October 12, 2018

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Food & Wine Festival Returns to Mission San Juan Capistrano PAGE 28 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Be sure to vote this year on Election Day, Nov. 6. Illustration: Jasmine Smith

Orange County DA Speaks about Future of Sober Living Task Force EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

OCTOBER 12–25, 2018 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 19

Ghosts & Legends Tour Returns to Los Rios Street SJC LIVING/PAGE 31

CVCS Football Continue Major Turnaround into League SPORTS/PAGE 34

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

WHAT’S NEXT: E-cigarette smokers will be prohibited from smoking in such locations as public parks, elevators and restrooms in the same way traditional cigarette smokers are. —AG

Del Obispo Widening Project is Complete

Five things San Juan should know this week Trustees Adopt Resolution to Sever Ties with CUSD Foundation THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Oct. 10, adopted a resolution effectively distancing the district from an organization that raises funds for it.

The Board Voted 5-0, with trustees Patricia Holloway and Amy Hanacek absent, to adopt the resolution.

It was brought for the board’s consideration after concerns were raised about how the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation for Education was managing funds it raised for the district.

The resolution resolves that the district will direct the CUSD Foundation to “cease and desist from raising funds as the CUSD or Capistrano Unified School District Foundation, or in any way that suggests to unwitting donors that the CUSD Foundation is endorsed by, or any form associated with, the Capistrano Unified School District.”

It also says that there will be a continued effort to educate community stakeholders such as PTAs, booster clubs and school-connected organizations about alternatives to the foundation.

According to a board report, the CUSD Foundation issued a statement on April 12 saying its Board of Directors became aware of “serious financial irregularities” believed to involve a former executive director who resigned in December 2017.

The report notes that on April 27 the district, concerned with the possible mismanagement of funds, requested that the foundation turn over all funds in its possession that were raised for the benefit of district schools; turn over all financial accounting; and present all pending and future donation requests to the district’s deputy superintendent.

On May 2, the foundation denied those requests, stating that it would be illegal to transfer or turn over funds or approval authority to a public school district.

The report says the district officials researched that claim and found that the law did not preclude the foundation from doing those things.

Despite emails and face-to-face meetings, the foundation had not met the district’s demands as of early October, the report says.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a resolution to distance the district from a nonprofit that has raised funds for it. Photo: File

WHAT’S NEXT: The resolution notes that the superintendent or her designee “shall take any and all lawful action” to implement the resolution, including financial audits, efforts to enforce transparency and legal action. —Alex Groves

Confidentiality Not Waived for Closed Session Motions and Votes THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Oct. 2 voted to state what the final closed session vote was that led to a $2.9 million settlement to a lawsuit filed by OC Coastkeeper, but did not waive confidentiality on any of the motions or votes that led up to it.

City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger stated that the final vote was 3-2 in favor of settlement with councilmembers Derek Reeve and Brian Maryott opposed.

Though the final vote had not been announced during a City Council meeting prior to Oct. 2, it was technically not confidential; it could have been requested of the city by the public any time after the settlement was completed.

What was confidential were any of the prior motions or votes made that did not go through. Mayor Sergio Farias had been hoping to waive confidentiality on them in an effort to “bring more transparency to city government and to the residents of San Juan Capistrano.”

“I believe the residents of San Juan Capistrano will make an interpretation of the actions taken by their council in closed session and I believe that they are owed that, especially with a settlement that has cost millions of dollars to the taxpayers of this city.” Farias said.

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Maryott argued Farias’ point, saying he believed that the only vote that mattered is the vote that resulted in the settlement. The only purpose of revealing earlier votes would be political, he said.

“There have been comments made tonight

about not liking to be political and we don’t want to be political,” Maryott said. “It’s time that we started practicing what we preach.”

Farias and Reeve were the only councilmembers in favor of revealing the earlier motions and votes, so the agenda item was not approved.

A substitute motion by Reeve to state the final vote during the meeting was unanimously approved.

The lawsuit, filed against the city and Blenheim Facility Management, alleged that the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano was contributing to pollution in San Juan Creek. The city owns the riding park land and BFM is the park operator.

WHAT’S NEXT: In addition to paying $2.9 million, the city and BFM have to meet a variety of other requirements, including obtaining required water quality permits, developing plans for riding park improvements and implementing an employee training program on how to comply with water quality laws. —AG

City Amends Definition of Smoking THE LATEST: The City Council on Oct. 2 amended the definition of smoking to include electronic smoking devices in places in the city where smoking is banned.

The City Council voted 4-1, with Councilmember Derek Reeve opposed, to amend the definition of smoking.

Currently smoking is banned in a number of locations within the city. During an earlier council meeting, the council approved an ordinance adding city parks to the list of locations.

It was during that time when Councilmember Kerry Ferguson asked if the prohibition applied to e-cigarettes, to which city attorney Jeffrey Ballinger stated it did not.

The city attorney’s office was instructed to bring back an ordinance that would amend the code’s language to include e-cigarettes.

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THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano recently completed a $1.8 million widening project on Del Obispo Street earlier this month.

The work, done to remove a “pinch point” at Paseo Terraza, provides two travel lanes and a bike lane in both directions as well as new sidewalk and streetlights on the west side of the street.

The city applied for grant funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority in 2014 after receiving complaints about the lack of sidewalks and bike lanes and well as the “pinch point,” or the spot where two lanes merged into one.

Half of the project was funded by OCTA “Measure M” grant funds and the other half was funded by local development impact fees.

The work began in May 2018 and was scheduled for completion by early 2019, but was completed ahead of schedule at the start of October, a city official said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The widened roadway is ready for drivers. —AG

Vegetation Clearing Starts Near Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates THE LATEST: Work began earlier this week to clear vegetation and debris from the slopes behind two auto dealerships near the Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates.

A city official wrote in an email that the city had been receiving complaints from residents about the overgrown vegetation and debris so the city met with the Nissan and Honda dealerships, for which the most complaints were lodged, about the issue.

The city official noted that the dealerships responded immediately and arranged for companies to clean up their respective properties. Resident Deidra Hill said work began on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Both the city and the Orange County Transit Authority were on hand as cleanup work was being done to support the property owners while also ensuring the safety of people in the right-of-way.

WHAT’S NEXT: Some of the clean-up efforts will continue over the next several weeks. The city official noted that the city is still working with some of the private property owners to achieve full compliance. —AG www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Congressional Candidates Discuss Mental Health at San Juan Capistrano Forum

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

iane Harkey and Mike Levin, two candidates for California’s 49th Congressional District, spoke about mental health, suicide and opioid addiction and what they would do to address those issues during a Friday, Oct. 5, event at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

The event, put on by the Green Ribbon Club, gave Harkey and Levin about an hour each to answer a series of questions before the audience asked questions of their own.

Arman Fijany, a board member for the club, was the moderator for the event and asked the candidates a series of questions, starting first with mental health, then opioid addiction.

Harkey began her session by talking about her sister’s schizophrenia and how the recently passed Laura’s Law, which allows for court-ordered outpatient treatment for people with mental illness, enabled her to get conservatorship over her sister and get her needed help.

She said she wanted to see legislative

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE Orange County DA Speaks about Future of Sober Living Task Force This spring, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas debuted a task force designed to inspect and investigate the legitimacy of sober living homes, residences where patients of behavioral health and rehabilitation stay during their treatment.

In recent months and years, government officials and community activists have sought to curtail many of them due to a myriad of reasons: the patients hadn’t been getting proper medical treatment, the clients lacked direction and supervision, and health insurance scams had been reported by law enforcement agencies and media organizations.

The Sober Living Home Investigation and Prosecution (SLIP) task force is comprised of four attorneys and investigators who work on it part-time and partner with The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

change to privacy laws so that family members can help their loved ones earlier and with less roadblocks after those loved ones start exhibiting signs of a mental health struggle.

On the issue of suicide, Harkey said it’s hard to find solutions because “nobody really knows what causes suicide in another person.”

She suggested that young people, who she said are centrally focused, might benefit from being given service opportunities because then they would have the feeling of being needed.

Asked about how opioid addiction could be combated, Harkey said that increasing border security was very important.

“We are the number one center for money laundering, drug trafficking and human trafficking all coming across the border and that’s not disputable, it just is,” Harkey said. “We need to do something about that.”

Levin emphasized utilizing federal funding to support local programs and research as well as legislative changes to

local law enforcement agencies.

San Clemente Times was invited to speak to Rackauckas in Dana Point on Friday, Oct. 5, about SLIP. On Sept. 26, the DA’s office announced 11 people involved in a sober living home network were charged with felony counts that included “conspiring in unauthorized practice of medicine” and insurance fraud.

The allegations also include performing experimental surgeries on the patients they recruited from the streets in order to test Naltrexone, which is intended to curb people’s addictions. Some of the doctors face decades in prison, if given full sentences.

Rackauckas mentioned another case that was brought against a sober living and treatment facility in Huntington Beach that affected a large network of residences.

Rackauckas said the issue initially caught him by surprise with how vast the spectrum of sober living homes had become after hearing emotional testimony at community meetings.

“I didn’t feel like I had any good answers,” Rackauckas said. “I’m usually pretty up-to-date on the issues that law enforcement can work on...to generate ideas, but this hadn’t been something I

Diane Harkey and Mike Levin, two candidates for California’s Congressional District, spoke at a forum on mental health and opioid addiction at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Oct. 5. Photos: Alex Groves

the healthcare system.

He said he believed it was important to support pediatricians and elementary schools to identify and to support programs to help children with behavioral problems.

As far as legislative changes, Levin suggested integrating the nation’s mental and physical healthcare systems so that behavioral care for mental health problems and addiction is available in general health settings.

“So that healthcare delivery focuses on the whole person,” he said.

He said he also believed in continued federal funding for local universities for their programs and scientific research.

He mentioned UC San Diego, located in the southern end of the 49th District, as an example.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.

Photo: File

had thought about, that there was some law enforcement policy we could make.”

Attorneys in the DA’s office started looking at insurance claims and other business practices that residents alleged were shoddy. Soon they started finding some of the insurance claims that were in the tens of thousands of dollars for urine sampling and other medical services, which is a common thread among the treatment centers working illegitimately.

Rackauckas said the avenue of criminal prosecution could take longer than

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“They have some of the leading brain behavioral scientists in the world and we have to make sure they’re getting the funding that they need.”

On the issue of suicide, Levin said he would like to see a national suicide prevention initiative that would be headed by the Department of Health and Human Services but would also include the Department of Veteran Affairs and other relevant agencies.

As far as opioid addiction, Levin turned his sights to the residential treatment facilities themselves.

He said there needs to be nationally required minimum standards for those facilities, including background checks, mandatory tracking and new national definitions of what qualifies as treatment. CD

desired, and therefore lawsuits may yield more effective results in a timely manner.

