission advanced the Verdugo Street Beautification project, which intends to widen the sidewalks of the street as well as implement a series of new landscaping, paving, lighting and street furniture.

Noting that many visitors enter the downtown district through Verdugo Street, City Engineer Joe Parco said the city’s goal is to create an “inviting and pedestrian-friendly design for residents, employees, businesses owners and visitors.”

According to Parco, the street would narrow from 40 feet to 28 feet, as the city plans to widen the width of the south-side sidewalk from 6 feet to 11 feet and the north-side curb from about 5.5 feet to nearly 12.5 feet.

“These improvements will minimize the conflict between motorists and buffer

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WHAT’S NEXT: The project could go before the city council for final plan approval in the coming months. If the council approves the project and directs staff to put the contract out to bid, construction could begin in the fall and be completed next spring, according to the city.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of the story can be found at TheCapistranoDispatch.com.—SR

Caltrans Meets with Community for Feedback on Ortega Widening THE LATEST: Community members had an opportunity to meet with officials from the California Department of Transportation and ask them questions about the longstanding project to widen Ortega Highway on Tuesday, June 25.

The SR 74-Lower Ortega Highway Widening Project aims to alleviate traffic congestion that typically builds up around the roughly one-mile stretch of the road that narrows from two lanes in each direction to one in each direction—commonly referred to as the “chokepoint.”

Caltrans held the public meeting that evening at Kinoshita Elementary School in San Juan, where dozens of experts were on hand to address residents’ questions and concerns of the project.

Construction is estimated to begin in 2023 and the Ortega expansion to be open to the public by 2025. The project would entail widening the road from one lane in both directions to two between Calle Entradero and the eastern city limits near Reata Park. Caltrans is also looking to include a 12-foot wide median.

At the intersection of Via Cordova and Ortega, the project proposes to put in a four-way traffic signal. Sound barriers, or (Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) sound walls, could also be added to sections along the road, while some retaining walls could potentially be implemented along the westbound lanes to accommodate the widening.

Back in 2017, an Orange County Grand Jury released a report emphasizing safety concerns over the narrow portion of Ortega, as vehicles turning left onto the highway have to first cross the highly trafficked road before merging into a single lane.

That same report notes that the ongoing expansion of Rancho Mission Viejo will require “additional access from numerous roadways, including Ortega Highway.”

Data compiled by Caltrans showed that Ortega experienced stark increase in traffic between 2010 and 2015, as the average amount of daily vehicles using the road rose from 27,500 to 43,500.

As of 2017, the Orange County Public Works Department estimated the project to cost more than $52 million in federal and state funding.

WHAT’S NEXT: The project is currently in the environmental phase and is welcoming public input to its draft Environmental Assessment through July 17. Caltrans anticipates responding to the public comments from mid-to-late 2019 and is targeting a project approval timeline of late 2019.

Caltrans’ environmental documents can be found at dot.ca.gov/d12/ DEA/74/08692. Comments can be sent to Associate Environmental Planner Carmen Lo at 1750 East 4th St., Suite 100, Santa Ana, or by email D12LowerSR74@dot. ca.gov.—SR

SMWD Certifies San Juan Creek Watershed Project THE LATEST: Plans to capture storm water runoff by installing rubber dams at San Juan Creek will move forward, as Santa Margarita Water District on Friday, June 21 certified the Environmental Impact Report for its San Juan Watershed Project.

SMWD is working with the city of San Juan Capistrano and South Coast Water District for the first phase of the project, which, when completed, is expected to provide 5.6 billion gallons of reliable drinking water each year.

“We are 100% reliant on imported water right now; our goal is to have at least 30% of our needs supplied from local sources by 2030,” SMWD Board President Saundra Jacobs said in a press release. “It’s critical that we identify multiple sources of water to ensure reliable and sustainable water for our customers.”

The water district is looking to invest $21 million for the first phase of the project, while San Juan would contribute its Groundwater Recovery Plant, The Capistrano Dispatch previously reported.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of the story can be found at TheCapistranoDispatch.com.—SR

City to Hold Public Hearing for River Street Project

Santa Margarita Water District is proposing to build inflatable dams on the river bottom near the confluence of Trabuco Creek and San Juan Creek, pictured here, to capture some urban runoff and use it to recharge and reinvigorate San Juan Capistrano’s underground water basin. Photo: Fred Swegles

San Juan and Santa Margarita Water District are currently in talks to have the water agency take over the city’s utilities department and are expected to soon have a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the details of the proposed annexation approved by city council.

In the environmental report, SMWD addresses many concerns federal, state and local agencies have raised, in addition to those by San Juan residents. Many of the concerns of the project centered on its potential impact to endangered species, such as Southern California steelhead, Arroyo chub and Tidewater goby.

Agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife had previously posited questions about such aquatic species’ ability to pass through the creek while the dams are up.

During storms, the rubber dams would inflate to hold flowing water back, creating ponds that would allow the water to percolate into the groundwater basin and be stored to provide local water. To prevent flooding, the dams could be deflated. This would also allow sediment to flow to the ocean and replenish beaches with sand.

According to Santa Margarita, the project does have “high potential” to affect steelhead and chub in portions of San Juan Creek, but the potential for affecting goby is low. With steelhead, the district acknowledges that the adult fish could get trapped in construction areas.

“Injury or death of steelhead individuals would be considered a significant impact,” SMWD said in the report.

To mitigate the potential impacts, the district said it would implement a measure requiring the development of a fish rescue plan, which would include details on when fish rescue would be necessary, rescue

methods, the handling of the fish and approved release locations, to name a few.

“The District would work closely with the regulatory agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to guarantee that operation of the rubber dams and fishways provide opportunities for adult steelhead to migrate upstream (and back downstream),” the report states.

SMWD also notes that the dams’ construction would occur between April and October, “with most of the in-channel work occurring outside of the steelhead migration window (January through June). It is possible storms in the late season (April through May) could generate flows within the migration window.”

Concerns over noise related to a control station facility that’s planned on being placed near Via Del Ray in San Juan were also raised by a group of a dozen citizens who live on that street.

“In our opinion, it will create both an acoustic and visual nuisance, which is of great concern,” the residents stated in a jointly signed letter to SMWD back in February of 2017.

“It is our understanding this facility will operate at all hours of the day and night whenever necessary,” the letter continued, believing the control station would create “excessive noise.”

According to Santa Margarita Water District, “maintenance activities would be consistent with local noise ordinances.”

“The control stations would be equipped with acoustical design features that would prevent increases in ambient noise levels at surrounding receptors above levels prescribed in the noise ordinance,” the report states.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to SMWD, phase one of the project could begin in late 2020.

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THE LATEST: The city will hold a public hearing over the proposed River Street Marketplace Project, allowing community members to weigh in on the plans during the upcoming city council meeting.

After receiving the public’s feedback, councilmembers are expected to vote whether to approve the introduction and first reading of ordinances to approve the project’s development agreement and amend the Los Rios Specific Plan.

The project proposes to build a “pedestrian-oriented” marketplace on the southeast corner of Paseo Adelanto and River Street. It would incorporate five buildings on 65,000 square feet, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, produce stands and other “artisan-type” retailers and businesses, Dan Almquist, the project’s developer, has said.

In mid-May, the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission and Planning Commission held consecutive meetings in whih both bodies passed resolutions to move the Environmental Impact Report for the marketplace forward to city council.

The Planning Commission’s approval included a series of stipulations requiring Almquist to make a commitment to prohibit weddings and amplified noise at the marketplace, as well as consider implementing a smoking ban.

Other conditions also require Almquist to ensure there will be adequate street width on Paseo Adelanto for vehicles to get in and out of the proposed angled parking and to have the outdoor seating area near homes on Los Rios to be a designated “quiet area.”

While the commissions both heard considerable support in favor of the project during the May 14 meetings, some residents who live on Los Rios have expressed displeasure with the plans, believing it would be a blight to the historic area and create unwanted traffic and congestion.

A Facebook group called Save Los Rios Historic District recently created an event, encouraging residents who oppose the project to attend the council meeting.

The event page states that city council “will vote on the River Street project” and accuses the city staff and council of “rewriting our General Plan and the Los Rios Specific Plan to allow for this massive development in our town.”

Many of those who have spoken in favor of the project believe it will be great for the local economy.

WHAT’S NEXT: City council will meet at City Hall on Tuesday, July 2, at 5 p.m. —SR thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Allegations Disrupt Party Unity Accusations of Sexual Misconduct Made Against State Lawmaker

BY LILLIAN BOYD, ADAM GILLES AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

everal women have come forward with sexual misconduct allegations against 73rd District Assemblymember Bill Brough—a pattern, he says, is an orchestrated political retaliation.

On Monday, June 17, Orange County Supervisor and Chairperson Lisa Bartlett spoke at a Republican Party of Orange County’s (OCGOP) Central Committee meeting about an alleged incident that occurred in 2011, while both Bartlett and Brough served on Dana Point City Council. She cited the incident as reason for the party not to endorse Brough in his bid for reelection in 2020.

She says the incident took place during a retirement party at Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant in Capistrano Beach between 9 and 10 p.m. in March 2011.

Having parked toward the side of Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant, Bartlett said she walked toward the side of the restaurant to the nearest exit and looked for her keys while standing inside. She said she then felt an arm grab her tightly around her shoulder.

“I didn’t know who it was at first. It really startled me; then I realized it was Bill.

I said, ‘What are you doing? Let go of me.’

He wouldn’t let go and said something to the effect of, ‘Let’s get out of here. Let’s go get a drink and do something.’ And I just kept saying, ‘Let go of me, Bill. Let go of me.’ ” Brough denies the incident occurred, just as he initially had denied it in 2011 after Bartlett filed a complaint regarding the incident.

Following Bartlett’s testimonial on June 17, the group voted unanimously to send the question of an endorsement of Brough back to the OCGOP’s endorsement committee for closed-door talks.

Brough has since rescinded his request for an endorsement, and OCGOP provided the following statement: “The Republican Party of Orange County has no tolerance for sexual misconduct. We are not aware of any pending investigations. All claims of sexual misconduct should be reported to and investigated by law enforcement or state legislative ethics committees to allow for

The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

a fair and thorough investigation, so that victims can be heard and an accused can present a defense. If an investigation is initiated, any request for endorsement would be dependent on the results of the investigation. There is no request for endorsement pending at this time.”

According to documents obtained by The Capistrano Dispatch, the city’s attorney, Patrick Muñoz, issued a memorandum on the investigation and conclusion of the March 21, 2011 incident. The documents indicate that Muñoz spoke with both Bartlett and Brough.

