The Capistrano Dispatch

CAPISTRANO’S NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

On the Soapbox: Over In-N-Out

It’s Showtime: Regency Theatres Opens Doors

Tack Up for San Juan set May 22, 23

SOAPBOX/PAGE 14

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

SPORTS/PAGE 28

M AY 1 4 –2 7, 2 0 1 0 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 9

Testing the Waters Officials launch key testing phase in South County Desalination Plant E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

Karl Seckel, general manager of the Municipal Water District of Orange County, shows some of the equipment in the new desalination test station at Doheny State Beach. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE The City of San Clemente will host an Emergency Expo May 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at the San Clemente Community Center, as the month of May is Emergency Preparedness Month and disaster can strike at anytime. It is important that the community is prepared and this event will help the City increase public education and outreach efforts to residents about emergency planning and preparedness.

San Clemente will be joined by Southern California Edison, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Doctor’s Ambulance Service, Coastal Animal Services Authority, Ready OC, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Tri-Cities Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and other community emergency response organizations. Display tables and interactive activities and safety demonstrations are planned for residents.

NEWS

NEXT DOOR W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N I N OUR NEIGHBORING TOW N S

DANA POINT An emaciated looking, 35- to 40-foot elderly gray whale that spent the day cruising the Dana Point Harbor on Monday, May 10, returned again Tuesday. Local authorities alerted NOAA’s Whale Entanglement Team and the National Marine Fisheries Service upon learning that there appeared to be line entangling the whale. The whale may have been left behind as the annual northern migration is nearly over. “It very well may be that the whale is nearing the natural end of its life, said Dean Gomersall from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. “He does appear to be thin and unhealthy. Who knows, maybe the rope’s removal will allow the whale to swim more freely, feed and return to health. We just don’t know for sure, but we’ll definitely be giving it a try.” Sea World joined the effort to help the whale on Wednesday.

San Juan Capistrano’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

1

LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…Local Development Projects?

THE LATEST: In-N-Out might be in, Walmart has called and Distrito La Novia is in the spotlight.

The City Council on May 4 reconsidered an ordinance that would have allowed new drive-up businesses in the city—but would have blocked In-N-Out from its preferred location at the old Sizzler site on Del Obispo Street.

The council was forced to reconsider that action because Councilman Tom Hribar has a 10 percent interest in a building within 500 feet of the proposed In-N-Out site. Hribar was free to vote on a citywide ordinance, but needed to abstain when the Sizzler lot was excluded.

When the council reconsidered the issue without Hribar, the exclusion failed 2-2 with Mayor Lon Uso and Councilman Sam Allevato in opposition, opening the door for unanimous approval of a new ordinance that allows drive-ups.

In-N-Out is now free to apply, but, like any other new drive-up business, needs special permission from the City Council.

In other business, councilmembers decided they did not need a special contract to negotiate with Walmart for a potential store on the city-owned Lower Rosan Ranch off Stonehill, and Walmart has already been in touch for informal discussions. Home Depot is also eyeing the site.

Additionally, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council reject the Distrito La Novia and San Juan Meadows projects proposed off Valle Road. Distrito La Novia, north of La Novia, is 90 condos and 50 apartments, with 68,200 square feet of shops and restaurants and 27,500 square feet of office space. Across La Novia, the Meadows plan is 94 houses and 90 acres of open space. Also included: A 775-horse equestrian center.

Planning Commissioners said the project generated too much traffic and left www.thecapistranodispatch.com

too many questions unanswered.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Distrito La Novia project is tentatively set before the City Council on June 15.

FIND OUT MORE: See The Capistrano Insider Blog at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —Jonathan Volzke

2

LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 2

…Rancho Capistrano Sold?

THE LATEST: The family that owns the “Hobby Lobby” chain of stores in the Midwest has purchased the entire 170acre Rancho Capistrano property at the north end of town.

The Rancho Capistrano property was a gift in 1981 to Crystal Cathedral Ministries from Donna Crean and her late husband John, founders of Fleetwood Enterprises. It was their dream to establish a place of spiritual restoration where generations of individuals would continue to find hope. In selling the land, Crystal Cathedral wanted to find a similar use for the retreat center.

WHAT’S NEXT: Saddleback Church will operate the retreat center for weddings and similar events, while an existing contract with Continuing Life Communities a 475,000 square foot retirement community on the remainder—possibly selling some to the city as open space—remains in effect.

FIND OUT MORE: See the entire announcement at The Capistrano Insider blog at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV

3

LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…An Award for GRIP?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano’s GRIP program was recognized with a Community Policing Award for its

efforts at keeping young people in school and out of gangs during a recent Human Relations Commission Awards ceremony.

In 2008, the city, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and principals of affected schools developed a program—Gang Reduction Intervention Program—to intervene in the growth of these gangs. The effort grew to include city officials, prominent members of the community, PTAs, and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. GRIP focuses on dissuading younger children from joining gangs. Prevention is addressed by developing positive self-esteem and by using curriculum, developed by the GRIP partners, which highlights the negative consequences of gang membership.

WHAT’S NEXT: Truancy rates have dramatically decreased at the four target schools—80 percent in the last year.

GRIP has also devised “Strike Teams” that identify at-risk students and then meet with the youth and their parents to create an intervention plan. Fifty interventions have been conducted and almost all youth involved have shown positive improvements.

FIND OUT MORE: See The Capistrano Insider blog at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV

4

LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…Planning Downtown?

THE LATEST: Consultants updating the city’s downtown master plan will take input from the public at a May 26 workshop.

The city in January hired Studio 111 to revamp the downtown master plan, including a necessary environmentalimpact report. The contract was for $571,000. City officials went with Studio

111 because the design firm expanded the boundaries of the original 7.5-acre downtown core to a 1,500-foot radius— the distance a person can walk comfortably in five minutes.

At a Chamber of Commerce breakfast earlier this month, Studio 111 representatives said Capistrano’s downtown has strong potential, but needs more development, including a strong southern anchor that would encourage people to walk the area.

WHAT’S NEXT: The workshop is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the La Sala room of Library at 31495 El Camino Real.

FIND OUT MORE: See the “Historic Town Center” button on the city’s homepage at www.sanjuancapistrano.org —JV

5

LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…the City Ripped Off?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano lost $2,055 to an escrow agent who admitted embezzling $3.9 million from 23 California cities, including more than $1 million from San Francisco, according to the Department of Justice.

In a plea agreement filed this month in United States District Court, Belinda Exon, 55, who now lives in Phoenix, admitted that she embezzled $3.9 million that was being held in escrow by her former company, Rehab Financial Services, Inc. WHAT’S NEXT: The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of up to 46 months in federal prison and requires Exon to forfeit the properties she purchased with the embezzled funds and to make full restitution to the victim municipalities.

The city expects to be reimbursed for its loss.

FIND OUT MORE: www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV

May 14–27, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 3

Eye on SJC

Capo Unified Hires New Superintendent Anaheim Union’s Joseph Farley to start July 1

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

C

apistrano Unified School District trustees on Tuesday selected Anaheim Union High School District Superintendent Joseph M. Farley to lead the beleaguered 51,000-student district, making him the seventh CUSD leader in four years.

The four-year contract calls on Farley to get $275,000 per year. Any raises, according to the proposed contract, will be the same percentage as the district’s other certified management personnel—although the board does reserve the right to award additional raises.

Farley’s contract with Anaheim Union ran through 2012 and paid $237,000 a year. He had been with that district five years. He was deputy superintendent in Oceanside before that, and is credited with turning around both districts.

Oceanside needed help academically and Anaheim was facing facility-budget investigations.

He steps into a politically torn district in Capistrano Unified, where two trustees are facing the third recall attempt to wrack the district in five years. The district also ended a five-day teacher’s strike earlier this month and board meetings have been filled with angry, sometimes jeering parents.

But Farley was endorsed even by a

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter Compile d by Heath e r T u r n e y All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd. org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Monday, May 10 DISTURBANCE Orangewood Road, 26400 Block (10:58 p.m.) A woman reported that her 18-year-old son was banging on her bedroom door. She locked herself inside because she was afraid her son might be carrying knives.

Sunday, May 9 DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE www.thecapistranodispatch.com

teachers’ union. days a year.

“Capistrano has hired a marvelous It also sets out a severance package, in Superintendent,” said George Woods, the event Farley is fired. The severance Executive Director of Teachers United, issue was a bone of contention between which provides support to the Anaheim the district former Superintendent A. Secondary Teachers Association and six Woodrow Carter, a popular leader they other local teacher unions. fired a year ago. The contract “He is a visionary Superinsays if Farley is fired in the tendent. He changed many first two years of the contract, practices in the AUHSD he will get $22,900 per month and literally transformed for any time remaining in the it, even during this budfirst two years of the conget crisis. The people in tract, up to a maximum of 18 Capistrano now have the months. The contract lays out chance to recover from some points that negate that, what’s happened there, and including breach of duty on they hired the right person the superintendent’s behalf. to help them do that.”

A couple of other paraHe was also hailed by graphs seem to arise from Joseph M. Farley county education leaders. earlier disputes the board has “Joe Farley is a collabhad with superintendents: orative and transparent leader who has * “The Superintendent shall not, done an incredible job in Anaheim,” directly or indirectly, accept any payment William H. Habermehl, Orange County or gratitude or favor or thing of value Superintendent of Schools, said in a from any vendor or business which does statement. “I’m thrilled that he’s staying business with the district or seeks to do in Orange County, where all of us in the so.” This seems to arise from allegations educational community can continue to Carter attended conferences sponsored benefit from his knowledge and experby companies seeking district contracts. tise.” * “The board and the Superintendent Farley’s contract with CUSD also will endeavor to meet at least quarterly calls on the district to supply Farley during the course of hte year to discuss with a laptop, a cell phone and a pager the working relationship between the or Blackberry. He will also get $600 a superintendent and the Board...” month for a car. He will get 25 vacation According to emails publicly available,

Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (5:49 p.m.)

A woman was heard yelling and cussing at a 14-year-old girl for staying out late, drinking, taking drugs and spending time with older men.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle San Francisco, 26400 Block (12:57 p.m.) A woman reported that she saw two men climb out of a neighbor’s second-story window, but said she was too nervous to remember any more details.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (7:25 a.m.)

Three men in their 30s were seen urinating in public near the informant’s residence.

Saturday, May 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Los Rios Street, 31700 Block (11:08 a.m.) A male transient at the park next to the petting zoo was reportedly talking to himself. The informant was concerned because the man approached his daughter and began asking her strange questions.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Paseo Adelanto, 32400 Block (8:58 a.m.)

A man wearing a blue hoody was reportedly threatening passersby on

communications between Carter and the board were tense and minimal.