“We’re going to work on drying up the illegal funding. The idea that I have in mind was to bring civil cases, not just criminal cases, and I think we have some good false-advertising cases and unfair business practice (cases) as well, because that’s pretty nebulous as far as the definition,” Rackauckas said, adding he would seek judgment against property owners, managers and the treatment companies and anyone affiliated with a fraudulent residential enterprise. “We have a lot of experience filing unfair business practice lawsuits (in other industries), but we haven’t done this yet. We’ll be filing those cases very soon.”

Rackauckas said he’s also trying to have an ordinance passed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors that would require registration for sober living homes, and he said he doesn’t think that it would violate any federal housing laws in the process. The enforcement clause on the ordinance, he said, would be placed under the county’s health and safety code.

For more information about the SLIP task force, visit www.orangecountyda.org/howdoi/soberliving.asp. —Eric Heinz CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Math Teacher Has New Calculators for Students Thanks to Founder of Reddit A San Juan Hills High School math teacher who requested 18 graphing calculators for her students on the website www.donorschoose.org had her request met only a week after posting to the website.

The donor? Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Reddit and husband of tennis star Serena Williams.

Ohanian not only funded the $2,500 necessary for the purchase of the calculators, but also sent teacher Lisa Giesbrecht a message telling her he believes exposure to statistics at an early age is highly important, according to a news release from the school.

Giesbrecht was watching Good Morning America one September morning when she saw a special segment on the donor website, which allows teachers to post classroom projects and needs in hopes someone will choose to donate or fund the projects.

The 18 calculators, which have more functions than standard scientific calculators, will help Giesbrecht’s Algebra I, Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry and AP Statistics students explore mathematics more deeply in her classroom.

The calculators have already been delivered, and Giesbrech and her students are excited to see what new applications they can find for the calculators in class.

Senator Bates’ Office Offers Lesson in Safe Driving Dozens of seniors packed the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Tuesday morning, Oct. 2, for a two-hour lesson on safe driving organized by the Office of State Senator Patricia Bates and The California Highway Patrol.

The refresher class, “Age Well, Drive Smart,” was held from 9-11 a.m. and geared toward drivers who are 55 and older. The class is meant to cover the rules of the road, safety tips, street signs and advice on age-related physical changes and how to adjust to them to stay safe, according to a news release from the senator’s office.

The class was one of two held that day; another was held in Laguna Hills from 1-3 p.m. Both classes filled up quickly when they became available, according to the release.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) states that by 2029, The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

FRIDAY, OCT. 12 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.

MONDAY, OCT. 15 Visitors to the San Juan Capistrano Community Center dance to Greek Music for the annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival on Saturday, Sept. 29. Photo: Alex Groves

roughly a quarter of drivers will be 65 or older. Older drivers deal with a number of vulnerabilities such as fragility, which increases with age. Older drivers might also have increased difficulty reading signs, road markings and small lettering.

“As we age, we all need a refresher course when it comes to driving safely,” Bates stated. “And we know that mobility and autonomy are important to our aging population. I’m proud of the work that my staff and I can do in serving our senior citizens and partnering with the California Highway Patrol to organize such informative classes.”

Historic Buildings Recognized A local chapter of a statewide group was in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Oct. 6, to recognize the historical significance of two structures, as well as efforts to protect and restore them.

Santa Ana Parlor No.74 of the Native Sons of the Golden West held a ceremony and presented commemorative plaques for the Judge Egan House (1883) and the Esslinger Building (1939), two buildings rehabilitated by the Griffith family.

Representatives from the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, City Council and Mission San Juan Capistrano attended the event.

Ilse Byrnes, instrumental in getting many of the city’s buildings onto the National Register of Historic Places, also attended.

“I’ve been blessed to live here now for over 30 years to raise my children here and be part of this community and give something back, I hope, in terms of committing to these treasures,” Bill Griffith, owner and custodian of the buildings, said during the ceremony.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, the two plaques were set on a table so guests

could look at and take pictures of them.

That was followed by a walking tour of the Esslinger Building and refreshments served at Ellie’s Table, a business located within the Egan House.

The Esslinger Building, built by physician Dr. Paul H. Esslinger as a medical office, is known for being one of Orange County’s best examples of the Streamline Moderne architectural style.

Esslinger took a trip to Buenos Aires, where the style was prevalent, and was inspired to bring it back home to Orange County.

Judge Egan House, built in the Renaissance Revival style, served as San Juan Capistrano’s town courthouse and was also the home of Judge Richard Egan, Orange County’s first judge.

San Juan Capistrano Goes Greek The San Juan Capistrano Community Center was alive with the sound of Greek music, the site of Greek art and the scintillating smell of Greek food for the annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival on Sept. 29-30.

This is the first year the event, put on by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, was held at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. The event is put on yearly for the public to celebrate all aspects of Greek culture and cuisine.

Guests could wander through vendor booths selling such Greek delicacies as gyros, souvlaki, saganaki and sweets such as loukoumades. There were also Greek art and craft items available for purchase.

The event was kicked off with a platebreaking ritual. Festival organizers got on stage with plates in hand and threw them up into the air to crash and break. They yelled “opa!” as they did so.

Visitors to the festival danced the afternoon away Saturday as Greek music fillled

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Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission 5:30 p.m. The city’s Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 16 City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 23 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 25 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 www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 26 The next edition of The Dispatch publishes.

the air.

There were also planned dancing demonstrations that took place at various points of the day Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, visit www.stbasiloc.org.

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

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor TO THE VOTERS OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO —ROBERT HAGSTROM, San Juan Capistrano History tells us that the greatest American leaders have a trait in common: Empathy.

When we decide who to vote for this year, it would do our community a great service if you selected our next City Council members who exhibit that same trait of Empathy.

Let us select a City Council that can reach out to our community and do what is best for our children and our city, holding at bay those who try to manipulate us into destruction actions.

DEREK REEVE IS THE REAL DEAL —THOMAS PERRIN, JR., San Juan Capistrano Although I don’t live in voting District 3, I do live in San Juan Capistrano within the El Nido Estates, and I wish to personally endorse Councilman Derek Reeve for reelection for City Council. Amid all of the posed photo ops, slogans and campaign statements and promises as made by the candidates in District 3, Derek Reeve alone stands out as the real deal.

I have had the opportunity to observe Councilman Reeve’s actions on the dais over his past terms, and I have met with him on several occasions. It is apparent that he carefully studies the issues, and he always presents practical solutions or options to the sometimes very controversial matters facing our city. His decisions on matters are based on the reality of the situations not the whims or wishful thinking on the part of some residents. He always considers the financial impact on the city and what appears to be in the best interest of the city’s residents—and he stands by his decisions.

Reeve, both as mayor and councilman, has had a very positive impact on the 300-plus-senior citizens, veterans and disabled residents living in our community, as well as the 2000-plus residents living in the other manufactured-home parks in San Juan Capistrano.

He has stood up for our residents by supporting the city’s rent stabilization ordinance, thus effectively protecting us against unfair rent increases. When the residents of the senior citizen parks sought additional protection against unfair treatment by the park owners, we contacted Derek. He set up an appointment

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

for us to meet with the city managers and city attorney to present an ordinance for the city to consider. The city considered our case, then established a 55-Plus Senior District Zone Overlay for the existing senior parks in the city. Although Councilman Reeve never takes sole credit for his efforts, his actions and support for residents has resulted in the protection and preservation of affordable housing in San Juan Capistrano.

I have found him to be accessible, open and responsive to matters affecting the welfare of our residents. I strongly recommend the reelection of Derek Reeve to the City Council.

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR VOTE —CRAIG ALEXANDER, Dana Point

This Nov. 6, voters in the 49th Congressional District will have a stark choice between two candidates—one a Conservative Republican and one a Liberal Resist Democrat. Before you go vote consider what each of these candidates stand for and will likely do if elected to Congress.

Diane is being maliciously smeared by the Levin campaign for a lawsuit from which she was dismissed. I have known Diane for more than 15 years. She is of the utmost integrity, has a notable list of endorsements and has a solid record of fighting for taxpayers and average citizens. She advocates common sense solutions for everyday Americans and Californians. If you wish to see the economy continue to improve and provide opportunity for everyone, vote for Diane Harkey. If you think Government should run your life, tax you massively for that “service” and force you to pay for ever more government programs, Mike Levin is your candidate.

Harkey = Economic Growth, Freedom and National Security. Levin = halting the current economic boom, open borders, and more gridlock in Washington, D.C. with endless calls for investigations and impeachment of President Trump (then Pence, then whoever Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters do not like).

One final thought—if you as a conservative voter stay home (do not vote), in my opinion you are casting a vote for the Democrats. Visit Diane’s website: www. harkeyforcongress.com if you want to see the issues and where she stands on important topics of the day.

jury trial in 2013 where numerous hurtful allegations against me were dismissed or ruled in my favor, including false claims about my home.

In fact, the plaintiffs, including Mr. Sipolski, and the court dismissed me with prejudice which means, “We’re sorry, we made a mistake and we won’t do it again.”

Nonetheless, letters such as these circulate each election cycle.

For the record, I have lived in Dana Point for most of my adult life and worked hard for what I have. I graduated at 17, began supporting my family, started a banking career at the age of 20 and worked my way through community college and UCI, earning a degree in economics, while progressing with my career. I’ve raised a daughter, worked and volunteered in the community for years.

I was elected to serve on Dana Point City Council and served as mayor, where we finally approved what is now the Harbor Development Plan. I was elected by citizens to serve three terms in the Legislature, the first to fight against the wasteful High Speed Rail plan and Sacramento’s tax-draining schemes; returned Orange County’s $50 million “swiped” vehicle license fees; helped San Juan Capistrano to amend housing laws to increase options for affordable housing for existing units; resolved water quality and other issues. Then you elected me to serve four counties with regard to tax policy, where I became the first Republican chair of the board in 15 years.

From this constitutional office, we assisted over 500 taxpayers with vexing issues, resolved appeals and saved lives and businesses daily.

I’ve worked hard for you, cleared my name through a grueling forensic analysis and court trial. Understand that wannabe political opponents, with no record of service, regurgitate unfounded smears.

Consider the source, my endorsements (law enforcement, Orange County Register included) and record of service. The 2008 crash was terrible, but I know who I am, I know the truth and I want you to know it too. See www.harkeyforcongress. com for more information.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR WAS SHAMEFUL —DIANE HARKEY, Dana Point It’s shameful that Mr. Sipolski can still not tell the truth after a grueling “civil”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Alex Groves, 949.388.7700, x108 agroves@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 16, Issue 19. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

At the Movies: ‘A Star is Born’ Once Again

EDITOR’S PICK

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Saturday | 13 ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. Take a walk through 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture as part of a 90-minute Architectural Walking Tour put on by nonprofit group The Friends of the Library. Participants will see adobes, Spanish-era homes and modern architecture. Tour must be scheduled ahead of time by calling 949.489.0736. Tour group meets at the train depot on Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano.

BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP: NATURAL DYES 2-4 p.m. The Ecology Center will be offering a donation-based class, teaching visitors how to take advantage of the plants and flowers growing in their backyard for natural dyeing. Participants will be able to naturally dye a handkerchief using different dyes and methods. Light refreshments will be provided. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223.

FIRST ANNUAL HARVESTING HOPE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Noon-6 p.m. Enjoy a selection of country music at Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano while raising funds for the American Cancer Society. James Kelly, Rye Brothers, Brad Johnson and The Killing Time Band are set to take the stage during the festival.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a selection of food, a beer and wine garden, roping, games, raffles, line dancing and more.

Free admission. 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

Monday | 15 FREE LECTURE ON FALL GARDENING 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Katy Moine as she presents a free, informative presentation on fall gardening at the San Juan Hills Golf Club. A California-certified nursery woman, Moine holds certifications in pests, weeds and diseases; irrigation; and rose care and maintenance. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.322.9143.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

Most of San Juan Capistrano’s City Council candidates are slated to participate in a forum at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Thursday, Oct. 18. Photo: File

THURSDAY, OCT. 18: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CANDIDATE FORUM 5:30 – 8 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce as they welcome candidates for City Council Districts 2, 3 and 4 for a forum. Candidates Troy Bourne, Kerry Ferguson, Derek Reeve, Cody Martin, Joyce Anderson, Robert Hagstrom (write-in) and John Taylor will be answering questions provided to the chamber by residents. Light refreshments will be provided. Campaigning for any candidate is not allowed during the debate and visitors should not bring shirts, buttons, flyers or banners supporting any of the candidates. Tickets are $5 at the door. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.

Tuesday | 16

Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano.

949.606.6386. www.goinnative.net.

TACO TUESDAY AT SWALLOWS INN 5 p.m –12 a.m. The Swallows Inn will be offering food and drink specials in honor of Taco Tuesday. Enjoy $2 Macho Tacos, $2 Bud Light on draft and $2 drink specials. DJ Bait will be providing musical entertainment throughout the night. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

LECTURE: THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF THE COAST LIVE OAK TREE 7-8:30 p.m. Rancho Mission Viejo will be hosting a lecture on Orange County’s Coast Live Oak Trees, a tree important to a list of local wildlife that includes deer, foxes, bobcats, birds, insects and even lichen. The lecture will also hone in on the challenges the tree and other oak species are facing from imported pests. Lecture recommended for children 8 and over. Participants must register on rmvreserve.org by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18. 11 Brioso St., Ladera Ranch.

Wednesday | 17 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS AT THE MISSION 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Wednesday, San Juan Capistrano residents receive free admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano with a $10 purchase made in the Mission store. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. For more information, go to www.missionsjc. com or call 949.234.1300.

Thursday | 18 LOS RIOS PARK GARDEN ANGELS MEETING 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. 31790

Saturday | 20 LIVE AT THE COACH HOUSE: DENNIS QUAID AND THE SHARKS 8 p.m. Actor Dennis Quaid and his band, The Sharks, will be rocking The Coach House. According to the Facebook page for the band, Quaid was inspired to start The Sharks after he was a guest with The Harry Dean Stanton Band in 2000.

The band has what’s described as a rock ‘n’ roll and country soul sound and plays original songs as well as covers of songs such as Jerry Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire.

Tickets are $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

Page 10

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

hat does it say about the state of Hollywood that the fourth remake of A Star is Born is currently the best film of the year? For the past 86 years, the film industry has been in love with the traditional tale of a young, talented starlet skyrocketing to fame with the help of an older, dwindling legend. In 1932, this story was called What Price Hollywood? with Constance Bennett as the female star. Since 1937, it’s been titled A Star is Born with Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland (1954), Barbra Streisand (1976) and now Lady Gaga as the lady leads.

In 1932 and 1937, Bennett and Gaynor played local girls who are swept up into movie stardom, while the 1954 version with Garland has her with a successful movie/musical career. Lady Gaga’s role takes a cue from Streisand’s 1976 effort, with our current protagonist, Ally, being a music artist. Bradley Cooper has the less flashy role of Jackson Maine, an established star with an alcohol and drug problem on the verge of becoming a has-been. Cooper’s not only following in the steps of Lowell Sherman, Fredric March, James Mason and Kris Kristofferson, but he’s also taking the director’s chair. For someone who had never directed before, he handles the double duty of co-starring and directing exceedingly well.

There are a couple of callbacks to the earlier versions, but fortunately, it never feels like a rip-off. Considering the modern take on A Star is Born had originally been stuck in production hell for a decade, the final version easily could have backfired. Luckily, the chemistry between Cooper and Lady Gaga, plus Matthew Libatique’s cinematography, hold it together. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT 7-9 p.m. Join astronomers from The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for an evening outdoors in celebration of International Observe the Moon Night.

Visitors will peer through telescopes of the volunteer astronomers and learn more about the moon and constellations. Guests are encouraged to bring warm clothing, a red-cellophaned flashlight and binoculars.

Beach chair optional. $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for Reserve supporters. RSVP at www.rmvreserve.org. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BBQ AT ZOOMARS Noon-4 p.m. Join the Fiesta Association as they bid farewell to the swallows returning home and welcome the 2019 Fiesta de Las Golindrinas. Food plates are $12 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Music will be provided by the Electric Tumbleweeds. 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. www.swallowsparade.com.

Monday | 22 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for

non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

ON THE MENU

CHICKEN KATSU

Wednesday | 24 YOGA BUNGALOW AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO REGIONAL LIBRARY 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a free yoga session at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library.

No experience needed; no reservations required. Reduce tension in the body and calm the mind. This is part of the Eat. Move. Grow. Healthy Living Series. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

Thursday | 25 YAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN 4-7 p.m. Bark your calendar for the season’s most anticipated Yappy Hour. Yappy Howl-O-Ween at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel provides pups the chance to strut their stuff in their favorite costume for the chance to win a prize. Costume contest entry is $10 per category. Haute hounds enjoy lapping up libations, thanks to water in such flavors as bacon, chicken, beef or vegan. Humans can enjoy a glass of wine or a Tito’s Vodka cocktail. Proceeds support The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000.

Chicken Katsu from Nalu’s. Photo: Eric Heinz THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he latest culinary inspiration from the island state of Hawaii is Nalu’s Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen, located in the Los Mares plaza where the Krikorian theater once operated.

The restaurant has a range of Hawaiian and American-inspired dishes for just about anybody’s palate.

Panko-breaded chicken, originating from Japan, was provided in a traditional display, with a choice of vegetables over a bed of rice.

The chicken’s texture was nicely blended with the shreds of bread and assorted vegetables.

There’s a somewhat indescribable flavor with this style of chicken, one that slips outside

the norm, but still—no pun intended—tastes like chicken.

The chicken katsu is probably going to be popular, but it will likely pale in comparison to the diverse poke bowls and fish dishes offered by the grill; however, it’s a nice detour off the beaten path.

Nalu’s opened just weeks ago and has already breathed some new life into the north San Clemente plaza, with the help of incoming chains Jersey Mike’s and Dunkin’ Donuts also having arrived within the last year or so.

Nalu’s Hawaiian Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente 949.877.8577 | www.nalusgrill.com

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

Statewide Ballot Measures

Prop. 1 Authorizes bonds to fund specified housing assistance programs.

The measure, if approved, would authorize $4 billion in general obligation bonds for existing affordable housing programs for low-income residents, veterans, farmworkers, manufactured and mobile homes, infill and “transit-oriented” housing. An analysis of the bill stated it would increase California’s costs to repay bonds by an average of about $170 million annually over the next 35 years. Advocates of the proposition say that it would provide a way to reduce the homeless population throughout the state as well as provide shelter opportunities for homeless or struggling veterans. Opponents of the bill see it as an expensive solution, with bond debt the state may not be able to cover effectively.

Prop. 2 Authorizes bonds to fund existing housing program for individuals with mental illness. Legislative statute.

Amends Mental Health Services Act to fund No Place Like Home Program, which finances housing for individuals with mental illness. Ratifies existing law establishing the No Place Like Home Program. The analysis of the bill states that if passed, the proposition would allow the state “to use up to $140 million per year of county mental health funds to repay up to $2 billion in bonds. These bonds would fund housing for those with mental illness who are homeless.” Advocates of the measure see it as a way to help fund housing bonds for the homeless and mentally ill, while opponents say it would actually make it harder to house them, using funds dedicated to supportive housing to repay bond debt and wouldn’t solve the issue.

Prop 3

Prop. 4

Prop 5

Authorizes bonds to fund projects for water supply and quality, watershed, fish, wildlife, water conveyance, and groundwater sustainability and storage. Initiative statute.

Authorizes bonds funding construction at hospitals providing children’s health care. Initiative statute.

Changes requirements for certain property owners to transfer their property tax base to replacement property. Initiative constitutional amendment and statute.

Prop. 3 would allocate $8.877 billion in state general obligation bonds for “various infrastructure projects.” The analysis of it states that it would increase state costs to repay bonds, averaging $430 million per year over 40 years, but there could be savings for local governments for water-related projects, “likely averaging a couple hundred million dollars annually over the next few decades.” Advocates say that this would help save water in times of drought, but opponents say there wouldn’t be enough money to repay the bonds, and the projects would falter.

From the state’s general fund in the form of general obligation bonds, $1.5 billion would be authorized to fund grants for “construction, expansion, renovation, and equipping of qualifying children’s hospitals.”

Analysis of the bill states costs to repay bonds would increase an average of about $80 million annually over the next 35 years.

Advocates stated in their arguments on the proposition’s explanation that these hospitals provide specialized needs, and the money would help expand the hospitals’ capacity. Objections to the bill were listed as giving money to nonprofit hospitals and that California’s child healthcare networks should be examined further before obligating such money to them.

This would remove specific “transfer requirements” for homeowners over 55, severely disabled homeowners and “contaminated or disaster-destroyed property.”

The fiscal impact described the outlook for schools and local governments losing more than $100 million each across the state in annual property taxes early on, growing to about $1 billion per year. There would be similar effects to the costs to backfill school property tax losses. Advocates say the bill removes a “moving penalty” that (Continued) thecapistranodispatch.com

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

(Continued) is financially burdensome, especially for people who are elderly or severely disabled.

But opponents say that it doesn’t create any new housing and costs too much to remove.

It also could take money from public services, they said.

do away with certain limitations and make rent control available to create affordable housing. Opponents say that this would actually cost people more, as owners would be able to put “fees on top of rent,” according to the statement.

Prop. 6

Prop. 11

Eliminates certain road repair and transportation funding. Requires certain fuel taxes and vehicle fees be approved by the electorate. Initiative constitutional amendment.

Requires private-sector emergency ambulance employees to remain on-call during work breaks.

Eliminates certain employer liability. Initiative statute.