“She reported that he whispered in her ear words to the effect of ‘lets go somewhere and get a drink.’ She advised that when she asked him to let go of her, he did so. She reported that she felt very threatened and uncomfortable, and subjectively felt the conduct was of a suggestive, sexual nature,” the memo says.

The Orange County Register reported that Bartlett asked Brough to let her go, and when he wouldn’t, she wriggled herself free and got away. According to the memo, Brough let her go when she asked him to. The Capistrano Dispatch asked Bartlett to clarify.

“I wriggled free the same time he let go; I went to the front of the restaurant and contacted the city manager,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett stated that whoever had taken notes for her report of the incident to the city made mistakes in the timeline of events.

Due to no known witnesses and two opposing views of the events, Muñoz determined there were not sufficient facts or evidence to come to any conclusions regarding the matter.

According to the memo, Muñoz met with Brough and Brough’s wife to go over the council’s harassment policy. Brough requested that Muñoz include Brough’s view that the accusations are false and malicious, and made in retaliation for his voting on certain agenda items.

Subsequently, Muñoz met with Bartlett to review the harassment policy, and she requested it be added that Brough was very intoxicated during the incident, to the point where she had called the city manager to come to Olamendi’s and take care of him so he would not have to drive home.

“She asked that I include her belief that he is either lying or was too intoxicated to recall the event,” the memo says.

Brough says he believes Bartlett is repurposing a fabricated incident as retaliation for his position on the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA). The assemblymember had introduced state legislation (AB 1273) that would vastly restrict the authority of the TCA, limiting the joint powers authority’s scope and putting a moratorium on incurring additional debt related to the toll roads. The proposed legislation would bar the TCA from planning and developing any bridge

or major thoroughfare after Jan. 1, 2020, as well as turn over the toll roads to the state after the bonds have been paid.

The proposal came soon after Los Angeles Times published an article that detailed how money had been spent toward consultant fees. According to the article, some consultants had been paid about $185 an hour, while others were paid $90 per hour, merely to read and compile news stories regarding transportation.

The TCA issued a statement saying it “strongly” opposes AB 1273, because it would “strip the local control away from a public transportation agency that has successfully planned, financed, and constructed 51 miles of state highways without the use of tax dollars.”

Bartlett currently sits on the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, which manages the 73 Toll Road, stretching 15 miles from Costa Mesa to San Juan Capistrano in southwest Orange County.

“At the time (March 21, 2011 incident), I felt the action was retaliation for several council votes, and I feel the political timing now is retaliation for my questioning of the TCA,” Brough said. “I have been on the end of many political attacks, but I will not stand for personal attacks on me and my family. I have done nothing wrong.”

The Capistrano Dispatch asked Bartlett for comment on Brough’s assertion that her allegations are retaliatory and an attempt to remove a rival for her bid in the 2022 State Senate race.

“There is absolutely no connection. My statements are not politically motivated,” Bartlett said. “Brough is trying to rationalize his side of things.”

Bartlett’s statements at the OCGOP meeting were initially covered by conservative blog RightOnDaily.com. The author, Aaron F. Park, says he’s heard rumors about the alleged incident for years, but he believes there are multiple facets.

“I think there are a lot of people who have known for a long time that Bill has issues. And there are people who have a revenge motive,” Park said. “And I think there are people who want to take out the trash. There are people with financial motives who have something to gain by other people’s campaigns.”

Park is based in the Sacramento metropolitan area selling insurance. He says he writes his blog as a side gig, bringing in revenue from advertisements and, at times, political campaigns that pay him to write certain content.

“I was not paid by anybody to write this. I have not been offered anything to write this; this is purely an activist effort,” Park said.

The incident has since been reported on by the OC Register, Voice of OC, the Los Angeles Times and the Sacramento Bee. The OC Register initially reported that Maria Elena Banks, a Dana Point Arts & Culture Commissioner, came forward about an inappropriate incident with Brough in which he allegedly had put his

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hand up her skirt in a bar. Banks clarified that did not happen: “He put his hand on my thigh and asked me if I wanted to go home with him. I said, ‘Bill, you’re married.’ He removed his hand, and that was the end of it,” Banks said.

The OC Register’s online version of the article has since been updated to reflect Banks’ account.

“It’s still intolerable. This kind of treatment against women won’t stand anymore,” Banks said. “I have five granddaughters, and I can’t accept the idea that this is how they will be treated by men.”

Brough denied the incident with Banks ever happened and stated Banks lobbied him earlier this year to be his realtor key contact.

In a joint statement, Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, and Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, called the allegations “serious and troubling.”

“California State Legislative Republicans will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind,” they wrote. “These accusations are serious and troubling.

Any allegation of this nature deserves a thorough, fair and transparent investigation by the Legislature’s Workplace Conduct Unit. The Legislature has worked hard to improve its process for reviewing these types of claims, and we are committed to cooperating with any investigation into this matter.”

Documents have cited a lack of evidence in reported incidents against Brough. Bartlett says it’s important to consider the number of women coming forward—news outlets have reported a total of five, including Bartlett and Banks.

“If you look at those claims, he goes after women when he knows there’s nobody else around,” Bartlett said. “If there was a book written on sexual misconduct, Chapter One would say, ‘Don’t execute your plan of action in a crowded place, because you’re going to have witnesses.’ ” Bartlett says other women have contacted her and shared their experiences with Brough, but she said they don’t want their names released, for fear of retaliation.

Brough says he will follow through on his campaign for reelection, without the OCGOP endorsement.

“I would never touch a woman without her consent,” Brough said. “This is all politically motivated for threatening the ‘OC swamp.’ I’ll continue to push for good government.”

Brough beat his Democratic opponent Scott Rhinehart in 2018, garnering 56.2% of the vote. Rhinehart has announced his campaign for Brough’s seat in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Orange County Young Democrats said in a statement that the state party should call for him to leave office. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Wildfire Mercantile Completes Expansion with Addition of Men’s Department Wildfire Mercantile hosted the grand opening of its new men’s department on Thursday, June 20. Titled Wildfire Mercantile Fine Menswear, the new department is the store’s most recent expansion of its fashion line.

The department debut featured a Western theme to go along with the store’s atmosphere. Whiskey tasting, champagne, country line dancing lessons and Bad to the Bone BBQ-catered food were available to all who attended. Guests also received exclusive discounts and promotions for items throughout the store.

More than 100 people attended the grand opening, including several community officials such as former City Councilmember Kerry Ferguson, according to a press release from Wildfire Mercantile.

The store has extended into the space behind the original shop, previously owned by Rags and Stones. Shop owners Susan and Troy Stansbury had always planned on adding a Men’s Department despite the store focusing mainly on women’s fashion.

Since the store’s opening in 2017, the Stansburys have focused primarily on “upscale women’s Western fashion.” The addition of a men’s department is their first endeavor outside of their original line and fashion perspective.

Brands featured in the store’s new men’s department include Lucchese Boots, Cinch Jeans, Howler Brothers and Stetson.

Troy Stansbury said he and Susan have received “a great response so far” with their current offerings and items. They believe they are offering the items and products that their customers want and are looking for.

Wildfire Mercantile also announced that it is partnering with MissionFest for this year’s upcoming country music and wine tasting festival in San Juan on July 13. The store is currently offering a free MissionFest ticket to customers who spend more than $150 in store.

Wildfire Mercantile Fine Menswear is officially open to the public, both on location at 26850 Ortega Highway, Unit K, and on the store’s website, wildfiremercantile. net.

Atmosphere Atelier Closed for Renovations Atmosphere Atelier is currently closed while undergoing renovations and construction. The store is looking to remodel The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, JULY 2 City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit sanjuancapistrano.org WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 To celebrate the completion of its newest department, Wildfire Mercantile Fine Menswear, Wildfire Mercantile hosted a grand-opening party on Thursday, June 20. Photos: Courtesy of Wildfire Mercantile

several features in the shop and will reopen once renovations are completed.

Collete Kaplan, owner of Atmosphere Atelier, said the renovations include the addition of a dressing room, new lighting and space for more display. The renovated shop is expected to reopen in early July.

Atmosphere Atelier specializes in lowkey luxury apparel and artisanal lifestyle home goods. The boutique features mostly out-of-country artisanal pieces.

Customers can also find home goods as well as clothing and furniture.

Kaplan boasts a classic, elegant collection of furniture, home items and clothing. She specifically focuses on highresidential pieces and designs. Kaplan’s unique style and design perspective and expertise are evident in Atmosphere Atelier’s one-of-a-kind home and clothing selections.

A full collection of Atmosphere Atelier’s products can be found on its website. The store’s Los Olivos location showcases a majority of the store’s items.

New Student Advisor Appointed to CUSD Board of Trustees Incoming San Clemente High School senior Genavieve Koenigshofer has been selected to serve as the 2019-2020 student advisor to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees.

“I am honored to have the responsibility of protecting my fellow scholars’ rights to a quality education,” Koenigshofer said in a press release. “I believe public educa-

tion enables young people to rise above their station and fight for a better life, and thus is vital to the American Dream.”

Koenigshofer replaces Mona Amirseyedian, who recently completed her oneyear term on the board and is entering her senior year at Tesoro High School.

As student advisor, Koenigshofer will sit among the trustees during CUSD’s regular and special board meetings, representing the district’s nearly 50,000 students.

“Students such as Genavieve serve as an invaluable resource,” Board President Gila Jones said in the release. “Their perspective does so much to strengthen our organization and ensures our unwavering commitment to student success.”

Each year, a panel comprising trustees and CUSD officials interviews a pool of candidates who applied and submitted letters of recommendation. The panel this year included Jones, Trustee Amy Hanacek and CUSD spokesperson Ryan Burris.

Koenigshofer is co-founder and copresident of Inspire to Be, a community service and outreach club at San Clemente High. Inspire to Be was created in the hope of impacting and improving the lives of children and families throughout Orange County.

Since 2016, Koenigshofer has been included in the Principal’s and Superintendent’s Honor Roll and also earned multiple Academic Achievement Awards.

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

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San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club 6:15 p.m. The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano meets every Wednesday at the Rotary Scout Hut, 31372 La Mantanza. For more information, visit sjcrotary.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 9 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.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 Fiesta Association Meeting 7-8 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association meets monthly to plan events related to the annual Swallows Day Parade. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. swallowsparade.com.

SJC Skatepark Coalition Meeting 6-7 p.m. The SJC Skatepark Coalition will hold its monthly board meeting at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

SJCSkateparkCoalition.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 11 Design Review Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The City’s Design Review Committee will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 12 The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Events at The Ranch JUNE 29

Astronomy Night

8:45-10:45 p.m. Come out to The Reserve for Astronomy Night where you can still view more celestial phenomena than elsewhere in urbanized Orange County. Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the heavens, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of volunteer astronomers. The Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge with you. Bring warm clothing, red cellophane flashlight, binoculars and an optional beach chair. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778.

