August 14, 2020

Esencia Sports Park Now Open PAGE 6

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

AUGUST 14-27, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 15

Open for Business New Restaurant, Market Open Doors in San Juan Capistrano E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

Mayfield owner and operator George Barker is excited about opening his new market in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

Camino Real Playhouse Hosting Camin-o-Thon GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

Fairmont Schools Celebrates New Campus EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

thecapistranodispatch.com

San Juan Native Part of TikTok Entertainment Duo SJC LIVING/PAGE 12

The Capistrano Dispatch August 14–27, 2020

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

for more information on the new businesses.—Collin Breaux

San Juan Capistrano Approves Agreement with Dana Point on Stonehill Improvements, Future Skate Park

Five things San Juan should know this week

Heritage Barbecue and Mayfield Open in San Juan Capistrano

THE LATEST: After months of anticipation, Heritage Barbecue finally opened in downtown San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Aug. 8.

During the opening weekend, a line of hungry patrons stretched from the entrance to the restaurant down the street and around the corner into the nearby downtown parking lot as the enticing aroma of barbecue hung in the air.

Owners Brenda and Daniel Castillo, a married couple, previously had been operating pop-ups in the Orange County area before opening the restaurant, located at the site of the former Mission Grill. The menu features Texas-style barbecue, and the site has all outdoor patio seating.

“It was definitely packed, and we’re a little overwhelmed, to be honest,” Daniel Castillo said. “It’s a little different than a regular restaurant, because usually when a restaurant opens, they don’t have 600 people outside waiting to go inside. We did the best that we could, and our team did great.”

Daniel Castillo said some people who stood in line for the weekend opening had been waiting since Friday night. Heritage Barbecue likely attracted out-of-town customers as well as locals for the opening weekend.

“We do a counter service, so it’s a walkup service. You order your meats by the pound, and you pick your sides, and we plate them for you on a tray,” Daniel Cas-

Daniel Castillo and his wife, Brenda, own Heritage Barbecue, a new restaurant in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

tillo said. “We like to encourage our guests to make a big shared plate, and we give them stack-up plates so everyone can pick off what they want family-style.”

There is no set closing time, and hours vary, because barbecue is served until it runs out. Heritage Barbecue is open Wednesday through Friday starting at 3 p.m. and on weekends starting at noon.

Capistrano Brewing Co. is operating in conjunction with Heritage Barbecue at the site and sells beer. A ribbon-cutting for both was held on Aug. 8. Capistrano Brewing Co. previously held a soft opening.

Elsewhere in downtown, Mayfield— a market incorporating California and European flavors—opened on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Mayfield is near Five Vines Wine Bar and the downtown movie theater. It sells wine, cookware and other products.

Takeout dinner is available to order.

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 TRACKER

Confirmed cases Deaths

“We had a lot of people come in who had been following us on Instagram and The Dispatch, so it was nice to meet the local community,” said owner and operator George Barker, who is from London.

“We started doing takeout dinner in the evening, which is going well.”

Windows at Mayfield are open during the day, giving a clear view of the downtown area. Barker is considering doing a supper club for Mayfield, which will have limited reservations with social distancing and a set menu.

Plans to fully open a restaurant at Mayfield are being delayed for now due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state restrictions prohibiting indoor dining. Barker is committed to following safety guidelines during the ongoing health crisis.

Visit heritagecraftbbq.com and mayfieldoc.com, and their social media pages,

Rancho Mission Viejo

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COVID-19 TRACKER

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 8/12/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a cost sharing and cooperative agreement with the City of Dana Point for an improvement project along Stonehill Drive, as well as for San Juan’s future skateboard park, during a meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Potential traffic concerns along Stonehill Drive and at the intersection of Stonehill Drive and Del Obispo Street were identified during the environmental review process for the Ganahl Lumber Project on which the City of San Juan Capistrano has been working. The high-traffic areas are generally in Dana Point, and “for several months” staff from both cities have reportedly worked together to discuss potential traffic mitigation for both areas, an agenda report said.

Additional opportunities to collaborate on San Juan’s skate park were also discussed.

The agreement would be effective only after the land sale of the Lower Rosan Ranch property from San Juan to Ganahl Lumber is completed. The sale is expected to come to the council for consideration in September.

“We identified the option to improve Stonehill in the easterly direction from Del Obispo to Camino Capistrano, the way everyone goes to the freeway in the morning,” Assistant City Manager Charlie View said. “We identified that as a project that would benefit both cities and alleviate traffic congestions in the actual roadway itself, as well as the intersection. The overall project estimated cost is about $1.3 million.

(Cont. on page 4)

Confirmed cases

47

Deaths

<5

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 8/12/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) That estimate is by the City of Dana Point.”

Dana Point would be the lead agency on the project. A third lane could be added in the eastbound direction on Stonehill Drive under the project, generally between Del Obispo and the I-5 freeway, according to the agenda report.

San Juan Mayor Troy Bourne said anything the city can do to facilitate more access to the freeway that doesn’t involve people going through downtown on Del Obispo to Ortega Highway is an investment he’s excited about making. The Del Obispo/Ortega intersection is considered a key entry point to downtown San Juan, particularly when coming off the freeway, and will be the site of a landscaping beautification project.

“Widening the path to the freeway anywhere other than Del Obispo and Ortega is a good investment,” Bourne said.