In his duties, trustees took steps to ensure they will have oversight even over day-to-day operations that were left completely to the discretion of previous superintendents: * “Implementing reform and systematic changes, such as curriculum and program offerings, as the superintendent deems appropriate to affect positive changes in the district, with the approval of the board.” * “The Superintendent shall be responsible for the direction, supervision and assignment of teachers and other employees of the schools under his supervision; organize, reorganize, and arrange the administrative and supervisory staff, subject to the direction of the board...be responsible for the selection of all personnel, except as to any positions designated by as Board staff, subject to the direction of the board...” An early dispute between the board and Carter was his decision to move Principal Tom Ressler from Capo Valley High to San Juan Hills. * “Working cooperatively with the board as a liaison between the district and the community and assuming responsibility for a program of public relations for the Board and District and for creating and managing a cooperative working relationship between the District and the community...” CD

the pedestrian bridge.

Monday, May 3

Friday, May 7

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Valle Road, 32800 Block (4:50 p.m.)

A man driving an orange Ford Mustang was seen driving up and down the street.

The informant thought the man might be on drugs because he was making strange facial expressions.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Via Montura, 31900 Block (11:25 p.m.)

A verbal dispute between a woman and her husband was reported. The informant was worried because guns and swords were located inside the residence.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Camino Capistrano/La Zanja Street (8:20 a.m.) A suspicious person wearing a purple and green sombrero, orange pants, a blue jacket and high heels was seen walking down the street.

Thursday, May 6 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Rancho Viejo Road, 31600 Block (1:59 a.m.) A woman reported that a man she knows was calling her repeatedly and mentioned something about a gun.

Wednesday, May 5 DISTURBANCE Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (9:32 a.m.)

A bearded man wearing a leather hat was reported to be playing an amplified guitar and annoying the customers in front of Sarducci’s Restaurant.

Sunday, May 2 DISTURBANCE Galano Way, 31500 Block (1:05 p.m.)

A man was reported to have been cursing and spitting on the car of the informant.

The informant did not know the man or why he was acting aggressively.

Saturday, May 1 SUSPICOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Pescador/ Calle Miramar (9:25 p.m.) A group of male juveniles were seen attempting to shoot out a street light with a BB gun.

DISTURBANCE Oceana Court, 28300 Block (1:37 a.m.)

A man reported that water balloons were being thrown at his residence, nearly breaking one of his windows.

May 14–27, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 5

Eye on SJC

Turning on the Tap Officials launch key phase in South County desalination plant

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

O

fficials this week unveiled the latest step in a multi-organization effort to tap into the “world’s largest reservoir,” the Pacific Ocean, for drinking water that would serve residents in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel.

The newest phase of the $160-million project is in a trailer at Doheny State Beach, but the simple structure hides a complex set of equipment that will suck water from beneath the sea floor, pump it through membranes and filters and make it ready for consumers to drink.

Water officials are launching an 18month test phase that is critical to the future of the project. The equipment will test well production and water quality, as well as the reverse-osmosis water-treatment process.

“This phase gives us the information to design the full plant correctly,” said Dick Dietmier, the director of South Coast Water District, which supplies water to Dana Point and a small portion of Capistrano. “That’s the critical part of building the desal plant, to get the design right the first time.”

Ultimately, the system could supply up to 25 percent of San Juan Capistrano’s water needs. Capistrano uses three million gallons of water a day in the winter and up to 10 million a day in the summer.

The city has a groundwater recovery plant that will ultimately generate up 7.2 million gallons a day, but is only producing 3.4 million gallons a day now because a key well is shut down by MtBE contamination.

But the amount of money the district

Gerry Filteau, president of Separation Processes Inc., shows off his company’s equipment in the desalination test station at Doheny State Beach. San Clemente is a partner in the project. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

and cities are charged to bring in outside water has steadily climbed over the years, and the politics of water statewide has seen reductions in the amount available.

Water officials say the desalination plant is crucial to supplying the city’s’ future water needs.

Like an octopus’ tentacles, the South Orange Coastal Ocean Desalination Project will ultimately rely on nine wells drilled at a slant beneath the ocean floor. The water will be sucked through the ocean floor.

Officials say the design makes it one of the most watched ocean water desalination projects in the state, largely because the slant wells are touted as environmentally friendly. The main benefit of this type of system is: • It does not harm marine organisms either through entrapment or entrainment; so the project’s new test phase is supported by the environmental community.

• The quality of water is very good because of the natural filtration that occurs as the water is drawn through the sand and gravel under the beach and

Courtesy photo

Page 6 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

below the ocean floor.

• The slant-well intake system saves money because the high quality water does not require pre-treatment before undergoing the reverse-osmosis membrane desalination process.

A private firm is building a desalination plant in Carlsbad. Surfrider appealed the permits for that project which does not use slant wells, but the move was denied. Officials there say that project will produce 50 million gallons of water a day for 300,000 residents in several North San Diego County cities. That plant is scheduled to be operational in 2012.

Locally, a 2007 project-feasibility study indicated that it would be possible to construct a 15-million-gallon-a-day ocean desalination plant at South Coast Water District property south of Stonehill. The plant could begin operating in 2016, officials said.

But the project is expensive to build and operate. While the agencies involved—South Coast Water District is the lead agency and the Municipal Water District of Orange County is playing a large support role—have obtained a $3.9 million grant, more state and federal money is being sought.

Each agency involved so far has chipped in $280,000 through fiscal year 2010, with an estimated total of $706,000 needed from each. The contract, however, gives each agency mileposts at which they can opt out of the project, and even sell their shares to another agency.

Project supporters say while the initial costs of producing the desalinated water are high, the plant will allow local officials to control the cost and supply.

Once the entire facility is up and running, the agencies will pay an estimated $1,300 to produce an acre-foot of water, compared to buying imported water, now sold at $700 an acre foot. Generally, an average suburban family uses about an acre foot of water a year, although

conservation efforts can reduce that by 75 percent.

The pilot project unveiled Wednesday will allow engineers to get a better idea of the actual water quality, and what level of treatment will be necessary to make the water drinkable, San Clemente City Assistant Engineer David Rebensdorf said.

It will also help engineers determine how removing water from the Pacific will affect an underground basin that runs roughly along San Juan Creek. Capistrano has raised concerns that pulling the water from the Pacific will reduce the effectiveness of a water barrier that keeps the ocean salt water from mixing with the underground basin, threatening the effectiveness of the $35 million GWRP. Capistrano officials are concerned any change in that natural barrier could cause the water level in the San Juan Basin to drop and decrease the effectiveness of the Capistrano’s groundwater plant.

“There’s a question of whether this is this going to cause an overdraft on the San Juan Basin, which would be a concern to us,” San Juan Capistrano Councilman Tom Hribar, who represents his city on the desalination project committee.

“But this is a very sophisticated program with lots of testing and lots of evaluation.”

Another issue that the new testing will help explore: The impact of MtBE pools throughout the area on the water quality.

The spills are near the Union station on Del Obispo, the Arco station and the former gas station—now a truck and equipment rental—on Doheny Park Road.

Dietmier said water officials will solve any issue that comes up. They have to.

South Coast’s ultimate plan calls for just 35 percent of all the water used to be imported, with 30 percent coming from desalination, 20 percent from groundwater and 15 percent recycled. The desal plant has to play its part.

“If it doesn’t work the first time, we will find another way,” he said. “Ninety-seven percent of all of the available water in the world is in the ocean.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

The Waiting is Over…It’s Showtime!

Regency Opens Impressive Franciscan Plaza theaters, café

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

S

howings of “Iron Man 2” in the VIP section of the new Regency Theatres in downtown Capistrano sold out repeatedly this weekend, and downtown businesses are already noticing an uptick in business.

The Regency, which remodeled a shell of a Franciscan Plaza theaters that closed more than a decade ago, officially opened Friday after a VIP event on Wednesday.

The opening has created a new buzz in the historic Capistrano community, as downtown merchants look forward to the pedestrian traffic the theater will generate. Ruby’s Diner has already opened its new “Sky Ranch” western-themed patio and plans to increase its summer hours, while Sarducci’s restaurant will also add an hour to its schedule, remaining open on many nights until 10 p.m.

Inside the four-screen theater includes a plush 50-seat VIP screen, where patrons receive food and drink service —including beer or wine—right in the theater throughout the film.

Regency’s San Juan Capistrano Theater will play first-run commercial films with state-of-the-art Dolby Digital Sound and will also offer films in 3D. The theater boasts a total of four auditoriums with stadium-seating, including an upstairs VIP auditorium with reserved seating, high-back leather chairs and in-seat dining.

Stepping into the Regency San Juan Capistrano Theater is like stepping into a scene right out of the classic film “Casablanca,” with its Moroccan motif and Rick’s Café, a beer and wine bar with a complete restaurant menu.

“Casablanca” is Regency President

Lyndon Golin, president of Regency Theatres, welcomes guests to the May 5 VIP opening of the San Juan Capistrano Regency Theatres. The movie house, in Franciscan Plaza on Verdugo Street, features marble floors, a Moroccan theme and Rick’s Café. Photos by Patricia McCauley

Lyndon Golin’s favorite movie, and it played for the VIP guests on Wednesday. Golin worked with architect Tim Algier to capture the Moroccan feel in the theater.

The theater also offers concessionstand favorites including fresh hot popcorn with real butter, ice cold Pepsi products and world-famous Eisenberg Hot Dogs.

“We are extremely excited about the opening of our new theater in San Juan Capistrano. The addition of our fullservice restaurant, Rick’s Café, and the

ability to offer our guests wine, beer and great food while enjoying their favorite films in luxurious seats is a dream realized,” Lyndon Golin, President of Regency Theatres, said in a news release. At the VIP opening Wednesday, he credited community support, too, saying members of the public and others continually stopped by during construction to check on the progress.

Capistrano gave Regency a $450,000 no-interest loan to be repaid over 10 years to help reopen the movie house.

Movies premiering on opening day

also included Disney’s nature documentary, “Oceans” as well as the romantic comedy “The Backup Plan,” starring Jennifer Lopez. Robin Hood opens this week.

Based in Calabasas, family-owned Regency Theatres was founded in 1996 and operates 21 locations in Southern California as well as Denver, Colorado.

The new San Juan Capistrano Theater will be a great addition to Regency’s five other locations in Orange County.

Movie information and ticketing is available at Regency Theatres’ website www.regencymovies.com. CD

LAURA FREESE: My View

Behind the Scenes at the Movies….

T he Scene: A line of 150 movie fans, consisting of movie moguls, neighbors, and San Juan stakeholders, wait on the red carpet for the grand opening of LAURA the long-awaited movie FREESE house that had been vacant for 10 years. Tuxedos, jewels, bare shoulders and cameras, all positioned to make the most of anticipated event.

But the doors weren’t opening. What is happening?!

The Players: The Antagonists: the OC Health Dept, the OC Fire Authority. The Protagonists: San Juan Capistrano city

staff and the SJC City Council.

The Plot: Even with aid from the Community Redevelopment Agency, the renovation of the movie theater was coming along slowly. The plaza owners, Alberto and Fabio, along with the Regency theater President, Lyndon, were working day and night to finish but over and over again they were stymied by bureaucracy. At last they felt secure enough to establish a true opening date.