JULY 3

Red, White, & Blue Bash & Illumi-Nation Drone Show

Kids listen intently to the instructions of their morning game exercises led by Leeta Lathan, the manager of Public Programs for The Reserve. Photo: Andrea Clemett

The Reserve Holds Outdoor Educational Camp for Children

BY ANDREA CLEMETT, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo kicked off the summer with a two-week day camp program with the goal of igniting creative learning while exploring the outdoors.

The first week’s theme centered on wildlife while the second week focused on how to survive the wild where campers aged 6 through 11 participated.

“During the first week, we were focusing on the adaptations because we’re talking about how animals are surviving in the wild,” said Laura Eisenberg, executive director of The Reserve and senior vice president of Open Space and Resource Management for Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC. The camp captures elements of EsenThe Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

cia K-8 School’s curriculum that’s taught throughout the year in each grade and applies the themes in hands-on learning activities. The Reserve goes to the school and holds assemblies for students, giving an overview of information they will cover on their field trips. Each grade will study something different depending on what they are learning that year.

“Part of what we do today is take pieces of the school’s curriculum so we can teach it in our programs,” Eisenberg said, citing the study of how native plants adapt to survive in the local climate as an example.

Eisenberg said that their site has remained naturalistic and with the intention of being undeveloped but with a play area.

Her staff wants to encourage the children to use their imaginations, such a building forts daily under the pepper trees.

The camp had roughly two dozen attendees depending on the week and day. Each day began with songs and stories followed by educational games and in the afternoon the campers delved into the themed activities.

“Part of our goals here are to introduce and establish a connection between the child and nature,” Eisenberg said. “You can’t appreciate something if you haven’t learned about it or cared for it. These kids that are here today will be the future naturalists and hopefully they will carry that connection

with them for the rest of their lives.”

Inspired by the fourth-grade course “Native American Life,” children were encouraged to use their surroundings to construct natural resources. Such activities included lessons on creating shelters and solar-powered wells with rocks and plastic wrap to make a moisture enclosure.

Campers acquired fundamental skills of first aid throughout the program and concluded their studies with navigation, knot-tying and a visit from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).

“I moved into the area about a year and a half ago and got to know a bit about the program,” said Paul Hudyma, a volunteer with the school and summer programs.

“I thought it would be something I really enjoy doing and a way to give back to the community. Now, I love doing it and the people I work with are super.”

The Reserve programs are all open to the general public where some will require pre-registration. Each program offers various discounted rates to those who qualify for the family-level supporter program.

Participants can refer to The Reserves’ calendar on its website for nature hikes, a fossil digging course that will investigate prehistoric life and a day of wildlife exploring in Orange County. For more info visit: rmvreserve.org.

Page 8

5-9:30 p.m. Bring your family and lawn chairs out to this backyard style event to start patriotic celebrations early.

Play family-friendly games hosted by the YMCA on the grass, have a refreshing drink at the Beer Garden, listen to good tunes and enjoy tasty bites from The Cart Hot Dog Company, La Vegana Mexicana and Snowie Snow Cones. This event is exclusive to Ranch residents only. The Pavilion, 2 Tierno, Rancho Mission Viejo.

JULY 4

July 4 Kids & Pets Parade

8:30-10 a.m. Celebrate our country and community at the resident-led Kids & Pets Parade. Children are encouraged to decorate their wheels and ride around El Prado while pet owners are encouraged to dress up their dogs in patriotic gear. El Prado, 35 Ascenso Ave., Rancho Mission Viejo.

JULY 8

Nature Art!

10-11 a.m. This event for children, ages 5 to 10, brings the outdoors to the inside and allows the kids to get creative.

Children participating will use natural and recycled materials to make one-ofa-kind works of art, inspired by nature.

Ladera Ranch Library, 29551 Sienna Parkway, Ladera Ranch. 949.234.5940.

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett

Riding Into Summertime in City Trolleys

T

he signs of summertime are finally here! After what seemed to be a never-ending, rainy winter and spring, the sunshine is finally beaming, and school is out. Now we can all enjoy the many blessings we have living in Southern California. Beaches and hiking trails will start to get crowded, family and friends’ BBQs will fill our weekends, and we look forward to those long summer days. We are so lucky to live in Orange County, which includes more than 42 miles of pristine THE BARTLETT coastline. While we BULLETIN welcome all of our visiBy Lisa Bartlett tors who support our local economies, parking and crowded streets will become a greater concern for our residents.

There are many benefits to living in a coastal city, but we are all too familiar with overcrowding and traffic logjams.

Traffic should never be the cause of re-

stricting fun. We want our residents and tourists to be drawn to our beaches and local attractions. For this reason, it has been a priority of mine, along with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), to put together a public transportation solution. Through a partnership among the county, OCTA, and our cities, the Project V city circulator trolley system was created—and South County was the first region up and running with the new program.

After years of my advocating for this project, dating back to my days serving on the Dana Point City Council, the South County Trolley system, partially funded

by Measure M (also known as OC Go), is flourishing. The trolley routes currently in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente have brought a new means of transportation to already congested traffic areas and have relieved overcrowded parking areas.

Trolley routes have multiple stops at local popular areas and attractions. Most of the routes connect to each other and other transit hot spots, including Metrolink stations. The best part is that these trolleys are all free of charge during the summer months.

One way to utilize these free connecting city trolleys is to attend one of our free County Summer events sponsored

by OC Parks.

Here is a list of some of those events occurring this summer in South County: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES | 5-8 P.M. August 22 • Tijuana Dogs and Family Style Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point

August 29 • LIT and Crash Boom Bang Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point SUMMER CINEMA SERIES | 6-10 P.M. August 23 • The Lego Movie 2 Laguna Niguel Park + Laguna Niguel August 30 • The Princess Bride Laguna Niguel Park + Laguna Niguel September 6 • Lilo & Stitch Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point September 13 • The Endless Summer Salt Creek Beach + Dana Point One of my main priorities as your representative on the Orange County Board of Supervisors and OCTA is to continue to increase mobility and public safety through our transportation infrastructure. Like the city trolley project, there are many local solutions to regional issues. I will continue to work with our local governments, stakeholders and residents to come up with innovative solutions to issues affecting our residents on a daily basis. I encourage you to try using the city trolley system to get to summer hot spots and visit neighboring communities. Please visit octa.net to see the routes for each trolley. I hope you have a safe and memorable summer!

Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, serving as the representative of the 5th District. She was re-elected in 2018. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

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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 12. 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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Page 9

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor BROKEN TREATIES, BROKEN PROMISES —ROBERT BRACAMONTES, Montebello When people ask, “Where were you born?”, I say, “On my Ancestral land.”

I was born Acjachemen.

Today, we struggle to maintain control over our sacred burial and village site, Putuidem. The Acjachemen nation controlled all of Orange County, in the not-so-distant past.

The land has and carries the treasures of the past, present and future of our people.

The past is the blood-soaked Mother Earth that witnessed a hideous genocide during the building of the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Our slavery is often unspoken of in textbooks and newspapers.

But the pain lingers as historical trauma.

The present is the perpetual battle to protect the tiny specks of land that carry all of our archeological, historical and spiritual essence. Such little space remains that hasn’t been stolen. Our Ancestors cry out. Hidden from the naked eye, they speak to us from the grave to stop the desecrations. I have no army or weapons to stop them. And I will not beg.

We only ask that the San Juan Capistrano City Council live up to and fulfill their promise to protect one morsel of our Ancestral land. This by allowing the Putuidem Park project to proceed. And disallow investors the right to violently desecrate our sacred site with an RV parking lot.

The future can be just another burial sacred village demolished and forgotten.

Or San Juan Capistrano City Council can live up to the promises of treaties past.

The ones that were broken a million times.

Make History, change History, or be judged by History.

THE OPEN SPACE ISSUE —MARY ANN NEWHART HILE, Indio I was born and raised in San Juan Capistrano and have only lived in the desert for the past 12 years, but I still have family and friends in town, and it will always be my home.

I subscribe to The Capistrano Dispatch to stay aware of the goings on in town, and I visit the area often, and I am so happy that former councilmember Mark Nielsen is speaking out to keep SJC’s Northwest Open Space, voted on in 1990, as it was intended, open space.

I don’t know why the current council feels a need to fill in every space in town. That goes for the giant new hotel on the previous site of my family’s Walnut Grove Restaurant and the Riverwalk proposal in the Historic Los Rios area and the old nursery.

San Juan is a very unique and wonderful town but has become so congested and crowded when there are so many businesses and homes allowed in such tight The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

spaces. Please consider very carefully the decisions on changing and allowing huge businesses in our small town.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH RIVER STREET MARKETPLACE? —JEFF VASQUEZ, San Juan Capistrano The Los Rios Specific Plan was created specifically to protect the homes in the Los Rios Historic District from the impacts of commercial development. It has served us well for almost 40 years. Every SJC City Council, with the exception of the most recent two, has defended and revered its importance.

Shopping centers are nothing new in SJC. We have several in town that generate sales taxes, traffic, noise, smells and, more recently, homeless encampments. The impacts of this development are severely understated and, in fact, almost ignored in the environmental impact report paid for by the developer.

River Street backs up against the homes on Los Rios Street with no project setbacks.

It’s almost six times the development intensity permitted under the Los Rios Specific Plan. It will create more traffic gridlock on Del Obispo, at intersections already rated F. If you want some perspective on how massive this project is, imagine a corrugated metal building as tall as the eaves of the new hotel. Now add four more buildings of almost equal height and a water tower.

The Marketplace building is a single-story structure. Why not make it 20-feet tall instead of 40 feet and move all of the buildings away from Los Rios Street to lessen the project impacts on the Historic District?

This is what happens when established building standards are ignored and staff looks the other way. The Los Rios Specific Plan already limits the building height, setbacks and the types of uses permitted.

We have a perfect storm happening in our town. The General Plan, the Los Rios Specific Plan and Historic Town Center Master Plan are all being changed to accommodate a developer who has several properties in the development process that require zone changes.

It’s time to show up and let the council know how you feel. Developers and city councils come and go, but residents are the ones who get stuck picking up the tab.

I hope you will join me on July 2 at 5 p.m. in the council chambers. The future of our historic town is at stake.

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.

Page 10

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Welcome to Go.See.Do Summer has returned to South Orange County, bringing with it endless possibilities for fun, excitement and adventure. Whether you’re just looking to enjoy the cold of the ocean sweeping across your feet in the sand or hoping to explore the night life in the tri-city area, this biannual guide is here to help you make the most of your summer experience.