Prop. 6 is one of the biggest debates of all the measures of the 2018 election. A product of the state legislature as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, the tax added 12 cents per gallon of gasoline throughout the state in an effort to raise more than $5.4 billion annually for roads and infrastructure repair.

But opponents of the 2017 bill say it went too far and that registration for cars and other costs are already too high. California already has some of the highest gas taxes— and prices—in the nation. Only Pennsylvania had a higher gas tax than California as of 2018, according to the Tax Foundation.

There are two simple reasons why we should repeal the gas and car tax hikes, according to Reform California, the political action committee spearheading the repeal, which states that the tax is no more than a money-siphon that gives carte blanche to the Legislature.

“It costs you a lot more than you think— the tax hike will cost the typical family of four $779.28 more per year in taxes,” the organization stated on its main website. “It won’t fix our roads— this is a blank check tax hike that has already been diverted away from road repairs.”

The California Transit Association touted the gas tax as a way to fund more public transportation and that major milestones could be reached if the money raised is put to such uses.

“Unfortunately, we risk losing all this progress unless we defeat Proposition 6 on the November 2018 ballot,” the association’s website stated. “The truth is partisan politicians placed Proposition 6 on the ballot to help them win electoral seats. The measure is shortsighted and dangerous, jeopardizes the viability of public transportation, and threatens the safety of California’s roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure for decades to come.” thecapistranodispatch.com

Prop. 7 Conforms California Daylight Savings Time to Federal law.

Allows legislature to change daylight saving time period.

Legislative statute.

As long as it would conform to federal law, this would give the California Legislature the ability to keep Daylight Savings Time year-round. There wasn’t a financial analysis of the bill at this time because the ramifications of setting the time aren’t yet known. Advocates and opponents mentioned schoolchildren’s wellbeing as the primary reason for their opinions. Those in favor argue that the biannual effects of Daylight Savings Time to standard time are hazardous to the health of children, but opponents say that extra hours of darkness when the children go to school is not worth keeping one set of time.

effect on state and local governments either positive or negative in the tens of millions of dollars. Advocates say this would keep corporate dialysis centers from charging patients more than they can afford for the vital service, but opponents say the measure has been opposed by various medical associations across the state and that it would result in the closure of many facilities.

Prop. 9 New State Creation: Removed from the Ballot This would have allowed California to be separated into three different states, but the California Supreme Court removed it on July 18, citing that there were too many unknown potential consequences should it pass.

Prop. 10 Prop. 8 Regulates amounts outpatient kidney dialysis clinics charge for dialysis treatment. Initiative statute.

The measure would put enforcement regulations on kidney dialysis charges if they exceed a limit by placing rebates and penalties on caregivers. It would require an annual report to the state, and also forbids clinics from refusing to treat patients based on payment source. The financial analysis of the bill stated there could be an overall

Expands local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property.

Initiative statute.

The measure would repeal state law that limits what rent-control policies cities and local jurisdictions can enact on residential property. The measure’s fiscal analysis states there could be a net reduction in state and local revenues of tens of millions of dollars per year in the long-term. “Depending on actions by local communities, revenue losses could be less or considerably more,” according to the analysis. Another bill that takes aim at possibly reducing homelessness, advocates of the measure say it could

This would exempt the private-sector ambulance hourly employees from taking breaks without being on-call. The fiscal impact analyzed said it would likely benefit local governments with lower costs, potentially in the tens of millions of dollars each year. Advocates say that it would allow first-responders to be ready in case of a call.

The California Labor Federation called the measure a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” and that it would deny the ambulance employees a break for a meal or rest.

Prop. 12 Establishes new standards for confine ent of specified farm animals; bans sale of noncomplying products.

Initiative statute.

Prop. 12 would set minimum requirements for confining certain farm animals and would prohibit the sale of meat and egg products from animals confined in noncomplying manner. The fiscal analysis stated there is a potential for decreases in state income tax revenues from farm businesses, “likely not more than several million dollars annually.

State costs up to $10 million annually to enforce the measure.” Advocates say that this would put an end to animal cruelty practices in large facilities that use such cages and other means of confinement for their animals. Opponents say in the bill’s opposition that it would not ban cages until 2022 and that it doesn’t target the main issues.

Source: California Secretary of State

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

The Race for City Council

QUESTION 5

Hear from your potential representatives The Capistrano Dispatch

Leading up to the San Juan Capistrano City Council election on Nov. 6, The Capistrano Dispatch has published six questions, two each issue, that we’ve asked each individual who qualified for the ballot. The list of candidates is published according to the random alphabet the California Secretary of State recently drew.

DISTRICT 2

Can you share a little about your personal and professional experience and how you think it would lend itself to being on City Council?

DISTRICT 3

Kimberly McCarthy

Troy Bourne

Joyce Anderson

Derek Reeve

Kerry Ferguson

Since moving to San Juan Capistrano from Michigan with my husband and three children in 2000, I watched successive council majorities make and break promises to protect SJC’s unique, historic, small-town charm. I helped found a watchdog newspaper, the Community Common Sense, to inform residents about how their tax dollars are being spent. As a councilmember, I will represent taxpayers on the city council, not special interests who want to make money at your expense.

My wife, Mandy, and I first moved here as newlyweds and our children attend our local elementary, middle and high schools. We’re active volunteers in their activities and are committed to keeping San Juan a great place to raise families.

My education is in business and I now work designing and operating senior care communities. My career has required regular work with great California cities and I’m confident that experience can help San Juan Capistrano.

My husband and I raised a family here and have been involved in organizations for 21 years. Our family has grown in SJC and experienced all the wonderful things it offers.

I love this place and wish to preserve all that is good. You’ll learn more about my qualifications as a citizen and businesswoman as this campaign continues. My platform is: common sense, empathy and gratitude for what we have and what we must preserve.

I’m universally acknowledged as the most fiscally responsible councilmember for eight years. Dedicated to the basics of governance (public safety, infrastructure, balanced budget by cutting spending, never raising taxes); kept every promise; fiercely fought for transparency in governance; an actual constitutional attorney, I guided my opponents out of complicated lawsuits they embroiled taxpayers in. “Councilmember Reeve’s experience, knowledge and integrity on the council is indispensable,” said Mayor Sergio Farias. We need honesty, independence and Reeve for 3!

First, 135 years of family history in the area compels me to protect historical aspects and traditions of San Juan Capistrano. Teaching skills—studying and analyzing issues thoroughly—help me make informed decisions. I’ve also brought people together and listened—as a team teacher, organizational leader and Councilmember. Last, my years owning businesses help me meet our business community’s needs. Inspiring a performing arts center and helping open parking downtown are two examples.

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 3

Robert Hagstrom WRITE-IN CANDIDATE

I’ve participated in Fiesta Association, Historical Society, Coffee Chat, American Legion, community center/senior center office, to name a few. As a retired commissioned USAF officer, I’m able to devote full-time to work for you for the next four years. I’m neither seeking nor accepting campaign contributions and will limit my expenses to under $2,000. I will not seek re-election. Voting for the person who spends excessively is voting for someone who can be bought. thecapistranodispatch.com

Pam Patterson

Cody Martin

Jeff Vasquez

John Taylor

As an attorney, I fight for the constitutional rights of disabled children to access mandated medical care and quality services. As your councilmember, I consistently vote to preserve and enhance our small-town quality of life. Currently, the Council majority are catering to developers by rewriting our General Plan, project-byproject, for maximum profits at our expense, causing over-development and more traffic to already congested roads. I promise to continue this fight when re-elected.

I have always been a strong advocate for conservative principles and the Republican Party. I have committed thousands of hours to many political campaigns for Republican candidates, including Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Congressman Darrell Issa’s congressional campaign, and even San Juan Capistrano Mayor Pro Tem Brian Maryott’s congressional campaign. Nothing is more important to me than keeping San Juan Capistrano a historic and family-oriented community. I am going to work for you!

Unlike my opponent, I have lived and worked in SJC for almost 40 years. Traffic gridlock on Del Obispo and Alipaz is unbearable.

I will vote no to rezoning that creates more traffic on Del Obispo and Alipaz. Residents are the ones who suffer when we increase density and change our general plan for the benefit of developers. The developers take the cash and we’re stuck with the traffic.

First and foremost, I am a neighbor and a leader not a politician. I am a graduate of UC Irvine and the first college graduate in my family.

I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. I served as the President of the SJC Rotary Club. I was elected and served as Mayor and City Councilmember of San Juan Capistrano and I have passionately protected and cared for the Los Rios Historic district for decades.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

QUESTION 6

The city’s water and wastewater services could be transferred to one of three other agencies by summer 2019 following the approval of an application by the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (OC LAFCO). What would you do to get up to speed on this issue and how could you help during that transition period?

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 3

Kimberly McCarthy

Troy Bourne

After speaking with the residents who serve on the Utilities Commission, I would evaluate the three agencies with the following goals in mind: Get the city out of the water business; that the new agency deliver the lowest and most stable water and sewer rates; that the new agency delivers the maximum environmental benefits as well as reliability; and, if possible, allow residents to elect their water board

We need better water rates and this opportunity to select a new water provider will impact our residents (and our household budgets) for years into the future.

The selection criteria and decisionmaking process will require our Council to understand and act on complex analysis and financial pro-formas. I’m a former accountant with a Harvard MBA and background in financial analysis.

I will leverage that experience to get us the best partner and terms available.

Joyce Anderson This is a very complex issue that requires due diligence. The short answer is that I’m simply not an expert in every matter that will face our council, so I would surround myself with the right team that ensures that we are properly addressing and serving the interests of our city.

Derek Reeve

Kerry Ferguson

For eight years I led the fight to remove the city from the water utility. Initially all alone, once elected mayor, previous opponents grudgingly acknowledged I was right all along. I steered the city through difficult and challenging drought and complicated lawsuits.

I serve as the point person on Council negotiating the transition.

Going to an agency devoted solely to water with better economy of scale will ensure highest level of reliability with lowest water bill possible.

In 2014, I promised regionalized water and wastewater services.

I’ve supported bringing this about in a thoughtful way. Our GWRP plant’s lease, spread over only 11,000 homes, made water too expensive. Soon, we’ll choose from three excellent agencies, each with advantages. Our goals: reliable supply and fair rates. I’ve studied alternative water sources, visited numerous facilities and interviewed agencies extensively.

I’ll make informed decisions, and with knowledge and experience, bring us together in the transition.

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 3

Robert Hagstrom WRITE-IN CANDIDATE

The three newly elected officials need to be briefed on the current situation, the need for the transfer, the costs and benefits to the city and to the residents. This briefing needs to be arranged by the city manager. Each newly elected City Council person should review and reflect on the proposed change with an eye to what is best for the city finances and to the voters who elected them.

Pam Patterson It’s time to get San Juan out of the water business. Our job on Council is to negotiate the best deal on behalf of our residents at all times.