The agreement identifies a share of $445,000 of the total project cost to the City of San Juan Capistrano, and under the agreement, San Juan would contribute $400,000 as payment to the project. The remaining $45,000 would be applied as Dana Point’s investment for construction of the future skate park project in San Juan.

“The skate park has been thought to be located in the location of the sports park and The Ecology Center, and that is in very close proximity to the city of Dana Point,” View said. “Dana Point has readily agreed that is a mutually beneficial project also. They have agreed to spend $25,000 a year towards maintenance of the skateboard project when that is constructed.”

The Dana Point City Council separately approved the agreement on July 21, according to a staff report that went to their council.

“The City of Dana Point looks forward to working with San Juan Capistrano on all of these items and many more in the future that are of interest and importance to both communities,” the staff report said. —CB

Teachers Address Hybrid Learning Model THE LATEST: Local teachers discussed issues they had with proposed hybrid classroom plans during a Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees meeting last week.

CUSD will start the 2020-21 school year continuing with online learning, per a mandate from Gov. Gavin Newsom that California schools can only physically reopen when their county is off the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Orange County has remained on the watch list in recent weeks.

Before Newsom’s mandate, the Board of Trustees had approved a flexible reopening plan incorporating, in part, a hybrid model allowing options of offering some The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

on-campus instruction with safety guidelines or all online learning.

Some teachers who called in to comment during the Aug. 5 meeting, spoke out against there being no teachers who solely handled online learning under the plan, as well as recommendations that they livestream in-person classroom instruction for students learning online.

“This is absurd and a massive disservice to everyone involved,” San Juan Hills High School teacher Christina Hellwig said. “Students participating online at home will be passively watching me teach my class to other kids, and I will have to ignore either the in-person group or online group to engage with the other.”

San Clemente High School teacher Casey Swenson said he took issue with plans for grades 6-12 when on-campus instruction returns.

“It may sound appealing to just fold the fully online students into live instruction and hybrid classes, but the reality is the learning environment is rife with inequalities,” Swenson said. “No teacher can do live instruction five days a week in a classroom and simultaneously do daily live interaction with students at home.”

Some people who called in to comment also expressed health and safety concerns over returning to classrooms. CUSD officials said they would only consider returning to on-campus instruction when it is safe to do so. The reopening plan follows state and county health guidelines.

“No one on this board, least of all me, wants to do anything that’s going to sacrifice teachers or students or anyone else, or create an outbreak in this community,” Board President Jim Reardon said. “We’re doing things very, very cautiously.”

According to school registration data for families in grades K-5, of three options presented under the reopening plan, 55.29% selected a 100% on-campus instruction option, 22.03% chose a half-on-campus and half-at-home option, and 13.46% chose all online instruction. Approximately 8% of families did not respond and so were placed under the 100% on-campus option by default.

For grades 6-12, which only had two options of a hybrid on-campus/online model or all online instruction, 87.60% chose the hybrid model. Approximately 12% chose the all-online model, and 20.47% did not respond and so were placed under the hybrid model by default.

Trustee Gila Jones asked about requiring people in the district to show a negative test for COVID-19 after initially displaying symptoms. The reopening plan has guidelines in place for what to do if a student or staff member displays symptoms or is in close contact with someone who does, which includes sending them home.

Gregory Merwin, chief academic officer for Education and Support Services, said they recommend people who display symptoms to get tested and are looking

at ways to ensure they get the necessary tests. Merwin also said medical privacy is a consideration when it comes to whether families can be compelled to share test results. Reardon said staff can examine existing guidelines regarding people returning to work or school.

WHAT’S NEXT: CUSD staff is expected to come back before the board with an update on the issue during an Aug. 19 meeting.—CB

Parking Lot Near Los Rios Area Will Be Expanded to Accommodate Visitors, Employees THE LATEST: A parking lot at the corner of Paseo Adelanto and Ramos Street will go from 26 spaces to more than 100 to accommodate visitors and employees in the nearby Los Rios and downtown area.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved awarding a contract to C.S. Legacy Construction, Inc. for the project during a meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Councilmembers Derek Reeve, Brian Maryott, and Troy Bourne voted yes.

Councilmember Sergio Farias voted no.

Councilmember John Taylor recused himself from the vote since his home is within 500 feet of the area.

The scope of work includes clearing and grading of the existing gravel parking lot and construction of a new 6-inch-thick gravel section, and construction of five concrete American with Disabilities Act parking stalls, an agenda report said.

“The installation of new LED parking lot lights and new directional wayfinding signage will be implemented using on-call city contractors at a lower cost to the city,” Public Works Director Tom Toman said.

C.S. Legacy was recently involved in the Verdugo Street beautification project.

Their contract for the parking lot expansion project is for $209,575. The project is expected to be complete in September of this year. City officials have previously spoken with The Capistrano Dispatch about downtown parking congestion, which usually increases on weekends.

Residents in the nearby area spoke about the project at the meeting and asked about unoccupied vehicles that are frequently parked near the lot. One of those residents was Marianne Taylor, who frequently works in the Los Rios Park garden with her nonprofit Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens. Taylor suggested putting up greenery on the buffer as a solution and to give residents privacy.

John Taylor—who is married to Marianne—even addressed his fellow councilmembers as a member of the public. John Taylor suggested using available funds from the expected cost savings for signage

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in the area to properly direct people.