Then, 48 hours before the doors were to open, minor setbacks began to pop up.

The fire authority said “no go” as the interior directional signs needed to be in Braille as well as text; the SJC Utilities Dept said “hold on!” as there were

Page 8 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

water issues. Then, with only 24 hours before opening, the OC health department said “no way” due to minor tweaks that needed to be made. That is when the SJC heroes arrived.

Glenn Garrett, Bret Caulder and John Lynch from SJC’s building and utilities departments parked themselves at the theater, not for entertainment, but to make sure that the city residents’ wishes for entertainment would be fulfilled.

They were there to handle every turn, every slip, every mishap that could possibly arise. At last, while the VIPs were on the red carpet, the Certificate of Occupancy was signed at 4:29 p.m.on Wednesday, May 5. The theater opened

21 minutes later.

The moral of the story: There are heroes in our midst. Working together, the city staff and the City Council can make things happen to enhance our community. It takes patience on the part of the people and persistence on the part of the council and the staff but in the end, everyone wins!

The ending is just the beginning: Be sure to enjoy a movie, food and drink at the new SJC Regency and Rick’s Café inside.

This is your theater and the beginning of our spiffed up downtown!

Laura Freese was elected to the City Council in 2008 after serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

2

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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 EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Jonathan Volzke, 949.388.7700, x108 jvolzke@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Sergio Sanchez, 949.388.7700, x104 ssanchez@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@thecapistranodispatch.com BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 8, Issue 9. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.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 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO > Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Senior Editor, Editor, The Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

> Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano)

ART/DESIGN

Sales Associates > Angela Edwards > Susie Lantz

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

Letters to the Community UNHAPPY WITH MISSION —Ilse M. Byrnes, San Juan Capistrano The May 10 protest by San Juan historical families regarding the closure of the Mission’s cemetery should send a clear message to the Mission Administrator, the board members of the Mission Preservation Foundation and especially to the Diocese of Orange that this is not acceptable.

This 200-year-old cemetery is the place where historical families of San Juan are buried that played an important role in the development of San Juan Capistrano. Now that the Diocese has control over

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

this important historic site—what will happen in the future?

The cemetery is located close to the interchange of Ortega and the I-5 and from a real estate point of view is very valuable.

We all know that Catholic churches all over the world are in financial trouble due to the many lawsuits—so with the Diocese of Orange now being the land owner what keeps them from selling this cemetery site.

The only way to protect this historic site is to nominate it to the National Register of Historic Places that

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

Billing/Collections Manager > Alyssa Garrett Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne INTERNS Jamal Al-Sarraf, Danielle Juncal, Sherry Lucas, Austin Reagan, Heather Turney, Robyn Wyman Dill SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle

ONLINE READER POLLS Make sure to sound off each week on “The Dispatch Poll of the Week” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Then go to our community Message Board and share your opinions.

The Dispatch Online Reader Polls are not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of The Dispatch.

the Diocese, as the owner of this property, would agree on and support.

(Cont. on page 11)

DAVID SWERDLIN: In My View

Home Depot, In-N-Out, And a Certain Gentleman Jack

A

couple of weeks ago, Nielsen, Freese, Hribar, et al voted to attract new businesses to San Juan Capistrano, including super successful Home Depot, Target and Walmart.

Additionally they even paid some outof-town consultant tens of thousands of DAVID SWERDLIN dollars taxed from us to list franchise businesses apparently deemed rural, equestrian village-appropriate for San Juan Capistrano.

Then last week Nielsen, Freese, and Hribar voted to out In-N-Out, a super successful business, because it was counter to their “vision of a rural, equestrian village.”

I confess, I got very confused. Are they for, or against, businesses with all its traffic and impacts, coming to their version of a “rural, equestrian village” (to quote Nielsen)?

To make sense of these seemingly contradictory actions, I listened to and re-read businessman and Council members Mark Nielsen’s and Freese’s reasons for denying In-N-Out the first time around. My brain began aching. I called upon my training and had a shot of Gentleman Jack; I felt much better.

As best I can figure, Nielsen and Freese stated their vision of our rural, equestrian village as: Any current drive-throughs of any type were mistakes of the past City Councils, which ruined our rural equestrian village; so In-N-Out is out!

The three year reconstruction of the I-5 interchange in 2014 is a chance to get rid of more distasteful businesses while remaking the entrance to San Juan Capistrano to properly reflect the Nielsen-Freese vision Page 10 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

of our rural village.

A highly paid out-of-town consulting group is in the midst of long range vision planning to expand the businesses in our downtown; a vision, by the way, that has been neither discussed in any form or approved by the council or voters. However, Nielsen-Freese feel no new businesses should be approved until this new vision is approved, because it is counterproductive to the unapproved vision.

Further, Forester Street should go through from Del Obispo to Camino Capistrano to bring more traffic to the Historic Town Center, which they hope to make really pedestrian-friendly by getting rid of traffic! (Huh?) And, finally, the (unknown, if any) impacts of InN-Out just isn’t worth the support of In-N-Out by 90 percent of our village, new tax base and jobs generated

by Orange County’s best hamburger year after year.

After another long consultation with my bud, Jack, I concluded that Nielsen, Freese, and Hribar based their vote to out In-N-Out on some undefined vision that has yet to be discussed or approved, and without any staff report concerning traffic, environmental impacts, etc before them.

Apparently being pre-disposed against, and disdainful of fast food restaurants is reason enough for casting a “no” vote on In-N-Out. Which brings me back to attracting of other such small businesses to town.

After the council spent tens of thousands of dollars on a brilliant consultant to list franchise businesses that are equestrian, rural village-appropriate, they asked us to contact the list.

My mind was spinning. Wow, I thought, in light of

the Nielsen-Freese vision of rural, equestrian villages, how does this consultant know that the list isn’t counterproductive?

Nielsen-Freese, and the council have yet to even define, or officially approve our town’s new vision, so I maybe I should applaud this consultant’s obvious brilliance and perception of rural village needs by writing to these franchises.

Note: if any of the franchises on the list locate in our equestrian, rural village, we can finally say we got our money’s worth using outside consultants.

Last, Home Depot vs Nielsen-Freese, Uso, and Hribar.

Another talk with my bud Jack jogged my memory about the Lower Rosan; that’s where a few years ago Nielsen-Freese, Hribar, and Uso picketed and loudly protested Home Depot for wanting to build there and ruin our equestrian, rural village!

“What in God’s name are these Council members thinking?” I asked myself. Doesn’t Home Depot remember that Nielsen, Freese, Uso, and Hribar all got elected by leading the charge against big box business and traffic?

Most of us also remember their brilliant plan to align themselves with certain mobile home residents, joining together to fight both the high school and Home Depot.

Could it be that it was just a brilliant ruse to get elected, so that in 2010 Nielsen-Freese and Hribar could approval Home Depot for the Lower Rosan. Indeed, a brilliant move if the voters have short memories this November!

Or is it that Nielsen really does want to be Lucy and Home Depot wants to be Charlie Brown trying to kick the football? I knew then I had to stop drinking.

David Swerdlin served as a Capistrano Mayor and Council member between1994 and 2006. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Unopen Space —Cathleen Brannon, San Juan Capistrano Residents of San Juan Capistrano, are you aware that we can’t set foot on the “riding park” property we just bought as “open space” from the Rancho Mission Viejo Co? You heard right. Even though we property owners in San Juan are being taxed $32 for every $100,000 of assessed value on our property every year for the next 20 years to pay for the $30 million “open space bond” that bought this “riding park”…we can’t use it!

We residents were sold on the idea that this property would be ideal for baseball, soccer, football and community events. But the ink on the deal was barely dry before the city announced the following: “[The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park] is not an open park site for picnics, pick-up games and general public use like other City-owned parks” (from city press release dated 3/12/2010).

Call me crazy, but I thought that the whole point of “open space” was to provide, well, open space for use by the entire community. Instead, we now find out (after the fact) that the riding park is under lease to an equestrian event promoter and as long as he holds the lease, we residents cannot access that property! A local resident informed me that Councilmember Mark Nielsen went a step further by saying that soccer and baseball would ruin the fields for equestrian events so it will be prohibited. He also said he would like to see the equestrian event promoter continue the lease for as long as possible.

So, did the geniuses who negotiated this deal know about the lease before they sold this deal to the public?

There was no way we residents could have known, since the whole deal was negotiated and approved behind closed doors. But how could the negotiators (especially Councilmember Nielsen) not have known, since the riding park property has been leased to the equestrian event promoter for many years? They sure knew about the contaminated lemon grove (that has to be removed) when they continued to sell us on the purchase of the property with its “beautiful old-growth lemon grove” as if that was an asset we would continue to enjoy. Because of the secrecy surrounding the deal, we residents knew nothing about any of it until after the deal was signed.

When I think of “open space,” I think green rolling hillsides, birds and hiking trails. It’s a shame that “open space” in San Juan has come to mean politics, commercial enterprise and private leases on property subsidized by taxpayers.

But take heart residents, there is a silver lining! According to Tom Lunnen, a local developer who was one of the private citizens appointed to “negotiate” this deal; “…it’s a 100-, 200-year vision. One hundred years from now, people are going to remember Brad Gates and [fellow subcommittee member] Dick Paulsen.”

That should help you feel better when you’re cutting that check for property taxes to pay for this open space that’s not so “open.”

MARK NIELSEN: Straight Talk

Should Drive-Thru’s Be In or Out?

T

he City Council earlier this month took action on an ordinance to allow drive-through facilities to once again be built in our town. The impetus for this change was an application by In-n-Out burgers to replace the former Sizzler MARK restaurant with a new drive-through.

NIELSEN There was also a problem that under the old rules, any existing drive-thru could not do major remodeling without likely losing their drive-through, due to having to meet current codes (which prohibited drive-throughs). This catch-22 left businesses like McDonalds and Carl’s Jr. with little ability to upgrade their restaurants in town.

Long before I was on council, I have heard repeated complaints from our citizens that the stretch of Del Obispo known as “Fast Food Row” was a big mistake and detracts from the character of our community, especially at the entrance from the I-5. It also creates an ongoing traffic problem. Many joked that the best thing about the redo of the I-5/Ortega interchange was that it would take out a couple of the fast food places.

On Tuesday, I voted with the majority of my fellow council members to approve the new drive-through ordinance. However, Mayor pro tem Laura Freese and I first urged leaving the ban in place for any new drive-throughs on Del Obispo from Ortega to Adelanto. While that failed in a 2-2 tie, I still believe it makes sense at this point in time. My reasoning is fairly simple.