Specifically, with respect to water, we need to choose the water district that will give our residents the lowest rates, the best service and reliability, while allowing us to have a San Juan representative sit on the board of the water district we choose.

Cody Martin I support the transfer of the systems to larger, more efficient agencies. I know I am sufficiently knowledgeable about the city’s water issues to provide direction.

Jeff Vasquez

John Taylor

I served on the San Juan Capistrano City Council and the Capistrano Valley Water Board. I am not in favor of selling our water utilities; however, I will examine the staff report and carefully weigh the long-term consequences before making a decision. I will always do what is in the best interest of SJC residents.

As a former mayor and City Councilmember, I have a lot of knowledge about our water utility and how important it is to our community. I want to be certain our residents have low water rates and a voice in how those rates are established in the future. I am meeting with consultants from each of the interested agencies to be sure our San Juan Capistrano residents gain the most benefit possible.

thecapistranodispatch.com

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

Two Philosophies of Law Enforcement Duke Nguyen

Duke Nguyen, Don Barnes highlight priorities in OC Sheriff’s Race

By Eric Heinz, San Clemente Times As Sheriff Sandra Hutchens looks to retire, two new candidates will look to lead Orange County’s law enforcement.

With nearly 30 years of experience at OCSD, Undersheriff Don Barnes, secondin-command to Hutchens, is running a campaign based on his administrative experience in law enforcement and his accomplishments as undersheriff. Barnes hopes to build on policies and strategies he’s been a part of since 2016, when he began as undersheriff.

Duke Nguyen, with more than 26 years of law enforcement experience, started out with the Santa Ana Police Department and currently works with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in the Justice System Integrity Division. Nguyen is running a campaign largely based on community policing and transparency, and one of his endorsements includes the Democratic Party of Orange County.

Last year, in response to rising law enforcement contract costs with its 13 cities,

a coalition was formed by city managers to draft a study to look into the costs. The findings are expected to be released later this year.

Justice System Reform Nguyen said he wants to ensure there is justice system reform that assists all people and that he wants to bring transparency to that system.

“The people of this great County are constantly changing and evolving. I believe that the justice system needs reform to keep up with community needs,” Nguyen said on his campaign website. “We need to make smart decisions when creating reform and make sure that the reform being enacted is following the letter of the law.”

Barnes’ approach on his website addresses the controversial Props. 47 and 57, which reduced offenses of what used to be felony narcotic possession to misdemeanors and assisted in the release of low-level criminals or people with limited amount of time on their sentence.

“Proposition 47 and 57 have tied law enforcement’s hands and empowered repeat offenders,” Barnes said on his campaign site. “Under Prop. 47, current law only allows deputies to issue citations for crimes like shoplifting and home burglary. It is no surprise that since the passage of these propositions Orange County has seen an increase in property crimes.”

Rising contract costs Barnes said an approach that he’s been contemplating is to regionalize law enforcement, taking down city borders and creating a hybrid model with contract cities. That would mean cities would still fund patrol deputies and traffic enforcement, but to deploy those resources on a broader scale.

“That gets overlaid as a patrol support provision, rather than something that you carry the full cost of,” Barnes said.

Nguyen said his plan would be to increase public safety by putting more deputies out patrolling streets and curtailing services that cities don’t need as much.

DON BARNES

“I want to sit down with every mayor in every South Orange County city and visit the issues, and make sure that the contract is exactly what it’s called for, we don’t overcharge or undermine the contract,” Nguyen said.

Homelessness Barnes said he managed to get several hundred people into services from the Santa Ana riverbed and made 500-plus arrests, and wants to build on that. His long-term plan is to educate the public on the homeless and to create an enforcement plan with a “larger collaborative strategy.”

Nguyen emphasized that being homeless is not a crime, and his goals are to create a mental health evaluation team and provide long-term shelter. “We have $700 million in the county to utilize to get our people who are homeless into some sort of a long-term shelter,” Nguyen said.

To learn more about the candidates, visit their websites: www.barnesforsheriff.com and www.nguyenforsheriff.com.

Emily Rasmussen contributed to this report.

Spitzer, Rackauckas Showdown Approaches The fiery prosecutors will leave it to the voters to settle their score

By Eric Heinz, San Clemente Times Incumbent Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas will face Todd Spitzer, current Orange County Supervisor of District 3, who was once employed by Rackauckas.

For the past 20 years, Rackauckas has held the position of Orange County’s top prosecutor, and he prides his work on the hundreds of convictions for which he’s been responsible. His office has been working recently on a sober living task force that has already resulted in the arrest of 11 people accused of being involved in illegal activities occurring within the addiction treatment industry.

“I will be running on the strong track record of our office where I oversee and am responsible for the performance of hundreds of attorneys, investigators and professional staff who work tirelessly to ensure the administration of justice in our county,” a statement from Rackauckas’s campaign website states.

Spitzer, like his opponent, is very vocal about justice systems and bringing convicthecapistranodispatch.com

tions to violent criminals, gangs, all kinds of abuse and more, as he did during his time as a deputy and assistant district attorney.

“As Supervisor, I’ve Todd Spitzer already pioneered policies in our county to help address these issues and make our communities safer,” a message Spitzer’s campaign page states.

“It’s time to focus on rebuilding the DA’s office, including modernizing it by bringing the latest in crime-fighting tools to our hardworking prosecutors.”

Spitzer is also staunchly committed to discrediting Rackauckas. On social media sites, in press releases and just about any other media, he chastises the actions of his once-colleague.

“Rackauckas has been in office for 20 years. This breeds corruption, complacency and a public failure of leadership,” Spitzer’s

website states.

“Twenty years is long enough. While crime rates rise and the DA’s absence of leadership is causing cases to be botched murderers to Tony Rackauckas and be let free, the real tragedy is that victims and their families are not getting justice.”

Rackauckas isn’t sitting on the sidelines and taking this political bout quietly. Earlier this year, he released a television ad with the theme being that Spitzer was untrustworthy and cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars due to his own legal snafus.

“The job of a district attorney requires someone who has impeccable ethics and maturity. Todd Spitzer continues to prove he lacks both,” Rackauckas said in a press release that pointed to Spitzer’s social media posts.

Both of them have their own baggage

coming into this hotly contested race.

Spitzer made an unusual citizen’s arrest of a man who was rambling at a Wahoo’s Fish Tacos in 2015 when the man was staring at Spitzer with a nearby table knife, according to emails obtained by media organizations.

Rackauckas was under scrutiny by the ACLU in the last couple years for what the organization called “unethical” use of incarcerated informants.

If you haven’t kept up with the latest rhetoric, be sure to dig through the minutiae of what they say and their agendas. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is one of the most coveted seats in the county, and it’s also inundated with cases and state policy changes, technological advances and must have a transparent and ethical working relationship with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. These considerations are likely to be the difference between them.

To learn more about the candidates, visit www.toddspitzer.com and www.ocdistrictattorney.com.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

To Flip or Not? Congressional candidates Diane Harkey, Mike Levin seek coveted 49th seat

By Eric Heinz, San Clemente Times Picket Fence Media sat down recently with California 49th Congressional District candidates Mike Levin, democrat, and Diane Harkey republican. They were asked a series of questions about their policies on public safety, taxes, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) and environmental policies and miscellaneous topics.

Mike Levin

San Juan Capistrano resident Levin has been involved in politics since he was a teenager. He was once the executive director of the Democratic Party of Orange County and has worked on federal, state and local elections. He has also worked for environmental law firms and as an environmental lobbyist.

“People want clean air and clean water regardless of their political party or background, and historically, environmental issues have not been so partisan,” Levin said, referring to republican presidents and governors who provided major environmental protection legislation. “In California, we have demonstrated that you can protect the environment and you can also grow the economy. Those two things are not mutually exclusive. In fact, you can create the cleanenergy jobs of the future, and we have to be a leader in that field.”

Levin said he wants to see more protection out of the Environmental Protection Agency and to designate funding for more research and development.

Although he admits it’s going to be a long road ahead for renewable energy and for ensuring more jobs for the industry to be filled by American workers, Levin said making it easier to create those jobs starts with investing in them, and he’d also like to see tariffs on solar energy removed.

In order to achieve anything, however, it’s going to take both sides of the aisle cooperating. “…We have gotten into a very toxic period in our political history, when partisanship is so overwhelming, we’ve lost what it means to be a representative of all the people,” Levin said, “and if I win, there are well over 100,000 people who voted for the president (in District 49), and I want to represent them too and be respectful as well.”

Another major area Levin wants to tackle is health care, as he wants key provisions from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be preserved.

“What we have to do is make sure all

Diane Harkey the good things from the ACA are not allowed to be undermined, and that includes preexisting conditions,” he said. “We have to make sure we’re protecting mental health needs and women’s needs.”

Levin said the major tax breaks to corporations and the top tier alone could have paid for a system that slowly gets the country to universal health care and could expand Medicaid.

He said health care laws under Trump’s proposals that would have cut coverage for about 30 million people, according to the Congressional Budget Office, have only tried to hinder communities.

“Here in our district, it would have been around 32,000 (people who would have lost federal health care), which included 3,000 children—children, who would have lost their care. And as a parent of a 4-and a 6-year-old, I find that unconscionable,” Levin said.

Public safety, specifically gun safety legislation, is likely on his agenda for the next Congress if not the one after it, and Levin said he’d like to see “weapons of war” off the streets and out of the schools, and he opposes arming teachers with guns.

“We need to expand background checks across the country, no gun-show loophole; we also have to have reciprocity (laws to allow certain guns where they’re needed),” Levin said, adding that there needs to be funding for research into why mass shootings take place. He said last year’s federal budget allowed for the research but didn’t fund it.

Lastly, Levin said he wants to work with all stakeholders to address the spent nuclear

Mike Levin waste that’s being stored at SONGS. “From an environmental justice standpoint, I want to know we’re partnering with another state that has made a calculated decision that they want to be part of the storage process,” Levin said. He said he sees issues with transporting the fuel, and that issue needs to be examined more thoroughly.

Diane Harkey

Dana Point resident and current Board of Equalization member Harkey has been involved with California politics for years.

She served as the State Assembly representative for the area from 2008 to 2014, and her main talking points almost always fall on taxes. Most notably in California, she opposes the state’s gas tax implemented last year.

Harkey agrees with most of President Trump’s tax bill, but she said she wanted to see more assistance from the state and local tax (SALT), from which high-income homeowners use to deduct significant amounts.

Harkey is not nearly as strict on immigration as the president, saying that reassessing immigration reform could help American industry.

“Our biggest problem is we’re not finding people to take the jobs,” Harkey said. “We don’t have a workforce. This could mean more promotions and upper mobility for those who are employed, but it also means we need to figure out our visa program.”

She also said she would like to see more funding and policies that benefit vocational training.

“One side just wants everybody to be

deported, and that’s not going to work,” she said, adding that there needs to be an enforceable statute that address the issues.