In this year’s summer edition of Go.See.Do., we’ll show where to catch some of the best fish and chips in South County and how to spend date night in style. We’ve also highlighted several day-time activities for you to explore, including which trails to stomp, helping you stay in shape and active. And no summer is ever complete without a memorable 4th of July celebration.

That’s why we’ve compiled a short list of the most epic Independence Day traditions in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Don’t waste away during these long summer days. Make the most of the season and enjoy all that South Orange County has to offer.

three Spots for

Date Night FOR A ROMANTIC NIGHT OUT

TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS

For a date night with ambience, Trevor’s at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano offers romantic lighting, locally sourced, high-end dining and delicious, designer cocktails. Set in a historic train station built in the 1800s, the trackside patio bar, restaurant and banquet facility provide a unique backdrop for guests’ dining experience. Subtle, live music is performed nightly, and all day and night over the weekends, allowing guests to listen to good tunes but still have a conversation.

FOR A LIVELY NIGHT OUT

FOR A DATE WITH THE KIDS, TOO

This music venue has hosted both aspiring artists and legendary performers since 1980. The most notable shows at The Coach House to date included musicians B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Tori Amos and Chris Isaak. The Coach House offers up-close seating near the stage for an intimate experience with the band. Guests also have the option of making dinner reservations for priority seating. The menu includes traditional bar appetizers, as well as entrees such as filet mignon and the catch of the day. Visit thecoachhouse.com to see the full concert schedule.

With an ideal location in the Dana Point Harbor and much to be explored, Ocean Institute is the perfect spot for a date with the family. Go and learn all about Moon Jellies, encounter live animals in the Discovery Pool touch-tank, join in animal feedings, and even conduct squid dissections. If you, your date and children are up for more adventure, set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point. Join the crew to help raise the sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or you can sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your date and the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship.

THE COACH HOUSE

OCEAN INSTITUTE

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

The great

s p i h C D N A Fish n w o d k c Sma

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

Fish and chips is a dish with a long tradition and interesting history. A staple meal of British culture, fish and chips as we know it today was established in the 1860s, with the first shops opening in several spots in England. These shops were essentially the start of the fast food industry.

F

ish and chips was one of the few foods not rationed by the British government during either World War, as it had become a staple of the working and middle class.

Today, fish and chips is served all over the world, with some of the freshest options in our tri-city area in South Orange County. Where should you get yours? We tried some of the best to figure that out.

1

2

1. Jon’s Fish Market

3. Cedar Creek Inn

DANA POINT ($15.40)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ($17)

It’s impossible to deny the freshness of fish and chips when you’re buying it straight from a market in the local harbor.

Jon’s Fish Market received the highest score of the bunch, because it was the best prepared and constructed fish of the four stops.

The battered outside is incredibly crispy and tasty but not overbearing. The fish itself is light and has just enough of that ocean taste pushing through. The construction of it might also be the most important part, as the fish does not crumble apart upon eating.

The fish could be eaten completely in hand, like you would a chicken tender, and the batter isn’t overwhelming. The taste of the batter can only be described as golden.

The fries are good. Above baseline in their preparation, but also still a typical American fry.

Jon’s fish and chips is the perfect summer lunch. They also offered a halibut fish and chips—in addition to the standard cod—advertised on their chalkboard for $19.95.

Another unique location and an especially good spot for lunch on the patio, underneath the trees with the Mission San Juan Capistrano in view across the street.

On the menu, Cedar Creek Inn describes its fish and chips as “our friend Ann Dreyer’s light and crispy fish.” Indeed, the batter is the calling card of this fish and quite crispy, but I didn’t find it as light as described.

The batter is definitely crunchy, but on my three-piece serving at least, I found there to simply be too much of it. Quality fish, to be sure, but the batter overwhelmed the fish.

The fries were in line with what I expect to be presented with fish and chips. Not so much in the thicker British way, but they are your typical American fries. I’d call these the baseline for a serving of fries.

Another unique feature for Cedar Creek Inn’s presentation is the side of jalapeno tartar sauce.

RATING:

RATING:

2. Turk’s

4. The Fisherman’s Restaurant

DANA POINT (FULL $13.75, HALF $9.25)

SAN CLEMENTE ($20)

Who else would you trust with your fish but the stop at the end of the fishing docks of Dana Point Harbor?

Turk’s fish has that perfect fried batter.

The bites have the crunch, but it’s not an empty crunch. There is taste throughout.

The fish is well-prepared, with just enough of the fish taste pushing though to keep it interesting.

The one small demerit on the fish is, while nice and flaky, that it doesn’t hold together as well as the others. Once the crispy outside is broken through, the fork will make it a little tough to gather.

Turk’s is also the winner on the “chips” part of fish and chips. Thicker fries that are just as well-fried as the fish, and they are a seasoned fry. Some may prefer without seasoning, but it hit the spot for me.

Turk’s could also be called the value spot on this list, with the lowest price on a full four-piece order; a half-order also is available.

In the venues we sampled fish and chips, San Clemente pier mainstay Fisherman’s had the best views and some of the freshest ingredients.

The freshness of the four pieces of fish comes through. The fish is expertly fried and well-prepared. The first bite has the exact crunch you’re looking for in the batter, but after that initial breakthrough, it left me a little wanting.

Unlike our other entries, the fried outside doesn’t have that fried taste. The fish itself doesn’t have overly fishy taste, but it doesn’t have much taste at all. Now, of course, this is easily remedied with salt, a squirt of lemon and malt vinegar, ketchup or tartar sauces. For these reviews, we went as plain as possible to grade it without our own additions.

Finally, the chips are much more potato wedge than French fry. When it comes to fish and chips, I’m looking for more traditional fries on the side.

RATING:

RATING:

3

4

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Summer Event Highlights San Clemente Ocean Festival The 43rd annual San Clemente Ocean Festival is set to kick off a weekend of ocean-based athletic competitions and family-friendly events on Saturday, July 20.

Competitive events for California lifeguards and ocean athletes will be held throughout the first day Saturday, including lifeguard rescue and paddleboard rescue relays, surf races and paddleboard sprints.

On Sunday, several beach events will be held, such as the 5k Beach Run/Walk, a biathlon and a one-mile ocean swim. There will also be surf contests for kids and an annual Dolphin Dash for children aged 12 and under.

Ocean Fest is also including two new events this year: The Pier Bowl Surf Classic on Saturday and the Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest on Sunday.

More information about the festival, how to participate and volunteer can be found at OceanFestival.org.

p

Ohana Music Festival

a diverse lineup of more than 30 bands and artists such as Incubus, Tash Sultana, Mudhoney and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

A portion of Ohana’s proceeds this year will go to nonprofit group San Onofre Parks Foundation, which aims to preserve and enhance the state’s coastal parks while working alongside the California State Parks.

Head to OhanaFest.com for more information about tickets.

What better way to close out the summer in South County than with a three-day music festival featuring some of the biggest names in music?

From Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29, the Ohana Festival will be rocking in Dana Point at Doheny State Beach.

Headliners for this year’s festival include The Strokes, Eddie Vedder and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The festival will also feature

FOUR

WAYS TO CELEBRATE the 4 of July Celebration & Carnival

1/ th

The annual 4th of July Celebration & Carnival returns to the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, where the community can enjoy rides, games and live entertainment. The event, which is scheduled to kick off at noon, will feature 20 full-scale mechanical thrill rides, as well as games of chance. The night will be capped off with a fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Ride tickets will be sold at the carnival for $1.25 apiece or sheets of 20 tickets for $20. Pre-sale discounted ticket sheets of 20 can purchased at the Community Center for $15 until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. Kids will also get to enjoy the carnival’s petting zoo and a mechanical race ride, as well as free games next to the stage beginning at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., local band Counter Conformity will take the stage, followed by funk and soul band Family Style at 6:30 p.m.

Parking can be found at the Sports Park and on the street near the venue. The city’s Summer Trolley service will also run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. that day, offering a drop-off and pickup location at the Sports Park. Additional information on the trolley can be found at sanjuancapistrano.org. No personal fireworks, pets or barbecues are permitted at the event.

FOURTH OF JULY 2/

Office Chair Downhill Derby

The brave and the bold come out every year to participate in the annual Office Chair Downhill Derby near downtown San Clemente on July 4.

The race course, aptly named Half Mile of Horror, runs down Avenida Rosa. It starts at the crest of the hill on the lower half of the street, known as the “Knoll,” and ends at the five-way intersection with Calle Seville and Avenida Santa Barbara.

Competitors will encounter obstacles on the way down to the finish line, including a 45-degree hard left turn and coming across potential traffic at “Trench,” where the road connects with Avenida Victoria and a drainage dip is located that has been known to tear apart some office chairs. This event is not for the faint of heart.

Races run throughout the day, starting when there’s enough racers to run a race and ending when racers have had enough. Parking is limited around the area, but public parking can be found along Avenida Del Mar, Avenida Cabrillo, Avenida Granada and El Camino Real.

During the day, attendees can enjoy hotdogs and popcorn, as well as water balloon fights in between races. For more information, visit officechairrace.com.

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Summertime

SAN CLEMENTE

Trolley Services DANA POINT

p

Mission Fest 2019

u

The country music and wine festival Mission Fest returns to San Juan Capistrano’s Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park on July 13.

This year’s headliner is famed country music star Jamey Johnson, who will be accompanied by other country music acts including Eric Paslay, Annie Bosko and Karly Moreno. Also scheduled to perform this year is Dennis Quaid and The Sharks.

The event is restricted to those 21 and older and will also feature wine tastings and eats from some of San Juan’s finest restaurants and unique vendors.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be found at MissionFest.com.

{

iHeartYoga SUP Yoga

Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to try out iHeartYoga’s monthly SUP Yoga workshop. This 90-minute class combines yoga with paddleboarding, as participants paddle out into the Dana Point Harbor and then engage in typical yoga instruction while balancing on the board.

Combining paddleboarding with yoga allows the body to engage muscles that wouldn’t normally be used, iHeartYoga notes.

And no worries about falling in the water; it just means you’ll get a refreshing dip.

The SUP class is offered on the second Saturday of every month from 8-9:30 a.m.

To learn more, visit iheartyoga.org.

Dana Point’s Trolley operates daily with pick-ups and stops running on a 15-minute loop. Commuters can hop on the trolley from several locations throughout the city from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

During holidays such as Independence Day on July 4 and Labor Day on Sept. 2, the trolley will run between 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

A round-trip loop on the trolley is approximately one hour and 10 minutes. The Dana Point Trolley also connects commuters to trolleys in the neighboring cities of Laguna Beach, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

The Laguna Beach connection is located on Ritz Carlton Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. The San Clemente connection is set to be located at Camino Capistrano and Camino De Estrella. The connection for San Juan is located at Del Obispo Street and Stonehill Drive.