We are in the midst of planning a long-term downtown master plan that will expand the vision of our downtown to the east of Del Obispo, and likely will include an extension of Forster Street from Camino Capistrano to Del Obispo (between the fire station and the former Sizzler). We also are working to make the downtown more pedestrian friendly, and removing the core traffic that would detract from the walkability of the downtown area. Adding more drive-throughs on Del Obispo is completely contrary to this vision. In addition, why rush to forever cement this decision into the downtown master plan when we have hired experts to help us plan a more vibrant and successful pedestrian downtown? Now we will tie their hands by dropping in drive-throughs in the midst of the plan before we see if it is appropriate? Talk about cart before the horse!

Unfortunately, many focus only on the In-n-Out project, while the issue is about opening up Del Obispo now to more drive-throughs of all flavors.

While In-n-Out is a great fast food business (my family regularly patronizes them due to their freshness and quality), and I would welcome them into our

town at the right location, is it worth the $25,000 to $30,000 a year in sales tax revenue such a new fast food restaurant would generate to cause the impacts at that location? If it was not a drive-through, like they have by El Toro, or if they located elsewhere in our city, I would not have the issue I do at this particular site. Would anyone really be considering another drive-through on Del Obispo if it was some other fast food operator? Not likely. It is only because so many of us like this particular operator that so many are willing to overlook the negative impacts of adding more drive-throughs on this stretch of road.

Let us not forget that the new I-5/Ortega interchange will dump even more traffic on Del Obispo without any widening of the road past the Ortega intersection. Arguments that a popular drivethrough would only service the commuter traffic already passing it is totally unrealistic. Traffic will be attracted to that site that otherwise would not be on Del Obispo, further compounding the issue.

The fact is that we need to choose if we are serious about the complaints that “Fast Food Row” was a mistake. If not, let’s just go ahead and add as many fast food places and drive-throughs as we can attract. But if we are serious about the past complaints that we wish we could have a “do-over” on Fast Food Row, we should use the opportunity that the I-5/Ortega interchange and downtown master planning process affords us to correct a past mistake.

The argument that adding one drive-through while losing two others to the new interchange is OK assumes that the status quo is OK. That would literally be two steps forward and one step back. However, if we really want to make major changes to our downtown and correct past issues, we would be working against ourselves to add more drive-throughs on Del Obispo, no matter who the operator. Allowing a major remodel of existing drive-throughs can enhance Del Obispo. The operator of one of the existing drive-throughs could also change as part of a major remodel (maybe even to an In-n-Out). But I do not believe the majority of our residents want us to pass on the one chance we have to correct a past mistake in our downtown planning. Of course, we can always amend the ordinance to allow more drive-throughs on Del Obispo in the future if we find that our Downtown Master Plan never takes off or if Del Obispo’s character is decided to be a commuter thoroughfare. But allowing more today locks us in to an expansion of “Fast Food Row” and removes options that may make the difference in us achieving the ultimate goal of a pedestrian-friendly and vital downtown.

Businessman Mark Nielsen was elected to the City Council in 2006.

Attacks Unfair —Larry Kramer, San Juan Capistrano The people who write Capistrano Common Sense are unfairly maligning councilman Mark Nielsen, our former Mayor. I am not a personal friend of Mark and do not agree with everything he does, but a good, hard working person does not deserve such treatment from a small handful of people who choose to destroy instead of contribute to the charm and unity of our great City.

I met Mark four years ago when I was appointed to the Open Space Committee and subsequently became the Chairman of the Planning Subcommittee of the Open Space Committee. Mark did not set up the www.thecapistranodispatch.com

committee nor was he the first chairman. But he has certainly represented the committee with dedication, dignity, and selflessness. He has been a true public servant.

In 2008, the committee, after a difficult debate, recommended a $30 million bond issue be placed on the ballot. Our town overwhelmingly supported the bond, despite the recession. There were many reasons that people in our town were willing to do this, but I think the primary reason was that we citizens are proud of our open space and most wanted to acquire, preserve and enhance more of it for future generations to enjoy. Mark led the charge on this effort but he was

not alone. One of the many challenges we had was not knowing what land might be purchased. To my knowledge, none of us knew.

The Open Space Committee has made tremendous accomplishments under Mark Nielsen’s leadership.

We recommended a $30 million bond measure, made it difficult to change the designation of open space, developed a plan (with hopefully enough money) to begin to open up some of the open space for the use of residents, acquired 109 acres of land in the northwest open space area (former Shea Property) for $2.1 million, obtained an option to purchase another 118 acres, (Cont. on page 12) May 14–27, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 11

SOAPBOX Letters (Cont. from page 11) recommended a creek set-back provision, and applied for grants for a skate park, more public gardens, and habitat restoration. Grant money is available. We would not be doing our job if we were not trying to get some of it for the city. Applying for grant money is a positive not a negative action.

Despite false claims to the contrary, the Open Space Committee has no power other than that given to it by the City Council. The committee studies issues and makes recommendations to the City Council. Everything goes back to the city staff, which then takes a position and makes recommendations to the City Council. Every open space recommendation that the city has enacted has been voted on by the City Council and, to the best of my knowledge, passed unanimously.

My observation of the present City Council is that they are quite independent thinkers and none of them would hesitate to vote against anything they did not believe was correct.

When the Open Space Committee was started in 2006, we expected to be finished with our work in a couple of years. We hope we are almost done now. We have been meeting in subcommittee and committee meetings almost monthly for more than four years. We did not expect and are not receiving any compensation for our efforts. Mark Nielsen has worked tirelessly to make this effort a success for the entire community.

The City Council has appointed a couple of its members to determine how the newly purchased Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park should be administered. I think it is a plus that there are contracts in place for a couple of years so city has time, while receiving income from the property, to determine the future use of the Riding Park.

Mark was attacked by the Capistrano Common Sense group for tasking us to develop a draft Master Plan for Open Space in the city. This is a very general plan, which will be reviewed by the appropriate personnel in the city once a recommendation is made. All it will do is state, very generally, what each area of the open space might be best suited for. It is a very logical finish to our work.

Habitat restoration is not a dirty phrase, as implied

by Capistrano Common Sense. Passing though the northwest open space and going to the sea from the mountains is a very natural corridor for animal migration so species do not become isolated and inbred.

Much of the land has been damaged and should be restored to a more natural state. Grant money will be needed to start to accomplish this work.

I believe in doing positive things for our city. My observation is that Mark Nielsen is similarly inclined.

I hope that the readers of The Capistrano Dispatch are the kind of people who will always align themselves with those who seek positive solutions to the problems at hand as opposed to those who do nothing but attack stand-up people who make difficult decisions.

We will not know if the efforts of the Open Space Committee and this City Council have been the best until many years have passed, but it will not be for lack of trying.

We Need an Alternative —Susan Hagstrom, San Juan Capistrano When the I-5 shuts down, there is an obvious need for an alternate route around San Juan Capistrano. One simple solution is to connect La Pata between the Ortega Highway in Orange County and Avenida Vista Hermosa in San Clemente. Why hasn’t this been done yet?

Traffic to and from the 241 Toll Road would flow along San Antonio Parkway instead of the Ortega Highway!

Page 12 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

LON USO: My View

Vibrant Businesses Mean Traffic

I

I have always been fully committed to open discourse beyond that required by the law. Closed session is supposed to be for the purpose of negotiating on a level playing field, not to hide Council’s intentions from the residents. I LON USO remain committed to open government.

On another subject, about three years ago I wrote an article that mentioned our community’s “schizophrenia” concerning development, financial stability and traffic.

It is important to understand that the one thing that all successful businesses bring, by definition, is traffic. Success implies that people want to go there, more people patronizing means traffic. Our attitude seems to mimic one of Yogi Berra’s classic comments, “Nobody goes there, it’s too crowded.” In other words, it makes no sense. Do we want successful businesses in our community that bring traffic and revenue, or do we want mediocre businesses that no one will patronize but bring no traffic or revenue? It can’t be both ways.

Another assumption is that things, like public safety, well maintained roads and parks, hundreds of acres of open space, miles of public trails, traffic planning and mitigation, etc. cost money. As a city, we don’t own a printing press like the feds; we have to earn our money to deliver these services.

We can get this money by having a vibrant community with successful businesses that produce income or by taxing the people; you will have to decide which is most appropriate for our city, quite honestly, if you want the latter, you don’t want me as one of your leaders.

Another option is to do nothing. Of course every study that we have done shows that a structural deficit is eminent and eventually, we will run out of money. Some say cut more; we have cut 15 or 20 percent from the budget in the last three years, already picking all the low hanging fruit, good luck with this plan as your long term strategy.

Around Town —Donna Fleming, San Juan Capistrano Kids are so honest. I love ‘em.

Yesterday I got out of the shower and rather than blow dry my hair in the a.m., I put my hair in rollers in readiness for my evening meeting with an internet date. I wanted to have big hair for at least an hour.

I know it is so tacky to appear in public with your hair in rollers—Jackie O. would never do such a thing.

But, it was drizzling out and blowing out my hair seemed a waste of time.

How many people would see me on a Thursday around town anyway?

I did apply makeup so as not to scare anyone too much and went about my daily errands.

I needed to stop at the market for just a few items.

So there I am in my yoga pants, Ugg boots and my hair in rollers in the less than 10-item line. In front of me is a mom and a little boy (blond) about 4-5 years old. He was staring at me and I smiled back. He looked at me and said, “What happened to your hair?” Obviously his mom never did rollers. Mom was busy unloading her cart onto the conveyer. Pointing to my head, which looked like I was receiving

Before it’s brought up again, I admit that I made a mistake fighting the Home Depot, it has cost this city millions and I now know that the traffic impacts that we talked about were not realistic. You can only learn from your mistakes if you admit to them.

There are now some changes to that property that will make any new development there less impactful on the adjacent residential neighborhood, which will have to be our silver lining.

A recent study shows that we are leaking the great majority of the sales and transient occupancy tax (hotels) to adjacent cities. Our residents go to San Clemente for Lowes, Walmart and soon Target.

We go to Dana Point for hotels, Mission Viejo for the mall, Target, many auto dealerships, Best Buy, etc. You get the idea. On their way there they drive on our streets generating traffic. Thousands of residents of Dana Point, Ladera and Laguna Niguel get off the freeway at Ortega and clog our roads on their way home every day causing terrible traffic and bringing nothing of value to us. There is nothing we can do about it, but perhaps we should find a way to turn that commuter traffic into a business generator by capturing those folks with interesting and attractive businesses along their path. Think of it as turning bad cholesterol into good cholesterol and those businesses along their way as the Lipitor turning bad traffic into good traffic. For example, there are tens of thousands of daily trips on Stone Hill from Dana Point to the I-5 that bring no benefit to us. If you built a Target on the Lower Rosan and those people became customers it would generate great revenue for the city without any direct impact on us.

There must be a reasonable balance between the status quo and the necessities of a successful city.

The most important tool to accomplish this goal is planning followed closely by calm and deliberate discussion by people of good will treating each other respectfully and honestly.