“We have statutes on immigration, but it’s like having a zoning code and someone gets a variance; they build higher or a commercial spot and somebody gets something else, and pretty soon as a councilmember you try to enforce the zoning code, they sue, take you to court and you’ve violated your own code.”

On SONGS, Harkey said she understands that it’s going to be a long process to move the spent nuclear fuel, but she said she’s optimistic with the legislative movement that has taken place.

“I think there are opportunities there to help move things along,” she said.

Harkey said she wants to work with the president to get an exemption for California from offshore oil drilling, one of the Trump administration’s first economically motivated moves through the Department of the Interior.

“If Florida can get an exemption, we can get an exemption,” she said. “I think the cost of resistance and thumb-in-the-eye policies puts us at odds. They cost us money, time and efforts and they cause us problems. If California wants consideration, we have to figure out where we can cooperate.”

Harkey said she wants to honor states’ rights when it comes to gun control. She said she’s a supporter of the Second Amendment, but she said she’s not a gun owner.

“I am very much a states’ rights person, so what works in Massachusetts doesn’t necessarily work for Montana,” she said.

“I am not going to be a proponent of gun bans nationwide. California has its own set of laws. I find it very difficult to see young people willing to give up their Second Amendment right but not wanting to turn over their keys or cell phone.”

Harkey also said she’s very pro-law enforcement, meaning she wants to see more support for local officers.

In funding for more jobs, Harkey said she wants to see more National Institute of Health (NIH) funding to be allocated to Southern California because of its vast health products market.

“This district is tremendously aggressive on biotech, biomed and life sciences, which is an amazing potential for not only job creation but NIH funding to come in and start these new products,” Harkey said. “This will stimulate jobs, but also provide savings in health care and saving lives.”

thecapistranodispatch.com

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

Next in Line

An Optometrist and a U.S. Ambassador

Governor Race pits Lt. Gov. against businessman

Lieutenant Governor race features two Democrats with central top priorities

As the era of Jerry Brown comes to an end, a new guard is eyeing the highest seat in California.

Republican John Cox, a CPA by trade, Gavin Newsom is using a platform that wants to bring advantages to Californians who have been “forgotten,” which includes trying to ensure affordable housing is available.

“California’s sky-high sales taxes, vehicle license fees, and the highest gasoline taxes in the nation are a major reason so many families just can’t make ends meet anymore,” Cox stated on his campaign website.

“These high fees are a major reason California now has the highest poverty rate in the nation. The most urgent need right now is to repeal the new vehicle license and gas tax increases.”

Cox is also strictly opposed to Sanctuary State Laws and wants to repeal S.B. 54 that gave local authorities discretion in whether to cooperate with Immigration and Cus-

toms Enforcement (ICE) on incarcerated undocumented immigrants.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom served two terms as the second in command to John Cox Brown. His main objective is to bring more jobs to California.

“During the Great Recession, Gavin supported a subsidized employment program that put over 4,000 Californians to work,” his website bio states. “And as Mayor (of San Francisco), he marched, stood and negotiated with labor as working partners, not sparring partners, fighting for workers’ rights.”

Newsom is also a proponent of universal healthcare and has worked as a University of California Regent to try to keep tuition costs low, according to his campaign website.

Visit www.gavinnewsom.com and www. johncoxforgovernor.com for more information on the candidates.

State Senate District 36 Dana Point political journeywoman, Patricia Bates, Republican, faces Democratic challenger, Marggie Castellano, an international businesswoman and environmental advocate who produces documentaries on climate change.

Castellano wants to make health care more affordable as well as continue to focus on environmental protection work to which she’s committed.

She said she wants to “Improve our government services by reducing waste, cutting red tape, enhancing transparency through open-data programs all while making government more responsive, open and accountable to taxpayers,” according to her campaign website.

Bates is looking to nix the gas tax that

thecapistranodispatch.com

so many of her party constituents loathe and is working on other solutions that don’t rise costs at the pump.

“Senator Pat Bates believes voters should have a say in any future attempts to increase gas taxes,” her campaign website stated. “Additionally, Senator Bates is a vocal opponent to implementing California’s cap and trade program that could increase gas prices by one dollar for every gallon.”

Bates also wants to promote equality for women in the workplace, putting an end to harassment and to stoke the fight for equal pay.

Visit www.batesforsenate.com or www.marggiecastellano.com for more information.

Two Democratic candidates, Eleni Kounalakis and Dr. Ed Hernandez, are vying for the Lieutenant Governor’s chair, both with differing top priEleni Kounalakis orities under the same partisan.

Kounalakis, a former U.S. ambassador, has made environmental issues one of her top priorities.

“We must continue to push for smart policies that combat climate change, protect our water supply and air quality, and stop corporations from taking advantage of our natural resources,” her website stated. “I have proudly pledged to not accept contributions from oil companies, pharmaceutical companies or soda companies.”

Kounalakis also mentioned that since her father immigrated to the U.S. as a 14-yearold, she wants to make it easier for immigrants to gain citizenship and to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals laws.

Hernandez, a former optometrist and

current state Senator of the 22nd district, has stated one of his first priorities is to tackle health care issues. He wants to lower the cost of Dr. Ed Hernandez prescription drugs and ensure health care is accessible to all, according to his campaign website.

“Senator Hernandez has never backed down from a fight with those seeking to harm Californians. He’s gone to war against Big Tobacco, helping pass California’s law increasing the smoking age to 21 years old,” according to his campaign website. “He’s fought Big Oil, supporting some of California’s landmark environmental laws. He’s stood up to Big Pharma and the increasing cost of prescription drugs.”

Hernandez, also a child of immigrant parents, said he too wants to fight for the rights of people trying to make a life in the U.S. Visit www.edhernandez4ca.com or www.eleniforca.com for more information.

Tougher Competition State Assembly 73rd District will give incumbent more of a challenge The last time Republican Assemblyman Bill Brough was in an election, he was up against an unknown young democrat, who sort of “gave up” campaigning halfway through the bid for office (he stopped returning phone calls from Picket Fence Media after the newspaper made contact requesting an interview).

Brough strolled to a victory.

That was 2016.

This year, Democrat Scott Rhinehart may be able to close the margin in a historically Republican district. Brough won the primary in June 47.1 percent to Rhinehart’s 39.4 percent—but a third candidate, Mission Viejo City Councilmember Ed Sachs, received 13.5 percent of the vote. That margin could be up

for grabs; however, as Sachs is also a Republican the votes may go to Brough anyway.

Rhinehart is looking to bring singlepayer health care to California and wants to tackle environmental issues as well as protect pro-choice rights.

Brough has been working for the 73rd in Sacramento by way of lobbying for San Clemente’s hospital to house a satellite emergency room and the regulation of sober living homes. He’s also looked into solutions for homelessness and sits on the Assembly committee of Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

Visit www.billbrough.org or www. scottfor73rd.com for more information.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH 2018 VOTER GUIDE

South Coast Water District South Coast Water District (SCWD) is a five-member, elected board of directors that oversees policy making, financing, rate-setting, capital programs and long-term planning for Dana Point, south Laguna Beach and areas of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Two members will be selected.

DENNIS ERDMAN

Civil Engineer It has been my honor and pleasure to serve the customers, ratepayers and members of the community as a director of the South Coast Water District for the past three and one half years.

I am seeking your vote in order to continue to represent you as a member of South Coast Water District’s Board of Directors. I bring over 30 years of experience as a civil engineer and water/wastewater executive manager to the job as an elected director. As a result of my years of experience, I understand the detailed inner-workings of a water/wastewater utility and have knowledge of the financial and operational requirements needed to maintain reliable

service at a reasonable cost to the ratepayers. The job of a director is to assure that the district is fulfilling its mission to the community in providing reliable water and wastewater services in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner. With your support, I will continue to represent you in pursuit of this goal.

WILLIAM “BILL” GREEN

Land Surveyor/Farmer As your South Coast Water District president, and serving on Engineering Operations and Administration Finance Committees, I support lower water rates, conservation, transparency and to protect the high quality of our water and ocean.

As a member of the California Water Quality Control Board, I worked to protect the quality, safety and sustainability of our community’s waters.

I am a veteran and Eagle Scout. In times of drought and major infrastructure planning, I demonstrated leadership on water issues as someone who understands water infrastruc-

ture projects. Strategic planning for water reliability, sustainability, conservation and local water production has never been more important. I am championing the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project to ensure local water supply for your grandchildren’s children in South County. My background is as an engineering consultant for 40 years; I have worked to build water resources for Southern California water agencies; and I’ve been a small-business, avocado farmer for 33 years, with water management and conservation practices committed to water efficiency and the bottom line.

Rising water rates personally affected me in recent years. I will apply my experience as a small-business owner to ensure efficient water and wastewater operations of our agency keep rates low. I’m asking you for your vote. Thank You

MARKUS J. LENGER

Water Innovator During my 30-year career in water and wastewater, I have continuously advocated for change and

improvement in the way we use, reuse and dispose of our water. As a business owner that designs technology to combat the vast amounts of grease entering our sewers and waterways, I have built a solid reputation among my peers, co-authored water laws and codes and am a federally appointed water reuse and efficiency expert.

With a seat on the board of SCWD, I will help develop innovative and affordable technology to bring ample water to its customers without implementing the proposed prohibitively expensive and power-hungry Doheny Desalinization Plant. We must diversify our water portfolio to create real water security using graywater and water reuse technology, by increasing recycled wastewater and implementing a smart irrigation infrastructure. By utilizing these ecological approaches along with the many grants available, we can provide improved water availability both economically and with community control.

As a nine-year resident of Dana Point, I have witnessed several failed attempts to treat water locally, including the Salt Creek Plant.

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

The People You Meet Aboard Ship on a Cruise

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n my previous column, I wrote about an 82-day Grand Asia and Pacific cruise that my life partner, Greta, and I are taking.

I was surprised when I checked my email after boarding the ship in Los Angeles Harbor, on Sunday, Sept. 30, to discover that Greta and I were not the only South Orange County passengers to be on the cruise.

Roger and Lori Johnson of San Clemente emailed that the cruise began the week before in Seattle—where they boarded—to enjoy the initial segment of the cruise to Los Angeles, where they disembarked.

When they arrived home, they read my previous column about us joining the ship in Los Angeles, so they decided to send an email.

The Johnsons wrote, “We arrived home at 9 a.m. today. The seas were extremely calm, and we saw lots of whales—hope the weather keeps up for you.”

As the MS Amsterdam sailed away from Los Angeles, Greta and I enjoyed a bon voyage party around the swimming pool. Most of the 850 passengers attended, and they were served by many of the 700 crew members.

Wow, it was a first-class affair with a complimentary open bar and lots of appetizers. A five-piece band was playing 1950s music on deck and lots of older passengers were dancing and showing their American Bandstand-generation moves.

Some passengers consider a cruise’s highlight to be the ports visited. We are scheduled to stop in 32 of them.

But other passengers think the highlight is the people they encounter onboard and while ashore.