San Clemente’s trolley services run daily on a 15-minute loop all summer.

The services start at noon and end at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Additional holiday hours will also be offered on the 4th of July from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sept. 2, Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The city’s original Red Line Downtown Trolley Route is in full swing, and commuters can expect the new Blue Line North S.C. Trolley Route, which will connect to the Dana Point Trolley system, to begin soon, according to the city.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

San Juan Capistrano’s free weekend trolley service runs on a 20-minute loop throughout the downtown district, covering the stretch from La Zanja and Camino Capistrano to Stonehill Drive and Del Obispo Street, where commuters can connect with the Dana Point Trolley.

The SJC trolley runs Fridays from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The program also includes holiday services for Independence Day on July 4 and Labor Day on Sept. 2, which will mark the end of this year’s program.

The service will also be offered from 4-9 p.m. during the San Juan Summer Nites Concert Series at HTC Park on certain Wednesdays this summer.

There’s no better place than South Orange County to celebrate our country’s independence. Beach, sun, sand and surf abound, creating the perfect recipe for an epic 4th of July holiday. In the tri-city area, families have quite a few options on how to spend Independence Day. Here are just a few that are sure bring out everyone’s inner adventurous side.

3/

Dana Point Water Wars

Every 4th of July, dozens of canoes, dinghies, small boats and even inflatables descend upon the Dana Point Harbor, turning it into a battle zone where seafaring crews blast and splash each other with water guns and buckets of water. The Dana Point Water Wars has been an annual Independence Day tradition for the local community, as both adults and children can get in on the action centered near the Dana Point Harbor island bridge. There’s no official start time, but the battle typically picks up around noon. Before participants head out to do battle, however, there are three important rules everyone must follow: 1. No water balloons can be used, as the rubber pollutes the water and can harm the sea life.

2. Those operating the crafts must not go over the speed limit in the harbor.

3. Each boat should have enough life jackets inside for everyone—both kids and adults.

Those 13-and-under are required to wear a life jacket while out on the water.

To also make sure the holiday antics remain safe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol is onsite to monitor the festivities. Visit dpwaterwars.weebly.com for more information.

4/

Concert on the Green

The Irvine Police Association will host its 35th annual Concert on the Green at the Irvine High School Stadium this 4th of July. The event will feature live music by the Derek Bordeaux Group, as well as field games and activities with professional field entertainers. Families can enjoy bounce houses, raffle-prize giveaways and eats from gourmet food trucks. Topping the day’s festivities, the Pyro Spectaculars will put on the Pyro Musical Sky Concert & Fireworks Extravaganza.

The gates will open at 3 p.m., with the fireworks show set to kick off at 9 p.m. Bleacher seating will be available, and guests are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawnchairs to sit on the football field. Pets, barbecues, bikes and personal fireworks are not allowed at the event.

Adult ticket prices are $15; $10 for seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased at irvinepa. org/events/Packages. Irvine City Hall will also be selling tickets through Wednesday, July 3, in the Community Services office located on the second floor between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 949.724.0488 or email ipaevents@irvinepa.org.

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019 Go.See.Do

Brussels Bistro Honors Belgian Food, Beer & Spirit

BY CARI HACHMANN

T

wo Belgians grew up together and followed their dream in opening not one, but two restaurants in the beachside communities of San Clemente and Laguna Beach.

Nicolas Servais and Thomas Crijns, both 42 years old, opened the doors this February to their second location of Brussels Bistro on Avenida Del Mar. Servais manages and runs the front of the house, while Crijns is the chef and creator of Brussels’ eclectic Belgian-inspired menu. Both studied at Belgium’s Ecole Hotelière de la Province de Namur, specializing in the restaurant business.

Servais said their new restaurant brings the Belgian experience to San Clemente.

“We want people to travel when they come to Brussels Bistro— through the menu and the beer, but also we wanted the atmosphere,” Servais said, in an interview with the San Clemente Times.

The friends spent two years searching up and down the southern California coast before they found the perfect space for their restaurant on Del Mar, a spot formerly occupied by Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria.

The location reminded Servais of the kind of bustling, pedestrianfriendly streets back home in Belgium.

“The pedestrian area of Del Mar is just perfect for us. People are just walking down the street. That was important for us,” he said. The Belgians made some changes to the former pizzeria, with its structural design completed by their friend and fellow Belgian, Delphine Mauroit, a New York-based interior designer.

In one corner, there is the “Fritkot” or “fry shack,” which are little houses that fries are served out of and can be seen everywhere in his home country, according to Servais. Then, near the restaurant’s entrance, there is the notable statuette of a little boy peeing into a fountain, called “Mannekan Pis.” For the story behind it, you will have to make your way down to the restaurant and read the menu.

Most importantly, Servais said, is the very long and spacious bar, which holds a special place in Belgian culture: the beer. “It is super important. . . . We only sell Belgian beer,” he said.

Brussels offers 40 different Belgian beers and “every single beer has its own glass,” Servais said. He clarified that Belgians pour beer

differently than the American way, “because we pour it with foam,” he said, and for various reasons related to flavor and protecting the beer from overexposure to oxygen.

The restaurant owners have spent a lot of time training their employees to bridge the gap between the two cultures, and relaying it to new clientele who often have questions about the way they do things.

“We try to offer something different,” said Servais. “This is a very special thing.”

On the Brussels Bistro menu, customers will find all authentic Belgian recipes, with some tailoring to the

Nicolas Servais

Thomas Crijns

American way. “If you eat it here, you will eat it the exact same way in Belgium,” Servais said.

Mussels and fries are a popular dish in his home country. Brussels Bistro gets theirs fresh from a farm in Washington, where they are delivered several times a week and offered at the bistro in eight different flavored broths that come in small- or large-size pots. In Belgium, mussels typically come from the North Sea. A separate dessert menu offers Belgian chocolate decadence, crepes, waffles and delicious pastries.

Servais moved to the area just more than three years ago and lives with his wife and two kids in Laguna Niguel. Crijns, who has been in the United States for close to 13 years, lives locally in San Clemente. They chose the area for the good climate and quality of life.

“It’s a nice community, a nice city. We love it. We love the atmosphere,” said Servais.

When his family first arrived, his Belgian-born kids didn’t speak a word of English, but they were dropped off at school, anyway. Servais admits the first couple weeks were a little rough, but everyone is adjusting, and their English, like his, is improving. The kids also love to visit their dad at the restaurant.

Servais and Crijns are originally from Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, a city located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant, about a 45-minute drive from Brussels. The two have known each other since birth.

The goal for their restaurants, Servais said, is to build long-lasting relationships with their guests and share a little piece of themselves and their culture.

“We built this restaurant for the people living in San Clemente, so we want it to feel like if it were home. It is really important to us,” said Servais.

The two entrepreneurs have talked about opening a third restaurant, but that’s talk for a later date.

The Brussels Bistro locations include 218 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente and 222 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach.

Brussels Bistro is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 pm.

Sunday brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Happy hour is every day from 4-6 p.m. with selected $5 drinks and menu items. Everyone is welcome.

GO.SEE.DO | SUMMER 2019

Hit the Trails Get outside this summer and enjoy these three local hikes

BY LILLIAN BOYD

Patriot Trail, San Juan Capistrano

PATRIOT TRAIL ••••• The trailhead for this trek is nestled in a suburban residential area in San Juan Capistrano, bordering Capistrano Beach. Patriot Trail spans about 3.6 miles and is considered a moderate-level hike. Parts of the path include paved walkway, which allow for strollers to some extent. But once the trail leads to the ridgeline of the hills, there is a dirt path.

Patriot Trail is dog-friendly, but be sure to clean up after your pooches and keep them on a leash.

Patriot Trail leads to Flag Hill, where an American flag flies atop rolling hills in San Juan Capistrano. The flag was placed in honor of September 11. There are several subtrails that lead to Flag Hill, so be sure to stay on Patriot Trail if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

To get to the trailhead, take Interstate 5 heading south towards San Juan Capistrano. Exit the freeway at the offramp for Pacific Coast Highway/Camino Las Ramblas. Make a left turn onto Camino Las Ramblas and drive until it ends.

The trailhead begins when Camino Las Ramblas dead-ends.

There is plenty of free parking at the trailhead.

The elevation is about 400 feet, and it takes about one to two hours to complete. When you reach the peak (where the flagpole is), you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of South Orange County.

Sunset Hike Begins at Outlets at San Clemente

}

RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE RIDGELINE TRAIL ••••• For beautiful, panoramic views of hillsides, coastal features of San Clemente and Dana Point, as well as the Pacific horizon, be sure to hike Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail. Don’t let the suburban entrance points fool you; this hike provides visual access to San Clemente’s inland hills, valleys and mountainsides. From the residential entrance, the trail takes you to Knob Hill.

This trail is mostly asphalt and stretches about 3 ½ miles to Knob Hill and back, so it’s suitable for pedestrians, strollers, bicycles and dogs on leashes.

Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is a perfect go-to hike throughout the year, but if you choose to go during summer months, be sure to pack water and go earlier in the day. There is little to no shade offered on the trail and higher temperatures call for more preparation and planning.

To find this trail from Interstate 5, take the exit for Avenida Pico and head east toward Avenida Presidio and turn right. Go up the hill and turn left onto Avenida Salvador, then left onto Calle Ameno. The trail entrance is on the left; park on the street in the residential neighborhood. The trail can be a little tricky to find from the driver’s seat.

If you’re hoping to meet new people while getting some exercise and exploring local trails, then the Sunset Hike is for you. The Sunrise to Sunset Hikers will meet on Sunday, June 30 at 5 p.m. at Outlets at San Clemente.

The hiking group will proceed down the Sea Summit Trail, which offers serene views of the Pacific Ocean to

DANA POINT HEADLANDS ••••• This trail system stretches three miles throughout the Dana Point Headlands, overlooking Salt Creek Beach, Strands, Dana Point Harbor, San Clemente—and, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of Catalina Island.

The trail offers several overlooks of the Pacific Ocean with beautiful flora as a backdrop, with a mixture of natural surface walkways as well as mixed-use paved trail.

It’s recommended to hit this trail during the Tall Ships & Ocean Festival, Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 5-8. Although the trail is surrounded by developments, the trail feels isolated, providing an intimate view of the ocean. You can even hear sea lions barking from buoys off the coastline.

The Nature Interpretive Center provides the chance for children of all ages to learn about the local environment and endangered species within the Headlands Conservation Area. The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the trail is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Dogs are not allowed along the dirt hiking trails in order to protect the endangered bird and mammal species.