Lon Uso is a longtime Capistrano dentist who was elected to the City Council in 2006. His colleagues selected him to serve as Mayor this year.

communications from another world, I said, “I am from outer space, but don’t worry, we come in peace.” And I gave him the conventional peace sign. His mother turned around and whispered something to him. Probably “don’t stare at the lady.” He turned to me again and said, “I like you.” I naturally said, “I like you, too”. His mom smiled.

And, yes I did run into two other people that I know in town. And, got, “Hi, goin someplace special tonight?”

So yes, I did have big hair last night for about an hour.

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.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

GO SEE DO

COASTAL ARTS CONCERT SERIES

The final performance of the Dana Point Coastal Arts Concert Series is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward’s Church featuring violin virtuoso Mira Khomik.

Khomik is the winner of the Chapman Instrumental Competition and a current member of several other orchestras and ensembles such as Mozart Classical Orchestra, Capistrano Valley Symphony Orchestra, Jimmy Hopper Band, El Real Chamber Players, based in Orange County, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The concert will include masterful performances of works by Beethoven, Shostakovich and Ravel.

The series is a collaborative effort between Dana Point Coastal Arts and the city to bring world-class classical music performances to Dana Point and cultivate new generations of appreciative listeners.

A nonprofit community leader in promoting excellence among artists, Dana Point Coastal Arts views this endeavor as stimulating and artistic cultural entertainment for the community, one that builds community focus as well as civic involvement.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors (65 and over) and students. Free to the Military. St. Edward’s Church is located at 33926 Calle La Primavera in Dana Point. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.dpcoastalarts.org.

YOUR FOURTEEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

Mira Khomik. Staff photo

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town the next two weeks.

COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday14 ALOHA FRIDAY & THE DROP

5 p.m. Every Friday BeachFire Ladera has happy hour all night for guest dressed Island Style. Live music by The Drop. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

2010 DOHENY BEACH SUNSET MEMORY WALK OR RIDE

MONDAY MADNESS WINE TASTING

RAY STALEY BAND

tuesday18

EVITTE PALMER

BUSINESS NETWORKING MEETING

1 p.m. Event part of the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research at Doheny Beach. Free. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.955.9000.

8:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

7 p.m.–10 p.m. The Vintage. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

sunday16

THE KING AND I

8 p.m. The famous Rodgers and Hammerstein play debuts at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $26. Runs through May 23.

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

BENNY CHADWICK

The Vintage. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL

SIERRA SAGE WALK

10 a.m.–3 p.m. The Ark of San Juan’s 2nd Annual Garden Tour featuring five beautiful local gardens. Proceeds help The Ark save abandoned pets. Pre-sold tickets $10 or $15 At-the-Door. For details, ticket orders & maps visit www.arkofsanjuan.org.

DE ANGELIS VOCAL ENSEMBLE

9 a.m. Join the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy for the walk. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

GARY SINISE & THE LT. DAN BAND

7 p.m. The muscian/actor performs with his band at The Coach House. Tickets $29.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

SPRING WINE TASTING AL FRESCO

5 p.m.–7p.m. Simple Fondue features $1 wine tastings every Saturday and Sunday held on the patio. Guest also receive free corkage or a complimentary appetizer with purchase of $20 or more. 31761 Camino Capistrano, 949.240.0300, www.simplyfondueoc.com.

CHRIS CRAM

9 p.m. Singer/songwriter live at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

8 p.m. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano hosts a musical program. General admission $25. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 714.928.9567, www.deangelisensemble. org/concerts.

monday17

COMEDY NIGHT ON STAGE II

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ORANGE COUNTY GOLF TOURNAMENT

7:30 p.m. Four comedians entertain at Camino Real Playhouse.

Tickets $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

CARE PET ADOPTION

12 p.m.–4 p.m. Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort hosts pet adoption day with rescued animals at San Juan Capistrano PetSmart, See the gallery of available pets online. 33963 Doheny Park Road, SJC, 949.240.1735, www.capoanimalrescue.com.

Page 14 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Discover history-related artifacts at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Free with paid admission, $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

SAVED BY THE MISSION BELL

8:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

PAWS IN THE GARDEN

CURIOSITY CARTS

wednesday19

JUSTIN FOUTZ BAND

saturday15

12 p.m.–1:30 p.m. The Poseidon chapter of Business Network International meets at Sarducciís every Tuesday; visitors welcome.

26701 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.9593

1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, O’Neill Museum, Montanez Adobe, the Mission, Rios Adobe and more. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. Every Sunday. $2 adults, $1 children. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Children or adults can listen to Spanishspeaking audio tours at the Mission daily. Admission of $5–$9.

26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com

8 p.m. The weekend-long music festival with the best artists in jazz kicks off tonight at the Hyatt Regency’s “”Summer Jazz Amphitheater.”” Multiple ticket options starting at $45.

1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, 949.729.1234, www.SummerJazzSeries.com.

5 p.m.–8 p.m. Join SC Wine Company for Happy Hour featuring 3 wines for $5! Your choice off of our daily menu! Also, $8 cheese plates normally $10! 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429;.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

11 a.m. Fundraising golf tournament at Santa Ana Country Club. Cost $3,000 for a foursome or $750 per person.

Lunch, snacks, on-course games, prizes and a silent auction.

714.544.7773, www.bigbrooc.org.

COUNTRY DANCIN’

7:30 p.m. Free dance lessons and DJ Bubba at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

11 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to the Library for stories and crafts in Spanish and English. No registration required.

31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba; 949.493.4700.

ROB ELLER

9 p.m. Soulful originals and popular covers at BeachFire Ladera every Wednesday. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

thursday20 MISSION READERS BOOKO GROUP

10:30 a.m. Discussion of “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell at the Library. Copies available at the checkout desk. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

OC ELVIS

6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. The Vintage. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

VIENNA TENG & ALEX WONG

8 p.m. Singer/pianist and percussionist duo performing at The Coach House joined by Sara Watkins and Marie Haddad. Tickets $15.

33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

POUL PEDERSON

8 p.m. Acoustic music at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

(Cont. on page 19) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

RATE IT!

By Jonathan Volzke

Have you eaten at this restaurant?

Rick’s Café at Regency Theaters 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3456 www.regencymovies.com BEST KNOWN FOR: Wide variety of upscale food offerings MOST POPULAR ITEM: Kobe beef burger, $13

Go to www.thecapistranodispatch. com and rate your overall experience. We’ll post the results in next week’s issue of The Dispatch.

Web Extra: Online voters gave

Capistrano’s newest eatery has a lot to offer: A beautiful wood bar and matching dining tables over marble floors. A fireplace and two big-screen televisions. A second granite countertop, outdoors, with sweeping views of downtown San Juan Capistrano. Unquestionably, it’s enough to make you forget you’re in a movie theater. But that was Regency Theater President Lyndon Golin’s plan: To make those entering the second-floor of Rick’s Café feel like they were stepping into a scene from his favorite movie, “Casablanca.” There’s even a mural of Bogart—from the movie—in front of Rick’s, over the stairway. Rick’s serves beer and wine, as well as a selection of burgers—we had ostrich ($15)—salads and, another favorite, a three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich. The menu includes a wild mushroom and onion pizza ($13) and crispy batter halibut ($13). The food is available from waiters in the upstairs VIP theater, but you can also enjoy Rick’s without buying a movie ticket.

PRICE RANGE: $6–$15 RESERVATIONS: None Mural near the stairs to Rick’s Café. Courtesy photo

PAYMENT: Cash or credit cards HOURS: Varies, open with first showing of movie, typically 11 a.m., and until end of last showing.

Maki Yaki

½

34119 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.234.1235 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

Last issue online voters gave

Sky Ranch at Ruby’s 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.7829 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: In each issue we’ll highlight universally critical points including “Most Popular Dish,” “Best Known For” and “Price Range.” But most importantly, we’re inviting you to participate each week and rate the restaurant based on your experiences. Go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com and under “Restaurant Guide,” rate it from 1 to 5, then share your thoughts on the Dispatch forums.

(Cont. from page 20)

friday21

sunday23

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE

EXPLORING SAN JUAN HOTSPRINGS & COLD SPRING CANYON HIKE

7 p.m.–8 p.m.Dana Wharf’s live band music cruise kicks off aboard the 95-foot Dana Pride featuring indoor/outdoor seating and a full bar. Tickets $10. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949 496-5794, www.danawharf.com.

8 a.m. Join a Caspers Park Naturalist for a 3-mile hike in San Juan Hot Springs and Cold Spring Canyon, and learn history. Free.

33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2208, www.ocparks.com.

WILD CHILD

JAZZ & CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

8 p.m. Tribute to The Doors at The Coach House. Also featuring The Dealers and The Who Revue. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

FERNANDO RAMOS

6 p.m.–9 p.m. The solo mariachi guitarist plays at El Adobe de Capistrano every Friday and Saturday night. 31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

KEVIN CAMERON & THE PALE RIDERS

8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

saturday22 TACK UP SAN JUAN

9 a.m. Two-day event featuring a trail ride, dancing, barbecues, music, raffles, clinics, classes and more at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and Blenheim Farms. 30752 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.633.4040, www.tackupsanjuan.com.

BATTLE OF THE MARIACHIS FESTIVAL

11 a.m. Live musical entertainment, authentic Mexican food and multiple festivities in the Mission SJC Courtyard. Mariachi performers compete for cash prizes before a panel of judges. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1315, www.missionsjc.com.

THE FAT PLANT MAN

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Clifford visits “Goin Native” to talk about the cultivation and preservation of rare and endangered succulent plants. Plants for sale. Fee $15. 31661 Los Rios, 949.493.5911, www.goinnative.net.

MEET THE AUTHOR

2 p.m. Author Laurie Perry, aka Crazy Aunt Pearl, who wrote “Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair...” visits the SJC Library.

Free. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

ADRYON GROSS

7:30 p.m.–11 p.m. The Vintage. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

ROLLING THE STONES

8 p.m. Rolling Stones tribute band at The Coach House with Fully Loaded and Brain Salad. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. The Tom Morey Jazz Quartet entertains during Sunday brunch at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

MARINE WILDLIFE CRUISE

1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Vew whales, dolphins, sunfish, sea lions and other sea creatures with Ocean Institute marine biologists onboard the Sea Explorer. Tickets $35 adults, $22 for children, ages 4-12 (members discounted). 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

The first three people to email us with Dispatch Free Concert Tix in the subject line will receive a pair of free concert tickets from The Coach House to see Vienna Tang and Alex Wong on May 20. Vienna Teng singer/pianist and Alex Wong percussionist have only been making music together a few years, but the chemistry of two kindred spirits is unmistakable. Vienna and Alex’s first studio collaboration, Inland Territory, was released in April 2009. In live performance, the duo veers from intimate to epic and back again, showcasing their love for an ever-widening range of genres: folk, pop, classical, jazz, country, even atonal modern music. Please include your name and phone number in the e-mail.

E-MAIL: tickets@thecapistranodispatch.com

WIN FREE CONCERT TICKETS!