Residents also mentioned the noise level near the lot and in the area and ways to mitigate that, including suggestions that police monitor activity in the area.

Under the project’s plans, city officials said a decomposed granite pathway will be constructed on the strip where the unoccupied cars have been parking, and no parking will be allowed on the strip.

In other San Juan news, the council also approved a final environmental impact report, tentative tract map, and floodplain land use permit for the proposed Tirador Residential Project, which would see Watt Communities develop a gated residential community on a 16.1-acre site at 27000 Calle Arroyo. The area is down the street from the Ortega Equestrian Center and next to a 24 Hour Fitness.—CB

South County Businesses Receive CARES Act Funding THE LATEST: Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett has awarded $14.5 million in CARES Act funding, also known as the coronavirus relief bill, to small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Fifth District through the Small Business Grant Relief Program.

“So many small businesses that serve as the backbone of our economy have suffered significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. “My goal was to develop a program that would provide financial support to those businesses and get funds into their hands as quickly as possible.”

After an Orange County Board vote in May, $75 million in funding was split equally between the five county districts.

The $75 million comes out of the $554 million that Orange County received from the CARES Act. The funding has gone toward testing and personal protective equipment such as medical grade masks and gloves for first responders and health care officials.

The Small Business Grant Relief Program that launched on June 22 provided economic support of up to $10,000 in CARES Act funding grants for small businesses and nonprofit organizations experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. Grants were awarded to businesses in nearly every business sector.

“Through this successful program, we have supported more than 1,400 businesses and organizations throughout South Orange County,” said Bartlett.

Businesses in San Juan Capistrano and The Capistrano Dispatch were among recipients of the grant. A final list of awardees can be viewed at supbartlett.com.—Lillian Boyd thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Fairmont Schools Holds Ribbon-Cutting for New Campus Fairmont Schools—a private school institution—held a ribbon-cutting for their new location in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Aug. 6. The campus is at the former Saddleback Valley Christian School location on Oso Road.

School officials were greeted by representatives from the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

The event was livestreamed on Facebook.

“Today was a great day in Fairmont Schools’ history,” Fairmont Schools Chairman David Jackson said. “For many years, it’s been our goal to grow our family of schools to South County, and now that day has officially arrived . . . we couldn’t be happier.”

Fairmont Schools has requested a waiver from local health authorities to open its doors for on-campus instruction to K-6th graders on the first day of school, Aug. 17.

The school will also offer virtual learning.

Cedar Creek Inn Reopens After Temporary Closure Cedar Creek Inn, a restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, reopened for patio dining and takeout service on Aug. 12 after being temporarily closed following a back-of-the-house employee being exposed to COVID-19. The employee is reportedly feeling better now.

The restaurant closed its doors a few weeks back after learning of the employee’s exposure, according to a post on its Facebook page. A manager subsequently confirmed the information in the post with The Capistrano Dispatch.

The restaurant has been deep-cleaned and sanitized and is following other safety measures, such as social distancing and sanitizing menus. Reservations are encouraged to ensure outdoor seating and can be made by calling 949.240.2229.

San Juan Hills Holds Drive-Through Ceremony The San Juan Hills High School Class of 2020 had a drive-through graduation ceremony on Friday, July 24. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to traditional graduation ceremonies this year. Visit cusdinsider. org for photos and more information.

Docent Society Featuring Guest Speakers at Upcoming Meetings The Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society will feature guest speakers at The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

Editor’s note: This information is subject to change as pandemic conditions evolve.

TUESDAY, AUG. 18

Fairmont Schools Chairman David Jackson (right) talks about their new San Juan Capistrano campus during a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Aug. 6. His son, Chad Jackson (left), is Fairmont Schools President.

Photo: Collin Breaux

their upcoming meetings. Stephen O’Neil will speak on Sept. 17, Domingo Belardes will speak on Oct. 15, and Richard Carrico will speak on Nov. 19. The meetings are scheduled for the San Juan Capistrano Community Center from 12:30 until 2 p.m.

Jerry Nieblas and Adelia Sandoval were the guest speakers for a June 18 meeting and spoke about developing the Putuidem Village Cultural Center.

Diamond Salon Offering Outdoor Salon Services In accordance with state guidelines, Diamond Salon is offering outdoor services.

There will only be four stylists at a time, limited to one client each. Stylist schedules are limited to two to three days a week.

Customers are asked to reach out to their stylist directly to book an appointment, and new clients are asked to call the salon directly at 949.218.2900. Clients are asked to stay in their car and text their stylist when they arrive, then only enter the tent when told to do so. Additional guests or children are not allowed to accompany clients during an appointment.

SJC Resident Named to California Partnership to End Domestic Violence’s Board of Directors San Juan Capistrano resident and Laura’s House prevention and education manager Jennifer Ponce was elected to California Partnership to End Domestic Violence’s board of directors, according to a press release.

Laura’s House is an Orange County nonprofit providing domestic violence-related services. The Partnership represents more than 1,000 organizations and allied groups across the state.

“I am truly honored to join the esteemed board of directors at the Partnership and for the opportunity to play a larger role in supporting the coalition’s mission to prevent domestic violence in California,” Ponce said.

JSerra Students Educating Others on Dangers of Vaping Rising junior students at JSerra Catholic High School are educating other young people on the harmful effects of vaping through their project called “EduVape.”