Parking for the Dana Point Headlands Trail is available at Strand Vista Park on Selva Road in Dana Point. There is also limited parking at the Nature Interpretative Center parking lot.

the beach. The hike is timed to enjoy the sunset on the boardwalk of the San Clemente Pier. The end of the hike is a loop back up the Sea Summit trail to the Outlets for an optional post-hike get-together. This is an approximate four-mile, two-hour hike with 300 feet of elevation changes. The mostly dirt trail is well maintained with some stairs.

You can stay for an optional dinner on the Outlets at San Clemente patio, with several dining choices that include Ruby’s Diner, U-Swirl for yogurt, and Slapfish for seafood and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Outlets at San Clemente is home to more than 55 stores and more than 10 dining opportunities.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE – LAGUNA BEACH Saturday, 6/29 – 8AM - 1PM. 1025 Catalina, Laguna Beach. back alley between Glenneyre & Catalina. Electric Kids Batmobile, Golf Clubs, 5-1/2” Brass Boston Chelsea Clock & Barometer with Wood Base or Mount, Electronics, Sony Amplifier & 300 CD Changer, Wall Art, Art Supplies, Jewelry, Kitchen/Household/Linens and Décor, Paper Shredder, New or Brand New Clothes/Shoes – Women/Men, Unique Items from around the world (Silk Kimonos, Porcelain, Fabrics, etc.), plus Christmas decorations. Come and join us for some fun!

2 FAMILY GARAGE SALE Sunday June 30 8 am to 2 pm Camino El Molino and Los Alamos, Capistrano Beach. Scuba gear, miscellaneous home items, tools, sports equipment, clothing, Ukelele, and unopened items.

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

GARAGE SALE - JUNE 28, 29TH AND 30TH All days 9am to 2pm. 33801 Calle Conejo, San Juan Capistrano. Women’s clothing size 0 - 2 and more.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

HELP WANTED

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

HELP WANTED-SHIPPING/RECEIVING Se necesita ayuda/ para mandar y recibir Picture Frame Manufacturer, San Clemente location. Part Time or Full Time available. Medio tiempo complete. Available hours MondayFriday between 7:00am-5:00pm $13.00-$14.00 depending on experience.

949-388-8403 ask for Scott. Se habla espanol

Submit your info online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

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thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

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

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

Friday | 28 SENIOR VOLUNTEERING 10 a.m. Join the MOMS Club of Dana Point & San Juan Capistrano for some rewarding fun with kids and the seniors of Del Obispo Terrace. 32200 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano. momsclubdpsjc.weebly.com

Saturday | 29 HOW TO DRAW NATURE 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Author, naturalist and artist Sama Wareh will lead a two-hour workshop based on her award-winning book, How to Draw 60 Native CA Plants and Animals: A Field Guide. Learn how to sharpen your observation skills in order to capture nature’s beauty with your preferred artistic medium. Learn how to break seemingly complicated drawings into shapes and lines. Registration costs $35 per person.

Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685.

CaliforniaNativePlants.com.

MACRAMÉ WORKSHOP 3:30-6:30 p.m. Join AR Workshop for an exciting evening of DIY wood signs and macramé. Our guest instructor, Nicole Hill of Rustic Roots, will walk you through the art of macramé. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Mission Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano.

949.482.1362. ARWorkshop.com.

MAC-’N’-CHEESE COOKOFF 2019 4-7 p.m. If your friends tell you your mac-’n’cheese is amazing, the best they have ever had, or if you have that secret recipe you won’t part with, Saddleback Church wants your mac-’n’-cheese at its inaugural Cookoff. To enter email TrishaJ@saddleback. com. Contact the Rancho Church office at ranchocapistrano@saddleback.com or call 949.609.8700 for questions. Saddleback Church Rancho Capistrano, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: SURF ICON ‘SAM’ CONROY 10 a.m. Surfers who have waited since February for a paddle-out to celebrate the The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: File

SATURDAY, JULY 4: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION & CARNIVAL Noon. The city’s annual 4th of July event will feature plenty of rides, games of chance, live entertainment and, of course, fireworks. Tickets to ride the rides will be sold at the carnival for $1.25 apiece or sheets of 20 tickets for $20. Pre-sale discounted ticket sheets of 20 can be purchased at the Community Center for $15 until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion. sanjuancapistrano.org.

life of surf icon William “Sam” Conroy can attend a memorial on June 29 at Dana West Yacht Club. Conroy was a member.

Conroy—who died Feb. 7 at 87—was a surfer, boater, teacher, president of the San Onofre Surf Club and founder of San Clemente High School’s powerhouse surf teams. After the memorial at the club, attendees will board boats. Surfers are invited; no need to paddle out. At sea, surfers will enter the water and paddle into a circle. Conroy’s daughter, Chrissy, will place Sam’s ashes. Afterward, a celebration of life at the club will provide food (for drinks or cocktails, pay as you go). Dana West Yacht Club. 24601 Dana Drive. RSVP to Dino Bellafaire at 949.466.1357.

Dwyc.org.

Sunday | 30 SOUTH PARK TRIVIA 7-9 p.m. Think you know all things South Park? Come to test your knowledge of one of the greatest shows to grace our television sets. The BrewHouse will bring

the beer and prizes, you bring the chicken pot pie—Kitty is not allowed. The BrewHouse. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

Monday | 01 OPEN MIC AT BARNOA 7-10 p.m. Orange County singers and songwriters join host Gary Wright on the first three Mondays of every month to share their musical talent. Bring your musical instruments and love of live music.

The stage is set with everything you need. Must be 21 and older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. barnoawinebar.com.

BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

Page 24

Wednesday | 03 LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Join Iva Lee’s for live music every Wednesday through Sunday. For the ultimate live music experience, be sure to reserve a lounge table on Fridays and Saturdays. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. Check their website for the latest scheduled performances. ivalees.com.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition and craft beers among friends during the BrewHouse’s weekly trivia night. Food trucks are on site during the trivia contest.

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

Thursday | 04 RUN IN THE PARKS 6 a.m. YMCA of Orange County will host thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT its 41st annual Fourth of July “Run in the Parks” event presented by Stonefire Grill.

The event will feature a 5K run/walk, 10K run, dog walk and most patriotic dog contest, as well as children’s races, which range from 25 yards to a one-mile course.

The main course extends from the Crown Valley Community Park to Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Race participants will be awarded medals for placing first, second and third in both the 5K and 10K races.

The races are scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. with registration opening at 6 a.m. Laguna Niguel Family YMCA, 29831 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel. 949.495.9622. ymcaoc.org.

At the Movies: ‘Toy Story 4’ to the Rescue for Families

LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians perform at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa every Friday and Saturday night. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.1500. lagunacliffs.com.

Saturday | 06 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.

CREATE AND CARE FOR YOUR NATIVE GARDEN 9:30-10:30 a.m. Now that you have killed your lawn and you are working on your design, what are you supposed to do? Mike Evans will share from the Tree of Life Nursery’s booklet, “Creating and Caring for your Native Garden.” Bringing his 35-plus The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

Tuesday | 09 BLOOD DRIVE 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The city of San Juan Capistrano, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is hosting a blood drive at the Community Center. Sign up for an appointment at the American Red Cross website using sponsor code CityofSJC, or contact Lindsey Stigall at 949.443.6317. 25925 Camino Del Avion.

Friday | 05 FESTIVAL OF ARTS FINE ART SHOW Noon-11:30 p.m. This summer, explore Laguna Beach’s Festival of Arts, a juried fine art show featuring 140 of Orange County’s top artists in an open-air gallery setting. In a world-renowned art destination, visitors can take tours of the exhibit, catch an art demonstration, dine at the on-site restaurants, create their own masterpiece, or simply sit back and enjoy the creative atmosphere. There are even daily art classes for kids. Weekends are filled with live music and special events providing entertainment for all. This summer-long event runs daily through Aug. 31, weekdays from noon to 11:30 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. foapom.com.

at 949.493.5911. 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano.

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studio

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

P

ixar’s Toy Story franchise is truly the gift that keeps on giving, as the saying goes. And unlike the Air Bud and Home Alone movies, which continually stayed past their welcome and became gradually worse over time, Toy Story has maintained enjoyability for all ages for more than two decades.

This summer, we’re given the fourth installment, simply called Toy Story 4.

After the bittersweet ending of Toy Story 3 (2010), we carry on with Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and company all living in new kid Bonnie’s (Madeline McGraw) bedroom. During a road trip with Bonnie and her parents a week before kindergarten starts, Woody discovers Bo Peep (Annie Potts) has been living life as a “lost toy” by a local carnival. At the same time, Woody and friends are busy making sure Bonnie’s new hand-

years of experience with these plants—as well as just as many years of site-prep, initial irrigation techniques and working with tricky landscape situations—he will teach you how to create a thriving and enjoyable native garden. As Mike has mentioned for years and years, “Maintenance is what you do for your car; you care for your plants!”

Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685.

CaliforniaNativePlants.com.

Sunday | 07 BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with

made toy, Forky (Tony Hale), doesn’t run away and get lost himself.

One of the best parts of watching the Toy Story films is seeing how much the CGI industry has advanced since 1995. There are shots in TS4, most noticeable during the opening sequence in which the gang saves RC from a rainstorm and big gutter waves, where the exteriors are so high-def that they look live-action.

The main criticism going around among fans seems to be that it doesn’t “feel” like a TS flick. This is most likely because of the new script team, which is most obvious with Buzz’s subplot and does feel very out of character and last-second.

Toy Story 4 may not necessarily be a perfect follow-up feature in the franchise to some, but it might work as a stand-alone adventure piece for regular viewers. CD

flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Start with a fresh fruit martini and a selection of pastries, then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu. Cost is $72. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com.

SUMMER PICKLEBALL 2:30-5:30 p.m. Come to play indoor pickleball this summer at the San Juan Capistrano gymnasium. The group will meet every Sunday from July 7 through Oct. 27.

New to the game? No problem. Instruction and all equipment will be provided. For additional details and to register, please call the Community Services Department

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ANIMALS! 1-2 p.m. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time to start “Showtime at Your Library!” Lights, Camera, Animals! Animals are acrobats, high flyers and magicians all on their own. Join Pacific Animal Productions as it highlights the natural stars and talents across the animal kingdom. It is sure to be a fun and entertaining time full of information, excitement and audience participation. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 760.723.7761.

PacificAnimalProductions.com.

Wednesday | 10 USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN TIME OF DISASTER 6-7:30 p.m. Lynn Mata, emergency services manager for the city of San Juan Capistrano, leads this LART Lectures for Equestrians, hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition. All equestrians interested in disaster preparedness are welcome. Registration begins at 6 p.m., with the free lecture scheduled to start promptly at 6:30 p.m. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.

SanJuanEquestrian.org.

Thursday | 11 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.