HELICOPTER

wednesday26

RANDY RUSK

GRAY WHALE TRIP

2:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

8 p.m. Saddleback College music professor performs original acoustic music at BeachFire Ladera. It’s also Sunday Bloody Sunday with discounted drinks. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

monday24 KARAOKE

7 p.m. Sing your favorites at 210 Dance at the Lounge.

32124 Paseo Adelanto, 949.661.9800, www.210dance.com.

10 a.m.; 12 p.m.; 2 p.m., Tis the season to search for migrating gray whales with Dana Wharf. Adults $29, Kids $19. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

COUNTRY DANCING

5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Country line-dancing lessons, two-stepping and free country dancing at 210 Dance at the Lounge every Wednesday. 32124 Paseo Adelanto, 949.661.9800, www.210dance.com.

KARAOKE

7 p.m. Get onstage and sing or enjoy cheap tacos at Swallowís Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday25

thursday27

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

TOM SPIESS

11 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, crafts and fun. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. The Vintage. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

CURIOSITY CARTS

8 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn; it’s also Guest Bartending Night.

31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

10 a.m.–12 p.m. Discover history-related replica artifacts once used at the Mission. Free with paid admission, $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

KNITLIT EVENT

6 p.m. The knitting book group at the San Juan Capistrano Library welcomes Bernadette Murphy, author of “Zen and the Art of Knitting and “The Knitter’s Gift.” 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

CHAPPED CHEEKS

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com Have an event?

Send your listing to editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

May 14–27, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 19

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 5.14

tuesday 5.25

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. The Capistrano Dispatch hosts a spirited town hall forum on community issues. All are welcome. Camino Real Playhouse, on El Camino Real, just south of Ortega Highway. Occurs every Friday.

Cultural Heritage Commission meeting 5 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

tuesday 5.18

wednesday 5.26

City Council Meeting 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Downtown Redevelopment Workshop 5:30 p.m., La Sala at

Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real. See ww.sanjuancapistrano.org

Friday 5.28

Planning Commission meeting 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes. *Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

JAN SIEGEL: Moments in Time

A Bit of Hollywood Back Near ‘Little Hollywood’

T

he opening of the Regency Movie Theatere in town has generated a lot of excitement. It brings back memories of another time and place.

JAN SIEGEL There is a place in San Juan Capistrano known as Little Hollywood. It is located at the end of Los Rios Street. Walk up that road and look at the small houses that dot the landscape. Up until the 1990’s the little houses were only shacks that helped record an earlier time in our town.

There are several stories as to how Little Hollywood got its name. You can pick the one the one that you like because there is really no right or wrong answer.

All of these stories came about in the 1920s and1930s, when motion pictures were being made at the Mission.

One story was related by Marguerite Lobo, sister of Mission docent Wick Lobo and daughter of the Chief of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Clarence Lobo. Marguerite recalled how her mother stood at her kitchen sink looking out the window, and watched people walking up and down Los Rios Street. She would remark, “It is just like watching a picture show.”

Another story told by old-timers in town is that on that street lived two very pretty sisters. The Luna sisters had red hair and green eyes which was unusual for girls of Native American descent.

Local boys started calling the sisters the “Hollywood sisters.” As they would walk up and down people would remark, “You girls are so pretty, you should be in pictures.”

Girls who lived in the area, dressed up when they attended local dances.

The girls were accused of wearing too much “face paint” and they were told

they looked like Hollywood types. After attending many dances and having the same comment made time after time, the area where these girls lived became known as “Little Hollywood.”

During the 1920s and 1930s, movie companies would come down on the train from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano. They would film during the day and then go home at night.

Rather than carry their heavy equipment back and forth on the train the studios built sheds or shacks to house the equipment overnight. These were one room shanties. After the film was completed the studio people took their equipment back to Los Angeles by train, but they left the sheds. After a while, people moved into these shacks or sheds. Remember, this was the Depression. Really old timers in town tell stories of living in these structures and bringing electricity and water into them by rerouting pipes and wires in

the Los Rios district. By the time San Juan Capistrano was incorporated into a city, two or more generations of families had lived in these buildings. The name “Little Hollywood” came from these old structures. When the city’s Redevelopment Agency moved the families out of the shacks and into the current homes it was with the understanding that those living there could stay there as long as they wanted.

Residents of the area were often employed as extras in the movies being made at the Mission. Hence, the area became known as “Little Hollywood.”

Today the name lives on. So take a stroll down Little Hollywood, spend a “Moment in Time” reflecting, once again, how life was like in San Juan Capistrano.

Jan Siegel is a longtime downtown tour guide and member of the Cultural Heritage Commission. Her name is on the city’s “Wall of Distinction.”

Want to Win a New Car? Students Sought for Car Drawing Benefits SJHHS Grad Night ‘Breakthrough’ Program The Capistrano Dispatch

The Capistrano Dispatch

B

T

ickets are now on sale for a drawing that will see one lucky winner drive home in a new 2010 Volkswagen Golf, “World Car of Year.”

Money raised will directly benefit the San Juan Hills Grad Night committee as they prepare for the school’s first graduating class. Grad Night provides the graduates a safe, sober, memorable event as they celebrate their commencement from high school.

Tickets are $100; a maximum of 500 tickets will be sold. Ticket sales will end on Friday, May 28. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, June 8.

Special Event Ticket Sales takes place Saturday, May 15, 2010 at The Shops www.thecapistranodispatch.com

at Mission Viejo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Booth by the Cheesecake Factory, next to the Capistrano Volkswagen display.

Visa and MasterCard accepted.

For tickets or more information contact Giusy Colucci at giusycolucci@cox.net or visit the Stallion’s Grad Night website at www.SanJuanHillsGradNight.com CD

reakthrough San Juan Capistrano is now accepting applications from San Juan Capistrano students in sixth grade. This free program sponsored

by St. Margaret’s Episcopal School helps high-potential, low-income middle school students from San Juan Capistrano prepare for a college-track curriculum in high school and along a path to college.

Breakthrough SJC is a year-round program with an intensive, six-week summer program, serving about 50 local middle school students a year. Students in the program will take exciting and challenging summer classes, as they practice social and study skills with the support of dedicated instructors who are

successful college and high school students. As Breakthrough students progress through high school and on to a future path through college, they will receive weekly tutoring and encouragement.

“Breakthrough means the sun for me because I can see a light that leads me to my dreams, my goals, and a spectacular life that is going to make me very successful,” Said Christian Albiter, a Breakthrough SJC student in eighth grade.

Applications are available at Marco Forster Middle School office, the Boys and Girls Club of San Juan Capistrano or the Breakthrough SJC office on the St. Margaret’s campus. For more information, potential students and parents should call the Breakthrough SJC office at 949.283.0818. CD

May 14–27, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 21

SJC LIVING DON TRYON: Old San Juan

Burials and Cemeteries L ately a lot is in the news about our historic old cemetery on the hill above the Ortega Highway. I won’t add to the issues relating to what is going DON TRYON on about that, but I felt it might be interesting to tell you about our burials and cemeteries in this old historic town.

Over the years some members of the old families, who know far more about our historic past than I, told me about locations of various burials that are forgotten and not marked in any manner.

Actually, this whole valley was the locale of many small Juaneno Indian villages.

And where ever they lived, there had to be burials. I was told there is a burial near present day site of the Bank of America and also in the Los Rios Street District.

When the JSerra High School was being planned, there was quite a debate regarding all the burials in that general vicinity.

The parking lot on the corner of El Camino Real and El Horno was a planned cemetery originally for the Mission.

Archeological tests were made quite a few years ago, but no burials were found.

However, that doesn’t rule out that maybe some were there but not located. The Mission has the oldest cemetery on their east side. But a few burials were also scattered alongside the Great Stone Church and behind the Serra Chapel before the rectory was built. Several years ago I was on the Mission archeological team and we had to dig in the cemetery alongside the Serra Chapel in preparation for some

stabilization support to be built. We discovered that in some of these test holes the burials were randomly scattered and as much has three remains high. This cemetery obviously was getting too full.

Then a generous donation was given to the Church to solve this problem.

A parcel of land was given to the church for Catholic families by James and Ann Sheehan in the late 19th century. I have written in the past about their lovely daughter Mollie, who was greatly admired by the whole town and especially the late Judge Richard Egan. They were Irish immigrants who had migrated to this town and settled here. This parcel is on a hill overlooking the Ortega Highway and nestled among many trees. It’s owned by the Diocese of Orange, as are all Catholic cemeteries.

This cemetery became the final resting place for many; James Rae and John Murray are two Civil War soldiers, for example. Very few Californians served in that war, but Capistrano had at least those two. Servicemen from World War I and II, the Korean War were also buried there, and possibly others. Also interred was Jose de La Cruz, known as “Acu,” the last full-blooded Juaneno and teller of many legends. He lies under a plain white cross with his wife Maria buried by his side. Also located at this historic cemetery is legendary Polonia Montanez who was once in charge of the religious education of the village children. The Matriarchs of the City, Juanita Foy, Vivianna and Delphina Olivares, Evelyn Lobo Villegas, Dolores Meeker, and Patriarchs Paul Arbiso, our revered Mission bell

ringer, and Matt Belardes all lie here as well. Here you will find many of the old historic families like the Yorba, Rios, Nieblas, Garcia, Pryor, Landell, Oyharzabal, Forster and many more.

The cemetery is not only consecrated land by Church law, but holy ground to the Native American families of San Juan. The Juanenos burials entail more than just the church services. They perform a ritual purification of cleansing and fasting before entering the sacred grounds. Ocean water is placed on the remains to show their connection with the ocean.

There is also a legendary ghost that appears during the day of All Hallows Eve each October 31st. According to Paul Arbiso and others, a lady dressed in

white appears at the cemetery entrance and goes to two graves, puts her head in her hands as if she was weeping, and then vanishes. Paul Arbiso and Ventura Nieblas called her “The Lady in Mourning.” When Paul’s burial was being performed, I was there when suddenly a hawk flew in low over the mourners, shrieked and disappeared as quickly as it came. Many believed it was his spirit.

I also remember when his coffin was carried on a horse-drawn wagon from the Serra Chapel and up the hill to the cemetery. Several men got behind the wagon to help the poor horse up the hill.

Don Tryon is a Director and Archivist for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and member of the City Cultural Heritage Commission.

Local Mariachi Players Help with Record

By Rosa I. Beas The Capistrano Dispatch

U

nder the hot Tucson sun more than 800 mariachis assembled to celebrate in the Tucson Frontier International Mariachi Conference.

This mind-blowing musical event, which lasted for five days, gave the musicians the opportunity to attend workshops that broadened their knowledge of musical, vocal and folclórico aspects of mariachi music. On the final day of the conference, all 800 mariachis convened and, led by world famous Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, played together as one group. Their performance moved the crowd immensely and the audience showed their appreciation with a thunderous applause. It was during this crowning moment that a young group of mariachis from San Juan Capistrano performed alongside their compatriots of the mariachi world.