Dillon Kim, Brayden Daly, and Arav Patel have held virtual assemblies with young people about the health consequences of vaping. The three friends got the idea for their program after a DEA officer spoke at their school about the hazards of substance abuse and secondhand smoke.

Check out EduVape’s social media pages— including on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok—for more information.

Rotary Club Donates Ornamental Clock for Downtown Area The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano held a dedication on Wednesday, July 29, to celebrate a new decorative clock in the downtown area.

The Rotary Club donated the four-faced clock to the city. The clock—which is estimated to be approximately 15 feet, 6 inches tall—is adjacent to the Trevor’s at the Tracks outdoor dining area and near the train plaza.

The clock is a final touch for the Verdugo Street beautification project, which has renovated a portion of downtown.

Art Show Scheduled in SJC Oil artist Barbara Brient is holding an art show on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be at 33561 Via De Agua in San Juan Capistrano. Those attending are asked to wear a mask.

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

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City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person.

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

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via video conference. BILY’s video conference will be held through Zoom. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21 Coffee Chat 9 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs virtually on Fridays through Zoom. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, AUG. 25 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a meeting. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27 Design Review Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Committee will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, AUG. 28 The next issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Esencia Sports Park Offers New Recreational Opportunities

New YouTube Channel Celebrates Life at Rancho Mission Viejo

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Esencia Sports Park at Rancho Mission Viejo offers a synthetic turf area, sports fields and a swimming pool. Photo: Bil Zelman

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

People looking to safely go outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic can do so at Esencia Sports Park, now open in Rancho Mission Viejo.

The park’s amenities include a synthetic turf area, sports fields and a swimming pool. The recreation complex is brand-new and the latest amenity for the South Orange County community. The 30-acre site is located in the Village of Esencia, one of the residential neighborhoods at The Ranch.

“We are very excited to offer this state-of-the-art recreational amenity for all residents to enjoy,” Executive Vice President of Community Development Paul Johnson said. “Esencia Sports Park ensures that everyday athletes of all ages and ability have yet another opportunity to take advantage of the tremendous weather and unique lifestyle found at Rancho Mission Viejo.”

Only general passive use under county and state guidelines is currently allowed— The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

essentially meaning families and visitors can walk around the park but no organized sports are permitted. Parts of Esencia Sports Park are open to people other than Ranch residents, since it’s considered a regional sports park, but other areas such as the pool are in access-controlled areas open only to residents.

“Residents are so happy,” Senior Vice President of Design Kris Maher said.

“They’re so tired of being cooped up.”

Maher also noted the park is close to the natural space at The Reserve and offers a stunning view of the area’s outdoor features. Ranch officials and designers took care to ensure they were environmentally responsible and accommodating for people when designing and building the complex.

“The elevation affords these great views, but also has the potential to make access challenging,” Maher said. “Rancho Mission Viejo is an intergenerational community, so we looked at how to best create a place all our residents could easily navigate. Instead

of traditional ramps that switch back and forth that can be rather steep, we stretched out the walkways so the incline would be more gradual.”

The park will also have restrooms, concession stands and LED field lighting.

The project has been in the works for some time—approximately 18 months in the design and public bid phase and another 18 months for the build itself.

“The construction logistics of a site that large are pretty significant,” Maher said.

Esencia Sports Park is expected to see a gradual increase in activity as years go by, Johnson said.

The new park comes at a time when the Village of Esencia itself is reportedly doing well. There continues to be great success with home sales, and as of press time approximately 40 homes were available for sale, Johnson said.

By the end of the year, Esencia is expected to be sold out. Rienda, the next Rancho Mission Viejo village, will not open until 2022. CD

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Before the COVID-19 health crisis, residents at Rancho Mission Viejo could get together for face-to-face events and not have to be mindful of social distancing.

The pandemic has put a halt to that for now, but a new YouTube channel from Rancho Mission Viejo TV gives a glimpse into life and social events from before these unprecedented times. The videos can keep people entertained while they’re inside their homes.

The channel started in March and spotlights different aspects of life at The Ranch, including community farms and Esencia School. Videos also feature residents talking about their experiences living at Rancho Mission Viejo and the sense of community the area offers. For people thinking about buying a home there, the channel can give them a window into life at The Ranch.

“From Rancho Mission Viejo historical videos and RanchLife lifestyle videos of resident traditions and festivities to videos about our community farms, The Reserve and the annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, there is something for everyone,” said Stephanie Walker, director of marketing for Rancho Mission Viejo.

Walker said the content is appealing and for all ages. The YouTube channel also has videos about The Reserve, an outdoor preserve where people have taken guided hikes and learned about plants and astronomy.

“Looking forward, Rancho Mission Viejo TV will be a library of these videos and more, including ones that can be submitted by our residents,” Walker said. “We appreciate their perspective on RanchLife with videos that showcase celebrations big and small, cultural activities, and even recaps of their kids’ sporting events.”

Submissions will be reviewed prior to posting to ensure content is consistent with Rancho Mission Viejo TV’s standards, Walker said. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS

GUEST OPINION: From the Inside by Dale Rosenfeldt

'Malice Toward None'

I

read Jan Siegel’s article “Malice Toward None” published in the July 10 issue of The Capistrano Dispatch with admiration.

Jan does her homework, and her passion for history and San Juan Capistrano are palpable, even contagious. Whether or not you agree with every word she wrote, you must agree she chooses her words well.