That first night, after the sail-away party, we had a light dinner with a couple from San Antonio, Texas, who, like the Johnsons, boarded the ship in Seattle.

The first five days were “sea days,” with the ship sailing to the first port, Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Unlike Roger and Lori, we did not see any whales, only a pod of dolphins.

At dinner, on the second night, we dined with a couple who are onion farmers. They explained how difficult farming is in the Central Valley of California because of the lack of irrigation water.

Also, at the same table, was Elena, originally from Romania, who resides in Canada.

On the third day, we met eight new The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

people, four at a small gathering in one of the ship’s lounges: a woman from Dallas, another from New Orleans and a married couple from Colorado.

And then at dinner, there was an interesting pair who said they were traveling together. I guess you could consider them to be an LAT (living apart together) couple.

The man, Clyde, from Gulfport, Mississippi, had worked with Corrine’s husband before the husband had passed away. Corrine lives in Washington, D.C. At the same table, there was another Mississippi couple who had driven four days to Los Angeles to save on airfare. However, they ON LIFE AND had parked their car for LOVE AFTER 50 82 nights in a nearby lot,

By Tom Blake which cost them $750.

Plus, they stayed in hotels both going to the ship and returning home. Flying might have been cheaper.

On the fourth day, the ship sponsored a huge reception (800 people) with complimentary adult beverages and appetizers served in the main entertainment theatre.

It was our first formal night so all the passengers were dressed up. I was in a suit and tie, and Greta was in a gorgeous dress.

The reception’s purpose: to introduce the captain and his staff of 14 officers.

They were all in their dress uniforms.

What an impressive group; meeting them gave us a sense that the ship was in good hands and we’d be safe.

And then at dinner, we met another LAT couple. Frank, a former Department of Defense employee who resides in Macon, Georgia, and Linda, who lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

They met by coincidence on a previous cruise. He had purchased a vacation condo in Florida. His realtor had a client who wanted a winter, “snow bird” rental. Frank rented it, came on the cruise and met Linda.

He was a character with multiple entertaining stories about his top-secret Department of Defense life.

Our first week is behind us. We saw a bald eagle in Dutch Harbor. Next, Russia and Japan.

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

See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55.com.

To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.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

Photo: Courtesy of the Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Historic adobes on Camino Capistrano, Circa 1979.

The Capistrano Dispatch regularly publishes historical photos as part of our From the Archives feature in print and online. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to agroves@picketfencemedia.com

Pet of the Week: Tanner THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

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

anner is an active 2-year-old dog who is always up for fun. He loves long walks and playing outdoors, but he is also potty-trained and can’t resist a good scratch behind the ears. So if you’re looking for a lively playmate or maybe your next running buddy, Tanner might just be the one for you.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Page 26

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com FOR SALE DUAL POWER RECLINER with console between the two seats. Nearly new. Paid $750.00. Very reasonable at $300.00. Perfect for dual binge watching.

Call (949) 443 1791

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED-PICTURE FRAMER Mat cutting, picture fitting. Must be good at addition and measuring, clean in your work. Cortador de mats. Ensamblador de cuadros para posters.

Que conosca medidas del metro, que sea limpo en trajabo. Nosotros entrenamos a la persona. Part Time or Full Time available. Medio tiempo complete.

Available hours: M-F between 7:00am-5:00pm.

Will train right person. 949-388-8403 ask for Scott

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

HELP WANTED-DANA POINT MARINA INN Dana Point Marina Inn is looking to fill the following opening: Front office/reservations/desk clerks (AM and PM shifts) Housekeeping Supervisors (Full Time - Days) Dana Point Marina Inn Apply in Person at 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr Dana Point, Ca 92629. 949-496-1203

OBITUARY

Joseph Michael Villegas Joseph “Mike” Villegas was born July 15, 1950 in Santa Ana, CA to Evelyn and Salvador Villegas. Mike grew up with his brother, Mark and sister, Valerie in the “Little Hollywood” area of San Juan Capistrano. He attended Rancho Alamitos High School where he graduated in 1969. Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from University of California, Riverside in 1991. While studying at Saddleback College Mike met and married his wife, Michele Thomas in 1992. In 2001, their daughter Mary Annette was born.

Mike who was known for his generosity and kindness loved sports of all kinds, history, visiting with friends, traveling and spending time with his family.

Mike passed away peacefully on September 26, 2018 at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife Michele Villegas, their daughter Mary Villegas, his brother Mark Villegas, his sister Valerie Cordes as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Vigil will be held on October 24, 2018 at 7 pm at Serra Chapel followed by a Mass on October 25, 2018 at 10 am at Serra Chapel in San Juan Capistrano. Joseph Michael Villegas will be interred at Old Mission Cemetery in San Juan Capistrano.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

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

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

Page 27

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Author Releases Book on Area’s Equestrian History New book examines how San Juan’s equestrian culture started and became what it is today

herself.

Friess spent her childhood growing up on what is now the Marina Peninsula, not far from Hoppyland, a place where famous movie and television cowboy Hopalong Cassidy often appeared.

She described being “delirious with joy” when she met Cassidy as an 8-yearold and he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

As a teenager, Friess went on an outing with a boy who would later become her

husband and some other friends. The group rode on horseback.

Today, Friess’ love of all things equestrian is evident. In the backyard of her San Juan Capistrano home, she has horse sculptures. Stored toward the rear of her property she has a big bin of carrots at the ready for her horses Dancer and Blaze.

Friess’ book covers everything from the prehistoric to the present day.

In one chapter, she shares information about the prehistoric horses that roamed North America (including in San Juan Capistrano); in another, she discusses the origin of the Viaje de Portola, a traditional San Juan Capistrano horseback ride that began in the ‘60s; and in other chapters she talks about the beginnings of San Juan Capistrano facilities such as the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center and the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano. Those are just some of numerous topics covered throughout the book.

Friess said she set out to tell a story on San Juan Capistrano’s history that hadn’t been captured yet. She said she sees the book, and all that it captures, as one of the best things she’s done.

“To preserve our equestrian story – it didn’t exist – I’m just tickled to death that I could do it,” she said.

Capistrano Trails is available on Amazon in Kindle format as well as black and white print and hard-back color print.

Proceeds from the book will go to support local charitable causes. CD

ing and others.

All through the night, the band Family Style was playing a variety of pop songs from past decades as well as the present.

During intermission, musician and Boogie Board inventor Tom Morey played the ukulele before a rapt audience.

That was followed by an auction where guests could bid for such items as a ukulele and a bottle of Ketel One Vodka signed by the company’s chairman, Carolus Nolet.

The Vintage Food & Wine Festival will return to Mission San Juan Capistrano on Oct. 5, 2019. CD

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

long-time San Juan Capistrano resident, author and former college professor recently published a book on San Juan Capistrano’s rich equestrian history.

Donna Friess’ book, Capistrano Trails, Ride for the Brand, explores how San Juan Capistrano became the “Horse Capital” of Orange County over the course of 250 pages.

The book includes narration as well as first person-accounts from past and present equestrians, including Marguerite “Daisy” O’Neill, Tony Forster, Gilbert Aguirre and Kathy Holman. The book has historic and modern photos as well as illustrations dating back to 1776.

Friess, who has written multiple books over the years, said she was inspired to write this book, an oral history, when she decided to become a docent for Mission San Juan Capistrano.

As part of that process she read Capistrano Nights, a book by Father St. John O’Sullivan recounting the oral histories of people who lived in the area during the 1800s.

“So my head exploded and you could almost see me going around, saying, ‘I want to contribute. What can I do to contribute to the history of San Juan Capistrano?,’” she recalled.

After learning that resident Fred Love, a longtime cowboy, was closing down the Ortega Track and Feed store, Friess decided to interview Love and preserve

Author Donna Friess feeds her horse, Blaze, carrots at her San Juan Capistrano home on Sept. 20.

Photo: Alex Groves

his story.

That interview kicked off the start of the book.

“I settled on the idea of, ‘what if I ran around town and collected the equestrian set’s horse stories and be like Father O’Sullivan when he got the parishioners stories?’,” Friess said.

Writing a book on San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian history came naturally to Friess. She is, after all, an equestrian

Food & Wine Festival Draws Hundreds to Mission San Juan Capistrano

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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here were numerous food, beer and wine options to try as hundreds of visitors packed Mission San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Oct. 6 for The SJC Food & Wine Festival, an annual event put on by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.

Guests perused booths manned by such businesses as Trevor’s at the Tracks, Bad to the Bone BBQ, El Adobe de Capistrano, Rancho Capistrano Winery, Docent Brew-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12–25, 2018

Photos: Alex Groves

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SJC LIVING

Ghosts & Legends Tour Returns to Los Rios Street Decades old-event offers new ticket options, characters this year

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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os Rios Street, California’s oldest neighborhood, is a beautiful sight to see during the daytime, but it can be a little spooky in the evening with its dim lighting and big, shady trees.

That atmosphere is perfect for The Ghosts & Legends Tour, an annual happening put on by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society.

The tours, which return this year on Oct. 26 and 27, have actors dress up as the ghosts of historical figures who come out of the shadows and regale audiences with spooky San Juan Capistrano folklore that has been passed down from generation to generation.

This is the first year Historical Society volunteer Harrison Taylor is in charge of the event. Taylor is taking over for former organizer Lorie Porter, who recently re-

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Adobe Exhibit to Celebrate Day of The Dead

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or the first time the Historical Society is recognizing a Day of the Dead exhibit at the Silvas Adobe.

The Historical Society is celebrating the life and times of the Jose Maria Silvas family and Tony Forster, great-great grandson of Don Juan Forster, who purchased the Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1845. Tony was president of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society for 17 years.

The Day of the Dead has been a popular holiday in Mexico and Latin America for centuries and is becoming a popular celebration in North America. Dating back to the Aztec culture in Mexico, Day of the Dead, known as El Dia de los Muertos, is

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

Monica Mukai, of San Juan Capistrano, dances through Los Rios Park as the White Lady, a friendly spirit who has been spotted in town during the 2017 Ghosts & Legends Tour. Photo: File

tired from the Historical Society’s board.

Taylor, whose family lives on Los Rios, has a long history with the event. He said he has seen the tours happen year after year for almost his whole life.

In recent years he has been helping out with putting the event on, managing ticket sales, site set-up and decorations.

“I think it’s one of the best events of the year that we host,” he said.

Taylor said this year will bring some exciting new changes to the event.

Two of the actors playing ghosts are veterans of the event, but 10 other actors —many of them from the Camino Real Playhouse—are brand new.

“We had this influx of people that just

stepped up and it’s been unbelievable,” Taylor said. “We had more actors than we had spots so we added new spots.”

For example, this will be the first year the ghost of Orange County’s First Judge, Richard Egan, is scheduled to take audiences on a tour.

“He’s never been a part of the story and now he is,” Taylor said.