Mariachi Capistrano is composed of youth between the ages of 12 and 23

Courtesy photo

years old. Exemplary students that united by an unyielding passion for music, a strong bond to cultural heritage, and a dedication to family and community. The young members of Mariachi Capistrano were able to transcend age, race, religious background, and social status to amalgamate with other mariachi groups from across the United States, Mexico, and other parts of the

Page 22 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

world. These young, talented mariachis created a harmonious performance that captured not only the essence of musical genius, but also set a Guinness World Record for the largest group of mariachis to ever play together in mariachi attire.

But the journey to Tucson was not an easy expedition. To raise money for their trip, the group performed in local

restaurants, churches and businesses.

Due to the generosity of the San Juan Capistrano community, their voyage to the Tucson Frontier International Mariachi Conference became a reality.

For three months the group performed traditional Mexican ballads, popurris and traditional mexican songs at Ricardo’s Place restaurant, known for its succulent Mexican cuisine and for guiding local youth in their pursuits in sports, education, music, and the arts.

Music is the world’s ambassador and it allows us to unite as one, regardless of the barriers that we encounter.

We are all connected through the universal language of music. These young musicians of San Juan Capistrano were given an opportunity, and an experience, that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

If you would like more information on booking the group, ending a donation, or enrolling your child in mariachi classes, call Alex or Rosa Ceja at 949.680.8972 or 949.683.2216. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING KATE ROBERTS: Sustainable Living

Homeowners’ Association Homework Saves Big Money

H

ome Owners Associations (HOAs) are a way of life here in south Orange County. In San Juan alone we have 86 HOAs. That makes KATE HOAs one of the largest ROBERTS water users in town.

In my HOA we used over 11 million gallons of water in 2009.

I know this because I conducted a pro bono sustainability audit for our HOA. I was frustrated seeing our monthly dues more than double in the eight years we’ve lived here, so I ran for the HOA board and was voted into office earlier this year. My first action as a board member was to conduct a sustainability audit that determined energy and water baselines, analyzed usage trends, and made recommendations based on these findings. You can’t show progress unless you know what you’re using and spending today, so baselines are an important aspect of the audit.

Assessing our water, electricity and natural gas usage, I came across some interesting findings. For instance we were

consistently over our water allocation in several common areas. This means that our water bills hit the higher pricing tiers because we were using more water than was allocated to the square footage of the area. One of our areas in particular was on average 3.5 times its allocation, sometimes topping 4.5 times! I also discovered a water meter that had not been used since the development was built 14 years ago, but was costing us $600 per year in water meter service charges.

I also was surprised to find that one of our electric meters was spinning in the middle of the day with no streetlights on or sprinklers running. And that our pool filter was running 18 hours a day, every day of the year.

By synthesizing all of the data and analyzing usage patterns I could then determine the best recommended actions to take that would save us money—a lot of money—while maintaining our accustomed lifestyle. In our case, we could save almost $17,000 per year, every year, by implementing some simple changes to our landscape and pool maintenance practices. To put this in perspective, this represents 18 percent of our total operat-

ing budget.

Francie Kennedy, our water conservation expert at the city, was a wealth of knowledge and very helpful in resolving some of our water issues. For instance, that area that was consistently over its allocation had an inaccurate square footage number logged with the city.

She is correcting this, so the proper amount of water will now be allocated to it. She also turned off that meter that was providing no water—a $600 annual savings right there.

Our pool maintenance service has decreased the filter run times, saving us over $100 every month in summer and twice that in winter. I also worked closely with Scott Morff from Sunset Landscape to investigate water conserving solutions. Scott has been very supportive, and we have already implemented several solutions and a few others are in motion to reduce sprinkler times and replace turf with drought tolerant plants and mulch. All totaled we will reduce our water consumption and related costs by at least 25 percent.

There have been some recent legislative developments regarding water and

turf. city Ordinance 966 and State Assembly Bill 1881 put turf restrictions into law and prevent Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) from prohibiting the use of low-water plants or artificial turf. This makes a lot of sense given that an average of 55 gallons per square foot is needed annually to maintain lawns in our climate.

Later this year, water costs will go up again, and allocations will go down. With this “double whammy,” I estimated that if we did nothing, our HOA water bill could go up as much as 50 percent in 2010. If you own a home with a HOA, go to a board meeting and ask what is being done to reduce your water and energy usage. There are lots of easy ways to start saving. You’ll be doing your wallet and the environment a favor.

Kate Roberts was as successful corporate executive for more than 20 years who now is CEO and founder of thewiredwoman, a consultancy that helps organizations be more sustainable. She is a native of Orange County and has lived in Capistrano for eight years. See her blog on Sustainable Living at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

‘Dia del Nino’ is Fantastico The Capistrano Dispatch

Photos by Kate Roberts

A

n estimated 2,200 people turned out to Stone Field Park in San Juan Capistrano on April 30 for the “Day of the Child” celebration, which featured community groups, games and mariachi music.

The event was coordinated by CREER, a San Juan Capistrano community group led by President Joe Soto, a former Capistrano mayor. Current Capistrano City Councilmen Sam Allevato and Tom Hribar helped with this year’s celebration.

“The outpouring of humanity and community spirit was powerful and you made it happen,” Richard Ybarra, executive director CREER, said in an email to volunteers and supporters.

He estimated 200 volunteers donated 1,000 hours in planning the event. CD

Page 24 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Locals Only

B u s i n e s s D i r e c t o r y The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively ALSO

ONLINE

AT

W W W.T H E C A P I S T R A N O D I S PATC H .C O M

Embroidery

Air Conditioning DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044

Air Conditioning & HEATING

EmbroidMe – SJC 949.276.7910 32241 Camino Capistrano , A102 www.embroidme-sanjuancapo.com

Experience The Mission

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. A, www.oasisair.com Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com Antique Restoration Sarah Whitcomb Antique Restoration 949.234.9740 FLORIST 32432 Alipaz, Ste. B, Mother Earth Flowers 949.493.4400 www.sarahwhitcombantiques.com 32158 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 105 www.motherearthflorist.com

Assisted Living

Del Obispo Terrace 949.496.8802 32200 Del Obispo Street, www.delobispoterrace.com

Law Office of Skinner & Skinner 31461 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. 103

949.248.0260

Auto Repair Star Motors 32959 Calle Perfecto

949.443.1970

Bands / Entertainment Evergrove www.evergrovemusic.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

A TO Z LEAK DETECTION

Attorney

949.661.2054

Signs of a water leak are: - You see water where you shouldn’t - You feel warm spots on the floor - Water heater is always running - Your water bill is higher than normal If you experience any of these symptoms PLEASE CALL A to Z Leak Detection!

949.481.7013 since 1961

Banking Comerica Bank 949.234.9683 32022 Camino Capistrano, Suite F3, www.comerica.com Independence Bank 949.373.1570 Marbella Plaza 31107 Rancho Viejo Rd., www.independence-bank.net Pacific Mercantile Bank 949.487.4200 31601 Avenida Los Cerritos, Ste 100, www.pmbank.com

Beauty Salon Charisma Salon & Supply 32301-F Camino Capistrano Curtis Michaels Hair Salon 31882 Del Obispo, Ste. 150, www.curtismichaels.com

949.240.1200

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

Community Services CHEC Family Resource Center 31411 La Matanza Street, Suite B

HOME THEATER Reeltime Sight and Sound 949.240.0555 26381 Via De Anza, www.reeltimesightandsound.com

HYPNOTHERAPY

Insurance Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.697.9454

Jeweler

Kitchen Design

Orange Coast Database Association 949-489-1472 32422 Allipaz St., Ste. B, http://ocdatabases.itgo.com

Construction Services 949.661.2054

Kitchen & Bath Designs 27231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B

949.661.4080

LAUNDRIES Sparklean Laundry 31952 Del Obispo

949.248.4686

MOLD REMOVAL Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

ELECTRICIANS FM Electric 31658 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. B, www.fmelectricinc.com

GHA Inspection Services & Mold Testing/ Remediation 949.331.8899 San Juan Capistrano, www.ghainspections.com

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 949.489.7742 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com

COMPUTER TRAINING

Tony Brown Design & Build e-mail hunkpapa@cox.net

HOME INSPECTION RESIDENTIAL/COMMERICIAL

Jennifer Wong, Cht - Certified Hypnotherapist & 949.240.9240 Meditation Instructor 949.878.6870 30320 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. #103, www.positiveenergyhypnosis.com

Lightning Technology, Inc. 949.488.0029 32963 Calle Perfecto, http://www.lightningtechnology.com

949.248.4222

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

Schools

Photo & Digital Lab

949.697.9454

PHARMACY

Four-A Electric

949.240.8844 The Medicine Shoppe 949.661.9141 32432 Alipaz, Ste. C, fouraelectric@sbcglobal.net 31952 Del Obispo #270, www.medicineshoppe.com

San Juan Photo & Digital 32301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com

949.661.5668

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.5683 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

SENIOR HOME CARE

PLUMBING

Alerra Home Health Services 949.545.6646 32332 Camino Capistrano #205, www.alerra.net

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.3589 Slab leak repair 31878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 www.prontodrain.com SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com TELEVISION DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044 Reeltime Sight and Sound 949-240-0555 26381 Via De Anza, PRESCHOOLS www.reeltimesightandsound.com Mission Parish School 949.234.1385 31641 El Camino Real, www.missionparishschool.org WATER DAMAGE

PRINTING Printing OC

949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

RestaurantS Las Golandrinas Mexican Food 949.240.3440 27124 Paseo Espada #803, www.lasgolondrinas.biz Skimmer’s Panini Café 949.276.6300 31451 Rancho Viejo Rd. #103, www.skimmerspaninigrill.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

Women’s Clothing Blu:Echo 949.496.4810 31878 Del Obispo (Marshalls Center)

YOGA Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts 32118 Paseo Adelanto, Ste.9, www.adelantostudio.net

949.705.7344

949.212.0499

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

Get your business listed today.

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or email aedwards@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Business Directory Classifieds Garage sale listings are FREE! Call 949.388.7700, ext. 103

Submit your ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Help Wanted

E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@ thecapistranodispatch.com

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY HELP WANTED DO YOU WANT A JOB YOU WILL LOVE? We are currently accepting resumes for the position of Full time / Part time COOK. We are looking for someone with previous cooking experience for our daily food production. You will have a key role in providing three beautiful and nutritious meals a day to our wonderful residents, served in restaurant style dining atmosphere. We believe in taking care of our employees. If you work for us, you will receive a competitive salary, excellent benefits and an enjoyable work/life balance. For additional company information please visit our website at www.aegisliving.com. If you are interested in becoming a Cook for Áegis Living, we encourage you to fill out an application, and/or submit your resume to Imee Fontecha in person at 26922 Camino de Estrella, Dana Point, CA 92624 or via fax to 949-488-2669. We look forward to hearing from you!