Full disclosure, I consider Jan a friend, but friends do not always agree. In this case, I do believe Jan got it right, but my point is about messaging in today’s social climate.

If we disagree with an opinion, do we shoot the messenger? Shall we silence The Capistrano Dispatch: Our Community, Our Voice? Bronwyn Seward believes we should.

Seward chose to condemn The Capistrano Dispatch for publishing “Malice Toward None,” which is censorship: the FROM weapon of choice for the THE INSIDE

By Dale Rosenfeldt new cancel-culture movement. Seward did not engage in dialogue.

Instead, she attacked the publisher, shaming them for printing Jan’s perspective, demanding a retraction and apology.

Tearing down historic figures in the form of statues is egregious, as is demanding that an article such as Jan’s not be printed. These actions silence us all. There is no discussion, no dialogue, when the statue is gone. No discussion, no dialogue, when the “opinion” piece is never printed.

As much as I envy Jan for her writing

skills and encourage healthy dialogue, I also applaud Laurie Allen for her beautifully written comments on the same opinion piece. Allen states, “What bothers me most about what is happening today is that there seems to be only a very specific set of perspectives and even words that are allowed to be used, and anyone who feels differently and would like to engage in a reasonable dialogue or debate (as Ms. Siegel does), may be vilified.” Allen also succinctly states, “If we were to hold our world ancestors to today’s values, we would have to take down nearly every statue of every king and queen in Europe.”

That goes for the entire world. I recently watched a documentary on The Silk Road, in which the narrator, a French war correspondent, frequently points to statues discussing the influences of the diverse people who traded silk and spices on The Road. One depicts a Chinese man and a Roman soldier greeting each other. This monument helps to tell the story of civilizations that forged relationships in Western China and helps to explain the unique Western features of the people of this region. Neither the Romans nor the Mongols were saints, but they had influence, as did Junipero Serra and the Spaniards in our region of the world.

Printed words are ephemeral, yet powerful. Statues and sculptures were meant to withstand the test of time and are also powerful, but only if we allow them to stimulate dialogue in the 21st century.

Dale Rosenfeldt is a consultant and trainer who travels often but is happiest at home in her art studio and with her husband, their dog and tabby cat. Her husband operates a business in town and is a commissioner and influencer. 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. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Megan Bianco Jake Howard Tim Trent

PFM Awarded Grant Funding from County Last week, Picket Fence Media received a visit from District 5 Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who shared the good news that PFM had received a $10,000 grant via the CARES Act. (From left) PFM’s Alyssa Garrett and Norb Garrett, Supervisor Bartlett, PFM’s Lauralyn Loynes accept the check outside the PFM office in Capistrano Beach. The grant was part of a districtwide initiative to provide much-needed help to area small businesses. A complete list of recipients can be found at supbartlett.com. All of us at PFM are hugely appreciative of the support.

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 18, Issue 15. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Prince Page 7

Letters to the Editor DROWN THE NOISE —JEANNE SILVER, Rancho Mission Viejo I recently underwent a procedure in an MRI machine. You have to lie perfectly still for a certain amount of time, while you are in a tunnel, confined to a small amount of space, unable to move. In order to relax my mind and think of something else besides the situation and the loud noises going on around my head (part of the system), I let my mind float to other things.

These were my thoughts: What if we could turn off the noise all around us?

What if we couldn't hear the news every day? What if we didn't hear "opinion" assail us from every side? What if we tuned it all out? Well, most of it, anyway.

In these uncertain times, no matter what side of the spectrum that you are on, there is one word that is sadly missing, and that is "respect." We listen to the noise, and we act upon it in most cases, and it buries us beneath it. They say that there are always two sides to every story . . . do we stop and listen to the "other side"?

Don't get me wrong . . . I am not just talking "politics" here, as most will believe I am.

No, this comes from another place.

I was brought up in Ireland, in a small Jewish community in the midst of a large Christian community, both Catholic, Protestant and even Bahai! I very quickly learned to have a deep respect for all our neighbors, no matter what color or religion, and it was given back to my family in every sense.

In the fractured world in which we are living at the moment, let's stop and think and remember who we are, and what we have become, and give respect where it is due . . . and try to drown the noise that is all around us, rather like the MRI machine! That is, after all, just a machine, an inanimate object, but we humans have souls and brains and, therefore, surely have the capacity to use them in a peaceful and loving way to our fellow humankind!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

Friday | 21

What’s going on in and around town this week

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the new farmers market in town. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. The farmers market happens every Friday afternoon. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Friday | 14 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 3-6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind with some live music on the outdoor patio at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Mike O’Bryan will perform. Nicolas Fresard will also perform later that night, from 7 to 10 p.m. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

FANDANGO FRIDAY 6-9 p.m. Grab some food and wine, and relax.

Fandango Fridays will be held on the second Friday of the month. Seating is first-come, first-served, but lawn chairs are also welcome.

A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.2063.

Saturday | 15 FAMILY FUN WOOD WORKSHOP 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring the family to make a wood project. Options include a plank wood sign, wood clock or photo frame. Customize your project with your choice of designer paints and non-toxic stain colors. Registration is online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano is offering discounted vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing available on-site. No appointment needed. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

Monday | 17 AMERICAN LEGION POST 721 MONTHLY MEETING 6 p.m. American Legion Post 721 San Juan Capistrano will hold a monthly meeting.

Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.285.2212. legion.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

EDITOR’S PICK The show will go on virtually for Camino Real Playhouse with their online Camin-O-Thon entertainment show on Saturday, Aug. 22. Photo: Collin Breaux

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22: CAMIN-O-THON 7 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse will host an online entertainment show called Camin-O-Thon.

There will be comedy, singing and more. The community theater is closed to in-person audiences until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations can be made at caminorealplayhouse.org. Watch Camin-O-Thon at facebook.com/caminoplayhouse.

At the Movies: ‘Ravage’ Is a Familiar Ride for Horror Fans

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

or all the influence and impact that classic movies have on pop culture, there’s also one unfortunate aspect that needs to be acknowledged.

It feels like for every great, acclaimed film released, there are dozens of lesser-quality knockoffs of the movie.

For horror, this definitely is the case with Tobe Hooper’s cult classic slasher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). Teddy Grennan’s new indie horror flick Ravage—playing drive-ins and on VOD—is no exception to the accusation. Not even bothering to be subtle about the distinct style over substance going on in the feature, Ravage has the bare minimum of plot, but with what appears to at least be self-awareness in its flashy direction.

Like most cliché slasher movies, Ravage begins with an innocent young blonde, this one a nature photographer named Harper

Thursday | 20 LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S 7:30-10:30 p.m. Order some fish and

(Annabelle Dexter-Jones), who secretly sees something she shouldn’t have while on a photo assignment into a local forest.

When she goes to the police to report what she believes was torture, she’s quickly kidnapped by the perpetrators and is now on her own to escape their clutches deep in a barn in the middle of the wilderness.

Grennan’s new feature was originally titled Swing Low, and would be a reference to the traditional gospel-folk song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” which appears remixed on the soundtrack for a certain scene. Jacques Brautber’s music score in general is one of the more intriguing elements of the new movie, but the new title of Ravage is more aptly used because of its basic gore sequences throughout the film.

Dexter-Jones, who has been in her share of schlocky B-movie horror films such as Jordan Galland’s Ava’s Possessions (2015) and Tara Subkoff’s #Horror (2016), is right at home as the protagonist who must carry essentially every scene. Film legend Bruce Dern even makes an appearance as the only big name in the cast. Ravage doesn’t really bring anything new to the horror/ slasher genres, but it does have enough for fans of this type of movie. CD

chips, grab a pint and relax with live entertainment at Paddy’s Station, the new downtown Irish pub. English Joe will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano.

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FREE LIVESTREAMED CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 6 p.m. Enjoy a Black Crowes tribute show from The Coach House in the comfort of your own home. Tribute band The Black Crowes Revival will perform. The event is free and on livestream. View the show at alerttheglobe.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth by the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

Saturday | 22 COMMUNITY PACK WALK 6-7:30 p.m. The La Pawz Dog Team is hosting a community pack walk for dog owners at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Participants are encouraged to maintain social distancing and wear a mask. La Paz Sports Park, 28051 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel.

Sunday | 23 LUNCH RIDE OUT TO DUDLEY’S FAMOUS BAKERY 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The Orange Coast Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) is hosting a motorcycle ride out to Dudley’s Famous Bakery and Deli in Santa Ysabel.

The ride will start out at Sendero Marketplace in Rancho Mission Viejo. The end time is approximate. Sendero Marketplace, 30721 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo. ochog.org.

PIPER SUNDAY 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club is hosting a Zoom seminar featuring online discussion with guest speakers about Irish piping and music. David Power will join this session from Ireland. A PayPal donation of $20 is suggested. socalpipers.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

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SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

A Widow and Widower Love Story

I

n 26 years of writing newspaper columns, I’ve heard many warm-yourheart senior love stories. Today, I share with you one of the best.

In 1995, when I owned Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli, a customer, Joe L. Brown, and I had become good friends. We talked a lot about baseball; we talked about senior romance.

Why baseball? Joe knew a lot about the subject. He was the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates for 21 years, from November 1955 until the end of 1976. Under Joe’s leadership, the Pirates won two World Series in 1960 and 1971.

Joe’s father was the famous comedian and actor, Joe E. Brown.

Why did Joe L. and I discuss senior romance?

He had a love story, ON LIFE AND which he shared with LOVE AFTER 50 me.

By Tom Blake Joe explained that in November 1990, at age 72, he lived in Dana Point, a widower of 13 months. He missed his wife of 45 years.

Joe believed he would remain single the rest of his life. No one—he was convinced—could fill the emptiness he felt. As a favor, he would escort women friends to functions, but he had no interest in becoming involved.

For Thanksgiving dinner in 1990, Joe was invited to a friend’s home in Coronado. Joe was seated next to a woman

named Paulita. Coincidentally, they both had attended Beverly Hills High School, but did not know each other because Joe was two years older.

Joe said, “We talked for hours. I had been shot through the heart with a lovearrow, but was disappointed to learn that Paulita was leaving for Mexico in two days for the winter.”

That night, Joe confided to a friend: “I’ve fallen in love, but she’s leaving in two days.”

“Call her first thing tomorrow; tell her you want to see her before she goes,” the friend insisted.

The next morning, Joe and Paulita made a date for that night. When Joe picked her up at her San Diego home, he said, “There’s something I’m going to tell you.”