Tickets for the event are $5 for children and $10 for adults but this the first year the Historical Society is adding some new ticket options.

Guests who buy a $35 ticket will be able to enjoy tacos and two drinks from a taco cart that will be stationed in the area.

There is also a $75 ticket that gives

a joyous celebration— not a sad event.

In the Aztec culture, there was a strong connection to departed family members.

It was not uncommon to bury family members directly underneath their homes to keep their memories close.

In Europe, the Celtic culture celebrated Samhein, the ancient holiday that honored the transition of the departed into the spirit world.

The early Christians in Europe understood the importance of honoring the dead and to welcome people into the Church and, therefore, incorporated many of their traditions into Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The dates for these rituals took place on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

When Christianity arrived in Mexico, El Dia de los Muertos was a vibrant and important celebration. Again, the Church, recognizing the importance of the customs of the local people, incorporated the festivities into the All Saints and All Souls Days.

While Halloween, the night leading up to All Saints Day, is a scary time of ghosts and goblins.

El Dia de los Muertos is a time for happy reflections of departed loved ones.

In Mexican culture, little angel spirits, angelitos, arrive on Oct. 31 at midnight and

stay for 24 hours. Adults come the next day and stay through Nov. 2.

Home altars, called ofrendas, are arranged to welcome the spirit of the departed back into their home for a short stay and let the deceased know that they have not been forgotten. Favorite foods are placed at the altars.

Family photos and favorite mementos are also displayed. Sugar skulls, with the departed one’s name on them, are MOMENTS a special reminder. After IN TIME the spirit of the departed

By Jan Siegel leaves, the family can enjoy the food of their loved ones.

Marigolds are the flowers most associated with Day of the Dead. Orange is the color most used because it is the closest to the color of the sun. Often orange marigolds line a pathway to the home of the loved one so their spirit can find the house. The flower also has a strong, pleasant scent that is easy for the departed spirits to follow.

Visiting cemeteries, decorating family graves, and having picnics are all part of this family celebration on El Dia de los

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25 guests each evening a private dining experience in the recently restored 1794 Silvas Adobe.

Those guests will also receive a special presentation from the OC Ghosts and Legends Group, an organization dedicated to paranormal research.

The group’s investigators check out businesses, historical landmarks and homes for paranormal activity. They will be giving a presentation about what they found at the O’Neill Museum, Arley Leck House and Silvas Adobe during each night’s dinner.

All of the proceeds from the event go directly to the Historical Society for its goal of restoring and maintaining historic structures and toward the payment of the society’s one staff member.

Taylor said the event wows people yearly, whether they’re seeing it for the first time or they’ve taken the tour before.

He said many people return for the tour year after year.

“It attracts everybody,” he said. “It’s a fun event and people get to connect with history in a little bit different format and that’s through the ghost stories.”

IF YOU GO What: Ghost & Legends Tour When: Friday, Oct. 26 & Saturday, Oct. 27—6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

Where: Begins at the O’Neill Museum, 31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children.

Additional ticket options available. All donations benefit historical preservation.

For more information, email this.inspired.adventure@gmail.com. CD

Muertos. The events at the cemeteries are festive, lively and happy.

The Historical Society is hoping this is the beginning of many festivals of El Dia de los Muertos. And don’t forget the annual Ghost Walk being offered on Friday and Saturday, October 26-27.

Reservations are a must, so please call 949.493.8444. The pirate exhibit is also on display at the Leck House. You can spend a Moment In Time exploring the multicultural events at the Historical Society all through the month of October.

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

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Then & Now

by Rhonda DeHaan

A Mission Wedding, Preserved

F

ather St. John O’Sullivan arrived in San Juan Capistrano in 1910 and soon took on the arduous work of restoring the town’s neglected mission. The grounds were full of weeds and debris, but the pastor dedicated himself to cleaning up and returning the gardens back into a lush landscape.

Inspired by the famous gardens of Spain, particularly that of the Alhambra, Fr. O’Sullivan had flowering trees and shrubs brought by ships from around the world.

The grounds began to fill with color, the dilapidated structures were refurbished, and more and more visitors arrived to revel in the mission’s renewed splendor.

While the mission had been seducing artists for years, the fresh brilliance of the grounds lured members of a growing

Charles Percy Austin’s “Mary Pickford’s Wedding.” Photo: Rhonda DeHaan

group of California Impressionist painters.

These plein-air artists were drawn by the vibrant colors they found at the mission, inspired by its timeless beauty, and they stayed to enjoy the generous hospitality of its devoted caretaker.

Fr. O’Sullivan was a great admirer of art. He encouraged the artists to paint the

mission gardens and often invited them to stay as his guests. Many of these painters were recurrent visitors, and in return for the padre’s kindness, a number of them gave him gifts of their paintings.

Among these works is an oil painting by Charles Percy Austin that depicts silentscreen actress Mary Pickford. Her first

trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano was to film the D.W. Griffith movie Two Brothers. When she returned some years later, she celebrated the renewal of her wedding vows to actor Owen Moore.

The ceremony was performed by Fr. O’Sullivan, and the ensuing scene in the lush oasis of the mission courtyard is the subject of Austin’s painting. This THEN & NOW oil-on-canvas underwent

By Rhonda De Haan conservation in the 1980s and is currently on display as part of the Mission Treasures collection.

Rhonda DeHaan enjoys learning about San Juan Capistrano and its history, sharing fun photographic finds along the way. She is proud mother of two, a freelance writer and a member of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society Board of Directors. She is also serving her eighth year as member of the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Eagles Take Flight Capistrano Valley Christian football posting best record since 2014

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

apistrano Valley Christian football has performed a major turnaround in coach Rick Curtis’ third year at the helm.

The Eagles (7-1, 2-0) have won more games overall than the last two seasons combined, three wins in 2017 and two in 2016, and already doubled their amount of league wins over the last two years, only one in 2017.

CVC has won seven games for the first time since 2014, and with a 2-0 Academy League record and its final two opponents posting a combined 7-7 record, the Eagles could be in line for their first league title since 2010 when they were playing eightman football in the Express League.

CVC has been dominant in its wins, as well.

The Eagles scored 41 points or more in five of their six wins—CVC was also awarded a forfeit victory by Ribet Academy last week due to roster size and injury concerns. CVC has also posted two

shutouts.

So what’s the biggest difference between last year and now?

Offensively, the Eagles developed a twoheaded rushing attack with seniors Jack Roberts and Seth Yu. Yu is the leading rusher with 667 yards on 61 carries with 15 touchdowns, and Roberts has run for 543 yards on 65 carries with seven touchdowns. Yu has quintupled his production from 2017.

Roberts is a two-way player and the leader of the CVC defense. The emergence of Yu has allowed Roberts to be at prime condition on both sides of the ball.

Roberts overwhelmingly leads the team in tackles with 63 and solo tackles with 49.

Yu has also contributed on defense with 27 tackles and two interceptions.

CVC also hasn’t skipped a beat at quarterback. The Eagles started the season with their projected starter sidelined, but junior Tyler Henry has stepped up and delivered. Henry is completing over 56 percent of his passes for 853 yards and 11 touchdowns with only four interceptions.

Henry’s favorite target is another player that has developed soundly in junior Simeon Marton. Marton has more than doubled his production already with 32 receptions for 546 yards and six touchdowns. Marton helped jump-start the CVC season with an overtime-winning touchdown in the season opener.

CVC plays Fairmont Prep at Yorba Linda High School next Thursday, Oct. 18, and closes the regular season against Trinity Classical Academy at San Clemente High School on Oct. 26.

San Juan Preps Roundup

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

G

irls volleyball has also been a point of strength for the city’s high school sports programs this season.

With the regular season wrapping up, CIF-SS brackets being released on Saturday, Oct. 13 and the CIF-SS playoffs beginning on Oct. 16, let’s check in with the highly touted girls volleyball programs around town:

The Capistrano Dispatch October 12-25, 2018

San Juan Hills

The Stallions dominance of the South Coast League continued through another full season.

San Juan Hills (16-7, 8-0) won its fourth straight league title and posted its third consecutive perfect league campaign to run its league winning streak to 27 straight matches.

The run wasn’t as easy as past seasons with five of the eight matches being pushed to the full five sets. Both matches against second-place Aliso Niguel and third-place Dana Hills went the distance.

San Juan Hills is ranked No. 8 in the combined Division 1 and 2 poll, which means that the Stallions will play in the 16team Division 1 playoffs. Division 1 teams

The emergence of senior running back Seth Yu has helped power a turnaround in the Capistrano Valley Christian football program. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Football Roundup JSerra worked its way into the national

rankings this week. The Lions (6-1, 1-1) entered at No. 24 in the latest USA Today Super 25 rankings. JSerra was bolstered by a strong performance at No. 2 St. John Bosco two weeks ago and a big win over Servite, 49-6, on Oct. 5. The Lions host Orange Lutheran for Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 12 in a likely battle for the third and final guaranteed Trinity League playoff spot.

San Juan Hills dominated Aliso Niguel

last week, 38-0, for their third shutout win of the season in the probable Sea View League title game. If the Stallions (5-3, 2-0) can win at Dana Hills and at Laguna Hills

will be announced on Friday, Oct. 12, the day before the brackets.

St. Margaret’s

The Tartans (15-10, 5-3), ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 4, are tested and prepped for a playoff run despite an occasional rough go in the San Joaquin League.

St. Margaret’s was upset by crosstown foe Capistrano Valley Christian in four sets in the second match of league. The Tartans came back against the Eagles with a sweep in the second match. St. Margaret’s also dropped both matches to league champion Sage Hill.

Saddleback Valley Christian

After Capistrano Valley Christian upended St. Margaret’s, Saddleback Valley

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as expected following this week’s bye, San Juan Hills would capture its second league title in school history and first since 2013.

St. Margaret’s will finally enter league

play on Friday, Oct. 12 following a bye.

The Tartans (7-1, 0-0) host Southlands Christian this week and Webb next week before finishing against Saddleback Valley Christian at Laguna Hills High School on Oct. 25.

Saddleback Valley Christian will look to

ride the momentum of back-to-back road wins, including their league opener against Webb, after a bye week. The Warriors (2-5, 1-0) host California Military Institute in a nonleague game on Friday, Oct. 12 at Laguna Hills High School. CD

Christian bounced back and swept CVC in both matches against their rival.

The Warriors (11-12, 4-4) finished third in league, but with a sub-.500 overall record, will not make the playoffs.

Capistrano Valley Christian

The Eagles (18-11, 3-5) scored one of the season’s bigger upsets in beating St. Margaret’s, but CVC couldn’t carry that momentum throughout league.

CVC finished fourth in league but did receive votes in the latest Division 6 poll.

The Eagles await their at-large playoff fate.

JSerra

The Lions (6-16, 3-5) swallowed a tough season. JSerra finished third in the Trinity League, but with a will under .500 record, the Lions are not eligible for the playoffs.

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