Home FURNISHINGS BEAUTIFUL CORNER DESK White corner desk with hutch, keyboard tray, file drawer, and two door storage. $100 obo (949) 496-3945

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Home IMPROVEMENT CUSTOM CARPENTRY, mantels, cabinetry, doors, mouldings. John Jenkins. 949-310-9605

Dispatch CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE! Submit an ad or browse current listings at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Misc. Business Services Leo’s HandyMan Services Professional Handyman Services. Remodeling,Paint, Repair, Drywall, Demolition, windows, Fence,Patios.

Call Free Estimates: 949-716-4359

Physical Fitness

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

A SACRED SPACE: YOGA & MEDITATION A Sacred Space is a place where people can re-connect. Online schedule at scartsupply.com/asacredspace/schedule

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR AD 1. Go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com 2. Click on “Classifieds” 3. Follow the few easy steps

Choose enhancements with borders, shading and bold text.

Any questions call us at: 949.388.7700 ext. 104 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

May 14–27, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 27

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS SOCCER

Toronto FC vs.

LA Galaxy Home Depot Center May 15, 7:30 p.m.

Fresh off destroying the Seattle Sounders FC, the undefeated LA Galaxy return home ready to keep their impressive win streak alive.

Info: www.lagalaxy.com

BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

ROLLER DERBY

Hidden City Derby Girls vs. Lagunatics Capistrano Sports Rink May 22, 6:30 p.m.

A’s vs. Angels Angel Stadium May 16, 12:35 p.m.

Suns vs. Lakers Staples Center May 17, 6 p.m.

Padres vs. Dodgers Dodger Stadium May 19, 7:10 p.m.

The slumping Angels are set for a rivalry showdown as they host the red-hot Oakland A’s in the final game of this series.

Just one series away from the finals, the Lakers host the Phoenix Suns in the first game of the Western Conference Finals.

The Dodgers have hit their springtime stride as they get ready to host the San Diego Padres for a three-game series.

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

Info: www.losangeles.

Info: www.losangeles.

dodgers.mlb.com

angels.mlb.com

Come see your local roller derby league, the South Coast Roller Derby “Lagunatics” take on the Hidden City Derby Girls for SCRD’s first home bout.

Info: www.brownpapertickets. com/event/105335

RENEE RITCHEE: Happy Trails

Tack Up for San Juan

M

ark your calendars for May 22 and 23 as Blenheim Equi Sports will be hosting two fun-filled days of equestrian events for not only our equestrian savvy friends but there will be something for everyone and yes, I do mean everyone!

Tack up for San Juan is being held at the Equi Sports site, at the recently acquired Rancho Mission Viejo San Juan Capistrano Riding Park (otherwise known as Show Jumping Park, Rodeo Grounds, Polo Fields, Soccer Fields and horse evacuation site; if I forgot any other labels just add them to the list).

The address is 30753 La Pata Road and can be accessed off of La Pata south of Ortega Highway.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. on May 22 with a trail ride. The ride is limited to approximately 100 riders so sign up ASAP at www.tackupsanjuan.com. Riders must have your own horse and either ride your horse to the location or trailer over; upon your arrival there will be staff directing to parking area.

Each group will consist of approximately 20 riders and will be led by an experienced Trail Boss, who has ridden San Juan trails and a Drag to be sure no stragglers are left behind. The ride will last approximately two hours and will be riding through the LaCague trail and looping around to the Juliana Farms trail and returning either via Las Vaqueras trail and/or the riverbed. If you are unfamiliar with San Juan’s trails you can go onto their website www.SanJuanCapistrano.org click on Community then trails and take a virtual tour, very impressive!

Bad to the Bone will be serving lunch— mmmm, mmmmm good—for everyone, not just riders. The day progresses, with auditing of English and Western Clinics starting at noon—each are open to the first 10 riders who sign up with unlimited auditors, western dancing with live DJ , Erlinda Sullivan helping those of us who know nothing about western dancing and absolutely fantastic raffle prizes.

Photo courtesy of Shelly Barker

There will be educational booths and non-profit organizations there to answer any of your questions and you can drop by the Open Space booth of San Juan Capistrano, which will offer maps and such to show just exactly what Measure Y funds have purchased thus far and possible plans for the future.

Hold your horses! What would an equestrian event be without a tack sale?

Not to worry, there will be plenty of

Page 28 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

used tack, which the proceeds will benefit Mustard Seed Ranch and San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition.

May 23 will consist of some exciting AQHA Trail and Speed Special Event presented by the Southern California Quarter Horse Exhibitor’s Association. Both AQHA and non-AQHA Open Classes are offered for ALL levels of riders. Event information, registration and class entry fees online.

So to summarize the important facts: • Tack up for San Juan hosted by Blenheim Equi Sports May 23 and 24 • At Equi Sports 30755 La Pata Rd. San Juan Capistrano • Gates open for Trail Ride 8:30 a.m. first ride departing at 9 a.m.

• Lunch and festivities start at 11 a.m.

• Cost for lunch by Bad to the Bone is $25.

• Those signed up for the trail ride lunch is included • Trail Riders sign up on line at www.tackupsanjuan.com or take your chances and signup the day of the ride – hope you’re not rider 101! Cash is best but they will take check or credit card.

• AQHA Trail & Speed Special Event May 23 sign up online at www.tackupsanjuan.com Saved the best for last—rules of the equestrian road: • No alcohol served or allowed on the premises, so do your consuming before or after, thank you!

• Trailer etiquette rules will be posted for riders so please read and be good cowboys and cowgirls I know you will because your trailer boss will make sure of that!

• You must check-in at the registration desk, you will not receive a wristband unless you have signed a liability release, so no release no grub!

• Observe the speed limit and drive careful as there will be a jumping venue going on at the Riding Park and we don’t want any of the jumpers having to catapult over your rigs!

So now spread the word enjoy what SJC trails have to offer, take in the beautiful ambiance (for you cowpoke that means surroundings) Blenheim Equi Sports offers and enjoy the equestrian flare!

Happy Trails!

Renee Ritchie is a San Juan Capistrano resident and equestrian. She sits on the city’s Open Space Committee. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

JSerra Clinches Baseball Playoff Birth

Courtesy photo

JSerra’s baseball team completed a two-game sweep of Servite Wednesday to clinch third place in the Trinity League and guarantee a place in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. The Lions (20-7) won the decisive final league game 14-8. Reed Reilly hit a three-run double, Tyler Krause hit a two-run double, and Trent Boras, Nico Darras and Bret Dahlson hit run-scoring doubles.

Saddleback United Soccer Club Expands Saddleback United Soccer Club will continue to expand the boys program and seeks U10 players (age 9 before August 1, 2010) for the 2010 season.

Those parents and players who share our philosophy and approach to club soccer are welcome to come and train with our coaching staff.

The club was established in 2006 by Joy Fawcett to create a unique soccer environment that combines excellent soccer training and a commitment to positive coaching. The club philosophy states that in order to enable players to reach their full potential in soccer, the program must

help them develop a solid foundation that comes from personal character, relationships, excellent soccer fundamentals, understanding of the mental aspects of the game and most importantly a true love for the game of soccer.

Training sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Viejo Elementary School, 26782 Via Grande, Mission Viejo. For more information, contact Coach Jaime Arroyo at 949.291.2678 or email at arroyofamily@ hotmail.com. Please also visit the website at www.saddlebackunited.org.

Coastal Mountain Hosts 3rd Annual Caddy Shack Golf Tournament San Juan Capistrano-based Coastal Mountain Youth Academy (CMYA) is holding its 3rd Annual Caddy Shack Golf Tournament on May 17 at the San Juan Hills Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament will be used for scholarships that will enable CMYA to serve all youth in need of treatment regardless of economic status.

Registration begins at 11:30am with a shotgun start at 1pm. Following the tournament a BBQ dinner will be served along with entertainment and a raffle featuring sports memorabilia, golf gear and much more. Single player registration is $150, foursomes are $550 and individual dinner tickets are $40. Sponsorships are available and start as low as $200.

Coastal Mountain Youth Academy (CMYA), founded in 2006 by Mike

Darnold and Kelley White, is an educational and therapeutic program that serves at-promise youth ages 14 to 18 in Southern California. At-promise youth are those who struggle in areas such as drug use, defiance, truancy, academics and other negative behaviors. At CMYA, these adolescents will receive a curriculum that consists of academics, therapeutic, team-building and social skills. The objective is three-fold: to teach them to cope with circumstances such as stress, depression and peer pressure without reverting to using drugs; to nurture and enhance their personal development; and to advance their academic growth.

To play in the golf tournament, become a sponsor or to learn more about Coastal Mountain Youth Academy, please contact Kelley White, Executive Director, at 949.498.7042 or kwhite@cmya.org.

Michelle Huber Named to All Big East Third Team Providence College softball sophomore Michelle Huber from Dana Point was one of three players from her university named to the All Big East Third Team on Wednesday, May 12 at the Big East Banquet in Louisville, Ky. It marks the first time she’s earned all Big East accolades. Huber is a graduate of JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. She played in 20 conference games and finished second on the team with a .333 batting average. She led the team in runs (16), triples (1), stolen bases (8), walks (10) and slugging percentage (.544). In addition, she finished tied for first with two home runs.

Saddleback Valley Volleyball Honored

Bids Sought for Stallions’ Pool The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday authorized staff to seek bids for an aquatics facility at San Juan Hills High School. Earlier estimates put the project cost at $4.2 million.

Although district finances are tight, the approval came after a discussion of money generated by a community-facilities district in Ladera Ranch and in the state building fund. Both can only be used for capital projects, not on-going operations. The state building fund has $1.1 million in it, while the Ladera fund has a balance of $5.5 million and generates $2.1 million annually.

San Juan Hills High School, which

opened three years ago and serves Ladera as well as Capistrano, is included in the projects that can receive the Ladera money. A staff report said the Ladera fund could fund the aquatics stadium, as well as bleachers, a track surface and street lights on La Pata at San Juan Hills High. The track and bleachers, however, remain mired in a dispute with the developer who owns the land necessary for the bleachers.

San Juan Hills opened three years ago and is the only high school in the district without a swimming pool. Despite that, the team fields swimming and water polo teams.

Page 30 • The Capistrano Dispatch • May 14–27, 2010

The Saddleback Valley Christian Schools’ varsity girls vVolleyball team was honored at the April 27th Angels game as the CIF Southern Section Girl’s Volleyball Academic Team Champions for 2009-2010. The young ladies not only won champions overall academically but they finished second in league and second in CIF. Pictured is, from left to right (back row) Alexandra Duhs, Melissa Jensen, Chelsea Duhs, Jericho Martin, Coach Kelly Greene, Coach Jon Greene (front row) Avalon Chew, Alex Carpentier, Natalie Jaramillo, Anna Karlsen, Micki Kellinger, Sarah Nadeau, Kelsey Breeland. Not pictured: Carley Eissman. Photo courtesy SVCS www.thecapistranodispatch.com