“What is it?” Paulita said.

“I’ll tell you during dinner,” Joe replied.

The restaurant was a few miles away in La Jolla. In the car, Paulita kept asking, “What is it?”

“I’ll tell you during dinner,” Joe repeated.

Paulita had no idea what he was going to say.

Finally, after ordering beverages, Joe mustered the courage. He said, “Yesterday, I fell in love with you. I want to be with you.”

“Aren’t we going a little fast?” Paulita asked.

“At our age, we don’t have a lot of time. May I visit you in Mexico after the holidays?”

“Yes!” Paulita exclaimed.

The next morning, Joe called Paulita: “Be safe. I love you.”

He called her that night to ensure she arrived without incident.

Then, he called his son and daughter.

He said, “I’ve fallen in love.”

They said, “Dad, you’re kidding.”

He said, “Even old people can fall in love. Love doesn’t come out; it escapes.”

Joe and Paulita talked twice a day by phone. A few days later, he said, “I can’t

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

wait until after the holidays. I want to see you tomorrow.”

“Great!” she said. Joe flew to see her the next day. In the eight days he stayed in Mexico, he proposed to Paulita. She accepted.

After Christmas in California with his children, Joe visited Paulita for another 12 days. They set a wedding date.

In February 1991, Joe and Paulita married.

Before they left for Mexico together in 1995, Joe said to me, “I love Paulita as much now as I did four years ago.”

Years later, Paulita passed away. Joe moved to Albuquerque to be near his daughter, Cynthia. He died at 91 on Aug. 10, 2010.

A month later, Cynthia telephoned to thank me for being such a great friend of her dad’s. Her call touched me deeply. He was a great man.

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

See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment, email tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Juaneño tribal members at the Swallows Day Parade in 1979.

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Chevron his handsome guy is Chevron, a 1 ½-year-old Siberian Husky mix looking for an adventuring buddy. Chevron loves to be active. Whether it’s going on a long hike or playing in the doggie pool, he is always ready for some fun and exercise. Chevron enjoys making friends with new people and dogs and would love an adopter who is up for anything.

If you are interested in adopting Chevron, please visit petprojectfoundation. org. to complete a form, and you will be

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

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

contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

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

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION:

By Paddy Fallon

San Juan native Nick Iavarone (left) and Australian Xavier Di Petta are viral sensations as the entertainment duo PARTY SHIRT. Photo: Deanie Chen

The Five—Year Overnight Success: PARTY SHIRT Goes Viral on TikTok

A

lthough the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people in a state of uncertainty, the government’s stayat-home order has allotted time for artists to hone their craft. In light of this new Renaissance period, San Juan Capistrano native Nick Iavarone and Australian Xavier Di Petta wrote and produced a song that would change their lives. The duo released the first single off their EP Liquid Powder under the stage name PARTY SHIRT, and the pair watched as their debut single “Dancing Tonight” hit No. 1 on the TikTok pop chart. Since then, the song has been featured in more than 50,000 TikTok videos and has accumulated more than 200 million views. Put simply: the song went viral, and we are now officially living in the PARTY SHIRT era.

Before topping the TikTok pop chart, PARTY SHIRT was born when Di Petta (“X”) and Iavarone (“Ivy”) met in a USC dorm room in the summer of 2016. The two music producers immediately knew

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Recognizing The Ecology Center

A

dozen years ago, a young man came to San Juan Capistrano with a dream of making agriculture sustainable, usable and workable for an entire community. Evan Marks had run an organic farm in Costa Rica and taught agriculture in Nigeria before returning to his home in Southern California.

The City had purchased the Kinoshita Farm and the entire area including the historic Congdon House, which was part of our Open Space. Twenty-seven acres of the area was being used as an organic farm. The one acre surrounding the Congdon House was vacant. Marks leased the land from the City. That one-acre The Capistrano Dispatch August 14-27, 2020

they wanted to work together after bonding over a mutual appreciation for music, acting, and fashion. They set out to build a multidimensional brand that could encompass all of their shared passions, and PARTY SHIRT was the result. With their versatile and polymathic approach, X and Ivy embody the DIY ethos of the 21st century artist: they produce SNLinspired skits that get hundreds of thousands GUEST OPINION of views; they model

By Paddy Fallon for established apparel brands including Von Dutch; they write catchy electronic music for a devoted following; and they do it all from their tiny Hollywood apartment across the street from Rock & Roll Ralphs.

While music is the foundation of PARTY SHIRT, it is the unique chemistry and synergistic relationship between X and Ivy that separates them from the rest.

Xavier Di Petta is a serial entrepreneur from Shepparton, Australia who has been featured in “The 15 Smartest Teens on the Planet” by Forbes and “Top 25 Under 20” by The Times for his precocious advertising career that began in his early teens. Iavarone, meanwhile, balanced academic and athletic pursuits before committing to music production full-time.

He had been enrolled in Whittier College to play lacrosse, but left when his college advisor informed him that the school did not recognize electronic music as an art form within their music program.

The idea to make comedy sketches for Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok came when PARTY SHIRT’s cinematographer,

Pedro Camgro, watched as their friend, David Dobrik, rose to fame for his YouTube videos with the “Vlog Squad.” X and Camgro watched as Dobrik became an established star in Hollywood, and recognized the power of social media engagement and viral content. PARTY SHIRT’s blend of original music production and sketch comedy content have quickly established them as social media powerhouses with a rare capacity to achieve virality.