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. thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

A Nine-Year Ordeal Coming to an End

I

n 1976, Neil Diamond co-wrote the song “Dry Your Eyes,” with Robbie Robertson of The Band. Robertson was the producer of Diamond’s 1976 Beautiful Noise album, which included “Dry Your Eyes.”

Regarding the tune, the website Songfacts.com states, “In his memoir, Testimony, Robertson explained that the song was inspired by ‘how many people felt after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.’ Diamond played this live only once—at The Band’s farewell concert on November 25, 1976 in San Francisco.”

The lyrics state: “To that distant falling angel that descended much too soon.” I assume Dr. King is the falling angel.

I bought the Beautiful Noise album when it was released. My favorite song on it was “Dry Your Eyes.” But in the dozen or so Neil Diamond concerts I attended prior to 2017, he never played it.

My partner, Greta, and I attended a Hot August Night Neil Diamond concert at The Forum in Inglewood in 2017, one of Diamond’s last concerts due to his illness.

We were seated in the balcony.

I was caught off guard, and my camera wasn’t on, when Diamond started singing “Dry Your Eyes.” Quickly, I turned on the video a few seconds into the song and managed to capture three minutes of him singing it, without the zoom on.

However, even from a distance, it’s the

best video of Diamond singing “Dry Your Eyes” and his band playing it that I could find online. The trumpet solo is outstanding.

That night, I noticed Diamond changed the original words from “To that distant falling angel . . .” to, “To those distant falling angels . . .”

On Monday, June 10, the video reentered my mind. Why? That’s the day the verdict was read in the McStay family murder trial, which had lasted five months.

The family at one time had lived in San Clemente.

Joey McStay, his wife, Summer, and two young boys, Gianni and Joseph Jr., are the family of four who were found buried in shallow graves near Victorville on Nov. 13, 2013, having been bludgeoned to death.

They’d been missing since February 2010.

This January, when the murder trial started, I wrote a column in this paper titled, “The McStay Family Deserves CloON LIFE AND sure,” which explained LOVE AFTER 50 my connection to Joey. He

By Tom Blake had been my stepson for six years in the late 1980s.

That article also described what my exwife, Susan, Joey’s mother, and my other former stepson, Mikey, had been through over the past nine years.

On that Monday, I wanted to hear the trial verdict the moment it was announced.

I couldn’t get it on live TV, or online, so I turned on my car radio to KNX and sat outside our Dana Point home until I heard the news. It’s the same home where Joey, Mikey, and Susan lived with me for six years.

While sitting there, I thought about the “Dry Your Eyes” lyrics. It occurred to me that the McStays were four distant falling angels who descended much too soon; I decided to post the video to YouTube.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

A verdict was reached: Chase Merritt, a former business partner of Joey’s, was found guilty on four counts of first-degree murder. There remain many unanswered questions about the case, and as of this writing, the sentencing phase is ongoing.

Did the verdict bring closure to Susan, Mikey and Joey’s father, Patrick? In a way, perhaps. But how will they ever forget what happened? “Closure” wasn’t the correct word for me to use in that January article.

According to a June 11, 2019 Los Angeles Times article, by Alene Tchekmedyian, as Susan left the courtroom, she mentioned to a woman, “It’s over.” So, maybe “over” would be a better word choice than closure.

But, now that the verdict is in, somewhat ending the nine-year ordeal that Joey’s and Summer’s families have gone through, perhaps those family members will be able to start drying their eyes.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. 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

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

FROM THE ARCHIVES A girl bends over with birdseed in her hand to feed pigeons at the San Juan Capistrano Mission.

It is unclear when this photo was taken.

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Tillie

M

Photo: Courtesy of Santa Ana Public Library

eet Tillie, a 2-year-old poodle mix with a sweet personality. When she first arrived at the shelter, her fur was horribly matted, and she was very nervous due to her previous neglect. Now, after a new haircut and lots of care from the shelter staff and volunteers, Tillie is finally blossoming into the happy and affectionate little dog she was always meant to be.

If you would like to know more about Tillie, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her 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

Page 26

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SJC LIVING

250 Years Ago, Father Serra Started Something Big

The city of Tepic, Nayarit, in the mountains above San Blas, remembers Serra with a statue and a replica of a humble dwelling that had housed him there in 1767-68 while he formulated plans to lead Californians to salvation. Murals of Serra line the walls of a historic Tepic chapel dedicated in 1784, the year Serra died at California’s Carmel Mission.

One of Tepic’s most popular hotels today is the Hotel Fray Junipero Serra, known locally as The Fray.

SAN JUAN’S HERITAGE

BY FRED SWEGLES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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s milestones go, 2019 is a blockbuster—the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Diego in July 1769.

Modern-day California begins then and there.

Not only that, but 2019 is the 500th anniversary of Conquistador Hernán Cortés’ invasion of Mexico in 1519.

If it weren’t for Spain’s subjugation of Montezuma’s powerful Mexica empire: • Franciscan friar Junipero Serra couldn’t have been sent northward 250 years later, tasked with civilizing California.

• San Juan Capistrano wouldn’t exist as we know it. No Serra, no Spanish mission in 1776.

• San Clemente wouldn’t exist as a socalled “Spanish village by the sea.”

• Seaman Richard Henry Dana, for whom the Dana Point Headlands is named, would’ve had no reason to row ashore there to load hides from San Juan Capistrano ranches during the 1834-36 merchant voyage that Dana documented in a literary masterpiece, Two Years Before the Mast.

• Capistrano’s world-famous swallows would live in obscurity.

• San Clemente wouldn’t have a 65-year summer fiesta tradition known as La Cristianita, based on California’s first Christian baptism in 1769.

• Might we all be speaking Russian? Part of Spain’s reason for establishing a chain of California missions and forts was to gain a foothold and prevent a possible Russian presence.

Much of what California became begins with Serra in 1769 and, in turn, with Cortés’ 1519 endeavor to enrich himself while imposing Spanish religion and culture on lands that became mainland Mexico.

Until Serra’s first permanent Spanish settlement at San Diego, a society of hunters/gatherers had peopled the lands to be known as California.

The Golden State has evolved into the world’s fifth-biggest economy, a worldwide cultural and technological trendsetter.

to save native Californians’ souls by bringing them Christianity.

Serra later relocated the original mission to a valley about seven miles inland, where it remains an active church and visitor attraction.

Today, the Mission San Diego de Alcala site includes a room where Serra may have resided when visiting San Diego, which was but one of nine missions he established between 1769 and his death in 1784.

Presidio Park exhibits foundational remains from early structures. A statue honors the native Kumeyaay people. Serra Museum colorfully retraces San Diego’s history.

PERSPECTIVES ABOUND

Some Californians on July 16 will perhaps raise a glass to toast California’s wine industry, which began with Serra’s introduction of grapes to provide wine to an eventual 21 missions.

Some Californians may mourn the fate of San Diego’s first people, the Kumeyaay, and of California’s other natives, who initially greeted Europeans with curiosity and technological wonder.

Many indigenous people would assimilate into Spanish ways, becoming mission Indians and Catholic converts to one degree or another. Others would run afoul of European ways or resist and be punished. Many would

succumb to European diseases. By 1855, a native California population initially estimated at 310,000 was down to around 50,000, Serra biographer Steven Hackel wrote.

Over time, surviving natives were absorbed, often painfully, into the civilized idiosyncrasies of Spain, then Mexico, then the United States.

San Diego’s 5 p.m. July 16 ceremonies will honor the Kumeyaay and a multicultural history—250 years of San Diego achievements.

As noted at sandiego250.com, San Diego today “is the eighth-largest city in the nation known for its beautiful beaches, active lifestyle and diverse, vibrant communities,” including the Kumeyaay, who “continue to be part of the region’s cultural fabric.”

A new Kumeyaay flag will be displayed alongside U.S., Mexican and Spanish flags spanning San Diego’s history.

MEXICO REMEMBERS, TOO

In 2018, children in the Mexican seaport village of San Blas, Nayarit, sang, danced and chanted “Fray Junipero” at festivities marking the 250th anniversary of Serra’s shipboard departure from there to Baja California—March 12, 1768.

On March 28, 1769, as Hackel related, the missionary set out from Loreto, Baja California, on a laborious 700-mile overland journey by mule to San Diego, arriving on June 29.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

SAN CLEMENTE’S NICHE

In San Clemente, a historical marker on display at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens commemorates California’s first Christian baptism. Spanish friars baptized two native children on July 22, 1769, in Camp Pendleton’s Cristianitos Canyon, which has its own commemorative cross and historic marker.

From 1954-62 and 1976-88, San Clemente produced an annual outdoor pageant dramatizing the baptisms. Fiesta La Cristianita, featuring a parade and a carnival, was an annual tradition from 1954-88. The fiesta has since evolved into a day-long music festival on Avenida Del Mar, this year set for Aug. 11.

HISTORIC DANA POINT

Serra’s subtle footprint in Dana Point history is reflected by a Richard Henry Dana statue and a replica of his ship, the Pilgrim. Visitors and school groups at the Ocean Institute can board the Pilgrim to learn about Dana’s adventures and 1830s seafaring. The Pilgrim also participates in an annual Tall Ships Festival.

A MEXICO EPILOGUE

WHERE IT BEGAN

A July 16 event at San Diego’s Presidio Park will commemorate the day in 1769 when Serra established California’s first mission there. Thus began Serra’s stated quest—with all its inherent consequences—

Some 1,200 miles northwest, Mission San Juan Capistrano is an active church and visitor attraction. Tourists learn about history and can enter Serra Chapel, where Father Serra, now Saint Serra, officiated. Mission exhibits describe Serra’s legacy, early mission life and San Juan’s first people.

A block away, the Blas Aguilar Adobe dates back to 1794. Exhibits there offer an Acjachemen Nation perspective on how European ways altered the lives of natives who had coexisted with their natural environment for thousands of years.

Two weeks before California’s 250th anniversary, Mission San Juan Capistrano will conduct a yearly ceremonial ringing of its four bells at noon on July 1, the Feast Day of Saint Serra. Every day, the mission rings a single bell, seven times, at 9 a.m.

Mission San Juan was the seventh of nine California missions started by Serra. Its 250th anniversary will come in 2026.

Top, a statue of Saint Junipero Serra blessing an indigenous child is part of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Bottom, children in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico, danced on March 12 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Fray Junipero Serra’s departure from there for California. Photos: Fred Swegles Page 28

In Mexico, various communities are observing the 500th anniversary of Cortés’ 1519-1521 conquest. Academic discourses reflect upon the brutal clash of cultures.

The focus is on consequences, lessons learned and the ultimate result—today’s land of the Mestizo—a multicultural Mexico.

CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

A Walk of a Lifetime

S

ometimes in life you just want to take a break and go for a long walk.

I found that to be true this past spring and set out on an adventure of a lifetime, walking the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain.

In a nutshell, the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of ancient Christian pilgrimage routes leading to the tomb of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, Spain. The walk has flourished with walkers, or pilgrims, since the 12th century as a demonstration of faith.

The history of the Camino has encompassed more than 1,000 years. It is believed St. James, one of the original apostles, preached the gospel in presentday Galicia and when returning to Jerusalem was beheaded in 44 A.D. His followers are said to have brought his remains back to Galicia, where they laid undiscovered until 813. The discov-

Local Author Named “Most Inspirational” Finalist

BY HALEY CHI-SING, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ocal Dana Point author and philanthropist Connie Spenuzza’s travel memoir, Jubilant Journeys, highlights the Spenuzza’s family travels as they venture to more than 125 countries in an ancestral search. Her memoir follows along with the family as they trace their origins back to one of her ancestor’s epic journeys as a scribe on Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Pinta.

Spenuzza grew up among storytellers, detailing the lives of her family in South America. These incredibly detailed chronicles were the very first spark on her 50-year world trek for genealogical answers. Always intrigued with her origins, Spenuzza began her in-depth search early on as a college student in France.

“I would take the train down to the

The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

ery in the 9th century led to the creation of the religious shrine, which marks the creation of Santiago de Compostela and the Camino de Santiago.

Since the 12th century, the shrine of St. James has been attracting pilgrims. The Codex Calixtinus, written in 1140, was the first published walking guide of the Camino.

The publication states, “Pilgrims, poor or rich, whether coming or going to the Place of St. James, must be received charitably and respected by all peoples. For whoever will take them in and diligently procure hospitality for them, will be hosting not only St. James but even the Lord himself.”

Early medieval pilDIRT THERAPY grims went on the walk

By Marrianne to petition for a blessTaylor ing or healing from St. James, seek forgiveness, fulfill a vow or pray. It was a treacherous 525-mile walk crossing rivers. Routes were dangerous; there were poachers, and infrastructure was limited. Sleeping outside, using a seashell for eating and drinking and a staff to guide helped the pilgrims find their way.

Since the Middle Ages, walking the Camino has become a worldwide tradition for those of all ages and backgrounds and

for various reasons in life, whether for physical, emotional or spiritual transformation or a rite of passage to completion.

Why walk it? Because you can!

The Camino is unlike long-distance wilderness trails in remote and desolate areas, as it traverses through 11th century villages centered on cathedrals, small rural farms, roadways lined with wildflowers and urban cities surrounded by Roman cobblestone streets. Along the way, you’ll find breathtaking views, vistas and vivid colors from the morning sunrise to the evening sunsets.

Whatever is calling you to walk, just do it. Give yourself permission to take off from your life and go for a walk. It’s a yearning for direction; renewal and challenge; a longing for pilgrimage. Today the Camino is shared by thousands of pilgrims each year from around the world.

There are several routes you can take to Santiago from Spain, France and Portugal.

The most popular route is the Camino de Frances starting in St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, France. The season runs between March and October and takes approximately 31 to 33 days to complete, walking 15 to 20 miles a day.

Once you arrive at Santiago, you receive your Compostelo letter in Latin and your native language stating you completed the journey. To prove your time along the way, you are given a passport at the start and

archives in Northern Spain from France.

This was during a period of revolution in Spain, so I was scared of going down there. I never found anything, but I did always want to go back,” said Spenuzza.

Jubilant Journeys treks along with Spenuzza, beginning with her first happenstance encounter in Spain with a baker who knew of her scribe ancestor. The book continues on, as the Spenuzza family travels all over the world in search of familial meaning and understanding. Now, Spenuzza has been named a finalist for the prestigious International Latino Book Award for her beloved memoir.

“To be named along Jose Andres, who is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, floored me. . . . It was an honor just to have my name tagged along,” Spenuzza said.

Unlike other travel books, Spenuzza’s Jubilant Journeys specifically highlights the people she has come to encounter and understand while out in the world.

As a self-considered optimist, Spenuzza focuses on the individuals and the heartwarming memories during her globetrotting adventures.

“I think because I’ve had 50 years of travelling, I think that the people of the world are really good,” said Spenuzza.

Over the years, Spenuzza has become a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for the fight against human trafficking.

First touched by encountering human trafficking victims during a trip to Spain, Spenuzza has been committed to supporting the fight for decades.

Since the publishing of Jubilant Journeys, all sale proceeds have been given to local charities to fight human trafficking within the Orange County community.

Some of Spenuzza’s top charities include the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force and Sanctuary.

At the end of the day, though, it is Spenuzza’s loyal readers who truly inspire her beloved works. As an avid reader and a dedicated book club member, Spenuzza placed herself in her reader’s shoes when writing her travel memoir.

“When I write, I really want to make things lyrical and interesting—kind of poetic, so people can put in their own memories. I want to have people think about places they’ve gone to,” said Spenuzza. It is Spenuzza’s distinct writing and storytelling style that caught the attention of many in her travel memoir.

Spenuzza’s love for travel, culture, and art are still igniting a fire within her, prompting her to travel to even more countries in the next couple of months.

She says she looks forward to sincerely meeting, understanding, and enjoying the distinct cultures and their people.

In Spenuzza’s words, “It’s OK to be the Page 29

collect a stamp along the way at various locations.

It is truly an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion, exhilaration and excitement all at once, that you did it! From planning to finishing, my 6-week trip to Spain went by way too fast.

My takeaway: I realized I had the strength and confidence to walk that far and long and was also able to surrender my fear of climbing mountains, knowing it’s just one step at a time.

The millions of steps you’ll clock, the long shadows you’ll chase and the friends you’ll meet along the way are all good enough reasons to escape your daily routine and be transformed between the days and the distances on the walk of a lifetime.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens, 501(c) (3), teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin’ Native focuses on educating local families, special-needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. 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

Dana Point Author Connie Spenuzza’s travel memoir, Jubilant Journeys, highlights the Spenuzza’s family travels as they venture to more than 125 countries in an ancestral search. Photo: Courtesy of Connie Spenuzza

tortoise in life, taking life slowly and as it comes, truly enjoying the jubilant moments in our own journeys.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Scoreboard

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local San Juan Capistrano youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week.

Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

Capo Classics 85+ Basketball Team Wins National Title The Capo Classics, a senior group of basketball players who operate out of the San Juan Capistrano Community Center gym, sent three teams to the National Senior Games from June 14-25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and its most-senior team claimed another title.

The USA-CAL team won the Men’s 85+ Division National Championship on June 20 with a dominant and undefeated run through pool play and their bracket.

USA-CAL went 4-0 in pool play with wins by 21 points, 14 points, 32 points and 39 points. USA-CAL received a bye to the semifinals as the No. 1 seed and took out the Vermont Foliage, 41-8, and the Larks, 40-21, for the title.

The USA 85+ group has been very successful over the years playing together with several national championships under their belt.

The Capo Classics 60+ was also strong with a 4-0 record through pool play and a plus-51 point differential. The group won three games in the Gold Division winners bracket but fell in the quarterfinals of the double-elimination tournament. The Capo Classics lost their first game of the losers’ bracket.

The Capo Classics 65+ posted a 3-1 record in pool play to tie for first, but their slightly lower point differential put them as the pool’s No. 3 representative. The group won its opener in the Gold Division winners’ bracket but lost in the second round.

The Capo Classics had a strong start in the losers’ bracket with back-to-back wins, but they couldn’t fight all the way back.

Next up, the Capo Classics will have two players represented on Team USA in the FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championships beginning July 25 in Espoo, Finland.

Skvarna Captures Third Straight NSSA Title San Juan Hills alum and Saddleback College student-athlete Kevin Skvarna continued his reign at the NSSA Interscholastic Championships on June 17 at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.

Skvarna, San Juan Hills class of 2016, The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2019

Kevin Skvarna won his third consecutive men’s college longboard national title at the NSSA Interscholastic Championships on June 17 at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Photo: Courtesy of Eric Skvarna

won his third consecutive college longboard national title for Saddleback.

It’s another in a long list of titles for Skvarna. Skvarna has captured WSA titles in the past and helped lead San Juan Hills to SSS state titles.

Little League Set to Open District 68 Playoffs It’s playoff time in the world of youth baseball.

The Little League All-Star tournaments for District 68 begin on Saturday, June 29.

The Little League Division (11/12-yearolds) has San Juan Capistrano Little League opening against South Mission Viejo on June 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Park. SJCLL would take on Santa Margarita American in the second round of the double-elimination tournament with a win. The championship will be played on July 9 at 6 p.m. with a potential second game immediately after.

The 10/11-year-olds open their tournament against Santa Margarita American on June 29 at 12:30 p.m at Vista Hermosa Sports Park in San Clemente. SJCLL would play San Clemente National in the second round of the double-elimination tourna-

ment with a win. The championship will be played on July 9 at 4:30 p.m. with a potential second game immediately after.

The 9/10-year-olds kick off their tournament against Santa Margarita National on June 29 at 10 a.m. at Wagon Wheel Sports Park in Coto de Caza. SJCLL would play South Mission Viejo in the second round of the double-elimination tournament with a win. The championship will be played on July 8 at 5 p.m. with a potential second game on July 9 at 5 p.m.

San Juan Capistrano Little League is also hosting the Junior Division (12/13-year-olds) tournament at San Juan Sports Park. North Mission Viejo plays Ladera Ranch on June 29 at 9 a.m. with the winner playing SJCLL on Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m. Despite only three teams, the tournament is still doubleelimination with one loser bracket game on July 1 at 6 p.m. and the championship on July 2 at 4:40 p.m. A potential second championship game would follow immediately after.

Top Football Players Announce College Commitments

Page 30

With football training camps not all that

far away, some top high school players around town entering their senior seasons announced commitments to Division 1 universities.

San Juan Hills do-it-all star Joey Hobert announced his commitment to Washington State on June 12. Hobert, who plays as a receiver, defensive back, punter, kicker and kick returner for the Stallions, committed as a wide receiver.

It will be a house divided as Hobert’s father and San Juan Hills freshman coach, Billy Joe Hobert, led rival Washington to a national title in 1991.

JSerra had a pair of commits as dynamic running back Chris Street committed to Cal on June 23 and impact offensive lineman Jeffrey Persi committed to Michigan on June 24.

Street rushed for 1,342 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while the 6-foot-7, 265-pound Persi held down the front.

St. Margaret’s lineman Kyle Juergens stayed local and committed to USC on June 14. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Juergens helped open 1,332 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Tartans rushing attack and pulled in 21 tackles with 5.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks last season. CD thecapistranodispatch.com