Paddy Fallon is a writer based in Los Angeles. CD

lot soon became known as The Ecology Center, a nonprofit organization that worked with the farm to bring agriculture into the 21st century. In 2018, the City Council unanimously voted for The Ecology Center to take over all 28 acres and to become a model for the future of community farming. Marks had realized his dream.

The Ecology Center has been recognized by the California Association of Nonprofits as a California Nonprofit of the Year for all that it has done for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Juan Capistrano is extremely fortunate to have a large working MOMENTS farm right in the middle IN TIME of the community. BeBy Jan Siegel fore COVID-19 changed our lifestyles, one could go to The Ecology Center, walk through the rainbow arches, stop and pick your own vegetables. The ability to walk through the farm is not possible during the pandemic.

But that does not mean that you cannot experience farm-fresh vegetables.

The farm stand is still open for anyone to stop by and purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Ecology Center still has what they call Farm Share. You sign up online for either an individual or family-size box, which has 8-10 garden-fresh fruits and vegetables every week or bi-monthly. The boxes are filled randomly, so every one of them is different. The amount of produce is for two or more people, depending on appetites, for a week. The other item that you can order is pizza—organic pizza with fresh vegetables. There is only one recipe each Tuesday and Thursday, and it changes according to the produce.

Sounds like a great way to get your children to eat those veggies!

All information for The Ecology Center, Farm Share and pizza of the day can be found on their website: theecologycenter.org. Hours and prices are listed. And, of course, all is subject to change in this pandemic world.

Spend a Moment In Time going to The Ecology Center and see how the dream

of one person became an important community development. We are lucky to have such a treasure in our community that not only shows us the way to the future, but recognizes our past history and culture.

Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007.CD

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

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

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;AUGUST 15 Start time is 7 a.m. Collectibles, jewelry and plants as well as house hold items will be for sale.

1024 Las Posas, San Clemente.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

EVENTS ART SHOW- ORIGINAL OIL ARTIST BARBARA BRIENT 11:00 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, August 22.

Please wear a mask.

33561 Via De Agua, San Juan Capistrano.

HELP WANTED PART TIME CAMPAIGN LIAISON NEEDED Part Time / WORK FROM HOME - flexible schedule. $13 - $17 an hour (depending on experience). Work eligible high school and college students welcome!

Contact Paloma Chacon: 949.312.2944 or Paloma@MaryottForCongress.com

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan + Rancho Mission Viejo area?

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com The Capistrano Dispatch August 13-27, 2020

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Capistrano Unified School District athletic teams will finally get a chance to return to organized activities on Aug. 18, when schools can open Phase 1 conditioning camps. School athletics have been shut down since midMarch. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

CUSD to Begin Conditioning Camps on Aug. 18

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

nce again, another new timeline has been established for a return to some semblance of organized athletic activities for high school sports teams.

Following the California Department of Public Health’s latest guidelines on Aug. 3 that allowed the resumption of youth sports training, the Capistrano Unified School District announced on Friday, Aug. 7, that it would return to its plan for Phase 1 Conditioning Camps starting on Aug. 18, the first day of instruction for San Juan Hills High School.

“CDPH and Orange County are allowing youth sports training and conditioning under specific circumstances,” the CUSD release said. “Using plans developed for our original July 6 return date, site athletic directors, with District staff, will work to develop a conditioning plan that appropriately adheres to the most up-to-date health and safety guidance.”

High school sports have been completely shut down since mid-March, and while Orange County had released guidance on June 15 that said youth sports practices were allowed to resume, CUSD had held off. CUSD later announced that it would open conditioning camps in a limited Phase 1 on July 6, but those plans were subsequently canceled just days before the camps were to open. On July 8, the state restated a full shutdown of youth sports until further guidance was provided on Aug. 3.

The CIF State’s and CIF-SS’ revised schedules announced on July 20 have still pushed back full practices and the start of game schedules to December, but with CUSD’s latest announcement, coaches and players seem to be set for a return to valuable in-person training, which will be a The Capistrano Dispatch August 14–27, 2020

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welcome change for many after months of distanced and disconnected video chats.

While further details will be worked out with individual athletic directors and coaches, CUSD’s release provided several regulations that schools will follow.

These camps will still be limited to conditioning exercises and individual skill drills.

No equipment will be used during the Phase 1 workouts, and no full-on camps, competitions or games are permitted.

These conditioning workouts will only be conducted outdoors with no use of gymnasiums, indoor weight room facilities or any other team rooms. With proper 6-foot distancing in place, there will be limits of only 50 total participants on a full football field and 20 total participants on baseball and softball fields or the pool deck. Those totals will be made up of smaller groups. No spectators of any kind, including parents, other students or media, will be permitted at the athletic facilities.

A point of emphasis on the release stated that participation during the online learning or hybrid model of instruction is voluntary for all student-athletes. Those who did wish to participate would need a physical and submit their online athletic clearance.

Face coverings are mandatory when arriving or exiting the facilities. Athletes will arrive in small groups at assigned times, which will be staggered by 15 minutes to allow physical distancing. Upon arrival each day, all athletes and coaches will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. With each arrival and exit, coaches and athletes will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

It’s not normal or extensive, but athletic activities are returning to San Juan Hills High School. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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